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■ At just 13, Angel Tairua is one of the youngest performers through to the semifinals of Australia's Got Talent. Her audition performance of Diamonds by Rihanna wowed the judges, and received a unanimous four yes votes. Angel flew into Melbourne from Sydney and wowed the crowd at the launch of Captain Baxter’s new season menu prepared by Executive Chef, Matt Dawson, at the ‘Hello Summer’ celebration. Angel performed a mash up of Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy and Diamonds

by Rihanna with her guitarist MJ. Attendees included Totally Wild’s Natalie Hunter and Kylie Smith, The Block’s Dani Wales and Dan Reilly, Brodie Young, model Samantha Downie and Big Brother evictees, Caleb Geppert, Jasmin Bell, Rohan Mirchandaney and Xavier Holland. Australia’s Got Talent airs Sunday at 6.30pm on Channel 9, and Angel is through to the semi-finals, which start on Sunday.

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ERNIE SIGLEY’S BRUSH WITH CANCER: PAGE 7

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - Page 3

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City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Music Video exhibition Card Fair

● Tony Sweeney

■ The Melbourne Playing Card Collectors group is holding another Fair Day. Alkira Centre, Box Hill, is the nominated charity that will benefit from a share of proceeds from the fair, says Bev Mathey.

The Fair is to be held from 11am-3pm on Saturday, November 2 at 3 Thurston St, Box Hill.

Thousands of swap and playing cards will be for sale. For more details, contac6t Hilda, 9898 5701.

■ Tony Sweeney (pictured), Director and CEO of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, will open the Spectacle: The Music Video Exhibition at 10am on Wednesday, September 25.

The event will be held at ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne Curators are Jonathan Wells and Meg Grey Wells of Flux (LA) Mr Tony Sweeney, Director and Spectacle: The Music Video Exhibition has been a hit with audiences in New York, Sao Paulo and Cincinnati.

● More than70 FedEx employees spent four hours honing their culinary talents to prepare meals for their local charities. Employees in Melbourne took part in the OzHarvest activity for the first time, which is part of the global FedEx Cares Week 2013.

■ Entries close on Monday (Sept.

23) for the House Hoods quest being run in conjunction with the Darebin Music Feast.

Publicist Michelle Guthrie says full details are available at www.musicfeast.com.au

■ Supriya Singh, Professor, Sociology of Communications, at RMIT University in Melbourne, will launch The Girls Ate Last from 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 2, at Machan Indian Restaurant, 953 Main Rd, Eltham.

● Supriya Singh

FedEx workers join in OzHarvest

PLAY ME!

House Hoods

Bool launch

Under The Clocks

Get Girls Together to fight cancer ● There will be pianos everywhere as part of ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ ■ Arts Centre Melbourne is presenting Play Me, I’m Yours, a free installation of more than 20 ‘street pianos’ around Melbourne to encourage spontaneous playing.

It is part of the internationally touring artwork devised by British artist Luke Jerram for three weeks from January 9-27. More than 20 ‘street pianos’ will pop up around Arts Centre Melbourne, the city and surrounds, to encourage people to play and discover their inner creativity.

Arts Centre Melbourne is asking the public for pre-loved pianos to be donated, in preparation for the three-week event in January.

In the coming months, the pianos will be painted and decorated by various community groups and then presented for the public to enjoy. After being part of Play Me, I’m Yours , the pianos will be donated to community groups across Melbourne.

Play Me, I’m Yours has been touring internationally since 2008. Nearly 1000 pianos have now been installed in 37 cities across the globe, from New York to London, Geneva to Sao Paulo bearing the simple invitation Play Me, I’m Yours.

The project has reached more than three million people worldwide, with each new city becoming part of a growing legacy.

Melbourne Moments David’s art

Hanami Day

■ David Chen will open his Spring Art exhibition at the Old Post Office Seymour exhibition on Friday, September 27, remaining open until October 27.

Open Day - Sunday, September 29.

11am to 4pm David is the Winner of Camberwell Rotary Art Show 2013. He is the solo artist in the Main Gallery for the Annual Spring Art Exhibition.

The multi-roomed Gallery will also be exhibiting works by other acclaimed artists. 50 Emily St, Seymour. www.artseymour.com.au

■ Parks Victoria is inviting everyone to come and celebrate springtime in the National Rhododendron Gardens at its annual Hanami Festival on Saturday (Sept. 22).

It's a special celebration based on the Japanese tradition of 'flower viewing' and appreciation of the cherry blossom.

In keeping with the traditional theme of the day there will be demonstrations of Ikebana or traditional Japanese flower arranging and displays of Origami and Bonsai. There will also be some Japanese drumming, tea making ceremonies and food stalls.

● David Chen

■ Cancer Council Victoria is calling on Melbourne women to show their support for the 45 local women diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancer each year by doing something they love – spending a night in with their favourite girls.

Hosting a Girls’ Night In is easy, says Cancer Council spokeswoman Deb Stringer. Register, invite your girlfriends over during October and ask them to donate what you would have spent on a night out. All funds raised will go towards the women’s cancer projects that need it most.

“The beauty of this campaign is it can be as casual or as extravagant as you like – from chick flicks in your jim jams to a pink-themed dance party.

It’s also the perfect excuse to get the girls together,” Ms Stringer said.

“Last year in City of Melbourne, 71 passionate Girls’ Night In hosts helped raise $94,206. That’s an incredible effort and we’d love for even more women to get involved this year. We’re hoping to raise $1.5 million across the state.

What’s On In Melbourne

The TattsLotto $21 Million Superdraw is scheduled to take place ★The on Saturday (September 21). Good luck!

PS Pevensey will depart the Echuca Wharf on Friday, October 4 ★ on her 60km journey down to Perricoota Station replicating images of the All The Rivers Run. A free experimental music performance called Dark Light Medita ★ tions is to take place at Courthouse Arts Geelong on October 4-5, 7.30pm. The Noise Scavengers are a Geelong-based teenage ensemble working with found sounds. Formed in 2008 under the guidance of James Hullick of The Click Clack Project and the Cloverdale Community Centre, these artists make works that belong to a ‘found sound’ aesthetic and revel in the discovery of sounds from any materials they can obtain.

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

Charsfield's recipe for success

■ In the heart of Melbourne's arts precinct along St Kilda Rd, the Charsfield Restaurant is attracting Australian and international actors, writers, dancers and theatre producers to relax and enjoy their breakfast, lunch and dinner between their busy schedules.

Having stated that, some may imagine that the Director of the Charsfield Restaurant, Dina Garis along with Marketing Director Caroline McLeish are directly promoting the restaurant to the showbiz industry, but the truth be known, they're not.

Over an extended lunch, Dina explained that through simple word-ofmouth, the likes of American acting coach Howard Fine, Australian movie producer Bobby Galinsky and Melbourne socialite Lillian Frank are not only dining in the restaurant, but they are also conducting meetings and writing over breakfast or lunch because of its quiet appeal.

Over a plate of Global and Mediterranean inspired mains for lunch, l discovered on her Restaurant Porch that Dina's passionate team at the are driven by the simple philosophy of creating quality food for hotel guests, local residents, business groups, precinct visitors and events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and corporate conferences.

When did you discover your love for food?

I have been in love with food since my childhood. I grew up in a beautiful seaside town called Nafpaktos in

Restaurant Porch Thoughts Greece. When my family couldn't find me in the house, they always knew I would be in my grandmother's vegetable patch pulling out Spring Onions where I was happily eating them and covering my face in dirt.

Did your family encourage you to follow your passion for food?

I lived with my grandmother for nine years. Along with my mother, she was a huge influence on my passion for enjoying quality food. My grandmother woke me up at 5.30am every morning to learn how to bake bread and learn the basics of cooking.

She would always say, “When you grow-up, you will appreciate why I wake you up each morning and how you can apply everything I am teaching you to your life.”

Apart from the Spring Onions, what else did you crave that may have set tongues waving in Nafpaktos?

I love lots of flavour. When I was in pre-school I wanted to eat Escargot (land snails) so my grandmother taught me how to collect them.

She would rug me up as they came out after it rained. All the kids in the neighbourhood got together with torches and we collected them in a big hessian bag. My grandmother prepped

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Farid Abawi Executive Chef - Charsfield Restaurant I am inspired by aroma, taste texture and flavours. The menus and environment at the Charsfield Restaurant allows me to proceed beyond my goals because it allows me to combine and create ideas that I have always dreamed of. I have worked in restaurants around the world and I have what it takes to flavour my dreams to create the best food. My ultimate desire is to create dishes beyond imagination and expectation.

and cooked them. I sat in her kitchen and ate a whole pot by myself. I was a happy kid.

How does your love for flavour translate to your dishes?

I always ensure everything is fresh and I always like to offer simple food with plenty of flavour. It doesn't matter whether it's a plain fillet of fish, it has to have flavour such as a lemon zest and explosions of freshness.

Do you think growing up in Greece has influenced your menu design?

Yes, our menu is mainly inspired

by Mediterranean cuisine. In saying that, we have just launched our lunchtime Global Dish menu that is inspired by dishes and flavours from all over the world including Greece, India and parts of Asia. We change this menu weekly to introduce Melburnians to a new country and different flavours.

How did you come to be the Director of the Charsfield Restaurant five years ago?

I was working for the previous owner here at the restaurant and he decided to move on to focus on his catering business. The hotel management asked me whether I would be interested in taking on the restaurant.

This happened just as I was about to go on a holiday to Greece. I had booked my airflights and accommodation. Running restaurants was always my passion, so I decided to stay in Melbourne and take over the restaurant. I thought there will be other times for a holiday.

The Charsfield Restaurant is located within the historical hotel that was built in 1889 by Charles Webb, who along with his brother James also built some of Melbourne's iconic buildings including; Melbourne Grammar (1856), Wesley College (1865), Royal Arcade (1869) and Melbourne Town Hall (1879). How do you feel coming to work in such an iconic building with such a proud history?

It's amazing. I love St Kilda Rd and I love the heritage buildings along Melbourne's beautiful Boulevard.

I love the whole strip as it reminds me of L'Avenue des Champs Elysées in Paris. The décor in the restaurant is elegant and we have preserved the sophistication that reflects it's magical past.

Do guests talk about its history that they may have read about or been a part of themselves when they dine here?

Yes. After 25 years operating as a

● Dina Garis. Photo: Kon Iatrou, IKON Images guesthouse, the property was pur- within the precinct. It's an intimate chased by the Australian Army as venue where people can adequately accommodation for members of the converse in the restaurant, in our Women's Royal Australian Army courtyard or on the front terrace along Corps (WRAAC) and Royal Aus- the Boulevard itself. It's a quiet space tralian Army Nursing Corps. to work and it's full of character and There are 41 rooms here and the mem- plenty of warmth. An added bonus is bers of the Nursing Corps booked out our lunch special at only $15 a plate.

What is your Porch Thought the entire hotel to celebrate one of their anniversaries. It was great to hear so For The Day? I am grateful that I wake up each many stories from people who have enjoyed staying here. The walls were day and I am alive. Irish playwright and a co-founder of the London doing a lot of talking that weekend!

Why do you think people are School of Economics, George Bernard Shaw once stated, 'There drawn to the restaurant?

I think it's a mix of its long history, is no love more sincere than the love food reputation and the location to of food.' This quote remains very close many of the major attractions along to my heart and drives my passion for St Kilda Rd. Our regular clientele usu- food, every day. ally stem from the hotel itself, but we The Charsfield Restaurant is loalso welcome back many people who cated at 478 St Kilda Road, enjoy quality food before a night out Melbourne. For more informaat the theatre and or an art exhibition. tion visit www.charsfield.com. To Most of our new business comes book your next dining experience through word-of-mouth by local resi- phone 9866 5511 or email dents and referrals from businesses charsfieldrestaurant@icloud.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - Page 5

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Summer gift for children

● Julie Houghton ■ The Osberver’s arts correspondent, Julie Houghton, has news of the Melbourne Youth Music School: Summer school holidays may seem a way off, but if you have musical children now is the time to think of how to keep them happy and amused during the long summer break.

Melbourne Youth Music has an answer - enrol them in one of the multitude of musical courses available at the MYM Summer School from January 13-18.

For 41 years MYM has been running its famous summer school, giving valuable musicianship skills and lots of fun to many musicians and singers now gracing our professional concert stages and theatres.

It is not just for prodigies there are orchestral, string, band and jazz programs from beginner to advanced, and no audition is needed, just a desire to make music with others.

If you do have an advanced musician who is keen to develop as a future conductor, on offer is an intensive weeklong Conductor Developer Program with internationally renowned Australian conductor Benjamin Northey.

Having had personal experience of children being involved in the MYM Summer School, I know that it's one of the best gifts you can give a child or teenager who loves music - and those summer holidays are very long so it's a good chance to avoid hearing the constant question "I'm bored - what can I do?'

The MYM Summer School is run in Southbank and applications close on September 20 - full details of courses on offer are at www.mym.org.au

● Brendan Northey

At Glen Eira ■ The survey exhibition Louise Paramor: Emporium will open at the Glen Eira Council Gallery, Caulfield, on Thursday, September 26 at 6.30pm. It will be opened by Mayor Cr Jamie Hyams.

An opening address by Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Victoria, Max Delany, Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Auditorium located on the first floor of the Town Hall.

Special concert at Town Hall ■ The China Conservatory Orchestra Concert will be held tomorrow (Thurs.) night at the Melbourne Town Hall at 7.30pm.

The theme is “Exploring the Soul of Chinese Culture through Folk Music”. The Chinese Conservatory Orchestra features the talents of the Huaxia Chinese Orchestra of China Conservatory. From the Concert Hall of National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing to the Golden Hall in Vienna, Huaxia Chinese Orchestra of China Conservatory has travelled far and wide to transport the charm of Chinese folk music. Maestro Kuan Naichung is honoured as the orchestra's Laureate Conductor.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Ash

Opening

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

■ Andrew Evans of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation says the c3 Contemporary Art Space will open its latest exhibition from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday, September 25.

The exhibition runs until October 13. There are a number of galleries and themes at the exhibition.

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

First songs of Christmas

ONJ brightens Ivanhoe

■ It’s official ... the first songs of Christmas have been heard on Melbourne radio.

Presenter Gordon McKenzie took the honours when he played a children’s march in his Let The Bands Play program on 3CR on Sunday night (Sept. 15).

Supermarkets usually wait until the day after the AFL Grand Final to display the first of their Christmas wares.

Eisteddfod By The Bay

● Olivia Newton-John brightened the streets of Ivanhoe on Sunday with a Wellness Walk fundraiser in aid of the Cancer and Wellness Centre at the Auston Hospital.

Photo: Angela Ceberano ● Pictured with the event convener Jill Page (second from left), Roger Lemke and Janet Perkins, are the winners and placegetters of The Eisteddfod By The Bay Aria from Grand Opera.

■ The Observer’s chief theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold tells us that the 58th Senior Classical Vocal Eisteddfod by the Bay was a great success.

Presented at the Kingston Arts Centre and adjudicated by Roger Lemke, the accompanists were Janet Perkins and Linda O'Brien.

Pictured with the event convener Jill Page (second from left), Roger Lemke and Janet Perkins, are the winners and placegetters of The Eisteddfod By The Bay Aria from Grand Opera.

The winner was Anna Voshege, with Sung Sun Hong (2nd Prize), Michael Petruccelli (3rd Prize) and Adam Bryce, Kimberley Colman and Michelle McCarthy (Honourable Mention)

● Gordon McKenzie

Extra Melbourne show by Celtic Women

■ The unique Irish musical ensemble Celtic Woman have announced they have invited 50 of the Australian Girls

Old friends are the best friends

● It was a delight for your scribe to catch up with lifelong friend Chris Herrod this month. Chris was raised in Brunswick, and made a career with QANTAS, with which he continues to fly international skies. These days, Chris lives in Bowral (NSW), and has a young family. The saying - “old friends are the best friends” - is so true.

Choir’s brightest stars to join them on their January tour of Australia.

The 7:30pm show on Sunday January 19 at the Melbourne Arts Centre has almost sold out/ Due to demand for tickets, promoter Nine Live has announced that it will be adding a second performance on the day with a matinee show at 3.30pm.

Tickets for this show are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketek.com.au The group will be coming to Australia on a brief promo visit (Nov/ 14-16) ahead of their January tour to celebrate the release of their Christmas DVD Home For Christmas, rush-released on November 8 in Australia.

The group has consistently achieved No. 1 positions on the ARIA Classical and US Billboard (World Music) Charts.

Also to be released is an exclusive tour edition of their bestselling album Believe (October 11).

The Australian Girls Choir has developed a reputation for inspirational performances to audiences across the globe.

The angelic voices of the

AGC have been heard at hundreds of performances around the world including singing for Nelson Mandela at World Reconciliation Day, Ellen DeGeneres’ welcome party, Opera Winfrey’s Australian shows, the Boy From Oz Tour with Hugh Jackman and Andre Rieu’s Australian Tour.

Most recently, the AGC were thrilled to perform for Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama at the official functions held at Parliament House in Canberra.

Earlier this year, Celtic Woman vocalists Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden and Celtic violinist Mairead Nesbitt welcomed a new addition, singer Mairead Carlin, a talented young native of Derry in Ireland who already possesses a prestigious musical resume that includes performing at the 2013 BBC TV Gala concert Sons And Daughters, a UK and Ireland concert tour with Don McLean, and performing for the President of Ireland.

Carlin is the 11th member to grace Celtic Woman's lineup since its formation in 2004.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013- Page 7

Breaking News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

PUBLICIST PELTED WITH EGGS Observer IN DAYLIGHT ROBBERY ATTEMPT In This 124-Page Edition

City Desk: A-Listers making news ................ Page 3 Mark Richardson: Straight from the heart ..... Page 4 Di Rolle: JFK - I didn’t believe it ................... Page 8 News: Ernie Sigley’s brush with cancer ........ Page 9 Gavin Wood: Live from West Hollywood ....... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Media firm shake-up .... Page 11 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and style ................ Page 13 Melb. Extra: Tommy Hanlon Jnr profile ....... Page 14 Magazine: Polly Farmer, footy legend ......... Page 15 Long Shots: The Editor’s column ................ Page 22 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos .......... Page 103 Sublime As Violetta Grubby, Dee Dee back Local Theatre Latest Movies, DVDs

Sophisticated and sensual

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

● Nicola Milan will bring her style of jazz to the Surrey Music Cafe ■ The next Boite Surrey Music Café will George Andrews - drums Jeremy Woolhouse - piano be held on Friday, September 27 at 8pm at the Utilising Jeremy’s compositions as a springBox Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Staboard, Silverbeat weaves an intricate web of tion St, Box Hill.

Jeremy Woolhouse's Silverbeat is head- texture creating a distinctive sound.

Inspired by Keith Jarrett’s European lining with a supporting performance from quartet recordings, the band reflect influence Nicola Milan.

An acclaimed vocalist on the Perth jazz cir- of popular, European and world music in a cuit, Nicola performed with Jeremy at last contemporary jazz context.

Find out more www.jazzpiano.com.au or year’s Wangaratta Jazz Festival.

For this month's Surrey Music Cafe, she www.nicolamilan.com open 7.30pm. Coffee and cake / wine is reuniting with Jeremy to present sophisti- andDoors cheese available cated, sensual and romantic original works feaVenue: Box Hill Community Arts Centre, turing unique, velvety vocals and thought pro- 470 Station St, Cnr Combarton St Box Hill voking melodies.

Tickets: $18 Jeremy Woolhouse's Silverbeat feaBookings: The Whitehorse Centre 9262 tures: 6555, 397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading.

Lachlan Davidson - reeds 10am~4pm Frank Di Sario - bass - Cheryl Threadgold

UPSETS AT YARRA VALLEY RADIO STATION

■ A number of presenters are leaving the Yarra Valley 99.1 FM local radio station.

Volunteer Trevor Hill made his announcement on social media this week: “During my short association with the station, I have made some good friends and I thank them for that, but when people start threatening my freedom of speech, it's time for me to say goodbye.

“I have enjoyed my time on air thanks to Charlene and Elaine as it is always something I have wanted to do, but

● Mike Menner

I do not need hassles or conflicts.

The training course has finished and only graduation night to go, but alas I will not be attending as I feel that my radio days are over so there is no point in getting a certificate that will mean nothing.”

Trevor invited a station official to block him “as I have made my last post on this webpage.”

Experienced professional radio presenter Mike Menner has also given notice that he will no longer present on 99.1 Turn To Page 9

● Angela Ceberano: assaulted ■ Mebourne publicist Angela Ceberano was this week assaulted as two male thieves tried unsuccessfully to grab her expensive Prada handbag and mobile phone.

The thieves pelted her with six eggs as they attempted to stage the robbery.

“Walking along Centre Rd to my car and from behind two guys on bikes start throwing eggs at my head..

“Then the other one comes up beside me trying to grab my handbag. I went nuts!

“I didn't think I had that in me! I must have sounded pretty crazy as a guy from a local shop came running out to help me and scare them off.

“To peg eggs and ruin my outfit and hair is one thing but attempting to steal my Prada handbag and my phome is a whole other thing,” Mrs Ceberano said.

“I may have egg on my face but I feel empowered that they got nothing! You wouldn't think six eggs to the head could hurt so much but they really do.

“Literally got egg on my face, and in my hair and in my ears and all over my nice new coat,” she said.

Angela, who heads Flourish PR, had a warning for her attackers: “Karma will get you.”

Angela is married to musician Phil Ceberano, who is currently touring internationally.

Big footy week ■ Hawthorn plays Geelong at the MCG on Friday at 7.50pm.

Fremantle Dockers play Sydney Swans at Patersons Stadium in Perth on Saturday at 5.45pm WST.

Ricky Nixon in Court ■ Former football player agent Ricky Nixon has been convicted and fined $750 for drink-driving. Nixon, 50, pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday to exceeding a prescribed blood alcohol level and using a handheld phone while driving. He was also charged with breaching a community corrections order.

Hidden camera ordeal ■ A teenage girl has described the hell she has endured at the hands of a stepfather who destroyed her sense of security and safety, reports the Bendigo Advertiser. The victim, now aged 19, was present in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court as her stepfather was sentenced to prison.

Repo hits single mum ■ Bell Park single mother Nicole Kirby has been stranded after her secondhand car was repossessed because of a previous owner's debts, reports the Geelong Advertiser. The $3000 Holden Commodore is being repossessed because the former owner still owes money on the car. He is alleged to have falsely represented that the car was free of debt.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Chance of rain. 9°-18°.

Thu. Chance of rain. 8°-17°.

Fri. Chance of rain. 6°-18°.

Sat. Chance of storm. 9°-20°.

Sun. Partly cloudy. 11°-23°.

Mon. Chance of rain. 9°-22°, Tues. Partly cloudy. 10°-20°./

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 THINGS KEVIN RUDD COULD HAVE DONE DURING HIS LAST DAYS AS PRIME MINISTER 5. Write a letter of apology to everyone in Australia.

4. Short-sheet the Abbott's new bed.

3. Invite all the neighbours to a weekly BBQ at the Lodge.

2. Ring the head of North Korea, tell him it's Tony Abbott calling, and call him a bloody idiot.

1. (I can only get 4. I think you've done enough damage).

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Di Funny man Michael ■ Michael McIntyre is a funny man. I find him quite endearing, and he has his own television show on cable which I always enjoy.

He is the UK’s biggest comedian. That is what his publicist told me and I believe her.

Selling more than 750,000 tickets, including 10 sold out 02 Arenas and six sold-out Wembley Arenas in London on his last UK tour; the most successful comedian in Britain is coming to Australia for the first-ever tour in November.

He is very observant and will leave no stone unturned, he does his homework brilliantly. His TV show, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, for which he won a 2012 National TV Award for Best Entertainment Program, BBC1 Comedy Show was just fabulous. His show in Birmingham was one I watched a lot. He has a wonderful stage presence and knows how to use the whole stage.

His spot-on observational comedy and trademark ability to turn everyday situations into master-classes of human exasperation, have struck chords with millions of fans, resolutely cementing him as one of the UK’s most loved and treasured comedy performers.

The London Sunday Review wrote the most brilliant review about him saying, “If McIntyre were a band, he’d be in Coldplay – he is one of the few comedians who can fill an arena with the kind of big act that extends to those in the rafters whose seats come with a vertigo warning and a harness.”

His delivery is fantastic as MM Star London observed: “It’s all about sharp observation and brilliantly delivered anecdotes” – he won’t miss a trick about Melbourne.

Michael has released three best-selling DVDs: 2008’s Live and Laughing, which currently holds the top spot as the biggest selling UK debut stand-up DVD ; Hello Wembley, which in 2009 became the fastest selling UK stand-up DVD of all time; and 2012’s Showtime which beat its competitors for the Christmas number one spot.

I recommend getting the DVD’s and watching him and then waiting for when he comes out live on stage in November and says rather loudly, Hello Melbourne!

Tickets are on sale now. Michael McIntyre will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Friday, November 22 – book at Ticketek 132 849 www.ticketek.com.au Michael McIntyre The Complete Laughter Boxset is available on DVD from November.

28 A good Christmas stocking stuffer!

● Michael McIntyre

I love my job!

■ It’s Spring! l love Melbourne in Spring: the pending Spring Racing Carnival, Spring Fashion Week, the Brownlow, the AFL Finals, and of course love is in the air.

It’s a time for spring cleaning, out with the old and in with the new.

Housekeeping is the first thing I had on my agenda. I was thrilled to know that Melbourne will be doing the Time Warp again, following on from my story that Craig McLachlan will be in the sexy new production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. The Melbourne dates have been announced. It will play a limited season at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, opening April 26, 2014.

Melbourne audiences can waitlist to buy tickets at www.rocky horror.com.au/melbourne before they go on sale on October 7.

Performance times will be Tues.-Sat. 8pm, Saturday 2pm, Sunday 1.30pm and 5.30pm.

Tickets will be available on ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 111 011. Save with rroups of eight or more 1300 889 278. What fun!

Spring is also a great time for gardening, I have started to redo my balcony garden and it’s looking really healthy. After being in Bali, I have a real thing for the outdoor in and the indoor out! I love it.

It’s also a great time for BBQs! Spring is also a great time for fashion. Marilyn Monroe spoke of Spring when she said “Designers want me to dress like Spring, in billowing things. I don’t feel like Spring,” she said, “I feel like a warm red Autumn”.

Marilyn would have been 85 years old this year. Amazing woman. I digress, back to Spring. Al fresco dining, well nearly, and the start of new beginnings, and of course the horses.

The beautiful horses that participate and bring us so much joy and money at the Spring Racing Carnival. I love the horses most of all.

For JFK: I NEVER BELIEVED IT

■ I have something that will make Spring even more enjoyable: a song called We’re Up All Night To Get Lucky.

I heard it first in Bali, it’s a fantastic song, and makes me feel totally alive.

The original version is by Daft Punk and the cover version is by Naughty Boy – it’s a great song and makes me so glad I am alive.

Imagine Bali, the black sand, the sunset, the mojitos, the smiles and life all around me – fantastic!

I cannot wait to go back.

One of the things I have been doing a lot lately is reading. I read a lot in Bali and I have read a lot since I got back in between working.

I always have a book about JFK never far away from me as I am a voracious reader about anything to do with him, particularly his assassination.

I think I have read every book that has been written about him and also the terrible events of November 22, 1963 when JFK was assassinated at 12.30pm Central Standard Time.

I was 15 years old, I will never forget hearing it on the news and I ran to my father to tell him. I remember it as if it was yesterday.

I never believed it. I have seen all the footage, all the documentaries, heard all the conspiracies, read everything about Lee Harvey Oswald and I still don’t believe it.

So it is with interest that I look forward to National Geographic Channel marking the 60th wedding anniversary of Jackie and JFK with the release of Killing Kennedy.

To mark what

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Killing Kennedy: Ginnifer Goodwin plays Jackie Kennedy I am reading the would have been the diamond wedding anni- book, I am not a huge versary of John F. Bill O’Reilly fan Kennedy and Jac- however it’s a good queline Bouvier read.

I don’t necessarily Kennedy, Killing Kennedy will premiere agree with what he says on Tuesday, November in it, however I will 19 at 7.30pm, to also watch the program on Geocoincide with the 50th National anniversary of the as- graphic on Tuesday, November 19 at sassination.

The film stars Rob 7.30pm; it’s circled on Lowe as President my calendar.

Kennedy, Will Rothhaar as Lee Harvey Oswald with Michelle Trachten- ■ And now for a comberg as Marina plete change of pace.

Oswald and Ginn- Simon Palomares ifer Goodwin as has a new show and he Jackie Kennedy. is featuring it in the Produced by Ridley Melbourne Fringe Scott and based on the Festival coming up. best-selling book by What a pot pourri I Bill O’Reilly, Killing have written this week Kennedy takes audi- but enjoyed every moences deeper inside the ment of it! story than ever before, Simon is a brilliant examining the events comedian. I have that led to that dramatic known him for many moment in Dallas on years, and he is very that fateful day in No- clever. vember 1963.

His wonderful new This is a constant show is called King source of fascination Kohonas which he is

From Miami, Florida, King Kohonas takes cabaret by the balls … and shakes it …. Simon had great reviews when he performed in Miami.

“A voice and personality that blows you away, then he sings in Spanish and you’re gone,” said the Miami Tribute.

Simon is an internationally acclaimed Australian comedy legend and has created this new comedy show and it will arrive at the mind bending confines of The Butterfly Club for nine shows only.

Singing in English, French and Spanish.

From Adele to Bjork, From Piaf to Buena Vista Social Club.

Peppered with a warped sense of ● Rob Lowe as President John Kennedy. humour and cutting Photo: Kent Eanes jibes verging on verbal It opens tonight, Little Collins St. sadomasochism the (Wednesday, SeptemWonderful foyer bar mix I have been as- ber 18) and runs until and a truly enormous sured by Simon is sure October 5; show time collection of kitsch. to leave a lump in my Tickets are availis 10.30pm for one hour throat. able by visiting at The Butterfly Directed by melbournefringe.

Russell Fletcher and Club which is a gor- com.au or call 9660 geous glorious small a three-piece band led 9666. by music director An- theatre and temple of Visit www.simon drew Pobjoy this camp kitsch in the heart palomares.com for of Melbourne at 5 show is sure to be a hit more info. of the Fringe Festival. Carson Place just off

Top pick

Kahonas

● Simon Palomares and James Penlidis

■ I want to make mention of a fabulous photographer James Penlidis who is one of the most popular photographers in Australia.

Very rarely are photographers photographed with their subjects and I thought it too good an opportunity when I came across the photograph for Simon’s publicity shots shot by James Penlidis.

A wonderful photograph of two terrific men. Photographer and his subject. Too good not to show.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - Page 9

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Showbiz News

ERNIE’S BRUSH WITH CANCER Cuckoo’s Nest

Briefs Diagnosed

● Billy Connolly ■ Entertainer Billy Connolly, 70, has had prostate cancer surgery.

He has also been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Co. fined ■ Selkirk Bricks at Ballarat has been fined $90,000 over a workplace safety incident in which employee Stephen Bidgood's face was crushed by a hydraulic ram. It was fined $55,000 in 2009 after a similar incident, reports The Courier.

Too drunk FILE IMAGE

■ Boronia Police intercepted a driver after receiving calls about his erratic driving on Eastlink and the Eastern Freeway. The 45year-old Doveton man was conveyed to the Rowville where he gave a reading of 0.261 per cent. He told the Police that he had gone to his place of employment but was sent home because he was too drunk to work.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Mark Holden with Ernie Sigley at the weekend ■ Melbourne entertainer Ernie Sigley, 75, has had a brush with bowel cancer, performer Mark Holden revealed at the weekend.

Holden, who was appearing at a show business function in Tasmania, said he caught up with the former 3AW afternoon host and wife Glenys at the show held at the Wrest Point Casino.

“Just back from Hobart for Blue September. I ran into Ernie Sigley and the always beautiful Glenys - it was a total hoot,” Mark told Facebook friends on Sunday.

“I was singing a few songs at the Birdcage Bar at Wrest Point and Ernie got up and sang Hound Dog with me.

“Ernie literally discovered me in 1972 and took me with him to Melbourne when his show went national. “ At 75 he is still the life of the party and also a cancer survivor having just had a brush with bowel cancer. What a treat.”

Ernie celebrated his birthday on September 2. His career began in 1952 as a turntable operator on Danny Webb's breakfast program at 3DB. Ernie Sigley made his TV debut as host of Teenage Mailbag on HSV-7 in 1957. Shortly after this, he decided to try his luck in London, gaining some work experience at the BBC, then a three-year stint at Radio Luxembourg, where he performed under the name 'Ernie Williams'.

On Australian TV, he hosted Adelaide Tonight, The Ernie Sigley Show, Wheel Of Fortune, Pot Luck, In Melbourne Today and Saturday Night Live.

He and wife Glenys are supporters of CBM, a charity working with people experiencing a disability and poverty.

■ Don’t miss seeing Heidelberg Theatre Company’s latest production, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Under the masterly direction of Chris Baldock, this outstanding interpretation of Dale Wasserman’s stage adaptation from Ken Kesey’s novel can be seen until September 28 at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna.

Set in 1962 in an American State Mental Hospital ward, George Tranter’s impressive set comprises the patients’ day room, overseen by a glasswindowed staff office and medicinal dispensary, with green plants tantalisingly visible outside the barred windows.

The bullying of Native American Chief Bromden (Paul Schmidt) by Aides Warren (Christian Dell’Olio) and Williams (Ben Downthwaite), establishes the helplessness of patients in this sterile environment.

We sympathise with all the patients, including President of the Patients’ Council, Dale Harding (Adrian Carr), Billy Bibbit (James Plunkett), Scanlon (Rick Barry), Cheswick (Tony Costa), Martini (Paul Kennedy) and Ruckley (Rhys Purdey).

Things change when Randle P. McMurphy (Tim Constantine) arrives, challenging tyrannical Nurse Ratched’s (Paula McDonald) control over the patients, demanding they be allowed to watch the World Series on TV. Drunken Aide Turkle’s (David Small) keys are used to bring in colourful Candy Starr (Catherine Jardine) and Sandra (Fiona Heart) for fun and shenanigans.

Dr Spivey (Bruce Akers) seems fair-minded, but remains under Nurse Ratched’s power, as does Nurse Flinn (Clare Hayes).

The audience wonders if McMurphy’s commendable, but rebellious behaviour is sensible in this world where sanity means conformity, and survival means following the rules.

Baldock has assembled a top notch cast, whose embodiment of their characters contributes to this production’s incredible intensity and believability, complimented by George Tranter’s stunning lighting design, particularly during Chief Bromden’s narrations of his childhood tales, and Chris Baldock’s effective sound design, contrasting between pulsating drums to Happy Days Are Here Again.

This first-class production could hold its own in any performance environment. Congratulations to all concerned.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Performances: Until September 28 at 8pm, including 2pm matinee on September 22.

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna Tickets: Full price $25, Concession $22 (not Seniors).

Bookings: 9457 4117 www.htc.org.au ● Bruce Akers, left ( Dr Spivey), Paula McDonald (Nurse Ratched), Christian Dell'Olio (partly obscured) (Aide Warren), Tim Constantine (Randle P. McMurphy), Paul Schmidt (Chief Bromden), Ben Dowthwaite (Aide Williams) and Rick Barry (Scanlon)

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

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

Fairfax loses another title

● Last week’s Dandenong Journal ■ Fairfax Media has thrown in the towel with yet another of its publications ... this time the 148-yearold Dandenong Journal.

The Dandenong Journal was once the biggest of the company’s local community newspapers, and had been operated by the company since the 1970s.

Fairfax, through its joint venture with Antony Catalano’s Metro Media Publishing, has handed control of the Dandenong Journal to Paul Thomas’s Star News Group.

The paper previously converted to a smaller magazine size, and unsuccessfully changed its name to the Greater Dandenong Weekly. After reader and advertiser complaints, the name reverted to the Journal.

The old title reappeared last week in its familiar tabloid format. It now incorporates the Greater Dandenong Star, previously operated by the Thomas family.

The Thomas family have successfully published nearby newspapers including the Berwick-Pakenham Gazette for 104 years.

Fairfax/MMP has recently closed about a dozen of its stable of 30 community newspapers including the Mornington Peninsula Weekly, Western Port Weekly, Frankston Weekly, Knox Weekly, Casey Weekly, Yarra Ranges Weekly, Maroondah Weekly and Monash Weekly, It closed one of its Diamond Valley papers, absoring it into the Weekly Review.

Fairfax/MMP has merged its Hume Weekly and Whittlesea Weekly titles into the existing Northern Weekly. Weekly Review Local editions have closed in Bayside, Stonnington and Boroondara.

Beware of this company PHOTO: DAVID BELTON

Upset at Yarra Valley radio station From Page 7 Menner, who became known across Melbourne for his shifts on 3KZ, was informed that his music selections on his Thursday program did not meet new programming at the station.

Menner told friends: “Thought I'd let you all know that as I've been informed that some of the music I play between 5pm-7pm does not fit the 'new sound' “I have decided that that’s it for me.”

The station is based at Woori Yallock and broadcasts to areas including Lilydale, Healesville and Warburton.

■ The Barrel wants to warn you about a company called Mechplay. It promotes an online service to provide publications and content to users.

Mechplay advertises a message that says it “guarantees” that it will not charge users’ credit cards whilst they take a free five-day trial.

The first thing that happens is that your credit card is charged without authorisation! It also tries to bill you a $1 donation that it says goes to UNICEF. The company is well aware of not meeting its word.

Its ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page at members.mechplay.net starts with the subjects “Why was I billed $34.95 when I signed up for a free trial?” of “Why was I billed $34.95 when I upgraded to a multimedia premium account of $2.95?”

Mechplay, advertises a Sydney phone number of (02) 8038 5010, but actually diverts all its calls to an overseas operator. It advertises that it is based in Middlesex, UK, with a ‘satellite’ office through ‘Fang Media’ in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Any complaints are met with an operator who can say little else than “have a nice day”.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

West Hollywood

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

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

Special award for service

■ I received a touching gesture from the Variety Club Tent 77 International Ambassador Alan Johnson this week for my work in helping disadvantaged children.

I have been with the Variety Club Tent 77 since the early 80s and I have always enjoyed my work with the kids.

The Melbourne Variety Club Tent 77 has just finished yet another ‘Bash’ where they run old cars around Australia to raise money for Variety and more than $1.3 million were raised for the kids.

The ‘Bash’ is not only a fundraiser but also gives back to the local communities along the route.

If you every get a chance to be part of a Variety Bash do not miss this wonderful opportunity to get involved and give back.

My work with Variety came full circle in Los Angeles this week when Alan Johnson, Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, kindly recognised my work with Variety Tent 77, Melbourne by presenting me with a replica of the oil painting ‘Variety Entertainers of the Century’ by Australian artist, Jamie Cooper.

Aussie wines get tasted in Los Angeles ■ The American Australian Association and Old Bridge Cellars in Los Angeles had an Australian Wine tasting last week in Bel Air, which is a beautiful part of Los Angeles.

Wines from Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia were sampled with entertainment from Nick Hardcastle.

● Kim Kardashian

● Debbie Reynolds ■ The 12th West Hollywood Book Fair is on September 29.

This year’s festival will feature literature, art, music, performance and community.

Southern California literary luminary, T.C. Boyle will present a new series of collected stories. Many other terrific writers will perform and discuss new and recently published works including Debbie Reynolds (Yes, THAT Debbie Reynolds), William Friedkin, Victoria Chang, Aaron Hartzier, Veronica Reyes and many more.

A total of 12 outdoor stages and indoor venues throughout West Hollywood Park and West Hollywood Library will host literary and arts programming that will appeal to a broad audience of all ages and interests.

The West Hollywood Book fair is free and I would love to see this type of event in Melbourne.

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd Presentation to Gavin Wood recognises work for Variety

● Alan Johnson’s presentation to Gavin Wood

Hollywood Bowl winds up Summer Series ■ After seeing Diana Ross and the Eagles at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, I know Australian visitors should check the acts that will be appearing during their stay in Los Angeles.

George Benson who has toured Australia many times over his career was one of the headliners.

George is the consummate showman and with his songs: Give Me The Night, Breezin’, This Masquerade, Turn Your Love Around, On Broadway and many more hits, the Hollywood Bowl was groovin’ plus as an added bonus George did a tribute to Nat King Cole.

Earth, Wind and Fire was the next superstar group with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

It was over three nights with the amount of fans that Earth Wind and Fire have. Huge hits like: September, Boogie Wonderland, Fantasy and Reasons with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, do not to miss these great shows at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Book your tickets www.HollywoodBowl.com

Spotlight on healthy living ■ Body Factory is another one of the fabulous retail shops around the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites with a focus on healthy living through smoothies.

Celebrity Trainer and lifeenhancement expert Robert Green is the founder of the Body Factory, 8591 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.

Robert says Body Factory is basically a place for bettering your life.

It has everything from skin care and beauty products to better the outside of your body to candles and beautiful home décor to better your home.

It’s everything to make you feel good because we are only on this planet for a limited time.

Body Fuel smoothies served at Body Factory are now one of the hottest health drinks around. A list of ‘A” celebrities flock to this healthy oasis in West Hollywood. www.bodyfactory.com

Special Holiday offer from the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites

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

When you are planning your trip to California, come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Blvd., 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

Eric Bana is back

■ “The Political Thriller of the Year” is the headline of a new movie that stars Eric Bana as an English spy.

Closed Circuit is an intelligent take on our growing paranoia.

The movie is from the producers of the widely acclaimed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Closed Circuit has an eye on secrets and surveillance and comes at a moment when the U.S. National Security Agency has admitted to extensive spying on civilians and Britain has more than half a million closed circuit cameras in London.

Eric Bana with an English accent is totally believable in this role. This is old-fashioned James Bond with plenty of espionage.

● Eric Bana ● Robert Green

www.gavinwood.us

Till Next Week, Happy Holidays.

Gavin Wood.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Shake-up at media firm ■ Two newspapers have been closed ... and a number of staff “let go” ... at the Newspaper House business run by the families of Victorian newspapermen Walter Mott and Bob Yeates.

The Kilmore Free Press newspaper was shut late last month, following the closure of the Whittlesea Review earlier this year. ● Lisa Mott The Free Press heritage dated back to 1865.

Free Press Editor Bill West was told that his services were no longer required. This followed the departure earlier of Robin Northover, Editor of sister newspaper North Central Review.

Also “let go” was an Advertising Director. A reporter’s position at the Gisborne office of the Macedon Ranges Free ● Bill West Press was eliminated. A typesetter’s position at the company’s Alexandra Standard office has been advertised.

There is uncertainty over the position of wellrespected newspaperman, Robert Bradley, who until recently was listed as General Manager. Younger production worker Lee Day has taken over the management role. ● Robin Northover The Kilmore Free Press, once a vibrant local paper, shrunk to 20 pages before its closure.

The North Central Review has reduced to about 44 pages, after significantly larger issues in previous years.

The new Editor is Jordy Atkinson, whose CV lists a journalism career of two years, having previously been a gift and bridal registry consultant ● Jordy Atkinson at David Jones. Much of the management of the company is believed to be now in the hands of Lisa and Celina Mott, daughters of Walter, understood to be touring overseas.

Lisa Mott is involved in the family’s Crystal Group property investment business, as well as being a Director of North-East Broadcasters which operates radio stations 3NE Wangaratta and 2QN Deniliquin.

Legend’s job advertised ■ The 2QN morning announcer’s job held by Paul Dix for the past 52 years has been advertised by Program Director Matt Hobbs.

Earlier last week, 2QN GM Frank Davidson said: “We are naturally keeping the seat and the microphone warm for Dixy to return ● Paul Dix: ‘suddenly ill’ to.”

NORTHCOTE MAN MANAGED FIRM WHILST DISQUALIFIED

■ Northcote man Simon Charles Clarke, has been convicted after pleading guilty to two charges of managing a corporation while disqualified.

The charges were brought in Heidelberg agistrates’ Court following an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Clarke was fined and convicted in 2009 of a contravention of the former Trade Practices Act 1974.

As a result, Clarke was automatically disqualified from managing a corporation for a period of five years.

Clarke pleaded guilty in June to managing Melbourne-based company Hair Choice Pty Ltd while disqualified between 2009 and 2010.

Clarke was fined $3000 and ordered to perform a community correction order for 24 months.

“This action demonstrates ASIC’s resolve to ensure those who are disqualified from managing companies do not flout the law,” ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said.

The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Prosecutions.

Whispers

Bloody hell

Lawyer may face $39,000 bill

ASIC’s investigation found Clarke had made decisions that affected the whole, or a substantial part of the business of the corporation, and exercised the capacity to significantly affect the corporation’s financial standing while being disqualified from doing so until April 2014.

Services case ■ Alia College Ltd has requested a n arbitration session with Sandra Lawrence at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this morning (Wed.) at 9.30am for “services rendered”.

Action against Cash Store ■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has launched legal proceedings against the payday lending business operated by The Cash Store, seeking financial penalties for allegedly breaching consumer credit laws, including responsible lending obligations, and engaging in unconscionable conduct.

ASIC's civil penalty proceedings have been filed in the Federal Court in Melbourne against Australian credit licensees The Cash Store Pty Ltd and Assistive Finance Australia Pty Ltd .

ASIC claims that TCS and AFA have provided unaffordable loans to a number of their customers who were on low incomes or in receipt of Centrelink.

3AW DUMPS GAV’S SPOT ■ Music enthusiast Gavin Ryan has been told that his Milestone Birthday segment is no longer required on 3AW’s Weekend Break program hosted by Grubby and Dee Dee (Peter Stubbs and Diane Dunleavy).

“The segment still has life left in it,” Ryan told social media friends this week. He has a Facebook thread, You Tube playlists and a website built around ● Gavin Ryan it.

“I have a vast knowledge of music, movies and other historical facts and info, so I come with the show,” says Ryan, who is based in Melbourne, and is pitching the segment to other radio stations.

“I am a very unique music/radio/chart-historian identity, and there ain't nobody else like me.”

■ Melbourne lawyer Con Kiatsos may face a legal bill of up to $39,000, following a case heard by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Kiatsos had been found guilty of professional misconduct at an earlier hearing. He sought a re-hearing.

Michael McGarvie, Legal Services Commissioner, approached VCAT, requesting that legal costs for two counsel be paid by Kiatsos. A draft bill has put the services of the counsel at $39,672.

Justice Greg Garde, President of VCAT, and member Rodney Page, ruled that Kiatsos has to pay some of the legal costs.

● Cheryl Rixon ■ Showbiz identity Cheryl Rixon had a message for friends on social media: “Every wonder why there is a stairway to heaven and a highway to hell? There is apparently more traffic going to hell." Cheryl, who was a model and actress on Melbourne and Perth TV in the 1970s and 80s, is now based in Los Angeles.

Gold dust

Rumour Mill

Hear It Here First

How the West was not won ■ Not everyone is pleased about the return of Grubby and Dee Dee to 3AW. Station owner, Fairfax Radio, decided to relay the Weekend Break program from Melbourne to Perth sister station 6PR, which until now has had a ‘Live and Local’ motto. WA listeners are complaining that a show made in Melbourne has little interest to people who are 2700 kms away.

“Totally irrelevant,” said listener Murray Korff.

■ A listener to Melbourne’s Gold 104.3 radio station, Glen, says the automation system threw a ‘wobbly’ at the weekend: the news, sports and weather ‘liners’ ran simultaneously, leaving a frustrated announcer to try and fix the glitch.

To Court

■ Divas Society Pty Ltd has sought a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court registrars’ administration session at 9.30am today (Wed,.) in a case against Sweaty Betty PR Pty Ltd. An application for an instalment order is sought. ● Grubby and Dee Dee: ‘networked’ to WA ■ The Rumour Mill hears that there are to be some more national networking ‘solutions’ introduced to Fairfax Radio stations. They are said to involve Melbourne programming.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Headlines ■ ‘Human Headline’ Derryn Hinch is due to be back in the headlines next week.

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Trauma Teddie

Motorcycling Masons

■ The creaky old doors of Freemasonry were thrown open to let in the exhaust fumes of motorcycles, as well as for the first time, the small community of Cowes, Phillip Island, who got a rare glimpse into this previously mysterious world when a new Masonic Lodge - the Motorcyclists United Lodge was consecrated on Saturday, August 31.

Twelve years ago the Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Association (VMMA) was formed and in the years since has raised almost $400,000 for charity including in excess of $12,000 for the then local Phillip Island Warley Hospital.

The most recently adopted charity is Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and as a result of three fundraising motorcycle rides around the state, the VMMA and Freemasons Victoria have donated almost $200,000 to this cause.

Inspired by VMMA President Gary Power, a working group was formed in 2012 to develop the Association's own Masonic Lodge and after approaching the Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria, the Lodge's development became a reality on the last day of winter 2013. Grand Master Bob Jones and his team travelled to Cowes and consecrated the first new lodge on the island since 1935.

Visitors and foundation members who had travelled from all over the state to attend, were invited to the festivities and many came along to

witness a ceremony that until recently was performed only behind closed doors.

The new Lodge, named the Motorcyclists United Lodge No. 939 will have its base in Cowes, meeting there in June and October each year, with another three meetings being held in towns around Victoria.

Foundation Master, David Kent of Wonthaggi is a very experienced Freemason, a popular member of the VMMA and an extremely keen motorcyclist.

"After the ceremonial formalities were concluded in the Masonic Centre, a happy band of more than 120 made their way to the Cowes Cultural Centre to enjoy fine food, wine and friendship to celebrate this significant event", David said.

The new Lodge is a shining example of modern Freemasonry with the lifting of the veil of secrecy and has earned its place in society by contributing to the communities that it meets.

Spokesman David Hall, Secretary for the Motorcyclists United Lodge stated it was the mission of the members of this Lodge to become active Freemasons and bring to life the tenets of the craft.

"The new Lodge intends to continue as it began, working to benefit the community as well as raising funds and awareness for worthwhile charities and community groups", he said.

■ Hundreds of colourful teddies have been knitted by the residents of the Royal Freemasons Homes and the ladies of the Lodges to give to children who have been separated from their parents during the Interim Accommodation Order Hearings process conducted by the Department of Human Services.

During these hearings young children are often involved and feel quite intimidated by their surroundings and the circumstances leading up to the hearing.

The trauma teddie with the words "this teddy is a little bit scared and needs a hug, will you please take care of her?" or similar, is given to the child if he or she is removed from their parents as a result of the hearing.

They will generally have no personal items with them so the trauma teddie becomes their comfort (something they can take along) and is a distraction from the fact they are being placed with strangers - a highly emotionally charged environment.

Mrs Francis Frost, Bail Justice and Justice of the Peace, along with Ms Sue Crawford, OAM, Bail Justice and Justice of the Peace of the Outer Eastern Honorary Justices Inc. have been invited by Grand Master Bob Jones to talk about the work of the OEHJ and the benefit of the trauma teddie at a special interview to be streamed live on the internet prior to the September Quarterly Communications.

First Leaders of Freemasonry in Victoria George Edwin Emery CMG

■ George Edwin Emery was born in Castlemaine, Victoria, on November 15, 1859.

He commenced his working life as a clerk in the Savings Bank of Castlemaine and became one of the most influential bankers in the State of Victoria.

He was transferred to the head office in 1897 and rose to become a commissioner of both the Savings Bank and the Post Office Savings Bank. On the amalgamation of both banks he

By Gabrielle Forman

Masonic Caravan Club Rally 2013 ■ The next time you overtake a car towing a caravan on your next road trip, take a moment to check out the driver - it might just be WBro. Graeme Hamilton and his wife Rhonda, or RWBro. Joel Solomon and wife Ruth from the Masonic Caravan Club of Victoria.

The Club, that runs a rally every month, also meets all of the other MCC members across the country every two years for a combined rally.

The combined rally totals 66 vans and cabins, and incorporates members from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania.

I spoke with Rhonda Hamilton recently who said that originally the rally only included Victoria and South Australia but as word got around and the popularity of the event grew, Queensland and New South Wales have joined in, as well as a couple from Tasmania who make the trip over the Bass Strait.

In April of this year, the Victorian crew of eight vans set off for Berri, South Australia as part of the roving rally. Simultaneously, each state made their journey to Berri to meet with the South Australian crew who had organised the trip on this occasion.

Once in Berri, the combined clubs enjoyed trips to the Murray River, sight-seeing tours around Barmera and lovely lunches served at the Berri Lodge for all to enjoy.

RWBro. Joel, an avid traveller and Masonic Caravan Club member said that one of the highlights of the last trip for him was the group's visit to the sculpture park in Boort, Victoria where a local gentleman had created some remarkable life-size sculptures from thousands of spanners.

"The sculptures were incredible," Joel said, "but what made the

work even more special was the fact that this gentleman is in a wheelchair!"

Rhonda Hamilton said that she and her husband Graeme enjoy the rally because it provides a chance to reacquaint with friends they've not seen for a while.

"Sometimes we haven't seen our fellow rally buddies for years so it's great to catch up with them. We also get to meet new comers to the Club," Rhonda said.

The 10 days spent in Berri were full of fun and entertainment. Aside from comparing vans and updating each other on any new improvements or inclusions, these van-goers know how to have a good time.

Each night was different and offered trivia, singing and dancing as well as comedy and poetry, along with Masonic brethren from the other states and the local freemasons, who showed us true Masonic hospitality.

The next rally, in 2015, will be organised by the New South Wales crew who will take over responsibility for choosing the destination, the tours and day trips and the entertainment. Already looking forward to the next trip, Rhonda said that these rallies are a great way to stay in touch with fellow Freemasons as well as see our beautiful country.

● George Edwin Emery was the first administrative head and he retired as general manager in 1929.

George Emery was one of the first founders of Rotary in Victoria and was president in 1924, the same year in which he was honoured by the King as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.

George Emery was initiated into the Lodge of Australasia on December 20, 1894. His ability was soon recognised.

He was appointed the Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1897, before becoming the Worship Master of his own Lodge, a feat that has never been repeated.

With the growing concern of the then Grand Master’s health, in 1905 Emery was appointed as Deputy Grand Master for Freemasonry in Victoria, and in 1907 was Installed as Grand Master.

A skilful banker, who during his term as Grand Master set up many structures to allow Freemasonry to be the benevolent organisation it is in Victoria today.

He died on February 18, 1937.

● 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, September 18, 2013 - Page 13

Melbourne Memories

By Kenneth Mulholland

The days of O’Keefe, O’Neil and ONJ ■ Sometime in 1963 I found myself working on the studio floor at Channel 7.

I'd graduated from Messenger Boy and the mail-room, although even now I have fond memories of learning how to flip an envelope into a pigeon-hole two yards away while sitting down.

I also have fond memories of mammary, provided by Cynthia Anthony and Annette Coath, who both used to bait us by coming in and leaning over our shoulders to extract their department's mail.

And speaking of, it seems that I was in the minority in the mail-room re male and female preference.

I first encountered Johnny O'Keefe on a narrow, creaky stairway that led up from Thomas' Music Store to the offices of D.Y.T. (Horrie Dargie, Arthur Young and John

● Memories of Channel 7’s Fitzroy teletheatre

Tilbrook). Below, on the ground floor, John Cargher, the late, famed host of the ABC Radio's Singers of Renown. patrolled the isles of vinyl like some benevolent brolga.

I have two vivid memories of Johnny O'Keefe in Melbourne at the Fitzroy tele-theatre.

It was sometime in the early sixties and JOK starred in one or two shows there.

I recall that during rehearsals on the first afternoon the audio guys called a halt saying that they couldn't juggle the two boom microphones through a segue from one number to another, saying that logistically it wasn't possible.

O'Keefe held up his arms and shouted everyone down. 'Hold it man!

Hold it! I'll show ya what ta do!' And he did.

The guy ran from one boom to the

other, repositioning both on the next rehearsal.

“That's how it's done man!” And then he simply got on with business.

Might have been that night or the next. I was standing on stage left where the front of house drapes were closed, dividing the audience from what lay behind, so I could see both sides: Audience and back of stage.

John came down from the rear roof stairs and emerged. He was stumbling a ittle, alone, groggy like a boxer having taken too many hard blows.

I don't know if anyone else saw this, most of the stage-hands were looking at the audience and the waiting cameras, ready for the orchestra to blast the opening musical number.

Behind the drapes John was swaying, and I really wondered if he would keep his feet.

Turn To Page 22

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

AH-CHOO, IT’S SPRING FEVER

■ The wattle trees are out in all their glory but not every mortal is cheering for joy.

I used to take my dogs for a walk in Wattle Park and I had to stop when the wattle came out because Oscar would get the symptoms of hayfever.

His nose and eyes would run, and his nose would get a red patch from him pawing at it to try to stop the itch.

I wonder how many people who live near Wattle Park come down with hayfever?

How many are affected every spring with this cursed complaint?

Yvonne’s Column

Most blissful sleep

■ My other half spent a very restless night. He snuffled, coughed and was finding it hard to breathe.

In the morning his eyes were red, and the bags under his red and watery eyes looked as big as hammocks. In other words, he looked pathetic.

I’d slept through all of this because my doctor told me that sleep deprivation is a serious condition, and continued staying awake was bad for me.

There was no fatherly tone in his voice when he looked over his half glasses and said sternly ‘this time you will please take the medication as prescribed’.

I’m not good at taking medication. I have to be half dead before I’ll agree to swallow a pill. Rubbing my chest becomes a nightmare because I’m ticklish and I’ll gladly suffer the complaint if that is the only cure.

Peter checked with our pharmacist who agreed that it would interact with my other medication, and I took the pill with a glass of water and had the most blissful sleep ever. I even had terrific dreams.

Friendly pharmacists

■ I felt very selfish when I woke from my heavenly sleep and looked at this poor man lying beside me. Not being a sleeper I’d normally be up playing nurse the moment I heard my other half stirring.

There was only one thing for it, and that was to get him to our friendly pharmacist for something that would at least stop his runny nose.

Not being a pill taker, I will always ask my pharmacist if the prescription I’m having filled will interact with any other medication which I’m taking.

That’s the good thing about establishing a rapport with your chemist. With everything on computer these days it only takes a minute to look up your file and he or she will tell you yea or nay.

We have a great rapport with our Pharmacy at Wattle Park. We know them and they know us,

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

and I never feel silly if I ask them how to take something which I’ve been prescribed. Such as the puffer I brought home from hospital with me.

I had no idea how it all worked, and Paul was so patient as he showed me, as well as getting me to take a dose to check that I was doing it as per instructions.

Follow the instructions ■ I’ve noticed that not many people bother to look at the list of instructions, which are enclosed with most medication.

And I think that it’s because the instructions give you the do and don’ts and the ingredients, but unless you are a medical person you wouldn’t know which drug was what.

It’s too late if you have a serious side effect because you didn’t understand that you shouldn’t have mixed the new drug with the ones you are already taking.

So, it is important to know your pharmacist.

One of the terrific services, which is available at the Wattle Park Pharmacy, is a medication review or Med Check, as it’s known.

Med Check is beaut ■ You sit down with the chemist and go over your medication. I’m sure there are many people who have medication that can be replaced or thrown out all together.

But during the Med Check you can talk to the pharmacist and there may be something you have not told your doctor in respect to medication that he will pick- up on. This is a free service.

It’s not like it used to be where your doctor

● The Wattle Park Chalet would talk to you about your problem and not look not long before all the young have left the nest at his watch once. Nowadays it’s either a long or and there is a vacant pre-owned nest in the ivy. a short consultation and that’s your lot.

They are a terrific group of professional men and women at the Wattle Park Pharmacy. It’s located at 1123 Riversdale Rd in Surrey Hills. ■ Sometimes I wish I were still at school and I (9808 1289) bring a bird’s nest for show and tell.

It’s very handy if you use the tram because the could I haven’t seen a magpie lurking around ready pharmacy is right opposite the Wattle Park tram to swoop.

Usually they are ready to protect their terminus. at this time. But would you know it was It’s just a hop, step and a jump and you are in young with so much cold weather we are having? the shop. It’s open until 9 o’clock and open 7 spring Must tell you how lovely my cottage garden is days a week. with the blossom, and small sweet smellMind you there are other services available looking flowers in abundance. too. I like to talk to the beauty expert and buy any ingMy sweet peas have bloomed again from selfspecials, which may be on sale.

In fact they are bigger than last year If you do decide to have a free medication seeding. and are actually growing over the path. review, you may be surprised at how much you But the plant I am most proud of are my Clivias. don’t need.

I have two huge pots of them in full bloom either side of my studio door.

They are so easy to grow, and the dignified clump with arching black-green leaves are just ■ So, you poor old sickies with hayfever, there the thing to banish a dark dusty corner of the garare new things, which are on the market to help den, or add brilliant highlights to those shady spots. with the awful symptoms. Simply ask your pharmacist.

And about all things wattle, I saw my first wattlebird this spring balancing on a stem of rose ■ Growing a pumpkin is my goal this year. There buds in my garden and delicately plucking them are plenty of trees it can climb up; in fact there is off and eating them. plenty of space so that it can run along the ground.

I’m hoping that this handsome bird is heraldA listener gave me a few small pumpkins one ing in the return of the birds. I don’t know where year, which I put in a large bowl. They looked they have disappeared to, but they haven’t been wonderful and received many admiring glances. around for months.

Unfortunately, they all decided to go pulpy at I could check on the ivy, which covers our brick the one time, so they had to go. I regret I didn’t wall for nests. Every year I find a few with eggs take a few seeds, but I wasn’t thinking gardens at in them, but I scurry away in case the mum comes the time. home and is upset that a human has been near the So, your goal should be to go to your pharmacy nest. for a Med Check, get yourself on the computer.

My enjoyment comes when mum decides that You’ll be so glad you did, come an emergency. the young should be out of the nest but not before With the new medications available I wish a they can fly. hayfever free spring to you all.

I stand behind our big bay window and have - Yvonne. hours of enjoyment as the little ones take a wobContact: Editor Melbourne Observer bly flight with mum squawking instructions. It’s P.O, Box 1278. Research 3095

Show and tell

New products available

My goal this year

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

■ I met Tommy Hanlon Jnr on several occasions and recorded a radio interview with him.

He was a very nice man whose love of the entertainment industry took him down a path that led to fulfilling his desire to work in a circus.

I saw him onstage as the ringmaster in Silvers Circus. At his funeral I spoke to some of the circus fraternity and I realised that they held Tommy in very high regard.

Tommy Gene Thomason was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1923.

His parents were entertainers and Tommy became a part of his parents’ vaudeville act at an early age.

His father worked onstage under the name of Tommy Hanlon and as a result young Tommy adopted the stage name of Tommy Hanlon Jnr. When his parent's marriage broke up Tommy left home at the age of 14 and worked for two years in Orson Welles's Mercury Theatre.

Tommy had an act as a magician and at one point shared the stage with W C Fields.

He married Jean Gregory in the 1940s and became the father of a son but the marriage ended in divorce.

In 1950 he appeared in a television series Toast Of The Town which was compered by Ed Sullivan.

Tommy re-married in the 1953 and nicknamed his wife Muriel as ‘Murphy’.

Tommy came to Australia in 1959 to perform at several Sydney night clubs and he ap-

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Tommy Hanlon Jnr

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM peared on Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight. He did a ‘stand up comedy routine’which involved reading another ‘letter from Mom’.

Tommy was an instant success and he returned in 1960 and became a regular on IMT. He performed on The Frank Sinatra Show in Sydney in 1961. In the same year he began hosting It Could Be You on Channel 9 and it became the highest rating daytime show in the history of television in Australia.

This was great viewing for the housewives and they watched in droves. The show reunited families and I always enjoyed the hidden camera segment.

Jack Little, who also came from America, was on the show, Laurie Wilson played the or-

● Tommy Hanlon Junior Photo: Bill Gosstray, 96.5 FM gan and It Could Be You was directed by Bill Beames.

One of the highlights was when Tommy's mother was brought onto the program as a surprise and it was one of those emotional moments that has never been forgotten.

Tommy won two logie awards including the Gold Logie.

After It Could Be You finished, he worked in radio and hosted many television programs which included Let's Make A Deal, Show Of Surprises and The Entertainers.

In 1975 Tommy compered the daytime talent quest Pot Of Gold and Bernard King was a judge on the program.

He left television and joined Silvers Circus in 1979 where he worked as a ringmaster for 23 years.

Tommy was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life shortly before he died.

Tommy Hanlon Jnr died in his sleep at the age of 80 in 2003.

I attended the funeral service and Mike McColl Jones delivered a great eulogy in the form of a letter from Tommy telling us what was happening in heaven.

I am sure Tommy would have enjoyed the service which was attended by hundreds of people from the entertainment industry in Australia who knew him and loved him.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce and 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.

‘A POX ON ALL CATS AND FOXES’

■ Last week (Sept. 7) saw National Threatened Species Day. Even though all Australians can wring their hands in frustration, there is little we can do in practical reality.

Australia has had Thylacines, dingoes, Tassie Devils, and that's about it as far as natural predators go, and they're all either supposedly extinct or pretty thin on the ground, so much of our wildlife has grown up becoming accustomed to not feeling very threatened by these species, and hence haven't developed defences against any wily predators.

And then came the bloody foxes and the bloody cats!

There are millions of them roaming the wilds of Australia. All making meals of defenceless little marsupials, reptiles and birds, and making sure that they can never proliferate - they're always declining in numbers as time goes by.

Right now there are eight Central Australian animals listed as endangered, and 11 have already become extinct.

There are several areas which have been fenced off, and hence predator free, and populated with bilbies and wallabies, and they thrive.

However, unfortunately, they're always snapped up as soon as they're released back into the wild.

A pox on all cats and foxes I reckon.

■ Running for 2800 kms between Winton in Queensland and Laverton in Western Australia is the Outback Way. Imagine if this was all bitumen what a drive across the magic of the Outback this would be.

Granted it's still a drive as it is, but a bit rough and bumpy for much of the way. For a 4WD - not a caravan.

There's always been controversy over the $500 million sealing project.

It goes through two states and the NT, seven Shires and seven towns and cities, and 13 indigenous communities along its route.

No wonder there's a problem or two.

It's slowly getting there, and will probably be another decade or so till it's up and running.

Bureaucracy always seems to clog up the works.

Another instance springs to mind.

Imagine the scenario - bunkering down on the train in Sydney for Melbourne, Adelaide and north to Port Augusta. Then to Coober

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au

This can be the ignominious end for geckos and small goannas and snakes and legless lizards, and with the calendar clicking over into Springtime, Alice Springs's brief winter of about six weeks is over, and the reptiles are all now slithering about.

And, of course, there is no season on drinking green cans - that's all year round!

■ Last week there was a road train flip-over on the Stuart Highway at the Adelaide turn-off, about 10 kms south of Alice.

With the numbers of road trains plying the highway, this is happily only a fairly rare event.

Unfortunately in this case the vehicle was full of cattle, and many escaped, running around the road.

They were rounded up by police on motorbikes, but a dozen or so were killed.

Their bodies were cleared away, but on my way down through South Australia I would always encounter a section of highway where the same thing had happened, but as it was in the middle of nowhere, the 20 or so carcasses were left to rot in the sun.

This was always a gruesome sight to behold, with their dried out carcasses spread about along the road.

And I also once came across an even more macabre sight on my way out to the Rock.

The day before, a road train had swept around the corner, to be confronted by a small herd of five camels in the middle of the road. It takes about a kilometre for a road train to stop, so that was it for the camels.

Again, not a pretty sight.

Pedy, out to the Rock, then through to Alice and on to up to Darwin.

This would rival the Orient Express and the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Did our dear bureaucratic forefathers share such a vision? No such luck.

Straight from Adelaide to Alice, missing the Rock completely. And not so long ago they could have at least included Coober Pedy, one of Australia's foremost tourist attractions. ■ Even though I lived in Alice Instead they opted to run the track Springs on and off for about 20 years, 30 kms away. Total stupidity. and had, and still have, many Aboriginal friends, and have a Walpiri ‘skin ■ My mate Justin Rutherford was name’ myself, I've always found Abrecently performing an all-too common original relationships a mystery. task he's often called upon to do.

There are tribal and family groups, Releasing a lizard that's got its head and often there is conflict between stuck in an empty beer can. them.

It's wandered along, seeking some I would often see large majestic gum liquid, and of course its head has be- trees on fire in the Todd River bed, come stuck on the sharp edges. If the indicating some sort of pay-back, where reptile is lucky, a compassionate one group was burning down the sacred passer-by will release it themselves, or site of another. usually call on Justin to perform the There were perpetual arguments and task, because it's pretty risky cutting the fights, day and night, and many brawls, aluminium away from the lizard's neck. often involving the favourite weapons "It's like sticking your head in 100° of nulla-nullas and sharpened star pickoven," Justin noted. ets.

Often I'd hear a household of about 20 people erupt in shouting matches, all night long.

Of course booze was usually involved, and that didn't help.

But the whole energy and reason behind the violence was always a mystery.

As was the recent disturbance out at Yuendumu - this came to national attention because it involved a national footballer, who apparently deemed this family squabble was more important

than his career, and threw it all, and the accompanying millions of dollars, away. To me, an unfathomable dispute, and decision..

But now, happily, all is well once again. The power of forgiveness has apparently overwhelmed everything, and ‘Mala-Mala', a ceremony healing family conflict, has been held, and they're all back to normal. The millions of bucks is still gone!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

Seven acts on two stages ■ Melbourne artistic movement koLABorAYshun presents seven acts on two stages in what is billed to be “one of the largest and most complex spoken word based shows ever mounted in Melbourne”, for the Melbourne Fringe Festival, on September 18, 19, 24, 25 at Gertrude’s Brown Couch, Fitzroy. koLABorAYshun started three years ago, when the focus was to find ways to present new, exciting work in which poets broke the box of solo work and stand-up recitation to present whole shows in company with musicians, composers, visual artists and performers in other fields, including dance and theatre.

Emphasis was always on quality, originality and the avant-garde - presenting concepts that had not been tried before. More than 14 special performances were presented in Coburg, Footscray, Northcote, Newport and the CBD, and most recently at the Newport Folk Festival.

Over the past year, koLABorAYshun has grown very quickly, with performers finding new avenues to work together. It's now said to be one of the largest artistic movements in Melbourne, involving more than 50 people, with established names advising and assisting a core team of outstanding performers, including emerging performers and others returning to the stage after periods of inactivity.

It is a principle of koLAB that performances not only present shows, but also make new art during shows, by means of extemporisation, videography and photography during performances.

In the spirit of koLABorAYshun, performers are of all ages, backgrounds, and skills, and include disabled performers.

For booking details: www.melbournefringe.com.au/fringe-festival/ show/ko-la-bor-a-yshun/ - Cheryl Threadgold

● Emerging poets, twin sisters Bronwen and Emily Manger, will perform in koLABorAYshun, opening September 18 at Gertrude’s Brown Couch, Fitzroy.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - Page 15

er N rv se IO Ob CT SE 2

Melbourne

Observer Magazine

POLLY FARMER

By Gareth Andrews courtesy of Harry Beitzel â– Polly Farmer was my hero as a kid. He was my first captain when I went to Geelong and my last coach when I left the Cats.

I was not his favourite player in either of his roles but it's fair to say I never exactly fitted his mould.

He was a perfectionist as much as I was an imperfectionist. Polly was a beautifully balanced athlete with exquisitely honed skills, whereas I was a left-sided person in a right-sided body forever struggling to marry the two. He was co-ordinated while I was gawky.

When Polly lined up for goal, the fans would mark it in the Record before he kicked; when I had a shot, they shut their eyes and hoped for the best.

Fortunately I had an innate ability to get the ball and this served me well.

In 1974 we went our separate ways; I headed to the Tigers to be part of their mighty team and Polly finished his Victorian period and returned to the West.

We would meet each other occasionally at football functions and the banter was always friendly and respectful.

Whatever we might have felt about each other, I was always able to rationalise that I had played with one of the greatest players to have played our game.

Polly was a legend even before he came to Geelong in 1962 - and when I travelled to his home in Perth last Saturday along the Graham Farmer Freeway I knew where he sat in the mind of his home town.

I had rung his wife Marlene a couple of days earlier to see whether Polly would like to come across to Geelong's team hotel and watch the boys have a light stretch on the lawns in front of the hotel - standard before the game.

I promised to look after him and, with a bit of reluctance in her voice, Marlene agreed to the plan.

Marlene has been Polly's rock over the past half a dozen years or so since dementia has crept insidiously into his life. She is a remarkable woman.

I had gone through the exercise four years earlier. Then, Marlene had driven Polly to the hotel.

He looked healthy but his mind wandered. I heard subsequently that Polly didn't leave home very often, a few laps around a local park and a visit to the shops being his usual excursion.

This time around I agreed that I would collect him and bring him home.

On my arrival, Marlene apologised but thought the outing would be beyond Polly.

Since my phone call, the big fella had slipped in the house and smashed his forehead on the tiled floor. He had spent time in hospital and when he walked into the room he had a blackened left eye and about five stitches to

â—? Polly Farmer poses for a photo with fellow Geelong Football Club legends show for it. He was much slower and Range Rover and you can watch the friend Rob, owner of the car, while I had become a man of fewer words. He boys from the car. Marlene, I prom- sat in the back seat trying to explain to was looking slightly dishevelled but at ise he won't leave the car and I prom- Rob's six-year-old who Mr Farmer 78 years of age he had a right to look ise I'll have him back in an hour.'' was. I think Ollie got the drift when like a prize fighter post-bout.

As Polly started to head to the door, we arrived at the stretching session.

He had heard Marlene lovingly pro- I knew that he had won the day. A quarI broke the first promise. When I tecting him but I had the feeling Polly ter-hour drive there and another quar- pointed to a bench outside, Polly alwasn't a party to this plan. ter of an hour back wasn't going to give most fell out of the car to get to it. He ''Poll,'' I said, ''we are taking you us much time, but we headed off. wanted to be closer to the action. to the Crowne Plaza in a lovely Polly sat in the front seat with my The boys were only metres away

and even to the youngest members of the team this ageing man with brooding eyes was instantly recognisable.

Matty Stokes was the first to break from the training drill and race over to introduce himself. It was a big day for him - playing his 150th game - made even bigger now by sharing it with this Aboriginal legend and hero of the game.

He shook his hand and plonked himself next to Polly, talking to him about stuff and not expecting anything in return.

These modern-day stars and superstars all wanted photos with Polly. A group gathered around him and Stevie Johnson was as chatty as ever.

When I asked Poll what he thought about Stevie Johnson, Polly quietly stated, ''I don't know much about him.''

Stevie was mortified, while his mates went into fits of laughter. I'm sure Stevie's 36 possessions later that night were his way of rebuilding his dented ego!

Travis Varcoe and Steven Motlop then joined Stokes just to hang out with Polly for a while.

The moment was priceless.

Varcoe, the proud wearer of the No.5 jumper which had been worn by Farmer and Gary Ablett Snr. Varcoe promised to dedicate all his goals that night to Polly and, at my suggestion, promised to kick 10. None were forthcoming but you had the feeling early in the game that something special had rubbed off from the meeting. ''Time to go, Polly,'' I said. We packed him back in the car and drove into the hotel driveway.

I said I'd get Brian Cook to come outside to say hello. I headed inside only to look behind and find Polly following me.

He was having too much fun. Cooky was halfway through a hamburger and chips and I asked Polly whether he wanted to eat. ' 'No,'' was the response, but coach Chris Scott joined us and while we were having a chat we suddenly found Poll eating all of Cooky's chips.

When these were finished he accepted Cooky's offer and proceeded to gulp down the remains of his hamburger.

Promises had been broken all around when I finally got Polly home, 40-odd minutes overtime, to find Marlene and daughter Kim beginning to mount a search party.

Polly had a wry smile. He had broken all the rules because he wanted to.

He wanted to be back with the Geelong boys.

Shaking his hand a couple of times, I left him inside and headed off. When I looked back at the house, he had come to the gate to wave.

Goosebumps. It was only then that I realised what an important part Polly had played in my football life. We have travelled different journeys but come to the same place. Our shared love of the Cats.

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

● Xavier Holland, Jasmin Bell, Rohan Mirchandaney, Caleb Geppert

Angel Tiarua visits Captain Baxter St Kilda Photos: Fiona Hamilton

● Georgie Holliday, Brodie Young and Zoe Demkiw

● Tom Doolan, Luke Wilson and Executive Chef Matt Dawson

● Natalia Webb, Dan Reilly and Dani Wales

● Eugene Loane, Samantha Downie, and Travis Whykes

● Australia’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Angel Tairau

● David van Irsel and Luke Campbell

● Tom Doolan, Angel Tairau and MJ