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STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1538 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969 Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

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

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

Belinda's Summer Reign in Melbourne ■ Across several continents, Belinda Carlisle's songs have been appreciated, quoted, sung at Karaoke bars and otherwise re-iterated on so many platforms including our very own Dancing With The Stars.

Her music conveys messages of humanity, from simple fun through to nature, personal struggles, relationships and everything in between.

With worldwide hits including, Heaven is A Place On Earth and Summer Rain, her career has had varied highs and lows in the global spotlight.

Having overcome many challenges early on to achieve enormous popularity among her millions of fans around the world, her 30-year journey is to be admired for its resilience and resistance to conform to the trappings of fame or fortune.

In the narrative of her 2010 memoir Lips Unsealed, Belinda described her eventful history stepping into both the dark and light sides of the fame game.

Her revealing and frank account of these personal experiences both educates her readers and inspires those who may want to follow her path in the international music industry.

These days, Belinda has welcomed the teachings of Buddhism into her life, and while balancing family life and performing around the world, she has also undertaken training as a Yoga teacher.

I connected with Belinda as she arrived in Tokyo just prior to the Australian leg of her November/December 2013 tour.

Once recovered from jetlag and completing my Porch Thoughts interview, Belinda planned to put the finishing touches on her performances in Japan, before turning her thoughts to her then-upcoming appearance at the VRC Oaks Club at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne.

I am sure your heavenly Porch is situated somewhere on Earth.

Where do your thoughts drift to when I mention spending time on your Porch?

In Malibu, California! I was born and raised there and have so many great childhood memories. I just love the Pacific Ocean, and, although I've been living in France for over 20 years and really enjoy the lifestyle there, I've been considering that I may spend some

Californian Porch Thoughts

more time in California.

With your family life with your husband and son living in the south of France, does the California track from your album, A Woman And A Man perhaps highlight an inner conflict surrounding your relocation to Europe in the '90's?

My husband and I had already made the difficult decision just after the New Year in 1994 that we would move to Europe. I'll never forget the Northridge earthquake which happened at 4am on a Monday only days later. We'd experienced many tremors in Los Angeles before, of course, but we were packed and out of LA by the end of that week. References to the circumstances and personal impact of the Northridge earthquake are captured in the California track, particularly with the lyrics “It took a lot for me to say I want to walk away, LA”.

Did you always plan to stay in Paris?

When we first moved to Paris it was only a six-month plan, but we loved it and decided to stay. I'm really not interested in the high-profile attractions of big houses or fancy cars which LA is known for, so the European lifestyle has been a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a more 'normal' life.

This was especially important while raising our son, who's now all grown up and making his own way in the world.

Reflecting on the lyrics Leave a Light On For Me, you've collaborated with many highly regarded musicians across both American and European continents. Are there other artists with whom you'd particularly like to work if

● Belinda Carlisle: performing in Melbourne next week the opportunity presents itself? Guy wasn't a great idea. such as stage and TV acting, I'm always open to collaborating In fact, I was in a bad place in my you've added the writing of your on music projects, and have luckily life at the time, and I wasn't happy memoir Lips Unsealed to your list found song-writers such as Rick with some of my choices, including of achievements. Apart from Nowels, who somehow manage to most of that album. Of all my re- your artistic work, what else 'get into my head', coming up with corded work, I guess that was my might you have liked to pursue lyrics which capture the exact mes- 'stinker'. as a career? sage I have in mind.

Prior to my music career, I had big You're not only going to be in I've pondered collaborating with Melbourne aspirations to be a travel agent so I to perform your own Kanye West, as I think he's a great could visit places like Asia, India and talent, but I think the Kardashian shows, but you have been invited Eastern countries. I've enjoyed being thing has probably been too much of by the Victorian Racing Com- able to do that through my music, esmittee to take to the stage as part pecially as I consider myself a bit of a distraction recently.

Is there an artist closer to Aus- of the Oaks Day Luncheon. a gypsy. I'm glad my work is flexible tralians' hearts that you may like What has been your experience so my husband and I can sometimes of Australian audiences and our be spontaneous. We'd like to visit to collaborate with?

It's no secret that I've always ad- love for your music?

Thailand in the not-too-distant fumired Crowded House's - Neil I've found Australian audiences, ture.

Finn. I would love to maybe work particularly Melbourne fans, to be What's the next project in line with him someday. I think the logis- really enthusiastic, and I always en- for you after you tour? tics of that have proven difficult to joy performing there.

I had a new single come out in overcome, though.

The audience participation and en- May, and have another one due in the You've enjoyed creating hit ergy are fantastic (sometimes border- European Spring. Following an exsongs and successful albums ing on rabid, which is great!). citing tour in Australia, I'm looking over 30 years. In your view, have Between performances, I have a forward to returning to my training as you had any flops or perhaps kind teacher. of routine, including walking or a Yoga even stinkers?

You've contributed a lot to an Although I have the same admi- running along the Yarra River, and increased respect for female muration for The Beatles as does any I have a few favourite places along sicians over your long career. other musician, I actually think my Chapel Street.

What inspiration or advice Among other creative pursuits would you share with younger cover of John Lennon's Jealous people who would like to follow in your path?

The music industry has changed a lot since I started, but it's still most important to believe in your ability.

Have a positive attitude and find your own unique way to be creative - and Don't Do Drugs!

What is your Porch Thought For The Day? No matter where you're from and what your experience of it, there's always a desire to return 'home' or somewhere that you feel has shaped who you are.

Belinda Carlisle will be performing at Melbourne's Chelsea Heights Hotel on Friday November 22, and Shoppingtown Hotel in Doncaster on Saturday November 23. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the venues.

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

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Melbourne

Observer

City Desk The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Radio faces

● Lionel Yorke and Johnny Young ■ Two men who were an important part of the Melbourne radio scene, have reunited - in Perth.

Lionel Yorke and Johnny Young were at the top of the industry in the 1960s and 70s.

Johnny Young will be joining other Melbourne entertainers at Norfolk Island for a Christmas In July promotion next year.

Also appearing will be Colleen Hewett, Normie Rowe and Colleen McCullough.

Not so silly

● Fredd Bear and Judy Banks-Phillips ■ With the new Network 10 Wake Up and Studio 10 programs proving to be a ratings disaster, we hear TV executives are thumbing through past records of successes, and noticed the consistent top ratings of Fredd Bear and Judy Banks from Breakfast A Go Go in the days of Channel 0.

Winners

■ A pecial award ceremony for the 2013 Australian Mathematics Competition prize winners will be held this afternoon (Wed.) from 5pm-7pm at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School Keilor East Campus, Rachelle Rd, East Keilor.

BRIGHT LAUNCH Under The Clocks ‘King And I’ Melbourne casting

● Bobby Bright launches his EP tomorrow (Thu.) at St Kilda ■ Bobby Bright will launch his first recording in 30 years, Child Of Rock And Roll, at the St Kild aMemo Theatre tomorrow (Thu., Nov . 14) night.

Aussie music legends including Colleen Hewett will perform. Paul Chasmere of Noise 11 says: “ Bobby Bright is an Australian treasure, a true heritage artist who has proven his relevance with great songs and Australia's best musicians on Child Of Rock and Roll.”

The newly released EP titled will be launched at the Acland St venue, and Bright will perform all the songs featured on his new EP. He will be joined on stage by the entire band who played on the recording.

The musicians who recorded Child Of Rock and Roll are producer and keyboard player Michael Oliphant, guitar legends John Dallimore and Ross Hannaford, bassist Roger McLachlan, drummer Gerry Pantazis, guitarist Michael Doyle and saxophonist Greg Clarkson.

“Song writing has always been second nature to me, so to get the chance to record some new originals with guys of this calibre was fantastic. I’m so looking forward to doing the live gigs with them, can’t wait,” said Bobby.

Child Of Rock And Roll is a fascinating five song chronicle of Bobby’s life since the heady days of 'Bobby and Laurie' and the Go Show.

Bobby and Laurie were among the first wave of the Australian pop era between 1964 and 1967 and regularly had hit singles in the charts.

Their hit songs included the legendary Hitch Hiker; Sweet And Tender Romance; I Belong With You. They had their own TV show Dig We Must and Bobby was a disc jockey at 3XY in Melbourne and appeared on Television and in films.

The Child Of Rock And Roll EP is available on CD through www.bobbybright.com.au Date: Thursday, November 14. Time: From: 7pm. Venue: Memo Theatre, 90 Acland St, St Kilda. Tickets: $25 pre booked or $28 at the door. www.trybooking.com

★ ★ ★

A series of free Sunday afternoon concerts will be throughout Novem ber in Glen Eira’s parks and gardens. Performances are 2.30pm–4.30pm The Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration will be held on Thursday, November, 21, 6pm to 8pm, at The Alliance Francaise de Melbourne.

Vidalina Morales de Gámez, a member of the national round-table against metallic mining in El Salvador, La Mesa, is in Melbourne this week to highlight environmental degradation that has been caused through gold mining.

The m,unch-anticipated Melbourne Ring Festival runs from Friday (Nov. 15) until December 13.

★

Melbourne Moments Summer Salon ■ Firestation Print Studio, 2 Willis St, Armadale, will open its Summer Salon, with a launch from 6pm on Wednesday, December 4.

Curator Marguerite Brown says annual members’ Summer Salon exhibition includes smorgasboard of works on paper created through diverse printmaking mediums by emerging and mid career artists.

Prizes will be awarded for the Best in Show and Excellence in Printmaking, independently judged and sponsored by Seniors Art Supplies.

Phone 9509 1782.

● Lisa McCune will star alongside Jason Scott Lee ■ Leading Australian theatre producer John Frost and Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini this week announced that Jason Scott Lee will play the role of the King in The King And I. The 2014 Melbourne season of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Broadway musical will be staged at the Princess Theatre from June.

Lee, an international stage and screen star, will play opposite Lisa McCune in the Tony Award-winning Australian production.

Lee played the role in Frost’s production at the London Palladium in 2000-2001 opposite Elaine Paige.

Born in Los Angeles, Lee was raised in Hawaii and is of ChineseHawaiian descent. Although best known for his feature film roles, including the title role in the biopic Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Map of the Human Heart, Rapa Nui, Soldier and Lilo and Stitch, he has had an extensive stage career.

Lee made his operatic debut in the non-singing role of Pasha Selim in Hawaii Opera Theatre's production of Mozart's Abduction From The Seraglio in Honolulu in 2009.

Author chats

● Graeme Simsion

■ Author Graeme Simsion will meet book enthusiasts at Eltham Bookshop for an hour from 12 Noon on Thursday, November 21.

He penned The Rosie Project, a romantic comedy.

It’s a novel about a man with undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome who is looking for the perfect partner.

The Rosie Project won the 2012 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an unpublished manuscript, and has now been sold to over 30 countries.

Entry: $30 includes a signed copy of the book. Phone 9439 8700

● Jason Scott Lee

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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

Melbourne Observer Advertising Press+Online+Google+SocialMedia+Editorial Advertisers’ Index References to ‘Trader’ denote the 80-page liftout in the centre of this edition About Myself ..................... Trader P69 La Grande, Gold Coast ....... Trader P76 Adele Video Production ........ Trader P66 Life Be In it ....................... Trader P35 All 4 Paws and Claws Lilly Jack ........................... Trader P75 Pet Resort ....................... Trader P7 Lifestyle Awnings ................ Trader P31 Amiga Engineering .............. Trader P61 Londrigan Beef & Lamb ...... Trader P33 Armor Antiques ................... Trader P6 Lunar Lighting ................... Trader P71 Astratex ............................. Trader P29 Maeburn Cottages ............. Trader P65 Australian IT Support ........... Trader P38 Maroondah Sports Club ..... Trader P56 Australia Wide First Aid ........ Trader P3 Maryborough ....................... Trader P1 Backyard Buyers ................. Trader P27 Mattresses Galore ............. Trader P40 Barry MCVilly .......................... P17-18 MCVilly Timber .................. Trader P54 Beach Street Apartments ..... Trader P59 Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy Braemac Energy .................. Trader P8 and Health Foods ........... Trader P34 Broome Beach Resort ......... Trader P78 Metro Boronia ........................... P115 Cascade Garden Holiday Michael’s Trailers .............. Trader P48 Apartments ................... Trader P13 Mokutu, Norfolk Island ........ Trader P17 Club Fiji Resort ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Trader P16 Mr Sleepyman ................... Trader P74 Club Hawthorn .................. Trader P39 One Stop Caravan Shop ....... Trader P2 Coolum Baywatch Resort ... Trader P62 OzSpy Security Solutions .... Trader P41 Danish Red ....................... Trader P15 PC Repair Centre ................ Trader P21 Darwin’s Barra Base .......... Trader P43 Play Rare DVDs ................. Trader P32 Data Central ..................... Trader P52 Practical Legal Solutions ...... Trader P3 Designwyse ........................ Trader P11 RDA Mortgage Solutions ...... Trader P10 Dwyer Property Investments .. Trader P50 Reef Palms, Cairns ........... Trader P73 Ecell.com.au ..................... Trader P75 Rentasaur ........................ Trader P49 Echo Campers ................... Trader P40 Ribbon Mate ........................ Page 100 Energymasta ..................... Trader P24 Robinvale Wines ............... Trader P68 Entertainment Australia ...... Trader P28 Royal Melbourne Five High Vendimg .............. Trader P18 Philharmonic ................ Trader P47 Flood Australia .................. Trader P67 Rupertswood Mansion ........ Trader P57 Formula Ford Experience ...... Trader P9 RV Towing Solutions ........... Trader P46 Fresh Express ................... Trader P70 Garden Sheds Galore .......... Trader P25 Sandgrabber ..................... Trader P37 Golden Days Radio ............. Trader P44 Scootersmart .................... Trader P42 Sea Change Safety Cove ... Trader P58 Grande Florida Beach Resort ......................... Trader P23 SGI Consulting Group ......... Trader P45 GreenPower Company ......... Trader P27 Shop Inside ...................... Trader P51 Grey Wolf Fifth Wheels ........ Trader P19 Snuggle-Bub ........................ Page 99 Grosvenor In Cairns ........... Trader P63 Strata Realty ...................... Trader P26 GutzBusta .........................Trader P79 Tan Tech Pty Ltd .................. Trader P4 Tilco ................................ Trader P30 Hawkesbury River Saddle Co. ................... Trader P80 Torb & Reiner .................... Trader P22 Highwood Health Retreat ..... Trader P60 Tracking Central ................ Trader P36 Ivanhoe Cycles ........................ P116 Tribute Funeral Services ...... Trader P20 Jenny Pihan Fine Art ............ Trader P12 Tucker Tub Online .............. Trader P53 JMR Australia .................... Trader P72 Tunit Australia .................. Trader P55 KristalBond ....................... Trader P14 Victorian Diamond Traders .. Trader P64 PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) is undertaking network wide upgrades to improve services to Vodafone customers. VHA plans to upgrade telecommunications facilities at a number of existing sites within the region.

1.

The proposal comprises upgrading the existing site with the addition of 1 TMA to panel antennas in 3 locations.

Site Address: Kayser Building, 28 Tanner Street, Richmond, VIC, 3121 (RFNSA reference 3121002) 2. VHA regards the proposed installation as a Low Impact activity under the Telecommunications Act 1997.

3.

Further information can be obtained from Timothy Brosnan of Metasite (02) 9439 1006, timothy.brosnan@metasite.com.au and at www.rfnsa.com.au referring to the RFNSA reference number above.

4.

Written submissions should be sent to: Metasite, Level 2, Suite 202 20 Clarke Street, Crows Nest, NSW, 2065 by 23rd November 2013.

Barra fishing in Darwin

● Ash Long, Observer Editor

■ Allan Beale at Darwin Barra Base says the big Barra and King Salmon will be on the bite when the Big Barra Run Of takes place in February-April next year.

Shady Camp will not have been commercially ■ Finding affordable baby clothing these days netted for two years, so it will be good fishing. that will outdo one wash cycle would be a miracle Call Allan on (08) 8945 0376 to find out within its self. more.

Findingwww.adamandevebabywear.com.au is a pretty savvy and online friendly site for people looking for affordable and very stylish and affordable priced clothing.

Knowing Christmas is near, as shoppers we ■ We welcome Catherine from Snuggle-Bub, all like a bargain. Bargain and design is all worth and Linda from Ribbon Mate, in this week’s Melbourne Observer horse feature (Pages 99 and visiting this site.

They offer free shipping to anywhere in Aus- 100).

Catherine, based at Launching Place, has tralia and the items on line are all in stock so you are assured it will be dispatched from their some great Christmas gift ideas. warehouse based in Sydney within 48hours of your order.

When you know your child will be outgrowing the essential daily clothing, purchasing cheap clothing is crucial part of any household budgeting.

From daily rompers to formal classic wedding wear such as tulle layered dresses and tuxedo onesies or six-piece suit for under $50 that is value for money, cheaper than department stores by 50 per cent and eloquently presented, you can't go wrong with this site.

This site is extremely easy to navigate if your a new parent looking to source a new wardrobe for your bubs and know that its authentic, pricing and quality is not compromised. www.adamandevebabywear.com.au is surely saved into the browsers of many readers and they will be visiting it again for excellent deals online.

One stop online shop for baby clothes

Horses feature today

Just 5 more issues before Christmas

■ There are five more issues of the Melbourne Observer before Christmas: ■ Wednesday, November 20 ■ Wednesday, November 27 ■ Wednesday, December 4 ■ Wednesday, December 11 ■ Wednesday, December 18 If you want maximum coverage of your advertising message before Christmas, book your advertising schedule with the Melbourne Observer before 5pm this Friday (Nov. 15).

We have special price incentives too.

Call our Ad-visors on 1800 231 311.

Expanding into Brisbane, Sydney?

■ If you want to get your advertising message in front of people in Queensland and New South Wales, consider advertising in the Observer’s sister newspapers: the Brisbane Sun and Sydney News.

Already scheduled for every edition in 2014 are Ball Australia, JMR Australia and Dowden’s Pumping and Water Treatment.

A Good Word For ...

■ Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in the Philippines are now homeless and without clean water or food in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Their situation is desperate.

With winds of 300kmh, the typhoon is the largest storm ever recorded to make landfall and current reports indicate that upwards of 10,000 people may have lost their lives.

The need to get shelter and essential aid to those affected is immense.

ShelterBox has teams in the Philippines responding to the disaster and we are moving emergency shelter and other vital aid already located in the Philippines and neighbouring countries to the worst affected areas.

ShelterBox CEO Alison Wallace said ‘The reports we are getting are of huge losses of life.

Those families who have made it through the typhoon now desperately need our help. Our teams are already there, assessing need and doing all they can to get aid to these families as quickly as possible.” Please donate if you can.

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

Court Roundsman

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

PSYCHOLOGY SUPPRESSION Observer BID FAILS AT TRIBUNAL In This 116-Page Edition

Final Surrey Cafe for year

● Leigh Barker and the New Sheiks: Eamon McNelis (trumpet) at left, Leigh Barker (double bass), Matt Boden (piano and piano accordion), National Jazz Award winner Heather Stewart (lead vocals and violin), Don Stewart (trombone) and Sam Young (drums) will perform at the Surrey Music Café on November 29.

■ The final Surrey Music Café for 2013 will Album awards, the band features Leigh be held on Friday, November 29 at 8pm at the Barker (double bass), National Jazz Award winner Heather Stewart (lead vocals and vioBox Hill Community Arts Centre.

Award-winning Australian six-piece lin), Eamon McNelis (trumpet), Don Leigh Barker and the New Sheiks are hit- Stewart (trombone), Matt Boden (piano and ting the road again this November, fresh from piano accordion) and Sam Young (drums).

Date: Friday, November 29 at 8.00pm a sold out show at the Melbourne Town Hall Venue: Box Hill Community Arts Centre, for the Melbourne International Jazz Fes470 Station St, Box Hill tival, and a brief European summer tour.

Tickets: $18 To complete their performances at great venBookings: 9262 6555 or at the Whitehorse ues they will be appearing at the Surrey MuCentre,397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading besic Café on November 29.

Winners of the 2011 Vic/Tas Blues tween 10am and 4pm., or online Award, Best Female Artist and Best Debut www.surreymusic.com

■ Vivian Pereira has lost her bid for a urgent suppression order in a case brought against the Psychology Board of Australia.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal members Noreen Megay, John Gleeson and Dianne Anderson late last month handed down their determination to dismiss the application.

The case followed Ms Pereira seeking practice endorsement as a clinical psychologist, earlier this year. It was not a disciplinary hearing. The Board argued she was not qualified for endorsement.

Ms Pereira requested that her name not be released. She said suppression was critical to protect the interests of justice, and to prevent the unreasonable invasion of her privacy.

Ms Pereira said that any court procedure or litigation of any psychologist can be perceived in a negative light Ms Pereira said she worked as a psychologist in private practice with patients sufering from mild to severe mental illness, who are often confused and distressed. Information from a Tribunal hearing could be confusing to them, she said.

“It may be seen as an issue related to misconduct or negligence. This may lead to patients losing confidence in my practice or as a psychologist, as confidentiality is vital to psychological practice,” she submitted.

Ms Pereira said she was at risk at losing her practice at a surgery, her job, her livelihood and an income that she had taken six years to build.

The Psychology Board said Ms Pereira had presented no evidence to substantiate this claim.

“I am concerned to prevent an unreasonable invasion of privacy and consequence harm to myself and other involved in those proceedings (sic),” Ms Pereira said.

Williamson loses appeal at Tribunal ...

The Tribunal heard that the case concerned a gelding called ‘I Didn’t Do It’, which had been disqualified from Race 8 at Melton on February 16, after a urine sample had been collected.

Williamson, an A-grade trainer, has presented ‘I Didn’t Do It’, to runin the E B Cochran Cup, Judge Jenkins was told.

The horse’s urine sample showed traces of caffiene, theophylline, paraxnthine and theo-

bromine. The Tribunal was told that the urine sample was tested by two laboratories, one in Victoria, the other in Queensland.

Those to give evidence before the Tribunal included investigating steward Anthony Pearce, swabbing official David Beer, swabbing official Benjamin Portr, scientific manager Paul Zahra, veterinary consultant Dr Richard Cust, Racing Science Centre representative Mark Jarrett, and former licensed stable hand Victoria Talbot.

Mervyn Williamson filed a statement from his father, veterinary surgeon Henry Williamson, and Dr Andrew Clarke.

A DVD of the race, and events afterwards, was played to the Tribunal. There was considerable discussion about the integrity of the swab.

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Hoon clocked at 200k ■ A teen told cops he had an anger management problem after being caught at speeds more than 120km/h over the limit near Geelong, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

L-plater loses permit ■ A motorcyclist has lost his learners permit for six months after he was caught drink driving in Southbank. Melbourne Highway Patrol members set up a booze bus site in Normanby Rd. The officers conducted a preliminary breath test on the rider who allegedly recorded a blood alcohol content of .054 per cent.

School iPads stolen ■ More than 20 iPads have been stolen from a Nichols Point Primary School at Mildura.

Upon log-in, each device shows a photo of a young child, reports the Sunraysia Daily.

Warning on violence ■ Ballarat Magistrate Peter Mithen has ssued a warning to all men who commit family violence, condemning a local man, David Pengelly, who head-butted his former partner during a heated argument. “There isn’t a court in Victoria that would accept any excuse for family violence,” Mr Mithen said.

Weather Forecast

HARNESS TRAINER ‘GUILTY’

■ Victorian harness racing identity Mervyn Williamson has been found “guilty as charged”, by Judge Pamela Jenkins, Vice-President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Williamson was charged of breaching the rule that states that a horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.

Williamson took the case, first brought by Harness Racing Victoria, to VCAT. A decision from July by the HRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board was affirmed.

In that earlier determination, Wiliamson received a penalty of four months’ disqualification.

The Tribunal will determinate penalty after it receives written submissions, or hearing further submissions from the parties.

Mark Richardson: Straight From Heart .......... Page 2 City Desk: Bobby Bright’s new EP ............... Page 4 Di Rolle: “I love my job” .............................. Page 6 News: Court Roundsman reports ................. Page 7 Long Shots: The Editor’s column .................. Page 8 Melb. Confidential: Hinch crowds dwindle ..... Page 9 Hollywood: Gavin Wood reports .................. Page 11 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ............ Page 12 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and Style ............... Page 13 Melbourne Extra: Kevin Trask reports .......... Page 14 Racing: Ted Ryan’s report ........................ Page 113 Cheryl Threadgold Julie Houghton James Sherlock Aaron Rourke

■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Rain. 9°-20°.

Thurs. Chance of rain. 7°-21°.

Fri. Mostly cloudy. 9°-22°.

Sat. Partly cloudy. 9°-21°.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 PROGRAMS THAT WERE INSPIRED BY A LIVE PROSTATE EXAMINATION ON THE AMERICAN ‘TODAY’ SHOW. 5. 'Hot Seat' 4. "The O Factor' 3. 'How I Met Your Father' 2. 'Against The Wind' 1. 'Allo 'Allo

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Countdown to Christmas

Di Dame Kiri performs

I love my job!

■ I look at Melbourne and its events ... and you have to conclude it certainly is the event city. One finishes and next one starts, I thought with all the festivities, I would put my Christmas tree up.

So I did. It looks fabulous. I enjoyed a quiet night by myself and put up all the decorations. It sits pride of place in my lounge room, much to the delight of the technician who came to my home to fix my computer. His face lit up when he saw it and it was great to see.

The next big event of course will be Christmas and the stores are all prepared.

I am keen to get myself to Bali in the New Year but will be celebrating the festive season this year with my family.

I know as I get older I appreciate the festive season so much more. The Myer windows are great. It is interesting though that they are moving away from the religious aspect of the season and keeping it more neutral. It’s all about the kids at the end of the day and a great time for reflection.

For HOOKED ON ‘THE BACHELOR’ with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

Ensemble Liaison

● Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ■ She is Prince Charles’s favourite performer and there is a reason for that!

I speak of course of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa; she is superb.

So is her pianist Terrence Dennis.

They are both coming to perform in Melbourne for Dame Kiri 70th Birthday Gala Tour at Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday, May 10.

Experience the lyrical beautify and sublime artistry of one of the world’s great and beloved voices in recital, as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performs her own personal selection of operatic favourites accompanied by renowned Terrence, her accompanist of many years.

Celebrating her 70th Birthday with this international recital tour, the evening will be a rare opportunity to savour the talent and artistry of Dame Kiri in recital, particularly in the fabulous Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

With a magnificent career spanning more than 40 years, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has become one of the most famous and respected sopranos of all time, including honours by the Queen, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, a lifetime achievement award from the British recording industry and as New Zealander of the year.

Tickets on sale now: 7.30pm, Saturday, May 10 and 4pm Sunday, May 11.

Bookings: Ticketek Box Office – ticketek.com.au or 132 849 – Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre. A performance not to be missed.

● Dani from The Bachelor ■ I have confession to make!

I watch The Bachelor on Channel 10.

It’s all my goddaughter’s fault, she got me into it and now I am hooked.

I really want Ali, the real estate agent from South Australia, to win.

I was, however, sad to see Dani leave.

It means so much to these girls. Besides, her mother made one of the best pavlovas I have ever seen!

Tim Robards, the actual Bachelor, said farewell to Victorian events co-ordinator Danielle Sandy in the most emotional rose ceremony of the series so far.

Standby however. I think there might be a couple more.

After travelling to each of the girl’s hometowns to meet their families, Tim was left with the heartbreaking decision to send one of them home.

I can see it is always hard for him. My, he is good to look at.

He has it all except I am not sure about him. I hope he doesn’t hurt the girls although they know why they are there and what they are up against.

I am sure he is a lovely guy and if he doesn’t choose Ali at the end he will have a

● Dame

Lucas Dawson Photography

● Jennifer Hawkins ■ Another beautiful woman is Jennifer Hawkins. She glowed during the Spring Racing Carnival, stunning in everything she wore. She has class and elegance and wears clothes like no one else I know.

She simply showed all the other gals how it is done excelling herself on Oaks Day at the Sofitel on Melbourne marquee. Go Jen. Jennifer , the face of Myer, wore the most wonderful Manning Cartel dress at The Oaks.

Even though I wasn’t at the track I would say she was certainly one of the best dressed of the whole carnival.

I like to stay home and watch it all unfold on the tele and then count my Sportsbet account at the end of the day.

I always do well. I love the horses and the whole spectacle.

● Tim Robards lot to answer for, just from her family alone.

It is intriguing television and a little sad at times, or is that my age showing?

It’s coming to an end and next couple of weeks will reveal all.

The Bachelor. Wednesday, 7.30pm.

It is interesting about the ratings with The Bachelor.

It appears I am not the only one watching.

Channel Ten average around 704,000 viewers and was fifth in viewers aged between 25 and 54.

Big Brother had more than 1.4million viewers on Channel Nine with their finale show.

That show has done extremely well for Nine and will return in 2014.

● Tim Dormer, Big Brother

■ There will be some beautiful concerts over the coming weeks leading up to the festive season.

One I really recommend is Ensemble Liaison. It is a unique chamber music partnership formed in 2006 between David Griffiths (clarinet), Svetlana Bogosavljevic (cello) and Timothy Young (piano).

As suggested by their name, collaborations form the basis of their artistic and musical vision.

To conclude their Local Heroes series for 2013 the ensemble welcomes British violinist and new friend, Anthony Marwood.

Anthony is recognised across the world for his exceptional artistry, passion, intelligence and remarkable ability to draw a rich palette of sound from his instrument.

His great versatility as an orchestral soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, and ensemble director has enthralled audiences and critics around the globe.

Ensemble Liaison also have a new album out that will be launched and available at their Wednesday November 20 concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre at 7pm.

They will perform in the Elizabeth Murdoch Hall – a must-see. Bookings melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333.

Their new album, by the way, would be a perfect ‘stocking stuffer’ for the coming festival season. Titled Oblivion, the tracks on it are superb.

The Age writes: “such music, such programming, such overall artistry …”

With a lot of performers wanting all sorts of things and making all sorts of demands, one of the most beautiful part about this group is their massive talent – all home grown and their simple requirements. A good quality grand piano, tuned on the day of the performance. Two straight-backed, armless chairs. Two music stands. An experienced page turner may be required. Superb. Simple and the delivery of their performance gigantic.

● Two of the three Ensemble Liaison members. From left: Svetlana Bogosavlievic and Timothy Young.

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

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Observer

Court Roundsman

‘KIDS CENTRE UNDERPAID WORKERS’ Briefs Crikey!

● Eric Beecher ■ Publisher Eric Beecher is in strife for refusing to pay contributors to his new Daily Review website unless they attract a minimum 25,000 hits per month.

Hoges live

● Paul Hogan ■ Discounted tickets are being offered for the Paul Hogan shows to be held next month at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne. Front row seats were put on sale this week by the Marriner Group.

Dog scam ■ Police say a Bendigo woman lost $300 in a scam.

Leading Senior Constable Jan Mackay said the woman bought a King Charles spaniel puppy for $250 from a website, but did not receive the animal.

ALLEGATIONS TO BE TESTED ■ The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched legal action against the owner-operator of a Melbourne childcare business, alleging she underpaid five workers a total of more than $15,000.

Facing Court is Melbourne woman Vivien Mahomet, who owns and operates a business trading as Academy for Kids, which provides before and after school care and holiday care for children at a number of sites throughout Melbourne.

It is alleged Ms Mahomet underpaid five casual childcare employees located at Glen Waverley, West Preston and Reservoir a total of $15,450 between June and December last year.

The employees were aged in their 30s and 40s and each held a Certificate Level III in Children's Services.

One of the employees was an Indian national who was in Australia on a student visa.

The employees were allegedly underpaid their minimum hourly rate for some work performed and not paid at all for some work. Casual loadings and broken shift allowances were allegedly also underpaid.

Ms Mahomet allegedly also breached pay slips laws and failed to comply with a Notice to Produce issued by Fair Work inspectors investigating underpayment complaints lodged by the employees.

Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, said the significant amounts involved and failure to rectify the matter were significant factors in the decision to commence legal action.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Ms Mahomet committed multiple breaches of workplace laws. She faces maximum penalties of up to $3300 to $6600 per breach.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a Court Order for Ms Mahomet to back-pay the employees the amounts that were allegedly underpaid.

A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne on Friday (Nov. 15).

BEAT at Collingwood

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

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

Arts Centre chief leaves

● Nancy Jack (left), Merle Stevens, Denise Hodder, Christina Carolan and Aileen Dorrat rehearse for B.E.A.T. on Sunday, December 8 at Collingwood College.

Photo: Malcolm Threadgold ■ The vibrance of tap dancing will be showcased in B.E.A.T., presented by Isabelle’s Academy of Tap for two performances on Sunday, December 8 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Collingwood College Theatre, Corner Cromwell St and McCutcheon Way, Collingwood.

Enjoy routines presented by tappers of all ages, from beginners through to advanced levels, plus the much-loved Golden Tappers troupe.

B.E.A.T. is devised and choreographed by Isabelle Ryan and Megan Ellis.

Tickets: $35 or $30 concession (matinee only) Bookings: 9415 7157.

- Cheryl Threadgold

CHOPPER THE MUSICAL

■ Award-winning playwright Frank Howson and musical director Warren Wills will announce details of their new collaboration, Chopper The Musical on Tuesday (Nov. 19).

The Melbourne men say the production is a tale of violence, culture, ethics and redemption.

The media conference, at the Royal Melbourne Hotel, will include monologues read by master-ofceremonies Simon Palomares.

There will be live performances of three songs from the forthcoming production, performed by 70s Aussie rock legend, Mick Pealing (The Mighty Rock ).

Les Twentyman will give a speech at the launch.

THE BARREL

● Mark ‘Chopper’ Read

Performing at the launch will be Kim Valance, Georgina Ward, Kelly Auty, Elodie Adams, Lucy Gale, Emma Hill, Taylor Klas and Hollie James.

Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read was an Australian criminal, born in 1954. He died last month.

Read wrote a series of semi-autobiographical and fictional crime novels. The 2000 film Chopper is based on his life.

Read spent only 13 months outside prison between the ages of 20 and 38, having been convicted of crimes including armed robbery, firearm offences, assault, arson, impersonating a police officer and kidnapping.

Horse case dismissed ■ Horse racing identities Con Karakatsanis and Tony Karakatsanis have lost their Court of Appeal bid to have a VCAT decision overturned.

Supreme Court Judges Osborn and Beach heard that Judge Kaye dismissed an appeal over a decision by VCAT Senior Member John Nixon.

The case centred on an allegation that there was an attempt to stomach-tube a horse Howmuchdoyouloveme prior to Victoria Derby Day in 2012.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the application.

● Judith Isherwood ■ Victorian Arts Centre Trust Chief Executive Judith Isherwood will step down as Chief Executive of Arts Centre Melbourne.

Ms Isherwood has been Chief Executive since late 2009.

“On behalf of the Trust, I would like to express the considerable debt of gratitude that Victorians owe to Judith.

“In her four year tenure, she has overseen the incredibly complex, challenging but successful rebuild of Hamer Hall and its reopening last year,” Trust President Tom Harley said.

“Judith has also been responsible for invigorating the Centre with a comprehensive and diverse offering of programs.

“Through many programming activities, Arts Centre Melbourne has attracted growing and broader audiences with many people experiencing the Centre’s rich offering for the first time.

“Her recent work in developing a number of ambitious, long term program initiatives focused on 2015 and beyond, has been particularly valued and we are hopeful of Judith’s continuing involvement in these plans.”

Mr Harley said Ms Isherwood had played a central role in driving innovative programming initiatives focussed on 2015 and beyond, and that the Trust remains strongly committed to delivering on that vision into the future.

Mr Harley indicated that the Trust will commence the search for a new Chief Executive immediately. Jodie Bennett, Executive Corporate Services and CFO, will be acting Chief Executive from November 20 until further notice.

Bryan Dawe at Eltham ■ Bryan Dawe and Clare Wright will speak on The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka, when they appear at Montsalvat, Eltham, on Thursday, November 28.

Bryan Dawe is one of Australia’s finest political satirists. He has enjoyed a long, successful career writing and performing on national radio, television, stage and film. Bryan received the Australian Centenary Medal in the 2001 New Year’s Honour List for ‘Services to the acting profession’. He is est known for his collaboration with John Clarke on ABC TV.

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

Buying Guide

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

Melbourne

Confidential Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

WILL CHRISSIE, JANE BE AXED BECAUSE OF KYLE, JACKIE O?

Whispers

Big cash

Hinch crowds dwindle

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Pay-as-you-go hotel

● Tune Hotel Melbourne general manger Nathan Copsey, Tune Hotels CEO Mark Lankester, Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine, and Datuk Dr Rameez Yahaya, Consul-General of Malaysia to Victoria.

■ Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine conducted the oficial opening of Tune Hotels has stamped its first operation in Australia. Melbourne will be its operational hub.

The 225-room property at 609 Swanston St, Carlton, was officially launched during a ceremony attended by Dr Napthine, Malaysia’s Consul-General in Melbourne Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya and Group CEO of Tune Hotels Mark Lankester.

Dr Napthine said the decision to base in Melbourne will create more than 100 direct and indirect local jobs.

“Tune Hotel Melbourne brings a new model of accommodation to Australia, and I am very proud that Melbourne is at the forefront of this new tourism concept.

Tune Hotel Melbourne had soft-opened for business late last month, two weeks ahead of scheduled, and celebrated that with a super low launch rate of just $50 a night - one of the most affordable room rates seen in central Melbourne for years. hotel features an indoor open air courtyard, a recreational lounge, a restaurant, café, luggage storage, self-service launderette and free Internet desks on the ground floor. The hotel is equipped with basement car parks.

Melbourne will also be the location for Tune Hotels’ operational headquarters overseeing Australia and New Zealand operations, working in conjunction with the corporate office in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are very excited to have finally established our first hotel in Australia right here in Melbourne, giving business and leisure visitors to this amazing city a truly compelling choice of accommodation alternative,” said Mr Lankester.

“We would like to thank the Victorian Government, Tourism Victoria, Tourism Australia as well as the City of Melbourne for their invaluable and continued support of Tune Hotels.”

Tune Hotel Melbourne is the 34th property for Tune Hotels, which has pioneered a “pay-as-youuse” concept that has become hugely popular among smart travellers from across the world.

Under the concept, guests only pay for room rates with the option of adding on other amenities like towels and toiletries, in-room Wi-Fi and satellite TV service to keep costs down, reduce waste and save energy.

● Chrissie Swan ■ Melbourne’s radio industry is abuzz with rumours that Chrissie Swan and Jane Hall will be axed from their Mix 101.1 breakfast radio program ... to be replaced with a relayed program from Sydney headed by Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O. The Asutralian Radio Network, which runs Mix in both capital cities, is rumoured to be negotiating with the Sydney pair, at a price of $1 million per year.

● Derryn Hinch is fast losing his ‘pull’ in attracting crowds.

About 100 people lined the steps of State Parliament House on Sunday to hear the ‘Human Headline’ speak on demands for changes to the criminal justice system. Meanwhile, Hinch fans who have asked the broadcaster for updates on the amount of public donations raised to pay his lawyer fees and Court-ordered costs, seem to be still waiting for an answer.

BROKER BANNED FOR 5 YEARS

■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has banned Melbourne mortgage broker Tony Quach for five years and cancelled the Australian credit licence of his company TQ Smartchoice Pty Ltd after an investigation found failure to comply with credit laws.

ASIC found that between 2010 and 2011, Quach, through TQ Smartchoice Pty Ltd, submitted six homeloan applications to two lenders that contained false or misleading information.

In all instances, Quach obtained information and documents from a source other than the applicants and failed to verify that information with the applicants, ASIC alleges.

During this period, Quach was the sole director of TQ Smartchoice Pty Ltd, which held an Australian credit licence.

Quach and TQ Smartchoice Pty Ltd can appeal the decision with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The false and misleading information Quach was alleged to have submitted related to applicants’ income, employment and savings.

Quach also made declarations to lenders that he had met and obtained all information from the applicants.

In some instances, it is alleged that Quach failed to meet the applicant before submitting an application to a lender. In other instances, Quach is said to have met the applicant but still submitted applications including information and documents obtained from a person other than the applicant.

ASIC’s investigation into the matter is continuing.

Since taking over national responsibility for credit in 2010, ASIC has taken action over brokers submitting fraudulent loan applications and similar behaviour. Recent cases have seen individuals criminally charged or banned. These include: Daniel Duy Anh Nguyen, Edward Richard George, Eric Ying Ching Chu, Moustafa Dandachli and Daniel Nguyen. ASIC has a further 20 loan-fraud investigations on foot.

Rumour Mill

Hear It Here First

Another Director soon

■ There are chasnges afoot at the Victorian Newsagents’ Association. Ray Burgess has left as a Director; a new appointment will be announced soon. The VANA elections see p;ositions confirmed: Gerard Munday, Chairman; Chris Pecora, ViceChairman; Ron Thorpe, Secretary / Treasurer; Kate McDonald, Executive Director; Luke Liu, Director

Sports goods to Fiji ■ Not-for-profit organisation SOS Unleashed loks set to donate more than $100,000 of much-needed sporting equipment to rural Fijian schools as part of Asia Pacific’s largest cultural exchange program.

Famous Fijian rugby star and Waratahs player, Ben VolaVola along with team mate Tala Gray and Sydney Swans star Daniel Hannebery launched the program yesterday (Tues.). Students will be visiting Fijian communities.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● James Packer ■ Crown Resorts Chairman James Packer yesterday (Tues.) announced a proposed $60 million philanthropic contribution to the Sydney/Western Sydney arts community, as part of a joint 10-year commitment.

He pledged $30 million from Crown Resorts as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programs and $30 million privately from the Packer family.

To Court ■ The Trustees of the Marist Brothers have requested a Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Registrars’ Hearing today (Wed.) at 11am to hear a civil claim allegation against Julie Beer for “services rendered”.

3AW move ■ There are rumours of changes at Melbourne radio station 3AW, to be possibly announced in the coming month.

Fined ■ Seven food businesses in the Monash municipality, south-east of Melbourne, have been fined for failing to meet food safety standards.

One in 10 restaurants in the area failed their first inspection.

Seven businesses were fined between $700 and $1400, reports the Leader.

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

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Think Pink Fundraising with the Rangers ■ The culmination of our final Think Pink FUNdraising event during the national breast cancer awareness campaign is one we are very excited about.

We are proudly partnered with the Women's National Basketball League - Dandenong Rangers.

Collectively we are continuing to raise funds, and awareness, by decking out the stadium, the crowd, and the team in PINK. Funds raised will help support the Think Pink Living Centre and Epworth Freemasons Oncology Department. Come along in your most outrageous PINK outfit and join in the fun and games.

There are plenty of prizes and surprises to entertain you throughout the night. Don't miss your chance to support this wonderful partnership with the Jayco Rangers. Tip-off is at 7.30pm at Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Friday, November 15.

● Leilani Mitchell from WNBL Dandenong Rangers riding the Pink Quad bike which is 1st Prize in the Think Pink with Freemasons Victoria Raffle.

Freemasons Victoria remembers Official Bus Handover to Cooinda Hill

● Grand Master Bob Jones with Richard Elkington District Co-Ordinator, Daniel (seated) and Rod Lavin of Argyle Lodge.

■ Bob Jones, the Grand Master of Freema- ability service provider who provides day care sersons Victoria, travelled to Traralgon on vices for more than 70 members of the Latrobe Wednesday, November 6, to officially present Valley community.

"I was very proud to be able to assist Cooinda Cooinda Hill with a made-for-purpose bus.

Argyle Lodge No. 105, in Traralgon, re- Hill on this occasion with this brand new, purcently celebrated its 125th birthday, and in recog- pose-built bus.

“The bus will be beneficial for those in this nition of this milestone, decided it would embark on a charitable campaign to purchase a much community who have difficulty accessing suitable needed bus for Cooinda Hill, which is a dis- transport", Bob Jones said.

Freemasons Victoria supports Movember

■ Freemasons Victoria is participating in Movember this year by growing their mos for prostate and testicular cancer awareness.

Last year Freemasons Victoria raised more than $38,000 for this cause, and hopes to better that figure this year.

If you are keen to support this charity and you're not afraid of looking a little hairy for the month, join us by logging into the Freemasons Victoria Movember page at http://au.movember.com/ team/963693 to upload your photos, log your progress and join in supporting others.

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches around the world.

With their ‘MO's’ men raise vital funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health.

As an independent global charity, Movember's vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men's health.

● Movember Team Captain 2012, Ben Quick is getting into the spirit again this year and is encouraging all members to log on to find out more.

● RWBro. Peter Henshall remembers.

A number of high level dignitaries were in at■ The lawn out the front of the Dallas Brooks Centre is certainly not something easily ignored, tendance including Jason Wood, MP of the Ofnow that it has been transformed into a Field of fice of Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson Minister for Veteran's Affairs; Garry Runge of Remembrance.

On walking past the Masonic Centre, you'll the Office of the Minister for Veteran's Affairs; see a sea of white crosses, all representing a fallen and President of the RAAF Association, John McCrystal. service person.

The event began with a recital of In Flanders Each cross has been personally tagged with a message of remembrance from a Freemason, Fields by Commander Mike Lovell RFD RANR (Ret'd), followed by a very moving certheir friends or family.

Those who planted a cross donated towards emony performed by the Freemasons Victoria the RSL Welfare Fund and the Freemasons Grand Masonic Team.

The ‘Ceremony of the Unknown Soldier’, Public Charitable Foundation.

Among those who participated, were mem- pays respect to unknown soldiers who are never bers of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial given the proper burial they deserve having served Lodge, the Army Lodge and the Victorian and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Following a wreath laying service, RSL State Naval and Military Lodge.

Gentlemen arrived on the planting day with Vice President Major George Logan RFD their medals of service and spent time wander- (Ret'd) gave the Ode of Remembrance, and buing through the field reading some of the touch- gler John Mansfield provided the Last Post.

After standing for the Australian National Aning messages left by others.

On Friday, November 8, Grand Master Rob- them, all retired for light refreshments, and a ert Jones hosted one of the most significant chance to revisit the Masonic Centre's own events in the Freemasons Victoria calendar, Field of Remembrance to pay their respects and remember those who fought for our country. the Field of Remembrance Ceremony.

● The Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team performs a seamless Ceremony of the Unknown Soldier.

● To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or ’Like’ our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic for the most up to date information. ● ‘Freemasons: The Inside Story’ airs every Monday night at 8.30pm on Channel 31, with replays throughout the week on Thursdays at 12.30am, 3pm and Saturdays at 12.30pm. Or catch up online at www.c31.org.au and follow the links.

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

West Hollywood

LA’S OWN MELBOURNE CUP

Leanne launches her new album

■ Home grown, Melbourne rocker Leanne Kingwell is releasing an amazing album produced by legendary Hollywood producer David J. Holman.

David was responsible for hits with No Doubt, Everclear, King Bees, Olivia Newton-John and many more.

This album is truly one of the greatest albums released.

The songs are amazing and Leanne's depth of songwriting is inspiring.

The return to real music produced in a studio with the best musicians.

If you buy one album for Christmas make it this one.

Choking On Halos is available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.

Music guru and critic Ian Molly Meldrum says "its a breath of fresh air".

Music producer David J. Holman says "Exciting … incredible artist."

Billy Pinnell, music journalist says "Perfect … a quantum leap."

Wendy Squires, columnist, The Age, says "Memorable. So damn good." leannekingwell.com

From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Largest prize money in US ■ Breeders Cup Week at Santa Anita Race Track is Los Angeles's ‘Melbourne Cup’.

Some $25 million is up for grabs over the carnival offering the largest prize money in horse racing in the USA. The VRCworks closely with Santa Anita Race Track to encourage North American ● Pictured holding the prized Melbourne Cup: Alan horses to compete in the Johnson, Sue Lloyd Williams and Paul Birchall.

Melbourne Cup. The American Australian Association and Australians in L.A. hosted an evening for the live screening of the 2013 Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Gai Waterhouse movie star

■ Gai Waterhouse, trainer of the Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, is not only highly regarded in the USA. as Australia's most glamorous and successful trainer but also, 'Gai Smith' made a name for herself as a model and actor in Australia, USA and UK having appeared in the Young Doctors, Doctor Who and the Invasion Of Time.

When Gai returned to Australia she served an apprenticeship under her father, the great ‘T.J.’ Smith before obtaining her own training licence.

GavinWood

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

● Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline in Last Vegas

Do see ‘Last Vegas’

■ My business partner in Countdown Motion Pictures, Adam Howard worked on Last Vegas with visual effects on the famous roller coaster on the 'Stratosphere' ride in Las Vegas.

I actually saw the movie last weekend with Adam and the inside stories were fascinating.

This movie is a hit with superstar actors Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline playing off each other in this comedy about a late-in-life bachelor party in Sin City. I would describe it as "hangover for seniors".

Like The Hangover this movie is one of the funniest ones I have seen in a long while.

Michael Douglas plays Billy, one of four childhood friends about to turn 70 and get married for the first time to a woman more than half his age.

Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline play his childhood friends, reuniting for a last fling on the strip.

"This may be the first bachelor party covered by Medicare," quips Mary Steenburgen, who plays Diana, a lounge singer the fellows meet downtown.

The men defy age and have a multi-generational blast in what is an entertaining and funny romp.

When it comes to Melbourne make sure you go and see Last Vegas.

Janis gets her star

■ Janis Joplin will posthumously receive the 2510th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with her long time friend Kris Kristofferson performing a special acoustic version of Me And Bobby McGee. Joplin's siblings, Michael and Laura Joplin, will accept her star.

Janis Joplin has been called "the greatest white urban blues and soul singer of her generation". She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Sadly, Janis was found dead of a heroin overdose in a Hollywood hotel room on October 4, 1970 at the age of 27. ● Barbra Streisand

Jonas Brothers disband

Movies, movies, movies ■ The 8-day Hollywood Movie festival is happening right now all over Los Angeles. If you are finding it hard to get a hotel room this is why. Movie buffs, producers, directors and fans are here to celebrate Global Cinema among icons and emerging artists and to experience the best festival films of the year and red carpet events. www.afi.com

Another award for Barbra ■ In five decades of dominating the entertainment world check out this impressive list of major awards for Barbra Streisand: 2 Oscars, 5 Emmys, 8 Grammys, 1 Tony, 4 Golden Globes, 1 Kennedy Center Honour, 1 American Film Institute Award., 2 Peabodys.

And now she will pick up her latest award at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Barbra Streisand, aged 71, is the winner of the Glamour Women of the Year, lifetime achievement award. ● Managing Director of Ramada Plaza, Alan Johnson, with Congratulations Barbra on a stunning career. winning Melbourne Cup trainer Gai Waterhouse. www.barbrastreisand.com

www.gavinwood.us

■ Breaking News, stop the presses this is huge ... well not really.

Nick, Joe and Kevin are no more.

I am sure you are crying in your coffee right now. The brothers cited "creative differences on the music".

They have finally grown up and moved on with their individual careers.

The boys had been working on their fifth album, V but they were unable to agree on their musical direction.

It will be good, as now we will see what each brother comes up with, musically.

Special Holiday Offer

■ I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all readers of the Melbourne Observer.

When you are planning your next trip to Los Angeles, come and stay at the Ramada Plaza hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the Special Rate of the day.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com

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

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Victoria Pictorial

Historic Photo Collection

● Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville. 1956.

● Collins St, with Town Hall and Manchester Unity building. 1956.

● Flinders Street, showing Princes Bridge

● Collins Street, from West End. 1956.

● Bourke Street, looking west

● Front view of Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne. 1956.

● Looking to Princes’ Bridge, from near boat sheds. 1956

● Town Hall, St Kilda, where Olympc fencing events were decided.

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Observer

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

Book Reviews

By Kenneth Mulholland

Deep into the world of espionage and spying ■ There is National outrage, there is Political outrage, there is also Diplomatic outrage...

Currently, countries such as Germany and Indonesia are outwardly astounded by America and Australia and other nations, for their covert surveillance activities.

These bastions of the West who have been 'outed' as spying on their Friends and who, on diplomatic levels have stated that their only comment is 'No Comment,' and make no apologies for their own national security measures, have had the world blowtorch focused upon them publicly.

And those who claim to have been betrayed by their very best friends are making hay while the solar heat prevails.

Peter Wright's informative and controversial book, black-balled by the

Read: 'Spycatcher.' The Candid Autobiography of a Senior Intelligence Officer. Author, Peter Wright, Former Assistant Director of MI5.

Published in Scotland and in Australia by William Heinemann Australia. 1987.

English/British Thatcher Government, and championed in Australia by the then lawyer Malcolm Turnbull, takes us deep into a secret world of espionage, spy and counterspy, agent, runner of agents, illegals and double agents.

And the 11th Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Get Caught.

Some didn't, some did. Some paid with their lives.

In Wright's book names and human beings live again: romantic, disdained, shunned and revered, depend-

ing on whose side they worked for: Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean and Sir Anthony Blunt.

All of them Russian spies. The first three, defectors to Russia, the forth, run to ground in England and given immunity from prosecution on condition of co-operation.

And there were also suspicions of a fifth spy.

If there really had been a fifth, there is no conclusive proof. Though suspicion, levelled by Peter Wright and others, pointed directly at Sir Roger Hollis, the top man, Director of MI5.

Wright could never pin this man down, could never gain the exact proof that might have closed the net.

Hollis retired, divorced his wife of 40 years and married his secretary. He lived a further seven years, before dying aged 67 in 1973.

I have not been able to find the cause of death, but presume it not to have been suspicious.

As for Peter Wright, (retired from MI5, 1976 aged 60) he and his wife came to Australia, to Tasmania, where the book was written and published. Wright died in 1995 aged 78.

Later MI5 engaged an independent to write an authorized history of MI5, commemorating its 100th anniversary.

Professor Christopher Andrew of Cambridge University produced his book, The Defence of the Realm. The Authorised History of MI5. Published in 2009 by Allen Lane.

So an outside historian is given access to its archives. Not given the right to publish all of them, but enough to build up a work celebrating MI5's first hundred years. It is Andrew's opinion that Peter Wright

was inclined to come up with conspiracy theories and bend the facts to fit them, that he was in some ways unhinged or perhaps bore a grudge that he was never given the top position at MI5.

Be that as it may, there is no way to erase the names of Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, Harold 'Kim' Philby and Anthony Blunt, to the great and everlasting embarrassment of MI5, MI6 and the British Government then and of successive governments to follow.

At the time of publication of Spycatcher the British Government launched various actions to stop it entering England. At that time, young lawyer, now politician, Malcolm Turnbull (aged 31) v. Sir Robert Armstrong; who, given an impossible brief, had it torn apart by his adversary.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

WHICH TABLETS ARE GOOD FOR YOU? ■ Reading newspapers, particularly those published on the weekend confuse me so much, that when it comes to health issues and food, I now skip those pages.

Every week there is another story conflicting with the story from last week about what we should do to stay healthy.

And what worries me is some of the issues are really quite serious and not for the reader who will blindly follow the advice without consulting their doctor.

I’ve seen some of the craziest diets known to man that assure the reader that they will look like Twiggy in a matter of weeks.

Pass with flying colours ■ Take vitamin D for instance, My doctor gave me loads of instructions on how to increase my vitamin D level for strong bones. And I was to sit in the sun for at least half an hour a day to increase the level.

Following his instructions to the letter, I felt that the next time he took a blood sample I would win a gold star.

As a matter of fact I did pass with flying colours. But, now I read that it was because I’ve had an enforced rest and was eating regular meals.

It pleased me because with summer approaching and hating the heat as I do, I’d have to miss out on the daylight bit.

My bone density level would have to wait. So of course, if I followed it to the letter, by the time summer was over I’d be ready to be carted around in a bucket.

But then I read in the health supplement that the latest study found that vitamin D doesn’t improve bone density at all.

And that … targeting low-dose vitamin D supplements only to individuals who are likely to be deficient could free up substantial resources that could be better used elsewhere in health care.

On the wonky list ■ So where does that leave me? Do I now have too much vitamin D racing around my body? And what about my bone density?

Reading the morning newspapers is taken very seriously in our house.

And since Peter and I are both on the ‘wonky list’ reading the papers in bed puts us both in a peaceful frame of mind and ready to face the day.

I have to admit that we still have lively discussions from time to time. And I still do the crosswords.

But, not any more.

Depending on which newspaper you buy, the same stories could be completely different, or at best, contradict one another.

No wonder parents are worried about their chil-

Yvonne’s Column

eating them. It’s strange, but rissoles are one of my favourites now. Perhaps it was the way Mum made them, but nothing short of her taking away my books, would get me to eat them.

There’s nothing like a game of hide and seek, skippy or even cricket in the back garden to keep kids fit and well, and looking forward to mealwith Yvonne Lawrence times.

I’m sure it’s everyone not sitting down at a yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com table together that destroys the eating pattern of a dren being overweight. The recipes are endless, family. and it’s sometimes more about the chef than the Talking to a young girl who came with her recipe. mother to visit us ‘sickies’ I asked her who sets the table in her house.

Mum looked embarrassed, and the girl said that no one set the table because they had their meal on their laps while watching the television.

■ Actually while I’m thinking about the food Sadly, this kid wouldn’t know how to set a table. pages, here is a recipe for a slimming, and simply delicious snack that Peter has been making before ‘ des boot’ became part of his sartorial uniform.

It’s easy, quick and very economical. Just the ■ It’s most probably ringing around in some readdish to make when the garden is full of zucchini’s. ers heads about the squabbling that went on as to who set the table and who did the washing up. I Zucchini Patties. missed out on that because I had no brothers and 1.5 cups grated zucchini sisters to argue whose turn it was, but I still had Half an onion, finely chopped to take my turn with mum.

2 tablespoons of flour My grandfather was extremely strict and would 1 egg not allow any talking from the children during our Pepper and salt.

Mix it all together and spoon the mixture into visits for Sunday roast dinner. an oiled pan over medium heat. Press the mounds It was a ritual that grandpa carved the roast joint.

Standing at the head of the table he sharpened of mixture to flatten the patties. the carving knife using a matching steel, then proCook each side for a few minutes until brown, ceeded to carve. I don’t know if I think it would and serve hot or cold with a dab of mayonnaise or be a good thing for children today. I’m all in a slice of lemon. favour of animated from children about their These are just the thing for a snack, a quick school activities thattalk day. lunch or to accompany a barbeque.

Going to grandpa’s we knew it was always a case of ‘children should be seen and not heard’.

Fortunately my mother didn’t think like this and our meal times were happy times.

■ Snacks were not permitted when I was growing up. I could have a piece of fruit, but I was so busy playing outside I didn’t think of anything else.

Must say though that by the time it was ■ It has been rather good in one way not being dinnertime I was hungry and ate everything on out and about, but I am missing it, because Peter my plate, except rissoles and brussels sprouts. But would take me for coffee and cake at a favourite that’s another story and I was punished for not patisserie.

Handy rcipe

Squabbling at table

No snacks at home

Not missing kids

But I’m not missing the little children whose parents stand them in front of the display case full of delicious cakes and ask them what cake they would like to have with their babychino’s.

The children, utterly bewildered at the variety of the beautifully iced cakes in glorious colours can’t decide what they want much to the chagrin of the staff and the customers silently fuming whilst waiting to be served.

Common sense would dictate that after the child has made its first choice the parents should step in and that’s it.

It would seem that we have gone from one extreme to another. Once children were not given a choice, and had what the parents chose and no discussion.

But now, toddlers are allowed to choose for themselves, when they really don’t know what they want, and then complain loudly that they don’t like it and then whinge and want something that somebody else has been served.

And in doing so, annoy the heck out of people who have gone in for a quiet chat with a friend, and to enjoy coffee and cake.

One big paradox

■ I can’t help but think that catering to every childs whim doesn’t work, and it may be time to go back a bit and parents take responsibility for their kids behaviour in public.

And remember, they are their parents and not their friends.

It’s a paradox that half the weekend’s magazines are devoted to getting fit, healthy eating and striving for that perfect figure, and the other half are all about dining out and preparing food that is sure to defeat the purpose.

And please tell me that I’m not the only one that can’t understand what on earth the people who write the horoscopes are on about.

Perhaps life is one big paradox, but when you think of the alternative, I’ll take it as it comes.

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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

■ I was watching an old film titled Objective Burma on cable television a few weeks ago.

It was made in 1945 and starred Errol Flynn.

I wondered if any of the cast were still around so I checked out the details on IMDB to find that Richard Erdman was not only still alive but he was still working and starring in a television series on Foxtel titled Community.

I mentioned to my interview producer at 96.5FM that I would love to speak to Richard and can you imagine my surprise a week later when David Miller told me that he had approached Richard and he would be happy to have a chat.

The interview with Richard Erdman will be on 96.5FM at 12 noon during That's Entertainment this Sunday (Nov. 17) John Richard Erdman was born in Enid in Northern Oklahoma in 1925 and grew up in Colorado.

He lived with his mother and they moved to Hollywood when Richard was15, after his drama teacher suggested that he should try his luck in films.

Richard found work as a sports reporter for the Los Angeles Examiner before being cast in his first film Janie at Warner Brothers Studios in 1944.

He played Private ‘Nebraska’ Hooper in the war film Operation Burma and the exterior scenes were filmed at a ranch in Los Angeles.

Richard was very impressed with Errol

Whatever Happened To ...

Richard Erdman

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Flynn who took action over the lousy food the actors were given whilst filming in very hot conditions.

Errol threatened to walk off the set if the cast were not given decent food and Jack Warner, the studio boss, finally gave in to Errol's demands.

Richard married for the first time in 1948 but the marriage only lasted for two years. As his career continued Richard worked with various film studios.

He co-starred with Marlon Brando in Brando's first feature, The Men, and they shared a flat during the filming.

In 1950 he made Cry Danger which he considers to be his favourite film role.

● Richard Erdman When he walked onto the set on the very first day of shooting Dick Powell came over and said, " You know you have the best part in this film?", Richard nodded and Dick Powell added, "Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you."

Richard was in two Martin and Lewis films The Stooge and Jumping Jacks.

During the making of these films he became a

good friend of Dean Martin. In 1953 Richard married Sharon Randall and they had one daughter Erica who sadly died in her sleep three years ago.

My favourite film starring Richard Erdman was Stalag 17 which was directed by Billy Wilder and the leading role was played by William Holden.

Some of Richard's film credits include Wild Harvest, The Time Of Your Life, The Blue Gardenia and Mission Over Korea.

Richard has worked in television shows most of his career and his credits include The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Where's Raymond (with Ray Bolger), The Tab Hunter Show and many guest roles in series such as The Twilight Zone, Mr Ed, Gomer Pyle, Here's Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Cheers and many others.

Richard has played the character of Leonard in the hit series Community since 2009 and is waiting to hear if the series will be renewed for 2014.

I hope you can tune into the interview with this legendary Hollywood character actor on Sunday (Nov. 17) - Richard Erdman.

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.

CAMEL IS ON THE MENU AT ALICE

■ One of my favourite dining establishments in Alice was always the Overlanders' Steakhouse, operated by the ebullient and effervescent Krafty.

I often squired Keith and Angela McGowan through his doors - in fact I introduced them both to the delights of the camel - only Angie, however, was a convert; Keith, nuh!

In fact it was mooted that he may even do an Overnighters show or two from there. However, as with many a best laid plan, 'twas not to be.

I was listening to Ross and John on 3AW a few weeks ago when a camel-burger vendor crossed their path.

I immediately rang Krafty and suggested he send a few Camel Mignons down for their gastronomic approval.

Melbourne Arts Education Program launched ■ Arts Centre Melbourne has launched its 2014 Education Program for performing arts, music and learning workshops.

Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Judith Isherwood said, “This education program a particularly important part of our organisation because it is through engaging young people today that a vibrant arts culture will be ensured for the future – creating audiences, artists, supporters and donors, with the aim of keeping the performing arts relevant and an important part of people’s everyday lives,” she said.

“In 2014, the program for primary and secondary students contains a kaleidoscope of activities that celebrate reinvention, from live performance and workshops to an online learning program and programs based on arts and technology. There is also a specific program aimed at teacher professional learning,” she said.

With performances, digital learning tools and workshops for primary and secondary students, Arts Centre Melbourne Education Program is designed to facilitate quality learning and lasting engagement with the performing arts.

In 2014, highlights include productions such as Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s best-selling book reimagined in a stage show The 13-Storey Treehouse and direct from Sweden Aston’s Stones.

Other highlights include, direct from Ireland’s Theatre Lovett a season of The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly and direct from Denmark a Gruppe 38 production of Hans Christian, You Must Be An Angel.

Workshops include an acting and storytelling workshop called Stories That Sing: Performance Making and a Circus Oz Workshop by acclaimed Circus Oz trainers and performers. There are also workshops in the purposebuilt Digital Learning Hub teaching video editing, script writing, music composition and arrangement.

There will also be arts access funds available including the First Call Fund as well as ArtsConnect9, of which their own program will be launched early next year.

Supported by Arts Centre Melbourne donors, the First Call Fund provides a subsidy towards the cost of participation in programs for schools.

Established in 2008 by Arts Centre Melbourne supporters and generously supported by Victoria’s art lovers, the First Call Fund provides subsidy to primary and secondary schools facing barriers of access to live performance and related programs owing to distance, disadvantage or special circumstances.

Since it began in 1997, ArtsConnect9 has introduced regional Year 9 students to Melbourne’s cultural treasures – its theatres, galleries, museums and libraries – and the outstanding local, national and international events they present. Arts Centre Melbourne Education Program takes place onsite, in schools and online and are designed to develop key competencies, critical thinking and creativity. It supports teachers by aligning to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and AusVELS, and has been thematically curated to align with curriculum learning areas such as sustainability, identity and theatre arts.

"Better still," he said, "I'll be down in a few weeks so I'll bring them with me.”

And so it came to pass. I awoke to hear his dulcet tones enthusing about his culinary delights - camel, buffalo, crocodile, and kangaroo.

My tastebuds began to quiver at the very thought.

■ There's always a denizen or two lurking about in the Centre.

This time it is swarms of bees. The Alice Springs Hospital has been inundated by sting victims, and they're reported to be buzzing around everywhere.

When I lived in my shed on my five acres, I always left my porch light on to attract whatever winged creatures may be fluttering about in the vicinity.

Being of an entomological bent, they were always of interest.

This nightly attracted armies of such mini-beasts. From the minute gnats and thrips through to the giant cossid moths, the larvae of which are the infamous Witchetty Grubs.

And then, of course, such creatures aren't very intelligent or aggressive they just mindlessly and aimlessly fluttered around the light, and ended up lying about on the slab.

But, of course, there were other creatures which weren't so unintelligent or unaggressive, constantly lurking about, awaiting an opportunity to pounce on their hapless prey.

There was a bevy of arachnids, from intrepid little jumping spiders, through to the gigantic barking spider.

And further, scorpions and centipedes scuttling to and fro, literally armed to the teeth, carting their dinner off for a quiet degustation.

A nightly massacre.

■ Every so often a visitor will wander in to my Flinders Lane establishment - not a customer, but just wishing to enquire about the value of opals.

It's usually the case that they've just had a robbery, and want to get an idea of the value of a recently stolen opal for insurance purposes, or sometimes it's uninsured and they want to know what they have lost out on.

Then last week a pretty 20-something wandered in.

"I have a feeling," she wistfully observed, "that you're not going to make my day."

She had an auntie living in Lightning Ridge, who had given her a

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au colourful opal ring for her 10th birthday, so she saw my sign, and wanted to find out its value.

Apparently, at age 10, she wasn't too interested in jewellery values, and this continued until she was about 16, when a girlfriend also had a birthday. So she passed on the opal ring.

"Well, come over to this tray of opals and see which one looks like yours."

Her finger stabbed towards one sparkling gem.

"Just like that one," she said. She visibly paled when I turned it over to show her the price -$21,000.

As she had initially feared, I didn't make her day!

I had a visit from my mate Kerry few days ago. At one stage, when I was conversing with Keith on a weekly basis from Alice Springs, I was away, and rang Kerry to see if anything worthy of reporting was happening on the home front.

"I haven't heard of anything unusual - I'll just check the paper," he said.

"Nah - nothing." So I spoke to Keith that night on Coober Pedy matters, but later checked on any Alice events which had actually occurred in my ab-

sence. There was a riot at Yuendumu, Tom Sellick was on a visit, a firebug was roaming around and half the bush was ablaze, several drivers breath tested in excess of 0.20, and the town was crawling with snakes.

This was Kerry's "nothing".

The norm in Alice is often what could be deemed the bizarre and eccentric elsewhere.

In fact, that could be said of Kerry himself.

One of my mates from Brighton was visiting me once, and stated: "I thought I'd been around and met a few characters, but compared to you and your mates, I'm just a babe in the woods."

Kerry was once the boss of QANTAS at the Alice Springs Airport - then helped to fly hot air balloons.

And he's a chef par excellence.

And spends half his life sailing around the world, juxtaposed with camping in the bush in his swag.

Indeed Kerry is quite an Outback character.

■ Whilst I would never aware of any such competition, it seems there was one - and a remote community southwest of Alice has just won it.

Titjikala has been named the NT's Tidiest Town. Good on 'em.

I've been to a few communities and towns, remote and otherwise, which haven't been so tidy. Even the famous Ooodnadatta isn't a pretty sight!

In fact, in both Victoria and SA there are always signs up at the entrance to each little town, declaring that it was the winner of the Tidy Towns award, Category 2, in 1987.

However, there are a couple of establishments which, if there was ever a prize for the town "which most resembled a tip", would win hands down.

It would be a tie between Andamooka and Pimba.

There is a cardinal rule in all opal fields in Australia - you never throw anything away.

Most residents are bush mechanics and need to keep their machinery going, so they know where any spare parts are available.

There is many an old vehicle, and plenty of other junk, languishing in every backyard in Andamooka.

However, Pimba isn't a mining town - it's just a total mess.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’