THE CONCEPT

For this unique charity event presented by the CorriLee Foundation, David Williamson is recreating his 1987 classic "Emerald City" with a 2011 adaptation commenting on current affairs, politics and popular culture. In this unique reading of the play, "One Night in Emerald City" for one night only thirteen notable celebrities from a variety of backgrounds take the stage, each of whom will be supporting a charity of their choice.

All of the artists, MC's and crew have donated their time and effort to make this unique charity event possible. The CorriLee Foundation would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for their kindness and generosity.

THE CAST & THEIR CHOSEN CHARITIES

The Hon Steve Bracks AC(Tony) 
Western Chances www.westernchances.org.au
Mikey Robins (Ian) 
The Mirabel Foundation www.mirabelfoundation.org.au
Ita Buttrose (Zara) 
 Alzheimers Australia www.alzheimers.org.au
Lillian Frank (Aaziza)
The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation www.rchfoundation.org.au
John Elliott (Malcom)
The Duke of Edinburgh & the Robinlm) Boyd Foundation  www.dukeofed.org.au / www.robinboyd.org.au
David Field (Mike) 
Kids Helpline  www.kidshelp.com.au
Denise Drysdale (Maureen)  
The Kids Foundation  www.kidsfoundation.org.au
Lucy Bell (Kate)
Sane Australia www.sane.org
Carl Barron (Seth)
 Educating Africa www.educatingafrica.com
Ali McGregor (Helen) 
Parkinson's Australia www.parkinsons.org.au
Andrew O'Keefe (Colin) 
White Ribbon Day www.whiteribbonday.org.au
Anna Volska (Elaine)
Voiceless www.voiceless.org.au
Tobie Puttock (Gregor)
The Stepping Stone Foundation www.steppingstonefoundation.org.au
Playwright David Williamson - 
Hike4Hunger hike4hunger.org

Mikey Robins 
Charity of choice: The Mirabel Foundation

www.mirabelfoundation.org.au

Proud sponsors of the Mirabel Foundation
www.secg.com.au

Mikey’s media career began with seven years as the host of Triple J’s national Breakfast Show. He has also worked in radio for Triple M and Vega. His early television appearances included Live and Sweaty and McFeast before his five years as a team captain with Good News Week, previously on ABC TV and currently on Monday nights on Channel 10. He has devised and hosted a series of humourous documentaries on Channel 10 about Australians and their favourite pubs, the success of which has led to similar shows being filmed in both Ireland and Las Vegas. Mikey has co-authored two books – Three Beers and a Chinese Meal with Helen Razor and Big Man’s World with Tony Squires and Steve Abbott. Mikey has also been a columnist for The Daily Telegraph and GQ.

“I’ve chosen The Mirabel Foundation as my charity. They take care of the silent victims of drug addiction – those vulnerable children left orphaned or abandoned due to their parents’ problems with narcotics. These children are usually raised by members of their extended family with Mirabel providing support and counselling for both the children and their carers as well as respite care, crisis support and basically whatever it takes to make sure that these kids don’t only survive, they flourish. What makes Mirabel such a compelling charity is that they exist outside of government programs and structures. That they have done so well for so long is a testament to the drive and creativeness of this wonderful organisation. Remember, they are not only caring for these kids, but they are helping to break the cycle of addiction. This is one organisation that benefits not only those it cares for, but also society as a whole.”

The Mirabel Foundation was established in 1998to assist children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use and are now in the care of extended family (kinship care). Mirabel believes that every child deserves a childhood and its mission is to break the destructive cycle of addiction. Mirabel supports children aged 0–17 years and works at restoring a child’s sense of self-worth, belonging and hope for the future in order for them to reach their full potential as young adults. Mirabel believes that supporting children who have been negatively affected by parental drug use is a shared responsibility that involves a commitment from Government (Federal and State), business (through corporate social investment), philanthropy and community organisations and individuals. By working together, we can make a positive difference and help these children realise their future. 

Ita Buttrose
Charity of choice: Alzheimer’s Australia

www.alzheimers.org.au


 Ita’s pioneering career in media has made her a household name in Australia. She was both the founding editor of Cleo magazine and the youngest-ever editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly. She was the first woman to edit a major metropolitan daily newspaper in Australia when she became Editor-in-Chief of the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, and was the first woman to be appointed to the Board of Directors of News Ltd Australia. She later started her own publishing company, Capricorn Publishing, and created ITA Magazine. She is also a prolific author who has just completed her tenth book, which will be published by Penguin Australia in March 2011.

"I became national president of Alzheimer’s Australia on March 8 this year. My father suffered from dementia and I have a personal interest in helping to raise funds for research into the causes of dementia as well as raising awareness of its increasing prevalence. Dementia will be the major chronic health problem of the 21st century. As there is no cure dementia research is vital."

Alzheimers Australia
Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning including; loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and accounts for around 50-70% of dementia cases.

There are currently more than 260,000 Australians with dementia and without a significant medical breakthrough that number is expected to soar to almost 1 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s Australia is the peak body for people with dementia and their families and carer’s and provides support and services through leading edge national dementia programs including; the National Dementia Helpline, counseling, support groups and resources. We are committed to providing leadership in advocacy, policy, services and research. 

Lillian Frank
Charity of choice: The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation

www.rchfoundation.org.au 


"The biggest highlight of my life was when I made the decision to live in Australia. I was having a good time in London but when I came to visit my sister in Australia I loved it so much I wanted to live here so I made the decision to change my way of life and live in Australia. I was working at Elizabeth Arden in Melbourne and had a wonderful cliental so I decided to open my own salon which was very successful and I have done the hair of some very famous people including Jean Shrimpton, Cyd Charisse, Jane Russell, Elizabeth Taylor and The Queen Mother. Being able to raise money for Charity has always been a highlight of my life and to have the support of people who believe in me.
 
I have had many highlights in my life but with the birth of my children and grandchildren, my move to Australia and my charity work, these are the major ones".

"Over all my years of fundraising I have always worked with causes related to children. I have been lucky to have had healthy children and grandchildren. I was born in Burma and was a child under the Japanese occupation. Being a refugee made me want to work with children and help them have a better life. I have had great satisfaction knowing that with all the money that I have raised over the years has gone to help sick children have a bright future and the Royal Children’s Hospital is one of the best if not the best in the world and am very proud to be connected with it.'"

The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation
The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation is the fundraising arm of The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals. The Foundation has the vital role of raising and distributing donated funds to The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) is known for its excellence in clinical care and medical research and is internationally recognised as a leading centre of pediatric treatment, teaching and research. This means having the brightest minds using the latest technology to treat our children, together with the best researchers dedicated to finding out why kids get sick and teaching others how to make them better.

John Elliott
Charity of Choice: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Victoria & The Robin Boyd Foundation

www.dukeofed.org.au / www.robinboyd.org.au

     

 John Elliott is one of Australia's best known businessmen where at the age of 31 he formed a $30 million investment consortium in 1972 to acquire the Tasmanian public listed food manufacturer, Henry Jones IXL Limited Within 15 years, John and his senior management team converted Henry Jones into the fourth largest international brewing group where Elders IXL became  one of Australia's largest companies .John presided over the reconstruction of Elders IXL in 1990 as a single purpose brewing company, Fosters Limited  and then stepped down as Chairman and CEO to pursue his own private business interests.
 
He was President of the Carlton Football Club from 1983 to 2002 and a major fundraiser for and past Director of the University of Melbourne Business School. He was appointed as inaugural Chairman of the Committee of Melbourne in 1990 and has been a Liberal Party member since 1973. During this period he was Victorian State Treasurer and Vice President and was appointed Federal President of the Liberal Party in 1987.He also initiated the formation of The 500 Club in Melbourne, and was Chairman from 1983 to 2005.

John has a deep passion for Melbourne’s heritage, in particular its built heritage and design features as well as its prominent design status which Robin Boyd helped to develop, both in Australia and overseas .By supporting the Robin Boyd Foundation both young and older generations will benefit by learning more about Robin Boyd’s contribution to, and views on design in the modern world.
 
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Victoria
John Elliott was appointed a Fellow of The Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award in 1987 where he hosted, as Chairman of Elders IXL, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award dinner for a 500 guest fundraising function at Hampton Court in London where the Duke of Edinburgh was the special guest. John has supported the Victorian Division ever since and they continually need private and public financial support to support their various programs for Victoria’s young people. John seeks your support for this worthy cause.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh's Award?

The Award concept is one of individual challenge designed to encourage young people to develop into mature, active citizens who will positively contribute towards society. It presents a balanced, non-competitive and enjoyable program of voluntary activities which encourage personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility and service to the community.

The Robin Boyd Foundation




The Robin Boyd Foundation continues the work of the renowned Melbourne architect Robin Boyd in promoting a wider community awareness of the benefits of good design. The foundation is based at ‘Walsh Street’ the award wining house that Boyd designed for his family in 1959. The Robin Boyd Foundation is a membership based organisation with individual, practice and corporate members supporting its public learning programs that aim to increase individual and community awareness, understanding and participation in design.

David Field 
Charity of Choice: Kids Helpline

 www.kidshelp.com.au



Proud sponsors of Kids Helpline
www.optus.com.au

David Field has been an actor for 25 years. He has appeared in over 30 films and 50 stage productions. He is currently appearing in City Homicide on Channel 7. He has won numerous awards for theatre including the 2006 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role (A View From The Bridge) and 2004 Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Victory). He has also won an AFI for Best Actor in a Telefeature or Mini-series (My Husband, My Killer) and was awarded the Centenary Medal of Australia in
2003 for contributions made to Australian Society and Australian Film Production.

"One of my best mates daughters committed suicide a couple of years ago. Tahlia was just nineteen, this beautiful young woman had her whole life ahead of her. Since Tahlia's passing I have worked closely with Kids Helpline. Kids Helpline DO care & they DO listen, they are Australia's only 24 hour free confidential & private help line for young people.  If only Tahlia knew about Kids Helpline"

Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counseling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years. Every minute, of every hour, of every day, a child tries to contact Kids Helpline often about serious issues such as homelessness, abuse, mental health, self-harm and suicide. Kids Helpline relies on community support to keep counsellors on the line. For more info go to www.kidshelp.com.au

Denise Drysdale 
Charity of Choice: The Kids Foundation

www.kidsfoundation.org.au

 
With a career that spans 52 years on Australian television, Denise “Ding Dong” Drysdale is truly a Dame of the industry. Her warmth and humour have delighted Australian audiences for decades, following her debut on The Happy Hammond Show as a 10-year-old. Since the 1960’s, she’s been a magazine pin-up, entertained the troops in Vietnam and worked with legends like Graham Kennedy, Ernie Sigley and Daryl Somers. Her regular appearances on The Ernie Sigley Show in the 1970s not only marked the beginning of a cracking showbiz partnership, but also saw Denise win two Gold Logies. From there she has hosted her own shows and made countless appearances on an almost endless list of Australian shows including Countdown, Norman Gunston Show, Homicide and a regular role on Hey Hey it’s Saturday. No stranger to hosting morning television Denise knows how to mix information, entertainment and laughs and is always willing to go the extra mile for the show, whether that be dressing as a giant chicken or abseiling off a Turkish mountainside. Denise is currently co-host of Network Ten’s morning program The Circle and still enjoys touring Australia with her live shows.

"I chose The Kids Foundation because Susie has given many children hope to carry on after horrific burns and other injuries that have affected their lives."

The Kids Foundation
KIDS Foundation is a charity that supports people who have endured horrific injuries that have changed their lives. It is dedicated to preventing childhood injury and assisting in injury recovery. KIDS is active nationally through schools, delivering interactive education programs. Through its Burn Survivors’ Network, KIDS puts survivors in touch with one another, so they are not alone.  
 

Lucy Bell 
Charity of Choice: SANE Australia

www.sane.org


Lucy has performed with the Bell Shakespeare company, Belvoir Street, Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Performing Lines and the Theatre of New England. She has also featured in television and film roles, most recently Dirt Game for the ABC and the films Ten Empty and The Square.

Lucy has performed with the Bell Shakespeare company, Belvoir Street, Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Performing Lines and the Theatre of New England. She has also featured in television and film roles, most recently Dirt Game for the ABC and the films Ten Empty and The Square.

'I am supporting Sane Australia, an organisation that provides practical assistance in many ways to people affected by mental illness. They also work to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness in the community. They do not receive ongoing government funding and so rely on donations and grants. Mental illness affects so many Australians, and Sane do a wonderful job reaching out to those affected, and educating the community as a whole.'

SANE Australia
Mental illness affects one in five Australians every year, causing distress and confusion to people affected, their families and friends. All too often it disrupts lives, education, work and relationships. Through education, research, campaigning, and a national Freecall Helpline, SANE provides people with the information, advice and referrals they need, when they need it most. 
Find out more:www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263).'

Carl Barron 
Charity of Choice: Educating Africa

www.educatingafrica.com


Carl began performing stand up at a pub in Glebe in 93. He has since gone on to  tread the boards throughout Australia, New York, L.A, London, South Africa, Auckland, Ireland, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Edinburgh. He has established himself as one of the most accomplished comedy performers in Australia and around the world with his non-threatening observational style of comedy.

"The problems faced by communities on the African continent are huge. What I like about Educating Africa is that their focus is on supporting educational initiatives which enable people to gain enough skills and knowledge to help themselves.  And because the aim is to develop self-sustaining and self-funding educational solutions, there is no limit to their potential growth."

Educating Africa
Educating Africa is an entity operating within The Saville Foundation that supports education initiatives that use innovative and relevant models to help students and where possible whole communities to uplift and educate themselves. Our intention is to find new ways to meet the current challenges of education – and at the same time address the vital aspects of social and holistic support required to produce students who are better prepared to face the challenges of life. 

We currently support projects ranging from Rural pre-primary and primary schools through to programs at Colleges and Universities. We also aim to encourage and assist them to look for means to focus on and become more self-sustainable wherever possible. EA also funds Africa wide competitions to seek out, acknowledge, and support innovative models of sustainable education - and in conjunction with TeachaMantoFish provide a common platform through which projects can share stories and experiences with other initiatives. 

Ali McGregor 
Charity of Choice: Parkinson’s Australia 

www.parkinsons.org.au

 Ali is an opera singer, cabaret artist and actress. She was an award-winning principal soprano for Opera Australia for 6 years before running away with the circus in the form of the hit show 'La Clique - A Sideshow Burlesque'. This took her to festivals around the world inspiring her to create 'The Opera Burlesque'. She has now become a regular at Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe and Cabaret Festivals as well as hosting her own Variety Night at Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

 Her most recent theatre performance was as Polly in the Out of Joint/Sydney Theatre Company production of Max Stafford Clark's 'A Convict's Opera' and she recently returned to the operatic stage singing the title role in Melbourne Opera's 'The Merry Widow'.
She has just released her debut album 'Jazz Cigarette' featuring trumpeter James Morrison.

 'My father has Parkinson's and I am always amazed at just how little is known about this disease and ways to improve the lives of those it affects. Parkinson's Australia get behind research and education and give support to carer’s and sufferers alike. One of the extraordinary things about Parkinson's is just how different the symptoms can be for each person so this support and advice is invaluable for those that care and live with the affliction.'

Parkinson’s Australia
Parkinson’s Australia is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation representing the needs and interests of people living with Parkinson’s disease. Through our affiliated state and territory member organisations, we provide information, education counseling and support to them, including their partners, carer’s and families. We seek improved funding for those services, for more timely research and to raise awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s in the community in order to enhance the quality of life of all people dealing with this progressive, debilitating neurological condition for which there is no known cure.
 
Parkinson’s is a complex condition which is difficult to diagnose and which needs a team of skilled health professionals to deal with it. About 25 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day and up to 100,000 Australians are living with the disease.
For more information, go to www.parkinsonsaustralia.org.au or call 1 800 644 189.

Andrew O'Keefe 
Charity of Choice: White Ribbon Foundation

www.whiteribbonday.org.au


Andrew O'Keefe is the host of two of Australia's most enduringly popular shows, Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise. He has also hosted some of the country's biggest live TV events including the Logies and the tri-network Tsunami Appeal.  He is the Chairman of the White Ribbon Foundation for the prevention of violence against women, and was previously a lawyer with Allens Arthur Robinson.

White Ribbon
In Australia, one in three women will be assaulted or abused in her lifetime. These women are our mothers, our girlfriends, our wives, our daughters, our colleagues and our friends. The White Ribbon Campaign is the only national violence prevention campaign, and it is unique in that it aims to raise awareness among Australian men and boys about the roles they can play to prevent violence against women. The campaign calls for men across Australia to speak out and take an oath. An oath swearing never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. The campaign culminates on White Ribbon Day (25 November) each year, when men and women across Australia are called to wear a white ribbon or wristband as a visual symbol of their commitment and oath. 

"Violence against women is the most widespread human rights abuse in Australia, and one of the biggest killers of Australian women in the prime of their life.  It's also entirely preventable: if we choose to end it, it will end.  The White Ribbon Foundation is about helping us to make that choice, so that together we can create a future free of violence for women and girls."

Anna Volska 
Charity of Choice: Voiceless

www.voiceless.org.au


Anna Volska trained at NIDA. Worked in the inaugural season of the Old Tote Theatre where she met her husband John Bell. Spent three seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-on-Avon( where her two daughters were born), touring to Russia, Finland and France. On returning to Australia was involved in the setting up of the Nimrod Theatre and then the Bell Shakespeare Company. Has played Ophelia and Gertrude in Hamlet, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Queen Margaret in Richard the Third, Lady Macbeth, Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice and the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, Nina in The Seagull. Olga in Three Sisters and Doonyasha in The Cherry Orchard. Worked extensively in television, most recently three months on All Saints. Has directed for NIDA, Flinders, QUT, Nepean, Nimrod and Bell Shakespeare. Anna has known Kristin and David since the early seventies and has been in three of David's plays: Dead White Males, Sons of Cain and Handful of Friends.

"Most of us accept the life circumstances of dumb creatures: chickens kept in cages, cattle bred for market. We avert our eyes to the realities of animal transport and slaughter. Voiceless urges us to face up to these realities and question to what degree more humane and compassionate measures might be taken to ease the suffering of our fellow animals."

Voiceless
Voiceless is an independent non-profit think tank dedicated to alleviating the suffering of animals in Australia and ensuring that animal protection is the next great social justice movement. Voiceless's core areas of focus are factory farming and the Australian kangaroo industry. Established in 2004 by father and daughter team, Brian Sherman AM and Ondine Sherman, Voiceless:

• Creates and fosters networks of leading businesspeople, lawyers, politicians, academics and other professions to influence law and public policy;
• Conducts high quality research and analysis of animal industries, exposing legalised cruelty and promoting informed debate;
• Creates a groundswell for social change by building and fortifying the Australian animal protection movement with select Grants and Prizes; and Informs consumers and empowers them to make animal-friendly choices.

Hon Steve Bracks AC 
Charity of Choice: Western Chances

www.westernchances.org.au


 Steve Bracks was Premier of Victoria for almost eight years, winning successive elections with large majorities. As Premier, Steve started rebuilding Victoria’s services and infrastructure whilst maintaining strong budgets and a growing economy. He now advises the Timor-Leste Prime Minister and several leading Australian finance and service sector corporations. He also led the Federal Government’s review into Australia’s Automotive Industry and is now the Australian Government’s Automotive Envoy.

'My wife, Terry, is the Founder and Chair of Western Chances.  It provides much needed support to young people in Melbourne’s west for scholarships to assist them in achieving their life’s ambitions.' Western Chances assists motivated young people in Melbourne's West to realise their full potential by providing scholarships, opportunity programs and ongoing support. To find out more or how you can help, go to www.westernchances.org.au.

Tobie Puttock
Charity of Choice: The Stepping Stone Foundation

www.steppingstonefoundation.org.au

 
International award winning chef Tobie Puttock began his career working in Melbourne, Italy and then the UK at the world famous ‘River Café’.  It was here he worked with and became great friends with Jamie Oliver. Returning to Australia in 1999 Tobie set up his own restaurant ‘Termini’, but it wasn’t long before his old mate Jamie had a bigger challenge for him and so Tobie returned to the UK to become Head Chef of the first Fifteen Restaurant, a venture that teaches under-privileged young people how to become Chefs. In 2005 Tobie returned home to Australia to make his own dream a reality and in September 2006 Australia’s first Fifteen Restaurant and Foundation opened in Melbourne. Since his return home, Tobie’s honest but light-hearted approach and passion for topics such as organics, sustainability, seasonality, and ethical eating, has seen him in high demand as a guest on some of Australia’s favourite programs. Over the last six years Tobie has starred in two hit TV series, written two best selling cook books, has become a columnist for Delicious magazine also worked as Food Editor for Sunday Life. 

This year The Fifteen Foundation will change its name and training structure to bring more of Melbourne’s top restaurants under its apprenticeship umbrella.  This will allow the newly named foundation, ‘Stepping Stone’ the ability to help a higher number of Melbourne based disadvantaged young people currently experiencing difficulty securing long term employment.  

 "I have chosen the stepping stone foundation for a number of reasons. For one I am a director but more importantly it gives young people the backup they may need to get the best possible start in the kitchen. This year the stepping stone foundation will see its first group of young people train in various kitchens around Melbourne."

The Stepping Stone Foundation
Stepping Stone Foundation was created to provide a clear and engaging pathway for young people experiencing disadvantage who demonstrate a willingness to commit to transforming their lives. The program is specifically designed to inspire young people to become chefs and importantly further nurture the development of resilience, healthy personal relationships and self-belief, all of which are important protective factors in a young person’s life.
  

David Williamson 
Charity of Choice: Hike4Hunger

 hike4hunger.org


David Williamson is widely recognised as Australia’s most successful playwright, his plays having been performed throughout Australia as well as in Britain, the USA, Canada and many European countries. He has written more than 30 full-length plays including Money and Friends, Dead White Males and, of course, Emerald City. A number of his stage works have been adapted for the screen, including The Removalists, Don’s Party, The Club, Travelling North, Emerald City, Sanctuary and Brilliant Lies. In addition, he has written 12 screenplays including Gallipoli, Phar Lap and The Year of Living Dangerously, as well as five miniseries including Showtime’s On the Beach, which won the Australian AFI award for Best Miniseries and was nominated for the Golden Globe awards in the USA.

"The thought that anyone in the world is hungry in this era is obscene.  The affluent countries are facing a huge problem with obesity and that people in other countries are still malnourished and starving is an indictment on human indifference.  Hike 4 Hunger is an indication that some people, at least, care, and care strongly.  How could one not support it."
 
Hike4Hunger
Established in 2009, hike4hunger is a registered sub-account of The Trust Company Foundation. As a group of volunteers based in Australia, we want to franchise our enthusiasm to support global awareness around hunger and commemorate an important day in the year...
 
Last year we reached 13 countries for World Food Day, and have raised over $200,000 so far for charities in Zimbabwe and Malawi. We have partnered with The Hunger Project, a global organisation with other 30 years experience in giving marginalised communities hope and a hand up. The Hunger Project distribute all monies raised by hike4hunger to ensure our fundraising efforts are invested by the experts for the best social outcomes.  We established a School Award in 2010 sponsored by World First in the United Kingdom, to promote awareness and encourage participation in our young leaders.