Flemington's gala bolts in another direction

HATS, frocks and frolicking at Flemington for the spring racing carnival seem a world away, but we sprint out of the starting gate to announce changes are afoot (or ahoof) to the Victoria Racing Club's traditional Chairman's Dinner. The VRC has scratched the $1000-a-head tickets, which are a bit rich at the best of times, and the chairman himself, Rod Fitzroy, told Diary: "Considering the current climate, we thought it more appropriate to hold the event by invitation." The black-tie gala, which kicks off the carnival on the Thursday before Derby Day, is supposed to revert to its usual format next year for the 150th anniversary of the Cup, but one source said: "We need to make it less elitist and more accessible. Maybe change the name to the Melbourne Cup Dinner or Ball." One radical suggestion was slashing the price to $500. The event is renowned for its big-name performers, including Luciano Pavarotti, Diana Ross, Chris Isaak, the Beach Boys, Jerry Lewis and Kenny Rogers. Incidentally, with all the nipping and tucking Rogers has had, the impersonators look more like him than he does. The music promoter charged with bringing out the performers, Andrew McManus, has booked this year's act, which should help subdue the rumours that there would be no dinner or only a dinner of "some sort". Just like Kenny, it is having a facelift.

Labour pains

START knitting the baby booties. Word has reached Diary that the stork is making a special trip in December to deliver the first child of Bill Shorten (above) and his partner Chloe Bryce, daughter of Governor-General Quentin Bryce. Chloe, who is about four months pregnant, hooked up with the ambitious Maribyrnong MP after he split from wife Debbie Beale last September. While Chloe has two children, Georgette and Rupert, from her marriage to architect Roger Parkin, Bill has unofficially been preparing for fatherhood through politics: he's parliamentary secretary for children's services. And now, for nappy duty.

The best price

THE ALP'S fund-raising machine, Progressive Business, has a grand vision to unite the sharpest business brains with the sharpest state and federal ministers (ahem) to ensure the "best ideas, policies and decisions" are made for the state. So for today's yapfest at the Intercontinental Hotel, Planning Minister Justin Madden takes to the podium to discuss his vision for growth areas, infrastructure and jobs. The cost to hear the "best" of everything? Only $1500 for members and $2000 for non-members, with the profits going to Labor, the party for battlers. That's one way to keep the anti-Madden placard-waving battlers out of the room.

Festival of festivals

VICTORIA, the place to hold a festival, has a busy few months ahead, with a Quentin Tarantino-infused Melbourne International Film Festival from July 24 to August 9, the Melbourne Fringe Festival from September 23 to October 11, and the Melbourne International Arts Festival from October 9 to 24. Such is the demand for artistic space that the worlds of two festivals are colliding: the Arts Festival has booked the North Melbourne Town Hall's main room for a "spectacular international event" on October 10 that requires a 14-day installation period, forcing the Fringe Festival, which is based at the town hall, to relocate its festival club to the supper room. Arts Festival artistic director Brett Sheehy announces the program tonight at the Forum Theatre. When mentioning "festival" in this town, be sure to specify which one.

R for raunchy

IF THERE'S a Christopher out there who penned a journal while living in Elwood, it has found its way to Diary. Discovered in a Brighton op shop by a reader, the author scribbled his thoughts and feelings about his cats, grocery shopping, his clippings of public transport stories from The Age, Anzac Day, the death of Ginger Rogers, the anniversary of Hitler's death, and much more. It's Christopher's more intimate scribblings about his sexual conquests that give this op-shop acquisition a surprise R rating, so we'd like to reunite the author with his special memories.

Universal appeal

TOORAK'S Cosmopolitan Models, the local organisers of the Miss Universe pageant, are showing off the "National Costume and Wardrobe" for the lovely Miss Universe Australia, Rachael Finch, at the Park Hyatt on July 24. They've written to TV publicist Darren Distefano to invite him and the dazzling array of Channel Nine personalities, but Darren can't help - he works for Channel Seven. But thanks for thinking of him.

Hardy personalities

BRITNEY wears it, so does Madonna and Mick Gatto. Michael Jackson used to wear it. That's Ed Hardy clobber, and now Warwick Capper (below) wears it as part of his promotional role with the company on the Gold Coast. Capper, still famous for his short shorts, visits the store one day a week to meet and greet customers, even venturing to the Westfield Doncaster shop to kick around a footy and cavort Wokka-style. The label's PR babe, Shaniera Thompson, said: "Ed Hardy appeals to different personalities and the brand gives you instant rock-star status." With Jacko gone, guess that leaves Gatto and Capper.

CONTACT

LAWRENCE MONEY

9601 2116

lmoney@theage.com.au

http://blogs.theage.com.au/moderntimes/

Fax: 9601 2327

SUZANNE CARBONE

9601 3192 scarbone@theage.com.au

http://blogs.theage.com.au/limelight/

Fax: 9601 2327