Here at the Hideout we’re thrilled to share the news of the civil elevation of our dear Poo in yesterday’s Australia Day honours list!!

He’s been made Lord Warden of the Sink Portables – and those of you wishing to observe protocol are advised to accord him all the appropriate courtesies and address him henceforth as Sir Poo, Lord Warden of the Sink Portables, OM (Knight of the Ordure of the Mire.)

We gave him a suitable toasting, as one would expect…

…and Minnie has promised to make him a garter.

It was certainly a most unexpected turn of events in what had been a traditionally conventional Wyndham Oz Day long weekend; beach, relaxed house-guests and the requisite cocktail-o-rhumba…

We’d had such a lovely few days in the lead up – mooching with Dira and La Groppa (who has maintained that idiosyncratic refusal to be photographed, long before Sia even thought of it) – and so we’re happy to report that the Poo didn’t spoil the mood by insisting on any sudden and uncharacteristic formality.

“Just call me Poo” he declared in the approved manner of the classic, self-effacing Aussie. And so we shall.

[Ps: thanks for the Tatt, Jacq – our fave treat. n(Ed)]