Melbourne Observer. 130213A. February 13, 2013. Part A. Pages 1-14

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■ Cocktail recipe author Jane Rocca was with journalist Nui Te Koha at Club 23 at Crown Melbourne for the world-record attempt at creating the most expensive cocktail by Joel Heffernan. The drink sold for $12,500. More on Page 5.

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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

COLIN HAY DANCES DOWN UNDER

■ At almost 60 years of age, Australian singer song-writer and actor Colin Hay believes he is just scratching the surface on his music career.

Although he jests on his Porch that it may be just an illusion, if you listen to one of latest CDs or happen to see him perform live, then it isn't hard to agree with his inner voice, that perhaps his best is yet to come.

Colin's voice is as distinct as it was in the 80s as front man, principal songwriter, and lead vocalist of pop sensations Men at Work; and over the past 20 years he has re-introduced himself to new generations of fans around the world through constant touring, film and television exposure including: the US comedy TV show, Scrubs, performing live for Ellen DeGeneres in her dressing room for one of her all-time birthday wishses and partnering with Telstra for TV commercials during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Colin is currently touring Australia with his latest show, Finding My Dance, that was inspired by an aboriginal man who questioned Colin backstage, "Where's your dance?"

So, Colin set out in search of finding it, looking everywhere in all corners of the globe.

I caught up with Colin and welcomed him to one of his many homes, Melbourne.

You are based in LA these days, what does coming home to Melbourne mean to you?

Melbourne means my family, rain

Touring Porch Thoughts and the past in many ways in all its glory. I get to walk in my old footsteps, but I see things a lot differently now than I did back then as I was usually in a haze for one reason or another.

Melbourne makes me feel really good; walking and driving around. I love the markets, wandering around and just talking to people. I can relax with old friends. Melbourne is family, my mother.

When did your song writing begin?

I started writing songs when I was around 15. I played a lot of James Taylor, The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

I would try to come up with original material, and did. I wrote small pieces of music or songs and always scrapped them and started something else.

At what point did you feel you were getting somewhere with your music?

My music started working with guitarist Ron Strykert in Men At Work and when that creative door opened, we started writing songs like Who Can It Be Now? Although there had been other songs before that, it was that song that I thought I was getting some-

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Martha Delfas Food curator There is no denying that food made with heart always tastes better. That is why it is a privilege to support Australian food makers and producers that are hard-to-find in our current food chains. Their stories and passion for creating good food demand our respect and attention. I proudly source and bundle that artisan goodness into a Tasting Box giving consumers access to delectable food finds without leaving their front door.

where. It was a keeper.

Thirty years ago, you were singing about Vegemite sandwiches in your hit song Down Under. Do you actually eat them?

I don't eat Vegemite sandwiches but I do like it on a piece of toast from time to time; especially when it's a cold Melbourne morning with a bit of toast and Vegemite and a bit of avocado on the side - although it's a rarity these days.

Down Under certainly helped you reconnect and introduce you to new audiences around the world during last year’s Telstra Olympic commercials. Is Down Under really about spurring on our sporting champions and national heroes?

It's a song about celebration but it's also a song about trying to take care about what we have in Australia because it's special.

It's not really special in the stereotypical flag-waving sense as it is about being a connecting force in an inclusive way as opposed to an exclusive way.

It's about celebrating who we are and trying to figure that out moving forward; being leaders in a tolerant and in an inclusive way in a country full of immigrants.

How important is it to keep reinventing ourselves as you have?

We have to constantly keep reinventing ourselves. It's part of progress and constantly looking for new ways to say the same things in many ways.

I just try and move forward and keep myself as interested as possible. I like writing songs. I like messing around with guitars and instruments and I love being in the studio.

In the next few years I would just like to spend more time in the studio and do a lot more writing.

When it was suggested that you had lost your dance, what changes did you make to find it again?

I just set off on my path to look as he was right. He taught me a great lesson. I had to actually get back on the road and start doing it.

I think a lot of people, including myself try and find answers outside of themselves for whatever kind of fulfilment they are looking for.

Most of the lessons that we have to learn involve some kind of inner scrutiny or inner search. I had to find my voice again.

It must be amazing to perform in front of so many people for three decades, how do you view your music career?

I have been quite lucky since I

● Colin Hay Photo: Kon Iatrou, IKON Images started making music. I have trav- experience to last beyond the show.

What is your Porch Thought of elled around the world and I play music for people who turn up to see The Day? Why not have no thoughts at me play and they applaud; they give you energy and I give them my en- all?Sometimes thinking can be very, very overrated. What I am going to ergy.

It's a pretty amazing way to make do today is something I often do on a living that goes through your life. my Porch - that is to change my In many ways it's a gift that keeps on strings and just think about what is going to be on my set list when I giving.

Your show is a musical journey, perform in Melbourne.

Colin Hay 'Finding My Dance' sometimes taking the audience (Victoria) straight down the main road, and Frankston Arts Centre. sometimes taking the twists and Friday, February 15 turns of the road less travelled Melbourne Antheneum Theatre through songs, stories and jokes.

Saturday, February 16, What do you hope the audience enSunday, February 17 joys about the show?

Bendigo Capital Theatre My show is about creating an exTuesdaym February 19 perience that is joyful and resinates Shepparton River Links Performwith people. ing Arts I get up on stage and at the end of Wed., February 20 two hours or so, I want the audience to have been pleased and happy that ■ For more information they made the decision to travel and www.colinhay.com or www. pay to see what I have. I want their duetgroup.com

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 6, 2013 - Page 3

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City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz ‘La Contadina’ for sale Equal first

● Teresa Mico

■ The Mico family’s La Contadina restaurant is for sale. A sale sign sits atop the Rathdowne St building, after the property failed to sell at auction for an expected $2 million.

The Mico family arrived from Italy in 1967 and have been running restaurants since.

Giovanni, the current owner of La Contadina, took over family affairs in 1975.

He is well-known amongst Mebourne’s celebrities. The restaurant’s walls are decorated with their photographs.

Under The Clocks At ‘Fortyfivedownstairs’

ART AT SOFITEL

● John Blackman ■ Media man John Blackman is excited about golf results at the weekend.

“I came equal first at the National with 40 points - including an eagle on the very difficult par 4 third hole.

“Knocked a three-wood in from 198 metres. Off my handicap of 23, I get two shots on that hole which meant I carded a remarkable 2 for 6! Woo hoo!

“I just lerv this game!”

John’s handicap is now 21.

Back on air ■ Michael Christian, one half of the radio team involved in the Royal prank call that was followed by the suicide of British nurse Jacintha Saldanha, has returned to the microphone. He is morning presenter of FOX, Melbourne.

● ‘Meet In the Middle’ is on show at the Sofitel On Collins ■ A collaborative ehhibition of limited edition prints by Kyoko Imazu and Damon Kowarsky are on show at the Atrium Gallery at the Sofitel ■ Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Melbourne On Collins until April 1.

Executive Judith Isherwood says The Atrium Gallery is located on January was one of the busiest Level 35 of the hotel which is 25 months in memory at Australia’s Collins St. largest performing arts centre.

The exhibition is being held in asMore than 134,000 people atsociation with Global Art Projects and tended Summer Season ticketed the Joshua McClelland Print Room. performances and a further 80,000 An invitation-only opening is beattending the free events. ing held on Tuesday (Feb. 19).

Record crowds

Stop Press: Pope resigns

Melbourne writer, teacher and performer Edwina Preston talk about ★ her second book, The Inheritance of Ivorie Hammer, an epic that weaves together a Dickensian sense of mystery, colourful characters and a township at social war with itself. The event will be held at Watsonia Library from 7pm-8pm on Tuesday, February 26.

The official opening of the IB Art Exhibition will take place at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery, Caulfield, at 6.30pm on Friday (Feb. 15). Artworks from International Baccalaureate students will be on display.

★

Melbourne Moments Faith works

Transitions FF

■ Bryan Patterson has left the Sunday Herald Sun. His Faithworks column will continue on the internet.

■ Transitions Film Festival takes place in Melbourne from Friday (Feb. 15) until Feb. 23.

It includes the Australian premiere of Matt Damon and Gus Van Sant’s feature, Promised Land.

Publicist Erin Jameson says the Transitions Film Festival runs at Federation Square, ACMI and Nova.

“Transitions Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing powerful, inspiring and ground-breaking films from around the world that highlight the global transformations that are taking place every day in the global sustainability movement.”

● Bryan Patterson

● Streeton Trio will perform across Victoria ■ The Streeton Trio is returning to Australia to commence their first Australian tour. They will perform in Sydney , regional NSW, as well as, in Victoria, Castlemaine State Festival, Dunolly Town Hall, Macedon Music Society, Hamilton PAC, Peninsula Music Society in Mornington and will finish their tour on April 15 in Melbourne, performing at 45downstairs.

Streeton Trio is a young all-Australian, Berlin-based classical piano trio featuring Benjamin Kopp (from Glenbrook), piano, Emma Jardine (from Victoria) on violin, and Martin Smith (from North Sydney) on cello.

Julian Smiles will replace Martin for the first half of this tour and Berlin-based cellist Elena Cheah for the second half of the tour while Martin recovers from a nasty accident he had in Berlin in December which involved being hit by a taxi that had run a red light.

■ There was a rush of Vatican enquiries to Melbourne travel agents yesterday (Tues.) after news of the Pope’s resignation effective from February 28, and the conclave to be held in March. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415. There was also a rush of Ex-Benedict jokes.

What’s On In Melbourne

Melbourne artists, Katie Young and Zsandor Burai are exhibiting ★ their latest paintings at Dome Gallery from March 14-27. An opening night will be held at the Mission To Seafarers, 717 Flinders St, Melbourne, from 6pm-9pm on Thursday, March 14.

Subtlety with silver and gold through paintings is a signature of three works by Tessa Dodds at the South Yarra Art House, 6 Almeida Cres., South Yarra, says Sue Beavis.

The Victorian Roller Derby League is moving “to a more intimate location” - the Darebin Community Sports Stadium at 857 Plenty Rd, Reservoir. On Sunday, February 24, Toxic Avengers will meet Dead Ringer Rosies. Rock Mobsters meet Dolls Of Hazzard.

★ ★

● Matt Damon

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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People Melbourne

■ Cat Empire (above) performed on the main stage at the St Kilda Festival on Sunday night. The festival attracted more than 400,000 people\, says publicist Judy Chung. Festival Sunday capped off the event with Cat Empire making a return to main stage alongside Oh Mercy, Pez and Bluejuice.

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Fax: 1-800 231 312

‘Katerina’ opens at Eltham

At Her Majesty’s ■ Nine Network newsman Brett McLeod is pictured at Her Majesty’s Theatre, with daughter Olivia, for a performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which stars David Hobson and Rachael Beck.

It has been a busy time for Brett, who attended Vue du Monde for the special dinner celebrating news anchor Peter Hitchener’s 40 years in the Nine Melbourne newsroom.

● Katerina opens on February 15 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre. Pictured at final rehearsals are (from left) Margaret Rawlinson, Gavin Williams, Ben Mitchell, Peta Owen and Michael Bentley. See Page 77

In Victoria ■ Hugo Weaving, Don Hany and Xavier Samuel headline an Australian cast for Craig Monahan’s new feature Healing, which commences principal photography February 18 on locations in regional Victoria and Melbourne.

● Hugo Weaving

The Dresser

● Laurie Jezard (Sir) and John Cheshire (Norman) rehearse for Heidelberg Theatre Company’s The Dresser, being presented from February 21 – March 9. Cheryl Threadgold has more details on Page 77.

Photo: David Belton

A piece of cake

Opening night ■ At Last: The Etta James Story will open at 8pm on Thursday, February 21 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St Melbourne.

Vika Bull stars in the show's premiere ahead of a national tour, beginning with Sydney Opera House at the end of April.

Publicist Rain Fuller says the show, written by John Livings, examines the life of soul singer Etta James.

The show is narrated by Tinor Gyapjas. Etta died in January last year after a 57year career.

● Famous for herAcland St cakes, Nikki Markham Laski was at Circa, St Kilda, with Suzanne Carbone, for a party to celebrate Serge Thomann’s 30 years in Australia.

● Vika Bull

■ Producer Frank Howson says a “new, improved, bigger and better Genesis To Broadway” is returning to Chapel Off Chapel from June 1.

● Andy Dinan and Jim Lee were at the latest opening at the MARS Gallery, Port Melbourne.

Back behind the microphone

● Looking relaxed, retired 3AW presenter Keith McGowan has been keeping his ‘hand in’ the media industry, recording come community service announcements for local stations whilst travelling Australia. Keith will be 70 on March 9.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - Page 5

World’s Most Expensive Cocktail

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Observer In This 72-Page Edition

● Bridget Cobbett and Gabrielle Feller

Mark Richardson: Colkin Hay interview ... Page 2 City Desk: A-Listers and their latest ........ Page 3 Melbourne People: Been and seen ........ Page 4 Di Rolle: Loving life ............................ Page 6 News: Time to get organ-ised ............... Page 7 Photos: Speigeltent Opening Night ........ Page 8 Melb. Confidential: Lady Susan’s illness .. Page 9 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ....... Page 10 Long Shots: Farewell Les Boreham ....... Page 12 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and Style .......... Page 13 Profile: Meet Lorrae Desmond ............ Page 14 Movies, DVDs Radio Confidential Country Music TV, Radio, Theatre

Observer Showbiz

● Claire Quirk and David Yu

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Virgin bid for Tiger ■ Avalon Airport's growing status helps place Victoria ahead of New South Wales in attracting airline growth, according to Victorian State Minister Louise Asher.

Hunt for attacker ● Michael Horan, Katie Sneath and Matthew Anderson

Busybody

● Necia and Frank Wilden ■ An attempt was made last week at Crown Melbourne’s Club 23 to make the world’s most expensive cocktail.

Executive bartender Joel Hefernan included two nips of Cognac Croizet’s world record holding 1858 Cuvee Leonie Cognac which recently sold at auction for $US157 000.

It also included Grand Marnier ‘Quintessence’, Chartreuse ‘Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé’, and a dash of Angostura bitters.

The cocktail was misted with a dry ice essence which was infused with orange and lemon peel, angelica and star anise.

The aptly named cocktail, ‘Winston’,was presented under a cloche. It was served on a bed of chocolate and nutmeg soufflé soil and presented with hand-made spun sugar and Chartreuse grapevines made by sensational chef trio, John Lawson, Dalmaine Blignaut and Mario Wischnewski from Mr Hive Kitchen and Bar. An anonymous buyer purchased the $A12 500.00 cocktail.

● Nosey Mrs Piper (Pat Alcock) helps Detective Superintendent Baxter (Glenn Baker) solve a murder case, in Peridot Theatre’s comedy Busybody, playing at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley until February 23.

Photo: Annette De Boer ■ Jack Popplewell’s enjoyable comedy Busy- perintendent Baxter, Damian Vuleta as busibody is being presented by Peridot Theatre nessman Richard Marshall and Monica until February 23 at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Greenwood as his wife, Claire, Damian Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Road, Clancy as the charming young Detective ConMt Waverley. stable Goddard and young office worker Set in a London office in the late 1960s, Vickie Reynolds, played by Claire Hanley, as Busybody tells of cleaning lady Mrs Piper’s his romantic opposite. Fiona Carter is private detective work to solve a murder, after seeing secretary Marian Selby and Michael Knowles a body. portrays elegant executive Robert Westerby.

The police are initially bamboozled with Loretta Bishop’s skilled direction ensures no body and no evidence, but Mrs Piper per- movement and use of props flow seamlessly severes to find an answer. to allow focus on the farcical dialogue, with The late 1960s style is captured well in nice creative touches to the final bows.

Bronwyn King’s costumes and Michaela On opening night, the pace in Acts One Jones’s set design , with nostalgic typewriter and Two dragged a little, but picked up in Act and plastic landline telephone.

Three. This will no doubt resolve itself during Pat Alcock is perfectly cast as the lovable, the season. yet nosey and interfering Mrs Piper, deliverA well-presented, fun show, with some very ing a sustained and highly entertaining perfor- amusing lines. mance.

Performances: February 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, Pat is joined by a strong cast, including 22, 23 at 8pm; February 16 at 2.15pm, FebruGlenn Baker as her old-flame, Detective Su- ary 17 at 4pm.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ An elderly Wangaratta woman was sexually assaulted by an offender who is still on the loose. Police say the man entered the 90-yearold woman's bedroom at about 4am and she woke to find him standing next to her bed. He then sexually assaulted her.

Kidnapping charges ■ Two men accused of kidnapping a Kangaroo Flat man after a botched drug deal will face trial next week, reports the Bendigo Advertiser. Michael Darmody, 49, and Bradley Roberts, 24, have both been ordered to stand trial in the Bendigo County Court, charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, extortion with threats to kill and prohibited possession of firearms.

Weather 7-day forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday. Min 14. Max 30. Sunny.

Thursday. Min. 16. Max 31. Clouds Friday. Min 18. Max, 31. Showers Saturday. Min 18. Max 33. Showers Sunday. Min. 19. Max 33. Some clouds.

Monday. Min 19. Max 33. Some clouds.

Tuesday. Min 17. Max 33. Showers

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 GRAFFITI FOUND ON CAPTAIN COOK'S COTTAGE 5. "Pommy, Go Home" 4. "Foo's Bin 'Ere" 3. "Joseph Banks was caught with his plants down" 2. "Ban the bomb" 1. "Captain Cook Did Some Poops, Behind the Kitchen Door The Cat Came In And ...."

(That's enough Mike! The Editor)

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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To

Di It’s a scary time ■ I started off writing about my new addiction Ancestry.com which I just love.

I have been going into the records to find out as much as I can about my mother’s family who I never knew well.

It has been the most wonderful experience meeting these extraordinary people who I had heard about all my life.

The more I discovered the more I wanted to know and the more I found out, photos and homes and such intriguing information about the other half of my family. ★★★ In the midst of it all I was knocked off my chair at my computer and my rose coloured glassed fell to the ground with the revelations of drugs in sport.

What would the Dalai Lama say about all this, I thought to myself ! He would be horrified as I was I am sure. I was stunned.

Lance Armstrong’s antics were looking like tiddly winks as it began to unfold and will be more so in the weeks to come.

The newscasters and sportscasters have been weaving wonderful headlines about the whole damn thing and my prize for best lead to a story went to the Herald Sun’s sportswriter Ron Reed who wrote so beautifully headlining his story “Unveiling a land of sweeping pain” - how true.

There was not much more to add after that. More heroes go down, to me it’s been a slow train coming as Bob Dylan wrote in his 19th studio album released in 1979.

This slow train coming carrying the insidious curse of illicit drugs in sport has been hinted at for many years, certainly in the recreational arena, however fitness boosters and cocktails of goodness knows what stunned me.

I can only speak for myself. I love football, I have grown up with it. AFL is in my blood.

I am disillusioned about it and hung on every word of every sportscaster and newsreader reporting it.

The faces of the main players who supposedly protect our code were etched with shock.

I saw James Hird age before us all on television and the serious stance of Andrew Demetriou will stay with me for some time.

The supporters are the ones I feel for.

People pay money to go and see our heroes play the greatest game in the world AFL and the working man who loves his game of footy needs to have that.

If that tumbles we all tumble. It’s bigger than any of us. I know for me I will be watching and listening to the reporters and the sportscasters and politicians who will and have to report what is happening as truthfully as possible before that train leaves for more deliveries.

It’s scary and it’s time.

This is the footy that I love

I love my job!

■ One of my best memories as a child is of my brother Peter loving the Richmond Football Club.

He loved the Tigers as my Dad did.

Peter would have posters of the great Paddy Guinane. He just couldn’t get enough of the players. He still loves the game.

I was so touched when I saw this week on the tele that the Richmond players visited the community of Areyonga, where I visited two years ago and just loved it.

Once visited, never forgotten, Areyonga, which lies 230km southwest of Alice Springs, has a population of about 250 people and they love Richmond.

They all wear the black and yellow.

The Tigers footballers - Alex Rance, Bachar Houli, Chris Newman and Ben Darrou - brought smiles to the children at Areyonga and a visit they will never forget.

They love their football up there. The boys visited the local school, which has 42 children enrolled and teaches in both the native language of Pitjantjatjara and English.

That is the football I love, these are the footballers I love, this is the code people love this is what football is about.

For ‘DIARY OF ANNE FRANK’ ON SHOW

■ One of the most vivid memories I have as a young girl was reading the book The Diary of Anne Frank.

I was absolutely captivated by the story and I do believe it allowed me to enter a whole realm of another world I didn’t know existed as a child.

The world of books. The world of another life other than Box Hill.

I remember my father was rather concerned that I carried the book with me all the time, to the dining table, to bed, to school and sat with it reading it whilst the family were watching The Perry Como Show in wonderment at blackand-white TV! Me, I was totally absorbed by the written word, the concept of ‘the book’ and this extraordinary young girl Anne Frank.

I also believe it’s when I experienced the concept of bravery and courage.

I remember saying to myself - I will never forget Anne Frank and if bad things happen to me I will always remember the courage she showed and the love she had for other people and the strong ground she stood even at the worst of times.

It made that much of an impression on me.

It was Anne Frank who wrote “It’s difficult in times like these; ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality.

“It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical.

“Yet I cling to them because I believe in spite of everything,

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

she survived. Born in Germany, she learnt Dutch when her family moved to Amsterdam.

It was in 1944 she decided to re-write the diary and have it published.

The diary consists of three notebooks which are on display.

On July 6, 1942, Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in an annex behind Otto Frank’s office.

The entry to the annex was hidden behind a bookcase.

On her 13th birthday Anne received a diary, in which she meticulously wrote what was happening around her, her thoughts, desires, dreams and hopes.

From June 1942 until August 1944. people at the time were encouraged to write about their experiences in diaries.

In August 1944 the hiding place of the Frank family and their friends were betrayed by an unknown person.

They were arrested, separated from each other, and sent to different concentration camps.

Anne died, aged 15, in Bergen-Belsen.

Only her father survived the war and, upon his return, de-

cided that his daughter’s diary should be shared with the rest of the world.

The Jewish Holocaust Centre thanks the exhibition’s Principal Supporter Gandel Philanthropy and Anne Frank – A History for Today at the Jewish Holocaust Centre, 13-15 Selwyn St, Elsternwick, until 28 April.

Tickets at the door: $10/$6 - www.jhc. org.au The exhibition will tour nationally across Australia. This is a most important exhibition.

● Anne Frank that people are truly with a large scale pictorial representation of good at heart.”

I read those words her bedroom in the ■ In my job I get to over and over many annex. meet the best people The Short Life of so varied and different many times. and so enthusiastic Her words so rel- Anne Frank, a film produced by the Anne about what they do evant in 2013.

Sharon Waters Her message of Frank House, is being Strongwoman is one hope during the dark- shown. of those people. She All visitors receive est of circumstances loves what she does stays alive today with a catalogue with and I liked her the ina visiting Interna- space to record stant I met her at the tional Travelling Exhi- thoughts and reflecluncheon held for the bition currently in tions.

Chippendales coming I will write in the Melbourne. to Melbourne in Anne Frank – a book. My memories of March.

History for Today tells how the book affected Sharon is the prothe remarkable and in- me, educated me and moter of the event and spirational story of helped shaped me and she is a fit gal I have Anne Frank and her how I got such a to tell you. family under Nazi rule sense that this can A true muscle godin Amsterdam during never happen again is dess, Sharon is a true what I feel about Anne World War II. Strongwoman.

Developed by the Frank.

Strongwoman reAnne Frank would Anne Frank House, fers to either a woman be my age now had Amsterdam, the exhibition is currently on show and being presented by the Jewish Holocaust Centre until Sunday, April 28.

The exhibition tells the story of the Frank family against the political climate of the day.

The 11-panel exhibition presents an historical timeline, parallel with the personal story of Anne and her family.

Central to the exhibition is a replica of ● Di Rolle (left) with Australia's strongest woman Sharon WaAnne’s diary along ters at the real Vegas Chippendales Lunch

So strong

performing feats of strength in a show or a woman who competes in strength athletics and body building shows.

Tr a d i t i o n a l l y, strongwomen have had a special appeal, as women involved in demonstrated feats of strength were exceptions.

Sharon is all those things and more, a lovely woman with a great business brain.

Next week I am going introduce you all to another great woman, Sapphira.

Tribute ■ A beautiful tribute party was held by the Directors of Melbourne Recital Centre and Australia’s music community when they joined the family and friends of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch to celebrate her life in music on the occasion of what would have been her 104th birthday.

The Music Recital Centre also celebrated its 4th birthday.

Guests had the opportunity to share Dame Elisabeth’s love of music and enjoy performances by some of her favourite performers.

Ensemble Liaison with Eugene Ughetti, Paul Dean and the students of the National Academy of Music, the Australian Chamber Orchestra led by Richard Tognetti and singer songwriter Gurrumul. Cellist Zoe Knighton remembered the profound effect Dame Elisabeth had on the lives and careers of musicians and her support of the arts.

The concert was invitation only.

- Di Rolle

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - Page 7

Showbiz News

TIME TO GET ORGAN-ISED Jeremy’s jazz

Briefs

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Jailed

10AM. Editor Ash Long talks with Denis Scanlan on The Pulse 94.7 www.947thepulse.com

■ Dennis Stewart, 50, former secondary school teacher, has been jailed for more than two years, for committing sex acts with children as young as 12.

County Court Judge Richard Maidment ordered that a minimum of 18 months be served.

Assault

■ Detectives have released a facefit image of a man who sexually assaulted a young Mildurawoman in broad daylight.

The offender is described as Caucasian, approximately 183cm tall with a thin build and short dark hair.

Stopwork ■ Victorian public school staff will participate in a statewide stopwork tomorrow (Thurs.) after the State Government failed in its bid to obtain an injunction against the industrial action.

The parties are at loggerheads over a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

10PM. Rob Foenander presents Country Crossroads on Casey 97.7 FM www.3ser.org.au

THURSDAYS ● Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ ■ The City of Melbourne is partnering with the Society of Organists (Victoria) to offer Melburnians and visitors to the city the chance to Get Organ-ised, with a free open day at the Town Hall Grand Organ on Sunday (Feb. 17).

Free backstage tours will acquaint Melburnians with the largest pipe organ in the southern hemisphere and spectators will have the rare chance to play the enigmatic Grand Organ.

Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Arts and Culture Portfolio, Cr Rohan Leppert, said the Grand Organ is an outstanding instrument that has played a big part in Melbourne’s musical history.

“The Grand Organ has a colourful history that includes royalty, refurbishments, world renowned soloists and every genre of music from Classical to Italian prog rock – as witnessed at the most recent Melbourne Music Week,” said Cr Leppert.

“Melbourne’s much loved Grand Organ has brought renowned organists and world class performances into our city across two centuries. As a musician, I have tremendous respect for this instrument, and I encourage everyone to explore and experience its impressive sounds.”

Originally built in 1929, it was refurbished and relaunched in 2001 and now contains drums, bells and nearly 10,000 pipes across three levels. The organ uses 90,000 cubic feet of air every minute, producing anything from a delicate whistle to deafening thunder.

There have been two permanent Grand Organs installed in the Town Hall since 1872. The original was extensively rebuilt in 1905. The second organ was installed in 1929 following the Town Hall fire of 1925.

The Heritage Victoria-listed 1929 façade is made of rich-grained Queensland-maple with coin-bronze grilles. It took $4.5 million dollars from 1996 to 2001 to restore and enhance the Grand Organ.

Get Organ-ised will include entertaining presentations on both the Grand Organ and smaller organs, hands-on sessions for everyone from young music enthusiasts to professional organists and hourly backstage tours.

The open day will conclude at 5pm with a Young Organists' concert featuring Victoria’s up and coming organists including Alan Thomas, Ria Polo, Samuel Whitehead, Shaun Wallis and Tom Neal-Williams.

When: Sunday (Feb. 17), 12pm – 6pm Cost: Free - though bookings are required. www.trybooking.com/39458 - Sue Deenim

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

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 AM. Ted Ryan talks racing with Denis Scanlan on The Pulse 94.7 www.947thepulse.com

● Jeremy Woolhouse ■ Local jazz artist Jeremy Woolhouse’s new album The Persistence of Dreaming was released last December and will be launched at a concert on March 15 at 8pm at Montsalvat, Eltham.

The Persistence Of Dreaming is a suite of solo piano works, performed by pianist and composer Jeremy Woolhouse.

Reflecting the pedagogy of jazz in which he trained, the majority of compositions follow traditional jazz forms – arranged and composed themes providing a framework for improvisation.

The album comprises 12 pieces written within a 12-month period and presents a cohesive work reflecting the artist’s temperament in a concise span of time.

The moods range from gentle to fierce, reflective to animated, driving to relaxed. Flavours of contemporary jazz are utilised with fusion to South American and world music influences, taking the listener on a moving, evocative and memorable journey.

CD launch Concert: March 15 at 8.00pm Venue: Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Road, Eltham.

Bookings: 9439 7712 montsalvat@montsalvat.com.au Available from www.jazzpiano.com.au All enquiries: Jeremy Woolhouse, 9819 0845 - Cheryl Threadgold

Misfits and misadventures ■ Nerds rule in School Dance, the new comedy by Australia’s Windmill Theatre. at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from Wednesday- Saturday, April 10-20.

The show is part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

School Dance tells the story of three awkward teenage boys and their quest for social acceptance at high school.

It includes a 1980s soundtrack and smorgasbord of 80s pop culture references from The Smurfs to My Little Pony.

School Dance premiered in the 2012 Adelaide Festival and was named 2012 Ruby Award for Best Work.

Times: 6:30pm. Wednesday-Saturday, April 102-0 Tickets: $29. Or $26.50 for Group 4+

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 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

The Speigeltent Opening Night Photos: Jim Lee

● Paul and Megan Castran

● Pia Miller with sister Paz

● Rhonda Burchmore and Nikolai Jeuniewic

● Libbi Gorr and Eddie Perfect

● Richard Nylon and Gwendolynne Burkin

● Sam Gudgeon with his mother Kerry Armstrong

● Chelsea Scanlon with Katie Sneath

● Trevor Ashley is appearing in I’m Every Woman at the Speigeltent

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

LADY SUSAN RENOUF DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

‘Two steps foward, one step back’

■ Treatment at a private Melbourne hospital clinic has followed the diagnosis of cancer for popular identity, Lady Susan Renouf.

Known first to Melbourne society as Susie Peacock (nee Rossiter), the 70-year-old first discovered the diagnosis about four weeks ago. It was said to have come as a “complete shock”.

She has daughters Caroline, Ann and Jane. Ann is the vibrant Public Relations Manager for Crown Melbourne.

Lady Susan was also married to Robert Sangster, and Frank Renouf.

Lady Susan has been undergoing chemotherapy each week.

● Patti Newton with husband Bert ■ Bert Newton’s recovery from last year’s quadruple by-pass surgery is a case of “two steps forward, one back”, wife Patti said on Monday night, in her regular 3AW Nightline segment.

The Australian TV star had the by-pass operation at the Epworth Hospital, Richmond, and upon release was given a series of phsiotherapy exercises.

Quadruple by-pass patients are given a series of coughing and walking exercises, as well as diet restrictions. Bert Newton is 74.

■ Fairfax Editor Garry Linnell is sneering of journalists from The Australian (“a multi-million loss making paper”) applying for jobs. He doesn’t mention Fairfax’s latest loss of $2.6 billion.

Girls at Daylesford

● Helen Razer was pictured with Suzanne Carbone at the Lake House, Daylesford Producers’ Day.

Tell-all

Kate returns to ‘Home and Away’ ■ Kate Ritchie is returning to TV series, Home And Away, for a limited time this year to reprise her role as Sally Fletcher.

Kate left the Seven Network series five years ago, after being on the show for 20 years.

Sportsbet sues ■ Sportsbet Pty Ltd is due to allege tomorrow (Thurs.) that monies are due from Justin Layden. An open court listing is set for 9.30am at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Whispers

● Matthew Newton ■ Matthew Newton is recording a 60 Minutes interview with Liz Hayes.

Mum, Patti Newton, agreed with a 3AW Night-line listener, saying that she would have preferred the inter-view was not done until Matthew’s recovery was complete: “I knew nothing about it.”

Glasses ● Lady Susan Renouf Photo: Ash Long

● Kate Ritchie

VIC. BODIES Rumour Mill CHANGE STATUS ■ A number of Victorian associations have voluntarily applied to have their incorporation status removed, advises Deputy Registrar David Betts: Bayside Sports and Social Club Inc.; Tynong Titans Cricket Club Inc.; Wandin East Tennis Club Incorporated; Snowy River Fishing Club Orbost Inc.; Australian Muslim Palestine Committee Inc.; World Thu Nhan Congregation 2010 Inc.; Lexi-Daisy Children’s Charity Inc.; St. Leonards Netball Club Inc.; Art Tech Association Inc.; Wodonga Badminton Club Inc.; Heaven on Earth Apostolic Life Ministries Inc.; Locksley Bushwalking Club Inc.; The Good Samaritan Association Inc.; Geelong South Public Tenant Group Inc.; Ringwood City ‘Wilhelmina’Soccer Club Inc.; Shriners Victoria Inc.; Berrybank & District Community Group Inc.; Clan Fergus(S)On Society Of Australia; Ashcare Inc.; Bayside Beaches D.L.B.A. Inc.; North East Boarder Coaches Association Inc.; Mount Pleasant Netball Club Inc.; The Dutch Australian Club Albury Wodonga Inc.; McIvor Landcare Group Inc.; Order of St. Peter and St. Paul Inc.; Diretribe Gallery Inc.; Cann River Aboriginal South Monaro Traditional Owners Women and Families Culture and Heritage Corporation Inc.; Somali Youth Victoria Inc.; Vantage Inc.; Victorian Christian Assemblies Inc.; Yarrawonga Community Health Centre Inc.; Residential Outcry Against Road-Noise (R.O.A.R) Inc.; Melbourne Anglicans Together Inc.; National Men’s Health Alliance Inc.; Friends of Felines Inc.; Colac Baptist Community Care Inc.; Gnosi Greek Language SchoolAssociation Inc.;Altona Country Music Association Inc.; Art Makers Projects Inc.; Serbian Association of Prisoners of The War Victoria Inc.; Malvern Squash Club Inc.; Ballarat Trainers Association Inc.; Phoenix Rockers Inc.; Phillip Island Organ Society Chapter No. 1 Inc.; 3rd Rock 4x4 Club Inc.; Probus Club of Chadstone Inc.; Wellington Farmlink Inc.; St Dominics Tennis Club (Melton) Inc.; Craigieburn and District Ambulance Committee Inc.; International Ladies Group Inc.; Pakenham Sports Club Inc.

Hear It Here First

● Julia Gillard ■ Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s new spectacles have been given a new Twitter account of their own: @julias glasses

Classes

Newsagents reach out ■ Victorian newsagents are looking to increase their visibility by furthering their ‘N’ brand on their shops.

Some agents, including vocal blogger Mark Fletcher, say that the trade mark stands for nothing.

The debate comes at a dificult commercial time for many newsagents. Magazien distributor Gordon and Gotch has slapped a steep delivery charge on some rural agents, whose remote location is said to be uneconomic to service.

The Herald and Weekly Times has also just modified its distribution service to some country newsagents in Victoria, but is working hard to continue deliveries to them all. Fairfax Media, publishers of The Age, have cut some rural shops adrift.

No birthday cake ■ Melbourne socialites are buzzing about the onagain off-again birthday celebrations for one of their own. So far, two parties have been cancelled.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ Which ABC Victorian radio newsreader has been ordered to take voice production lessons?

Listener complaints were lodged about the long-term newsreader.

Class action ■ A full-page ad appeared in a Leader local paper last week urging Kilmore EastKinglake bushfire victims to register before March 22 for the class action being taken in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Victoria Pictorial

Historic Photo Collection

● Aerial view of Rosebud. Circa 1950s.

● Aerial view of Bairnsdale

● Aerial view of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 1956.

● Aerial view of Sorrento

● Aerial view of pier and lighthouse, Point Lonsdale

● Aerial view showing Flemington Racecourse

● Aerial view of Newhaven, San Remo and suspension bridge

● Aerial view of St Kilda foreshore

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - Page 11

Melbourne People

ShowBiz Social Club First meeting for 2013 Photos: Gigi Hellmuth

● A Capella group Shirazz: from left, Lorraine Bulwyn, Christine Howe, Sheila Whitson and Judy Judge

● Rene Tessmar playing the double bass

● Allan Smithon drums and Jack Morris on slide trombone

● Colin Garrett, saxaphone

● Blue Tango (Dave Richard and Lynne Gough) with Australia Day Parody

● Grahame Taylor, pianist

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

Ash Wednesday

SO LONG, LES

Freemasons Offer Tertiary Scholarship

Our Doors are Open!

The Graeme Love Memorial Scholarship in Fraternal Studies

Dr Ruary Bucknall, Freemasons Victoria Grand Superintendant of Education Freemasons Victoria is pleased to invite applications for an award of $10,000 for research into Freemasonry in Victoria, or related social issues.

These may include the history, or the philosophies and principles, of Freemasonry in Victoria, or similar studies of other fraternal orders and organisations.

Alternatively, the research may examine broader areas that can show a connection to Freemasonry; such as, but not limited to, social and civic engagement, medical and aged care services, architecture, mutual benefit groups, and volunteerism.

Freemasons Victoria's Grand Superintendant of Education, Dr Ruary Bucknall, says the scholarship allows for investigation into a number of areas of Freemasonry in Victoria.

'The research project could be primarily related to Freemasonry or Masonic activities in Victoria, or the research could be in a wider domain that includes Freemasonry in Victoria,' he says, 'although such research would need to involve more than just a passing mention.'

'For example, a student might examine the history of health care and focus on the Freemasons Hospital or Royal Freemasons aged care facility.

“They may research Masonic buildings in town and suburb streetscapes, or other architectural research.

“They may even focus on the benevolent and community work of Victorian Freemasons, such as the efforts of the Freemasons Victoria Task Force following 2009's Black Saturday bushfires,' says Dr Bucknall.

Dr Bucknall says the award can be adapted to suit an applicant whose research is not primarily Masonic.

'The intention is to present one or more awards to the value of $10,000,' he says, 'but $5000 awards might be offered instead if the applications do not contain a significant fraternal component.'

Applicants must be enrolled in full or part-time Masters or Doctoral studies at a Victorian university and undertaking an appropriate major research project for that enrolment, and are not precluded from receiving other scholarships or financial support.

The research may have already commenced, or be due to start in the near future. The award includes access to the Freemasons Victoria Library and records (where appropriate and available), along with recommendation of access to individual Lodge records as may be required.

The closing date for this round of applications is Friday, March 29, 2013. Applications are to be made using the criteria provided, and submitted to: Grand Secretary, Freemasons Victoria, PO Box 553, East Melbourne VIC 8002.

Email enquiries and requests for Application Forms should be directed to Dr Ruary Bucknall via education-admin@freemasonsvic.net.au

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.

■ We lost a valued member of the team early on Saturday morning.

Les Boreham slipped away gently, after a yearlong battle with leukaemia.

Les, a former Ivanhoe Grammar School teacher, is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rosemary, four children and eight grandchildren.

For his sins, Les was Higher School Certificate English teacher of Long Shots. Together we edited the Ivanarian school magazine in the summer holidays following the 1974 school year.

He was a talented and skilled educator.

In latter years, Les would offer unsolicited critiques on spelling and grammar in the Melbourne Observer.

He will be remembered for a keen sense of humour.

His children are Jeremy, Tim and Gareth, all past IGS students, and daughter Cilia.

A memorial service for Les is being held at WD Rose Funerals, Burwood, at 10am today (Wed.),

The art of ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

■ A week has been declared for flirters. A sexy smile is the biggest flirting turn on globally, including for Aussies (36 per cent) - Aussie men also like eye contact (20 per cent) and Aussie women enjoy subtle touching (30 per cent). Coming on too strong is a universal turn off – except for 84 per cent of Aussie men, who like it when a woman is forward

People Fidelio

● Les Boreham

Long Shots

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

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

Observer Treasury ● Peter Adams ■ There is a woman in Melbourne jazz circles who regularly sends us requests for free space to promote events.

Over all the years, she has never said ‘please’, never said ‘thank you’.

I don’t think we risk offending her, because I’m pretty sure she has never bought a copy of the Observer either.

On the other hand, you have professionals like Peter J Adams and John Hay-Mackenzie who followed up publicity requests for their production of Souvenir at Chapel Off Chapel with thank-you phone calls and e-mails.

It makes all the difference. It’s even worth giving them this extra ‘plug’!

International Flirting Week

Thought For The Week ■ “Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Men of genius are admired; men of wealth are envied; men of power are feared; but only men of character are trusted.”

Text For The Week ■ “"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

- Proverbs 3:6 The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham. Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

● Donna-Maree Dunlop as Leonore in Melbourne Opera’s production of Fidelio.

Photo: Robin Halls ■ Melbourne Opera’s presentation of Beethoven’s Fidelio performed this month at the Athenaeum Theatre, and can be seen again on March 2 at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton.

It is many years since Fidelio was performed in Melbourne, so this is a welcome opportunity for experienced Beethoven fans to see again his only venture into opera.

For those new to opera, it is slightly confusing to start with, requiring concentration, but Director Hugh Halliday presents it in English and in present time, making it easier to follow.

Tenor Jason Wasley as Florestan is married to Leonore Donna-Maree Dunlop. Florestan is thrown into prison and left to die by General Pizzaro Roger Howells, who is attempting a military coup.

Leonore devises a plan to release Florestan. Disguising herself as a man called Fidelio, she gets a job in the prison’s office.

A girl working in the office, Marzelline Fiona Jopson has a boyfriend in the office, Jaquino – this year’s well deserved Sun Aria winner tenor Jason Spiteri, but she falls for Fidelio who plays along with the confused Marzelline.

Marzelline’s father Rocco ,Steven Gallop in rich bass voice, is the head prison warden and is open to a suggestion by the new employee Fidelio to improve the prisoners’ conditions, including letting them out of their cells for some fresh air and access to the isolated prisoner Florestan.

In the prison cell scene, the lighting by Scott Allan is particularly good. Cast were all in fine voice and energetic for the opening night and clear diction of the chorus, under Raymond Lawrence chorus master, was good to hear.

The wonderful orchestra, conducted by David Kram, was just a little overpowering for the two female leads, but this was a minor point on a terrific opening night.

At the Alexander Theatre, Monash University: March 2 at 8pm Tickets: $35 - $75 Bookings: Monash.edu.au/mapa/ or (03) 9905 1111 Running time: 2½ hours with 25 minute interval - Rita Crispin

Free reader ads are available in the Classifieds section of the ‘Melbourne Observer’

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ Here I am, sitting at my computer, staring into space without a thought in my head.

My muse has deserted me and I know the reason. It’s the heat. My mind doesn’t absorb when the weather gets beyond a reasonable temperature.

It looks like no column this week unless I can get my brain into gear.

Although nothing was emanating from my grey matter I couldn’t miss the spider webs clinging from the book shelves and in particular being very industrious around the window panes.

I wondered if some ‘passed over’ friends had come back as friendly spiders and I’m supposed to let them stay.

Peter and I were talking about reincarnation the other night but spiders were not high on our agenda.

Wombats was one of my choices – I love wombats . I thought of a butterfly. Their lifespan is not long, but it would be great to be as light as a feather even if only for only a few weeks.

Peter was still thinking when I heard loud snores, so that was the end of that.

A-type New Year ■ Now that I’ve told myself that the webs could be friends and leaving me a message, something like Charlotte and her web, I’ve stopped thinking about anything else.

The Chinese New Year was terrific as always, and we embraced the Chinese culture knowing that we were going to have a good time.

Being an ‘A’ type person I was into red envelopes, oranges, and preparing for a new life after the New Year.

I decided that I need a hobby that can give me a new slant on life rather than always having my nose stuck in a book.

I’d thought about this through last year, and I knew something would crop up and take my fancy.

I found it. Bonsai. And I set about starting with some rudimentary knowledge rather than watching re-runs of the Karate Kid.

An unloved Buddha ■ Searching the internet I found Lindsay Farr who runs the Bonsai Farm in Hawthorn.

Peter and I have been interested in the Chinese culture for many years, and coming into our house the décor reflects our love of it.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - Page 13

Yvonne’s Column

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

One year Peter bought a huge antique bronze Buddha from a women who came into his antique shop hoping to sell it.

She told him a lovely story giving her reasons for selling the Buddha.

It seems her mother-in-law came to live with her and brought with her the antique bronze Buddha.

From that moment on it was a disaster.

Everything that could go wrong went wrong.

She fought with her mother-in-law every minute.

She got to hate the Buddha and blamed it for every misfortune that the family suffered Finally calm descended when her husband’s mother passed away.

But what to do with the very large unloved Buddha?

Reminded him of me ■ She wanted nothing that reminded her of her late mother-in-law and the past two years of misery.

And that’s how she came to be in High Street looking for a buyer.

Peter took one look at it and thought of me.

He knew I would love it. He loved it too.

And bless him, he paid the woman an arm and a leg for it (being an expert he knew the value) and I’ll love him until the end of time as

I meditate daily under the serene gaze of the Buddha.

Finding the Bonsai farm in Hawthorn, I talked with Lindsay Farr, the Bonsai expert and invited him onto my radio program.

He was such an interesting man I just knew he would be a great interview.

Lindsay was a natural and the interview was fascinating.

So fascinating in fact that my copresenters,Rob Richardson and Ken Lyons, were as quite as church mice and later said they thought that they may take up Bonsai themselves.

Lindsay became interested when he was five years of age after a family friend showed him pictures of Bonsai in a book.

That was many years ago and his passion hasn’t waned.

He has been to China and looked at wonderful examples of Bonsai and talked to the experts.

He saw very old Bonsai in exquisite flat bowls created especially for them.

There was a great reaction to the interview and I was surprised at how many listeners wanted to take it up.

I miss the garden ■ I miss not being able to garden because I can’t get down to grub in the earth anymore, but I can sit at a table in the back garden and create wonderful Bonsai from seedlings which spring up from the big trees that surround our property.

I can’t wait to shape a Wisteria it into the aesthetic standard of Bonsai. I’m aiming for a really gnarled trunk!

Bonsai is shaped to limit growth, and to redistribute leaf vigour to areas requiring further development.

Lindsay was very generous with his knowledge and explained the art of Bonsai in easy understandable terms which somehow made it all the more fascinating.

Peter has been collecting antique Chinese pots for ever, so I’m halfway home before I start.

The tools used are not expensive and I can buy the wire at Bunnings.

However, if I get into a jam I can always turn to Lindsay Farr’s World of Bonsai video series.

400-year-old Bonsai ■ Whilst I was researching Bonsai I came

across some wonderful facts: some truth and some myth, but imagine a 400-year-old Bonsai still living after surviving the Hiroshima bombing.

And a story that has been retold hundreds of times since about 1383 tells the story of an impoverished Samurai who sacrificed his last three dwarf potted trees as firewood to provide warmth for a traveling monk, who was actually an important official in disguise.

He later rewarded the Samurai by giving him three plots of land whose names include the names of three types of trees the Samurai burnt;ume (plum), matsu (pine), and sakura ( cherry). This story has been depicted in popular drama.

I just know I’ll be looking at the sides of cliffs in wind swept areas to find an old tree on which nature has already started the process to create my masterpiece.

I’d love to hear from you if Bonsai is your passion.

But if it interests you, and you would like to know more, Lindsay’s Bonsai Farm is located at 67 Church St, Hawthorn. Telephone 9819 0888. It’s open every day but Tuesday.

Tender loving care

■ Bonsai makes a wonderful and beautiful living gift, they are low maintenance and ideal for flat dwellers.

They just need tender loving care. I hope that the weather is not too unbearable, and we desperately need rain for the garden.

Yesterday we received our water bill sand it was humungous. We haven’t watered with the hose, and only used a watering can for a few pot plants that I couldn’t bear to lose.

Today I’ll demand a ‘please explain’ from Yarra Valley Water. I expect to be ‘on hold’ for at least a couple of hours so I’ll be ready for them when they finally get around to answering.

I’m sure I’m not the only one to be having a nervous breakdown at the size of their bill.

Never in all the years we have lived here has a water bill been anywhere near this latest amount.

I wonder if they will blame it on the carbon tax or climate change?

Yvonne: Contact: P.O Box 1278, Research.

Victoria, 3095

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

■ Lorrae Desmond has had a wonderful career in Australia and in the United Kingdom as a singer and character actress.

Beryl Hunt was born in her family home in Pioneer St, Mittagong in 1932.

Beryl began a hairdressing apprenticeship in her teenage years but had a burning ambition to break into showbusiness.

In 1948 Beryl was in London working as singing cigarette girl and then became a cabaret singer.

She gained professional work in various areas and adopted the ‘stage name’ of Lorrae Desmond.

In 1955 Lorrae was cast as a singer in a British film titled Stock Car which also starred Sabrina and Frank Thornton, who was later to star in the television series Are You Being Served?

In 1956 Lorrae had a small role as a secretary in an episode of the Tony Hancock television series.

Lorrae did television shows with Terry Thomas and they remained good friends for many years.

Her variety series Meet Lorrae Desmond on BBC TV was very popular.

When Lorrae returned to Australia she starred in her own ABC television variety series, The Lorrae Desmond Show, and in 1962 was the first female to win the Gold Logie.

Lorrae also acted in many of the television

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Lorrae Desmond

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM drama series such as Homicide and Riptide. In 1964 Lorrae was in the cast of The Jack Benny Show which involved stage performances throughout Australia and a television special.

In 1967 Lorrae was invited by the Australian Government to go to Vietnam and entertain the troops.

She performed in five concert tours in the American and Allied war zones.

In 1973 Lorrae played the character of Marion Carlton in Number 96 and she told me in a radio interview that she had a very interesting time being a regular cast member in the controversial series.

Her most popular role came in 1981 when Lorrae was cast as Shirley Gilroy in A Country

● Lorrae Desmond and Kevin Trask Practice which ran for 10 years and was seen in more than 37 countries.

Lorrae won a Logie Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in 1984.

The character of Shirley died in a plane crash towards the end of the series and fans throughout the world were devested.

During the 1990s I saw Lorrae in several stage shows, her one woman show at Caper's

Theatre Restaurant, a show titled The Legends and then in High Society for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Lorrae spent seven years writing a musical play titled Honey which was based on Bryce Courtney's book Smokey Joe's Café.

The story involved the return home of an Australian soldier from Vietnam War and his problems adjusting back into society. Lorrae wrote the music and lyrics.

Honey premiered at the Parramatta Riverside Theatre winning an award for the Best New Australian Play in 2008.

Lorrae Desmond was awarded the MBE for her services to entertainment and the welfare of the Australian forces in Vietnam.

She was also a supporter of the Paralympic Games in Sydney during 2000.

Lorrae is living in NSW these days and remains active.

She is still known to millions throughout the world for her work in A Country Practice. Lorrae Desmond has been acknowledged as a great Australian - and rightly so.

- 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.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

■ Most Coober Pedy miners, provided they've found enough opal during the year, depart for the summer en masse.

The heat is stifling, and most mining machinery doesn't work in the heat.

So off they go. To Adelaide, or the Great Australian Bight, or Athens.

The hottest I've known in Coober Pedy was a few years ago when the temperature didn't go below 33°, day or night, for 32 days in a row. The hottest day was 61°.

The same summer another mate living in Mintabie, told me that his thermometer stopped at 57 degrees, and it had reached that for 10 days in a row!

A few years ago a VW broke down south of town. Two UK couples and a baby were in the car, and they had run out of water.

A passer-by drove the women and the child into Coober Pedy. What amazed them was that they left a couple of litres with the gentleman to last them until help arrived.

So they immediately splashed it and all over themselves to cool down!

It was 56° in the police station reception that day.

■ But people in Alice Springs seem to accustom themselves. 38° might be a scorcher in Melbourne, but for Alice that's a cool day!

On one such day - blistering hot outside, with a scorching dusty northerly blowing in from the desert, I was in Woollies to buy some outdoor furniture, and the young chap asked me if I wanted some help to take it out to the car. "OK," I said.

So we carried the table and chairs out to the car park.

"Jeez," he said, "nice day out here!"

And he was serious.

On another occasion I was driving down from Alice Springs to Coober Pedy.

We'd just purchased our shop down there, and I was about to spend my first night in the donga, the demountable ‘house’ beside, but separate from, the shop building.

A blistering day's drive, and I had been looking forward to snuggling down in bed in front of the airconditioner all day.

So I opened up and immediately, and stupidly, turned on the four units to full blast.

That lasted about a minute, so I rang

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au my mate Gero, from whom we had made the purchase: "Where is the fuse box for the donga?"

"In the shop."

So, next, a call to son Jonas in Melbourne: "Where are keys to the shop?"

"In my pocket ..."

Oh shoot!

■ One of my family Christmas presents was The Nullarbor Kid, by Ray Gilleland, about his early trucking life.

Having spent most of my life roaming around, I'm always fascinated by the tales of real bushmen.

I had a couple of old mates at Lightning Ridge, brothers George and Sid Graham, who lived in an old miners' shack with dirt floors and bark walls.

I always stayed with them in the front room, spreading out on a redback infested old bed -I counted 20 lurking under it one night!

However, I was always transfixed by the tales of their wanderings. Their base was always Lightning Ridge, but they spent much of their time roaming outback Queensland and South Australia.

At one stage they had an order from the Royal Aviary for some exotic parrots so off they trotted off to the Nullarbor to catch them.

I love books and reading, and every so often in a bookshop I encounter a volume by a gentleman who has had the ability to string some words together, and the foresight to record his adventures, usually just what happened in his daily life as a drover or a bushman. I love to read these tales.

These chaps in their youth would spend all day and night looking over their bullocks, snatching periodic sleeps in their swags.

Imagine that for today's young men - they can barely get out of bed!

■ Snakes, at the beginning of the summer, like to come out of their hideyholes and lap up a bit of spring warmth.

They can be seen sunning themselves on rocks, or out in the open, or, unfortunately, often on warm bitumen roads.

However, as summer progresses, they seek out shadier spots away from the intensity outside. So they often crawl into houses to cool themselves off.

Justin Rutherford, from the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, is one of the local snake catchers, together with my mate Rex Neindorf.

He recently reported that he's been called out to remove four Western Browns from suburban homes across town.

In one instance, a gentleman had settled down to listen to some music, when a large specimen slithered out from the stereo.

Justin said that after the recent rains there were snakes "scattered everywhere - but you just never see them. There is bucket loads of them.

It's just Alice Springs - if you don't like snakes, you don't live here!"

He reckons that they're about 2000 residing in the town.

Not happy news for reptiliaphobians!

■ We've all got choices which we can decide to take up, or otherwise, every day of our lives.

Many years ago my parents chose to move to Blairgowrie, when I was about 11, and as a result I've always resided here in some way or another, in one dwelling or another, ever since.

However, this has often been just a base, from where I have launched

● Rex Neindorf

forth to many other parts of Australia.

But there's an old adage which says that "home is where the heart is", and Blairgowrie has always been this home to me.

Often I've been in Alice Springs till mid-December, and driven off down for Christmas by the sea with the family.

I've bid a fond farewell to friends in the Centre, at a few appropriate pre-Yuletide celebrations, just before my departure.

So I visualise my friends sweltering in the Alice sun, whilst I have just launched my boat, spending many a languid moment bobbing about, pulling the odd flathead from the depths!

I'm glad my parents made their choice all those years ago!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ September 14 should be renamed 'Save Australia Day' for all the obvious reasons and this writer is determined to stay alive and play his very small part.

Every day another wheel falls off the Gillard tumbril as it heads toward the guillotine and the only ones standing to profit from this are Rudd and possibly Bob Carr, unless another candidate is lurking in the wings.

The Coalition is sitting in the box seat and discipline and cool heads are a prerequisite for victory. The pity is that Tony Abbott and his team will spend much valuable time and money repairing the damage.

Albanese huffs and puffs about the number of bills passed by Labor but as sensible people realise, this only means more and more stifling regulation and cost - an Abbott Government should begin a program of sensible repeal, returning all the right freedoms to the electorate.

The Coalition has much work to do in Victoria and South Australia which should start immediately and Alexander Downer's involvement would have been handy.

Meanwhile Rudd has been busy organising himself back on the Sunrise show with Joe Hockey, allegedly with some help from Seven but only time will tell. Eight months is a bloody long time!