Melbourne Observer. 130522A. May 22, 2013. Part A. Pages 1-18

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■ 3AW’s Neil Mitchell (pictured left) and 774 ABC’s Jon Faine had a dead heat in the battle for Melbourne’s morning radio audience, in figures announced yesterday (Tues.). 3AW narrowly won the overall ratings (12.7 per cent), to 774’s 11.4 per cent, measured 5.30am-Midnight, Monday-Sunday. More details on Page 86.

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MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL - PAGE 4

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

FESTIVAL IGNITES MELBOURNE’S SOUL

■ When I was introduced to jazz by my music teacher in high school, he explained that unlike other music genres, the true definition of jazz would never be found in any music or text book.

He talked about improvisation, experiences and soulful journeys for both musicians and audiences alike.

He summed up our introduction by quoting Louis Armstrong: "If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know."

The jazz experience continues for Melburnians next week as the 2013 Melbourne International Jazz Festival welcomes 600 performers to our city and will feature some of the greatest international and Australia jazz musicians of our time.

Over 10 days with close to 100 live events, including 10 Australian premiers and eight festival exclusives, jazz aficionados and first time 'groovers are expected to experience jazz like never before from our laneway jazz clubs including Bennetts Lane, The Paris Cat and Dizzy's through to Federation Square, Hamer Hall and the Palais Theatre.

The festival will also play host to late-night art parties, intimate club gigs, film screenings, free daily city concerts and will also feature 'soundwalks' tours

Jazz Porch Thoughts

hosted by local musicians and masterclasses presented by visiting international artists.

Organisers will also launch the inaugural schools competition - 'Unleash the Best' that will see Victorian music students performing live rock, pop, big band, jazz and blues, world music and electronic beats with $50,000 in prizes to be won for their schools.

With Louis Armstrong's quote in mind and to add to my jazz experience, I caught up with the Artistic Director, Michael Tortoni on his jazzy Porch; who connected me with some of the headline performers ahead of the Festival's official opening gala event on Friday, May 31 at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda.

- Mark Richardson

● Michael Tortoni. Melbourne International Jazz Festival Artistic Director ■ "The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is a celebration of our uniquely gifted musicians, locally, nationally and internationally to get together and play. It's particularly special for Melbourne to host such an event as we happen to have a world-class pool of musicians that live here.

Don't miss the opening Festival Gala on May 31 where rock and pop masterpieces will be reimagined by jazz musicians Sarah McKenzie, Mahalia Barnes and Michelle Nicolle. Other highlights are The Cassandra Wilson Band and Chucho Valdes Cuban All Stars performing at Hamer Hall."

● Joe Camilleri. Australian vocalist, song-writer, guitarist and saxophonist. Performing songs from the Van Morrison Songbook with the Voodoo Sheiks, Vince Jones and Vika Bull ■ "Blues and jazz music has always been where I live. I've had a jazz label, Jazzhead, for the last 18 years ● Chucho Valdes. Latin jazz musician/ Cuban pianist. Recipiwith Andrew Walker. ent of five Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammys will per“So doing this upcoming show form with Afro-Cuban Messengers with the Voodoo Sheiks, Vince and ■ "I am looking forward to coming to Australia. I am going to perform Vika, is mixing the blues with the jazz. Where else would you rather be the entire repertoire of my new album. It's another journey altogether with than the Melbourne International mixes of Arabic music, flamenco, jazz and European classics."

Jazz Festival? They're good friends ● Miguel Atwood-Ferguson that you know." (above, left). American instrumentalist, arranger, composer, music director, producer and DJ The man will.i.am calls 'the one man orchestra' having performed with Lana Del Rey, Rhianna, Stevie Wonder and Michael Buble and now he's coming to Australia to perform with Sophia Brous, Nai Palm and band Lance Ferguson on guitar, Simon Mavin on keys, Paul Bender on bass, Leigh Fisher on ● Darcy James Argue. Canadrums and DJ Silent Jay. dian composer and instrumen● Miguel Atwood-Ferguson ■ 'It's a tremendous honour and I'm talist. Performing with the extremely excited to perform in Aus- Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestralia for the first time. Additionally, I tra in a double bill with Maria adore the people I'm playing with and Schneider can't wait to do so.'

■ "Given the logistics and expense, it's a rare thing in this day for big The 2013 Melbourne bands to be able to get out on tour, but International Jazz that kind of road-seasoning is what makes the music come alive - by the Festival runs May 31time the JazzGroove Mothership June 9. For full program Orchestra hits Melbourne, we guide, venue locations should all be well-seasoned indeed! and ticketing “Of course I'm delighted to be information visit sharing a bill (and a band!) in www.melbournejazz.com Melbourne with one of my all-time musical heroes, Maria Schneider."

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 5

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City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz King of B-grade films Huge bike ride

● Roger Corman

■ Melbourne Cinémathèque dedicates three weeks to one of Hollywood’s most prolific directors. Roger Corman, who has directed or produced close to 400 films.

“The majority of my films were done on schedules of five to 10 days and budgets from $40,000-$100,000,” says Corman.

This celebration of 1950s and 60s popular culture will be featured in Fast, Cheap and Under Control: The Films of Roger Corman, screening at ACMI, June 12-26. www.melbournecinematheque.org

Under The Clocks Website for single dog owners

FAMILY AFFAIR ● Shane Crawford ■ Shane Crawford, AFL Footy Show larrikin will embark on a bike ride across Australia to raise money for Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Crawford will set out from Melbourne on Thursday, June 20, to ride across the Nullarbor, where he will meet the boys to broadcast TheAFL Footy Show live from Crown Perth on Thursday, July 11.

Tour de Crawf is a gruelling 22-day marathon over 3600 kilometres in which Shane will average 170 kilometres a day.

Visiting Melb.

● Vince Vaughn ■ Vince Vaughn, star, producer and co-writer of The Internship will visit Melbourne for the Australian premiere on Tuesday, June 11. Melbourne will be the only city Vince will visit to walk the red carpet to meet media and fans at Village Crown Cinemas.

● David Griffths, Svetlana Bogosavljevic and Timothy Young ■ Ensemble Liaison has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most imaginative chamber ensembles. Their first concert of their season at the Melbourne Recital Centre is coming tomorrow (Thurs., May 23) at 7pm.

Ensemble Liaison consists of beautiful cellist Svetlana Bogosavljevic, her husband clarinettist David Griffiths and their colleague pianist Tim Young.

There is a nice family connection with their performance. Included in theconcert is the glorious Shostakovich cello sonata which will be played by Svetlana and Tim. Svetlana first became enchanted with this glorious piece of music at the age of six when she used to turn the pages of the score being played by her pianist mother.

Svetlana’s mother had actually played the sonata for Shostakovich himself, Mrs Bogosavljevic being a renowned European pianist with an international reputation.

Her cellist at that time however was none other than the legendary Rostropovich Later she would again play the sonata with the cellist Daniel Shafran with whom Svetlana herself has prepared her performance for tomorrow’s concert.

Quite a musical circle there, quite a family connection … see Ensemble Liaison as part of the Local Heroes series Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in the Melbourne Recital Centre at 7pm tomorrow.

- Di Rolle

★ ★

The Melbourne Reinvent Your Career Expo will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2. It is Melbourne’s largest adult careers and employment event.

The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will be performing the greatest classics by Bach, Schubert, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Mendelssohn, Elgar in June-July, September and November at the Melbourne Recital Centre and The Edge, Federation Square.

The Miss Burlesque Australia Grand Final will be held at the Bohemia Cabaret Club, South Melbourne on Saturday.

★

Melbourne Moments Abstract Logic

Top volunteer

■ Artman Gallery, Caulfield South, is presenting the artwork of Ezra Krzywokulski.

His solo exhibition The Abstract Logic of Dreams opens on Saturday, June 1, with drinks from 2pm-4pm.

The event will be opened by accomplished artist Victor Majzner.

Ezra attended a Bachelor of Art in Drawing course at the Victorian College of the Arts in 1995, and a Masters of Art in Animation and Interactive Multimedia at RMIT in 2009. He has worked as a freelance visual and conceptual artist on projects online and for television (ABC).

■ Barbara Fairman has been acknowledged as an outstanding volunteer for her contribution to Wesley Mission’s Social Support Services.

A volunteer with Wesley’s Linlithgow, Barbara provides support and companionship to older people, or people with disability, who may be at risk of social isolation.

Wesley’s CEO Rob Evers said, “Barbara goes out of her way to ensure every client is heard and makes sure the most vulnerable people are treated with dignity, and included in all of Linlithgow’s programs.”

● Ezra Krzywokulski

● Dog Society founder Tanya Hynes and Winston ■ Melbourne woman Tanya Hynes has launched an Australian first, online dating site for single dog owners. She already she has people signing up, looking for love with their best friend (their dogs) in tow.

The free, national website stipulates that You musr own a dog and be over 18 to register. It is simple to use; register, upload image, fill in profile and start chatting; People with a lot in common are introduced, removing many of the barriers of traditional dating. Gay people welcome, as long as they own a dog; Tanya says it helps time=poor peoplemeet like-minded people in a convenient/controlled environment. Tanya is a dog lover, who is also a qualified Canine Masseuse. www.dogsociety.com.au ■ The second weekend of The Emerging Writers’ Festival will be presented at the setting of Abbotsford Convent on Saturday-Sunday, June 12.

For two days there will be spaces to write in; workshops; panels about work/life balance, family, nature writing and food writing; performances; yoga; meditation and more. www.emergingwritersfestival.org.au

Prize winners at RMIT University ■ RMIT University students from Kensington and Richmond have been awarded major prizes at the annual Business Prize Giving Ceremony.

More than 230 students, industry representatives and guests attended the annual RMIT University Business Prize Giving Ceremony on Thursday (May 16).

Kim Van Korven, of Kensington, who completed the Bachelor of Business (Marketing) – Applied in 2012, was awarded the Business Medal for her outstanding academic achievement and community leadership.

While at RMIT, Ms Van Korven volunteered as a tutor through the Student Learning Advisor Mentors (SLAMs) program. She achieved excellent academic results, graduating with 14 high distinctions and eight distinctions overall.

Joshua O’Shannassy, from Richmond, received the RMIT Business Encouragement Award for his outstanding academic achievement in the first semester of the first year of study.

What’s On In Melbourne

Kew restaurant Charcoal Grill On The Hill is celebrating 25 ★ years with a special dinner on June 15. Linda Caminiti will welcome, steak will be presented by Fabian Caminiti and Peter Derbogosijan, with wine by Dejan Derbogosijan.

Secret Symphony by Stravinsky will be performed by members of the MSO Wind Quintet tonight (Wed., May 22) from 10pm in the State Theatre Orchestra Pit. Audience members are to meet at the Curve Bar, Arts Centre Melbourne, from 9pm to receive free tickets. Staff will take audience to the pit from 10pm. The event will be hosted by a former ABC presenter Derek Guille.

The MS Walk and Fun Run will be held at Albert Park Lake on Sunday, June 2. www.mswalk.org.au/vic/

★ ★

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

People Melbourne

Author talks ■ Author and poet Paddy O’Reilly will launch The Yearning at Element Restaurant, Lower Plenty this Sunday (May 26) between 4.30pm-6pm.

The event will be sponsored

by Eltham Bookshop and Simon and Schuster.

Cost: $45 single / $70 couple - 1 book included per package.

Bookings: bookshop@ bigpond.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

● Paddy O’Reilly

Fax: 1-800 231 312

Just an old fashioned girl

Chuck Wood visits ACE Radio

● Melbourne cabaret artiste Danielle Asciak is pating tribute to cabaret's ultra sex kitten, Eartha Kitt, in Just An Old Fashioned Grrrl at The Butterfly Club from May 29 to June 2. The 60-minute cabaret features sexually-charged haughtiness, belly dancing, and 13 signature tunes including C'est Si Bon, Love For Sale, I Wanna Be Evil!, My Heart Belongs to Daddy, and the title track Just an Old Fashioned Girl with an original composition entitled Ode To Eartha co-composed by associate artist Daniele Buatti.

● ACE Radio breakfast show presenter Jon Vertigan welcomed Chuck Wood and ventriloquist David Strassman to the studios this week.

Printmaker

● Bronwyn Rees ■ Bronwyn Rees is a Melbourne-based printmaker, and artist-in-residence at the Firestation Print Studio, 2 Wil;lis St, Armadale, where she will launch an exhibition, Old Marriage, from May 29June 22.

The opening will take place 2pm-4pm on Saturday, June 1.

At Pink Masquerade Ball

● Peter and Sharon Henshall were at the Pink Masquerade Ball held at Crown Palladium, the 16th annual event supported by Think Pink founder Irene Hendel.

● Works of composer composer Tamil Rogeon will be featured in Rites Of Passage - a celebration concert with the impressive Monash Academy Orchestra, on Wednesday next week (May 29) at 7.30 pm in Robert Blackwood Hall. Julie Houghton has more details on Page 85.

Dream A Little Dream Of Me

● Melbourne record producer Ron Tudor celebrated his 89th birthday at the weekend. He was born in Gippsland, and is well known for his Fable label. Ron is Chairman of the Survivors group of showbiz veterans who will meet next month in South Melbourne.

File Photo: Keith McGowan

PHOTO: 3AW.COM.AU

● Casey Donovan, star of Flowerchildren: The Mamas and Papas Story was with Denis Walter at 3AW, to offer a rendition of Mama Cass's solo hit, Dream A Little Dream of Me. The show opens at the Comedy Theatre tonight (Wed.).

King Kong

● King Kong ■ Opening nights for the premiere of King Kong will be held at the Regent Theatre on Thursday, June 13 and Saturday, June 15.

Cast includes Esther Hannaford, Adam Lyon, Queenie Van De Zadt, Chris Ryan and Richard Piper. Creatives include producer Carmen Pavlovic, director Daniel Kramer and puppetrey director Peter Wilson.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 7

Court Roundsman

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

LAWYER FINED FOR Observer CONFLICT OF INTEREST In This 100-Page Edition

Merry Widows

● Margaret Healy (left) as Ruby, Maree Hingston (Joan), Shirley Cattunar (Kate), Allyson Hunt (Mrs Schmidt) and Michelle Tanner (Siobhan) in The Merry Widows, being presented in Strathmore until May 26.

Photo: Levon Baird ■ Melbourne playwright Cenarth Fox’s lat- Bono and realised by Tony Leatch.

Entwined with the funny lines is perceptive est play The Merry Widows, is playing a premiere season at the Strathmore Community social observation of widowhood, a topic not often discussed, but revealing admirable Theatre until May 26.

Presented by the Strathmore Theatrical strength and resilience beneath the chatty banArts Group (STAG) and directed by Mel ter.

Mel De Bono writes in the theatre program de Bono, the story tells of four widowed ladies from the same retirement village, who that people are living longer today, but married couples do not always pass away at the same catch up weekly for coffee.

Each has a story to tell about their late hus- time.

“Sometimes society neglects these new bands, but things change when mysterious widow number five arrives, and a surprise twist singles,” he says. “Some elderly widowed folk are ‘shut-ins’ and lonely.” reveals a dark hidden secret.

The Merry Widows, written by a The actors include Shirley Cattunar, pleasantly naturalistic as Kate, widow of a Melbourne playwright and performed in lowomaniser, and Margaret Healy (Ruby) who cal theatre, is a good play and deserves support. Hope you can get to see it before it finattracts laughs with hubby Ern’s ashes.

Maree Hingston (Joan) evokes sympa- ishes on Sunday (May 26).

Performance Season: May 23, 24, 25 at thy as her late husband’s long-term carer, Michelle Tanner as spirited nymphomaniac, 8.00pm, May 26 at 2pm Venue: Strathmore Community Theatre, Siobhan, once again demonstrates her impressive acting versatility, and Allyson Hunt adds Loeman Street, Strathmore.

Tickets. $20/$15. another good dimension to the show.

Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org The warm, homely set representing Kate’s - Review by Cheryl Threadgold lounge-room has been designed by Mel De

Silvagni case over

● Jo Silvagni ■ Celebrity couple Stephen and Jo Silvagni have discontinued their claim against DEE RR Pty Ltd, formerly known as Stonehenge Homes and Associates.

The couple had sought damages for alleged defective works. There has been six directions hearings, two mediation sessions, and a compulsory conference.

The company advised that it is entering liqudiation.

The latest hearing was heard at VCAT by Deputy President Catherine Aird.

■ Lawyer Sapna Khan has been reprimanded and fined after pleading guilty to four counts of professional misconduct, including conflict of interest.

Khan admitted acting for both parties in a $250,000 contract of sale, buy back and sale of a Hampton Park property, which is regarded as professional misconduct.

The parties involved were Marie Estelle Baya and Herve Mariole, who later had legal disputes.

Legal Services Commissioner Michael McGarvie brought the action against Khan after it was discovered she acted for both vendor and purchaser.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Member Elizabeth Wentworth found that Khan failed to fully inform in writing concerning the potential disadvantages of her acting for each of them.

Neither purchaser nor vendor signed consents for Khan to act for both parties, although it was claimed she had verbal consent in each case, Khan was found guilty of accepting an engagement to act aginst a client for whom she had acted previously, and had acquired confidential information that could possibly used to her detriment.

Khan was fined $1000, and ordered to pay $6206 in costs by way of 10 monthly instalments commencing July 6.

A potential higher fine was reduced after the Tribunal heard of Ms Khan’s financial situation.

She must undertake continuing education in ethics and legal practice management, and a mentor is to be appointed to attend her practice fortnightly for a minimum of six months.

Ms Wentworth heard that Ms Khan had also had to pay $7000 toward settlement of the matter, being a double excess on her insurance policy. She is sole principal of Legoll Legal Practitioners.

MIDWIFE’S ‘MISCONDUCT’

■ An allegation of ‘professional misconduct’ against midwife Henry Santos Dizon has been filed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Dizon is to suspended as a registered nurse from 4pm on Sunday (May 26), pending the outcome of a proceeding at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, due to be resume on October 29.

VCAT Deputy President Mark Dwyer, and members Marietta Bylhouwer and M. Bernadette Hally, heard that Dizon had pleaded guilty to two charges of armed robbery, one charge of theft, and one charge of possessing a drug of dependence.

Dizon had been given a jail sentence of 3 years and 9 months, and had been released on parole in October last year.

VCAT heard that the armed

City Desk: It’s a family affair ........................ Page 5 Melbourne People: Photos, been and seen ... Page 6 Showbiz Scoop: Doc Martin new series ........ Page 8 Entertainment News: Judi Farr’s new role .... Page 9 Di Rolle: My love for ‘Brief Encounters’ ...... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Alan Jackson to tour ..... Page 11 Long Shots: For the record; Telstra replies ... Page 12 Readers’ Club: Birthdays, recipes, fun ........ Page 13 David Ellis: Travel and wine feature .............Page 15 Outback Legend: Violence against women .. Page 16 Showbiz: Latest radio ratings ..................... Page 86 DVDs, Top 10 lists Local Theatre Savoy’s 70th Birthday Country Crossroads

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Big Bang theory ■ A business owner near Horsham called Police and explosives experts when his dog found what appeared to be a stick of dynamite at an industrial site. It was found to be a firecracker, reports the Wimmera Mail-Times.

Vendetta behind attack ■ Geelong Police fear a vendetta against a developer could be behind a spate of arson attacks causing about $500,000 damage at the former golf course at Hamlyn Heights, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

Painkillers injected ■ Legally available painkillers used to treat cancer are being boiled down and used like heroin, causing alarm for paramedics and hospital staff in Warrnambool, reports The Standard newspaper.

Rogue dogs put down ■ Two rogue dogs - a German shepherd cross and a tan ridgeback cross - at Lavington, near Albury-Wodonga, have been put down after their owners surrendered them following media reports the canines had killed at least 18 animals in the neighbourhood, reports the Border Mail newspaper.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday. Shower or two. 8°-15° Thursday. Shower or two. 10°-16° Friday. Shower or two. 8°-16° Saturday. Shower or two. 9°-15°

Mike McColl Jones robbery took place at the Target store at Point Cook.

Dizon and two co-offenders were armed with knives and disguised with balaclavas, lying in wait for two staf members.

Diuzon tied up a male victim, placed a pillowcase over his head, threatened him with a knife, took his mobile phone, wallet and keys, and intimidated about “knowing where he lived”.

Mr Dwyer noted that the Health Professionals Registration Act had provisions to ensure that members of the profession were of good repute and competency. “(Dizon) deliberately, knowing anbd willingly took part in an armed robbery, involving threats of violence.”

Top 5 THE TOP 5 THINGS THE AFL HASN'T THOUGHT OF YET TO RUIN THE GAME 5. Thirty six umpires. One per player.

4. A pie and chips to be listed on the Stock Exchange.

3. Invisible boundary lines to make it easier for umpires to make ‘out of bounds’ decisions.

2. To save money, turn the lights off for night games.

(Players to use luminous jumpers).

1. Get spectators to use MYKI cards to enter the stadium.

Stop Press: Given his expertise with figures, use Wayne Swan to operate the scoreboard.

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Showbiz Exclusive

READERS SCOOP MEDIA ON DOC MARTIN SHOOT

● Martin Clunes on the set of Doc Martin

■ Melbourne Observer readers Brad and Julie Hogan have scooped the world’s media with exclusive photos of the filming of the sixth series of Doc Martin.

Fans of the ITV television series will be delighted to know that the series is currently being filmed on location at Port Isaac in Cornwall in the UK, where the Hogans have been touring.

Martin Clunes returns as Dr Martin Ellingham after an absence of two years.

Brad and Julie say the cast were happy to talk to onlookers during the filming. Martin Clunes was friendly to everyone and was obliviously delighted to be filming again.

Eileen Atkins returns to play the grumpy doctor's aunt Ruth.

The show is a ratings winner for ABC Television. No details available yet for when the sixth series will be shown in Australia.

- Kevin Trask

● Eileen Atkins as Ruth Ellingham

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Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 9

Showbiz News

JUDI FARR TO STAR IN ‘MURDER’ Herding Cats

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

Biting the hand that feeds

● Judi Farr as Rita Stiller in My Name’s McGooley, What’s Yours? (1965) ■ Judi Farr has worked in her profession for more than 30 years performing with all major theatre companies throughout the country.

Judi has appeared for the Sydney Theatre Company in The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Pig Iron People, Navigating, After The Ball, Tartuffe, The Visit, Angels in America, Away and The Women of Troy.

She appeared as Violet in Steppenwolf’s production of August: Osage County for the Sydney Theatre Company and more recently Love, Loss & What I Wore at the Sydney Opera House.

She has appeared in Boeing Boeing (New Theatricals), The Taming of The Shrew (Bell Shakespeare), Death of a Salesman (Nimrod Theatre), Buried Child (Belvoir St Theatre), Wicked Sisters and Live Acts On Stage (Griffin Theatre), Cloud Street (Company B), The Fire On The Snow (STCSA), Glorious (Ensemble Theatre), The Last Yankee and John Gabriel Borkman (QTC) She also worked as both actor and director for Marian Street Theatre and appeared in Talking Heads, Pack of Lies, 84 Charing Cross Road, and The Heiress among others.

● Judi Farr ■ Judi Farr has been confirmed to appear in A Murder Is Announced to be staged at the Comedy Theatre from October 30-December 4.

The announcement was made by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers and Linda Bewick in association with Mousetrap Productions Ltd, London.

Farr will play Miss Marple, following the success of the 60th Diamond Anniversary Tour of The Mousetrap, which played to more than 150,000 people over its seven month Australasian tour.

Producer of The Mousetrap London, Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen said, “The choice of Judi Farr to play the iconic role of Miss Marple for this Australian production of A Murder Is Announced is totally ideal.

“She embodies all of the qualities of Christie's bestloved sleuth, from the twinkle in her eyes to her dry wit and wry smile.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing her, and the other actors and actresses, on stage in September."

Tickets go on sale on Friday (May 24). $75-$120. Phone: 1-300 111 011. www.ticketmaster.com.au

CHINA GROUP SHARE SCAM ■ China Environment Group Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, and its sole director, John William Ullmann, have consented to Federal Court orders preventing them from selling shares and providing financial services in Australia.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigation found that Ullmann, a UK citizen living in Hong Kong, acquired 100 million shares in CEG for one US cent each.

These shares were then marketed to Australians at US$1 by companies based offshore: Lucky Pearl Investments Limited , Anova Corporate Services Limited and Great Wall Capital Limited.

Promotional materials prepared by Ullmann and distributed by Anova and Great Wall deceived Australian investors into believing that money raised would be used by CEG to fund its investment in Chinese clean technology projects. In fact the money paid by Australian investors was paid to Lucky Pearl and Ullmann.

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● Paul Ashcroft (Michael), Dion Mills (Saddo) and Ngaire Dawn Fair (Justine) in Red Stitch Actors Theatre’s production of Herding Cats, opening June 7.

Photo: Sarah Walker ■ Red Stitch Actors Theatre presents the Australian premiere of Herding Cats from June 7July 6 at Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda.

Written by Lucinda Coxon and directed by Suzanne Chaundy, Herding Cats is a provocatively funny play about two 20-something flatmates disconnected from life who have developed a deep and poisonous reliance on one another.

Justine is in a permanent state of rage and driven to drink by her boss, a middle-aged ex-hippy who has everything her generation can't afford.

Michael, an agoraphobic earns his living pretending to be a woman and offering phone sex to men.

Saddo is one of those men at the other end of the phone line.

Justine and Michael soon discover that there is such a thing as sharing too much as they both over commit in the quest for intimacy.

Shortlisted for Best New Play at the UK Theatre Awards, Herding Cats exposes the isolation of contemporary urban life and freeze-frames a generation negotiating independence in the 21st Century.

The ensemble actors include Paul Ashcroft (Michael), Ngaire Dawn Fair (Justine) and Dion Mills (Saddo).

Previews: June 5 and 6 Season: Friday June 7 – Saturday July 6 (not Monday or Tuesday). Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 8pm; Sundays 6.30pm. Matinees: Saturdays at 4pm Bookings: www.redstitch.net (discounted tix) or on 9533 8083 Tickets: $27-$39 ($20 student, $15 rush) Venue: Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2, Chapel St, St Kilda - Cheryl Threadgold

■ Fairfax Media coowner Gina Rinehart is likely to have been underwhelmed by a report in the company’s Age newspaper about her attendance at a private Paspaley family party at Crown Casino in the company of the Packer, Lew and Bertrand family.

It has not gone unnoticed that the Age author has written anti-Rinehart messages on Twitter, protesting about a legal matter between Mrs Rinehart and Fairfax scribe Adele Ferguson. ● Gina Rinehart The Barrel takes the old-fashioned view that one should not bite the hand that feeds. That means that any Fairfax reporter unhappy with Mrs Rinehart and her involvement with the media company - should: (a) refuse to accept the weekly pay-packet filled with Rinehart-mined gold; (b) resign on principle; or (c) restrict their scribbling to hot Age issues such as quinoa recipes at freebie lunches and dinners around Melbourne.

The Barrel reckons the gravy train might be stopping at the next food station.

Lord Mayor chews fat

Teacher struck off ■ Victorian school teacher Milan Tomasevic’s registration has been cancelled by the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Anne Sarros, Chair of the Disciplinary Proceedings Committee of the Institute, advises that the registration was cancelled from May 6.

“The Victorian Institute of Teaching may find a teacher has engaged in serious misconduct, has been seriously incompetent and/or is not fit to teach and may make a determination o cancel the registration of the teacher.

In February, Tomasevic was found guilty of serious misconduct and not fit to teach.

Tomasevic’s registration to teach was cancelled, effective from May 6.

The cancellation notice was published in the Victoria Government Gazette on Thursday.

● Lord Mayor Cr Robert Doyle ■ Melbourne Lord Mayor Cr Robert Doyle has always promoted a cosy relationship with 3AW chief talker Neil Mitchell ... and also fosters a similar warm liaison with the newsroom at Channel 7 Melbourne.

The Barrel is thinking of buying a larger television receiver after seeing the Lord Mayor in the latest TV promotions with Jennifer Keyte.

His Worship appears to have gobbled one too many party pie at civic functions ... and his suits seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

Perhaps it is time for Cr Doyle to publicly step on the scales, and find a few sponsors who will support a weight-loss/men’s health project, with some dollars going to a Melbourne charity.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Beyonce, Lopez, live in concert

Di Cue’s Marie Claire gong

● Prix de Marie Claire awards ■ Melbourne on cold wintry nights is fantastic. I took myself to dinner before going to the theatre.

I was working, so only had one wine. I am going to mention the restaurant (Bistrot d’orsay in Collins St) as the staff were excellent and I didn’t get a free set of knives to say this.

Eating alone is something I really enjoy. I ordered gnocchi which was superb, the bread was beautiful, coffee at the end of the meal was perfect for the cold outside.

I ran down to have a look at the Myer windows which are currently displaying the most fabulous clothes from Cue Design.

The windows congratulate Cue on their third Prix de Marie Claire Award win. Myer has once again dedicated every window of their Melbourne flagship store to Cue, just announced as best Australian fashion brand.

Cue is featured in the current June issue of Marie Claire, announcing the ‘best of the best’ of the Australian fashion industry.

Cue has been a finalist in all four of the past Prix de Marie Claire Awards and to take home the title of Best Australian Brand (Readers Choice) for the third time is a huge honour.

To celebrate winter and the Cue win, do go and see the windows, it was lovely when I did.

The two models that star in the photographs Meghan Collison and Elza Luijendijk are internationally acclaimed models that star in the Cue campaign.

Interviews in the June issue of Maire Claire is Cue Creative Director, Debi Rolle (my sister) and Executive Director, Justin Levis, who accepted the award of the night.

The windows display at Myer will be on show over the next two weeks, be sure to stop by and have a look when next in the city at Bourke St store.

It’s best at night! Pics of my sister and the award is in this month’s edition of Marie Claire.

I love my job!

■ Channel 10 has some exciting news! Two of music’s biggest names, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, will be performing live for audiences across the globe as part of The Sound of Change Live Concert airing on Sunday, June 2, at 3am.

Yay! We will all stay up for that. This is good news. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, who is also serving as the concert’s artistic director, will perform a 45-minute set as part of a huge line-up that includes artists such as Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine, John Legend, Timbaland and more.

Presented by Chime for Change, Gucci’s recently founded campaign for improved education, health and justice for women and girls worldwide, the four-hour concert will be broadcast to millions across the globe.

Hollywood is also getting in on the charitable act with James Franco, Blake Lively and Jada Pinkett Smith presenting throughout the evening.

To find out more about what Chime For Change is doing for women across the globe, head to chimeforchange.org.

The Sound of Change Live Concert airs on Ten on Sunday, June 2, at 3am. It will also be encored in a highlights package on Eleven on Friday, June 7, at 9.30pm.

● Beyonce

For MY LOVE FOR ‘BRIEF ENCOUNTERS’

■ People are asking me if I am going to see the new film adaption of The Great Gatsby.

I am not.

I loved the version with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow.

Mia was Daisy.

Robert Redford was stunningly cast and who can ever forget Bruce Dern who was superb in this movie?

The same for me is the film Brief Encounter.

The wonderful performance by Celia Johnson as Laura Jesson the British housewife, and Trevor Howard as Dr Alec Harvey was simply enchanting in this role.

I have seen it many times. It is a gem of a film.

Produced in 1945, superbly directed by David Lean about the conventions of British suburban life, centring on a housewife for who real love (as opposed to the polite arrangement of her marriage) brings unexpectedly violent emotions.

The brilliant screenplay by Noel Coward is based on his 1936 one–act play Still Life.

It’s a film I could see over and over. The soundtrack I remember prominently features the Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff, played by

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson Eileen Joyce. I think writing it. Arts it was the first time I Projects Australia is had consciously heard presenting the Kneehigh Theatre’s Rachmaninoff.

All the scenes from adaption of Noel the original Noel Cow- Coward’s classic roard play were set in mantic drama Brief the refreshment room Encounter as part of of a railway station, the Melbourne Festival fictional Milford at The Athenaeum, Junction from October 9-27.

Good, I can go back memory.

The film was re- to that wonderful resleased amid the social taurant next door to the and cultural context of theatre. the Second World War when ‘brief encounters’ were thought to be commonplace.

■ This is very special, There were some Kneehigh Theatre’s wonderful lines in the Broadway and West play one of course be- End hit will take Ausing “I want to remem- tralian audiences ber every minute. al- back to a bygone era of ways, always to the romance and the silver end of my days”. gives screen with this classic me goose bumps just Noel Coward tale.

Bygone era

Remembered as one of the most haunting love stories ever, this will be a very special theatrical experience.

The action takes place around the railway in a café where housewife Laura Jesson has a chance meeting with doctor Alex Harvey.

Although they are both already married, they gradually fall in love with each other.

“I’m a happily married woman. Or rather I was until a few weeks ago. This is my whole world and it’s enough, or rather it was until a few weeks ago.” said Laura.

In Kneehigh’s version, the love story of Laura and Alec is paralleled by two other couples also playing out their lives and loves in the railway station tea-room.

These intertwined narratives are interspersed with some of Noel Coward’s typically debonair and witty songs to create a breathtaking, delightfully funny and touching show that showcases all of Kneehigh’s trademark theatrical invention and knockabout humour.

As in Upstairs Downstairs and Downtown Abbey, the ro-

mance between characters of different classes is fascinating.

The lower class characters are flirty and open whilst the upper class ones are refined and repressed.

The work provides a great insight into British society, marriage

● J Lo

and the role of women in that era. I cannot wait.

Emma Rice, the Director, sounds brilliant as she directs one of Britain’s most exciting touring theatre companies in this production. Ticketek 1300 795 012

Arts Centre season ■ Arts Centre Melbourne has switched on its winter season and what a great one it will be. Lots of exclusives I notice in their bag of goodies!

Inspired by the popularity of the Hamer Hall opening season in winter last year, for three weeks the warming footlights of Arts Centre Melbourne will beckon, enticing audiences with everything from sublime opera and illuminating dance to unseen labyrinths and a battery of other things to do.

One of the Arts Centre Melbourne’s exclusive, The Extraordinary Shapes of Geoffrey Rush, a reflection on the actor’s many achievements to date, exploring his ability to inhabit characters through a remarkable physical and verbal dexterity.

Featuring costumes, photographs, moving image and personal items, the free exhibition in Gallery 1 from July 6– September 29, highlights roles created by Geoffrey Rush in plays including Exit The King, The Dairy Of A Madman and The Importance Of Being Earnest, and in films such as Shine, Pirates Of The Caribbean and The King’s Speech. This is a must!

● Geoffrey Rush in Exit The King

The happiest diners can be very much alone ■ Bistrot d’orsay in Collins St right next door to the Athenaeum Theatre iss the restaurant I went to by myself (see above).

I eat alone a lot, and it got me thinking last night about the many people who do dine alone.

There were six of us all eating alone in the restaurant. It was Henry James who said “Women never dine alone; When they dine alone they don’t dine.” I am still trying to work that out!

“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is the life of a lion or wolf.”

Mmmmm interesting.

Epicurus wrote that , some time between 342 – 270 BC. In the book An Alphabet For Gourmets (1949) M.F.K, Fisher wrote : “In general, I think, humans are happiest at the table when they are very young , very much in love or very alone.”

Charles Lamb, one of my favourite writers wrote: “oh, the pleasure of eating my dinner alone!” Now he makes sense.

Jean Baudrillard, French philosopher, wrote: “Sadder than destitution, sadder than a beggar is the man who eats alone in public. Nothing more contradicts the laws of man or beasts, for animals always do each other the honour of

sharing or disputing each other’s food.” And this Arab proverb which I found written in 1042, “He who eats alone chokes alone.”

I was sure Oscar Wilde has something wonderfully witty to say about dining alone and alas I found out he actually didn’t. Well not that I could find!

For a long time it was thought he said, “It’s very healthy to spend time alone”, but alas this did not come from his pen but from the mouth of Irish American actress Olivia Wilde.

Speaking in 2011 on the subject of dating again after her pending divorce, the then-27-year-old actress likened joining the dating scene to enter-

ing a ‘shark pool’ and stressed the importance of being comfortable with spending time by oneself”.

She said: “I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.”

The similarity of names between these two personalities is not completely coincidental, however.

Olivia Wilde was born Olivia Jane Cockburn and adopted her stage surname of Wilde as an homage to the Irish playwright.

- Di Rolle

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

COUNTRY STAR ALAN JACKSON TO TOUR HERE IN OCTOBER

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

3AW reporter’s warning

● 3AW news presenter Donna Demaio and husband Michael Wooldridge ■ Melbourne media reporter Donna Demaio is warning travellers to check the small print in their insurance policies after her sick husband Michael Wooldridge was left stranded near Mt Everest.

Michael, an eastern suburbs masseur, had travelled to Nepal, to fulfill a lifetime ambition to climb a section of the world’s tallest mountain.

Michael was said to have nearly died from altitude sickness, and had to be airlifted off the mountain. Michael had earlier this year undergone altitude training with mountain guide guru Cherie Horne.

“He was left stranded by the travel insurance company for days in Kathmandu. He has been through hell,” Donna said.

“Watch out for the fine print in travel insurance cover - 58 pages of terms and conditions,” Donna said.

“I don't know how the callous heartless people that enforce the policies sleep at night. Apparently it is not so uncommon for people to be left stranded.

“Travel insurance Aussie cover (underwritten by Allianz) expected him to stay in Kathmandu until next Tuesday.”

■ US country music legend Alan Jackson has been booked to appear in Australia in October.

Jackson has been signed for the 15th anniversary Deni Ute Muster, held at Deniliquin on the October 4-5 weekend.

“To host country music sensation Alan Jackson is a huge coup for the Deni Ute Muster,” said Karla Notley, Marketing Manager Sales of special $150 early bird tickets have been extended until Friday (Mat 24) unless sold out prior.

Notley says Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music.

“He’s in the elite company of Lennon and McCartney among artists who have written and recorded more than 20 US ‘number one’hits.

“He has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, and has scored nearly 40 Top 10 hits in Australia, with 15 number ones including Good Time, It’s Five O’clock Somewhere, Little Bitty and I’ll Go On Loving You. “I’d always heard great things about Australia, and everybody was right – it’s a beautiful country and the

● Alan Jackson is booked for the Deni Ute Muster, Oct. 4-5 people were really nice,” Jackson writing has earned him the prestisaid. gious ASCAP Founders Award “I really enjoyed it, and I’m glad and an induction into the Nashville to be going back to play for the folks Songwriters Hall of Fame as a down under who love country mu- 2011 Songwriter-Artist inductee. sic.”

The Deni Ute Muster includes Jackson is an 18-time ACM a quickshear competition and lawn Award winner, a 16-time CMA mower racing. Favourites are back Award recipient, and a two-time including the Australian National Grammy-winning artist whose song Circle Work Championships.

Topical Taps

★

Former Victorian Deputy Premier Pat McNamara is still getting the occasional mention in dispatches. Last week State Finance Minister Robert Clarke published a notice authorising ongoing insurance coverage for Pat, former Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon, Robert Tickner and Pam White in their roles as members of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel.

Hear It Here First ● Pat McNamara

■ Derryn Hinch says he is yet to have been served with paperwork over a contempt of court charge said to have been foreshadowed by Supreme Court Judge Geoffrey Nettle.

Hinch says Judge Nettle instructed the prothonotary on April 9 to institute proceedings.

“I have heard nary a word from any Court official,” Hinch said at his Human Headline website. “All I know is what I heard from journalists more than a month ago.”

★

● A bearded Michael Wooldridge after his return to Melbourne this week

Melbourne TV viewers can expect a 10-day blitz of promotions

by Channel 9 ahead of the debut of the Magazine Wars mini-series on Sunday, June 2 (and June 9).

Rob Carlton again stars as Kerry Packer, with Mandy McElhenny appearing as Nene King, and Rachel Griffiths as Duclie Boling.

The show examines the war between Packer’s Women’s Day magazine and New Idea.

Rumour Mill

● Rob Carlton

Making a real Blue ■ Yesterday’s radio ratings show 3AW not having the monopoly on talkradio that they used to command in Melbourne.

There are a number of challengers taking audience numbers away from 3AW including Red Symons and Jon Faine at the ABC, Jules Lund and Fifi Box at Fox, even FM stations such as Smooth 91.5.

3AW is likely to respond with research and listener focus groups. Per- ● Denis Napthine haps the station could review the chummy relationship between presenters with Victorian Premier ‘Bluey’ Napthine. After all, not all AW listeners are as enamoured with Liberal politics as the ‘Talking Melbourne’ presenters ... especially card-carrying conservative Tom Elliott.

■ Mr Napthine might be loking for all the friends he can get after the Premier ordered a review into colourful identity Mick Gatto being granted a licence as a boxing promoter.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whispers

Bolt off

● Andrew Bolt ■ ‘Improvements’ at the Herald Sun website prevented readers from accessing the blogs of commentator Andrew Bolt, the newspaper confirmed.

“We hope to have the matter resolved shortly and normal service should resume,” the newspaper said, apologising to smart phone users who were blocked from the right-wing blogger.

Off to NY

● Steve Bracks ■ With only 100 days or so to the Federal Election, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced that former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks is to become the ConsulGeneral to New York.

Off site

■ A truck driver employed by The Age newspaper was overheard this week telling a newsagent that the printing of the daily would move from Tullamarine to Ballarat within 12 months. He predicts many drivers to quit.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Melbourne

Melbourne

Observer

Observer ON THE RECORD

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

Contact Us Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic. 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 9927 Fax: +61 3 9431 6247 Web: www.MelbourneObserver.com.au E-Mail: Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

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

Distribution STATE EDITION: Available weekly at approx. 400 newsagents across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and Victorian regional centres.

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Phone: (03) 9482 1145. Fax: (03) 9482 2962. Distribution Manager: Sam Fiorini.

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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.

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Ash On Wednesday

■ Are you ever on the hunt for that important piece of paper? Where did you put it?

Victorians who keep records for a living, held their own awards night last week - the 15th annual Sir Rupert Hamer Records Management Awards - to recognise excellence.

Held by the Public Record Office Victoria, this high profile event was attended by VIPs from across the Victorian public sector, and every year provides an opportunity to celebrate the role of record keepers in contributing to the culture and history of Victoria. Congratulations to winner Arthur Dallas.

Telstra’s right of reply ■ Telstra spokesman James Howe has a different opinion to customer Jill Wells who said her comments on Facebook has disappeared from the Telstra 24x7 page.

Howe says: “Nearly two years ago Telstra led the Australian market with 24x7 service for our customers on social media.

“Our customers expect transparency in all interactions and we never hide or remove customer comments based on sentiment – as you can tell by the comments from our page that are replicated in this newspaper.

“The only time a post will be removed is if it uses offensive or threatening language.

“We encourage any customers with problems to visit facebook.com/ Telstra24x7 to join the conversation. We’ll also endeavour to reach out to Jill to see what happened in her instance.”

■ On Friday I asked James: “Can you please explain why my comments have been blocked on the Facebook page? I have been neither threatening or offensive.” There was no answer from Telstra when this page went to press on Monday evening.

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).

Freemasons Lunch Out East

Our Doors are Open!

● Award winner Arthur Dallas from Land Victoria with Director of Public Record Office Victoria Justine Heazlewood

Long Shots

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

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

Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “None of us is responsible for all the things that happen to us, but we are responsible for the way we act when they do happen.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Never mistake motion for progress. Have you ever seen a rocking horse? Plenty of motion but very little progress.”

Text For The Week ■ “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

- Romans 12:17-19

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.

Pictured from left: John Millar, Beck Mitchell, Phil Stenhouse, Bob Jones The second Freemasons Victoria Eastern Region Business Luncheon, hosted by John Millar (Freemasons Victoria Member), was again an overwhelming success on Tuesday May 14.

Held at Nelsons 382 in Wantirna, the Eastern Region Business Luncheon was an excellent opportunity for local business people to meet each other and to enjoy the hospitality of their Freemason friends.

The luncheon was an extra special occasion for Freemasons Victoria's Grand Master Bob Jones who was also celebrating his birthday.

"What a great way to spend the day, with old friends and making new ones," said Bob Jones.

"This is a very successful second Eastern Region Lunch by the number of people already in attendance.

“The Luncheon brings together Freemasons and their friends to enjoy a quick lunch and listen to a really engaging speaker, “I'm looking forward to listening to our guest speaker Phil Stenhouse from Bridge Builders and find out how his organisation helps youth in need.”

Open to Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike, mingling with the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master Hillel Benedykt and Grand Secretary Peter Henshall were representatives of more than 50 local businesses.

The main feature of this lunch was to listen to Phil Stenhouse, CEO of not-for-profit, Bridge Builders.

Bridge Builders is a youth-centred organisation aimed at bettering the lives of young people, Phil provided an inspiring snapshot of just how he motivates youth to overcome problems, rediscover their value to society and reach for the stars against all odds.

"We don't receive Government funding, so we rely on the generous donation of individuals and companies to keep this great work going.

“I would encourage you all to attend the Bridge Builders 10th annual business breakfast to be held on Friday, May 24.

“With special guest Bob Ansett invited to speak, this event will surely be of value," said Phil Stenhouse.

To find out more about Bridge Builders visit: www.bridgebuilders.com.au Freemasons Victoria's next CBD Luncheon will be held on une 11 at Morgan at 401, where guests will be able to hear CEO of the AFL Player Association, Matt Finnis.

During his time at the Players Association, Matt has driven an agenda which has resulted in the agreement to introduce free agency to the AFL. He has also represented player interests in a range of issues, including commercial rights and individual grievances, and chaired the AFLPA Agent Accreditation Board. A Luncheon not to be missed!

Bookings can be made to Donna De La Rue of Freemasons Victoria by emailing delarue@freemasonsvic.net.au 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

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 13

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer

Travellers’Good Buys

with David Ellis

Small is the go on road to success ■ When he was on a plane coming home from a business trip to Alaska nearly 20-years ago, Sydney travel industry public relations man John Savage got chatting with the passenger next him, who it turned out was also in the travel game.

And he mentioned to John how one of the banes of his business was finding good tour escorts for the small groups he took away to different parts of the world, particularly Europe where his company, Interlude Tours, had been a pioneer in getting away from everlarger motor coaches in preference for mini-buses for just a handful of guests.

His name was Wal Glading and he told John: “I just want a mature, welltravelled lady, someone with common sense, preferably a nursing background, and one who is prepared to spend time away from home.”

“That sounds like my wife,” John said – and on arrival home told his wife Jeanette about the conversation. She too thought it sounded like her, and next thing she was with Wal and a small group on a culinary tour through Thailand.

“It was wonderful. Europe was next; I began as a navigator and quickly understood why Wal appeared at first to be so pedantic, crossing all the ‘T’s’ and dotting all the ‘I’s’, having not only back-up plan B but back-up plan C, and triple-checking every detail before departure. It really was crucial to a successful, worry-free tour.”

● Tight fit: an Interlude Tours van off the beaten track in Cuenca in Spain.

Observer Wines & Liqueurs Melbourne

with David Ellis

Pop up wine bar visits Melb.

■ A half-dozen Hunter Valley winemakers who dub themselves the Next Generation are on the road this month to promote their wines at a series of Pop Up Bar public tastings in Eastern Australia.

There was the opportunity for interstate wine enthusiasts to win a $1000 prize that included return flights for two to Melbourne, twin-share overnight accommodation there, and VIP tickets to the Melbourne finale Pop Up Wine Bar

David Hook, Andrew Thomas, Rhys Eather, Nick Paterson, Mike De Iuliis and Andrew Margan say they’re out to put the “cool new wine styles of the Hunter Valley on the map – and have a lot of fun doing it.”

www.nextgenerationhuntervalley. com.au

They were in Melbourne last week.

Patrons have been able to taste and purchase a range of Hunter Valley cheeses to match the wines on tasting.

Pictured ■ Hunter Valley’s Next Generation winemakers ham it up: (l to r) David Hook, Andrew Thomas, Rhys Eather, Nick Paterson, Mike De Iuliis, Andrew Margan.

- David Ellis

One to note ■ Yellowglen has claimed an Aussie first with a sparkling wine that’s a blend of 86 per cent imported Italian Prosecco and 14 per centAustralian-grown Prosecco.

The Italian component was made in the major Prosecco growing region of Veneto in the country’s northeast, and shipped here in refrigerated containers for blending with Yellowglen’s Prosecco grown on its Victorian and South Australian vineyards (Italy, incidentally, now exports some 200-million bottles of Prosecco a year.)

This new Yellowglen blend, which it claims is an Australian first, has suggestions of lemonade about it from its wonderful spritzy citrus characters, and is light, refreshing and very more-ish. Well worth the $19.99 for something that’s different and rewarding at that next party – or as we did, to be enjoyed with a prawn pasta.

We’re archived on http:// vintnews.com

After serving her “probation” under Wal’s watchful eye, Jeanette moved on from navigator to driver, and to tour director taking her own groups away.

And she came home from one tour some years later to have Wal tell her he was putting away his maps for semiretirement in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Was she interested in taking-over the company?

“Was I ever!” says Jeanette.

And all these years later Wal, too, still fondly recalls his first-ever tour.

“It was 1974 and we took 41 members of the Australian Fiat Club to Europe for the princely sum of $1195 each – including air and 51 days travel.

“But our big Leyland Leopard coach soon made me realise such coaches really weren’t suitable for the minor, narrow roads of Europe that offered some of the best and most spectacular scenery – so I started planning the concept of Interlude Tours small-coach travel,” he says.

“Soon we were operating 9-seater Peugeot Boxer buses that we’d take in convoy – usually three at a time – with Australian drivers.

“It meant we weren’t restricted to boring motorways, but could travel anywhere a car could go, usually staying three nights at a time in small hotels and inns amid the most impressive scenery in Europe,” Wal says.

And despite all his mentoring, Jeanette soon discovered the unexpected could be lurking in wait anywhere.

“On one tour from Casablanca we’d only got 120km in a brand-new minibus when it broke down,” she recalls.

“The Moroccan driver/guide hitched a ride into town, came back with a flattop truck that he loaded our mini-bus onto – with all of us inside – and to get us off and into another bus when we got into town, used an array of chairs from van to truck-top to road!

“Another time one of our guests came storming back down to reception at the best hotel on Lake Como to complain about his small, dark room, and was still spluttering when his wife also turned up to say she’d just opened the curtains – and what a marvellous view of the Lake they had from their private balcony. Her husband slunk off redfaced!”

And at little Intragna in Switzerland an Interlude Tours group arrived at their hotel to find a wedding in full swing – with all Jeanette’s Australians invited to join in the celebrations.

“We danced and sang with them well into the night,” Jeanette recalls.

“The bride and groom wrote later, thanking us for making their wedding so joyous.”

Conversely another of Jeanette’s travellers when she asked what he thought of Rome, replied dully: “Just like Melbourne, really.”

And now like Wal, Jeanette too is putting the maps away, with her last Interlude tour being 36 days to France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland in September/October this year.

Check the itinerary on www.interlude-tours.com – who knows, you may even come home wanting to buy the company.

- David Ellis

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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Melbourne People

Phantom Of The Opera National Theatre, St Kilda Photos: Emily McCoy

● Claudia Boman and Patrick Hill

● Richard Perdriau, Patrick O’Halloran and Colin Morley

● Tim Phillips and Lucinda Barratt

● Sarah Mitchell and Erica Mitchell

● Patrick Hill, Lucinda Barratt and Tim Minturn

● Wendy Belli and Peter Leithead

● Coral McDonald, Noelle Mitchell, Graham Mitchell, John-Michael Howson

● Brenton Staples, Set Designer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 15

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Observer Readers’ Club The Way We Were 100 Years Ago Evelyn Observer Friday, May 23, 1913 EMPIRE DAY At the Christmas Hills State School Empire Day was duly celebrated to-day, when a demonstration of a patriotic character took place,. A feature of the arrangemonts was the unfurling and hoisting of the Union Jack to the accompaniment of choruses and. cheers, and. an additional interest was provided, by a British red ensign.brought from, England by Mr. J. C. Harvie, who said, it had flown from the main mast of the, world's most remarkable British vessel, He described, the secrecy insisted upon by the authlorities when a visitor visitcd. British dock yard at Chatham or the arsenal at Woolwich. The patriotic speeches, the children's races, the social soiree, attended by the parents and residents of Christmas Hills. and arranged by the head teacher (Mr J. E, Rolls), formed a pleasaint after noon. that will long be reomembered. ★ The first all British flying boat will be ready shortly for work on land and water. It is the luvention of Mr Arthur Wigram, a young Australian engineer, and is beig built at the works of Mr S.. E: Saunders at East Cowes. This new hydro aeroplane differs from the ordinary type, in that..it is an amphibious machine, while it an start and land equally well on the water as on the ground, Tt is not an neroplane, but a hoat that, will fly. It is designed throughout on the same principles that govern the design of sailing yacht. ★ ELTHAM· COURT OF' PETTY SESSIONS (Before Philip Cohen, Esq., P;M,, and Messrs Fitch and Gilsenan, J,.'sP) Constable Cone proceeded against Andrew H. White and J. W. Brown for neglecting to have their` children vaccinated..

Melbourne Photo Flashback

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● A deserted Melbourne, 1959. Still photo from On The Beach

Words Of The Week ■ Pseudologia fantastica is the term applied by psychiatrists to the behaviour of habitual or compulsive lying.

■ Sociopaths. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is described as a personality disorder characterised by "... a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood.". They have an "impoverished moral sense or conscience" and may have a "history of crime, legal problems, impulsive and aggressive behaviour". Characterised as an Incapacity to maintain enduring relationships, though having no difficulty in establishing them.

Your Stars with Christina La Cross ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) An old enemy comes back into your life and makes it hard for you not to worry how they may influence your current situation. You're bigger and stronger now and they're weaker, so have faith.

TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) Your impatient attitude sees you being offered a situation with someone which you will term too good to turn down, but stay on your toes, this leopard is unlikely to have changed their spots.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) You've worked hard and you have done a really amazing job of impressing the many faces that are now a part of your career. Offers you had previously only dreamed of await.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Shortcuts have not proved the successful route that you first thought. Today you are given the chance to put things right. Take advantage, you have the power of the stars behind you.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Don't be bullied or emotionally blackmailed into something you never wanted and don't want now. The sooner you assert your confidence the sooner it will return in full. Come on, life is waiting.

VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) Keep an open diary for the upcoming week or you will miss out on meeting someone who can put the smile back on your face after the recent self-imposed stresses and strains you've been put through.

LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) Although it hasn't been a pain free journey, you should have learnt quite a few valuable lessons over the last few days.They say ‘no pain no gainâ’ and that's certainly been true for you this week.

SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) Your patience finally gives you something back as surprising yet pleasing offers fall right into your lap. Finally you get to be the one who can do the choosing.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) Your confidence has been battered by events and circumstances which were above and beyond your control. You don't have to be forced to part with what you want to keep.

Stand your ground.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) You really are spoilt for invites in the days ahead, so don't even think about giving a sob story to close ones who have not been giving you the attention you crave. Maturity is what attracts them.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) Aspects look really constructive for the coming week. You finally get the chance to be yourself without having to put on a mask and pretend to be someone you're not. Things you buy today prove you are confident.

PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) New friends prove expensive, be prepared. Neptune brings out a mean streak which could see you saying things you'll regret later. The old adage of counting to 10 is your best friend today. Use it!

Reader Recipes

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

Birthdays/Celebrations

● Mushroom, quinoa and thyme risotto. Courtesy: taste.com.au Ingredients Nutrition 2 tbs olive oil 15 (about 200g) button mushrooms, thickly sliced 1L (4 cups) salt-reduced chicken stock 1 leek, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 175g arborio rice 100g quinoa 2 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked 80g (1/2 cup) frozen Woolworths Select Peas 70g (1 cup) finely grated parmesan 50g baby rocket leaves 1 lemon, juiced Method Notes Step 1 Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Stir in mushroom for 5 minutes or until brown. Transfer to a bowl.

Step 2 Meanwhile, place the stock in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and hold at a gentle simmer.

Step 3 Heat remaining oil in frying pan over medium heat. Stir in leek and garlic for 3-4 minutes or until soft. Add mushroom, rice, quinoa and thyme.

Stir to coat.

Step 4 Add 80ml (1/3 cup) of the stock to the rice mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until the liquid is absorbed. Add the stock, 80ml (1/3 cup) at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more stock. Continue for 20 minutes, adding the peas halfway through cooking, until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa and rice are tender. Stir in the parmesan and season.

Step 5 Combine the rocket and lemon juice in a bowl.

Divide the risotto among serving bowls and top with the rocket mixture.

Vale Betty Jeffrey

■ Wednesday, May 22. Football identity Stan Alves is 67. Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle is 60. Actor Gary Sweet was born in Coburg, 56 years ago.

■ Thursday, May 23. TV reporter Liz Hayes (Elizabeth Ryan) is 57.

■ Friday, May 24. Observer reader Pamela Anne Younger is 70 today. Happy 45th birthday to reader Liza Bateman. Actor Brian Wenzel is 84. Businesswoman Poppy King is 41.

■ Saturday, May 25. Happy birthday Matt Hetherington. Birthday honours belong to Lynn Thorpe. Observer reader Dennis Rawlinson of Coolaroo is 64 today. Actress Jacki Weaver is 66.

■ Sunday, May 26. TV producer Ernie Carroll (known for Ossie Ostrich) is 84.

Footballer Joel Selwood is 25.

■ Monday, May 27. Happy birthday to Melissa Hoyer. Tv p[resenter Fiona McDonald is 56. Tennis player Pat Cash is 48.

■ Tuesday, May 28. Singer Kylie Minogue is 45.

Pith And Point

■ Kate Just will exhibit The Texture Of Her Skin at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery from May 31 until June 16.

■ Observer reader D Keramides of Canterbury seeks a handyman for small jobs. Phone 9882 9684.

■ Melbourne theatre patrons are being offered discount packages for the production of Wicked to be staged in Auckland, New Zealand, from September 17.

■ Sandringham resident Sally Andrews will be one of the participants in Stadium Stomp, Australia’s longest consecutive stair climb challenge tobe held for the first time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, June 16. It provides entrants with the one-off opportunity to take on the 7343 steps on the top and bottom seating levels of the MCG. ■ Press representative J P Bolton tells us that The Bible The Complete Word of God is to be staged by the Reduced Shakespeare Company at The Athenaeum Theatre from August 5-18.

■ The Melbourne International Jazz Festival announced the cancellation of all performances by Rebirth Brass Band, due to the illness of a core member.

Think And Grow Rich ■ We are saddened to report the passing of Observer reader Betty Jeffrey of Melba Hwy, Glenburn, wife of Ray. A service was held ■ “Create a definite plan for carrying out your yesterday (Tues.) at Mernda Uniting Church desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready followed by a burial in the Yan Yean Cemetery. or not to put it into action.” - Napoleon Hill

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

■ Jack Elam was one of the great American character actors and specialised in playing villains in western films.

He made more than 100 films and more than 200 television appearances during his career as an actor.

He fascinated his fans because of his bulging left eye which made him stand out and appear to be pretty scary.

William Scott ‘Jack’ Elam was born in 1920, in Miami, Arizona, in a tiny mining community and grew up in Phoenix.

His parents separated when he was very young and after his mother died Jack was raised by his father.

When Jack was 12 he got into a fight at a Boy Scout meeting where a boy jabbed him in the eye with a pencil.

This injury was very traumatic at the time but in his later life he was able to use it to his advantage in acting roles.

Jack attended Modesto Junior College where he met Jean Hodgert and they married in 1937.

The couple had two children Scott and Jeri.

Jack became an accountant and worked at some of the major hotels and film studios in California.

He made valuable contacts during the early 1940s and when the doctors suggested that he find an occupation which was less stressful on his eyesight Jack drifted into acting in films.

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television series such as Rin Tin Tin, Waterfront, The Lone Ranger and Wagon Train.

Jack was always a character actor but never the star.

His wife Jean died in 1961 and in that same year he married Margaret Jennison and together they had a daughter, Jacqueline.

In 1963 he had a regular role in the western television series The Dakotas.

Jack Elam was an avid poker player and loved to gamble and play cards on the film sets.

He was apparently highly respected and loved by everyone.

He continued make films and guest star in many television shows and as the years rolled on he went from playing villains to specializsing in comedy characters.

He often said that his favourite film was Support Your Local Gunfighter.

His final role was in a television movie titled Bonanza Under Attack in 1995.

Jack Elam passed away in 2003 at the age of 82 from congestive heart failure at his home in Ashland, Oregon.

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.

Whatever Happened To ...

Jack Elam

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM He made a deal with a producer to cast him in three films in return for his accounting services.

His first screen role was in a short film titled Trailin' West and Jack was billed as The Killer.

In the following years Jack took on some amazing roles and it did not matter if he was playing a decent bit part or just a small uncredited role - he was continually working.

He was a stand-out in films in the early 1950s such as Rancho Notorious, High Noon, Vera Cruz, Tarzan's Hidden Jungle and Artists And Models (where he worked with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis).

He even did a role in the MGM musical Kismet.

Jack was a guest star in many of the early

● Jack Elam

VIOLENCE AGAINST ABORIGINAL WOMEN

■ I wish I could with enthusiasm always report on happy and feel-good stories about my beloved Territory, but often this is not the case.

Even though I have an Aboriginal ‘skin name’ and am a member of the Walpiri tribe because of this, it is sometimes difficult for me to view Aboriginal issues with impartiality.

I hear of such pride when some situations are changed.

When the Grampians, or a Melbourne Park, or Lake Eyre, are renamed, reverting to their original names, there is jubilation, often from people who have never even met an Aborigine.

And yet, amidst this jubilation, I see the squalour and degradation and violence and drunkenness and sexual abuse which is the daily fare of so many Aborigines throughout Central Australia, with no hope of change.

Most people who could influence the situation just turn a blind eye - successive governments just put it all in the too-hard basket and throw money at the situation, hoping it will go away, but it never does.

It's called "sit-down" money, given for sitting down doing nothing, bored witless, and as a result drinking to excess and causing trouble.

I see people such as the star of Samson and Delilah, who has strutted the red carpet at Cannes, seemingly with the world at his feet, "doing everything he can to ruin his life", a magistrate recently said.

"A drunken bully for kicking his partner in the face".

■ Most Aboriginal women one sees in the streets of Alice Springs are either bandaged from recent beatings, or scarred from the past.

“And the men know that the woman, like a domestic animal, will come back.

No matter how many times you beat her up, you know you'll get away with it, because she forgives you," the same magistrate told this young fellow.

There's a common belief amongst Aboriginal girls that "he doesn't love you unless he hits you".

At an international women's forum a few years ago in Europe, one of the Australian Aboriginal speakers announced in a speech that it's culturally OK for an Aboriginal man to beat his wife, because that's always been the case. The jury is still out, however, on whether he's allowed to do this when he's drunk.

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au This caused an outcry from the other delegates from all over the world.

I get so incensed, and saddened, to see this situation over and over again.

I recall watching one such beating the man kicking his fallen wife in the middle of the Todd Mall, with an audience of absolutely agog international tourists. Weekly such assaults are recorded in the local press.

Yet people are proud of the "achievement" of these new names when all this other stuff goes on unabated.

■ It seems that bureaucratic inaction has reared its head in Alice Springs.

There's a program in Melbourne called ‘Bikes for Life’. They obtain bikes to distribute to underprivileged kids to make their life a bit happier.

Not so long ago they chose Central Australia as the target, the idea being to distribute these bikes to kids in remote communities.

After months of work they got together 400, and had them shipped to Alice, to be distributed to community kids by the Tangentyere Council, an Aboriginal body.

So what happened?

Nothing! They've all been gathering dust in a shed. "A complete waste of resources", one anonymous whistleblower reported.

And it turns out that, instead of handing the bikes out to the kids, one official wanted to turn them all into an "art piece".

Pardon? An art piece?

Bikes for Life founder Ebony Butler expressed her "disappointment" when she heard this.

"Not what the bikes were donated for,” she officially noted.

Muttering a bit more under her breath I reckon!

■ I have reported on the new NT Government's proposed mandatory rehabilitation centres.

If placed into protective custody three times in two months, problem drunks would face 12 months' mandatory alcohol treatment in designated centres across the NT. So, the Opposition has now opposed the move, saying that money will just be wasted on "unsaveable drunks"!

The Alice Springs 20-bed centre would just target alcoholics who were beyond being salvaged, Michael Garner, Shadow Alcohol Policy Minister said, and just become a revolving door for problem drinkers.

Expectations for the Government were that these centres would hold 800 of the NT's worst drunks every year.

What a bleak picture!

But Mr Garner does have a solution - put money into stopping people from picking up the habit, or just even in the early stages of addiction.

When little kids roam the streets at night because the only "homes" they've got to go to are gutted "once-werehouses" , full of drunk and fighting people, there's not much hope there for them, so they try and block this pain and despair at an early age with petrol fumes, and quickly they graduate to booze and gunga.

Again, every government of every persuasion has thrown money at the situation for decades and nothing has ever happened.

■ A couple of weeks ago it was teachers being attacked in the schools by students, often primary school age.

Now it's nurses in the Alice Springs Hospital.

There's been a marked increase in the number of drunks admitted in the last year.

● Ebony Butler

On just one Sunday night recently six patients admitted were over 0.20.

And of course such patients are liable to become somewhat abusive; one nurse reported that she is abused about 10 times a day.

I imagine there must be a breaking point for individual nurses to have to cope with all of this mayhem, and it seems that many are leaving.

I've never been a patient at the hospital, but I have visited friends who were. And it was indeed mayhem.

And, to make matters worse, often these drunk patients haven't changed or washed their clothes, or themselves, for years, so there are also are basic health, and aromatic, issues involved.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you - I'd be leaving too.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

Observations Simon O’Donell backs app ■ Former Australian cricketer and VFL footballer Simon O'Donnell has invested in Team App, a new Australian-made platform that allows any sporting club to build their own apps in minutes - for free.

Team App is an innovative new sporting platform that allows even the smallest sporting club to build a world-class smartphone app, complete with the ability to contact team members, display league ladders, instantly share game photos and even chat live with fans.

Team App launched less than a month ago and has already been downloaded by hundreds of sporting clubs across the globe, including several Canadian ice hockey clubs, an Irish hurling club and dozens of local cricket and football teams. www.teamapp.com

Today is National Myeloma Day ■ Today (Wed., May 22) is National Myeloma Day and the Leukaemia Foundation is aiming to raise awareness of the symptoms of myeloma, and the impact this incurable blood cancer has in our communities.

Myeloma is being diagnosed at one of the fastest rate of all blood cancers in Australia, but Leukaemia Foundation research shows that only 1 in 12 Australians are aware of myeloma and its symptoms. leukaemia.org.au

Pop Up Circus at Williamstown ■ Inside the huge venue of the Big Shed at Seaworks, the Women's Circus cast will fly, swing and dangle from a gantry crane originally designed for ship building.

What do I Want? is directed by Spenser Inwood, graduate of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus and director with the Women's Circus.

Spenser is supported by the Women's Circus creative development program, providing young and emerging directors with development and opportunities.

Season: 7.30pm, Wed., May 29 to Sat., June 1 Tickets: $25/$22 conc via popupcircus.eventbrite.com.au/ Venue: The Big Shed, Seaworks, 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 17

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Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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Victoria Pictorial

Historic Photo Collection

● King’s Bridge Overpass

● Collins Street, Melbourne

● Bourke Street. 1948.

● Bourke Street. 1900.

● Swanston St, from Town Hall portico. 1948.

● Prince Henry’s Hospital. 1955.

● St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. 1936.

● The Tea House, Botanical Gardens