Ob 26feb14 az

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SILVIE, AFRICAN QUEEN

Boarding Kennel and Cattery Pick-Up and Delivery. All over Melb.

Short and Long Term Stays.

Phone 5965 2242 www.pawsandclawsresort.com.au

PHONE 0418 883 335 See Observer Trader P9 Grosvenor in Cairns Holiday Apartments

Fully Self Contained 1 and 2 bedroom apartments Looking to escape the cold this winter; then head on up to Cairns - always warm!

Visit www.grosvenorcairns.com.au or email info@grosvenorcairns.com.au

Glen Huntly, Heidelberg & Mitcham! 1800 819 936

or ring 1800 629 179

ISSN 1447 4611

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

S TATE EDITION Vol 46 No 1547 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

■ Melbourne entertainer Silvie Paladino was the star of the show this week at the Morning Melodies shows staged at Hamer Hall. Silvie has just been appointed Ambassador to Watoto, and left yesterday (Tues.) for Africa. Details inside.

MERIMBULA, NSW

THE GREA T GREAT MUSIC OF THE ‘30s T O ‘60s TO Streaming through the Web PHONE: 6 9572 146 1466

2014 VACANCIES AVAILABLE

Details of 2014 packages on Page 2

www. darwinsbarrabase.com.au

BEACH ST APARTMENTS 1 Beach St, Merimbula, NSW 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 2205 w w w.beachs tr eetapartments.net.au .beachstr treetapartments.net.au

TURN TO ‘OBSERVER TRADER’ PAGE 8

goldenda ysr adio goldenday sradio adio..com

AFL TEAM FOR TASMANIA To AFL C ommis sion, Commis ommission, To AFL Commission, take notice

146 ARGUS ST, CHELTENHAM VIC 3192 TEL: 9585 2822 FAX: 9585 2422

Door-to-Door delivery, Australia wide Open 9am-5.15pm Mon.-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun 243 Sea Kale Rd, Robinvale. Phone: 5026 3955 See Page 11, ‘Observer Trader’ section

See Observer Trader P22

TILCO WHOLESALERS TO FARMERS

Mattresses Galore

Cnr High St & Tooronga Rd, Malvern Phone: (03) 9822 9057.

Fax: (03) 9822 9821 www.mattressesgalore.com.au info@mattressesgalore.com.au 10% EXTRA DISCOUNT FOR MENTIONING MELB. OBSERVER Details: see ‘Observer Trader’ Page 12

I just created a campaign: AFL TTeam eam ffor or TTasmania. asmania.

It would mean a lot to me if you took a moment to add your name in support.

Rex Mapley Sea Change Safety Cove www.safetycove.com

AND CONTRACTORS Manufacturers and distributors of an extensive range of tillage equipment and components Phone: (07) 4633 0624 Mobile: 0422 399 544 www.tilco.com.au barry@tilco.com. au Turn to Page 14 of ‘Observer Trader’ section

See ad on Page 20 ‘Trader’

See ad on back page Page 17 ‘Trader’

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 3

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer Advertising Press+Online+Google+SocialMedia+Editorial Our advertisers are making news The Adventures On your bike ■ We welcome the return of Ivanhoe Cycles of Barry MCVilly as advertisers every week in the Melbourne

Observer. Turn to Page 6 to see the latest specials brought to us by Ken Frank and his team. The specials are also available at Bicycle HQ in Carnegie, and ‘Ivanhoe Cycles’ Hallam as well as the Ivanhoe Cycles Mega Store at Bell St, Heidelberg Heights.

■ Observer advertiser Barry MCVilly often refers to his forebear Niccolo Macchiavelli who said: “Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times” and “he who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.”

Advertisers’ Index References to ‘Trader’ denote the 24-page liftout in this edition All 4 Paws & Claws Resort ....... Trader P23 Mandalay Apartments .................... Page 26 Barry MCVilly Pty Ltd ................ Trader P24 Mattresses Galore ..................... Trader P12 Beach Street Apartments ........... Trader P8 MCVilly Timber .......................... Trader P24 Braemac Energy ....................... Trader P19 Metro Cinemas Boronia .............. Page 55 Burong Equestrian Centre ............ Page 34 Michael’s Trailers ...................... Trader P9 Classic Safaris ............................... Page 54 Paul Michael Shoes ........................... Page 23 CMS International (Autosol) ..... Trader P13 Pitango ............................................. Page 28 Coolum Baywatch Resort ......... Trader P18 Play DVDs/Rare Music ............... Trader P10 Darwin’s Barra Base ..................... Page 2 Productive Gardens ................. Trader P15 E-Cell ........................................ Trader P12 Robinvale Wines ...................... Trader P11 Echo 4x4 ................................. Trader P25 Scootersmart .......................... Trader P14 EGR Trailers ...................................... Page 27 Entertainment Australia ............ Trader P5 Sea Change Safety Cove ............ Page 56 Formula Ford Experience Aust. .... Page 22 SGI Consulting Group ................ Trader P22 Golden Days Radio .................... Trader P16 Shop Inside .............................. Trader P7 Grosvenor In Cairns .................. Trader P3 Sulky Gully Saddlery .......................... Page 53 Gutzbusta ..................................... Page 51 Tilco ......................................... Trader P20 Hair Testing Laboratory ...................... Page 54 Tribute Funeral Services ........... Trader P6 Ivanhoe Cycles .................................... Page 6 Tunit Australia .......................... Trader P17 Jenny Pihan Fine Art ................... Page 25 K & J Woolley’s Plumbing ......... Trader P4 Maroondah Sports Club ........... Trader P21 Wooling Hill Garden Estate ......... Page 24

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NEW WBIZ ★ LIFES TYLE ★ TR AVEL ★ FEA TURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT NEWSS ★ SHO SHOWBIZ LIFESTYLE TRA FEATURES

Melbourne

Observer

Ph 1800 231 311 Fx 1800 231 312

WIN CELTIC THUNDER TICKETS Page 19

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

See our full-page ad, P10 of ‘Trader’

See our ad, Page 23 ‘Trader’

$2.95

including GST

SILVIE, AFRICAN QUEEN

Boarding Kennel and Cattery Pick-Up and Delivery. All over Melb.

Short and Long Term Stays.

Phone 5965 2242 www.pawsandclawsresort.com.au

PHONE 0418 883 335 See Observer Trader P9 Grosvenor in Cairns Holiday Apartments

Fully Self Contained 1 and 2 bedroom apartments Looking to escape the cold this winter; then head on up to Cairns - always warm!

Visit www.grosvenorcairns.com.au or email info@grosvenorcairns.com.au

Glen Huntly, Heidelberg & Mitcham! 1800 819 936

or ring 1800 629 179

ISSN 1447 4611

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

S TATE EDITION Vol 46 No 1547 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

■ Melbourne entertainer Silvie Paladino was the star of the show this week at the Morning Melodies shows staged at Hamer Hall. Silvie has just been appointed Ambassador to Watoto, and left yesterday (Tues.) for Africa. Details inside.

MERIMBULA, NSW

THE GREA T GREAT MUSIC OF THE ‘30s T O ‘60s TO

2014 VACANCIES AVAILABLE

Details of 2014 packages on Page 2

www. darwinsbarrabase.com.au

Streaming through the Web PHONE: 9572 146 6 1466

BEACH ST APARTMENTS 1 Beach St, Merimbula, NSW 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 2205 w w w.beachs tr eetapartments.net.au .beachstr treetapartments.net.au

TURN TO ‘OBSERVER TRADER’ PAGE 8

goldenda ysr adio goldenday sradio adio..com

AFL TEAM FOR TASMANIA To AFL Commission, To AFL C Commis ommission, sion, ommis take notice

146 ARGUS ST, CHELTENHAM VIC 3192 TEL: 9585 2822 FAX: 9585 2422

I just created a campaign: AFL TTeam eam ffor or TTasmania. asmania.

It would mean a lot to me if you took a moment to add

Cnr High St & Tooronga Rd, Malvern Phone: (03) 9822 9057.

Fax: (03) 9822 9821 www.mattressesgalore.com.au info@mattressesgalore.com.au 10% EXTRA DISCOUNT FOR MENTIONING MELB. OBSERVER Details: see ‘Observer Trader’ Page 12

your name in support.

Rex Mapley Sea Change Safety Cove www.safetycove.com

Door-to-Door delivery, Australia wide Open 9am-5.15pm Mon.-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun 243 Sea Kale Rd, Robinvale. Phone: 5026 3955 See Page 11, ‘Observer Trader’ section

See ad on back page

See Observer Trader P22

TILCO WHOLESALERS TO FARMERS

Mattresses Galore

AND CONTRACTORS Manufacturers and distributors of an extensive range of tillage equipment and components Phone: (07) 4633 0624 Mobile: 0422 399 544 www.tilco.com.au barry@tilco.com. au Turn to Page 14 of ‘Observer Trader’ section

See ad on Page 20 ‘Trader’

Page 17 ‘Trader’

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If you like to advertise your business, please phone our office on 1800 231 311.

Value for you Horses feature

Jenny Pihan Art

■ The Melbourne Observer has a weekly focus on horses, with regular advertisers including Burong Equestrian Centre and Gutzbusta.

In this week’s edition, we also welcome The Classic Safari Company, Hair Testing Laboratory, Sulky Gully Saddlery and Kuda Saddlery and Tack.

There are some great products and services worthy of consideration.

■ You are invited to the opening night of a PremierArt Exhibition featuring four uniquely talented artists.

Jenny Pihan Fine Art invites you to attend at 6.30pm on Wednesday, March 26 at Glen Eira Council Gallery, Caulfield, to see the work of Patricia Moran, FU Hung, Peter Smales and Do Noble.

Turn to Page 25 for RSVP details.

Comfort shoes

They’re biting!

■ Gilmour’s Comfort Shoes provide a large range of comfort shoes from their outlets at Heidelberg West, Glen Huntly and Mitcham.

We also welcome Paul Michael Shoes at Mount Waverley to our advertising columns.

Paul has some great specials this week. Turn to Page 23 for more details.

■ Allan Beale at Darwin’s Barra Base tells us that they are biting in the Big Barra Run Off ... with the season extending until April.

Allan is offering safaris and seats at 2013 rates. The season is tipped to be the best barra fishing in 35 years. Phone Allan on (08) 8945 0376. All the details are on Page 2.

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

Victoria's food and wine celebration ■ If you're a fun-loving foodie, appreciate fine wining and dining and enjoy world-class cuisine presented

by Australian and international awardwinning chefs, then come Friday, your heart will be content.

The 2014 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will serve its first dish along the banks of the Yarra River in Alexandra Park to officially launch its 17-day jam-packed program of 200+ inspiring events across Victoria.

Now in its 22nd year, the festival will welcome more than 200,000 visitors until March 16 to restaurants, wineries, laneway cafes, bars, river banks, parks and iconic tourist destinations such as the Healesville Sanctuary, celebrating this year's theme: Water.

Directing a strategic vision that supports and promotes Victoria's food and wine industry, in the lead-up to Friday's Bank of Melbourne World's Longest Lunch that will be enjoyed by 1500 lunching revellers, I caught up with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival CEO, Natalie O'Brien.

Prior to her appointment at Melbourne Food and Wine, Natalie spent 12 years in events and marketing at Tourism Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

With her love for being part of an organisation that cultivates a passion for food and wine and promotes an international outlook for the industry, it's no wonder after attending as many

Festival Porch Thoughts

events as she possibly can every morning, noon and night over the festival, it takes her a good month afterwards to recuperate.

The 2014 festival program will feature food and wine experts from across the world who are all passionate and love what they do. When did you discover your love for food and wine?

I grew up in Geelong, strongly influenced by my mother and grandmother, at the family hotel called the Sawyers Arms, which was what's now considered a gastro-pub.

You have grown the festival from its grass roots beginnings of just 12 events in 1993. What does the Festival aim to achieve for our food and wine experience on national and global level?

The Festival acts as a gateway to our regional producers, encouraging

people to put Victoria on their table, as well as engaging with award-winning chefs from all over the world.

Why do you believe the Festival keeps growing each year?

I think an important driver for our growth is that the Festival shines a spotlight on the ever-creative Victorian industry, and, of course, that Melburnians are so passionate about discovering and enjoying new food and wine experiences. In addition, each year we try to innovate and create new experiences for our visitors to be inspired by, so the Festival is always dynamic.

What are some of the new inclusions in this year's event compared to previous years?

Each year, our program is reinvigorated with new events and this year the program celebrates the theme of water.

We're particularly excited by our hub space for 2014, The Immersery: Festival, Kitchen Bar and Raingarden, a spectacular three-level space anchored to the banks of the Yarra in Queensbridge Square. It will be the place to meet, eat and drink during the Festival so I encourage everyone to visit us there.

With themes such as 'Water', what guidelines are set out to ensure the water theme has been applied - given its broad application?

This year's theme of water has been embraced in a myriad of ways, from sustainable seafood and cooking techniques such as steaming and sous vide, to embracing Victoria's natural landscapes with feasting events alongside rivers, oceans and lakes.

How many food and wine categories and regions are participating in this year's event?

We have a huge breadth of categories and regions in this year's festival. Global draw card events are accompanied by Feasting, Local, Hands On, Family, Free Events and many more.

Our Regional Weekend takes in all corners of the state, including the gorgeous Daylesford, High Country, the Murray and Yarra Valley, all influenced by water.

This year you have commissioned the Sandridge rail bridge transformation. What inspired this project?

It's the second year we've worked with renowned designers, Hassell, who were inspired to build a hub elaborating the three states of water: gas, liquid and solid.

● Natalie O’Brien The most iconic event of the Fes- before enjoying a stunning fourtival would have to be World's course meal prepared by Sydney's Longest Lunch, which includes a Quay restaurant Peter Gilmore, 530m long table serving 1500 Michelin-starred UK seafood chef people. How do you coordinate Nathan Outlaw and Aaron Turner (ex-Loam, Drysdale) at Campbell such a large scale event?

It would be impossible to stage Point House. Simply, it's the ultimate Bank of Melbourne World's Long- food and wine experience.

With a growing population of est Lunch without the incredible team at Peter Rowland Catering. food and wine lovers, how do you They run three onsite kitchens to engage with younger generations?

The festival offers a number of present the three-course menu designed by Stefano De Pieri, Adam family friendly and kids' events to inspire the next generation, like Little D'Sylva and Jacques Reymond.

Another highlight is the Acqua Foodies Corner, where kids learn to Panna Global Wine Experience fea- make dolmades, rice paper rolls and turing wine stars from the UK and sushi, as well as interactive events France. Will there be an emphasis at The Immersery. Industry designed on rare wines in general or Austra- events like Ice Cream Party and Picnic with the Mad Hatter are sure to lian produced wines?

There are four Acqua Panna Glo- be a big hit with the kids.

With local produce being a growbal Wine Experience sessions over the weekend which will highlight ing export and source of manufacrare wines from Australia and across turing jobs, what does the festival the globe. For a celebration of our mean to producers in terms of showstate's leading wineries, 'The Mas- casing their products?

Year round, Melbourne Food and ters' will bring together true legends and pioneers of the Victorian wine Wine celebrates the Put Victoria on industry Pat Carmody, Phillip Your Table philosophy and we're Jones, Rick Kinzbrunner, Ron passionate about showcasing what Laughton, Guill de Pury, John all Victorian regions have to offer to Thomson and Viv Thomson. Each both a local and international audiof these presenters will dip into their ence.

What is your Porch Thought for cellar for a new and old wine from the day? their iconic wineries.

Food nourishes the soul, so take The Water MasterClass is another drawcard attraction for visi- the time to understand where your tors, what makes this experience so food comes from and celebrate special?

Victoria's passionate growers and The Water MasterClass is a deep producers! immersion into our theme, where ■ For a complete Metro and Reguests will learn about mussels, oys- gional event program guide visit ters, fly fishing and smoking fish www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 5

Some of the Masters’ Porch Thoughts

Rachel Reed and Hamish Nugent Dan Hong ■ Dan Hong, Chef at El Loco, Ms G's, Mr Wong, darling of the Sydney food scene formerly of Longrain, Marque and Tetsuya restaurants.

"The chance to engage with some of the best chefs in Australia and the world, share our philosophies, techniques and a good time.

“I'm looking forward to taking my MasterClass guests on a deep dive and working with Casey Wall at Rockwell and Sons, which I'm told is sold out."

■ Dan will be appearing at sold out events Dan Hong & Lucky Peach, Dai Pai Dong Yum Cha Lunch and the 2014 Langham Melbourne MasterClass.

■ Rachel Reed and Hamish Nugent, Tani Eat & Drink, Bright (Winners New Regional Restaurant of the Year in The Age Good Food Guide 2014).

"MFWF is a celebration of not only Melbourne's culinary professionals, but Victoria as a whole.

“It's an exciting time of year when an industry is brought closer together form the eateries to the producers and farmers, giving them the opportunity to share their world with the public.

“It shows the diversity in Melbourne's culinary scene and brings international professionals to the stage."

■ Rachel Reed and Hamish Nugent will be cooking at Down By The River and as part of the Chef Collective at The Immersery.

Mary Valle ■ Mary Valle, Author and Australian authority on Mediterranean cuisine "The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is one of my most favourite Melbourne events, where you can learn, taste and be inspired.

“It is where Victoria showcases and promotes its rich food and wine culture and definitely something of which we should be very proud. For me …it is simply perfectly Melbourne."

Mary will be appearing at the 2014 Langham Melbourne MasterClass

John Lawson ■ John Lawson, Chef at No.8 at Crown (Originally from the UK, worked for Raymond Blanc in Oxfordshire, Daniel Boulud and Gordon Ramsay in New York and then as a private chef in Oman).

"The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is just an exciting and enriching time to be part of the city's hospitality scene.

“With some of the world's best chefs coming to town for the Master Classes and a huge range of special events that celebrate the restaurants, regional producers and amazing talent we have here, MFWF makes me really proud to be a chef in this city!"

■ John will be cooking at the Pinot Noir Challenge Across the Taman and appearing at the 2014 Langham Melbourne Masterclass

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 7

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Fondling claims against Observer doctor dismissed by VCAT In This 80-Page Edition

Doomsday Devices ■ Claims that a respected Melbourne doctor fondled the breasts of a younger female patient have been dismissed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Dr Rex Perry, 60, hotly denied all the allegations, and the Tribunal noted that he had an unblemished record.

Dr Perry is married, and he and his wife have one son, the Tribunal - comprising Noreen Megay, Dr Barbara Burge and Dr Aruna Reddy - was told.

The patient, now 49, mother of five children, alleged Dr Perry sought to cuddle her, rubbed the top of her thighs, lifted her top, and rubbed her nipple.

The Tribunal was told that a complaint was made to Police by the patient’s sister, and the patient was asked to attend Monash Medical Centre for swab tests.

Glowing references were presented to VCAT by Dr Perry’s fellow general practitioners, medical specialists and both female and male patients.

VCAT heard that the woman continued to consult with Dr Perry after the alleged incident.

Broker loses his licence ■ Australian Securities and Investments Commission concerns about the conduct of Parmjit Singh, a mortgage broker based in Dandenong, has led to the cancellation of his Australian credit licence.

Singh has agreed to cancel his Australian credit licence after an ASIC surveillance found that between 2010 and 2013, he failed to verify documents supplied in support of about 40 loan applications to various banks.

Singh has also agreed not to apply for a licence or participate in the consumer credit or financial services industries for five years.

Singh failed to verify payslips and bank statements in circumstances where suspicions should have been raised, ASIC found. ● Jeremy Kewley will be joined by Todd Levi, Jennifer Monk and Katy Reid in Doomsday Devices opening on March 14 at Revolt Artspace, Kensington.

Director Alan Chambers says bringing a ■ Sly Rat Theatre in conjunction with Revolt Artspace Melbourne presents Doomsday sense of unease and disorientation to a physiDevices from March 14-22 at Revolt Artspace cal space like a theatre is exciting.

“My goal is to create visceral theatre amidst in Kensington.

Written by Andy Harmsen (University of the drama. You know, the kind that evokes Melbourne/VCA), and directed by NIDA those shivering sensations. The ones that make graduate Alan Chambers, this chilling Gothic the hair on the back of your neck stand up. tale of haunting in the Melbourne suburbs That’s the fun challenge,” says Chambers.

Playwright Andy Harmsen says ghost stobrings the traditional Australian ghost story ries change with every generation. into the 21st century.

“At their core, they are always a mirror, a Set in a scorching Melbourne summer of the near future, Doomsday Devices tells of a reflection, a metaphor of what we are scared middle-aged man, suffering from severe men- of most,” he says.

“At this point in history, if you believe the tal illness, whose world falls apart when he is news and our Prime Minister, Australians visited by a traumatised teenage girl.

Things aren’t any better outside Maurice’s seem to be scared of everything – refugees, apartment: there has been a shooting involv- invasion, immigrants – and it’s about time our ing a local indigenous boy, the city melts in a ghost stories reflected that.”

Season: March 14 – 22 near-apocalyptic heatwave and the streets are Venue: Revolt Artspace Melbourne, 12 filled with vicious riots and violence.

Maurice is drawn into a web of strange Elizabeth St, Kensington.

Tickets: $25 Full / $20 Concession happenings that all seem to be connected to a Bookings: www.revoltproductions.com turbulent teenage visitor who is haunted by a - Cheryl Threadgold malevolent presence.

Straight From The Heart: Feature ....... Pages 4-5 Ash Long: Been and seen .................... Page 8 News: Director fined $28,500 ............. Page 9 Di Rolle: Robbie Williams impresses ..... Page 10 Mel. Confidential: New trial ordered ...... Page 11 Hollywood: Gavin Wood on the Oscars ... Page 15 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and style ........... Page 17 Observer Classifieds: Free ad coupon ... Page 46 As we go to press, we hear of the passing of Observer theatre reviewer Janine Chugg. See P19. A tribute will be published next issue.

Movies, DVDs Radio Confidential Local Theatre The Arts, And More

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Murder: not guilty ■ A Geelong Supreme Court jury has found Winchelesea man, Matthew Drayton, not guilty of murdering Robert Colenso, 57, but guilty of defensive homicide, reports The Advertiser.

Scanner info row ■ Ballarat Police say they are considering taking legal action over people who publish what they hear on police scanners on social media, reports The Courier.

Crack at Hazelwood ■ A 200-metre crack has appeared in Hazelwood open cut’s southern mine wall, stretching diagonally across a burning stretch of coal batter, reports Latrobe Valley Express .

30 months’ jail ■ David Marshall, 49, has been jailed for a minimum 2½-years, after holding his girlfriend captive and terrorising her before inflicting a stab wound to her leg with a kitchen knife, reports the Border Mail Albury.

Clocked at 200-kmh ■ A black Chrysler was clocked at 200-kmh, travelling south along the Hume Freeway, near Benalla, reports the Shepparton News

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Chance of rain. 12°-26° Thurs. Partly cloudy. 11°-22° Fri. Clear. 12°-23° Sat. Partly cloudy. 13°-25° Sun. Partly cloudy. 14°-24°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE T OP 5 C OMMENT S TOP COMMENT OMMENTS HEARD IN AN AMERICAN NUDIST CHURCH 5. "That's amazing, Grace!"

4. "Never again will I hold the lighted candle!

I nearly got third-degree burns.”

3. "Excuse me ... that wasn't a candle!"

2. "Is that a beard or is Sister wearing her shawl?"

1. "I'm not taking up the collection again.

It's too hands on!"

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Kiss My Date Book launch

Ash

■ Heide Museum of Modern Art Director Jason Smith will launch As Long As It Lasts, an exhibition and book by St Kilda-based artist Julie Shiels at 6.30pm, Wednesday, April 23 at St Kilda Town Hall Art Gallery.

The exhibition and book are the culmination of nine years of work by Shiels who has transformed hundreds of objects abandoned on local streets with stencils of quotations and truisms from homeless people, writers, politicians, abandoned websites or artists.

The Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula

Chamber Choir tours Vic. ● Rebecca De Unamuno ■ In her new stand-up show for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Rebecca De Unamuno is looking for love in all the wrong places.

Playing Trades Hall – Evatt Room from Friday , March 28 – Sunday, April, 20, Kiss My Date is inspired by 12 months of online dating and follows De Unamuno’s journey to find ‘Mr Right’.

De Unamuno signed up to an online dating website and welcomed invitations from a bevy of bachelors and suitors.

De Unamuno examines how the internet has changed how we meet new people and fall in love.

De Unamuno has performed alongside Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), Andrew O’Keefe and Ross Noble in improv shows.

De Unamuno’s film and television credits include Big Bite, CNNNN, The Glass House, Kath & Kim, Talkin’ Bout Your Generation and Happy Feet 2.

For tickets and more information ticketmaster. com.au or call 1300 660 013.

At Veneto

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

‘Pre-sale’

■ Robbie Williams’s The Swing Tour Live in Australia will be staged at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on Tuesday, September 16.

Advance tickets will be available at the Visa Entertainment website for all Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders from 9am today (Wed.) until 5pm Friday (Feb. 28) or until presale tickets sell out at www.visaentertainment.com. au Williams has been in Australia on a promotional tour ahead of his performances.

At Wollert

● Graham Elliss and Dael Perlov ■ Victorian developer Lifestyle Communities is investing $40 million in Wollert.

The development in Melbourne’s north will build a new community for over 55s.

Construction will begin in the middle of this year; First homeowners are expected to move in early next year; ‘Lifestyle Lyndarum' community will include 155 new homes, located just off Epping Rd. Heart of the development is the luxurious $2.5 million homeowners’ clubhouse.

● Roxane Hislop will perform at the Royal Command Variety Performance at 2pm this Sunday (Mar. 2) at the Arden Crescent Uniting Church, Rosanna.

Frances Elizabeth Lawrence has more details on Page 37.

White Night ● Douglas Lawrence features in the Australian Chamber Choir’s performances at Warragul, Macedon and Melbourne. Julie Houghton has the details in the Observer Showbiz section on Page 37.

■ Publicist Kerry O’Brien estimates the crowd at White Night Melbourne on SaturdaySunday to have been between 500,000 and 550,000.

The event wasw held over 12 hours from 7pm Saturday.

True North ■ True North Reservoir Arts Festival returns for its second year, from Friday-Sunday, March 21-23, with a range of free venue based and pop up arts events on and around Edwardes St and Broadway.

The festival will feature a number of special guests, including online bloggers Reservoir Dad and Voir Tales, and a selection of local musicians, comedians and artists. truenorthfestival.com.au

● Christian Smith. Photo: Kelly Jordan

● It’s Oscars time in Hollywood, and our correspondent Gavin Wood has all the news from Tinsel Town on Page 15.

People Pars ● Alison Lee-Tet ■ Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (February 28 – March 16) comes to the Veneto Club, Bulleen, on Sunday, March 2.

Puiblicist Alison Lee-Tet says: “Let your taste buds travel to northern Italy. $65 per person (includes a fivecourse lunch and entertainment.”

The Veneto Club Melbourne is at 191 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen, and promotes Veneto culture.

For further information and bookings call Veneto Club on 9850 7111.

● Marjory Long celebrates her 90th birthday this week. On Saturday, family members travelled from interstate and locally for an afternoon tea at Royal Freemasons, Windsor.

■ The original Marquee Entertainment Luncheon Club, Toorak, meets this afternoon (Wed.), reports organiser Garry Spry.

■ Media man Gary Turner, freshly returned from Thailand, is planning a trip to Los Angeles in Autumn.

■ Fiona Byrne, of Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, enjoyed a Sunday at the Yea St Patrick’s Club meeting. Her sister Lisa won fashions on the field.

■ The Hawthorn Football Club and The Slattery Media Group launched Playing To Win at the Ricoh Centre last week. The book is by Michael Gordon.

■ Ivanhoe Grammar School has its Plenty To Celebrate reunion at Mernda this Saturday.

● Piera Dennerstein

● Michael Edwards

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 9

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Open Garden Day at Cruden Farm ■ The Cruden Farm Open Garden and Family Day will be held on Sunday, March 16.

Families and avid gardeners will be able to pack a picnic and enjoy the magnificent private gardens designed by influential landscape gardener Edna Walling.

The gardens were nurtured over a lifetime by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.

The day will also include: ■ Fresh produce and premium wine ■ Live entertainment ■ Children’s activities ■ Vintage and modern Jaguar car display Melbourne

Observer

● Poppy Moore, Lucy Moore and Zachariah Preston-Loh. Photo: Jaclyn Moore

Phillip Johnson, part of Wes Fleming’s winning team at the Chelsea Flower Show 2013, will be giving expert gardening advice on the day.

Proceeds from the Cruden Farm Open Garden Day help support medical research into the causes and treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Location: Cruden Farm (enter from Cranhaven Rd, Langwarrin). Melway Ref: 103 G6. No pets allowed. Parking: Free Entry Cost:Adults $25, Children under 18 free; Groups of 10 or more - $20 / person Tickets: 1300 728 900

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

‘Author! Author!’

Showbiz News

Whistle Down The Wind Briefs Watch

● Robyn Nevin ■ Australia’s theatre doyenne Robyn Nevin reunites with director Simon Stone for the Melbourne season of Belvoir’s celebrated production Neighbourhood Watch which returns the play to its home city.

It opens on Thursday, March 20, at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner.

It’s Kaz ■ Cultural commentator Kaz Cooke will count down her top five favourite films.at. the Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Federation Square on Thursday, March 13, as part of its Desert Island Flicks program. acmi.net.au/ dif_kaz_cooke

■ The Victorian premiere of Whistle Down the Wind is being presented by the Cardinia Performing Arts Company at the Cardinia Cultural Centre until Mar. 7.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Jim Steinman, Whistle Down the Wind is based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell and subsequent Richard Attenborough-produced film.

Director Lee Geraghty and her team have splendidly created a beautiful interpretation of this moving, sometimes tense, show, with clever staging ensuring a smooth-flowing production.

Set in Louisiana in 1959, the story revolves around 15-year-old Swallow who, with sister Brat and brother Poor Baby, discovers a mysterious man hiding in a barn, whose first words are ‘Jesus Christ’.

Believing their prayers answered, they join fellow town children in vowing to protect the stranger. In stark contrast, the adult townspeople angrily hunt the escaped fugitive.

Robert Mulholland again proves he is one of Melbourne’s best choreographers with innovative, wellrehearsed dance/movement.

Kent Ross’s orchestra does sterling work in rendering 33 musical numbers, and the cast skilfully achieves impressive vocal results from the challenging score.

Mitchell Stewart’s outstanding performance as The Man evokes sympathy and fear, while Georgia Thompson (alternating with Emily Hansford) is delightfully sincere as Swallow.

Katya Adkin as Brat (alternating with Matilda Weaver) and her real-life brother Soren Adkin (Poor Baby), present polished, naturally expressive performances.

John Black (Sherriff) is terrific, as is vibrant Monica Kwiecien (Candy). Strong performances are also delivered by personable Josh Long (Edward), Richard Green (Snake Preacher), Brock Downie (Amos) , Josh Ide (Earl), Austin Moore (Boone), Tom Frost (The Minister) and Scott Dowling (Sam).

The adult and children’s ensembles also present first-rate performances.

Hearty congratulations to CPAC – and thanks for an enjoyable theatre experience.

Performance Dates: Until March 7. Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd., Pakenham. Tickets: $32 Adults, $29 concession, $25 Children U15, Family $100. Bookings: 0407 090 354.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

This Is What It Feels Like ● Ross Stevenson of 3AW ■ There is some good wisdom in the old saying of “Don’t speak ill of the dead.” The Barrel concurs.

But ... it was fascinating to read Ross Stevenson’s comments about his late mate, Keith McGowan, in the latest edition of the radio industry publication, Jocks Journal.

Ross said: “(Keith) had a great creative comic brain, that is a really clever concept. Plus there was his imaginary football league. A genius idea.

“He used to talk on the wireless every Monday morning about what happened in this football league up at Titybong.

“He had the league, he had all the players, he had all the teams, and they were all imaginary. And they would have the tribunal and they’d have reports and all that sort of stuff.

“And a lot of his listeners thought to it to be real.

It was a brilliant idea.”

Ross perhaps doesn’t know that Keith didn’t create the Upper Gannawarra Football League scripts.

He simply read them, “sight unseen”, from an anonymous writer in the Melbourne Observer newsroom.

So, it was Theatre Day ■ Did you know it was Theatre Day in Victoria on Tuesday last wee?.

The third Tuesday in February was officially proclaimed as Theatre Day by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne in 1987.

In a similar way that we haven’t heard a word about Moomba’s 60th anniversary celebrations, we haven’t heard a word from Town Hall or Lord Mayor Cr Robert Doyle.

‘Cleaned up version’ ● Cat Commander can be seen in This is What it Feels Like until March 2 at La Mama Theatre. Beth Klein’s review is on Page 39.

Fined $28,500 ■ The former director of a Melbourne furniture company has been fined almost $30,000 for his part in underpaying two employees.

The Federal Circuit Court has imposed a penalty of $28,512 against Siu Kit Chan following legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Chan was sole director and majority owner of Montmorency-based furniture importation and wholesaling company Iwood Australia before it went into liquidation last year.

The penalty follows an admission

by Chan that he was involved in underpaying two employees, aged in their 20s, a total of $12,704.

Judge John O’Sullivan has ordered that part of the fine be paid directly to the employees to rectify the underpayments.

● Judy Banks Phillips with Peter Smith Photo: Rab Siddhi ■ TV-radio veteran and nostalgia buff Peter Smith visited the studios of RPP-FM radio station on the Mornington Peninsula last week.

His special mission was to record a nostalgia Soundtrack Of Their Lives program with RPP identities Bob Phillips and Judy Banks-Phillips.

Pete played a Michael Parkinson-type role, and zeroed in on Judy’s early musical comedy days, working with theatrical icons like Frank Thring and June Bronhill.

He questioned Bob about his early work career with the Hoyts Theatres chain and how Bert Newton introduced him to radio.

A ‘cleaned up’version of the special will be aired on RPP-FM next month.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Robbie Williams impresses

Di For

The Boy Who Could Tickle Clouds

● Stephen Briggs ■ One of my favourite places in Melbourne is the arts precinct in from the ABC radio studios to the Arts Centre, Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company and the Gallery.

In that precinct are two great restaurants, Script, and Blondie, run by the Keyte brothers, Brendan and Adam. The best coffee in town is at both places.

One morning I was sitting quietly reading the paper and next to me was a guy sitting quietly reading his paper. We got chatting and I discovered he was a writer and his name was Stephen Briggs. He was on his way to the ABC for a radio interview and I was preparing for my next meeting.

He told me he had a book out called The Boy Who Could Tickle Clouds and that he was off to the Ubud Writers Festival in Bali. Having been to Bali, and wanting to go desperately to the Writers Festival, it was great to strike up a conversation with him.

I have read his book and it is a wonderful read. Loving the Australian outback as I do, he has written about the magical place in which it is to find yourself and he writes a beautiful memoir of hope, humour and heart.

This self-published memoir has reached Number 4 on the Australian Kindle humour best sellers list. As one of Australia’s leading voiceover actors and the voice of countless TV and radio campaigns, Stephen Briggs is heard in millions of Australian homes every day.

He has lent his vocal talent to some of the biggest stars in the world including Stevie Wonder, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Usher and U2 to name a few.

However, I had no idea who he was. Until now.

Stephen Briggs has emerged from behind the microphone to put pen to paper with the release of his debut memoir. The book is available now from iTunes, Amazon, Readings plus Angus and Robertson.

The story opens on the edge of Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, when five-yea- old Stephen discovers he is cursed with two of the most malicious maladies known to mankind. He is a ‘choker’ who wears his shorts too high and he is sensitive!

The first curse he deals with relatively easily by pulling his shorts down to his knees! The second however is never far from the surface but he learns to endure it with the help of Kimba the white guinea pig, the scorching red Pilbara desert and his wonderful Dad, Jerry.

The book has received rave reviews, “Warm and whimsical …

Briggs’ memoir is a laugh-out-loud, coming of age story – it’s also a deeply heartfelt ‘love letter’ to his father Gerry,” wrote William Yeoman, in The West Australian.

I highly recommend this book. The Boy Who Could Tickle Clouds is a joyous hilarious and heart-warming story that will transport readers to a simpler time when Sundays meant watching Countdown, Atari was state of the art technology, nobody locked the front door, car keys were left in the ignition and a special occasion demanded Old Spice soapon-a-rope, and fondue and a cask of Fruity Lexia!

Trust me, if you liked The Catcher In The Rye and The Year My Voice Broke, like me you’ll love The Boy Who Could Tickle Clouds .

It’s available now. e-book: iTunes and Amazon (Kindle). My new favourite thing, by the way ... what did I do before Kindle? Also available in paperback at Amazon, Angus and Robertson, and Readings stores. www.stephenbriggs.net

I love my job! with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

■ What an impressive man Robbie Williams is ... I have always enjoyed his shows.

He is a true showman and his respect shown to all interviewers on radio and tele has been so refreshing.

This was shown whilst on his promo tour this month.

He will do well in concert here when he returns in September.

It’s ice to see an artist who has grown up and appreciates questions he is asked and enjoys the attention given to him.

I was really taken by him.

● Robbie Williams

Just say hello, says Oprah ■ Piers Morgan brings us such good television viewing.

He replaced Larry King on CNN and I never miss his interviews. If I am out and about always tape him.

I like his style and his manner is excellent He had a most interesting interview when he talked with Oprah Winfrey and her friend Gayle King about loneliness and the importance of saying hello.

I did not realise before the interview that when Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King were colleagues at Baltimore’s WJZ-TV in 1976, a freak snowstorm hit, a sleepover was suggested, and as luck would have it, they became best friends for life.

I had no idea they had been friends for that long.

For the OWN mogul and CBS This Morning co-anchor, a simple “hello” made all the difference.

To play it forward, they have teamed up with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Skype to launch the “Just Say hello” campaign in the March issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

I think it’s a great idea and wish I had thought of it myself.

Several A-list stars – including Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, Julia Roberts and Taylor Swift – filmed videos saying “hello” in an effort to show people how a small gesture can help combat the effects of loneliness.

Dr Gupta’s statistics were most interesting and whilst he was talking about Americans – I think it is relative to Australia too.

Puberty Blues

● Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King Gupta says that at “Every human beany given time, at ing is looking for one least one in five people thing, and that is to be suffers from some de- validated, to be seen gree of loneliness. and to be heard,” she Studies have shown that it can increase a said. is lookperson’s mortality risk ing“Everybody for the same thing. by 45 percent, more No matter if it’s politithan obesity or excescians, senators, presisive alcohol use.

Elderly lonely dents. Even Beyoncé people are 64 per cent in all of her Beyoncémore likely to develop ness” “We’re looking to dementia, he says.

Numerous studies know ‘Did you see have also shown that me? Did you hear meaningful compan- me? Did what I say ionship yields fewer mean anything to colds, lowers blood you?’

“Just saying hello is pressure, decreases stress, aids sleep and a way of validating improves cognition. even a stranger” she Winfrey explained added.

Winfrey, King and the significance of Gupta hope people simply saying hello.

While she admit- will tell them about a ted that she has “ab- hello they gave or resolutely not” experi- ceived via social meenced periods of dia – be it Twitter, or “real. genuine loneli- Facebook ness” in her own life, Instagram and using the TV titan argued the hashtag #Just that for most people, SayHello. it’s an ongoing I love it. struggle.

- Di Rolle

Ashleigh Cummings and Brenna Harding ■ Kathy Lette has always been one of my favourites. I love her books, love her style, her candour, her wit and particularly love her husband Geoffrey Robertson!

Lette’s Puberty Blues is one of my most loved books in my vast collection of paperbacks and hardcovers.

So I am particularly excited to hear that the AACTA and Logie Award winning drama, Puberty Blues makes its highly anticipated return to Channel 10 on Wednesday next week (Mar. 5) at 8.30pm.

Once again there is a brilliant senior cast including Claudia Karvan, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Susie Porter, Dan Wyllie and Rodger Corser – and three fantastic young leads in Ashleigh Cummings, Brenna Harding and Sean Keenan, take us through another summer in the 1970s.

Puberty Blues promises to deliver more of what has made the show a firm favourite with viewers. Shot in and around Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, the series showcases exceptional acting, writing and film craft, chronicling a special time in Australia’s history, right down to the Chiko Rolls, choc tops and Cheezels.

Summer 1979, joined at the hip teenagers Debbie and Sue are back again. They are having the time of their lives, hanging out on Cronulla Beach with the Greenhills gang, the bronzed surfers and their chicks who rule the waves.

But this time around Debbie and Sue are slightly older and slightly wiser. Sue has defied the gang’s strict rules by taking up surfing and remains in the gang despite not having the requisite boyfriend.

Gary, Debbie’s boyfriend, has been garnering attention on the fledgling pro-surfing circuit and more kudos within the gang.

Sue, Debbie and Gary have grown wilder than they, or any of their parents, can handle.

But their sun-soaked idyll is about to come crashing down when Debbie is sent away to boarding school.

Puberty Blues season two is Australian drama at its best. Channel 10, Wednesday March 5 at 8.30pm.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 11

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

New trial ordered for alleged sexual offender

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Countdown for Hinch

■ A man, convicted on four charges of sexual penetration of a child under 16, will be granted a new trial.

San Maung Saw Wah applied to the Court of Appeal this month, with the case heard by Supreme Court Judges Weinberg, Priest and Coghlan.

He had previously been sentenced to 5½-years jail, with a nonparole period of three years and seven months.

He argued that County Court Judge Cannon erred in calling evidence in rebuttal to representations of good character, resulting in a substantial miscarriage of justice.

He also argued that a substantial delay in the alleged victim making the complaint had caused him a significant forensic disadvantage.

The Court of Appeal heard that San Maung Saw Wah came to Australia from Burma in 2006, and was a member of the Karen Ethnic Community.

The offences were alleged to have taken place at his home where he was a dance instructor. He denied all allegations.

Sam Maung Saw Wah had previously been convicted in Werribee Magistrates’ Court of driving under the influence, careless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.

There was considerable review of the wording used by Judge Cannon.

“The applicant was entitled to be tried fairly and according to law,” said Judge Weinberg.

“He was entitled to have the jury told that he had no prior convictions of any kind provided, of course, that this be done in a way which was not misleading.

“As it happened, the applicant was denied both the benefit of good character evidence, and the advantage, to which he was entitled, of the good character direction.”

The application for leave to appeal against conviction was granted, the convictions and sentences quashed, and a new trial ordered.

‘Ice given to victims’, Court told ■ Kerry David Yates, 49, of Bundoora, convicted child sex offender, gave the drug ‘ice’ (methamphetamine) to teenage girls, the County Court has been told.

Yates pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual penetration with a child under 16, four counts of supplying a drug of dependence to a child under 16, three counts of an indecent act with a child under 16, and one count of failing to comply with reporting obligations.

Prosecution barrister Matthew Fisher said Yates’s ofender had damaged many lives, reported Tessa Hoffman of the Preston Leader.

Bankrupt doctor Rumour Mill throws brickbats ● Derryn Hinch ■ What colour will be Derryn Hinch’s hair and beard when he is released from jail next week?

The 70-year-old broadcaster won’t had the benefit of the Channel 7 make-up room for 50 days.

Hinch’s HumanHeadline.com.au website shows he is due to be released from prison at 8am on Friday next week (March 7).

Those to support his Facebook site include Observer columnist Di Rolle, and media identities Chris Ryan, Garry Spry, Fiona Byrne, Lionel Yorke, Brett Hayhoe and Suzy Jaeger.

Graveyard shift pair

■ Journalists normally include a disclosure footnote if they have a financial investment in the company upon which they are reporting.

Age journalists Ben Butler and Chris Vedalago added a new dimension to disclosure this week when they added the line: “The reporters are on Mr Edelsten's website, Australia's Worst Journalist”. ● Geoffrey Edelsten The pair assembled a report that Dr Edelsten, and his wife Brynne, are in a legal battle over marital finances.

The Butler-Vedalago report said Edelsten had assets of $ million, but liabilities of $ million.

The AustraliasWorstJournalist.com.au website, operated by Edelsten company ‘Australia’s Worst Journalist Pty Ltd’, names its other prey as Karl Quinn, Siobhan Duck, Suzanne Carbone, Emma Nolan, Paul Barry, Emma Nolan, Dianne Butler, Annette Sharp, Fiona Byrne, Jill Singer, Ben Sandilands, James Frost, Adam Shand, Lawrence Money, Derryn Hinch, Nick Coe, Kate McClymont, Nick Tabakoff, Richard Hinds and Andrew Hornery.

Grammar to Court ● Donna Demaio with Simon Owens ■ Melbourne radio station 3AW staffers Donna Demaio and Simon Owens get on well. The pair cohosted the overnight program on Sunday, presenting the highlights from the White Night Melbourne celebrations.

■ Alphington Grammar School has requested a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court hearing time this morning (Wed.) where it is scheduled to make a civil claim against Delia Vasquez alleging “services rendered”. The Court session is due to begin at 9.15am.

Hear It Here First

Bruce and Phil on TV

Whispers

Hearing

■ Ruyton Girls School has requested a Registrars Hearing at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court at 11am today (Wed.) where it is due to allege a civil claim against Richard Grant for “monies due”.

Return

● Ted Baillieu ■ Do not dismiss the idea of Ted Baillieu returning to the office of Victorian Premier ...

Whispers hears that Ted hasn’t.

Up high

■ Seymour radio station 103.9 is selling sections of its radio transmission tower as a fundraiser. The community station is marketing sections of its new 42-metre tower to local donors.

To Africa ● Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady ■ In Melbourne, the names ‘Bruce and Phil’ usually mean the 3AW radio pair who have dominated the night-time ratings for quarter-of-a-century. But watch out for episode 4 of Fat Tony & Co (Sundays, Channel 9) for a VERY different ‘Bruce and Phil’.

Stopping all stations?

■ After enduring the White Night Melbourne crowds jostling their way through City streets, members of the public tried to make their way home ... only to find City Loop stations closed. The only station opened on the crowded night was Flinders St.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Silvie Paladino ■ Melbourne entertainer Silvie Paladino has been appointed as the Australian ambassador for Watoto.

Silvie will visit Uganda this week to see the area.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Melbourne

Melbourne

Observer

Observer ‘Fill ‘er up’ Ash On Wednesday

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

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

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Finding my feet at 0

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Melbourne TV Memories

● A Neptune service station in Melbourne in the early 1950s.

The brand was taken over by Shell.

■ Back in another life, your scribe worked in service stations.

In was about 1976-77, when the price of petrol was 12,9 cents per litre for ‘Super’, and 11.9 cets for ‘Standard’.

I was Manager at Shell Preston Self-Serve, Shell Fairfield Superwash, Shell High Hill at Kew, as well as running Total Ivanhoe Self-Serve.

This was almost at the introduction of self-serve petrol stations in Melbourne, and the attachment of convenience stores to the sites.

I was 19 when I started at the service stations, first as a console operator, often working the overnight shift, for the owners, Noel and Lorraine O’Hehir, who also had Total sites at Blackburn and East Doncaster, and later another Shell site at East Brunswick.

So it is with a little bit of sadness that Long Shots hears this week that the Shell brand is to disappear from Melbourne, in a takeover by the Swiss company, Vitol, in a $2.9 billion deal.

‘Service’ stations ■ Observer readers of a certain age will recall when petrol station forecourt service included a man who would RUN to your car to serve you.

‘Stanley’, complete with bow-tie, was the face of the Golden Fleece chain. Model Sabrina appeared for Caltex.

“Fill her up” would include a check of your oil (with the view of selling you more), a clean of the windscreen, a top-up of the washer water tank, and a pump-up of the tyres.

In those days, Shell was keen to sell oil, and had a competition for its dealers. We sold so much that we won a trip to Fiji, that coincided with our wedding in early 1978.

Long Shots

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long “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 ■ “Few people are ever satisfied when they get what they deserve.”

- The Buloke Times

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “We cannot understand how rumours without a leg to stand on can get around so fast.”

■ “If the good Lord had intended for us to live in a permissive society, wouldn’t the Ten Commandments have been called the Ten Suggestions?”

Text For The Week ■ "Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things."

- I Corinthians 13:4-7 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.

■ Progressing into 1969 I found my feet somewhat driving the crane in Studio A at Channel 0.

I managed not to make any more blunders and gained a bit of self-respect, and Fredd Bear's Breakfast-A-Go-Go was a way of keeping out of the limelight while gaining some experience.

That early shift was good in several ways: firstly the hours, 6.30am to 2.30pm in summer (before Daylight Savings Time in Victoria) still left plenty of time to do all kinds of things.

Secondly, the shift consisted of 'Fredd', the Roy Hampson mid-morning program, under its various guises, and possibly some commercials such as 'Brian's Speed Shop,' or channel promotions, or Deadly Earnest's hosting segments for his late night horror movie spot.

One spot featured a figure in silhouette, hanging from a gibbet. The figure was, in fact, Barry Cross.

Whatever, by 2.30pm we were finished and clocked off. It allowed me to be fairly anonymous and undetected. Also I had a chance to understand the equipment and my situation.

OBs (Outside Broadcasts) were still a problem for me.

Maria and I had become engaged at the end of 1968 and were still starry-eyed about each other.

We wanted to be together, and every time the crewcars or the vans hit the road I felt detached as the miles increased the distance between us.

I also had some uncertainties again with my own abilities. And there was no sympathy for a newcomer.

The OB crew -be it Barry Cross, Phil Bowler, Roy Chivers, Roger McAlpine or Des Ansons made sure they got into the channel early. Their camera gear, especially the zoom cables, were colour coded with tape and by the time I arrived, the best was gone.

Now, why didn't I get there before them? My fault entirely. Couldn't get myself out of bed early enough.

On the plus side, I began to deal with the gear. It took time and work, but I began to feel my way with the camera head humps and the zoom cable kinks. I found ways to manoeuvre around the gear left to me because of my own slackness.

And I began to get used to the long distance hauls around Victoria and the pub and motel accommodation and the men that ran the OB circuit.

The venerable, yet vulnerable, Ken Bell, who never ever did less than his absolute best. 'Patto', Graham Patterson. Rough, gruff and tough, with a sense of humour big enough to compliment his beefy frame. Bow-legged Arch Fletcher; wiry, amiable, stoic and kind. And Edgar, whose last name I can't recall, but who also was a part of those days, always a dependable fellow.

All of them, along with the Technical Directors of the era like Colin Mitchel, Brian Dawson and Howard Simmons, audio guys such as Robin Gray, Greg Gurney and Ray Fox, are still there in that 'special spot' of that period in my mind.

What also is reposited in my mind is the often primitive conditions for crews of those days. The money was not there, nor the planning, and because of the mind-set at ATV-0 from the beginning, the 'all for one and one for all' thing, every body fended for themselves and provided for themselves.

I was hopelessly unprepared for this system. I went along to the place of work and presented myself. I learned that I would have to do more than just be a camera operator. I had to be a part of a working crew.

But the system, way back then, did not understand how to do more than the minimal for crews.

That wouldn't come when crews on location were only the minor participants. That would only come when actresses, actors, makeup, wardrobe and caterers came along.

The time of shooting on location for more than simple outside sporting events had to progress to accommodate more than the underlings.

Way back when, we had few amenities on OBs. Apart from country horse racing, there were also some absolute zeros: Lakeland Hill Climb, Caribbean Gardens, Mini Bike racing at Wallan, Tracey's Speedway, Red Line Speedway, bowling at Nunawading Indoor Bowling Alley, where I actually climbed through a port to access our cable connections inside. (OK, I was very slim in those days.)

Turn To Page 17

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 13

Melbourne People

Marjory Long’s 90th Birthday Party Photos: Linda Long

● Adam Long, Marjory Long and Joash Long

● Kathryn Musial-Jubb with her godfather, Ash Long

● Ali Meikle with Cris Jubb

● Kieran Long with Caitlin Long

● Clara, Liberty, Scarlett and Honora Jubb perform Irish dancing

● Denise Meikle dances with granddaughter Amelia Jubb enjoy the dancing

● Cousins John Fleming and Denise Meikle

● Elisabeth Long with Malachi Jubb

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 19, 2014

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Our ladies of Freemasonry

● Gabrielle Forman (centre) interviewing Rosemary Broad (far left), Gaye Keenan (left), Louise Eadon (right), and Jane Kypreos (far right) for Freemasons: The Inside Story, on Channel 31.

■ It's not often we get the chance to developed strong friendships with told us how Freemasonry has filtered talk with seven ladies at the one time other ladies associated with the craft. through her family.

Margaret George, wife of RWBro. about their experiences in Freema"My husband Ross was initiated into David George, Ringwood Lodge, said Freemasonry in 1982, carrying on sonry.

It's equally as difficult convincing that David has been involved in Free- from his father Maxwell-Alexander . them to talk in front of a camera, but masonry for 23 years.

Maxwell-Alexander's father was "Freemasonry takes time and on Monday, February 17, Gabrielle also a Freemason, William-James.

Forman, Communications Manager commitment, but I have always supIn 2011 our son Max joined Freeat Freemasons Victoria, sat them ported David by involving myself in masonry, so the craft seems well and down for a very candid interview for activities where I can contribute.

“Many of the ladies are good truly engrained in our blood," she said.

Series 2 of Freemasons: The Inside Louise Eadon, wife of WBro. friends who would never have met Story, on Channel 31.

Mark Eadon told us how the A little nervous, each told their otherwise,” she said.

Rosemary Broad, mother of new fundraising initiatives within Freemastory of how they have supported their husbands over the years, helped to initiate Bro. Max Broad, son of WBro. sonry have been well worth the efRoss Broad from Lodge of Orana, fort. fundraise for various charities and

History of the Swan Hill Masonic Centre ■ The move to create a Masonic Lodge, and ultimately a Masonic Centre in Swan Hill started in 1889, when a store keeper, Bro. Henry Newman, gathered together six other Masons for the purpose of forming a Lodge.

The new Lodge was named The Murray Lodge in recognition of the lifeblood that the water from the Murray River gave to the town and district.

The first meeting was held on Wednesday, August 16, 1898, in a hall annexed to a boarding house called The Travellers Rest, which was situated in Campbell St on the site where the Commercial Hotel now stands.

This hall was reported to be rather small, six metres by eight metres with chairs only for the Master and the Wardens.

In 1898, a new Municipal Office was opened, with rooms for various organisations to use as meeting places. The Murray Lodge became one of the tenants, sharing the room with the Rechabites, the ANA, the Druids, and the Foresters Lodges.

In 1900, members of the Lodge showed a desire to have their own premises, and they resolved to purchase a site and build their own Masonic Centre. However, the disastrous drought of 1902 meant that plans had to be put on hold.

In 1904, the Worshipful Master of the time, Dr. St. J Mitchell, established a Building Fund with £25 being deposited in the bank. In 1906 a further £20 was added, and in 1908 a further amount was also added.

Within two months the Lodge had an opportunity to purchase a 40 x 18 metre block of land around the corner from the Town Hall for £100 which the committee was instructed to purchase. However, when the costs for building were obtained the whole matter was 'held over'.

In September 1910 an offer was made to the Lodge, to purchase the block of land adjoining the Lodge.

This they did by putting down a £50 deposit with the remainder on extended terms.

The land was then re-subdivided with block frontages in Beveridge St instead of McCallum St. Within six months the State Savings Bank made an offer to purchase the corner block.

This offer was accepted, and the Lodge retained the southern block for the Masonic Centre.

Within a further few months a building committee of five was appointed and immediately proceeded to investigate finance for building and to consult with architects. The tenders received were well over the amount allocated, so again plans were put on hold.

In 1913 a motion was put before the Lodge that a new building committee be set up, and that this committee be empowered to erect a Masonic Centre and to spend up to £1200.

Work commenced on the building in November 1913, and on January 7 1914 the foundation stone was laid. In August 1914, the building was dedicated by Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Hon. C. Carty-Salmon.

The new building was very comfortable, and a showpiece for the Craft in Swan Hill, who were to remain in this home for the next 53 years.

Such was the growth of Freemasonry that in early 1949 a decision was made to form a new Lodge that would meet in the Swan Hill Masonic Centre. This was the Castle Donnington Lodge, which was consecrated on August 28, 1950, by R.W. Chenoweth.

In the mid 1950s, the Ultima Lodge building was badly in need of repairs, and as most of the members then resided in Swan Hill, the decision was made to hold their meetings in the Swan Hill Masonic Centre.

In 1950, Murray Lodge (who owned the building) purchased the allotment next door to the existing Centre.

During the early 1960s Town and Health Authorities made requisitions regarding the condition of the building. In the light of all this, the Trustees resolved to build a new Masonic Centre on the block next door, and dispose of the existing building.

Building of the new building commenced in July 1966, and was completed in March 1967.

The Consecration Ceremony was conducted by the Hon Mr Justice Gillard on August 12, 1967.

Since then, many updates, improvements and maintenance have been undertaken to keep the Centre in its best condition for the members, and the Centre also has commercial tenants whose income helps with its overall financial viability.

Today, the Masonic Centre is the home of three Craft Lodges and five other Lodges and Orders, making it one of the best utilised Masonic Centres in regional Victoria.

"Each year we're involved in raising funds for Breast Care Awareness, and other charities. We all dress up for the events and it's a lot of fun. We coordinate dinners, cocktail functions, dinners and barbecues,”she said.

When asked what some of the highlights were for ladies who are involved in Freemasonry, Gaye Keenan, wife of Bruce Keenan, Lord Northcote Lodge, and Leonie Clark, wife of WBro. Peter Clark, Monash Lodge, said that travel was by far the most exciting.

"We had the opportunity to go to Kuala Lumpur one year for a Grand Installation. All of the ladies who came, spent their days exploring, sight- seeing, shopping and enjoying some lovely food while our husbands were at Lodge. It was a great experience,” Leonie said.

With no shortage of things to do, and events, activities and functions to

coordinate, these ladies certainly have their hands full. There's no question they would ever feel 'left out', in fact Kerry Goddard, wife of WBro. Ian Goddard, Healsville Lodge, says she actually goes to Lodge with her two sons who are also Freemasons like their father.

"My son Richard is 23 and is Inner Guard, and Andrew is 25 and is Junior Deacon. We go to Lodge as a family. I am generally helping out in the kitchen,”she said.

Jane Kypreos, wife of Chrys Kypreo, said that young women supporting their partners today should just get involved.

"If I could provide any advice to any young woman who might be supporting her husband in Freemasonry, I'd say to 'get involved', and meet the other ladies. I have friends through Freemasonry now that will be in my life for ever,”she said.

Alan John Hunt AM ■ Alan John Hunt AM (October 9, 1927 - July 19, 2013) was an Australian politician, having been a member of the Victorian Legislative Council from 1961 until 1992.

Hunt started his education in South Australia and later attended Melbourne Grammar School.

He then went to the University of Melbourne and was president of the Melbourne University Liberals from 1948-50 and secretary of the then National Union of Australian University Students.

After obtaining a law degree he practised as a solicitor until entering the Legislative Council in 1961, rep● Alan Hunt resenting the Liberal Party.

Hunt was first appointed as a minister in 1971, under the premiership of Henry Bolte. He served in a variety of portfolios under the Bolte, Hamer and Thompson governments, most notably as Minister for Local Government, Minister for Planning and Minister for Education.

He also served as leader of the government in the Legislative Council from 1978 until the Liberals lost government in 1982.

He retired from politics in 1992 and is the father of current Federal Liberal parliamentarian Greg Hunt.

Bro Hunt was initiated in Beleura Lodge No.725 on January 13, 1960.

Passed February 2, 1960, Raised June 1, 1960.

Joined the Lodge of Schnapper Point No.903, July 20, 1991. Joined the Lodge of Transition No.0 on July 23, 200.

He lived respected, and died regretted. So Mote It Be.

Alzheimer's Disease Presentation

■ The Traralgon Lodge No. 925 is holding a non-ceremonial meeting at the Latrobe Valley Masonic Centre tonight (Wednesday, February 26) commencing at 7.30 pm Michelle Foster will be presenting an education session on Alzheimer's and associated diseases including dementia.

Michelle is the local contact for Alzheimer's Australia and is based in Drouin.

The presentation has come about from an article in the spring edition of

Freemasonry Victoria Magazine regarding a grant from the Freemasons Public Charitable Fund to support Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association of Victoria, to assist them in their education program.

Being a non-ceremonial night the Traralgon Lodge invites other Lodges, ladies, family, friends and the general public.

Dress: neat casual.

For more information contact WBro. Max Paulet on 5174 4796

● 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. ● Don't miss Series 2 of Freemasons: The Inside Story, airing Monday nights at 8:30pm on Channel 31, or visit www.C31.org.au to watch it online.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 15

West Hollywood

Oscar fever in Los Angeles Sir Cliff’s 100th album

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

Big month for baseball

20 years of Oscar food

● Sir Cliff Richard ■ British pop singer Cliff Richard, who will turn 73 next month, plans to release his 100th album in November this year.

The Fabulous Rock 'n' Roll Songbook is set to come out on November 11.

With more than 22 million singles sold in Britain, Cliff Richard is the most successful British male singles artist of all time and second only to Elvis Presley overall.

The official charts company which tracks UK. music sales confirmed details in the music press during the week.

His worldwide record sales are estimated to amount to around 250 million.

Over his 55-year music career, Cliff Richard has released 47 studio albums, 35 compilation albums, 11 live albums and six soundtrack albums.

Cliff also has pulled off a rare feat of having a number 1 single in the UK in 5 different decades.

What an amazing career and he still wants to conquer the USA. record buyers when his new album is released in November.

Cliff has been named the support for the Morrissey tour of the States this June; maybe with this tour, Sir Cliff will finally reach global stardom.

To top all that off, Sir Cliff is one of the nicest guys in the business.

■ Sunday (Mar. 2) is Oscar night and what a golden night it will be with the celebration of all the great movies from the year.

(The awards will be telecast in Australia on Monday [Mar. 3], Melbourne time.)

There will be many actors, producers and writers very nervous.

The caterers will be just as nervous as they create all different and interesting recipes that the Hollywood superstars will be consuming over the 'Oscar' weekend.

The celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck marks 20 years of fine food, hosting the Academy Awards Governors Ball.

Stars will indulge with decadent buttermilk fried chicken and grits which will be served in small-plate style on Oscar night.

Wolfgang's smoked salmon pizza has been the star of the Governor's Ball for many years. Carrot-ginger gazpacho will be a light and healthy boost after a long night.

Not only does Wolfgang have restaurants all over the world but he is also a big star on the Home Shopping Network, selling all of his incredible cooking products.

Alan Johnson, Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, is pictured going over the menu with Wolfgang for his amazing restaurant Spago in Beverly Hills.

It is the flagship of Wolfgang Puck's fine dining restaurant empire. The original Spago opened in 1982 in West Hollywood, and relocated to Beverly Hills in 1997.

It spawned three siblings in Las Vegas, Maui and Beaver Creek.

The menu features Spago's classics and new signature dishes using premier produce, fish and meats. The settings are sophisticated, warm and inviting.

● Chi Chi Rodriguez

● Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck with Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites Managing Director Alan Johnson.

■ Major league baseball will open 2014 in Sydney, Australia and will begin March 22 when the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks play a two-game series in Sydney.

It is a tremendous opportunity to promote Sydney and all it has to offer to millions of baseball viewers all over the world.

The regular season will end September 28 and the World Series will end before November.

The rest of the traditional opening day games will be scheduled on Monday March 31, which includes the first interleague game of the season with the Texas Rangers hosting the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Cincinnati Reds also will host their traditional opener March 31 against the National League Central rival the St Louis Cardinals.

All eyes will be on Sydney March 22.

Expensive divorces in the music industry

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

Broadway By The Sea ■ How is this for an amazing holiday if you love live musicals and you love golf.

The best of Broadway has live entertainment set in the idyllic tropics. Lots of time to organize your Puerto Rico holiday indulgence at the St Regis Bahia Beach and Bahia Beach Golf Resort in Puerto Rico located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

Broadway By The Sea stars nine-time Tony Award winner Tommy Tune, two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole and Tony Award winner Laura Benanti.

There will be more stars added to the line up over the next few months.

What you can expect for your Broadway holiday - exclusive daytime and evening performances by the Broadway stars, interviews, meet and greets, late night activities and more.

Plus golf at the resort's Robert Trent Jones Jnr course and the nearby Trump International course, home of the PGA Puerto Rican Open.

Enjoy fun Broadway golf tournaments and play with World Golf Hall of Famer Chi Chi Rodriguez.

There will also be a Commercial Theatre Institute seminar: How to produce and invest in a Broadway show.

There are tennis, sailing, canoeing, cycling, hiking and jogging paths.

Plus multiple gourmet restaurants with a pristine secluded beach, seaside pool and private cabanas.

After all that indulgence you can come back to Los Angeles and stay at the Ramada Hotel and Suites for the Movie Star and Rodeo Drive indulgence. Now that's what I call a holiday.

Contact: Judy Perl Worldwide Travel at 0011 1 866-5727847. Email: playbill@judyperltravel.com

www.gavinwood.us

● Mick Jagger ■ Britney Spears and Kevin Federline were married 2004 to 2007. After a tumultuous divorce and custody battle Britney lost custody of their two boys. She was ordered to pay Federline $1 million and $40,000 per month in child support.

■ Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones) and Jo Wood married 1985 to 2009. Ronnie paid an estimated $9.9 million to Jo when their divorce was finalised.

■ Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones) and Jerry Hall married 1990 to 1999. Mick paid Jerry Hall $10 million after their common-law marriage ended.

■ Elton John and Ranate Blauel married 1984 to 1988. Elton paid his ex-wife, Renate $45 million to end their brief marriage.

■ Paul McCartney and Heather Mills married 2002 to 2008.

When McCartney and Mills filed for divorce, Mills wanted $250 million of Paul's fortune. She ended up getting $48.6 million.

■ Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey married 1969 to 1994.

When Diamond and Murphey got divorced, he had to give her half of his fortune, $150 million. While most men would be bummed about the decision, Diamond said, "She's worth every penny."

Fancy a quickie divorce?

■ So if you want to a quickie divorce or wedding, you can do it here in Los Angeles or even in Las Vegas.

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

When planning your special trip to Los Angeles, come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the Special Rate of the day.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Happy Holidays from Gavin Wood.

See you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites.

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Travellers’Good Buys

with David Ellis

Bradman Museum pitched at all ages ■ For most of us, March 5 will most likely be just another day, but for cricket tragics it’s one that will have them dusting off the record books, brushing-up on the trivia, and recalling with fondness the greatest batsman of all time, “our” Don Bradman.

Because it was on March 5, 1949, that The Don played his last-ever firstclass game, a testimonial between Victoria and South Australia for his good mate Arthur Richardson at the Adelaide Oval.

Unfortunately it wasn’t to be one of his finest: playing for South Australia he scored just 30 in the first innings, and later while fielding trod on the ball and had to sit-out the second innings with an injured ankle.

But that disappointment pales into insignificance compared with that of the year before at The Oval in London, where in his final Test innings before retiring, The Don needed a miserly four runs to finish his Test career with an unheard-of average of 100.

And he must have had a premonition, because it’s claimed that as he strode onto the ground he remarked aloud “What if I fail?”

To his horror, that of team-mates, spectators packed into The Oval stands, and the countless thousands staying up late to listen to the ABC’S cricket commentary on their crackly old valve radios back in Australia, he

● Don Bradman, 1948

Melbourne

Observer Wines & Liqueurs

with David Ellis

Little drop needs big glass ■ A growing band of Aussie makers are broadening their portfolios with an interesting white of somewhat ancient Mediterranean origin, Vermentino that’s a flavoursome late ripener hailing from Liguria, Tuscany, Sardinia and Corsica.

The Little Wine Company in the Hunter Valley have just released their first Vermentino, a 2013, and it’s a ripper drop that shows why the variety is gaining popularity here – although as owners and winemakers Ian and Suzanne Little say, leaving the fruit (from the old Roxburgh vineyard in the Upper Hunter) to be picked so long after all the other whites were well off the vines, it had them looking at fruit that appeared so weather-beaten it had them wondering if they’d done the right thing.

But already intrigued with the variety after visits to Italy, they were amazed at just how fragrant the resultant juice proved to be, leaving them “happy Little winemakers.”

A rewarding drop with citrus, herb and mineral flavours – but be warned there are three things you need to bear in mind: never think of the cellar, small glasses nor petite sips with this one.

Instead buy it, chill it, pour it into a big glass, and relish it by the mouthful.

And on the table match it with deep-fried calamari or roast pork. Excellent value at $26.

One to note ■ Another Hunter Valley maker, the Scarborough Wine Company has released a 2011 Black Label Shiraz that’s rich with classic Hunter red berry flavours, pepper, spice and identifiable but not overthe-top tannins.

A very stylish wine, it also reflects the fact it’s one made from wonderfully-flavoured fruit off mature vines, giving it what its makers note is it’s rewardingly “seductive, savoury style.”

Pay $29 and enjoy with heartyflavoured Sunday roasts (lamb, pork or beef) or game bird dishes; and don’t hesitate to think about an extra bottle or so to put in the cellar for rewarding development and enjoyment over the next five to eight years.

Pictured ■ Rewarding drop of Italian-heritage from Hunter’s “happy Little winemakers”.

■ Seductive, savoury and ideal with that Sunday roast.

did just that: Don Bradman was bowled for a second ball duck – leaving him not with a Test-career average of 100, but one of 99.94.

It’s said that the ABC’s then General Manager, Sir Charles Moses (himself a former ABC cricket commentator and aficionado) had the ABC’s postal address in every capital city changed to PO Box 9994 in recognition of Bradman’s average – but latter-day staffers write this off as urban myth.

Its yarns like these that many a cricketing buff can instantly recall, and which the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in his home-town Bowral in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands, feature in their wondrous collections and displays that enthral thousands of visitors annually.

And while most are teens or adults who already know either lots, or at least enough about the game and The Don to entice them to visit the Museum, it also has an interesting program that pitches – excusing the pun – to a much younger audience, one as young as three years of age.

“It’s all part of the whole, wider program about cricket the game, and Bradman the man,” says the Museum’s Education Officer, Cindy Pryma. “We introduce the great man to the pre-schoolers in several ways, such as putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle created from a photo of Bradman in action.

“They get to know how truly special he was… famous not only in Australia, but all over the world, and so they actually learn something of Australia’s culture through Don Bradman.”

And they learn how the world has changed much since his time. “For example we have a photo of Bradman reading a telegram,” Cindy says.

“The other day a youngster asked what was the strange piece of paper he was holding … we had to explain what a telegram was, and how telegrams are now just history.”

Cindy also says younger visitors find it intriguing that the Australian cricket team used to journey to England by ship in a time before jet travel, how long it took and the many exotic ports they visited.

And fact boards and displays have plenty to captivate and interest older visitors to the Museum too, such as The Don being the only Australian to twice score a century and a duck in the same Test match, and how in a social match in the NSW Blue Mountains in 1931, Bradman knocked-up an amazing century from just three 8ball overs (33, 40 and 27) – while his batting partner scored just two.

And how in 1930 Bradman set a world record Test score of 334 at Headingley, Leeds – and later the game was stopped so a telegram could be delivered to him while he was actually fielding.

It was from a wealthy Australian living in England, saying he was giving Bradman £1000 in appreciation of his 334-run effort.

The Bradman Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary on August 27 this year; more information www.bradman.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 17

Melbourne TV Memories

By Kenneth Mulholland

Early days of television at Nunawading ● From Page 12 Much of this was television of almost nil ratings and nil interest. How it generated enough sponsors to cover the costs I wonder to this day.

Of course, as crew we weren't concerned. We got a pay packet from the channel pay office each week.

Maybe the 'robot' television camera in Studio D un-nerved me somewhat.

Damned thing motored about, jerking here and there, and it was being paid far less than me.

The ancient white 'numbers and letters' stuck into a black velvet board were beginning to replace the old hand written 'flip cards,' though they would continue for years.

One memorable caption, about a pod of whales stranded on the Tasmanian coast grandly stated 'Wales

found here’. Both the floor manager and I thought that a hoot. Welshmen washed up on a distant shore, scratching their heads.

Meantime I began to come to grips with OBs. The country races took Channel 0's outside broadcast van all over Victoria, and there were some saving graces, not the least of which was the welcoming of the crew from the country fraternity, especially the ladies.

Lunches were typical of country folk: generous, wholesome and enjoyable.

And they wanted us there because we encouraged patrons to come and advertise their facilities like never before.

For the first time on television, punters could see as well as hear on

Flashbacks from Channel 0 days the radio, the horses and the handlers, the bookies, the owners and jockeys.

Channel 0 had found a winner with the dedicated, gambling public.

0 also had the inner race venues: Flemington, Caulfield, Moonee Valley and Sandown.

While the other channels had tied up the VFL footy and cricket, 0 worked hard at the Sport of Kings.

I found myself aloft a scaffolding tower on the finish line of the Lakeland Hill Climb. This was riveting stuff on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

It consisted of a single high powered car taking off from the bottom of a hill and navigating its way to the top. It was a time trial, one vehicle at

a time.

Ho ... hum ... Still awake?

OK. Let me try to wake you up if you're still tenaciously clinging on.

On the top level is me behind a camera, shooting each contestant zoom over the finish line. One level beneath me is a two man team: Phillip Gibbs and Craig Kelly.

Between them they call the action at the end of each trial. It is a very warm day.

As usual, I have not provided myself with water or otherwise.

I flick on my microphone and ask the van if someone could bring me a cool drink. The head man of Outside Broadcasts, Ken Bell, climbs the ladder with a can of (place product advert here) and leaves on the scaffold at my feet.

I do not see this, and as I follow the

next car through, I knock the can over without noticing.

Beneath me, Phil Gibbs and Craig Kelly begin to observe 'dark, fizzy rain precipitating from the boards above.

They continue to broadcast, wiping away the sticky ooze with hankies and tissues.

Then Phil discovers a container of water which he liberally sloshes on his hanky and anything else that can be utilised.

One level above I'm working hard following each car as it zooms up from the long hill climb.

Beneath me, a level down, there is a lot of agitation.

The 'water' turns out to be lemon cordial.

Sticky, tiny, annoying bush flies just love lemon cordial.

I'll leave you with that thought.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

The home with a broken heart ■ A dear friend of my late mother died recently.

I’d kept in touch with her because when we’d meet, she would reminisce about the things she missed about my mother.

And she’d also talk about the mischief I got myself into as a child. It was always good for a laugh.

And I could always ask her and receive an honest reply about my years as I blossomed into a teenager. My blossoming, by today’s standards was pretty tame.

I thought she would never die, so alert and alive was she.

Yvonne’s Column

Saddest sight

Good family ■ I’ve been thinking about Aunt Emma lately because of a house opposite ours that has been redeveloped.

The original owners of the house welcomed Peter and I on our first night with a “tin -kittling” when we moved in after we married.

It was the start of a long friendship.

They were not the kind of neighbours who were in and out of our house – never even borrowed a cup of sugar.

They were a good Catholic family and over the years we watched all of their six children graduate and marry.

Mrs. G would attend Mass every morning.

Come hail, rain or sunshine, she’d set off and walk to her church.

Sometimes on the way back she’d stop for a chat when she saw me in the garden.

Broken heart ■ When the parents died, the youngest and only son bought the house from his sisters and moved in.

It held enormous memories for him.

We spoke only the other day about his father’s body as it lay in the coffin in the front room for everyone to say his or her goodbyes.

I thought that only happened in the Victorian days, but I have to say, there was something rather warming, with the family talking about the day’s events with their father listening in.

Our friendship continued with the children, although by this time we were like parents, and always there for them when needed.

And the reason I’ve been thinking about the family is that the son moved out to buy a larger house to accommodate his growing family.

The house sat vacant for a long time.

I’d sometimes pick a flower that was hanging over the fence, and say a silent thank you to Tess.

If ever a house had a broken heart it was this old family home.

recited so often at these special poetry readings when I should have been tucked up in bed and not listening behind the curtains.

If you are into early American poetry you will be familiar with the poem to which I refer: The House With a Broken Heart, written by Joyce Kilmer (1886 – 1918)

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

Fumed for months ■ We didn’t mind because we had such good memories. But we did hope that whoever bought the house would still tend to the garden, especially the rose garden and the huge lemon tree, which gave shelter to the birds and a ready supply of lemons.

Eventually, a canny developer attracted by the huge back garden on which he could erect half-a-dozen double storey town houses bought the property.

I can’t tell you how I felt when the developer brought in a bulldozer and knocked everything flat in the garden – even the beautiful Silver Birch which I’d watched grow taller every year, and looked at every morning when I went down our drive to collect the mail.

Fortunately he decided to retain and refurbish the original house.

Would you believe he then paved the former front garden and converted the entire area so that cars could park?

I fumed for months after that. More so when an estate agent called to see if I was interested in buying the house, or at best buy one of the mingy town houses.

Knew ‘by heart’ ■ Climbing stairs is just what we don’t need with bad backs.

He left with a flea in his ear I can tell you, and I’m usually such a polite person.

A poem that Mum and Aunt Emma used to discuss at their Poetry Nights kept running through my mind.

I knew it off by heart because I’d heard it

Whenever I go to Suffern along the winding track I pass by a poor old farmhouse with its shutters broken and black, I think I’ve passed it a hundred times, but I always stop for a minute To look at the house, the tragic house, the house with nobody in it.

I have never seen a haunted house but I hear there are such things, That they hold the task of spirits, their mirth and sorrows I know this house isn’t haunted. And I wish it were, I do For it wouldn’t be so lonely if it had a ghost or two.

If I had lots of money and all my debts were paid I’d put a gang of men to work with saw and pick and spade.

I’d buy that house and fix it up the up the way it used to be And I’d find somebody that wanted a home and I’d give it to them for free.

But a house that has done what a house should do A house that has sheltered life, That has put its loving arms around a man and his wife A house that has echoed a baby’s laugh and held up its tumbling feet, Is the saddest sight, when left alone, that ever your eyes could meet.

So whenever I go to Suffern along the winding track I never go past that empty house without stopping and looking back.

Yet it hurts me to look at that crumbling roof and the shutters falling apart, For I can’t help thinking the poor old house is a house with a broken heart.

Are there ghosts?

■ Joyce Kilmer also wrote another very famous poem that has been set to music. It’s called Trees.

He died at the young age of thirty-two.

I think every child attending school at some time had to learn this poem.

We had a recording of Peter Dawson singing it, and of course we would all sing in chorus when someone pedaled the pianola.

● Alfred Joyce Kilmer I’ve just had a thought. There may be ghosts in the old house opposite.

Full of love

■ Joe’s two dogs are buried under the lemon tree where once they liked to play with lemons that fell off the tree.

They were very protective of the house and hopefully, new tenants will wonder why they feel something grab their leg as they walk where once grew a magnificent lemon tree.

When I look at this refurbished period house painted in the latest modern colour scheme of submarine grey with heavy black painted window trim, it does indeed look sad.

We try to remember it, as it was – lots of activity, barbeques, singing and when their parents went away, rollicking very noisy parties.

A house full of love.

- Yvonne Contact: Editor, Melbourne Observer P.O. Box 1278, Research, 3095.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

■ There is no doubt that Val Jellay is one of the great showbusiness legends in Australia.

Val was worked in theatre, television and film.

She has performed in England, Europe, Ireland Africa and New Zealand during her career that now spans more than 80 years.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Val Jellay and she is a beautiful person.

Valerie Muriel Jellay was born in Sydney in 1927.

Her mother Alma was a dancer and her father was a truck driver. The family moved to Melbourne when Val was very young and after taking dancing lessons Val made her first onstage performance in a pantomime at the Bijou Theatre at the age of four.

During the war years Val worked as an usherette at city cinemas before landing a job as a showgirl at the Tivoli Theatre.

Val worked with some of the great Australian performers Roy Rene, Jim Gerald, Buster Fiddess and George Wallace.

Val was performing at the Tivoli in 1945 when the Regent Theatre in Collins St was gutted by fire and watched with fellow cast members as the fire brigade tried to save the historic theatre.

Val married Hal Lennon and in 1952 she toured the UK in shows. The marriage was not a happy relationship and Val and Hal divorced in the early 1950s.

Val met Maurie Fields whilst they were touring Australia in The George Sorlie Revue Shows.

Whatever Happened To ...

Val Jellay

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Maurie had also been previously married and was waiting for his divorce to come through.

Maurie took Val to the pictures to see The Man Who Knew Too Much and they held hands during the film - Que Sera Sera sung by Doris Day became "their song".

They were married in 1960 at Albert Park on Easter Monday. This was a union that was meant to be and they were happily married for 35 years.

Maurie and Val were regular cast members on the television series Sunnyside Up performing vaudeville comedy sketches. Their only son Martin was born in 1961.

Val acted in guest roles in television series such as Homicide, Division 4 and Matlock Police.

● Val Jellay with Kevin Trask Their son Marty Fields has achieved great She has played continuing characters in Prisoner and Neighbours. In 1979 Val was in the success as a performer and Val was thrilled to become a grand mother when Marty and his film Dimboola.

For more than 10 years Maurie and Val partner Jenny Whelan became the proud parworked at the theatre restaurant Tikki and ents of their daughter Haley in 2004.

Val has written three successful books Maurie John's where they were able to use those great Fields - Keep it Funny, After You've Gone and vaudeville talents.

Maurie and Val were cast as the publicans of her autobiography Stagestruck.

Val Jellay is one of the nicest ladies you are the Coopers Creek Hotel in the television series The Flying Doctors and they worked together ever likely to meet.

Kevin Trask on the show for five years.

The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilMaurie insisted on "real beer" on the set for Sundays at 8.20pm on 3AW the extras and himself.

That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Val's stage musicals have included Crazy For Sundays at 12Noon You and The Full Monty.

96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

Maurie Fields passed away suddenly in 1995 and it was a great shock to the family and the To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

Australian public.

It’s reliably unreliable at Andamooka ■ I spoke to a mate at Lightning Ridge the other day, and he reported to me that the country was the driest he had ever seen it.

Lightning Ridge itself is too sparsely wooded to attract bush fires, but it certainly has its moments of those other Aussie phenomena - floods and droughts.

I have witnessed the area when

there was nary a blade of grass, with the poor old sheep relying on handouts from the cockies.

There's nothing so uninspiring than the relentless Outback sun beating down on the black soil plains.

And then there's the opposite - at one stage the 47 miles of road between Walgett and the Ridge was only navigable, the whole way, by boat

Observer People Pars Off to UK

Golden Days

■ Melbourne radio man Mike Menner left yesterday (Tues.) for an extended tour of at least three months of the United Kingdom.

■ Aged Care Online Managing Director Ben Hannemann dropped into the Golden Days Radio studio last week to chat with presenter Dudley Chamberlain about his latest venture, Web2TV. Web2TV is an internal television channel for residents of aged care and retirement villages.

Web2TV has the ability to create its own “in-house” channel for residents, tailored specifically to their village or facility.

It is also the portal for seniorstargeted radio.

With a flick of the TV remote residents can tune into Golden Days Radio.

Sydney weekend ■ Paul Nicholson, who delights in calling himself a public transport ‘gunzel’, spent the weekend with Sydney friends, most of whom he has shared an association of more than 40 years.

Suzy’s book ■ Fitness expert Suzy Clarkson has released a new book, Fit For Birth And Beyond: The Guide For Women Over 35. Copies are available at $29.99. Also available as an eBook.

To Court ■ Flinders Christian Community College Inc has requested a Frankston Magistrates’ Court Registrars’ Hearing at 2.30pm tomorrow (Thurs.) when it is scheduled to allege a civil claim against Bronwyn Gooden for “services rendered”.

At Raheen ■ Jeanne Pratt will host an invitation-only launch of the 2014 season of The Production Company, at her residence, ‘Raheen’, Kew, on Tuesday (Mar. 4).

Jazz workshop ■ The Under 25’s Victorian Jazz Workshop will begin on Saturday, March 22 at the Victorian Jazz Archive in Wantirna. Price: $105.

Phone: 9781 4972.,

At Monash ■ Publicist Prue Bassett says Dave Douglas and the Monash Art Ensemble will perform from 7.30pm on Saturday, March 15 at the Monash University Music Auditorium, Clayton The event will include the premiere of a new composition by Dave Douglas.

Jazz event ■ The New Melbourne Jazz Band willperform at the Clayton RSL from 1.30pm-4.30pm on Sunday, March 30. Admission of $20 will help support the Victorian Jazz Archive project to fund special projects including the digitising of its print material collection collection for research purposes.

Top 2 websites ■ Fairfax and News Australia run the top two Australian websites.

Such a flood fills all the dams for a few years, then back to rock bottom again.

I was once contemplating the building a ‘holiday home’ about 20 kms is out of Andamooka, beside a brimming lake. Good for a bit of sailing, I thought.

Luckily it didn't come to pass - it dried up two years later, and stayed that way for about 10 years after that.

If there's one thing you can always rely on, it's the unreliability of the Australian weather ■ I once studied the writings of a US motivational guru, Zig Ziglar, who I always find inspiring.

He stated that if you want to know where you're going, which direction to take for your future progress, even if you've got the best map and the world, it's of no use at all if you don't know where you are right now.

This is the same with the Aboriginal situation in Central Australia.

I hear of a few good things and achievements which Aboriginal Australians have made - unfortunately all too often have had them achieved for them.

There's been a ‘Sorry Day’, an ‘Apology’, the renaming of a rock and a lake, as though such things actually matter in the practical scheme of things.

What has happened on the ground in the day to day life of the Aboriginal people in Alice Springs or Coober Pedy as a result of these things is the issue - longevity, prosperity, health and education. It's unfortunately nothing.

It's like the tip of the iceberg. We can see a bit poking out above the surface, but the important issues lie underneath, out of sight.

Until the underside of the iceberg is generally acknowledged, the living conditions of our Aboriginal inhabitants will never change.

John Pilger recently made a documentary, Utopia, which has achieved standing ovations in cities around Australia.

I haven't seen the production, but it appears that he is greatly concerned with revealing Australians' individual ‘racism’, and Australia as a racist country per se.

Having spent many years of my life amongst Aborigines, and being a member of the Walpiri tribe via my skin name, I can see a little further than this scratching of the surface.

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au ■ One ridiculous statement made in the movie is that the claims of domestic violence and child abuse were fabricated to support and reinforce the recent Intervention.

The Aboriginal NT Minister, Bess Price, recently stated that indigenous females were 35 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family assaults than are general Australian women.

35 times!

Corey Sinclair, an NT newsman, said that "one only needs to look at the court lists, or talk to local paramedics, to see the prevalence of domestic violence … I was once told by a local a well-known Aboriginal woman that if you choose to date an Aboriginal man, you will get bashed. It is the blackfella way."

I was also told by an Aboriginal lady in Coober Pedy that Aboriginal girls had the belief that "if he doesn't hit you, he doesn't love you".

An Aboriginal lady in an international women's forum in China a few years ago rose up and stated: "It's part of our culture for our men to bash us, but the jury is still out on whether it's OK if he's drunk". Did that set a cat

amongst the pigeons. And that's not even to begin on the sexual abuse of children, which is still rife.

It is imperative for Aboriginal people in Central Australia to honestly and openly see where they are on the map NOW - and not try and hide anything - then they can eradicate what doesn't work and is holding them back, and move on.

■ Keith and Angie McGowan and I bravely hopped into my 4WD and headed north.

We had packed our swags and were intending to drive out to Rabbit Flat, and beyond, along the Tanami Highway.

There was a problem however - it had been raining.

We decided that we'd give it a try anyway, so off we went. The first part of the journey is along the bitumen of the Stuart Highway to the Tanami turn off, about 20 kms north of Alice Springs.

And the first 200 kms of this is also bitumen, up to Tilmouth Well.

Obviously this didn't pose any problem. However, upon our arrival, we tentatively tried out the dirt. Except it wasn't dirt - it was now mud.

We didn't get bogged, just slipped and slid for a few kilometres up the road, wondering how we'd fare for the remaining 400, setting up our swags in the mud, so we chickened out and headed back.

I'm sure that, in retrospect, that was a very wise decision.

Now there's a hue and cry about the state of this very road, which has been ignored by governments over the years.

Apparently the transport industry in Alice Springs loses millions of dollars each year whenever the rains come as the trucks taking goods to outlying settlements just get stuck and sit there, waiting sometimes for weeks for the road to dry.

"We lose $7000-$10,000 a day right now we've got 13 trucks out there waiting to deliver stuff," said one operator.

Everybody is jumping around now, so it seems that something may be done.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - Page 19

Observer Readers’ Club Tribute: Janine Chugg

Melbourne Observer Reader Competition

● Celtic Thunder

● Janine Chugg

■ The Melbourne theatre community is in shock this week with the news of the sudden passing of Janine Chugg.

Janine was President of Beaumaris Theatre for 10 years. She was a theatre reviewer for the Melbourne Observer.

Cheryl Threadgold, who will publish a tribute to Janine, in next week’s edition, said: “She has passed away in a private hospital in India after suffering a fall last week, hitting her head and incurring bleeding on the brain.

“Her son and sister flew over there immediately and on Sunday things were looking a little positive, but sadly she passed away peacefully on Monday.”

■ The Melbourne Observer is giving away five double passes to the Celtic Thunder show at The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, June 7. Each gold ticket is worth $119.

To enter the competition, simply lodge the coupon below, to reach us by Friday, March 7.

Following their hugely successful US tour, Celtic Thunder will return to Australia in May for an extensive 21 date national tour, visiting both capital city and regional markets.

Their new and highly anticipated show, Mythology, vows to be even bigger and better than ever before.

Mythology is Celtic Thunder’s most extravagant and spectacular show yet. The show includes a mix of favourites, ranging from traditional Irish fare, to international hits as well as original compositions includ-

Observer Competrition

Win tickets to Celtic Thunder Celtic Thunder's 2012 DVD ‘The Show’ remained on top of the ARIA charts for a staggering 33 weeks. This year their DVD ‘Voyage’ went double platinum.

They’ve amassed global sales of more than 2 million albums and more than 700,000 concert tickets The Celtic Thunder YouTube channel, Thunder Tube, has seen over 28 million views since the channel’s inception in 2008.

The Melbourne Observer has FIVE pairs of double tickets to the Saturday, June 7 production of Celtic Thunder being staged at The Plenary, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (subject to our competition terms and conditions). The group has amassed global sales of over 2 million albums. These gold tickets are worth $119 each. To enter this competition, complete the details on the form below, and post it - so it will reach us by first mail, Friday, March 7, 2014. Winners’ details will be published in the Melbourne Observer on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Tickets will be mailed to winners.

To enter, post to Celtic Comp.

Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research Vic 3095 to reach us by first mail, Fri., Mar. 7, 2014

TELL US YOUR BIRTHDAY DAY MONTH (notYEAR compulsory)

Name: ..................................................................................,.

Address: ..............................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Phone: .....................................

Subject to Observer competition terms and conditions which include publication of your name, address and birthday details

ing Voices written by David Munro and world renowned composer Brendan Graham (You Raise Me Up).

The 2009 and 2011 No 1 Billboard World Artists, who once performed for President Obama at the White House, have amassed global sales of more than two million albums and more than 700,000 concert tickets.

With thousands of loyal followers and adoring fans they have a string of platinum and double platinum discs in Australia, with 2012’s The Show going triple platinum.

Tickets on Sale Now at www.ticketek.com.au Phone: 132 849 For information about the Mythology Tour 2014 please visit: www.celticthunder.com/tour

Join in our chat IN PRINT: Read the Melbourne Observer every week.

Buy at your newsagent, or by mail subscription.

FACEBOOK: Follow our updates, and post your own coments at www.facebook.com/ MelbourneObserver TWITTER: Follow our updates, and post your own Tweets at www.twitter.com/ MelbourneObs

BY POST: Mail your contributions to Observer Readers’ Club PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 FAX:V1-800 231 312 E-MAIL: editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

Bumper Sticker

■ Senior driving at Hampton had this sticker: “I’m speeding because I have to get there before I forget where I’m going.”

Did You Know?

■ Barry Manilow did not write his hit I Write the Songs.

■ After Leonardo da Vinci's death, King Francis I hung the Mona Lisa in his bathroom.

Your Stars with Christina La Cross

ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) Ensure you take your time when dealing with any financial matters please, as mistakes are likely. The decisions you make with your cash now could cost you more at a later date.

TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) Love and passion make up for setbacks you experienced at the beginning of this month. There will be a few of you, not so interested, who will use this energy to better their own personal situations and mindset.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) You don't seem too happy in your work at this time and your chart indicates that a change of scene is called for. Watch out for a jealous face giving you misleading information.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Make the effort and arrange to go and see an old friend that you know can make you laugh. Your problems are certain to seem less important once you bring your personal life into balance again.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Go slow in business dealings with new contacts today. They may not have your best interests at heart. Sagittarians can help you achieve your dreams and goals. Wear blue for luck in love.

VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) The stars are making it easy for you to gain the confidence of new faces and this is sure to pay off in your favour in any business dealings. Don't bite at nasty comments from old friends.

LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) Give some space to a loved one who has an important decision to make about your future together. You want to be sure that their final decision was theirs and theirs alone.

SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) Arguments with a loved one could well be blown out of proportion as the aspects make everyone around more sensitive than usual. Think before you speak. A friendship depends on it.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) You may be best to leave all major discussions until you are feeling more positive about situations that you are presently picking insignificant holes in. Events tonight lift your mood beautifully.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) Contacts you make today bring you back to reality with an enticing offer. New ways to make your day to day living easier to deal with link to a younger influence you cherish.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) Your moods are set to change like the wind and you may be best to leave an open diary so that you do not end up dreading the plans you have made. Texts bring misleading news.

PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) A new set of friends is unlikely to meet with the approval of a close one, who is likely to be feeling somewhat neglected at this time. Bringing all together can solve this problem.

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Victoria Pictorial

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Bourke St, Melbourne Historic Photo Collection

● St James Theatre, Bourke St, Melbourne

● Bourke Street, 1910.

● Infantrymen in Bourke St. 1943.

● Bourke Street. 1905.

● Bourke Street. 1909.

● Bourke Street. 1906.

● Bourke Street. 1912.

● Bourke Street. 1873.