Melbourne Observer. 130327A. March 27, 2013. Pages 1-16

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■ Rohan Browne, and wife Christie Whelan-Browne, are earning a reputation as Melbourne’s showbiz royalty. They will perform in Singin’ In the Rain, part of The Production Company’s 2013 season. Turn to Page 77 for all the details.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Page 3

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City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Enjoy Christmas at Easter For charities

● Robyn Nevin ● Susan Pascoe ■ Victorian charities are encouraged to attend a free information and education session in Melbourne to get up-to-date guidance about changes affecting the charity sector, says Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Commissioner Susan Pascoe.

The session is to be held in collaboration with the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) and PILCH Connect.

The information session will be held in the Melbourne CBD on Thursday, April 11 from 9.30am to 1pm. Interested charities of all sizes are encouraged to register for at acncmelbourne.eventbrite. com.au.

■ Enjoy Christmas with the Wyeths in Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of Other Desert Cities at Southbank Theatre.

Celebrated acting legends Robyn Nevin and John Gaden star in this domestic drama which closes on April 17.

Venue: Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Season dates: until April 17 Tickets: from $58, Under 30s just $33. Bookings: Southbank Theatre Box Office 8688 0800 or mtc.com.au

INCREDIBLE!

Exhibition ■ The Old Post Office Seymour Art Gallery is presenting an exhibition of recent paintings by internationally exhibited and acclaimed Victorian artist Ross Paterson.

The exhibition opening is on Sunday, April 7, from 11am to 4pm.

Watercolour, oil and pastel paintings of Australian and international scenes will be on display and for sale.

● Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi arrive at Tullamarine Photo: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros ■ Thousands of people gathered yesterday (Tues.) at Birrarung Marr to see the taping of the second Australian show by US celebrity Ellen DeGeneres.

She was accompanied by Portia de Rossi, who was born in Horsham, and raised in Grovedale, before attending Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School as Amanda Rogers.

Earlier in the day, Ellen sent a message to her fans by Twitter: “Let's do this, Melbourne! Fun, games, surprises, cash, I guarantee it's gonna be better than your average Tuesday.”

A black-tie event was held last night at the Grand Hyatt by Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine, who had earlier in the day told 3AW morning host Neil Mitchell, that he did not support gay marriage.

The opening night of Grand Guignol by Dave Bloustien, as part of this ★ year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, will be held from 7.30pm on Friday (March 29) at the Evatt Room at the Trades Hall,

● Art by Ross Paterson

54 Victoria St, Carlton.

The Glen Eira Cheltenham Art Group opens its Art Beat exhibi tion tomorrow (Thurs.) at 6pm at the Glen Eira Council Gallery.

★

Melbourne Moments Open at Easter

Busy songsters

■ The Morris Jones Bar and Restaurant, at 163 Chapel St, Prahran, will follow the increasing trend of food outlets around Melbourne, and open throughout the Easter break.

The busy social hub yesterday (Tues.) sent out messages to clients saying they will be open as usual on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Chloe Maggs' band will be performing retro house and disco classics tomorrow (Thurs.) night.

Francisco Tavares joins resident duo Joey Dee and Isac Moran playing acoustic tunes on Easter Sunday.

■ ABC Coodabeen Champions member Greg Champion and his colleagues from The Useful Members of Society will perform on Saturday night at Williamstown RSL. Free admission is available from 8pm.

They will also entertain the crowd at the St Andrews Hotel on Easter Sunday afternoon (Mar. 31). Free admission is available from 3pm.

The other members of The Useful Members Of Society are Ross Hannaford, Wayne Duncan and Tony Thornton.

● Chloe Maggs

Under The Clocks World Series of Poker starts soon ■ The inaugural World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific (WSOP APAC) at Crown Melbourne, featuring five WSOP gold bracelet events, is just over a week away, advises Crown spokeswoman Natasha Stipanov.

Crown Melbourne’s Poker Room is currently hosting regular satellites, and estimates there will be more than 150 satellite players qualified for the WSOP APAC ‘Main Event’ by Thursday, April 11.

The event schedule will commence on Thursday, April 4 with a unique No-Limit Hold’em Accumulator event with additional starting flights for this event on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6.

The format will be traditional NoLimit Hold’em, but in this variant, players will have the opportunity to play any or all of three separate starting flights, each with a buy-in of AUD$1,100.

All chips accumulated each day, will then be bagged, tagged and returned to the player on Day 2 of the event.

● Joe Hachem

Cruden Farm family fun day ■ Meblourne may have lost Dame Elisabeth Murdoch but her Cruden Farm property at Langwarrin will still be providing enjoyment for Victorian families.

A family fun day is being held from 11am on Sunday, April 28, and will feature a barbecue sausage sizzle, devonshire tea, wine sales, sweets stalls, a classic car show, the Australian Carriage Driving Society, a circus workshop, live music and dance.

Organisations to benefit will be Resilience Australia, Mental Health Week, the Mood Disorders Support Network, Lifegate Frankston, Open House Centre Ivanhoe, and the Mental Health Foundation Australia.

Bookings to attend may be made on 9826 1422 or www.tryboking. com/COIG Tickets: Adults, $25 ($22 before April 12). Concession: $15. Family $50 ($45 before April 12). Children under 15 free.

Daylight Saving comes to an end ■ Victoria’s fire services are urging all householders to change their smoke alarm batteries on Sunday, April 7, as part of the annual Change Your Clock, Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries campaign. Daylight saving finishes, when clocks go back one hour at 2am.

What’s On In Melbourne

Members of the public are being urged not to visit hospitals with non★ urgent conditions when there GP is closed over the Easter break. A service - 1stavailable.com.au - is being provided to help search for the first available local healthcare.

Sue Beavis advises Lizzie Holian's artwork, from the Nervous Ned Series, will be on show at South Yarra Art House Gallery, 6 Almeida Cres, South Yarra. Phone 9827 3771 The works of a key figure of studio Hollywood, Otto Preminger (1905-1986) will be on show at the Melbourne Cinémathèque season to be screened on Wednesdays at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image from April 24.

★ ★

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

WRITE ON DANNY BHOY

■ When Scots comedian Danny Bhoy walks on to any Melbourne stage, it's like catching up with a mate who we haven't seen in a while.

We can pick-up from where we left off with great stories and plenty of laughs.

Melbourne is dear to Danny's heart as we hosted his first Australian performance in 2003; albeit in front of just eight people in a room above a city pub.

Danny recalls walking out thinking, “boy, it's going to be a long month here in Melbourne”.

By then end of the 2003 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Danny had won us over; and remains one of most the popular international standouts performing at our Festival each year.

Over the past decade, Danny has reached global success and has also built up a massive following in New Zealand and Canada with regular tours and record-breaking shows.

Danny's unique brand of story-telling and razor wit saw him invited to perform on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2010 and record his first worldwide DVD in his home town of Edinburgh - Live At The Festival Theatre released this month through Roadshow Entertainment.

Danny's latest show Dear Epson is based on his collection of complaint letters that many of us would like to write but never find time to do.

Danny wrote to Epson complain-

Crusading Porch Thoughts ing about the price of their ink; encouraging him to write similar letters to more companies and individuals on his crusade to create 'real' change in the world.

What was the last letter you have received?

On Valentine's Day I received an E-Card from a bookmaker wishing me a Happy Valentine's Day and reminding me the races were on.

Are you going to write a letter of complaint?

Well I questioned what has my life had become receiving a Valentine's card from a bookie. I am also worried where my information is being shared having been targeted like that!

You have been touring Australia for three months. Who do you travel with?

It's a solitary profession. I just travel with my tour manager. I don't have an escort, a warm-up or an entourage.

There can be crushing moments about the whole travelling alone thing, especially being reminded about it on Valentine's Day. When did first realise you could make people laugh?

At school I realised I loved making people laugh. I spent more time out

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Mike Snell Winner 'I Will Survive' Ch 10, Legally Blonde Musical I'll never forget the moment realising I wanted to be part of musical theatre. The world around me was obsessed with football and cricket. I wanted to be John Farnham performing Jesus Christ Superstar. I was fortunate to have people around who encouraged me to follow my dreams. I want to inspire kids to follow their dreams and lead amazing lives by believing in themselves when I present at The Best of the Best workshop in Melbourne.”

side of the classroom than in it. I tended to get chucked out of class a lot for being classed as 'disruptive'. I thought I was being funny. I was always the class-clown.

When did you realise you could make a career out of comedy?

It didn't really translate into a profession until I attended university. I didn't even know it was a profession.

It was kind of by default rather than by design. I didn't sit down with a careers officer who said, "Yeah this guy is going to be a comedian."

When I started comedy 12 years ago I realised I could turn that into a good thing. It was always a reason I was chucked out of class, lost a job or thrown out of a car.

Growing up, who made you laugh and perhaps influenced your style?

Billy Connolly was the Scottish icon of comedy and one of the biggest comics in the world.

I used to watch his videos with my family and watch them over and over again by myself.

Billy kind of invented what we all do these days. Before he came along there were other comedians like Dave Allen whose jokes were jokes, but Billy was about story-telling.

What is your trick to keeping an audience engaged?

By trying to make them feel they are just sitting around a table in a pub chatting and shooting the breeze with friends.

That is harder to do the bigger the venues become. Comedy is not like a 'Rock n Roll' concert where you can be in the audience and just enjoy the occasion. With comedy, you have to engage in the performance.

On stage, is audience silence more powerful than laughter?

The power you experience on stage are the moments between the laughter where you can hear a pin drop; the moment when people are hanging on your every word.

The laughter itself comes because of the material. You can be a comedian and have an audience laughing without having them all totally engaged in the show.

For me, the moments in between the laughter are more important than the laughter.

Why do you think Australians continue to enjoy your comedy?

Australians are very much like Scottish people. I find Australians like a good yarn in a way that's different to Americans where they en-

● Danny Bhoy Photo: Kon Iatrou, IKON Images joy the one-liners. In Scotland it's having a breakdown. This time last more of a story-telling tradition and year, I wrote a letter to Epson that that lends to my comedy quite well ended up a really long-winded tongue and that's what I find most similar in-cheek letter questioning how their extortion could be justified. here in Australia.

I read my letter out on stage one On the topic of Americans, did you enjoy your performance night and because the reaction was on the Late Show with David so good I decided to see who else I could write to and make it funny. We Letterman?

It was quite underwhelming to be all want to make change in the world; honest. It was the biggest thing I have my show is all about creating change.

What is your Porch Thought done and I was on the show with acFor The Day? tor Matt Damon.

"Someone recently asked me what I thought we would hang around in the Green Room afterwards and in the hell was I doing touring AusDave would take us all out to his tralia for three months and suggested favourite restaurant and we'd all high- I didn't have a life. My Porch Thought five each other saying, 'What a great of the Day is quite simple - When you do tours like Australia, either you show.'

Then I thought Matt would say, go big or go home."

'Hey guys, I know a great club.' None Danny Bhoy performs 'Dear Epson' as part of the 2013 of that happened.

You go on and do you five minutes Melbourne International Comand get chucked out and suddenly you edy Festival at Arts Centre are in the back on the streets with Melbourne, Playhouse Theatre someone asking you for spare change. from April 2 - 21. More inforand tickets What inspired you to write mation www.dannybhoy.com 'Dear Epson'?

- Mark Richardson The show is basically a man

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Page 5

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Arthur’s anniversary

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Ross Wilson and Tania Gogos-Wilson were at Sky Deck for Arthur Galan's 15th Anniversary

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

People Melbourne

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Fax: 1-800 231 312

‘Nakedy Nudes’ at NGV

● Hannah Gadsby will be presenting Nakedy Nudes on March 30, April 6, 13, and 20 at the NGV International (Clemenger BBDO Auditorium), 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Premier online

● Dr Denis Napthine ■ New Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine phoned in to 3AW’s Remember When program on Sunday. He is a keen listener to the program.

Joyeux Anniversarire ● St Kilda Deputy Mayor Serge Thomann was given a home-cooked birthday treat at the weekend by Christophe Eymery and Remi Bouchenez

‘Driving Miss Daisy’ on air

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● James Earl Jones and Angela Lansbury will soon present Driving Miss Daisy at the Comedy Theatre. They were interviewed by 3AW’s Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady on Nightline, which was presented from Sydney on Thursday.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Channel 9 publicity director Michelle Stamper celebrated the first birthday of daughter Piper this week.

● 3AW entertainment reporter Donna Demaio met with model Megan Gale at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival at Docklands.

Anthony Callea signs on for ‘Grease’

Book launch

● Anthony Callea is to star as Johnny Casino in Grease. More details on Page 11

■ Hayley LawsonSmith is launching her first book The Julius Romeros Extravaganza, Part 1, The Bearded Girl on April 26 at the Gallery Momo, Burwood. ● Turn to Page 84

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Page 7

Vale Bruce Skeggs OAM

CAL WILSON IS GUILTY Observer It’s All About You!

Melbourne

In This 92-Page Edition

Mark Richardson: From The Heart ................ Page 4 Melbourne People: In The Picture ................. Page 6 Di Rolle: Molly Ringwald, what a star ............ Page 8 News: Globetrotter Siobhan to sing .............. Page 9 In The Picture: Meera’s Sofitel exhibition ... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Bert returns to the stage .. Page 11 Long Shots: Dancing classes recalled ......... Page 12 Readers’ Club: Birthdays, recipes ............... Page 13 Yvonne Lawrence: My week from hell ......... Page 15 Kevin Trask: George Sanders profile ........... Page 16 Travel and Wine: David Ellis reports ............ Page 71 ‘See You At The Theatre’ Best Movies, DVDs Local Theatre News Counjtry Music

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria ● Bruce Skeggs behind the microphone at 96.5 Inner FM. Photo: Ash Long Bruce married his wife Evelyn and they ■ Bruce Skeggs, who was well known as a Parliamentarian, journalist and trotting com- had two sons and two daughters. He was the mentator, passed away peacefully at Rosanna official on-course commentator for the TrotViews Nursing Home on Thursday (Mar. 21) ting Control Board, later known as the Harness Racing Board, at the Royal at the age of 80.

Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs was born Melbourne Showgrounds.

Bruce was a Liberal member of the Vicin 1932 in Sydney.

He learned voice production and microphone torian Legislative Assembly from 1973 to technique at an early age and sang in bands con- 1982, representing Ivanhoe.

He was the Liberal member of the Legisducted by his mother.

He won a singing talent quest at the age of lative Council from 1988 to 1996, represent11 and in his teenage years appeared as a ‘Quiz ing Templestowe Province. He also served Kid’ on the popular radio program hosted by as Mayor of the City of Heidelberg.

Bruce travelled the world as a radio broadJohn Dease.

Bruce started a career as a cartoonist which caster and on behalf of the many organisations eventually led to journalism. When a country in which he was involved.

He was in New York on September 11, race caller failed to arrive at a trotting meeting 2001, and was an eye witness to the terrorist Bruce stepped in and broadcast the event.

His skill that day led to offers from other attack on the World Trade Centre.

Bruce was awarded the Medal of the Orclubs and Bruce Skeggs began his career as a der of Australia (OAM) in 2000 for his sertrotting race caller. racing, to the Victorian ParHe went on to call a world-record 34,000 vice to harness and local government, and to the comharness races, including 20 Inter-Dominion liament Grand Finals from 1959 to 1979 for a net- munity.

Bruce was president of 96.5FM for more work of radio stations. than 10 years and presented programs on the Bruce called races in 16 different countries community radio station. When he retired including Australia, New Zealand, Bruce was made a patron of 96.5 FM. United States of America, Canada, Italy, By a strange twist of fate one of his vocal Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Germany. recordings was played on his beloved radio staHe was a harness racing journalist at The tion on the day he died.

Argus and Farm and Home newspapers in the Bruce was a gentleman and a role model to early 1950s. his family, friends and colleagues.

In 1957 he joined Southdown Press and Sadly Bruce lost his son Robbie and wife launched the original TV Week magazine. Evelyn in recent years. Our sympathy is exBruce wrote the popular column On The tended to Philip, Julie, Margaret and all the Beam for TV Week and feature articles on the family. We have all lost a good friend. local television stars.

- Kevin Trask

Easter break ■ The Melbourne Observer will not be published next week (Wed., April 3) because of the Easter break. Our next issue will be published on April 10, then it is weekly until Christmas. Our office will re-open on Wed., April 3.

Teenage drug dealer ● Cal Wilson ■ The Melbourne International Comedy Festival kicks off today (Wed., Mar. 27) and runs until April 21 at various venues.

This comedic feast includes Tom Gleeson presenting Hello Bitches from March 28 - April 21 at the Melbourne Town Hall.

Hannah Gadsby presents Nakedy Nudes on March 30, April 6, 13, and 20 at the NGV International (Clemenger BBDO Auditorium), 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.

Peter Helliar will be performing Whatevs (... Forevs) at the Victoria Hotel between April 9-21, and Cal Wilson Is Guilty can be seen at the Melbourne Town Hall between March 28 and April 21.

Tom Ballard is playing at the Swiss Club, 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne from March 28 to April 21 and Dan Ilic at the Trades Hall from April 9 - 20. www.comedyfestival.com.au/2013/ season/ for details of all MICF performances - Cheryl Threadgold

■ A 15-tear-old Geelong ‘ice’ dealer who oversaw a teenage crime gang while sleeping on the streets has been caught by police after months on the run.

Probes cost $40,000 ■ Costs of the numerous inquiries and investigations at the Rural City of Wangaratta are expected to skyrocket above the $50,000 mark, reports The Chronicle. The Council is the subject of an inquiry by the local government investigations and compliance inspectorate

Harness driver out ■ Shayne Cramp's appeal against a sixmonth disqualification has been dismissed by Harness Racing Victoria's Racing Appeals Disciplinary Board. Cramp has been guilty of foul driving. He has been fined $10,000

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday. Mostly cloudy. 17°-33°.

Thursday. Chance of rain. 9°-22°.

Friday. Partly cloudy. 10°-17°.

Saturday. Partly cloudy. 12°-23°.

Sunday. Partly cloudy. 10°-18°.

Monday. Clear. 12°-30°.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 ● Bruce Skeggs at the Showgrounds

● Bruce Skeggs MLA

● Evelyn and Bruce Skeggs

● Bruce Skeggs at 96.5 Inner FM

THE TOP 5 DIVERSIONS JULIA GILLARD COULD CREATE TO TAKE THE HEAT OFF HER GOVERNMENT 5. Marry Justin Bieber.

4. Appoint Nick Xenophon as Ambassador to Malaysia.

3. When Wayne Swan next faces a press conference, whack him in the face with a cream pie.

2. Attach a funny nose to those new glasses.

1. Accuse the Opposition of ‘Tanking’. That'll do it.

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Di Before The Game

■ What a week it was! Ballots, no ballots; adults behaving like children, children behaving like adults.

Thank goodness Before The Game is back on Channel 10. Some semblance of sanity prevails.

Australia’s favourite AFL footy show, Before The Game returned to our screens bringing some of Australia’s funniest people to the panel to talk all things footy.

I think there is something so grounding about our wonderful AFL. It always relaxes me and always makes me feel part of the tribe.

Dave Hughes, Mick Molloy, Andrew Maher, Anthony’Lehmo’ (soon to be married) Lehmann, and Ryan ‘Fity” Fitzgerald are back. Thank heavens!

I must say I will miss Sam Lane on the panel, however know she will do well in her new role with the boys at Channel 7 sport.

The new face to the panel is Neroli Meadows. Originally from Perth, Neroli began her career in radio as a sports producer with 6PR, before making the move east, where she began boundary riding for ABC Grandstand and is now part of the Fox Footy team.

With two older brothers and a love for AFL, in particular the Fremantle Dockers, there’s no doubt Neroli will hold her own among the boys if her first appearance is anything to go by.

I love the show. It’s always jam-packed with guests, fun and laughter particularly with Mick Molloy and ‘Fitzy’ – they always make me laugh – a lot.

Tool of the Week is always loads of fun and aptly appointed every time.

There is a great sense of comradeship on this show and makes staying home on a Saturday night so much better.

Before The Game is on Channel 10 at 6.30pm.

It is great the bosses at Ten had the temerity to bring the show back to Saturday nights right where it belongs.

Artists fly into Melb.

■ In case you hadn’t noticed, there are a lot of international artists in town at the moment, 24 international acts have converged on Melbourne.

I was lucky enough to catch up with a couple of them. Carlos Santana recorded an interview for 7.30 on ABCTV1 in Melbourne.

It will come up soon for all to see: gentle, talented, spiritual, very present, charming, smart with a memory to be envied, Carlos was everything one would be expect.

I was bowled over by him. He glided into the room and the room stood still. I love it when people do that, have seen it happen with very special artists.

Santana will appear at the Deni Blues & Roots Festival at Deniliquin Easter Weekend. I will be there in my glam camping tent and cannot wait to sleep under the stars whilst watching the stars in action.

I have always wanted to see the fabulous Grammy Award-winning Santana, Steve Miller Band, Bonnie Raitt and Jimmy Cliff and they will all be on the same bill over Easter weekend. denibluesfestival.com

I love my job!

For SPOT THE STAR: THERE’S MOLLY!

■ Talk about ‘spot the star. There are so many stars coming to Melbourne, it is great.

Molly Ringwald is a star and she is coming. I adore Molly Ring-wald.

A celebrated actress and author, Molly is coming to give a concert in Melbourne on Friday, June 21.

She will be very much the toast of the town as she attends the Writers’ Festival and graces the stage of the Melbourne Recital Centre.

With a new CD in tow titled Except Sometimes, the criticallyacclaimed actress will always to me be remembered for her fabulous performance in movie The Breakfast Club.

In an homage to the Great American Songbook, Ringwald will present during her concert in Melbourne a carefully chosen selection of nine standards which she caps off with her take on The Breakfast Club classic Don’t You (ForgetAbout Me).

The release of Except Sometimes will be accompanied by select tour dates in Australia as well as appearances in conjunction with the release of her bestselling new novel, When It Happens to You. Just quietly I think that would a very good read!

Ringwald says: “I grew up in a home filled with music and had an early appreciation of jazz since my dad was a jazz musician, pianist Bob Ringwald.

“Beginning at around age three I started singing with his band and jazz music has continued to be one of my three passions along with acting and writing.

“I like to say jazz

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Molly Ringwald music is my musical out in her movies, in equivalent of comfort 1992, a lifelong Francophile (or food.

“It’s always where I Gallophile, is an ingo back to when I want dividual just in case like me you had to look it to feel grounded.”

An actress of both up and make sure I was stage and screen, right, who has a strong Molly was cast in positive predisposition Paul Mazursky’s or interest toward the film Tempest at the age government, culture, history, or people of of 13.

Her performance as France), Molly Miranda, the daugh- moved to Paris where ter of John Cassa- she acted in such forvetes and Gena eign films mostly Rowlands, earned her French where she a Golden Globe spoke French fluently.

Molly will perform nomination, and she went on to star in nu- at the Melbourne merous films, including Recital Centre on FriThe Pick-Up Artist, day June 21, more deFor Keeps, Fresh tails to come.

I am very excited Horses, Betsy’s Wedding, Cindy Sher- about this visit of man’s Offer Killer, Molly’s.

If like me, who has Billy Bob Thornton’s short film Some been a Molly Folks Call It a Sling Ringwald fan for a Blade, Jean-Luc long time, I know I will Godard’s King Lear, be seeing a lot of and the now-iconic people at the events she John Hughes’ mov- will be at.

I will be writing ies Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and more about her for sure.

Pretty In Pink.

She was fabulous in all of these films.

A most interesting ■ I had a tooth out this woman and a young week. I have to tell you girl who always stood it was so painful, with

Forward!

● Dave Hughes on Before The Game (Channel 10)

all the modern injections and the quickness of it all, when things go wrong they go wrong.

I looked a female moon and had so much pain. It made me think that pain is so restrictive and it effects so much of what we do.

I am fortunate I am able to take medication and in time it will all calm down and I will be back to normal and forget the pain.

However when it is happening, it is not good.

Despite it all, like a true soldier I moved forward.

I have a sign on my desk that reads, Just Keep Moving Forward. It works.

Drama!

■ Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2013 has started and there are crowds of people everywhere.

One of my favourite comedians is Joel Creasey. His life is like a Broadway show. He makes me laugh a lot.

From Perth, he has made Melbourne his home.

His show in the Melbourne Comedy Festival is called The Drama Captain.

Like a Broadway show, his life is like a good blockbuster with bundles of conflict – something Joel can’t seem to avoid.

At age 16, he rigged an election ensuring he was elected Drama Captain of his high school.

Ever since, that title seems to have stuck, literally.

At just 22, he’s been dumped, fired and beaten up.

Luckily Joel is armed to face all this with his two greatest

weapons – an acidtongue and a bangin’ haircut.

Coming off a sellout season of Naked in 2012, I am really looking forward to seeing Joel in this show.

He is certainly Australia’s hottest rising star of comedy.

The Age calls him “A revelation!”

The Herald Sun says: “No doubt he’ll go a long way” with four stars!

The Pun last year wrote: “He could be Graham Norton’s younger Aussie clone.

Eloquent, polished and faaa-bulously funny”.

Graham Norton found out about it and I know from a very good source Joel is hanging out to be on Graham Norton’s program!

“At just 21, Creasey is one of those freakishly tal-

ented, good looking guys who has a bright future ahead of him.

Bastard.” – wrote SameSame online.

He is a great talent.

His shows for Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2013 are on Tues – Sun in the Portico Room, Melbourne Town Hall.

From March 28April 21. No shows on Mondays. 9:45pm (8:45pm Sundays) Bookings Ticketmaster 1300660013 or www.comedyfestival. com.au He’s a winner – trust me!

■ Happy Easter to everyone – eat as much chocolate as you like. Easter Buns too.

Be good to mates, have fun and remember what it is all for!

- Di Rolle

● Joel Creasey

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Page 9

Briefs

Media Flash

Enid sale

Inside news from TV, radio, press and online

Agent taunts newspapers ● Enid Blyton ■ An Enid Blyton Charity Book Sale is coming to Bendigo’s El Gordo in Chancery La. on Saturday (March 30), from 10am to 12 Noon.

All profits from the book sale will go the Y Service Men’s Club of Bendigo.

Stabbing

■ Geelong detectives have charged a 24year-old woman after an alleged stabbing in Norlane. Police found a 42-year-old man had suffered what is believed to be a number of stab wounds to the upper body. He was taken to Geelong Hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries.

Scammed ■ A Jeparit farmer lost more than $4000 in an internet scam after he listed machinery for sale in his local paper.

He received a text message from someone who claimed to be an interested buyer who could only communicate via email. After agreeing on an $11,000sale price, the scammer asked the farmer to organise and pay $4150 freight for the machinery to be shipped to London.

● The CHIME Choir will present an ANZAC Day Concert in Federation Square. Pictured is recently retired conductor Jayne Turner and pianist Coral Rafferty, with the choir.

■ The Choral Institute Melbourne (CHIME) Youth Choir, Brass Ensembles and tenor Roy Best.

Homage will be paid to those who have fallen, teswill celebrate the spirit of ANZAC through music on Thursday, April 25 at 2.30pm in ‘The Edge’Audito- timonies of life shared, and the courage and strength of the human spirit will be celebrated. rium, Federation Square.

Further details about this afternoon of reflection can The ANZAC Day Concert is being presented to honour service men and women, past and present, with be found by visiting www.chime.org.au, or call 0404 196 733. a music tribute of remembrance.

- Cheryl Threadgold On stage will be the CHIME Choir, the Exaudi

Chime

■ Melbourne real estate agent Philip Webb is taunting local newspaper groups, by withdrawing his advertising. His group is focusing on online promotion of properties for sale.

Webb claims that local newspapers in the area are being kept alive by real estate agents, “who use your money to promote themselves instead of what should be the star attraction – your property.”

A YouTube video produced by Webb points out that a marketing campaign with a newspaper costs between $5000 to $12,000 – “most of it spent on an advertising dinosaur, which is lucky to attract 0.5 per cent of your target audience. That’s not great return on investment for any vendor.”

GLOBETROTTER TO SING

■ Siobhan Stagg has come a long way since her first singing lessons in her hometown of Mildura.

Today the young soprano has some impressive notches to her vocal belt, as she completes her Masters on scholarship at the Wales International Academy of Voice in Cardiff.

Following that she will hop over to the famous Salzburg Festival (remember it from The Sound of Music?) to sing Pamina in a children's production of The Magic Flute.

Then she moves to Germany to start her year as a ‘Young Artist’ with the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

But this globetrotting singer is briefly home to launch an album of romantic songs with two concerts - one in her hometown of Mildura on April 2 and the other in Melbourne at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Wednesday April 6 at 6pm.

The album is called Hymne à l'amour (Hymn to Love) after the title track by the great French chanteuse, Edith Piaf.

It also features Siobhan's good friend Amir Farid, who is an established solo pianist with several CDs of his own.

Siobhan is delighted with what she gets to sing on the new CD. "We've put together an exquisite collection of romantic songs, from classics by Schubert and Liszt to a new piece written especially for us by one of my former singing teachers in Melbourne, Dermot Tutty.

“Some of the tracks I've been singing since I was at school in Mildura, while others are recent additions to my repertoire since moving to the UK late last year; but all of them contain elements of utter beauty and honesty and some special meaning for me, " Siobhan explained.

Siobhan and Amir won great success at the 2012 Mietta Song Competition, and this provided the opportunity to record the CD with Move Records.

Hymne à l'amour will be available for sale and personal signing by Siobhan and Amir at the Melbourne Recital Centre concert, and will also be available from April through iTunes, the Move website and music stores by request.

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

New album launch

● Philip Webb

Ellen loves Melbourne ■ US host Ellen DeGeneres arrived in Melbourne this week, with a black-tie event planned last night (Tues.) at the Grand Hyatt as the Melbourne Observer went to press.

Ellen recorded an episode of her TV program at the Sydney Opera House at the weekend.

● Siobhan Stagg This is one songbird who is doing big things internationally, so come and hear her on one of the rare occasions she is back on home turf. www.melbournerecital.com.au - Julie Houghton

● Ellen DeGeneres with Portia de Rossi

Little Dances

Minister donates photo

■ Little Dances is being presented at the La Mama Courthouse, Carlton, from March 27 to April 14.

Directed by Peita Collard and written and performed by Nicky Marr, Little Dances is a moved monologue that fuses storytelling with stand up, sit down and fall over gags.

From ballet shoes to high heels, Little Dances takes a cheeky look at the affectations of femininity, and this phenomenon called dance.

Finally the secret of dance will be revealed.

Performance Season: March 27 – April 14 Times: Wed, Sun 6.30pm; Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton.

Tickets: $25 full, $15 Concession Bookings: 9347 6142 or online www.lamama.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

■ Victoria’s new Arts Minister, Heidi Victoria, was special guest at Monash Gallery of Art’s annual fundraising dinner and auction on Saturday.

Having gained a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and operated her own photography business specialising in portraits and event photography, Ms Victoria has an enduring passion for photography.

“MGA’s fundraising dinner and auction is an opportunity to support one of Victoria’s most important art galleries,” Ms Victoria said.

“As Australia’s only public art gallery dedicated to the collection and promotion of Australian photography, MGA holds a very special place in the country’s network of art galleries and museums.

“This year I am thrilled to be able to donate one of my own works, which will hopefully raise important funds for this great gallery” Ms Victoria said.

MGA’s annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction raises vital funds to help MGA promote Australian photography through collection, exhibition and education to its local and national audience.

The picture joined works by some of Australia’s best photographers including Anne Zahalka, Rennie Ellis, Jacky Redgate and Jesse Marlow.

Page Page 10 10 -- Melbourne Melbourne Observer Observer -- Wednesday, Wednesday, March March 27, 27, 2013 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

Meera Sethi Foreign Returned exhibition until April 14 at Sofitel On Collins Photos courtesy: Fiona Byrne

● Gina Cottey, Emma Beinke and Lisa Dubois

● Meera Sethi and Karishma Kripalani

● Jade Bitar and Mikala Tai

● Myra Sutton, Annie Dawson and Di Rolle

● Meera Sethi and Magda Szubanski

● Philip and Shirley Keon with Paul and Von Lynch

● Tony Ayres and Lisa Warrender

● Sophie Benardeau Short, Fatau Geyer and Muriel Brock

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

BERT NEWTON MAKES STAGE COMEBACK WITH ‘GREASE’

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

‘Wrongly accused of snub’ ■ Brian Hickey, director of London Taxi Wedding Services, says he has been wrongly accused of turning his back on Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Hickey says he believes his company was not invited to participate in this year’s Weerama Festival parade at Werribee due to alleged slur.

He says he has never met the Prime Minis● Brian Hickey ter, apart from a function five years ago.

“How anyone could say I turned my back on the Prime Minster is nothing more than a lie,” Brian says. “I spent the whole parade (last year) sitting inside, on the rear seat of our London Taxi, as witnessed by the driver-owner.

“My company has been in the parade when available for more than15 years and we are happy to promote the parade but we were surprised not to invited in this year’s parade.”

“In my work in and around the media over 45 years I have meet and worked with John Gorton, Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke and have always had the respect for the office of the Prime Minster.”

PM’s bad hare day

● One of these is the Easter Bunny ■ With the Federal Government in disarray, Prime Minister Julia Gillard took time out this week to be photographed with the Easter Bunny, who looks a lot like Kyle Sandilands.

■ Fresh from quadruple heart bypass surgery late last year, Bert Newton is taking on the stage role of veteran disc jockey ‘Vince Fontaine’ in Grease.

Doctors said in December that Newton, 74, would have a six-month recovery period from the major surgery.

Newton will take to the stage, first in Brisbane on August 27, then Sydney (from October 13), then Melbourne (from January 2, 2014).

Tickets will go on sale from Monday, April 8.

Theatre producer John Frost announced this week that the multi-million dollar production of Grease will star Rob Mills as Danny, and Gretel Scarlett as Sandy.

Mills starred in Wicked, and is also a headliner in the upcoming production of Legally Blonde at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Others to star in Grease will be Todd McKenney as Teen Angel; Anthony Callea as student Johnny Casino; and Lucy Maunder as Rizzo.

Kenichie will be played by Stephen Mahy.

Others in the cast include Francine Cain (Frenchy), Chris Durling (Doody), Sam Ludeman (SWonny), Duane McGregor (Roger) and Laura Murphy (Jan).

The Melbourne season will have an opening night on Saturday, January 4. Tickets will be on sale, from $64.90 through Ticketek.

PHOTO; ASH LONG

● Bert Newton

ENVY BUG STILL HAUNTS MAYNE ■ Some 14 years on from his 18,000-word pre-election treatise against Jeff Kennett, Melbourne City Council’s Cr Stephen Mayne still seems to have a fixation about the former Victorian Premier.

Limited to just 140 characters on Twitter, Mayne appeared envious of Jeff’s ability to turn commentary into dollars: “Is Jeff Kennett getting paid for this live analy- ● Cr Stephen Mayne sis on Seven News? He's already on the payroll of 3AW and News Ltd.” Cr Mayne is paid $36,360 allowance, plus 9 per cent superannuation if applicable, for being a City of Melbourne Councillor. He lives in Templestowe.

Cr Mayne attempts a further dip on funds by asking - at his MayneReport. com website - to be hired as a public speaker.

He also appears at ABC Radio as a commentator.

Mayne has long taken shots at Jeff Kennett.

Mayne was a member of Kennett’s staff, but they fell out. Mayne later quit his Australian Financial Review job to stand against Kennett, but later found out he was ineligible to stand for election in that seat.

Mayne founded his Crikey newsletter, later selling it to interests associated with Eric Beecher for $1 million. Mayne later unsuccessfully stood for company directorships at AMP, Gunns, PMP, News, Fairfax, NRMA, Telstra, Centro, BHP, AWB and Rio Tinto.

● Rob Mills with Gretel Scarlett Photo: Matt Watson

Whispers

Stylista

● Lady Potter ■ Whispers overheard Lady (Primrose) Potter being asked about the etiquette pertaining to diamonds, when she attended the Melbourne Opera fundraiser at the National Gallery of Victoria last week.

Lady Potter said her grandmother had taught that a lady doesn’t wear diamonds before 11am, nor does she wear a watch after 8pm.

Abandon

Rumour Mill

Hear It Here First

Radio station burned ■ Which big name Melbourne celebrity agreed to a radio interview, confirmed with a presenter the day before, but then failed to appear or phone in?

● Stephen Conroy ■ Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has abandoned his media reform package after it failed to win support in Canberra late last week.

Big Apple

Hunt for mystery fiddler ■ Suburban radio station 96.5 Inner FM is on the hunt for a weekend presenter who changes studio settings, causing havoc with the shows that follow, according to Facebook chatter.

Jaspan heading home ■ Former Age Editor Andrew Jaspan is making a return to his old media stamping ground with the launch of a UK edition of The Conversation, reports The Australian.

Neighbours back on 10?

■ The Rumour Mill hears that the Ten Network will be under continuing pressure to return Neighbours to its major free-to-air Ten channel, from is Eleven channel. Neighbours is cutting into the audience also being sought by The Project in the same timeslot.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Maris O’Sullivan ■ A popular member of Melbourne’s showbiz fraternity, Maris O’Sullivan, is on her way to New York City.

She will be staying at the Affinia Dumont, a midtown East New York hotel focused on fitness. Her associate Michael Wilkie is in Hawaii.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

Melbourne

SIDE TOGETHER SIDE

It’s A Grand Affair

Our Doors are Open!

Bruce Cowie, Freemason of 15 years and Masonic Services Manager at Freemasons Victoria.

Last Friday evening, Freemasons from across Victoria gathered at the Dallas Brooks Centre in East Melbourne to witness the Grand Installation of Bob Jones, a ceremony which confirms and celebrates his position as Grand Master for another year.

The ceremony was executed on the stage of the Dallas Brooks Centre's auditorium by a Grand Ceremonial Team of 60 Freemasons who, with trumpets, ceremonial swords and well-rehearsed floor crossings, ensured a level of pomp and pageantry befitting such a grand occasion.

More than 500 Freemasons from around Victoria attended the ceremony along with family and friends.

Also heavily involved in that auspicious ceremony was lead organiser and Freemason of 15 years, Bruce Cowie.

"I enjoy the ceremonial side of Freemasonry, especially the very formal occasions such as the Grand Master's Installation.

“Great care is taken to ensure every detail is right, from the lighting, to the music, to the words spoken as part of the ceremony," said Mr Cowie.

"And a lot of time goes into preparing a Freemason's ceremonial attire. A Grand Officer's regalia must reflect the importance and formality of the occasion.

“We starch our collars, polish our shoes, make sure our tails are the right length and even ensure our buttons are sitting in the right place," he said.

Mr Cowie, a former banker, also works at the head office of Freemasons Victoria as the Masonic Services Manager.

He is primarily responsible for helping some 280 Lodges throughout the state conduct their Masonic business in accordance with the ancient constitution.

"Freemasonry is experiencing a monumental change as we continue to become a more open organisation.

“We are attracting many young members, and in fact the average age of new members is 35 years.

“My role in all of this is balance tradition with progress," said Mr Cowie.

In continuing to remove the secrecy surrounding the ancient fraternity, Freemasons Victoria now livestreams major ceremonies over the internet.

In addition, the public can also attend open nights and open installation ceremonies at local Lodges, which provide them with an insight into the ceremonial side of Freemasonry.

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

■ Long Shots had lunch on Friday with his dancing class partner from the 1970s, Astrida Cooper (nee Petersons) ... chaperoned by 80 other old blokes.

Astrida and I were at the ‘Brown era’ lunch at Ivanhoe Grammar School, where she is Director of Development.

The lunch celebrated the 1948-1974 era at IGS under the headmastership of Victor Roger Charge ‘Jock’ Brown.

At our table were old school mates Nick Aitken (‘Wilbur Wilde’), Wayne and Rob Motton, Gary Watson and Greg Wanliss. We laughed a lot.

Astrida showed perfect discretion by not revealing my shortcomings as a ‘two left-feet’ teenage dancer. Thanks mate.

Long Shots

Mr Bruce Skeggs

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

A Good Word For ...

■ Your scribe counts his blessings. Foot and leg wounds can be part of life for a diabetic ... and late last week I found myself at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital under the care of Professor Geoff Sussman and his team.

Geoff describes himself as a zealot, and has studied extensively overseas. He is a talented medico and teacher.

Australia is to the fore in wounds management, thanks to research led by Geoff and his colleagues.

We owe it to them to support them in all their research endeavours.

● Professor Geoff Sussman The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham. Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd. (ACN 096 680 063).

People

FILE PHOTO

● Astrida Cooper (nee Petersons) ■ How many readers had dancing lessons when they were teenagers? Long Shots was a secondary scholl student in the early 1970s. Once-a-week as Year 10 (Form 4) students we used to joke that the ‘Ivanhoe School for Backward Boys’ would meet with the Year 9 (Form 3) pupils of the ‘Ivanhoe School for Forward Girls’ to learn dancing skills. Awkward teenagers would be on separate sides of the hall, paired up, then coached in dancing and social etiquette.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS 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.

● Bruce Skeggs pictured at Eaglemont Photo: Ash Long (1985) ■ We lost Bruce Skeggs this week. Bruce was a fellow journalist; a radio man; a harness racing enthusiast; an excellent Rotarian; an able Parliamentarian; a good citizen; and a devoted family man.

Bruce was born in Cremorne, Sydney, and was a student at Katoomba (NSW) and Adelaide. At age 11, he won a the Australia’s Amateur Hour talent quest and the local paper ran a story likening him to Nelson Eddy.

Through his uncle, Bob Skeggs, who trained pacers and trotters, Skeggs developed a lifelong interest in harness racing.

At age 16 he won a cartooning contest run by the Adelaide News. He moved to Melbourne seeking work as a cartoonist with Smith’s Weekly.

He met Albert ‘Vic’ Smith, editor of The Guide, a weekly racing and trotting form guide. He encouraged Bruce to work on the form guides, becoming like a second son.

As a trotting commentator, Bruce became the ‘Voice of Victorian Trotting’ for more than 30 years.

Bruce was President of the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club. He established Cabon Publishing Company Pty Ltd and was the editor for the Australian Trotting Register from 1960 to 2005.

Radio man Keith McGowan was part of his team.

One of Skeggs favourite projects was the Heidelberg-based community radio station 96.5 Inner FM. He was keen for me to take over his weekday morning program when I started the Diamond Valley Advertiser newspaper in 1995. Work commitments meant I was unable to take up the offer.

Bruce served Freemasonry as Past Deputy Grand Master in Victoria, He was active at St George’s Anglican Church.

His son Phil rose to a senior editorial role at the Herald Sun, and contributed sports results to my Advertiser newspaper in the 1990s. The Skeggs family is a fine one.

Bruce was devoted husband of 53 years to Evelyn (dec.). He was loved father to Philip, Julie, Robbie (dec.) and Margaret. He wa grandfather of Ben, Thomas, Twyla, Rose and Angus. He was fatherin-law to June.

Bruce Skeggs will be misssed.

- Ash Long

Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “Most of us want other people’s children to behave the way ours should.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ Profanity is an evidence of the lack of a sufficient vocabulary - and brains.

Text For The Week ■ “And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit.”

- Romans 1:4

Free reader ads are available in the Classifieds section of the ‘Melbourne Observer’

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Page 13

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Readers’ Club 100 Years Ago The Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday, March 28, 1913 DEATH. MR. JOHN JENNINGS. After an illness of about three weeks, during which he was for days only semi- conscious, Mr. John Jennings, sen., an old and well-known resident, died at his residence, Hume-street, Wodonga, about four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, the cause being senile decay.

For months before his death Mr Jennings had not been in the most robust health, and his eyes often gave him trouble, but he had no serious symptoms until a few weeks ago.

Signs of a general break-up of the system then became more apparent, and Mr. Jennings was confined to his bed, his condition becoming critical. He improved after a couple of days, but shortly afterwards became worse, and was frequently delirious, his medical advisers expressing the opinion that the end was not far away, the prediction being verified a few days afterward.

Deceased was 73 years of age, a carpenter by trade, and a native of Liverpool, England, sailing for Australia as carpenter's mate of the ship Ellerbrae when he was 10 years of age. The vessel, however, was wrecked when less than 100 miles from England, the crew and passengers being saved.

Deceased made another attempt to reach Australia some months later, sailing this time as ship's carpenter to the Albatross, and eventually reached his destination. After reaching this district, Mr. Jennings tem porarily relinquished his trade, and became proprietor of the Half-way hotel, Albury road. Disposing of this place, he built the Victoria hotel, Sydney-street, where he carried on business for some years, then accepting the position of manager for Messrs. Dagleish and Mitchell, sawmillers. This postion he held during the construction of the railway line from Wodonga to Albury.

Melbourne Photo Flashback

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

Buy at your newsagent, or by mail subscription.

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● Bookmakers’ area at the Stawell Gift held at Easter 1961.

Life’s Lessons

Reader Recipes

■ “You don't have to disrespect and insult others simply to hold your own ground. If you do, that shows how shaky your own position is.”

- Red Haircrow

■ Sphallolalia. Flirtatious talk that leads nowhere.

Trivia Challenge ■ What animal is on the WA flag?

Your Stars with Christina La Cross ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) I know you may think it's a case of better the devil you know, but I know you can do so much better than accepting second best. When to make such a dramatic change? Why now Aries.

TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) Friends turn into lovers for many of you Taureans but then you always did need someone who could be your best friend and your lover all rolled into one. Age gaps at this stage bring criticism.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Nothing is black and white right now. Everything comes with a complication and some of them seem to have been of your own making. Bringing in new and fresh opinions helps today.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) What someone promises and what they can actually deliver could be two different stories. Why not let time be the judge Cancer? This rush you're in is a cause for concern my friend.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Family cause a few problems but that's only because they care about you and what you do. Be careful who you trust to look after things for you. Your first choice might not be your best.

VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) Don't take the authority you have over certain people to extremes. You'll gain far more respect if you get people to do things because they want to, than if you back them into a corner.

LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) Many of the signs are too busy to do all that they've promised, so make sure you have a back up plan. It will serve you well, especially if you're dealing with matters of a financial nature.

SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) Planning to go to places which are fresh and don't hold old memories helps you to find new inspiration and enthusiasm for life. A younger face seems at first to be a threat.

Trust me, they're the opposite.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) You possess many talents you haven't even tapped into yet. Others can see it, but you've been too busy looking at what's not working to see what is. Meetings planned now are the beginning of big things.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) Look at what you're doing to your body. Your chart shows it would be possible to live a much healthier life even with just a few little tweaks. A healthier body and mind work miracles my friend.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) Stop being bullied by those who think they know you better than know yourself. Take charge before you lose control altogether. Jupiter gives you the chance to grow and learn this month. Use it or lose it.

PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) A more emotive day than usual when you find yourself getting misty eyed. You start to see that there is a future for you and that the restrictions placed on you were mental.

FAX: 1-800 231 312 E-MAIL: editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

Birthdays/Celebrations

Word Of The Week

Answer: Black swan

The Way We Were

● Choc-mallow Easter Eggs Courtesy: taste.com.au Ingredients 1kg icing sugar mixture 1/2 cup caster sugar 2 teaspoons powdered gelatine 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 3 drops red food colouring 200g milk chocolate, chopped Method Notes Step 1: Wash and dry egg. Reserve 2 tablespoons icing sugar. Arrange remaining icing sugar in a 5cm-deep, 23cm x 29cm (base) baking dish.

Smooth surface. Press egg halfway into sugar to form an egg-shaped indent. Repeat to form 15 indents, leaving 2.5cm between each indent.

Step 2: Combine caster sugar and 1/3 cup cold water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until sugar dissolves.

Add gelatine to caster sugar mixture. Simmer, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until gelatine dissolves. Transfer to a bowl. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Using an electric mixer, beat mixture on high speed for 8 minutes or until white and very thick. Add vanilla and red food colouring. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is pale pink.

Step 4: Working quickly, spoon 1 rounded tablespoon of mixture into each of the 15 indents.

Smooth tops. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set (tops will still be slightly sticky to the touch). Dust eggs with reserved icing sugar before removing.

Step 5: Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on medium (50%) for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute with a metal spoon, or until smooth.

Step 6: Using a fork, dip each marshmallow egg into chocolate, shaking off excess. Place on tray.

Refrigerate until set. Serve.

Cheerios ■ Cheerio to Joan Miles of Ormond who wrote to thank the Observer for free tickets to Jersey Boys. Joan had recently suffered from a painful bout of shingles; we wish Joan well on her recovery. Joan said we made a mistake on her birthday details - we quoted her as being 11 years younger than she is!

■ Wednesday, March 27. Julie Scott, mother of entertainer Brendan Scott, is 72. Observer reader Barbara Mayers of Noble Park is 54.

■ Thursday, March 28. Country Victorian radio presenter Jon Vertigan is 39.

■ Friday, March 29. Good Friday. Happy birthday to Observer columnist Di Rolle.

■ Saturday, March 30. Entertainer Debra Byrne is 56. Neighbours star Alan Fletcher is 56.

■ Sunday, March 31. Observer reader, Merryn Aldous, of Yea, is 47.

■ Monday, April 1. April Fools Day. Gaylene Thompson celebrates her birthday today. Observer reader Andrew Baudinette is 47. Observer reader Heather Kirby of Seymour is 63. Werribee reader Roslyn Mann is 62.

■ Wednesday, April 3. Happy birthday to Observer reader Dennis Wall.

■ Friday, April 5. Birthday honours to Melbourne showbiz industry personality Michelle van Raay. 3AW identity Shane McInnes is 29. Observer subscriber Don Davy of Ferntree Gully is 69.

■ Saturday, April 6. Happy birthday to Observer reader Bruce Gow. ■ Monday, April 8. Happy birthday to Observer reader Sean Callander.

■ Tuesday, April 9. It is entertainer Jamie Redfern’s special day; happy birthday Jim. Observer reader Mrs R Tonkin of East Malvern is 70.

Good Friday Apeal

■ The Good Friday Appeal is a fundraising activity on behalf of the Royal Children's Hospital. Last year’s total was $15,820,640.78.

The Appeal started in 1931 when groups of journalists from The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd organised a sporting carnival in aid of Melbourne hospitals. The proceeds from the appeal initially went to different hospitals each year, but from their third year proceeds have gone exclusively to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

In 1942, Sir Keith Murdoch as Managing Director and Editor of The Herald agreed that the newspaper and radio station 3DB (now MIX 101.1) should broadcast an all day appeal on Good Friday. In 1957, Channel 7 joined the appeal and presented a three-hour telethon on Good Friday afternoon. In 1960, the telethon adopted the day-long format which continues annually to this day.

The Good Friday Appeal is now held at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium from where Channel 7, 3AW and Magic 1278 all conduct their day's broadcast.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Victoria Pictorial

Historic Photo Collection

● Queen Street, Melbourne. 1906.

● Indian Elephant, Melbourne Zoological Gardens. 1906.

● Tea House. Botanic Gardens. 1904

● View from Gem Pier, Wiliamstown. 1906.

● Town Hall, Northcote. 1909.

● Mordialloc Creek. 1907.

● Railway Station, Sandringham. 1911.

● River Yarra and Hawthorn Bridge. 1906.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Page 15

Showbiz Extra

Finbar Furey performs at the Spiegeltent

● Finbar Furey performed at the Spiegeltent on Monday night

■ Finbar Furey performed at the Famous Spiegeltent on Monday night (Mar, 25) this week as part of his Australian tour.

He sang the old favourites as well as some new songs.

He played the banjo, guitar, tin whistle and the pipes.

And being Finbar he told some yarns as well.

Finbar mentioned me in the intro to his song Sweet 16, a track of his I played often on 3AW when I used to be Keith McGowan. Thanks Finbar.

Did you think Finbar would get out of Melbourne without being photographed with Angela McGowan?

- Keith McGowan

● Angela McGowan and Finbar Furey after Monday night’s show

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

SUFFERING MY WEEK FROM HELL

■ After being almost incoherent after nine days of blistering, mind numbing and brutal heat, itwas the culmination of those freakish days.

It was the absolute pits and should never be repeated, ever, in one lifetime.

Moosh, my poor old cat felt the heat so much that he took himself off to the garden and wherever he found there was a shadow being cast by a tree, and certainly never a ray of sunshine, that’s where he kipped.

I’ve talked in previous columns about the problems of looking after a cat with dementia, and therefore not being able to find him was much cause of concern in case that he strayed from our property searching for a cool oasis somewhere in the district.

We worried that he would forget where he lived. If he can forget where his food dish is or where the bedroom is then imagine if his quest for a cool place was somewhere unknown to him.

Finding Moosh ■ I took heart in the fact that he is such a cute cat with his big blue eyes that someone would find him, even for no other reason that he would be yelling at the top of his voice, and take him to a shelter. He’s micro chipped, so we’d get him home.

We finally found him curled up under the weeping cherry tree where he’d made a nest in the ginger plants that shared the same spot.

If only I had the courage not to eat when I became hot, but it will never happen.

Moosh doesn’t eat because he forgets and he seems to have lost weight during this heat wave and is looking very lithe.

Unfortunately, his voice has become stronger and with his temper shorter, he lets us know he’s displeased with very loud and long yowling.

Peter and I gave him sponge baths, which he really appreciated.

We will all just have to hang on and wait out the hot weather.

Gastro attacks rife ■ Then Peter came down with a gastric attack.

This piece of medical information even received a front page in one newspaper.

We were told that it was rife in Melbourne.

Babies and the elderly should go straight to hospital if the symptoms appeared.

There was no way I was going to get Peter to

Yvonne’s Column

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

hospital although he did look sick and he said that he felt dreadful.

To be on the safe side I rang his doctor who gave me instructions for his care and told me to phone him if the condition became worse.

All it would have needed was for me to pick up the bug, and it would have been like the blind leading the blind.

Perhaps Florence Nightingale was channelling me, but somehow I managed in the kitchen and to look after a sickie.

Fire! Kitchen ablaze ■ I did however, nearly set the kitchen on fire.

I’d been meaning to buy a small fire extinguisher next time I went to Bunnings, but I always forgot.

And I don’t know where Peter had put the fire blanket, so all I could do was to yell for him to get out of bed and save the kitchen.

He got it out. The kitchen didn’t go up, but we now have to buy a new stove.

I keep my eye on ‘Braveheart The Second’, the fish I rescued. It becomes easy after a while to check on him when I go to the mailbox.

After that, I told him that he was on his own until the heat wave passed.

I wondered if this is what hell must be like with the heat becoming more intense depending on what dastardly deeds you had done on earth.

My constant companion ■ I braved it to attend to some voluntary work that I am involved with and it’s essential you attend.

Last-minute excuses would not be considered because clients are booked for specific times.

But I grabbed my trusty black folding fan, which was a purchase I made in China.

It became my constant companion and was the first thing to go in my handbag, even before make-up and my purse during those days when I felt a hot flush coming on.

The worse it became, the more vigorous I fanned my face. Many times, at a meeting, I shared my fan with other women who were experiencing the same problem.

How clever are the Geisha girls who are taught to use the fan in the most interesting fashion, and of course showing them off to the best advantage.

Well, my black fan became the talking point at Board meetings. I let my fellow colleagues think it was just Lawrence being flamboyant.

Resigning from radio ■ The week wasn’t over, and I did something I had been thinking about for many months: I resigned from radio 3WBC 94.1FM. I’d been unhappy about many things, and there was no point in discussing it with the manager because I secretly think he was happy to see me go. Besides, he didn’t ask me for a reason.

What manager, no matter how inexperienced he or she is would say when told that of the resignation, “ when do you want to go”?

Why did I think that the manager of the station would miss my Life and Style program?

In fact, how delusional of me to think that I would be missed at all?

Well, according to the manager all volunteers and presenters have egos. So? The point being?

I’m glad I’d thought about my actions for a few days because I haven’t missed it as much as I thought I would.

I was heartened with the e-mails that I received from listeners thanking me for the enjoyment that I had given them.

Thanks Ken ■ Tuning in to the station to listen to Ken Lyons, a friend and colleague who conducts Radio Chemist on a Monday before I’d slide into the chair as

he left, I was so touched to hear the kind words, which he directed at me.

You are indeed a good friend Ken, and I thank you for your sincere words. They will indeed stay with me.

Here is an idea Ken. How about the two of us presenting a show business gossip program.

You have the most wonderful tales from when you ran the chemist shop next to the Tivoli Theatre.

From the chorus girls to the visiting stars, you met them all, and the stories are endless.

I must say it’s terrific now that I don’t have to spend Sundays preparing my program, and then presenting it on Mondays, I ow have a long weekend to spend with my husband, and I don’t feel at all bad about resigning.

The bubble has to break, and presenters will at last have a say with the result that 94.1FM may finally reach its potential.

There are some very knowledgeable presenters who give their time freely. And if they are classed as volunteers with egos, so be it. Who cares?

The old maxim that states a ship is only as good as its captain has a lot going for it.

Sounding positive

■ Lovely to hear Ash Long, editor of the Melbourne Observer, sound so positive after his recent health scare.

I rang him feeling that a chat might make me forget the heat, and you know what, it did.

I love mixing with positive people, and those who care, and talking to Ash made me see that my resignation from the radio station was the right thing for me to do now.

We’ll break bread soon.

I sat back waiting for the promised cool weather to arrive, and some rain for our parched gardens before all the plants turn up their toes.

Not joking ...

■ So, now you know when I say it was a week from hell I wasn’t joking.

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

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

■ I have recently watched several old films starring George Sanders and I thought he was a wonderful actor.

The highlight of his career came in 1950 when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the classic film All About Eve. George Henry Sanders was born in St Petersburg in Russia in 1906. His parents were English and he had a brother Tom and a sister Margaret.

His father was a successful rope manufacturer and at the outbreak of the Russian Revolution in 1917 the family fled to England leaving most of their wealth behind.

The children were educated in the UK and George was a very good swimmer and boxer.

In his teenage years he grew to be very tall and handsome. George got a job in an advertising agency and appeared as a featured extra singing beside a piano in a bar in the Gracie Fields film Love Life And Laughter.

In 1936 he was cast in his first supporting screen role in Find The Lady. This led to parts in American films and George portrayed ‘cads’ in films such as Lloyd's of London, Rebecca and Confessions Of A Nazi Spy. In 1937 he told his friend David Niven that he would commit suicide at the age of 65.

He made his first ‘Saint’ film in 1939, The Saint Strikes Back playing the suave Simon Templar for the first time on screen.

He made a series of five Saint films and also

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

George Sanders

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM portrayed The Falcon in another three films. In 1942 he co-starred with his brother Tom Conway (who changed his name after George became famous) in The Falcon's Brother.

His memorable role came in The Picture Of Dorian Gray when he played Sir Henry Wotton in the adaptation of the classic story by Oscar Wilde.

George Sanders was now a major film star who specialised in playing supporting roles.

He made several pictures with Angela Lansbury and was at his best as the nasty Saron of Gaza in the 1949 film Samson And Delilah.

He got his ‘just deserts’ when he was crushed between two huge chunks of concrete after Samson moved the giant pillars and brought the

● George Sanders temple down. George sang onscreen in Call Me Madam and had a fine baritone voice.

He recorded an album of songs The George Sanders Touch: Songs For The Lovely Lady which is a collector's item today.

His notable films included Ivanhoe, I Can Get It For You Wholesale, Solomon And Sheba, Village Of The Damned and A Shot in the Dark.

He voiced ‘Shere Khan’ in the Walt Disney

animated film The Jungle Book and also played the villain ‘Mr Freeze’ in the Batman television series.

He was married four times and his wives included Zsa Zsa Gabor and her sister Magda.

Sadly Tom Conway suffered with alcoholism and died in 1967.

In 1972 George fulfilled his prediction to David Niven when he checked into a hotel in Barcelona Spain and several days later his body was found beside five empty bottles of pills. He left a note which read Dear World, I am leaving because I am bored.

I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool. Good luck.

Sadly he suffered from depression and unfortunately he was unable to get the help that is now available in Australia with the marvellous organisations such as Beyond Blue.

George Sanders was a colorful character in Hollywood and his on-screen performances are just wonderful - thank goodness for DVDs. He has two well deserved stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au

MIXING IT AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

■ Living in Melbourne, one rarely gets to see VIPs firsthand, let alone cross their paths and rub shoulders with them.

I always check number plates on cars, and occasionally I'll notice a shiny limo swishing by, sporting just a crown instead of the customary plates, indicating that our nominal leader is aboard.

That's as close as I've ever been to Victoria's Government House occupant.

With the NT's recent governor, Ted Egan, it's a different story.

Before his inauguration, I'd often wine and dine with him in his mud brick home, and if the wining was excessive, bunk down on his couch and creep away in the early hours and drive home.

And it's the same with politicians.

At tourism functions in Melbourne, I've occasionally encountered the current Minister for Tourism.

In the Territory it was almost every week. He'd often attend such functions, and his political mates would often be strolling down the Mall.

Paul Henderson, the then Chief Minister, would often drop into the shop for a chat.

Not much chance of that in Melbourne!

■ I have always been fascinated by the phenomenon of crop circles, and have studied them quite a bit.

There are two types - one where stalks have been broken, indicating that pranksters have stuck boards to their feet, and trampled the plants down.

The second type are more interesting - the stalks are bent naturally, and are still growing. There was even one reported on a lawn in Alice when I was there.

I once encountered a strange pattern in a crop beside the road in a wheatfield north of Adelaide, so wandered in to the farmhouse to inquire about it.

The cocky was somewhat bemused by my interest, explaining that he had done it himself with his harvester as a prelude to finishing the whole paddock And then I occasionally see eccentric individuals who have shaved patterns in their closely cropped hair, with the occasional swastika on a menacing skinhead.

And occasionally I have seen a cat or dog which has been thus tampered with. This happened in Darwin recently.

Yvonne Birch's cat Chloe had staggered home the other night and to

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au her surprise, Yvonne noticed that someone had actually shaved a strange pattern into her side.

Of course this was reported as headlines in the inimitable NT News: ‘Catnapper Shaved My Pussy!’

■ Ozzie and I would often share St Patrick's Day in our mate Sean's ‘Irish Bar’.

Sean put on the usual accoutrements - a bit of green beer, and green tins of VB everywhere, plus a splash or two of Guinness.

And, of course, the place was always packed all night with revellers.

It seems that this was the case in Darwin this month.

"A shocking weekend for drink driving," Sergeant Jorgensen reported.

In one particular incident, a couple had been out for a night of drinking and gambling, when, on the way home, she leapt out of the moving car during a heated argument. The husband was so shocked that he crashed into a tree.

However, he managed to scoop her up, and, back into the car, around to the Darwin Hospital.

She was treated for minor injuries,

and he was pinged by the police - 0.198.

And then another reveller tipped the scales at 0.247.

They had a happy Saint Pat's Day! ■ There are always cane toads about in Darwin. And always stories about them.

Ever since they hopped into the Territory from Queensland a few years ago, there have been constant efforts to get rid of them, always to no avail, They cause havoc amongst native wildlife, especially the goannas and freshwater crocodiles, who cannot distinguish them from normal frogs, often their staple diet; so they gobble down these poisonous critters to their fatal detriment.

Now some Sydney scientists are importing 40 toads into Australia to study them. It's not as though there aren't plenty here!

They want to investigate the breeding patterns, they claim. And in doing so they may just find new ways to control them, they say. The project will cost about $1,000,000 and last for five years.

Frogwatch's Graeme Sawyer said: "That mob come up with the wackiest bull ---- about toads!"

Granted, it may be all well and good, but I have always maintained that a bounty on their heads, as with dingoes and foxes, may well work.

This was the case with Tasmanian Tigers years ago, and look what happened to them!

■ A local Darwin teacher has recently decided that he will be leaving town shortly. For the sake of his fiveyear-old daughter.

As with any NT town, Darwin exemplifies the ‘pioneer spirit’, and in Australia this goes along with a huge consumption of alcohol - three times the national average.

And, of course, it's a macho dominated culture, with the male youths of the NT growing up with scant respect and regard for their female companions, according to Ron Whiteman, who's seen it all as a secondary teacher for the past ten years.

As a result, when they reach their teenage years the girls are often stuck in a dilemma as to how to conduct themselves, and usually go along with the acceptance of this behaviour from their male companions, knowing and seeing nothing different, and drink to excess themselves, with appalling

sexual activity. There is no real middle road. It either this, or have no social life.

And to make matters worse, there's only one active social area in Darwin, where everyone congregates, locals and tourists alike, often riotous backpackers.

And that's Mitchell Street, replete with many liquor outlets.

"A brawling beer-soaked strip that masquerades as entertainment," says Rohan.

He said that his daughter would probably end up there when she grew into a teenager, for want of any social alternative, and he didn't want this for her.

And further, to add to this, there'll soon be another 3000 single gas workers, and a further 2500 US Marines coming to town.

"A testosterone-heavy, alcohol-fuelled nightmare waiting to explode."

Not for my teenage daughter either!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

● Ted Egan

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ With all the turmoil in Canberra, we reckon John Pasquarelli must be on the mend. Let’s hope his column returns soon after Easter.

- John Pasquarelli:, kojak@mmnet.com.au

Right on the Button ■ James Button spent a year writing speeches for Kevin Rudd. Before that, he reported on politics as a highly regarded journalist for Fairfax.

But James also has politics in the blood. His father was the diminutive but larger-than-life Senator John Button, who was a minister in the Hawke and Keating governments.

Growing up, James watched a roll-call of political luminaries debating the fate of the Labor Party.

He saw great victories and de-

feats at close hand. He believes both his father and his family paid a heavy price for politics.

Morag Fraser will be in conversation with James at the Upper Gallery, Montsalvat, Hillcrest Ave, Eltham on Thursday, April 18.

Time: 6.30pm until 8pm Cost: Couples: $50; Singles; $40 includes a glass of wine, nibbles and a signed copy of Speechless or an equal value gift voucher for the bookshop. Phone: 9439 8700 elthambookshop@bigpond.com