Print ED371484.TIF

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Print ED371484.TIF DOCUMENT RESUME ED 371 484 EA 025 931 AUTHOR Lingard, Bob, Ed.; And Others TITLE Schooling Reform in Hard Times. Deakin Studies in Education Series, 9. REPORT NO ISBN-0-75070-120-X PUB DATE 93 NOTE 324p. AVAILABLEFROM Falmer Press, Taylor and Francis Inc., 1900 Frost Road, Suite 101, Bristol, PA 19007-1598 (paperback: ISBN-0-75070-120-X; hardcover: ISBN-0-75070-119-6). PUB TYPE Reports Research/Technical (143) -- Guides Non- Classroom Use (055) Books (010) EDRS PRICE MFO1 /PC13 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Conservatism; Decentralization; *Economic Factors; *Educational Change; *Educational Equity (Finance); *Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Financial Problems; Foreign Countries; *Government Role; Human Capital; Political Influences; Privatization; School Based Management; School Business Relationship; School Restructuring IDENTIFIERS *Australia; Corporate Managerialism; Labor Party (Australia); New Zealand; Social Justice; United Kingdom; United States ABSTRACT This book examines 1980s educational reforms and their consequences for the 1990s, focusing on the Australian Labor Party government's policy response to conditions of economic scarcity. The first section addresses the broader economic, social, political, and ideological context of educational reform under Australian Labor governments, compared to Labor government developments in New Zealand (until 1990) and conservative government developments in the United States and Great Britain. The second section examines reconstructed notions of equality in the Labor Party, particularly the shift in emphasis from equal opportunity to equity and social justice. The third section reviews Labor's administrative and educational reforms through case studies of the Victorian, Western Australian, and New Zealand situations and discusses the federal Labor government's emerging national curriculum framework. Economic reductionism has become a dominating master narrative within state policy making in Australia. In opposition, these essays assert the valued tension between a center guaranteeing, in socially democratic ways, the essentials of life for all citizens, while celebrating life's richness, freedom, and diversity. Included are numerous references, notes on contributors, and an index. (MLH) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. *********************************************************************** El LI DITED BY Bob Lingard John Knight and Paige Porter U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Once of EduCational Research and Improvement "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY siCENTER (ERIC) This document nas been reproduced as received from the person Or ornaabon .,__,S7r4,44224341ti Originating it P minor changes nave been made to trnprove 'eOrOduCtrOn (Want,' POnt$ Of view Dr Opinions staled in this dOCar ment do not necessarily represent official TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES OERI position of policy INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)." . , r Schooling Reform in Hard Times 3 post-modern sentence Betweenthecatalyst and the action the bag ladysleepsin the parkthesignsays EXIT underthebig screen the feral children prowl in neon canyons lack of sound is not the real silencewhen i eat nobodywatchesbut always shake the can a fewtimesfirstfor deeper satisfaction try UTOPIA ileft the cityforabetterlife when PHILLIPSlights up the night the woman in VOGUE magazine looks down to comb her hairinthebellyof the whaleallcatsare the same if you hold thefutureinyour handsandseeprofit it'sredrosesallthe way my door is always open some day there'll be enough BMWs to go roundandit'llall grow back in a hundred years won'tit? john knight 4 Schooling Reform in Hard Times Edited by Bob Lingard John Knight and Paige Porter 24004sThe Falmer Press (A member of the Taylor & Francis Group) LondonWashington, D.C. 5 USA The Falmer Press, Taylor & Francis Inc., 1900 Frost Road, Suite 101, Bristol, PA 19007 UK The Falmer Press, 4 John St, London WC1N 2ET © Selection and editorial material copyright B. Lingard, J. Knight & P. Porter 1993 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in c, retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission in writing from the Publisher. First published 1993 A catalogue record of this publication is available from the British Library ISBN 0 75070 119 6 cased ISBN 0 75070 120 X paperback Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data are available on request Jacket design by Caroline Archer Typeset in 9.5/11 pt Bembo by Graphicraft Typesetters Ltd., Hong Kong Printed in Great Britain by Burgess Science Press, Basingstoke on paper which has a specified pH value on final paper manufacture of not less than 7.5 and is therefore 'acid free'. 6 Contents Dedication xii Preface vii PART I: INTRODUCTION 1 Chapter 1 Restructuring Schooling towards the 1990s 2 John Knight, Bob Lingard, Paige Porter PART II: RESTRUCTURING AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION: COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES 23 Chapter 2 Corporate Federalism: The Emerging Approach to Policy .making for Australian Schools 24 Bob Lingard Chapter 3 Education, The Economy and Citizenship in Australia: Critical Perspectives and Social Choices 36 Paige Porter Chapter 4 Thinking 'Right' in the USA: Ideological Transformations in an Age of Conservatism 49 Michael W. Apple Chapter 5 Two Hemispheres Both New Right?: 1980s Education Reform in New Zealand and England and Wales 63 Roger Dale and Jenny Ozga PART III: RESTRUCTURING EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSE: EQUALITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 89 Chapter 6 Education and Social Justice in the Postmodern Age 90 Lindsay Fitzclarence and Jane Kenway Chapter 7 Inequality and Educational Reform: Lessons from the Disadvantaged Schools Project 106 Ken Johnston v Contents Chapter 8 Multiculturalism, Social Justice and the Restructuring of the Australian State 120 Fazal Rizvi Chapter 9 Policy and the Politics of Representation: Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines at the Margins 139 Allan Luke, Martin Nakata, M. Garbutcheon Singh, Richard Smith Chapter 10Gender Equity and Economic Rationalism: An Uneasy Alliance 153 Miriam Henry and Sandra Taylor Chapter 11Corporate Restructuring of the Australian Disability Field 176 Cheryl Carpenter PART IV: RESTRUCTURING POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION: FOUR CASE STUDIES 193 Chapter 12The Development of Representative Committees in Victorian Schools: New Structures in the Democratization of Educational Admi: istration? 194 Peter Watkins and Jill Blackmore Chapter 13The Efficient Corporate State: Labor Restructuring for Better Schools in Western Australia 222 Paige Porter, John Knight, Bob Lingard Chapter 14Picot Vision and Reality in New Zealand Schools: An Insider's View 261 Peter D.K. Ramsay Chapter 15'Nothing But Facts, Sir': Curriculum Reform as a Function of Corporate Federalism 284 Leo Bartlett Notes on Contributors 303 Index 307 vi 8 Preface This book is an exercise in policy sociology as applied to schooling policy formu- lation in Australia, with some comparative references to New Zealand, the United States and England and Wales. Policy sociology applies sociological analysis to the policy formulation and implementation processes and the relationship between these two processes. As such, and amongst other things, it considers the social, political and economic conditions in which policy is formulated, understood and enacted. While rejecting any simplistic formulation/implementation dichotomy, the research reported here concentrates upon the formulation of policy statements at the level of the state. Thus it is not concerned as such with curriculum devel- opment and teacher practices at the school and classroom levels. Rather, the approach is to examine the processes of policy formulation, as they are affected by broader conditions (e.g., economic and ideological) within which the state works and by debates and practices at school and classroom levels. It should be noted, however, that the structures of the state (e.g., federal, bureaucratic) mediate both sets of influences, that is, they have an impact on the content and nature of policy statements. Clearly there are different manifestations of a policy at different sites within the educational structure, but it is important to recognise that they are related in ways that are not arbitrary. We accept that there is an almost inevitable danger in the practice of policy sociology in that policy today changes so quickly. This is certainly true of devel- opments at the national level in Australia under the Labor governments of Hawke (1983-1991) and Keating (1991present). It is also true of developments at the State (e.g., Western Australia, Victoria) level. It is thus pertinent in that context to speak of fast policy making, perhaps as an analogue to what some have described as the fast capitalism of the present that section of the contemporary economy which is high tech, global and post-Fordist in nature. For the policy sociologist, with respect to the fine detail of policy, it is almost the case that what one writes today is out of date tomorrow. However, just as with the study of history, the value of pursuing policy analysis in a time of fast policy making, lies in the potential understandings it provides of the policy culture and structures of policy making and the discourses and frames of reference of contemporary policy makers. Such understandings
Recommended publications
  • Annual Report 2019–2020
    Annual Report 2019–2020 Contents About About 3 President & Chief Executive’s Report 4 Live Performance Australia (LPA) is the peak body for Australia’s live performance COVID-19: LPA’s Leadership & Advocacy 6 industry. Established over 100 years ago in 1917 and registered as an employers’ Workplace Relations 8 organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, LPA has over 400 Members nationally. Policy & Advocacy 10 Member Services 12 We represent commercial producers, music promoters, major performing arts companies, small to medium companies, independent producers, major performing arts Staff 15 centres, metropolitan and regional venues, commercial theatres, stadiums and arenas, Financial Report 16 arts festivals, music festivals, and service providers such as ticketing companies and technical suppliers. Our membership spans from small to medium and not-for-profit Executive Council 38 organisations to large commercial entities. Members 40 LPA’s strategic direction is driven by our Members. LPA Members are leaders in our Acknowledgments 42 industry and their expertise is crucial to ensuring positive industry reform, whether by Member Resources 44 providing input to submissions or serving as a Member of LPA’s Executive Council. Contact 45 LPA’s membership remains strong and, importantly, reflective of the artistic and commercial diversity of the Australian live performance industry. LPA has a clear mandate to advocate for and support policy decisions that benefit the sustainability and growth of the live performance
    [Show full text]
  • 17 June 1987 Next to Me
    2600 2600ASSEM BLYI seek to be recognised from the seat of the Min- £[egwslte Assemblu ister for Health, and to have an officer scaled Wednesday, 17 June 1987 next to me. Leave granted. THE SPEAKER (Mr Barnett) took the Chair Debate Resumed at 2.1 5 pm. and read prayers. MR MacKINNON (Murdoch-Leader of the Opposition) [2. 18 pmn]: This Bill is allegedly DOG AMENDMENT BILL designed to stamp out stamp duty avoidance Objections:- Petition measures. The Bill does that in part. However, I am not sure that it does it in other parts, and I MR MacKINNON (Murdoch-Leader of will explain why in a moment. The Opposition the Opposition) (2. 16 pm]: I have a petition to supports the section of the Bill that refers to present to the Parliament in the following avoidance. However, there are other sections of terms- the legislation about which we have concern. To: The first concern must be the fact that this is The H-onourable the Speaker and Members a very complex piece of legislation, as admitted of the Legislative Assembly of the Parlia- by the Minister himself a moment ago. but it ment of Western Australia in Parliament was not circulated amongst the professions or assembled. the sections of industry it will affect until it was We. the undersigned request that the cur- presented to this Parliament. In other words. rent Bill to amend the Dog Act be sus- the people who will be affected-lawyers, ac- pended. pending a complete overhaul. countants, and commerce generally-did not Futhermore.
    [Show full text]
  • Three, Four, Five Civil Liberties Groups Emerge in WA
    Chapter 8 – Western Australia Three, four, five civil liberties groups emerge in WA The first mention of a civil liberties body in Perth came in an article in a local daily newspaper in September 1936: “The establishment of a Council of Civil Liberties in Perth was advocated yesterday by Mr. C. Bader (sic), readers’ counsellor under the adult education scheme of the University of Western Australia. Mr. Badger made the suggestion when discussing the action of the Customs Department in seizing 17 books from the Perth Literary Institute last week. “In view of the general tendency to interfere with the free circulation of books, and especially the tendency of the Federal Government to devolve its powers to irresponsible departments, said Mr. Badger, one felt there was a great need for a body in Perth affiliated to or parallel with the Council of Civil Liberties in Melbourne. This council, in its own way, was a development of the Council for Civil Liberties in England, whose president was Mr. E. W. Forster, the author of ‘Passage to India’. “It was a saddening fact that the battle for liberty, which people were apt to regard as having been won for them by their ancestors, had to be fought anew in each generation. “Despite the ample powers which governments had to suppress overt sedition and treachery, continued Mr. Badger, democratic governments still found it necessary to pass Acts like the Crimes Act, which were contrary to the whole tradition of British law and justice.” 1 Badger (photo), then just starting his career, went on to become the first Director of the Council of Adult Education in Victoria, a position he held until 1971.
    [Show full text]
  • The Burke Labor Government
    THE BURKE LABOR GOVERNMENT Dr Geoffrey Gallop, Murdoch University Paper delivered at 1984 APSA Conference, 27-29 August, Melbourne University I would like to thank the many people who helped in the preparation of this paper. ·. INTRODUCTION Labor came to power in Western Australia in February 1983 on the 1 basis of 54.4 per cent of the two-party-preferred vote. This amounted toa swing of 6.5 per cent. The largest swings were recorded in the north west (10.8 per cent) and in the outer metropolitan region (7 per cent). Nine Assembly seats fell to Labor: three in the metropolitan zone, five in the agricultural, mining and pastoral zone and one in the north. The Liberals gained one seat at the expense of the National Country Party. This left Labor with a clear majority in the Legislative Assembly and only three seats with a two-party-preferred vote of below 53 per cent. The Liberal Party has four seats in such a position, including Subiaco whose member, Dr Tom Dadour, has resigned from the party and now sits as an independent. Dadour has indicated that he intends to contest the seat as an independent at the next election. The Liberal Party preserved its clear majority in the Legislative Council - and its belief in the legitimacy of the currently constituted second chamber. On the basis of 52 per cent of the two-party-preferred vote Labor won 7 out of the 17 provinces. The Liberals lost North Metropolitan to Labor but won Lower Central and Central from the National Country Party.
    [Show full text]
  • The Founding and Establishment 1986-2014
    the founding and establishment of the university of notre dame australia 1986-2014 Peter Tannock November 2014 The Objects of The University of Notre Dame Australia are: a) the provision of university education within a context of Catholic faith and values; and b) the provision of an excellent standard of – i) teaching, scholarship and research; ii) training for the professions; and iii) pastoral care for its students. I have written this brief monograph as a personal account of some of the people and events associated with the founding and establishment of The University of Notre Dame Australia. It reflects my memory of, and opinions about, the main issues and challenges faced by the founders, and the milestones in the University’s progress, since it was first conceptualized in 1986. This monograph is a contribution to the University’s celebrations of 25 years since the passage of its founding Act through the Parliament of Western Australia in December, 1989. A subsequent complementary monograph, containing select records and photographs relevant to this story, will be published. I should like to acknowledge the great contribution of Leonie Peacock to the preparation of this publication. Peter Tannock Vice Chancellor Emeritus The University of Notre Dame Australia November 2014 1 The University of Notre Dame Australia Origins: 1986-1992 The idea of establishing a private Catholic University in Perth, Western Australia emerged in the second half of the 1980s. It arose from the realisation by the Archdiocese of Perth and the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia that there were inadequate means of providing special training for the substantial numbers of lay people who would be needed for future service at all levels in the State’s extensive and growing Catholic school system.
    [Show full text]
  • Letters of Sir Edward Parry, Commissioner to the Australian Agricultural Company
    In the service of the company Letters of Sir Edward Parry, Commissioner to the Australian Agricultural Company Volume II: June 1832 – March 1834 I=:6JHIG6A>6CC6I>DC6AJC>K:GH>IN :EG:HH :EG:HH Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] Web: http://epress.anu.edu.au Previously published by the Noel Butlin Archives Centre The Australian National University National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data: Parry, William Edward, Sir, 1790-1855. In the service of the company: letters of Sir Edward Parry, Commissioner to the Australian Agricultural Company. Volume II, June 1832-March 1834. Includes index. ISBN 0 7315 4634 2 1. Parry, William Edward, Sir, 1790-1855 - Correspondence. 2. Australian Agricultural Company. 3. Pioneers - Australia - Correspondence. I. Australian National University. Noel Butlin Archives Centre. II. Title. 994.4202 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover: Tahlee House, 1830: Sir Edward Parry’s residence at Carrington, Port Stephens. Work on the house commenced in 1826. The south west (left hand) wing was completed in April 1831. The north east (right hand wing) was not built. [Noel Butlin Archives Centre, Australian Agricultural Company, Deposit 1, Plan 11] Designed by Green Words & Images (GWi) Cover design by Brendon McKinley Printed
    [Show full text]
  • Planning for the Western Coast Power Dictates
    Planning for the Western Coast Power dictates Felicity Farrelly University of WA …the long line of ocean frontage within a few miles of the heart of our city…is a …God-given gift which should inspire us to flights of imagination as to the future (Boas et al. 1930:94) Abstract: The extent to which coastal management policy promulgated by the Western Australian State Government has led to changes in coastal land use since formulation of the first coastal management guidelines in the 1970s is examined. Changes in coastal land use have been mapped from the annual metropolitan road directories from 1970 to 2006. The time series obtained has been interpreted in the context of declared changes in coastal policy initiatives by the State Government to establish the impact of policy on planning and management. The area under consideration is a 300 metre zone extending landwards from the shoreline identified on the State Coastal Planning maps. The mapped changes in land use indicate that coastal policy has influenced coastal land use, although the implementation of land use change has within both the eighties and current years been driven more by powerful externalities than the immediate policy process. Introduction In Australia, developing urban growth is leading to the suburbanisation of the coastal rim with 86% of the population living along the coast (Salt 2005). The rate of growth in the coastal areas in Western Australia is 60% higher than the national average although a much smaller proportion is located close to active shore (Johnson 2005). In Perth, where the coast is the western platform to the Australian continent, the State Government is reassessing its overall planning policies for the coastal regions (WAPC 2004).
    [Show full text]
  • Interests of Stirling Ratepayers and the Traditional Role, Responsibility
    [Friday, 22 November 19851497 4947 At the request of the Minister for Planning, the MRPA became involved with the City of 1985 Stirling in seeking ways to bring it to heel. Re- Friday, 22 November cently an order in letter form was issued claiming to withdraw the city's rights in con- THE PRESIDENT (Hon. Clive Griffiths) nection with certain planning matters. Whether took the Chair at 11.00 a.m., and read prayers. or not the MRPA legally has the power to with- draw those rights is questionable, because a PLANNING: HIGH-RISE DEVELOPMENT legal opinion given to the City of Stirling yes- terday indicated that the MRPA did not have Scarborough Motion that power and the rights came to the City of HON. P. HI. WELLS (North Metropolitan) Stiiding through a recently accepted town plan- t11.03 a.m.]: I move- ning scheme. That this House- I am not questioning whether the legal power I . Strongly condemns the Government or the intention of the action which was orig- for its irrational approach to resolving inally commenced by the Minister for Planning the high-rise development problem at in asking the MRPA to become involved was Scarborough and other planning aimed at stripping the City of Stirling of its issues, particularly the improper and right to make certain decisions and inappropriate criticism of the City of recommendations relating to planning within Stirling. the City of Stirling. What concerns me in this issue is the likely effect this action will have on 2. Calls on the Government, in the the ratepayers, the residents, the property interests Of Stirling ratepayers and the holders or owners within the City of Stirling people of Western Australia, to refrain whom this decision will affect, and the ramifi- from its confrontationist policy with cations it will have on employment, develop- the City of Stirling.
    [Show full text]
  • Tall Ships Hobart 2013 – September 20-25
    Tall Ships Hobart 2013 – September 20-25 To celebrate certain special anniversaries it is traditional, in the maritime world, to convene a gathering of great ships from all corners of the world. When the invitation comes from a national defence force it is known as a Fleet Review. Such a gathering was seen last when Australia celebrated its bi-centennial in 1988 and the Tall Ships came to Hobart. The parade of sail in the River Derwent drew thousands to the waterfront to see these beautiful ships, including the British Government’s handsome birthday gift to Australia – the 239-tonne brigantine Young Endeavour. Another great anniversary is approaching - the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy’s first entry into Sydney Harbour in October 1913. In the run-up to this very large event the fleet will visit a handful of other ports with strong maritime traditions. In September 2013, a great procession of sails will be seen in the Derwent as the Tall Ships come to Hobart once more. Tall Ships Hobart 2013 will be produced and managed by the same organisation that has successfully produced the Australian Wooden Boat Festival for the last 20 years – AWBF Inc. This is a not-for- profit entity specifically created to manage large-scale maritime events. The five-day Tall Ships program will include ship tours, special sailings, exhibitions and activities in Princes Wharf One, entertainment, a Grand Parade, fine Tasmanian food and wines, a special schools program and much more. Friday 20 September Staggered arrivals in the Derwent followed by berthing operations.
    [Show full text]
  • PAPERSI LABOUR HISTORY No. 13
    Papers in Labour HistoryNo. 13, June 1994, ISSN 1030-6218 PAPERSI LABOUR HISTORY No. 13 EDITOR: JANIS BAILEY Perth Branch, Australian Society for the Study of Labour History ........................ SPONSORS This edition of Papers in Labour History has been sponsored by the following organisations: Australian Public Sector and Broadcasting Union, W A Branch Australian Labour Party, WesternAustralian Branch Metals and Engineering Workers' Union, WA Branch Civil ServiceAssociation of WesternAustralia Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union ofAustralia, WA Branch Operative Painters and Decorators Union ofAustralia, West Australian Branch Australian Electrical, Electronics, Foundry & Engineering Union, W A Branch This editor expresses her hearty thanks to the sponsors. Sponsorship takes the form of a donation to subsidise the costs of producing this edition. Organisations interested in sponsoring future editions ought to make contact with the Editor. The views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the sponsors, the Perth Branch of theAustralian Society for the Study of Labour History or the Editor •••••••••••••••••• SOCIETYFOR THESTUDY OF LABOUR IDSTORY The Perth Branch of the Australian Society forthe Study of Labour History aims to promote the study and dissemination of information about the history of labour, particularly in Western Australia. It organises regular seminars and workshops for this purpose. These are open to members of the public. For further information contact: The Secretary, Perth Branch, Australian Society for the Study of Labour History, Trades and Labor Council Arts Officer, PO Box 8351, Stirling Street, Perth, 6000. Branch membership fees are $25 Corporate (Institutions, Groups, Married Couples), $20 Ordinary and $15 Concessional (Student, Unemployed, Pensioner). Membership includes subscription to Papers in Labour History.
    [Show full text]
  • Business Journey Flyer
    www.business.tas.gov.au BUSINESS JOURNEY 1800 440 026 Starting a Business Guide This guide will show you where you can go for No interest Micro-Business support and information that Business Tasmania Loans (NILS) will help you make decisions Enterprise Centres Tasmania Department of State Growth Digital Ready Contact one of the friendly Small, interest free loans that are right for you when A statewide network of The Department provides considering starting a team via phone, email, of up to $3,000. They are independent business Helps businesses to actively a range of programs and business in Tasmania. We Facebook or through designed to help people advisors, funded to meet engage in the Digital Economy services to support all sizes also have periodic workshops with 4 hours of free digital their website to access on low incomes start their available on this topic. www. one on one with small of business and industry to information, support and business. Eligibility criteria business intenders or owners. coaching, online tools, grow. More information on business.tas.gov.au/__data/ resources and workshops services available Tasmania- applies. www.nilstasmania. assets/pdf_file/0009/253485/ They look carefully at your key programs can be found covering everything from wide to help you to start, org.au/microbusiness Starting_a_Small_Business_ business and help develop over the page or at: run and grow your business. in_Tasmania.pdf strategies for success. www. social media to online www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au www.business.tas.gov.au enterprisecentres.tas.gov.au
    [Show full text]
  • Free Melbourne Day Family Festival & Concert
    MEDIA RELEASE JULY 2017 FREE MELBOURNE DAY FAMILY FESTIVAL & CONCERT CELEBRATING MELBOURNE’S 182 nd ANNIVERSARY August 30 marks the anniversary of the founding of our wonderful city and we’re celebrating with a FREE Melbourne Day Family Festival and Concert at Docklands on Sunday, August 27, 2017 from noon till 3.02pm. Yes, 182 minutes to mark 182 years of marvellous Melbourne! There will be tours of the schooner Enterprize , face painting, roving entertainment, food trucks and birthday cupcake giveaways. There will also be a special Sunday Docklands Market along Harbour Esplanade from 10am – 5pm. The all-ages concert stars a host of Melbourne-born music legends headlined by the ultimate 80s party band Absolutely 80s featuring Brian Mannix (Uncanny Xmen), Scott Carne (Kids in the Kitchen) and Ally Fowler (The Chantoozies) performing hits and classics from the halcyon 1980s. Supporting Absolutely 80s will be fellow Melbourne music legends Wendy Stapleton and Paul Norton from Wendy and The Rocketts and up-and-coming local artist Peta Evans-Taylor, finalist on The Voice 2015. The free all-ages concert kicks off at noon with Peta Evans-Taylor taking the stage. Peta is best known for her appearance on The Voice where she climbed to the top three finalists and has since been touring across Australia. In a career spanning more than 40 years, Wendy Stapleton signed with Mushroom Records in 1979 and formed Wendy and The Rocketts. The band toured Australia and overseas, performing with major acts including Brian Adams and Hall and Oats. Wendy has since fronted various Melbourne-based music groups including Wendy Stapleton Band and now performs alongside husband Paul Norton .
    [Show full text]