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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
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VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
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City Desk The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers
The Buzz More grants
Monash Student Association members fear the Bachelor of Per★ forming arts course will be merged with the Arts Faculty. No students will be admitted to the degree after 2013, and the course will be phased out
over the next two years, says MSA President-Elect Ben Knight. The 2013 Victorian Open Bowls championship was launched on Friday (Nov. 1) at the Shepparton Park Bowls Club. VIPs included Rosemary Varty, Bowls Victoria President; Graeme Bridge, Bowls Victoria CEO; Cr Jenny Houlihan, Mayor, Greater Shepparton; Graham Elliss, Lifestyle Communities Sales Manager; and Stan Hester, Shepparton Park BC Chairman. Leading UK menswear label, Peter Werth, launched its Melbourne store in Chapel St on Thursday (Oct. 31)
★ ★
OPEN GARDENS ● Heidi Victoria ■ The 2013-14 Local History Grants Program will close at 5pm on Monday (Nov. 11). Community groups across Victoria are encouraged to apply for a slice of $350,000 in funding for projects that profile, preserve and share the historical stories of the state. Minister for the Arts, Heidi Victoria, launched the call for entries in September and said individual grants of up to $15,000 are available to not-for-profit community groups that highlight the importance of preserving Victoria's history.
Book Of Everything
● Guus Kuijer ■ After wowing New York audiences with this family tale about facing fears and finding happiness, director Neil Armfield’s acclaimed production of The Book Of Everything is to be staged in Melbourne for the first time. Guus Kuijer’s classic book, adapted by Richard Tulloch, stars Matthew Whittet and opens at 7pm on Friday November 29 , at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner. This play won Best Production for Children in the 2010 Sydney Theatre Awards.
● Peter Keast of A’Beckett St, Yea - with his two dogs are Jimmy (in arms) and Chappy (Both named after Geelong football players) is looking forward to welcoming visitors on Saturday and Sunday. ■ Take time to smell the roses. The lax and reflect. Rotary Club of Yea will hold its third Two of the gardens have specialist annual Yea and District Open Gar- plant collections, one garden features dens weekend on Saturday and Sun- a magnificent and historic tree collecday (Nov. 9-10). Eleven exceptional gar- tion and another, MannaFest, is as the dens will be open to the public, most name suggests, a food garden and a for the first time. wondrous example of self-sufficiency. Gardens on display range from large Yea Garden Club is holding their country gardens to small town gardens. annual plant sale over the weekend and Some are well established with will offer an extensive range of treamagnificent trees, others are quite sures at bargain prices. young but equally stunning. Each garMorning and afternoon teas will be den is unique and there is a variety of on offer in some gardens and picnic styles to suit all tastes. lunches can be enjoyed at several beauSeven of the gardens are new open- tiful and well appointed parks nearby ings this year and the three repeat gar- or sample the many excellent culinary dens are well worth a second visit as delights in the local restaurants. all gardens are constantly evolving and Gardens are open from 10am - 5pm. with the opening a little later this year, Tickets are $5 per garden or $35 for all many different blooms will be at their 11 gardens and are available from each best. garden and Yea Information Centre. Many of the country gardens have Contact 5780 1274 for more inforthe added bonus of beautiful settings mation or check the website with expansive views and others offer www.yearotary.org.au for maps and the serenity of seclusion and garden information. encouragevisitors to stay awhile to re- Elaine White
Melbourne Moments Opening tomorrow ■ The Tim Blashki Beyond Words exhibition will be opened tomorrow (Thurs., Nov. 7) between 6pm-8pm at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery, Caulfield. The opening will be conducted by Dr Eugen Koh, psychiatrist, Director of the Dax Centre. The exhibition will continue until November 24. Proceeds of the sale of the artwork will go to The Florey Institute for research into Parkinsons Disease. The Glen Eira City Council Gallery is at the corner of Glen Eira and Hawthorn Rds.
Remembrance Day
● Rupert McCall
■ More than 380,000 Australian students will take a moment to show their respect for our servicemen and women on Remembrance Day (Mon., Nov. 11). The Read2Remember campaign has struck a chord with principals, teachers, librarians and students, as their way to show support. Read2Remember founder Chris Turner says, “Wwe would ask the schools to read a moving poem written by Rupert McCall called the Pledge Of Remembrance on November 11– Remembrance Day.”
Under The Clocks ‘Fate’ to be staged at Footscray
● Gabs Collie, Solomon Salew, Mazna Komba, Akimera Burckhardt-Bedeau and Legrand Andersen from the Western Edge Youth Ensemble and Barkly Arts Centre's Massive Hip Hop Choir rehearse for Fate,November 28-30 at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. Cheryl Threadgold has more details in the Observer Showbiz section.
And now for Oaks Day ■ With the Melbourne Cup now run and won, Flemington Racecourse is gearing for Oaks Day tomorrow (Thurs.) and Emirates Stakes Day on Saturday (Nov. 9). Ted Ryan’s analysis is in this week’s Melbourne Observer.
Countdown Motion Pictures launch
● Melbourne Observer columnist Gavin Wood has launched Countdown Motion Pictures in Hollywood. See inside today’s edition for more photos. From left: Music producer David J. Holman, music icon Max Merritt, Gavin Wood and entertainer D.Henry Fenton.
What’s On In Melbourne
British particle physicist Professor Brian Cox will return to tour ★ Australia in October 2014 in a stage presentation titled Making Sense Of The Cosmos. Cox’s 2013 Australian tour, A Scientific Phenomena, was
a sell-out. Kamahl will perform at the Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds at 11am on Tuesday (Nov. 12). Bookings: 9243 9191 or www.clocktowercentre.com.au Tickets: $20.00 Channel 9’s exclusive broadcast of The Ashes: Australia v England begins at 9am on Thursday, November 21. The Australian Chamber Choir, directed by Douglas Lawrence, presents JS Bach and His Great Teacher, at Castlemaine on Sat. (Nov. 9) and in Melbourne on Sun. (Nov. 10).
★ ★ ★
PHOTO: IKON IMAGES
Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart
E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au
Poppies - no challenge too great Remembrance Porch Thoughts
Jack Bell (WWII veteran and POW) “Remembrance Day is a very emotional time for me. Before my plane was shot down in Africa by the German Tank Division, I would carry the coffins of the airmen that were killed. “As I was carrying them, I thought of not only those who died, but all my fellow men who were serving. Quite frankly, I used to wonder what happened to all the men I went overseas with. Out of the 220 odd that went with me in 1942, only 36 of us came back. “Every day I still think of someone. I can't help it. My best friend, Tony Carter, was killed in the aircraft I was shot down in. He was a lovely fellow - a university graduate and he had the world in front of him. The hardest thing about November 11 is thinking about his death. “I also think about all those poor chaps who gave their lives for our country and I do my best to remember them, and I do remember them. On Remembrance Day I will be attending a service in Surrey Park in Melbourne. I will be remembering them and weeping for sure.”
Betty Davies (WWII veteran) “I joined the army when I was 18 in 1942 and spent 3½ years decoding Japanese Morse Code, known as Kana. The Poppy and ANZAC Appeals are the income for the RSL Welfare. “It is almost 70 years since the end of WWII and welfare is still very important part for the ex-service community. “Also it is almost 100 years since the landing of Gallipoli that is an added interest of Australian Military history. “On Remembrance Day I plan to attend a service to remember those who were killed in action and those who are no longer with us, including my late husband Ron Davies who also served in the Second World War.”
■ Every year, I purchase a poppy from one of thousands of Poppy Appeal volunteers, which I proudly wear on Remembrance Day. Whether I stop at my local shopping centre and meet one of our returned heroes in person, or pop directly into a RSL Sub-Branch when I buy and wear a Poppy, I know I am honouring our country’s heroes including my late grandparents who all served, but also know I'm supporting the lives of our veterans. The Poppy Appeal has been run by the RSL across Australia since 1921 and each year, volunteer collectors take to the streets of towns, cities and regional communities to sell red poppies to raise funds for the veteran community. Funds are used for various activities including emergency financial assistance such as food and petrol vouchers, rent and bond payments, medical needs, property maintenance, funerals, aged care support, mobility aids and other needs of the veteran community. The Poppy Appeal continues to resonate with all Australians and this year organisers adopted a new approach to help reach their goal of selling one million poppies sold in Victoria - 'buy one for you; one for your mate.' Ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11, I spoke with three proud Australian veterans to find out why Remembrance Day remains one of the most significant and emotional days in their lives; who may be foremost on their minds and why this year, they will be buying at least two poppies to proudly wear alongside their mates. You can purchase a poppy (and one for your mate) from your local RSL Sub-Branch or from volunteer collectors in your local community. Online donations can be directly to www.poppyappeal.com.au Lest We Forget - Mark Richardson
● Bob Richards, 1987 Commodore R.W. (Bob) Richards RAN Retd (Logistics specialist and undertook operational service in East Timor in 1998). “I joined the Royal Australian Navy directly from school in South Australia as a Junior Recruit, and recently retired after 39 years of service. “On Remembrance Day, I will reflect on the deeds of past members of the Australian Defence Force, particularly those who have lost their lives; I honour them and thank them for their courage and sacrifice. “I think of the wonderful country and vibrant democracy that we live in and thank them, knowing that without their commitment and determination in the most desperate of times, Australia might not be the place that it is today. “From a more personal perspective I think of my grandfather (Sergeant Charles Geoffrey Petch) who served with the AIF in the First World War at Gallipoli before being wounded on the Western Front; and my uncle after whom I was named (Flight Sergeant Robert Petch) whose body and aircraft that he was flying in over Burma in WWII have never been found. “I think of their courage and sacrifice, the horrors that they witnessed, and in my grandfather's case, I marvel at how he remained the gentle and loving old man that I knew when I was a boy. I also wonder how I might have coped had I found myself in their circumstances. “
● Bob Richards, 2013
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It’s All About You!
Melbourne
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES IN Observer BIBLE FIGHT AT TRIBUNAL In This 128-Page Edition
City Desk: Open Gardens Day ...................... Page 3 Mark Richardson: Remembrance Day .......... Page 4 Ash: The Melbourne Observer ..................... Page 8 News: Male nurse, 70, struck off ................. Page 9 Di Rolle: Nights at South Melbourne ........... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Manners please! .......... Page 11 Long Shots: Welcome to Hollywood ............ Page 12 Cup Week Fun: Photos at the Sofitel .......... Page 15 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ............. Page 16 Yvonne Lawrence: Peter’s accident ............ Page 17 Extra: Nick Le Souef, Outback Legend ....... Page 18 Peppa Pig delights Latest radio ratings Movies, DVDs Local Theatre news
Hanging of Jean Lee
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
● Archival photo of the arrest of Jean Lee ■ The Victorian premiere of The Hanging Conway), together with bassist Lucas Of Jean Lee will be presented on December 7 Taranto and drummer Joshua Barber – both and 8 at Arts House, North Melbourne of the internationally acclaimed Gotye. Town Hall, tracing the life of the last AusWorking with film practitioners including tralian woman hanged at Pentridge Jail, in Janet Merewether, Steve MacDonald and 1951. Shawn Seet, Andrée Greenwell directed the Inspired by multi-award winning projection content – drawing upon the biographic Melbourne poet Jordie Albiston’s (Ken- film documentary to provide critical narrative neth Slessor Award 2010 and Mary and context to underpin the score. Gilmore Prize) chilling verse biography, Season: Saturday December 7 and SunLee’s story plays out in a dramatic concert ver- day, December 8 sion with original music, lyrical text and hauntTime: Sat 7.30pm and Sun 5pm ing visual projections. Duration: 80 minutes no interval Jean Lee – along with lover Robert Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Clayton and criminal Norman Andrews – Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne was convicted for torturing and murdering 73Tickets: Full $25, Conc $20 year-old bookie William ‘Pop’ Kent. When Bookings: artshouse.com.au or 9322 3713 questioned, Lee perversely confessed sole re- Cheryl Threadgold sponsibility in an attempt to protect her lover. Post-punk music genres infuse a score that evokes a noir-esque underworld and exposes raw emotions, performed by iconic Melburnians: ARIA award winner Max Sharam as Jean Lee, Bad Seeds co-founder Hugo Race as Robert Clayton, Australian rock icon Jeff Duff as William Kent and Underbelly’s Simon Maiden as Norman Andrews. A seven-piece band will play out the life and times of Jean Lee, including jazz musicians Lachlan Davidson (woodwind) and Greg Spence (trumpet), violinist Andrea Keeble (Collider, David Chesworth Ensemble and Black Arm Band), keyboardist Hanna ● The Hanging of Jean Lee Silver and guitarist Willy Zygier (Deborah
■ Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Noreen Megay has dismissed a complaint by former Jehovah’s Witness member Steven Unthank against the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia. Unthank - also complaining about Messrs Helbling, Hales, Meehan, Taylor, Thomson and van der Sluis argued that an edition of the Watchtower magazine contained religious vilification material. The edition carried warnings for people to stay away from “false teachers”. The article quoted Bible verse relating to Paul and Peter. Mr Unthank said discussion about the article at a Traralgon public session caused him to bring the complaint. He said he and his brother David were shocked that reference was made to ‘apostates’ being “mentally diseased”. “The question for the Tribunal is whether the particular edition of Watchtower and the public discussion of the article is, in the current social context, likely to incite hatred, serious contempt for, or revulsion or serious ridicule of apostates (or people who have lost or abandoned their faith) in the mind of the persons to whom the statements were directed,” Ms Megay said. “Clearly both the applicant and his brother are distressed by what they see as a deliberate misinterpretation and are concerned about the effect of the interpretation on them, on their family members, and indeed on friends or even strangers who might have read Watchtower or who have might have been present at the discussion which took place at Traralgon.”
Bikie gangs alert ■ Outlaw motorcycle gangs are actively recruiting in Geelong, leaving local Police on high alert, reports the Geelong Advertiser.
Cr fights suspension ■ Former Rural City of Wangaratta Ccouncillor Dr Julian Fidge says he is continuing to participate in Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearings to have a previous suspension quashed, reports thne Wangaratta Chronicle. The entire Council was later sacked.
Bairnsdale train back ■ V/Line trains recommenced service to Bairnsdale late last week for the first time since March, reports the Latrobe Valley Express.
Portland bikies crash ■ Two members of the Gypsy Jokers Motorcycle Club are in hospital after a collision between riders near Portland at the weekend. Three were treated at the scene with gravel rash, while two men aged 44 were hospitalised with more serious injuries. One rider was airlifted to theAlfred Hospital for treatment to his shoulder and leg, says the Warrnambool Standard.
Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Partly cloudy. 12°-32°. Thurs. Chance of rain. 7 °-20°. Fri. Cloudy. 8°-22°. Sat. Chance of rain. 7°-20°. Sun. Chance of rain. 9°-16°.
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5 THE TOP 5 THINGS THAT PROBABLYWONT HAPPEN IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE 5. A Chinese restaurant to open without a chef who once worked at Flower Drum. 4. An 88-year old pensioner bashes and robs a dozen Bikies. 3. "Big Brother" to be included in the Royal Shakespearean Festival. 2. 24 racehorses sit in a grand-stand and watch 100,000 people run down the straight at Flemington. 1. Mc Donald's employees call around to police headquarters for a free lunch.
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Program at Docklands
Colleen joins Bobby Bright
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Ash The Melbourne Observer 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
● Colleen Hewett ■ Bobby Bright is launching his new EP at the Memo Theatre, St Kilda, from 7pm on Thursday next week (Nov. 14), and Colleen Hewett will be there to support. Also appearing will be Michael Oliphant, Ross Hannaford, John Dallimore, Roger McLachlan, Michael Doyle, Gerry Pantazis and Greg Clarkson.
■ John Caldwell, anti-bullying advocate and bestselling author of Full Throttle, has been named Victoria's Australian of the Year for 2014. “I sincerely hope that I can use this to help stamp out bullying in our community,” Caldwell said. “I love working with schools across Australia to help them better deal with the bullying epidemic to providing online support for kids and young Australians, and their friends and families.” PHOTO: TWITTER
● Simone Campbell with Ann Peacock
Robert, Carlos to move on PHOTO: FACEBOOK
● Plenty of Melbourne media people know radio producer Matt Simpson who proposed to his girlfriend Helena at the weekend. She accepted.
● Carlos Correa ■ ARN Melbourne, operators of Mix 101.1 and Gold 104.3, are about to lose two major members of their sales team. Robert Iannazzo, Agency Sales Director, and Carlos Correa, Direct Sales Director, reports Radio Today.
White Night apps. close
■ The expression of interest period for musicians, performers, artists, businesses and organisations wishing to participate in White Night Melbourne 2014 has closed. From 7pm on Saturday, February 22, Melbourne’s city streets, laneways, landmarks and cultural institutions will be transformed into a cultural playground from dusk-till-dawn. White Night Melbourne last year attracted more than 300,000 people to the heart of Melbourne. The event is run by the State Government.
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
● Tom Davis with Tanya Healey at Flemington PHOTO: FACEBOOK PHOTO: FACEBOOK
● Alexandra Factor with Loretta Johns Smith PHOTO: FACEBOOK
● Anthony Calea performs at Derby Day
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
PHOTO: TWITTER
● Lawrence Mooney ■ Open Channel’s next conference series program is Generation Next: Facing Up To Reality, at Docklands Studios on Monday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 10. Launched by comedian and television personality Lawrence Mooney (Dirty Laundry Live, ABC 2) and with guest speakers including Rory Callaghan (Executive Director, Shine Australia) and Deb Stewart (Consultant Executive Producer, Big Brother), Generation Next: Facing Up To Reality, will explore the escalating popularity of format based, reality and light entertainment television. Industry producers and broadcasters will have the opportunities to share production, experiences and insights into the popularity of the reality genre and speculate on the future of Australian television broadcasting. Topics will include insights into the big international formats, creating new Australian formats, the narrative element of reality television, what television networks want, as well as a number of case studies and interactive sessions. Now in its third year and supported by Film Victoria, the Open Channel Generation Next conference series support Victoria’s emerging and established screen industry practitioners with an accessible environment for networking and discussion. Open Channel is Victoria's leading centre for independent screen production and development. Executive Director Marc Gracie explained that the Open Channel Generation Next conference series has proved a real winner with industry participants. “Reality and light entertainment are so pervasive on our screens that we have perhaps become unconscious of just how significantly they have captured audiences over the last decade,” he said. Dates: Monday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 10 Location: Docklands Studios, 476 Docklands Drive, Docklands Fee: $45 Open Channel member, $150 non members Open Channel membership: $55 full, $44 concession Registration due: Monday, December 2 Registration information: generationnextreality.event brite.com.au
Vic’s Aussie of the year
● Elise Elliott with husband Tom on Derby Day
● Donna Demaio
● 3AW’s Peter ‘Grubby’ Stubbs with Helen Kapalos
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 - Page 9
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MALE NURSE, 70, STRUCK OFF Superstar
Briefs Big blitz
■ Geelong Highway Patrol conducted Operation Interlock over the weekend targeting traffic, criminal and drink and drug driving offences in and around the Geelong area. Five drivers were found to be over the limit with the highest reading furnished 0.201.
Charged
■ Investigations into a shooting death in Lavington have allegedly led to the discovery of firearms in a Corowa factory. A 32-year-old man was arrested, and Police allegedly located a number of illegal firearms and firearms parts during the search, reports the Border Mail.
Fire at pub ■ Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the cause of a fire that gutted Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel conference centre on Thursday, reports the Wimmera Mail-Times. The rest of the hotel including a restaurant was not affected by the fire.
■ Barry George Dalton, a 70-year-old mental health nurse, has had his registration removed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, after two professional misconduct charges were proven. Dalton has been disqualified from applying for registration for 12 months. He was reprimanded after evidence was given of an inappropriate personal relationship with a female psychiatric patient, comprising at least 456 telephone calls over a 10-month period. Dalton was also accused of misleading the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The Board said that Dalton sought to take advantage of one patient’s vulnerabilities, portraying her as delusional and unreliable. Dalton had continued to practise as a nurse in South Australia in 2010, despite earlier Victorian suspension, the Tribunal was told. The Tribunal comprised Senior Member Jonathan Smithers, and Members Mary Arichibald and Ros Pearson. The Tribunal was told that Dalton had a lack of real insight into the power imbalance between himself and his patients. Allegations were made that Dalton only mad admissions about the number of telephone calls with his patient after overwhelming evidence was produced. “The Board submitted that there can be no presumption that Dalton is fit to practise as a nurse now, or will be at any point in the future.” Dalton said his income had fallen from $100,000 to $37,000 annually as a result of being suspended. Of tyhe 457 phone calls, Dalton claimed he was a ‘Samaritan’, and what he did in his own time was his own business. The Tribunal said it believed that Dalton dishonestly made a call to a patient, taking on the guise of a neighbour. “Mr Dalton’s lack of candour is relevant both to the protection of the public directly, in terms of being able to be trsiyed to act in the best interest of patients, and also the consideration of specific and general deterrence,” Mr Smithers said.
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’ Mind your language
● Daniel Jow (Jesus) with sleeping disciples Peter Meehan (left), Bob Morrison and Ben Maddren. Photo: Linda Wood ■ Mornington CEF Players presents Jesus Christ Superstar, on November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8pm and November 17 and 24 at 2pm at Bellamy Hall, Queens St, Mornington. One of the best known and well-loved collaborations between Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice, Mornington CEF Players’ show is directed by Val Hardie, with musical direction by Ben Heels and choreography by Val Hardie and Ben Heels. Tickets: $22 adults, $18 conc., $14 child, $65 family of four. Bookings: www.cefplayers.com.au or 0467 185 176 . - Cheryl Threadgold
DOCTOR BANNED
■ Dr John Barry Myers has had his medical registration cancelled for 12 months, and he is not permitted to re-apply for registration before October 22, 2014. Dr Myers was found to havc engaged in unrprofessional conduct of a serious nature. There were three other occasions when similiar findings were brought against Dr Myers, VCAT was told. In 2001, Myers pleaded guilty to indecent assault. This followed a Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court case in 2000. The case was not in a medical context. No conviction was recorded. The most recent case involved an elderly female patient, who was the subject of an involuntary treatment order.
BATTLE OVER SYNAGOGUE
■ Architect Greg Shalit is claiming that Ian Perkins of Perkins Architects has breached copyright over the design on a synagogue for the Kehilat Nitzan Community. Shalit made a complaint to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, which then went before Member Anna Dea. Perkins breached the Architects Act by breaching the copyright in an early design, and he did not act to a
THE BARREL
professional standard, Shalit alleged. Ms Dea has sent the matter back to the Architects Registration Board for review. Shalit purchase a Caulfield North property which he donated to the KNC for the purpose of establishing a synagogue. The KNC Board held a competition seeking design concepts. The winning idea cost more than budget.
Shalit, a trained but not-registered architect in 2009, prepared plans on a pro-bono basis, not expecting to be paid. Perkins was engaged and changed the plans when the Board wanted an affordable single-storey version. Shalit was upset, and called Perkins, telling him to stop making changes to his design. Shalit said that he retained copyright.
‘4 breaches’ ■ The Federal Court of Australia found that Swinburne University of Technology was guilty of four breaches of the Fair Work Act in that it failed to consult with staff and the National Tertiary Education Union over its decision last July to shut its Lilydale campus and relocate the design faculty from the Prahran campus in the wake of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $290 million cuts to TAFE. NTEU commenced proceedings in March 2013 against Swinburne in the Federal Court. - Colin Long, National Tertiary Education Union
● Debra Byrne ■ Entertainer Debra Byrne was so upset with the rough language of a City horse operator that she commented on it to local Police officers. The Barrel will let Deb tell the story: “While in the city today I was in Swanston St near the corner of Flinders St, at the Commonwealth Bank. “While waiting for my cash I could hear a man nearby behind me ranting loudly and the f@#^^ and F%^&*() and fff%^&**()) and it went on and on and on. “When I turned around I saw one of the horsemen, (you know the ones who push the horses around the city with the carriages and the passenger) all decked out in his finery ... cursing swearing and just being absolutely foul. “I walked over and very politely said ‘Excuse me Sir’, then he said ‘Yeah’, and I said ‘Could you please tone the language down please?’ and he said ‘Why?’ I said ‘Because it’s offensive’ and he said ‘I was just talking to my friend’. ‘I walked away, and crossing Flinders Lane, saw the Police Station. So I walked in and two young police officers were walking out. I said ‘Excuse me’ and I told them what had occurred. Before I could finish the woman named Rebecca said ‘I know it’s horrible, I think I know the one you’re talking about. Theres nothing we can do, Im sorry. This woman was so nice. She explained if they were with me and he spoke like that, and I said I was offended they can do something, but they are unable to do anything otherwise. This individual, who speaks so aggressively, is part of Melbourne’s tourism. Not that I feel that okay with the trade but seriously could someone please, maybe Robert Doyle, have a word to this bloke and ask him to behave himself.” Over to you Lord Mayor.
A Week at The Races ■ Amusing to watch seasoned media people lining up for ‘selfie’ photos at the races with alleged celebrities. Interestingly, none of the celebrities ask for copies of the photos. ■ And it is just as amusing to watch people spending money they don’t have on things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like at this year’s Spring Racing Carnival. ■ Two more big days at Flemington ... more air kisses, more plastic smiles, more fake compliments, more champagne .... this could get ugly. - The Barrel
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
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To
Di You’ll be Enlightened!
● Laura Dern ■ I swear there is so much to do in Melbourne and Victoria lately, with no time to catch up on sleep or tele. Running to and fro events, I don’t know where to start this week. Firs, something I must share is that friends of mine in LA have been raving to me about a new television series called Enlightened, telling me it is a must see. So my calendar is marked for Tuesday November 12 at 7.30pm for SoHo channel for the first double episodes of Enlightened starring the wonderful Laura Dern. It apparently is huge in the States and a very now television series. The premise is interesting, if not a bit scary: the lead character lost control at work, went away for treatment, now she is back – refreshed, inspired and she thinks she is under control, eager to take on new challengers at her old company. She thinks she has changed herself and wants to change the world. Created by Mike White and Laura Dern, Enlightened is a series about taming one’s inner rage, and finding purpose and fulfilment amidst the great and corruption of corporate America. It sounds just like my type of television series. The series follows Amy Jellico (Laura Dern), a 40 year old woman who returns home to California after a month’s stay at a holistic treatment facility, a result of having a mental breakdown at work triggered by her selfdestructive ways. She returns to her old life with a new cultivated approach and perspective, which includes daily meditation and exhorting the power of self-help and inner healing. Though Amy wants to be an “agent of change” in the world, the people who know her best are sceptical of her latest intentions. She moves in temporarily with her somewhat estranged mother, Helen (Diane Ladd), and reconnects with ex-husband Levi (Luke Wilson), who is struggling with his own demons and addictions. This is the latest number 1 television series in the States and I think will resonate with female viewers in Australia in the thousands. You heard it from me first!
I love my job!
■ Melbourne-based winner of Miss Burlesque Australia 2013, The Strawberry Siren is spreading her delicate wings and moving to the UK after her recent triumphant world tour which saw her perform at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the New Orleans, Kansas City, Vancouver, London and Stockholm Burlesque Festivals. Before she leaves us, the exquisite redhead will tour in November on her Victory Lap Tour, once again showing audiences in Melbourne, Sydney and her home-town Albury why she is fast becoming the next international burlesque sensation. The Strawberry Siren has been dazzling burlesque audiences for the past six years, and has been performing since the tender age of 11, when she landed a place in the world renowned Flying Fruit Fly Circus – a background which has led her to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the burlesque scene, where she likes to call her own unique style, ‘Cirlesque’. Melbourne audiences can see her Saturday, November 23. Howler. 7-11 St, Brunswick. Doors open 7pm, tickets $28 + booking fee, more info ring 9077 5572. See what I mean, this city never stops!
For NIGHTS AT SOUTH MELBOURNE
■ Thursday nights at South Melbourne Night Market are back this Spring, under this new banner, a reinvention of the popular Thursday night event, Style After Dark. And what fun it is! Catering to fashionistas, foodies and music lovers, the vibrant weekly night market is now in its fifth year. It is held over the warmer months at South Melbourne Market and has become one of the mustdo calendar events of the year for me. A street market with style, South Melbourne Night Market will run to December 19 every Thursday from 5.30pm. What a great idea I am going to buy all my Christmas gifts there. The newly revamped Cecil St is abuzz under the awnings, with al fresco dining available, rain hail or shine. My type of place, it is located along the street in the heritage magnificence of the South Melbourne Market with its wide verandahs, the night market provides a vital outlet for an exciting local community of eclectic designers from new and vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery, to headwear, home wares and children’s clothing and toys. The stalls at South Melbourne Market showcase the finest of Melbourne’s artisans, celebrating diversity and creativity. I just love it. Food is traditionally a major part of the South Melbourne Night Market and this year, Melbourne’s famous food trucks will be permanently parked on Coventry St.
with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
Modern Love
● Jasmin Bell Culinary treats from ten to The Hi Fi previous regulars and Lounge Lizards, a newcomers will be Mel-bourne based available each week: acoustic/electronica Chingon Taco outfit, bringing together Truck, yum, The the finest musicianship Dude Food Man, and tastiest beats reguBretzel Biz and larly at So:Me Space. southmelbourne Crepes, to name a few. There’s great food nightmarket.com.au from around the world. Feast on famous paella, tapas and sangria at Simply ■ It’s a long awaited, Spanish or the best warm welcome back roast duck and dump- to Australia for BRIT lings in town at Linx a w a r d - w i n n i n g , BBQ and Yum Cha. Grammy nominated It’s a food safari every Scottish singer night. songwriter, KT South Melbourne’s Tunstall. funky retail concept, With five acclaimed So:me Space www.s albums and more than omespace.com.au is four million sales open every night world-wide to her throughout the Night name, Tunstall makes Market season, bring- her Melbourne Reing together the best cital Centre debut in emerging and estab- April 2014 with a live lished designers such and intimate concert in as Mr Simple, The the acoustically brilSuper Cool, Bleeck- liant and architecturally er Street and Stone beautiful Elisabeth Glint Bone – all who Murdoch Hall. . are regular features, as From her folk popwell as alternating pop- infused debut album up stores. Eye To The Telescope So:Me space is an (which spawned the innovative environment anthemic hits Black in which to shop, chill Horse And The Cherry out with a drink and lis- Tree , Other Side Of
Fiery act
● K T Turnbull The World’ and Suddenly I See (the fabulous song KT wrote as an homage to Patti Smith and featured in the Academy Award winning movie, The Devil Wears Prada, and follow-up album Drastic Fantastic, to her rebellious electro- inspired offering Tiger Suit and latest release, the alt-country flavoured Invisible Empire/Crescent Moon. KT Tunstall is an inspired singer songwriter and performer with a rich vocal range and story-telling ability that mesmerises audiences and critics alike. “Four albums in and Tunstall’s voice remains original and excellent,” wrote Q Magazine. Kate Victoria ‘KT ‘ Tunstall was a young busker before she burst on to the UK’s Later With Jools Holland television program in 2004 pumping her Wee Bastard loop machine into infectious rhythms and beats. Today, KT Tunstall has evolved into a mature, fiery and reflective artist, praised for her artful song-writing and musicality. 8pm. Tuesday, April 29, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, presented by Melbourne Recital Centre. Bookings: melbourne recital.com.au/ KTTunstall or call 9699 3333 during business hours. I am really looking forward to this concert.
■ A ‘must see’ is the Modern Love exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery. I went up as a guest of Victorian Railways and Bendigo Tourism, on the train, and it was such fun to travel so efficiently to and fro Bendigo. Running until February 2 , about 40 of the world’s most influential designers from the past 30 years feature in Modern Love. Curated by Bendigo Art Gallery, Modern Love draws on archival fashion objects from the extensive archives of Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. The first major international touring exhibition from the institution, initiated by Bendigo Art Gallery, Modern Love continues the discussion and consideration of fashion for which the Gallery has become known. Beginning with a single 1974 ‘punk’ work by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McClaren to signpost the exhibition, Modern Love focuses on almost 50 works from the postpunk period from the 1980s to the new millennium. This gem of an exhibition which I adored reflects fashion in our contemporary lives with works ranging from haute couture designs such as museum commission Alexander McQueen gowns to t-shorts and Adidas high top runners. With a relatively small tribe of designers including Issey Miyake, Carolina Herrera and Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Prada and my favourite Yohji Yamamoto, and the designers have become part of the highly visible elite with influences that has spilled over beyond the realms of fashion. The exhibition is open now, tickets are now on sale, go to www.modernlovebendigo. com - I loved it and have been telling everyone to go.
● Kerry O’Brien and Ann Morrison at our lunch to remember Suzie Howie
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 - Page 11
Melbourne
Confidential Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
MANNERS PLEASE, ARCHITECT TOLD
Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets
Frank’s day at the races
● When press photographer surround Melbourne director Frank Howson, there is usually a story in progress. We suspect we will read more about this one in this paper. ● From Page 10
Di Rolle’s column ■ The Victoria Racing Club, Hardy Brothers and Sofitel Melbourne On Collins had the best VIP cocktail party to welcome the Melbourne Cup to town and it was great to go along at the invitation of the fabulous Fiona Byrne at Sofitel. It was one of the best get togethers I have been to. It was so great to catch up with some special people particularly Jazz Bell, who looked fabulous in Cue. Jazz is proof that there is life after Big Brother. An early evictee, she has been seen a lot around Melbourne of late, at lots of get togethers, her fabulous smile lights up a room. Always great fun, she is bound to be seen a lot more in 2014 – who knows, we may see her on tele screens, my prediction is there will be big things in store for her. ★ Celebrating the homecoming of the 2013 Emirates Melbourne Cup Trophy at Sofitel also saw the launch of the champion racehorses through the exhibition by Brian Clinton, everyone had their photo taken beside the fabulous horses, particularly the champion Black Caviar. ★ A beautiful lunch was held to honour the late Suzie Howie, the much loved Melbourne publicist who we lost last year. Melbourne publicists gathered at the Bistro Guillaume at Crown to remember Suzie one year on. Her husband Paul Taylor made the most wonderful speech about her and we all toasted Suzie and remembered her words – “Enjoy Life”. I have – she will always be loved by the many PR girls who she touched and the magnificent way she did her job. She was loved by all and we did her proud at the luncheon. It was lovely to see the Deputy Mayor of Port Phillip, Serge Thomann, at the lunch, he took photos. It was also good to see Crown Media Relations Manager , Natasha Stipanov, Ann Morrison, Pam Barnes, Kerry O’Brien, Prue Bassett, Kendra Reid among the guests. - Di Rolle
■ Ex-Eltham and Nillumbik Shire President, Robert Marshall, has been told to brush up on his manners by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Member Geoffrey Code. Marshall took Nillumbik Council to VCAT over plans by the Anglican Church for its church at Panton Hill. “Before and during the ● Robert Marshall hearing, (Marshall) sought to disparage the qualifications and experience of the Council’s town planner who repoprted on the permit application and who appeared for the Council,” Mr Code said. “At the hearing, (Marshall) also sought to disparage the skill of the architect who prepared the plans for the (Diocese). The architect who prepared the plans was neither the permit aplicant’s advocate nor witness. “(Marshall) failed to comply with the obligation under the practice note (need for a party to treat other parties or representatives with courtesy or respect). “The Tribunal observed that the job of a town planner emplyed by a municipal council is a difficult one that is subject to high levels of scrutiny. “The planning system needs bright, young planners employed by municipal councils who fearlessly assess proposals and make recommendations. “They should not be subject to discourteous disparagement of their work,” Mr Code said. The VCAT decision was highlighted to pracititioners “as a reminder to parties and their representatives of the obligation to treat other parties and their representatives with courtesy and respect”. The planning permit for the Church’s planned works has been varied and will include demolition of a heritage building.
Rumour Mill
Hear It Here First
Clean bill of health
■ TV presenter Helen Kapalos has been given a clean bill of health after having an ovarian tumour - the size of a tennis ball removed in August. In an interview with Michael Lallo of The Age, Kapalos tells of losing her mother Joanna at age 56. Helen is 42. Kapalos was fired this time last year by Ten News, and has since taken over Today Tonight for the Seven Network.
To Court
■ Melbourne Media Pty Ltd has requested a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Registrars’ Hearing at 10.30am today (Wed.) to allege a civil claim against Pleasure Cruising Club Inc. for “services rendered”.
Donor ● Helen Kapalos
Troubles at cricket club ■ Sunshine Cricket Club Inc has applied to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to have a Registrars’ Pre-Hearing Conference on Friday week (Nov. 15) to allege a “breach of contract/agreement (non payment) by David Reid. ■ Needy Money Pty Ltd has asked for a hearing on Wed. (Nov. 13) at Sunshine Court to allege a debt by Matthew Eberle.
‘BELLIGERENT’ WOMAN LOSES ANTI-CORRUPTION COURT CASE
■ Gaye Luck, described by VCAT Vice-President Judge Pamela Jenkins, as “belligerent”, has lost her case against the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission. The Commission said that an application by Luck for an internal review decision over access to material was misconceived. Judge Jenkins described Luck’s 15-minute appearance as “fast and furious”. “She hastily packed up her belongings and elected to leave.” Luck wanted to record the proceedings but when the subject was raised for discussion she became “irate”. Luck said she previously advised the Tribunal Registrar that she was disabled, and had included medical certificates and various references to anti-discrimination and human rights legislation in her correspondence. “In Ms Luck’s opinion, the mere consideration of the issue meant she was being ‘abused and discriminated against’ and subjected to ‘humiliating and undignified conduct’ by the Tribunal and the Victorian Government,’ Judge Jenkins said.
Whispers
“Ms Luck’s contempt was palpable. At full volume, Ms Luck shouted variously at myself and Ms Bennett (Victorian Government solicitor),” the Judge said. “Are you going to continue to allow this to go on, because if you mention one more word about my disability and my assistant technology I am leaving the Tribunal and I will be just then moving straight into the international forum,” Luck said. Luck decided to leave after a five-minute adjournment was suggested to “collect herself”. “You are an evil person and you have no conception of what disability means,” Luck told Judge Jenkins. “You are sick and you need to have help to run a Tribunal fairly and justly. It’s an absolute outrage and it will not continue.” No decision was made on whether Luck was entitled to use the recording device at the hearing. The Tribunal was told that Luck’s behaviour before Judge
“similarly belligerent” and also ended in a walk-out. Judge Nettle, in considering Judge Macnamara’s decision to strike out the proceeding, stated: “If litigants like (Ms Luck) behave as discourteously towards courts and tribunals as the applicant behaved towards the Vice-President in this case, they ought not be surprised if the results turn out to be not to their liking.” Judge Tracy, in Gaye Luck v University of Queensland, was paraphrased: “The business of the court, and the business of VCAT no less, cannot and will not be dictated to by the uncontrolled demands of litigants who refuse to abide by the rules, practices and a modest degree of courtesy essential to keep the system in operation.” Judge Jenkins continued the application review in Luck’s absence, meaning Luck could not challenge evidence put to the Tribunal. Luck’s documents relate to complaints against members of Victoria Police. Her complaints were considered to warrant investigation.
E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au
■ It is not the usual ad that you find in the Australian Jewish News. A man this week, whose contact is sperm donor@optusnet. com.au has offered a “free sperm donation to an infertile couple”. But wait, there’s more: “I would require both members of the couple to declare in writing that they will not make any claim on my financial assets while I am alive. “I have set up a will so that any offspring will inherit my assets when they reach 18 years old after I die.”
Con men ■ Monash, Kingston and Whittlesea are hardest hit for travelling con men, says Consumer Afairs Victoria.
Chop Chop ■ Sales of illicit tobacco are under investigation. One busy store under watch by authorities is believed to be in the Boronia region, says the Leader.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne
Observer
Ash On Wednesday
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday
Melbourne TV Memories with Kenneth Mulholland
Graham Kennedy
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● The Melbourne Observer on display at the Hollywood launch of Countdown Motion Pictures late last month. ■ We are a bit thrilled this week at the Melbourne Observer. Photos have just arrived from Hollywood about the launch of Countdown Motion Pictures ... and your Observer was part of the action. Displays of this newspaper’s coverage were on display at the gala function hosted by Countdown partner Gavin Wood, and Ramada Plaza Managing Director Alan Johnson. Good fortune to all concerned. We have a special photo page of the launch in this week’s edition.
Long Shots
Reunion ■ Jacki MarconGreen is one of the Observer readers involved in the planning of a Reservoir reunion to be held at Edwardes Park Lake from 11am on Sunday, February 2. The reunion has come about after a Who Grew Up In Reservoir page attracted 1480 members in the space of a few weeks. Readers have been recalling Arthur’s Hamburgers, Lou’s Hairdressers, the Reservoir Pool, Sargent’s Cakes and briquettes. 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).
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 ■ “A compromise is a deal in which two people get what neither of them wanted.”
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “There ought to be a better way of starting a day than having to get up.”
Text For The Week ■ "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:14-15
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS 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.
● Graham Kennedy ■ I was a camera man on The Box, which was recorded on video tape in Studio B at ATV 0-10 in the early 1970s. So I worked with Graeme Blundell, although he and I never actually had much to do with each other, as opposed to Barrie Barkla, with whom I spent a few evenings, and Fred Betts who was kind enough to read and comment on some of my very early writings. Hence, Mr Blundell and I don't have much common ground, except for our interest in Graham Kennedy. Graeme Blundell has researched the book (King. The Life And Comedy Of Graham Kennedy. Published by Pan Macmillan Australia) very deeply, covering Kennedy's early life, his apprenticeship with Cliff 'Nicky' Whitta, and his breakthrough into television, the early and somewhat 'primitive' years of IMT and then the ensuing decades of 'stardom,' followed by withdrawal from the public eye and then seclusion to all but a small, and intimate circle. Yet I'm fairly sure that what Mr Blundell has discarded or omitted, either because more information would not be relevant, or for legal reasons, or simply because it would not be useful in the public domain, or the moral domain for that matter, amounts to a reasonable dossier. There are two names missing from this book that come to mind. Of course there will be many others that Graeme Blundell has culled, or simply overlooked. Be that as it may, the first is Timothy Lynch, who I met at the channel and over dinners, after his radio time with Kennedy. The second is Rob Astbury, who I also encountered at ATV 0-10 in the seventies. He is 'obliquely' alluded to in the book. The first omission, I guess, is possibly because Tim had left Australia sometime in the seventies, destination Italy, and may not have been contactable afterward. I certainly have no knowledge of him since. As for the second name; Mr Astbury, a Will-o'the-wisp, not of location, but of word-craft, has also written on the life of Graham Kennedy and of their relationship. This is a work I have not read. The fly leaf blurb terms King an 'unauthorised biography,' and an 'engaging portrait,' which it undoubtedly is. It is also the story of very solitary human being. Not a lonely man, more a private man. A man, like many other performers, who is only whole, only complete, when the audience is held, breathless, in the palm of his hand. When whatever he says can turn a stampede toward, or away from the abyss. When his control over a studio audience, a viewing, coast to coast audience, is total. Perhaps there, is where lies the power. The power to conjure something out of nothing. The trick of turning heads, hearts and minds this way and that with a smile, a nod, a wink. But, of course, it is only a fleeting deception. Even though it took years for a performer such as Graham Kennedy to attain and maintain the heights ascended, bestriding a stage measured only by his giant seven-league boots, there would come an end to it all. Graeme Blundell brings us there, through the throes of the painful, slow, drift to infinity. And he does it with as much dignity as he can muster for his subject. - Kenneth Mulholland
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 - Page 13
West Hollywood
HALLOWEEN SCARES 400,000 Australia targets US groups
■ The US represents the second largest in-bound arrivals to Australia for the year to ugust 21, with the International Visitor Survey results indicating total spend from the US has increased by 7 percent year on year and is worth $361 million to the Australian economy. Just take Sydney in the last month where you say Prince Harry and the International Fleet Review, One Direction, Ricky Martin, Roosters and Sea Eagles and Parramasala Festival in Western Sydney, Spring Racing Carnival at Royal Randwick and the Manly Jazz Festival. These events will deliver $1.2 billion of visitor spend. Melbourne just as vibrant with the Melbourne Cup the race that stopped the a nation yesterday (Tues.) and also brings in horses from around the world.
Best book shop in West Hollywood
■ Walking down the famed Sunset Strip, one turns through an unexpected entryway at 8826, proceeds down a few stone steps, goes just a bit further through a slim, magical passageway right out of old Europe and is met with blooming flowerbeds fronting a charming English cottage that might well have been plucked from Stratford-uponAvon. Inside, mellowed by the soft and soothing sounds of gentle classical music, it's as visitor-friendly as it is atmospheric and cozy; three rooms a virtual treasure trove of books - several thousand, each and every one a First Edition - immaculately organized, beautifully kept. You have arrived at Mystery Pier Books, Inc, the noted independent bookshop so often featured on television and in the major national entertainment and news magazines. The shop client list is truly remarkable from Johnny Depp, Bono, Michael Caine, Barry Gibb and Cameron Diaz. The famed bookstore is owned and operated by Harvey Jason and his son, Louis M. Jason. The owners look forward to your visit. www.mysterypier books.com
Fleetwood Mac tour cancelled
SPOOKY NIGHT IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
■ As reported in this column, unfortunately Fleetwood Mac had to cancel their 14-day tour of Australia and New Zealand this month due to bassist and founding member John McVie contracting cancer. During that time John is scheduled for treatment. All tickets purchased will be refunded. Check out all the Fleetwood Mac info on their website: www.fleetwoodmac.com
From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
Halloween was huge ■ More than 400,000 Halloween revellers crammed into a stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard from La Cienega to San Vincente for six hours of the best in family entertainment. The costumes and the Halloween originality were amazing. There are other celebrations around California like Knott's 'Scary' Farm, Rob Zombie's Great American Nightmare and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal City Walk. Nothing compares to Santa Monica Boulevard for amazing costumes and fun and entertainment. West Hollywood presented six stages of fun with 50 performers for one huge night of ghoulish fun with food, entertainment and the most creative costumes on the planet and it was free.
Paul delivers original album
■ The name of Paul McCartney's new totally original album is New - his first solo collection of original material in six years. Sounding great on both rockers and ballads, he proves his fans don't have to look to Yesterday for well-crafted songs. Save Us and Early Days are stand out songs.
Culture comes to Beverly Hills ● Ioana Ciocan, Ramada Sales Manager; Alan Johnson, Managing Director, Cristina Cazan, Front Desk Manager
Comic star honoured
GavinWood
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd
6 days in Brisbane
Record breaking
■ The stage version of the Lion King is now the first Broadway show to earn $1 billion. The national tour production returns to the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles for a run from November 20 till January 12. www.hollywood pantages.com
■ When Carol Burnett started her namesake variety show in the 1960s, one TV executive told her that what she was doing was a "man's game”. Carol proved him wrong with an 11-year run that averaged 30 million viewers every week. Last week this amazing trailblazing comedian received the nation's top humour prize at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Stars including Julie Andrews, Tony Bennett, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler performed in Burnett's honour as she received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The show will be broadcast on November 24 this year. Carol said that the award was encouraging and was a long time coming but she understood that because there are so many people funnier than her, especially in Washington. With any luck, they'll get voted out and she will still have her Mark Twain Prize.
Linda on nominations list
■ Just two months after Linda Ronstadt went public with the news that she can no longer sing because of her Parkinson's disease, she's made the final nominations list for the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of 16 performers, including Peter Gabriel, Nirvana, Cat Stevens, Yes, LL Cool J and the Replacements. The remainder of the acts whose names made the ballot that will go to the Rock Hall voters are the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Deep Purple, Hall and Oates, KISS, N.W.A., the Meters, Link Wray and the Zombies. Some 600 members of the Rock Hall including all previous living inductees, musicians, historians, journalists, critics and music industry personnel vote inductees on.
New about ‘The Duke’
■ Duke, written by Terry Teachout, who also wrote the acclaimed Louis Armstrong bio, explores the life of Duke Ellington, the visionary artist, charismatic ladies' man and African-American trailblazer who became the 20th Century's most influential jazz composer. Now this is a good read.
■ Huge names turned out for the inaugural gala of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts last week in Beverly Hills. Paparazzi swarmed as Demi Moore, Charlize Theron, Courtney Cox, Jodie Foster, Gwen Stafani and Gavin Rossdale, among others, made their way into the renovated 1934 Beverly Hills Post Office and the $70 million, 2.5 acre complex called the Wallis. John Lithgow, Kevin Spacey and Diane Lane performed readings of actual letters written by the likes of Martha Graham, Tchaikovsky and Tennessee Williams that once passed through the post office doors. Beverly Hills Mayor John A. Mirisch toasted the space and it's namesake, who donated $25 million. The Mayor said, "Now the theatre, performance and culture can now come to us." As he raised a glass to celebrate the official opening of "The Wallis." www.annenbergcenter.org
Super Bowl will be singing ■ After the very successful launch of Countdown Motion Pictures at the Palm On Santa Monica last week (see Page 119 this week) I was on the QANTAS 747 back to Brisbane to sign up our Australian agent, Andrew Boucaut, who I worked with at 3XY all those years ago. But more importantly I was to be at my daughter Shannon's wedding. It was glittering affair with me acting as Chauffeur, M.C. and Dad. My youngest daughter, Shannon was the Principal Ballerina for the Irish and Oslo Ballet Companies and after an injury has been working with Virgin Australia. Her husband Charles Eddy wrote and sang a song for her and I was amazed at his talent. Charles sounded like a cross between Harry Connick Jnr and Ray Charles. I think I will have to sign him up. On the last day of my short trip my eldest daughter, Angela told me that she was pregnant. My first Grand baby is due May 10. I flew back to Los Angeles with a very big smile on my face.
www.gavinwood.us
■ With Bruno Mars set to provide the halftime entertainment at Super Bowl XLV111 in February, a slew of acts will play warmup to him and help kick off the biggest sporting event of the year with concerts leading up to it. Video Channel VH1 has teamed up with the NFL to host six concerts in the week leading up to the February 2 Super Bowl, one in each of the five New York City Boroughs and the last in New Jersey on the eve of the big game. Sounds like one huge week of parties.
Special Holiday Offer
■ I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all readers of the Melbourne Observer. When you are planning your trip to Los Angeles 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
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Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
● Frank Fordyce and Ben Quick
● Marcus Georgiades from Fuzzy TV interviewing Think Pink Foundation Founder, Irene Hendell for an episode on Channel 31's Freemasons: The Inside Story
Big Pink Cocktail Party: a huge success ■ It's not often you see the Grand Master Bob Jones dressed in a pink racing outfit, or the Deputy Grand Master Hillel Benedykt wearing a pink wig, but on this very special occasion, all pink attire was most accepted! With raffles, auctions and pledges from Lodges throughout the State, the Big Pink Cocktail Party raised in excess of $85,000 for breast cancer awareness with funds to be distributed between the Epworth Oncology Department, Think Pink Foundation and selected rural communities. Irene Hendel, founder and chairman for the Think Pink Foundation, said that it was great to see so many people getting into the spirit of the event, and doing their best for this worthy cause. "The Think Pink Foundation is so incredibly grateful for all of the support and effort from Freemasons Victoria, and it's wonderful to see so many people all getting into the pink spirit of things", Irene said. The evening was hosted by the ladies of the Grand Team, lead by Kerry Jones and MC for the evening Peter Julier. With more than 40 raffle items and over 55 auction items being donated, many were fortunate not to leave empty handed. Auction items were donated by Freemasons, their family and friends and ranged from wine, art, house-hold items and vouchers, along with jewellery and AFL memorabilia.
● Peter Julier and his wife Lyn. Inset: Grand Master Bob Jones in pink racing-wear Also up for grabs was a dinner for four with Stark with tickets at the door. the Grand Master. With more than 150 people in At 9:30pm the winning bids were announced, attendance, the band, led by WBro. Jim along with 'best dressed' awards - winning in the Puohotaua, played to a sea of pink top-hats, men's category was Ben Quick for his attempt feather boas, dresses and suits, not to mention a at 'man in tights' and the De La Rue sisters, Jade suspicious pink panther assisting WBro. Justin and Holly, in the ladies category for their pink
kangaroo onesies. Executive Assistant Donna De La Rue said that over the past month some fantastic events have been co-ordinated by the Lodges throughout Victoria, generating great interest in the campaign. "Many Lodges took part this year by organising breakfasts, dinners, barbecues, trivia nights and raffles, to mention a few and the proceeds were personally handed to the Grand Master Bob Jones and his wife Kerry at the Big Pink Cocktail Party. Lodge events alone raised more than $55,000,” Donna said. Freemasons Victoria set the bar high this year and challenged members and Lodges to exceed last year's target of $80,000. With funds raised being tallied for the month of October, and with several more events still to come, we hope to announce the final figure very soon. For further details, visit our website, Facebook page and the next issue of Freemasons Victoria magazine.
Storming Australia
Jirrahlinga Wildlife (and Human) Sanctuary
● Pictured are Judy O'Brien and Tehree Gordon of Jirrahlinga, also WMBro. Bob Crowther and WBro. John Fellows of the Acacia Lodge of Geelong No. 913 with some of the items, when the formal presentation was made. ■ The Acacia Lodge of Geelong No. 913 recently made a donation from its Master's Charity Fund, to the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary at Barwon Heads. This has allowed the Sanctuary to purchase garden equipment such as a new lawn mower, chain-saw, pruner, lopper, shovel, shears, rakes and other garden equipment, plus a pair of twoway radios and a GPS navigator was purchased. Jirrahlinga is involved in the rehabilitation and breeding of koalas, and also cares for other animals in need, most of which are released back into the wild. The Sanctuary also offers work to people with disabilities and special needs, for whom working with animals in a supportive environment is therapeutic for them. It also provides a rescue service for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. The Sanctuary is located on Taits Road, Barwon Heads and is open seven days from 9am to 5 pm.
■ Today (Wed., Nov. 6) sees the lawn outside the front of the Victorian Masonic Centre, Dallas Brooks Centre at 300 Albert St , East Melbourne, transformed into a ‘Field of Remembrance’ with symbols planted in remembrance of all service-persons who have served or made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Freemasons’ families and friends as well as RSL members are invited to donate and participate in this wonderful event, in honour of a Freemason, relative or friend who has given service to the nation. In addition, and as a personal touch, individuals or Masonic Lodges who donate will be given a tag containing details of the person they wish to remember which will be attached to a symbol. Freemasons Victoria will hold a special ceremony to mark the event, with high level state dignitaries, Freemasons and families attending on Friday (Nov. 8). Guests attending include Senator The Hon. Michael Ronaldson, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs; and Major General Paul McLaughlan AM, CSC, Head - Land Systems Division; Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Veterans Affairs Mr John Geary; President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Mr Robert Elworthy, RSL representatives and other prominent Victorian leaders. There will be a ceremony known as the ‘Cer-
emony of the Unknown Soldier’ and a wreath laying service, carried out by the Freemasons Victoria Grand Masonic team. This will be a rare opportunity for members of the public to witness a Masonic ceremony, one which is only carried out once a year. Those who donate, along with a guest, are warmly invited to attend. Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Jones’s father served in WWII, and was one of the Rats of Tobruk. Other prominent Freemasons who served include: ■ Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop, Lieutenant Colonel - Royal Australian Army WWII ■ Bud Tingwell, Flight Lieutenant - Royal Australian Air Force WWII ■ Sir Robert Risson, Brigadier - Royal Australian Army WWII ■ John Henry 'Jack' Lockett, Sargeant Royal Australian Army WWI Donations are invited for the Field of Remembrance. 50 per cent of donations will go to the RSL State Welfare Fund, with the remaining 50 per cent to the Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation. To donate, or for further enquiries, please contact Freemasons Victoria, on 03 9411 0100, or email Justin White at jwhite@ freemasonsvic.net.au
● At the Monash Children's Hospital, Grand Master Bob Jones (right) wishes Scott Loxley the best of luck for his big trip around the country. ■ Bro. Scott Loxley of Lowan Lodge No. 107 is walking around Australia in a Storm Troopers outfit, to raise money for the Monash Children's Hospital. He will walk 15,000kms solo and the journey will take around 12-18 months to complete. Scott, a former soldier of the Australian Defence Force, is confident that despite the costume, he will survive the country's elements. Scott departed on Saturday (Nov. 2) from Station Pier-Port Melbourne, where he boarded the Spirit of Tasmania and headed to Devonport after which he begins his journey around Australia. He will first walk to Launceston then on to Hobart, then will return return to Melbourne. He will continue his journey heading west and right around the country finishing where he started in Melbourne. Support Scott on his epic journey by visiting: http://give.everydayhero.com/au/ scott_MCH
● 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.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 - Page 15
Melbourne People
● Nicky Reid and Katie Davenport
Melbourne Cop Homecoming Cocktail Party Sofitel Melbourne On Collins Photos: Fiona Hamilton
● Melbourne Cup winning jockeys John Marshall, Greg Hall, Michael Rodd, John Letts and Michael Clarke.
● Sue Lloyd-Williams and VRC Chairman Michael Burn
● VRC Vice-Chairman Amanda Elliott with Sofitel Melbourne On Collins hotel manager Jeremy Healy.
● Richard and Lillian Frank
● 3AW Promotions Manager David Mann with his wife Annie
● Designer Dom Bagnato and his daughter Melina
● Jill and David Taylor - part owners of the super mare Black Caviar.
Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
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Victioria Pictorial
Historic Photo Collection
● ‘Oaks Day at Newmarket’. 1945.
● Hanging Rock Races. 1910.
● Hanging Rock Races. 1910.
● Flemington Races, 1890s. Gents studying race books.
● Bookmakers at Dunkeld Races.
● Wangaratta Races. 1970.
● Karen Smith at Caulfield Races. 1974
● Crowds at Flemington Racecourse station. 1890s.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 - Page 17
Melbourne TV Memories
By Kenneth Mulholland
Seven News to the rescue in the Grampians
■ We need to go right back to about 1962-63. Graeme Rowland and I were both stage-hands back then. He, just slightly older than me. We got on well and started to hang out together. Or, more correctly, I began to tag along with him. He was friendly and I was wide open to anyone or thing positive. Eventually he told me about The Grampians. These are a series of mountain ranges that can be found three or four hours from Melbourne. With the mystery of rock and cave paintings, the splendid upsurges of towering ridges and the lure of names such as Victoria Valley, The Wonderland Hike, The Jaws of Death, The Pinnacle, Silent Street and Mount Rosea, I happily went along with Graeme and Ted Jobbins (then
a Floor Manager) on that first weekend, and like the dutiful Prize Prawn hauled a leg of lamb, my mother had cooked for us, all over the place. The end result of this first expedition under canvas was positive. In the years after, Ted was replaced by Ian Wilson, another convert from audio at Channel 7. Willie and I became Graeme's wing-men, voluntarily. We were, to lesser or greater degrees, enjoying the splash-off effects of a good looking, cool dude who's older brother, Bruce Rowland, was already beginning to garner attention as a composer/muso. So, I got my education on The Grampians. Over a number of years from 1964 to 1968 I returned there. Not always with Rocky Rowland and Willie. On one occasion I took a young
woman on a very hot summer's day to show her the splendour of the water falls. All went well as we descended the narrow, water-slick path until, turning a bend, we were confronted with a snake, rearing and hissing. Frantically rummaging in my pack for the big knife I knew was in there, all I could come up with were hard boiled eggs. The snake had gotten bored by then, and before I could offer a salvo of googies, he simply slithered away. But now, back to the day I asked Maria to go to a party. Paul Dethridge and I had first watched this young lady one quiet weekend in the Seven canteen. She was new, and had been installed by Nationwide to run their service at Dorcas Street.
She was pert, seemed smart, wouldn't put up with bad manners and carried herself with authority beyond her years. I liked her. I asked her to a party. Our first date. She put up with me and a week or so later I suggested that I might take her up to The Grampians for a day trip. She said OK and away we went in my FB Holden. We motored the journey, met up with Graeme and friends, separated (I was hopeful of having the girl to myself.) and so wound our way, we two together, down into the Victoria Valley. The main dirt road wandered quite safely, though remotely over the valley floor, but there were other tracks that led off it to left and right. One such were the entrance and exit Moora Track that led to Melaleuca
Swamp. Now I knew the entrance track, having been in there once before, however I chose to turn up the second, exit track. The interesting thing about The Grampians is that once, a very long time ago, they formed the floor on the seabed. Climbing Mount Rosea I was surprised to discover sandy deposits and the remnants of sea-shells high on the up-thrust ridges. So why was I surprised when, on rounding a tight bend on the Moora Track the dear old FB suddenly pancaked into a deep sand-drift? The motor choked and stopped. It was late afternoon. A final wisp of heat shimmered from the bonnet of the stalled motor. ● Turn To Page 118
Melbourne
Observer Life & Style
HOW PETER COPPED ‘THE BOOT’
■ As Oscar Wilde once said: “no good deed goes unpunished”. It’s fortunate that we don’t keep this ironic statement at the forefront of our mind; otherwise, nobody would do a good deed ever again. I sometimes experienced this in a small way when someone has asked me to try and get them some hard to get tickets to a very popular show and preferably for free. I’ve called in favours to try and oblige, and after a great deal of hassles I’ve managed to get the free tickets only to have the recipients want to change the night, and worse, ask me to get another ticket for a friend. Then after the show complain about the seats, the pricey drinks at interval and not to mention the outrageous cost of parking. And after all this they tell me that the show didn’t live up to their expectations. I’m left with the guilty feeling that they are very disappointed, and it’s my entire fault. It didn’t take me long to never try again to do favours when it came to tickets.
Price of doing favours
■ A friend of mine, who never went out at night and always received a stack of tickets to every new show in town, never gave them away. He told me it caused him too much angst so he tore them up and dropped them in the waste paper basket. It seems very selfish, but it does save a lot of hassles. It came home to us the other night when Peter was doing a friend a good turn by agreeing to store something valuable at our house. Peter and I could have had a small domestic over this because I would have said no, because I didn’t want to have the responsibility. But it was Peter’s friend and he didn’t want to decline, but I, on the other hand was used to saying no, and it wouldn’t have cause me any lost sleep. It was dusk as he was carrying the box of treasures from his car to the house, and as he was walking up the drive he tripped and fell heavily onto the concrete, and in trying to save the box, he then fell back into the garden.
Slumped in the basin
■ Hearing his car in the drive, I waited for him to call out that he was home. Even Moosh was sitting up waiting. It seemed like forever and he didn’t appear, so I got out of bed to see where he was. I found him slumped over the hand basin in the bathroom, covered in blood, and white as a sheet. Poor man was trying to tell me what had happened through a torn lip that was swelling to the
Yvonne’s Column
with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com
size of a golf ball and looking as though he had gone 10 rounds with Muhammad Ali. He was frightened to look in the mirror because it felt as though he had left half his face on the drive. Besides, his glasses were so scratched, he couldn’t have seen anything anyway.
High tolerance to pain ■ Peter has a high tolerance to pain, and so he didn’t complain when I was cleaning up his face, and trying to locate more injuries, but the grimace on his face told the story. As I looked at him, I could tell he wasn’t feeling real flash because his mangled lip was still bleeding and swelling by the second. I knew it needed a stitch, but it would have to wait. You know that helpless feeling when you know you should be getting him to hospital, but the thought of waiting in casualty for hours was too much, so I bundled him into bed, and gave him a cup of sugary tea. That was the extent of my first aid. Unfortunately, when I rang our doctor’s surgery, he had gone for the night, so an appointment was made for the following morning.
Lots of broken bones ■ How do I get him there was the next problem to face. He was complaining of extreme pain in his foot, and couldn’t drive the car. There was no way I could drive, so it had to be a cab. His doctor sent him for X-rays and two hours later he emerged from the clinic wearing a large
● Oscar Wilde black contraption on his leg, which we christened Moosh, the cat, wasn’t too happy with my ‘De Boot’. feeding arrangements, so I suspect that a lot of He had broken bones in his foot, which neces- extra delights came his way via Peter. sitated wearing the latest in leg restraint until his The possums were banging on the back door foot was operated on, and a few metal pins in- for their food and this presented another problem serted. Ugh! I couldn’t walk to the end of the garden where We were beginning to wish that we didn’t their feeding bowls were, so I put their food into watch a medical emergency program on televi- a dish and put it outside the door, hoping that they sion because we had mental pictures of what the would forget this new location by tomorrow night doctors were going to do to his foot. It wasn’t pretty, let me tell you. He’d broken his foot in the fall, plus a million other little injuries. He did look as if he’d been in ■ I kept telling myself that I didn’t need all this the wars with his boot and a lip that looked as if hassle in my life, but ‘grin and bear it, whistle a he’s gone a couple of rounds in the ring. Not a pretty sight but compared to a broken happy tune’. And ‘this too will pass away’ and other helpful foot encased in this big boot it would soon heal. homilies so loved by my mother kept going through Well, so would the foot after surgery. my mind, and helped me cope. In bed with a late night cup of coffee and a couple of strong pain killers, Peter and I were musing about Oscar Wilde and wondered what ■ It’s amazing what two incapacitated people, happened to him all those years ago that lead him when working as one can achieve. to ironically observe that ‘no good deed goes unPeter, of course has been looking after me punished’. whilst my broken hip healed, and when I venI wonder. tured into the kitchen to look after his needs, it - Yvonne was like walking into a strangers kitchen. Contact: Editor, Everything had been shifted to suit ‘The Chef’ Melbourne Observer and I couldn’t find anything. P.O. Box 1278, Research, 3095.
Whatever happened?
Back into the kitchen
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Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 6, 2013
■ Zachary Scott was one of those well remembered Hollywood actors of the 1940s and 1950s who specialised in playing scoundrels, cads and villains. Zachary Thomson Scott Jnr was born in Austin, Texas, in 1914, the youngest of three children and the only boy. He studied medicine and intended to be a doctor like his father, who was a respected surgeon. In his teenage years Zachary decided he wanted to be an actor and went to England where he worked with repertory groups. He got his first UK professional stage role in The Outsider. To explain his southern accent Zachary said he was from Australia. In 1935 he married his first wife Elaine Anderson and they had one child during their marriage. At the wedding his father was his best man and his two sisters were bridesmaids. They had met at the University of Texas whilst studying drama and worked together at the Austin Little Theatre. Elaine went on to be one of the first female stage managers in the history of American theatre and stage- managed Oklahoma on Broadway. Zachary made his Broadway debut in a small role in Ah Wilderness in 1941. In 1944 Jack Warner, from Warner Brothers Studios, saw him performing in the play
Whatever Happened To ... Zachary Scott By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Those Endearing Young Charms and signed him for a role in The Mask Of Dimitrios. Zachary appeared in Hollywood Canteen and The Southerner before playing the character ‘Monte Beragon’ in the classic film Mildred Pierce opposite Joan Crawford. He was now a very well known film star and his credits during the 1940s included The Unfaithful, Cass Timberlane, Flamingo Road and Flaxy Martin. In 1950 Zachary nearly drowned while on a rubber raft excursion in the Topanga Canyon area with actor John Emery. A riptide upset their boat and Scott was knocked unconscious Emery managed to rescue him and carry him to shore.
● Zachary Scott
Later that year he was divorced by Elaine and within a week she had married the famous writer John Steinbeck. Some of his films in the 1950s included Colt 45, Born To Be Bad, Appointment In Honduras and Flame Of The Islands. He married for the second time in 1953 and this marriage to Anne Ford lasted until his death. Zachary worked mainly in television shows during the 1960s. In 1961 he guest starred in an episode of Rawhide titled Incident At Black Pass where he played the role of a dying Indian chief opposite Clint Eastwood and Eric Fleming. He was known for his charitable work especially with projects to help the poor and aid American troops. Zachary Scott died of a brain tumour in 1965 at the age of 51. He had two children from his marriages. In 1968 The Austin Theatre which is recognised as the longest running theatre in Texas was renamed The Zachary Scott Theatre in his honour. 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.
ALPACAS BECOME ‘ATTACK DONKEYS’
■ There's currently a hue and cry from sheep farmers throughout Australia, especially those adjacent to National Forests, about increasing numbers of wild dogs attacking their flocks. Some of them stay up all night to try and nail the culprits, to little avail. And professional shooters and trappers are often banned from these forests. And I have heard, a few years ago,
that they had found an answer to all their problems - alpacas. Apparently these creatures have a strong dislike of dogs, and if one is placed in a herd of sheep, it will viciously attack any canine who dares to set foot in their paddock. Now, however, there is a new animal to enter the fray - the donkey. Mick McFarlane has a flock of
Consumer Watch Film Fest
Enforcement
■ Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Claire Noone has praised the young winners of this year’s Consumer Stuff Film Fest for secondary students, in an awards ceremony in Melbourne. Dr Noone said students entering the 2013 competition focused on scams and shopping rights, using student actors and animation in 40 entries. Entries came from schools across all sectors – independent, Catholic and government schools – vying for prizes of up to $1000. “Since 2004, Consumer Affairs Victoria has run a school-based competition to help young people become independent, informed and in-control consumers,” Dr Noone said. “Entries came from across the state with students from Bendigo to Box Hill to Taylors Hill taking up the challenge this year. “The film fest competition encourages young people to learn more about their consumer rights and responsibilities, and supports teachers in improving consumer and financial literacy.” Dr Noone congratulated students at Kilbreda College in Mentone for their first prize-winning entry in the scams category, “Scams, no way! Go away!” She also congratulated students at Gilson College, Taylors Hill for their first prize-winning entry in the shopping rights category, “A guide to shopping rights”. Seven runner-up prizes were awarded to students, with the makers of each film sharing in a $250 gift voucher. To find out more about the Consumer Stuff Film Fest, visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au/ consumerstuff
■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has issued an infingement notice and entered into an enforceable undertaking with a national rental goods provider after a surveillance found deficiencies in its operating and compliance practices. Rent The Roo Pty Ltd has paid a penalty of $27,500 after ASIC issued it with an infringement notice for a breach of the responsible lending laws under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. ASIC has also accepted an EU from RTR under which an independent compliance consultant will be appointed to review RTR's policies and procedures. ASIC was particularly concerned because RTR regularly deals with consumers who receive social security or government benefits as their only source of income, including indigenous consumers living in remote locations who have limited access or exposure to other mainstream retail and/or credit services and whose first language may not be English. ASIC’s surveillance found two credit representatives appointed by RTR under its Australian credit licence had failed to conduct proper verification of consumers' financial situations before entering into consumer goods leases. ASIC was also concerned RTR did not have proper systems in place to ensure its large network of representatives complied with the responsible lending obligations under the National Credit Act. ASIC can issue an infringement notice where it has reasonable grounds to believe a person has contravened certain provisions of the National Credit Act.
feral donkeys from the NT, and is training them to guard sheep in the Riverina area. After their arrival from the Territory, he quietens them down for a couple weeks, then starts to train them as ‘attack donkeys’. The one property which he has already trialled in February had lost 100 sheep in the previous year, but after the donkeys, none. Sounds like a successful new venture. ■ I called them ‘Territory Moments’. I was listening to a young mother being interviewed by Dennis Walter on 3AW the other day, and she was lamenting the fact that she that her offspring suffered from debilitating migraines. Which reminded me of a situation which confronted me in Alice Springs a few years ago. Even though my mother was regularly laid low by these afflictions, I'd only ever had one, when I was about 12. However, whilst living in the Centre, I began to get the vision impairment and the flashing lights, which are migraine precursors, but happily with no usual headache and nausea. This started off at about once a year, then twice, finally up to one every two days. I investigate the pronouncements of an early 20th Century psychic, Edgar Cayce, who would enter into a trance state, then be asked questions by patients with ailments, and he would proffer a cure. Sounds Hocus Pocus, but it worked. He did about 14,000 of these ‘readings’, and, provided the patient followed his instructions, he would always be cured. When he awoke, he could remember nothing of the episode - while asleep, he had the medical knowledge of a Harvard professor, but when awake, just a simple US country man, with little education and no medical knowledge ■ So, fed up with these pesty "minimigraines, as I termed them, I consulted Mr Cayce's writings. He claimed that migraines are caused by what he termed "faecal pats" remaining in one's intestine, not being expelled in the normal course of events. The toxins from these go to the brain, and cause the migraine. Sounded nonsense to me, but nevertheless I thought I'd give it a go. The cure - an enema!
The Outback Legend
I know that they are plentiful behind Arthur's Seat, but I've never seen them anywhere near the beach side before. I've always been extra-careful when driving around in the bush, particularly at night, because I have seen serious mishaps involving cars whose drivers don't take any care. I have always maintained that just with normal high beam lights, 80-kmh is a relatively safe speed, giving me time to avoid any 'roo which hops out. I have often seen drivers whizzing past at high speed, not wanting to waste time, hoping for the best. I reckon that at my speed, I'll maybe put an extra hour on to my trip. If I hit a 'roo at high speed, I'm going to be inconvenienced by more than one late hour - it'll possibly be days in repair time, plus a few grand for these repairs. I've always opted for that extra hour.
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au
■ Having grown up as a drinking person since my late teens I have, along with most of my peers and colleagues, continued the pursuit. At one stage I lost my licence, and was disqualified from driving for a year, and that taught me never to repeat the performance. So I never even take a risk - I only drive when I'm 100 per cent safe to do so. To achieve this, I always have a breathalyser in the car to test myself. Imagine not having a speedo in the car, and always just guessing your speed. It's the same with drink driving - guesswork doesn't work. To get my licence back, I had to attend a drink driving course. This taught me everything about blood alcohol levels, how much to drink before reaching 0.05, and other such matters. One standard drink is 0.01 and your body metabolises 0.01 each hour. So now we come to a Territorian, Trevor Warren, of Dundee Beach. He was recently pinged in Bathurst. He was tested at 6am one morning, and said he hadn't had a drink since 6pm the previous evening. But he still read 0.108 after 12 hours of abstinence. Which fits in with his claim he reckoned he had drunk 80 cans of Melbourne Bitter the previous day. Even for a Territorian, that's giving it a nudge! - Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’
So I furtively approached a 40-something sales lady in the Alice Plaza Pharmacy, avoiding the pert 20-somethings. "Where are your enema kits?" I quietly enquired. "Julie, where are our enema kits!" she boomed to a 20-something across the store. Soon they were all looking for them, much to my mortification. After their discovery I was informed that I would require a lubricant. "Which flavour?", she enquired. "Oh dear!" I thought. So I meekly left, and went back to my shed, drew the curtains, and took the phone off the hook. And, clumsily, I followed the instructions. Did it work? Absolutely nary a migraine since! Now, to keep them at bay, a pleasant, unembarrassed annual colonic irrigation. ■ I've driven from Melbourne to the Southern Peninsula a million times, and generally don't encounter anything much out of the ordinary. However during the past week I have seen two large deceased roadside kangaroos, just behind Dromana.