Melbourne Observer. 121212A. December 12, 2012. Part A. Pages 1-16

Melbourne

Observer

TOP VALUE

$2

95

68 PAGES

MIGHTY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS NEWS ★ SHOWBIZ ★ LIFESTYLE ★ TRAVEL ★ FEATURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT

Melbourne

Observer LEGALLY BLONDE STATE EDITION Vol 44 No 1499 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

MUSIC THEATRE AWARDS Page 10

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

‘NIGHTLINE’ TO GO NATIONAL? FULL REPORT, PAGE 11

$2.95

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

including GST

Seamark On First 29 First Ave, Mooloolaba, Qld 4557

Phone: (07) 5457 8600 Fax: (07) 5457 8699 Contact: Greg and Viv McKay Web: www.seamarkresort.com.au

Turn To Page 47

DEMI JOINS ‘BLAZE’ Page 9

Turn To Page 50

20% OFF & FREE GUTTER CLEAN* Turn To Page 18

Rupertswood Mansion

Glen Huntly, Heidelberg & Mitcham! 1800 819 936

‘Birthplace of The Ashes’ ISSN 1447 4611

■ Rob Mills and Lucy Durack star in Legally Blonde to be staged next year at the Princess Theatre. Details on Page 3.

Currumbin Sands Apartments

3 Macedon St Sunbury 9740 5020 www.rupertswood.com

Turn To Page 36

IVANHOE CYCLES SPEND THIS SUMMER ON TWO WHEELS www.gourmethamper.com.au Phone: 1-800 449 295

PHONE (07) 5525 5000. TURN TO PAGE 45

See Page 21

9490 5213 ivanhoecycles.com.au * See our ad on Page 2

Mattresses Galore

See Page 5 www. darwinsbarrabase.com.au

PHONE 0418 883 335 Phone for details

Cnr High St & Tooronga Rd, Malvern, 3144 Phone: (03) 9822 9057.

Fax: (03) 9822 9821 www.mattressesgalore.com.au info@mattressesgalore.com.au

See Page 22

Turn To Page 29

THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFT OF ALL! A book about your life Printed before Christmas Order your book for Christmas and receive a free CD of your story

MEMOIRS FOUNDATION 9888 9588 Turn To Page 23

VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Page 3

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Court Roundsman

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

WARNING AFTER ‘SHADY’ DEAL Observer FOR CAR SOLD ON E-BAY In This 68-Page Edition

Legally Blonde on its way

● Legally Blonde The Musical is to be staged at the Princess Theatre ■ International award-winning hit Legally Legally Blonde The Musical has assembled Blonde The Musical is coming to Melbourne. an all star Australian cast includes Lucy The show will be staged at the Princess Durack (Wicked), Rob Mills (Wicked), David Theatre in May for a strictly limited season. Harris (Miss Saigon) as Emmett, Helen Tickets go on sale on Monday (Dec. 17). Dallimore (Into The Woods, UK) as Paulette Legally Blonde The Musical was a smash and Erika Heynatz (Next Top Model) as hit musical in New York for two years, and for Brooke Wyndham. three years in London where it won the covLegally Blonde The Musical is produced eted Best New Musical Olivier Award.

by Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Elle Woods (Lucy Durack) packs up her Group and John Frost, in association with chihuahua Bruiser, trading the social whirl of MGM On Stage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Californian campus life for Harvard Law Stolber.

School to win back her man, Warner (Rob Howard Panter, Creative Director of AmMills). bassador Theatre Group said, “Legally With the help of her new found friends Blonde The MusicalL has been a roaring sucPaulette (Helen Dallimore), Emmett (David cess on both sides of the Atlantic, critically Harris), Elle realises that staying true to your- acclaimed, getting standing ovations night afself never goes out of style. ter night, and record repeat business.

Legally Blonde The Musical is the London “I have no doubt Melbourne people will and Broadway sensation created by a world- take Legally Blonde The Musical into their class creative team, led by Tony Award-win- hearts as well. I am thrilled that Legally Blonde ning director and Olivier Award-nominated The Musical, the success story from BroadBroadway choreographer/director Jerry way and London has come to Australia, and Mitchell (Hairspray). that I am producing it with John Frost.”

Move on groups ■ David Betts, Deputy Registrar, advises that ihe incorporation statis of a number of Victorian organisations is likely to be withdrawn: South African Support Network Inc.; Roaring Lambs Inc.; Cronies Inc.; Ryan Road Drainage Group Inc.; Australian & Khmer Krom Buddhist Association of Victoria Inc.; Pakenham Recreational Dance Club Inc.; Wodonga Central Inc.; Victorian Ex Australian Womens Land Army Association Inc.; Shepparton and District Women’s Cricket Association Inc.; Yarrawonga & Mulwala Power Boat Club Inc.; Portland and District Occupational Safety and Health Group Inc.; East Gippsland Brumbies R.L.F.C. Inc.; U-Link Magazine Inc.

■ John Golubic has eventually won a $7500 compensation payment from the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund, after a purchased a BMW worth $4000, for $11,500 after it was advertised on the e-Bay internet site.

Golubic told Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Ian Proctor that he purchased a BMW 320 Ci from ‘Adam’, who represented that he was connected to ‘Platinum Autogroup’.

The car was purchased outside a Port Melbourne cafe in an apartment block where ‘Adam’ claimed to live.

Golubic took precautions by having two witnesses attend the purchase, checking the VIN number and condition of the vehicle, and asking for a receipt.

The odometer was said to read 130,945 kms. Later, when reading the log book, the odometer readings had been as high as 177,819 kms.

‘Adam’ claimed a mix-up over log books. Golubic contacted the servicing people, and his scepticism increased.

Golubic demanded a refund. He was to return the car, but the refund did not materialise. Golubic complained to Consumer Affairs alleging consignment selling, odometer tampering, failure to remit the purchase price, and failure of the treader to pay transfer fees, stamp duty or to transfer ownership.

The motor dealer is said to have refused three times to respond to letters from the Motor Car Traders Committee. The deal was termed ‘shady’ by one of the witnesses.

Golubic had two hearings heard by the Committee. He had sold the car to wreckers for $4000, and wanted the Guarantee Fund to pay the difference.

Mr Proctor ordered the payment, saying that the trader had failed to remit the $7500 payment as agreed.

Mr Proctor said he understood that Golubic regretted not going through the normal channels of going through a yard, but had tried to protect himself in a number of ways including witnesses, checking on the VIN and registration.

“I assume he has learnt a lesson about searching for bargains,” Mr Proctor said.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 TWEETS FROM HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI 5. "Pizza Hut? One large Margherita please".

4. "Rhonda and Ketut - I could fit you in for confession at the weekend".

3. "Sorry Mr Baillieu, not even MY contacts can help MYKI".

2. "Head office … we could do with some more funds.

The second collections are dropping off!"

1. "Warnie, can you organise a team

Mark Richardson: From the heart .......... Page 4 Melbourne People: In the picture ........... Page 6 Di Rolle: Women In Media lunch ........... Page 8 News: Local lawyer fined $5000 ........... Page 9 Long Shots: The Editor’s column .......... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: 3AW whispers ........ Page 11 Photo Feature: Leading ladies ............. Page 12 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and style .......... Page 13 Extra: Kevin Trask remembers ............ Page 14 Showbiz: Genesis To Broadway ............ Page 53 Racing: Ted Ryan reports .................. Page 63 Movies, DVDs Local Theatre Radio Confidential Opera, The Arfs

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

‘Nasty incident’: Court ■ Two Geelong real estate agents have taken out interim personal safety intervention orders against each other after a fall-out led to "a nasty incident", a court has heard. The dispute is between Hayeswinckle real estate director Danny Hayes and Ray White auctioneer Matthew Constantine.

Banksia part payment ■ Investors in the collapsed Banksia Securities have started receiving partial repayments (20 cents in the dollar), but will only receive between 50 and 65 per cent in returns. The nnext payment is due before June 30, 2013.

Shorftfall problems ■ More sub-contractors involved in the Mildura Arts Centre redevelopment have come forward claiming they have not received payment in full from the builder, Melbournebased Contract Control, reports the Sunraysia Daily.

Kidnapping story ■ The County Court has heard Warrnambool woman Naomi Madison, who threw herself out of a moving car, was terrified to do so but thought it was a better way to die than at the hands of her alleged kidnapper Russell Ian Payne, who was due to be sentenced this week.

Kangaroo cull bid ■ Local government authorities around Mount Gambier will attempt to secure a mandate from regional councils to pressure the Government to sweep in an eastern grey kangaroo culling program.

Colac conman appeals ■ A Colac conman who stole almost $30,000 from clients will appeal a two-month jail sentence. The 30-year-old pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates’ Court last week to three counts of theft and one of drug-driving.

Fire danger period ■ The Country Fire Authority declared the Fire Danger Period in a number of areas. It began last week. It means fires cannot be lit in open air without a written permit .

Final issue for 2012 ■ The final edition of the Melbourne Observer for 2012 will be published on Wednesday next week (Dec. 19). The first edition for 2013 will be published on Wednesday, February 6. Advertising bookings for next week’s edition should be lodged by 5pm this Friday (Dec. 14).

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

THE ART OF BEING HANS

■ Artist and Head of Sales, Marketing and Design at Sayers Art and Design in Melbourne, Hans Langeder almost lives by Oscar Wilde's famous words, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

Hans has a passion for art, colour and people; and he lives is in a colourful zone, remaining true to himself, promoting art his own way in his pursuit to creating the 'wow' factor every day.

Hans is out there doing his do, walking the talk and has captured the imagination of celebrities, business, property and homeowners; by simply asking for the keys to their properties, sends them away and when they return blindfolded, he reveals the transformation he has created with innovative artworks created with artist Bill Sayers.

The concept of home-makers and reveals is not a new, but remaining true to the artist and arts 'showman' within, Sayers Art and Design are the only commercial and residential art company in Melbourne that performs this television show reveal ritual for every client.

I caught up with Hans at his desk in the in the Eureka Tower at the Gainsville showroom in Southbank, where amongst the kitchens, cabinets and lounge suites on display, Hans explained that art itself, is his muse.

How did your passion for art begin?

I was born in Austria and grew-up

Revealing Porch Thoughts in Heidelberg, being the logical choice to for my parents to set-up home in Australia for our family.

I couldn't speak English, so I had to draw to communicate. My sketches appealed to the other students and I designed tattoos for pocket-money when I was 8. Art become who I am.

Did you formally study art?

I attended TAFE as a mature age student to complete my year 11 and 12 school certificate and went on to complete an Associate Diploma in Building Sciences at Holmesglen College. I further completed another degree in Industrial Design at Monash University with additional Photography and Interior Design at Monash also.

Did your studies enhance or hinder your raw artistic talents?

TAFE opened my eyes knowing what was possible and could be achieved in Art and Design including fine art, photography, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Radio and television.

TAFE was a great foundation and it was only when I was selling my house many years later, that I found direction.

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Max Walker, AM Speaker, Author "Truth, honesty, integrity and authentic storytelling are key elements in sustainable relationships. The glue that keeps us interested, engaged, talking. My keynote speaking has morphed into a multi-dimensional delivery of content and context. My next book will be paper and digital, DVD, slide show, graphic notes, interviews, audio and 'streaming'…exciting, different. We need to embrace change - not procrastinate."

I hired an Interior Design company to create the minimalist 'wow' factor to present to potential buyers.

I was impressed by their creation and thought I would love to this for a living. My former wife said, "right here is a canvas and some acrylic paint, go for it."

Where was your first art exhibition?

I was represented in a number of galleries around Australia and in the USA. I am believed to be the only living Australian artist that has had an exhibition in Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I started my own art gallery, Moda Rouge Art Gallery where I represented around 100 artists locally, interstate and overseas such as the UK and USA. Sayers Art & Design has really taken off, with your artwork being purchased by celebrities, business and homeowners, major retail stores and other venues such as the concourse in the Melbourne Convention Centre. Why do you think your art has become popular?

I believe the world has so much to offer and at times, we become desensitised to what is around us.

Art connects us visually to something and evokes a response. The beauty of art is that it affects everyone differently, given their life experiences or even how they are feeling on the day. SA&D is in an innovative stage phrase that presents exactly this notion to everyone through our colours and designs, to create a reaction no mat ter what mood they may be in when they view it.

Artist Bill Sayers and yourself started Sayers Art and Design in 2012, how did it come to be?

Bill and I have a 10-year history as I represented him during my gallery ownership days.

He was a one of my favourite artists creating stunning works by cutting out coloured sheets of paper and went on to creating artist effects using various computer programs.

Bill is a self-taught artist and I have been mentoring and encouraging him to explore all facets of artwork by using different applications on various substrates.

How would you best describe SA&D artworks?

Our art is cutting edge computer aided art and through my travels around the world, it really is pioneering a new way to create and display artworks. All the artwork is produced by Bill, and I guide the finer touches through Bill. The finer

● Hans Langeder touches are done purely to make the What elements do you work composition work for the client and with? in the space intended.

We work with everything that we Why is blindfolding your clients possibly can including their style, and revealing their artwork in their clothes, furniture, existing colour homes as equally important to you schemes; anything that resonates and as the creating their masterpieces? compliments their personalities and I'm a big fan of DYI and reality lifestyles. We create 'walk through' TV shows when it comes to home journeys from room to room to tell improvement. The client blindfold- their stories. ing idea came about with a USA TV is your Porch Thought of show called, Overhaulin' where art TheWhat Day? takes so many forms and this group Dream as big as you can; don't let of amazing artists and hosts rebuild cars and they use this reveal con- anyone crush your dreams and never cept. I love the reactions we create. give up on believing. Only you can It can be highly emotional witness- make yourself unique and then you ing that 'once in a lifetime' moment become a gift to the world. This I when the new look of a home or of- will pass onto my boys as they are fice is seen for the first time. It's also a driving force for me.

To watch Sayers Art and Design: magic.

What is the most memorable 'TheArt of Circles' client reveal simcomment you've received after re- ply click on the online YouTube link moving a blindfold? www.youtube.com/ Quite a few four letter words spring watch?v=O4CNweUaipw to mind. Also 'unbelievable' and often nothing is said, as they are in awe. or visit their online gallery Most true feelings are revealed in www.sayersartanddesign.com.au their eyes.

- Mark Richardson

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Page 5

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Melbourne entertainer Silvie Paladino has been ‘wowing’ crowds at several Carols By Candlelight functions. She is pictured with Salvation Army officer Megan Maxfield.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

People Melbourne

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Fax: 1-800 231 312

Stockholm syndrome

Denis, Pat at the Queen Vic

● After just 10 piano lessons, 3AW all-rounder Pat Panetta accompanied Denis Walter with Silent Night, when the afternoon program was broadcast from the Queen Victoria Market this week.

● Tina Arena ■ We would like to think that warbler Tina Arena had her tongue firming in her cheek, but we are not certain.

The Moonee Ponds miniature went on to Facebook this week to announce “Working on my new album in Stockholm today.”

Some less generous souls admitted that it had more zing than “working on my new album in Abbostford” or “flogging furniture in Fitzroy”.

● Flashback time: it is two years ago this week that Oprah Winfrey arrived in Melbourne, and surprised her friend Megan Castran of Toorak

Robbins’ hood

Howzat!

■ After lending her image in the previous week to help promote Network 10’s MasterChef launch ... the talk of the Channel 9 Publicity Department end-of-year bash at Captain Baxter, was Howzat star Lachy Hulme on the arm of Melbourne celebrity writer Suzanne Carbone.

Hulme’s professional assignment for the coming year is to again portray Kerry Packer in the upcoming sequel to Howzat. The new series portrays the publishing war between Packer and then-nemesis Rupert Murdoch.

Ms Carbone continues to dazzle with a full diary of invitations to Melbourne society Christmas events. Is there enough film?

● Matt Hetherington

The Voice

■ Melbourne singer Matt Hetherington was flown to Sydney on Friday to be one of the entertainers at the Channel 9 Christmas party at Nine’s Willoughby studios.

Matt starred on The Voice earlier this year, and the judges will be joined by Ricky Martin in 2013.

On Saturday, Matt was back in Melbourne, performing at The Lion. It has been a big year for Matt ... with the arrival of son Oscar.

● Glenn Robbins revealed much more than his sense of humour this week in the 3AW studios when he appeared with Grubby ((Peter Stubbs) and Dee Dee (Diane Dunleavy) on The Weekend Break. Robbins was able to expose the prize he won in a recent charity golf event: stripey underpants. He was wondering whether they were better suited to wrestling, or Cirque du Soleil?

In the swim at Greensborough PHOTO: MICHAEL JAMES 3AW.COM.AU

Christmas laughter

PHOTO: 3AW.COM.AU

■ Sharing some preChristmas laughter in the 3AW studios at Docklands this week were overnight host Andrew McLaren, pictured with Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady. Bruce was wearing a Santa sent in by listener Norma of Briar Hill. Will there be as much laughter in the New Year? See our report on Page 11.

● Ellie Cole, Abbey Carr, John Burns and Hazel Gilbee competed in the Pancake Parlour Challenge swim-off at Watermarc, Greensborough, on Friday. The restaurant chain donated $20,000 to charity. The 3AW breakfast show co-host arrived an unchallenged last in the 100-metre swimming sprint.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Page 7

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

● Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Di Rolle ■ Australia produced many Dames: Dame Nellie Melba, Dame Joan Sutherland, Dame Joan Hammond, Dame Pattie Menzies, Dame Mary Hughes, Dame Enid Lyons and of course our own Dame Edna.

But there was only one Dame Elisabeth Joy Murdoch. AC DBE. She was a one-off.

I remember seeing a lot about her over the years and was particularly moved when I saw her on the ABC being interviewed by Andrew Denton.

I was captivated by the interview and wanted to know more about her.

Some years later I was blessed to meet her in my capacity as publicist for Melbourne Recital Centre.

She would attend various performances and, of course, her wonderful traditional birthday celebrations coincided with the birthday of the Melbourne Recital Centre of which she was patron.

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch loved the arts.

She loved music and she loved young people.

John Hamilton, who knew her well, wrote a most beautiful article about her.

Describing her as having an extraordinary life devoted to helping others, he wrote that the renowned community leader, charity worker, philanthropist and matriarch of Australia’s greatest media family, died in her sleep at her beloved home, Cruden Farm, at Langwarrin .

She was 103 years old. A great woman.

She will be missed at Melbourne Recital Centre. It was always an extremely special time when she visited.

The board, staff and musicians of Melbourne Recital Centre expressed their sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was a champion of Melbourne Recital Centre, which she described as a “living space for making, sharing enjoying great music”.

She has been its Patron since the Centre opened on the eve of her 100th birthday in 2009.

The Melbourne Recital Centre Public Fund was established in 2008 with a founding gift by the Kantor family, followed by the Calvert-Jones family, in honour of their beloved mother and grandmother.

The main auditorium was named Elisabeth Murdoch Hall by the Government of Victoria to celebrate her life as a generous and inspirational champion of the arts, a role which benefited so many Australians.

Dame Elisabeth joined all the management and staff with her family last in February for her birthday concert in the hall which bears her name.

“Music was a source of enlightenment, comfort and great enjoyment throughout Dame Elisabeth’s life,” said Kathryn Fagg, Chairman of Melbourne Recital Centre.

“Melbourne Recital Centre, the musicians who perform here, and the audiences that join us in these beautiful venues to hear them are truly grateful for Dame Elisabeth’s legacy.

“Making, sharing and enjoying music are central to the Centre’s mission. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and her family’s leadership will ensure that future generations of Victorians can also share enriching musical experiences.”

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s performances at the Centre on Saturday (Dec. 8) were dedicated to the memory of Dame Elisabeth, who was a supporter of the ensemble.

On February 8, Melbourne Recital Centre will pay tribute to Dame Elisabeth at the special anniversary concert held on her birthday and marking the date of the opening of the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Many words will be written about Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. I intend to read them all.

Di

I love my job!

■ Read other great columnists in the Melbourne Observer: ■ Yvonne Lawrence, Page 13; ■ Kevin Trask, Page 16; ■ Nick Le Souef, Page 16; ■ David Ellis, Page 44; ■ Jim Sherlock, Page 58; ■ Aaron Rourke, Page 58; ■ Cheryl Threadgold, Page 59; ■ Len Baker, Page 62; ■ Ted Ryan, Page 63; and ■ Harry Beitzel, Page 66.

For CATCHING UP WITH THE GALS

■ Ann Peacock’s annual Women In Media luncheon was held on the day that we lost the greatest woman in media, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.

It is a fabulous luncheon which unites all the wonderful women in media in this fabulous town of ours.

This year the theme was pink, and Ann Peacock welcomed us all in her fabulous generous manner as she does each year.

This year she was presented with a booklet that we had all been asked to write in, it was titled What I love about AAP (Ann’s initials).

She was genuinely thrilled to receive it as it is Ann that always giving, giving, giving.

This year the luncheon was held at Breezes on Level 3 at Crown Towers.

We all dined on superb veal and yummy rosemary kippler potatoes and mixed green salad along with passionfruit brulee, with raspberries and brown sugar lady fingers.

There was lovely champagne on arrival, and photographs with Santa Claus (who is actually a friend of mine).

He and I were chatting away and catching up on news as I was sitting on his knee, when Danni Minogue tapped me on the shoulder whilst she was waiting in line for her pic to be taken with Santa saying, “Di, how long is your list?”

I promptly roared laughing, and jumped off Santa’s knee!

Great fun had by all!

James Reyne and his guitarist serenaded us over lunch which was fabulous.

He is still as gorgeous as ever. We all felt younger and even

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Suzie Howie Artistic Director lia and around the Paul Dyer drew from world. Presented by the rich sounds of playwright and theatre Gregorian chant, me- director Wesley dieval carols, French Enoch, the season beand German hymns, gan at 10.15pm last English Christmas Sunday on ABC1 and songs and favourites is circled each Sunday such as Christmas night in my diary from Night, O Come All Ye here on in.

Faithful and Still ● Wendy Hargreaves and Di Rolle at the Women In Media Nacht to create Noel! luncheon hosted by Ann Peacock at Crown Noel! – a truly unforgettable, joyous and ■ I am going to close more glamorous with uplifting experience.

James on the stage.

It was perfect for my column this week He is a sweetie. I alDame Elisabeth with the courtesy of ■ There have been lots of changes this year ways enjoy seeing him.

Murdoch’s memory. John Hamilton’s and so many great journos are moving on Ann made a very I was there to en- beautiful article in the and doing new things. moving speech at the joy the evening perfor- Herald Sun about Wendy Hargreaves has a blog which is beginning of the lunch Dame Elisabeth mance. going from strength to strength. acknowledging anMurdoch.

A self-confessed food tragic, she is writother great woman in “What do you give ing about food and fun. It is called Five of media, Suzie Howie, someone who has the best with Wendy Hargreaves who attended the lungiven all her life?

She finds Melbourne’s best food and fun. cheons every year and ■ I was pleased to “On Dame Elisawww.fiveofthebest.com was so missed this hear that this summer beth’s 90th birthday It’s so great to see all the PR girls doing year.

ABC Arts will present the board of her bedifferent things.

Ann’s speech was Sunday Arts Up Late, loved Royal Terrific also to catch up with Suzanne extremely uplifting an eclectic program Children’s Hospital Carbone, who always adds fun to any event. and she used words featuring some of the puzzled over the probI always love reading her column in The that Suzie had written finest, most provoca- lem – then got it right.

Age, a must-read every morning with my cofbefore she left us for tive and challenging They gave her a star. fee! that great big Women arts films from Austra “They got the Mt In Media luncheon in Stromlo Observatory the sky with Dame to deed a star known Elisabeth. as HR1369 Chi Tauri Somehow it ■ I want to tell you in the constellation of seemed just right and more about Noel!

Taurus to be known fitting. Great girls Noel! - the Australian forever as the Star attended the luncheon, Brandenburg OrDame Elisabeth.

“Ever practical, she among them Ann chestra and BranChoir coninsisted on a map of the Morrison, Judy denburg that was held at night sky so she could Romano, Jennifer cert Recital find her star.

Hansen, Fiona Byrne, Melbourne Centre as a special “Ever modest, she Greta Donaldson, tribute to Dame said she might have to Susie Robinson from Elisabeth Murdoch. look through a very PR Darling.

Noel! Noel! was large telescope to see The list was end- the perfect way to step it. less, so many gals to aside from the mad“The map and the catch up with. ding crowds and be intelescope won’t be Wendy Har- spired by the glorious needed now. The star greaves, formerly a music made by the shines bright in the Herald Sun writer, Brandenburg Choir night sky.” was there and we sat and the Australian Thank you John next to each other and Brandenburg OrHamilton for your caught up with lots of chestra on period in● Paul Davis beautiful words. struments. news!

A Star!

Writers moving on

On Sundays

Noel, Noel!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Page 9

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Court Roudsman

LOCAL LAWYER FINED $5000 Briefs Apology

● Ken Lay ■ Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay is this week apoloigising to the Chief Judge of the County Court over his comments made whilst a case in in progress.

"The [Chief Commissioner of Police] will be writing to the Chief Judge to explain how this occurred and to apologise,’’ a statement said.

Left ABC

■ John Beeston, former Executive Producer of the Australia Network's flagship current affairs program, Newsline, has left the ABC after an investigation into his alleged sexual harassment and bullying of two female staff found he sent sexually suggestive text messages to one of the women.

Cost cuts ■ A $1.1 million Federal Government funding cut to Wangaratta's hospital budget threatens to force staff redundancies.

■ Camberwell lawyer John Barrett has been reprimanded, fined $5000, plus ordered to pay $5000 costs, after being found guilty of two charges of professional misconduct.

Barrett was also found guilty of two charges of unsatisfactory professional conduct, when the matter was taken to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Jonathan Smithers.

Legal Services Commissioner Michael McGarvie said the case referred to charging a contingency fee to a client in a personal injury case.

Barrett, a sole practitioner in Camberwell since 1972, the whole of his professional life, acted for Mary Brancatisano, who had a personal injuries claim underway. She had already expended up to $160,000 on legal fees elsewhere.

She signed an agreement which called for a $10,000 retainer plus $1000 GST; an amount equal to 10 per cent of the damages awarded by the Court or by settlement. Barrett secured a result that 11 previous solicitors had been unable to achieve for the woman.

Once Barrett became aware that Mrs Brancatisano was an undischarged bankrupt, he entered into a second costs agreement with her daughter, Connie Lando.

Mrs Brancatisano won damages worth $150,000, and Barrett recieved $31,905. She later sought to have the costs agreements reversed.

The Legal Services Commission conducted a check of Mr Barrett’s practice, and determined to bring proceedings against him regarding the contingency fee, and non-compliance with disclosure obligations.

Barrett said he should have been aware that contingency fees were banned.

Gill’s last night

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

WEDNESDAYS 1.15AM. Jim Sherlock discusses movies/ DVDs with Andrew McLaren. www.3aw.com.au 10AM. Editor Ash Long talks with Denis Scanlan on The Pulse 94.7 www.947thepulse.com 10PM. Rob Foenander presents Country Crossroads on Casey 97.7 FM www.3ser.org.au

THURSDAYS 9.15AM. Editor Ash Long talks with Bob and Judy Phillips on 3RPP. www.rppfm.com.au 10PM. Kevin Trask presents The Time Tunnel with Walter Williams www.4bc.com.au

FRIDAYS ● Christine Heald ■ The Victorian Opera will witness a Gala Convert next Wednesday (Dec. 19) to farewell conductor Richard Gill.

Christine Heald will be amongst the VO members performing at the big event.

Observer arts correspondent Julie Houghton has all the details of the pre-Christmas night. ● Turn to Page 57

DEMI JOINS ‘BLAZE’

■ So You Think You Can Dance finalist and leading Melbourne hip hop dancer Demi Sorono will join the cast of international dance sensation, Blaze The Show.

She joins fellow Melburnian and lawyer-come-break dancer Sid Mathur.

The pair will champion Australian streetdance in this West End production which opens at the Arts Centre ’s Hamer Hall on Wednesday, January 23.

Regarded nationally as one of Australia’s best B-girls, Demi Sorono shot to fame in 2008 when her acrobatics and break dancing skills took her to the finals of So You Think You Can Dance.

She has since choreographed and performed in music videos, performed with Massive Hip Hop Choir and choreographed Arts Centre Melbourne’s award-winning

Listen to the Melbourne Observer on your radio

● Demi Sorono eMotion, which saw hundreds of youngsters perform en masse at the Hamer Hall Opening Weekend in July.

Sorono and Sid Mathur are the only Australian cast members in the

production. Mathur is a practicing solicitor who moonlights as a B-boy with his award-winning dance crew, The Collektive.

As a choreographer and dancer, Mathur has appeared in music videos and live shows for local artists including Marvin Priest, DVS, Fawaz Ibrahim, and international stars including Mario, Fabolous, Li'l Kim and 50 Cent.

Demi Sorono and Sid Mathur will dance alongside an international cast of dancers from across Europe, South America and the United States.

Blaze The Show: The International Dance Sensation Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Times: 8pm Wednesdayto Saturday, January 23-26.

3pm Friday- Sunday, January 25-27. Tickets from $42

‘Meet Me At The Mango Tree’ ■ A special screening of Brian Mckenzie's Meet Me At The Mango Tree will be held at The Barn, Montsalvat, Eltham at 6.30pm, Tuesday (Dec. 18).

India comes to life in these five stories set in Tamil Nadu.

The film goes from Chennai and further south where the coastal road wends its way between fishing villages.

Behind each roadside vendor there is a family grappling with the vicissitudes of climate, disappearing rail lines and their precarious market niche.

Tickets: $60 for couples; $50 for singles includes wine, festive Indian treats and a copy of the 2 volume DVD Prepaid bookings are essential: 9439 8700

AM. Ted Ryan talks racing with Denis Scanlan on The Pulse 94.7 www.947thepulse.com 2.30PM. Jim Sherlock talks movies/DVDs with Denis Walter on 3AW www.3aw.com.au

SUNDAYS 9AM. Mike McColl Jones talks the Top 5 with Bob Phillips on 3RPP. www.rppfm.com.au 12 NOON. Kevin Trask presents That’s Entertainment on 96.5FM. www.innerfm.org.au 8.20PM. Kevin Trask presents The Time Tunnel on Remember When. www.3aw.com.au

MONDAYS 2PM. Yvonne Lawrence presents Life And Style on 3WBC 94.1FM www.3wbc.org.au 8PM. Len Baker presents Harness Review on 97.9FM www.979fm.net 10PM. Kevin Trask presents Memories Are Made Of This on 4BC www.4bc.com.au

TUESDAYS 6AM. Rob Foenander presents The Big Breakfast on 88.3 Southern FM www.southernfm.com.au

ALSO BE LISTENING FOR Julie Houghton discusses the arts on 3MBS-FM, 3MBS Digital, Online www.3mbs.org.au

AND WATCH FOR Country Crossroads TV show on Aurora Channel 183, Foxtel www.aurora.tv

✔ IN PRINT: Your weekly newspaper, across Victoria ✔ ONLINE: Available worldwide ✔ ON RADIO: Online ✔ ON TV: On Foxtel

melbourneobserver.com.au

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Ash On Wednesday

SPARE A THOUGHT

Our Doors are Open!

Freemasons Offer Acclaim at Awards

Freemasons Victoria has once again partnered with Acclaim

Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Jones says the connection between Freemasonry and music is a strong one Photo : James Mepham, Jungle Jim Photography Dedicating your life to a classical art when you are growing up in Australia is difficult. With most of the world's recognised centres of excellence in Europe, gaining exposure to the masters of your art can be close to impossible.

Acclaim, through the Acclaim Awards, works to make the world just a little smaller for Australia's best and brightest new operatic talent.

As part of their commitment to supporting Victorian youth, Freemasons Victoria proudly supports Acclaim as Principak Partner of the Italian Opera Fellowship Finals and the Italian Opera Masterclass.

This year, the Masterclass will be held on Thursday December 13 at Melbourne Recital Centre - Salon in Southbank.

Entrants come from across Australia, with 12 finalists selected to compete in the Freemasons Victoria partnered finals last Saturday (Dec. 8).

Four fellowships are awarded each year, with two entrants receiving professional performance contracts with Festival Pergolesi Spontini in Italy and two receiving four weeks of tuition and coaching in singing in the Italian language in Italy.

For a young opera singer, the awards can be the making of a successful career. The Acclaim Awards counts renowned soprano Antoinette Halloran among its alumni.

All four winners attend the Masterclass on Thursday (Dec. 13) Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Jones says the support for a performing arts program comes naturally for an organisation from the Arts Capital of Australia.

'In supporting the Italian Opera Fellowships, Freemasons Victoria continues its support of the local community, offering assistance where we can to ensure our talented youth can continue to thrive,' said Mr Jones.

'Once again it is indeed my pleasure to extend our hand of friendship and support to the Acclaim Awards, a fantastic initiative that focuses on supporting Victoria's talented young people - of which there are many,' he said.

Mr Jones says that Music is a vital part of Freemasonry and the awards are the perfect combination of Freemasonry's love of music, commitment to benevolent work and sense of community.

'Just like in times past, our ancient apprentice Freemasons started from humble beginnings to one day become a Master of the Craft,' he says, 'so to it is our hope and desire that the young people involved in the fellowships will develop and evolve to become Masters of their art.'

'We are honoured to be the major partner of this wonderful event and to welcome those guests who have travelled to Melbourne to part of the Italian Opera Masterclass Concert.'

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

■ In years past, about this time of year, Observer readers and Overnighters radio program listeners would be in the thick of Christmas parties organised by Brendan Scott.

Our radio friends Keith and Angela McGowan would delight in meeting with friends at venues such as Grovedale, Hoppers Crossing, Reservoir, Doncaster, Springvale and Clayton.

I’d like you to spare a thought this week for Keith and Angie. They are holidaying on Magnetic Island, near Townsville.

They have just heard about the shortage of diesel fuel, which powers the McGowan’s ‘big blue truck’.

"We could be stuck on this tropical island until further notice," Ange laughs.

We guess someone has to do it!

● Angela McGowan on Magnetic Island

Long Shots

Circle work

■ Golden Circle Ltd has pleaded guilty to a water pollution charge after two drums of apricot and beetroot concentrate spilled into the Plenty River tributary at Mill Park, after being knocked over by a forklift driver.

Some 40 litres spilled.

Golden Circle has paid a fine of $50,000 plus $5500 costs.

Van in a van ■ Donald Francis Van, 79, of Black Rock, has appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, charged with assaulting his wife and her female friend when a conversation turned sour. Van was fined $1200. He now lives in a caravan park, pending a divorce.

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 © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd. (ACN 096 680 063).

editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

Observer Treasury Thoughts For The Week ■ “A person interrupts and endangers his climb up the ladder of success when he stops to pat himself on the back.”

■ “Nothing will work that is put together in the reverse of the way it was dismantled.”

■ “A small boy prayed: ‘Lord if you can’t make a better boy, don’t worry about it. I’m having a great time as it is.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Some books you can’t put down, and others you dare not put down when there are children in the house.”

Text For The Week ■ "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

- Galatians 6:9

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.

Music Theatre Guild awards ■ The Music Theatre Guild of Victoria presented a glittering 26th Annual Awards Night at Costa Hall in Geelong, where winners were announced in various categories of Victoria’s non-professional music theatre industry.

Some 56 Open Section productions were judged in 2012, and 40 Junior productions.

Open Section Production of the Year. All Shook Up – CLOC Musical Theatre Direction. Shaun Kingma – Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Musical Direction. Danny Forward – All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre. Andrew McCalman – Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Choreography. Jordan Punsalang – Cats, Footlight Productions. Amy Anselmi – Godspell, Horsham Arts Council Settings, Andrew Bellchambers – Cats, Footlight Productions. John Shelbourn – All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Wardrobe. Tyler Hess – How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mountain District Musical Society Lighting. Brad Alcock – Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Technical Achievement. Hairspray, PLOS Musical Productions Male Performer in a Leading Role. Jonathan Guthrie-Jones, Chad, All Shook Up, CLOC Musical Theatre Female Performer in a Leading Role. Rosa McCarty, Diana Goodman, Next to Normal, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Male Performer in a Supporting Role. Mark Stefanoff, Angel, Rent, BUSTCo (Burwood Student Theatre Company) Female Performer in a Supporting Role. Lauren Elise, Judy Garland, The Boy From Oz, Altona City Theatre Junior Performer in an Open Production. Jack Turner, Jack, Into the Woods, SPX Waterdale Players Gladys Moncrieff Award for First Performance in a Featured Role. Jay Nelson, Moonface Martin, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Dancer’s Award. Will Hanley, Billy, Anything Goes, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Cameo Performance. Paul Watson, Elocution Teacher, Singin’ in the Rain, CentreStage, Geelong Ensemble Performance. The Cast, Godspell, Horsham Arts Council Design Award. Brenton Staples, Mansion Set, Sunset Boulevard, CLOC Musical Theatre Concert/Revue Performance. Fab Nobs 10th Fabiversary Concert, Fab Nobs Theatre Edith Harry Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre. Rohan Luke Special Award for 25 Years of Excellence 1987 – 2012. Val Pagram Junior Section Production of the Year. Barnum, St Leonard’s College Director of a Junior Production. Kim Anderson, Barnum, St Leonard’s College Musical Direction of a Junior Production. David Gallaher, Parade, St Joseph’s College, Geelong Junior Male Performer in a Leading Role. Nick Saxton, Man in Chair, The Drowsy Chaperone, Notre Dame College Junior Female in a Leading Role. Georgia Nicholls, Lucille Frank, Parade, St Joseph’s College, Geelong Junior Male in a Supporting Role. Jack Richardson, Narrator/Mysterious Man, Into the Woods, Ballarat Clarendon College Junior Female in a Supporting Role. Jessica Sofarnos, Anita, West Side Story, St Michael’s Grammar School Syd Zygier, Penelope Pennywise, Urinetown, The Adamson Theatre Company at Wesley College, St Kilda Road.

Awards for Excellence will be presented to individuals and groups associated with productions by Elisabeth Murdoch College, St Bernard’s College in conjunction with St Columba’s College, St Joseph’s College Geelong, St Michael’s Grammar School, and Parade College.

- Cheryl Threadgold

The final edition of the Melbourne Oibserver for this year is next week: December 19, 2012.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

WILL 3AW ‘NIGHTLINE’ SHOW BECOME NATIONAL PROGRAM?

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Unlimited ‘comps’: Jane ■ The musical More Sex Please ... We’re Seniors closed with a whimper on Sunday afternoon.

Jane Clifton offered free tickets to all her Facebook friends: “Okay I’m only going to say this once. That show that I’m in closes this Sunday and there are unlimited comps available for the last show at 1.30pm.”

● Jane Clifton

Positively happy

● Philip Brady and Bruce Mansfield ■ The unique Melbourne flavour of the Nightline radio program, hosted by Philip Brady and Bruce Mansfield, may be coming to an end.

Just like the Overnight program hosted by Andrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic, there are whispers that the Nightline program is about to be extended interstate.

Melbourne Confidential hears that 3AW management is considering relaying the nightly 8pm-Midnight program into Sydney, through sister station 2UE, as a cost-saving measure.

We understand that to “test the waters”, 3AW will broadcast Nightline into the harbour city for four weeks over summer.

Sydney night-time host David Oldfield is expected to be on leave from his 2UE show, which rates just 5 per cent in the NSW market. The Nightline program usually rates about 15 per cent of the audience in the Melbourne area.

● John Blackman

Rumour Mill

Whispers

‘Miracle’

● Mal Garvin ■ Radio man Mal Garvin, who presided over the multimillion demise of Melbourne radio station 3AK, says he is the beneficiary of a “miraculous set of circumstances”.

Garvin, who featured in sexual misconduct allegations in 2010, says he is the UK “with family for Christmas” after the miracle.

“Exhausted but delighted,” Garvin has told his Facebook followers.

Revoked

Bruce told to take leave To ease the Melbourne bias of the Nightline program, Philip Brady is expected to be joined by John Blackman for the four weeks, instead of Bruce Mansfield.

Melbourne Confidential understands that Bruce Mansfield has been asked to take four weeks of accrued leave Brady has a national profile from his TV hosting duties over the decades since he started on television in 1958. His resume includes game shows such as In Melbourne Tonight, Moneymakers, Casino Ten, Password, Get the Message and Everybody’s Talking.

Fairfax Radio is understood to have employed John Blackman for the four week summer experiment.

‘Blackers’ also has a national profile, especially from his decades on Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

Melbourne Confidential understands that the changes come as Program Director Clark Forbes is about to have increased responsibilities with his title to include the words ‘East Coast’. This will take in Sydney station 2UE, and Brisbane stations 4BC and 4BH. ● Natasha Stipanov was one of the invited guests at a birthday celebration for Melbourne woman Megan Castran this week.

Sign of the times

● Jest a minute! This sign was posted on Facebook by former Victorian state minister André Haermeyer, who is currently living in Frankfurt, Germany.

New news format Shane Healy, 3AW Manager, appears to have ‘East Coast’ added to his title too.

One of the programming changes in Sydney may be followed in Melbourne.

Paul Murray will take over the Sydney morning program, between the unusual times of 8.30am11.30am.

He will not broadcast from the 2UE studios at Greenwich, but will present his program from a purpose-built studio at The Sydney Morning Herald.

If successful, the Neil Mitchell morning program in Melbourne, and the Tom Elliott ‘Drive’ show, could be likewise broadcast from The Age offices, which are in the same building as 3AW at Docklands.

Tight times for radio station owner, Fairfax Media, has the company - under new CEO Adam Lang - looking for economies of scale.

The ‘national’ look of programs - similar to the ABC - are being considered, whilst local inserts such as sport, traffic, weather and commercials, are essential to the company’s ongoing success, it is said.

Hear It Here First

Meow ... ladies!

■ Former TV newsreader Jennifer Hansen has created a website ‘blog’ to write about her social adventures.

Urban Dictionary defines ‘blog’ as “a meandering, blatantly uninteresting online diary that gives the author the illusion that people are interested in their life”.

Not so with Jennifer’s website, which featured her exciting day at the Women In Media luncheon at Crown Melbourne, telling readers that she and Brigitte Duclos have been best friends since kindergarten days.

Jennifer took a number of photos of the invited guests, but noted that she received polite declines from the girls from The Age, who preferred to stay out of the limelight.

“Which is fine, although somewhat curious,” meowed Ms Hansen.

Luna Park birthday ■ The 100th birthday of Luna Park, St Kilda, will be celebrated tomorrow (Thurs.). Owner Lindsay Fox has invited a wide cross-section of Melburnians, but not the local City of Port Phillip councillors. They didn’t chip in funds to the centenary.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ The Governor in Council has revoked the appointment of Thomas Henry Marshall as a Justice of the Peace. The appointment had taken place in April 2008.

$7.8 mil.

■ Wendy Hope Jobson, 50, formerly of Werribee, stole $7.8 million from her employer, The Koroneos Group, and fed it into a pokies game called Doctor Love.

Ms Jobson was due to be sentenced on 1410 theft charges on Monday in the Supreme Court.

Canned ■ Carols By Queerlight, a gay community event at Prahran, has been cancelled for 2012.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Melbourne People

Women In Media luncheon At Crown Melbournen

● Brigitte Duclos and Kate Langbroek

● Santa with Dannii Minogue

● Jo Stuckey with Jennifer Hansen

● Ann Peacock with Jo Hall

● Susie Robinson, Santa and Sarah Holloway

● Michelle Campbell, Santa and Tara Bishop

● Fiona Byrne with Alice Coster

● Santa with Natalie Barr

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Page 13

News Extra

$109,000 back-pay for Melbourne workers

■ Workers in Melbourne's north and north-western suburbs have been back-paid a total of $109,200 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The largest recovery was $25,700 for a Gladstone Park tradesman who was underpaid accrued annual leave entitlements and annual leave loading upon termination of employment.

After a Fair Work inspector contacted the business and explained its

obligations, the employee was promptly reimbursed all money owed without the need for further action against the employer.

Other recent recoveries include: ■ $20,200 for three Craigieburn tradesmen underpaid allowances, ■ $17,600 for three Campbellfield warehouse workers underpaid the minimum hourly rate, penalty rates, wages in lieu of notice and annual leave entitlements,

■ $10,900 for an apprentice at Watsonia underpaid the minimum hourly rate, penalty rates and allowances, ■ $9200 for a Parkville professional not paid bonuses he was entitled to, ■ $9000 for an East Brunswick chef underpaid penalty rates, ■ $6200 for a worker at Rosanna underpaid annual leave entitlements, ■ $5400 for a Keilor salesperson underpaid commissions and annual

leave entitlements, and ■ $5000 for a Bundoora tradesman underpaid annual leave on termination.

Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says that when Fair Work inspectors identify a problem and contact a business, most employers check their records, realise a problem has occurred, and fix it immediately.

"When we find mistakes, we're here to assist and give practical ad-

vice to employers on how to voluntarily fix them," Mr Wilson says.

"These Melbourne businesses have now corrected the errors that led to the underpayments and put processes in place to ensure they will not happen again."

Between July 1, 2009 and 30 September, 2012, the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered a total of $100.2 million in back-pay for more than 56,000 unpaid workers in Australia.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

Travel Extra

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

7 mins to Monte Carlo

■ After forcing myself to sit down and work out my budget after paying a stack of bills, I took a breather and opened my e-mail and saw that I had won a prize.

Normally I delete these e-mails along with begging letters and scam mail, but I think I was so depressed at the increases in water, electricity and gas bills that I had just paid, I didn’t want to know any more.

Well, it appeared I’d won an iPad but not before shooting five balloons, which of course I did. I mean, nobody in his or her right mind would ever lose.

But then again, I wasn’t in my right mind when I shot out the balloons – I should have remembered that “ nothing is for free”. I f you pay nothing expect nothing in return.

But before I got to where I was to pick up my prize I had to look at a survey.

Fifteen minutes later I decided that the survey wanted to know too many personal things about my finances and me, so I deleted it, kissed the freebie iphone goodbye and logged off.

But I wasn’t quick enough.

Yvonne’s Column

Resisting temptation

Those evening phone calls ■ That night the first of the annoying phone calls came just as we were starting dinner.

I was asked when I was interested in discussing a funeral service, a home demonstration of a adjustable bed, life insurance, playing the pokies, and much more.

And these phone calls, of course, all arrived during the evening.

Of course the callers were given short shrift, but I was perturbed that I had not been warned that salespeople would pester me.

I am well aware that often seemingly innocent questions are in reality well prepared by physiologists to reveal all about the subject answering the survey.

There should have been a warning before I started the survey that it was going to be ongoing and that I should expect to be contacted by numerous people with something to sell.

I’d hate to work in a call centre these days. My phone never stops and it’s nearly always someone asking for a donation to a charity, and some are not very subtle about it.

Some of the workers understand when you decline to take a book of raffle tickets, but some of them are quick to almost resort to moral blackmail.

With me, that goes down like a lead zeppelin.

They never let go ■ I dread answering the phone at night and I think I’m going to start saying that I’m the housekeeper and don’t know when Ms Lawrence will be home.

Once they have your name they never let go.

I try to be generous to all causes, but there comes a time when you have to be realistic and look at your budget.

So, next day after receiving another begging call I jumped at the chance to go with Peter to pick up something he’d ordered.

It’s always best at Christmas time not to be too nosey because it might spoil the surprise that dear old Santa is bringing you.

While Peter was doing his shopping, and being parked right outside a dress shop I couldn’t help but look in the window.

I’ve often bought clothes at this shop and know that the bargains in the window would be genuine, so in I went.

Many shops have a bowl of water outside for dogs, but on a really hot day, the water boils. So the poor pooch sits on the footpath, confined by his lead tied to a post and pants himself almost off his legs.

I did buy a couple of things and whilst she was wrapping them up I told her about the kid racing his scooter up and down the shop and almost knocking into me.

That brought on a spate of horror stories of mother’s and their kids. Apparently a scooter in the shops is nothing.

Children coming into a dress shop with ice cream dripping everywhere sends her blood pressure rising.

In fact, any food is a no no.

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

Interested in comfort ■ I was receiving personal attention and they even found me a chair so I could look at the items I was interested in, in comfort.

I’m a believer in young children wearing restraints before they are taken into shops.

Do they still sell them or have they been declared non political or at best child abuse. Most probably.

The kid on a scooter who whizzed past my chair with the speed of lightning, couldn’t have been more than seven, and if that wasn’t enough, his young sister jumped on a very expensive brocade covered chair that was on sale, shoes and all.

And what were mum and her girlfriend doing?

Nothing. Just giggling and looking at garments whilst her two horrors were demolishing the shop.

I’d kept quiet until the scooter driver nearly collected me and gave him one of my famous looks as I told him to take the scooter outside.

My husband tells me that when I get that look on my face I could stop a brown dog dead in his tracks at five paces. And that’s what happened.

Sun at its most ferocious ■ I prepared to do battle with mum, but she and girl friend were oblivious to everything – all except trying on things that really required the privacy of a changing room.

It must be hard for mums to take littlies shopping, especially when they are trying to keep prying eyes from items that mum will look after until Santa arrives, but there is no excuse letting your child run out of control.

Perhaps people just don’t think.

On that day of 40 degrees the sun was at its most ferocious, and there wasn’t a bit of shade anywhere.

And that’s when some people decided to take their dog shopping, and without a thought tied it up to a lamppost outside the shop in all that heat.

■ After relating my experience to Peter when he returned with his shopping, which I add was beautifully wrapped in Christmas paper, I inquired about the contents and I was told that it was his and Santa’s secret.

Peter sympathised with the dress shop owner, but told me of his experience in the up market fruit shop opposite.

He’s seen kids stealing fruit in front of their mother who pretend it’s not happening, and think it’s funny to squeeze tomatoes and soft fruit until they squish everywhere.

I was pleased with my purchase, and would love to get my fingers into Peter’s Christmas package, but if I could resist the temptation not to look into the black case that was always kept in my father’s wardrobe and taken out every week for his Masonic night, a Christmas wrapped parcel shouldn’t challenge me too much.

I hope it’s for me and it’s lingerie. I’ve been subtle when I’ve hinted that my nightgowns are looking a bit tired. Hopefully, that should have done the trick.

I try not to be a Scrooge when I talk about Christmas, and I think I’m leaning towards a few Christmas decorations around the carved wooden reindeers that will sit on our Christmas table.

The wreath is already up over the front door, and it is so gorgeous that you can’t help humming a Christmas carol as you enter the house.

Looking after your pets ■ The last couple of years it has been ‘ deck the halls with poison ivy ‘ but not this year.

It’s Mekonnen and Meseret’s turn to host Christmas dinner this year, but they have been having a stressful time and they have asked if they can come to us.

I agreed on the condition that we have salads and the only thing on the table with any heat will be the plum pudding, which Peter will light at the table after pouring lashings of heated brandy over it to set it ablaze.

He has the knack of being able to do it without setting the house on fire!

Don’t forget to spoil your pets at Christmas with their own Christmas dinner and a fresh bone from the butchers. They deserve it for all the unconditional love they give you all year round.

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

Radio 3WBC 94.1 FM, P.O. Box 159, Box Hill 3128

■ In his continuing search for the more weird, wacky and wondrous in the world of travel, David Ellis wonders if Monaco’s Heli Air can claim to have the world’s smallest scheduled air service timetable – it has just one route, and that’s a mere 7-minutes between Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco, and Nice Airport in France that it flies 30 times a day in each direction.

And while it started in 1976 with just one helipad and in its first year flew just 747 passengers, it now has ten helipads at its base on Monte Carlo harbour and in 36 years has carried around 1.7-million passengers …with no other airport facility within Monaco’s tiny 2sq km land mass, and the road journey to Nice Cote D’Azur Airport taking 40minutes, the quick 7-minute helicopter service is popular with business travellers and upmarket holidaymakers happy to pay E220 (AU$271) each for the round-trip.

Heli Air flies it’s route from 8.30am to 7.45pm daily, and as well also flies to select destinations on the French Riviera, in Switzerland, Corsica and Italy, the longest flight being 2hrs 35m to Rome and the shortest just 12m to San Remo; but these are nonscheduled flights, and are flown on an as-requested basis.

- David Ellis

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ROCKPORT SHOES FURTHER SCOOP PURCHASE ON RUNOUT LINES MEN’S & WOMEN’S NOW ALL ONE PRICE

$120 SAVE $70, $80, $90, $100 AND MORE SALE ENDS WHEN STOCK RUNS OUT!

PAUL MICHAEL SHOES 67 Hamilton Place, Mt Waverley

9888 2100 Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am-5pm

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Page 15

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

■ Barry Fitzgerald is best remembered for his role as the grumpy elderly priest Father Fitzgibbon in the 1944 film Going My Way. Barry Fitzgerald was a wonderful Irish character actor and appeared in more than 40 films.

William Joseph Shields was born in Walworth Road, Portobello, Dublin, Ireland in 1888.

His father was a columnist for The Dublin Evening Telegraph.

Young William was a top rugby player at school. He had a sister Una and his younger brother Arthur Shields also became an actor in films.

William began acting with The Abbey Theatre when he was 41 and adopted the stage name of Barry Fitzgerald so that he could continue his day job as a civil servant and be paid for both jobs.

In 1929 Barry performed in two Sean O'Casey plays, The Silver Tassle and Juno And The Paycock on London's West End. His film debut in 1930 was as the orator in the film version of Juno And The Paycock which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and also starred John Laurie, who later became famous in Dad's Army.

Barry was cast in his first Hollywood film The Plough And The Stars in 1936 which was directed by John Ford.

Barry was not a tall man and was 5'4".

His films included The Dawn Patrol, How

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Barry Fitzgerald

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Green Was My Valley, The Sea Wolf, The Story Of Seabiscuit, Two Years Before The Mast and Union Station.

He was nominated for two Academy Awards for his role in Going My Way as Best Actor and also Best Supporting Actor.

The Academy changed the rules after this happened so that no actor could be nominated in two categories.

Barry won the Best Supporting Actor and Bing Crosby took home the crockery for Best Actor in Going My Way. Several years later Barry accidentally knocked the head off his statuette whilst practising his golf swing at his home and the Academy replaced it for him.

● Barry Fitzgerald

Paramount Studios cast Bing and Barry together in two other films Welcome Stranger and Top O' The Morning.

In 1952 Barry was delighted to be back in Ireland filming The Quiet Man. He was working with the director John Ford and his co stars John Wayne and the beautiful Maureen O'Hara.

His brother Arthur also had a small role in the film.

Barry never married.

He once said, "I was terribly busy. Then one day I realised that I was older than I thought."

His final film Cradle Of Genius was shot in Ireland in 1961.

Barry Fitzgerald died of a heart attack at the age of 73 in a nursing home on January 4, 196,1 in his beloved home town of Dublin.

He had been under medical care since undergoing a brain operation two years earlier.

Barry Fitzgerald became a favourite of filmgoers throughout the world during his career - 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.

STAYING AT A FIVE-STAR UNDERGROUND HOTEL

■ Further from last week - we travel on to Coober Pedy.

After having booked into the Desert Cave Hotel, thanks to my friend Robert Coro, who owns it, we wandered on down to the Thursday night Greek barbecue.

This had been an institution for years, has only just been reopened by my friends Michelle Provitidis and Jimmy Theodorou.

It was always radio couple Keith and Angie McGowan's favourite hangout in Coober Pedy, with Jimmy in charge of lashings of chops and sausages and steaks.

Again, all of us mingled with many of my local mates, with a few too many bottles of Barossa's bounty biting the dust.

Unfortunately the Underground Bar was closed by the time we decamped, so we all continued our festivities in our underground room.

As ever, sleeping underground is a unique experience - total darkness and total quiet.

Except, I was informed by Robin, for my cacaphanous snoring.

Robert's dad, Bob, also a mate of mine, built it in the seventies, and since then it's become one of Australia's most famous icons - a five-star underground hotel.

■ The next morning we decided to pay a visit to another mate, Mark, at Cadney Park Homestead, 180 kms north.

From where we bounced out along the track to Arckaringa station.

Last time I was there with the Variety Club Bash a couple of years ago, I had successfully ensnared quite a few spiders, which I was in need of.

Unfortunately they had the pest man in not so long ago, and all the Red Backs had succumbed.

However, I did locate a couple of huge Wolf Spiders which had escaped the onslaught.

Then, from there, off to the Painted Desert, which I now regard as the equal of the Rock in spectacular beauty. In fact, even surpassing it.

Last time were through we visited the initial lookout and walk, which was indeed spectacular, but this time I discovered a second lookout, which I hadn't seen before.

This one was absolutely breathtaking, with its coloured sands and clays spreading out into the desert.

I have seen some magnificent vis-

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au tas and sights in Australia, but this beats them all.

I don't know why this phenomenon is so little known in Australia It's indeed worthy of international recognition.

■ Whilst Keith and Robin and I wandered through the Painted Desert and up to Oodnadatta and back to Coober Pedy, the others wended their way off in different directions.

We farewelled John and Ben at Oodnadatta, setting up their swags.

They then wandered back down the Oodnadatta Track to William Creek and Coward Springs and Maree and Leigh Creek.

They spent the night in Parachilna, in the Flinders Ranges, where I remembered staying when I was about eight with my mum and dad.

Jed and his dad Chris just left Coober Pedy, and headed out to William Creek, and then down the Track to Farina, also through the Flinders Ranges, then back to Adelaide.

Since my journey through the area with my parents all those years ago, I have only just been quickly through

on the Bash. It then amazed me as to how similar the flora and fauna, and indeed just the ‘feel’, was to Alice Springs and its surroundings, 1000 kms away.

But then I do often drop into the Port Germain Gorge, where I have scorpion and centipede spots, and catch a few on the way through.

The Ranges always look so inviting as I flash by on my way up north, that I always plan to have a leisurely cruise through one day.

It'll happen.

■ Mother Nature is a fascinating phenomenon. Years ago I watched an early technicolour Disney documentary called the Living Desert. I was probably about 10.

The crux of the film was that although this desert, in Arizona, looked just bare and sandy and empty and uninteresting, in fact natural phenomena were there at every turn.

Spiders and snakes and scorpions lurking in burrows and under rocks and secreted in bushes, often only emerging after dark to forage for their sustenance.

And other lizards and birds and mammals were scuttling about, so the desert was, in fact, alive with life one just needed to know where to look.

It's the same in any part of the Outback. People would often tell me how boring the drive from Alice Springs to Adelaide was - never!

There are creatures to be seen anywhere and anytime . I am always after spiders, especially Red Backs, and I often catch them in culverts under side roads or farm driveways leading off the Western Highway.

But it's a bit of an effort lying down and crawling in to catch them.

I found an easier way this time there's a picnic rest stop near the border, with a few tables and seats and restrooms. Crawling with lurking Red Backs.

You've just got to know where to look.

■ I had a knock on my door last week - it was my mate Kerry Rickards, a dear friend with whom I have shared many adventures in Alice Springs.

We both moved there in the early nineties, and quickly acquainted ourselves - he was then QANTAS manager at the airport.

Since those days he's often wandered the world, with Alice as his base.

His latest foray was to Masai Mara, where he spent a few weeks with one of his mates at the , often out on safari himself, looking for ferocious creatures.

Then, prior to that he was with his ballooning mate John Sanby (who, with another oft-mentioned mate, John Wallington, runs Outback Ballooning), sailing for about a year around Thailand and Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Turkey and the Greek Islands.

Very hard to take that was, Kerry told me.

He's also an accomplished chef, and grabs utensils wherever he happens to be, and fries and poaches and grills at the drop of a hat!.

I'm trying to talk him into leaving his desert home for the Southern Peninsula, where he can sail and sauté to his heart's content!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

● Desert Cave Hotel

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ John Pasquarelli has gone walkabout around Port Moresby, Papua-New Guinea. His column returns when he does.

- John Pasquarelli:, kojak@mmnet.com.au

&

Short Sharp ■ Australia's male vocal group, Human Nature, have announced a twoyear residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Human Nature will be the headlining act at The Venetian in a show titled Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature: The Motown Show. The show starts in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 19.

■ Melbourne media man Brian Smith has returned from the TV Pioneers reunion held at the Pennant Hills Bolws Club in Sydney, attended by more than 160 people. Guests included Geoff Healey, Graham Webb, Calire Poole and Bev Gledhill, who paid tribute to the late Len Mauger.

■ Will there be a giant King Kong atop the Eureka Tower to promote the show at The Regent Theatre in 2013?