The Source: Brendan Donohoe gone as Jacinta cleans out Dan’s office

Former Channel 7 political editor turned government media spinner Brendan Donohoe has packed up his desk in the Premier’s private office as the clean out of Dan’s former staff continues.

Mick Gatto loves his Rolls Royce Dawn even if people think he’s a show off.

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

Former Channel 7 political editor turned government media spinner Brendan Donohoe has finished up in the Premier’s private office.

Mr Donohoe — the husband of well known AFL journalist Caroline Wilson — was initially hired by former Premier Daniel Andrews in May 2020, where he served as the deputy media director.

After Mr Andrews secured a third term at last year’s election, Mr Donohoe transitioned roles to become deputy director of communications.

But as part of a wider staff clean-out under new Premier Jacinta Allan, Mr Donohoe officially finished up in the role last week.

Several other staffers have also taken generous redundancy packages during the transition of power.

At the start of 2020, Mr Donohoe called time on his 30-year journalism career at 7 News Melbourne.

But the Source is told Mr Donohue’s decision to pull the pin was entirely his own.

“Brendan has done an incredible job and he was absolutely asked to stay. JA and (chief of staff) Matt Phelan were the ones asking him to stay themselves,” one source said.

Former Channel 7 political editor Brendan Donohoe has finished up in the Premier’s private office. Picture: Supplied

Mick Gatto’s electric Audi fails to spark motoring passion

Melbourne identity Mick Gatto tried a low-key approach on the streets by rolling in a whisper-quiet electric Audi SUV.

It was a surprising move, considering Gatto was the proud owner of a shiny black Rolls Royce Dawn, a sweet convertible with an $800,000 price tag for the top-of-the-range 2024 model.

But Gatto’s days of driving eco-friendly wheels were short lived.

“I love the Rolls Royce. As soon as I sold my Rolls, I missed it immediately, and I decided to get another one,” Gatto told The Source.

“The Audi is a fantastic car, but I gave it away.”

Gatto bought another Rolls Royce Dawn, worth $700,000. He works in arbitration, so probably negotiated a good deal.

“I take the sunroof off, get a good suntan and drive down the freeway with a cigar in my mouth. It’s fantastic,” Gatto said.

“People say, ‘Look at that show-off,’ but I don’t care.”

Meanwhile, Gatto and his wife, Cheryl, have been busy with their not-for-profit organisation Equal Access For Autism. Their grandson Dominic, 15, is autistic.

They recently hosted Laps For Love, a walkathon and family fun day to raise awareness about autism, at Victoria Park.

Laps For Love ambassadors included comedy trio Sooshi Mango, footy greats Peter McKenna Rene Kink and Paul Licuria, and celebrity chef George Calombaris.

Mick Gatto and his beloved Rolls Royce. Picture: Supplied

Newbie MP sends out gift calendar with wrong dates

It’s unclear what seems less likely — that a politician has sent constituents a 2024 calendar with a misplaced date, or that a constituent studied August, 2024, closely enough to find an error.

Newbie MP Keith Wolahan has impressed Liberal colleagues since the federal election. But he has misstepped with his Menzies calendar, which includes two August 15 dates and no August 21 date.

Keith Wolahan's 2024 calendar contains two August 15 dates. Picture: Supplied

To be fair, it’s hardly the biggest local politician literature/spam crime.

Hot contenders must include the happy 60th birthday letter sent by the ALP’s Rob Mitchell to a McEwen constituent early this year.

As his follow-up letter pointed out, his best wishes had arrived a “little late”, prompting his newly 61-year-old constituent to reply:

“Dear Mr Mitchell,

I write to thank you for your kind birthday wishes.

It was quite a surprise.

I wonder if there is a way I could return the favour? Would you mind please sending me your wife’s name, home address and date of birth details so that I might reciprocate your kind act when your wife turns 60 – or thereabouts.”

The constituent is hoping for a reply before her 71st birthday.

Rob Mitchell’s birthday letter to a McEwen constituent. Picture: Supplied

Unfortunately he got the date wrong. Picture: Supplied

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