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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - Page 7

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Topp twins bring comedy Observer to Arts Centre Melbourne In This 88-Page Edition

Mark Richardson: ANZAC tribute ........... Page 4 News: Lawyer must be supervised ......... Page 9 Di Rolle: Let’s do Time Warp again ....... Page 10 Melb. Confidentia: I’ll wait for Hinch ..... Page 11 Long Shots: Happy 90th Phyllis .......... Page 12 Hollywood: Our man Gavin Wood ......... Page 15 Travel and Wine: David Ellis reports ...... Page 16 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and style .......... Page 17 Kevin Trask: Whatever happened ......... Page 18 Victoria Pictorial: Easter flashbacks ..... Page 20 Classic Books: Charles Dickens .......... Page 21 James Sherlock Aaron Rourke Cheryl Threadgold Julie Houghton

The Lepidopters: A Space Opera

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Drug-fuelled: Court

● Pictured: Michael Kieran Harvey (in black), with Rachel Saraswati, Slave Pianos Rohan Drape (left), Dave Nelson, Neil Kelly and Danius Kesminas, and Punkasila , Erwan `Iwank' Hersi Susanto, Antariksa, Uji 'Hahan' Hando, Rudy 'Atjeh' Dharmawan, Prihatmoko 'Moki' Catur in The Lepidopters - A Space Opera.

Photo: Selina Ou ■ Picture this; a menagerie of highly sexual, It was only in Part 3, where the already lose extra-terrestrial moths invading Indonesia narrative thread became a bit lost on this rewith the sole purpose of inter-breeding with a viewer. woman called Cheryl.

This performance was a massive underIf this sounds like the premise for a sci-fi taking and credit must go to the sound technicomic strip, it is, it’s also the inspiration for cian and stage manager for the flawless tranThe Lepidopters: A Space Opera, hosted by sitions from act to act.

The Arts House last weekend.

One of the highlights was undoubtedly The Spanning art-forms and cultures, The Astra Choir which opened with a 32-part (32 Lepidopters: A Space Opera is a three-part part, give that pause for thought) composition collaboration between the art-music collec- by Slaves Pianos; a sound-scape which was tive Slaves Pianos, the Indonesian punk-art effective in evoking the sensation of moths band, Punkasila and Melbourne-based The descending from outer-space to molest and Astra Choir. unleash havoc.

If the union of choir meets punk band When the choir then broke into Schuman’s sounds unusual, throw in a giant, self-auto- God’s Is The Orient, God’s The Occident, in mated gamelan (an enormous xylophone/gong perfect harmonies, the effect was truly magion a wooden frame) and the aforementioned cal. comic-strip projected on either end of the Finally Punkasila must get a mention with venue and you’re starting to get the idea. their high-octane energy and those awesome Yes, this was unusual performance art and 80’s silver spacesuits. for the most part it really worked, coming toThe ear plugs provided on entry were well gether due to the 50 odd singers and musi- appreciated! cians who truly embraced the artistic vision.

Review by Catherine McGregor

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE T OP 5 TOP CHAPTER HEADINGS FROM BOB CARR'S NEW BOOK 5. "How Qantas gives me pyjamas with my initials on them.”

4. "Just how good I am.”

3. "Neil Perry tastes my food before I eat it.”

2. "How to get an upgrade on a tram.”

1. "How to get Seat 1A when someone's already there.”

OR "Farting on command!"

■ The Melbourne Observer is taking a two-week break from publication. There will be no issues of the Observer over the Easter-ANZAC break. No issues will be available on April 23 or 30. We resume publication on Wednesday, May 7. Our office is now closed for the holiday break, re-opening at 9am on Wednesday, April 30.

● The Topp Twins Photo: Sally Tagg ■ The Topp Twins, identical twin sisters Lynda and Jools Topp, are bringing their quirky brand of humour to the Art Centre Melbourne next month.

The New Zealand national treasures have performed around the world as an original comedy-music duo for more than 25 years.

The twins re-invent themselves on stage, changing character, musical style and gender with ease.

Armed with guitar, mouth-harp and spoons, they deliver original songs and character comedy, the twins can be seen at the Fairfax Studio from May 22-24.

Lynda and Jools Topp grew up singing to the cows on their family’s dairy farm in the Waikato.

After a short stint in the Army, they began their careers busking on the streets of Auckland and came of age during the heady days of the political protest marches in the early 80s.

They quickly joined the forefront of progressive social change campaigning for a Nuclear-Free NZ, Maori Land Rights, a halt to the 1981 Springbok Tour, and Homosexual Law Reform.

By 1998, Lynda Topp, as her popular TV character, Camp Mother, came close to winning the mayoral elections in Auckland, and the Topp Twins were firmly entrenched in the bosom of Kiwi culture with their own prime time TV series Do Not Adjust Your Twinset.

From rural backwaters to performances at the Rugby World Cup and London’s off-West End stage, from the far-left to mainstream family entertainment, the Topp Twins appeal is infectious.

They started as support act to Split Enz, Billy Bragg and Midnight Oil and then started performing to university crowds, before headlining their own hugely successful tours in Australia, North America and Britain. ” The Topp Twins were inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame 2008, awarded Best Country Music Duo at the National Country Music Awards 2011 and 2009 and won Best Country Album at the NZ Music Awards 2005 and 2007.

A feature documentary film The Topp Twins, Untouchable Girls, became NZ’s number one box office documentary Presented by Arts Centre Melbourne Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio May 22-24.

Tickets: $30 - $49

■ Tongala man Kevin Hitchcok forced his way into a Kyabram home and attacked the occupant. Hitchcock was fuelled by a cocktail of prescription drugs and alcohol, Shepparton Court has heard. Magistrate Ian Watkins sentenced Hitchcock to a 12-month community corrections order including 200 hours of unpaid community work, reports the Shepparton News.

Violence on rise ■ Assaults have risen in the Moama district, reports the Riverine Herald. Alcohol-fuelled violence is on the rise, says ‘The Riv’.

Egg farmers fined ■ A Terang egg farming business associated with the Milroy family has been fined $17,500 with more than $3000 costs after a worker slipped, fell into machinery and lost the tip of her left index finger, reports the Warrnambool Standard.

Pondage closed ■ Hazelwood Pondage will remain closed during the upcoming Easter and ANZAC Day holidays due to blue green algal blooms, reports the Latrobe Valley Express.

Released on bail ■ Anthony Cromb, the Yarrawonga district man accused of killing Holbrook's Troy Wetmore, has been released on $50,000 bail, reports the Border Mail. He was ordered to reappear before the court on July 14.

Charges upgraded ■ A Whitefield man, 47, who allegedly stabbed his friend 28 times will contest an attempted murder charge this month, reports the Wangaratta Chronicle.

New CEO at Moira ■ Last week, we reported that Mark Henderson had resigned as CEO of thye Rural City of Mildura, to spend more time at his family property. He has just announced that he will become CEO at Moira Shire, says the Yarrawonga Chronicle.

Jogger killed ■ A women has been killed after being hit by a car while she was jogging near Stratford.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Mostly cloudy. 9°-21° Thurs. Clear. 12°-21° Fri. Partly cloudy. 10°-22° Sat. Partly cloudy. 10°-16° Sun. Chance of rain. 8°-18°

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Victoria Pictorial

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Ash

Picnics For our nostalgia collection

● Picnic near Elephant Rock, Flinders. Circa 1900.

● Picnic at Lorne. Circa 185-1892

● Bush picnic. Between 1890 and 1910.

● United Confestioners’ first annual picnic, Sorrento, 1925.

● Soicialists’ picnic, Heidelberg. 1906.

● Picnic. Mornington,. 1922.

● Picnic party. Mt Dandenong observatory. 1910.

● Melbourne Steamship Co. Annual Picnic outside Hotel Brittannia, Williamstown. Circa 1900-1914

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - Page 9

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Observer

Court Roundsman

Lawyer must be supervised Meet Honey Brown

Briefs Break-in

■ Detectives are investigating after $43,000 worth of air conditioner units, hot water systems and power tools were stolen from factories in Braeside and Dingley.

Watch it

■ Victoria Police will once again take part of an operation to target alcohol misuse, violence and anti-social behaviour within the community.

Operation Unite will run in Melbourne CBD, as well as regional centres of Geelong and Mildura, this Saturday night.

Probe

■ A major route - the Hamilton Highway between Geelong and the state’s west is poised to remain closed until Easter following a large explosion that injured two policemen and claimed a life, reports theGeelong Advertiser

■ Victorian lawyer Giovanni Mirabella has pleaded guilty professional misconduct and misconduct at common law.

Mirabella, who practised at Box Hill and in the City, admits he did nothing to progress a client’s personal injury claim over 2½-years, and repeatedly lied about the progress of the claim and the true state of the work.

The client, Matthew Jones, was repeatedly told they would receive a minimum payment of $100,000in resolution of a personal injury claim.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Member Elizabeth Wentworth said that lawyers had a duty of honesty and candour to clients.

Instead, the advice given by Mirabella was reckless, and in breach of his mprofessional duty to take reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of statements.

She was told that Mirabella suffered from severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder at the time.

Ms Wentworth said Mirabella’s performance fell short of the competence and diligence that a member of the public could exzpect of a reasonably competent legal practitioner.

Mirabella has agreed to an order where he will be supervised for 12 months. He has been reprimanded.

At his own expense, Mirabella is to engage the services of experienced lawyer Geoffrey Gronow as a mentor to each month discuss all files being conducted.

Mirabella must also pay $9500 costs of the Legal Services Commissioner Michael McGarvie.

Of Mirabella, Ms Wentworth said: “He was out of his depth and should not have taken instructions.” The supervision order will protect the public, she said.

● Honey Brown, author ■ Sisters In Crime and the Port Phillip Library Services present the launch of Honey Brown’s crime novel Through The Cracks (Penguin Books Australia) on Wednesday, April 30 at 6pm for 6.30pm start, at the St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle St, St Kilda.

National co-convenor Maggie Baron will talk to Honey about her life in crime, and more.

Honey Brown is the author of four other thrillers: Red Queen, The Good Daughter, After The Darkness and Dark Horse.

Red Queen was published to critical acclaim in 2009 and won an Aurealis Award, and The Good Daughter was long-listed for the Miles Franklin Literary Award and shortlisted for the Barbara Jefferis Award in 2011.

After The Darkness was selected for the Women's Weekly Great Read and the Get Reading 2012's ‘50 Books You Can't Put Down’ campaign.

Attendance at this book launch is free, but bookings are essential. Please call 9209 6655.

- Cheryl Threadgold

al Trading Corp. Pty Ltd, but the company successfully applied to to have the proceeding against it struck out.

National Trading Corp. Pty Ltd argued that at all material times leading up to the sale, the company and the car remained in Queensland. It argued that VCAT does not have jurisdiction outside Victoria.

It argued that the contract was complete prior to the car leaving the Queensland jurisdiction, when the car was transported by courier.

Best of Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

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

Not the retiring type

‘Dodgy odometer’: claim ■ Concrete Services Group Pty Ltd is taking on Bartercard Mornington Peninsula (YLS Group Pty Ltd) at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

VCAT Senior Member Ian Proctor has ordered that the parties attend a compulsory conference on Monday, May 12.

Concrete Services Group (Intex Resurfacing) is seeking $9909.67 payment from Bartercard, alleging that the company misrepresnted the odometer reading of a secondhand car.

Intex claims it paid above the value of the car.

It had earlier been thought that the seller of the vehicle was Nation-

THE BARREL

Bartercard sees itself as only the agent for National Trading Corp.

Pty Ltd, Mr Proctor heard.

Intex has its registered office in Victoria, operates in this state, negotiated about and entered int othe contract to buy the car fdrom Victoria, and made the payment from Victoria, Mr Proctor found.

“After Intex brough the car to Victoria, the dispute arose,” Mr Proctor said.

“The jurisdiction of VCAT to hear the damages under [the Fair Trading Act], or to hear and determine a consumer and trader dispute, does not depend upon the existence of a contract,” Mr Proctor observed, ordering the May 12 conference.

Coon in Court ■ Former employee Robert Coon punched a pizza delivery driver in the face during an incident in the car park of a Wendouree food outlet, Ballarat Court has heard.

The Ballarat Courier reports that Coon received a 12-month community corrections order .

Coon had worked as a delivery driver at Don Chichio’s Pizza in Howitt Str before he was fired.

The ex-employee returned to the shop intoxicated.

Coon approached and provoked employees to start fighting him.

He swung his fist at the victim and hit him in the right side of the face, causing swelling and bruising to the man’s right cheekbone. Coon cannot remember the incident.

● Joe Hockey, Federal Treasurer ■ For a group of politicians that went to so much trouble to get themselves elected, the Liberal-Nationals coalition led by Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey are making some dumb decisions.

Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey’s float of the idea that the Australian retiring age might advance from 65 to 67 or 70, has struck a dull thud with the electorate.

The Aussie population can be forgiving when it comes to tax rates ... but politicians will find if they start stealing workers’ years at the end of their people’s careers, it will be an entirely different response.

Many people, especially those in manual labouring roles, will simply find it physically impossible to work until they are 70 in their currently roles.

For many, the exhaustion of five more years could lead to premature illness and death. All the name of saving pension payments.

Under the proposals, Australians could become the oldest workforce in the world. It’s not on.

The budgie bolts ■ Canterbury warbler Kylie Minogue has left the BBC program, The Voice, after just one series. With audience numbers down, the ‘Singing Budgie’ is citing touring commitments as to why she is quitting

Barrel Bullets ■ Once upon a time, ANZAC Day was sacred in Australia. Sony Music this week issued a news release to announce that singer Mark Vincent will be releasing his new CD, Best So Far, on April 25.

Best So Far? The artist is aged 19.

■ One media company telsl their journalists that they should not accept gifts exceeding $10 in value, without declaring them. The Barrel hears whispers about free QANTAS flights to Sydney ... or as one of their colleagues termed it, “the gravy plane”?

■ The ‘merger’ of seven Star community newspapers into Metro Media Publishing/Fairfax local newspapers in Melbourne has been delayed until early next month.

■ The annual Conscious Living Expo is coming to the Melbourne Showgrounds on April 25-27 featuring Braco, ‘the Croatian emissary of Peace’: Croatia has been known for its own brand of peace in recent years.

■ Local Collingwood designer Vivienna Lorikeet is set to make her mark at this year's Logies (Sunday, April 27), according to a news release issued by her PR agents, Believe Advertising.

■ A good word for ... the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, are holding anj Autumn Plant Sale from 10am-3pm on Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4, inside Gate E.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014

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To

Let’s do the Time Warp again

Di For

‘I AM Helen Reddy’

■ It was American television host Bill Cosby, and also Art Linkletter, who had the most wonderful television program called Kids Say The Darnedest Things ... but it was the adult in the Helen Reddy audience in Melbourne who said the darndest thing!

In a complaint note after the Melbourne performance of our own home spun songstress, the note to management read: “The person playing Helen Reddy isn’t really up to scratch!”

The audience member thought she was in a tribute show!

Great luncheon at Sofitel

● From left: Helen Kapalos, Steve Vizard, Di Rolle, Dee Dee Dunleavy ■ Lorraine Elliott , Board President, and Tony Sweeney, Director and CEO, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, held a wonderful luncheon at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

I was lucky enough to be invited by Sofitel and sat with the best table in the room.

It was great to catch up with Helen Kapalos, looking stunning in a red dress and excited about new prospects in her work,.

Also there was Alan Finney, head of the Australian Film Institute and Godfather of the Australian film industry as named by Russell Crowe.

I enjoyed seeing Steve Vizard who is always great company; and Simon Pristel head of News at the Seven Network; Dee Dee Dunleavy is always up and positive and a master of social media.

It was a wonderful lunch to see the talented, wise and incredibly successful Jeffrey Katzenberg.

As part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces, DreamWorks Animation, The Exhibition is currently showing at ACMI, Jeffrey spoke to the thrilled audience about the journey from sketch to screen.

It was a rare opportunity to hear from one of the world’s most influential and successful; studio heads.

Katzenburg, founder and CEO of DreamWorks Animation, he discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with establishing a creative business and global brand.

He wowed the members of the media in the audience when he told them that his company feeds the employees free breakfasts, lunch and dinner, and has a doctor in the office site of at all times for members of his staff.

I love my job! with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Christie Whelan-Browne, Tim Maddren and Craig McLachlan in The Rocky Horro Show ■ Melbourne is getting excited for the Melbourne season of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. The cast will do a great job, Craig McLachlan will be brilliant in the lead when the season opens at the Comedy Theatre on April 26 with previews from April 24.

The show has had successful seasons in Brisbane and Perth, and The Festival Theatre in Adelaide.

I am looking forward to seeing Christie Whelan Browne as Janet.

I must have seen the show 300 times as I have worked on it many times. Chookas to Christie and all the cast!

Bach comp at Recital Centre ■ One of the reasons I love working in music is that I cannot play a musical instrument despite having big dreams to be a pianist.

I love being around talented creative people. One of the events at Melbourne Recital Centre is the Bach competition.

This annual event featuring the beautiful music by Johann Sebastian Bach is now open for entries.

Dedicated to young musicians passionate about Bach, this competition sees entrants compete for the Richard Mills prize of $2000 plus additional encouragement prizes in an inspiring display of passion and skill.

Open to any instruments and soloists, duos or small ensembles (five or less) 17 years of age and under, the competition culminates in a free showcase concert at 3pm on Sunday, June 15.

Music lovers can enjoy an afternoon of JS Bach in the sublime acoustics of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

After listening to the talented array of finalists the jury, a panel of esteemed music industry figures, will choose the winner.

Last year’s winner was 15-year-old pianist Oscar Jiang.

Now in its fourth year, this competition nurtures and facilitates star musicians for the future, by providing a platform for emerging musicians to perform at Melbourne Recital Centre.

Johann Sebastian Bach fashioned Baroque traditions into a towering peak of structural grace and formal perfection like no-one else.

Sibling Rivalry

● Johann Sebastian Bach It is this supreme 2 0 1 4 / 0 2 / b a c h craftsmanship, largely competition2014 Tickets to the event unrecognised at the are required. time, which has For more informaearned Bach an enormous stature in alter tion visit melbourne or call years among compos- recital.com.au the box office 9699 ers and musicians.

3333 during business To apply to enter hours. the 2014 Bach compeIf only I was under tition, visit melbourne 17 and could play Bach recital.com.au /news/ on the piano!

John Frost honoured

● John Frost ■ A special congratulations to acclaimed theatre producer John Frost for being the 2014 recipient of the prestigious JC Williamson Award.

He is a lovely man and well loved by publicists who work with him.He was particularly admired by the late Suzie Howie. As soon as I heard the news, I thought of Suzie.

It is no secret that John’s contribution to commercial musical theatre in Australia is internationally renowned, and highly recognised in this country.

Nice to see this award going to John.

● Ann Hampton Calloway and Liz Calloway ■ Broadway cabaret legends Liz Calloway and Ann Hampton Calloway are on their way to Melbourne, set to bring their acclaimed show, Sibling Revelry, to Melbourne this June as part of Melbourne Recital Centre’s American Songbook Festival.

The dynamic sisters first performed Sibling Revelry at New York’s Rainbow and Stars in 1995 and have been performing it ever since.

Liz Calloway is best known for her work on Broadway and as a recording artist. A Tony nominee and Emmy Award-winning actress, singer and recording artist, she made her Broadway debut as May in the original Broadway cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along.

She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Baby.

Calloway played Young Sally in the famous star-studded cast of Sondheim’s Follies for five years and won acclaims as Grizabella in Cats.

Although Ann Hampton Calloway may not be a name immediately familiar to the greater Australian public, her voice will be.

Hampton Calloway wrote and sang the theme song to the popular sitcom The Nanny.

One of the greatest exponents and champions of the work of The Great American Songbook, Ann is also considered one of the best jazz singers in the world, her vast and diverse career included highlights such as writing songs for the biggest names in show business from Barbra Streisand and Carole King.

Ann is also the only composer to have collaborated with the late Cole Porter. This is a real treat and a performance not to be missed.

Sibling Revelry is a must see for all lovers of cabaret, musical theatre, jazz and everpopular Great American Songbook. Presented

by Melbourne Recital Centre and David M. Hawkins.

Tickets from $55. 7.30pm, Wednesday, June 25. Bookings: melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - Page 11

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Scorned woman: ‘I’ll wait for Hinch to apologise’

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Go Show date hint

● The Go! Show went to air in Aug. 1964 ■ Bitch understands that the Go! Show 50th anniversary reunion concert will be held at The Palais Theatre, St Kilda, on Saturday, August 2.

The date is as close as possible to when the first episode went to air half-a-century ago on the newlyopened Channel 0 on August 4, 1964.

The show provided one of the first TV appearances for music acts such as Ronnie Burns, Bobby Bright, Dinah Lee, Johnny Young and Normie Rowe (pictured above).

Other acts included the late Ian Turpie, The Masters Apprentices, Brian Cadd, Colleen Hewett, Marcie Jones, Glenn Shorrock and Tony Worsley.

Last year’s Go! Show Gold concert included an appearance by Ross D Wyllie, organised by promoter Dennis Smith.

Bitch understands that other concerts are also planned for July 24 (Adelaide), July 26 (Hobart), August 16 (Gold Coast) and a Brisbane gig with date yet to be announced.

Shaken and stirred

■ There are a number of reports that a high-profile Melbourne woman had to be removed by security staff from a major CBD gathering this month.

Witnesses claim the woman threw an alcoholic cocktail drink in the face of a senior male work colleague who had just become engaged (to another woman).

The woman is said to have been upset that the man had ‘defriended’ her on Facebook, and he did not want to discuss the matter at the public event.

The woman has become estranged from a large number of close friends over the past year. The friends have been concerned about her emotional well-being, particularly over the past 12 months.

The woman is said to have had to face a senior executive at her workplace on the day after the alleged assault and eviction. Bitch hears that the woman denied being involved in any assault, and offered to take a lie detector test.

■ The Melbourne Observer is unable to contact the woman to put the allegations. This newspaper always offers right of reply.

■ A woman with an ongoing dispute with Derryn Hinch says she will wait for the Melbourne broadcaster to apologise to her.

The woman, who titles herself on Facebook as ‘Lest We Forget’, is upset with the former 3AW broadcaster, at the same time as a photo of Hinch with his partner Natasha Chadwick appeared.

“I found out tonight that someone who I fancied since last year, is no longer single. He's finally off the market! The thing is, it was a long outside shot anyway,” said ‘Sasha’.

“I have no time for rude, arrogant and wilfully ignorant callous people. Good bye Mr. Hinch. Let it stand for the record "I" deleted you,” said ‘Lest We Forget’.

“That fool will one day realise that he/staff/others on his behalf have erred and I will be polite enough to allow him to apologise on that day,” said ‘Lest We Forget’.

“Let’s just say I now understand what others knew all along and told me to not waste my time with the fool,” said the Pyrmont woiman whose Facebook address is ‘sasharinger’. She also speaks of her health challenges with a brain tumour.

Whispers

Baggers

● Mick Malthouse ■ Whilst Magpies coach, it was a stated aim to destroy the Carlton Football Club. Sometimes plans take a little longer than expected.

To Court

● Derryn Hinch with ‘partner’ Natasha Chadwick at Melton

‘Sasha’ upset after visit to Derryn in jail ■ A woman who is conflict with Derryn Hinch, has hit out in bitter social media messages to the Channel 7 broadcaster.

‘Sasha’, who writes under the name of ‘Lest We Forget’ said: “When I went out of my way to visit you in Kal Kal only for some brunette to have me removed, it made me question why I even visited you in the first instance.

“It wasn't you the Hinch man I was visiting. I wasn't there for a root either, no offence.

“I wasn't there for your money, I've got my own. I wasn't there as a spy for some network, I'd rather work for ASIO if that we're the case.

“I was there for what you stood for Derryn. I was there as another soul who admired another kindred spirit.

“I do expect an apology from that malicious cow that arranged security to escort me out. That was humiliating. Has she no respect? I know I won't get it either.

“After months of silence, I am now letting you know my feelings of that day. I know you do indeed care for others, but that incident was very poorly handled and more of an exercise of ego and cruelty.

Cheers Sasha.”

Derryn Hinch replied: “Lest we forget. The 'malicious cow' you refer to is my partner. She did not have you removed from the prison.

“Prison officials removed you because you were not on the approved visitors' list, claimed you were a personal friend, got in with an interstate licence and they deemed you a security breach.

“Several guards were disciplined for even letting you in the door.The Chaser's War On Everything would have been impressed by your chutzpah. Because of your breach two legitimate guests, Tony Tardio and Denis O'Kane from 3AW, were on the list but turned away the following Saturday.

“I was also unmoved by your letter boasting your father knew the incoming Governor-General who would get me out of jail early. Nor impressed by the live parrots as a birthday present that you left in the car with the engine running and the air-conditioning on.”

Rumour Mill

■ The Lutheran Church of Australia Victorian Division has requested a Dandenong Magistrates’ Court Registrars’ Hearing this morning (Wed.) to allege a civil claim against Michael Abson, alleging “services rendered”.

Mary Hear It Here First

Sins of the father

■ A Victorian man believes that much of his late father’s estate should go to him because “I am his only son”. About to enter the scene is another son with a Birth Certificate to establish his identity. Then there will also be a ‘new’ sister, also with her Birth Certificate. And then possibly a third ‘new’ sibling.

Dad certainly shared the love.

Magazine co. sues ■ ACP Magazines Ltd is scheduled to make a civil claim against Garry Hamlyn, alleging “services rendered”, at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at 10am today (Wed.).

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Mary McKillop ■ A photo of St Mary McKillop is weeping tiny drops of oil, according to a Mornington Peninsula Leader report about Julie Zammit’s Dromana home.

The picture was a gift to Mrs Zammit, 82, by the nuns of St James’s Church in Richmond,. said Sharon Green.

Finished ■ The farming partnership previously conducted by Denis William Ogden, Judith Ann Ogden and Anthony William Ogden, Wanalta Pastoral of Rushworth, has been dissolved

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Melbourne

Observer

Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday

Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

Happy 90th Phyllis

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with K enneth Mulholland Kenneth

‘YTT: Burn in hell’

Contact Us

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Melbourne TV Memories

● From left, at rear: Eunice Rook, Kevin Trask, Val Cruise, June Baker and Bridie Withers with Phyllis Noyes, the birthday girl, seated in front.

Photo: Sandra Hodgson.

■ Melbourne Observer columnist Kevin Trask was on the spot, giving a talk to the members of the Senior Citizens at the Carrum Community Centre ... when it came time to celebrate the 90th birthday of one ofr the locals, Phyllis Noyes.

Kevin gave a talkk on Australian showbusiness.

Long Shots

Todd’s Hinch joke ■ The biggest laugh for the audience at Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen at the Palms At Crown on Friday was a joke at the expense of radio man Derryn Hinch.

McKenney had the sell-out crowd in stitches as he told how Dancing With The Stars judge Helen Ritchie went into untrollable laughter as the bearded broadcaster danced the samba ... with his trouser fly undone.

That’s life!

Be safe at Easter ■ The Melbourne Observer is taking a twoweek break over the Easter-ANZAC holiday period.

Our office is now closed, and will re-open at 9am on Wednesday, April 30.

There will be no issues of the Observer on April 23 or 30. Our next issue will be published on Wednesday, May 1.

We take this opportunity to extend wishes for a safe and happy time to our readers and advertisers.

A-listers ■ Melbourne’s A-listers are already chatting about who made it to the guest lists for the opening nights of Rocky Horror Show at the Comedy Theatre (April 26); and to Wicked at the Regent Theatre on Saturday, May 10.

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long “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 ■ “Retirement can be a great joy if you can figure out how to spend time without spending money.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Science has never come up with a better office communication system than the coffee break.”

Text For The Week ■ “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

- John 11:25-26 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.

■ Well ... there's nothing like a challenging banner line.

That line about Young Talent Time was actually a bit of doggerel scrawled on a staff toilet-stall door off the scenery bay to Studio A at Channel 0.

It seems that not everyone was enamoured of the show. Probably a disgruntled stage hand.

Jokingly, I always said that there were three reasons that I didn't want to work on the show: the director, the kids and the compere.

Ironically I'd moved on from Brian and The Juniors at Channel 7 and was now again entrapped by another pack of youngsters.

Alright, that might have been a good throw-away laugh-line back then, but how was I to know that over its journey this show was to earn four Best Australian Musical Variety Show Logies, a special TV Week Logie, the Award for Sustained Excellence, and four individual Logies to Jamie Redfern, Debbie Byrne (twice) and Johnny Young himself.

Of Johnny, here are some brief facts: Johnny Young (Johnny Benjamin de Jong) was born in the Netherlands in 1947.

His family migrated to Western Australia in the early 1950s. At 18 Young was host of Perth TV. show Club Seventeen.

He formed Johnny Young and Kompany, moving to Melbourne in 1966, appeared as compere on the brief-lived Too Much and in 1967 hosted The Go!! Show, following Ian Turpie.

During those years Young was on the go, writing/composing The Real Thing. The Girl That I love (Russell Morris), The Star (Ross Wyllie), and I Thank You (Lionel Rose) Friend and frequent-working partner with names such as Ian Meldrum and Barry Gibb, and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Normie Rowe, Ronnie Burns, Russell Morris, Robin and Maurice Gibb and working alongside groups and stars such as The Mixtures, The Walker Brothers, The Yardbirds, The Bee Gees and Roy Orbison, he also worked on Melbourne radio 3XY and as a writer for Go Set in 1968-69.

The guy was multi-talented and determined. And in 1970 he formed a production company with Kevin Lewis, Lewis-Young Productions.

This venture came up with Happening '70 and continued as '71 and '72. They were on their way.

1971 delivered Young Talent Time. The original kidstars to be were: Rod Kirkham, Jamie Redfern, Debra Byrne, Vikki Broughton, Phillip Gould, Jane Scali, Greg Mills, Julie Ryles and Trevor Hindmarsh.

Sometimes Wikipedia becomes Wackypedia.

That's because it's only as good as the humans that pump in the information, or the mis-information, or, in this instance, the non-information.

It is a rule-of-thumb that anything Wikipedia tells you, me, us, should be cross-referenced at least once with another source. Otherwise we are using a single, easily altered, information bible.

In this case, Wikipedia simply lacks input. I'm the cross-reference. I was there on the very first taping of Young Talent Time.

Wiki tells us that Ep. 1 aired on Saturday, April 24, 1971, which is correct. That first episode was videotaped on the evening of Friday, April 23, without an audience. As were a number of further shows.

What Wiki doesn't tell us is that Bob Collins was the initial Director of Young Talent Time. A rather un-sung fellow, who I think, came over from the ABC to 0 early on as a cameraman and graduated up to directing by the time I arrived.

He was a popular guy as a director and later as a part of the channel's middle management. He was very kind to me, and very tolerant.

The first camera crew for Young Talent Time was Barry Cross on camera two, on the crane, driven by me. Roy Chivers, on camera one, to the left. and Phillip Bowler (Phil, or as Barry called him, Pip) on camera three on the right.

The Floor Manager, I'm not sure of: Probably Ray Lindsay, but Frank Wadds and Wayne Fosternelli were around that time.

My only memory of those early YTT Friday night tapings was that we clocked on around 3pm, checked our cameras, went to the pub, arrived back just in time to start rehearsals and taping, and that's how it began.

Turn to Page 17

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - Page 13

Melbourne People

DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image Photos: Mark Gambino

DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition

● Richard Zimmermann with Alan Finney

■ Some 200 guests attended the Australian Centre for the Moving Image/DreamWorks Animation business lunch at Sofitel Melbourne on Thursday to hear Jeffrey Katzenberg, founder and CEO of DreamWorks Animation film studio, discuss films, success, setbacks, the business of Hollywood, American politics and DreamWorks.

He also shared his simple, but effective, approach to life and business, that being always aim to “exceed expectations”.

Guests included Jeanne Pratt, Raphael and Fiona Geminder, Kate Roffey, Russel Howcroft, Joel Pearlman, Carol Schwartz, John Thwaites, Michael Cassel, Tim Minchin, Steve Vizard, Alan Finney, Virginia Trioli and Helen Kapalos.

Katzenberg was in Melbourne to open DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

The exhibition runs until October 5.

● Helen Kapalos, Steve Vizard, Di Rolle and Dee Dee Dunleavy

● DreamWorks Animation CEO Bill Damaschke with Channel 10’s Russel Howcroft.

● Raphael Geminder, Jeanne Pratt and Fiona Geminder.

● Bernadette O’Mahony and John Thwaites

● Carol Schwartz with Gabrielle Connellan.

● Peter de Rauch with his daughter Mia.

● Don Keyte, Stephanie Bansemer-Brown and Andrew McIntyre

● Deb Kiper, Ricci Swart and Russell Briggs

● Helen Kapalos

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Lodge of Australia Felix helps our boys Soldier On Swan Hill Lodge sets the bar high for Legacy

● The Ceremony of the Unknown Soldier

● Past Grand Master Bob Jones presents the cheque to Harold Heslop, President Swan Hill Legacy.

■ Open the windows! Racing towards the future! Make your Lodges places where men want to be! How many times have we heard these phrases over the years?

Well, these sayings were heard loud and clear on Saturday, April 5 in Swan Hill Lodge where the 2013 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team visited to demonstrate the Ceremony of the Unknown Soldier and the well-known Vacant Chair Ceremony.

Swan Hill Mayor Les McPhee laid a wreath as part of this moving ceremony. These were performed to a capacity crowd in excess of 160, all of whom we expect went away with very different and possibly new feelings of Freemasonry.

This night came about through suggestions from a very new Brother, who convinced the 'movers and shakers' of Swan Hill Lodge to put on the Ceremony as an open night combined with a fund raising effort with Legacy as the main recipient.

The basic team was a group of rather young new members, who went at it with great enthusiasm. The Ceremony was carried out with the precision and decorum that we have all witnessed before in these extremely well trained and rehearsed Grand Lodge Teams.

The event was MCd by Andrew McPhee, whose wit in keeping the whole crowd in a festive mood was matched equally by Past Grand Master Bob Jones.

Bob set the course for the evening by presenting to Donna Rullo a cheque for $5000 for her passionate project Women Touched By Cancer, but after her heart felt response Bob doubled it to $10,000. This donation was a result of the funds raised from 2013 Grand Lodge Team Ladies Think Pink fundraising.

The MC carried out further extractions and fines with great humour which were very well accepted, again furthering the cause of Legacy.

A monster raffle had been organised with all prizes being donated by local businesses. The result of all these raffles, and fines placed Bob in the happy position of being able to present the President of Swan Hill Legacy, Harold Heslop ,with a cheque for $6000. The Freemasons Board of Benevolence was part contributor to both of these donations.

Musical interludes were provided by Jim Puohotaua, Ian Goddard and Roger Manderson. Thanks to you all.

Full marks must go to the younger members organising committee whose enthusiasm really made it tick and also top marks to the ‘Elder Statesmen’ in Swan Hill Lodge who encouraged this initiative.

■ Lodge of Australia Felix No. 1 raised $6000 towards a different kind of expedition for returned serviceman, Scott Delany.

Scott, a 26-year-old veteran who served in East Timor in 2006 and Iraq in 2007, will be walking the Kokoda Trail along with 22 students as part of a recovery exercise organised by the Wyndham Leaders of the Future Program and Soldier On, to lift spirits and help others.

Soldier On supports Australian service men and women who have been wounded physically or psychologically in contemporary conflicts.

This includes conflicts after 1990, as well as serving members who were wounded in training or other exercises.

Soldier On does this in several different ways, in an effort to make a financial, physical and emotional link with those who have been wounded.

Four areas Soldier On works to help are in rehabilitation, adventure events, community events and education, employment and empowerment.

Wyndham Leaders of the Future is an innovative program to target young people who are engaged and striving to become future leaders in their communities.

Established by Wyndham Police, the program aims to help develop the leadership skills of the area's young people as well as provide an opportunity to build valuable relationships.

The Kokoda Trail trip will enable veterans like Scott to assist students with personal development and improvement as well as regain his own confidence and strength both mentally and physically.

The funds raised by members of Lodge of Australia Felix and with support from the Freemasons Victoria Board of Benevolence have gone towards Scott's airfare, back-pack and boots needed for the trek.

Presenting the cheque on Thursday (April 10), Lodge of Australia Felix member Dr Peter Prideaux spoke about the scars left behind from war and that often these scars aren't just physical.

Many soldiers return with depression, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which can be just as debilitating as a physical injury.

"There was once a day when those who suffered from depression were ignored, but organisations like Soldier On have enabled more community awareness and understanding of issues like PTSD," Dr Prideaux said.

Anthony Krupa, a recovering soldier and spokesperson from the Wyndham Leaders of the Future Program accompanied Scott at the presentation and made a heartfelt speech about his personal battles with PTSD. "Usually the story of a soldier's wounding and their recovery is not told so educating the public about their journey is important - it helps to ease the transition from service to civilian,” Anthony said.

The group depart today (Wednesday, April 16) and return on August 24, just before ANZAC Day. For more information about Soldier On visit: http://soldieron.org.au/

● Dr Peter Prideaux, Scott Delany, Anthony Krupa and Uwe Lau, Worshipful Master, Lodge of Australia Felix.

● Dr Peter Prideaux of Lodge of Australia Felix presents a cheque to Scott Delany and Anthony Krupa for Scott's upcoming trip to the Kokoda Trail.

● Donna Rullo, from Women Touched By Cancer with Andrew McPhee (see ‘Swan Hill’ report at left)

● 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. ● Don't miss Series 2 of Freemasons: The Inside Story, airing Monday nights at 8:30pm on Channel 31, or visit www.C31.org.au to watch it online.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - Page 15

West Hollywood

Celebrating a 40-year friendship From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Mickey Rooney, what a life!

From Melbourne to LA ... and back again ■ I first met Alan Johnson back in 1974 when he was the General Manager of the Old Melbourne Hotel.

Then he went on and acquired the Chateau Commodore chain of hotels in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

Alan's hotel career took off just like my radio career in the eighties. Gordon Place was a market leader and one of the first boutique hotel residences in Australia with Alan Johnson adding international influences to this landmark; it was a huge hit with travellers from around the world.

All through my career, Alan has been there as a friend, mentor and business associate.

Alan was a Director of my favourite football team, North Melbourne F.C. Forty years is a long time and when you are around Alan Johnson, the world is a better place. He has taught me to have a balance in my life.

From the Variety Club, Tent 77 in Melbourne, Alan was awarded an International Ambassador for his work in Variety, the Children's Charity. I was on the board before coming to Los Angeles and I continue to support the work of the Variety Club.

It's for the kids.

Alan in his roll as Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood gives support to new arrivals, like myself. When I arrived in Los Angeles back in 2007, Alan invited me to stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites and I have been there ever since.

To celebrate this incredible friendship we treated ourselves to a steak and seafood banquet at the legendary Palm Restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. You can see from the photo of us that we lasted long into the afternoon and finished up toasting a remarkable friendship with a beautiful glass of Louis XIII Cognac. Now that is a once in a lifetime experience to cross off the bucket list.

● Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson with Gavin Wood.

Wrestling is tough business ■ James Hellwig, aka The Ultimate Warrior, has died at age 54, after reportedly collapsing in Arizona.

I don't usually eulogise wrestlers, but this one makes me feel bad. I watched The Ultimate Warrior rise through what was then known as the WWF in the late 1980s and '90s.

This was before Vince McMahon was forced to clean up the ‘sport’ a bit, and back when it was a dirty little secret that you pretty much had to be taking steroids if you wanted the fans to love you.

This was because it was nearly impossible to keep that size when you were barnstorming across the country and getting in the ring with injuries several times per week, with scant time to get in the gym.

From that standpoint, The Ultimate Warrior was scarily massive and ripped, the most muscular guy in the sport.

That didn't look so much like prime conditioning when he got in the ring, shook the ropes violently, and then he would get bright red and seem winded before the match began.

He would fling his opponent around the ring a bit, pick them up and drop them and it would be over. I found myself worrying for his health even back then.

The WWE just named him to its Hall of Fame last Monday night, and he leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

Some wrestling stars that became hulking stars during this era died earlier than Hellwig did.

This was one tough business and you hope that like in sports like baseball and football (except for the difficult-to-detect human growth hormone), these sports realise how steroids can shorten the lives of their athletes who put it all out there to make a living, and worry about the consequences down the line.

I remember when I was the Ring Announcer for ‘Rock and Roll’ Wrestling back in the 1980s at Festival Hall in Melbourne on a Sunday night and in Sydney the night before.

It is all choreographed and I knew when the matches would finish as I had seen them in Sydney the night before.

Junkyard Dog, Special Delivery Jones were the big stars from the USA and when the ring referee told me to leave the ring as soon as I introduced Adrian Adonis, I asked why, and he told me that he was on the hard stuff and he didn't know what he was going to do.

Adrian came out and snapped the big bolts that held the stairs to the ring and the match only lasted 2 minutes. They are all mad, if you ask me.

GavinWood

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

Marvel at big budget modern art ■ The Getty Center is the envy of museums worldwide for its generous endowments.

Although it doesn't match the rich collections of Old World galleries, it has some impressive works covering a vast sweep of history, from the Renaissance to present day.

Among them are several paintings by Rubens, a couple by Gainsborough, and a sprinkling of Impressionists, including Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Van Gogh.

The French decorative arts and an expanding photography collection are definitely worth visiting. And don't forget to hunt out Miró and Moore in the fine sculpture garden. www.getty.edu

Hotfoot it to Hollywood sights ■ Hollywood celebrities are never far away in LA. To catch a glimpse of stardust, stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where more than 2400 figures from the entertainment world are immortalised in pink terrazzo with symbolic gold lettering.

If you're a film buff, look out for the famous hand and footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Countless premieres and galas have passed through, adding to the renowned pagoda's star quality.

www.gavinwood.us

● Mickey Rooney ■ Mickey Rooney, the pint-size, precocious actor and allaround talent whose more than 90-year career spanned silent comedies, Shakespeare, Judy Garland musicals, Andy Hardy stardom, television and the Broadway theatre, is dead at age 93.

Mickey Rooney signed his last will just weeks before death, leaving a modest estate to a stepson who had been his caretaker, but the actor had no intention of ending his Hollywood career anytime soon, his attorney said Tuesday.

Rooney's death occurred after the actor began to have difficulty breathing during an afternoon nap, attorney Michael Augustine said.

The actor had been in good spirits and was looking forward to continuing to appear in movies after filming a scene for the upcoming installment of the Night At The Museum franchise.

Augustine said Rooney, 93, passed a physical required before he could start filming and his death was due to natural causes, including complications related to diabetes.

Police and coroner's officials were informed of Rooney's death but said no investigation of it was necessary.

Rooney's will was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. It was signed by Rooney on March 11 and called for his stepson Mark Rooney and his wife to be the sole beneficiaries of the actor's estate, which is valued at only $18,000.

The actor designated Augustine to serve as the executor of his estate, stating that he did not want any relative handling his final affairs.

Despite a show business career spanning more than 80 years, Rooney said he had lost most of his fortune because of elder abuse and financial mismanagement by another one of his stepsons.

Augustine said despite an agreement for millions to be repaid to the actor, it was unlikely the estate could ever collect on the judgment.

Let’s hope Mickey will be worth more in death than in his last days of life. You can now Rest In Peace, Mickey.

You have left us with your amazing body of work. Gone but certainly never will be forgotten.

Get active on Venice Beach

■ Venice Beach has long been known as the kooky Mecca of California, and while it's been getting more than a fair share of mainstream tourists, the area nurtures its eccentric spirit.

Skateboarders, radical pamphleteers and body builders: the visibility is great if you enjoy people watching.

Go for lunch at the local Figtree's Café before scanning the shelves at Small World Books. The bohemian district has many street vendors and all the T-shirts you can buy. It's a whole day experience.

Special Holiday Offer

■ So come here and see all the sights as I have secured a terrific holiday deal for all readers of the Melbourne Observer.

When planning your trip 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 See you soon at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites.

Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

g 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, April 16,y2014 , Page

Melbourne

Observer

Travellers’Good Buys

with David Ellis

Keeping the money: two men of ANZAC ■ AS thousands of Australians and New Zealanders descend on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula for Anzac Day, and millions at home and abroad honour the importance of the day, most likely few will give thought to two Australians whose quietlyplayed roles were so important in having April the 25th recognized as it is today.

One was a war correspondent, Charles Bean, and the other a photographer, Hubert Wilkins who was ultimately knighted for his deeds as a trailblazing aviator, cinematographer and war hero.

Bean had been commissioned by the government at the outset of WWI to write an official history through the eyes of those Australians who fought on eventual battlefields from the Middle East to the Western Front and in Gallipoli.

In the latter he had put himself into the frontline and quickly earned recognition for his first-hand reporting on the bravery of the Australian and New Zealand ‘Diggers’ – and while wounded himself at one stage, his writings were credited as a major influence in creating the legend of the Anzacs.

Thus it was fitting that Bean should have been appointed in 1919 to lead an Australian Historical Mission whose role was to attempt “to solve the riddles of Anzac,” and to collect

● ANZAC Cove, Australian troops come ashore in 1915.

Melbourne

Observer Wines & Liqueurs

with David Ellis

New Tassie label makes point ■ Eddystone Point is a new label that debuted last year with an aim to creating cool-climate wines from the rugged and somewhat windy northwest tip of Tasmania that are, in the winemaking team’s eyes, drinkable, affordable and representative of the island State’s reputation for quality fresh produce.

And the just- released 2012 Pinot Gris certainly suggests they’re on the right track: this is a wine that came from an outstanding vintage at Eddystone Point, one that began with a cool start to Spring, a slightly warmer than average Summer with just the right rainfall, and which all ran into a perfect growing and ripening period.

And the result is their 2012 Pinot Gris is a wine with a lively palate of melon and sweet pear characteristics, a supple mouth feel, and a bouquet of spicy pear and rosewater... certainly reflective of what the winemaking team said they were after.

Local lass Penny Jones who hails from Hobart, moved to South Australia in 2001 to do a winemaking course at Adelaide University, graduated as Dux of Oenology in 2004, joined Petaluma in the Adelaide Hills and rose to become a winemaker there, and returned last year to her home-State to join the new Eddystone Point team.

Pay $26 for this one and enjoy with virtually anything from the sea – our suggestion being pasta with a seafood sauce.

- David Ellis

One to note ■ Adelaide Hills’ Howard Vineyard has put together a nicely balanced 2012 Shiraz/Cabernet under their Picnic label, a wine that’s one of those you know you can comfortably take along to any barbecue.

With rich plum, spice and blueberry aromas, on the palate it’s got nicely upfront red berries, plums, toasty oak spice and soft tannins; a generous everyday wine from this family maker, its carefully chosen 62 per cent Shiraz, 33 per cent Cabernet Franc and 5 per ecnt Cabernet Sauvignon making it an ideal general BBQ wine at just $19, or equally so with Asian-style pork spareribs.

Pictured ■ One from our islands State to enjoy with anything from the sea.

■ Saqfe bet to take along to any barbecue.

material for a national war museum Bean proposed, and which would ultimately become today’s Australian War Memorial.

Bean already had his own diaries that he’d diligently written up every night on the battlefield, and as well had also collected trunks-full of relics – personal items discarded by Australian soldiers on the various war fronts and which, to Bean, provided a human side to the conflict.

However because of the hurried nature of the retreat from Gallipoli, he had been unable to gather any relics there; the Australian Historical Mission would allow him to do so before they were lost to the weather – or souvenir hunters.

He also wanted to view the battlefields from the Turkish side, giving his mission a balanced perspective.

Amongst his 8-member team, Bean chose photographer and war hero Hubert Wilkins rather than the AIF’s other official photographer Frank Hurley… whose habit of superimposing two or three different images to achieve more dramatic pictures, Bean was disdainful of.

“Wilkins sought to provide our future historians with a record of places and events so accurate that they could be, and often were, relied on as historical evidence,” Bean explained, and also included in the Mission the war artist George Lambert to further capture the quintessential Gallipoli.

Bean knew he had chosen well as the team scrambled over the rough terrain, at one stage attributing much of its success to the enthusiasm and spirit of Wilkins – once described by General Sir John Monash as “Australia’s answer to Lawrence of Arabia”.

“He [Wilkins] was a born leader,” Bean explained. “As we strode and climbed about the difficult hills, the rest of the party unconsciously followed his lead…”

Today, modern-day tour guides still take visiting Australians largely in the footsteps of Bean, Wilkins and their team across Gallipoli.

And at Lone Pine they pause in front of the Memorial Wall where the names of more than 4,900 Australian and New Zealand servicemen whose bodies were never found or identified are inscribed.

Or admit to shivering at the cemetery at Lone Pine that lays atop a broad “No Man’s Land” where during a bloody five day battle, 2273 Anzacs and more than 4000 Turks were killed.

And those visitors shiver, not because of temperatures – in summer they can climb into the 40s – but because of such inscriptions on Australian and New Zealand headstones: He went away as a Boy And died as a Man Aged 17yrs One of the earliest to make the now-famous annual Anzac Day pilgrimages was Australian Prime Minister Stanley Bruce, who fought (with the British Army) and was wounded at Gallipoli, and went back in 1924.

The remains of the WWI trenches can still be seen everywhere today. In some places they are less than 10m apart… on Christmas Day 1915 temporary “cease fires” were called between some trenches and the bitter enemies tossed cigarettes and food to each other – before resuming with bullets next day.

- David Ellis

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - Page 17

Melbourne TV Memories

By Kenneth Mulholland

Early days of ‘Young Talent Time’ at 0 From Page 12 Bob Collins was easy-going and amiable, and when he came down onto the studio floor, was probably aware that all the crew coughing was to disguise the popping of ring-pull cans.

We imbibed beneath the empty audience seats over near the lighting console.

After some months I decided that I didn't want to work on a kids variety talent quest and opted for the drama of Matlock Police and other duties.

By that time I had progressed from the crane to camera three. A stage hand, Steve Mann, took my place as crane driver.

So I was allowed to make the move. I'm unsure whether the director was unhappy or pleased.

Bob Collins was succeeded by

● Early days of YTT Bob Loxton who was Head Director, later replaced by Ray Belcher, who owned the show for a long time.

Eventually Ray was followed by Garry Dunstan and then finally by Terry Higgins.

There may have been one or two other directors in the mix. During Ray's reign, probably sometime in the early eighties, Bob Gillow, a Floor Manager I liked and respected, asked me to pinch-hit one Saturday after someone reported in sick.

I agreed, made sure I got in early and plugged my head-set into camera two.

Camera two, no longer the crane camera, which had eventually been retired, was the easy camera to operate, and I got through it without knowing any of the new crop of kids.

Bob Gillow gave me the wink and pointed me in all the right directions.

After the show, Ray thanked me in the corridor outside Studio A. I tip my lid to Ray on that singular occasion. He was and is a nice man, and I was only doing what I was paid

to do.

The final episode went to air on Fridaym December 23, 1988.

A run of around 17+ years. Several generations had watched the show and to this day identify with the kids who performed through each era.

Of course many of the YTT team went on to make their names in show biz, and there were others such as Denis Walter (who I recall as a tall youth with a broad smile and an excellent voice).

Debbie Reynolds, Kamahl, Johnny Farnham, Kylie Minogue and Colleen Hewett passed through the doors of ATV 0/10 to appear on the show.

The long run of Young Talent Time was a marvellous achievement for all concerned, especially the ever-beaming Johnny Young.

● Johnny Young and team

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

Fish dishes on an overcast Good Friday ■ I have always looked forward to the Easter break, more so when I was working full-time.

The weather is usually terrific, although Good Friday can be dull and overcast, but when you think of the significance of the day, it somehow seems appropriate.

Remember when we had to shop on Thursday for enough food to last four days? Not so these days, because no matter what the time, there is always a shop open somewhere.

Yvonne’s Column

Vale Mickey

Cooking puftaloons ■ This year I’m concentrating on special fish dishes. There are recipe books and cut-outs from magazines littering the table as I seek dishes that my Mum used to make.

Good Friday was fish for every meal. Mum used to get up early to set the puftaloon dough before she set off for chuch. They were the best ever and apparently were a winner in the 19th Century.

I was left in charge to set the table and get things ready for Mum for the moment she set foot in the door.

And, of course, some of the guests she had invited always arrived early and I played hostess.

Breakfast surprise ■ I’ve tried to cook puftaloons of ryears. Never could find a recipe until I came across one in a Heritage Cookbook.

It was going to be my surprise for breakfast.

It was inedible. In fact it could have been leftover from the 19th Century. The search continues.

One year a friend knocked on the door, and in his arms was a day-old lamb. He had rescued it from the local abattoir. He said he couldn’t stand to see it killed.

He knew I loved animals so much and thought I would love to raise it a s a pet.

Have you ever felt that you didn’t know whether to laugh or cry?

It was love at first sight for me.

I didn’t want to hurt the chap’s feelings. Nor experience Mum’s wrath when she came home and I had another pet.

Argued with Mum ■ I argued fierecely that it would keep down all the grass. Somehow it seemed right that the lamb should be saved at Easter time.

I won the day and no mother could have been more attentive than I. But Lucy Lamb grew to be Lake Lamb. Horns bigger than Brunhilda and a temper to match.

Luke loved me and would follow me around wherever I went. He was overjoyed whyen I

and we even watched St Francis Of Assisi a few times. They were the good old days.

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

arrived back from boardinbg school. But Mum was another thing. He hated her, and if she weren’t diligent he would charge her with no thought of consequences.

Eventually he found anew life with a neighbouring farmer and a flock of ewes. He was in sheep heaven.

Forbidden to visit him at our neighbours, he became just a specfial memory of Easter.

Mind you, when I was sent to the barn for not eating my dinner, I used to fantasise that Luke was back and he’d connected with Mum’s derriere just once,

Time to relax ■ Easter for mme became a time of relaxation: reading, stuffing myself with Easter eggs, and watching television.

I felt that I’d worked so hard during the year that I deserved a real break. And because I was on call, I couldn’t go away, so I became a couch potato.

Boot struggles ■ My other half (MOTH) was still managing with the moon boot to try and mend his broken foot.

He even arranged an Easter egg hunt for some littlies who arrived with their parents.

It was hard to wait until Easter Sunday for the Easter eggs, but I managed to control my salivating until then.

Where have all those epic Biblical films gone that the television stations used to screen backto-back on Good Friday?

I remember we watched The Robe, Ben Hur,

■ I aws sad to hear that Mickey Rooney had died at the age of 93.

Mickey was the first Hollywood star I ever interviewed and it was instant love.

He wasn’t handsome. He wasn’t tall and bulging with muscles. But gosh, he had charisma.

It didn’t take me long to understand how he had been married to so many Hollywood belles.

It might have been his sixth marriage, and he was in Australia on his honeymoon.

His son Tim came along for the ride, and I have to say that he didn’t have one of hgis father’s genes. In fact, I still don’t know why he was out here.

Talking to Mickey made you feel that you were the only woman in the world.

He really looked into your eyes when he spoke to you.

We had a great rapport going. In fact he asked me to buy something Australian for his new bride, who was languishing in a suite at a leading hotel.

I’d coveted an Australian crocodile handbag for so long, but it was right out of my price range. Now why did I think that his bride would like my choice of gift?

It didn’t matter, because when I took this gift to the hotel and asked which suite Mrs Roney was in, I was informed that she had left the country that morning and was on her way home.

Breaking the news ■ What a piece of news to expect a young girl to tell a Hollywood legend?

My boss insisted, so after the next interview I gave him the news.

He took it very well, in fact he couldn’t have cared less. And when I asked him what to do with the han dbag, he told me to give it to the maid who makes up the rooms of the hotel.

And that’s what I did.

A bag that cost nearly £1000 was left at the desk for this unnamed girl.

I’ve been watching re-runs of his early films and he really did have something.

He’ll be making an angel’s heart flutter in heaven, I’m sure.

Big names ■ I’ve interviewed many stars since then. Some were terrific and some were not the best.

But never have I interviewed any man with so much charisma as Mickey Rooney.

Of course I had many photographs taken.

● Clarissa and Jennifer But when I went to find them today to show a friend there was not one to be found.

■ Former TV chef Clarrissa Dickson Wright of the Two Fat Ladies cooking program died agede 66 a few days ago.

The gourmet delights that she and Jennifer presented were required viewing in our home.

I was provileged to sit with Clarissa and Jennifer when they were out here to record a few shows.

Two things surprised me. Jennifer lit up a cigarette at the tabel, and Clarissa disappeared before ‘pudding’.

Clarissa had discovered where an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting was being held in the vicinity, and left early.

I admired her for that.

What a duo they were.

Need I say that the duo who travelled around in a motorcycle in the BBC series were top rating and a joy to watch.

And Clarissa was one of the stars who commanded attention and was simply a delight.

We are poorer ■ The world is poorer nbow that these delightful, eccentric and talented women have gone to that great banqueting trail in the sky.

I hope that your Easter is all you wish for ... lots of chocolate and hot cross buns for breakfast.

I’m of for a couple of weeks break and I’ll have lots to tell you when I take up my quill again.

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014

■ I have just watched Audie Murphy in a western film titled No Name On The Bullet where he played a paid assassin.

I think this was the first time I had ever seen him play a ‘baddie’ and he was very good.

I first saw him in The Red Badge Of Courage and I always enjoyed his films. What an amazing life he led in his 46 years.

Audie Leon Murphy was born in 1925 in Kingston, Texas. He was of Irish descent and the seventh of 12children.

He was a loner as a child and his father deserted the family when Audie was very young.

He was 16 when his mother died and this had a very sad ongoing effect on his life. The family were separated and Audie worked at various jobs to help support his siblings.

In 1942 he joined the Army and the following year he was shipped to Casablanca. He became one of the most decorated soldiers in the Second World War and received every military award available for valour including the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honour.

He fought in many campaigns throughout the Mediterranean and Europe. At the end of the war Audie was discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant. In later years he suffered with a posttraumatic stress disorder which resulted in depression and sleeping problems.

His film career came as a result of his war record. James Cagney read about Audie in Life magazine and became a fan.

Whatever Happened To ...

Audie Murphy

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Cagney took him to Hollywood and arranged dramatic training lessons which led to ‘bit parts’.

In 1949 Audie married his first wife actress Wanda Hendrix but the marriage only lasted for three years.

He was signed to a seven-year contact at Universal Studios. Audie's big break came when he was loaned to MGM Studios to star as the young civil war Yankee soldier in The Red Badge Of Courage.

He became type cast in western films and in the early 50s he starred in The Cimmaron Kid, Gunsmoke, Ride Clear Of Diablo and Destry.

In 1951 he married Pamela Archer and they had two sons during their marriage.

Audie had written a book on his war experi-

● Audie Murphy ences and although reluctant to play the lead himself he finally did star in the adaptation of To Hell And Back in 1955 and it became his most successful film.

He continued to make films throughout the 1950s. I remember doing a radio interview with singer Guy Mitchell who co-starred in the 1961 Audie Murphy television series Whispering Smith.

When I asked Guy what it was like to work with Audie Murphy he became evasive and said that Audie did not have a lot of friends but

when you were his friend you were a friend for life.

Audie made 44 films - not bad for an actor who was told early in his career that he didn't have what was required to become a film star.

Audie led a full life, apart from spending time with his family he was a businessman and had several ranches where he bred thoroughbred horses.

He was a compulsive gambler and this led to financial difficulties in his later life. Audie was also a songwriter and composed many great songs including the country and western classic Shutters And Boards.

In 1971 Audie Murphy was killed along with five other people in the crash of a private plane into Brush Mountain in Virginia.

At the time of his death he was being considered to play the villain in the Clint Eastwood film Dirty Harry.

Audie Murphy was buried with full military honours at Arlington Cemetery. His gravesite is the second most visited grave after President Kennedy.

Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

Territory towns vie for ‘untidy’ title

■ As one drives along the Western Highway through Victorian towns such as Kaniva and Nhill, one is always confronted with signs at their entrance, denoting their current status with respect to Tidy Town credentials.

Quite tidy and impeccable they usually are, too. As are their counterparts along the Stuart Highway.

But, there are a couple of glitches -

Pimba and Andamooka. If there was ever a prize for the town which ‘Most Resembled A Tip’, these two would vie with each other. With sections of Coober Pedy not far behind.

Then, I have visited many a town camp in and around Alice Springs, and most of them are similarly afflicted.

However, much to my surprise and joy, the remote community of

Pith And Point Photo time

Ghost story

■ Melbourne’s oldest market, Prahran Market is celebrating its 150th birthday on Friday, December 5, and is calling on the local community to delve into their own archives to help curate the historical celebrations.

A 150-year coffee table book and a historical photographic exhibition to be installed within the market, are two of the milestone events that will be used to celebrate the market’s longstanding history.

■ As internationally renowned director Gale Edwards leads MTC’s Ghosts into the second week of rehearsals, the Company is excited to learn that after more than 130 years, Ibsen’s classic thriller has proved yet again to be a vital and exciting piece of theatre.

This week London’s Almeida Theatre production of Ghosts, adapted and directed by Richard Eyre ,won three Olivier awards, including Best Revival.

Gale Edwards’ adaptation of Ghosts starring Linda Cropper (Mrs Alving) and Philip Quast (Pastor Manders), alongside Pip Edwards (Regina Engstrand), Ben Pfeiffer (Oswald Alving) and Richard Piper (Jacob Engstrand) opens at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner on May 22.

Both Edwards and Quast are Olivier Award winners.

Deadline soon ■ Closing date for nominations for the My Brother JackAwards at Glen Eira City Council is Monday, April 28.

The awards are open to people who live, work or study in Glen Eira.

There are prizes for short stories and poetry in the categories of Primary; Junior Secondary; Senior Secondary and Open. There is also an Open photography category. The winners of each category will be announced at the Awards Ceremony to be held at the Glen Eira Town Hall on Sunday, June 22.

Opens today ■ Glen Eira Council’s Entry Exit Points exhibition opens tonight (Wed.) Artists include Andrea Eckersley, Bridget Hillebrand, Julian Holcroft, ACAB Collective, Tom Parsons, Clare Rae, Steven Rendall, Geoff Robinson (with Helen Grogan), Sophie Takách, Sebastian Temple. The exhibition is curated

by Matthew Perkins. The exhibition will be officially opened by Associate Professor Kit Wise.

All aboard ■ As the Melbourne Comedy Festival comes to a close for another year, there is a unique chance to have one last laugh this autumn as Puffing Billy hosts the Off The Rails’ Comedy Train on Saturday May 24.

Next Wave app ■ To help audiences navigate and enhance their Next Wave Festival 2014 experience, Next Wave has partnered to create a new experiential App for iPhone and Android devices.

Creators of MONA’s The O and Melbourne Zoo’s I, Animal apps, Art Processors’ app includes full program and ticket details, artist interviews and anecdotes

Titjikala, which won the NT Tidiest Community Award last year, just took on the rest of Australia in the National Awards at Victor Harbour.

Whilst Sheffield, Tasmania, received the ultimate honour, Titjikala was awarded the National Heritage and Culture Section.

Good on 'em.

■ Alice Springs is a magnet for many and varied visitors, bizarre and eccentric and otherwise, from all over the world.

There are groups of enthusiasts of this genre or that, often gathering all their adherents together for a few days in this iconic town.

Often they've heard of Alice, but have never been there, so are excited at the prospect of a visit.

And many such groups involve automobiles and vehicles of one type or another.

So it's no coincidence that the Ulysses Motorcycle Club (‘Growing Old Disgracefully’) is about to hold its 2014 AGM in Alice in May. There will be thousands of motor bikes descending on the town, with many other support vehicles as well 161 RVs are already booked in.

I have often seen these chaps putting along on their Harleys, either alone or in small groups, but thousands at one time would certainly provide a spectacle.

And May would be just an ideal time for such an event. The sting has gone out of the summer sun, and weather perfection has settled in, with limpid languid sunny days, just ideal for wafting about on your motorbike and eating, drinking and being merry each warm evening!

■ I have often noted the violence which is inflicted on Aboriginal women by their menfolk, often in a "cultural" disguise.

The results of this are always on display in the harsh light of day, with scars and wounds and bandages out there for all to see.

However, there is a far less publicized situation which is rife in some Aboriginal communities - domestic violence towards men, perpetrated by their women.

So now there is a move afoot to build a shelter for men who have been kicked out of home. There is a Women's Shelter where wives and partners can go, but there's nothing for

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au men - all they can do is just roam the streets, and often they end up in prison from there.

Geoffrey Miller, the recipient of the PM's Award for Providing Excellence in Service to the Community, says that prison is often known as the "men's shelter".

There's a situation which is growing, he says, whereby men are being emasculated because women are often earning more than their husbands from pensions, and there are no employment prospects for the men.

"And men feel lower because of this, and wives can be really nasty in that respect - they keep them in their place because they know they can".

With an occasional biff with a nullanulla to remind them.

■ A large part of my opinion of cats is derived from what I see in the bush.

The feral variety is responsible for millions of deaths of native animals and birds and reptiles each day in Australia and they continue along their vicious path unabated.

I reflect on their domestic cousins.

It seems that there are "dog

people", and "cat people", and rarely the twain meet.

I don't like arrogant and self opinionated people much - and ditto with that type of animal. And, to me, cats fall squarely in this category.

Although I know some cat-owning friends hotly dispute this, to me they show no affection or friendliness toward their owners. They just go on their merry way with no emotional connection.

Dogs, on the other hand, display camaraderie and affection and loyalty so that in most cases they become part of the family.

They fit in socially and amiably and companiably, whereas cats display no desire to do this at all. They would just as soon scratch your eyes out!

I've got quite a few cat-lovers as Facebook friends. It's interesting how, although they love cats, many don't like people very much!

■ I just heard that the Rock has had the highest rainfall for 21 years.

I have always loved being out there at such rainy times, watching the water cascading down the sides into the catchments, with nary an orange glow in sight. It's a deep sombre grey.

Which reminds me of one time when I had a rendezvous early the next morning, and decided to drive out the night before.

So Anne and I hopped into my Patrol and headed south.

It was raining when we left but I assumed that this wouldn't be a problem. However by the time we got to the Finke River, the heavens had opened.

The Highway goes uphill just after the crossing, on to a plateau. The road had turned into a river about a foot deep, with the water cascading down.

Then, on the plateau, I was driving through a lake, about a foot deep also, with the only indication of the road being the reflectors on the white posts on either side.

The rain was so heavy I could barely see past the bonnet. I couldn't pull off the road because that would be instant bog, and I dared not stop in case a road train came up behind me, and didn't.

With lightning continually flashing down just beside the road, that was a scary night!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - Page 19

Antiques and Collectables

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Victoria Pictorial

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Easter For our nostalgia collection

● Pall Mall Bendigo after the Easter Monday procession

● Bendigo Easter Fair. 1895.

● Bendigo Easter Fair. 1895.

● Bendigo Easter Fair. 1895.

● Bendigo Easter Fair. Circa 1905.

● Easter picinc. Watts River. 1898.

● People among the tree ferns at Warburton. Easter 1906.

● Chinese horsewoman at Bendigo Easter Fair. 1946.