MLA Joy Burch was MIA at a recent event in Canberra.

Comedian and host of the Master Builders Association Awards Night, Anh Do, was apparently forced to “pad out” with a skit in which he pretended to be Ms Burch.

It appears the Minister for Community Services neglected to tell organisers of her last-minute decision to back out.

Concerned for her well-being, “Confidential” contacted Ms Burch’s media adviser, Victor Violante, and was told there was a miscommunication.

“Our office manager had notified the association well in advance that the Minister was unable to attend, however they did not properly record this,” he says.

Happily, the Minister is present for the latest parliamentary sitting, through to August 25.

Consuming passion

The 450 guests at Lifeline’s Willy Wonka Gala Ball, at The Hotel Realm on Saturday, devoured 113 kilos of lollies all in the name of charity (they raised more than $50,000). Congratulations to the organisers for putting on a sweet night!

 

Size surprises Jake

THERE’S no doubt the new Brumbies Coach Jake White has a challenge ahead of him. And it’s one he says he’s ready to tackle head-on. Phew!

But ask him if the Brumbies can win next year, White simply says they’ll try as hard as they can. “We’ll work hard and do our best and there’s nothing more Canberrans would want than that,” he says.

The former 2007 World Cup-winning Springboks’ coach has been in Canberra for just over a month now and says it’s a lot bigger than he thought.

“Everyone told me Canberra’s a small country town but it’s not that small,” White says.

His vital stats:
Favourite Food: Pasta
Drink of choice: Beer
Signature Dish: Pasta with chilli
Dined at: Urban Pantry Manuka
Ordered: Pasta
Favourite Music: Phil Collins, Duran Duran and Crowded House.

 

Raiders’ romantic plays

RAIDERS prop David Shillington has been in the media lately congratulating his team mate Dane Tilse on his recent engagement and speculating a few other players may not be far behind.

Shillington’s comments have led many to believe he could be the next one down on one knee. After all, he has just secured his future in Canberra and “Confidential” has learnt his girlfriend has relocated from Sydney and moved in.

But sources say it could be a bit early and that a safer bet might be Bronson Harrison or even Josh Miller.

Whatever the case, Raiders’ fans have certainly been left disappointed this season, and any more engagement announcements will certainly leave Canberra’s ladies heartbroken.

 

Spring back in time

HERE’S a chance to step back in time and maybe even discover some of grandma’s secret recipes. The Australian War Memorial is creating a Victory Garden, just like the one your grandparents might have grown during World War II.

Memorial marketing manager Bob Crawshaw says the garden at this year’s Floriade is a chance for people to get a glimpse into life on the Australian home front between 1939 and 1945.

“It’s not just about gardening; we’ll also be cooking loads of frontline food from bully beef to Bolognaise.”

But here’s hoping Crawshaw isn’t managing the War Memorial’s veggie patch.

“Confidential” has learnt Crawshaw started his working life as a general hand in a nursery in Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges.

But his boss, a flinty Scotsman, soon suggested he look for another career because he was more “ham fisted” than “green fingered”.

 

MTV VJ Hits Canberra

MTV VJ Ruby Rose is on her way to Canberra. Well-known for her public stances on gay marriage and youth affairs, Ruby will make an exclusive appearance at Hyperdome Shopping Centre on Saturday, September 10.

Fans will no doubt be happy. “Confidential” has heard Ruby is set to share the secrets of her street ‘n’ sweet style in an exclusive “In Season” tour in partnership with Myer that will see her host a High Voltage Style Session and play a DJ set.

 

Christmas, anyone?

I FEEL like all my Christmas’ have come at once! It’s a saying perhaps one Canberra store is taking a little too far. The choice of a large or small Christmas tree and a Christmas wreath are already on sale in Costco, Majura Park. Don’t they know it’s only August?