Brett Sutton has been named Victorian of the Year but he wasn’t keen to to interviews

There was plenty of pomp and ceremony around the announcement that silver fox Brett Sutton had been named Victorian of the Year. But one key thing was missing.

Brett Sutton wasn’t keen for media interviews after being awarded Victorian of the Year.

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

You’d think outgoing CHO and silver fox, Professor Brett Sutton, would have a bit of time on his hands.

After all, Professor Sutton recently announced he would be moving on after more than a decade at Victoria’s health department and four years as chief health officer, taking up a role as director of health and biosecurity at the CSIRO in September.

Professor Sutton’s “health advice” during the pandemic enabled Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to impose curfews, playground bans and 262 days of lockdown on the state.

The CHO also inspired a line of merchandise which included doona covers, aprons and T-shirts snapped up by admirers who saw him as a steady voice in a time of crisis.

Brett Sutton getting his flu vaccination.

On Friday, after a ceremony of historical pomp and flag-waving at Melbourne Town Hall, Professor Sutton was named 2023 Victorian of the Year (VOTY).

“Victoria Day 2023 marks the 172 anniversary of the official separation of Victoria from New South Wales and the formal proclamation as an independent State by Governor La Trobe,” an announcement regarding Professor Sutton’s VOTY honour babbled breathlessly.

“This day celebrates not only its separate geographic boundaries, but also responsible government with the formation of the Victorian parliament.”

It kept going mercilessly: “The momentous occasion will be re-enacted outside the Melbourne Town Hall ... giving award winners, dignitaries and passers-by a unique experience of Governor La Trobe’s Proclamation of Separation and a traditional flag-raising ceremony to mark the occasion.

“Later, at a formal awards ceremony in Swanston Hall, the Victorian of the Year and other award recipients will be presented their awards by representatives of the Lord Mayor and other dignitaries.”

On it went, bla bla bla, about a bugle blast at 10.30am, then a rifle salute, then a town crier bellowing at 10.40am, then a choir singing happy birthday, with a cake donated by bakery students.

After laying out the exhausting timeline, VOTY ceremony officials hastily added: “There will be no press conference prior to the awards, and no one-on-ones (interviews) with the winner due to time restraints.”

(Insert bugle player tooting the Benny Hill Theme here).

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Has Post Malone spilled the beans on new Victorian shows?

Has one of the world’s biggest rap stars inadvertently spilled the beans on an unannounced show in country Victoria slated for December?

It would appear so.

The last time ‘Sunflower’ superstar Post Malone played these parts, it was two sold out shows at Marvel Stadium with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in February.

On Friday, Malone announced Australian dates for his ‘If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying’ world tour with shows in Brisbane on November 23, Sydney on November 29, and Melbourne on November 30.

US rapper Post Malone seems to have let slip some new Aussie concerts.

Curiously, Postie’s tour poster also cited a Ballarat stop on December 2 that wasn’t mentioned in the tour announcement.

The date coincides with the Spilt Milk Festival which happens in the famous gold rush town around the same time. Watch this space.

Malone, born Richard Austin Post, has racked up 19 billion streams from hits including I Like You, One Right Now, Better Now and Circles.

At his February shows, he did the Daniel Ricciardo toast — the shoey — and declared: “Here’s to Postie, true blue.”

Strewth, he’ll fit right in at Ballarat.