exclusive: Leo gets married

Aussie based singer Leo Sayer has maried long time girfirend Donatella Piccinetti at a romantic beautiful country wedding In Berrima. Glen Marie Frost did the honours.

Sale of The Century

Former politician and Liberal Party heavyweight Michael Yabsley has put his collection of Australian ephemera up for sale at Lawson Menzies auction house. Yabsley's Wombat Hollow, an estate in the beautiful Southern Highlands has been his home for years now but for personal reasons the whole shebang is for sale and can be viewed here.
Whisper's favourite is the 1937 Chev pick-up truck with an estimated price $25,000 - $35,000. Dozens of rather wacky looking lamp stands and shades are up for grabs along with a quite extraordinary collection of old surveyors tripods and vintage tools, dozens of old oil cans and Mulga wood bits & pieces- Yabsley must have been collecting for years.
It's bound to be a popular sale in the local area where so many city elites have hobby farms. The Southern Highlands is also home to a number of notable characters including Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes currently touring Australia for an ABC TV special and Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban who snapped up the former Governor's mansion.

Michael Yabsley was an MP and Prison's Minister in the distant past who hitched his fate to former NSW Premier Nick Greiner when Greiner was the subject of  an ICAC investigation over a complicated matter which eventually saw him resign along with Yabsley in sympathy. No problem- both went on to become Liberal Party heavyweights behind the scenes.

Whisper's exclusively alluded to Yabsley's move from the Highlands and his new living arrangements in Wollooomooloo. Today Michael "outed" himself as gay in a daily newspaper. Better late than never!.
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There seem to be some important moves for a small social group that includes top broadcaster Alan Jones who announced his retirement (at age 79) and the former well-liked social butterfly and top publicist Glen Marie Frost who has been down on her uppers of late for various reasons. Glen-Marie announced she had moved into a Housing Commission flat in Wooloomooloo and all we can say is : location, location, location. It has to be one of the most desirable suburbs in Sydney so well done Glen Marie !
And now that Lock Down measures have eased up lets hope Glen Marie's new business as a Marriage Celebrant goes into full flight. Honestly if you are planning to get hitched whether straight, gay or otherwise, Frost is the lady to make that special day even better.

You can contact her here at Glen Marie Frost Celebrant.

So all's well for this trio who often partied in the Southern Highlands where Jones has a rather splendid farm and where Glen Marie apparently lived for some time in a  cottage at Yabsley's Wombat Hollow- now they're all within a stone's throw of each other with Yablsey & Glen Marie in residence at The Loo and Jones who is just a hop step and jump away at his Harbour-side apartment at Circular Quay.
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Speaking of Alan Jones, please come back in a few days when Whisper's will reveal some never published before facts about Alan's infamous arrest in a toilet in Piccadilly in 1988.
Many so-called "left leaning" pundits like former broadcaster Mike Carlton have been quite malicious about this event, often smugly inferring all sorts of impropriety despite the fact Jones was never prosecuted and had no intention of pleading guilty to a stitch up and despite ridiculous gossip that Jones' powerful friend (then) Lord Jeffrey Archer, a Minister in Margaret Thatcher's government somehow pulled strings. It shows an extraordinary ignorance on their part especially Carlton who was a broadcaster on a London radio station and should have known that Britain's Metropolitan Police wouldn't give a stuff about an Antipodean "shock jock" if they thought charges would stick as surely demonstrated when they eventually prosecuted  Alan's good pal Jeffrey Archer for perverting the course of justice.

Launching a frog

  Pictured left: artist John Olsen, his frog sculpture and Lucy & Malcolm Turnbull.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and "First Lady" Lucy Turnbull did the honours as artist John Olsen's "frog" sculpture was launched outside the uber harbour-side restaurant Catalina in Rose Bay this morning.
And what a gorgeous sunny Winter day for the event.
Hosts Michael & Judy McMahon, owners of Catalina laid on a superb lunch, as is their wont, and it's difficult to image how better to spend a lazy Sunday in Sydney. Catalina has an afinity with the water. It's superb balcony that extends over the harbour is often visited by two pelicans. Nearby are Sydney's famous seaplanes that deliver the well-heeled to their Palm Beach weekenders.

Locals join the PM: L-R Suzanne Dougall * Glen Marie Frost * Malcolm & Lucy* Victoria Morish

Left to Right : artist John Olsen * PM Malcolm Turnbull * Lucy Turnbull * the Frog* Catalina owners Michale & Judy McMahon

She's back !

How pleasing to see our favorite chanteuse and actress Maria Venuti made it to the Bong Bong Picnic Races this week. Maria suffered a stroke earlier this year after she found a stranger in her living room. But she's looking much better and as always, larger than life. Maria is pictured here with two Southern Highlands' residents broadcaster Alan Jones and the always stylish Glen Marie Frost.

There was a time when the Picnic Races had to be cancelled for a number of years due to the attendees imbibing just a little too much in alcoholic refreshments and basically running amok. Now they have returned to calmer times and really are a wonderful day out in a superb location.

Noticeable attendees: broadcaster Alan Jones who tends to be to the right of politics but his new friendship with the former Australian Labor Party candidate for Prime Minister Mark Latham has taken on all the attributes of a bromance. Latham seems to have veered to the right at a rapid pace and now writes for the right-wing website Rebel Media and when he's not castigating "snowflakes" he's cosying up to that Milo character or getting stuck into former Labor colleagues like ex-PM Kevin Rudd and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally who has a real chance of picking up the Bennelong seat in the upcoming by-election which could put Labor in power and PM Malcolm Turnbull out.

We digress: Latham and Jones have teamed up to give the world just what it needs- another cookbook as Mark tweeted with the accompanying photo : "Here we are in the kitchen enjoying the great story about Alan's sultana scone recipe. One of many cracking recipes to feature in the book.'
We can't wait.

Getting married..

 Despite all the delays and political machinations it's almost assured that the Same Sex Marriage act eventually will come into law with a Parliamentary vote
Thriving new businesses are bound to spring up catering to the various newly weds who will be rushing to get hitched.
And perhaps that's why popular society figure Glen Marie Frost (pictured) has just been ordained as a Civil Celebrant.

Glen Marie lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands (with her much loved cat) and could be one of the most popular Celebrants in the business. A former model and later political wheeler and dealer with the Liberal Party, she has made numerous impeccable connections over the years and is a regular on the social circuit and is seen at all the best parties.
But be assured : Glen Marie will perform a wonderful and memorable ceremony for any couple planning to get hitched no matter what their orientation is. All that matters is that they are in love!  Isn't that wonderful !

 Below: Glen Marie with Ros Packer & the late Lady Sonia McMahon

It begins : Christmas

It's a Sydney institution. While others may come and go, Lucios Italian Restaurant in quaint Paddington has been there, well forever. The finest Italian food, an intimate atmosphere and walls laden with art from many of Australia's most famed painters. When Lucio sends out an invitation to enjoy a lunch for Christmas, it would be a sin to turn it down.

Glen Marie Frost & the man himself Lucio * chef Janni Kyritis & Francesa Emerson

Above: famed chef Tom Rutherford * publicist Rae Francis* ABC broadcaster Simon Marnie * Michael Yabsley

Angela Thompson with New Zealand TV star Peter Mochrie

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Around Town

At the benefit for Taronga Park Zoo,  beautiful Michelle Walsh & hubby Martin Walsh * right: former Labor Party leader Mark Latham with Liberal Party heavyweight Peta Credlin at the Bong Bong Picnic Races

Comedian Bob Downe & drag star Cindi Pastel on the Sydney Harbour Funboat * a feel-good tale about superstar Russell Crowe- read it HERE

Anna-Marÿke - new exhibition

 The Yellow House in Macleay Street, started by the late artist Martin Sharp in the 1960s is still going strong. (I think Whispers was there at the opening night party..our father supplied the yellow paint). The latest exhibition is of some fab photos by  Anna-Marÿke and is well worth seeing. The exhibition was opened by one time Sydney style meister Leo Schofield- pictured here with fellow Southern Highland's resident Glen-Marie Frost. We'll let the gallery blurb speak for itself but do get along there.

"Riding on a painting tradition that stretches back to the ancient Egyptians, and, arguably, reaching its summit with the Dutch and  Spanish Masters in the 17th century, Anna-Marÿke celebrates life in nature through the contemporary medium of analogue photography.
Meticulously setting up still life compositions of flowers and produce gathered primarily from her garden in the Southern Highlands, she also includes found objects, birds, insects, fur and animals that finally culminate in complex tableaux."
 Yellow House 57 — 59 Macleay Street, Potts Point NSW 2011 Tel – 0412 856 731
info@yellowhousesydney.com.au Monday to Saturday 10am — 6pm

LatteLife Scoop

We here at Whispers knew that this drama was bubbling just below the surface and now Jane King of the Southern Highland's newspaper LatteLife has published an extraordinary claim that former NSW Prison's Minister Michael Yabsley, known for his hard line policies- he was the member for Sydney covering Kings Cross and the gay strip of Oxford Street-and  now a major fundraiser for the Liberal Party, may have been operating an unlicensed venue called Wombat Hollow in East Kangaloon.

Whilst we won't comment on the legalities of this - rather point you to a Channel Ten news report - it does show the importance of small independent publishers who can shine a light in dark corners. Jane King posted a message on Facebook today recounting the problems she had with this matter whilst praising the Ten Network for taking up the baton as they were 'better resourced"
In the meantime, LattelIfe has now ventured into the lucrative Sydney city centre with another new publication City Circular which was launched this month. There are small newspapers covering the city but this new publication hopes to present a more vibrant take on the nerve centre of NSW and with their success in the Eastern Suburbs, publisher King and Managing Editor Cristian King look like they have another success on their hands.
# Whispers & thesocialshuttle.com have been part-time contributors to LatteLife Newspapers

It's In The Stars

It's a little known fact but one of Australia's most successful businessmen never did a deal with anyone until he had his own Phrenologist check them out. If your  bumps passed muster, you were in. That included the bank manager, prospective partners or a receptionist. When he died around 14 years ago he left a $500M estate.

Astrology believer George Soros

 Since then his family have at least doubled that fortune. Sadly the phrenologist passed away . They now use handwriting experts.

One of America's richest men, George Soros has his own personal full time Astrologer. Soros inherited a superstitious nature from his Hungarian mother. His natural ability to 'crunch' figures , choose stocks and parlay them into a fabulous profit within a few weeks is enhanced by the stars. Before he does any deal he consults his starry adviser for the final seal of approval.

Enter Britain's rising star of Astrology, Victor Olliver who is building a clientele around the world who are commissioning Olliver to work out the most propitious dates to launch new enterprises. Olliver also does the stars for the Britain's oldest published magazine, The Lady as well as appearing on international radio.
Victor has a new star book out : Lifesurfing: Your Horoscope Forecast Guide 2014 and it's a best seller on Amazon. You can either buy the print version for under $10 or get the Kindle version ( as we did) for under $4. Sometimes there is even a free download so grab a copy now and get another as a gift for a friend. Everyone loves reading their astrological forecast. How can you go wrong ?
Visit Olliver's personal website here.
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Pictured right : Sydney society figure Glen Marie Frost, the world renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo and cricketing great Alan Border at the launch of the new Thomas Kelly Foundation named in honour of 18 year old Thomas who was fatally felled by a single punch on a Saturday night, 18 months ago in Kings Cross.
Find out how you can help at the foundation's website.

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

Chris O'Brien was a doctor and cancer specialist and an inspiration to thousands. Sadly he was taken from us at the age of 57 four years ago during his own battle with an aggressive brain tumour.  In his place has sprung up - the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse with a gleaming new building opposite the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital dedicated to treating cancer sufferers.
 Catalina, one of Sydney's most successive and lasting harbour side restaurants in Rose Bay threw a bash to raise much needed funds.

Bono, A Love Match and Son of Christian the Lion

They've been spotted around town arm in arm several times now and it's official- they are an item.

Glen Marie Frost and John Rendall of Christian the Lion fame. Glen-Marie is one of the most powerful PRs in the country and a political fixer.

 Rendall recently found fame when old footage of he and his partner Anthony Ace Bourke being greeted by a lion in Africa received 50M hits on youtube after someone put schmaltzy music to it. Before that he was-as the Londoner's Diary on the UK Evening Standard newspaper called him, "an Australian socialite" living in London.

Both have been married twice before. Glen Marie to 2 high flying businessmen .Rendall was once married to top London PR Liz Brewer. Aussie viewers will have seen her in the local Ladette's To Lady where she introduces the rough and ready local gels to the cream of London society- a retired Major, a used car dealer, some young Hooray Henrys from a minor public school and Lady Colin Campbell, an aristocrat with a startling deep voice.



At Nic Cerrone's- Kerrie Ann Kennerley and John Rendall .



Our new lovers were at the diamonds launch at top jeweller Nic Cerrone's lavish boutique in Martin Place last Thursday. And again today at the Black & White Committee's charity lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel where Rendall treated the guests to a (thankfully) short slide show on Christian.



 Carmela & Nic Cerrone



John has just returned from Kenya where he hosted a safari. He says on the last day he and the group were trekking in the George Adamson Wildlife Reserve when they found an abandoned lion cub on the spot where Christan lived out his last days.
John's having the lion cub DNA tested to see if it is related to Christian!.

                                         

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Singer Bono flicked a switch last night to bathe the Sydney Opera House in red lights for the launch of World AIDs Day. Accompanying him were NSW premier Kristina Keneally and Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Bono quipped that he felt like the "third member of Charlie's Angels".



Julia Gillard, Kristina Keneally, Bono



He leads the charge over the next 2 months that will see an influx Down Under of celebrities . Oprah Winfrey arrives on the 10th of December for at least 2 weeks accompanied by John Travolta. Nicole Kidman and hubby fly in to appear on Oprah's show with Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and Hugh Jackman.

Golfer Greg Norman is in town to play golf and threw a bash last night at the Astral Bar at Star City while in Melbourne Jay Z & Beyonce went ten-pin bowling.



George Michael arrives soon for summer. Actor John Malkovich arrives at the end of December to appear at the Sydney Festival and expatriate True Blood star Ryan Kwanten flew in yesterday to attend the GQ Man of The Year Awards.



exclusive..It looks like love

   They've been spotted several times now, arms entwined and with that special look reserved only for each other. John Rendall of Christian the Lion fame and top publicist Glen Marie Frost.

      tSS encountered them at the launch on Thursday night of Tony Graziana's Maserati show rooms in East Sydney, at the opening of a Darlinghust Thai restaurant a month ago and cruising down Macleay Street in Potts Point in Rendall's classic Rolls Royce last week.

Glen Marie sat quietly in a mezzanine corner to watch John's daughter Tallulah sing a fortnight ago at a Newtown cabaret club while downstairs John greeted and schmoozed a well heeled guest line-up like film producer and wine heiress Rebel Penfold Russell, Constance Farquarson, and Angela Belle McSweeney.

    For years Rendall wrote social columns for magazines in Britain, like London Portrait Magazine and the top glossy, Hello. He was friends with the famed gossip writer Nigel Demspter and with then wife & publicist Liz Brewer, co-host on 'Aussie Ladettees to Lady', helped organize shindigs and restaurant launches. In between he and Liz bought and sold London houses after renovating them.

   In 2007 a youtube film of he and former partner Anthony 'Ace' Bourke greeting their pet lion in Africa in 1972 when ballistic with a few million hits and catapulted the 2 into instant fame. A book deal followed along with film and product endorsement deals which saw the cash rolling in with appearances around the world on dozens of TV chat shows including Oprah Winfrey and The View with Whoopi Goldberg. At present he tours and speaks about African wildlife. Rendall also shared a commune in the 70's in the British countryside with friends like Helen Mirren and landscape gardener Roddy Llewelyn who conducted a love affair there with the late Princess Margaret.
          Glen Marie's business and political credentials are impeccable. One of the best liked PR ladies about town she hosted the corporate sector for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and counts Lady Sonia McMahon and just about every top Liberal Party politico as friends. Lately she has joined an outfit called the Corporate Intelligence Analyst Network whose website says it is "a group that represents more than 150 years of collective experience drawn from a pool of "specially trained intelligence and federal law enforcement personnel".

    Glen-Marie hates being called a socialite which she is, and she hates being in the social pages-where she constantly appears. She says she likes a quiet life away from the glare of publicity and social events.

Ahhh.. Just like John. A match made in heaven.

Ace Bourke, Rendall and Christian the lion in the Kings Road London circa 70's.

Christian on US TV: