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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Page 7
Melbourne
Observer Court Roundsman
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
Tougher sentence for porn Observer user after DPP appeals In This 88-Page Edition
‘I’ll see you at the theatre’
PHOTOS: ASH LONG ● Jeanne Pratt launches the 2014 season for The Production Company ■ Guests mingled at ‘Raheen’, Kew, for the launch of the 16th season of The Production Company, with productions including Guys And Dolls, La Cage Aux Folles and Show Boat. Rhonda Burchmore will star in La Cage Aux Folles, appearing alongside Todd McKenney and Simon Burke for a run of 17 performances at the Arts Centre Playhouse from November 22. The season will open on July 19 with Guys And Dolls, starring Verity Hunt-Ballard, Chelsea Plumley, Martin Crewes and Adam Murphy.
■ A Bendigo region man who viewed high-level pornography on his computer has received a greater jail sentence after an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions to the Court of Appeal. Stephen James Guest now has an 18month jail term, rather than a 3½-year community corrections order, after the case was r5e-heard by Supreme Court Judges Weiberg, Whelen and Coghlan. He will be eligible for parole after six months. His sentence was back-dated to November last year. Guest pleaded guilty late last year in the County Court to using a ‘carriage service’ to access child pornography. Guest was detected when the Australian Federal Police identified that an IP address assigned to an Australian Internet Service Provider (ISP) was used to download child pornography material. The user of the computer connected to the ‘eDonkey’ network and downloaded 286 images. The network allows group users to connect with each other, and directly access files from each other’s hard drives. The IP address was assigned to a Telstra account in the name of Guest. The Australian Federal Police’s Child Protection Unit attended his residential address, and the man’s wife informed them that he was at work in Bendigo. There, they found him at his workstation with an HP laptop computer, connected to a Toshiba external hard drive, with a chat session active between users. Guest told Police that he started looking at child pornography in the 1980s. He had been using Yahoo Chat to access and view child pornography on a weekly basis. He said his interest in the child pornography arose “probably out of curiosity”, and his sexual interest in the material varied from a “zero to a seven”. His interest was in female teenagers aged 13 and older, but he did get images of younger children through his searches. Guest has been attending weekly treatment with a psychologist.
Mark Richardson: Straight From Heart .... Page 4 Ash Long: The Melbourne Observer ......... Page 8 Di Rolle: I love my job ....................... Page 10 Gavin Wood: West Hollywood latest ...... Page 15 David Ellis: Travel and Wine ................ Page 16 Yvonne Lawrence: Life and style ........... Page 17 Kevin Trask: Robert Stack profile ......... Page 18 Observer Readers Club: Lots of fun ....... Page 20 Aaron Rourke: Harold Ramis tribute ...... Page 42 Kyle Galley: Greyhounds latest ............ Page 48 Ted Ryan: Thoroughbred racing ............ Page 49 James Sherlock Aaron Rourke Cheryl Threadgold Julie Houghton
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Flashes Around Victoria
Violent thug jailed ■ Trevor Robertson, 28, of Belmont, has been sentenced to 5½ years jail over a latenight attack, reports the Geelong Advertiser.
Arrest over firearm ■ An Albury Police strike force investigating a murder at Lavington has swooped on metal fabricator Scott Pollard allegedly manufacturing firearms parts in his bedroom, reports the Border Mail.
Mab quizzed ■ Kyneton Police have questioned a 35-yearold man in relation to an indecent assault at Woodend railwaystation Sunday afternoon, reports the Bendigo Advertiser.
Waiting for money ■ A meeting of Wentworth Services Club creditors scheduled for yesterday (Tues.) has been pushed back a week, reports the Sunraysia Daily at Mildura.
Three guns found ■ A Mooroopna man, 49, has been arrested after Shepparton Police officers executed a search warrant and found three BB guns and a quantity of fireworks, says the Shepp. News.
Weather Forecast ■ Today (Wed.). Chance of rain. 10°-20°. ■ Thurs. Partly cloudy. 11°-22°. ■ Fri. Partly cloudy. 16°-27°. ■ Sat. Partly cloudy. 17°-30°. ■ Sun. Chance of storm. 11°-30°.
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5
● Christina O’Neill will perform in Guys And Dolls at the State Theatre
● Todd McKenney will play alongside Simon Burke in La Cage Aux Folles Show Boat will be staged for 10 performances at the Arts Centre State Theatre from August 16. Cast includes Alinta Chidzey, Christina O’Neill, Gareth Keegan, Philip Gould and Eddie Mul-iaumasseali’l. Creatives for the shows include Guys And Dolls director Gale Edwards and musical director Guy Simpson. Show Boat will be directed with Roger Hodgman, with Kellie Dickerson as musical director, and Dana Jolly as choreographer. La Cage Aux Folles will be directed by Dean Bryant, choreographed by Andrew Hallsworth, musical director is Mathew Frank.
THE T OP 5 BUSINES SES TOP BUSINESSES THA T PROBABL Y THAT PROBABLY WON'T T AKE OFF TAKE 5. The Grant Hackett child-minding service. 4. The Kevin Rudd Academy of Humility. 3. The Kim Novak Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. 2. The Clive Palmer School of Deportment. 1. Devonshire tea with Mick Gatto at the Myer Mural Hall.
Ash
Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
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
● Alicia Byrne and Michelle Wain were at the drinks afternoon for ‘The Radio Green Room’ group
● Artie Stevens of Australian Independent Radio News with Fran Duncanson of Radio Green Room
● Julie Houghton with Eddie Muliaumasseali’l at the 2014 launch of The Production Company
● Warren Koglin with Robyn Turner
● Peter Holden with Jose Auditore
● John Lidgerwood with Chris Ryan
● John Vertigan and Brendan Aitchison
● Al Waddell with Rob Elliott ● Todd McKenney with Heidi Victoria
● Andrew Kilpatrick with Jon Vertigan
● A J Hulsman with Amit Rehak
● Judy and Bob Phillips of 3RPP-FM interview The Production Company’s Kelly Dickerson
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Page 9
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer Court Roundsman
Missing lawyer fined $4000 Death of Wendy Hughes
Briefs New role
■ The Federal Government's Commission of Audit is targeting the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card granted to selffunded retirees.
■ Victorian lawyer Lewis Spaulding has been fined $4000 plus $2145 costs for failing to supply full written explanation about his conduct. Judge Pamela Jenkins, Vice-President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, ordered the payments to be made to Legal Services Commissioner Michael McGarvie by March 26. Spaulding had to face VCAT about complaintsx were laid by former clients Carol Grimshaw, Susan Raynor, Elizabeth Lamb and Fortuna Pino. Spaulding had pleaded guilty to four charges. The Tribunal says he has failed to comply with Court orders, and that a call this year to his mobile phone and an e-mail had gone unanswered. The Tribunal was told that Spaulding continued to avoid his obligations under the Legal Profession Act. Enquiries were made of Mr G Randall, Spaulding’s counsel. “Mr Randall was placed in the embarrassing situation of not haqving full instructions and not being able to offer any satisfactory explanation for [Spaulding’s] delinquent conduct,” Judge Jenkins said. “In fact, Mr Randall advised the Tribunal that his instructions were received by mobile phone on a crowded bus at 9am on the morning of the directions hearing.” Mr Randall said Spaulding was not in a suitable state to attend the hearing, “and that he was otherwise in the midst of document destruction”. Judge Jenkins said she regarded Spaulding’s behaviour as “very serious and contemptuous conduct and an unfortunate continuation of this practitioner’s history of avoidance”. Spaulding had professional misconduct cases in 2004, 2008 and 2013.
High country
Rabbi’s case concludes
● Olympia Valance ■ Melbourne-raised actress Olympia Valance has been chosen to play a role in the TV series, Neighbours. She is half-sister to Holly Valance, who played ‘Flick’ on the show.
Card blitz
■ Cattle grazing will return to the Wonnangatta Valley, with Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt approving a trial to determine whether cattle presence will reduce fuel loads and subsequent fire risk, reports the Gippsland Times.
Arrest ■ Brimbank Police arrested a man after he was found with a pen pistol and knife in St Albans.
■ No charges have been laid against Yeshivah College’s Rabbi Abrohom Glick, with Police announcing that their investigation has concluded into child sexual abuse allegations. Rabbi Glick, 67, was stood down in December after accusations were made by a former student. Police conducted a three-month investigation. Adam Kamien of The Australian Jewish News reports that a spokesman for the Glick family said Rabbi Glick felt vidincated and relieved. The newspaper report was headlined ‘Police say that accused rabbi has no case to answer’. Glick’s lawyer, Bill Doogue, said
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
THE BARREL ‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’ Ramona ‘takes on’ boss
● Wendy Hughes Photo: Ash Long ■ Raised in Melbourne, Australian actress Wendy Hughes died on Saturday at age 61. Her passing is mourned by daughter Charlotte, son Jay, and a legion of friends and fans. Wendy was an award-winning actress whose credits included State Coroner, Careful He Might Hear You, My Brilliant Career, Return To Eden, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Pygmalion, The Man From Snowy River, Homicide:Life On The Street and Number 96. Other credits include Petersen, Power Without Glory, Lonely Hearts, Newsfront, Hoodwink, My First Wife, The Man Who Sued God, The Graduate and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?
● Rabbi Avrohom Glick
the matter should never have been made public. A Yeshivah College newsletter to parents from principal Rabbi Yehoshua Smulker said the newsw that no charges would be laid brought relief to Rabbi Glick, his family, the College and the community. But there is other Court action to come later this month. Rabbi Glick has taken defamation action against Manny Waks, CEO of the Jewish advocacy group, Tzedek, over Facebook comments. A directions hearing is scheduled for later this month. “At this stage, for various reasons, I’m not in a position to comment,” Waks told the AJN.
● Ramona Koval ■ Former ABC 774 (3LO) and Radio National broadcaster Ramona Koval took on ABC Managing Director Mark Scott at the weekend ... with a ‘feather duster’ newspaper interview. In a page-long chat in The Saturday Paper, the ex-staff-elected member of the ABC Board, Koval, led with questions about “media barons” and their influence. It was an obvious criticism of the Murdoch and Fairfax media interests. In a no-brainer, Koval commented: “There used to be criticism that the ABC favoured one side of Australian politics.” Far from an objective interview, Koval appeared as an ABC cheer squad leader, allowing Scott a number of interview ‘free kicks’. Scott answered criticism: “I saw a Nielsen survey the other day saying that only 1 per cent of Australian think we’re un-Australian. We’re overwhelmingly Australian - our ocntent, the work that we do in the bush - the A is for Australian, and Australians understand that.”
Glee as 31 jobs go
Cops take on Herald Sun ■ Victoria Police says the Herald Sun has been mischievous in its reporting on staffing levels in its media unit. Peter Mickelburough’s report suggested Police spends more on spin doctors than it does on front line crime fighting. “More than half the current Media and Corporate Communications Department (88 positions - not the reported 103),” Police said. Other positions within the department tally nclude the Safer Communities Unit, internal communications practitioners, AND the staff at the Victoria Police Museum and the Film and TV unit.
● Paul Thomas ■ Did we detect some glee in Leader Newspapers reports last week about the closure of seven opposition Star newspapers in Melbourne as standalone titles, and their merger into a joint venture run by Metro Media Publishing/Fairfax. Leader reports say that 31 jobs will disappear (20 at MMP, 11 at Star) when the titles are closed at Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Melton, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Hume, Whittlesea and Sunbury. Star News Group, headed by Paul Thomas, will continue to publish papers including the PakenhamBerwick Gazette, Dandenong Journal, Geelong Independent and Albury-Wodonga News Weekly. The joint venture, 67 per cent owned by MMP/ Fairfax, will include a classified ads centre run by MMP, with Star retail and agency ad sales also to be absorbed by the Fairfax division.
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
To
We want more of Matthew
Di Hold the phone!
● Ellen DeGeneres’s ‘selfie’ ■ My new obsession is Instagram. I love it. Any opportunity and I am taking a pic to put on line to who knows who! I have people following me in Brazil, London, Texas and Portugal. We all try and outdo each other with pics. The whole social media fascinates me. The lengths and breadths that can be covered. The spontaneousness of it all is what appeals to me, the being in the moment and being present. So it was with great interest that I watched Ellen DeGeneres take that now very famous ‘selfie’ at the Oscars. Little did I know that whilst it smashed Twitter to a grinding halt, it was in fact no accident that Ellen used a Samsung Galaxy Note and that it was all planned! A little twitter told me that the original photo was supposed to be Julia Roberts, Ellen DeGeneres and Meryl Streep and it became what it became. Samsung Electronics, it appears, spent an estimated $20 million on ads to run during breaks in the Academy Awards broadcast. They ended up getting a lot more mileage than that. So whilst Ellen carried a white Samsung phone during the entire broadcast, she handed the phone to Bradley Cooper so he could take a selfie photo of himself and other stars including Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Kevin Spacey and Jennifer Lawrence surrounding the host. Clever, clever clever. It gave the look of being totally spontaneous and it worked. It was Ellen who came up with the idea and in the rehearsals and leading up to the telecast it was suggested she used Samsung. Company executives trained Ellen on how to use it. I can only imagine how thrilled Samsung were with the result; you cannot buy that sort of magic! Helping reinforce the value of the plug was Ellen herself twittering the selfie on her own phone. It was retweeted nearly 3 million times. That adds up to a lot of mentions a minute on social media sites. Not to mention the amount of pizzas that were sold by Big Mama’s and Papa’s Pizzeria in Los Angeles. Their sales went up threefold - and the phone is still ringing for orders.
I love my job!
■ I think of all the headlines I have read in the newspapers and on line, the one that has thrown me the most was ‘Matthew McConaughey won’t return for Season 2 of True Detective.’ What! I reeled in horror as I read this on Mashable.com - True Detective is by far one of the finest television series I have seen. It is shown on Showcase channel and I swear I do not move from the moment I sit down to watch it till it finishes. It’s been a long time since I have growled at the telly for a series when the episode finishes. The last time was when I watched The Sopranos weekly. Matthew McConaughey is a fine actor. Mighty fine. And as Neha Prakash from Mashable.com said: “This is not alright alright alright.” McConaughey said backstage at the 86th Academy Awards”: “Season one was finite. Eight episodes, that’s the end of the conversation.” It’s a damn shame, but watch for the Emmy Awards – my pick is he isn’t finished getting awards yet! True Detective was conceived as an anthology, nothing more. It’s received rave reviews and premiered on HBO in America with an audience of 2.3 million viewers in January.
For Gemma and Eugene ■ Gemma Turvey is brilliant young Melbourne pianist and composer. Along with multiGrammy Award winning cellist Eugene Friesen from Boston, Gemma will join Melbourne chamber ensemble The New Palm Court Orchestra as guest soloist for his Australian debut appearance including concerts at the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room and Melbourne Recital Centre Salon this month. Eugene Friesen is active internationally as a performer, composer and teacher. He is widely regarded for his groundbreaking work with the famous Paul Winter Consort, of which he is a long-time member of more than 30 years. He is currently an artist-in-resident at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York City, and Professor of Music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He will also perform at the Adelaide International Cello Festival whilst he is here. Gemma Turvey established The New Palm Court Orchestra in 2011, bringing together some of Melbourne’s best classical, jazz and world musicians to perform her instrumental compositions and arrangements. Their highly reviewed album Landscapes For A Mind’s Eye was released in 2012. Gemma told me that she had the good fortune of meeting Eugene in Boston in July, and immediately invited him to come to Australia and perform with the NPCO.
with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE
● Gemma Turvey She told me his concerts with the NPCO will be an absolute treat. Supported by Melbourne-Boston Sister Cities Association, Adelaide International Cello Festival and Latitude Travel, this will be a wonderful concert to attend. 6 pm, Thursday, March 20, at Melbourne Recital Centre Salon. Tickets from $30. Book www.melbourne recital.com.au or phone 9699 3333.
‘Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many, not upon your past misfortunes of which all have some.’ - Charles Dickens
Cesar To The Rescue
● Cesar Millan ■ I don’t have a dog, or a cat - or anything with eyes for that matter - that shares my apartment. My sister has a dog who is part of the family, Leroy. If I did have a dog, it would be a German Shepherd and I would have Cesar Millan as my trainer. I do have however National Geographic on my television, and am pleased to see Cesar the original dog whisperer is back with some program s, Mondays at 7.30pm from April 7. See Cesar To The Rescue. From parks to sidewalks, dogs often mean drama. Cesar’s mission is to make the world a more peaceful place for pets and their owners – one neighbourhood at a time. The way he transforms those pooches in 30 minutes always amazes me.
● Matthew McConaughey
Healthy week
● Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue and Pat Anderson ■ ‘Mobs gather in Melbourne for week-long focus on indigenous health’. This headline attracted my attention immediately and rightly so. Innovative ways to improve health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be front and centre at a weeklong program run by the Lowitja Institute in Melbourne from March 17-20. Around 500 people will attend three events, including the Institute’s patron, former Australian of the Year Dr Lowitja O’Donohue ; and its chair, Pat Anderson; the chair of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council, Warren Mundine; and leading academic Professor Marcia Langton. From March 17, experts from around Australia will address the Lowitja Institute 2nd National Conference on Continuous Quality Improvement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health. Delegates will include service providers, such as community controlled services and government agencies, along with researchers, health industry representatives and policy makers. The conference is followed by the biennial Congress Lowitja 2014 - Many Mobs, One Vision: Creating A Healthy Future, which opens on March 19. Such important issues being discussed, the Congress attracts Aboriginal community representative, government departments, policy makers and researchers, and informs research strategies, programs and projects to contribute to healthier families and children. The program wraps up on March 20 with Is Racism the New Black ? , a comedy event featuring Charlie Pickering, Libbi Gorr, Meshel Laurie and Melbourne writer, musician, actor and director Richard Frankland. I will have more next week about this very important event. Australia’s national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, the Lowitja Institute ,brings together world-leading researchers, policy makers and experts in cutting-edge service delivery, enabling collaborative health research that will make a real difference to people’s lives. Further information is available from www.lowitja.org.au or by phoning 8341 5555.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Page 11
Confidential Melbourne
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
Whispers
Head
Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets
● Chelsea Lumley at the launch of The Production Company’s 2014 season
● Rhonda Burchmore speaks with Kevin Trask of the Melbourne Observer
Rosa has last laugh
Simon Le Plastrier ■ Eltham College parents are reported to be delighted with their appointment of Simon Le Plastrier, 57, as Principal. He replaced Dr David Warner, and is said to have arrested the decline in enrolments that hit the College in recent years.
Vexed
● Rosa Storelli ■ Remember Rosa Storelli, who was forced to leave as Principal of Methodist Ladies’ College? MLC is the home of past students including Oscar-winning Cate Blanchett, actresses Libbi Gorr and Deborra-Lee Furness, magazine queen Nene King, and radio loudmouth Yumi Stynes. Rosa has certainly moved on from MLC days. She is now thriving as the Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education at La Trobe University. She has returned from a tour of Israel as awardee of the NAB/Pratt Foundation ‘Yachad’ scholarship. “For me the excitement was to be a new learner in a new country surrounded by high achieving professionals, all determined to excel in their own field,” she told Peter Hohn of the Australian Jewish News. “So wherever I went, for me, that’s what I brought back - the excitement of high achieving it’s a high achieving culture - invigorating, challenging and at times overwhelming.”
● Production Company Chairman Jeanne Pratt with Arts Minister Heidi Victoria
● Simon Burke (La Cage Aux Folles) performed at the 2014 season launch
Carer loses allowance
Rumour Mill
■ David Cremona has lost his bid to have a carer’s allowance paid for his teenage child Melanie, despite a plea to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia. Tribunal Member, Miss E A Shanahan, sitting in Melbourne, determined that Cremona idd not meet the carer questionnaiore score. The Daprtment of Social Services defended its action. The Tribunal heard that Melanie sufers from encopresis, which is facal soiling associated with chronic constipation. Records from the Deer Park Medical Centre were tendered to the Tribunal, and GPs at the centre gave evidence by telephone. Mr Cremona told the Tribunal that he considered it had already reached a decision in his matter before the evidence had been heard. The Tribunal refused to issue summonses for two witnesses that Mr Cremona wantedc to call: a Tribunal Conference Registrar, and a Victoria Police Senior Detective. Neither had any knowledge of the medical condition or the level of care required by Melanie, Miss Shanahan said. Mr Cremona argued that he was the victim of a conspiracy between Centrelink and Victoria Police. He had been arrested in 2012, and was issued with an Intervention Order last year. Mr Cremona “was forced to seek work” last year, Miss Shanahan said. An allowance was temporarily reinstated, but cancelled once he started working part time.
Claim against agents ■ Toorak couple Paul and Megan Castran have been in Los Angeles for the Oscars, and met with performer George Benson.
■ James Christopher Parke has requested a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Registrars’ Pre-Hearing Conference tomorrow (Thu.) at 10.30am to make a claim of “breach of contract/agreement (non payment)” against Castran Gilbert (Aust.) Pty Ltd.
Hear It Here First
Publishers fight ■ The Rumour Mill hears two Melbourne publishers are fighting over the ‘intellectual property’; rights over a new magazine. The fight is on between some familiar names.
At Brighton Grammar ■ Brighton Grammar School has requested a mediation hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Thurs.) at 9.30am in its case against Rachael Ollov Sleeman, where it is due to allege a civil claim for “services rendered”.
‘Down Yours’ ■ Newsagents say that sales of the new fortnightly magazine, Yours, were down 30 per cent for the second issue, despite heavy radio advertising.
Smell the coffee ■ Fairfax Radio Sydnication boss Spencer Kirk left his job on Friday after 25 years, to go and run a coffee van. Spencer looked after digital courier and radio monitoring at the 3AW sister company.
E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au
■ Lupc Slaveski has been named as a “vexatious litigant” by the Supreme Court’s Justice Katharine Williams. Slaveski may not continue or commence any legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, County Court, aby Tribunal or Magistrates’ Court without leave of the Suprme Court.
To Court ■ Hudson Pacific Corporation Pty Ltd has requested a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Registrars’ Hearing this morning (Wed.) at 11.30am to allege a “goods sold and delivered” civil case against Farid Mansour.
Appeal ■ Epping land owner Thomas James Love has failed in his appeal against the Roads Corporation over compensation for land compulsorily acquired for the Hume Fwy by-pass at Craigieburn. Instead of $2.5 million, it was argued that the land was worth $30 million.
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Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Melbourne
Melbourne
Observer Ash On Wednesday
Observer Vale John Monks, newsman
Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday
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■ We mourn the passing of Victorian newspaperman John Monks, who died on Tuesday last week (Mar. 4) at age 84. John Stephen Monks was born in Hobart on April 14, 1929. He was son of Noel and Sheila. John followed into the family business: journalism. His father was an Australian war correspondent, who covered WWII for the Daily Mail of London. John started his career at the Melbourne Herald, worked in Canberra for The Australian as its Associate Editor, and was Editor-in-Chief of Leader Newspapers. He took on assignments such as editing Ink magazine, a media trade publication run by Bill Minnis; and wrote the biography of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, Two Lives. John’s early career included a stint at the San Francisco News, and at the Daily Express he was dispatched to cover the Congo rebellion before being moved to Salisbury in Rhodesia. In 10 years as a correspondent in Africa, he witneesed more than 20 wars and revolutions. He also had another role: he carried secret messages between London and Salisbury as Britain tried to reach a settlement with Rhodesian Premier Ian Smith. “There was a lot of personal stress doing that because I couldn’t write what I knew about,” he said. The Leader years were not easy for John. He was justly proud of journalistic and news values, but could not reconcile that a free newspaper needed 70 per cent content, or more, of advertising. John later went on to edit the Sunday Observer newspaper for Peter Isaacson. Journalism was in the family. John’s wife, Dina, was Editor for the Frankston Standard-Peninsula Post, and also The Town Crier at Mornington-Mt Eliza. Dina, his daughter Suzanne, and his late mother-in-law Dolly (nee Grover), were all involved with newspapers. Dolly wrote for the now defunct Southern Peninsula Gazette at Rosebud. Dina told me of running errands, delivering chocolate frog confectionery to winners of children’s page competitions. Daughters Suzanne went on to work for Dulcie Boling at New Idea; Samantha became a teacher; and son Stephen is a DEPI fire co-ordinator. John Monks and I were great mates. He hosted me at the Melbourne Club, and we
● Newsmen Ash Long, Don Brown and John Monks in 1983 travelled together to interstate conferences of the Australian Suburban Newspapers’Association. John was able to recruit journalists of the calibre of Doug Aiton for the Leader operation. We all became good friends. John nicknamed me ‘Cash’. When I left Leader in 1983, John Monks was instrumental in me winning a 13-week consultancy with Mark Day’s publishing company, to rejuvenate their Clarion newspaper in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. Journalist Mark Day has his own fond memories of the Monks family. editor@melbourneobserver.com.au Last year, Mark wrote about the inclusion of Noel with Ash Long Monks in the Melbourne “For the cause that lacks assistance, Press Club Hall of Fame: ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance “I was particularly pleased to see Noel Monks For the future in the distance, on the list because, alAnd the good that we can do”
Long Shots
Observer Treasury
People Pars
★ Thought For The Week ✰ ✮ Observer Curmudgeon ★ ✰
■ “There are two ways of being rich. One is to have all you want, and the other is to be satisfied with what you have.” ■ “War is like love, it always finds a way.” - Bertolt Brecht
Text For The Week ■ “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 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.
though he never knew it, he was responsible for my start in journalism. “I read his book Eyewitness, his account of his experiences as a World War II correspondent, when I was 14 and immediately decided that journalism was to be my life. “To my surprise, two years later when I became a copy boy at The News (Adelaide) I met his brother, Dick, whose main claim to fame was his reporting of General Douglas Macarthur's ‘I shall return’ declaration in 1942.” John Monks used to tell the joke against himself from his Canberra reporting days, in the heady environment of the Whitlam Labor Government, 1972-75. Gough overheard John recalling the words of Noel Monks: “My Dad said no son of mine will ever be a journalist.” “He was right, wasn’t he?” replied the PM. The passing of John Monks took place last week at Yarram Hospital.’ At John’s request, there was no funeral service. John Monks is survived by wife Dina, children Suzanne, Samantha and Stephen. He was grandfather of Sam, Tom, Angus, Edie, Tiana and Ben; father-inlaw of Matthew and Susan; and half-brother of Brigid, Teresa and Sarah. - Ash Long
Mike Brady has been co-hosting Australia Overnight radio programs with Mark Petkovic for the Fairfax Radio Network including 3AW. Andrew McLaren has been on leave. Showbiz king John-Michael Howson is looking well after being discharged from a stint at Cabrini Hospital. Normie Rowe and his fiancée Penelope Perrin performed at the Port Fairy Music Festival over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Best wishes to Alison Meikle and Roger Perris who were married this month at Boroka Downs, Halls Gap. Angela Pippos says the first Melbourne screenings of independent Australian film, The Day Of The Broken, start Friday (Mar. 14) at the Classic Cinema Elsternwick . It is produced by her partner Simon J Dutton. Max Brenner Craigieburn celebrated their grand opening on Wednesday with a mass Popsicle Lick give away. Publicity Officer Tania McKay says the Newlyn Football Club, in conjunction with Parks Victoria, is again organising the Anderson Mill Food/ Wine/Music Festival to be held on Sunday, April 6 at Andersons Mill – Smeaton. Jeremy Kewley stars in Andyt Harmsen's new play, Doomsday Devices, which has its opening night this Friday (Mar. 14) at Revolt Suidos, Kensington. He will be joined by actors Todd Levi, Jennifer Monk and Katy Reid. Alan Chambers directs. Publicist Jessica Head says the Dinner Plain Geebung Polo event will take place on Sunday,April 20 at Cobungra Station, 20-jms from Omeo. Melbourne publicist Kerry O’Brien says a third Katy Perry concert date has been announced for Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. Tickets are being sold for November 14, 15 and 18.
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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Page 13
Melbourne People
Luxe Domain Launch John Olsen Penthouse
Launch of Luxe Domain
● Gamble Breaux and Dr Rick Wolf
■ Melbourne-based interior designer Kym Lackmann celebrated the launch of her new relocation service Luxe Domain with a cocktail party held at the John Olsen Penthouse last week. Dr John Tickell, best selling author, officially launched the event. Special guests included high profile names from the world of fashion including Paolo Zegna, chairman of Italian luxury fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna who was visiting Australia from Milan, and Australian corporate identities including former chairman of Qantas Margaret Jackson, daughter Lauren Danazzan, Terry Sparkes, Dr Rick Wolf, Gamble Breaux, Sass Castran and Roger Ward. Other local identities included real estate developers and interior designers. The exclusive service combines interior decorating with relocation assistance for mature people and busy professionals wishing to downsize. For some people the prospect of a life-changing move is daunting, particularly the more mature person who is usually greatly invested emotionally in their previous property or location. www.luxedomain.com
● Kym Lackmann and Dr John Tickell
● Belinda Visser and Tony Healey
● Maree Babbage and Julie Hyde
● Miles Lackmann and Sass Castran
● Lauren Donazzan, Kym Lackmann, Darren Taylor, Margaret Jackson and Eileen Miles at the Luxe Domain launch party
● Roger Ward and Nicholas Scott
● Paolo Zegna, Bridget Ryan, Julie Farrell, Kym Lackmann and Behruz Aligorgi in the John Olsen Penthouse
● Sue Tickell and Snowe Li
● Libby Vine and Caroline Buddle
Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Rover Crew wins coveted BP Lodge Rover Service Award
● Members of The Mt Evelyn Rover Crew - winners of the Baden Powell Lodge (2013) Rover Service Award.
Coastal walk to benefit breast ● Karen Hitchings with the cancer Think Pink Foundation and Living Centre Volkswagen Beetle, for her walking chalsufferers preparing lenge.
■ Karen Hitchings, breast cancer survivor, has embarked on a challenge of life time, walking from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles in an effort to raise funds for the Think Pink Foundation and Living Centre. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, Karen underwent three major operations including a double mastectomy. Karen utilised the support services of the Think Pink Foundation, a notfor-profit organisation offering free support for women and their families through the breast cancer journey. Karen is now giving back, by walking the 104-kilometre journey up the Great Ocean Road. "I've always wanted to tackle the Great Ocean Road Walk so last year I decided to do it, but raise funds at the same time and get my friends and family involved,” Karen said. Karen is quoted in the Colac Her-
ald newspaper as saying that the Think Pink Foundation helped her get through her breast cancer journey with positivity and a sense of humour, and that Think Pink Foundation Chair Irene Hendel provided her much inspiration. "It's also made me appreciate each day and take more chances to do things that make me happy or take me out of my comfort zone,” Karen said. Karen planned on walking through Shelly Beach, Parker River, Aire River, Johanna, Ryans Den and Wreck Beach before finishing the walk at the 12 Apostles on Saturday (March 8). Help Karen to fundraise by visiting personalchallenge.gofund raise.com.au/page/HitchingsYOLO For more information about the Think Pink Foundation and Living Centre, visit www.thinkpink.org.au/
■ On the recommendation of Scouts Australia-Victorian Branch, the Branch Rover Council, the Annual Baden Powell Lodge Rover Service Award was won by the Mount Evelyn Rover Crew. Encouraging service to the Scout Movement and the community is the prime objective of the Rover Service Award. The award is made on the recommendation of the Branch Rover Council and is based on the Crew which gains the highest number of 'Crew Hours' in completing various service projects within the Scout Movement and the community. Presentation of the award to the winning Rover Crew is made at the annual Uniform Night of the BadenPowell Lodge which is held on the 4th Monday nearest to the birth of the Founder of Scouting and Guiding (Major General Lord Baden-Powell 1st Baron of Gilwell). This year the Award was presented by the Master of the Lodge, Charles Charalambous, and supported by Grand Master Bob Jones and Morris Orchard, Assistant Chief Commissioner of Victoria. This year attendance records were broken with 150-plus Freemasons and non-Freemasons in attendance which included representatives of past winning Rover Crews, a large number of Scouting personnel and the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Victoria, Bob Jones, who was accompanied by his personal Grand Lodge team and escort party. With the colour and pageantry of the Grand Lodge team coupled with so many Scouts wearing uniform, the evening was a great success and a night to remember. This year the event was filmed by Channel 31 as part of the Series 2 of Freemasons: The Inside Story, due to go to air later this year. The ceremony was followed by a sit-down dinner and a rousing (indoor) camp fire, and in short, a wonderful and memorable night was had by all.
● Leading the traditional (Indoor) Camp Fire - from left: RWBro. Max Martin PJGW, RWBro. Nick Rinkel PJGW.
● MWBro. Grand Master Bob Jones, Master of Baden-Powell Lodge Ebro Charles Charalambous, Assistant Chief Commissioner Scouts Australia Victorian Branch Morris Orchard and Crew Leader - Mt Evelyn Rover Crew Esther Lang
Seymour Elderly Citizens Hostel looks forward to new residential room
● Mrs Judy Dahlke with Ron Fullerton ■ Ron Fullerton of Seymour Lodge No. 87 presented Mrs Judy Dahlke, representing the Seymour Elderly Citizens Hostel, with two cheques on behalf of Seymour Lodge and the Freemasons Victoria Board of Benevolence, totalling $5000. The funds will be used to fully furnish and fit out a residential room as well as secure the naming rights of that room on behalf of Freemasons Victoria at the recently built 60-bed facility. Mr Fullerton has been actively involved as a member on the Karingal Seymour Board of Governance for nine years, and said that the Lodge had worked hard to raise the funds for this initiative; one that will see the residential room transformed into a relaxing and pleasant area.
Funding helps David House connect ■ David House, a community centred organisation that helps to reconnect individuals and communities with society, has received a $2000 donation, courtesy of the Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation and the Royal and Select Masters of Victoria. MWBro. Bob Jones visited the organisation to present the cheque to Mrs Joan Cooney, Manager of (Annecto) David House in Yarraville, saying that David House does tremendous work for the western suburbs of Melbourne. The donation will help to provide a garden with large boulders to sit and relax on, and a meditation garden for the handicapped. For more information on the good work of Annecto David House, visit: www.annecto.org.au/
● Brian Leckie, member of Williamstown Lodge No. 16 and former Treasurer of David House, David Morgan, representing the Royal and Select Masters of Victoria, Mrs Joan Cooney, Manager of (Annecto) David House and Grand Master Bob Jones.
● 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.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Page 15
Melbourne
Observer West Hollywood
‘Another Shrimp on the Barbie’ turns 30 From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
Countdown Motion Pictures LLC looking for investment and screenplays
Paul Hogan, huge in USA
■ It was 30 years ago this year when Americans first heard Paul Hogan say those famous words on their televisions, "I'll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you." The actual slogan was "Come and say G'day." Australian popular culture was boosted with an amazing reaction when Americans by the thousands descended on Australia for the holiday of their lifetime. The advertisements were developed by Australian advertising agency, Mojo, for the Australian Tourist Commission. The ads were launched during the NFL Championship game in 1984. Before the ads by Paul Hogan, Australia was number 78 on the most ‘desired vacation’ destination for Americans, but became number 7 three months after the launch and soon became number 1 and 2 on Americans' ‘dream vacation’ list and it held there for 20 years. A remarkable feat. After Mike Willesee on A Current Affair on the Nine Network plucked Paul Hogan from being a painter on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Hogan went on to become one of the finest comedians on Australian television with The Paul Hogan Show. After his television commercials in America, Hollywood took notice and through the Crocodile Dundee films Paul Hogan was established as an international major movie star. I caught up with Paul at the G'day USA Ball here in LA.
● Paul ‘Now That's A Knife’ Hogan with Alan Johnson, Managing Director, Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites.
Gavin’s Guide to Tipping
GavinWood
■ In Australia, I have noticed that restaurants expect a tip and some bistros put a jar near the cash register. It is very confusing as to who and how much to tip. In Los Angeles, you tip everyone, as they are working for a small hourly wage and they rely on tips to live. Here is my Tip Guide for you. Hotel Courtesy Shuttle driver: Tip $1-$2 per person or $4 -$5 per party. Valet Parking Attendant: Tip $1-$5 when your car is delivered. Tipping when your car is parked is optional. Bell Staff and Porters: Tip $1-$5 per bag when you are escorted to your room (especially if your luggage is heavy or they prepare your room or show you around). Tip the same if you request bell staff service checking out. Door staff.: Tip $1-$2 for getting a taxi. If they unload your luggage, tip in proportion to the amount and weight. Concierge: Tip from $5-$10 depending on how involved the service (booking a restaurant versus hard to get tickets) or a lump sum on departure. Housekeeping: Tip $1-$5 per night. The tip should be left daily (preferably in an envelope or with a note so it's clear, it's for housekeeping.) Delivery of special items: For special requests (like an extra blanket), tip $2 for I item, $1 for more. Tipping is not required for someone fixing something broken or bringing something missing. Room Service: A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent should be added if the hotel did not already include a room service charge on the bill. Bartender: Tip 15 to 20 per cent of the total beverage tab. Waiter or Waitress: Tip 15 per cent of the total bill, up to 20 per cent for exceptional service. So there you have it, by following the rules of tipping you won't be chased out of restaurants with the waiter saying, "Didn't I give you good service tonight?" Now that can be very embarrassing. Please remember, all of the above, work for a very small hourly wage and if it weren't for their tips, they couldn't afford the basics to live in Los Angeles.
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd
● Countdown Motion Pictures LLC management team: Adam Howard, Gavin Wood, David J. Holman and Tony McVann ■ At the recent launch of Countdown Motion Pictures, the management team celebrated the fact that we are an Australian company operating on the biggest stage here in Hollywood. When you think that the rest of the world is trying to get into Hollywood, we are here and operating in this very competitive environment. After working with Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum for more than 20 years I decided to continue the franchise over here in Hollywood. Adam Howard was the visual effects guy on Countdown back then and now has been 24 years here in Hollywood, working on some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. David Holman is one of the best music producers in the world and has a list of credits a mile long. Tony McVann and I worked at 4BK in Brisbane back in 1975 and he has now moved to Hollywood and is a sound supervisor on major movies. With that depth of talent, it is only a matter of time that this company will be hugely successful. We would love Australians to be part of our journey. There are investment opportunities to be had and all you have to do is contact me at gavin@countdownmotionpictures.com and we would love you to support an Aussie company ready to make the big time here in Hollywood. www.countdownmotionpictures.com
Footy season 2014 is here
Hollywood Walk Of Fame
● Director Rod Hardy, Molly Meldrum, Alan Johnson ■ Not much coverage of the AFL is on American television, so I miss this exciting start to the year. The AFL 2014 footy season is about to officially start. It is widely known that Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum is a life long Saints fan and I am a Kangaroos fan. I hope Ian has a better year this year and I also hope and pray that this year is the year of the mighty Kangaroos. It will be the 118th season of the Australian Rules football season. When I show Americans real AFL football they can't believe how fast and skilful the game is. ● Ray Parker Jnr ■ Detroit-born Ray Parker Jnr will be honoured on Hollywood's Walk of Fame this week just before his 60th birthday, for his contributions to music. When you walk down Hollywood Boulevard and around Vine Street you will see all the stars of film, television and music. Ray became famous as lead singer of Raydio and is also known for writing and performing the theme song for the motion picture, Ghostbusters. Ray Parker Jnr is also a fine guitarist and was a studio guitarist and songwriter for the Carpenters, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Two of Raydio's biggest sellers were Jack and Jill and You Can't Change That, both million sellers.
www.gavinwood.us
Special Holiday Offer
■ I can see that you are planning a trip to California. Virgin and QANTAS Airlines have great holiday deals to get you here and I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal for all readers 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, March 12, 2014
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Melbourne
Observer Travellers’Good Buys
with David Ellis
Going ‘walkies’ across the Atlantic ■ When super-luxury Queen Mary 2 that’s currently in our neck of the woods gets back to Southampton in a few weeks’ time, there’ll be one small group in particular waiting most-excitedly to go aboard the first of the very popular sailings she makes across the Atlantic between Southampton and New York every May to December. For these special dozen it will most likely mean doing the crossing in both directions – Southampton to New York and New York back to Southampton – providing a chance to catch up with old mates from crossings past. And so VIP are they that they’ll have a choice of bed sizes and blankets awaiting them, nightly bed turndown, gourmet cookies fresh-baked every evening for supper, a personal QM2-logoed warm coat in the event of cool days on deck at sea, and a memento group photo to take home ’til next they meet… But sadly they’ll not be able to really communicate their appreciation of all this indulgence with the you’s and me’s… For they’re in fact the pets of human guests who regularly take their best-friend companions along with them on their own annual QM2 trans-Atlantic holidays. And there are plenty who do so, year in, year out, and quite often more than once in the season. QM2’s owners Cunard Line have
● Elizabeth Taylor took her pups with her on Cunard crossings from New York to Southampton – giving the Chef recipes for the pups’ favourite dishes.
Melbourne
Observer Wines & Liqueurs
with David Ellis
Seafood wine out of the hills ■ The Adelaide Hills region has an enviable reputation for producing many of Australia’s finest Sauvignon Blancs, and local maker Chain of Ponds has released a 2012 under their First Lady label that proved an absolute winner when matched at a mate’s birthday bash with simply-done barbecued Tasmanian salmon. With loads of varietal tropical fruit, citrus zest and green apple flavours, plus savoury French oak from fermentation in new and one year old wood, this one also has a nice lively acidity to enjoy now – or even more-so with a couple more years in the cellar. The Chain of Ponds name, by the way, has an interesting talking-point history to it: originally named Philptown in 1850 after the founding publican, Oliver Philp of the Morning Star Hotel, it was later changed to Chain of Ponds in 1864 in recognition of a nearby string of ponds that never dried up, even in the driest and hottest summers. In 1918 the Milbrook Reservoir was built next to the village to supply Adelaide, and people in that city expressed such grave concerns their water supply would be polluted by the village being on the edge of their reservoir, that in 1970 the State Government decided to buy and demolish every building in Chain of Ponds, doing so by 1981. At $35 this Chain or Ponds First Lady is a great Sauvignon Blanc to truly enjoy with the whole spectrum of seafoods, including as we did with that barbecued Tassie salmon.
One to note ■ A Shirz from the Hunter Valley really lives up to its name as a little gem – the Little Wine Company’s 2011 Little Gem Shiraz being crafted from fruit hand-picked from both low-yielding vines and one of the best red vintages in years. The fourth Little Gem Shiraz to be released since 2006 (there was no 2007 or 2008,) Ian Little is well justified in describing this one as “the best we’ve made so far,” and reflecting as he says a real generosity of fruit – predominantly cassis and dark berries – from that great vintage. Certainly excellent-value buying at $35, you’ll find it a superb companion with osso bucco or a home-made chunky lamb and rosemary pie.
Pictured ■ Welcome this First Lady with the whole spectrum of seafoods. ■ A best-yet Shiraz that’s a Little Gem.
gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure pets’ comfort and well-being on these sailings, including an air-conditioned Pet Centre with a dozen kennels/cages, a full-time “Pet Master,” additional “Pet Walkers,” and even poles and posts for scratching and other matters. And a “playroom” full of pet toys, their very own food dishes for feeding-times – even individually-fitted lifejackets. And in the event of an emergency, a one-on-one crew member nominated to get each pet safely out of the Pet Centre day or night. Food is premium-brand only, of course, and there’s an exclusive section of deck set aside for dogs to meetup at different times daily with their owners for socialising and walkies in the fresh air (but cats are confined to the Pet Centre, being more Houdinicapable in the outdoors than dogs.) And while pets today on QM2’s Atlantic Crossings are confined to cats and dogs only, Cunard in the past allowed all manner of critters aboard their vessels until a decade or so ago. The Line’s first ship, Brittania had three cats on her maiden voyage in 1840, and other pets have ranged from canaries to a boa constrictor. Travelling circuses have also put their fair share of the unusual on board, including elephants, lions, tigers, monkeys, horses and others needed for shows in England one month, and across the Atlantic in America the next. Try that with Quarantine today. Britain’s Duke and Duchess of Windsor never travelled anywhere without their beloved pugs Mr Disraeli, Mr Chu, Trooper, Imp and Davy Crockett, and at the Duke’s behest the company would even install a second-hand London lamp-post on the deck of whichever of their ships the Windsor’s were next booked aboard with their dogs. Actress Elizabeth Taylor in the 1950s took her puppies with her whenever she travelled with Cunard, exercising them several times daily around the Boat Deck… and giving the galley recipes for different seafood dishes each night for her pups, and not hesitating to drop in to ensure they were getting what she’d ordered. Silent-era cowboy movie star, Tom Mix and his horse Tony were amongst the most-regular “pardners” on Cunard’s Atlantic crossings in the 1930s, as they travelled between America and England to perform their “Miracle Rider” western shows – Tony having special rubber “galoshes” over his hooves so he wouldn’t slip on the gangways and polished decks. And the world’s only trained golden eagle, Mr Ramshaw made twenty-one trans-Atlantic voyages with his British falconer owner/trainer and exhibitor Captain Charles Knight, while canine super-star Rin Tin Tin was another regular Cunard trans-Atlantic passenger. Today birds, horses, boa constrictors and animals other than cats and dogs are a No-No, and for cats and dogs Cunard has strict conditions, including requiring a vet’s Certificate of Good Health, all manner of vaccinations – and a Pets’ Passport. And it costs owner’s US$500-$700 for their dog’s 7-night one-way crossing, and $1000 for their cat’s (as cats need one cage to sleep in, and another for litter.)
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Page 17
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer Melbourne TV Memories
By Kenneth Mulholland
Planning for downtime at the TV station
■ Engaged (to Maria). Yet disengaged (to my new place of work). And still living at home with my parents. I scramble through 1969 and somewhere toward the end of that year I'm thinking about Channel 7 and the days behind me. I think about the 'dungeon', the fact that a lot of the crew stayed within 'reach' simply because we had an 'inhouse' unofficial bar. This worked on the theory that 'they could get just as merry, but at least they were closer.' I had noticed a building left-over from the early construction days of the Channel. It stood on the embankment opposite the O.B. dock where Remote One (the big van) was housed. Curious, I had a look through the dirty win-
dows and saw that it was filled with a jumble of old props and broken timbers. My mind began to project into the 'what if?' possibilities. Here I was thinking about a kind of 'above ground dungeon,' without the reputation, yet with the 'potential' further down the track. The 'start-up' was to be legit and ... who could say what might later eventuate? My motivation? Perhaps it was a nostalgic yearning for ... no it wasn't. It was just me trying to create a niche for myself, to be inventive, to find some identity, to scratch my mark on the patch. I 'pitched' the idea to G.D. the Chief Engineer. “All we need is a phone line to the Hut and the staff are on call and only a minute away. It’s
a place for them to unwind. Females as well as males can go over, play table tennis, pool, darts or read and relax. “It has electricity so props can put in an old fridge and a couch or two.” I'll bet G.D. considered the 'fridge' part, but it made sense to keep people on base and not wandering around Forest Hill Shopping Centre or, worse still, down at the pub. And so it came to be. I enlisted the aid of several others: Mike Ford from Props, Mark Grivas (I think), Dennis Scullin from Staging, and organised a company to send us a pay-per-game pool table. It was like something out of an old Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland (Andy Hardy) movie. “Hey! We could put on a show!” Brooms and vacuum cleaners
were employed, windows cleaned, detritus removed, chairs, tables, lamps and gaming gear brought in (courtesy of Properties and Staging). We spruced it up and opened for business (and I was getting away with it). It didn't raise too much fuss or notoriety at first. The Hut was a slow lit fuse. By day O staff began to wander over at lunch time: girls and guys from Telecine and Videotape and a few from the offices. A trickle from Production began to wander over, especially at their quiet times and times when there were smoko breaks in production. A quick game of pool could actually rival the Tea Trolley congregation of 'Coolies' ('Wiggles' - Ian Wiles - term for workers). But it was me, just little me, sitting alone in my room at home with Mum
and Dad watching TV in the lounge, thinking about what else I could do to promote me. Yes, I really wasn't looking at staff facilities, I was wondering what I could do to further my own cause. Sitting on my bed, I rumbled around in my mind and finally came up with a thought based on this premise: If you can't be a cameraman, at least look like one. And further: Acting like a clown, one way or another, can sometimes create the illusion that you're actually OK.’ Thus was born, however briefly, The Hut Pictorial. (Without Pictures) This was a notice-board two or three page bit of nonsense posted by myself without any responsibility whatever. To Be Continued Next Week
Melbourne
Observer Life & Style
Easy peasy, let’s go Japaneasy ■ Have you ever been in seventh heaven when quite by accident you stumble across a restaurant that specializes in your favourite food? I refer to Sushi. Are you listening Ash? I know your diet has changed, but when you are finally released from medical ‘home detention’, it will be my treat to take you for a celebratory lunch at my find of the week, Salon de Sushi. Being introduced to Sushi a few years ago by a friend who was really healthy and as slim as a celery stick, it somehow became my favourite meal. I never became as slim as a celery stick, but gosh, my skin just glowed.
Yvonne’s Column
Long history ■ I studied the origin of this newfound delight before I embarked on a complete change to my menu. Discovering that sushi began in Japan around the eighth Century, I realised that it had a long and distinguished culinary history. I was almost converted before I read the last piece of information because the Japanese people are usually slim and have a certain grace about them. Surely I thought, this is Sushi at work. Then I read that the original type of Sushi was first developed in South-East Asia as a means of preserving salted fish and wrapped in fermented rice - a traditional Eastern fermented rice dish. But fortunately, with the passage of time, things have changed.
It must be fresh ■ There did come some warnings however before I set off to buy the ingredients. Everything must be fresh – almost fresher than tomorrow, particularly the rice. Wasabi, a very important ingredient, must be treated with caution unless you have a mouth lined in asbestos. I soon found to my detriment that it was indeed hot. It was a toss-up between it and red-hot chilies. My other half (MOTH) and I were fortunate to be invited to the sprinkling of a dear friends ashes in a stunning private garden at Mount Macedon. The emotional, but reflective day, was all the more wonderful because the caterers served the most delectable assortment of sushi – sans whale meat of course after we had chatted with friends, reminisced, and said our goodbyes to our dear departed friend. We had a few laughs too. He was quite a character.
with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com
Traditional serves ■ Peter and I, being eaters, devoured the most delicious Sushi served with the traditional chopsticks and black soy sauce. Schlepping along Clarendon St in South Melbourne on my way to see a friend I saw two motorbikes parked curbside. The advertising boards on the back of the bikes told me that they delivered Sushi from the restaurant behind. It wasn’t the bikes that stopped me dead in my tracks, but the sign on the restaurant window telling me it was the Salon de Sushi, obviously a very up market restaurant that specialises in homemade Sushi. I say homemade because I saw the chefs making it when I peeped through the glass at the back of the refrigerator when the door opened. Being greeted by a warm and welcoming smile from Nina Oikawa stopped me in my tracks and I started to ask questions about the restaurant. I knew it was newly opened because I’d been coming to South Melbourne since my 3AW days when we’d go in our lunch break to look at some of the clothing stores. The restaurant is interesting, in fact a most interesting concept.
Make your choice ■ It has an ambience that makes you want to stay for lunch or take-away. But never go away without at least a petit box – a little box of assorted Sushi. Along one wall is a bank of refrigerators, which houses the selection of Sushi from which you can make your choice. If you are unsure,
then the delightful Nina, who is also the Managing Director, will take pleasure in telling you what each box contains. On the other wall opposite the fridges is a row of tables and chairs. Tables are not suitable for a group. It’s table adieux. Ideal for two people to enjoy their Sushi and play footsies under the table. Makes me wonder how many romances start with a simple lunch and great food. In the fridges you’ll find House Specials such as Tartar, which is freshly marinated beef/fish. It serves six and homemade garlic rusks are added. There is traditional Nigri Sushi with contemporary fusion. I’m having this next week because beside tuna, salmon, white fish, eel and scallop – my favourite.
Never ending menu ■ The menu is never ending. No matter what your palette desires – it is there in the fridge waiting for your selection. Miso soup which is heaven in a bowl ($3.00) is eat in and pick up only. Fancy a Sushi dinner for four to six people then there is available a party box of Sushi either mix (62 pieces) or vegetarian (64 pieces.) Also available is gluten-free soy sauce as well as sweet soy sauce. Vegetarians will enjoy the fried tofu, onion, zucchini, carrot, shitaki mushrooms and avocado from the Chirashi selection. I could go on and on telling you about the variety available, but I’d like you to try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
Job for Peter ■ I’m almost salivating just thinking about the box of Sushi which I bought, in fact, I’m thinking of dispatching the MOTH to South Melbourne to get me a fix of delectable Sushi to reward myself for filing my column on time. These are the facts that you should jot down in your diary for your next repast of gourmet Sushi. Salon de Sushi is located at 293 Clarendon St, South Melbourne. Minimum order for delivery $15 (plus $5 delivery.) Open seven days: Monday-Thursday, 11.30am-9pm; Frid ay, 11.30am-10pm; Saturday. 12 Noon-10pm; Sunday, 12 Noon-9pm. Telephone: 9939 3723 E: Info@salondesushi.com.au W: www.salondesushi.com.au F: Salon de Sushi ( Facebook)
Another great find ■ Hopefully, when you pop in to the restaurant to make your selection the delightful Nina Oikawa will be behind the desk to welcome you with her big smile and expertise. Next week I’ll tell you about another fabulous find in Clarendon St. In fact, it’s only a couple of doors down from the Salon de Sushi. So all you people who are trying to downsize, and don’t know what to do with all your well loved furniture, objet d’art, and treasured household items, and those who are trying to furnish a house or an apartment on a budget you are going to love me forever. I have found Grays Affordable Quality Objects at 303 Clarendon St and chatted with the charming proprietor Steven Ewenson. If you can’t wait until next week try www.grays.net.au or phone 9690 5557. - Yvonne Contact: Editor, Melbourne Observer P.O. Box 1278, Research, 3095
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Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014
■ He was tall, good looking and one of the famous American actors of the 20th Century. I was a big fan of Robert Stack. His biggest success came in 1959 when he was cast as Elliot Ness in the television series The Untouchables. Charles Langford Modini Stack was born in 1919 in Los Angeles, California. His father changed his son's name to Robert for no apparent reason. His parents divorced in 1920 and his mother took him to live overseas whilst his older brother stayed with his father in the US. Robert spent his early years in Europe and was fluent at several languages. He only began to learn English when his mother brought him back to the US in 1925. His parents re-married but sadly his father passed away when Robert was nine. Robert studied acting at university. He took up skeet shooting (which is shooting clay discs flung into the air at various angles) and his fiveman team broke the ‘standing record’in 1935. He was cast in the film First Love in 1939 when he played the romantic lead opposite Deanna Durbin and gave the young actress her first screen kiss. His film roles during the 1940s included The Mortal Storm, Eagle Squadron, A Date With Judy and Miss Tatlock's Millions. During the war years Robert served as gunnery instructor in the United States Navy. In 1952 Robert played the lead character in
Whatever Happened To ... Robert Stack By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM the first American colour 3-D feature film Bwana Devil, which was a box office smash. In 1954 he starred opposite John Wayne as the stressed pilot in The High And The Mighty and in 1956 was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Written On The Wind. Robert was a bachelor but all that changed when he fell in love with the actress Rosemarie Bowe and the couple married in 1956. In 1959 The Desilu Studios began work on a television series titled The Untouchables which was based on the memoirs of prohibition agent Elliot Ness. Van Johnson was originally cast as Elliot Ness but when his agent demanded twice the
● Robert Stack
salary Desi Arnez refused and cast Robert Stack as the lead character. This was the highlight of Robert's career. The series ran for four years and was a ratings winner. In 1960 Robert won an Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series for his portrayal of Ness. In 1991 he reprised the character in a television movie titled The Return Of Elliot Ness. Robert demonstrated his comedy skills in films such as Flying High, 1941 and Caddyshack II. He starred in television shows such as The Name Of The Game, Falcon Crest, Strike Force, Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries. In 1980 he published his autobiography Straight Shooting. Robert Stack was married to Rosemarie for 47 years and they had two children. He underwent radiation therapy for prostate cancer in 2002 and passed away as a result of a heart attack the following year at the age of 84. He was highly regarded in the film industry. Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.
Mystery cars reappear in the Territory ■ Because the Territory has such high temperatures, with plenty of fine red dust flying around, it always an ideal venue for testing new models of automobile. The icing on the cake was seen as the no-speed-limit of the past. So, consequently there were, as I have previously mentioned, vehicles from the major manufacturers roar-
ing up and down the highways of the NT. I would often be quietly tootling along at my regular 140, when, "whoosh!”, a strange looking automobile would swish by at about 200. These vehicles were always heavily disguised, covered in canvas blankets, because they were models which hadn't yet been released, and they didn't want nosy journalists pho-
Observations Derryn diaries What a woman ■ The Herald Sun is not paying Derryn Hinch for publication of his diaries. They probably are not allowed under ‘proceeds of crime’ legislation. The Herald Sun says it has “chosen” to make a $10,000 donation to the Austin Hospital liver transplant unit. ■ The headline writers at the Herald Sun are referring to Hinch as “veteran broadcaster”. The 70-yearold would hate the ‘veteran’ part.
Barbie is 50 ■ Barbie Live! The Musical will be staged at the Palais, St Kilda, on April 5. Observer critic Cheryl Threadgold will review the show.
Radio waves ■ Golden Days Radio General Manager Alex Hehr says the Mebourne radio station is attracting internet listeners from around the world. New listeners to the stream are averaging 1039 per week and the number of people tuning in on average weekly is now 4500. Most hits are coming from Australia, UK, USA, China, Canada, Philippines, Germany, New Zealand, Thailand and Russian Federation.
New shows ■ Pam Ann is appearing at the Princess Theatre on Friday-Saturday (March 14-15). Bill Bryson will appear at The Plenary at the Convention Centre on Saturday, March 22.
■ Abbotsford Convent CEO Maggie Maguire has received City of Yarra's Inspirational Woman of the YearAward. She was presented with the award by City of Yarra Mayor Cr Jackie Fristacky at an International Women’s Day celebration held at Richmond Town Hall.
The Beatles ■ The new exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beatles 1964 tour, The Beatles In Australia, is on at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Gallery 1, and runs until July 1.
Motherhood ■ Katie Young, a visual artist from Melbourne, says April will see the opening of an exhibition that she is co-curating at Fortyfive Downstairs Gallery. The show includes eight female artists who are also mother,s exploring the psychological impact of motherhood. The show will include painting, illustration, sculpture, photography, collage and printmaking.
Breast cancer ■ Two Melbourne men, Peter White and Mike Leddin, have received awards from the National Breast Cancer Fouundation for their support in promoting breast cancer research.
At Northcote ■ Jack Colwell's newly-released single, Far From View, will be featured at the Northcote Social Club on Friday, April 4.
tographing them. Unfortunately, with the 130-kmh speed limit, most of these companies sought other hot dusty climates elsewhere in the world where they could travel at any speed. This was a blow for the NT economy. However, now the limit is no longer in place, at least up to Barrow Creek, Ssangyong has begun the movement back to the NT. Two unreleased and disguised models have been hidden away in a dusty warehouse, and are about the hare off down the highway again. ■ It's always interesting to take a closer look at Mother Nature. I have kept quite a few spiders over the years. And they vary in their habits quite noticeably. Huntsmen are the most plentiful in Australia. Usually, "they're harmless", but nevertheless most people steer clear of them, and most ladies won't go near them in my cages. Whilst they are fairly innocuous and unaggressive, they can be a bit stroppy - I've been seriously chased by a couple of monsters when I've disturbed their eggs. And I've had them dropping down from a ceiling on my head a few times. But the spider which I have had most contact with is the red back. Not only do they behave with specific species traits, but they also have personal nuances between individual spiders. The way I feed them is to introduce a meal worm - a small beetle larva - into their web and tangle it up so the spider can subsequently dive over and wrap it up in its sticky secretion, bite it, and then eat it - actually its inside turn into a mush, and the spider sucks it out. However, it's fascinating to watch - some are brave and courageous, leaping straight on to the caterpillar for the attack, but there are those who are wary and timid, waiting for a while to make sure it's safe to go in, and that the wriggly creature isn't going to ‘get’ them. And yet others are downright cowards!
The Outback Legend
with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au
person, and if they deem there will be a threat, they will prepare to defend themselves. All such snakes will spread themselves out like a cobra, and flatten their bodies to give the impression that they're bigger than they actually are to hopefully scare a potential harmdoer away. Tigers will always give a hiss, and a ‘dummy’strike first, while not actually biting, as a warning. If this is ignored, a nip next time. Black snakes will not be so aggressive generally - they will give your leg or arm a whack with their nose. If this is ignored, then a nip. Although some of their nips are slow and thoughtful. A brown however, is very timid and will usually try and escape. If, however, this seems futile, his mood instantly changes, and he'll chase you with his mouth wide open. ■ And then there are the snakes and No beating around the bush here. their particular traits. Venomous snakes, unlike their ■ I often wander into bookshops just docile, simple cousins, pythons, are browsing always highly intelligent. I instinctively end up in the All snakes are wary and expecting Australiana section. the worst when first approached by a Often I will find a paperback or two,
which has been penned by some bushman or drover. Some of his mates have obviously persuaded him at some stage: "Charlie why don't you write a bloody book!" And in more than a few cases, that's what Charlie has indeed done. It may be the story of one of the droving runs along a remote stock route, or it may be general adventures in the Outback, or just a litany of interesting tales of misadventure - I've read them all. I have always maintained that history such as this is a vital part of our Australian heritage, and it's always sad to me to see some individuals who have had such adventures of interest and importance, from a historic perspective, pass on without this story being told, with their music still in them. Won't happen to me.
■ I have always loved comedy per se - at least my brand which I like, and, most importantly which I find funny. My shop was just near that of Fiona O'Loughlin in the Todd Mall in Alice Springs, so not only did I regularly encounter her in the street, I would often attend a local business Christmas party or other such function where she was a guest. Most of her comedic reflection would revolve around Alice Springs and her own family life. So all of us Alice Springs family people would guffaw along with her, and we were all proud when she spread her wings nationally. Then, on another couple of occasions I chortled along to Kevin Bloody Wilson. Whilst his humour was exceedingly basic and peppered with blatant risqué, it was however to my sense of humour, funny, and to the other 500 or so in the audience. He uses our English language, in his own gross manner, to full effect. Which brings me to much of our urban comedy of today, exemplified by the current ‘Comedy Festival’. I've been invited to a few shows over the years, and refuse to attend any more; with most performers, the louder they are, and the louder that they can yell gratuitous expletives and profanities, the funnier they think they are. Not for me mate! - Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Page 19
Observer Readers’ Club The Way We Were 100 years ago The Ballan Times March 1914 Ballan Mechanics' Institute The monthly committee meoting was held on Tuesday night, when the following were present:—Messrs W. K. White (president, in the chair), J. H. Walsh, D. R. Fraser, Dr Blaubaum, and J. W. Venables, Hon, sec retary. From Melville and Mullen, Mel bourne, offering big concessions on large orders of books—Referred to the Book Committee, a meeting to be held on Monday next, at 8 p.m. The question of enlarging the hole in the fileproof cabinet, was re ferred to the Building Committee, also the question of attending to the locks. To meet on Monday next, at 8 p.m. Accounts amounting to £1/1/0. ■ The committee of ths Ballan and Pentland Hills A. and P. Society will meet on Saturday, 21st inst. ■ It is whispered that ducks are being shot at Pyke's creek reservoir. Shooting on prohibited waters means a hoary fine if canght. ■ The Corricks gave a first class entertainment at Ballan on Thursday last. There was a good audience, and all spent a pleasant evening. ■ The concrete foot crossing at Frasers corner was totally destroyed yesterday. ■ The team representing the Ballan Fire Brigade at Bendigo, was defeated in the host practice for four men, by Swan Hill, in 21 3-5 sees. The event was won by Swan Hill.
Melbourne Photo Flashback
● A train on the Inner Circle Line crossing Amess St, Carlton. 1920s
Word Of The Week
■ Avuncular. Regarded as characteristic of ■ Wed. March 12. Denise Meikle of an uncle, especially in benevolence or tolerance. Horsham. Rob Buckingham. ■ Thu., Mar. 13. Neil James. Leanne Sinnamon of Braybrook. Trivia ■ Sat., Mar. 15. Bruce Carty. ■ The actor who was inside R2-D2 hated ■ Mon., Mar. 17. Jacqueline Healy, the guy who played C-3PO, calling him "the Glenn Hodges, Dee Dee Dunleavy, Jodie O’Brien. rudest man I've ever met”. ■ The word ‘unfriend’ appeared in print ■ Tue., Mar. 18. Elizabeth Redfern. Pamela Gleeson of Carrum Downs. all the way back in 1659. ■ A baby can cost new parents 750 hours Did You Know? of sleep in the first year. ■ In 19th-century Britain, opium for ba- ■ Janis Joplin left $2,500 in her will bies was marketed under the name "Quiet- for her friends to "have a ball after I’m gone." ness". ■ In 1999, the US Government paid ■ Google was originally named BackRub. the Zapruder family $16 million for the ■ Elmo is the only non-human to testify film of JFK's assassination. before Congress. ■ When three-letter airport codes became ■ Marie Curie's notebooks are still radio- standard, airports that had been using two active. letters simply added an X.
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Your Stars with Christina La Cross
ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) You can't please all of the people all of the time, but you're certainly having a good go at doing so, aren't you Aries? The big question is, when are you going to be true to yourself? TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) The planet Neptune makes it hard for you to feel that you're living in reality or with any real sense of responsibility. An important question asked of you today is the wake up call you've been waiting for. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Stop wasting time on people and situations who don't give anything back to you Gemini. You've come too far to be dragged back now my friend. Emotions run high with family tonight. Keep your temper. CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) People you've admired from afar make contact and you get the chance to find out what they're really all about. Take note of all that's said in work. Your career options will be dictated by it. LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) You have the choice whether to help or hinder those around you today as the stars line up to give you the energy to deal with anything your heart desires. Contracts signed now are lucky and successful. VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) Rise above the taunts and focus on success. There is so much opportunity open to you at this time but it's up to you to distance yourself from those who are a negative influence on you. LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) When you're focused there's nothing you cannot do, but when you look only at the negative, then you find it difficult to see a way out. Today you have the power to focus on the positive. SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) Family claim they want what's best for you but they have a habit of interfering. It's all down to how much you tell them which recently has been both too much and misleading. Talking truths today changes everything. SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) Competition in the workplace requires you to up your game. Don't think you can't achieve success. You can. You just have to ensure you're aiming towards what makes you happy and not what those watching need. CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) A New Year resolution you committed to is given a helping hand by contacts you've recently made. Don't bury your head in the sand with personal issues. Friends today offer to help. Tell them what's on your mind. AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) There's a magical feel to this time of year. You're starting to understand your feelings and needs and you're willing to act on your gut instincts. This is precisely why you're in for a dramatic night! PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) You've taken on so much and it's starting to show in the stress and strain which others may comment on. A lifestyle change is needed. Why wait? Today is as good a day as any to begin.
Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Victoria Pictorial
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Dandenong Historic Photo Collection
● Dandenong. 1915.
● Dandenong Post Office
● Dandenong Town Hall
● The old stone bridge, Dandenong
● Dandenong Market. 1931.
● Lonsdale St, Dandenong. 1938.
● Dandenong Market. 1963.
● Elevated view. Dandenong. 1938.