'It's crazy': friend supports Australian identity linked to Savile case - Sydney Morning Herald

A FRIEND of the family of a prominent Australian entertainer reportedly questioned in Britain on suspicion of sexual offences has expressed shock at the raging online rumour mill.

The questioning by Scotland Yard detectives is the latest action by Operation Yewtree, a national investigation into alleged abuse by the disgraced TV presenter Jimmy Savile.

No mainstream media have named the interviewed man, who is in his 80s and lives in Berkshire, west of London, but widespread allegations against the Australian entertainer have appeared across the internet.

The family friend, who declined to be named, asked if the entertainer could have committed such offences, said: "Absolutely not".

"The whole thing is crazy. There is all sorts of speculation going on."

A close family member, who lives in Sydney, declined to make any comment on Saturday.

The man was interviewed on Thursday London time under caution on suspicion of sexual offences after attending a south London police station by appointment.

His property was also searched by officers the previous Saturday.

Officers are looking at three strands within their inquiry: claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others.

The individual was questioned in the "others" category, which consists mainly of allegations made against individuals in the entertainment industry, which has seen Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr and DJ Dave Lee Travis arrested and bailed.

Mainstream media in Britain have not named the man but social media was having a field day.

The name of the individual was first tweeted by a criminologist, Mark Williams-Thomas, who has conducted research into the years of abuse by Savile.

Second-term surge helps Perth Wildcats beat Sydney 75-56 - Herald Sun

Shawn Redhage shoots against the Sydney Kings in the Wildcats' big win in Perth tonight. Source: Getty Images

A SECOND-quarter rampage helped the Perth Wildcats register their third-straight win with a 75-56 drubbing of Sydney in the NBL tonight.

Shawn Redhage continued his mid-season revival with a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds, helping the home side overcome a sluggish opening term in front of another big crowd at Perth Arena.

Kevin Lisch notched 13 points and Jesse Wagstaff added 11 for the Cats, who gradually got the better of their bigger opponents to pull away for a comfortable victory.

Kings point guard Corin Henry led the way for the visitors with 13 points – despite not suiting up in the first half – while MVP candidate Ben Madgen had a night to forget.

Averaging a league-high 21 points per game coming into the clash, Madgen could muster just nine points on 4-16 shooting against a stifling Cats defence.

Missing injured big man Matt Knight with a calf injury, Perth fielded a small starting line-up, with the 6 foot 7 Wagstaff the side’s tallest player on the floor.

And the Kings looked to take full advantage early, with import forward Darnell Lazare scoring his team’s first six points and establishing a dominance in the key.

Sydney held a narrow 14-11 advantage after a lacklustre first term, with a misfiring Perth registering a 31 per cent clip from the field.

A fan at quarter-time showed the home team just how it should be done, nailing a half-court shot and pocketing a cool $5000.

The crowd came to life, and shortly after, so too did the Wildcats.

Redhage and Lisch provided the offensive punch, while at the other end, Cam Tovey and Damian Martin were the catalysts behind Perth’s lock-down defence that came up with six steals in the second term.

The Cats helped themselves to basket after basket from the visitors’ turnovers, with a Sydney backcourt missing the benched Henry unable to stem the bleeding.

The result was a lopsided 24-5 tally in the second period that gave Perth a comfortable cushion for the second half.

Henry belatedly took to the court after the break and had an immediate impact, with the pocket rocket import knocking down tough fadeaway jumpers and a pair of threes to spark the Kings.

But the Henry-inspired charge was halted by an unlikely source in back-up Perth big man Jeremiah Trueman.

With the lead down to 11, Trueman picked off an errant pass from the Kings point guard and streaked to the other end for an open dunk.

The New Zealand native then converted lay-ups on Perth’s next two trips down the floor to crush the visitors’ hopes.

The win helped the Wildcats improve their season record to 6-3 ahead of a big home clash against Wollongong next weekend.

Sydney (6-5) will look to rebound against Adelaide in the second leg of their ‘Doomsday Double’ roadtrip on Sunday.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

Lowndes wins in scorching Sydney - ABC Online

Updated December 01, 2012 17:58:03

Holden veteran Craig Lowndes won a drama-filled first race of the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars event in sweltering heat on Saturday.

The 38-year-old claimed the victory by just 1.105 seconds ahead of Ford driver and pole sitter Tim Slade, with Holden's James Courtney more than 20 seconds further back in third.

Lowndes raced through the field after starting 16th on the grid to become the only repeat winner in the fourth year of the event.

Temperatures of 38 degrees and the tight 3.42km Sydney Olympic Park street circuit combined to take a big toll on the field as seven drivers failed to finish.

With the mercury getting up to 65 degrees Celcius in the cabins of the cars, Frenchman Alex Premat was forced to abandon the race three-quarters of the way through due to severe dehydration while David Reynolds was forced to make a bizarre pit stop.

While the safety car was out, the Ford driver took the opportunity to change his boots after the excessive heat burnt a hole in his soles.

Shane van Gisbergen earlier had race fans shaking their heads when his steering failed and he swerved left and crashed into the approaching medical car.

Lee Holdsworth, Steve Johnson and Greg Murphy pulled out due to mechanical problems, with the aggressive profile of the kerbs and tricky corners taking a big toll on steering, suspension and brakes.

Holden trio Jonathon Webb, Jamie Whincup and Rick Kelly finished fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

The V8 Supercars season will conclude on Sunday with another 250km race after which Whincup will be crowned as the championship winner for the fourth time.

AAP

Topics: australian-touring-cars, motor-sports, sport, sydney-2000, australia, nsw

First posted December 01, 2012 17:53:44

Farina believes blue skies ahead - ABC Online

Posted December 01, 2012 16:56:59

New Sydney FC coach Frank Farina says he is looking forward to the challenge of lifting the Sky Blues off the bottom of the A-League ladder.

Farina walks into a side yet to find any form this season, having won just two games in the first eight rounds.

His new charges look devoid of confidence and are on a four-game losing streak, having been unable to register a point since his predecessor Ian Crook quit on November 11.

Former Socceroos coach Farina joined the Sky Blues for the first time on Saturday ahead of their crunch match against Melbourne Heart at home on Sunday.

Farina said caretaker coach Steve Corica will continue to run the side until after the round nine fixture.

"To get back into the A-League is what I have been looking for," said Farina, who was sacked in 2009 as Brisbane Roar coach for drink-driving.

"It's a situation I'm going to enjoy.

"It's a tough situation where we have to try and turn this around. I have always been a fighter, to be given this opportunity ... it's fantastic for me."

The 67-cap Socceroo has only been offered a coaching contract until the end of the season but said he is more than comfortable with that.

"At the end of the day is it hard work," he told reporters on Saturday.

"Every professional is motivated ... sometimes it is just confidence. How do you regain confidence? Go back to the simple things and we can turn that around quickly.

"You can turn things around with a win, you can turn things around with a good performance."

Heart coach John Aloisi was unsure what impact Farina's arrival would have on the Sky Blues.

"It's always a dangerous time to play a side when they've just appointed a new coach," Aloisi said.

"We just have to make sure that we concentrate on what we're doing and if we do our job well we will get a good result."

Alisi will be unable to call on Aziz Behich, Richard Garcia and Michael Marrone due to Socceroos duty.

"It's good for them to play for the national team, it's great for the club," he said.

"But it is a bit of a blow when you've got three of your main players out and especially backs that have been regulars for the last three seasons."

Farina said he would visit the Sydney rooms during half-time and after full-time in the match against the Heart and would take over the reins from Corica on Monday.

In doing so Farina said he would not hesitate to contact Crook for advice.

"Me and Ian go back a long way and he is someone I will definitely pick up the phone and talk to," Farina said.

AAP

Topics: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

Craig Lowndes wins race one of V8 Supercars' Sydney 500 - Herald Sun

Team Vodafone's Craig Lowndes wins race one of V8 Supercars' Sydney 500 in Homebush today. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

UPDATE: HOLDEN veteran Craig Lowndes won a drama-filled first race of the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars event in sweltering heat today.

The 38-year-old claimed the victory by just 1.105 sec over Ford driver and pole sitter Tim Slade, with Holden's James Courtney more than 20 seconds further back in third.

Lowndes raced through the field after starting 16th on the grid to become the only repeat winner in the fourth year of the event.

Temperatures of 38 degrees and the tight 3.42km Sydney Olympic Park street circuit combined to take a big toll on the field as seven drivers failed to finish.

With the mercury getting up to 65C in the cabins of the cars, Frenchman Alex Premat was forced to abandon the race three-quarters of the way through due to severe dehydration while David Reynolds was forced to make a bizarre pit stop.

While the safety car was out, the Ford driver took the opportunity to change his boots after the excessive heat burnt a hole in his soles.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Shane van Gisbergen earlier had race fans shaking their heads when his steering failed and he swerved left and crashed into the approaching medical car.

Lee Holdsworth, Steve Johnson and Greg Murphy pulled out due to mechanical problems, with the aggressive profile of the kerbs and tricky corners taking a big toll on steering, suspension and brakes.

Holden trio Jonathon Webb, Jamie Whincup and Rick Kelly finished fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

Earlier, Ford driver Tim Slade edged out Will Davison to score his first ever pole position, and celebrated with family and team members in his garage in emotional scenes.

"I have been in this sport for a couple of years and haven't had a win or a pole," Slade said.

"I now have a pole and it is a pretty special moment."

The V8 Supercars season will conclude on Sunday with another 250km race after which Whincup will be crowned as the championship winner for the fourth time.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Pell picks new council for troubled college - Sydney Morning Herald

Hopes new appointments will turnaround college's toxic culture ... Cardinal George Pell. Photo: Jeffrey Chan

A new council has been appointed to the trouble-plagued University of Sydney college St John's in the hope of restoring order and "lasting change."

The group, hand picked by Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, and the university's vice-chancellor Michael Spence, comprises 10 lay fellows and six clerical fellows who will hold office for three years.

Fairfax understands the college rector Michael Bongers is also now anxiously waiting to learn if - or how - he fits into the new college set up.

Among the lay fellows are professors, members of the Sydney archdiocese and retired NSW Supreme Court judge Kenneth Handley who earlier this year deliberated over the fate of 33 suspended students at the college. The council's former chair, Christine Liddy, has returned despite having resigned several weeks ago.

Fairfax understands Ms Liddy was asked back in the hope of retaining some continuity between regimes. She will, however, relinquish the position of chair which is expected to be taken by former chancellor of University of Western Sydney, John Phillips.

There are also some familiar faces amongst the newly appointed clerical fellows with Gerald Gleeson, Peter Williams and Paul Stenhouse all having served on past councils.

Cardinal Pell hailed the new appointments as "a very distinguished group of people."

"Together they bring extensive experience in public life, in the university and college world, and in the life of the church," he said.

St John's College has been in a state of limbo for almost a month after Cardinal Pell ordered five remaining priests on its council to resign, stating he no longer had "confidence in the capacity" of the council to "reform life at the college".

After they had stepped down, the council's chair, Ms Liddy, confirmed both she and the council's remaining lay fellows had also resigned.

The dramatic developments followed a Fairfax Media investigation that exposed a toxic culture of bullying and intimidation at Australia's oldest Catholic college. The year could not have got off to a worse start when in March, a first year student was rushed to nearby Royal Prince Alfred hospital with a bleeding stomach after being pressured to drink a toxic cocktail containing shampoo, alcohol and dog food, as part of an Orientation week ritual. In the following months, the institution was plagued by further initiation rituals and rioting students causing widespread vandalism, including faeces routinely left in common areas.

The rector, Mr Bongers, has repeatedly tried to stamp out anti-social and loutish behaviour but his authority was often compromised by members of the previous council. He refused to comment yesterday about his future.

Cardinal Pell confirmed two lay fellows were still to be appointed, adding the new council would meet for the first time in early December. "I wish the new council every success as it takes up the work of bringing about lasting change to St John's College for the benefit of students for generations to come."

Winds of change: The new St John's council

• Professor Marie Carroll - pro vice chancellor, University of Sydney


• Sister Giovanni Farquer - director interfaith relations, Archdiocese of Sydney


• Professor James Franklin - school of mathematics and statistics, University of NSW


• The Hon Kenneth Handley - retired NSW Court of Appeal judge


• Daniel Hill - director Archdiocese of Sydney University chaplaincies and convenor at University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney


• Christine McNamee Liddy - former chairwoman of St John's College council


• John Phillips - chancellor University of Western Sydney 2001-10


• Professor Anthony Shannon - master Warrane College, University of NSW 2000-12


• Associate Professor Bernadette Tobin - director Plunkett Centre for Ethics, St Vincent's Hospital


• Professor Jill White - dean of nursing and midwifery, University of Sydney

Clerical fellows:

• Rev Amin Abboud - GP and senior priest of Opus Dei


• Rev Gerald Gleeson - past fellow, former academic.


• Rev Daniel Meagher - studied in Rome, former background in law


• Rev Brendan Purcell - adjunct professor of philosophy, University of Notre Dame Australia


• Rev Paul Stenhouse - senior priest and active in Catholic media.


• Rev Peter Williams - vicar general and moderator of the curia, diocese of Parramatta.

Teen with weapons, drug stash denied bail - Sydney Morning Herald

Two semi-automatic pistols, a stun gun, vials of steroids and a cache of $250,000 were seized in police raids on four south-western Sydney homes, a court was told.

A 19-year-old man, Mohammad Warwar, of Bonnyrigg Heights, was denied bail at Parramatta Bail Court today.

He was charged with being in possession of two pistols, a stun gun and steroids after the searches of four houses at Hinchinbrook and Bonnyrigg Heights on Friday.

Mr Warwar's solicitor Elie Rahme said Mr Warwar had denied ownership of the two pistols straight away and submitted a DNA sample to police.

Mr Rahme said the gun was not found in Mr Warwar's bedroom, but in another part of the house.

Magistrate John Bailey said the stun gun and steroids were found in his bedroom.

The prosecutor argued that due to the seriousness of the charges bail should be refused for the safety of the community.

He was was denied bail and will face Bankstown Local Court on December 3.

A second man, a relation, Mohamed Warwar, 26, of Frigate Bird Avenue, Hinchinbrook, was also arrested during the raids.

He was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon and steroids, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime and breaching bail.

Officers seized $279,250, an expandable baton and 40 vials of steroids from his house.

The 26-year-old's solicitor, Vince Macri, said his client owned several businesses with various partners, including a Lebanese pastry and bread shop and a charcoal chicken shop and had recently sold one of his businesses.

He said his client could account for every cent and there was paperwork to support the transactions.

Mr Warwar was granted conditional bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on January 23.

Police also seized just under $30,000 cash at another Hinchinbrook home.

Officers said the seized firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they are linked to any crimes.

Farina confident in Sydney FC turnaround - Sydney Morning Herald

AAP

New Sydney FC coach Frank Farina says he is looking forward to the challenge of lifting the Sky Blues off the bottom of the A-League ladder.

Farina walks into a side yet to find any form this season, having won just two games in the first eight rounds.

Farina's charges look devoid of confidence and are on a four-game losing streak, having been unable to register a point since his predecessor Ian Crook quit on November 11.

Former Socceroos coach Farina joined the Sky Blues for the first time on Saturday ahead of their crunch match against Melbourne Heart at home on Sunday.

Farina said caretaker coach Steve Corica will continue to run the side until after the round nine fixture.

"To get back into the A-League is what I have been looking for," said Farina, who was sacked in 2009 as Brisbane Roar coach for drink-driving.

"It's a situation I'm going to enjoy.

"It's a tough situation where we have to try and turn this around. I have always been a fighter, to be given this opportunity ... it's fantastic for me."

The 67-cap Socceroo has only been offered a coaching contract until the end of the season but said he is more than comfortable with that.

"At the end of the day it is hard work," he told reporters on Saturday.

"Every professional is motivated ... sometimes it is just confidence. How do you regain confidence? Go back to the simple things and we can turn that around quickly.

"You can turn things around with a win, you can turn things around with a good performance."

Farina said he would visit the Sydney rooms during halftime and after fulltime in the match against the Heart and would take over the reins from Corica on Monday.

In doing so Farina said he would not hesitate to contact Crook for advice.

"It's game by game, it's a tough situation," Farina said.

"We have to be up for that and prepared to fight. The players better be prepared to fight.

"The opportunity was too good for me to turn down.

"Me and Ian go back a long way and he is someone I will definitely pick up the phone and talk to."

Cheating captain denied affairs - Sydney Morning Herald

Pleading not guilty ... Captain Stefan King. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

• An officer, if not quite a gentleman

RANKING Navy Captain Stefan King, who had several love affairs while falsely claiming entitlements for being stationed away from his wife, initially told investigators there was ''nobody else in my life'', a court heard yesterday.

The court-martial trial being held at the military court in Canberra also heard yesterday that investigators had first learnt of the claims against the Iraq veteran and commanding officer of HMAS Albatross at Nowra from a whistleblower.

Captain King is pleading not guilty to 19 charges of fraudulently claiming about $38,000 in allowances to which he was not entitled because he was no longer in a proper relationship with his wife.

At an interview with officers from the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service on September 15, the video of which was played in court yesterday, Captain King said: ''I meet all of the tests for being a married man. I never sought to gain any advantage from this.''

He later states: ''There is nobody else in my life.''

The previous two days of the trial were taken up mostly by prosecutor Lyn McDade's reading out lengthy passages of emails between Captain King and a married Sydney woman, Robina Frew, with whom he was having an affair.

In the emails, which date back to 2008, the pair frequently declare their love for each other and Captain King repeatedly states he plans to leave his wife and marry Mrs Frew.

The prosecution contends that the emails show Captain King had emotionally and sexually separated from his wife before he was posted to the HMAS Albatross.

But he claimed entitlements that are available to Navy members who are forced to live away from their spouse because of work. The trial continues.

Farina confident in Sydney FC turnaround - Brisbane Times

AAP

New Sydney FC coach Frank Farina says he is looking forward to the challenge of lifting the Sky Blues off the bottom of the A-League ladder.

Farina walks into a side yet to find any form this season, having won just two games in the first eight rounds.

Farina's charges look devoid of confidence and are on a four-game losing streak, having been unable to register a point since his predecessor Ian Crook quit on November 11.

Former Socceroos coach Farina joined the Sky Blues for the first time on Saturday ahead of their crunch match against Melbourne Heart at home on Sunday.

Farina said caretaker coach Steve Corica will continue to run the side until after the round nine fixture.

"To get back into the A-League is what I have been looking for," said Farina, who was sacked in 2009 as Brisbane Roar coach for drink-driving.

"It's a situation I'm going to enjoy.

"It's a tough situation where we have to try and turn this around. I have always been a fighter, to be given this opportunity ... it's fantastic for me."

The 67-cap Socceroo has only been offered a coaching contract until the end of the season but said he is more than comfortable with that.

"At the end of the day it is hard work," he told reporters on Saturday.

"Every professional is motivated ... sometimes it is just confidence. How do you regain confidence? Go back to the simple things and we can turn that around quickly.

"You can turn things around with a win, you can turn things around with a good performance."

Farina said he would visit the Sydney rooms during halftime and after fulltime in the match against the Heart and would take over the reins from Corica on Monday.

In doing so Farina said he would not hesitate to contact Crook for advice.

"It's game by game, it's a tough situation," Farina said.

"We have to be up for that and prepared to fight. The players better be prepared to fight.

"The opportunity was too good for me to turn down.

"Me and Ian go back a long way and he is someone I will definitely pick up the phone and talk to."

Humid start to summer in Sydney - Sydney Morning Herald

The first day of summer arrived with high humidity and a question mark over whether Sydney would reach the predicted temperature of 36 degrees.

At 10am when it was around 26/27 degrees a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology said: "We are still expecting sunny periods to develop this afternoon, we are currently evaluating things but it will still be a pretty warm day.

"There is some uncertainty as to whether we will get temperatures as high as we had in the forecast."

What may stand in the way of the temperatures soaring is a fair amount of mid-level cloud but there are breaks which will allow the sun to come through, he said.

Most suburbs received 1 or 2mm of rain overnight which added to the humidity although it was closer to 5mm at Sans Souci and Seven Hills.

The humidity together with lack of breeze meant it felt warmer than it really is - at Observatory Hill the actual temperture at 10am was 25.8 degrees but the apparent temperature was 29 degrees, he said.

The highest temperatures are expected in western areas of the state, western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and emergency services are warning of a high risk of bushfires.

NSW Health has also warned people to drink plenty of water, keep cool, take care of others and have a plan over the weekend.

It says a heatwave in Sydney last year killed 96 people.

If you are planning to make the most of the sunshine then don't leave it too late - there may be some showers and thunderstorms this afternoon ahead of a cooler change overnight.

When life is lived one needle at a time - Sydney Morning Herald

ONE hundred kids sat down to a lunch in Parliament's Great Hall on Thursday, only the menu on every table offering a hint there might be a distinction between these and any other children. Each plate of chicken breast with kipfler potato, zucchini and sauteed spinach, the menu informed, equated to 24 grams of carbohydrate. A slice of watermelon was 1.3 grams, ruby grapes were 0.75 grams apiece.

Most of us wouldn't have a clue why such esoteric detail would be of interest, but virtually every kid in the House and all their parents studied the numbers with intent. Carbohydrate, essentially, is sugar, and if you happen to suffer diabetes type 1, you must know precisely how much sugar is in your food, and therefore headed to your bloodstream.

The irony for those with type 1 diabetes is that sugar is both your friend and your enemy: you need a certain amount in your blood to keep your body operating and your brain sparking, but too much will cripple you.

You must discover, before you start, your body's existing sugar content, which requires you to prick your finger, draw blood and test it with a little electronic device. Then you must calculate how much insulin has to be injected into your body to deal with the sugar in your food, which is why a menu with detail about grams of carbohydrates is handy.

If you do not inject enough insulin, your blood sugar content will soar and you will become very ill indeed. If you inject too much, your blood sugar will plummet and you will lose grasp on reality and head towards unconsciousness.

Either way, if you do not receive help, you will eventually die. It's a delicate computation, performed several times a day. It's not hard for it to go wrong.

And there, in bite-size detail, is daily reality for the 122,300 people in Australia diagnosed with diabetes type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes. Another six, most of them children, are diagnosed every day. Type 1 really ought to have another name, for it is a more terrifying beast than the much more common diabetes type 2, which is often considered a lifestyle disease and can be controlled by medication, diet and exercise.

Type 1 arrives without warning and has nothing to do with obesity or lack of exercise. Your immune system goes haywire, attacks your pancreas and suddenly, irrevocably, denies your body the ability to produce insulin.

From that moment, you must learn about carbohydrates and blood sugar, and accept that hypodermic needles or an insulin pump will remain your constant companions. For as long as you live.

Virtually all these people will come to conceal a secret: they fear going to sleep, afraid that they might not wake up. Sometimes, they do not. There is no cure.

A 15-year-old girl from Adelaide, Shanna McGrath, was MC at Thursday's Kids in the House luncheon. The event is organised annually by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to confront politicians with the truth about type 1 in the hope that decision-makers might find and grant the money necessary to support research towards development of an artificial pancreas - tantalisingly close - or the great hope, a cure.

Shanna told all those in attendance that since she was diagnosed with type 1 at the age of six, she has pricked her fingers 25,000 times. She loved life, but was never OK with the stress and anxiety that accompanied the knowledge of her disease, she said, nor all those times she has felt sick and exhausted.

She introduced Oscar, 8, who declared type 1 was ''annoying and I hate it - it makes me tired and the needles hurt''.

Many in the audience, including this reporter, wept as Justin and Lyndall Haydon, a policeman and a teacher from Sydney, told their story, their three-year-old daughter Mikayla scampering around the stage. Most of us knew precisely what the Haydons were talking about.

Mikayla was diagnosed with type 1 at 11 months. She almost died. Since then the disease has ruled the family's life, and the three-year-old has had her fingers pricked 7000 times.

All the trips to hospital, the exhausting business of checking Mikayla's blood sugar all day and at midnight and 3am, the need to force-feed her sugar or to resort to a glucose injection when she lapses into a sudden low - known as a hypoglycaemic episode - and to seek medical attention when her sugars rage high …

Her parents have used all their leave, have drained their savings to the point they can't hope to buy a house, and rely on extended family to help raise their spirits, or to cry with them.

''We nearly didn't make it here today,'' Lyndall said. On Tuesday Mikayla was raced by ambulance to hospital, and the family was still dealing with her unusually high blood sugar readings.

''Mikayla will have type 1 diabetes every day for as long as she lives unless a cure is found,'' Justin said.

A cure, or anything approaching it, will take money. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has raised $1.6 billion worldwide and more than $100 million in Australia, nearly all of it through the efforts of type 1-afflicted families.

Now researchers have established a clinical research network to throw all their efforts into developing better insulin pumps, an artificial pancreas, trials to transplant insulin-producing islets into the pancreas and other efforts to ease the agony of those who fear their next sleep may be the last. The network needs $35 million over four years: $7 million a year. In federal budgetary terms, it is a paltry amount. The National Disability Insurance Scheme got $1 billion this year simply to begin establishing itself.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott on Thursday promised the Kids in the House that a Coalition government would provide the $35 million.

The Gillard government's Health Minister, Tanya Plibersek, came to the lunch and as she ascended the stage, the children and their parents held a collective breath. But when the minister had finished her address, there had been no mention of money.

''Promise to remember us,'' said Shanna McGrath as the politicians left to do battle over a 20-year-old slush fund.

Tony Wright's daughter, Fairfax journalist Jessica Wright, was diagnosed with diabetes type 1 nine years ago.

V8 Supercars driver Rick Kelly says the Sydney 500 is the most brutal race on ... - Herald Sun

Source: The Daily Telegraph

THIS is the most unforgiving track we race on. It is all concrete and crashes - it's absolutely brutal.

The walls are closer, the corners tighter and kerb profiles more aggressive than any other track we race on. You have to be super precise where you put the car in every corner on every lap or you will end up in the wall.

After all, this place known as "concrete canyon" has also claimed me.

THE TRACK

From the start you head down the front straight maxing 250km/h in sixth gear into turn one, which is a significant braking zone and you tend to get a bit of brake fade there, making it hard to pull the car up as the race goes on. But it's a good opportunity to fire down the inside of someone.

Out of turn one in second gear, we touch 230km/h before the first chicane. This isn't really a passing opportunity, but it's a good place to bridge the gap to the guy in front.

You throw the car over the left kerb and then it's a really sharp change of direction to get it through the right-hander, the slowest on the track at just 53km/h. You can easily lose time here, you must push hard.

It's then back up the gears, reaching 210km/h along the short straight that leads into the fast, flowing left-hander. If you only set up for the slower corners, it can hinder you here.

Once you get through there you're hard on the brakes for the second gear, turns six and seven chicane that spits you almost up against the fence on the exit. You must manhandle the car and attack the kerb at exactly the right angle.

Too much or too little kerb can lift the car off the ground and send you into the tyre bundle or the fence. It happens to someone every year.

On to another short straight and to the interesting turn eight left-hand corner, with its off-camber entry and exit. There tends to be a lot of marbles just off the racing line on the exit of the corner and that's where, in 2009, I put my Jack Daniel's Racing car just half a metre wide on the way in, got caught on the marbles and went straight into the fence.

Getting through that corner well sets you up for the second-best overtaking opportunity, under brakes at the end of the 225km/h straight into the first-gear turn nine left-hander at the beginning of the bus stop section that takes in turns nine, 10, 11 and 12. The braking zone is up and down a little hill so it's difficult to pull the car up, but there's a little bit of run-off so you go in a little deeper.

You have to hustle the car through turns 12 and into 13, with its surface change right on the apex of the corner, which alters the grip level. All that makes for a very, very fun lap but an aggressive lap and a hard one to get right.

THE SET-UP

Other than the fast turn five left-hand sweeper, all corners are taken in either second or third gears. And with two chicanes and the bus stop section, it's vital to have the car set up so it delivers a strong change of direction. We must also ensure our Jack Daniel's Racing Commodore doesn't get upset by the aggressive profile of the kerbs. The suspension, steering and brakes take a real pounding around this track.

GEAR CHANGES

The gearbox gets a workout around the 3.42km circuit with 35 changes per lap. Over the two 74-lap races we will make almost 5200 gear changes.

FATIGUE

The demands on a driver's body and concentration around here are extreme as there is nowhere to take a breather. Add in the high temperatures expected today. We will drink up to eight litres of special fluids during each race and be plugged into our cool suits. I wouldn't be surprised if cabin temperatures exceed 65 degrees.

Recipe has odd extra pinch for good measure - The Age

James Packer's Crown Sydney Resort is purported to create 1400 jobs and inject $440 million into the NSW economy. Photo: Rob Homer

When Barry O'Farrell announced that state cabinet had approved the progression of James Packer's proposed hotel and casino for Barangaroo to stage two of the government's unsolicited proposals process, he highlighted the expected economic benefits.

The Premier made sure to attribute to Packer's company, Crown, not the government, claims the complex would inject up to $440 million a year into the NSW economy.

It was a wise decision, as a close look at Crown's submission raises doubts about how confident we should be of the economic modelling underpinning the pitch.

Crown cites a document, An Economic Benefit Assessment, prepared for it by the Allen Consulting Group.

A highlight is the claim that Crown Sydney Resort will create 1400 jobs, comprised of 1250 directly employed at the complex and 150 generated in other industries across the state.

But the figure jars with the anticipated payroll tax receipts. The analysis says that in 2018, when Crown initially hoped to open its resort, $17.6 million would flow to government, rising to $26.4 million in 2027.

On this figure each worker in the complex would earn more than $231,000, dwarfing the salary of the average hospitality worker.

Curious? Not really, said the deputy chairman of Allen Consulting, Jerome Fahrer, describing the figures as unrelated.

Fahrer said Allen Consulting did not specifically model the payroll tax from Crown Sydney Resort. Rather, the figure was produced using an economic forecasting tool called the Monash Multi-Regional Forecasting Model.

This is a well-respected model used by federal Treasury, which Fahrer said was used to calculate the jobs impact across NSW of the spending of Crown's high rollers.

But on Allen Consulting's figures there will be only 150 extra jobs. It's confusing and inconsistent, to say the least.

The analysis also appears to have inflated the number of jobs which could potentially be generated by the project under ''alternative'' modelling.

It claims that almost 3000 jobs will be created across NSW via the ''multiplier effect'' of the new jobs in the casino.

To get to this figure Allen Consulting cites research published by the American Casino Association, which it quotes as saying for every job created in the casino industry, an additional 1.34 jobs are created in the wider economy.

Thus, through a claimed multiplier effect of 2.34, Crown's plan to employ about 1250 people at its complex equals 2925 new jobs. There are a couple of problems with this.

First, not all of the jobs will be in the casino - in fact, the bulk will be in the six-star hotel.

Second, the report misquotes the American Casino Association's research, which in fact claims a multiplier effect of 1.94. Based on this, the number of extra NSW jobs created by Crown's complex is 2425.

Fahrer's explanation is that Allen Consulting felt the American research should have factored in a broader range of employment impacts, so his company used information from that research to devise its own multiplier.

Crown downplays the discrepancy, pointing out that it has promoted the figure of 1400. But this response ignores the fact that aspect of the Allen report is highlighted in its submission to the government.

How all of this effects the central claim that Crown Sydney Resort will generate up to $440 million in economic activity in NSW remains unclear, as the financial figures are redacted.

It makes it all the more important that the report of the former banker David Murray, who is overseeing the government panel assessing the project's economic benefit to the state, is as transparent as possible when released next year.

Wildcats maul Kings - Sydney Morning Herald

Kings guard Luke Martin is trapped by the Wildcats defence during Sydney's heavy loss in Perth. Photo: Getty Images

Perth Wildcats dominated the Sydney Kings at Perth Arena on Friday night, running out 75-56 winners over the NBL's newest road warriors.

The Wildcats were without in-form big man Matt Knight (torn calf) and co-captain Brad Robbins (finger), but they weren't missed as the Wildcats romped to a 19-point victory.

Fellow co-captain Shawn Redhage stepped up enormously, as did Jesse Wagstaff and Jeremiah Trueman to cover the absence of Knight.

Redhage finished with 24 points on a perfect 2-of-2 from three-point land and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line to go with nine rebounds and three blocks.

Wagstaff added 11 points and seven rebounds and Trueman finished with 10 points as he made the most of his extra playing time.

Kevin Lisch also had 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the victors.

Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge couldn't hide his pride in his team's performance.

"We had Damo (Damian Martin) in the change rooms vomiting and he had to have a needle to stop that before the game, he was that sick," Beveridge said. "JT (Trueman) was the same, he has a vomiting bug, Kev is sick and it was just incredible to have an illness go through the team. That was a game that could have easily gone the other way, but defensively that was one of the best performances you will see."

Sydney were coming off three straight wins, including the last two against Cairns and Melbourne on the road. But Shane Heal's men couldn't keep hold of the ball, coughing up 19 turnovers to just nine from Perth and shooting 33 per cent from the field.

Unwell point guard Corin Henry missed the entire first half, compounding the Kings' woes as they fell 18 points down at the main break.

Henry came on to start the third quarter and provided a spark with 10 quick points, finishing with 13 points in just 15 minutes. Tom Garlepp was the only other King in double-figures with 10.

Heal was disgusted with the Kings' five-point second quarter and will be making sure his players know all about it before playing the 36ers in Adelaide on Sunday.

"They will understand from this and see that the effort levels were unacceptable and that we got taught a lesson of how to play with desire and play physical basketball," he said.

AAP

Damage control: Labor goes west - The Age

Appalled ... Sam Dastyari, NSW general secretary. Photo: Dean Sewell

THE NSW ALP is taking radical steps, including moving from its notorious Sussex Street headquarters, to combat the effects of a corruption inquiry involving two former ministers and reconnect with western Sydney voters before next year's federal election.

As the party ponders the impact of allegations at the Independent Commission Against Corruption that the family of Eddie Obeid stood to make up to $100 million from the decisions of his colleague Ian Macdonald, its NSW general secretary, Sam Dastyari, said Labor must change.

''Everyone is appalled,'' Mr Dastyari said in an exclusive interview with Fairfax Media. ''I don't want to go down the path of 'there's a couple of bad apples', but I think there is a real sense of anger in the Labor Party.''

Powerful faction leader ... Eddie Obeid. Photo: Dean Sewell

Mr Dastyari said his job was to ''learn from the objective evidence'' and work with the NSW Opposition Leader, John Robertson, to reform the party. But he also called for a rethink of the way government works in NSW, including cabinet processes.

''We need to make sure that what happened in NSW in the Labor government can never happen again,'' he said.

''That involves a fundamental rethink of politics in this state. Because the question has to not only be how you deal with what's coming out of this [ICAC] process, but how do you make sure there are safeguards in place?''

Notorious ... NSW ALP headquarters in Sussex Street, Sydney. Photo: Julian Andrews

Labor will shortly open its federal campaign office and for the first time it will be located near Parramatta instead of in central Sydney. The new address is expected to become permanent after the federal poll in 2013 as the party tries to shed the connotations of dealmaking and backroom politics that is associated with its current headquarters in Sussex Street.

''By moving we are sending a message that we need to go back to our roots. We need to be where the voters are,'' Mr Dastyari said.

''If we are serious about changing the party - and I am - then we need to change the culture of our entire organisation, and by moving out west one thing is for certain, we will hear people more clearly. It makes sense and it's the right thing to do.''

Western Sydney is federal Labor's worst black spot, with polling showing the government would lose more than 10 seats if an election was held soon.

''The next federal election campaign is going to be won or lost in south-west and western Sydney,'' Mr Dastyari said.

The ICAC hearings, trawling through the business dealings of Mr Obeid and Mr Macdonald in relation to a coal exploration licence in the Bylong Valley, are expected to run until June.

If ICAC makes a finding of corrupt conduct, criminal proceedings may follow, keeping the issue of corruption in the headlines for months if not years.

''The challenge for us at the end of all this is to be able to say: never again will a small group of people dominate the party and the parliamentary party and bend it to their will,'' Mr Dastyari said.

ICAC has heard evidence about how Mr Obeid was the leader of a powerful sub-faction within the Labor government called the Terrigals. The Terrigals dominated the Right faction, which in turn dominated the full caucus, delivering Mr Obeid enormous power to make and break premiers and influence government decision-making.

Mr Dastyari said the crux of the problem was centralisation of power and the party has been taking steps to address this. At this year's state Labor conference, Mr Robertson announced a committee would examine the merits of allowing rank-and-file members to elect the parliamentary leader instead of the caucus.

Given the evidence before it, ICAC may deliver findings on the issue of members of factions being bound to a specific leadership candidate.

Asked if further change to party rules on caucusing over the leadership was likely, Mr Dastyari said: ''Let's see where ICAC comes to on this.''

Pop-up shops mark style blogger's entry into land of bricks and mortar - Brisbane Times

FOR his many followers around the world, the Cool Hunter is the ultimate arbiter of style.

Designers clamour for approval on his blog and marketing honchos subscribe to his regular email dispatches on cutting-edge furniture, architecture and art.

Less well known is that his alter ego, Bill Tikos, was born and raised in Victoria, and has been living and working in Sydney for the past 14 years.

Ardent following … Bill Tikos, aka the ''Cool Hunter''. Photo: James Brickwood

Now Mr Tikos is bringing his signature, eye-catching aesthetic to his home town, where he is launching his first retail project - a series of pop-up stores.

For 10 days from Friday, a penthouse on top of the Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa at Bondi Beach will be transformed into "The Cool House", an offline showcase of specially selected wares.

Luxury cushions, wall prints, a dining set and a rug will be among the products on display, as well as Swiss watches, kitchen accessories and dog beds.

Fun factor ... a glimpse of the Tikos style. Photo: James Brickwood

Also on show will be Mr Tikos's first venture into design - a bird-shaped letterbox called Koo Koo for his new Playso brand.

Local and international brands such as Zuster, Jardan, Hub, Hay and Loom Rugs will be included.

Mr Tikos said the space would be presented like an apartment, with plenty of theatrical flair.

"It's more like an art installation," he said.

"You walk in and there's the 'wow' factor … it just takes a little bit of creativity and imagination to make it fun."

The pop-up series launched in Melbourne on Thursday and will eventually travel to London and New York.

Mr Tikos, who will man the stores, said the events would be a rare chance for him to meet his readers in person. He also plans to launch an online store at thecoolhunter.net in February featuring many of the same products.

Mr Tikos launched his website eight years ago as an offshoot of a magazine column.

The former band manager and literary agent now divides his time between Sydney and New York.

With no formal qualifications in art or design, Mr Tikos said much of his success had been accidental.

"I started at an earlier time and I think [my blog] aesthetically just looks better.

''It pops out, with nice colours and graphics, and I have a lot of exclusive content."

Despite Mr Tikos's international following, including 180,000 monthly blog readers and 35,000 newsletter subscribers in Australia, he rejects any suggestion he is a trendsetter.

"It's just more what inspires me and if I think, 'That looks great', I'll write about it."

Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect - Sydney Morning Herald

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Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect

Fairfax's Andrew Taylor sat down to talk to Rebel Wilson about her new movie 'Pitch Perfect'.

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• Interview: A Rebel with applause

IT TAKES a lot of guts to establish a career in the entertainment industry, especially if you have any gut at all.

Rebel Wilson is the latest Australian actress to achieve success in Hollywood, with roles in hit films such as Bridesmaids, Bachelorette and the coming Pitch Perfect.

Unexpected success … Rebel Wilson. Photo: Getty Images

But her success is largely in spite of the Australian entertainment industry.

Wilson was enrolled in evening classes at the Australian Theatre for Young People when she first attempted to find an agent.

''At my very first meeting, they said we can't really see you being on Home and Away, and they rejected me,'' Wilson said.

The 26-year-old proved herself by writing her own comedy series, Bogan Pride, which screened on SBS, yet her presence on television shows such as Pizza and The Wedge is an exception to what seems to be an ironclad rule of Australian TV: fuller-figured (fat is too pejorative a word to use) actresses need not apply.

As Wilson puts it, ''And girls that looked like me? No girls like that were on TV.''

The likes of Wilson, Melissa Bergland from Winners and Losers and Katrina Milosevic, who played the lead role in the Sydney Theatre Company's 2006 play Fat Pig, are far outweighed by skinnier colleagues.

The Seven Network declined to allow Bergland or her fellow cast member Virginia Gay to comment.

But body fascism is undoubtedly a factor in television casting, which makes finding an agent difficult for plus-sized actresses, according to the artistic director of the Australian Theatre for Young People, Fraser Corfield.

He said few plus-sized girls auditioned for roles at the theatre: ''I'm not sure why that is; it might be part of a greater issue regarding self-esteem and self-confidence.''

Belvoir's literary manager, Anthea Williams, believes the theatre is more open to casting women of varying shapes and sizes. ''That said there is not a huge amount of theatre work in this country and a majority of actors make a living by working across theatre, film, TV and in advertising,'' she said.

Fat people are discriminated against and stigmatised in all social arenas, said Deborah Lupton, of the University of Sydney's department of sociology and social policy.

''Fat bodies are considered unattractive, diseased and evidence of lack of self-control,'' she said. In contrast, thin people are viewed as healthy.

Stage set for Ponting heroics - Sydney Morning Herald

AAP

Would the real RIcky Ponting please stand up?

There's already been one false alarm, but when the next wicket falls in the defining third Test against South Africa in Perth, retiring champion Ponting will stride to the crease.

Ponting will be on a wave of support not seen since his predecessor as captain Steve Waugh made a career-saving hundred against England at the SCG in 2003 on the last ball of the day.

It's fitting that Ponting joins Waugh as the most capped Australian player of all time (168 Tests) in this his last match.

The Australians resume on Saturday 2-33 in their reply to South Africa's first innings of 225.

Nathan Lyon is not out 7 and David Warner 12.

Just as the Sydney crowd was delirious for Waugh, the Perth faithful erupted late on Friday when No.3 Shane Watson was sent on his way and Ponting was due to walk to the middle.

The cries from the stands were matched by Ponting's nervous wife Rianna.

Only problem was, it was Lyon making his way out to bat as a nightwatchman, and not man-of-the-moment Ponting.

The crowd was so irate when they realised they'd been duped that they decided to boo Lyon.

The first session on day two could go a long way towards sealing the match, the series and the No.1 Test ranking.

A few wickets and Australia will be under enormous pressure, but a vintage performance from Ponting and the home side will be well on their way to stealing top spot in Test cricket from the Proteas.

Ponting has scored 41 Test hundreds, third on the all-time list after Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis, but a three-figure score in Perth would just about be the best of them.

The 37-year-old has scored just two tons in the past three years and his efforts so far this series have been nought, four and 16.

The odds are stacked against Ponting but, at the same time, he has a golden opportunity to go out with a bang.

He can bat for as long as he wants and play a key innings for Australia.

A big knock would complete the symmetry of his 96 on Test debut in Perth back in 1995 against Sri Lanka, when a poor umpiring decision cost him a hundred.

Business calendar December 3-7 - Sydney Morning Herald

MONDAY, December 3

Sydney - Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) index of commodity prices for November

Sydney - Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail trade for October

Sydney - ABS Business Indicators for September quarter

Sydney - Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey

Sydney - Dun & Bradstreet business expectations survey

Sydney - ANZ job advertisements series for November

Sydney - TD Securities - Melbourne Institute inflation gauge for November

Sydney - Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI) for November

Melbourne - Chartered Secretaries Conference day 1 of 2, speakers include former Greens leader Dr Bob Brown and Australian Prudential Regulation Authority head Dr John Laker

Sydney - 12th PNG Mining and Petroleum Investment Conference (day 1 of 3)

Melbourne - Celamin Holdings general meeting

Melbourne - Predictive Discovery annual general meeting

TUESDAY, December 4

Sydney - RBA board meeting and interest rate decision

Sydney - ABS building approvals for October

Sydney - ABS balance of payments and international investment position for September quarter

Sydney - ABS government finance statistics for the September quarter

Sydney - 12th PNG Mining and Petroleum Investment Conference (day 2 of 3)

Melbourne - Premier Investments annual general meeting

Melbourne - Chartered Secretaries Conference day 2 of 2

Perth - Atlas South Sea Pearl annual general meeting

Beaconsfield, Tasmania - BCD Resources annual general meeting

Melbourne - North Australian Diamonds general meeting

Perth - Electrical Safety in the Resources Sector Conference (day 1 of 2)

WEDNESDAY, December 5

Sydney - RBA deputy governor Philip Lowe to address Australian Business Economists Annual Conference Dinner

Sydney - ABS national accounts, including gross domestic product, for September quarter

Melbourne - Asian Centre for Liver Diseases and Transplantation annual general meeting

Sydney - TPG Telecom annual general meeting

Perth - Electrical Safety in the Resources Sector Conference (day 2 of 2)

Sydney - Australian Industry Group-Commonwealth Bank of Australia Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI) for November

Sydney - Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM) to issue $600 million of the April 2023 bonds

Sydney - 12th PNG Mining and Petroleum Investment Conference (day 3 of 3)

THURSDAY, December 6

Melbourne - RBA assistant governor (financial markets) Dr Guy Debelle to address the Melbourne Institute 50th Anniversary Conference.

Sydney - ABS labour force data for November

Sydney - Ten Network Holdings annual general meeting

Sydney - AOFM to issue $1 billion of Treasury Notes maturing on February 8, 2013 and $1 billion of Treasury Notes maturing on 12 April 12, 2013

Melbourne - Nufarm annual general meeting

Melbourne - Melbourne Mining Club Luncheon Series Invitation featuring Perseus Mining managing director Mark Calderwood

Southport, Gold Coast - G8 Education extraordinary general meeting

Perth - Greenland Minerals and Energy general meeting

Adelaide - Havilah Resources annual general meeting

Perth - Image Resources annual general meeting

Melbourne - Motopia annual general meeting

FRIDAY, December 7

Sydney - ABS international trade in goods and services for October

Sydney - Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI)

Sydney - AOFM to issue $600 million of June 2016 bonds

Melbourne - Myer Holdings annual general meeting

Sydney - Washington H. Soul Pattinson annual general meeting

Melbourne - Committee for Economic Development of Australia seminar, Superannuation: Where is Australia headed? speakers include Financial Services Council chief executive John Brogden

Hong Kong - Astron Corporation annual general meeting

Melbourne - BKM Management annual general meeting

Sydney - BT Investment Management annual general meeting

AAP

What's on this weekend? - ABC Online

See Simone's Reviews below from a few of the events she's been to over the last week or so and tune into 702 Weekends (Sat-8:45) (Sun-10am) .

OUT AND ABOUT

Annual Ocean Care Day Festival at ManlyA free community event on Sunday at Manly where you can find out about caring for the ocean and marine life. There will be scientists from the Australian Museum, a touch pool, viewing through a solar telescope, the big Art Test and lots of art from local school kids. When and where: Sunday 2 December, Manly Ocean Beachfront, 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Bella Open Day - International Day of People with a DisabilityMuseum of Contemporary Art hosts a special day on Sunday with special drop in activities for people with disabilities, their families and friends and carers. Free. Interpreters are also available between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. When and where: Sunday 2 December, 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

Lindesay Christmas Gift FairThe annual Lindesay Christmas Gift Fair is on soon. Over 80 stalls inside the historic property selling homewares, antiques, stationery, linen and jewellery and Christmas puddings. Admission is $5. When and where: Lindesay, 1 Carthona Avenue, Darling Point, Thursday 29 November to Saturday 1 December.

It's Almost Christmas ConcertAt the Italian Forum Centre in Leichhardt, the Inner West Community Band will perform a Christmas concert with Christmas classics to delight everybody. Entry is by donation (suggested $20/$10). When and where: Italian Forum Cultural Centre, Norton Street, Leichhardt. Saturday, 1 December, 7.30pm.

Picton Carols by the Tree:The Picton Uniting Church hosts a special Christmas Carol session with activities for kids and guest artists James Cassar and Greg Windred together with local choirs. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 6.00 pm, St Anthony's Catholic Parish Primary School, Menangle Street, Picton.

Penrith Gallery Twilight Christmas MarketArtisan gifts, homewares, gourmet produce - and plants propagated from the Heritage Garden at the art gallery - all on at the start of December. BBQ and refreshments available. Local art and craft makers in the Penrith area have contributed to the treasures for sale and it is hoped this will be an annual event. When and where: Sunday, 2 December, 3 till 7pm, Penrith Regional Gallery, 86 River Road, Emu Plains.

Manly Fair Trade Christmas MarketsFair trade products including handicrafts, clothes, coffee, tea and chocolate are on sale at the Manly Fair Trade Christmas Markets. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 9.00 till 5.00 pm, Manly.

Powerhouse Christmas Gifts Craft Punk WeekendAt the Powerhouse Museum some cool gifts are on sale and a special Christmas event featuring Terrariums and jewellery. There are also terrarium and jewellery workshops that you can get involved with. When and where: 1 and 2 December, 10.00 till 4.00 pm, Powerhouse Museum, Harris Street, Sydney.

Pyrmont Community Christmas CelebrationOn Sunday 2 December, Pyrmont Community Christmas Celebration is on featuring Fabba - the tribute band of Abba songs. Local choirs in Pyrmont will also be singing and Santa is arriving on his Harley. When and where: Sunday 2 December, 4.30 to 8.00 pm, Refinery Square, Bowman Street, Pyrmont.

The 7 Sopranos Christmas ConcertThis sounds fantastic - the Art Gallery of New South Wales will host a special Christmas concert conducted by Simon Kenway with an amazing performance of works by opera singers including Tarita Botsman-Carbo, Stephanie Acramen, Deborah Rogers, Katie Stenzel, Naomi Johns and lots more. $125.00 per person which includes a viewing of the Francis Bacon exhibition, champagne and the 7 Sopranos performance. Bookings on 13 28 49 or through Ticket. Where and when: Sunday 2 December 5.30 pm, Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Rushcutters Bay Christmas CelebrationsThe annual Rushcutters Bay Christmas Concert on Reg Bartley Oval is on Saturday. James Valentine and Lily Dior will perform and the Australian Children's Music Foundation Choir will sing carols. Free. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Rushcutters Bay.

Rosebery Christmas ConcertLah Lah Big Live Band, world music from Samba Mundi, a visit from Santa and choirs will perform in Rosebery for the free annual Christmas neighbourhood concert. When and where: Sunday 2 December 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Turruwul Park, Rothschild Road, Rosebery.

ART

Art Baby - Primavera 2012This is a great fun baby friendly art experience where babies up to 1 year old can join their parents in a special tour at the Museum of Contemporary Art. $15 for adults includes a coffee afterwards at the cafe. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 10 am meet in the Museum of Contemporary Art foyer. This will also be repeated in January as part of the MCA summer program.

Francis BaconThe Art Gallery of New South Wales presents the first major exhibition in Australia of the works of British artist Francis Bacon. There are over 50 paintings, films and photographs. This exhibition has been curated by Anthony Bond. $20/$15. Children under 5 are free. When and where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, on now until 24 February.

Cate Consandine: Cut colonyThe Art Gallery of New South Wales is hosting an exhibition of new video works by artist Cate Consandine which have been filmed in inland lakes in north western New South Wales. Free. When and where: On now until 6 January, Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Brett Whiteley: On the WaterThis exhibition looks at some of Brett Whiteley's amazing works featuring Sydney Harbour as well as some of his stunning nudes. There are etching, photographs, sculptures of birds, sharks and bathers and some works that have not been seen before in public. Free. When and where: on now till 27 January. Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre, 782 Kingsway, Gymea.

EXHIBITIONS

Wrecks and ReefsThe Australian National Maritime Museum presents a new photographic exhibition looking at four Australian shipwreck sites and marine life and environment at the coral reefs that have developed around those sites. There are over 40 photographs by photographer Xanthe Rivett. There are also items that have been recovered from diving exhibitions including a bilge pump, some stone ballast and a lead scupper. When and where: Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour. On now.

The Wild Ones: Sydney Stadium ExhibitionThe story of the Sydney Stadium (1908 to 1970) which hosted boxing championships and musical acts (Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, The Bee Gees, JO'K and The Who amongst others). $10 / $5. When and where: on now until 10 March, Museum of Sydney, corner Bridge & Phillip Streets, Sydney.

Wicked WomenArtist Rosemary Valadon has taken the covers of mid-20th century pulp fiction novels and used them as an inspiration for paintings of contemporary female personalities such as Rachel Ward, Margaret Cunneen, Essie Davis, Kara Shead and Annette Shun Wah. See the drawings that the artist sketched prior to painting these works and a fascinating video on how the works are created. Tickets: $10 / $5. When and where: Justice and Police Museum, corner Phillip and Albert Streets, Circular Quay. On now until 28 April.

Alexander The Great: 2000 Years of TreasuresA collection of artefacts, stories and paintings and maps will allow you to immerse yourself into the life of Alexander in ancient Greece. This a very thoughtful exhibition which draws on elements from Alexander's life in an attempt to portray what this legendary war hero was really like and the world he lived in. $24 adults, children 5-15 $12, family tickets $60. Children under 5 free. When and where: Australian Museum, on now.

Margaret Olley: HomeFurniture, artworks and treasures have been taken from Margaret Olley's Paddington home in Duxford Street and brought into an exhibition featuring many of her final works and tributes from her friends. There are also photographs of her house from 1975. Her house was bursting at the seams with artworks, subject matter and general life and colour. Curator Steven Alderton curated exhibitions with Margaret before she died and spoke with her about how she would like to be remembered in an exhibition after her death. The exhibition also includes 15 paintings of Margaret's house interior. When and where: On now till 1 April, Museum of Sydney. $10/$5/$20.

Deck the WallsAt Stellar Downer Fine Art, new works by artist Rachel Fairfax, Ashley Frost, Merrick Fry, Liz Shreeve. Merrick Fry is exhibiting an exquisite kaleidoscopic Christmas tree made from found glass. Free. When and where: On now until 15 December, 2 Danks Street, Waterloo.

PERFORMANCE

Australian Poetry Slam National FinalsPoetry slam heats have been on since June and now there has been little down to the finalists in the National Slam Champion Title. Tickets $30.00. When and where: Main Stage, Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Saturday 1 December.

Chitty Chitty Bang BangContinuing the great run of films that have been transformed into musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a crowd pleaser and the kids will love it. Slightly slow to start the charm of Jeremy and Jemima, Rachael Beck as Truly Scrumptious and David Hobson as Caractacus Potts will get you going on the fun adventure. Pretty much stealing the show are Boris and Goran - the two Vulgarian spies who keep popping up in strange places. Alan Brough and Jennifer Vulectic have an enormous amount of fun as Baron and Baroness Bomhurst in their Vulgarian Empire. Tyler Coppin plays the evil child catcher. Not quite the slickness of Mary Poppins. Tickets from $69.90. When and where: On now at the Capital Theatre.

Into the MirrorWritten by Australian playwright Shelley Wall, this play is about gender transition, the bond between mothers and daughters and the difficulties when relationships evolve. Starring Penny Day, Helen Stuart, Amber Robinson, Carole Sharkey-Waters and Katie Lees. Original music by Rachel Wall and Craig Diamond. Tickets $33/$28. Bookings 9119 3737. When and where: King Street Theatre, Corner King and Bray Streets, Newtown, On now till 15 December.

Legally BlondeJust pure fun from start to finish- this good vibe musical is very similar to the movie and never takes itself too seriously. The Bend and Snap by Helen Dallimore is fantastic and Erica Heynatz. opens the second act with a rope cracking start. Lucy Durack is bubbly and fabulous as Elle Woods and Rob Mills plays the two timing Warner. Cameron Daddo also stars as the dodgy big law firm partner. When and where. On now at the Lyric.

The Wharf Revue 2012This year Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott perform in "Red Wharf: Beyond the Wings of Satire". with Amanda Bishop and Josh Quong Tart. Video appearances by Jonathan Biggins. The Same Sex Marriage of Figaro is a hoot and the running of the Peter Slipper Handicap by Drew Forsythe is a great laugh. It kicks off in the Star Wars theme - Julie Bishop is there with her death stare. Tickets $35-60. When and where: on now till 22 December, Sydney Theatre Company Pier 4, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay.

The Rocks Village BizarreWalk through The Rocks on a Friday night and check out the Bizarre Festival. The White Rabbit Bar is open to meet up with friends and hotel room installation artist Uta Uber Kool Ja performs in her own intimate life story and transformation at The Holiday Inn, 55 George Street. When and where: On until 21 December at The Rocks.

The Greening of GraceWilliam Zappa has written and directed this play starring Maggie Blinco, Don Reid, Wendy Strehlow and Nigel Turner-Carol about an older woman, Grace, who undergoes a traumatic experience but is able to come through it and not be a victim. $38/$30. When and where: On now until Sunday, 9 December, Tuesday to Saturday 8pm, Sundays 5pm, Darlinghurst Theatre (known now as Theatre 19), 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point.

Hollywood EndingWow, this is short and sweet - Tim Roseman's play Hollywood Ending is a satirical look how a movie gets pitched and made in Hollywood. Don Reynolds is a past it porn director with nothing to lose. A strange couple asks him to direct their first time movie. He can't believe his luck - something finally "artistic". It's not until his daughter points out that this movie is a mask for the couple's political message that they wish to promote. Fast paced unfolding of the action. 80 minutes. Terry Serio, Caroline Craig, Briallen Clarke, Blake Erikson and Tony Llewellyn-Jones. Perhaps a little too fast to really get the political message over but an entertaining performance and you'll be home and hosed in no time - cutting down babysitting and car parking fees! When and where: On now until 15 December, Monday to Friday, 7.00 pm, Saturday 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm, Griffin, Stables Theatre, Kings Cross.

MUSIC

Ensemble Offspring - On LoopAt CarriageWorks turntablist Martin MG and accordionist James Crabb will take old magnetic tape loops and create a performance around the beats and loops in the works. Ensemble Offspring will also perform a program of musical works featuring Austrian composer Bernhard Lang, and Australian composers Matthew Wright and Cor Fuhler. Tickets $45/25. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 8.00 pm, Carriageworks, Redfern.

Tony Fenlon on the WurlitzerOrganist Tony Fenlon will play the Wurlitzer theatre organ at Marrickville on Sunday 2 December with all sorts of popular and light classics from movies, stage shows and jazz. Tickets $27.50/$25. Students are free. When and where: Sunday 2 December 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm, Marrickville Town Hall, Corner Petersham and Marrickville Roads, Marrickville.

North Sydney Symphony OrchestraA great family concert by the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra is on this Sunday conducted by Steven Hillinger. Lots of crowd pleasers including Peter and the Wolf, Hungarian Dance No. 5 (Brahms), the Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (Elgar) and Christmas Music. 28/23/15. When and where: Sunday 2 December, 2.00 pm, North Sydney Girls High School, 365 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest.

Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra: Rare GemsJoanna Drimatis conducts the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert featuring Vivaldi, Gounod and Vaughn Williams as well as Australian composer Tom Hughes' work Coronach. Tickets $25/$15 and children under 15 are free. When and where: Sunday, 2 December, 2.30pm, St Francis of Assisi Church, 457-459 Oxford Street, Paddington

Tchaikovsky: Sydney Symphony OrchestraVladimir Ashkenazy conducts the SSO performing some of the works of Tchaikovsky and featuring singers Jose Carbo, Stuart Skelton, Dina Kuznetsova, Irina Tchistjakova and Deborah Humble. The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and the Sydney Children's Choirs will also perform. When and where: 1 and 3 December, Sydney Opera House at the Concert Hall.

TALKS

Art talk at Hurstville Museum and GalleryArt historian and artist Dr Oliver Watts will talk about contemporary art in Australia. Free. Bookings 9330 6440. When and where: Sunday 2 December 3.00 till 4.00 pm, Hurstville Museum and Gallery, 14 McMahon Street, Hurstville.

REGIONAL EVENTS

Tree Change - Sturt SchoolThe graduating class of the Sturt School for Wood 2012 will display their graduation works at the Sturt Gallery. When and where: From Saturday, 24 November, Sturt Gallery, Mittagong.

COMING UP SOON

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

Cottage Craft CollectionRaising money for the Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Aged Care Unit, the Cottage Craft Collection has their Christmas sale on Saturday 1 December and Sunday 2 December. When and where: Scouts Hall, 22 Robey Street, Maroubra Junction, Saturday 1 December 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm and Sunday 2 December, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Sydney Philharmonia: An English ChristmasGet in the festive spirit with the amazing choral performance by Sydney Philharmonia of music by Britten, Byrd, Rutter and many others. Brett Weymark conducts. The first half of the program focusses on English composers and their Christmas music and includes a cantata for tenor. Tickets $90/$32. When and where: Saturday, 8 December, 7pm, Sunday, 9 December, 2pm, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. Bookings 9250 7777.

Noel! Noel!The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will delight in its 14th annual Christmas concert featuring European and Latin American rhythms and some wonderful traditional songs such as the Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful. When and where: Wednesday 12 December, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, 7.00 pm Saturday 15 December, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm.

Christmas Choral Concert in ManlyManly Oval is the place to be on Thursday 6 December with a huge Christmas Choral Concert. All the much loved and well known carols will be sung. Free. When and where: Thursday 6 December, Gates open from 5.30 pm, concert from 6.30 to 8.30 pm, corner of Raglan and Belgrave Street, Manly.

Lane Cove Music Christmas ConcertChoral music from around the world and special Christmas music will be the fabulous repertoire in the final concert by the Lane Cove Music Group for this year. Tickets $15 at the door. When and where: Tuesday 4 December, St Andrews Lane Cove Mowbray Anglican Church, Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, 8.00 pm.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

Charlie and Lola's extremely new playLauren Child's adorable brother and sister duo, Charlie and Lola go on an adventure at the Opera House in a new play by the UK group Polka Theatre. This is their "best bestest play". Tickets $34.00. Suitable for kids aged 3 and above. When and where: December 3 to 28, Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 9.30, 11.45. Saturday and Sunday 9.30, 11.45 and 3.00 pm. When and where: On now until 28th December (not 25 and 26) Playhouse.

OUT AND ABOUT

HMAS Waterhen: Golden AnniversaryOver 200 officers and sailors from HMAS Waterhen will march through North Sydney on a Freedom of Entry parade. When and where: Thursday 6 December, North Sydney.

MUSIC

El Amor BrujoFlamencology Dance Studio will perform a Spanish work El Amor Brujo (love the magician) in Chatswood which features songs in Spanish and Flamenco music. Tickets $35.00. When and where: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, 7.30 pm, Zenith Theatre, Chatswood.

TALKS

Maeve O'Meara Food Safari TalkGastronome Maeve O'Meara will talk about her latest Food Safari in Chatswood and some of the exotic recipes she has come across. When and where: Thursday 6 December, 12.30 pm, Chatswood Library, The Concourse.

Birth of a BalletAs part of the exhibition Time in Motion: 50 years of the Australian Ballet, resident choreographer, Stephen Baynes will talk about crafting a ballet in a special talk (free) at the State Library. Boookings 9273 1770. When and where: Tuesday 4 December 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of New South Wales.

The Great RaceFormer ABC Chairman, David Hill, an author of the books The Great Race which is all about how Britain and France became locked in a race to complete the map of Australia in the early 1800's. David Hill will talk about this fierce competition in a special talk at the State Library. When and where: Tuesday 4 December 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Dixson Room, State Library of New South Wales, Macquarie Street.

Sleeping Beauties: Reviving Australia's forgotten women writersAuthors Geordie Williamson and Jane Gleeson-White will talk about the works of female Australian writers who have been overlooked, neglected and lost but who make up a very important part of the literary works of Australia. $10. Bookings 9273 1770. When and where: Wednesday 5 December 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library.

PERFORMANCE

Little Orphan TrashleyAn adults only panto featuring Trevor Ashley is on at the studio With him is Rhonda Burchmore, Gary Sweet, Rhys Bobridge, Tina Jackson and Coral Mercer-Jones. Tickets from $49.00. This is an interesting take on Orphan Annie - Orphan Fannie from Sutherland Shire Girls Orphanage. Yes, you guessed it, there will be lots of audience participation so careful where you sit. When and where: The Studio, 5 to 21 December.

Simone's Reviews

(Simone's reviews are her own)

Hollywood Ending

Tim Roseman's play is a satirical look how a movie gets pitched and made in Hollywood. Don Reynolds is a past it porn director with nothing to lose. A fervent young couple asks him to direct their first ever movie - she's the producer and he's the neurotic writer. Don can't believe his luck - finally something "artistic". It's not until his daughter points out that this movie is a mask for the couple's political message that they wish to promote that he starts to wonder about the subject matter of the movie. Fast paced unfolding of the action. 80 minutes. Terry Serio, Caroline Craig, Briallen Clarke, Blake Erikson and Tony Llewellyn-Jones. Perhaps a little too fast to really get the political message over but an entertaining performance and you'll be home and hosed in no time - cutting down babysitting and car parking fees! When and where: On now until 15 December, Monday to Friday, 7.00 pm, Saturday 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm, Griffin, Stables Theatre, Kings Cross.

Francis BaconFor the first time ever in Australia a substantial exhibition of British artist Francis Bacon's works are on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The exhibition takes you through five decades of the artist's life, starting from some of his darker works in the 1940s to more vibrant colours in the 70s and 80s. Curated by Anthony Bond, this exhibition has taken many years to develop and features about 10% of all of Bacon's works. Track the evolution of Bacon as a painter, his technique changes and the subject matters that interest him through the decades. Many of the images are disturbing (headless bodies, figures nailed to couch with syringes). The paintings clearly show the influence of Picasso particularly in the triptychs of his lover, George Dyer and friend Henrietta Moraes. Bacon liked to paint his friends in some very distorted images - Henrietta had her face transforming into a Baboon! He was fascinated by photos, particularly that showed the body or other objects in motion and used many of these to inspire his work. A great selection of artists and celebrity talks feature in the special events program, including talks by Rodney Pople and Paul Capsis on 28 November. Artist Ken Unsworth and Bacon's friend and portrait subject Eddy Batache will talk on Wednesday 21 November. A very detailed and well set out exhibition. Treat yourself to an afternoon at the Art Gallery where you can wonder about the internal demons in Francis Bacon that caused him to paint the pictures he did! When and where: On now until 24 February, Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Alexander The Great: 2000 Years of TreasuresOccupying the large exhibition space on the ground floor of the Australian Museum, this exhibition has come from the State Hermitage in St Petersburg and features treasures that were collected by Catherine The Great. From the glittering jewellery, the propaganda coinage, the maps of Alexander's battles and travels as well as the clay pots and urns from his time, this exhibition seeks to immerse you in Macedonian/Greek culture of the time so that you can understand how Alexander, through his activities, became revered for his military strategy and adventuring spirit. One of the best things about this exhibition are the many video screens which feature stories from historians about Alexander's life, particularly his mother and his family as well as his military strategies. It's hard to believe that his hammer and anvil trick, which trapped so many armies - a relatively simple concept, was not discovered and used against him but that he time and again won his battles through this simple but deadly effective strategy. His relationship with his incredibly ambitious mother is fascinating and his habit of treating his enemies and their families with some amount of respect which leads to his legendary chivalrous status. His brutality and devastation on some communities is also highlighted so he was not completely a saint! Don't rush this exhibition - take your time to look at all the detail and understand how Alexander's imagery was propagated, his vision and his desire to defeat the Persians and eventually to try and conquer Asia Minor. His early death makes you think he was a bit like a rock star of his time - no doubt capable of many more things which history will never reveal. When and where: On at the Australian Museum, College Street, Sydney.