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STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1535 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969 Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

124 Observer Melbourne

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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■ Jane Hall won the Metro ‘Best Newcomer’ trophy at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards held on Saturday. Jane co-hosts the Mix 101.1 breakfast program with Chrissie Swan. All the radio award winners are listed on Pages 109 and 116.

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VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer Advertising Press+Online+Google+SocialMedia+Editorial Advertisers’ Index References to ‘Trader’ denote the 76-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 Lilly Jack ........................... Trader P75 All 4 Paws and Claws Pet Resort ....................... Trader P7 Lifestyle Awnings ................ Trader P31 Alpine Helicopter Charter ............ P104 Londrigan Beef & Lamb ...... Trader P33 Amiga Engineering .............. Trader P61 Lunar Lighting ................... Trader P71 Armor Antiques ................... Trader P6 Maeburn Cottages ............. Trader P65 Astratex ............................. Trader P29 Maroondah Sports Club ..... Trader P56 Australian IT Support ........... Trader P38 Maryborough ....................... Trader P1 Australia Wide First Aid ........ Trader P3 Mattresses Galore ............. Trader P40 Backyard Buyers ................. Trader P27 MCVilly Timber .................. Trader P54 Barry MCVilly .......................... P23-24 Megatrack Hunting & Guideing Vic .......................... P101 Beach Street Apartments ..... Trader P59 Braemac Energy .................. Trader P8 Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy and Health Foods ........... Trader P34 Cascade Garden Holiday Metro Boronia ........................... P123 Apartments ................... Trader P13 Michael’s Trailers .............. Trader P48 Club Fiji Resort ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Trader P16 Mokutu, Norfolk Island ........ Trader P17 Club Hawthorn .................. Trader P39 Mr Sleepyman ................... Trader P74 Coolum Baywatch Resort ... Trader P62 One Stop Caravan Shop ....... Trader P2 Danish Red ....................... Trader P15 OzSpy Security Solutions .... Trader P41 Darwin’s Barra Base .......... Trader P43 PC Repair Centre ................ Trader P21 Data Central ..................... Trader P52 Play Rare DVDs ................. Trader P32 Designwyse ........................ Trader P11 Practical Legal Solutions ...... Trader P3 Dwyer Property Investments .. Trader P50 RDA Mortgage Solutions ...... Trader P10 Ecell.com.au ..................... Trader P75 Reef Palms, Cairns ........... Trader P73 Echo Campers ................... Trader P40 Rentasaur ........................ Trader P49 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 Sandgrabber ..................... Trader P37 Garden Sheds Galore .......... Trader P25 Scootersmart .................... Trader P42 Gilmours Comfort Shoes ............. P20 Sea Change Safety Cove ... Trader P58 Golden Days Radio ............. Trader P44 SGI Consulting Group ......... Trader P45 Grande Florida Beach Shop Inside ...................... Trader P51 Resort ......................... Trader P23 Stoney Creek Outdoor Equip. ...... P104 GreenPower Company ......... Trader P27 Strata Realty ...................... Trader P26 Grey Wolf Fifth Wheels ........ Trader P19 Tan Tech Pty Ltd .................. Trader P4 Grosvenor In Cairns ........... Trader P63 Torb & Reiner .................... Trader P22 GutzBusta ................................. P121 Tilco ................................ Trader P30 Hawkesbury River Saddle Co. ..... P120 Tracking Central ................ Trader P36 Highwood Health Retreat ..... Trader P60 Tribute Funeral Services ...... Trader P20 Ivanhoe Cycles ........................ P124 Tru Blu Hunting ......................... P102 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

Melbourne

Observer

2006 Jayco Sterling, 20ft, Tare 1920, low kms, electric brakes, AirCon, Toilet/Shower, Fridge/ Freezer, TV/CD/DVD, microwave, hot plates and oven, 2x90L water tanks, double bed, $12,000. Please call 03 5294 0817, for photos email: richardtner@gmail.com

To advertise anything from a classified ad to a full-colour full-page, contact our Editor, Ash Long, on 1-800 231 311 or editor@melbourneobserver.com.au He will look after your requirements - PERSONALLY!

Business with Jenny ■ Our advertisers do business with each other.

Barry MCVilly recommends the way that they do business at Jenny Pihan Fine Art (Trader Page 12). If you are considering a portrait commission, contact Jenny direct on 0417 368 807.

Welcome GutzBusta

● Ash Long, Observer Editor

Just 9 more issues

■ The Observer welcomes Nikki Turner as a regular advertiser; you will see her ads every week from here to Christmas. Nikki operates GutzBusta, and you will find her ad in our Horses section (Page 121).

■ There are only nine more issues of the Melbourne Observer to go before Christmas 2013.

That means you have only have opportunities to secure extra advertising for your business in this vital trading period of the year.

Placing an ad in the Melbourne Observer gives you much more than a press ad.

■ ONLINE: Your ad appears in our online edition for a full 12 months without any extra charge.

Readers can see the newspaper - in an exact replica of the print edition, free.

■ GOOGLE: Being an established newspaper, the Melbourne Observer is highly ranked with Google. That means your Observer ads work hard for you in print, and on the World Wide Web. ■ SOCIAL MEDIA: The Melbourne Observer is heavily promoted on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube. New, free reader newsletters - sent directly on request to readers - are being introduced. They will include news of our advertisers.

■ EDITORIAL: The Melbourne Observer supports its advertisers with editorial-style mentions.

■ Tom Schouten is the owner-operator of the Metro Boronia Cinema, whose advertisements appear on the inside back cover of the Melbourne Observer every week.

(Tom has his ad booked every week from here until the end of 2014.)

Tom, an avid Cats supporter, made a rare escape from Boronia at the weekend, and was aboard a flight to the Gold Coast for the Australian Movie Conven● Tom Schouten tion.

Join the Festival fun

On again at Bendigo

■ Our client, Martin Masson from Tribute Funeral Services, will be participating at the Melton Djerriwarrh Festival on Saturday, November 9.

There will be a huge range of activities for all the family. Tribute will be a stallholder at the 2013 MatchWorks City of Melton Business Expo. Turn to the Observer Trader section (Page 20) for more details on times.

Spring racing fashion ■ Torb and Reiner are committed to millinery, and they are in full swing with the Spring Racing Carnival. The Caulfield Cup is being run this Saturday (Oct. 19), and the Melbourne Cup is just around the corner.

Speak with any of the girls at Torb & Reiner about their stunning headpieces, or order one made to measure just for you. See Trader Page 22 for more details.

At that special time ■ Bob Newbould heads the team at Kingston Funeral Services. You will find Kingston’s ad on our front-page every week ... with an easy-tofind phone number at that time of need. Call Bob direct on 9585 2822.

Tom travels to Qld.

■ It was good to have a yarn this week with Pete Costin, who is Co-Ordinator for Australia’s biggest hunting and guiding expo, to be held at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre on February 1-2.

Pete advertises his Megatrack Hunting and Guideing Vic. service on Page 101 (part of a fourpage hunting pull-out).

Heading for Cairns?

■ If you are looking to book a summer holiday, why not speak with Glenda Threlfall at Cascade Garden Holiday Apartments. Phone (07) 4047 6300 or www.cascadegardens.com.au

Barry MCVilly’s wisdom ■ Our client, Barry MCVilly, is active with his timber business ... and is particularly busy in his ‘spare time’ with his hunting pursuits.

Barry reckons the world’s best hunters are women, especially when they’re hunting for a bargain. He explains more on Page 23.

Barry is always welcome with his advice. He says: “Don’t do business today, if you think the end of the world is coming tomorrow.”

On Page 24, you will see his dog ‘Django’, who says: “No animal beats me. I fight to win.”

Django delivers a message: “Hi Bluebird, ForgetMe-Not is doing well.”

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - Page 3

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz

Road To Discovery

Big launch

● Gavin Wood ■ Melbourne Observer columnist Gavin Wood and partners will be celebrating the launch of Countdown Motion Pictures on Tuesday (Oct. 22) at The Palm Restaurant, Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood. Proceedings will be hosted by Melbourne-born hotelier, Alan Johnson, who is MD of the Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel. Gavin’s weekly column is on Page 13.

● Ash Grunwald

■ The Road To Discovery quest ahead of the Tamworth Music Festival will include a final to be held at The Forum Theatre, 154 Flinders St, Melbourne, from 7pm on Wednesday, October 30.

Ten hopefuls will be at the final night that will also include performances by Josh Pyke, Bob Evans, Emma Louise, Ash Grunwald and Scott Owen, plus 2012 winners Melody Pool and Gena Rose Bruce. Contestants have been involved in heats and a three-day music boot camp.

■ Melbourne Legacy held its 90th anniversary celebratory event in the gardens of State Government House on Sunday (Oct. 13).

Some 1000 members of the Legacy family were in attendance.

This included he first Junior Legatee, 97-year-old Eileen Clark who cut the 90th birthday cake .

Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Hugh Delahunty, wast of the official proceedings.

Pat takes over ■ Pat Panetta is this week hosting 3AW’s Australia Overnight program while Andrew McLaren takes leave.

Philip returns ■ 3AW Nightline and Remember When co-host Philip Brady hopes to return to the studios on Sunday, after being hospitalised in Hong Kong with a broken hip. He has been receiving treatment at a suburban rehabilitation centre.

● Hugh Delahunty The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australia's largest aero-medical healthcare service, is selling patches of sky in its biggest and most innovate campaign to date: Buy The Sky, says publicist Will Roach.

The Dress To Impress appeal will be launched on Wednesday next week (Oct. 23) at the Smart Artz Gallery, 2 Alfred Pl, South Melbourne. Auctioneer Jon Dwyer will take bids on the night from 6.30pm.

ABC journalist and Lateline host Emma Alberici will present this year’s Walkley Awards in on Thursday, November 28.

Nick Giannopoulos and Vince Colosimo are bringing back their Wogboys show to the Princess Theatre in January.

Mieke Buchan has added BigPond Movies to her existing role as a weekly panelist on BigPond's Sports Fan Club House. Mieke will be filming backstage at events.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Melbourne Moments Lalor reunion ■ 3AW news presenter Tony Tardio will be MC at the Lalor Secondary College 50th anniversary to be held this Saturday (Oct. 19).

Lalor Secondary College will conduct a carnival from 10am-3.30pm.

Attractions will include rides, dodgem cars, entertainment, live music, face painting, school exhibits, face painting, live acts, food and drinks.

Tony, a past student at Lalor High, will compere the 50th anniversary reunion gala dinner to be held at the Plenty Ranges Convention Centre at South Morang on Saturday night.

Diwali Festival of Lights

LEGACY SALUTE

Callers honour

● Bryan Martin ■ Kilmore Racing Club paid homage to former racecallers at Sunday’s meeting. Invited guests included Bryan Martin, John Russell, Jack Styring, Brian Markovic and Ray Benson.

Under The Clocks

Jump at Fed Sq.

● Tony Tardio

■ Childhood pastimes of jumping on beds, bouncing on trampolines and diving into bouncy castles are brought back to life at Federation Square with Jump - the world premiere of internationally acclaimed contemporary visual artist and curator, Stuart Semple.

Presenting his work in Australia for the first time, Semple's Jump is a 10m x 10m inflatable rubber surface which has 'popped-up' in St Paul's Court at Fed Square and will remain open until Sunday (Oct. 20).

It is open from 10am until 8pm. Price is free.

■ This year’s celebration of Indian culture, the Diwali Festival of Lights will be held at Melbourne’s Federation Square on Saturday, October 26.

Organised by Celebrate India, the Diwali Festival of Lights has become one of Melbourne’s biggest celebrations of Indian culture, attracting around 50,000 people in recent years.

The festival offers a kaleidoscopic view of India through various dance shows, live bands, food stalls and art and craft, as well as hit Bollywood movies which will be screened free around the city between October 21-26.

Many iconic Melbourne buildings including the Victorian Parliament, Melbourne Museum, Federation Square and the Indian Consulate, will be illuminated to mark the Festival of Lights carnival.

The event begins at noon and ends in the evening with a spectacular fireworks display over the Yarra River.

The Diwali Festival of Lights is a free, family event.

Les Miserables cast announced ■ Thew new Australian cast for Les Miserables in 2014 was announced on Monday afternoon (Oct. 14). Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thurs.) through Ticketek.

Cameron Mackintosh announed that Simon Gleeson will take on the role as Jean-Valjean. Hayden Tee will play Valjean’s lifelong protagonist, Javert.

Patrice Tipoki will appear as Fantine. Madame Thenardier will be portrayed by Lara Mulcahy. Kerrie Anne Greenland will play Eponine.

Chris Durling will appear as Enjolras; Emily Langridge is Cosette; and Euan Doidge will be Marius.

An ensemble of 24 will join the company, and child roles of Little Cosette, Young Eponine and Gavroche will be cast in early 2014.

To coincide with the production, the State Library of Victoria will hold an exhibition, Victor Hugo: Les Miserables From Page To Stage. It will run from July 128 until November 9 next year.

Classic songs in the production include I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear The People Sing, One Day More, Empty Chairs At Empty Tables and Master Of The House.

Macintosh’s production is written by Alain Boublil and CaludeMichel Schonborg. Lyrics by Herbert Krtezmer. Additional material

by James Fenton. Executive Producer of the Australian production is Michael Cassel.

What’s On In Melbourne

Opening night of The Pirates Of Penzance will be held at the Arts ★ Centre Melbourne on Wednesday, October 30. The show is being staged by The Production Company.

Murder Is Announced will have its premiere at The Comedy The ★ABill atre on thursday, October 31.

Shorten, Federal Labor Member for Maribyrnong, has been ★appointed as Federal Opposition Leader.

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

OASIS AT THE RACES

■ If your childhood consisted of John Farnham baby-sitting you and your siblings, AC/DC rehearsing in your garage at home, Billy Thorpe hanging around in the lounge and Olivia Newton-John answering the phones at your father's business, you may think you were destined for a career for the showbiz industry.

Although Melbourne's Joseph brothers, Warwick and Matthew, (sons of legendary Rock and Roll promoter 'Billy' Joseph - The Rajah) - didn't pursue music careers or hang ARIAs alongside the original AC/ DC's first 'Gold' record currently showcased in their father's home.

From a young age they were inspired to follow the creative and glamorous side of the showbiz industry.

Warwick aka Silverfox, forged a successful career within the fashion and hospitality industries.

He has launched many 'After Five' venues and is famous as an Events and Public Relations Executive.

Recently he has a created a concept in the heart of Melbourne's design and fashion precinct at Fashion Lounge, 121 Flinders Lane.

With its appealing charm, elegance and sophistication, many renowned designers have aptly likened it to a 'welltailored piece of eveningwear.'

Warwick's rich talents and ability to create extraordinary events continually attract Australia's A-List celebrities and international stars to the venue.

Matthew's generosity of spirit, vision and creative business ability is a very powerful influence on all with whom he comes into contact.

This zest and youthful outlook in life is contagious and can transform an embryonic idea into a movers and shakers reality.

His wife Frances and he are an unbeatable business combination.

Matthew is the Managing Director of 1300 Limo Now and Director at Silver Service Limousines.

Providing first class luxury and spoiling people is what brings him most happiness in life- and he does it brilliantly.

Although their father changed career direction into the entertainment and dance industry to provide financial security for his growing family, little did his children know, during the late 60s and 70s, their dad inaugurated the Australian 'Pub Rock'.

With Warwick's flair for hosting stellar Silver Fox events coupled with Matthew's passion for delivering lux-

Glamourous Porch Thoughts

urious lifestyle experiences, many believed it was only a matter of time until they joined forces and followed in the ground-breaking steps of their father.

At Derby Day on November 2 (just 17 more days) the Joseph brothers and their sister Caley Kiernan will officially launch their ultimate new business venture - The Fox Hunt Club, an exclusive club that has specifically been designed for the elite of society to network among like-minded people.

The gala trackside event is already being 'talked-up' in A-List and media circles as the 'Oasis at The Races' and the first ever of its kind.

According to Warwick, Matt and Caley, their Derby Day launch party will change the way celebrities and elite members of society will expect to attend marquee events in the future.

I met up with Warwick and Matthew at Charsfield Restaurant on St Kilda Road, where I immediately discovered I was enjoying lunch with two down-to-earth guys who simply get a kick out of pampering their guests with the finest in life.

Looking back to your childhood in Bayside Beach Road, did you know what was going on, in terms of your father's career and success?

Matthew: Yes, but at home he was just our dad. We had a very interesting childhood growing up. Members of AC/DC were often in our home as Dad created AC/DC and nurtured them and sent them overseas and they are still the highest grossing band today.

At what point did you realise that you father was becoming more successful?

Warwick: I remember waking some mornings and seeing $20 and $50 notes swirling in the wind above our driveway because dad had left the car door open over-night as he had come home tired and exhausted. He would often drive from Phillip Island to Torquay and all points in between as he managed 27 venues and he gave them all his personal attention.

Your father is 85 now. What do you think your father is best re-

membered for since retiring from the mainstream Melbourne music scene in the early eighties?

Matthew: Caley would say, 'our father is best remembered for his integrity, honesty and fair play. He loved to give people a chance.'

Warwick: There were so many ground-breaking achievements but he is regarded as a Melbourne pioneer dance promoter for his early involvement in early rock agencies and band management, as a promoter and the father of Pub Rock.

With your father still held in such high esteem within the music industry, particularly in Melbourne, has this fuelled your desires to climb to the top of your games in your separate businesses?

Matthew: Absolutely, with a father who had such an extraordinary creative vision, suburban existence was never an option.

Your sister Caley worked in the business alongside your father for many years. As a cofounder of The Fox Hunt Club, what will she focus on in the business?

Caley will be the administrative head and behind the scenes organiser as she was for her father for many years.

In layman's terms, what is The Fox Hunt Club?

Our Club has specifically been designed for Melburnians to enjoy a fabulous lifestyle and enjoy the company of creative, interesting and motivated individuals.

How would you describe Derby Day and other events?

Our events such as Derby Day launch have been months in the making created by the talents of passionate people who have the skills to amaze our guests from the moment they arrive.

Our events involve glamour and luxury; from fashion parades, white carpet events, limousines, vintage champagnes, award-winning restaurants and restaurant quality catering.

We also specialise in Kings Sport Polo Matches to opulent night spot venues with world class entertainers. Our events are for members who are passionate about living life to the full.

Your membership is aimed at A-List celebrities and elite members of society.

● Matthew Joseph Do you think that is elitist experience to spoil your guests. snobbery within itself?

Who are you major sponsors in Matthew: Our events are ticketed this event? events that in theory anyone is welBellabox come to attend. Like any membership Twin sisters, Emily and Sarah based organisation in Melbourne, we Hamilton founded Bellabox. They too have guidelines and a screening are a beauty sampling concept to process to accept members and guests revolutionise the way Australians who share the same values as we do. discover, trial and purchase beauty We know many A-list celebrities and lifestyle products. around the world who often attend our Crowns Premium events and there is a protocol that we Energy Drink as hosts need to follow to ensure they Since 2011 Crowns premium enare comfortable and able to enjoy the ergy drink conquered the world ambiance of the event. through its extraordinary taste and Overall, we are a networking group ability to energise you to enjoy a long with high profile members and guests night of partying. that want to meet with like-minded Charsfield Restaurant people who can help each other in A hidden gem on Melbourne's business and careers; whilst enjoying St Kilda Road where quality food and the finest entertainment, meals and exceptional service has guests combeverages we have personally sourced ing back for more. from around the country.

The New York Beauty Bar What will guests enjoy on the

by Tess Hellier day that they wouldn't experience Was established in Melbourne in any other exclusive marquee with the quest to service events?

Melbourne's elite and privileged by Our guests will enjoy exclusivity supplying a range of superlative prodand be pampered and feted beyond ex- ucts and beauty services for the skin, pectation. There will be other visiting hair, nails and body. celebrities, international sports stars, Where can we find out more celebrity bloggers and lots of fabulous about The Fox Club? beautiful models courtesy of Elite By visiting www.thefoxhunt Society Management visiting club.com or on Facebook throughout the day and the presenta- fox.huntclub@facebook.com tion of many high end products to enWhat is your Porch Thought joy.

For The Day? You have some amazing sponMatthew: 'Life is about the joursors that have come on board to ney, not the destination.' help provide the ultimate luxury - Mark Richardson

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

♥

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - Page 5

Porch Thoughts with Mark Richardson

● Bill and Warwick Joseph pictured with Molly Meldrum at AC DC concert in Melbourne. Inset: Luxury arrivals.

● Matthew Joseph: “Cheers!”

● Janet Roach with Warwick Joseph

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Graham says Fairfax Radio is bleeding

● Graham Mott ■ The former General Manager of 3AW and Fairfax Radio, Graham Mott, says the company is bleeding funds because of the poor performance of its Sydney station 2UE. Mott says there had been a merger planned between 2UE and competitor 2GB a decade ago, but then-CEO Tony Bell killed it off after the story was leaked on the front-page of The Australian.

Mott, speaking with the RadioInfo website, said: “2UE is bleeding the Fairfax Radio Network and the company needs to stop the rot.

“In the last two years 2UE’s audience has dropped 30 per cent, which has killed of their chance of growing revenue.

“With no recovery in sight for 2UE Fairfax needs an out - they can’t keep operating the way they are.”

Mott said one option for Fairfax was to sell 2UE and cut its losses. Mott said an association with Macquarie Radio Network could see 3AW aligned with 2GB as part of a national talkback network, and an association between Magic 1278 and 2CH, for an east coast adult music network.

Dancesport at Hisense

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Ash

■ Mebourne publicist Julie Cavanagh saysthe 68th Australian Dancesport Championships are just around the corner.

They will be staged at Hisense Arena on December 6-8, featuring a floor show that includes world champions Michael Malitowsi and Joanne Leunis.

The pair are considered world, UK and international professional Latin champions.

Competitors undergo rigorous training, which is often deemed greater than that of a marathon runner.

The DanceSport Championship will also feature a Schools Program, Master Class with Michael and Joanna, Fred and Ginger themed cocktail party at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

erver s b O e n r u o lb e M e Th

Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula

■ Melbourne Heart FC tthis week announced Diabetes College as the Club’s short sponsor for the Hyundai ALeague 2013-14 season in a partnership that will help raise awareness of Type 2 diabetes.

The new accord between the Club and the Diabetes College aims to draw attention to the delay and prevention of Type 2 diabetes, through healthier eating, physical activity and healthier lifestyle choices, said Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn.

It’s Superman!

● Julie Cavanagh

Star axed ■ Merrick Watts, heard nationally on Triple M, has been axed.

His Highway Patrol show is likely to be replaced by a new program produced from Melbourne.

● Amy Larsen (Lois Lane) and Lauren Edwards (Sydney) in It’s A Bird … It’s A Plane … It’s Superman! Cheryl Threadgold has all the details on Page 109 of this week’s Melbourne Observer.

● Joanne Leunis and Michael Malitowsi will perform at Dancesport to be held at Hisense Arena in December.

Here comes the bride

André Rieu in Melbourne

Salsa couple ■ Only one Mebourne act will be in the Australia’s Got Talent finals at 6.30pm on Sunday (Oct. 20).

Juan and Angela will coimpete against one Brisbane act, and four Sydney acts, in the Nine Network show.

Bert stars in ‘The Mountaintop’ ■ MTC’s The Mountaintop starring Bert LaBonté (pictured right) as Martin Luther King Jr opens on Wednesday, November 6 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio.

The play is American playwright Katori Hall’s poetic envisioning of King’s last night on earth following his famous speech.

At radio awards

● Merrick Watts

■ Your scribe arrived back in Melbourne late last night (Tues.) after a quick visit to Townsville, Far North Queensland.

We were fortunate to be invited to be invited to see our son Sgt James Long invested with his Conspicuous Service Medal by the Queensland Governor, Penelope Wensley AC. What an honour!

● Penelope Wensley

Gigi is in the picture

■ Mebourne Observer contributor Gigi Hellmuth of Burwood was pictured at a wedding held at Montsalvat, Eltham, at the weekend.

Hello Guv’nor

● André Rieu ■ International violinist André Rieu will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Friday and Saturday nights (Oct. 18-19).

Rieu made a personal appearance at the Eastland Shoping Centre stage on Thursday (Oct. 10). Rieu conducted a CD signing after the performance.

The two-hour session included fans being able to meet the Dutch entertainer.

Heart attacks diabetes

● Kate McMurrich hams it up for the camera ■ Kate McMurrich (of the Weekly Review Geelong) and Nick Swifte (of the advertising company formerly known as Mitchells) are soon to marry ... but not before a little bit of ‘rot’.

Kate’s family and friends staged a Hen’s Party at the weekend. But, as you would expect, what goes on at the Hen’s Party, stays at the Hen’s Party.

But pssst ... were there a few of the former colleagues from 3AW seen there?

The Big Fat Gypsey Wedding night was held at at the Manly Sisters Drag Show.

● ACE Radio Network breakfast host Jon Vertigan met with DMG Radio’s Sarah and Lachlan Murdoch at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards held in Brisbane at the weekend.

● Gigi Hellmuth

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - Page 7

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

LISA McCUNE, TEDDY TAHU RHODES Observer SIGN FOR ‘THE KING AND I’ In This 124-Page Edition

City Desk: Melbourne’s A-Listers ................. Page 3 Mark Richardson: Special Feature .......... Pages 4, 5 Ash Long: The Melbourne Observer .............. Page 6 Di Rolle: Wagner’s Ring Cycle .................... Page 8 The Barrel: Press legends honoured ............ Page 9 Long Shots: The Editor’s column ............... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Gossip is priceless ......... Page 11 Freemasons: Think Pink! ............................ Page 12 West Hollywood: Gavin Wood reports .......... Page 13 Yvonne: Our bedroom invasion .................. Page 15 Kevin Trask: Tommy Tycho profile .............. Page 16 Radio Awards Local Theatre Top 10 List Movies, DVDs

Young Performer ofYear ■ Hoang Pham was announced the 2013 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year at Saturday night’s Grand Final at the Melbourne Town Hall with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Seaman.

“From fleeing Vietnam as a baby with his refugee family to being awarded the 2013 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Award, Hoang Pham’s journey is truly inspirational on many levels, and is testament to his tremendous dedication and talent,” says Kate Lidbetter, CEO of Symphony Australia.

“His performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 Op.23 was outstanding. Judging at this level of elite performance is never easy.

All three Grand Finalists were exceptional but there can only ever be one winner.”

Hoang Pham wins a cash prize of $25,000, the ABC Sir Charles Moses Young Performer’s Trophy, a professional CD recording, a paid performance with the MSO and other professional development opportunities.

“We warmly congratulate Hoang Pham on his win and extraordinary performance,”Ms Lidbetter said. “The other finalists - 15 year old oboist Andrew Kawai and pianist Stefan Cassomenos, 28 - also performed brilliantly and they each receive a runners-up prize of $7500.

In addition to the new ‘mini festival’ format of the 2013 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards, more prizes are now awarded at the end of the competition, with each new Award category conferring additional prize money of $5000.

Also announced were the winners of the Best Recital – Andrew Kawai; Best Chamber Music Performance - Hoang Pham and Best Performance of an Australian Work – Grace Clifford.

“We are thrilled to acknowledge the exceptional talents of these musicians with these extra prizes. Not only will Hoang receive a significant career boost by winning this prestigious Award – a paid performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to start with – but we are delighted that his brilliant musicianship also sees him taking out the additional prize of the Best Chamber Music performance,” Ms Lidbetter said

Observer Showbiz

Latest News

● Hoang Pham Hoang Pham adds this Award to his long list of awards, including Best Australian Pianist at the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2008, the inaugural Melbourne Recital Centre Great Romantics Competition (2010) and first place the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition in 2005.

He has appeared as a soloist with the Melbourne, Queensland and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.

“We would like to congratulate all of the finalists in the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards.

“It’s been a wonderful nine days where we have witnessed Australia’s most exceptional young classical musicians demonstrating the musical excellence this country produces,” says Ms Lidbetter.

Next year’s 70th anniversary ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards will take place in Adelaide with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Applications are now open, with information on www.symphonyinternational.net and young performers are encouraged to apply.

● Lisa McCune with Teddy Tahu Rhodes ■ Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes have signed to appear in John Frost’s production of The King And I. The couple made headlines when they appeared together in South Pacific, pictured above.

McCune and Rhodes will appear together in the Sydney and Brisbane productions, but Rhodes will not be appearing in the Melbourne shows. A different King will be announced later.

The cast details were announced at the weekend by Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini and Frost.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Broadway musical is being revived next year by the Gordon Frost Organisation and Opera Australia.

McCune will play English governess Anna Leonowens, while Rhodes takes on his second musical theatre role as the King of Siam.

Chinese-born Australian opera singer Shu-Cheen Yu plays Lady Thiang, the King’s chief wife, returning to the production 23 years after playing the young Burmese slave girl Tuptim in 1991.

Adrian Li Donni is Lun Tha, the Burmese scholar and envoy who is secretly in love with Tuptim, a role he played for The Production Company in Melbourne in 2010 and in the US the year before that.

The King And I will be staged at the Princess Theatre from June 10 next year. Tickets on sale from November 25.

RADIO MAN SIGNS OFF

● Bill Gosstray

■ Radio man Bill Gosstray is hanging up his microphone and retiring from radio, after 23 years of presenting the popular nostalgia program Top Hat White Tie and Tails on 96.5FM Bill has not enjoyed the best of health in recent years and has decided to retire.

A special farewell program was broadcast last Thursday with Bill as special guest and many presenters in the studio to wish him farewell.

There was a tremendous response from listeners calling into the show to say goodbye.

Bill started the program in 1990 and co-hosted with Jack Trask.

They won many awards and made the program, broadcast every Thursday at 11am into a top rating show.

Actor Geoffrey Rush told me last year that it was his favourite radio program on 96.5FM. John Odgers will present his nostalgia program in the timeslot from tomorrow (Thursday).

96.5 FM colleagues wish Bill a happy retirement and thank him for his excellent work over 23 years.

- Kevin Trask

Flashes Around Victoria

Jail unlikely, man told ■ Colac truck driver Steffan Crabbe has pleaded guilty to a fatal collision on the Princes Hwy after being told he would most likely be spared jail. He will be sentenced later this month, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

Teenager bailed ■ A Horsham teenager, 18, has been bailed after allegedly leading Police on a high-speed pursuit through the city’s streets.

More drugs charges ■ Further charges have been laid against two Sydney men after police stopped a car on the Hume Hwy near Albury and allegedly found drug product worth up to $7 million, reports the Border Mail. Jimmy Cuong Lieu, 32, and Mai Dinh Quang To, 29, have been charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

Blitz on firearms ■ More than 60 licensed firearm owners across inner north-west Melbourne received a visit from Police at the weekend, as part of an operation targeting breaches of firearm storage compliance.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Mostly cloudy. 8°-21°.

Thurs. Chance of rain. 7°-14°.

Fri. Clear. 11°-22°.

Sat. Clear. 12°-23° Sun. Chance of rain. 10°-19°.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 TV SHOWS THAT DOGS WATCH 5. Bones.

4. Sing Along With Bitch.

3. M*U*S*H 2. Dogs Out Of Work.

1. Fido Knows Best.

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Countdown to Christmas

Di Blues, Roots Festival

● John Mayer ■ Festivals come around fast in Melbourne.

The Melbourne Festival is currently running with all sorts of wonderful events being held around Melbourne.

The Deni Blues & Roots Festival will return to Deniliquin, in 2014 with American singer John Mayer and the Doobie Brothers a couple of names set to perform.

Who knows, even Katie Perry might come out on the arm of John Mayer! Hope so!

Following the inaugural event this year with Santana, Jason Mraz, Status Quo, Steve Miller and Bonnie Raitt, the Festival will return with a line-up boasting some of the greatest live performers currently in the world.

Co-promoter Michael Chugg said: “It’s very exciting to be announcing the first acts for the 2nd Deni Blues & Roots Festival in April 2014, it was a great two days at our first festival earlier this year and I can’t wait to announce more acts.”

Noise 11.com reported that Russell Morris, the man with ‘Sharkmouth’, the most successful Australian album of 2013, will join the line-up with other Aussie acts Jasmine Rae and Cash Savage and the Last Drinks.

The Deni Blues and Roots Festival is held over the Easter Weekend on April 19 and 20.

It is just a 3½ hour drive from Melbourne.

The event is held at the Deni Ute Muster site and camping is available on site.

Tickets from www.denibluesfestival. com, the Deniliquin Ute Muster Office or 5881 3388.

I love my job!

■ The world is turning faster, I swear. I went into Woolworths and there before me were rows and rows of Christmas trees!

I had to turn around and walk back in again, I thought I was having hallucinations! But no, there they were, green and standing up as straight as you like, waiting to be taken home.

I have my box of Christmas decorations from last year waiting to be put away in a box underneath my dining table, I laughed and thought well they don’t need to be put away. Once Melbourne Cup comes and goes Santa will be on his way once again.

One of my favourite quotes is: “The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.”

Elbert Green Hubbard wrote that, born in 1856 and died in May 1915. He was an American writer, publisher, artist, businessman, anarchist and liberations socialist philosopher. He wrote wonderful words.

One of his books, A Message To Garcia, is a must read; a little book it all makes so much sense.

Interestingly, he was a busy man of his time and he saw the world moving fast. He was an influential exponent of the Arts and Crafts movement, founding the Roycroft enterprises.

He and his wife writer Alice Moore Hubbard died in the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. I often think of him and his wise words and realise that the world going fast is indeed not a new thing.

For MELBOURNE’S RING FESTIVAL

■ My favourite festival is going to be the Melbourne Ring Festival, from November 15 to December 13.

Opera Australia and the City of Melbourne will present a taste of Wagner’s amazing Ring Cycle through films, exhibitions, concerts, talks, performances and more.

From serious symposiums, to Bugs Bunny and performances of operas which complement the Ring, to a great community choir concert and cabaret, the Melbourne Ring Festival embraces the spirit of this wonderful occasion.

To make it clearer to me when I first heard about it, I did my homework and discovered that 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wagner.

So, during November and December , the Melbourne Ring Festival will be held.

There is so many exciting events I could speak about.

I have chosen a couple of my favourites. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Melbourne Ring Festival present Wagner vs Wagner, and as part of that I have chosen one in particular to talk about.

Titled Wagner and Me, and directed by Patrick O’Grady, is a film that will be shown on Monday, November 18 at 4pm, and Wednesday, November 20 at 2pm at ACMI cinemas, Federation Square. It runs 89 minutes.

Stephen Fry is one of Britain’s best loved performers - a multitalented actor, presenter, writer and a life

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

The lecture will identify the role Wagner’s music plays in a number of key scenes from films such as Lars Von Trier’s Melancholia and Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. David will also investigate Wagner’s underscoring of the dramatic arc of storytelling and his recurring musical theme associated with a person, place or idea.

These concepts have been adopted by Hollywood film composers in films more than we realise.

This fascinating lecture will confirm Wagner’s very significant influence on the development of film composition.

Dr David Kram is the Music Director of the Melbourne Chamber Choir.

His multimedia adaption of Wagner’s Ring Cycle (entitled The Ring. Wagner.Animated) will be performed by More Than Opera in Melbourne as part of the festival at Melbourne Recital Centre during the Wagner Festival.

I will have more news about this fabulous production next week.

Despite his wide repertoire, Dr Kram is regarded as a Puccini, Wagner and Korngold specialist.

● David Kram long fan of the music of This is a perfect film Richard Wagner. I to introduce oneself to know because he told Wagner if one is not me so when I worked familiar with him. with him last year!

I tried to say that Stephen makes a without sounding like journey to explore his Stephen Fry. fascination for He is the most wonWagner and confront derfully infectious man Wagner’s troubled I have ever met. legacy.

Another fascinating Stephen’s idiosyn- man is Dr David cratic style has been Kram. He will applied to all manner of present on Friday Nodiverse subject matter, vember 15 at 3.30pm a from British history to lecture titled Undersmall town America. scoring: Richard Here he turns his at- Wagner’s Influence on tention to one of the Film. most controversial Wagner’s emotive composers of our time. 19th century music has Despite a life and accompanied many a approach that divides signatory film scene. audiences and politics, Join Dr David Wagner’s influence on Kram, a Wagner spemusic – and indeed cin- cialist, as he explores ema – is undeniable. Wagner’s influence on Stephen Fry‘s film. enormously enjoyable and incisive examination of Wagner’s life and works, pulls no punches as he travels the globe looking for the real Wagner.

From Wagner fairs to the locations that inspired the man and his music, WagnerAnd Me delivers both to the fans (who are bound to recognise themselves here) and to the just ● Richard Wagner plain curious.

Mark’s new album

● Mark Vincent ■ Ralph Carr has some good talent in his stables – Mark Vincent is one of them.

Mark reminds me of a Bobby Darin crooner – very cool, very stylish.

He is thrilled to be releasing his much anticipated fifth album The Quartet Sessions on Friday (Oct. 18).

Featuring Mark’s interpretations of wellknown songs such as Halo, Jar Of Hearts, Viva La Vida, Maria and many more, this album is a collection of much loved songs delivered in Mark’s trademark deep, tenor voice that beguiles his 20 years.

Mark won Australia’s Got Talent in 2009 at the age of 15 and has gone on to release four highly successful and well received albums.

Mark’s first album, My Dream – Vio Visione achieved platinum sales, whilst both Compass and The Great Tenor Songbook have achieved gold sales.

All Mark’s albums have achieved the No 1 spot on the classical charts. He is a great talent. I am thrilled that he is going to perform songs from his new album in Melbourne on Thursday, October 24, 7pm at fabulous Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, 25 Bennetts Lane, Melbourne.

The Quartet Sessions will be released in stores and online on Friday (Oct. 18).

For more information on performances and appearances visit www.markvincent. com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - Page 9

Showbiz News

‘CAROUSEL’ AT NUNAWADING Busy time in arts

Briefs No knock

■ The Federal Court has found that AGL South Australia Pty Ltd and its marketing company, CPM Australia Pty Ltd, broke the law when a salesperson attempted to negotiate an agreement despite the presence of a ‘do not knock’ sign on the consumer’s front door.

In May, Justice Middleton ordered by consent that AGL Sales Pty Ltd and AGL South Australia Pty Ltd pay combined penalties of $1.555 million for other illegal selling practices, including making false representations to consumers. CPM was also ordered to pay $200,000 for its role in the conduct.

Bert

● Bert Newton ■ Bert Newton and celebrity GP, Dr John D’Arcy, joined NPS Medicine Wise this wek to launch Be Medicinewise Week 2013, urging everyone to take part in a national medicinewise challenge. nps.org.au

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

‘Hold Page One’

● The Snow children in Carousel, from left: Jack Stelfox, Rebecca Fitton, Morgan Crough, Jack Crough (at rear), Flynn Stelfox (Jack’s twin) and Lani Quick.

Photo: Gavin D Andrew ■ Don’t miss the delightful Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical Carousel, playing at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading until October 19, presented by Babirra Music Theatre.

Originating on Broadway in 1945, this adaptation of Ferenc Molnàr’s 1909 play Liliom, presents contemporary issues such as domestic violence, unemployment, bullying and the importance of self-belief.

The masterly creative talents of Chris Bradtke’s direction, Jason Bovaird’s lighting, David Dare’s sets and Greg Ginger’s sound, transport audiences into the storybook world as carousel barker Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan meet at an amusement park. Elia Katsiabanis’s costumes add authentic flair to the era.

Particularly impressive is the onstage construction/ deconstruction of an operational carousel sparkling with lights, on a revolving stage, meticulously timed during one musical number.

Ryan Jacob’s orchestra fills the theatre with beautiful, melodic songs, such as If I Loved You, You’ll Never Walk Alone and June Is Bustin’ Out All Over, while choreographer Di Crough’s dancers add colour and vitality, with great dancing from the male troupe. The children’s performances are excellent.

The strong principal cast includes Andrew Pennycuick (Billy Bigelow), Alexandra Sutherland (Julie Jordan), Lauren McCormack (Carrie Pipperidge), Brett O’Meara (Enoch Snow), Lee Threadgold (Jigger Craigin), Felicity Eastwood (Nettie Fowler), Katie Hall (Mrs Mullin), Peter Roberts (Starkeeper/Dr Seldon), Peter Levey (Heavenly Friend), Eliza Mignot (Louise Bigelow), Jack Crough (Enoch Snow Jr.) and Andrew Bell (Mr Bascombe), joined by a versatile ensemble.

Personal highlights include the exquisite voices of Lauren McCormack and Allie Sutherland, Katie Hall’s earthy portrayal, Lee Threadgold’s rascalry characterisation, Eliza Mignot’s outstanding stage presence, and the spirituality of Peter Roberts and Peter Levey’s performances.

How can a tragedy transform into a magical theatre experience? Tissues are recommended when you go to find out.

Congratulations Babirra Music Theatre.

Performance season: Until October 19 Venue: Whitehorse Centre, Whitehorse Road, Nunawading Bookings: 9262 6555 or www.babirra.org.au - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● Julie Houghton. Photo: Kelly Jordan ■ The Observer’s arts correspondent Julie Houghton reports on a busy time in Melbourne.

On Page 111, Julie reports on Christiana Aloneftis’s performance at Diamond Creek this Saturday (Oct. 19).

On Page 109, Julie talks to Roland Rocchiccioli about his latest play, The Greatest Is Love.

Julie also details new of a Gilbert and Sullivan production, Princess Ida.

2014 Bell casts revealed ■ Bell Shakespeare is this week revealing its cast line-up across its four mainstage productions.

Myles Pollard, Helen Thomson and Rory Potter, will bring to life The Winter’s Tale, directed by John Bell.

Director Damien Ryan welcomes a band of newcomers to the Bell Shakespeare stage in his Henry V, including Michael Sheasby, Matthew Backer, Damien Strouthos and Eloise Winestock.

Leon Ford joins Kate Mulvany and Sean O’Shea in Peter Evans’ production of Tartuffe.

Leon, last seen in Puberty Blues and Constellations, has written for Offspring and received an AACTAAward for Best Original Screenplay in 2012.

Since Kate first graced the stage in 2001 she’ hass starred in countless productions, including Bell Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Julius Caesar.

Sean most recently wowed audiences with his performance in Rupert.

Rounding off the season, Richard Piper (King Kong, Underbelly, Henry VI) joins Ray Chong Nee and Janine Watson in Peter Evans’ The Dream, a 90-minute version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Artistic Directors are John Bell and Peter Evans.

Circus expands ■ Circus Oz continues to extend its creative activities across a range of exciting initiatives and achievements.

Its current tour is Cranked Up. The Circus Oz Strong Women Program is being launched on Thursday, October 24.

Circus Oz is hosting a special fundraiser to launch the inaugural program.

Circus Oz last week received the 2013 Governor of Victoria Export Award – Creative Industries, presented at Government House Victoria by the Governor, Alex Chernov and politician Louise Asher. circusoz.com

● Monty Grover ■ Montague Macgregor (‘Monty’) Grover, one of Melbourne’s leading newsmen, was inducted into the Melbourne Press Club’s ‘Victorian Media Hall of Fame’ at the weekend.

Monty, also author of Hold Page One, was foundation editor of the Sun News-Pictorial. He set the template for what became Australia’s largest-selling daily paper.

Ash Long, Editor of the Melbourne Observer, tells The Barrel that he worked with Monty’s son, Kevin Grover, at Leader Newspapers. When Kevin retired, he became a prolific writer of letters to the editors of Melbourne newspapers.

Monty’s daughter, Dolly Parker, wrote for the Southern Peninsula Gazette at Rosebud. Dolly sent her young daughter, Dina (later Monks), to deliver ‘Freddo Frog’ chocolates to winners of children’s competitions in the newspaper.

Dina was later an Editor of the Frankston Standard. Her husband John’s father, Noel Monks, was also honoured in Friday night’s awards. Noel started on The Sun, and made his name on Fleet St as a war correspondent.

Other honourees at the awards were Melbournenorn Rupert Murdoch, the late great Age Editor Graham Perkin, former Sun Editor Harry Gordon, radio man Norman Banks and TV pioneer Ron Casey.

The honour roll also included Edmund Finn (‘Garryowen’ of The Argus), Tom Horan (‘Felix’ for The Argus), cartoonist Stan Cross (‘Wally And The Major’), AAP leader Duncan Hooper, and Richard Hughes, whose career included a stint on the Melbourne afternoon newspaper, The Star.

New members also include the late Keith Dunstan and Denis Warner, sports writer Bert Wolfe, Phillip Schuler, cartoonist Alex Gurney (‘Bluey and Curly’), editors Rohan Rivett and Cyril Pearl, writer Osmar White, ‘scribbler’ Bruce Petty, leading media woman May Maxwell, famed author C J Dennis, The Bulletin’s Jules Archibald, Nancy Dexter and Sir Charles Moses.

The Barrel likes that Caroline ‘Lynka’ Isaacson (mother of former Observer publisher Peter Isaacson) was honoured, as was broadacster Crosbie Morrison, and Christopher Crisp (a former Bacchus Marsh Express Editor, just like our own Ash Long).

Media Hall of Shame ■ Almost weekly, we hear of Fairfax Media sacking dozens of news people, or closing another product. Fairfax’s news this week is that it closing the print edition of BRW. Fairfax, which has lost $3 billion over the past three years, is headed by CEO Greg Hywood. He gets paid $1.6 million ($30,000 a week) for these types of decisions.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Melbourne

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

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Contact Us Publisher and Editor: Ash Long Media Director: Fleur Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker, Harry Beitzel, Matt Bissett-Johnson, David Ellis, Rob Foenander, Christina La Cross, Julie Houghton, Yvonne Lawrence, Nick Le Souef, Mike McColl Jones, John Pasquarelli, Terry Radford, Mark Richardson, Di Rolle, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Jim Sherlock, Cheryl Threadgold, Kevin Trask, Veritas Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145

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Ash On Wednesday

WELL WORTH VIEWING

■ Guest reviewer Janine Chugg says Two Mortals at La Mama is worth viewing: “One would think that a play all about death, dying, people's reactions to the deaths of others and their own mortality would not be the stuff of an evening's entertainment. Not so!

“Two Mortals has been devised and performed by Rachael DysonMcGregor and Mike McEvoy in a very interesting way.

“As one trained in theatre where the actors are not seen by an audience prior to the curtain rising, it was somewhat startling to have Mike approach me while waiting in the La Mama garden, ask me some questions about what I would like to do before I die, record my answers, and then see and hear him relay them back during the play!

“Although Two Mortals is not a play as such - it is the very clever culmination of interviews with people involved with death in many ways, speaking through Rachael and Mike.

“As pointed out at the beginning of the piece, death is the one absolutely sure event that will occur for all of us, and yet most of us avoid talking or even thinking about it.

“Indeed, as the work began I found myself feeling uncomfortable with the subject, but by the end I had sympathised, laughed, identified, discovered and felt at ease with the topic.

“The tight and creative direction of Geoff Pinfield helped maintain interest throughout. This was an ensemble piece, with lighting design by Bronwyn Pringle and sound design and composition by Beatrice Lewis contributing just as much as the actors to its effectiveness.

“Because of the new interviews with audience members each night every performance will be slightly different, adding challenges for the actors and keeping it fresh and appealing. Well worth a viewing!”

Legends ■ In my own neck of the woods, the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians named their first five ‘legends’: Bob Stevens, Godfrey Stevens, Andy Harris, Bill Lyon and Lawrence Tutton. Well deserved.

Melbourne TV Memories with Kenneth Mulholland

Fitzroy Teletheatre

● Mike McEvoy and Rachael Dyson in Two Mortals.

Photo: Jamie Boys

Long Shots

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

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

Observer Treasury Thoughts For The Week ■ “Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.”

- Don Miguel Ruiz ■ “"People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day."

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “A plagiarist should be made to copy the author one hundred times.”

Text For The Week ■ “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

- Proverbs 13:10 The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution.

Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long.

Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

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

'Oh we can't show all the pictures so we only show the best.

The others show the rest, you can put it to the test.

So call your girlfriend right away.

When she hears the news she'll shout Hooray.

You're happier in a Hoyts suburban theatre.

Happier, happier.

Happier in a Hoyts suburban theatre.'

■ The Fitzroy Teletheatre was first erected in 1911. It was built as the Solway Theatre. It was officially opened in October 1912, with a seating capacity of 846 on the ground floor and 292 in the gallery, however The Argus reports the opening in 1911.

In the mid twenties the Solway was burnt down and in 1928, extensive reconstruction of the theatre took place, enlarging seating capacity.

The theatre was re-opened in September 1931 and re-named the Regent Theatre. TV Week (1960) reports that the Regent showed its last film on Saturday, Septemebr 17 1960.

Later the same year the theatre was altered and purchased by HSV-7 and became known as the HSV Teletheatre.

Seating capacity was reduced to 690 on the ground floor only. Further alterations where made in 1970 decreasing the seating capacity to 399.

Sold in 1979. The building was demolished in 1984. ★ The Regent Theatre in Fitzroy was bought by HSV Channel 7 sometime in 1960. And it was destined to become the Fitzroy Teletheatre.

In the 1950s this old movie theatre, designed long before, had stalls and dress circle, a foyer that boasted a lofty stairway that turned to the right and ascended to the next floor where patrons could further tread carpeted stairs that led to the dress circle, or wander to the right again, down past a kiosk dispensing soft drinks and snacks, to the further end where more steps again led to the circle, or the male and female toilets.

On the ground floor there would have been the front of house ticket box, and possibly another kiosk, not only selling drinks and crisps but also The Screen News, a publication that, in the forties, was the size of the Herald Sun today, resplendent with sepia photos of all the up and coming Hollywood stars.

Stars such as Roy Rogers, showing off his latest trailer home for he, his wife Dale Evans, and of course Trigger, Roy's horse. Or perhaps a snap of the up and coming stars, Terry Moore and Robert Wagner.

The stairs were marble, the draperies rich, the banisters polished, the decor opulent, the ushers and usherettes uniformed and vigilant.

Such were the suburban picture houses of the twenties, thirties, forties and fifties.

When the decision was made to acquire the theatre in Fitzroy, I do not know. It was said that Norman Spencer had much to do with it. His arrival at 7 certainly had a great impact on the Channel. After all, he had directed Graham Kennedy to the dizzying heights that soared Nine's ratings into the heavens.

As photos of the part demolition and refurbishing show, the old cinema theatre was transformed into something never before encountered.

Here was the resurrection, from old, golden age movie palace to new television remote studio. In the beginning of the sixties in Melbourne, this was a revelation.

The upstairs area was divided off into a number of change and dressing rooms for stars and dancers. The Circle was simply abandoned. Most of the seating was left to drown in dust. Old, or broken or useless scenery, bits and pieces of props were all deposited up there amongst the forlorn seating.

But above again and at the rear of the Circle were the abandoned projection boxes, and a vertical ladder that led up into the roof.

Turn To Page 15

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

VIC. TEACHER STRUCK OFF

● Tesfaye G'hana (left) and Bitsat Seyoum can be seen in the Big West Festival, November 22 – December 1.

■ Big West Festival, a biennial 10-day contemporary arts festival will be presented in Melbourne’s inner-western suburbs from November 22 to December 1.

Presenting cutting edge, multi-cultural and multiform art works with, for and by the people of Melbourne’s western suburbs, the Big West Festival program celebrates a strong local identity and resonates on a national scale.

Established in 1997 to address issues of geographic, cultural and social isolation of residents in the western region of Melbourne, 2013 is the ninth Big West Festival and is curated by incoming artistic director, Marcia Ferguson.

“The 2013 program reflects local humour, acceptance and unease around issues like immigrants’ experiences of adjustment and relocation to a new country,” says Ferguson.

“The compulsory acquisition of homes; authorities vying for control over property development; the rise of parallel communities along lines of wealth; and media perceptions about the west’s ‘dangerous’ inner urban areas and ‘stagnant’ outlying areas, that antagonise locals.”

Three free large-scale outside events included in Big West Festival 2013 are an Opening Night Party at Footscray Community Arts Centre; Braybrook’s Big Day Out: Walk and Ride Day at Braybrook Community Garden; and People’s Day Street Party at Little Saigon Market.

Also included in this year’s program of 67 events are: ■ 7 newest performance events – Big West Festival performance initiative ■ 19 Big Band Theory music events – Big West Festival live music initiative ■ 10 performances events ■ 15 participatory and interactive events ■ 13 visual art events ■ 1 film event ■ 2 forums events ■ 42 venues ■ Festival hubs at Footscray Community Arts Centre and The Substation in Newport ■ Tickets ranging from free to $25 (over 80 per cent programmed events are free) ■ Three partnering municipalities, including City of Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay City Council and Brimbank City Council Full details of the Big West Festival 2013 are available on www.bigwest.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Short Shots ■ Melbourne-born James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, is launching further into the US air market, with flights into Los Angeles from next year.

■ Anthony Xydis has been appointed as National Marketing Director of the Australian Radio Network (Gold 104.3 and Mix 101.1). Jodie Koning will work part-time.

■ Executives are concerned that 3AW’s Bruce Mansfield, almost 70, is having difficulty completing sentences on air.

■ A Victorian school teacher has been struck off after being found guilty of sexual offences.

Paul John Grimmett was late last month convicted of the following sexual offences: ■ one count of use service to transmit indecent communications to a child under 16 years; and ■ four counts of knowingly possess child pornography.

The Victorian Institute of Teaching says that Paul John Grimmett was disqualified from teaching and his registration as a teacher in Victoria was cancelled, effective from September 27.

FORMER BROTHEL CONVERTED FOR ART

■ A former Collingwood brothel, Cromwell Manor, has been transformed for an exhibition and site occupation.

The exhibition marks the period of transition before the site is largely demolished and redeveloped for use by STREAT, which provides homeless youth with the life skills, work experience and training they need to start a career in hospitality.

Curated by RMIT University doctoral researcher Rosie Scott, Manorisms (October 19-November 2) is the result of a collaboration between RMIT and STREAT. On display will be creative works by Ms Scott and fellow PhD candidates in the School or Architecture and Design, Louisa King, James Carey and Phoebe Whitman, along with 19 undergraduate RMIT interior design students and STREAT’s own Rebecca Scott.

“The brothel was abandoned in a hurry and left entirely set-up and furnished,” Ms Scott says.

Rumour Mill

Hear It Here First

This takes the chocolates

■ The Rumour Mill hears that a north-suburban council wants a potential chocolate shop owner to pay $100,000 for five car parking spaces near an existing shop to be rented ... in a shopping centre that badly needs to fill empty premises. The operator looks likely to select an adjoining municipality.

Drink vote

■ More people prefer a Camberwell restaurant-cafe to have a liquor licence after a poll in the ‘dry’ area. Some 423 voted to allow the licence for the Arcade premises at 600–606 Burke Rd. Some 296 votes were against, the Victorian Electoral Commission says.

To Court

Insurance threat ■ Costs of insurance may halt the work of some Council watchdog associations in Melbourne. An inability to fund public liability insurance costs leave individual members open to legal action.

‘The End’ for old TVs ■ Analogue TV is being switched off in Melbourne on December 10. Those with old TVs may need a settop box or digital TV recorder for each analogue TV, or a new TV with a built-in digital tuner.

KEW BUSINESSMAN BANNED FROM MANAGING COMPANIES

■ James Stephen Lewis, an accountant (CPA) involved in the collapse of Dollarforce Financial Services, has been sentenced after an Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigation led to him being charged with making false and misleading statements.

Appearing in the County Court, Lewis was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Lewis was released on entering a $2000 recognisance to be of good behaviour for a period of 18 months.

As a result of his conviction he is automatically disqualified from managing any company for five years.

Lewis, 59, of Kew,, is the second person to be convicted following the collapse of Dollarforce.

Clestus Weerappah, a former director of Dollarforce was last month jailed for four years over his role in the collapse of the property development group .

Lewis was found guilty of one charge of omitting or authorising the omission of material information in a prospectus lodged with ASIC. At the time of the offence, Lewis

Whispers

was a director of Altitude Property Limited , one of the companies in the Dollarforce group.

The prospectus failed to disclose information that was relevant to investors and/or potential investors buying shares in Altitude.

It failed to disclose that an incentive payment agreement had been entered into between Altitude and Alamanda Property Investments No 2 Pty Ltd. The incentive payment agreement was a mechanism where money collected from investors was paid to an entity related to Weerappah, who was also a director of Altitude.

More than $1.4 million was paid out under the terms of the agreement.

ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said, ‘Information that is material to investors should be disclosed. Mr Lewis was found guilty of deliberately omitting that an incentive payment agreement had been entered into and that investor funds raised would be paid out to another company.’

Lewis is automatically disqualified from being a director under the Corporations Act 2001.

Simon Wallace-Smith of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu was appointed liquidator of a number of companies within the Dollarforce Group, following an application by ASIC to the Federal Court.

Mr Wallace-Smith also received funding from ASIC from the Assetless Administration Fund in order to carry out investigations into some of the companies.

Greg Andrews of GS Andrews and Associates is the liquidator of DFS and Murray Godfrey of RMG partners is the liquidator of Alamanda.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ Westbourne Grammar School has asked for a Registrars’ Hearing at Werribee Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Thurs.) at 11am to allege a civil claim that there are “monies due” by Tracy Rankins.

Banned

■ The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has banned a company director for 15 years after his business took $300,000 in deposits for rent rolls but failed to deliver the promised products.

Mark Whittingham and Connection Blue must also pay nearly $200,000 in compensation to four real estate agents for the rent rolls.

Dirt track ■ Metro says the safety of its rail passengers has never been put at risk despite mud holes on the Eltham-Hurstbridge railway line over 1.6-km.

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Freemasons celebrate PINKTOBER Let’s keep up the Pink momentum

● Freemasons Victoria member Ben Quick dons a bright pink suit at last year’s Big Pink Party ■ Let's keep up the Pink momentum! n incredible effort has already been made towards donations to Breast Cancer Awareness month, with a variety of auction items contributed, and funds raised through the purchase of unique Freemasons Victoria Pink pins.

Donna De La Rue, Executive Assistant to Freemasons Victoria's Grand Secretary said that she is really pleased with how fundraising is going.

"It's wonderful to see so many Lodges and people getting involved towards this worthy cause. We're only half way through and have already raised more than $20,000".

More than 20y Lodges have gotten into the spirit of Think Pink, by coordinating barbecues, dinners, raffles, competitions and breakfasts to raise funds, the total amount being announced at the Big Pink Cocktail Party on the night of Friday, October 25, at Coppin Hall.

"Everyone is getting really excited about this event. It's the biggest charity effort on the Freemasons Victoria calendar", Donna said.

Auction items contributed so far include soft toys, wine, vouchers and artwork, AFL and sports memorabilia just to name a few, all of which will be auctioned off on October 25, all proceeds going towards the Epworth Freemasons Oncology Unit and the Think Pink Foundation.

So if you haven't already booked your ticket to come to the Big Pink Cocktail Party, contact Donna today on 9411 0103.

If you would like to bid on an auction item visit the Freemasons Victoria Think Pink Facebook page at www.thinkpinkwith FreemasonsVictoria.com.au Regular updates about the progress of fundraising and more information about events being held around the State can be found by visiting the Freemasons Victoria website at www.freemasonsvic.net.au

Freemasons Victoria charity initiatives for Oct. and Nov.

● Deputy Grand Master Hillel Benedykt and wife Sue dressed in pink at last year’s Big Pink Party.

■ A busy two months lie ahead for Freema- derful event. In addition, and as a personal touch, sons Victoria. As a community focused those who donate will also be given a waterproof organisation, we are preparing for not one but three tag containing details of the person they wish to of the biggest charity events in our calendar. remember which will be attached to their emOctober is National Breast Cancer Aware- blem of remembrance. ness month. Over the past four years FreemaAll those who donate, are invited to a special sons Victoria has contributed more than $170,000 remembrance event on Friday, November 8. to research and the direct care assistance of those There will be refreshments and a military disaffected by breast cancer. Again, this year we play, concluding with a formal ceremony. will support this most worthy cause.

Grand Master Bob Jones, who will be speakFundraising and awareness initiatives have al- ing at this event, says "This is a special opportuready kicked-off, starting with our campaign to nity for Freemasons and the public to particiThink Pink. pate in an event that pays tribute to fallen service All donations made for those affected by breast men & women". cancer, will go towards the Epworth FreemaTo donate, please contact Freemasons sons Oncology Department and the Think Victoria, on 9411 0100, or email Gabrielle Pink Foundation.

Forman at gforman@freemasonsvic.net.au Everyone throughout all regions of Victoria Funds raised from Freemasons Victoria's are busy organising community activities such as Field of Remembrance event will be donated barbecues, raffles and breakfasts to contribute to- to the RSL Welfare Fund and the Freemawards this worthy cause. sons Public Charitable Foundation.

Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Movember Jones says that raising money for breast cancer Of course, the month of November would not treatment is also about raising awareness. be the same without Movember, where Free"We tend to associate this disease with women, masons Victoria members will be encouraged but the thing to remember is that men suffer from to participate in the fight against prostate cancer, breast cancer too", he said. by growing their mos.

This year we will continue our support for the Freemasons Victoria will have a dedicated Epworth Freemasons Hospital, assisting in Movember webpage that can be accessed via the upgrade of the Oncology Department's the Freemasons Victoria website, where you Palliative Care Unit and the Think Pink Liv- can make a donation. ing Centre, to continue to support the Wig Salon and various other programs.

On Friday, October 25, the culmination of this fundraising with be celebrated at the annual Big Pink Cocktail Party at the beautiful Coppin Hall in Melbourne.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes.

Call or email Donna on 9411 0103 or grandsec@freemasonsvic.net.au ■ Traralgon's local district are in the spirit For further information and updates visit the of breast cancer awareness month by arranging Think Pink with Freemasons Victoria a very special High Tea on Thursday, October Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ 24. thinkpinkwithfreemasonsvic The High Tea will be held at the Latrobe Field of Remembrance Valley Masonic Centre from 11am and will Moving forward to November, the lawn outinclude a raffle, trading table and door prizes, side the front of the Dallas Brooks Centre at as well as a prize for 'best pink hat' on the day.

300 Albert St, East Melbourne, will be transSupported by Noni B and Amcal Pharmaformed into a Field of Remembrance, with emblems planted in remembrance of service men cies, the event will include a fashion parade and women who made the ultimate to the Nation. and make-up display for the ladies, and a vinFreemasons, RSL members and the public tage car display for the gentlemen. are invited to donate and participate in this won-

The Big Think Pink Dinner Auction hits Belmont

■ A Big Pink Dinner Auction will be held on Saturday 26 October from 6:30pm at the Geelong Masonic Centre in Belmont as part of Freemasons Victoria's charity initiatives for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

You will be entertained by a wonderful string quartet performance from Melbourne Youth Music - one of Freemasons Victoria supporting partners, and Wes Turnbull - Channel 31 TV presenter from Freemasons: The Inside Story, will MC the event.

This will be a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for the Palliative Care Unit in Epworth Freemasons Oncology Dept and to the Think Pink Foundation.

At only $45 per person, this is a great way to show your support and enjoy some great music, great company and have fun - pink smart casual attire is a must!

To book a table or to make an enquiry, please contact Robert Pullin on 0410 497 600 or Rodger Marsden on 0419 717 774.

Latrobe Valley Masonic Centre supports fundraising for breast cancer awareness with a Pink High Tea Tickets are selling fast. $15 per person or $25 doubles. RSVP by Friday, October 18 to secure your booking. Please contact Barb Heskey on 5174 3496 or 0421 285 714 Freemasons Victoria has extended the challenge to raise funds for breast cancer awareness by hosting fundraising activities in the hope of surpassing last year's total of $80,000.

These funds will be donated to the upgrade of the Epworth Freemasons Hospital Oncology Palliative Care Unit and the continued support of the Think Pink Foundation's Wig Salon.

● 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.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - Page 13

West Hollywood

50 YEARS WITH THE KANGAROOS From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Ellen should become real estate agent

North Melb. has loyal supporters ● David Letterman

Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites ■ Sit back, relax and enjoy your stay at Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel and Suites.

Located off Route 101 and Interstate 405 at Santa Monica Boulevard and nestled in the outskirts of the Hollywood Hills, the West Hollywood hotel provides a comforting break after a day of big-city excitement.

Kick your shoes off and watch your flat-screen TV or surf the web using free WiFi Internet access.

Take a dip in the outdoor pool or lounge on the sundeck. Get a workout in the fitness centre, then rejuvenate with products available at Body Factory.

Enjoy business-class amenities in one of the executive suites or book a loft suite for a more luxurious stay.

If you need a rental car, you will find Enterprise Car Rental on-site, and the Ramada is a 100 per cent non-smoking hotel.

Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel and Suites showcases a unique style that is inherent to our vibrant community.

They offer a variety of room types to meet any need, and each of our 176 guestrooms feature a colorful, art-deco style enhanced with modern amenities.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Standard Rooms Executive Suite Loft Suite Spiral Loft Suite Parlor Suite Standard Amenities:

■ Complimentary Wi-Fi ■ 42” HDTV – LCD ■ Satellite TV ■ HBO – Premium Channels ■ In-room movies ■ In-room safe ■ In-room mini refrigerator coffee maker ■ Hair dryers ■ Iron/Ironing Board ■ Air conditioning ■ 100 per cent non-smoking rooms Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. info@ramadaweho.com

■ Vito Anzelmi, Regional Director for V Australia in Los Angeles, along with his father Fortunato Anzelmi, have been life supporters of North Melbourne Football Club for more than 50 years.

Former NMFC player Cory McKernan, who now runs Ultimate Events, presented Vito with Anthony Stevens’ No. 10 jumper.

Corey's company is now organising sporting and entertainment tours around the world.

Alan Johnson, Managing Director of Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, was on hand to witness the presentation.

● Vito Anzelmi, Alan Johnson and Corey McKernan

Restaurant action on Santa Monica Boulevard

Long service leave for Letterman ■ The CBS late-night host David Letterman isn't going away just yet. He has extended his contract through 2015.

David Letterman said that he had a conversation with CBS Chief Executive Les Moonves and they both agreed that Letterman needed a little more time to fully run the show into the ground.

Many Australian tourists go and see the show at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York.

Letterman has been with CBS since 1993. Though he currently trails rival Jay Leno in the ratings, CBS is optimistic that will change when Leno steps down and is replaced by Jimmy Fallon early next year.

GavinWood

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

■ Australians are setting up a new restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard. The rather short-lived Café Bello near Pressed Juicery and Tender Greens will be replaced by The Bossy Wife & Co. A new eatery serving pan-Asian cuisine. Co-founder Marianne Rumantir hails from Melbourne and is involved with two restaurants there, Gaijin Japanese Fusion and Gaijin Lunch Bar. I wish Marianne and her team the best of luck with her new venture in a very competitive and over-serviced boulevard.

SPOTLIGHT on Trent Blacket

Wedding cake in Beverly Hills ■ Australian, Paul Birchall, who went from entertainer to hotel manager, was married this weekend in Beverly Hills.

Paul has been in Los Angeles for more than 20 years and has managed the Bel-Air Hotel, Thompson Hotel and the Wilshire Grand Hotel.

Some of you might remember Paul from his entertainment days as a singer on the Mike Walsh Show, In Melbourne Tonight, The Don Lane Show and also the club circuit in Sydney and Melbourne.

Paul also sang on tourist ships around the world.

Alan Johnson, Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, hosted an evening of fine wine and food for all the guests from Australia, United Kingdom and Europe who attended this glittering affair.

● Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi ■ Move over Philip Webb, there is a new budding real estate mogul doing big business here in Los Angeles.

They are called realtors here and Ellen DeGeneres should be one as she is paying huge commissions to the realtors here.

Ellen and her spouse, originally from Melbourne, Portia de Rossi have sold a 26-acre ranch in Thousand Oaks for $10.85 million.

The couple brought the rural property in 2009 for $8.5 million and had it on the market for the last two years.

The spread included eight contemporary farmhouse-style cabins, two barns, a yoga pavilion, stables and a tennis court. There are eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. A tidy profit for their next purchase.

● The Bossy Wife & Co.

Special Holiday Offer ■ Trent J. Blacket is the head of ROAR Asia Pacific and is based here in Los Angeles.

I would like his Frequent Flyer points, it seems like he is always over the Pacific somewhere.

ROAR is a management and production company based on Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of Beverly Hills, California with offices in Nashville, Atlanta and New York.

Trent advises clients who operate in both North America and Asia Pacific regions in international trade and development as well as looking after Australian actors who have success here in Hollywood.

I will just mention the Hemsworth brothers who are looked after by Trent and ROAR management.

Trent is a contact point for Australians who find the US market a challenge and need help, from musicians to writers and actors and any company prepared to seriously consider the US market.

Trent was one of the first people I met here in Los Angeles and he was very helpful. Alan Johnson, from the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, was also very supportive to both of us.

www.gavinwood.us

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

When you are planning your 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

● Alan Johnson with Paul Birchall

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Melbourne People

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

‘Fat Pig’ Opening Night At Chapel Of Chapel Photos: Anthony Licuria

● Cassandra Magrath, Patrick Harvey, Daniel Frederiksen (director), Lulu McClatchy and Lyall Brooks

● James Mason, Carla Bonner and Ryan Maloney

● Elise Brennan and Luigi Lucente

● Lyall Brooks with Alinta Chidzey

● Patrick Harvey with Fletcher Humphrys

● Jacinta Stapleton with Lulu McClatchy

● James Mason with Josh Blau

● Lyall Brooks with Andi Lew

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - Page 15

Melbourne TV Memories

By Kenneth Mulholland

Producer Norm Spencer played role in theatre changes ● From Page 10 This became of great interest to various people later on.

Inside the theatre, beyond the foyer, much of the forward ground floor front stalls were removed.

The original timber stage, over which had hung that silver screen where-on Bogart and Bacall, Gable, Garbo and Garfield had moved and lived and loved, was left standing.

The screen, of course, was of no further use. Nor were the old performers.

The area where the stall seats had been, was re-constructed into a studio floor, reaching out from the old timber stage, deep into the audience area.

Between the seats a 'run' complete with bannisters, was built to house the crane-camera, the technical showpiece that raised a TV camera 10 feet off the ground and moved it swiftly all over that vast, studio floor.

Right up to the old boards, if required. At the rear of the theatre, loomed the control room.

It was like a military block house.

One door in, glass panels looking out to the studio floor.

Lighting panel as you entered, Director, Switcher, Director's Assistant, Technical Director on the far left. Another glassed room. Audio. No Smoking.

On the extreme right of the audience, another low-set building, which was the technical workshop: maintenance and spare parts.

Closer to stage right and the public male toilets is a small scenery bay and along the right wall on the stage is an area for the orchestra.

On the stage itself there are the front tabs, drapes that mask off the bulk of the stage, and also some fly lines for backdrops.

At the rear of the stage is a counterweighted cyclorama and a ground-row that curves to merge into the floor but is low enough to step over.

All a pale blue to match the studio floor. When the rear cyclorama is lifted up it reveals two large rear doors where scenery can be unloaded from vans sent from South Melbourne.

In the far right corner there is another small props cage and a timber staircase that leads up to the next level.

This is a partly covered walkway that connects to the Dress Circle and is used by cast and ballet, even in cold, windy and wet weather.

At the extreme rear left of the stage are the fly-lines and beneath the old stage is a tunnel that leads to a rather unsavoury, grunting and muttering pump that extracts seepage, and is somewhat unsettling in the half light down there.

And this converted building was to

● Consider Your Verdict in production at the Teletheatre become the sometime home of Con- Homicide, Time For Terry, Video Vilsider Your Verdict, The Price Is Right, lage, Daly At Night, The Delo And Daly Sunny Side Up, Coles £3000 Question, Show and numerous other productions.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

SURPRISE INVASION IN OUR BEDROOM

■ It’s been a week of heavy drama. We experienced a home invasion by one of Australia’s most common marsupials – the ringtail possum.

They raid our trees and eat all the fruit. In fact, they even eat the fruit buds so that we are lucky if we get any fruit at all. It’s a constant seasonal battle between them and us.

In the middle of the night they often gallop across the roof so loudly that it wakes us up. We sometimes suspect that they are wearing hobnail boots.

Our motto is “let and let live”, but the other night we had to draw the line when this cheeky little guy appeared in the bedroom.

Yvonne’s Column

Midnight snack time

Refused to budge

■ After climbing up the curtains and across our bed canopy he came to rest on top of a Chinese screen in the corner and refused to budge.

How he got in is a complete mystery. We first thought that Moosh the cat might have been out on a midnight stroll before bed and had brought him inside as a gift.

But we discounted that because he would have been too big for Moosh to bring in and besides he has been taught to ignore possums.

Though he supervises the Bushtails feeding every night from a safe distance under a large plant stand.

His whiskers bristle, and every nerve in his body is on full alert, but he knows that he is never to touch them, besides the big Brushtails are much larger than he is, so he wouldn’t dare.

Up close and personal

■ Everyone knows that we have been feeding a family of Brushtails for years. But we have had no up close and personal experience with Ringtails except that they can be destructive when it comes to your roses.

Every night we take out their food and tempting though it would be to touch them, we just stand and watch as they come up and sniff at our shoes on the way to their dinner. It’s almost as if they are saying thank you.

They are so tame, and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it is when mother Brushtail brings her new baby clinging to her back to show us.

The last little fellow we called Cupcake and she has grown considerably since last spring.

I know that there are many, many people who don’t like possums, but please don’t write to me.

I’ve heard it all before.

Bye bye Gus Gus

■ But back to the bedroom. I was alerted that something was amiss when Moosh sat upright on the end of the bed with eyes as big as saucers

tree. He scampered up the trunk happily with nary a backward glance.

And that’s what happened.

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

and glared at the Chinese screen. Telling him to settle down wasn’t going to do it, so I put down my book and followed Moosh’s gaze. And there it was; a Ringtail clinging to the top of the screen.

Peter was asleep, but when I thumped his shoulders and yelled that a possum was in the room, he wasn’t too fussed, but got out of bed, I think to placate me.

I have not a drop of testosterone in my body when it comes to catching wild animals. I treat even a mouse with respect.

The last mouse I detected living under the stove, I named Gus Gus. But one morning I came out and found him, four tiny feet pointing skyward in Moosh’s food bowl.

So, it was bye bye Gus Gus. Moosh was so proud of himself, and Peter couldn’t understand why I felt so sad at his demise.

But as usual I digress.

Critter catching ■ Well the merry dance continued up the bed canopy, on to the chandelier, down the curtains, across the dressing table, because no matter what Peter did to catch him, he was just quicker and smarter.

I couldn’t have gone to sleep with the thought that he was scurrying around.

And what would happen if he decided to settle on my pillow and got tangled in my hair?

The little critter made the fatal mistake of climbing onto the padded velvet bed head, after running across my pillow, and Peter ‘my hero’ sprang into action and dropped a towel on him.

So, he or she was caught, and Peter put the little critter with the white tummy, outside in a

■ Ringtail possums are highly sociable and live in family groups, but I wasn’t too interested in having a chat with this interloper because Ringtails carry building materials, or things for their nest curled up in their tails.

I had visions of this little fellow walking around my bedroom and stealing things for the nests.

It took a while for Moosh to settle down, but Peter decided to make us a midnight snack so that I would get over my trauma.

We finally concluded that he had indeed come through the window. He was determined because he had to navigate through an out of control grape vine which is in full lavish leaf, squeeze through the window, and fight his way through blinds and curtains.

This feisty little fellow would have a wonderful adventure story to tell when he got back to his nest.

Males and females work together to construct large spherical nests, called drays, in hollow trees limbs, dense undergrowth or bunches of mistletoe.

So don’t leave your mistletoe up after Christmas because you may be in for a big surprise!!

Midnight snacks are fun, but of course it’s hard to get back to sleep after you’ve chatted the night away.

Jaffles make comeback ■ I was so pleased to see that the Jaffle Iron is making yet another return. It seems every generation re-discovers the jaffle.

I remember when every house had a jaffle iron in the 70s and whether you had an open fire or not, you could always have a jaffle cooked and on the table in a minute or two.

And the fillings were the creation of the one in charge of the jaffle iron. There is nothing like a jaffle cooked over the coals on an open fire. It was a great way to use up left overs, and for a special treat, throw a couple of eggs and a rasher of bacon and the result was a gastronomical delight.

Funny that I should read about the old jaffle irons because I saw one in an op shop and it was being sold for peanuts.

I must confess that I was sorry that I had thrown mine out with the hard rubbish collection.

Wouldn’t have minded one when Peter made supper after the furry trespasser.

But we had grilled cheese on toast, which is Peter’s all time favourite snack.

- Good Karma, Yvonne

Convent Open Day ■ Enjoy the wondrous world of the Abbotsford Convent Open Day on Sunday, November 10 from 11am-4.pm, with a celebration of community, diversity, arts and culture.

Open Day is an opportunity to see what goes on within the historically rich walls of the Abbotsford Convent. Picnic with delicious fare in the gardens, explore the artist studios buildings, listen to live music, enjoy tours and talks, bring the children and connect with the environment that exists for and by the community.

Maggie Maquire, CEO of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, says the program this year there will be something for everyone to see and do, no matter what their interest, area or age.

“The Convent community is very proud of the world that exists behind its walls and we are looking forward to welcoming lots of people to come and see what we do every day.”

View artists’ work in the c3 Contemporary Art Space, and the Behind The Veil exhibition in the Good Shepherd Chapel crypt offers a behind the scenes view of what life was like for a Good Shepherd Sister living in the Convent community. St Helier’s Street Gallery will present a collaborative exhibition, curated by Rona Green, featuring works by both Wellbeing and visual artist tenants.

The Australian Writers’ Centre will be holding creative writing workshops and talks on all things blogging, writing and publishing, while French Tete-a-Tete will hold a conversation workshop for those wanting to practice the language with other enthusiasts.

Enjoy visiting the Convent Pop Up Shop, and designers’ work from the Convent’s regular Shirt and Skirt Market and jewellery designers.

The Shadow Electric will present an afternoon of free live music in the Industrial School, as well as DJs, table tennis, food and drinks from 1pm-4pm.

The now secular Abbotsford Convent site has emerged as a place where history, community, art, food and wellbeing collide.

Date and Time: Sunday, November 10, 11am-4pm Venue: Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford Free Entry A free shuttle bus will run between Victoria Park Station and the Convent every 15 minutes abbotsfordconvent.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 16, 2013

■ My first memory of Tommy Tycho was when he was musical director for the Australian radio comedy series Laugh Till You Cry with Harry Dearth, George Foster and Keith ‘Grandpa’ Smith.

Tommy's quartet would back Margaret Day and Ross Higgins as they sang the popular songs of the day.

In his career Tommy became a respected pianist, composer, conductor and arranger. He was musical director on the Seven Network from 1956 till 1971.

Thomas Tycho was born in Budapest in 1928 and became a child prodigy-pianist at the age of 10.

Tommy was the younger of two children and his father passed away in 1937. In 1943 the family were interned in a German labour camp because of their Jewish heritage.

Tommy was saved on several occasions by a relative who was actually a soldier in the SS. He survived the war and fled to Iran in 1948 where he was personal pianist to The Shah of Iran.

He met Eve who was to become his wife and they immigrated to Australia in 1951with £45 to their name.

Eve had been married previously and had a daughter Rory who Tommy adored.

Tommy worked as a storeman before getting work as a pianist. He was contacted by the American promoter Lee Gordon and asked could he fill in as the pianist on The Johnny Ray

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Tommy Tycho

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Show at the Sydney stadium, with no time for a rehearsal.

Tommy walked into the stadium filled with an audience of 13,000 people, took his seat at the piano, flipped through the music and sight read the entire show.

Tommy established himself as a noted musician that night and it opened the doors for him as a musician in Australia.

In September 1956 Tommy began as musical director on the television show Sydney Tonight hosted by Keith Walsh and the program ran for the next two years.

This was the time when variety shows were the most popular programs on television - the going would be tough for Tommy in today's televi-

● Tommy Tycho sion programming. Tommy worked with the big stars Jerry Lewis, Julie Anthony, Frank Sinatra (whom he did not like), Jack Benny, Barry Crocker, Sammy Davis Jnr, Louis Armstrong and Peter Allen.

In 1967 he was surprised by Digby Wolfe with "the big red book" on This Is Your Life.

He performed in nine Royal Command performances and many special events in his later years. He suffered a heart attack in 1980 and was treated by Victor Chang.

Tommy arranged the scores for the Australian films Young Einstein and Reckless Kelly. He became renowned for his popular arrangement of Advance Australia Fair.

He published his memoirs The Tommy Tycho Story - Music Maestro Please in 1995.

Tommy worked tirelessly for charitable causes and received many awards including Member of the Order of the British Empire and the OAM. Tommy suffered a stroke in 2003 and passed away in April of this year at the age of 84. Everybody loved Tommy and the obituary comments from famous Australian performers were overwhelming.

Tommy Tycho is survived by Eve, Dory and their daughter Vicky, who is also a pianist.

- 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.

TRYING HARD TO LOOK UNIMPRESSED

■ I was once the sitting at a round table in the dining area deep in the bowels of Rod Laver Arena.

Going around the table, there was Waylon Jennings, me, June Carter, Johnny Cash, then Lou Robin, Johnny's manager.

It was a Highwayman visit, and Willie and Kris were also wandering about. Two things happened - I turned off my mobile, and tried hard not to be impressed.

Last week I had a visit from a couple of American gentleman from Nashville who expressed an interest in opals. One of them was Bob Bussiere, and we struck up quite a friendship.

It turned out that he was a roadie, out with a lady called Sarah Evans, who was supporting a country singer called Alan Jackson. I had to confess to them than I had never heard of either of them.

Bob returned several times, and brought a few of his roadie and band mates back with him - I ended up with an invitation to the concert, which I happily accepted. One of the best I've ever been to.

Whilst I mightn't have heard of them, it seems that half of Gippsland had. The audience was full of cowboyhat clad yee-haa-ing fans, all singing along to every song.

And the final upshot - Bob's coming up to Coober Pedy on his next visit.

■ When I browse around bookshops I am always drawn to the Australiana section, and often encounter a volume or two written by an ex-drover or bushman who has been able to string a few words together.

Whilst never having being a drover or a bushman, I have experienced a bit of the bush, and the Australian opal fields, so I've decided to follow suit.

One of my early partners in some of these adventures was a mate from my Monash days, Lindsay Clack, who graduated as an anthropologist, and went to live and work in Alice Springs in the sixties.

Whilst I remember well our own adventures together, I wasn't part of his life in the Territory, but I was always enthralled by his tales from this outpost, far more primitive than the Territory of today which I know.

So I look forward to his tales so I can put them alongside mine.

been reports of sightings of big black cats - "black panthers" they're usually called.

Even last week there was an extensive TV report on them, and a sighting by two policemen not in the bush, but in the northern Melbourne suburbs.

And this is just Victoria - there have been reports from all over Australia my mate Ozzie from Alice saw one on the Nullabor, Reg and Pam Young saw one on the Stuart Highway just south of the border, and I have spoken to dozens of other people who have similar tales to tell.

Many people are doubtful of their existence, and others are just plain old sceptics, totally denying everything.

However there are several explanations. First, they may be panthers which have escaped from a circus or a zoo, and started to breed. This is the most plausible explanation, but there have been sightings virtually since the first fleet.

Then there is the possibility that they with Nick Le Souef are Thylocoleo Carnefaxes, a marsupial lion which has supposedly been Lightning Ridge Opals extinct for 20,000 years. And some of 175 Flinders Lane, these sightings have supposedly been of Melbourne marsupials. Should this be the case, Phone 9654 4444 there's a much more interesting situawww.opals.net.au tion!

The only way to solve this is to catch ■ The poor old cockies in the Centre one! are always having an uphill battle against the odds in some form or other. ■ Many creatures in Central AusIf it's not droughts, it's fires or ex- tralia are nocturnal, as any night-time traveller in the area will notice. port bans. This time it's wild dogs.

There are all sorts of critters crawl"They're not dingoes, they are wild ing and flying around as one drives along dogs, they are huge, as huge as wolves," says Dick Cadzow, owner of Mount bush highways and tracks at night, from the ever-present 'roos, to many other Riddock station.

Dick has killed about 200 such dogs little desert dwellers.

So, Bess Price, the Minister for last year, and in turn they have killed Parks and Wildlife, has announced there about 200 of his prize beasts.

The change of government has seen will be many Night Stalks going on a new effort of eradication - the previ- around the Territory. are part of a national strategy, ous chaps weren't very interested - and andThey the Parks and Wildlife Combaiting is now encouraged. of the NT is organising the Pastoralists are being trained in the mission expeditions. "wet baiting" method, whereby fresh local there were 80 surveys across meat is laced, then distributed about. theInsix2012 states, with 1600 participants.

This seems to be working. of all these stalks are colAnd in Western Australia, they've The results by the Perth Zoo, and valuable even got a $100 bounty on the head of lated is gathered. any wild dog killed, and this may well information In the Territory last year there be introduced into the Territory. were black-footed rock wallabies spotSo hopefully there is some progress ted, along with lots of frogs and repbeing made. tiles and insects and nocturnal birds.

The first one in the NT is being held ■ Then from big dogs to giant cats! at the Ormiston Gorge, followed a From time immemorial in Australia, few weeks later at Howard Springs from the earliest settlers, there have Nature Park in the Top End.

The Outback Legend

I do recall years ago there were similar exercises at the back of Arthurs Seat, and I took a few kids along one night.

A Park Ranger led the intrepid explorers, and at one stage she came across a ring-tail possum in a tea tree.

She shone the torch on the branch nearby, not wanting to disturb the animal with a direct beam.

One of the kids with me wanted to chuck a rock at it to make it move.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

Review: Fat Pig

● Lyall Brooks and Lulu McClatchy in Fat Pig, at Chapel Off Chapel until October 20.

Photo: Sarah Walker ■ The ‘plus-sized,’ ‘big-boned’ Fat Patrick Harvey nails his perforPig of Neil LaBute’s same-titled mance of the shallow, misogynistic play is Helen, a librarian who, after Carter.

Lulu McClatchy captures the a chance encounter in a food hall one lunchtime, begins a relationship with empathy of the audience as Helen.

Tom, a sweet, self-deprecating young But Lyall Brooks steals the show urban professional much to the dis- by bringing immense charm and gust of Tom’s friends. likeability to Tom while at the same The provocatively titled Fat Pig is time surrendering him to devastating an uncomfortable play about social insecurity and spinelessness. expectations and our obsession with Peter Mumford’s simple but effective set design with its interestingly appearance.

LaBute has written a true com- visual filmed backdrops screened duredy/drama, both sharply funny and ul- ing scene transitions focuses on putting the actors front and centre. timately tragic.

You will probably come away The laughs come thick and fast even as you catch yourself for laugh- from this play feeling that you have ing at inappropriate jokes at the ex- been robbed of a neat resolution. But you will also be left wondering about pense of Helen.

And, as with all LaBute’s plays, something far deeper about the human condition. we know it will end in tears.

New independent theatre company LaBute creates archetypes with Fat Pig: the hapless, boring nice guy; Lab Kelpie brings LaBute’s play the spurned former girlfriend; the in- to Chapel Off Chapel until Octosensitive shallow buddy; the funny fat ber 20. girl.

Performance Season: Until Director Daniel Frederikson, an October 20. Times: Tues-Sat 8pm; accomplished actor in his own right, Sun 6pm; Matinee Sat 4pm has done a great job with his ensemble Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 cast to bring life to characters that Little Chapel St, Prahran Tickets: $37.50 Full; $30 Concescould have been one-dimensional.

All four actors bring something ex- sion tra. Cassandra Magrath delivers Bookings: www.chapeloff an irresistible mix of desperation and chapel.com.au vindictiveness as Jeannie.

- Kathryn Keeble