Eighties pop icon Boy George and a range of high-profile Australian performers will be the headline attractions at next year's Mardi Gras party, as organisers reshape the event in a bid to attract new interest.

The party, on Saturday 3 March, will also feature extended live shows by local bands and seven venues celebrating everything from Australian cultural icons to the retro appeal of lycra.

New Mardi Gras is confident the new-look party will build on the success of this year's event, despite a slight rise in 2007 ticket prices.

"We're taking the Mardi Gras party in a new direction and I think it's really going to reach out to new audiences," New Mardi Gras chair Marcus Bourget told Sydney Star Observer.

The seven party spaces will celebrate various community icons, reflecting the 2007 Mardi Gras festival's Objects of Love theme.

"We want to give a really diverse experience to everyone who comes to the party," Bourget said.

Former Culture Club lead singer Boy George is scheduled to play a DJ set in the Hordern Pavilion. The venue will have a Journey theme, a nod to the many overseas visitors Mardi Gras attracts.

"Boy George is an awesome DJ and a worldwide icon in the gay and lesbian community," Bourget said.

The décor in the Sunburnt Country-themed Royal Hall of Industries will pay tribute to national icons such as the Chesty Bond T-shirt and the Big Banana. Performers will include local stars Young Divas, singer Katie Noonan and British DJ group Freemasons.

The Forum will go retro with a We Love Lycra theme. Community identities Bob Downe and Vanessa Wagner will play a DJ spot.

"The retro space has always been a huge success and again we really want to do something a little bit quirky and quite entertaining there," Bourget said.

Other venues will include a Women's Bar featuring pole dancers and roaming performers. In the Sensation-themed Dome there will be live music with Australian bands Paul Mac and Friends and The Presets playing extended sets.

"It's going to be a proper set, rather than just having a band that comes on and plays two songs," Bourget said.

New Mardi Gras hopes the longer live performances and range of venues draw interest from new sections of the community.

"I think we'll be attracting a bigger and a younger audience as well," Bourget said.

Regular DJ favourites including Sveta, Scott Pullen, Dan Murphy, Feisty and Seymour Butz will also play at the party.

Ticket prices have risen slightly as New Mardi Gras tries to ensure season profitability. Tickets for the 2007 party are $130, or $100 for New Mardi Gras members or concession.

For the 2006 party New Mardi Gras cut ticket prices significantly to increase sales. The event almost sold out, attracting nearly 16,000 revellers.

Members tickets last year were $79. A small number of limited release non-member tickets were $99 and general tickets cost $125.

There are no earlybird deals for the 2007 party. The platinum ticket scheme has also been dropped.

Bourget played down concerns the price rise would affect sales.

"I think when people see the line-up for the party, they'll realise what they're actually getting is really good value for money."

Bourget would not be drawn on the targeted party attendance figure.

info

Party tickets are on sale now through Ticketek on 132 849 or at http://www.ticketek.com.au/
Ian Gould

Visit http://www.mardigras.org.au/ for a full run-down on Mardi Gras 2007.

In celebration of Rupert's memoirs "Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins" Mardi Gras has organised this unique event - bound to be unpredictable, irreverent and loads of fun!

An element of drama has always attended Rupert Everett, even before he swept to fame with his outstanding performance in 'Another Country'. He has spent his life surrounded by extraordinary people, and witnessed extraordinary events. He was in Moscow during the fall of communism; in Berlin the night the wall came down; and in downtown Manhattan on September 11th. By the age of 17 he was friends with Andy Warhol and Bianca Jagger, and since then he has been up close and personal with some of the most famous women in the world: Julia Roberts, Madonna, Sharon Stone and Donatella Versace.

Join this terrible trio as they discuss Hollywood harlots, Rupert's movies and his sensational autobiography "Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins".

'Extremely well-written, very funny and manages to balance satisfactorily high levels of bitchiness with equal amounts of personal candour…" - UK's Sunday Telegraph

Rupert Everett's hilariously honest autobiography "Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins" is published by Little Brown and will be available for sale and signing on the night.

On the evening of 28th November, 2006, the Lincoln Reception Centre in Toorak was filled with glitter and glamour (and I'm not just talking about the dresses) for the 2006 Annual Rainbow Awards.With a lot of well-known members of the Melbourne gay scene in attendance, along with some interstate guests, the night started off with a stunning performance by some performers from The Market Hotel (Lucy Loosebox, Millie Minogue, Toni J, Sasha La Croix, Mitch, Ty and Jason) performing This Time I Know It's For Real/Ride On Time.

At the end, it was time to meet our compere for the night, Bob Downe, host Luke Gallagher, and hostess Vivien St. James. The evening was then officially opened by Melbourne's Lord Mayer, John So, who announced to the crowd that he's hoping to have a same-sex registry for Melburnians in the near future. Mayor So's speech was followed by a huge round of applause that truly showed our appreciation for having such a supportive mayor, who also said he was proud of Melbourne's diversity in so many ways.

The first award presented for the night was Young Achiever Of The Year Award, and Mark Robinson, who started Minus18 for the underage gay youth, won this award for the 3rd year in a row.

After a few more presentations, a performance by The Classics (Paris, Rita and Laura Gravity) was scheduled, however it seems the performers were running on drag time, so a few more awards were presented while waiting.When The Classics were ready, they came onstage to perform Don't Cry For Me Argentina (the remix, of course).

BB06 contestant David Graham presented some awards, which he said he'd only do if he got a bear hug from John So, to which Mayor So obliged to a round of applause and cheers.

After a few more awards, it was time for Pink@Newmarket (Amanda Monroe, Jessica James, Roxy Bullwinkle, Jackie Stevens, Jillette Jones, Kris Del Vase) to give us a taste of why their Sound Of Music Drag Show became one of the longest running drag shows in Melbourne's drag history by performing a remixed medley of Do Re Mi/Le Freak.

Another award was presented before the Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus lead us into interval with renditions of Shout & Happy Together, which, needless to say, got the audience singing along with them.

After interval, we were treated to the finalists of Costume Designer Of The Year, performing a medley of songs from Chicago, before they launched into a mini-fashion show, hosted by Paris. The models for this category were: Rikki McPherson (modeling for Adrian Wise), Bunnie (modeling for Jessica James), Rita Le Coqueater, Emerald Stone, and Sondra (modeling for Roxy Bullwinkle).

John-Michael Howson then stepped up to the podium and introduced us to his long-time partner, Alfonso, who took over the mic to help introduce the next award. A few awards later, and it was time for Savage (Sondra, Swish, Todd, Ryan, Leo, Fab and dancers) to strut their stuff and show the audience why they're such a crowd favourite by performing Don't Feel Like Dancing, which resulted in a huge round of applause. By this time of the night, most people had a few glasses (or bottles) of champers in them, and, although there was a 30 second rule applied to winners at the start of the night, speeches started getting a bit longer and even slightly slurred in some instances! The next performance for the night was Play from Heaven's Door (Anatole, Swish, Aida, Adrian, Beau, Natasha, Anita Mann, Kamira, Joe and Troy) who performed with amazing moves and made the crowd go wild!

After this stunning and energetic performance, it was time for the big awards to be presented: Drag Show Of The Year, Drag King Of The Year, Drag Diva Of The Year, and Jan Hillier Hall Of Fame. This year's Hall Of Fame winner was The Dynamic Duo (Miss Candee and Barbara Quicksand). All was going well, albeit slurred, until Barbara was checking out the topless podium-moving boys, announced that "they were gorgeous, but a bit too old for me", then started telling her life story, so steps had to be taken to stop her & I think someone had a bottle of vodka offstage or something & I'm not sure.

At this stage, it was time for the final performance of the night, with stars from The Opium Den performing Which Backstreet Boy Is Gay, Gay Boyfriend, and Don't Feel Like Dancing, all to a huge round of applause, before Katie Underwood stepped out to do a beautiful rendition of True Colors.At the conclusion of this, she ripped off the lower part of her dress and was joined by some of the Opium Den's performers for one of her crowd favourites, Pop Tarts (one guess which former girl group that was about).

This amazing performance, which reminded the audience of why we love Katie so much, concluded the Rainbows for 2006.
Leigh May

What a Midsumma cabaret treat! BOB DOWNE is getting all jazzy for his debut Butterfly Club season. Joined by Music Director JOHN THORN and a cookin' little band, Bob will be singin' and swingin' jazz, show and pop standards - old faves like 'Yeh Yeh', 'Wives & Lovers', through to 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' and 'The Beat Goes On', with wild new arrangements of classics like 'Frankie & Johnny' and 'Summertime'.

Promises Bob: "The feel will be Olde Worlde Nightclub... the last time you saw me up this close was in the loo at a dance party!"

8 SHOWS ONLY - BOOK NOW!
Venue: The Butterfly Club, 204 Bank St, South Melbourne
Dates: 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm on each Sunday of the Midsumma Festival – 21 Jan, 28 Jan, 4 Feb, 11 Feb (8 performances). Tickets go on sale [1 December].
Tickets: $28 / $25 concession or for groups of 8 or more (no booking fee)
Duration: One hour approx
Bookings: Tel 9690 2000 or at www.thebutterflyclub.com

It seems likely that Labor will be elected at the next federal election, probably with a Greens balance of power in the Senate, a very desirable outcome.

This result will no doubt send the conservatives in this country into a spin. Mark Latham and the new Labor Government will cop it big time in a very similar way to the way Gough Whitlam and his government were hounded.

But Mark Latham and the new Labor government should not be deterred and those who want progressive change in the health system in this country should be prepared to support, cajole and push to achieve the necessary change.

Ninety per cent of the polled voting public, Labor Liberal or whatever, say in poll after poll that the health system must be fixed. But how?

I am going to concentrate on four major issues:

Funding.

Medicare.

The Pharmeceutical Benefits Scheme.

Aged care services.

Funding the health-care system

There is no doubt that the way in which the health system is funded has to change.

Large area health services in NSW now run cash deficits of $10 million to $40 million each year and they have cut their services to the bone in previous years. Surgical waiting lists are blowing out. Emergency departments are on code red 36 per cent of the time. Two years ago it was 17 per cent of the time. Access block in public hospital wards is an everyday event. This can't go on.

The NSW government, with a lot of justification, blames the federal government. NSW is deprived by the federal distribution formula of our fair share of taxation revenue based on population numbers. Bob Carr talks frequently about the hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer's money going to the other states, but unfortunately, even with Labor governments in the other states, agreement can't be reached to change the distribution.

The federal government blames the states, conveniently forgetting the nearly $3 billion handed by the federal government to the highly inefficient private hospital/private insurance industry. There are reports that access block is now spreading into private hospital wards. Certainly the private industry is very interested in taking patients who pay, to help them make a profit and they aren't interested in those who are chronically ill, critically ill (even if they become critically ill in the private hospital) or they can't pay.

Funding

What is to be done to restore the health system.

The Health Reform Alliance has put up a model for an Independent Health Commission that channels health funds directly from federal level to health services. I have some reservations about how accessible, informed and consultative this commission would be, but if such a body can stop the cost shifting and the blame shifting in health services and ensure a more equitable distribution of funds, particularly to areas of need, it is worth a try.

Labor must abolish the subsidy to the private hospital/private insurance industry. That $3 billion can be well spent in the public sector on reducing waiting lists, opening beds, funding the filling of vacant positions in all health professions, training and education budgets and all of the day-to-day operational costs that currently run on starvation rations just to maintain bare survival. The private hospitals can go back to being what they are – competitive services. Let their market dictate which of them profits and thrives and which of them die.

Labor must proceed with the establishment of GP-type services next to public hospital emergency departments. It can be done, and has been done, as a trial in the Hunter Area Health Service. Let's get on with it, and stop Health Minister Tony Abbott's childish blocking of this much needed initiative.

Labor must restore the Commonwealth Dental Scheme. This is a core promise and will be done. The situation in dentistry is beyond scandalous, and must and will be corrected as one of the first acts of a Labor government.

Labor must address the nursing shortage. A lot of the problems of the system stem from the fact that there is a desperate shortage of trained nurses. Several federal government inquiries have identified for Tony Abbott and Brendan Nelson (Federal Minister for Education) that there will be a shortage of 30,000 nurses Australia-wide between 2001 and 2006. But both Nelson and Abbott live in la la land! Brendan Nelson has provided universities with funding models that give them no choice but to close nursing schools. Abbott refuses to take specialist nursing advice by refusing to appoint a chief nursing officer at federal level. There is a long-term conservative agenda here to deprofessionalise the nursing workforce and drive down nursing costs by having a less skilled workforce. Labor policy commits an incoming Labor government to the appointment of a chief nursing officer at federal level. A Labor government will create more nurse education places for nurses by funding an additional 3125 new full-time and part-time undergraduate nursing places by 2008. A Labor government will also provide an additional $43.4 million for clinical training for undergraduate nurses so they have a smooth transition from studying at university to working in a modern hospital.

Medicare

This election is critical. If Labor does not win, Medicare is finished.

There is a major difference between Labor and Liberal on Medicare at this election.

You all know about Medicare Plus, one of the greatest health service cons perpetrated on the Australian people in recent times. You've seen the literature. You've seen the television advertisements that portray Medicare Plus as changes of great benefit to families, couples and singles, with all those couples nodding in the television ads and saying that sounds good, when in fact they are being asked to pay more for their health care.

John Howard and Tony Abbott must be hoping like hell that no-one reads the fine print or actually sits down and works out mathematically what Medicare Plus means for them and their family.

For instance — if the Government is going to cover 80 per cent of your costs for medical services outside hospital — ie the ECGs, the x-rays, the blood tests your GP sends you for, above $700, that's great, but most healthy people won't spend more than $700 a year. You have to spend $700 on your health care before you get the benefit of this great step forward by the Howard government.

Labor is going to this election with a firm policy on Medicare, which is easily accessible on its website:

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

The recent debate has taught us all a lot about the PBS and we keep learning day to day. The most recent response by the American trade representatives that Mark Latham's and the Labor Opposition's changes to the sections of the Free Trade Agreement that refer to the PBS may in fact end up wrecking the agreement is very revealing. Howard has been caught out here, running messages for the American pharmaceutical industry.

Readers who saw the recent Four Corners program on ABC Television will have seen graphically how the PBS is the system that many Americans want, because their system is so dysfunctional.

That program showed that an unwell man with heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol could easily spend $1000.00 a month on medications necessary to keep him alive. Drug companies in the US provide drugs free to some people, but only after they go to their GP, and then visit the poor old nurse (mopping up the mess after politicians and bureaucrats again!), drowning in paper work, to put in their applications each month for the continuation of their supply of drugs. What a ridiculous and humiliating process.

With the signing of the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement, those who want affordable medicines have to fight to keep the PBS, because the American pharmaceutical companies are not going to stop until they get what they want. Note Mark Trevorrow's letter in the Sydney Morning Herald on August 13, 2004. He contracted conjunctivitis on a trip to the United States. To treat his eyes he went to a pharmacy on 90th Street in New York and paid $A96.95 for a small 5ml bottle of eyedrops. As he says, it was "a vision of ugly things to come if we can't save our pharmaceutical benefits scheme."

Mark Latham was right to stand up to Howard over the issue of patents. But, Labor also agreed recently to the increased cost of prescriptions under the PBS and it was said at the time that this increased cost would be reviewed after the election. Labor has to be kept to that promise!

Aged care

The federal Australian Nursing Federation recently conducted a phone-in on aged care services. The results of that phone-in revealed widespread community concern about staffing levels and the nation's aged care services. Staff in the state branch offices of the ANF took 1000 calls in less than five hours from community members and nurses who wanted to voice their concerns. Jill Iliffe, federal secretary of the ANF said that the main concerns were:

Inadequate staffing levels — 86.1 per cent.

Inadequate standards of care — 62 per cent.

Poor quality food — 27.1 per cent.

Inadequate domestic services — 18.4 per cent.

The current federal government has allocated millions to aged care but the industry still has huge problems. Labor policy is clear on care for the aged in our community:

One of the biggest problems in this industry is the effects of the funding model and deregulation — unqualified, untrained aged-care workers. There must be a restoration of allocated funding for staffing costs. The National Conference of the ALP modified the party's policy to provide for minimum staffing levels in residential aged-care facilities.

There must also be a return to the recognition of the need for qualified staff and training and education of unqualified staff to avoid errors, casualties and poor care.

Most importantly the disparity between aged-care nurses and the public-sector nurses wages — with aged-care nurses up to 20 per cent behind public-sector nurses in some states — has to be addressed with some urgency.

The payment of bonds that require the sale of the family home should be abolished and there should be investment insurance for those who pay any amount upfront at the time of entry to an aged-care facility.

Summary This election is critical for the health industry. There is a stark difference between Liberal and Labor at this election.

We all know that Labor governments can have lovely policies and be lousy governments.

This Labor government is going to be under enormous pressure from the conservative forces in our society, who will get their way if there is no counter-pressure from the progressive forces of our society.

All Australians should remember that the health industry is about life and death and the quality of life more than any other. A Latham Labor government must not only be elected but it must carry out its policies.
Jenny Haines

INGREDIENTS

3 eggs
½ cup milk
ground black pepper
½ cup plain bread crumbs
½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
12 'French-trimmed' lamb cutlets (trim off any excess fat)
olive oil
fresh rosemary
2 carrots, unpeeled
¼ butternut pumpkin
2 parsnips, unpeeled
1 large sweet potato, unpeeled
vegetable stock cube
¼ cup milk, extra
steamed greens
corn on the cob

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180°C or 160°C fan-forced.

Whisk the eggs into a large shallow bowl with the milk, add pepper to taste.

Mix the bread crumbs and parmesan in another large shallow bowl. Dip the chops, crumb them and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Place in fridge (or even freezer) to chill for at least 10min.

REPEAT the whole process - a double-dip/double-crumb and a good chill will set the crumb casing beautifully.

Drizzle olive oil (only a few drops on each) over the crumbed chops, and sprinkle with rosemary. Place in preheated oven and bake 10-20 mins, turning once, until lightly golden brown; a little darker if you don't want the meat pink.

Boil root veggies until tender. Mash with extra milk and crumbled stock cube.

Steam or boil greens and corn until cooked as desired.

Serve lamb cutlets with mashed root veggies and steamed vegetables.

It seems that after being a feature on Australian television for more than 40 years, Downe was one of the personalities Drysdale was still hanging out to work with. "I think Bob is just so funny, he always makes me laugh and he has a brand of humour that doesn't upset anyone because he is only ever sending himself up," she says.

"We fitted in well together and went straight into a routine. He is easy to work with but he does keep you on your toes. We were like chalk and cheese and you know who was cheese."

It seems that Downe, the invention and alter ego of funnyman Mark Trevorrow, was just as keen to work with Drysdale, once affectionately known as Ding-Dong.

"We all know Denise is the funniest woman in Australia, but some of us are old enough to remember her No.1 duet with Ernie Sigley in 1974," Downe says.

"And if you listen to Hey Paula you realise it makes her more than qualified to judge a karaoke competition. Not quite as qualified as Ernie, of course, but Denise is a lot more fun to work with."

Drysdale and Downe got into the mood for Karaoke Dokey – the singing competition in which 10 local karaoke buffs will fight it out in a pay-TV special – by re-recording her '70s cover hit Hey Paula.

While Drysdale will be there to cast a critical eye over the singers, it will be the audience who decides the competition's winner by registering their votes via SMS or digital interactive.

The contestants include a postman, a public service officer, a carpenter, a hairdresser and an animator and the finalists are expected to perform a variety of songs including Tina Turner, AC/DC and Whitney Houston hits.

"Karaoke is more popular than ever and the standard in Australia is pretty good," Drysdale says.

"There is a good mix of young and old, male and female, and people from all walks of life, and I was really surprised at the raw talent.

"Some sang raunchy rock'n'roll, while others performed explosive love songs, but they all treated what they were doing like it was their own song."

Karaoke Dokey, TV1, Foxtel/Optus/Austar, Saturday 7.30pm
Sarah Nicholson

Bob Downe is not feeling the best.

Usually brighter and fresher than a Colgate smile, the cabaret/comedy star has fallen victim to the bleak midwinter. "I'm a little sniffy and coldy," he tells SX from his glamorous trailer at the Now or Never Caravan Park in Murwillumbah, northern NSW. "But nothing a shotgun or a lobotomy wouldn't fix. I mustn't complain."

Despite his sickly state, Bob perks up at mention of Karaoke Dokey, the reality TV show he hosts with Denise Drysdale and Pastel Vespa on TV1. In essence a televised karaoke competition, the show will see ten finalists go head-to-head in a "lung-busting" finale on Saturday, July 29, with viewers deciding the ultimate winner by SMS vote.

"It's possibly the most important karaoke event in the history of the universe," enthuses the Prince of Polyester. "Apart from It Takes Two. They stole it from us. Ours is real people, singing real songs, on a real stage, to a real audience. It's unreal."

Describing the musical fare viewers can expect when they tune in to the vocal battle, Bob says that certain songs and artists tend to attract karaoke singers, in much the same way that polyester attracts body odour on a sweaty summer's day. "Tina Turner seems to pop up regularly," he reports. "As does Celine, Tom Jones, Robbie Williams. The usual suspects. I keep waiting for Judy Garland, Barbra or Frances Fay but I'm not holding my breath. It's a new, strictly non-camp era we're in."

Despite his disappointment at today's roster of karaoke favourites, Bob has nothing but praise for the singers on the show. "The standard of performances was surprisingly high," he says. "All ages and styles, and they all went for it. A lovely group, actually. Unlike It Takes Two. And just wait till you see one of them slaughter – sorry, sing – ‘Your Song'!"

Of course, while Bob is keen to plug Karaoke Dokey, I am keen to explore other issues with the star, namely scandalous rumours of an affair with fellow Australian entertainment icon, Moira McLean, stories made all the more shocking by Bob's reputation as a "confirmed bachelor". Bob places blame for the gossip squarely at Moira's feet.

"Moira will do and say anything for a bit of publicity," he sighs. "I said that to her in bed at the Medina only this morning." Perhaps it's the fever he's running, but mention of Moira seems to spark something off in Bob, for the usually diplomatic star begins making uncharacteristically snide remarks about other Aussie entertainment icons. Laughing at the thought of Dannii Minogue's new album, celebrating her 15 years in pop, he blurts, "Dannii's releasing a greatest hits? It's an EP, yes?" before giving La Minogue junior some advice for her next 15 years: "Darl, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Whoops, too late!"

As former host of several televised broadcasts of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Bob has met the Minogue sisters several times but dismisses the age-old question, "Kylie or Dannii?" with a flippant "The cameraman brother. He's much cuter. What's his name again?"

Speaking of pop stardom, Bob reveals that he's having a crack at it himself, recording a cover version of ‘Hey Paula' with his Karaoke Dokey co-star Denise Drysdale. The song was originally a #1 Australian hit for Denise and Ernie Sigley back in 1974, and I ask if there's been any feedback from Ernie, given that he's been usurped by Bob as Denise's ‘Hey Paula' partner.

"He's furious, apparently," says Bob. "Really hurt, betrayed and angry. So yes, we're quite pleased about that."

Mention of Ms Drysdale, perhaps better known to the Australian public as "Ding Dong", leads me to wonder how she's faring these days. Bob reports that Ding Dong is "cooking with gas", rapturously describing her as "a smart, smart cookie, a divine and funny and warm woman, a total pro and a naturally brilliant comic. Did I say I love her?"

The feeling is clearly mutual. Speaking to SX during a break from tending to the jonquils and daffodils at her home in country Victoria, Ding Dong says she is "ecstatic" about working with Bob, describing the collaboration as "The most fun I've had since working with Marty Monster," a furry puppet Denise worked with on The Morning Show in the 1970s.

An Australian TV icon, who made her television debut 46 years ago at the age of 10, Denise was keen to distance Karaoke Dokey from the phenomenon of reality TV. "This isn't what I'd call reality TV," the multiple Gold Logie winner says. "It's just a bit of fun, a bit of a laugh ... it's only reality if the people on the show don't know they're being filmed."

Buying into the current Big Brother debate, Denise said, "That's not reality TV – how can you call it reality TV when everyone know they're being filmed and they've got microphone packs strapped to their backs? That thing the other day [the much-publicised sexual harassment incident] was just a publicity stunt. Of course it was. Channel Ten loved it, they don't care!"

As for Karaoke Dokey, Denise described it as "good, straightforward, honest entertainment."

"It's something light, something fun," she said. "And that's what we need these days with so much darkness in the world."

Indeed. And if anyone can brighten up a dark world, it's Bob Downe and Denise Drysdale.

The Karaoke Dokey final screens of TV1 at 7.30pm, Saturday, July 29.

For more on Karaoke Dokey and TV1, visit www.tv1.com.au

Organisers for the event hoped that the travel road show would "encourage the agents to sell this value for money destination, to gain destination knowledge, learn lots about the superb resorts and have a fun night!" said committee member Terri Cordin.

While last year's event aimed to promote awareness about Mauritius and its location, this year set itself apart by focusing upon the uniqueness of Mauritius and what it has to offer culturally. Tourism Promotion Manager of MTPA, Suzy Edouard hoped that the event would help define Mauritius as more than a beach destination. Edouard handed out copies of "Mauritius and Rodrigues," a travel book which focuses upon the unique culture of Mauritius which she recently put together. The book features pages on: unique flower and fauna, cuisine, religious and art festivals and hands on galleries and museums. Edouard also added that Ayurvedic therapies, an Indian tradition, are also becoming very popular in hotels, with more and more hotels focusing upon wellness.

Tour operators who attended were eager to reveal trends and promote new offers. Terri Cordin, from major tour operator Wildlife Safari, revealed that their Honeymoon package is proving to be very popular. The package combines the Mauritius and African experience, flying couples by Air Mauritius to both destinations. Beachcomber hotels Mauritius is also offering free accommodation and food for all children aged up to 17 at hotel Le Mauricia, including water sport activities. Overall tour operators also stressed the value for money which Mauritius provides for families and couples.

The dinner's presentations revealed promising figures with Edouard stating that, "last year, numbers of tourists arrivals in Mauritius have increased by 20%. In 2005, Mauritius welcomed over 13,000 tourists from Australia and we hope to reach the 17,000 mark for 2006 especially with the increased seat capacity at the end of this year."

Regional Manager for Air Mauritius Australia, Francis Ong Seng, also revealed during the dinner presentations that the airline is increasing its seat capacity with the introduction of new aircraft this year, enabling the airline to add an extra two flights this November. Two new airbus's will be joining the airline for direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Ong Seng also revealed that the airline's Boeing B767 will be replaced by a brand new A340E in February 2007, increasing seat capacity by more than 75 per cent.

The evening proved to be a great success to the MIM committee, "…all the agents are talking about the Mauritius function...so the Made In Mauritius committee are delighted as the roadshow set out what we wanted to achieve," said Cordin.

MIM is organised by Katina Generalis - Air Mauritius Holidays, Terri Cordin - Wildlife Safari, Steve Douglas - Fiesta Holidays, Rod Eather – Beachcomber and Tony Heitbaum – ASA. The roadshow also travels to Perth and Melbourne. Melbourne attracted 150 agents this year while Perth attracted 120 agents.

Saturday 6th May 2006

Charity Gala Night

Live: Bob Downe - Special Guest Compere

DJs: Priscilla Production

Performances: Twang Gang & Tambu & Panstatic

Cheese and Wine Tasting with Three Course Dinner

Info: www.priscillainthevineyard.com.au

Venue: Ballandean Estate Winery, Ballandean

Tickets: $149.00

Time: 6pm - 2:30am

Imagine a crisp autumn evening under a white marquee in the beautiful Ballandean Estate Winery in Queensland's premier wine country - The Granite Belt. The perfect setting for the charity event that is 'Priscilla in the Vineyard'.

On arrival, guests will be presented with an elegant full champagne glass inscribed with 'Priscilla in the Vineyard 2006', as a memento of what is sure to be a most fabulous evening.

From here, an array of tantalizing treats will be available for sampling with a wine and cheese tasting session.

The evening begins when guests will be serenaded by an ensemble of Latin drums and colurful dancers whilst enjoying a sumptuous white linen cloth sit down dinner. The evening's star compere Bob Downe will perform a song and dance, and 'Twang Gang' will also provide entertainment.

This will be followed the dpectacular drag show 'Priscilla in the Vineyard'.

Round off the evening to the sounds of 'Tambu', a quality seven-piece band and dance the night away.

TO RESERVE YOUR BOOKINGS CONTACT 1800 352 212, OR LOG ON TO www.priscillainthevineyard.com.au

Priscilla in the Vineyard will donate a percentage of the ticket sales to "The Abused Child Trust"

Celebrate the launch of ChillOut 2006 "ten years of fairy tales!" with drinks, nibblies and a boogie in the Palais lounge. Fiona Scott-Norman, well-known Melbourne DJ, writer and stand-up comedian, will provide the funky sounds for the opening. Fiona is widely admired for her intelligent approach to blending cabaret, rare grooves, forgotten classics and the triumphs of kitsch into vastly entertaining sets. She has been the DJ of choice for the Melbourne Midsumma Festival for the past six years, and the resident turntablist at the Famous Speigeltent for the past two Melbourne International Arts Festival.

During the opening party, Ms Scott-Norman will team up with ChillOut guest, UK drag artiste Dolly Diamond, for some fine musical ad libs. Entry to the event, which precedes Bob Downe’s cabaret show later that evening, is free. Don’t miss it!

Venue: Palais Hepburn Springs - 111 Main Road Hepburn Springs
Ph: (03) 5348 4849

Tickets: none required.

Bob Downe Dinner & Show
Presented by the Palais and ChillOut
Time: 9.30pm (dining from 7.00pm)

The Prince of Polyester crash lands in Hepburn Springs. From the Last Laugh to the Royal Variety Performance, from 'Blah Blah Blah' to Mardi Gras, it's been an amazing two decades for the boy from Murwillumbah. One of Australia's most loved and enduring comedy characters, Bob Downe is back on the boards with an evening of hits, memories, tears and surprises. http://www.bobdowne.com.au/ Book your tickets soon as this show will sell out!

Bob's very special guest for the night is the delectable Miss Dolly Diamond. Dolly is a rare and unique act on the drag/cabaret scene. She manages to combine comedy with a vocal talent that sets her apart from so many in this business we call show. Dolly sings the classics such as Don’t Rain On My Parade, Big Spender and Somewhere Over The Rainbow and also hilariously re-works the lyrics of I Will Survive (The Beckhams), Que Sera Sera and Stuck In The Middle With You.

Venue: Palais Hepburn Springs - 111 Main Road Hepburn Springs
Ph: (03) 5348 4849 - mailto:palais@netconnect.com.au

Tickets: $60 two course dinner and show. $30 show only. Contact the Palais directly for tickets.

At the first parade in 1978, there were scuffles with NSW Police and several arrests. But this year, the only police taking action against anyone was the "fashion police". Over the years, the tone of the Mardi Gras parade has changed considerably. Originally a civil rights demonstration, the Mardi Gras has since been turned into one of the world’s largest night-time costume parades drawing thousands of international visitors to Sydney every year.

This year, the Mardi Gras parade was watched enthusiastically by more than 390,000 people along Sydney's Oxford Street and went off without a hitch. Some of this year's highlights included the Brokeback Mormons, Friends of Dick Cheney, and the ever-popular Kate Moss Line Dancers.

The Dykes on Bikes warmed up the crowd, in the way they know best, by smoking up Oxford Street just before the start of the parade. They had less motorbike overheating problems this year compared to previous years, with only two bikes needing to rest in the back of their handy Ute.

The theme for this year's parade was I Believe with various sections of the parade demonstrating belief in all aspects of Queer culture and sub-culture. One float, that grabbed the crowd's attention was the Brokeback Mormons, a parody on the US state of Utah banning the movie Brokeback Mountain. The float featured 30 gay cowboys and cowgirls being rounded up by "Mormons" and tackled the issue of censorship.

Another highlight of the parade was the NSW Police Band, who pumped out the alternative national anthem: "Play That Funky Music". The NSW Fire Brigade also made their first appearance at the parade, no doubt they’ll bring their band with them next year.

A familiar face at the Mardi Gras each year is entertainer, Mark Trevorrow, aka Bob Downe. Bob Downe has close ties to the parade and has hosted the television coverage of the Mardi Gras for many years. As usual, he delighted the crowd and greeted them with his big smile and voice.

Later in the week, we’ll have a video and a larger photo gallery of all the highlights from the parade available online, we just have to wait to get our camera back from Molly Meldrum.

Pointed attacks have always been the norm at long-running ACON fundraiser The Great Debate, but things could get particularly personal this year.

As they summon invective to debate the topic "Rainbow Babies – Enough Already?" all of the participants will be speaking from real-life experience.

Two mothers – lesbian NSW MP Penny Sharpe and comedy legend Jean Kittson – will make up the pro-parenting team, alongside former ACON president Bruce Meagher, whose partner is the donor-father of a child with a lesbian couple.

Arguing against all things infant will be ABC science broadcaster Bernie Hobbs, drag identity Portia Turbo and singer Denise Hanlon – all definitely child-free.

Hobbs told Sydney Star Observer her team – dubbed the "baby haters" – was "gestating with confidence" ahead of the big night next Wednesday.

"We're going to win … we've got all the talent and God on our side," she said.

"There'll be surprises on the night, there'll be revelations, there'll be dark secrets revealed. It's basically my night for revenge on anyone who's made life hell for me."

On the opposite side of the room, Penny Sharpe will tackle the lighter side of gay and lesbian parenting.

"A whole new world of bodily fluids awaits for those that have children. I'll be talking about some of that," she told the Star.

The Labor MP will also use the night to push the more serious issue of gay family law reform.

"In a light-hearted way The Great Debate allows some serious issues to be considered and people have a good time along the way," she said.

Entertainer Bob Downe will moderate proceedings and is due to perform his version of 1970s kitsch classic You're Having My Baby.

The Great Debate is on at @Newtown, 52 Enmore Rd, Newtown, on Wednesday 15 February at 7:30pm. Tickets cost $30 plus booking fee. Bookings on 9550 3666 or at the Moshtix website.
Ian Gould

Turkey basters, test tubes, toddler tantrums, time sharing. Rainbow Babies are popping out everywhere as Poof and dykes take action and start their own families. Will Fair Day see the baby stroller replace the dog? Will Oxford Street soon have a baby crËche? Who will mind the kids when you go to the clubs? Join us when Bob Downe hosts a hilarious debate on the rainbow baby boom. Debaters include Jean Kittson, Bernie Hobbs, Portia Turbo, Bruce Meagher and Penny Sharpe MLC.

Bookings: (02) 9550 3666, http://livemusic.moshtix.com.au/record.asp?lEventID=7818&lpID=spraci#jump

@newtown, 52 Enmore Road, Newtown
Price: $30 + b/f

That's because Mark is the creator of iconic Australian character Bob Downe, a man who is the personification of all that was great about regional daytime TV in the 70s. He's beige, he takes great care of his hair, he doesn't believe in wearing natural fibres. And he has a very extensive existence in Mark's imagination.

"You have to imagine a whole life for the character," says Mark, "where he's from, where he lives, how he lives and how he's grown up - I've got a very, very, VERY complete and clear family history and setting for him. He's very real in my mind."

He's very real in many other people's minds as well. "A lot of people do think he's real," says Mark. "For the last 20 years, I've been answering to 'Bob' and 'Mark'."

Mark originally started his career as a copyboy with the Sun News-Pictorial, before he co-founded the cabaret comedy group, "The Globos." In 1984, he formed a comedy duo with Cathy Armstrong, in which Bob Downe was born.

It was discovering satire in the early 70s that really inspired Mark's comedic acts, as he realised the potential for the undercurrent of humour in just about ANY situation. "The one show that had an explosive effect on our family was 'Monty Python'," he says. "Watching all the early episodes of that."

One would think that the Monty Python team would be quite proud of Mark's success with Bob Downe, including a multitude of UK TV credits, numerous national tours and the release of three albums.

But meantime, we've been seeing much more of Mark himself: as the presenter of the ABC series The Way We Were, on Kath & Kim as a hunky menswear salesman in Kath & Kim, on The Glasshouse and as a solo cabaret performer.

Organisers from the National Capital Authority estimate a crowd of 35,000 kick-started Australia Day celebrations, on the lawns of Parliament House.

The night opened with Sydney rockers Thirsty Merc who immediately caught the mood with the hit Summertime.

Other acts such as Jade MacRae and The Rogue Traders got the crowd on its feet and dancing so that by the time Russell Crowe and his new band The Ordinary Fear of God took to the stage the lawns had transformed into a sea of dancing partygoers.

The concert was topped off with an emotional final display from the audience joining Bob Downe in a performance of Advance Australia Fair.

Now in its third year, Australia Day Live 06 is expected to attract around 30,000 concert-goers, up on the 25,000 who attended last year, when more than 3.2 million television viewers tuned in around the country to witness the event.

Organisers have negotiated a star-studded lineup, including Crowe, Downe, Rogue Traders, Thirsty Merc, Jade MacRae, and Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets, many of whom were going through their paces last night at a full dress rehearsal.

The free event, to be hosted by television personalities Gretel Killeen, James Mathison and Andrew G, will be held on the lawns of Parliament House.

Yesterday about 400 crew - half from interstate and the rest local - swarmed over the site, fine tuning equipment in readiness for tonight's gala performance.

Chatting yesterday before he took to the stage, Downe, aka Mark Trevorrow, joked that he planned to deliver a "traditional Australian anthem" - NSW-born Peter Allen's I Go To Rio.

In accordance with the flamboyant singer's tastes, Downe had a multi-hued shirt picked out for the occasion, an outfit he was confident could compete with the beads and feathers to be sparingly arranged across his six lithe dancers.

"The roadies have been very distracted," he said of the girls, all tanned skin and long limbs as they lounged on the lawns of Parliament House.

Human beatbox Joel Turner, meanwhile, gave a taste of what was to come, the Australian Idol discovery's unique vocals reverberating around Federation Mall.

Tonight's free two-hour concert will be preceded by the Australian of the Year Awards, which will be announced by Prime Minister John Howard from 6.30pm.

Nominees this year include High Court Judge Justice Michael Kirby, and Bundaberg Hospital whistle-blower and patient advocate Toni Hoffman.

To encourage revellers to arrive early, a range of pre-show entertainment has been planned, with drummers, face painters, and roaming television crews due on site from 3pm.

The calibre of this year's entertainers was the best yet, an Australia Day Live 06 spokeswoman said, and awareness of the event was growing.

"I think people are realising that Canberra can party as well," she said.

She advised concert-goers to arrive by 5pm to snare a spot, and to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a rug or chair.

Animals, glass and large umbrellas and shade devices are prohibited, but food and drink - including alcohol for over 18s - will be available.

However, it is unlikely merry-makers will have to pack their brollies also.

Cooler temperatures are expected across the territory today, with a top of 27 predicted.

And while some patchy drizzle may fall in the morning, the skies are expected to clear later in the day.

A high of 33 is expected tomorrow, and 34 on Friday, before temperatures cool slightly to 31 on Saturday.

For concert details, visit www.australiadaylive.gov.au/06/
Elizabeth Bellamy