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STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1536 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969 Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

144 Observer Melbourne

PAGES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2013 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

HINCH’S SHAME

ROYAL ZARA VISITS Page 7

ISSN 1447 4611

‘I'm guessing no tax deductions for donors either. Donate to NSW Bushfire appeal instead.

Far more worthy.’

- Glenn Bear, media commentator

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■ Broadcaster Derryn Hinch has come under fire from a number of his former 3AW colleagues after seeking donations from the public to pay more than $100,000 in his legal fees.

Hinch has re-published messages on Facebook and Twitter, requesting cash to be donated into a Commonwealth Bank account that bears his name.

Hinch says he will be paying the $100,000 fine ordered by Supreme Court Justice Kaye, but says he also has to find up to another $150,000 to pay in legal and Court-ordered costs, after he was convicted of breaching a suppression order imposed

by Mr Justice Nettle.

The criticism of Hinch comes as the public is asked to also donate to victims of the NSW bushfires.

Former 3AW news reporter Kate Murphy said: “There are far more worthy causes ... donate the lot Derryn and cop your punishment for breaking the law.” ● Turn to Page 13

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VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer Advertising Press+Online+Google+SocialMedia+Editorial Advertisers’ Index References to ‘Trader’ denote the 76-page liftout in the centre of this edition About Myself ..................... Trader P69 KristalBond ....................... Trader P14 Adam & Eve Baby Wear .................. P33 La Grande, Gold Coast ....... Trader P76 Adele Video Production ........ Trader P66 Lawrance Odrnance ..................... P22 All 4 Paws and Claws Life Be In it ....................... Trader P35 Pet Resort ....................... Trader P7 Lilly Jack ........................... Trader P75 Allbright Manor ............................ P14 Lifestyle Awnings ................ Trader P31 Amiga Engineering .............. Trader P61 Londrigan Beef & Lamb ...... Trader P33 APA Equine ................................ P140 Lunar Lighting ................... Trader P71 Armor Antiques ................... Trader P6 Maeburn Cottages ............. Trader P65 Astratex ............................. Trader P29 Maroondah Sports Club ..... Trader P56 Australian IT Support ........... Trader P38 Maryborough ....................... Trader P1 Australia Wide First Aid ........ Trader P3 Mattresses Galore ............. Trader P40 Backyard Buyers ................. Trader P27 MCVilly Timber .................. Trader P54 Barry MCVilly .......................... P16-17 Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy Bateau Chien Kennels ................... P31 and Health Foods ........... Trader P34 Beach Street Apartments ..... Trader P59 Melbourne Dance Theatre ........... P131 Belmondo ................................... P32 Metro Boronia ........................... P143 Braemac Energy .................. Trader P8 Michael’s Trailers .............. Trader P48 Broome Beach Resort .................. P115 Michelle Francis ......................... P124 Cascade Garden Holiday Misty Gully Smokehouse .............. P18 Apartments ................... Trader P13 Mokutu, Norfolk Island ........ Trader P17 Catonam/Silver Shade .................. P30 Mr Sleepyman ................... Trader P74 Club Fiji Resort ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Trader P16 Muckadilla Safaris ....................... P21 Club Hawthorn .................. Trader P39 Nettie’s Country Creations ......... P112 Coolum Baywatch Resort ... Trader P62 Oilman Group ............................. P130 Danish Red ....................... Trader P15 One Stop Caravan Shop ....... Trader P2 Darwin’s Barra Base ........P3, Trader P43 Data Central ..................... Trader P52 OzSpy Security Solutions .... Trader P41 Designwyse ........................ Trader P11 PC Repair Centre ................ Trader P21 Dirt Works ................................... P15 Play Rare DVDs ................. Trader P32 Dwyer Property Investments .. Trader P50 Practical Legal Solutions ...... Trader P3 Ecell.com.au ..................... Trader P75 RDA Mortgage Solutions ...... Trader P10 Echo Campers ................... Trader P40 Reef Palms, Cairns ........... Trader P73 Elegance With Style .................... P123 Rentasaur ........................ Trader P49 Energymasta ..................... Trader P24 Robinvale Wines ............... Trader P68 Entertainment Australia ...... Trader P28 Royal Melbourne Philharmonic ................ Trader P47 Five High Vendimg .............. Trader P18 Rupertswood Mansion ........ Trader P57 Flood Australia .................. Trader P67 RV Towing Solutions ........... Trader P46 Footlogics ................................. P125 Sambardeer ...............................

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Melbourne

Observer

To advertise anything from a classified ad to a full-colour full-page, contact our Editor, Ash Long, on 1-800 231 311 or editor@melbourneobserver.com.au He will look after your requirements - PERSONALLY!

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Barry’s Arnhem hunt

● Ash Long, Observer Editor

This Week’s Issue ■ As well as our regular columnists in every edition of the Melbourne Observer, we have some great sections in this week’s issue: ■ Melbourne Seniors News: Allbright Manor (Page 14) ■ Hunting (Pages 16-22), details at right ■ Dogs: Catonam/Silver Shade (Page 30), Bateau Chien Kennels (Page 31) ■ Buying Guide: Belmondo (Page 32), Adam & Eve Baby Wear (Page 33), Gilmour’s Comfort Shoes (Page 34), French Navy (Page 111), Nettie’s Country Creations (Page 112), Formation Flooring (Page 113), Sunshine Trailers (Page 114).

■ Travel: Broome Beach Resort (Page 115).

You will be seeing messages every week from now until Christmas. For personal service, speak with the Resort Manager, Dawn.

■ Craft: Silk Wholesalers (Page 122), Elegance With Style (Page 123).

■ Healthy Living: Michelle Francis (Page 124), Footlogics (Page 125), Jackie Wright (Page 126), Waverley Medical Centre (Page 127).

■ Victorian Rural News: Keepa (Page 128), Wobble Tee (Page 129), Oilman Group (P 130).

■ Horses: APA Equine (Page 140), Hawkesbury River Saddle Co. (P 141), Gutz Busta (P 142).

● Barry MCVilly ■ Professional hunter Barry MCVilly has just returned from a six-day hunt in Arnhem Land.

Barry received an urgent call to hunt a Bantous Cinnamon Bull that was causing havoc in the region.

Barry explains hunting as the oldest profession in the world (Page 17).

Other hunting operators have joined him in this week’s Hunting section: ■ Misty Gully Smokehouse (Page 18). Speak with Andrea, phone 0414 984 956.

■ Sambardeer (Page 19). Errol Mason offers a great publication for hunters.

■ JS Enterprises (Page 20). Jason offers a great range of products, and good old-fashioned Aussie service.

■ Muckadilla Safaris (Page 21). Speak with Glenn about joining in his Australian buffalo hunting expeditions.

■ Lawrance Ordnance (Page 22). Simon has a great range of slouch hats, perfect for summer, and a great Christmas gift for that someone who embraces the ANZAC legend.

On the hunt for Barra

Confidence up

■ At 144 pages, this is the biggest edition of the Melbourne Observer in decades. Business confidence is high amongst our advertisers.

We are pleased to announce that we have already signed contracts for weekly advertisements to appear throughtout 2014 with a number of our VIP clients including: ■ All 4 Paws and Claws (contact Renee) ■ Entertainment Australia (Michelle Drinnan) ■ Formula Ford Experience Australia (Scott Allen) ■ Golden Days Radio (through President Larry James and Station Manager Alex Hehr) ■ Grosvenor In Cairns (Brian Sweetman) ■ Maroondah Sports Club (Rebecca Lees) ■ MCVilly Timber (Barry MCVilly) ■ Metro Boronia (Tom Schouten) ■ SGI Consulting Group (Adele Pugh) ■ Tilco (Barry McFarlane) If you would like to promote your business in the Melbourne Observer in 2014, take advantage of the earlybird rates. Contact Editor Ash Long on 1-800 231 311, or by e-mail at editor @melbourneobserver.com.au

■ One of our regular advertisers, Allan Beale, is announcing the 2014 program for his Darwin’s Barra Base business (see Page 3, at right).

Allan is particularly excited about the 2014 Big Barra Run-Of that runs from February to April.

Shady Camp will not have been commercially netted for two years, so Big Barra and King Salmon will be on the bite.

Contact Allan direct on 1-800 777 420, or check out the website: www.darwinsbarrabase.com.au

Newest Advertisers ■ Hygeia (Page 15). It’s the ‘Wedding Boat’, but it’s also great for Christmas parties and New Years Eve. Speak with Barbara on 5254 1111.

■ Melbourne Dance Theatre (Page 131). Speak with Michelle. Enrolments are already being taken for 2014. melbournedancetheatre.com.au ■ Serena Coffee (Page 131). Nader invites you to taste beautiful coffee in his showroom at 15 Hope St, Brunswick.

■ Triple Ace Tennis (Page 140). Jamie offers real value with up to 40 per cent off first term (new enrolments only). Ask him about a free racquet (conditions apply).

■ Wombat Gully Plant Farm (Page 130). Take a short trip to 439 Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing - and save!

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 3

Heavily Discounted Rates Only $595 per person per day. (Includes all Accom. and Meals whilst on Safari) Fly in and stay at Darwins Barra Base B&B Lodge for 2 nights for only $80 per person.

Being One night prior to the Safari start and the last night when you come back into Darwin after the Safari. Also includes self-serve continental breakfast; and take away Pizza or Chinese on the last night when we return back to the B&B.

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

Tony Hadley always gold ■ Humility seems to be a common trait among the biggest and best of the world's musicians, and Tony Hadley is no exception.

Receiving the highest of accolades for his contribution to world-class music of many genres, his considerable body of work with several charities and recent Reformation and tour with iconic band Spandau Ballet, his life has been eventful and enriching.

Known for his contribution to the fabulous 'Romantic 80s' music era, captured in the publication of his bestselling book To Cut ALong Story Short, Tony continues to write and record solo albums, perform tours across the world, and has a regular radio show broadcast from the United Kingdom.

If TV appearances, an award-winning brewing business and a career spanning several decades at the height of these ventures are not enough, then being 'drop-off Dad' at school for five children must earn him the highest award for multi-tasking.

Ahead of his Australian tour where he'll be performing new songs and the hits of Spandau Ballet, accompanied by a full orchestra at the Palais Theatre, Tony was behind schedule on the Thursday school run, in his Buckinghamshire village in England's south-east.

“After the school bell rings.” Tony explained, "I'll be in the recording studio for the next few days, completing the new album, due to be released early next year."

You seem to be a master at balancing your family life and work.

Where do you find time to think and perhaps just spend time with Tony Hadley?

My favourite place for thinking time or to get away from it all is while walking across the fields in my village. Then I go to the pub for a drink afterwards!

What do Australian audiences mean for you?

Spandau Ballet toured in Australia only once in the 80s which is crazy, as we'd received such a great reception. Australian audiences have been very good to us, right from the beginning with our first song To Cut a Long Story Short.

You've been back to Australia several times as a solo artist, why will this show be special?

I'll be performing with a wonderful orchestra and lush repertoire of music.

The first half of the show will cover some of the new album, with songs I particularly love, and in the second half we'll be taking the Spandau Ballet hits and arranging them into orches-

School Run Porch Thoughts trated songs.

What is your initial feeling about the upcoming album?

I'm really proud of what we have a few people have heard the new album and their reaction is "Wow!" It's going to be a very exciting tour.

The Spandau Ballet Reformation Tour was a welcome return to the magic of the Romantic music era of the 1980s. To what do you attribute the era's popularity among younger people today?

It's strange, we were considered a bit alternative in our early career, but now 'Romantic' is 'cool' again. I do loads of festivals all over the world and so many young people come to our concerts knowing all the songs. I thought they'd just been listening to - or brainwashed by - their parents' records, but kids do seem to appreciate good music from any era.

Why do you think that is?

I think many of them go back to the basics with great bands that I was listening to in my early years. It's brilliant that they have access to such varied influences, and exposure to the different styles of music which have developed over recent generations.

Your upcoming shows range from large to smaller venues and you've performed on stages of many different types, from Wembley Stadium to entertaining troops on-field. Do you have a preference for any particular performance setting?

It's much more about the event for me, really. I found Royal Albert Hall to be one of the loveliest performance venues, and Live Aid at Wembley Stadium was amazing, but I don't really mind. I consider that regardless of the size of the venue or audience, I have a job to do and I'm a lucky boy with a 'dream-come-true' job!

Do you always prefer to work with big bands, particularly on tour?

I love working with big bands, and especially our fabulous orchestra, but one special event I'll always remember was after the London Olympics where I was invited to sing at Team GB House. This was a much smaller room, with the Prime Minister, movie

● Tony Hadley performs at the Palais Theatre this Saturday (Nov. 2) stars and members of the Royal nitely can be. where I am.

Family in the audience, as I perMy writing can vary between conYour many music industry formed Gold to celebrate with the ventional love songs, and at other awards, accolades and active inBritish medal-winners. times something very unique. If I find volvement with global charity What circumstances led to the it's not coming together as I'd like, I organisations must give you enorestablishment of your own just put it aside and come back to it - mous satisfaction, so what new record label, Slipstream Records there's no rush to finish it, and good challenge or project do you think and your Radio DJ work? songs need to be carefully written. you could possibly add to your I knew it wouldn't be easy, but it Your entertainment career long list of achievements? would provide greater independence crosses many genres and varied Well, I really enjoyed playing the as the music industry developed and roles across radio, TV, recording character of Billy Flynn in changed. and stage performance. With so London's West End production of The big record companies still many opportunities, how do you Chicago, and I'd love one day to be in have enormous financial resources, decide which project has prior- a Hollywood movie blockbuster. I've but I was able to have more artistic ity for you at any given time? never had the chance to be in a big control, and license the bigger comI 'spin plates' like most people do film. panies to take care of the marketing - family, recording, touring and busiWhat is your Porch Thought and other busi ness aspects of music ness. I sometimes wish I could have For The Day? production. I also love vinyl as a mu- a month off, but it's the same for evI think our message in Through sic medium, and really enjoy being a erybody.

The Barricades says it: Believe you DJ. Life is crazier now that we have have the strength to overcome. Enjoy The lyrics from your hugely instant access to everything. It seems it, and try not to stress - life's good popular song True include: everyone wants things done immedi- when you do what you love.

"Why do I find it hard to write ately and our perception of time has ● Tony Hadley performs the the next line." Have you ever accelerated since my early career. hits of Spandau Ballet with Full struggled to complete a song or When I was here in Australia with Orchestra Saturday (November piece of music?

Spandau Ballet in the 80s, the 2) at the Palais Theatre, Oh God, yes - many times. As a thought of phoning home to the UK Melbourne. For more informasongwriter I find coming up with a was almost impossible - and expen- tion visit www.tony-hadley.com good idea and melody is not so hard, sive! These days, I could be in For bookings visit but coming up with a great one defi- Timbuktu and everyone knows www.ticketmaster.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 5

International stars set to shine at the Palais

■ One of the world's most loved performers, three-time Grammy Award winner and most respected member of the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music of Hall of Fame, Charley Pride returns to Australia for a long overdue national tour.

Nestled between those of Gladys Knight and Leonard Bernstein, Charley's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is something to be proud of, and, as part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team, his generosity has won the hearts of millions of baseball and music fans the world over.

From humble beginnings in his family's home in Mississippi, USA, Charley's legendary music career was launched 'accidentally' in the late 1950s through his love of baseball, and has continued over many decades, with unsurpassed success in country music entertainment.

The launch of his new greatest hits collection 40 Years of Pride precedes a much-anticipated series of concerts, performed for both new and loyal longtime fans across Australia.

Charley's energy, honesty and love for performing make him an unstoppable entertainer and whilst preparing for his Australian tour, he recalled having some of his greatest memories on his porch at his childhood home on a cotton farm in country Mississippi.

You grew up in a large family and enjoyed regular 'me time' on you front porch. Can you recall what you thought about?

I shared a very small space with 10 siblings, so sometimes I'd just go out on the porch and look at the clouds, and imagine I could walk on them, dreaming of what I would do with my life.

How do you imagine your musical life would be, had your early baseball playing plans gone the way you intended?

Like most American kids, my goal was to succeed as a Major League Baseball player by the time I was 35.

I was doing pretty well as a pitcher, before a badly-timed injury sent me down a different path.

Instead of playing the game for The Rangers, I wound up off-field singing the national anthem, or entertaining the team while travelling between ballparks.

You've blazed a few trails with musical and other firsts over your 50+ year career. Is there anything else you wish you'd been first at, apart from music?

Well, I would love to have gone to Hollywood and become an actor like John Wayne. People now say my music was meant to be, “otherwise we may never have heard you sing”. I certainly wouldn't have had much time for singing with a league baseball career.

Industry emphasis has been placed on African-American musicians overcoming cultural barriers in their careers. How has this affected the path your life has taken?

Cloud Porch Thoughts

I was fortunate not to have any barriers, in music or baseball, thanks to people like Jackie Robinson.

My music career started during the Civil Rights movement, so other entertainers before me had also helped to pave the way.

During my career, I've had not one 'hoot-call' from the audience, or any issues playing with other musicians.

Many people don't believe it, but I explain that audiences thankfully focus on my accomplishments instead. I tell them, 'well, maybe Martin Luther King had all the answers, but I don't - I just keep singing and doing what I love and what audiences want me to do.'

You're a great representative of gentlemen who hail from the Southern States. Do you believe your strong spirituality and gospel roots were a good foundation to keep you 'grounded' despite the trappings of fame?

I don't think Gospel was a major influence on my music, but I do feel my background had something to do with achieving that balance. Basically, we work with people's feelings and emotions - and I like to do a good job at that.

The Charley Pride Story was captured beautifully in your autobiography that was going to be adapted into a movie some years ago. Is that still going ahead?

I'd been working on its movie adaptation, before the Hollywood actors' strike in 2008. Although Paramount took on the project, a change of management had it put on hold.

The new studio mindset favoured more action 'shoot-em-up'-type movies, rather than biographical productions similar to those of Loretta Lynn, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash. That was disappointing, but we're working to get the movie back on track.

Your album sales are second only to Elvis Presley's. What influence did Elvis's music have on your early career?

I closely followed Elvis's music and in 1971, after I won the CMA's 'Entertainer of the Year' award, I told my manager I wanted to perform in Vegas. When he suggested a few of the smaller clubs there, I said I wanted to play where the 'big acts' play.

I went to three of Elvis's openings at the Hilton International in Las Vegas, and I loved it when he sang a line from one of my songs. My band and I were invited up to his suites, and ultimately returned to play at the Hilton.

What was your experience of country music appreciation in Australia when you were here last,

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Pride of country music Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

● Charley Pride performs at the Palais Theatre on Saturday, November 9 and what are you expecting to see music, whether in the US, Aus- My best memory of doing that was during your tour in November? tralia or elsewhere in the world? years ago, but it wasn't for musical It's been 17 years since I've toured I've performed all over, including inspiration - I sing other people's Australia. We enjoyed every town Canada, Sweden and Tokyo, but I songs. we played back then, all over the remember my first tour of AustraHowever, one time on my porch, I country from Darwin to Alice lia, when your population was only actually did write a song based on an Springs, Perth to Port Hedland, 13 million people. old tale about what would happen to MacKay to Townsville, MelBack then, someone had calculated kids if they were awake when Santa bourne and Hobart. Australian that every household must have a Claus came at Christmas time: audiences seemed to appreciate our copy of one of my albums! A lot has they'd get ashes thrown in their eyes! music. I am also hoping to come back changed Down Under - including I knew that wouldn't actually hapto return with my movie completed, the population - but not your appre- pen, but I wrote a song called Santa to help give me a boost' for the next ciation for great music. and the Kids. It was no Help Me Make tour.

What's the next project in line It Through The Night , but it was a You do realise that you've for you after the Australian tour? fun song! never 'needed a boost' with Once I'm back home, I'll be going ● Charley Pride's new album Melbourne audiences? to Spring Training in Arizona with '40 Years of Pride' is available Well, I can't wait to see my the Rangers' baseball team. After in all major music outlets and Melbourne fans. It feels good to re- that, I'll be performing at some more he performs at the Palais Theceive back so much from what I give venues closer to home. atre, St Kilda on Saturday, Noto people.

What is your Porch Thought vember 9. For tickets and inforWhat is the most notable For The Day? mation, phone 136 100 or visit change you've seen in country Take time to look at the clouds. www.ticketmaster.com.au

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Decades of fine arts

■ Possum Gully Gallery - in the Maryborough region - will again host its spring exhibition and this year will be the 20th anniversary since it opened in 1993.

The exhibition will feature all new works by artists who have contributed art works over the past 20 years.

The gallery was built in mud brick and bluestone and is situated at Adelaide Lead in the Paddy Ranges.

It started with printmaking but has since extended to include acrylic and oil painting, textile art, sculpture, ceramics, glass, drawing, handmade jewellery and watercolours.

The garden has always been a feature of the gallery and the garden sculpture is made by artists from all over Australia.

Work has arrived from artists who live in Maldon, Bendigo, Daylesford, Ballarat, Ararat, Castlemaine, Woodend, Maryborough and Melbourne.

These are diverse in subject matter and use of different media. The exhibition opens at 11 am on Saturday (Nov. 2) will remain open during the four days of Melbourne Cup weekend and then every weekend until December 1.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

If you knew Suzie, like we knew Suzie

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

● Suzie Howie ■ It has been a year since Melbourne lost publicity dynamo Suzie Howie, and there have been several functions in her memory.

Close friends joined Suzie’s partner Paul Taylor at Bistro Guillaume at Crown on Saturday.

Guests included society photographer Serge Thomann, publicist Ann Morrison, Natasha Stipanov of Crown, TV producer Pam Barnes, publicist Prue Bassett, and the Melbourne Observer’s Di Rolle.

A few of the luncheon guests kicked on with an extended dinner - Suzie Howie would have approved!

On Monday night, a ‘drinks’ function was held at the Dress Circle Bar of Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, at a function whose organisers included Sue Farrelly and Kendra Reid.

Noted speaker

■ Professor Amanda Nicholl speak on Haemochromatosis at the Rotary Club of Rosanna meeting to be held tonight (Wed., Oct. 30) at the Austrian Club, West Heidelberg.

The club last week presented cheques tio School of St Jude ($1000), Possum Project ($2000), Asylum Refugees Bridging Project ($2000), Rotarians Against Malaria ($2500), Holiday Camps for Disadvantaged Kids ($1500), Sing and Grow ($1500), and Toys and Tots ($500).

Around The World

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Celebrating the memory of Suzie Howie this week at Bistro Guillaume at Crown: from left, Serge Thomann, Paul Taylor, Ann Morrison, Natasha Stipanov and the Melbourne Observer’s Di Rolle.

‘Super Discount’ at Malthouse

Capt. Baxter ■ Melbourne publicist Greta Donaldson says an invitation-only function will be held at Captain Baxter, St KildaBeach, on Thursday, November 21, for the launch of the summer season with Style Melbourne and Drink Melbourne.

● Jim Maumill (left), Bella Wilkey, Allan Spencer and Tony Johnson rehearse for Around The World With Music And Song.

■ The Warrandyte ’55 Plus’ Variety Group this year celebrates the 51st anniversary of the musical arm of the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club by presenting Around The World In Music And Song, firstly as a concert on Saturday, November 16 at 1pm for 1.15pm start and then as a cabaret on Friday, November 22 at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

Selections will be presented from a wide range of music and songs representing more than 20 countries of the world, in a two-hour show suitable for all age groups.

Venue is the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club Hall, 1-3 Taroona Ave, Warrandyte and bookings are essential.

Tickets to the concert on November 16 are $14, including afternoon tea served after the performance. Seats to see the cabaret on November 22 are $10 , with tea/coffee supplied, BYO everything else.

Bookings for the concert and cabaret can be made by calling Allan on 9877 1077.

- Cheryl Threadgold

$4.3 million ■ The Ride to Conquer Cancer announced 1023 riders helped raised over $4.3 million for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre as the second annual ride commenced Saturday in Melbourne.

● Brian Tilley, Mark Deans and David Woods in Super Discount, opening November ● Greta Donaldson 13.

Photo: Jeff Busby ■ Back to Back Theatre

By Cheryl presents Super Discount from November 13 – December 1 at Threadgold the Coopers Malthouse, Merlyn Theatre, ferent, and how to unleash the Southbank. caped crusader in all of us.

In the eternal fight of good Back to Back Theatre versus evil, the ultimate winner was founded in Geelong in 1987 will be a new kind of hero – low to create theatre with people fi, profoundly human, and more who are perceived to have a disresplendent in the strength of his ability. beliefs than his natty lycra cosIt has since become one of tume.

Australia’s leading creative This is the world of Super voices, with a full-time enDiscount, where the super in su- semble of five actors, focusing perhuman no longer involves on moral, philosophical and posquare jaws and a set of wash- litical questions about the value board abs. of individual lives.

With inspiration from the Season: November 13 – Dereal-life passion for comic cember 1 books of Brian Tilley, a Back Times: Tue 6.30pm,Wed – to Back Theatre ensemble Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm Opening night: Friday, member, Super Discount teases out the fictive frontier between November 15 at 7.30pm alternate worlds, and asks the Venue: The Coopers audience what it means to be a Malthouse, Merlyn Theatre, 113 hero.

Sturt St, Southbank ● Alana Everett, Lauren Langlois, Rennie McDougall, Lily Paskas and Lee Serle This riotous new work exBookings: malthouse performed in A Small Prometheus, reviewed by Kathryn Keeble in the Observer Showplores what it means to be dif- theatre. com.au or 9685 5111 biz section.

Photo: Jodie Hutchinson

Alexis Wright at dinner

A Small Prometheus

● Alexis Wright ■ Miles Franklin Awardwinning author Alexis Wright will be guest of Eltham Bookshop at Ginger Garlic Restaurant on Tuesday, November 19.

Alexis is author of The Swan Book, which portrays the world of an Aboriginal girl, and those around her in the years up to 2088, Australia’s third centennial.

The book projects what conditions might be like for ideas little understood in today’s world.

Cost: $55 for singles, $85 for couples, includes a signed copy of the book.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 7

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Zara Phillips is patron Whores and Weeping Women

● Zara Phillips

■ Zara Phillips , team eventing silver medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games and former world champion, has been announced as Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women for 2014-2018.

Her appointment will see her promote and champion the role played by women in thoroughbred horse-racing.

Ms Phillips was the inaugural MMRW Ambassador in January this year.

She is the eldest daughter of Princess Anne.

Under The Clocks ‘Brief Encounter’: charming, funny

OUT OF THE COUNTRY ■ Whores And Weeping Women is cabaret of Shakespearean proportions, from November 19-24, at The Butterfly Club, Carson Pl, Melbourne.

Whores And Weeping Women explores the archetypes of powerful and successful women across the course of history.

A premiere season runs for six shows only, It is described as an irreverent mash-up of contemporary music and Shakespearean text which follows the weakest of Shakespeare’s heroines to their dramatic demise.

Longer season

● Miss Fisher ■ Due to the success of the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Costume Exhibition, with almost 30,000 visitors in the first six weeks, the National Trust and Every Cloud Productions have extended the exhibition at Rippon Lea House and Gardens until Sunday December 1 so visitors can enjoy Miss Fisher’s mysterious ways for longer.

● Martin Blum (left) and Matt Dyktynski in Boy Out Of The Country.

Photo: Sarah Walker ■ Fortyfivedownstairs presents a Larrikin Ensemble Theatre production, Boy Out Of The Country, from November 21 to December 8 at 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Written by poet and playwright Felix Nobis and co-directed with Fleur Kilpatrick, Boy Out Of The Country is a unique drama where an old Australia meets a new Australia: where a country cop comes to terms with catchment areas, where a fifth bedroom is more important than a backyard and where new technologies have the potential of uncovering old family secrets.

A family property, worthless for generations is suddenly zoned as part of a regional housing estate to accommodate an ever-increasing urban sprawl. After a seven-year absence, Hunter returns to find his boyhood house boarded up and his mother in a retirement home. He goes in search of answers, starting with his brother Gordon.

Written in Australian poetic vernacular, Boy Out Of The Country tunes into the rhythms of the country to examine relationships and uncover the landscape.

This production stars Jane Clifton, Matt Dyktynski, Amanda LaBonte, Chris Bunworth and Martin Blum.

Boy Out Of The Country emerged from the Melbourne Theatre Company Affiliate Writers Scheme and was awarded the R. E. Ross Trust Script Development Award.

Larrikin Ensemble Theatre brings together the combined talents, expertise and experience of artistic director Chris Bunworth and producer Wolf Heidecker who aim to create ‘comedy with a conscience’ for the national and international market place.

Preview: Wednesday, November 20 at 8pm. Season: Thursday, November 21 – Sunday, December 8. Times: Tuesday - Saturday 8pm, Sunday 6pm Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs 9662 9966 or www.fortyfivedownstairs.com/ buy-tickets/ Tickets: Full $38, Concession $30, Group 6+ $33 Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Duration: 90 mins www.boyoutofthecountry.com

Melbourne Moments JMH at Marquee

To Singapore

■ John-Michael Howson is guest speaker at the invitation-only Marquee Luncheon Club eing held today (Wed.) at Toorak. MC for the function is John Blackman.

■ Melbourne gallery promoter James Makin will represent artist Kristin McIver with her international solo project exhibition in Singapore in January.

Her neon artworks and multi-faceted installations focus on the media and advertising.

Kristin completed her Master of Visual Art at Victorian College of the Arts in 2009.

Kristin is the recipient of an Australia Council grant.

She won the inaugural Melbourne Sculpture Prize last year.

Dame Kiri to visit ■ Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday, May 10, as part of her 70th Birthday Gala Tour.

Publicist Prue Bassett says Dame Kiri perform her own personal selection of operatic favourites accompanied by Terence Dennis.

● Kristin McIver

● Michelle Nightingale (Laure) and Jim Sturgeon (Alec) in Brief Encounter.

Photo: Leah Robertson ■ Wow, what a privilege for Australia that UK-based theatre company Kneehigh brought their charming and funny production of Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter all the way from Broadway and the West End. Presented by Arts Projects Australia, Brief Encounter played for the Melbourne Arts Festival until last Sunday (Oct. 27).

Brief Encounter tells the story of Laura and Alec, who meet by chance in a railway station tearoom. From that day, romance ensues but the agonising truth is they are not free to love each other as each is devoted to their spouses and children.

As the two fight their feelings, we watch two other couples in the tearoom unabashedly embrace their freedom to flirt and love.

Director Emma Rice has adapted the show from Noel Coward’s 1936 play Still Life and his screenplay Brief Encounter, filmed in 1945, adding verse and lyrics also written by Coward.

The familiar classic story is shot through with vaudevillian-style musical numbers and the hilarious antics of the supporting cast resulting in more comedy than romance.

Yet the comedy is not a distraction; it functions to underline the story’s theme of restrain versus freedom. Laura and Alec are locked inside their reality, unaware that they are a story being played out, while the others are there to assist in telling that story and can interact with the audience and even provide the sound effects!

Rice pays keen attention to detail, seamlessly and cleverly integrating film with stagecraft and reality with theatre. The product is a brilliantly entertaining work with surprises and delights throughout. And an extremely talented cast.

Australian performers join the international cast for this Australian tour. South Australian Michelle Nightingale takes the role of Laura opposite Scottish-born Jim Sturgeon as Dr Alec Harvey.

Their characters are a little hard to warm to at first as their rigid intensity is initially undermined by the charm and warmth of the supporting cast, but their treatment of the anguish and frustration their characters feel is rewarding.

Adelaide-based Kate Cheel also joins the cast as the cheeky but unsuspecting Beryl, alongside the entertaining Joe Alessi (Fred/Albert), and superb musicians Damon Daunno (Stanley), Dave Brown and James Gow. London-based Annette McLaughlin’s wildly funny Myrtle steals the show.

- Reviwe by Deborah Marinaro

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

The Ring: Wagner Animated

Di Stories We Tell

● Sarah Polley ■ One of the things I really enjoy is going to the movies by myself, just popping into a cinema and catching up with the latest film.

It is like being on a plane: no phones, no one can find me, and I can just relax for an hour or so. It is so important to do.

The latest film I saw alone was a great film.

I laughed, I cried. Stories We Tell is highly recommended.

One of the most heralded films of the 2012 Venice and Toronto Film Festivals, Academy Award nominee Sarah Polley’s internationally acclaimed Stories We Tell is being hailed by the critics.

“In a word: Wow. Extraordinary in every way. One of the best films of the year.” wrote Peter Howell of The Globe and Mail, Canada.

On the prompting of my sister Debi in Sydney, who told me I must go and see it, I went.

Stories We Tell unpeels the complex life of Diane, an aspiring actress and mother, and the shockwaves that a series of impulsive actions unleash on her children, husband and community.

With this ground breaking new feature that seamlessly blends past and present, the real and the imagined, Polley’s characteristically unflinching yet compassionate gaze delivers a level of depth and emotions only hinted by her acclaimed earlier directorial works, Away From Her and Take This Waltz.

Making Stories We Tell all the more memorable is the revelation that the mother depicted - and family in question - is Polley’s own. “ One of the boldest and most exciting films I’ve seen in the last six months, and the kind of experience that has the power to alter your perception of the world.” said A O Scott of The New York Times.

It really is worth seeing. It is now showing at Como Centre, check newspapers for details. www.StoriesWeTell.com.au

I love my job!

■ In our last issue, I mentioned and recommended The Ring: Wagner Animated. This is an operatic adventure for the whole family.

As part of The Ring Festival in Melbourne, The Ring: Wagner Animated condenses Richard Wagner’s epic opera cycle The Ring Of The Nibelung into a format which everyone can enjoy.

Bridging the gap between opera and the general public, The Ring: Wagner Animated tells the mythical story of The Rhine Gold, The Valkyrie, Siegfried and The Twilight of the Gods through colourful projected animation narration and the best of Wagner’s soaring melodies sung by three accomplished singers.

Voted in the top five of more than 900 presentations at the 2012 Adelaide Fringe Festival, The Ring: Wagner Animated is the perfect way to enter Wagner’s magical world. Meet gods, giants, dwarves, elemental spirits and heroes in a thrilling adventure.

The performance is rated PG and I need to warn you this performance contains simulated violence, including the slaying of a monster.

When I tell friends about that, they say, oh the kids will love that.

This performance is suitable for kids and as I said at the beginning of the story, it is an operatic adventure for the whole family.

Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and More Than Opera. Tickets $45 ($35 concession) bookings melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333. What fun!

For BUSY MELBOURNE CUP WEEK

■ Shopping in my local store I am constantly reminded that not only is Christmas coming but so is Halloween (tommorow, Thurs., Oct. 31).

I never really got Halloween. My sister Debi loves it and does the whole trick or treat thing.

Australians seem to be really getting hooked by spooky Halloween, so much so that a Spooktacular Scarefest is being held at Wonderful Fun Park tomorrow (Thu.).

Docklands is set to be swarming with miniature witches and wizards. It’s an afterschool event for families to enjoy spooky entertainment; maybe I should go along and throw myself into the face painting, trick or treating, ghoulish goodies, crazy dancers and photo opportunities with scary and whacky characters. There are also Wonderland Fun Park’s awesome rides.

There will be fantastic prizes for the spookiest costumes throughout the day, so all children are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

And I believe if I am there around 4pm on the day, I might be featured on the Ten News weather report! Ten’s weather presenter Mike Larkan will be there with his crew to capture all the colour and movement of Halloween at Wonderland Fun Park.

Early Bird specials are still available, offering fantastic savings of $9 off the regular children’s ticket price, and $7 off the adult price.

There are ticket options, visit www. wonderlandfunpark. com.au for more in-

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

ing as I write this. Plus there are mini cupcakes! Yum. Parents accompanying their children may accompany their children on the rides, free of charge.

Book now at www.wonderland spiegeltent.com.au/ events.html High Tea settings are at 1pm and 3pm.

Phone 9602 1311. I am off to buy my Melbourne Cup hat!

Old world records

● Jason Singh (see report at right) formation. WonderThis is fun family land Fun Park is lo- entertainment, for the cated at 120 Pearl River ladies to wear finest Rd, Harbourtown hats or fascinators for Shopping Centre a chance to win a NaDocklands. poleon Make-over Wait there’s more and Pamper package … The Age Good and for the kids (14 Food Month and years and under).

Melbourne Cup Wonderland Fun Weekend there is Park will be throwing wonderful high tea at The Mad Hatters High W o n d e r l a n d Tea Party, where $35 Spiegeltent. entry includes a Super Ladies who lunch, Unlimited rides pass, and ladies who dream iced apple juice and or of being ladies who a babycino with a spelunch, are in for a real cial array of favourite treat on Sunday (No- party treats such as vember 3) when Won- fairy bread, chocolate derland Spiegeltent crackles. hosts Wonderland My mouth is waterHigh Tea and for the ing as I write this. Plus kids, Mad Hatter’s there are mini cupHigh Tea Party, as cakes! Yum. part of The Age Good Parents accompanyFood Month and join- ing their children may ing in the Melbourne accompany their chilCup festivities. dren on the rides, free Situated at the popu- of charge. lar children’s attraction, Book now at Wonderland Fun www.wonderland Park, the entertain- spiegeltent.com.au/ ment hub of Dock- events.html lands, entering the High Tea settings W o n d e r l a n d are at 1pm and 3pm.

Spiegeltent is like enPhone 9602 1311. tering an old-time I am off to buy my glamorous world from new Melbourne Cup a bygone era. hat!

■ What goes around comes around I always say, and my point is proving to be right!

The Music Network published a wonderful article stating that 2013 is set to be biggest sales year for vinyl in over a decade.

I got my turntable out some time ago and spruced it up with speakers and lo and behold the article landed on my table.

According to the article, Daft Punk and David Bowie are responsible for the UK’s highest levels of vinyl sales in over a decade.

Sales of vinyl records in the UK have doubled in 2013 so far, spurred by the popularity of Daft Punk’s LP my all-time favourite RandomAccess Memories that I got into in Bali, and Bowie’s The Next Day which is fabulous.

According to figures from a music industry source almost 550,000 vinyl albums have sold so far this year and more than 700,000 albums are predicted to be sold by the end of the year.

This excited me no end, I have a fabulous collection of albums and it is so great to play them on the turntable.

Jason set to perform ■ Jason Singh is a busy man. The former Taxiride front man (and rather easy on the eye), Jason has embarked upon the biggest step in his career to date, releasing his highly anticipated first solo album, titled Humannequin, to be launched with an electrifying live show at The Toff In Town on Wednesday December 4.

Taxiride fans will be treated to their favourite hits, as they discover the renowned Melbourne-based singer/songwriter’s new material on his solo debut.

Produced by the legendry ARIA-Award winning Charles Fisher, whose studio pedigree boasts such success stories as Savage Garden. Air Supply, Hoodoo Gurus, Ace of Base and Olivia Newton-John (to name a few), Humannequin drips with impossibly catchy pop, showcasing Singh’s flawless vocals and song writing prowess to a tee.

Hold On Forever is the first single off the album, and has already been picked up by commercial and regional radio stations across the country which is a terrific effort, as well as being selected as the feature song of Seven Network’s on air promos for Million Dollar Minute.

As the front man of Australia’s beloved Taxiride, Jason has had extraordinary success. Taxiride became a hit sensation in the 2000s and found national success with Top 5 Aria platinum selling albums and six Top 40 Aria singles.

Jason has toured extensively throughout his career, including international tours in North America, Europe and Asia with Taxiride.

Albare next week ■ One of the busiest men in Melbourne is Albare.

After the recent exciting announcement of Albare’s signing to ABC Music in Australia and New Zealand, the jazz guitar virtuoso will perform one intimate show in Melbourne to launch his new album, The Road Ahead, on Thursday, November 7 at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club.

This year, Albare has achieved success with his UK tour and is currently on tour in Europe. where he is receiving critical praise for his live shows and latest album.

“Absolutely terrific guitar playing by Albare … exceptional,” said Synthesis Weekly, last month.

The Road Ahead was recorded in New York earlier this year, receiving glowing reviews and USA Jazz Chart success since its international release through ENJA records, the famous legendary German label.

Joining Albare on stage at Bennetts Lane will be Phil Turcio on piano, Phil Rex on vass and Darryn Ferrugia on drums, all musicians with whom Albare shares a music history.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 9

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Observer

ITALIAN CROONER VISITS MELBOURNE

In This 144-Page Edition

Festival on the Peninsula

● Claire Edwardes will perform works from her album One ■ The 7th Peninsula Summer Music Fes- (guitar), Michael McQuaid (reeds), French tival will be staged from December 27-Janu- bassist Sebastien Girardot and Lynn Wallis (drums). ary 5.

Seraphim Trio (Helen Ayres, Timothy For 10 days the Mornington Peninsula will be filled with music; from 1930's French Nankervis and best-selling author Anna jazz to rarely-heard Renaissance woodwind, Goldsworthy), will draw from the rich legacy fiery fandango 17th century-style, rarely per- of works for piano trio, penned by Mozart and formed works by Telemann and Mozart, and Schubert.

Goldsworthy will also present readings endlessly inventive realm of percussion.

Under the artistic direction of Julia and perform repertoire from her bestselling Fredersdorff, the festival presents timeless memoir Piano Lessons.

Percussionist Claire Edwardes will perfavourites and long-lost gems, performed by a superb assembly of more than 50 Australian form works from her recently released third solo and international artists from Australia, New album One. Utilising temple bowls, thumb piYork, France, Germany, the UK and The ano, vibraphone, Bunnings variety flower pots, maracas and bongos, Claire leads a surprisNetherlands, across 26 events.

Program highlights include Dido and Aeneas, ingly gentle yet penetrating journey through the directed by internationally-renowned conduc- endlessly fascinating world of percussion.

If That Diamond Ring Turns Brass is a betor Kenneth Weiss (USA), and starring one of Australia's most beloved and versatile sing- witching lullaby performance for adults curated and performed by Anna McMichael (violin) ers Fiona Campbell in the role of Dido.

The performance features a cast, chorus and and Tamara Annna Cislowska (piano).

Performed to overwhelming acclaim at the orchestra brought together under the Festival Academy banner, based on the model of the 2013 MONA FOMA Festival and the 2012 great European Summer Schools that pro- Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, the provide talented young singers the opportunity to gram includes works by Ravel, Saint-Saëns, work alongside leading Baroque practitioners. Stravinsky, Sibelius and Enescu and new One of Europe's leading Baroque cham- works from Australian composers such as ber music groups from The Netherlands David Chisholm, Brett Dean and Elena Apollo Ensemble joins the Festival direct Kats-Chernin.

A sophisticated late-night series, After Hours from their Sydney Festival appearance.

The unique opening celebration concert, A At Port Phillip Estate will feature Donald Festive Rackett, features horticulturally-themed Nicolson, Christopher Lawrence and the music from Renaissance England with Tom Vincent Trio.

International artists include natural horn Simon Rickard, Jackie Hansen, Brock Imison and Kirsten Barry playing a variety player Anneke Scott (UK), tenor Paul of curtals - the earliest incarnation of the mod- Bentley (UK/Australia), Simon Martynern bassoon and composed of a single piece of Ellis (guitar, theorbo, baroque lute, lute); and violinist Patrick Savage (UK/Australia) maple wood.

On New Year's Day, be transported to the and pianist Donald Nicolson (NZ/Austramusical hotbed of 1930s Paris with Hair Of lia).

Venues: Across Red Hill, Flinders, The Dog, a concert featuring the velvet-voiced B.T Baldwin and his band - George Moorooduc, Rosebud, Merricks North and Washingmachine (violin), Peter Baylor Mt Eliza. www.peninsulafestival.com.au

● Patrizio Buanne ■ Italian crooner Patrizio Buanne is in Melbourne this week helping to promote his one night concert at Hamer Hall on Thursday, February 20 at 7pm, which will launch the 50th Anniversary of the Australian Ballet School.

An international multiplatinum recording artist, Patrizio Buanne has sold millions of albums worldwide with his unique approach to romantic Italian and contemporary songs, and has been dubbed 'The Ambassador of Dolce Vita'.

Buanne has recorded his albums with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, and at Capital Studios in Los Angeles.

Buanne will perform in both English and Italian a collection of his hits from the Italian songbook, such as Il Mondo, Un Angelo, Forever Begins Tonight and Solo Tu My Baby, along with his own original material, plus recordings from his new album which is due for worldwide release on Valentine's Day, 2014.

Born to Italian parents in Austria, Buanne spent his childhood growing up between two hometowns - his birthplace of Vienne, Austria and Naples, Italy.

He can speak and sing fluently in six different languages and has performed for luminaries such as Pope John Paul II, the President of the United States, and royal families.

"Like Chris Botti, Celine Dion and Tom Jones, I'm always searching for that same timeless quality in a song, conveying the sentiments of my music with my own romantic, European approach," says Buanne.

All profits from this event will be donated to the Australian Ballet School Capital Appeal Fund.

Performance date: Thursday, February 20. Time: 7pm Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank Tickets: A Reserve $180, B Reserve $140, C Reserve $110 Bookings: www.artscentre melbourne.com.au, or 1300182183 or www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100 - Cheryl Threadgold

Mark Richardson: Meet Charley Pryde .......... Page 5 Observer: If you knew Suzie ....................... Page 6 City Desk: Zara Phillips appointed ................ Page 7 Di Rolle: What a busy Melb. Cup week .......... Page 8 Victoria Pictorial: Camberwell early days ..... Page 10 The Barrel: City of Yarra blocks enterprise .... Page 11 Melb. TV Memories: Norm Spencer ............ Page 12 Melb. Confidential: Hinch’s shame ............ Page 13 West Hollywood: Gavin Wood reports .......... Page 24 Yvonne: Where are those bloody kings? ...... Page 25 Kevin Trask: Robert Newton profile ............. Page 26 Murder Is Announced Radio Confidential Movies, Top Ten Local Theatre

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Sniffer dogs at Geelong ■ Geelong Police will bring in sniffer dogs across the city in an effort to tackle Geelong's ‘ice’ epidemic, reports the Advertiser.

Cops back on bikes ■ Mildura Police are back out on bike patrol, after a five year break, reports the Sunrasia Daily. Acting Sgt Scott Giles said three police officers, himself included, were adequately trained and equipped for the Mildura central business district and riverside patrols.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services CEO Rudolph Kirby said his organisation subsidised the cost of the new bikes, worth about $1500 each.

Porn arrest at Ess’don ■ Detectives from Taskforce Astraea arrested a 19-year-old man at an address in Essendon. The man was charged with 35 offences including nine counts of rape, two counts of sexual penetration of a child under 16 and one count of procure minor for child pornography.

Production resumes ■ There was no edition of the Melbourne Observer on October 23 due to a production difficulty. Accounts of advertisers and subscribers have been adjusted accordingly.

Weather Forecast ■ Today (Wed.). Mostly cloudy. 8°-21°.

■ Thurs. Partly cloudy. 2°-19°.

■ Fri. Partly cloudy. 8°-23°.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS HEARD DURING MELBOURNE CUP WEEK 5. "It's the talk-of-the-town week.

Black Caviar pregnant, and Altantic Jewel leaves town".

4. "That looks like Ossie Ostrich heading for the Birdcage.”

3. "They're off! Sorry Madam. Just wishful thinking.”

2. "Look. Bart just sneezed and lassoed the Clerk of the Course.”

1. "That's not the daily double. That's Brynne Edlesten.”

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Victoria Pictorial

Camberwell Historic Photo Collection

● Post Ofice, Camberwell. 1917-18.

● Exterior of 'Bethany', Salvation Army Home for the Aged, 222 Camberwell Road, Camberwell. 1962.

● Interior view of Broadway Theatre, 734 Burke Road, Camberwell. 1940s.

● Laying foundation stone. Our Lady of Victories, Camberwell. 1920.

● Camberwell Junction

● View in the Gardens, Camberwell

● The Gardens and Town Hall, Camberwell

● Camberwell Junction: Camberwell and Burke Rds.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Showbiz News

STEEL MAGNOLIAS AT ROSANNA The Producers

Briefs Puppetry

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

Yarra penalises enterprise

■ Opera’s great arias are set to be reimagined through sublime puppetry in Aria! by renowned theatre and puppetry company Black Hole Theatre.

Playing at Northcote Town Hall as part of Darebin Arts’ Speakeasy program on Friday-Saturday November 8-9, arias from Madama Butterfly, Lakmé, Faust and more will be retold through beautiful marionettes, Japanese puppet theatre bunraku and shadow puppetry.

Stunt bike

■ A 12-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested and charged after the theft of a stunt motorbike from the Bendigo Agricultural Show.

Kyle here?

■ The RadioToday. com.au website is running with speculation that Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O will appear on Fox 101.9 breakfast show from next year.

● Catherine Jardine at left (Annelle), Marianne Collopy (M’Lynn) and Paula McDonald (Truvy) rehearse for Steel Magnolias, opening in Rosanna on November 21. Photo: David Belton ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Robert Harling’s comedy-drama Steel Magnolias, from November 21 to December 7, with 2pm matinees on November 24 and December 1, at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna.

Directed by Brett Turner, Steel Magnolias tells of the lives of a local hairdresser, her staff and clients in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana.

The all-female cast laugh, cry, humorously compare their menfolk and generally endeavour to cope with the hurdles that confront them in everyday life.

Steel Magnolias first opened off-Broadway in 1987, and was subsequently adapted into a popular movie in 1989, with the cast including Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine and Sally Field.

Playwright Robert Harling originally wrote the play as a tribute to his sister, telling her story through the fictional character of Shelby.

Tickets: $25 Full price, $22 Concession (not including Seniors’ Cards).

Bookings: 9457 4117 or email: htcboxoffice@ gmail.com - Cheryl Threadgold

● Sarah Power (Ulla) and Michael Young (Max Bialystock) star in The Producers, opening in Elwood on November 8.

Photo: Trevor Lowther ■ MLOC Productions presents the Mel Brooks's musical The Producers on November 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 8pm and November 10, 16 at 2pm at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd, Elwood.

The show tells of down and out Broadway producer, Max Bialystock, who coerces his nervous accountant Leo Bloom to put on "the worst show in history". As it turns out, the show is a hit and there are hysterical consequences.

MLOC's show is directed by Jane Court, with musical direction by Ian Nisbet and choreography

by Taylor Hollands.

Tickets: $32/$30/$28.

Bookings: www.mloc.org.au or 9551 7514 - Cheryl Threadgold

POETS, WRITERS MEET

■ The Brunswick Poets and Writers’ Workshop will next meet on Thursday, November 7 from 7pm onwards, at the Campbell Turnbull Library Community Room (at rear), 220 Melville Rd, Brunswick West.

Writers of all standards have the opportunity to workshop short stories, poems, articles on the craft of writing, even graphics and photos related to literature, and bring along a finished work, rough draft, or a work in progress, for feedback and critique.

This positive workshop environment encourages participation from semi-professionals and fledgling and published authors.

Even published writers appreciate

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● By Cheryl Threadgold feedback on newly written work, and this is a great opportunity to have work workshopped before submitting for publication.

The non-profit community group is staffed by volunteers, and the cost per session is $3, or $2 concession, including tea/coffee/biscuits.

If unable to pay this amount, then barter is accepted, such as donating an old poetry book, or taking the minutes.

Volunteers are also sought to edit members’ work, send mail-outs and work behind the scenes.

The Brunswick Poetry Workshop was the first official poetry body in Victoria, founded in 1972.

Since then, the name has been registered as the Brunswick Poets and Writers’ Workshop, to incorporate prose as well as poetry. The group meets during the year on the first Thursday of each month between February and November.

Enquiries: 9384 1277 Email: BPWW@optusnet.com.au

Open Channel ■ Open Channel is holding its next conference series program: Generation Next: Facing Up To Reality at Docklands Studios on Monday-Tuesday, December 910.

Launched by comedian and television personality Lawrence Mooney and with guest speakers including Rory Callaghan and Deb Stewart, the program will explore the escalating popularity of format based, reality and light entertainment television.

Industry producers and broadcasters will have the opportunities to share production, experiences and insights into the popularity of the reality genre.

● Brian Hickey at work in Smith St. ■ The Greens-dominated City of Yarra demonstrated its anti-business bent this month by prosecuting Observer reader Brian Hickey for promoting specials at the Sportspower outlet in Smith St, Fitzroy.

Hickey, a professional spruiker, was taken to the Magistrates’ Court for spruiking/touting/soliciting at the retail outlet.

Hickey told the Court that he had set up behind the leaseline, and was behind a recessed doorway, behind the customers’ security door.

Hickey said he had been told by a City of Yarra inspector in the previous week that it was permissable to promote “inside the store”.

“I was not outside the store at any time,” said Hickey, regarded as one of Australia’s top commercial spruikers.

“I have been a professional spruiker for the past 18 years and have spruiked from Hervey Bay to Highpoint … Townsville to Tralargon …

Armadale in WA to Airport West ... and most shopping centres in Melbourne and have never had a complaint form any Centre Management,” Brian said.

The Court dispensed with the matter by placing Hickey on a good behviour bond, with no conviction.

He has to pay the Court costs of $375.

Brian wonders how the City of Yarra can attract business to the municipality, when it places obstacles in front of enterprise.

“I am a small one man business and the retail sector has been in decline for the past few years.

Retailers must be able to promote their business as best they can.

“How many retail outlets have closed in the past few years in the City of Yarra? Would the City of Yarra go into a hotel and tell them to turn the radio or juke box off?”

Lisa’s ‘fantastic’ speech ■ ABC boss Mark Scott sent out a message this week about the “fantastic” speech given by Today show co-host Lisa Wilkinson, in the Andrew Olle Lecture on Friday night.

It would have been helpful if he pointed out which part was “fantastic”. It was a self-absorbed chat, mostly about Wilkinson’s career which started at Dolly magazine.

Wilkinson spent an inordinate time sending ‘shout-outs’ in her speech to contacts including Jana Wendt, Joe Hockey, Mark Colvin, David Marr, Andrew Denton, Tom Malone, Richard Glover, Mike Carlton and Piers Akerman.

Lisa’s speech lacked substance. It was breakfasttime mush.

● Lisa Wilkinson

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

CAMP ROCK

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

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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 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

Melbourne TV Memories

■ Our local theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold was thrilled with the performance of Camp Rock. Cheryl reports: “South Yarra’s Randall Theatre was rocking until October 27, as 60 of Victoria’s elite teenage musical theatre performers shared the stage in the lively Camp Rock: The Musical, based on a Disney Channel original movie, written by Dan Berendsen, Karin Gist and Regina Hicks, with book by Robert L. Freedman and Faye Greenberg.

The show’s cast was selected from over 350 auditionees, under the direction of Jess Benney and David Venn, and musical directors Nick Hedger and Andrew Kroenert.

The Melbourne premiere season of Camp Rock:The Musical was strong in high-energy dance routines and vocals, including 16 songs, complimented by vibrant lighting and projected images.

Interspersed with song and dance is the story of music-loving youngsters enjoying spending their summer at Camp Rock, but flashy Camp Star has opened up across the lake, threatening Camp Rock’s existence. Both camps agree to Camp Wars, a showdown broadcast live on TV..

A huge coup for the show was the casting of adult show-biz professionals Rohan Browne and Cameron MacDonald playing camp leaders from the opposing camps. The youthful performers are indeed lucky to have such expert mentoring.

The cast did great work, with some particularly outstanding performances enjoyed from Wil King (Shane), James Majoos (Luke), Brenton Gardiner (Nate), Brianna Bishop (Tess), Maggie McKenna (Mitchie) and Kurt Russo (Jason) and their fellow principal and ensemble cast members.

The sound design let some performers down at times on opening night.

If the high standard of youthful performers in this show is any indication, Australian musical theatre has a great future.

The cast worked hard and deserved full houses.

● Brianna Bishop (left), James Majoos, Maggie McKenna, Wil King and Katya Harrop from Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical, played at the Randall Theatre, South Yarra.

Photo: Jessica Charnley

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 ■ “Today is a gift from God and I urge you not to waste it being sad over something that your sadness won’t change anyway.”

- Joyce Meyer

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Nothing changes a small boy’sw appearance as much as soap.”

Text For The Week ■ “Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.”

- Proverbs 1:8 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).

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.

Norman Spencer, GTV9 / HSV7, and Alf Potter, HSV7.

■ These two men had great impact on early television in Melbourne and indeed Victoria.

In a time when no-one had the slightest idea of what television was, what it demanded, what it could become, Norman Spencer and Alf Potter were both imposing figures.

Spencer, a ground-breaker at GTV9, and Potter, remembered for his early out-side broadcast coverages of the VFL football.

Both men were interesting.

Norman Spencer had worked in radio, involved with the production of The Happy Gang, an extremely popular wireless show, and so was already established as a proven producer of programs. He, like so many more, adapted to the new, visual concept and actually embraced it and made it work.

Norm was the first television person to whom I ever spoke..

I was aware of Graham Kennedy's presence on radio, even as Clifford Nicholls Whitta, the beloved radio star 'Nicky', was developing that presence.

I was, as was my Mum, a 'radio listener', some time before I went to school aged six. I used to hear all the morning women's serials: Portia Faces Life, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, Blue Hills by Gwen Meredith, as well as Nicky and Nancy Lee, and later Graham.

I waited eagerly for the afternoon program s with Billy Bouncer (Norman Swain) and Binnie Lum. And then on to the 15-minute serials such as Hop Harrigan (with Tank Tinker)m Tarzan, The Sea Hound, Superman (“up with this, errgh, window”). I always wondered why Superman grunted when lifting up a window, but it was radio. And, of course, there was The Argonauts.

Mum and I were amongst the crowd that gathered around the church in Ivanhoe at 'Nicky's' funeral in 1956. I was 12. That would be as close to Graham Kennedy, the man, as I would ever get.

But, as Kennedy progressed to television, I was impressed by the man he often consulted on In Melbourne Tonight. Norman Spencer, the Godlike voice from on high.

I began to write to him. Hand written letters asking for the chance to “get into television”, I was 16 when he answered. The gist of the letter was that I was very persistent and impertinent, however, if I rang GTV9 and made an appointment, he would take the time to see me.

Mum and I went in to Richmond on the train, found our way to Channel 9, watched a bit of Thursday At One or something with Philip Brady, and then I braved an audience with Mr Spencer, alone, in his office.

It was an absolute disaster. In written words I could speak. In person, I was struck dumb.

Spencer took pity on me. “Go back to school and finish there,” he drawled. “Then apply again. You're a young man with expectations, but you have to continue your education. All the best ...”

I left, shell-shocked, with Mum. To para-phrase the Beatles, I wanted to hold her hand.

I plodded on at school, became a Prefect, confiscated kid's fags, mags and continued my hope that someway, somehow I should break into TV just as young, seemingly cocky, Graham Kennedy had done.

I ignored the fact that I had begun to write and illustrate stories and was beginning to think about painting as a pastime. I also ignored the fact that the guys in my class used to ask our Form Master to let me read my latest during form meetings once a week.

Well, I was a bit unsure to begin with, but there were 16-18 in the class, and they were happy enough to hear my stories, so I sat up on a stool, and haltingly began to read the rough stuff I'd written.

It was all Boy's Own, Biggles. My class mates actually listened. Actually listened! Pity I didn't get that.

The lure of television was all I could understand.

Vocational guidance tests suggested that I should seek employment in the print industry. The ‘print what’?

When I answered an ad in the paper to fill in for two weeks as Channel 7 messenger boy, I applied and got it.

Turn To Page 25

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 13

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

HINCH’S ‘DONATIONS’ SHAME: PLEA FOR PUBLIC TO PAY HIS BILLS

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

3AW to network into NSW?

● Neil Mitchell ■ Temporary cost-saving measures by Fairfax Media may see Melbourne-based radio programs

by Neil Mitchell and Tom Elliott relayed into Sydney sister station 2UE early next year.

Sydney ‘drive’ presenter Jason Morrison was told this week that his services will not be required in 2014. The Sydney Morning host Paul Murray is expected to hear similar news before Christmas.

The Sydney station has lost 30 per cent of its audience in the past two years, says former Fairfax Radio General Manager Graham Mott.

The Fairfax Media radio division is understood to be negotiating a merger with John Singleton’s 2GB (Macquarie Radio Network), where Alan Jones and Ray Hadley present the breakfast and morning shows.

It is thought that if the amalgamation takes place, 2UE may be sold by Fairfax.

If the Mitchell and Elliott programs are extended into Sydney, local ‘inserts’ would be added so that Melbourne-only segments would air on 3AW, and that Sydney-only segments would be heard on 2UE. Meanwhile, there are changes afoot at Magic 1278. Brad McNally has been appointed as Fairfax Radio Network National Music Content Director.

Brad will continue to oversee the day-to-day management of Perth station 96FM, and also be responsible for the programming development of Melbourne's Magic 1278 and Brisbane's 4BH. Magic 1278 programming has largely been under the supervision to date by station manager Gary Hoffman.

If the Fairfax-Macquarie merger goes ahead, it is thought that networking and programming strategy would be re-worked between the two cities.

■ Ringwood Magistrate James Cashmore has told local woman Tania Isbester that he would have jailed her if he could have over attacks by her dogs on people. He applied a $550 fine, ordered her to pay $7020 costs, placed her on a 12-month community corrections order, and required her to do 60 hours work.

■ Derryn Hinch’s personal assistant Annette Philpott is making internet appeals for the public to help pay for the broadcaster’s legal fees and Court-ordered costs of of more than $130,000.

Hinch has re-circulated the fund-raising messages on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, publicising the bank details so that people can pay into the account.

The appeal to members of the public has annoyed some of Hinch’s media colleagues who point out that Derryn told the Court he has a net worth of $1.8 million, and is paid $212,000 annually.

Former 3AW colleague Kate Murphy said: “People are seriously offering to help pay for Hinch's legal bills?! FFS, there are far more worthy causes.

“And he says he'll consider donating what's left over to the Jill Meagher Foundation!

“Donate the lot Derryn and cop your punishment for breaking the law.”

Agreeing with Kate Murphy were 3AW identities Selby-Lynn Nicholas and Angela McGowan.

“Self important turd,” said ex-3AW newsman Craig Wilson, who now owns a chain of Victorian country newspapers.

“Might set up a website to see if people want to donate to my mortgage? If anyone else did this he would crucify them,” said Sue Anderson.

Ex-3AW newsman Paul Bentley said: “if everyone who read the blog he was convicted over donates a dollar...that will help cover $220!

“Was most amused to hear so few people read the blog ... hopefully fewer donate to the cause.

“Derryn would be outraged if any six-time, twice-jailed crim accepted donations to cover their bills.”

Kate Murphy added: “He seems to be justifying things by saying he's not receiving donations for the fine..only his legal bills.

Sorry, but he wouldn't have court costs if he didn't break the law! Cannot believe how anyone could justify sending a cent his way.”

● Derryn Hinch: “250,000 problems”

The appeal requests ask fans to donate to Commonwealth Bank account 063 806 10048041.

A Melbourne tax accountant said donations were unlikely to be tax deductible for donors.

He added that Hinch was likely to have to pay tax - as high as 45 cents in the dollar - on each and every donation.

Consumer Afairs Victoria legislation requires that fundraising for any cause requires pre-registration.

“A fundraising appeal occurs if a person solicits or receives money or a benefit on the basis of a representation that the soliciting or receiving is not solely for the profit or commercial benefit of the person or any other person, cause or thing on whose behalf the person is soliciting or receiving the money or benefit.”

Rumour Mill

Whispers

Chopper

● Frank Howson ■ Melbourne director Frank Howson is putting the finishing touches to Chopper The Musical, a tribute to criminal Mark Read. It is hoped that the production will launch next month.

TVchange

■ Analogue signals to older-style TVs in Melbourne will finish on December 10.

Viewers with the old television receivers will need a new set, or a set-top box, or cable TV, to see freeto-air TV after this date.

Apology

Hear It Here First

‘King And I’ names soon

● Annette Philpott Hinch’s Facebook page includes a graphic with the words “Show your support to Derryn Hinch.

“Donate $$ toward his legal fees and level the scales of justice.”

■ Who will be the male lead to play against Lisa McCune in next year’s Melbourne productions of The King And I. Teddy Tahu Rhodes is only available for the Sydney and Brisbane shows, so his replacement will be named at a media launch to be held at the Plaza Ballroom, Regent Theatre on Monday, November 11.

■ Fairfax Media has published a public apology to Felicity Hill, a political adviser to the Greens senator Scott Ludlam.

“Some readers may have understood the article as saying that Ms Hill had used public money to fund her private overseas travel,” The Age said.

Moved on

● Lisa McCune

Being told what to say ■ The Age’s sister newspaper, The Sydney Morning Herald, has given notice that people who write a letter to the editor, expressing a view that “there is no sign humans have caused climate change” will not get printed. The notice was published by Letters coeditors Julie Lewis and Marc McEvoy.

■ The ABC has told its journalists that they might not use the words “illegal arrivals”, whilst acknowledging that Federal Minister Scott Morrison is factually correct in the selection of words.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Laureen Deale ■ Laureen Deale is no longer Executive Media Manager for the Australian International Airshow or the Pacific International Maritime Exposition. Peta Richards is the new contact.

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Melbourne Seniors News

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 15

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Places To Go

Book for Christmas Parties, New Years Eve

Things To Do

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Barry MCVilly Pty Ltd PHONE 0439 983 151

COMMISSIONED HIDES & MOUNTS BY ARRANGEMENT HIDES & MOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR HIRE

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 17

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Hunting Feature

Oldest profession in life: hunting

By Barry MCVilly ■ The oldest profession in life is hunting. The women are the best in the world: “she goes to the supermarket to hunt for the best prices at the best value, she puts food on the table and the man hunts for the best job at the best return to take home”.

The kids go with the females to show them how to pick the best and how to make the money go further.

Wild life is the same with the females: they too are the best hunters.

Birds are the same; the male sits on the eggs, like most species.

Wild deer have a life span (males) in the wild of four to six years. But they are usually killed by other challengers.

The buck, the old deer, have a large rack. Small deer (uilings) have two small spikes called spikelets.

The old deer lock antlers where the small deer have the advantage over the older males, they all finish to pierce the lungs, and break the ribs. They will die a slow death.

You will notice all fighting animals lock heads to protect their rib cages.

From April-June, red deer and fallow are in the rut (mating season) and are dangerous to humans. Be careful I have been caught out myself.

I have been hit in the stomach, in the rear end, and in the arms and legs, and I have also had my finger bitten off.

But all sports have their problems.

You will not come out of your chosen sport without having hurt or broken limbs.

Man has hunted all his life, but they have come a long way from rolling boulders.

Hunting is possibly the largest crowd sport today. Wild life today is out of control. The deer are destroying pine plantations by the hundreds, and there are foxes killing off farming animals.

Many years ago I wrote an article and quoted that in 1859 Thomas Austen imported and released 24 rabbits for hunting at Winchelsea and Werribee. By 1926 there were 10 billion rabbits in Australia.

I would have to say he is not a good shot!

I am a firm believer in educating your feelings to hunt concretely. I have hunted by whole life, even in my school years.

I had the best collection of birds’ eggs. If a bird lay four eggs, I would take one, but she would ideally lay another one.

The ultimate and the hardest was the mopoke egg. To be a good hunter, you have to become the animal you are hunting, and take your time.

In the past, Butch Reid and I hunted for five years before we parted ways.

Butch Reid was a friend of mine since we were kids. He was the best hunting mate I ever had. He was an ironman.

Early one morning, we had to cross a river. The river was up to our waists and got deeper. When we got to the other side Butch was laughing his head of.

He said: “Don’t you want to get wet?” In that, he stripped off, rapped his boots, and all his clothes and his rifle, and wandered on.

He said something like “now, who’s the idiot?”

I could write a lovely book on this man. He would ring up/turn up at all hours and say “what’s going on?”

Within a few minutes he had everything organised. He left the world a better place.

● Barry MCVilly

It was a pleasure to know him.

Above all, he played for the Geelong Cats.

Here are some hints for those interested in expanding their hunting skills; Join a club, such as the SSA, or Field and Game.

Good magazines to purchase are Wild Deer (Daniel Burke, 0419 118 810), or Wild Boer (Vic Attard, 0401 014 592).

Both magazines will give you all the info that you need. Also check out the kids stories in the magazines. All the adults are helping the next generation.

You may be able to go on a dog team. I had 28 hounds and hunted the high country weekly.

The kids that helped in those days are the adults in the next generation.

As a momento of my invovement with hunds, I pursued the hunts for the Barwon Hunt Club to keep my dream alive.

From a hunter’s point-of-view, there’s no greater sound that the baying of the hounds when they are in pursuit.

Take the kids and enjoyment in the excitement.

- Good hunting, Barry MCVilly Professional Hunter

● ‘Django’, hunting dog

High praise on Safaris ■ Barry MCVilly won high praise from Johan Wolvardt of Sand River Safaris, Musina, South Africa.

Johan has been a professional hunter for 31 years, specialising in big game.

Originally with the special forces of the Rhodesian Govermment, Johan penned his comments about Barry in 2010, after a 10 day hunt, “which was in trying circumstances, such as very uncomfortable roads and very high temperatires.”

Excerpts of his comments about Barry MCVilly are reproduced at right.

“I found him that he was a very accommodating person, who fitted very well into the close confines of new company and not one who was (as so frequently occurs with overswas hunters), the type of person who complained at the unavoidable circumstances we endured as a hunting safari to Africa, where circumstances can be trying.

“We experience large numbers of overseas clientele, and he stands well clear of many in his accommodating nature.

“We were amazed that after a particularly difficult stalk, Mr MCVilly stood aside to give another of the party, who had hitherto not had a clear shot, the trophy shot.

“This had never to his date and after happened on one of safaris before. On this tripm he shot 16 animals, of which two were of the Big Five, a Lioness in South Africa, and a Buffalo in Zimbabwe.

“He is well versed in the operation of his rifle and not quick on the rtigger. He rates as a well above average shot.”

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Observer

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West Hollywood

UPGRADED BRADLEY TERMINAL OPENS AT LAX

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

Best bookshop in W Hollywood

● Johnny Depp at Mystery Pier Books ■ Walking down the famed Sunset Strip, one turns through an unexpected entryway at 8826, proceeds down a few stone steps, goes just a bit further through a slim, magical passageway right out of old Europe and is met with blooming flowerbeds fronting a charming English cottage that might well have been plucked from Stratford-uponAvon.

Inside, mellowed by the soft and soothing sounds of gentle classical music, it's as visitor-friendly as it is atmospheric and cozy; three rooms a virtual treasure trove of books - several thousand, each and every one a First Edition - immaculately organized, beautifully kept.

You have arrived at Mystery Pier Books, Inc, the noted independent bookshop so often featured on television and in the major national entertainment and news magazines.

The shop client list is truly remarkable from Johnny Depp, Bono, Michael Caine, Barry Gibb and Cameron Diaz.

The famed bookstore is owned and operated by Harvey Jason and his son, Louis M. Jason.

The owners look forward to your visit. www.mysterypier books.com

● Forever Marilyn

Bikes and Hikes LA

$2 billion spruce-up

■ The new Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles Airport has officially opened.

The $1.9 billion project, which has 18 new gates, is now operational.

Nine gates are equipped to handle super-jumbo jets such as the Airbus 380.

Five planeloads of Australians arrive into Los Angeles every morning.

The Bradley Terminal was named after former Lord Mayor of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley, who was the first African American mayor of a major US city without a black majority.

This upgrade is the first phase of a $4.1 billion LAX improvement project.

The next phase, expected to be completed in 2015, includes upgrading the US Customs area, relocating the security screening area and securing passage with Terminals 3 and 4 for passengers on connecting flights.

Pictured at the Opening Cocktail Party were outgoing Chief of QANTAS for the AmeriMr. Wally Mariani, with Managing Director of Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson.

Palm Springs desert fun ■ It's a perfect Desert metaphor: she came as a tourist and didn't want to leave.

That's the story of Forever Marilyn, the 26-foot tall sculpture of Marilyn Monroe which was brought to Palm Springs as an attraction for the tourists.

But Forever Marilyn has lived up to its name since it first arrived downtown nearly a year and a half ago.

The local merchants, of course, love the sculpture. Since coming to town, Marilyn has attracted visitors from around the world, eager to photograph the world's biggest movie icon at the northwest corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.

California.

Initially, the sculpture was to have left the desert last May, then the date was extended to this September and now, the departure date has been extended again.

If you have not visited Marilyn yet, you should.

After all, she's a girl and subject to changing her mind at any time day or month.

While you are in the desert at Palm Springs, stop by and pay your respects to Frank Sinatra, Jilly Rizzo, Jimmy Van Heusen, Busby Berkeley, William Powell and Sonny Bono just to name a few of the celebrities with a permanent place in the desert paradise. www.visitpalm springs.com

● Wally Mariani and Alan Johnson

GavinWood

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

■ When you stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites just down at 8743 Santa Monica Boulevard is Bikes and Hikes a brand new and fun way to get rid of the jet lag.

There are four main tours for your consideration.

1. LA IN A DAY! THE #1 WAT TO SEE LA A walking tour of a famous Beverly Hills mansion, 30+ celebrity homes, Santa Monica Beach, Pier and Boardwalk, Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach and Canals, Marina Del Rey, Sony Pictures, Culver Studios and the ultra-chic Robertson Boulevard.

2. ON LOCATION HOLLYWOOD BIKE TOUR Walk of Fame, Paramount Pictures, Dolby Theatre, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, CBS Television City, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, La Brea Tar Pits,The Grove and Melrose Avenue.

3. BEVERLY HILLS/BEL-AIR TOUR 30+ Celebrity Homes, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills Hotel, walking tour of historic Beverly Hills mansion, 9-11 Memorial and Beverly Hills sign.

4. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HIKE The Hollywood Sign, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park Observatory, Los Feliz, multiple famous film locations, jam-packed with Hollywood history, trivia and true tales.

You can also make your tour private.

Founder Danny Roman said, "LA has this reputation that it can only be navigated by a car or toured by a bus."

"Dealing with jet lag when trying to enjoy your vacation can be a total drag. The number 1 way to overcome jet lag is sun exposure, fresh air and exercise - this will readjust your body's internal clock quickly and naturally."

You can book your tour on the website: www.bikeshikes.com Part of the proceeds of this edition will be donated to carefully select cultural projects supporting young artists worldwide - helping a new generation of rising talents take up the legacy left behind

by John Lennon. www.montblanc.com

Celebration of John Lennon

Stars film near Ramada Plaza

● Paramount Pictures ■ Location filming in West Hollywood has increased with Jersey Boys. Yes, they are doing a film based on the hugely successful stage musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

You heard it first here in the Melbourne Observer.

Another movie in production in West Hollywood is Kitchen Sink, about a group of teens fighting an alien invasion.

Television shows that are in production and shooting around the Ramada Plaza include TNT’s Rizzoli and Isles and MTV’s Teen Wolf.

Mayor Abbe Land says she will continue to advocate for more local production in West Hollywood.

www.gavinwood.us

● John Lennon ■ High-end pen maker Mont Blanc has released its John Lennon collection of fine writing fountain and ballpoint pens.

Commemorating the life and achievements of the peace activist, this John Lennon edition of fine writing pens does not come cheap.

The standard roll ball pen is $800 and fountain pen is $1000.

The limited edition John Lennon collection starts with the roll ball pen at $2950 and the Fountain pen at $3580.

Part of the proceeds of this edition will be donated to carefully select cultural projects supporting young artists worldwide - helping a new generation of rising talents take up the legacy left behind

by John Lennon. www.montblanc.com

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 Los Angeles come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the SPECIAL RATE of the day.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer ● From Page 12

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Page 25

Melbourne TV Memories

By Kenneth Mulholland

Playing in the corridors of Channel 7

That's when I first saw Alf Potter.

I was in the Studio 1 bay just inside the big doors that led out to the scenery racks.

The show was Lady For A Day, with Larry K Nixon, the big brash American comedian. The band was led by Kenny Wheate and the director was Alf. Larry was warming up the studio audience before the show, introducing the band members and others, finally finishing with “And here's our director, the man who directs better than anyone else, MrAlf Potter!”

Larry led the applause, staring up at the control room window as the door beside it opened and Alf stepped out onto the gantry above.

The stairs that led up to that platform, unbeknown to me right at that moment, were to be the same stairs

where, some seven years later I would ask Alf for a reference which would never be granted.

This time, I glimpsed him between the raised heads of other Seven personnel: he was Olympian, a silverhaired God. He beamed down at everyone, nodded at the clapping of all the gathered housewives, and withdrew back into the mistery of the all-seeing glass eye that watched benevolently over all.

And there lies one major difference between Potter and Spencer.

The first bathed happily in the limelight; always, to my experience, did.

Alf, though he would never admit it, had an exceptionally large ego. And was forever endeavouring to prove himself without ever overtly demonstrating the fact.

Norm Spencer was an animal of

a completely different colour. Possibly because he was shy of self promotion, perhaps because he understood that power could be commanded by exclusion rather than intrusion, he preferred to remain a 'formless voice’. It maybe that his concept was more 'Godlike' than Alf's.

My two weeks as messenger boy ended on a Friday at the Teletheatre.

I can't recall much. It was all so incredible. I was up the back near the entrance to the seating and the Control Room door was just to my left. Rehearsals. Buster Fiddess doing some walk-through routine. Can't recall the crew at all, but I knew that Norm Spencer was in the Control room.

TV Week, or perhaps ListenerInTV had told us that Norm had left Nine and come to Seven as Assistant Manager/Production.

Why did Spencer sever his connection with Nine and Graham Kennedy? Apparently Norm resigned about the time that Nine was taken over by Sir Frank Packer, who had a reputation for being an extremely tough, unrelenting business man, who, if he took a dislike to someone, would make life very difficult for them.

Spencer and he did not like each other. And also Seven had offered Norm a very good deal to join.

There was a sentimental reason as well, in that Norm's radio days had been with 3DB, then owned by Seven.

Maybe that connection was enough to sway him.

I left before the audience came in and walked up to Lygon St and got the bus home. At 17 I was expected to be home from my temp job by 7.30pm.

But, I had been advised to re-apply at

the end of the school year. In early December 1961 Adrian Miller, HSV’s Chief Accountant, hired me as Seven messenger boy, temporary/permanent. My weekly wage was £5, less 4/- tax. That about covered my board, bus expenses and lunch.

Seven, in those times, was labyrinthine. Keith Cairns' office, and all the sales offices faced into Wells St. The other exec. offices faced into Dorcas St. These were on the first floor, along with the record library, various other show's offices, and the two control rooms for Studios 1 and 2.

The News Department rooms, Photography and Telecine were further in.

On the ground floor were Master control, the scenery bay, the product and props cages, canteen, Studios 1 and 2, foyer and reception from Wells ● Turn To Page 26 Street.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

WHERE ARE THOSE BLOODY KEYS? ■ Thinking that I would surprise Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long by filing my column early I braved the fierce wind, arrived home early and sat before my computer with snippets of news to tell you, swirling around in my head.

There I sat, fingers poised over the keyboard when the heavens opened. Rain poured down, heralding a fierce storm was imminent.

Now I’m really not an expert when it comes to computers.

I’d like a penny for every time I’ve lost my almost completed column, and no matter what I do, it’s gone into the ether, never to be seen again.

Yvonne’s Column

Live-in expert needed ■ It happens to all people who use a computer, but in my case, I’m illiterate when it comes to the workings of this modern phenomenon.

If only I hadn’t given away my trusty Olivetti typewriter, I’d never have needed to worry.

If it’s not too late I’ll phone Gigi and ask her what to do. She’s an expert when it comes to these things. Other than that I have to start again.

And by then I’ve forgotten what I have written. I really need a live-in computer guru.

Well, today I hadn’t touched a key, when there was a power failure, and it didn’t come back on until late. So again, I’m late filing.

And reading the Idiots Guide To Computers won’t help me one little bit because there is no power, and thus, no lights.

Lost and found ■ Most of last night was spent trying to locate Peter’s car keys.

His usual habit is to open the front door when he comes home and then put the keys in the deadlock so that he always knows where they are.

We searched high and low for Peter’s elusive car keys, but to no avail.

How can one lose the keys to the car when they were in his hand a moment ago?

So far, Peter has never mislaid them.

As soon as he came and asked me where I had put the keys I knew they were lost.

We searched everywhere we thought they might be. Then we started on the impossible hiding places such as the fridge, the pantry, under tables, in the rubbish.

My handbag was emptied out on the bed – twice with no result.

At 3am I was lying awake trying to think where the darn things could be. I got out of bed, and looked in more unlikely places.

Not one ‘I told you so’ ■ It a funny thing when you’ve lost something, you are absolutely certain where you had it the

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

last time you saw it. Peter said he thought I had forgotten to put them in the door.

So I went back to bed, ready to call out the cavalry in the morning to help to start the car.

But before it turned into a national incident Peter decided to go and get the morning papers which are usually lying under the car, and he cast his eyes around just in case the keys had somehow found their way outside again.

He knew it was futile because they should have been in the door.

But lo and behold, there they were lying beside the car and then Peter remembered that he had gone out to the car again to get a parcel.

What was so amazing was that there no angry accusations about who had forgotten to put them back in the door. It was all very matter of fact really. I would have liked one little ‘I told you so’, but wisely kept quiet.

The keys were lying there all night for all the world to see, so how lucky were we that no one had discovered them and driven off.

How often does the case of missing car keys blow one’s blood pressure sky high on a school morning?

At least I found some things that were not lost but put away and forgotten. And I found a couple of angels that I lost a couple of years ago when I put them away ready for the next Christmas.

Peace was restored.

Springtime at Spring St ■ The high winds have been playing havoc with the garden. And one tree has shed a few boughs, which makes me nervous in case the entire tree comes down.

It’s always just as the snowball tree comes into

flower that the destructive wind blows a gale. By morning, the paths are strewn with white petals looking as if it there has been a huge dump of snow.

It’s been so cold too, and no sign of a warm spring day. It’s been electric blankets on full alert.

Which made me wonder why on earth would a group of elderly taxi industry protesters continue their protest overnight with only a blanket to keep them warm? I couldn’t think of a resting place more uninviting or cold than the steps of Parliament House.

Where were their wives for goodness sake?

And why would these angry protesters then think that it was okay to disrupt MP Geoff Shaw as he arrived at Parliament House?

The media is having a field day and I’m sick of it.

Writers out on control

■ And surely with all that is happening in the world, it is petty to discuss ad infinitum the PM’s travel bills.

Since it was first drawn to our notice, more has been discovered, and now it’s bigger than Ben Hur. It appears it has happened with MPs from both sides.

Let us hope that sensible new rules regarding politicians travel expenses can be laid down without delay.

It wouldn’t be so bad if letter writers to the papers showed a little respect, but it seems that now days, anything goes.

Common sense missing Well done James ■ With the entire ruckus, one of the protesters who was grabbing at the MP’s coat is pushed over, and all hell breaks out.

These things happen when protesters gather, and feel that they have a grievance. All common sense goes.

But their excuse for the scuffle was they felt that the MP should have walked around them and not through them, and they didn’t like the smirk he had on his face.

In my opinion their actions were wrong. Not that they were protesting, but the scuffle that ensued was disgraceful.

I bet Judge Judy would agree with me.

Despite the beat-up by some of the journalists accusing Mr Shaw of knocking down the elderly protester, and injuring him, it now appears that from subsequent television footage it wasn’t Mr Shaw who struck the first blow.

■ Congratulations to Ash and Fleur Long on a quick trip to Townsville and Far North Queensland to see their son Sgt James Long invested with his Conspicuous Service Medal by the Queensland Govenor.

Ash is proud of the achievements of all his family, and justifiably proud of son James.

I’ll close off early

■ Here comes another bolt of thunder, and the lights are flickering.

It’s a short column because I don’t want to write it again when the lights come back on, and the computer is ready to receive my written word.

Keep warm.

Yvonne.

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

Jazz Festival Summer Sessions ■ After three sold-out shows at the 2011 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the world-famous Sun Ra Arkestra returns to Melbourne for one night only, as part of the Festival's new Summer Sessions.

“The Summer Sessions in January allow us to bring even more great jazz to Melbourne's audiences, building on the growing success of the main Festival in June," said Artistic Director Michael Tortoni.

● Sun Ra Arkestra

One of the great cult-icons of jazz, pianist, composer and organist Sun Ra formed the Arkestra in the mid 1950s and led it until his death in 1993.

Date and time: Sunday, January 19. 7pm. Doors from 6.15pm. DJ from 6.15pm Mike Gurrieri Venue: The Forum Cost: $59/$54 conc. Tickets on sale from yesterday (Tues.)/ Bookings through melbournejazz.com - Prue Bassett

Page 26 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

■ Robert Newton was a popular character actor who was an inspiration to people such as Tony Hancock, Oliver Reed, Keith Moon and many others.

His portrayal of Long John Silver in the 1950 Walt Disney film, Treasure Island, became one of the most significant film characterisations of the 20th Century.

Robert Newton was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, in 1905. He grew up in Cornwall and completed his education at St Bartholomew's School in Newbury, Berkshire.

His mother was a writer and his father worked as an artist.

By the age of 16, Robert was performing with Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

He became a professional actor working in plays on London's West End and Broadway.

Robert made his first on-screen appearance in a silent film titled The Tremarne Case in 1924.

He married his first wife Petrona Walton in 1929 and he became a father.

During the 1930s he played significant roles in English films such as I, Claudius, Fire Over England, The Green Cockatoo and Yellow Sands.

Robert married for the second time in 1936.

In 1939 he worked with the famous director Alfred Hitchcock on the film Jamaica Inn alongside Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara - all of these people were to later find fame and fortune in America.

During the war years Robert served in the

Whatever Happened To ...

Robert Newton

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Royal Navy and was given special leave to act in several films.

In the late 1940s he starred in films such as Odd Man Out, Obsession and played the villainous Bill Sykes in Oliver Twist.

In 1947 Robert married Natalie Newhouse.

He was cast as Long John Silver in the first Walt Disney full-length live feature film Treasure Island. Had the film failed then the studio would have reverted back to animated features.

Robert was outstanding in the role and Treasure Island became a box office smash.

The film's success led to the Pirates Of The Caribbean ride at Disneyland and eventually the film series starring Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Robert Newton Robert Newton was voted one of the top 10 British money-making stars in the Motion Picture Herald-Fame Poll from 1947 to 1951.

In the early 1950s, Robert Newton starred in a series of films which included Tom Brown's Schooldays, Soldiers Three, Les Misérables and The Desert Rats.

Robert travelled to Ceylon to film The Beachcomber in 1954 and later that year he was in Australia to reprise his famous role in Long John Sliver.

The film was shot in Sydney and was the first Cinemascope feature made in Australia.

A huge Australian cast were employed - Kit Taylor played Jim Hawkins and others included Grant Taylor, Lloyd Berrell and Rod Taylor.

At the time Robert Newton was in Australia he was declared bankrupt and owed a significant amount in unpaid taxes.

While he was in Australia, 26 episodes of

the children's television series The Adventures Of Long John Silver were filmed at the Pagewood Studios in Sydney.

The series was in colour and made before television was introduced in Australia - it was aimed at the American and UK markets and did very well.

His co-star was the American actress Connie Gilchrist. Someone told me he was renting a house in Northcote at one stage - I would love to know if that was true.

Sadly Robert Newton died of a heart attack in 1956 after filming Around The World In 80 Days.

He had become an alcoholic in his later years.

Despite the warnings from his doctors he continued to drink and was only 51 when he died.

The Adventures Of Long John Silver was screened on the ABC in 1957 and I enjoyed it very much - it is available on DVD. Robert Newton was married four times and had three children. He was officially inducted as a Disney Legend at the Paris Disneyland in 2002.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce and 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.

PASSING POLICE CARS AT 150-KMH

■ There was nothing more startling, from an ex-Victorian's perspective, than to be driving along the Stuart Highway, coming up behind a Police car with not a second thought, and, with a friendly wave, pulling out to pass him.

He'd be sitting on about 120-kmh, and you're tootling along at 150.

That was before the Labor Government came in, and reduced everything to 130.

Now, with the change of government, it seems that the restriction is about to be de-restricted, which will fill the hearts of many a Territory motorist with joy.

The distances are so vast, and the roads so straight, that this is not really a safety issue.

Apparently, even during the non-restriction era, they were safest in the country - and very few drivers seemed

● From Page 00

Melbourne TV Memories I began at Seven and was thunderstruck that first Christmas with a £5 bonus. Older employees got £10.

I'd been there less than a month.

Good old Herald and Weekly Times. How good was that?

Director and Ned Kelly-aficionado Ian Jones, and publicity head man Dick Voumard, put together a Christmas newspaper titled The Hair-Oiled, filled with all kind of hilarious mischief and mayhem.

Frank Wilson bade farewell to Seven on his way to Nine, following Bert Newton, who had defected some time before I started.

I bumped into Norm ...that is, Mr Spencer ... during my first rounds as messenger boy. He smiled, I shied away and whenever my duties took me to his office I never spoke about that first meeting.

He was a big, gruff man. But endearing in ways that I would later learn.

He was also a very astute fellow who could see further than most of his contemporaries.

Potter earned the plaudits as a great director of external and internal programs, but Spencer bettered him with his innate ability to find and encourage talent, and then to bring that talent to the public.

Yet both remain as early pioneers.

There's a story about two young guys on staging (let's call them Gary and Graeme) kicking about the ground floor scenery bay and nighttime empty corridors on the floor above where all the execs and advertising/promo/sales people had vacated.

This pair of hoodlums began a game of hide and seek, tearing around the halls and diving in and out of places like the mail room and any-

where that offered a hiding place.

The story goes that one of them, hiding behind a door, heard footsteps coming down the hallway and assumed that it was the other protagonist.

A s the person passed, the assailant leapt out and tackled him, “Gotcha!” only to realise that it was Norm. Spencer was too hefty to bring down, and was released immediately.

Here's how I re-construct the conversation: “Oh sorry Norm, I thought ...”

“Yeah, yeah! Ya Crumb-Bum! Who're the others?”

“Well ... um ...”

“Ummm right, I wouldn't dob in my mates either. If you're all still working, get back downstairs and get on with it! If you're not, piss off out of the station and take your mates with you!”

That story, true or false, went the rounds and very much raised the respect for Norman Spencer, above and beyond his reputation from Nine.

It's worthy of note that neither Norm or Alf swore overly much.

Being both of the School of Hard Knocks, there is no doubting that they knew all the words, but I only ever heard Norm use 'Bloody' or his term 'Crumb-Bum’.

Alf's favourite was 'Christ!' As in “Christ man, what are you doing to me!' Rarely he used 'Bloody.' And perhaps when they did use those expressions, people actually took notice.

Alf Potter, was solid, stolid, dedicated, unswerving. He believed in himself. His goal, I think, was egodriven. He was bullish, though not a bully.

- Kenneth Mulholland

to avail themselves of this freedom, and contentedly sat on about 120.

The most dangerous issue in the Territory, then and now, is from unroadworthy and often unregistered old jalopies, containing about eight unrestrained people, being driven by someone with a blood alcohol level about four times the legal limit.

These are the problem on the Territory roads, not any lack of speed limits.

■ What's happened to chivalry and courtesy?

I was driving north along the Peninsula Freeway near Melbourne the other day when I noticed a car pulled up beside the road, with four young ladies emptying stuff out of the boot.

Although I didn't see it, I suspected a flat tyre was the culprit, and that they were retrieving the spare.

I found the next available cross connection to the southbound lanes, and did a quick uie, then down to the next connection and then another uie, and came back to them.

Sure enough, it was a flat, and none of them had much idea what to do, nor the strength to loosen the nuts. So, having changed a million tyres in my life, I proceeded with the exercise, then waved them on their way.

What interested me was that they'd been there for a while, with a constant stream of traffic driving past, and no had bothered to stop.

Happily at least in the Australian bush, there's still a sense of goodwill towards one's fellow motorist.

Whenever anybody is pulled up by the side or the road in the middle of nowhere, there will be a stream of people stopping with an: "OK mate?"

Not any more down here.

■ I would often drink at the Todd Tavern in the top end of The Mall in Alice Springs.

Like most other liquor outlets, it has a drive-through bottle shop.

It seems that there is a situation at the moment whereby, as with everywhere in Australia, intoxicated persons are not served, and, in the case of the Todd, quite a few past patrons are barred anyway.

However, by some quirk, it appears that anyone driving through can be served with takeaway booze.

And as a drunk will usually not choose to hop into his own car, he will grab a taxi to take him through, and he

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au obtains his grog that way.

So it's now happening that there are crowds of drinkers milling around in the hotel's vicinity, and grabbing cabs from a nearby rank, and, for a $20 fare, are being driven through to get their grog, and then hanging around.

These drive-throughs are at the rate of about one taxi per minute at certain times.

So now everyone, except the taxi drivers and the boozers, is complaining - not a good look for Alice to have mobs of drunks yelling abuse at each other in the main street.

■ As I've mentioned before, every Saturday night is family night in Alice Springs - restaurants, movies etc.

And every Friday night is pub night.

I don't often go clubbing in Melbourne, but I often see the results - scantily-clad giggling young things teetering around little laneways in the city.

I suppose that the popularity of these establishments waxes and wanes some being "in" at a particular time, and others being "out".

It was the same in Alice. Inexplicably a lot of the drinkers would con-

gregate at one bar every Friday night, and business would boom, and a few months later, it's time had come, and just a few stragglers remained.

A perfect example of this was Bojangles, where I would always take Keith and Angie McGowan when they stayed with me.

It had everything - great venue and food - including Angie's and my favourite camel fillet, and congregations of backpackers.

Tour bus drivers would bring all their charges in, and the young ladies would attract ringers from the bush, and other young men of the town.

Then, suddenly, after a few years, it inexplicably crashed.

And another one was Uncles where Ozzie and I would often drink on a Friday night, and listen to Scotty and Sam Dann warbling and twanging away. But now, happily, a new emergence.

Next door was my mate Beat Keller's Swiss-Indian restaurant - a story in itself - and it's now closed, so they've extended the bar, and with pool competitions, and party nights, and a new cocktail list, Uncles is jumping once again.

■ Many inventions and innovations quickly developed into something more universal and practical.

Edison's light bulb quickly lit the world; silicon chips, from their humble beginnings; and the internal combustion engine.

However, maybe they're not applicable for any practical purpose at all, but solar cars just haven't gone anywhere.

Except, it seems, every year from Darwin to Adelaide, and they seem to perform excellently here.

I don't understand why they haven't progressed into something more "everyday" but this hasn't happened.

This year's lot, 38 cars in all, started in Darwin as usual, and headed south in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

There are teams from all over the world, proudly displaying and driving the space-age type vehicles.

They all sit on about 80kmh, and one car was even penalised for exceeding the speed limit.

You'd reckon that at least there'd be a few solar powered golf carts buzzing about.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’