ISSUE 169 JUNE 2015 THE NORTH & WEST MELBOURNE NEWS IS PRODUCED BY VOLUNTEERS AT THE CENTRE Remembering Jean McKendry-Paterson (1928–2015)
Jean McKendry with Victorian Senior of the Year Award The Slavic Women’s Group are one of a number of community groups that regularly meet at the Jean McKendry Photo provided by Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre Neighbourhood Centre Photo: Jim Weatherill
orth Melbourne has lost a much loved a suit she could cut from her cloth. with a warm smile and a buoyant sense of Elderly Citizens’ Club and was also a founding and respected senior citizen in Jean Jean attended Sunday school as a young humour. member of the North Melbourne Senior NMcKendry-Paterson. Many members girl. Later her parents followed her to what In the 1940s and ’50s Melbourne’s inner Citizens’ Club. of the local community attended the service was then the Presbyterian Church, and by the suburbs, including our North Melbourne, were A constant problem for many elderly people, of thanksgiving for Jean’s life on 16 March. time Jean was in her mid-teens her attendance vastly different from today. Predominantly particularly those who have lost their partner, The service, at St Mary’s Anglican Church, at church had become a genuine Christian working-class, industrial and slummy, they is loneliness and an absence of meaningful was conducted by the Reverend Dr Craig commitment. harboured all sorts activity. With the provision of space for social Thompson of the Uniting Church (Curzon Jean was inspired “In 1956 Jean founded the North of deep-rooted gatherings — first in the North Melbourne Street), where Jean had been a member for by her minister, Melbourne Elderly Citizens’ Club and social problems. Town Hall and then, in the early 1970s, in more than 70 years. the Reverend Thus someone, at the present accommodation in Melrose Street Jean was born into a humble working- Stephen Yarnold, was also a founding member of the some time, saw — elderly people were able to get out of the class family in January 1928. The family who strongly North Melbourne Senior Citizens’ Club.” the need for a house and meet to share their stories, their joys lived in turn in Richmond, Carlton and North encouraged North Melbourne and their problems, engaging in meaningful Melbourne. Jean learned early in her life what his congregation to be outward-looking Progress Society, and a youthful Jean activities to restore some sense of purpose to it was to struggle, to make do with little, the and responsive to the needs of the local McKendry saw the need to belong to it. their lives. would-be dressmaker learning just what sort of community. So Jean got up and acted, always In 1956 Jean founded the North Melbourne Continued on page 3
Happy crowds inside the Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre Photo: Jim Weatherill
COMMUNITY 3 • HISTORY 9 • THE CENTRE 10 • YOUTH & EDUCATION 11, 13 • POLITICS 12 • OPINION 14 • SPORT & HEALTH 14 • TRAVEL & FOOD 15 • ARTS 17 2 NOTICEBOARD North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015
NOTICEBOARD
Please deliver contributions, letters North Melbourne Book Group 2015 and feedback to: Meets third Wednesday of every month at 6.45pm All welcome — no bookings required North and West Melbourne News 17 June Adultery Paulo Coelho 58 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 15 July The Children Act Ian McEwan Email: [email protected] 19 August We are All Completely Beside Karen Joy Telephone: 9328 1126 Ourselves Fowler 16 September When the Night Comes Favel Parrett The North and West Melbourne News Copy deadline for September 2015 edition: 21 October Us David Nicholls is a quarterly publication produced by Wednesday 12 August North Melbourne Library opening hours volunteers from North and West Melbourne Advertisers: Wednesday 5 August and the inner city. It is now in its 37th year Monday to Wednesday 10.00am – 7.00pm of production. Readers’ contributions are Publication date: Wednesday 9 September Thursday to Friday 10.00am – 6.00pm Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm welcomed. Where relevant the News may www.centre.org.au seek alternative opinions in the interests Sunday 2.00pm – 5.00pm of balance. Contributors’ opinions are their Everyone is welcome and the staff would love to see you! own, however, and the News takes no Enquiries: 9658 9700 — www.melbournelibraryservice.com.au responsibility for them. We reserve the right North Melbourne Library, 66 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 to edit or omit articles considered unsuitable or when space is limited.
Articles should be submitted by email to FUTURE PAST [email protected]. Please Ten Years of Arts House use minimal formatting and do not embed Call-out for Stallholders! graphics in documents. Photographs should Arts House is celebrating 10 years as a performance be sent separately as JPEGs. SPRING FLING STREET FESTIVAL space with a photographic and video exhibition Sunday 18 October 2015 North Melbourne Town Hall Finance If you would like to hold a general trade, not-for-profi t or Friday 3 July The News is a non-profit organisation hospitality stall at North and West Melbourne’s Exhibition: 10.00am – 11.00pm working as a program of The Centre. biggest street party Opening party: Funding is by way of a limited quota of 7.00pm – 11.00pm PLEASE CONTACT US AT advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions Free, all welcome, but bookings essential! springfl [email protected] and occasional donations. artshouse.com.au or call The Centre on 03 9328 1126 Exhibition continues until Friday 18 December News subscriptions Get in ASAP as stall spaces will fi ll up quickly! Tuesday–Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm (closed public holidays) If you would like to receive the North and West Melbourne News by mail, the rate is $10 for four copies sent anywhere in Australia or pro rata for part of the Meat Market turns speakeasy During terms 1 and 2, Errolʼs Angels Community Choir has been calendar year. The News is distributed free practising diligently for its annual fundraising concert. This gig throughout North and West Melbourne. for Errol’s Angels will have a speakeasy vibe from the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Further copies are available from The Our headline act will be Dr Crask & His Swinginʼ Elixir, Centre and the North Melbourne Library. Pamela Every a seven-piece swing band, which will be supported by Errolʼs Angels and the Brunswick Rogues Choir. Advertisement sizes and rates And thatʼs not all — there will be an opportunity to learn some 60 mm W x 92 mm H $70 plus GST swing dance moves and try them out on the dance floor. Patrons 124 mm W x 92 mm H $140 plus GST will be able to enjoy liquid refreshments at our ʻProhibitionʼ bar 188 mm W x 92 mm H $210 plus GST and supper. 252 mm W x 92 mm H $280 plus GST All proceeds from the evening will be split between the Asylum A charge of 25 per cent may be added for Seeker Resource Centre and the Nepal earthquake appeal. Details advertisements that require designing. are as follows and stay tuned locally for more information via For more information phone 9329 1627 or social media and posters. email [email protected]. Community announcements are published Date: Saturday 8 August free of charge. Time: 7.00pm until 11.00pm Venue: Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne Volunteers Errol’s Angels at rehearsal Photo: courtesy Errol’s Angels Price: full $25, concession $12 The News welcomes new volunteers. If you have skills in writing, drawing, photography, archiving, subediting and proofreading, computer technology or design and layout, please consider joining the team. Butterfly Foundation launches Don’t DIS My Appearance
Editor: Raphaelle Race More than half a million Australians with In May, the Butterfly Foundation Deputy Editor: Adam Falloon eating disorders are currently not receiving launched the inaugural Donʼt DIS My Production Coordinator: Position vacant appropriate treatment, largely due to stigma Appearance campaign in the hope of Advertising Coordinator: Janet Graham and common misconceptions associated increasing awareness of eating disorders, Section Editors: with illnesses such as anorexia nervosa, while denouncing our culture of body Arts & Entertainment: Jennifer Choat bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. shaming and appearance-based judgment. Community: Position vacant Sadly, more Australians die from eating The campaign also sought to raise vital History: Michael Roche disorders each year than from any other funds to go towards better prevention and Noticeboard: Janet Graham psychiatric illness. treatment services for people with eating Politics & Environment: Phoebe La Gerche- Butterfly Foundation CEO Christine disorders. Wijsman Morgan says more than 70 per cent of The Butterfly Foundation is dedicated Sport & Health: Position vacant Australians diagnosed with an eating dis- to bringing about change in the prevention, Travel & Food: Position vacant order are not accessing treatment services. treatment and support of those affected by Youth & Education: Position vacant “Eating disorders are serious and com- eating disorders and negative body image. plex mental illnesses. They are not a life- It represents all people affected. Production team: Jennifer Choat, Adam style choice, or a diet gone too far. In 2014 The causes of eating disorders are com- Falloon, Janet Graham, Raphaelle Race, alone there were more than 200,000 newly plex, but negative body image and poor Jim Weatherill and Kris Wilson. Peter Alsen developed cases of eating disorders in self-esteem are high-risk and modifiable provided professional assistance with Australia. More than 945,000 Australians factors for those who are vulnerable. layout. currently suffer from an eating disorder. “Without early intervention and the Anyone needing support with body image right treatment, eating disorders have a or eating disorders is encouraged to con- Journalist Tracey Spicer joined other Australian Printed by Express Print hugely detrimental impact, not only on suf- tact the Butterfly Foundation National celebrities in May to support the Don’t DIS My 5 Jones Road, Morwell 3844 ferers, but on their families, and the wider Eating Disorders Supportline on Appearance campaign Circulation 5900 community, too,” Ms Morgan says. 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE). Image: Butterfly Foundation JUNE 2015 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 3
COMMUNITY Extended trading hours and more green space for QVM
Tomas Bailey and pedestrians. Improvements are also planned for Market Cross. This promenade through the middle ew parts of Melbourne attract more of the precinct is intended to provide greater visitors, both tourists and locals, than access to the entire market, and a new green Fthe Queen Victoria Market. space for relaxation and eating, as well as After investing in the site in 2013, the City more seating in this area. of Melbourne then pledged $250 million to In pledging to create a more sustainable renew the iconic market precinct, effectively and climate-friendly market, the City of guaranteeing this pledge with the $76 million Melbourne has planned improvements across purchase of the site known as the Munro the market’s infrastructure. Changes to trader building in October last year. storage and back-of-house areas will hopefully Earlier this year, the City released a draft address clashes between the public and service master plan for the renewal, and through workers in the bustling market. More efficient March requested feedback from the public and waste management and better cooling are also traders. It received over 1000 responses and planned, to reduce the market’s environmental the results were released in April. footprint. The draft master plan proposes a number of Another proposed change is new opening changes to improve the day-to-day running of hours, with the possibility of running the the market for both traders and visitors, and market as a 24-hour precinct for food and also places high importance on maintaining the services. The majority of respondents favoured heritage of the Queen Vic Market. a market open seven days a week from Both traders and public respondents morning to night. favoured artwork and landscaping that would At a discussion group in 2013 one trader celebrate the market’s heritage. A number noted: “[The market] opens too early, and of traders also suggested acknowledging closes before anywhere else in the city. Indigenous history and culture in celebrating Tourists are constantly surprised that the the site’s heritage. market is already closing and they are just The present-day car park on the site of the arriving.” old Melbourne cemetery will be converted Longer opening hours will increase into a public green space with provision for the range of activities and commercial market events. The car park is to be relocated, opportunities for the local community, just possibly underground and away from the as the Night Market does every Wednesday cemetery, by 2019. during summer. As much of the area around the Queen To assist in both completing and funding Vic Market is dangerous for pedestrians and this plan the area between Therry and cyclists, mainly due to large intersections Franklin streets will be opened up to mixed An empty Victoria Market lights up the night Photo: Anna Gerraty and roundabouts with heavy traffic, many development while the Mercat Cross Hotel will also pass through the middle of this block, begins in July. This is slated for completion in public participants recommended improving will be retained and restored. This mixed use improving accessibility. pedestrian access to the market. The draft is touted as bringing life to the neighbourhood December with construction works to begin plan therefore focuses heavily on working to with new shops and cafes as well as residential The final draft of the plan will be presented in 2016. Those interested can view the results integrate the market into the city grid, with and community facilities. to the council for adoption in June before of the public engagement and the draft master tree-lined streets and better access for cyclists A thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists detailed work on implementing the renewal plan on the City of Melbourne’s website.
Continued from page 1 Jean encouraged the University of the Third her skills as a dressmaker to use, making married; but it was not to last, for sadly Jim Age to offer classes at the Melrose Street clothes for people who could not afford to buy contracted motor neuron disease and died centre; she also established art classes there. them. some 18 months later. This must have been a One of her special projects was the annual Jean was active also in the local Abbeyfield profound loss for Jean, and yet — testimony to art exhibition — not just a notable cultural Society, serving on its committee. More her courage and devotion — the years after her feature of life in North Melbourne but also a recently she developed programs to tragic loss were as energetic and productive as significant fundraiser for the centre. help people from non-English-speaking ever before. Jean served on numerous Melbourne City backgrounds, and more recently still she Jean was truly deserving of the honours Council committees and was a consultant was instrumental in welcoming people from bestowed on her. The centre in Melrose to the council on the special needs of the African countries into the broader community Street was aptly renamed the Jean McKendry elderly. She worked closely with the Salvation and to the Elderly Citizens’ Centre in Neighbourhood Centre. She was also honoured Army and the Society of St Vincent de Paul particular. by the Victorian Government in being named in providing services to homeless people. In 1992 Jean married Jim Paterson. At the Senior Citizen of the Year in 2008. She also coordinated a fortnightly lunch for age of 64 Jean’s own personal happiness came Jean was not a person who merely talked disadvantaged people, and often happily put to the fore. Two lovely people were happily about her faith; she lived it. When she received her Senior Citizen of the Year award the first words of her acceptance speech were: “This all started with the church and I never thought I would end up here.” Her altruism did not die with her, for Jean willed her body to help further the cause of medical education, advancing others even after her death. Despite her many achievements, Jean retained a humility and commitment to all people. While politically astute and feisty in advocacy, Jean was also diplomatic in her approach to people and the numerous organisations with which she worked. The Uniting Church Congregation of Mark the Evangelist has lost by far its longest serving member. North Melbourne has lost a loved and respected citizen. Farewell, Jean — you will be fondly remembered by the community that you loved and served for more than 60 years. This tribute by members of the Congregation of Mark the Evangelist, North Melbourne, is based on Dr John Hood’s eulogy at the service celebrating Jean’s life, on 16 March. 4 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015 Centenary Marching to the beat LETTER TO THE EDITOR 1914–2014 of a different drum
Neville Clark John H Smith our DNA? Is change possible? Is repentance Dear Editor, possible?” Harry went on to speak of the suffering of Congratulations on another interesting edition Down avenues of oak and pine — n Anzac Day, while crowds of Jesus Christ as the key to the vision of a new of NWMN and the inclusion of Caitlin Wood’s The township’s loss in honoured line — onlookers gathered in Swanston heaven and a new earth: a paradigm for the lovely poem Anzac Day (p4). In every suburb’s marketplace, OStreet to watch the parade march to healing of nations, the coming of complete Tomas Bailey should also be commended Memorial park or hallowed space, the Shrine of Remembrance to commemorate peace, which represents the end of death. With for his reminder that many Aborigines also You’ll see the plinth, or sentry lone, the centenary of Gallipoli, an alternative this hope in mind, the congregation engaged served in the AIF and were treated shamefully commemoration took place. The “war to end all wars” — in stone. in prayers of confession and repentance that on their return (‘So we many remember all Within earshot of the pipes and drums of owned up to the Church’s role in the support who served in WWI’, p13). But I think he is war, more than 150 people gathered for an of war and pledged itself to the work of And there you’ll read them, name on name mistaken in describing that war as not one of ecumenical service in St Paul’s Cathedral peacemaking. Of lads who won undying fame, liberation — as the citizens of NE France and which lamented the wholesale destruction of Throughout this service, the music from a Replacing lives which might-have-been Belgium felt this liberation in 1918 quite as human life and wellbeing that ‘the war to end team of musicians, which included a cantor, With horrors never once foreseen. all wars’ brought to Australia and many other strongly as their descendants did in 1944, and piano, oboe and organ, led the congregation to many remember the great part the Australians nations. deepen its prayer and its commitment to peace. The service began with a psalm of lament played in that liberation, especially at places A hundred years now marks the date, While the cantor led the chant Grant us peace, followed by a powerful reading of Siegfried like Villers-Bretonneux. The rendezvous that kept with fate — Lord, the members of the congregation were Sassoon’s poem, Aftermath: “Have you Yes, it was a clash of empires but it’s not The wasted fields with slaughter sown, invited to light tapers for peace and remem- forgotten yet? Look down and swear by the as if Australia had nothing to lose if Germany The outcome which they can’t have known brance of those who have died or suffered as a slain of the war that you’ll never forget.” had been allowed to win. With New Guinea When, buoyed with faith and duty bright, result of war. Following this, a series of graphic stories in German hands, with the destruction of The tapers, lit from the flame of the Easter They rushed to join their nation’s fight of suffering from Gallipoli, the Western Front British sea power (an obvious consequence of Candle, shone as symbols of the peace of God And lost their youth in battle’s glare and the Aboriginal Wars were read which a German victory) and with our whole isolated that overcomes death through the suffering At Quinn’s, The Nek and Sari Bair. highlighted the other side of the experience of continent, so sparsely populated, invitingly left love of Christ. war. These stories have been part of Australia wide open to other imperial powers (notably This was a satisfying, honest remembrance And when from there to France they came, from the beginning but are so often lost Japan), Australia had as much stake in the of Anzac Day. It was one occasion when, Their hope undimmed, their spirit game, amongst the stories of heroism, mateship and game as the other Allied nations. surrounded by the drums and pipes of war, the Fromelles they faced, and Pozieres, the birth of the nation. Defeat of the British Empire would have Australia’s remembrance is incomplete church chose to march to the beat of a different The ’Farm, the ’Court — the odds unfair — been tragic for Australia — as it turned out of until we recognise that many who have been drum. As the commemorations of World War Determined still that they’d not fail, course, victory was scarcely less tragic. But to war and survived have said ‘never again’. I continue through to 1918, perhaps it will be that’s war. Avoid! But don’t decry Australia’s Those buried deep at Passchendaele. But sadly we have repeatedly found ourselves possible to hold similar services in the coming participation à la John Pilger! at war in contexts far from our shores. The years and more people will translate “lest we Could they who’d fought and suffered there, preacher, Reverend Harry Kerr, asked: “Is forget” into “never again” and be inspired to Neville Clark, North Melbourne Envision how, without despair, this darkness part of us? Is war and conflict in work for peace on earth. The Hindenburg would yield at last, The Line roll back, the end come fast?
And if they’d known, what would they make A note from the Editor Of our poor grief who for their sake Would pause a hundred years from then To mourn their loss, that race of men Dear Readers Who’d volunteered and given their all, From our modest beginnings 37 years by volunteers from the community and Their thanks — though rare — a flag-draped ago, the News has grown to become an we also rely on your support to distribute pall? established part of the North and West this wonderful, informative and eclectic Melbourne community. publication. If you are able to volunteer some Would they have thought, “This heartless stone We are now pushing ahead towards an Records the rape of flesh from bone”, time to help deliver each edition, please internet presence with a Facebook page for contact the above or phone 9328 1126. And would they, if they’d had their say weekly updates on local events and news. If Section editor spots are also open for the While steeped in blood, warn, “Not this way”? you’re a local and you have news that just Community, Travel & Food, Sport & Health can’t wait for the next edition, please send Could our poor tears their spirits soothe, an email to [email protected]. and Youth & Education sections. Assure them of the ultimate truth au. For you locals who’d like regular, up- If you are interested in writing, editing or That freedom lost of freedom won to-date news, please ‘like’ our page. gathering articles for a section, or would like Must vindicate what they have done, We are always on the lookout for new to get involved in any other way — please That as the flickering ray of light volunteers, too. The paper is put together get in touch. We’d love to hear from you! Reveals the stone, their souls shine bright?
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Katrina Kincade-Sharkey for 20 years, was a true friend of Arthur Calwell’s, so Justin had Arthur made into a Papal Knight, probably in an attempt to rectify ajestically tall, critically observant the dreadful situation that arose from the DLP and serene, Thomas Hazell, OA, schism in the Labor Party during the late Mrecently moved his retirement to a 1950s and early ’60s. new Brougham Street suite. Already pushing “I remember how proud we were when the end of his seventh decade, Tom’s regal Arthur appeared in the cathedral [St Patrick’s] bearing owes as much to his overt control of a in his robes as a Papal Knight; it was a great pressured work environment as it does to his day! former vice-regal associates. “I think the current situation with the lack “The Hazells are an old Melbourne family of Christian dedication is a true reflection — fourth or fifth generation — and Mum’s of the whole of society. It’s displayed in the were from Tasmania for at least that long,” statements made by supposed leaders — their Tom says, settling into lunch at Mr Price’s lack of true humility.” Foodstore while launching his family history. Tom looks away, flinching as several “Her father in pre-Federation days was unkempt youths hitchhike down Queensberry Collector of Customs, so the family travelled Street. “For instance — and I’m sure Justin all over the island. But Mum hated the would not mind me telling you this — there insularity of the place, so left when she was were three or four boys in his family and the 20, closely followed by her mother, who was eldest, James, was the only one who stood up newly widowed at that time.” to their father. Unlike the others, though, he Tales of national settlement would have became a tramp, lived on the streets around well stood the test of time during Tom’s West Melbourne, and I don’t think anyone professional life. His Who’s Who biography could do anything with him. notes the West Melbourne native received “James lived till he was about 70 and his his Order of Australia in 1999 following a brother gave him a glorious funeral and buried stellar career as Deputy Official Secretary, him in Carlton Cemetery at the north end. Office of the Governor of Victoria, from 1986 “It shows you what a young country we to 1995, which immediately followed his 18 still are — Justin was the first Australian-born years as protocol officer for the University of [Catholic] Archbishop, so they rushed him Melbourne. through with his PhD on Thomistic Philosophy “In all my working life I always over- [the study of Thomas Aquinas’s beliefs] at the worked,” grins Tom, remembering those two University of Louvain in Belgium immediately principal stages of the career following his BA before his appointment back here,” Tom (Hons) from Melbourne University. says, carefully introducing his recent dread: “At the Office of the Governor of “Current society fills me with horror — we Victoria — with one other secretary — I have NO leadership for the majority of pained was responsible for running the Governor’s people. Even if you abhorred Menzies, he was life … and I served three. Going backwards, a leader with principles for the people; there’s they were Richard (‘Dick’) McGarvie; Davis so little today.” McCaughey, the Northern Irelander; and Given the relatively high percentage of early before that it was Admiral Murray, back in Irish settlers to this land, Tom confirms that, as the 1970s — I forget dates now,” he muses, Australia recognised the formation of the Irish caressing Mr Price’s linen napkin. Republic, so should we celebrate its centenary. “Brian and Janette Murray were lovely “Easter 1916 was the Irish Rebellion where people; not everyone would agree, but they the Irish Republic was proclaimed in Dublin. were lovely to me. There aren’t many people English troops stormed in and civil war broke from that era that I recall to mind fondly, out, lasting 10 years,” he grates, his fury but Brian I do; he was a fine man who had strongly evident. a ghastly death in his 70s from asbestosis, “Daniel Mannix is quoted proclaiming contracted in a gun turret in the Pacific during ‘England is your enemy and will always World War II,” he shudders. be your enemy’. Mannix was Irish, later Tom’s life has been privately contained, becoming parish priest of West Melbourne but that comment reflects the never-ending — St Mary Star of the Sea — and Coadjutor pain of active military service: was it relieved Archbishop of Melbourne [1913–1917, then by the influx of visiting Government House Archbishop 1917–1963] as well as Chaplain celebrities? General of the Australian Armed Forces.” “Most people at the top were interesting, Surprisingly perhaps, St Mary’s was the HQ good people,” he smiles, genuinely. “A few for our anti-conscription movement, as well as crooks made it in, but not many — and the Irish Republican movement in Australia. that was true of all political colours and “Daniel Mannix became an Irish Republican Thomas Hazell, OA, in his new residence Photo: Jim Weatherill persuasions. In all Government House jobs, and one of his best friends was Eamon de life had to be neutral. Valera, the IRA leader,” Tom reports. “He was our bottle of whisky with Lady Derham’s Abbotsford Convent. She virtually single- “The regal system is still very important just like Mannix: tall, austere, not too many delicious ham sandwiches. Sundays were handedly established social welfare here from today, because the Governor — like the smiles, but he was a glorious man. glorious because we got so much real work the 1950s. She critically knew what welfare monarch — has the right to advise, to warn “We have to commemorate the appalling done, leaving us free to do the community was happening for people everywhere else in and to summon people. If you look at it that tragedy of Ireland in the 20th century. Before consultations during the week. That’s when the world and wanted it provided here.” way, John Kerr did the right thing, but that the 1848 famine from two successive years’ we saw what real thinking downtown was Tom is indelibly linked to local Catholic doesn’t answer the question: should he have crop failure, combined with the genocide like,” he summarises, astutely. Their time was culture and its history. His extracurricular done it? Still, Kerr was a man who always by the English, Ireland’s population was obviously precious. work efforts include vice president of St liked to test systems.” Tom frowns, evaluating eight million: today it’s four million … and Tom critically believes in the power of Paul’s Home for the Aged since 1987, Assisi our 1975 constitutional crisis. Lord Russell said ‘Finally this will teach people: “It amuses me this women’s lib Centre for the Aged of Melbourne since Reclining under Gary Price’s latest artworks, them a lesson!’” Tom groans: “He was so movement, because back then there were many 1986, president of the Dante Alighieri Society Tom praises pollies of old: “Arthur Calwell fundamentally wrong!” powerful women — they were almost all nuns Melbourne since 1978, and honourable summed himself up with the name of his While publicly less scrutinised, Tom’s and medicos. They knew how to get their own secretary of the Melbourne Diocesan History autobiography, Be Just and Fear Not. I don’t work as protocol officer for the University of way for God and they were totally convinced Commission since 1974. He is also a former know why, but his memory seems to have Melbourne meant that he excelled in public- that what they did for society was correct. chairman of the Classification Permits and disappeared. We remember the Menzies of the relations practice: “The protocol officer looked “One of them, Mother Dame Philippa Acquisitions Committee, National Trust of world, but Calwell was a truly compassionate after the image of the uni ‘downtown’, acted Brasile — Irish, of course — had Mercy Australia (Vic), and he was the recipient of a man — he was generous, but died a pauper, as a type of aide-de-camp to the Chancellor Maternity Hospital made a teaching facility, UN volunteer medal in 2005 having given all his money away. and maintained a liaison with other colleges, and it developed its name as one of the best Confirming this fine gentleman’s credentials “He was also a true West Melbourne man teaching hospitals around Melbourne, and maternity hospitals in the world. are international awards of recognition by the — lived on Travencore Estate till the end … acted as secretary to appointment committees “Her counterpart at St V’s was the famous Italian, Russian and Maltese governments, in and his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Calwell, still at senior level staff appointments. Sister Fabian — she was something! She addition to his Medal of the Order of Australia lives there today.” “David Derham [Sir and Melbourne knew how to handle politicians, organising St for services to multiculturalism, the arts, Here is one crux of Tom’s life: “Justin University Vice-Chancellor] and I worked Vincent’s Private with several major grants the Catholic Church in Melbourne and the Daniel Simmons, Archbishop of Melbourne every Sunday afternoon and evening to from the Bolte government. community. [coadjutor from 1942, Archbishop from 1963 keep ourselves free for our work weeks. We “Then there was ‘Archangels’ — Mother Tom Hazell is certainly one of our to 1967] and parish priest of West Melbourne kicked off shoes and coats and got stuck into Mary Archangels O’Connor — from the community, and we’re proud of him. 6 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015 Advocates for our African Australian community
Michael Roche money. In Melbourne there were approximate- Government. In October last year, the Austra- ly 20 small companies run by African Austra- lian Remittance and Currency Providers Asso- lians who would oversee remittance of money ciation (ARCPA) was formed, which continues n May 2014, a group of local traders from to different countries in Africa. to lobby the Federal Government and put Melbourne’s African community joined to Usually, the money would be sent to a vil- pressure on the banks to change their decision. Iform the African-Australian Small Busi- lage store and from there it would be directed According to Mohamed, empowering the ness Association (AASBA). The association to a family member, such as an elderly grand- African-Australian community is the associa- was only a few days old when it confronted an parent. In some cases the money would even tion’s main objective, which happens in many issue that continues to have repercussions for be home-delivered. This money is used to pay different ways. the African community today. for essential items such as health care, rent and “When you empower small businesses “We got hit by a big challenge,” says AAS- food. you are creating job opportunities,” says Mo- BA president Mohamed Abdulrahman. It was The remittance industry is critical to the hamed. “A lot of drop-outs from school will be the decision of the four big banks in Australia economies of poor countries. For instance, the employed by African small businesses.” to close the accounts of local remittance com- Somali Remittance Action Group claims Aus- The AASBA aims to help young people panies, which shook the association. These tralian Somalis send $10.5 million each year through its work with the African Australian remittance companies are used by people of to Somalia, equating to more than two-thirds Multicultural Youth and Employment Services the African community to send money to fam- of Australian government aid to that country. (AAMYES), an advocacy group for African ily members back home, some of whom are This money is even more significant now, giv- youth, which provides practical help to the amongst the poorest people on earth. en the recent budget reduced aid to Africa by community. For instance, a person from the “The banks basically told them ‘we are 70 per cent. Horn of Africa who is living in Melbourne and AASBA President, Mohamed Abdulrahman no longer going to serve you’ and that was a “One of the challenges we faced at AAS- unable to speak English often struggles to find Photo: Michael Roche big shock,” says Mohamed. According to the BA was that remittance companies were not local tradesmen. Mohamed is familiar with African restaurants, greengrocers and hair- four banks, money sent to relatives in Africa working together,” says Mohamed. This was this issue. dressers. through local remittance companies may end understandable given that each company was “I personally was approached by people, Through the association, these businesses up funding terrorism. sending money to a different country, such speaking about how do we find a tradesman?” are connected to a network of other African This decision leaves the local African com- as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. So the association has set up a directory on businesses in Melbourne. The AASBA helps munity trying to find alternative ways to send Throughout 2014, the AASBA was trying to its website to link community members with to strengthen not just these businesses, but the money back home, which are often more cost- empower the remittance companies to act col- tradespeople who speak the same language. local African community as a whole. ly and highly inconvenient. lectively and present a unified position. The AASBA is a vital resource for the local As many African nations do not yet have a The AASBA has encouraged these compa- community. North Melbourne is home to a For more information about the African banking system, the use of remittance remains nies to form an association to strengthen their significant number of people from the Horn of Australian Small Business Association go to the cheapest and most effective way to send bargaining power with banks and the Federal Africa. In nearby Racecourse Road there are its web site www.aasba.net A strong turn-out this year for the Anzac Day ceremony
Many gather to lay wreathes at the North and West Melbourne War Memorial Anzac Day at the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women headquarters Photo: Jim Weatherill Photo: Jim Weatherill
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Megan Cusack designed for multistorey buildings. As a result, construction workers may ignore road rules simply to get equipment and materials AID 3051 has earned a reputation as into the site, thereby compromising the a community-focused group which community’s safety. This occurred recently Rworks with residents, other like- during demolition works at 1 Shiel Street, minded groups and local government to where the workers regularly blocked the advocate for planning and development that zebra crossing and traffic lanes, putting both deliver social infrastructure to address the pedestrians and motorists at risk. current and future needs of residents of all • Inability to park in local streets due to ages and backgrounds. construction vehicles RAID was launched in 2011 in response Construction workers park their vehicles to a proposal by Woolworths to build all day in neighbouring streets and walk to two residential towers, 300 apartments, a building sites. The resulting loss of parking bottle shop and a large supermarket on the spaces will be amplified as hundreds of triangular site bordered by Canning Street, workers, on multiple sites, find places to park Macaulay Road and Vaughan Terrace in North their cars. Melbourne. RAID and others opposed this • Increased pressure on community amenity application but it received VCAT approval for RAID welcomes new people to the local area a period of three years, expiring in May 2016. to become part of our community. However, This site is now in the midst of a second thoughtful planning is needed to ensure there re-sale with Woolworths retaining a 20-year is adequate infrastructure to cater for these site lease for a supermarket and bottle shop. new neighbours. North Melbourne Primary RAID continues to oppose this on the grounds School needs particular consideration. With of site overdevelopment and negative impact every new development the school has to on traffic, parking, open space, community install another portable classroom on the amenity and infrastructure. ever-shrinking open space available to the children. This site cannot accommodate any The untold story of development additional students. Overdevelopment puts pressure on community amenity Photo: Megan Cusack As a community we have recently been inundated with applications from developers Current issues Councillor Leppert also discussed other municipal plan and implementation of the to build in North and West Melbourne. We With the imminent commencement of policy matters, including overshadowing, Arden–Macaulay Structure Plan have been diligent in preparing objections, construction at 1 Shiel Street, and applications and provided an update on the proposed • Monitor how the City of Melbourne deals requesting that plans be altered on the basis of for the Haines Street precinct to be discussed Amendment C190 changes to the Melbourne with other large-scale developments scale, overshadowing, traffic impacts and the by the Future Melbourne Committee in early Planning Scheme to enable implementation • Liaise with other community action groups effects on local amenity. June, RAID encourages residents to contact of land-use and development controls • Continue to work constructively with However, there is one aspect of new City of Melbourne councillors to express recommended in the Arden–Macaulay the City of Melbourne on planning and development that a community will never be their specific concerns and to ensure that the Structure Plan. Refer to www.participate. development matters. compensated for, and which will never receive community voice is heard. melbourne.vic.gov.au. adequate consideration during the planning Feedback from RAID and other community The other speaker was Leanne Hodyl, City Connect with RAID 3051 phase. This is the impact of construction. This members has persuaded the council to design of Melbourne coordinator of city plans and For further information about RAID, or to impact can last for many years and takes its rubber speed-humps for placement around the policy, who presented on the findings from become a member: toll on the community in many ways. Haines, Dryburgh and Shiel Street roundabout her Churchill Fellowship investigation into Email [email protected] Construction impacts correspond to the to prevent speeding cars putting pedestrians at planning policies in New York, Vancouver, Access the RAID website at www.3051- scale of a development, so with the recently risk. This demonstrates the positive influence Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul that deliver integrated.com approved applications for six to 13-plus a community can have on planning and positive social outcomes in hyper-dense, high- Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ storeys in Haines and Shiel streets, and the rectification of safety hazards. rise residential environments. pages/3051-RAID or Twitter @Raid3051 59-metre-high Woolworths development, we Leanne outlined the detrimental impact on can expect significant inconvenience to our RAID annual general meeting streets and neighbourhoods of high-density local neighbourhood. These impacts may On 25 March, RAID held its third annual growth and the importance of adequate include: general meeting attended by over 50 residents. building regulations and housing standards to • Loss of access due to road closures Committee members elected at the AGM were: achieve long-term livable outcomes. Road closures without adequate detours, Peter Hogg (chair), Marg Leser (deputy chair), similar to the recent closure of Vaughan Tess Demediuk (secretary/treasurer), Lorna RAID’s objectives Terrace at Macaulay Road, have the potential Hannan, Megan Cusack and Peter Topping. RAID’s focus remains on ensuring that to lock cars into our suburb with no way Annual membership remains $1 (and the initial developments integrate into surrounding out. This will create traffic jams, adding joining fee is also $1). neighbourhoods and value-add to the considerable time to road travel and creating Councillor Ken Ong attended the meeting, community through good design that mitigates general confusion. as did Councillor Rohan Leppert, who impact on infrastructure. We will continue to: • Safety risks to the community explained the changed focus of the North • Monitor the Woolworths and Haines/Shiel Access to the proposed developments is Melbourne Town Hall, which is now purely Street developments extremely tight, particularly in Haines an arts venue and no longer available for • Assess the implications of the City of Street, as these residential areas were not community use. Melbourne’s development of a new
Tax preparation and lodgments
A truck blocks the Haines/Shiel Street pedestrian crossing Photo: Megan Cusack 8 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015
North and West Melbourne Association
NWMA annual general meeting fort has been made to broaden the PCCC’s The Association held its annual general scope by involving local schools, churches, meeting on 21 April. The following members and trader groups. Current members range were elected to the committee unopposed: from local football clubs to Rotary, the CoM, Chair: Kevin Chamberlin housing estates and local MPs. Deputy chair: (position not filled) Members have input on many crime and Secretary: Jane Poynter traffic management issues, and receive regular Treasurer: Michael Horscroft progress reports. Each year concludes with Assistant secretary: Janet Graham a toy and food drive for needy locals, with Ordinary members: Bill Cook, Denys goods distributed through local agencies with Harraway and Sue Scarfe the assistance of the police and committee members. There are still vacancies for deputy chair and With links throughout the community, the up to two ordinary members. If any NWMA PCCC is a valuable resource that can assist in member wishes to join the committee, he or problem-solving the issues that affect all of us. she can be nominated at an ordinary general meeting. Meeting with Planning Minister Richard Kevin Chamberlin referred briefly to the tabled Annual Report 2014, updating it with Wynne an outline of more recent events. Discussion Four NWMA representatives met with Mr of these continued in the ordinary general Wynne at the end of March. The main topics meeting held straight after the AGM. raised were the new residential zones, the Two groups on which the Association Arden–Macaulay and City North structure is represented but which receive less plans, proposals for E-Gate and the status of the Baptist Church development site. The coverage than the constant planning issues Alternative Arden–Macaulay Structure Plan Graphic: North & West Melbourne Association are the Homelessness Action Group and group felt that the minister had given them a the Melbourne North Police Community fair hearing. Arden–Macaulay Structure Plan Macaulay area. Consultative Committee (PCCC), formerly Regarding the new residential zones, As most readers would know, the Arden– It would appear that halting Arden– known as the PCCC Carlton. Reports on these Minister Wynne said the government was Macaulay Structure Plan (AMSP) is a proposal Macaulay again, pending clarity around this follow. not going to review them as such but would for urban renewal being pursued by the City of latest road project proposal, would make consider individual municipalities in the Melbourne. sense. And with the extension to Fishermans Homelessness Action Group second half of the year. The NWMA has been involved in the Bend recently announced, and development The Homelessness Action Group (HAG) was process since the outset, and remains critical occurring in City North, we believe there is set up in 2006 to aid in the local community’s Consultations on the new West of both the consultation process, with its lack no pressing need for Arden–Macaulay at this understanding of issues relating to homeless Melbourne Structure Plan (WMSP) of genuine collaboration, and the largely time. people and the role of services in the North There was a significant degree of cynicism predetermined, top–down outcomes sought — and West Melbourne area. among West Melbourne residents when including excessive heights and over-intensive Baptist Church site development The City of Melbourne (CoM) has a the City of Melbourne invited us to two development. Following a three-day hearing in March, representative member on HAG, who ‘community workshops’ to develop a new In response the NWMA drafted its own the VCAT panel rejected the appeal by presented the latest CoM document, Pathways: structure plan. Alternative Arden–Macaulay Structure Plan, NWMA and others and ruled in favour of Homelessness Strategy 2014–17, in October Recent experiences with both council and which has lower heights of 20 metres, or the application by The Eighth Day Baptist last year. Their objective is to contribute VCAT on planning issues in the area, as well about five to six storeys, along with a school Community Property Ltd with only minor to developing sustainable pathways out of as the fact that the 2005 WMSP was never and open space on the current CoM/Citywide conditions attached. homelessness in collaboration with, among incorporated into the Melbourne Planning depot. Our alternative plan may be found on More than 200 people had objected to this others, community organisations and homeless Scheme, had not impressed many local people. our website at www.nwma.org.au/2012/11/ development proposal for 70-plus apartments support services. The sessions, each lasting two-and-a-half an-alternative-arden-macaulay-structure-plan/, rising to six storeys on the triangular site HAG’s focal point each year has been a hours, took place on 18 April and 9 May at the from which the key map is shown on this page. bounded by Curzon, King and Hawke streets, Community Forum to address current issues St James Conference Centre in Batman Street, The 20-metre height limit is one to two in the civic and social heart of North and West affecting communities. On 10 June 2014, a West Melbourne. They were well attended storeys higher than the Pumphouse Apartments Melbourne. very successful forum on Homelessness and and included some whole-group discussions, on Macaulay Road, which the CoM features Local residents are pursuing issues regarding Older People was held in the North Melbourne many flexible small-group activities and even on the front cover of its AMSP, giving the the legitimacy of the title on the land. Town Hall. a walk, in a process managed by a professional misleading impression that this is the kind of The main focus at this forum was facilitator. development envisaged. However, the height 109–129 Ireland Street, West Melbourne the increasing number of older women (9 Dryburgh Street) Detailed input from these sessions can limit they are proposing in that area is actually experiencing homelessness through societal On 14 April the CoM administration refused be viewed on the council website under 39 metres and two-and-a-half times the height breakdowns such as lack of well-paid jobs, outright a planning application for a 14-storey ‘Participate Melbourne’. of the Pumphouse. lack of savings, inadequate superannuation, mixed-use development on this site near North The whole WMSP process consists of three Unfortunately, but predictably, this has led divorce, family violence, expensive housing, Melbourne Station. engagement stages extending to mid-2016. to a raft of proposals at the bottom end of Shiel and high rentals. Reasons for the refusal reiterated residents’ The area covered by the plan is bordered by Street opposite Gardiner Reserve that will Later this year, HAG plans to hold a objections, such as: overdevelopment of the Peel and William streets in the east, La Trobe overshadow and dominate the park. These, discussion and debate on either family site; height, scale and massing of the proposed Street in the south, the railway to the west and along with the Woolworths development, are violence or the ice addiction problem. This building not in keeping with the character Victoria Street to the north. harbingers of what is to come under the height will take place in the evening to encourage the of the area; poor internal amenity; and Phase 1 has provided an opportunity for limits proposed by CoM, which is why we are local community’s attendance, which has been inadequate visitor car parking, waste collection the community to express their views on what opposed to and contesting them. disappointingly low on previous occasions. arrangements and on-site loading/unloading they like about the area, their vision, and their In our view, the only way to get a more In 2013–2014 HAG was unsuccessful in facilities. perception of how planning in West Melbourne reasonable outcome is with lower, human- obtaining funding for a project worker, which The applicant has since appealed the has been operating. to some extent lessened the effectiveness and scale, heights — which we believe a 20-metre decision and the matter will go to VCAT. cohesiveness of the group. Additionally, some The next phase aims to engage the and five to six storey limit would achieve, community to test and review the preliminary members have left the group due to changes in whilst allowing for plenty of development. NWMA meetings and contact proposals. This should happen in late 2015. their employment and time commitments. Apart from that, earlier this year, after the Ordinary general meetings take place at An invitation is extended to anyone who At this stage, we have no information as Andrews Labor Government conclusively 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of the month in has an interest in being part of this group. to what these preliminary proposals might threw out the East West Link (correctly in our the Dewey Common, Bastow Institute, 601 Committee meetings are now being held contain and, in particular, what conditions view), the CoM requested that the Arden– Queensberry Street, North Melbourne (enter quarterly, with ‘working group meetings’ might apply to different parts of the area, such Macaulay panel hearing be recommenced. from Union Street on the west side of the called as necessary. as height, amenity and density. Now, just a few months later, there is another building). All are welcome. We look forward to learning how well the freeway plan — the Western Distributor Melbourne North Police Community council has listened to us and what inputs proposed by Transurban and supported by the For more information see the NWMA website, Consultative Committee (PCCC) might have been made by other groups, such Andrews Government — which again has www.nwma.org.au, or email [email protected]. Aside from the new name, a significant ef- as developers, concerning these proposals. significant potential impact on the Arden– au. JUNE 2014 North and West Melbourne News HISTORY 9
HISTORY A West Melbourne lad: Monash moves on
Bill Hannan The bridge was opened on 4 October 1888. It is highly decorated with mouldings along the top and piers and wing walls of bluestone or many of us — certainly for me — quarried in Footscray. The builder was David John Monash’s fame as a soldier has Munro. The municipal councils that had Feclipsed his record as an engineer and contributed to the costs of building are said administrator. Monash in fact combined army to have had their coats of arms on the bridge, work with private engineering, and by the but when I last crossed the bridge I saw only time Australia was involved in the First World repeated City of Melbourne insignia. War he already had a substantial reputation in Once the bridge was built, Monash had engineering. earned his stripes and was next in charge of Having been born in West Melbourne work on the Outer Circle eastern suburban and moved during childhood to Jerilderie, railway line. This line was meant to take steam John Monash returned to Melbourne to trains from Gippsland through the eastern enrol at Scotch College. His sisters went to suburbs corresponding roughly to the present Presbyterian Ladies College. They had the city of Boroondara, but between its conception advantage that their mother was musically and its construction the direct route to Flinders accomplished. By the age of five John was Street was authorised and the line served only proficient on the piano. to enrich land speculators. He did well at Scotch, then an inner- Among these speculators was James Munro, Melbourne school on Eastern Hill. He was temperance warrior, member for North equal dux in 1881, took first prize with an Melbourne and soon to be premier of the col- essay on Macbeth, won the Mathematics ony. Apparently Monash’s administrative and Exhibition and set off for university. managerial skills were racing ahead and, in Given this record, Monash’s early years at three years of concentrated work, he brought the University of Melbourne were to say the the job in on time, completing it in 1891. least uneven. He failed his first year, perhaps Though Monash’s reputation grew with this because he had developed many interests and success, the line itself was a white elephant. had spent a lot of time during that year reading Within six years it was progressively closed. A other than course work at the Public Library. section between Ashburton and Deepdene was During this period he thought of becoming a reopened to take a steam passenger train nick- journalist. named the Deepdene Dasher. Part of the line In the next year he was more studious, but remains in the present suburban network. The was also active in student affairs, co-founder rest has been either demolished or preserved in of the Melbourne University Student Union the form of the Outer Circle Trail for walkers and organiser of various debates and concerts and cyclists. on campus. In this period Monash indulged in several Then came his mother’s illness, which romantic affairs, one almost disastrous, and was to be fatal. His father’s business was married, in 1891, a young woman, Hannah struggling again, the older of his sisters was Victoria Moss, with whom he had a daughter running the household and it was his turn to named Bertha. His marriage was as stormy as earn. He suspended his studies for the time his other affairs. He completed his erratic but being and through a friend got work in 1886 substantial university education in 1895 with on the construction of Princes Bridge. It was degrees in engineering, arts and law. his first job and he was employed as a junior Statue of General Sir John Monash in King’s Domain, Melbourne. The plaque reads: General Sir John Monash, Soldier and Engineer, Commander the Australian Corps France 1918, site engineer. The North Melbourne Battery Chairman State Electricity Commission 1921–33. 1865 – 1931 By this time Monash was already combining Source: Wikimedia Commons Princes Bridge his engineering with soldiering. Having begun The bridge is named after the then Prince of in the University of Melbourne company he concrete construction. By 1913 he had a mansion in Toorak with Wales, who would be Australia’s head of state moved to the North Melbourne Battery, whose Monash had already built some bridges servants and chauffeur, was teaching at the from 1901 to 1910 as King Edward VII of principal task seemed to be the defence of (including the Flemington Road one) and now university and was president of the Victorian England. The building of the bridge began in Hobson’s Bay. He became an expert on mili- he took to reinforced concrete bridges as well Institute of Engineers. 1886. There was some urgency. The project tary hardware and by April 1897 was a major as concrete pipe manufacturing, this time with Soon, however, he would have to use his had to come in on time because Melbourne in command of the battery. The absence of partners David Mitchell and John Gibson. military expertise in a conflict that would was to be the venue for the 1888 International invaders, however, left time for his engineer- The bridge building went well until one change the world’s ideas of warfare. Exhibition. ing business. (in the Bendigo area) collapsed and had to This latest bridge (its predecessors were a Monash’s engineering career had been set be rebuilt at the company’s expense. Further punt, an 1845 bridge of pile-and-timber and back in the Depression of the 1890s, but late trouble with contracts ruined them. Anderson an 1850 successor of basalt and granite) was in the decade the business he had formed with left the business but over the next decade, with inspired by London’s Blackfriars Bridge and a friend, J.T. Noble Anderson, acquired the control over concrete patents and construction, Bill Hannan is a member of the designed by Percy Grainger’s father. Victorian patent rights for Monier reinforced Monash became quite wealthy. Hotham History Project. OPTOMETRIST City North Physiotherapy
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physiotherapy clinic 10 THE CENTRE North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015
THE CENTRE
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Do you need to Cost: $90 / $55 concession* 10.30am – 12 noon pass ‘The Knowledge’ test to renew Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne your licence? We offer thorough test Errol’s Angels Community Choir and preparation for the following modules: Photoshop and Your Photography Beginners Singing • Driver Behaviour Time: Thursday 10am – 12 noon Time: Thursday 7pm – 9pm • General Understanding or 1pm – 3pm Membership: $160 / $100 concession* • Knowing Your Way Around Melbourne Cost: $133 / $90 concession* Venue: Maternal & Child Health Centre, These preparation courses will run at Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne, 505 Abbotsford St, North Melbourne various locations in inner Melbourne so or Kensington Town Hall NEW there is sure to be a time and place that or Docklands Hub NEW Volunteer Program suits your schedule. We have a wide range of opportunities for Dates/times: Various everyone, for example: Commences: 13 July onward HEALTH AND WELLBEING • Spring Fling, third Sunday in October Cost: $50 per module or $100 for all three annually Bookings essential: call 9376 6366 for Active at Any Age • Writing and editing NWM News details Time: First Tuesday monthly# • Tutoring or teachers aide 10am – 12 noon • Office and business administration Leadership and Management – Cost: $35 / $25 concession* Time: Must enter into a regular Certificate IV Diploma Venue: Kensington Town Hall NEW commitment Time: Wednesday 6pm – 9pm Time: Second and third Tuesday Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne (12 sessions) monthly, 10am – 12 noon Cost: $1295 / $375 concession* Cost: Free/subsidised to June 2015# Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne, Venue: North Melbourne Library FOUNDATION SKILLS or Kensington Town Hall NEW Time: Third Monday monthly 10am – 12 noon Adventure Book Club for Fathers and Train the Trainer NEW Cost: $35 / $25 concession* Sons Time: Monday 6pm – 9pm Venue: Docklands Hub NEW Grade 5 and 6 boys plus fathers (three sessions) Time: Two hours monthly Cost: $475 / $375 concession* Pilates: Cost: $153 per term Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Introduction to Pilates Venue: 58 Errol St and excursions Time: Thursday 5.30 – 6.30pm Certificate IV in Training and Beginners Plus Core Skills for Work – ABC English for Assessment (TAE40110) Time: Thursday 5.30 – 6.30pm Business Time: Monday 6pm – 9pm General Class Time: Wednesday 12.30 – 3.30pm (11 sessions) Time: Tuesday 6pm – 7pm or 6pm – 9pm Cost: $1595 / $375 concession* Tuesday 7pm – 8pm Cost: $133 / $105 concession* Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Thursday 6.30 – 7.30pm Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Intermediate Upgrade to TAE40110 from old Time: Thursday 7.30 – 8.30pm Financial Literacy BSZ40198 and TAA40104 Intermediate Plus Time: TBA, in conjunction with Wingate One-day workshop Time: Thursday 6.30 – 7.30pm Avenue Community Centre Time: Wednesday 9am – 4pm Antenatal Pilates Cost: Free for concession card holders, Cost: $475 Time: Thursday 7.30 – 8.30pm others $55 Date: 23 September (five sessions) Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Cost: $185 / $135 concession* Venue: Arts House Meat Market Global Homework Program Introduction to Teachers Aide Work Primary (Grades 4 and 5) Time: Wednesday 9am – 3.30pm Time: Wednesday 3.30 – 5.30pm Cost: $1225 / $250 concession* Secondary (Grades 7–12) Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne ART AND CRAFT Time: Tuesday 4pm – 6pm Art and Craft: Create and Communicate Cost: $35 / $25 concession* Professional Barista and Food Time: Thursday 10am – 12 noon Venue: North Melbourne Library Handling Training NEW or 1pm – 3pm Open (Grades 4–10) Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm (four sessions) Cost: $90 / $55 concession* Time: Thursday 3.30 – 5pm Cost: $125 / $105 concession* Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne, Cost: Free to City of Hobsons Bay Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne or Kensington Town Hall NEW residents COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Venue: Hobsons Bay Altona Library or Docklands Hub NEW
Basic Self-Defence NEW Prepare for Work: Foundation Skills INFORMATION, DIGITAL Introduction to Media and Printing Time: TBA (four sessions) Time: Thursday 9.30am – 3pm MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY Times: Various Cost: $90 / $55 concession* Cost: $133 / $105 concession* Cost: $133 / $90 concession* Venue: Errol Street, North Melbourne Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Computer Skills: First Steps Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Time: Tuesday 9.30am – 12 noon Time: Monday 10am – 12 noon Centre Adventures (Day Trips) Cost: $65 / $55 concession* Cost: $125 / $90 concession* June, July, August Venue: Kensington Town Hall NEW Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Cost: $35 / $25 concession* INC PARTNER PROGRAMS** Meeting Point: 58 Errol St, North Melb Computer Skills: One Step Further Time: Fourth Tuesday monthly Time: Friday 10am – 12 noon Certificates in General Education for 9.30am – 4pm EMPLOYABILITY AND Cost: $125 / $90 concession* Adults Meeting Point: Docklands Hub NEW SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Certificates in English as a Second or Time: Fourth Monday monthly Additional Language 9.30am – 4pm Event Management Course Computer Skills: INTEL Easy Steps Certificate III in Children’s Services Time: Monthly and term options Time: Wednesday 1pm – 3pm Certificates in Kitchen Operations/ Discovery Walks – Art, Architecture and available Cost: $125 / $105 concession* Hospitality History Walking Group Cost: $65 / $55 concession* Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne Certificate in Vocational Preparation Time: Fourth Tuesday monthly Venue: 58 Errol St, North Melbourne 10am – 11am Open Door * subject to conditions Cost: $3 per session First Aid Short Courses – Asthma Cost: Free to those sleeping rough # subject to staff–student ratios Meeting Point: 58 Errol St, North Melb Management or Anaphylaxis Job Seeker Skills ** subject to demand JUNE 2015 North and West Melbourne News THE CENTRE 11 Captain Blue-Dress and the book-thirsty pirates
Frances McMillan when you’re in the know!” The pirates chanted them had double-crossed the others. as they found special picture books, glossy After looting and ransacking the library, the magazines, atlases, DVDs and CDs, and other pirates finally discovered that the clues had “Behold, it is I, Captain Blue-Dress, and my hidden library treasures. accidentally fallen behind the world maps and band of bloodthirsty pirates! We have come to It looked like everything was plain sailing as were covered up by the magazines. This way, seek our treasure! Get out of our way, you lily- the pirates notched up their loot, until, from a no one had to walk the plank, no siree! Instead, livered readers!!” dark corner of the library, an angry voice rose the pirates and library-goers all got together The shrill scream of Captain Blue-Dress’s up. and shared their loot. With cries of delight they voice echoed around the downstairs chamber “Lookie here, me hearties, I believe the opened books, flipped through magazines and of the North Melbourne Library. Children, clues have been sabotaged!” thundered piled up their gold coins. parents and staff were taken completely by Captain Blue-Dress, her face red and puffed up Captain Blue-Dress was very proud of her surprise and gaped in fear. A band of thieves with rage. fearless band of pirates and their thorough poured in like giant red ants, ready to search “Go find those mutinous traitors amongst us search of the library treasures. She has the best every nook and cranny, every bookshelf and and make them walk the plank!” educated pirates in the world. reading space for the treasure within. Captain Blue-Dress’s loyal pirates frantically The Pirate Treasure Hunt was a joint The pirates clutched dusty sets of clever scoured the library looking for the greedy, initiative of the Global Homework Program cryptic clues that guided them through the treacherous people who were trying to keep all and the children’s librarians of the North maze of shelves, stairs and reading rooms. the treasure for themselves. Was it the Yellow Melbourne Library to make children familiar “Yo ho ho and a packet of gum! Reading is Beards? Or the Black Bands? Or maybe it was with the range of learning materials and Captain Blue Dress a.k.a. children’s librari- great and learning is fun! We’ll hunt high and the Red Devils who were betraying them? resources available to them in the library. It an, Michelle Moore low and never be slow, because life is such fun There were five different groups and one of was a great success. Photo: Frances McMIllan
Why did the Why did the pirate walk the pirate walk the plank? plank?
It all started when It all started when me I was cleaning the hunger got the better of deck. The ‘newbies’ me. The biscuits were were chucking up on the top shelf. They everywhere. It stank even had sugar in them like pig dung and there biscuits! I just cabbage. I was cleaning it all up and did I happened to reach in get any recognition? an’ take ’em but as soon Illustration: Adam Falloon NO!!!!!!!!!!! The as I took a bite the cook Illustration: Adam Falloon captain gets told 24/7 walked in. He grabbed how good he is. Anyway I was having a crappy day. I was slipping over the poo and me an’ took me to the cap’n who yelled at me for hours. As punishment I was to walk the vomit and getting yelled at. I even slipped over a skateboard and then to top it all off the plank! All for them biscuits! captain wouldn’t shut up about how good he was. So I yelled out “WOULD YOU SHUT UP!!!!!” And now I’m here walking the plank. By Alec, Year 6 By Chloe, Year 6
YOUTH & EDUCATION Simonds students know they can design!
Ezme Webb
ast month, two West Melbourne students from Simonds Catholic LCollege, Terry Nguyen and Jean San Juan, won the So You Think You Can Design competition. The competition was hosted at the Design and Technology Teachers’ Association (DATTA) conference in May. Ten finalists from five schools gathered for the two-day design marathon. Terry Nguyen and Jean San Juan were selected after excelling in a series of design challenges in the DATTA Week of Design in March. The So You Think You Can Design competition required each school team to create a playground of the future by first sketching their ideas. Student concepts were developed using computer-aided design, from which prototype model playgrounds were built. Each team was assigned a different theme. Terry and Jean’s winning entry was based on the environment. The students each won an iPad mini and were presented with a trophy for their school. The awards were presented by competition sponsor Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, dean of Swinburne University’s School of Design. The winning design for a future playground by Terry Nguyen and Jean San Juan from Simonds Catholic College Photo: Ed Nikolaidis 12 POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015
POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT Inner-city youth unemployment on the rise
Adam Bandt completed degrees in Melbourne and sent off dozens of job applications but not even received a call for an interview. However, ou don’t have to spend much time at when they change their name from ‘Fatima’ to the housing estate in North Melbourne ‘Anne’ on their CV, the phone starts ringing. Ybefore you come across someone who The statistics back up these experiences. wants meaningful work but can’t get it. The People from refugee and migrant backgrounds problem seems to be getting worse, especially are one-and-a-half to two times more amongst young people. I’m worried that likely to find themselves un- or under- rising youth unemployment is hitting our area employed. Combine that with a rising youth hard and threatening what’s good about our unemployment rate generally and it paints suburbs. a worrying picture. Add to this the Abbott One of the things that makes Melbourne Government’s proposal to boot young people great is our diversity, with people from many off the dole and the funding cuts to TAFE and different backgrounds and incomes living universities and it’s a recipe for disaster. together as neighbours. However, for many The government hopes to wash its hands young people, including those from refugee clean of the responsibility to support these and migrant backgrounds, it has never been young people, leaving it up to charities to harder to get a meaningful job. provide housing, food and clothing to the While we should be making sure everyone young unemployed who are not lucky enough in Melbourne feels like they belong, we’re to have the support of family or friends. instead seeing many young people who feel As well as fighting the Abbott Government’s excluded, unable to find a job and forced to attacks, I’ve been working hard to help get live below the poverty line on the dole. jobs for locals in our neighbourhoods. A few On the latest figures, youth unemployment years ago, we brought together community in Australia is sitting at 13.6 per cent, leaders, businesses and job service agencies to more than double the national average tackle the issue. Photo supplied by the Office of Adam Bandt MP unemployment rate (which is currently 6.1 per We set up the Melbourne Employment cent). Whilst we’ve been lucky to avoid the Forum, an association led by the local African- Melbourne is a neighbourhood where everyone In the meantime, we’re making a start spiralling levels of youth unemployment seen Australian community, to help find jobs for feels they have a place. More jobs for our locally. If you can help with a job for a local, in other parts of the world, with countries like locals. I’m thrilled that we have just secured neighbours means everyone feels happier and please get in touch with my office on 9417 Spain and Greece experiencing levels well funding from the Melbourne City Council prouder. There’s a lot more that needs to be 0759. over 50 per cent last year, some groups are for projects to help find meaningful work for done, including national action to grow the much worse hit than the national average. locals in North and West Melbourne. clean economy and create new jobs in areas Adam Bandt is the Greens Federal Member for I’ve heard many stories from locals who’ve We all have an interest in making sure like education, health and renewable energy. Melbourne.
Stop the war on the poor — Fair Go for Pensioners rally
Carole Lander over, we find that being long-term unemployed “Utilities are central to pensioner living port payments, despite Child Support Agency has led to people becoming homeless and ill.” standards and certainly feature largest in the figures revealing more than 50 per cent of Winter is here and utilities bills are hurting mass meetings I attend in the community.” child support is neither fully paid, nor on time. ill the sweeteners in the state and pensioners. Despite Victoria’s energy con- Commenting on Scott Morrison’s childcare The current child support debt sits well over federal budgets help alleviate pov- cessions program, VCOSS claims that these package, Kerry Davies expressed the views of $1 billion. Werty and the daily struggle to sur- provide less assistance to eligible households the Council of Single Mothers and their Chil- “This is shortsighted, cruel legislation than in the past. According to its online budget dren (CSMC), who are appalled that cuts to vive for 2.6 million Australians of whom close which effectively shuts more single-mother snapshot: “In real terms, accounting for CPI single-income family payments mean women to 651,000 are Victorians? families out of the labour market and makes it Addressing the crowd under the banner of increases and output projections for a number parenting alone, who have absorbed successive easier for non-resident parents to dodge their Fair Go for Pensioners Inc (FGFP), Emma of households receiving concessions electricity budget cuts from both sides of government, financial responsibilities, leaving women and King, CEO of the Victorian Council of Social will be 10.3% lower and gas 1.2% (Budget stand to lose another $58 per week. Budget children in danger of greater poverty,” said Service (VCOSS), opened a rally on the steps Paper 3, p. 258).” 2015’s childcare package relies on this cut to of the State Library of Victoria on 20 May. FGFP ethnic community representative vulnerable families, reducing existing child- Davies. “Stop the war on the poor” was the battle cry George Zangalis said it was highly disappoint- care entitlements and increasing out-of-pocket FGFP president Roger Wilson appealed: of speakers representing aged pensioners, sin- ing that there had been no improvements to costs for low-income parents. “FGFP urges the Federal Government to end gle mothers and the unemployed. concession discount rates/rebates for three This budget also cuts funding to the Austra- poverty by taxing the rich to pay their fair Jeff Fiedler, manager of housing for the years. lian Tax Office for enforcement of child sup- share.” Aged Action Group Inc (HAAG), expressed gratitude that the Andrews State Government had funded their Home at Last service for old- er people at risk of homelessness for another four years. But HAAG and FGFP agree that services for older people also need housing outcomes. Unfortunately the state budget did not provide funding for urgently needed ex- pansion of new public housing stock, while the Federal Government refuses to acknowledge - Hair & Beauty - the current housing crisis. Come relax & unwind with one of Fiedler has said: “Massive investment in our tailored services … Welcomes you to our Beauty Boutique public housing by the State and Federal gov- • Facials ernments is urgently needed to address the • Manicures Special for News readers huge demand for affordable housing that is • Pedicures needed for our ageing society. Older people • Relaxation massage are forced into an unregulated private rental • Waxing Take 50% off any market where they are ripped off and manipu- lated by unscrupulous landlords. Public hous- • Tinting ing rescues older people from housing poverty • Vanit-T tanning beauty service and provides the dignity everyone in society • Make-up Follow us on deserves.” 118 Errol Street North Melbourne 3051 Ph: 9328 5550 Marilyn King, volunteer president of Will- [email protected] www.illuminatihair.com.au ing Older Workers, has replied that “coming @illuminatihair from a group who have members aged 50 and JUNE 2015 North and West Melbourne News YOUTH & EDUCATION 13
YOUTH & EDUCATION Stephanie Alexander and SAKGP VIPs visit our school
Robyn Phelan Italian Chickens program. Our current kitchen and garden specialists, Sam and Joanna, nurture a student-led major achievement for the Stephanie curriculum, bringing in recipes from home Alexander Kitchen Garden Program countries and family favourites. A(SAKGP) was announced in the North At North Melbourne Primary School the Melbourne Primary School (NMPS) kitchen SAKGP is a part of our main curriculum; it is garden on Friday 13 March. not an add-on. All children across the school Stephanie Alexander, Ange Barry (SAKGP learn to respect and enjoy the garden, and CEO), George Savvides (Medibank’s cooking is integrated across the year for all managing director) and our school principal, children in grades 3–6. Sally Karlovic, made speeches in our glorious The kitchen also becomes a ‘place of vegetable garden. The VIPs then joined research and science’ when the foundation students, staff, volunteers and former SAKGP students, or those in years 1 and 2, are teachers Tarsh, Mel and Cathy to chat and eat studying food, nutrition or kitchen chemistry! wonderful, healthy food prepared and served We have families who regularly discuss by Sam, staff and grade 6 students. what their children bring home from the What’s so special? There are now 800 schools kitchen or garden, proudly saying “We grew partnering with the Kitchen Garden National this”, “I ate this” or “I cooked this”. Literacy Program. Ten per cent of all Australian primary and numeracy skills are also included and schools run this food education program. The explicitly taught through the food education program has recently opened up membership program. Sally, Cath, Stephanie, Jade and Same Photo: Robyn Phelan to any early-learning centre, primary school or The program has brought about a sense of Community members are really valued To volunteer with the kitchen, you can find secondary school in Australia. engagement and interest in healthy, tasty food at NMPS and we are always on the lookout the necessary Working with Children Check Principal Sally Karlovic’s speech was — an interest that spreads across the whole for new volunteers in the kitchen. You don’t online at https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/ fantastic. Sally gave an overview of the eight school. have to be a parent — you could be a retiree, wwccu/onlineapplication.doj years the program has been part of our school. The NMPS kitchen also welcomes She acknowledged Tarsh, who set out the first volunteers. If you are the parent or carer of a grandparent or a local parent who no longer garden, with the odds against her, to grow a child in the SAKGP this term, please join has children at the school, or you might even For more information, email Sam, our kitchen produce for the kitchen, and Cathy, our first us. You just might expand your cooking be someone studying in the education or food coordinator, on [email protected]. kitchen specialist, recalling the successful repertoire! industry! gov.au
Letter Two: The cryptic letter Author: Fergus, Grade 5, North Melbourne Primary School. Emailed to reporter March 2015.
Letter One: Firstly, thank you so much for returning my scooter. When I discovered it Author unknown, handwritten. Found in March 2015 attached to a scooter in North Melbourne was stolen from the school (even though you just borrowed it) I felt a bit Primary School. disappointed because the school is really safe and we all look after each other there, and when something goes missing we really start to wonder: is our school real- ly that safe?
But when I found that my scooter was not only returned, but returned with a really nice Sorry for borrowing sorry note, I thought that I was the luckiest person on the planet. I cried with happiness your scooter, at the thought that someone thought twice about stealing a scooter, and decided to return Hopefully it finds it. its way back to I would be delighted to learn some tricks from you on my scooter. I hope you keep your you pal. good behaviour up and think twice before stealing something. Nice wheels! We should hang out Keep cool and ride hard bro!!! one day. I will teach you some tricks.bro!! Peace out Looks alone
Claudio Palmeri Several days later I entered the same store wearing a baggy tracksuit and my cap backwards. ow many times have you been told On the final day of the experiment, I wore perception is everything? How many pants and a shirt. Htimes have you looked and judged? Did perception change the way I was served How many times have you been wrong? and treated? In short, yes. Perception (according to adults) is everything. Unfortunately, society has placed a label First impressions are apparently everything, on who and what is considered a respectable yet kids are told not to judge a book by its member of the community. I was still the same cover. I wanted to know who was right, which kid underneath the outfit with the same values led me to devise my own social experiment. and principles, but unfortunately not everyone Perception (derived from the Latin word was prepared to see beneath the layers of perceptio) is the organisation, identification and clothing. interpretation of an object. It was with this in My social experiment proved many mind that I decided to enter the same store on things to me, and primarily brought about different days wearing three different outfits. disappointment. Being judged purely on my In this case the object was me. appearance was not only frustrating but I was I wanted to see whether people are correct made to feel as if I had done or was about to in the assumption that we are judged by do something wrong. our appearance and if, in fact, perception is People need to be perceptive but not everything. judgmental. At the end of the day, it did not The first day of my experiment I entered the matter what I wore or how I was served; what store with a beanie, a very baggy hoodie and a mattered to me was that I was judged by large backpack. perception and perception alone. 14 OPINION North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015
OPINION City governance and election campaign donations
Ewan Ogilvy major amendment proposed to: • rezone all that area south of Grattan Street, between Peel Street (North Melbourne) and ate in 2012, The Age ran with a Swanston Street (Carlton), to the Capital City headline ‘Cash may gag council Zone. One of the key clauses of this zone Lvote’. This report contended that the proposed to exempt the buildings and works “Melbourne City Council could be denied a applications (for the as-of-right uses) from say on key building projects, with a majority ALL the notice, decision and review rights of of councillors unable to vote because of the Planning Act. developer donations that bankrolled their The amendment also proposed to: election campaigns”. • increase the (preferred) intensity of Could this really happen in the Melbourne development in almost all the proposed Capital municipality? City Zone areas through amendments to the Back in May 2014, the City of Melbourne’s Design and Development Overlays. The Future Melbourne Committee couldn’t proposed changes in the North Melbourne consider the Development Contributions area were particularly dramatic — from a Plan (MPS Am C208) because of the lack mandatory height limit of 14 metres to a of a quorum. According to the minutes, preferred maximum of 24 metres. this situation arose because five members This amendment was of significant interest of the committee had indirect conflicts of to both property owners and the development Development opportunities in Princess Street, North Melbourne? This is where the interest through being recipients of campaign industry. But did any of our city councillors preferred intensity of development may go from a real maximum of 14 metres (about donations from a developer. declare an indirect conflict of interest when four storeys) to a ‘preferred’ maximum of 24 metres (ie six storeys-plus)! If the City North Planning Scheme Amendment is gazetted, citizens will have very constrained So what happened? Following the meeting, the matter went before the full council? Not opportunities to object or appeal against insensitive development proposals. No such this matter was dealt with by a council officer according to the council record. How can constraints are proposed for the west side of Peel Street. Why should appeal rights be under delegation! Here we have an important this appalling situation be countenanced in a limited on the east side? Photo: Ewan Ogilvy report, prepared by the council administration, ‘sophisticated’ democracy? that COULD NOT BE CONSIDERED by our In March this year, Ms Ellen Sandell (State It is understood that the Labor Party does do not care about integrity in the planning elected officials. What an appalling situation. Member for Melbourne) put a question to the not intend changing the law in relation to this process.” Could this happen again? Should it? Minister for Planning (Mr Richard Wynne) matter. (At the time of going to press, the If the state of New South Wales can ban Most Planning Scheme amendments can, to clarify the attitude of the Labor Party to Labor Party had not clarified its position.) and do, raise serious issues for developers donations from the property industry. In According to Ms Sandell: “Labor must developer contributions to candidates for and other stakeholders. Take the City North response, Mr Wynne indicated that this was a legislate to ban donations from property electoral office, it MUST be possible and Planning Scheme Amendment (C196). This matter for the Special Minister for State. developers. If they do not, they are saying they REQUIRED in Victoria.
SPORT & HEALTH High heels: a species of unlikely survival
Bill Adamson This footwear was not just aesthetic. It design to maintain a point of difference. displays of wealth were frowned upon, or the gave horse-bound warriors better balance Then came the French Revolution: liberty, wearers were robbed, so heels were shortened when standing in their stirrups and increased equality, fraternity! The class-based system and squared off. s an osteopath I see all sorts of the leverage of a sword or bow, as well as thrown out in a welter of violence and death. It took the postwar 1950s movie stars, in ailments, from headaches to foot pain, elongating their legs and enhancing the In 1799 Napoleon wrested control from the collaboration with Christian Dior, to make Aand an important part of treatment is definition of their calves. few revolutionaries who had managed to keep them glamorous again. to determine the cause of the injury. Like today’s celebrities, the aristocracy of their heads, and in a nod to the principles of And now? In 2011 The Wall Street Journal the day drove fashion. And as more and more Some causes are weird and wonderful (an the Revolution he ordained himself — in flat reported that $38.5 billion was spent on high noblemen took to the heeled look, so too did 84-year-old with a bung hip and a new partner shoes. heels in the USA alone. the plebs aspire to own a pair. We can only imagine how much money limps to mind) but generally it is something And thus heels disappeared — until the But it was only men who wore heels until manual therapists make from from treating seemingly insignificant, a regular part of a mid 19th century, when they reappeared in person’s life, which causes the injury. the 1620s. The 1620s deserve an essay unto high-heel-related injuries. pornography, now associated with small, High heels are one such item. Found in themselves. This is when women started The moral of this story: don’t wear high feminine feet. many women’s wardrobes, they fill the coffers appropriating the fashions of men — cutting heels every day, do calf raises to make yourself Once again they were on the rise in of manual therapists the world over. their hair short, smoking pipes and wearing stronger for when you do wear them, and don’t mainstream popularity, especially in the But where did they come from? How did high heels. walk far in them. these beautiful, foot-binding, limp-inducing Heels proliferated. As more plebs and more shorter-hemmed and higher-heeled 1920s. shoes come to be so common? I wasn’t sure, women wore them, the aristocracy altered the Then the Great Depression hit and ostentatious Bill Adamson is a local osteopath. so I went on an interweb-based adventure to find some answers. Ignoring the butchers of ancient Egypt and the prostitutes of ancient Rome, the fashion Errol Street Medical of high heels that we know and love (?) was introduced to Europe from what is now General Practice, Specialists & Allied Health Centre considered the Middle East. Towards the end of the 16th century the We have more very experienced female doctors joining the team Persian army was one of the most feared and Introducing Dr RAJA PAUL, who commences practice in June 2015 respected in the world, and one of the more garishly dressed armies in global history. Specialist Services: General Surgeon, Osteopath, Psychology Counsellor Think manicured beards, flowing robes and Onsite Pathology, Nursing and Vaccination Services velvet heels, like a medieval Rainbow Serpent Festival. OPENING HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 8.30am to 6pm Persia’s greatest rivals were the Ottomans. Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am to 6pm In an inspired move for modern fashion houses, the Persians sent a group of diplomats Saturday 9am to 1pm to Europe in search of allies against their Level 1, 65–67 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 (above the Pharmacy) mutual enemy, the Ottoman Empire. These diplomats were the best dressed of the 03 9329 7011 lot and cruised between royal dinner parties Now you can book your appointments ONLINE! across the continent, wowing their hosts with their grace, facial follicles and decadent BULK-BILLING FOR PENSIONERS AND footwear. Needless to say the Europeans were HEALTH CARE CARD HOLDERS smitten. Illustration: Adam Falloon JUNE 2015 North and West Melbourne News SPORT & HEALTH 15 Stay healthy and keep active this winter
Janine Barron and Chris Addison Creating a rejuvenating lifestyle involves staying active. Take a deep breath, feel the earth beneath your feet, walk in nature, take inter is here; days are shorter and a moment to look around you with eyes colder. It is natural that our bodies and heart open, take a daily yoga practice, Wwant to go into hibernation. meditate, keep your chakras balanced, eat The winter months can be a time to slow slow-cooked, healthy food. down and reserve energy, but hibernating Meditation also keeps the mind healthy. creates a slow and sluggish metabolism and Meditation sounds like a remote experience low energy levels, and then we catch that because of all the stimulation we’re exposed cold! We need to increase circulation within Risa Nishiura from Tokyo: Shoulder stand Dolphin pose Photos: Andrew Clifforth to, but why not try a meditation practice? A growing amount of research shows that the whole body to stay healthy. Rather than lungs, heart and thyroid, helping to empower flat. Next, you lift your hips and back up into meditating can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety hibernating as it gets colder, practise yoga to these areas to release toxins and avoid typical this modified downward-facing dog position and depression, increase your attention span stay active and healthy this winter. Your body winter illnesses. Also, this is a fun, childlike (see photo). and deepen your compassion for others, among and mind will thank you, and you will have pose to play with! As you inhale, lengthen the body towards many other benefits. more energy. Stay in shoulder stand for five to six long your hands. As you exhale, push back to the Staying healthy in our body and our mind The beauty of yoga is that all you need is and deep breaths. Follow this by hugging the modified downward-facing dog. The goal is to takes patience. Allow what you desire to you. We tend to use excuses like “Oh, but it’s knees into the chest and then releasing them to bring the body parallel to the ground. It is best come to you and, most importantly, decide to cold. I have to take a tram to the yoga studio”. take at least a one-minute savasana (relaxation to do around 10 of these. maintain your health and vitality this winter by Let go of any judgments you have of what a lying on your back) to gain the full benefit. So how does one move out of that staying active. yoga practice is supposed to be, because you Some great core-work you can do is dolphin comforting place of stagnation? A better know how to move, there’s no right or wrong. dive, which is like a modified downward- answer is to ask the question, what do you like Janine Barron and Chris Addison own The Yoga helps us to stimulate our metabolism and facing dog. Start by holding onto the outside of about feeling stagnant? Does the space you Yoga Place at 203 Victoria Street, West be present in the moment. the elbows and plant them on the ground. You are in allow you to be and do everything you Melbourne. The studio is open seven days a Shoulder stand is a restorative posture. It can either interlace your fingers or straighten wish? What is it going to take to allow that week and offers 31 yoga classes including is very effective in bringing fresh blood to the the arms out so they are parallel with hands space to be available to you? meditation and pranayama breathing.
TRAVEL & FOOD GAP years: not just for the young
Kashka Lantis opportunity to change direction. that my age might be going against me. When In addition to the delightful experienc- I ended up as a tour leader in the Middle I felt this, my friends and family reminded es with my students, I have made some East, showing holiday-makers around some me that I had persevered to get my qualifi- wonderful Khmer friends and I know their s I write this I am sitting by a of the world’s most amazing ancient sites. cation, and the memory of this gave me the generosity of spirit will stay in my heart no picturesque river, watching brightly I remember gazing into the depths of the impetus to keep applying for positions. matter where I travel. Acoloured fishing boats return to the glorious Nile River, and wishing I could do Finally, I was thrilled to receive an offer Of course it hasn’t all been a bed of town of Kampot, in Southern Cambodia. this for the rest of my life. As it turned out, from the Australian Centre for Education roses. Starting out in a new career is hugely I’ve left the dust and heat of Phnom Penh, however, I ended up back in the rat race. (ACE) in Cambodia. I had visited Cambodia challenging, and I sometimes wonder if I 10 years ago and the character of the which is my home at the moment, where I Now, as I sit beside this Cambodian river, should just return to my familiar job in the am teaching English. It has been well over Cambodian people left a lasting impression I reflect on my current situation. It was travel industry. But no, I am determined to a year since I decided to reinvent myself. on me. It would be a great place to start my just over a year ago that I packed in a great give myself at least 12 months to see if this While working in the travel industry I was GAP year, a place that was familiar. job that I loved, but couldn’t realistically is just going to be a GAP year, or if it is the able to see first-hand the huge impact that I began my contract with ACE last June, see myself doing in another five years’ beginning of a really wonderful new career. learning English can have on the lives of and it has been an incredible experience. I time. After I finished the job, I complet- At this stage I am simply going to take each people, their families and communities. I de- ed an intensive course of study called a teach young learners here, whose parents are day as it comes, because so far it all seems cided years ago that one day I would try my CELTA (Certificate in English Language keen to give their children every opportunity in a country that is experiencing a develop- to be going rather well! hand at teaching my native language. I would Teaching to Adults). The CELTA is the most ment boom. No matter what their age is, I take a break from all that I had ever known, recognised pre-service qualification for see hardworking and dedicated students who Before her Cambodian adventure, Kashka Lantis was and experience my first ever GAP year. teaching English around the world and can are polite and responsive to their teachers. the News’ Food and Travel editor. I didn’t have the means to have a GAP break even strong-minded individuals. I am year when I was in my late teens, and pleased to say, however, that I finished it instead I got caught up building my career. and found myself in the market for another Then suddenly I was in my 40s, companies job. It was exciting. It was interesting. It was were downsizing, and I was made redun- also rather overwhelming. dant. Initially this sent me into a state of One month and many applications later, shock, but I realised it also presented an my confidence was waning. I started to worry
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orth Melbourne, an inner-city suburb positively affected by postwar Nmigration, is home to some of Melbourne’s most popular cafes, many of which are run by self-confessed caffeine addicts. There are some impeccable cafes in the main areas of North and West Melbourne, but I decided to explore a different area and found a cafe that is less well known to our North Melbourne community. Pocket Cafe is a hidden cafe. Nestled in a small laneway at 29 Melrose Street, Pocket Cafe matches its name perfectly — small, compact and so well hidden that you could mistake the customers seated outdoors for university students sitting outside their apartment enjoying a coffee on a study break. This isn’t surprising, as the cafe is perfect for an afternoon with your favourite novel and coffee or, if you’re like me, an early-afternoon study session. When I sat down at the cafe it was later in the day and my waiter kindly explained that they had sold out of all but the bocconcini bagel. This bocconcini bagel and the coffee were undeniably cheaper than at more popular A pleasant, beautiful drive through the overcast back roads of Healesville Photo: Michael Hockstein cafes, and I was able to pay by card with no eftpos minimum (which, for a student, is definitely an indicator of a cafe’s excellence). Michael Hockstein the four ciders on offer. It all tasted wonderful, chocolate sweets, washed down with a shot of Within 10 minutes I was excitedly especially while viewing their vineyard with white chocolate and a latte. This was certainly tucking into my meal. The grainy bagel with distant silhouetted mountains backdropping a can’t-miss location. bocconcini, spinach, tomato and pesto was y girlfriend and I moved to West the scene. One of the best restaurants that I’ve ever simple and worked perfectly. I downed my Melbourne a few months ago. We Wineries and breweries weren’t even the eaten at is Innocent Bystander in Healesville. food and decided I needed something extra, Mare both on working holiday visas best part of our Healesville experience. Cheese The staff were very chatty and the service because, although it was close to the finest and have been enjoying all the personality that farms, chocolate factories, nature and tran- was incredible. Don’t leave without sampling bagel I’ve ever eaten, it wasn’t overly filling. Melbourne has to offer: great cafes, cool gal- quillity are all plentiful. There is a great place at least one of their gorgeous pizzas. My The strawberry, chia and rhubarb pudding leries (like the Dr. Seuss gallery at the Block called Yarra Valley Dairy where you can get a girlfriend’s favourite was their halloumi sal- free tasting of several delectable cheeses. For Arcade in the CBD!), free CBD trams and the ad — it came served up as a kind of halloumi stood out, as I had never tried a decent about $40, we picked up two varieties of goat’s incredible graffiti have wowed us. cheese steak with shaved fennel and a zaatar chia pudding and this one was wonderfully cheese, a safflower cow’s milk cheese, and a The two of us recently took a three-night seasoning. The staff even gave us a free loaf presented. The chia ‘health food’ trend is smoky hard cheese. holiday to Healesville to return to nature and of their award-winning artisan bread when we slowly killing our bank accounts. The sweet- Then there is the favourite of many people, enjoy some time to ourselves. We had such a left. Last, but by no means least, is Innocent sour flavour of the rhubarb, paired with the good time that I want to share it with the North the Healesville Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Bystander’s pink Moscato, a unique, light and unbelievably sweet, fresh strawberries, worked and West Melbourne community. Walk through the front doors to a ‘help-your- fruity sparkling wine that is hard to put down. beautifully with the silky taste of the almond- Our first room, at the Big 4 Yarra Holiday self’ selection of free chocolate: white, milk Only an hour outside Melbourne, Heales- milk-soaked chia seeds. Park, was beyond our expectations. The Big 4 and dark! They have chocolate sweets, ice- ville has rolling green valleys. It has wineries, On leaving the cafe, I was glad I had taken is located at the base of a national park, so we cream, coffee, food and, amazingly, fondue fun activities for couples and families, indoors a chance on trying something new in North had nature all around us, and open fields were shots. and outdoors, relaxed and adventurous. It’s an Melbourne and will definitely return soon if visible from our deck. Now, I am an ice-cream fiend, and their only for the bagel. Although small, that’s what If you enjoy wineries, there are enough white chocolate ice-cream with dark chocolate amazing weekend getaway for everyone. The to fill a week’s worth of tastings. We visited chips was amazing. My girlfriend preferred the weather wasn’t so cooperative for us, so I rec- makes Pocket Cafe stand out from other North Tokar Estate, Domaine Chandon and Yering blueberry dark chocolate and raspberry dark ommend checking before you go. Melbourne cafes — it’s a pocket-sized gem. Farm. Tokar Estate is a smaller winery with an appealing restaurant. Their wines had a bold taste that I enjoyed but which my girlfriend found overpowering. Dr Lam’s Interests Domaine Chandon is a large winery with Women’s Health immaculate grounds that are spectacular even Premier Health on a rainy day. It is known for its sparkling Partners Family Medicine wines; in fact Domaine Chandon produce 35 Travel Vaccinations per cent of Australia’s sparkling wine. I highly recommend both wineries. Anti-ageing Treatment On our final day, we visited Yering Farm Dr Margaret McDowell Wines. This is a cute little winery with only a and Also Available Onsite small sign to draw the public in. I found this to be my favourite of the three. The wine tasting Dr Alan Underwood Osteopathy was free (the other two were only $3 and $5 Psychology — but still free is nice). It was an atmospheric welcome Dr Hong Lam Remedial Massage little cabin in the middle of grapevine rows. Clinical Pilates An elegant, proper and knowledgeable wine Dental Prosthetics connoisseur described the arousal of flavours on our tongue. This was a lovely place to rest Taking New Patients Dr Hong Lam Dorevitch Pathology and recoup between wineries. There are breweries and cider houses in the Ground fl oor, 491–495 King Street, West Melbourne (corner Rosslyn Street) area too. Meletos is a cafe-style eatery, where 9329 7077 one can order food and drinks. We ordered a www.premierhealthpartners.com.au — book online! paddle: I had four beers, and my girlfriend had JUNE 2015 North and West Melbourne News ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 17
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT In conversation with Chris Beaumont
Jennifer Choat which is based in literature, not based on visual language. If you can’t draw, or if you haven’t spent at least a few years trying to, and n a small studio space tucked behind haven’t looked at a lot of pictures, you can’t the 45downstairs gallery, away from the make great curatorial decisions because you Imidday bustle on Flinders Lane, Jennifer can’t really see what it is that you’re looking Choat caught up with contemporary still-life at. If you haven’t tried to make art, how much artist Chris Beaumont. can you really know about it? What was the hardest part of art school You are from Melbourne — tell me about for you? your upbringing. When did you first show Before you go to art school and you’ve an interest in art and painting? looked at thousands of pictures you have a I was good at maths and science at school and vague idea of what art might be. You go to ended up doing medicine at Melbourne Uni. In art school to get a professional idea of what second year I was doing histology and you had art might be and your brain will change with to do drawings of everything you saw down that knowledge. That feels hard, while your the microscope. I’d have these really dense brain changes. You have to rid yourself of the graphite drawings of cell structures — that’s clichés. You’ll start to see better, you’ll notice when it clicked in my head of what drawing things that you didn’t notice before. You see really was. So I started doing night classes and the details: what people are saying or aren’t got all the books out on drawing that I could. saying. When you look at a painting you can That led to night classes in painting with see so much about a person; you’re actually Howard Arkley and TAFE, until I went to the looking at someone’s mind. That’s what people VCA. love about painting, you get to see people’s You studied a variety of things minds, which could have been written 500 — medicine, fine art and software years ago and it’s all there. development. What made you continue to Do you have any advice for young artists study? or students at art school? Like a lot of artists I was supplementing my Just draw. Look at as much art as you can. But income with hospitality work, but since ’95 please draw. I’ve been writing webpages. It means that I Do you use traditional oil-painting can work from home and in my own hours. techniques? Do you work swiftly or prefer The web is such a place of creation and it’s a to study slowly? rectangle picture plane. The internet is for us It takes me about three months to finish a what painting was for Leonardo in his time. picture. Maybe six weeks if I push it. Because Traditional still life is an unusual focus I work in layers … ‘Traditional’ is a funny for a contemporary artist. What made you term — ’cause I don’t know anybody who choose this and stick with it? paints like this. So how traditional is it? My By the end of third year at the VCA I painting looks traditional, but I would say that discovered Spanish still-life painting. It was it’s not. You see that there are things in it that Juan Sánchez Cotán who had the windowpane, would never be painted traditionally. with an arrangement of vegetables to express Can you tell me about the recurring his faith. It brings together a lot of things themes or narratives in your paintings — I am interested in — plus it has the black are many of them modern memento mories? background. The unknown. Yes, definitely. It’s all about the changes of Most art schools don’t teach technique life — that everything will go. But the thing anymore. Was it like that when you were at is, paintings will stay. A painting will last 500 Chris Beaumont in his studio at 45downstairs gallery Photo: Jennifer Choat the VCA? years or so. They are sort of competing with Just like his soldiers. And Caravaggio, who has of them become artists. So you have to really It was a bit half-and-half. There were some death in a way. That’s the fun of painting. those same black backgrounds, and is again committed drawers. Peter Booth was teaching I think all painters enjoy that type of thing. want it. very modern. at the time and he would always do a drawing Surpassing death. to demonstrate something to you. We did Who are your inspirations? Which How do you personally measure the Artist’s website: www.chrisbeaumont.com life drawing regularly, but things were pretty painters do you reference in your still life? success of a work? Chris Beaumont’s painting Still Life loose. Technique is a fashion thing — maybe Juan Sánchez Cotán is one. He was apparently Whether it stays interesting and whether with Salmon is a finalist in the Bayside in the late ’70s it went out. By the time I got the first still-life painter in Europe. Francisco people like it. There’s a point in the picture, Acquisitive Art Prize, which can be seen there in the mid-’80s it was expressionism. de Zurbarán was at about the same time. He usually about two-thirds of the way through, at The Gallery @ BACC, corner Carpenter Do you think it is important for an art had black backgrounds with beautiful, simple when it starts breathing on its own and comes and Wilson streets, Brighton, until 14 June. to life. That’s when you know it’s good. program to have drawing training? objects. And then there is Goya, whose work Upcoming exhibition: You can’t see unless you can draw. And if you is so modern. It’s fresh and so alive! And his Many artists run out of steam — what Gallerysmith can’t see, then you’re really wasting your time. still-life work is nuts — he’s got a turkey with has kept you at it over the years? 8 October – 7 November 2015 What we have now is problematic, because its neck broken, just thrown against a wall next I’m a very determined person. You go to art 170 Abbotsford Street, North Melbourne we get curators who need to do a PhD in art, to a basket. You know it’s about to be cooked. school with so many people and only a handful
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Music Reviews Between the Covers
Paul & Maria from Heartland Records Chris Saliba
ARTIST: MIDLAKE confronting us with the sounds of Björk’s mainly because it’s so seductive and makes TITLE: LIVE DENTON TEXAS 2013 dramatic and lush string arrangements, which life easier. But there is a cost. As we rely more Record Store Day 2015 offered up over 500 are a signature element throughout the entire on computers to think and do for us, they in exclusive releases available on 18 April to record. Sweeping cellos and violins combined turn are deskilling us. Where once we tackled help raise awareness of independent record with a backdrop of electronic drum and bass a problem and learnt through experience, we stores worldwide. One of the more interesting loops weave through the songs, seamlessly now defer to computers. In the future, even titles is this offering by Texan Americana navigating the musical map of emotions of Simon vs. the Homo doctors may be little more than data processors psychedelic band Midlake. What you get is a who tap patient symptoms into Google. the first half of the album up to the break-up Sapiens Agenda four-track 12-inch single in a gatefold cover Research has even shown that human reliance point in the devastating ‘History of Touches’. Becky Albertalli featuring two live tracks and two radio session on GPS technology, rather than wrestling In ‘Stonemilker’, Björk vocalises her (Penguin. RRP: tracks. Nothing special, we guess, except with a traditional map, may contribute to confusion, doubt and the disparity of emotions, $16.99) contained within the cover is a live DVD demanding clarity, questioning: “If one feels Alzheimer’s disease. concert featuring the band’s triumphant return closed, how does one stay open?” Becky Albertalli is an American clinical Nicholas Carr’s book is not anti-technology. to their hometown of Denton, Texas, after the The fourth track, ‘Black Lake’, is the psychologist who works with teenagers. He celebrates the use of tools, but suggests Antiphon tour. dramatic summit of Vulnicura. It begins slowly Her debut novel is about a young gay teen’s they should be used with more restraint. As it Filmed in 2013 and shot with handheld with an air of despair as with each painful troubled coming-out. stands, he sees us entering a world where more cameras using no overdubs, this footage gives syllable Björk dissects the wounded moments Sixteen-year-old Simon Spier is conducting and more of our experience and knowledge is you a great insight into the band and their right after the break-up. With her soul “torn an online friendship with a mysterious young shaped by algorithm. inspiration. Filmed at Dan’s ‘Silverleaf’ Bar apart, spirit broken, drowned in sorrows” man named Blue. It’s all anonymous, with before an audience of long-time fans and and mourning her family, the music unfurls Simon going by the name Jacques. The two family members, the band are relaxed, in their with the intensity of the beat quickening and discuss via email their problems and anxieties element and clearly enjoying themselves. rising to mirror the emotions. From this point in being closeted teens. Suddenly, a crisis hits. When Simon doesn’t log out properly from his Gmail account at the school library, a fellow student stumbles across his emails. The secret The Soul of the correspondence is now in the wrong hands, Marionette: A Short those of Martin Addison. He knows Simon is Enquiry into Human gay and starts to blackmail him. What follows Freedom is Simon’s tortuous path to coming out to his John Gray family and friends. (Allen Lane. RRP: A lot of fraught and messy emotional $35) territory is covered in Becky Albertalli’s sweet Gnosticism is the belief that the world was and endearing young-adult novel. She skilfully not created by God, but by a malign or shows Simon going through a major event in incompetent deity. Gnostics also hold that his life and coming out a stronger person for once the world is fully understood, humans it. This is a heart-warming story with a light can emancipate themselves. Philosopher John at the end of the tunnel. There are bullies out Gray’s new book, The Soul of the Marionette: there, but there is also an army of supporters A Short Enquiry into Human Freedom ready to back you up. A delight. suggests that many of us today are Gnostics without realising it. We believe scientific The majority of the 90-minute show onwards the album becomes more beat-driven, knowledge will help us escape the limitations concentrates on The Trials of Van the last two tracks featuring the distinct high- of our natural condition. In science’s most Occupanther, The Courage of Others and the pitch loop of vocals of Björk’s guest and ambitious scenarios, Gray says, human beings about-to-be-released Antiphon album, plus a friend, Antony Hegarty. As Björk allows her become marionettes, puppets on genetic couple of early EP tracks thrown in for good wound to breathe, she focuses on continuity strings. measure. Kicking off with ‘Young Bride’ and and not giving up, ultimately ending with the The Soul of the Marionette is a freewheeling then ‘We Gathered in Spring’ from the Van sound of hope. essay meditating on freedom and referring Occupanther album, the band showcase their Vulnicura is a raw album, rich in sincerity The Glass Cage: to writers such as Heinrich von Kleist and use of a wide array of instruments played to and sweeping sounds, which colour the Automation and Us science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick. Gray perfection. The live footage is cut with shots imagination. The visual interpretation of music Nicholas Carr doesn’t hold back on his typical gloominess from the local area and backstage shots of the and artwork has always been an important (Bodley Head. RRP: about technology and progress, suggesting band and friends enjoying the occasion. element of all Björk’s creations, and this $35) the best way to free ourselves is by accepting For those of you not present at their amazing album spares no expense. French studios Where is the age of ever-escalating computer our ignorance and simply letting meaning show at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne last M/M, long-time collaborators, designed the automation taking us? Are we letting apps and come and go. “A wholly examined life — if year, this is a chance to see what you are outstanding artwork for this album. Both the Google algorithms do our thinking? Will robots such a life were possible — might be wholly missing out on. The harmonies are reminiscent CD and two-LP editions feature an exclusive decimate middle-class jobs in law, accounting worthless,” he writes, perhaps with unintended of The Byrds and CSN&Y, with other obvious acetate print. It depicts Björk contorted, and medicine? These are the questions that humour. Despite Gray’s pessimism, this is a influences being Bob Dylan and The Band. stretched over a stone with a gaping wound technology writer Nicholas Carr tries to answer book full of unexpected and uncanny insights. Standout tracks include ‘Roscoe’, ‘The Old at her heart, her soul pouring out like molten in The Glass Cage: Automation and Us. and The Young’ and ‘It’s Going Down’. The lava, both beautiful and surreal. This is exactly This book offers a sombre and grim Chris Saliba is co-owner of North Melbourne closing track, ‘Head Home’, sees the band what this album is, an outpouring of the most assessment. The march of progress in Books, 546 Queensberry Street, and a regular move through the gears into a full psychedelic intimate emotions, a ‘fine tuning of the soul’. computing power is unstoppable. This is contributor to the News. wig-out. “No need for an encore,” frontman Eric Pulido tells the audience, “you are better than that, and hang around after as we will be at the bar.” Not something you see much these days Wayne Lynch Master Jeweller and it’s all very believable. The movie closes with the band doing a version of ‘It’s Going Down’ backstage in the bandroom with just an acoustic guitar to accompany them. Specialising in
ARTIST: BJÖRK Engagement rings TITLE: VULNICURA CD/2LP SET Wedding rings Vulnicura, meaning ‘cure for wounds’, is Björk’s ninth studio album, written and co- Commitment rings produced in collaboration with Venezuelan Remodelling producer Arca and British electronic/ambient musician Haxan Cloak. The album chronicles Repairs her devastating break-up with long-term Valuations partner and father of her second child, artist Matthew Barney. Each song is carefully sequenced around the chronology of their 93 Errol Street North Melbourne Phone 03 9328 5500 relationship breakdown, from nine months www.waynelynchjeweller.com.au before to 11 months after (the first six songs are time-stamped in the liner notes). The opening track, ‘Stonemilker’, details 15% DISCOUNT on presentation of this ad the final clutches of the relationship, JUNE 2015 North and West Melbourne News ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 19 Arts House — an experimental showcase
Carole Lander
icture a circle of 64 percussion instruments tapping out rhythms while Ptwo male dancers perform erratically or smoothly in the centre. Move closer to inspect these instruments and be amazed to find that it is pencils that are hitting the wooden floor of the North Melbourne Town Hall; they are being manipulated by small computers hidden in wooden boxes. Dancing to their beat is their creator, Alisdair Macindoe, along with choreographer Antony Hamilton. This performance — titled Meeting — was surely the highlight of Dance Massive, the March festival at Arts House. Creative producer Angharad Wynne-Jones waxes lyrical about it and all the other fantastic dance shows that drew crowds from across Melbourne to our local arts hub. “We are lucky to live in a city which has the strongest creative choreography in the country. It’s a very vibrant sector and it’s going from strength to strength,” she says. International producers also came along with a view to raising the profile of Australian performers by taking our local artists overseas. Some of them even live in North or West Melbourne: choreographer Lucy Guerin, for example, whose work Motion Picture The Rawcus ensemble in Catalogue — presented as part of Dance Massive at Arts House Photo: Sarah Walker took the 1950 film noir classic D.O.A. as a 1998 when, as executive producer, she and choreographic score to explore the tensions Gideon Obarzanek established Chunky Move, between live performance and cinema. Melbourne’s first flagship contemporary dance Another standout event in Dance Massive company. She joined Peter Sellars as associate was a piece called Catalogue presented director in the 2002 Adelaide Festival, and by Rawcus. In this company most of the performers live with a disability. Given that established an international independent the stage was divided into eight large boxes production house called risingtideproductions and the 12 performers danced or acted in in 2004. one of the boxes without seeing what was After a short stint in the UK she returned happening in the others, their synchronicity to Melbourne, directing and curating the first was most impressive. Australian Theatre Forum in 2009, acting as This very contemporary show used general manager for Lucy Guerin Inc and multimedia extensively. For example, large- producing the Marketing Summit 2010 for scale images of the dancers’ faces filled the the Australia Council. Wynne-Jones has been backs of the boxes they were in. Like theatre on a number of boards and panels: Australia company Back to Back (based in Geelong Council Hybrid, New Media and Dance but performing internationally), Rawcus is Boards, Lucy Guerin Inc, Real Time, Snuff Antony Hamilton and Alisdair Macindoe in Meeting — presented in Dance Massive at Arts setting a high benchmark for Australian artists Puppets and Total Theatre (UK). Now, of House Photo: Sarah Walker course, she is proudly producing works for who have a variety of disabilities, ranging musician and educator Mairead Hannan, who ride their bikes or use public transport get free from wheelchair use to being on the autism Arts House. expressed her delight that festivals like this are entry. spectrum. Melbourne is often considered to be well taking place in our suburb. One of Rawcus’s dancers, Ryan New, was endowed with arts venues but many produce Following Dance Massive was a series “Local retailers on Errol Street are happy, spotted by artistic director Kate Sulan when conventional work. “What is phenomenal is of sound and music works. Arts House will he presented his final work for a Certificate I that we have been endorsed by the councillors too, with audience members flocking in for launch its new program in July. Some projects drinks, coffees and dinners. The flow-on in Dance. Both Sulan and Weave Movement to develop the reach and depth of what we in the second half of the year will work with benefits are fantastic,” adds Wynne-Jones. Group’s director, Janice Florence, offered him do,” says Wynne-Jones. “We have a mandate local residents. In August, Wynne-Jones will the opportunity to develop his natural skill in around experimentation and risk.” Her staff, North and West Melbourne residents may be working with a dancer/choreographer who their ensemble dance companies. New also who are all City of Melbourne employees, not know they can always buy discounted is also a footballer and involving young people performs in his own solo show but says of agree. Arts House is distinctive in the way it tickets to performances. Furthermore, as part ensemble work: “Everyone is different and we showcases experimentation. of its sustainability policy, Arts House offers from the North Melbourne Football Club. Stay all get something different out of it.” During the exciting weeks of Dance ‘Green Tix for Nix’ for some shows. With this tuned for more details at www.melbourne.vic. Wynne-Jones came to this country in Massive, Wynne-Jones bumped into local promotion, people who walk to the venue, gov.au/artshouse/.
URBAN VILLAGE NORTH AND WEST MELBOURNE ASSOCIATION INC.
HERITAGE Whether you have lived or worked here for many years or have just moved to the area, one thing you probably enjoy is the liveable quality of the built environment. DIVERSE The North and West Melbourne Association has worked for more than 30 years to OPEN SPACE maintain the amenity and enhance the wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors. We are a group of people who live or work in North and West Melbourne, INCLUSIVE a community that is very much a part of the inner-city life of Melbourne.
COMMUNITY We represent our members by canvassing their views, concerns and proposals on issues of community interest to local, state and federal government. LIVEABILITY Join us to work together for the future of our community. We meet once a month on the third Tuesday, and everyone is welcome. HISTORY
COMMUNITY VOICE www.nwma.org.au ADVOCACY [email protected] @nwmelb PRESERVATION NorthAndWestMelbourneAssociation PROGRESS PO Box 102 North Melbourne 3051 20 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT North and West Melbourne News JUNE 2015
Fourth Wednesday of the month, 12.30 – 1.30pm 24 June, 22 July, 26 August
Docklands History Group Travel back in time with local historians, collectors and guest speakers. Meet other like-minded people at the monthly Docklands History Group. Fourth Thursday of the month, 6pm – 7pm, in the Meeting Room For more information visit www.melbourne. vic.gov.au/MelbourneLibraryService
Game of Rhones Bookings at www.bottleshopconcepts.com/ gameofrhones/buy-tickets/ Dan Sims of Bottle Shop Concepts has decided to throw another medieval-style wine tasting event, with more than 40 producers of shiraz, Comedy Jan Hogan Tickets online $20, entry at door $25 grenache, mourvedre, carignan, cinsault, Group exhibition, Grid: Matrix, Module, Myth Friday 24 July 7.30pm, Saturday 25 July viognier, marsanne, roussanne and other grape The Comic’s Lounge 4 July – 1 August, opening 2pm – 4pm 8.30pm varietals native to the Rhone Valley in France. 26 Errol Street, North Melbourne Saturday 4 July Where: Arts House – Meat Market www.thecomicslounge.com.au, 9348 9488 When: Saturday 13 June, 1pm – 6pm June and July line-up: Events Price: Tickets $50 Mad Mondays with John Burgos and Doug Markets Library at The Dock Chappel, every Monday. Dinner starts North South Feast West: Coffee Fest Docklands Sunday Variety Market 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands 6.30pm, show starts 8pm. Go beyond the bean and enjoy everything Newquay Promenade, Waterfront City, Professional Comedians New Material, 10 you love about coffee this winter at the Docklands Introduction to MOOCs comedians live on stage, 16, 23, 30 June & 7, Immigration Museum. A variety market in Melbourne’s newest Bookings at www.eventbrite.com.au 14, 21, 28 July Where: Immigration Museum, 400–424 tourist hub with art and crafts, clothes, toys, Are you interested in learning about free Richmond Players Day, 26 July. Dinner from Flinders Street, Melbourne jewellery, handmade soy candles, second-hand online courses from some of the world’s top 1pm, show starts 2pm. books, sweets, liquorish coffee, artisan fresh universities? Then MOOCs (Massively Open When: Sunday 14 June, 11am – 4pm bread and lots more. Online Courses) are for you. A four-week Price: Concession is free, full price $15 Dinner and a show. Dinner at 6.30pm, show 14 & 28 June, 12 & 26 July, 9 & 23 August series introducing various MOOC providers starts 8pm. and the types of courses offered. All you need Future Future — A Decade, let’s Dance Dave Callan, 17–20 June Winter Night Market to participate is a valid email address and basic Join the Arts House to celebrate its tenth Arj Barker, 24–27 June The Queen Vic’s Winter Night Market is back computer skills. birthday. Axis of Awesome, 28 June for its fourth season, featuring Melbourne’s Free classes. Bookings essential. To kick off the next decade, North Melbourne Tom Gleeson, 1–4 July most talented artisans, artists, food vendors Tuesday 16, 23, 30 June, 5pm – 6.30pm Town Hall has become a playground of the Nick Cody, 8 July and entertainers. future, where experiment meets groove – and Neel Kolhatkar, 9–11 July Every Wednesday until 26 August, 5pm – Animake where music, light, sound and performance Dave Thornton, 15–18 July 10pm will keep your senses wide open and your feet Akmal, 22–25 July Bookings at www.eventbrite.com.au Get some hands-on animation skills. Square in motion. Eyes Film Foundation will introduce Co-curated by choreographer Antony Hamil- Theatre & Performance Art young audiences to imaginative, original ton (Black Project, Keep Everything, MEET- animated film and workshop experiences ING) and Australian Art Orchestra artistic Club Voltaire with screenings of Wallace and Gromit, The directorPeter Knight (collaborator, Pin 14 Raglan Street, North Melbourne Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child. Drop, Endings), Future Future will chart new Phone 9326 9094 or book online at www. Sunday 5 July, 11am – 1pm realms with a spectrum of artists presenting clubvoltaireonline.blogspot.com.au short works, plus live music and beats to send Open 7pm Wednesday to Sunday Chinese Book Club Morning Tea you to the next millennium. While you’re Meet other readers, have a chat and find some here, you can also check out our retrospective new Chinese books, magazines or DVDs to exhibition, Future Past. borrow. North Melbourne Town Hall Galleries First Thursday of the month, 9am – 11am 3 July, 7pm –11pm Free entry Langford120 Story Lounge artshouse.com.au 120 Langford Street, North Melbourne Titillation, featuring Lady Lithium, Crimson Story Lounge is a storytime for adults. Hand- www.langford120.com.au, 9328 8658 Songbird, Show Stopper, Lovely Raven and picked stories and poems are read aloud in If you would like to add a community Helen Geier, Tree of Life guests in a show where singers, dancers and a relaxed setting. Slow down and enjoy the event to our column, we’d love to hear Jim Pavlidis, Once Upon This Time, 30 May performers with other skills come together to simple pleasure of listening. Free, no bookings from you! Please forward event details to – 27 June show off. required and all welcome! [email protected] Feed your curiosity with Laneway Learning
Michael Hockstein classes are held all around the CBD and Mark isn’t shy to admit that he has a swathe weeks in advance, so check out the website nearby suburbs. The classes I’ve attended have of half-finished class projects lying around and see what catches your fancy! been a lot of fun and the best part of it is that the apartment: a knitted scarf, a woven basket, o you enjoy trying new things like all classes are presented by members of the terrariums and origami animals. But my meeting new people or learning local community. Anyone can put together a favourite classes don’t have anything to take Dsomething different? Do you have class and submit it to www.lanewaylearning. home — that’s because I eat it all! some extra time on your hands? I recently com. In my most recent class, I learned all discovered a golden nugget: Laneway Laneway Learning started up a mere three about chocolate from a father–daughter team Learning. years ago. Mark, one of the co-founders, told (Christos and Tina) who run Xocolatl Artisan Laneway Learning offers unique and me a bit about the beginnings of the business. Chocolates and Cafe. They explained where It started as a side project for Mark and three chocolate comes from (beans in pods that sometimes quirky (yet inexpensive) taster- friends while he was still working towards a grow off trees) and then how it is all processed courses on a wide range of topics. PhD in chemistry. to become cocoa (powdered dried chocolate My first class was a course on Indian spices, After Dr Mark successfully completed his beans), cocoa butter (oil remaining after presented by Deepti, whose knowledge comes PhD program, the group of friends dove in pressing chocolate beans), white chocolate from cooking for her family. Deepti taught and worked to make Laneway Learning a (candy made from only the cocoa butter) or us about mixing spices to create complex full-time operation. It has now grown from candy bars. flavours; the medicinal properties of spices; one CBD venue to six across the city, and they They shared some of their favourite high- the right time to add spices into the cooking are planning to expand to other Melbourne quality chocolate with us and gave us a very process — and how to make awesome curry suburbs, even other cities or internationally. generous goody bag to take home. A deliciously cute fondant dragon from potatoes! The business has run over 1000 classes across Next on my list is a class about DNA and Maria Yebra at a fondant icing class Laneway Learning’s meaty 75-minute Australia. proteins. Some of these classes fill up a few Photo: Maria Yebra