The Source: Business Victoria wades into Christmas album debate with warning to retailers

It’s the music debate that fires up every this time every year — is your go to Christmas soundtrack by Mariah Carey or Michael Buble. Business Victoria has entered the debate, with a word of warning to retailers across the state.

Who does it best at Christmas? Mariah Carey or Michael Buble?

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers

The jingle bells sounded more like cash registers ringing once the messaging from Business Victoria kicked in.

The BV newsletter item began innocently.

“Are you Team Mariah or Team Buble this Christmas? Maybe you’re playing both sides or prefer a bit of Kelly Clarkson,” it read with the warmth of egg nog.

But soon, an aftertaste emerged.

“Regardless of where you stand in this debate, if your small business plays music or is thinking about playing music, you’ll need a license to play it in a commercial setting to avoid potential legal issues,” the item continued.

Mariah Carey, otherwise known as the Queen of Christmas. Picture: Supplied

Michael Buble at Rod Laver arena in Melbourne in 2023. Picture: Wayne Taylor

So much for the Buble-Carey-Clarkson niceties.

But, wait. The newsletter went back to the cozy tone.

“Since Mariah is slow to respond to emails at this time of year …” it read fuzzily, before the debt collector returned with, “the best way to get a licence is through a copyright collecting society.”

Gatto beds down church purchase

Hallelujah.

Mick Gatto’s prayers have been answered.

The Melbourne mediator, and his wife Cheryl, have bought a church in Preston to convert into a safe space for children with autism.

Mick Gatto and his wife Cheryl was bought a church to convert into a centre for kids with autism. Picture: Tony Gough

Gatto, and wife Cheryl, who run a not-for-profit organisation, Equal Access For Autism, sealed the deal on the Tyler St property at the weekend.

“We purchased a church,” Gatto said on Sunday.

“Can’t wait to have this autistic friendly playground with therapy rooms up and going.”

So far, Mick and Cheryl have raised $4 million for their plan to build indoor playgrounds for adolescents on the spectrum.

Their grandson, Dominic, is autistic.

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