Double Take

Geelong rail commuters might still be enduring chaotic services as trains undergo wheel replacements but at least one Victorian commuter is dealing with the situation in comfort.
And who else should it be than the traveller accountable for the mess in the first place: Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan.
Ms Allan revealed in parliament last week that she had spent thousands of taxpayer dollars on her own private ministerial waiting room at Bendigo railway station, 300 metres from her electoral office.
At least now she “won’t have to mix with the people affected by her ineptitude”, observed Liberal MP David Hodgett.
Which is probably just as well!

A sombre crowd turned out for the public memorial of beloved Cats legend Paul Couch on Tuesday.
Many a moist eye and quivering lip haunted Simonds Stadium as Geelong paid tribute to one of its favourite sons.
The dearly departed still managed to stir the odd laugh, though, as mourners recounted his good-natured humour, constant broad smile and general love of life, family and friends. Generosity, care and humility were other descriptors bandied about.
Truly this was a man who generated goodwill with the same effortless verve as he disposed of the footy from the centre square in his heyday.
Vale Couchy, one of Geelong’s truly good blokes.

Double Take and associates enjoyed a rollicking time at Motor City Music Festival last Friday night.
Blistering blues, rockin’ rollers and other acts of top standard vied for attention over three stages, along with some sizzlers in the VIP bar.
Australia’s Got Talent grand finalist Sister’s Doll was a highlight but, in the crowd stakes, was pipped by a Geelong institution in Spandex and mascara.
Yes, veteran local glam rock tribute band The Glitter Gang mustered an even larger audience than the Doll brothers, who played the set before on the same stage.
After all these years, it seems locals just still can’t get enough of the Gang.
Rock on – and on and on!