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VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLYCD: NEWSPAPER WIN ‘GOLDEN MEMORIES’ PAGE 5 STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1518 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969 Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

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100 Observer PAGES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

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IT’S AN HONOUR

■ Sergeant James Long (pictured left) has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in this week’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Sgt Long CSM, 31, is recognised for meritorious achievement as a Section Commander and Platoon Sergeant Rehabilitation Platoon, 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

■ Melbourne entertainer Mike Brady (pictured below) is now a Member (AM) in the General Division “for significant service to the community, and to music as a composer and performer”. More inside.

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VICTORIAN LAWYER BANNED UNTIL 2020 - PAGE 5

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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

BEATING THE BOARDS AGAIN

■ When you want to speak with Jon English, don't expect him to be sitting beside the phone waiting for your call wearing slippers and dressing gown listening to his collection of CDs. Although he once feared that by 2013 he would be a 'grumpy old man'; he is far from it.

At 64 years-of-age, there is no sign of Jon slowing down. He is in high demand, jovial and relaxed; even joking about what an 'ugly woman' he is going to make when he dons a dress and lipstick in his upcoming role as Edna Turnblad in the musical production of Hairspray in Sydney next month.

When I connected with Jon, he wasn't at home in Coffs Harbour playing CDs. He was in Sweden performing at the 2013 Sweden Rock Festival.

When Jon returns to Australia tonight, he will briefly catch-up with family before heading to Melbourne and Geelong to perform with the original line-up of the Foster Brothers to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of their album, Beating The Boards.

You're performing at the Sweden Rock Festival, why are you over there?

The TV series I did back in the late '70s called Against The Wind was hugely popular in Scandinavia. The theme song Six Ribbons became a number one hit over here.

I still have a big fan-base from that

Rock Porch Thoughts

and also from later tours I did there with the Foster Brothers. I'm playing here with a band called Spearfish.

They've been rehearsing my 'rockier' stuff for months; and I've bought my son, Jon Junior over to play with me as well.

How big is the Festival?

It's huge! There are 70 plus bands playing over four days in front of 150,000 people. It's just a great atmosphere.

Fans are travelling from Norway and Finland and Denmark to see me, and even one from Ireland.

The line-up of bands includes Kiss and Status Quo plus Rush and The Sweet.

I'm doing a Rock The Boat 4 cruise next year with Sweet, so that's a bonus seeing them now.

How long have you been on the road for?

I spent the first couple of days in

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Anatole Petrovich Kononewsky Author, composer and filmmaker "I played keyboards with Jon English in a rock and roll band way back in the 60's when we were going to school together. While Jon was both an amazing singer and musician, one of my fondest memories of Jon was his down-to-earth, giving nature. I recall when we used to rehearse at my mum's place, he used go out and help her put out the washing in the backyard. Congratulations guys. We're blessed you're still 'beating the boards'.”

Copenhagen getting over jet lag, then travelling to Sweden to rehearse with the band for three days.

We did some side shows in Sweden before the Festival. By the time I get back to Australia I'll have been away nearly three weeks.

The last time you performed in Melbourne (and Victoria) it was for your award-winning Rock Show last year that you produced. Do you enjoy writing and producing?

To be honest, I enjoy writing but not so much producing. I leave most of that side of it to partner Coralea.

We've now done three 'rock shows' with various young multi-talented band members and made a DVD and a CD. The shows have won MO Awards twice for 'Best Rock Act'.

The soundtrack was nominated for an ARIA last year. There's a lot of satisfaction in that and in being able to give up and coming young musicians a chance to experience performing.

Do you envisage writing and producing more shows in the future?

We're in the process of putting together a 'best of' the rock shows that we'll be touring around Sydney clubs later this year.

We'd like to take it to New Zealand next year and hopefully Melbourne too. Eventually I want to write a book and create a stage show about my life around the book.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Beating The Boards that you recorded with the Foster Brothers in 1983, you are about to perform in Melbourne and Geelong. How excited are you to be touring again with the band?

Very excited! We've already performed three shows as part of the tour around the major cities. Twin Towns in particular was wonderful.

We used to play there in the 80s, eight shows a week for two weeks at a time. We hadn't been there since.

There are a lot of great memories.

You had so many hit songs on Beating The Boards releasing ad-

JON ENGLISH AND THE FOSTER BROTHERS TO PLAY IN MELBOURNE AND GEELONG

● Greg Henson, John Dallimore, Ingrid Racz, Keith Kerwin, Jon English, Tahlia Racz, John Coker, Greg Henson. ditional albums including: Some beautiful duet with me called For People and Jokers and 'Queens (with Better Or Worse'. It's about Helen Marcia Hines). Thirty years on, of Troy. apart from your hit songs, what What is your Porch Thought do you and the lads have in store For The Day? for us?

I used to get worked up about stuff Some of us have a little less hair and thought I'd grow into a grumpy than we had 30 years ago, particularly old man. Fortunately I didn't.

John Dallimore - who's a Geelong ■ Jon English and The Foster lad by the way.

Brothers will be performing all their We're a very tight and professional hit songs including Turn The Page, group. Expect a high standard of play- Hollywood 7, Six Ribbons, Some ing. I wrote a lot of the early versions People, Hot Town, Beating The of the songs from my rock opera Boards and more on Thursday 20 Paris with the Foster Brothers, so June 20 at the Corner Hotel, Richwe've put in a medley of those. We mond; and Friday, June 21, at the also have two female backing vocal- Gateway Hotel, Geelong. More inforists - the Racz sisters - who will sing mation www.jonenglish.com.au a couple of those songs including a - Mark Richardson

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - Page 3

LAWYER FORGED JOB APPLICATION Observer It’s All About You!

Let’s dance!

Melbourne

In This 100-Page Edition

● The Melborne Observer’s local theatre columnist, Cheryl Threadgold, has been selected to be one of the faces of Ausdance.

■ Ausdance Victoria launched its The website launch was followed exciting new website this week at by the First Friday Dance Club, Queensbridge Square, South- presented by the City of bank.

Melbourne and supported by Dancers invited to represent the Ausdance Victoria. new 'Faces of Ausdance' performed This free event is presented on the on the Red Stair Ampitheatre stage first Friday of every month by comin a routine choreographed by munity and professional dance Ausdance Victoria Director and groups, between 6pm and 8pm, at CEO, Andy Howitt.

Queensbridge Square, Southbank.

The unique fusion of dance styles The mission of Ausdance Victoria ranged from tap, ballet and jazz, to is to educate, inspire and support the traditional Thai, Ukrainian, dance community to reach its potenGreek, hip hop and more. tial as a dynamic force within local, Also performing were national and international communiMelbourne-based dance companies ties.

Yellow Wheel and the Glenbrae The new website is www.

Celtic Dancers. ausdancevic. org.au

■ A Victorian lawyer has been banned from obtaining a practising certificate before May 2020.

The lawyer, who can only be identified as ‘PFM’ for legal reasons, used a forged transcript of his academic results in four applications made for employment.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Jonathan Smithers was told that two of the applications were successful.

The lawyer pleaded guilty to six charges laid under the Legal Profession Act. One of the charges related to a false statutory declaration given to the Legal Institute of Victoria.

Evidence was given to the Tribunal that the lawyer was suffering a serious psychiatric disorder.

Legal Services Commissioner Michael McGarvie had the case re-opened late last year to advance new evidence that the lawyer had

Inside No Offence Meant. Mike McColl Jones examines the humour bypass.

- Page 13 Whatever happened to Bill Haley?

- Page 12

been involved in a web-based business that include radio and television interviews in Australia and New Zealand.

The Tribunal was told that the forged documents showed results with an average mark-up of 20 out of 100.

The Tribunal is recommending to the Supreme Court of Victoria that the lawyer’s name be removed from the local roll of practitioners.

Mr Smithers said the decision to keep ‘PFM’s’ identity anonymous was not taken lightly, but made in view of his mental health.

That decision can be reviewed in three years.

Before bheing able to apply for a local practising certificate after May 2020, ‘PFM’ must provide a medical report from his treating psychologist or psychiatrist.

‘PFM’ must also pay $25,000 costs of the Legal Services Commissioner.

Melbourne People: Been and Seen .............. Page 4 City Desk: Queen’s Birthday Honours ........... Page 5 Di Rolle: The consistent men in my life ........ Page 6 Showbiz: The Good Shepherd ..................... Page 7 Long Shots: Bursting with pride ................... Page 8 Melb. Confidential: Gossip is priceless .......... Page 9 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ............ Page 10 Gavin Wood: Live from Hollywood ............... Page 11 Kevin Trask: Bill Haley profile ..................... Page 12 Mike McColl Jones: No Offence Meant ....... Page 13 David Ellis: Travel and wine ....................... Page 97 Local Theatre Movies, DVDs Radio Confidential The Spoiler

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Guilty to 32 charges ■ Norlane's Michael Paton has pleaded guilty to 32 charges of burglary, theft, unlicensed and unregistered driving, failing to appear and breaching a corrections order, in Geelong Magistrates’ Court, says The Advertiser.

Policeman might sue ■ Former Ballarat policeman with terminal cancer, Paul Irving, may sue Victoria Police over alleged workplace bullying.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■

WIN 2 SUNDAY ROAST MEALS WORTH $80 We have 10 double passes to Captain Baxter, St Kilda Beach. Each pass wins 2 x $40 Sunday roast meals

Have you tried the Observer Mega X-Word?

- Pages 92, 93

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS FROM THE QUEEN ON HER ‘BIRTHDAY’.

5. "Yes, give one to Mike Brady on the condition that he writes Up There Queenie.

4. "Tell Mr Slipper he's got Buckley's."

3. "Philip Brady, how many times do I have to tell you?

You can't contra an OAM.” 2. "Ms Hollows, please help AFL goal umpires to open their eyes.”

1. "I've bought a Jeep!"

Today (Wed.). Chance of rain. 11°-15°.

Thursday. Chance of rain. 11°-17°.

Friday. Rain. 7°-14°.

Saturday. Chance of rain. 7°-12°.

Please note that both meals need to be booked and used at the one time. Captain Baxter is open for Sunday, 12 Noon-3pm. The offer expires on Sunday, September 1, 2103. The meal does not include any drinks or alcohol. The meal does not include anything other than the two courses mentioned above. Dietary requirements available on request. You are welcome to bring one bottle of wine, per booking 2-4 people, pre-2010 to drink free of charge. You are welcome to add guests to your booking, they will be charged at $40 pro rata.

Mail entries to: Captain Baxter Comp.

Melbourne Observer, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 to reach us by 5pm Fri., June 7, 2013

Captain Baxter, St Kilda Beach, is fast becoming the perfect winter hangout.

Serving a delicious Sunday Roast every week and giving diners the chance to BYO a bottle of pre-2010 vintage wine - free of charge, with no corkage fee.

The Captain’s $40 Sunday Roast will be served every Sunday from 12 Noon.

Lunch includes two courses; an entree of charcuterie and the weekly Sunday Roadt to share.

Local produce will be served where possible and the offer is valid until September 1, 2013. Sommelier Luke Campbell from Vinified, will join huests for lunch and discuss vintage wine tips and choices.

The offer is BYO one bottle of wine (pre 2010 vintages, per booking of 2-4 people).

As a winner, you’ll be required to book a table, and let Captain Baxter know you have a voucher for two Sunday Roasts.

Call 8534 8999 or e-mail info@captainbaxter.com.au TELL US YOUR BIRTHDAY

for publication on Observer Readers Club page day

month

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Winners’ names will be announced in the June 12, 2013 edition. Passes will be mailed to prize winners.

Usual Observer competition conditions apply.

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

People Melbourne

Farewell to Laura

■ Laura Price was given a fond farewell on Friday.

Laura has been one of the key members of the Channel 9 publicity team at Docklands, led by Michelle Stamper.

Laura is about to embark on an overseas adventure, and will be missed by her colleagues. Zoe Walsh will take over her Laura’s duties at the Nine Network.

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Trio meet at Club 3004 night

Fax: 1-800 231 312

Vince’s visit cancelled

Let The Light Shine

■ Last night’s premiere of The Internship at Village Cinemas, Crown Melbourne, did not have the advertised appearance of actor Vince Vaughn. He cancelled his visit at the last minute due to “an unforseen family matter”.

● Julie Hyne, Rob Richardson and Lyndall Tennant were at Ormond Hall this past week for the Club 3004 networking meeting.

Genesis To Broadway

Beyond Blue launches Man Therapy ■ Dr Brian Ironwood (pictured) was part of Beyond Blue’s Man Therapy launch this past week.

It is aimed at improving men’s wellbeing and reduce the much higher rate of male suicide in Australia compared to women.

The launch took place at Parliament House in Canberra and was attended by Mental Health Minister Mark Butler, Beyond Blue Chairman Jeff Kennett, CEO Kate Carnell, former AFL footballer Nathan Thompson and other guests.

Straight-talking and irreverent Dr Brian Ironwood’s character has been created to urge Australian men to take charge of their mental health. mantherapy.org.au

■ Entertainer Fem Belling is part of the Genesis To Broadway three-hander that is being staged at Chapel Of Chapel until June 20.

Fem was interviewed by the Observer’s Julie Houghton on 3MBS-FM on Saturday.

Fem said some people wanted to stay at home and watch people lose weight on TV ... others were filling the house every night seeing live theatre.

● Fem Belling

A Murder Is Announced

■ The full cast has been named for A Murder Is Announced which will be staged at The Comedy Theatre from October 30-December 4.

Joining Judi Farr will be will be James Beck as Edmund Swettenham, Carmen Duncan as Mrs Swettenham, Robert Grubb as Inspector Craddock, Victoria Haralabidou as Mitzi, and Jamie Kristian as Sergeant Mellors/Rudi Scherz.

The lady of Little Paddocks, matriarch Letitia Blacklock, will be played by Debra Lawrance with Nathaniel Middleton as Patrick Simmons, Libby Munro as Phillipa Haymes, Elizabeth Nabben as Julia Simmons. Deidre Rubenstein will play Letita’s old friend Dora ‘Bunny’ Bunner.

● Vince Vaughn

● Judi Farr

● Andrew Wailes ■ Melbourne University Choral Society conductor Andrew Wailes is thrilled about the acclaimed Morgan State University Choir will join forces with MUCS in Let The Light Shine on Thursday next week (June 20).

This concert, at St Paul's Cathedral, has a combined choral force of more than 150 voices and individual soloists.

MSU Choir has also sung with such diverse artists as opera singers Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman, jazz singer Nancy Wilson, trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis and pop legend Bobby McFerrin.

In a 2009 tour of South Africa, they sang Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela on national television, for his 90th birthday.

Julie Houghton has more details on Page 87

Singer, poet at Watsonia ■ Singer Chris Wilson and poet Michael Crane will be at Watsonia Library between 7pm-8pm tonight (Wed.) for a poetry and jazz night as part of the launch of a new book.

The book is Postcards From The End Of The World: A Michael Crane Sampler Of Poetry and Prose. It is in the genre of Les Murray’s work.

Chris Wilson is front man for Crown Of Thorns. He has been an essential part of blues and rock music scene in Australia since taking the stage with the Sole Twisters more than 20 years ago.

Michael Crane is publisher of the Paradise Anthology and Poetry Idol organiser.

More than 300 of his poems

by Michael Crane have been published in literary journals and newspapers.

$3.5m grant ■ The Gillard Federal Government is providing a $3.5 million grant to restore the Yarra Glen Railway Station - which rarely has any trains passing.

Local Labor politician Rob Mitchell says the station will become a central hub for tourists.

● Chris Wilson will be at Watsonia Library tonight

● Rob Mitchell

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - Page 5

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

VICTORIANS TOP THE HONOURS

■ Victorians are prominent in the Queen’s Birthday Honours announced on Monday this week.

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Dr Kenneth Willis CATO. Collingwood.

For distinguished service to the graphic design profession as a practitioner, and through education and development roles both nationally and internationally.

Mr James Malcolm FREEMANTLE. Mansfield. For distinguished service to the community of Western Australia as a contributor to social welfare, church and sporting organisations, through senior business and financial roles, and to the arts.

Professor Petro GEORGIOU. Hawthorn. For distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, to multiculturalism and human rights advocacy, and to the community.

Mr Peter Noel HARRIS. Melbourne.

For distinguished service to public administration through leadership and policy reform roles in the areas of telecommunications, the environment, primary industry and transport.

Professor Garry Lawrence JENNINGS AM. Melbourne. For distinguished service to medical research, particularly the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, to professional associations, and to education.

Associate Professor John Clark McBAIN. Armadale. For distinguished service to reproductive medicine as a gynaecologist, particularly in the area of infertility, to medical education as an academic, and to professional organisations.

Professor Shirley Elizabeth McKECHNIE OAM. Elwood. For distinguished service to the performing arts, particularly dance, to the education and development of dancers and choreographers, and to research.

Mrs Mary Cornelia SALCE. Maffra.

For distinguished service to women, particularly in rural communities, through leadership and advocacy roles, and to water conservation and management.

Member (AM) in the General Division.

Mr Stanley Alexander ARCHARD. Cohuna. For significant service to irrigated agriculture, and to conservation.

The Honourable Justice David John ASHLEY. Camberwell. For significant service to the judiciary and the law, and to the beef cattle industry.

Dr Elaine Frances BARRY. Glen Iris.

For significant service to the community through social welfare organisations, and to education.

The Honourable Mrs Rosalind Marianne BLADES. Noble Park. For significant service to local government, and to the community of the Greater Dandenong region.

Mr Michael BRADY. South Melbourne. For significant service to the community, and to music as a composer and performer.

Ms Kristal Irene BUCKLEY. Clifton Hill. For significant service to conservation and the environment, particularly in the area of cultural heritage, and to education.

Ms Maree Lynn DAVIDSON. Richmond. For significant service to the Indigenous community, and to the welfare of children and multicultural youth.

● Mike Brady Dr Patricia Margaret ELLIS. Yarra Glen. For significant service to veterinary science, particularly through the development of quarantine and biosecurity protocols in the equine industry.

Mr Cadel Lee EVANS. Vic. For significant service to cycling, and to the community.

Dr Eric Charles FAIRBANK. Warrnambool. For significant service to palliative care medicine in regional Victoria.

Mr David Norman GALBALLY QC. Melbourne. For significant service to the community, particularly through leadership in health organisations and the provision of pro bono legal services.

Ms Nance Gwyneth GRANT MBE. Melbourne. For significant service to the performing arts, particularly opera.

Professor John Raymond HOPKINS OBE. South Melbourne. For significant service to the performing arts, particularly as a conductor, to music education, and to the community.

Dr Duncan Standon IRONMONGER. North Melbourne. For significant service to economics as a researcher, author and academic.

Ms Frances Irma LINDSAY. South Melbourne. For significant service to the arts, particularly as a curator and administrator in galleries and museums.

Mr Andrew John MAHAR. Oakleigh.

For significant service to the community and social justice through the provision of access to technology, and to Timor Leste.

Mr Michael James MARTIN. Lower Plenty. For significant service to the surf lifesaving movement.

Mr Des POWELL. Middle Park. For significant service to business and commerce, and to the community.

Ms Merlyn QUAIFE. Melbourne. For significant service to music.

Councillor Catherine Joan REDWOOD. Daylesford. For significant service to the community of Victoria.

Dr John Graham ROGERS. Toorak.

For significant service to medicine in the fields of clinical genetics and paediatrics.

Mrs Marguerite Anne RYAN. Glen Iris. For significant service to the community through the development of assistance programs for women and children in Africa.

Mr Robert Philip SESSIONS. Windsor. For significant service to the Australian publishing industry.

Ms Judith Margaret SMALL. Alphington. For significant service to folk music, as a songwriter and recording artist.

Ms Doreen STOVES PSM. Mitcham.

For significant service to the community, particularly through social welfare programs.

Mr Robert Waddell TAYLOR. Upper Beaconsfield. For significant service to youth through the Scouting movement, and to the community.

Professor Euan Morrison WALLACE. Sandringham. For significant service to medicine, particularly in the areas of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Member (AM) in the Military Division Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Mark Louis MASINI. Vic. For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in the field of technical airworthiness standards and regulation.

Medal (OAM) in the General Division Mrs Margaret ADCOCK. Mansfield.

For service to the community through a range of sporting and service organisations.

Mrs Renie Ann ALLISON-MARTINI. Donvale. For service to the performing arts, particularly through dance education.

Mrs Henrietta ALTMAN. Caulfield North. For service to the community, particularly through the Jewish Holocaust Centre.

Mr Kyriakos AMANATIDIS. Glen Waverley. For service to the AustralianGreek community, as an author and educator and through a range of cultural organisations.

Mrs Emmanuela ANTONELLI. Templestowe. For service to aged welfare, particularly within the AustralianItalian community.

Bruce Edwin ARMSTRONG. Warragul. For service to music, particularly brass bands, and to the community of Warragul.

Elizabeth Marion BAILEY. Kew East.

For service to the community through raising the awareness of mental health.

Mr Roy Alfred BERRYMAN. Longwarry North. For service to the arts through a range of photographic organisations, and to the community of the Gippsland region.

Mr Kevin Ronald BOLTON. Glen Waverley. For service to tennis, particularly as an administrator and umpire.

Ms Carol Elissa BOOTHMAN. Burwood East . For service to the arts as an educator.

Mr Kenneth Rae BROADBENT. Ballarat. For service to the community through a range of service organisations.

Mr Alan Vincent BROWNE. Malvern.

For service to music as a jazz musician, and to the community.

Mrs Jean Elizabeth BUIST. Lancefield.

For service to the community through a range of organisations, and to women.

Mrs Patricia BULLUSS. Milawa. For service to the community of Wangaratta through a range of organisations.

The Right Reverend Zenon CHORKAWYJ. North Melbourne. For service to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia.

Mr Stephen Frederick COFFEY. Wonga Park. For service to the community, particularly children.

● Merlyn Quaife Mr William James COLLETT. Portland.

For service to the community of Portland and the Shire of Glenelg.

Mr Mervyn Wesley COMINI. Wahgunyah. For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Ms Sue CRAWFORD. Upper Ferntree Gully. For service to the community through contributions to Honorary Justice programs.

Mr Martin Joseph CULKIN. Surrey Hills. For service to education in Victoria, and as an advocate for innovative approaches in teaching and learning.

Mrs Margaret Joan DANIELS. Beaumaris. For service to the community, particularly through Rotary International.

Mr Russell Leslie DEAL. Vaughan. For service to social work education, and to the community.

Mr Graham John DON. Vic. For service to the community of Springvale, and to ex-service welfare.

Mr Walter George DRINKWATER. Gladstone Park. For service to the community through the provision of first aid services.

Mr Johannes DRONRYP. Clayton South. For service to judo.

Mrs Hazel Eileen EDWARDS. Blackburn South. For service to literature.

Dr Bob John FAIRCLOUGH. Point Cook. For service to the community of the Werribee region, and to education.

Mr Omar Mohamud FARAH. Point Cook. For service to the Somali community of Melbourne.

Mr Allan John FISHER. Wahgunyah.

For service to the community of Chiltern and the Shire of Indigo.

Councillor Rodney James FYFFE. Bendigo Vic. For service to local government, and to the community.

Mr Robert James GATHERUM, deceased. (Award wef 19 October 2011) Late of Mooroolbark. For service to the community through the Lions movement.

Mr Raffaele GIULIANI. Kialla. For service to football in the Shepparton region.

Mr Abram GOLDBERG. Elsternwick.

For service to the Jewish community in Melbourne, and as a proponent of Yiddish language and culture.

Captain Kenneth John GREIG RAN (Ret'd). Black Rock. For service to the preservation, commemoration and promotion of Australian naval heritage.

Mr Malcolm Stuart HACKETT. Strathewen. For service to the community of the Strathewen area in the aftermath of the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

Mrs Janice Mary HARPER. Port Melbourne. For service to the community through the promotion of equal opportunities for women.

Leslie Ian HARPER. Frankston. For service to the community through a range of church and welfare organisations.

Mrs Phoebe Ruth HAWKINS. Ringwood. For service to the community of Maroondah.

Dr Douglas Elwyn HAWLEY. Canterbury. For service to the community of Canterbury.

Mr Edward Jonathan HAYES. Templestowe. For service to agricultural science, and to the community.

Dr Christine Alice HEALY. Vic. For service to the community through family planning and women's health.

Mr Kenneth William HEMMENS. Highton. For service to the performing arts, and to education.

Mrs Lorraine June HENDERSON. Mount Helen. For service to the community of Ballarat.

Mrs Ruth Doreen HIATT. East Trentham. For service to religious education, and to community welfare.

Mrs Lynette Margaret HOLDSWORTH. Melton West. For service to conservation and the environment, and to the community of Melton.

Mrs Beverley Diane HOLUIGUE. Armadale. For service to the hospitality industry as a cook, teacher and author.

Mrs Jean JACKSON. Surrey Hills. For service to the community through multicultural education roles.

Mr David George JARMAN. Flinders.

For service to the community of the Mornington Peninsula, and to local government.

Mr Todd Alexander JASPER. Macleod. For service to the community, particularly homeless youth.

Mr Leo Stanley JOHNSON. Kurunjang. For service to the community of Melton through a range of employment, education and social welfare organisations.

Mr Ronald Edward KITCHINGMAN. Doncaster East. For service to the community of Manningham.

Mr Warwick St Clair LEESON. Kangaroo Ground. For service to the community of St Andrews, particularly in the aftermath of the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

Mr Brian Joseph LENTEN. Bendigo.

For service to the community of Bendigo.

Mr Alan Franklyn LEWIS. Malvern East. For service to the community of Malvern.

Mr Robert LIDDLE. Croydon. For service to the community through roles with Indigenous organisations, particularly in the oil exploration and production industry.

Mr Robert Grantley LLOYD. Malvern East. For service to cricket as a player, coach, and administrator.

Mr Harry LOHMER, deceased. Award wef 2 November 2012). Late of Montmorency. For service to the community, particularly through The Salvation Army.

Mr John Patrick LYNCH. Romsey. For service to the community of Romsey. ● Turn To Page 96

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Let me introduce Sergio Tiempo

Di For

Brian Cox is ‘the real deal’ ■ I must admit my life brightened up when I saw in the paper that Professor Brian Cox OBE was returning to Melbourne.

I am one of those people who can can see the special quality in others I saw stardom all over Shane Warne the first time I met him. It was the same with Eddie McGuire.

I remember saying that Eddie would be a household name when I met him years ago whilst working on Steve Vizard’s program. And I was right. He is certainly become a household name.

Brian Cox made the same impression on me. What a charismatic man he is. He has that special X Factor in spades.

The first time I saw him was years ago as a guest on the then ABCTV Jonathon Ross Show. I found him totally fascinating and didn’t want him to leave my screen.

Then he popped up on QI with Stephen Fry (another person born with the X Factor), then he had his own television series called Horizon where he discussed delicious things like Einstein’s Equation of Life and Death, Einstein’s Unfinished Symphony. Who knew?

What On Earth is Wrong With Gravity, Do You Know What time It Is and Can We Make a Star on Earth? He then made a marvellous guest appearance as himself on Doctor Who in the episode ‘The Power of Three’, an episode not to be missed.

Graham Norton had him on his show and before long he too was becoming a household name. Before thate was also a rock star, in the 1980s he was keyboard player with the rock band Dare. He studied physics at the University of Manchester where he joined the music group D: Ream, a group which had several hits in the UK charts, including the number one song, Things Can Only Get Better. It was later used as a New Labour election theme!

After D: Ream disbanded in 1997, Brian Cox completed his Doctor of Philosophy in high energy particle physics at the University of Manchester. The rest is history.

In 2003 he married US science presenter Gia Milinovich who is absolutely beautiful and has the best blog. Their first son George was born on May 26, 2009.

George’s middle name is ‘Eagle’ after the Apollo 11 lunar module.

They live in Manchester; I can only image the dinner conversations these two would have. Amazing!

Brian Cox recalls a happy childhood in Oldham, UK, that included pursuits such as dance, gymnastics, plane spotting and even bus spotting!

He has stated many times in many interviews and also in an episode of Wonders of the Universe that when he was 12, the book Cosmos by Carl Sagan was a key factor in inspiring him to become a physicist.

Brian Cox is a humanist, and is a Distinguished Support of the British Humanist Association.

He is a lifelong Oldham Athletic fan, and held a season ticket at the club.

So having said all that, Lateral Events in associationwith BBC Worldwide Australia have announced that Brian Cox will tour Australia in August this year in a stage presentation titled Brian Cox – An Evening of Scientific Phenomena. The evening will be hosted by special guest Adam Spencer.

Brian Cox is a phenomenon. Live events conducted by him are a wonderment of an entirely new genre – his experiments, his audience interactivity, stunning visuals and totally engaging manner leaves audiences enraptured, engaged, informed and occasionally like yours truly totally besotted by him.

Brian Cox is the ‘real deal’ – a Royal Society University Research fellow. He works on the Atlas experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at Cern, Switzerland, and is a Professor at the University of Manchester.

He will be in Melbourne on Wednesday, August 14 at 8pm at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne.

Bookings artscentremelbourne.com.au or call 1300 182 183 or ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 136 166. This is a must see!

I love my job! with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

■ Let me tell you about Sergio Tiempo. He is described by Gramophone magazine as “a colourist in love with the infinite variety a piano can produce”. Sergio Tiempo has developed a reputation as one of the most individual and thought-provoking pianists of his generation.

Tiempo established his international credentials at an early age, making his professional debut at the age of 14 at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. A tour of the USA and a string of engagements across Europe quickly followed.

Since then he has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors and is a frequent guest at major festivals worldwide.

Born in Caracas. Venezuela, Sergio Tiempo, who is Jewish, was taught to play the piano by his mother before he turned three.

He achieved early acclaim by appearing on Argentine television when he was four years old and concerts in London and France at age seven. Sergio is brilliant. “It is no exaggeration to say that Tiempo may well be the most dazzling and spontaneous pianist of his generation.” wrote Gramophone Magazine (UK).

Firebrand virtuoso Sergio will perform at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre on Tuesday, June 25 at 7.30pm.

The concert will run two hours includinbg a 20-min interval, a superb night out; I am not going to miss seeing him. Sergio appears as part of the Great Performers 2013 Series at Melbourne Recital Centre.

This fearless pianist isn’t afraid of playing fast and loose with venerable masterpieces, zapping them back into life with his electrifying energy.

He has left audiences and orchestras around the world buzzing with excitement.

CONSISTENT MEN IN MY LIFE

■ The two most consistent men in my life are Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

It doesn’t matter where I am or what I am doing, those two men are there for me at the end of the day on the Comedy Channel.

I adore them both.

They bring sanity to my world.

So I was therefore thrilled to see that the normally 30-minute program that Stephen Colbert has, called The Colbert Report, will run one hour tonight (Wed.) with special guest Paul McCartney as special guest.

Paul will sing songs from his Out There tour.

A master of publicity, McCartney is sure to be brilliant and not to be missed with Colbert, Comedy Channel, 7.30pm weekdays and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 7pm weekdays. Must viewing.

There are the best news teams ever on television.

● Jon Stewart

● Sergio Tempio

WONDER BOY OF FASHION

■ It is always good to hear about an exciting collaboration be it in music or fashion so I was particularly

● Paul McCartney

to hear the news that the wonder boy of fashion, Dion Lee, and the Cue Clothing Company jointly announce that they have entered into an exciting partnership which Cue acquiring a shareholding in the Dion Lee business.

Both parties see the partnership as a strategic opportunity to develop the Dion Lee business and accelerate the brand’s domestic and international growth.

Dion Lee will remain autonomous in the daily operations of the business and independent from the Cue and Veronika Maine brands.

Lee is excited to partner with an Australian company with the proven ability to build a fashion brand with longevity and integrity.

Cue Clothing Company will be able

to offer Lee invaluable insight into the manufacturing and retail sectors.

Dion Lee, founder and creative director of the brand, said; ‘I am very pleased to be partnering with the Cue Clothing Company to develop the potential of my brand.

“I have a great deal of respect for the Cue team and feel very lucky to be working with a partner who supports my creative vision for the future.”

Dion Lee was featured in the latest Wish glossy supplement in The Australian newspaper. He is clever, bright and just 26.

The Cue Clothing Company has supported local designer talent since its inception in 1968 and continues to develop and nurture creativity.

Cue has an exceptionally strong team of designers who have

achieved more success and recognition that at any other time of the brand’s 44-year history.

Dion Lee and Cue were recently honoured together – making for a dynamic all-Australian “partnership”.

At the 2013 Prix de marie claire Awards Dion Lee was honoured as ‘Best Australian Designer’ whilst Cue was awarded ‘Best Australian Fashion Brand (Readers Choice) for the third time from four nominations.

In addition, the Sydney Powerhouse Museum’s ‘Making it: 20 Years of Student Fashion’ exhibition was represented by four designers working in the local in industry.

Dion Lee was one, along with two of Cue’s key designers, the brilliant Prue Rainey and Lauren Vieyra. This is a great success story.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - Page 7

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Court Roundsman

BOOKKEEPER ADMITS FRAUD The Good Shepherd

Briefs Bashing ■ Ballarat Mayor John Burt says he will do everything in his power to hunt down the thugs who racially abused and assaulted a young Indian restaurant owner on Friday night, reports The Courier.

● Cr John Burt

‘.216’ ■ A 51-year-old man will face court for drink driving after allegedly exceeding the prescribed limit by more than four times in Altona on Saturday. He is said to have blown .216.

On bench ■ Peter Mithen and Cynthia Toose have been appointed as Magistrates in Victoria, State Attorney-General Robert Clark has announced.

● Bev and Dougal Drysdale

Death of Dougal Drysdale ■ A former bookkeeper of TZ Limited has been sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of making false entries in the books of TZ. In pleading guilty, Mr Fagredin admitted that while a shareholder of TZ, he made false entries in the books of TZ that recorded payments made to himself totalling approximately $130,000 over 18 months.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission found Fagredin recorded these payments as being made to other entities.

Fagredin was ordered to enter into self-recognizance in the sum of $2000 to be of good behaviour for 12 months.

The magistrate took into account Fagredin's early guilty plea, the effect a conviction for this offence is likely to have on Fagredin’s registration as a tax agent and the fact that he had reached an early settlement with TZ Limited that involved him repaying most of the $130,000.

ASIC is continuing its investigation into suspected misappropriation of several million dollars by ex-directors of TZ Limited that allegedly occurred before a change in the makeup of the TZ Limited Board in June 2009.

Mt Scopus sues ■ The Jewish private school, Mt Scopus Memorial College Ltd, has booked a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court session at 9.30am today (Wednesday) where it is due to allege that there are “monies due” from Joan Kaufman.

The civil matter is set down for a Registrars’ Hearing.

■ A prominent Victorian farmer, Dougal Drysdale, has died at age 86.

A son of the Yea district, Dougal was known for his rural successes, as well as civic service including local government and fire fighting. He was heavily involved in the development of the Yea livestock saleyards.

Married to Bev for 59 years, and father of Judy, John, Lynne and Sue, Dougal was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. ● Christine Lin of the Melbourne Women’s Choir.

■ A celebration in word and song to mark the 150th year of the arrival of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Australia, will be held at the Good Shepherd Chapel, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, on Friday, June 21at 8pm.

Attendees can elebrate in readings of hope, action and justice, and celebrate beautiful choral music written for women and girls across the centuries and sung by the Melbourne Women’s Choir.

Virtuoso Baroque music by Vivaldi, Hasse, Porpora and Galuppi, including profound gospel and spiritual works and secular and sacred modern choral works, can also be celebrated.

Also to be performed is The Good Shepherd, written by Melbourne composer May Lyon and dedicated to the Good Shepherd Sisters.

This unique and memorable celebration is set in the surrounds of the Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford Convent.

Tickets: $50.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/45551 or 9270 9700.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Banned from working with kids ● Robert Clark

■ A Victorian man has lost his latest bid to be issued with a ‘Working With Children’ Permit.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Deputy President Heather Lambrick heard that the man, who can only be identified as ‘MFK’, had previously pleaded guilty to sexual penetration

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

of a female under the age of 16 years, wilful and obscene exposure in public, and ‘stalk another person’.

The man’s name was placed on the Sexual Offenders’ Register, but the County Court later set this aside.

Most recently employed as a truck driver from Langwarrin, ‘MFK’

has completed a personal trainer’s course, and hopes to gain employment in the industry.

The Tribunal heard that ‘MFK’ had been non-compliant with his medication, suffers from stress, and recently declared bankruptcy.

Ms Lambrick said there remains “a significant risk”.

Sparks fly from vehicle ■ A man has been arrested after he gave himself away to Police in a slightly unusual manner on Monday morning.

Broadmeadows Police intercepted the 20-year-old Hillside man after they saw sparks coming from the front of his vehicle on Pascoe Vale Rd. It appeared a front wheel had completely worn down, causing the sparks.

He was subsequently breath tested and returned an evidentiary reading of 0.14.

He has been charged with conduct endangering life, reckless conduct, drive manner dangerous, careless driving, drink driving and unsafe vehicle.

He was expected to be remanded in custody.

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

Fr Bob treads the boards ■ There si no stopping Melbourne priest, Fr Bob Maguire.

He has been a media star, had a book written about him ... and now there’s a pantomime to be staged this month at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda.

Once Upon A Pantomime will be staged on Sunday, June 23, to support the Fr Bob Maguire Foundation. ● Fr Bob Maguire It is an Aussie version of the Ebglish celebrity pantos featuring Fr Bob, Julia Zemiro, Hannah Gadsby, Corrine Grant, Fiona O’Loughlin, John Safran, Lawrence Mooney, Dave O’Neil, Mike Brady and Des Dowling. Tickets, from $43.50, will support ‘The Excuse-Free Star To Life Education Project’.

Conservative writer dies ■ Christopher Pearson, 61, founder of The Adelaide Review, and editor of three books by Liberal leader Tony Abbott, has been found dead in his home.

Pearson was a columnist for The Australian, a conservative Catholic and conservative homosexual and a strong opponent of samesex marriage.

Mr Abbott said: “Christopher was one of our country’s finest con● Christopher Pearson servative intellects.

“He was also a steadfast friend. I valued Christopher’s counsel and his wisdom.”

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 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

Distribution STATE EDITION: Available weekly at approx. 400 newsagents across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and Victorian regional centres.

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Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

BURSTING WITH PRIDE

■ Pardon our pride today, but we are bursting with the news that our son, Sgt James Long, was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours on Monday as awardee of the Conspicuous Service Medal.

The citation reads: “For meritorious achievement as a Section Commander and Platoon Sergeant Rehabilitation Platoon, 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.”

Long-time Melbourne Observer readers have been a part of Sgt Long’s travels over the years on military tours of duty in places such as Timor L’Este, Iraq and Afghanistan.

When Sgt Long has been ‘over there’, we have published a small yellow ribbon on our front-page, awaiting his safe arrival home in Australia.

Available Across The World MELBOURNE OBSERVER ONLINE 2.1 MILLION HITS ANNUALLY ON THE WEB: www.MelbourneObserver.com.au You can read our paper free on the Internet.

Contact details for all our advertisers are also available at our website.

Observer WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

www.MelbourneOb

IT’S AN HONOUR

● Sgt James Long CSM

The medal ■ The Conspicuous Service Medal is awarded for meritorious achievement or devotion to duty in non-war like situations.

The Governor-General makes the award on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence.

The ribbon has diagonal stripes of bush green and sandy gold.

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”

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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Observer Treasury ● The Conspicuous Service Medal 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).

A Timeline of Australian Masonic History

Our Doors are Open!

■ Sergeant James Long (pictured left) has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in this week’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Sgt Long CSM, 31, is recognised for meritorious achievement as a Section Commander and Platoon Sergeant Rehabilitation Platoon, 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

■ Melbourne entertainer Mike Brady (pictured below) is now a Member (AM) in the General Division “for significant service to the community, and to music as a composer and performer”. More inside.

● Our yellow ribbon

Back Copies

Expiry: ......................

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

Long Shots

Mail Subscriptions You can have your own copy of the Melbourne Observer delivered to your letterbox by Australia Post.

We dispatch hundreds of copies of the Melbourne Observer to mail subscribers every Tuesday afternoon.

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STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1518 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

Thought For The Week ■ “We make a living by what we get - but we make a life by what we give.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Unlearning is often more important than learning.”

Text For The Week ■ “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

- Deuteronomy 31:6

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.

25 Collins St, Melbourne. The first Headquarters for the United Grand Lodge of Victoria

The beginnings of Freemasonry in Australia are perhaps as clouded in mystery as its world-wide beginnings. It is believed at least that the first Freemason to set foot on Australian soil arrived here with the Endeavour - Joseph Banks.

Some of the important events that brought Freemasonry to Victoria are represented on this timeline.

1770. HMS "Endeavour" reaches Australia with Freemason Joseph Banks on-board 1797. Freemasons Arms Hotel built in Parramatta 1800. April 27. Lodge of St John meets on Norfolk Island without a Warrant until 1807 1802. September 17. First Masonic document issued in Australia now held in the Mitchell Library in Sydney 1810. January 1. Freemason Lachlan Macquarie becomes Governor of New South Wales 1820. August 12. Australian Social Lodge No. 260 IC is the first warranted lodge residence in Australia and meets for the first time 1828. Formation of Tasmanian Lodge No. 313 in Hobart by dispensation 1834. October 22. Consecration of the South Australian Lodge of Friendship No. 613 in London 1840. March 25. Lodge Australia Felix No. 697 EC meets in Melbourne 1842. Victorian John Stephen appointed Pro Grand Master for the Southern portion of Australasia 1850s to 1860s. The Gold Rush in Victoria creates boom in rural populations and leads to establishment of wide spread rural lodges 1867. June 17. Royal Freemasons Homes of Victoria established 1883. July 2. After several failed attempts in the previous years, a Grand Lodge of Victoria is established with The Hon. George Seth Coppin as Grand Master 1889. March 20. The remaining dissenting Lodges in Victoria join Grand Lodge forming the United Grand Lodge of Victoria 1908. 25 Collins Street, Melbourne purchased for continued use as a dedicated Masonic Hall and meeting place of Grand Lodge 1937. March 17. New Freemasons Hospital laid in Clarendon Street property East Melbourne 1969. Dallas Brooks Hall opened as the New Masonic Centre of Victoria 1989. Centenary of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria celebrated 2006. Freemasons Hospital sold to Epworth Hospitals 2009. Grand Masters Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2011. Freemasons Victoria Vic Flood Appeal Concert 2013. World premiere Freemasons: The Inside Story on Channel 31

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

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

NEWSAGENTS WILD OVER CHANGES

Bitch

Rumour Mill

Hear It Here First

No tip for taxi owners

Melbourne’s Secrets

■ Bank staff have been tolfto attach a nil value to all Victorian taxi licences in the wake of reforms just announced by the Napthine State Government.

Cyril Rioli becomes author

Sizzle into sausage sale ■ Was that 3AW personality Simon Owens spotted selling sausages outside Officeworks Doncaster at the weekend? Yes. “It's good to do something for others occasionally,” Simon says. "Fundraising for Fairfax?” asked Paul Bentley, one of Simon’s Facebook friends. ● The current Woman’s Day cover ■ Womans Day Editor Fiona Connolly worked around the clock to have the latest edition out on the streets early, to report on model Jen Hawkins’s wedding in Bali.

The WD crew had a rush-print so copies could be delivered on Friday. The rush meant that some copies didn’t have a barcode ... essential for newsagents to swipe into, and out of, their registers for stock management.

The snafu came as newsagents were told that magazine distributors Network and Gordon & Cotch are cutting back deliveries to just two days a week. ● Cyril Rioli, footballer turned author ■ Footballer Cyril Rioli has co-written a children's football book with David Lawrence.

Fox Swift is described as much the same as the popular Specky Magee series. It tells the story of Fox Swift, a talented 11-year-old footballer playing for the Diggers, a struggling footy team that battles to field a team each week.

When the coach contacts AFL 'magician' Cyril Rioli, the footballer agrees to help the team improve their form and overcome their cross-town rivals.

The story combines laughs with expert footy tips and training drills from Rioli. The book also contains messages about bullying, team work and perseverance.

Jo Stanley in therapy ■ Fox FM breakfast show co-host Jo Stanley told Sunday Life readers this week that she had been “in therapy” for 10 years.

Jo revealed that she is now onto her third psychologist, but used the regular sessions to be at her very best in the demanding role role.

Jo says she was often in tears in the early parts ● Jo Stanley of her career.

The Melbourne-based radio woman, 40, has been on air at Fox for 10 years, and fronts the show with Matt Tilley.

As guest columnist for the free magazine, Jo said she had no medically diagnosed condition.

"No, I've got a First-World problem called Who Am I?, combined with a touch of They Don't Like Me, and a smidge of Narcissism."

Cancelled

● Sir David Attenborough ■ Naturalist David Attenborough has cancelled his Australian tour because of the need for urgent heart surgery.

New dates are expected to be announced this Friday (June 14).

Visiting

Catalano lays blame ■ Antony Catalano, head of Metro Media Publishing, has laid the blame for the closure of seven of his newspapers, at the feet of News Limited (see feature story on Page 13).

News Limited boss John Trevorrow said: “"The reason for the closure of these publications is simple: healthy competition had provided consumers with a choice, and they chose not to go with MMP .. . the harsh reality of fair competition is what has put the MMP titles out of business. Nothing more and nothing less."

DISCOUNTED JAIL TERM FOR CONVICTED RAPIST

■ Convicted rapist and cgild pornography owner Justin Anderson has received a reduced jail sentence by taking his case to the Court of Appeal.

Judges Redlich, Weinberg and Harper reduced the non-parole period of Anderson’s prison sentence to 4 years 9 months.

The maximum sentence for rape is 25 years, and the maximum term for indecent assault is 10 years.

Anderson had previously been sentenced to 8 years 3 months imprisonment by Judge Sexton in the County Court.

The Court heard that Anderson and his victim had been drinking at a hotel, then his house, where they also smoked marijuana.

The pair went into Anderson’s bedroom so that he could play his guitar. He tried to kiss her on the back of the neck but she resisted.

He pushed her onto the bed and lay on top of her. She said “no, no” and tried to push him off. She felt weak, and passed out, fully clothed.

“While (she) was unconscious, (Anderson) removed some of her clothing, and used his mobile telephone to record a video of himself

Whispers

performing sexual acts on the complainant, including fondling her breasts and holding his erect penis close to her face, although there was no sexual pentration.

“The video went on for about 10 minutes. These acts constituted the charge of indecent assault.

“The complainant awoke to find (Anderson) penetrating her vagina with his penis. This was the first charge of rape.

“After waking up, the complainant asked (Anderson) if he was wearing a condom. (Anderson) got up to put on a condom.

“When he returned, the complainant was trying to put her clothes back on.

“She said ‘no’ and tried to push (Anderson) off, but he forced

her back onto the bed and sexually penetrated her again. This was the seconbd charge of rape.”

Police later found his mobile phone and found images of young girls that appeared to have been taken covertly.

A search of his home computer contained more than 100 images of child pornography.

The Supreme Court judges, sitting as the Court of Appeal, said that Judge Sexton’s use of video evidence had led her into error.

The judges said that Judge Sexton’s sentencing on the first charge of rape were at “high end of the sentencing range for rape offences of this kind”.

Anderson’s counsel argued that sentencing on each of the charges was “manifestly excessive”.

The judges said they took full account of the gravity of offending and the traumatic effect these offences had on the victim.

“Having regard to current sentencing practice ... we are satisfied that lesser individual sentences should be imposed on the counts of rape and indecent assault”.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Arnold Schwarzenegger ■ Former Californian Governor, Terminator actor and heavily-publicised philanderer, Arnold Schwarzenegger is due in Melbourne to speak at Derrimut Gym, reports The Age.

To Court

■ Needy Money Pty Ltd has asked for a Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court session tomorrow (Thurs.) at 11am to allege a breach of contract (non-payment) by Blagojce Lozanovski.

Poll time ■ North Balwyn residents are going to vote in a referendum on whether the Moka Pot Cafe in Doncaster Rd be permitted to have a restaurant and cafe licence in a ‘dry area’.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Victoria Pictorial

Historic Photo Collection

● The Follies, St Kilda Beach, every evening, 8.30pm. c1902-1912.

● High Street, Maryborough. c1914-1916.

● Right-hand branch, Walhalla. 1914-18.

● Eaglehawk Town Hall. c1904-1916.

● Marina St, Murtoa. c1904-16

● View of Albury. 1906

● ‘Arbour’ Botanic Gardens, Creswick. 1906.

● The Beach at Queenscliffe. c1904-16.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - Page 11

West Hollywood

GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66

From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites on Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood comes this week's news.

■ The Ramada Plaza Hotel held a special event marking the further western placement of a historic Route 66 sign.

The Ramada Plaza is located at the western end of the historic and romanticised Route 66, which began in Chicago and traveled through the Midwest, ending at the Pacific Ocean.

The Route 66 logo will also be imprinted on Santa Monica Blvd., adjacent to the Ramada Plaza in the near future, an action only conducted at one other location on the historic route.

Established in 1962, Route 66 signified the first all-weather highway that linked Chicago to Los Angeles, making the route popular for motorists who drove west to pursue better and warmer lives, symbolising unprecedented freedom and mobility for citizens who owned cars.

The road was the first transition from a dirt road to superhighway and linked ‘small town’ USA to major metropolitan cities.

Along the way on Route 66 in West Hollywood you will find Barney's Beanery where Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison dined in the 60s, The Tropicana which became the Ramada Plaza where the 60ss stars stayed at on the way up and the way down and the Troubadour where Elton John, Carol King, James Taylor and the Eagles got there first gigs in L.A. Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza, Alan Johnson, and myself get to celebrate the erection of the Historic Route 66 sign at the Ramada Plaza.

● Alan Johnson and Gavin at the start of Historic Route 66

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

The Palms waves goodbye

Jesaulenko, you beauty

■ Also on Route 66, directly opposite the Ramada is the very popular Palms Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge.

The building that the Palms occupies dates back to 1936; it became the popular Palms Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in 1953, the bar attracted locals, tourists and stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Melissa Etheridge and Kristy McNichol.

Sadly the Palms will be closing their doors at the end of this month to be torn down to make room for a new building with apartments and retail shops.

■ That famous Michael Williamson call of "Jesaulenko, you beauty" still rings in my ear from 1970 Grand Final against Collingwood.

It was the mark of the year and the decade, high over ruckman Graeme Jenkin.

Alex is one of Carlton's finest. I just wish he had of played for the Kangaroos.

Alex is an official Legend of the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Alex stayed at the Ramada Plaza last week and he had a vice-like grip on the Ramada's Alan Johnson and myself.

Festivals in L.A,

■ The L.A. Film Festival is happening right now till June 23.

Many independent films get exposure during this time at the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

Called American Cinematheque, it gives audiences a great depth of a wide range of movies.

The Sunset Strip Music Festival is on August 1 - 3.

The strip is closed and all the music venues, The Whisky a Go Go, the Viper Room, The Rainbow and the Key Club are open to the public to experience live music.

Some 15,000 music fans experienced the Sunset Music Festival last year and they are expecting over 20,000 fans this year.

Linkin Park is the headliner and honouree for 2013.

● Elton John

● Gavin Wood, ‘Jezza’ and Alan Johnson

Come and join me

■ Sitting poolside sipping a cool cocktail, this is Gavin Wood roughing it at the Ramada Plaza.Peace out.

Peace Out, Gavin Wood. www.gavinwood.us

● The Eagles: Timothy B. Schmit, Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Don Henley.

www.gavinwood.us

● Linkin Park

● Ellen DeGeneres

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

■ I can remember being at the Majestic Theatre in Flinders St in 1956 to see the film Rock Around the Clock starring Bill Haley and the Comets.

It was amazing to see the teenagers dancing in the aisles to this new dance craze, rock and roll.

I was fascinated with Bill Haley and the ‘kiss curl’ he had over his forehead.

As I was leaving the theatre I met my longtime friend Peter Robinson who was so impressed that he went on to play bass with The Strangers and other rock and roll groups.

William John Clifton ‘Bill’ Haley was born in Highland Park, Michigan, in 1925 and when Bill was seven the family moved to Pennsylvania.

His family were musical and Bill learned to play guitar and sing in his teenage years. As a child he was blinded in his left eye due to a botched operation and used the ‘kiss curl’ to take attention away from his disability.

Bill worked at a radio station and sang professionally with his own country and western group, The Saddlemen.

The Saddlemen recorded on the Cowboy label and in 1951 had some success with a cover of the George Morgan hit song, Candy Kisses.

In 1952 the group were renamed Bill Haley and His Comets and they recorded Crazy Man Crazy which was to become the first rock and roll song to enter the hit parade in the US.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Bill Haley

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Rock Around the Clock was written in 1953 but Bill Haley did not record it until 1954.

In the meantime the group had a massive hit with Shake Rattle and Roll.

In 1954 an event occurred that changed the face of musical history in the US. The story goes that when Glenn Ford's son Peter was playing the song Rock Around the Clock on a record player in his bedroom his father and producer Richard Brooks were in the lounge room of Glenn's home discussing details of the forthcoming film The Blackboard Jungle.

Richard heard the song and borrowed the 78 recording.

It was later included in the soundtrack of the film and as a result Rock Around the Clock be-

● Bill Haley came a huge hit song selling more than 25 million copies. The group was now known as Bill Haley and the Comets and the "rock and roll craze" swept the world.

Columbia Pictures immediately produced two films Rock Around the Clock and Don't Knock The Rock.

The group had string of hit songs which included See You Later Alligator, Forty Cups Of Coffee, Razzle Dazzle, Dim Dim The Lights and Shake

Rattle And Roll.

In 1957 Bill Haley and the Comets toured Australia and appeared on the Jack Davey national radio show.

Bill was impressed with Johnny O'Keefe and gave him the song You Hit The Wrong Note Billy Goat which was a major hit for O'Keefe.

Bill Haley was married three times and was father to 10 children. He became a self-confessed alcoholic.

He broke up with The Comets in 1962. In 1973 Bill Haley re- recorded Rock Around The Clock and that version was used in the opening credits of the television series Happy Days.

Bill took part in a Royal Command Performance in the UK in 1979 and made his final concert tour in South Africa in 1980.

Bill Haley died on February 6, 1981, at the age of 56 after a long illness. His death was officially recorded as heart failure.

His son Bill Haley Jnr has formed a new group of Bill Haley Jnr and the Comets and is currently performing in the US - ah the beat goes on.

- 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.

FRESH OYSTERS AT STREAKY BAY

■ A while ago, as I've previously mentioned, I decided to embark on another Coober Pedy adventure with a few friends who hadn't been there before.

So, initially, off to Adelaide.

I have always maintained that when you arrive in Ballarat, you're in the country; Port Augusta, you're in the bush.

Through to Adelaide there isn't all that much to see except wheat fields and flocks of sheep, but I've occasionally noticed a few Brolgas from the Top End dancing away in fields around Beaufort.

And, of course, there are always corellas and galahs and white cockies and rosellas winging their way about beside the highway.

And it's good to notice both Green Lake and Pink Lake a-brim with water after years of drought.

Also a couple of almond farmers, Bevan and Grace Grosser, have set up just at the SA border, so that's quite an exciting little interruption to the journey. Nothing like nibbling on a garlic almond as you roll along.

And the picnic area across the road always has a few red-backs lurking under the seats for me to capture.

And I've just discovered a flock of spectacular white kangaroos in a roadside enclosure at Bordertown.

There were a couple of dozen of us on the journey, and inevitably, when strangers are thrown together over dinner there's an initial reluctance for hearty conviviality, so we all quietly got to know each other on the first night.

■ There were several friends from the American Women's Auxiliary, a charity which I support and am part of, consisting of US citizens working in Australia.

Murphy and Cindy Hawkins and Debbie and Rick Kimberly and their friends and families were experiencing their first visit to the Australian Outback.

So after a hearty dinner at the Arkaba pub, and a good sleep, we headed north.

Whilst the drive up to Port Augusta is fairly much the same, there are occasional salt lakes and tiny ancient shepherds' huts and sad old dilapidated past farmers' mansions nestled in the paddocks to relieve the tedium.

And then, instead of my normal turn right to the north, this time it was straight ahead to the west, across to the Great Australian Bight and the

The Outback Legend

With a scallop-like fish in the centre, eaten raw. So we sat around the pub balcony nibbling on our new-found delicacies.

Delicious.

■ Then after a few more or oysters and the rest of the razor fish for breakfast, it was off to the Gawler Ranges Track.

It's about 250 kms of sand, mulga scrub, gibber plains, picturesque salt lakes and distant dunes - the countryside is always changing.

Most of our party had 4WD'S, but Sarah Dekker and Amy Zubrick valiantly strode over the ruts and the corrugations in Sarah's little Subaru.

Then lunch at the historic Kingoonya pub.

As I've noted before, it's recently been resurrected, with John Brett and Alistair Murray the new proud hosts.

I told John that I'd like to know a with Nick Le Souef little about its history, and he informed me that one Robert Munro had reLightning Ridge Opals cently written on just that very topic.

175 Flinders Lane, It's a tiny town, with a dozen houses Melbourne plus the pub, so I expected maybe a Phone 9654 4444 brochure, but probably a booklet. www.opals.net.au Then out he came, armed with a 500page tome, about the size of The Rise Nullabor Plain. A few quiet and And Fall Of the Roman Empire. quaint SA Outback towns, then the delightful Streaky Bay, to watch the ■ And finally, the next sunset was spectacular sunset, and stroll along the Coober Pedy, where everyone in the pier. group had by now got to know each other ■ Some of of our party opted to drive intimately, and we mingled at John's straight through to Coober Pedy along Pizza Bar with the others who had chothe bitumen, but a dozen or so landed sen the Stuart Highway.

Then on to the Underground Bar in the Streaky Bay pub for dinner.

I have always loved oysters, and this for some prolonged nightcaps, and slumis just the spot. I ended up with a couple bering underground in the Desert Cave of dozen in the pub, and my mates from Hotel.

Next day there was Trevor at the Melbourne, Reg Young and Jeff Suggars, also opted for some freshies Old Timers' Mine, then the Serbian straight from the farmer just down the underground church, Crocodile road for the next day.

Harry's, Terry and the kangaroo orBut the excitement of the evening phanage, and a scratch around in my came from another source. My mate claim just out of town, with a few other Jimmy from Coober Pedy spends interesting opal displays thrown in. his summers at Whyalla, and always Then my friends Inez Dussuyer waxes lyrical about razor fish, about and Peter Marshall, accustomed to which I knew nothing.

It transpired that they also occurred wafting around ‘The Dunes’ in Rye, right there, so my mate Nigel couldn't resist a hit at the Coober Pedy Williamson and his delightful lady Golf Club.

"We teamed up with a Japanese Tania trotted off down to the beach, waded out, and gathered a few. They're lady with her little parasol," Inez told - Nick Le Souef about six inches long, shaped like a large thin mussell.

‘The Outback Legend’

What’s On

■ Why wait till December? Celebrate all the winter cheer of Christmas in July at Luna Park these school holidays.

Enter through Mr Moon's mouth and be showered in snowflakes, then say a quick 'Merry not-Christmas' to Santa before having some winter-time fun in our snow play area.

As well as all the crowd favourites such as the world-famous Great Scenic Railway and the beautiful vintage carousel, for the winter holidays there is fun to be had on the new '’Snow Balls'; attraction.

Children will love running, crawling or floating in these giant air filled bubbles of fun. These walk on water balls are only here for the winter holidays.

To warm you from the inside out delicious Christmas-style winter meals fare will be served in the Luna Café.

Open every day of the school holidays in the warmth of the Luna Palace function room, patrons can wrap their hands around a delicious hot chocolate and fill with bowls of piping hot soup and hearty winter meals. This toasty haven provides the perfect combination of winter warmth and amazing Luna Park views.

Mary Stuart, Executive Director of Luna Park says, "Luna Park is a magical place all year round but there is something extra special about this time of year. Dress up warm and come on down to enjoy the fun!"

Melbourne's favourite location for family fun will be even more special these school holidays with a fun fortnight of winter cheer with free admission, entertainment and an awesome new attraction. There is also the chance to win an iPad mini with the ‘'Catch A Snowflake’ competition.

Hours: Mondays to Thursday 11am-6pm. Saturdays and Sundays 11am 8pm Water Balls attraction: Admission is included in the purchase of an Unlimited Ride Ticket or Single ride ticket Unlimited Ride Tickets (these tickets give you the freedom to enjoy all the fun rides as many times as you like all day): Adult 13+ yrs $43.95 Child 4-12 yrs $33.95 Toddler 3yrs & under $14.95 Family 2 adults+2 children OR 1 adult+3 children $133.00 Luna Park is at Lower Esplanade, St Kilda. Phone: 1-300 888 272. www.lunapark.com.au

Observer Magazine Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - Page 13

Melbourne

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

NO OFFENCE MEANT

By Mike McColl Jones

■ Have you noticed how easy it is to offend people these days?

Scarcely a week goes by without us reading that some one, or some group of people is up in arms because of something a person said or did.

What is happening to us?

Is the medical profession performing too many humour by-pass operations?

I recently held a door of the Windsor Hotel open for a young lady who was carrying some parcels, and was promptly told "I'm perfectly capable of opening the door myself!"

Only last week, a mate of mine incurred the wrath of a woman because he called her "Love".

Where has the good old Aussie humour gone?

Aussies used to be the only people on earth who could say "You old bastard" and not make it sound offensive.

One of the greatest examples of Australian humour occurred over 40 years ago outside a church in Hawthorn.

The message from the pastor was "What would you do if Christ came to Hawthorn?", and some genius had scribbled underneath "Move Peter Hudson to Centre Half Forward!"

If he did that in today's climate, the poor brilliant bastard would probably be in jail!

So, let's fight back. Here are some suggestions as to how you might be able to create some fun.

When next you are stopped at the traffic lights and someone comes over to wash your car window, wait until the last second, just as he's about to start wiping, open your window and hold out a collection tin of your own marked ‘FOR ME’.

Liven up your local Sushi train restaurant.

(A sushi train restaurant is an eating place where all the Japanese food comes on carriages pulled by a very tiny 'Metro' train that snakes its way around the restaurant).

Mike McColl Jones is about to celebrate 50 years as a TVradiopress writer

You simply remove what you want and eat it.

(And unlike 'Metro', the train will be on time and won't be out of service on a hot day).

So, to have a bit of fun, bring along some ‘props’ and carefully (make sure no one sees you doing it), put the props on the train carriages.

When the train comes past the other diners they will see carriages containing some Big Macs, bags of fries, KFC products and a Hungry Jack burger.

I did this once in LA and I'll swear that one Japanese gentlemen is still sitting there staring at the train.

If you prefer, have some fun on the phone, put on an old person's voice and ring the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

Explain how you defended this country all those years ago and how your distinguished service career earned you certain rewards. Then ask them if they could organise an "affair?".

If, after shopping at IKEA, you are really impressed with their service, don't send then a "thank you" note, simply attach a plastic bag full of Scrabble letters to a note saying "Assemble it yourself".

It's Grand Final day, and only moments before the teams run out in front of nearly 100,000 people.

Moments before the teams emerge 14 cricketers walk on to the ground.

Two are batsmen and the others are the fielding side.

Two umpires walk out and put stumps at either end of the wicket.

They start playing cricket.

When you're standing in a supermarket ‘Eight Items or Less’ queue, a woman in front of you has many more items than the required eight.

As she pits them out on to the counter, you wait until she gets to nine and then you encourage all the people in the queue to count out loud "Eight", "Nine", Ten" etc …

I'll guarantee you she won't get more than 10.

Do as I did once to my dearest friend, Stuart Wagstaff.

He was confined to his home with hepatitis, and during his weeks of isolation he developed a passion for doing jig saw puzzles.

I went and bought him one that was quite expensive.

I carefully took the cellophane off the box, carefully took one piece out

and resealed it perfectly.

He nearly went mad searching for the missing piece.

He turned his living room upside down, checked ot cushions and the various chairs.

After a few days, I carefully put the piece into an envelope, typed his name and address and posted it.

His language was not "when the best will do".

Mike Walsh had a novel way to have fun on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

In the days when there were LIVE toll collectors, Mike would pull up in his car, pay for his vehicle and pay for the car three behind.

When the third car pulled over and he handed over the money, the driver was told that his fee had been paid.

He worried about this for a week!

Only last week in Coburg, a young boy went up to a woman who was wearing a bright red burqa. He posted a letter.

So, let's become humour-conscious again ... we should stop masking our emotions behind a stone expression, and just go out and enjoy life.

Around the world, we Aussies are renowned for our unique cheeky humour ... let's not lose that image!

If we don't do something soon, we're going to be in all kinds of trouble.

Let's do it before we find humour police hiding behind bushes, and jumping out with an on-the-spot fine every time we laugh.

It's no laughing matter!

- Mike McColl Jones

Rag time blues

By Ash Long ■ We have no desire to ‘dance on the graves’ of the seven Melbourne community newspapers closed by Fairfax Media this week.

Final editions are being published of each of the Peninsula Weekly, Frankston Weekly, Casey Weekly Berwick, Casey Weekly - Cranbourne, Knox Weekly, Maroondah Weekly and Yarra Ranges Weekly.

There has been a long history of Fairfax ‘local rags’being merged or closed. The Sydney-based media giant seems to have a consistent record

in failing to connect with Melbourne readers and advertisers. We have counted more than 50 Fairfax publications which have collapsed along the way.

Almost every Melbourne municipality has been affected.

In 2003, Fairfax paid $65 million for the Text Media titles including The Melbourne Weekly, only to close them within a decade.

These titles included Melbourne Weekly Bayside, Melbourne Weekly Port Phillip and Emerald Hill Weekly (previously known as The Emerald Hill and Sandridge Times).

After taking over The Melbourne Weekly group, Fairfax had allowed one of its former executives, Antony Catalano, to gain market share with his own The Weekly Review.

Last year Fairfax paid $35 million to Catalano’s Metro Media Publishing for a half-share in a joint venture. Fairfax also tipped in $35 million worth of newspaper assets.

MMP announced the seven closures this week, resulting in 32 employees losing their jobs almost immediately.

Along the way it has closed its Bayside and Port Phillip titles. ● Turn To Page 14

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Observer Magazine

STOP PRESS FOR LOCAL PAPERS

● From Page 13 Catalano has his problems with the Fairfax joint venture, The Weekly Review Greater Geelong, where he states a monthly loss of $30,000 is being imcurred.

The Fairfax culture in Melbourne has consistently incurred big losses over the decades.

Fairfax ran a free morning commuter newspaper, Melbourne Express, from February-September 2001.

The Express was distributed at railway stations across the Melbourne metropolitan area, and launched a day before competitor MX went into print.

News Limited continues its free afternoon paper, 12 years on, with a daily print run approaching 100,000.

News has also expanded the MX concept to Sydney and Brisbane.

When the Melbourne Express went off the rails in 2001 (with a headline of ‘So long, and thanks for all the fish’), Age Editor Michael Gawenda moaned: “It's always sad when a publication closes down but I guess the fact is that the Melbourne Express has been operating in perhaps the most difficult advertising market that we've seen in Australia for a decade and that downturn in advertising is not just in Australia, it's everywhere.”

It was a similar story back in 1969 when Fairfax (David Syme and Co.) had a crack at a Melbourne afternoon newspaper, Newsday. It lost $3 million in its short life; 67 journalists were sacked.

In the mid-1980s, Fairfax/Syme tried a newspaper, supposedly delivered to every letterbox across the Victorian metropolitan area. Melbourne Winners Weekly was closed.

Fairfax had a 50 per cent interest in the Sunday Press newspaper, which closed in 1989, to make way for the Sunday Sun, Sunday Herald and Sunday Age. The Age Large Print Weekly was short-lived.

BANYULE, NILLUMBIK Fairfax’s Heidelberg & Diamond Valley Weekly was closed earlier this year, and incorporated into The Weekly Review Ivanhoe & Valley.

Fairfax had previously tried separate Heidelberg Weekly and DV Weekly editions. Its Nillumbik Weekly and Nillumbik Life magazines also failed.

BAYSIDE Fairfax closed its Weekly Review Bayside, after previously closing its Melbourne Weekly Bayside.

BRIMBANK Fairfax changed its strong Sunshine Advocate and North-West Advocate newspaper titles to become the Brimbank Weekly and North-West Weekly magazines.

Last week’s editions were 48 pages.

DAREBIN Fairfax had previously expanded the once-dominant Melbourne Times title into the Darebin municipality which covers Northcote, Preston and Reservoir.

The Melbourne Times, established

by Glen Rohan and Shane Higgs, was once the area’s ‘real estate’ bible.

At its peak, it was more than 100 pages. Last week’s edition was just 24 pages.

MANNINGHAM

MAROONDAH, YARRA RANGES

\ This has since been taken over by The Weekly Review - Eastern.

■ After 30 years in print, first as The Post, Fairfax is closing its Maroondah Weekly and Yarra Ranges Weekly publications. Also being closed are sister publications at Knox, Casey, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.

MONASH Fairfax continues to publish the Monash Journal, which first appeared as the Waverley Post and Monash Post under the proprietorship of Peter Boyle.

MOONEE VALLEY HUME Fairfax publishes a bulky Moonee Valley Weekly, which has a hefty real estate advertising content, built by Graeme Goodson through his Community News publication purchased by Fairfax.

Fairfax closed his other publication, the Community News - Moreland Edition which circulated in the Brunswick and Coburg areas.

Fairfax also closed the Tullamarine edition of its Hume Weekly newspaper. ● Antony Catalano

HOBSONS BAY, MARIBYRNONG The Footscray Mail dominated the western suburbs, since its start in 1924.

At its best, it regularly ran more than 100 pages, and was the flagship of Age Suburban Publications, Syme Community Newspapers and the Fairfax Community Network.

The paper gave birth to an extra edition, the Altona-Laverton Mail, and also incorporated the Williamstown Advertiser.

The Footscray Mail suffered a major setback when its editor Ron Coleman and advertising boss Julie Upton left to lead a new independent paper, The Western Times (subsequently taken over by the News Limited subsidiary, Leader).

Fairfax’s performance in this area further dropped when it changed the newspaper to a magazine size (short ‘squat’ tabloid), dropping The Footscray Mail title in favour of Maribyrnong Weekly and Hobsons Bay Weekly.

Last week’s edition was just 56 pages.

FRANKSTON MORNINGTON PENINSULA Fairfax this week closes its Frankston Weekly and Peninsula Weekly publications.

Fairfax has an association with the area dating back to the 1970s when it took over the Frankston-Peninsula News, started by a Hastings newsagent. As history has it, another Hastings newsagent, Cam McCullough, now operates five successful local newspapers in the region.

● Fairfax converted its Dandenong Journal, which its describes as Victoria’s oldest community newspaper, to become the Greater Dandenong Weekly. That conversion was unsuccessful, so the name has been changed back to the Journal. The publication has changed from a newspaper format to magazine style.

KINGSTON Fairfax paid millions for the onceprofitable Independent News Group, based at Hastings, ubut with titles including the Mordialloc-Chelsea Independent, Frankston Independent, Hastings Independent, Southern Peninsula Mail, Mornington Mail, Dandenong Independent, and Cranbourne Independent.

The purchase took place in 2006.

None of these titles now exist. More than 50 jobs have disappeared.

MANNINGHAM Fairfax purchased the Manningham Post from right-wing activist Peter Boyle who (with business partner Frank Crosby of Dollar Curtains and Blinds) had run a community newspaper group taking in Yarra Ranges, Maroondah, Knox, Waverley and Whitehorse.

The Manningham edition was the poorest performer. For a while, Fairfax attempted a Manningham Journal edition, but this was replaced with the Melbourne Weekly - Eastern

● The ‘Metro Media Publishing’ distribution map from the company’s website yesterday.

The Dandenong Journal appears to have moved to the seaside.