Melbourne Observer. 120822A. August 22, 2012. Part A. Pages 1-16

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3AW AXES CHERYL

● Radio station 3AW has dumped Cheryl Threadgold and her local theatre segment after seven years.

Cheryl will continue her popular theatre coverage in the Observer.

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■ Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle pictured with Melburnian of the Year winner Michael Gudinski and wife Sue at a gala awards presentation held at the weekend at the Melbourne Town Hall.

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City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Birthday celebrations Back from Vegas

● Helen Reizer

● Kate Neilsen ■ Melbourne model and actress Kate Neilson is back in town after a whirlwind month in the United States.

Kate attended acting classes in Los Angeles, dined with friends in Malibu, visited New York, and had an ‘Access All Areas’ card for Kiss and Motley Crue concerts in Las Vegas.

Friends were pleased to see Kate’s message on social media: “Happiest I have been all year!

Everything is going right!”

Kate was joined by Andrew McManus and Marcus Baldwin for the Las Vegas sector.

■ Public relations queen Helen Reizer put on a Saturday afternoon party for her gal pals at the weekend ... which coincided with her birthday earlier in the week.

Spotted on the invitation list were Michelle Singarella, Melissa Crowley, Catherine Cervasio, Kym Little and Paulini Thatcher.

Earlier in the week Helen had been spotted with Susie Rosenthal, Caron Raiter, Melinda Rotstein, Nina Friedman, Suzy Cohen, Leanne Rostovsky, Debbie Davis and Suzie Hendel Bloom.

Check mate

‘Big, bad’

● Silvie Paladino ■ It was a different kind of birthday for entertainer Silvie Paladino this year.

Silvie was performing in Chess at the Arts Centre, alongside Martin Crewes, Simon Gleeson, Michael Falzon, Alinta Chidzey, Mark Dickinson and Bert La Bonte.

The Production Company show will hold its formal ‘opening night’ tonight, and the show continues until Sunday (August 26).

● Steve Rossisto ■ Teenager Steve Rossisto entertained the crowd at the Dingley International on Friday who gathered for a luncheon party staged

by Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady of the 3AW Nightline and Remember When programs.

Steve’s singing has been featured on the radio programs, and he is being encouraged by 3AW producer Simon Owens, whose birthday wasw celebrated at the gathering. More photos on Page 6.

TO BE FRANK D N U O B E N R U O MELB PHOTO: VANESSA ALLAN

South Pacific ● Rhonda Burchmore with Frank Howson at the opening night of her Cry Me A River show at the Comedy Theatre.

■ Entertainer Rhonda Burchmore ‘wowed’ the capacity audience at her five shows of Cry Me A River: The World Of Julie London, written by Frank Howson.

The shows were performed at the Comedy Theatre, with some revellers continuing afterwards on opening night to the Fad Gallery and Bar in Corrs Lane in nearby Chinatown.

AROUND TOWN ● Lisa McCune ■ Preparations are underway for the Melbourne season of South Pacific to be staged at The Princess Theatre from September 13.

Cast includes Lisa McCune, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Eddie Perfect, Daniel Koek and Kate Ceberano.

Under The Clocks

Students from Kilbreda College, Albert Park High, Melbourne High ★ and Nossal High are taking part in ths imonth’s WotOpera Melbourne program funded by philanthropist Graeme Wood.

Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Jones was in the north of the ★ state, presenting the former Nyah Masonic Centre to the Swan Hill Anglixan Parish for a community centre, including the Nyah Men’s Shed.

John Blackman has posted ‘Free Julian Assange’ art ★Entertainer work on his Facebook page.

Photographer Matt Irwin has released a new coffee table book, ★ Melbourne: A Love Affair. Matt is associated with the Inter-Continental Hotel at The Rialto.

Melbourne Moments Alfred fund raiser

● Jacqueline Pascarl, Serge Thomann and Ann Morrison

■ City of Port Phillip Councillor Serge Thomann was at Crown this past week for the Womens@The Alfred's lunch to raise money for cancer prostate research Cr Thomann was pictured with Jacqueline Pascarl and Ann Morrison.

Also at the lunch were Christian Wagstaff, William Mora, Chris Beaumont and Andrew Pegler.

It has been a busy time for Serge who has been seen at a number of Melbourne International Film Festival venues, and the SKIPP Comedy Festival at the National Theatre.

3AW axes Cheryl’s segment ■ After seven years of volunteering her services, well-known Melbourne community theatre identity Cheryl Threadgold has been dropped by radio station 3AW. Cheryl, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her works for community theatre, was told that she was being dropped permanently from the Overnight show hosted by Andrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic.

Cheryl’s segment contained news of shows and auditions from around Victoria.

She was told the segment was axed because the show was going national. 3AW GM Shane Healy told the Observer that the national show is for two weeks only.

● Cheryl Threadgold

What’s On In Melbourne

The Czech Philharmonic will perform at Hamer Hall this Sunday ★ (Aug. 26) at 2pm. A second performance is being staged on Monday, advises publicist Tim Jones.

The Godfrey brothers - Dean, David and Murray - will hold the ★ launch for their Melway Commemorative 1966 First Edition at the Melbourne Town Hall on Monday (August 27), says Jessica Benton from Media Pad. Kyoko Imazu, Hyun-Ju Kim and Damon Kowarsky will open their Other Worlds exhibition at the Daley Gallery, Trinity Grammar School, Kew, at 5.30pm on Tuesday (Aug. 28). The gallery is located in Charles St, Kew. Gallery hours are 9am-5pm, weekdays.

★

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

FIFTY SHADES OF G’DAY

■ Australian television personality, chef, author and artist, Peter RussellClarke is at heart, a unique and talented story-teller.

Ask him a simple question and often you'll receive a decorative or insightful response that he will cleverly frame and leave hanging in the back of your mind to revisit when inspiration is required.

At 77, Peter is on the ball and continuing to light up the world with much more than his highly sought after paintings.

When discussing his family home that burnt down earlier in the year, his 'life goes on' and 'it was a blessing in disguise' outlook is inspiration to anyone facing adversity.

Peter and his wife Jan were in the USA when they received this lifechanging news and upon returning to their property in Tooborac, south of Heathcote, they discovered they had lost everything, including four books Peter had completed for publication and a collection of 50 framed paintings ready to exhibit.

With Peter's 'can do' attitude and determination to rebuild his life with Jan, Peter's first 'comeback' art exhibition opens tonight in South Melbourne and will run until September. 22.

I caught up with Peter on his Porch at the Tooborac B&B ahead of his road trip to Mildura, where he was the event ambassador at the Merbein Festival over the weekend.

Peter’s Porch Thoughts On Facebook, you summed up your house burning down as, 'shit happens' and 'life goes on'. Why such an outlook?

We don't own things, we take care of them. For instance I had a statue that was lost in the fire that was carved 2000 BC and obviously had a lot of owners before me. Had it survived, it would have had a lot more owners.

We don't own things, we share them.

I believe nothing is forever, other than your marriage.

If you could have one thing back you lost in the fire, what would it be?

My sense of security.

You were overseas at the time for your son's wedding and doing work as a food ambassador to the United Nations concerning co-operatives, what were you doing when you received the call?

I was sitting having breakfast with my daughter and she took the phone call from my son and she turned white and was clearly shaking. She kept repeating, "Oh My God," which made me immediately think something had happened to our grandchild. I became distressed listening to her.

When she told us that our house had burnt down, we were relieved.

It was only our house.

On the theory of turning lemons into lemonade, what is one feature your new house will now include?

I like trees and I don't see why trees should be only on the outside of houses. I want them to grow on the inside to hold the roof up. Imagine an umbrella with the cloth off it, standing in the middle of the room holding the roof up and the top sprouts many branches. All I have to do is convince the council that I'm not crazy.

You will be the ambassador at the Merbein Festival over the weekend cooking with local fresh product. What original recipe will you create?

I will cook with dried fruits, almonds and their local lamb. I'll call it, 'Merbein Madness'.

What do you enjoy most, cooking or painting?

I believe they come from the same palette. With cooking you are dealing with texture, form, shape and colour. It's the same as a creating a painting. They both have to be visually appealing.

Usually with a painting you put a frame around it, with your food, the plate becomes the frame. Paintings and food both need to tell a story and create interest.

What will we expect to see at your art exhibition?

I've done a series of 50 paintings featuring musical instruments such as a cello, which I have created into people.

I did this because I have written a series of musical plays including the Australian version of the Peter And The Wolf featuring characters like Peter And The Bunyip and Peter And The Dingo.

I needed musical instruments to take over from the words, hence I painted the instruments which created the entire works for this exhibition.

Can you describe the story of one painting?

Yes, the cello for example - it's large and the head has a nose and female lips. The body of the cello forms a female and a male is plucking the strings. I have called this painting The Dance, it's quite sinuous.

Australian musician Martin Pearson will be performing at the opening of your exhibition tonight,

● Peter Russell-Clarke. Inset: Melodic Impressions how will he tickle our funny bones? so I don't watch cooking shows. The Martin has a talent for making odd glimpses I have seen of these events laughable. He plays the gui- shows seem to be very good and far tar, is a song writer, a singer and co- more exciting than mine, however median. He will engage the audience embarrassing people on TV doesn't and enhance the musical theme of appeal to me. my paintings.

Do you think your scarves influPrior to the fire, you were com- enced MasterChef's Matt Preston to missioned to paint the artwork in a don cravats?

10-storey building in Lygon Street, No way! Matt's cravats are nowhat was the theme? where as good as my scarves.

I painted 17 colourful paintings for You have cooked for the likes of the commission with 10 paintings Prince Charles; if you could cook now showcased on the walls oppo- for anyone in the world who would site the lifts doors, one for each floor it be and why? that create a story working your way I would love to cook for Nelson up from the earth to the sky.

Mandela because I admire him. I The basement floor features rab- would cook something bland because bits under the ground and the top floor his mind is so complex. It would be a is pigeons flying in the air. This col- nice to serve him something simple lection led to my next commission like a lamb chop. by an art collector from Malaysia.

What is your Porch Thought of Who are your greatest artistic The Day? influences?

I realised that the books I had writAustralian painter William ten and the paintings I had ready for Dobell, Mornington Peninsula art- exhibition that I lost in the fire were ist Terry Hadler and I love John all sub-standard.

Olson's work. I not only appreciated The first book I have rewritten is their art but they are good blokes too. much better and I've painted better You are considered an Austra- pictures for the exhibition. lian TV pioneer for cooking shows, I am lucky in a way. Instead of what are your thoughts on pro- working at crying, I'm singing and grams such as MasterChef and My dancing.

Kitchen Rules?

■ Peter's art exhibition opens My shows on the ABC bored the 6.30pm tonight at Cyclone Galleries, socks off me. I didn't watch my own 399 Clarendon St, South Melbourne.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 5

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

More tributes on Page 42

Melbourne

TRIBUTES FLOW FOR RADIO Observer PIONEER CLYDE SIMPSON In This 56-Page Edition

■ Melbourne radio executive Clyde Simpson died in hospital on Saturday after illness. Tributes have flowed for Clyde, who had worked most recently as a Senior Sales Executive for Fairfax Radio stations 3AW and Magic 1278.

Clyde Simpson was a Melbourne radio pioneer, He was the first General Manager for Melbourne’s first commercial radio station, EONFM. He had been Managing Director of Radio 3UZ Pty Ltd, and worked in senior roles at other stations including 3XY, 3MP, 3AW and Magic.

Clyde Simpson also lent his skills to the community radio sector, serving as a committee member at Heidelberg-based 96.5 Inner FM since 1991.

He was also on the Programming Sub-Committee.

With wife Nola, Clyde presented the Nice And Easy program on Friday nights. Clyde appeared under the stage name of ‘Ian Clark’, his middle names.

In his Sunday program, 96.5 Inner FM colleague Kevin Trask broke the news of Clyde’s passing, describing him as the station’s best presenter.

Fellow 96.5 Inner FM presenter and committeeman Chris Keating said: “Very sad indeed. Clyde was a true gentleman. He is already deeply missed.”

Radio industry colleagues flooded the Australian Radio page on Facebook that is administered by the Melbourne Observer.

“How sad. Clyde was GM when I was at EONFM and you could not have met a nicer, more down to earth guy,” said

FIRST FM RADIO BOSS

● Clyde Simpson.

Paul Cashmere. Another EON-FM veteran, Ken Francis, commented: “Like Paul, Clyde was my boss at EON FM and I have been lucky to have worked with him again at AW/Magic. I am in shock.”

“Radio has lost a true gentleman,” said David Rogerson.

“Clyde gave me opportunities at UZ as a young bloke that I never would have dreamed of,” said Eddie Olek of SEN and MyMP. Luca Gonano, a former 3AW producer, now at the Carlton Football Club, said: “He was a lovely, lovely man who gave me great encouragement during my time at AW.” Clyde Simpson was described as “a respected radio identity” by former

PHOTO: ASH LONG

3AW newsman Paul Nicholson.

“Clyde was a well known and much respected radio figure, his contribution to our industry over many years will surely not let us forget his great input,” said Andrew Kilpatrick, formerly of FM 104.

3AW voice-over man Craig Willis: “Sad news about a lovely bloke, writing business till the end!

A great radio man.”

Warren Koglin of Easy Mix 1071 Central Victoria: “I only met him briefly while I was doing work experience at EON but seemed like a genuinely nice guy.”

Steve Curtis said: “(Clyde) Was my GM at MP for a while. Sorry news.”

TV-radio journalist Sandy Kaye, whose CV includes 3AK and Vision

Happy memories ■ Keith McGowan: “Good fella. We had some mighty chats. Mainly about music. Older stuff. Some nice memories of Clyde.”

■ Angela McGowan: “I am so sad to hear this . Clyde always had time to talk to me at 3 AW when ever we met there. I liked him so much. We would always have a good laugh! I liked him.

A sad day indeed.”

■ Alex Hehr: “Very sad to learn of his passing. He visited us at Golden Days some years ago and we still have his business card in our folder.. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

■ Fran Duncanson: “Very sad news. A true gentleman always having time for a chat and a laugh.”

■ Simon Owens: “He was one of my favourites here at 3AW. A wise, nice, man with hundreds of stories to tell. A large part of Melbourne's radio history has left us now.”

Australia Radio, said: “What a lovely man Clyde was. Always a pleasure to work with and such an industry stalwart. How sad to hear of his passing.”

Steve Woods, now of Bang The Drum Media, said: “Terribly sad to hear this news. What a lovely bloke he was. A big piece of Melbourne radio history.”

Ian Wright, now of Victor Harbor, said: “I first met Clyde when he was chief at EON-FM and caught up now and again at various radio conferences. (He was a) lovely bloke and his passing is naturally a big loss to both his family and radio family.”

Tributes to Clyde Simpson were also paid

by Artie Stevens of AIR News, Mike Menner, Dominic Barbuto, John Tamb and Gigi Hellmuth.

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Kidnapping charge ■ A committal hearing for a former North Albury man Andrew Michael Crighton accused of kidnapping a mother of five children and inflicting serious injuries has been adjourned until September 7.

Brothels in city pubs ■ A prostitution racket is running illegal brothels out of at least three inner-city hotels under the nose of a Police taskforce, claims the Melbourne Times Weekly.

Ballarat appeal dropped ■ Phillipe James Kilb, 40, who spat on Police in an attempt to transmit Hepatitis C has abandoned an appeal against his jail sentence.

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Top 5 5. You discover that one of the horses has a reservation at the Park Hyatt.

4. The jockey is Clive Palmer.

3. Four Energiser batteries fall out of a whip.

2. The horse is sniffing a lot and loves listening to Bob Dylan.

1. The losing horse has bought a boat with a hidden compartment for a trip to Greece.

Observer Showbiz

■ A Service of Thanksgiving the life of for Clyde Simpson will be held at 2pm tomorrow (Thurs.) at St Silas Anglican Church, cnr Ferrars and Bridport Sts, Albert Park.

Mike McColl Jones

THE TOP 5 SIGNS THAT A RACE MIGHT BE ‘FIXED’.

City Desk: Rhonda wows the crowd ........ Page 3 Mark Richardson: 50 shades of G’day .... Page 4 Melbourne People: Nightline party pix .... Page 6 Di Rolle: I love my job ....................... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Real estate claims .. Page 11 Long Shots: Colourful characters ......... Page 12 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and Style .......... Page 13 Extra: Outback legend Nick Le Souef ... Page 14 Readers Club: Birthdays, recipes ......... Page 15 TV Times: 8-page liftout ............. starts Page 17 Classic Books: Les Miserables .... starts Page 23 Movies, DVD Local Theatre Country Music TV Times Liftout

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Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Nightline party at Dingley ■ Dingley International was the venue for a party held on Friday for listeners of the 3AW Nightline program.

Hosts Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady, accompanied by producer Simon Owens, greeted listeners to the special day. Entertainment was provided by the New Melbourne Jazz Band and 18-year-old singing sensation Steve Rossisto.

A special presentation of a giant birthday cake, made by Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, was made to producer Simon Owens, who celebrates today (Wednesday).

The cake featured the covers of Melway Street Directories, of which Simon is an ardent collector.

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People Melbourne

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Photos by Gigi Hellmuth

● Robyn of Box Hill with Elizabeth of Hungary

● Jeanette of Baywater with Nancy

● Sasha of Laverton with Queenie of Bayswater

● Philip Brady, Gigi Hellmuth, Simon Owens and Bruce Mansfield

● Belinda of Mt Martha

● Queenie of Bayswater with Edna of Hobart

● Chris and Simon Owens with birthday cake

● Liam and Tam of Korumburra with Sasha of Laverton

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 7

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 9

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Showbiz News

STACEY’S BIG WIN Freda meets Derryn Hinch

Briefs Rats!

■ Darren John Bubb, 42, of Geelong has pleaded guilty after lacing his estranged wife's cigarettes with Ratsak, saying he only wanted her to get sick and did not want to kill ker. He was fined $5000.

Misled

■ The Federal Court has found that The Jewellery Group Pty Ltd, the company which operates the Zamel's chain of jewellery stores, misled consumers about the savings to be made during sales. Zamel’s had either not sold the items at marked higher prices, or had rarely sold them at the higher price. Penalties are yet to be decided.

New show ■ A new show for Delta Goodrem at Hamer Hall has been scheduled for November 8, after an earlier show sold out.

The Evening With Delta Goodrem will also feature rising talent Rachael Leahcar from The Voice.

Stephen Foster CD launched

● Stacey Alleaume ■ Melbourne soprano and graduate of the Opera Studio Melbourne Stacey Alleaume, has won the prestigious McDonald's Operatic Aria for singers 35 and under at the Sydney Eisteddfod.

Winning one of the most important classical singing competitions in Australia means Stacey has won a prize pool of more than $43,000, made up of $5000 cash, a return economy overseas airfare to continue her operatic studies overseas, and a $35,000 scholarship to help her do that.

A classical singing competition is named after a hamburger chain?

It was originally known as The Sun Aria, established in 1933 to discover fine voices from throughout Australia and New Zealand.

With the closure of Sydney's Sun newspaper in 1988, McDonald's Australia took over the financing of the title, hence the current name.

This year Stacey has been touring schools as Pamina in OzOpera's schools' company production of The Magic Flute.

2012 is proving to be a big year for the young soprano, as she will marry fiancé Fabian later this year, before they head off overseas on a honeymoon and operatic study tour for Stacey.

- Julie Houghton

● Freda Miles, 95 today, with Derryn Hinch at the 3AW studios at Docklands ■ Avid 3AW listener Freda Miles received a surprise this week when she went into the Melbourne CBD to celebrate her birthday with her daughter Jenny and friend Julia Moseley.

She had no idea it was to sit in on the show of her favourite radio presenter, Derryn Hinch.

Freda has been a 3AW listener for more than 50 years, and had no idea she was being brought into the studios.

"I've been here 50 years from England, and I've listened to 3AW always," she said, when she appeared in a guest spot on Hinch’s ‘Drive’ program. \ Freda said she had followed the ups and downs of Derryn Hinch, even flying a yelow ribbon when he was jailed.

Freda’s 95th birthday is today (Wednesday).

■ Tuan Pham has lost his discrimination claims made at VCAT against George Drakopoulos, Peter Truong, Jim Hansen, the City of Greater Dandenong; and Dimity Jones and Tony Rachele.

NO CASH FOR MURDERER

VCAT HEARS

■ Convicted murderer Robert Larson has missed out on a payment from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

Larson appealed to VCAT over the Tribunal’s refusal to allow compensation to him after an act of violence.

He told VCAT that he suffered brain injury and chronic spinal and legal injuries in an assault at Reservoir.

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

The Tribunaldisallowed his claim for comoensation because of his extensive criminal history, including conviction for murder.

Larson suffered extensive facial fractures, eye laceration, head injury, broken left knee and broken spinal bone.

He had been released on parole on a life sentence but has gone back to prison after charges of burglary and theft.

● Stephen Foster, 1826-1864, known as the ‘father of American music’ Melbourne recording industry’s Marcus Herman is this week launching a special CD, exclusively for Melbourne Observer readers.

Titled 20 Stephen Foster Favourites, the CD has 20 of the all-time bests. The CD is available for $20 including postage and handling, only through a coupon in today’s Melbourne Observer. It makes for a wonderful Fathers Day gift.

Foster’s songs such as Beautiful Dreamer, Oh! Susanna, Camptown Races, Old Folks at Home (Swanee River), My Old Kentucky Home, Old Black Joe and Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair remain extremely popular more than 150 years after their composition.

The songs are performed on this CD by The James Watsford Chorale, drawn from The Maroondah Singers. They perform this Foster collection with accompaniments arranged and conducted by Douglas Surman.

This collection was first released on a12-inch LP (Crest International), and is now released for the first time on this Special Edition Hi-Fi Stereo CD on the Resonance label exclusively for Observer readers.

Orders placed by readers this week should be in time to be a special gift for Fathers' Day. To order this special $20 CD, simply complete the form on this page.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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To

Di My medal for Luke

● Luke Mangan ■ My Gold Medal this week goes to Luke Mangan, whose New Yorker sandwich on a Virgin flight from Newcastle, saved my life.

In my normal fashion, rushing and skipping breakfast and lunch to get on a plane at 2pm, and have the offer of something to eat was just wondrous, I chose Luke’s sandwich.

It was the best sandwich I have ever had and highly recommend when flying Virgin (no I don’t get a free toaster for mentioning this).

The sandwich and the cup of black tea just hit the spot!

Gold for the British ■ The Olympics were fabulous there is no doubt about it and now I look forward to seeing the seven welcome home ceremonies that will be held in Australia for all the athletes.

I thought the Closing Ceremony was fantastic: big bold and bright and a true celebration.

I loved The Who particularly: boy, have those guys still got it.

I was very emotional and was very proud, I clearly got that the Brits were very proud of their Olympics and so they should be.

No doubt about them, those British do things well.

Prince Charming ■ Is it just me? I cringe every time I hear about Prince Philip’s bladder infection.

Surely it has a medical name or another name, but bladder infection just sounds so awful.

Poor man, he actually doesn’t look well at all. Despite his illnesses he continues to carry out his royal duties as best he can.

I always thought he was the handsomest of men and a perfect partner for our Queen.

He accompanied the Queen to the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics at the end of July and attended a yachting event on the Isle of Wight, off southern England but fell ill at Balmoral Castle.

Responding well to treatment, I hope he recovers soon.

I met him once. He was very clipped and had eyes as sharp as an eagles. Nice smile.

Very charming.

Sirens will be an online hit!

I love my job!

■ One of the best people in the industry, and who I love watching when she fills in for Sam Lane on Before The Game, is journalist, presenter, author and MC Angela Pippos.

She has created a ground-breaking AFL show called Sirens, hosted by three women - Sharelle McMahon, Kate McLennan and herself coming up.

Angela has cleverly gone with the athlete, comedian, journalist mix. Not a WAG in sight.

Sirens will begin its life as a weekly show on the AFL website – the girls are going to produce seven episodes this season which will take them through to the end of the finals.

One of the segments in Angela’s show is her one-on-one interview with a high profile AFL fan.

In this segment Angela will - as only she can - charm the guest into revealing all about his/her love for their team.

Sirens will go out on afl.com.au, Telstra mobile and Telstra T-Box. How exciting is this? I love it when the girls come up with a great idea and it will work.

Go Angela!

For HUNK OF BURNING LOVE

■ A charmer, a good looker and so handsome was Elvis.

It is the 35th anniversary of his death this year; it is hard to believe he is gone.

I was a big fan of Elvis Presley. He had what we all call The X Factor in spades.

His wife Priscilla said of him: “He had an unbridled sexuality unlike any other.”

Thousands of fans descend on his home Graceland every year.

At more than 17 million visitors to date, it is one of the most visited private homes inAmerica beside the White House of course.

I remember the day of his death clearly. A friend came to my home early in the morning and I opened the door and he said Elvis has died!

That’s 35 years ago I remember it vividly.

Being a publicist and doing what I do, I would love to have met him and seen him live and can certainly see what he had that touched a lot of people, millions of people all over the world.

A sopkesman for the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the Associated Press that Graceland has had a true impact on the city’s tourism, adding that travel expenditures in 2011 exceeded $3 billion.

My Dad loved Elvis, and I gave him some Elvis CDs that he always played when he knew I was visiting him.

Backstage ■ Speaking of working in the industry, I get to meet some wonderful people who work backstage, road man

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

Tom Gleeson, Judith Lucy, Dave Hughes, Frank Woodley, Justin Hamilton and Brian Nankervis are just a few of the big names lined up to pull out all stops for Adrian. These guys are the best.

“Adrian is one of the industry’s outstanding professionals. His reputation has been a touchstone for the Festival over 20 years.

“It has been extraordinary the offers of help we have had from the industry both nationally and internationally,” said GM Virginia Lovett.

The project is also a great opportunity to spotlight the work of the Alfred Hospital and their focus, through the annual Fathers’ Day Appeal, on men’s health issues.

The Regent Theatre is the venue, Wednesday, September 26, 7.30pm tickets from $50 book or donate at comedy festival.com.au or Ticketmaster 1300 660 013.

Yo Adrian!

● Elvis Presley agers, tour managers, 20 years and has been wardrobe people to the responsible for helping rich and famous, man- out newcomers as agers and crew. well as the production Many of these are management, lighting great Australian guys design and stage manwho have worked in agement of countless the industry for a long productions and tours time. for many of AustAdrian Cherubin ralia’s most popular is one such guy, and comedians. whilst he wasn’t a Adrian’s profeshousehold name, he sional community is was known by all the rallying to raise funds celebrities as a hard to assist his on-going worker and someone care and rehabilitation to rely on and helped – and they’re not kidmake them the celeb- ding about raising rities look good. some serious cash.

There are lots of Wil Anderson, ■ I am a veracious great technicians and Carl Barron, Kitty reader, I read three or behind the scenes guys Flanagan, Greg Fleet, four books at a time. in the industry.

Adrian Cherubin, is one of those people.

Many of Australia’s best and funniest comedians are coming together for a gala fundraiser for a comedy superstar of whom you’ve probably never heard.

During the 2012 Melbourne Comedy Festival, Adrian Cherubin, the Festival’s long serving Technical Director suffered a stroke.

Adrian has led the production team at the ● Judith Lucy Comedy Festival for

Books!

● Angela Pippos I always have ever Recital Centre’s Sasince I was a little girl. lon beginning Friday One author I am (Aug. 24). just discovering, who This new work, has been a most popu- which he has called lar writer for a long Solo In Red, based on time, is Cormac the writings of McCarthy.

Cormac McCarthy.

McCarthy is a It will be presented popular author with in three performen and it has taken mances. it is a musime some time to get cal exploration of the into him, so to speak. sparseness and fragilSo I have thrown ity of Comac myself into The Road McCarthy’s writing. which is one of his Inspired by Blood very famous books. Meridian, Suttree and He writes beauti- The Border Trilogy fully and has a won- other McCarthy writderful turn of phrase. ings, Robinson’s One of the quotes I composition is texlove from the book is tured and dynamically “… It took two days to complex – a hauntcross the ashen sca- ingly beautiful work. bland. The road beMcCarthy’s writing yond fell away on ev- and the atmosphere ery side. It’s snowing, he creates has a the boy said. He sparseness, detachlooked at the sky. ment and tension and “A single gray is always touched flake sifting down. He with a dry wit. caught it in his hand Performances are and watched it expire Friday (Aug., 24) 6pm there like the last host and 8pm, and Saturof christendom.” day (Aug. 25) 8pm.

Oh to be able to Tickets $40 ($30 conwrite like that! One cession) Presented man who is passion- by Melbourne Recital ate about Cormac Centre and Collider in McCarthy is Kynan association with the Robinson and he is Melbourne Writers performing a new Festival. I will be work at Melbourne there!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Tara’s CLERGYMAN CAUGHT IN HOAX party

● Tara Bishop held a ‘Great Gatsby’ party at the weekend for her 40th birthday

■ Melton clergyman Gordon McKenzie is a trusting type, and he has been caught in another email hoax.

Gordon enthusiastically sent an e-mail to friends saying that Mars would appear in the night sky as large as the Moon, for the only time until the year 2287.

His e-mail said that Mars would be the brightest object in the sky between 10pm and 3am on ● Gordon McKenzie August 27.

“No-one alive today will ever see this again.”

In the past, the reverend gentleman has innocently sent out hoax e-mails which advised people only to fill their petrol tanks in the early morning, and only use the slow setting at the pump. The hoaxers wrote that motorists pump less petrol for each 1° warmer.

Gordon is pastor at the House of Light in Metton, a musician, entertainer and civil marriage celebrant.

Rumour Mill Hear It Here First

Clyde re-tyred Gavin ■ Many stories will be told about radio pioneer Clyde Simpson over the coming weeks. Gavin Wood has been in contact from Hollywood: “He had to put up with Molly (Meldrum) and I at EON FM. “When we had the sit in over Tina Turner someone slashed all my tyres.

“I went to Clyde and told him and he said "Don't worry I'll get it ● Gavin Wood towed and we will put some nice wheels on it." He blew me away as a General Manager and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Nola and family, and Radio have lost a real star.”

Life coaching ■ One bigh-profile Melbourne woman has been given some advice by her closest friends: “You can never make the same mistake twice,because the second time you make it, it's not a mistake , it's a choice!” ● Stasia Raft with Valentina Jovanoska ● “Mars will look as large as the Full Moon to the naked eye,” says the hoax e-mail

■ Things are not crook in Tallarook ... the former pub, built around 1875, is to be auctioned on Saturday, September 1. Healthy bidding is expected.

‘FALSE DOCUMENTS TO BROKER’: REAL ESTATE AGENT ACCUSED

● Christian Wagstaff with Suzanne Carbone

● Maryanne Giannarelli with Natasha Stipanov Photos: Sue Deenim

■ Real estate agent’s representative Zoran Rakocevic provided false documents to mortgage broker Owen Gumus to support theloan applications of nine people, the Director of Consumer Affairs has alleged.

ConsumerAffairs told Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Jacqueline Preuss has been told that Gumus submitted the false documents to the ANZ Banking Group Ltd to support the applications.

Rakocevic was employed by Compton and Green Real Estate Pty Ltd. It is alleged that contracts of real estate stated that C&G was the vendor’s agent when the real estate was not listed with C&G for sale.

The contracts stated an incorrect purchase price, and false trust account receipts in the name of C&G were made for deposits paid under the contracts, Consumer Affairs alleged.

VCAT was told letters bearing Rakocevic’s signature on the letterhead of Montex Corporation Pty Ltd stated falsely that several of

FILE PHOTO

of the loan applicants were employed by Montex, a company of which he was the sole shareholder and director.

Ms Preuss was told that payslips stated that four of the loan applicants were paid a salary by Montex when they were not employed by Montex.

“Three contracts of sale stated that Amber Vision Pty Ltd had agreed to sell the property described in the contracts, when it had not so agreed,” CAV alleged.

It was alleged that Rakocevic received a financial benefit when payments made to Montex from the loan monies.

Larger loans were provided by the ANZ than would have otherwise have been provided because the correct purchase price had not been disclosed in the contracts, it was alleged.

“Mr Rakocevic, while admitting that the deposit receipts and payslips from Montex and letter of employment were false and that the contracts contained false information denied that he was the person responsible for the falsification.”

The Director of Consumer Affairs asked VCAT to conduct an inquiry. Hearings were held on February 15 and 15, and May 23, and a further hearing was due to be held on August 14.

The VCAT determination from the latest hearing had not been published at the time of going to press.

Loan applications are alleged to have been in the names of Maria Milinkovic (daughter of Rakocevic’s business partner), Ilijana Rakocevic (his wife), Luke Rakocevic (father), Radojka Rakocevic (mother), Nebojsa Stamenkovic, Danny Eric and Inci Arslan, and Yusuf Tutug.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whispers

Sex plan

■ North-suburban City of Darebin has adopted a Sexuality, Sex and Gender Diversity Action Plan to make the municipality more accomodating to the lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender and intersex. Some older folk recall when Councils atended to ‘roads, rubbish and rates’.

Recovery ■ Fair Work Building & Construction has recovered $23,622 in wages and allowances for two labourers working for a building company in Thomastown

Launch

● John Hamilton ■ former Prime Minister John Howard will launch a new book, The Price Of Valour, by bestselling author John Hamilton at the Shrine of Remembrance tomorrow (Thurs.).

Slap ■ An illegal brothel has been closed in Burke Rd, Camberwell, after Boroondara Council heard a ‘massage parlour’ was offering ‘extras’. The business may operate a massage therapy business, VCAT says.

■ News tips may be faxed to 1-800 231 312.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

DERN LOVED WINE, WOMEN, SONG

Founded in History, Looking to the Future

Our Doors are Open!

Hospital staff outside a newly built Freemasons Hospital in 1937. Recognise anyone?

Let us know via email to media@ freemasonsvic.net.au Photo: Freemasons Victoria Library While public service and benevolent work has always been an essential part of any Freemason's life, not many people realise just how far that service reaches.

In Melbourne, the importance of this work can be seen in two very recognisable buildings: the Royal Freemasons aged care facility and the Epworth Freemasons Hospital.

When it opened in 1867, Royal Freemasons was only the second aged care provider in Victoria.

At that time, the Moubray Street location put it on the outskirts of a newly founded Melbourne.

The Masonic philosophy of care continues to this day in the service Royal Freemasons provides to the community.

Today, the organisation is a leader in research and innovation, with a focus on choice, independence and dignity for its residents.

While the organisation has grown to a state-wide network of retirement living, community care and aged care facilities, its 145 year history stands as a proud reminder of the Masonic principles that rest at its foundations.

Epworth Freemasons Hospital is one of the most recognised medical facilities in Melbourne.

In the 75 years since its inception, it has seen many changes and today continues as a leader in research and development.

While the hospital was passed from Freemasons to Epworth HealthCare six years ago, the relationship between the two organisations is strong and the heritage listed building still proudly displays the square and compasses.

The Victorian Heritage Register recognises the significance of the building that "was the only known community hospital constructed by a Lodge in Melbourne's inner suburbs in the early 1930s."

The hospital originally catered to Freemasons and their families, but today cares for people from all over Melbourne and Victoria.

The square and compasses appear again in the Courtyard of Peace and Harmony that was built as part of the hospital's recent major refurbishment. The names of Freemasons who supported the project surround the square and compasses in a pattern reminiscent of the black and white Masonic carpet seen in Lodge Rooms.

So, as Freemasonry looks to the future and finds ways to innovate and increase its support for the community, the strength and impact of the Fraternity within Victoria's history remains an important foundation on which to build.

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

■ The Melbourne Observer celebrates its 43rd birthday on September 14.

This coincides with the 10-year anniversary of Long Shots being its Publisher-Editor.

We have been looking back through our files since IPEC transport magnate Gordon Barton established the paper in 1969, from 822 Lorimer St, Fishermen’s Bend.

One of the colourful characters in the early life of the Observer was Dern Geoffrey Stuart Langlands, born on Valentines Day1923, and who died on January 14, 1996.

COLOURFUL CHARACTERS the Richmond Leader, All Sport Weekly, Melbourne Bazaar (a Trading Post copy) ... and a bold experiment, Postscrpit Daily, a free daily newspaper delivered by a team of 40 mini-skirted girls in a fleet of orange sedans. The $800,000 experiment lasted eight weeks.

For a brief time, Dern had an empire of 27 businesses including the Belvedere Lodge Motel in Richmond, a chain of Toyrific stores, a garage door manufacturer Foldin Industries, and D R Engineering.

Fast losses

Collapse

Aftermath

● Dern Langlands ... ordering two beers

Long Shots ● Gordon Barton ■ Barton had his own Liberal Reform and Australia Party political agenda, and was quick to lose $1.5 million in 18 months on the Observer.

When Barton closed his Observer in March 1971, maverick publisher Maxwell Newton was on hand to start his own version of the Melbourne Observer within a fortnight.

And one of his printing contractors was Regal Press, owned by Dern Langlands.

To the Max!

● Maxwell Newton ■ Newton was eager to grow the Observer quickly. Appointing legendary Melbourne newsman John Sorell as Editor, Max embarked on a whirlwind business ride that lost millions - and also brought down the fortunes of Dern Langlands.

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”

Dern Langlands was the son of an iterarant printer, who carted his family around country Victoria, working at newspapers at Kyabram, Corryong and Mount Gambier. Son followed father into print.

After World War II, where he flew Spitfires for the RAF, Dern set up Regal Press, explaining that it was ‘Lager’ spelt backwards.

Supplementing his income by boxing at Jimmy Sharman’s tent in Richmond, Dern had his first big break by printing the peanut bags for each Saturday’s football, each one printed by hand.

To the Max!

for the injection of funds by accountant Les Smart, of Marquand and Co, who been Chairman of Direct Meat Supply Ltd, part of the Farmers and Graziers Co-operative.

All up, $2 million of the Co-Op’s money was pumped in to prop up the Langlands interests, which had then been sold to Newton.

Two problems. Newton never made a re-payment, and Smart never told the Co-Op that he had lent the money.

A Victorian Government enquiry was undertaken by Alex Chernov QC, who today serves as State Governor.

Smart was jailed.

● Alex Chernov ■ Another part of the Regal Press experiment was the launch in August 1969 of Postscript Weekender newspaper.

Boasting marvellous colour for its time, the 10cent 48-page weekly was proudly Melbourne, edited by Chris Fisher, and with a team of writers including Barbara Evans, Geoffrey Radcliffe, Gordon Moyes, Ken Moses, John Coulthard, Noel McLeod, Peter Davidson, Gwenda McBean and Rolie Stephens.

The Langlands companies deteriorated financially and would have collapsed had it not been for

■ At his height, Dern Langlands was enjoying the high life. “Wine, women and song - although I can’t sing very well,” he would laugh.

After the collapse of his business, at age 54 he escaped to Queensland, marrying 20-year-old Sharryn Young, promising a Mercedes Benz as a wedding present.

He started a lifelong interest in hydroponics.

Dern returned to Melbourne, ran the shortlived Sunday Mirror for 26 weeks, and undertook job printing from small plants in Abbotsford, Fitzroy and Rosanna.

These print shops were as much a centre for welllubricated chats with a range of media types.

Dern Langlands was one of many of the colourful characters that have created the varied Observer tapestry of 43 years.

Observer Treasury Thoughts For The Week

■ 18 weeks to Christmas.

■ Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace by giving our kids, toy weapons and violent video games. ● Dern Langlands ■ Dern gained the print business of Melbourne’s first supermarkets.

He became publisher of Foodland Home News,

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.

Observer Curmudgeon

■ The definition of a well-constructed toy is one which sees out Christmas Day.

Text For The Week

■ “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”

- Proverbs 11:28

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

Copyright © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd

Phone 1-800 231 311 to arrange a $99 annual subscription to the Melbourne Observer

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 13

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

News Briefs

SUN, WARMTH IS ON THE WAY ■ This is a wonderful time of the year. How could anyone not welcome and embrace August?

The spring flowers are starting to push through the cold ground, the days are sunny, though streaky, the blossom is appearing and the nights are cold.

I love it all.

It’s important that you keep yourself warm with so much ‘flu about, so drag out the jumpers, the beanies and long socks to keep your toes warm. You may look like Nanook of the North, but you’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug.

Yvonne’s Column

Think of it as medication ■ I’m still on a high after spending my nights watching the Olympics until dawn. Now it’s the paralympics that will keep me awake.

I seem to have completely turned around my sleeping pattern. I’m awake all night and sleep a few hours during the day. But it was worth every minute of it watching our best athletes competing with all their might.

Now it’s official. A couple of squares of dark chocolate each day is not only legal, but also it turns out that chocolate is actually good for us.

Not milk chocolate with soft sugary gooey centres, but the dark bitter chocolate that is the one to go for.

It seems that dark chocolate helps to reduce cardiovascular disease and lowers blood pressure. Hooray!

But before you start to get too excited, remember only in moderation.

We eat our chocolate at night and it goes down the hatch after our medication – after all, I now think of it as medication.

I’m just pleased it’s not jellybeans that have the same medicinal properties because I could never stop at just one.

When sweetness helps ■ I used to keep a big jar of jellybeans in the kitchen cupboard, but then I noticed that I would dive into the jar at the smallest crisis like the recent electricity bill.

So the jar had to go and the kids across the road were very happy.

So chomp away at your hearts content and don’t feel guilty eating chocolate, but remember your ration is only two squares each night.

Jellybeans would have kept me company when a friend rang to tell me that ‘Slug’ Jordon had died.

I find that it is times such as this that a little drop of sweetness helps.

Memories of ‘Slug’ ■ I have such happy memories of working with Ray and so I spent time reminiscing.

My boss at the time was a sports fanatic and when he told me that he wanted Ray Jordon to do the commercials for a new venture he was opening I raised my eyebrows but said nothing.

I’d had bad experiences with the sportsmen my boss persisted in promoting.

Once he insisted on a famous footballer cocompering a fashion parade with me, and it was a disaster.

Instead of just being seen and not heard on the catwalk, as soon as a microphone was produced he grabbed it and just took over.

It wouldn’t have been so bad if he had had any training in compering anything, and spoke passable English. He really was a fine example of someone who truly believes his or her own publicity and was definitely a legend in his own lunchtime.

Betty and I met through the Melbourne Observer.

She is a writer and broadcaster, so it was as sure as day follows night that we would make contact.

Betty and her husband Ray are celebrating 60 years of marriage and Peter and I have been invited to share in this happy day.

I’ve never met Betty although I met her son Fraser when she arranged for him to deliver a fresh pigs head to my house. They are as scarce as hen’s teeth, but Betty had organised the whole thing, as people in the country do so well.

Of course he and I talked about Betty’s achievements. It’s a pleasure to hear a son talk in such warm tones about his mother. It doesn’t happen so often now days I fear.

Can you imagine 60 years married? There must be a secret to such success.

Betty will be my guest

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

So with past disaster in mind I arranged a lunch so that I could meet another sportsman who my Boss thought would be so terrific for this forthcoming promotion.

Character came out ■ The lunch was hilarious and I liked ‘Slug’ in an instant, but I knew I would have to do a lot of work to get the commercials off the ground. I needn’t have worried. He was a natural.

He put his own stamp on the commercials and his character came out as we spoke the words.

I went along with him and the commercials were a hit with the public.

My boss had a bit of a smirk on his face at the reaction to ‘Slug’ because I told him of my initial doubts.

Secretly he thought that I would become involved in football and he could talk the ‘match of the day’ every Monday morning.

Not even the charismatic personality of such a great sportsman coul’ do that, but I still remember the fun I had when ‘Slug” and I put down the commercials.

It was fun for me, but the technician pushing the sound levels tore his hair out because ‘Slug’ would say ‘bugger’ and sometimes worse when he blew a line.

He could never understand why we had to start from the beginning again.

Earned his place in heaven ■ I never thought to ask him why he was called ‘Slug’, somehow it fitted his image.

And I am sorry that I didn’t go to a football match when he asked me. But I do recall those fun months working with him on those commercials, and those occasional lunches.

He is one man who has earned a place in heaven for his achievements here on earth along with other great sportsmen.

Celebrating 60 years ■ We never know when we will meet someone who will become a friend. It’s something that clicks and away you go. Such is my friendship with Betty Jeffrey.

■ I’ve invited Betty as my special guest on my radio program to not only talk about her writing, but the secret of her happy marriage, raising a family all those years ago, and how different it is today with all the expectations and pressures of modern life.

To hear her speak on her vast life experience will prove invaluable I’m sure.

Talking with Betty is always a delight because she has an opinion on everything, and she paints such a word picture when she talks that I feel as if I have been there with her.

Congratulations Betty and Ray. You will have much to tell us.

Sacrifice

● Greg Hywood ■ Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood has offered to forgo a cash bonus worth more than $300,000 in the wake of the company's deteriorating earnings.

Board members rejected the idea. He will receive a bonus worth 50 per cent of the amount he was entitled to which he was entitled under his $1.2 million-ayear salary, reports The Australian.

Goodbye

Including pets in our wills ■ It was a sad story I read in the press through the week about a woman who died alone at home. Fortunately a neighbour came to investigate and found her with her pet dog of 11 years.

The dog, which was disorientated and grieving, was taken to a shelter waiting to be adopted.

None of this would have happened to the poor dog if only we included our pets when making our will. If it was made before the new pet, just make sure you update it.

My husband and I included our dogs in our will, and now Moosh our cat has been included.

It’s easy for friends to promise that they will take the pet, but things change and things don’t work out as planned. And the poor animal is left in limbo.

Take a minute to look at your will and make provision for your pet. If it is to go to a shelter, then add a little for its keep until adopted.

Just around the corner ■ It’s a task of Sisyphus to keep the power use down during the cold weather.

I’ve become known, according to my husband, as the angel of darkness because I’m forever reminding him to turn of the power at the switch It hasn’t become so bad that we are having a small ‘domestic’ about it but I’ve noticed he has stopped smiling when I remind him.

It must be hard when you are reminding children to turn things off, but it’s just another lesson they have to learn.

Keep warm. Colder weather is just around the corner so we are told so join the hoards of people buying hot water bottles in desperation..

Yvonne Contact: Melbourne Observer.

P.O .Box 1278, Research 3095

● Geoff Wilkinson ■ Respected Melbourne crime writer Geoff Wilkinson will be leaving the Herald Sun newspaper, reports the national broadsheet.

Massage ■ Legitimate massage therapists in Victoria are attempting to reclaim the word ‘massage’.

Nicole MadiganEverest says: “Following recent discussion about the prevalence of brothels using the term ‘massage’ to advertise its services, Ripple Massage - a national mobile day spa - is speaking out, claiming the use of the term ruins the reputation of legitimate massage businesses which offer a much-need health service.”

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Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

■ There is a long list of Australians that went to America and became famous in Hollywood films - Heath Ledger, Ron Randell, Frank Thring, Peter Finch, Rod Taylor, Judith Anderson and many others.

Some worked as character actors and although their faces were well known, most people would not have any idea that they were in fact Australians - one of these was Leon Errol.

Leonce Errol Sims was born in Sydney in 1881. He went to St Joseph's College and matriculated as a pre-med student at Sydney University.

Whilst at college he participated in an amateur revue and decided that he wanted to be a professional performer.

Leonce toured Australia and New Zealand with Paul Marinetti the famous American music hall star and then joined a circus as a bareback rider and clown.

After performing in several professional plays he migrated to America and was in San Francisco during the great earthquake of 1906. In the same year he married Stella Chatelaine.

He was managing a burlesque house at one stage and hired a youth by the name of Roscoe ‘Fatty’Arbuckle.

Leonce was known as ‘Rubber Legs’ and after seeing him perform Florenz Ziegfeld Jnr cast him in the show Follies on Broadway.

He adopted the ‘stage name’ of Leon Errol.

Some of his stage productions included A Win-

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Leon Errol

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM some Widow, The Century Girl and the Midnight Revue - Dance And Grow Thin.

Leon also appeared at the London Hippodrome in a production of Joy Belle.

He started out in films in the US in a series of short films before appearing in feature films.

His initial starring role was in Only Saps Work in 1930.

The first time I noticed Leon Errol was in the 1934 Bing Crosby film We're Not Dressing.

Leon specialised in playing comical drunks and his ‘Rubber Legs’ routine was used in many of his films.

Leon appeared in more than 50 feature films and continued making short films throughout his career.

● Leon Errol

Some of his films included Alice In Wonderland, Never Give A Sucker An Even Break (with W C Fields), The Noose Hangs High (with Abbott and Costello), Higher And Higher (with Frank Sinatra) and The Invisible Man's Revenge.

Leon played the ongoing character of Joe Palooka's manager in the series of boxing films and also appeared in the popular Mexican Spitfire films opposite Lupe Vélez.

He was a guest star on the Ed Wynn television show in 1950 but sadly did not live to see the early development of the new medium.

His wife Stella passed away in 1946 and Leon continued making films up till his death of a heart attack in 1951. They did not have any children.

Look out for Leon Errol in his comedy roles in some those great old films and remember he was born and bred in Australia.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.30pm 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.

TERRITORY IDIOTS HUNT FOR CROCS

■ More crocs! When crocodile hunting in the Territory was in full swing a couple of decades ago, it ended up with a dire shortage of the beasts.

Then, to address this, all hunting was banned, till we've now got to the stage where they're abounding all over the place.

So now there's a removal program, beginning with a 500 reptile cull, to see how this all works. And part of the cull is also an experiment. Hunters will be allowed to stalk some larger specimens for their trophy rooms permits for 50 such adventurers will be granted.

At $20,000 a pop!

And another ‘sport’ has again reared its head - crocodile trap cavorting!

Whenever a large croc is detected in an area where it may be a threat to people, a trap is set to ensnare, and relocate it.

These items are large mesh metal cages into which the reptile is lured, the door then snapping shut.

So it is now a big deal for some Darwin residents, ‘idiots’ they're usually branded, to have their photographs taken cavorting on top of these traps, risking a $7000 fine.

Always youthful, often inebriated, and occasionally naked!

And sometimes inside the trap itself - indeed idiots!

■ I often grabbed my swag and headed out to Harts Range, specifically to a settlement known as Gem Tree, and to fossick around for some semi-precious gemstones.

My mate American George, from Coober Pedy, came up with me a couple of times, and we'd hire our shovels and seives. And dig around in the dirt in an attempt to find some sparkling garnets or topaz.

Whilst not as valuable as my opals, it was nevertheless a pleasurable exercise, and we'd snuggle down in our swags in beside our campfire to greet the coming night.

And interestingly, on a bush track further into the Ranges we discovered a large hill of pure solid gleaming white quartz - a spectacular sight.

It didn't contain any gold, but that's what Lasseter's Reef must have looked like!

And last week the 64th annual Harts Range Races occurred in earnest!

There's always a rodeo, bull riding,

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au and horse races, not to mention the ladies ‘Cow tail toss’, good old tug-owar, and a kids' lolly scramble!

There's yard building and swag rolling competitions, calf scuffing, and a poddy calf ride for the kids.

Tough little bush buggers!

■ Some upcoming events I'm looking forward to!

A couple of years ago I took part in a Variety Club bash with my mate Don in his big old left hand drive GMC ute, and we wended our way from Bendigo to Alice Springs along dusty bush roads and tracks.

Then last year my mate Ben and I participated in another Bash-like journey through South Australia, starting in Coober Pedy, and ending up in Roxby Downs. This was a wonderful journey.

Next week I fly up to Cairns to again join Don in half a Bash. His mate will do the first bit, from Sydney, and I will be with him for the remainder - Cairns to Cape York.

We'll be winding our way up to Kuranda, then up to Laura and Archer River, on to Bramwell Station,

ending up in Bamaga, right on the tip.

I've only been to Cairns briefly once, but have always heard of the journey north, so it's with excitement that I look forward to the journey.

Ever an observer of Mother Nature, I'll be on the lookout for local creatures, from a croc or two to a roaming Cassowary, to the magnificent blue Bird-Wing Butterflies, which I have never seen in the wild.

And there've even been sightings of a mystery, unknown, big striped cat in the area!

Bliss!

■ Also, a second impending journey!

My mate Ozzie always waxed lyrical about a bush track beginning at Glendambo ending up at Streaky Bay, in Outback South Australia.

"A memorable trip!" he always enthused.

So I detoured once on my return from Coober Pedy, and indeed it was!

Through the old rail town of Kingoonya, which was completely abandoned when I went through. It was eerie walking through abandoned houses, the pub, and the store.

Just a few goannas scuttling about.

It has since been resurrected and the pub reopened, and some inhabitants have returned.

Then on down through salt lakes, giant pure white sandhills, bumping along 500 kms of bush track to Streaky Bay on the Great Australian Bight, festooned with plump delicious oysters.

Interestingly, nestling amongst the sand dunes beside the empty white pristine beaches are residences called ‘fishermen shacks’, built out of driftwood.

Obviously totally illegal from every respect, they are often picturesque and architecturally innovative, and remain intact, beyond bureaucracy's reach, just because of their history they've always been there.

So me and a few mates will embark on this journey soon - a good time will be had by all!

■ Bess is once again rearing her admirable head!

Bess Price, the Walpiri lady who I recently extolled, is once again mired in controversy!

She is about to stand for the Country Liberals in the forthcoming election, and has lashed out at Amnesty International for "undemocratic and

● Bess Price racist views". Bess is a great advocate on behalf of her people, noting

that she sees the Aboriginal problems from their point of view, the people who live "amongst the mangy dogs" in the town camps of Alice Springs, rather than idealistically from the leafy streets of far off suburbia, where often Aboriginal culture is seen as a "Disneyesque perfection. Which it certainly isn't!

Some habits, some aspects of Aboriginal culture are wonderful and uplifting and helpful; others decidedly aren't. She advocates keeping the former, and discarding the latter.

As her husband, Dave, a whitefella, says: "White activists from southern states think they can communicate her views to her people better than she can.

“They turn a deaf ear to those who are most vulnerable, to the most underprivileged and marginalised, the women and children who are suffering in our town camps.”

Onya Bess!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ I fell out of my chair when I read that Anna Bligh's husband Greg Withers has been appointed to a senior executive position in Arts NSW and will start work in early September.

What do rank and file Libs, Tony Abbott and Campbell Newman think of this little lot?

I have always maintained that most of our MPs belong to the same 'club' irrespective of their politics but what the hell is Barry O'Farrell up to?

When I was working as an insurance investigator in Victoria during the Cain Labor Government, my business was crippled after losing crucial TAC and other briefs when my politics were declared after I stood for the Libs in 1987 and look what Bracks did to Governor Gobbo.

One would have thought that O'Farrell's ministers would have been carefully screening job applicants but NSW Labor must now be having a mighty chuckle at the naivety of its opponents.

What about those who contribute to the Liberal Party - do they want their monies to help provide sheltered workshops for Labor failures? What about those Libs who lost jobs at the 2007 election?

Labor fiercely looks after its own and stomps on its enemies while the Libs as demonstrated by this debacle are just pathetic.

- John Pasquarelli: kojak@mmnet.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 15

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Readers’ Club THe Way We Were 100 Years Ago The North-Eastern Ensign, Benalla Friday, August 23, 1912 ■ Prior to coming to Benalls, Sgt Drummond (successor to Sgt Stillard) was entertained at a Rechabite. social at Nathalia and presented with an emblem of the order.

Wife and himselt were made the recipient of a silver fruit dish and a silver biscuits barrel as well.

The residents of the same locality also tendered farewell presentation to Sgt Drummond and Mrs Drummond, t he former receiving a purse of sovereigns ★★★ At the local Court of Petty Sessions on Monday last, the chairman of t Bench, (Mr Turnbull) welcomed the new sergeant, and.expressed the hope that the latter would sustain the reputation of the station and Superintendent Davidson and Mr Fitzgerald (Clerk. of Courts) also spoke Iinlaudatory terms of the sergeant.

Sergeant Drummond appreciated the kind words spoken and said he would endeavour to do his duty in Benalla as an officer and a citizen. ★★★ Mr Kenny, booking clerk Wangaratta, has been transferred to Benalla. Mr Kenny was formerly stationed at thelatter place: Prior his departure from Wangaratta Kenny was.presented with a outfit in a leather case,.a silver mug, and a smoking outfit.

Mr Robert .Cameron, the well-known booking clerk at t local railway station, has been transferred to Essendon.. We understand that Mr Cameron's severance with Benalla means promotion and his many friends will be pleased to hear of his rise. Whilst station here he proved himself to be courteous and obliging officer and bears the name in the department being a most reliable employee.

Melbourne Photo Flashback

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● Family picnic Mornington, 1969. Photo: State Library of Victoria

Weird Facts

Reader Recipes

FAX: 1-800 231 312 E-MAIL: editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

■ A little learning may be a dangerous thing but it’s still safer than total ignornace.

Sound Advice

Word Of The Week

■ “Outside a dog, a bok is man’s best friend.

Inside a dog, it’s too dark to read.”

- Groucho Marx

■ A ‘jiffy’ is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

Bumper Sticker

PLaces To Go ■ The Adelphi Players Theatre Company presents Quartet (four players) from Tuesday (Aug. 28) at Labasa, 2 Manor Gr, North Caulfield.

Your Stars with Christina La Cross Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Fun times can be had if you'd relax. It may be a Wednesday but that doesn't mean you have to put on a professional face all the time. Luck in love comes via a phone call.

Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21) A great time to further your career and make sure you can shape your future as you desire and not as others deem fit. Your future is in your hands. Make sure it stays that way!

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) You feel as if you are banging your head against a brick wall with your work. But trust me when I tell you that you're laying the foundations for a better future financially and professionally.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23) Have a heart when dealing with older family members who can't seem to manage on their own as much as they used to. They don't want all your time, just some advice and support would suffice.

Leo (July 24 - Aug 23) This is likely to bring a slowing down in your affairs as it beings the more quiet time for you Leo subjects. I should think so with the dramas you've been experiencing so far my friend.

Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Now is the moment to clear away all that has served its usefulness and make ready for what is new and more of worth. Using your mind more than your mouth can win you an argument today.

Libra (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You may come into contact with people who are less fortunate than you but just make sure that you are not allowing yourself to miss out on the things which are a priority for you too Libra.

Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Social affairs can be too expensive but you may be too giving to friends who know exactly what to say and do to part you and your cash. Changes to your appearance boost your confidence.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) Time spent with old friends can help you work out where you came from, where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Time for major decisions, and the right ones this time.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) You seem to be spending far too much of your time worrying about what other people are doing when you should be concentrating on your own life. ‘That' financial matter can be sorted if you do.

Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) New avenues open up to you in your career and should make your professional life a much more interesting place to be. Don't rule out using old contacts for success. They know how good you are.

Pisces (Feb 20 - March 20) You're finally having fun again in life and you're starting to realise that you don't have to take everything so seriously all the time. Money can be made via a series of phone calls this week.

■ Spotted in Keilor: “Always keep your words soft and sweet. Just in case you have to eat them.” ● Picnic food: Basic buttermilk scones ■ Described as the perfect Sunday afternoon delight, you can pack your picnic basket with these Basic Buttermilk Scones.

Preparation Time: 12 - 15 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes Makes: 12 Ingredients 2 cups self-raising flour 1 tablespoon caster sugar Pinch of salt 60g butter, chilled, chopped 3/4 cup buttermilk Extra buttermilk, for brushing Raspberry jam and whipped cream, to serve Method Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C fan-forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Position oven rack in the top half of oven.

Sift flour, sugar and salt into a bowl. Add butter.

Using fingertips, rub butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Make a well in centre of mixture. Add buttermilk. Using a flat-bladed knife, stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently until just smooth.

Using a lightly floured rolling pin, gently roll dough out until 2cm thick. Using a 6cm round cutter, cut out scones. Press leftover dough together. Repeat to make 12 scones.

Place scones, just touching, on prepared tray.

Brush with buttermilk. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and hollow when tapped on top. Serve with jam and cream.

Notes Dip cutters into flour between cutting to prevent dough sticking to them.

Make sure rolling pin is lightly floured before use.

All scones are cooked on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Birthdays/Celebrations

■ Wednesday, August 22. Radio producer Simon Owens is 41 today. Research businessman David Masson is 55. Actress Honor Blackman is 76. Radio and TV commentator Drew Morphett is 64. Melburnian of the year, Michael Gudinski, is 62. Actor Shane Withington (Home And Away) is 54.

■ Thursday, August 23. Observer reader Jean Beanham of Melbourne celebrates today. Ian Bell of Kilmore is 59. Golfer Peter Thomson was born in Mebourne, 83 years ago. Actress Rowena Wallace is 65. Actor Gil Tucker is 65.

■ Friday, August 24. Showbiz producer Jack Strom is 61. Singer Julie Anthony is 63. Actor and singer Bartholomew John is 60.

■ Saturday, August 25. Happy birthday to Kim Healey. TV man Jimmy Hannan is 78.

■ Sunday, August 26. Actress Delvene Delaney was born in Mackay, Qld, 61 years ago.

■ Monday, August 27. Birthday candle time for Tottie Goldsmith and Vanessa Allan. Happy birthday to Jamie Crouch, 56. TV presenter Kerry O’Brien is 67. Collingwood football identity Peter McKenna is 66.

■ Tuesday, August 28. Happiest of birthdays to Jack Bryant, 2. Birthday wishes to Lisa Engelander.

Cheerios

■ Best wishes to Observer reader Helen Eastwood who is entering the Royal Melbourne Hospital today (Wed.) for a new battery for her ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator).

■ Also admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital this week has been Melbourne publicist Michael J Wilkie. We hope it Makes A Difference.

My Mother Taught Me

Jest A Minute

■ Few people make a deliberate choice between god and evil, the choice is between what we want to do, and what we ought to do.

■ Many a man has followed the Ten Commandments all his life but never quite managed to catch up with them.

■ I planted some bird seed. A bird came up.

Now I don’t knwo what to feed it.

■ I had amensia once - or twice.

■ All I ask is a chance to prove that money can’t make me happy.

■ Success is not forever; failure is not fatal.

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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