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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013 - Page 3

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City Desk

Melbourne

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The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz

Reece sings at Epping

Finalists play

● Reece Martin ● Stefan Cassomenos ■ The six talented Chamber Music Finalists for the 2013 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards have been announced – two of whom are only 15 years old!

They form the shortlist of brilliant young musicians who will perform with seasoned professionals from the MSO in the Chamber Music Round today (Wed.) at 1pm and 7pm – in the thrilling countdown to the Grand Final on Saturday (Oct. 12).

The six successful finalists: Stefan Cassomenos, 28 (Vic – Piano), Grace Clifford, 15 (NSW – violin); Andrew Kawai, 15 (Vic – oboe); Hoang Pham, 28 (Vic – piano)’ Jonathon Ramsay, 19 (NSW – euphonium); and Harry Ward, 17 (NSW – violin) – who will each perform in a concert at Melbourne’s Iwaki Auditorium.

Vic. premiere

■ Three theatre companies have come together for a 'theatrical documentary', Beautiful One Day, about Palm Island.

Publicist Ben Starick says the Victorian premiere takes place in the season that runs from November 26-December 1 at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne.

Bookings: artshouse.com.au or 9322 3713

■ Australian singer-songwriter Reece Martin will appear at Pacific Epping (formerly Epping Plaza) at 11.30am this Saturday.

His appearance include performance of hits Rockstar and Shut Up And Kiss Me. Dance crew Swagamama will join Martin on stage at Urban Diner, the centre’s restaurant and entertainment precinct.

The day’s attractions also include Chinese lion dance performances.

Local girl Madeline Perrone will perform on Sunday.

‘Guys And Dolls’ at National Theatre

CHARITY FOOTY ● Independent musicians did battle in the Melbourne Punk Rock Charity Shield at the State Hockey Centre in Parkville on Saturday.

This was a football game between two teams created for the event: the Suburban Vikings and the Melbourne City Sharks. Arthur Stevens has a full report on Page 20.

What’s On In Melbourne

Some Melbourne radio people will make their way to Brisbane this ★Casual weekend for the Commercial Radio Awards. opening celebrations will take place from 2pm-4pm on Saturday ★ October 26 at Firestation Print Studio, 2 Willis St, Armadale, Sue Top combines her two passions: bush-walking and making art.in the 'Fungus Meets Ferrite' exhibition which continues until November 9.

The Joshua McClelland Print Room, 310 Rathdowne St, Carlton, is conucting the opening of the exhibition of Hybrid Collaborative prints by Damon Kowarsky and Atif Khan at 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 15. Exhibition continues until November 9.

Melbourne Music Week is being held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image from November 16-22. It will coincide with Melbourne Music Week and Spectacle: The Music Video Exhibition.

The John Steel Singers’ national Everything’s A Thread Tour starts Friday, November 8, at the Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne.

★ ★ ★

Melbourne Moments Ricky is racing ■ Former Australian cricket captain, Ricky Ponting, has moved from Sydney to Melbourne and retired from all forms of cricket, affording him more time to concentrate on one of his great passions, greyhound racing.

Having moved to Victoria, Ponting will increase his involvement in greyhound racing, assisting Greyhound Racing Victoria with the promotion of greyhound ownership and the Greyhound Adoption Program that has re-homed more than 4500 greyhounds.

Ricky Ponting has been involved in greyhound racing for more than 20 years has owned three Group 1 runners in the past, including 2013 National Sprint Championship finalist, Rumbling Rick.

Under The Clocks

● Ricky Ponting resumes his love for greyhounds in Victoria

● Crapshooters Josh Cinco (left), Nathaniel Lamond, Tamblyn Smith, Jon Sebastian, Matt McDonald, Jason Mill and Chris Rogers in Guys And Dolls, at the National Theatre until October 19.

Photo: Richard Crompton ■ After achieving stunning success earlier this year with the spectacular world amateur premiere season of The Phantom of the Opera, versatile CLOC Musical Theatre now presents the contrasting, light-hearted musical fable of Broadway, Guys And Dolls, at the National Theatre, St Kilda until October 19.

Adapted from Damon Runyon's story and characters, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, Guys And Dolls is set in New York in the late 1940s, where the unlikely worlds of underground gambling, gangsters, missionaries and showgirls merge into a romantic comedy inter-laced with witty lyrics and bright, familiar tunes.

These include Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat, Luck Be A Lady, Bushel and A Peck and Adelaide's Lament, all superbly rendered by Phillip Osborne's magnificent orchestra.

Co-director Chris White's atmospheric set design facilitates a seamlessly staged production, artistically complimented by Brad Alcock's lighting and Victoria Horne's colourful, stylish costumes.

Choreography by co-director Lynette White is terrific - constantly visually interesting and performed by first class dancers. However, onstage busyness sometimes risks becoming distracting.

CLOC has assembled a cast of wonderfully talented musical theatre performers. Kelly Windle delivers an exquisite portrayal of refined missionary Sarah Brown, while Sarah Watson uses show-biz flair and great comedy timing in her entertaining performance as showgirl Adelaide Adams.

Scott Hili is well-cast as gambling operator Nathan Detroit, and Jon Sebastian portrays high-roller gambler Sky Masterson in cool, controlled style.

Dynamic comedy duo Jason Mill (Benny Southstreet) and Michael Butler (Nicely-Nicely Johnson) use impressive, energetic physicality in their stand-out performances as the bumbling henchmen.

The show's pace slows a little at times, but as a product of the lessfrenetic 1950s, that's how it is.

Congratulations to CLOC Musical Theatre for presenting an expert revival of this much-loved classic musical.

Performances: October 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19 at 8pm and October 12, 13 at 2pm.

Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda Tickets: $50 full price, $45 Concession and groups, $35 Child (16 and under) Bookings: 1300 362 547 or www.cloc.org.au -Review by Cheryl Threadgold

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

■ At just 24 years-of-age, Melbourne's Josh Howlett is well on his way to slam dunking his life ambition of producing his first movie - Final Four.

Born and raised in the Melbourne's western suburb of Werribee, when Josh was in preschool, he first fell in love with acting watching his godmother, Cath McCallig, performing in several theatre productions around Melbourne.

After Josh completed high school, he ventured out into the 'real world' for a few years in hope of finding direction.

Immersed in artistic culture of Melbourne's inspiring west, Josh couldn't shake the acting bug.

Whilst working in his last 'real' job as a travel agent, he discovered that the film industry is where he wanted his career to take flight. He immediately handed in his resignation to follow his dream.

The following day, Josh put pen to paper and wrote the synopsis for a film - Final Four - a present day drama that follows the journeys of four teenage Australian basketball players from primary, high school and through to their pursuits as college basketball players in the United States.

After months of rewrites and successfully pitching the concept to investors, producers and agents in Australia and the United States, Final Four is currently in pre-production with a

Producer Porch Thoughts with some of Hollywood's biggest names preparing to sign to direct and star in the film.

On his Producer Porch in his studio in Werribee, I caught up with Josh to find out more about the inspiration behind his film and discovered when he is not writing, Josh is involved supporting disadvantaged youth through programs such as the Reach Foundation.

Acting has played such a huge part of life in terms of shaping your life's ambitions. What was some of you first professional acting gigs?

I was involved in many productions both in and out of school. My first professional acting gig was a one off appearance as The Tin Man in a Melbourne production. It was a 38 degree day in January and I was wearing a latex mask. From there I went on to act in a small screen productions and learning the art of writing and producing.

From what I've read, Final Four is all about heart. What is one movie that pulled at your heartstrings?

Remember The Titans in 2000. It

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Sam Belt Ringwood Hawks Superstar/ NCAA All American “There's nothing like chasing a sporting dream.

To be a NBA superstar was my first childhood dream. When we have these dreams so young, there is nothing that gets in our way. When adversity hits, that is when true superstars show their character. When we have a dream that has lasted 20 years, you will knock down any wall if it means getting closer to your DREAM. A basketball film telling this story will be inspirational for future generations.”

was based on the true story of African-American coach Herman Boone portrayed by Denzel Washington. In the 1970s, Herman tried to introduce a racially integrated team at a High School in Virginia. The adversity those boys overcame to remain true to themselves and each other was a huge inspiration for me.

I've seen it at least 30 times and I still get goose-bumps when I watch it.

Do you feel growing up in Melbourne's western suburbs influenced your writing or fuelled your passion for producing films?

Definitely! The West is where the true artistic heart of Melbourne can be found. If you spend a day walking her streets, you'll see everything that you both want and don't want from life. All of the best artists I know, whether it be actors, photographers, fashion designers or street artists, seem to stem from The West.

The Final Four is based on a true story based on a group of Australian high school athletes who attend University in Northern California and come to greatness in NCAA basketball. Who is it based on?

It's loosely based on the St Marys College basketball team in the States who are well known for recruiting Australian players such as Matt Dellavedova and Patty Mills. We've been in touch with some key members of that organisation and they are very excited about the project.

How long did the initial concept take to write?

It took me a full day of writing followed by a lot of procrastinating and then back to writing it again. I then teamed with film producer Bobby Galinsky who is writing the official screenplay, he wrote the treatment in roughly two months.

Did you play basketball yourself to give you some 'real-life' prospective?

I played a bit of ball in my junior years for the St Andrews Basketball Club in Werribee. I've always been a massive fan of the sport.

How did you develop the characters in the USA such as Assistant Coach 'Rocket Richards from your studio in Werribee?'

One of the main characters in the story - Coach Richards, I slightly based on my dad. He is a complex character. He is a win at all costs kind of guy who, under his harsh exterior,

● Josh Howlett really just wants what's best for the Who would you like to see star team. I had to use a lot of imagina- in the film? tion through life experience to create There's been a few names floatthe characters. ing around and we've attached local Did you consult with any Aus- actors Chris Kirby (The Matrix, tralian basketball professionals? Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and Clyde In the early stages of the project Boraine (Angry Boys). On a perwe managed to secure Darryl 'D- sonal note, I'd like to see Woody Mac' McDonald as our basketball play one of the coaches. consultant. He is now a retired Harrelson What is the main message auAmerican Australian basketball diences will take from the film? professional who last played for the One of mateship, believing in Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League. He provided in- yourself and achieving greatness credible insight on how the process against all odds.

How did you become to be inreally works in the sport.

With your acting skills, will volved with the Reach Foundayou be playing a part in the film? tion?

It was an incredible honour to be I'll be playing one of the three male leads. I think it's important for actors asked to present at their Heroes Day to also produce films. Producing your and share my story to 500 children in own projects is the only way to have August. I encouraged everyone to folany control over your own career. You low their dreams and not to let anycould spend years auditioning and one tell them they you can't achieve never get a role. something.

What stage is the film at and What is your Porch Thought who is interested in being in- For The Day? volved?

The best way to predict the future We've secured our first investor and is to create it. So, get creative. have interest from many past and For regular updates on Final present NBA players and also from American Studios. Zach Green Four follow Josh Howlett on who is a renowned American film instagram@jchowlett or visit producer will be handling that inter- www.final4themovie.com or est once the final screenplay is com- www.handmademediafilms.com - Mark Richardson pleted.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Tony leads art project

Shapes of Geoffrey Rush

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Ash server b O e n r u o lb e M e h T

● Tony Ellwood ■ The National Gallery of Victoria will open Melbourne Now, the largest and most ambitious exhibition in its history.

The NGV has revealed the list of more than300 artists, architects, designers and creative practitioners who are participating in this landmark exhibition.

Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV said: “Melbourne has a dynamic creative identity, and through several key themes such as the poetics of place, history and memory, independent production, play and participation, visitors to Melbourne Now can explore the complexity of the city’s creativity in a major exhibition over the summer months.

“The NGV is fully focused behind-the-scenes as we work to transform exhibition spaces, produce a suite of five publications and prepare for this landmark contemporary art exhibition.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to this free exhibition in November,” said Mr Ellwood.

Melbourne Now will present major new commissions and a range of new works by leading emerging and established artists.

Visual arts projects encompass the fullest range of contemporary art disciplines and practices, from painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics and contemporary jewellery, to photography, video, sound, performance, installation and online projects.

In addition to the involvement of more than 20 NGV curators, Melbourne Now involves more than 10 guest curators who have contributed to specific areas such as architecture, design, dance and sound programming, as well as artists who have been invited to respond to the NGV Collection, or to develop dedicated ‘exhibitions within the exhibition’.

An architecturally designed space has been created by the architectural firm McBride Charles Ryan.

This highly participatory space will serve as a workshop, stage, platform and catwalk, hosting a rotating program of more than 600 events throughout Melbourne Now. In the spirit of ‘community halls’ across this city, the NGV is calling all passionate enthusiasts, collectors, students and hobbyists of Melbourne to get involved with its Community Hall.

Donors include the Dewhurst Family, Robin Campbell and Bruce Parncutt. It runs rom November 22- March 23.

Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula

● Geoffrey Rush ■ Actor Geoffrey Rush will be signing copies of the catalogue accompanying the exhibition The Extraordinary Shapes of Geoffrey Rush at Arts Centre Melbourne at 2pm, Sunday, October 20.

Curated and developed by Arts Centre Melbourne with the assistance of Geoffrey Rush, the exhibition has already had more than130,000 visitors and, as a result of its popularity, will be extended an extra week to close November 3.

Featuring costumes, photographs, moving image and personal items, the exhibition highlights roles created by Rush in plays including Exit The King, The Diary Of A Madman and The Importance Of Being Earnest, and in films such as Shine, Quills, Pirates Of The Caribbean and The King’s Speech.

St Kilda Film Festival

■ The St Kilda Film Festival is now calling for entries to its coveted film competitions for 2014 including Australia’s Top 100 Shotr Film Competition, the SoundKILDA Music Video Competition and the Under The Radar Film Competition for filmmakers under 21.

Celebrating its 31st anniversary in 2014, the St Kilda Film Festival, is produced by the City of Port Phillip, and has a prize pool that totals $40,000 worth of cash and prizes.

Just a sec!

● Robbie Mulholland and James Rooney were at the opening night of Guys And Dolls at National Theatre, St Kilda, which continues until Sat., Oct. 19. www.cloc.org,au Photos: Denise Damianos. More pix on Page 12

● The National Playwright Competition Judges' Award Winner The Devil You Know, featured Josie Parelli (Julie Wilson) and Josh Walter (Craig Wilson) as a warring couple on their way to work on the 8.20am to Southern Cross. More details (at right) on Page 7.

Philip enters rehab.

Loud Shirts ■ Taralye is calling on people to wear loud and proud outfits for Loud Shirt Day, (Friday October 18) to help raise funds for children who are deaf to learn how to listen and speak.

Loud Shirt Day is a national fundraising initiative coordinated by Taralye and First Voice, open to participants of all ages.

Thousands of Loud Shirt Day participants will swap their everyday wearfor their brightest possible outfits and hold fundraising events.

● Tim Scott with Peter Smitheram

At Melbourne Festival

● Attacca Quartet - comprising Amy Schroeder, Keiko Tokunaga, Luke Fleming and Andrew Yee - are performing as part of the Melbourne Festival. Julie Houghton has details in the Observer Showbiz section on Page 107.

Debra Byrne: Born To Perform

● Debra Byrne ■ Entertainer Debra Byrne, is opening a new performance arts school at Coburg in January.

The ballet classes will be lead by Sarah Kate Landy.

Sarah will be teaching the RAD curriculum.

Debra will have a limitede number of private classes available.

The school will specialise in drama and singing. Phone 0434 271 380 for enrolment enquiries.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Philip Brady, of 3AW’s Nightline and Remember When programs, is at a Melbourne rehabilitation centre, learning how to walk after his hip surgery in Hong Kong. Philip broke his hip after a fall down a flight of stairs at a Hong Kong hotel. He hopes to soon return to nightly broadacsting on 3AW. John Blackman has been the stand-in co-host while Philip made his way back to Australia.

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Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013 - Page 7

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

‘THE DEVIL YOU KNOW’ Observer WINS PLAYS COMPETITION In This 120-Page Edition

Brian Amos in hospital

By KATHRYN KEEBLE National Playwright Competition – One Act Play Open Award Results Judges’ Awards (for writing): 1st The Devil You Know by Neil Anderson; 2nd Cat Fish Jumping by Greg Roberts; 3rd Point Of Departure by John Tilbrook People’s Choice Awards from votes during the performance season: Best Written Play: Cat Fish Jumping (by Greg Roberts) Best Performed Play: Cat Fish Jumping. Cast: Audrey Farthing, Kevin Powe, Tony Condon, Laura Brough and Harrison Friend Best Female Actor: Denise Kuchmar in Point Of Departure Best Male Actor: Fred Barker in Point Of Departure

● Radio Eastern personality Brian Amos is in hospital after a garden fall After hospitalisation for 26 hours, Brian ■ Radio Eastern 98.1 FM listeners will be missing presenter Brian Amos's popular pro- was then transferred to the Knox Hospital.

Brian has doctors' orders to take it easy for grams as he recovers from an accident in his at least a month before returning to the airgarden.

Brian was rushed to the Maroondah Hos- waves.

Lots of get well wishes are sent to Brian pital where a large gash just above his left eye required emergency treatment of 14 staples for a speedy recovery.

- Cheryl Threadgold and four stitches.

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S SUPERMAN

● Maddie Magetti, Rachel Conway and Gemma Foster in It's A Bird ... It's A Plane ... It's Superman, opening on October 11 in Bayswater. Photo: Karl McNamara

■ Fab Nobs Musical Theatre presents It's A Bird ... It's A Plane ... It's Superman from October 11 - 26 at the Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater.

Directed by Karl McNamara, with musical direction by Danny Forward, It's aA Bird ... It's A Plane ...

It's Superman is a tongue-incheek musical that highlights Superman's efforts to defeat Professor Sedgwick, a mad scientist who seeks to destroy Superman and all he stands for.

There is also tension between Superman and Max, a columnist for the Daily Planet, who also has eyes for Lois Lane.

This show boasts catchy Broadway tunes by the writers of Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, and brings to life the quirky comic book world of Superman.

Performance Season: October 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8pm and October 20 at 5pm.

Venue: Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater.

Bookings: 0401 018 846 or www.fabnobstheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

■ The National Playwright Competition is one of the few competitions around Australia that gives playwrights a chance to have their words produced and performed.

For 14 years a dedicated team of volunteers including directors, actors, backstage and front of house crews have made possible a diverse and creative one act play season that celebrates the writer.

John Tilbrook, a multi-award winner in this competition, has written an engaging drama, Point Of Departure, that explores love, death and ageism through a chance meeting at a bus stop.

Director Sue Lindsay expertly handles the switch from humour to pathos in this play about the generation gap.

Denise Kuchmar, in particular, brought charm as Caroline in this production and was the audience’s choice as Best Female Actor.

Fred Barker was voted Best Male Actor for his performance as Xavier.

Neil Anderson, another multi-award winner, also followed the theme of love and pain in The Devil You Know.

Director Sonia Zabala fleshed out this story of a warring couple in the midst of a marital mid-life crisis played out in front of their would-be lovers on a train.

Blackout transitions are always a problem in a short play – audiences tend to think the play has finished only to find that it continues. ● Turn To Page 101

City Desk: Reece sings at Epping ................. Page 3 Mark Richardson: Straight from the heart .... Page 4 Ash: Philip Brady back on his feet ............... Page 6 Di Rolle: I love my job! ................................ Page 8 News: Obscene and outrageous .................. Page 9 Long Shots: Que Sera Sera ....................... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: 3AW gambles audience . Page 11 In The Picture” Guys And Dolls first night .... Page 12 Yvonne: Regrets, I’ve had a few .................. Page 13 Melb. Extra: Nick Le Souef, Kevin Trask ..... Page 14 Features: Horses (P19), Hunting (P116) Top 10, Movies, DVDs Local Theatre Neighbours plotlines Mega Crossword

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Radio merger mooted ■ A merger between Fairfax Radio, operators of 3AW and Magic 1278, with the Sydneybased Macquarie Radio Network has been mooted by The Australian newspaper.

Thug bashed AFL star ■ Josaia Cabealawa drank a bottle of whisky before launching a vicious, unprovoked attack on West Coast Eagles star Will Schofield in Geelong's CBD, a court has heard. Magistrate Peter Mellas convicted Cabealawa and placed him on a 12-month community corrections order with 100 hours unpaid community work, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

Drug bust at Heyfield ■ A Heyfield man has been charged with drug trafficking after Police executed a search warrant. Police allege the 22-year-old had a quantity of ice. He has been bailed to appear at Sale Magistrates Court on November 2.

‘Driver blows .183’ ■ A South Australian man will have to return to Horsham to face the city's magistrate after police allege he drove drunk from Adelaide, reports the Wimmera Mail-Times.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Partly cloudy. 15°-27°.

Thurs. Chance of rain. 8°-22°.

Fri. Mostly cloudy. 9°-19°.

Sat. Chance of rain. 6°-20°.

Sun. Chance of rain. 2°-12°.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 APPS THEY MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF YET 5. Make someone laugh - Happy Appy.

4. Understanding Tokyo - Jappy Appy.

3. Understanding someone who's in a bad mood Snappy Appy.

2. How to put on some Huggies - Nappy Appy.

1. Clean the nappy - Crappy Nappy Appy.

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

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To

Di Carmen casts her net

● Carmen Fraser King ■ One of the things I desperately needed to change in my life was my website!

I am so busy I have just let it go and I have heaps to talk about and mention on my site, so I sent out the call to the wonderful Carmen Fraser King, I wrote about Carmen a couple of years ago when she was pursuing her singing career.

She has taken on a sea-change and is now creating websites. Very savvy in the social media department, Carmen is the granddaughter of another social media fan, Malcolm Fraser, our former PM. I figured with such a great pedigree I couldn’t go wrong in her hands. Her grandfather loves to Twitter daily, so she began and I am so thrilled with it.

So born of a true blue blood, my website is starting to look like a real grown up person’s website. Thank you Carmen.

Called The Website Store- www. thewebsitestore.net - I highly recommend it.

What I really liked about The Website Store is that Carmen was able to create for me a cost effective, visually beautiful website that communicates my business message, with a focus on social media integration to support my marketing strategy.

Integration of social media makes my life easier, a cost effective website which means I’ll get a great return on my investment Online presence that attracts more notice, bringing more clients and generating more sales.

I was happy to discover to that I can have an easy e-commerce option for wanting to sell online, will come in handy when I finish my book.

Amazing customer service and Carmen works with me until I am 100 per cent satisfied with my website Very exciting and very much working into the future … do visit Carmen.

I am thrilled with the result.

I love my job!

■ Changes, so many changes, USA is in lockdown, our PM has changed, Buddy is leaving Hawthorn, and Daisy Thomas is leaving Collingwood.

Things just won’t be the same.

I can’t imagine in anything except brown-andgold, Daisy in black- and-white, America not having money.

Change is the only constant we have. One of my favourite quotes on my desk is by Barack Obama – it reads “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

I really got to see that when I lost both my parents last year and felt utterly alone. Even though they were still with me in spirit I really got that this is it. This is going to change my life and it has. Remarkably.

It was proved to me when I holidayed in Bali and everything fell into place. Change is inevitable and sometimes it doesn’t look like we had imagined or indeed dreamed.

However I have always found that change is for the better. No matter what it is. Someone will replace Buddy, someone will replace Daisy and money will come back to the Americans ... or it won’t.

And of course Confucius has the last say on Change: “only the wisest and stupidest of men never change”.

● Buddy Franklin

For GREAT MEMORIES OF HILTON

■ Change! I was quite saddened - even though I know that change is the only constant - to hear that the Hilton Hotel in Melbourne was involved in a closure proposal.

One of the original luxury hotels, the Hilton On The Park holds the most wonderful memories for me.

I met a man who was going to be my future husband there.

And when working on Channel 9’s Don Lane Show I attended many drinks parties and private parties with many stars too numerous to mention.

I also held some great PR events there, one being a luncheon for the movie 10, starring Bo Derek and the wonderful funny, handsome and irresistible Dudley Moore.

He was stunning and wooed the Melbourne female member of the media who attended the womenonly luncheon for the launch of the movie.

I was at Roadshow at the time and worked with Advertising Manager at the time, Alan Finney. It really was a wonderful PR event.

Bo Derek was there. It was her birthday and she snuck into a side room to have a small portion of a birthday cake so her beautiful husband at the time, actor John Derek (who was so handsome you couldn’t look at) didn’t see. He watched every morsel of food she put into her mouth.

I am sad to see The Hilton may be going into a new incarnation.

The times spent there were wonderful and a major part of my life. So to the Hilton on the Park and to Dudley Moore I dedicate my column this week. I looked different then too!

Change is inevitable. I embrace change and all that comes with it.

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Flashback: Dudley Moore and Di Rolle at the Hilton Hotel Melbourne bring British and Australian history to life. light into ■ Warm weather is theShedding turbulent Dark coming and so more Ages when King people will come and Arthur was rumoured entertain us in Mel- to have held court and bourne.

Saxons and ViThe English per- the kings invaded, Neil formers love coming will give a unique inhere in the summer sight this intriguing and months. transformative era in The weather attracts Britain. entertainers, comedireally love ans and historians and thisPeople stuff. will archaeologists and pre- also discussNeil his new senters of BBC TV series, Coast Austraseries. in which he has I speak of Neil lia, gathered amazOliver who is being ing factsstories, and revelabought out here by Lat- tions about eral Events and BBC Australia’s own hisWorldwide Austra- tory, people, archaeollia & New Zealand ogy, geography and (ANZ). life. Now Neil is historian, ar- marine you’re talking!. chaeologist and preNeil is one of the senter of acclaimed UK’s most compelling BBC TV series such TV presenters, as Coast which I ularising historypopprowatched avidly. I gramming with stories thought it was brilliant. of heroic figures and Vikings and A Hislives from the tory of Ancient Britain everyday past. was another brilliant The UK series exseries. plores natural and He is coming to the social the history of the Australian stage for a British coastline. the fascinating live show, series was very comNeil Oliver – History In pelling and is now in its The Making season, It will coincide the eight Oliver recently broadcast of Oliver’s completedhas Coast Ausnew series Coast Aus- tralia for The History tralia on Foxtel in De- Channel. The series cember.

Monday DecemIn History In The starts ber 2 at 7.30pm. I lookMaking, Neil will ing forward to it.

Neil’s here

Neil Oliver – History In The Making is in Melbourne on Wednesday, November 27 at 8pm. The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Bookings: www. ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100. ★ Speaking of Olivers, I was most interested to hear that UK chef Jamie Oliver is going to become the face of Woolworths.

It was just announced, following the Coles news that the other UK chef Heston Blumenthal was going to be the face of their store.

His Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding is to die for; it’s on the shelves now at Coles.

Jamie Oliver will taking on a strong campaign to stop eggs from caged chickens being sold in Woolworths.

It’s all good!

Favourites ■ Katie and Marielle Labeque are Madonna’s favourite pianists.

They are sisters, and they are two of the most charismatic, versatile and inquisitive musicians working today.

In a string of hit records and international engagements, they’ve collaborated with a who’s who of famous composers, conductors and orchestras playing music from the Baroque to the 21st century.

Their performances are displays of perfect unity, of course, but the sisters have very different personalities; the extroverted Katia often plays the showier treble part, while the grounded Marielle of-

fers vital support in an ideal partnership. The Labeques caught the music world’s attention with their recording of Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue, and it’s the jazz-inflected music of the next generation which forms the centrepiece of this recital.

Leonard Bernstein’s unforgettable West Side Story gets the Labeque touch in an extended suite of dances and songs from the musical complete with fierce Latin percussion.

Bernstein’s soaring melodies and redhot rhythms make West Side Story one of the most beloved works of 20th-century theatre, and was arranged by the musical’s original orchestrator Irwin Kostal into a dazzling virtuoso vehicle especially for the Labeques.

In the first half of the program Claude Debussy’s haunting piano duo is music etched in black and white.

Composed in the midst of the First World War, en blanc

● Daisy Thomas

et noir is Debussy at his most abstract and incisive. There’s no impressionistic mist here.

Instead, Debussy was inspired by the chiaroscuro of Hoya and Velazquez, though relieved by bursts of tenderness and humour.

Debussy’s colleague Maurice Ravel paints a very different picture of Spain-sundrenched and sensuous.

In his Rapsodie espagnole the piano duet version was a sketch along the way to the more familiar orchestral fantasy, but the Labeques easily match an orchestra for colour and sheer brilliance.

This will be superb.

And this is what I do for work!

This superb concert will be held at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on Saturday, October 19 at 7.30pm.

Tickets from $50.00. Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in association with Melbourne Festival. Bookings phone 9699 3333 or melbournerecital.com.au

● Kevan Johnson and Jill Perryman at the lifetime achievement awards held at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Monday Photo: Kevin Trask night. See P108.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013 - Page 9

Showbiz News

OBSCENE AND OUTRAGEOUS

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

Stacey wins Aria

Briefs Chopper ■ Air to ground directions resulted in arrests of four people after a laser light was directed at the Police helicopter on Saturday night in Coburg.

Air Wing crew intercepted a blue ford sedan in Lindsey St, Coburg with the men on board.

Three men, all aged in their late teens, are expected to be charged with conduct endangering life, interfere with aircraft and possess prohibited weapon.

Do you mind,ump?

■ Ovens and Murray Football League umpires are furious their grand final pay-packets were cut from $295 to $215.

Minimum rate is $182, but often there is a premium for a final, reports the Border Mail.

Footy trip ■ Two men have been charged with criminal damage after allegedly causing more than $20,000 damage to a Ballarat backpackers hostel on Friday night.

They are believed to have been on a footy trip in Ballarat with their club from Tintinara, reports The Courier.

Life achievement award ● Agent Cleave in Summertime In The Garden Of Eden.

Photo: Marg Howell ■ As part of Theatre Works’ Selected Works 2013, Sisters Grimm present Summertime In The Garden Of Eden, from November 7-16 at Theatre Works, St Kilda.

Written by Melbourne’s cult queer theatre-makers Sisters Grimm, this southern gothic romance is ‘full of laughs, smarts and dizzied-up gender-play … obscene and outrageous, it smashes past political correctness and makes excuses for nothing.’

Previously put up for only the bravest audiences in a shed complete with live chickens and a beer fridge in Thornbury, Summertime In The Garden of Eden sold out its premiere season and garnered critical acclaim.

This time, Theatre Works welcomes Sisters Grimm to their Selected Works season before company members lift their hoop skirts and head off to Sydney.

Set in Georgia, 1861, against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Summertime In The Garden Of Eden is the story of a faded Southern belle who returns to the family plantation after 10 years away.

In the spirit of Gone With the Wind and Jezebel, combined with the histrionic theatre of Tennessee Williams, Sisters Grimm creates a familiar, sepia-stained world of cotton-fields, iced-tea on the lanai, and deep, dark family secrets.

This production stars Melbourne scene-queens Agent Cleave and Olympia Bukkakis (as feuding debutantes), alongside Peter Paltos, Genevieve Giuffre and Bessie Holland as ‘Big Daddy’.

Formed in 2006 by Ash Flanders and Declan Greene, Sisters Grimm company members have spent their time on Melbourne’s theatre scene making theatre that as ‘cheap, accessible, and extremely faggy’, with shows appearing at the Adelaide Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe, Falls Festival, shop fronts, garages, basements, lounge rooms, galleries, gay bars, plus sold out seasons at Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company, and later this year, Griffin Theatre.

Previews: November 7, 8 Season: November 9 - 16 Times: 8pm daily, plus 5pm 10 Nov, 10.30pm 15 Nov (see website for details) Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au or 9534 3388 Tickets: $28 full / $20 conc, under 30s / groups of 8+ / preview Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda Duration: 70 mins Warnings: Adult themes, smoke machines, recommended for 16 years and over - Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● Stacey Alleaume Photo: Leesa Needham ■ Noble Park soprano Stacey Alleaume is on top of the world as the winner of the 2013 Herald Sun Aria at Hamer Hall last week.

While there is plenty of honour and glory with this title, it also comes with a cash prize of $12,500 and a $22,500 scholarship for overseas tuition.

Stacey, 27, won the coveted title on her third attempt, although she has been runner up on a previous occasion.

She wowed the judges with aria from Bellini's I Capuleti e I Montecchi and Micaela's aria from Bizet's Carmen.

Stacey leaves Melbourne soon to take up a contract in Opera Australia's professional chorus in Sydney.

Runner-up was 28-year-old tenor Sam Sakker from Yarraville, who impressed the judges and the audience with arias from Massenet's Werther and Puccini's Tosca.

Sam takes home $6000 cash and a $8000 scholarship for Australian or overseas tuition.

Winner of the encouragement award was 25-yearold baritone Nathan Lay of Southbank, who received $2500 for Australian tuition. Nathan is also the recent winner of the 2013 RMP Aria.

The remaining finalists, soprano Stephanie Gibson, mezzo-soprano Jade Moffat and tenor Nicholas Jones, each received prizes of $1250.

All the singers sang their hearts out, making it a fine evening with wonderful performances from all singers to an enthusiastic large Hamer Hall audience.

- Julie Houghton

Jazz Archive fundraiser ■ The Victorian Jazz Archive is presenting a fundraiser from 1.30pm-4.30pm on Sunday, October 27 at the Clayton RSL, 155-163 Carinish Rd, Clayton.

The function features The Groovin’ Easy Orchestra and Michele Forbes.

Archive Marketing Manager Mavis Pickering says admission is $20. Meals are available four purchase from 12.30pm.

Proceeds will be used by the VJA for its special projects.

The Archive is based at Koomba Park, 15 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna.

● Four leading ladies of J C Williamsons: from left, Joan Brockenshire (Sugar Babies), Suzanne Steele (Man Of La Mancha), Nancye Hayes (Sweet Charity) and Jill Perryman (Funny Girl) ■ The presentation by Equity of lifetime achievement awards to Jill Perryman and husband Kevan Johnston at Her Majesty’s Theatre has brought back memories for theatre people.

Jill and Kevan first met during 1953 in a production of Call Me Madam, also at Her Majesty's Theatre. Their partnership has endured 60 years.

The photo (above) shows four leading ladies of the J C Williamson era: Jill Perryman, Nancye Hayes, Suzanne Steele and Joan Brockenshire.

Actor Tommy Dysart, Joan’s partner, says the photo was taken at a private party

That man Kevin Trask

● Kevin Trask, Bev Purcell and President Betty McCabe at Heidelberg Ladies Probus Club.

■ You never quite know when you are going to come across THAT man, Kevin Trask. Kevin is heard on 3AW, 96.5 Inner FM and interstate radio stations. He is seen every week in the Melbourne Observer. He is a theatre producer and promoter, and recently been accompanying his cousin, Diana Trask, to her Victorian concerts.

Observer subscriber Bev Purcell she enjoyed his talk at the Heidelberg Ladies Probus Club ... where she purchased Kevin’s book, Whatever Happened To Diana Trask.

Pay slips for F’fax bosses ■ The 45 Fairfax journalists who have just been sacked will be comforted that CEO Greg Hywood’s salary has levelled at $1.61 million ($30,961 every week).

Fairfax Chairman Roger Corbett’s pay has slipped to $414,745 ($7975 every week). The company has lost $3 billion in three years.

● Roger Corbett

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Melbourne

Observer

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

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Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

SHAKIN’ ALL OVER

■ Melbourne music writer Ed Nimmervoll will next month launch his book on one of Australia’s most popular entertainers, The Normie Rowe Story.

From dizzying highs to deep lows, Normie has overcome break-ups, breakdowns and unexpected blows.

At one time, he was Australia’s biggest musical talent. In 1965, his songs Que Sera Sera and Shakin’ All Over were number one hits around the country He produced a string of top 10 hits until, in 1968, his life was suddenly turned on its head – he was drafted into the army and shipped out to Vietnam.

When he returned from the war, his pop career was virtually over, John Farnham and others having taken his place.

Battle left him with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which remained undiagnosed for years and was exacerbated by the end of his marriage and the tragic loss of his eight-year-old son.

Ed Nimmervoll is a former Editor of Go-Set and Juke. He has coauthored with Brian Cadd and Renee Geyer.

The book will be priced at $29.95.

Going to the dogs

BACK COPIES - ARCHIVES Back Copies for 2012-13 editions of the Melbourne Observer are all available at our website. Back copies for 1969-89, 2002-11 may be inspected by appointment at the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.

Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution.

Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long.

Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

Mail Subscription Form Mail to: Subs, Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Yes! Please organise a Melbourne Observer mail subscription for 45 editions for $213.75 (posted anywhere in Australia). I understand that the completion of the 45 editions, the subscription will be automatically rolled over, unless I advise otherwise.

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● Normie Rowe

Long Shots

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”

Thought For The Week ● Kyle Galley ■ We welcome Kyle Galley to the Racing Department of the Melbourne Observer.

Kyle will present a weekly column on greyhound racing in Victoria.

He joins our sports team headed by Ted Ryan (thoroughbreds), Len Baker (harness racing) and Harry Beitzel (football).

Short Shots ■ Only 10 more Observers until Christmas.

■ A bust of Julia Gillard is expected to be unveiled soon in Ballarat.

■ A top job soon to be vacant?

with Kenneth Mulholland

The Happy Show

Observer Treasury

Back Copies

Melbourne TV Memories

■ “Don’t pray for rain if you are going to complain about the mud.”

- The Buloke Times

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “An antique is something people forget to throw away until it is valuable.”

Text For The Week ■ “Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.”

- Matthew 22:21 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.

● Vic ‘Funny Face’ Gordon, ‘Princess’ Panda (Lisner) and Happy (Harry) Hammond ■ The Happy Show was a happy place to be. It went to air in Studio 1 at Dorcas St in the beginning of the 1960s.

Harry (Happy) Hammond was the lively, finger-snipping host, dressed in the tartan jacket and hat, Hap was at times almost manic. Sometime in his past Hap had lost a part of one finger down to the first knuckle, and at private moments of impishness would shove the stump up a nostril, making it look like most of his finger was in there. But he was great with kids who genuinely seemed to love him.

“Why does a bee fly around with its legs crossed?' asked one giggling five-year-old girl. “I don't know darling, why?””Because it's looking for a BP station!'

(British Petroleum) OK, in 2013 that is just a playground joke, but in the early 1960s when we were coming to grips with modern times, to hear a little peeing joke coming from a tiny child still had parents and Happy, laughing it away with just a hint of embarrassment.

But on with the show!

There is a story, and it most likely is just a story, that one afternoon two of the staging crew for The Happy Show decided that they wanted a few beers at the local, so they bet the third, 'novice' crew member a few 'bob' that he couldn't put the 'Western Set' up on his own. He took the bet.

They left him with The Set Floor-Plan Book, showing where all the 'flats' should be placed on the studio floor, and where any props - tables, hitching posts, hay bales etc - were to be set.

All went well. When the wayward drinkers returned for the show everything was done and in place.

Opening theme: 'Happy Days are here again...'.

Happy Hammond burst through the saloon-bar doors, and the set began to collapse, flat after flat until the entire set was horizontal.

The pine braces nailed to the back of the flats enabled them to stand upright, especially when sandbags weighted them. Without those sand-bags the entire set was unstable. Truth? Or myth?

Another story. When I and my fellow stage hands used to strike The Happy Show, including the piano and organ, the seats had lift-up lids.

The weapon of choice for 'musos' was the flask, be it brandy, rum or whisky. These flat bottles were commonly found in all kinds of places (and you might be astounded to know that they were always empty).

They were found from musician's stools to toilet cubicle,s from South Melbourne to Fitzroy.

Ah yes, such was the world then.

Happy, Princess Panda, Robbie Bob, Big John, Cousin Roy and Lovely Anne. Parer The Magician with Frosty the Rabbit, Sylvester the Talking Sock with his darner Ian Williams, Charlie the Talking Camera and Uncle Tony.

And last, but not so very least, Vic 'Funnyface' Gordon. These were the cast members, and people such as Ron Barassi, in full footy gear, had segments of their own. I have a feeling that Olivia Newton-John might have replaced Lovely Anne when she and Brendon married and were away on their honeymoon.

On staging, we used to get the sets ready for each theme day. I can't recall now what they all were. There was a Cowboy Western Day, a Circus Day and possibly a King Arthur kind of day.

What I do recall were the rostrums for the children to sit on. These were collapsible, tiered seating constructed of pine and plywood, with padded seats of covered rubber.

When we 'struck a set’ (that is, pulled it down and took all the bits and pieces of it away to the scenery bay) the crew was usually three.

Turn To Page 13

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

3AW GAMBLES ITS AUDIENCE WITH SUMMER CRICKET MOVE

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Matt, Jo to sign off

● Matt Tilley and Jo Stanley ■ Fox FM breakfast show radio pair Matt Tilley and Jo Stanley have announced they are quitting after 10 years “to embrace new opportunities”.

“Together, we’ve made this decision because, after a decade, it’s time for new challenges,” Stanley said in a press release distributed by the station.

The ratings offer a clue why ‘Matt and Jo’ are saying farewell to their show. They have lost about a quarter of their audience this year. Spring ratings for this and previous years shows a decline in the audience numbers: 2013, 7.8. 2012, 10.8. 2011, 10.7. 2010, 10.5.

Guilty: 7 criminal charges ■ Toorak businessman Russell Andrew Johnson, the sole director of Sonray Capital Markets Pty Ltd, last Wednesday pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court of Victoria to seven criminal charges brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Johnson faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment for each of the state offences of false accounting, theft and deception and a term of five years imprisonment for submitting a false document to ASIC. Johnson, 41, pleaded guilty to: ■ three charges of false accounting; ■ one charge of submitting a false document to ASIC; ■ two charges of theft to the value of $742,641; and ■ one charge of obtaining a financial advantage by deception The charges relate to the use of various Sonray client's trading accounts to create numerous unfunded deposits for which no physical cash was involved.

This was done to either obtain funds for use by himself or Sonray, or to hedge the trading book against margin calls.

The effect of withdrawing funds from client accounts from unfunded deposit entries caused an actual deficiency in the segregated client account funds.

Additionally, Johnson, in a solvency report required by ASIC, made a false statement about equity injections of $5.2m into Sonray.

ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said: "ASIC expects directors to act honestly and with integrity, and always in the interests of the company. We take very seriously conduct to the contrary, and the charges that Mr Johnson has pleaded guilty to reflect that.”

Johnson was granted bail and will appear at the Supreme Court on November 11, for a sentence hearing.

■ Day-long broadcasts of cricket matches are a double-edged sword for Australian radio stations.

Cricket fans love it. Day-after-day commentary about every ball, every over, every innings.

But for those who do not enjoy their regular radio listening replaced by cricket match commentaries, it is an opportunity to change radio stations.

Melbourne radio station 3AW and its Sydney sister station 2UE have won rights to broadcast cricket matches this summer.

“The coverage will carve into the regular and highly successful programing horrendously,” said one former 3AW personality at a radio industry page on Facebook.

“Updates are one thing, but constant commentary may be a different thing. It could cause some people to ‘unrust’ their dial,” said another radio industry insider.

Radio industry website, Radio Info.com.au, reports: “2UE, 3AW and other commercial stations in the Fairfax Media network are expected to begin live cricket commentary this summer, breaking the ABC’s traditional stranglehold on the game.

“The ABC will still continue its

Extended time for embryos test coverage, but is likely to lose its rights to a range of domestic matches.

“Triple M is also expected to secure rights to the Twenty20 Big Bash League.

“Cricket is known to polarise audiences. While many cricket lovers rush to the ABC to hear the summer cricket calls, other more traditional ABC talk format listeners desert the station during that time. Unlike football coverage, which is quick, the long coverage hours of cricket do not always deliver good ratings,” RadioInfo reported.

Cricket Australia will now keep the digital market to itself, after partnering with Nine in a digital rights alliance that will have televised games streamed live on smartphone, tablets and the Cricket Australia website.

FINANCE LICENCE CANCELLED BY ASIC

■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has cancelled the Australian financial services licence of Chambers Investment Planners Pty Ltd after it failed to obtain professional indemnity insurance and entered voluntary administration.

ASIC also cancelled the Australian credit licence of Chambers after it ceased to engage in credit activities.

Chambers has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decisions.

ASIC is also conducting enquiries into the conduct of the officers and representatives of Chambers.

ASIC will not comment further at this time.

Chambers was licensed to deal in, and provide advice on, a range of financial products, including life insurance, superannuation, managed funds, securities and margin lending.

Sign of the times

■ A woman has received permission for 10 embryos to be stored until 2018.

The woman, no longer with her partner, entered IVF after she contracted breast cancer.

The man has not responded to requests for permission to use the embryos.

VCAT, headed by President, Justice Greg Garde, set aside a decision by the Patient Review Panel.

The woman, 46, a primary school teacher, was likely to be a loving and caring mother, VCAT determined.

The man has elected not to be involved in the legal proceedings.

Rumour Mill

Whispers

Winner

● Nicole Denton ■ 3AW Content Director Nicole Denton has won the Young Leader gong in the Fairfax Women of Influence Award.

Ice pick

■ The quiet country town of Alexandra has a problem with the drug ‘ice’. Two men have been arrested after a longtstanding Police drug investigation, ‘Operation Downey’.

To Court ■ St John’s Primary School, Frankeston East, has requested a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court hearing this morning (Wed.) to allege a civil claim against Steven Canepa for “services rendered”.

Hear It Here First

‘Never been better’ ■ Garry Linnell, the Fairfax news exective who enjoys use of his folded-arms ‘tough guy’ image (at right), sent out a firm message that his editorial team has never been better ... despite losing 25 in number.

“Fairfax is actually stronger now than at any time before,” Linnell told the Mumbrella website.

“Fairfax has just created the largest and most audience-focused home for business journalism in the country.”

By sacking several dozen people.

■ A man hopeful of leading a Victorian organisation may have to fight rumours of misconduct with women.

Farewell ■ Is a Melbourne radio team soon to be invited to announce their retirement citing health issues?

Rob gone ● Garry Linnell

Hunt for new Steward ■ Harness Racing Victoria is on the hunt for a new Chief Steward. Applications are being taken until Friday (Oct. 11).

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Campaign

■ The respcted name of Robert Bradley has disappeared from the credits at the North Central Review. He was manager at the Kilmore-based newspaper, owned

by Walter Mott and Bob Yeates, for nine years.

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Melbourne People

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Guys And Dolls CLOC Musical Theatre National Theatre, St Kilda Photos: Denise Damianos

● Ashleigh Watson and Genevieve Hall

● Courtney Davies, Jon Lee and Briony Davies

● Ellie Sutherland with Peter Stanbrook

● Candice Sweetman with Tyler Hess

● Jaxson Plumley with Joanna Harris

● Jason Mill with Ashley Tynan

● Josh Cinoco with Lynette White

● Kelly Windle with Tim Billington

● Laura Slavin with Ben Husdon

● Michael Butler with Jason Mill

● Nadia Gianinotti and Janette Diab

● Penn Vale and Shelly Bentleigh

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013 - Page 13

Melbourne TV Memories

By Kenneth Mulholland

Behind-the-scenes on ‘The Happy Show’

● From Page 00 If that crew was comprised of myself, Ray Ackerly and Bruce Jacobs, Bruce was the fellow who would say, “I'll do the rostrums if you two strike the rest.”

So he would fold down these big, collapsible structures, lift them onto floor trolleys, around a metre square, flat on the floor, with four wheels in each corner, and get them out on his own.

Bruce always finished first and went on his way. At that time we worked on ‘time sheets'.

No time-clocking in and off as I would encounter at ATV-O. So the faster you did the work, the quicker you walked out of the building.

In my first time working on the studio floors I encountered other recent employees: apart from John Gilby .

There were others: Jack Bell, Bruce

Jacobs, Billy Webb (iead of Staging), Les Young, his 2-i-C. Dave Doogood, Ted Jobbins, Jack Frost, Harold Hansen, Enzo Dobrilla, Graham MacNamara, Bob Barnes, Peter De Silva and later Stuart Kinchen, Chris Motten and Bob Meillon.

Les Young, staging, the middle brother between Alex and Robbie (both on lighting at the time), was my pathfinder.

Unlike Billy Webb, 'The Angry Ant,' Les took the time to take me aside and give me valuable instruction: “These fly lines are dangerous. High up there, cables can get tangled and weights can get jarred loose. Don't stand amongst the lines. A bloke got killed at the Princess when a weight jumped the cradle and fell on him.”

And ... “Big scenery, battened-out

can come apart up there, under stress.

Got to be very careful when we drop it in to de-rig. We don't want lumps of stuff falling down on us.”

Apart from looking after camera cables out at the Teletheatre, my duties on staging were usually setting and striking the sets of The Happy Show through the week, as well as Tell The Truth, hosted by Mike williamson, and on Fridays, after the kids show, setting Swallows Juniors.

I remember one with pain and the other with pleasure.

I had been entrusted to do 'idiot sheets' for the commercial breaks on Tell The Truth, which by then was being either put on kine or videotaped.

Mike did the commercials as an integrated part of the show.

So there I was, feeling very much a part of the grown-up world of tele-

vision, sitting in the lighting console with Robbie Young on the studio floor, smoking cigarettes and having a lovely time of it.

And then ... everything went very quiet, and I came to my senses. There was Mike, standing on the set looking extremely annoyed, even angry.

I grabbed up the bundle of sheets and hurried forward. The whole program had come to a halt. If it had been 'live to air' I would probably have been sacked.

Mike's words, now so long ago, are still branded in my brain: 'Look Son, do you want to work here or not!'

The program resumed, and I stayed by camera two and did what I was being paid for.

Afterward, the cast retired to the men's dressing room for a few convivial drinks. I was alone in Studio 1, pull-

ing down the set, when Athol Charlwood, the show director came out from the corridor that led past the dungeon door, and to the dressing rooms.

I was almost in tears, so ashamed of my cocksure behavior. I couldn't say anything.

Athol, a very decent bloke, said to me, “You need to learn a lesson from this. Mike's pretty stewed up. Don't make the same mistake again.”

Then he added, “Don't make any mistake again. I have to get it right. And we have to get it right. We're all a team. It's important that you understand.”

I sniffled a reply of genuine remorse, wishing that I wasn't me. Who wanted to be me just then? ● Turn To Page 14

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

REGRETS: I’VE HAD A FEW, BUT THEN AGAIN TOO FEW TO MENTION

■ I was looking through a photo album and half listening to a talkback radio program at the same time.

The open line topic was ‘ have you any regrets?’ so of course I sat down and listened to what some of the callers were saying.

It got me thinking about any regrets I may have.

Real regrets, not just choices I made. I didn’t include in my musing any ‘what ifs?’.

I have to admit that I’ve had a few, and I wondered if I had chosen a different course, where would I be now.

Life has treated me very well.

Yvonne’s Column

Please with my lot

■ I do regret that I had no family. It would be lovely to have children popping in. And sharing Christmas laughter around the tribal feast table with loved ones.

It just wasn’t my lot to have children it seemed.

Heart break with every miscarriage, and for a while I envied my friends with their babies.

But I was top of the list when it came to babysitting. And I can’t count on both hands the number of Godchildren I have.

I don’t even regret turning down a job offer as Publicity Director from a famous film company in America.

That doesn’t mean that Peter and I often wonder where we would be now if I’d accepted.

But for a few regrets, I’m pleased with my lot.

Jeff’s team for me

■ I’ve met some fantastic people and been to some exotic places around the world. So, if I’m confined to barracks for a while with the same problem as my old radio mate Philip Brady, who cares? I’m still breathing and enjoying life.

I didn’t think that I would ever reveal this to my friends because I was never into football and I used to wonder what their passion was all about, but I just loved watching the Grand Final on television.

I’d settled in for the day and my ‘Mr Darcy’ prepared some great footy food.

I was barracking for Hawthorn because it was Jeff Kennett’s team, and he was a man I respected and admired.

He was a good Premier, and an excellent radio presenter. I was working at 3AW when Jeff came on air, and I used to watch the switchboard light up when his program started.

He had listeners waiting on the line to read their poems and relate stories about their animals.

How could you not like a man who talked about his family, his dog and his garden? When it came to his watching over Victoria, he was the man who thought outside the square.

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

There are some people who will never forgive him for some of the decisions he was forced to make when he became Premier of a bankrupt State.

But for this man I’d live out my life never having been to a football match.

Being a good sport ■ I’m starting now to think about a team and read as much as I can about the game.

But there was regret on the day; well there were two actually. Are the words of our National Anthem so hard to learn that the footballers become mute? Learning the words should be part of their training.

And what can we do to ease the pain of the losing team. I felt so sorry for Fremantle at the after-match presentation ceremony. The boys who had played their hearts out sat on the ground in a desolate heap and not a soul went near them to commiserate.

My ‘chef for a day’, told me that one year the losers were given a medal, but some just threw them on the ground and walked away.

When I was playing sport at school, we were taught not only the rules of the game but also how to be sportsmanlike.

Congrats. Bill Collins ■ But there were no regrets however when Mike Brady sang Up there Cazaly, and I might add, I sang along with him with great gusto. I knew every word so that gave Peter rise to rag me and call me a closet barracker.

It was certainly my week because Bill

Collins – Mr Movies - was celebrating 50 years as a movie buff, a film critic and a presenter of films both contemporary and classic.

I first met Bill when I rang him to ask if he would do an interview with me on my film segment. I was nervous, thinking the great man would say no. But he was simply wonderful.

So, in for a penny, in for a pound, I rang him again a couple of weeks later to ask about a film, and he touched on the one subject I knew about – books.

Bill is a reader, and from that moment I never feared phoning him, invariably, we would discuss the book of the film, and then the film.

I’m proud to say that we would phone one another when we found a book for which we had been searching. He gave me the phone number and address of the second hand bookshop in a country town that would find books for him. And I told him about Rainyday Books.

My personal invitation ■ I was surprised to receive an invitation to a dinner he was being given in Sydney to celebrate half a century in films.

It was held in a wonderful old picture theatre and there was to be a surprise guest.

I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. On my acceptance I was sent a plane ticket and accommodation details.

So of course this meant a big spend up on a frock for the night, after all I was meeting Mr Movies in the flesh, not just over the phone.

He was all his publicity said he was. A warm, happy reader of books and a film critic extraordinaire.

We went to dinner, and it was just wonderful meeting people I had only read about.

Then came the fanfare to introduce Bill and his surprise guest.

We were all trying to guess who it might be, because he had so many favourites.

But a gasp went up when a spotlight lit the stage, and a figure appeared, from out of the folds of the curtains and we knew that the film industry had flown out for the night one of Bill’s favourite film stars.

Legs go on forever ■ Cyd Charisse with the longest legs in the business embraced Bill and I’ve never seen anyone so happy.

I should have guessed that it would be Cyd Charisse because he had mentioned many times that she was such a wonderful dancer, and had legs that went on forever.

The night then went from great to sensational.

Everyone mingled and chatted about films.

And I didn’t think that I would meet Mrs Bill

Collins and Cyd Charisse all on the one night.

I understood why Bill Collins always takes the trouble to describe some scenes or tell us to look for a certain action in a film he is presenting because he was a teacher, and I remembered this as I tuned in to watch him present the 1941 film drama The Little Foxes. It starred a very young Bette Davis and Herbert Marshall and was in black-and-white.

I enjoyed the film immensely and more so because he set the scene and explained when to look out for something special in the film.

Thanks Mr Movies for a great night at the movies. May you go on presenting films and educating the young filmgoers to appreciate cinema.

And let’s still talk about books.

Changes at 3AW

■ My last regret was reading in last week’s Melbourne Observer that there may be changes to the 3AW midnight to dawn program with Andrew McLaren and Mark Petrovic.

I would regret this. Not only are Andrew and Mark two of the nicest people in a very cut-throat world, but also they make me laugh.

Why the powers in the upper echelon would decide to change the format that has been top of the ratings for the past 20 years I will never know.

There is a whole world listening through the wee small hours and every one of them wants to air their opinion on the radio.

So why stop an army of listeners and deprive them of phoning the station?

If there was nothing wrong, why try to fix it?

Best ever overnights

■ There is no denying that Keith McGowan was the best overnight presenter ever. His ratings were enormous and many Overnighters wept when he retired.

He’d done the shift for more than 20 years, and he deserved his retirement.

Keith’s interviews were so interesting that sleep was impossible until they finished. And he put so much work into the beautiful music that he presented.

Part of Keith’s charm was that he could be grouchy and he could be gentle depending on his mood. But whatever, he kept you entertained every single second of the night.

Friendships were started on Keith’s program, and if the 3AW Program Manager thinks that changing the format once again will increase ratings, he shouldn’t hold the position.

Other than that, I have no regrets about my week.

- Yvonne Contact: Melbourne Observer P.O, Box 1278, Research, 3095

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

■ Judith Tuvim was born in New York City in 1921 and was the only child of Abe and Helen Tuvim.

She grew up in Queens and graduated from the Julia Richman High School. In her teens she was rejected by the Yale Drama School and found work as a backstage operator at the Orson Welles Mercury Theatre.

At the age of 17 Judy performed in a professional night club act. When the act broke up in 1944 Judy managed to work in several small films before being cast in a small role in the film Winged Victory under the stage name of Judy Holliday.

The following year she performed in her first Broadway play at the Belasco Theatre on West 44th Street. I actually went backstage at the Belacso Theatre in 1995 to do a radio interview.

It is a very old theatre which was built in 1907 - I loved the atmosphere backstage.

In 1946 Judy opened at the Lyceum Theatre in the play Born Yesterday which was so successful it ran for 1642 performances.

On the success of the play Judy was cast in the film Adam's Rib in 1946 where she starred opposite Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.

Judy was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Adam's Rib. She married Dave Oppenheim in 1948.

Judy secured the lead role in the film version of her stage success Born Yesterday and played

Whatever Happened To ...

Judy Holliday

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM the dumb blonde ‘Billie Dawn’ beautifully winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1950. In actual fact Judy Holliday was highly intelligent with an IQ score of 172. She was once quoted as saying, "You have to be smart to play a dumb blonde over and over and keep the audience's attention without extraordinary physical equipment."

Judy was accused of being a communist by the FBI during the McCarthy fiasco but although she was completely cleared it did affect her career.

Her films in the early 1950s included The Marrying Kind, It Should Happen To You and Phfft.

Judy was acclaimed for her role in The Solid Gold Cadillac in 1956.

● From Page 13

Melbourne TV Memories ■ I'd finished striking the show and was sweeping out the empty studio, feeling totally miserable when Mike came in from the dressing room corridor.

“Hey young fellow, Athol and I have had a chat. I'm sorry I spoke to you like that.

“And I know you just made a mistake. And ... I know that you won't do that again.” He gave me a sidelong grin and left.

People remember Mike Williamson for “Jesaulenko, you beauty!”

I remember him for those kind words. And I have not forgotten Athol either. I met him one last time, out at 0-10 years later. He was involved in set-building on a commercial basis, from memory. A lovely guy. He backed me twice and I failed him once and scraped over the edge the second time.

And as far as the time of pleasure went: well that was Friday night at 7. At the Teletheatre, Sunnyside Up was going 'live' to air.

Back at Dorcas St, after The Happy Show and the News, read then

by Geoff Raymond, our crew would be setting Swallows Juniors.

The set designer was Ray Watt.

Ray was not only a good designer, but also a 'teller of tales, tall and sometimes true.'

A lovely bloke, married to Coral Deague, an ex-Nine ballet dancer and choreographer who often told him to stop 'bull dusting’.

It was a usual three man crew on Fridays: often Bob Meillon, Graham MacNamara and me.

After our dinner break we'd get together in Studio 1 and work hard, Ray Watt pitching in as well, directing where he wanted hay bales or rostrums or flats.

But, punctually at twenty-five past eight, we would all head up the stairs that led to the control room of the studio, bi-pass it and go to the 'Sponsor's Viewing Room.' A small room that overlooked Studio 1 and had a television set installed.

There we would settle in and be enthralled for one hour. This was the hour of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone.

A couple of beers later, by 9.30, we'd come down to finish off the set.

Saturday, we came on duty after all the audio recording for The Juniors was finished and studio rehears

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

als began. Dick Jones was the Director at the time and I remember the camera crew being Graham Rowland and Brian Finch, later to be replaced by Bob Meillon and Jack Degenkamp, though I'm sure there were others I've forgotten.

My memories of Brian And The Juniors were of 'stretched parents' almost but not quite, competing against each other, striving to be nice, whilst jockeying to gain some kind of advantage for their child.

The kids themselves were like all kids. Just like those I was later to encounter at 0-10 on Young Talent Time. They had issues. They vied, as did their parents, with each other.

They pranked and teared up and teased: all good healthy stuff.

But when you are 19, and still a gawky youth, it is difficult to have someone like Joy Lemon sitting on your lap and laughing at the other kids. That also was an innocent mark of the time. (And I did say 'someone like.')

Ted Jobbins was Floor Manager on The Juniors and managed the entire brood, including parents, briskly and effectively.

One Voice. One single voice, from all of them, rang true to me. I wonder where she is now? She certainly was not primped and prompted and preened and pushed, from my recall.

Yet, I think, her voice was true, honest, pure. Her name was Nadia Alessi. In the studio, when she sang, I stood still, and listened.

Brian Naylor: Always a Gentle Man, always poised and composed.

Good looking, well dressed, good with the kids, a smile that told you the man had a sense of humour and perhaps a dash of daring. And of course, for Brian, the years ahead were to be fruitful and, I'm sure, satisfying.

The terrible end of his life and that of his wife, was preceded by ill health and the loss of his son.

Here concludes this post. Let's let Larry K. Nixon have the final say: I love to spend this hour with you.

As friend to friend I'm sorry it's through.

I'm telling you, just how I feel.

I hope you feel that way too.

Let's make a date, tomorrow at three.

Please don't be late.

I'll be waiting, you'll see, to sing again, bring again, the things you want me to.

I love to spend this hour, with you.

● Judy Holliday

She won a Broadway Tony award for her performance in the stage musical comedy The Bells Are Ringing in 1956 where she played the lead role of a dizzy telephone operator.

Four years later she starred in the big screen version opposite Dean Martin and it turned out to be her final film role.

The Bells Are Ringing is one of my favourite film musicals and Judy was wonderful in every way. She returned to stage productions in her later years but became very ill during a production of Hot Spot in 1963.

Judy Holliday tragically died of breast cancer in 1965 at the age of 43.

Her marriage to David Oppenheim had ended in divorce in 1958 and in later years her son Jonathan Oppenheim went on to be a documentary film maker.

Judy Holliday was beautiful, a great singer and a fine comedy actress who starred in some classic films during the 20th Century.

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.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER ■ It's often the case in the bush that the slightest excuse can be made for festivities.

It seems as though there is such a situation in Alice Springs at the moment - the fifth year of the Red Centre Bird Festival.

It will be "bigger and better than ever, packed full of events and activities for the whole family".

The adulation of birds in the Territory is an activity which can be well appreciated, because there are so many species of every type flying around all over the place.

On my five-acre block I would always be astounded by the variety of winged visitors who chose to flutter about in my shrubs.

From proud majestic wedgies, who often soared overhead, and occasionally dropped down, to minute finches and wrens, which graced the desert with their beautiful plumage.

And the brilliant red-breasted mistletoe bird would often flash about in the sunlight.

As did the black cockatoos, which just ambled around in the air, with their beautiful red tails and wings.

But all of this was for me just an individual pursuit - now all the birders are about to indulge in more extravagant activities - bird art and craft, face painting, Wing of Prayer flags, and the opening of a Bird Art in the Park exhibition.

And plenty of food stalls and live music as well.

Letting their hair down - or maybe their feathers.

■ I wish that I could go for a week without reporting on some alcohol related tale, with a bit of violence thrown in - but not so!

There was the Barkly Australia Football League Grand Final over the weekend, and Police were "impressed" with the behaviour of the visiting crowds from many surrounding outlying communities.

The Janapurlalki Eagles beat the Ali Curung Kangaroos by 20 points.

These "impressive results" meant that "only" 14 arrests were made, 186 people were taken into protective custody, 29 infringement notices and 22 summary infringement notices were issued. And only 188 litres of alcohol was tipped out.

Then, one recent night in Alice, there was an upsurge of drinkers. Some 126 people were taken into protective

The Outback Legend

tats every couple of weeks, and gather their droppings so there's no disease spreading about. So what do they do with them - make paper.

Apparently, elsewhere in the world they utilise poo products from elephants, and rhinos, reindeer and pandas, so why not Marlas, they thought?

They mix it up with a bit of grass and other recycled material and bingo paper!

So they sell this to visitors, and everyone is happy.

custody to sober up for the next day.

Finally, there was a large brawl at Ti Tree, 200 kms north of Alice.

Two family groups came together in a melee, and two cars were set on fire, and the usual weapons of choice - axes, machetes, nulla nullas and iron bars were introduced into the fray.

More peaceful moments in the NT.

■ The Alice Springs Desert Park is another spot where breeding programs are being undertaken.

Which reminds me of an unfortunate incident which took place there a few years ago.

A group of Aboriginal kids from one of the outlying communities was given a special treat - a trip to town, and on the itinerary was a visit to the Park. There was a media contingent on hand to record this feel-good event.

However, also roaming around the place was the beloved mascot of the park, a huge tame Perentie (goanna).

Unfortunately the kids spotted this.

Back home where they lived this was a rare delicacy, so they grabbed handfuls of rocks, and immediately stoned it to death. Not so much feel-good anymore.

However, this week there's been a good story. Another endangered species is the Western Quoll, another local creature on the Threatened Species List. Four little joeys have just been born, and are feeding from mum.

They will be kept in the Park for all to see, and a new colony will be bred from them.

■ Of late I've mentioned endangered species in the NT, which have been decimated by cats and foxes. Another one is the Marla, which is a little kangaroo-type marsupial.

The town of Marla, just below the SA-NT border, is named after this little creature, because there were once many of them hopping around there, but no more.

However there is a colony of them near the Rock, in a predator-proof enclosure. They started with 24 in 2005, and now there are about 200. Which is excellent for the species.

But it is costly to feed and water them - about $22,000 a year - so the Park Rangers have devised a method of raising a few bucks to help with this.

They need to clean out their habi-

■ There is an early summer in the Centre, and that bodes ill: flies!

There's plenty of horse and camel and cattle dung around the place, so they've been breeding up in readiness to buzz around hapless tourists as they stroll around in the warm sun.

I've experienced them from being a mere nuisance to, in some years, a complete nightmare.

I heard a report of one little old lady from England who completely freaked out with these pesty little creatures buzzing around her face. And others, visiting the Rock, just staying in their hotel rooms all day, missing all the majestic sights outside.

They just hang around all day long, perpetuating the ‘Aussie salute’ of continually brushing them away.

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au