Rob Palmer in Perth for Garden Week 2012

April 20, 2012
by Rodney Olsen
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Rob Palmer started in the construction industry as a nine year old working at his Dad’s company during school holidays. In 2000, while he was working as a carpenter in his own business, Rob was approached to be a presenter on a lifestyle programme on Channel 10. That program only lasted until 2001 but by then he was on his way in the media industry.

He then started on Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens where he’s still a popular presenter.

In 2010 he showed the world he’s multi-talented by winning Dancing with the Stars. This weekend he’s in Perth for Garden Week at Perry Lakes Reserve in Floreat, but I spoke to him on the phone this morning during the Morning Cafe on 98.5 Sonshine FM. You can hear our conversation by clicking the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.

From 19-23 April Perry Lakes Reserve in Floreat will be transformed from tranquil parkland to a bustling hub of activity featuring all things gardening and much more.

Bursting with colour, Garden Week will delight visitors with the huge array of roses, waterwise plants, trees, indoor and outdoor plants, herbs and vegies.

Open daily from 9.30am, the Show is growing in popularity with visitors treated to the best WA has to offer with all things gardening and outdoor living.

Rob Palmer, the ever-popular DIY expert from Better Homes and Gardens will be on the Total Eden Celebrity stage from Thursday to Sunday to charm the crowds with his wit, humour and talent.

Also on the Celebrity Stage will be Chris Ferreira and the team from Great Gardens who will be holding presentations with topics ranging from sustainability and how to grow your own produce.

Great Gardens will also be working closely with Garden Week’s official Charity Partner Therapy Focus on the hugely popular Scarecrow Competition with over 40 scarecrows from WA primary schools on display.

Rob will be appearing at the Garden Show across the weekend.

[audio:http://mpegmedia.sonshinefm.ws/feeds/MOR200412_1005.mp3]

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Jack Vidgen in Perth

August 31, 2011
by Rodney Olsen
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Until recently he was a Sydney school boy. These days he’s touring the country with a growing overseas interest in his amazing new career.

Jack Vidgen is only 14 but his voice has an incredible maturity. He’s able to sing meaning into his music in a way that many people twice his age just can’t.

Jack burst onto our TV screens on the 3rd of May this year in his first appearance on Australia’s Got Talent. He quickly became a favourite and progressed through to the final which he then won thanks to votes from fans around the country.

Jack Vidgen joined me in the studio today as part of the Morning Café on 98.5 Sonshine FM.

You can listen to our conversation by clicking the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.

From the moment Australia first saw Jack it was obvious that he’d had performance experience. We talked about his previous experience and the journey that led him to the television talent show. I also asked how someone so young remains grounded when they have people in the music industry, including the judges on Australia’s Got Talent, saying such incredible things about him and his talent.

Jack is constantly compared to Justin Beiber but I’m sure it won’t be long before the world knows him for who he is rather than any similarities between him and other singers.

[audio:http://mpegmedia.sonshinefm.ws/feeds/MOR310811_1056.mp3]

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Channel Nine’s Apology

February 18, 2011
by Rodney Olsen
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I guess that’s one way to handle the issue. 🙂



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Memories Crashing Down

December 7, 2010
by Rodney Olsen
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It’s the end of an era. If all goes to plan, the place that I created so many memories will come crashing down early next year.

The Perth Entertainment Centre, originally named the Channel 7 Edgley Entertainment Centre, is about to be knocked down. When it was built it was like nothing Perth had ever seen. It was Perth’s primary large concert venue, with seating for over 8000 people, from 1974 until it closed its doors in 2002.

Demolition work will begin on the Perth Entertainment Centre next month after a land swap deal between the building’s owner, Seven Group, and the State Government.

The Entertainment Centre, disused and a growing eyesore since it was closed in August 2002, will be demolished to make way for a new mixed use development likely to include office space and apartments.

Seven Group chief executive Peter Gammell said the company was yet to finalise its plans but at this stage there was no intention to move Channel 7 Perth’s operations from their studios in Dianella. – thewest.com.au

Some of the concerts I remember seeing at the centre included Amy Grant, Australian Crawl, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Cliff Richard , David Bowie,  DC Talk, Dire Straits, Elton John (with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra),  Feargal Sharkey, Gangajang, Genesis,  Hoi Polloi, Hoodoo Gurus, James Taylor, Joan Armatrading, Joe Jackson , John Farnham, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, Motels,  Olivia Newton-John, Phil Collins, Roxette, Sade, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Split Enz, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, U2, Van Morrison, and Whiteheart.

I’m sure there were other shows I saw there as well. I know that I was at the Entertainment Centre for a conference or two, to watch basketball, and even to see Disney on Ice many, many years ago. I also remember sleeping on the pavement outside the Entertainment Centre to get the best possible tickets to a couple of shows.

If you’re a Perth local I’d love to hear some of your memories of the Perth Entertainment Centre. What shows did you see there? Will you be sad to see the old place knocked down?



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David Campbell

February 20, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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DavidCampbell.jpgHe’s been described by music critics as the best young crooner on Earth. His album The Swing Sessions was his best selling album ever and now The Swing Sessions 2 is following suit with amazing sales taking the album to double platinum. It seems that audiences can’t get enough of David Campbell.

Last night he put in a very energetic performance with Chloe Maxwell on Channel 7’s It Takes Two but this morning he joined me on the Morning Programme at 98.5 Sonshine FM.

David Campbell is a guy who always looks like he’s enjoying his work and it’s always great to catch up with him.

He’ll be performing a couple of concerts in Perth at the Regal Theatre on the 12th and 13th of March as part of his Australian tour. I’m sure that he’ll be playing to packed houses of adoring fans.

Listen to what David has to say about his albums, his time on It Takes Two and his upcoming tour by clicking play on the audio player at the bottom of this post.



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