Lions Tour Roars to Life in Sydney

Once every twelve years the biggest touring side in World Rugby, The British and Irish Lions flock to Australia to take on the Wallabies in a best of three test series. 

To commemorate a tour that has been a decade in the making Beebox Mgmt's Sports Presenter and Travel Correspondent Nick Vindin was asked to host an intimate dinner at Merivale's York 75.

The Sportsman's dinner featured legendary Wallabies Lloyd Walker (1989 Tour) and Jeremy Paul (2001 Tour) who entertained the guests with tales of their experiences on and off the field against the legendary touring party.

Nick steered the formal question and answer panel conversation which dished up controversy, intrigue and hilarity in equal measure. To compliment the proceedings award-winning chef Jeremy Strode prepared a delicious three course menu with matching wines. 

Nick will also cover the month-long tour for SBS and is looking forward to hosting more sporting dinners at York 75 throughout the year.

Penelope Austin iTunes Single Of The Week and Debut EP Release

The Beautiful Dark is the long-awaited debut EP from Australian singer/songwriter Penelope Austin is die for a digital only release on May 30th, 2013. To celebrate, iTunes is offering Don't Rescue Me, a track from the EP as the Single Of The Week, making it available to download for free for one week from March 31st.

Says Penelope Austin "It sets my heart alight to release The Beautiful Dark. I have been wanting to share my stories and my music with the world, and now I am. It is incredibly exciting to think that iTunes are so behind me and wanting to use Don't Rescue Me as their Single Of The Week...quite humbling really." 

For Penelope Austin, 2013 has been a stellar year thus far. She wrote and performed one of the most high profile and successful television synchs of the year with A Place To Call Home, as well as collaborated on the track 'The Darkness Collide' with J.J. Abrams for Star Trek Into Darkness. HBO and SoHo Channel also picked up tracks by Penelope Austin to feature in their on-air brand campaigns.

Now with the release of The Beautiful Dark, fans of Penelope have the opportunity to experience all of the tracks in full, and not just segments on television or in cinemas.

The five-track EP begins with A Place To Call Home, a Top 20 iTunes hit due to it's affiliation with the Channel Seven drama of the same name. The previously unreleased Don't Rescue Me, previously only heard on HBO's summer brand campaign comes next, followed by the haunting Danger Zone, again previously unreleased and only featured briefly on air earlier this year.

Penelope's debut single Smoke Into Flames is the fourth track on the EP, as featured on SoHo Channel's launch campaign for Foxtel and the final track is an acoustic performance of A Place To Call Home.

All of the tracks were written and produced by Penelope Austin and her long time collaborator Robert Conley.

While not on the EP, The Darkness Collide from Star Trek Into Darkness is now available worldwide on iTunes. Previously the track was available exclusively in Australia.

iTunes EP Release 30th May 2013

The Beautiful Dark EP by Penelope Austin

iTunes Single Of The Week 31st May 2013

Don't Rescue Me - Penelope Austin

For more information please contact david@beeboxmgmt.com 

Penelope Austin & Robert Conley write song with J.J. Abrams for Star Trek Into Darkness film

Penelope Austin and long time collaborator songwriter and producer Robert Conley have recorded an original song for J.J. Abrams’ highly anticipated “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS,” in theatres May 9.  The duo is among a select group of artists from six countries who received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their work featured in the upcoming film from Paramount Pictures.  

This is the latest is a string of successes for Penelope Austin, with recent synchs with HBO, SoHo Channel and Channel Seven.

For the first time ever in a Paramount live-action film, lyricists, vocalists and music producers from around the world were invited to add their creative talents and a local flavour to a track written for a major motion picture, which will be featured in the film during its theatrical run in each of the artists’ respective countries.

So, moviegoers in the countries that participated will hear a unique and different soundtrack than the moviegoers in other countries.  This opportunity, in which the artist’s own song will play during a pivotal scene with Star Trek’s iconic character Scotty, drew interest from the world’s hottest talent, including Australia’s Conley and Austin—who will now hear their work in the soundtrack in every movie theatre in Australia.

Their song THE DARK COLLIDE, which Conley co-wrote with Austin, who sings vocals, will be heard on the “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” soundtrack, which also features Academy Award®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s score, in every theatre in Australia.  

The song will be available for digital download on all major platforms around the films release. 

Penelope Austin and Robert Conley will walk the red carpet at the Australian Premiere of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS today at Event Cinemas George Street alongside very special guests J.J Abrams and stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban.

Austin said “It is such a phenomenal opportunity that six artists around the world have been offered this opportunity.  I am so excited to see and hear the results at the Premiere of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS at the Premiere tonight”.

“STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” follows the crew of The Enterprise as they are called back home to Earth in the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization.  In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.  As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. 

“STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” is written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman & Damon Lindelof and directed by J.J. Abrams.  Abrams is producing with Bryan Burk through Bad Robot Productions, along with Lindelof, Kurtzman and Orci.  Jeffrey Chernov and Skydance Productions’ David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake are the executive producers.

 “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” opens in theatres in Australia on May 9.

“The Dark Collide”, written by J.J. Abrams, Charles Scott, Robert Conley & Penelope Austin. Produced by Charles Scott, vocals produced by Robert Conley and Performed by Penelope Austin.

Penelope Austin youtube page

RACHAEL LEAHCAR RETURNS WITH A COLLECTION OF SONGS CLOSE TO HER HEART

One of the most recognisable faces (and voices) in Australia thanks to her appearance on Australia’s biggest ever singing competition, The Voice, Rachael Leahcar is set to release her follow up album ‘Romantique’ on April 26^th. 

Having made it all the way to third place in the finals of The Voice, Rachael released her first album ‘Shooting Star’ including the songs she had covered so indelibly - "Night in White Satin", "La Vie En Rose", "Hands" and "Someone to Watch Over Me". The album went to #5 on the Aria Chart and #1 in her home state of South Australia. The success of her debut release coming down to Rachael’s huge fan base that fell in love not only with her voice, but her amazing outlook on life.

"I have never viewed myself as disadvantaged. I view myself as lucky to get a chance at a life in music. I intend to give my all without having any expectations about where it might lead. I just try to be grateful for what's happening today".

Following on from her success on The Voice, Rachael has toured nationally as Delta Goodrem’s special guest, performed shows in Italy with a 35 piece orchestra, and busied herself as an ambassador for NINE’s Carols By Candlelight – fulfilling a childhood dream by singing 2 songs on Christmas eve.

Spending the last few months in the studio with producer Bryon Jones, Rachael is now ready to release her new album - "Romantique"; an exquisite collection of contemporary, classic and original songs with her love of French music being reflected in the album’s title. "What is most exciting about this album for me is the chance to show the diversity in my musical tastes", says Leahcar, who delivers haunting but unique versions of Gotye's "Hearts a Mess" and Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.”

Fans of her previous work, including her signature song “La Vie On Rose” won't be disappointed by her typically ethereal and textured renditions of Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World" and Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”.

  

To celebrate the release of ‘Romantique’, Rachael will be performing tracks from her album during a national run of centre appearances as well as live shows in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

RACHAEL LEACHAR

ALBUM – ROMANTIQUE – 26^TH APRIL

www.rachaelleahcar.com.au

CATCH RACHAEL PERFORMING TRACKS FROM HER NEW ALBUM AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

SHOPPING CENTRE APPEARANCES:

Friday April 26 - Centro The Glen Melbourne

Saturday April 27 - Centro Colonnades Adelaide

Sunday April 28 - Centro Galleria Perth

Thursday May 02 - Centro Roselands Sydney

Saturday May 04 - Westfield Chermside Brisbane

LIVE SHOWS: (LIVE "ROMANTIQUE LAUNCH SHOWS)

Thursday May 9th - The Space Theatre Adelaide

www.bass.net.au / 131 246

Friday May 10th - Palms at Crown Casino Melbourne

www.ticketek.com.au / 1300 795 012

Saturday May 11th - Revseby Workers Club

www.rwc.org.au / 0297722100

Penelope Austin syncs with HBO

Penelope Austin has lent her upcoming single 'Don't Rescue Me' to the always incredible HBO for a national cinema campaign profiling some of the hottest television series in the world. WATCH ON YOUTUBE

If you have been to the cinema over summer, chances are you will have already seen this campaign which highlights series such as True Blood, Game of Thrones and Girls. 

Written by Penelope Austin and Robert Conley, 'Don't Rescue Me' is a high energy experience reminiscent of The Gossip, mixed with the raw passion of Penelope's vocal and a pulsating kick. With  lyrics that tell of the desire to make it on your own terms (Red light holding me back, they wont let me run fire me like a gun...), 'Don't Rescue Me' is a flawless alliance with the brand values of HBO. 

This is the second high profile sync in the space of three months for Penelope Austin, the first being for Foxtel's SoHo Channel.

Nick Vindin hosts Cure Our Kids Event at The Ivy Ballroom

On Melbourne Cup Day Merivale's Ivy Ballroom was transformed into a racetrack for 300 guests fo enjoy a fundraising lunch supporting children's cancer charity Cure our Kids.

The event was hosted by Beebox's Sports Presenter and Travel Correspondent Nick Vindin, who entertained the capacity crowd for several hours, including with a live auction in the lead up to the big race. The Sydney Morning Herald's Sarah Whyte enjoyed the day, "The ever-bright SBS Sports reporter Nick Vindin reigned as master of ceremonies," she revealed in S Magazine.

Channel Ten's Justine Schofield, from Masterchef and Everyday Gourmet, was also active on the day announcing some special prizes at the end of the race.

However it was Jimmy Rees (aka Jimmy Giggle) who was without doubt the crowd favourite. The ABC Television star was in high demand - posing for photos with fans of Giggle and Hoot throughout the day.

The event was a success raising more than $26,000 for the children's cancer initiative at Westmead. 

Giggle & Hoot: Live On Stage!

Jimmy Giggle (Jimmy Rees), Hoot the Owl and their best owl pal Hootabelle are coming to the Playhouse Theatre for their first ever, live stage show "Giggle and Hoot and Friends" for a full-on 50 minute Giggle-liscious stage spectacular. Giggle and Hoot will be joined on stage by your favourite ABC characters, Bananas In Pyjamas, LazyTown and Postman Pat.

Bananas in Pyjamas, those lovable pyjama wearing fruit B1 & B2, who will be up to their usual antics and bound to entertain with their humorous and whacky sense of fun. Your friends from LazyTown, Sportacus the slightly above average super hero and Stephanie, will sing, dance and flip their away across stage with some awesome high flying acrobatics. Postman Pat, who is always ready to help out, is certain to pop in with some important mail to deliver.

Adapted from the hugely popular ABC4Kids top-rating programs, it promises to be this year’s summer family spectacular, packed with everyone’s favourite songs, lots of dancing and colourful costumes. Sing along and do the actions with all the characters!

The production is presented by Andrew Kay and Garry Ginivan in association with the ABC. Garry Ginivan, Artistic Director, says: "We are absolutely delighted to be presenting Giggle and Hoot and friends in Melbourne for the very first time. The combination of four of Australian pre-schoolers ABC2kids favourite programs is guaranteed to put a smile of every child’s face."

"Giggle and Hoot and Friends" Don’t miss this must-see HOOT-TASTIC summer attraction for the whole family.

Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne

From 3 January 2013

Bookings: 1300 182 183 artscentremelbourne.com.au For details visit abc.net.au/abcevents

For all media enquiries please contact:

National Publicist Brooke Davies M: 0419 359 401 E: brooke@bmcpr.com.au 

Nick Vindin's Top Ten Olympic Moments

The world’s attention has been fixated on London for the last sixteen days as the Games of the 30^th Olympiad have unfolded.  More than ten thousand athletes from 204 nations competed in the pinnacle of sport, with 302 Olympic gold medals up for grabs.

Nick Vindin has been covering the Olympics for SBS World News Australia and has put together a list of his top ten moments.  Take a look and see if you agree...

OLYMPICS BLOG

There’s been a back-lash from so called experts about the short-comings of Australia’s Olympic team this year. There’s no doubt it would have been amazing to have snagged a few more gold. If we had of turned a third of our silver medals into gold we would have finished sixth on the medal tally - but we have to remember this is the BEST of the BEST.  The Australian team still did a spectacular job to finish in the top ten.

With four more years until Rio our professional athletes can be spurred on to do even more in South America, and hopefully the legacy of London encourages more Australians to take up a sport.

But before looking forward to the 2016 Olympics, lets consider some of the moments that defined this year’s event.

Top Ten Olympic Moments

10. “Olympics, London Olympics” – The opening ceremony was a spectacular showcase of British music and culture. The closely guarded secret of how the Queen would arrive at the venue was without doubt the highlight. James Bond parachuting her majesty into the Olympic stadium has to be the most sensational arrival of a head of state ever.

9. “Mo’ Running Mo’ Problems” – Long distance runner Mo Farah became the first man to win both the five thousand metres and the ten thousand metres in front of a home crowd. It was just one example of the boost the local Olympics provided for the host athletes.

8.  “Get out of Gaol Free Card” – Korea Republic’s football team was promised that a bronze medal win over Japan would spare the team from compulsory military service. In a spiteful match against the blue samurai the Korean’s did enough to avoid conscription by winning the medal - their celebrations after the match said it all.

7. “Ye Yeah” – China’s Ye Shiwen exploded onto the world scene with a spectacular swimming campaign - setting two Olympic records and a world record in the individual medley.  The teenage sensation claimed both Medley Gold medals and raised eyebrows in the process - swimming her final freestyle leg in the 400-IM faster than American Ryan Lochte who took out the men’s gold. A sensational, and controversial effort.

6. “Riding on a High” – Australia’s sailing team saved our bacon. The best performing sport at the London games provided three gold medals and a silver to ensure our proud sporting nation would sneak into the top ten. There was a lot of hype about the golden efforts of our team in the laser-class, 49ers and 470’s but it was the women’s effort in the six meter Elliott that was the stand out.  It was a feisty and frenetic final match-race laden with penalties and a skipper overboard. The tenacious Australian trio claimed silver in what was one of the most exciting duels of the sixteen-day tournament.

5.  ‘”Sally Pearson Wins by a Whisker” – As world champion and hot favourite Pearson was expected to win gold in the women’s hurdles. The Australian shouldered that expectation to win by the smallest possible margin ahead of USA’s Dawn Harper – clinching the only gold for Australia’s track athletes of the games.  Teenager Steve Solomon also deserves a special mention. The youngster was hammered for his selection in the 400 metres but showed the entire world why he deserved to be there, qualifying for the final and running the best leg of all Australian runners in the 400 relay.

4. “Jessica Ennis’ Heptathlon Homecoming“ – It was London’s Cathy Freeman moment. As poster child of the games Ennis was under enormous pressure to perform. She was one of the first athletes to run on the Olympic track and her welcome was decibel shattering.  The home-town hero managed to delight the London-faithful claiming gold and parading the union jack around the stadium for an unforgettable lap of honour – the first of many for the host nation.

3. “The Velodrome Ashes” – It was a lazy journalists dream - Australia versus the old enemy Great Britain on the boards.  The main duel was between world champion Victoria Pendleton and Australia’s great hope Anna Meares. The duo faced off in the Keirin and the women’s team sprint, and split their efforts with a gold medal each.  The two who have been dubbed mortal enemies shared kind words and congratulations at the end of their absorbing final clash.  The mutual respect perfectly captured the Olympic spirit.

2. “Thunder Strikes Thrice” - Usain Bolt used the London Games to confirm that he is without doubt the greatest sprinter of all time. Case closed. The Jamaican became the first man to defend his Olympic gold medals in the one hundred and two hundred metres in back to back games. Bolt sealed his spectacular Olympic effort by winning the four by one hundred meter relay in world record time.  His runs were awe-inspiring, his pre-and post race celebrations befitting of one of the greatest entertainers in the world.

1. “Like Mike” – There has never been, and may never again be an athlete like America’s Michael Phelps.  The man nicknamed the ‘flying fish’ became the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time after he claimed four gold medals in the pool at the London Games to take his overall gold tally to an immense 18. The peerless swimmer drawing his amazing career to a close in the most impressive of circumstances.

DEBUT VIDEO FOR PENELOPE AUSTIN - 'SMOKE INTO FLAMES'

Beebox Mgmt is proud to present the video for Penelope Austin's debut single, 'Smoke Into Flames' which was shot in the long abandoned Californian town of Salton Sea.  WATCH VIDEO

Penelope Austin is an emerging artist from the Southern Highlands of NSW, who wrote her first song at the age of 15 on a guitar that she taught herself to play. She moved to New York at the age of 18 and travel marked the years that followed as Austin continued to compose, her guitar rambling with her through South America, Africa, Indonesia and even back stage on tour with the Rolling Stones on an adventure stumbled upon by a chance encounter with Keith Richard's daughter. In 2011 Penelope Austin headed home to write and record her debut EP, which will be released later this year. There is an ethereal sense about her that begins with her voice, at times delicate and other times raw, which stretches into an invented landscape populated by Austin's elemental images. 

The DOP was Ben Sullivan with renowned Australian stylist, Imogene Barron onboard for her first outing as the video's Director.

Smoke Into Flames and a second track, Paper Aeroplane are both available to listen to on Penelope's Triple J Unearthed page

Aussie Rap Queen Sammy G Lands Global Video Game Deal

The Sydney Singer/Rapper is making international waves in a partnership with Tekken who have signed the artist to lay down some fresh beats for their new Tag Tournament 2.

The soundtrack will be featured on Collectors Edition games released around the world in Sep 2012.

Sammy G is the only Australian to be featured on the game.

“Im stoked to be representing Aussie Hip Hop on my favourite video game ever. Salute!”.

After Tekken gave her the key to their iconic fight sounds to remix into her track 'Do You Like It' she "wore the USB with the tracks around my neck for a whole week cause I didn't want anyone to get their hands on it. (laughs) I never took it off."

Check out her original track which was co-created with the help of Sydney producer P.R 

Sammy’s next single will be out in August 2012 as part of her Queen Bitch EP.

Jimmy Giggle heading to Sydney this weekend!

The charismatic character from ABC 4 KIDS hosted block GIGGLE & HOOT is heading to Sydney for two exclusive Meet & Greets on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June 2012. 
Jimmy Giggle will be available to sign copies of the new Giggle & Hoot Presents: Twinklify The Night DVD, Hey Hootabelle book, CDs and other Giggle and Hoot merchandise.
So preschoolers get your giggle-tastic selves ready and see Jimmy Giggle at the following locations:


SATURDAY 23rd JUNE 2012, 11AM - 2PM. CENTRE STAGE, LEVEL 1
WARRINGAH MALL
CNR CONDAMINE ST & OLD PITTWATER RD, BROOKVALE, NSW


SUNDAY 24TH JUNE 2012, 11AM – 2PM CENTRE COURT, LEVEL 1
MACQUARIE SHOPPING CENTRE
CNR HERRING & WATERLOO RD, NORTH RYDE


Giggle and Hoot DVDs, books, CDs and other merchandise are available exclusively at ABC Shops, ABC Centres and www.abcshop.com.au
*Please note these appearances do not include a performance nor an appearance from Jimmy Giggle’s feathered friends Hoot & Hootabelle...they are owls after all, and they like to sleep during the day. 

Kerri-Anne Kennerley Shows Us Her Red Undies

In a bid to raise awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease, Kerri-Anne Kennerly has teamed up with Dancing With The Stars partner Carmelo Pizzino and actor Tyler Atkins (Puberty Blues) for this somewhat racy shoot for Red Undies Week...which is on right now!


Sometimes described as "The Silent Killer' Chronic Kidney Disease doesn't enjoy the same level of awareness as other important causes...and when you consider these facts, it is blindingly obvious we should all take time for a check up. 

• 1 in 3 Australian adults are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, while 1 in 9 already has at least one indicator of existing kidney disease.
• Over 50 people die each day from kidney related disease.
• Kidney disease is the 10th biggest killer of Australians, killing more people each year than car accidents, suicide and breast cancer.
• In 2010, disease of the kidney and urinary system contributed to 13.5% of all Australian death. 
• For people with chronic kidney disease, the risk of dying from cardiovascular events is 20 times greater than requiring dialysis or transplantation.
• Dialysis and transplant services costs the health system almost $1 billion per annum.
• You can lose up to 90% of your kidney function before experiencing symptoms.
• 2,257 people started kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant) in 2010.

For more information hit the Red Undies Week website, and wear your red undies tomorrow.

Ricki-Lee Live At Upstairs Beresford

Ricki-Lee made her bid for the crown of Australia's Pop Princess with a sold out gig at Upstairs Beresford in Sydney last night, her first ticketed event since 2008.

Looking amazing in her sequinned hot pants and sounding even better, Ricki-Lee proved she is a force to be reckoned with. And although she performed her biggest hits from over the years including Sunshine and Can't Touch It, the crowd went nuts for her last two singles, Raining Diamonds and her newest (you know the one where she forgets to wear pants in the video?), Do It Like That.

Ricki-Lee also performed for the first time her next single, Crazy, which is heavy on the synths and will be a massive hit.

Industry was out in full force, with just about every radio professional and mag hag enjoying the bar. The room was packed with both fans and a splattering of well known faces including the contestants from The Voice, Jess Mauboy, Stan Walker, Scott Tweedie, Dicko, Tyler Atkins and fashion designer girlfriend Kym Ellery, Brian McFadden, Vogue Williams, Jimmy Rees (aka Jimmy Giggle), Andrew Mercado and Carmela Contarino from Nova FM.

Congratulations Ricki-Lee - you did good.

Red Undies Week: It's Time For Some Decent Exposure

Playful, sexy and empowering, Red Undies Week is all about making kidney health a little bit cheeky and a lot more fun! Presented by Kidney Health Australia, and featuring ambassadors such as Tyler Atkins (Puberty Blues), Tim Mathieson (The First Bloke)  and Charli Robinson, Red Undies Week is a national health campaign planning to make a big red splash, and ensure that kidney health (and red undies) get the attention they deserve! 
Help Kidney Health Australia raise money, and create some “decent exposure” for kidney disease!
For more information on Red Undies Week please visit the website

On.Earz Launch at The Club in Kings Cross

The Club in Kings Cross was the venue for last nights official launch of On.Earz range of headphones.

Featuring performances by Stan Walker, Jessica Mauboy, Sammy G, Justice Crew and more who had the crowd, which included Timomatic, Scott Tweedie and Johnny Ruffo really let loose on the dance floor.

After performing their hit single Galaxy, Stan talked Jess into singing a Whitney Houston/Mariah Carey duet a cappella. We think they did a pretty good job, what do you think?

We also came to realisation that Stan Walker, you are one clever, funny guy! :)

Our girl Sammy G rocked the crowd with Do You Like It, Freak U and performed for the first time a new track called Go Girls.

If you're a technoholic who loves to be ahead of the curve, or simply a stylish culture vulture with a taste for good music and good fun, look no further than On.Earz headphones.

On.Earz is inspired by the influence of fashion, design and music. The brand is the initiative of Belgian people who wanted to bring the design and aesthetic headphone to the largest audience, without sacrificing sound quality.

On.Earz is produced in the best factories, offering premium audio with personality to create your own identity and style following your lifestyle.

Take a look at the On.Earz website, or head into Dick Smith now.

Jimmy Giggle provides Levi with a much needed laugh

Terminally ill Levi McCormack had one of his wishes come true on Sunday when he met ABC funny man Jimmy Giggle at the Rouse Hill Town Centre.

Levi was born with a very rare hypoplastic left heart syndrome and has spent most of his eight years in hospital.

“Levi is a happy, really resilient boy who has a wish list of things to do,” his mother Karina McCormack, told the Rouse Hill Times.

“In December, we were told his condition is terminal and we don’t know how long he will live. It can be a day, a week or month.

“We have been watching Jimmy Giggle for quite a while and find him funny and bit nutty.

“That’s why we were glad Levi was able to meet him.”

Karina and her husband Ashley, who have two other children James, 6, and Keshia, 2, moved to Melbourne before Levi was born so that he could have the surgery he needed to survive.

“He has his first surgery when he was three days old and since then five open heart surgeries,” his courageous mother said.

“His condition is very rare and meant he was born with only half a hearty.

“Except for one year, he has been in and out of hospitals and has actually lived a bit longer than we were told.

“Levi loves food and watches cooking shows, specially Master Chef, telly or the internet.

“He has also become good friends with Hi-5 member Stevie Nicholson while the Better Homes and Garden gang also keep in touch with him.”

Levi, who is being fed through a tube, remains totally alert and very responsive, according to Mrs McCormack.

“We relocated to Rouse Hill a couple of years ago to be close to our families but one of Levi’s wishes to see the place he was born at least once,” she said.

Read the full story in the Rouse Hill Times HERE