In the resurrected glory of St Kilda’s historic George Ballroom, Kate Ceberano beams that brilliant signature smile for the camera, revelling in the nostalgia of the moment. She’s back where it all began. These days, with its ornate ceilings and gilded mirror, the Victorian ballroom plays host to sumptuous wedding receptions and the odd photo shoot, but in the ’80s it was a seedy, decrepit live music venue for the likes of INXS and Midnight Oil – the place where Kate used to “fang it” on stage as the teenage front woman of I’m Talking. A few years later, just before the Fitzroy Street building was forced to close, she filmed the music video for her smash 1989 hit Bedroom Eyes upstairs in an abandoned apartment.
“Everything about this is a fullcircle moment,” says the 56-year-old jazz, pop and soul singer, as the stylist and make-up artist buzz about her at The Weekly’s shoot. “I’m feeling very grounded in the fact that I’m a survivor … I’ve gained and lost confidence a thousand times but I just keep coming back.”
Kate is swimming in memories as she celebrates 40 years in the music business and releases her 30th album. A dream collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, My Life Is A Symphony reimagines the songs most meaningful to her, including her hits Pash and Brave. With its surging orchestral strings, the Pash of 2023 is less youthful pop-rock and more midlife longing, with a hint of melancholy. “In a way, you’re singing for the girl you were and the girl you’ve become,” she says, “and the woman you’re about to be. Those transitions are really deep.”
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Spotlight on Vitamin D
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but safe sun exposure is still essential.
Coming up roses
Driven by a renewed interest in the flower’s power, a rose renaissance is dawning.
'I was given a 5% chance of survival'
When Caroline Laner Breure was hit by a car in an horrific accident on a Spanish holiday with her boyfriend, her body and her dreams were shattered. Somehow she found the will to go on living.
Time to celebrate our mothers
Author Kathy Lette gives a heartfelt thank you to her magnificent mum, Val - a baker of fairy cakes with the patience of a saint.
"I am lucky to be here" ”
Since the day she walked onto the MasterChef Australia set back in 2009, Julie Goodwin has openly shared her life. But in writing a memoir, she had to examine the demons she'd battled privately... until now.
JAMIE OLIVER at your service
Returning to the set of MasterChef Australia to help steer a path through grief and spread happiness, the celebrity chef is also at a turning point - he opens up about failure, love, second chances and his endless reservoir of joie de vivre.
From one mum to another
Princess Catherine's public announcement struck a chord with mum-of-two Jane Gillard. She shares her story of parenting through cancer- and offers hope for the princess and mums navigating their own health journey while raising primary-aged kids.
The courage of Princess Catherine "You are„, not alone"
It was a rare personal address that she shouldn’t have had to make. But with conspiracy theories swirling and the slimmed-down “Firm” under fire, Princess Catherine silenced critics with searing courage and dignity.
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
When Tracy Hall fell for Max Tavita, she fell for a mirage. Max was a false identity created by a con man, and Tracy was the latest in a long line of women whose life savings hed stolen.
Amother's GIFT
In December last year, Australia’s first uterus transplant recipient, Kirsty Bryant, gave birth to Henry, a happy, healthy baby boy. The uterus that had made this little miracle possible had been donated by her mother, Michelle. Five months later, their first Mother’s Day since Henry’s birth feels especially precious.