Melbourne Observer. 111207C. December 7, 2011. Part C.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 91

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Grubby, Dee Dee axed .. Page 92 Veritas: Lah-Lah and Friends at MRC .............. Page 93 Nightline: Paul Cronin, Sullivans on DVD ............ Page 93 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 94 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 95 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

DRAMA LEAGUE WINNERS ‘Cooking The Books’ launch

● Kerry Greenwood. Photo: Harjono Djoyobisono Corinna ■ If you have a penchant for good food, handsome lovers and the exciting tapestry of life you discover with inner city living, then solicitor-turned-author Kerry Greenwood has just the right recipe for you.

It's called Cooking The Books and it's Kerry's latest Corinna Chapman detective novel.

With her heroine described as 'talented baker and reluctant investigator', Kerry has given the generously proportioned Corinna a new venture in taking on the baking for the film set of a soap opera.

As is always the case in a detective novel, there are twists and turns - this time with complications involving nursery rhymes and a tiger called Tabitha.

Regular Greenwood fans are used to the presence of a variety of much revered domestic cats as associate stars in the novels, but a tiger is a rather larger variation on this theme.

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Corinna Chapman, she is one smart cookie who swapped corporate suits and a high flying career as an accountant to follow her passion for good bread, by opening a specialist bakery that produces fabulous rustic bread and muffins to die for.

She also has a hunky lover called Daniel, an elegant patrician cat called Horatio, and the working cats that keep the mice down - Hekyll and Jekyll, the well-named Mouse Police.

While Corinna just wants a peaceful life creating fabulous baked treats, somehow her nose for mystery lands her on a trail of detection, and this time her previous career comes in useful, as she also investigates the case of a young woman being unmercifully bullied by her corporate employers, who spend a lot of time cooking the books……

In real life, Kerry Greenwood has been a solicitor with a western suburbs legal centre, has cats to feed and lives with a registered wizard. Full time writing is a recent development.

"Nowadays I just write - I'll get back to the law in due course. The Magistrates' Courts are my escape from fiction, a dose of real life. I think they're good for me."

And in answer to the question of the kind of person who might like to find the new Corinna Chapman book in their Christmas stocking?

"Anyone who ever breathed deeply, passing a bakery!'

Kerry said.

And isn't that most of us?

- Julie Houghton

■ The Victorian Drama League announced its annual awards on Sunday night.

TechnicalAwards Best Set Designer for a Comedy or Drama Production: Silver: John Shelbourn. Not About Heroes by Stephen Macdonald. Williamstown Little Theatre Gold: Graham McGuffie. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Best Lighting Designer for a Comedy or Drama Production Silver: Deryk Hartwick. Life After George by Hannie Rayson Encore Theatre Gold: Graham McGuffie. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Best Sound Designer for a Comedy or Drama Production: Silver: Neil Williamson. The History Boys by Alan Bennett Heidelberg Theatre Company Gold: Andrea Cole. We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs. Eltham Little Theatre Best Costume Designer/s for a Comedy or Drama Production: Silver: Shane Ryan. Not About Heroes by Stephen Macdonald. Williamstown Little Theatre Gold: Kristina Doucouliagos and Emma Sproule. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Beaumaris Theatre Acting Awards ActingAwards Minor RoleAwards The Gold Award for Best Actor in a Minor Role for a Comedy or Drama Production. Peter Emery as Lane and Merriman.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Beaumaris Theatre The Gold Award for Best Actress in a Minor Role for a Comedy or Drama Production. Rose Jowett Smith as Young David Sarnoff and others. The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin Malvern Theatre Company Comedy Supporting Role Awards The Gold Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for a Comedy Production. Daniel O'Kane as Doug. Cosi by Louis Nowr. Gemco Players Community Theatre The Gold Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for a Comedy Production. Jennifer Gilchrist as Lady Bracknell. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Beaumaris Theatre ● Continued on Page 102

Messiah by the Sea ● Roxane Hislop ■ At this time of year there are several performances of The Messiah in the Melbourne metropolitan area, but Mornington Peninsula residents don't have to travel too far to enjoy Handel's masterpiece.

The highly regarded Glorania Chamber Choir is joining with the Choir of St Peter's Eastern Hill and the St Peter's Chamber Players and taking Messiah to the beach!

On Saturday (Dec. 10) at 5pm, Sorrento's St Mary's Star of the Sea Church will play host to these massed choral forces, and four excellent soloists - acclaimed singers soprano Merlyn Quaife and mezzo-soprano Roxane Hislop, with rising young talent tenor Jacob Lawrence and bass Nicholas Dinopoulos, all directed

by Andrew Raiskums.

Tickets start at $30 if they are pre-booked, or from $35 at the door. Enquiries and bookings to 5989 8620.

St Mary's Star of the Sea is located in Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento.

- Julie Houghton

Present Tense company forms

● Meet the collaborators of new theatre company Present Tense: Back row from left: Rodney Twitt, Dave Patterson, Dan Davidson, Grzegorz Gozdz and Robert Van Winkle; Second row from left: Dave Harford, Nicola Andrews, Nate Gilkes, Bryce Ives, Emma Leah, Sophie Woodward; Front row: Zoe McDonald, Laura Burzacott and Anna Boulic and Herman Vermont (seated).

■ Melbourne director Bryce Ives has spent the past few months kick-starting a new theatre company called Present Tense, which currently has three significant projects in development.

These include a response/adaptation of the landmark novel The Book of Rachael by Dr Leslie Cannold, a new Australian musical about the amazing life of Margaret Fulton and further development of an earlier work, Chants Des Catacombes, for seasons in Adelaide, Melbourne and Edinburgh.

Present Tense wants to cultivate a new generation of artists and audiences in Australia by producing extraordinary theatre work in unusual locations.

The company has just launched a campaign to raise $10,000 to mount seasons of Chants Des Catacombes in Adelaide and Melbourne in 2012 and a future season in Edinburgh and invites donations to help fund this project at: www.pozible.com/index.php/archive/index/4146/ description/0/0 Bryce says that by making a donation to Chants Des Catacombes you will advance the work of a team of dedicated and committed theatre makers.

Donors will also receive direct access to the company's performances, an inside view of how the company operates, public acknowledgement of their generous support and tickets to a show.

A video of Chants Des Catacombes can be viewed on You Tube

André Rieu on screen ■ André Rieu’s Amsterdam Arena performance will be screened at cinemas on Wednesday, December 11.

The two-hour spectacle, including Australian Mirusia Louwerse, will be shown at Classic Elsternwick, Cameo Belgrave, Centre Cinemas Horsham, and Wangaratta, Ticket holders ($35) receive a copy of Rieu’s The Christmas Love DVD/CD.

● André Rieu

Page 92 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Observer Showbiz

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

GOLD AXES GRUBBY, DEE DEE

Country Crossroads info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show.

Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads.

Casey Radio 97.7.

Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Rob Foenander

JOHN JOINS WARNER

■ Australian music icon John Williamson has signed with Warner Music Australia.

The signing means John’s latest CD and 48th to date, The Big Red, will be released by Warner on January 27, the same day as his major concert at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

An ARIA Hall Of Fame member, John has sold more than four million albums in Australia, won three ARIA awards, four APRA awards, as well as a staggering 24 Golden Guitar awards in his career.

■ The 25-year breakfast radio partnership of ‘Grubby and Dee Dee’ was axed from Gold 104.3 on Friday.

The pair were due to perform until the end of this week to finish the 2011 year, but elected not to do so, after being sacked at the end of Friday’s show.

Peter Stubbs and Diane Dunleavy first worked together on FOX 101, and then moved to Gold 104.3 12 years ago.

The pair were rating 5.3 per cent of the audience market share in the breakfast radio timeslot.

Gold 104.3 have also sacked ‘drive’ show hosts Jono (Coleman) and Dano (Ian Rogerson).

Sport Australia service for its affiliates

21st birthday

■ Bruce Mansfield hosted the official opening of Heidelberg based community station, 96.5 Inner FM, 21 years ago at Warringal Shopping Centre.

The official anniversary is tomorrow (Thu., Dec. 8), marking the ceremony involving the mayors of the four municipalities that the station served at the time - Preston, Northcote, Heidelberg and Templestowe.

Bruce Mansfield was a presenter at the station at the time, ahead of being appointed to 3AW’s Nightline. Another 3AW staffer, Clyde Simpson, is an Inner FM board member.

Ed quits Nova

TAYLOR TO TOUR

■ Country music superstar Taylor Swift will tour Australia and New Zealand next year as part of her Speak Now world tour.

The Speak Now album has created sales of over five million worldwide for Taylor and has been the number one selling album in all music genres over the past year.

Taylor's global record sales exceed 20 million albums and 40 million song downloads.

Radio birthday

PHOTO: ASH LONG

KASEY WINS ARIA

■ Kasey Chambers has taken out the 2011 Country Music ARIA award.

Her album Little Bird was named the best Country album.

This brings together a total of 10 Aria awards Kasey has either won as a solo artist or with other artists.

Kasey's husband, Shane Nicholson, was also an award finalist for his album Bad Machines.

SLIM’S CENTRE COMPLETED

■ The Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey, NSW, has been officially completed.

The key has been handed over to Slim's wife and Chairperson of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Joy McKean. The exhibition fitout will now take place with an anticipated opening in early to mid 2012.

Federal Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean, made a special trip to Slim's hometown to officiate at the handover and was photographed with Joy and Slim's daughter Anne Kirkpatrick (see Page 8).

- Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

104.3 WANTS TO ‘REFRESH THE BRAND’

● Ed Kavalee ■ Ed Kavalee hasannounced he has decided to leave Nova 100 to focus on television and film projects in the new year.

Ed has anchored the Hughesy & Kate breakfast show since January 2009 after joining the Nova Network in 2008 on the Drive show.

Ed recently completed production on Scumbus, a movie he wrote, produced and starred in alongside Toby Truslove, Christian Clark, Sam Tolj, Tony Martin and Lachy Hulme and guest stars Dave Hughes, Kate Langbroek and Peter Helliar.

Ed recently co-hosted The

● Grubby and Dee Dee: Peter Stubbs and Diane Dunleavy were axed at the end of Friday’s show Joy Of Sets on Channel Nine with Tony Martin, SBS’s live 2010 FIFA World Cup program, Santo, Sam and Ed’s Cup Fever after each World Cup game and in 2009 Ed hosted and was involved in developing content for TV Burp on Channel Seven.

■ 96 9 Star FM Shepparton turned 21 last month.

Star FM invited 450 of its closest, loyal listeners to the twenty-first birthday party on Friday November 25 at the GV Hotel.

The station started life as SUN FM.

Moving on

Air News on Light Digital ■ The AIR (Australian Independent Radio ) News service produced by Artie Stevens’s organisation, has expanded from AM and FM radio, to now also include digital radio.

The new Light Digital station, which was launched last week in Melbourne, includes

● Artie Stevens bulletins prepared fromn the Syndal and mobile studios.

AIR News is affiliated with more than 80 stations, most of them community based, around Australia.

The company is also developing a twice-weekly AIR

● Luke Holt ■ Light FM announcer Luke Holt is leaving Melbourne's Christian station. He currently co-hosts the breakfast show with Lucy Holmes.

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, December 7 December 8

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

Monday, Sunday, December 11 December 12

■ Australian singer John Wallis, part of Wallis and Matilda, was born in Melbourne in 1944 (67).

Australian actress Emily Browning was born in Melbourne in 1988 (23).

Comedian Steady Eddy (Christopher Widdows) was born in 1968 (43).

■ Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke was born in Bordertown, South Australia, in 1929 (82).

Australian TV host Larry Emdur was born in Melbourne in 1964 (47).

Actor Kirk Douglas was born in New York in 1916 (95).

■ American actor Dorothy Lamour (Mary Kaumeyer) was born in New Orleans in 1914. She died aged 81 in 1996.

Businessman Richard Pratt (Ryszard Przecicki) was born in Poland in 1934. He died aged 74 in 2009.

Australian cricketer Darren Berry was born in Melbourne in 1969 (42).

■ Fashion designer Maggie Tabberer was born in Adelaide in 1936 (75).

Performer Reg Livermore was born in Parramatta in 1938 (71).

Australian cricketer Rick McCosker was born in Inverell, NSW, in 1946 (65). He played in 25 tests.

■ Singer, actor, dancer and mimic Sammy Davis Jnr was born in New York City in 1925. He died aged 64 in 1990.

Jim Morrison, lead vocalist with The Doors, was born in Melbourne, Florida, in 1943. He died aged 27 in 1971.

Australian promoter Paul Dainty was born in England in 1947 (64).

■ American singer and actor Frank Sinatra was born in Hokoken, New Jersey, in 1915. He died aged 82 in 1998.

Singer Dionne Warwick was born in New Jersey in 1941 (70).

Irish singer and television presenter Daniel O’Donnell was born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1961 (50).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

Tuesday, December 13 ■ American actor Dick Van Dyke was born in Missouri in 1925 (86).

Singer/songwriter Ross Ryan was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1950 (61).

Australian signer Anthony Callea was born in Melbourne in 1982 (29). He made No 1 with The Prayer.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 93

Observer Showbiz

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

Nightline LAH-LAH, FRIENDS Radio Fun

guest, will be presented at the third Annual Drouin Christmas Show on Thursday (Dec. 8) at the Old Drouin Butter Factory, Drouin.

Doors open at 7.45pm for an 8.00pm start. Admission: $20 adults, $15 concession.

Bookings: 5625 4244

Veterans on air

● Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady

Paul Cronin on DVD ■ For a number of years, actor Paul Cronin was the stand-in co-host on the Nightline and Remember When programs on 3AW. From 1976 until 1983 Paul was best known for the charac● Paul Cronin ter ‘Dave Sullivan’ in For a number of years, actor Paul Cronin was the stand-in co-host on the Nightline and Remember When programs on 3AW. From 1976 until 1983 Paul was best known for the character ‘Dave Sullivan’ in the Nine Network’s 1114 episodes of The Sullivans.

For the first time, a DVD has been released with the first 50 episodes becoming available.

The $54.95 (plus postage) is not available through shops, it is only available through www.crawfordsdvd.com.au Crawford Productions is now part of the WIN TV group. Season 2 is expected to be released in 2012, they say.

3AW’s 80th anniversary ■ 3AW will celebrate its 80th anniversary on February 22 next week. The station had its opening broadcast from Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, on February 22, 1932.

The station is planning big celebrations for its birthday in the new year.

Nightline co-host Philip Brady told station General Manager Shane Healy on Friday night that he (Brady) hosted the station’s 40th anniversary celebrations at the Comedy Theatre in 1962.

Brady says he still has a commemorative program from the earlier celebartions.

Bonanza theme delights ■ Nightline listeners were treated to a replay of the Bonanza theme in a nostalgia flashback.

Online listener Jacqueline Healy of New York said: “So lovely hearing the old Bonanza theme song on the commercial for the DVD package of shows from the old days. I remember gathering around the TV on Sunday nights and watching Bonanza with the family. The theme song was so good and it was a really nice program for the whole family.”

The Melbourne Observer this week has a reader competition where DVDs of 17 neverbefore released episodes of Season One can be won.

● Lah-Lah ■ Observer columnist Di Rolle says one of the many acts that will appear at MusicPlay children’s festival is LahLah and her friends in Lah-Lah’s Musical Wonderland at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Lah-Lah and her friends descend on Melbourne for a fantastical show that will have everyone bopping away to the fun-filled sounds of Lah-Lah and her band.

This is a spectacularly fun show that will have the kids grinning and shimmying from go to whoa.

Lah-Lah’s Musical Wonderland is a colourful and boisterous blend of folk music, pop and jazz that get young ones engaged from the very stat” said The Daily Telegraph.

“That’s good enough for me to get together some kids of friends and head off on Friday, January 20, 11am, for 40 minute show with no interval,” Di says.

It is at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Tickets $20 Ideal for children 3-7 years of age and families. Book by phoning 9699 3333 or on line melbournerecital.com.au/musicplay

Duran Duran tour ■ The Dainty Group announced this week that one of the world’s most iconic bands, Duran Duran, will return to Australia in March for a series of six concerts, in support of their latest album All You Need Is Now. The band will perform shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane,Adelaide, Perth and the Hunter Valley.

Duran Duran will showcase songs from their critically acclaimed new album on the March dates, alongside all of the unforgettable hits from across their thirty-year career.

The Melbourne show is at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, March 21.

Tickets go on sale through Ticketek on Thursday, December 15 at 9am.

Skipping Girl

■ Peter Philp (ex-3KZ) has enjoyed his time on Ray Lawrence’s Wednesday Matinee (2pm-4pm, Radio Eastern 98.1 FM) so much, that he will be returning once-a-month in 2012.

Ray also shares his program, on the first Wednesday of the month, with Roy Hampson.

■ Another ex-3KZ DJ, Mike Menner, is on the airwaves at Yarra Valley FM 99.1, 7pm-9pm Thursdays, playing the hits of the 50s-90s.

Media Flashes ★

Nicholas Fairfax hjas tendered his resignation from the board of Fairfax Media, officially severing his family's last ties with the media company.

★

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation has launched the country's first state-owned television service. Test transmissions consisting of the rebroadcasting of Al Jazeera and Indian music channel Zing beganin Suva and other areas, and will be extended across almost all of Fiji.

★

A new radio national radio network is set to launch early next year with a focus on branded content, special interest groups, sport, religion, and foreign languages. Niche Radio Network has ambitions to be the largest independent multiprogrammed radio network in Australia with more than 35 stations on air with an additional 20 stations expected to be added later.

★ ★ ★

Pauline Hanson is rumoured to be in talks to present a talkback radio program to regional mnarkets.

The final radio ratings results for 2011 will be released on Tuesday (December 13). 13 - unlucky for some!

● Peter Philip and Ray Lawrence

Barrie Quick has re-signed as CEO of Pacific Star Network on a $379,776 package, plus $40,000 bonus possibility, plus one million options on shares at nil cost.

Observer Reader Special Offer

New CD! 22 Golden Shamrocks

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Page 94 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not FILM: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HOLLOWS - Part 2: Genre: Drama/Adventure/Fantasy.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 130 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: Well, it's finally here, Harry Potter and his buddies are back for the last time as they search for the evil Voldemort and their effort to destroy the Dark Lord, and it won't disappoint fans of the series or the genre. This concluding chapter in the epic series starts with a bullet and never lets go, and even though the Who's Who of British cinema cast are a standout, the real stars here are the stunning set designs and spectacular special effects wizards behind-the-scenes, an exciting and fitting edge-of-your-seat conclusion to a blockbuster saga.

Comparable Recommendations: Harry Potter Series, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Star Wars Saga.

FILM: SENNA: Genre: Documentary/Sport/Biography.

Cast: Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Frank Williams.

Year: 2010.

Rating: TBC. Running Time: 106 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: Fascinating documentary on legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna from his early beginnings and went to win the Formula One world championship three times before his death at age 34, an insightful look at the competitive world of racing, and you don't have to be a fan of the sport to be captivated by this extremely well made feature documentary, brimming from beginning to end with astounding archival material and interviews, a definite must have for fans of Ayrton Senna and the sport.

Comparable Recommendations: Grand Prix, The World's Fastest Indian, Le Mans, Winning.

FILM: THE CONSPIRATOR: Genre: Drama/Crime/History.

Cast: Robin Wright, James McAvoy, Tom Wilkinson, Danny Huston.

Year: 2010.

Rating: M. Running Time: 122 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: *** Verdict: The fascinating and absorbing story of the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln, and as the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life, beautifully filmed with striking period detail and superb performances from a stellar cast, director Robert Redford demands our attention every step of the way, and the results are compelling, thought provoking and rewarding.

Comparable Recommendations: In the Name of the Father, JFK, Frost/ Nixon, The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell.

FILM: THE SAND PEBBLES: Genre: Drama/Romance/War. Cast: Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Candice Bergen, Richard Crenna, Mako.

Year: 1966.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 182 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: Screen legend Steve McQueen excels in one of the most compelling and poignant roles of his career as navy Engineer Jake Holman, as he arrives aboard the gunboat U.S.S. San Pablo that is assigned to patrol a tributary of the Yangtze in the middle of exploited and revolution-torn 1926 China. Compelling every step of the way thanks to firm handed grip of legendary Oscar winning filmmaker Robert Wise (West Side Story, The Sound of Music and The Haunting to name a few), stunning cinematography by Joseph MacDonald and beautifully haunting music by the great Jerry Goldsmith. Superb cast are at the top of their game, with the only slight weakness being then young newcomer Candice Bergen, but the real stars here are McQueen and the U.S.S. San Pablo. This is one of the great epics that will captivate, thrill and enchant, and live with you for decades to come.

Comparable Recommendations: The Yangtze Incident, Voyage of the Damned, Ship of Fools.

FILM: THE LAST DAYS OF PATTON: Genre: Drama/Biography.

Cast: George C. Scott, Eva Marie Saint, Murray Hamilton, Richard Dysart.

Year: 1986.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 146 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: *1/2 Verdict: Over a decade and a half after the powerful and compelling multi Oscar winning 1970 classic Patton starring George C. Scott in his Academy award winning role, this made for TV sequel takes place at the close of World War II when the legendary WWII General George S. Patton is seriously injured in a car accident and not expected to survive. Sadly, far too much time had passed between the original and this follow up, and even though the all too obvious over aged Scott tries his best, the film falls apart with a poor script, weak direction, restricted budget, and what must be the longest death scene in Hollywood history, this is a hugely disappointing effort that began with an epic masterpiece.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

THE TREE OF LIFE

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 1.

2. THE INBETWEENERS. 3. IMMORTALS. 4. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS. 5. THE IDES OF MARCH. 6. MONEYBALL. 7. IN TIME. 8. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS. 9. THE DEBT. 10. DESI BOYZ. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: DECEMBER 1: AFRICA UNITED, APOLLO 18, ATTACK THE BLOCK, CHAD MORGAN: I'M NOT YET DEAD, JACK AND JILL, MACHINE GUN PREACHER, RESTLESS, WASTE LAND, DIRTY PICTURE. DECEMBER 8: NEW YEAR'S EVE, PUSS IN BOOTS, LADIES V/S RICKY BAHL.

● Jessica Chastain ■ (PG). 139 minutes. Available to Laramie Eppler, Tye Sheridan and rent on DVD and Blu-Ray on Decem- Fiona Shaw. ber 7.

Technically the film is appropriAfter a six year break, writer/di- ately a feast for the senses. rector Terrence Malick returns with Cinematographer Emmanuel The Tree Of Life, an incredible, awe- Lubezki (who also shot Malick's The inspiring experience that is at-once an New World), obviously completely all-enveloping epic as well as an inti- understands Malick's way of shootmate look at the nature of man. ing, making every frame achingly How one receives, reacts, and beautiful, showing that film can truly takes to this highly artistic piece will be a work of art. solely depend on you, as it will affect For those that are still wondering everyone in a very different, personal about the benefits of Blu-Ray, The manner.

Tree Of Life is the perfect introducTo describe the film through a com- tion to this format. fortable plotline is almost impossible.

The picture and sound quality are Once microcosm of the subject jaw-droppingly stunning. Perfectly matter involves a family, circa the connecting with the vision is the mu1950s, trying to lay out an existance sic score by Alexandre Desplat, in a small Texas town. lyrically enhances the images.

The parents (Brad Pitt and Jes- which Five editors perform the difficult sica Chastain) try to raise their three task of putting these images together sons as best they can. in such a meticulous, free-flowing But as the years go by, elements manner, given the expansive nature begin to change, particularly the relationship between the father and the of the material.

Terrence Malick's use of CGI is eldest son Jack (Hunter McCracken).

We also see Jack as an adult purposeful and impressive, giving us (played by Sean Penn) trying to come views of the formation of the world to grips with his life, and how his par- and the evolution of life that we haven't seen before. ents have shaped that life.

Terrence Malick is certainly one Through these different pathways of the few great film-makers still and structures, Malick incorporates numerous connections to the environ- working today, and has not given in to ment around us (a strong theme in all the generic, formulaic, shaky-cam his films), and how man is not only tripe that floods cinemas today.

His films have such a beautiful, frequently at war with himself, but also rythmic poetry that surrounds and abthe world in which he lives.

With The Tree Of Life Malick takes sorbs the viewer down to their very these themes to the next level, as we core.

His quest to show both the hardsee what kind of part we play in the universe by seeing the birth of the uni- ships and beauty of the world will hopefully give us a lust for life. verse and everything in it.

The Tree Of Life will prove to be The evolution of life from big bang to now is something to behold, and as important (and mindbending) as Malick sees a continuous flow of pat- Stanley Kubrick's 2001 : A Space terns and choices that challenges each Odyssey, a brilliant, organic masterviewer to reflect on and confront piece that is as towering and majestic memories, attitudes, and beliefs, see- as the journey we are taken on. ing how the human race is seen when Despite its release on DVD and looking at the bigger picture.

Blu-Ray, the best way to see this film The acting is first-rate, one per- is on the big screen, and The Astor former never stealing the limelight Theatre on Chapel Street (phone 9510 from the other, as one is as important 1414) is screening The Tree Of Life as the other, and is integral to Malick's on Sunday (Dec. 11) at 4pm. vision of friction, chaos, and the shape It is a true cinematic experience of things to come. you will never forget.

Every cast member desreves speRATING - ***** cial praise, which also includes - Aaron Rourke

THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. RED DOG [Drama/True Story/ Keisha Castle-Hughes, Luke Ford, Bill Hunter, Josh Lucas].

2. THE HANGOVER: PART II [Comedy/Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Paul Giamatti].

3. CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger [Action/Sci-Fi/Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones].

4. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HOLLOWS - Part 2 [Action/Fantasy/Daniel Radcliffe].

5. MR. POPPERS PENGUINS [Comedy/Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury].

6. HANNA [Thriller/Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, Saoirse Ronan].

7. LARRY CROWNE [Comedy/Romance/Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts].

8. BRIDESMAIDS: Extended Edition [Comedy/Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy].

9. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S: 50th Anniversary Collection - Limited Edition - DVD/Blu-Ray/CD. 10. KUNG FU PANDA 2 [Animated/Voices: Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie].

Also: CARS 2, SUPER 8, TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON, THOR, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, THE LION KING, BAD TEACHER, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, RIO, FAST AND FURIOUS 5.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: TREE OF LIFE [Drama/Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain].

THE BEAVER [Drama/Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Jennifer Lawrence].

GREEN LANTERN: Extended Cut [Sci-Fi/Action/Ryan Reynolds, Tim Robbins, Angela Bassett].

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES [Sci-Fi/Action/James Franco, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow].

COWBOYS & ALIENS [Sci-Fi/ Western/Action/Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig].

SENNA [Documentary/Sport/ Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Frank Williams].

JANE EYRE [2011/Drama/Jamie Bell, Michael Fassbender, Mia Wasikowska].

THE CONSPIRATOR [Drama/ James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline, Danny Huston]. ● Turn To Page 101

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 95

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS

Ballarat Lyric Theatre ■ Hairspray the Musical December 7, 11. Email: ballaratlyrictheatre@gmail.com

Geelong Lyric Theatre ■ Hairspray the Musical Information Night December 8 at 7.30pm at the Belmont Park Pavilion, Arcadia. Director: Tony Wasley; Musical Director: Amy Young; Choreographer: Dom Roussety. For audition enquiries, please email: president@glts.asn.au

Leongatha Lyric Theatre ■ Rent December 11, 12. Director: Scott Miller. Enquiries: 0422 894 149

Community Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

‘CROSSING DELANCEY’ AT UFTG SHOWS ■ 1812 Theatre: Crossing Delancey Until December 10 at 8pm, Wednesday to Saturday at 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Christine Grant. Bookings: 9758 3964 or www.1812theatre.com.au

Jack and Jill

PLOS Musical Theatre ■ The King and I December 31 at 5.00pm, January 2, 7, 8 at 1.30pm, January 4, 5, 6, 7 at 7.30pm at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Brad Dart; Musical Director: Andrew Head; Choreographer: Ange Lang. Tickets: $39/$34/ Children under 16 $26. Bookings: 9784 1060 or www.plos.asn.au

A CHRISTMAS PRESENCE

Frankston Theatre Group ■ Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) December 11 and 12 at the FTG Shed, Overport Road, Frankston. Director: David McCall. Audition bookings: 9789 3273.

Mountain District Music Soc. ■ How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying January 29 - February 1, 2012 at the Kim Annette School of Dance, 3 Woodbine Court, Wantirna South. Director: Richard Perdriau; Musical Director: Glen Barnett; Choreography: Felicity Bender.

Audition bookings: 0431 250749 or email kel-3@hotmail.com www.mdms.org.au

RED BALLOON

● Corey Pollock in Red Balloon..

■ The City of Kingston in association with Rah Rah Productions presents an ArtStable production, Red Balloon, on Friday, December 9 at 6.00pm and matinees on December 15 and 16 at 2.00pm at the Kingston Arts Centre, 979 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin.

Kimberley Grigg and Adam Pierzchalski of Rah Rah Productions facilitated a year-long performing arts program at Kingston Arts Centre Theatre for young people living with a disability, and the results of their hard work will culminate in three presentations of this group devised quality theatrical performance of Red Balloon.

Red Balloon combines shadow puppetry, physical theatre, text and sound. The piece explores some challenging questions – themed around existence, humanity, natural disasters, and escapism – through the cast members’ own expression and understanding of the world around them.

An underlying theme is when bad things happen it is important to remember that eventually it will be okay to smile again.

Dates and times: Opening Night: Friday, December 9 at 6.00pm Matinees: Thursday and Friday, December 15, 16 at 2.00pm Tickets: Full $20 / Groups 6+ 15 each Duration: 50 mins (no interval) Venue: Kingston Arts Centre Theatre, 979 Nepean Highway (cnr South Rd), Moorabbin, 3189 Bookings: 9556 4440 / www.kingstonarts.com.au ■ Non-Pro Theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold is heard weekly on 3AW Melbourne Overnight program hosted by Andrew McLaren. Cheryl presents a segment with the latest community theatre news at 12.45am Wednesdays.

● Bec Cullinan, Clare O'Brien and Helen Walker in A Christmas Presence.

■ The Kew Courthouse Arts Association and Think First Theatre Co. present A Christmas Presence for six performances from December 10 - 18 at the Kew Court House.

Written and directed by Elizabeth Semmel, A Christmas Presence is a magical journey depicting the historical events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

This family presentation is aimed at creating a joyous Christmas spirit, with humour from a gossiping Priest, bumbling shepherds, a fictitious Jester, King Herod, the Angel Gabriel, Mary and Joseph and the Magi on their camels.

The story will appeal to children and adults alike, with music, special effects, audience participation and lively movement.

Performances: December 10, 16, 17 at 7.30pm and December 11, 17, 18 at 3.00pm Venue: Kew Court House, 188 High Street, Kew. Tickets: Family Tickets (2 Adults, 2 children) $30 or $15 Full Price, $10 Concession (booking fee applies).

Bookings: 9853 3551 or online www.kewcourthousearts. com.au

TANGLE - POLYGLOT THEATRE ■ Imagine a giant structure made from 132 kilometres of brightly coloured elastic woven around seven-metre poles.

Add music, excited children, creative movement and lots of chaotic fun and you have Tangle.

A huge, messy, fun, large-scale interactive installation work created live on site by children and their families, Tangle is heading to the outdoor Arts Centre Forecourt, from January 18 – 22, 2012.

The Tangle web is facilitated by on-site artists and fuelled by live music to encourage physical movement, artistic decisionmaking, imaginative play and dramatic interaction.

Performance: Tangle Venue: the Arts Centre Forecourt (Outdoors, in front of the Arts Centre on St Kilda Road) Date: January 18 – 22, 2012 Time: 10.30am, 12pm & 2.30pm (each session 70 mins) Tickets: Free Booking: Not necessary Ages: All ages (all children must be accompanied by an adult)

● Jason Dawes as Peter Pumpkin-Eater and Rosemary West as Fairy Rainbow in the pantomime Jack and Jill.

Photo: Brendan Allan ■ The Adelphi Players Theatre Company present Jack and Jill on Saturday and Sunday, December 10, 11 at 1.30pm and 3.15pm at Labassa, 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North.

This delightful pantomime is written by Fred Rome and directed by Michael Mace.

Can Demon Discontent succeed in his plans to steal the last vestiges of worldly Happiness, and can he influence the mischievous twins, Jack and Jill, to do his bidding? Certainly not without a fight!

See the heroic folk of fair Arcadia employ their full armoury of song, dance and wit to rescue the enchanted wellwater and right the wrongs.

Tickets: Adults $10 Children $8 Bookings: 9690 1593

GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE ■ Geelong Performing Arts Centre last week launched its nineshow 2012 Alcoa Theatre Season in partnership with Deakin University in a star-studded event in The Playhouse, hosted by Eddie Perfect. Presenters included Miriam Margolyes and Helen Morse.

GPAC's 2012 season will start with celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens. Miriam Margolyes will portray 23 of his finest characters in Dickens' Women.

The season also includes Sundowner with Helen Morse, Syncopation by Allan Knee, Red Stitch's Stop. Rewind, The Flood

by Jackie Smith, Biddies by Don Reid, Belvoir's Death of a Salesman starring Colin Friels (a Victorian exclusive), Bare Witness

by Mari Lourey and will finish with Side by Side by Sondheim featuring Rachael Beck and Jessica Rowe.

General Manager Jill Smith said GPAC was able to offer such a high standard of theatre productions due largely to the generous support of corporate sponsors. " I am pleased to announce that GPAC has secured new support in 2012, with Deakin University, GHD and City of Greater Geelong joining the theatre season".

“Deakin already has a close relationship with GPAC through its Faculty of Arts and Education, which has been a greatly valued show sponsor in recent years. However this year the university as a whole has come on board, providing generous support for the entire theatre season,” Ms Smith said.

Deakin’s important contribution has resulted in a joint naming rights arrangement, with the season to be known as GPAC’s 2012 Alcoa Theatre Season in partnership with Deakin University.

Miss Smith said she was extremely proud of the 2012 program which includes nine productions from Australia’s best companies.

“The calibre of productions and performers we have assembled is just fantastic". www.gpac.org.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 96 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 30 Across

2. Sleeps through winter 7. Waterproof fabric 11. Greatly delighted 17. Baked treat 18. Sharp humour 19. Boxer, Muhammad ...

20. Terrible tsar 21. Rissole 22. Timetable 23. Differentiate 26. New Zealander 28. Marvel 29. Windpipe 31. Alien spacecraft (1,1,2) 34. Of newborn 36. Get to feet 39. Stagger 41. Decisive trial (4,4) 43. Most peculiar 46. Artist's naked models 47. Annul 49. Took (baby) off bottle 51. Lists articles 52. Show on screen 53. Nap 54. Lieu 55. Guitarist, ... Clapton 56. Comic verse 61. Sightseers 64. Electrode material 65. Lout 66. Nomadic beggars 67. Fire warming shelf 69. Gaggle birds 71. Boat launching ramp 74. River Jordan lake (4,3) 76. Case-harden 78. Tip of grain 79. Assail 81. Baronet's title 83. Faithful 84. Huge marine mammal 86. Renovated 89. Actress, ... Dukakis 90. ... Syne (4,4) 93. Group of fish 94. Releases grip (4,2) 97. Designer, ... Laurent (4,2) 100. Pause punctuation mark 101. Bewitching 103. Promote product 106. Et cetera (3,2,2) 108. Islam text 109. Speared 110. Swaddle 111. Effeminate 112. Dock 113. Match before final 115. Weathermen 118. Wears overly-fine attire 121. Paradise 124. Ruin 128. Idolise 129. Atlantic or Indian 130. Futility 134. Utilisation 135. Alpaca relative 136. Viper

Across

Down

137. Typeface 138. Burn with steam 139. Put pressure (on) 140. Citizenship 143. Greeting word 144. Last Greek letter 147. Annoy 150. Walk in water 151. Avoidable 155. Graveyard areas 157. Periods 158. Animal welfare group (1,1,1,1,1) 159. Discharge from army 162. More work-shy 164. Scrubbing stone 167. Troubled 168. Cowhands 169. Memphis is there 172. Headache tablet 173. Unfastened 174. Hooded jackets 177. Extreme limit 180. Relaxes 181. Destroy 183. Salary list 184. Butt receptacles 186. Inaccuracy 187. Reproductive gland 188. Sort 191. Dodging (duty) 195. Actors Gibson or Brooks 197. Untruthful 198. Incited (5,2) 200. Carved picture design 202. Selected 203. Chaps 205. Verify 206. Supplement, ... out 208. Singer, ... Garland 209. Stowing away 212. Confused rush 215. Shocked inhalation 217. Copper alloy 220. Small & delicate 222. Deficiency disease 224. Oily medicinal cream 226. Local 228. Stoneworkers 229. About-face (1-4) 230. Australia/New Zealand sea 232. Completely envelop 235. Songbird, ... wren 236. Arab land 238. Major celebrity 241. Scientific information 242. Distance travelled 243. Try 244. In present condition (2,2) 246. Mixing with others 252. White wine grape 253. Applicable 254. Respectfully, on bended ...

255. Irish movement (1,1,1) 256. Recline 257. Red-skinned cheese 258. Hidden past (4,6) 259. Cleaver 260. Assumptions

1. Taxi-driver 2. Confines (4,2) 3. Bird's mouth 4. Putting together again 5. TV broadcast 6. Stockholm natives 7. Singer, ... Redding 8. Jeans pioneer, ... Strauss 9. Martial art, ... fu 10. German WWII fascist 11. Seventh, ..., ninth 12. Remodels 13. Fab Four group (3,7) 14. Utter defeat 15. Become extinct (3,3) 16. Pity-arousing quality 24. Metric tons 25. Unexpended 26. Enlightenment 27. Seducer 28. Former Chinese leader, ... Zedong 30. One-spot card 32. Fierce 33. First aid bed 35. Yes vote 37. Identical sibling 38. Sweeping receptacles 39. Not to mention (3,5) 40. Ship's staff 42. Lion's lair 44. Dublin republic 45. Humanitarian, Mother ...

47. Actress, ... Kidman 48. Apparel 50. Dead as a ...

53. Mediocre (2-2) 57. Of childbirth 58. Six-stringed instrument 59. Ill will (3,5) 60. Get a word in ...

62. Infuse 63. Unappreciated 65. Longbow timber 68. ... & brace 70. Soil excavator (5,5) 72. Playwright, Oscar ...

73. Spinning toys (2-3) 74. Duck's mate 75. Regions 77. Circus director 80. Undying 82. Theatrical 85. Suffered torment (over decision) 87. Panache 88. Singer, ... Fitzgerald 91. Salt Lake City state 92. Corporals, sergeants etc (1,1,2) 95. Nails 96. Small devices 98. Arteries, blood ...

99. Sedate (character) 102. Otherwise 104. Oaths 105. News 107. Sydney's state (3,5,5) 113. Drink down 114. Intimidated 116. Outdoors (4-3) 117. Magic lamp owner 119. Reincarnation 120. Sent via Internet 122. Titled widow

Down 123. Aggravates 125. Gumtree marsupial 126. Trial showings 127. Scientist, ... Newton 128. Greek fable teller 130. Hot water dispenser 131. Consume 132. Famous record label (1,1,1) 133. Secret agent 141. Canadian province 142. Brass instrument 145. In a motherly way 146. Ethnic extermination 148. Weirdness 149. Cards between sweethearts 152. Struggler 153. Julia Roberts' film, ... Brockovich 154. Came into view 155. Sedans & coupes 156. Relief brooch 160. Be an omen of 161. Repugnant 163. Egyptian snakes 165. Tabbies or Siamese 166. Threw into disorder 167. Breezy 170. Coffee style 171. Extol 175. Onward 176. Danish novelist, ... Blixen 178. Cat cry 179. Authority (3-2) 182. Mental pictures 185. Vehicle's wheel cover 188. Injudicious (3-6) 189. Most considerate 190. Club's yearly meeting (1,1,1) 192. Briskness 193. Unreal 194. Diamonds 195. Puritans 196. 366-day cycles (4,5) 199. Proprietors 201. Beginning 204. Glimpse 207. Eager 210. Armoured US animals 211. Vagrant 213. Door rugs 214. Bivouac site 216. Woodwind instrument 217. Asian sultanate 218. Tendons 219. Eyelid swelling 221. Sticky coal by-product 223. Put at risk 225. Chatted 227. Cry of discovery 228. Close-mouthed 231. Mesh trap 233. Nominating 234. Great loathing 235. Missionary priest 237. Henpecked 239. Fries lightly 240. Car safety cushion (3,3) 245. Pub drink 247. Cease talking, ... up 248. Your school, ... mater 249. Des Moines is there 250. Indolent 251. Pudding starch

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page y g 97

Solution on Page 90 g

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Page 98 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

Green Hearts Recyclers Launch Ormond Hall, Melbourne Monday, December 5

● Stuart Pettigrew with Bob Richardson

● Alex Melnikoff with Wendy Parker

● Robert Krastick with Michael Bull

● Joe Costanzo with Degan Agnew

● Anthea Scerri with John Scerri

● Andrew Pepperell, Noela Foote and Brian Jones

● Paul Stewart, Greg Quirke and Wayne Banks-Smith

● Frank Chilla with Neil Collins

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 99

Melbourne People

Green Hearts Recyclers Launch Ormond Hall, Melbourne Monday, December 5

● Debra Mathias and Rose Calandra

● Barry Minster with Mark Richardson

● Mary Tan with Merav Goldberg

● Eric Giammaro with Tony Basile

● Chris Gatt and Matthew Gatt

● Mark Gashi with Sue Davis

● Mansor Walli with John Tamaresis

● Geoff Shepherd with Harry Wolfe

Page 100 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

9th win in 34 outings ■ The Wimmera Mail Times Pace for C4 to C6 class over 2200 metres at Horsham looked to be an open affair, with the victor being 6-Y-0 The Wrath Of Pan/My Eccentricity gelding Pete Of Pan, chalking up his 9th victory in 34 outings.

Bred, raced and trained by Dianne Giles (the partner of Lance Justice), Pete Of Pan driven by Jason Hackett flew out from gate four to lead and after being rated to perfection, ran his rivals ragged to score from Radical Impact (one/one bell - three wide home turn) and Hellovanite from last in a rate of 158.9.

Gained an inside run ■ Jayson Finnis was to bring up a driving double when 4-Y-0 Village Jasper/Sussex Lane mare Jasper Lane scored in the Lawman @ Mountain View Pace for C0 class over 2200 metres.

Trained by father Barry at Glencoe just outside the Mount, Jasper lane enjoyed a sweet passage three back the markers from gate two on the second line, with the red-hot favourite Texas Terror leading comfortably from gate three.

Gaining an inside run halfway up the running, Jasper Lane charged home at a great rate to blowse the second elect Vesper Lynd which raced in the open from the bell in the last stride, with Moderm McKenzie running on late along the inside for third after following the winner. The mile rate 2-03.3.

Plenty of pressure ■ Stawell duo Owen Martin (owner/breeder/ trainer) and son-in-law reinsman Michael Sullivan landed the Elsu @ Alabar Pace for C2 & C3 class over 1700 metres at Horsham with Lake Hills Jeb/ Wrap Around 7-Y-0 gelding Hellovaparty in a rate of 1-59.2.

Starting from the extreme draw, Sullivan wasted no time in sending Hellovaparty forward to park outside the pole line pacemaker Mica Pink prior to the bell.

Applying plenty of pressure approaching the final bend, Hellovaparty proved too strong at the finish for Mica Pink, with Princess Fiona One/one third after having every possible chance.

Moama Pacing Cup ■ The Moama Pacing Cup for C3 & C4 class over 2160 metres resulted in a thrilling finish between Glenn Douglas' new stable addition Sunrose Don and Faye McEwans Centonic also a recent addition to her stable, with victory going the way of Sunrose Don in a tight photo.

Sent forward from outside the front row to park outside the pole line favourite Kattrin giving Centonic a one/one trail, Sunrose Don was then eased to allow the tough Ubringthedrinks move up to the "deathseat", giving him the perfect spot which shuffled Centonic to three back.

With the pressure on the leader from the outset, Ubringthedrinks forged clear in the last lap, with Sunrose Don and Daryl Douglas in hot pursuit and both Bettor Give It and Weekend Rustler in the three wide line.

Tackled strongly by Sunrose Don on straightening, Ubringthedrinks was the first to crack, with Centonic gaining a split through the centre looking likely to score.

With the pair going to the wire together, Sunrose Don prevailed by a half head only in the fastest rate of the night - 1-58.9, with Bettor Give It third.

Bred and raced by Swan Hill's Robert Dacey, Sunrose Don has faced the starter 42 times for 9 wins and 16 placings.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Shepparton/Geelong, Thursday - Melton/Bendigo, Friday - Kilmore/Wedderburn (Cup )@ Melton, Saturday Cranbourne (Cup), Sunday - Stawell (Cup), Monday - Charlton, Tuesday - Gunbower @ Echuca.

CUP DAY IN THE YARRA VALLEY ■ It was Yarra Valley Pacing Cup Day on Friday December 2, featuring the $25,000 SEW-Eurodrive Yarra Valley Pacing Cup for M0 or better class (Discretionary Handicapped) over 2650 metres, supplemented by the $15,000 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Trotters Cup for TMO or better class (DH) over the same journey.

Maryborough Gold Cup winner Glenferrie Alexis brought up the big double when victorious in the Yarra Valley Pacing Cup. Co-trained at Parwan by the combination of Craig Demmler and Jodi Quinlan, with Jodi the driver, Glenferrie Alexis stepped slowly from the 10 metre mark to possie near last with only the 20 metre backmarker Karlsruhe behind her.

Pocket Boy was best to begin from barrier six for Lisa Miles, with the old timer Bold Cruiser immediately outside him being trailed by Composed and the pole marker Life Inthefastlane following the leader. Captain Joy which was slowly away from outside the front line, was sent forward once balanced by Greg Sugars to race in the breeze.

Once the field settled, Chris Alford was off and running with Composed to park in the open giving Captain Joy the trail he was looking for.

With no changes pending until the bell, Lets Slash An Burn was first to ease three wide, with Glenferrie Alexis latching straight on his back for a lovely ride home and Vito Vito joining the three wide train after galloping away.

Still in front on turning, Pocked Boy was challenged from all directions, with Glenferrie Alexis putting in her claim four wide.

Finishing full of running, Glenferrie Alexis raced to the front over the concluding stages to score a decisive victory in a slick rate of 2-00 even (last half 57.2 - quarter 28.4) over Captain Joy which was held up at a vital stage, with Pocket Boy battling away to finish a respectable third a further metre back.

Raced by Peter Chambers, Glenferrie Alexis bred by Queensland developer Greg Brodie who enjoyed so much success with her sire, is a 6-Y-0 mare by Courage Under Fire from Alegria.

In winning, Glenferrie Alexis chalked up her 18th victory from 55 race appearances.

Lightning ■ The Trotters Cup went the way of 8-Y-0 Safely

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Return to Echuca

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

Kept/Half A Sixpence gelding Save A Sixpence who registered his first success since September 2010.

Trained at Melton by veteran Graeme Lang and driven a treat by son Gavin, Save A Sixpence handicapped to win after being given a lenient mark, began swiftly from 10 metres to settle three back in the moving line, with the pole line favourite Eisenhower moving off the back of the brilliant beginner No Early Spark to lead shortly after the start.

Making a lightning move racing into the back straight after completing a lap, Save A Sixpence had too much speed for Eisenhower and crossed to assume the front running role.

Allowed to bowl without any challengers, Save A Sixpence was travelling nicely on the final bend, with Retained shadowing him and Motu Young Jacob outside the pair after easing three wide racing for the bell.

Kicking clear on turning, Save A Sixpence was challenged by Eisenhower along the sprint lane only to go off stride shortly after, allowing Save A Sixpence to gain the day by 4.1 metres in advance of No Early Spark along the sprint lane from three back the markers, with the roughie Groovy Bromac (four back the markers) weaving a passage in-between runners to claim third from Motu Young Jacob in a tricky photo.

Returning a mile rate of 2-04.6 (last half 58.6 quarter 29.3), Save A Sixpence raced by staunch stable supporter Jerry Glavas recorded his 20th victory in 64 outings which include 22 placings.

Shows speed ■ Astute Ararat owner/ trainer Terry Young who does most of his work at Peter Manning's Great Western complex, landed the Moore Bulk Haulage

3-Y-0 Pace over 1700 metres at Horsham on Monday November 28 with Art Major/Nukelyn gelding Majorflex in a rate of 2-00.9.

First up since June, Majorflex with Kerryn Manning in the sulky showed speed from gate two, but was unable to head off Amberlu Angus on her inside and eased to take a trail on Modern Scooter which also went forward from gate six.

Ending up three back in the running line after Torque Artraction had moved to the breeze racing for the bell, Majorflex was eased three wide in the last lap and cruised up to the leaders, hitting the front on the final bend.

Dashing clear on straightening, Majorflex defied all challengers to score from Narkoola which followed him home from mid-field, with Modern Scooter running home nicely for third.

On platter ■ Heywood owner/ trainer Kevin Brough's By Xample/Berts Babe 6-Y0 gelding Flynno is airborne at present and brought up two wins in succession by taking out the Metropolitan @ Rosehill Pace for C1 class over 2200 metres at Horsham.

Taking a concession for Mt Gambier's Jayson Finnis, Flynno (gate three) was handed the lead on a platter by Kerryn Manning aboard Lifeslittlesecret (gate two), bowling along at his leisure.

Kicking clear on the home turn, Flynno scored easily in advance of Grand Slam Miss (three wide last lap) and the roughie He Did It Again (five wide home turn) in a rate of 1-59.9.

- Len Baker

■ Harness racing returned to Echuca on Wednesday November 30, when a neat seven event program was held featuring the $5,000 Echuca Harness Ladies Committee Moama Trotters Cup and the $5,000 Echuca Moama Storage Moama Pacing Cup. Old timer Oi You a 8-Y-0 gelded son of Yentls Image and Plein De Grace trained and driven by Ardmona's Doc Wilson snared the Trotters Cup in a rate of 2-07.9.

Beginning speedily from the 20 metre mark, Oi You possied three back along the markers, while the short priced favourite Just Call Me Earl galloped wildly shortly after the start putting himself completely out of business.

Moving to race outside the pacemaker Sarkava at the bell, Wilson put the foot to the floor in the back straight on the final occasion and Oi You responded to surge clear approaching the home turn.

Holding a handy lead on turning, Oi You safely defied all challengers to score by 6.9 metres in advance of the 30 metre backmarker Le Chabanais (one/two bell), with Faye McEwan's Pearls third after having every opportunity one/one with a circuit to travel.

Locals cheerful ■ Rochester's Neville Pangrazio had plenty of locals cheering, when 5-Y-0 Village Jasper/ Kellyarmbro mare Mystic Jewel saluted the judge in the Bert Gordon Memorial Pace for C0 class (mares) over 1755 metres.

Given the run of the race from inside the second row trailing the pole line Narrandera visitor Ima Little Rusty which was worried throughout by the hot favourite Life Savings drawn next to her, Mystic Jewel was eased to be poised one/one running into the final bend and when eased three wide on straightening, ran home stylishly to blowse a game Life Savings in a rate of 2-01.3, with Ima Little Rusty a gap away third.

Father, son win ■ Rochester father and son - Graham and Dwayne Locke were winners on the night when smart 4-Y-0 Totally Ruthless/Tealsby Mischief gelding Texas Tealsby scored in the Dinky-Di House Boats Pace for C0 class over 1755 metres in a rate of 2-.

Trained by Graham and driven by Dwayne, Texas Tealsby from the pole was beaten for speed by Peter Lindberg's Untraceable (gate five) before trailing.

Easing away from the markers in the final circuit, Texas Tealsby quickly put pay to the leader on the home turn and raced clear shortly after to score from Kentucky Lane which followed him throughout, with Make A Fuss (one/three last lap) running on late for third. The mile rate 2-01.5.

Blow out for punters ■ The Walkabout Security Claiming Pace over 2160 metres was a blow out for punters, when Stature/Maud 10-Y-0 gelding My Salvation scored at Supertab odds of $21.70.

Trained at Kilmore by Josh Benson and driven

by Avenel based David Moran, My Salvation second up since December 2009 came from last with a three wide trail on the back of Rowan The Brave in the last lap, shifting wider on straightening to score from Rowan The Brave and Littlechrissyadios along the sprint lane after following the weakening leader Zulushar in a rate of 2-02.2.

It was My Salvation's first victory since July 2007 when a winner at Sydney's Harold Park.

Horses To Follow ■ Motu Young Jacob, Pacific Soul, Cheval Charette, Sandys Boy, Kings Business, Life Savings, Grand Slam Miss.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 101

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 94

Top 10 Lists

SUMMER HEAT WARNING

■ Racing Victoria's Chairman of Stewards, Terry Bailey, has released the RVL's Hot Weather policy as from December 1.

The Official Policy appeared in Inside Racing in their December issue and is a must for all those connected with runners on the day.

The following protocol is designed to control and manage the effects of excessively hot and /or humid weather on horses at thoroughbred race meetings in Victoria.

1. Official Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons must endeavour to inspect all horses presented in the mounting yard.

■ In the birdcage area before presentation in the mounting yard.

■ In the mounting enclosure before the race.

■ On arrival at the barriers.

■ On return to the enclosure after the race.

■ While being detained in the sampling area for whatever reason.

2. If a horse appears to be unduly affected by the heat and /or humidity (e.g. agitation, panting, and/or excessive sweating) in the pre-race period the Veterinary Surgeon shall report his or her observations to the Stewards immediately.

3. Appropriate treatment should be applied as soon as is practically possible to any horse found to be exhibiting signs of heat stress post race.

Please refer to the veterinary Section of the Racing Victoria website for appropriate treatment.

Remember, evaporative cooling, particularly sweating, is the most important means of dissipation of body heat for the exercising horse.

The liberal application of cold water in shaded, well-ventilated places will greatly assist the processes that enable horses to lose excessive body heat on hot days.

For further information contact RVL Veterinary Services on 9258 4374.

Jumps ■ Racing Victoria

Ted Ryan

● Pictured in the mounting yard Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

STILL THE BEST PLACE IN WORLD

has been most fortunate to secure the services of world renowned jumps coach, Yogi Breisner, for their Annual Jumps Racing Forum in 2012 to be held on January 6, at the National Equestrian Centre at Werribee Park.

Yogi will deliver a series of practical sessions, including riderperformance analysis and feedback, horseperformance analysis and educating and schooling horses from jumps racing.

Participation is compulsory for all jumps jockeys, and trainers who are seeking to be licensed as a jumps trainer fro the first time.

The forum will also include information related to the Rules of Racing, OH&S, equine welfare and media.

The program is being funded and supported by the Minister for Racing, Denis Napthine, and Racing Victoria, and is endorsed by the Victorian Jockey's Association and the Australian Trainers Association.

Further enquiries can be made to Lisa Coffey, the Workforce Development Officer on 9258 4328, or email her on l.coffey @racingvictoria.net.au

VOBIS gold ■ More support for owners with Racing Victoria and the State's Government Racing Industry

Fund launching the VOBIS Gold scheme.

What does it entail?

VOBIS Gold is an owners' incentive scheme consisting of race bonuses at country and metropolitan tracks and an annual $1 million restricted race series exclusively for VOBIS Gold qualified horses aged two to four years of age.

The cost for VOBIS Gold entry will be $1000, and allows owners to now race for up to $18 million in incentive scheme bonuses in Victoria.

You qualify by buying a Super VOBIS-qualified yearling from any sale, or privately, and pay the VOBIS Gold entry fee of $ 1000.

The majority of VOBIS Gold bonus races will be programmed on country races.

The majority of races programmed will be for three yearolds and older horses across a variety of classes.

The first bonuses will be programmed for 2010 foals on season 2012-13, during their two year old season.

The closing date for 2010 foals is June 1, 2012, with nomination forms and instructions to be released in 2012.

A great move to help bring new owners into the Sport of Kings, and not too expensive and you can pick up some vey nice bonuses.

■ My special thanks to our Editor, Ash Long, for looking after my column while I spent a few days away in New York and Las Vegas.

Unfortunately time didn't permit for me to attend any of their race tracks, but over there you wouldn't know when there is a meeting on, very unlike here.

The thing that got

me when listening and viewing a race, the caller in this case an English caller, only call the first four of the line and leave at that, meaning if your horse finished, further back you wouldn't have a clue, whether it ran fifth or last.

One thing I did notice not only do they put up the first four runners and their colours in the run, but they also show

the price.

I felt I walked around 100 kilometres with such big airports such as Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas, and naturally Customs in the States, are very strict and very serious.

All I can say in my opinion; is that we live in the best country in the world, Australia.

- Ted Ryan

● Jumps Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Harness Racing Extra ■ Darraweit residents Lisa and David Milles who train out of nearby Monegeetta, landed the SEW-Eurodrive Pace for C1 class over 2180 metres with 5-Y-0 Julius Caesar/Ok Jacqui gelding Jacquis Lad. Settling one/one from gate five, Jacquis Lad always appeared to be travelling kindly for Lisa and when extricated into the clear on turning, finished full of running to defeat a death-seating Henry Ducket by 5.6 metres in 2-03.4, with Love This Life (three wide last lap) third for Josh Duggan and Glenn Douglas.

■ Wayne Potter's in-form 5-Y-0 Western Terror/Eden Chanal gelding Lovable Larrikin snared the Heathcote Winery Pace Final for C1 class over 1690 metres in similar fashion.

Taking a concession for Monique Burnett, Lovable Larrikin a heat winner the previous Sunday possied one/one and travelled comfortably throughout.

Easing three wide in the last lap, Lovable Larrikin coasted up to the leader Quick Step Lombo prior to the home turn and finished too well to score by 2.3 metres in 2-00.9 over the pacemaker, with Kano Our third after following Lombo Quick Step throughout and using the sprint lane to no avail.

- Len Baker

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: MARTY [1955/Drama/Romance/Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair, Jerry Paris].

TRAPEZE [1956/Drama/Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Gina Lollobrigida].

THE YOUNG LIONS [1958/Drama/War/ Marlon Brando, Dean Martin, Montgomery Clift].

THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER [1955/Drama/ Thriller/Robert Mitchum].

THE BOSTON STRANGLER [1968/Drama/ Thriller/True Story/Tony Curtis, Henry Fonda].

EXODUS [1960/Drama/Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint].

DOCTOR DOLITTLE [1967/Family/Rex Harrison, Richard Attenborough].

HANG EM' HIGH [1968/Western/Clint Eastwood].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: LES MISERABLES: 25th Anniversary Edition.

BORED TO DEATH: Season Two. GLEE: The Concert Movie.

RESCUE SPECIAL OPS: Season Three.

TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. RED DOG [Drama/True Story/Keisha Castle-Hughes, Luke Ford, Bill Hunter, Josh Lucas].

2. THE HANGOVER: PART II [Comedy/Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Paul Giamatti].

3. CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger [Action/Sci-Fi/Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones].

4. MR. POPPERS PENGUINS [Comedy/Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury].

5. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HOLLOWS - Part 2 [Action/Fantasy/Daniel Radcliffe].

6. LARRY CROWNE [Comedy/Romance/Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts].

7. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S: 50th Anniversary Collection - Limited Edition.

8. HANNA [Thriller/Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, Saoirse Ronan].

9. BRIDESMAIDS: Extended Edition [Comedy/Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy].

10. KUNG FU PANDA 2 [Animated/Voices: Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie].

Also: Beauty and the Beast 3D, Cars 2, Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Thor, The Lion King, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Super 8, Water for Elephants, X-Men: First Class, Rio. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: TREE OF LIFE [Drama/Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain].

THE BEAVER [Drama/Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Jennifer Lawrence].

GREEN LANTERN: Extended Cut [Sci-Fi/Action/Ryan Reynolds, Tim Robbins, Angela Bassett].

GREEN LANTERN 3D [Sci-Fi/Action/Ryan Reynolds, Tim Robbins, Angela Bassett].

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES [Sci-Fi/ Action/James Franco, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow].

ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS: 3D Blu-Ray/Blu-Ray. CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 3D Blu-Ray/Blu-Ray/Digital Copy.

COWBOYS & ALIENS [Sci-Fi/Western/Action/ Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig].

SENNA [Documentary/Sport/Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Frank Williams].

JANE EYRE [2011/Drama/Jamie Bell, Michael Fassbender, Mia Wasikowska].

- James Sherlock

TVI Express ruling ■ The Federal Court of Australia has found TVI Express to be a pyramid selling scheme, following action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Lualhati Jutsen (also known as Teddi Jutsen), Tina Brownlee and David Scanlon were also found to have breached the law by participating in the TVI Express scheme.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 102 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

IMPRESSED BY THE AFL TOP TEAM

■ I’m reflecting on what has been the most massive and magnificent year in the history of the AFL. There were highlights galore such as Gold Coast Suns entry to the competition, its first win in Rd 5 by 3 points against Port Adelaide coming from behind and subsequent wins in Rd 7 v Brisbane Lions by 8 points, and a 3rd win in Cairns against Richmond by 15 points to finish equal bottom with Port Adelaide.

But the highlight for the GC Suns was their first Home game and the official opening of Metricon Stadium in Rd 10 against Geelong which featured Gary Ablett playing against his former club.

But the over-riding highlight, by a generous margin, in my view goes to Andrew D and his Executive staff in alphabetical order, Adrian Anderson, IanAnderson,Andrew Catterall,Andrew Dillon, David Matthews, Gillon McLachan, Christina Hogg, Tony Peek and Darren Birch.

I have only met four of these people Andrew D, Adrian Anderson, Tony Peek and David Matthews. I am impressed.

Their strategies and course of action is over-seen by the AFL Commissioners headed by Chairman, the distinguished former Carlton premiership captain and among many awards was the 1975 Rhodes Scholar.

This Board would be rated highly in the commercial world.

The TV rights contract valued at $2.3bil over 5 years, organised by Andrew D and Gillon McLachan is both an amazing negotiation deal but funds and provides the ‘financial security blanket’ for the AFL’s expanded 18 Teams competition.

Now the fans have weekly AFL matches in every capital city of our nation.

And equally important it will fund and secure the continued AFL development Internationally (24 countries participated in this year’s AFL International Cup) and further develop our game in the northern half of the continent from Albury to Darwin.

Andrew D stuck to his ‘guns’ in the tough negotiations with the Players’ Association over player payments because he knows we must build a ‘treasure chest’ for the future in case of stormy days.

Gold Coast Suns has the ex pat population of southern states to boost membership but GWS must not fail.

So he has thrown ‘Mr Fixit’ David Matthews in as fulltime CEO and in the past week approved the move of respected Nick Johnston as assistant.

The AFL Commission must not allow Andrew D to be ‘head-hunted’.

This is my highlight of a magical 2011.

We also saw the Geelong Cats destroy Collingwood by 38 points to win their third Premiership in four years when most experts declared they Melbourne

Observer

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel were too old, too slow for the modern game. Rookie coach Chris Scott claimed a flag in his debut year and Magpie Mick Malthouse, the AFL’s top coach, retired.

So too did W Bulldog Barry Hall, North’s Brady Rawlings, Port Adelaide’s Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan (both accepting the GWS offer to come and play another year and help the kids), Geelong’s Brad Ottens, Cameron Ling and Cam Mooney, Swans Tagdh Kennelly, Craig Bolton and Daniel Bradshaw while coaches Neil Craig, Rodney Eade, Dean Bailey and Fremantle’s Mark Harvey all said ‘goodbye’.

Harvey’s replacement, ex Saint coach Ross Lyon was a ‘lowlight’ in a ‘cloak and dagger’ appointment at an allege ridiculously inflated figure of $1.4mil per year for four seasons.

Even Mick Malthouse, Kevin Sheedy and company never got close to this figure.

Which leads me into 21 yrs., 31 games and coming off a severe injury, Tom Scully’s more bizarre GWS contract of again allege figure of $2mil in the first year and $6mil over six years contract.

What a load this young man carries on his shoulders next year. It was made worse when GWS contracted his father Phil as recruiting officer which the media called “the Scullygate affair”.

The AFL’s Adrian Anderson has cleared GWS of any wrong doing but CEO Dale Holmes has gone.

The Sydney Swans once again made the Final 8 and sent St Kilda on its way in Week 1 of the Finals.

Well done John Longmire in your debut season. Few of the experts will include them to make the 8 in 2012 but they will be there.

I wish they or some club would give Brendon ‘Fev’ Fevola a third chance at F/F.

The IRS series between Australia v Ireland was a farce with our team of youngsters yet to prove themselves in our game let alone represent their country which was an insult to our visitors Ireland, our coach Rodney Eade who had one week to train and educate his boys in the ‘hybrid’ game and the perplexities of the round ball.

The result was obvious and the Ireland team returns home with some good news for a nation struggling with debt problems.

The NAB Draft was dominated by GWS as it should be to be competitive in our AFL in 2012.

I believe Sheeds, Mark Williams, the recruiting team headed by Graeme Allan, Stephen Silvagni, Alan McConnell, Craig Lambert, Neville Stibbard and others have done a remarkable job of blending real experience (200 games +), the Brownlow Medal was deservedly won by Dane Swan after surprisingly missing out last year to Chris Judd who was an odds-on favourite this year which was marred by the over-zealous tribunal rubbing out genuine ball players and so barred them from winning the AFL’s most coveted award.

At one stage in the count there were five ineligible players vying for the lead!

AFL lists ■ The AFL had a number of its deadlines last week, (Tues., Nov.29), in regard to the rules relating to club lists.

Below is a loist with the detail for players from each category, as lodged with the AFL by clubs.

Out of Contract Primary List Draft Nomination. Nil International Player Inclusion on Rookie List.

Collingwood – Caolan Mooney (Ireland) . Richmond – John Heslin

(Ireland).

Players not Registered or Played for Three Years inclusion on Rookie List.

Geelong Cats – Mark Blicavs (Athletics) NSW Scholarship Player and International Scholarship Player inclusion on Rookie List Brisbane Lions – Richard Newell (NSW Scholarship) Carlton – Matthew Lodge (NSW Scholarship) Collingwood – Michael Hartley (NSW Scholarship) Sydney Swans – Jack Lynch (NSW Scholarship) Alternative Talent Adelaide Crows - Ben Dowdell

Training lists ■ The AFL advises the following unlisted players currently have permission to train with AFL clubs.

Recent additions since the last update on Tuesday November 15 are underlined.

Adelaide. James Craig (Adelaide Crows), Will Young (Adelaide Crows).

Brisbane Lions. Nil. Carlton. Nicholas Heyne (St Kilda).

Collingwood. Daniel Farmer (Collingwood), Scott Reed (Collingwood), Trent Stubbs (Collingwood).

Essendon. Matt Little (Bendigo Bombers), Anthony Long (Essendon).

Fremantle. Zac Dawson (St Kilda), Brad Dick (Collingwood), Clancee Pearce (Fremantle).

Geelong Cats. Nil Gold Coast Suns. Michael Coad (Gold Coast Suns), Aaron Hall (Hobart).

GWS. Giants. Nil Hawthorn. Paul Johnson (Hawthorn).

Melbourne. Freddie Clutterbuck (East Perth), Tom Couch (Collingwood / Bell Park), Carl Nicolson (Glenelg), Fletcher Roberts (Sandringham Dragons), Jai Sheahan (Geelong Falcons).

North Melbourne. Marcus Darmody (North Ballarat), Lachlan Fairley (Western Jets), Liam Hoy (North Ballarat), Brad Mangan (Werribee), Will Martinello (Werribee), Tate Oliver (North Ballarat), Sean Tighe (Werribee), Gavin Urquhart (North Melbourne).

Port Adelaide. Ed Lower (North Melbourne).

Richmond. Pat Contin (Richmond), David Fahey (Coburg), Glen Grgic (Coburg), Ben Jakobi (Richmond), John McCarthy (Collingwood), Addam Maric (Melbourne), Leigh Masters (Coburg), William Wheeler (Coburg).

St Kilda. Jason Blake (St Kilda), Ben Casley (GWS), Beau Dowler (Noble Park), James Hallahan

Victorian Drama League Awards

● From Page 91 Drama Supporting Role Awards The Gold Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for a Drama Production. Joe Dias as Biff. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company The Gold Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for a Drama Production. Melissa Karakaltsis as Charlotte Peters. We Happy Few

by Imogen Stubbs. Eltham Little Theatre Jane Menze as Helen Irving. We Happy Few

by Imogen Stubbs Eltham Little Theatre

Comedy Leading Role Awards The Gold Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for a Comedy Production. James Antonas as Norman. Living Together by Sir Alan Ayckbourn. Essendon Theatre Company The Gold Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for a Comedy Production. Kristine Doucouliagos as Cecily Cardew. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Beaumaris Theatre Drama Leading Role Awards The Gold Award for Best Actor in a Leading

(Sandringham), Danny Hughes (Sandringham), Michael Lourey (Sandringham), James Magner (Sandringham), Marcus Marigliani (Sandringham).

Sydney Swans.

Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park), Campbell Heath (Sydney Swans), Jackson Potter (Pennant Hills), Mitch Thompson (Sydney University).

West Coast. Nil. Western Bulldogs. Mark Austin (Carlton).

Schwarze returns

■ The St Kilda Football Club has announced the appointment of Danny Sexton as Defensive Coach plus Sorrento premiership coach and former player Troy Schwarze as Specialist Coach (Midfield) for 2012.

Danny Sexton, St Kilda’s Opposition Line Coach for the past two years has become the Saints Defensive Coach as part of Scott Watters new coaching structure.

The Saints news release says: Sexton has a wealth of football experience both as a player and coach. He had seven years playing at Port Melbourne before going on to coach Diamond Valley, Calder Cannons U/ 16 and U/18 plus was Head Coach at the Northern Knights before joining St Kilda as a Development Coach in 2006.

“Danny is a very insightful coach and will play an important role in the coordination of our defensive strategies,” said Watters.

“He has a strong background in player development and is well respected by the playing group."

Sexton joins Adam Kingsley (Offensive Coach) and Dean Laidley (Midfield Coach) as one of St Kilda’s three Line Coaches in the AFL program for the 2012 season, with a new Opposition Analyst to be appointed in the coming weeks.

Schwarze, 29, played 71 games for the Saints (1999-2006) and has enjoyed recent success as Senior Coach at the Sorrento Football Club.

Since joining the Sharks in 2007, Schwarze has led Sorrento to three premierships and earned a fantastic reputation for forging outstanding community relations.

- Harry Beitzel ● From Page 91

Role for a Drama Production. Barry O'Neill as Willy Loman. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company The Gold Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for a Drama Production. Gail Bradley as Professor Lindsay Graham. Life After George

by Hannie Rayson. Encore Theatre Directing Awards The Gold Award for Best Director of a Drama Production. Kevin Trask. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company

The GoldAward for Best Director of a Comedy Production. Emma Sproule. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Beaumaris Theatre Production Awards The Gold Award for Best Production of a Drama. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company The Gold Award for Best Production of a Comedy. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Beaumaris Theatre - Cheryl Threadgold

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 103

Sports and Fitness

Page 104 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Sports and Fitness

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 105

Fishing and Boating

Page 106 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Antiques and Collectables

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Page 107

Antiques & Collectables THE COLLECTORS’ NEWSPAPER December 2011

For Collectors ‘New’ Collectables ■ RMIT Link Arts & Culture will hold a New Collectables Auction 5.30pm tomorroiw (Thurs., Dec. 8) at the First Site Gallery, 344 Swanston St, Melbourne.

The live art auction allows people to buy exceptional, affordable artworks by RMIT's most promising artists.

Works for sale include painting, drawing, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture and photography. Bidding starts at 6.30pm sharp.

Viewing and Backroom Sales will be held today (Wed.) between 12 Noon -7pm, and tomorrow (Thu.) from 12 Noon - 5pm.

Final Backroom Sales will be held on Friday (Dec. 9), 12 Noon - 7pm.

For wine lovers

■ A special night for lovers oif the collectable Penfolds Grange Hermitage series was held at The Botanical, South Yarra, last night (Tues.).

One of the leading figures in Australian wine, Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago holds the key to Penfolds impressive cellar.

For one night only, Peter cracked open the lock and personally present a selection of his favourite vintages from Penfolds Grange, RWT, St Henri and Magg Gill Estate spanning the past two decades, as well as some releases of his white stars: Yattarna and Eden Valley Riesling.

Patrons paid $395 each, also receiving the book Rewards Of Patience.

Next auction

■ Prestige Philately will conduct its next auction on Friday, December 16.

The Gerald Ellott Collection of Royal Navy Mail will be offered. A full catalogue is available in PDF format at www.prestigephilately.com Lots for the auctions can be viewed at the Auction Rooms, 8 Floriston Rd, Boronia: Monday, December 12: 10am-6pm Tuesday, December 13: 10am=6pm Wednesday, December 14: 10am-6pm Thursday, December 15: 10am-6pm Friday, December16 (Sale Day) 9am2.30pm

Phone: (03) 9439 7070

Published Monthly

RETROSPECTIVE OF RON ARNOTT

CASH PAID

EXHIBITION UNTIL DECEMBER 18 ■ The Gasworks Patrons and Friends Foundation and the Arnott family will be hosting Paintings by Ron Arnott until December 18.

It is a retrospective exhibition that will celebrate the life and legacy of acclaimed fine artist Ron Arnott.

Paintings by Ron Arnott will showcase a variety of Ron’s art, as well as historical records that document more than 30 years of Ron’s social, political and community contributions.

From 1975 until his death in 1998, Ron Arnott’s full-time painting resulted in eight solo exhibitions and representations in many group exhibitions, in particular the Victorian Artists’ Society exhibitions.

Over the years, Ron actively supported dozens of community groups and causes; the Emerald Hill Association; Campaign for a Better Council; lobby groups fighting plans for a freeway through South Melbourne; Meals on Wheels; school and kindergarten groups; the Keep South at South football campaign and the Save Albert Park campaign.

His active participation in the community, commitment to family and his personal growth are shown through the figures that dramatically express Ron’s understanding of the contradictions of life.

The Arnott Family has a formidable reputation for social justice and commitment to the arts in the City of Port Phillip, and this exhibition aims to acknowledge this and encourage

Original copy ■ Collectors of books will delight in the production of A Christmas Carol,

by Charles Dickens, being staged at the historic Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, from December 9-11.

Only four shows are being produced, by Eagle’s Nest Theatre.

Phil Zachariah will once again bring to life over 20 characters from this wonderfully heart-warming story with its memorable characters, fabulous humour and nostalgic messages of forgotten Christmas traditions.

This production recreates the famous readings Dickens himself gave in the latter part of his life with Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come, brought to life using Charles Dickens’s original prompt copy, which includes directions in the author's own hand writing.

Since ‘Charles Dickens Performs A Christmas Carol’ was first presented by Eagle’s Nest Theatre’s James Adler in 2003 the powerful combination of a polished performance and a heartwarming tale of redemption has garnered standing ovations and outstanding reviews up and down the east coast of Australia.

- Julie Cavanagh

ALL SUBURBS

Antiques, Bric-a-brac CHINA, GLASS, JEWELLERY, FURNITURE, CLOCKS, TOYS, LIGHTS, SILVER, POSTCARDS, AUSTRALIANA, BOXED CUTLERY, LINEN & LACE HOUSE LOTS, ANY SIZE Wanted To Buy DESPERATELY SEEKING

Sue 9592 9735 BRIGHTON

Camberwell Antique Centre 25-29 Cookson Street, Camberwell Opposite Camberwell Station

9882 2028 0418 586 764 Open seven days, 10am - 5pm Over fifty dealers in antiques and collectables.

Large selection of furniture, Carlton-ware, Moorcroft, Australian pottery, Wedgwood, jewellery, sporting memorabilia, toys and much more

And we buy - single items, collections, house lots or deceased estates www.camberwellantiquecentre.com.au

● In Memorium 1980 Oil on Hardboard others in the community to think about their own contribution.

This event is proudly supported by the Arnott family and the Gasworks Patrons and Friends Foundation.

The Gallery at 21 Graham St, Albert Park is open: 9am-5pm daily. Phone 8606 4208. E-mail: e cara@gasworks.org.au

COBURG 103 Holmes St COME IN Brunswick HILL East AND ANTIQUES Ph 9383 5743 Open Tue-Sun LOOK! It’s A Pleasure!

11am-5pm Free Quotes on Furniture Restoration Clock Repairs BARGAINS GALORE

Now, Every Month!

The Melbourne Observer newspaper is publishing a new, monthly Antiques and Collectables section.

You can promote your business to 55,000 potential customers with a business card-size ad, for just $31.25 per month.

This DISCOUNT rate is available when you order a package of 8 monthly ads.

Business Card Size Ad 50mm height x 62mm width

Only $31.25 Order a package of 8 monthly ads for a total of $250. We will also give you a FREE $40 weekly listing in the Melbourne Trader Classifieds.

Antiques & Collectables Antiques and Collectables freatures will be published on December 7, plus the first week of each month from February 2012.

Advertisers will receive a free weekly classified ad listing in the Melbourne Trader section of the Melbourne Observer, plus a free website listing.

For more details, contact Ash Long.

Phone 9439 7070

YOUR GUIDE TO ‘ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES’ IN VICTORIA

Page 108 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

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