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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Page 7

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Adam Richards: diverse Observer comedy with some mishits In This 88-Page Edition

Goodbye Miss Monroe

● Matt Young (Jack Cole) and Anna Burgess (Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Mitzi Gaynor, Betty Grable and Gwen Verdon et al) in Goodbye Miss Monroe, opening April 29 at Chapel off Chapel.

■ Presented by Grayboy Entertainment, A pioneer of dance on film, Cole created Goodbye Miss Monroe is based on the ex- dance hits in Hollywood film such as Diatraordinary life of legendary Hollywood cho- monds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, Heatwave reographer and father of jazz dance, Jack and The Beale Street Blues Cole, and will be presented from April 29Considered the father of jazz dance, Cole May 4 at Chapel Off Chapel. developed his jazz technique on the 1930s A cavalcade of stars peppered Cole’s life, nightclub circuit, which culminated in appearincluding Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, ances at New York’s prestigious Rainbow Betty Grable and Jane Russell.

Room.

Written and directed by Liam de Burca, in Hollywood he was snapped up this two-hand dance play stars Matt Young as by Landing Columbia Pictures to create dances for Jack Cole and Anna Burgess as Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Mitzi Gaynor, Betty some of the biggest Hollywood stars includGrable, Gwen Verdon and … well, everybody ing Gene Kelly, Rita Hayworth, Mitzi Gaynor, Betty Grable, Jane Russell, Donald else.

Goodbye Miss Monroe is a portrait of a O’Connor,Ann Miller, and of course, Marilyn brilliant and innovative choreographer, whose Monroe.

Performance Season: April 29-May 4 influence is still felt today, but sadly has largely Times: Tues – Sun 8pm, Sat matinee 3pm. been forgotten.

Venue: Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel De Burca says Cole’s influence was, and is, profound. ‘He trained several of the most St, Prahran.

Tickets: $30/$22 sought-after dancers in Hollywood and on Bookings: 8290 7000 or www.chapel Broadway and infused dance with a range of influences and a smoldering sexuality that offchapel.com.au persists today’.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Adam Richards ■ “Hello chickens!” Anyone who regularly tuned in to Fox FM’s Matt And Jo Show over the past 10 years will be missing the ‘Fabulous’ Adam Richard’s familiar catch cry.

For ten years Richard presented ‘Scoopla’ spreading the lowdown on all things Bieber and Kardashian.

In between gathering the gossip, Richard managed to co-write and star in a science-fiction comedy series, Outland.

His life changed forever with the demise of the the Matt and Jo Show - no more 4am starts.

He has moved on to a gig on the ABC’s new Spicks And Specks and Richard also returns to stand up with his new show Gaypocalypse.

It maybe due to the near drowning and concussion he suffered during his ill-thought out stint on diving reality show Celebrity Splash, Richard has been asking himself some big questions.

How did Maria von Trapp manage to snaffle Christopher Plummer from under the nose of the Baroness?

Or, how will allowing people of the same sex the right to enjoy wedded bliss in the ‘burbs undermine the institution of marriage—surely Kim and Kanye’s impending nuptials will ruin it for everyone.

Richard covers subjects as diverse as T S Eliot, citizenship, psychic TV, politics and porn.

Often hilarious, sometimes poignant but with the occasional mishit, Richards delivers comedy with a message.

Venue: Melbourne Town Hall (Backstage Room), Corner of Swanston & Collins Sts, Melbourne Dates: Until April 21l (not Mondays or Thursdays) Tickets: Tues $25 ($20 C), Wed and Sun $27 ($22 C), Fri and Sat $32 (All), Group Booking $20, Laugh Pack $22 Times: 7pm Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat, 6.pm Sun Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013, comedyfestival.com.au, or at the door. - Review by Kathryn Keeble

Mark Richardson: Lindsay Wagner ......... Page 4 Ash Long: The Melbourne Observer ........ Page 8 News: Travelling Medicine Show ............ Page 9 Di Rolle: Helen Reddy set to go .......... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Lender penalised .... Page 11 TV Memories: Ken Mulholland writes .... Page 12 West Hollywood: Gavin Wood reports .... Page 15 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and style ........... Page 17 Extra: Johnny Young profile ................ Page 18 Readers Club: Your stars, birthdays ...... Page 19 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photos ...... Page 20 Jim Sherlock Cheryl Threadgold Julie Houghton Aaron Rourke

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Jail time doubled ■ Drunk driver Terrence Bedford, 57, of Bannockburn, who blew .223, has had his jail time doubled after the prosection appealed against his sentence. He drove on the wrong side of the road and slammed into a car containing two couples and a baby

Robbery appeal ■ Oliver Poslan, 30, who pleaded guilty in Echuca Magistrates’ Court to robbing the local Sanity Music store, has appealed his 14month jail sentence. The appeal is expected to be heard at the County Court, Bendigo, on April 29, reports the Riverine Herald.

59yo: drug charges ■ Cobram Police have charged a Gorton St man, aged 59, after seizing two 2m cannabis plants as part of a public campaign targeting cannabis growers, distributors and users, reports the Cobram Courier.

Police hunt flasher ■ Bendigo Police are looking for a man in his 40s, who exposed himself to an 18-year-old woman at the railway station before catching the same Eaglehawk bus as the victim. Police are viewing security footage from the area, reports the Bendigo Advertiser.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Chance of rain. 16°-25° Thurs. Chance of storm. 14°-20° Fri. Chance of rain. 9°-23° Sat. Partly cloudy. 10°-23° Sun. Partly cloudy. 14°-18°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 TOP 5 C OMMENT S HEARD IF COMMENT OMMENTS BIKIES OFFERED DRUGS AND SEX FOR THE DES AL W ORKER DESAL WORKER 5. "Ice and Vice to go thanks."

4. "No Hank, you can't claim it on Bupa."

3. "The Desal must be working, there's no sign of a drought here.”

2. "Do you want fries with that?"

1. "Hey, can I get an bonus hour if I book for when Daylight Saving ends?"

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Requiem

● Sally Anne Russell ■ Mozart Requiem, performed by Victoria Chorale and the Art of Sound Orchestra with soloists Sally Anne Russell, Joanna Cole and Roy Best will be performed on Saturday May 31 at 8pm.

The performance will take place at Collins Street Baptist Church, 174 Collins St, Melbourne.

Tickets are $35 adult and $30 concession with a $5 pre-booking discount is available from www. victoriachorale.org.au or by phoning 9885 2744.

Marvin Gaye show at Ath ■ Bert LaBonté will star in The Life And Music Of Marvin Gaye at the Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne, on Thursday, May 15.

Publicist Julie Cavanagh says the performance will introduce Jude Parl and feature The Funk City Band.

The show is being produced

by Room 8 and A T Management.

Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) was an American singersongwriter and musician.

Michael serenades at Sails

Launch

● Glenda Millard ■ Author Glenda Millard will launch Zana Fraillon’s new book, No Stars To Wish On, at Hurstbridge Learning Co-op, 10 Lacey's Rd, at 3pm-4pm on Sunday, May 4. There will be a special celebratory music performance by Hurstbridge Coop students, teachers and parents.

Worldwide

● The Voice finalist Michael Paynter performed an acoustic ensemble, at the 20-year anniversary celebration of Sails On The Bay, Elwood, operated by Derek and Monica Fuller. More photos on Page 13.

Photos: Fiona Hamilton

Sam, meet Sam

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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

Big crowd honours Mol ■ There was a large crwd at The Deck at the St Kilda’s Prince Of Wales Hotel last week to see personality Ian ‘Molly Meldrum presented with the ‘Ozcar’award by Alan Johnson.

Gavin Wood has more details on Page 15. Also see our photo page on Page 16.

The invitation list also included: Sam Kekovich (MC), Grant Rule, Gerry Ryan, Tony Healey, Ash Long, Bob Hart, Mike Brady, Darren James, Cameron Adams, Red Symons, Rod Hardy, James Roche, Russell Morris, Kevin Brown, Brendan Sheedy, Brian Cadd, David Robb, Leon Wiegard, Frank Howson, Jim Keays, Terry Sparkes, Michael Landy, Gary Manuel, Ronnie Charles, Luke Dennehey, Daryl Timms, Ron Reed, Simon Wincer, Bruce Rowland, Geoff Morrow, Ron Barassi, JohnMichael Howson, Alfie Duran Gary Bartholmew, David Mann, Albert Mantello, Andrew Lewis, Eamonn Healey, Robert Osborne, Keith Millar John Tickell, James Brayshaw, John Lewis, Tony Cavanagh and Bruce Magilton.

Bands play ■ Ken Jeffrey was the host of 3CR’s Let The Bands Play on Sunday night (April 6). The program’s regular host, Gordon MacKenzie, was “otherwise engaged”, Ken said.

Vic Opera’s busy season

■ Artistic Director Richard Mills has a big season planned for Victorian Opera: ■ La traviata. Her Majesty’s Theatre. Saturday, May 17, 7:30pm ■ Into the Woods. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne. Saturday, July 19, 7:30pm ■ The Riders. Merlyn, The Cooper's Malthouse Tuesday 23 September, 7:30pm ■ The Play of Herod. Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Newman College. Thurs, Oct 2, 6:30pm

Now open at Hastings

● Hastings ML A Neale Burgess, Tim Poole, Parfliamentary Secretary Georgie Crozier and Lifestyle Communities co-founder James Kelly were at the official opening of the company’s eighth development. More photos on Page 35 ■ The $40 million Lifestyle Hastings community - a new development for over 55s - officially celebrated its opening..

Lifestyle Communities is located at 240 High St, Hastings, and has been designed to appeal to Victorians keen for a sea change. Lifestyle Hastings includes 142 new homes.

Homeowners will have unlimited access to resort facilities such as the private clubhouse, bowling green, gymnasium, indoor pool and spa, computer centre with wifi, library, cinema, workshop and vegetable garden.

Lifestyle Communities are located in Chelsea Heights, Cranbourne, Warragul, Wollert, Shepparton, Tarneit and Brookfield. A ninth will open in Geelong next year.

‘A Turk In Italy’ ● Alex Hehr ■ Golden Days Radio General Manager Alex Hehr says wew listeners to the station’s stream are averaging 1361 per week and the number of people tuning in on average weekly is now 4832.

Average time listening per on line per tune in is 120 minutes.This is the highest ever.

New or unique visitors 2680, the number of visits was 5453 and 54,206 hits.

The most hits to the Glen Huntly-based station are coming from these countries from 1 to 10: Australia, UK, USA, China, Canada, Ukraine, New Zealand, Iraq, Russian Federation and Thailand.

● Sam Frantzeskos, operator of Fog Bar and Restaurant in Greville St, Prahran, is hosting an A-list cocktaiul party tomorrow (Thu.) night to introduce new chef Sam Hiroki, who will present a new menu tasting.

Long’s Short Shots ■ Anna Schwartz Gallery, 185 Flinders Lane, is presenting an exhibition of new paintings by Stephen Bram, until April 26.

■ Warren Lane will open his new exhibition Continuim at Bundoora Homestead on May 9.

■ Poh Ling Yeow will be at Elements Restuarant, Lower Plenty, on Wed., April 30m to promote her book Same Same.

● Paolo Bordogna as Salim, Emma Matthew as Fiorilla, and Coral Coad as Geronio in Opera Australia’s The Turk In Italy, previewed by Julie Houghton in the Observer Showbiz section.

Photo: Lisa Tomasetti

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Page 7

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Observer

Showbiz News

Pocket Of Joy plays at La Mama Briefs Appeal

■ Claims that the Mildura and District Greek Orthodox Church discriminated against an aspiring member on the basis of her gender have been dismissed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, reports the Sunraysia Daily.

On bail

■ As part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival, La Mama Theatre is playing host to the Sausage Dog Production Company, to provide a theatrical experience for children in its La Mama for Kids program.

The performers involved the audience of five- to 10year-olds straight away, with an invitation to show how loudly they could shout, boo, cheer and clap their hands.

The children were then invited to help Holly the Adventurer on her quest to find the Mayor of Joyville.

The story moved along interestingly through each step of the journey, with the cast using colourful quirky costumes and wigs and a multitude of skills, including puppetry, live music, dance and physical theatre, With the good story, many quick changes of costumes and voices throughout and bright lighting, the creators and energetic performers of A Pocketful of Joy, Chanelle Sheehan, Hannah Tivendale, Maddie Thiele, Tara Rankine and Maddy Kelly, held the children’s’ attention very well.

Performances: Until April 13, Wednesday to Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets: $15-$25 Venue: La Mama Courthouse Theatre, 349 Drummond St, Carlton, Victoria 3053 Running time: 60 minutes.

Bookings: 9347 8142, www.lamama.com.au or at the door.

- Review by Rita Crispin Melbourne

Observer ■ A man - Kevin Timothy Knowles, 42 - accused of assaulting police and then fleeing has been released on bail — to live in a shipping container near Portland, reports the Warrnambool Standard.

Cup off

■ Stawell Racing Club believes it will feel a financial loss for up to two years after the deliberate poisoning of 1000 metres of the racecourse track.

Thbe Easter Sunday Cup meeting has been abandoned, reports the Wilmmera MailTimes. Local Police are appealing for witnesses. The meeting usually attracts 4000 racegoers.

● Tara Rankine (left) and Maddie Thiele in A Pocketful Of Joy, at La Mama Courthouse until April 13.

Fear Of Missing Out

● Madeline Hudson plays Miss Ellie Mae Rose in The Travelling Medicine Show at La Mama.

Law Courts

Parents lose bid to care for 5 kids

■ A Victorian mother-and-father have lost their ‘last chance’ bid to reunite with their five children, each of whom has special needs.

Bernadette Steele, Senior Member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, ruled that the children - aged 14, 13, 10, 8 and 5 - stay in the care of other families.

Allegations of sexual inappropriateness had been made by one of the children about her father. He was never charged.

Evidence was given to the Tribunal by psychologist Dr Charlotte Ho, Mackillop Family Services coordinator Allanah McElgun, psychologist Dr Lynette Evan, child protection worker Linda Gerdtz, psychologist Dr Sharne Rolfe, child protection worker Ms ‘RB’, and psychologist Dr Amanda Bond.

The children had been removed from their parents’ care in 2009 because the Department of Human Services had a number of concerns about protecting them from harm.

Ms Steele heard that the father had substance abuse issues, there was violence in the home, and that the basic needs of children were not being met. The family dog was being used as a pillow, and the children had poor hygiene.

“The parents were exposing the children to harsh and excessive discipline,” VCAT was told.

The Tribunal was told that the children are secure in their current placements.

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Travelling Medicine Show

● Zoe McDonald in FOMO: the Fear Of Missing Out at the Northcote Town Hall.

■ Playing at the Northcote Town Hall until April 13, one woman, 10 characters and a radio studio, Zoe McDonald has the FOMO, aalso known as the fear of missing out.

McDonald portrays a parade of radio talkback callers, guests and a one-time famous announcer, and after an award for her Melbourne Fringe debut, FOMO returns to Melbourne fresh from a stellar season at the Adelaide Fringe, under the direction of Present Tense artistic directors Bryce Ives and Nathan Gilkes.

Dates: Tuesday to Sunday, until April 13 Time: 9.30pm (Running time 60 mins, no interval) Venue: Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote (West Wing Studio 2) Tickets: Full $27.50 Concession & Group 6 or more $22.50, Tuesday’s $17.50 Transaction fees may apply Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language, adult themes - Cheryl Threadgold

■ It is one of the great wonders of the Melbourne world how La Mama continues to amaze with its ingenious ways of presenting work so differently in its tiny space.

For Porcelain Punch’s The Travelling Medicine Show, we had a truck in the front yard, and around three sides a boxed theatre with a typically Vaudevillian red velvet curtain then opening on to the side of the truck – the stage.

It is good to see a troupe keeping the old Vaudevillian theatre tradition alive. With their collective strengths of circus, clowning, physical theatre, music, and farce, independent theatre company Porcelain Punch is well endowed with talent to devise and perform this hybrid Vaudevillian cabaret.

The Travelling Medicine Show parodies marketing today and the actors make terrific use of the proximity of the audience.

Madeline Hudson is obviously a multi-instrumentalist and her timing and rhythmic chord work plays successfully with the corny jokes and situations presented by Luke O’Connor, who leads the absurdities with aplomb, capturing the “snake oil salesman” feel which underpins the comedy of the show.

Alex Gellman, Christy Flaws and Emilie Johnston work wonders with their respective contortions, juggling and hoop work .

Three weeks of the Comedy Festival will throw up a lot of laughs, but this work goes beyond basic comedy in its cleverness of parody, wit in development and skills in presentation.

I would have been happier if the “stage” had been just a few inches higher, but if that’s the only gripe, who cares!

Dates: Until April 13 Venue: La Mama Courtyard Tickets: $ 25 /$15 Bookings: 9347 6948 or www.lamama.com.au - Review by Maggie Morrison

Henson’s Puppet Up! Uncensored ■ Playing at the Princess Theatre as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Henson Alternative’s Puppet Up! Uncensored is not like any live puppet show you’ve ever seen before.

It is a truly unique night of off-the-cuff comedy that is sure to have you laughing and shouting out in your seat all night long.

Starring an assorted cast of more than 60 puppets and six talented puppeteers, the show is an entirely improvised performance that takes all it cues from audience participation – no matter how bizarre, lewd or controversial those suggestions may be.

The audience is prompted by an entertaining compére (co-creator and director Patrick Bristow) who picks out the best, and sometimes possibly the worst suggestions for the puppet troupe to act out.

The puppets themselves are beautifully crafted in true Henson style and feature a couple of old favourites of Jim Henson himself.

At a recent performance the audience witnessed an evil Bond villain named ‘Michael’, a re-creation of two audience members’ first date at Young and Jacksons more than 30 years ago, and an imagined (and re-imagined) episode of Toorak Wankers featuring a memorable spa bath scene; who knows what’s coming next?

Henson Alternative’s Puppet Up! Uncensored definitely lives up to its name and reputation. The fact that it is 100 per cent driven from audience participation makes it a great night out and because each performance is improvised no two shows are ever the same, which also makes for a great excuse to go more than once.

Season: Until April 20. Times: Tue-Sun 7.30pm (except Sat 12 Apr 8.30pm). Venue: Princess Theatre, 163 Spring St, Melbourne.

Tickets: $49.90-$69.90. Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au, 1300 660 013, or at the door.

- Review by Stephen Leeden

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Happy birthday to me

Di For

Jane looks to Eurovision

● Jane Gazzo ■ I always like hearing about people’s dreams coming true. TV music presenter Jane Gazzo has achieved just that with her Eurovision dream coming true.

Hot on the heels of presenting MaxTV’s’80sweek with her long time idol, Molly Meldrum, Jane is joining Julia Zemiro and Tim Ross as a guest panellist of SBS2’s Eurovision Quiz contest, airing May 59 in the lead up to the Eurovision Song Contest.

The effervescent television host, whose 25th anniversary as a broadcaster is just one away, has an illustrious career which includes hosting her own shows on Triple J. She started broadcasting as a teenager on 3RRR-FM, and also on the esteemed London based radio stations X-FM and Capital FM. As a young girl growing up in Viewbank, Jane was a huge Abba fan. She was always aware of Eurovision, as we all were.

It’s one of my favourite television events of the year. It wasn’t until she moved to London and experienced Eurovision first hand that she learnt to fully appreciate its cheesy brilliance.

Her mates would have huge watching-Eurovision parties every year and took it quite seriously.

On the SBS2 show she gets to be on a team with Australia’s first lady of Eurovision, Julia Zemiro. There is nothing that Julia doesn’t know about Eurovision, so Jane is hoping her knowledge and her passion will see her team win. I think this will be a fun show.

A working mother, Jane is arguably TV’s most experienced and well-known music presenter, having consistently graced the airwaves in Australia and the UK throughout most of her adult life, cutting her teeth as a co-host on the seminal Saturday morning show, Recovery in the 90s before relocating to London.

In the UK, she landed her own radio show on BBC6 Music, Jane Gazzo’s Dream Ticket.

Having worked for a stint as Courtney Love’s assistant, sharing an apartment with the famous Hole singer, it was poignant that she presented the documentary on Kurt Cobain tiled All Apologies . It was on Max TV’s special commemorating the 20th anniversary of his death.

Jane writes a fortnightly music column called Off The Record for MX Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, She lives in Sydney with her husband and baby boy.

■ SBS 2 Eurovision Quiz Contest 8.30pm May 5-9. I’ll be watching!

I love my job! with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Phillipa Finney, Natasha Chadwick and Di Rolle ■ Oscar Wilde said of birthdays: “The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything and the young know everything.”

I like to think I am still in the young category and I know everything!

It gets me into trouble sometimes.

Having worked for the past nine years, I decided to acknowledge my birthday with a small drinks party at The Olsen Hotel in South Yarra.

It was terrific to have few friends. It was not a big get-together, just a few friends and really acknowledge the big day.

In my job I spend most of my time running around after other people and making sure they are looked after, so it was really good to relax and have it be about me for a day.

Axis of Awesome ■ Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2014 is always fun. There are some marvellous acts to see.

One that stands out to me is The Axis of Awesome. The guys have had aripper year; could it get any more awesome for this very funny Australian comedy trio?

Returning to Melbourne, this global comedy trio will be spoiling the beautiful surrounds of Famous Spiegeltent at Federation Square with their unique brand of hilarious musical comedy that has had audiences laughing around the world.

2014 marks the multi-award winners’ sixth MICF season, and this year they will debut their brand new live show, Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas, promising a solid mixture of spanking news tunes and classic Axis hits.

They boast over 90 million hits on You Tube, where their clip Four Chords song live at the 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival reigns as the highest rating comedy clip of all time. A song from their 2013 hit show, Cry Yourself A River, has already received over 2.5 million You Tube hits.

The Axis of Awesome were recent recipients of Flesh Blood funding, an ABC TV and Screen Australia’s initiative, allocated to 25 artists who will each produce three short-form sketches.

They each boast a different ethnic heritage: Greek (Jordan Raskopoulos), Polish/ Jewish (Benny Davis) and Italian/Australian (Lee Naimo).

The Axis of Awesome write and per-

Reddy, set, go

● Axis of Awesome: Jason Raskopoulos, Benny Davis, Lee Naimo form awesomely hi- its brilliant career in larious songs parody- 2008 at the Melbourne ing anything and ev- International Comerything – from foot- edy Festival earning ball to religion; ro- the Moosehead mance to KFC, Game Award, going on to win of Thrones, to Chuck three Time Out Awards in the Sydney Norris.

This fabulous show Comedy Festival: Best at the Melbourne In- Show (2010 and 2011) ternational Comedy and Best Australian Festival is at Famous Talent (2010).

These guys will Spiegeltent at Federation Square to Sunday have audiences rushApril 20 (excluding ing out of their shows Monday). Show time lining up to buy CDs. For more informa7pm (6pm Sundays) Described by the tion visit: www.

Herald Sun as the new axisofawesome.net Bookings can be benchmark of musical through comedy, The Axis of made Awesome launched Ticketmaster

Streeton Trio at Recital Centre ■ Music to warm the heart is what it is all about in my work and my home.

I play a lot of classical music while I work and particularly enjoy the music of The Streeton Trio.

The Streeton Trio has a three concert series being presented at Melbourne Recital Centre commencing on Saturday, April 19 with two performances: 3pm and 6pm.

The first of the performances, Music To Warm The Heart is a beautiful program of music spanning three centuries that warms the heart and nourishes the soul.

Turn To Page 18

● Helen Reddy ■ I had the pleasure of working with Melbourne-born singer and superstar Helen Reddy.

When not doing interviews she was most keen to take a nostalgic visit to her grandmother’s home in Gipps St, East Melbourne.

Helen has a wonderful smile and she lit up with she saw the house and the park opposite.

It was nostalgic for her.

And she was very happy, It was such a privilege to share such special times of times past spent with her family in Melbourne.

Neighbours live ■ It had to happen. Scott and Charlene had to have a son that would turn up one day – and yes it is about to happen.

Daniel Robinson is his name and he is about to arrive at Ramsay Street.

In one of the most anticipated events in Neighbours history, the son of iconic duo Scott and Charlene is set to arrive in Erinsborough..

Now in his early 20s, Daniel Robinson heads to Ramsay St to see where his parents fell in love.

In his debut scenes, Daniel will meet his infamous uncle, Paul Robinson, played by Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis.

Dennis is the only remaining cast member to have shared the screen with Scott and Charlene, played of course by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.

This will be a real treat. It’s a really good reason to revisit Ramsay Street. The casting of the coveted role of Daniel Robinson has been kept a secret and will be revealed to the show’s national audience, live to air on Tuesday, April 29.

■ Neighbours, weeknights at 6.30pm, on Eleven.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Page 11

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Barbie The Musical

● Chelsea Bernier as Barbie, Austin Johns as Ken (bottom middle of frame) and Kristina Miller as Theresa, and dancers.

■ The Palais Theatre was in the pink last weekend, as hundreds of pink-adorned young fans carrying pink and glitzy Barbie merchandise eagerly awaited the pink sparkly curtains to open and reveal the real life version of their adored doll … wearing pink of course.

Barbie Live! The Musical performed in Melbourne as part of an Australian tour, presented

by EMS Entertainment and Mattel Live Entertainment.

These days Barbie has more than Ken in her life, with friends including best pal Teresa and magical worlds and characters from her animated movies such as Swan Lake, Mariposa and Catania.

Barbie Live! has a simple storyline containing worthwhile life messages about friendship and selfworthiness.

Directed and choreographed by Kobi Rozenfeld, the well-staged show features some stunning costumes among 230 designed specifically for this production..

Bravo to the energetic, hard-working cast and there are some terrific ensemble dance routines in the second half.

Chelsea Bernier is perfectly cast as Barbie, with blonde, doll-like looks, and song and dance versatility equally matched by Kristina Miller (Teresa), Austin Johns (Ken), Keir Kirkegaard (Danny), Nick Bernardi (Max), Courtney Cheatham (Raquelle) and Rebecca Warm (Peg).

From a critical perspective, slight sound distortion prevented hearing lyrics clearly at the performance I attended, and costumed cast members visible in the wings were distracting..

While Barbie has top promotional billing, she intriguingly shares the spotlight with best friend Teresa throughout the show, even extending the friendship message to taking final bows as a duo.

Most importantly, the children in the audience loved the show, cheering and interacting with their familiar doll characters now live onstage.

Barbie Live! The Musical creates a special theatre-going experience for youngsters and families and that can only be a good thing.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

● Stephanie Tisdell. Photo: Jim Lee ■ Melbourne International Comedy Festival last Saturday celebrated more than 60,000 years of jokes and hilarious story telling by the longest living culture on the planet with the National Final and Showcase of Australia’s premier Aboriginal comedy program, Deadly Funny.

For the first time in Deadly Funny’s six-year history, an all-female group of four finalists went head to head to battle it out for the most laughs.

Winner for 2014 was 21-year-old Stephanie Tisdell from Queensland who impressed the judges with her upfront comedy style.

Stephanie received the Deadly Funny title and a $2000 cash prize, at the Melbourne Town Hall.

Pay-day lender cops $30,600 in penalties

■ Paid International Ltd, formerly known as First Stop Money Ltd, has paid $30,600 in penalties after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission issued three infringement notices for making misleading representations in its online advertisements.

The small amount lender, which operates nationally online, stated that it offered “instant decisions” and loan approvals “within minutes” for small amount loans on websites operated by Paid International at firststopmoney.com.au, loanspronto. com.au and paydayplus.com.au ASIC was concerned the ads were false or misleading because the lender’s assessment of a loan application was not “instant” or completed “within minutes”. In some instances, loan applications took up to 72 hours to be assessed.

ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said: “This is another example of a small amount lender making statements on its website that indicate a concerning lack of awareness about the responsible lending laws, and an apparent disregard for

● An image from First Stop Money advertising their responsibility to avoid making misleading statements in their advertising.

“ASIC is committed to ensuring lenders adhere to their obligations, to help reduce the risk that overcommitted consumers find themselves in a debt spiral.”

Credit licensees such as small amount lenders must make reasonable enquiries about the consumer, verify their financial situation and assess the suitability of the loan for that particular consumer before providing them with a loan.

It is not appropriate or possible for a small amount lender or any

‘Debt to Benz firm’ ■ Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia has requested a Registrars’ Hearing at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Thu.) where it is due to allege a “breach of contract/agreement (non payment)” by Charlie De Niro.

other credit licensee to make an instant decision or approve a loan “within minutes” if they are complying with their obligations.

The payment of an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the ASIC Act consumer protection provisions.

ASIC can issue an infringement notice where it has reasonable grounds to believe a person has contravened certain consumer protection laws.

Lawyer reprimanded ■ Lawyer Gary Needham has given an undertaking to VCAT that he will not apply for a practising certificate prior to July 1 next year.

He was found guilty on a charge of professional misconduct, reprimanded and ordered to pay costs of $16,000, after a complaint was lodged by client Robert Turkington.

Rumour Mill

To Court

■ Newtec Builders Pty Ltd has requested a Registrars’ Pre-Hearing Con-ference at Heidel-berg Magistrates’ Court today (Wed.) where it is due to allege a civil claim for “monies due” from Casa D’abruzzo Club.

Wanna bet?

■ Will there be Australian moves against online gaming, following the push by US lawmakers? They argue online is harder to control and that pit oses a risk to young people, especially underage young people who can gamble without being detected.

Move at 3AW?

Action against Mariner firm ■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has started legal action against Mariner Corporation Limited and its current and former directors.

ASIC is seeking financial penalties and disqualification orders following the company’s proposed takeover bid for listed financial services company Austock Group Limited.

ASIC’s civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court are against Mariner, its Chief Executive and Managing Director Darren Olney-Fraser, current Director Donald Christie and former Director Matthew Fletcher.

ASIC’s concerns relate to an announcement Mariner made to the market in June 2012 of its intention to make a takeover bid for Austock.

ASIC alleges that: ■ Mariner was reckless as to whether it could perform its obligations under the proposed bid because it did not have the financial resources to fund the bid or any commitment or assurance from another party to fund the bid at the time of the announcement.

■ The announcement was misleading because the proposed bid was at a price less than Mariner was permitted to offer and because it misled the market as to Mariner’s ability to fund the bid.

■ The directors breached their duties by failing to give sufficient consideration to the steps that needed to be taken before making the announcement.

ASIC raised concerns with Mariner about its funding of the takeover at the time the bid was announced.

The proceedings are listed for a directions hearing in the Federal Court in Melbourne on May 12.

Whispers

Hear It Here First

S&M over H&M ■ Some of Melbourne’s media queens had a touch of the vapours when the Swedes opened their H&M store at the GPO this week.

Organisers invited 1100 media types to the opening, to create a buzz in print, Twitter and the airwaves. The company is billed as the world’s second biggest retailer.

Melbourne’s glitterati willingly obliged, donning their finest make-up and threads. Those from Sydney received free flights, and accommodation for nix at Crown Metropol.

Calm down ... after all, it is just the opening of a shop! And the excitement of the nearby Emporium is set to step up over coming weeks.

■ Is there likely to be change of the roster at Melbourne radio station 3AW?

Day

by Day

Real estate co. claim ■ Jonny & Bobby Pty Ltd have asked for a Frankston Magistrates’ Court pre-hearing conference tomorrow (Thu.) when they are due to lodgea civil claim alleging “breach of contract/agreement (non payment)” against Carrum Downs Real Estate Pty Ltd. The telephone hearing is due to take place at 9am.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Mark Day ■ Former Truth co-owner and ex3AW personality Mark Day is out of hospital after having surgery for a heart flutter. The Hinchnemesis is 70.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Melbourne

Observer

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

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Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

Oop-poo-a-doo ■ The Australia Day weekends from 1972 to 1975 saw the Sunbury Rock Festival held on the Duncan family property.

John Fowler and Jim McKay from Channel 9 formed Odessa Promotions to conduct Australia’s own ‘Woodstock’.

Artists included Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs, Max Merritt and the Meteors, and Chain.

Long Shots was wagging school and working at various printeries.

At Stockland Press, North Melbourne, the job printing department had the job to print entry tickets ... long before computers did the job.

At Regal Press in Richmond, we had the commercial job to print Music Week, assembled by a team including Ian Oshlack.

Long Shots hitched a ride inside the Music Week delivery van on Sunbury ‘74 weekend, gaining free admission in exchange for handing out free copies of the pop newspaper.

Great times for a teen.

Sad to say ... 40 years on ... that George Duncan Jnr of the Sunbury property, passed away on March 29.

A plaque stands today overlooking the Duncan family farm ... and brings back amazing memories.

Memories of Clark

Back Copies BACK COPIES -- ARCHIVES BACK ARCHIVES BBack a c k copies C o p i efor s f2012-14 o r 2 0 1 2editions - 1 3 e dof i t i the ons of the Melbourne Observer all available at ourat our Melbourne Observerareare all available 1969-82, 2002-11 may website. Back copies for 1969-89, may be inspected by appointment at State the State be inspected by appointment at the Library Library, 328 328 Swanston St, Melbourne. of Victoria, Swanston St, Melbourne.

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● Clark Sinclair ■ Well done John Symons and 3CR for a 60year tribute program to the late Clark Sinclair and the local 3SA radio station that he ran from his East St Kilda home - by cable from 1954.

Ourselves ■ The Melbourne Observer has one more edition (April 16) before the Easter and ANZAC Day break. We will not published itions on April 23 and 30. We return on Wednesday, May 7.

Opening tonight ■ James Little is exhibiting at Rubicon Art, 309 Queensberry St, North Melbournme, opening tonight (Wed.), 6pm-9pm.

with K enneth Mulholland Kenneth

Matlock Police

● Billy Thorpe at Sunbury in 1972

Long Shots

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long “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

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Melbourne TV Memories

■ “It is important that people know what you stand for; it is equally importnat that they know what you won’t stand for.”

■ “There is only a slight difference between keeping your chin up and sticking your neck out, but it’s worth knowing.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “The things most people want to know about are usually none of their business.”

■ “Depending on how a man lives, we may die old at 40, or young at 90.”

Text For The Week ■ “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”

- Proverbs 23:4-5 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.

■ Matlock Police came to our screens in 1971 and ran until 1976. It was produced by Crawford Productions for ATV-0 and initially starred Michael Pate, Grigor Taylor, Paul Cronin and Vic Gordon.

Grigor Taylor was replaced by Tom Richards and later, Michael Pate was replaced by Peter Gwynne.

After the demise of The Long Arm, ATV-0 made the decision to fit out Studio B for television production. Work began on the lighting grid and after some months the place was deemed habitable. Let me tell you, it wasn't.

The lighting grid seemed alright, but the studio floor was not. It was a rough trowelled, concrete base that was never level-floated. In other words, the surface was uneven. In certain parts of the floor, cameras were inclined to slowly roll away. Over time we knew where all these spots were and avoided them where possible, otherwise you simply held the pedestal in place with your foot.

Of course Crawford's were well grounded and experienced in Police drama with Homicide and Division 4 already in production and in this series the directors were Crawford's own. lighting, audio, props, staging, camera crew and floor managers were all supplied by ATV-0 as were set designers, make-up and wardrobe.

Graeme Arthur, my old 'chief' cameraman at HSV -7, was one of the directors and I had already worked with Ian Crawford and Ian Jones.

I also had worked with 'Funny Face' Vic Gordon on The Happy Show at Channel 7 and he actually remembered me.

I found both Paul Cronin and Grigor Taylor easy to work with, but the thrill for me was being in the same studio as Michael Pate. Here was a man I'd seen up there on the Silver Screen of American movies, a man who had worked with Claudette Colbert, Ann Blyth and the now legendary John Wayne.

The man was seriously multi-talented: producer, director, writer, film actor, television actor. He was even clever enough to father a very talented son. (photos of whom he took pains to show all us crew).

I was somewhat awe-struck. The guy was tall, imposing, rugged and had ‘that' voice. He used to call me Kenny. Very few, other than my mother and Peta Toppano ever call me that. Not even my wife.

And ... and ... I'm almost tripping over myself even now ... he appeared in films such as Hondo, The Court Jester, PT 109, and McLintock! as well as roles in television: Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, Get Smart, Mission:Impossible, Rawhide, Batman and Wagon Train, amongst many others ...

Sorry, I'm rabbiting on. Last memory of Michael.

Sometimes during rehearsals, while he was waiting to go on, he'd be standing by my camera and lean in close and talk to me. Because I was wearing 'cans' with sound coming in from the floor and the director upstairs it came through as a low, rumbling drawl.

Not wanting to miss what the director was saying and watching out for my next shot I couldn't always actually hear what he was saying. I tended to smile and nod a lot. He was probably telling me what a lousy cameraman I was. He certainly had that expansive grin going.

The final episode of Matlock was shot in Studio A, probably because by then The Box had taken over Studio B. It was a fairly subdued day, after all it had run for four years, and both Tom Richards and Peter Gwynne had slotted in very well.

I found Peter a lovely, gracious guy to work with and something of an acting sage. There was a bit of Yoda in him. He also had a subtle sense of humour.

Not so, Graeme Wright, one of the floor managers, who goes on record as pronouncing the word 'subtle' phonetically and 'pseudo' as 'perswaydo.'

A Wangaratta native making good in The Big Smoke.

The parting barb after the final scene 'wrapped' the series was an audio recording played to the studio floor. The audio guys often squirrelled away 'magic moments' of sound to play back at special times. This was a special time.

Paul Cronin and Vic Gordon were the two originals of the show and both were renowned for 'fluffing' their lines. Put them together in the same scene and you had the recipe for 'take six, take nine, take...'

You get the picture. And Vic could do that rubbermouthed flubbing thing while rolling his eyes.

Turn To Page 17

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Page 13

Melbourne People

Sales By The Bay, Elwood 20 Year Anniversary Party Photos: Fiona Hamilton

● Leah de Niese and Kirsty O’Brien

● Bianca Chatfield, Lachlan Crawford and Geva Mentor

● Brett and Louise McLeod

● Brynne Edelsten and Robert Menzies

● Jacquie Byron, Dom Bagnato, Kate Foster

● Derek Fuller and Nyah Cole

● Josephine Rechner and Susan Wright

● Kirsty Brakenseik, Michael Paynter and Morven Fuller

● Lisa Aldenhaven, Prue Bassett, Deb Withers

● Mark and Di Mitchell

● Mike Larkan and Jack Levi

● Kate Hill, Keegan O’Brien, Raelene Murphy

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Blue Ribbon joins Freemasons Victoria Grand Installation Reward and recognition at the Royal Freemasons Homes Open Day

Australia Day honours

● Brian Stevenson ■ Once again, we're very proud of all those Freemasons Victoria members who have received Order of Australia awards, as announced by the Governor-General on Australia Day this year, Sunday, January 26.

A total of seven Freemasons were recognised this year for their efforts within the community, all worthy recipients who have worked tirelessly for many years in areas of defence forces, education and community service.

Bro. Ken Falconer. Comacine Amanthus Lodge No. 400. OAM: General Division Bro. Colin Green MM. Melbourne High School Lodge No. 759. OAM: General Division Bro. James Johnston, MM. Union Lodge of North Gippsland No. 62. OAM: General Division RWBro. Warren (Rex) Nankervis, WM. Marangan Lodge No. 64. OAM: General Division Bro. Alan Ould, MM. Marangan Lodge No. 64. OAM: General Division Bro. Major John Pearse, MM. The Army Lodge No. 478. OAM: Conspicuous Service Medal for meritous achievement WBro. Brian Stevenson, SW. Albert Edward Lodge No. 59.

OAM: General Division

● Ken Falconer

● Rex Nankervis

● Constable T Bear

■ You may have noticed a guest in the merchandise section of the foyer prior to our Quarterly Communication and Grand Installation.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation, headed by CEO Neil Soullier, joined us to spread awareness about the Foundation, and raise funds by selling the Blue Ribbon Foundation bear 'Constable T Bear'.

"This was a fantastic opportunity for the Blue Ribbon Foundation and for that we thank Freemasons Victoria very much. We raised $250 through selling 'Constable T Bear', and many approached us to talk about our work, Neil said.

Neil went on to watch the Grand Installation, and said it was one of the most stunning shows he's ever seen.

"I've been to many shows in my life, but this one was sensational. The choir, the organist and the audio were perfect, and I have the utmost respect for the brethren who have put in so much time, training and rehearsal to make the evening seamless,” Neil said.

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals to help perpetuate the memory of fallen Victoria Police officers. To find out more or to donate visit: www.remember.org.au

● From left: June Bates, President’s jewel recipient; Noeline Brown; Christina Chia, Royal Freemasons Homes and her daughter.

■ You couldn't have asked for a better weather day for the Royal Freemasons Homes Open Day. A bright sunny day drew a great crowd, all there to help celebrate and recognise the good work of the Homes.

Hosted by Wes Turnbull, the event began with a brief overview from Board Chairman Ian Buckingham of the Homes' Strategic Growth Plan, followed by a presentation by Noeline Brown, Ambassador for the Ageing.

Noeline, better known perhaps for her appearances on television show Blankety Blanks in the 1980s, gave a valuable insight into what retirement really means; opportunity, volunteering and community service.

A number of Lodges were then recognised for their financial contributions to the Homes, ranging from $1000 to $20,000 donations, and members were invited to the stage.

CEO Felix Pintado announced the Lorna Chapman Award, presented to an individual who has shown outstanding committment to the core values of the Homes.

This award was presented to Lynette Valeslovic. Shortly afterwards, Wes was joined on stage by Grand Master Hillel Benedykt, Past Grand Master Garry Sebo and Ian Buckingham to present the Presidents Jewel as part of the new Homes Jewel Program for fundraising.

After all awards were given, and individuals and groups recognised, a lovely barbecue lunch was enjoyed by all.

Freemasons Victoria and Lord Northcote Lodge donate kids sports wheelchairs ■ Freemasons Victoria and the Lord Northcote Lodge No. 191 haverecently raised enough funds to support Disability Sport and Recreation to purchase three new junior wheelchairs.

The charity organisation, located in Fitzroy, provides and promotes positive health outcomes for Victorians with disabilities through participation in sport and recreation. Without the support of the community, providing equipment such as the wheelchairs simply would not be possible.

It has been through the continued support and passion of long-term donor Ray Kelly and his relationship with the Freemasons, and the tireless work of George Finniss in fundraising through Lord Northcote Lodge, that the purchase has been made possible.

The sports chairs will be added to the Disability Sport and Recreation's adaptive equipment library, and will be available to members. The equipment library aims to reduce financial and equipment barriers to participation in sport and recreation. Each wheelchair has the capacity to assist 50 children with disability in its lifetime.

For more information about the good work of Disability, Sport and Recreation, visit: www.dsr.org.au/ Further information about Lord Northcote Lodge can be found at lordnorthcotelodge.com.au/

● CEO, Royal Freemasons Homes, Felix Pintado.

● Ambassador for the Ageing, Noeline Brown

● To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or ’Like’ our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic for the most up to date information. ● Don't miss Series 2 of Freemasons: The Inside Story, airing Monday nights at 8:30pm on Channel 31, or visit www.C31.org.au to watch it online.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Page 15

West Hollywood

And the ‘Ozcar’ goes to Molly Meldrum From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

‘Over’ for Gwyneth, Chris

Proclamation from the City of West Hollywood ■ This special proclamation from the City of West Hollywood was presented to Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum at the Prince of Wales Hotel in St Kilda on April 1, along with his ‘Ozcar’award for services to the music and television industries and the arts.

Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum Whereas: Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum is acknowledged to be one of the leading authorities and critics of modern contemporary music in the world, he is therefore deserving of recognition.

Let It Be Known: That as a young boy growing up in Kyabram, Victoria, Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum sensed he was destined and groomed to play an important role in the world of contemporary music and that as a 'boy from the bush' he accordingly moved to Melbourne where his love and devotion to such music evolved and blossomed.

Arriving as a fan he soon burst into the Australian music scene through his involvement with the television show Kommotion. Images of Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum miming to Winchester Cathedral on national television remain indelibly etched on our minds.

Kommotion was only the beginning. Over the course of a long career he appeared on many television shows in varied roles as host, interviewer and critic. His work on Uptight, Happening 69 and 70, Go Set, TV Week, Countdown, Hey Hey It's Saturday, EON FM, personal appearances, ABC, Channel 7, Channel 9, Foxtel and MAX was extensive and important but remains a mere snapshot of how Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum's career dominated our life and impacted the careers of many bands, singers and songwriters.

From Melbourne to West Hollywood, and around the world, Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum has used his knowledge and celebrity to promote Australian Music across the globe.

No musician or musical artist has had a better champion for their work. A close friend and confident of many international music stars Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum interviewed many of them at venues in West Hollywood, bringing recognition and acclaim to the city.

Therefore: It is hereby proclaimed that Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum is a true friend of West Hollywood and is most deserving of the annual ‘Ozcar’ award for his lifelong devotion to the Music Industry in Australia, America and worldwide.

● Ian 'Molly' Meldrum accepting his Ozcar

Liam Hemsworth on Miley Cyrus

GavinWood

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

Syre and Fresko

I wish I was there From Jim Morrison and the Doors on Sunset Boulevard To the Beatles in Melbourne From the Sunset Strips - Whiskey a Go Go to the Thumpin' Tum in Melbourne From Winchester Cathedral to the Real Thing Go Set, Lilly Brett, Jet Set and stars that he met From Studio 54 to the long nights at the Chevron, Metro, Crown and any other place that was open.

From fighting with Elton to fighting with a ladder Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum has been a part of the story of our lives.

I wish I had of been there to celebrate my friend, Ian.

● From left: Tony Healey, Grant Rule, Michael Landy and Terry Sparks. Bottom row: Jim Keays, Ian 'Molly' Meldrum and Keith Millar

● Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin ■ Hollywood's most boring marriage is siring (surprise!)

Hollywood's most boring divorce, guys, but the details? Well.

They keep coming, and they're as unsurprising as ever.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay front man, Chris Martin, like to make pompous, grandiose split announcements and then head off on Caribbean vacations on a private islands together -- are still splitting up from what we hear.

But we're also hearing that they've allegedly been off and on for quite some time now and have, at one point, had an open marriage arrangement, as well: "They were physically separated and emotionally ... They have been on and off for many years. The marriage was falling apart."

Anybody who's been following the history of these two over the last decade fully know that there've been tell-tale signs -despite how perfect Gwyneth wanted everything to come over -- all over the place signifying the demise of this couple.

They were everywhere. So now that things finally are out in the open (no pun intended), why are people so fascinated?

It's the same old drama, just with some confirmation this time, that's all.

● Syre and Fresko ■ Speaking of Australian music. My management company, CMP Management, a division of Countdown Motion Pictures, has signed one of the hottest acts in Australia.

It all started with Melbourne duet, Syre and Fresko, auditioning to respresent Australia at the Chinese New Year Gala televised event of 2014.

The song was My Bluebird Song , a yearning melody about finding love. To much excitement, they received the call. They had been chosen above all other auditions to perform this year in Beijing!

The following weeks were jam packed full of flights, meetings, rehearsals, Beijing TV interviews, jamming and learning their own songs in Chinese!

Alongside all this, was S&F experiencing the bustling capital city of China at its peak season: Chinese New Year. Syre and Fresko were given the opportunity to do some extra shows, including the televised preview of the coming Gala, and some news articles with other Chinese bands.

Universal China booked some time to speak to S&F, which should reveal some exciting results soon. They also spent some time with BBC China and on top of all this Syre and Fresko were filmed by a crew from the ABC International.

The show aired in China with final viewer estimates sitting over 800 million people in more than 60 countries. What incredible opportunity for Syre and Fresko! And what an incredible opportunity for them to be a worldwide hit. They are in the studio at the moment creating magic.

Watch out world here comes Syre and Fresko.

www.gavinwood.us

● Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth ■ Been curious about how Liam Hemsworth is coping with his very public split? Well, wonder no more. The Catching Fire star revealed exactly how he feels about life after Miley Cyrus.

And to say her threw a major burn her way is a serious understatement: “These days I feel like I'm more centered and grounded than I've ever been.”

He goes on to credit his co-star Jennifer Lawrence for helping him through the messy breakup.

“For a few years I went down a path where I forgot to be in the moment and enjoy the moment. But being around someone like Jen, who is so honest and laughs all day long, I am forced to be in the right now. I'm much happier.”

Oh what a sad turn that relationship took. You may recall that the pair met on the 2010 set of the teen romance The Last Song But let's be honest here, he really dodged a bullet by breaking up with Miley. It's clear that she has gone off the deep end. I seems in her desperate attempt to shed that cute Disney Hannah Montana image she may be taking things a bit too far.

Her trashy twerk-a-thon during the MTV Video Music Awards will go down as the most disturbing performance of all time. And to be clear, it wasn't the grinding alone that pushed it over the top Her outfit. That tongue. Her attitude. Ugh. That kind of behaviour didn't stop when she left the stage. If he wasn't "much happier" without her, that would mean he was as crazy as she is It seems he's way too grounded for Miley's new world.

Special Holiday Offer

■ I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all read ers of the Melbourne Observer.

When 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 See you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites.

Happy Holidays Gavin Wood

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Melbourne People

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Ozcar Presentation to Molly Meldrum The Deck, Princes of Wales, St Kilda Photos: Anthony Healey

● Alan Johnson and Simon Wincer

● Molly Meldrum and Brendan Sheedy

● John-Michael Howson and Bruce Rowland

● Terry Sparkes, Eamonn Healey and Keith Millar

● Rod Hardy and Red Symons

● Gerry Ryan and Dr John Tickell

● 3AW’s John Burns and David Mann

● Albert Mantello and Ron Barassi

● Jim Keays and Molly Meldrum

● Bruce Magilton and Ron Barassi

● Russell Morris and Tony Cavanagh

● Bob Hart and Commodore Kevin Brown

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Page 17

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne TV Memories

By Kenneth Mulholland

From ‘Matlock Police’ to ‘The Pied Piper’

From Page 12 So, they took their medicine with grace, laughing along as the long litany of goofed lines played out to the studio floor. Both of them great sports. A sweet moment.

Anyway, I felt a little more comfortable as a cameraman working on Matlock. Gradually I was gaining experience.

By this time Maria and I had moved from the bed-sit in Hawthorn to rent in a very nice weather-board house in Ashburton with a very nice landlord who lived next door.

This was a good time for us. Maria was working as a 'checkout chick' at the 'Rocket Shop' (as Bob Meillon then termed Coles New World) and down the end of our street was a house that contained Kay Leech, Ray Hennessy and Di Rolle.

Ashburton was a 'dry area' so no pubs, but we imported our 'Belkoholic Averidge' and had lots of barbecues and dinner parties.

I was around 26, which in male years is probably ... ooohh ... about 19 and Maria was, in real time, 23.

Second eldest of nine kids, she knew about 'mothering' and 'demanding younger brothers.' She was perfect for me.

While I was happily being totally absorbed in the cloistered world of TV. she was quietly working away, both at our relationship and our finances.

I was living from payday to payday. Life was good. What could go wrong?

We bought ourselves a couple of bikes and cycled around the neighbourhood through the leafy vis-

● Michael Pate tas. I enjoyed a drink. So did Maria, but she also held on to some money, unbeknown to me.

Somewhere in 1970 a rumour floated through the corridors of O. It

was about a kid's talent quest.

My thoughts rolled back to Swallows Juniors, later Brian And The Juniors, and to Keith Smith, who was known in radio and on television as 'The Pied Piper'.

Beloved of listening and viewing audiences, conjuring clever and funny responses from kindergarten and primary kids, the public perception was of the nicest, kindest loving champion of the little league.

Having witnessed Mister Smith's 'bedside manner' during a long day of auditions for TPP with me on a single camera in Studio A (that was a stint I couldn't get wrong, unless I dozed off) I have a rather dark opinion of Mister Smith. To my mind he treated the children and their parents, for that matter, with a mixture of ruthless disdain and high-handedness.

I was surprised that no-one, to my knowledge, complained. It would be totally different now, and fully justified.

The rumour concerned a show hosted by the ever radiantly-beaming Johnny Young.

By then I knew who he was (or thought I did). He was a singer on Happening 70. You know, Step Back and Cara-lyn was what he sang, right?

Y'know, the only way I ever worked out how many things I got wrong was by occasionally, randomly, getting something right.

That wasn't one of them.

Johnny Benjamin de Jong was, and is, someone far more expansively talented than I could ever have imagined.

Maybe I can get that right, next time.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

Daylight saving: no-one asked me ■ Daylight saving is something that is imposed upon us. No consultation. No nothing.

All we know are the date that it starts and the date that it ends.

This year there was more time tacked on at the mer whim of whoever is in charge of making this decision.

You can either embrace it or loathe it. There is no in-between.

Me? I hate it.

Yvonne’s Column

Awake all night ■ I am so tired of daylight saving that I almost consider throwing a party when it ends.

I can’t say that I enjoyed the extra hour in bed either because I was wake most of the night reading the manual on how to re-adjust the time on our video.

There are lots of things it should do automatically considering the price we paid for it.

Not being a lover of hot weather, daylight saving can never end to soon for me.

When it’s getting dark I know night is approaching.

When I wake and it’s dark, I know that I can turn over and go back to sleep. That is unless I’ve set the alarm.

Always early ■ Butr the main reason why I detest daylight saving is trying to set the correct time on my video.

I just know that the instructions in the tiny wee booklet that comes with the machine has been written in Chinglish.

The little diagrams mean nothing, and short of belonging to Mensa I doubt anyone can make head or tail of the squiggles or translated information.

Since the last nighytmare, the clock has been running two minutes slow. But I know it, and make allowance when I’m playing a recorded program.

One year I didn’t change it at all because I was making the situation worse with my meddling. We ran our clock at an hour longer than the actual time.

It was a nuisance, but it didn’t take too long to adjust. Besides, we were never late for an appointment. We were always ready an hour early.

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

We don’t care about the sinsides of the thing and how it works, and how many revs per second, all we care about is getting it working with a minimum of fuss and time wasted.

This year was no diferent from other years. I lay awake too switchyed on to even attempt sleep and made mental calculations about changing the clock on the video.

The house clocks and our watches were easy and as I went around the house it was all done in a shake of a lamb’s tail.But the video clock jsut continued to blink its red eyes in the darkness.

It didn’t help my self-esteem or my throbbing headache.

Seize the moment ■ One year, I got out of bed intending to make a cup of cofee, granb the morning papers from wherever they hade landed when the newsagent threw them over the fence, and return to bed.

Bit I was side-tracked.

I decided to clean out the fridge which was overdue, and wipe it with vanilla essence.

It’s one of those chores you have to do on the spur of the moment, knowingf that once you start you have to finish it.

Waiting for a rainy day never works because the rainy day never comes.

Women understand

Time to clean

■ The clock in my husband’s car took a bit of working out. He gave up and, when it went in for service, the mechanics or the good car fairy, changed it to the correct time.

Women should write all instructions. We understand these things.

■ It;s amazing what we put back into the fridge in plastic containers with the intention of using it tomorrow.

Apparently tomorrow never comes.

It was a crazy idea.

Cleaning out the fridge was the easy part,

but putting things back, or thorwing it out meant me having to move with the agility of an Olympic gymnast.

And it ain’t what was happening.

What was zI thinking? I find it hard to get around whem I’m erect, but sitting on the floor without a back brace made it impossible to move.

You can either embrace it or loathe it. There is no in-between.

Me? I hate it.

Sleep derpived

told him it took my mind of the nightmare of trying to alter the clock on the video.

It’s an ill wind though.

■ My poor sleep-deprived brain thought that if I sat on the floor and took things gently I could do it.

If I got into dificulties I knew that sooner or later my other half (MOTH) who was upstairs enjoying his extra hours kip would come to my rescue.

Even Moosh, my cat, had decided to take advantage of the extra hour’s sleep and have a lie-in.

I’d wisely assembled all the cleaning products in one spot on the floor so that everything was within easy reach.

As I emptied the fridge I realised that there seemed to be a never-ending assortment of plastic containers and bowls containing remnants of meals long past. Some now unrecognisable.

Carbon dated ■ I daren’t ask myself how long had these scraps of food had been in the back of the fridge.

Or indeed, why did I keep them in the first place?

Jars, with just a scrape of jam or relish, had multiplied.

A couple of avocadoes had gone squishy in their cling wrap binding.

Not to mention an assortment of other leftover food.

However, I perservered and after wiping out the fridge with vanilla essence, the interior was gleaming albeit almost empty of food.

The hard part came when I attempted to get off my haunches. I was trapped.

Well and truly stuck ■ There was no way I was going to be able to get of the flolor without the assistance from my sleeping MOTH who was upstairs deep in the arms of Morpheus.

I was well and truly stuck.

Calling out to my husband brought immediate action, but he was not amused when he saw what I had been doing.

Why did I think he would be pleased?

“What in the hell did you think you were doing in your condition?” he asked as he manoeuvered me into a chair.

He didn’t think it was at all amusing when I

Possum power ■ That night, my family of possums that we fed nightly had a banquet of goodies that were still edible.

Priscilla Possum, or Mrs P as I call her, vame down from the trees. Clinging to her back was her new baby.

She obviously had decided that this was the right time to introduce us to her new offspring.

It’s hard not to make pets of them, especially when they arrive as a family group, but we know it can’t be.

The possums are delighted that daylight saving has ended because they were right out of their routine.

I suppose the moral of my story is not to save leftovers in plastic tubs and put them at the back of the fridge.

The second part of the moral is to organise a repairman to come and alter the video clock whilst me in one easy lesson how it is done.

Back in God’s time ■ Unfortunately there are no young children in our street I can ask to do ot for me. They are Bobby Dazzlers when it comes to anything to do with computers.

I’m happy now that we are back in God’s time.

All I have to do is try and repair the damage the fierce summer sun did to my ferns.

Since the trees have been removed from our neighbour’s yard to put in a swimming pool, there is no shade for the ferns, and the fronds just burnt to a frazzle in the afternoon sun.

Still. When I think of the alternative to having things to grumble about, I think I’ll go along with daylight saving.

Just as I am rejoicing I bet the whales are having a party too.

It’s great news. And I’m pleased the Japanese have accepted the decision and stopped killing the whales for whatever their stated reasons.

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

■ Many of our readers would have followed the career of Johnny Young over the past 50 years.

Johnny is a survivor in show business and is continually working on new projects. He is a genuinely nice man with a great sense of humour.

He considers himself to be lucky to have been at the right place at the right time and having the material ready at the right time. I personally think that his great talent has also had a lot to do with his success.

Johnny Benjamin de Jong was born in the Netherlands in 1947. The family migrated to Australia in the early 1950s and settled in Perth.

His mother took him along to radio shows where Johnny would sing.

When he was 18 he got his first television job as host of the teenage show Club 17 on TVW-7 in Perth.

He signed with Clarion Records and eventually had his fist hit song Step Back in 1966.

Johnny was working with his own band and they were known as Johnny Young and Kompany.

When Ian Turpie resigned as host of The Go Show at ATV-0, Johnny Young took over the role.

Johnny had a series of hit songs during the 1960s which included Cara-Lyn, Heigh Ho, No Other Love, Let It Be Me, Unconscientious Objector, Let It Be Me and All My Loving.

Whatever Happened To ...

Johnny Young

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Johnny has written many number one hit songs in his career - The Star, The Real Thing, The Girl That I Love, I Thank You (for Lionel Rose) and Step Back.

In 1970 Johnny and Kevin Lewis from Festival Records formed a company titled Lewis Young and began producing television shows.

They made several pop music shows before launching Young Talent Time in 1971. The format was a children's variety show and talent quest.

The performers on Young Talent Time such as Debra Byrne, Jamie Redfern, Tina Arena and Dannii Minogue went on to being very successful artists in later years. Bruce Mansfield was a regular on the series.

● Kevin Trask and Johnny Young Young Talent Time ran for 17 years and It was also great to see Ross D Wyllie back Johnny would close each show singing All My on stage in the concert singing Here Comes The Loving with the children.

Star to a standing ovation. The photo with Johnny In 1979 Johnny launched the very success- is from the party after that concert.

Johnny has been married three times. I had ful Johnny Young Talent School which is still the good fortune to meet his wife Polish-born operating nationally.

Johnny Young has worked at various radio Marisha Young and she is lovely.

Johnny Young will celebrate 50 years in stations and recently worked at 6IX in Perth showbusiness next year and he is currently workpresenting the breakfast show.

In 2010 Johnny Young received the Aria ing on a television documentary titled Gallipoli.

Hall of Fame Award and was inducted by Tina There is no stopping Johnny Young.

Kevin Trask Arena.

The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilI recently attended a concert which starred Sundays at 8.20pm on 3AW Johnny, Colleen Hewitt and Normie Rowe. The That's Entertainment - 96.5FM show was produced by Dennis Smith and was Sundays at 12Noon a sell-out at The Palms on Crown.

96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

Johnny sang his popular hits and came onstage driving a borrowed mobility scooter and To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts. crashing into the band - it was hilarious.

Meet Roger, the twitching cockroach

■ I've often heard of such situations, but fortunately have never experienced one myself - a small interloper crawling into my ear in the dead of night.

I was taught in primary school that the eardrum is a highly sensitive organ, so anything marching around on it, even just a tiny creature, will magnify into a booming noise.

Poor old Hendrik Helman was asleep the other night, when he felt something trying to "drill into his head - it was like the pain you get when you go a bit too far, multiplied by 100," he said.

He tried to vacuum whatever it was out - and at this stage he did'nt know - to no avail. Then he poured some water down to hopefully flush it out -

Pith And Point An Audience with Billie Holiday ■ Art Events Australia presents the premiere of An Audience with Billie Holiday , a compelling and moving musical stage play, written by awardwinning playwright Neil Cole and starring acclaimed Melbourne-based cabaret performer, Mama Alto as Billie Holiday, accompanied by multi-award winning composer, pianist and musical director, Warren Wills at Chapel Off Chapel from May 7-25.

The legendary jazz singer, Billie Holiday was one of the greatest singers of all time, and had a seminal influence on jazz and pop music. Her tumultuous background as a black woman brought up in abject poverty in early 20th century, underwrote her unique singing ability.

An Audience With Billie Holiday is a tribute to the woman they called ‘Lady Day’; told in the first person

by Mama Alto as the great artist, the story focuses on her development

a singer, her tragic back story that shaped her personality, talent and success, and the songs that saw her achieve unprecedented popularity.

The mesmerizing Mama Alto is known in Melbourne as the “The Countertenor Diva “ performing regularly at The Butterfly Club and a must-see at Melbourne Cabaret Festival and Melbourne Fringe Festival. Mama’s recent show, Countertenor Diva recently thrilled audiences and critics alike at the Perth and Adelaide Fringe festivals, garnering four star reviews: "Mama Alto... hypnotically beautiful as a silent screen star, elegant and mysterious,” said the Adelaide Advertiser.

An Audience with Billie Holiday Dates: May 7-25 th, Tuesday – Sunday Venue: Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran.

Tickets: $38.00 + booking fee

Streeton Trio at Recital Centre From Page 8 Benjamin Kopp on piano, Emma Often referred to as Australia’s Jardine on violin, and Martin Smith most internationally successful pion cello, celebrate the richness and ano trio, the Streeton Trio’s intenwarmth of Brahms’ masterful piano sive European studies have given Trio in C, Mozart’s lighted-hearted the Trio the rare sheen of true exceland joyous Piano Trio in G, and an lence. exciting new commission from AusDate and times: Saturday, April tralian composer, Andrew Ander- 19. 3pm and 6pm Salon. 70 minutes son. performance, no interval.

Winners of the 2011 Musica Viva Tickets: $38 ($28 concession) Chamber Music Competition and Three concert package $97 ($71 Musica Viva Rising Stars, the concession) Streeton Trio has performed to great Presented by Melbourne Recital acclaim in prestigious venues across Centre and Streeton Trio. the globe; France, Switzerland, GerFor bookings visit many, Italy, China, Australia, New melbournerecital.com.au or phone Zealand, UnitedArab Emirates and 9699 3333 the United Kingdom.

- Di Rolle

this only stirred it up and made it worse.

So his mate drove him to hospital, where an inspection revealed a small cockroach burrowing around in his ear.

So their remedy - pour olive oil in to drown it - worked after about 15 more minutes of excruciating pain - it was still twitching after they pulled it out.

Hospital staff claimed it was the biggest insect they'd ever extracted from an ear.

So Hendrick has kept him in a jar.

And named him Roger.

■ An anonymous man, called ‘Justin’, has now agreed to talk about his ordeal of a couple of months ago.

He had moved from Sydney last September, and was staying at his parents' eight hectare rural property at Noonamah for a couple of weeks.

He was relaxing with a few beers, when his dog, Mumbles, began barking at what Justin thought was a dingo lurking about in the tall grass.

So out he went, clad in his shorts, armed with his mobile, to investigate.

But what happened? Of course he became lost - on his home block of land!

He roamed around for an hour or so, called his wife on his mobile, had a sleep, and then called 000.

Of course the operator deemed it wasn't quite an emergency, and hung up on him. However the police were finally notified, and, after a search in the dark, finally located the hapless and embarrassed Justin.

"It was frigging relief - I just thought: Thank God!" "But I wasn't drunk!" he assured all and sundry.

■ Recently I reported on the 10th anniversary of the Ghan's journey from Alice to Darwin.

However, there was something which I left out.

On the first trip in 2004, a few residents of Livingston, a few kilometres out of Darwin, got the idea to welcome the train via an age old Aussie tradition - the moon.

"It was my crazy partner at the time - and a bottle of Jack Daniels," said Lucy Knox.

So the word spread, and about 400 people turned up to bare their all as the Ghan rumbled by.

The then-PM John Howard, and

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au the Chief Minister Claire Martin, and a gaggle of other amused assorted VIPs were on board to witness proceedings.

Then, of course, the event needed to be repeated this year, the 10th anniversary. So, on cue, about 65 intrepid souls turned up, many replicating their presence of the last time, to again bare all to the passing punters.

Spokeswoman for the group, Michelle Salmon, said: "We did it because we're buggers out here!"

■ When one is in one's twenties and thirties one is bulletproof and immortal - one eats and drinks and bes merry - endlessly scoffing and scolling anything down one's throat, totally oblivious to its benefit, or otherwise, to one's wellbeing. At the onset of the sixties and the seventies, things, and attitudes, have changed a bit - the walking frame becomes one's arch-enemy!

And then we realise that most of our ailments these days result from our current dietary habits - we process nutrients out of most of our food, add chemicals, and try and cure ourselves with drugs and more chemicals.

However, there is now an Aboriginal-owned company that produces traditional bush medicine.

Akeyulerre, an Aboriginal healing centre, is expanding their traditional 50,000 year old remedies and natural medicines.

The Arid Zone Research Centre has given them irrigated fields and more facilities to expand their operation in growing their plants.

Tribal Aborigines didn't have any tooth decay or cancer or heart attacks, so this can only be a good thing, I reckon.

■ Some statistics are horrifying. The NT for example, has the highest imprisonment rate in the country. The general such rate for Australia as a whole is 170 prisoners per 100,000 adults. In the Territory, its 821!

Overall, 27 per cent of Australia's prisoner population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

In the NT it's 80 per cent.

For decades now, governments of all persuasions have wrung their hands in frustration at such figures as this.

But basically the only solution they ever come up with is to throw money at the situation. When one wanders around the streets of Coober Pedy or Tennant Creek or Alice Springs, one can instantly see that this hasn't worked. The numbers of Aboriginal people gainfully employed is minimal.

The numbers who mostly roam the streets drinking alcohol, is maximal.

So what's the solution?

Every person living on earth has something in common with every other - they have an ego, and have self esteem. The better off their egos are, and the higher their self esteem, the better their life is, and the more successful they are as individuals in their particular social setting.

So it's inevitably a good idea to encourage individual egos, and increase individual self esteem in anyone.

So, initially we need to eradicate "sit-down money" - payment to do nothing - and encourage goals and aspirations and incentives; without these boredom sets in, and this is a situation ripe for excess alcohol consumption to alleviate this boredom.

And the cycle just perpetuates itself - the new-born of today all too often becomes the non-educated nonachiever of tomorrow, with no confidence, no ambition, no self-esteem, no incentives and no hope.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Page 19

Observer Readers’ Club The Way We Were

Melbourne Photo Flashback

100 Years Ago The West Gippsland Gazette April 14, 1914 Contrary to the expectations of some ratepayers, there was no "warm" scene in the Council on Wednesday last, in connection with the ratepayers' resolutions on the dairy supervision.

What transpired was just what we anticipated.

The Council received the resolutions with becoming dignity and respect. They represented the wishes of the rate payers - respectfully submitted - to their representatives concerning a matter of policy, and Councillors recognising the essential principle of all representative Government; proceeded to give effect to the mandate of the people. The old Romans had a saying, "Vox populi; vox Deo," (The voice of the. people is the voice of God), and although it may not be literally true, the voice of the people, when properly expressed, will always :command the respect of the peoples' representatives. We may all hope that we have experienced the last of an unpleasant episode, which, however, has not been without its useful; side, for it reminds us once again that the reformer in every phase of life, no matter how selfish .and high-minded he may be, must suffer in some way or other. All progress is through sacrifice. This is an inexorable law of Nature.

CORRICK ENTERTAINERS. This favourite company paid a return visit to Warragul on Wednesday night last, when they presented an entirely new programme of vocal and instrumental items. Miss Elsie Corrick, the charming dramatic soprano, contributed several numbers and Miss Ruby Corrick gave cornet and mellaphone contributions both artists being loudly applauded. Mr James Caldwell, the popular baritone, won the full approval of the audience. with his excellent voice, and the humorist of .the evening, Mr Jack. Bonny, kept his audience thoroughly. amused wilth his humor ous items.

Join in our chat IN PRINT: Read the Melbourne Observer every week.

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Bumper Sticker

■ “This Vehicle Protected By Anti-Theft Sticker” - seen at Northland car park.

Did You Know?

■ The Mona Lisa doesn’t have eyebrows or eyelashes.

■ Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil. To make 500 grams of honey, bees would have to visit over 2 million flowers.

● Smith Street, Collingwood

Your Stars with Christina La Cross ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) Avoid unnecessary confrontations. You would be far better to let the dust settle first and to give others time to come to their senses. Strained emotions are making for some pretty rattled signs.

TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) Don't feel that you have to go along with a close one's ideas because you ?owe' them.

Being honest with your views and feelings today can help you all find important common ground.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) You may find you come across as brash or uncaring today, as you think about your own problems and find it impossible to consider others. Take time out to ask others how they are.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) There simply haven't been enough hours in the day lately, have there? From today though, you start to take back control of your life. You finally work out what and who you need to be happy.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Don't encourage the attentions of those you know you would never be interested in long term. You would be far better to focus on what and who does appeal to you today my friend.

VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) You get caught up in a web of lies. Don't get more involved than you already are, or you could end up with the blame for starting current stories. Wear blue for luck in family issues.

LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) Be careful of taking credit for something which didn't really have anything to do with you. Those asking questions appear to already know more than you think. A fair attitude today pays dividends.

SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) It's time to start writing your own destiny. No longer will you or allow others to tell you how to live your life. Things you agree to buy now speak volumes about your emotions.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) Telling more lies to cover those already told today cannot be an option. You're about to discover others know more than you thought. Your honesty will pay back tenfold.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) Although things didn't go as you would have liked, they have progressed from where they were last month. All you have to do now is take the driving seat. Something you've so far shied away from.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) You may feel as if the past has caught up with you and you're having to explain things you did which you no longer feel an affiliation with. Look again. Others only want to support you.

PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) Stick to arrangement and promises this weekend or you'll miss out on making some really happy memories. Feelings deepen and relationships take on a more secure feel. You begin to feel like you again.

Special ‘Observer’ Reader Offer SHOWS Diana Trask Daughter of Australia CD

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Diana's success began on the Sing Along with Mitch TV Show from New York. Coming back to Australia she had a national hit TV show The Di Trask Show. A little later Diana moved to Nashville and a string of hit songs and albums in the country music field followed.

Dear Friends, I am so happy and excited to release our new CD Daughter of Australia Australia.. The response to the songs on this album during my recent Victorian tour was overwhelming. I trust the readers of The M elbourne Observer will Melbourne enjoy this CD which is a collection of my old hits and some of my new compositions.

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Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Victoria Pictorial

Sunday Drives For our nostalgia collection

● The main Street, Portsea

● Sturt St, Ballarat

● The beach at Chelsea. Circa 1925.

● Wild Dog’s Falls, Apollo Bay

● Barker Street, Castlemaine

● Surf clubhouse, Olympic Beach, Torquay

● Railway Street, Euroa

● Near Elephant Rock, Flinders