Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 5, 2012 Melbourne
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Ash On Wednesday
GENESIS TO BROADWAY
New Home for Freemasonry
Our Doors are Open!
Masonic Centre of Victoria to be redeveloped
Artist's impression of the project viewed from Victoria Parade. The Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria, Bob Jones, has announced that Freemasons Victoria has reached an agreement with the highly respected development company, the Mirvac Group, to redevelop the Masonic Centre of Victoria, subject to member ratification. The decision to develop the Masonic Centre of Victoria, otherwise known as the Dallas Brooks Centre, into a state-of-theart building with purpose-built facilities for members is monumental for Freemasonry in Victoria. The redevelopment is anticipated to include: ● New state-of-the-art Masonic facilities to cater for Lodges and the organisation's Secretariat; ● Over 250 new residential dwellings in a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, sympathetic to the East Melbourne environment, providing exceptional views on all sides; ● An overall design approach that incorporates mature trees and natural light to enhance public amenity and visual impact; and ● An impressive Albert Street frontage to fit the character and spirit of the East Melbourne precinct. The new built form will meet the objectives of the Planning Act and is not expected to increase overshadowing of the Fitzroy Gardens. The redevelopment is subject to members' ratification and planning approvals. Should the project receive the green light, Mirvac will lead the detailed planning and design approval process, working with the relevant planning authorities, stakeholders and neighbours. "We are very pleased to have Mirvac and their design partner Bates Smart as the developer of this exciting project," Mr Jones said. Both firms are recognised as leaders in their respective fields with a proven track record of highly respected developments. Bates Smart are a prominent East Melbourne architect firm and designed the premium ‘150 Clarendon’ (The Mercy) redevelopment. "Material changes to the site are not expected to take place for at least 12-18 months," said Mr Jones, "but we are looking forward to the day our members can enjoy new facilities whilst maintaining a presence on the site." To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.
■ Melbourne creative Frank Howson is staging Genesis To Broadway at Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran, from Tuesday (December 11). “From the Middle East via Spain and arriving in Manhattan, Genesis To Broadway is a celebration of storytelling and music. African beats meet flamenco rhythms and soaring melodies combine with comedy, pathos and joy in this uplifting musical journey through the ages,” Frank says “From early songs of worship, folk, opera and musical theatre giants such as Gershwin, Lloyd Webber and beyond. Genesis To Broadway is an insightful, funny, musical gift that includes some of the greatest showstoppers ever written.” International awardwinning pianist/composer Warren Wills is joined by a superb cast of singers, actorsand musicians, featuring Fem Belling and Andrew Dunne. Tickets: (online): www. chapeloffchapel.com.au or phone 8290 7000. December 11-16. Performance Times: Tuesday-Saturday 8pm. Sunday 6.30pm. Matinees Saturday and Sunday 2pm. $46 (Full Price) $38 (Concession).
Talks with Derryn Hinch ■ Radio man Keith McGowan tells www. radioinfo.com.au that: "It is not difficult to get in the shit when you’re a broadcaster on a talk station. “And I sure did by playing the Dickens Cider ad on air once too often. I thought my days at 3AW were over. "I spoke to Derryn about my problem and he said 'Hang on, I did that too', and he added "You tell them if they sack you, they’ll have to sack me too.'."
● Keith McGowan
Melbourne
People Mr Robert Crichton Allison
● Frank Howson
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”
Contests
Go to christmas.andre rieu.com
Foolish fraudster ● André Rieu ■ There are many André Rieu fans in Melbourne, and one of them has a chance to win a VIP trip to one of his concerts at his home town Maastricht. Rieu has a 24-day Advent calendar at his website with prizes including signed CDs, DVDs, tickets and books.
■ Long Shots hates email spam as much as anyone ... but we actually feel a little sorry for the foolish fraudster who is sending out junk this week in the name of America’s Central Intelligence Agency. There has to be tears before bedtime in that episode.
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 © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).
● Rob Allison with the Unknown Soldier ■ Mebourne funeral director Rob Allison AM has died at the age of 93. He passed away on Tuesday last week (Nov. 27). He was husband of the late Vera, father of Clive and Marian, father-in-law of Catherine and Alan. A service will be held at 10am on Thrusday next week (Dec. 13) at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 251 High St, Kew, with arrangements in the hands of Allison Monkhouse. The family business is now in the hands of its sixth generation. Rob Allison was educated at Ivanhoe Grammar School. Mr Allison stemmed from the generations of founders of the prominent funeral repatriation service, which Thomas Allison opened in Camberwell, London in 1801. Thomas’s son, John Allison, moved to Melbourne later in 1860 and carried on his family’s business. In the early 1900s, the funeral firm became known for its embalming skills. They carried out the first burial at Fawkner Cemetery, Melbourne, for the daughter of a local family. Her burial had to be delayed as the new cemetery would not be ready for six months. However, her family wanted her to be view her on the day of the funeral. Her body needed to be comprehensively embalmed to meet fulfill their wishes. The company’s skill in this area helped to make the firm's name widespread. In 1942, Rob had married his wife Vera (nee Andrews) and in so doing John Allison Monkhouse (Melbourne) and TJ Andrews (Sydney) became part of the same business. In the 1960s, he opened the only crematorium in the Australian capital, Canberra. In 1978, he was chosen by the Prime Minister’s Department to arrange the service for the long-serving Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. As a result, the protocol for State funerals was established. In 1993, Rob also assisted in the repatriation and funeral services for Australia's first Unknown Soldier. A tribute from management and staff at Allison Monkhouse reads: “He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, those whose lives he touched and for the amazing contribution he made to the funeral industry”.
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “A false report, if believed during three days, may be of great service to the government.” - Catherine de Medici, 1849
Observer Curmudgeon
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS
■ “An open foe may prove a curse, “But a pretended friend is worse.” Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from - John Gay, Fables, 1727 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.
Text For The Week
■ “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” - Proverbs 10:12
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