Melbourne Observer. 130313A. March 13, 2013. Part A. Pages 1-12

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

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

Reaching for higher heights ■ With a legacy stretching back nearly 50 years, Jimmy Cliff is the only living musician honoured with Jamaica's Order of Merit.

He is a celebrated two-time Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a talented actor.

Whether you're a reggae fan or not, his songs such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People, Vietnam, Wild World and I Can See Clearly Now have been part of our lives, at some point.

Jimmy continues travelling the world performing, and last month stopped in at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards (Los Angeles) to accept his second Grammy for Best Reggae Album, Rebirth, which was listed at #12 on Rolling Stone's list of the top 50 albums of 2012.

Along with many of his worldwide hits, Jimmy will be performing Rebirth at the Corner Hotel in Richmond on March 27 as part of Bluesfest Touring.

With his 2013 Grammy Award still hot in his hands, Jimmy was enjoying some 'downtime' before answering my call on his mobile phone on his sunny Porch in Miami, Florida.

I can imagine your Grammy Award is within arms-reach. What does winning this second Grammy mean to you after receiving your first one 30 years ago?

Jimmy Cliff’s Porch Thoughts

● Jimmy Cliff The Grammy Award is an acknowledgement of my work and it's always good to be recognised in whatever field of work one does; it encourages and motivates one to continue to higher heights that one might have in mind or in sight.

What prompted you to keep

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Ian Woods Managing Director Fun, Food & Friendship /Melbourne Social Club We are celebrating 10 years of providing Melburnians with a great social life through our range of social events. Our club is as a great way to fill your social diaries with dining experiences, outdoor adventures, weekend/day trips, theatre shows, corporate events and drinks nights. Members receive discounts in shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and car parking around the city. Join us to meet new people and make new friends.

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reaching higher and reviving your music career?

It was a conscious decision to revive myself in the music industry. Having made that decision, a lot of things just started falling in place like being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

I started writing new songs, and from there writing two new albums. Rebirth is just some of the songs from one of the albums with some new songs added to it with new direction and sound.

Rebirth was a successful collaboration with producer Tim Armstrong, front man of American punk-rock band Rancid. You seemed to be an unlikely pair, how did the collaboration come about?

My manager suggested a few people knowing I had to make a new album, and Tim's name came up. When we met in the studio for the first time, it just felt really good.

Reggae music influenced pop music so the communication between Tim and myself was easy.

We both understood the social and political situations of what was going on. Tim is a Reggae connoisseur so it made it the whole process quite round.

Are we expecting another album soon?

The new album has already been started but people shouldn't expect it to be like the last album. I always endeavour to make something new on every new album. We expect to release it in 2014.

Turning back the hands of time, you were 14 years-of-age when you had you first hit song Hurricane Hattie, what inspired you to write as such a young age?

Writing was everything that I could see and feel that I wanted to express and I discovered I had the gift to write. I wrote my expressions down in melody and words. I continued to live my life and being sensitive of what was going on.

In addition to providing the music for the classic film The Harder They Come in 1972, you also

● Jimmy Cliff landed the lead role as the strug- aborations with the likes of The gling reggae singer, Ivanhoe 'Ivan' Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello and Martin. You furthered your acting Annie Lennox and having many career in a number of films in the of your songs covered by Willie USA. Will we see you in more Nelson, Bruce Springsteen and films?

Cher (to name a few), how do you When I first started out my feel when artists adds one of your career I wanted to be an actor. I songs to their international tours have just skimmed the surface of and albums? that area in my career. I want to The thing that I like, each of make more movies and even the artists, particularly Bruce though one of them did become Springsteen's version of Trapped, a classic, I want to be holding up is that they made the songs their an Oscar one day. own. If you listen to his version Your musical and acting jour- and my version, they are comney has returned you with string pletely different. The song beof awards and accolades including came Bruce's song. I think that the Jamaican government award- is what I did with Cat Stevens ing you in 2003 with The Order of song Wild World and my cover Merit for your contributions to the of The Clash's Guns Of Brixton film and music of Jamaica. What song on Rebirth; I made them other career highlights spring to mine. mind?

We are about to welcome you There are so many including back to Melbourne. Apart from the Grammy Awards that are all lifting the roof of the Corner Hoencouragement, but when you are tel in Richmond, what else do you honoured in your own country it's plan to do here during your brief an amazing feeling (especially visit? being alive to receive it).

I am hoping to get some downOther memorable highlights time and visit some interesting were performing in South Africa places and I'm looking forward during the Apartheid era and also to enjoying your restaurants that in Brazil in front of 50,000 people Melbourne is famous for. who were great Reggae fans.

Melbourne is one of those parts What does it mean being in- of Australia that I love to visit ducted into the Rock and Roll Hall and Australia is such a great geoof Fame (2010)? graphical country. When I am in It means that I am one indi- Melbourne I hope to also visit vidual that has created and estab- areas outside of the city also. lished a music form that is not What is your Porch Thought of European or North American but the Day? from a small island called Ja"Keep on reaching for the maica. To be inducted into the higher heights. There are always Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which higher heights to go." is a very prestigious institution ■ Jimmy Cliff is performing one in the United States, feels really show only in Melbourne. For more good and pleasing. information www.bluesfest With a string of musical coll- touring.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 13, 2013 - Page 3

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City Desk

Melbourne

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The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz

Tommy’s new album

Culinary tour

● Tommy Fleming ● Marion Grasby ■ Celebrity chef Marion Grasby will lead a group of foodies on an culinary adventure through Vietnam, and help to raise funds with Variety, the Children’s Charity, for a ‘Sunshine Coach’ for Australian rural children.

Travellers have a minimum fundraising goal of $3000 on the October 12-20 Variety trip.

SIDE-SPLITTING

New ambassador

● Melissa Doyle ■ Melissa Doyle, Sunrise presenter and Make-A-Wish national patron, has been named as the first Wish Day celebrity ambassador.

Food tours ■ Cameron Smith, host of Eat It on 3RRR, will be leading new Richmond and Carlton food tours run by Alan Campion’s Melbourne Food Tours.

Both tours will start on Saturday, April 13.

■ Irish singer Tommy Fleming’s new album, Begin, will be launched on Friday, April 5, ahead of his Australian tour.

In March last year he suffered a huge blow with the loss of both his parents when they unexpectedly passed away within hours of each other. He took a number of months off work.

Tommy will be performing at Geelong (Tues., May 14); Warrnambool (Thurs., May 16); The Palms At Crown (Fri., May 17); and Frankston (Sat., May 18).

● Rick Conte

■ Richard Medrington and Rick Conte perform in The Man Who Planted Trees, a hilarious and heart-warming tale about the difference one man and his dog can make.

The show is returning to the Arts Centre as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from Wed.-Sun., Apr. 1014.

The puppet show features Punch and Judy-style characters and a strong environmental message from Scotland’s Puppet State Theatre Company.

It is a show for families and kids aged 7+. It has toured to schools, village halls, theatres and festivals across the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as offBroadway at the iconic New Victory Theatre.

Set and puppet design is by Ailie Cohen.

The show is at the Fairfax Studio. Tickets: $18 / $16 Groups 4+

The opening night of the National Institute of Circus Arts Leap ★ Of Faith: Circus in Motion, will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday at the NICA National Circus Centre, Green St, Prahran, says

Under The Clocks Grand Prix party event tonight ■ Crown Melbourne Public Relations Manager Ann Peacock will host the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix party at Club 23, Crown Towers tonight (Wed.).

Celebrities appearing on the chequered carpet include Chelsea Scanlan, Sam Newman, Billy Brownless, Kate Peck, David Coulthard, Natalie Hunter, Sarah De Bono, Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell, Magdelena Roze, Renee Ayris, Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, Jennifer Keyte, Em Rusciano, Jennifer Hansen, Alan Fletcher, Tim Blackwell, Mark Baretta, Wayne Cooper, Vanessa Amorosi, Shane Delia, Jared Daperis, Alan Eskander, James Tomkins, Anna Meares and Matthew Cowdrey.

The Grand Prix is held over four days, starting tomorrow (Thurs., Mar. 14). Entertainers include Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite and James Reyne.

Empire kicks off on The Rooftop ■ Spiegelworld’s Empire is about to kick off in Melbourne, performing for the first time on The Rooftop at Crown Melbourne, Southbank. Empire will start its Melbourne tour tomorrow (Thurs.) 2013 at therooftop location, which can be viewed from the river walk and will form part of Melbourne’s city skyline.

70th birthday for Keith McGowan

publicist Justine Caldwell of Mollison Communications.

Graeme Connors is launching a new album, Kindred Spirit, as a homage to Australian singer-songwriters, says Melbourne firm, Hot Off The Press.

Victorian newsagents are meeting to discuss News Limited’s change of plans towards the T2020 distribution system of newspapers. The meetings will be held this month at the Clayton headquarters of VANA (Victorian Newsagents’ Association).

Melbourne comedians Jimmy James Eaton and Jason Geary will perform Sketch-ual Healing,, March 28-April 19.

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square, has opened The Third Dimension exhibition. It is open until April 7.

★ ★ ★ ★

Melbourne Moments Feature artist

3 films from Oz

■ Craig Penny is the feature artist at the Ocean Light exhibition opening at 6pm tomorrow (Thurs., Mar. 14) at South Yarra Art House, 6 Almeida Cres., South Yarra.

Mildura-born Pennty’s works will be on display as well as collections from Brighton Grammar School, AFL Travel, Australian Private Capital, Melbourne and Olympic Parks, David Bryant and Associates, Korowa Anglican Girls School, Delfin Property Group and private collections throughout Australia, the UK, USA and Singapore.

■ Two Australian films will feature at Tribeca Film Festival, cofounded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, that takes place April 17-28.

Two films come from Australia: Red Obsession is directed and written by David Roach and Warwick Ross.

The Rocket is directed and written by Kim Mordaunt. The Rocket will have its North American premiere in the World Narrative Competition section of the Festival, says publicist Michael Cavarretta.

● Craig Penny

● Ann Peacock

● Keith McGowan

■ Retired radio man Keith McGowan celebrated his 70th birthday at the weekend with family members.

The former 3AW Overnighters host was given a new Akubra ‘Snowy River’ hat by son Nathan, daughter-in-law Lynette, and grand-daughter Jessica.

Keith aind wife Angela have been kept busy with a number of trips to Adelaide over the past month to follow horses in their harness racing stable.

Keith was spotted at Radio Sport National last week, voicing material for Harness Racing Victoria.

What’s On In Melbourne

Access Australia will hold its annual general meeting via ★Arts web and teleconference at 1pm on Thursday, March 28.

The live radio play Super Speed Sound Shed is part of the ★ lineup for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival playing in The Famous Spiegeltent from Wed.-Sun., April 3-7.

Damian Pike, Prahran Market’s famous ‘Mushroom Man’, has ★ won the 2013 Best Small Mushroom Retailer Award, presented by the Mushroom Association of Australia.

Dr June Ross will give a free public lecture, Unlocking The ★ Story Behind Kimberley Rock Art, at NGV International Auditorium, 180 St Kilda Rd, at 6.15pm on Thursday, March 21.

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

Flemington fillies

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Kate’s Love Song Circus at Tent

In the chair, and on the air

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● 3AW entertainment reporter Donna Demaio pictured with singer Kate Ceberano at the Flemington ‘Beautiful Girls’ launch.

Wouter On The Wharf ■ The Echuca-Moama Celtic Festival wil be held this Saturday (Mar. 16), presenting Wouter On The Wharf, featuring one of South Africa's foremost musicians, Wouter Kellerman, accompanied by a four-piece band of Australian musicians.

● Vocalist and Spiegeltent favourite Katie Noonan returns on Tuesday (Mar 19 until Sun. Mar. 24) with Love-Song-Circus, a collaboration with a group of talented circus performers. She is joined by acrobat-aerialists Melissa Knowles, Alice Muntz and Billie Wilson Coffey, directed by Yaron Lifschitz.

● Monty Dimond ■ Chrissie Swan has handed over her Mix 101.1 microphone to Katie ‘Monty’ Dimond, whilst Chrissie prepares for the birth of her third child. ‘Monty’ will be partnered by Jane Hall in the breakfast program.

Other Desert’s Cities

Hannah, 12, saves the day

● John Gaden and Robyn Nevin appear in Other Desert’s Cities at the Melbourne Theatre Company's latest production at the Sumner Theatre in Southbank. Julie Houghton’s report is on Page 69.

● Pictured: Stefan Cassomenos. Extraordinary 12-year old student Hannah Shin stepped in with just two hours notice and performed a Beethoven sonata when her teacher Glenn Riddle was hit by illness. Hannah played in a record-breaking 14-hour marathon staged by 3MBS Fine Music with all 32 of Beethoven’s piano sonatas performed by 27 musicians in a day at BMW Edge, Federation Square.

Simon joins Smooth 91.5

● Simon Diaz ■ After leaving Melbourne radio station Mix 101.1 FM after 13 years, Simon Diaz has joined Smooth 91.5 FM. He will work as a ‘station floater’ and operations support, and is standing in on the afternoon show for two weeks.

‘3AW is football’ season launch

Angela meets new foal PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Cameron Ling, Diane ‘Dee Dee’ Dunleavy and Brian Taylor were pictured at this week’s 3AW football season launch function at Platform 28, Docklands.

● Angela McGowan is pictured with the latest foal of Nora Barnacle, part of the stable raced by husband Keith McGowan and family over a number of years.

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Observer

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

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

BARRY HUMPHRIEWS JOINS Observer MEOW MEOW AT ARTS CENTRE In This 80-Page Edition

One-off concert at Her Maj

● Rachael Beck will appear at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday night ■ Cast members from Chitty Chitty Bang George Kapinairs, the concert will feature Bang, King Kong and Jersey Boys along performances from some of Australia’s with a number of guest performers, will best entertainers and just a few of the come together to perform a variety of highlights from the special entertainment songs from their personal repertoires to will include: support the Australian Children’s Music ■ A duet by Rachael Beck and Debra Foundation at 7.30pm this Sunday (Mar. Byrne performing I Dreamed A Dream 15) at Her Majesty’s Theatre. from Les Miserables. Both played the role This one-off Sunday concert is being of Fantine 10 years apart and this song held to support the ACMF and proceeds has never been performed as a duet. will go directly to the Victorian music pro- ■ Both George Kapinaris and Queenie grams.

Van Der Zandt will bring their comedy Melbourne music lovers will see David routines to the stage Hobson, Rachael Beck, George Kapinairs ■ David Hobson with Andrew Kroenert Jennifer Vuletic (Chitty Chitty Bang will perform Till There Was You’.

Bang);Will Centurion (Jersey Boys); ■ A group choral number from the cast Queenie Van De Zandt (King Kong) along of Jersey Boys and Chitty Chitty Bang with Debra Byrne and other special guests Bang will be a highlight take centre stage at this memorable event ■ The ACMF choir from Seaford Park for a celebration of the music that each Primary School will perform an opening of them personally loves. number to get the show started.

The ACMF’s free music education pro- ■ Rachael Beck and David Hobson along gram has been running for two years at with the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cast will Seaford Park Primary School and is highly perform Someday regarded as having contributed to student The ACMF is sharing proceeds from confidence and better behavior. this special celebration concert with the Co-hosted by Jennifer Vuletic and Actors’ Benevolent Trust.

3 top shows tipped EXCLUSIVE By ‘Veritas’

■ Caroline O’Connor (pictured) is tipped to star in Gypsy, as part of the 2013 season of The Production Company.

O’Connor has played Momma Rose in Gypsy in the UK. The three-show season is to be announced by Jeanne Pratt at Raheen, Kew, on Thursday (Mar. 21) next week.

Also tipped in the 2013 TPC season at the Arts Centre is Singin’ In The Rain, starring Matt Lee. The third show to be announced is The Pirates of Penzance with Ben Mingay.

● Barry Humphries joins Meow Meow, May 5-6 at Hamer Hall ■ Melbourne-born Barry Humphries has curated a concert that celebrates the lost music of composers of light hearted, melodic and satirical from Europe of the early 1900s.

Humphries salutes composers Mischa Spoliansky, Hanns Eisler, Ernst Krenek, Erwin Schulhoff, Ernst Toch and Max Brand, alongside familiar songs from Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera.

Cabaret diva Meow Meow joins the Australian Chamber Orchestra for the racier numbers, including a duet with Humphries and another with ACO principal violinist Satu Vänskä.

There might even be dancing of the tango variety.

“My old friend Richard Tognetti and his marvellous band, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, are going to have a wonderful time.”

The music comes from around 1919, where the centre of German political and cultural activity was Berlin, and the theatrical, cabaret and revue scene was centred on Friedrichstrasse, a kind of Berlin Broadway.

Artistic expression was fiercely experimental and left-leaning, hostile to big business and bourgeois society.

After the Nazis seized power in 1933, this so-called “degenerate art” was systematically suppressed then banned, and those who created it became targets.

Richard Tognetti, artistic director and violin; Barry Humphries, conférencier and voice; Meow Meow, special guest artist; Satu Vänskä, violin and voice; Rodney Fisher; director; Iain Grandage, arranger; Stephanie Kamasz. stage manager; Simon Lear, sound engineer.

The show will also tour Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.

Venue: Hamer Hall Dates: 2.30pm. Sunday, May5; 8pm, Monday, May 6.

Bookings: artscentremelbourne. com.au, 1300 182 183

Mark Richardson: Jimmy Cliff interview ... Page 2 City Desk: The Man Who Planted Trees ..... Page 3 Melbourne People: In the picture ........... Page 4 Di Rolle: All the news about Jerry Hall ...... Page 6 News: Conditions placed on teacher ........ Page 7 Long Shots: Our Editor says thanks ......... Page 8 Melb. Confidential: Lawyer at VCAT ........ Page 9 Readers’ Club: Birthdays, recipes .......... Page 10 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and style .......... Page 11 Melb. Extra: Sammy Davis Jnr profile ..... Page 12 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ....... Page 66 Audience decides: Page 69 Op shop find. P70 Local theatre. P73

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Thief stole for revenge ■ Revenge was a major motive behind Geelong man Carl Reid stealing more than $30,000 in property from neighbours, former employers and others over a twoyear period, a court has heard. The Geelong Advertiser reports sentencing was due to take place yesterday as we went to press.

Record choc-a-bloc ■ Lansell Plaza Safeway has broken a Guinness World Record by creating the largest two-dimensional mosaic made from 1000 blocks of Woolworths Select chocolate bars, in a design to say “Happy Easter”, reports the Bendigo Advertiser.

Siege at Black Hill ■ A man in his mid-20s has been arrested, ending a siege lasting almost five hours in Black Hill, reports the Ballarat Courier.

Cash Lenders robbed ■ A Cash Lenders store in Traralgon has been robbed by a man armed with a jemmy bar. He approached a female staff member, demanded cash, fled on foot, says the Latrobe Valley Express.

Weather forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Sunny. 18°-38°.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. 15°-27°.

Friday. Partly cloudy. 13°-26°.

Saturday. Partly cloudy. 10°-27°.

Sunday. Clear. 12°-26°.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 WAYS TO LIVEN UP THE ROLEX F1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 5. Put a McDonald's drive-thru on the last lap.

4. Introduce hurdles.

3. Employ English tourists to stand on the track and wash windscreens.

2. Put Oscar Pistorius in charge of jump starting.

1. Make drivers produce Coles or Woolworths vouchers before they can re-fuel.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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To

Di Jerry Hall is hot, hot, hot

● Jerry Hall as Mrs Robinson Photo: Rob Kelly ■ Hot hot hot! Not the weather. I speak of Jerry Hall.

Celebrated model and actress Jerry Hall came to Melbourne to meet the media at Crown Metropol Hotel and she was fabulous.

In town to talk about her role as the legendary seductress, sexy and sultry Mrs Robinson in The Graduate, she didn’t disappoint.

I have always loved her look and always thought her very bright.

She is the only woman I know whose ambition was to be an astronaut, as she told Andrew Denton during her most memorable interview on ABC1.

A very handsome glamorous stunning woman, Jerry will reprise her role in this Melbourne season of The Graduate, having wowed audiences in this iconic piece of American culture in the West End, Toronto, Broadway, North America and Perth.

The production will play a limited season from September 24 at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Adapted from Charles Webb’s 1963 novel and the Oscar-winning film, The Graduate wasdirected in 1967 by Mike Nichols (who can ever forget Anne Bancroft in her role as Mrs Robinson in the film?) is a moving coming-of-age story and a terrifically funny black comedy.

With the rise of the ‘Cougar’, the production is as relevant today as it was the day it was written.

The Graduate is set against a soundtrack of some of the most memorable songs of the sixties including Wouldn’t It Be Nice by the Beach Boys; Everybody’s Talkin by Harry Nilsson; and, of course, The Sound of Silence and Mrs Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel.

The Independent On Sunday in the UK calls it “a smart, sexy, funny new play”.

Across at The Times, they said “Jerry Hall is cool, suave, sleek, languid, elegant and charismatic; which is all that Mrs Robinson should be”.

“She makes a witty, sharp, drop-dead gorgeous Mrs Robinson,” said BBC London Live. Great praise.

The Graduate is adapted and originally directed by Terry Johnson, and the screenplay by Calder Willingham and .

It is produced in Australia by Kay & McLean Productions Pty Ltd in association with Michael Coppel Theatrical, and will be at Her Majesty’s Theatre from September 24.

Tickets will be through Ticketek. Premium tickets and travel packages: www.showbiz.com.au/the-graduate A very exciting piece of theatre! I can’t wait!

Piano and Percy

I love my job!

■ I love piano and also Percy Grainger. London-based Australian pianist and composer Penelope Thwaites performs both.

Penelope has performed and broadcast in more than 25 countries on five continents.

Since her Wigmore Hall debut in 1974, she has appeared regularly as recitalist in London’s major concert halls and has built a reputation as an intensely communicative artist in a wide repertoire.

Penelope is recognised as a leading exponent of the music of Percy Grainger, and like Grainger, she grew up in Melbourne.

Penelope surveys music which inspired Grainger as pianist and composer and his own idiosyncratic compositions.

This recital is part of Salon Solo, a new series showcasing leading musicians in the intimacy of the Salon. I highly recommend seeing her.

Time: 6pm, Wed, March 20, in the Salon at Melbourne Recital Centre (60 mins no interval) Pop out for dinner or a quiet drink and ponder the performance Tickets: $35 ($25 concession) contact Melbourne Recital Centre 9699 3333 or melbournerecital.com.au

For SIMON PALOMARES, STILL CRAZY

■ Simon Palomares is dashingly handsome. He is also dashingly funny.

He is my ‘Comedian of the Week’.

With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2013 coming up shortly, I plan to write each week about some of my favourite comedians who have shows coming up in the festival.

Simon’s show is called Still Crazy. He tells me it is a mature show, it’s a new show exploring life, travel and relationship after touring around the world and the high seas for the past few years.

A master storyteller, he brings an insight and mastery to his comedy as few performers do.

Still Crazy looks at the insanity of love and life. The passion and the perils. The peaks and the pitfalls. All with insight, warmth, side-splitting laughter and the Spanish pizazz.

This Sunday (Mar. 17), Simon has been asked to host the Oz Australia Gala in Perth in front of an audience of 6000 people and to be televised on SBS TV. I look forward to catching him before he sets off again touring Spain and Argentina later in the year.

I am going to make the most of the venue he is performing in and have a meal on or after the show.

He has been called “clever and genuinely funny” by The Age. Simon will not disappoint.

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Simon Palomares “From the moI said OK which ment he hit the is an absolute no no. stage, Simon PaloI remember also mares has the audi- taking a very good ence eating out of friend to the opera his hand, a talented one night and didn’t storyteller, Palo- tell him it was an mares is both ap- opera – it skipped pealing and enter- my mind, as we taining, providing a settled in with our really enjoyable comedy experi- chocolates and iceence.” notes the creams and the Adelaide Advertiser.

See Simon at Three Degrees , No 1 QC Square, Cnr Swanston and Lonsdale Sts, Tues.-Sat. April 9-20 April, (not Mondays).

Tickets are $25, show time is 7:15pm Bookings: www.trybooking.com or phone Comedy @ Three Degrees 0417 65 1538.

lights went down, I turned to him and said, “Oh it’s an Opera” He was off, out of his seat, ice-cream and the box of chocolates in hand, and was out of the theatre before the curtain came up!

Opera Mania is for opera lovers and I recommend for people who have never been to the opera. This is the real deal.

For the first time in Australia, Russia’s finest opera singers are in a seamless theatrical presentation.

It includes Moscow Novaya Opera soloists and orchestra with dancers from the Russian Imperial Ballet.

With a wonderful selection of music by the world’s most celebrated composers including Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Mozart, Bizet, Rossini, Verdi, Bellini and Johann Strauss, Moscow

Operamania ■ I love opera. I remember taking my sister to opera once and she didn’t quite like it the way I did and she asked if we could leave!

● Elizaveta Soina

● Penelope Thwaites Novaya Opera will take you on a journey highlighting some of the most loved operas of all time including The Magic Flute, Rigoletto, The Pearl Fishers, Tosca, The Barber Of Seville, Carmen and many more.

Featuring 10 dynamic soloists and four classical ballet dancers in full cos-

tume and a brilliant 44-piece symphony orchestra direct from Moscow, Opera Mania will delight the most seasoned music lovers as well as first time opera-goers.

This will be the first time that a Russian opera company has undertaken a national tour of Australia.

Welcome to Elizaveta ■ Among the Opera Mania performers are the beautiful Elizaveta Soina, soprano.

Elizaveta has never been here before.

She is a lyric soprano and soloist at the Novaya Opera Theatre.

She participates in festivals and takes master-classes at the International Masters Vocal School in Moscow, where her specialisation is world operas.

See Opera Mania in Melbourne on Friday-Saturday, April 19-20 at 7.30pm, Hamer Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.

Bookings: Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 182 183 or artscentremelbourne. com.au

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Court Roundsman

Media Flash CONDITIONS PLACED ON TEACHER Doing Pirates

Briefs

A ‘win’ for both papers

Grand Prix ANGER MANAGEMENT MUST BE ADDRESSED ■ Formula 1 fans will find racing entertainment along the Crown Riverwalk from Thurs.Sun. (Mar. 14-17).

Every day from 11am – 8pm the GP Live Site will have attractions for all ages.

Arrests

■ Police made about 50 arreests for drug offences at the Future Music Festival at Flemington Racecourse at the weekend.

At awards

■ Victorian teacher Christine Sally Hobbs has been found guilty of serious misconduct.

The Disciplinary Proceedings Committee of the Victorian Institute of Teaching has placed five conditions upon Ms Hobbs’s ongoing registration.

Hobbs must consult a registered psychologist for counselling.

A minimum of 10 sessions muse be held this year looking at Hobbs’s emotional upheaval and personal circumstances which the Panel considers have significantly impacted her professionally; anger management; differentiating between personal and professional roles; a considered assessment of the level of discomfort other professionals voiced about her behaviour; a thorough analysis of her own behaviour during the hearing; and a comprehensive understanding of the Victorian Institute of Teaching Code of Ethics.

The anger management matters are to include insights, triggers and future coping strategies.

Ms Hobbs has been ordered to differentiate between personal and professional roles, with specific reference to family-related circumstances, and the mapping of the teacher’s future engagement in matters concerning the education of her grandchildren.

She has been asked to examine where she “fell short of what is required of a teacher”.

Ms Hobbs is to is to provide the Institute with two reports from the registered psychologist.

Ms Hobbs must provide two written letters, to accompany each of the psychologist’s reports, detailing the teacher’s personal views on her progress, and the personal and professional insights she has gained, addressing all matters.

Ooops! ● Rachel Griffiths ■ Movie star Rachel Griffiths will be a guest presenter at the Mel-bourne Press Club’s Quill Awards at Crown Palladium on Friday (Mar. 15) night.

Inside news from TV, radio, press and online

■ Tony Wright, National Afairs Editor for The Age, offered a feature piece in Saturday’s edition about new Victorian Premier Denis Napthine.

Wright made a comparison to Sir Henry: “Bolte remained premier for 27 years.”

No, Bolte was Premier from 1955-72.

That’s 17 years, said Seven News correspondent Brendan Donohoe

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● Sir Henry Bolte

● Tony Wright

● May (left) and Alia rehearse performing Pirates Of Penzance as a two-hander, at the newly located Butterfly Club from March 12-17.

Photo:Matty Fuller ■ The newly located Butterfly Club is the venue for May And Alia Do Pirates from March 12-17.

This fun show is billed as “a low fi homage to the cheesy, over-the-top sillyness of Gilbert and Sullivan’s original masterpiece.”

It is the chance fo which May and Alia have been waiting. The rest of the cast are held up in traffic, doubled over with food poisoning, and now there is no other option. They are going to have to perform the whole of Pirates Of Penzance by themselves! Again.

With nothing to fall back on but funny voices, silly hats and hastily cobbled together sock-faced co-stars, what results is a lighthearted, clowning, puppeteering musical which condenses two acts of Pirates into 50 minutes.

Directed by Eva Johansen, May and Alia enjoyed a successful Melbourne Fringe debut and are one of the first show in the new Butterfly Club, before gearing up for a tour to the Canadian Fringe Festival in July.

They plan to do it all – sharing the characters of Pirates and revelling in the silliness and absurdity of having to sing a six-part harmony with only two voices, acting out mock battles between the Pirates and Police, and not letting a silly little thing like ‘the plot’ get in the way of telling a good story.

Venue: The Butterfly Club, Carson Place (off Little Collins St.), Melbourne CBD Dates: March 12-17 Times: Tues, Weds, Sun 8pm. Thurs, Fri, Sat at 9pm. Duration: 60 minutes Tickets: Full $28 , Concession $25, Group $20 (8 or more) www.thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold

Pseudo Echo at Montsalvat ■ Harvest ‘N’ Graze Festival is coming to Montsalvat, Eltham, from 10am-6pm on Sunday, March 24.

The event brings together provedores from across Victoria, as well as live entertainment with Pseudo Echo headlining the event.

● Harvest and Graze Festival at Montsalvat

■ Melbourne newspaper readers were the winners as both local dailies played their Agame in the first week of head-to-head combat as tabloids.

The Herald Sun led day one with its ‘Secret Tapes’ exclusive, and the first Age front-page was disappointing, looking more like a magazine section than ● Melissa Fyfe a newspaper cover.

But at least there was a point of difference.

The Age did well with casual newsagency sales, but as the long-term commericial war settles in, its $2 cover price will be a challenge for its marketers, against the $1.20 Herald Sun. Star of the first week was Age investigative journalist Melissa Fyfe who filed a number of front-page exclsuives including new evidence about the Kilmore East-Kinglake ‘Black Saturday’ fires, and a deep analysis on former Premier Ted Baillieu’s resignation.

‘Psychological warfare’ ■ For decades, a sideshow of a good press war, has been the sniping between journalists working for the various newspapers.

Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have replaced some of the bar-room chiding.

Veteran Age scribe Lawrence Money has ● Lawrence Money been taunting his exNews Limited colleagues at the Herald Sun, which he nicknames “Murdoch’s Little Paper”: “More tabloid newspaper indicators. Sad people aren't sad in the tabloids, they "fight back tears'.”

Will ‘The Oz’ go tabloid?

■ Age journalists have been teasing their peers at The Australian, suggesting that a conversion of the national broadsheet to ‘compact’ size is overdue for the 49-year-old title owned by Rupert Murdoch.

One Fairfax reporter termed The Oz as ailing. Media Flash is not ● Chris Mitchell so sure about that.

The Australian, led by Chris Mitchell, is part of the News Corporation group, which recorded a profit of $2.38 billion in the last financial quarter. By comparison, Fairfax Media brought down a loss of $2.6 billion last year. Fairfax has announced that it is sacking 1900 people. One never knows who might be next.

Channel 31 Chair speaks ■ Mike Zafiropoulos, Chair of the Board at Melbourne community television station, Channel 31, was guest speaker at a luncheon held yesterday (Tues.) at Morgans At 401 in Collins St. The luncheon was organised by Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Jones and his deputy Hillel Bene● Mike Zafiropoulos dykt.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

TOP VIOLINIST HERE

Celebrating 125 years of community care

Our Doors are Open!

Helen Miles with Frank Fordyce For those readers who have been involved in Freemasonry in some way, you will know that two foundation values of Freemasonry are benevolence and charity.

Freemasons practise these values in many ways; by assisting people in need in the wider community, by providing grants to charitable causes, by issuing scholarships to students and by volunteering their time.

In celebrating over 125 years of providing generous support to Victorians, current President of Freemasons Victoria's Board of Benevolence and Freemason of more than 36 years, Frank Fordyce, reflects upon some of Freemason's Victoria's most memorable beneficiaries and charitable efforts.

"In recent times we have established a wonderful partnership with Melbourne Youth Music.

“The grants which this excellent organisation receive from Freemasons Victoria are applied to enable music students aged between 7 and 25 years to improve their musical performance skills, under the direction and guidance of highly qualified and internationally recognised tutors," explains Mr Fordyce.

"Another one of my favourite projects was the 2012 King Valley Ranges Arts Alliance inaugural art show in Kinglake West.

“We funded the 'Best In Show' art prize. It was important to Freemasons that we support this community as it continues to recover from the devastating events of Black Saturday.

“This award was won by a talented local artist named Helen Miles," said Mr Fordyce.

"Another memorable project was our donation of a new Mercedes Benz food transport van to a charity called Second Bite," said Mr Fordyce.

“Second Bite distributes surplus fresh food from supermarkets and other retailers, to families in need.

“Another food transport van was donated to Waverley Industries in conjunction with SEAVIC Lodge.

“Waverley Industries is a not-for-profit organisation that provides employment opportunities for people with special needs, in particular intellectually disabled adults".

There are many other examples of the Freemasons support to schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, public amenities, charities and people in need, whether it is on a large or small scale.

"Historically, Freemasons have been quiet and humble in going about helping their communities.

“After 125 years of community care, we will be a bit louder and prouder as one of the leading and longest standing benevolent organisations in Victoria," said Mr Fordyce.

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.

■ Sarah Chang, recognised as one of the world’s greatest violinists, will be making a rare Australian concert appearance and her Melbourne debut with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at 8pm on Saturday, March 23, and 6.30pm on Monday, March 25 at Hamer Hall.

Born in the United States from South Korean parents, Chang made her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 8 and performed at Carnegie Hall at only 13.

Festival at Echuca

■ Your scribe had a surgical procedure at Warringal Private Hospital, Heidelberg, last Wednesday.

Thankfully, the work was nowhere near as complicated as we feared it might be.

Our gratitude is extended to Assoc. Professor Omar Farouque, and the Coronary Care unit at Warringal led by Tanya McPharlane.

And our real thanks to the caring nursing team which includes Jackie (Doris), Jane, Debbie, Neil, Sab, Simone, Elise, Angela, Chris, Marika and Sue.

● Sarah Chang

Long Shots

● Yvonne Malik as Lay-lah Wazir ■ Lay-lah Wazir: A Nightmare on High Street is debuting at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Lay-lah has become a motivational ‘speecher’ in order to be able to afford the life to which she has become accustomed at Lalor Fortress Heights; the housing estate to where she uprooted her family.

It plays at Comedy On Collins (Assembly Hall),156 Collins St, Melbourne, from April 320 at 6.30pm.

Disney On Ice in Melb.

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 Thought For The Week ■ Never make fun at someone who uses and abuses the English language. He may in training to write tomorrow’s hit songs.

Observer Curmudgeon ■ Every time we hear a radio DJ play the top 10 tunes we really get the shakes wondering what the bottom 10 will be.

Text For The Week ■ “Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more’."

- Hebrews 10:17

● Assoc. Professor Omar Farouque

People Nightmare On High Street

■ This weekend’s 5th Echuca Moama Celtic Festival (March 15-17) will host a variety of music, dancing, and entertainment.

A gala opening night will be staged on Friday and the entertainment continues through to the Sunday afternoon final concert with the Victoria Welsh Male Choir, says publicist Belinda Owen.

You gotta have heart

Melbourne

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.

■ Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes is a spectacular ice production featuring eight loved Disney Princesses and their Princes, with skating, acrobatics, high flying jumps, and Disney friends.

Publicist Julie Cavanagh says the Melbourne shows will be staged from July 4-8 at Hisense Arena.

‘Week For The Kids’ ■ The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal will kick off with a community ‘week for the kids’ program - starting off with in the City Link Run For The Kids (R4K) on Sunday, March 24.

Each day leading up to Good Friday will see a special event to highlight the community’s involvement in the Appeal.

Some 100,000 volunteers and hundreds of corporate sponsors are expected be involved in this year’s fundraiser.

Across the week, dozens of pubs will be taking part in Parma Week- where the proceeds of the sale the popular chicken parma are donated to the Appeal.

The Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie, is hoping to set a record in 2013 by selling the most parmas in 24 hours on Monday, March 24.

Other events include the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Luncheon with guest speaker Sarah Murdoch and Seven newsreader, Jennifer Keyte, as MC.

At 90th birthday party ■ Observer columnist Cheryl Threadgold had a delightful catch-up with reader Jessie Lynch of Clifton Hill at the 90th birthday of Varney Seares held at the Sandringham Club on Sunday (Mar. 10).

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

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

‘Not fit to teach’

■ Victorian teacher Carlos Dellaportas has been declared “not fit to teach” by the Disciplinary Proceedings Committee of the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Anne Sarros, Chair of the Committee, placed a notice in last week’s Victoria Government Gazette informing of the Institute’s move to cancel Dellaportas’s registration as a teacher.

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Poster boy Peter Costello

SOUTH YARRA LAWYER’S PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT

■ Prominent South Yarra alwyer Nick Galatas has pleaded guilty to two charges of “professional misconduct”.

A directions hearing will be held at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to decide on orders.

VCAT Senior Member Jonathan Smithers heard that there had been extensive delays in a simple conveyancing matter being handled by Galatas, 47.

The matter refers to a Glen Waverley land subdivision into two lots, with transfer of one of the lots to a Iovino family member. The matter dragged for six years.

Galatas pleaded guilty to failing to use his best endeavours to effect the transfer, contrary to professional conduct rules.

Galatas failed to respond to his client’s requests for information, and failed to follow up with the clients until they referred the matter to the Legal Services Commissioner, Michael McGarvie, some nine years after being given initial instructions.

● Michael McGarvie, Legal Services Commissioner Galatas faces potential civil liability for losses incurred by his clients, VCAT was told.

Galatas has previous orders made against him by the Legal Profession Trubunal for misconduct matters.

■ Nick Galatas has been reprimanded by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ■ Galatas has been ordered to pay a $2000 fine to the Legal Services Board within 30 days ■ Galatas is to arrange supervision by a senior practitioner, for 12 months, at his expense ■ Galatas must pay the fees of the Legal Services Board ■ A hearing will be held to see if Galatas is liable to pay coimpensation to his clients, Antoinetta Iovino, Loredana Iovino, David Sornig and Alex Dorozhkin over the Wilson Rd matter.

■ Mr Smithers heard that the intra-family transaction did not qualify from stamp duty exemption of $32, 272 because of Galatas’s delays. The family also had to pay $2934 land tax, and $2500 to another solicitor.

Rumour Mill

■ David Betts, Deputy Registrar, advises that a number of Victorian associations will son lose their incorporation status:

TV producer sues Ten ■ A community TV presenter is accusing Network Ten of trademark infringement, using the title Couch Time on Eleven when he has had The Couch on air for more than 10 years. Fred Mafrica, host and producer of the show, says Ten paid him a $10,000 licence fee for two years to use the name, but is no longer paying him and he believes they are forcing him into a legal battle he cannot afford.

Pirate king

Fined $2000, must be supervised

ASSOCIATIONS LOSE STATUS ● Peter Costello was featured in this Age poster outside newsagents last week ■ Bitch is certain the timely was purely coincidental. Peter Costello was contributing a fortnightly column to The Age. He was told that his words would only be required monthly.

The former Federal Treasurer moved camp to the opposition Herald Sun. Within a day or so, Costello appeared on an Age poster, suggesting his consultancy firm may have been involved in a conflict.

■ Mark Fletcher of the Australian Newsagency Blog says Melbourne newsagency customers were confused to find The Saturday Age was still a broadsheet after last week’s hype of the weekday editions converting to tabloid-size.

“Is The Age broadsheet or tabloid?” he asked. “The Saturday Age is in broadsheet format and this is confusing some shoppers brought to the products through the fanfare of the week’s launch to a tabloid format.”

Whispers

Upper Murray Netball Association Inc.; Health and Development Alliance Inc.; Anytime Melbourne Marketing Fund Inc.; Balmoral Tennis Club Inc.; Braunvieh Beef Australia Inc.; Teasdale Reserve Committee of Management Inc.; Rotary Club of Wantirna Inc.; Heart Healing Equine Haven Inc.; Friends of Yea Railway Inc.; Keilor Village Traders Association Inc.; Hobsons Bay District Ladies Bowling Association Inc.; Australian Jen Chen Buddhism Mission of Melbourne Inc.; Rosebud Community Centre Inc.; Association of Folk Rhythm and Life Inc.; Mansfield Croquet Club Inc.; Kirridth Yordtharrangba Inc.; CFAM Adolescent and Family Services Inc.; Challenge Christian Church Inc.; Golf Environment Preservation Incorporated; True Blues Supporters Inc.; Port Fairy Pre-School Inc.; Chadstone Women’s Fitness Association Inc.; Melbourne Workers Theatre Inc.; The Honourable Association of Scottish Armigers, Australia Inc.; Transition Corner Inlet District Inc.; International South Sudan Humanitarian Development Inc.; Empire Rubber (Australia) Social Club Inc.; Drysdale Park Adult Riding Club Inc.; Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery Associates Inc.; The Merrell Kindergarten Inc.; Jewish Family Community Centre Inc.; Manangatang Football Club Inc.; Gesher House Seminar Project Inc.; Enfield Forest Alliance Incorporated; Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders of Australia (Western Australia Branch) Inc.; Philippine-Ilocandia Association of Australia Inc.; Hampton Park East Pre School Inc.; The Australian A.I.D.S. Fund (Victorian Branch) Inc.; Barry Beach Social Club Inc.; Defence Family Centre Inc.; Western Bulldog’s Bendigo Supporters Group Inc.; Vital Mission Inc.; Scaffidi Foundation Inc.; Ariston (The Progressive Centre for the Greek Language and Culture) Inc.; Intr’acte Theatre Company Inc.; Australian Asian Exchange Association Inc.; Australian Pacific Turkish Business Council Inc.; Murray Valley Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc.; Hill End Tennis Club Inc.

● Jon English ■ Singer Jon English, 63, has appeared in Court, charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after a Canberra show. He blew .066. He was not convicted.

Charged ■ Barry Plant Real Estate agents Chris Lio and Con Constantinou, both 52, have been charged with drug ofences after Police raided more than a dozen houses managed by the men in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Police searched 16 properties in Thomastown, South Morang, Wollert, Epping and Mernda.

Houses are alleged to have been let to marjiuana growers.

On market Hear It Here First

Election may be sooner ■ Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the government will bring forward media law changes before the September election. Don’t be too sure about the Labor Party wanting to shake the media owners’ cage too vigourosly before a poll ... or that the election will be held in September, if Julia Gillard is ousted as Prime Minister.

School loses VCAT appeal ■ Korowa Anglican Girls’ School has lost its VCAT appeal against a Stonnington Council decision preventing the demolition of school buildings to allow a new chapel and administration area in Renfurlie Cres., Glen Iris.

Ugliness aimed at scribes ■ News Limited is keeping an interested eye on some of unsolicited Twitter chat directed at some of their reporters. This could get ugly.

‘Harassment’ can be defined as any form of behaviour that you do not want. It can include material put on a computer, sent by email, or put on a website, blog or social networking site.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Reg Grundy ■ Paintings from the collection of TV producer Reg Grundy are expected to sell for up to $20 million when they go under the hammer in June, reports Tim Douglas of The Australia.

Works by Fred Williams, Arthur Boyd, Eugene von Guerard, Sidney Nolan, John Brack, Tom Roberts, Ian Fairweather and Rosalie Gascoigne are among 90 lots.

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Readers’ Club The Way We Were

Melbourne Photo Flashback

IN PRINT: Read the Melbourne Observer every week.

Buy at your newsagent, or by mail subscription.

FACEBOOK: Follow our updates, and post your own coments at www.facebook.com/ MelbourneObserverGroup TWITTER: Follow our updates, and post your own Tweets at www.twitter.com/ MelbourneObs

BY POST: Mail contributions to Observer Readers’ Club PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

100 Years Ago Box Hill Reporter issued in conjunction with Camberwell & Hawthorn Advertiser and Kew Mercury Friday, March 14, 1913 PROGRESS OF BOX HILL A weatherboard shop and dwelling that has stood in Station street. Box Hill, opposite the site occupied by the Bank of Victoria, for the past 23 or 21 years, and which was recently sold by Messrs. Morton and Son to Mr. McClelland, a railway employee was carted away practically as it stood to Ringwood on. Monday last by Messrs.

Lennan Bros., of Footscray.

It was purchased by the present owner for £55, and will be improved and used as a dwelling house.

Another little fillip to the progress of Ringwood, and incidentally to Box Hill. A two-storied brick shop is to be erected on the site it occupied for Mr. J. Staffers, the well known ironmonger, of White Horse road. The three two-storied brick buildings on the White Horse road, near the Recreation hall, have now been completed ad and are now occupied by Messrs Andrew and company, tailors and mercers Mr. A. W. Cook, estate agent; and Messrs. Coleman and Denham, saddlers, etc.

BAND CONTEST AT BOX HILL SHOW All arrangements have now been completed for ihe holding of a band con test in connection with the Doncaster and Box Hill show on Friday and Saturday next, and from an entertainment standpoint the innovation should prove at decided acquisition to the above. The "Reporter" district Box Hill), Emerald and Croydon bands will compete for prizes totalling £15.

● Moomba car races, Albert Park. 1956.

Life’s Lessons

Reader Recipes

FAX: 1-800 231 312 E-MAIL: editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

■ “Comedy is aggression by other means.”

- Peter Conrad

Birthdays/Celebrations

Word Of The Week

■ Wedenesday, March 13. Observer reader Leanne Sinnamon of Braybrook is 52. Newsman George Negus is 71.

■ Thursday, March 14. TV reporter Tara Brown is 45.

■ Friday, March 15. The Ides of March.

Football legend Lou Richards is 90. Actress Val Lehman is 70.

■ Saturday, March 16. Comedian Jerry Lewis is 87.

■ Sunday, March 17. St Patrick’s Day. Observer reader Jacqueline Healy of Brooklyn, NY, celebrates today. Happy birthday to Glenn Hodges (55). Birthday honours for 3AW presenter Dee Dee Dunleavy (51).

Many happy returns to Jodie O’Brien. Media man Rob Sitch is 51.

■ Monday, March 18. Observer reader of Pamela Gleeson of Carrum Downs is 72.

Happy birthday to Bet Redfern. Businessman Dick Smith is 69.

■ Tuesday, March 19. TV presenter Natalie Barr is 45.Chef Gabriel Gate is 58.

■ Scorned: past participle, past tense of scorn (Verb). Feel or express contempt or derision for. Reject (something) in a contemptuous way.

People We See ■ Eccadentesiast. One who fakes a smile.

Your Stars with Christina La Cross ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) A

Join in our chat

Money really seems to be dictating what you can and cannot do. What the planets are trying to get you to do is talk to close ones rather than cover over issues by splashing the cash.

TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) Things you find out around now may make you feel as if you've been pushed into a corner when in fact just the opposite is the case. You're forced to make a choice, but at least you get to choose.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Don't put yourself down when people say good things about you in your career. I know you're good and deep down inside so do you. Utilizing talents which have lain dormant can confirm this.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Someone from the past is evident and you may find yourself having to seek out support from them or even a signature in order to be able to move on to the future with peace of mind.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) You feel trapped, but you're the only one who can set yourself free by admitting how you feel. If you really don't know, then try making a list of what and who you know you don't want.

VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) You're beginning to like that element of surprise which is all part and parcel of a certain person in your life. In fact you're changing as a person and things you say tonight confirm this.

LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) You know you can't change your family but you can change the way you allow yourself to be manipulated by them. Say no where you need to. Try it today and see how good you feel.

SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) Although you can't force a younger person's hand, you can let them know that you don't support them in what they're proposing. In fact, the gentle approach is likely to have a far more dramatic effect.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) Plans you lay with your close ones right now say a lot for how you view your future with them. Don't promise money you don't have yet as an expensive month requires you do the math.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) You can't turn your feelings on and off like a tap. You feel the way you do and there's not a lot you can do about it. Telling the person concerned would help though Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) I know you've gone through some horrible experiences in the last year but I also know you've come out of them a stronger and more focused person. That's why I know you won't suffer a fool tonight.

PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) Work is on your mind as there's much you can do at this time to shape your job to your needs. Charm which the stars have given to you can melt even the coldest of hearts.

● Easter Biscuits Courtesy: taste.com.au Equipment: You will need Easter-themed cookie cutters.

Ingredients 125g butter, softened 1/2 cup caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1 1/2 cups plain flour 1 to 2 tablespoons milk Icing 1 cup pure icing sugar, sifted 4 to 5 teaspoons water food colouring of choice Log in to add to My Shopping List Method Notes Step 1: Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until well combined. Use a wooden spoon to stir in flour and enough milk to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth. Divide dough in half. Press each half into a 10cm (diameter) round. Wrap separately in greaseproof paper and refrigerate for 40 minutes, or until firm.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 160°C. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Roll dough out between 2 sheets of baking paper to 5mm thick.

Step 4: Cut out shapes and place onto lined tray. Refrigerate until firm. Press leftover dough together. Repeat until all dough is used.

Step 5: Bake biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Step 6: Make icing: Combine icing sugar and enough water to form a thick icing. Add a few drops of food colouring. Stir until well combined. Spoon icing into a small snap-lock bag. Snip off 1 corner. Pipe icing over biscuits to decorate. Allow to set.

Observer Wisdom ■ Don't waste a minute not being happy. If one window closes, run to the next windowor break down a door.

- Brooke Shields

Cheerios

■ Observer Editor Ash Long continues his thanks to readers for their good wishes on his hospitalisation last week. A large list appeared in last week’s edition.

Thanks also to Mavis Ellis (phone call); June Warren (card); Chess Julia Allan, Lorna Bachmann, Andrew Baudinette, Philip Brady, Geoff Brown, Julie Brown, Gary Buckley, Debra Byrne, Fiona Byrne, Jai Cameron, Julie Cavanagh, Ani Clyde, Steve Curtis, Tony Davis, Greta Donaldson, George Donikian, Yvonne Dovaston, Murray Dickson, Rob Elliott, Lisa Engelander, Des Ford, Maurice Golden, Dave Graham, Anthony Hadj, Michael Haines, Jacqueline Healy, Alex Hehr, Colleen Hewett, Frank Howson, Larry James, Ross James, Marcie Jones, Sandy Kaye, Russell King, Yvonne Lawrence, Alison Lee-Tet, Greg Long, Sarah Long, Lachlan Macdonald, Fiona Mackenzie, Ali Meikle, Denise Meikle, Mike McColl Jones, Peter Mobbs, Chris Nelson, Maris O’Sullivan, Mick Pacholli, Rita Qu, Wendy Rawady, Rob Richardson, Rena Ross, Damian Sleep, Marg Sonnreich, Suwondo Sukiran, John Taylor, Rachel D Taylor, Lena Verne, Jan Walker, Cecily Waters, Lynne West, Michael J Wilkie and Ian Wright.

■ Cheerio to Betty Jeffrey of Glenburn who has sent in a recipe for future publication.

■ Thanks to Observer subscribers Sid Mann, Bruno Scarcella and David ‘Wombat’ Lyons who have been in contact with our office.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

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

Showbiz Extra

LOGIE NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

■ Nominations for the TV Week Logies were announced on Monday.

Major categories are: Gold Logie: Most Popular Personality on TV Adam Hills (Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight, ABC1) Andy Lee (Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap Year/Hamish & Andy’s Caravan Of Courage: Australia Vs New Zealand, Nine Network) Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten) Carrie Bickmore (The Project, Network Ten) Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap Year/Hamish & Andy’s Caravan Of Courage: Australia Vs New Zealand, Nine Network) Steve Peacocke (Home And Away, Channel Seven) Silver Logie: Most Popular Actor Firass Dirani (House Husbands, Nine Network; The Straits, ABC1) Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven) Lachy Hulme (Howzat!, Nine Network; Beaconsfield, Nine Network; Offspring, Network Ten) Matthew Le Nevez (Offspring, Network Ten)

Steve Peacocke (Home And Away, Channel Seven) Silver Logie: Most Popular Actress Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten) Ashleigh Cummings (Puberty Blues, Network Ten; Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, ABC1) Deborah Mailman (Mabo, ABC1; Redfern Now, ABC1; Offspring, Network Ten) Julia Morris (House Husbands, Nine Network) Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven) Silver Logie: Most Popular Presenter Adam Hills (Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight, ABC1) Andy Lee (Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap Year, Caravan of Courage: Australia Vs New Zealand, Nine Network) Carrie Bickmore (The Project, Network Ten) Chrissie Swan (Can of Worms, Network Ten) Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap Year, Caravan of Courage: Australia Vs New Zealand, Nine Network) Most Popular New Male Talent

Alex Williams (Underground: The JulianAssange Story, Network Ten) David Campbell (Mornings, Nine Network) Joel Madden (The Voice, Nine Network) Robert Irwin (Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors, Network Ten) Will McDonald (Home and Away, Channel Seven) Most Popular New Female Talent Annabel Crabb (Kitchen Cabinet, ABC2) Brenna Harding (Puberty Blues, Network Ten) Catherine Mack (Home and Away, Channel Seven) Clare Bowditch (Offspring, Network Ten) Edwina Royce (House Husbands, Nine Network) Most Popular Drama Series Home And Away, Channel Seven House Husbands, Nine Network Offspring, Network Ten Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven Puberty Blues, Network Ten Most Popular Miniseries or Telemovie Beaconsfield, Nine Network

Bikie Wars: Brothers In Arms, Network Ten Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War, Nine Network Underbelly: Badness, Nine Network Underground: The Julian Assange Story, Network Ten Most Popular Light Entertainment Program Gruen Planet,ABC1 Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap Year, Nine Network The Project, Network Ten The Voice, Nine Network The X Factor, Channel Seven Most Popular Lifestyle Program Better Homes And Gardens, Channel Seven Getaway, Nine Network Grand Designs Australia, The LifeStyle Channel The Living Room, Network Ten Selling Houses Australia, The LifeStyle Channel Most Popular Sports Program Before The Game, Network Ten Paralympics London 2012 – Highlights, ABC1 The Footy Show (AFL), Nine Network The Footy Show (NRL), Nine Network

Wide World Of Sports, Nine Network Most Popular Reality Program Beauty And The Geek Australia, Channel Seven Big Brother, Nine Network MasterChef Australia, Network Ten My Kitchen Rules, Channel Seven The Block, Nine Network Most Popular Factual Program Bondi Rescue, Network Ten Bondi Vet, Network Ten Border Security: Australia’s Front Line, Channel Seven RPA, Nine Network Who Do You Think You Are?, SBS One Gold Logie: TV Week Logie Hall of Fame Award Not announced yet.

Silver Logie: Most Outstanding Actor Aaron Jeffery (Underbelly: Badness, Nine Network) Anthony Hayes (Devil’s Dust, ABC1) Guy Pearce (Jack Irish, ABC1) Jimi Bani (Mabo, ABC1) Lachy Hulme (Howzat!, Nine Network) ● More nominations www.tvweek.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

MEET BRAVEHEART THE SECOND

■ What is it about me that makes me a saviour to goldfish?

I’ve just rescued another poor goldfish from a muddy and almost empty fish pond.

We removed the last of the fish to their new home in the back garden.

It was much larger than their old home, which we turned into a wonderful birdbath. The birds now have ample room to splash about and they bring along their friends to share.

I thought I saw something move in the muddy water and on close inspection it was a goldfish. I wondered if a kookaburra had dropped it into the water on his way to his nest.

Managing to rescue it from the mud wasn’t easy, and it looked a poor pathetic thing with a mangy tail and any semblance of gold had disappeared.

Magic touch saves

■ I thought of the last fish I rescued and as I was giving it CPR and a gentle massage I named him Braveheart The Second.

This is how my magic touch saved another goldfish.

My husband was in hospital, and as I was in charge of the shop, I schlepped to the local café to buy a morning paper and a latte before opening.

Life can be full of surprises because little did I think that I would find, in the gutter, an exotic goldfish, lying upside down in a plastic saucer like container and gasping for breath.

I don’t know how long he had been there, but there was no water, and it was in the depth of winter. Lying beside the dish was an expensive remote control.

Had hoons stolen it from a nearby flat? Had little children decided to take the fish for a ride in the car with mum and before she caught them had thrown it out of the window?

It was a mystery.

Endangered species?

■ All thought of my responsibility with the shop flew out the window. My immediate action was to save the fish, and try and find an owner.

Yvonne’s Column

I know nothing about gold fish although I have three fishponds and a large aquarium on my desk.

All I know is that you feed them sparingly and keep the tank in pristine condition.

Yet here I was, with no knowledge at all, trying to save this little fella from that big pond in the sky.

Mouth to mouth was no option. I was in urgent need of Rex Hunt and his expertise.

Getting him home was going to present a problem.

He slipped into a plastic bag filled with the water from the bowl and I took the long way home without thought of the cost of petrol and managed not to go around any corners and shake him to death.

He deserved to live with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

I wondered if he could be an endangered species because his eyes were like balloons, however first things first. He had to be saved, or if he was beyond help to put him out of his misery.

I brought him into the shop and put him in a bowl of tepid water. His tail drooped even more.

I called him Braveheart because this little guy was a fighter.

He was the topic of conversation with customers, and all thought of buying was gone once they heard the story.

Yibbida, yibbida ■ One of Peter’s customers phoned the Police to report an exotic fish being found.

Another phoned the local hotel asking if anyone had been robbed and in particular his or her fish had been taken.

It didn’t take long once the tom-toms started beating for most of High Street to know of the drama being acted out at number 457.

There were people coming in so often to enquire about the fish that it resembled a good sales day.

■ I put him in my fish tank and he immediately sank to the bottom. It appeared that he was going to expire for no apparent reason and being a Buddhist I may come back as a shark or a whale being chased by a Japanese trawler for my trouble.

This little fellow deserved to live.

Next morning I rushed into my office and was overjoyed to see him clinging to life. He wasn’t doing laps of the aquarium but his bubble eyes were brighter.

Customers were still coming into the shop for an update on Braveheart days later.

It’s amazing. I’ve had goldfish for many years.

I’ve paid a kings ransom for some of them, followed instructions to the letter so that they acclimatise before accepting their new home. And next morning they have expired for no reason that I can fathom and are floating on top of the water.

Deserved his name ■ So to me this little guy’s survival was a miracle, and he well deserved the name of Braveheart.

He lived for a few years in luxury, cruising around the aquarium looking for all the world like Captain Nemo’s amazing underwater vessel.

I hope Braveheart Mark Two will survive.

He couldn’t have better care.

He’s looking livelier, and seems to be accepted by the other fish. In fact, I think I saw him try a lap around the pond a few minutes ago, so that must mean it’s going to be okay.

Peter was kept up to date with the drama of the fish, and I could actually tell him that the day I found Braveheart sales were well up.

Hating the heat

■ Peter, my other half, has a lot to put up with me being such a pushover for animals.

But all he says is that he has married a lovable section 8, and wouldn’t change me for the world.

Moosh hates the heat, and has been appearing at intervals during the day, yelling his head off in protest.

I last saw him collapsed in a heap beside the pond. It must be a beautifully cool place to lie, listening to the lapping water, and contemplating the fish.

The other day we were sitting in a café with friends having a coffee when we noticed a dog sitting under a chair panting his head off as he waited for his owner.

How to earn a tip

■ I’m amazed when I see people walking their dogs in the heat of the day and then stopping for a refreshing latte whilst their poor dogs are tied up outside to a chair leg and panting for lack of water.

Some dog-loving café owners put a bowl of water out for the dogs, but as the bowl is usually put out when the café opens, the water is very hot by afternoon or else gone.

I asked the waitress if she would put a bowl of water out for him, which she very kindly did, much to the delight of the thirsty canine.

I left her a very generous tip!

Good karma Yvonne.

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

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

■ I only saw Sammy Davis Jnr onstage on one occasion and that was with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli in 1989 at the Rod Laver Arena.

He was an amazing performer and I will never forget his rendition of the song Mr Bojangles.

He was a singer, dancer, actor and comedian with an incredible talent.

Samuel George ‘Sammy’ Davis Jnr was born in New York City in 1925. His mother Elvira was Puerto Rican and his father AfroAmerican.

His parents were vaudeville performers and Sammy was onstage at the age of three.

When the marriage broke up Sammy Snr gained custody of his son and young Sammy performed in vaudeville show called The Will Mastin Trio with his father.

He was cared for by his grandmother who adored him.

In 1933 when Sammy was only eight he got the lead role in a short film titled Rufus Jones For President and the world saw for the first time just how much talent this skinny kid had.

He also appeared in several small singing roles in films during the 1930s.

Sammy served in the Army during the Second World War and during this time he was exposed to racism.

After the war he became a solo performer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Sammy Davis Jnr

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM and was signed by a recording studio. He sang the title song in the Tony Curtis film Six Bridges To Cross.

In 1954 he lost his left eye in car accident. His friend Jeff Chandler had offered to donate one of his eyes if Sammy was to be totally blind.

Luckily retained the sight in his right eye and wore a glass eye for the rest of his life.

Sammy was working Las Vegas and appearing in Broadway shows during the early 1950s.

I once asked Jerry Lewis how he got to meet Sammy Davis Jnr and Jerry told me that he and Dean Martin got to know Sammy

when they were performing in Las Vegas shows.

He became a member of the legendary Las Vegas ‘Rat Pack’ with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.

He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical Golden Boy. Although he did have a hit song with his version of What Kind Of Fool Am I, his biggest success came in 1972 went he went to number one with The Candy Man. My cousin Diana Trask toured Australia with Sammy and tells a great story of her brother Peter ringing the family home in South Rd, Brighton, to tell my Aunty Thelma that he would be late home for tea.

Peter was told don't worry too much Diana had invited a guest. When Peter walked into the kitchen there was Sammy Davis Jnr in the kitchen enjoying some grilled chops.

Peter said he had the best night of his life talking to Sammy about show business.

Who will ever forget the night Sammy appeared on The Don Lane Show? He came straight from his show at Festival Hall and was driven into the Channel 9 television studio in a limousine.

The program ran way past its allotted time while Sammy sang songs and chatted

to Don Lane. What a fantastic night that was and something that may never happen again in Australian television.

His film roles included Ocean's Eleven, Sweet Charity, Robin And The Seven Hoods, Sergeants Three, The Cannonball Run and Tap. He was a guest star in many of the popular American television series and loved the westerns.

Sammy married three times and his second marriage to Swedish actress May Britt attracted a lot of controversy in 1960.

His final film appearance was in The Kid Who Loved Christmas in 1990.

Sammy Davis Jnr passed way from cancer in May 1990 at the age of 64. He was bankrupt at the time of his death and heavily in debt.

It seems that he was not worried about money and all he wanted to do was to entertain his legion of fans.

I am so glad I went to see him onstage a night that will live in my memory.

- 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.

ABORIGINAL DRINKERS BANNED AT ROCK

■ I'm quite fond of wombats. Last time near Coober Pedy it was a hairy-nosed variety.

Even though they are nothing special, they're quite friendly and inoffensive to me.

I've mentioned before that I've got 30 acres on the Avon River in Gippsland at a place called, appropriately, Wombat Crossing, which I love to visit. To me it's a close second to the Centre.

This time of year is best to spend down there - I often just wander down through the bush beside the babbling Avon, with an occasional platypus gambolling around in the water, and wallabies and kangaroos and emus and deer running about.

The river is highly susceptible to rainfall, and it's occasionally a raging torrent which sweeps away all the trees and shrubs which have grown since the last deluge, leaving just a bed of smooth water worn rocks.

And there's right now, with virtually no water at all - just a trickle. Under these circumstances I just wander along the almost dry riverbed and explore for miles.

With the odd Water Dragon and Black Snake for company!

No wonder I'm passionate about Australia.

■ One New Year's Eve I spent at Ayers Rock. At one stage during the evening I was approached by an Aboriginal gentleman who thrust a $50 note into my hand, and asked me to buy him a can of VB. I declined.

This situation of vast profiteering with alcohol seems to be occurring in Alice Springs right now Allyson Anderson, a member of the newly elected CLP government, has indicated that some of the residents of one of the Aboriginal camps were involved in grog trading.

Even though there was a large sign outside this camp, as with many others, stating ‘Grog Free Area’, a small bottle of rum sells for $100, and 10 cans of VB for $70.

And a grog situation arose at the Rock and a few years ago.

The Elders of the Mutujulu Community approached the management of the Resort, and asked

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au them not to sell alcohol to any Aboriginal people in any of the bars and outlets.

The managers were happy to comply.

Then along came a high flying Aboriginal gentleman from Canberra, in the Centre on Government business, who wanted a drink. No such luck.

The resort didn't relent, and he cried ‘racism’ all the way to court in Canberra.

Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place!

■ I've always noted that Americans love my opals. And this includes the crews, ‘roadies’, of visiting bands.

So we are often visited by many such gentleman and ladies who are often now close friends, and who visit Australia frequently.

They may be with Bon Jovi this tour, and AC/DC the next.

So we are sometimes invited to set up our opals backstage to show them off to the crew who have gathered in the one spot.

This happened recently with KISS; and even when we don't set up we are sometimes guests of our friends at the concerts.

So, with Offspring and a few more bands coming out, such as Springsteen and Guns'n'Roses, we're in for a few visitors.

Which reminds me of a concert I went to a few years ago in the Yarraville Club.

Pat Boone was out for the first time for decades, so I went to see him, being a child of the fifties.

It was a dinner show - about 500 people sitting round at tables whilst Pat played.

So we all sang along with gusto to Moon River and April Love.

And as I sat there, singing along with Pat, I recalled another night a few weeks earlier when I had also been part of an audience of about 500. It was in the Casino in Alice Springs, and we all sang along, also with gusto.

It was a Kevin Bloody Wilson show - and the lyrics we were singing were a little different to Pat's!

■ There are some unique and magnificent creatures which reside in the Northern Territory and the temptation to cage them up is too great for some people.

They are often easy to catch, especially the reptiles, but a legal licence is needed, and there are large fines and penalties involved.

Unfortunately these licences are not inexpensive, and the creatures themselves, when purchased legally, are highly expensive, ranging into the thousands of dollars.

So that means that some people are willing to take the risk.

For instance Thorny Devils are so cute but they're illegal to keep, even with a licence, so they are out of the question.

And one fellow I knew, before the licensing years, enclosed a dozen or so in a cage, and would bury bones about to attract nests of ants, upon which the lizards lived.

I have also seen cages full of magnificent parrots and wrens and finches, right out in the back blocks, where no inspector is ever likely to venture.

Overall, however, It seems as though the licence system is working well.

● Pat Boone ■ One of the girls who worked for us in Alice Springs was a wildlife carer as well.

When I'd go around to visit her, I'd be told to watch out where I stepped, in case I injured a wayward creature.

She had thick hessian bags hanging up, with holes cut in the

front, all containing kangaroo joeys.

And there were always half grown individuals hopping around in the backyard.

Now there is another lady in Alice Springs doing the same thing right now.

Cynthia Lynch is the president of Wildlife Alice Springs, formed to put animals back on their feet, and back into the natural environment.

There are always joeys which have been orphaned by road kills.

Cynthia describes herself as the "interim carer", where injured animals are first brought in.

Then when they're a bit better, they go to carers with a bigger backyard, then finally to larger yards at Parks and Wildlife, where they form into mobs.

Then the whole mob is released together to hop happily ever after.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

Observer Dine-Out Fog Bar and Restaurant 142 Greville St, Prahran Phone 9521 3155 www.fog.com.au ● Pictured: Jeremy Sutphin, Executive Chef at Fog ■ When I am not working I am very lucky to be invited to wonderful events.

Fog Bar and Restaurant, which is one of my favourite places in town, has launched monthly dinners to showcase various countries foods and flavours.

I find Fog is a perfect place to take someone very special Fog, one of Melbourne’s favourite dining establishments, is marking its seventh anniversary by hosting a series of culinary events that showcase the 50 states and 10 regions of the USA, with the first of 10 monthly dinners focusing on the Far West Region: California, Nevada and Hawaii.

Among the first attendees at the inaugural dinner were 3AW’s Donna de Maio, actor Tony Briggs and his wife Damienne, Nick Giannopolous and Frank Stivala.

Since 2006, Texas-born Executive Chef, Jeremy Sutphin has been cooking at Fog Bar and Restaurant with a deep south heart and a southwest flair, and is revelling in the increased awareness of American regional cuisine in Australia which has been the foundation of Fog’s unique menu.

Sam Frantzekos, respected and owner of Fog, is always at the front door to greet patrons when they arrive.

The monthly dinners are ticketed events, and early bookings are essential. Tickets are $75 for a three-course set menu, or $125 includes matching wines from The Moet Hennessy Collection.

For bookings, call 9521 3155 or email enquiries@fog.com.au Tickets can also be purchased on line at www.fog.com.au - Di Rolle