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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012
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■ Jane Clifton and Mark Mitchell are enjoying the hilarity of Week 4 rehearsals for More Sex Please, We’re Seniors which opens at The Comedy Theatre on October 31. They play the roles of Joan and Mac in the fun play penned by JohnMichael Howson. Observer readers can win double passes, see Page 9.
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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - Page 3
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City Desk
Melbourne
Observer
The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers
The Buzz Artists for orphans Busiest woman
● Tiffany Speight and Barry Firth
● Ann Peacock ■ Melbourne’s busiest woman through the Spring Racing Carnival is likely to be Ann Peacock, General Manager - Public Relations at Crown. Her engagements include the Cup Carnival launch on October 29, the Carbine Cup Lunch (Nov. 2) ahead of Derby Day, a Charity Dinner (Nov. 4), the Call Of The Card at the Palladium (Cup Eve, Nov. 5), Cup Day, Oaks Day and Emirates Stakes Day events ... plus her day job!
■ An evening of opera and art raised more than $13,000 for Agent Orange-affected orphans in Vietnam, says founder Roni Wildeboer. “Michael Leunig's original ink drawing brought in $1,500. Larry Pickering's original cartoon brought in $1,200,” Roni reports. Roni will be in Vietnam at her own expense from November 7. Assisting with the Kyneton event were Tiffany Speight, Keith Potger, Barry Firth, John Bradbury, Rhys Nuttall, Rick Lander, Mark Graham and Marcie Jones.
Spring is the air at 3WBC-FM
VIP LIST FOR MAYORAL BALL ● 3WBC volunteers Loris Young and Ken Lyons, with Phil Edwards and Judi Gillespie in the background. ■ Community radio station 3WBC 94.1 FM will be broadcasting live from the Whitehorse Spring Festival from 10am-4pmthis Sunday (Oct. 21), advises publicity officer Catherine Chadwick. The event will be anchored by Peter Cassidy and Phil Edwards, supported by other regular presenters and guests; including the City of Whitehorse, Cr Mark Lane. Radio station representatives will talk to prospective volunteers about becoming a member, presenter, producer, technician or commercial sponsor. The studios are located in the Box Hill Town Hall Hub, 27 Bank St, Box Hill. www.3wbc.org.au
Hall of Fame win
● Graham Mott ■ Graham Mott was inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame by Derryn Hinch at the industry conference held in Sydney at the weekend. Melbourne-based Mott retired as boss of Fairfax Radio (3AW, Magic 1278) late last year. ● Radio awards report, Pages 43, 44
Under The Clocks
● Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle ■ Rhonda Burchmore and a marching band will greet guests with All That Jazz at the Heart of Melbourne Ball, being presented by the Lady Mayoress’s Committee this Saturday (Oct. 20) at Melbourne Town Hall. The Ball will celebrate Melbourne’s musical theatre heritage with a ‘Showtime’ theme, supported by the Peter Sullivan Band. Marina Prior, David Hobson and organist David Johnston will entertain with a Phantom Of The Opera performance. Also on stage will be Mark Mitchell and the cast of More Sex Please We’re Seniors. VIPs include Robert Masters, Chairman of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, and Catherine Brown, Foundation CEO.
★
Master drummer David Jones, Collarts artist-in-residence, will present a workshop for secondary school students and musicians of all instruments and all levels on Saturday, October 27, from 3pm-5pm, at Collarts in South Melbourne. The workshop is free. Convenor Bruce Mackay advises that the next half-yearly meeting of the Survivors group will be held in South Melbourne on Nov. 17. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is launching a new book, 50 Shades Of Grey Matter, on Tuesday (Oct. 23).
★ ★
Melbourne Moments Writer’s speech
New justices
■ Screen and stage writer Andrew Bovel will deliver the 2012 Foxtel Screenwriter's Address at The Wheeler Centre, Lt Lonsdale St, Melbourne at 6.15pm on Wednesday, October 24. A reception afterwards will be hosted by Malcolm Smith and Geoffrey Atherden at The Moat. Andrew will provide a frank and truthful account full of funny, awkward, tough and illuminating stories about the horrors, pitfalls and absolute joys of being a screenwriter, says publicist Nina Brunck.
■ State Attorney-General Robert Clark last week announced the appointment of new Justices of the Peace: Stephen Anthony Atkinson. Bryan Phillips Baker. Amanda Jane Collins. Nathan Paul Dean. Ronald Morgan Egeberg. Sharon Justine Fleming.Aldo Galante. David George Jerman. Trudy Ann Land. David Colin Lyons. Amit Mehta. Daryl Leslie Nayler. Michael Raymond Newman. Savrina Sabila Perren. Darren Leslie Randle. Edward Joseph Riepsamen. Graeme Stuart Bruce Strachan. Santina Taranto. Adam Elliot Tyson.
● Andrew Bovel
Zoo VIP stamped
Best wishes Bob ■ 3RPP-FM radio presenter Bob Phillips enters hospital at Berwick today (Wed.) for important throat surgery. All at the Observer wish him well.
● Wedge tail eagle from Healesville Sanctuary ■ Animals from Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary are being recognised with a new stamp issue, says spokesman Stevie McDonald. Featured are Melbourne Zooborn Sumatran tiger Isha and Healesville Sanctuary’s wedgetailed eagle, Jess, the Sanctuary's oldest animal, celebrating his 41st birthday this year, says Australia Post’s Michael Zsolt.
● Bob Phillips
What’s On In Melbourne
The opening night of Potted Potter: The Unauthorised Harry Experi ★ ence was held last night (Tues.) at the Comedy Theatre. The paropdy is performed by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner. Melbourne model Kate Neilson enjoyed a seat in the second front ★Melbourne row for a Madonna concert in Los Angeles at the weekend. Observer columnist Jim Sherlock has ‘been minder’ for ★ James Bond lead man George Lazenby, acting colleague Rachel Grant, and a screen-used Aston Martin over the past week. Writer John-Michael Howson has delayed his departure this week ★ to the United States by several days so he can continue the promotional campaign for stage show More Sex Please, We’re Seniors.
Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart
E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au
THE TRUTH ABOUT MUSSELS
■ If there was something strange in our neighbourhood; or something weird that didn't look good, in the world of ghosts, who would we call, ah, that's right, Ghostbusters! In the world of locally produced, healthy, entertaining and an affordable seafood alternative, the Australian Mussel IndustryAssociation (AMIA) has called upon celebrity chef, TV personality and artist Peter RussellClarke to help bust the myths surrounding mussels by lifting the lid to reveal the truth about their goodness. The Belgian Beer Cafe at Bluestone on St Kilda Road will take on the new name of Village Brasserie and will celebrate by partnering in Melbourne's inaugural October Mussel Fest on October 28. Members of the AMIA along with other industry professionals aim to dispel common misconceptions that mussels are a fragile and a high risk fresh shellfish that requires specific knowledge to purchase, prepare and consume. On his shellfish production porch at the Kinkawooka Mussel Farm in Port Lincoln, I caught up with Production Manager and AMIA President, Andy Dyer, to understand why mussel growers around the country are determined to permanently remove the fears surrounding mussels and how they plan to open up to share the mussel experience with enthusiasts along St Kilda Road. What is the AMIA? We are a national representative
Festive Porch Thoughts body for growers that we formed four years ago. Our main role is to act as a conduit between the mussel industry and government, as well as promoting mussels to wholesalers, restaurants and consumers. We rely on all the members contributing to ensure we meet our objectives and encourage more Australians to eat mussels. Who is eating mussels? On average, Australians are eating 2.6 per cent more mussels compared to this time last year but still only 250g per head annually compared to the 2kg per head in parts of Europe. Mussels are traditionally enjoyed as an Italian seafood marinara mix or the Spanish paella in Australia with 30 per cent enjoying mussels up to 6-7 times each year. What about younger Australians? The younger generations such as Generation Y with disposable incomes are eating mussels in the café culture and we've found that younger Australians are willing to try mussels in 2012. This is great news for the future of mussels in Australia. What are the biggest misconcep-
● Andy Dyer, President of the Australian Mussel Industry Association Growers will be on hand to ancan't pop open. tions about mussels? That certainly doesn't indicate swer any questions such as what time One of the biggest myths going around is that if a mussel doesn't they are no good. Trying to dispel of the year is the best time to buy myths like this one is our number one mussels, when are they in the best open then it's no good. condition, seasonality and growing An unopened mussel simply priority. region variances such as mussels Why are mussels good for us? means that the adductor muscle that Mussels are an excellent source from South Australia, Tasmania and keeps the mussel closed hasn't released from the shell, so the shells of protein; they are low in calories Victoria. Other industry professionals will and fat; high in Omega 3; vitamins B demonstrate the growing and variand B12. One hundred grams of mussels ous cooking techniques. What else can mussel enthusiprovides around 13 per cent of your daily vitamin C needs and 22 per cent asts enjoy on the day? October Mussel Fest will also in of your daily iron needs and are easclude the Great Australian Mussel ily digested. Eating Challenge that is normally How will Peter Russell-Clarke spread the word about the good- held on Australia Day each year. It's a competition about how skilness of mussels? The whole idea of getting Peter fully participants can eat a set porRussell-Clarke on board was to help tion of mussels. dispel the myths because people We understand from George weren't seeing mussels as value for Christopoulos, head of Village Brasmoney, thinking they were too hard serie, that participants have been in to handle and cook. training for weeks.' Peter has released comical bookWe're busting to tell everyone and lets and a series of step-by-step guides encourage Melburnians to tap into from selecting, handling, preparing something different and treating their and cooking mussels with a variety tastebuds to a variety of hot and cold of home-style cooking recipes that $5 mussel plates. will be available at the Fest. What is your porch thought of What will we see and taste at the the day? Mussel Fest? Be prepared to try anything in life The Mussel Fest will give people because you never know if it's going who haven't tried mussels a unique to be better than what you've got at opportunity to savour the many styles the moment. and flavours. - Mark Richardson
Off The Porch Thought: Peter Russell-Clarke
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Ride to Conquer Cancer ■ Ten News At Five co-anchor Helen Kapalos will this month embark on a charity bike ride to conquer cancer. The two-day ride starts at Albert Park on Saturday, October 27, making its way to Healesville and returning the next day. Helen’s friends can donate to the cause through the conquercancer.org.au website. Helen aims to raise $2500 for the cause.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
People Melbourne
Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au
● Helen Kapalos
‘The Kingfisher’ at Clayton
Fax: 1-800 231 312
Luke wins Hawks trophy
● Eric Heyes (left), Julie Arnold and Tom Travers in The Kingfisher, presented by Encore Theatre until October 27. Photo: Kevin Trask ■ Encore Theatre presents The Kingfisher until October 27 at the Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cook St, Clayton. Evening performances commence at 8pm, with a 2.15pm show on Sunday (Oct. 21). Written by William Douglas-Home and directed by Lesley Batten, this gentle comedy tells of Cecil, who having had many women in his life is now contemplating marriage to his ‘true love’. Evelyn has just been to the funeral of her husband, whom she married on the rebound from Cecil, but must now make a decision. Tickets: $20 full price, $18 concession. Discounts for group party bookings. Bookings: 1-300 739 099 (9am – 9pm)
Showcase
■ Publicist Justine Caldwell says the annual Circus Showcase season at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is always a sensational entertainment event and a rare opportunity for the public to catch its first glimpse of the circus stars of tomorrow. Circus Showcase 2012 will be presented at NICA’s National Circus Centre in Prahran from November 22 to December 1. The showcase features signature solo and duo acts by the 18 graduating artists who have honed their skills over the past three years of intensive circus training and study as part of Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts. Audiences will have an exclusive peek at these 18 bold young people as they step into the spotlight for their final performance as students.
● Neil Butler, Luke Andrews, Beth Ramshaw and Paul Hooper at the Box Hill Hawks trophy night. Photo: Jenny Owens ■ The Box Hill Hawks Football Club this month held its last event for the season. The ‘Col Austen Trophy Night’ featured a series of awards for players in both the senior and development league teams. MC for the event was Paul Hooper, presenter of The Neutral Corner on 3WBC 94.1FM, Fridays, 7am-10am. Paul is also part of the station’s football commentary team who were the recipients of a National Award during the 2009 season from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia for their broadcasts Hawks match descriptions. 3WBC has been broadcasting the VFL matches since 2008. The Media Award, currently voted on by the 3WBC commentary team, was this year won by Luke Andrews, a young, hard-working onballer. The award was presented by Everything 80s host Beth Ramshaw and Neil Butler (Radio Ga Ga).. 3WBC has given the award over the past 11 years. Best and Fairest award (the ColAusten Trophy) was won by 20 year old midfielder Tom Schneider, a rookie with Hawthorn. Yet to play a game for the AFL team, he had a great season with the Box Hill Hawks, ● Zoe Taylor and Adelle Incledon were at Friday night’s opening of Hello Dolly! says 3WBC 94.1FM publistaged by Babirra Music Theatre. More photos inside. Photo: Malcolm Threadgold cist Catherine Chadwick.
‘Hello Dolly’ opens at Whitehorse
‘Key of Sea’ at Hamer Hall
● Sophia Brous and Awaz are artists soon-to-be-released album Key of Sea Vol 2 which will come to Arts Centre Melbourne for a concert that celebrates Australian music and stories at 8pm Friday, December 14 at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. Line-up includes Tim Rogers Polyxeni, Jinja Safari with Kinfe Gershu, Brous with Awaz, Chet Faker with The Royal Swazi Spa, The Tiger and Me with Murtaza Jafari, special guest MC Rockwiz’s Brian Nankervis, and Waleed Aly.
Last ever performance?
● Ron Blaskett, 90, with Gerry Gee ■ The Observer hears that ventriloquist Ron Blaskett may be planning his lastever public performance at Knox Club on December 19. More details soon.
Whatever happened?
● Melbourne Observer columnist Kevin Trask answers the ‘whatever happened to Pete Best?’ question on Page 22 in this week’s edition. Pete is best known as ‘the fifth Beatle’.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - Page 7
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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To
Di For
It’s time for laughter ■ My sister came to stay with me this weekand we laughed a lot. I am very lucky. I love to laugh. When I am with my sisters we laugh a lot. Same with my brother Peter, he sends me up all the time. With the Brownlow Medal, I had a bit of flutter on a couple of players, then changed my mind and rang and told my brother. I told him of my change of mind on who I thought would take home the esteemed prize and put a couple of bucks on my new suggestion. He laughed and said ne had just had a look at the listing and his name was there and that I have even put a couple of bucks on him. I feel very blessed having siblings like Jacky, Debi and Peter. My sister who came to stay is the youngest, Jacky. She was a livewire as a child and still is! We had a lovely weekend together and in between laughing discussed what was going on in the world. We sat on my couch with blankets and chocolates and watched tele as sisters do. It was a terrific weekend. It reminded me how important laughter is. Somewhere along the way some people in the past few weeks, particularly those in positions of power ,have forgotten how to laugh. Whilst subjects are serious and need to be addressed, really some of all the nonsense is just laughable. These people who hold high office are adults and it just seems to be getting nastier and nastier – if only we had a ‘Big Bird’ to break the ice with our pollies. I thought Barack Obama’s response to Mitt Romney’s reference to dumping ‘Big Bird’ to save the economy was hilarious and his ads that followed were excellent. I think we need a laugh and I have someone in mind: Sarah Silverman ...
Just imagine ■ John Lennon would have been 72 last week. The brilliant songwriter musician assassinated in December 1980 outside the Dakota apartment in Manhattan where he lived with his wife Yoko Ono. Had he lived he would done wonders with the computer and with the talent he had. His songs and creative spirit are his legacy and also are the correspondence printed in a book I have on order called The John Lennon Letters. He sure had a way with words and he wrote some of the most prolific songs of our life time . He sure knew how to write a letter too. With the blessing of Yoko, a collection of John Lennon’s notes to friends, journalists, and the occasional groupie have been published in the book . Along with the correspondence mostly handwritten, are doodles, spanning the life of this genius. From pieces I have read he comes across as an enthusiastic, occasionally cranky pen pal. Turn To Page 21
Is this the real life, is this just fantasy?
I love my job! with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
■ “A great piece of casting” I thought when I read at music.com.au that Queen guitarist Brian May has confirmed that a Freddie Mercury biopic is in the works, with the tribute to the late Queen front man due out early 2014. In an update on his website, Brian May also confirmed that Borat and Bruno funny man Sacha Baron Cohen will be playing the lead role. Reporting information from the latest ‘band meeting’, May said that the film – titled Mercury – “is on course” and that current discussions are surrounding contractual issues. Baron Cohen is best known for his comedy characters, including Ali-G, Borat, Bruno and Admiral General Aladeen from his last film The Dictator. It was rumoured in 2010 that he would take on the role of Mercury, who died in 1991. In his note online, Brian May added: “We did make some other plans, they will have to stay under wraps for now. Being in Queen is – bizarrely – as full of surprising twists and turns as ever – 40 years since we first got together, and 20 years after losing Freddie. “But of course Freddie is in so many way very much alive. He must be wryly smiling somewhere!” This is one movie I look forward to seeing.
Sarah Silverman to visit Melb. ■ Laugh we will in Melbourne on Saturday, December 8 at the Palais Theatre when Sarah Silverman comes to Melbourne. To see her book at Ticketmaster 136100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au Referred to as “the most outrageously funny woman alive” by Rolling Stone magazine, Sarah Silverman will be performing her first ever Australian stand-up comedy shows at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Palais Theatre. An Emmy winner, Sarah is as versatile of a performer as they come. Her repertoire includes everything from film and television, stand-up comedy, to iconic online videos and she recently added author to this list with her New York Times bestselling book, The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee. Silverman will next voice a character in the upcoming Disney animated film Wreck It Ralph, alongside John C. Reilly and Jane Lynch and was seen earlier this year starring opposite Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen in the dramedy Take This Waltz. Silverman was nominated for a 2009 primetime Emmy in the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series category for her portrayal of a fictionalised version of herself in The Sarah Silverman Program. This marked Comedy Central’s first ever
● Sarah Silverman Emmy nomination in a scripted acting category. She also received a WGA nomination for her work on the show. Silverman won a
primetime Emmy in 2008 in the Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics category for her musical collaboration with Matt Damon. In addition, she was honoured with a Best Actress Webby Award for her online video The Great Schlep, in which she persuaded young Jewish kids to encourage their grandparents in Florida to vote for President Obama prior to the 2008 election. In 2004 Silverman made an impressive splash with her concert film Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic. Directed by Liam Lynch, the film garnered major attention at the Toronto Film Festival and created huge national buzz. Silverman also garnered critical praise in the documentary feature, The Aristocrats in which 100 the industry’s most prominent comedians tell a version of the same joke. Her other film credits include Peep World opposite Michael C. Hall and Rainn Wilson, Saint John of Las Vegas, I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With, The School of Rock, There’s Something About Mary and The Way of The Gun. She has also been in many cult hit shows including Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld,”Mr. Show and The Larry Sanders Show. For more details visit www.livenation.com au or www.abpresents.com.au She is as my mother would say, a scream!
YANNI TO PERFORM AT PALAIS
■ “Champagne?” my client asked in great anticipation. “Yes,” I said with a big smile. My client has just completed his first book and was so proud. It was a lovely start to a Friday afternoon I must say. More laughing at a sad time and what has been a sad few weeks and a serious couple of weeks. Nice to share joy with someone. Very special. And very special news indeed is the news that legendary composer and performer Yanni is returning to Australian shores. Yanni will be here in Melbourne on Saturday, January 19 , and will perform at Mel-
● Yanni Palais Theatre. Yanni is on a world Yanni’s contemporary tour, he and his stunsymphonic music has ning 15-piece orchesinspired millions of tra will play favourites fans around the world. from throughout his In concert, his pas- career, as well as sesionate soaring melo- lections from his latest dies and lush orches- album, Truth of Touch tration create a spirited (2011). and uplifting musical Yanni kicked off experience like no the world tour in April other. and the start date co-
incided with the CD and DVD release of Yanni: Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico (Sony Music), capturing two sold-out concerts last December at the historic 16th-century Castillo San Felipe Del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The dates were the first-ever performances at this recognised UNESCO Heritage Site and the shows were filmed in high definition and recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Performing at the castle represented a 20-year dream come true for Yanni, building on the legacy of iconic global sites that have played host to his concerts including the Acropolis in Greece,
the Taj Mahal in India, and the Forbidden City in China. He was the first western performer to play at the latter two). Yanni: Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico also made its nationwide PBS debut on March 3 Yanni is one of public television’s alltime top fundraisers, and this latest special marks his 10th collaboration with PBS. This excites me a lot. On April 9 thios year , World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced a collaboration with Yanni, aimed at raising awareness. Yanni was inspired to help protect giant pandas after he ‘adopted: a twomonth old panda cub at the Chinese Chengdu Research
Base of Giant Panda Breeding in October lasty year. Yanni was the first western artist to be given the honour of symbolically adopting one of Chengdu’s pandas (a privilege reserved almost exclusively for nations, rather than personalities and is considered one of China’s highest honours.) He named the panda ‘Santorini’ after one of the most beautiful islands in his native Greece. ‘Santorini’ is also one of Yanni’s most well-known compositions and contains the word ‘Irini’, which means ‘peace’ in Greek. He views his adopted panda as “the beautiful panda of peace.” ● Turn To P21
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - Page 9
Latest Showbiz News
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
HISTORIC RADIO BROADCAST Observer TO BE RE-CREATED BY RPP-FM In This 64-Page Edition
‘Wizard of Oz’ at Elwood
● Orson Welles in 1938 ■ A re-creation of the historic War Of The Worlds radio broadcast is to take place at 8pm on Halloween Night (Wed., Oct. 31) on Mornington Peninsula radio station, RPP-FM. In 1938, the Orson Welles Mercury Theatre in New York City presented a Halloween broadcast that would send shock waves across America and the world. For the first time in Australia, RPP FM will recreate the broadcast before a live audience at their Wilsons Rd premises in the BlueScope Performance Studio. www.rppfm.com.au
City Desk: A-Listers in focus ................. Page 3 Mark Richardson: Truth about mussels ... Page 4 Melbourne People: In the picture ........... Page 6 Di Rolle: Sarah Silverman to visit Melb. .. Page 8 News: Car dealer wins Tribunal case ...... Page 11 Long Shots: Double treat at Prahran .... Page 14 Melb. Confidential: Accused of thefts .... Page 19 Yvonne Lawrence: Phooey on October ... Page 21 Observer Showbiz: Radio Awards, full list Observer Classic Books: Les Miserables Sport: Spring Racing, Harness Racing, Footy James Sherlock Aaron Rourke Cheryl Threadgold Julie Houghton
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
Jail after throat grab ■ Darren Wayne Bandman, 39, of Lara and previously of Warrnambool, has been jailed for 15 months after grabbing his partner by the throat during another drunken argument
Bogus representatives ■ Scammers claiming to be from Gippsland Water have been door-knocking homes in the Latrobe Valley.
Drugs bust, prison ● Phil Wall and John Wells at RPP
■ Jade Ashley Rogers, 31, of Mildura has been imprisoned after beingfound with a trafficable quantity of methamphetamines after he was intercepted by Police.
This Week’s Competition
WIN TICKETS TO ‘MORE SEX PLEASE, WE’RE SENIORS’ ● Susie McCann is Glinda the Good Witch in MLOC’s The Wizard of Oz, opening in Elwood on November 9. Photo: Trevor Lowther ■ MLOC Productions presents the delightDirected by Lucy Nicolson, the show’s muful family musical The Wizard of Oz on No- sical director is Tanya Chaves, with choreogvember 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 8pm, November raphy by Keir Jasper. Tickets: $32 full price, 10 and 17 at 2pm and November 11 at 5pm at $30 concession, $28 children 15 years and the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, under. Bookings: www.mloc.org.au or 9570 Elwood. 4052. - Cheryl Threadgold
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5 THE TOP 5 LOW COST TV PROGRAMS THAT MIGHT SOON APPEAR ON CHANNEL 9. 5.‘60 Seconds’. 4.‘An Ancient Affair’. 3. ‘Australia's Funniest Home Slides’. 2. ‘One And A Half Men’. 1. ‘The Farmer Wants a One-Night Stand’.
Winners receive two tickets to More Sex Please, We’re Seniors 1.30pm, Sunday, October 28 at the Comedy Theatre, 250 Exhibition St, Melbourne (box office collects, 30 mins. prior to show)
The Melbourne Observer has FIVE double tickets to More Sex Please, We’re Seniors to be won. To enter this competition, complete the details on the form below, and post it - so it will reach us by first mail, Monday, October 22, 2012. Five entries will be drawn. Winners’ details will be published in the Melbourne Observer on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. Tickets are ‘box office collects’.
To enter, post to More Sex Please Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research Vic 3095 to reach us by first mail, Mon., Oct. 22, 2012
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Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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Spring Fashion
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In The Courts
CAR DEALER WINS TRIBUNAL CASE
Joanne’s first full-length play
Snuff Puppets
Briefs Turning off
● Steve Price ■ When Melbourne Talk Radio collapsed this year, Program Director Steve Price transferred to Macquarie Radio’s Sydney station 2GB, taking the evening shift from Brian Wilshire. Ratings show that Price lost 11.4 per cent of the station’s evening audience in one survey.
Remarried
● Coral Knowles and John Blackman ■ Brighton socialite Coral Knowles has remarried husband John. She wore an apricot gown. She is pictured with wedding guest John Blackman.
In Court ■ Jade Michael Fraser, 29, is to face Albury Court, charged with discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
■ Paul and Lindsey Paisley have lost their legal bill to compel Dean Cars to take back a 2004 Kia Carnival car that they bought for $12,500. The Paisley took Dean Aitchison, trading as Dean Cars, to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal where the case was heard by Deputy President Ian Lulham. The Tribunal was told that the Paisley bought the car on condition that a DVD player was installed. Paul Paisley was away on business when the car was ready, and asked for the car to be delivered to his home, which was done by a tow truck driver sub-contractor, at no charge to the Paisleys. The Paisley said that they wanted to cancel the contract for the car purchase after they discovered there was no petrol in the car, car mats had not been delivered, the battery went flat, the fuel gauge was inaccurate, the registration had expired, there was an oil leak, and there was a faulty wiper. All matters - except the wiper - were fixed by the car company. Mr Lulham said it was “all too common” for the Tribunal to hear allegations of fraud. He said the Paisley had not given any evidence of fraudulent conduct by Dean Cars. Mr Lulham said the faults were not a “major failure”. The bid to cancel the contact because the car was out of petrol was out of proportion to the rights offered under consumer protection legislation. The Paisleys had driven the car 10,000-km before the case reached the Tribunal.
■ Australian large-scale puppet theatre company Snuff Puppets present their brand new show, Everybody, from November 8 – 10 at The Drill Hall in Footscray. A metaphorical, metaphysical and magical investigation into the essence of human existence, Everybody is the subject, the object, the setting, seating, performer and you. Everybody is for everybody … but especially those with an open mind (and maybe not for the faint-hearted or little kids). Trademark elements of Snuff Puppets performances include a blackly dangerous humour, an incisive political satire, shamelessly handmade visual aesthetic and a conflagration of art, audience and artist. Dates: 8pm, 8-10 November 2012 (strictly limited season!) Venue: The Drill Hall, 395 Barkly St, Footscray Tickets: $25/$20 www.trybooking.com/BVAA www.snuffpuppets.com - Cheryl Threadgold
■ Actor Joanne Trentini's first full-length play, Mothersmilk, is being featured at 45 Downstairs. Joanne (pictured) describes it as one ordinary woman's journey in an extraordinary way - a woman who is everything that no-one wants to be. Joanne says it is based on real life experiences, especially her own tumultuous fight against depression. Mothersmilk combines live music and multimedia with traditional theatre. Joanne’s production company for Mothersmilk is The Other One Productions, created with hwer sisters Joanne Trentini, Renee Trentini and Kathryn Hooper. Joining Joanne on stage are Anthony Winnick, Leila Rodgers and Gerard Lane. Gerard impressed me mightily with his stage charisma in the recent production of Return To The Forbidden Planet at the Alexander Theatre. The show begins on October 31 and runs until November 11, Wednesday-Sunday. Joanne has impressed the competitive theatrical scene in America, as she has been accepted into the Masters of Acting at the famous and revered Actors Studio in New York. www.fortyfivedownstairs.com or 9662 9966 - Julie Houghton
‘EXCUSE I’: BARRY Your Melbourne Observer
■ Melbourne performer Barry Humphries has apologised after declaring his wife Lizzie Spender had the right-shaped eyes to become an Australian citizen. He made the remarks, and the apology, after Ms Spender became an Australian citizen - at a ceremony in London. Humphries, known for his performances as Les Patterson and Edna Everage, made the racial reference to Chinese newcomers to Australia. “She's a lot more Australian than our Prime Minister Julia Gillard,” Humphries said.
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Ash On Wednesday
Something
Personal DOUBLE TREAT
The Big Pink Party
Our Doors are Open!
Freemasons Paint the Town Pink in Melbourne
Thinking Pink with Grand Master Bob Jones, Kerry Jones, Sue Benedykt and Deputy Grand Master Hillel Benedykt. Photo : Ben Quick Freemasons Victoria's Paint Your Town Pink campaign will come to a spectacular climax this Friday with The Big Pink Party. Freemasons and members of the public will come together at Coppin Hall, Royal Freemasons, to tally up the fundraising from across Victoria. The Big Pink Party coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's the culmination of a state-wide campaign by Freemasons to raise funds for Epworth Freemasons Oncology Department and the Think Pink Foundation's Living Centre, supporting breast cancer patients and their families. For the past three years, Freemasons Victoria has sponsored the Think Pink Foundation by providing funding for a Breast Care Nurse at the Living Centre. Nurse Kathryn Wallace says that the services she provides at the Living Centre are based on clinical expertise but the focus of the centre remains on wellness and support. "The atmosphere we create is one of relaxation and restfulness," said Ms Wallace. "The support I provide is also extended to partners and family members, either through informal counselling and support or formally through regular meetings and forums. Time constraints and lack of resources often make this task impossible in the hospital setting." The Paint Your Town Pink campaign has focussed on events that celebrate life, with Freemasons across the state hosting pink sausage sizzles, pink breakfasts and even a pink tea dance. However, it's the cocktail party that is the grand event. Freemasons and nonFreemasons alike will don their favourite pink ensemble to celebrate life and raise funds and awareness for a very important cause. Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Jones says the outfits are a big attraction. "Everyone really gets into the spirit of things," said Mr Jones. "For past events, I've worn a pink suit, full racing gear in hot pink and the odd pink feather boa or two." "I hope as many people as possible can come along and celebrate life with us at The Big Pink Party." Event Details: The Big Pink Party. 7pm, Friday,October 19. Coppin Hall, Royal Freemasons, 45 Moubray St, Melbourne. $45pp. Dress: Pink Cocktail Bookings: Donna De La Rue t: 9411 0103 e: delarue@freemasonsvic.net.au Details of all Freemasons Victoria events are available via the Calendar of Events on the Freemasons Victoria website www.freemasonsvic.net.au To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.
■ My Observer colleague Julie Houghton says there are two shows at Chapel off Chapel on Saturday (Oct. 20) that should be seen. At 9pm, charismatic singer and actor Lucy Maunder takes patrons on a journey to the dark alleys of old New York City, with her show Irving Berlin - Songs In The Key of Black. Lucy creates a Honky Tonk Palace of broken dreams and musical memories. You'll hear classics like Blue Skies, Alexander's Rag Time Band, Cheek To Cheek and Puttin' On The Ritz. She is the daughter of Opera Austrlia director Stuart Maunder, with whom she performed a Noel Coward Morning Melodies in Melbourne earlier this year. The companion show, at 7pm on the same night, Pearls Before Swine - An Evening With Orson Welles stars Blake Erickson as Orson Welles, directed by Sarah Blackstone. Chapel Off Chapel also features Sunday matinees at 3pm and 5pm. Chapel Off Chapel is at 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran. Phone 8290 7000 chapeloffchapel.com.au
So this is ‘middle age’?
● Lucy Maunder
Long Shots
editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au
Vale Peter
with Ash Long, Editor
■ Long Shots is sorry to learn of the passing of Peter Ross-Edwards, at the age of 90. When we first went “out on our own” in business 30 years ago, Peter was one of first clients. Peter was Parliamentary Leader of the Country Party, as it was then. We would visit him at Parliament House twice a week, and write press releases. Peter was an absolute gentlemen. Parliaments today would benefit greatly if more had his personal qualities of truth, politness and old-fashioned good manners.
“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “Peace, noun, In international afaires, a period of cheating between two periods of fighting.” - Ambrose Bierce
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Pessimist: one who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.” - Oscar Wilde
Text For The Week ■ “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” - Jeremiah 34:48
● Peter Ross-Edwards
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 © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd
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.
● ‘Auntie Chris’: Christina Cock ■ Someone remarked the other day that “55 is the new middle age”. My response was that was fine if you intended living to 110. As my age-speedometer departs 55-Ville this week, I am reminded that my grandmother’s sister, Christina Cock lived to 114, to become Australia’s oldest person. So, who knows? I used to think this ageing business was for everyone else. Now I am scratching my bald head, wondering. I do a lot of wondering these days. In fact, my memory is so blunt, I could plan a surprise party for myself and not even know! As a young man, I used to see older people with their hearing aids, and thought how very careless they had been to lose that faculty. A middle ear infection last month has left me half-deaf ... except for the Tinnitus. Isn’t that the gift that keeps on giving! I wonder if the body was designed to deteriorate like this. My eyes - yes, the one with developing cataracts - tried to find the answer on Google, but the print was way too small. I’d eat my hat if this should be the case ... but the dentures are becoming dulled, and no doubt hats are on the ‘do not eat’ list prepared by the dietitian to counter the diabetes and cholesterol. The diabetes leaves us with neuropathy: damage to the nerves, numbness, especially in the extremities. I have little feeling in my feet, walking can be a challenge. Thank goodness for Gilmour’s Shoes. The legs really aren’t the same since a fall down the stairs at the 3AW offices in 2005. The skin is paper thin. A serious foot wound last year took 105 visits to the doctor. Won’t he be having a wonderfully expensive holiday this summer! And don’t even talk to me about other dysfunctions! Men of a certain age will agree that things can fail to point accurately, or salute as instructed. AWOL. It’s no wonder that people battle with depression, and suffer from angina attacks that require the patches and the nitro-glycerine spray. Isn’t diabetes a delight? The tablets, the twicedaily insulin injections. They say that if you have this condition long-term, your life will be shortened by five years. They also reckon that if you have survived a heart attack (2008), you can deduct another five years. And if you have worked night shift (since I was a teenager), subtract yet another five years. The Good Lord is said to have promised us “three score years and 10”. The arithmetic tells me that 70 years, minus 15 years, leaves me with 55. My 56th birthday cake is due to arrive on Friday night ... so this Saturday will be a real bonus. So, with all these conditions, what do we have to look forward to over the coming days and years. I am convinced that is why God invented grandchildren. Over the past week, our house has been filled with the laughter of a two-year-old boy. Likewise, phone calls from far-away grand-daughters do the same. These have proven to be a tonic yet to be matched by any pharmacist. A spontaneous ‘I love you Pa’ instantly makes any pain vanish. Hugs are better than surgery. At this new ‘middle age’, it fascinates me that my optimism still remains. As keen as any teenager’s. If only I could remember what I was so enthusiastic about! - Ash Long
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - Page 15
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Healthy Living
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - Page 19
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Confidential Melbourne
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
INSURANCE BROKER ACCUSED OF THEFTS TOTALLING $675,000
Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets
Hilarity at rehearsals
● Tracy Harvey and Michael Veitch ■ With a cast including Jane Clifton, Mark Mitchell, Tracy Harvey and Michael Veitch, the fourth week of rehearsals for More Sex Please, We’re Seniors started on Monday this week. Jane Clifton has been juggling rehearsals, along with her nightly appearances at The Athenaeum Theatre in Barassi, which closed on Sunday. Our spy at The Comedy Theatre says the cast, which also includes Matt Quartermaine and Judith Roberts, are having a hilarious time.
● Matt Quartermaine, Jane Clifton, Tracy Harvey, Michael Veitch, Mark Mitchell, Judith Roberts and Mike Bishop.
Win a trip ... to here!
● Last Friday’s edition of The Australian ■ Melbourne buyers of The Australian were last Friday tempted with a lure of ‘Win An Escape To Melbourne’. We knew there were budget cuts at Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited ... put the picture of the City Circle tram says it all.
■ A Melbourne insurance broker has appeared in court,charged with stealing more than $675,000 of clients’ money over a seven month period. Bruce Wickett of Carnegie appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with three counts of theft totalling $675,120.78 between August 2010 and March last year.. It is alleged by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission that Wickett stole the money, which represented insurance premiums being held on behalf of 228 clients. This money was to be forwarded to various insurance companies representing insurance premiums due to those insurers, for insurance cover they had provided to those clients of Wickett. At the time of the alleged offences Wickett was the sole director of Wickett Investments Pty Ltd and Wickett Insurance Broking Pty Ltd through which he operated his insurance broking Wickett is to appear again in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 20.. The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter. The charges under the Victorian Crimes Act carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for each offence.
Still waiting? ■ Has 3AW Nightline co-host Bruce Mansfield been called into boss Shane Healy’s office for 2013 contract negotiations. The whisper is ‘no’ ... although Bruce is already slated to host the Queen Mary II Transatlantic cruise in July-August.
Hear It Here First
Cash unlikely for creditors ■ Glenn Anthony Crisp, joint and several liquidator of New Dimension Homes (Victoria) Pty Ltd, formerly trading as Icon Designer Homes, has written to unsecured creditors, says it appears “at this stage unlikely that any dividend will be paid” to them. Mr Crisp, of Hirsch Sutherland, says he and Trajan John Kukulovski were appointed as Joint and Several Administrators of the company on August 28.
Lewd sites on record ■ Which Melbourne commercial radio station staffer’s Facebook page has had numerous references to raunchy websites? The single man seems unbothered that his online friends, numbering more than 200, have been able to follow his trolling through the openminded internet pages. But would his radio station agree with such an image?
■ The Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing sentences of 12month good behaviour bonds and $800 fines against Brett Saunders, 19, and Zachary Hunter, 23, after attacks on a joey being hunted down in Tallarook, caught by a dog, put in a car boot, and released in the Seymour shopping area. The kangaroo was hit by a car, and repeatedly kicked until it died. The County Court is due to hear the appeal next month.
Confirmed
■ The DMG Radio group, now wholly owned by Lachlan Murdoch, is rumoured to be undergoing a name change. DMG - named after the Daily Mail Group in the UK - operates Nova 100 and Smooth 91.5 in Mel● Lachlan Murdoch bourne.
COMPANIES, DIRECTOR FINED $78,000 OVER UNDERPAYMENTS
■ Two companies and their director have been fined a total of $78,600 over the underpayment of two staff at two Melbourne take-away food outlets. Turbo Cafe Watergardens Pty Ltd, which operates a Turbo Cafe at the Watergardens shoping centre at Taylors Lakes, as been fined $29,400. Turbo Cafe Point Cook Pty Ltd, which operated a cafe at the Point Cook Town Centre, was fined $39,000. Essendon North man Domenic Versace, owner-manager of both outlets at the time, was fined $13,200. The penalties, imposed by the Federal Magistrates’ Court, came about after an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Appeal
Rumour Mill
Name change for radio co
● Bruce Mansfield
Whispers
Versace admitted being involved in underpaying two Turbo Cafe staff a total of $10,458 between November, 2008 and August, 2010. A full time counter-hand at the Point Cook outlet was underpaid $5682 and a casual waitress at the Taylors Lakes outlet was underpaid $4776. Both employees were aged in their early 20s at the time of the contraventions. Federal Magistrate Daniel O’Dwyer noted that companies op-
erated by Versace had previously been the subject of other substantiated underpayment complaints. “In my view the conduct, in all of the circumstances of this case, amounts to something more than reckless,” Federal Magistrate O’Dwyer said. “General deterrents are important in the present case as it is important to publicly denounce repeated contravening conduct. “There is a need, in my view, to send a message to the community at large, including small employers, that the correct entitlements of employees must be paid.” Fair Work inspectors discovered the underpayments when they investigated complaints lodged by the employees.
E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au
● Angela Lansbury ■ Two weeks ago, the Whispers column hinted that Angela Lansbury will be in Melbourne to play Driving Miss Daisy. It is being confirmed this week that the fiveweek season will begin at The Comedy Theatre on April 5. Publicity is being handled by JP Bolton.
88 charges ■ Haydn Young, 20, of Berwick, has pleaded guilty to 8 charges relating to arson and $30,000 criminal damage. Young has been placed on a community corrections order, after using amphetamines and cannabis. He must pay $21,111 compensation.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - Page 21
Di Rolle’s Column
■ I love jewellery. Anyone who knows me knows I have some nice little pieces. I noticed that October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many Australians will wear pink to show their support of the cause. Secrets (one of my favourite shops) offer you a glamorous way to show you care with the Carnival of Colour range. Using high-quality pink and rose coloured stones, the Carnival of Colour collection is the perfect way to go pink this October. It’s a nice way to give yourself a treat and be aware at the same time of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
● From Page 8
YANNI VISITS MELB. As part of the collaboration, WWF and Yanni have created a $50 limited edition ‘Santorini’ Panda Adoption, allowing supporters to symbolically adopt a panda. As a thank–you to those individuals who support WWF’s efforts through this program, supporters will receive a symbolic adoption kit that includes a plush panda, a photo of Yanni and Santorini, a DVD with exclusive content (including footage of Yanni and Santorini), a certificate of adoption, a reusable tote bag, and an information card with a panda photo. To symbolically adopt a panda, and for additional information to learn about the full story, please visit: www.Yanni.coim/Santorini. What a special man is Yanni. Tickets for his show in Melbourne at the Palais Theatre on Saturday, January 19 through www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100. - Di Rolle
● From Page 8 John Lennon must have been incredibly acerbic and an angry man, but a creative man nonetheless and loved by millions. Me included. I adored him. A lot of the letters were written in 1971, a year after the breakup of The Beatles. In a famous letter which became known as ‘the John rant’, written on Hotel Syracuse letterhead by hand, John trashes Paul, the Beatles, the press and pretty much everyone else who comes to his mind. This includes on the same letterhead a letter to long-time Beatles producer George Martin. An intriguing read and a must for any Beatle lover. Yoko Ono, who I think is a fabulous woman, a bright business woman and a woman who walks the talk, created Image Peace Tower on Vioey Island, off Reykjavik Iceland. She lit the tower the day of John’s birthday and it will remain alight until December 8, the day John Lennon died. The book is published by Little, Brown & Company and is available online in Australia on www.booktopia.com.au Perfect holiday reading for when I take a holiday! Or better still a great suggestion for my book club! - Di Rolle
Melbourne
Observer Life & Style
WHY I SAY ‘PHOOEY ON OCTOBER’
■ This month is fast becoming a big pain in the neck. There are a few exceptions of course, and there is one biggy that I have to tell you about. In fact, when I think about it, this exception far outweighs the negatives of this month. Imagine eating delicious food with no feeling of guilt and knowing that it was nutritous and healthy. It was by chance that I heard an interview on radio with the creator of this food and a dietician. I logged on to the interview about this product ‘Made For You’ because it seemed to have been created just for me. ‘Made For You’ products have been developed in conjunction with their accredited practicing dieticians. The product meets strict nutrition criteria and has earned a D-Tick which symbalises good nutrition for people watching their blood sugar,
What doctor ordered ■ Having discovered ‘Made For You’, an Australian-owned company that has developed a healthy, and tasty product for those who love their food but have to watch their weight, I wanted some of the action. I can’t begin to tell you what lolling in bed all day does for the waistline: like Topsy, it just grows. ‘Made For You’ sounded too good to be true, but just what the doctor ordered. Talking to many friends who have diabetes, the problem is cooking for one, and wanting some of the gorgeous food they were used to eating. Feeling hungry makes the policeman in your head go off duty. I couldn’t wait to try it, and as it is only sold in Safeway/Woolworths supermarkets, we made the trek to my local outlet.
Yum, yum, yum ■ We found it in the frozen food section in all its glory. And the choice of food was just great. We know that eating a pizza is not for those watching blood sugar levels, but imagine being able to nosh into a pizza which you have oven baked for 18 minutes and it comes out with a thin tomato base, whole meal crust, topped with shaved ham, fresh mushrooms, capsicums, pineapple and mozzarella cheese. Supreme Pizza is for you. Peter bought the entire range of ‘Made For You’ and the pizza was the first I tried. What can I say to you but, yum,yum,yum and more yum? If you want to know more visit: www. Madeforyoufoods. com.au or you can e-mail: peter@madeforyoufoods.com.au It is recommended that people watching their blood sugar levels, choose food that is low GI, high fibre and a moderate portion size. I’ve put in a request to interview Peter Howard and hopefully you can hear him on 94.1FM on Monday between 2pm and 4pm.
Yvonne’s Column
seem to becoming more popular by the day. Get over it, and conform. Wear the uniform and abide by the grooming standards that is part of your contract when you join. You’ll find that the public will show you more respect.
This MLC business
with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com
Please let me know ■ We can be lazy when it comes to cooking for ourselves. When Peter was in Port Douglas supplying antiques to the then new Mirage Resort, I came home after work, fed and walked the dogs, then made a cup of coffee, and huge door-step size sandwich and went to bed with a book. Peter and I talked on the phone every night and he always asked what I had for dinner. I was good at evading the question, but was honest when I told him it was nutritious. Please let me know what you think of ‘Made For You’, I’ll be interested to know if our tastes match.
Setting the mood ■ So why have I said phooey on October? Well, I do not like daylight saving – not one bit. My body clock has logged in certain times of the day and night, and now I wake up in the dark, and miss things on television because the birds are still singing in the sun. Goodness knows what it has done to the birds time-clock. I even think my possums are finding it hard because they are waiting outside the French doors expecting their food an hour earlier, besides, it fades the curtains, or so I’m told. So that set my mood for this month.
Police buck rules ■ Some police are trying to buck ‘City Hall’ over a new regulation that requires male officers to shave beards, handle-bar moustaches and cut their hair to a length that won’t let them sport a pony tail, and cover their tattoos. I support the Chief Commissioner in the regulation, and in the course of my work, I visit a lot of police stations and the sleeve style of tattoos
■ I was digesting this when the disgraceful episode between the Board of the MLC College and the very much-admired principal Rosa Storelli erupted. It is unimaginable that the Board would air their grievance in the media. And it is unforgivable that the Board would not take into consideration the morale of the pupils, most of who are stressed enough cramming for exams. The school community were not happy about the situation and it was made all the more disgraceful because the pupils obviously respected and admired Ms Storelli and were upset on her behalf.
An unseemly brawl ■ Did the Board think at all about the effect of the media publicity? Did the Board discuss with any of the parents their intention to give it to the media? But worse, did the Board think of the effect on those senior girls who were sitting for their VCE? Gosh, it didn’t take much for me to go to pieces if I was troubled just before an exam. And these girls loved their principal, so they were doubly wounded. I was deeply troubled by this unseemly brawl, particularly as I know girls who attended MLC and saw how upset they were.
Need to lift standards ■ Has there ever been a worse October in the history of our Federal Parliament? The saga of Speaker Slipper went on for weeks, and it seemed every day we would read yet another grubby and very sleazy news item that had been leaked to the press. My heart went out to Mrs Slipper and her children who had to bear the vicious words being said. I wondered as every day the story deepened, how I would cope with this happening to my family. Of course, it came to a head, with a very emotional Peter Slipper apologising to the Parliament and tending his resignation. Then came the brawl between the Prime Minister and Mr.Abbott. The PM’s hysterical speech went around the world to much applause, but it should never have happened. It was all a diversion to keep her from having to answer the question of why she and her party supported Slipper as Speaker despite her horror at the way he had denigrated women in his e-mails. I hope that as the PM visits Bali and then
India she takes time to think about where the Parliament is heading with the lack of respect, name-calling and vicious remarks. And I wonder if I can hope that she will think about what is best for the people instead of desperately trying to hang on and call an election now. She is putting off the inevitable. Let’s clear the slate and start again. We’ve been calling for an election for months and really it’s time.
Time for decorum
■ So, it hasn’t been an easy month for us. Every time we turn on the television or open a newspaper it’s more vitriol. I don’t think I will cancel October because you never know what’s around the corner. I have to put up with daylight saving, but I just want people to think for themselves and not follow what the party of their choice tells them. The one saving grace in October is Anna Burke being elected to the position of Speaker. Congratulations. And please no more gender fights, or petty name calling in the Federal and State Parliament in the coming month. Meantime. A phooey on October. - Yvonne. Contact: Melbourne Observer, PO Box 1278, Research 3095 Radio 94.1FM, PO Box 159, Box Hill, 3128
News Briefs Cutbacks at The Age ■ Further economy measures have been made at The Age newspaper, ahead of its planned conversion to becoming a tabloid in March. The Green Guide and Sunday Age M Magazine are no longer pre-printed, and stitched and trimmed. The inserts are now being printed ‘run of press’ to save on printing and bindery costs.
King Kong role ■ Formwer Bendigo man Adam Lyon has landed the role of a lead character in the new musical King Kong, to be staged at The Regent Theatre next year. It is his first professional acting role.
7 years in jail ■ Scott James Drummond, 46,, who bashed his partner Simone Teusner, of Sebastopol, with a pool cue inside her home last year has been jailed for 10 years over her death, with a seven-year non-parole period. Drummond was charged with mansalughter. The woman died in hospital two days after the attack.
Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 17, 2012
■ It is now 50 years since Pete Best was fired from The Beatles and replaced by Ringo Starr. This event changed the life of a young drummer who now lives in the shadow of the one of the most famous singing groups of the 20th century and he is commonly referred to as ‘the fifth Beatle’. Peter Best was born in 1941 and spent the first four years of his life in British India before the family moved to the UK and settled in Liverpool. His father Donald Scanland was killed during the war. His mother Mona, who was a beautiful young lady of Anglo-Indian ancestry, married John Best from Liverpool and they had a son Rory in 1944. A year later the family moved to Liverpool. Mona had her eye on a large double storey house and won the money to buy it on a race horse which won the Derby in 1955. Mona opened The Casbah Coffee Club in the cellar of the family home. A young unknown rock group known as The Quarrymen made their first appearance there on the opening night, August 29, 1959. The group included John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison who were later to become The Beatles. Pete was playing drums with his own band The Black Jacks when he was invited to join The Beatles in 1960. He went with them to play a season of club
Whatever Happened To ... Pete Best (The 5th Beatle) By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM appearances in Hamburg, Germany. In 1961 The Beatles returned to Hamburg and backed singer Tony Sheridan on the hit song My Bonnie. Over the next two years The Beatles began to take shape. Pete was the only one in the group not to adopt the famous hair style. Brian Epstein became their manager and got the group an audition with Decca Records, but they were not successful. Brian arranged another audition with Parlophone Records and they came to the attention of George Martin who suggested that the group had potential and should be signed to a contract. Pete told me in a radio interview that on Au-
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gust 16, 1962 he was called into Brian Epstein's office to be told that his services as a drummer were no longer required. He had walked into the office with no idea that anything was wrong, he was very happy because The Beatles had just had their first recording session at the Abbey Road Studios. Those few minutes in Brian Epstein's office changed his life forever. He was replaced by Ringo Starr. Two months later The Beatles were on the top of the charts with the hit song Love Me Do. Over the years there has been great controversy over the reasons for Pete's dismissal. He joined a band called The All Stars and worked with other groups. In 1963 Pete married his wife Kathy and they have been married for almost 50 years. He gave show business away in 1968 and eventually became a training manager. Pete refused to discuss The Beatles for many years but returned to show business in 1988 with The Pete Best Band. He can be heard drumming in songs on the 1995 Anthology 1 album. He has never spoken to any of the group members since that day in 1962 but in 1967 his mother lent John Lennon her father's war medals for him to wear on the album cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band. Pete Best is a very quietly spoken man and I enjoyed interviewing him, thanks to our own pub-
‘He has never spoken to any of the group members since that day in 1962’
licity superstar Di Rolle. He signed my copy of his book The Beatles - The True Beginnings. Pete wrote and produced a DVD documentary titled Best Of The Beatles in 2005 which told the story of his career and how he was sacked. Pete Best tours the world doing concerts and interviews. His website is www.petebest.com and it is worth a look. He is in good health and enjoying life. Pete and his wife Kathy are proud of their two daughters and four grandchildren. In 2011 a road was named after Pete Best in Liverpool and another was named after his mother Mona Best who passed away in 1988. Mona was known as ‘the mother of the Mersey Beat’. 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.
MOLLY CLARK, LEGEND OF THE CENTRE
■ Living in the Outback,so far away from urban hubs, has a few disadvantages. However, on the other hand, the advantages are numerous. Ten minutes out of Alice Springs, you're in the bush, and can roll out your swag with impunity to witness all the splendour and beauty that Mother Nature has to offer. However, for me the greatest wonder of the Outback, anywhere in Australia's vast inland, are the characters who reside there. I've spent countless hours in Outback pubs, or at kitchen tables in bush huts or humpies, or beside campfires on starlit nights, just yarning with these Outback characters. One such was Molly Clark, a legend of the Centre, a true pioneer, who passed away at 89 last week. She ran a property called Old Andado, an icon throughout the Inland, on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Her nearest neighbour was 160 kms away. In 1993 she inaugurated ‘Molly's Bash’, a charity fund raising extravaganza, where people from all over Australia annually bounced hundreds of kiolmetres into the Outback, out along ‘Molly's Track’. ■ From people to animals! There are cat people, and there are dog people. I have always been in the latter camp. I don't like cats much for their aloofness and arrogance, but, more importantly, for the damage and decimation they cause to Australia's defenceless wildlife. Both the domestic creatures, and the millions of vicious feral predators are responsible for this perpetual massacre. I often see them dining on some roadkilled kangaroo or emu as I drive along, but they are exceedingly cunning, and slink away at my approach. I've never seen one dead on the road. The specimens which I see are generally normal tabby size, but they have been reports around Alice Springs of them growing much bigger. Chris Watson, the Land for Wildlife co-ordinator, spotted one outside his home, about the size of a kelpie. "It looked like a leopard," he said. There are always hues and cries about these creatures endangering native wildlife, but Chris makes an interesting point in saying that they probably don't endanger Central Aus-
The Outback Legend
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au tralian wildlife, because all the species which were in danger have already been wiped out by them over the past 80 years, and they're currently feeding on species which are quite prolific. He may have a point, but I reckon they're a bloody nuisance, and I still don't like them! ■ And now to dogs! Even though I like them, and have always had them in my family, there are a few I spy around the place that I can do without. It's probably actually the owners which I could do without, because a dog is quite malleable in its owner's hands, and these dogs have been proudly taught to be vicious by their vicious owners. The most preferred dog in the Centre is of course the Heeler, intelligent and loyal, and territorial. Their owners are generally bushmen, or town people who spend a lot of time in the bush. But, of course there is a smattering of pitbull-type creatures, who have obviously been encouraged in their antisocial attitudes why their generally
anti-social owners. Recently police were called by the occupants of a home in Alice to quell a domestic disturbance, when a pitbull charged one of the officers with the intention of attacking him, so he shot it. A local dog rescue lady complained about this. She claimed the policeman should have calmly and quietly turned around and walked away from the charging dog, because eye contact had caused the problem. And, rather than guns, she claims, police should carry treats around with them! Sure to work! ■ And now scientists have discovered new evidence of a previously thought endangered species, the marsupial mole. And it may not be so endangered after all. These creatures are completely blind, having no eyes at all, relying just on smell and hearing. They live in burrows underground, so obviously are rarely seen. So there could be myriads of them burrowing around in the desert sand! And the scientists found heaps of their burrows, so this may well be the case. They were part of a 50 strong survey out in the Gibson Desert on a three week project for Desert Discovery, checking up on not only the moles, but other reptiles and mammals and insects and plants in the area. It is often the case that creatures which are supposedly extinct or endangered in fact are abundant because they live in places where people don't go. This is the case with wallabies at Blairgowrie. For over 50 years I've heard them, seen their tracks and their scats, and even smelt them, but never seen one. And people often make lots of noise when they move about, so the creatures beat a hasty retreat before they're spied. This was the situation with the pygmy blue tongue, which hadn't been seen for a century. They were discovered living in spider holes, where they were again never seen. This may also be the case with the mysterious and elusive Night Parrot. ■ And then there is a giant Central Australian wombat! This fellow, however, roamed around the place a couple of million years ago, during the last Ice Age. And he was a little bigger than the Hairy Nose that currently wanders
● Molly Clark has died at the age of 89 about in the Centre. It was the largest unearth some more bits of the creamarsupial ever, called a Diprotodon, ture, and possibly bits of other such standing about two metres tall, and creatures as well. weighing about three tonnes. These days, with only a few roos A couple of weeks ago a bone was and the occasional dingo pattering unearthed on a remote northwest Ter- about, I could hardly wait to lie in my ritory cattle station, so a group of sci- swag waiting for a wombat the size of entists, led by the Earth Science cura- a hippo to waft by! tor of the NT Museum and Art GalGlad he's gone to God! lery, Adam Yeats, is off to hopefully - Nick Le Souef
Melbourne People
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Andi Lew and Dr Natalie Kringoudis have joined forces to publish a new book, Eat Fat, Be Thin. The couture cookery recipes are sugarfree, wheat-free, dairy-free, says publicist Helen Reizer. On Monday afternoon (Oct. 15), Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Susan Riley, launched the Spring Racing fashion range available at Harbour Town, Docklands. The function was held at Le Cirque Cafe, Star Cres, Docklands. Christie McIntosh is launching her ‘Blooming Couture’ service at her Emma St, Seddon florist this Saturday (Oct. 20). Blooming Couture is the culmination of Christie’s two passions - flower and fashion. Rye-based builder DC Construction wasnamed residential Master Builder of the Year for a spectacular home in Merricks North, at a function held at Crown Palladium on Friday night. O’Dowd Design and Construction was named Regional Builder of the Year for a seaside home in Point Lonsdale. Robert Rolls from Mornington-based First Impressions Projects Pty Ltd will be awarded Young Builder of the Year.
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Oscar-award winning animator Adam Elliot will tonight (Wed.) host the Australian Production Design Guild awards for excellence to be produced by Karla Tatterson, in association with Docklands Studio, Melbourne. APDG Board Chair George Liddle says the invitation-only event will be held at Doltone House, Pyrmont, Sydney.
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HIT Productions (Christine Harris) is staging a clearance sale of theatre sets, props and costumes from 10am on Saturday, October 27 at 10 Bentley St, Williamstown North.
Melbourne’s first French Polynesian Festival will be staged at South Yarra’s Como House and Gardens from October 25-28. An opening night extravaganza will be held at Federation Square on Tuesday (Oct. 23).