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Home , David Hill (businessman), Di Gribble, Gold Walkley, Jonathan Shier, Ramona Koval, Russell Balding

Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. qu a rt e r ly news l e t t e r Ma r ch 2006 Vol 15, No. 5 in c o rp o rat i n g ba ck g round briefing na tional magaz i n e up d a t e friends of the abc

ABC Submission Disappointment: Aims at only 12 extra drama hours. When Friends are tested: friends will speak out. Loyal they may be, but FABC branches share both surprise and mutual concern that the ABC’ s latest triennial funding submission is modest, if not "minimalist ” Head of ABC TV For funding for the thee years year to an expected 20 hours. So 2006-09, the ABC seeks an extra it lifts the ABC’s annual Australian Kim Dalton’s Solid $38.4 million a year to meet three drama level to 32 hours, far below key objectives covering new radio the 90 or 100 hours a year pro- Track Record services, digital TV and broadband duced by the commercial net- content, and more Australian doc- w o r k s…and still far below the Former Chief Executive of umentaries, adult and children's ABC’s one-time copious output of the AFC 1999 to 2005, Kim drama and arts programs for TV. Australian drama. Dalton, has a 30-year associ- ation with Australian Film It wants $4.5million a year to The submission argues that an and TV production, including improve radio for under-serviced investment of an extra $15 mil- helping develop and finance audiences in outer metropolitan lion in 2006-07 would boost its Muriel's Wedding and The and regional areas, requiring TV production sector with a Adventures of Priscilla, employing 36 additional radio potential to generate productions Queen of the Desert. producers across . worth almost $40 million. It would then spend another $20 Responsible for re s t ru c t u r i n g It also proposes an additional million in 2007-08, rising to $25 the Film Commission and shift- $13.9 million a year to spend on million in 2008-09. ing its focus, Kim Dalton had creating and buying in 200 hours p reviously operated his own The money would go to a new of additional content for ABC 2 to p roduction company, worked fund committed to developing further develop and expand its with Childre n s Australian content through the digital television outlets and its Television Foundation and the independent production sector, broadband platforms. Australian Film Finance spending on average over the next Corporation in senior manage- NSW FABC President, Gary three years, $20 million a year to ment and, prior to joining the Cook, said those proposals were lift the level of high-quality "land- AFC, with Beyond Intern a t i o n a l realistic and not ‘over the top’. mark" Australian programs across in the development, financing "They are obviously not an ambit a number of genres, not just and pro d u c t i o n claim; they’re to meet basic needs drama. and I can’t see that they leave any (continued on page 4) room for negotiation," Gary said. In that category of course the ABC no longer has the capacity or "Naturally Friends support the resources to produce drama in- I N S I D E : ABC’s funding submission – but house. how much better and stronger The President’s Report 3 could it have been." Friends disquiet Managing Director Wanted 5-7 ABC Walkley Awards 9 The submission contains only FABC conducted an internet an extra 12 hours of adult drama. hookup of interstate branches and Free Film Night 9 Last financial year the ABC these are some of the reactions: Bias Claims Demolished 11-14 showed 11 hours of first-release expressed: ABC Tours Resume 14 drama, upgraded this financial (continued on page 4)

Page 1 No r t h e r n Rivers Hosts Ter r orism Discussion

Admission by donation ($10 or $5 concession and $2 for s c h o o l c h i l d ren.) Coffee with On Friday afternoon Sally will work with aspiring journ a l i s t s Hunter f rom local schools and Southern C ross University’s Tweed Gold Coast campus. For bookings Friends contact Neville Jennings on: The Hunter group has ini- The Nort h e rn Rivers 0405 244 903. tiated a number of coffee branch of the Friends of B y ron Bay Members afternoons to be held at the ABC is gearing up for a Panthers Newcastle on the high profile visit to the Branch members in Byron Bay fourth Saturday afternoon of Tweed District by Four a re planning two events later in alternate months. the year: one with a focus on C o rners’ re p o rter Sally f reedom of speech, the other on These will replace the N e i g h b o u r. scheduled committee meet- film-making and measures to ings, held at the Trades Hall, On 24th March Sally will dis- enhance the quality and quantity for those months, and all cuss the threat of terrorism in of Australian Drama on free to members and guests are wel- SE Asia and explore links air TV. come to attend both. between JI groups in Asia and At our last branch meeting Australia. The next coffee get-together is members were pleased to note the fourth Saturday in March, and Sally will draw on her bre a d t h the re t u rn to good health of then again in April, and so forth. of experience as an award - w i n- Vice President Doug Myler. Committee meetings will be held ning journalist with the ABC Members of the executive had a in March, May, etc. For more and as prize-winning author of fun night out at a comedy event information, ring Allan on 4930 "In the Shadow of Sword s ", in Byron Bay with Mandy Nolan 7309. and Sandy Gandhi. her recent book. The addre s s Lisa Thomas, Secretary will take place at the Tw e e d Next branch meeting is set Heads Civic and Cultural down for 7.30 pm on C e n t re, Brett Street, Tw e e d Wednesday 26 April at the Heads with doors opening at Li s m o r e Workers Club. New 7.30 pm (NSW) time. members are always welcome.

A Sunday Afternoon…great music…and a heritage setting Parramatta FABC invite Friends and their friends to a free orchestral concert in Parramatta Town Hall on Sunday 26th March at 2.30 pm with Mal Hewitt & The Occasional Perfo r ming Sinfonia

It ’ s to celebrate 125 years of community involvement although a year or two ahead of the Victorian era - in Parramatta Town Hall, and the City Council’s ren o - Mozart has just celebrated his 250th birthday. vation of a beautiful Victorian building. Parramatta composer Graham Howard has written A varied program: Aaron Copland, Shostakovich a piece commissioned for the occasion – Footprints and other music timing the history of the hall – at Four Creeks, those that feed the Parramatta Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Ravel and a salute to the River...their musical premiere Broadway Musical with suites from West Side Story and My Fair Lady. Mal Hewitt asks: is there is a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than listening to great music in a The Federal Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens, beautiful building, with afternoon tea also free. in a previous life a concert pianist, will join the orchestra for Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D minor,

Page 2 THETHE PRESIDENT’SPRESIDENT’S REPORREPORTT

It was again a pleasure to meet will not release the review for In the last edition, I headed so many members and their public scrut i n y , claiming that it my report with examples of alle- guests in the familiar surround- contains confidential ABC materi- gations of left-wing bias against ings of the Dot Strong Terrace at al. The Minister’s decision is the ABC. I am sure that it is as the ABC Ultimo Centre for our unacceptable. At least, a summary repetitive and tedious for you as annual Christmas Party. of the findings should be it is for me to draw your atten- It was an opportune time to released. After all, the cost of the tion to no fewer than five arti- reflect on the past year and to review to taxpayers was $417,000. cles in this edition dealing with fu r ther claims of left-wing bias look to the new year - one of At about the same time, the and entrenched culture. many challenges as usual, parti c - ABC made available its Triennial ularly the funding decision for Funding Submission which, We have come to expect that the next three years. The occa- together with the FAER, forms The Australian will reg u l a r l y sion also coincided with the the basis for the government to attack the ABC but, rec e n t l y , Th e announcement of the Wal k l e y fund the ABC for the next three Sydney Morning Herald co l u m - Awa r ds, with the quality and tal- years. The submission features as nists, Gerard Henderson and ent of ABC journalists and pro- our lead story in this edition Michael Duffy joined them in gram makers again being the (p.1) and is available for viewing the space of a week. And it was a highlight. on our web page at: week when the Howard govern- www.fabcnsw.org.au I had the pleasure of presenting ment was on the defensive over the AWB scandal. Henderson and our annual award for "Excellence In February, a delegation of Du f fy avoided that issue like the in Broadcasting" to the AWAYE state branches met with the plague and ran a nice little diver- program on . Coalition Back Bench Committee sion on left-wing bias in the AWAYE is Australia’s only nation- on Communications. FABC put ABC. More disturbing, though, al indigenous arts and culture forward solid and convincing evi- was the failure of the Herald to program. AWAYE means "listen dence of the distinctiveness and publish Managing Direc t o r , up" in the Arrernte language of comprehensiveness of the ABC, ’s reply to Central Australia. The program is funding benchmarks compared He n d e r s o n ’ s arti c l e . presented by Rhoda Roberts, to public broadcasters around the Rhoda is a member of the world and the public’s willing- This will be the last edition of Bundjalung nation. Rhoda was ness to pay more for the ABC Update prior to the government pr esent to receive the award on (currently 10c per day). It was handing down the budget, behalf of her colleagues. It was a also put to the committee that which, of course, will contain the delight to see the pride evident the manner of funding should decision on ABC funding for the amongst the AWAYE team in not be targeted and with no con- next three years. Please write to receiving the award. tent quotas. The committee was the Minister, your local member im p r essed with the pres e n t a t i o n The Funding Adequacy and or the Prime Minister. Tell them given by the Friends but, dis- Ef ficiency Review ("FAER") com- how much you value the ABC tu r b i n g l y , they raised the ques- missioned by the governm e n t and how it deserves a boost in tion of "carefully controlled, lim- was recently completed by fu n d i n g . ited advertising", pointing to the KPMG. The ABC is confident that AB C ’ s promotion of its own prod - Gary Cook the review will clearly demon- ucts and programs as a prec e d e n t . President, FABC strate that the ABC is under fund- Our position remains diametrically ed and deserving of a significant opposed to advertising, in line boost in funding. The Minister with the ABC Charte r . DID YOU KNOW? Friends of the ABC (NSW) celebrates the 30th Here we are thirty years later with many of the anniversary of its founding in April. It was same issues existing in 1976 and some addi- formed in protest at funding cuts (familiar?) tional ones to challenge us. imposed by the Fraser Government.

Page 3 Submission Disappointment Continued from Page 1 "While the ABC will do what it the lower end of the scale we considers needs to be done to expected". "This is very much a minimalist achieve what it believes to be set of requests…certainly less than 'realistic', the reality is no govern- SPAA’s Geoff Brown said the last time around, and less than the ment will ever provide more than submission was a watered down Macquarie Bank's rec o m m e n d a - it’s seeking, it is the FABC's role to version of the 2003 triennial sub- tion, 3 years ago, for an increa s e of take the principled position." mission. $200m; but of course we support Media response funding for innovations - produc- Both industry groups want the tion costs, digital content and For comment, the mainstream ABC to be subject to the same online radio for under-serviced media turned to Richard Harris of Australian content standards as areas - operations which current- the Australian Screen Directors commercial TV is. Mr Brown said ly survive on a shoe-string" Association and Geoff Brown, the Broadcasting Services Act or executive director of the Screen the ABC charter should be "It appears the ABC Board has Producers Association of Australia. amended. taken the view that they should "There has to be some statutory where possible avoid saying any- Their verdict: the ABC would thing the government doesn't obligation that says the national need to double the money in its public broadcaster at least reaches want to hear. Unfortunately this funding submission if it were to is also a further acceptance of tied the minimum of commercial come close to the amount of broadcasters," he said. funding." drama required of commercial "Overall, the specific amounts broadcasters. "We can no longer allow our sought are very modest and national public broadcaster to be would seem unlikely to be ade- Richard Harris estimated the marginalised. The industry's con- quate for any significant improve- ABC would need between $40 cern is that with the lack of ment in overall services…if the million and $50 million a year to Australian drama, the ABC itself is ABC is going to whisper about its increase drama to a level even at risk." underfunding it can hardly expect approaching that of the Nine, many to hear." Seven and Ten networks. "The ABC proposals are modest and at

Continued from Page 1 New Head of ABC TV Kim Dalton of television and feature film projects. Mr Dalton's appointment comes four months after Sandra Levy unexpectedly quit. He told The Australian it was far too early to say whether there would be changes at the national broadcaster. "I go into this job with a belief that the ABC must program across a range of gen- res," he said. "Australian drama is very important and I go into it with a commitment to Australian content across the schedule." Executive director Screen Producers Association of Australia Geoff Brown said it was "perhaps the most significant appointment at a critical time in the ABC's history", given the "appallingly low level" of Australian drama on the ABC. Dalton said he looked forward to con- tinuing to work closely with Australia's independent film and television produc- tion sector.

Page 4 Situation Vacant As this issue of Update goes off to the printer, the’ Managing The quest to replace Balding finance made working for the Director wanted’ sign was still on could take months, so ABC a thankless and frustrating display outside the ABC’s Harris McDonald’s presence provides task. Street headquarters, it could even continuity. He was appointed Director of the Australian Film still be there when the next issue Chair by Richard Alston in July Television and Radio School, comes out. Filling the vacancy is a 1996 and he will soon exceed the Malcolm Long, a former ABC worldwide task and quite likely a length of terms of previous ABC insider and head of SBS, has been very protracted one. chairmen, with the exception of short-listed for the post in the the late Richard Boyer, chairman The ABC past and is thought to again be a for 16 years. Chair, Donald keen applicant. McDonald, is The recruiting net will be cast Former BBC head, , expected to wide. Balding, originally Director has also been mentioned, but the take over as of Finance, was the first manag- longer the appointment takes, the interim manag- ing director appointed from the mo r e names will be mentioned… ing director staff since those of leading political, media when Russell took over from Sir . and arts executives will feed the Balding leaves in March. His term Other appointees, including Brian speculation, although the success- is up in July, but it’s safe to Johns, and, indeed ful candidate should combine assume the Government will , were recruited something of all three back- invite him to stay on for at least a outside the corporation. year and it well may end any grounds…even more according to speculation about his full time Current ‘insiders’ obviously to one speculator – The Australian’s reappointment. be considered are a Balding pro- media writer, Errol Simper (see tégé, Chief Operating Officer, below – Away with the Pixies!) The existing board - McDonald, David Pendleton and, replacing But as the recruiting consult- John Gallagher, , Sandra Levy, the recently ants Egon Zehnder hunt overseas, , appointed Director of Television, it’s well to remember the last suc- and - will effec- Kim Dalton who’s only been in cessful candidate from overseas tively operate as the selection the job since January. Levy herself with hidden talents was Russell panel throughout the entire may be a contender, although Balding’s predecessor, Jonathan process, for which the executive one reason for her departure last Shier. consultancy Egon Zehnder has year was said to be her disillu- been appointed. sionment that politics and

Away With the Pixies!

The Australian’s television critic, Errol Simper games about potential successors (including): Pru (‘The Scribe’), took a break from the serious Goward, Greg Dyke, Sandra Levy, Kim Williams, Sue business of the delphic politics and manoeu- Howard, Paul Kelly, Bob Mansfield, Sam Kekovich, vrings and rumours of war in Australia’s Max Uechtritz, Trevor Kennedy, Marcos Baghdatis, broadcasting environment to daydream about Eddie McGuire, Bob Dylan, Nicole Kidman, Bert Russell Balding’s impending departure… Newton, , Diego Maradona, Andy Warh o l and so on. Such lists will undoubtedly grow . Perha p s Balding brought maturity, sanity, credibility and they'll recall Shier from his tax-funded ret i re m e n t . competence to his office. Yes, he was an accountant who lacked journalistic background, but you can't In truth, there are few people with the perfect cre- have everything. Unlike some of his predecessors he dentials of an ABC managing director. You need the was more interested in managing the organisation combined skills of a journalist, politician, public rela- than in pirouetting around, making hyperbolic, self- tions guru and trade union official. You require all important declamations. Those who've doubted his the standard managerial abilities of a senior execu- worth might care to ask themselves why the tough, tive, yet - very importantly - must remain in touch ruthlessly pragmatic Max Moore-Wilton chose to with a broad mainstream consensus (and) an individ- recruit him (to run) Sydney Airport, by wide consen- ual can have some of the requisite skills, but rarely sus, a ghastly place. Cross your fingers and fervently all of them. hope he can improve it. Errol Simper The Australian Feb 2nd ‘06 Anyway, Balding's resignation will undoubtedly precipitate one of those unfailingly popular guessing

Page 5 Another chance to neuter the ABC

The daily electro n i c The other members of the News Sheet, Crikey, b o a rd at the moment include sewed Balding’s re s i g n a- respected lawyer Stephen Skala, John Gallagher tion into John Howard ’s QC and the staff-elected dire c- long-standing, some- tor Ramona Koval, whose on- times frustrated, plans going presence demonstrates for dealing with the how hard it is to control what national bro a d c a s t e r ; many still re g a rd as a staff - c a p- t u red org a n i s a t i o n . and, as Stephen Mayne w rote, here was anoth- Some critics re g a rd the pre s- ence of Gough Whitlam's pre s s er great opportunity to s e c re t a ry Kerry O'Brien pre s e n t- neuter the corporation – ing The 7.30 Report as the ulti- with some bizarre sug- mate yardstick of the ABC's on- ABC gestions for successors. going editorial independence. The new CEO would have a Local Radio’s The Howard Government has good deal of difficulty moving waged a long campaign to re i n on O'Brien because it would best year in what it re g a rds as institu- re q u i re John Cameron, the tional bias at the ABC and head of news and curre n t The ABC has had another (Russell Balding’s) re s i g n a t i o n a ffairs, to support the move. exceptional year across its Local p rovides another big opport u- Radio networks for 2005 in the nity to attack that culture . H o w e v e r, that doesn't mean the government won't press for Nielsen Media Research radio rat- The original appointment of an outsider. . . I m p o rt a n t l y, ings. John Howard's mate Donald Donald McDonald's second five McDonald as chairman in 1996 year term as chairman expire s Russell Balding said “ABC Local was meant to kick-start the on July 24 this year. Radio is often the heart of local p rocess, but it didn't take long news and information for com- P e rhaps the govern m e n t for him to go native and munities throughout the nation.” become a passionate advocate should install its new chairm a n b e f o re a decision is made on for the ABC. Highlights of the survey include: replacing Balding. Peter Reith H o w e v e r, McDonald and his would certainly make a contro- ❑ An annual average reach of 2.2 board, including Crikey publisher versial choice given he was seri- million, an annualised share of , did appoint Jonathan ously considered as a dire c t o r 10.3%. Shier as managing director in two years ago. Or what about 1999 in what amounted to the Sam Chisholm as the CEO? ❑ biggest attempt to shake up the He'll soon have some time on Local Radio's share was up on culture. his hands and would re a l l y 2004 in every city, except on 612 ABC , which remained The former Young Liberal shake things up. steady. t u rned out to be an unmitigated A Reith-Chisholm combina- disaster and was fired on the eve tion would cause a fire - s t o rm ❑ 702 Sydney’s share of 9.1% was of the 2001 Federal election. but the government would the highest in over 25 years. 720 After that, McDonald and his then discover that ABC audi- b o a rd went for the safe option ences are happy with what ’s share of 12.1% was the of Russell Balding despite the t h e y ' re getting and there sim- highest in over 20 years and 891 H o w a rd Government pre f e rr i n g ply aren't the right wing jour- ABC Adelaide’s 2005 share of another outsider, like disgraced nalists or commentators pre- 11.5% was the highest on record. Swiss bank account customer p a red to work for the pittance Trevor Kennedy. that Aunty pays. Since then the stacking of the Stephen Mayne, ABC board with conserv a t i v e s C r i k e y J a n u a ry 20 2006 has continued, most notably with the appointment of form e r I PA ideologue Ron Brunton in May 2003 and The Australian's c o n s e rvative columnist Janet A l b rechtsen in Febru a ry 2005.

Page 6 Balding – "few options but flight"

Under that heading The Austalian’s coverage arg u e d Asia Pacific B a l d i n g ’s job options were few and his chances of ABC con- tract renewal negligible, something he was aware of…but TV Broa d c a s t s the timing could hardly have been worse… When Max Moore - Wi l t o n we weighed up the options. And To Continue a p p roached Russell Balding just we unanimously selected First Good News item for 2006 b e f o re Christmas to replace him Russell." A recent announcement from as Sydney airport chief execu- Canberra says the ABC has been tive, Balding had every reason to "A bit dull" selected as the preferred provider say yes. At 54, there might not ABC board members yesterd a y have been too many more attrac- to continue to operate Australia's declined to comment on Asia Pacific television service. tive job opport u n i t i e s . . . Balding's reign, except for By the time (his) contract Ramona Koval. "After the tur- moil of the Shier years, Russell ABC Asia Pacific, which e x p i red in the middle of next boasts an annual growth rate of y e a r, he would have been has been a steady hand on the 54%, is Australia's international answering to an essentially new t i l l e r," Koval said. Director of b o a rd and could count only on Radio Sue Howard, agre e d satellite television and online c h a i rman Donald McDonald and Balding had brought stability to service. s t a ff-elected director Ramona the ABC. "…with dignity and a Koval to back him for a furt h e r lot of (management) skill. I'll The future of this broadcast five years. miss him," she said link has been in question. Balding's greatest flaw seems Balding, a survivor from the Funded separately under a ABC regime put in place during to have been that he was "a bit contract with the Department of the years of 's gov- dull". One well-placed insider e rnment by Brian Johns, is said: "He may not have been Foreign Affairs and Trade, the ru m o u red to have had equivocal exciting but he brought a calm service currently broadcasts into relationships with board mem- which pretty well every o n e 41 countries through 158 re- bers such as Ron Brunton, Janet a p p reciated." broadcasting partners and into A l b rechtsen and McDonald's Even so, the timing of his 200,000 hotel rooms in the Asia- d e p u t y, John Gallagher. d e p a rt u re - planned for late Pacific region. Senate snub M a rch - could hardly be worse. Balding has been integral to the ABC Managing Director It was never nasty or unwork- b roadcaster's input into the Russell Balding said, "We are able (with) respect on both sides. G o v e rnment's funding adequacy delighted the ABC will continue to But Balding can be stubborn, as and efficiency review and to the broadcast to Asia Pacific audi- he demonstrated in November corporation's submission for its en c e s .The Aus t r alian Govern m e n t when, knowing he would face next three years of funding. has shown great confidence in another gruelling bout of ques- the ABC to present a window to tioning about alleged corpora- "The timing might not be per- tion bias at a Senate Estimates fect," Balding said. "On the other the region of modern Australian Committee hearing, he simply hand, I believe I'm leaving the life and importantly provide con- did not turn up. ABC in good shape. I don't think tinued access to independent we have a thing to fear from the news and current affairs. "I just had the view it's not funding adequacy re v i e w. n e c e s s a ry for the managing "This outcome is particularly d i rector to attend each and every "By the standards of any gratifying given the amount of Senate hearing," Balding said last national public bro a d c a s t e r, night. "I had a strong, capable w e ' re under-funded. And the hard work that has gone into the executive team there, capable of G o v e rnment will already have service over the past four years answering all their questions." been deliberating the triennial to make it the success that it is funding deal so I suspect noth- today," Mr Balding said. As Balding was snubbing the ing I could say at this stage Senate, Moore - Wilton was look- would make much diff e re n c e . ” Chief Executive of ABC Asia ing for someone in a pro m i n e n t Pacific Ian Carroll said, "The re- managerial job with experience E rrol Simper and Steve Cre e d y, dealing at state and federal lev- The Australian 21 January 2006 engagement of the ABC as the els, and young enough to have a preferred supplier of this service c a reer ahead of them. "My board is further testament to the profes- and I knew what we wanted," sionalism of our team. M o o re - Wilton said yesterd a y. " We talked to a lot of people and

Page 7 John Hale, Convenor. Dinah Shearing, Carol Bailey Trading Table. Members Angie Peachey, Celia Kennedy Central Coast Branch Celebrity Recruiting Convenor John Hale said One of Central Coast FABC’s the workshop would begin with newest members was also guest some experienced project ‘guides’ Meeting dates speaker at the branch’s end of year to speak briefly first up and would 2.00pm Central Coast function – the actor, Dinah then break into four groups to Leagues Club Shearing. extend the discussion and then April 8, each group would report back June 3, Dinah covered a brief but fasci- with ideas for future action. August 12, nating history of her career as an October 21. actor and gave a delightful reading A suggested date was April 8 at of verses from an anthology of the Central Coast Leagues Club Coffee Afternoons Leonore Rays’ poems. beginning at 2.00pm. Meantime 2.30pm at the Leagues Club there would be further planning May 6, There was an end-of-year sense and confirmation of time and July 8, of frustration, however - the lack place. Sept. 9, sometimes of even acknowledg- November 4. ment receipts to the small flood of (*Surely says more about the letters to politicians the branch’s politicians than it does about the letter writing afternoon produces.* hard working branch; but the mes- The branch’s first meeting of 2006 sage is almost certainly still getting resolved to explore other initia- through...Ed) tives for the future, including a workshop in early April.

FABC thanks Hopscotch films for their continuing generosity. The FABC again has free preview tickets to one of Hopscotch’s latest films, Live and Become. We’ve been offered the whole of the Dendy Opera Quays (260 seats) Monday the 27th March at 6.30pm. To request a ticket please ring Ivy on 9481 0381 or Gillian on 9144 2891 but hurry as these tickets go fast! Live and Become follows the life of an Ethiopian boy who is passed off as an Ethiopian Jew to escape his ravaged country and is eventually airlifted to Israel and adopted. His natural mother has ordered him never to divulge his secret. She tells him to “live and become.”Years later, as an idealistic young medical student,.he is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision about the deception that has shadowed his entire childhood.

Page 8 ABC Walks Away with the Walkleys The awards were handed out last resourced? What's your excuse, guys? December, but so comprehensive were the ABC’s victories the run- The ABC constantly whinges about its lack of resources and maybe that's true when you look at the away winner of reporting the night woeful Australian drama output. But clearly it has was The Australian’s television and the people and the budgets to be in the front line radio ‘scribe’, Errol Simper, whose when news breaks. No wonder its radio audiences are column reported it thus: at an historically high level. "Aunty managed to pick up a total of 14 Walkleys, The silence from the commercial sector has been including every radio and every television award. deafening. There's nothing to say except: "We have Congratulations to all the winners, especially Tim failed our audiences." Palmer who won for the best radio news reporting, the best TV news reporting and the Gold Walkley fo r It was almost as bad in TV. Just one commercial net- his stories out of tsunami-flattened Aceh. work was rep r esented among nine TV-only finalists and that was Mark Riley, of Seven, who brought us the Joining Palmer in the multi-Walkley hall of fame st o r y of Tony Abbott's love child who wasn't. was , the former Russian correspon- dent who now presents Sunday Profile on ABC radio. Again, this was an appalling perfo r mance by the She must be running out of space on her mantelpiece co m m e r cial TV sector. If the three networks between now that she has five gongs. them can't manage to get more than one piece of their work into the finals of an annual awards event, it poses All this amounted to a huge win for the ABC, but it the question: Is this the inevitable result of the dumb- was also a devastating indictment of the commerci a l ing down processes we hear so much grumbling about? radio and TV sector. Not one commercial radio station or network was able to get a finalist into any of the Clearly, the TV networks are not serious about th r ee pure radio and one broadcast categories. That's 12 journalism or excellence." finalists, all from the ABC. Members are urged to sign up What does that say about the commercial sector? That it doesn't try to bring first-class news services to 2 new FABC Members its listeners? That it doesn't enter awards? That it is to help the Friends no good, next to its ABC brethren? That it's under- support the ABC

TV Commercials new US Targets Update's layout and design man, Irwin greater than the equivalent number on commercial Kurtz, recently spent a month in the US - his TV in Australia. Having spent many years in advertis- homeland of several decades ago - and came ing both in the U.S. and Australia I was interested in away appalled at the range and diversity of seeing what was currently being advertised on US TV. medical commercials.

Rediscovering the remembered rural richness and It got to the point that we hit the mute button beauty of the American landscape was one thing, but when the medicinal commercials came on; sadly, I many nights watching TV in various hotels in New guess, reflecting the ageing of the population. York, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, New It was a pleasure and relief to return to the ABC Mexico, Nevada, California was altogether another. and not have to sit through a range of commercials There was a plethora of quasi medical ads offering devoted to improving one's sleep, weight, shape etc. to improve one’s ability to sleep, to eat (less), obtain But with the audience for Pay-TV growing here plastic surgery, overcome fatigue, cure headaches, one is exposed not only to the ads on the commer- handle asthma or arthritis, obtain a knee replace- cial free-to-air channels but now to commercials on ment, or whatever you might or might not Pay-TV. have...and there's a product for it. If the ABC were ever opened up to "limited" com- It seemed to me that these commercials over- mercials, one would dread not only the commercials whelmed other product commercials. The number of - - but the content! commercials between shows also seemed to be

Page 9 Bathurst Friends Dramatising Drama Bathurst ABC decided at its Fe b ru a r y meeting to hold an evening to support Australian dr a m a .

Noting the dearth, if not death, of Australian drama on ABC TV, with original production last year down to 11 hours, Bathurst FAB C is also seeking wide community su p p o r t for their campaign. Part of the audience at the FABC Illawarra’s 2005 Christmas event. Branch secretary, Tracey Friends Illawarra Branch Party Carpenter, said that at a time when the ABC was lobbying for The Friends of the ABC proved very popular. its Federal funding to be restored, Illawarra Christmas and at a time when our national Party/Afternoon Tea was a One member, Jane Taylor, was identity was being so vigorously great success. Over 50 mem- so enthused at the meeting she debated and redefined cultural bers enjoyed an entertaining volunteered to conduct a street institutions should be adequately and informative afternoon at stall at Thirroul in January 2006. supported to explore, ch a l l e n g e the Aboriginal Cultural This was also a great success. and express our identity. "Here's a Centre in Wollongong. Jane, assisted by her husband chance to put substance behind enrolled another ten associate the rhetoric of our political lead- The big draw card was guest members in a three hour session ers," she said. speaker Col Wilson a.k.a. Blue the in the shopping centre. Shearer – the poet lorikeet. Blue is a The Branch decided a play regular on ABC radio with his Blue kindly dug out all his written by a local writer - Ray highly amusing and politically poems about the ABC and made Ha r ding, a Charles Sturt University cutting poems. them available as a handout at the le c t u r er - to be staged at Bathurst event. In total nine poems Memorial Entertainment Centre in "We knew we would have a including the classic ‘Jonothan’ – June, provided a good opportuni- good roll-up once Blue agreed to "Hullo, my name is Jonothan. I ty to demonstrate support for be our guest" Chris Cartledge, run the ABC". Readers of this Australian drama and the ABC. Chairperson of the Illawarra item can obtain a copy of these A pre-show supper and discus- Branch said. poems by e-mailing Chris. sion with guest speakers is Cartledge at: planned. The Branch will keep "We invited everyone on our [email protected] members posted and urges them membership data base, including to invite along as many as possi- those whose membership had ble of their friends and others lapsed for some years," he said. "within their sphere of influence." "And it paid-off." Meantime with the ABC's sub- "Apart from two new associated mission already with the members, five lapsed members Government, the branch who attended our Christmas event reminds members, readers and became financial once again," friends to write urgently to the Chris said. And a raffle, the prize a Minister, Senator Coonan, gift voucher from the ABC Shop demanding sufficient funding for (of course), meant the event the ABC to return to producing turned a small profit. significant Australian drama and many more hours than just The gathering also gave an eleven. opportunity to talk directly to the Tracey Carpenter troops about the current triennial funding campaign. A range of handouts including a contact list with local politician’s details were Col Wilson a.k.a. Blue the Shearer available for members to take spins a yarn at the FABC Illawarra’s away. The ‘Sea Change’ postcard Christmas afternoon tea.

Page 10 The truth about the fiction of ABC bias Under again talking culture-busting - this But despite The Bill twice a week which time not just to the editorial and all those other British fillers, heading stance of the ABC but to its history the appalling lack of new drama, David Marr, of offering journalists and prod u c - too much cooking, the budget- who has ers the security of long-term forced summer suspension of worked at employment. The key words are nearly every show worth watch- various balance and flexibility. And ing on television, dud arts cover- times for ABC radio and despite the ABC's own research, age year-round and the creeping television, as well as the the culture-busters claim urgent political caution of programming, SMH, explodes some public clamour for these changes. the public still love the ABC. myths. They have been disappointed so The figures aren't secret. The The article should often before. Jonathan Shier was May 2005 survey commissioned have been required given the gig all those years ago by the ABC found "nine in 10 reading across town at because he was thought to have Australians continue to believe News Limited. the courage, the flair, the insight the ABC provides a valuable serv- etc to break the old culture of the ice to the community, and half Somewhere high above Ultimo, ABC. Alas for his backers in the believe it provides a very valuable the little board of the ABC is Victorian Liberal Party , those service." already engaged in the task of hopes went up in smoke. He was- finding a new managing director. It's not all pluses for the n't up to the job of running - let They're an eclectic bunch - a ABC.Viewers and listeners want alone transforming - the place. banker, an anthropologist, a more of this, less of that, but newspaper columnist, a barrister Shier's backers next picked there is no support for the argu- with a special expertise in liquor Trevor Kennedy. Nice man. When ment that Australians are crying laws plus a staff journalist, all he didn't make the shortlist, Peter out for root-and-branch change at chaired by a former arts adminis- Costello, put public pressure on the ABC. the board. In May 2002, he told trator, Donald McDonald. A couple of years ago, Readers Melbourne radio 3AW that the With money so tight at the Digest asked its Australian sub- ABC was dithering over the ABC, it's fortunate these men and scribers to name the brands and appointment - its entrenched left- women have been offered so institutions they most trusted. wing culture "even left of the much free advice to guide them The responses were weighted by Labor Party." since Russell Balding (announced) age, gender etc to translate them that he was off to run Sydney McDonald rebuked him fiercely. into a true community verdict. Airport. "It is the sole responsibility of the The ABC came in as the sixth board to select the managing most trusted government service The Queensland Liberal senator director. The board will continue between public schools and pub- Santo Santoro sent word that this to defend the ABC's independ- lic hospitals. It beat universities, was finally an opportunity to ence, where its strength and rele- the CSIRO, the weather bureau, break the "entrenched, culture of vance lies. To do otherwise would the governor-general and - in left-leaning bias" at the national be an abrogation of its legislated 23rd place - Federal Parliament. broadcaster. He told Brisbane's duty to the public of Australia." Among trusted brands, ABC News Courier-Mail: "Now is the time to beat all the other television news appoint a managing director who The culture-busters - on and off services - in a list bottom-heavy will not be afraid to enforce those the ABC board - are not deterred with fast-food chains and banks. rules and restore respect for the by their track record for picking balance and quality of the ABC duds to do their work. Nor does So how can the culture-busters news coverage." public indifference to their great claim to be speaking for the peo- quarrel with the ABC put them ple in the face of community ver- It's the dream that never dies. off. Culture-busting voices such as dicts like that? They can't… Sa n t o r o's message chimes perfe c t l y The Australian simply insist there with the mood of a board once SMH 27th January ’06 is mass support.

Page 11 Another Manic Murd o c h O n s l a u g h t B a l d i n g ’s resignation provided The Australian with an opportunity to launch yet another of its anti-ABC tirades…full of contumely, far- f e t c h e d and too offensive to be included here in full. We m a rvel that Friends, anyone else for that matter, persist in reading the paper; here are some of its wilder flights of fantasy… Facing a modest **Mr Balding did not inter- ** The focus on gender barrage of f e re with the way the keepers issues, the enviro n m e n t , of the corporate culture ran immigration, the rights of all criticism, and the ABC – like a student minorities, but especially asy- that mostly in n e w s p a p e r, selective in its sto- lum-seekers, is all-consuming. ries, blatant in its bias and News Limited ** Thus Tony Jones, who utterly opinionated seems to mistake the televi- columns including ** Mr Balding failed to sion program Lateline for par- e n s u re the corporation acted l i a m e n t a ry question time, that editorial, a c c o rding to its chart e r, to hammers away at hapless Russell Balding p rovide "a balance between ministers about the needs of b roadcasting programs of C o rnelia Rau and the fate of responded: wide appeal and specialised David Hicks, while appearing b roadcasting programs". less interested in the issues I suspect that the real disap- that matter to the vast major- ** The ABC is run by some pointment of your leader writer ity of voters. s t a ff – for themselves and at my alleged "failure" is that I their mates…a very small ** Mr Balding is not entire l y did not drag the ABC into their g roup…utterly unconnected to blame for the way the ABC preferred ideological comfort to the vast mass of is held to ransom by its staff . zone. I never saw my role as a Australians, especially the tra- His pre d e c e s s o r, Jonathan cultural warrior but, rather, to ditional ABC audience. S h i e r, failed to clean out the effectively and efficiently manage collective and succumbed to Australia's national broadcaster ** The ABC has abandoned his own eccentric manage- and position it for the digital era. new Australian drama. Only ment style. 11 hours were broadcast last Your editorial maligns ABC staff y e a r. ABC apologists arg u e ** Under chairman Donald as "utterly unconnected to the this is because of inadequate McDonald the board has vast mass of Australians, especial- federal funding. Fair enough. never demonstrated anything ly members of the traditional But look what (scre e n e d ) other than a desire to surre n- ABC audience". Strange, then, instead…quizzes and contests. der to the staff. that same staff manage to reach ** They are followed by chat **But the ABC will never more than 13 million Australians shows where inner-city come- fulfil its function to inform each week on television and 6.5 dians sneer at everybody who and entertain all Australians million on radio. That cannot be does not support gay marr i a g e while its agenda is set by staff achieved by broadcasters who and oppose genetically modi- who will brook no ideas other "brook no ideas other than their fied agriculture . than their own. The new own"; it is done through talent managing director must take and a genuine connection with ** Many metropolitan sta- them on by avoiding Mr the community. tions are in the hands of 40- Balding's fundamental erro r. something announcers I have learnt during my time obsessed with their inner- c i t y The Australian here that the ABC is a resilient leftie lifestyles. And woe 21 January 2006 institution. It will long endure betide any broadcaster who after my departure and the efforts dares dispute their orthodoxies. of some to correct its uncanny **It is the same in curre n t desire to remain independent. a ffairs broadcasting, where the agenda is set not by the Russell Balding big stories that affect the Labor and Liberal parties but by the opinions of pre s e n t e r s on issues that fascinate them.

Page 12 FRIENDS WEARY OF ‘BIAS’ ACCUSATIONS...

The hoary old chestnut of ABC bias them about sexuality, was raised yet again in a News including homosexuality, and not bring them up in a Limited paper. Melbourne Herald neo-conservative ideological S u n ’s Paul Gray advanced some star- bubble. tling theories…hints of paranoia and Maxwell Warren conspiracy…his column, re p ro d u c e d Windsor Gardens, SA in The Australian, discussed every- Despite the fact that ABC thing from Sandra Levy’s successor to investigative journalism G r a y ’s childre n ’s reaction to a over the past 30 years has ren- Paul Gray Christmas Day “Spicks and Specks” dered enormous service to our b roadcast, and a defence of democracy, bringing to book malefactors from the Left and the Right, he wants news and current affairs C h r i s t i a n i t y. emasculated and replaced with such culturally posi- tive offerings as pop-music quiz shows (as long as Gray claimed the bias was so widely and there are no homosexual references). This is all very deeply shared within the pro-ABC community, well but there are many of us out here, reasonably that it appeared to those who held it to be intelligent taxpayers who, if not offended, are certain- nothing more than…”natural truth and rea- ly exasperated by the self-righteous conceit of those son." In the next day’s Australian’s email like Gray who try to impose their religious delusions forum, a number of readers disagreed: on public policy. "Gray's sensibilities were mortally offended when he Clive Huxtable Beaconsfield, WA saw a fleeting male-to-male kiss on the Spicks and Specks Christmas special. It seems that the program – "ideologically offensive" to Gray and his family – reflects the supposed left-wing bias in the ABC. His claim that the ABC is opposed to the influence of the To support the ABC, Friends need Christian West is immediately exposed as bunkum more Friends. when one considers the contribution made by the Your support is needed to obtain ABC to our knowledge of Western values. The ABC's more members. commitment to religious programming is uniq ue. Talk to your friends and neighbours. Without the ABC, Australian TV would be a waste- land of hokey evangelism." Ask them to join Friends of the ABC. Neville Jennings Kingscliff, NSW Use the form on the back of Update. To say that "opposition to the influence of the Christian West abounds" within the ABC is breathtak- ing in its simplicity and incoherence. I don't begrudge Gray's right to being Christian, whatever FABC (NSW) that means…but is Gray saying that a diet of violence Executive Committee (Law and Order ) and prurient sex (Desperate P resident – Gary Cook Housewives ), utter banality (The Bachelor ), the Phone:9810 3358 mainstreaming of paganism (Buffy or Charmed ) or email: lourm a r @ i d x . c o m . a u the confusion of entertainment and news (A Current Tre a s u rer – James Buchanan Affair or Today Tonight ) is likely to "build up the val- Phone: 9371 5621 ues of Australian civilisation". email: [email protected] Chris McKimm Karangi, NSW Membership Secre t a ry – Dilhara Gonsalkorale Can you explain to someone on the other side of Phone: 9552 2706 or 0418 485 420 the country who Paul Gray is and why you give him [email protected] large spaces to write the same column? Update Editor – Brian Davies PO Box 1391 Kevin Firkins Claremont, WA No r th Sydney NSW 2059 If Paul Gray doesn't want his children to be embar- rassed by two men kissing then he should educate

Page 13 Finding the flaws, left and right. Above is an extract from a Sydney Morning Herald heading over one of its "First Word" letters describing the ABC’s job: "Aunty’s job is to find the flaws, left and right". The letter should be nailed to the wall at News Limited and inscribed in the minds of those tiresome, biased warriors, Gerard H, Piers A, Miranda D, Michael D, et al - supply other names as appropriate - unhappy victims of foaming abcphobia…

Following Gerard Henderson's recent predictable rant* against the ABC’s "left-leaning bias", it was refreshing to read Michael Duffy’s more thoughtful piece "Go back to the drawing board, Aunty" (February 10. There is certainly a case for the ABC to have a new charter, but who could we trust to produce one that would give us all that an independent public broadcaster could – and should – provide?

I have to take issue with Duffy when he claims that "the ABC ought not to provide middle-class wel- fare". A source with a strong commitment to the truth – and in particular to truths that those in positions of power would rather not have revealed – should not be seen as something only of benefit to the middle class. Nor should the provisions of quality material that, sadly, may only be of interest to minorities.

Duffy’s’ reference to ABC left-wing bias "in more general programs dealing with values" is a provocation I would love to respond to if I had more space. But now i would just ask him "what do you mean by left-wing?" One can be dissatisfied with many of the "values" current in Australia – such as affluenza, degradation of the environment and incompetent, mendacious and secretive government – without being left-wing.The ABC must reflect this dissatisfaction if it is to do its duty by the Australian community. In short, the more the ABC annoys government in this way, the better it is doing its job.

When the government is conservative, it is easy but inaccurate to call its critics "left-wing". But we should remember that and Paul Keating hated the ABC just as much as John Howard does because it was too good at revealing their flaws. Many state premiers have the same feelings. As long as par- liaments in Australia fail to exert any effective surveillance or control over executive governments, the fourth estate has a vital role to play here. The ABC – and the Fairfax press – must remain among its most important warriors. Gordon Pears, Cardiff South

* "predictable rant" conveys everything anti-ABC that Henderson always writes. Duffy is a relative new- comer to the ranks but touched off an even greater spate of letters when, among other things, he lauded American TV for the marvelous programs they supply us with. Gary Cook was amongst the letter-writers asking Duffy to tell us where they all were.

Join the brand new Friends’ tours of ABC HQ Two tours are booked for: Friday 7 April and Thursday 13 April at 12.20pm Tours run from 45 minutes to 11/2 hours (depending on ABC productions on the day) Meet in the coffee shop on the ground floor at 11.30am for a briefing. The tours coincide with a new Powerhouse Museum exhibition On the Box: Great Moments in Australian Television, including the ABC. Tickets for our tours are combined with a visit to the Powerhouse before or after our ABC tour. Costs: ABC TOUR ONLY: Adults - $7.50 Seniors/ Pensioners - $6.50 Student / Child - $5.50 ABC TOUR AND POWERHOUSE VISIT: Adults $15.50. Pensioners need only their ABC Ticket. Maximum number for each ABC tour is 30 people.You’ll need to book fast.

To book please ring either: Joy: 9502 2335 Ireen 9745 4487 Paul: 9888 3797

Page 14 ‘Be alert and alarmed’ - but be very afraid

Members and ABC loyalists The Federal government - turned up in the "informed sources" say - is hundreds at about to make it easier for flash points in the past - for Australia's few media own- example estab- ers to expand their empires lishing the Hunter Branch Under what sort of pressure and at the Opera will that put the ABC and - House in the days of Shier. its role. Help us to help the ABC in its bid to obtain equitable funding in the next Federal Budget.

Our lobbying strength is based on our membership – the more members – the more effec- tive we are.

Recruits are needed for the inevitable battles ahead.

Please persuade friends, rela- tives, work colleagues and fellow social club members to join the Friends. Consider a membership subscription as a gift.

Keep in mind that, 90% of Australians listen to or watch the ABC in any one week. Use the form on the back of Update or contact our membership line on (02) 9990 0600 for additional THE QUEST FOR MORE DRAMA forms. For how long can we tolerate the ABC's drama output being so abysmal. CALL TO ACTION! We have produced the postcard above to be mailed to The Treasurer, , putting the case for Members - Go out and more funds to bolster drama production on the ABC. recruit new members. Each one of you On the reverse of the card there is space so you can should sign up at least write your own message, address it and add a stamp. two new members - or more. Copies are available by contacting our membership Do it this month. line on (02) 9990 0600 or the President on (02) 9810 3358.

Page 15 S TATE AND REGIONAL BRANCHES

New South Wa l e s Central Coast N e w c a s t l e Q u e e n s l a n d Gary Cook John Hale Hank Wi l l e m s Don Sinnamon PO Box 1391 21 Stephenson Rd. c/ PO Box 265 Suite 14B1 North Sydney 2059 Bateau Bay 2261 M e rewether 2291 7/421 Brunswick St Ph: 9810 3358 Ph: 4333 8107 Ph 4961 4401 Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Fax: 9818 6459 j h a l e @ t a c . c o m . a u a l l a n . t h o m a s 2 @ b i g p o n d . c o m Ph 0405 721 617 f a b c n s w @ f a b c n s w. o r g . a u g s t r u c k @ o p t u s n e t . c o m . a u d o n . s i n n a m o n @ a p h . g o v. a u E a s t e rn Suburbs A l b u r y Nizza Siano (Secre t a r y ) N o r t h e rn Rivers A C T Jim Saleeba 16 Holland Rd. Neville Jennings Jill Gre e n w e l l 621 Lindsay Av e . Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 PO Box 1484 Kingscliff, 2487 GPO Box 2625 Albury 2640 Phone / Fax 9327 3423 Ph/Fax: 6674 3830 (H) Canberra ACT 2601 (02) 6021 5690 s i a n o @ t p g . c o m . a u n j e n n i n g @ s c u . e d u . a u Ph: 6253 3531 s a l e e b a 1 @ b i g p o n d . n e t . a u j g re e n w e l l @ o z e m a i l . c o m . a u E u ro b o d a l l a O r a n g e A r m i d a l e Keith Simmons Bev Holland South Australia Priscilla Connor 1/29 Mathew Pde. 26 Sunny South Cre s c e n t Joan Laing 41 Judith Stre e t Batehaven 2536 Orange NSW 2800 P.O. Box 7158 Armidale NSW 2350 Ph. 4472 9898 Ph: 6362 4744 Hutt St, Ph: 6772 3454 or 6772 2217 p o w e l l h @ a c r. n e t . a u b e v h o l l a n d @ w e s t n e t . c o m . a u Adelaide SA 5000 pr i s c i l l a . c o n n o r @ e x e m a i l . c o m . a u Ph/Fax 08 8271 0751 G reat Lakes P a r r a m a t t a j l a i n g @ i n t e rn o d e . o n . n e t B a t h u r s t A u d rey Semon (Secre t a r y ) Mal Hewitt Tracy Carpenter P.O. Box 871 31 Queen St, Granville 2142 We s t e rn Australia 76 Havannah St Forster 2428 Ph: 9637 2900 Roger Raven Bathurst 2795 Ph: 6554 8507 m a l a n d a l @ o p t u s n e t . c o m . a u PO Box 179 Ph: 6331 8305 a u d re y _ s 1 @ t s n . c c Darlington, WA 6070 h a v a n n a h @ b i g p o n d . n e t . a u Port Macquarie/ Phone: (08) 9370 1785 I l l a w a r r a Mid North Coast ro g e r f a b c @ o p t u s n e t . c o m . a u B e g a Jan Kent (Secre t a r y ) Drusi Megget Please Friends of the ABC Illawarra PO Box 1752 Ta s m a n i a contact our PO Box 336,Unanderra 2526 Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Anne O’Byrn e M e m b e r s h i p Phone/Fax: 4271 3531 Ph: 02 6583 8798 G P O Box 883 S e c re t a r y j a n k e n t @ b i g p o n d . c o m d r u s i @ f e l g l o w. c o m . a u Tas. 7001 Ph (03) 6331 1108 Blue Mountains Nambucca Va l l e y Vi c t o r i a a o b y rn e @ b i g p o n d . n e t . a u Denise Thorpe Mike Buchhorn Friends of the ABC (Vi c ) 27 Wilson St 31 Hibiscus Dr PO Box 2103 FABC RESOURCE Wentworth Falls 2782 Valla Beach 2448 St Kilda West VIC 3182 C E N T R E Ph: 4757 1009 Ph: 6569 5297 Ph: 03 9682 0073 D a rce Cassidy f o s t e r t h o r p e @ t p g . c o m . a u m b u c h h o rn @ o p t u s n e t . c o m f a b c v i c @ v i c n e t . n e t . a u w w w. f r i e n d s o f t h e a b c . o r g

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