The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Page 4

4 The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday, March 14, 1992 Triple axes staff after fall from top-rating stronghold second job as a television researcher. "Other than that, the changes have really been structural," Mr Smith said. "It's streamlining. When you're clawing your way back from number three to the top, you can't wait around. Things have to happen fast" A continued ratings slide would have serious implications for the struggling Hoyts group of companies, owners of Triple M.

"Sure, if it was to start rating in the ones and twos, it would undoubtedly create problems for Hoyts Media," said the media analyst Mr Bob Peters, of ANZ Capel Court. "But that's not likely to happen." He said market models indicated that Hoyts Entertainment and Austereo, owners of the triumphant 2DAY-FM station, could be expected to continue in close competition. station before the end of the year. The station's general manager, Mr Graham Smith, said the news of Triple M's drop from Sydney's number one spot to number three had surprised staff. "But now it's happened, we've taken it head-on," he said.

The unprecedented figures arrived at Triple about 4.30 pm on Thursday. Managerial staff had examined them and discussed their options until about 9 pm. At 7 am yesterday, the meeting which was to result in the staffing changes was convened, and by 9 am all the relevant decisions had been made. Then it was up to Mr Smith to break the news to the unlucky employees. By 4 pm yesterday, hoarse from talking, he was looking forward to the weekend 'respite.

He had not enjoyed his day as station executioner, although he The afternoon newsreader, Margaret Bates, read her last bulletin for the station yesterday. Two other Triple employees, in promotions and copy, also got their marching orders yesterday. And the station's entire playlist was "under consideration" yesterday to "fine -tune" its sound. But the morning host, Doug Mulray, seems to be safe in his time slot, despite industry talk that he would be leaving the said all staff realised that changes would have to be made, if Triple was to regain the number one spot it had held for a record 22 ratings periods. "The Vegies sort of understood where we were coming from," he said.

"The news certainly didn't come as a shock to them." The newsreader also had accepted the verdict against her, and, in any case, was fortunate enough to have a By WANDA JAMROZIK The axe has fallen swiftly at Triple in the wake of the radio station's sudden ratings slide. Out last night was the evening team, Club Veg, replaced at less than 24 hours' notice by Mobbs and Fletch, who had held the night-time slot at its Melbourne sister station. Also brought in from Melbourne was Bob Johnson to fill the job of Triple news director. Finally, Jana gets her gold gong Retail trade jump fa. Boints to ffirowt mmmrnm 1L rid GROWTH IN flTHE AUTUMN! Economic indicators Pi Old and beaten: a family secret By HELEN SfGNY The excuse was typical: a 79-year-old woman, admitted to hospital with severe bruising and multiple fractured ribs, maintained steadfastly to medical staff that she had fallen downstairs.

But the shading of her bruising suggested that it had occurred over several days. Eventually, she admitted that her daughter-in-law had pushed her, although the woman begged to return home rather than be sent to a nursing home. Further investigation revealed she had long been abused by her daughter-in-law, herself under considerable stress since her husband lost his job and was forced to move in with his mother. Since there was nowhere to place the victim, emergency accommodation was eventually found for the son and his wife. The woman's plight highlights the predicament of 20,000 to 35,000 older people believed to be victims of elder abuse in NSW.

An increasing number of cases has led to the release yesterday of a discussion paper aiming to raise public awareness, following a six-month investigation by the NSW Task Force on Abuse of Older People. Dr Susan Kurrle, a task force member from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, said yesterday that 3 to 5 per cent of the elderly population became victims of abuse. She said the problem would increase as a growing elderly population, combined with cutbacks in nursing home and hostel places, meant more older people became dependent on others. Sixty-five per cent of abuse cases were committed by a spouse, while 25 per cent were by a son or daughter. "The Commonwealth policy is to keep people at home with community services, and although that's an admirable policy, sometimes the services fall short," Dr Kurrle said.

The Minister for Health and Community Services, Mr Hanna-ford, launched the paper with a promise to look into policy and funding requirements. 4. fiP I TZ- 122 I I Tn-i 1 -ZT IQ51 84 Dec By ROBIN OLIVER Jana Wendt, easily the most watched person on Australian television in ratings terms, has at last struck Logies gold. The presenter of the Nine Network's A Current Affair has won the award as most popular personality at the 34th annual TV Week Logie Awards ceremony in Melbourne. Ms Wendt was finally voted in by readers of TV Week after being nominated three years in a row.

The win will be popular in the TV industry which, though it has no peer-group control over voting, was generally disappointed last year when Ms Wendt, the former 69 Minutes reporter, was passed over for gold by Steve Vizard, a relative newcomer to television. It was a double celebration for Ms Wendt. A Current Affair also won the Logie for most popular public affairs program. The ABC, often the neglected network on Logies night, triumphed with its mini-series Brides of Christ. The six-hour drama, produced in Sydney by Roadshow Coote and Carroll, and the ABC, was voted most popular telesnovie or mini-series by TV Week readers and won the most outstanding single drama or mini-series category in awards chosen by peer-group voting.

Josephine Byrnes, who played Sister Catherine in the series, was also awarded a Silver Logie by her peers as most outstanding actress on Australian TV. TV Week readers also voted her most popular actress in a telemovie or mini-series. Kym Wilson, who played the By PAUL CLE ART CANBERRA: Retail trade jumped almost 4 per cent in January the biggest monthly increase in five years and the Westpac leading index jumped to its highest point in almost two years. The jump in retail trade could be the result of significantly higher January sales, which has more than offset a slump in pre-Christ-mas shopping. The latest round of economic news supports the forecasts by market economists that the economy had returned to growth in the December quarter after five quarters of negative growth.

The national accounts, the broadest measure of national economic activity, is expected to show real growth of about 0.5 per cent in the December quarter. These figures are due for release on Tuesday. The Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of retail trade showed growth of 3.8 per cent after seasonal adjustment. The value of turnover was 4.8 per cent above the level in January 1991. The strongest growth in retail turnover has been in food stores other than grocers and in clothing stores.

Grocery stores, department stores, hotels and clubs are all showing negative growth in turnover. The January increase, however, followed two substantial falls in December and November. In Jana Wendt Josephine Byrnes silver for Brides. the gold at last. said the figures showed that concerns about weak growth in December turnover could now be discounted.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute leading index, which points to, the level of activity six months ahead, rose by 0.7 per cent in January. This followed a rise of 1.5 per cent in December, and together this puts the index at its highest level since July 1990. The index measures a range of leading indicators, including housing finance, and even telephone connections. The rise in the index did not reflect the most recent cuts in interest rates and the fiscal stimulus from the Prime Minister's One Nation statement. December, turnover fell by 1.8 per cent after seasonal adjustment and in November it was down by 1.1 per cent.

The figures around this time of the year are highly volatile. Before seasonal adjustment, the amount of turnover in January is actually 24 per cent below the December level. The ABS trend series, which evens out the monthly numbers, suggests that the rapid recovery in retail turnover in the last six months of 1991 has levelled out. As shown by the accompanying graphic, trend growth in retail turnover has fallen from a peak of 0.8 per cent in July to zero growth in January. Economists at Bankers Trust affairs program, A Current Affair (Nine Network); lifestyle information, Burke's Backyard (Nine Network); sports coverage, Cricket (Nine Network); music video, When Something is Wrong with My Baby (Jimmy BarnesJohn Farnham); children's program, Agro's Cartoon Connection (Seven Network); new talent, Kym Wilson (Brides of Christ); personality and program (NSW), Ray Martin and Home and Away.Petr-voted awards: Hall of Fame, Four Comers (ABC); outstanding actor, John McTernan (GP); actress, Josephine Byrnes (Brides of Christ); drama or mini-series, Brides of Christ; series, GP (ABC); public affairs, Soviet Union (Late-line ABC); news, Coode Island Fires (Nine rebellious Rosemary Fitzgerald in the series, and now appears in the Seven network series Home and Away, was voted by TV Week readers as most popular new talent.

Also in peer group voting, the ABC current affairs program Four Corners won the TV Week Hall of Fame Gold Logie for sustained excellence over 30 years. The Silver Logie for most outstanding actor went to John McTernan of GP, and three more Logies went to the corporation's programs GP, Lateline and Time Of Your Life. Silver Logies went to Bruce Samazan (E Street), and Georgie Parker (A Country Practice) as Australia's most popular actor and actress. The winners: TV personality, Jana Wendt actor, Brace Samazan (E Street); actress Georgie Parker (A Country Practice); series, Street (Network Ten), telemovie or mini-series, Brides of Christ (ABC), actor in a telemovie or mini-series, Cameron Daddo (Golden Fiddles); actress in a telemovie or mini-series, Josephine Byrnes (Brides of Christ); light entertainmentcomedy program. Fast Forward (Seven Network); light entertainmentcomedy male performer, Steve Vizard (Tonight LireFast Forward); light entertainmentcomedy female performer, Magda Szubanski (Fast Forward); public Network); documentary or series, The Time of Your Life (ABC); regional, The Very Fast Train (WIN-TV).

Visual MB FORTHCOMING AUCTIONS erchandising anager 30th March Important Antiques and Decorative Arts (Head office) Australian and European Antique Furniture, Porcelain, Bronzes, Sterling Silver, Art Glass and Rugs. 14th April Fine Jeweller (Head Office) Important Diamond Emerald and Sapphire Rings, Wrist and Pocket Watches, Bracelets and Precious Stones. 27th 28th April -National Art Auction (Art Division) Fine Australian and European Paintings Featuring works by Arthur Streeton, Fred McCubbin, Arthur Boyd, Sid Nolan, Lloyd Rees, W. C. Piguenit and many others.

James Capel is a leading international securities house and a member of the worldwide HSBC Group. The firm's local subsidiary, James Capel Australia, is looking to appoint two senior SYDNEY analysts specialising in the resources sector. MELBOURNE James Capel is active in the Australian resources sector and is committed to strengthening its BASED presence in this area. Its Australian Resources team is an integral part of James Capel's worldwide resources division covering the North American and South African markets. Applicants with experience in either metals or oil and gas will be considered.

Both positions are challenging and will suit senior analysts who have already developed relationships with clients in Australia or overseas. Initial enquiries may be directed to Peter Rose or Tim Ryan on (02) 255 2500. Written applications should be sent to: James Capel Australia Limited 1 a 1 Level 7, i o'Conneii street ((C) James Capel Australia Limited SYDNEY NSW 2000 member HSBC gtvup Leading Retail Chain Fashion Hardgoods This is an excellent opportunity to join the management team of one of Australia's leading retailers in Melbourne. You will report to the General Manager, Marketing and will be responsible for product presentation and communication, in line with the company's merchandise and marketing strategies and objectives. You will work closely with buying and operations functions to ensure that product is presented in the best way to maximise sales and profit contribution.

You will need to be a creative and innovative retailer who understands customer needs with a strong orientation to improving sales and profitability. You must have strong communication skills coupled with a successful retail H. J. Johnstone Evening Shadows, Gundagi, N.S.W. 1879 (Detail) Oil 122 183.5cm Pre-Sale estimate: $250,000300,000 To be sold April 27 Art Auction LEONARD JOEL ADVANCE management background, preferably in a similar role.

This important role offers outstanding career opportunity with a negotiable remuneration Art Division Painting Department 1195 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Telephone (03) 822 1040 (03) 822 2654 Head Office Antique and General Auction Rooms 174 lnkerman Street St. Kilda Victoria 3182 Tel (03) 525 5333, 534 8347 iviaiiager mrw urn 1 Neg $70,000 Sydney package to attract the best person. Confidential enquiries to Graham Teal on (03) 820 1 122, or write to Downing Teal, 390 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004. (Ref No 32060). DOWNING TEAL MELBOURNE SYDNEY BRISBANE PERTH Billing Manager Without a doubt, you are looking at a position with one of the most dynamic and professional companies operating in Australia today.

They are world leaders in a very large, growing and profitable market that is constantly changing and infinitely challenging. Due to an internal, international promotion, there is now a "once in a lifetime" opening. This position offers the unique opportunity to work directly with senior management on strategic issues and actually have an impact on the business. Principal responsibilities will include the preparation of the operating and strategic plan, promotional analysis, the forecasting of key variables, ad hoc project decision analysis and the overall development of modelling tools and methodologies. This is a career role for an individual motivated by achievement in a highly results orientated environment.

Ideally you will be degree qualified (at a minimum) and probably aged under 35, with proven mathematical skills and well developed PCLotus skills. A combination charteredcommerce background would be well regarded. Superior communication skills, commitment and "high are essential to succeed. Please call Amanda Perille ASA on (02) 235 1488 or forward a resume to Michael Page International, Level 19, 1 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Fax: (02) 25 1 1444.

Customer Service Focus $50,000 Negotiable Michael Page International Financial Recruitment Specialists Sydney Melbourne Parramatta London Brussels Paris Amsterdam Dusseldorf Challenging Senior Management Position Planning OPTUS DIVISIONAL GENERAL MANAGER EMAIL FURNITURE OFFICE, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL STORAGE PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTOR MARKETING AND SERVICE FROM MULTI-STATE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS LOCATION: SYDNEY CAR1NGBAH Email Furniture division, with a turnover in excess of $70M and 500 employees, is a stand alone business unit in the Industrial Products group of Email Ltd, a successful, diversified manufacturer, placed amongst the Australian Stock Exchange's 50 Leaders. This division manufactures and markets strongly branded Brownbuilt and Namco product ranges through an established distributor network and Sales officesShowrooms in all States. The task focus for the appointee is the further development of the market share, customer service and product quality performance of major brands. While there are manufacturing considerations in this process, of greater significance is the collaborative development of strategies for ranges and product with distributors and in niche market areas such as Contract Furniture-hospitality products. Candidates with General Management exposure and a record of innovative product, opportunity identification and development should be comfortable in the role.

However, some experience in manufacturing performance improvement whether gained from an engineering or commercialaccounting perspective is seen as the ideal background, when combined with a developed customer driven focus to meet the 'immediacy' requirements of the distributor-office products retail environment. Prospects for personal and career development in this Australian owned group are very sound. Remuneration arrangements are negotiable and competitive. For further information and a full position outline please contact the consultants assisting in the selection process, Jan Hamilton at Recruiter Recruiter on (02) 567 2318, or (02) 567 258a Resumes to PO Box 51 1, Brighton-Le-Sands, NSW 21 16, or fax to (02) 567 2510. communications The power of choice in telecommunications Loastics Manager Our client is working to become a leading refinery with both a fuels and lubricating oil refinery on its Sydney site.

Reporting to the Manager, Refineries, a challenging senior management position currently exists which plays a key role in determining the direction and management of its Business Unit. The position is accountable for: Optimum scheduling of the refineries. Determining product import requirements and export opportunities. Development of long range strategic plans. OPTUS Communications is Australia's alternative telecommunications carrier.

Our mission is to become a global leader in defining and delivering valued telecommunication services by setting new levels of excellence in customer service, productivity and employee relations. Reporting to the Customer Services Manager, you will develop and then manage the billing operations for the total OPTUS organisation. Your responsibilities will include the design and ongoing management of collection systems and credit policies and also ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all data in subscribers' accounts. You will have experience in managing a similar large scale operation in a customer focused service organisation. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to analyse and succinctly report on Methods and Procedures will be integral to your success.

Confidential enquiries can be made by telephoning or by sending your resume to the consultancy conducting this recruitment project: CAMBRIDGE CONSULTING SERVICES Level 10. 16 O'Conneii Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 232 3888 Analysisnegotiation to expand current domestic and export sales and distribution. Active pursuit of benefits from hedging cargoes and trading options. The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge and experience in: petroleum refining benchmarking and competitive analysis techniques; AsiaPacific and Middle East petroleum supply and demand issues; World trends in energy demand and future quality, fuel manufacturing technology and environmental issues; refinery production planning techniques and oil tradingrisk management techniques. You must also be able to lead and motivate a team of enthusiastic professionals and work collaboratively with other senior management.

A salary and benefits package reflecting the extensive experience and knowledge required will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Please contact Nick Waterworth, Director, on (02) 235 1488, or write with a resume (ref: NW1635) to Michael Page International, Level 19, 1 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Fax: (02)251 1444. pXJ C3 tA Michael Page International Executive Recruitment Division four Sydney Melbourne Parramatta London Brussels Paris Amsterdam Dusseldorf.