ISSUE 163 DECEMBER 2013 THE NORTH & WEST MELBOURNE NEWS IS PRODUCED BY VOLUNTEERS AT THE CENTRE Community laments closure of local landmark
Brett Quine
t was kind of like being served powdered decaf crud when you ordered an espresso Imacchiato — such was the sense of shock and real displacement for regulars when an Italian institution of almost 60 years standing in North and West Melbourne closed its doors on 21 September. This was no joke, as my irreverent first line might suggest. For a large Italian community within our own, the closure of the One Star Café on Victoria Street came as a cruel unexpected blow. For the dozens of regulars and hundreds of sporadically visiting souls who relied on the cafe as a home away from home, it was the greatest personal upheaval since their migration. In the two weeks after its closure a steady stream of regulars raised their arms and turned John Giandinoto Photo: Brett Quine Closing Party at One Star Café Photo: Brett Quine palms upward in expressions of disbelief. As they read the notice on the door their jaws between Chetwynd and Leveson streets have trade had almost slowed to a trickle compared dropped and mouths still agape leaned forward also felt an immediate sense of loss: car parks to the strip’s halcyon days of the 1960s. to check for ‘signs of life inside’. were suddenly easy to find and the vibrant But for an ill-fated roads authority and local And it wasn’t just the local Italians either: chatter, robust ribbing of friends and flurries of government plan to widen the southern side of many others born in distant lands, from the street-side hand language disappeared. There Victoria Street circa 1968, many of the original Caribbean to Poland, had become part of their was also an absence of wise advice for recent Italian families would have happily stayed in wider network. This included the self-declared arrivals such as myself. the neighbourhood and more than likely seen ‘eggman’, a tireless Jewish Austrian named In one of three shopfronts along the same it evolve into today’s equivalent of Lygon Natale who, at the age of 89, shuffles at great strip, One Star opened day after day, closing Street as the kerbside cafe restaurant capital of speed to deliver his produce. Natale proudly only for half a day on occasion so all could Melbourne. states he has not taken a holiday since 1957 attend the funeral of respected cafe compari “A lot of people were afraid [of compulsory and every Tuesday since the 1960s he has (friends). Unfortunately those days had come acquisition] and sold up straight away… travelled from Monbulk to the One Star Café. too often in recent years. Combined with the Most of us moved to Lygon Street,” said Neighbours along the shopping strip tightened wallets of the global financial crisis, Mr Ottorino Pace, a 1960s occupant of the building at 301–303 Victoria Street, where One Star came to be, and who now owns Casa del Gelato in Lygon Street. According to stalwarts of One Star Café, compari Johnny Giandinoto, 74, and Angelo Giuffrida, 71, the cafe started business as the Sicilia Caffè in 1955, opening soon after Don Camillo Caffè the same year. The Sicilia was Otto Pace Photo: Brett Quine opened by Freddo Caminoti at the shopfront now occupied by Contours Travel, but like familiar face on the strip for more than half many others Mr Caminoti sold his business a century, since he worked there as a young in 1968, to Johnny’s brother Greg (since butcher: “I’ve always been a North Melbourne passed away). In 1972 the business moved to boy but I’ve never lived here.” 293 Victoria Street and became Café Milano, On 21 October, a few of the former regulars then in 1979 moved back to the original shop before being sold to Italians who started La had regained access to the cafe to once more Rustica Restaurant. play a few quiet social games of cards. The Johnny’s brothers Greg and Sam continued lights were still off, the espresso machine the strip’s Italian cafe institution and opened without steam. the One Star Café at 301 in 1981, named after Despite occasional visits by small groups a champion greyhound that Greg owned. of card players, by 4 November the business In 1985, the ever helpful and wise Tony had still not returned. Only one thing remains Vitale bought the business and kept it until certain: that a significant contribution to the September 2010 when it again changed hands. The new owner, Joe G, was also a great community by these Italians will never be neighbour but business declined with troubled forgotten by those fortunate enough to befriend economic times. them. Johnny was most reluctant to talk at all Bravo compari! about the closure, obviously still feeling the pain, but eventually spoke. “It’s a shame, after Brett Quine is the joint owner-operator all these years…it looks like a morgue around of Jawa Bar, along with News distributor here now.” Carolyn Fyfe. He is also the co-author and Dino Iulianella, 71, founder of Dino’s Meats: “We are all lost now, we don’t know what to principal writer of Kill the Morans, a best- do.” Ricardo Ali, 80, retired taxi driver: “The selling true crime book despite an ongoing boys are not a bit lost, they are lost.” legal ban on its sale in Victoria since its The Eggman making his rounds Photo: Brett Quine Joe Cultrera, 68, of Essendon, has been a release in November last year.
COMMUNITY 3 • THE CENTRE 9, 13 • HISTORY 13 • SPORT & HEALTH 14 • POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT 15 • TRAVEL & FOOD 16 • YOUTH & EDUCATION 18 • ARTS 19 2 NOTICEBOARD North and West Melbourne News DECEMBER 2013
Please deliver contributions, letters and feedback to: Christmas Services in North and West Melbourne News North and West Melbourne 58 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 Email: [email protected] St Alban’s, Anglican Telephone: 9328 1126 55 Melrose Street, North Melbourne Sunday 22 December 5.00pm Eucharist The North and West Melbourne News Copy deadline for March 2014 edition: Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) 10.00am Eucharist is a quarterly publication produced by Wednesday 12 February Sunday 29 December 10.00am Eucharist volunteers from North and West Melbourne Sunday 5 January 10.00am Eucharist and the inner city. It is now in its 35th year Advertisers: Wednesday 5 February Sunday 12 January reverts to normal 5.00pm Eucharist of production. Readers’ contributions are Publication date: Thursday 13 March welcomed. Where relevant the News may St James’ Old Cathedral, Anglican seek alternative opinions in the interests Dates for the rest of the year Corner King and Batman streets, West Melbourne (opposite of balance. Contributors’ opinions are their Copy deadline 14 May, publication 12 June Flagstaff Gardens) own, however, and the News takes no Copy deadline 13 August, publication 11 September Sunday 22 December 10.00am Service of Nine Lessons and Carols responsibility for them. We reserve the right Copy deadline 5 November, publication 4 December Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) 11.00pm Holy Communion to edit or omit articles considered unsuitable www.centre.org.au Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) 10.00am Holy or when space is limited. Communion
Finance St Mary Star of the Sea, Catholic The News is a non-profit organisation My thank-you to the volunteers Corner Victoria and Howard streets, West Melbourne working as a program of The Centre. Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) 6.30pm Vigil Mass; Funding is by way of a limited quota of Thank you so much to all of our wonderful team of North and 11.30pm Carols before Solemn Midnight Mass (confessions half advertising, a grant from Melbourne City West Melbourne News delivery volunteers. You do a great job an hour before Mass) Council, sponsorships, subscriptions and and the newspaper would be lost without you. The Centre staff Wednesday 25 December 10.30am Mass of Christmas Day occasional donations. and the other volunteers are very grateful for your efforts. (English); 12.00 noon Lithuanian Mass celebrated by Reverend Robbie Cottrill Juozas Deveikis (confessions 9.45–10.15am) News subscriptions Sunday 29 December (Feast of the Holy Family) 10.30am If you would like to receive the North and Laurence Angwin Michael Halls Helen Michell Mass (English); 12.00 noon Mass (Lithuanian) (confessions West Melbourne News by mail, the rate Verena Augusti Graeme Harper Nancy Nankervis 9.45–10.30am) is $10 for four copies sent anywhere Greg Bellamy Heather Harper Kaye Oddie Wednesday 1 January (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God) in Australia or pro rata for part of the Ann Brady Denys Harraway Kay Oke 12.30pm Mass (confessions 12.00–12.25pm & 1.00–1.30pm) calendar year. The News is distributed free Jim Brady Nancye Hawkins Rob Oke Sunday 5 January (Solemnity of the Epiphany) 10.30am Mass throughout North and West Melbourne. Nick Capriolo Michael Hearn Robyn Phelan (English), 12.00 noon (Lithuanian) (confessions 9.45–10.30am) Further copies are available from The Margaret Carlton Sally Hearn Eiko Sakaguchi Centre and the North Melbourne Library. Bill Cook Jan Lacey Madeleine Scully St Mary’s, Anglican Jenny Cook Helen Lew Ton Jocelyn Sellers Corner Queensberry and Howard streets, North Melbourne Advertisement sizes and rates Brendan Ferrari Pat Lightfoot Rosalynd Smith Sunday 15 December 7.00pm Carol Service 60 mm W x 92 mm H $50 plus GST Carolyn Fyfe Miriam McAffrie Gabby Stannus Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) 6.00pm Kidsʼ Christmas; 124 mm W x 92 mm H $100 plus GST Alba Gatto Kathleen Bethia Stevenson 11.30pm Midnight Mass 188 mm W x 92 mm H $150 plus GST Janet Graham McPherson Rosemary Tonkin Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) 9.00am Sung Eucharist 252 mm W x 92 mm H $200 plus GST Chris Gregoriou Richard Marchant A charge of 25 per cent may be added for St Michael’s, Catholic advertisements that require designing. 456 Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne Please note: Advertising rates are subject Would you like to be our new Tuesday 17 December 9.30am & 7.00pm Advent Reconciliation to review. For more information phone 9329 Distribution Coordinator? Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) 6.00pm Christmas Vigil 1627 or email [email protected]. Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) 10.15am Mass Community announcements are published Four times a year, on a Thursday, the News is delivered to The free of charge. Centre. Here, the Distribution Coordinator sorts the papers into Saints Peter and Paul, Ukrainian Catholic appropriately sized bundles for team members to deliver to 35 Canning Street, North Melbourne (corner Canning and Volunteers letterboxes in their designated areas. Dryburgh streets) The News welcomes new volunteers. If you The Distribution Coordinator must have access to a vehicle Information unavailable at time of going to press. Please phone have skills in writing, drawing, photography, in which to deliver the bundles of newspapers to distributorsʼ 9320 2566 for details. archiving, subediting and proofreading, doorsteps. Some deliverers collect their pile from The Centre. computer technology or design and layout, There is also a little paperwork to do and notices to be sent The Eighth Day (a Baptist Community) please consider joining the team. We out, usually by email, reminding the team of delivery dates. 4 Miller Street, West Melbourne currently have several vacancies — please Please apply by dropping into The Centre, 58 Errol Street, Sunday 22 December 5.30pm Christmas Service ʻCelebrating a see notices at right and on page 4. North Melbourne, or by telephoning 9328 1126 Year of Graceʼ
Editor: Raphaelle Race Uniting Church, Mark the Evangelist Production Coordinator: Position vacant 51 Curzon Street, North Melbourne Advertising Coordinator: Janet Graham News from North Melbourne Library The congregation meets in the church hall, 4 Elm Street Section Editors: The library will be reopening in early January. Sunday 22 December 10.00am Service of Advent carols and Arts & Entertainment: Jennifer Choat Christmas Storytime is on Wednesday 18 December — but readings Community: Jennifer Waters please check the venue. Donʼt forget to book and bring your best Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) 9.30am Worship History: Michael Roche singing voice to meet Fairy Caitlin! Noticeboard: Janet Graham Please also check the venue for the last Book Group meeting Politics & Environment: Jennifer Waters of the year on 18 December, when Helen Garnerʼs Monkey Grip Sport & Health: Position vacant is the topic. The first few titles for Book Group in 2014 are: Travel & Food: Kashka Lantis 15 January The Unlikely Pilgrimage Rachel Joyce Christmas tidings Youth & Education: Position vacant of Harold Fry Come and enjoy Christmas carols performed 19 February The Engagement Chloe Hooper by Errolʼs Angels in Errol Street this month. Production team: Jennifer Choat, Janet 19 March Night Games Anna Krien This small choir of 20 male and female Graham, Rene Heeps, Ava Macmaster 16 April Cairo Chris Womersley voices, who performed recently on the and Raphaelle Race. Peter Alsen provided North Melbourne Library, 66 Errol Street, North Melbourne Buskersʼ Stage at the Spring Fling, will be professional assistance with layout. Tel: 9658 9700 roving Errol Street and surrounding areas from 7.00pm until 9.00pm on Thursday 12 December, starting at The Centre. Supported by the City of Melbourne They have a beautiful Christmas repertoire, which includes traditional carols from around the world and from many different The Hotham History Project eras. Bring along the family and join in the carols you know. invites you to the launch of our latest publication, New members are always welcome. The choir meets on Moving Around: Stories of a North Melbourne Family Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm during school terms 1902–64, by Rae Nicholls and Lorna Hannan, at at the Maternal & Child Health Centre, 505 Abbotsford Street, Printed by Express Print 2.00pm on Saturday 14 December at St Michael’s North Melbourne. 5 Jones Road, Morwell 3844 Hall, 8 Brougham Street, North Melbourne. For further information visit Circulation 6000 RSVP: [email protected] www.errolsangels.com or call Kath on 0408 564 213 DECEMBER 2013 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 3 Hoarding is more horror than humour
Liz Walker in fact they claim they only used modified, ditions including open sores, tumours, tooth sibly because there is a general lack of aware- cat-specific milk in filming, even though the abscesses and eye infections, and behavioural ness of appropriate long-term interventions. ad suggests otherwise. problems resulting from severe psychological However, there are a number of things we, hat types of mental illness are you I’ve been told to lighten up but the most distress. as a community, can do. comfortable laughing about? De- disturbing aspect of this advert is its haunting We still don’t understand why people be- The first thing is to tell someone, if you Wpression? Schizophrenia? Hoard- portrayal of animal hoarding. come animal hoarders. It used to be considered suspect you know an animal hoarder. Help is ing? I’ve been asking myself and others this Although in general hoarding knows no age, a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but available through veterinarians, animal welfare question since seeing the latest Devondale gender or socioeconomic boundaries, current more recent research suggests the cause may agencies and government agencies. As Aus- Milk TV ad. data supports the stereotype of an animal be an attachment disorder in conjunction with tralians we are hesitant to ‘dob’, especially if It starts with an older woman sitting on a hoarder as the single, older woman, living personality disorders, paranoia, delusional we think the person might lose their pets, but couch surrounded by cats. She calls her cats alone and socioeconomically disadvantaged. thinking, depression and other mental illnesses. turning a blind eye is an act of cruelty to both and starts feeding them from her bottle of While these eccentric elderly cat ladies have Often animal hoarders have been abused as the hoarder and the animals. milk. She sticks her fingers in the bottle and generally been perceived in popular culture as children, or have begun collecting after a trau- Without intervention, the situation will lets the cats lick the milk off them, lets the cats humorous and harmless stereotypes, the reality matic event or loss, and are trying to create an only worsen. With help, the problem may be drink straight from the bottle, and drinks from is less benign. unconditional, stable relationship in their life. resolved and the hoarder may be able to be the bottle herself. The doorbell rings and it’s a Hoarding is a pathology, not a lifestyle Others see themselves as ‘rescuers’ who supported in a healthier relationship with few- young man standing with an empty milk jug. choice. My staff and I deal daily with the con- save animals but are blind to the fact that they er pets. A subtitle “Never run out of milk” appears on sequences of mental illness, irresponsible pet are neglecting and inflicting extreme suffering The second thing we can do is to support the screen. ownership and poor animal husbandry and we on the unfortunate creatures. responsible pet ownership and educate others This advertisement disturbs me on a number can’t see any justification for using these seri- There’s nothing simple (or funny) about about the misery involved in hoarding. of levels. Drinking from the same container as ous, often tragic, issues as the butt of humour. animal hoarding. It’s a community problem And the third thing we can do is to treat the cats (or any other species) is in principle poor Hoarders are often animal abusers (through encompassing animal cruelty, mental health issue seriously and not as fodder for laughs. hygiene and poses the risk of zoonotic diseases intent or ignorance) and to be kept by a hoard- and public safety. Apart from the emotional for humans. I get that this is part of the quirk- er can mean a slow death for the animal. Actu- and physical cost, it’s a financial burden on iness of the commercial, but it is in poor taste ally, it can be a fate worse than death as their councils and can bankrupt genuine rescue and could encourage people who are unaware misery can go on for years. A single hoarder organisations which are suddenly inundated of the risks to follow suit. may have hundreds of dog or cat victims with dozens or hundreds of animals needing Moreover, feeding cows’ milk to cats is not which invariably show signs of abuse, such as high-level care. Dr Liz Walker, BVSc(Hons), MMgt, is the chief recommended. The advertisers know this — severe malnutrition, untreated medical con- Recidivism runs at about 100 per cent, pos- executive officer of Lort Smith Animal Hospital Keep your pets safe this festive season
Andrew Kapsis Christmas tree is securely anchored so it and turning on the TV can’t be knocked over by boisterous dogs or or radio to provide some adventurous climbing cats. Decorate with your calming white noise. s the festive season approaches we pets in mind. Glass or metal balls can fall and Make sure your pet is like to celebrate with friends and break, small ornaments can be swallowed and microchipped, so that, Afamily, but there are some things tinsel seems to be irresistible to cats but can if he or she does escape, we shouldn’t share with our furry family cause serious intestinal problems if ingested. you will be reunited more members. Assess decorations with the same eye you quickly. would apply when checking the safety of toys Most of all, remember Hide the sausages! for children under two — if there are bits that that the festive season Aussie summers lend themselves to barbecues can be chewed off and swallowed, keep them should be a time of out of reach. happiness and relaxation, and relaxed dining, but you aren’t doing your so take the time to enjoy dogs any favours by giving them the leftover Plan an escape route the company of loved snags. At Lort Smith Animal Hospital we are If your dog or cat is used to a quiet home, the ones, furry and otherwise. seeing an increasing number of dogs with sudden influx of guests can be disturbing. Take health problems such as pancreatitis and your dog for a nice long walk before people obesity, so avoid giving your dog fatty meats arrive, and make sure there is a safe retreat for (which they can’t digest properly) and keep both dogs and cats where they can escape from cooked bones well away from dogs. noise, curious little hands and other sources of Other foods that are harmful to dogs include stress. grapes, nuts, chips, lollies and of course chocolate. When things go bang Dr Andrew Kapsis is head Fireworks can be frightening for pets. If you veterinarian, inpatient Trimming the tree are leaving your dog at home on New Year’s services, at Lort Smith The first thing to do is make sure your Eve, you might consider shutting the windows Animal Hospital Andrew Kapsis and Ben Photo: Debra Mayrhofer
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MLA, we now know that asbestos testing Politics and Environment. wasn’t performed along the Railway Place Food and Travel section editor Kashka tracks until six months after works in this Lantis has already excited us with mouth- LETTER TO THE EDITOR area had commenced. watering food articles, as well as some easy The RRLA staff in question even pro- NWMN Editorial and fun day-trip ideas for folk looking to duced and circulated an unofficial docu- explore a bit more of Melbourne. ment purporting to be the test results, con- We all know that North and West Raphaelle Race veniently forgetting to mention the dates Melbourne have a wealth of artistic of the testing — now for obvious reasons. businesses, venues and events. Jennifer West Melbourne residents have recently discovered that Regional Rail Link senior These employees, who were so un- Choat, who assumed responsibility for Arts concerned about our health and safety, and Entertainment before the September communications and environmental staff (John Holland Group employees) misled are managing the upcoming works along edition, is a wonderful artist herself, as you Railway Place. The entire track founda- us about asbestos testing performed along “In life, the one constant we have is change,” can see from her illustration for Militza’s tions will be dug up and replaced, disrupt- wrote Maurice Gaul, the previous editor story. tracks running just two metres from Rail- ing 50 years of contaminants. RRLA tell of the North and West Melbourne News, in Yvette Vigor, our new Sport and Health way Place. us all will be okay, but, having been re- the March edition. True to form, we have writer, has provided some great articles for RRLA informed residents in April 2013 peatedly misinformed about safety issues, another round of changes here at the News. us to read and some fascinating exercises to that testing for the presence of asbes- our trust in RRLA is at an all-time low. Such is the nature of community check out over the summer months. tos was performed four months before All facts are now with Jennifer Kanis, productions, people donate what time and Lastly, I introduce myself as the new ground-disturbing works commenced in who has supported us throughout. skills they have to spare, and it is fantastic editor of the News, where I’ll be writing March 2013. Via a Freedom of Informa- the occasional article too. It was great to that so many talented and positive people tion request facilitated by Jennifer Kanis John Marriot (West Melbourne) meet so many locals at the Spring Fling have been able to come together and produce and hopefully I’ll see the rest of you around such a quality paper. town! I’m so glad to be working with Maurice has now moved on and, everyone here at our local paper and also to while Janet Graham kindly stepped in to have met the wonderful folk who publish us produce last quarter’s issue — no small at The Centre. feat considering she has a number of other There are still a number of positions community positions — she has decided currently open at the News for writers to concentrate on her role of NWMN and editors of all ages and walks of life. advertising coordinator. Everyone has at least one fascinating We have five recent additions to the team, article in them, so if you’re interested in all of whom have made a spectacular effort writing about the North or West Melbourne to put this issue together in the flurry of communities, please contact us with your comings and goings and short time-frames. thoughts or let us know about the latest Our new History section editor, Michael news. Roche, has been with the News for some We also take this opportunity to say time now and has contributed a number of goodbye to Youth and Education columnist great articles. Militza Banach-Wightman, who is finishing In a champion effort, Jennifer Waters has up this year as a contributing year 12 student. A Regional Rail Link employee removing asbestos from Railway Place tracks on Good Friday taken on two mantles — Community and We wish her all the best next year! Photo: Fair Go For West Melbourne
We invited Jennifer Kanis MLA and Adam Bandt MHR to comment on the issues raised in this letter. Their responses appear on page 15..
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Michael Roche from the back of the shop,” says Jianna. It was a practical business proposition that had family at its core. any residents shared their North On 3 October 1984 Kitchen Capers opened Melbourne stories in the recent on Errol Street. It was a different street back MSpring Fling event Your Story then according to Jianna. Across the road Your Photobooth. One of those residents was was department store Woolworths where the Giovanna Quattrocchi, 61, better known as Commonwealth Bank is today. There was an Jianna. enormous furniture store where the IGA super- The child of Italian immigrants, Jianna has market is now. Where Tapatula is now, there lived, worked and raised children in North used to be a hairdressing salon. Melbourne since 1976 — almost 40 years! At the end of the North Melbourne Library In that year Jianna’s husband leased the was a shop that sold both toys and guns — real Eldorado Hotel (now the Leveson Hotel) and guns. Jianna recalls one day seeing jewellery with two young children, Daniel and Emma, retailer Mr McMaster chasing down a thief the family set up home above the pub. “Run- through Errol Street with a gun in his hand. ning the bar, kitchen, it was all very hectic,” “It was a different time then,” she says. recalls Jianna. “I remember giving Emma a Jianna has seen many businesses on Errol bottle and listening out for her at the bottom of Street come and go. The stock market crash the stairs.” of 1987 saw many manufacturing and printing The hectic pace continued into the early businesses in the local area close down. 1980s as Jianna’s husband took on the lease While Kitchen Capers survived the reces- of the Town Hall Hotel in the same year third sion of the early 1990s, Jianna has noticed child Simone was born. The family lived a more cautious consumer since the global above this pub too. But it all came to an abrupt financial crisis. end when Jianna and her husband split up. “Everyone seems careful about their money, Jianna had to think about what to do next. careful about what they will buy, it is a trend,” How would she provide for her three young says Jianna. Another trend in consumer be- children? And where would they all live? She haviour is due to the internet. Jianna at her shop Kitchen Capers which will reach its 30 year anniversary next year decided to stay in North Melbourne. “I knew “People now come in and take photographs Photo: Michael Roche the area and I knew it needed a gift shop,” she of stock to compare our prices with those on says. the internet,” says Jianna, rather disconcert- new apartments and starting families. some of her customers grow from children into Although Jianna’s experience was in hospi- ingly. Jianna observes these families are staying in adults. Her long-term contribution to the econ- tality and food, she knew running a gift shop Many of Jianna’s customers are people who the area and might experience some problems omy and community of North Melbourne was would enable her to earn an income and look work in the local area. These days she stocks finding schools later on, given the number of recently acknowledged by the Lord Mayor of after her children at the same time. more giftware and items for children, due to closures over the last two decades. Melbourne, Robert Doyle, an acknowledgment “I knew the children could be looked after the influx of young professionals moving into Jianna has been around long enough to see well deserved. Dogs may tame troubled teens
Liz Walker Studies have shown that teenagers with dog’s needs, such as when it needs to be dogs are more likely to be physically active walked, fed, groomed, or shown affection. and are less likely to be overweight or obese. The interaction can also develop their here is a lot of public discussion about Interaction with canine companions has also sensitivity to non-verbal cues, which enhances the benefits to be had for both young been used successfully as a mood-boosting communication in humans. Tchildren and the elderly by living therapy for teenagers in residential care in the Caring for a pet can also help young people with pets, but we shouldn’t forget about the US. accept the cycles of life. The declining health advantages for older children. Nothing conveys unconditional, non- or accidental death of a pet is often the Teenagers often feel misunderstood, unloved judgmental love to a teenager like a dog. first time kids face the reality of mortality. or badly done by as they struggle to make They are loyal and affectionate and this can Learning that they will survive the grieving be especially valuable for teenagers who are process, and that love is not lost if memories sense of a world where they are neither child feeling socially isolated or at loggerheads with remain, can help to build resilience for any nor adult. They are trapped between being parents. future experience of death. responsible for their decisions and having to ask Caring for a pet also builds empathy, for permission to do the things they want to do. compassion and loyalty at an age when However pets in general and dogs in the tendency for introspection can be particular, provide a very positive interaction overwhelming. Although teenagers are usually for teenagers, giving them love and emotional receivers of care, having a dog puts them in support as well as teaching responsibility and the position of the caregiver and they learn Dr Liz Walker, BVSc(Hons), MMgt, is the chief empathy. to anticipate, recognise, and respond to their executive officer of Lort Smith Animal Hospital Photo: Debra Mayrhoffer 6 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News DECEMBER 2013
be applied in the City of Melbourne. defines where you vote, and the swings and 5. The preferred option should be attendance roundabouts determine who forms government. voting, accompanied by optional postal At local government level the importance voting. of residency is diminished, especially in the 6. The ‘deeming’ provisions of the City of City of Melbourne where residents constitute Melbourne Act 2001 should be removed. only 40 per cent of the vote, and the eligibility 7. Ballot verification must be ensured — and definition is not consistent with that for federal North and West verification processes should ensure that and state elections or other local government homeless people are included on the roll elections in Victoria. (and on the State Electoral Roll). As described in the submission, we believe Melbourne 8. Optional and partial preferential voting that an important role of every council is to should be introduced to CoM elections. develop, strengthen and sustain the diverse 9. Above-the-line voting should be removed. communities within their sphere of activity. Association 10. The electoral arrangements for the Lord Councillors and staff must remain cognisant Mayor and Deputy should be reviewed of the unique character, identity and needs (if direct election is preferred, we would of their communities, regardless of whether the current Council of the City of Melbourne Spring Fling suggest this be based on the councillor the issue being considered relates to planning Congratulations to all involved in organising and the impact of these on the performance candidates who receive the most votes). frameworks, development proposals, transport the excellent Spring Fling on Sunday 20 of the council. Our reform agenda to address 11. A system should be established that makes or parks and open space. October. The event was an outstanding these matters encompasses many aspects of councillors more accountable, in the The full submission is available on the success. the electoral arrangements. We encouraged manner of the former council wards. This Association’s website. the review panel to develop a strategy to will require careful consideration within The North and West Melbourne Associa- East-West Link re-balance these issues, in order to improve current legislative constraints. tion’s website is at www.nwma.org.au/. The North and West Melbourne Association council operations and the way in which the Community disillusion with the state of stall at the Spring Fling was kept busy council relates to its community. politics is profound. At local government Monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm on the with concerned residents and others asking The North and West Melbourne Association level, this is accentuated by the mixed nature third Tuesday of the month at the Bastow Insti- questions about the East-West Link (EWL). was formed in the 1960s and has worked of the voting franchise. At state and federal tute, 601 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne We handed out scores of flyers explaining why through many changes in both the electoral levels voters are all residents: your residency (enter off Union Street). the NWMA is opposed to the East-West Link. arrangements for the City of Melbourne Briefly, some of our reasons are: Council and the relationship between the 1. The tolled road and tunnel will not solve council and our local community. the inner city’s transport problems. It will The 1960s, 1970s and 1980s were just shift traffic congestion from Hoddle characterised by local representation on Street to North and West Melbourne and council and collaboration between community Kensington. and council on key issues including planning. 2. After spending $8 billion-plus on the EWL The implementation of a mixed system of the government will have no funds left for citywide councillors and ward councillors essential public transport projects, such as rail in the 1990s, then in 2000 the abolition of to Doncaster and Tullamarine Airport and the wards and the introduction of direct election Melbourne Metro underground rail, which of the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor, have the potential to move many thousands have fundamentally changed the relationship more people every day than a new road. between the council and our community. 3. The cut-and-cover tunnel (if it is covered) We have lost an important connection and flyovers at the entry/exit in Royal Park between council and local people and West will destroy a large area of our major organisations. The distinctive character and park, including the Trin Warren Tam-boore identity of each of the City of Melbourne’s wetlands, Ross Straw sports fields and the local communities has become lost in the City of Melbourne’s underground water debate. As a consequence the quality of storage tanks. Moonee Ponds Creek will be council debate on local issues, and indeed The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre performs at Spring Fling Photo: Jim Weatherill irreparably damaged. the processes and structures to encourage 4. Dwellings and businesses will be and properly consider a range of views and compulsorily acquired or rendered positions, have suffered. unlivable in Clifton Hill, Collingwood, The Association position is as follows: West Parkville, North Melbourne, 1. The Victorian Electoral Commission Kensington and Ascot Vale. Construction should be assigned statutory responsibility will take place within metres of Melbourne for conducting and overseeing municipal Zoo and the State Netball and Hockey elections in the City of Melbourne. Centre and may wipe out the Urban Camp 2. We support the banning of both direct entirely. and indirect campaign contributions by More information about the EWL is available corporate entities and the capping of both on the Association’s website, including the flyer. direct and indirect campaign contributions by private persons at $500 in any 12-month Local Government Electoral Review period. The Association recently made a submission to 3. Campaign contributions should be publicly the Local Government Electoral Review. disclosed within three days of receipt. In summary, we submitted that our members 4. Voter eligibility requirements should be are frustrated at what they see as shortcomings standard across the state. The requirements in the electoral processes and structures of of the Local Government Act 1989 should A band plays on the Town Hall Hotel balcony at Spring Fling Photo: Jim Weatherill
North & West Melbourne Who are we? We cordially invite you to An active community is a Association Inc. We are a group of people who live or join the Association and: progressive community work in North and West Melbourne, a • share your community concerns Whether you have lived or worked here community that is very much part of the Working together for the future with us for many years or have just moved to inner-city life of Melbourne. of our community • attend meetings North or West Melbourne, one thing What are our aims? • join an interest-based group you probably enjoy is the livable quality • attend our quarterly social functions of the built environment. They include: • expand your community contacts The North & West Melbourne • promoting a sense of community Association has worked for more than in our eclectic, culturally diverse and, if you wish, help us to: 30 years to maintain the amenity and neighbourhood • monitor City of Melbourne Council enhance the wellbeing of residents, • protecting and enhancing the built agendas and minutes workers and visitors. and natural environment of the area • represent the Association on • enabling community contacts. committees and delegations Please contact us if you would like • prepare submissions on strategic to share your skills. You don’t need What do we do? issues to be an expert, just keen to be Email: [email protected] The NWMA represents its members by • monitor planning permit applications involved and be part of the team! Post: PO Box 102 canvassing their views, concerns and • promote sustainable transport and North Melbourne Vic 3051 proposals on issues of community manage traffi c issues interest to local, state and federal • support our internal processes, Supported by the City of Melbourne Web: www.nwma.org.au governments. including website management. Community Services Grants Program DECEMBER 2013 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 7 North Melbourne Rotary revealed!
Raphaelle Race community and rewarding to be part of the vehicle of recognition.” The Phonse Tobin Awards, presented by ave you ever thought about what it Frances and Hugh Tobin of Frances Tobin is that the Rotary Club does? Maybe Funerals, were awarded to three outstanding Hyou haven’t, but, as someone of the Rotary members: younger generation, I certainly have, and Leading Senior Constable Nick Parissis, a quick survey of Melbourne-based young Police Community Consultative Committee, adults has revealed a distinct ignorance of the for his work with young children at risk in our activities undertaken by such an important community; community organisation. Sainab Sheikh, chairperson of the Eid “Rotary is an organisation that works as Festival committee, which is now in its 14th a service club within the local community, year, for her work supporting the Muslim as well as on an international front,” North community, and especially women in our local Melbourne Rotary president Pauline Nunan community; and wrote in a detailed response to my questions. Yaseen Mohamed Musa, for supporting “The North Melbourne Rotary Club in the Muslim community in our area and particular uses its funds to support students in especially for his work with young men and East Timor, an NGO Tibetan village project, a women. Yaseen looks after and manages a micro-finance organisation in Latin America number of soccer teams for both sexes. He is and distribution of water purifiers, also in also working with the North Melbourne and Latin America.” Essendon AFL clubs, looking for future talent In October, the North Melbourne Rotary to play Australian rules at those clubs. Club held their annual Phonse Tobin Awards Rotary also presented a cheque to support night. This event is held in memory of Phonse the River Nile Learning Centre based in Yaseen Mohamed Musa, his award presented by Frances Tobin Tobin, who was a longstanding member of Queensberry Street, to assist their work Photo: Conrad Cunningham the club. His family kindly donate monetary teaching young African women who have awards each year to community members who missed out on basic education. CEO Judie Two of these students, Farah Iyer and student sponsored by Rotary North Melbourne, may not otherwise be recognised for their Bainbridge accepted the cheque on behalf of Jenny Xue, were at the awards dinner. Farah who will be attending the National Youth services. River Nile. Iyer spoke about the team’s experiences in Science Forum in Canberra in January. “It was an honour to be able to provide this Rotary North Melbourne also sponsored the recognition in our local community,” Pauline winners of the recent national debate at the Canberra and Jenny Xue delivered a sample of Anyone interested in joining Rotary North wrote. “It is humbling to learn about the Model United Nations Assembly, conducted their debating, in which they represented Iran. Melbourne can contact George Zindilis on wonderful work that quietly goes on in our by Rotary Australia in Canberra. Also present was Rotar Loren Pugh, another 0418 398 255. Connectivity, relationship and solitude John H. Smith Connectivity. The word suggests Debrett’s are not turning their back the day without regular online checks of relationship, and we are virtually much on technological advance or seeking to what their friends are up to”. more connected with one another than undermine its effectiveness. Their aim is Debrett’s have put their finger on eated in a cafe waiting for my food ever before. But while we are staying to cultivate the relational dimension of something of value: the importance of to come, I noticed a couple at a connected electronically there are life in the connected generation. maintaining a relational balance in life. Snearby table. She sat with mobile signs that deeper dimensions of human Social research amongst employers But just as we have to face the fact of phone in one hand texting. There was a relationships and the skills that go with revealed that workers under 30 had climate change before we can begin to long pause during which her other hand them are not growing as strongly, and excellent academic qualifications and restore the capacity of the environment to remained motionless holding a churro may even be atrophying. had mastered the hectic informality of be life-giving and sustaining, so we have that was no doubt becoming soggy Tracy McVeigh (Guardian Weekly, electronic communications but lacked to recognise that our newfound capacity as it dangled in a cup of rich brown 20/9/2013, page 13) reported that both the social graces to negotiate real- to be always virtually in touch may not chocolate. Her companion sat waiting Debrett’s publishing house is branching time relationships and the awareness of deliver all that comes with being fully patiently for their conversation to begin or out from its long tradition of producing what to expect from having a job and human. recommence. guides for refined social etiquette. working in a team. There are positive benefits in learning Scenes like this are commonplace in It has begun to develop courses to Competition for places at university and to switch off our connectivity and exercise cafes all around the world. Having coffee restore social skills in those who, having in the workplace has become so fierce it those other parts of our being that have with a friend used to be about claiming had their heads buried in computers and has eroded the capacity of these institutions been suffering: our capacity for face-to- space for conversation and relationship mobile phones for so long, “struggle to provide graduates with the well-rounded face relationships, as well as the enriching with someone, or perhaps making space to make eye contact and practise the development that former generations but challenging option of being alone, for being quiet and alone, free from the relational skills a previous generation enjoyed. Employees are “shy and awkward quiet and undisturbed, with uninterrupted relentless intrusions of various forms of would have regarded as normal”. Skills after spending all their time on the internet time to think deep thoughts about other technological connectivity we currently such as saying thank-you or sending an and mobiles … lack the ability to spell or ways in which we connect with each enjoy. apology. write a letter, and are unable to get through other, and with ourselves.
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Megan Cusack which are currently inadequate, and which would experience additional strain should these monstrous developments be imple- orth Melbourne residents, and mented without consultation about current those from neighbouring suburbs, and future requirements. Nhave been united by a shared pas- We already struggle to obtain childcare sion to ensure the integrity of our commu- places, support for older residents and nity since the 2011 announcement of the access to general practitioners, schooling, Woolworths development on the corner open space and recreational facilities, car of Vaughan Terrace, Canning Street and parking and safe roads. Macaulay Road. Over the past year we have battled to Our concern is with the size and scale obtain amendments to the size and scale of the two towers comprising 302 housing of the Woolworths development and en- units, and the impact of the sale of pack- sure that our concerns are considered. We aged liquor from 7.00am to 11.00pm. We may not have achieved our initial objec- want to safeguard our suburb from large- tive, but we remain as strong as ever and scale, inappropriate development and ad- continue to seek the best outcome for our North Melbourne community. dress the failure to increase essential com- RAiD will do this through: munity services such as transport, health, 1. open dialogue with Woolworths to help education, social services and recreational them appreciate the North Melbourne and open space. community, by inviting Woolworths to A gathering of RAiD members earlier this year Photo: source supplied It was through this commitment to our our AGM in 2014, in addition to open community that RAiD@3051 (Residents communication advising of specific is- About Integrated Development) was sues during construction and operation; issues and combining resources to Keep up-to-date by becoming a formed. 2. assessing the implications of devel- address shared concerns where appro- RAiD@3051 member and receiving reg- The true beauty of RAiD is that its opments for the Municipal Strategic priate; and ular emailed updates. You can access the members reflect the diversity of our com- Statement and the Arden–Macaulay 5. a continued relationship with the City RAiD website at www.3051-integrated. munity. Those new to North Melbourne Structure Plan; of Melbourne to work together con- com or follow us on Facebook at www. are working closely with people who have structively on planning and develop- 3. working with the City of Melbourne facebook.com/pages/3051-RAID or Twit- been in the area for over 50 years — each and monitoring their approach to other ment matters. ter @Raid3051. Contact RAiD by email with differing interests, but working to- large-scale developments to ensure the If you are interested in becoming a gether on one cause. best outcome for our unique communi- member of RAiD it costs only $2 a year. at [email protected]. For the younger members of RAiD, ty; Our AGM will be held in February 2014. we were trying to ensure a vision was in 4. liaising with other community action Further information will be available early Megan Cusack is a member of place to plan for services and amenities, groups on a range of development in the new year — all are welcome. RAiD@3051 Mixed Nuts Media
Raphaelle Race people that self-care and that sort of self-help can really help make yourself feel better. “Recently, I was speaking to one of our f you found yourself at this year’s Spring members, and I said to him: ‘Two years ago, Fling Street Festival, you may have if anyone had told you that you would have Inoticed a film crew around Errol Street made a zombie movie, you would never have taking documentary footage of the event and believed them.’” generally having a great time in the sunshine. Mixed Nuts Media’s zombie film, The crew at Mixed Nuts Media (MNM) Medication Time, is a dark comedy about the was filming to document the day, working in outbreak of a zombie infection in a psychiatric conjunction with the Doutta Galla Community institution. The short film premiered at Cinema Health stall at the Spring Fling. The completed Nova in Carlton last year and runs for 10 short film will hopefully be shown on Channel minutes. Medication Time is a great production 31 as well as uploaded to YouTube via their but, this writer warns, also quite gory. You can partners at the Open Channel screen industry view the film on YouTube by typing in the school. keywords “medication time open channel”. “The best thing about working with people More recently, Sue Armstrong and MNM’s at Mixed Nuts Media is that we laugh a lot; mental trainer, Peter Lane, who has 30 years’ there’s a lot of camaraderie amongst the experience in community television, have members,” says Sue Armstrong, who manned begun a new project called People and Artists. the Doutta Galla stall during Spring Fling and They are filming a documentary about the is the current chairperson of MNM. need to re-establish female-only psychiatric Mixed Nuts Media is a relatively new wards. The film is called Inpatient and is being project run hand-in-hand with Doutta Galla. made by an all-female crew. In 2011, Doutta Galla, a group called Penguin Artists and Open Channel, a community screen and film training organisation, worked in partnership to create a Certificate III media course for people with psychiatric disabilities. The course had spectacular results, Sue reminisces: “It was a group of people initially being incredibly shy and nervous about technology changing to being outgoing and competently handling technology that they never thought they could do.” After the course, Sue decided to put together a follow-up program where keen students could continue using their new skills to make This is the only shoe repair shop films and work together on projects: “We set in Melbourne to have received up Mixed Nuts Media, a name which we love, a 5-star rating and we’ve been doing small jobs for Doutta by word of mouth online Galla since then.” Mixed Nuts Media has undertaken a variety two years in a row of scripts over the last two years, focusing thematically on productions that engage with psychiatric disabilities. 64 Errol Street, North Melbourne • Phone: 9329 0715 “We’ve made a make-over show, showing 8 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News DECEMBER 2013 So what’s happening with RAiD?
Megan Cusack which are currently inadequate, and which would experience additional strain should these monstrous developments be imple- orth Melbourne residents, and mented without consultation about current those from neighbouring suburbs, and future requirements. Nhave been united by a shared pas- We already struggle to obtain childcare sion to ensure the integrity of our commu- places, support for older residents and nity since the 2011 announcement of the access to general practitioners, schooling, Woolworths development on the corner open space and recreational facilities, car of Vaughan Terrace, Canning Street and parking and safe roads. Macaulay Road. Over the past year we have battled to Our concern is with the size and scale obtain amendments to the size and scale of the two towers comprising 302 housing of the Woolworths development and en- units, and the impact of the sale of pack- sure that our concerns are considered. We aged liquor from 7.00am to 11.00pm. We may not have achieved our initial objec- want to safeguard our suburb from large- tive, but we remain as strong as ever and scale, inappropriate development and ad- continue to seek the best outcome for our North Melbourne community. dress the failure to increase essential com- RAiD will do this through: munity services such as transport, health, 1. open dialogue with Woolworths to help education, social services and recreational them appreciate the North Melbourne and open space. community, by inviting Woolworths to A gathering of RAiD members earlier this year Photo: source supplied It was through this commitment to our our AGM in 2014, in addition to open community that RAiD@3051 (Residents communication advising of specific is- About Integrated Development) was sues during construction and operation; issues and combining resources to Keep up-to-date by becoming a formed. 2. assessing the implications of devel- address shared concerns where appro- RAiD@3051 member and receiving reg- The true beauty of RAiD is that its opments for the Municipal Strategic priate; and ular emailed updates. You can access the members reflect the diversity of our com- Statement and the Arden–Macaulay 5. a continued relationship with the City RAiD website at www.3051-integrated. munity. Those new to North Melbourne Structure Plan; of Melbourne to work together con- com or follow us on Facebook at www. are working closely with people who have structively on planning and develop- 3. working with the City of Melbourne facebook.com/pages/3051-RAID or Twit- been in the area for over 50 years — each and monitoring their approach to other ment matters. ter @Raid3051. Contact RAiD by email with differing interests, but working to- large-scale developments to ensure the If you are interested in becoming a gether on one cause. best outcome for our unique communi- member of RAiD it costs only $2 a year. at [email protected]. For the younger members of RAiD, ty; Our AGM will be held in February 2014. we were trying to ensure a vision was in 4. liaising with other community action Further information will be available early Megan Cusack is a member of place to plan for services and amenities, groups on a range of development in the new year — all are welcome. RAiD@3051 Mixed Nuts Media
Raphaelle Race people that self-care and that sort of self-help can really help make yourself feel better. “Recently, I was speaking to one of our f you found yourself at this year’s Spring members, and I said to him: ‘Two years ago, Fling Street Festival, you may have if anyone had told you that you would have Inoticed a film crew around Errol Street made a zombie movie, you would never have taking documentary footage of the event and believed them.’” generally having a great time in the sunshine. Mixed Nuts Media’s zombie film, The crew at Mixed Nuts Media (MNM) Medication Time, is a dark comedy about the was filming to document the day, working in outbreak of a zombie infection in a psychiatric conjunction with the Doutta Galla Community institution. The short film premiered at Cinema Health stall at the Spring Fling. The completed Nova in Carlton last year and runs for 10 short film will hopefully be shown on Channel minutes. Medication Time is a great production 31 as well as uploaded to YouTube via their but, this writer warns, also quite gory. You can partners at the Open Channel screen industry view the film on YouTube by typing in the school. keywords “medication time open channel”. “The best thing about working with people More recently, Sue Armstrong and MNM’s at Mixed Nuts Media is that we laugh a lot; mental trainer, Peter Lane, who has 30 years’ there’s a lot of camaraderie amongst the experience in community television, have members,” says Sue Armstrong, who manned begun a new project called People and Artists. the Doutta Galla stall during Spring Fling and They are filming a documentary about the is the current chairperson of MNM. need to re-establish female-only psychiatric Mixed Nuts Media is a relatively new wards. The film is called Inpatient and is being project run hand-in-hand with Doutta Galla. made by an all-female crew. In 2011, Doutta Galla, a group called Penguin Artists and Open Channel, a community screen and film training organisation, worked in partnership to create a Certificate III media course for people with psychiatric disabilities. The course had spectacular results, Sue reminisces: “It was a group of people initially being incredibly shy and nervous about technology changing to being outgoing and competently handling technology that they never thought they could do.” After the course, Sue decided to put together a follow-up program where keen students could continue using their new skills to make This is the only shoe repair shop films and work together on projects: “We set in Melbourne to have received up Mixed Nuts Media, a name which we love, a 5-star rating and we’ve been doing small jobs for Doutta by word of mouth online Galla since then.” Mixed Nuts Media has undertaken a variety two years in a row of scripts over the last two years, focusing thematically on productions that engage with psychiatric disabilities. 64 Errol Street, North Melbourne • Phone: 9329 0715 “We’ve made a make-over show, showing 10 THE CENTRE North and West Melbourne News DECEMBER 2013
Certificate IV in Training and I-Gadgets for the E-Challenged Assessment (TAE40110) Bring your own iPad or iPhone to class to Time: Monday 6pm – 9pm learn what all these apps and downloads Cost: $1500/$350 concession* mean. Dates: 10 February to 28 April Time: Wednesday 6pm – 7.30pm Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne (4 sessions) Cost: $85/$55 concession Upgrade to TAE40110 from old Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne BSZ40198 and TAA40104 One-day workshop HEALTH AND WELLBEING Time: Wednesday 9am – 4pm Cost: $450 Yoga Date: 9 April Time: Monday 6pm – 7.30pm Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Cost: $165/$125 concession Venue: 5 Blackwood St, North Melb Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213) Introduction to Health Studies Time: Wednesday 9.30am – 3.30pm Time: Thursday 7pm – 8.30pm Drop-in Morning Teas Cost: $1225/$250 concession* Cost: $125/$105 concession* The Centre Courses Time: First Tuesday monthly 10.30am – Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne 12pm Term 1, 2014 Cost: $3 per session Introduction to Teachers Aide work Pilates: Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Time: Wednesday 9am – 3.30pm Absolute Beginner www.centre.org.au Cost: $125/$105 concession* Thursday 5.30 – 6.30pm [email protected] Centre Adventures (Bus Trips) Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Beginner Plus Time: Third Tuesday monthly 9.30am – Tel: 9328 1126 Thursday 7.30 – 8.30pm 4pm Introduction to Special Needs: for pre- Office Hours: Intermediate Cost: $33/$23 concession* service educators, teachers, parents, Thursday 6.30 – 7.30pm Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm, Tuesday Meeting Point: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne allied health professionals General Class (Mixed Levels) 10am to 6pm Time: Wednesday 8.30am – 1pm Tuesday 6pm – 7pm Classes follow school term dates Discovery Walks – Art, Architecture and (one session) Thursday 6.30 – 7.30pm History Walking Group NEW Cost: $105 Cost: $185/$135 concession* Time: Wednesday 10am – 11am Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne DOCKLANDS PROGRAM Venue: 5 Blackwood St, North Melb, and Cost: Free 80 Harbour Esp, Docklands Meeting Point: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Thinking outside the box: for pre- Photoshop and your photography service educators, teachers, parents, Time: Wednesday 9am – 12pm Pilates: Summer Program Errol’s Angels Community Choir allied health professionals Four classes in January! Cost: $125 Time: Thursday 7pm – 9pm Time: Wednesday 4pm – 7pm Absolute Beginner Venue: 80 Harbour Esp, Docklands Membership: $140/$90 concession* (one session) Thursday 5.30 – 6.30pm Venue: Maternal & Child Health Centre, Cost: $105 General Class (Mixed Levels) Art, Craft, Create 505 Abbotsford St, North Melbourne Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Tuesday 6pm – 7pm Time: Wednesday 9am – 12pm Thursday 6.30 – 7.30pm Cost: $85/$55 concession* Global Homework Program Introduction to Mental Health NEW Cost: $80/$60 concession* Primary (Grades 4 and 5) Introduces the knowledge and skills Venue: 80 Harbour Esp, Docklands Venue: To be advised Wednesday 3.30 – 5.30pm required by support workers and case Transition (Grade 6) workers who work with people with mental ART AND CRAFT Art Warriors (Preschool – Grade 4) Monday 3.30 – 5.30pm illness. Time: Wednesday 3.45 – 5.15pm Secondary (Grades 7–12) Time: Wednesday 9am – 3.30pm Exploring Calligraphy Cost: $125/$105 concession* Tuesday 4pm – 6pm Cost: $237/$188 concession* Time: Tuesday 7.30 – 9.30pm Venue: 80 Harbour Esp, Docklands Cost: $33/$23 concession* Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne (8 sessions) Venue: North Melbourne Library Cost: $115/$100 concession* Introduction to Special Needs NEW Feldenkrais Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Sociable: problem solving studio and Explores the policy and processes for The aim is a body that is organised social skill development level 1 for accommodating the needs of people with to move with minimum effort and Craft, Create and Communicate children 5–8 disabilities in an inclusive environment. Time: Tuesday 1pm – 3pm maximum efficiency, not through Time: Wednesday 4.15 – 5.15pm Time: Wednesday 9am – 3.30pm Cost: $85/$55 concession* muscular strength but increased (6 sessions) (one session) Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne consciousness of how it works. Cost: $115/$100 concession* Cost: $250 Time: Thursday 6.30 – 7.30pm Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Art Heroes (Primary – Grades 4–6) Cost: $75 Time: Monday 3.45 – 5.15pm Food Handling Venue: 80 Harbour Esp, Docklands Curious Club: problem solving studio Cost: $125/$105 concession* and social skill development level 2 for Time: Monday 9am – 4pm Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne children 9–14 Cost: $125/$105 concession* Time: Wednesday 5.30 – 6.30pm Date: 20 January Art Warriors (Preschool – Grade 4) (6 sessions) Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Time: Monday 3.45 – 5.15pm Cost: $115/$100 concession* Tuesday 3.45 – 5.15pm Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne COMPUTER CLASSES Cost: $125/$105 concession* Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne PLIESEing Drama: arts inspired Computer: First Steps workshop for children 4–5 Introduction to basic computer skills. Class ACCREDITIED PROGRAMS Time: Thursday 5.30 – 6.30pm includes: Email, Word Processing and (6 sessions) Internet. Certificate II in General Education for Cost: $115/$100 concession* Time: Friday 9am – 11am Adults Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Cost: $115/$85 concession* Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne (Desktop Publishing) EMPLOYABILITY & SKILLS Certificate II in Information, Digital Media DEVELOPMENT Computer: One Step Further and Technology Improve your skills to make the best use Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance Project Management for Beginners of your computer. This class will take you Certificate IV in Project Management Addresses the management of projects: one step closer to understanding and Practice includes developing, administering, managing your computer. Time: Monday 9.30am – 4pm monitoring, finalising and reviewing the Time: Friday 11am – 1pm Cost: Various prices and concessions* Cost: $115/$85 concession* project. Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Time: Wednesday 9am – 3.30pm Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Cost: $184/$100 concession* Computer: INTEL Easy Steps NEW Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne *subject to conditions Docklands Hub: Improve your skills in using Microsoft 80 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands (near Job Readiness Program Office and other services online. the corner of Bourke Street and Harbour The Workout Program (job readiness) Time: Wednesday 1pm – 3pm Esplanade — look for the giant rabbit provides skills in résumé and letter writing Cost: $115/$85 concession sculpture). Melway reference: 2E H7 and preparation for job interviews. A Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne computer component covers creating and Photoshop and your photography editing job search documents, and using Gain new skills in taking, editing and COMMUNITY PROGRAMS email and the internet for job seeking. uploading photographs using Photoshop Time: Thursday 9.30am – 3pm ® Elements. The Centre’s Volunteer Program Cost: $125/$100 concession* Time: Tuesday 10am – 12pm We have a wide range of opportunities for Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Cost: $125/$55 concession everyone, for example: Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne • Spring Fling 19 October 2014 Certificate IV in Frontline Management • Writing and editing NWM News (BSB40812)/Diploma of Management International Computer Drivers Licence • Tutoring (BSB51107) (ICDL) • Business administration Time: Wednesday 6pm – 9pm Time: Wednesday 1pm – 3pm Time: Must enter into a regular commitment. Cost: $1220/$350 concession* Cost: $125/$105 concession Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Venue: Online DECEMBER 2013 North and West Melbourne News SPRING FLING 11 Over 15,000 people enjoy Spring Fling
producer, worked with local traders, community agencies and schools, local artists and performers and a team of volunteers to make Spring Fling happen again this year and we are so grateful for their continued support. On festival day, The Centre ran a hanging-basket workshop which was a huge success and so Lisa Tran popular that the pots had run out by 1.00pm. The Centre delivers a range of educational and creative programs throughout the year. More Sunday 20 October marked the 36th year of information about these classes is available in the Spring Fling Street Festival, our city’s these pages and at www.centre.org.au. annual celebration of everything North and Spring Fling would like to thank our West Melbourne. premier sponsors and community partners: The This year the festival took on the theme Centre, City of Melbourne and Citywide; our of ‘urban village’, showcasing the cultural major sponsors: City West Water, Alexkarbon richness, diversity and creativity of the North Real Estate, Queen Victoria Market, GoGet and West Melbourne community through a CarShare, North Melbourne Football Club, series of fun-filled activities, workshops and North Melbourne Market, Rotary North performances. Melbourne, Take Off Skin & Body and Miami Between 15,000 and 20,000 people joined Hotel; and our Festival Friends: Mackayla us on Errol Street this year and wandered Kafe, Hot Poppy, NuYu Fitness, Tapachula, through the wonderland of stalls, trees, Toast Cafe, North Melbourne Shoe and Bag markets, music and dance. Repairs, Errol’s Cafe, Agraba, Nardella Real The Vanessa Bus provided a great view Estate, Bakers Delight North Melbourne, The of the festival from its balcony, more than Comic’s Lounge, Illuminati Hair & Beauty, 30 kids in brightly coloured aprons and chef Kenny & The Sunshine Girls, El Sabor, Wayne hats whipped up healthy snacks in the Queen Lynch Designs, Commonwealth Bank North Victoria Market Healthy Sandwich Making Melbourne, W.B. Simpson & Son, Lanier, Port Competition, and the North Melbourne Town Melbourne Bunnings, Hocking Stuart North The clock is ticking for participants in the Queen Victoria Market Kids’ Healthy Sandwich Hall bell tower tours booked out quickly. Melbourne and the Australian Government Making Competition Photo: Jim Weatherill The Ruby Ropar Gallery gave us a rare Department of Sustainability, Environment, glimpse of their artist studios and the Court Water, Population and Communities. House Hotel Dog Show on the Alexkarbon A special thank-you goes to our dedicated Community Stage was a big hit. There was so volunteers for their assistance with the Spring much to see and do at the festival. Fling Festival. We had over 100 volunteers Your Story Your Photobooth had a very helping with the festival this year! successful day capturing stories and funny Spring Fling Street Festival 2014 will take photos of festival attendees. Running the place on 19 October, so make sure you pencil Permacouture workshop in Raglan Street it in your diaries. In the meantime, keep outside DiBella, Srebrenka was a head- up to date with everything Spring Fling on turner in her dress made from coffee bags, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: while the mascots from Bakers Delight and North Melbourne Football Club had some www.facebook.com/springflingfestival12 knockabout fun in the boxing ring. To accompany these wonderful activities was a stellar entertainment program of performances by local bands and musicians across four stages, showcasing the best in funk, jazz, folk and world-music genres. www.twitter.com/springflingmelb Visitors mingled in the Spring-Up Urban Forest created by Citywide and listened to the sounds of Royal Park in the ‘pod’ designed by local architects Büro. Life-sized chess sets and Jenga quickly became family favourites. Victoria Police had a very successful day, www.instagram.com/springflingfestival too, engraving over 20 bicycles, while the Rotary Bling Your Bicycle workshop saw over 100 participants create gorgeous, bright baskets for their bicycles and scooters. The Centre, the festival’s main sponsor and NMFC Photo: Jim Weatherill
/ PRODUCED BY / PUBLIC PARTNER / MAJOR SPONSOR
/ SPONSORS 12 SPRING FLING North and West Melbourne News DECEMBER 2013 Festival highlights Your Story
Rotary Bling Your Bicycle Over 100 festival-goers went through the Your Photobooth Rotary Bling Your Bicycle workshop, making beautiful decorated baskets for their bicycles and scooters. It was wonderful to see people — unique tales of North and West Melbourne of all ages create different and interesting baskets. individuals and groups — that meant up to 250 people. A diverse assortment of stories were gathered on the day, from long-term residents of the area, first-time visitors and everyone in between. Volunteers at the booth asked visitors about their connections with North and West Melbourne, to describe what they like about the area and to recount some special memories. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped us capture a moment in our history. Your Story Your Photobooth templates on We would like to acknowledge the display at the festival Australian Government Department of Photo: Martina McDonald Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities for their support of this Another Spring Fling Festival highlight this project. year was Your Story Your Photobooth. This Below are some of the great stories captured Bling your bicycle Photo: Hannah Ryan Best Look-alike Photo: Tasha Strachan project collected around 160 accounts from on the day.
Citywide Spring-Up Urban Forest Court House Hotel Dog Show Citywide brought Royal Park to North Once again at the Spring Fling Festival, man’s Melbourne for the day. Humble skip bins were best friends took to the stage in front of a huge transformed into an eye-catching urban forest, crowd to make their owners proud. Over 30 Our story ... complete with indigenous plants, in the King dogs entered the Dog Show in six categories: and Victoria Street Reserve. Festival attendees Most Obedient, Best Costume, Waggiest Tail, walked through the Urban Forest, set up picnic Most Adorable (kids’ category), Best Trick and blankets and enjoyed the sight of beautiful Best Look-alike. Crowd favourites included Name: Simon, Pia, Esben (and bump) native trees and plants. a dog dressed as Yoda from Star Wars and an Age: 33, 33 and 3 owner closely resembling her Dalmatian. My connection to North and West Melbourne is … Simon and Pia came over from Denmark four years ago. They stayed in the North Melbourne YHA and really liked the area. My favourite things about this place … Simon and Pia love the parks and Esben loves the parks and the outdoor pool. They are members of the zoo and the museum and regulars at the Queen Victoria Market. They find people in the area have similar values and opinions to them. The mothers’ group here is great, they see their neighbours quite a lot, people are open and talkative. There is a real ‘village’ feel. Spring-Up Urban Forest Photo: Anya Trybala A favourite memory of my time here … One day Simon and Pia were walking along Errol Street and a lady was pushing a special Danish brand of bike down the road. They Down Memory Lane asked her about it and got chatting and she invited them in for coffee. They are still friends and just went to her wedding. warmth of a spring twilight. People were Frances McMillan eagerly recounting their personal histories and memories of the way things were done in the past. They shared the skills they had and wrote n 29 October, The Centre put on an many lovely stories — some on postcards, event named Down Memory Lane. This Our story ... some on lunch bags and some on doilies. The ran as part of Melbourne Knowledge O writings were then displayed in The Centre’s Week, a City of Melbourne initiative designed window. to highlight and share the wealth of knowledge We all know more than we realise. and expertise across the city. Name: Peter Stewart The Centre decided to focus on the personal Age: 47 knowledge and skills to be found among our My connection to North and West local diverse community members and find a Melbourne is … creative way to share them. Peter is a fifth-generation North Melburnian. Community members of all ages were His mother still lives in North Melbourne, in invited to take a stroll down George Johnson their house that was built in 1887. Lane, where a number of little ‘tableaus’ had My favourite things about this place … been set up with memorabilia, photos, books, His family owned the Town Hall Hotel (on toys, smells and sounds to evoke the past Errol Street). Prior to World War 1 they sold and trigger special memories. Participants it. His grandparents on both sides were part of could then share these in lively conversations North Melbourne becoming an AFL team in and personal writings around the kitchen 1925. table while sipping tea and eating good old- In the 1960s his grandparents became fashioned biscuits. foundation members of the North Melbourne Everyone could interact with the artefacts. … There was an old laundry, a migrant’s suitcase, A favourite memory of my time here … the kitchen table, a fashion stall, a toy table The Memory Lane laundry stall Went to St Michael’s Primary School and and a bedtime story place. Computers (yes, Photo: Frances McMillan University High. a very modern accessory) were used to show Playing footy in the streets as a kid. iconic movies, play music, show a film roll of That you always see someone you know. old photos and tell children’s stories. Frances McMillan is coordinator of the It was a delightful experience in the Foundation Skills Program at The Centre DECEMBER 2013 North and West Melbourne News THE CENTRE 13 Stories from the Global Homework Program
Patricia Harwood One day, to keep us occupied and out of “Trouble is lots o’ people get hurt I remember seeing glow-worms glow like little mischief, Mum decided to teach us how to knit Get in the way of the fighting fairies at night. I learnt to knit on chook feathers but she didn’t want us (my younger brother and Their homes are destroyed I remember feeding the wombats, their teeth me) to break her knitting needles, so she found Many, many years ago, when I was a All in the way of being deployed.” crunching through the bright, orange, juicy some feathers in the chook house. We kept preschooler, my mother taught me to knit. carrot. chooks so that we had fresh eggs, and their Mia Hartley, Year 5 Mum did a lot of knitting with wool, not yarn. I remember seeing a little joey poke his soft, We lived in the country on a dairy farm, house was one area we were banned from. The feathers were like quills and Mum silky head out of the wallaby’s pouch. couldn’t see our neighbours and had no one to Holiday poem cast on the stitches and we knitted under her I remember walking in the treetop walk … I play games with or explore with in areas we supervision. The knitting we did was for a doll I remember when I was 11 … were not allowed to go. could barely see the ground because we were — a dress, a bonnet and socks. For those who I remember hearing the sea whistling in the so high up. are knitters, the feathers were the equivalent of fresh air I remember playing on the beach, the sand size 8 needles (old size). bashing up against the big rough volcanic rocks. softly squeezing between my toes. I still knit but only on needles and with wool! As I write I am wearing one of my own hand-knits.
Patricia Harwood is a tutor in the Global Homework Program
Dylan Gray, Year 7
A poem of the Afghan War Dangerous metal, spitting bullets, non-stop firing into bodies, into walls, never ending. All the guns go bang, bang, bang. All the bombs go boom, boom, boom. While all the soldiers go on risky missions The Taliban’s AK45s, AK47s and LEDs fight the UN’s M15s, M16s and mammoth grenades. Photo: Michelle Meiklejohn, www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net