Melbourne: CoS flying in its own audience for org opening

Sponge · Jan 22, 2011

Grand start planned for new multi-million dollar Scientology church
Melbourne Herald Sun 23rd Jan 2011
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/grand-start-for-cult-hq/story-e6frf7kx-1225992914359

SCIENTOLOGISTS from around the world are expected to land in Melbourne this week ahead of the opening of a new multi-million dollar Scientology church.

But the church has hosed down speculation that high-profile devotees John Travolta and Tom Cruise would be among the Scientologists in town to celebrate the opening of the Ascot Vale facility this weekend.

Reports surfaced last week predicting the Hollywood heavy hitters would be at Saturday's launch.

But Church of Scientology Australia human rights director Nigel Mannock said the pair were not coming.

"They are not scheduled to attend the Melbourne opening event," Mr Mannock said.

"Scientologists from all around Australia, New Zealand and Asia will be attending and flying in for the grand opening."

He said Melbourne's congregation of Scientologists was one of the oldest in the world with "special significance internationally".

He said the number of local devotees to the controversial religion had been growing rapidly in recent years and now exceeded 1000.

"It is our expansion in Melbourne that has necessitated our acquiring and restoring this new building," Mr Mannock said.

The church bought the Mt Alexander Rd site from the Catholic University for $7 million in 2005.

...continued in article link....

Rumours earlier this week.....
Travolta, Cruise may pay Moonee Valley a visit
Moonee Valley Leader 17th Jan 2011
http://moonee-valley-leader.whereil...ravolta-cruise-may-pay-moonee-valley-a-visit/

THE Church of Scientology Australia has denied rumours Hollywood stars John Travolta and Tom Cruise will attend the opening of a Scientology Church in Ascot Vale this month.

A Leader source revealed that the celebrity Scientologists may attend the opening of the Ideal Church of Scientology, believed to be held on Saturday, January 29.

But Church of Scientology Australia human rights director Nigel Mannock could not confirm the pair’s attendance.

“It would indeed be wonderful to have Tom Cruise and John Travolta for the opening of our new Church in Ascot Vale,” Mr Mannock said.

“However as far as I am aware they are not scheduled to attend the opening event.
“We have no guest list at present.”

Mr Mannock said the organisation was still in the process of finalising a date.

Another source disclosed to Leader that three private jets had been booked with Melbourne Airport in the lead up to the event. Melbourne Airport did not deny or confirm the claims. A Qantas spokesperson said Travolta would be in Los Angeles this week promoting Australia Week and had made no further arrangements with the airline.

Moonee Valley Mayor John Sipek said council was aware of the official opening but had not been advised of a date. “The building has a permit to hold 300 people but it is permitted to hold 600 people during six special events a year,” Cr Sipek said.

He said the Church of Scientology had not applied for a permit to hold the event.

The $7 million Church, located at the former Sister of Mercy College campus at 251 Mt Alexander Rd, has a large public information hall, multimedia displays about Scientology, social betterment and community outreach programs, a conference room and a multifunction auditorium.

Have you heard any whispers about the Hollywood star’s arrival? Tell us at below.

Anonymous · Jan 22, 2011

He said the number of local devotees to the controversial religion had been growing rapidly in recent years and now exceeded 1000.

But even with

Scientologists from all around Australia, New Zealand and Asia will be attending and flying in for the grand opening

as usual there will be less than 1,000 who show up to the Melbourne org opening. Funny how it always works out that way with org openings.

Anonymous · Jan 22, 2011

And MelbAnons, it would be cool if we could have video evidence of the drop off in staff numbers after the event ... over time...

DeathHamster · Jan 22, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

as usual there will be less than 1,000 who show up to the Melbourne org opening. Funny how it always works out that way with org openings.

I wonder how many will be locals, or even from Australia? "2507 Scientologists in 2006".

Religion's rise in the stars July 9, 2007, Carla Danaher, Herald Sun

DeathHamster · Jan 23, 2011

David Miscavige's Arrival in Australia forum.exscn.net

Have subpeeners ready for Davie when he arrives, but don't tell OSA, pass it on!

(I wonder if he'll have a phalanx of Fruit of Islam guards?)

Sponge · Jan 28, 2011

9 News, A Current Affair, reports on the opening tomorrow on the 29th (Video)....
Scientology open day
Broadcast 27th Jan 2011
http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8202663/scientology-open-day
[comments open]

Long steeped in contoversy, the new Melbourne headquarters of Australia’s Scientology community is opening its doors. In an unprecedented move for the religious group, locals have been given the opportunity to see inside the world shared by stars Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kate Cebrano – and rumors are flying that some such celebrities may attend.

If you can't see the video (like I can't) the try this one on youtube which I think some scilon has uploaded (yeah you know it's going to be puff)....

[Note it is not the "Today Tonight" program as the idiot uploader titled it]
Scientology spokeshole Virgina Stewart tells us that they are "busting at the seams" and they play that 2007 scientology dead agent footage of John Sweeney in the crowd during a John Travolta premier. What a fucking joke that news station is. *

*EDIT: ABOVE VIDEO IS FROM A SCILON YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND THEY FUCKING EDITED OUT THE CRITICAL PARTS!
GO TO THIS POST FOR THE PROPER VIDEO....
http://forums.whyweprotest.net/thre...nce-for-org-opening.68191/page-2#post-1358979

Other forums discussing this...
ESMB: http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthread.php?t=21822
OCMB: http://ocmb.xenu.net/ocmb/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33817

Sponge · Jan 29, 2011

O hai thar!

Scientology's grand Melbourne opening
Sunday Melbourne Herald Sun January 30, 2011
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vi...elbourne-opening/story-e6frf7kx-1225996707355

Protesters outside the Scientology centre's opening. Picture: Tess Follett Source: Herald Sun

SECURITY was tight yesterday as hundreds of Scientologists and their guests gathered to open the controversial church's new headquarters in Ascot Vale.

All afternoon a procession of well-dressed church members could be seen making their way to the Mt Alexander Rd site, which was guarded by about 20 security guards.

High-profile Scientologist Kate Ceberano arrived about 4.30pm.

The massive compound, which was bought from the Catholic Church for $7 million in 2005, has been renovated at an estimated cost of $20 million, and includes a large chapel, a public auditorium, course rooms and a multimedia public information centre.

Guests - including Lord Mayor Robert Doyle - arriving for the opening were greeted by a small number of protesters wearing masks and chanting anti-Scientology slogans.

"I am here because my friend Kate Ceberano invited me to be here and people should take nothing more from it than that," Mr Doyle said.

But he was attacked by independent South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon.

"He is the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and indirectly he is lending his support to this organisation," he said.

Also,

Doyle at Scientology function
The Age 30th Jan 2011
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/doyle-at-scientology-function-20110129-1a93b.html

MELBOURNE lord mayor Robert Doyle was a guest speaker at the opening of the Church of Scientology's multimillion-dollar headquarters in Ascot Vale yesterday, which drew more than 50 protesters.

Mounted police supervised the private function in the Mount Alexander Road building as Mr Doyle and guests including Kate and Phil Ceberano were ferried in a back entrance.

Senator Nick Xenophon, who has campaigned to have Scientology's tax-free status revoked, said he was surprised at Cr Doyle's decision.

Cr Doyle said he was attending as a friend of Kate Ceberano, who had worked hard for the city since she was made a Moomba queen. ''People shouldn't draw any commentary from my attendance other than that this was a personal invitation from a friend which has been accepted,'' he said.

Senator Xenophon said he would write to the lord mayor proposing a meeting with Scientology victims.

''He's over 18, he's entitled to go wherever he wants, but to say that he's going there as a private individual because of a friendship with Kate Ceberano is a bit cute,'' he said.

''The fact is that he's the lord mayor of the City of Melbourne and his presence will be seen as a seal of approval for an organisation that has caused so much harm to so many.''

Local newspapers had reported rumours that church director Cheryl Wickens would be joined by guests including celebrity Scientologists such as Tom Cruise or John Travolta.

Not quite the press that scientology had hoped for. Fucking LOL.

Anonymous · Jan 29, 2011

I betcha Ceberano told Doyle that Cruise and Travolta would be there, then when it turned out they weren't, he couldn't say "no" anymore.
And you bet your ass that $cientology is going to represent his presence as a "win" and a sign of approval.

Shinythings · Jan 29, 2011

Cr Doyle said he was attending as a friend of Kate Ceberano, who had worked hard for the city since she was made a Moomba queen. ''People shouldn't draw any commentary from my attendance other than that this was a personal invitation from a friend which has been accepted,'' he said.

They left out the "t"

Sponge · Jan 29, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

I betcha Ceberano told Doyle that Cruise and Travolta would be there, then when it turned out they weren't, he couldn't say "no" anymore.
And you bet your ass that $cientology is going to represent his presence as a "win" and a sign of approval.

I bet his wife badgered him at the merest hint of Cruise or Travolta being there, especially if she's one of those twin-setted, jewellry-rattling social climber freaks with fuck all better to do than get one up on her circle of likeminded arseholes at the country club.

Anyway, the cult didn't get the puff press they wanted and I hope Miscavige burst another anal polyp over it.

TinyDancer · Jan 29, 2011

What an awesome photo of anons!

AnonLikesPickles · Jan 29, 2011

Well, ol' David "Slappy" Miscavige was there (us MelbAnons heard him giving his drones a speech) and he was accompanied by at least 50 Scilons, many of them children. He also brought along fake applause soundbits. And he hired mercenaries security guards to keep us dastardly masked crusaders at bay while the police decided to have friendly chats with us.

Currently getting news footage of our shenanigans from an anon who saw it on the news ;P

Also, I dunno if anyone was able to get video footage of Slappy - he and his drones hid behind a high fence topped with inward pointing barbs.

EDIT: Photo from behind their wall:

David Miscavige is supposedly in this shot.

Anonymous · Jan 29, 2011

Well done on not being distracted by the fake date change, Melbun.

Kenji · Jan 29, 2011

I talked to one of the press who were there after the opening event and he said the only reason he was there was to cover a story for the age about how "EVERYONE" who lived in the area were getting parking tickets because of the opening of the Church of Scientology.

Basically, the church got the council to shut down the road behind the building (the back entrance) and so everyone who lived nearby and parked their cars on the sides of the street (legal to do you know) got tickets. Over 90 or so were handing out during the day... including to the press.

The Scientologists tried to get the police to arrest me and a few others who were there after the event (at about 9.30, as sibbo and I was working on press stuff to do with the protest) and two others were protesting. The police came up, saw nothing was going on, got annoyed at Scientology and chatted to us about random stuff, then offered to 'escort' us to the tram stop for our protection, then seeing that Scientologists were at the tram stop also and were trying to annoy us there (even with police there) decided to give us a lift all the way back to the city.

Angry-Scientologist guy was raging hard and lost his cool infront of the cops, yelling at me, etc. The cops at this point basically realized we weren't the problem... the Scientologists were.

Kookaburra · Jan 29, 2011

Great press! Great report! Sounds like Scientology managed to impress everyone - press, police, senator Xenophon. And their neighbors are delighted with their arrival. Such great PR area control.

Good job, Melbourne Anon!

Sponge · Jan 29, 2011

"AnonLikesPickles said: ↑

[...]

David Miscavige is supposedly in this shot.

High resolution version of that cult PR pic (3000 x 2149 pixels)
http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/1192/melbourneribbonpull.jpg
Caption:

The new Church of Scientology Melbourne Ideal Organization was dedicated January 29, 2011, in ceremonies attended by more than 2,000 Scientologists and their guests. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion was joined by civic leaders and government officials to commemorate the opening of the first Ideal Church of Scientology in Australia.

High Resolution version (3000 x 1599)...
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6/kateceberanosinging.jpg
Caption:

Scientologists and Melbourne-native award winning singer and song writer Kate Ceberano performed her original composition “This Song is You”. The song was written in celebration of the opening of the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne and honouring the heritage of the city and all of Australia.

.

High Resolution version (3000 x 1996)...
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/271/mrdavidmiscavigemelbour.jpg
Caption:

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, dedicated the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne. Describing its significance in Scientology history, he told the more than 2,000 in attendance, “So you wonder where you stand in the history and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard and our religion as a whole? None of it would exist were it not for what began right here—and that’s both the heritage and legacy, which is indelibly woven through the brickwork of your new Ideal Org of Melbourne.”

.

High Resolution version (3000 x 1996 ):
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3949/lordmayorrobert20doyle.jpg
Caption:

Lord Mayor of Melbourne, the Right Honourable Robert Doyle, welcomed the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne and praised the congregation’s commitment to the city. He stated, “Today marks an historic occasion for Scientology. The building you see before you is the first of its type in Australasia, and the re-birth of an historic Melbourne building. This is a unique space. I hope benefits flow in partnerships, community connection and good will. I invite you to celebrate this opening in the heart of our exciting, welcoming and diverse Melbourne.”

.

High Resolution version (3000 x 1996):
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/622/davidmiscavigekateceber.jpg
Caption:

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, dedicated the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne along with the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, the Honourable Robert Doyle and Melbourne native and award-winning singer and songwriter Kate Ceberano.

Source Press Release for above re-hosted pics:
http://www.cisionwire.com/church-of...tology-church-beneath-the-southern-cross78142

FreakE420 and RWT, gentlemen, start your shoop engines.

OTBT · Jan 29, 2011

Sponge said: ↑

High resolution version of that cult PR pic (3000 x 2149 pixels)
http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/1192/melbourneribbonpull.jpg

Heh. They already have curtain tech in force in the new org.

Anonymous · Jan 29, 2011

The new Church of Scientology Melbourne Ideal Organization was dedicated January 29, 2011, in ceremonies attended by more than 2,000 Scientologists and their guests. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion was joined by civic leaders and government officials to commemorate the opening of the first Ideal Church of Scientology in Australia.

More made up numbers. There's probably 400-600 visible in that PR image.

Ann O'Nymous · Jan 29, 2011

Nice.

Sponge · Jan 29, 2011

I like DM's shiny suit.
Is that so the shit doesn't stick to him?

xenubarb · Jan 29, 2011

Sponge said: ↑

I like DM's shiny suit.
Is that so the shit doesn't stick to him?

The Teflon Dwarf?

TinyDancer · Jan 29, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

More made up numbers. There's probably 400-600 visible in that PR image.

Shoop. Pixels.

Also:

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has today expanded to more than 9,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 165 countries.

Perikles · Jan 29, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

More made up numbers. There's probably 400-600 visible in that PR image.

Given the angle of that photo (assuming taken from wall corner by Anonerazzi) they couldn't even fit 2000 there. 1k would be pushing it.

Sponge · Jan 29, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

More made up numbers. There's probably 400-600 visible in that PR image.

Perikles said: ↑

Given the angle of that photo (assuming taken from wall corner by Anonerazzi) they couldn't even fit 2000 there. 1k would be pushing it.

edit: Pic was from the cult's own PR source. Going by their usual M.O., you can safely expect there to be very few people outside of that very wide angle camera lens view.

From news article in OP.....

Moonee Valley Mayor John Sipek said council was aware of the official opening but had not been advised of a date. “The building has a permit to hold 300 people but it is permitted to hold 600 people during six special events a year,” Cr Sipek said.

He said the Church of Scientology had not applied for a permit to hold the event.

edit: they obviously got some kind of permit, even if not for addtional event capacity, because the back road was closed and as Kenji pointed out local people got parking tickets because of that.

Anonymous · Jan 29, 2011

hahaha

n1 work anon

EnturbulationStation · Jan 29, 2011

I love you Kenji. Awesome job and nothing like having the police escorting you safely away from the stalking, creepy cultists! Well done!

Kenji said: ↑

I talked to one of the press who were there after the opening event and he said the only reason he was there was to cover a story for the age about how "EVERYONE" who lived in the area were getting parking tickets because of the opening of the Church of Scientology.

Basically, the church got the council to shut down the road behind the building (the back entrance) and so everyone who lived nearby and parked their cars on the sides of the street (legal to do you know) got tickets. Over 90 or so were handing out during the day... including to the press.

The Scientologists tried to get the police to arrest me and a few others who were there after the event (at about 9.30, as sibbo and I was working on press stuff to do with the protest) and two others were protesting. The police came up, saw nothing was going on, got annoyed at Scientology and chatted to us about random stuff, then offered to 'escort' us to the tram stop for our protection, then seeing that Scientologists were at the tram stop also and were trying to annoy us there (even with police there) decided to give us a lift all the way back to the city.

Angry-Scientologist guy was raging hard and lost his cool infront of the cops, yelling at me, etc. The cops at this point basically realized we weren't the problem... the Scientologists were.

Kenji · Jan 29, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

More made up numbers. There's probably 400-600 visible in that PR image.

There weren't even 2000 people at he Wikileaks protest on that day, and the crowd was smaller than that.
There were probably 500-700 (max) people all up at the opening of the idle morgue.

EnturbulationStation said: ↑

I love you Kenji. Awesome job and nothing like having the police escorting you safely away from the stalking, creepy cultists! Well done!

Haha. thanks
The police were so accommodating and friendly :3

Sponge · Jan 30, 2011

Doyle under attack over sect
Melbourne Herald Sun 31st Jan 2011
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/doyle-under-attack-over-sect/story-fn6bfkm6-1225997107491
same article, different headline at News.com.au.....
Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle under attack over scientology church
http://www.news.com.au/doyle-under-attack-over-sect/story-e6frf7kx-1225997142814

PREMIER Ted Baillieu has questioned Lord Mayor Robert Doyle's judgment in welcoming one of the world's biggest Scientology churches to Melbourne.

Cr Doyle has been strongly criticised for addressing the opening of the controversial group's new Ascot Vale headquarters on Saturday.

Former Labor minister and football great Justin Madden also was among the 2000 guests.

Mr Baillieu yesterday questioned the wisdom of the appearance of the former state Liberal leader.

"I'm not a great fan (of Scientology), to be frank," Mr Baillieu said.

"It is a matter for Mr Doyle, but it isn't something I would have done.

"I, like many Australians, have concerns about the role Scientology has played in the past."

The comments came a week after Mr Baillieu and Cr Doyle disagreed over the future of the Formula One Grand Prix - the Lord Mayor having declared "time's up" for the F1 race in Melbourne.

Cr Doyle yesterday defended his decision to accept "a personal invitation from a friend" - high-profile Scientologist and singer Kate Ceberano.

A Scientology media release said Cr Doyle attended in his role as Lord Mayor.

Scientology's Australian president, Vicki Dunstan, said yesterday Mr Baillieu was "entitled to his opinion" but challenged him to visit the centre.

"The church is pretty open. You can see what we do. If anybody came into the church, they would see for themselves. I think it would soon dispel any fears. (Mr Baillieu) is welcome any time," she said.

The church, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, is classified a sect in some countries, but Ms Dunstan said protesters at the Mt Alexander Rd building were misinformed.

"Religious intolerance is not something new to Australia," she said.

Ms Dunstan said Melbourne was home to "several thousand" Scientologists and was important because L. Ron Hubbard had given lectures here.

The headquarters include a "purification centre" where members sweat out "mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs".

Sponge · Jan 30, 2011

POLL!
Should Robert Doyle have attended the opening of the Church of Scientology's new headquarters?
Yes 6%
No 94%
Total votes: 11331.
Poll now closed

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/l-ron-has-no-fan-in-baillieu-20110130-1a9p6.html

L. Ron has no 'fan' in Baillieu
The Age 31st Jan 2011

PREMIER Ted Baillieu has spoken out against the Church of Scientology, saying he would have refused to attend the weekend opening of Melbourne's Scientology headquarters.

Mr Baillieu declared he was ''not a fan'' of Scientology, when asked about the opening of the Ascot Vale centre.

''I, like many Australians, have concerns about the role Scientology has played in the past and I'm not a fan,'' he said.

Advertisement: Story continues below The Premier's position put him at odds with lord mayor Robert Doyle, who claimed to attend as a friend of singer Kate Ceberano. ''People shouldn't draw any commentary from my attendance other than that this was a personal invitation from a friend,'' Cr Doyle said.

Mr Baillieu said the lord mayor's decision to attend was a matter for him.

The Church of Scientology declined to respond to Mr Baillieu's comments.

The church was founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, who declared that the galactic dictator Xenu dumped millions of corpses in volcanoes on Earth 75 million years ago and blew them up with 17 hydrogen bombs. The souls, or ''thetans'', of the dead were contaminated and in turn contaminated humans, who can be cleansed only by Scientology.

About 50 protesters gathered at the opening of the Mount Alexander Road building, with mounted police also in attendance. A Church of Scientology press release quoted Cr Doyle and former planning minister Justin Madden.

''You have set the standard for the community with your restoration of this building and with your social programs - an example for others to follow,'' Mr Madden is quoted as saying.

South Australian senator Nick Xenophon, who has pushed for Scientology's tax-free status to be scrapped, questioned Cr Doyle's attendance.

''The fact is that he's the lord mayor of the City of Melbourne and his presence will be seen as a seal of approval for an organisation that has caused so much harm to so many,'' he said.

Orson · Jan 30, 2011

Cross posting the post game thread link: http://forums.whyweprotest.net/thre...with-his-presence-melbraid-jan-29-2011.68469/

Anonymous · Jan 30, 2011

Grand start planned for new multi-million dollar Scientology church
Melbourne Herald Sun 23rd Jan 2011
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/grand-start-for-cult-hq/story-e6frf7kx-1225992914359

He said the number of local devotees to the controversial religion had been growing rapidly in recent years and now exceeded 1000.

Exactly one week later:
Doyle under attack over sect
Melbourne Herald Sun 31st Jan 2011
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/doyle-under-attack-over-sect/story-fn6bfkm6-1225997107491

Ms Dunstan said Melbourne was home to "several thousand" Scientologists...

They're making it up as they go along!

supafreak · Jan 30, 2011

Sponge said: ↑

POLL!
Should Robert Doyle have attended the opening of the Church of Scientology's new headquarters?
Yes 7%
No 93%
Total votes: 2049.
Would you like to vote?
Poll closes in 17 hours

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/l-ron-has-no-fan-in-baillieu-20110130-1a9p6.html
L. Ron has no 'fan' in Baillieu
The Age 31st Jan 2011

Now at 5% yes and 95% no, with six hours left to vote.

mnql1 · Jan 30, 2011

subgenius · Jan 30, 2011

I thought it looked like DM's go a new do.

DeathHamster · Jan 30, 2011

subgenius said: ↑

I thought it looked like DM's go a new do.

He looks like his face is a latex mask.

Since he's still wearing his wedding ring, does that mean that Shelly is still alive?

supafreak · Jan 30, 2011

DeathHamster said: ↑

Since he's still wearing his wedding ring, does that mean that Shelly is still alive?

Maybe, or maybe the ring is just for show.

OTBT · Jan 30, 2011

subgenius said: ↑

I thought it looked like DM's got new doo doo.

fify

Anonymous · Jan 30, 2011

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/s...lbourne-as-melbourne-gets-20110131-1aagb.html

Scientology church 'as Melbourne as Melbourne gets'

Former planning minister Justin Madden says a multi-million dollar Scientology church built in Ascot Vale is "as Melbourne as Melbourne gets".
Mr Madden yesterday attended the opening of the Ideal Scientology Church on Mount Alexander Road to praise the organisation's community work and its restoration of the former Catholic church, according to a Church of Scientology press release.

"Unselfishly, you work to provide ways and means to uplift our society. You have set the standard for the community with your restoration of this building and with your social programs — an example I will point to for others to follow. Your new Church is as Melbourne as Melbourne gets,” Mr Madden is quoted as saying.

According to the release, "the church now stands on the site of the 19th-century estate of Robert McCracken, leading businessman and founder of the legendary Essendon Bombers football team."

But Mr Madden was not the only senior public figure to attended the opening.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle also addressed the crowd, but has downplayed his attendance as "a favour" to his friend, singer Kate Ceberano.

"I did this because Kate Ceberano asked me as a friend. I was there out of my friendship for her, not for any other reason," he told 3AW.

Mr Doyle revealed that he arrived in the mayoral limousine and stood with Mr Madden to pull a cord which officially opened the centre, but maintained he was there as a private citizen.

"In no way was this any affirmation or support for the religion or the church," he said.

"If people want to interpret that from my presence, that's unfortunate but nevertheless that's not the reason I was there."

The Lord Mayor's decision to attend the opening put him at odds with Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu who said he was "no fan" of the church.

"I, like many Australians, have concerns about the role Scientology has played in the past and I'm not a fan," said Mr Baillieu.

In the press release, the Church of Scientology used both Mr Doyle and Mr Madden's words to promote the event.

The release quoted David Miscavige, "ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion", who came to Melbourne from the United States to conduct the ceremony.

"Having triumphed today in the name of our religion, you just flipped this planet all the way around so that Melbourne now sits on top of the globe. And that's what it means to build an Ideal Org beneath the Southern Cross,” he said.

Mr Madden has been contacted for comment.

Some days, I love the aussie press.

PS.

Join the conversation

204 people are reading this now.

Anonymous · Jan 30, 2011

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/doyle-under-attack-over-sect/story-e6frf7kx-1225997142814

UPDATE 12.45pm: MELBOURNE'S Lord Mayor has fended off claims his appearance at the opening of a new Scientology centre meant he endorses the religion.
Premier Ted Baillieu has questioned Lord Mayor Robert Doyle's judgment in attending a Scientology church opening.
Cr Doyle has been attracted strong criticism, including from the Premier, for addressing the opening of the controversial group's new Ascot Vale headquarters on Saturday.
Former Labor minister and football great Justin Madden was also among the 2000 guests.
Cr Doyle today maintained his appearance was a favour for singer friend and scientologist Kate Ceberano and nothing more, despite a Scientology media release suggesting he was there as the Lord Mayor, turning up in an official car.
“I was there out of my friendship for her, not any for other reason and there shouldn’t be any other imputation taken from it,’’ Cr Doyle told radio 3AW today.

Related Coverage

Scientology's grand Melbourne opening Adelaide Now, 7 hours ago

Doyle under attack over sect Herald Sun, 14 hours ago

Walker attacks Doyle's 'sad' GP call Herald Sun, 7 days ago

Doyle embarrassed by new F1 deal Herald Sun, 7 days ago

Church targets drunk Aborigines Herald Sun, 19 Nov 2010

“When friends ask you to make a tough call that’s why you are a friend.

“This was a tough call and I made that as a friend to go and do it.
“But I certainly didn’t praise the church in any way.’’
Cr Doyle said Ceberano had contributed a lot to Melbourne City Council.
She has performed to raise money for the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation and was last year crowned Moomba queen.
“I am a very loyal person and when friends ask me to do something as far as I possibly can I will do it, even at the cost of some personal controversy or discomfort,’’ Cr Doyle told 3AW.
Cr Doyle said the Premier was entitled to his opinion on whether it was appropriate to attend the opening.
"He’s allowed to have an opinion on what I do and I accept that,’’ he said.
“I know it is a contentious church and there are people who would argue that it is not a church and not a religion, I understand that.
“Our High Court has said that it is, but nevertheless there would be people who argue differently from that.’’
Mr Baillieu yesterday questioned the wisdom of the appearance of the former state Liberal leader.
"I'm not a great fan (of Scientology), to be frank," Mr Baillieu said.
"It is a matter for Mr Doyle, but it isn't something I would have done.
"I, like many Australians, have concerns about the role Scientology has played in the past."
The comments came a week after Mr Baillieu and Cr Doyle disagreed over the future of the Formula One Grand Prix - the Lord Mayor having declared "time's up" for the F1 race in Melbourne.
Scientology's Australian president, Vicki Dunstan, said yesterday Mr Baillieu was "entitled to his opinion" but challenged him to visit the centre.
"The church is pretty open. You can see what we do. If anybody came into the church, they would see for themselves. I think it would soon dispel any fears. (Mr Baillieu) is welcome any time," she said.
The church, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, is classified a sect in some countries, but Ms Dunstan said protesters at the Mt Alexander Rd building were misinformed.
"Religious intolerance is not something new to Australia," she said.
Ms Dunstan said Melbourne was home to "several thousand" Scientologists and was important because L. Ron Hubbard had given lectures here.
The headquarters include a "purification centre" where members sweat out "mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs".

TinyDancer · Jan 30, 2011

http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/3aw-generic-blog/doyles-mate-kate-calls-the-shots/20110131-1aa7s.html

Doyle's mate Kate calls the shots?

The Lord Mayor says he knew he would cop flack for attending the opening of a new Scientology centre and concedes it was a very difficult decision.
Premier Ted Baillieu says Robert Doyle shouldn't have been present at the opening of the new centre in Ascot Vale.
The Lord Mayor says he did it as a personal favour to friend Kate Ceberano and he does not believe in the Church.

PLAY AUDIO: Doyle said he attended the Church Of Scientology opening as a favour to Kate Ceberano

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Melbourne: CoS flying in its own audience for org opening

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