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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio: Death of radio man John Bright .......... Page 104 Arts: Leonard Grigoryan goes Solo ..................... Page 105 The Spoiler: Neighbours and Home & Away ............ Page 105 Jim and Aaron: Top 10 lists, movies, DVDs ................. Page 115 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions .......... Page 117 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

SUNDAY IN THE PARK Blithe Spirit plays at Rosanna

● Clare Hayes (Elvira), Tim Murphy (Charles), Jeanne Snider (Ruth and (supine) Cate Dowling Trask (Madame Arcati) rehearse for Heidelberg Theatre Company’s production of Blithe Spirit, opening on July 11.

Photo: David Belton ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company Inc. presents Noel Coward’s whimsical comedy Blithe Spirit from July 11-27 at 8pm and 2pm matinees on July 14, 21 at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna.

Directed by Wendy Drowley, Blithe Spirit was first seen in the West End of London in 1941.

A delightfully satirical comedy about ghosts, the story tells of socialite and novelist Charles Condomine inviting eccentric medium and clairvoyant Madame Arcati to his house to conduct a séance for material for his next book.

The scheme backfires afterwards when he is haunted by the ghost of his first wife, Elvira.

Tickets: Full price $25; Concession/Members (not Seniors) $22. Bookings: 9457 4117 or email: htc@htc.org.au Website: www.htc.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

★

Showbiz Briefs

Comedian Tommy Little will fill in for Hughesy and Kate on Nova 100’s Breakfast Show for two weeks, starting this week. Comedian Mel Buttle is joining Tommy this week.

Tommy will be joined next week by writer and comedian Jess Harris, creator and star of ABC2’s Twentysomething.

The Melbourne Writers Festival opening night on Thurs day, August 22, will include New York City storytellers, The Moth Mainstage. MWF will also welcome a contingent of literary heroes from The London Review of Books and the Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference.

Sydney radio station 2DayFM (sister station to Melbourne’s Fox FM) has made an application to the Federal Court to stop the media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, from continuing its investigation into last year’s Royal prank call incident. indsutry newsletter Mumbrella says the move came after the ACMA told 2DayFM what its preliminary findings were. “The dramatic move suggests that 2Day FM is in serious danger of losing its licence to broadcast.

★ ★

By JULIE HOUGHTON

● Christina O’Neill ■ The name Stephen Sondheim tends to get music theatre lovers excited.

And when a company of the stature of Victorian Opera includes one of Sondheim's musically challenging works such as Sunday In The Park With George, good houses are assured.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning show with music by Sondheim and book by James Lapine, explores the imagined stories of the characters in the famous painting A Sunday On The Island Of La Grande Jatte' by impressionist painter Georges Seurat.

Cue the entrance of a myriad of characters, giving Victorian opera the chance to cast its net wide and present some of Australia's most fabulous operatic and music theatre voices, teamed with the next generation of opera singers in smaller roles.

One revered Australian opera singer will be particularly excited by this production.

Michael Lewis has always received great acclaim as a fine baritone, but this time he will be a proud Dad watching his opera singer son Alexander Lewis in the title role.

Alexander's current operatic hangout has recently been one of the world's most famous opera houses, The Metropolitan in New York, so this is a chance to hear a singer who is already creating a stir on the international opera scene.

The other pivotal role, Georges' lover, Dot, is being played by Christina O'Neill. They are joined by musical theatre personalities including Nancye Hayes and David Rogers-Smith, and opera regulars such as Antoinette Halloran and Dimity Shepherd.

David Rogers-Smith is something of a chameleon - his beautiful tenor voice seems to be able to handle anything from opera to music theatre to cabaret, so the demands of a Sondheim musical should suit this multi-talented performer down to the ground.

A host of smaller roles are being played by the current crop of Masters of Opera Performance students, Olivia Cranwell, Jeremy Kleeman, Daniel Todd and Kirrily Blythman, making the company a balanced blend of experience and the freshness of youth.

Among music theatre aficionados, the name Sondheim is immediately associated with that other 'S' word - success.

Sondheim was 27 that he got his first big break by writing the lyrics for West Side Story. Success did indeed then follow Sondheim, until the flop of Merrily We Roll Along in 1981, causing Sondheim to swear off Broadway for a while, according to Victorian Opera Head of Music and conductor of Sunday In The Park With George, Phoebe Briggs.

And that was when Sondheim decided to experiment with something different, and Sunday In The Park With George was the very successful result.

"It's exciting for an opera company to perform a piece of musical theatre, as it combines a balance of voices and experience from both genres. Musicals have long been performed by opera companies internationally - they provide a great way to engage with new audiences, and also give us the chance to explore a wider range of repertoire," Briggs said.

Director Stuart Maunder describes the musical as a love affair.

"What we have is a love affair with art, with the act of creation in art," he explained.

To draw your own conclusions about what Sunday In The Park With George means for you, and to enjoy some of Australia's finest voices, head to the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne from Saturday, July 20 to Saturday, July 27. www.victorianopera.com.au

● Alexander Lewis

‘Brief Encounter’ for Melbourne

● Noel Coward ■ UK theatre company Kneehigh has announced the eight cast members for its Australian tour of the West End and Broadway hit, Brief Encounter, including the 2013 Melbourne Festival, in October.

Two Australian actors, Michelle Nightingale as Laura and Kate Cheel as Beryl will join UK and US actors including Annette McLaughlin, Damon Daunno and Joseph Alessi from the 2010 Broadway production, along with Jim Sturgeon, Dave Brown and James Gow. Michelle Nightingale and Kate Cheel will travel to London in August to commence rehearsals under the direction of Emma Rice.

Written by Noel Coward and set in England during the winter of 1938-39, the production takes place around Milford Junction railway station, and switches between theatre, song, and black-and-white film footage on a giant screen, drawing its inspiration from Noël Coward's original stage play Still Life and David Lean’s classic 1945 film Brief Encounter.

Melbourne Festival in association with Arts Projects Australia will present Brief Encounter at the Athenaeum Theatre, October 11-27. Tickets $25-$89.

Bookings: melbournefestival.com.au or call Ticketek on 1300 795 012

Page 104 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Observer Showbiz James Gandolfini September 18, 1961 - June 19, 2013

● James Gandolfini ■ Hollywood is in shock after well-liked character actor James Gandolfini, best known as Tony Soprano in the hit TV series The Sopranos, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, June 19, aged only 51.

Born in Westwood, New Jersey, on September 18, 1961, Mr Gandolfini would become interested in acting when he saw Robert DeNiro in the 1973 gangster classic Mean Streets.

Making his film debut in the 1987 horror/comedy Shock!

Shock! Shock! as an orderly, Mr Gandolfini would appear in a bit-part in Tony Scott's high-octane action film The Last Boy Scout (1991) (****), followed by small parts in Sidney Lumet's uneven murder/thriller A Stranger Among Us (known here as Close To Eden) (1992) (**½), starring Melanie Griffith, and Money For Nothing (1993) (**½), starring John Cusack.

Mr Gandolfini certainly attracted attention as Virgil the hitman in the Tarantino-scripted cult hit True Romance (1993) (****½), also directed by Tony Scott, and he made the absolute most of his limited screen time.

After a small supporting turn in Anthony Minghella's Mr Wonderful (1993) (**½), Mr Gandolfini delivered excellent performances in Angie (1994) (****) opposite Geena Davis, Terminal Velocity (1994) (***½), an under-rated action/comedy with Charlie Sheen, and Crimson Tide (1995) (****), starring Gene Hackman and directed by Tony Scott.

Strong roles came this charismatic actor's way in Get Shorty (1995) (**½), Night Falls On Manhattan (1996) (****), She's So Lovely (1997) (****), 12 Angry Men (1997 TV remake), Perdita Durango (1997) (****), Fallen (1998) (****), A Civil Action (1998) (***), 8MM (1999) (***½), The Mexican (2001) (*), The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) (****), The Last Castle (2001) (**), In The Loop (2009) (***½), The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) (***), Welcome To The Rileys (2010) (***½), ● Turn To Page 106

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, June 26 ■ Singer Marcie Jones is 68. She was born in Melbourne in 1945.

Opera singer June Bronhill was born as June Gough in Broken Hill in 1929. She died aged 75 in 2005.

Actor Steve Bisley was born in Newcastle, NSW, in 1950 (63).

US singer Chris Isaak is 57 (1956).

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

DEATH OF RADIO MAN JOHN BRIGHT

■ Former Melbourne radio man John Bright (real name: John Breit) has died in Queensland.

Former colleague Ralphe Rickman said: “A virtual recluse for many years in Queensland, he will be fondly remembered as a member of the Melbourne radio scene way back, as a popular broadcaster on 3AW, 3KZ and 3AK over a period of about 25 years from the late 1950s on.”

Tributes poured in from radio industry people.

Veteran of 3UZ and 3DB, John Vertigan said: “Indeed sad news ... we worked together on 3UL in the 1950s.”

Mike Menner, formerly of 3KZ: “Sad news, a great guy, filled in for him a few times with my few years at 3KZ.” Alex Hehr, General Manager of Golden Days Radio 95.7FM, said: “Very sad indeed. I loved John on both AW and later KZ.” Fran Duncanson, formerly of 3TT, said: “John was certainly a big force in radio. RIP John, and prayers and thoughts go to his family.”

Judith Anne Dix said: “Sad. l remember my parents listening to John on 3AW during the mid 60s, l never met him though as l didn't commence employment at 3AW till December 1976 when l was 17.”

Listener Chris Nelson said: “Sad, I used to love listening to ‘John Bright on the Brighter’ when I was a kid with a crystal set.”

Another listener Gigi Hellmuth said: “Very sad. He was a good friend to both my mother and me Rest in Peace, John “(His passing is) about 10 days short of his birthday, June 30, and also near the anniversay of his mother's passing a long time ago.”

Craig Huggins, now morning announcer at Gold 104.3, recalled that John Bright was a mentor at 3AK where ‘Huggy’ did work experience.

LIVED FINAL YEARS AS RECLUSE IN QUEENSLAND

Radio Briefs ■ Clive Robertson is the stand-in host for the evening program for two weeks at 3AW’s ssister station in Sydney, 2UE, while Murray Wilton takes midyear leave.

■ K-Rock Geelong has collected 1500 blankets for charity as part of the Blanket Geelong campaign.

■ Tensions are running high at 3AW where the Australia Overnight pair Andrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic have increasing program direction imposed on their national show. This includes running repeats of interviews from the previous day heard on sister stations in Sydney and Brisbane.

Kate’s first radio gig

● John Bright, pictured in 1969, at 3KZ the station’s morning program, and also assume the role as As■ Mix 101.1 FM has signed sistant Music Director.

Jess has previously been at Jess Capolupo to take over Star 104.5 on the NSW Central Coast, Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast, and ZZZFM.

Jess joins Mix

■ Melbourne singer Kate Ceberano hosted her first radio shift last Sunday on Smooth 91.5.

Kate has been Curator of the Adelaide Festival which ran until last Sunday (June 23).

Kate has just released a ne single, Magnet, which is receiving high-rotation air-time on the station.

Air waves

● Jess Capolupo

■ The original Melbourne community radio station 3CR (855AM) is holding a radiothon over two weeks.

■ Magic 1278 is holding its Christmas In July luncheon for 40 listeners next month at the Dingley International Hotel.

■ 4BC-4BH Brisbane is advertising for a General Manager.

● Kate Ceberano Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, June 27

Friday, June 28

Saturday, June 29

Sunday, June 30

Monday, July 1

Tuesday, July 2

■ Military leader Sir John Monash was born in 1865.

He died aged 66 in 1931.

AFL footballer and former coach Paul Roos was born in Melbourne in 1963 (50). He is the hot tip for the Demons position.

Actor Tobey Maguire was born in Santa Monica in 1975 (38).

Singer Eve Von Bibra is 47 (1966).

■ Writer-producer-actor Mel Brooks is 87 (1926). He was born in New York.

English actor John Inman was born in Lancashire, England, in 1935. He died aged 71 in 2007 Basketball player Michelle Timms was born in Melbourne in 1945 (48).

■ Artist Ken Done was born in Sydney in 1940 (73).

TV presenter Mike Willesee was born in Perth in 1941 (72). He is currently appearing on the Sunday Night program.

Aussie Rules identity John Northey is 70 (1943).

Rugby player and media presenter Peter Fitzsimons was born in NSW in 1961 (52).

■ US jazz drummer Buddy Rich was born in New York in 1917. He died aged 69 in 1987.

Record producer Tony Hatch was born in The UK in 1939 (75).

Singer Glenn Shorrock is 69 (1944).

Prominent 3AW talkback caller Gigi Hellmuth celebrates her birthday today.

■ English actress Olivia de Havilland was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1916 (97).

Singer John Farnham was born in Dagenham, England, in 1949 (62).

Diana, Princess of Wales, was born in 1964.

Died in 1997.

Actress Pamela Anderson is 46. She is married to Scots comedian Billy Connolly.

■ Comedy writer Larry David was born in New York in 1947 (66).

Actor Grant Dodwell was born in Sydney in 1952 (61).

US fashion model Jerry Hall was born in Texas in 1956 (57).

Australian swimmer Daniel Kowalski was born in Singapore in 1975 (38).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 105

Observer TV,Radio,Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler TAKE A BOW, LEIGH Media Flashes

ShowBiz!

Gertrude St Projection

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Veritas

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven ■ Monday, July 1. Kyle urges Kate to tell Mason it was Brennan she slept with; Don warns Amber she's a complication Josh doesn't need; Chris has met a new guy, unaware it is Josh's swim team rival.

■ Tuesday, July 2. Sonya begins to suspect Walter is not who he says he is; Brad learns Don is dodgy and vows to watch him; Callum helps Rani and Bailey get together.

■ Wednesday, July 3. Lucas forces Walter to confess to Sonya about his drinking; Callum struggles to accept Rani and Bailey's relationship; Kate and Kyle are thrown together as would-be husband and wife.

■ Thursday, July 4. Kyle and Kate still struggle with their guilt; Susan helps Rani to go on the pill, behind Ajay's back; Karl can't admit that Georgia is an asset to the band.

■ Friday, July 5. Joshua acknowledges Don has been deceiving him; Lauren reveals she is clucky; Ajay accepts he can't be both father and mother to Rani; Karl invites Georgia to join the band.

Home and Away ■ Monday, July 1. Tamara wants to be with Kyle. Kyle is racked with guilt for betraying his brother. Casey's friends are concerne d by his behaviour. Marilyn tries to avoid John and dispel the feelings she has for him.

■ Tuesday, July 2. Brax isn't impressed when he hears about Kyle and Tamara. Tamara allows Casey to help her remember their relationship. Marilyn tries to hide her feelings for John, telling him that she has a virus.

Holly finds her perfect revenge in the form of Sasha and Spencer's secret.

■ Wednesday, July 3. Casey is outraged to find Ricky has returned to the Bay. Maddy pretends she is fine with Sasha and Spencer's relationship. Jett tries to convince VJ and Nina to forgive each other.

■ Thursday, July 4. Double Episode. Heath decides to step up and help Brax. Brax wants to work things out with Ricky. Natalie and Zac face tough decisions about their relationship. April is saddened that Dex has lost his enthusiasm for 'seizing the day'.

Melbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic

Surprise! ● Leigh Hatcher ■ Sky News presenter Leigh Hatcher signed of this weekend after 13 years at the pay-TV service.

“Some of the best people I’ve worked with in 40 years of broadcast journalism,” Leigh said of his colleagues.

A fellow presenter, Terry Willesee, has also signed off from the Sky News desk.

■ A surprise morning tea was held on Monday (Jun. 24) to celebrate Bill Armstrong’s 84th birthday. Guests at the Hall St Cafe, Port Melbourne, included Bill Duff, Philip Webster of Risk Sound, Roger Savage of Soundcorp, Nevill Sherburn of Swaggie Records, Ernie Rose of E-Audio, and Ron Tudor, best known for the Fable label.

● Bill Armstrong

Leonard goes ‘Solo’

■ From July 19-28, Fitzroy will make bright lights on walls look hipster cool in the Gertrude Street Projection Festival, injecting light and electric splashes of colour on one of Melbourne’s most iconic landscapes.

For 10 days and across 36 sites, Gertrude St will be illuminated by the visions of talented projection artists.

Windows, laneways, walls, footpaths, shop interiors, tree-trunks, and whole buildings will be lit up with art inventions, created by award winning projection artists, community groups and individuals.

A project of the Gertrude Association, The Gertrude Street Projection Festival is now in its sixth year and aims to produce, exhibit and encourage artists, whilst supporting culture and community services in the local area and providing a free outdoor gallery for all to enjoy.

The program includes more than 28 established artists including Ian de Gruchy, Amanda Morgan, Alesh Macak, Nick Azidis, Yandell Walton, Olaf Meyer, Lindsay Cox, Freya Pitt and The TAM Projects.

One of the highlights and biggest works of this year’s festival will come from Nick Azidis working with Yarra Youth Services and Angela Barnett, as he pumps the 14-storey towers of the Atherton Gardens Housing Estate with colour to feature cutting edge artistry.

Kym Ortenburg, co-founder of the not-for-profit Gertrude Association says, “In a unique and progressive work, Nick is collaborating with a team of talented young people who live on the Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond housing estates.“ This year will see an opening night launch held outside in the Atherton Gardens Estate with a light installation by The Light Foundation, slam poets, acapella singing and the marching girls of The Red Brigade.

T, the festival will launch a Festival Hub upstairs at Gertrude’s Brown Couch. The Festival Hub boasts a line-up of events, workshops, master classes, DJs, visual projections and industry nights Getting there: Walk, ride or catch the tram. Tram route 96, 112 or 86. Dates: July 19-28, 6pm-12pm, Where: 36 sites in and around Gertrude St , Fitzroy. www.gspf.com.au

Coin honours Slim Dusty

Star Bursts

★

Legally Blonde The Musical is closing its Melbourne season at the Princess Theatre on Sunday, July 14. Some 30 per cent of the audiences at the Melbourne shows have come from interstate.

★

US talk show, The View, will have its final show on Nine this Friday (June 28) at 1pm, reports David Knox of the TV Tonight website. Nine has not renewed its rights on the talk show with Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd.

★

Natalie Barr says she has not coveted the Sunrise co-hosting role being vacated by Melissa Boyle, and being given to Samantha Armytage. “We get along really well. We’re both from country areas, but I am happiest presenting the news,” Nat told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.

★

South Pacific, starring Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes, is to play a season in Adelaide in December.

★

The ABC has investigated itself over journalist Mike Carlton’s complaints over its editing of an interview about Ray Hadley. The ABC has exonerated itself.

● Leonard Grigoryan ■ If you live in Melbourne and enjoy are based on baroque forms and influclassical guitar, then the name enced by the Bach lute Suites.

Grigoryan will be very familiar.

“Blues For Ralph is a homage to one Brothers Slava and Leonard of my all-time musical heroes Ralph Grigoryan have been delighting audi- Towner, while Possibly Maybe was inences as a guitar-playing duo for quite spired by the anticipation and excitement some time, but now younger brother of going to Norway to record this alLeonard is branching out in his own bum, and also the uncertainly of what right with his first CD aptly titled Solo. was to come," Leonard explained.

Genetics is always an interesting Solo was recorded at the Rainbow area when it comes to artists, and the Studios in Oslo, and Leonard said it Grigoryan boys no doubt inherited their was a privilege to work there, spending interest and incredible talent from their two weeks there working on other sesviolinist father, though the boys decided sions before he took to the studio by himthat guitar rather than fiddle was where self. their passion lay.

He described the process as “a calm Solo features a number of different and extremely creatively satisfying exguitar genres on it, including the classi- perience”. cal composers Villa-Lobos and BarThe Grigoryan brothers are known rios, but also four of Leonard's own as down to earth, lovely chaps, and it's compositions. great to see Leonard take this step for"Slava and I regularly play my com- ward on his own to record a CD which positions on our tours, so many people has obviously been a labour of love. know this side of my work.

Solo is available from music stores “Sarabande and Gigue are the first and online www.whichwaymusic.com two solo pieces I composed, and they - Julie Houghton

● The new Slim Dusty coin ■ The Royal Australian Mint has officially launched a coin recognising country music singer Slim Dusty's contribution to Australian society.

The uncirculated $1 coin is on sale for $13.50. It is part of the Inspirational Australian series.

Born David Gordon Kirkpatrick, the name Slim Dusty became synonymous with Australian country music for nearly 70 years.

He made his first recording in 1942. It was on a 78rpm record made at his own expense: Song For The Aussies.

Slim Dusty released more than 100 albums, and was a constant winner of song writing and recording awards.

He became the first artist to have his music broadcast from space on the 1981 Space Shuttle Columbia mission.

Page 106 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies,DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke

What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs

● Cloud Atlas: Tom Hanks heads an all-star cast in an epic journey that spans three centuries on how our destinies are foretold by others throughout the past, present and future.

FILM: CLOUD ATLAS: Genre: Adventure/Drama/Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

Cast: Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent, James Darcy, Hugh Grant and Keith David.

Year: 2012.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 172 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***½ Verdict: Flashing back and forth in time, Cloud Atlas is a complex series of stories that explore how we are connected and our destinies foretold through the actions and the consequences of individual lives impacting on one another throughout the past, present and future. It ripples across three centuries, from the 1900's into the distant future, and I only know this because Tom Hanks tells you. This is a genuinely intriguing and entertaining journey that boasts breathtaking cinematography, many colourful vignettes throughout and a standout cast in top form in multiple roles, six each to be exact, as the stories move through them, most notably Jim Broadbent and Ben Whishaw.

Cloud Atlas is a mind bending puzzle that will leave you with lots to think about.

FILM: THE LAST STAND: Genre: Action/Thriller/Crime.

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker, Johnny Knoxville.

Year: 2013.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 107 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **1/2 Verdict: The ex-Govenator is back in familiar territory as a small town sheriff with a rag-tag and inexperienced bunch of staff readying themselves to take on the leader of a drug cartel who has busted out of a courthouse and speeds to the Mexican border, where the only thing in his path is Arnie and his boys.

This is a fast paced action packed popcorn pot-boiler that he does best, It's all there, guns, the shoot outs, cars chases, pyrotechnics and plenty of the usual tired old one-liners, especially about his age. No classic by a long shot, just a one dimensional rehashed action romp we've seen so many times before, but is sure keep fans of the genre happy.

FILM: THE PAPERBOY: Genre: Thriller.

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman, John Cusack.

Year: 2012.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 107 Minutes.

Release: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **½ Verdict: A deep Southern gothic backwoods swamp tale set in the late 1960s of a reporter who returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate. The performances are strong and the film fairly tense throughout, you can almost feel that Southern heat and humidity come off the screen. This is a strangely compelling and atmospheric journey, and not without controversy, but it is the characters that are all too unlikeable, giving you little to support or sympathy as things just keep going from bad to worse, one that ultimately left a Southern fried taste that was hard to swallow.

FILM: THIS GUN FOR HIRE: Genre: Drama/Crime/Film Noir.

Cast: Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake, Laird Cregar, Robert Preston.

Year: 1942.

Rating: M. Running Time: 81 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: A hard-boiled film-noir classic of a hired killer who shoots a blackmailer and his beautiful female companion dead, but when he's is paid off the bills are marked by his ruthless employer who is working with foreign spies. In the role that made Alan Ladd a star, this marked the first pairing of legendary tough guy Alan Ladd alongside sultry blonde bombshell Veronica Lake, and the results are dynamite. Adapted from the novel by Graham Greene (The Third Man) this is a compelling and unforgettable hard-edged story of power, greed, love and betrayal set in the underworld of the 1940s that remains one of the quintessential and must-see thrillers of the genre.

WORLD WAR Z

● Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) tries to protect his family from the oncoming zombie menace in the action/thriller World War Z. ■ 2D (M). 116 minutes. In cin- narrative makes for a relentless action/ emas now, including IMAX. thriller, a move that proves rather efAfter numerous delays, re-writes, fective cinematically. and re-shoots, which ballooned an alDirector Marc Forster (Monster's ready healthy budget towards the $200 Ball / Finding Neverland), a rather odd million mark, and pushed its release choice for this kind of material, date back several months, World War apparantly had great difficulties in Z finally arrives in cinemas, and the keeping on top of the large-scale progood news is that this epic zombie duction, which lead to many of the dethriller makes for pretty-good viewing. lays and re-shoots, and a public fallDuring the film's only quiet moment, ing-out with producer Brad Pitt. we are introduced to the Lane family; However, he at least seems to have Gerry (Brad Pitt), Karin (Mireille learnt from the mistakes he made on Enos), and their two young daughters the abysmal Bond entry Quantum Of Constance (Sterling Jerins) and Solace, which features some of the Rachel (Abigail Hargrove), who most ineptly shot action scenes ever are enjoying a typical breakfast at seen. home.

The camera occasionally does shake Gerry's attention becomes focused a little too much at times, but Forster on the nearby TV news report, talking does give us a number of jaw-dropping of martial law being enforced in a num- aerial shots of thousands of zombies ber of countries due to an unknown cri- over-running numerous cities and sites. sis.

The CGI is generally fine, but some It is when they take a family drive of the zombies do come across a little towards the centre of New York that too rubbery. all hell breaks loose, as dozens of seemThe cast are all fine, but Brad Pitt ingly crazed people start attacking any- holds everything together wonderfully, one nearby, violently biting them in a showing what real presence can do for frenzied manner. a film.

The people who are bitten quickly Like Robert Redford, Pitt is getbecome like their attackers, and the ting better and better as he gets older.

Lane family, like thousands of others, The 3D is also impressive, and the are running for their lives. format is intergrated well with the subGerry, an ex-operative agent, is ject matter. quickly re-instated by the government For horror fans who crave blood and military, and is soon forced to embark guts, they will be bitterly disappointed, on a mission to see if mankind can be as almost all the violence is suggested, saved from this frightning zombie pan- rather than graphically shown. demic, which is quickly engulfing the In fact, there is nary a drop of blood entire world. throughout the entire film (although I Based on the best-selling novel by feel an Unrated Director's Cut will apMax (son of Mel) Brooks, which was pear on DVD). a gripping, fast-paced, and clever read World War Z, while not as good as that had definite big-screen potential, the book, is an intense, exciting, and the movie adaptation (initially by best-of-all big-screen experience that screenwriter J Michael Straczynski, has overcome its production problems who penned the excellent Clint with style and confidence, making it Eastwood thriller Changeling), does one of the biggest surprises of the year. streamline and change a few things RATING - ***½. around, and its now straight forward - Aaron Rourke

JAMES GANDOLFINI ● From Page 104 Cinema Verite (2011) (***½), Violet And Daisy (2011), Killing Them Softly (2012) (***), Not Fade Away (2012), directed by Sopranos creator David Chase, Zero Dark Thirty (2012) (****½), and is one of the very few bright spots in the comedy misfire The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013) (*½).

Given all his fine film work, it is his role as Tony Soprano that everyone will remember him for, and he was nothing less than superb in every episode.

Mr Gandolfini has two films on

the horizon; a comedy from TV director Nicole Holofcener (Parks And Recreation / Six Feet Under / Sex And The City), and more interestingly Animal Rescue, a crime drama directed by Michael R Roskam (the Oscarnominated Bullhead), and starring Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace.

He will also appear in one episode of Criminal Justice, which will air later this year.

James Gandolfini was a wonderful actor who could command the screen, and his imposing but strangely likeable persona will be sadly missed.

- Aaron Rourke

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. FAST AND FURIOUS 6.

2. THE GREAT GATSBY. 3. THE INTERNSHIP. 4. DESPICABLE ME 2.

5. AFTER EARTH. 6. THE HANGOVER PART III. 7. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. 8. IRON MAN 3.

9. THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES. 10. THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: JUNE 20: DESPICABLE ME 2, ERRORS OF THE HUMAN BODY, EVERYBODY HAS A PLAN, MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, SATELLITE BOY, WORLD WAR Z. JUNE 27: EPIC, IN THE HOUSE, MAN OF STEEL, THE LOOK OF LOVE, GHANCHAKKAR, BOLSHOI BALLET: ROMEO ET JULIET. THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. FLIGHT [Drama/Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood, Kelly Reilly].

2. LINCOLN [Drama/Historical/ Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones].

3. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK [Drama/Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Jackie Weaver].

4. AMOUR [Drama/Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva].

5. DJANGO UNCHAINED [Western/ Drama/Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio].

6. HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS [Action/Horror/Jeremy Renner].

7. ANNA KARENINA [Drama/Keira Knightley, Jude Law].

8. THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen].

9. LIFE OF PI [Drama/Adventure/ Irfan Khan, Suraj Sharma].

10. THE IMPOSSIBLE [Drama/ Naomi Watts, Ewan Mc Gregor, Tom Holland].

Also: THE SWEENEY, JACK REACHER, SKYFALL, MOVIE 43, STOLEN, YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER, GANGSTER SQUAD, QUARTET, ARGO, HITCHCOCK. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: CLOUD ATLAS [Drama/Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent].

THE LAST STAND [Action/Arnold Schwarzenegger, Peter Stormare].

PARANORMAN [Animated/Fantasy/ Horror/Sam Fell, Chris Butler].

THE PAPERBOY [Drama/Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, John Cusack].

PLAYING FOR KEEPS [Comedy/ Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel].

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES [Drama/ Romance/Jeremy Irons, Alice Englert].

SIDE EFFECTS [Thriller/Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: ENTER THE DRAGON: 40th Anniversary Edition [Action/Bruce Lee, Jim Kelly].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: YOUNG JUSTICE: Season One - Volume Four.

YOUNG JUSTICE: Season One - Volume Five.

Turn To Page 117

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 107

Observer Showbiz POLYGLOT THEATRE: ANTS

LocalTheatre With Cheryl Threadgold

‘ALBERT NOBBS’ AT MORDIALLOC SHOWS

● Sue Giles, Director at Polyglot Theatre ■ Giant ants will be invading Federation Square from July 8-14 and will be recruiting children as helpers in their colony.

Ants, an interactive performance created by Polyglot Theatre, will see human-sized ants take over the city in a largescale treasure hunt.

Patrolling the pavements in search for food for the winter, the colossal creepy-crawlies will invite children to help them seek out huge paper breadcrumbs hiding in corners, under stairs, beneath benches and in trees throughout all over Federation Square.

Children will swarm across the space, working together to collect the big paper parcels and bring them back to the nest, arranging and playing with them in an unending cycle of industrious activity.

Polyglot Theatre Artistic Director Sue Giles says, “We trialled Ants in 2012 and had a fantastic response. The interactive performance is inspired by the delight children take in transforming routine into fun and adventure at every opportunity.

“Here we acknowledge children as active elements in our everyday space, and as people that can make big things happen.”

The pervasive artwork is inspired by the role of work in the modern world and children’s capacity to combine work with play.

The ants are solidly intent upon the task, focused on the collection of food. Their single-minded purpose is addictive and children join in the toil, transforming a labour into a game.

For more than 30 years, Polyglot has been recognised as one of Australia’s leading children’s theatre companies.

In recent years the company has been in demand internationally, playing to over 60, 000 children annually on four continents.

Placing kids at the heart of their art, Polyglot creates interactive experiences which ignite imaginations everywhere from tiny Australian country towns to the world’s leading centres for the arts.

Performance: Ants – presented by Fed Square Venue: Federation Square Date: July 8-14 Session times: 10am, 11am, 12noon, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm daily (2pm, 3pm; 4pm only on Mon July 8) Duration: 30 mins per session Tickets: Free Bookings: Not necessary Ages: Recommended for 3-12 years (all children must be accompanied by an adult)

Melbourne

Observer

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Albert Nobbs (by Gordon Steel) Until June 29 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Director: Martin Gibbs. Tickets: $24/$22. Bookings: 9587 5141. www.mordialloctheatre.com.au ■ Windmill Theatre Company: The Phantom of the Opera Until July 4 at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong. Director: Chris Hughes: Musical Director: Julia Buchanan; Choreographer: Robert Mulholland. Tickets: $39.60/$35.20. Bookings: www.phantom oftheopera.net.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: What the Butler Saw (by Joe Orton) Until July 6 at 29 Burke Road, Malvern. Director: Michael Coe. Tickets: $20 no concession. Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Beauty Queen of Leenane (by Martin McDonagh) Until July 13 at 2 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Ellis Ebell. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9885 9678 www.wlt.org.au ■ Sunshine Community Theatre: Boston Marriage (by David Mamet), June 28 - July 6 at the Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix Street, North Sunshine. Director: Lee Cook. Tickets: $15/$12.

Bookings: 0407 802165 www.sunshinecommunitytheatre.com ■ Hartwell Players: Fractured Fairy Tales, A Trio of One Act Plays, July 6 at 2pm and 7pm at Hughesdale Community Centre, Cnr . Poath and Kangaroo Roads, Hughesdale. Tickets: $12. Bookings: 9513 9581 or bookings@hartwellplayers.org.au ■ Aspect Theatre: Hairspray July 12 - 20 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Director: Lyn Laister; Musical Director: Emma McGeorge; Choreographer: KimAnnette. Bookings: www.aspecttheatre.com After hours: 9580 8415.

■ Altona City Theatre: Spring Awakening: A New Musical July 5 - 20 at the Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona. Bookings: www.altonacitytheatre.com.au or 0425 705 550.

■ ARC Theatre: Singin' in the Rain July 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 at 8.00pm and July 13 at 2.00pm at the Banyule Theatre, 10Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg. Director: Rowena Brown; Musical Director: Rebecca Dupuy-Purcell; Choreographer: Lisa Maree David. Tickets: $35 Gala night incl. food and drinks; $32/$29 other evening performances; $29 all matinee tix. Please note: Gala Night July 5 is a cocktail attire evening. Bookings: info@arc-theatre.com or www.arc-theatre.com. Enquiries: 0403 207 778.

■ The Fabulous Nobodys: That Awkward Moment (by Hannah Bird) July 9 - 12 at Vermont Secondary College, 27-63 Morack Road, Vermont. Director: Tony Bird. Tickets: $20. Bookings: 0400 039215 or fabulousnobodys@gmail.com ■ Aspect Theatre Company: Hairspray July 12 - 20 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Director: Lyn Laister: Musical Director: Emma McGeorge; Choreographer: Kim Annette. Bookings: www.aspecttheatre.com Enquiries" 9580 8415.

■ PLOS Musical Productions: Little Shop of Horrors July 19, 20, 25, 26 at 8.00pm, July 21, 27 at 2.00pm at the Frankston Arts Centre. Director: Danny Ginsberg; Musical Director: Sue Fletcher; Choreographer: Steve Rostron. Bookings: 9784 1060. www.plos.asn.au ■ The Basin Theatre Group: Kid Stakes (by Ray Lawler) August 16 - September 8 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Road, The Basin. Director: Christine Grant. Tickets: $25 all performances.

Book online at www.thebasintheatre.org.au or call 1300 784 668.

■ Babirra Music Theatre: Carousel October 11 - 19 at the Whitehorse Centre, Whitehorse Road, Nunawading. Bookings: 9262 6555 or www.babirra.org.au

AUDITIONS ■ Catchment Players of Darebin: Pure Imagination (Catchment Youth Showcase) June 26, Dance Audition June 29 at the Catchment Rehearsal Factory, 10 Malua Street, Reservoir. Director and Choreographer: Nathan Firmin; Musical Director: Jonathon White. Audition bookings: 9408 1350.

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Deathtrap (by Ira Levin) June 29 at 12.00 noon at the Crossroads Theatre, Corner Synot Street and Duncans Road, Werribee. Director: Ron Fenton. Audition bookings: 0403 338 836.

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (by Gay Presson Allen), June 27 at 7.00pm, June 30 at 12 noon at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation Street, Geelong West. Director: Stacey Carmichael. Auditions: 0400 233 085.

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Gary's House (by Debra Oswald) June 27 at 7.30pm; June 30 at 2.00pm at the Bradshaw Street Community Hall, Bradshaw Street, Essendon. Director: Samuel Chappel. Audition bookings: 0434 413595.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest June 30 and July 1 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Chris Baldock. Audition bookings: chris.baldock@gmail.com ■ MLOC Productions: The Producers Information Evening July 4 at 7.30pm at the Parkdale Church of Christ hall, 174 Como Pde., Parkdale. Auditions: July 9, 11, 13. Dance Audition July 14. Director: Jane Court; Musical Director: Ian Nesbit; Choreographer: Keir Jasper. Audition bookings: www.mloc.org.au or 9589 4912.

Cranked Up

● Mason West, Kai Johnson-Peady, Flip Kammerer and Shane Witt delight audiences on the Teeterboard in Cranked Up, presented by Circus Oz until July 14.

Photo: Rob Blackburn ■ Cranked Up, wound up, tightened up, climbed up … all of these abound in Circus Oz 2013 ‘s show Cranked Up. What an upbeat, happy show celebrating similarities and differences, simplicity and complexity through acrobatic skills and mental quizzery .

Visually we see workers on a construction site celebrating their roles, risks, competition and fun of life, as performers fly higher and higher - no safety nets, the cut and thrust of life itself.

As always, original, great music is an integral part of Oz’s work, underpinning every move, and also featuring as an item in its own right – and the amazing thing is that many of these performers actually play instruments too.

This troupe is multi-talented and offers so much fun in their energetic displays of interdependence and trust.

There are some underlying messages about all of us caring for each other, caring for our land and indigenous peoples and traditions, the power of depending on each other and leaving a positive mark; but the whimsy of acts like juggling with chair legs, skipping with a human rope, pole dancing over front row heads, magic tricks is pure, clean living, hilarious family fun.

“Totes co” (totally co-ordinated) is Fantasia Fitness’ catch cry as she catapults down a girder on roller blades, but it also defines Circus Oz. “Totes co” in every aspect of their aspirations and work, and it was delightful to see all backstage and organisatonal workers recognised on opening night .

This is iconic Melbourne artistry in its 35th year. No animals are ever harmed in this circus.

Venue: The (heated) Big Top, Birrarung Marr near Fed Square. Season: Until July 14 at 7.30pm (check for several matinees). Tickets: Adults from $40, Conc $35 Children ( 4 – 16) $24 (under 4 – free) Bookings: 136 100 and ticketmaster.com.au - Review by Maggie Morrison

AUDITIONS ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Dusk Rings a Bell (by Stephen Belbar) July 7 at 2.00pm and July 8 at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Director: Helen Ellis. Audition bookings: ellisproductions@me.com .

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Urinetown the Musical July 10 - 15 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Corner Melbourne Road and Electra Street, Williamstown.

Director: Anna Marinelli; Musical Director: Malcolm Fawcett; Choreographer: Carla White. Audition bookings: 1300 881 545.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Amateur Group (STAG): Funny Money (by Ray Cooney) August 18 at 5.30pm, August 19 at 7.30pm at the Strathmore Community Theatre. Director: Jonne Finnemore. Audition bookings: jonne2@optusnet.com.au ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum August 24, 25. Director: Barbara Hughes; Musical Director: Janet Provan; Choreographer: Jenny VincentGreen. Audition bookings: 9397 3054.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 108 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 35 Across

1. Saved 6. Dental hole 11. Victorious cheer 15. Waterfront worker 20. Module 21. Strangely 22. Horse's neck hair 23. Edition 25. Discuss 26. Arctic sea bird 27. More pleasant 29. Single eyeglass 32. Small duck 34. Uncontrolled slide 36. Green gemstone 39. Hide away 41. Ticked over 43. Crème de la crème 46. Snooped 48. Once the ninth planet 49. Provides with personnel 51. Tiny amount 52. Symbolised 55. Widespread 56. Step 59. Hunter star formation 61. Soft-drink flavour 62. False god 63. Doled (out) 64. Beholden 67. Wander 68. Floor-cleaning liquid 70. Close at hand 71. Scrape together (4,2) 72. Chefs' smocks 73. Cure 74. Park seat 75. Guaranteed 77. Bereaved wife 78. Sends via Internet 79. Sufferer for cause 82. Golf hole scores 86. Scientist, Sir Isaac ...

87. Jacob's Old Testament twin 89. Social expulsion 92. Furtive peek 94. Velvet-like leather 96. Indecent material 98. "No" votes 100. Backless chair 101. Cat's cries 103. Dairy drink 105. Oily fruit 106. Stages of journey 108. Prepare path, ... the way 111. Outlaid money 112. Adopted (policy) 114. Of bone system 116. In proportion, pro ...

119. Actress, ... Thompson 120. Cup edges 121. Greenwich Mean Time (1,1,1) 123. Minuscule particle 124. Crowds 125. Less detailed 126. Hotel check-in desk 127. Experimental models (4-3) 130. Egg cells 131. Street stalls 135. Car smash 138. Gullible folk 139. Prude 141. Dorky youths 144. Bottle stopper 146. Donkey 147. Bring up (kids) 148. Drink daintily 149. Reminder 150. Cut into shape 151. Meat cutlet 152. Tidier 153. Trifling 155. Therefore 157. Shoe lining 158. Follow orders 160. Each year, per ...

161. Incidental comment 162. Sturdy 163. Unrestrained revelry 165. Standards 166. Possess

Across

Down

Down

167. Grow old 168. Come in 169. Conformed, ... the line 171. Oscillate 172. Increased 175. Uses straw 176. Henpecks 179. Made play on words 180. Ready for picking 182. Body fluid lump 184. Glimpses 185. Flog 186. Information 188. Shut loudly 189. Zilch 190. Tennis ace, ... Sampras 191. Commercial breaks 193. Lentil dish 194. Come next 196. Principal 197. Pronto (1,1,1,1) 198. Patron saint of France 200. Disheartens 205. Boxer, Muhammad ...

207. Concentrated flavouring 210. Break from rule 211. Sorrowful 212. Main Indonesian island 213. Brief calm 214. ... the season to be jolly ('3) 216. Verbal exam 218. Fabled whale, ... Dick 219. Cargo 220. Witty remark (3-5) 224. Comprehended 227. Speaks 229. Please reply (1,1,1,1) 230. Friend in war 231. Phantom Of The ...

232. Cycled 233. Valley 235. My Big Fat ... Wedding 237. Active Sicilian volcano 239. Brink 241. Festivities 244. Famed lioness 246. Pretended (4-5) 249. Poems 252. Appliance, ... cleaner 254. Of poor quality 256. Muddled (up) 258. Model for public ridicule 259. Tibet's ... Lama 260. Meatball 263. Hindu land 264. Jewish scholars 265. Swiss cereal 267. Arrested 270. Opponents 271. Become sparser (4,3) 272. Went sour (of milk) 273. Beastlier 274. Rent 277. Dad 279. Red-skinned cheese 281. Devonshire tea item 284. Fortune 286. Off-limits, ... area (2-2) 288. Liver sac (4,7) 292. Chinese gooseberry, ... fruit 294. Author, Leon ...

295. Immature 298. Tribal senior 300. W African nation, Sierra ...

301. Metric length unit 303. Police informers 306. Unspecified person 308. Shallowest of the five Great Lakes 309. Grasp 311. Colonised 314. Hymn, Ave ...

315. Self-love 316. Rope (off) 317. Different 318. Kidney fat 319. US naval port, San ...

320. Stitched 321. Merest 322. Greek island 323. Chatter 324. Charming

1. Windless 2. Naming word 3. Eject from home 4. Flower jars 5. Song for two 6. Drumming insect 7. Circular coral reef 8. Heathen 9. Low-bowled cricket delivery 10. Beautiful youth 11. Dash 12. Cultured 13. Out-of-order 14. Yearn 15. Transmit 16. Do well (at) 17. Kind of heron 18. Killer whale 19. Writer, ... Blyton 24. Reprimand, ... on the wrist 28. Large birds 30. Actor, ... Sharif 31. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco 33. One or the other 35. Local sayings 37. Strong cord 38. Delicate fabric 40. Tropical shrub 42. Wear down 44. 24-hour car race (2,4) 45. Sore to touch 47. Stench 48. Hair bleach 49. Climbed up on 50. Central American republic 53. Spoils rotten 54. Angry outbursts 57. Alertness 58. Swirling 60. Disabled (racehorse) 63. Inflatable life jacket (3,4) 65. Cricketing extras 66. Facts 68. Raise stakes, up the ...

69. Steam press 76. Reactor fuel 79. Tight-lipped 80. Relative sizes 81. Egg yellows 83. Stroll 84. Leap forward 85. I ... with my little eye 88. Insurance estimators 90. Trampled, ... on 91. Frosts (biscuits) 93. Beachfront mall 95. Arabian prince 97. Countless 99. Straddling 100. Coal vein 102. Revises (manuscript) 104. Stagger 107. Flee with lover 109. Formula One car sound 110. Bullets 111. Light industry area, business ...

113. Gourmet 115. Booting (out) 117. Go berserk, run ...

118. Aid in crime 121. Earns before tax 122. Captured 127. Exaggeratedly masculine 128. Chilli con ...

129. Aptly 132. Punctuation marks 133. Early anaesthetic 134. Sentimental 135. Type of pheasant 136. Murderers 137. Pompous

138. Breast x-ray 140. Stiff-legged march (5,4) 141. Left untended 142. Dog, ... ridgeback 143. Haste 145. On edge (5-2) 151. Played the fool 154. Incurred (expenses) (3,2) 156. All set 159. Derisive shout 164. Suppress 169. Hauled 170. Lengthy movies 173. Tapering flag 174. Choux pastries, chocolate ...

177. White-faced 178. Get to the bottom of 181. Mentally picture 183. Sequin 187. Letter sleeves 192. Shook loose 195. Impure 199. Poured forth 201. Iraq's neighbour 202. Breakfast or dinner 203. Skims swiftly 204. ... Fools' Day 206. Pablo Casals' instrument 207. Obliterate 208. Shady trees 209. Square-sided prism 213. Songbird 215. Frozen regions 217. Mining magnate, ... Hancock 221. Peruvian mammal 222. Sprite 223. Staff roster 224. Spellbound 225. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2) 226. Brainwaves 228. Curios (4-1-4) 234. Planner of ship's course 236. Well-read 238. Revenge, tit for ...

240. Deity 242. Matters 243. In general 245. Schooling 247. Romantic & poetic 248. Corrected (text) 250. Physicist, Albert ...

251. Caravan nomads 253. Dish, bangers & ...

255. Crushing defeat 257. Smooth 258. Ireland (Gaelic) 261. Pulsing light 262. Lubricant container 265. Street assailant 266. Actor's platform 268. Trumpet sound 269. Actor, ... MacPherson 275. European currency unit 276. Wiry-haired dog, ... terrier 278. Blocked (blow) 280. Black mark 282. Zodiac crossover 283. Egyptian river 285. Salad fish 287. The Naked Chef, Jamie ...

289. Famous insurance body 290. Encircled 291. Church lay officer 292. Danish monetary units 293. Independent 296. Enthusiasm 297. Courage 299. End of life 302. Neither these nor ...

304. Greenfly 305. Asian republic, South ...

306. Congeals 307. Short skirt 308. Compass point 310. Performed 312. Jeans pioneer, ... Strauss 313. ... dong dell

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Solution on Page 102

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Places To Go

ART EXHIBITION

Oils and Watercolours by professional artist GLENN HOYLE Paintings will be on display at the artist’s studio Until July 14 Everyone is welcome to come along to browse or buy, with more than 60 framed and unframed works of art on sale.

This is a great opportunity to buy direct from the artist.

Viewing is by appointment so please feel free to call Glenn on 9789 6547 Studio address: 11 Athol Ct, Langwarrin

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 111

Places To Go

Page 112 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Places To Go

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 113

Conditions apply

Page 114 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

TV Nostalgia

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 115

‘Homicide’ visits Whittlesea March 1971. Episode 287 Director: George Miller Episode can be viewed at www.YouTube.com

● The ‘Homicide’ Kingswood in Laurel St, near the Whittlesea War Memorial

● ‘Car 99’ heads north on Church St, Whittlesea, 42 years ago

● The car heads north on Church St, near Lime St corner (now a supermarket)

● Det. Peter Barnes (George Mallaby) outside a real estate agency in Yea Rd

● Lex Mitchell at the Whittlesea House corner (FJ Holden in background)

● Luscombe’s Garage in the background on Yea Rd, looking east

● Det, Barnes (Mallaby) walks past the hairdresser’s shop in Church St

● Det. Barnes arrives at the Royal Mail Hotel on Yea Rd in 1971

Page 116 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Victorian Sport

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 117

Showbiz Extra

Melbourne

■ From Page 106

BART: END OF AN ERA

■ News that the great Bart Cummings, one of the greatest trainers of all times, may hang up the reins after more than 60 years in the Sport of Kings, hasn't surprised many racing people.

Due to ill health the octogerian is likely to settle down in his abode, Princes Farm, out of Penrith in New South Wales.

Recently his grandson, James, joined the great, and the idea was to bring up the likeable young man under his wing.

However as explained earlier, Bart, is battling a bit and is not seen at the track as much these days.

A colleague of mine, Matt Stewart of the Herald Sun, wrote a nice story on Bart and the possible sale of his stables at Flemington, apt[y named after one of his great champions of times gone bye, Saintly, who won a Cox Plate and a Melbourne Cup for the master trainer, who has trained 12 Melbourne Cup winners .

The last of these was in 2008, when his gallant stayer, Viewed, nosed out Bauer, to capture the coveted cup.

Over recent years he has produced some good horses, such as Norzita, but there have been some tough times in between.

Now it appears his stables, ‘Saintly Place’, will be up for sale.

The big property situated between Fisher Pde and Leonard Crest, adjacent to the Flemington Racecourse, has served the purposes of Cummings and his faithful team for many years.

I had the pleasure of

Ted Ryan

meeting Bart not long after starting at Channel 9 and he was always helpful with anything that you were trying to cover about him or any of his team on and off the track.

Saintly Place is the last of the many stables that were dotted around the Flemington and Ascot Vale areas for many years.

The place would be worth an absolute fortune, when you consider, a one bedroom home in Ascot Vale and that general area, brings around $½-million.

I recall Lee Freedman having stables alongside Bart in Leonard Cres before moving on, while others trainers I can recall were another great trainer, Tommy Smith, who had stables in Edinburgh St near the old cattle yards opposite the Flemington Racetrack.

In the early days and a lot less traffic, trainers used to walk their horses down to the 800 metre mark, where the old stripping

sheds were before moving over to the 2000 metre mark at Flemington, then to the centre.

I went to Tommy's stables on many occasions for Channel 9, teaming up with his foreman, Darcy Christie.

Another couple of trainers to come to mind were the late, Colin Hayes, who operated from the same area as Bart in the early days.

Then there was Pauline Dalton and Mac Bradfield, who trained around the track.

With regards to Bart's property, the traffic is a big problem around that area now, and it is not safe for horses crossing into Leonard Cres on their way to the hill area and around the back of the track.

Over the years Bart has been well served by some of the now best trainers in racing.

The first I came across was Ron McDonnell who went onto train in his own right winning a Sydney Cup with the

THE LOONEY TUNES SHOW: Season One - Volume Four.

DORA THE EXPLORER: Dora's Rescue in the Mermaid Kingdom.

SUPERMAN UNBOUND [Animated].

SPICE TRIP [Reality/TV Series].

TOP BLU-RAY RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. FLIGHT [Drama/Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood, Kelly Reilly].

2. LINCOLN [Drama/Historical/Daniel DayLewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones].

3. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK [Drama/Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Jackie Weaver].

4. DJANGO UNCHAINED [Western/Drama/ Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio].

5 AMOUR [Drama/Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva].

6. ANNA KARENINA [Drama/Keira Knightley, Jude Law].

7. HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 3D + Blu-Ray [Action/Horror/Jeremy Renner].

8. JURASSIC PARK 3D [2013/Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Richard Attenborough, Jeff Goldblum].

9. LIFE OF PI - 3D + Blu-Ray [Drama/Adventure/Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma].

10. THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey 3D + Blu-Ray [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman].

Also: Jack Reacher, The Sweeney, The Impossible, Skyfall, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, Stolen, Movie 43, Gangster Squad, Quartet, Argo.

very good galloper, Double Century, and after his career he settled in Warrnambool, agisting a few horses and regularly swimming them for strength training.

After Ron, another of our top trainers today, Leon Corstens, who has taken all before him.

Later came another likeable trainer, Nigel Blakiston, who has gone on to show that he has the skills like those before him, who learnt from the master.

Nigel had a lot of success with his galloper, Littorio, and has a good team in work at Flemington.

Now it is Reg Fleming who looks after Bart's team at Flemington, and has been a loyal servant to the great man.

Another who Bart has heavily relied on for many years is his number one track rider, Joe Agresta, who has been with Bart for more than 30 years.

● Bart Cummings Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 Bart would instruct it out especially for Joe to take out differ- their Cup Carnival ent gallopers over vary- for overseas and intering distances running state trainers and owndifferent sectionals for ers to stay once estabeach set of circum- lished. stances.

Joey was always spot on and Bart never queried his judgment. ■ Great to hear star A number of racing filly, Commanding people may not know Jewel, who won the that Joe is regarded as one of the best quarter One Thousand horse riders in the Guineas in great style and has been out inworld.

I can recall when jured, is on the comethey raced the quarter back trail and pleasing horses over short dis- her trainer, Leon tances at Bob Jane's Corstenst.

Leon said she has Calder Park, with Joey's mounts always been doing light work, vey short odds and nine but looks really good out of 10 they would sa- and has put on condilute. tion, which is a big It will be a sad day plus. when Bart gives it Commanding away, and another sad Jewel hasn't raced day when Saintly since winning the One Place is sold, odds on Thousand Guineas to developers.

Ideal location, near back in October.

She wrenched a the Flemington track near front joint in her and the Maribyrlead up to the autumn, nong River.

What an ideal loca- and has been taken tion for the racing in- along slowly.

- Ted Ryan dustry to buy, and hire

Good news

Leon is hoping she could be ready to run the early spring.

An ideal race ride for Damien Oliver; who will also resume in September; having piloted her in her races.

● Thousand Guineas: Commanding Jewel (D. Oliver) Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Top 10 Lists

● Damien Oliver: Victoria Derby Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: CLOUD ATLAS [Drama/Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent].

THE LAST STAND [Action/Arnold Schwarzenegger, Peter Stormare].

ENTER THE DRAGON: 40th Anniversary Edition [Action/Bruce Lee, Jim Kelly].

PARANORMAN [Animated/Fantasy/Horror/Sam Fell, Chris Butler].

PARANORMAN 3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray [Animated/Fantasy/Horror/Sam Fell, Chris Butler].

THE PAPERBOY [Drama/Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, John Cusack].

PLAYING FOR KEEPS [Comedy/Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel].

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES [Drama/Romance/Jeremy Irons, Alice Englert].

SIDE EFFECTS [Thriller/Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum].

SUPERMAN UNBOUND [Animated].

- James Sherlock

Tell me you’re joking ■ Someone in the naming department of Racing Victoria may not be quite with it, when a certain named horse saluted at Echuca recently.

I don't how a horse by the name of I'm Knackered, got past their guard.

The course commentator at Echuca, Ric McIntosh, summed it up after I'm Knackered led, was caught, but kicked and got the chocolates, stating that he wasn't knackered today.

I should have taken the running double the next winner was Up The Creek, an odds on chance.

Didn't pay much: a low $10.40.

- Ted Ryan

Support for the arts ■ Federal Arts Minister ony Burke has announced the appointment of the inaugural Board of Directors of Creative Partnerships Australia - the new single agency to drive a new culture of giving and investment in Australia’s cultural sector.

Newly appointed Deputy Chair Ms Sam Meers and Directors will join Chair, Ms Carol Schwartz, to establish Creative Partnerships Australia as a one-stop shop to connect the arts sector with philanthropists and corporate supporters.

“Ms Meers has significant experience on Boards across the private sector, and has held several senior positions in media, including as a specialist media lawyer,” Mr Burke said.

“Ms Meers, together with Ms Schwartz will have responsibility for establishing a new funding program for the cultural sector that focuses on support for new models of funding.”

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Observer Victorian Sport

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 119

Melbourne

Racing Briefs

The Mark Purdon Show

■ It was the Mark Purdon Show at Bendigo, with the champion Kiwi horseman taking both Two Year Old C & G divisions.

Art Major/Mesmerizing colt Messini bred by the Caldows and John Kelly cruised to the wire in the 5th Heat.

Beaten for speed from the pole by Real Character (gate four), Purdon was quick to ease Messini away from the markers as Motor Smoker driven with aggression by Gavin Lang assumed control leaving Loong Nien in the open until the bell when Paua Fella was sent forward by Matt Craven to park out for the final circuit.

While all this was going on, Messini was enjoying a cosy passage three back in the moving line. Asked for an effort approaching the home turn, Messini quickly gathered in his rivals to score by 6.6 metres in 1-57.4 over Master Mach Manus from near last, with Paua Fella 12 metres away in third place.

Stablemate Zacharia, a colt by Courage Under Fire from Atom Queen, toyed with his rivals in the 6th Heat.

Starting from inside the second line, Zacharia was able to follow the polemarker and hot favourite Bespoke Artist as the mobile gate pulled away, enjoying a cosy passage throughout the race.

Easing around the leaders at the straight entrance, Zacharia charged away in the home running to register a 3.7 metre victory in 1-59.7 over the Mt Gambier hope Major Cruiser (one/one) which joined the leader on the home turn, with Bespoke Artist 5.1 metres in arrears of the pair in third place.

Theatre Extra Red Stitch Theatre

NEW TRACK RECORD AT HAMILTON

■ Cudgee (Camperdown) trainer/driver John Meade who enjoyed plenty of success with the smart trotter Crescent Glory now retired, has unearthed a 4-Y-0 gelding with plenty of untapped ability by the name of Maorisfavouritesun who established a new track record in winning the Ian McCallum Tribute Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2160 metres at Hamilton in Victoria's Western District on Monday June 17.

Making only his sveneth race appearance, Maorisfavouritesun (Sundon/ Maori Daunau -Buvetior D'anou/Sumthingaboutmaori) stepped safely from the 10 metre mark to lead and despite being kept honest by both Allawart Ugo and the favourite Lombo Scrutinizer (three wide) all through the race, kicked away on the final bend to record a huge 22.8 metre victory in a mile rate of 202.8 over Earl Of Charity along the sprint lane from four back the markers and Keystone Blues which trailed the winner.

Lombo Scrutinizer was certainly not disgraced in finishing fourth.

Raced by members of the Fahey and Meade family, Maorisfavouritesun a winner of two races prior to the event, is destined to make his way through the grades.

Winning way ● Rosie Lockhart (Sarah) in Red Stitch Theatre's production of Foxfinder, opening on July 19.

Photo: Sarah Walker ■ To open its second season for 2013, Red Stitch Theatre presents the Australia premiere of Foxfinder, from July 19-August 17.

Written by Dawn King and directed by Kat Henry, this Australian premiere tells of a bleak, isolated English countryside, where crops are failing and food is scarce, the weather has turned treacherous, and foxes - although believed largely extinct have become objects of fear.

Their presence indicates corruption, disease and destruction are not that far behind.

The farm of Judith and Samuel Covey has already been marked by tragedy: a bad harvest and the mysterious drowning of their son leaving the couple devastated.

With a farm falling short of its quota and a contamination suspected, William Bloor - a 'foxfinder' is dispatched to locate and exterminate the cause.

As his investigations proceed, the dark forces behind their calamity are revealed, changing the course of all their lives forever.

Foxfinder will feature ensemble members David Whiteley, Matthew Whitty and Rosie Lockhart, with special guest actor Joanne Trentini.

Venue: Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2, Chapel St, St Kilda Previews: Wednesday July 17, 18 Season: Friday July 19 - Saturday August 17 (not Monday or Tuesday) Times: Wednesday - Saturday, 8pm; Sundays 6.30pm Matinees: Saturdays at 4pm Tickets: $27-$39 ($20 student, $15 rush) Bookings: www.redstitch.net (discounted tix) or 9533 8083 - Cheryl Threadgold

■ Another up and comer 4-Y-0 Tinted Cloud/ Notsos Girl gelding Cheap Tint continued on his winning way by taking the Bendigo Bank Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2160 metres for Heywood trainer Kevin Brough in a rate of 1-59.7.

Driven by stand-in reinsman Michael Bellman who is closing in a career best 100 winners for the season, Cheap Tint had little difficulty in leading from the pole and after a relatively sweet passage, had to dig in deep halfway up the running to defy a challenge by both Our Crime Of Passion down the centre of the track off a one/one trip and Orion Star along the sprint lane after trailing the winner.

Appearing to be headed

by Our Crime Of Passion as the winning post came into view, Cheap Tint came again to score by a half neck in advance of Orion Star along the sprint lane, with Our Crime Of Passion a neck away in third place.

It was Cheap Tint's 11th victory in 18 outings.

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

This Week’s Meetings ■ Wednesday - Cobram/Bendigo, Stawell/Nyah @ Swan Hill, ■ Friday - Melton, ■ Saturday - Cranbourne, ■ Sunday - Ballarat, ■ Monday - St Arnaud @ Charlton.

Heats at two venues Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

Brilliant run Took over ■ Ararat trainer Daryl Crone's 6-Y-0 Peace Of Art/Rumbleon mare Peaces Of You returned to the winners list when greeting the judge in the Alexandra House Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2160 metres.

Driven by Bendigo based Neil McCallum, Peaces Of You began brilliantly from gate five to clear the field easily as the mobile barrier pulled away, before allowing the well supported Big Mumma Fitz to stride clear in the back straight on the first occasion.

Given a cosy passage, Peaces Of You utilised the sprint lane to perfection, drawing clear in the shadows of the post to score by 1.7 metres over a deathseating The Rogue Trader and Big Mumma Fitz in a rate of 2-00.7.

Peaces Of You's last victory had been at Bendigo in December last year.

Promising ■ On what was a big day for Western Victoria and south-east South Australia, Mt Gambier's Barry and Jayson Finnis snared the King's Bakery and Cafe Vicbred Pace for C1 class over 2160 metres with highly promising Grinfromeartoear/Maybe The One 4-Y-0 gelding Cheesy Grin.

Restrained at the start from outside the front row, Cheesy Grin returning after suffering a bleeding attack at Mt Gambier in February settled at the tail of the field.

Trailing Valentino Rustler three wide at the bell, Cheesy Grin surged forward four wide in the last lap, before racing away on straightening to score easily over the heavily supported Public Persuasion which led and Dills Rocket which trailed the leader in a rate of 1-58.6.

■ Another border hopper in 4-Y-0 Safely Kept/ May Be Trouble mare trained at Allendale East

by David Kemp scored a well deserved victory in the Kitset Kitchens Pace for C0 class over 1660 metres.

Driven by Matt Craven, Forced Out possied one/one from gate two, before taking over at the bell to defeat Mayorofshinetown off a three wide trail last lap from mid-field, with Kurraca Knight third after leading out and taking a trail at the bell.

The mile rate 1-56.6 in an all Mt Gambier trifecta.

Concession ■ Great Western mentor Peter Manning took advantage of a concession for Terang's Jason Lee to land the Graham and Mary Torbet Memorial Pace for C1 class over 1660 metres with 3-Y-0 Metropolitan/Annettes Fetish gelding Ben Cartwright.

Having his 27th start (16 this season), Ben Cartwright after being trapped wide from outside the front row was sent forward to park outside the leader Roman Way at the bell, before outstaying his rivals to score narrowly but well from Thewaytolive off a three wide trail at the bell and Jim Barker's Guilty Rama from last in a rate of 1-56.

Horses To Follow ■ Fictional Hero, Reign Of Pain, Win The Crowd, Kyvalley Roy, Vesper Lynd, Tawonga South, Lochlee Jacob, Yerrington Bob, Master Mach Manus, Lombo Conquistador, Artoc, The Pearl Of Paris, Speedy Rambo, Public Persuasion.

■ Further heats of the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series were held at two venues in Victoria on Wednesday June 19 - Yarra Valley hosting the 3rd Heat for Three Year Old Colts and Geldings and the 3rd and 4th Heats for Four Year Old Entires and Geldings all over 2150 metres in the afternoon, while Bendigo presented the 5th and 6th Heats for both Two Year Old Colts and Geldings and Fillies over 2150 metres at the night session.

Christchurch based Mark Purdon landed the 3-Y-0 Division at Yarra Valley with Ashburton (Jewels) record holder Border Control, a gelded son of Bettors Delight and Contrapan in a mile rate of 1-59.1.

Despite racing in the open from gate two outside the smart Ginger Bliss inside him, Border Control was unextended in winning by 1.2 metres, with Goodtime Veejay (one/one) third.

Upset victory for Jayne ■ Clyde trainer Jayne Davies's most reliable Bettors Delight/Tyalla gelding Baccarat scored a somewhat upset victory in the 3rd Heat for Four Year Olds.

Given the run of the race from the pole trailing Charlie Machsheen (gate two) with the favourite Keayang Steamer trapped three wide for the majority of the journey, Baccarat used the sprint lane to nose out Charlie Machsheen in tricky finish, returning a mile rate of 1-58.1, with Keayang Steamer producing a giant effort to be a half head away in third place.

Left in the open ■ Heat four went the way of Daylesford trainer Mick Barby's well above average It Is I/Glenlyon Glad gelding It Is Billy in what was a career best performance.

Driven by wife Anne-Maree Conroy, It Is Billy began a lot better than usual from gate two, but was unable to head off Machin Out inside him, resulting in him being left in the open.

Pouring on the pressure in the last lap, It Is Billy surged away to lead into the straight, defying all challengers to score impressively by 3.9 metres in advance of Metro Mike (one/two - three wide last lap) and Scruffy Major which followed the runner up throughout. The mile rate 1-57.

Red-hot favourite ■ Heat Five for the Fillies was taken out by the David Aiken (Avenel) trained Quick Draft a daughter of Art Major and Quick Comment.

With Chris Alford in the sulky, Quick Draft starting solo on the second row, possied three back in the running line, with the red-hot favourite Manellira leading from gate three.

Moving swiftly to be four wide on the final bend, Quick Draft joined Manellira on straightening, with the pair going head and head to the wire, with Quick Draft doing best to score by 2.1 metres in 200.3. Milly Perez finished third 20.1 metres away after trailing the pacemaker.

Given every chance ■ Avenel part-owner/breeder/trainer/driver Ian Montgomery has a tremendous strike rate and produced Real Desire/Beach Froi filly Mistical Pearl on debut to land the 6th Heat in a rate of 2-02.

Not bustled from gate four, Mistical Pearl was given every chance one/one, with the heavily backed Fon Design leading from gate three.

Easing three wide on the home turn, Mistical Pearl proved too strong at the finish for Fon Design, scoring by a head only, with Im All Show third after following the leader.

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

‘BOYS OWN’ ANNUAL STUFF FOR ASH

■ I’ve witnessed many exciting finishes in my many years of AFL. I cannot remember a more overwhelming and devastating one than Brisbane Lions last gasp goal by Ashley McGrath.

It was kicked after the final siren in his celebratory 200th game at The Gabba.

With 22 minutes gone in the third quarter, the genteel, sickly Lions were dominated and down by 52 points to their little sisters, the playful, powerful Cats.

It had been a wet cold day and the Cats decided to retreat to the comfy of the fireside.

In the remaining 40 minutes the roles switched. The Lions hunted the handful of Cats who stayed to play. It was a no contest ‘cat-fight’.

The ‘mighty Lions’ out ran and out scored the cocky Cats 67 points to 10 to win by 5 points, 103 to 98.

It was a ‘boys annual’ dream come true. A fairytale finish for Ash to tell his grand-kids!

Big money, Buddy

■ The recent media talk has centred around Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and his $2m-plus yearly salary to move north to Greater Western Sydney for at least $10m and a five-year contract.

It is big money!

The question to pose “is he worth it?” On current form there are some who doubt the investment.

But as the AFL boss Andrew Demetriou knows only too well GWS urgently needs ‘an injection booster’.

I would bypass ‘Buddy’ and opt to buy four, experienced ‘giants’ to man the two key defence positions, one ruckman to help Jonathon Giles and a powerhouse midfielder.

The saying “money can buy most things” seems to be working in the AFL. I instance coach Ross Lyon who doubled his fee moving to Fremantle at around $1.5m.

This move added at least $250k value to all other senior coaches future worth.

No coach was ever considered to be a Million-$-Man before Freo’s offer to Lyon.

But now Mick Malthouse, Alistair Clarkson if he wins this year’s flag, and Paul Roos if he decides to comeback, would command this figure.

It has worked in Lyon’s case as he has Freo in third spot on the ladder without his two highest paid champions, captain Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands both injured. ★ GWS/AFL is the only entity which can afford a $3m investment and still maintain a playing list within its salary cap with 20 young draft picks making up the numbers.

It is my distinct view Andrew D must stay involved with this vital decision.

Andrew, why not ask Brad Lloyd, Freo’s recruiter or Geelong’s Stephen Wells for an opinion?

You’re the custodian of the investment $$s.

Let’s look at the GWS recruitment portfolio to date.

I am NOT privy to the sums already invested. My figures are based on my own ‘savvy’ – for what that’s worth.

I confirm I am close to Kevin Sheedy, a person who should know these facts and figures.

Sheeds can confirm I’ve never

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel asked him for any information. Why? Well, if he did confide in me it would probably be in ‘confidence’ and I couldn’t publish my own opinions if I was somewhere near the mark.

I do know he confirmed publicly last week at Port Adelaide’s Sydney luncheon he had no input on the GWS draft picks and the Scully-signing which seems strange to me because he is supposedly ‘Head Coach’. I guess he’ll tell me in time.

We know about the Israel Folau investment which I totally endorse as the $2m per year was recouped 30 times over in publicity. These figures I do know about as they have been my business for over 60 years. And how apt. The very mention of “Issy”. What a performance from ‘our Giant’ in his first Test appearance for Australia Rugby Union. Surely his game was one of the greatest International Sporting debut in history. And his biggest features were the GWS coaching of ‘high marking’ and speedy running “selling the dummy”! As “Issy” says he learned plenty at GWS. A real ‘world champion’. Player and Bloke! ★ On the playing field the biggest outlay has been to Tom Scully at $1m per season, plus extra for his Dad as a recruiting officer.

I hear the captain, defender Phil Davis, 23, was lured from Adelaide Crows after 18 games for around $750k.

The best buy of those with senior AFL experience is co-captain Callan Ward, ex-W. Bulldogs, with nearly 90 games at $500k.

Dean Brogan and Chad Cornes, both until injured, were worth their money around $400k and are part time coaches while Rhys Palmer, 24 years, could make it.

Stephen Gilham, Bret Thornton, Setanta O’hAilpin are past their prime.

The best of the older group is ruckman Jonathon Giles, 25years, who couldn’t make it at Port Adelaide but would now be welcomed back.

Giles, along with Ward, Davis, Jeremy Cameron and hopefully Scully, Toby Greene, Lachie Whitfield, Jonathon Patton, Curtly Hampton, Devon Smith, Tomas Bugg, Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Shiel and others will mature into future AFL players.

Draft picks have proven ‘tricky’ business over the years for all clubs not only GWS.

Currently the Gold Coast Suns would be thrilled with marquee champion Gary Ablett and most of their experience signings.

Even the NRL star Karmichael Hunt has worked for them as too has a refreshed Campbell Brown, Jared Brennan, Jarrod Harbrow, Michael Rischitelli and Nathan Bock is still to return from injury.

Some of their draftees are future stars in ruckman Zac Smith, Jaeger O’Meara, Harley Bennell, Aaron Hall, Sam Day to name a few. ★ GWS immediate needs are two key, big, strong defenders, another experienced ruckman and a quality midfielder of the ilk of Jobe Watson, Joel Selwood, Magpies Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury or Patrick Dangerfield.

The Gold Coast Suns investment in Gary Ablett is worth every dollar.

The question is whether ‘Buddy’ Franklin is as good as Mike Sheehan’s drop in rating which now has him in 4th spot behind Ablett, Pendlebury and Dangerfield.

I say forget ‘Buddy’ and his “pulling power” in western Sydney.

What counts most in this area is NOT big names – it’s big wins on the scoreboard.

Rules explained ■ 15 Metre – and the 5 metre rule: 15 metre distance is very important in AFL football especially in the laws of the game.

A mark cannot be awarded unless the ball is kicked a distance of 15 metres from the boot to the catch or mark without being touched by any other player.

In judging the 15 metre distance travelled note well, it is from the point where the kicker boots the ball which could be up to 10 metres behind the opponent standing the mark which means if he kicks it to a team mate who is only 5 metres away behind the mark, the ball will have travelled 15 metres

and is judged a legitimate mark. I disagree with this aspect of the 15 metres travelled and believe the 15m distance should start from the player standing the mark to the player taking the mark.

This would ensure most kicks would travel at least 20 metres into the team’s attacking zone.

If a player wishes to run with the ball he must bounce it or touch it to the ground once in every 15 metres travelled. These days both players and umpires are very generous in judging this 15 metres as most clever, speedy runners would cover a distance of at least 20 and more likely 25 metres before they bounce the ball.

Agreed, watching a player sprinting with the ball is very exciting, but the law is specific and if we want to be generous we should alter the law to once in every 20 or 25 metres.

There is a definite art in being able when running flat out to control that bounce and most players will not take the risk but fortunately we have two outstanding brilliant exponents in Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli and the speedy Swan Lewis Jetta and both have been known to run at least 25 metres before taking the bounce. As this is a fascinating aspect of our game the law makers must update their writing of this law.

The 5 metre rule – it applies mainly to tackling, shepherding, bumping and particularly marking and specifically states there will be no body contact on an opponent unless the ball is within 5 metres.

This is easy enough for the umpire to judge if the ball is in general play or on the ground. The modern approach by umpires, even when the ball is running along the ground, is to allow interference even though the ball may be 10 or more metres away. The rule is specific and should be adhered to.

But with marking I was always taught that it is virtually impossible to judge the final 5 metres when, in a contested mark, the ball has come from a distance of 15 or more metres.

And this applies for a kick which travels 50 metres as the ball travels at speed and it all happens in a split second. If the umpires were taught like in my day, that it is impossible to judge that final five metres, therefore there is no body on body interference allowed in going for a mark.

We have had all these varying and confusing interpretations and NOW is the opportunity to come back to the true intention of the marking rule where the best man wins the mark.

If you are believe the defender should be allowed to spoil his opponent by punching the ball away, then the defender must be very careful he does not deliberately or accidentally push his opponent in the back or make contact with his body or fist to the neck, arms, head and hands of his opponent.

All such illegal contacts must be awarded a free-kick to the player who has won the front position and deserves to be protected.

Kouta coaches ■ The AFL has announced the 2013 World Team squad which will compete at the Under 16 NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in Sydney in July.

Premiership player and former Carlton captain Anthony Koutoufides has been named head coach of the World Team.

The 2013 squad will showcase the skills of talented international young

ROUND 14 Thursday, June 27 West Coast Eagles vs. Essendon (PS) (N) Friday, June 28 Sydney Swans vs. Carlton (SCG) (N) Saturday, June 29 Gold Coast Suns vs.

Adelaide Crows (MS) Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood (AS) (T) Geelong Cats vs.

Fremantle (SS) (N) Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs (MCG) (N) Sunday, June 30 Hawthorn vs. Brisbane Lions (AU) (E) North Melbourne vs.

GWS Giants (ES) Richmond vs. St Kilda (MCG) (T)

sters from South Africa, England, Ireland and Denmark, as well the best upcoming AFL multicultural players from across the nation.

“The World Team provides international and multicultural AFL players with elite training, personal development and AFL talent pathway opportunities,” said Koutoufides.

“Coming from a Greek and Italian background, I am excited to be given the opportunity.

“I hope to uncover great talent, such as Sudanese footballer Duom Dawam who represented the World Team in 2012 and was selected into the 2013 Level 1 AIS-AFLAcademy after his outstanding performance at the Championships.”

The World Team plays a key role in the AFL international and multicultural growth strategy.

The AFL’s Kevin Sheehan, Chris Johnson, Michael Ablett and Darren Flanigan selected the final squad of 26 players.

The selection process for the international representatives for the World Team was vast and extensive with many players considered from across the globe.

Multicultural players from across Australia were selected following the National Multicultural Talent camp held in Victoria in May. The World Team will take part in a two-day high performance training camp from July 4 in Sydney prior to competing in the NAB AFL Championships.

The Under 16 NAB AFL Championships will be played from July 6 -13, coinciding with the AFL’s Multicultural Round which will celebrate ‘Many cultures. One game’.

The World Team will compete against the South Pacific, The Flying Boomerangs and WA NorthWest.

Tigers re-sign 4

■ Richmond teenagers Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin, and veteran pair Jake King and Chris Newman, have all agreed to terms for contract extensions at Tigerland.

Newman, 31, and King, 29, have signed one-year deals, Ellis, 19, is now contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2015, while Vlastuin, 19, is committed to the Club until the end of the 2016 season.

“It’s a fantastic result for the Club to extend the contracts of two of its brightest prospects and two of its most loyal servants,” said Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson.

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Observer

Helpmann Award Nominations

BEST FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A PLAY Valerie Bader. Australia Day. Sydney Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company Lynette Curran. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Belvoir Amber McMahon. School Dance Windmill Theatre Miranda Tapsell. The Secret River. Sydney Theatre Company in association with The Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, Sydney Festival, The Centenary of Canberra, Perth International Arts Festival

BEST MALE PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN AN OPERA

José Carbó. Die Tote Stadt. Opera Australia Samuel Dundas. La Bohème.

Opera Australia Wolf Matthais Fredrich.

L'Orfeo. Brisbane Festival & Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Douglas McNicol. Fidelio. The State Opera of South Australia

BEST FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A PLAY Nicole Car. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - Carmen. Opera Australia Jacqueline Dark. Salome. Opera Australia Jessica Dean. Fidelio. The State Opera of South Australia Taryn Fiebig. La Bohème. Opera Australia

BEST NEW AUSTRALIAN WORK Anh Do. The Happiest Refugee.

A List Entertainment.

Book by Craig Lucas, Original music composed by Marius de Vries, Featuring Songs and Original Compositions by 3D from Massive Attack, Guy Garvey, Sarah McLachlan, Justice and The Avalanches, with additional lyrics by Michael Mitnick and Richard Thomas. King Kong. Global Creatures Melbourne

Observer

Gordon Kerry & Louis Nowra.

Midnight Son. Victorian Opera Kate Mulvaney & Anne-Louise Sarks. Medea. Belvoir in association with Australian Theatre For Young People Kate Grenville, adapted for the stage by Andrew Bovell. The Secret River. Sydney Theatre Company in association with The Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, Sydney Festival, The Centenary of Canberra, Perth International Arts Festival Matthew Whittet. School Dance.

Windmill Theatre

BEST COMEDY PERFORMER Wil Anderson. Wil Anderson GoodWil. Token Events Hannah Gadsby. Hannah Gadsby - Happiness is a Bedside Table. Token Events Kitty Flanagan. Hello Kitty Flanagan. A List Entertainment Julia Morris. Julia Morris - No Judgement. Fox in the Snow

BEST CABARET PERFORMER Robyn Archer AO. Robyn Archer in Concert: QUE RESTE-T-IL? at the Famous Spiegel Garden and Toulouse-Lautrec Cabaret and Curator Dinner at The National Gallery of Australia Robyn Archer, Michael Morley (Piano), George Butrumlis (Accordian) Tommy Bradson. The Men My Mother Loved. Adelaide Festival Centre's Adelaide Cabaret Festival Christopher Green (as TINA C). TINA C: Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word. A Malthouse Theatre, Christopher Green, Julia Holt & Melbourne International Comedy Festival Presentation Mark Nadler. I'm a Stranger Here Myself. Adelaide Festival Centre's Adelaide Cabaret Festival

BEST PRESENTATION FOR CHILDREN Cautionary Tales for Children based on the verse by Hilaire Belloc. Arena Theatre Company The Yard. CAPTIVATE and Shaun Parker & Company How High the Sky. Polyglot Theatre School Dance. Windmill Theatre

BEST VISUAL OR PHYSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION Concrete & Bones Sessions.

Branch Nebula, Performing Lines & Sydney Festival It's Dark Outside by Tim Watts, Arielle Gray & Chris Isaacs. Perth Theatre Company Murder. Erth Visual & Physical Inc, Produced by Intimate Spectacle, Presented by Adelaide Festival, Sydney Festival & Ten Days on the Island S. Circa

BEST MALE DANCER IN A DANCE OR PHYSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION James O'Hara. Faun - In the Spirit of Diaghilev. STRUT Dance & Eastman (Belgium) Daniel Gaudiello. Don Quixote.

The Australian Ballet Alisdair Macindoe. Dual. Arts House & Stephanie Lake Alisdair Macindoe. Keep Everything Chunky Move

BEST FEMALE DANCER IN A DANCE OR PHYSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION Deborah Brown. TERRAIN. Bangarra Dance Theatre Victoria Hunt. Copper Promises.

Performance Space Lauren Langlois. Keep Everything. Chunky Move Amber Scott. Swan Lake (Baynes). The Australian Ballet

BEST MALE PERFORMER IN AN OPERA Giorgio Caoduro. Lucia Di Lammermoor. Opera Australia Dmytro Popov. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - Carmen. Opera Australia Byron Watson. Midnight Son. Victorian Opera John Wegner. Salome. Opera Australia

BEST FEMALE PERFORMER IN AN OPERA Cheryl Barker. Salome. Opera Australia

Continued from Page 5

Tamar Iveri. Un Ballo in Maschera.

Opera Australia Sarah MacLiver. L'Orfeo.

Brisbane Festival & Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Emma Matthews. Lucia Di Lammermoor. Opera Australia

BEST MALE ACTOR IN A MUSICAL David Harris. Legally Blonde The Musical. Howard Panter for The Ambassador Theatre Group & John Frost for Gordon Frost Organisation Geoffrey Rush. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

John Frost Wayne Scott Kermond. The Producers. The Production Company John Waters. The Addams Family. Rodney Rigby together with Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt & Five Cent Productions by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical

BEST FEMALE ACTOR IN A MUSICAL Chloe Dallimore. The Addams Family. Rodney Rigby together with Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt & Five Cent Productions by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical Lucy Durack. Legally Blonde The Musical. Howard Panter for The Ambassador Theatre Group & John Frost for Gordon Frost Organisation Esther Hannaford. King Kong.

Global Creatures Silvie Paladino. Chess. The Production Company

BEST MALE ACTOR IN A PLAY John Bell. Henry 4. Bell Shakespeare Nathaniel Dean. The Secret River Sydney Theatre Company in association with The Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, Sydney Festival, The Centenary of Canberra, Perth International Arts Festival Colin Friels. Death of a Salesman Belvoir Colin Moody. Forget Me Not. Belvoir

BEST FEMALE ACTOR IN A PLAY Alison Bell. Constellations.

Melbourne People: Bill Armstrong’s 84th Birthday

● Bill Armstrong cuts the birthday cake

● Ron Tudor with Bill Armstrong

Melbourne Theatre Company Alison Bell. Hedda Gabler. State Theatre Company of South Australia Christen O'Leary. End of the Rainbow. Queensland Performing Arts Centre & Queensland Theatre Company Helen Thomson. Mrs Warren's Profession. Sydney Theatre Company

BEST BALLET OR DANCE WORK Black Project 1 & 2. Arts House & Antony Hamilton Projects Cacti. Sydney Dance Company Keep Everything. Chunky Move TERRAIN. Bangarra Dance Theatre

BEST OPERA Die Tote Stadt. Opera Australia L'isola Disabitata. Hobart Baroque & Royal Opera House Salome. Opera Australia Un Ballo in Maschera. Opera Australia

BEST PLAY Death of a Salesman. Belvoir Hedda Gabler. State Theatre Company of South Australia Medea. Belvoir in association with Australian Theatre For Young People The Secret River. Sydney Theatre Company in association with The Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, Sydney Festival, The Centenary of Canberra, Perth International Arts Festiva

BEST MUSICAL

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. John Frost Legally Blonde The Musical.

Howard Panter for The Ambassador Theatre Group & John Frost for Gordon Frost Organisation South Pacific. Opera Australia in association with John Frost The Addams Family. Rodney Rigby together with Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt & Five Cent Productions by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical - Ash Long Continued from Page 105

● Ern Rose with Bill Duff

● Nevill Sherburn with Helen Field

● Bill Armstrong with Philip Webster

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 125

Travel Extra Travel

WINTER WONDER: Winter Warmer 1 Bedroom from $150 per night Stay 7 Pay 6 2 Bedrooms from $180 per night in all 2 andAugust 3 bedroom apartments.

Valid between 15 - December 15, 2011

1, 2 or 3 BEDROOM SELF-CONTAINED APARTMENTS

Page 126 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Telstra Testimonials Send your contribution to editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer

● ‘Telstra testimonials’ is a weekly section of the Melbourne Observer, where we hold the national communications company to account.

Australians are sick and tired of breakdowns, and a poor service attitude.

Every week we send a copy of the Melbourne Observer to David Thodey, CEO of Telstra, Locked Bag 5639, Melbourne, Vic 3001. He and his staff are always welcome to comment on, and fix, the complaints

Wrong service ■ Jake Cashion is angry that Telstra signed him to a service he did not want: “Why doesn't Telstra suffer penalties as other industries do?

“Once again suffered the worst possible service from Telstra.

“Connected a service five days ago and I have been waiting for the connection to work.

“Made three phone calls over a period spread out over five days, all to be told I have to wait, then wait some more and then wait again.

“Get told I am doing all their soft and hard resets incorrectly (even after I wasted my time going into the Telstra shop and a ‘tech’ consultant performed the resets).

“All to find out after three phone calls Telstra have have signed me up for the wrong service and I must once again go into the shop.. Wasting my time to rectify an issue created by Telstra.

“They guarantee me I won’t be charged an exit fee for leaving the contract ... oh that’s nice of you Telstra: you wont charge me for leaving a contract I didn’t want, how nice of you!

“How about you reimburse me for the five hours+ of my time I have invested in trying to get resolution to your stuff up?

“And by the looks of the recent posts on this page I can clearly see I am not the only person suffering from your poor excuse for a business.

“Not really expecting a response. My expectations of your business aren't that high.”

■ Telstra employee Tim wants Jake to fill out a form: “Your frustration in this situation is absolutely understandable.

It certainly doesn't sound like you've received the kind of service that we aim to provide, but I'd love an opportunity to turn that around.

“I am happy to investigate the situation myself and see about getting you onto the plan/service you were after in the first place. If you're happy for me to do so please fill out this webform: http://www.telstra.com/ 24x7help and I'll get back to you within the next four business days.

“Alternatively, I know that your time is valuable to you ...”

Nothing new ■ Brandon Hammond complained: “And now for something completely different - super slow internet.

“Oh wait that is every other hour. I get confused sometimes between the constant lack of speed/service and the insane disrespect for paying customers to be provided almost unusable internet.”

■ Telstra employee Ashley replied: “I understand you are frustrated, but we can't really give you a different answer to your previous posts. What happened with the investigation that was completed about your speeds?”

Broken promise

‘Still waiting’

■ Sharon Bates contacted Telstra and said: “14 days and still waiting for my modem to be registered.

“Telstra are happy to take my money but what about providing me with the service I am paying for.”

■ Shannon of Telstra replied by saying Sharon should contact another branch of Telstra: “Hi Sharon, our tech support team can assist on 133933. They're available 24x7.”

Black hole?

■ Sandra H told Telstra: “You guys never called me back. I sat next to my phone all day waiting for customer service to return my call and they never did.

“Now I’m not going to use the term ‘angry’ to describe how I’m feeling about this whole situation but do know that I am pretty pissed off.”

■ Another customer Lynda Harvison said: “They never call back, they promise it a lot, but the phone never rings!”

■ Telstra employee Ashley replied: “It is disappointing to hear that we didn't keep our promise to call you back. I'd definitely be angry if I was in your shoes. What were you being called back about?”

Two months without ‘Net ■ Alvaro Jordan says: “I’m writing here because I am extremely disappointed and frustrated: two months without internet.

“Bills keep coming up and charging me for overdue payments that I should not pay in the first place since I have no service ($283.39) .

“I have done 15 to 20 calls. At the moment I have been on hold for 30 minutes so far.

“They keep sending technicians at the wrong dates, and the dates that they want me to be home to wait for the technician, they never come ... their excuse ... they were too busy.

“So I had to not go to work to wait for these technicians twice (both of the times they never came).

“Called Technical Service and told me to get an Internet USB stick with 4gigs of data and that they will refund the money.”

Double dip ■ Tanya Cluderay complains: “ Not impressed Telstra! Nearly six weeks after moving house, and paying my connection fee of $59 to move my account to my new address, you have hit me with another $59 fee to 'self connect' my Bigpond.

“At no time was I informed it was $59 per service, rather than per account.

“Had I been informed I would have cancelled my service rather than transferred.

“I barely even use my home phone and would not have paid $118 to move it to my new home.

“Shame Telstra! You have lost a customer through your ridiculously high fees!”

■ Telstra employee Shannon suggested Tanya contact their Live Chat team for an investigation.

■ Carol Watkins said: “OK it’s Wednesday, four days since my last post on here.

“Telstra, are you listening?

“Phones are still not working properly. People try to ring it says "invalid number", they can't even leave a message.

“Not happy!

“Are we living in a black hole or what?”

Buck passed

Backlog of complaints

■ Telstra customer Gabrielle Englebrecht has been getting the ‘run-around”. She writes: “Really disappointed with the service I have received from Telstra these past two days.

“Called two days ago regarding slow internet, and after an hour of being transferred through various departments, an arrogant representative telling me to hurry up while I was trying to get the sim out of the WIFI device.

“He made this comment after about five seconds. (I was) to be finally told after all that time that it was because I reached my data limit.

“Should that not be the first thing your team should check when someone calls about slow internet rather than have them on the phone for an hour?

“So after agreeing to pay more every month and up my data allowance, I was told that my internet should be faster within 2-4 hours. 24 hours later nothing had changed and I called again and was told simply to keep waiting.

“We are now at 48 hours later and there is still no change. I run a small business and between the slow internet and the time spent on call waiting and talking to incompetent representatives it has taken up a lot of unnecessary time.

“I don't wish to call again and spend more time on call waiting, being transferred to various departments and still not get anywhere so can you please fix this issue for me asap before losing yet another unsatisfied customer?”

■ Telstra representative Shannon told Gabrielle to contact another branch: “Hi Gabrielle, That's disappointing to hear. Have a chat to us online via https://livechat. telstra.com/TCOM:Facebook: Consumer and we can investigate what is happening with order and when it should be complete. They're available 24x7.”

■ Telstra customer Jason Gibson has been told he is welcome to lodge his complaint, but that there are so many being processed, it will take 3-5 business days to see any action.

■ Jason wrote: “Free installation, free modem is what I was promised but only if I get phone Internet and tbox.

“That's a great deal I thought, so I took it - nothing but lies.

“They sent me a bill for everything , when I call up. I get put on hold for 35mins and then they say I’ll call you back in a hour - not a single returned call! I'm battling still!

“Three months of incompetence and the staff do not put notes on their system as promised. They call me love, darling , matey - it's disgusting.

“I have never been so dissatisfied as a person customer and Australian.”

■ Telstra employee Ashley replied: “Hi Jason, That is not good at all. If you can send your details through here: http://www. telstra.com/24x7help I'll investigate this for you.

“It may take 3-5 business days for me to get back to you due to our workload at the moment.”

These are all real stories. Customer ‘feedback’ sourced from Telstra’s 24/7 page on Facebook

Smiley response

● ‘Gordo Traveller’ ■ When ‘Gordo Traveller’ posted a complaint at the Telstra 24x7 page on Facebook, he received a happy reply from Lindy ... completed with ‘smiley face’.

Gordo: “Telstra. Bigpond.

Wireless internet. All different ways to spell BLOODY HOPELESS in Telstra speak. You are an abject joke. I hate you. You suck. Your service is terrible. I hope you go the way of the dinosaurs. 3G? Let us try 1G. See if you can get this right, then progress to 2. FFS Telstra, you are a national disgrace!”

Telstra employee Lindy: “I'm pleased to see that your Wednesday has gone well and you are still smiling. Meanwhile, you appear to have a few issues with your 3G service?

“Our Technical Support team on 133933 should be able to give you a hand with that, or you can also chat with them online via http://tel.st/ eAUIk if you prefer.

“Both methods of contact are available for your convenience 24 hours per day.”

Frustrated: 3-day outage ■ Mark Jesse writes: “ I am writing this post as I'm extremely frustrated and disappointed.

“I live in Doreen, Victoria and have been without Internet for THREE days due to a server outage.

“I work from home and without the Internet, well makes life difficult.

“Also how are my kids expected to to there homework etc?

“Not onlydoes having no Internet cause a problem but also causes dramas with our phones connected to the WIFI. “Hopefully we will re reimbursed for such interruptions? “ And also the failure to notify Telstra customers within this area of such a interruption.

“Thinking of changing service providers. I'd expect this from Optus but not Telstra.”

Got a complaint about Telstra? E-mail to editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au or mail to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - Page 127

Page 128 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au