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NEWS ★ SHOWBIZ ★ LIFESTYLE ★ TRAVEL ★ FEATURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT
STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1540 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969 Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312
Melbourne
PAGES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
CHRISTMAS CHEER
$2.95
including GST
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■ Mrs Claus and Patti Newton are celebrating the opening of Santa’s Magical Kingdom at Burnley. Mark Richardson has all the details on Page 4.
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VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer Advertising Press+Online+Google+SocialMedia+Editorial Advertisers’ Index
They’re biting up North
References to ‘Trader’ denote the 80-page liftout in the centre of this edition About Myself ..................... Trader P69 Adele Video Production ........ Trader P66 All 4 Paws and Claws Pet Resort ....................... Trader P7 Amiga Engineering .............. Trader P61 Armor Antiques ................... Trader P6 Astratex ............................. Trader P29 Australian IT Support ........... Trader P38 Australia Wide First Aid ........ Trader P3 Backyard Buyers ................. Trader P27 Barry MCVilly ...................... Trader P77 Beach Street Apartments ..... Trader P59 Birdsall Leather and Craft ............ P124 Braemac Energy .................. Trader P8 Broome Beach Resort ........Trader P78 Cascade Garden Holiday Apartments ................... Trader P13 Civic Pool and Spa Shop ............... P20 Club Fiji Resort ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Trader P16 Club Hawthorn .................. Trader P39 Coolum Baywatch Resort ... Trader P62 Danish Red ....................... Trader P15 Darwin’s Barra Base ........P3, Trader P43 Data Central ..................... Trader P52 Designwyse ........................ Trader P11 Dwyer Property Investments .. Trader P50 Ecell.com.au ..................... Trader P75 Echo Campers ................... Trader P40 Energymasta ..................... Trader P24 Entertainment Australia ...... Trader P28 Fastlane Scrappe Supplies .......... P106 Five High Vendimg .............. Trader P18 Flood Australia .................. Trader P67 Footlogics ................................. P125 Formation Flooring .................... P113 Formula Ford Experience ...... Trader P9 French Navy ............................... P111 Fresh Express ................... Trader P70 Garden Sheds Galore .......... Trader P25 The Gift Horse ............................. P125 Gilmours Comfort Shoes .... Trader P61 Golden Days Radio ............. Trader P44 Grande Florida Beach Resort ......................... Trader P23 GreenPower Company ......... Trader P27 Grey Wolf Fifth Wheels ........ Trader P19 Grosvenor In Cairns ........... Trader P63 GutzBusta .......................... Trader P79 Hawkesbury River Saddle Co. .................... Trader P80 Highwood Health Retreat ..... Trader P60 Ivanhoe Cycles ........................ P128
Jenny Pihan Fine Art ............ Trader P12 JMR Australia .................... Trader P72 Kate Monotti Photography .............. P5 KristalBond ....................... Trader P14 La Grande, Gold Coast ....... Trader P76 Life Be In it ....................... Trader P35 Lilly Jack ........................... Trader P75 Lifestyle Awnings ................ Trader P31 Londrigan Beef & Lamb ...... Trader P33 Lunar Lighting ................... Trader P71 Maeburn Cottages ............. Trader P65 Maroondah Sports Club ..... Trader P56 Maryborough ....................... Trader P1 Mattresses Galore ............. Trader P40 MCVilly Timber .................. Trader P54 Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy and Health Foods ........... Trader P34 Metro Boronia ........................... P127 Michael’s Trailers .............. Trader P48 Mokutu, Norfolk Island ........ Trader P17 Mr Sleepyman ................... Trader P74 My Patch Fabrics ........................ P24 One Stop Caravan Shop ....... Trader P2 OzSpy Security Solutions .... Trader P41 Passionately Sewn ..................... P23 PC Repair Centre ................ Trader P21 Play Rare DVDs ................. Trader P32 Practical Legal Solutions ...... Trader P3 RDA Mortgage Solutions ...... Trader P10 Reef Palms, Cairns ........... Trader P73 Rentasaur ........................ Trader P49 Robinvale Wines ............... Trader P68 Rupertswood Mansion ........ Trader P57 RV Towing Solutions ........... Trader P46 Salt Of The Earth ......................... P21 Sandgrabber ..................... Trader P37 Scootersmart .................... Trader P42 Sea Change Safety Cove ... Trader P58 SGI Consulting Group ......... Trader P45 Shop Inside ...................... Trader P51 Strata Realty ...................... Trader P26 Tan Tech Pty Ltd .................. Trader P4 Tilco ................................ Trader P30 Torb & Reiner .................... Trader P22 Tow ‘N’ Mow ............................... P108 Tracking Central ................ Trader P36 Tribute Funeral Services ...... Trader P20 Tucker Tub Online .............. Trader P53 Tunit Australia .................. Trader P55 U Can B Creatiive ....................... P105 Victorian Diamond Traders .. Trader P64 Woolinghill Garden Estate ........... P109
Barry MCVilly is in Europe ■ Regular advertiser Barry MCVilly is on tour in Europe at the moment ... he tells us that his hunting associates report of kidnapping problems in Africa, with westerners held for ransom. Barry takes on commissioned projects for hunting. See his ad on Trader Page 77.
Advertisers line up for 2014
■ Allan Beale from Darwin’s Barra Base says the Barramundi and King Salmon will be “on the bite” early in 2014 when Shady Camp will be netted for the first time in two years. Allan is taking bookings on (08) 8945 0376.
Just 3 more issues before Christmas ■ There are four more issues of the Melbourne Observer before Christmas: ■ Wednesday, December 4 ■ Wednesday, December 11 ■ Wednesday, December 18 If you want maximum coverage of your advertising message before Christmas, book your advertising schedule with the Melbourne Observer before 5pm this Friday (Nov. 29). We have special price incentives too. Call our Ad-visors on 1800 231 311 for assistance.
We cover more than Victoria
■ If you want to get your advertising message in front of people in Queensland and New South Wales, consider advertising in the Observer’s sister newspapers: the Brisbane Sun and Sydney News. Already scheduled for every edition in 2014 are Ball Australia, JMR Australia and Dowden’s Pumping and Water Treatment.
Christmas Gift ideas
■ Kate Broadfoot on Bonn Accord has the perfect Christmas gift if your loved one has an interest in art. Kate has assembled Painting Australian Landscapes, which is available at www.bonn accord.com for just $19.50. There are also four books in the Folk Art series available at just $10 each. You can order from the website, or phone (02) 4284 0802.
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■ Advertising bookings for 2014 officially opened on Monday this week (Nov. 25), and we are pleased that Rex Mapley of Sea Change, Safety Cove, Tasmania, has secured rights to the Melbourne Observer back page for the entire year. Others to already secure premium ad spots for 2014 are Darwin’s Barra Base (Page 2), Grosvenor In Cairns (Page 3), Porch Thoughts (Page 4), Entertainment Australia (Page 5), Tribute Funeral Services (Page 6), Shop Inside (Page 7), Beach St Apartments (Page 8), Q-Tech (Page 9), Robinvale Wines (Page 11). More repeat clients are on baord for 2014: Braemac, Tilco, Metro Cinemas Boronia, Maroondah Sports Club, SGI International, All 4 Paws and Claws and Productive Gardens. Ask yourself why successful businesses are placing year-long bookings for powerful advertising in the Melbourne Observer.
Coming Attactions ■ Tom Schouten at Metro Cinemas Boronia has a great selection of features over the coming month. Turn to Page 127 to see details of One Chance, Delivery Man, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 and Anchorman 2.
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Changes to poker event
● Natasha Stipanov ■ Crown Casino Media Relations Manager Natasha Stipanov yesterday (Tues.) announced changes to the World Series of Poker international event. The Asia-Pacific event is now timed to take place in Melbourne from October 1-17. Ms Stipanov says Crown Melbourne has been presented Australian Employer of the Year 2013 at the annual Australian Training Awards . It recognises businesses that have made exemplary commitment to the national training system and the development of their employees.
Pointless
● Dave Hughes ■ Comedian Dave Hughes says goodbye to more than a decade of predawn starts with his last Nova 100 breakfast shift this Friday. He is staging a stand-up comedy show, Pointless, which will be a new hour of comedy that will tour every capital city, much of regional Australia and the UK throughout 2014. Melbourne tickjets go on sale on Wednesday next week (Dec. 4) for shows to be held between March 25 andf Aptil 20 at the Comedy Theatre. B o o k i n g s : www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 660 013
John Cleese tickets ■ The Marriner Group is this week opening priority sales for the John Cleese show at the Comedy Theatre, being held on Tuesday, March 18 next year.
New CEO ■ Chris Brooks has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer for Fed Square Pty Ltd. His career included running the Launceston City Council and operating its Queen Victoria Museum.
Top turnout for Survivors ■ The Survivors group of showbiz veterans gathered at South Melbourne for the twice-yearly dinner. The luncheon is chaired by Ron Tudor, and convened by Bruce McKay. Deputy Chair Bob Horsfall was unable to be there; he is on the sick list. Amongst those unable to attend were John Chester, Dan Webb, Don Kinsey, Bill Duff. The guest list read like a ‘who’s who’ of the radio, television and recording industry. Former 3KZ-Gold 104.3 General Manager Les Heil flew in from the Sunshine Coast to attend the gathering. He was guest speaker and outlined his career, where early appointments included 3SR Shepparon and 3BA Ballarat. Members were also pleased to welcome Philip Brady, who walked with the assistance of a cane, following his emergency hip surgery in Hong Kong after a bad fall.
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - Page 3
Ash The Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula
Explorer launched
■ Victorian Governor Alex Chernov has launched Nagambie's newest tourism asset the state-of-the-art river cruise boat, Goulburn Explorer (see below). The Governor emphasised that the new Goulburn Explorer is not just as a leisure craft but a great tourist attraction for the region's future. He officially named the river cruise boat and closed by saying "May it long explore for the best of Nagambie and more!"
Big guest list for luncheon ■ The Survivors group was founded in 1979 by Bert Newton, Ron Tudor and John Proper. Early members included Norm Spencer, Doug Elliot, Frank Rich and Joff Ellen. First meetings were held at The Latin restaurant in the City. Saturday’s attendance included John Vertigan accompanied by his former 3UZ offside Neil Longden. Another UZ voice was newsman John Worthy, now 79. Bill Armstrong was in attendance, but regular recording industry member Nevill Sherburn listed an apology. Bob Johnson represented the music industry. Radio men at the table included Mike Menner, Keith Livingston, Peter Van, Paul Nicholson, Bill Passick, Denis O’Kane, Ray Lawrence, Ralphe Rickman, Ian Nicholls, Gary Newton and Denis Scnalan. Familiar TV-radio names included Paul Konik, Brian Smith, Hugh Hill, Des Ford, Garry Stewart, Pete Smith, Philip Brady, Kevin Trask, Wes Turnbull, Dean Reynolds, Chris Bahen, Doug Morgan and Jim Murphy.
Darebin Art Show ■ The 2013 Darebin Art Show, which opens on December 6, is a biennial showcase of contemporary artworks produced by artists who live, work or learn in the City of Darebin. It is presented at the historic Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, The Darebin Art Show boasts one of the largest art prizes in Australia. A record number of 134 entries are featured in the 2013 exhibition with each artist revealing a unique perspective or story through their artwork. Artists convey their concerns about cultural, environmental, political and social issues with passion and imagination.
● Goulburn Explorer Boat Master Craig Stewart; the Mayor of Strathbogie, Cr Deb Swan; Mitchelton Wines and entrepreneur Gerry Ryan; and Strathbogie Shire's Chief Executive Officer Steve Crawcour, with the Chernovs. ● Ralphe Rickman with Ray Lawrrence at the Survivors luncheon held at South Melbourne on Saturday. More photos on Page 14 and Page 114.
Gala awards night
● Dean Reynolds with Max Barrenger
Line-up for St Kilda Festival ■ The St Kilda Festival, running from February 1-9, has unveiled the first round of home-grown music acts for the 2014 New Music Stage. The bright young stars will include Tully on Tully, The Dandens, House of Laurence, Lester the Fierce, Artist Proof, Ten Thousand, Boys Boys Boys, Private Life and brass and beats five-piece Brow Horn Orchestra. People can vote for their favourite bands on the New Music Stage, with the winner taking home $5000 and the chance to play on Festival Sunday’s main stage in 2015. With the rest of the music program yet to be released, Festival Producer Adele Denison has confirmed that the 34th St Kilda Festival will include more than 150 artists across seven stages, and more than 40 St Kilda venues. “The St Kilda Festival showcases the diversity of Australian music and culture, and we’re thrilled to offer a nine day program that delivers the biggest stage for both emerging artists and established musicians,” said Ms Denison. The 34th St Kilda Festival will open with Yalukit Wilum Ngargee: People Place Gathering in O’Donnell Gardens on Saturday February 1, featuring a host of artists including Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys, Crystal Mercy and singer/ songwriter Benny Walker. The full 2014 St Kilda Festival program will be announced on Monday, January 6.
● Lesley and Jeff Speake pictured at the Parks and Leisure Australia, Awards Gala Dinner, Albert Park. More photos on Pages 11 and 120. Photos: Fiona Hamilton
● Lee Gagliardi, Jeff Dry and David Petruzzella Photos: Fiona Hamilton
PHOTO: IKON IMAGES
Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart
E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au
Santa’s gift to Melbourne
■ To the great joy of children, parents and grandparents across Victoria, Santa's Magical Kingdom has made its spectacular return to the Burnley Oval in Richmond for its second merry season. Having officially sprinkled Christmas wonder over the glowing faces of Melburnians since its grand opening two weeks ago, the spirit of a traditional Christmas in November and December with family and friends is why attending Santa's Magical Kingdom has become so popular on thousands of wish-lists. In collaboration with Santa Claus North Pole Co-operation, Santa's Magical Kingdom has mastered the art of delivering a Christmas wonderland full of activities to capture the imagination of children, whilst appealing to adults through its dazzling splendour, live entertainment and interactive attractions. This year, Santa's Magical Kingdom also welcomed National Geographic Animal Jam with their exciting online playground for children. They've also teamed up with Janelle's Miracle Foundation, to help bring a little Christmas cheer and raise much needed awareness and support for these families facing lifethreatening cancer prognosis. One of Australia's most admired entertainers, Logie award-winner, Patti Newton, proudly opened the
Magical Porch Thoughts
massive walk-through wonderland which is filled with bright lights, falling snow, amusement rides, side-show games, roving characters, real reindeer, Christmas art-making stations and a spectacular Christmas themed show. Along with Patti, some of Australia's other showbiz celebrities - many of whom were also joined by their families, were delighted to share their thoughts on why Santa's Magical Kingdom Porch fills their hearts with happiness and festive joy.
● Kimberley Davies with husband Jason Harvey and children Isabella, Ashton and Josh ● Kimberley Davies with husband Jason Harvey and children Isabella, Ashton and Josh: “Visual fest for the kids. They have had an absolute blast. We love it every year.” ● Angela Kennedy and Melina Bagnato of My Kitchen Rules Angela: “I was absolutely over whelmed by Santa's Magical Kingdom. The circus blew my mind, the snowfalls, just everything. It's an amazing way to celebrate Christmas with your family.” Melina: “Santa's Magical Kingdom is a must for every family. It is the best way to connect with your inner child, and get you in the mood to commence the festive season.' Santa's Magical Kingdom runs until December 23. For more information visit www.santasmagical kingdom.com.au
Patti Newton: “Santa's Magical Kingdom opened in mid-November and gets you into the spirit of Christmas. “The joy on my grandchildren's faces is sensational. Of all the things I have been to, this is one of the best shows my kids and I have experienced."
● Angela Kennedy and Melina Bagnato
● Mrs Claus and Patti Newton
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - Page 5
Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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Christmas Art and Craft
Ash
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Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - Page 7
Showbiz News
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCE Observer FOR FINANCE CONTROLLER In This 128-Page Edition
Peril On The High Seas
● Ben Mitchell as the evil, duplicitous Snively Swine, with fickle flappers Del Borwick (left), Bianca Becker and Samantha Ellen Bound, in Peril On The High Seas in Eltham until November 30. Photo: Beth Klein ■ Eltham Little Theatre's 2013 riotous on Swine. Presented in cabaret style, Peril On The High music hall takes place aboard the H.M.S. MaSeas is written by Billy St John and presented jestic. Will Snively Swine succeed in kidnapping under the direction of Mick Poor until Nothe lovely heiress Merry Ann Sweet, or will vember 30 at 8 pm, at the Eltham Performlowly waiter Cary be able to keep Merry out ing Arts Centre, Main Rd, Research. Tickets are $22.50 (no concession). Bookof Swine's evil clutches? Watch as an odd collection of colourful and ings: 9437 1574. - Cheryl Threadgold eccentric passengers help Cary put the damper
■ David Cologna, formerly a financial controller employed by information technology company S Central Pty Ltd (In Liquidation), has been sentenced in the County Court in relation to five charges brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Cologna pleaded guilty last week to five charges of falsifying the books of companies in the S Central Group. The companies included S Central Pty Ltd, S Central (NSW) Pty Ltd, S Central Products Pty Ltd, Expressapps Pty Ltd and Infotronics Software Pty Ltd. ASIC’s investigation found that between January and August 2009, Cologna submitted duplicated and/or falsely inflated invoices to National Australia Bank Ltd under a debtor factoring agreement. This led to credit totalling approximately $4.8 million being advanced to companies within the S Central Group. Debtor factoring involves the assigning of debts that are owed in exchanged for credit advanced by a finance provider. The S Central Group companies entered into liquidation at various times between November 2009 andApril 2010, and left total deficiencies in excess of $7 million. It was not alleged that Mr Cologna received any direct personal financial benefit from his conduct.
‘NEIGHBOURS’ TO TACKLE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ISSUE Writers contacted people with MS
“I’m very pleased that through my character, Susan Kennedy we have been able to contribute in even a small way to raising awareness about MS here and overseas,” says Jackie Woodburne. “MS doesn’t define Susan Kennedy. She leads an incredibly full and busy life which is indicative of many people with MS in our community,” says Richard Jasek, Neighbours Executive Producer. “However, we appreciate MS doesn’t just disappear and we continue to reflect this in Susan’s storylines which we'll see later this month.” The Neighbours’ writers consulted people with MS to ensure that Susan’s symptoms and the way she deals with her recurring episodes are reflected accurately in the storylines.
■ The Neighbours TV program is to tackle the issue of Multiple Sclerosis, with actress Jackie Wodbourne, pictured right (who plays Susan Kennedy) to be the focus. The issues arise in upcoming episodes airing on November 29 and December 2 and 3. Neighbours can be seen on Channel 11 – a digital arm of Network Ten. MS is a chronic and often debilitating disease which randomly attacks the central nervous system and currently affects more than 23,000 Australians. The average age of diagnosis is 30 and three out of four people with MS are women. “MS is a confounding disease for which there is no known cause or cure. The visible and hidden symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person,” says Jan Staunton, General Manager, Brand and Marketing, MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC. “We’re very grateful that a program such as Neighbours which has a diverse audience is assisting in highlighting and educating the public about the complexities of this disease.”
In the Friday (November 29) episode, the character of Susan Kennedy, is experiencing the first signs of an MS episode – extreme fatigue and unsteadiness. The onset of an MS episode can be extremely sudden and often there’s no way of knowing how long it may last or how debilitating it might be. Susan is a teacher at Erinsborough High School and has had MS for five years. Generally, she is able to manage her MS, however every now and then she has a relapse. Susan knows she should tell her husband Karl but he is busy with his campaign for Mayor and her symptoms gradually worsen. In the episode airing on December 2, Kate, her colleague at the school notices she is having dizzy spells and losing her balance – two symptoms of MS. She urges Susan to tell Karl but she is still reluctant. In the December 3 episode, Karl’s opponent for Mayor Paul Robinson brings up Susan’s MS in a speech. Karl is shocked he found out this way and he wants to pull out of the campaign. Susan convinces him that her MS can’t define them and Karl continues.
Melbourne Observer: Around Town ............... Page 3 Mark Richardson: Santa’s Magical Kingdom .. Page 4 Di Rolle: Choppers’ tale of redemption ......... Page 8 The Barrel: Never argue with him ................ Page 9 Long Shots: Vale Russ Sefton ................... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Or town’s secrets .......... Page 11 Freemasons: Lodge Traditional Roast pics ... Page 12 Gavin Wood: Live from West Hollywood ....... Page 13 Survivors: Showbiz veterans reunion .......... Page 14 Yvonne Lawrence: It’s Christmas time ........ Page 15 Melb. Extra: Max Bygraves profile .............. Page 16 James Sherlock Aaron Rouke Julie Houghton Cheryl Threadgold
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
Drug burglary in Lara ■ Police are investigating the theft of a quantity of drugs from an ambulance branch in Lara. Offenders have gained entry to the Mill Rd premises. A quantity of prescription drugs including fentanyl, morphine, midazolam, and methoxyflurane were stolen. No other damage was done to the premises.
Worst excuse ever ■ Narre Warren Police have heard it all after pulling over a driver in Berwick. The man was observed driving on Clyde Rd just before 9am whilst using his mobile phone. A marked police car intercepted the vehicle and the officer asked the man why he was using his phone whilst driving. His response was “I just heard on the 8.30am news on the radio about the new laws that start today about using your phone and I was calling my sister to warn her not to use her phone whilst driving." The 48-year-old Berwick man has been issued with the new $433 fine and has lost 4 demerit points.
Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Cloudy. 19°-33° Thurs. Chance of rain. 10°-25° Fri. Chance of rain. 9°-20° Sat. Partly cloudy. 8°-22° Sun. Mostly cloudy. 15°-29° Mon. Clear. 15°-35° Tue. Partly cloudy. 15°-27°
There are three more issues of the Melbourne Observer before Christmas. Our final issue for 2013 will be on Dec. 18.
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS HEARD IN ‘JEFF'S SHED’ DURING ‘SEXPO’. 5. "What's going on Harold ... ? You told me it was a flower show” 4. "I can see why they don't hold it at the Myer Mural Hall". 3. "I don't know what that is ... t looks like Tupperware". 2. "Sorry Sir, we don't have sample bags.” 1. "Mum, you're off to Spec-Savers. That's not a gladioli!”
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
To
Busy Christmas season for all
Di Good intentions go bad
■ I love learning new things. I read voraciously and learn new things all the time. At the moment I am reading numerous books about JFK, Twitter and a wonderful book called Cane Toads: A Tale of Sugar, Politics and Flawed Science. The things I am learning about cane toads are quite amazing. I did not know politics gave us the cane toad. In 1935 sugar scientists, supported by cane growers, leading scientists, politicians, the Premier of Queensland (William Forgan Smith) and the Prime Minister of Australia (Joseph Lyons), released cane toads in Queensland. Some 74 years later cane toads arrived in WA. It is a tale of good intentions turned bad and of simple acts leading to catastrophic outcomes. The book asks the question ‘could we repeat these mistakes today?’ When the cane toads were released in Australia they were seen as the latest innovation for biological control of pests in sugar cane. Cane toads were promoted widely by sugar cane scientists but the science was flawed, and these flaws were magnified by the political necessity of supporting the sugar industry. It was the same in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Queensland where cane toads were introduced. In the book, published by University Press, Dr Nigel Turvey shows how, over almost 500 years, and only with the help of man, cane toads became one of the world’s most invasive species. Looking back we can see the flaws in the science, the gap between the observation that toads ate beetles and the conclusion that toads would control beetle populations. Turvey warns that “although today we have the best scientists on the job, the best scientists were also at work back then. It is simply wrong to think that we are qualitatively different today”. “There were few opponents to the introduction of the toad in Australia, and only one made his views public, the retired former New South Wales chief entomologist Walter Froggatt’, says Turvey. “In today’s terms he would be called a toad denier.” But Turvey points out that, “It wasn’t until 1975, 40 years after the toad’s release, that the first survey of the impact of cane toads on Australian fauna was done.” Turvey has written an excellent book. Nigel Turvey is an environmental scientist, professional forester, businessman and writer. He is currently Adjunct Professorial Fellow at Charles Darwin University. He met cane toads in Queensland, watched them invade Darwin, and puzzled over who introduced them and why. In Cane Toads Turvey reveals previously unreported government memos and letters from Queensland and Hawaii. They show that our scientists were strongly supported by international colleagues including the prestigious Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association, CSIR (the fore-runner of CSIRO), cane growers and political leaders and of course the Queensland Premier and the Prime Minister of Australia. Available now in selected bookshops. RRP $35. Published by University Press.
I love my job!
■ Christmas holidays are filling my calendar. I will be at the beach in Sydney for the festive season and then Bali. But there is lots to do before then. I don’t know about you but when I am in stores, surrounded by Christmas decorations and buy temptations I just want to walk out … it is as if I just collected my winnings for Melbourne Cup and where did all this come from? I must admit my tree is up and there are presents at the bottom of the tree already. Such a busy time for everyone at this time of the year and everything seems to be happening at once: dinners, drinks, media launches, books being written, concerts being announced. How good will it be to have the Rolling Stones back on our shores? It is very exciting.
● Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones will play Adelaide on March 22. Melbourne and Sydney gigs may be announced soon.
For CHOPPER’S TALE OF REDEMPTION ■ It was good to be invited to the media launch of Chopper The Musical. Award-winning playwright/screenwriter/director Frank Howson has such passion for this production I really want it to work for him. Joined by awardwinning composer/ musical director Warren Wills, they announced details of their exciting new collaboration, Chopper The Musical - a tale of violence, culture, ethics and redemption. The media conference was held at the Royal Melbourne Hotel in Bourke St; the old holding cells where prisoners were held 30 years ago. I had never been there before and it was a perfect location for the media launch. One of the best attended media launches I have been to, comedian Simon Palomares was excellent as the MC, and there were fabulous live performances from the forthcoming production, performed by 70s Aussie rock legend, Mick Pealing from the famous The Mighty Rock . The singers were fabulous especially Lucy Gale whose
with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
● Frank Howson behind bars Photo: Vanessa Allan voice reminded me Celebrity, criminal, very much of Janis author, long serving ofJoplin, phew what a fender, torturer, loving husband, father, performer she is. Les Twentyman painter, psychopath, made a wonderful modern-day Ned speech and mentioned Kelly, raconteur ... legthe fact that we don't end Chopper: The Muneed any more Chopper Reads and how sical is based on the important it is to en- controversial internagage young men into tionally-known Austhe society and not have tralian criminal and them lead the lives that best-selling author, recently departed and Chopper led. A moving and im- now cult-hero, Mark portant speech. Chop- Brandon ‘Chopper’ per would have loved it. Read.
● Nigel Turvey
The story details Chopper’s life fromhis troubled youth and dysfunctional family to being institutionalised and emerging into the world as a young man with chip on his shoulder. We follow his story as he battles his foes and himself, finding love and redemption in the last chapter of his life by becoming a proud family man. The musical is the story of a troubled boy who dreamed of becoming as big as Ned Kelly and Squizzy Taylor and yet finally found happiness by learning to become ordinary. The musical probes issues of violence, and society's love affair with the anti-hero. Walt White, Tony Soprano, Velma,Roxy. It is a semi-fictionalised, scathing and witting musical examination of crime, celebrity, forgiveness and legend. Howson and Wills, are the same creative team that recently collaborated on two sell out seasons of critically acclaimed musical Genesis To Broadway (now Broadway bound). Chopper: The Musical will be in theatres in 2015.
● Stephanie Alexander
The Cook’s Companion ■ How great are the Ashes? I have been just loving it – so good to have on in the background in the office! It is a very thrilling time of the year. Channel Nine have done a great job of the coverage. One of my favourite books that I read when I am not watching cricket or reading about JFK, or workingm is Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Companion. I particularly like Stephanie Alexander, she is so gifted, she is a wonderful woman. I met her when she was named Victorian of the Year, a couple of years back, and she struck me as being very savvy and right on top of her game. She is currently dipping her toes in the digital world. Stephanie, who is the best-selling author of 14 books, including the fabulous The Cook’s Companion, is regarded as an Australian classic. The book that I might add takes pride of place in my kitchen right next to my Nigella collection! Stephanie, a respected food writer, chef and educator, has now released The Cooks Companion App based on her bestselling book. The App is available to download now from the App Store and Google Play for both phone and tablet. This is very exciting news. Some 20 years ago Stephanie Alexander began the monumental task of bringing together all that she had discovered about good food gleaned from her early life, her travels in France, her own research and her many years in restaurant kitchens. The result was The Cook’s Companion, published by Penguin Books. There is no other book like The Cook’s Companion available in Australia. Along with it being on my kitchen bench, it sits on the kitchen bench in more than 500,000 Australian homes and is regarded as an Australian classic, commonly referred to as the kitchen ‘bible’. In 2012 the idea was conceived to adapt the classic book into a digital version enabling users to take the ‘bible’ with them everywhere they go. Produced entirely by Stephanie’s office and a team of digital developers, designers, photographers, cooking colleagues, editors, proofreaders and videographers it has been an enormous project, but the result justifies the yearlong effort. The Cook’s Companion is amazing. I am wondering how I ever cooked anything without it! S tephanie Alexander’s Cooks Companion App for iOS or Android, is available now free to download with In-App purchases from the App Store or Google Play.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - Page 9
Showbiz News
SUMMER SEASON LAUNCHED Briefs Fuel board confusion ■ Victorian motorists are being urged to spare a few seconds to answer some questions about how clear the cost per litre is when filling up at service stations. RACV Manager Vehicle Engineering Michael Case said RACV had been campaigning for some time on ways to improve the clarity of price information presented to motorists before they filled up their car, and was seeking more evidence from motorists. “With the rise of discount fuel vouchers, we are seeing many different fuel price boards at the front of service stations,” Mr Case said. “Often it is difficult for motorists to easily ascertain what the undiscounted price is, or what conditions they have to meet to get a discount. “We are becoming increasingly aware of cases where other fuel types, such as premium unleaded, diesel and LPG disappear from fuel price boards, making it difficult for drivers to assess the price they will be paying until after they pull in.” Mr Case urged motorists to take a few minutes to answer the survey online at r a c v. c o m . a u / fuelboardsurvey. The survey findings will be used by RACV to support is efforts to push for a consistent national standard for fuel price board information.
THE BARREL ‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’ Dear Santa, North Pole 9999
● Sarah Willcocks and Gena Rose Bruce Photos: Fiona Hamilton More photos on Page 19 ■ Captain Baxter partnered with StyleMelbourne and DrinkMelbourne to launch Melbourne's summer social season for 2013-14. The award-winning restaurant and bar overlooks Port Phillip Bay and the St Kilda foreshore . New talent, Melbourne’s own Triple J Unearthed winner Gena Rose Bruce, set the summer sunset mood performing three indie pop tunes. Local winemaker Gentle Annie Prosecco was popular with guests. Executive Head Chef Matt Dawson created mouth-watering canapés. Guests included local cosmetic queen Natalie Bloom, netballer Geva Mentor, StyleMelbourne founder Sarah Willcocks, and local newshounds Emily Rice (Nine News), Emily Angwin (Seven News), Michael Scanlan (Seven News), Alexis Daish (Nine News) and Laura Turner (Nine News) and popular food bloggers Lou Pardi and Pip Jarvis from The Urban List.
● Alicia Monaso and Andrea Sertori Photo: Fiona Hamilton
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
In loving memory of Ian William Bissett Johnson who passed away on November 23, 2013, aged 78.
● Lachlan Crawford and Geva Mentor Photos: Fiona Hamilton
Memories of Max
● FLASHBACK: A 2010 photo of the late Max Bygraves with entertainer Ronnie Ronalde. Kevin Trask presents a profile on Max Bygraves in his Whatever Happened To series on Page 16.
Thomson to face more charges ■ Ousted MP Craig Thomson is expected to face about 50 new charges when he finally fronts a contested hearing on fraud charges next week, according to News Limited reports. “Prosecutors told Melbourne Magistrates Court the additional charges would be added to the 173 Mr Thomson already faces, although there are no new allegations of criminality,” said Rachel Baxendale of The Australian.
● Santa receives a personal delivery from Joshua Clark, Lucy Clark, Alice Clark and Chelsea Wisemantel ■ The Barrel has a good word for the crew at Australia Post ... and their special links with Santa Claus, North Pole 9999. It is time for children across Melbourne to put pen to paper and write their letter to Santa. Last Christmas, Australia Post delivered more than 150,000 letters to Santa, which all received personal replies, and children are once again being encouraged to post their Christmas wish lists ahead of his busiest night of the year. Christine Corbett, Executive General Manager Retail Services, said that like previous years Australia Post is expecting a huge number of letters to be sent to Santa in the lead up to Christmas. “Nothing compares to the excitement of a child when they receive a reply from Santa and we love being a part of that connection. “Christmas is our busiest time and Australia Post is committed to ensuring that all letters and deliveries make it to their destination,” Ms Corbett said. Wish lists can be sent to: Santa, North Pole, 9999. Don’t forget to put a 60c stamp on the front of the envelope and your name and address on the back so that Santa knows where to send his reply. Letters can be posted at any Australia Post red street posting box or at any Australia Post retail outlet. Parents, teachers and children are also encouraged to check out Australia Post’s Santa Mail website at www.auspost.com.au/education/santamail , which includes letter-writing tips, Christmas education resources, activities and interactive games. Santa and his helpers are getting busy so remember that the sooner you send your letter ahead of Christmas, the sooner Santa can send a response.
The corrupt test ■ How can you tell if a person is corrupt? Artist, cartoonist and poet Michael Leunig has a simple suggestion: “You must study the duck./You must play with the duck./You must talk with the duck./You must know the ways of the duck./You must look deeply into the eyes of the duck./Then, looking into the face of the person,/How will you know if that person is corrupt?/ You will know./YOU WILL KNOW.” Eltham Bookshop is joining with Montsalvat and Allen and Unwin Publishing for a festive season celebration with Leunig. The event will be held at The Barn, Montstalvat, Hillcrest Ave, Eltham on Wednesday, December 11 from 6.30pm until 8.00pm Entry: $60.00 per person includes a signed copy of Holy Fool (RRP$50) or a $50.00 gift voucher, a cup of good cheer, and sweet little nothings . Children 1215 year olds: $10.00 Early, prepaid bookings are essential: 9439 8700 elthambookshop@bigpond.com
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Melbourne
Observer
Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday
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Ash On Wednesday
VALE RUSS SEFTON
■ Mourners gathered yesterday (Tues.) afternoon at Leonda By The Yarra, Hawthorn, to celebrate the life of Channel 9 production identity Russ Sefton. Russ was one of the pioneers of local television, and was a keen member of the team that presented In Melbourne Tonight. Russ had a long battle with cancer. He died on November 17 at the McKellar Centre, Geelong. His passing is mourned by wife Jill, children Andrew and Caroline, and grand-children Ebony and Roxana. Colleague Bill Beams termed Russ as one of the “foundation members” of GTV-9. Presenter Pete Smith says Russ was the first person to make him welcome when he joined Channel 9. Published tributes also came from writer Mike McColl Jones, on-air personality Rosemary Margan (Mitchell) and programmer Len Downs. Nine Network management said: “Russ was a dear friend and colleague to many in the television industry and a valued long time staff member who will be sadly missed by all.” Russ Sefton was involved in fund raising for charity, and he was a member of the Od Bods charity group for 44 years. The service was conducted by former Channel 9 newsman, celebrant Brian Smith. A private cremation followed. Arrangements were in the hands of Tobin Brothers, Doncaster.
Three more ■ Only three more Observers until Christmas. Book your advertising by phoning 1800 231 311.
Condolences ■ Sincere sympathy is extended to the Observer’s cartoonist, Matt BissettJohnson, on the sad passing of his father at the weekend. Ian Bissett-Johnson passed away peacefully at Lionsbrae Nursing Home, East Ringwood, on November 23 after long illness, aged 78. He was husband to Janice, father to Katherine and Matthew, father-in-law to Jason and grandfather to Luca. He was older brother to Sarah and brother-in-law to Peter. The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Mr Bissett Johnson will be held in the Federation Chapel, Lilydale Memorial Park, at 10am tomorrow (Thurs.).
Melbourne TV Memories with Kenneth Mulholland
The Price Is Right, Video Village and Coles Quiz
PHOTO BY ASH LONG
● Russ Sefton, photographed in 2007
Long Shots
editor@melbourneobserver.com.au
with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” – Albert Einstein
Text For The Week ■ “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labour.” - Proverbs 12:24 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.
● Danny Webb on the Video Village set The price is right, the price is right, you make a bid to win and you hope you might! ■ Well, it wasn't the most magical of opening show jingles but the Horrie Dargie Quartet/Quintet did the best they could with it. I was still in the Channel 7 mail room, or just out of it and onto staging, when Price began at the Teletheatre. From memory the set was staged in front of the drapes midway of the stage. It comprised a podium for the host, Horrie and then a rostrum with seating and a bench with four old ring-till cash registers. On the further side a prize area, shrouded by curtains that could be opened to reveal a sliding catwalk that was thrust forward manually, bearing the rather statuesque figure of Avril Hudson 'modelling' the 'goodies.' Geoff Owen-Taylor was the producer, I recall, and the husband of Avril; and Alf Potter directed. The reason I remember Alf was when Avril opened a fridge door to show the 'spacious' interior, a lone, empty Coke can was inside. Alf stopped tape and there followed a grand inquisition on who the culprit was. No one stepped forward. Beyond the front drapes, which were the background to the set, the larger part of the hidden studio floor was awash in give-aways: there were cannisters of Lipton tea, and camphorwood chests filled to the brim with soaps and other cosmetic products, shell-inlaid dividing screens, cane ware and other Chinese artworks, most courtesy of David Wang, the Asian importer. The men who administered all these large and small goods was Mel Fisher, whose sidekick was Dennis Smith. I helped out as gopher for them, but this truly was a payola heaven. There was so much stuff flowing in through the double rear doors that it was simply impossible to keep track of it. Guards were employed overnight to stop the crew pinching whatever they could, and often the guards went home looking considerably bulkier than when turning up for duty. There were even 'blues' between staging and lighting when somebody discovered some one else's stash and stole it again. Talk about Spy versus Spy. ★ Welcome to Video Village, join us, have fun. Welcome to Video Village, play time's just begun! Not much better with the lyrics than Price Is Right.' But of course there was the 'Bus' song. The team was led by a very sprightly Danny Webb, the glamour was Liz Harris, and Chris Christensen was the original 'Nimble Number Tumbler.' Later taken over by Ian Boyce. Natalie Rains was the Crawford's producer and I think Ian Jones may have been the director. On the odd occasion I manned ... strike that ... boyed camera four, though mostly I was on staging, setting, working and striking the show. While I was still messenger boy I was the 'Secret Voice' going up to Crawfords in Collins St and audio recording it, and later appearing briefly. I got along well with Lizzie and Dan, who happened to paint land and seascapes and I actually painted his portrait, an early and amateurish impression Turn To Page 00
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - Page 11
Melbourne People
● Parks and Leisure Gala Night Photos: Fiona Hamilton ● Showbiz Social Club Photos: Gigi Hellmuth
● Lyn Hoyle and Stephen Bourke at the Parks and Leisure Gala Night
● Lina Court and Cathy D’Aloia
● Ray Scheuboeck and Matt Rechner
● Mike Smith, Honni Jacobs and Shane Fraser
● Pianist Todd Sidney at the ShowBiz Social Club on Monday at Bentleigh
● Singer Sylvester Kroyherr at the ShowBiz Social Club
● Vocalist and guitarist Frank O’Brien
● Vocalist Annie Smith, Club President Judee Horin and pianist John Curtis
Page g 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, November 27,, 2013
Melbourne People
● Amongst special guests were Enid Dodemaide and Lois Tibballs
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Freemasons Victoria Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge 8th Annual Traditional Roast
● Jean Mackenzie with daughter Fiona at the ‘Roast Dinner’ luncheon
● Bet and Bob Breame enjoyed the day hosted by the Holloway family
● Alan and Jan Bunton travelled to Greenvale for the Sunday function
● Damian Byrne with daughter, Ciara, 2½
● Simon Browning with Max Fraser
● John and Mary Harper enjoyed the day at Greenvale
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - Page 13
West Hollywood
BLOOD, SWEAT, PREMIERSHIPS
From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
Within walking distance ... ■ Within Walking Distance of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites on Santa Monica Boulevard is the:
Your teams visit America
Troubador ■ Since opening in 1957, the legendary Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood has helped launch some of contemporary music's most talented performers. Greats such as Elton John, James Taylor, Carol King, The Eagles and Tom Waits (who was a resident of the Tropicana Hotel before the name change to the Ramada Plaza) performed there early in their careers and it continues to be a destination for cutting edge acts from around the world. The Troubadour also remains a popular venue among serious music fans that enjoy listening to live music in an intimate and historically rich setting. www.troubadour.com
● Josh Gibson of Hawthorn Football Club; Alan Johnson, former Director of North Melbourne Football Club; and Lance 'Buddy' Franklin, Sydney Swans Football Club.
The Rainbow Bar and Grill ■ Founded in early 1972 by Elmer Valentine, Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri and others, the Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip opened on April 16, 1972 with a party for Elton John. At the time, the word "rainbow" signified peace and freedom. It quickly became known as a hangout for celebrities of all types, including John Belushi who ate his last meal (lentil soup) at table 16. The Rainbow became known as a hangout for rock musicians and their groupies with some notable regulars including John Lennon, Keith Moon, Micky Dolenz, Grace Slick, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper and others. Led Zeppelin and Alice Cooper where also Tropicana Hotel residents. As musical trends on The Strip changed towards heavy metal in the 1980s, The Rainbow followed suit. Members of Motley Crue, Poison and Guns N' Roses frequented the bar. The Rainbow Bar and Grill has an exclusive club upstairs called ‘Over The Rainbow’, which consists of a full bar, dance floor and a DJ booth. www.rainbowbarandgrill.com
Rock N Reilly’s Irish Rock Club ■ The Irish Rock Club opened its 8911 Sunset Strip doors on 11/11/11 at 11.11am and has been rockin' ever since. In fact, the Huffington Post named it the most popular Irish Pub in America this past St. Patrick's Day. Reilly's prides itself on having one of the largest selections of Irish Whiskeys in the City. Guests can explore all of the whiskeys through the popular Reilly's Whiskey Passport program. The experience goes beyond beverages. It's Grilled Cheese landed on Good Morning America's Top Ten Grilled Cheese list and the Irish Nachos have become a local legend. 19 flat screen TV's play all the games mixed with vintage rock videos. With a focus on customer service, the Reilly's staff warmly welcomes Aussies for a drink and some fun on Sunset Boulevard. See you at the Bar! www.rnrpub.com
Sunset Tower Hotel ■ The Crown jewel of the Sunset Strip. West Hollywood's Sunset Tower offers a unique personal and elegant experience combining modern convenience with old world charm. This landmark building has served as a residence to countless Hollywood legends including Errol Flynn, Claudette Colbert, John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Marylin Monroe and Howard Hughes. Some 81 luxurious suites and rooms, a majority of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unrivaled views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles. Sunset Tower's top-notch modern brasserie, The Tower Bar, offers an elegant haven for the discerning with the allure of an old Hollywood style rendezvous. The critically acclaimed cuisine takes an inspiration from classic American brasseries with a distinctly Californian focus on fresh local ingredients. The current crop of Hollywood movie stars is often seen at the Sunset Tower Hotel. www.sunsettowerhotel.com
■ Here is a rundown on your favourite footy team touring the States for extra training. North Melbourne Football Club: Heading off to Utah via Los Angeles for their annual pre-season high altitude camp with the entire playing list for three weeks. Essendon Football Club. Off to Colorado after the team won flights with V Australia for their participation in a short film festival sponsored by V Australia. Carlton Football Club. Will be in Arizona, altitude training, which will include a hike through the Grand Canyon. St Kilda Football Club. They are also going to Colorado after winning flights from V Australia for their participation in a short film festival sponsored by V Australia. Nick Reiwoldt is spending time with his wife in Waco, Texas. Sydney Swans Football Club. Coach John Longmire has been touring in the USA for three weeks with his wife and family. Gold Coast Suns Football Club. Altitude training in Arizona. Western Bulldogs Football Club. Having their first trip to Colorado for altitude training. Brisbane Lions Football Club. In Arizona for two weeks for altitude training. Many coaches and clubs believe in the positive effects of high altitude training and the trips overseas are important for bonding the players to spend time together ahead of season 2014.
River Phoenix's final film
GavinWood
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd
Lisa Marie goes back to Graceland
● Lisa Marie Presley ■ She grew up there ... and now Lisa Marie Presley has made new memories of Graceland in Memphis with a performance on Yahoo Music's ‘Ram Country’ playing songs from her album Storm and Grace. You can see the show on line at www.ramcountry. music.yahoo.com Every Thanksgiving the Presley family goes to Graceland to give thanks and dine at the mansion.
Can Taylor Swift get any bigger? ■ To celebrate the Gettysburg Address delivered by Abraham Lincoln 150 years ago, filmmaker Ken Burns celebrates the anniversary of this historic speech with a public outreach campaign encouraging everyone in America to record themselves on video reading or reciting Lincoln's words. Taylor Swift led the group of celebrities in the reading of the Gettysburg Address. Taylor is now the most successful country and pop artist on the planet. Taylor was raised in Pennsylvania and at the age of 14 moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her amazing career in country music. www.taylorswift.com
www.gavinwood.us
■ This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of actor River Phoenix, who succumbed to an accidental drug overdose beside the Viper Room close to the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites on the Sunset Strip in 1993 at the age of 23. The actor's unreleased final film, Dark Blood, will play in the Los Angeles area for the first time. The screening at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica represents the latest but perhaps not the last leg of a turbulent two decade-journey for both the film which to this day remains in a sort of legal limbo, and its director, the now 81-year-old Dutch filmmaker George Sluizer. "It's nice that people can see it," Sluizer said by phone from his residence in Nice, France, "but not everybody."
John Wayne’s legacy erased ■ Newport Beach, the resting place of ‘The Duke’ John Wayne, has seen another, smaller piece of Wayne's legacy erased in the city where he once lived and partied. He is buried there, his old 136-foot former minesweeper boat called Wild Goose is still floating and the county ‘John Wayne’ Airport has been a source of annoyance to his old neighbours for decades. Now say goodbye to 'Duke's Place’, a Balboa resort lounge known for its strong drinks and close-up views of the yachts in Newport Harbour as they are dropping the actor's name. When the tavern opened in 2003, long after Wayne's death in 1979, it paid homage to the actor with his image on the walls and the Duke's Cocktail made with tequila, his preferred liquor. Time stands still for nobody, even the great John Wayne.
Rush in line for another Oscar ■ Just released in the States is this amazing film called The Book Thief which stars Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson. The movie is certainly gaining good Hollywood buzz for multiple Oscars. Geoffrey is outstanding as the accordion playing Hans Hubermann with his scowling wife, Rosa, played by Emily Watson. Hans teaches young Liesel how to read and love the words she is reading. Leisel has a friendship with Max, a young Jewish man who the Hubermanns hide at great personal risk during the brutal realities of Nazism.
Special Holiday Offer
■ I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all readers of the Melbourne Observer. When you are planning your trip to California, come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. Please mention Melbourne Observer when you book and you will receive the SPECIAL RATE of the day. Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com - Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood
Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Showbiz People
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
‘Survivors’ Luncheon South Melbourne More photos on Page 114
● Philip Brady with Keith McGowan
● Kevin Trask, Ron Tudor and Des Ford
● Jim Murphy with Peter Smith
● Peter Van with Wes Turnbull
● Keith Livingston with Mike Menner
● Bob Johnson with Bill Passick
● Paul Konik with Brian Smith
● Neil Longden with John Vertigan
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - Page 15
Melbourne TV Memories
By Kenneth Mulholland
Price Is Right, Video Village, and Coles Quiz
● From Page 10 ■ Once again the give-aways were en masse, this time being over-seen by Bob Pascoe and Gary Conway, who was later to become a director himself. This time Grosby Jiffies were derigueur, as well as canisters of tea, plus anodised cups and flasks in phony leather cases. And when each game ended, we had the ride back to the Number Tumbler. Come ride with us on the village bus, it takes all shapes and sizes. The village bus is the bus for us, it takes us to the prizes. So sing this song as we ride along right to the terminus. Side by side, it's a lovely ride on the Video Village bus! The three principals broke the show's contests with mimed songs such as Right Said Fred, and a young fel-
low named Lindsay Edwards and a girl named Robyn, whose surname escapes me now, entertained the audiences in breaks between shows with their own zany songs and antics. Lindsay later went home to Tasmania and compered a show very much like IMT, winning himself a Logie or two. The set itself was pretty hefty. There were many six-inch rectangular rostrums that made up the footpath and all the flats were plywood on pine frames and had boxes with lights that lit up when a square was landed on. One night I was rostered on to set it with Graham MacNamara and Bob (Robert) Meillon. We three were the only ones in all of the Teletheatre, and we were due to finish around nine. But Bob wanted to drive the Bus,
which was a sort of glorified golf cart, and Macca, senior to us, held the keys to the ignition of the battery powered Bus. We worked and bickered, bickered and worked, Bob was persistent, Macca unbending, me pleading to get the night done. It was a mind battle where Bob wanted to win and ride the thing and Graham wouldn't give up the keys. I personally didn't care, just wanted to make sure I didn't miss the last bus to West Heidelberg. There was a great deal of mind against mind with Bob and Mac, to the point when, sometime around 11, Mac turned up the volume on a big transister radio playing late night music and the announcer gave a big hello to the Channel Seven guys working hard out at the teletheatre in Fitzroy,
and played us a song. Hitting midnight, Mac finally gave in and tossed Bob the keys. Gleefully, Robert Meillon drove the Bus all around the back end of the stage, right down to the floorboards of the original theatre. I don't recall that we were fuelled by grog. It was just straight foolery and a kind of working out where we all fitted into a time of blokes who were on the make for girls and camp people, who had to stay in the shadows. Me. Well, I got the last bus home. Although, writing this, I'm sitting here now, end 2013, scratching my head. Maybe I'm still waiting for the last bus home. Goodbye from Video Village, that's it today. See you at Video Village next time you're this way.'
Welcome to Coles Three Thousand Pounds Question. And here is your compere Malcolm Searle. I honestly can't recall if there was a theme for Coles Quiz. Perhaps it was a voice-over from Roland Strong and a jingle or a drum-roll. When I started it was hosted by Malcolm Searle back in 1961. I recall him coming into the mail room and sometime after that Malcolm, a rather bright, confident man, failed to report for duty. He was reputed to have suffered a nervous break-down and Roland Strong, who was a veteran of various radio programs dating back into the 1940's, and was already part of the production team along with Graeme Bent and Geoff Owen-Taylor, took over. ● Turn To Page 16
Melbourne
Observer Life & Style
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS ■ It’s that time of the year when no matter how hard you try to ignore it, it’s on your mind no matter what. It’s Christmas, that’s what. Trying not to think about it doesn’t do any good. It’s in your DNA. You know the minute you hit the beginning of December you are in for a busy month. One year we tried going overseas to escape Christmas. Not the actual Christmas, but the hassles that it created after a really busy year. We were too tired to brave the stores to buy the gifts, send the cards and then attend the tribal feast with a big smile through the turkey and plum pudding. In fact, we were too tired to think. The thought of ignoring the family feuds that erupt when someone says something that someone else takes offence at was too hard to contemplate.
Spur of the moment ■ I admit that I always seemed to be the peacemaker, but that year they could have gone 10 rounds behind the tool shed for all I cared. I swore to myself that it would be my last Christmas feast. It was a spur of the moment thing really. But we booked and off we went. Seeing jolly Santas on every corner, and the happy families buying gifts we started to feel homesick for our Aussie Christmas. It wasn’t the same with the swirling snow instead of fierce hot winds and unbearable heat. And no blowies fighting the fly spray that takes your breath away. It cost a fortune to buy gifts for everyone and send them back to Australia in time for the big day when Santa arrives.
Mixede with family ■ Peter and I somehow became mixed up with a family and shared their family gathering. It was the Australian accent that did it, or perhaps my sad eyes thinking I should be home for Christmas. Whatever. We did have a great time. Our hosts were saying 'g’day' all afternoon to make us feel at home. We are still friends and communicate regularly. Hopefully, they can share an Aussie Christmas with us one day. The years rolled on and gradually the yuletide table isn’t as large because so many friends and relatives have shuffled off this mortal coil.
No cards from me ■ The one promise I made to myself, and I’ve not broken it: I was never going to send another
Yvonne’s Column
‘I didn’t tell mum for years, thinking that if I blabbed I’d be pushing my luck with regard to receiving any more gifts from Santa’
■ Remembering those early school days when we made the Christmas decorations is a real nostalgia trip. The rural school catered for kids up to grade six. Each grade consisted of a single file of desks with an aisle in between so that the teacher could walk up and down and correct either behaviour or our work. The blackboard covered the entire width of the room. On the top of the board was the alphabet written in capital letters. Underneath were our multiplication tables, starting at 2x2. I can still see that heading on the blackboard.
many as we could in our mouth, and use them to fire at the ‘Indians’ through a blowpipe made from reeds, which grew in the schoolyard Running around in summer and winter made us healthy and kept us in trim, certainly not obese like the young people of today, according to health workers. Remember, we used to ride to and from school on our bikes. These days the kids are driven to their activities. I still remember with great affection that teacher at our rural school. He seemed to us that he was the original fountain of knowledge because he taught all grades up to grade six in that one classroom. Is it any wonder that we were a canny lot of kids because we were also taking in the lessons that higher grades were being taught? Particularly history. Mr Lanyon had a wonderful way of telling us history as a story. I wonder where he is today? He was the only male teacher I ever had, except for the tutors at University. None were as good as Mr. Lanyon.
Learning our tables
Secret of Christmas
later occurred to me that they were the same size gift-wrapped boxes that I had spied in the bottom of mum’s wardrobe. I didn’t tell mum for years, thinking that if I blabbed I’d be pushing my luck with regard to receiving any more gifts from Santa.
Memories of school with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com
Christmas card – I’d phone them instead. I’ve stuck a bunch of mistletoe inside the front door hoping that my luck will change and Santa’s handsome helper will walk through the front door and spot it. Peter pulls out all stops with the wreath on the front door. Our two Tibetan hand -carved wooden reindeers with garlands curled around their necks stand guard to welcome our guests. We’ve had those reindeers for years. Peter had them in his shop and wouldn’t sell them for love or money. Now they have pride of place on the buffet when not on duty at Christmas time.
Would Santa find us? ■ The decorations for Christmas take me back to when Mum let me hang some paper chains that I had made at school. She would never have allowed anything handmade after I graduated to the second grade. But by that time I was so caught up with school I couldn’t have cared less. The house was looking its very best and my thoughts were all about Santa, the turkey and plum pudding. Our Anglican church held midnight mass. I felt very grown-up being allowed to stay up, and I sang with great gusto, all the carols we had been singing at school. After service, the adults chatted with one another outside the church. I groaned inwardly when I heard invitations for a Christmas drink being bandied about. Praying did me no good. My concern was that Santa wouldn’t visit our darkened house. Where would he leave my presents? He left them under the Christmas tree. It
■ Australia’s chief scientist has backed a return to students learning their multiplication tables by rote to boost the maths and science skills. Our exercise books had the times tables on the back as well as other information that we would need later when we got to higher grades. Is it any wonder that I can help the sales girl with the total of my purchases when the battery runs out in her calculator? Calculators have taken away our brainpower, as I knew it. I still find it quicker using mental arithmetic than a calculator. And I actually met a young girl who did not know the alphabet. Her teacher said that it was more important to use their creative skills than write and spell correctly, that would all come later on. She didn’t say how she could look up a word in the dictionary because the poor kid wouldn’t know where to start. At play time and lunchtime we used to play under a huge peppercorn tree, which I’m sure, was growing long before Australia was discovered. We used to pick the pink peppercorns, put as
■ But as always I’ve gone off on a tangent. One thing I have done already and that is to help those thousands of animals struggling to survive that devastating typhoon in the Philippines. Animals are an important part of the family in the Philippines and are vital to the survival of urban and rural communities. By protecting animals suffering as a result of Super Typhoon Haiyan with a donation today, you’ll be helping people too. And after all, that’s what Christmas is all about. You can call The Care Team during the hours of 8am-6pm AEST to make an urgently needed donation on 1300 13 9772 Enjoy your week, and remember not to max out your credit cards. The big sales begin on Boxing Day. Don’t beat yourself up because you can’t think of anything else other than what you have to do to make Christmas a happy family event. - Yvonne Contact: Editor, Melbourne Observer P.O. Box 1278, Research, 3095.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
■ I recently attended the meeting of The Al Jolson Society and they held a tribute night to Max Bygraves. I had forgotten how good a performer Max was and to watch one of his television shows from 1971 with a salute to Jolson was just amazing. We all clapped at the end of his show. His famous catch phrase was "I aanna tell you a story”. Max Bygraves made it all look so easy and the fans loved him. Walter William Bygraves was born in 1922 in Rotherhithe, south-east London. He was one of nine children from a staunch Roman Catholic family. He won a school talent competition at the age of 13 and as an altar boy made his first public singing appearance with the school choir in Westminster Cathedral. He joined the RAF in 1939 and performed in the concert party entertainment group. He sang in air raid shelters during the blitz and conducted many "singalongs" to keep up the moral of Londoners. In 1942 he married Gladys Murray who was given the nickname of ‘Blossom’. Walter changed his name to Max Bygraves when he began singing professionally - the ‘Max’ was in honour of popular comedian Max Miller. My friend Ronnie Ronalde was a mentor to Max in his early days and they became friends. Jack Payne, the famous English bandleader was also impressed with the handsome young
Whatever Happened To ... Max Bygraves By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM singer/comedian and this led to a spot in a show titled For The Fun Of It where Max worked with Donald Peers and Frankie Howerd. In 1949 he starred in his first film The Nitwits On Parade and some of his other films included Skimpy In The Navy, Bless Em' All (film now lost), Tom Brown's Schooldays, Charley Moon and Spare The Rod. Max appeared on the television variety show Val Parnell's Sunday Night At The London Palladium in 1955. He worked in stage variety shows for many years and appeared with some big stars including Judy Garland, and Abbott and Costello. His singing career was very successful with hit songs such as I'm A Little Toothbrush, Tulips
● Max Bygraves
From Amsterdam, Fings Ain't What They Used To Be and Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer Katzenellen Bogen by the Sea. Max appeared at the Tivoli Theatre in Melbourne and did regular tours in Australia for many years. In the UK he was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1961 and took over the hosting of the television show Family Fortunes in 1983. At one stage he was the highest paid entertainer in the UK. Max "topped the bill" at 19 Royal Command Variety concerts. In 1982 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2008 Max and Blossom moved to Hope Island in Queensland. Blossom died in 2010 and two years later Max passed away at his daughter's home after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 89. Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.
AN OUTBACK WHACK ON THE BUM
■ I have often watched David Attenborough documentaries concerning animals in the wild raising and disciplining their offspring. It's usually the case that when an over-excited recalcitrant little creature exceeds his parents' behavioural boundaries, it'll get a little nip, or a slap, or a cuff, to remind him of this. Jane Goodall, when once asked
about the raising of her own son, said she looked to her beloved chimps for guidance. Again, if junior became too obstreperous, he got a little whack on his arm or his bum to bring him into line. Yet what are Homo Sapiens currently doing? It's the "distraction corner", or the "naughty spot". Which they seem to enjoy.
Ken’s TV Memories ● From Page 00 ■ The show was recorded at the Teletheatre in front of the forward drapes and the set consisted of a podium for the host and the sound-proof Coles bunker, entered from the side through a door, with a clear perspex window facing the front. The format was the usual quiz with contestants answering a number of questions on the way toward the magic£3000 prize, similar to shows like Hot Seat. The bunker was used for questions in the higher range when the pressure was really on. Alf Potter directed and Brendan McKenna on camera one had the dubious duty of putting up a mid shot (waist up) of the contestant. A time clock was super-imposed over this shot, and Brendan was instructed to “Dolly in, man”. Sounds quite straight forward, except that Brendan was using a fixed lens designed for outside broadcasts. A 16-inch lens in fact, and to hold focus and push the camera in, ending on a close-up of the contestant's face was no mean feat. Both contestant and cameraman had equally stressed expressions as the clock ran down to zero. At the change over to decimal currency Coles Quiz became The $6000 Question. In the subsequent search for a replacement for Malcolm, auditions were held at the Teletheatre and many hopefuls appeared and were rejected, notably a member of staging, who arrived in a suit and acquitted himself well. Presentation: pleasant demeanor, controlled temperament, not nervous, clean-cut, tick. Voice: projection, pronunciation, enunciation, tick, tick, tick. Height: will need to stand on box.
● Roland Strong He was considered, but Roland decided to take it on himself. Wednesday was pay day for us and the wages would arrive in the afternoon for the crew. By then we were all flat broke and mostly didn't even have money for lunch, so it was very welcome that Coles put on a light luncheon for the audience out in the foyer. When the audience were seated, part of the warm-up from Graeme Bent was to invite “All of you wonderful people to troop out into the foyer and sample some sandwiches and cakes and a cup of Casba coffee. Ahh! Casbah!' The housewives and various deadbeats who came in off the street for a free lunch were easy to muscle aside as ravenous staging, camera and techos barged through the press to help themselves. (I hope Casbah is out of business by now, because it was, in my opinion, the closest I've ever tasted to dishwater.) Oh, and a memo to John Gilby: It's taken many years, but I do apologise for shrouding you in masking tape and locking you inside the Coles bunker. But you were being an absolute pest, and even Graham Mac agreed. On the plus side for you, we did all the work.
I watched a pesty little kid in a chemist the other day, destroying a display of medications. "Come over here dear and play with these things," said mum gently. Not a hint of "no!", or any admonition. A young boy was playing with a sliding door in a doctor's surgery in Darwin last week: "He was just being a normal little two-year-old - a bit louder than usual," said his mother. So what did the doctor do? What most of us would have done - a good quick whack on the bum. Did this set a cat amongst the pigeons - no "official" action though! ■ There's a good business on the market in the Centre at the moment - the Red Centre Farm, which is at TiTree, 200 kms north of Alice Springs. It's famous for its mangoes, and Alice Springs residents eagerly await the first batch to hit the supermarkets each season. I have often stopped off there on my way through to Darwin to gobble down a mango ice cream or sip on a mango milkshake. And I always grabbed a bottle of mango wine for the evening tipple. John Crayford has run the farm for 25 years, and he's decided to call it a day. I had never eaten one before I moved to Alice Springs. One of the Swiss girls on my staff, Francine, instructed me on their preparation. "You cut down each side of the big bone in the middle", she said, "and then criss-cross them, and turn them inside out." Simple enough. And from that fateful day on I've never been far away from a mango. ■ And still in Ti-Tree, it's always amazed and amused me that there's not much coverage of actual coal-face Aboriginal affairs down here, except for a few benign political platitudes. Occasionally an Aboriginal leader will be quoted as lamenting "our alcohol and violence problems" amongst his people, but that's about the full coverage. Currently there is a war going on in the Centre at the same Ti-Tree, as I briefly noted last week. About 18 months ago there was a report of a sexual assault in the area, and after investigation, police found it to be totally false, and this began "payback". Ti-Tree is inhabited by the Anmatjere tribe. And nearby Willowra is a Walpiri settlement. Several families from Willowra had been ejected from their community, and had arrived in Ti-Tree to camp in the river, and the trouble all started because the locals didn't send
The Outback Legend
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au them packing back home, and they stayed to fight. So the troubles are ongoing, with $60,000 damage being caused last week. A busload of people also arrived up from Alice Springs to join the melee. Police tried to calm things down, with about 200 people involved. Anumber of machetes were confiscated, but there were still plenty of injuries. Sounds like the Sunnis and the Shiites. ■ I've come across a few animal carers in both the Outback, and down south. They are devoted to their calling, occasionally to the point of fanaticism, and often state that they actually prefer animals to people! One such gentleman is Chris Barns, who has won many hearts in the UK of recent times - he was the star of Kangaroo Dundee , which aired in the UK. It was also shown here on ABC. I briefly encountered him while I was in Alice, and he was devoted to his craft.
A former zoo keeper, he eventually established a kangaroo sanctuary in Alice Springs. As a result of this fame he's received thousands of dollars in donations, so can run his 36-hectare Rescue Centre: "I've even been able to buy a reliable truck" to rescue his charges. He not only saves abandoned young kangaroos, but other creatures as well. Recently a young camel, Cameron, was added to his fold. One of Chris's colleagues was Deb, who worked for me. I was a visitor to her and Henry's abode on occasion, to be confronted by a houseful of joeys, poking their heads out of bags hanging around the walls. And then the backyard was full of those big enough to hop around by themselves before release back into the wild. One dog was enough for me.
■ George Chaloupka died in 2011. He was a legendary expert on rock art, of which there is plenty in the NT. He spent his time recording and describing many such sites throughout the Territory. I have often come across various examples of this in my own wanderings - from mere hand prints which have been outlined on cave walls by virtually spitting mud through the fingers, to more detailed and permanent carvings on weather-worn boulders out in the open. Now there is a new expert to take over from George - it's 29-year-old Tristan Jones, who's just been awarded a $28,000 fellowship to further her studies. She'll be re-recording many of the previously-discovered works, and figuring out how they have been affected by time and tourism. But further from this, she will be using "modern archaeology", which she describes as a blend of science, chemistry and history. Radiocarbon and geochemical technologies have recently been developed to study all these works, and they can predict the paintings' age more precisely than the old tried and true methods. Maybe in a few thousand years her successors will stumble across Hosier Lane in Melbourne. - Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’