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■ 3AW morning host Neil Mitchell (pictured) was soundly defeated by 774 ABC’s Jon Faine in the ratings survey figures released yesterday (Tues.). An analysis of the latest figures is on Page 102.
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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013 - Page 3
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City Desk
Melbourne
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The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers
The Buzz That kiss!
ART ON SHOW Under The Clocks ‘Straight’ by Red Stitch Theatre
● Adam Ward ■ Mockingbird Theatre presents Kiss Of The Spider Woman for 10 performances from September 6-15 at the Owl and the Pussycat in Richmond. Written by Argentine writer Manual Piug, adapted from his best-selling novel of the same name, Kiss Of The Spider Woman is also the subject of an Academy Award-winning film starring William Hurt and Raul Julia and a hit Broadway musical. Directed by Mockingbird Theatre Artistic Director Chris Baldock and starring Adam Ward and Angelo De Cata, Kiss Of The Spiderwoman is a sharply provocative tale of love, victimisation and fantasy, and the friendship that develops between two strikingly different men. In a polarised political climate, Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Molina, a homosexual, is found guilty of immoral behaviour, while Valentin is an urban guerrilla arrested for his revolutionary activities. Against a backdrop of loneliness and betrayal, Molina spins a tale of deception, intrigue and fantasy. The unlikely cell mates form an equally unlikely friendship based on their mutual support for each other. Director and Company Artistic Director Chris Baldock says this is a phenomenal play for two actors – the right actors – to immerse themselves. “I have the great privilege to be working with two brilliant and brave actors who are relishing the challenge of bringing these two brilliantly conceived characters to life.” Season: September 6, 7, 10 – 14 at 8pm, September 8, 15 at 5pm and September 7 at 2pm Venue: The Owl and the Pussycat, 34 Swan St, Richmond (opposite Richmond station) Tickets: $30 Full, $25 Concession and Groups of 10 or more (plus booking fee). $20 all tix on Tuesday, September 10. Bookings: www.trybooking. com/Booking/BookingEvent Summary.aspx?eid=40831 Facebook: www.facebook. com/MockingbirdTheatre www.mockingbirdtheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
● Mark Schneider (left) with up and coming artists Zak, Aaron and Rylee, prepare for the LifeScope Inc. art exhibition in Frankston, on September 7-8. ■ This year’s LifeScope Inc. Annual Art Exhibition will be held on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8, from 10am-4 pm in Building A at the Frankston Primary School. A sausage sizzle will be held, with drinks and ice-cream available. Admission is free on these dates, while opening night on Friday, September 6 between 6.30pm and 10.30pm, includes beer, wine and appetisers at a cost of $30 per head. This annual art exhibition is open to the public and exhibits works from local and interstate artists. It is also run as a project in some local schools to help at risk young people engage in a ‘special project’ where they have the opportunity to create a painting, photo or illustration that expresses how they feel, or how they get through difficult times. Expression through art can help a young person identify their strengths and hurdles and build self-esteem by seeing their work displayed in an exhibition. Director of LifeScope Inc., Mark Schneider, says the organisation was established in 2009 and supports people to achieve their career, educational and personal goals. “We achieve this through creative and interactive projects,” he says. Past creative projects have included pinball machine kits, pencil box kits, small wooden kit projects, billy carts and art exhibitions, and the projects are utilised by schools, youth organisations and individuals. Dates of Exhibition (free entry): September 7, 8 from 10am-4pm Venue: Building A, Frankston Primary School, 40 Davey St, Frankston. Exhibition opening: Friday, September 6, 6.30-10.30pm. $30 per head includes wine, beer and appetisers. Book to attend opening: www.tickets.myfocus.net.au General enquiries: 9018 7271 www.lifescope.info - Cheryl Threadgold The ‘Molly’ Award is soon to be awarded by the Marque Enter★Alliance tainment Luncheon Group at Toorak. Française de Melbourne is holding an open day from 10am★2pm on Saturday, September 14 Hurstbridge Family Literacy Festival and Elthem Bookshop are ★ presenting storyteller Melva Ouliaris at 2pm on Sunday (Aug. 26) at the Hurstbridge Primary School library , Main Rd, Hurstbridge. Melva
● Chrissy O’Neill (left), Rosie Lockhart, Ryan Gibson and Ben Prendergast in Red Stitch Theatre’s Straight, opening on August 30. Photo: Sarah Walker ■ Red Stitch Theatre presents the Australian premiere of D. C. Moore’s Straight from August 30 to September 28 at the company theatre in rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda. Directed by Dean Bryant, you will never look at your best friend in the same way again after seeing this outrageous romp that probes into the lives of a late 20-something couple who are determined to prove that their relationship has become anything but stuffy and predictable. Based on Lynn Shelton’s 2009 feature film Humpday, Straight is a play filled with sensitivity about the murky boundaries of physical and emotional intimacy, looking at friendship, sex and the places in between. Straight features Red Stitch ensemble actors Ben Prendergast, Rosie Lockhart and Chrissy O’Neill, with guest actor Ryan Gibson. Performance Season: August 30 – September 28 Venue: Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2, Chapel St, St Kilda. Bookings: www.redstitch.net - Cheryl Threadgold
‘Pot Of Gold’ staged by Track Theatre
was raised in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Melbourne Moments Amazing 80s ■ Channel 9 has a special show at 8.30pm on Monday (Aug. 26) about The Amazing 80s. The series features over 60 interviews with prominent 1980s figures and commentators, including Malcolm Fraser, America’s Cup-winning skipper John Bertrand, Paul Hogan, Gold Logie winners Rowena Wallace (‘Pat the Rat’), Bert Newton and Ray Martin, Lisa Wilkinson, Richard Wilkins and Derryn Hinch. Plus international stars like Jane Fonda, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Joan Collins.
● Rowena Wallace
● Stella Silversteun (Fiertune Teller) and Hannah Brown and Pete Simao (Village Girls) in Pot Of Gold. More details on Page 7 of this edition. Photo: Steve Redfern.
PHOTO: IKON IMAGES
Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Mark Richardson ♥Straight from the heart
E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au
A SMOOTH WAY TO LISTEN
■ It's no secret to my family, friends and many of my social media connections, I enjoy writing my columns while listening and singing along to the songs played on Melbourne's smoothfm 91.5. Within an hour of typing a column, I may have enjoyed a great mix of artists ranging from John Farnham, Eric Carmen, Eva Cassidy (interrupted by a phone call), Savage Garden, Bette Midler, (Backspace - Delete) Alicia Keys, Neil Diamond and been introduced to rising musicians such as Brisbane band - Sheppard. Yes, I'm relaxed (Full-Stop). When I discovered smoothfm in 2012, I immediately felt a positive energy within my writing space. I welcomed my new 'on-air' friends to work beside me, believing their songs were not a regurgitated CD shuffle, but well thought out and delivered straight from their presenters' hearts - that indeed marries with the very mission of my column. With more than 20 years' radio experience as an on-air announcer, an extensive career in programming, promotions and marketing with various major city and regional radio stations around Australia, Mike Perso now
Relaxing Porch Thoughts
graces smoothfm's More Music Breakfast Show as weekday host (6am to 9am). Mike explained how the station has found its niche with its original format by resonating with people (like me) who simply want to relax with great music. Over the years, you have enjoyed success in radio and you've also been involved in programs that haven't quite worked out. Why is smoothfm different from any other program you've been involved with? We've found that we have made a little space of our own with our audience. I once worked with an
American Consultant - Allan Burns who gave me some really good advice. He said, “It's good to do better, but it's better to be different.” We have embraced that philosophy here at smooth. If you have faith in an idea that's original, and you can go out and create an identity, or your own little patch, then you'll probably do better. Melburnians have responded positively to this. What makes smoothfm's formula different from any other FM program currently on offer? The key thing is that it's all about music; and it's certainly the core product of what we do. It's all about relaxing. If you listen to my show in the morning, as opposed to pretty much any other show on FM (and certainly most radio stations, generally), they have talk topics to prompt a response - 'tell us what outraged you this morning?' We have taken the completely opposite point-of-view. We just try and give people a place to relax and chill-out. We are an 'audio oasis'. Who else tunes into smoothfm? It's funny, last year we popped up in an article in The Age which was
Smooth Porch Thoughts
● Ty Frost - (smoothfm 91.5 and smooth 95.3 'Mornings') 'I'm always in a better mood at the end of my shift. I get to listen to the most amazing music that's easy to relax to, along with the thrill of changing somebody's life with the 'smooth stars jackpot'. I find myself smiling a lot. Thanks for listening.'
● Cathy Dinn (smoothfm 91.5 'Drive') 'There is no more perfect companion than music. It's a friend; a keeper of secret feelings; an expression of love. Your whole day can be turned around with music. It can instantly transport you to times past, swelling your heart with memories. You may be sitting alone on your porch, but your imagination is miles away, comforted in the embrace of music.'
● Simon Diaz - (smoothfm 91.5 and smooth 95.3 'Afternoons') 'My Porch Thought is more of an 'under my carport thought', because sitting under my carport is my guilty pleasure: a 1963 EJ Holden wagon. It's seen most of Australia and listened to a lot of music in the past 50 years, and I guess that's why I love working at smooth. '
● Mike Perso Passion! All of our presenters are turned to their car and immediately switched on smoothfm to come down true believers. I don't want to sound like we're a cult, but they are all pasfrom the rush. There are a lot of guys who listen sionate about music and committed to to us while working on building sites; the idea of creating a new - and, most we are heard in medical waiting importantly - a different radio station rooms, offices, homes and taxis. Gen- for Melbourne. Our presenters are erally, people who tune in, really just either accomplished musicians or exwant to relax with great music. They cellent communicators, who all conknow what they want, and what they nect with our audiences. What is one thing about are going to get. Apart from the weekday smoothfm, that is perhaps not smooth presenters including common knowledge? Our smooth jingle was recorded yourself, Ty Frost, Cathy Dinn and Simon Diaz, smoothfm has in the Abbey Road studios in Lonattracted big industry names to don. What is your smooth Porch the microphone as regular presenters; such as Richard Wilkins, Thought For The Day? Lionel Richie, Ronan Keating, Don't waste it. Don't waste time. Don't David Campbell, Michael Bublé waste your life. Grab opportunities (to name a few), and Kate when they come up, and look for new Ceberano has joined the team. opportunities when you don't see one Why does smoothfm appeal to in front of your face. Just have a red hot go. them?
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013 - Page 5
Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
MARKETING FEATURE
MARYBOROUGH
Victoria’s best kept secret
Your ultimate Central Goldfields destination
■ Situated in the middle of the golden triangle, just two hours north of Melbourne, and one hour from Bendigo and Ballarat. Maryborough is ideally located for your complete goldfields getaway. This area is steep in history and places of interest for the whole family. From museums, culture, fantastic shopping, walking tracks, cycling, dining, gold detecting to amazing drives, with probably one of the most fantastic streetscapes anyone would wish to see. Maryborough is ideally sized for central parking and most town attractions are in walking distance. The surrounding district has plenty of interest, also being amid a rich wine belt with history and attractions galore. SHOPPING Maryborough has a huge range of very diverse and general shops. One area which is unique is the Nolan Street sector, just two blocks south of the High Street roundabout. It houses Mario's Second Hand Store, Amaroo Antiques, Butterfly Boutique, Renee's Cafe and Wear J'a Get That. This area is one very entertaining part which stands apart from the rest. At 115 High street is Your Mantra for everything from jewellery to healing. Coiltek Gold Centre is you complete one-stop gold detection shop, Always happy to help out. NEW AGE Maryborough has several outlets from jewellery to yoga, one which stands alone is Your Mantra with Lachie and Emmajean. They have everything from jewellery to chakra balancing and psychic readings. Located at 115 High Street Maryborough. ANTIQUES AND ART DECO There are many outlets in the district, which is believe to be the best prices in Victoria. Wear J'a Get That and Amaroo Antiques in the Nolan Street sector and Maryborough Flour Mill Gallery at 38 Albert Street are three that are of huge interest. Well worth a look and you will find many more in the district. DINING AND ACCOMMODATION There are many cafés and restaurants in the area, in Nolan Street Renee's Café is certainly one to look out for. She offers very unique and tasty dishes. You will find her in the Nolan Street Bazaar. There are many motels, B&Bs and farm and winery stays in the district. Romantic Vineyard Accommodation is a very popular destination. Please book early.
CRAFT There are many local craft outlets in the district, the heart of the country, craft and hand made. Butterfly Boutique in the Nolan Street sector is certainly worth a visit. ATTRACTIONS Throughout the whole district, there are a huge number of museums, displays and places of interest - too many to mention. But four which come to mind, which are Australian leaders. The Lee Medlyn Bottle Museum in Clunes, just 20 minutes drive south of Maryborough on the Ballarat road. Australia's premier bottle display. The Maryborough Flour Mill Gallery which we believe has the largest sewing machine museum in the southern hemisphere is located at 38 Albert Street, Maryborough, at the bottom of Nolan Street. Allow plenty of time to visit these. Coiltek Gold Centre is your complete gold seeking mecca, from tours to repairs to detectors. Coiltek is highly respected in this industry. The Maryborough Railway Station is a must for any tourist. ★★★ There is much, much more to do and see, contact your Visitor Information Centre should you need any more information or give one of us a call. For the weekends of September 14 and 15, and November 23 and 24, more traders will be open until 4pm.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013 - Page 7
Showbiz News
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
LOVE STORY WITH GEISHA Observer REVEALED IN G&S SHOW In This 116-Page Edition
Mark Richardson” Smooth 91.5 .................. Page 4 Ash Long: The Melbourne Observer .............. Page 8 André Haermeyer: Federal Election watch .... Page 9 Di Rolle: I love my job ............................... Page 10 Melb. Conifdential: The Rumour Mill ........... Page 11 Gavin Wood: Live from West Hollywood ....... Page 13 Long Shots: The Editor’s column ............... Page 14 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and Style ............... Page 15 Kevin Trask: Whatever Happened To ........... Page 16 Victor Hugo: Les Miserables serial .............. Page 17 David Ellis: Travel and wine ....................... Page 95 Night Maybe review Latest radio ratings The Spoiler Top 10 Lists
Pot Of Gold in Kew
Observer Showbiz
● Catherine Adey as O Mimosa San in The Geisha, opening on September 17. ■ The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria is presenting the musical comedy The Geisha, on September 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 at 8pm and September 21 at 2pm at Malvern Theatre, 29A Burke Rd, East Malvern, Once upon a time, well before Puccini’s Madam Butterfly, a sailor travelled to Japan and fell in love with a Geisha – but this time it’s a comedy. Despite having a fiancée (Molly) back home in England, Lieutenant Fairfax falls in love with O Mimoso San, who works at a Japanese Tea House run by Wun-Hi. However, the local official, The Marquis Imari, is also in love with O Mimosa San, while French girl Juliette, schemes for Imari’s affection. Just wait until Molly hears about her fiance’s behaviour. First performed at Daly’s Theatre, London in 1896, The Geisha ran even longer than The Mikado, gaining an international following. This new, fully staged performance has been conceived, devised and choreographed by Robert Ray, with musical direction by John Ferguson. Music is by Sidney Jones, lyrics by Harry Greenbank and libretto by Owen Hall. Principal performers include Catherine Adey (O Mimosa San), Kent Martin (Lt. Reginald Fairfax), Ron Pidcock (Wun-Hi) and Andrew McGrail (The Marquis Imari), with a strong supporting cast. Season: September 17 – 21 Venue: 29A Burke Rd, East Malvern Tickets: $25 Full price, $22 Concession or Groups 20+, $18 Children under 12. Bookings: 9905 1111 (weekdays 9.30am4.30pm) - Cheryl Threadgold ● Meet two leprechauns from Track Youth Theatre’s production of Pot of Gold: Maeve Healy (15) and Annabel Sharp (4). ■ Track Youth Theatre’s latest production A whimsical Irish-Australian story with is Pot of Gold, being presented on August 23 catchy songs, lively dancing and colourful cosand 24 at the Renaissance Theatre, Kew. tumes, performed by youngsters aged 9 to 15. The action takes place in Ballygael, a vilTrack Youth Theatre is a not-for-profit lage in Ireland in the mid-19th century. organisation supported by parents and volunThree lads, wanting to marry their sweet- teers. It has been running continuously in hearts but lacking the funds, rescue a leprechaun Boroondara since 1980. who ‘magics’ them to the Australian goldPerformance dates and times: Friday, fields. August 23 at 7.30pm and Saturday, August 24 Everything goes wrong and they find them- at 2pm and 7.30pm selves in jail. However the leprechaun appears Venue: Renaissance Theatre, 826 High St., and whisks them home again. East Kew (Kew High School) Alas, their sweethearts have married other Tickets at the door only, Prices $15 and $10 boys, thinking our heroes were dead. How will conc. Enquiries: 9818 3811 or 9818 5612. this story end up happy ever after? - Cheryl Threadgold
Observer Showbiz
STARTS PAGE 101
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
Jail for Nhill man ■ Steven John Whitehead, 33, of Nhill, has been sentenced to a non-parole period of 12 months in jail after repeatedly bashing his de facto partner’s seven-year-old son. The appeal was heard by the County Court at Horsham.
Guns stolen at Colac ■ Thieves have stolen 10 guns from a Colac district property in a daring daylight burglary.
Bashing at Lancefield ■ Lyndon Lee Thompson, 22, of Lancefield, who bashed a man unconscious, has narrowly avoided jail, reports the Bendigo Advertiser. He assaulted the 26-year-old man outside the Lancefield Hotel because his hair was pulled. Thompson will serve 250 hours of community work as part of a community corrections order.
‘Little Chicago’ in B’rat ■ Ballarat jeweller Bill Allan asks if his town has become ‘Little Chicago’ after his store was burgled twice this week, reports the Ballarat Courier.
Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Partly cloudy. 7°-14° Thurs. Chance of rain. 5°-13° Fri. Chance of rain. 8°-14° Sat. Partly cloudy. 7°-17° Sun. Partly cloudy. 9°-18° Mon. Chance of rain. 9°-19° Tues. Partly cloudy. 8°-18°
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5 THE TOP 5 SUGGESTED CAMPAIGN SLOGANS FOR PETER SLIPPER 5. "Don't leave home without it, and come back with it.” 4. "When only the best will do - and isn't that all the time.” 3. "Life's Good.” 2. "When you're on a good thing … stick to it.” 1. "You've bought me a Jeep.”
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
‘Chookas’ to theatre co.
Dougie ‘arsks’ for your vote
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Ash
The Belmont-based business consultant was a TV reporter for Channels 7 and 9, and was seen on the ABC on The Investigators, Holiday and The 7.30 Report. Sarah was an afternoon show presenter at 3AW in the 1990s.
rver e s b O e n r u o lb e M The
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 ● Christie Whelan-Browne ■ Every best wish to The Production Company which has its opening night of Singin’ In The Rain tonight (Wed.) at the State Theatre, Arts Centre. Amongst the cast are Christie WhelanBrowne, her husband Rohan Browne, Alinta Chidzey and Matt Lee. Christie and Rohan are seriously in love. Christie wrote at the weekend: “As an actor, you don't always get the chance to play your dream roles and show everyone what you can do. But getting to watch my husband play a dream role, get to show everyone the skills he has honed over 20 years of training and work, deliver a beautiful performance and shine as brightly as a star - it has made me want to cry so many times with joy. “And to watch a company surround and support him so beautifully- I feel so pleased to have been in the room and witness it. Singing In The Rain - what a special treat that I will always cherish ... and it hasn't even started yet.”
● Doug Hawkins ■ To paraphrase Nick Theodossi’s radio ad for prestige cars: “Everyone deserves to be taken seriously at least once in their lifetime.” Hell, I once studied Economics at the University of Melbourne for three years. (Admittedly, I studied Ecomonics 101 for three years in a row.) But it came to pass on Friday that Footy Show clown Doug Hawkins nominated for the Australian Senate, standing alongside boxer Barry Michael as representatives of the Palmer United Party.
Adam’s feel for massage
● Clive Palmer ■ The Palmer United Party is being put together by businessman Clive Palmer, also known for his plans to build Titanic II in China, which he intends to launch in 2016. Clive Palmer is the son of George F Palmer, late of Balwyn and Williamstown, founder of 3AK. Clive is just two years younger than me. Clive owns lots of things with the name Palmer: Palmer Coolum Resort, Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course, Palmer Golf Coast Golf Course, etc, etc. Forbes magazine lists his wealth, mainly through Mineralogy, at $795 million.
● Adam Koops ■ Adam Koops has been awarded a Vision Australia bursary. Adam , 28, of Boronia, is learning there is more to massage than he ever imagined. "I am learning anatomy and physiology as well as the more practical skills", he said, "I am really enjoying it," he said. Adam, has Familial Exudative Vitreorethinopathy, a genetic eye disorder affecting the growth and development of the retina, and commenced his Certificate IV in massage in Box Hill TAFE earlier this year.
Clive-alive-o weighs in
■ Barry Michael is a former world champion boxer, claiming the IBF super featherweight championship in the mid-1980s after a legendary 15-round battle with Lester Ellis. Perhaps it a western surburbs link between the boys. Clive had some years at Willy; Dougie lived in Braybrook, and Barry too was labelled as a Westie (he was born in England). \ Now they all want Canberra addresses, with a sudden interest in politics. To quote the newly popularised phrase: “Who knew?”
Ferguson says his political platform is simple: “No promises. No policies. Just feelings.” Tim grew up with the nickname of ‘Donkey Boy’. He has always found great amusement (as has Derryn Hinch) in changing my name to ‘Shlong’. If you don’t know what it means, Google it.
Lyn joins the list of 107 ● Tim Ferguson
Media folk chase your vote
Barry seeks knockout blow
● Lyn Gunter ■ There were some familiar names when the list of 107 Victoran candidates for the Senate was announced on Friday. Lyn Gunter, the brave woman who led the Black Saturday bushfire community after the 2009 disaster, has thrown her hat into the wing. I first met Lyn when she was the only woman on the Yea (later Murrindindi) Shire Council back in 1986. I was Editor of the local paper, The Yea Chronicle, for 10 years. At one early-day Council lunch, Lyn made her conservative colleagues almost choke on their free municipal lunches when she announced “I am not a virgin, but I have still got the box it came in.” Lyn and husband Brenton have lived in Flowerdale for 31 years. They have four children and 12 grand children. They are good people.
■ The old Canberra political warhorse, Alan Reid, had some wonderful advice for young media players fascinated by Federal politics: “Never get in the cage.” To the peril, many ignore the advice of the ‘Red Fox’ who worked the Federal Press Gallery from from 1937 to 1985. (I was Publisher of The Canberra Weekly in 1994.) Victorian media and showbiz names of the Senate nomination list include film editor and producer Clifford Hayes (Stable Population Party); comedian Trent McCarthy (Greens); editor Penny Palman (Palmer United Party); publisher Julian Assange (Wikileaks Party); writer Leslie Cannold (Wikileaks Party); TV producer Simon Christie (Stop The Greens); internet publisher Greg Chipp (Drug Law Reform); radio producer Steve Phillips (Bullet Train for Australia) author Vickie Jason (Australian Christians); and journalist Patrick O’Connor (Socialist Equality Party).
Tim throws in his hat
● Barry Michael
■ Comedian and author Tim Ferguson is throwing his hat into the Senate nomination ring: “You know things are bad when my campaign is being taken seriously. Smarten up, Canberra!”
● Julian Assange
Stephen out for the count ● Sarah Henderson
Raskovy joins with Katter
● Cr Stephen Mayne ■ Melbourne City’s Cr Stephen Mayne has done everyone a favour by not standing for this year’s Federal Election. Mayne explained on Twitter on nomination day (Thurs.): “Failed to nominate for Federal election before midday deadline. First state or Fed election have missed since Latham landslide of 2004.” We reckon Stephen’s vote tally will be about the same, whether his name is on the ballot paper or not.
Sarah wants Corangamite ■ Amongst the Victorian media people seeking election on September 7 is Sarah Henderson, who is representing the Liberals for the seat of Coragamite.
● Steve Raskovy ■ This time it is Katter’s Australia Party that has the honour of serial candidate Steve Raskovy standing for Deakin. Steve, 76 this year, has previously stood for State and Federal elections, as well as Council polls. Raskovy stood for the One Nation Party in 2009, and previously for nine political parties including the Liberal Party, ALP, Democrats, Family First, People Power, Australians Against Further Immigration and the Aged and Disability Pensioners Party.
Golden anniversary
● Judy and Colin McNamara celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Photo: Ray McNamara ■ Narre Warren couple Judy and Colin McNamara celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the weekend with a beautiful dinner for 23 guests at Clover Cottage, Berwick. Judy and Colin were married in 1963 at the Springvale Methodist Church. Now, 50 years later, they were thrilled to receive congratulatory letters from the GovernorGeneral of Australia, Quentin Bryce; the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd; the Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov; and the Premier, Dr Denis Napthine. Included among guests at the celebration were Judy and Colin’s children, Stacey and Raymond, Judy’s mother, Mrs Robins, and almost every member of the original bridal party. - with Cheryl Threadgold
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013 - Page 9
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
People
GARDEN PARTY TO BE STAGED
André Haermeyer
Steel Magnolias
Briefs Shooting
● Olivia Newton-John ■ A man has reportedly shot himself dead at Olivia NewtonJohn's Florida home. Police confirmed that a man's body was found at the the $5.6 million house on Monday. The man is not related to the homeowners and does not live there - he did however have permission to be at the home. Olivia and her husband, John Easterling, 61, were out of town at the time of the shooting, officials said. The identity of the man has not been released. Officials say it appears to be a suicide
Winner ■ The Ken Moore trained Gottino has capped off a stellar racing season by being named the 2012-13 Victorian Country Racehorse of the Year at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre South Wharf. The 6YO by Johar (USA) from Dopff (NZ) had an incredible 13 starts in Victorian country races during the 2012-13 season.
● Elena McShane (CEO Euroa Health), Jim Shovelton (Chairman, Euroa Health), Bill Sykes MP, and owners of Seven Creeks Estate, Rachael and Ross Carrington, at last year’s fund-raising Garden Party . ■ Seven Creeks Estate, Euroa, will hold its annual fund-raising Garden Party from 10am-4pm on Sunday, October 20. Seven Creeks Estate owners Rachael and Ross Carrington will open their property to the public once again to host this major fundraiser for Euroa Health Services. This is an opportunity to visit the 12 acres of historical and National Trust recorded gardens at Seven Creeks Estate, first settled in the 1830s, 14km from Euroa. The gala day will include live music, entertainment, food, coffee, wine and plant stalls and more. Entry by donation: $10 adult, $5 concession, $30 per car at the Estate gates. Location: Seven Creeks Estate, Seven Creeks Estate Road, Euroa. Enquiries: 57903256, or email carrington.ross@ gmail.com - Cheryl Threadgold
André Haermeyer is the Observer’s guest commentator for the 2013 Federal Election. André is the former Commissioner to Europe for the State of Victoria, and is a former Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for Manufacturing and Export, Minister for Small Business and Minister for Financial Services ● Ebony Beaton (Annelle) and Errin Hewlett (M'Lynn) in Steel Magnolias, being presented in Macedon from August 23-September 14. ■ The Mount Players present Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St, Macedon, from August 23-September 14. Directed by Natasha Boyd, Steel Magnolias is a comedy set in the world of Truvy’s Southern Louisiana home beauty salon. Here, six very different women come together to share their secrets, fears, loves and laughs with one another. At the heart of the story is M’Lynn and her vibrant but diabetic daughter, Shelby, who we see get married and, against doctors’ advice, become pregnant. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 1300 463 224 or www.themountplayers.com
SMYRK TOURS VICTORIA
■ Anna Smyrk and the Appetites will be performing in various Victorian venues over the coming weeks, as part of their 2013 Australian tour. Anna received funding this year from Arts Victoria to record her debut album with the theme of the End Of The World As We Know It. Scheduled for release in 2014, the album is said to be shaping to be a “whirlwind of destruction, revelation and seeing the world anew”. The eccentric sound of Anna Smyrk and the Appetites uses meticulously crafted lyrics to draw from the great storytellers of the folk tradition, while the arrangements are layered with blues, jazz and pop flavours. The band first received critical ac-
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● Anna Smyrk
claim in 2009, winning the Queenscliff Music Festival Footin-the-Door competition. In 2012, the band released their debut EP titled Belly Of Winter, which explores the theme of cosiness and bitterness that winter can bring. A tour followed. Anna and the Appetites began to make connection with audiences everywhere. Anna Smyrk and the Appetites can be seen at the following venues: August 30: The Loft, 6/58 Liebig St, Warrnambool. August 31: Martian’s Café, 12 Lorne Rd, Deans Marsh. September 14: Grace Darling Hotel, 114 Smith St, Collingwood.- - Cheryl Threadgold
Racing radio ■ DMG Radio Australia has partnered for the third year with the Victoria Racing Club to support the 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival with an increased presence across the Nova Network, Smooth 91.5 and DMG Radio’s digital platforms. The partnership was announced on Monday in Nova 100’s Hughesy & Kate breakfast show, Smooth 91.5’s More Music Breakfast show with Mike Perso and on DMG Radio’s online sites. DMG Radio’s activity will promote the four days of the world renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival.
■ Both major parties have declared the economy is the major issue at the forthcoming election. Contrary to popular perception, if one looks at Australia's economic fundamentals, it is generally a rosy picture. Despite the recent increase in Australia's debt projections, Australia has the third lowest level of public debt (that is government debt) as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product - or our national income) of any of the OECD developed economies. Debt is not necessarily bad, as long as your income allows you comfortably able to pay for it. It allows you to pay for infrastructure, like roads, ports, the National Broadband Network etc, that will enhance the economy's competitiveness and capacity for future growth. If Australia's debt were that bad, a global credit rating agencies would not write Australia as one out of only 11 economies in the world that have a AAA rating from all three ratings agencies. Similarly, Australia's economic growth, although lower than at the peak of the mining boom, is still the ninth highest of the OECD economies. Australia and Poland are the only two OECD economies that did not experience one single quarter of negative economic growth during the recent Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Moreover, three weeks ago, Australia recorded its 22nd consecutive year of economic growth. No other developed economy has a comparable record of consistent economic growth. Yet, from news bulletins in Australia, one would be excused for believing Australia is in a state of advanced economic decay. People from European, North American and many other countries look at us with envy, and find it difficult to understand what they see as a form of acute economic hypochondria. So why, does a country whose economy is the envy of almost every other developed country, looks set, if the latest polls are to be believed, to throw out its government? The political reality is that it is about perception rather than actuality. People see the cost of living going up. They do not see this as part of a global phenomenon occurring in every almost other country. Australians see government debt rising. The fact that much of that debt was the product of investment in stimulus programs that kept us out of recession, whilst most other economies were severely hit by the GFC, is now long forgotten, as memory of the GFC fades into history. They see our economic growth rate slowing. But it is still growing, and we have not gone backwards in 22 years. That it is slowing is reflective of the fact that the mining boom is past its peak. It was never going to last forever. It is an indictment on those governments that had us believe it would and failed to use the wealth created by the mining boom to build and strengthen our competitiveness in sectors other than mining resources. I have spent most of the last five years living in Europe, I know that people in other countries, whether they be senior business executives, government officials or just ordinary citizens, look at us with the level of disbelief. They would give their eye teeth to the type of economic fundamentals that we enjoy. The economy is the most important issue, and we must have a genuine debate about it. ● Turn To Page 14
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
To
Di For
I love my job! with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
■ I as really interested to hear that Ireland’s Clannad (pictured below) will return to Australia for the first time in 18 years for shows in October and November. The Irish family group are touring to mark their 40th anniversary, Bono calls singer Moya Brennan “one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced”. The popular group responsible for such timeless music as Theme From Harry’s Game. In A Lifetime. I Will Find You and the soundtrack to the Robin Of Sherwood TV series, make a long awaited return to Australia. Clannad formed in Donegal, in north-west Ireland in 1970 with siblings Moya, Pol and Ciaran Brennan and their twin uncles Padraig and Noel Duggan. Their first album Clannad was released in 1970. Clannad were nominated for Grammy Awards in 1993 and 1996, and won a Grammy in 1998 for the studio album, Landmarks. I think Melbourne households all have a Clannad album hidden away somewhere among record collections. Ethereal and otherworldly, Clannad makes music to be transported by haunting ballads and virtuosic musicianship that conures a captivating echo of Ireland past. To mark the 40th anniversary Clannad will release Nadur , their first album since Landmarks 15 years ago. After more than four decades, 18m albums, 15 million record sales and a slew of industry awards to their name, Clannad finally returns to Australia with this new tour and CD. Tickets for the 2013 Australian tour are on sale now – Saturday October 26 at Hamer Hall. Book at Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 182 183 www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or Ticketmaster 136 100 www.ticketmaster.com.au Promoted in association with The Melbourne International Arts Festival and The Arts Centre, Melbourne and Adrian Bohm. Framed by Moya Brennan’s heavenly voice, their music carries the listener across the oceans and aeons to a time when a proud culture was born. I promise you this will be a wonderful concert.
BORIS SPEAKS AT FESTIVAL
● Gerard Whateley and Mark ‘Robbo’ Robinson
I didn’t know my own name ■ When I went to Bali I made sure I took every caution. It was my first trip and everyone who had been was telling me to make sure that I made sure I didn’t fall ill to some strange disease or get intoxicated on something other than the frangipanis. I did it meticulously. I avoided any possible mosquito-borne illness, made sure I wasn’t open to Japanese encephalitis and filariasis, which apparently are present in rural areas, I was very much in rural areas and had planned just in case! I was forewarned that there is no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue fever, so I made sure I was on the alert for that. There was no patting of dogs, I had no insect bites, and I didn’t pat the monkeys for fear of rabies, I was forewarned also that water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including cholera, hepatitis, measles, typhoid, and tuberculosis are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.) I was well prepared; nothing was going to get me. I kept away from the drink arak and stuck to spirits as I had been advised to, wine was far too expensive and besides cocktails really are the drinks to have in Bali. Of course each morning there was the wonderful Bali coffee or ginger tea. I was warned that poisoning from alcoholic drinks containing methanol was prevalent, so I had that under control. I watched the traffic so I didn’t get run over. I only drank a minimal amount of Banteng beer (a good drop I have to say and so cooling). I wore a money belt. I did everything I was told to do to make sure I was safe and healthy, despite my fall on Petitenget Road. I have to say the Balinese guys on their bikes made sure they didn’t hit me, and I appreciated the lovely restaurant owner who came to my aid and put Betadine on my knees and feet injuries. It was not very attractive, but just what I needed. So all went perfectly and I didn’t get any strange diseases, just a great suntan and sore knee from my fall. A ll these fear-based stories I had heard, nothing came to fruition. It was sheer bliss from beginning to end. Until I arrived back in Melbourne. Within days I was hit with the strangest virus I have ever had, sweating, headaches, sore eyes, sore legs, sore back, fever, sore throat, delirious, and no sleep, thirsty and weird all round. I had no energy and no concentration. I forgot my name, my surroundings and went to the supermarket and bought groceries I never eat – I felt like I was walking around in a huge cotton ball for days, even the tan faded. I was promptly informed – oh that’s a virus, everyone has it! What is the virus that is going around and everyone seems to have it? It appears it doesn’t have a name! It felt like malaria, dengue fever and measles, all in one! In Bali I was the tip top of health, laughing and having the best time, and in Melbourne I come back get hit with this weird virus! Thank goodness for my sense of humour. ★ I didn’t mention the water in Bali. There are signs everywhere saying not to drink the water, which was easy, well managed and was not a problem at all. I didn’t boil drinking water. There is bottled water everywhere, and I didn’t avoid any ice cubes and survived. However I do have to say we have the most wonderful drinking water in Melbourne, we are so fortunate. So lucky. We are lucky and blessed for so many reasons in this great city of ours. I do laugh when I look back at the precautions taken and then come home to an unnamed virus!
■ Melbourne Writers Festival Director Lisa Dempster has combined a political and literary coup to bring Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and distinguished writer and thinker. to Australia for two exclusive Festival events. What a colourful character and a great speaker he is. He loves London. “This year the Melbourne Writers Festival is celebrating the ability of stories to inspire, transform, and delight,” Lisa said. “Boris Johnson has a lifelong passion for literature and belief in the power of words, and I’m excited to be able to introduce a writer and leader of his stature to the readers and thinkers in this, our City of Literature. “Boris Johnson is a remarkable orator, and I am certain his festival appearances will entertain and inspire in equal measure”, Lisa said. Best known as the colourful and charismatic Mayor of London, Boris Johnson is an irrepressible intellect, scholar and historian. Outside of politics, Johnson, a journalist and former editor of The Spectator, has published several biographies, works of fiction and produced a TV series. Considered one of the world’s most interesting and provocative thinkers, Boris Johnson’s wit and wisdom have earned him a reputation as admirable as it is controversial. Tomorrow (Thurs., Aug. 22), Johnson will deliver the Opening Night Keynote Address of the Melbourne Writers Festival where he will discuss his literary influences, the craft of writing, and his belief in the power of literature to transform, inspire and delight. On Friday, I am looking forward to attending. when one of Australia’s sharpest political commentators Annabel Crabb will explore Johnson’s journey from scholar to journalist to political icon, in an intimate event, An Audience with Boris Johnson, at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Tickets for these two exclusive events are on sale with the full festival program now. Guaranteed to sell out, the sessions provide a unique opportunity for Melbourne audiences to delve into the creative mind of an irrepressible character in contemporary world politics. His background is most interesting and I have always found him a most interesting formidable character. Born in New York, Johnson was educated in Brussels and at Eton, before reading Classics at Oxford, where he served time as President of the Oxford Union. After graduation he lasted a week as a management consultant and then joined The Times as trainee reporter. He went on to write for the Wolverhampton Express and Star, and joined The Daily Telegraph in 1987 as a feature writer. He began his career with The Spectator in 1994, becoming the Editor in 1999, a position that he held for six years. Not afraid to speak his mind, as a Conservative MP, Johnson held shadow posts in the Arts and Higher Education before leaving federal politics in 2008 to become the Mayor of London. Under his watch, crime has fallen, London has seen record investment in transport, and ex-
AFL 360
● Boris Johnson celled on the international stage as the hosts of the hugely successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Johnson was duly re-elected for a second four-year term as Mayor in 2012. I look forward to hearing him speak. He is the sort of person who loves his job and gets a great deal out of the role he is in. Event details. Opening Keynote speech. Thursday, August 22. 6.30pm-8pm Melbourne Town Hall; An Audience with Boris Johnso. Friday, August 23. 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Sofitel Melbourne - Arthur Streeton Auditorium. For more information regarding tickets to both these events visit www.mwf.com.au
■ AFL 360 on Fox Footy Channel is must viewing in my house. It gets better and better. AFL 360 is an Australian nightly talk show that deals with all things Aussie Rules. I love it. It airs on Fox Footy, beginning at 7.30pm Monday to Thursday. It contrasts with most of its footy show talk-show peers as its hosts are purely professional journalists rather than ex-player journalists. Gerard Whateley and Mark Robinson are excellent. They are knowledgeable, honest and boy do they know their footy. Mark ‘Robbo’ Robinson is a superb sports journalist who writes for the Herald Sun. He loves his footy and cricket and it shows. ● Turn To Page 16
● Clannad: Ciaran Brennan, Moya Brennan, Padraig Duggan
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013 - Page 11
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Confidential Melbourne
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
CREDIT UNION’S AD CAMPAIGN MISLEADS: ASIC
Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets
Channel 9 reunion held
■ Credit Union Australia Limited has agreed to maintain interest rate discounts for eligible home loan customers after an Australian Securities and Investigations Commission investigation raised concerns that the credit union's advertising was misleading. ASIC's investigation focused on advertisements for CUA's 'Rate Breaker' home loan package, which featured on television, in cinemas, the CUA website, and on public transport in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The Rate Breaker advertisements highlighted a 1 per cent discount off the average standard variable interest rates advertised by the 'big four' banks. ASIC's view was that the ads gave the impression that the discount applied to the life of any loan under the 'Rate Breaker Package' banner. This was not the case. Rather, the terms and conditions of the Package: enabled CUA to change the 1 per centdiscount at any time; and stipulated that the interest rate could not fall below a minimum rate of 3 per
Chiropractor reprimanded cent per annum. The terms and conditions either did not feature in the advertisements or where they did feature, they were not sufficiently displayed. CUA had issued 2083 Rate Breaker Package loans as at July 23. ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said that taking out a home loan was one of the biggest commitments a person or family could make. “Consumers should be able to trust the promises and information provided in the marketing of home loans,” Mr. Kell said. “ASIC expects that financial services firms will provide clear and accurate information to consumers in their advertising, and we will act when those expectations are not met.” CUA has entered into an enforceable undertaking with ASIC as a result of its investigation.
Professional misconduct
● Brian Smith and Bernadette Kendall at the GTV-9 reunion held at the Bridge Hotel, Richmond, held at the weekend.
Bogus Telstra collectors ■ Police are warning about two men who appear to be travelling door-to-door trying to collect what they say are debts owed by home owners. Police have been told that two men, purporting to be from Telstra, knocked on the door of a property in Wangaratta last week. They presented a yellow identification card with a ‘Telstra’ logo and a scribbled signature. The men advised the woman that she owed Telstra $700 and that they wanted to collect the money immediately. The men offered to drive the woman to an ATM when she told them that she did not have the money at home. When the men realised they were not going to get what they wanted they fled in a light blue coloured Ford sedan. The men can both be described being very pushy but not rude, perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, clean shaven with short dark hair. One of the men is described as approximately 180cm tall, the other is about 165cm tall and had the word ‘LOVE’ tattooed across the four fingers of his right hand. Police believe that Telstra employees were not involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au ● Former Cr John Fry held a sign that said ‘Resign’ every time Cr Mary Lalios rose to speak at the City of Whittlesea meeting. She has been investigated by Local Government Inspectorate.
■ Victorian lawyer Darroll Nelson has been found guilty of nine char4ges of professional misconduct. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Jonathan Smithers has ruled that Nelson may not practice for eight months, and must pay $9000 costs of the Victorian Legal Services Commissioner, Michael McGarvie. VCAT heard that Nelson’s practice received trust money in cash when it was not authorised to do so, and that the cash was lost. There was a failure to respond to requests by the regulator for information, and further receipt of cash money for a short period when the practice was not authorised to do so.
■ Chiropractor Dr Malcolm Hooper has been reprimanded by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, after a case was brought by the Chiropractib Coard of Australia. His registration is to be cancelled from August 30. The VCAT hearing against Dr Hooper, conducted by Robert Davis, Dr B Draper and Dr J Waterhouse, found a number of professional misconduct and unprofessional conduct charges proven. Dr Hooper will also have to pay legal costs following the determination.
Rumour Mill
Whispers
Dissolved
■ The partnership between Mendel Pty Ltd, as trustee of the D. Komesaroff Property Trust, M. & S. Komesaroff Property Trust and the R. Komesaroff Property Trust, carrying on the business known as Mendel Pty Ltd at St Kilda Rd, has been dissolved.
Tiger time
● Tom Hafey ■ Football legend Tom Hafey, 82, will speak at Athelstan Camberwell retirement living on Tues., Sept. 3. A $10 donation will go to Variety, the children’s charity.
Charges
Hear It Here First
Footballer avoids jail term ■ Former AFL Player Callum Urch, who played for North Melbourne, has avoided jail after being found guilty of trafficking cocaine on three occasions at Station Pier. He been sentenced on Monday to an 18-month community corrections order with 300 hours unpaid work, and was fined $1000.
■ A Narre Warren puppy farmer faces 80 animal welfare charges brought by Casey Council. The charges are due to be heard this month at Dandenong Magistates’ Court.
Evicted
Blitz on unlicensed drivers ■ The Rumour Mill hears of a Police blitz in the Yarra Ranges targetting drivers who believe it is permissable to drive without a licence. Up to 65 drivers have already been caught.
Money-back guarantee? ● Winners And Losers star Denise Scott was at Flinders St Station in the Monday morning peak hour to sell copies of The Big Issue to assist salesman ‘Jeff’.
■ The Local Government referendum has been abandoned ... but some Victorian municipalities are out of pocket after donating money towards the ‘Yes’ campaign. The Rumour Mill says that the Shire of Yarra Ranges, based at Lilydale, donated $25,000 of ratepayers’ funds towards the campaign.
E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au
● Sonia Kruger ■ Melbourne contestants were the victims in this week’s Big Brother TV program second live eviction. Rohan, a 24year-old student, and Xavier, 28-year old facilities manager, were evicted after receiving the lowest percentage of public votes.
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
The Hitch-Hikers guide to Freemasonry -
A 10 part series. By Justin White, Manager, Member Operations Chapter 6
Grant to support Alzheimer's Disease ■ On behalf of The Freemasons Charitable Foundation, one of the trustees, John Maynard, presented a cheque for $11,600 on August 1 to Maree McCabe, CEO representing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association of Victoria. This grant from the Foundation was to assist them in their education program. Their booklet is entitled Professional, Family and Community Education, and the program associated with it has a large number of accredited programs for families and carers, both professional and family. It is well worth obtaining this booklet by visiting the Association's head office at 98-104 Riversdale Rd, or contacted the office by mail through Locked Bag 3001, Hawthorn Vic 3122. There is also National Dementia Helpline 180-010-0500, and their website is www.fightdementia.org.au/vic The Association would be interested in hearing from any Lodge that would be interested in a lecture on the subject of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They are also interested in hearing from any Lodge who has willing workers available to do such things as small house-hold tasks for patients. Have you become concerned about increasing lapses in memory, or other changes in thinking or behaviour for yourself, a family member or friend? Changes in memory and thinking have a number of possible causes that may include stress, depression, pain, chronic illness, medication or alcohol and sometimes it is a sign of early dementia. Major changes in memory are not normal at any age and should be taken seriously. If you or someone you know is experiencing these kinds of difficulties it is better to see your doctor sooner rather than later. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia can happen to anybody but it becomes more common over the age of 65 years and especially over the age of 75. Early signs may not be obvious, and only a doc-
tor or specialist can properly diagnose dementia. The following checklist published by Alzheimer's Australia, is important to go through by all of us. The questions should be answered with the following alternatives: rarely, sometimes, often: 1. I have trouble remembering events that happened recently 2. I have trouble finding the right word 3. I have trouble remembering the day and date 4. I forget where things are usually kept 5 I have difficulty adjusting to any changes in my day-to-day routine 6. I have problems understanding magazine or newspaper articles or following the story in a book or on TV 7. I find it hard to follow and join in conversations, particularly in groups 8. I have problems handling financial matters, such as banking or calculating change 9. I have difficulty with everyday activities such as remembering how long it has been between visits from family and friends, or cooking a meal that I have always cooked well 10. I am losing interest in activities I normally enjoy 11. I have difficulties thinking through problems 12. Family and/or friends have commented about my poor memory If you have ticked sometimes, or often, it is recommended that you see your doctor. Early management and support activities are important for us all with this problem. There is no single specific test to show that someone has dementia. A diagnosis is made by talking to you and perhaps a relative or friend needs to come with you, to find out more about your difficulties with memory and thinking. Remember to ask for a longer appointment, ask questions and request further explanations if you don't understand. Take notes during the visit - the earlier you act the better.
Lodge supports tornado appeal
● Rotary Appeals Coordinator Doug Evans, President Rob Wallace, Past President Di Evans, Yarrawonga Lodge of St David Master Elect Graham Threlfall, Master Nigel Holloway and Immediate Past Master Barry Cocks present the cheque to Rotary. Photo courtesy: Yarrawonga Chronicle ■ In March this year, the Murray region was necessary ingredients to hold a sausage sizzle. devastated by tornado-like storm damage, from The general public was very generous, enabling Koonoomoo to Rutherglen. us to raise more than $600," Les said. Residents affected lost property and belong"We built this up to $700 and made an appliings, and since this time, much of the commu- cation to the Masonic Board of Benevolence nity has pitched in to re-build the area, through to match our donation." The Board agreed and a Rotary Tornado Appeal. Les was proud to be able to donate a total of The Yarrawonga Lodge of St David $1,400 to the appeal. played its part and presented a cheque for $1400 Master Elect Graham Threlfall said he to the appeal. delighted to be able to present the cheque Lodge Secretary Les Fraser said the ap- was to Rotary. peal represented great value to the as "one of "It is with best wishes and grateful thanks our members, Reg Whelan, is a victim of that tornado which devastated sections of this area". that the Yarrawonga Lodge of St David, and "We are only a small lodge and don't have a Freemasonry in general, donates this money lot of spare funds with which to assist the many to the community," he said. Past President of Rotary Di Evans said how worthy appeals that are part of community life,Other community initiatives have included wonderful the donation was. "It is tremendous to think we are still receivmarkets, food vouchers, barbecues and football ing donations to the appeal so many months later. matches to raise the much needed funds. so in this instance Woolworths provided the I would like to thank the Lodge very much for venue, the equipment and a large part of the their extremely generous donation," Di said.
Freemason Q & A The depictions of Masonic Lodges have ranged from one extreme to the other over the centuries. There has been hilarious parody as well as sinister depictions of villainy in Western media. When it comes to facts, most people will claim that they don't know much about the organisation known as the Freemasons. Many people remember an uncle, father or grandfather who was a Freemason, and recent popular movies created a brief spike in the interest level of Masonry. Masonic History Freemasonry has existed for such a long time that the beginnings of the organisation are quite obscured. According to folk history, they descend from the group of builders who constructed King Solomon's Temple in Biblical times. Some accounts of history point to their origins as resting with the masonry guilds of Medieval Europe. Others believe that Masons are descended directly from the Knights Templar group. The first appearance of the modern Masons occurred in London, where the first Grand Lodge was created in 1717. Masonic Membership Because lodges are private affairs, there are restrictions on who can join. Members must be of at least the minimum age of 18, believe in a Supreme Being of some sort, be of good morals and reputation, plus provide favourable references to his character. membership@freemasonsvic.net.au Masonic Secrecy The Freemasons have been shrouded with secrecy, from days of old through today. Some
things intrigue most, confuse some and make others wary. Thanks to movies and popular media, Freemasons have something of an undeserved secret reputation. It cannot be denied that there is a secret aspect to Freemasonry, but when looked at objectively, the secrecy is no more than other fraternities and is widely opened and available for all to view. With a little bit of thought, you'll realise that Freemasons have the same amount or less secrecy than many other organisations and will always invite people in. What do Freemasons do? Stories and rumours aside, one of the chief concerns of the Freemasons is good work. You'll find plenty of Freemasons involved in activities that promote the community and help the less fortunate. Contemporary Freemasons are widely involved in many charitable and community based activities. Money is collected by holding fund raisers and donations from lodge members. That money is used for charitable causes. Modern Freemasons are very active in medical and educational projects, local food banks, schools, helping kids and local youth programs. Reliable statistics state that Freemasons Victoria contributes in excess of $1.5 million to communities per year in Victoria alone. There has never been a better time to become a Freemason here in Victoria. As a result, there is much good information to be found on www.freemasonsvic.net.au For more information about becoming a Freemason or to fill out an application, contact the Freemasons Victoria membership team at membership@freemasonsvic.net.au or call 1800Freemason today!
First Leaders of Freemasonry in Victoria
Sir Douglas Ralph ‘Doug’ Nicholls, KCVO, OBE ■ Sir Douglas was a prominent Aboriginal Australian from the Yorta Yorta people. He was a professional athlete, Churches of Christ pastor and a pioneering campaigner for reconciliation. He was the first Aboriginal person to be knighted and also the first appointed to vice-regal office, serving as Governor of South Australia from December 1, 1976 until his resignation on April 30, 1977 due to poor health. Nicholls played Australian Rules football. He was recruited by the Carlton Football Club in the VFL but did not play. From there he played for the Northcote Football Club and was a member of their 1929 premiership team. In 1932 Sir Douglas joined the Fitzroy Football Club. In 1934 he was third in the Brownlow Medal count. In 1935, he was the first Aboriginal player to be selected to play for the Victorian interstate team. Sir Douglas was a minister and social worker with Aboriginal people and was baptised at Northcote Church of Christ. He officiated at church and hymn services as a lay preacher at the Gore Street Mission Centre in Fitzroy. Indigenous people gathered to him and eventually the group was so large that he became the pastor of the first Aboriginal Church of Christ in Australia. In recognition of the ministry he was already expressing he was ordained as a minister. In 1941 Sir Douglas received his call-up notice and he joined the 29th Battalion but, in 1942,
at the request of the Fitzroy police, he was released from his unit to work as a social worker in the Fitzroy Aboriginal community. He cared for those trapped in alcohol abuse, gambling and other social problems. Sir Douglas was a well-respected and active Freemason. He joined Freemasonry on May 3, 1954, at Lodge Antioch No. 570. Lodge Antioch comprised its membership of members of the Church of Christ, meeting at the Masonic Centre of South Melbourne. It is said he enjoyed Freemasonry because of its principles of equality and helping the community. A memorial statue of Sir Douglas and his wife Lady Gladys can be found in the Parliament Gardens, Melbourne. * Excerpts taken from Wikipedia
● Pastor Sir Douglas Nicholls
● 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, August 21, 2013 - Page 13
West Hollywood
QANTAS CHIEF FLIES OFF
From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
Wally Mariani says farewell
■ After more than 40 years in the airline industry, QANTAS Vice-President for the Americas and Pacific, Wally Mariani, flies off for a welldeserved long holiday. Wally started his career at the original TAA, which became Australian Airlines, and then QANTAS. Wally was appointed as Executive Vice-President - The Americas and Pacific for QANTAS in January 2000. His responsibilities covered QANTAS operations in America, Canada, South America, New Zealand and the Pacific. QANTAS has been flying to the USA and Los Angeles for 54 years and carried more than 1.2 million passengers into LAX (Los Angeles Airport) last year. QANTAS is the largest non-US carrier to use LAX and has 37 flights each week between LAX and Australia. To celebrate Wally's exceptional achievement Alan Johnson, Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, hosted a farewell luncheon for Wally and his friends Kim Beazley, Ambassador to the United States; Captain John Travolta, Paul Hogan, Simon Wincer, Rod Hardy, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Ian Baker-Finch and Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Pictured (top right): Bill Karpiak, General Manager Ramada Plaza; Brad Burlingame, President, Visit West Hollywood; Alan Johnson and the guest of honour, Wally Mariani with a backdrop of Variety's Australian Entertainers of the Century hanging proudly in the Boardroom of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites.
● From left: Bill Karpiak, General Manager, Ramada Plaza; Brad Burlingame, President, Visit West Hollywood; Alan Johnson and the guest of honour, Wally Mariani with a backdrop of Variety's Australian Entertainers of the Century hanging proudly in the Boardroom of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites.
Toni Collette continues to shine
GavinWood
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd Youth worker Les Twentyman OAM takes on L.A.
Hollywood loses another star
■ Eydie Gorme was best known for Blame It On The Bossa Nova, a top 10 hit from 1963. But, Eydie Gorme, who died last week at 84, was a singer whose technical prowess and warmth allowed her to cover a wide range of material both with or without her husband and frequent duet partner, Steve Lawrence. In the 1960s, Gorme and Lawrence enjoyed some popular fame, scoring a top 40 single with I Want To Stay Here and a Grammy Award for their recording of We Got Us . They achieved even more success with their live act performing in nightclubs and concert venues and on variety programs such as The Carol Burnett Show. They also appeared together on Broadway in the 1968 musical Golden Rainbow.
Glen Campbell’s last farewell
● Eydie Gorme
House of Blues
■ Sunday mornings just got fresh at the House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 10am to 1pm you can experience Kirk Franklin's Gospel Brunch. The brunch includes local talent performing traditional and contemporary Gospel songs selected by Kirk Franklin and there is a smokin' hot choir as well as an all you can eat buffet. I know where I will be this Sunday; it could become my new church. Think Sister Act with food. www.houseofblues.com
■ Academy Award-nominated Australian actress Toni Collette, best known for her roles in The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine and The United States of Tara, is now about to star in a new television series called Hostages on CBS. Playing along side Dylan McDermott, Toni plays Dr Ellen Sanders who has her family held captive by thugs with deadly intentions assassinating the President. The price of freedom? Murdering her Very Important Patient on the operating table. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
● Alan Johnson, Les Twentyman and Gavin Wood at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites ■ Les Twentyman has been on the frontline of heartbreak and hope for over 30 years. As one of Australia's best known youth outreach workers and social campaigners, Les has developed his opinion the hard way - on the street. I caught up with Les at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites with Managing Director Alan Johnson, and he said that during his time in Los Angeles he would be visiting Homeboys Industries founder, Fr Greg Boyle and the L.A.P.D. and L.A. Sheriffs Department. The purpose of the trip is to discuss, analyse and implement strategies concerning disconnected youth. No country can solve the youth crisis alone and he believes that reaching out and joining hands with our international friends is the only way forward. Les is the founder of the 20th Man Fund, established 1984. The organisation is dedicated to providing educational, sporting, leadership, emotional and crisis support services to homeless and disadvantaged youth. www.20thman.com.au
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 Los Angeles, 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
www.gavinwood.us
■ Glen Campbell, the singer-guitarist, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, has re-recorded such tracks as By The Time I Get To Phoenix and Gentle On My Mind on his last studio album with emotional resonance. See You There is the name of the album and it is an emotional tribute to his fans. Campbell has re-recorded his big hits so they sound like they were recorded yesterday. I like this album for its honesty and rawness. The disease has progressed to a point where Glen can no longer perform so this album is a final offering from a man who has done it all. www.glencampbellmusic.com
● Glen Campbell Till next week, Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood
Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Melbourne
Melbourne
Observer
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Ash On Wednesday
■ One of the protesters against the proposed McDonalds restaurant at Tecoma is to receive a trip to Chicago. The protesters have raised $30,000 this week to fly a spokesman to the Maccas headquarters in Chicago. The opponents to the fast-food restaurant in the Dandenongs also plan to buy full-page protest ads in the Chicago Tribune. Long Shots has a different viewpoint. Let the public decide. If the restauarnt is not wanted by the local population, it will go broke, and will be forced to close. We bet it doesn’t.
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Long Shots
Praise where it is due
■ Regular readers will know we the Observer has had its run-ins with Telstra over service issues ... but today we want to give praise where it is due. Long Shots gives a big ‘thumbs up’ to staff member Peter Carson for exemplary service given to this newspaper on Monday. Peter, a ‘Complaints Utterance Manager’, was courteous, upbeat, pro-active and went the extra mile when we phoned Telstra early this week. What a delight have an Australian, in Melbourne, answer the phone ... and resolve an issue in such a positive way.
Warning on tax conman
editor@melbourneobserver.com.au
with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “To achieve something you’ve never had before, you must do something you’ve never done before.”
Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).
● Ronald McDonald
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “People who brag about takling the middle-of-the-road position tend to forget they’re setting themselves up for being hit from both sides.” ■ A 60-year-old Ringwood dementia sufferer received repeated calls from a man saying he was representing the Australian Taxation Office. The victim was fleeced of $20,000, paid through Western Union to Nepal. The scammer threatened the man with legal action if he did not pay. Police are investigating the matter.
Arts Festival underway
● Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu ■ Ticket sales have just opened for the 2013 Melbourne Arts Festival running October 11-17. This year’s Festival program promises a luscious mix of retrospect and experimentation, comment and revelry, bravura and vulnerability, and narration and symbolism. Some 105 events across 45 of the city’s venues will showcase local and international artists, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, directors, and designers throughout the 17 days of the Festival. Events include an adaptation of Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter coupled with a free screening of the classic 1945 film upon which Coward’s stage play is based, Ireland’s Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre’s interpretation of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Petrushka, an exhibition of 47 musical instruments constructed from thousands of weapons confiscated by the Mexican Government, and Gurrumul of Yothu Yindi fame in concert backed by Philharmonia Australia. And that’s just the opening weekend. For the first time, the Festival incorporates Melbourne’s heritage buildings into a program artistic director Josephine Ridge describes as truly “of and for Melbourne”. Capitol Theatre will be transformed into a visual arts hub hosting a range of documentaries and art in film as well as panel discussions. The Palais Theatre will combine its former life as a cinema with its current use as concert venue when it holds The Crowd, a combination of award-winning cinematographer Jon Frank’s visuals with Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian National Academy of Music orchestra and The Consort of Melbourne vocal ensemble featuring the music of Chopin, Debussy, Schubert and more. Melbourne Festival this year also revives a threedecade-old project in which selected Victorian artists turn some of the city’s trams into locomotive artworks. Presented in conjunction with Arts Victoria and Yarra Trams, Melbourne Arts Trams will see eight transformed trams convey passengers along different routes from the first weekend of the Festival and for the next six months. Trips on these ‘moving canvases’ are free. Dates: October 11-17 Venues: various Program and Bookings: www.melbournefestival. com.au - Deborah Marinaro ● From Page 11
Text For The Week
André Haermeyer
■ "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." - Proverbs 1:7
But it needs to move on from the myopic, nonsensical debate we have seen to date. We should be having a debate about the future. That means an examination of whose will build our physical infrastructure, our competencies and capabilities, and our economic fundamentals in a way that will give us meaningful competitive advantage, in a fiercely competitive global economy. It's not about being the cheapest. It's about being the best. Countries like Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and others have shown the way for developed economies to be competitive. Germany, despite being a much higher cost country than Australia, is the world's number two exporter of manufactured goods. It is a country that sells a very high cost, premium product, but is able to do so because it differentiates its products on innovation, quality and smart branding, rather than just price. This is the essence of the economic debate we should be having. - André Haermeyer
The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013 - Page 15
Arts
Busy arts schedule in Melbourne
■ The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) is well known for producing instrumentalists who can take their place with the best students in the world. Four current brass students will be taking the ANAM word and high standard to Germany in a few weeks, when they head for Dusseldorf to compete in the Aeolus International Competition for Wind Instruments. Allison Wright, Louisa Trewartha, Josh Rogan and Ashley Carter are the lucky four brass students who can't wait to show the Germans what top young brass players from down under are like. But like everything these days, travel costs money, even when you are following your professional aspirations, so the four students are joining forces in a special fundraising concert on August 23. The concert will feature solo performances from Allison Wright on trumpet and Ashley Carter on trombone, juxtaposed with other brass
chamber music. Tickets are available at the door at $10 and CDs will be available to buy, with all proceeds going towards travel expenses and entry fees. So make it a date for your diary - the ANAM Brass Concert at 7.30 pm on August 23 at South Melbourne Town Hall, Bank St, South Melbourne. ■ In ancient Greek mythology, sirens were fabulous creatures who lived on rocky isles and lured seafarers with their singing - they were known as dangerously fascinating women! In 21st century Australia three dangerously fascinating women are presenting a show of opera classics appropriately called Sirens at Gasworks Arts Park in Albert Park on Monday September 16 at 7pm. Collingwood-based boutique opera company La Prima Opera is behind the concept, and the three singers are sopranos Alison Rae Jones, Caroline Vercoe and Angela Hogan.
All three women have worked in a broad range of styles from early music to classical and romantic songs, through to opera, music theatre, jazz, pop and rock. In Sirens, these versatile women skip back and forth between eras and styles as they take the audience on a journey through four centuries of love songs. So what will you hear in this eclectic show? La Prima Opera founder, Alison Rae Jones, promises the famous trio from Der Rosenkavalier and Purcell's early music creation Two Daughters of an Aged Stream. Then they will jump at least a couple of centuries and bring to life Cole Porter's beautiful So In Love and Bette Midler's The Rose. La Prima Opera prides itself on putting high quality opera-based shows in non- traditional spaces, such as Guildford Lane Gallery and the Paris Cat Jazz Club. So Gasworks Arts Park fits the bill as a quirky venue for these three singers.
JULIE HOUGHTON REPORTS "We reckon Gasworks Theatre is a great, intimate space to experience Sirens and it's right by Port Phillip Bay, which fits in with our theme perfectly,” chuckled Rae Jones. As opera often attracts a specific cultural audience, Rae Jones is delighted that nearly 80 per cent of La Prima Opera's audience are first time opera goers, and a varied program like this is the perfect one to bring a newbie to opera or a seasoned opera goer. Having heard all these ladies sing in the past, they will certainly sing up a storm in the best possible way in Sirens, no doubt helped by the glamorous Linda Britten gowns that are de rigueur for serious female opera singers in Melbourne. www.gasworks.org.au or 9699 3253 for bookings
Melbourne
Observer Life & Style
HEARTILY SICK OF ELECTION CAMPAIGN
■ Being grumpy for a whole week is not my style. Usually, something has set my grumpiness off, but once it is out of my system, I forget about it, and I’m smiling again. Until the next time. But this week, I’ve just been plain ordinary. It was the ‘cook extraordinaire’ who suggested I was suffering from coffee withdrawal. We bought one of those black and chrome espresso machines, which at the touch of a button pour out coffee to keep your heart beating. Sitting in the kitchen it was so easy to serve myself a cup whenever I was in range. Which was often let me tell you.
Yvonne’s Column
Pressed with panache
■ I pressed the buttons with panache, just like Luigi at our favourite coffee shop. Last week, I pressed the buttons on the machine, prepared my self for my daily heart starter, and nothing happened. The machine had stopped. It took but a minute of self-talk to know that I’d have to resort to instant coffee. And like a druggie whose “pusher’ had been locked up, I knew I was in for a bad day. Peter took it back to the shop where he bought the machine, and it is like signing your life away to get a replacement. So I could be grumpy until the ‘ monkey is off my back’ or Peter brings me a take-away especially made by Luigi. I really thought the craziness in the newspapers and the television was caused by the full moon, when Jupiter and Pluto clash.
Here is the ... football
■ Settling down to watch the evening television news the other night, I was couldn’t believe the first 10minutes of news was devoted to mind numbing football. There was nothing about the election, nothing about the refugees, and nothing about anything that would hold my interest. It was just football. Now before readers jump to put pen to paper and accuse me of not caring what is happening with their team. Let me explain that I am one of the very few Australians who know nothing about the game. And if it is your team that is in trouble I sympathise with you, but I don’t understand what is happening. Does it mean that a few allegedly involved with Essendon will go to jail? Does it mean that Essendon will be expelled from the league? What does it all mean?
with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com
Is nothing sacred? ■ I know there are fans that do care, and I’ll gladly share my news bulletin with them, but please let’s get things in order, and have the real news that will affect the Australian people first. Then I looked at the application to apply for a postal vote instead of actually going to cast your vote at a booth. Silly me always thought that your vote was anonymous, but if you fill out the postal application, I have to tell them all about myself, even down to my name and address. Where does the information in the form finally end up, once the contents have been extracted? Is nothing sacred anymore? Of course I didn’t apply. One reason is that I may not be capable of standing in a queue waiting to vote.
No-one to live in poverty ■ I recall that when I was active in politics we collected people if they were unable to get to the polling booth. I don’t see any party offering assistance in the forthcoming election. I used to love going to the booth early and buying cakes and plants from the stalls that were set up. The money from the stalls went towards needs for the school. Well, if the Prime Minister keeps to his election promises no school will ever have to beg, borrow or steal so that the pupils don’t miss out. He forgot to promise water taps that don’t leak, and toilets that work for a starter. But then, he has made so many promises; he has to be voted back for another three-year term. God help us.
● Flat election campaign: Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott stead of something that the American President quoted and won. ■ And what about the phone calls right at dinner aren’t used to all the razzle-dazzle. time from marketing people wanting information WeAussies just want the facts not sugar coated. about your voting habits? We’ve all become all too precious and if Fiona They are just as invasive, and once again, you Scott is not concerned, then ladies, get your head are asked to give all your private information. together and start asking some real questions for So much for your parents telling you never dis- the P.M and the Opposition Leader. cuss religion or politics. Mind you, I stopped being grumpy for a few And then after the news readers has told us minutes when we saw that five-year-old preevery little bit about the football debacle we were school boy upstage the PM as he stood behind regaled with the pictures of women jumping up him and pulled faces. and down in outrage because Mr. Abbott had said, when he introduced the Liberal candidate, Fiona Scott as being young, feisty, educated, an excellent candidate and having sex appeal. Ho ■ I also had a laugh when a gust of wind took Kevin Rudd’s comb-over fringe and stood it on Hum! With all the words Abbott and Rudd spout end thus exposing the bald patch that he constantly out every day to anyone who will listen as they tries to hide by flicking his fringe back into place. I don’t think it was as hard to give up smoking fly back and forth across Australia, is it any wonder that either can think before they utter a word as it is going without coffee – well the good stuff anyway. Hopefully the machine will be replaced that may be deemed as politically correct. within the week when I will be rationing myself And in this case, it doesn’t offend me. Does it offend males when women refer to a to two cups a day. Mind you we’ve just had our water bill and it man as ‘hot’? was horrendous. The actual water consumption was very low because we are careful with water, but it was all the other things tacked on that made the total almost as large as the governments the ■ I’m, getting heartily sick of the pre-election national debt. campaign. Gosh, I have been grumpy. There is no fire any more. And how can there Imagine what it must be like to be hooked on be when the two contenders for the top job must cigarettes now that the price of a packet has inbe in constant jet lag. creased and you are hanging out till payday or What an insult to bring a couple of Ameri- just trying to kick the habit. cans on board to help with the marketing of the - Yvonne campaign. Contact; Editor @Melbourne Observer.
Invasive phone calls
Kevin’s comb-over
Nor razzle-dazzle here
Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 21, 2013
■ My love of nostalgic music began by listening to Clark Sinclair and Neville Wragg on 3AW during the 1980s. I have a fascination with good music produced before I was born and one of my favourite singers from the ‘Swing Era’ is Helen Forrest. Helen Fogel was born in Altantic City, New Jersey, in 1917 and was the youngest of four children. After her father died the family moved to Brooklyn where her mother re-married. Helen had a difficult time with her stepfather and eventually was taken in by the family of her piano teacher. Her teacher persuaded her to give up piano lessons and concentrate on singing. In 1931 Helen began singing in her brother's band at dance marathons and also got great exposure on a New York radio show. At this time she changed her name to Helen Forrest. Helen sang at a night club in Washington for two years where she met and married her first husband Al Spieldock, who was a drummer in the band. Helen was spotted by the famous bandleader Artie Shaw and invited to be the featured vocalist on a national tour. She recorded 38 singles whilst touring with Artie Shaw. May I say at this point that one of my regrets is that we almost got a radio interview with Artie Shaw but he pulled out at the last minute.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Whatever Happened To ... Helen Forrest By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM In 1939 Helen joined the Benny Goodman Band but found it difficult working with Benny. She made many studio recordings in this period before leaving Goodman and recording with the Nat King Cole Trio. In 1941 Helen joined the Harry James Band on the condition that she was allowed to sing the verses as well as the chorus of her songs. James gave her the same respect he had earlier given to Frank Sinatra. The musical style of the band was changed whereby Helen was allowed to begin the song, rest during the musical interlude and then sing the remainder of the song through to the finish. In 1942 Helen was voted the best female vocalist in the country in the Downbeat Magazine
● Helen Forrest poll. At this time she had two major hit songs in the Hit Parade, I Had The Craziest Dream and I Don't Want To Walk Without You. The love of her life was Harry James and
Helen was devastated when he married Betty Grable in 1943. Helen left the Harry James Band to pursue a solo singing career. She signed a recording contract with Decca Records and was teamed with Dick Haymes for many duets which became hit songs. Her film appearances as a featured singer included Private Buckaroo, Springtime In The Rockies, Bathing Beauty, Two Girls And ASailor and You Came Along. In 1963 Helen was performing at Lake Tahoe with Frank Sinatra Jnr at the time he was kidnapped. She continued to sing in nostalgic revival shows later in her career. Helen was married three times in her lifetime and had one son. Helen Forrest suffered a stroke in 1980 and died of heart failure in 1999 in Los Angeles at the age of 82. In the great age of ‘Swing Music’ Helen Forrest was one of the most popular singers in the world. - Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.
LIVING NEXT DOOR TO ALICE
■ Since primary school all of us Aussies have learned about Alice Springs, the geographical centre of Australia. Many of us, upon retirement, greynomaded it up there for our first retirement adventure. So it's just natural that it's also the venue for many conventions and conferences. When I was up there I often joined in the festivities - invariably at Ooraminna Homestead - dinner under the stars, which was always spectacular. But there were, and continue to be, gatherings of accountants, funeral directors, advertising executives, medical practitioners and employment agencies. Occasionally some entertainment is shipped in - my mate Wilbur Wilde has been summoned up there a few times to entertain thus. And now there's another convention in a couple of weeks - the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers are holding their 23rd National Championships. Indeed. They're fiercely competitive, according to Alice Springs Town Crier David Mortimer, whose dulcet tones I would often hear echoing down the Mall. To compete in the competition, they give two cries, about 100 words each. This year's theme is: "Truckies carry Australia - all roads lead to Alice"! To each his own. ■ I can't remember when I bought my first set of thongs, but it was in my teens. I was dubious at first, but I quickly stepped into them, and have owned many a pair ever since. Figures have just been released to show that NT residents buy more than double the Australian average. 260,000 pairs this year - that's about one new pair for each Territorian. Backpackers from the Centre to the Top End always flop around in them, and they're the chosen footwear of every local Aboriginal inhabitant. And tradies, when they don't require their big boots, usually have them about their feet. Granted, elsewhere they have occasionally become fashion items - in leather, with fancy frills, but not in the NT. One wearer, Danny Miles from Jingili, claims that he's even worn his
The Outback Legend
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au "old girls" all around Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, England and Ireland. " And if I can't get into a pub with these on, I no longer want to go to that pub"! My mate Bomba said to me once, of his favourites: "The best 10 bob I ever spent!" ■ It only seems a few weeks ago when my mate Rex Niendorf was warning people about snakes slithering about, yet here he is, at it again! This is basically because, if you notice Alice's weather on TV every night, winter lasts about six weeks. Snakes down south will hibernate for months on end, until things warm up, but their winter rest period up north is very brief. So, as the weather warms up into the high twenties, out they wriggle again. Rex has already been called out to retrieve a large brown snake, and a mulga. Mulgas are related to black snakes, red and blue bellied, the most plentiful being the red-bellied black. Whilst the former are fairly toxic, a
bite from a red-bellied is never fatal. That's the only snake I've ever had a serious bite from, and whilst I didn't die, it was like severe food poisoning by three, with all the same symptoms. However the mulga snake is a different story: it's up there with the worst of them. So Rex is out and about again awaiting phone calls from concerned householders who want their unwanted guests removed. ■ I have often mentioned my love of Trephina Gorge before – many a magic moment have I had there. Now it’s reared its head again - this time in the annals of fame. I didn’t know of its existence, but apparently there’s a National Register of Big Trees. Probably this is on the cusp of phenomena that have importance and interest in the overall scheme of things, but it’s a big deal in America, with some trees catapulted into the limelight because of their size. One such is the famous ‘General Sherman’ in California, the biggest tree in the world. There are 18 individual trees from the NT on the Australian register, and another one has just been added. It’s one of my favourite trees I’ve ever seen – I have often visited it, and marvelled at its beauty. A huge Ghost Gum at the Gorge. With a circumference of 4.43 metres, a height of 27 metres, and a crown of 32 metres, it’s about 300 years old. But what a spectacular sight – smooth snow white trunk and branches, which I have often photographed. These arborial spectacles made their way into the public consciousness via Albert Namatjira’s paintings, and have remained there ever since, so now there is virtually never a painting or photograph of Central Australia which doesn’t contain such a proud white specimen. A stirring sight. ■ Even though I do like Namatjiratype paintings of the Centre, and works of my painting mate Phil Howe, I’ve never greatly appreciated most works of art – the Mona Lisa didn’t do much for me, and I reckon Blue Poles isn’t a patch on my doona cover. However, photographs are a different matter! They’re manifestations of the wondrous artwork of Mother Na-
● Rex Niendorf
ture, which I love. A few weeks ago I noticed a photo in the local Centralian Advocate. It was the moon over the Alice Springs desert,titled “Super Moon” and it was truly magnificent; I just had to have a copy, so I called the local photographer, Lisa Hatzimihail, and asked her to send one down to me. But I now discover that she’s currently got an online exhibition of many of her other “super” works lisa-hatzimihail.com.au Everyone who visits the Red Centre is always blown away by the colours of the desert, the wildflowers, the glowing rocks, the sunsets and the sunrises. And, via photographs, I have these at my fingertips, or hanging on my wall for constant contemplation to evoke my memories of many such moments in the Centre. I’m often just relaxing in front of QI or New Tricks, and I merely glance up to see my beloved Central Australia beaming down at me! - Nick Le Souef ● From Page 10
AFL 360: I love it! ■ Both have wonderful wicked senses of humour and fun, and equally bring the appropriate seriousness to the program particularly with issues of late. The program captures all the drama of the footy, all the facts, all the figures and they are both passionate about this great game of ours. With regular segments they have Monday’s hero where Gerard and Robbo both give an opinion on who they thought were the heroes from the weekend. Tuesday matinees – both hosts select a non-football story that they enjoyed from the weekend. My favourite segment is on Wednesdays – What do you love? Both hosts select a person/club/event that they loved from the weekend. Doomsday scenario on Thursdays with both hosts giving scenarios that could happen on the weekend that would bring trouble or scrutiny onto a club or person. It’s great viewing. I never miss it! It is a good way to end the day after work. The knowledge these guys have on sport in general but particularly football is outstanding. I bumped into Gerard outside the ABC the other day and told him so too – he beamed that wonderful Gerard Whateley smile. Gerard is also seen on ABC’s Sunday Morning sports show Offsiders, another must watch. A supporter of the Geelong Football Club, Gerard also wrote a book about Australian thoroughbred racehorse Black Caviar. - Di Rolle