Some people don’t believe she’s REALLY my Mum

When I tell people my Mum rarely drinks, never smoked, doesn’t swear and often goes to Church on Sundays, people raise their eyebrows and question where I came from. Okay, so I don’t smoke anymore, but really, I’m not THAT bad!! We just do some things differently…
Regardless, we spend a helluva lot of time together because our families are close and Mum and my wonderful stepfather Ken, do an enormous amount to help out on the home front. They even walk the dogs for us when I’m strapped for time. (I know – I’m spoilt.) When the kids were very young, they’d have sleep-overs at Grandma and Papa’s practically every Friday night so Fletch and I could have a social life. (Again, yes, very spoilt…) And if Mum babysits, I often arrive home to find the ironing all done. (Okay, I’ll shut-up now…)
But I also have siblings – two older brothers and a younger sister – so most of the family get-togethers involve lots of relatives with aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and fabulous, noisy mayhem. So the one day of the year I get Mum all to myself is when I take her to the annual Crown Mother’s Day Lunch. It’s always a very special day and we both feel very lucky to be included.
Mum and me heading off to Crown

Mum and me ready to head off to Crown

This year’s event was at the uber cool Mr Hive restaurant at Crown’s Metropol Hotel. Ken even drove us in – bless him – so we didn’t have to bother with parking or a taxi.
Mr Hive Restaurant at Crown

Mr Hive Restaurant at Crown

As we walked out of the lift, you could hear the buzz from the restaurant – the place bursting with excited conversation as we arrived – everybody trying to get around to as many people as possible before we took our seats. The room looked stunning, each table adorned with a beautiful floral arrangement.
Host Ann Peacock

Host Ann Peacock

As always, Crowns’ General Manager of Public Relations, Ann Peacock was there, stylishly dressed and greeting everyone with a warm smile. Knowing what Annie was going through, with her mum, Susan, battling cancer, I knew it must be a tough call. It was the first time in sixteen years I’d been to the lunch and not caught up with Susan. For Annie to see everyone there with their mums and not have her own by her side must have been bloody awful.
Yet still she took to the podium and made her annual Mother’s Day speech. Bravely, she spoke about her Mum’s ordeal and what Susan and her family were going through. Every year I take a tissue to this lunch because something emotional happens and I’m a big sook. But this year I wasn’t alone. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when Annie finished and was met with a standing ovation. She spoke with grace and dignity, her words of love and pain, direct and honest. God knows how she didn’t fall apart… I’m betting she’s inherited a good dose of her mother’s strength.

If there’s no greater love than that of a mother for her child, you can imagine the feeling in Hive over lunch – all these mothers with their children – to whom they have given so much love and support, enabling their kids to get to where they are today – it’s a pretty powerful vibe.


Jules Lund with his mum, Judy

Jules Lund with his mum, Judy

Here’s a photo collection of some of the mums and their sometimes famous off-spring – starting with radio host Jules Lund, whose mum was giving him an earful over his new piercings – all part of an on-air dare. Jules has promised Judy he’ll have them removed as soon as possible. And yes, there is also one just under his lip – it’s not clear in the pic.

Brigitte Duclos with her mum, Shelia.

Brigitte Duclos with her mum, Shelia.

Jane Kennedy and her mum, Jill

Jane Kennedy and her mum, Jill

Heloise Waislitz and her mum, Jeanne Pratt

Heloise Waislitz and her mum, Jeanne Pratt

Patti and Lauren Newton

Patti and Lauren Newton

Andrea Moss and her mum, Diane John

Andrea Moss and her mum, Diane John

Lauren Phillips with her mum, Liz Coningsby

Lauren Phillips with her mum, Liz Coningsby

Tania Buckley and Janine Minnici

Tania Buckley and Janine Minnici

Tim Campbell and his mum, Heather

Tim Campbell and his mum, Heather


Anthony Callea and his mum, Santina

Anthony Callea and his mum, Santina

We were lucky enough to be on the same table as the delightful Anthony Callea and his partner, Tim Campbell – both famous and talented in their own right and a gorgeous couple. Mum wanted clarification though – she couldn’t believe Santina was Anthony’s mother. ‘She’s far too young!’ Mum exclaimed.

A highlight of the day was hearing Anthony and Tim sing together, along with leading vocalist Susie Ahern – a truly spine-tingling moment. And when Anthony sang ‘The Perfect Fan,’ for his Mum, the tissues came out again and there was another standing ovation.And then there was another standing ovation…

And then there was another standing ovation...

And then there was another standing ovation…
I could relate to that song. My Mum has always been my perfect fan, as most mothers are of their children – whether they’re in the public eye or not.
I was part of an acting workshop recently where some of the students revealed stories about traumatic childhoods where they were abused by their parents. Shocking stories that made me sad and angry. And also very, very grateful. I have only ever known huge love and support from my Mum. I remember when I first started reading the news and Mum would phone me almost every night to tell me what a brilliant job I had done – even when I hadn’t.
Dessert anyone?

Dessert anyone?

Before we knew it, it was time for dessert. Whoa – now THAT’S what I call a dessert! That’s one thing Mum and I DO both share – a love of sweet treats.
As we tucked in, I looked around the room at all the other mums and felt quite smug. There were lots of other lovely mothers there, but quite frankly, I know mine’s the best of them all. It’s just not debatable.
(Love you, Mum. xxx)

How to get the Hamptons ‘look’ at Harris Scarfe

Ooh la la – The Hamptons – sounds awfully posh, doesn’t it?

Can’t you just see yourself swanning about in those expensive designer clothes, while you holiday in your third-generation mansion at the Hamptons and try to decide what champagne to serve at your next sophisticated soiree?

It was easy to pretend I was at the Hamptons yesterday. The sun shining on white sands, the clear blue sea, and look –  in the distance, some cool young jet-setters hanging by the water – a sophisticated bar decked out in spring colours close by…. yep, it was all there.

Who are all these cool dudes?

Who are all these cool dudes?

 

But on closer inspection, I saw the cool young jet-setters were actually standing on boxes. Ah, that’s right, models! I was attending the Harris Scarfe spring/summer fashion and homewares launch at the chic Sandbar by the bay in Middle Park.

Models show-casing the spring/summer fashion range for Harris Scarfe

Models show-casing the spring/summer fashion range for Harris Scarfe

It was a fabulous lunch, attended by a colourful collection of Melbourne identities, including actors Melissa Bergland and Michala Banas,  Zoe Badwi, Ann Peacock, Heath Meldrum with wife Brodie Harper, Nick Bracks, Tania Buckley and Amber Petty. Former Miss Universe Australia Jesinta Campbell even dropped in from Sydney to join in the fun.

The SandBar looked stunning – decked out in gelati-coloured lanterns and of course, Harris Scarfe’s new homewares collection – fresh vibrant colours giving us a taste of spring. The lunch was very Hamptons – French champagne and jugs of Pimms cocktails, while gourmet fish and chips, elegantly wrapped in a Harris Scarfe brochure, added a casual, beachy touch.

The Sandbar - Middle Park

The Sandbar – Middle Park

 

It’s the first public event since Harris Scarfe (now 160 years old)  was sold in July by Momentum Corporate to Pepkor, a South African company who also owns Best & Less.

Marketing Manager Chris Kontos said Pepkor are committed to moving the brand forward. He describes the store as having something for everyone. ‘We’re every person’s retailer,’ he said ‘ We sell goods at both the high end of the market, plus great stock at low prices.’

Their new spring/summer range is certainly a testament to their word. It includes all the bright neon and gelati colours seen in just about every fashion store right now, mirrors trends and boasts very competitive prices.

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

 

I don’t know who’s getting it right at Harris Scarfe, but they’re bucking the downward retail trend. Last year they tallied up revenue of $325  million and are expected to open new stores next year.

Maybe it’s because of the Marketing Manager Chris Kontos. The man seems to have taken Melbourne by storm in recent months – his charm and looks making him a welcome addition on the guest-list of any function of note. Maybe his panache and winning ways have rubbed off on the budget brand, making it appeal to a broader market? Is that why Harris Scarfe now seems kinda cool?

Michaela Bana and Harris Scarfe Marketing Manager, Chris Kontos

Michala Banas and Harris Scarfe Marketing Manager, Chris Kontos

Zoe Badwi, Heath Meldrum, Brodie Harper

Zoe Badwi, Heath Meldrum, Brodie Harper

Jesinta Campbell

Jesinta Campbell

Prue Webb, Judy Romano, Kate McGrath

Prue Webb, Judy Romano, Kate McGrath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simone Campbell, Ann Peacock,Steve Carey

Simone Campbell, Ann Peacock,Steve Carey

 

 

 

 

 

 

And to top off a brilliant lunch, we were given a fabulous ‘Goodie Bag, full of homewares samples.

Harris Scarfe Goodie Bay

Harris Scarfe Goodie Bag

I loved the taste of summer with a lime-green handle ice-cream scoop, a Sheridan hand-towel (proof Harris Scarfe does sell ‘quality’ brands) a lime-patterned oven-mitt (yay – I needed one of those!) and even a heat-controlled hairbrush. BUT best of all…..

…wait for it….

…we were given….

YES!    STEAK KNIVES !!!!!!!!!!!!!

STEAK KNIVES!

STEAK KNIVES!