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Veronica Lane
13 years ago

Our gentle hobbit from Big W days has moved on. Best decision you ever made was to leave the public service, thus freeing you to take up public service. Shocking that you were taken so young. Farewell comrade.

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Jeanti St Clair
13 years ago

I was fortunate enough to share Triple R's radio studio with Ralph for some years, I as the presenter and he, the theatre reviewer of Boxcar. We shared many laughs, drinks and nights at the theatre - and I can also vouch for Andrew Shaw's memory of Ralph sleeping during a performance that failed to hold our attention. I do remember that once he snored through a piece of overly earnest music theatre. I was always impressed by his unswearving commitment to the local arts - yartz - scene, and by his capacity to archive everything. I wonder what has become of that archive, I do hope someone can uncover its jewels. Fond thoughts, Ralph. Bless.

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Andrew Shaw
13 years ago

I first met Ralph out and about when I was reviewing theatre and dance for MSO and Inpress back in 1999. As a newbie, I benefited from his off-the-cuff remarks on performance and performers as we left a venue and he was always right. I once saw him snooze through the second act of a show - he was right about that too. I appeared just one time on his tv arts show, shot in the studio in the corner of his bedroom in Fitzroy. It was about as 'community' as you can get. He had a witty, broad-reaching sensibility, and was a true leader in the community. I will miss you, Ralph.

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Katie Hughes
13 years ago

Ralph asked me to appear on a Channel 31 panel discussion about sex in the higher education curriculum. Naively, I assumed he meant sex as a social structure and was all ready to babble away about feminism. But some time into the discussion I realised they meant real sex. The best bit was when Ralph turned to me and said 'Now, to Katie, for the view from the white picket fence'. I nearly died laughing as I tried to explain how universities would probably not want to put discussions about sex into their engineering degrees, or anything else much - wrong though that might appear to be to the enlightened! One of the most enjoyable afternoons and so very Ralph.

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Alan Sultan
13 years ago

I was at Le Joke with Ralph in the early 80s to see BrItish comic Simon Fanshaw who was preceeded by a truly appauling support comic. We were quietly talking in the corner when the comic looked at us and demanded to know what we were talking about. Without missing a beat Ralph said ' the next act'. The comic left the stage very shortly after Gladly enjoyed, sadly missed

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graeme stephen
13 years ago

many a nite in many a bar, a meeting, a theatre, a venue and in our homes.. thx for the good times ralph..xx

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Kelly Gardiner
13 years ago

Read on Twitter the other day a classic Ralph line: "I was the Harvey Milk of Australia". I just wanted to say he really was. It's hard to assess his contribution to so many changes in our lives and society, but his election to local government as councillor and then Mayor was front page news all over the country (well, maybe page three) and changed many lives, including mine - I was honoured to be one of his four Lady Mayoresses. I met Ralph in about 1980 when I was a young student politican who had no idea what I was doing and he was my rock, then and for many years later, through many thousands of beers and late nights and radio shows and conferences and finally his election as Mayor - and even the odd raging argument. I can't think of anyone else who has contributed so much to so many areas for so many years and he will be horribly missed. Thanks for everything, darl. Cheers.

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13 years ago

I write this whilst Raplh's memorial is being held. I am away from melbourne. I wish I was there to commemorate a wonderful man. i keep hearing his laugh - a mix of giggle and snorting. He once bailed me up at a conference to interview for some TV show, it probably screened well, but the viewer couldnt see Ralph's hand firmly holding the back of my shirt because i had tried to avoid being interviewed. I can see him at a party at my place holding court from the kitchen table. Yes he was a great political being, but also a great gossip, and, in my eyes, one of those brave men who had the guts and style to show the world how gay men can live. i miss you Ralph [oh, and by the way, you could also be a pain in the arse....] - and Ralph would have giggled at the choice of icons available to attach.

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Jill Loh
13 years ago

Dear Ralph, ran into you in Bourke St, hadn't seen you for 28 years, still beautifully the same as those amazing SRC years. Still remember your sense of fun, 100 mile an hour energy and moment of courage in coming out. I'm sure you made a big impact on the world in those intervening years. Love Jill Loh (nee Carless) , Secretary SRC office, Melbourne Uni, The'70's,

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Jill Loh
13 years ago

Dear Ralph, ran into you in Bourke St, hadn't seen you for 28 years, still beautifully the same as those amazing SRC years. Still remember your sense of fun, 100 mile an hour energy and moment of courage in coming out. I'm sure you made a big impact on the world in those intervening years. Love Jill Loh (nee Carless) , Secretary SRC office, Melbourne Uni, The'70's,

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Blazenka Brysha
13 years ago

Ralphy – aka “The Mayor” - good mate of our younger and less vulnerable years. You had a finger in many pies, organising one thing, planning another; yet so calm, so composed. You got things done, wearing a scarf sometimes wrapped as a muffler. RIPx♡x

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Judy Crozier
13 years ago

I remember Ralph from an eon ago - in the 1980s - when we of the ALP were, first, trying to hang onto the Fitzroy Council and then trying to get it back. I worked on Ralph's campaign committee, and then I shared the honour of being on Council with him. Unfortunately my stint on Council was before the memorable occasion when he welcomed the king of Moomba Molly Meldrum at his whistlestop at (I think) Clifton Hill Station, on bended knee and all. He was supportive and funny, bright, incisive and awfully nice. it isn't fair that he's gone, but he certainly won't be forgotten. Lots and lots of love to Ralph - Judy Crozier

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graeme stephen
13 years ago

..and a photo ralph was totally embarrassed by when it appeared in the gay press.. i owed it him for that..

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Beth Wilson
13 years ago

I worked with Ralph at the Department of Health in the 1990's and we remained friends althoug contact was sporadic. He had the ability to turn the mundane into the inspirational and was a great story teller. I met him once in Collins Street and he dragged me into a pub because he was so stressed out after a two and a half hour "fireside with Wassa" which turned out to be a management meeting with the then Secreatry of the Department Warren McCann. Warren had called the meeting to allow staff to advise him about his management style. Ralph declared (fag in one hand champers in the other) that the then Chief Psychiatrist Carlisle Pereira was "going to rule the world" because during the whole two and a half hours while others spilled their guts he said only four words, "I'll have white please." Ralph interviewed me a few time behind the red door. He asked me if I wanted "to stare down the hole or do a double header." A rare, wonderful and unique person. I hope to see some of you tomorrow at Faraday Street, Beth wilson, Health services Commissioner, Victoria.

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The Age
13 years ago

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