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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

STARS SHINE ON PENINSULA

■ For as long as Del Kathryn Barton can remember, all she wanted to be when she grew up was as an artist.

Her healthy childhood obsession with drawing became her focus and by following her intuition and passion, now at 40 years-of-age, Del is widely recognised as one of Australia's leading figurative painters.

In 1993, Del graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales and currently lives and works in Sydney where she is represented by Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.

In 2008, Del was awarded Australia's oldest and most prestigious art awards - the Archibald Prize, for a self-portrait with her two children and was a finalist in 2007 and 2011.

In March this year, her portrait of actor Hugo Weaving saw her win her second Archibald.

With a major solo show coming up in October, Del was happy to put her brushes down and welcomed me on to her studio Porch to tell me more about her artistic celebration ahead of her first ever trip to the Mornington Peninsula. Del will be part of a discussion group and presentation when the four week Archibald Prize exhibition is unveiled exclusively in Victoria at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery from Saturday (June 8).

Archibald Porch Thoughts

What are you currently working on for your solo show in October?

I am working on eight major paintings for that show. The content of the paintings are beasty women decorated with roots and leaves.

Where does your inspiration come from for such themes?

I don't really have a starting point in terms of inspiration and I always have recurring themes throughout my practice.

Sometimes there is clarity on why I am using a particular content, but I mostly work in an intuitive way.

Do you just sit down and try to come up with figurative themes for an upcoming exhibition?

I think if I had the luxury of more productivity there might be more beginning points and end points because

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Jane Alexander Director Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery "We are most excited to be hosting the iconic Archibald Prize exhibition this year and in 2014.

We have transformed the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and are ready to open our doors to thousands of Victorians, so that they get to enjoy Australia's favourite portraiture exhibition. The selected works this year are fantastic, with lots of famous faces including Asher Keddie by her artist partner Vincent Fantauzzo, Naomi Watts by Abbey McCulloch and Anthony Mundine by Abdul Abdullah, just to name a few."

the work takes a long time. Often ideas are flowing over a number of years and intuitively informing the next body of work.

There aren't really radical shifts in the practice. My work mainly deals with the figure and the female figure.

Being a figurative painter as such, why do enjoy portraiture work?

It's not the core of my practice but I feel portraiture is at the heart of the figurative art genre.

Portraiture is a celebration of our shared human experience. For me, entering in a prize like the Archibald for example, it gives me an excuse to prioritise on that kind of work.

How do you go about deciding on people you want to paint in portraits such as Hugo Weaving?

There are two main criteria.

Firstly, I paint people who I love and know very well and secondly people who I admire greatly.

Hugo was not someone who I had met before. I am very passionate about film and I'm huge fan of Hugo's work both onscreen and on the stage.

I wanted to celebrate him because I had a sense that the work he chooses is from a sensitive and informed place and I resinated with that.

Did he know you were planning to submit his portrait for the Archibald Prize?

To take some of the pressure off, I approached him about doing a portrait project.

In my mind the intention was to enter the Archibald with it, but in saying that, there is always the possibility that you're not happy with it or it doesn't work.

The idea of the Archibald wasn't discussed from the beginning but it was work I ended up feeling happy about and that sort of emerged along the way.

Was he easy to work with?

Hugo was such a delight to work with and I felt the project flowed. It turned out that his partner is an artist and his daughter is studying art so he came into the studio very knowledgeable about art and I wasn't expecting

● Del Kathryn Barton that. He was very sensitive to the dy- spired. It's a hard road being an artist namics of the studio and very respect- and my personal truth is that you always come back to the energy of the ful towards that.

What did Hugo say when he work and that is what ultimately sustains you, the joy of making work. heard the news?

What is your Porch Thought It truly was an unexpected win. He for The Day? was really thrilled for me.

My favourite artist, Louise BourYou will be part of an evening conversation session alongside geois quoted, 'art is a guaranty of santwo other Archibald finalists ity’.

Heidi Yardley and Sarah Hendy ■ An Art Gallery of New South on June 14. The discussions will Wales exhibition toured by Museums be moderated by portraiture ex- and Galleries NSW presents The 2013 pert Dr Vivien Gaston. What do Archibald Prize Exhibition at the you hope artists will draw from Mornington Peninsula Regional Galyour personal and professional lery from 8 June - 7 July 2013. For experiences that you will speak more information including reserving your seat to meet Del Kathryn Barton about?

More than anything I would hope and other celebrated artists visit/ artists will walk away feeling in- mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 3

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Melbourne

Observer

City Desk The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz More Ricky Martin dates Bloomsday

● Ricky Martin ● Actor Kevin Dee as James Joyce, the dandy.

■ Bloomdsay celebrations will be held in Melbourne over the coming week. Rita Crispin has full details on Page 91.

CEO appointed

● Emma Collin ■ Emma Collin has been appointed as the new CEO of Parkinson’s Victoria.

Emma comes to Parkinson’s as a passionate advocate for vulnerable members of the community, and is committed to ensuring people living with disabilities and their families are able to access a range of high quality service choices that are flexible and responsive to individual needs.

Big week ahead ■ The Buzz predicts a big week ahead for Matt Welsh (son-in-law of Bert and Patti Newton), singer Mike Brady, actor Ron Haddrick, runner Ron Clarke, politician Petro Georgiou, health advocate Gabby Hollows, and entertainer Ronnie Burns.

■ Extra dates have been announced for performances by The Voice judge Ricky Martin.

An extra Melbourne concert has been set for Sunday, October 20.

A performance had also previously been set for Saturday, October 5 at Rod Laver Arena.

Martin is also playing venues in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.

Martin is the leading Latin Music figure of his generation. He has just released Ricky Martin Greatest Hits Souvenir Edition,

‘Shat’ boldly goes to Oz Comic-Con

MAKING MUSIC

■ More than 10,000 school students, parents and teachers attended concerts at the Melbourne Town Hall as part of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s annual Education Week.

Education Week culminated in Symphony In A Day last Saturday (June 1).

This rehearsal and performance event saw 138 amateur community musicians from across Victoria join forces with members of the MSO to perform works by Verdi, Holst, Mascagni and Saint-Saëns under the baton of the MSO’s Patricia Riordan Associate Conductor, Benjamin Northey.

Across five days and 14 concerts audiences of all ages discovered the power of percussion, the subtlety of ● André Gremillet strings, the wonders of woodwind and the brilliance of bass, with many getting their first experience of the sights and sounds of an orchestra.

“To share the joy of live orchestral music with Victorians of all ages is an essential part of our mission at the MSO,” said MSO Managing Director André Gremillet.

The smallest instrument played during the week was a whistle, the largest, the five-octave marimba, and the most unusual in an orchestral setting were the party horns, blowouts and poppers used in Classic Kids.

Mother Nature’s four seasons are brought to life on stage by awardwinning dance company Momix’s new production Botanica. After ex★ tensive seasons in North America, Europe and Hong Kong, Botanica

will be presented exclusively as part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s winter season from Wednesday-Sunday, August 7-11 in the State Theatre.

Acting legends Bryan Brown and Sam Neill are to star in an eight one- hour drama series Old School, to be produced by Matchbox Pictures for ABC TV. Jeremie Bracka appears until Sunday (June 9) in Arafat In Therapy at Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran. Lawyer by day, actor by night, Bracka’s one-man political comedy parodies the Middle-East peace process through farce, mockumentary and autobiographical monologue. It is a journey through experiences as human rights lawyer in Israel and the UN.

★ ★

Melbourne Moments Policy launch ■ Heidi Victoria, State Minister for Women’s Affairs, yesterday (Tues.) launched the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria new policy paper, Women Surviving Violence – Cultural Competence in Critical Services.

‘Intimate Partner Violence’ is the leading preventable contributor to disease, disability and death for women aged 15-45 in Victoria.

The ECCV says it recognises that gendered violence is a complicated and serious problem in society and it acknowledge the significant work of the justice and protection services to support victims and prevent violence.

Under The Clocks

Return season

● Heidi Victoria

■ Genesis To Broadway is having an 11 performance return-season at Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran, from June 11-20.

Performers include Fem Belling (Cats, The Boy From Oz, Fame, Hairspray), Tod Strike (South Pacific, Cats, Ten Tenors), and pianist Warren Wills (Royal Shakespeare Co., Woody Allan).

Genesis To Broadway is written and directed by Frank Howson and produced by Aaron Zaitman.

The show includes music by Lloyd Webber, Rogers and Hammerstein, Soundheim, Lerner and Loewe.

● William Shatner ■ Star Trek’s William Shatner is boldly coming to the Oz Comic-Con Melbourne event at the Royal Exhibition Building next month.

‘The Shat’ will appear at the July 6-7 convention to be held in Nicholson St, Carlton. He is beloved amongst ‘Trekkies’ for his roles including Captain James T. Kirk, and Boston Legal's Denny Crane.

Shatner will be hosting an exclusive ‘meet and greet’ put on by event organisers. Previously announced guests are Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Saw, Robin Hood: Men in Tights), Shannen Doherty (Beverly Hills 90210, Charmed), Tia Carrere (Wayne’s World, Relic Hunter) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell (Magenta and Columbia respectively).

The Man In Black is back

■ The Man in Black is returning to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre.

Rock music artist Tex Perkins tells the Johnny Cash story for a limited season from Friday-Sunday, July 19-21.

The show was written by Australian theatrical producer Jim McPherson, who confesses to a 40year fascination with the wildly unpredictable star.

There are renditions of 24 of Cash’s greatest hits including Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Sunday Mornin’ Coming Down, Get Rhythm, A Boy Named Sue and Hey Porter.

Rachael Tidd interprets June Carter’s vocal style in the show, and Dave Folley, Shane Reilly, Steve Hadley and Matt Walker are The Tennessee Four. Publicist Rain Fuller says bookings can be made through Ticketek.

● Tex Perkins

What’s On In Melbourne

The Passion Of Tristan and Isolde will be presented by the Melbourne ★ Symphony Orchestra on Thursday-Friday, July 18-19 at Hamer Hall. It will feature Alexander Shelley (conductor) and Colin Currie

(percussion).

The National Theatre of Great Britain’s most successful com edy ever, One Man, Two Guvnors, will be extended with eight extra shows added from June 24-29 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse.

Wednesday Night Fever - a new, late night, weekly comedy series will premiere on Wednesday, July 3 at 9.30pm on ABC1. It will be hosted by Sammy J, and feature Amanda Bishop, Paul McCarthy, Genevieve Morris , Dave Eastgate and Heath Franklin.

★ ★

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

People Melbourne

● The late Leonard Teale played murderer Brian Leonardson in an early episode of the Melbournebased TV series Homicide (Motive For Two, Ep 17) before he re-joined soon after as Det. David Mackay.

A special TV Nostalgia picture spread is on Page 96.

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Fax: 1-800 231 312

Happy Birthday Smooth 91.5 PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Circus theme at ‘Eat Street’ ● Jane Elliott and Sim Marshall were at the first birthday party held for Melbourne radio station Smooth 91.5 FM.

● Nerida Conway and Emma Merkas were at the Eat St function held for Redkite at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins. More pictures inside. Photo: Fiona Hamilton.

At the MasterChef launch

● Edwin Duff ■ Friends of the late Edwin Duff, who passed away last year, gathered in Sydney on Thursday for a final farewell and scattering of his ashes.

The pals met at Kings Cross Community Centre in Potts Point, continuing to The Fountain Café to share a drink to two.

Edwin Duff regularly appeared as a singer on Graham Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight TV program in the early days of television.

In the picture

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Matt Preston and 3AW’s Dianne ‘Dee Dee’ Dunleavy were with MasterChef contestants Xavier and Jules at the series launch held at the Melbourne Showgrounds

Craig is on track

● Gold 104.3 morning presenter Craig Huggins was into the spirit of ‘Tracky Dack Day’ at the Richmond studios on Friday.

● Melbourne publicist Helen Reizer pictured this week with media man George Donikian

Bloomsday Day in Melbourne

Celtic Festival ■ Rochelle Smith, sister of 3AW producer Justin Smith, reminds us that the National Celtic Festival at Portarlington will be held this weekend.

This three-day event is held over the long weekend, June 7-10, is the largest and most diverse Celtic celebration in the southern hemisphere.

Day-night tickets are available for either the Saturday or Sunday.

● Wayne Pearn, Director of The Seven Ages of Joyce, is pictured by photographer Matt Dorning, with founding Artistic Director of Bloomsday In Melbourne, Frances Devlin-Glass. Rita Crispin has more details on Page 91.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 5

Court Roundsman

The Best Columnists!

Melbourne

LATE-TERM ABORTION DOCTOR Observer SUSPENDED ON UNRELATED MATTER In This 104-Page Edition

Laughter On The 23rd Floor

● Lizzie Matjacic (left), Neil McColl, Richard Humphries, Kevin Trask and Sarah Somers, in Laughter On The 23rd Floor, at the Athenaeum Theatre, Lilydale until June 15.

Photo: John Shelbourn ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre company presents Neil Simon's Laughter On The 23rd Floor until June 15 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41Castella St, Lilydale.

Director Kevin Trask is now also performing a role, stepping in to replace a cast member.

Set in 1953, the show celebrates the goldenage of television, re-creating the mayhem, neu■ Melbourne community radio stations roses, non-stop gags, and constant oneJOY 94.9 is offering listeners the chance upmanship of a team of brilliantly funny social to win a Suzuki Swift GLX if they become a misfits as they write The Max Prince Show, a member during the one-week radiothon beweekly variety program. ing staged.

Among the crew are Milt, the insult artist; Stars from Legally Blonde, The Musical Ira, the hypochondriac; and Val, a Russian - Rob Mills, Erika Heynatz, Mike Snell émigré who has trouble with his accent. and Ali Calder - visited the Bourke St stuTheir boss, Max, a paranoiac comic genius dios for a chat with the Friday Drive hosts, and tyrant with a heart of gold, is breaking down David and Sue. from exhaustion, alcohol and pills as he tries to Gneeral Manager Conrad Browne says cope with interfering network executives. the station is renowned as a dedicated gay The play is one great laugh after another and lesbian community broadcaster. whilst reminding us of a darker time in Now in its 19th year, the station is powAmerica of sexism, racism, and the Comered by 250 volunteers each year. This inmunist witch hunts. cludes 130 presenters, 40 news readers, 30 Tickets: $25/$22. producers and 50+ behind-the-scenes proBookings: www.lilydaleatc.com gram support workers.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Joy 94.9 radiothon

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MORE PRUDENT, UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES 5. "Of course Mr Gatto you can have that Boxing Promoter's licence … anything else you'd like?"

4. "Mum, I want to be an accountant, I don't want to be a bookie.”

3. "I think we'll let one of the other channels take Celebrity Splash.”

2. "No, I'm going to pass on being coach of Melbourne.”

1. "I've never heard of King Kong.”

■ Dr Mark Jerry Schulberg, the only Victorian medico to perform abortions for women who are 18-24 weeks pregnant, is to be suspended from practice for one year from July 1.

Dr Schulberg, 58, faced the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on an unrelated matter of inappropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines, Alprazolam and other drugs.

Dr Schulberg was reprimanded by a VCAT panel comprising Senior Member Noreen Megay, Dr A Reddy and Mr B Collopy.

The action was brought by the Medical Board of Australia.

The Tribunal heard that Dr Schulberg had sold his practice to the Marie Stopes Clinic in March last year. Some 175 pregnant Victorian women require a termination between 16-24 weeks, VCAT was told.

“Nationally, Dr Schulberg is the only practitioner offering surgical termination beyond 20 weeks.”

“77 women a year who require a termination between 16-24 weeks gestation travel interstate to acces Dr Schulberg’s services.”

The panel rejected an application that Dr Schulberg be permitted to continue with the termination side of his practice.

Mark Richardson: Straight from the heart ..... Page 2 Di Rolle: Catching up with Tara Moss ........... Page 6 Ash Long: The Editor’s column ................... Page 8 Gavin Wood: Reporting from Hollywood ...... Page 13 Kevin Trask: Stewart Granger profile ........... Page 14 Nick Le Souef: The Outback Legend ........... Page 14 Rob Foenander: Country Crossroads ........... Page 90 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre news ....... Page 93 Ted Ryan: Observer Racing Round-Up ....... Page 99 Harry Beitzel: Footy Week ....................... Page 100 David Ellis: Best in Travel and Wine ............ Page 101 Local Theatre Movies and DVDs Media Flashes Country Music

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Police want life listing ■ Police want Geelong man Neil Hogg, 53, to be registered as a sex offender for life after his second indecent sexual act with a child in four years. Hogg returns to Court onAugust 2.

Telstra asbestos probe ■ Prime Minister Julia Gillard says Telstra needs to address illegal dumping of asbestos by NBN contractors at Ballarat.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Cloudy. 10°-17° Thursday. Morning shower or two. 8°-18° Friday. Shower or two. 12°-18° Saturday. Cloudy. 10°-17°

WIN 2 SUNDAY ROAST MEALS WORTH $80 We have 10 double passes to Captain Baxter, St Kilda Beach. Each pass wins 2 x $40 Sunday roast meals

Please note that both meals need to be booked and used at the one time. Captain Baxter is open for Sunday, 12 Noon-3pm. The offer expires on Sunday, September 1, 2103. The meal does not include any drinks or alcohol. The meal does not include anything other than the two courses mentioned above. Dietary requirements available on request. You are welcome to bring one bottle of wine, per booking 2-4 people, pre-2010 to drink free of charge. You are welcome to add guests to your booking, they will be charged at $40 pro rata.

Mail entries to: Captain Baxter Comp.

Melbourne Observer, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 to reach us by 5pm Fri., June 7, 2013

Captain Baxter, St Kilda Beach, is fast becoming the perfect winter hangout.

Serving a delicious Sunday Roast every week and giving diners the chance to BYO a bottle of pre-2010 vintage wine - free of charge, with no corkage fee.

The Captain’s $40 Sunday Roast will be served every Sunday from 12 Noon.

Lunch includes two courses; an entree of charcuterie and the weekly Sunday Roadt to share.

Local produce will be served where possible and the offer is valid until September 1, 2013. Sommelier Luke Campbell from Vinified, will join huests for lunch and discuss vintage wine tips and choices.

The offer is BYO one bottle of wine (pre 2010 vintages, per booking of 2-4 people).

As a winner, you’ll be required to book a table, and let Captain Baxter know you have a voucher for two Sunday Roasts.

Call 8534 8999 or e-mail info@captainbaxter.com.au TELL US YOUR BIRTHDAY

for publication on Observer Readers Club page day

month

year

Name: ...................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................... ................................................ Phone: .................................................

Winners’ names will be announced in the June 12, 2013 edition. Passes will be mailed to prize winners.

Usual Observer competition conditions apply.

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ I want to make mention of a dear friend of mine who passed away recently, his name was Leigh Smith.

I had a lot of wonderful times with Leigh. We laughed, we partied and we had the best dances to Prince’s Purple Rain too many times to remember.

He was my hairdresser for years and also a great mate.

We shared many happy times together in Sydney, Melbourne and Phillip Island. The best times in Phillip Island.

Sadly we lost touch in recent years, I will be there to farewell him at his funeral. I was so sad to hear of his passing. He was 56 years old.

Too young to die.

I will always remember the good times, he will be missed by many people. Some rich and some famous, and some not so. He was very loved … let me guide you to the Purple Rain. Vale Leigh Smith.

To

Di How great thou art ■ I became a great aunty recently and it was such a thrill. I can’t even explain how ‘great’ I felt!

A dear little girl named Beatrice Charlotte has an already made Aunty Mame ready and waiting to show her the joys of life.

It bought a tear to my eye. Having chosen to not have children of my own it is a most wondrous thing whenever any of my friends have babies.

Having been given the title Aunty of my tribe by indigenous actor David Gulpilil some years back, I knew I have been in good company of Aunts over the past few years.

WonderfulAunties that we all know: women like Mae West, Greta Garbo, Queen Elizabeth, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, Kylie Minogue and Zara Phillips to name a few!

I remember as a youngster watching tele and seeing famous aunts on television, “aunts” that were part of our families.

Each was cast with a purpose, some to take the place of a mother figure others to add pizazz to the cast.

Aunt Bee, from the Andy Griffiths show, was one of the more well-known aunts of television. She kept the home fires burning, and dinner on the table and added sensibility to the household in each episode when required.

All was right with the world when Aunt Bee was on the screen. She was always wearing an apron, making apple pie, she loved her nephew Andy and his son Opie at all cost and unconditional love had a face for what I could see.

This pleasing well rounded womanwas just as much a part of the show as Sheriff Andy Taylor, Opie and Deputy Barney Fife.

Aunt Clara from Bewitched is the most comical aunt on television from memory. She was a witch who was losing her powers due to old age and her mishaps of wrong spells added comedy to the show.

Remember a goat instead of a coat would appear when Aunt Clara would try her magic.

Aunt Vivien, of the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, really kept the household going. She had great common sense, while everyone else was going about everything the wrong way.

In a terrific article, titled The Famous Aunts Of Television, The Aunts And The Roles They Filled, journalist Roz Zurko wrote Zelda and Hilda, the aunts of Sabrina The Teenage Witch, were comical and fun to watch.

These two aunts were complete opposites and managed to bring up Sabrina nicely.

All these aunts taught lessons and got caught up in capers, but they made me wish for aunts just like them.

My favourite aunt was certainly Rosalind Russell, in the 1958 movie Auntie Mame – she is the aunt I most identify with.

I adore watching that film and must get it out and have another look !

I love my job!

■ One of the best ideas I have heard of recently is Suspended Coffee! And it’s come to Melbourne.

Many years ago in Naples, Italy, (I’ve been there!) a tradition was born. Expresso Sospeso. Translating as ‘suspended coffee’, the idea is simple.

I go into a café, bakery, and restaurant and pre-purchase a coffee or food. This is then a ‘suspended coffee’.

Someone in need can then go into the business and ask if they have any ‘suspended coffees’.

They are then provided with warmth and nourishment at no cost to themselves.

Paying it forward, one coffee at a time. Humanly restored.

For MYTH OF THE EVIL WOMAN with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

■ It was reat to catch up this week with Tara Moss at The Wheeler Centre.

Looking as fabulous as ever, Tara spoke for 30 minutes at the Lunchbox/Soapbox series: Deadlier Than The Male: The Myth Of The Evil Woman.

Throughout history many – if not most – cultures have perpetuated the myth of the evil woman.

As a television presenter, journalist and popular crime novelist, Tara discussed evil women, female criminals and the demonisation of the female gender: from Eve and Pandora to Elizabeth Bathory (The Blood Countess) and Paula Broadwell, the author of General David Patreaus biography, who admitted an affair with her subject.

It was an amazing talk and is online for all to see at www. wheelercentre.com Tara’s latest book Assassin was on the table for purchase, so I couldn’t resist getting a

Gold 104.3’s Brigitte Duclos, and Melissa Pinder from Crown, and the gorgeous Natalie Grosby.

Ann, of course, was looking fabulous This is a great idea to take a friend.

I have already invited a friend to join me next week for a glass of bubbles and it is a treat for her.

It is certainly to become a popular place as it is open daily from 12 noon until 5pm. Very sensible.

Men like morning tea too so it’s a great idea to invite a favourite man along too!

Who doesn’t love traditional raisin and butter-milk scones, homemade jam, and clotted cream.

Also on the menu

● Tara Moss with Di Rolle copy and getting her to The Waiting Room sign my books. at Crown Towers is One of my a must. hobbiesis getting auRediscover oldthors to sign their books. world glamour and soI have a great collec- phistication synonytion, from actor mous with hotel lobby Stewart Granger to bars from the 1920s and Tara Moss, What a the traditions of afternoon tea. lucky girl I am!

The Waiting Room, rich in design featuring silver mosaic walls, sunken velvet chairs, mood lighting ■ It is no secret that and vintage crystal Ann Peacock ‘takes glassware creates the the cake’ when it perfect setting for afcomes to being the host- ternoon tea within the ess with the mostess.

Crown Towers lobby.

I was wonderful to And she has done it see some of Melagain.

I have to say I do bourne’s gorgeous love going to Crown well-known girls at the Tower,s and now there launch: Michelle is an even extra special Stamper from Channel 9, Dee Dee reason to go ● Stewart Granger (see also Page 14) Afternoon Tea at Dunleavy from 3AW,

are whisky-marinated salmon croissants, and gin and tonic jelly with sweet cucumber from the sweets option.

How about pistachio sponge with orange marmalade and chocolate éclair.

Not to mention the Jing Tea and Vittoria Coffee. I always like champagne with my tea at afternoon tea and my choice would be a flute of Louis Roederer champagne! A fternoon tea is from $49 up to $69 per person.

Booking are essential and maybe made by contacting The Waiting Room on 9292 5542 or on line www. crownmelbourne. com.au/AfternoonTea-at-The-Waiting Room/ - Di Rolle

A visit to Crown

● Rebecca Judd at The Waiting Room at Crown Melbourne

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 7

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Showbiz News

BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR ON ANNIE Briefs Seizure

■ Members of the St Kilda Crime Investigation Unit executed a warrant at a gallery in Acland St at the weekend.

Police seized several pictures that were on display allegedly depicting sexual acts with children’s faces superimposed onto the characters.

Back soon

● Yvonne Lawrence ■ We are hopeful that Observer columnist Yvonne Lawrence will be back on deck in the next week or two.

Yvonne have been suffering from broken ribs - but we will let her tell the story!

■ And ‘bon voyage’ to Country Crossroads columnist Rob Foenander who is about to embark on a twomonth Aussie road trip. His column will return late next month.

We always love to hear readers’ news.

E-mail to: editor@localmedia. com.au

■ Babirra Music Theatre's production team for Annie , playing at the Whitehorse Centre until June 9, comprises some of the most highly-respected artistic creators in Victorian community theatre.

The masterly experience of Alan Burrows (director), Danny Forward (musical director), Susan Lewis (choreographer), Chris White (set designer) and Jason Bovaird (lighting designer), plus Ann Hubbard's costume design and Greg Ginger's sound design, combine to present a top version of this family musical, which originated as a comic strip.

Quinn Cameron is a refreshingly natural Annie (alternating in the role with Anita Karabajakian), and Zak Brown is terrific as Daddy Warbucks.

Talented Nicole Kapiniaris works hard as Miss Hannigan, but overplayed the character's tipsiness on opening night.

Lauren McCormack presents a delightful performance as Warbuck's assistant, Grace Farrell, Richard Burman gives new flair to the role of butler Drake, Peter Maver is well-cast as President Roosevelt, Harrison Wall (Rooster) and Kate Spruce (Lily St Regis) add lively fun, as do Chris Handley (Bert Healey) and Stephanie Burt, Natalie Carden and Meg Hanlon as the melodic Boylan Sisters.

Eight wonderful junior performers portray Annie's orphan friends: Olivia Sprague (Mollie), Lilith Fraser (Duffy), Rebecca Fitton (Friday), Allegra Annetta (July), Mackensie Young (Kate), Georgia Chalfon (Pepper), Keely McGuire (Queenie) and Alexandra Denovan (Tessie), and Shine as Annie's canine companion Sandy, steals the show when onstage.

Stephanie Powell is a stand-out as the star-to-be, and it is a joy to watch the excellent ensemble render Susan Lewis's snappy, well-rehearsed choreography, accompanied by Danny Forward's fine orchestra.

Chris White's first-class sets are complimented by Jason Bovaird's stunning lighting, and the smooth staging is a credit to all involved.

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’

Prisoner ‘event’ planned

● Lauren McCormack in Annie Photo: Gavin D Andrew Babirra's front-of-house staff look traditionally resplendent in black and white with lapel red roses.

Extra shows are being scheduled, so best book today and don't wait until 'tomorrow'.

Tickets: $38/$34/$30. Bookings: 9262 6555 or tickets@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or www.babirra.org.au - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

‘DITTO’ TO RETURN

■ La Mama Theatre presents Ditto, A Story from June 19 - 23.

Ditto, A Story always exists in the same city and at the same time as the theatre it is being shown in.

It focuses on a snippet of time in the lives of three young actors sharing an apartment in Melbourne, in rainy June.

They are intensely passionate about what they do and their approach to life is urgent, immediate and competitive.

Between the tensions of their severe friendship however, there is love, and that is what lies at the heart of the play - a universal story about love and three young dreams trying to find their way through life.

The play is emotionally charged and the roles demanding on its cast.

THE BARREL

● Malina Mackiewicz in Ditto, A Story, playing at La Mama Theatre from June 19-23.

With a different guest director auditioning the actors live every night, they have to be prepared for anything, and so does the audience.

Written and directed by Lech Mackiewicz and performed by Mischa Grünenberg, Malina Mackiewicz, Annie Schofield and Reece Vella, Ditto, A Story is coming to Melbourne for its second season after a successful Sydney run.

Guest directors: Deborah Leiser-Moore (June 19), Melanie Beddie (June 20), Suzanne Chaundy (June 21), Cheyney Caddy (June 22), Daniel Schlusser (June 23).

Times: Wed, Sun 6.30pm ; Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm. Running Time: Approx. 120 min. Venue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St, Carlton.

- Cheryl Threadgold

$120,000 penalty

■ Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited has paid a penalty of $120,000 to comply with an infringement notice given to it by the Markets Disciplinary Panel.

The Australian Securities anjd Investments Commission said the penalty was for not ensuring that it had in place: ■ organisational and technical resources for its system for the automated processing of orders, including appropriate automated filters, and filters to enable automated orders to be submitted into the Australian Stock Exchange’s trading facility, without interfering with the efficiency and integrity of ASX’s market or the proper functioning of that facility.

■ Fresh on the success of the Wentworth TV series on Foxtel, Prisoner actress Val Lehman is promoting a ‘Prisoner/Wentworth event’ in February next year.

In a letter to ‘die-hard Prisoner fans at her website, Lehman says: “At this point all I can tell you is it will be in Melbourne mid to late Feb. 2014, strictly limited to ● Val Lehman 200 guests, with very very strict security. It will not be held at the studios this time, it will be a central Melbourne locfation, and possibly members of both Prisoner and Wentworth attending. As usual the charity supported by thiks event will be Positive Women.”

Lehman, who will be appearing as the Principal of Rydell High School in Grease The Musical early next year, promises that the Prisoner function will have “all the usual class and attention to detail you have come to expect”.

Alert: Rupert is in town ■ Our YouTwitFace section (Page 106) reports that Rupert Murdoch is in town.

On the agenda will be the 21st Century FoxNews Corporation split ... and special attention is expected to bottom line matters of the Australian newspaper operation.

His visit comes as the Chicago Sun-Times has sacked all its photographers. And sources predict cuts at the community newspaper division, where advertising sales ● Rupert Murdoch are well down.

David McDonald ‘resigns’

■ A former 3AW senior executive, David McDonald, has abruptly left his job as General Manager of sister Fairfax radio stations 4BC and 4BH in Brisbane.

Greg Newman of Jocks Journal reports that after 10 years senior managerial positions, McDonald’s departure was announced by Fairfax Media.

“Radio is an incredibly ● David McDonald competitive business and I’ve very much enjoyed my 10 years with 4BC and 4BH,” McDonald said.

“It was great to join Fairfax Radio and take the path to improved performance levels. Life is about change, which excites me. I am now looking at the next stage of my working life, which holds some great opportunities and I will advise of those opportunities when appropriate."

David McDonald had previously managed Mix 101.1 and Gold in Melbourne, and Fox and Triple M in Mebourne.

McDonald is said to have resigned and left on the same day. Anthony Frangi is stepping in as Acting General Manager at Brisbane, said Fairfax Radio CEO Adam Lang.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Melbourne

Melbourne

Observer

Observer GOLDEN GIVEAWAY

Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday

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.

Ash On Wednesday

■ Our friends at Golden Days Radio 95.7 are releasing Volume 4 in their Golden Memories CD series ... and we will have five copies to giveaway in next week’s edition.

Larry James, President of GDR, and his team, have assembled a 25-track CD with 79 minutes of nostalgic sound from the 1930s to the 60s.

Station Manager Alex Hehr made the music selections that include artists such as Bing Crosby ad Louis Armstong (Gone Fishin), Jack Hylton Orchestra with Pat O’Malley (The Chum Song), and Guy Mitchell (A Beggar In Love).

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS

Mark Bolton, CEO of Ladder, with Grand Master Bob Jones Freemasonry is a largest fraternal organisation in the world that promotes moral and personal development amongst its members.

Founded in 1889, the United Grand Lodge of Victoria has more than 12,000 members who share a common belief in community values such as goodwill and charity.

The core values of Freemason include: ■ Brotherly love or Mateship, caring for others ■ Relief or community service: helping those in need ■ Truth, which are are principles, acting with honesty and integrity Through out the world it is estimated that Freemasons contribute many millions of dollars a day to charitable organisations and projects.

Last year Freemasons Victoria contributed approximately $1.5 million to the greater Victorian community.

Established in 1989 by Mr Justice Williams the then Grand Master, The Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation raises funds from the general public as well as from Freemasons.

Investment income funds raised by the Foundation are then directed to public charitable enterprises approved by the Foundation and the Commissioner of Taxation, ensuring tax deductibility for all donations.

In excess of $250,000 dollars was distributed to 58 different charities throughout Victoria in 2012, including child care, aged care, youth, health and community.

In conjunction with the Shrine of Remembrance, the Foundation also sponsors the annual Reginald and Laura Gregory Memorial Lecture and the Kokoda Leadership Lecture for Students, each year funding approximately 100 students from Regional Victoria to travel by bus to attend.

Freemasons Victoria benevolence is regularly involved in singular projects that address a specific need.

These projects can be on a relatively small scale, including donations to specific charities, to large scale projects co-ordinated with sister Australasian Grand Lodges.

These projects have included bushfire and flood relief programs, particulary with repairs and regeneration undertaken by the Masonic Task Force.

Each and every Masonic Lodge in Victoria plays a vital part in continuing the charitable and giving nature of Freemasonry. Long may benevolence continue to ever characterise us as men and Freemasons.

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.

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.

● Bing Crosby

Long Shots

Memories

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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).

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● Alex Hehr ■ Golden Days Radio Station Manager Alex Hehr has masterminded the CD which also includes artists including Don Burrows, Jane Froman, Ella Fitzgerald, Pee Wee Hunt, Joseph Schmidt, Artie Shaw, Len Maurice, Denis Gibbons, Ivor Moreton and Dave Kaye, Duke Ellington, George Trevare, Lanny Ross, Marnie Reid, Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Al Morgan, Percy Faith, and more.

■ You can purchase your copy by phoning the station on 9572 1466. Cost is $20 and these can be collected from the station (1st Floor, 1236 Glen Huntly Rd, Glen Huntly) during office hours 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Why are you waiting?

■ “Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries a responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the 'someday I'll' philosophy.”

- Denis Waitley

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

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 ■ Henry Ford once said: “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “A reckless driver is one who passes you in spite of all you can do.”

Text For The Week ■ “I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would have rain, and the field on which it did not rain would wither."

- Amos 4:7 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).

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 9

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Confidential Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Paper Giants surprises

● This week’s New Idea ■ The ABC-TV series, Paper Giants, attracted a massive audience on a cold Melbourne night at the weekend. The second part airs at 8.30pm this Sunday (June 9) over the holiday weekend.

The mini-series portrays New Idea boss Dulcie Boling, pitched against Womans Day chief Nene King, backed by their respective bosses Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer.

A surprise delight in the first episode was Melbourne actress Elspeth Ballantyne, appearing as Emily King, mother of Nene.

Elspeth made her name as Meg Morris in the Prisoner series, currently be ‘re-imagined’ on cable TV as Wentworth.

LADY PRIMROSE POTTER HANDS OVER $10 MILLION

■ Lady Potter has publicly announced a $10 million dollar grant donation to the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music at Monash University.

The donation is set to expand the School and transform the Clayton campus into a cultural hub for greater Melbourne.

Monash will name the building’s 800-seat performance venue ‘The Ian Potter Concert Hall’.

“Monash is really grateful to Lady Potter, Dr Charles Goode and the Foundation Governors for this $10 million grant," said ViceChancellor, Professor Ed Byrne.

“This grant from The Ian Potter Foundation will help Monash achieve its vision to transform the University’s Clayton campus into an alternative cultural epicentre for greater Melbourne” The iconic new building is being designed by internationally renowned architect Mr Moshe Safdie.

“Ian had a keen interest in supporting the development of Australian cultural life and a lifelong interest in the arts,” Lady Potter said.

Gigi has her ‘ears on’ ■ Devoted 3AW listener Gigi Hellmuth often has her “ears on”, monitoring the Nightline, Remember When and Australia Overnight programs.

Gigi records the programs, and posts recorded highlights on social media, as part of her admiration for the radio work of Bruce Mansfield, Philip Brady, Andrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic.

The Burwood listener went one step further this week when she wore ‘cat ears’ to the ShowBiz Social Club at the Bentleigh Club, where she took photos for the Melbourne Observer.

The ears were a gift from Gigi’s friend, Rhonda Blick.

Jetted to Thailand ● Lady Anna Cowen with Lady Primrose Potter

■ The 147-year-old Wesley College has won official permission to advertise specifically for girls to enrol at its campuses at Elsternwick, Melbourne and Glen Waverley.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal viewed affadavits by principal Dr Helen Drennan, and Wesley Global Director Andrew McAree, that the College is aiming for a 50-50 enrolment of boys and girls.

Current female enrolments are 43 per cent. Exemptions have been previously approved in 1998, 2001 and 2010. Carey Grammar and Balcombe Grammar last week won similar exemptions.

Rumour Mill

Hear It Here First

BIGGER THAN POSTCODE 3000

Court for Council’s CEO ■ Casey Council’s Chief Executive Mike Tyler is due to front Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at 9.30am this morning (Wed.) to face charges of breaching the Local Government Act. The Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office is prosecuting the matter, which alleges conflict of interest regarding an outof-court settlement with a mother-of-two. The prosecuting agency is the Local Government Investigation Compliance Inspector.

$42,000 for 23 goats ■ Four New Zealand shooters are rumoured to have been paid $42,000 to shoot 23 goats in the East Gippsland high country. Parks Victoria had set out to shoot 60 goats in the region. The Kiwi company also wiped out 15 wild pigs during the 10-day shoot-out, reports The Weekly Times. ● Robert Doyle: his Twitter photo, and this year at a Melbourne function ■ Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has an impressively thin appearance on his Twitter account.

Recent photographs suggest that he has eaten the younger man in the portrait (at left).

As the old gag goes, Cr Doyle is now so big, he has his own postcode. ● Gigi Hellmuth

Steve goes

● Steve Foley ■ It was only last June that Steve Foley was announced as News Director for The Age newspapers. Drinks were held last week at the Fairfax Melbourne headquarters for the talented newsman, who has now left that company.

Wesley wins exemption

● Elspeth Ballantyne

Whispers

Post delivers ... to 7-11 ■ Australia Post is experimenting with parcel pickups ... not at Post Offices, but at 7-Eleven stores.

Under the trial scheme, a card is left at the destination address, with the recipient then required to travel to a convenience store, then access a locker using a code.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Debra Byrne ■ Entertainer Debra Byrne has returned to Mebourne after a quick trip to Bangkok Smile for dentistry treatment. “"(I was) really happy with treatment and price,” Deb told friends.

Her treatment was over four days last week, and included accommodatoon and Air Asia flights.

On radio ■ Jamie and Judy Radfern are due to be special guests on the Sugar And Spice radio program hosted by Bob and Judy Phillips on 3RPP, Mornington, which is streamed on the net.

Correction ■ The opening night for King Kong is scheduled for The Regent Theatre on Saturday, June 15, with a party afterwards at the Melbourne Town Hall.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

Opening: Afternoon Tea The Waiting Room at Crown Towers

● Michelle Stamper and Jo Stuckey enjoy The Waiting Room

● Melissa Pinder and Amber Greasley

● Jacintha Field and Jan Breen Burns

● Natalie Grosby and Virginia Gibson

● Brig Duclous and Melissa Hetherington

● Kasia Z and Tara Hayes

● Ann Peacock and Suzanne Carbone

● Lillian Frank and Sherri Lee Biggs

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

Eat Street function Sofitel Melbourne On Collins Photos: Fiona Hamilton

‘Eat St’ at the Sofitel

■ Food, fundraising and fun were on the menu for Eat St this year. The charity event was hosted for the 14th year by Sofitel Melbourne On Collins and raised funds for Redkite, a organisation that supports children and their families battling cancer.

More than 600 guests attended the circus-themed night with some well known faces among the crowd.

Spotted enjoying the array of fine food on offer were Derryn Hinch, Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell, Nicola Charles, Miss Universe Australia 2011 Sherri-Lee Biggs, Miss Universe Australia 2012 Renae Ayris, Jennifer Hansen, George Donikian, Tiffany Cherry, Gorgi Coghlan and Lee Chan.

The event was supported by Melbourne restaurants and food companies including Flower Drum, Maha Bar and Grill, Taxi, Coda, Cumulus Inc, Bottega, PM24, Middle Brighton Baths, Ezard, Clamms Seafood, Papa Goose, Calendar Cheese, Spoonbill, The Point, Gazi, A La Folie, Ganache Chocolate, Le Petit Gateau, Pei Modern, No35, Italian Table, the Calendar Cheese Company and Academy Sofitel.

● Damien Bodie from Winners And Losers with his mum Maurene Bodie

● Veronica Fletcher with Jennifer Hansen

● Sofitel Melbourne On Collins General Manager Clive Scott with Andrew Natoli

● Lisa Edwards at the Eat Street function

● David Armitage and Sean Dempster

● Gorgi Coghlan and her husband Simon Coghlan

● George Donikian and Tiffany Cherry enjoy the circus theme at Eat Street

● Coxy’s Big Break presenter Sherri-lee Biggs

● Derryn Hinch with circus ringmaster for the evening, Andrew Natoli (who is actually the head concierge at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins).

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Victoria Pictorial

Royal Photo Collection

● Visit of the Duke and Duchess of York. 1901.

● Visit of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to Melbourne. 1901.

● ‘Arch with illuminations’, Melbourne. Circa 1930?

● Crowds lining the streets in Melbourne. Royal Visit. 1954.

● Bourke St at time of 1954 Royal Visit.

● Newspaper stand selling periscopes for Royal visit. 1954.

● Royal household group at Government House. 1901.

● Crowds in Melbourne during the 1954 Royal Tour

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 13

West Hollywood

STARS FLOCK TO RAMADA PLAZA

From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

● Jennifer Love Hewitt ■ Kitchen 24 is part of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites and is one of the hottest spots in Hollywood.

Stars like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kristin Chenoweth and Tara Reid have been spotted dining there.

Kitchen 24 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serves great American food and they also have Vegemite.

Ramada Plaza Managing Director Alan Johnson entertained a group of travel agents from the Show Group who deal with all the stars like Hugh Jackman, Birds of Tokyo and Empire of the Sun.

● Look who popped in for a drink: Gavin Wood, Alex Jesaulenko and Alan Johnson. More details next week

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd ● Hugh Jackman

Starstruck!

■ My business partner in Countdown Motion Pictures is in fact a person who worked with me on Countdown.

Adam Howard did all the visual effects on the show and now has been in Hollywood for over 25 years and has over 150 movies to his credit.

Adam's list of credits include the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn, X Men Origins: Wolverine,Armageddon, Titanic and he was honoured with four Prime Time Emmy Awards for his visual effects work on Star Trek.

Adam is up in New York working on a new feature called Birdman and here he is with one of the stars of the movie the very talented Miss Emma Stone. www.countdown motionpictures.com

● Emma Stone with Adam Howard

Busy Aussies

■ I have been a North Melbourne Kangaroos supporter since 1979, the year I came from rugby league territory, Brisbane to start at the mighty 3XY. Stars like John Farnham and Ross D. Wyllie were already great supporters of North Melbourne and they told me, no, they insisted that I become a North supporter.

You would remember the North Melbourne disco at Arden St during the 80s and the man who organised the disco, the food and everything else was Robert Smith.

Robert was the heart of the club and it is very sad that he has passed away after a long illness.

Former Director and VicePresident of North Melbourne Football Club, Alan Johnson said, "Robert was not only a great bloke but also more importantly, a major supporter of the club during arguably its darkest hour.

“With his generous personal and very significant financial support our club not only survived but also won premierships.

We owe him a lot."

R.I.P. Robert Smith.

Summer in LA

● Mandy Armstrong, Alan Johnson, Katrina Page, Lyn Keep, Juliana Kuhn, travel consultants from Show Group Travel, pictured this week at the Ramada Plaza

● Kitchen 24 on Santa Monica Blvd

● Tara Reid

■ I am sorry to rub this in but after doing 15 years breakfast radio in Melbourne and getting up at 3.30am, I would love you to thaw out by the pool here at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites and get your tan on.

Peace Out, Gavin Wood. www.gavinwood.us

● Kitchen 24 even serves Vegemite!

www.gavinwood.us

● Kristin Chenoweth

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

■ I guess if you are born with the name of a famous movie star then it might be a good idea to change it to avoid confusion if you want to become a film star yourself.

In 1938 young James Stewart, who lived in the UK, did exactly that by taking the ‘stage name’ of Stewart Granger, and went on to become one of the famous film stars of the 20th century.

James Lablache Stewart was born in West London in 1913 and his grandmother was an opera singer and his grandfather was an actor.

Young James decided at an early age that he was also going to be an actor. He worked in repertory theatre for many years during the 1930s before being cast in a professional play opposite Lawrence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.

When he was offered a small uncredited role in the film So This Is London, the young actor decided to change his name to Stewart Granger - to avoid being confused with the famous Hollywood actor James Stewart.

But to his friends he was always known as ‘Jimmy’. He married the actress Elspeth March in 1938, the marriage was to last for 10 years and the couple had two children.

During the war years Stewart served in the Gordon Highlanders and then in the Black Watch.

He was invalided out of the Black Watch in 1942 due to stomach ulcers and lived with the guilt of knowing that his entire platoon had been later killed whilst on active service in North Africa.

Whatever Happened To ...

Stewart Granger

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM The following year Stewart was cast in his first major film role in The Man In Grey and worked with James Mason, Phyllis Calvert and Margaret Lockwood.

It was in this film that he learned not to project his voice as he had done onstage but to speak quietly and naturally whilst on camera.

He became friends with James Mason and described him as one of his closest friends, a wonderful actor and a humble and wonderful man.

In 1948 Stewart and Elspeth were divorced.

He continued to make films in England and in 1950 signed a seven-year contract with MGM studios in Hollywood.

Stewart moved to the US and made the film King Solomon's Mines.

● Stewart Granger He married British actress Jean Simmons in a bizarre wedding ceremony organised by the film producer Howard Hughes. His friend Michael Wilding was best man.

At this stage Stewart was a tall handsome man in his late 30s. He looked good in tights, could handle a sword and was cast in many of the MGM period films during the early 1950s. He starred opposite Jean Simmons in several films including Young Bess in 1953. Stewart would later say

that he hated all his films and never watched them.

Some of his best films included Fanny By Gaslight, Scaramouche, The Prisoner Of Zenda, Beau Brummell, Bhowani Junction and North To Alaska.

In 1956 Stewart Granger became a naturalised American citizen. His marriage to Jean Simmons ended in divorce in 1960 and four years later he married Caroline LeCerf.

Stewart continued to make films during the 1970s and was cast as a regular character in the television series The Virginian.

In 1978 he starred in The Wild Geese opposite Richard Burton, Roger Moore and Richard Harris.

In 1981 he published his autobiography Stewart Granger - Sparks Fly Upward.

Stewart Granger died of prostate cancer in 2003 in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 83.

He starred in more than 60 films and always seemed to have a great screen presence and a wicked sense of humour - Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

FRIENDLY FINGER FOR MOTORISTS

■ I have often waxed lyrical about the ornithological delights of the Centre even just on my own five acres I would be greeted daily with such feathered delights as black cockatoos, countless chattering finches, stunning Major Mitchells, and several species of spectacular wrens.

And, of course, the proud soaring wedgies overhead.

However, there is an interloper.

How it's flying around Alice Springs is a mystery, but there it is, large as life.

The Forest Wagtail.

It's normally found in the wilds of Thailand and Cambodia, and has caused a stir of excitement amongst the twitchers of the Centre.

However, there is a problem. Upon entering Australia it had the audacity to slip through Customs and Quarantine, so it just may be carrying the recently released Asian H7N9 virus.

So, of course, Alice Springs residents have been warned of this imminent potential danger.

Veterinary nurse Emma Putland has warned anyone who may be worried to contact the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, and have a hospital check up. And to report the matter to the local Parks and Wildlife office.

Seems like a wise course of action - I'll bet they'll be flooded with panic stricken field naturalists.

■ "Comin' to the Jam?" I was often asked. That was the Monday night ‘Jam Session’ in the Todd Tavern.

There was a resident band, ‘Brothers in Booze’, headed up by local music legend Herman Marcic, and any other spare or budding musos floating about, or visiting town, were invited after join in the fun and the mayhem.

And it was.

It started off in the mid eighties by a Sydney band called Pojo Monkeys, who regularly visited town as part of their national tour.

Mondays were always the night off, both for them and a few other bands based in town, so ‘The Jam’ reared its head.

I would often wander along to catch up with my friends, and to watch Herman encourage nervous young wannabes up from theaudience on to the stage for their first shot at fame.

It was quite inspiring to see him encouraging these young guys to "have a go".

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au Of course it went far into the night and the early morn.

I would often encounter bleary eyed, hungover friends on the Tuesday morning.

"Jam last night?"

"Yair."

■ Drinkers are still at it in the Centre.

A 22 year old man was pulled up last week with an 11 month-old unrestrained baby in a rear passenger's lap.

His reading was 0.315!

Police were initially alerted when he was noticed driving along the wrong side of the road.

Then another boozer crashed into a roundabout, then a tree. His four passengers all ended up in hospital.

The next driver didn't drink, but she rolled a car over on the Stuart Highway at Ti-tree, causing the four passengers to be treated at the hospital and the local clinic.

She was 13.

And there was an unlicensed hoon in Darwin who was burning out on a quiet suburban street, when he decided to swerve into a strolling dad and his

baby son. The father had the presence of mind to film the perpetrator, so he's in trouble!

And finally an 18-year-old girl was overtaking a road train on the Stuart Highway at Virginia, when a drunken passenger decided that it would be a good idea to moon the truck driver.

So he dropped his trousers, and struggled to get into position. However, he overbalanced, and fell on to the driver, causing her to veer off into the scrub, on to a rock, narrowly missing a large gum tree, then flipping the car.

"A complete act of stupidity!" the attending officer noted.

■ There can never be enough said about the damage which feral animals, whether domesticated or ‘wild’, have done, and continue to do, to Australia's fragile environment.

Currently there is an online petition to stop the aerial shooting of feral horses. There's a plan to shed 10,000 of these creatures on Tempe Downs Station in the next couple of weeks.

The Waler Horse Society, along with various other welfare groups, opposes this, claiming cruelty to those that are merely wounded.

Granted this is true, but with the current drought conditions in the Centre, many waterholes are drying up, and thousands of horses and camels are just simply dying of thirst.

So, basically, it's a decision as to which is the lesser of the two evils.

The Aboriginal body, the Central Land Council, is taking part in the cull, saying this is the most efficient way of dealing with the problem of the over-population of these feral animals which are destroying the flora of the country in their thousands.

The petitioners are suggesting that traditional owners should have training programs to minimise the population, building fences around water holes with holding pens: and animal musters and horse traps.

All admirable sentiments, but years in their implementation however; knowing ‘Territory Time’, never going to happen.

Meanwhile they're all dying of thirst and starving to death right now.

■ I've been travelling around the Outback in automobiles for the past 65 years or so.

When I was but a toddler, I noticed that there was a ‘bush’ way to greet the oncoming motorist -with a finger salute.

● Friendly acknowledgement on the Territory roads

Just a casual, friendly little acknowledgement.

Now Dr Adrian Pearce has launched into print on this very topic.

He's the University of Queensland anthropology professor; his study is entitled ‘The Phatic Finger’.

He is enthusiastic about the habit, claiming that we prefer to see people as rounded individuals, not just a physical objects behind the windscreen.

And I concur! There's always a geniality between individuals in the bush, and generally the habit continues. International tourists in their Britz vans soon pick it up, bushies always respond, but I have noticed a few city slickers ignore their fellow travellers, as do many sniffy grey nomads towing their caravans, firmly grasping their steering wheels, looking down their noses at their fellow Outback travellers.

"Up them!" is always my sentiment.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

Meeting Julie Andrews

● Julie Andrews with Debbie Keyt. Sketch by Charles Ah Wah ■ Mary Poppins may be practically perfect in every way, but Julie Andrews IS perfect in every way!

Charming, graceful, gracious, beautiful inside and out, phenomenally talented, charitable, creative, intelligent, funny and more delightful in person than one could imagine! AND I got to hug her!

I had the best seat in the house, in the second row right in front of the lady herself and hung on every word and had to keep pinching myself that I was really there.

It is an evening I will never forget and it will make me smile and warm my heart every time I think of it.

I told her she was my birthday present to me and she seemed to like that and asked me if it was my actual birthday.

I told her my beautiful family and friends were sending me to Salzburg to spin on 'her' mountain and she gave a big smile and said she hopes it doesn't rain.

I have always adored her and never more so than right now.

- Debbie Keyt

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 15

er N rv se IO Ob CT SE 2

Melbourne

Observer Magazine

THEN AND NOW

By Mike McColl Jones ■ People of my age (those who are well into ‘time on’ in the last quarter), often use the phrase "back in my day".

And, this is not a ‘now versus then, contest, it's simply a collection of thoughts and memories.

I must emphasise that many things have improved drastically since "my day", while others have not.

Here are a few examples - I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

I remember collecting the ‘weekly women's’ magazines for both my Mum and Grandmother.

The glossies would feature stories like ■ ‘Excusive pictures of the Queen Mother's rose garden’.

■ ‘Latest patchwork quilting’.

■ ‘Bake the perfect date scone’, etc.

Here are some headlines from those same magazines, but recent issues.

■ "I had 3 babies in 2 wombs".

■ "I nearly married my brother".

■ "My boobs won't stop growing" ■ "I'm a sex-change Vicar".

I remember fruit and vegetables when they smelled and tasted like … fruit and vegetables.

Nowadays, there is more wax on the fruit than Joan Rivers has ever dreamed about.

I remember going for a Sunday drive with the family and buying fresh apples and tomatoes from stalls by the side of the road.

They were delicious, fresh and flavoursome.

What's happened? They now taste like Wettex.

When we drove our car into a service station, an attendant (or two), would take the nozzle from the bowser and fill the tank, while checking oil and water, washing the windscreens, and having a nice chat about the footy.

(Often you also received a half a dozen drinking glasses for free).

A visit to the local cinema was, for many, a weekly highlight.

For the price of admission, you'd get two or three cartoons, a news service (Cinesound or Movietone), a serial or two before interval.

Then, after interval it was a cartoon, a preview and the main feature.

Now it's purchase a ticket, buy a ‘Choc Top’at the candy store, sit down, watch 27 commercials, a couple of previews and then the movie.

Often one has to stay for a second movie, just to allow the Choc Top enough time to melt.

Television was quite different then.

Shows started on time ... at one stage, all networks had a clock, so you could certainly tell if you were on time or not.

In Melbourne Tonight started at 9.30pm, not a minute later.

GTV-9 in Melbourne had an early morning live show ... firstly Today with Toddy (Hal Todd) and then came TODAY with Mike Walsh.

There was a mid morning show featuring people like Vi Greenhalf , followed by Fun With Food with

Mike McColl Jones is about to celebrate 50 years as a TVradiopress writer

Geraldine Dillon. Then there would be a midday movie, followed by Tommy Hanlon's It Could Be You, and Frank Wilson's Take the Hint.

At 5 o'clock it was the Tarax Show, a live children's show hosted by King Corky, Joffa Boy, Patti Mc Grath, Susan Gaye Anderson, Professor Ratbaggy etc.

This show had a live audience and ran five evenings a week for an hour.

After that we had the news and current affairs shows.

Then we had a couple of cop shows…Division 4 or Homicide until 9.30pm when there was live variety with IMT, until 11pm or so.

Dear Eric would have driven in from home to read the late night bulletin, ending it with "God bless you, and you".

Then, Professor Browne would let us enter his study for some homespun philosophy.

Soon after this the station would go off the air, and have a sleep until about 7am.

Nowadays, we have excellent breakfast news programs (one which is hosted by a person whom I believe is the best and most versatile talent in Australia at present. Karl Stefanovic).

These are followed by morning shows, after which we can look at repeats of the shows we all saw last night.

The programs we get these days are things like World's Funniest Gallbladders, AGuide To Home Vasectomies and How I Shaved Under My Armpit And Found A Volkswagen.

And the language on television!

I am certainly no prude, but I saw a show recently that would have made

Rodney Rude blush. I once had to get official permission from GTV-9 management to write the word "bloody" in a topical sketch for Graham Kennedy.

In those days Graham was rationed to three or four "bloodys" a year.

(I remember one night when he was really on a roll, he "blew" five years supply).

Gone are the days when you could go down the street and buy a few items at the local shops.

Now, you have to enter a store the size of the MCG, and instead of purchasing a pen, you have to buy a dozen.

One fruit juice? No, you have to buy a pack containing 12.

And try looking for our famous brand names. Products like Bushells tea, Scotch Finger and Tim Tam biscuits, Fantales, Jaffas, Cherry Ripe, Freddo Frogs, Violet Crumble and Vegemite.

They're ALL overseas owned.

I remember when milk was quite creamy…nowadays, to get creamy milk, you have to buy cream (or a cow).

(That's what used to be on the top of milk).

We used to have mail delivered twice a day and every Saturday morning.

When there was a death in the family, the funeral took place, and that was that.

Now, one can't listen to radio or watch TV without seeing the "red hot special" funeral deal.

They make it so enticing, you want to drive into a wall to take advantage of today's bargain offer.

It used to be a choice between a hole in the ground or on the Weber.

Now, you can have the funeral designed for and staffed by women, you can hold a party, you can be buried at sea, you can have your casket in AFL approved club colours, you can even have a celebrant in a Superman costume.

In California you can be cremated and have your ashes sent into space in a rocket.

They call it "The Last Cremains".

I guess it's the ultimate send-up!

Security throughout the world has taken on an entirely new meaning since 9/11.

Lara Bingle was once asked what she thought of 9/11.

She said: "They make very good Slurpees".

Remember how we used to be able to send our children up to the flight deck on a plane for a ‘look see’.

The only people you'll see on flight decks these days are crew, cabin staff or … terrorists!).

The whole world has taken all kinds of precautions since the sad events of that September day, but I believe that we in Australia are much better prepared than any other country.

Firstly, we found a great use for our "Be alert, not alarmed" fridge magnets.

How else would we have managed to display recipes, tuck-shop rosters and photos of our children?

Little does the enemy realise, that if a foreign power planned to invade Melbourne, and arrive at St Kilda beach on a Sunday arvo, I defy them to get a parking spot, much less take over the city.

If they arrive at night, they'd have to be prepared to walk a lot - they'll never get a cab.

If they fly into Tullamarine, odds are they'll crack it for a baggage handlers' strike and instead of unpacking their AK-47 rifles and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, they'll finish up with a case full of Bali carvings and T-shirts from Taiwan.

They could come here as freight, but that wouldn't be such a good idea either.

If they picked a hot summer day when everyone was on strike, they'd be in a carton sandwiched between tuna from Thailand and prawns from Peru.

How do you reckon they'd feel after a few days of that in our January heat?

How about shopping in one of our wonderful department stores?

I remember the days when the moment you walked into the store, before you could say "value and friendly service", you were assailed from all sides with "Can we help you?", "Please go ahead and look ... just call if you need some service".

Those were the days when department stores had their own training facilities - one particular store had a complete floor for teaching staff how to be better at their job.

Nowadays, one has to have complete cardiac arrest - with pike, to even get a glance from a salesperson.

I can understand why some people shop-lift. It's about the only way they can served.

Years ago when you dined at your favourite restaurant, you sat on comfortable chairs, had fresh linen on the table, a quiet atmosphere, with perhaps a pianist gently tickling the ivories, an attentive waiter, and menus that you could understand.

Now, in many cases, you book a table (often to be asked "first or second sitting?"), sit on chairs that are (a) very modern, and (b) more uncomfortable than sitting on a Mallee root.

Nowadays, it's trendy to serve vegetables that are half-cooked, with the main course in the centre of the plate (usually with a flower on it), and if you want vegetables, you have to pay extra.

(Hey, when did that start? I remember the days when the meal came all inclusive!

Perhaps it won't be long before we pay "per pea".)

I don't think it's a case of Then versus Now at all.

I think we have good and bad in both.

What do you think?

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Readers’ Club The Way We Were

100 Years Ago The Broadford Courier Friday, June 6, 1913 THE ELECTIONS It was unfortunate that such a miserable wet day struck the federal elections on Saturday, and it seems that Broadford was not alone in this respect, as practically every town in the State was visited by this cyclonic disturbance.

Some parts fared worse than others, but it undoubtedly affected the voting in many places.

Locally it fined up in the afternoon, and cabs and buggies were kept busy briinging the lady voters to the poll, which kept the returning officer and his staff busy throughout the afternoon.

After the close of the poll the returns came to hand very slowly, but the progress returns that came through at 9 p.m always gave a slight lead to Mr Palmer. The Bruadford poll was known at about 10.15., and a little later the first city return came to hand, the figures indicating that the contests in the various electorates were going to be very close.

The returns for Echuca were very much delayed, but those that came to hand showed that there was every prospect of Mr Palmer being returned, but not by much a hand.

The polling between Labour and Liberal in this district was very elose there only being a difference of 41 votes.

The result surely will now convince Mr England (and it is also hoped The Age too) that the electors have no time for a third candidate. if he is an Indipendent.

Labour did not want him, and those who voted for him evidently have no policy of their own, but would rather throw away their vote on a meddlesome intruder.

The same thing applies to Corio, and Bendigo, the Independents only scoring a fraction of the votes. They have, however, enriched the Federal Government with their deposits

Melbourne Photo Flashback

● On Sunday, January 28, 1906, the excursion train from Belgrave to Gembrook derailed just before the trestle bridge, injuring many passengers. Early reports suggested that the train was behind schedule and the driver was speeding to make up for lost time. Injured passengers were taken to Belgrave Station. Charlie Hammond took photographs available at Trove.nla.gov.au Thanks also to Mt Dandenong and District Historical Society Inc.

Word Of The Week

Reader Recipes

■ Vainglory. Inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity.

Queen’s Birthday Sausage Rolls Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 red onions, halved, thinly sliced 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 sheets frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, partially thawed 1 egg, lightly beaten 8 thick beef sausages tomato chutney and salad greens, to serve Method Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until tender. Add sugar. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until caramelised. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cut each pastry sheet into 4 squares. Place 1 square on workbench. Brush 1 edge with egg.

Spread 1 tablespoon onion mixture over pastry.

Top with 1 sausage. Roll up pastry to enclose sausage, with egg-brushed edge on top. Press to secure. Place, seam side down, on tray. Repeat with remaining pastry, egg, onion mixture and sausages. Brush tops with egg. Score with a knife.

Sprinkle with pepper.

Step 3: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until sausages are cooked through and pastry is golden.

Serve with chutney and salad.

Observer Mailbag ■ Observer reader Greta is moving house and has a substantial collection of many VHSs with varied,award shows, interviews, 30years of television,35th Logies, best of Ed Sullivan etc and asks if we know anyone that would like her cherished collection? “I just can't bear the thought of filling up the re=cycle bin/bins”. Inner southeast. editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Your Stars with Christina La Cross ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) Mars, the planet of change and also your ruling planet, brings out your stubborn side and until you get your own way you won't be showing close ones any understanding. After today's revelations though you just might.

TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) Dress well when you go out today. The stars are about to reward you for your patience and an array of intriguing faces comes before you. Be you. It's what will find you the right match.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Sometimes when you act as if you can do something, you find out that you actually can.

Part of your problem is that you're the only one who didn't believe in you. Time for change, starting now.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Stop arguing and shouting and start talking. The immature attitude which you've been adopting in recent days is only pushing you apart, not closer to those you care for. Talks tonight build bridges.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Although this is turning into a very expensive month, it is also turning into a productive one too. Someone you thought didn't have your back in business is about to prove otherwise to you.

VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) Pride is one thing, but an ego out of check is another. Virgo, are you spending just a little bit too much time in front of the mirror? People are more concerned about their own looks rather than your preening.

LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) If there are any legal matters coming up, don't worry but prepare. You see, your stars show me that there is nothing before you that you cannot achieve, especially with a little of that Libran organisational skill.

SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) What you say and do today is of more importance than you imagine. Close ones will be acting on your advice and repeating it. Think before you speak and don't give out flippant advice.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) When times get stressed it's easy for you to turn on those you love. If this is happening to you then take some time out. Your stars show a rest can work miracles for you today.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) Certain signs are not being as real' with you as they say. Try not to act on any advice you have not had chance to thoroughly check out for yourself. You'll find out why by Thursday.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) For reasons you'll soon see, it's vital that you remain in control of your life. Remember what happened last year when you let others control it? Don't go down that path again.

You're stronger now!

PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) You don't understand what others want from you at this time and there is a degree of frustration in your chart.By tonight you get confirmation that you have the power to control, not be controlled.

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Birthdays/Celebrations ■ Wednesday, June 5. Happy birthday to Melbourne musician John Montesante.

Jockey Roy Higgins is 75. Actor Martin Vaughan is 82. Actress Toni Pearen is 41.

Sports presenter Sam Lane is 34. Lara Ningle is 26.

■ Thursday, June 6. Observer reader Roy Armstrong of Moonee Ponds is 81. Journalist Caroline Wilson is 53.

■ Friday, June 7. Happy birthday to music industry publicist Bec Brown, currently holidaying in Hawaii. Former ABC presenter Mary Delahunty is 62.

■ Saturday, June 8. We remember the birthday of the late Jim Long. Cardinal George Pell was born in Ballarat, 72 years ago.

■ Sunday, June 9. Melbourne’s own Jane Kennedy blows out the candles today. Actress Diane Craig is 64. Happy birthday to actor Terry Norris who is 83.

■ Monday, June 10. Birthday honours to Natasha Stipanov and Jacki Marcon-Green.

Media man Tony Martin was born in 1964.

■ Tuesday, June 11. Singer Pat Wilson is 65. Football identity Mark Harvey is 48.

Bonus Melbourne Photo Flashback

● Melbourne Flashback from the June 1, 1966 edition of Go-Set. For the record, we guess we should comment that the skivies are no longer available for $2.15. We think the model is Sue Barber.