Melbourne Observer. 130227A. February 27, 2013. Part A. Pages 1-16

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■ Denise Scott and Judith Lucy star in The Spiral, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, launched this week. Two of Melbourne’s funniest women will join forces at the Princess Theatre for an evening of short stories, tall tales and jokes at each other’s expense. More details inside this week’s Observer.

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City Desk

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The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Polo in the Yarra Valley Vicky visits

● Polo at Flowerfield ● Vicky Pattison ■ Stars of the MTV show Geordie Shore will hit Melbourne on Friday (Mar. 1) for a promotional tour.

Original cast member Vicky and the show’s newest stud Scott land in Australia this week.

■ Australian and international players will gather to battle it out for the prestigious Flowerfield and Coldstream Cups at the Flowerfield polo ground in Coldstream from 10.30am on Sunday, March 17.

This year's tournament will be highly competitive, with Yarra Valley Polo Club entering a record number of teams to play in front of a home crowd.

There will be pony rides for the children as well as Yarra Valley wine, cider and regional produce available. Phone: 0428 882 333

Under The Clocks 4 events for Surrey Music Café

EUROBEAT TIME

Year’s launch

● Jeanne Pratt ■ The Production Company is due to launch its 2013 program of shows at the ‘Raheen’, Kew residence of Chairman Jeanne Pratt on Tuesday, March 19.

Christie signs ■ Melbourne actress Christie Whelan-Browne has signed to play Elizabeth Hurley in the newly revived Shane Warne: The Musical this year.

Sydney’s Daily Telegraph quotes Christie: “I am thrilled to be playing the first brunette of my career," she said. "I love the show, I love (show creator) Eddie Perfect, I love Liz. I am in heaven."

● Meet the cast of Eurobeat: Almost Eurovision, being presented at the Fab Factory, 33 Industry Pl Bayswater on March 8, 9, 11, 14, 15,16, 20, 21, 22 23 at 8pm. From left are Ang Cuy, Tony Burge, Zachary Alaimo, Andrew Amos, Gemma Considine, Lauren Cox, Janette Diab, Sheona Gregg, Thomas Kitt-Thompson, Robbie Medica, Colin Morley, Shannon Pendrey and Sarah Somers.

Photo: Karl McNamara ■ Presented by Fab Nobs Theatre, Eurobeat: Almost Eurovision is an original adaptation of the infamous Eurovision song contest. Patt Ryan is director/ choreographer. musical and vocal direction is by Vicki Quinn and Kendrie Coonan is specialist choreographer. Bookings: 0401 018 846. www.fabnobstheatre.com.au Kristy Matheson is curating First Look at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. It includes new films and restored classics. Casa De Mi Padre, commencing Friday (Mar. 1), until Monday (Mar. 4).

The Acland St Cantina at St Kilda will launched last night (Tues.), with beer provided by Corona, and requila and mezcal by Mr Mexico.

Henri Szeps will perform in It’s My Party (And I’ll Die If I Want To) at the Clocktower Theatre, Moonee Ponds, on Fri.-Sat, Mar. 8-9.

★ ★ ★

Melbourne Moments JC Superstar

At Point Park

■ Music producer Michael Gudinski is bringing back Jesus Christ Superstar to Melbourne.

The production will feature Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot, along with former Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm as Mary Magdelene.

Jesus will be played by Ben Forster, who scored the role for the UK arena tour after winning the ITV reality program Superstar.

Jon Stevens will be Pontius Pilate, Andrew O’Keefe will play Herod.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has selecting stars for his musicals through reality TV series.

■ Some of Melbourne’s finest school jazz bands will join forces with local producers and restaurants from Yarra’s Edge and the South Melbourne Market to create a unique food and wine event.

The Point Park Picnic and Jazz event is being held this weekend (Sat.Sun. Mar. 2-3) in Point Park, Yarra’s Edge.

Visitors can travel to the event via the Yarra Loop ferry service which will depart the World Trade Centre Wharf every 30 minutes between 10am and 6pm.

● Jon Stevens

● Jeffrey Woolhouse of Surrey Music Cafe ■ It is the 13th year for the Surrey Music Café, and founder Jeffrey Woolhouse advises that there will only be four events presented this year on the last Friday in May, July, September and November.

As always, the performers will be professional and provide excellent entertainment.

Visit www.surreymusic.com for updates regarding artists.

Jeffrey’s son, Jeremy Woolhouse, is a regular performer at the Surrey Music Café and is launching his new CD, The Persistence Of Dreaming, featuring solo piano of his own compositions. Tracks from Jeremy’s new CD were featured recently on ABC Classic Drive ‘On the Verandah’ The three recital dates, each with a Grand Piano, are: ■ Friday, March 15 at 8pm at Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Rd, Eltham.

Tickets: $25/$20. Bookings: 9439 7712.

■ Friday, March 22 at 8pm at the Baker Street Studios, 2A Florence St, Burwood. Tickets: $45 (includes drinks and refreshments) Bookings: 8683 9910.

■ Sunday, March 24 at 2.00pm at Richmond Uniting Church, (Cnr Waltham Pl), Richmond. Tickets: $16/$12 ($45 family ticket).

For further details: www.jazzpiano.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Walking Dead ■ A session examining the Walking Dead will be held at 7pm tomorrow (Thurs.) at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

Critic Jess McGuire will host a panel including comedian Paul Verhoeven, writer Luke Ryan and Melbourne University's Angela Ndalianis.

Look Of Love ■ Entertainer Jackie Love takes a trip down memory lane, singing hit songs from Doris Day, Petula Clarke, and Édith Piaf, in The Look of Love, at the Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, at 11am on Tuesday, March 12.

The session ncludes free morning tea.. Bookings: 9243 9191 or www.clocktowercentre.com.au Tickets: $20.

What’s On In Melbourne

Murdoch will perform at a joint birthday party for Frank Howson ★Ken and Terry Davis at Marquee, Toorak, on Friday (Mar. 1).

VANA - the Victorian Newsagents’Association - will conduct its an★ nual awards night at The Plaza Ballroom on Saturday, April 20. A VANA and Industry Partners Golf Day will be staged at Keysborough Golf Club on Thursday, April 11.

A marketing workshop for Melbourne members of the Australian Commercial and Media Photographers was held on Monday (Feb. 25) by Christina Force at Studio Western Glow, West Melbourne.

The Incinerator Gallery, 180 Homes Rd, Moonee Ponds, is hosting an exhibition of works by Liz Lacey and others, until March 10.

★ ★

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

ROBERT GRUBB’S BRILLIANT CAREER

■ Since graduating from NIDA in 1978, Robert Grubb has had an amazing career in theatre, film, television and has even narrated two children's books.

Robert has appeared in films such as My Brilliant Career, for which he was nominated for an AFI Award for Best Supporting Actor, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Phar Lap and Peter Weir's Gallipoli.

Robert still receives fan mail from Holland and Sweden for his role as Dr Geoff Standish in the popular Australian TV series The Flying Doctors and has made several television appearances is shows such as McLeods Daughters, All Saints, The Secret Life Of Us and Sea Change.

Robert has worked with most of the major Australian theatre companies and after commenting to his agent that “I haven't done much singing”, he went onto land major roles in musical productions; including My Fair Lady, Mame, Sunset Boulevard and Ken Hill's The Phantom Of The Opera (to name a few).

In 2004 he won the distinguished Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in We Will Rock You that toured Australia and Japan.

Direct from the UK's Prime Minster Jim Hacker's office located on stage at the Sydney Opera House on the set of Yes, Prime Minister, I quickly discovered how humble Rob-

Parliamentary Porch Thoughts ert is when discussing what he describes as a “fortunate and blessed” career that spans over three decades in the showbiz industry.

What sparked your interest in acting?

When I was 19 I started singing in a small rock n' roll band in Hobart.

During that time I discovered international movies from Spain, Italy and France at an art movie house and realised there was a whole world out there. I thought I would like to give this acting business a go - so I applied for NIDA. What was one technique you learnt at NIDA that helped you through your first professional auditions?

“Do it first and ask questions later!” I learnt very early on that a director wants to see if he can work with you and will ask you do weird and stupid things during an audition.

By doing that, it shows you are prepared and prepared to try anything.

It's a willingness to be creative.

You have received hundreds of scripts over your career, what appeals to you these days that makes you want to play a certain role?

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Julie Patterson Owner, 'The Middle' Korumburra Hotel As a family we moved from Melbourne to Korumburra three years ago to run 'The Middle' Korumburra Hotel. We run a family friendly hotel with great country hospitality. On your travels down the South Gippsland Highway on the way to Prom country stop in, meet our friendly staff and locals, taste our beautiful food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on the deck or by the fire. Just drop in you might even end up getting stuck in 'The Middle'.

I love to play a really good character with a bit of craziness or somewhere that I can squeeze in some comedy. I enjoy playing characters that are gnarly or have a quirk.

Over the past decade you have a played some great roles in musicals receiving nominations and winning awards. What do you enjoy about musicals?

It's fantastic walking out on stage with a big band or when a huge orchestra starts playing like in Sunset Boulevard.

I played Doolittle with the Australian Opera with a great orchestra. It's a brilliant feeling making people laugh and being able to hear them laugh. I love being on stage.

There is a bit of a buzz around Melbourne about a young group of film-makers who are turning heads in the showbiz industry with a project that you are involved in.

What are they producing and how did you become involved?

These guys are going places.

Their production company is called Dark Heart Productions and they are actually my son's mates who he went to school with.

They have slowly been making notoriety and they have gone off the road to produce the first ever crowd funded television series in the world - The Weatherman.

I initially helped with a bit of mentoring offering thoughts and ideas on their concept. They write really funny stuff. They asked me to play lead role and I agreed to help them out.

What advice did you offer?

I helped them understand about what it takes to make a TV series in terms of producing the same quality week after week; and how it's a trial achieving that.

I put a bit of pressure on them and they responded extremely well.

The pilot episode was shown at the New York TV Festival and you can watch it online at www. theweatherman.tv. These guys will make you laugh.

Do you see yourself mentoring or perhaps teaching drama in a formal capacity?

I am reaching the age where I

● Robert Grubb with Mark Owen-Taylor in Yes, Prime Minister would like to pass on a bit of my it off. We have a talented cast who knowledge. I have never thought se- can handle the comedy really well. riously about it, but I believe I could What are your impressions of mentor young actors with things I've the set and do you feel like you're learnt along the way. standing in the PM's office?

You're playing the role of CabiIt's a comfy little inner sanctum net Secretary Sir Humphrey of a Prime Minister's office where Appleby in the stage production of decisions are made that affect the Yes, Prime Minister, how is the play country. It has a warm feeling and being received in Sydney and are it's a really great space to move younger generations coming to see around on and opens beautifully to the audience. it?

If you could be a fly on the wall It's going really well but I think a lot of the audience have watched the in any Australian Prime Minister's office, past or present, whose would show on TV and enjoyed it.

There were some young people it be?

It would have been great to be a in the other night and I told them I thought they were too young to be fly on the wall during the Hawke and Keating era because they were such watching the show.

They said they watch the series colourful characters and there would on the internet and they found it funny have been a lot of fantastic sayings which made them interested to see flying around the office.

What is your Porch Thought of the stage show.

What are your thoughts on The Day? Bite off more than you can chew, Jonathan Lynn's and Antony Jay's and chew like buggery. That will wordsmith skills?

I think it's wonderful to have the create a very interesting time for original writers writing about the yourself. same problems that have been going ■ Yes, Prime Minister is presented byAndrew Guild, Simon Bryce and on for ages.

The play is so wittingly written. Tim Woods at the Playhouse TheThey are very smart. They know their atre, Arts Centre Melbourne from business, know how to handle the March 6-10. www.yesprimeminister.com.au language and they know how to set - Mark Richardson up a joke and they know how to pull

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People Melbourne

● Victorian school children have been in Sydney this week at the First Lego League National Championship. Teams wer from Balwyn, Armdale, I C Robotocs and Glen Waverley.

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Peter visits Golden Days Radio

Fax: 1-800 231 312

● Theatre Flashback

● Peter Thomas is puctured with Alex Hehr at Golden Days Radio. spent his working life in radio and TV starting at 2AY Albury then 3NE Wangaratta, 3AW, Fox FM, BCV8 Bendigo and then the Ten Network.

On the AIR

●● Lesley LesleyYeomans Yeomans

■ Melbourne-based AIR News, which syndicates bulletins to stations around Australia, has appointed to the breakfast news role commencing Monday (Mar. 4).

Lesley has worked in newsroom roles in Sydney and Brisbane before settling in Melbourne firstly at Triple M, then 3AW and more recently Radio Sport National, where she stayed for almost 12 years.

In the past few years, she has worked for Fox News Radio in New York as their Australian correspondent.

AIR News managing director Artie Stevens is delighted that Lesley will head the early morning national news service.

Paul Costa performs at Bendigo ■ Aussie country music star Paul Costa is set to make his long-awaited return visit to Bendigo – kicking off his national tour and celebrating his barnstorming new single, Big End Of Town.

Paul will present a special, intimate acoustic show tailormade for his Bendigo audience at Kangaroo Flat Sports Club on Friday, March 22.

The last time Paul and his band played in Bendigo the show sold out, and he still rates it as one of the most enjoyable gigs he’s ever done.

“Bendigo is always a special place to perform for me,” he says.

“I’ve enjoyed lots of support and made some great friends there. They are always a crowd which likes to join in and have fun as part of the show.”

● Paul Costa will appear on March 22

Picnic with Cole Porter

■ Fifty years ago a very young girl was in the Noel Coward musical production of Sail Away at Her Majesty's Theatre.

In those days the children performing in shows were not allowed to attend after show parties so the famous Noel Coward made it his business to go backstage at interval and meet the children in the cast.

Although Wendy Stapleton was too young to appreciate that she was being introduced to one of the showbusiness legends of the 20th century she still recalls the encounter.

Wendy has been a survivor in the business during her career which began with Wendy And The Rocketts and over the years she has worked not only as a singer but also an actress.

Wendy currently hosts Wrokdown on Channel 31.

Wendy Stapleton joins a talented cast in A Picnic With Cole Porter which is currently playing at Rippon Lea House in Elsternwick until March 7. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

- Kevin Trask ● Mark Jones, Wendy Stapleton, Andrew Dunne, Sally Bourne and Alex Rathgeber.

■ Federal Defence Minister Stephen Smith yesterday (Tues.) delivered a ministerial speech at the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition, being held at Avalon. The show was opened by Gordon Rich-Phillips, MLA.

Bradley’s static signal ■ Bradley Pye is the presenter of the program Static on 3WBC 94.1FM. He enjoyed acting at a young age. He loved to impersonate characters from cartoons, TV shows, movies, CDs and audio tapes.

“If I listen to them often enough, I could recite scenes and even comedy routines,” Bradley recalls. “Drama at school was something I enjoyed with a passion, especially if there was a chance to perform in front of my classmates.”

Bradley loved drama so much that he joined a junior drama weekend club at Box Hill on the weekends then, when he got older, he joined a senior drama club.

Then he became involved with radio, first with Northwest FM from 2000 to 2004 where he co-hosted the Just Now program.

Bradley then moved to 3WBC 94.1FM, initially as a co-presenter with the program The Vibe, then with his current program Static.

“I try to make the show fun and interesting to listen to, not just from myself, but through the music that is played.

“I have a radio voice....and I want to put it to good use, and who knows? Maybe voice acting in the future as well, if anyone notices me. You never know.” ● Bradley Pye on air at 3WBC 94.1FM

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Observer

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Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

LORD MAYOR KICKS OFF Observer MELB. COMEDY FESTIVAL In This 88-Page Edition

City Desk: It’s Eurobeat Time ................ Page 3 Mark Richardson: Porch Thoughts .......... Page 4 Melbourne People: In The Picture .......... Page 6 Di Rolle: Santana to tour Deniliquin ...... Page 10 News: Les Miserables back in 2014 ...... Page 11 Long Shots: Trip back in time ............. Page 12 Melb. Confidential: Gossip is priceless ... Page 13 Yvonne Lawrence: Jiminy Cricket ......... Page 14 Pictorial: ‘Souvenir’ opening night ........ Page 15 Outback Legend: Snakes alive! ............ Page 16 Observer Readers’ Club: Birthdays ........ Page 23 ‘Souvenir’ review Radio Confidential Country music Local theatre

Merry Wives of Windsor

Observer Showbiz

● Andrew Gemmell (Ford) and Ian Tweeddale (Falstaff) in a modern-day version of The Merry Wives Of Windsor, being presented in Strathmore until March 3.

Photo: Levon Baird ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group than situation comedy. “We are taking this (STAG) presents William Shakespeare’s The approach with our production, even though it Merry Wives Of Windsor until March 2 at is set in the present,” he says.

8pm and on March 3 at 2pm at the Strathmore “We hope to present a real life sitcom on Community Centre, Cnr Loeman and Napier the STAG stage, and to satirise middle class Strs, Strathmore.

Australian life.” Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: Director Drew Mason says he loves the 9382 6284. www.stagtheatre.org/reservations fact that this play is, essentially, an Elizabe- Cheryl Threadgold

CROWN ORDERED TO PAY

■ Crown Melbourne has been ordered to pay $591,772 to a company over loss of profit claims from an alleged breach of contract.

Cosmopolitan Hotel (Vic) Pty Ltd told the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that the breach of contract was after a failure to give a notice of renewal of lease of a restaurant at the casino complex.

VCAT Senior Member Alan Vassie delivered the payout decision this month following the lengthy case.

Cosmopolitan Hotel said it had a five-year lease, with the option to renew for another five years. The renewal option was declined by Crown.

Another restaurant operator, Fish and Company (Vic) Pty Ltd, won a payout totalling $1,447,030 from Crown.

In the original proceedings, the restaurant also made claims against David Boesley, John Williams, Lloyd Williams and Nick Williams.

A nine-day hearing was held in November 2011.

● Lord Mayor Cr Robert Doyle ■ Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle launched the 27th Melbourne International Comedy Festival on Thursday at the Spiegeltent, Arts Centre.

Compered by Hannah Gadsby, the 2013 Festival Program was officially unveiled.

More than half a million comedy lovers are expected to descend on Melbourne city and its surrounds between March 27 and April 21 for the comedy more than 1000 performers at 477 events across 120 venues, totalling 5860 performances.

Melbourne Comedy Festival Director Susan Provan said, “We may be in the longest election campaign ever but we have the largest Melbourne Comedy Festival ever, offering distractions, diversions and opinions on everything.

“Our 2013 program is filled with treats and I urge every person who already loves comedy or who thinks that they could, to investigate it thoroughly.”

Home-grown talent will take to the stages of the Festival, among them Tom Gleeson, Rod Quantock, Sean Choolburra, Denise Scott, Judith Lucy, Asher Treleavan, Josh Thomas, Wil Anderson, Kitty Flanagan and more.

Comedy royalty and Festival guests from the greater globe include Ruby Wax, Loretta Maine, The Rubberbandits, Rich Fulcher, Mike Birbiglia, Jack Dee, Pajama Men, Nina Conti and many more.

Other special events include Upfront, Comedy Club For Kids, Raw Comedy, Class Clowns National Grand Final and new in 2013, Australia, You’re Standing In It!, Web Comedy: The New Joke? and Red Hot Shorts.

Tickets on sale now. Visit comedyfestival.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Policeman suspended ■ A Policeman has been suspended on full pay after the seizure of a car at Colac. A detective from the Professional Standards watchdog appeared in Geelong Magistrates' Court seeking possession of the seized car, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

Pair at Ballarat Court ■ Irko Abdala, 27, and Kim Janes, 36, have appeared in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court, charged with armed robbery, theft and possessing proceeds of crime. The case is due to resume on May 23.

Query over Libs cash ■ A donation of more than $600,000 to the Liberal Party last financial year by Mildura Base Hospital’s operator - Ramsay Helath Care - and parent company Paul Ramsay Holdings - has sparked questions by a local lobby group, reports the Sunraysia Daily.

$18 million deficiency ■ Creditors are not confident they will recover any of the $18 million owed after Macallster Constructions was put into liquidation, reports the Latrobe Valley Express.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday. Chance of storm. Max. 29. (13) Thursday. Chance of rain. Max: 21. (15).

Friday. Chance of rain. Max. 26. (11) Saturday. Mostly cloudy, Max. 26. (12).

Sunday. Partly cloudy. Max. 30 (15) Monday. Fine. Max. 26 (16) Tuesday. Partly cloudy. Max. 22 (16)

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 THINGS THAT ARE UNLIKELY TO HAPPEN IN OUR LIFE-TIME 5. Toorak to become a safe ALP seat.

4. The Melbourne Club to allow members to wear thongs.

3. Maria Venuti to fit into Kylie Minogue's T-shirt.

2. Anyone to define the word ‘Tanking’.

1. The ‘Blade Runner’ to open the bowling for South Africa.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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To

Di Bring on the laughs ■ Melbourne in the heat is really something else, I actually don’t mind it, but when it’s windy and blowy and there is no escape it really is a worry.

However the evenings have been wonderful and do love that everyone goes out at night.

The streets are full of people eating and drinking, and having a good time taking in the nightlife of what Melbourne has to offer.

And there are going to be more people and more nightlife as the comedians from all over the world, particularly the UK, start to spill into our town!

Not to mention the racing car drivers, rock stars that are coming for festivals.

The American comedians who seem to land can he heard all over the town.

It really is a wonderful time of the year we are about to embrace. Bring it on I say!

Be warned, it’s edgy ■ Margaret Cho is an American comedian who I adore. If I had a spare room I would have her stay!

Last in Australia in 2011 with sold-out shows at the inaugural Just For Laughs At Sydney Opera House Festival, the undisputed queen of transgressive humour and not-sosubtle subversion, Margaret Cho, is returning to Australia with an all new stand up show, Mother.

“You’ll double over with laughter” said the San Diego Examiner.

Mother offers up an untraditional look at motherhood and how we feel at maternal figures and strong women in queer culture.

It’s probably her edgiest show to date. Oh she is edgy, be warned. Her show filled with riotous observations on race, drugs, sexuality – gay-straight-everything in between, celebrity, culture, politics – nothing is sacred – least of all this Mother was the winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Female Comedian in 1994.

I watch her whenever I can – she is often on the tele. She is winner of Outstanding Performance Comedy 2007 in AZN’s Asian Excellence Awards and support act many times for Jerry Seinfeld. N othing is off limits for this intelligently hilarious Korean-American.

From gay bars to politics and everything in between, I am looking forward to seeing this cultural icon of our times.

I remember being quite shocked when I first saw her on television some years ago.

Her pacey delivery and super-human facial contortions will ensure you will be contorting in your seats next to me!

I highly recommend her.

I consider myself a die-hard fan of Margaret Cho and Mother is vintage Cho, on at The Capitol Theatre (she is sure to pop up as a guest on The Project) Book at Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 www.comedyfestival.com.au Margaret Cho appears April 16-21. For more info about her: www.margaretcho.com

I love my job!

For SANTANA TO PERFORM

■ One of the best things about my job is the amount of celebrities that I get to work with either directly or indirectly.

Carlos Santana is one of those.

Carlos is coming to Australia to perform at The Inaugural Deni Blues and Roots Festival 2013 in Deniliquin where I am going to sleep under the stars in a tent!

I was setting up interviews for Carlos.

One of the journalists talking to him was the fabulous Paul Cashmere, often seen on The Project to make a musical comment.

He is a super uber expert about music and popular culture.

Carlos Santana confirmed to Paul that he is putting the original Santana band back together for his next album.

He told Paul in an interview for Noise 11.com that Santana is putting the line-up from the first three albums back together for this next record.

“So far we have in-

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Sapphira with the girls (see below, at right)

● Carlos Santana Photo: Erik Kabik Journey’s Neal particularly Santana vited the original members like Gregg Schon broke the news fans.

Carlos Santana Rolie from the first of the reunion to Noise three albums,” he told 11 earlier and Santana went on, “As well as confirmed that he has Neals we have the two Noise 11.

“It will be like just about everyone on Mikes: Mike CaraSantana IV because board for this project. bello and Michael This is huge news Shreve. we stopped at Santana “I am pretty sure for music fans and III.”

Greg’s going to do it, so that is pretty much everyone,” he said.

Bass player David Brown died in 2000.

According to Santana, the album will have the African feel of the first three Santana records.

The band will start work on the album after Santana finishes a big year of touring in which he will head to Deniliquin in NSW next month for the inaugural Deni Blues and Roots Festival.

He said in the interview of the new album: “Expect it in 2014”.

The Deni Blues and Roots Festival will take place over the Easter long weekend.

The festival also fea tures Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Cliff, Jason Mraz, Steve Miller Band, Zac Brown Band, Status Quo, Newton Faulkner and Tony Joe White.

Visit deniblues festival.com

Thanks to Sir Richard Branson ■ I have to hand it to Sir Richard Branson.

No sooner had he received the Valentine’s Day YouTube video from Burlesque performer Sapphira than he wrote back, sent his love, thanked her for the video and generously offered the five girls 10 per cent of airfares with Virgin to the UK! Fantastic!

That is what is makes him so special.

Thank you Richard.

Laughs galore at the Comedy Festival ■ The New York Times says of Margaret Cho: “She is one of the funniest comedians in America!”

She will liven up the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2013.

She was discov-

● Margaret Cho

ered pretty much by Bob Hope when he put her on a prime time special and seemingly overnight,

Photo: Austin Young

Margaret Cho became a national celebrity.

Grumpy Old Men is one of my favourite television programs and a regular on the programme is a very funny man from the UK, Jack Dee, I agree with the Evening Standard with what they say about Jack Dee: “he turns grumpiness into an art form” He is often seen on QI as well.

I love that we get to see these fabulous comedians each year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Jack Dee is an English stand-up comedian, actor and writer known for his sarcastic, witty and deadpan humour.

He is well known in the UK for writing and starring in the sitcom Lead Balloon, for being a team captain on Shooting Stars and seen on a lot of British chat shows.

He has been seen here on The Graham Norton Show and Jonathon Ross Show.

After a six year absence from stand-up, Jack Dee is back, agon-ising over the slightest of annoyances and misdemeanours.

When asked by he is touring again?

He answered “I want to spend less time with my family”!

Apart from his deadpan delivery and solemn face, Dee employed no gimmicks, but simply stood at the microphone and delivered a cleverly written stream of patter, most of it created from his apparent anger at certain aspects of society An Evening With Jack Dee – Melbourne Town Hall – April 1820.

Book at Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 comedyfestival.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - Page 11

Showbiz News

Media Flash WAITLIST FOR LES MIS TICKETS People A wish comes true

● Matthew ■ A visually impaired teenager from Melbourne, Matthew, 19, had his ultimate wish to conduct the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra come true tomorrow at last weekend’s launch of the free Sidney Myer Music Bowl series of concerts at the Botanical Gardens.

The teenager is completely consumed with a passion for classical music, yet simultaneously battles cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

His most treasured memories are of his experiences at performances of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

On one evening, a kind staff member allowed Matthew up on stage to see and feel some of the instruments which he was unable to see from the audience due to his deteriorating vision.

There has been no greater passion in his wife than classical music.

Matthew’s wish coming true was coordinated by the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

■ A priority waitlist has already been established for tickets for Les Misérables when it returns to Melbourne in 2014.

Tickets will go on sale in October.

Sir Cameron Mackintosh has announced that the show will be staged in June next year at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

New staging and reimagined scenery has been designed by Matt Kinley, inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. ● Sir Cameron The new record breakMacintosh ing production will be directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell.

The 25th anniversary production is going to Broadway and Melbourne , as well as playing in Canada, Korea, Japan, Spain and continuing its record-breaking run on tour in the United States.

Mackintosh first staged the musical in Australia 1987. A 10th anniversary show was also produced.

The score of includes the classic songs I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear The People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs At Empty Tables, and Master Of The House.

Dancing in Vietnam

Inside news from TV, radio, press and online

Cosgrove takes charge ■ Irish-born Peter Cosgrove, 58, has taken over as Chairman at APN Media, parent company of the Australian Radio Network which runs Gold 104.3 and Mix 101.1 in Melbourne.

The Australian reports that The Sydney Morning Herald's website confused him with the 65-year-old retired Australian general, replete with photo of the other Cosgrove in his Digger's hat.

A new CEO will be announced soon, following the resignation of Brett Chenoweth.

Changes at ‘The Age’

● Australia’s leading indigenous performing arts company Bangarra Dance Theatre will perform in Vietnam as part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between the countries.

WITCHES OF EASTWICK

● Meet some of the cast from Waterdale’s production of The Witches of Eastwick, playing at the Rivergum Theatre in Bundoora from March 1 – 9. From left is Melanie Xavier, Jessica Martin, Sarah Cuthbert, Kathleen Amarant (Sukie), Nadia Gianinotti (Jane), Jacqui Levitas (Alexandra), Luisa Tascone, Elise Moorhouse, Rebecca Muratore and Adriana Tascone.

Photo: James Terry Photography ■ Waterdale (SPX Waterdale Players Inc.) presents Rougemont and Jane Smart are divorcees feeling the sinfully delicious musical comedy The Witches Of trapped in their everyday, humdrum lives. One stormy Eastwick on March 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8pm and Sunday, night, high on Martinis and brownies, they make a crazy March 3 at 5pm at the Rivergum Theatre, Parade Col- wish - for a man to make their own. But their wish has lege, 1436 Plenty Rd, Bundoora. consequences they could never have dreamed ...

In the sleepy New England town of Eastwick, three Tickets: $24/$20.

Book online (not-so-wicked) witches Alexandra Spofford, Sukie www.waterdale.org.au/WOE

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Good morning Hong Kong

● Frank Howson ■ Melbourne theatrical producer Frank Howson has this week signed a contract to direct the new musical Good Morning Hong Kong.

He leaves Tullamarine on Tuesday (Mar. 5) for a few months of intense work.

● A dummy edition of the new tabloidsize The Age which starts Monday ■ After a century-and-a-half as a broadsheet, the weekday editions of The Age change to tabloid size from Monday.

Metro Editorial Director Garry Linnell says The Age sports section will move to the back of the newspaper and the font size will increase by 10 per cent to make the newspaper more readable.

Linnell explains why Fairfax is using the word ‘compact’ rather than ‘tabloid’.

“There is a reason we aren’t using the T-word because it has connotations in the Australian market of changing your tone and is reminiscent of those red-top tabloids in the UK.” Fairfax says its research suggests the new format provided a 22 per cent higher reader engagement with advertising and a 50 per cent increase in visual attention, according to trade website Mumbrella.

The Saturday Age will remain a broadsheet for the time being.

■ VANA - the Victorian Newsagents’Association reports that last Friday’s production of The Age was delayed by three hours for metro deliveries,

● Fairfax Media publicity photo for the new ‘compact’ editions of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald starting Monday

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Melbourne

Melbourne

Observer

Observer WALK BACK IN TIME

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

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

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

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

Recommended retail price: $2.95.

If your local newsagent does not currently stock the Melbourne Observer, you can place a weekly order with them.Use their ‘putaway’ service.

Newsagents contact: All Day Distribution Pty Ltd, 1st Floor, 600 Nicholson St, North Fitzroy, Vic. 3068.

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

Ash On Wednesday

■ Long Shots had a walk back in time at the weekend.

As a young teenager in the 1960s, an occasional Saturday morning ritual would be to accompany Dad (Jim Long) to the Radio Parts headquarters in West Melbourne.

Dad was an enthusiast for repairing early Astor 17-inch TV sets, so his Radio Parts shopping list would include valves, transistors and other parts.

I recall queues of people waiting to be served by Radio Parts men in grey coats.

It was the first time that I saw a system where you had to take a number to be served in turn.

Our Doors Open!

The ManareBehind The Apron Kofi Osei

● Radio Parts catalogues

Long Shots

Close to 80 years

Mail Subscriptions You can have your own copy of the Melbourne Observer delivered to your letterbox by Australia Post.

We dispatch hundreds of copies of the Melbourne Observer to mail subscribers every Tuesday afternoon.

Subscription price for 45 copies is $213.75, prepaid, to anywhere in Australia. Overseas rates available on application. Pay by Credit Card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express Organise your mail subscription:

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Back Copies BACK COPIES - ARCHIVES Back Copies for 2012-13 editions of the Melbourne Observer are all available at our website. Back copies for 1969-89, 2002-11 may be inspected by appointment at the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.

Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution.

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

Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS

Kofi Osei Freemasons Victoria has more than 12,000 members, but who are they? What do they do? What do they like?

Who are these men who get dressed up in suits and aprons to attend monthly meetings? In this week's article, we explore the life of one of Freemasons Victoria's members, Kofi Osei.

Kofi Osei is a proud family man, volunteer social worker with the Ghanaian community, lawyer, nurse and member of Doutta Galla Masonic Lodge.

After applying for immigration to Australia with his wife, Kofi's family dreams came true when he could finally call Australia home in 1995.

Since then his family has grown by two, and Kofi has loved the opportunities Australia has given him.

During the week you can find Kofi practising law at Shine Lawyers where he works in representing personal injury claims.

And if that is not enough, Kofi can be found on Saturday morning working at the Sunshine Hospital as a Registered Nurse.

"I love to help people," says Kofi. As well as enjoying Freemasonry in his spare time, Kofi loves to swim and listen to the radio.

"My favourite stations are the BBC, 621 and 774. I also enjoy reading online publications like The Guardian, Foreign Affairs and The Independent."

Kofi Osei joined Freemasons Victoria in 2001, where he became a member of the Doutta Galla Lodge.

"My fellow Freemasons are a great group of guys. I am proud to call them my Brothers in Freemasonry. I love the monthly meetings and I am continually learning new things about myself. I enjoy the social outings as a group where my family can be involved."

Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

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

● Radio Parts HQ in Spencer St ■ A printed Radio Parts catalogue wasalways at our home in the 1960s.

Long Shots is told that the business was established by Allen Swann in the 1930s after his brother Norman returned from an overseas trip, excited about the electronics business there.

The Swann family continue to run the business, with more than 40 staff.

When I arrived early on Saturday morning, I was the only customer there ... but I was told that customer queues still form at times.

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

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

Observer Treasury

Nostalgic TV Thought For The Week ■ “Humility is no substitute for a good personality.”

Mail Subscription Form Mail to: Subs, Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Yes! Please organise a Melbourne Observer mail subscription for 45 editions for $213.75 (posted anywhere in Australia). I understand that the completion of the 45 editions, the subscription will be automatically rolled over, unless I advise otherwise.

Cheque/Money Order/Credit Card Name: .........................................................

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Subject to subscription terms and conditions

● Bruce Mansfield, Bert Newton, Ash Long and Ian Armstrong on Good Morning Australia in 1998.

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Posterity is liekly to be wrong as anybody else.”

Text For The Week ■ “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

- Isaiah 1:18

■ The reason for the Radio Parts trip was to obtain an electronics part in our project of converting old Mansfield’s Melbourne episodes from 1997-99 to You Tube.

A series of some of these episodes - plus some excerpts of the Good Morning Australia collectables segments on the Ten Network - are being uploaded to the TV section at Long.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - Page 13

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

ASIC CANCELS MELBOURNE LIQUIDATOR’S REGISTRATION

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

After cancelled tour, Tommy Fleming is back ■ Irish entertainer Tommy Fleming is returning to Melbourne with a show scheduled for The Palms At Crown on Friday, May 17.

His Australian tour also includes a show at the Frankston Arts Centre on Saturday, May 18.

The engagements follow a tour which was cancelled last year.

■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has cancelled the registration of Paul Anthony Pattison, of Melbourne, as a registered liquidator.

ASIC made this decision this week following orders made in the Federal Court of Australia, which resulted in Pattison becoming a bankrupt.

In a separate decision in January, Pattison was disqualified by ASIC from managing corporations for four years following enquiries into three failed companies of which he was the sole director.

These companies had combined deficiencies of over $4.7 million.

Pattison has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC's decisions.

Pattison operated an insolvency and advisory practice firstly through a company formerly called Pattison Consulting Pty Ltd, and later through another company called Pattisons Business Recovery & Insolvency Specialists Pty Ltd. A third company, Pattisons Australia Pty Ltd, sub-leased business

premises to Pattison Consulting.

In September 2010 a liquidator was appointed to Pattisons Australia, with the company owing $150,333.58 to unsecured creditors.

In December 2010 a liquidator was appointed to Pattison Consulting, with the company owing $3,579,215 to unsecured creditors.

In March 2011 a liquidator was appointed to PBRIS, with the company owing $1,086,939.81 to unsecured creditors.

The Corporations Act provides that ASIC may disqualify a person from managing corporations for up to 5 years if:

Topical Taps

■ the person has been an officer of two or more corporations; and ■ while the person was an officer, or within 12 months after the person ceased to be an officer of those corporations, each of the corporations was wound up and a liquidator lodged a report with ASIC about the corporations' inability to pay its debts.

In February last year, Pattison consented to orders in the Supreme Court appointing replacement liquidators to 80 companies which were formerly administered by him, and gave undertakings to the court to cease to act, or accept any new appointments as a registered liquidator.

Pattison had been registered as a liquidator since May 2004 and an official liquidator since October 1992.

Under the Corporations Act 2001, ASIC may cancel the registration of a liquidator if a person becomes insolvent under administration.

ASIC’s regulations outlines the ongoing obligations of registered liquidators under the law.

Rumour Mill

★

Grammy Award-winning artist Gotye is still remembered by some as Wally De Backer, the Parade College School Captain from Montmorency, who was a keen drummer. ● Tommy Fleming

&

★

Premium tickets in the first five rows, plus a meet-and-greet, are part of the pre-sale ticket benefits being offered by the Gordon Frost Organisation for the Julie Andrews concert in Melbourne on Friday, May 31.

Short Sharp ★

There is speculation about the three shows to be staged by The Production Company. We are pretty sure they will not include Spamalot or Cabaret.

■ There has been a $38 million shortfall in the sale of apartments at the Kew Cottages development, according to the State Government’s Major Projects annual report.

★

■ A Facebook page with slurs about suburbs in the City of Casey, in Melbourne’s south-east, has gathered 11,000 followers since January.

★

■ Rhonda Burchmore is performing Cry Me A River: The World Of Julie London at The Drum Theatre, Dandenong, at 2pm and 8pm on Thursday, March 14.

■ Melbourne discounter, ‘Stan Cash’, a retailer from the 1980s, has made a comeback at Moorabbin, selling factory seconds.

■ Ashwood man Roderick Miller is appealing a three-month jail sentence after pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified.

■ A 64-year-old Frankston man has been issued a $282 infringement notice after being caught riding an electric bicycle on the new Peninsula Link.

Frankston is becoming a hub for media work ers. Seven newsreader Peter Mitchell has started penning a weekly column for the Frankston Standard Leader. Diane ‘Dee Dee’Dunleavy is hosting a weekly TV program on the seaside city.

A two-year jail term has been wholly sus pended for Steven George Morris, 59, of Dingley, who was found with nearly 10,000 child pornography images. He has been ordered to undergo starict supervision and counselling, after being arrested at Monash Hospital, following a selfharm incident.

★ ★

Finbar Furey - described to be “as Dublin as James Joyce” - will apear at the Frankston Performing Arts Centre - on Friday, March 15.

Distress

● Debra Byrne ■ Entertaioner Debra Byrne was victim of an anonymous e-mail, which she found distressing. Online friends urged the performer to report the nusiance to Police.

“All e-mails can be traced,” one friend confirmed.

Surveys

● Helen Kapalos ■ There are whispers that Seven Network management is still considering dropping Today Tonight, hosted by Helen Kapalos, in favour of a 6pm7pm bulletin with some current affairs.

Spiegel Hear It Here First

More money please ■ The Rumour Mill hears that a Melbourne writer is still waiting to be paid for a production that was staged last year. So far, less than 10-cents-in-thedollar, is beieved to have reached the author. Others are also owed dollars.

Danger at ‘1000 Steps’ ■ Visitors are ignoring ‘Closed’ signs at the 1000 Steps walk at the DandenongRanges National Park at Upper Ferntree Gully. The walk is closed on days of Total Fire Ban. The illegal access, and unauthorised car parking, in the area is “an accident waiting to happen”, reports the Knox Leader.

Joe stands for Parliament

Wayne John Carr, of Mernda, former Gen eral Manager of the Diamond Valley Basketball Association, has been sentenced to 18 months jail, after pleading guilty to theft and creating false documents. He stole $85,000 to spend on gambling.

■ Joe Sosari, who has just won a seat on Knox City Council, is now trying his hand at a spare seat in the Italian Parliament, representing Australians.

★

■ The Kilmore East-Kinglake bushfire class action starts on Monday (Mar. 4) at the William Cooper Justice Centre in Melbourne.

The Melbourne Observerlast week received a mail invitation to attend the Luna Park centenary ... last December. Thanks Australia Post.

Whispers

■ Crown Rooftop will host its own Spiegeltent from March 20 with the ‘outrageous’ show, Empire.

Moving ■ Herald Sun Managing Editor Alan Armsden leaves the job tomorrow, setting up as a specialist media adviser with his company Amscor Pty Ltd. He plans to look after the strategic interests of corporations and organisations.

Class action starts Mon.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Alan Armsden

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

News Briefs Meet the Makers 7th anniversary

■ The popular Fog Bar and Restaurant in Prahran is celebrating its seventh anniversdary with a series of monthly dinners.

Fog is home to the monthly luncheon of the Debonaires showbiz group.

■ A curated weekend of eight events artist studios and independent art spaces in Fitzroy and Collingwood, is being held from Thursday-Sunday, March 21-24, Artists include Cat Poljski, Rebecca Jones, Nick and Chris Schaerf, Jeremy Wortsman, Nada Poljski and Rone.

Party In The Park ■ A party will be staged by Glen Eira Council from 12 Non-4pm this Sun. (Mar. 3) at Allnutt Park, Wheatley Rd, McKinnon.

From New York

■ A Market Day wil be held at the Ivalda Masonic Temple, 40 Salisbury Ave, Ivanhoe, from 10am-4pm on Sunday, March 17.

Items include candles, cupcakes, jewellery, greeting cards, hair accessories, homewares and teas.

Ant emergency

■ Culinary heavyweight Richard Ampudia, is coming to Melbourne in March for a series of events at Mexican haunt, Touché Hombre.

■ A ‘jack jumper’ ant bite had four times more venom than a bee sting for Isabella Shah, 4, of Bullengarook, who was treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Tooth Fairy

By end of year

■ Young patients at the Monash Children’s Hospital will be paid a surprise visit tomorrow (Thurs.) by the Smkile Solutions Tooth Fairy.

■ McDonald’s says it will open its controversial restaurant at Tecoma by the end of the year.

Paparazzi Dogs ■ A free exhibition, Paparazzi Dogs, by Marc and Gillie Schattner, is being staged at Federation Square until April 30.

Market Day

‘Unnecessary’ ■ VCAT Senior Member Genevieve Nihill has found that the involuntary patient status of ‘M1119’ is unnecessary. A case was brought against the Mental Health Review Board.

Lightning strike ■ Februray’s wild weather saw a lightning strike hit the transmitter of Ballarat radio stations Power FM and 3BA. A generatoir has powered the station’s signal for some of February.

On the inside ■ Filming for Foxtel’s new Prisoner production, Wentworth, has been continuing at an old factory in Clayton.

The Governor, Meg Jackson, is played by Catherine McClements.

The show will be seen soon on the SoHo channel.

Monitoring ■ Police are monitoring latenight fast-food ouytlets as they try to target drink- and drug-affected motorists with a case of the munchies.

Gotcha ■ A Rye man, now 23, who allegedly filmed himself causing damage at a quarry in 2009, has been arrested. The man is said to have posted the video on You Tube.

Pokies profits ■ Cash totalling $353,563 pumped into pokies at Heidelberg RSL was not enough to keep the sub-branch open.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

WHEN YOUR HEART IS IN YOUR DREAMS

■ We are in loads of strife. The whole world is in strife.

The Federal Government is meant to run the country and not be in disarray and cause us distress. How have we got into this state?

I find no enjoyment in reading the daily newspapers because there is seldom any positive news.

So, I read all the papers and try and make some sense out of it all.

Yvonne’s Column

All that for a dollar

■ Being tied to the house means that I escape much of the hassle of every day life. Hassles from staff in shops, road rage and the alarm at the cost of living, which goes up by stealth each week.

I’ve never compared prices, but if it’s your wont, I’ve discovered that you can really save a bundle.

Last week I wanted a chemist line and seeing I was outside a pharmacy I decided it was too hot to go to my regular pharmacist.

Fortunately I knew what I wanted and I also knew the price because it was regularly on my shopping list.

My eyebrows shot up into my hairline when she told me their price. I questioned her and was told that it was the recommended price.

So I asked how another pharmacy could sell it for a more than a dollar less. The assistant shrugged and I told her that a shrug wasn’t good enough. I walked out leaving a red faced assistant.

Back to my trusted chemist and I saved, plus I was served with a smile.

My husband thought I was insane. “ All that for a dollar,” he said.

Feeling so much better because I’d been loyal to my chemist, I decided not to answer my very patient other half.

Jiminy Cricket’s advice

■ I get out very little, and in fact, as a result, I have ‘prison pallor’ and most decidedly a loss of vitamin D. But Little Jiminy Cricket said that …when your heart is in your dream no request is too extreme.

It’s not hard to follow Jiminy and when it looks too hard, just give a little whistle.

This really applies to people who have retired and think that life has ended.

One of my very good friends and until last week a colleague has followed his dream despite all sorts of setbacks.

Bob Richardson always loved radio, and used to come into 3AW when I presented my program.

iews program His list of guests is exciting, and he has logged me in for an interview.

So I am delighted that Bob is where his heart is. And who knows where my heart may take me, because grey hair will never stop me.

I tell myself that it’s time to sit back, but I still have so much more to do.

Congratulations Bob. I’ll miss you every Monday because we always had a great laugh or two.

I’ll be listening to 88.9 WynFM ‘The sound of the West’ every Monday afternoon.

An excellent mother

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

He often said “ I’m going to get my own program one day”.

When I joined 94.1 FM Bob followed, and watched and listened. He was determined because he came across town from Williamstown.

That was determination in spades!

When I suddenly needed medical attention, Bob stepped in and presented the program. Just as Jiminy Cricket said …when your heart is in your dream no request is too extreme.

Where is heart is ■ Bob never missed a program. He arrived, on the dot although he was having chemotherapy, but he was still his chirpy self.

He worked his medical appointments around my program, and asked questions and even asked a few guests onto the program.

When his hair fell out he bought a couple of smart hats and we told our listeners what was happening.

I teased him when his hair grew back a beautiful shade of grey and as curly as Topsy.

Margery, his mother who is 97 has passed on her strong genes to Bob. I think she is an amazing woman.

When Bob went to America he made sure he phoned through to the program with his travelogue.

We talked about what he should do because there was no vacancy at 94.1, so he took himself off and applied to 88.9 WynFM and was successful.

In his own time he trained to learn the panel and I was as proud as punch when he was given a starting date for his News, Views and Inter-

■ I couldn’t help but think of the put and do when I was put through my paces as a little kid when we ate out.

Of course we always sat at the table for every meal and mum watched me like a hawk making sure that I knew what to do.

Mum had different tablecloths and flower vases depending on the meal. The heavy guns were brought out for dinner.

So I was quite amused and I suppose puzzled when I read that some shopping centre is wanting to ban screaming children. It ain’t gonna happen.

I’ve seen children throwing food across the table, dropping food everywhere and screaming like banshees for no reason at all while mum completely ignores the mayhem around her.

Yesterday I was at the doctors.

There was one woman with her three children in front of me, and when her turn came the older boy and girl sat on a chair reading, and as quiet as mice, the silence was bliss.

Her little fellow went with mum into the surgery.

After the consultation they reentered the waiting room and the little boy of about three years of age, ran over to the toy box and very quietly put away the toys he’d been playing with. He even replaced the little chair he had been sitting on at the table.

I congratulated their mother on the behaviour of her children and she told me that she trained them to be absolutely silent in the waiting room because people are sick.

I commented to the doctor and he remarked that she was an excellent mum and her children were a credit to her.

Some Mums tune out ■ I’ve sat in that waiting room when there has almost been World War Three going on and the kids’ mothers don’t look up from the magazine they are reading. In fact, they have tuned out.

Many times a patient has had to tell some child to be quiet.

So, if parents paid attention to training their children not to misbehave there would be no problems.

I feel for those mothers who have to work and have to take youngsters when they shop, but I think back to times when as a child I wouldn’t do as I was told, and I still feel the pain when mum squeezed my hand.

And I will never forget the look she gave me: it would have stopped a black dog at 20 paces, as the saying goes.

When I managed Centres I tried to install an area where children could play and even have a sleep if necessary.

It sounded good and the owners supported me with the money to start it.

And that’s when the headache began. I had to employ a nurse - two in fact to cover meal times and late shopping.

Then I discovered that women were leaving their children and going off to shop in the city.

That caused more problems because if a child became sick we couldn’t locate mum. We’d have gladly driven the child to a doctor, but we found that mum had often given us a false address.

Very odd parenting ■ The feeding room I established caused as many problems, because women would leave soiled nappies all over the place, not to mention empty coffee cups and also litter the floor with cigarette buts. The Birko for heating bottles was stolen daily.

I’d just sorted that out when another problem reared its head. Fathers wanted to know where they could change their youngsters. We forget that there are many single fathers.

Finally I gave up when one child had measles and I had mothers in my office threatening me with the law if their child came down with the malady.

I hate it when children are allowed to run wild in a restaurant; it shows a distinct lack of consideration for other diners and staff.

It reflects very badly on the parenting skills of the parents. Though strangely enough some parents seem very happy with the attention their children’s loud behavior is receiving.

Very odd that!

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - Page 15

Melbourne People

‘Souvenir’ Opening Night Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran Photos: Ash Long

● Margaret Haggart with Helen Noonan

● Peter J Adams with Stephen McIntyre

● Stuart Hendricks with Simon Parris

● Adam Schmidt with Stephanie Gibson

● Megan Ellis with Mark Gogoll

● Allan Smith with Julie Houghton

● Cameron Paine with Justine Clear

● Greg Hocking with Chris Ryan

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

■ I guess that many of our readers would remember the Hollywood actor William Bendix from the films they saw during the 1940s and 1950s or in the American television comedy series, The Life of Riley.

Even when William played a gangster or heavy character there was always something likeable about him.

William Bendix was born in Manhattan in New York City in 1906.

William appeared in his first film at the age of five when his father got him a small role in a silent film at the Vitagraph Studios.

In his teenage years he was known as ‘Bill’ to his friends and in his teenage years worked as a ‘bat boy’ for the New York Yankees.

He had fond memories of seeing the famous baseball player Babe Ruth in action.

William had an interest in acting and performed in plays with The Henry Street Players in New York.

In 1927 he managed a grocery shop in New Jersey and married his sweetheart Theresa Stefanotti.

Unfortunately the great depression of the 1930s put him out of business and he sought work as a professional actor.

In 1939 he was cast in his first Broadway play. William was 36 by the time he made his film debut after being spotted by Hal Roach and signed to a film contract.

His first film was Woman Of The Year in

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

William Bendix

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM 1942 which was the first teaming of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn - so William was working with a top cast.

William Bendix was cast in many films during the early 1940s and his popularity was rising.

In his first year in Hollywood, William received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in the film Wake Island.

He appeared in two films with Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake - The Glass Key and The Blue Dahlia.

His other notable films included Lifeboat, Two Years Before The Mast, The Babe Ruth Story (William played Babe Ruth) and Submarine Command.

● William Bendix He was good at comedy and was wonderful working opposite Bing Crosby in A Connecticut \Yankee In King Arthur's Court where he sang Busy Doing Nothing with Bing and Sir Cedric Hardwicke.

William starred in the radio version of the situation comedy The Life of Riley.

He was unavailable for the television series and Jackie Gleeson starred in the first season.

The producers decided they wanted William for the second season because he was more well known as the character because of the radio show.

The Life of Riley became a huge television ratings success and ran for another five years.

I used to watch it on ABV2 in the late 1950s and I loved the show.

In his later years William made guest appearances on television shows such as The Untouchables, Riverboat, Mr Ed and Burke's Law. William Bendix died of pneumonia in 1964 and was survived by his wife Theresa and their two daughters.

Theresa died in 1983 and they are buried together in a cemetery near Los Angeles.

The inscription on his grave reads "Forever in our Hearts' and that just about sums it up for all the fans of William Bendix.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

SNAKES ALIVE IN THE TERRITORY

■ The Territory's daily newspaper, the NT News, is often labelled as consisting of crocodile and drinking stories. This observation, whilst levelled with humour, is not too far from the truth.

Now, however, of recent times, the Centralian Advocate, Alice's bi-weekly, is similarly awash with snake stories.

My mates, local snake catchers Rex Neindorf and Justin Rutherford, are always part of these reports, forever apprehending slithering reptiles where they shouldn't be, relieving terrified residents.

Like Darwin's crocodiles, they're everywhere, although they do hide themselves away fairly successfully.

I only rarely ever saw them - I had a western brown and a king brown on my block - I often saw the tracks and their shed skins, but rarely the beast itself.

And recently Justin and Rex have caught 24, mainly western browns, wriggling around houses, petrol stations, and swimming pools, and a three ft brown was even slithering its way into the local courthouse.

And Justin nearly came to grief recently where he was summoned to a home where a reptile had slithered into a padded bag.

He initially misidentified it as a python, and was about to grab it with his hand rather than his snake hook.

Pythons rarely bite, and are easy to handle. And their bite is totally harmless, with no venom.

However, at the last minute, he decided on the hook. Browns always bite, so a nip would have been inevitable.

Luckily for him he changed his mind!

■ There is perpetual hand-wringing on what to do about Alice Springs' outof-control youth.

Last week I reported on some of their antics, and still more have emerged this week.

Four kids, 11, 12, 13 and 15 were caught after having broken into a local clothing store.

They were fairly easy to identify because they were wearing the clothes which they had just stolen.

And then a taxi was attacked by rock-throwing kids. To deter this, floodlights are being planned in rock throwing areas. And as I noted there are plans for a boot camp. There was also talk of a late night curfew for kids roaming the streets.

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au However, as can be imagined, the possible legal ramifications for this meant that the local council has rejected this idea.

NT Council of Social Service coordinator, Christa-Bartjen-Westerman, said that "cries for a quick fix solution are not based on evidence, is a political drive to appease, but does nothing to address the complex situation in the long run."

So while these "complex issues" are endlessly discussed, kids just freely roam the streets smashing everything in the path.

■ On a happier note, I reported late last year on a non-violent protest in Tennant Creek. This was to object to the closure of the Radar Weather Station.

Bureaucrats in Canberra had decided this was no longer necessary, and was to be discontinued and and demolished.

Of course locals were not consulted, and an outcry ensued.

The station provided online information about rain and storms every 10 minutes, information which is in-

valuable to farmers and tour operators and flight services.

Mike Nash, the co-ordinator of the protest, said that "it can operate without staff, and needs little upkeep. All it needs is to be switched back on, and it runs itself."

So everyone is happy about this.

There was a cynical suggestion that this was a good news story organised to douse some of the negative attention which the Nova Peris affair was getting in the Territory.

Surely not.

■ I was at the birth of two of my three offspring, and prior to each event, attended prenatal classes to be instructed on what to do and say on the day.

Now, years later, there's a move afoot to attract more reluctant fathers into the fold of birth attendance.

It's called Beer and Birth, and it requires fathers to attend classes at the local pub I reported on one such gathering in Darwin last year, but now it's come to Alice.

As most males in the NT, and this includes fathers, are hearty drinkers, the pub seems to be an excellent venue for such a process. Much better than the sterile hospital where I attended!

There are the breathing exercises, which are vitally important at the moment, and it's incumbent on the father to encourage these when the mother may tempora rily forget due to other distractions.

Then there are the words of encouragement to try and make her feel a bit better.

Not only are these matters casually discussed over a meal a few drinks, but new dads themselves are encouraged to come along to tell their stories.

A great idea - I've often been in pubs, and rarely has childbirth been a topic of conversation amongst my mates.

■ When I first moved to the Territory, even though I'd heard of mangoes, I'd never tasted one.

So one of the girls on my staff taught me how they worked, showing me how to dissect them from the central ‘bone’ as she termed it, and slice the severed halves and flip them to gobble them down!

I've been a devotee ever since.

I often drove up to Darwin past the

● Brown snakes are a real danger Red Centre Farm just out of Ti Tree, trees are established they need very and would pop in for a tub of mango little attention". ice cream, or a mango smoothie - deAnd then at harvest time he emlicious! ploys an army of foreign students.

Some 25 years ago John Crayford But, most importantly, he also began his enterprise, and has been at brews mango wine! A sparkling and it ever since. still, and a fortified liqueur.

He delivers his fruit to Alice from Now he's calling it a day, and it's where they trundle down the Stuart on the market.

Highway to Adelaide.

What an opportunity for any budAlthough some remain Alice, and ding entrepreneur who likes the they're the ones I used to feast on.

Apparently they're much easier to Outback, and a nice refreshing tipple!

- Nick Le Souef raise than grapes, which are also ‘The Outback Legend’ grown on nearby farms -"once mango

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ Trade unions once had a place in Australian society but that place should no longer exist, as borne out by the history of unions and events of the past few years in Australian politics.

The treachery of some unions during WWII and Vietnam is unforgiveable - as is the gutlessness of many politicians during those times.

After WWII, Australia should have marched to the lead in manufacturing, given our coal and mineral resources and we could have led the way in the shipbuilding industry but the then Communist unions put paid to all that despite Bob Santamaria's valiant efforts.

Now Australians have a government spawned from the union movement and its front and backbenches are stacked with ex-unionists who have never paid another person's wages out of their own pockets and small business and farmers are treated with barely veiled contempt.

Images of Gillard with union heavies like Bill Ludwig and Paul Howes show Australians those who are really ruining - oops! - running their country. T he sooner more workers stand up and be counted and take on their corrupt bosses, the sooner this disease can be treated. A Royal Commission into the activities of the trade unions is a top priority for an Abbott Government - workers deserve it.