celebrities

Social Spy** The Gay Bar VIP Launch Party hosted by Trevor Ashley // August 6th

WHERE:                           231 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

TRADING HOURS:             Tuesday – Sunday               5pm til late

ONLINE/SOCIAL MEDIA:    www.thegaybar.com.au

www.twitter.com/gaybarsydney
www.instagram.com/thegaybar       #gaybarsydney
www.facebook.com/gaybarsydney

VIP GUESTS:

Stephen Craddock & Nelson De Sousa (Co-Owners), Mark Proudfoot (Head Chef)

Trevor Ashley (Drag Queen), Danni Da Ros (The Voice), Henry Roth (Designer), Dominic Allburn (Actor)

Louise Vuitton, Rhuma Hazzet, Ivy League & Vybe  (Drag Queens)

Day Four** Rhiannon Fish, Brian McFadden, Natalie Bassingthwaighte And More Reveal Music Choices For THEIR Favourite Christmas Moods

Christmas music given a shake-up as stars from around the World share their own Festive/holiday playlists with fans on rara.com to celebrate free trial. On the fourth day of Xmas the way to dance around the tree… is listening to my fave star’s playlist on Rara.com for FREE

Sydney Social 101 is excited to announce that a music streaming service has overhauled traditional Christmas playlists in favour of more modern mixes created with the real moods of the festive period in mind; reflecting the different ways we all celebrate Christmas in 2012. We’re HUGE fans of Xmassy songs here at SS101 HQ and we love a sneak look into the musical tastes of our celebs, so this is right up our street!

Rara.com the easy-to-use instant music service – has enlisted the help of global music stars and names from the worlds of fashion, food, sports and entertainment to update its festive playlists. These famous faces have created hand-crafted compilations inspired by their own festive experiences, to give their fans a glimpse of exactly what they’ll be listening to this Christmas

Whether that’s giving their fans tunes for a hip-hop inspired Christmas party (thanks to UK rapper Tinchy Stryder), songs to enjoy with friends during the break between Christmas and the New Year (courtesy of Home & Away actress, Rhiannon Fish), giving their fans tunes for a hip-hop and dance inspired NYE party (thanks to Actor, Model and CelebrityDJ, Didier Cohen and Actor &MTV VJ, Keiynan Lonsdale) and even a high-energy playlist to help shed those pounds after all the excess of the party season (created by music artist and XFactor judge, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, as well as Urban Pop artist Timomatic), these new playlists have it covered, whatever mood you’re in.

Other playlists include music for driving home to see family during the festive period (put together by Australia’s Next Top Model judge, Charlotte Dawson), songs to recharge after NYE and get ready for 2013 with (compiled by Media Commentator and Entertainment Editor-at-Large at News.com.au, Melissa Hoyer), and even tunes to reflect on the good times from 2012 (from musician Brian McFadden).

The move comes as rara.com gives the gift of music and launches its seven day free trial so these playlists – and many more already created by some of the biggest rock, pop, and urban artists in the world – are available to all completely free of charge.

Nick Massey, CEO, rara.com said, “We’re really excited to be working with all of these big names who are all passionate about music, to deliver an early Christmas present and celebrate the launch of our free trial this December. As a music service that offers songs for every moment and mood, we wanted to create interesting, hand-crafted playlists that fit how people are really feeling at this joyous, hectic, crazy time of the year. As well as these quirky festive-themes playlists we also have others curated by global music stars from all genres for our listeners to enjoy all year round.”

Until January 31st anyone can find, play and share unlimited music from millions of tracks available on rara.com, completely free, for seven days. Just log on to rara.com online and use voucher code HOLIDAY2012. After the seven day free trial rara.com is just $0.99 (AUD) and $1.99 (NZ) per month for the first three months, then $7.99 (AUD/NZ) per month after that.

rara.com is also available on-the-go via apps for  iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, and Windows 8 devices. Online and mobile costs are $2.99 (AUD/NZ) per month for the first three months, and then $12.99 (AUD) and $13.99 (NZ) each month.

What’s On – Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Pop up Store with James Kerley

James Kerley has had an incredibly diverse career. Along with being an extremely successful Radio and TV Host, he is also a qualified pilot and now an author.  2012 see’s Kerley release his first book – The Man Plan, a printed version of Kerley’s all too familiar cheeky style with irreverent tips on how to ‘get one’s sh*t together’ – from fitness to finance, romance to cooking, mental health issues to career and more.

Kerley decided to write this book hoping that the lessons he has learnt through life will help others in some way – “I learnt a lot writing this book. There are so many easy tricks that make life easier as a guy or at least give the impression that we know what we are doing…… The book covers something from every angle of life. If a guy can pick it up and have a few laughs and learn one thing that makes him kick a little more arse in one or two areas of his life – I’m stoked.”

 James began his career as host of the long running children’s show ‘Sarvo’ which aired on Foxtel’s Nickelodeon channel. His strong background in improvisation and writing, coupled with polished MC’ing skills and natural comedic style has seen him co-host the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards twice and be a guest presenter at the ARIA Awards.  Currently Kerley is hosting Channel 9’s Eclipse Music TV. He has interviewed dozens of international and local artists including Silverchair, The Prodigy, Kings of Leon, Lady Ga Ga, Kanye West, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrel and Steve Carrel – just to name.  Kerley also hosted Network Ten’s daily entertainment program, Taken Out,  a 65 episode unscripted dating show that also aired nationally on Foxtel for over 18 months.

Steadily becoming a popular face of youth culture, Kerley has traveled throughout Australia, the US and Europe for TV and radio interests.  As a talented writer, Kerley has written for Cleo magazine in addition to regular articles in various Australian publications. He has a Bachelor of Media and Writing.

Clinique Skin Supplies for Men has worked with James to produce a limited number of customised copies of The Man Plan that will be available as a Gift With Purchase at www.clinique.com.au from late November. Simply spend $75 online including a purchase of a Skin Supplies for Men set and receive The Man Plan as your gift.

And for one night only see James at the Skin Supplies for Men Pop up Store in Westfield Sydney on Thursday Nov 22^nd from 5pm where he will be doing a book signing.

www.clinique.com.au

www.facebook.com/cliniqueaustralia

MARIAH CAREY BRINGS FESTIVE CHEER DOWN UNDER

ONCE IN A LIFETIME CHANCE TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH ONE OF THE BEST SELLING ARTISTS OF ALL TIME

Say Adios to Clichés and Hola to Mexico

The el Tran (train) has left Mexico and after a successful tour through Los Angeles, it is now set to head around Australia, for the 7^th annual Hola Mexico Film Festival this October and November.

Tickets for the annual fiesta go on-sale from October 5 for $14.50-$17.50 and can be purchased at www.holamexicoff.com. The Festival combines the best of everything Mexican for a week of fun, film and food, as the Festival screens 11 feature films, 5 documentaries and one double header.

Jump on for the journey, as Hola Mexico travels to Melbourne (Oct 19 -28 ACMI Cinemas), then heads to Sydney (Oct 26 – Nov 4 Event Cinemas George Street) and Adelaide (Nov 9 – 14 Mercury Cinemas) before a last stop in Perth (15-21 Cinema Paradiso).

Festival Director Samuel Douek says festival goers can expect a hell of an opening party, and a talk by one of Mexico’s hottest film directors.

“Arturo Pons (The Compass Is Carried by The Dead) is joining us in Australia for Hola, so don’t miss out on getting a ticket to the Hola Mexico opening film and party where you can meet him. It’s going to be a fiery fiesta where the tacos and tequila will flow and film makers and film fans party the night away to a live mariachi band,” he says.

Opening night will start with a special screening of Mariachi Gringo, a feel good film full of amazing music by famous mariachi singer Lila Downs, who toured Australia in 2007 and stars Shawn Ashmore from X-Men. There is an opening night fiesta for all the festival venues. Tickets are available from October 5^th for $49.

Other highlights of the 2012 program include the Australian premiere of Una Vida Mejor (A Better Life), from About a Boy director, Chris Weitz.  Lead actor Demian Bichir was nominated for Best Actor at the 2012 Oscars alongside Brad Pit, George Cloney, Juan De’Jardin and Gary Oldman. The story takes you on the heart rendering journey of an illegal immigrant who struggles with the challenges of living in a city with immigration agents on every corner and vicious gangsters trying to lure his son away in to a life of crime.

There’s the political thriller, Los Chidos, which is directed by Mars Volta front manOmar Rodriguez Lopezand bravely examines the engrained ideals of cultures, to produce a funny and depraved piece of socio-political commentary.

For the action fans a new epic from Hollywood stars Andy Garcia and Eva Longoria, Cristiada (From Greater Glory) examines just what price we are willing to pay for freedom, as it looks in to the true story of the 1920s Cristero War and the people’s revolt that rocked 20^th century North America.

Foodies and families will love Canela (cinnamon) as it takes a look in to the dramatic life of cooking and restaurateurs that puts the reality drama of cooking showsto shame.

Also on the Festival bill, Burros, the winner of the Best Film at Morelia Film Festival 2010 and Guadalajara Film Festival 2011.  And the not to be missed Miss Bala – a film about a Beauty Queen and Mexico’s violent gang warfare, which was selected to compete in the 2011 Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film.

Those wanting to experience a large slice of Mexico should definitely check out 2×1 Stories of Mexico. The two hour emersion features two medium length films (60min) that show Mexico and the lives of the Mexican people from two very different perspectives. These films are Meko Seyane – Un Retrato De Pierre B (Meko Seyane – A Portrait of Pierre B) and Silvestre Pantaleo.

The Hola Mexico Film Festival combines the fiery passion of the Mexican culture with the beauty of its people to explore all that is Mexico, bringing Mexicans together and everyone else that bit closer to Mexico through the beauty of film.

Hola is proudly sponsored by SOL Beer, Milagro Tequila, SBS, World Movies and Filmink Magazine.

Check out www.holamexicoff.com

SOCIAL SPY** OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD YOU GUYS… LEGALLY BLONDE OPENING NIGHT

Beeeeennnnnddddddd and snap!

Last week Sydney Social 101 was invited to attend and review the Opening Performance of Sydney’s Legally Blonde The Musical! The international award-winning hit has arrived in Australia, playing now at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre.

I am going to begin by saying (just in case you don’t read to the end) that is by far and away one of the most fun, energetic, gripping musicals I’ve ever seen! I would recommend it without hesitation! It’s literally like watching the movie, but with music, and better!

Sydney has welcomed the musical after Legally Blonde ran for three triumphant years in the West End, over two years on Broadway and is currently on a major UK tour. The winner of seven major awards including the coveted Best New Musical 2011(Olivier Awards) this all singing, all dancing romantic comedy is about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got!

Sydney’s VIPs came out to celebrate the opening night in style! Guests included The Veronicas, Natalie Braithwaite and Australian Idol 2011 winner Reece Mastin to name a few.

All Socials credited to photographer Matt Watson

College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods can handle anything. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School to win him back. With some help from new-found friends Paulette and Emmett plus her Chihuahua, Bruiser, she learns that it’s so much betterto be smart.

Lucy Durack as Elle and female ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE 3(c) Jeff Busby

Based on the hit movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde the Musical is the award-winning London and Broadway sensation created by a top-of-their-class creative team, led by Tony Award-winning director and Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray). This funny, feel good musical comedy will be the highlight of your year. Legally Blonde the Musical will take you from the social whirl of California Campus life to Harvard’s Halls of Justice with Australia’s brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser). The verdict? This much fun shouldn’t be legal!

David Harris as Emmett, Cameron Daddo as Prof Callahan and Lucy Durack as Elle in LEGALLY BLONDE (c) Jeff Busby

The all star Australian cast includes Lucy Durack (Wicked) as Elle Woods, Rob Mills (Young Talent Time) as Warner, David Harris (Miss Saigon) as Emmett, Helen Dallimore (The Wharf Revue) as Paulette, Erika Heynatz (Next Top Model) as Brooke Wyndham and Cameron Daddo (Big River, Packed to the Rafters) as Professor Callahan.

Erika Heynatz as Brooke skipping in LEGALLY BLONDE (c) Jeff Busby

Legally Blondeis produced by Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and John Frost, in association with MGM ON STAGE, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

Lucy Durack as Elle Woods with ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE (c) Jeff Busby

Howard Panter, joint Chief Executive and Creative Director of Ambassador Theatre Group said, “Legally Blonde The Musical has been a roaring success on both sides of the Atlantic, critically acclaimed, getting standing ovations night after night, and record repeat business. I have no doubt Australia will take Legally Blondeinto their hearts as well and have an Elle of a party at the theatre. I am thrilled that Legally Blonde The Musical, the success story from Broadway and London has come to Australia, and that I am producing it with John Frost in our first collaboration.”

David Harris as Emmett and Lucy Durack as Elle in LEGALLY BLONDE (c) Jeff Busby

John Frost is excited to be co-producing Legally Blonde. “This show is 100% pure entertainment, and I know Sydney will fall in love with the show as much as I have. I’m delighted to be working with Howard Panter for the first time, and to be presenting my third major musical in 2012 at the beautiful Lyric Theatre.”

Chloe Zuel, Renee Burleigh and Ashlea Pyke in LEGALLY BLONDE (c) Jeff Busby

The Australian Premiere of this award-winning Broadway and West End sensation was secured for Sydney with the assistance of the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the City of Sydney.

Legally Blonde is the funniest and most fabulous musical around. The best show in town, case closed.

(FIVE STARS) “The best legal high in town. A Triumph!” – Time Out

(FIVE STARS) “Perfection. Ridiculously Enjoyable” – The Independent

”Legally Blonde simply blows other musicals out of the water. Sensational” – The Sun

legallyblonde.com.au

facebook.com/legallyblondemusical

@legallyblondeoz

Venue:                                                  Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star

Season:                                                To January 27, 2013

Performance Times:                           Tues 7pm, Wed–Sat 8pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm

Price:                                                    $75.90 – $139.90

Bookings:                                            1300 795 267 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups of 12 or more (02) 8240 2290

SOCIAL SPY** LOOPER SCREENING

I went to the screening of Looper a couple of weeks ago and I can’t quite believe that I’m only just writing the review… Let me just start by saying that it was fan-bloody-tastic!! Not just a good movie, in my opinion, a great movie that will go down as a classic for many years to come!

LOOPER is set in the near future and involves a group of hit men called Loopers, who work for a crime syndicate in the further future. Their bosses send targets back in time, and the Looper’s job is to simply shoot them and dispose of the body. The target vanishes from the future and the Looper disposes of a corpse that technically doesn’t exist.

The Loopers work for a number of years, that is until they ‘close their loop’ by shooting their future selves, knowing that they’ve got the next 30 years to enjoy and spend their ‘well-earned’(ahem) gains.

A very clean system, that is unless you let your loop run… Herein lies the plot of the whole movie!

When I first started to think about the concept, I literally could not get my head around it at all! What I would say is that, you should try not to think about it at all. Just watch it and appreciate it for all it’s worth! You will not be disappointed!

The way they alter Gordon Levitt’s face to replicate a young Bruce Willis is amazing!

Looper stars Joseph Gordon Levitt (Inception), Bruce Willis (Red), and Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau). The film’s costars are Paul Dano, Noah Segan, Piper Perabo, and Jeff Daniels. Xu Qing,
Garret Dillahunt and Pierce Gagnon also make appearances.

Looper is directed by Rian Johnson, based on his original screenplay. Ram Bergman and James D. Stern produced the film, with Christopher C. Chen, Eleanor Nett, Dave Pomier, and Lucas Smith serving as co-producers. Director of photography Steve

Yedlin, production designer Ed Verreaux, costume designer Sharen Davis, composer Nathan Johnson, and editor Bob Ducsay led the creative behind-the-scenes team. Jamie Kelman and Kazuhiro Tsuji oversaw the special effects make-up, and casting for Looper was done by Mary Verniu. Executive producers are Julie Goldstein, Douglas E. Hansen, Peter Schlessel, and Dan Mintz.

Tristar Pictures, FilmDistrict, and Endgame Entertainment present a Ram Bergman production in association with DMG Entertainment of Looper. The film is distributed domestically by Tristar Pictures, a subsidiary of Columbia Tristar Motion Picture Group, and FilmDistrict.

SOCIAL SPY** The 2012 Helpmann Awards® at Sydney Opera House – Hugh Jackman attends as a surprise guest presenter

Celebrating excellence and achievement in live performance

42 Awards presented plus the prestigious JC Williamson Award^TM

Wow, where to even begin, what a truly amazing evening surrounded by such talent that you could only sit back and watch in awe! Sydney Social 101 has made no secret about our passion for live entertainment, we’ve even been lucky enough to be invited to watch La Traviata at the open air stage at Sydney’s Botanical Gardens amongst other amazing performances!

Sydney Social 101 is also going to watch Legally Blonde on the stage tomorrow night, the stars of which were also out in force at the Helpmann Awards last night!

Stars of Legally Blonde – Cameron Daddo and Lucy Durack Helpmann Awards Photo James Morgan

The 2012 Helpmann Awards^® were presented last night, Monday 24 September from 8pm at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House.  Following the Awards Ceremony guests enjoyed an After Party at Marquee at The Star.

Surprise Guest Presenter: Hugh Jackman 2012 Helpmann Awards 2012 Photo James Morgan

I couldn’t actually believe it when surprise guest presenter, Hugh Jackman arrived to present the final award of the evening for Best Musical. We were also in the company of greatness, in the form of stunning Cate Blanchett!

Winner – Best Female Actress in a play – Cate Blanchett: Gross und Klein (Big and Small). Sydney Theatre Company – Photo James Morgan

The Helpmann Awards^®, established in 2001 by Live Performance Australia (LPA), saw the presentation of awards in 42 categories.  In addition Katharine Brisbane AM, and the late Dr Jimmy Little AO were honoured as the recipients of the prestigious JC Williamson Award^TM that recognises their outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry. Dr Jimmy Little AO was truly an inspiration and the award was truly fitting as his colleagues and peers recognised his achievements in music and in life.

Bernadette Robinson Helpmann Photo James Morgan

Simon Burke was a great host of the Helpmann Awards, talented, humorous and humble. The evening included performances by the casts of Cirque du Soleil, The South Pacific Company, and The Chorus Line Company; Artistes from The Australian Ballet; from A Long Way to the Top – Marcia Hines, Jon Stevens, Brian Cadd, Doug Parkinson and Ian Moss; and Aston, Dan Sultan with a Tribute to Jimmy Little AO, and Bernadette Robinson. All of which left Sydney Social 101 speechless and in awe!

Lisa McCune Eddie Perfect Kate Ceberano Teddy Tahu Rhodes Photo Lightbox Photography

Award Presenters included Amanda Bishop, Blake Bowden, Bille Brown AM, Bryan Brown AM, Darcey Bussell CBE, Daniel Carter, Kate Ceberano, Gerry Connolly, Li Cunxin, Cameron Daddo, Lucy Durack, Marta Dusseldorp, Amanda Harrison, Verity Hunt-Ballard, Genevieve Lemon, Matt Lee, David McAllister AM, Lisa McCune, Rob Mills, Simon Phillips, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Leo Schofield AM, The Hon. George Souris, Stuart Wagstaff AM, and John Waters.

Amanda Pelman and Brian Cadd Helpmann Awards Photo Credit Lightbox Photography

The Awards Ceremony was Produced by Jon Nicholls and Directed by Stuart Maunder.

President of Live Performance Australia, Andrew Kay, said “We’re delighted to be presenting our 12^th anniversary Helpmann Awards^®, live from the Sydney Opera House this evening.

Bryan Brown and Matilda Brown Photo James Morgan

The Helpmann Awards^® are a celebration of the very best in live performance in Australia.  They also serve as a reminder of the central place live performance takes in the lives of so many Australians, whether it be a child attending a live concert for the very first time, a young Australian attending a concert by their favourite band or comedian, or one of the millions of Australians who attend our major musicals or performances by our extraordinary performing arts companies.

Live performance engages and entertains audiences across the breadth of Australia from the smallest rural community to the largest city.  And the strength of the industry is evidenced in the extraordinary list of outstanding Helpmann nominees we honour tonight.”

NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, congratulated the winners of this year’s Helpmann Awards^®.

“It has been a tremendous year for live entertainment in Australia, particularly NSW  with our dream run of major musical premieres.  The extraordinary talent of our vibrant live performance industry continues to shine both on stage and behind the scenes,” Mr Souris said.

“I am a fan of live performance and greatly admire the artistic brilliance and creativity celebrated through the Helpmann Awards^® held in our global city of Sydney, the live performance capital of Australia.

“The Helpmanns are the premier awards event for the live performance industry, highlighting the significant contribution the sector makes to our State and country.”

The Helpmann Awards^® will be broadcast exclusively live on Tuesday 25 September at 8.30pm on Australia’s arts and entertainment channel STUDIO – channel 132 on Foxtel.

www.helpmannawards.com.au

A Gala Night for the Live Entertainment Industry – The 2012 Helpmann Awards®

Celebrating excellence and achievement in live performance

Monday 24 September, Sydney Opera House at 8pm

Sydney Social 101 is a big fan of live entertainment – whether it be theatre, live contemporary dance, the ballet, the opera or a musical – you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be an enjoyable experience for all involved! This particular event strikes a chord as it recognises those who make the industry what it is today!

The 2012 Helpmann Awards® Ceremony will be held tonight, Monday 24 September at 8pm at Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House, whilst the After Party will be held at Marquee at The Star.  Acclaimed performer Simon Burke will Host the Awards Ceremony.

The Ceremony will include performances by the casts of Cirque du Soleil, The South Pacific Company, and The Chorus Line Company; Artistes from The Australian Ballet; from A Long Way to the Top – Marcia Hines, Jon Stevens, Brian Cadd, Doug Parkinson and Ian Moss; and Aston, Dan Sultan with a Tribute to Jimmy Little AO, and Bernadette Robinson.

Presenters and guests at the Ceremony will include Benedict Andrews, Trevor Ashley, Hilary Bell, Amanda Bishop, Blake Bowden, Bille Brown AM, Bryan Brown AM, Darcey Bussell CBE, Mitchell Butel, Francine Cain, Paul Capsis, Daniel Carter, Kate Ceberano, Anita Louise Combe, Gerry Connolly, Li Cunxin, Cameron Daddo, Lucy Durack, Marta Dusseldorp, Stephan Elliott, Michael Gudinski, Andrew Hallsworth, Amanda Harrison, Brent Hill, Bob Hornery, Verity Hunt-Ballard, Akira Isogawa, Debora Krizak, Tim Lawson, Amy Lehpamer, Genevieve Lemon, Matt Lee, Emma Matthews, David McAllister AM, Lisa McCune, Rob Mills, Tara Morice, Robyn Nevin, Simon Phillips, Pamela Rabe, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Leo Schofield AM, The Hon. George Souris, Sam Strong, Lyndon Terracini, Stuart Wagstaff AM, and John Waters.

Katharine Brisbane AM will be presented with the prestigious JC Williamson Award^TM, recognising her outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry.

The JC Williamson Award™ for co-recipient Dr Jimmy Little AO will be presented to his Manager, Graham Budstrup and his neice, Esther Cohen.

The Helpmann Awards^®will be broadcast exclusively the following night on Australia’s arts and entertainment channel STUDIO – channel 132 on Foxtel.  See the full ceremony recorded live on Tuesday 25 September at 8.30pm.

Tickets are on sale to the general public and can be purchased from the Sydney Opera House Box Office 02 9250 7777 or www.sydneyoperahouse.com

This will be the 12^th presentation of the Helpmann Awards®, the pinnacle industry event for Australia’s live performance industry, which annually attracts over 17 million people to shows across the nation with revenues of over $A1.3 billion.

www.helpmannawards.com.au

SOCIAL SPY** MEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE REVEALS AUSTRALIA’S ULTIMATE ALL-ROUNDER

BRISBANE’S MICHAEL MCDONALD NAMED MEN’S HEALTH MAN

On Tuesday 2^nd September I had the honour of being invited to the final if the Australian Men’s Health magazine’s MEN’S HEALTH MAN competition, presented by NIVEA FOR MEN, which saw Brisbane chef and physiotherapy student, Michael McDonald, 28, crowned  winner!

Michael accepted his award in front of a 200-strong crowd at Sydney’s Ivy Sun Room bar, which is a stunning venue! As part of his prize Michael features on the cover of the October issue of Men’s Health magazine, on sale on Monday 10^th September 2012.

Men’s Health editor, Ian Cockerill said: “What ultimately decided this award in Michael’s favour was his combination of having pulled himself up by his bootstraps through hard graft, his humility, his ready smile and his conviction that he alone is the author of his story”

“He was a chef – in fact, still works weekends as one – but between his passion for fitness and his calculation that it wasn’t the best foundation on which to build a family life, he has set about retraining as a physiotherapist.”

“It takes courage to leave what you know behind, and I think it’s a story that will resonate with many of our readers in these rapidly-changing times.”

“Michael is an ideal ambassador for the magazine.”

In its fourth year, the Men’s Health Man competition presented by NIVEA FOR MEN aims to identify men who embody the magazine’s ethos of living full, balanced lives encompassing fitness, career, relationships and appearance.

The Final Six

The Greenslopes local was one of 12 national finalists in the running for the coveted title, and in addition to appearing on the cover of the magazine, Michael also won a Ball watch valued at $2,980, a NIVEA FOR MEN gift pack, a MARCS gift voucher and a two-year subscription to Men’s Health magazine.

Two other awards were announced at the red carpet event – the coveted NIVEA FOR MEN Face of Success award, which was awarded to Michael Webster (who’s from my home county back home in the UK, small Sydney world!) and the Readers’ Choice award, which went to Shasha Alizadeh.

Michael McDonald and Ian Cockerill

All is all it was a lovely evening where the drinks and food just kept on coming, we were treated to sparkling, martinis, beer and malt whisky! The pizzas, hot dogs and spring rolls were also delicious!

Our MC for the evening – Packed to the Rafters star: George Houvardas

A wonderful event that Sydney Social 101 thoroughly enjoyed (the guy candy didn’t hurt my eyes either!) he he The goody bag was also amazing!