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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 19, 2013 - Page 7
Showbiz News
TRIBUTES FOR HELEN CRONIN Smith St Dreaming
Briefs Farewell
THE BARREL ‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’ Lest we forget, Derryn
● Denzil Howson ■ We are sad to report the passing of Dot Howson, wife of the late Denzil Howson, Melbourne TV pioneer. Family friend Des Ford says: “Dot died quickly and peacefully in Bur-wood. She was a tony, active powerhouse to the end and was in her 90s.”
In hospital
● David Mann ■ Melbourne radio man David Mann has been in Epworth Hospital for a week, after suffering severe food poisoning in Bali. David Mann is Promotions and Marketing Manager of 3AW and Magic 1278.
Gypsy ■ The Production Company’s official opening night for Gypsy with Caroline O’Connor will be Wed., July 10.
● Helen Cronin ■ Mourners gathered at St Dominic’s Catholic Church, Camberwell, on Thursday (June 13) for a service celebrating the life of Helen Margaret Cronin, who died at Caritas Christi, Kew, on June 7, after illness. Helen was the wife of Paul Cronin, best known for his acting roles in The Sullivans and Matlock Police. Paul was also known as a long-time stand-in host for a number of years on 3AW’s Nightline and Remember When. Helen and Paul had been married at the same Riversdale Rd church, 54 years previously. Helen was mother of Jane, Katherine, Susanne and Juliana. Leading the service was Fr Paul Rankin, assisted by TV personality Pete Smith, who described Helen as “a wonderful lady”. Bert and Patti Newton, who attended the service, used similar words in a press tribute. The folk of Seasus Farm described their friend as “the most beautiful, strong, stylish lady”. Notices included those from Matlock Police acting colleague Tom Richards; and also grandchildren who called her ‘Ma’ and ‘Minnie’. Other showbiz mourners at the service included Lorraine Bayly, Philip Brady, Terry Donovan, Reg Gorman, Dennis and Carol Smith, John-Michael Howson and Kevin Trask. Mourners were reminded that in addition to a busy family life, Helen had been the negotiator and business manager for husband Paul’s professional interests. An Irish Blessing was recited by brother-in-law Gerard Brown; readings were offered by grand-daughters Ysabel Cronin-Guss and Mimi Permezel; reflection were shared by daughter Suzanne Permezel grand-daughter Jessica Hemingway, and daughter Jules Cronin-Guss. Pall bearers were David Permezel, Alistair Guss, Aaron Kyle, Charlie Permezel, Harry Permezel and Angus Cronin-Guss. A gathering was held afterwards at the Toorak home of David and Susanne Permezel.
Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● Musician Bart Willoughby will perform in Smith Street Dreaming on Saturday, July 20 in Collingwood. ■ Yarra City Council, Music Victoria, PBSFM and Leaps and Bounds Music Festival will present Smith Street Dreaming, an afternoon of Aboriginal music on Saturday, July 20 from 1pm5pm, with performances from 2pm. Smith Street Dreaming is about promoting awareness of Aboriginal culture and encouraging better relationships amongst the community on and around Smith St . Yarra City Council is working in partnership with the Neighbourhood Justice Centre and with groups including the Aboriginal community, justice and outreach workers, Victoria Police, North Yarra Community Health Centre and the Smith Street Business Association. The event is programmed by Jason Tamiru and will feature well known Aboriginal musicians Bart Willoughby, Kutcha Edwards and Illana Atkinson and The Deans. Members of the local community will be invited to develop a streetscape for the event that will include seating, heating and wet weather cover, as well as artistic elements and a ceremonial fire. Architects from Here Studios will assist community members with creating this special gathering place. A free barbecue will be provided by the Margaret Oats Food Van and the Rotary Club of Collingwood which have been serving free meals for many years. No alcohol will be available for purchase at the event and Smith Street Dreaming has a no alcohol policy. This event will be supported volunteers and members of the local community. - Cheryl Threadgold
Andrew O’Keefe out of Superstar ■ Deal Or No Deal host Andrew O’Keefe was forced to withdraw from the Melbourne performances of Jesus Christ Superstar held at Rod Laver Arena at the weekend. O’Keefe suffered a ruptured disc, and doctors ordered him not to continue in the role of King Herod. Leon Craig took over the role. O’Keefe said: ““I sincerely regret having to withdraw from this magnificent musical and would like to thank the Really Useful Group, Frontier and the entire cast and crew for taking me in to such a terrific production. I’m devastated I can’t finish off the Australian tour.” The show features Tim Minchin as Judas, Melanie C as Mary Magdalene, Jon Stevens as Pontius Pilate and Ben Forster as Jesus Christ.
● David Koch with Derryn Hinch ■ If the matter was not so serious, you could almost classify it as comedy. There was motormouth Derryn Hinch, with his confected frown, telling the Sunrise audience how furious he was about Perth radio man Howard Sattler’s questioning of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Channelling his days as a headline writer of the Sydney Sun newspaper, Hinch delighted in namecalling Sattler as ‘Howard The Coward’. More than once. Hinch rebuked Sattler for “disrespect for the office of Prime Minister”. The Barrel is old enough to remember Hinch going to air revealing, against their wishes, that former South Australian Premier Don Dunstan’s wife, Adele Koh, had cancer. What a despicable thing to do to a sick person. So much for respect for a politcal office. So much for respect for a fellow human being.
No farewell drinks ■ What a happy team they are at Fairfax Media joint venture, Metro Media Publishing, which publishes a shrinking number of community newspapers across Melbourne. MMP is publishing the final editions of seven newspapers today, closing titles including Peninsula, Frankston, Casey, Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Weekly. Some 32 staff were giv- ● Greg Hywood, Fairfax CEO en the heave-ho on Friday, and many wanted to have a farewell drink with their colleagues. MMP reportedly refused them permission, saying they would no longer be employees after 5pm, and therefore would not be allowed on the premises. Cheers ... and thanks for your years of service ...now get out!
Straight talking Colonel
● Lieutenant-General David Morrison ■ What a powerful Australian Army leader we have in Lieutenant-General David Morrison. The Barrel is glad this warrior is on our side. After facing the media last week, Lt.-Gen. Morrison sent a video to Army staff, explaining zero tolerance towards sexist behaviour with workmates. “If that doesn’t suit you, get out. “I will be ruthless in ridding the Army of people who cannot live up to its values. “If you are not up to it, find something else to do with your life.” The boss didn’t blink in his three-minute video.