Melbourne
Observer
TOP VALUE
$2
80-PAGE BUYING GUIDE INSIDE
95
120 PAGES
KEITH MAKES MEMORIES Page 8
120 Observer
NEWS ★ SHOWBIZ ★ LIFESTYLE ★ TRAVEL ★ FEATURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT
STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1541 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969 Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312
Melbourne
PAGES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
RECORD BREAKER
$2.95
including GST
Sheds BAYSWATERGarden CAKE KITCHEN 693 Mountain Hwy, Galore Bayswater 3153
www.bayswatercake.com.au and much, muchDesigned more All Cakes and Pastries Garden Sheds, Cubbies & Forts, and Cooked on the Premises Water Features Kennels, Hutches & Aviaries
CELEBRATION & NOVETY CAKES Water Tanks Garden Ornaments/Statues PIES, PASTRIES & SAUSAGE ROLLS 248 Centre Dandenong Rd Cheltenham, SANDWICH PLATTERS (Opp DFO) WEDDINGS & PARTIES CATERED FOR Open 7 Days 9583 3944 www.gardenshedsgalore.com.au John ParsonsSheds Galore for all your garden Garden PROPRIETOR & outdoor needsFax: 9720 3700 Trader P25 bayswatercakes@i.net.au Office:See 9720 our 3800 ad on Observer
Tel: 9729 6904
SPECIAL RADIO AWARD Page 5
See Observer Trader P43
Phone Rudi 5784 3541
www.tuckertubonline.com Turn to Observer Trader P53
Grosvenor in Cairns Holiday Apartments
Fully Self Contained 1 and 2 bedroom apartments Looking to escape the cold this winter; then head on up to Cairns - always warm!
ISSN 1447 4611
■ Andrew Wailes is about to conduct the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic’s recordbreaking performance of The Messiah at the Town Hall. More details on Page 3.
Shop 5, 401 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004 pH: 9866 1284 naturopath.mbp@live.com.au
See our ad on Observer Trader Page 34
146 ARGUS ST, CHELTENHAM VIC 3192 TEL: 9585 2822 FAX: 9585 2422
Visit www.grosvenorcairns.com.au or email info@grosvenorcairns.com.au or
ring 1800 629 179
THE GREAT MUSIC OF THE ‘30s TO ‘60s Streaming through the Web PHONE: 9572 1466
goldendaysradio.com
Mattresses Galore
Turn to Observer Trader P50
PHONE 0418 883 335 See Observer Trader P48
Cnr High St & Tooronga Rd, Malvern, 3144 Phone: (03) 9822 9057. Fax: (03) 9822 9821 www.mattressesgalore.com.au info@mattressesgalore.com.au
See Observer Trader P40
Turn To Observer Trader P35
VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer Advertising Press+Online+Google+SocialMedia+Editorial Advertisers’ Index References to ‘Trader’ denote the 80-page liftout in the centre of this edition
The Adventures of Barry MCVilly
Ideal for Christmas
About Myself ..................... Trader P69 KristalBond ....................... Trader P14 Adele Video Production ........ Trader P66 La Grande, Gold Coast ....... Trader P76 All 4 Paws and Claws
Life Be In it ....................... Trader P35
Pet Resort ....................... Trader P7 Lilly Jack ........................... Trader P75 Amiga Engineering .............. Trader P61 Lifestyle Awnings ................ Trader P31 Armor Antiques ................... Trader P6 Londrigan Beef & Lamb ...... Trader P33 Astratex ............................. Trader P29 Lunar Lighting ................... Trader P71 Australian IT Support ........... Trader P38 Maeburn Cottages ............. Trader P65 Australia Wide First Aid ........ Trader P3 Maroondah Backyard Buyers ................. Trader P27
Sports Club ........... P19, Trader P56
Barry MCVilly ...................... Trader P77 Maryborough ....................... Trader P1 Beach Street Apartments ..... Trader P59 Mattresses Galore ............. Trader P40 Braemac Energy .................. Trader P8 MCVilly Timber .................. Trader P54 Broome Beach Resort ........Trader P78 Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy Cascade Garden Holiday
and Health Foods ........... Trader P34
Apartments ................... Trader P13 Metro Boronia ........................... P119 Club Fiji Resort ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Trader P16 Michael’s Trailers .............. Trader P48 Club Hawthorn .................. Trader P39 Mokutu, Norfolk Island ........ Trader P17 Coolum Baywatch Resort ... Trader P62 Mr Sleepyman ................... Trader P74 Danish Red ....................... Trader P15 One Stop Caravan Shop ....... Trader P2 Darwin’s Barra Base .......... Trader P43 OzSpy Security Solutions .... Trader P41 Data Central ..................... Trader P52 PC Repair Centre ................ Trader P21 Designwyse ........................ Trader P11 Play Rare DVDs ................. Trader P32 Dwyer Property Investments .. Trader P50 Practical Legal Solutions ...... Trader P3 Ecell.com.au ..................... Trader P75 Productive Gardens ..................... P101 Echo Campers ................... Trader P40 RDA Mortgage Solutions ...... Trader P10 Energymasta ..................... Trader P24 Reef Palms, Cairns ........... Trader P73 Entertainment Australia ...... Trader P28 Rentasaur ............... P104, Trader P49 Five High Vendimg .............. Trader P18 Robinvale Wines ............... Trader P68 Flood Australia .................. Trader P67 Royal Melbourne Formula Ford Experience ...... Trader P9
Philharmonic ......................... P102
Fresh Express ................... Trader P70 Rupertswood Mansion ........ Trader P57 Garden Sheds Galore .......... Trader P25 RV Towing Solutions ........... Trader P46 Gilmours Comfort Shoes .... Trader P61 Sandgrabber ..................... Trader P37
● Barry MCVilly ■ Melbourne Observer advertiser Barry MCVilly has just returned from a 21-day European tour, whinch included Paris and southern Italy. Barry is always an immaculate dresser, and has returned home with a number of tailored suits. He left Australia with one suitcase - and returned with six! It was quite a change from his garb as a professional hunbter ... where the crutch of his R M Williams trousers was ripped out in an altercation with an animal’s claw. It went very close to his Elle McPherson male undergarments. Barry is returning soon to Europe for a Doe Deer/Hog Hunt out of Florence. Barry is a proud member of the Machiavelli family, believed to be descended from the old marquesses of Tuscany. Barry enjoys quoting from his forebears: ■ Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage. ■ Before all else, be armed. ■ A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise. ■ War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as a breathing-time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans.
King Island Trail Rides
Golden Days Radio ............. Trader P44 Scootersmart .................... Trader P42 Grande Florida Beach Sea Change Safety Cove ... Trader P58 Resort ......................... Trader P23 SGI Consulting Group ......... Trader P45 GreenPower Company ......... Trader P27 Shop Inside ...................... Trader P51 Grey Wolf Fifth Wheels ........ Trader P19 Strata Realty ............... P20, Trader P26 Grosvenor In Cairns ........... Trader P63 Tan Tech Pty Ltd .................. Trader P4 GutzBusta .......................... Trader P79 Tilco ................................ Trader P30 Hawkesbury River
Torb & Reiner .............. P17, Trader P22
Saddle Co. .................... Trader P80 Tracking Central ................ Trader P36 Highwood Health Retreat ..... Trader P60 Tribute Funeral Services ...... Trader P20 Ivanhoe Cycles ........................ P120 Tucker Tub Online .............. Trader P53 Jenny Pihan Fine Art ............ Trader P12 Tunit Australia .................. Trader P55 JMR Australia .................... Trader P72 Victorian Diamond Traders .. Trader P64 King Island Trail Rides ................. P117 Woolinghill Garden Estate ............ P17
■ If you are looking for something REALLY special to do, an interesting place to go is King Island Trail Rides. Turn to Page 117 for all the details. For enquiries, contact Mick at Currie, phone (03) 6462 1155, or go to the website: www.kingislandtrailrides.com.au
Only 2 more Observers ■ There are only two more issues of the Melbourne Observer prior to Christmas: Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. If you are in business, don’t miss this busy time of the year. Call our Advertising Dept by 5pm this Friday. Phone 1800 231 311.
● Play DVD are at 4/50 Bourke St ■ Are you looking for a Christmas present for the person who has everything? Rex Rekhi at Play Music Rare DVDs has a marvellous selection of arthouse, world and classic viewing. Play Music is at Shop 4/50 Bourke St, Melbourne. This interesting store is open from 10am9pm Monday-Saturday, and from 11.30am6.30pm on Sundays. Call Rex on 9650 0652 to enquire about your next purchase.
Signed for 2014
■ Repeat clients form the nucleus of the advertisers you will see every week in the Melbourne Observer newspaper. The latest businesses to take advantage of the earlybird special prices for every-issue-in2014 are: ■ Gutzbutsa (Nikki) ■ Medical Technology/E-Cell (Michael/Shirley) ■ Echo 4x4 Campers (Janine/Scott) ■ Mattresses Galore (Mark) ■ Michael’s Trailers (Michael) ■ Royal Melbourne Philharmonic ■ Play Music Games and DVDs (Rex) They join a range of other repeat advertisers who have also signed for every 2014 issue of the Melbourne Observer, including: ■ Sea Change Safety Cove (Rex) ■ Robinvale Wines (Steve and Nancy) ■ Q-Tech (Juergen) ■ Beach Street Apartments (Elizabeth) ■ Coolum Baywatch Resort (Elaine) ■ Tunit Australia (Troy) ■ Scootersmart (Owen) ■ Darwin’s Barra Base (Allan) ■ Metro Cinemas Boronia (Tom) ■ Tribute Funeral Services (Martin) ■ Golden Days Radio (Larry/Alex and team) ■ Tilco (Barry) ■ Braemac Energy (Brett), and ■ Entertainment Australia (Michelle)
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - Page 3
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
City Desk
Melbourne
Observer
The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers
The Buzz Ray’s secret past
MESSIAH No 234 Under The Clocks Beautiful One Day
● Ray Lawrence ■ When Melbourne radio man Ray Lawrence revealed a family secret at the Survivors showbiz luncheon, he did not expect his mates would hold some of the ‘jigsaw’ pieces to complete his puzzle. Ray revealed that his father, Ken Anderson, a 3AW broadcaster, left the station and his family after an extra-marital affair. Ken later worked at 3XY. When the youngster swanted his own radio career, he took his two middle names, changed it by deed poll to ‘Ray Lawrence’ ... and a 50-year career followed at stations included 3AW, 3AK and 3MP. These days Ray is President at Radio Eastern 98.1. And his radio mates filled in some of the details of his Dad. Ian Nicholls recalls working with Ken at 3XY in the early 1960s. Others also recalled his unique on-air style.
● Ken Anderson
● Sally-Anne Russell ■ The Royal Melbourne PhilharNo stranger to being busy in Decemmonic will continue its world-record ber himself, Wailes has lost count of breaking sequence of unbroken perfor- the number of Messiahs he has conmances of Handel's Messiah - this ducted, but he has already notched up year is the 234th performance. more than Handel conducted in his The event will take place at 5pm on own lifetime. Sunday (Dec. 8) in Melbourne Town He prides himself on combining a Hall new generation of emerging soloists This year the Messiah will be a right each year with experienced musical royal event, with Australia's queen of stars, to "keep the work fresh, encourbaroque, Sally-Anne Russell, as the age young talent to perform the work alto soloist, with winner of the 2013 on a big stage and provide the audience RMP Aria and Herald Sun Aria fi- with variety and an outstanding musinalist, baritone Nathan Lay, as the cal experience” bass soloist. “This year we also have a large numRising Opera Australia star ber of RMP choristers who are singJohn Longmuir will take on the tenor ing their first Messiah, and absolutely soloist role. relishing that challenge," Wailes said. Keeping it in the Royal MP famAlso on the stage will be the acily, the soprano soloist will be emerg- claimed RMP Choir and RMP Oring star coloratura Stephanie Gibson, chestra, in the orchestra's last appearrunner up in the 2013 RMP Aria and ance at home before a 12-concert tour one of this year's Herald Sun Aria fi- of China later in December. nalists. "We are going to be taking our mu"The RMPAria has become an im- sic to the other side of the world this portant competition, so it's a thrill to Christmas," said Wailes, who will have our two young winners Nathan lead all these performances. and Stephanie singing alongside singFor many Melbourne music lovers of the calibre of Sally-Anne ers, the RMP's performance of Russell and John Longmuir in this Handel's Messiah in the Melbourne performance," RMP Chief Conductor Town Hall is an annual tradition each Andrew Wailes said. December. It is the perfect place to Sally-Anne Russell is hear this much-loved work. Australia's most sought after mezzoBook online at www. soprano for concert and oratorio. trybooking.com or phone TicketAs she is a singer with a diary con- master, 136 100 or www.ticket stantly full of engagements, Andrew master.com.au Wailes is delighted to have secured her www.rmp.org.au services. - Julie Houghton
Melbourne Moments New Laureate
Rep. Theatre
■ Jackie French, best-selling author of more than 140 books, including the iconic Diary Of AWombat and Hitler’s Daughter, has been announced as the Australian Children's Laureate for 2014-15. French was presented with her Magpie Award, the symbol of the Laureate, at a ceremony at the National Library of Australia in Canberra by actor Rhys Muldoon. She will take over from the inaugural Laureate – a position shared between Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor – in February.
■ The Owl And The Pussycat in Richmond is transformed into Australia’s only working repertory theatre until December 14; with five different directors, five designers and a group of five actors rehearsing, producing and presenting five very different shows over the course of five weeks. The five slightly crazy actors taking on this mammoth charge this year are Tim Wotherspoon, Freya Pragt, Brendan Hawke, Lelda Kapsis and Keith Brockett. Tickets: Full $25. Concession $20. Groups $18. Children $10.
● Jackie French
● Magdalena Blackley, Kylie Doomadgee and Harry Reuben in Beautiful One Day. Photo: Ponch Hawkes ■ You cannot underestimate the impact of seeing inside another person’s reality. At Arts House, the performers of Beautiful One Day presented the reality of Palm Island, its painful past and hopeful future. With dignity, pure sincerity, and courage they tell a remarkable story with voices seldom heard. Beautiful One Day traces the history of living on Palm Island, an idyllic-looking place off the coast of Queensland. Talk eventually centres on the death of a young Aboriginal man in police custody on Palm Island in 2004 and the community’s impassioned reaction. ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, Version 1.0 and Belvoir came together for Beautiful One Day and, along with three members of the Palm Island community, devised a work that is quite confronting and utterly moving. Beautiful One Day is described as documentary theatre as it (very successfully) weaves together dialogue and role-play, factual reports, storytelling, pre-recorded interviews, and video images. Rachael Maza, co-devisor and Artistic Director of ILBIJJERI Theatre Company, confidently leads the performance, sharing her family’s experiences alongside those of Palm Islanders and co-devisers Magdalena Blackley, Kylie Doomadgee and Harry Reuben. Their stories, skilfully supported by co-devisers and performers Paul Dwyer and Jane Phegan, are important pieces of Australian history. Their appeal to the audience is palpable; they say the future of Australia is in your hands, what will you do? The performance starts off the storytelling with stories of Aboriginal life under the constraints of ‘The Act’ to give background and context. Yet even without this, the facts of the inciting incident, Mr Doomadgee’s death in custody, are compelling enough to evoke a desire for justice and hopes for love and acceptance among us all. - Review by Deborah Marinaro
What’s On In Melbourne
Glen Eira's festive celebration, Carols in the Park, will be held on ★ Sunday (Dec. 8) at Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Bentleigh. A range of delicious and healthy food will be served from 2pm. Free activities: 2pm– 5pm. Entertainment: 2pm–7.30pm The Anne Frank Exhibition this year reached 33,503 visitors at Ballarat, setting a record for the highest attended regional showing of the travelling exhibition in Australasia. Cuban-born enigmatic pianist and composer Roberto Fonseca will perform at Melbourne Recital Centre in March 2014. Three-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters will perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre on April 7-8. Summer Flavour Exchange will be taking over The Atrium and The Edge at Fed Square today (Wed.) and tomorrow (Thurs.) with Victoria’s finest producers, winemakers and beer and cider brewers, says publicist Elyse Dudgeon.
★ ★ ★ ★
PHOTO: IKON IMAGES
Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart
E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au
Boulevard of spectacular joy To join in the festive joy along Melbourne's Boulevard at Club 3004's Christmas Spectacular on Monday , December 9, at Ormond Hall, visit www.club3004. com.au or RSVP to Lyndall Tennant enquiries@ club3004.com.au Non-members and guests $20 at the door.
● Lyndall Tennant
● MC Comedian Col Cameron: “Christmas parties signify relief and achievement at the end of a long year. Plus we're super nice to each other. Performing in an environment such as the Club 3004 Christmas Spectacular event is always a treat.”
● Singer and Melbourne's soul diva , Sarah C: “I love performing live with my band at Christmas events. The magic in the air, the sense of community and overall Christmas spirit is warming and infectious. The audience always seems to sing-a-long which is always a joy.”
■ When you live with a professional Event Manager as I do, you begin to understand why planning end of year festive celebrations months in advance isn't as silly as the season itself can be. Consulting budgets, securing a venue, paying deposits, sourcing an MC, live music, roving performers, selecting menus, wrapping gifts, writing speeches, hiring audio and visual equipment and designing invitations along with table settings, has, in my fiancées life remained a July 1 thought for several years. My 'event mad' fiancée, Lyndall Tennant, has the managing of monthly, quarterly and annual events in Melbourne down to a fine art. For the past eight years, Lyndall has created and managed major events including the Lady Mayoress' Committee’s prestigious fundraising events to the launch of the new St Kilda Road Precinct and just walked in the door from creating a November 29 Christmas event attend by 200 guests. Each month, Lyndall also manages St Kilda Road's monthly networking function Club 3004, held at Ormond Hall which is owned by Melbourne City Council's Deputy Lord Mayor, Susan Riley. Club 3004 was established in 2006 to bring together businesses, residents, employees and visitors of the St Kilda Road Precinct postcode - 3004. On the first Thursday of every month, at times, in excess of 200 guests have made their way to Melbourne's famous boulevard to network, make business contacts, socialise and listen to guest speakers or business owners showcase their products and services to Club 3004 members and guests. Over the years, the club's tiny podium has been shared by politicians, Lord Mayors, Mayors, Councillors, CEOs, authors, singers, AFL football clubs, Melbourne Storm, artists and
Club 3004 Porch Thoughts
showbiz identities including Sam Kekovich, Greg Evans, comedians Jack Levi (aka Elliot Goblet), The Music Men (David Brooks and Steve Callanan) and media representatives including 3AW's David Mann, Melbourne Observer's Editor Ash Long and ABC Morning News weather presenter Vanessa O'Hanlon. Over the past few years, Club 3004 has also become renowned for its end of year Christmas event; enjoyed on a Monday evening by members, guests and also the general public. With a line-up of three of Melbourne's talented entertainers and sponsored by eight companies including: Village Melbourne, Jelly Belly Australia, Charsfield Restaurant, PN Digital, IKON Images, The Fox Hunt Club, Melbourne Silver Service Limousines and Crowns Premium Energy Drink, it's no wonder that this event has been months in the making. Spectacular! By reporting on Club 3004's December 9 event, I found a clever way into Lyndall's busy diary to not only spend a little time with her, but to meet the performers to ask them why they love performing on Christmas porches.
● Magician and Roving Performer 'FEL!X': “Magic is an art form that gives people that moment of astonishment and takes them back to that child-like sense of wonder. That experience I look forward to sharing with everyone at Club 3004 for Christmas.”
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - Page 5
Court Roundsman
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
CITY LAWYER’S UNSATISFACTORY Observer PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT: VCAT In This 120-Page Edition
‘Steel Magnolias’at Rosanna ■ Melbourne city lawyer Alan McDonald has been found guilty of two charges of unsatisfactory professional conduct. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Jonathan Smithers found that McDonald wrote a letter to solicitor David Catanese, accusing him of being “fundamentally dishonest” and “telling lies”. Cantanese lodged a complaint with Michael McGarvie, Legal Services Commissioner. Lawyers are bound to take all reasonable care to maintain the integrity and reputation of the legal profession by ensuring that communications are courteous, and that offensive or provocative language is avoided. The case involved an MS Australia employee who had been made redundant. McDonald had sought a $25,000 redundancy pay-out. McDonald alleged that a conversation with Catanese produced the response that there was no opportunity for negotiation.
‘Outrageous’
● Paula McDonald (Truvy) and Stephanie Gonelli (Shelby) in Heidelberg Theatre Company’s production of Steel Magnolias. Photo: David Belton ■ A most enjoyable interpretation of Robert Shelby’s diabetic attack, while Marianne Harling’s comedy/drama Steel Magnolias is Collopy as her mother M’Lynn presents a playing at the Heidelberg Theatre, 3 first-class naturalistic performance, including a riveting monologue in Act Two. Turnham Ave, Rosanna until December 7. The impressive two-tiered set designed by Set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, Steel Magnolias tells of six George Tranter is generous in space and special women whose friendship leads them to well-used by the cast. However, realistically it seems rather large share the fun, challenges and tragedy in their for Truvy’s car-port and, for a cast of six, risks lives. Under Brett Turner’s direction, the detracting focus from the characters. The intimate, close grouping of actors when Heidelberg Theatre Company’s fine cast includes Paula McDonald as breezy, discussing Shelby’s kidney transplant allows colourfully-dressed salon owner Truvy, and a welcome sense of character familiarisation Catherine Jardine as awkward new em- for the audience, not always possible when utilising all available space. ployee Annelle. Bravo to hair styling consultant Lottie Catherine’s energetic characterisation of Annelle is terrific, but from a critical perspec- Baker and the cast for confidently achieving tive, for me sometimes risked over-exaggera- creating such professional-looking hairstyles in the on-stage salon! tion. Steel Magnolias reflects Heidelberg TheElegant Jo Warr uses her lovely, well-toned stage voice to deliver a beautiful portrayal of atre Company’s traditional high standard of former Mayoress Clairee, and Genevieve production, and is a delightful choice to conRyan entertains as sharp-tongued, down-to- clude a successful 2013 program. Tickets:$25/$22. Bookings: 9457 4117 earth Ouiser. Stephanie Gonelli as Shelby lights up the www.htc.org.au - Review by Cheryl Threadgold stage with her presence, skilfully depicting
‘Melbourne Observer’ publishing arrangements ■ There are only two more issues of the Melbourne Observer to be published in 2013: Wednesday, December 11 and Wednesday, December 18. Our office will close for the year on Tuesday, December 17. Our office will reopen on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. The first issue for 2014 will be published on Wednesday, February 5.
Catanese’s firm, Lander and Rogers, said this misrepresented their stance. They asked McDonald to withdraw his letter, as it was likely to mislead a court at a later date. Lander and Rogers later offered a $500 pay-out by MS Australia. McDonald had written to Lander and Rogers seeking that Catanese be offered counselling, Mr Smithers said. Lander and Rogers replied that McDonald’s letter was “highly unprofessional, defamatory and outrageous”. Mr McGarvie had said that McDonald’s language was “imprudent” and that it threatened the client’s best interests. McDonald contended that under this interpretation of the rules, no lawyer could ever accuse another lawyer of being dishonest. He said his responses were “justified, indeed measured, and not offensive or provocative. He accused Landers and Rogers of bullying him and seeking to humiliate him A further hearing is to be held on the question of sanctions which should be imposed on McDonald, Mr Smithers said.
City Desk: Sally-Anne stars with RMP ......... Page 3 Mark Richardson: Straight From The Heart ... Page 4 Observer: Finger-lickin’ Thai chicken ........... Page 6 News: Life awards for radio couple ............... Page 7 Di Rolle: Making Memories of Us ................ Page 8 Melb. Confidential: Adviser must pay back ... Page 9 Long Shots: Golden Goggo ........................ Page 10 Gavin Wood: Live from West Hollywood ....... Page 11 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and Style ............... Page 13 Nick Le Souef: The Outback Legend ........... Page 14 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ............. Page 18 James Sherlock Aaron Rourke Cheryl Threadgold Julie Houghton
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
Bogus goods seized ■ Police and Counterfeit Inspection Services busted a bogus clothing ring at a Corio market, seizing $66,000 in illegal goods, reports the Geelong Advertiser.
Puppy farm prosecuted ■ The operator of a Pyramid Hill puppy farm where dogs were rescued from wire cages is to be prosecuted by Loddon Shire Council, reports the Bendigo Advertiser.
‘Incapable of knowing’ ■ More than 50 criminal charges against a 13year-old Mildura boy were dismissed when a magistrate found the child was legally incapable of knowing at the time of committing the offence that what he was doing was seriously wrong, reports the Sunraysia Daily.
Arrests over burglaries ■ Four people from Yarrawonga and Mulwala have been arrested for a series of about 80 alleged burglaries over the past 18 months, reports the Wangaratta Chronicle. The alleged burglaries occurred in Wangaratta, Cobram, Benalla, Yarrawonga and Rutherglen and involved the theft of jewellery, cash and personal documents.
Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Chance of rain. 8°-21° Thurs. Chance of rain. 8°-18°, Fri. Chance of rain. 7°-19° Sat. Partly cloudy. 10°-23°.
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5 THE TOP 5 CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THIS YEAR 5. ‘Sexy Barbie’. No batteries required. It turns itself on . 4. Lego for children of Union Officials. (Can't be used every fourth Monday or if it rains). 3. A piece of genuine Australian Mulga wood. (Nothing too exciting, but it was the only thing that wasn't made in China!) 2. Nerf Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 weapon. (Particularly useful in King Street after dark). 1. The Lara Bingle dictionary. (It features 12 words and 60 blank pages).
Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
New Years Eve in the Fog
Finger-lickin’ Thai chicken
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Ash
Kris coming
■ Country music legend, Kris Kristofferson will be coming to Melbourne, Geelong, Shepparton and Albury in April next year.
The Melbourne Observer
● Alex Dimitriades ■ Plans are already in hand for New Years Eve in Melbourne. Publicisat Erin Jameson tells me that Fog Bar and Restaurant’s NYE plans include after-dinner entertainment by DJ Alex Dimitriades. The night is called One Night In Paris and features a six-course dinner and glass of Pommery for $165. Party-only tickets are also available for $30 , which include a complimentary cocktail or glass of Pommery. Fog is at 142 Greville St, Prahran.
White Night launch today
● At Hot Star ■ Melbourne has a new fast food sensation ... Hot Star fried chicken, Thai-style, at 233 Swanston St. We have seen Kentucky and Korean ... now pass the Thai. The difference is in the unique cut of the chicken (which includes breast bone to keep it juicy – does not dry out) and also the secret spices that include flavours such as Chill and tangy Plum Salt – but founder Mr Wang will not divulge the other. Melbourne publicist Clemence Harvey tells me that Hot Star has been introduced to Australia by siblings Kyle Lam, Wing Lam, Vivian Lam and business partner Lili Shi.
Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula
Second show ■ A second concert date for the show featuring Lionel Richie and John Farnham has been announced. The pair will appear at Rod Laver Arena on March 16-17. Tickets went on sale last Friday (Nov. 29). The national tour also includes Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley (WA); Adelaide Entertainment Centre; Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley (NSW); and Brisbane Entertainment Centre
● Kris Kristofferson
Hummingbird Festival luncheon ■ A full house enjoyed the Hummingbird Christmas Celebrations at the Regent Plaza Ballroom last Wednesday (Nov. 27). The O'Brien Institute has led the way in clinical and experimental research over the past 40 years and Campbell Walker follows in his father’s footsteps as chair of the board. Campbell is delighted that in just three years the Hummingbird Ambassadors have raised more than $250,000. Stephanie Hickey, five-time Olympic champion, was host of the day and guests were entertained by Daniel Power, aerial artist and a feature performance by ‘Figaro’. - Greta Donaldson, with photos by Tiffany Tran
Top award for Observer scribe
● Ramin Shayan, Lillian Frank, Stephanie Hickey and Prof. Wayne Morrison ■ The launch of the 2014 White Night program will be staged at the City Baths this morning (Wed.). Lucy Bright from Kerry O’Brien Publicity says White Night Melbourne is a major event created and presented by the State Government of Victoria. In its 2013 debut, White Night Melbourne attracted more than 300,000 people to the heart of the city. Melbourne’s city streets, laneways, landmarks and cultural institutions will once again be transformed into a cultural playground from dusk-till-dawn, from 7pm on Saturday February 22. Over 12 hours, in venues and major cultural institutions right across the city centre, visitors can participate in an urban adventure of exhibitions, street performances, fashion, lighting installations, film screenings, multimedia projections, concerts, dance and interactive events. Inspired by the Paris Nuit Blanche, the international network of White Night programs has grown to more than 20 cities globally.
● Gordon Lockman congratulates Len Baker Photos: Stuart McCormick
● Shirley Keon, Terence Murphy and Susie Norton
Correction
● Harness Review Team (Brian Dobson, Alexandra Hurley, Len Baker and Clinton Welsh) won the Best National Radio Feature 2012-13 ■ Melbourne Observer harness racing columnist Len Baker was presented with the Victorian Harness Racing Media Association's Bob Cain Memorial Distinguished Service Award at the Hall Of Fame dinner held last week at Tabcorp Park. Len and his colleagues present the Harness Review radio program on 979FM Melton every Monday night.
■ Brian Smith was not the celebrant for the service held in memory of Channel 9 production Russ Sefton held at Leonda On The Yarra last week. Our apologies.
■ Melbourne Observer columnists Kevin Trask and Mark Richardson will be at a news conference for Bon Jovi to be held at Crown this Friday (Dec. 6). All the details will be in next week’s Observer.
● Tahan Lew-Fatt, Jasmin Bell and Alex Boog Roe
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - Page 7
Showbiz News
LIFE AWARD FOR RADIO COUPLE Briefs Upheld
■ The Full Federal Court has upheld the decision of Justice Lander that the Jewellery Group Pty Ltd (Zamel’s) made false or misleading representations in contravention of the Trade Practices Act by its use of two price advertising in catalogues and a flyer. Justice Lander had found Zamel’s made false or misleading representations in relation to 44 items of jewellery that appeared in its catalogue by its use of two price advertising such as Was $275 Now $149 or Was $99 Now $49.50.
Winners
‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’ Good luck Mal, Pauline
● 3RPP President Graeme Kniese presents life membership certificates to ‘Sugar n’ Spice (Judy Banks-Phillips and Bob Phillips. Photo: Rab Siddhi ■ Mornington Peninsula radio station 3RPP-FM Best New Presenter: Jacki Mitchell, presenter of has presented life memberships to long-time presenters Taking Care of Business Judy Banks-Phillips and Bob Phillips. Best Program for 2013: azztime presented by Barry Judy and Bob recall starting at the old 3RPP studio Wightman, Graeme Kniese and Tim Harding in an old tin shed at the back of Coles in Mornington in Presenter of the Year : Peter Smedley, The Break1988 when they first broadcast their Sugar n’ Spice pro- fast Scoop program. gram. Station President Graeme Kniese praised team memJudy became known as an actor and a TV presenter, bers including Paul Mason, Rab Siddhi, Keith including a stint as host of Breakfast A Go Go with Fredd Horner, Mark Mayle and Martyn Ashton. Station Manager Brendon Telfer announced an upBear (Tedd Dunn) Bob is a TV veteran producing popular Australian grade on the transmission site at Arthurs Seat. Treasure John Fraser reported the station is in a variety shows including In Melbourne Tonight and Hey healthy position to move forward into 2014. Hey It’s Saturday. Their program includes a ‘who’s who’ of Australian showbiz and music every Thursday at 9am. “It’s a TV variety program without the pictures,” they couple told station publicist Debra Mar. Bob also presents another radio program called the Late, Late Brekky Show which airs Sundays at 9am covering a mix of music and classic comedy skits from comedy masters. Bob is also the RPP FM Vice-President and Program Manager. Other awards presented at the station’s annual general meeting include: Outstanding Ethnic Program: Wolfgang Graf, presenter of German with Wolf Graf Volunteer of the Year: Debra Mar Outstanding Program Broadcast Partnership on Air: Arts About! RPP FM Best Sporting Coverage: Nepean League Grand Final presented by Andrew ‘Toe Punt’ Kelly and his commentary team New Program Innovation: Soul 2 Soul with Steve and ● Melbourne radio personalities Keith Patricia McGowan and Bob Horsfall were at the Programming Excellence including Best Special and Golden Days Radio Christmas Party held at Featured Interviews – Blues Shack presented by Ray Glen Huntly last week. Photo: Angela McGowan Reid
Golden Days Radio
● Caroline Jones ■ ABC-TV host Caroline Jones has marked her 50-year association with the national broadcaster by winning the Walkley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism for 2013. Newcastle Herald journalist Joanne McCarthy has won the prestigious Gold Walkley Award for leading an investigation into the sexual abuse of children, primarily by Catholic clergy.
THE BARREL
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
$1.1 penalty ■ The Federal Court has ordered by consent that Australian Power & Gas Company Limited pay a penalty of $1.1 million for illegal door-to-door selling practices, following action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The Court declared that APG, through the conduct of certain sales representatives acting on its behalf, made false or misleading representations while calling on consumers at their homes for the purpose of negotiating agreements for the supply of retail electricity and/or gas by APG.
● Mal and Pauline Walden ■ Ten News anchorman Mal Walden will hang up the microphone tonight (Wed.) at 5.59pm. Mal has been one of Melbourne’s enduring public figures for 42 years, starting his career at 3YB Warrnambool. He joined The Herald & Weekly Times Ltd organisation, working at 3DB, then HSV-7. Mal told his 10-year newsreading partner Jennifer Hansen: “I approached Channel 7 for a job and an old boss of mine - Ron Casey, who I knew from radio days - said I can’t give you a job in the newsroom but come on as a booth announcer, and that’ll give a foot in the door. “Well, that very night - June 6, 1970 - at about a quarter to six - the late night newsreader was suddenly taken ill and they asked me to read the news. And I’ve reading ever since.” Mal, 69 next May, entered a cadetship in 1970 at age 24, and was the first to get a story out of Darwin after it had been hit by Cyclone Tracy in 1975. Mal Walden was recruited by the Ten Network after Seven sacked him - and others - during the Fairfax buy-out crisis led by ‘young’ Warwick Fairfax. Mal penned a book on the 40-year history of ATV0, and the station is due to celebrate its 50 years in August next year. He also has another book, a biography, awaiting publication. Mal is one of the true good blokes of Melbourne media. He, and wife Pauline, hope to travel in their retirement. We wish them well.
Barrel Briefs ■ The Nine Network concludes the 2013 ratings year as Australia’s No. 1 network for news and current affairs, posting its best results in a decade. Nine News and A Current Affair have won the 2013 ratings battle against Seven News and Today Tonight across the five City Metro markets, along the East Coast, in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. ■ The executive producer of the Nine Network's Today show, Neil Breen, has stood down and will become a sports reporter. ■ Fairfax reporter Andrew Hornery broke the story at the weekend that James Packer and model Miranda Kerr had begun a “romantic” liaison. If truth be told, the story was first assembled by Woman’s Day magazine, once owned by Packer. It is now owned by the Bauer Media Group of Germany. ■ Geoff Handbury is stepping down as a Director of his ACE Radio Network.
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
To
Music Play returns to Melb.
Di
I love my job!
■ The Melbourne Recital Centre has some wonderful activities for the children over the festive holiday break in January. Music Play, the successful children’s event, is back next year for its fourth year. Play, discover, engage and learn at Music Play. It is an exciting summer holiday musical festival for children and families. The festival encourages young music lovers and their families to immerse themselves in a world of music through an exciting mix of interactive concerts, workshops and musical activities. The Centre’s foyers also come alive with a range of free, fun and interactive experiences from January 16-18.16 – 18 January 2014. Among the wonderful acts that are on for children is Bear With Me, warm, fuzzy and playful An intimate concert especially for younger bears, children (and their grown-ups), Bear With Me is playful, ukele-ful and made to join in. Presented by Tyrone and Lesley, this interactive concert is about looking after loved ones, and being looked after. Sometimes it’s no picnic being a teddy bear but being cherished makes the rougher moments bearable. Bear With Me plays with the warm and fuzzy, exploring music and performance as well as the joy and turmoil of everyday life. Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre for ages 3 to 6 and their families. Thursday, January 16. Salon 9.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm Duration: 45 mins (including interval) Tickets: $23 Bookings: melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333
For MAKING MEMORIES OF US
● Suzanne Vega: see story at right
Christmas at Crown ■ I am one of those painful people who put my Christmas tree up mid-November and have all my Christmas cards ready to be posted. With nearly all my Christmas presents wrapped and ready to go either into post or under people’s trees, I am always really happy to see all the decorations go up around the city, Melbourne really embraces Christmas and the festive season in such a big way. The decorations at Myer and David Jones are stunning as usual and certainly some of the shopping centres look great, Como Shopping Centre looks particularly good this year; one venue that never fails each year is Crown. I always find it a must to go in and look at the decorations and it certainly spurs on the festival cheer if I am slow on the mark. This year is no exception; a world of festive celebrations has certainly come to Crown. It will transform into a Christmas wonderland this festive season with dazzling décor, enticing entertainment, festive dining offerings and glamorous gift options. To spread the holiday cheer, Crown will have 26 Christmas trees around the complex, giant red baubles within the Crown Metropol lobby, a decadently decorated three metre tall Christmas tree at Crown Towers as well as roving entertainment from December 12 to 24 with elves, the Christmas Belles performers and even visits from Santa himself. It really is worth visiting. I always take friends and family visiting Melbourne there for a festive glass of something cold and bubbly and look at all the decorations each year. There are also the wonderful restaurants at Crown; my favourite is Silks, on Level 1, Crown Towers. It’s my choice of place for special occasions. They really have the best Chinese food in Melbourne; they currently have a wonderful $50 two-course lunch including a glass of wine. Christmas Eve sees their splendid A la carte menu. It is such a treat. Christmas Day Luncheon is still $180 for an elegant Chinese banquet menu with a glass of champagne. It’s really worth a visit.
■ I first met Keith Urban when he came on to Tonight Live with Steve Vizard way back. He was a stunner; gentle, kind and a talented Aussie singer. He was home grown and now of course he is all those things and more ... and a superstar. He is coming back to tour Australia and not before time. His Light The Fuse Tour will hit Australia in June next year. When it comes to an all-energy show with a world class production, the Grammy and ARIA Award winner certainly delivers, and this is exactly what Australian audiences can expect when Urban hits our shores. Chugg Entertainment is bringing him home for the tour which will take in Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney, Narrabri, Perth and Melbourne. The all-new show
with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
Big year for MRC
will not only feature first time performances of new music from nis No 1 album Fuse but will boast a production size and scope that has become synonymous with Urban’s electrifying concert experiences. He is stunning live in concert. Once seen never forgotten and once been. want to go
● Keith Urban back … a lot! If Urban’s previous tour of Australia, the 2013 The Story So Far is any indication, as it was completely sold out, then fans shouldn’t wait to buy tickets for the The Light The Fuse Tour Australia! Keith Urban will perform in Melbourne on Wednesday, June 25 at Rod
Laver Arena. Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Monday (Dec. 9), from www. ticketek.com For all official Keith Urban news and ticket information, go to www.keith urban. net Yhis is once concert for which I would almost be tempted to camp out. Thank you Michael Chugg!
SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
■ Talking about fabulous people not to miss, John Cleese is coming back to our shores. Brilliant, funny, and certainly one of the most influential and important comedians in entertainment history, Cleese is a founding member of Monty Python and responsible for some of the most iconic films and television comedies ever made, including The Life of Brian, Meaning Of Life and Fawlty Towers. John also starred in major Hollywood hits A Fish Called Wanda and Fierce Creatures. John Cleese will be back with an encore tour by public demand He will be in Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre on March 18-19, a perfect venue for him, Tickets are available from Ticketmaster 1300 111 011 www.ticketmaster.com.au John will regale fans with stories and exclusive clips from
● John Cleese
his illustrious 40 year career. It’s an opportunity to get up close with a true living legend. A force behind some of the most ground-breaking comedy of the 20th Century, Cleese’s last national tour in 2012 was a total sell out and this encore tour will be prior the recently announced Monty Python reunion in London in July. Few comedy troupes have reached the same fame as Monty Python, and a large part of that success was due to John Cleese and impeccable timing and sense of humour. Cleese has mastered everything from dry wit to slapstick humour, making this type of humour one that everyone can enjoy. He is the master comedian and admired and respected by everyone. Cleese is looking forward to returning to Australia to soak up our summer sun.
■ Melbourne Recital Centre will be closed for maintenance during January apart from the Music Play Children’s Festival. 2014 will see more fabulous artists at Melbourne Recital Centre and celebrations will be in full swing for the fifth birthday. One of the fabulous singer-songwriters coming to perform next year at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall is Suzanne Vega. One of my favourite songs ever is Marlene On The Wall. This song, sung by this leading lady of the 1980s, was one of the great pop songs of my youth. I always loved the song but didn’t really know what it was about. I have been listening to it a lot lately and have discovered that it was about a picture of Marlene Dietrich - who Vega long admired - that was given to her by friends. She said the very first time she ever saw Marlene Dietrich in a movie. She was watching television in her apartment in the East Village in New York City. She saw the beautiful close up of Marlene Dietrich on her television set and from that moment on she was hooked on Marlene. She wrote the song in her twenties and had a photograph of Marlene Dietrich in her bedroom for years. Suzanne Vega became the vanguard of a new generation of female singer-songwriters in the 1980s. Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, her contemporary folk music has inspired a generation of female singer-songwriters such as KT Tunstall, Tracey Chapman and Alanis Morissette. A masterful storyteller, her distinctive, clear vibrato-less voice finds poetry in the everyday. Notably understated, often cerebral but also streetwise, her lyrics invite multiple interpretations. Suzanne Vega’s work is immediately recognisable as utterly distinct and thoughtful, and as creative and musical now as it was when her voice was first heard on the radio over 20 years ago. Vega is an artist that continues to surprise. In 2006, she became the first major recording artist to perform live in avatar form within the virtual world Second Life. She has also dedicated much of her time and energy to charitable causes, notably Amnesty International, Casa Aliauza (supporting homeless, trafficked and exploited youth) and the Save Darfur Coalition. See Suzanne Vega on Saturday, April 29, at 7.30pm. Tickets from $50 book www.melbournerecital.com.au 9699 3333. Trust me, this is a must see. ■ Thank you to Alan Howe who wrote me the most wonderful email about Bill Bryson who I mentioned in my last column. I have since started to read Bill Bryson again and have gained a whole new love of his writing. Wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Bryson’s mate Alan Howe.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - Page 9
Confidential Melbourne
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
FINANICAL ADVISER MUST PAY BACK $684,000 TO INVESTORS
Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets
Bill Shorten, subject of social media campaign
● Bill Shorten ■ Bill Shorten, Federal Opposition Leader, MHR for Maribyrnong, has become the focus of an explosive allegation on social media. The allegation is untested, but is said to being investigated by Victoria Police. It is a rumour. Mr Shorten is entitled to the presumption of innocence. His lawyers say claims are unsubstantiated. He denies any wrongdoing. Former Australian cartoonist Larry Pickering has published a specific allegation at his Pickering Post blog.
Trainer disqualified
■ Veteran trainer Graeme Bate has been disqualified for nine months after Greyhound Racing Victoria took a drugs case was heard by Judge Pamela Jenkins at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Three months of the sentence has been suspended. GRV accused Bate of failing to present a greyhound, ‘Gunda Bale’, free of any prohibited substance at Geelong in March. The Tribunal heard that the dog was found with a higher-than-allowed sample of Androstane; a prohibited testosterone, to prevent her from coming into season, and therefore unable to race. Bate pleaded guilty. Prior offences were admitted. Bate successfully argued that a 12-month sentence handed down earlier by the GRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board was excessive. Bate argued that he had been a trainer for more than 40 years, and he was trainer of some 70 or so bitches. The Tribunal was asked to compare other cases involving trainers Messrs Carr, Catton, Wells, Frusher, Mowatt and Boyce. ■ The Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh has asked for a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court session at 9.15am this morning (Wed.) to apply for an earnings attachment order regarding a debt allegedly owed by Toula Karalis.
■ A former financial adviser has been convicted for providing inappropriate advice to five clients, and has been ordered to pay back the more than $684,000 they collectively invested. Kevin Maxwell George Whitting pleaded guilty to five charges of providing inappropriate advice and admitted to a further five charges of providing false and misleading statements to three of the five investors. The money was invested in the Blue Diamond Deposits Trust No. 1 between September 2008 and January 2009. . BDT, a managed investment scheme, collapsed in 2010. Appearing in Frankston Magistrates Court, Whitting, 72, was convicted of all 10 offences and ordered to pay back the money. He was also fined $5000. In 2011 the Australian Securities and Investments Commission banned Whitting from providing financial services for four years.
Whispers
How much?
Maurie Lockie signs off
● Veteran presenter Maurie Lockie officially ‘retired’ from Golden Days Radio last week. A morning tea was held for him and GTV-9 personality Pete Smith called in. Pete spoke highly of Maurie whom he knew from his days at the ABC. Pictured are Pete Smith, Maurie Lockie and Alex Hehr.
JEWISH JIBE CLAIM Rumour Mill GOES TO TRIBUNAL ■ Michael Ronald Bennett has failed in his complaint against Kenneth Dingle for alleged racial and religious intolerance. Bennett alleged Dingle called him “you big fat Jewish slob” and yelled “Hitler was right about you” as the two walked their dogs at Arkoona Park, Berwick. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Member Dr Rebecca French dismissed Bennett’s complaint, with Dingle strongly denying that he made the comments. Bennett had sought a written apology in the local newspaper, and that Dingle undertake a comprehensive education course at a Jewish holocaust museum and research centre. At first, Bennett said incidents occurred on three separate occasions. Later, he amended his claim to one date. Bennett said he was with two friends, Peter Adcock and Marianne Kopp, when the incident happened. Bennett said he underwent counselling and suffered personal trauma. Dingle admitted using the words “arsehole”, “ignorant pig” and probably more. “It wasw clear at the hearing that there is a long history of dispute and ill feeling between the parties,” Dr French said. Dr French said she preferred Bennett’s version of events. Dr French rejected a claim that Dingle had “incited”: “There can be no incitement in the absence of audience.” “There is no evidence that the words were actually heard by other persons nearby, or indeed that anyone was close enough to hear the words.”
Hear It Here First
One princess, two queens ■ Melbourne actressdirector Nicki Wendt has appeared in a Facebook photo entitled ‘one princess, two queens’. The picture also features two well-known Melbourne male actors. Who were they? You might never discover ... the photo seems to have disappeared from social media.
● Nick Wendt
Will Magda play Gina?
Dr cleared of allegation ■ Dr William T J Crawford has been cleared of an allegation of unprofessional conduct brought by the Medical Board of Australia. VCAT members Noreen Megay, Anne Shanahan and Dr Barbara Burge rejected the allegation that the medico had failed to inform a female patient of the possibility of an important complication of surgery he proposed to undertake on her.
● Magda Szubanski, Gina Rinehart ■ Shwobiz circles are chattering that Magda Szubanksi might be recruited to play the lead role of Gina Rinehart in next year’s Channel 9 series.
E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au
● Derryn Hinch ■ On October 17, Justice Kaye set a time limit of 90 days for broadcaster Derryn Hinch to pay a $100,000 fine for breaching a suppression order. Hinch’s PA Annette Philpott set up a ‘Derryn Hinch’ bank account, for members of the public to donate cash, to help pay Court-associated costs and legal fees. How much was raised? Whispers thinks some accountability would be appropriate.
Fair-fax? ■ There are rumblings of Fairfax Media staff unhappy with ‘human relations’ matters. More to come.
Excited
■ The Federal Court has ordered that Excite Mobile Pty Ltd pay penalties totalling $455,000 for engaging in false, misleading and unconscionable conduct, and using undue coercion in relation to the selling and obtaining payment for mobile phone services. The Court also ordered that directors, Obie Brown and David Samuel, pay penalties of $55,000 and $45,000 respectively. Fiona Smart was also ordered to pay a penalty of $3500.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Melbourne
Melbourne
Observer
Observer GOLDEN GOGGO Ash On Wednesday
Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday
Melbourne TV Memories with Kenneth Mulholland
True professionals
Contact Us Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic. 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 9927 Fax: +61 3 9431 6247 Web: www.MelbourneObserver.com.au E-Mail: Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au
Contact Us Publisher and Editor: Ash Long Media Director: Fleur Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker, Harry Beitzel, Matt Bissett-Johnson, David Ellis, Rob Foenander, Christina La Cross, Julie Houghton, Yvonne Lawrence, Nick Le Souef, Mike McColl Jones, John Pasquarelli, Terry Radford, Mark Richardson, Di Rolle, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Jim Sherlock, Cheryl Threadgold, Kevin Trask, Veritas Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145
Distribution STATE EDITION: Available weekly at approx. 400 newsagents across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and Victorian regional centres. Recommended retail price: $2.95. If your local newsagent does not currently stock the Melbourne Observer, you can place a weekly order with them.Use their ‘putaway’ service. Newsagents contact: All Day Distribution Pty Ltd, 1st Floor, 600 Nicholson St, North Fitzroy, Vic. 3068. Phone: (03) 9482 1145. Fax: (03) 9482 2962. Distribution Manager: Sam Fiorini.
Mail Subscriptions You can have your own copy of the Melbourne Observer delivered to your letterbox by Australia Post. We dispatch hundreds of copies of the Melbourne Observer to mail subscribers every Tuesday afternoon. Subscription price for 45 copies is $213.75, pre-paid, to anywhere in Australia. Overseas rates available on application. Pay by Credit Card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express Organise your mail subscription: BY PHONE: 1-800 231 311 BY FAX: 1-800 231 312 E-MAIL: editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au BY POST: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic. 3095. Pay by Cheque, Money Order or Credit Card.
Available Across The World MELBOURNE OBSERVER ONLINE 2.1 MILLION HITS ANNUALLY ON THE WEB: www.MelbourneObserver.com.au You can read our paper free on the Internet. Contact details for all our advertisers are also available at our website.
Back Copies BACK COPIES - ARCHIVES Back Copies for 2012-13 editions of the Melbourne Observer are all available at our website. Back copies for 1969-89, 2002-11 may be inspected by appointment at the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.
Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).
● Tommy Dysart, Mark Fletcher and Joannie Brockenshire ■ Our pals Tommy Dysart and Joannie Brockenshire were centre stage for Channel 31 host Mark Fletcher’s visit to the Victorian Mini Club event. Mark hosted Classic Restos, and the Goggomobile couple were invited to be interviewed for the popular program. There is friendly rivalry between the Goggo-mobile fans and the Mini enthusiasts. There was a display of Micro-cars ... including the pair’s matchbox-size Golden Goggo.
Long Shots
In Court ■ Former Scotch College prefect Rudie Werner, 53, of Ashwood, a City of Darebin bylaws officer, has pleaded guilty to miscoinduct in public office. He admitted taking $8000 in bribes from Hui Li Chen, who an illegal brothel in Regent St, Preston. Werner is a former Victoria Police officer.
Congrats.
Yes! Please organise a Melbourne Observer mail subscription for 45 editions for $213.75 (posted anywhere in Australia). I understand that the completion of the 45 editions, the subscription will be automatically rolled over, unless I advise otherwise. Cheque/Money Order/Credit Card
Name: .......................................... Address: ....................................... ........... Phone: ............................. Credit Card: ........................................ Expiry: ......................
Subject to subscription terms and conditions
with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ Psychologically, money can't buy happiness but it can take you to a lot more places to look for it.
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “If you are an author and give one of your books to a member of the upper class, you must never expect him to reads it.” - Paul Russell
Mail Subscription Form Mail to: Subs, Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095
editor@melbourneobserver.com.au
● Neil Mitchell ■ Congratulations to 3AW host Neil Mitchell on his Walkley Award win last week. He took the award for his scoop story that Ford would stop manufacturing in Australia. The win comes as the 3AW tom-toms suggest that parts of Mitchell’s program will be relayed next year into Sydney. The suggestion is that the 3AW morning show will be heard on sister station 2UE.
Text For The Week ■ “The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God”.” - Luke 1:35 Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.
● Frank Thring ■ I was about 12 when TV first came to town in the Melbourne Olympic Games year of 1956. I lived with my parents and sister in West Heidelberg, about a mile or so from the Olympic Village and I remember my Mother pushing my four-yearold sister in a pram and me walking up to the Village to see these exotic peoples from far distant countries around the world. Security seemed almost non-existent and it was an incredible experience to see all those athletes, many wearing bright and sometimes garish colours and costumes from their homelands. For us, a suburban, meat and two-veggies family, this was something from another planet. Five years later I was standing in the scenery bay at Channel 7, looking out, goggle-eyed, at an American, Larry K. Nixon, bouncing into the studio set of Lady For A Day. I was, at that point, the messenger boy. And that job took me all over the city: to Newspaper House in Collins St, the Herald Sun building in Flinders St, Crawford Productions, Radio 3DB plus Dargie/Young and Tillbrook across the street from the Southern Cross, the newest, most coolest hotel in Melbourne Central (and where The Beatles would appear on its first floor roof). It was at DYT (Dargie/Young and you know as above) that I first encountered Johnny O'Keefe on the narrow first floor staircase. I gawked, he sidestepped. I remember the facial scars (he'd been in a car accident). And his height. He was a dynamic pocket-rocket. After 18 months as a gopher and mail-room 'boy' I knew the city pretty well and zapping through all the side-streets and alleys, could cover it faster than the trams. In Studio One at Dorcas St I got to see the American actress Jane Russel (big, in more ways than one.) And out in Fitzroy at the Teletheatre, Henry Fonda, fresh from his role in the Cinerama blockbuster How The West Was Won. But the man who impressed me greatly was Frank Thring. This was a guy who, amongst many other pursuits, travelled overseas to appear as a wonderful character actor in several of the Hollywood epics, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston and Tony Curtis. Yet he always returned back to Australia and Melbourne. A kind of 60's version of Geoffery Rush. I recall the first time I saw him. A tall man dressed all in black, striding down the aisle towards the raised stage, passing me by with a swift glance and a high pitched exclamation: “Ohhh! A new one!” His humour was dark and at times acid, his stare baleful, his smile beguiling and he could rake you with a verbal broadside at 50 yards. And, like The Wild Child, Johnny O'Keefe, he was a true professional. - Kenneth Mulholland
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, December 4,, 2013 - Page g 11
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
West Hollywood (WeHo)
‘WeHo’: HOME OF CREATIVITY Hot foodie news
From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
Reigniting the legendary strip
Honouring innovation in business
● Curtis Stone ■ Our own Melbourneborn celebrity chef, Curtis Stone, is now an international celebrity chef. He is well liked on all the top talk shows on American television and has been involved with major TV cooking shows. He even appeared on Celebrity Apprentice just to be pipped at the post by Poison lead singer, Bret Michaels. ■ Hot News: Curtis Stone is planning to open his new restaurant in Beverly Hills next month. It will be intimate with only 30 seats, so the atmosphere will be exceptional. I am sure it will be the hottest seat in restaurant land here in L.A. I seem to run into Curtis at LAX all the time. He is always on a plane keeping up with his huge career. I wish him well with the new restaurant; he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
● Bret Michaels
Welcome to WeHo ■ West Hollywood (colloquially referred to as WeHo) is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The city was incorporated on November 29, 1984. It is notably famous for its unique vibrant commercial corridors, dining, and eccentric nightlife focused on the Sunset Strip. West Hollywood is bordered on the north by the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, on the east by the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, on the south by the Fairfax district of Los Angeles, and on the west by the city of Beverly Hills.
■ West Hollywood Creative City Awards honour those individuals and companies who go one-step further to help make the City a more interesting, unique and creative place Pictured at the Creative Business Awards are William Karpaik, General Manager, Ramada Plaza Hotel; Tony Melia, Creative Business Awards; and Alan Johnson, Ramada Plaza Hotel.
● Pictured at the Creative Business Awards are William Karpaik, General Manager Ramada Plaza Hotel; Tony Melia, Creative Business Awards; and Alan Johnson, Ramada Plaza Hotel.
Emile Hirsch plays Belushi
● Emile Hirsch ■ Emile Hirsch will play John Belushi in a movie biography of the comedian. Production company Film 360 confirmed the casting of Hirsch in the untitled independent film. Steve Conrad, who wrote the screenplay of the upcoming Ben Stiller film, The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, will write and direct the film which is due to go into production early next year. Hirsch, 28, starred in Into the Wild and Speed Racer. It's not the first Belushi biopic. Michael Chiklis played him in the 1980's Wired. John Belushi committed suicide at the Chateau Marmont Hotel close to the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites.
● John Belushi
GavinWood
■ A new hotel and housing complex is now underway in West Hollywood, part of the city's plan to boost appeal. A long delayed real estate development at the heart of Sunset Strip has finally emerged as builders step on the gas along West Hollywood's famous thoroughfare. The main corner of Sunset and La Cienega, 8490 - 8500 is now the focus of scaffolding and building is about to commence to make way for an upscale 290-room hotel, apartments, shops and restaurants valued at more than $300 million in two 10storey towers. On the other corner of Sunset there will be two 8-storey towers with 190 residential units and 55,000 square feet of retail space. It looks like a real estate revolution is happening on Sunset Boulevard. Four new projects have been approved. The other three are: 9040 Sunset: Marriott's proposed Sunset-Doheny project which will feature 148 hotel rooms, 20 condos plus retail and restaurant space. 8950 Sunset: The proposed 196-room James Hotel development would also feature four ‘extended stay’ residences, a restaurant and café. 8418 Sunset: The Sunset Time project on or near the site of the existing House of Blues which will feature two hotels with a total of 149 rooms, a 40-unit condominium building, a six-level parking garage, a restaurant and bar and two rooftop pools and patio decks.
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd
Historic Bob Dylan guitar to be sold ● The Ramada Plaza Complex
Happy holidays ■ "Tis the season of Celebrations and special events.” Last week saw Thanksgiving, a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. According to American Airlines, 2.6 million passengers flew back to families to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Christmas Season is now in full swing. You just have to see all the commercials on local television ... and New Years Eve is a wonderful celebration all around the world. Bring on 2014. ● Bob Dylan ■ The Sunburst Fender Stratocaster that Bob Dylan played at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when he famously went electric, which then turned the instrument into perhaps the most historic in rock and roll, is coming up for auction at Christie's. Now viewed as changing American music forever, Dylan's three-song electric set at the Rhode Island Festival that marked his move from acoustic folk to electric rock 'n' roll was met by boos from folk purists in the crowd who viewed him as a traitor. The guitar is being offered for sale on Friday (Dec. 6), as are five lots of hand and type written lyric fragments found inside the guitar case which were early versions of some of Dylan's legendary songs. The guitar has been in the possession of a New Jersey family for nearly 50 years. Dylan left it on a private plane piloted by the owner's late father, Vic Quinto, who worked for Dylan's manager.
www.gavinwood.us
Special Holiday Offer
■ I have met many Melburnians in reception at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites who have told me all about their holidays and how much they are enjoying Los Angeles. As the late, great Tommy Hanlon Jnr always said "It Could be YOU" I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all the readers of the Melbourne Observer. When you are planning your trip to California, come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. Please mention Melbourne Observer when you book and you will receive the SPECIAL RATE of the day. Please contact Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com I can't wait to see you. Happy Holidays, Gavin wood.
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Masonic scholarship awardees … where are they now?
Great Wall proves great experience
● Peter and his sister Ruth prior to jetting off to Boston, from the Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne. ■ A few years ago, brother and sister, Peter After spending some time in clinical work, and Ruth Nicholls were awarded Freema- Ruth completed a Doctorate in 2009 at sons Victoria Further Education Masonic Melbourne University where she is currently Scholarships. a lecturer in its Speech and Audiology DeSince then, Peter completed a Bachelor of partment. Biomedical Science (Hons.) at Monash UniPeter, 28, is a member of Ballarat versity and went on to work at Prince Yarrowee Lodge, having been initiated in Henry's Institute of Medical Research Ballarat Lodge No. 114 as a Lewis in 2004, where he gained his Doctorate. and having considerable Ballarat family conLast year, Peter was awarded an Austra- nections who attended the ceremony. lian Government Fellowship to attend the Peter's father and both grandfathers are/ Whitehead Institute of the Massachusetts were Freemasons, in addition to a more exInstitute of Technology (MIT) in Boston for tended number of family members. the next 2-3 years. Freemasons Victoria congratulates Dr Meanwhile, Ruth completed a Bachelor in Ruth and Dr Peter on their achievements and Speech Pathology (Hons.) at Melbourne Uni- is pleased to have been able to contribute toversity. wards their education in their formative years.
Cycling to a new future
● Taking on the challenge of one of the ancient wonders of the world ■ In the past month, Freemasons Victoria has long stretches of steep inclines and some steps raised $100,000 towards Breast Cancer Aware- almost a metre high but the group persevered, all finishing with an enormous sense of camaradeness as part of its Think Pink campaign. Funds raised will be donated to the Think rie, achievement and satisfaction, and a whopPink Foundation and the Epworth Hospital ping $75,000 raised. "The Wall is a metaphor for a journey," Cathi Oncology Department. In addition to all of this charity work, sixteen Biddick recorded on the group's blog. "It stretches out before you with ups and downs doctors, nurses, family, friends and even recovering patients from Epworth Hospital partici- and seemingly never ends. I have a friend underpated recently in a Hike for Health - a 10-day going cancer treatment. “When I find the walk hard, I find it helpful to trek along the Great Wall of China, to raise of those going through chemotherapy or rafunds for cancer services at Epworth Health think diotherapy Care including the Freemasons Hospital in journey is. and remember how much harder their East Melbourne. “I know this hike will end, but cancer patients The Hike for Health included areas of both don't know how long or hard their individual jourrestored and unrestored sections of the wall seg- ney will be, or where and how it ends," she wrote. mented with magnificent watchtowers built from The Hike for Health will be held again next 560AD atop mountain ridges providing magnifi- year to raise funds for cancer services at cent views over the local area. Epworth, for further information contact the There is no doubt the walk proved arduous with Epworth Medical Foundation on 9926 6359.
Channel 31, Freemasons: The Inside Story Summer Series ■ The 2013-14 Summer Series of Freemasons: The Inside Story will be airing from 8.30pm on Monday nights on Channel 31. For those who may have missed any of the
episodes featured this year, the Summer Series provides a great round up of the best of our great program. So stay tuned!
● From left: Milton Mann, Darren Hill, Jodie Tiernan of Care-van, Cyril Land and Malcolm Mann. ■ Freemasons Victoria is proud to introduce The new Freemason Cycling Club jerseys a new group of like-minded individuals who, af- were presented to riders at the October installater considerable efforts to establish an identity, tion of Darren Hill, on the eve of the team's can finally stand united (or ride united) for char- first fund raising charity ride, Ride Against Povity. erty and Care-van. The Freemason Cycling Club which is acMore than 100 riders took part, riding 52 grutually an international body, has welcomed our elling kilometres around the hilly outskirts of local Freemasons into the team, and has pro- Albury in New South Wales, and raising a tovided members with their very own cycling jer- tal of $600 for the homeless. Care-van provides seys. meals and support to the homeless in the Albury Freemasonry at a local level will be repre- Wodonga area. sented on their helmets, with the Freemasons Wodonga Lodge Freemasons who took part Victoria 125th Anniversary logo sticker. in the challenge include Darren Hill, Milton The Freemason Cycling Club was discov- Mann, Cyril Land, Clinton D' Aferia and ered in the USA and is based in New York City. Darren Koetsveld along with the Lodge SecreThe Club has members world-wide and now tary Mat Poppins who will support the team with this includes Australia. information about Freemasonry for the commuContact was made with the Club by nity. Malcolm Mann and using the brilliance of Ms Jodie Tiernan of Care-van was exinternet technology and social media, the tremely happy to have the support of the Wodonga cyclists have found a new home. Wodonga Freemasons on this occasion and said These fit young members will be riding for she would even submit the group photo (featured), charity but will also be spreading information re- for the Care-van Newsletter. garding Freemasonry in an effort to recruit new Arrangements are in place to support a ride members from the community, into the for Legacy and Movember this month with a organisation. big plan to tackle 100km in the Lake Hume WBro. Milton Mann, of the Wodonga Cycle Challenge being planned for February Lodge No. 156 said that with so many avid cy- 2014. clists in his lodge, he was keen to establish a So far the International Freemason Cyproper team. cling Club has raised more than $6000 in this, "As a lodge with this many keen cyclists it the first year of its existence and it is hoped that was important for us to meet and ride together that number is greatly improved upon in the fufor a common purpose, that being to raise money ture. for charity in support of community fund raisers, If you're a keen rider, you don't mind wearing and put Freemasonry in the public eye for all to lycra, and you want to join in with a group of likesee. “We wanted to show that a group of men minded guys to ride for charity, contact Milton concerned with health and wellbeing are also Mann on 0407 259 272 or email members of a great organisation,” Milton said. m2sportsindustries@gmail.com
● To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or ’Like’ our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic for the most up to date information. ● ‘Freemasons: The Inside Story’ airs every Monday night at 8.30pm on Channel 31, with replays throughout the week on Thursdays at 12.30am, 3pm and Saturdays at 12.30pm. Or catch up online at www.c31.org.au and follow the links.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - Page 13
Melbourne News
Brighter future for families Cooking For Compassion ■ By purchasing the Cooking For Compassion cookbook, you are supporting Wesley Mission Victoria’s annual Food for Families appeal. The number of clients accessing our Crisis and Homelessness Services is increasing each year. In 2012-13, Wesley provided services including housing, transport and food to 17,545 Victorians, an increase of 29 per cent on the previous year. To order the $20 book, email foodforfamilies@wesley.org.au to order your copy now. www.foodforfamilies.com.au
■ A client of Wesley’s Homelessness and Crisis Services in Ringwood, poor health left single mother Candice* unable to work and in need of support to raise her young family. This is her story. Candice went to Wesley as a single parent with three dependent children. After being diagnosed with depression, she was struggling to raise her family on a pension, keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. With nowhere else to go, Candice turned to Wesley’s Homelessness and Crisis Services for material aid. “Wesley provided me with food parcels and toiletries, so I could focus on paying the utility bills, purchase presents at Christmas, and pay for school excursions and camps for the kids,”
By Staff Reporters Candice said. “They also helped me maintain my rental property and manage a budget to help stabilise our financial situation,” she said. Food for Families collects nonperishable food, toiletries and cash donations for disadvantaged families across Melbourne. Items collected during the appeal go directly to people in need, in the lead up to Christmas and throughout the coming year. To support Food for Families, you can donate non-perishable food and toiletries at participating Woolworths and IGA stores across Melbourne, or visit www.foodforfamilies.com. au *Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Melbourne
Observer Life & Style
MERRY MONTH OF DECEMBER ■ Feeling merry? Perhaps your service bills haven’t arrived yet. Our postman was having trouble keeping his bike on track with the weight of his mailbags. Having spent the best part of the afternoon trying to sort out our mobile phone accounts with operators whose first language is not English; I’m not feeling very merry. It’s a pity I don’t drink spirits because today would have been the day when I would have swigged the entire bottle. So far, no home in our street is displaying any Christmas decorations this year other than a wreath at the front door. Can’t afford the electricity bills this year. It’s a shame because the decorated houses with the animations and the coloured lights bring so much pleasure to people.
Yvonne’s Column
At my fearsome best
Short end of the turkey ■ Talking to a friend about her plans for Christmas was a sad affair. She was worrying already that the tribal feast day would be blazing hot and she couldn’t afford the electricity to run the air conditioning. She didn’t really care how she would cope with the heat, but there was one relative who would insist on the air conditioning and wouldn’t let up all day. Of course she will be given the short end of the turkey, but that doesn’t help when you feel humiliated by this insensitive relative harping all day about no air conditioning. I felt for this woman, and knew that by Christmas Day she would be in a right state. There are several things she could do to cut this guest off at the pass: think up some barbs to return when she starts, or just try to ignore her whining. It will be a certainty that your other relatives will feel sorry for you, and at best, send her to Coventry.
I want a cool Christmas ■ This woman is a bully, and I suspect likes an audience, however, she could phone this super heat-sensitive, insensitive woman and tell her that if the weather is extremely hot, you can’t afford to run your air conditioning. That way she has the opportunity to decide not to join everyone on this festive day, or keep her mouth firmly closed when the butter melts. If she doesn’t, then gently remind her during a lull in the conversation so that everyone hears you, that you advised her, and she had the option to eat alone or enjoy the day with her relatives. Ether way. You come out the winner. No one should have to be worried about the cost of electricity at Christmas time. But, with the high cost involved, I’m also hop-
for it! Peter stuck to his guns and found another cleaner who came highly recommended by his friends. It was true. He was an excellent cleaner. He arrived on time and flew around the house like a jet-propelled robot, dusting as he went. All was well l until Peter had to go away on business for a week and said he would like me to go with him. We told our cleaner that he wasn’t needed that week, but when I said we would put our elderly cat in a cattery, he said that he would pop in and feed her and water the garden. I agreed and he was paid handsomely for his extra duties. Peter had concluded his business a couple of days early and we decided to come home. Well, I should have had a contract.
with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com
ing for a cool day. And while the MPs are yelling and screaming at each other, and behaving like obnoxious children, wouldn’t it be nice if they could expend that energy finding the solution to the escalating electricity costs that have gone right through the roof?
Always tomorrow ■ According to a new research by the Microsoft Office, the main reason for getting all your chores done on a Monday is lack of time. But 24 per cent admit putting off tasks they dislike. I tackle my ‘to-do’ list in a different way. I tackle first the jobs I dislike doing the most, then it’s down hill all the way. If I don’t get it all done, then c’est la vie, there is always tomorrow. It’s almost unbelievable that I feel this way because once I’d be up all night finishing those tasks. Peter tells me that was the main reason he employed a cleaner to come in and do those time consuming jobs. The only trouble was that I would clean everything before she arrived, and then I’d make her a coffee and listen to her marital problems.
Cleaning up ... ■ I fell into the trap of listening and counselling her. Meantime, no cleaning was done, and my ‘other half’ said she had to go. Now, what was I to do? She needed the money and now she had found someone who could listen and at least give her a few options and get paid
■ Walking in the front gate I saw that some plants had withered in the heat for lack of water. Opened the front door and the house seemed just as we had left it with the exception of a few wine glasses on the table, and an overflowing ash tray. It was evident that if had been at the house, it certainly wasn’t to clean. Not being able to locate the cat was a worry. She was an elderly cat we had inherited. We called her Victoria because she was the reincarnation of Queen Victoria – very grand, overweight, slow in moving, and was not amused by much. We finally found Victoria on top of our studio roof, meowing for all her worth and on getting her off the roof discovered that she had no fur on her back. A hurried visit to the vet, and the diagnosis was stress, and lack of food. By the time our cleaner schlepped up the path he knew the game was up. I can be fearsome, and that day I was at my best.
Nightly parties at home ■ Then a neighbour came over and told us the parties that were a nightly occurrence worried her. Something had told me to lock up personal papers, jewelry and anything else that was important to us. How right I was. He had been through everything else. So, another cleaner bit the dust. It was decided that I would become ‘Sadie’ as before but without the stress. Every Saturday after that, Peter and I went out to lunch with a few friends, followed by a movie. Mind you I made up for it on Sunday, but at least I went at my own speed, and Peter helped.
‘The house seemed just as we had left it with the exception of a few wine glasses on the table, and an overflowing ash tray’
Cuddle chemicals
■ Next time I ask Peter ‘”does my bum look big in this?” and he says “no. you look terrific”, I’ll wonder if I really do look okay, or is it his hormones kicking in. There is a cuddle chemical called oxytocin and one whiff of this makes men rate their partners as being more attractive. I really didn’t believe this so I did my own bit of research. Oxytocin, or the love hormone, does indeed affect the physical bonding and affects our mental processes associated with love. Further research shows that it does affect our youthfulness and energy (I bet you can’t buy this at your pharmacy.) There comes a time when hanging from the chandeliers is only a dream of past pleasures, and rheumatism is such an ugly phrase when it’s part of the target destination. Imagine when I discover that there is a nasal spray. One whiff of this will send you partner wild. Mind you when the estrogen levels directly affect oxycotin release, it might be more of a challenge to inspire women’s interest. If this is the case, and it sure beats pleading a headache, then the nasal spray is an efficient way to a successful outcome.
Exciting festive season
■ Researchers have found that a whiff of the ‘cuddle chemical’ indeed makes men rate their partners as being more attractive. However, the hormone, released when we hug or kiss, did not make work colleagues or strangers seem more beautiful. Imagine a quick spray during an argument and voila! A happy ending. There surely comes a time when it doesn’t actually work, but if we keep telling ourselves that we really do look beautiful, then it’s done the job. It’s also in chocolate. Need I say more? But with Christmas only days away a big box of chocolates, eaten in bed, will make the prospect of Christmas and the New Year more exciting. - Yvonne Contact: Editor, Melbourne Observer P.O. Box 1278, Research, 3095.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
■ When I worked as a ‘Lolly Boy' at the Grand picture theatre in Coburg I was madly in love with Debra Paget. Unfortunately the famous American film star didn't know that the 13-year-old ‘Lolly Boy’ existed. But all that is about to change as Debra Paget will be our interview guest on 96.5FM at 12 Noon during That's Entertainment on Sunday (Dec. 8). Debralee Griffin was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1933 to Frank H. and Margaret Griffin. There were five children in the family and as Margaret wanted her children to be successful in show business they moved to Los Angeles to be close to the Hollywood film studios. Debralee had her first professional job at age of eight and in 1946 acted onstage in The Merry Wives Of Windsor. When she was contracted to Twentieth Century Fox studios she changed her name to Debra Paget and was cast in her first film role at the age of 14 in Cry Of The City. Debra was in Mother Is A Freshman, It Happens Every Spring and House Of Strangers before being cast in her first significant role opposite James Stewart in Broken Arrow. Debra recalls what a gentleman James Stewart was - if an actor was having trouble with lines James would deliberately ‘fluff’ his line so that they had a second chance to get it right. As a contract actress Debra got some great
Whatever Happened To ... Debra Paget By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM film roles in the early 1950s - her films included Belles On Their Toes, Stars And Stripes Forever, Prince Valiant and Les Miserables where she played Cosette. Debra is remembered for her role in Demetrius And The Gladiators which was the sequel to The Robe and she starred opposite Victor Mature. In 1956 Debra appeared in two major films that would prove to be the biggest in her screen career. Debra was cast as the love interest for Elvis Presley in his first film Love Me Tender. She thought that Elvis did a great job and felt that he should have been given better roles to play. Cecil B DeMille asked Debra to play the
● Debra Paget
role of Lilia the "water girl" in The Ten Commandments. Debra did not even audition and when she asked Cecil B DeMille why he had chosen her for the role above everyone else he said that he felt that the hand of God was on her. Debra thought that it was one of the nicest things that anyone had ever said to her. In later years Debra guest starred in television shows such as Rawhide, Wagon Train, Riverboat and Burke's Law. She retired from films to look after her son in 1965. During her lifetime Debra Paget has been married three times and these days is a born-again Christian. Her sister Lisa Gaye was in the film Rock Around the Clock and her other sister Teala Loring was also a film actress. Debra's brother Frank Griffin was an actor but became a makeup artist later in his career. I hope you can tune into the interview with this legendary Hollywood actress on Sunday (Dec. 8) - Debra Paget. It will bring back many memories for our readers. Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.
NO DULL MOMENTS IN THE TERRITORY
■ There is never a dull moment for Alice Springs Police. I had a Melbourne psychiatrist mate who was often summoned up there to deal with many a personal issue amongst the local constabulary. I would often witness incidents which I would absolutely not want to be involved in. A couple of officers were at the Charles Creek Camp last Friday night on some routine matters, when they noticed that one of the nearby dwellings was alight.
They immediately and heroically responded, and rushed into the burning building to check for any occupants, and sure enough, there were two dazed gentleman inside. So they quickly led them to safety. Not a simple issue, however - a 61 year old woman has been charged with arson. Luckily for her, thanks to the policemen, it wasn't murder. And another woman was afoul of the law on the same night. She was breath-tested on the Stuart Highway and blew 0.152.
Observations ‘Poorly run’
Failed scheme
■ Grants to the racing industry have been poorly administered by the Department of Justice over the past five years. The Auditor-General’s report tabled last week, Racing Industry: Grants Management, found weaknesses with the assesment of grant applications and procurement practices. It also highlights the lack of public information on the grants awarded and a lack of any assessment on whether grants programs are achieveing what they set out to achieve. Auditor-General, John Doyle, was “encouraged that the Department of Justice has made a number of improvements to its racing grants administration since 2011” and that weaknesses in project management and procurement are being addressed. However, given that the Department of Justice operates a number of grants programs, it is concerning that the department did not act earlier, he said. It was not clear whether all the grants that were awarded had met the funding criteria or whether applications had been assessed consistently. “Greater effort is needed to improve the transparency and accountability of grants assessments. The Department of Justice also needs to demonstrate that grants to the racing industry have achieved the desired outcomes.” The report makes six recommendations to strengthen the administration of racing grants programs, Mr Doyle said.
■ Slater & Gordon this week announced it would expand its investigations into a potential class action against Professional Investment Services Pty Ltd , and other Australian financial services licensees, to include investments in a failed olive grove investment scheme at Brooklyn Park, near Inglewood in Queensland. The firm is already investigating investments in a related managed investment scheme at Bonni-Foi, an adjoining property. Preliminary investigations indicate both Brooklyn Park and Bonni-Foi were inappropriately recommended to retail clients by PIS and were marketed on a similar basis where investors were told they would “own” the land, olive groves and infrastructure. More than 850 mum and dad investors are believed to have been advised to sink their savings into the failed olive grove schemes, losing more than $39 million after the responsible entity, Australian Green & Gold Ltd announced its intention to wind up the schemes in September 2011. Slater & Gordon lawyer Ben Whitwell said investors were recently told by the replacement responsible entity Huntley Group that they had sold the land and water assets for $2.75 million, meaning investors would only recover approximately five per cent of their losses. Mr Whitwell said Bonni-Foi investors were told they would receive approximately $325 per unit, compared with the $7,380 per unit they paid to invest in the scheme.
After having been charged and bailed, she was again pulled over shortly thereafter. This time her reading was 0.144 And further, a couple of other women, on the same night, were or 0.153 and 0.146. And, for good measure, a couple of gentlemen at 0.187 and 0.167. Drinkers in full flight as usual. ■ Alice Springs is not only the geographical centre of Australia, but, in its remoteness, it bristles with wildlife, and residents take full advantage of this for study and enjoyment. Rex Niendorf has the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, one of the primary tourist favourites, the home of many species of lizards and snakes he gathers them together for all and sundry to observe and to learn about. And then there's the Desert Park, which has fascinating displays of all the surrounding fauna and flora. Just last week new Minister Bess Price officially welcomed four baby Quolls back to the Territory. They have been long since extinct in the NT, thanks to cats and foxes, but they have been brought home from South Australia, where they've been specially bred, four months ago, and Bess ceremoniously microchipped them. Then, last week, there was "frog spotting". A group of interested locals wandered up to Simpson's Gap for a roam around in the dark to see what nocturnal creatures they could spy. There were dingoes and wallabies and frogs a-plenty, and a good time was had by all. So successful that there'll now be regular such adventures. ■ It's called the longest shortcut in Australia - the Outback Way, joining Winton in Queensland to Laverton in WA. I've driven along the Northern Territory-Queensland section - the Plenty Highway - a couple of times on my way through to Rockhampton and the coast, and I just love the desolation and beauty of the trip. Just like the trip north to Darwin changes inexorably from desert to rainforest, so does the journey east. As Queensland approaches, so the vegetation changes, and many a mesa and butte rear their heads on the horizon. This is all boulder opal country, and
The Outback Legend
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au a few little mining settlements are dotted along the way, with beautiful opals hidden beneath the harsh ironstone surface. And then there is the famous MinMin Light around Boulia. I've never seen it, but have spoken to a few who have - quite spooky apparently. There are theories a-plenty, from swooping owls to igniting gas to glowing insects. No matter what, it has a mind of its own, and will follow you, or move away, always keeping its distance. Even Slim penned a song about it. Now only about half the Outback Way is bitumen, and the rest is decidedly four-wheel-drive, but there's a speeding up of plans to bitumenise the lot. This supposedly will be done by 2017, and it will be a truly spectacular drive. ■ There is rarely a fishing story in Melbourne's papers - occasionally a lucky angler will land a huge schnapper which will grace the morning papers, but it's a rarity.
Darwin, however, is a different story - every week there is about a whole page devoted to angling matters, and it's usually dominated by a little kid who's just landed a fish bigger than him. My son Jonas was checking our Darwin outpost a few years ago, and our then-manager's husband took him out to his favourite spot in the Harbour. They started off using tiddlers a few inches long, to catch bigger fish about a foot long. Then in turn they used these fish as bait to catch others about three feet long. Whilst I do love fishing, I've never plied my hobby in the Top End, but I've often had fish and chips on the Wharf at dusk, to watch myriads of schools of fish attracted by the underwater lights peacefully swimming about, eating a few chips thrown in by the diners above. This particular end of the pier is prohibited to us anglers, so we can only salivate at the amazing spectacle before us.
■ And of course fishermen all have their own favourite spots, myself included. I've got schnapper and whiting holes and sandy beds, and flathead channels just off shore. And I love to wade out at night for a bit of floundering. However, I've also got other spots for spiders. I collect red-backs on the Western Highway near the SA border, and huge huntsmen in lofty red-gums just south of Port Augusta. There are also a couple of other areas near Parkes in NSW, and just below the Queensland border, north of Lightning Ridge. Then in the Port Germain Gorge I find big scorpions and centipedes. And I've just returned from a foray into Gippsland to my funnel-web spot. It's just out of the small town of Valencia Creek, up into the hills along the Moroka Track. Whilst they're not as big as their Sydney cousins, their venom may well be as potent. But because they're out of the limelight, unlike the Sydney chaps, no one has ever studied them closely. But also like their Sydney mates, they're pretty ferocious. - Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’