OVAtions

Skaro Remembers and Is Remembered

In the planning for the proposed Melbourne Reunion, John Skaro (SVC 1979-81) made contact. We talked about his time at St Virgil’s and what had transpired since. On the basis of that chat and a bit of web investigation, Graeme Rainbow (OVAtions Editor) invited John to relate his story. 

 

Four’N Twenty years ago (and the rest), a certain writer burst on to the scene like a gravy-besmirched blackbird spearing an upward trajectory through a banner of golden crusty pastry.
Since then, nothing’s changed. He’s still bursting.

 

I had a frenetic time growing up in Tassie in the 1970s.

 

Thanks to Mum, I appreciated Mozart, Mures restaurant, Gilbert & Sullivan at the Theatre Royal and was even related, by marriage, to the great Peter Hudson.

 

My Dad was a well-known state soccer identity and often made headlines in The Mercury, so that used to make me proud (usually!).

 

Dad knew everyone, it seemed.

 

I remember the late Michael Hodgman (AM QC) sneaking Dad and me into the queue with him… before the packed 1979 Grand Final between Glenorchy and Clarence.

 

I was sitting on the steps in the Main Stand as Hudson dobbed his 200th goal for the season in the final quarter.

 

Soccer was a huge part of my life.

 

I had a decent junior career. New Town Primary had a very strong side, and I was lucky enough to make intrastate and state squads in my time there.

 

Being sent to Austins Ferry in Year 7 was a sharp awakening.

 

I went from being a kid who, in Year 6 classes, watched the cricket instead of 'Behind the News', to suddenly having people like Graeme Rainbow and Mrs Wolfe introduce me to the wonderful worlds of science and maths.  And best of all… Latin.

 

That inaccurately-monikered 'dead' language revealed words and history to me. There wasn’t a single thing in the last 2000 years, I found, that didn’t in some way trace back to the Mother Tongue of the Roman Empire. 

 

Fear of failure was my motivator at school; not a sound policy these days, but it worked for me then. I was teased by my SVC mates for being so dedicated to studies. But we had lots of fun too. And things are more fun when you know you’ve got your homework done!

 

People like the late, great Kevin Duigan – with his inimitable mix of good humour and wonderful grumpiness – and Brother Hugh Sharpe (RIP) helped develop in me an unconditional love of Humanities.

 

I left Austin’s Ferry after Year 9 a little heavy of heart, because – well – I was at the top of my game. And things could only go downhill from there, hey?

 

We moved to Melbourne.

 

I gave up soccer (after an riot stopped my U16 game in Maribyrnong).

 

Mum and Dad couldn’t afford the more 'prestigious' Edmund Rice school, St Kevin’s, so I was sent to CBC St Kilda. There I met the now late Fr Bob Maguire (who was to be the celebrant at my wedding eventually). 

 

I didn’t study as hard as I did in Tassie, but I still managed to do OK.

 

I started focusing on writing beyond the school walls. My Dad’s best mate, Socceroos legend Billy Vojtek, introduced me to the editor of 'Cricketer' magazine and my first article was published, when I was 15.

 

From there, I badgered my way into columns at the Footscray Mail and Western Times, writing about my beloved Footscray Football Club. I ended up being ghost writer for Bulldogs captain, Ricky Kennedy.  One of the highlights of my life, when I was only 19, was interviewing Mick Malthouse.

 

I got offered a job as a Junior Advertising Copywriter in my HSC year… and since then - here and in London - writing ads has thankfully paid the bills. My campaign for Cadbury Picnic, rejoicing under the dubious slogan, 'Deliciously Ugly' is listed online.

 

Currently, I write the double-page ads for Four’N Twenty Pies in the AFL Footy Record (if, when I was a little kid, you’d told me I’d be doing that for a living – at the age I am now! - you’d have had to pinch me with a pair of industrial-sized bolt cutters). 

 

It’s a young person’s world, but perhaps we’re never too old either.

 

John has won a few awards, like:

  • Four Cannes Advertising Festival Nominations in 2005 (Australia’s total was six)
  • Several acknowledgements at the London International Advertising Awards
  • Listings at the New York Festival, Asia Spikes and a Bronze Award at Asia’s Adfest
  • Listings at Australia’s premier AWARD awards, including a Silver in 1997
  • Won Australian Transit Poster of the Year 2004
  • Runner-up Australian Outdoor Poster of the Year 2001
  • Two Golden Sirens Australian Radio Awards, including “Client” Ad of the Year 2019
  • Two silvers, two bronzes and listings at the Melbourne Art Director’s Club Awards
  • John’s career ambition remains to win a prestigious Kinsale Shark Award (IRELAND)
  • Maybe this year!!!

Recognition for my work is important, but nowhere near as important as the opportunities work gives me to… well… just live life. 

 

I’ve bought Curtis Stone a scallop pie at Salamanca Market.

I’ve carried Dennis Lillee’s bag from the MCG nets to the nearby Hilton Hotel.

I’ve shouted Jimmy Barnes a vodka.

I’ve waved wildly from a taxi at the great George Best (RIP) in London’s West End, and he waved wildly back (admittedly, he may have had a couple!)

And, in tears, I’ve sung “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with 55,000 others at my favourite place in the world, Anfield, Liverpool.

Without my work, I’d have experienced none of these pleasures.

 

I’ve been lucky so far to have an interesting life, and grateful for it. 

It’s amazing what can be done you take a genuine interest in something or someone.

My formula?

Believe in yourself a bit.

Respect your parents and older, wiser people.

Give opportunities a good old-fashioned crack.

Anyway, that’s what I tell my son, Tom.

 

My SVC art teacher, Bert MacGregor gave me this invaluable advice, which I’ve followed in my 'creative' career:  draw what you see, and NOT what you know is there.

 

I was at his funeral in Melbourne a few weeks ago.  May God rest his soul.