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Canberra Today 15°/18° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Canberra Confidential: Pauline’s talking back

Welsh and Hanson.
NEWS that Pauline Hanson will co-host with 2CC’s Mike Welsh, has got chins wagging all over town. The award-winning drive presenter has told “CC” it wasn’t difficult to secure the former politician for his program.

“I’ve interviewed her more than a dozen times on various radio programs, but I didn’t get to spend any time with her until last year, when she came to town for the anti-carbon tax rally at Parliament House and we clicked,” says Welshy.

The move comes just in time for the first Nielsen radio ratings for 2012. But according to the station’s program director Peter Davidson, the negotiations began after Hanson’s stint on WIN TV’s “Celebrity Apprentice”.

“Pauline spoke publicly about her desire to give talkback radio a try,” Davidson told “CC”. “As a talent scout I thought ‘why not give her a go?’.

“She certainly gets people stirred up and has ignited debate over the years and I expect that will make for entertaining listening with Welshy.”

While the station would not confirm Hanson’s appearance fee, “CC” been told “there’s money involved” and that “she will be looked after”.

Pauline Hanson will join Mike Welsh to try her hand as a talkback radio host on Wednesday, February 22, and Thursday, February 23, between 3pm and 6pm.

Who knows? This time she may even pass her apprenticeship!

 

Ball kicks off season

THERE’S a lot of excitement around this year’s ball season which kicks off in a matter of weeks. But it’s the Ronald McDonald House Charity Audi Centre Canberra Ball on March 24 that’s creating the most talk. It’s a new addition to this year’s calendar and organisers say ticket sales are through the roof!

They’re hoping to create a new benchmark in Canberra with entertainment that’s never been seen before in the ACT and the chance to win a $100,000 Audi A5 on the night.

All monies raised will go towards the new Ronald McDonald House that’s set to occupy an entire level of the Canberra hospital’s new women and children’s wing.

“CC” can confirm our Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has her ticket. The ACT Government has been instrumental in negotiating the handover of hospital space for the facility – making the deal the first of its kind in Australia – which will cost about $1.7 million to fit out and is expected to open mid-year.

More information at www.canberrarmhc.com.au

 

Zed Seselja with car winner Ross Stephens.

Winner wasn’t sure

MEANTIME, the ACT Liberals have given away a new car. Ross Stephens, from Weston Creek, won the $47,500 Ford Falcon XR6 after buying five tickets in the party’s recent fundraising raffle. And, he’s told “CC”, he thought his friends were playing a joke and didn’t believe it was Opposition Leader Zed Seselja calling him to share the good news.

“I’d totally forgotten about the tickets and so after I put the phone down I actually checked the number on my screen with the one in the phone book to make sure it was really Zed,” Ross said.

A researcher at the ANU, Stephens describes himself as a swinging voter.

“I think people should swing to get a difference in ideas… new ideas and new people ensure we keep moving forward,” says Stephens.

Wonder which way he’ll swing in this year’s election?

 

Designs on Canberra

WELL-KNOWN fashion designer Peter Morrissey could be on his way to Canberra. “CC’s” heard rumours the entrepreneur’s been in talks with a local charity to present his new collection at an upcoming ticketed event. And while “CC” can’t confirm the nature of the show, if the charity can pull it off, it’s sure to be a big hit.

Morrissey made his “triumphant return” to the catwalk last year when he launched his new exclusive range for Big W. He’s dressed countless A-list stars including Nicole Kidman, Elle MacPherson, Naomi Campbell and Megan Gale.

 

Steps in the right direction

GOVERNOR-General, Quentin Bryce and Mr Bryce, will host the Mother’s Day Classic launch at Government House in a few weeks.

The GG became patron of the national event in 2009 and has participated in the walk locally and around the country.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Mother’s Day Classic. Since the first event in 1998, more than half a million men, women and children have raised $10.8 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research programs.

The 2012 Mother’s Day Classic is Sunday 13 March. More information at www.mothersdayclassic.org

 

Danny Moreno and fiancee Kiri Bell... all smiles first thing in the morning.

Kudos: ONA winning streak

KUDOS to the ONA Coffee guys who have won first, second and third places in the barista championships and latte art categories in the AustralAsia Specialty Coffee Association ACT Barista Championships 2012 at the Hellenic Club.

Co-owners Danny Moreno and Sasa Sestic have been serving up coffee in Fyshwick since their grand opening in August, 2010.

Moreno told “CC” the guys knock back around 10 coffees a day in a bid to ensure consistency for their customers.

“We are coffee freaks here… at least every hour we taste what we’re pouring to ensure quality and consistency,” he says.

The award-winning crew – including Moreno’s fiancée Kiri Bell – are all smiles first thing in the morning. Head there enough and they’ll shout your name and your order as you walk in the door. Regulars include Raiders head coach Dave Furner, Queanbeyan Mayor Tim Overall and heavyweight champion the KO machine Ben Edwards.

ONA Coffee, with cafes at Fyshwick, Manuka and Belconnen, is one of the few places in Canberra that roasts its beans on site.

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