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■ Sally Anne Russell will judge in the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria Final this Sunday at Federation Square. Julie Houghton has all the details on Page 3.
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Places To Go
Sew what ... visit Maryborough’s Flour Mill Gallery ■ Consider a trip to Maryborough in Central Victoria over the School holidays, or in the Winter-Spring time. Maryborough is located on the Pyrenees Highway, 80 kilometres north of Ballarat, 168 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, in the Shire of Central Goldfields. At the 2011 census, Maryborough had a population of 7,630. One of the attractions is the Maryborough Flour Mill Gallery run by Wayne and Judi McKail. It incorporates Australia’s first sewing machine machine museum open regularly to the public. “We are so lucky to have such a nostalgic town which is pulling itself out of the employment slump 30 years ago,” Wayne and Judi tell the Melbourne Observer. “This town now is a beautiful , interesting town filled with history and nostalgia. A real step back in time, we have not lost that yesteryear atmosphere. “Only 1½-hours north of Melbourne and smack bang in the middle of the famour Golden Triangle, Maryborough is an ideal base to take in the whole of the historical Gold Mining region. Maryborough is one hour from Bendigo, Ballarat and Ararat. Maryborough Flour Mill Gallery Lot 4/38 Albert St Maryborough Phone 0419 101 144, 5461 1322
Rich history
● Maryborough Flour Mill Gallery has the largest collection of vintage, antique and toy sewing machines on display to the public in Australia, say owners Wayne and Judi McKail
■ The Maryborough area was originally inhabited by the Dja Dja Wurrung people. The first Europeans to settle were the Simson brothers, who established a sheep station, known as Charlotte Plains, in 1840. Gold was discovered at White Hill, 4 kilometres north of Maryborough, in 1854, leading to prospectors rushing to the area. At its peak, Maryborough had a population of up to 50,000. The town site was surveyed in 1854, with a police camp, Methodist church, and hospital amongst the first infrastructure. The Post Office opened in 1854. The settlement was originally known as Simsons, but later changed to Maryborough by the gold commissioner James Daly, after his Irish birthplace. One of Victoria's earliest newspapers, the Maryborough Advertiser, was established in 1854. Land sales commenced in 1856, and Maryborough became the administrative and commercial centre of the area. The last gold mine in Maryborough closed in 1918. In 1924 the Maryborough Knitting Mills opened, which established the town as a centre for the wool industry. Maryborough became a city in 1961.
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - Page 3
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City Desk
Melbourne
Observer
The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers
RMP ARIA FINALS ● Stephanie Gibson
● Michael Lampard
● Teresa Duddy
● Nathan Lay
● Christine Heald Melbourne-born tenor Christopher Busietta, over the first three place getters, plus a special Moe-born baritone Nathan Lay and Hobart- audience choice award of $250 cash. bred baritone Michael Lampard. A free champagne supper is provided for the RMP music director and RMP Aria judge audience, who then has a chance to mingle with Andrew Wailes was flooded with entries, mak- the finalists. ing picking just seven from a pool of highly talEarlier in the evening, there will be a perforented singers a tough call. mance of Vivaldi's Gloria, sung by the RMP Wailes will be joined on the judging panel by Festival Choir, which includes participants from ABC Classic FM announcer and conductor Graham Abbott and oratorio queen, mezzo- the afternoon Sing Your Own Oratorio workshop, open to any keen oratorio singer who fancies a soprano Sallyanne Russell. Finalists must sing two oratorio arias and are warble with the RMP. The RMP orchestra and Melbourne Chamaccompanied by Welsh pianist Rhodri Clarke. There is a prize pool of more than $4000 spread ber Strings will provide the accompaniment.
● Rodhi Clarke
■ Seven excited young oratorio singers are looking forward to one of the big nights on Melbourne's classical music calendar - the seventh RMP Aria Final on Sunday (Aug. 11) at 7pm at Deakin Edge, Federation Square. Under the auspices of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, the RMP Aria is the only major oratorio competition in the country, so it's no surprise that singers from around the country are keen to take home the title. The lucky seven are Melbourne sopranos Stephanie Gibson, and Cristina Russo, Adelaide-born soprano Teresa Duddy, Nowraborn mezzo-soprano Christine Heald,
● Andrew Wailes Photo: Ken Pryor
Past prize winners of the RMP Aria have included Sony recording star soprano Greta Bradman, baritones Christopher Richardson and Laurence Meikle, tenor Daniel Todd, and sopranos Stacey Alleaume, Jessica Aszodi and Lotte Betts-Dean who are all making fine professional singing careers in Australia and overseas. Bookings for the Sing Your Own Oratorio choral workshop are at www.trybooking.com/ 56398 and for the RMP Aria final go to www.trybooking.com/56393 - Julie Houghton
● Christopher Busietta
● Sallyanne Russell
● Christina Russo
● Graham Abbott
PHOTO: IKON IMAGES
Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013
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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart
E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au
WAKING UP WITH TRAVIS BELL
■ Long before the Hollywood film The Bucket List starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson was released, Melburnian Travis Bell was in the business of waking people up through presenting his life-changing seminars as The Bucket List Guy. Although Travis had a positive outlook at life, at 18 he created a 'before I die' list of the things he most wanted to achieve. One by one he managed to 'tick' them off with a sense achievement and personal growth. At the top of his list was to establish a franchise of personal training studios. He succeeded with 21 studios operating around Australia. Tick! He undertook an Iron Man Triathlon consisting of (3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km marathon run), climbed to base camp on Mt Everest, surfed 'Cloud Break' in Fiji and met his business hero Richard Branson. Tick! Tick! Tick! Tick! Although Travis created his own ladder of success through his fitness studios, after 20 years, he realised it was travelling up the wrong wall. Travis struggled to get out of bed to go to work each day and when he did, he cringed every time the phone rang or had to attend a meeting. Locked away in his office, Travis began thinking about what he truly wanted to do in his life (again) and turned to motivational speaking, presenting and writing books.
Bucket List Porch Thoughts
During his first presentation, Travis quickly adopted the name The Bucket List Guy and has since helped thousands of people around the world to reach their true potential. I caught up with Travis on his Bucket List Porch where he was preparing for his upcoming signature 3day The Bucket List Xperience seminar in Melbourne (August 2325), that won't commence with a typical welcome address, coffee, notepad and bowl of white mints, instead, attendees will immediately forward abseil (Rap Jump) down a 10 storey building in Docklands hearing the words “Good morning, I'm Travis! This is your wake-up call.” You have the unique ability of helping people transform lives by starting at the 'Why' in their lives. Why is it necessary to start your seminars abseiling down buildings? People have both conscious and unconscious blinkers on their life. These
Off The Porch Thought For The Day Julie Cini Author: ‘Leaving Life Legacies’ "Travis’ seminar helped me realise I could leave a legacy. I finished penning my biography about the death of my two daughters from a rare genetic disease and losing my partner in a car accident. Although the number one item on my bucket list was to see my children again, Trav made me realise that achievement can still exist, after ticking off other items on my list first. Travis helped me evaluate my inner thoughts and desires to bring them to fruition.”
are combinations of different stories, belief patterns and identity traits that have been running from day dot. When people are placed in situations (like on the side of a 10-storey building) where they think they can't achieve something and then they do, they then start thinking about everything else they thought they couldn't achieve. Most of us have seen or heard about the 2007 Hollywood film The Bucket List. Is the theme in the movie similar to your Bucket List seminars? No. Most people write a bucket list based on the story in that movie, but I don't agree with it in terms about what I present, and mentor people with, through my Bucket List techniques. My mission is not have people wait until it's too late or diagnosed with a lifethreaten illness to start living their lives. I would imagine that people who attend your seminars have reached some point in their lives that desire some sort of change and come to you for leadership and direction. Is creating a bucket list the best starting point? Essentially I help people write their bucket lists based on the blue-print I have developed. I help create and articulate a personal and meaningful life strategy in what I term to be living a tangible life. It creates a reason for doing what we do on a day-to-day basis. Most of us are busy with our careers and raising families and perhaps don't have finances to fund our bucket lists just yet. Are these scenarios typical of what holds us back? My Bucket List Lifestyle has specifically been designed so we have 'time-flow' and the 'cash-flow' to do the things we want on our Bucket Lists, when we want to do them. A business and career plan should fit in your life plan, not the other way around. Once successfully completing the Rap Jump, how do we start a bucket list? The Rap Jump encourages people to think about what is real and gives them another sense of reality. Following the jump, bucket list items are easily created. The first step is to get out of the rut and really think about what you want out of life. It's about paying attention to the things that really light you up. I give people the space to take the time out of their dayto-day lives to focus on the things they want to achieve.
● Travis Bell. Photo: Kon Iatrou Ikon Images If our bucket lists are about selves existing rather than really livwhat truly floats our boats, are ing. So going back to the 'Why', there typical bucket list categories that can guide us to identify why is starting there so critical what is tangible from what may if we can't achieve something on our list now? be unobtainable? The 'why' answers the really big Every bucket list is different but my aim is that should anyone be diag- reasons such as, 'why do get out of nosed with a life-threatening illness, bed each morning?' If you put big and small carrots out I want them to be really happy about what they have achieved as individu- in front of yourself, you at least you have carrots with something to look als. I have seen many bizarre items forward to. We go through a process from the listed that involve a lot of nudity, voodoo rituals and even cage fighting to 'why' to identify where people are at raise money for charities, but there are now. I introduce techniques of how to also a lot of people who have gone on close the gap from where they are to to walk the Kokoda Trail, publish where they want to be, really quickly. What is your Porch Thought books, jump out of planes and travel For The Day? the world. “A Bucket List is not just about the How do bucket list accomfun stuff to do before you die. It's plishments make us grow? On the other side of your bucket about who you grow to become in the list is the 'you' who you don't even process of ticking the things off your list. Your potential as a human being know exists. As human beings we are addicted exists on the other side of those ticks.” to seeing ourselves grow (it's a basic ● Travis Bell presents his signature human need) and you see yourself The Bucket List Xperience seminar grow through seeing your potential, in Melbourne August, 23-25.. For just like when we were little kids, it booking information www.the bucketlistxperience.com. To download puts a smile on your face. When we become adults, we often a copy of 'Design Your Own Bucket fall in-line and a lot of us find our- List' visit www.thebucketlistguy.com
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - Page 5
Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013
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Victoria Pictorial
Historic Photo Collection
● Elizabeth St, Melbourne. Near GPO. 1892-93.
● Cable tram car and dummy. 1892-93.
● Cable motorhouse, Melbourne tramways. 1892-93.
● Elizabeth Street corner, Melbourne. 1892-93.
● Princess Theatre, Spring St, Melbourne. 1892-93.
● Law Courts, Melbourne. 1892.
● South Melbourne Town Hall, 1892.
● Bourke Street, Melbourne. 1892.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 7
Court Roundsman
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
PSYCHOLOGIST LOSES Observer TRIBUNAL ‘FOI’ CASE In This 116-Page Edition
Smooth night with Kate ■ Dr Karl Haines, a Victorian psychologist who allowed his registration to lapse, has lost a freedom of information case brought before Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Ian Proctor. VCAT herad Dr Haines was registered until 1997. The Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria received a notification in 2001 alleging he was “misleadingly holding himself out to be a registered psychologist”. Victoria Police interviewed Haines, but no further action was taken.
Conflict VCAT was told that Haiones applied to for general registration in 2009, but was refused. Later, he received provisional registration, which lapsed. A general registration application is still pending. Dr Haines unsuccessfully sought access under the Freedom Of Information Act to parts of an investigation file. Dr Haines said he had been involved in the ‘forensic investigation’ involving a “sophisticated man” who feared gor his life following incidents of conflict with indi9iduals in government and law enforcement.
● Kate Ceberano: will be performing at Prahran tomorrow (Thurs.) ■ Mebourne radio station Smooth 91.5 FM and received many accomplishments including is partnering with Sony Music for A Smooth five Platinum and five Gold albums and has Night With Kate Ceberano tomorrow (Thurs., sold over one million albums in Australia Aug. 8) at Bromley Gallery in Prahran. alone. Radio station listeners have been given the Kate’s new single Magnet was released on chance to experience the up close and intimate June 13 and her album, Kensal Road is out now. performance with Ceberano. Kate is widely respected in the industry for “I'm thrilled to be presenting the work from her versatility. my first album of original material in 10 years, Since 2012 she has been Artist Director for Kensal Road,” Kate said. the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. “It’s such a great way to have a party and She has appeared in theatre, most recently show my gratitude to fans, friends and Sony performing as ‘Bloody Mary’ in the musical family for all their combined efforts to making South Pacific, and has made numerous televithis possible." sion appearances including Dancing With The One of Australia’s most respected singer Stars, It Takes Two and Who Do You Think songwriters, Kate has been in the music busi- You Are. ness for 25 years. Kate Ceberano currently hosts her own In this time she has released 25 albums, show on Smooth FM on Sunday mornings achieved success in the soul, jazz and pop genres from 9am.
Million steps for cure
■ Comedian Brad Oakes will be Master of Ceremonies at the Million Steps For A Cure Fashion Show and Fundraiser to be held at the Box Hill Lions Club Hall at 7pm on Thursday, August 22. All proceeds will go to cancer research and awareness. The fashion show includes participation from Elk Accessories, Jasons Menswear,
● Brad Oakes
Young Designer Gallery, Petal Black Clothing, Birds Nest, Kabuki, Carla Zampatti, PJ Bridal, Bella Bustiere, Bandage Seeker, K-Mart Australia and Ersa Denya Couture. Donated garments will be auctioned at the end of the show. Entry of $5 is payable at the door. The hall is at 1230 Riversdale Rd, Box Hill South.
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
Rolf Harris re-arrested ■ Entertainer Rolf Harris has been rearrested and bailed again in England following allegations of historical sex abuse, Scotland Yard has said. Police said new allegations against Harris, 83, had come to light. Harris denies any wrongdoing. He has not been charged.
Council man fined ■ Manningham Council candidate David Muscat has been fined $15,000 for nominating while unqualified. He must also also pay $10,000 in costs. Muscat knowingly provided a false declaration, Ringwood Court found.
Sheriff hits the MCG
Mystical
PHOTO: ASH LONG
City Desk: Melbourne A-Listers ................... Page 3 Mark Richardson: The Bucket List Guy ........ Page 4 Melbourne People: Special Report ............... Page 6 Di Rolle: Radio titans in debate .................... Page 8 The Barrel: The Real Political War ................. Page 9 Gavin Wood: Life from West Hollywood ........ Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Bitch, Rumour Mill ....... Page 11 Long Shots: It’s in the bag ........................ Page 12 Yvonne Lawrence: Popular column returns .. Page 13 Kevin Trask: Tim Holt profile ....................... Page 16 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ............. Page 19 Whifenpoofs: P 101 Light FM bonanza: P102 Standing ovation: P103
He says the client was linked to a “secret mystical society” and became involved in a serious conflict with another “much bigger international mystical or religious organisation”. “The client became the subject of covert surveillance and described a series of incidents involving unlawful intrusions into his life. “This included various ‘remarkable’ events with the client involved in false imprisonment, torture, attempted murder, loss of consciousnes and experience of phenomenon of death”.
Access “Dr Haines believes some people in the Victorian Government at some stage improperly accessed the investigations dile now held by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency,” Mr Proctor said.
■ Staff from the Sheriffs Office hit the MCG at the weekend, clamping cars belonging to people owing fines. One motorist was said to have 90 fines, totalling $23,000.
Global TV on market ■ Melbourne TV studio operator Global TV is to be sold by owner, Catalyst Investment Managers. The company has 125 full-time staff and 1200 freelancers.
Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Chance of rain. 5°-13°. Thurs. Mostly cloudy. 6°-14°. Fri. Chanec of rain. 10°-13°. Sat. Chance of rain. 5°-16° Sun. Clear. 7°-16°. Mon. Chance of rain. 5°-16°, Tues. Chance of storm. 7°-14°,
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS HEARD WHEN THE ASADA REPORT LOBBED AT AFL HEADQUARTERS 5. "Traces of Viagra were found that would explain the hard cover!". 4. "That's a bit rough. They've asked for finals tickets.” 3. "Tell Gillon he's won the chook raffle.” 2. "I think they've got a problem with their mailroom. We got the budget details, Kevin Rudd must have the drug results". 1. "Someone get the crayons … Andrew will want to have a look at this.”
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013
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To
Yearning for a return to Bali
Di Stumbling on close shave
● Di Rolle with sister Jacky ■ Being on holidays in Bali, I found that the shopping was fabulous. I did have the obligatory fall in the street, got myself up and dusted myself off. The footpaths are so tiny in Bali and I did so much walking I was bound to fall over and it had nothing to do with the mojitos that my sister and I discovered in Ubud. On my return home, I was walking up Toorak Rd and stumbled across a fabulous shop called Kings Domain. It is an old fashioned barber shop right in the middle of South Yarra. Located at 177 Toorak Rd, I popped in to say hi and have a look around. It is a clever idea by Joey Scandizzo who knows his stuff. It’s the real deal. Buddy Franklin goes there for a shave and it was buzzing the day I went in. What a great idea for a gift – a shave or a royal treatment for my favourite man! So often we hear about new ladies hairdressers opening, this is a whole new experience for the boys, for the ultimate grooming experience, vintage shave and superior cut. Each cut I am told is tailored to each client’s face shape and personality and includes a wash, massage, cut and style It’s their job to make sure the client walks out of King’s Domain, feeling sharp and looking downright handsome. A vintage shave, a timeless pleasure King’s Domain is proud to offer classic hot towel shaves toi their customers; a warm towel is placed on the skin to open the pores and allow a closer cut with a straight blade razor. Simple and effective, a single-length, tapered clip for an instant game changer! What fun. Pop in and see Joey – set up a treat for the main man – 177 Toorak Rd, South Yarra phone 9939 3100. or email booking: info@ kingsdomain.com.au or visit website kingsdomain.com.au – very impressive!
Matt makes me laugh ■ A funny man who I love is Matt Lucas. He is joining Rove McManus, as special guest co-hosts on Network Ten’s This Week Live tonight (Wed., Aug. 7) at 9.30pm. Turn To Page 101 (Showbiz)
I love my job!
■ I arrived back into Melbourne in the wee small hours and was in a Bali daze. I had been away for a holiday and fell in love. I fell in love with Bali. It was my first visit there and my first real holiday for 10 years. What a magical place Bali is. I am already planning my next visit. The people, the smell of Bali, the air, the harmony of the day-to-day activity and the last Shangri La. The trip started off in the most hilarious way with me bumping into Bruce Mansfield in the airport lounge. He was going one way across the world, me the other. It was wonderful to see him and laugh the way we did. Bali is one of the few cultures with origins in one of the great ancient cultures which is still alive, wrote Canadian architect, the late Arthur Erickson. I was totally captivated by it all. It had never been on my radar as a place to visit, however the opportunity came about and I went. Australian writer Donald Friend loved and wrote about Bali a lot: he first set foot in Bali in 1966 on a stopover to Greece. He made his way to the artists’ village in Ubud where he stayed. Charlie Chaplin was often a visitor and of course Mick Jagger and David Bowie visited there many times. I have devoured every book I can find on Ubud and the history is remarkable. The skill of the Balinese craftsman is evident in the buildings and architecture and the re-shaping of traditional Bali form I observed daily. The air was charged with electricity I have never experienced anywhere else in the world. I was immediately hooked and yearn for the day I go back.
For RADIO TITANS IN DEBATE
■ I have been a longtime member of the Melbourne Press Club. They put on the most fabulous and interesting lunches so I was thrilled when I heard that two talkback titans, Neil Mitchell and Jon Faine, were going to be going head to head at a lunch at the River Room at Crown. It was advertised as being the first public appearance together on stage of the ABC’s Jon Faine and 3AW’S Neil Mitchell. I was most excited and invited my mate Flip Shelton to come along during her quick visit to Melbourne from Rio. However, it turned out Neil was ill (I think he was at home hiding under the blankets too scared to face his competitor Jon Faine). I was proved wrong when I was told it was doctor’s orders that he couldn’t make it to the lunch, so his Producer Justin Smith stepped in to take his place as he does most admirably on air I must say. It was a terrific afternoon, very amusing. Long-time journalist, State and Federal political correspondent and Channel Seven News Director David Broadbent was the MC at the lunch. It is always nice to see David and to catch up with Tony Jones from Channel 9 and see lots of friendly scribes at the event. Justin and Jon talked about the art of broadcasting, how they hold politicians to account and how they’re adapting to the digital age. It was terrific and most knowledgeable. I do hope though the Melbourne Press Club will reprise the
with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
Her career ended in 2010, when her outspoken remarks were too much. In a career that began in 1943 she became one of the best known journalists in Washington. She was indelibly associated with the ritual ending of White House Press Conferences; she was always the one to deliver the closing line: “Thank you, Mr President” four polite words that belied a fierce competitive streak. One of the great women of our time.
Funny guys
● 3AW producer Justin Smith with 774's Jon Faine Photo: Flip Shelton ■ I make no secret of idea of Neil Mitchell great wire-service ri- how funny I think with Jon Faine in the valries of old, and as a Mick Molloy is; he is pioneer for women in future though, brilliant on Before The I still think it will be journalism. Game on Channel 10 She was persistent a great get together of on Saturday nights. the two most high pro- to the point of badgerMy mate Jack ing, according to CBS. file radio people in Levi has him appearOne White House Melbourne. secretary de- ing at his Crimson Get well soon Neil. press scribed her questions Goat Cabaret Club as ‘torture” and he was at Ormond Hall at The Belgium Beer one of her fans! She didn’t let any of Café. Jack does a great ■ There are some thePresidents get away job getting really good with anything. wonderful journos in She caused a lot of talent in there and it's town, and the good ones are very highly re- discomfort with her worth a visit. With two of Auscolleagues and her regarded. tralia's best comedifusal to conceal her One highly regarded ans MC Mick Molloy strong opinions was journalist and one of my and Pommy Johnson renowned. favourite women was the White House correspondent Helen Thomas. She was irrepressible and a constant presence at the White House media calls. She used her seat in the front row of history at White House media calls, always in the same seat, always in the front row to grill nine presidents and was not shy about sharing her opinions; she died at the age of 92. Loved by JFK and relied on by Barack Obama, Helen made her name as a bulldog for United Press International in the ● John F Kennedy with Helen Thomas
Vale Helen
● Mick Molloy Doors open 6pm for on the same bill there should be lots of laughs a 7pm show. Tickets at their next show on are selling fast and Jack Levi (aka Elliot Sunday (Aug. 11). Apart from Mick Goblet) is expecting and Pommy they will another big audience. Bookings can be give you the usual super dose of entertaining made via the bookings variety acts with Lay- page of www.the Lah Wazir, Nick crimsongoatcabaret Nickolas, Mark club.com or directly Pengilly and Degen on villagemelbourne. com.au/whatson Agnew. The Crimson Ormond Hall bar food will again be Goat Cabaret Club available on the night is perhaps Melbut early diners will bourne's best kept sehave the option of a spe- cret. Since 2009 Levi cially priced meal at has been curating eveVillage Brasserie nings showcasing the (ex Belgian Beer best of variety and cabaret acts, which enCafe). What's more ... tertain. enthral and Mitchell Faircloth tickle funny bones, will have his brilliantly Levi organisers the illustrated and long night with Mitchell awaited The Crimson Faircloth (aka Slim Whittle). Goat Comic on sale.
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - Page 9
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Observer
Melbourne Seniors
MORE TURN TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS Briefs Replaced
● Anthony Frangi ■ Popular Melbourne radio man David McDonald has been replaced as General Manger of Brisbane radio stations 4BC and 4BH by Anthony Framgi. There were 31 applicants after McDonald resigned.
$1000 fine
■ A Point Lonsdale woman who attacked her eight-year-old daughter, beat her with a spoon, slapped her face and banged her head on the ground, has been fined $1000 without conviction, reports the Geelong Advertiser.
Stabbing ■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a burglary and stabbing incident which occurred at Cowes on Monday night. The victim, a 24year-old man, returned to his home address in Douglas St and disturbed a burglar around 8.50pm.
■ More retirees turned to Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice on retirement villages during the past year, showing a much greater awareness of some of the problems of which to be aware. Director Claire Noone, said more than 850 retirees sought advice ● Claire Noone from Consumer Affairs Victoria over the past financial year, a big increase on 2011-12 when 560 retirees were in touch. Complaint figures trended down from 120 in 2011-12 to 100 in 2012-13. Common resident complaints were about maintenance issues, contracts, exit and entry fees, and annual meetings. “Over the past year, Consumer Affairs Victoria has targeted the retirement village market with advice, after concerning figures showed senior Victorians were more likely to rely on the advice of family and friends, rather than a lawyer, financial planner or another professional,” Dr Noone said.
Complex legal issues “This was a real concern as retirement village contracts are complex and involve a variety of fees, so it was important that retirees understood the full implications of their decision. “There is also work underway into new regulations to provide better information in retirement village contracts on rights, responsibilities and costs for the benefit of existing residents and potential residents, before they move in. “We are really pleased to see that our message is getting through to retirees and their families and we believe the lower number of complaints shows that they are empowered to avoid problems. “With around 37,000 senior Victorians living in retirement villages, it is important that retirees and their families understand the choices they are making before committing to anything.” More information is available for prospective residents at consumer.vic.gov.au/retire and for managers and operators at consumer.vic.gov.au/retirementvillage operators The Victorian Government is currently considering the submissions before making a decision on the final form of the regulations, expected to commence by the end of the 2013 or early next year. “Moving into a retirement village is a big decision and a significant financial commitment, and we are here to help people make informed choices about this major lifestyle change,” Dr Noone said.
Wake Up Hate
● Paulo Castro presents Wake Up Hate at La Mama Courthouse until August 11. Image by Rodeo ■ La Mama Theatre presents Wake Up Hate until August 11 at La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton. With text by Jan Fabre and directed and performed by Paulo Castro, the play tells of a man returning from death to film with his eyes. The more he films, the more he realises he is also being observed. With a corrosive discourse and in a half-destroyed house he attacks humanity for their voyeurism. He believes is an untouchable Angel. He is the Angel of Death. He moves like an Angel to the repetition of music and the voyeurs encourage his revolt. Wake Up Hate has been performed in eight countries, including Iceland, Germany, Portugal and France. Performances: Until August 11 Times: Wed, Sun 6.30pm; Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm. Running time: Approx. 60 minutes Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton Tickets: $25/$15 Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142 - Cheryl Threadgold
Performances will take place on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1 next year at the Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre. Advance ticket sales have started this week through Ticketmaster. com.au
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
“Hey Margie ... Which tie looks more ‘fair dinkum’? I’m trying to differentiate myself from ‘trustworthy’ ...”
‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’ Aussie’s real political war
Doctor Who spectacular ■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has started selling tickets for its Doctor Who Spectacular, paying a musical tribute to the television series. The Spectacular will be performed as a tribute to the popular BBC series.
THE BARREL
● The Fairfax Media dinkus reassuring readers that it is the voters - not the media - that will decide the poll on September 7 ■ Forget about the September 7 federal election: the battle between Labor’s Kevin Rudd II, and the Coalition’s Tony Abbott. The intriguing fight is behind the ailing Fairfax Media group versus Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. Fairfax journalist Mark Kenny won the first round at the weekend, with reports on Saturday in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, successfully predicting that PM Rudd would visit GovernorGeneral Bryce to call a September 7 poll. News countered with ‘PM appears to have poll on hold’. Ooops. Fairfax kept up the pace with a head-banging report by Paul Sheehan: ‘What’s behind Murdoch’s vicious attacks on Rudd?’ Sheehan wrote of the return to Australia by senior Murdoch editor, Col Allan, “News Corp’s most feared flamethrower”. Sheehan proposed that the Murdoch group wants Kevin Rudd to lose the election because of the NBN (National Broadband Network) threat to News’s part ownership in Foxtel, “by far its most important asset in Australia”. “It’s commercial,” Sheehan says.
What the stars say ...
The pre-sale comes as Peter Capaldi has been named as the 12th doctor. The timelord first appeared on TB screens in 1963. The 55-year-old is the same age as William Hartnell was when he created the character.
Radio trends to online ■ Melbourne’s Golden Days Radio station listenership continues to grow. Station Manager Alex Hehr says the number of people listening to the station via the goldendaysradio.com website has grown by 378 per cent in just two years. As well as listening on normal radios through 95.7 FM, fans can pick up the station on their home computer. There were 10,925 ‘tune-ins’ during July. As well as local listeners, there is a big group of listeners in the UK.
● Samantha Armytage ■ What do Australia’s media people think of the September 7 election date? They took speedily to social media this week. ■ For on-again off-again Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage, it was personal. She posted on Twitter: “What was wrong with Sept 14th!? #suitedmetoatee #holidaysbooked #changeforthesakeofchange” ■ Chris Kenny of Sky News, said: “Newspoll confirms ALP starts campaign behind and Kevin Rudd's popularity on the wane.” ■ Former Melbourne Talk Radio host Luke Grant chimed in: “First he lost his way, then back to old ways, now a new way. Just get out of the way #stupidcampaignslogan” ■ ABC election analyst AntonyGreen said “ALP face uphill battle to win a majority in the upcoming election”. ■ Kevin Rudd-pal, actor Rhys Muldoon, commented that left-wing commentators on social media usually had names, and that right-wingers used nomde-plume identities. He summed up the election as “Rupert Murdoch v Australia”.
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Melbourne
Observer
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
West Hollywood
ROCK N ROLL BILLBOARDS ON SUNSET STRIP
From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
The Sunset Music Festival ■ Last weekend here in West Hollywood, the Sunset Music Festival went off. Linkin Park were the headline act and more than 30,000 music fans were jumping to the urban sound. Sunset Boulevard was closed in the music district and the Whiskey, The Rainbow, The Key Club and the Viper ● Pictured at the newly completed West Hollywood library with me, is my business Room all rocked. Part of the festivities kicked partner Adam Howard, Prince Federic Von Anhalt, (Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband) and Alan of last Thursday for the three- Johnson. day music festival at the House of Blues with a concert by Sunset Strip Music Festival 2013 Honouree Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Rock and Roll Billboards On The Sunset Strip is a new book by Robert Landau, which looks at the artistry of the Rock and Roll legends featured high up, on the Sunset Strip. These billboards were hand painted by artists and painted over after the term of the billboard had expired. The book has captured a moment in music history. Pictured at the newly completed West Hollywood library with me, is my business partner Adam Howard, Prince Federic Von Anhalt, (Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband) and Alan Johnson.
National Night Out ■ Just like Neighbourhood Watch in Australia, America has National Night Out, which is a national campaign that involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighbourhood organisations and local officials from more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, more than 37.5 million people participated in National Night Out 2013. I hosted the event in West Hollywood and Alan Johnson, Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites and Kitchen 24 sponsored it. Guests included Richard Chamberlain and Sir Ben Kingsley. West Hollywood residents celebrated in the streets in a show of unity against crime. The City's Neighbourhood Watch groups, in coordination with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department as well as City officials and staff held events and social gatherings in neighbourhoods throughout West Hollywood. Neighbourhood events included block parties; barbecues, live entertainment and everyone enjoyed their National Night Out.
● Sheila E
Australian Rocks The Pier 2013 ■ Now an annual event for Australian performers, on August 1, Australia rocked the pier at Santa Monica. The iconic pier hosted many expats and locals to take in the sound of Australian music. Missy Higgins performed last year and this year we were treated to Aussie artists Xavier Rudd and Nikki Jensen. It is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with some of the 80,000 Aussies living here in California. The Australian Consul-General Karen Lanyon and her team sponsored the event and with a back stage reception of Australian food and wine makes this, one of the ‘must go’ events of the year.
Dodgers Down Under ■ The mighty L.A. Dodgers are coming down to Australia for the opening match of the 2014 season against the Arizona Diamondbacks, March 22 and 23. It is the first time Australia has been the site of such an opener, although not the first time major league teams have been there. The L.A. Dodgers are red hot at the moment and this series opener will be spectacular. For game ticket info: www.mlbsydney2014.com/tickets
Is Jazz your thing?
GavinWood
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd Tall Poppy ■ Our own Poppy Montgomery has a second chance. It's not often that a series comes back from the dead, almost unheard of, but it has happened with Unforgettable. The return on CBS of this excellent cop show shows how talented Poppy is, playing a detective who remembers everything.
● Ben Kingsley
● Poppy Montgomery
■ I know my friend Wilbur Wilde will be all over this event. A tribute to Los Angeles' rich roots in jazz, the 18th annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival at the historic Dunbar Hotel. In its day the hotel hosted legendary acts such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Expected to draw 35,000 people over two days, this year's festival line up includes Ernie Andrews, Gilbert Castellanos and bandleader Gerald Wilson. The Dunbar Hotel, 42nd and Central Ave., Los Angeles. www.centralavejazz.org
More Jazz ■ The Playboy Jazz Festival returned to the Hollywood Bowl hosted by comedian George Lopez who took over from long-time emcee Bill Cosby. Performers this year included Grammy Award-winning pianist George Duke with singer Jeffrey Osborne, Herbie Hancock, saxophonist David Sanborn and singer and percussionist Sheila E. Hugh Heffner and the Playboy Empire host the event. Tickets start at $20. Don't miss next years showcase of the finest Jazz artists in the world. www.playboy-jazzfestival.com
★ Special holiday offer ★
● Nicki Jensen
www.gavinwood.us
■ I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all readers of the Melbourne Observer. When you are planning your trip to California, come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Blvd., 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 Till next week, Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - Page 11
Confidential Melbourne
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
HARNESS RACE HORSE HAD BANNED SUBSTANCES IN BLOOD
Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets
Human Nature coming home for Christmas
● Human Nature ■ Human Nature is coming home to Melbourne for Christmas, with a four-night season at The Palms At Crown from Thursday-Sunday, December 5-8. Publicist Angela Ceberano announced the tour this week. The male vocal group are coming home for the holidays this Decemberto coincide with the release of Human Nature - The Christmas Album. The quartet will perform shows nationally in Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth this summer. Tickets are on sale from this week. "We can't wait to get back home for Christmas. We're thrilled to be able to perform some of the best holiday classics to our loyal Aussie fans at such a special time of the year. “We'll definitely have crowds rockin' around the Christmas tree at these shows!" said Human Nature's Andrew Tierney Human Nature promises a spectacular evening of Christmas classics with masterful Motown spin. Audiences can expect timeless renditions of all of the classics such as White Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and Silent Night. The first-ever Christmas album has seen the talented vocalists return to the studio with Grammy Award winning producer Harvey Mason Jnr and his production partner Damon Thomas, under the moniker of 'The Underdogs'. “Recorded in Los Angeles and Las Vegas with some of the world's top musicians, the album brings to life the ultimate collection of the most popular Christmas songs together with a flair that stems from a high energy Motown rhythm, making this album the ultimate feel good Christmas release.” Tracks include Christmas Baby Please Come Home, Santa Claus is Coming To Town, White Christmas and Sleigh Ride plus Silent Night and O Holy Night. "This is really one of the most special records we have made and we feel it is one of our best," said Human Nature's Phil Burton. "We have sung some of these songs since we got together as a group. To have finally recorded them on an album our fans can play every year at Christmas time, surrounded by friends and family, means the world to us". It is 23 years since the group was formed by Andrew and Michael Tierney, Toby Allen and Phil Burton.
Regent Theatre review ■ Victorian harness racing trainer Gary Pekin has to start making monthly instalments of $750 towards a penalty imposed when a horse was found to have prohibited substances in its blood. Judge Pamela Jenkins, VicePresident of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, ordered that the instalments start on August 31. She suspended $4000 of the aggregate $8250 penalty if Pekin does not commit any further breaches of the racing rules in the next 12 months,. Pekin, who pleaded guilty, applied to VCAT to review the decision of the Racing Appeals and disciplinary Board of Harness Racing Victoria. The A-grade driver and trainer
had to front the Board after Mainland Jet was found to have levels of carbon dioxide in its blood, contrary to the rules. This was in connection to Race 6 of the Bakers Delight Pace at Cobram on January 16. Pekin said the fine was extreme in his financial position. “I pleaded guilty to drenching my horse inside 48 hours. I told the stewards at my stable inspection I had done this, as I believed the rule was still 24 hours .. once again this fine is also extreme.” Medical evidence was given that bicarb was the most used alkalinising agent by trainers and was known to elevate CO2 levels. Pekin said he had been a trainer for 34 years without significant offending.
GUNNS CHIEF PLEADS GUILTY ■ Former Gunns Limited Chairman John Eugene Gay has pleaded guilty to insider trading. Gay, who was a director of Gunns Limited from 1980 to 2010 and was chairman of Gunns from 2002 to 2010, was charged in December 2011. In 2009, while in possession of inside information relating to the financial performance of Gunns, Gay sold more than 3.4 million Gunns shares. This trading was prior to the release of Gunns’ halfyear results. Following this release, the Gunns share price fell substantially. The matter will return to the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Launceston on Wednesday next week (Aug. 14) for sentencing submissions. The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter. Gay’s offending occurred when the maximum penalty for insider trading was imprisonment for five years and/or a fine of $220,000. Since then, the maximum penalty has been increased to imprisonment for 10 years and/or a fine of $765,000 or three times the total benefit derived from the offence (whichever is greater). Since 2009, ASIC has prosecuted 28 insider trading actions. Of those, 19 have been successfully prosecuted (16 matters finalised and three guilty pleas await sentencing). Four individuals are awaiting trial and are contesting their charges. Five matters have been unsuccessful. ■ The Herald & Weekly Times is expanding the reach of its free afternoon city commuter newspaper. mX will now be available at Caulfield. ■ Olivia Newton-John will be walking the streets of Heidelberg and Ivanhoe on September 15, raising funds for the ONJ Cancer and Wellness Centre. ■ There have been 59 cases of dog attacks in the Knox municipality in 2013, reports the Leader.
■ Melbourne City Councillor Stephen Mayne has requested that a report go to the the Town Hall meeting analysing the Marriner family’s lease of the Regent Theatre. He has requested that the report look at the history of the theatre, its ownership, interest and governance. Council officers are being asked to present a paper on the legal and financial arrangements, and the timeframe for the review of arrangements.
Rumour Mill
Hear It Here First
Feds succesful in case
Whispers
Change
● Darshan Paul ■ Darshan Paul has been appointed the new Agency Sales Manager for Fairfax Radio Melbourne. Paul has more than 14 years in media sales experience and for the past six years has worked as National Account Manager for Fairfax Radio. Prior to his role at Fairfax, he was a company director of Design Driven and worked in Agency Sales at the ARN.
10 years
● Michael Wilkie ■ Whispers hears that Melbourne theatre publicist Michael Wilkie is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his Mad PR firm. Hic ompany recently handled the Mebourne publicity for Legally Blonde The Musical.
Partworks ■ Forget the Nigerian scams, The Rumour Mill hears the Australian Federal Police successfully achieved the rescue of a Melbourne businessman who was held hostage in an East African nation. A ransom was paid in instalments by Western Union by the man’s company, according to rumours.
300 jobs at risk ■ Some 300 jobs are at risk when Photo Corporation Australia, the parent company of Pixi Foto, going into adminstration. The company has 36 outlets including those in Victoria.
E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au
■ Victorian newsagents are said to be furious over a supplier’s failure to deliver Issue 65 of the James Bond DB5 ‘partwork’, with an import supply problem being blamed.
Closing ■ T B Clark Book Bargains, trading as All Books For Less, has gone into administration.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Melbourne
Melbourne
Observer
Observer WELCOME BACK!
Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday
Contact Us Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic. 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 9927 Fax: +61 3 9431 6247 Web: www.MelbourneObserver.com.au E-Mail: Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au
Contact Us Publisher and Editor: Ash Long Media Director: Fleur Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker, Harry Beitzel, Matt Bissett-Johnson, David Ellis, Rob Foenander, Christina La Cross, Julie Houghton, Yvonne Lawrence, Nick Le Souef, Mike McColl Jones, John Pasquarelli, Terry Radford, Mark Richardson, Di Rolle, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Jim Sherlock, Cheryl Threadgold, Kevin Trask, Veritas Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145
Distribution STATE EDITION: Available weekly at approx. 400 newsagents across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and Victorian regional centres. Recommended retail price: $2.95. If your local newsagent does not currently stock the Melbourne Observer, you can place a weekly order with them.Use their ‘putaway’ service. Newsagents contact: All Day Distribution Pty Ltd, 1st Floor, 600 Nicholson St, North Fitzroy, Vic. 3068. Phone: (03) 9482 1145. Fax: (03) 9482 2962. Distribution Manager: Sam Fiorini.
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Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).
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Ash On Wednesday
■ It is a happy day for us here at the Melbourne Observer office. Our mate, Yvonne Lawrence, is back on deck, and her first column is on Page 13 (at right). Yvonne and I go back a LONG way. But she has taught me not to nominate a year: “A woman who will tell you her age, will tell you anything.” Suffice to say, I knew Yvonne when she was at Eastland, ‘Whitehorse Plaza’ (Box Hill) and Greensborough shopping centres, as a senior executive. Plus we worked together in her stints at 3AW and 3AK. Yvonne was our first regular columnist when we re-energised the Observer in 2002. Yvonne has been in the wars: broken ribs, fractured hip, and plenty more. She tells the tale, at right. Anyway ... it is great that we again get to hear about her life, about Peter, about Moosh ... and the people with him she crosses paths.
● Yvonne Lawrence in the 1990s
Long Shots
Ourselves ■ Melbourne Observer harness racing columnist Len Baker is on leave. We expect his column to return next week.
In the bag ■ Companies spend many dollars trying to attract customers. There are neon lights, illuminated signs and media ads. Yet, the same firms are silly when it comes to retaining customers. I made some small purchases at the BP Express service station in Eltham this week. I politely asked if I could have a bag. “15 cents please.” I walked out - without the bag, and without the intention of ever giving them business again. Plastic bags cost next to nothing. Better still, recyclable paper bags could have advertisements on them, and actually be a profit earner for supermarkets and servos. It’s in the bag!
Melb. woman nominated
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 ■ "I have enormous confidence in the sound judgement of the Australian people." - Kevin Rudd, Aug.4
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Every time I log onto Twitter I feel as though I'm being followed.”
Text For The Week ■ "A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends." - Proverbs 16:28 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).
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.
● Bridget Speed ■ Online entrepreneur Bridget Speed, the founder of Qannu - Australia’s first fee-free online package forwarding service - has been recognised as one of the country’s top female e-commerce talents. Bridget and her brother, Andrew Scott, have created a unique business that cuts the shipping costs for Australian online shoppers purchasing goods from the US. Qannu combines, ships and then hand-delivers the goods directly to customers’ doors - at the lowest overseas shipping rates available. And joining and shopping is all fee-free, with shoppers spared any joining fees, membership fees and personal shopping fees. On the back of Qannu’s success, Bridget has now been nominated for Mamamia’s inaugural ‘Most Clickable Women’ awards, celebrating the brightest Australian females operating in cyberspace. “It’s a real buzz to be nominated, personally, but really it’s all about Qannu because there’s no other business quite like it,” Bridget says. “We’re rapt we’ve been able to make online shopping cheaper and easier for Australian shoppers. It’s a global shopping centre out there now, and there’s no reason why Australians should pay so much more to be part of it.” Having bases in both Australia and the US was critical to the success of Qannu as a shipping and shopping consolidation provider. Mum-of-three Bridget lives in Camberwell and coordinates Qannu’s marketing campaigns, capitalising on extensive industry experience that includes past senior roles with Disney Consumer Products and Kmart. Meanwhile, Andrew - formerly the president and chief executive of one of the USA’s largest shipping companies - oversees Qannu’s US operations from his base in Los Angeles. Qannu allows customers to shop from any number of US websites, but pay just one international delivery fee. Single or multiple goods are packaged at Qannu’s US warehouse, and then sent directly to customers in Australia in 5-8 days. Qannu can be used to transport any products purchased on US websites. However big-name American stores (such as Sephora, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss eBay USA and Macy’s) and unusual or large items (such as fabric or car-parts) are at the top of the wish lists of many Qannu customers. Qannu can also homedeliver US magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair for up to half their sale price in Australian newsagents. Free membership with Qannu also comes with discount codes and up-to-date information about online sales. Voting for Mamamia’s ‘Most Clickable Women Awards’ is currently running, with the winner announced on Monday (Aug. 12). - Greta Donaldson
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - Page 13
News Briefs
Accused ■ John Szabo, 36, did not apply for bail when he appeared at Melboure Magistrates’ Court, to face fourr counts of rape, and two counts of abduction for the purpose of sexual penetration. Szabo has been remanded to reappear in Court on October 10.
Tributes flow ■ The life of former Victorian Parliamentarian, Alan Hunt, was remembered at a State Funeral held at the Peninsula Community Theatre late last month, Mr Hunt was 85. He served in the Bolte, Hamer and Thompson governments. His son Greg is a Federal MHR.
Residents protest ■ Residents of Monash Gardens in Mulgrave, and Elizabeth Gardens in Burwood, are protesting about Monash City Council’s plans to sell the centres. There is substantial community backlash to proposals to sell the aged care centres. A firm decision on whether the centres will be sold is yet to be made.
● Alan Hunt Photo courtesy: MP News
Help for RSL
Stopped driving
■ A ‘good smaritan’ has offered to fund $500,000 to help clear Hampton RSL’s debt, avoiding RSL headquarters plans to sell the sub-branch clubroms in Holyrood St. Major General David McLachlan, State President, said HQ was just to receive all details.
■ Bill Uphan, 86, has made a pact with his wife taht he will not continue to drive, after his car was crushed by a train at a level crossing accident at Frankston. The Leader reports that the Carrum Downs resident was unable to see properly and made a wrong turn onto the tracks.
Market change
Cats put on hold
■ The Saturday Community Market at Whittlesea is changing location to the Whittlesea Secondary College, Laurel St. The next market will be held from 8am-1pm on Saturday,August 17. David Kleesh says the market includes arts, crafts, plants, clothes, food and more. Funds are raised for College and Primary School.
Extra shows ■ There are now three shows being performed by Michael Bublé next year. The concert dates at the Rod Laver Arena are Wednesday April 30; Thursday, May 1; and Saturday, May 3. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek.
Facing Court
■ A plan by Knox Council to introduce a curfew on cats has been put on ‘pause’ until 2016. Councillors had previously agreed to introduce a night-time curfew on felines in the eastern suburbs municipality. Only 144 residents in Knox replied to a survey about the curfew. The Council will now re-visit the proposal after three years have elapsed, it announced.
■ A Hurstbridge dog owner has been placed on a good heaviour bond after his animal was involved in an attack on sheep. The man has to pay a $2000 fine and $1500 costs, after being taken to Court by the Nillumbik Shire Council. One sheep had to be put down after the attack. Some 11 different attacks have been recorded this year throughout the municipality.
Melbourne
Observer Life & Style
I HAVE NEVER FELT MORE RELAXED
■ In bed, late one night, I reached to get a book, which turned out to be just out of reach. Next thing I slid out of bed and was jammed between the bedside table and the bed. After trying all night to free me, Peter ended up calling the Ambulance Service at 6 am. I ended up in the Emergency Department and spent a week in hospital, before I discharged myself and came home for Peter to take on the role of nurse. After several weeks enforced rest, I very gingerly I left the sanctity of my bedroom today. I emerged like a moth from a chrysalis to sit in the sun for a wee while. Nothing drastic, but just to test myself. Peter claims I have prison pallor, but I have never felt more relaxed. It could be the drugs, but I think not.
Yvonne’s Column
larious – he did it in rhyme. My dubbing was held in the chapel at Montsalvat at Eltham and after a few champagnes, we all trooped off to a Greek restaurant where we were treated like royalty.
Tears and laughter
■ My husband, the gourmet chef, turned the bedroom into a seven-star hospital ward. My every wish was his command. No exercise for several weeks and I’ve stacked on some weight. Godiva chocolates will do it, and Peter kept up the supply. I won’t talk about the hospital until my anger and disappointment goes. Suffice to say it was not what I expected from a major public hospital. Observer Editor Ash Long rang me one night, and we laughed our heads off when I told him what was happening. Ash has had enough of hospitals lately, and he knew exactly what I was talking about, but because he has such a sense of humour, everything turned to laughter. Thanks Ash. I needed a bit of hilarity. After lying on my bedroom floor all night wrapped in a doona because I couldn’t move, it was such a joy to see two big paramedics walk through the door. I knew I was in good hands. They were so professional and with every word, gave me encouragement and support. One even called me Princess! I’d give them every bit of pay they want to bring them in line their peers in with South Australia and the ACT. A few medals wouldn’t go astray either. Come on David Davis and Premier Naphine, stop messing around and show those hard working paramedics that you care.
Mooch didn’t leave me
■ Off to hospital. Before they closed the ambulance door shut, Mooch my cat was in and wasn’t going to leave me. And indeed, he didn’t leave me the whole time I was in bed.
with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com
The paramedics even knew how to gently handle a distressed cat. Who said cats aren’t very bright? I received the news that Betty Jeffrey had died. And next day I received one of her long chatty and newsy letters and it was too late to tell her my news. She was a happy soul with a heart of gold. I’ll miss our chats.
Vale Princess Shirley ■ I was saddened to hear that Princess Shirley, wife of Prince Leonard of Hutt River Province had died. He will miss her so much. I did a lot of self-talk lying in bed, and I remembered the time that Prince Leonard came for lunch to discuss the procedure for when he created me a Dame. We were having fish and no sooner had we sat down than Hamish, the cat from hell, jumped on the table and with one swipe grabbed the fish from the Prince’s plate. He thought it was a huge joke. Years ago Peter bought me a beautiful jet beaded black frock that once belonged to Dame Nellie Melba. I had never worn it, but what better occasion to get it out of wraps, than when Prince Leonard touched my shoulder with a sword, thus creating me a Dame. Only problem was the frock was from the 1920 era when bosoms were not fashionable. Peter spent hours binding my breasts so that they would be flat and it would look as if I didn’t have any, as the frock intended. Professor Barry Preston stood up for me; if that is the expression, and his words were hi-
Royal baby arrives ■ There was no way I was going to miss the birth of the royal baby. Sky News was broadcasting all night, and my eyes were glued to every bit of it. I must confess that I was feeling a little like the Queen towards the end and hoped that Prince George would hurry up. Peter went to our favourite cake shop and bought some cupcakes with red, white and blue icing, and we toasted the Prince in champagne, and I had mineral water so as not to mess up my medication. Why didn’t someone tell Kevin Rudd that a free pass to Taronga Zoo and a plaque at the bilby section named after the Prince was a bit silly because if the royals want to visit the zoo, I imagine there wouldn’t be an entrance fee? But that’s our PM. I should have expected some out of left field gift when he referred to the baby as ‘the bub’. We waited and waited for him to call the date for the election. There is always a downturn in retail sales during the pre-election period, and we seem to have had the longest unoffical pre-election period in history. It was just not good enough to keep us waiting for a date.
Catching up with books ■ Of course I read a zillion books when I was lying in bed, and I caught up with many books on politics that I’d been meaning to read. They sat on the stack beside my bed, and by the time I managed a few steps outside the boudoir the stack was down to one tome.
How lucky was I that we have Foxtel. I saw some wonderful programs on the History Channel. In fact after watching the documentary on the French Revolution I thought that our PM should look at what happened to Maximilian Robespierre, the Master of the Terror. He dazzled some of the people for a time, but soon fell out of favour with his behaviour and was sent to the guillotine.
Flinders St Station
■ The Flinders Street Station is a landmark for most Victorians. It’s our heritage. “Meet you under the clocks” was a favorite expression. I still remember the thrill of meeting a boyfriend under the clocks as I watched him run up the steps waiting for his hug when he reached the top. And the baked rabbits mum used to buy for dinner from a kiosk if she was running late after a meeting in the city. Who will have the final say on what the development will look like? The Federation Square is an eyesore. It wasn’t too bad with the original design, but then some, politicians got their fingers on to it thinking they would improve it. And we are stuck with the result.
Don’t worry, be happy
■ My desk is piled high with stuff waiting for my attention, such as many bills. I’ll get to it, but there is one thing that I have learned during these weeks of being incapacitated, and that’s not to worry. So I’m coasting along, singing a song. But before I sign off I must thank all those readers and friends who e-mailed, phoned and sent me cards wishing me a speedy recovery. - Yvonne Contact: Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research. 3095
Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013
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The Hitch-Hikers Guide to Freemasonry 21st Century Freemasonry
Hippocampe all-terrain chairs
● From left, Back Row: VWBro. Bill Boothroyd, Cranbourne Lodge; WBro. Bob Thornton, Keysborough Lodge; VWBro. Frank Fordyce, President of the Board of Benevolence; Bro. Peter Boothroyd, Cranbourne Lodge; WBro. Derek Clark, Cranbourne Lodge; Bro. Peter Adams, Cranbourne Lodge, Barry Teacher, Vice-Principal Nepean School, Clair Toohey. ■ Some very special kids have been given some to the beach, water sports and other outdoor activities. very special chairs last month, thanks to the tireDesigned to be used by anyone, as well as less work of the South Eastern Mornington those with limited mobility, the chair also has a District and a boost from the Board of Benevo- push bar when assistance is required. lence. The chair has a low seat and weighs only 14 VWBro. Bill Boothroyd, PGIWkgs, of kilograms so can float in the water. Cranbourne Lodge No. 290, said that the innoAll parts are sand and water resistant and the vative all-terrain Hippocampe Chairs recently chair's aluminium tubes are sleeved to stop them presented to the Belmore, Nepean, Mornington getting hot in the summer. Special Development, and Peninsula SpecialIts buoyant design allows it to be used in and ist Schools will make a huge difference to the out of the water and double-width wheels make increased mobility of students. movement on sand easy. "We were very warmly welcomed by each of VWBro. Bill said that the district has the schools. We made our presentations in front of worked hard to raise money for this project over students and staff, and many of the students were the years and the Board of Benevolence has so impressed with the chairs they made immedi- also provided a much needed boost to the group's ate use of them", VWBro. Bill said. efforts. Peninsula Specialist School Principal Pe"In the past few years we have raised well ter Koop and Nepean School Vice-Principal over $90,000 and supplied nineteen Clair Toohey, provided the group with a tour of Hippocampe Chairs to special schools in their schools and students from different classes need", VWBro. Bill said. proudly made individual presentations, before beThe Mordialloc Surf Lifesaving Club and ing presented with a new Hippocampe Chairs. Chelsea Surf Lifesaving Club were also in The $5000 Hippocampe Chair is an all- receipt of a chair which are now available for terrain beach chair on wheels that provides access families to use for the day on a 'first come' basis.
● A 10-part series. Chapter 5. By Justin White, Manager, Member Operations ■ Freemasonry today is represented by lo- temporary Freemasonry group is less of a secal organisations of Freemasons who belong cret society and more of a society with secrets. to the Masonic Lodge. Any group of more than one has secrets, The word 'Lodge' refers as much to the right? masonic members themselves, as the actual ‘The most 'secret' aspect of modern Mabuilding where masonic members meet. sonry is the method of recognition among the Many Masonic Lodges now consist of members or aspects of the ceremonies at lodge Freemasons who mostly live and work in the meetings. local area, and choose to attend a local lodge. Contemporary Freemasons are widely inEach Lodge elects members to official po- volved in many wonderful charitable and comsitions to carry out Masonic functions. munity based activities. The Worshipful Master is in effect, the Money is collected by holding fund raisers president. The Tyler will be at his post to and also from donations from Lodge members. 'guard' the door while the lodge is in meeting. That money is then used for charitable causes. There are generally three 'degrees' or levels Freemasons are very active in housinvolved in becoming a Freemason. They are ing,Modern medical and educational projects, local food Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and the banks, Adopt-A-Street, and child I.D. prothird degree is Master Mason - (EA, FC and grams. MM). Reliable statistics state that modern FreeThe Entered Apprentice (EA) is someone who is being initiated into the Masonic Or- masonry in Victoria, contributes in excess of one million dollars per year to charitable proder brotherhood. The Fellow Craft (FC) is a man in the grams in our state. That's right around ONE learning or mid-stage of the process to become MILLION. There has never been a better time to bea Master Mason. The Master Mason (MM) signifies that the come a Freemason here in Victoria. As a result, there is much good information candidate has progressed to the highest level in to be found on www.freemasonsvic.net.au Masonry. For more information about becoming a FreeFreemasonry has been accused of being a secretive organisation. Freemasons them- mason or to fill out an application, contact the selves are more likely to claim that it is a very Freemasons Victoria membership team at membership@freemasonsvic.net.au or public society, but with private aspects. The most common phrasing is that the con- call 1800Freemason today!
First Leaders of Freemasonry in Victoria George Selth Coppin
● George Selth Coppin By Gabrielle Forman
200+ donations, of the RED kind! ■ The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has recognised the 200+ donations that VWBro. Allan Farber PGIWkgs, from Lodge Fraternal No. 603 has provided, at a recent ceremony during National Blood Donor Week (July 14-20). Allan, who has a particularly rare blood type of AB+, has been making 'whole blood' donations for more than 50 years. Whole blood cannot be taken more than four times per year. Allan's rare blood type is used to develop a serum which will not react to any other blood type. The process and eligibility criteria for VWBro. Allan to donate is the same as other donors except a different bag is used to collect his blood. This bag contains no anti-coagulant, meaning it allows the blood to clot in the
● VWBro. Allan Farber
bag. The donation is then left in the bag to clot over 24 hours, which then allows the serum to be extracted. VWBro. Allan's serum is used as a comparison point in the testing of some transfusion transmissible diseases, ensuring the safety of the blood supply. Some 300 blood donations need to be collected for testing for a transmissible disease before it can be declared safe for use. The serum from each and every one of Allan's donations has the potential to release in excess of 35,000 donations to patients in need. Allan said that he is one of only three Victorian donors whose blood is used to make this serum. "I'm really proud of being recognised in this way, but I hope that it may inspire others to donate - they may well be a rare blood type like me and not even know it!", he said.
■ George Selth Coppin was born in Sussex, England, on April 8, 1819. Coppin decided to leave England in search of other opportunities; a coin toss meant he sailed for Australia, not America, towards the end of 1842, arriving in Sydney on March 10, 1843. He moved around Australia, from Sydney to Adelaide, and then to Geelong before returning to London. His intention had been to retire in London but found he much preferred Australia. This time he brought with him to Australia a prefabricated theatre which had been made in Manchester that was then constructed on the site where the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne stands today. Coppin was a member of Freemasonry in every state he lived in in Australia. He was initiated in the St Johns Lodge No.346 in Launceston, and had been a member of the Adelaide Lodge No. 341 in South Australia. In 1852 he was the foundation Worshipful Master of the United Tradesman's Lodge in Geelong, and on his return to Melbourne in 1854 he joined the Lodge of Judah. For 20 years Coppin confined his activities to support the Freemasons charitable institutions. The original Coppin Hall at the Royal Freemasons Homes was built with funds he donated. Coppin was one of Victoria's most prominent and passionate Freemasons, and we owe a lot to him for the formation of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria. He was a member of both the Victorian Legislative Council and Assembly, and was twice Mayor of Richmond. Coppin St in Richmond is named after him and the Coppin Masonic Centre in Weston St, Brunswick is also named in his honour. He died on March 14, 1906 ■ Excerpts taken from A Century of Union: P.T Thorton, Published by United Grand Lodge of Victoria, 1989.
● 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, August 7, 2013 - Page 15
Melbourne People
● Brian Austen with Bruce Stockdale
● Phillip Du Guesclin with Geoffrey Davey
● Robin Dunstone with Charlie Freedman
● Ronald Jones with Len Jinnette
● Maurice Smith with Jim Karabatsos
● Ian Latimer and Steve Latimer (Old Scotch)
● Rob Lipman and Eric Newbold
Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge Installation of Geoffrey Davey At Ivalda Masonic Temple, Darebin Photos: Ashton Woolley
● Justin Stark with Tom Beecroft
● Peter Burand with Peter Wardley
● Ash Long with Max Fraser
● Michael Holloway
● Bernard Henry with John Liesegang
Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 7, 2013
■ I remember standing outside The Grand picture theatre in Coburg in the queue of children waiting to get into the Saturday afternoon matinee. It must have been in the early 1950s as we waited patiently clutching the admission money from our parents. The main topic of discussion was usually what film was going to be shown that afternoon. If we heard it was going to be a Tim Holt cowboy film we were very pleased, because we all thought Tim was good value. Then our thoughts would move to other matters, the serial, the possible cartoons and what lollies we might buy at interval. Ah, life was very simple in those days. Charles John Holt III was born in 1919 in Beverly Hills, California. His father Jack Holt was an actor and young Charles would accompany him to film locations. He made his film debut at the age of 10 in a silent film titled The Vanishing Pioneer. Charles was raised on his father's farm where he was given the ‘nickname"’of Tim and learned to ride horses at an early age. After graduating from Culver Military Academy in 1936 Charles followed in his father's footsteps and began working in films fulltime. He appeared in small roles in several films such as Stella Dallas, The Renegade Ranger and Sons Of The Legion.
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Whatever Happened To ... Tim Holt By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM His sister Jennifer Holt also acted in films. Tim married his college sweetheart Virginia Ashcroft in 1938. In 1939 he landed his first significant role when he played a young Army lieutenant in Stagecoach which was directed by John Ford and starred John Wayne. RKO Studios signed Tim to a seven-year contract and cast him some major films before starring him in a series of very successful B-grade westerns. Tim was making eight western films a year before he enlisted with the United States Army Air Forces. During the war years Tim served as a bombardier and was highly decorated. He was wounded on the last day of the war
● Tim Holt and was awarded the Purple Heart. When Tim returned to acting in films in 1946 his first role was in the classic western My Darling Clementine where he starred opposite Henry Fonda, Linda Darnell and Victor Mature. He continued to make westerns for RKO Studios and usually had a sidekick who could sing a few songs.
Richard Martin was his most popular partner in the films. At the peak of his career in the B- grade westerns Tim Holt was recognised as the "fastest draw" in the movies. In 1948 he starred opposite Humphrey Bogart in The Treasure Of Sierra Madre. During his acting career Tim Holt was in more than 70 films and his father appeared with him on three occasions. In the early fifties Tim became tired of making films and quit the business. He retired to his ranch in Oklahoma and made the occasional appearance at rodeos. He did come out of retirement for several small film roles and his final on-screen appearance was in the film This Stuff'll Kill Ya! in 1971. In his later years Tim Holt was the manager of a local radio station. On February 15, 1973, and at age 54, Tim Holt passed away at the Shawnee, Oklahoma Medical Centre from bone cancer. His old friend John Wayne visited him in the hospital just prior to his death. Tim Holt was married three times and had four children. - Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN DESTINY
■ "I disagree with what you say, but will defend with my life your right to say it," Voltaire supposedly said. Who would have thought that we'd need to invoke that sentiment in Australia today? Yet that's what happened last week. Bess Price is one of our highest profile Aboriginal people in Australia today, having just been elected to the new Territory Government. Up until very recently it was assumed that all Aboriginal people would be left-oriented, following the left-line of blaming whitefellas for everything. Bess is trying to get a different perspective and encourage her mates to start taking responsibility for their own destiny and improving their lot for themselves and by themselves. The old ways clearly haven't worked, with drunkenness and violence and school non-attendance as rampant as ever. Bess is trying to change these traditional ways so the kids can grow into well adjusted, happy, educated, sober and employable adults. So what happened last week? She was blocked from by giving a talk to the Gummurri Student Support Group at Queensland University. "They don't want to hear the truth about my people, our issues and how we can help. It just shows their ignorance; they're just so blinded by their views they don't think outside them." Disgusting - reminds me of Hitler's "burning the books." ■ There's a pursuit called cryptozoology, about which I have more than a passing interest. It's the investigation of creatures which are supposedly extinct, or which have never been recorded by science. An exhibition in the Araluen Centre in Alice Springs, called The Lost Creatures Of Central Australia, has reminded me of this. Whilst it contains many of the Alcoota fossils which I mentioned last week, it also made mention of a "super-croc", once found here, which was 12 metres long. Indeed a fearsome beast. There were certainly huge and interesting creatures roaming Australia in past aeons, and every so often there is a reported sighting of one still around. Probably the most interesting is the possibility that the "black panthers",
The Outback Legend
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au often seen throughout Australia, including the Territory, are actually Thylocoleo Carnefax, a marsupial lion, supposedly extinct for 20,000 years. Then the Yowie - one was reported out of Alice in the late 80s, just before I moved up. I tracked down one of the ‘sighters' and he was fair dinkum. And then, every so often there's a sighting of a 20 ft goanna in the Centre. Hmmm. ■ I haven't seen many crocodiles in their natural habitat. There are a couple of spots out of Darwin, touristy though they are, where they can occasionally be spotted. The first one is the Yellow Waters cruise in Kakadu. The flat bottomed boat meanders around the billabongs, checking out the fauna and flora along the way. Lizards, birds and Barras all reveal themselves. And then, occasionally, a croc glides by. And there's another cruise on the Adelaide River, about 80 kms out of Darwin, called the Jumping Crocodiles.
Whilst it also takes in some of unique wildlife, the primary attraction is the ancient sauropods. The tour operator has obviously trained and encouraged them a little over the years, but they're still totally wild creatures. He holds a chicken carcass out from the side of the boat above the water, and one of the crocs will instantly leap out of the water to grab the bird in its snapping jaws. Usually about a metre or so of reptile jumps out, but last week one excited tourist snapped one agile reptile throwing its whole body out, tail and all. Very acrobatic. ■ My great-grandfather wrote some fascinating memoirs of his life in the 1800s. At one stage he was driving a mob of bullocks from Sydney to the Bendigo goldfields. He passed through Holbrook and noted that there had recently been a devastating flood which had virtually washed the town away. Apparently, however, when the early settlers first built their houses, the local Aborigines pointed to some flotsam and jetsam high in the surrounding trees, telling them that every so often floods would inundate the land. Of course the settlers ignored this advice and suffered the consequences. I have often wondered whether a similar situation could exist in Alice Springs. A few years ago a "hundred year flood" inundated Katherine, and at the time devastated the town, completely engulfing houses, and while I was in Alice a "30 year flood" hit the town so that I had to drive through a metre of water to get home. And recently there's been talk by experts of a "1000 year flood", with 30 metres of water covering the town, which could come anytime soon. An Ark then, thanks. ■ The Territory is currently experiencing a downturn in international tourism, for several reasons. And there's also a misperception, tourist bosses have noted, that the NT is a "look but don't touch" destination, so they're out to change this with a new "Do the NT" slogan, emphasising the activities of involvement. I've never noticed this attitude in all the time I've been there - it's always practically hands on, I reckon. Visiting the Outback generally re-
● Bess Price
quires travelling vast distances, and this often necessitates a long time in a bus looking out the window. However, the bus does stop and, upon alighting, tourists are encouraged to explore. Whether it's climbing the Rock, strolling through the Olgas, running around sand dunes or roaming about the dry riverbeds, there's always plenty of opportunity to get down and dirty. Even with just a brief stop in Alice Springs, there's plenty of opportunity to indulge in first-hand experience of Aboriginal culture, as there are Aborigines wandering around all day, and it's the easiest thing in the world to stop and learn about their culture or watch them painting their art works on the lawn in the mall. Or a camping tour out to the Rock where you pitch your own tents, cook your own meals, and explore the country at your leisure. All that's pretty hands on - Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’
Entertainment Observer Million Seconds
from the hourglass-shaped structure in Manhattan, which doubles as living quarters for the contestants. Possible grand prize could go as high as $10 million, reports Variety.
At Geelong ■ After six years with Geelong Broadcasters and 16 years in media, Dean Anglin has announced that at the end of September he will be moving into the recently vacated role as CEO of Basketball Geelong including the Geelong Supercats, reports Greg Newman of Jocks Journal.
Benaud Trio ● Ryan Seacrest ■ The next big TV hit in the US will be the Million Dollar Quiz, to be hosted by Ryan Seacrest, who also fronts a sundicated radio program weeknights on Melbourne’s Mix 101.1. Contestants participate in the show 24 hours a day during its run (roughly 11 days, 13 hours, 46 minutes and 40 seconds … or one million seconds), with the nightly show broadcast live
■ The boys from the Benaud Trio are back with a new recording, Bohemian Rhapsody. They celebreated yesterday (Tues.) South Melbourne Town Hall – where they recorded it. Jeanne Pratt, Victorian of the Year, was guest of honour. Also on the guest list was Lady Marigold Southey, June McCallum, Rod Kemp and Peter Clemenger among others.