ISSUE 156 MARCH 2012 NOW ONLINE AT: www.centre.org.au A good man trod the boards and led a ripper life
Leanne Yeung
aurice Ripper was a well- known character in North and West Melbourne. Together with his little dogs, plaid cap Mand great sense of humour, many of us in the community remember him fondly. Maurice’s father, Phillip, was from one of the oldest families in St Stithians, Cornwall. Maurice was the youngest of five children born to Phillip and his wife, Mabel, who raised the children by herself after Phillip left for Canada to find work as a coalminer fol- lowing a strike at a Cornish mine. Maurice didn’t actually meet his father until 1956, when he was 29. Maurice served in the British Army in World War II in Africa. Whilst there, he bounced out of a truck, hit his head and was knocked unconscious, only to be pro- nounced dead. He subsequently woke up in Maurice Ripper in his acting days (mid 1950s) the morgue, to everyone’s surprise (including Photo: Courtesy Gary Heard his!). Not long after the war he moved to Australia to carve out a life as a thespian. and a plaque erected at the church in his In the early 1950s he was a member of the memory. Australian National Theatre, gaining good People recalled how Maurice loved his reviews for his work as he travelled with the food: even in his last days, when he was troupe. He loved travel, and I am sure he supposedly ‘nil by mouth’, he savoured the enjoyed the adventures that befell him whilst swab dipped in triple-strength hot chocolate on tour. that a pair of church members had sneaked Not renowned for his domestic tidiness, Well-known local identity Maurice Ripper (1927-2011) as we remember him Photo: Gary Heard into his hospital room. but recognised for his quick wit, Maurice His dogs were the same. They had been was able to respond to a put-down or criti- his own (with his dogs), he initially found plained about children in the service, and known to turn their noses up at regular cism with a gracious but cutting remark that communal living a challenge, but the other was always encouraging of any contribu- canned dog food, but relished the ravioli would put the critic in his place. This art was residents and Kevin, who managed the sup- tions that were made. He was there in every with Italian pasta sauce served up to them most skilfully employed during his years in ported household, made it possible for him activity we ran. by Maria at Via Victoria (now the Thai res- hospitality. He worked for institutions such to keep his independence, play an active role “Now, I don’t have to tell you that until taurant at the corner of Chetwynd and Vic- as the Menzies and Wentworth Hotels in in their community and continue to enjoy the this last year we’ve been in a drought in toria streets) as Maurice enjoyed his regular the CBD, the Old Melbourne in Flemington benefits of living in North Melbourne. Victoria. However, every time we ran an Friday dinner. Road and the Melbourne Club. Maurice was also one of the most regular activity it rained! One such activity was a There’s so much more that could be said, As a mâitre d’, he would have known and reliable attendees at the Baptist Church sausage sizzle to raise funds for the work of but this poem, written in one of his diaries, many of Melbourne’s famous and infamous in West Melbourne. Gary Heard, the church Médecins Sans Frontières in Sudan. The rain sums it up: and could recount many an entertaining tale, minister, recounts: was monsoonal, but Maurice was there with Life is mostly froth and bubble, whilst maintaining the confidentiality of the “My first Sunday in this church was also us in the driveway at Hawke Street, under an Two things stand like stone: characters in the stories. He was an invalu- Maurice’s first Sunday. He came along that umbrella, encouraging us on and making us Kindness in another’s trouble. able asset to any organisation that had the night because he was facing bypass surgery laugh.” Courage in your own. privilege of being his employer. in the week to follow. He freely admitted that Maurice is well remembered for his gen- — ADAM LINDSAY GORDON For the remaining years of his life, Mau- he only came along ‘for a bit of insurance’. erosity of spirit. A year after his death, there rice lived at Abbeyfield House in Brougham “Maurice’s ability to accept people for was a turnout of about 30 people for his Leanne Yeung is a long-time local resident Street, North Melbourne. Having lived on what they are was a real gift. He never com- memorial, at which a rose tree was planted who knew Maurice Ripper for many years. also in this edition... Page 3: Bella’s sexpertise on show in her Sex Drive story and you can make it all happen Page 9: North and West Melbourne Association update. when you do some app tappin’. Page 12: Ama Lurra restaurant celebrates a birthday. Term 2 courses from the Centre. Pages 4 & 5: Editorial page including Letters to the Editor, and Community comment. Page 16: Hotham History Project and more news from Politics and Environment. Page 5 explains some of the help you can get from the North Melbourne Legal Service. Page 18: Four pages of Youth and Education articles plus a short story by budding young Page 6: A bit of Bernie blarney in his swing from bar to bar and his passion for both playing author Bronte Vipond. and coaching football. Page 22: Health and fitness tips for the young and old. Page 7: Weaving magic webs for kids. Also how you can lend a hand to improve the environment plus getting to grips with the mysteries of love. Page 24: Travel and Food takes you for a trip to Denmark, The Hot Springs retreat in Page 8: Gardening tips and information with a feast of ideas on what you can plant in the Victoria for a place to take break and there is also a savoury oats recipe that you can try. vegetable garden this autumn. Page 27 & 28: Take a stroll through some of the galleries of North Melbourne.
COMMUNITY 3 • THE CENTRE 12 • HISTORY 16 • POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT 16 • YOUTH & EDUCATION 18 • SPORT & HEALTH 22 • TRAVEL & FOOD 24 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 27 ! ! " $
$ "
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
COMMUNITY Bella’s sexpertise on show in her Sex Drive story What is the book about in a nutshell? You accuse some of the world’s top sex Javiera Dastres We know that having low libido is women’s researchers of foul play. number one sexual problem and that once Yeah, and I hope I don’t get sued. The thing ho knew we had a sex and rela- women are in an established relationship, is, the people coming up with the blueprint tionship expert living right here their sex drive begins to plummet. of sex and what is “normal” and dysfunc- Win North Melbourne? Well, Bella tional female sexuality are, by and large, Ellwood-Clayton has lived here for seven I wanted to explore why this is happening funded by pharmaceutical companies. If low years. and whether we have unrealistic expecta- female desire is pathologised as a dysfunc- Born in Melbourne and raised in Canada, tions about our sex drive. Who defines what tion, which it has come dangerously close she has an impressive academic background. is normal and abnormal? Could “low libido” to, then it can be treated with an array of big Her Melbourne University PhD focused on in fact be the natural order of things and how pharma cures. That’s their payoff for funding the sex lives of women in the Philippines. does culture play a part? After all, in the Vic- all the research. Bella has written sex and relationship col- torian ages a woman with a robust, sensual These new sex drugs are explored in the umns for many newspapers and magazines, libido would have been diagnosed with a book? she regularly appears on radio and television mental illness. The race to find a “Pink Viagra” is on. Sex and she frequently gives public talks. What contributes to women’s loss of researchers and pharmaceutical companies Two weeks ago, her book Sex Drive: in desire? have had a lot of near misses when it comes pursuit of female desire was published. So Biochemically, the lust that we feel at the to solving the problem of female desire. It it’s a perfect time to pose a few questions to beginning of a relationship, called “limer- won’t be long before there’s a concoction our resident sexpert. ance”, doesn’t last. We develop a chemical that works, and already doctors are pre- Bella, why did you start studying sex? tolerance to the person we’re in a relation- scribing such drugs to women, off-label. ship with. Sad, but true. Erica, my best friend in high school, came Are people in North and West Melbourne from Chile. She told me that men there often Local writer Bella Ellwood-Clayton Also, when women become parents, their especially sexually frustrated? had their first sexual experience at a brothel. Photo: Courtesy Bella Ellwood-Clayton whole sexual identity shifts and their affec- I don’t know, perhaps I’ll have to do a study! I was so intrigued. How might this affect tion often moves from their partner to their But I would actually guess that people living their future and their attitude to women? rarely communicated to the mainstream. child. General fatigue can also contribute to here have grandiose expectations of love I later learned that loss of male virginity What’s the point of gaining knowledge if it’s women’s loss of interest in sex. and these expectations of what we believe at a brothel is common in many Latino cul- not shared? Trying to achieve a passionate relation- we deserve and what our sexuality should be tures. When it comes to sexuality, much of So, how long did it take to write the book? ship, as well as steering a career, raising like clash with the reality we find when we what we regard as “normal” is in fact shaped Let’s put it this way. When I started it I glossy, articulate children and keeping our undress and lie naked in our bed. by the era or culture we live in. Attitudes to was newly married, but by the time I was bodies, homes and dinner tables attractive, is everything from homosexuality to infidelity finished, I had two children. Who, if you simply too much. Many women don’t want to first sex are influenced by where we grow happen to see them tantruming at the local sex because they don’t feel sexy. Bella Ellwood-Clayton’s book Sex Drive: in up. IGA, I’ll pretend aren’t mine. Then, consider also the number of women pursuit of female desire (Allen & Unwin) is Looking at your career path, it seems you And is Sex Drive based on case studies? who are depressed or anxious and on medi- available at bookstores and online at jumped ship from academia to popular I analysed hundreds of academic papers and cation of some kind, and the effects of this http://www.drbella.com.au culture? books about sexuality, reviewed statistics on libido, and we’re looking at big numbers. True. I was endlessly frustrated that what from around the globe and interviewed about Menopause and ageing can also hinder our Javiera Dastres is a psychology student we learned within the academic setting was ninety women. sexual vitality. at RMIT You can make it all happen when you do some app tappin’
Suzie Luddon internet and the revolution it has brought opponent, so I’d rate this as an amusing pas- learning how to draw, using an app of the upon the world are here to stay. And that’s time that requires little effort or commitment. same name. It has step-by-step instructions ’m a relative newcomer to the world of not a bad thing; it’s just hard to keep up with Not as much fun as the real thing, but hey, on how to draw various things, from Spi- smart phones and electronic devices. I it all. we’re in virtual world territory. derman to Justin Beiber, with assorted ani- Ibelieve I’m what marketers would call So I decided to start by downloading Next up, and in keeping with the familiar, mals in between. Why anyone would want to a late adopter. In this column I pledge to a few free apps, and take it from there. I downloaded the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ app. draw Justin Beiber is a mystery to me, but I remove my head from the blissful sands of Being a word geek and clinging hopelessly Having long wanted to channel my inner enjoyed drawing a Dalmatian. the ostrich and get acquainted with some (but to the familiar, I downloaded the ‘Words McGyver, I had a bit of fun with this one. It Next I downloaded a ‘Learn to Speak not all – no Facebook for me!) of the 21st with Friends’ app, which is basically online has a flashlight, ruler, timer, stopwatch, com- French’ app, with the aim of using my daily century space invaders. Scrabble. pass, bubble level and scientific calculator, walk to and from work more fruitfully. And Like those quaint little aliens that would You can play against your friends or a for those awkward times when you need to that’s where the gold is for me so far in my float down the old school screens of a random opponent, and it works exactly like make some trigonometric calculations. big-toe splash in the app ocean. There are bygone era, apps and devices and platforms Scrabble except that a game can last for days I’m not sure that I’ll ever use a bubble thousands of apps out there, many of which and downloads advance at a relentless pace, while opponents wait for each other to make level, but this app could come in handy if I can enhance your life and help you learn. So and we can’t kill them all. a move. Life tends to get in the way between ever get lost in the bush at night and want to far, c’est bon! Whether we need them is a topic for turns in the online world. time how long it takes me to find due north. another time, and irrelevant anyway. The Also, there’s no chat or banter with your I then whiled away an amusing half hour Suzie Luddon writes regularly for the News
women : men : kids open 7 days 472 victoria street, north melbourne www.kidsinberlin.com 4 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012
an “outreach” agency: open only on Mon- Come and join us in getting the good News out days and with no facilities. If I wanted to search for jobs on computer, I would have Maurice Gaul to be funny in print, but we’re game if you LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to go to St Kilda. When I asked what “out- are. Up for a challenge? reach” meant, I was told it meant “making The North and West Melbourne News is Creative writers: Where are our services available to the local community”. produced by a keen group of volunteers. Our short story writers, poets and other cre- Having to travel to St Kilda, doesn’t meet team members include writers and section ative types? Get out of that lonely garret, that worthy aim.. This “outreach” receives editors, photographers, proofreaders, layout let inspiration strike, and share your best Putting a stamp on your own good work government funding but provides little value and design gurus, an advertising coordinator efforts with our readers. Thanks again to all those who dropped off to our community. If the Salvation Army and door-to-door distributors. Reviewers: It’s often said that “every- their used stamps at The Centre last year. provides a local employment agency, it However, we are always looking for one’s a critic”, and we’ll welcome any Keep up the good work of recycling and help should offer full services rather than being a new blood. We invite anyone interested to aspiring reviewers. You could review any a charity. If you don’t have time to tear them token “outreach” of limited benefit. put their hand up and come on board. New creative offering such as books, theatre pro- off the envelopes, just bag them up and I’ll Stephen Jasper, North Melbourne volunteers will ease the load on our loyal ductions or local restaurants. tear them off for you. Just drop them in at regulars and we’ll especially welcome the Cartoonists and artists: Grab hold of freshness of new ideas. that pen or brush and let your hidden cre- The Centre. Force our planners to face ugly results Whether you are young or old, a profes- Marian Mooney, North Melbourne ativity run free. You might like to slip the It was a recent discussion with a taxi driver sional or a beginner, a regular News reader leash and surprise us with something from that led to a new theory. Navigating the or a first-timer, it doesn’t matter. We’ll wel- Just leave us be and we’ll find true North out of left field. chaos that is now the southern end of Mount come you and make you a part of our team. Photographers: Pictures are worth a Rumour has it that Melbourne City Council Alexander Road, he mused that the people And we definitely don’t bite. thousand words, it is said, and that’s so wants to turn North Melbourne into another who allowed these developments are prob- Below, we are casting as wide a net true in newspapers. Good photos grab the Gold Coast or Docklands . You couldn’t take ably not aware of the consequences of their as possible. Get in touch if you’d like to reader, and we’ll love you if you’ve got a our football club to the Gold Coast, so don’t decision. Perhaps if the planning decision- chat about joining us in any capacity at the camera and a steady hand. turn our wonderful inner-city suburb into a makers returned to view the subject sites News. Proofreaders: We respect each writ- a year after buildings are completed, they tourist attraction for the rich and famous. Reporters: Papers don’t write them- er’s distinctive voice, but we prefer it to be might make more informed decisions. Docklands is a ghost town. No one there selves; we need writers to fill our pages expressed in something close to English. knows their neighbours, there are no iconic Madeleine Scully, North Melbourne with stories. We’re looking for volunteers Have you an eye for detail? Can you tidy cafes like our Auction Rooms or hairdressers who will chase up and write the stories that up unusaul speling? like All the Kings Men. reflect our community. Layout and design: Newspapers need Warm hand to all who put their hand up North Melbourne is a vibrant, friendly, Section editors: You might like to coor- technical wizards whose layout skills make upbeat suburb with genuine heart and I’m not quite a North Melbourne local as I dinate one of our seven sections, should the pages come alive. We want artists and feeling. People care about each other and live just over the border, but I recently came any fall vacant. This can involve suggesting magicians who can impose order on occa- know who each other are. For goodness sake, across a copy of your paper’s December edi- stories, finding and coordinating writers sionally chaotic copy. don’t turn us into another Docklands. tion. It contained a wide range of articles and (or writing a story yourself), and ensuring Distributors: Like to join the ranks of was really very interesting to read. But most Joseph Hess, North Melbourne deadlines are kept. the unsung heroes who distribute the News of all, I was impressed to see that the paper Feature writers: You might like the to your door? You’ll get fit and you’ll find is totally put together by volunteers. A big Outreach should be reaching out to us challenge of writing feature articles, those the local weather always fine and the local effort. Well done. I recently became unemployed. I went to longer pieces that profile a community dogs oh-so-friendly. Jean Ross, Kensington Centrelink and was told I had to register with person or group and delve below the bare Advertising: Advertisements are this an employment agency and there was one in bones of a story. paper’s lifeblood. They provide our only North Melbourne. We want your letters! Keep them short, Columnists: Have we any budding revenue; without them, we’re history. Are I found the poorly-signed Salvation Army keep them interesting! Send them to comedians out there, a la Danny Katz and you interested in scouting for and securing agency, was interviewed and told that it was [email protected] Marieke Hardy? It’s notoriously difficult local advertisers?
Community Comment: Suzie Luddon ventured out on the streets to ask locals about their dream holiday destination
1 Mofeed, 2 John, 3 John & Jane, 4 Abuk, North Melbourne: North Melbourne: North Melbourne: Flemington:
I’d like to go to Tanzania because there are a lot I’d like to go to Brazil for the 2014 soccer World Jane: Lord Howe Island because it’s so remote The country I’d really like to travel to is Egypt of cultural aspects to the country that interest Cup. I’ve been there before and I love it, it’s and it’s absolutely beautiful. because my mum lives there. I love Egyptians me, such as how they use monkeys to find an amazing country and such an interesting John: Far North Queensland for the palm trees, and I love the scenery there, it’s such a beautiful water. culture. crocodiles and beaches. country.
,! "'%#$"( %$ % %%'##"$&" "& "!"$ )! "&$)! ' # $ ! # # " ! (-!!,(, *$ *$ " %% !"($& " +$%) & " # *!% '$ )# $-)# #)"#&#& - #-! - - (#$ #
&"#$"( %%'$!%'##"$& (!( $"! !& - -)'((! #-!'$ ) *$ #-!!!" !$"#&! #- ! !$% !&%&"& ( +$%%& %%'%& & ( % # *+)*$ # !(#- ! (% ,'! ' $%' & !& " ! " %% $% ( #"#% $ %-#
+"' !")%" "!) " % " %% !$ % %!!%%% %&! # ! )'$ ) -)"#&#&*$ " !'(#- % (-" ! # % !!&$" '! &+"'% !"! # '#$ ,%! !!%#'& #' $ ! '( "$ &" $ ,#%$ )!& # #-!!#(-!-) MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 5
postponed until after school goes back, but tion. He swung the bat again and gave me a up with the bat again, to heckling from the thanks to some very good friends, Georgina look that said “Bring it on!”. The fielders all fielders, and I sent down another straight and Baz, a tradition has evolved that allows moved way back. but innocuous offering. The onlookers held Max to enjoy a special celebration. I wanted to chicken out, but the children their breath. The batsman didn’t make the Mum’s day, Georgina and Baz live near the bay, so for cheered for the underdog. “Come on, Mum. same mistake this time. He hit the ball care- a few years now they have hosted a special You can do it,” they shouted. I gathered all fully, but unfortunately (for him) it looped up every day celebration for Max’s birthday. Max, Lauren the strength I could from the memory that much higher than he had intended. Margaret Langdon and I, and the kids’ dad, Steven (my ex- I used to play rounders in primary school. I watched the ball soar through the air. It partner, whom I am glad to say I get on well Very badly, as I recall. But I knew that if was heading in my general direction. I’m a with these days), meet Georgina and Baz on I bowled underarm I could at least bowl terrible catch, but I should at least try to get the beach. We spend a few hours swimming, straight. I sent down one of my feeble it, shouldn’t I? I ran for the ball. Steven said chatting and playing on the sand before attempts, and watched Steven preparing to later I sprinted like an Olympian and leapt adjourning to their house for a BBQ lunch in smack it half way across the continent. in the air like Superman. I’m not sure about Max’s honour. Unfortunately (for him) he missed, and that. Perhaps I did jump just a little, and I caught my One of the highlights of this day is the my feeble ball bounced off a patch of sand, stretch out my fingers, but no one was more traditional game of beach cricket. I have to trickled past his bat and toppled the stumps. surprised than me when I felt the furry tennis say, for all the amicability of the relationship Out! ball between them. Another golden duck! ex out on between Steven and me, there’s something “Quack, quack, quack.” I watched The kids went into a frenzy of arm-flap- about playing your ex-partner in a game bemused as Baz launched into a duck imper- ping and quacking, and Georgina and Baz of beach cricket that can bring out intense sonation. I didn’t know what a golden duck laughed and cheered. Steven shook his head, the beach rivalry. was until this occasion. The kids were soon and I did a victory lap with the ball held The annual grudge match began two sum- leaping about, quacking and laughing as aloft. It was very funny, and another total y son, Max, was born on New mers ago. I was bowling and it was Steven’s well. Steven took it good-naturedly, which fluke. I’ve never managed a catch like that Year’s Eve, which for a child is a turn to bat. He took his place amongst the was just as well since we got mileage out of either before or since. Mrotten time to have a birthday. It’s seaweed and shells in front of the plastic it for the rest of the year. Yes, there is definitely something about impossible to organise a party with so many stumps and swung the bat in a few warm- Then, the summer just gone, again for playing against one’s ex that can give a game people away. up moves that made him look like Don Max’s birthday, we were back on the same of beach cricket an extra dimension. I tell Max that when he’s a teenager he Bradman. If Bradman ever wore board shorts beach. Our long hot summer is behind us now, won’t mind, as the girls will make a fuss of and played with a kid’s bat and a tennis ball, “Are you ready to get Dad out for another but next year I’m on a beach cricket hat him on New Year’s Eve. At the moment that that is. golden duck?” asked Max. He and Lauren trick! suggestion makes him recoil with horror and The trouble about exes is that they know did a few warm-up quacks. say, “Ewww!” but I suppose some day he’ll so much about you. My ex knows I have “No way,” I said. “That was a fluke. You Margaret Langdon writes regularly about think differently. no interest in, or knowledge of cricket. He know I can’t play cricket.” raising Max and Lauren as a single mum. So Max’s official birthday party is also knows I have lousy hand-eye coordina- But I had to try, didn’t I? Steven lined Help on hand if you’re in need
Farah Hassim hard at Maurice Gaul very excited with this project,” she said. “It’s work on her legal needs a great opportunity to discover what disad- project ave you ever been nabbed for vantaged members of our local community Photo: Courtesy Farah speeding, lumbered with a huge see as their legal needs and to take steps so Hassim Hmobile phone bill or faced a tricky they can better address those needs.” issue in dealing with Centrelink? She plans a two-pronged investigation. Most of us are able to take these unwel- “I will set up focus groups to see what are come annoyances in our stride. But for those some of the concerns of specific groups. in our community who are isolated, struggle One might be made up of older community with English or have a mental illness, such members who encounter problems relating situations can be traumatic. The North Mel- to community housing or perhaps in com- bourne Legal Service has launched a project pleting their last wills,” she explains. to help the disadvantaged members of our “Another group could be young Eritrean community who face legal problems. women who might be facing difficulties The NMLS has engaged researcher Farah ranging from consumer and credit card Community Health and the Salvation Army resented when they meet legal problems,” Hassim to identify the legal problems that debt to more pressing problems involving to find out if marginalised members of the Farah said. disadvantaged people often meet and the bar- domestic violence and custody issues. community have managed to access the legal “I began the project early in February and riers they face in resolving them. She hopes “This small group approach will enable support services offered by the NMLS or I’m hoping to complete it by the end of next to come up with practical steps that will me to identify any specific legal difficulties other legal assistance providers such as Vic- month.” enable socially excluded people such as the the participants have faced in the previous torian Legal Aid. Would you like to be part of a small dis- homeless, the young, the poor or those suf- year, to see what barriers prevented them “The project’s aim is to improve the cussion group with Farah or offer feedback fering from mental illness to deal with their from resolving those difficulties, and to dis- NMLS’s effectiveness in supporting local and suggestions regarding the project? legal problems. cover how effectively they dealt with their disadvantaged people with their legal con- Contact her at [email protected]. Farah, a South African of Indian descent, various problems.” cerns. I hope that my research will lead to came to Australia six years ago and has been Farah will also interview case managers the most vulnerable people in our commu- Maurice Gaul is editor of the News involved with the NMLS as a volunteer. “I’m at local organisations such as Doutta Galla nity being better informed, advised and rep- 6 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012 Bit o’ Bernie blarney in his swing from bar to bar
Maurice Gaul
ernie Sheehy is propping up the bar at the Limerick Castle Hotel on Errol BStreet. He sips a beer as he banters with the barman, looking for all the world as if he owns the place. Actually, he does. He bought the pub in 1999 with brother Gerard and a mate. It has brought him home to North Melbourne after a journey that began in 1956 when he started secondary school at nearby St Joseph’s College. “I was just 15 when I started year 12. I did maths and sciences and played school footy and cricket. I had three brothers and we were all sports mad,” he says. Sheehy began medicine at Melbourne but left after a year. “My father disapproved, we had a falling out and our relationship suf- fered for a long time. Years later I finished law part-time.” Academia may not have been a passion but football certainly was. He spent 10 years with ‘A’ grade Amateurs club North Old Bernie Sheehy looks relaxed in the bar of the Limerick Castle Photos: Jim Weatherill Boys, playing 119 senior games then cap- tain-coaching the reserves. It sparked a life- him much in demand. In 1983 he served about cases and it was knocking me around. long love affair with coaching. on Melbourne’s match committee under “I was totally confident in sport but in In 1975 he was appointed coach of bat- Ron Barassi, setting up the Demons’ video court it was different, so many talented tling amateur club De La Salle Old Colle- Bernie Sheehy is a welcoming mine host system, then had two years at Fitzroy where people watching and I didn’t want to make gians. Club veterans recall a pudgy, balding he coached the reserves. a goose of myself.” 30-year-old, dressed from the rag bag and “In 1985 I was Victorian assistant coach Now, football’s siren song has again driving a clapped-out VW, exploding on the Sheehy’s words to his players post-game to Sheedy. At the selection table in Perth, seduced him. In 2009 he took up the reins scene with a frightening intensity. are seared into their memory. “I talked about he asked me in front of Teddy Whitten at amateur club Ajax and last year won He led the field home in training runs, my dad and footy and life, how much it and Bob Skilton what my brother Gerard the flag. The leprechaun look-alike, with a demanded total commitment and introduced meant to me to share that moment with them. thought about a player,” he laughs as he name as Irish as Paddy’s pigs, has warmly complex training drills around witches hats. I’m told they were all crying, not sure about recalls the two legends looking mystified. embraced the Jewish club. “I collected some off the road as I drove to that, but I think I was.” In 1988 he coached the Victorian and “It’s different, very affluent, but I love training, though a cop cruising past wasn’t In 1980, he joined Essendon as reserves All-Australian Amateurs. It ended a hectic the effort they put into study and work and too thrilled,” he says with a wink. coach. “I wore thongs and a holey old football decade in which he was equally their love of travel, and I’m pretty inter- Sheehy soon turned the complacent old jumper to the interview,” he grins. “Yeah, it busy off-field, tutoring legal studies at La ested in the politics of Gaza and the West boys’ club on its head, stunning players with was exciting. I worked on honing skills such Trobe for six years then completing his arti- Bank.” a fiery post-game tirade after a round-two as snapping at goal, and Justin Madden’s cles and starting work as a solicitor. There are now fewer of the outrageous loss. “People claim I was crying, that’s not book speaks of my passion,” he recalls. The 1990s saw a move to the VFA (now exploits that are folklore among Sheehy’s my recollection, but I did storm out of the “I coached the seniors against Footscray VFL), first as Werribee assistant coach then huge circle of friends. One classic con- ground.” in a pre-season game at Skinner Reserve. as Springvale senior coach. “The place was cerns a Near Year’s Eve party in a Chelsea A more dramatic outburst came weeks There was a gale blowing up from Torquay gutted, players weren’t being paid and were boatshed and involved a refreshing mid- later after a bad loss when, seething with and I urged them to run the ball into the wind leaving in droves. But we turned it around night skinnydip in the bay. rage, he hurled a beer glass at the wall. and cross the lines. We had mainly reserves and, after I left, they won four flags in five He then rejoined the party starkers, wan- Players dived for cover as it shattered, but players and we beat their firsts.” years,” he recalls. dering through the crowded shed, chatting knew that a mediocre effort would never be He squashes the urban myth that he In the mid-1990s he worked as a forward and drinking with surprised guests. “No, acceptable again. coached the Bombers’ seniors. “But I stood scout for debut AFL team Fremantle then that’s not right, I don’t remember that,” he His players loved him and De La Salle’s in for Barry Davis on ‘Coaches Corner’ on served on the Melbourne match committee protests sheepishly. rise was meteoric. In five years, he won Seven’s World of Sport. I had a few beers with good friend and Demons coach Neale It’s a more subdued man who now three premierships, two in ‘A’ grade. “I had with Lou Richards and Jack Dyer afterwards Daniher. enjoys life with Pauline, his partner of 45 a good eye and a knowledge of what’s right but I didn’t throw any glasses that day,” he After buying the pub in 1999, Sheehy years, as he coaches Ajax, looks after the and what’s needed. And I got them really grins. had two years as an associate with County pub and does some accounting and legal wanting to win.” “Kevin Sheedy coached Essendon for 27 Court judge Michael Bourke. Then, in 2005, work. At a 1979 semi final, Sheehy’s father years but he’s said privately that he learnt and still up for new challenges, he qualified But he doubts he’ll saddle up again in collapsed and died during the game. “One more from me in eight weeks than he learnt as a barrister and was admitted to the bar. the County Court. “Not keen on the wig,” player, Joe Doolan, was a priest, and he from his Richmond coach, Tom Hafey, in The man who devours footy culture he says impishly. “I always had to blue tack jumped the fence, ran to his car to get the eight years,” he says, without a trace of found the legal arena daunting. “The bar- it on.” sacred oils and gave the last rites,” he says boastfulness. rister’s life is exciting but I started at 60 quietly. Sheehy’s soaring reputation now saw and found it draining. I lay awake worrying Maurice Gaul is editor of the News
0.(317041 ! # 4--7+&(/2(' 3*( &4117(5(1 8 41 +)/$341(+2*8 *'+'*1*$,,",."#. .!&,,/#$.,*,1.#30#+/'2#*#+1,$ !&'!(#+ ##$) * /# $,,"2#%#0 .' + 1#/" 40,1+" 4 +"0 +",,.'"'/&#/$.#/& .# "/ -*0, -* .'!#/-#!' )'0'#/ +"+"' +"#//#.0/ ! 1#/" 40,.'" 4 +,,+0, -* 022-7/ 31((3"(23(-%041/( &01/(1+/) 022-7/ 31((32 ,+" 4/ ),/#" 3!#-01 )'!,)'" 4/ 9 666-(3$,&0.$4 666-(3$,&0.$4 MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 7
Weaving magic webs for kids Lend a hand to plant a tree
variety of sites I can visit around Mel- Heidi Snow bourne,” said Jeff, a regular volunteer at the Melbourne office. “Conservation Vol- id you know that Australia’s unteers provide transport from Adderley leading practical conservation Street in West Melbourne, so it is easy for Dorganisation has an office in the me to jump in their van and be taken to heart of West Melbourne? new parks that I have never been to.” Conservation Volunteers involves over As a volunteer, you could choose to 10,000 volunteers across Australia each head out to La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary in year, planting around one million trees, col- Bundoora to plant native plants and remove lecting more than 100,000 kg of rubbish, weeds in an effort to restore the site to its This tapestry showing the games children play gives young patients something to smile about repairing thousands of metres of fence line, former glory. Photo: Courtesy Royal Children’s Hospital protecting endangered plants and animals, Or maybe you would prefer to travel to and much more. Woodlands Historic Park in Greenvale to Suzie Luddon playing the same games and singing the Conservation Volunteers believes in a help build a predator-proof fence as part of same songs that their parents and grand- healthy and sustainable environment and the eastern barred bandicoot recovery pro- parents did, at least for some of the time! for everyone to be involved in managing gram that aims to protect an endangered lastics, marbles, wheelbarrows, skip- The tapestry, entitled ‘The Games Chil- and protecting that environment. Australian animal. Eping, hopscotch, hula hoops and dren Play’, was commissioned in 2009 With offices all around Australia, vol- If you would like to find out more or get more. The tapestry at the new Royal Chil- by the Royal Children’s Hospital Foun- unteers travel to many different sites across involved, you can pop into the Melbourne dren’s Hospital in Flemington Road is dation in recognition of Dame Elisabeth the country every day to volunteer for office at 162 Adderley Street, West Mel- guaranteed to evoke memories of child- Murdoch’s 75-year association with the important projects that protect or enhance bourne for a chat with the staff and to col- hood playgrounds, hospital. the environment and heritage. lect some pamphlets. Except for a boy playing Nintendo, the The artist, Robert Ingpen AO, took With such a large variety of projects Or you can go to the Conservation Vol- scene depicts a timelessness to the games inspiration for the tapestry from a 1590 to choose from, our volunteers love the unteers website: http://www.conservation- children play, and if it had a soundtrack, piece by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, enti- freedom and flexibility involved in joining volunteers.com.au chants such as “ring a ring o’ roses” would tled ‘Games Children Play’. He used this Conservation Volunteers. sound down the centuries. Clapping painting as a starting point, and updated it “I love volunteering every week because Heidi Snow is volunteer engagement officer games, yo-yo’s, tag and others, all in an to reflect the 21st century. Three weavers, I like being outdoors and they have a wide at Conservation Volunteers ever changing world. There’s comfort to Sue Batten, John Dicks and Emma Sulzer, be had in the familiar. worked with wool and cotton to create the While today’s i-kids are tech-savvy tapestry, which now graces the foyer of almost from birth (there’s also a giant the Royal Children’s Hospital. touch screen for games in the hospital foyer), it’s nice to know that in school Suzie Luddon writes regularly for the playgrounds around the world they’re News
Cast your line online for love
Suzie Luddon Tom, on the other hand, goes gaily from one relationship to another with barely a ove is a battlefield, love is a losing breath in between. Taking the scattergun game, somebody to love, love is the approach, he’s of the view that there are Ldrug…a hefty book could be written plenty of fish in the sea, and if “Demanding listing the songs, plays, sonnets, books, from Doncaster” demands too much, then movies and poems that have been written it’s on to the next one, no questions asked. about love. Whatever works, for all is fair in love and It’s the human condition. We need con- war (or is it? The veracity or otherwise of nection, and romantic love is one of the pin- that proverb is a topic for another time). Volunteers planting a tree Photo: Courtesy Conservation Volunteers nacles – most of us want to scale that moun- Mark’s been dating for a while now and tain. But many a word has also been written his experiences so far, with “Low Salt” and about the perils of love – it was Shakespeare “Gluten Free”, have only made him more who warned us that the course of true love mystified in the ways of les femmes. never did run smooth. Gluten Free came on strong then faded So should we find ourselves looking for away, while Low Salt has been more slow love, where do we start? Well, in a word, and steady, but for Mark there’s something online. Unless your social or work life pro- missing. The fact that he’s still online and (!+"/ pels you into the orbits of a range of eli- open to other food groups indicates that it’s gible potential dates, you’ll need some help probably not a happening thing. Maybe he’s meeting people, and the internet provides still smarting over Gluten Free. *-)' a huge pool of potential dating partners. Ben thought that “Sweet and Caring” was Sounds easy? Perhaps for some… just that until midway through their third )(- -"(,+ -%-%)("+ Emily arranges to meet all of her online date she excused herself to go to the bath- dates for coffee at Errol’s on the premise room, never to return. An hour later he got that it’s close to home, it’s easy to find and if a break-up text from her. Swapping stories necessary a coffee can be consumed in five with Mark, they’re both dazed and minutes. This strategy paid off when date confused about the mixed messages that number one, “You Won’t Be Disappointed”, women seemingly send them. Perhaps Ads canvassed the possibility of friends with ben- they’re not reading the signals, or perhaps all efits within that first five minutes – disap- of these near misses are clearing the way for
pointed, yes, disgusted and outta there, most that special one. 9328 1126 1 )(1+% definitely! Whatever the case, they’ll probably 1 - Her next date at Errol’s, “Smart and Inter- persevere, and chances are they’ll meet their #-"+).+, 0**)%(-'"(- esting”, was a big improvement on the first, match and learn more about themselves and they whiled away a pleasant hour getting along the way. There are plenty of success to know each other. But when he contacted stories in the online dating world, but alas, ++)&-+""- her for a second date, Emily got the wob- most of us will probably have to kiss a few )+-$"& ).+(" bles and put him off. She kind of regrets it proverbial frogs along the way. *$)(" now, but if what they say is true, then what’s for you won’t go by you. So she’s decided Suzie Luddon writes regularly for the News to drop the idea of finding “the one” and to focus more on having fun and making new friends. 8 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012
the News With summer’s heat now over, Garden Patch lettuce get out into our gardens
tuce is super easy to grow all year round. Natasha Grogan are a little on the wonky side. Your carrots You can buy seeds and thin out or just buy will be ready to harvest when you can see seedlings. Either way, having lettuce in your utumn days are here already their tops pop out of the soil. Simply pull garden is a money saver. and I for one can’t believe it. I out, wash and eat. Aam happy to report that my first Leeks Harvest your lettuce by breaking off only child, Gretchen Peta, arrived safely two Leeks are great for the simple reason that as many outer leaves as you need for your days before Christmas. The rest of our hot they can stay in your garden for up to a year. meal, leaving the plant in the ground for summer felt like one long day. If you forget you have planted them, they your next dinner. Gretchen has already joined me many can be a great surprise months down the Silverbeet times in the garden, sleeping (like a baby) track. Silverbeet is another plant that is hardy and while I tend to the beds. It would seem the Leeks are tricky to plant if bought as reliable. I always plant rainbow silverbeet little love has no choice but to become a seedlings. Each single “strand” is one leek (why go for green and white when you can keen gardener. and there can be as many as thirty in a have green, yellow, red and pink?). Silver- With my new arrival taking up most of punnet. Don’t make the mistake of planting beet is much like lettuce: harvest the outer my time, you’ll have to forgive me for taking them all together (this also applies to carrots, leaves you need, whenever you need them. a blunt approach to my gardening advice. spring onions and beetroots). Take the time You’ll use the entire leaf when cooking, so Inquisitive gardeners often ask: “What to separate the seedlings and you will be harvest each leaf from the base of the stem. should I plant now?” and “How and when do rewarded all year round. So there you have it! A few treats to put in I harvest?” For those posing the same ques- To ensure that all plants have enough your garden over autumn. This time last year tions I have provided a list of my autumn space you can plant leeks from seed and then I told you to add some love to your soil in favourites and a guide to what to look for thin out (remove some of the seedlings that the way of manure, compost or both and to when harvesting. emerge). Harvest the leeks once they have give your garden a good water with seaweed Broccoli reached your preferred size by pulling out liquid. This should become part of your Rarely will a home-grown broccoli head the entire plant. autumn gardening habits. reach the size of those in the supermarkets, Lettuce See you in the dirt! so don’t wait for them to grow to that size. I try to avoid buying lettuce for my kitchen. Believe me, I made this mistake when I first The plastic bags seem such a waste for the Natasha Grogan is director of The Sage started gardening, and they went to flower few leaves that I require and often half of Garden. Her website is http//thesagegarden. You can’t beat a good silverbeet before they grew any bigger. what I buy ends up in the bin. Besides, let- com.au Photo: Amy Quigley I now harvest broccoli when the buds on the florets (we called them “trees” when we were kids) look full but are still tightly packed. If you harvest the broccoli an inch under the main head you will be able to Little Biggy proves to be a right little terrier harvest small florets from the stem for sev- eral weeks. The stem is delicious and full an unforeseen situation so they won’t need of nutrients, so don’t leave it out of your Melissa Hughes to make the heart-breaking decision to part cooking once you have removed the plant. with their beloved pet due to limited finan- Carrots iggy, a two-year-old male Stafford- cial means. When harvesting carrots from my garden shire bull terrier cross, arrived at After surgery and a number of weeks in over the holidays, my dad asked, with a con- BLort Smith Animal Hospital late last strict cage confinement to ensure his suc- cerned frown, if they were “OK to eat”. I year when he was accidentally run over by a cessful recovery, Biggy was adopted out reassured him that, like we humans, organic quad bike. Biggy was seriously injured and with his new owner falling in love with him produce comes in many different shapes and incurred a broken left hind leg. His owners instantly. sizes. brought him to Lort Smith for veterinary At Lort Smith, we pay for the treatment I love carrots, but have grown very few treatment; however, they did not return. of abandoned pets, in Biggy’s case costing us that look like those in the supermarket. “Unfortunately this is something we see over $3000 for his treatment. In these tough Instead I have taken to calling mine “crazy too often. We continuously promote respon- economic times we are desperate for dona- carrots”. They come in all shapes: some have sible pet ownership to avoid cases where we tions to continue helping animals like Biggy. two legs, some twist and twirl and some split see animals like Biggy being abandoned,” To donate, please phone 9321 7215 or go our down the middle. But make no mistake, they said Elizabeth Walker, Lort Smith shelter website http://www.lortsmith.com. all taste terrific. manager. Carrots love fluffy, deep loam soil. After As owners can spend thousands of dol- Melissa Hughes is the marketing and fund- years trying, I have not yet mastered the per- lars on unexpected emergency veterinary raising assistant at Lort Smith Animal Biggy is back in form and he’s fighting fit fect carrot-growing soil and as a result they treatment, it is important they plan for such Hospital Photo: Courtesy Lort Smith Animal Hospital
" %%!%% " '! &) "$' ! $%!&) "$& !%& "'$! " %%!%%& "! $"'# $%"& " '! &)$ !( &&" $ " $ $ !& #$%!&& "$' % )!"&%# "! %#" ) %"$ & ! " %%!%% !& " $ " """" " " %)& #$ $ # " %!" "! " # ! ) " ( !!&$"$' %! MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 9 North & West Melbourne Association
Electoral Representation Review — mencing Planning Scheme amendments for Melbourne City Council both structure plan areas for land use (zoning The North and West Melbourne Association changes), built form controls and public (NWMA) was one of 21 groups and indi- acquisition controls. viduals who lodged preliminary submissions 26 Erskine Street, North Melbourne with the Victorian Electoral Commission Residents and Association members had a (VEC). welcome win at VCAT last month, with the The scope of the VEC’s review was lim- tribunal member rejecting an application These Anderson Street buildings are the site of a controversial proposal Photo: Janet Graham ited to considering: the number of council- for a three-storey development on the site lors; and whether the City of Melbourne of a demolished single-storey weatherboard height of other recent applications to a construction of a five-level building for nine should be divided into wards or remain cottage that became headline news in 2004 maximum five storeys to conform with apartments and reduction in car-parking unsubdivided. In the event of subdivision, when a passing jogger discovered the kid- the Design and Development Overlay requirements. the commission was to recommend the napped baby Montana Barbaro inside the for the area and by reference to the 577 King Street, West Melbourne number of wards, boundary placement and derelict house. VCAT member J.A. Bennett Railway Hotel. Because the Planning Minister had not made the number of councillors for each ward. ruled, in part, as follows: • It would overshadow the single-storey a decision on the proposal, Zagame elected The majority of submitters, including “Mr Leach in his submission referred to Victorian terrace houses at Nos 6–8, 10 to take this matter to VCAT. The first step residents’ groups, asked for a ward structure excessive development and suggested that and 12 Anderson Street. is mediation, which is scheduled for early and an increase in the number of council- the proposal represents an excessive densi- • A proposed level-3 balcony with planter March. lors from nine to 11 (including Lord Mayor fication and intensification (i.e. at odds with boxes would overlook the rear gardens Dog-off-leash trial at Adderley/Hawke and Deputy Lord Mayor). Councillor Jackie appropriately balancing planning scheme of these three houses. Street park, West Melbourne Watts submitted a proposal for five wards objectives). • The internal roof structure of the indus- A request by dog owners late last year to and a suggested division; other submissions “In broad terms I agree with him and trial building at 14–18 Anderson Street allow dogs to run off-leash at specified times were not so specific. consider the current proposal has swung the is of great architectural merit and its his- in this pocket park, after which local resi- Option A in the VEC’s preliminary report, balance too far towards satisfying policy torical significance should be assessed. dents completed a council survey stating published on 23 January, favoured increasing encouraging additional dwellings as against Former Caltex Service Station, King Street, whether they supported a six-month trial, the total number of councillors to 11. How- policy aimed at achieving an acceptable West Melbourne split the community. ever, the Association was disappointed with response to the site context. Three, three Consultation meetings have been held with Finding that the park was too small to its recommendation not to reintroduce wards. storey dwellings with two roof top ter- the community about the future usage of this partition into no-dog and dog-off-leash The report did, though, detail five alternative races results in excessive and unaccept- site, bounded by Curzon, King and Hawke areas, Melbourne City Council came up options, four of which included wards, with able massing and bulk. It is not one indi- streets. The current proposal is for a church with a plan to enlarge the park considerably various computations of their number, loca- vidual element that causes me to find against and a five-to-six-storey building accommo- by extending it across Hawke Street to the tion and number of councillors allocated to this proposal but rather the combination of dating retail, community, childcare and resi- median strip. each. height, high walls on boundaries, boundary dential space. Council’s Parks Planning section is cur- The public had until 23 February to lodge setbacks, very high site coverage and low Woolworths proposal rently gathering information, producing a response submissions, with the opportunity permeability.” Many readers will be aware of the large new survey plan, making traffic engineering to speak to them at a public hearing on 29 14–18 & 20 Anderson Street, development proposed by Woolworths on assessments and discussing traffic move- February West Melbourne the site bounded by Canning Street, Vaughan ments and parking needs with nearby busi- Terrace and Macaulay Road. An application for a seven-to-eight-storey nesses to see what is feasible. No decisions Planning development on the above site was recently We understand that Woolworths submitted will be made concerning matters such as loss City North and Arden Macaulay structure lodged with Melbourne City Council. The a response to the Department of Planning of parking spaces until further consultation plans NWMA and local residents objected on the and Community Development in December with affected residents and businesses has On 7 February the council’s Future Mel- following grounds: offering minimal concessions, such as taken place. bourne Committee considered the City North • Comprising 51 apartments and rising slightly shorter trading time for liquor sales Council personnel expect the planning and Arden Macaulay structure plans. to eight levels on the Anderson Street and potential for a childcare centre. There process to take months, with the possibility The committee approved both plans, frontage, it represents a gross overdevel- appears to be no consideration of the sub- that construction will not begin for years. resolved that it would not attempt to com- opment of the site. stantive issues of height, density and impact. pulsorily acquire privately owned land to • The height and bulk are not in keeping We also understand that the department’s procure the proposed public open space and with existing structures. report to the Planning Minister was still in • The development would overwhelm and CONTACT DETAILS: requested that management report to council development at the time of writing and there compromise a relatively harmonious The North and West Melbourne Association in February on the proposed Planning is not yet a timeframe for submission of the streetscape and the small, treasured, tri- website is at http://www.nwma.org.au/. Scheme amendments and the methodology report or for the minister’s decision. angle of open space opposite. for recommending that community submis- 132–134 Roden Street, West Melbourne Meetings are held at 7.30pm on the third sions be considered in subsequent statutory • The proposed building is about 8.4 metres Council has issued a Notice of Decision Tuesday of the month in the upstairs panel considerations. higher than the nearby heritage-listed to allow the demolition of a double-storey, meeting room at North Melbourne Library. Council will move to consider com- Railway Hotel. Council has reduced the double-fronted, D-graded terrace house and
! # # # + +(.)( ) ()% 0!(%"/ (+ # 0(+$"'(+-!' ,- %(.+' 3,!+ 2(.+ (&&.'"-2 (' +', ! -! +2(.!/ %"/ (+0(+$ ! + (&&.'"-2-!-",/ +2&. !)+-( -! 0"-!., (+&'22 +,(+!/ #.,-&(/ -( "'' + "-2%" ( %(.+' # 3-- ' & -"' , (+-!(+ ,- %(.+' (' -!"' 3#("''"'- + ,-, +(.) 2(.)+(%2 '#(2",-! %"/% *.%"-2 3-- ' (.+*.+- +%2,( "% .' -"(', ( -! ."%- '/"+('& '- ! 2"' %. 3 1)' 2(.+ (&&.'"-2 ('- -, ! (+-! ,- %(.+' 3)+(&(-"' , ', ( (&&.'"-2 ,,( "-"('!,0(+$ (+&(+ -!' "'(.+ % -" .%-.+%%2 "/ +, # ! 2 +,-(&"'-"'-! & '"-2' ' " !(.+!(( 3&('"-(+"-2( %(.+' (.' "% '!' -! 0 %% "' ( + ," '-, 3)+(- -"' ' '!' "' -! ."%- ' ,' &"'.- , 0(+$ +,' /","-(+, ' '-.+% '/"+('& '-( -! + 3+ )+ , '--! ,,( "-"('(' 3 '%"' (&&.'"-2 ('- -, (&&"-- ,' % -"(', # ! 3)+ )+ ,.&",,"(',(',-+- " # ! ",,. , " &"% "' ( '0&(+ . ! + )+ , '-,"-,& & +,2 3&('"-(+)%''"' ) +&"-))%" -"(', (,- (1 '/,,"' -! "+/" 0, (' +',' 3)+(&(- ,.,-"'% -+',)(+-' (+-! %(.+' " )+()(,%,('",,. ,( (&&.'"-2 &' -+ 4 ",,. , "'- + ,--(%( %,-- ' +% 3,.))(+-(.+"'- +'%)+( ,, , .))(+- 2-! "-2( %(.+' 000'0&(+ . (/ +'& '-, "' %. "' 0 ,"- &' & '- (&&.'"-2 +/" ,+'-,+( +& 10 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012 An activist today and respectful of our past
Katrina Kincade-Sharkey achieve the planting of 20 scarlet oak and about 10 London plane trees altogether down ampaigning continues for Aboriginal each side of Capel, some of which are now land rights, with proposals for a fun- semi-mature,” he gleefully grins. Cdamental rebuild of Queen Victoria “When you’ve been in an area for a while, Market’s western block, construction beneath you’ve got a bit of history about it, eh,” he it of a multi-level car park and replanting of quips, shrugging the years away. native-treed open land on the current vehicle Among his many other volunteer tasks space adjacent to Peel and William streets. has been an oral history project for the North “There is already visible acknowledge- and West Melbourne Association, based on ment of Melbourne’s founder, John Batman, the same block during the 1920s and ’30s: so there should be transference of memorial “My contribution was taped, then a transcript headstones of the area’s original inhabitants was produced for the history archives at the from the current Melbourne Cemetery in Errol Street library. Carlton to its old site, the car park at Queen “That contribution resulted from an inter- Vic Market,” argues Laurence Angwin, long- view with Miss Joan Davies, who lived time West Melbourne resident and commu- above her family’s menswear premises on nity activist. the south-west corner of Victoria and Peel “Aborigines were victims of the first streets. What was great was that Joan had public hangings here during settlement and been a secretary in the company for which I due to historical tragedy there are no bodily worked. remains, so we need recognition of those “She told me that in her youth, Capel three people from Van Diemen’s Land. was a gracious street lined with huge, inter- “Critically, we need effective recognition spersed elm and oak trees. They’d been of original ownership of our local area by the planted during the 1880s, or thereabouts, Wurundjeri people,” he stresses. and they were planted kerb-side in the road, Laurence also proposes an overhead so MCC’s Parks and Gardens were pleased, walkway across William Street between but city engineers saw their presence as cur- Flagstaff Gardens and the current car park, tailing QV Market–access parking. that open land then becoming an easily A smiling Laurence Angwin: an energetic local activist, campaigner and volunteer Photo: Jim Weatherill “So there’s now three lines of trees down accessible symbol of our recognition of tribal Capel, but they’ve been struggling due to ownership. Homework Club’s refugee students climb the upgrades by the new owners. They couldn’t vandalism and drought,” he reports. “My vision for the QVM precinct is that academic ladder of life. be demolished because of their heritage Somehow, one foresees the birth of an the multi-level underground car park should That learning ladder is one Laurence listing, but that is one prime example of the intense anti-vandalism lobby, and if anyone operate 24 hours, seven days per week, each knows well, having accrued a university council back then being a negligent landlord. can achieve results, Laurence will. and every day of the year. fine-arts degree from La Trobe, which exam- “That campaign was an intense 18-month “That car park would service the north- ined both scholastic and psychological chal- consultation process with councillors for this Katrina Kincade-Sharkey writes regularly west end of town — its offices, shops, res- lenges for students using English as a second ward, which ended well, as we were able to for the News taurants, cinemas, etc — and it would return language, followed by a secondary credit in a fortune to the city’s coffers, while relieving Indonesian literature from Melbourne Uni- load, distance and weather stresses for versity. StreetSeen market shoppers,” he explains. Of western English descent, the Angwin Laurence has long argued that Aborigines family settled here from Cornwall in the Suzie Luddon asks the hard fashion were the original owners of the market land 1850s. “So I’m about a fifth generation Aus- questions. and he wants the new car park’s income to tralian, nearly all of whom have lived in Name, age and occupation: provide operational expenditure so that that North or West Melbourne,” he says, proudly. Joye. Social worker, 52. historical fact is celebrated when the area is And his family had settled in the region well What are you wearing and where did restored to open space. before Queen Victoria Market began trading you get it? “Of course, it will be expensive — infra- in 1878. My dress is from Dangerfield, my shoes are structure always is — but it really pays for During Laurence’s entire 30-year study from Global Shoes in Wellington NZ, and my itself because of mass usage and it confirms and work life, he has resided in the same bag is from a garage sale. social access. And it could have a number property on Capel Street, a heritage-listed What’s your style? of natural light wells down in to relieve the 1860s house within one block of the market, Eclectic. underground car park’s dimness. so he well knows the region’s lifestyle and Who do you admire style-wise and why? “This would be a proverbial licence to access requirements: “I fell into it as a fine- I like 1950s fashion and I love the style of Mrs print money, because the car park could arts student, renting it from the Melbourne Cunningham from Happy Days. be used all week, all year, for lifestyle activi- City Council for 10 years, before it went on What’s your biggest fashion faux-pas? ties. the market and I bought it. 1980s MC Hammer pants. “The market’s public transport access also “Before the council sold the block bor- What wouldn’t you be seen dead in? needs an upgrade, so I’d run trams more fre- dered by Peel, Victoria, Capel and Dudley A bikini. quently, as well as having a Queen Victoria streets, they condemned the properties, so Photo: Suzie Luddon Market station positioned under the market. we bought them on the proviso of major This would be part of the underground rail extension that’s proposed to go through North and West Melbourne and the hospital precinct, just like Jolimont Station readily accesses the MCG. “The station must be open through week- ends and public holidays, so people can access both the city’s market and its life- style,” he strategises. Picture, if you will, a finely attired, witty, ! semi-retired languages teacher — “Let’s age me mid-50s,” he chuckles, blue eyes flashing " ! — whose life’s primary concern is creating a comfortable, environmentally conscious, ! socially aware community. " " ! This man has style, visually celebrated through annual visits to his favourite boutique in Paris’s arty Montparnasse, ! where today’s superbly cut, fine linen- #" ! silk suit and one-off, double-collared shirt were tailored. His neighbourhood centre mates would barely recognise him: they’re used to the down-market jeans and casual shirts he wears when delivering several " " " # hundred copies of the latest News edition $$$$% % $ # or as a volunteer tutor helping the Global MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 11 ‘Time gents, please’ ended our old days at Mulcahy’s Eileen Conlan party trick of dropping an egg into a glass. “Simon” and “Bundy Bill” were both ex-drovers and boasted of their skill in the recently drove past the grand old Mul- saddle. We fully believed them until the cahy’s Hotel building at 700 Victoria time Simon took some of the younger Con- Street, North Melbourne. I was curious I lans horseriding and fell off his horse. He to see it after noticing online that it now was laid up in his upstairs room and couldn’t boasts “21 desirable residential units over walk for a week. four levels”. Then there was “Pieman” who worked I knew Mulcahy’s in a more innocent for Herbert Adams. My brothers would hand time. My parents, Leo and Kath Conlan, him false orders for 20 dozen pies then, bought the pub in 1969 and, except for the when he’d lugged them into the pub from his period 1972-76 when we leased it out, they van, we’d tell him with crestfallen faces that worked in it until 1979. As well as being a the order had been cancelled. business, it was also a family home for all There were surprisingly few fights, pos- nine Conlan children. sibly because Dad and Mum, both teetotal- Mulcahy’s was in a tough part of North lers, were so popular. But once, an angry Melbourne, surrounded by railway yards and drinker crawled over the bar and my teenage factories and there was nothing too “desir- brothers and Dad had to hold him then hustle able” about the pub in that era. We had three him out into Victoria Street. Most of the Nine little Conlans, all in a row: (from left) Jim, Frank, Anthony, Eileen, Leo, Margaret, Mary, Kate and Patrick downstairs bars: the public bar, the saloon fights involved women, scratching and hair- Photo: Courtesy the Conlan family (where beers cost one cent extra) and the pulling, in the ladies lounge. plushly wallpapered lounge that was seen as But there was always more fun than were good Irish Catholics. On Sundays the when we returned in 1976 after briefly just a bit posh. fighting. Once, some well-meaning patrons whole family would attend mass at St Mary leasing the business out, to find it sadly run I vividly recall the frantic lunchtimes heard a rumour that Dad had died and Star of the Sea in Howard Street then buy down and attracting a seedy clientele of petty when the railwaymen and factory workers thoughtfully inserted a moving tribute to the crusty Vienna loaves from the Italian deli in crims and bikies. It was a bit frightening for would pour in for their standard four quick memory of the late Leo Douglas Conlan in Queensberry Street. a while until Dad banned the troublemakers. pots and a counter lunch. My sister Marg the Sun. I suspect they swore off the drink Later, most of us would pile into the We finally sold Mulcahy’s Hotel in 1979 would yell orders into our wonky intercom when they saw him walk into the bar. Humber and Dad would drive up to Kinglake and the Conlan family’s hotel era was over. to Bill the cook who would sweat away in We were a footy pub in winter. On Sat- and along the firetracks near Toolangi. After Many years later, when curiosity led me the kitchen as he somehow dished up 250 urdays, when North Melbourne played at the hubbub of the hotel, he loved the quiet to visit the old pub with Mum, we found a meals over two hours. Arden Street, locals would drop in for a few and the isolation. We’d cook sausages on a side door open and stepped inside. We were The main bar was highly territorial. The beers and a counter lunch, then buy half roaring fire then, heading home, Mum would shocked that it had apparently become a railwaymen stood near the pinball machine, a dozen cans each, the old steel type, and lead us in the rosary. squatters’ refuge. the transport drivers huddled near the pool head off to the oval where they’d drink them All my recollections are good ones. I Just for a moment it seemed as if those table then, suitably distant, the men from quickly so they could stand on them to watch remember North Melbourne’s village-like wonderful years when the Conlans ran Mul- Barastoc Fertilisers drank in a tight group. the play. atmosphere and the thriving small shops cahy’s had never happened. But I know they They absolutely stank of chicken manure and Mainly, however, Mulcahy’s was a racing along Errol Street. And I recall how my did. I was there. the bar would reek for hours. pub. Every Saturday afternoon, 3DB’s Bill friends loved visiting Mulcahy’s because of Eileen (Dunn) Conlan is managing We’d be flat out pouring beers, taking Collins’ call of the races would be blaring the free sarsaparilla and chips. director of the Children’s Performing care never to allow a glass to stand empty from the bar radio, drinkers would be placing Perhaps the only shadowy memory was Company of Australia for a second. I’ll never forget the constant illegal bets, beer would be flowing and the hum of the bar packed with hard-drinking till kerlincking away healthily. men, the blue shroud of cigarette smoke and In the evening, the pink Sporting Globe, the smell of beer-sodden carpets that drifted full of the day’s racing results, would be through the pub. strewn everywhere, while the tiny bar TV Dad ran the show, Mum looked after the would show the trots from the nearby Show- & & family, the accounts and the floats, and all grounds. Between races, above the hubbub, the Conlan children pitched in. I recall 12- ; 5530!75++7 357. +0(3852+ Mary Hardy would screech raucously on year-old Jimmy barely able to see over the Seven’s Penthouse Club. . <'9 bar as he served beers and handled the till while wearing his blue and gold De La Salle Every day ended at 10pm when Dad or 1'/0-'5:(3.1+54.'51'):,5+*2+7)31'8 blazer. Patrick would ring the bell and call “Time The family lived upstairs on one side of gents, please” to clear the bar. We’d shuffle the building. On the other lived the boarders. the stayers out then start the endless tasks One night a lodger was “entertaining” a of cleaning, vacuuming and polishing. My lady friend and a lively dispute ensued over nightly tasks included taking Chris the dog money. Dad went to check and ended up for a walk around the block. dragging the woman, naked and swearing Visits by the licensing inspectors kept loudly, down the stairs while all nine chil- us all on our toes. They came to check dren looked on wide-eyed. the books, monitor our trading hours and Many of the boarders were unforgettable inspect the kitchen. One day they caught my characters. “Bluey” was employed by the brothers Leo, Anthony and Frank on top of railways but never seemed to work. He spent the bar, playing cricket while using an ice- all day propped in the bar, sipping beers and block as a ball. duping gullible patrons with his profitable Like so many publican families, we "! ! & % # ! % # " % "! ! Professional and Effective & ! # # % % Treatment of: $! " " % ! % % %" ! · Headaches & ! % · Neck Pain & ! !% % % '! & " # · Low Back Pain Dr Paul O’Keefe & ! ! '! % & ! ! % · Sports and Work Injuries "$ "%% (Osteopath) ! · Joint and Muscle Strains B.Sci(Clin Sci), M.Hlth.Sci(Osteo) & ! On the Spot Health Insurance Rebates Available !% ! $' &!% #$ Level 1 65-67 Errol St & ! % !
North Melbourne # ! 32735/ '173 41!'7'17341 Phone: 9329 7011 036+*!82*':6'2*48(0/).30/*':6 www.northmelbourneosteo.com.au # $ & "%!" # 12 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012
THE CENTRE A place to draw children out Cost: $165 / $125 concession For those who have no experience of Cecilia Constanzo Pilates at all. urzon Street Children’s Centre has Beginner Plus started the year strongly committed Time: Thursday 7.30pm – 8.15pm Cto being the centre of excellence with Venue: The Meat Market the introduction of a flex bilingual and music 26 April – 28 June program. Cost: $165 / $125 concession The centre is a multicultural community Working on mats, this class involves and with the assistance of educators and par- gentle stretching and strengthening ents, all children will be exposed to a new exercises to develop your core strength. language through storytelling, play, rhymes, Intermediate songs, anatomy and numeracy. According to Time: Thursday 6.30pm – 7.15pm centre manager Cecilia, “Recent studies have Venue: The Meat Market identified that the best time to teach children 26 April – 28 June a second language is in the first three to four Cost: $165 / $125 concession years of their life.” This class deepens the stretching and Educators have observed children’s inter- strengthening of core muscles that was action with parents who speak a second lan- term 2 started in Beginner Plus. It is a great class guage and it is apparent that this approach if you are recovering from an injury. could be used for the centre. Children have a Feldenkrais Method® natural ability to learn and, when combined The Feldenkrais Method® facilitates with play and exploration, find learning a learning about movement, posture and second language is as easy as the first. Warm welcome on Curzon Street 2011 breathing to ultimately increase your Photo: Nadia Palmeri The centre has received wonderful sup- ease and range of movement, to improve port from the staff and parents, who will take The introduction of a music program at fl exibility and coordination. time out to participate in the flex language Curzon Street has been identified as a way to Join The Centre’s autumn Time: Tuesday 7.30pm – 8.30pm program as it introduces children to other encourage the children to understand sound learning program Venue: The Meat Market cultures and languages. and instruments, use their imagination and All courses are eight or nine sessions, but 24 April – 26 June It will work in partnership with fami- enhance their creativity. you can join at any time after the course Cost: $80 / $60 concession SPECIAL lies and educators to ensure the Early Years has started, for a reduced cost. OFFER Learning Frameworks is implemented. The centre has always encouraged an informal approach to music and dance, but You can register your interest in person at The Feldenkrais Method® is suitable At the centre, we make curriculum deci- The Centre, Shop 58, Errol Street, North a gap has been identified. Cecilia has imple- for all ages and for anyone interested in sions that uphold all children’s rights to Melbourne, or ring us on 9328 1126. preventing or relieving stiffness, recurrent mented Little Maestros, based on Kodaly have their cultures, identities, abilities and injury, pain or strain. It can benefi t those methodology and repertoire. “No doubt, this strengths acknowledged and valued, and we living with diffi culties such as stroke, will contribute to the end of year concert per- HEALTH AND WELLBEING respond to the complexity of the lives of the PROGRAMS multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and children and their families. formed by all children. We look forward to learning diffi culties. We provide education across five learning seeing their development,” she said. Yoga Simple Steps to Better Health outcomes. We ensure that children have The implementation of these projects Our classes are taught by accredited a strong sense of identity, are connected depends on the dedication and commitment teachers. Both are Hatha style and are Time: Thursday 7:00-8:30 with and contribute to their world, have a of the educators at Curzon Street. suitable for all levels. They incorporate Venue: Shop 58 10 May-28 June (9 sessions) strong sense of wellbeing, are confident postures, breathing, meditation and Cost: $55 and involved learners and are effective Cecilia Constanzo is centre manager at relaxation. Take some easy steps to improve your communicators. Curzon Street Children’s Centre. General health that doesn’t require strict dieting or Time: Monday 6.00pm – 7.30pm strenuous exercise. Venue: The Meat Market 23 April – 25 June Level 2 First Aid Cost: $150 / $125 concession Time: Two consecutive Saturdays 9.00am – 4.00pm General Venue: Shop 58 Ama Lurra’s happy birthday Time: Monday 7.30pm – 9.00pm 28 April & 5 May or 30 June & 7 July Venue: The Meat Market Cost: $160 23 April – 25 June This program covers the unit HLTFA301A Bilogan and Viatcheslav Iourgaev, or Mobius Cost: $150 / $125 concession – Applied First Aid, and includes Katrina Kincade-Sharkey Duo, whose keyboard-harpsicord and cello Pilates performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation delivered stylish baroque in their highly indi- Join our Pilates classes run by fully and providing basic life support. AISON Ama Lurra celebrated its vidual viola da gamba style. qualifi ed and experienced physiotherapists Management of Anaphylaxis Mfirst trading birthday last month with Located on the peak of Howard Street’s from City North Physiotherapy. You may Time: Saturday three hours a delightful cocktail party for friends and hill city-side of Queensberry’s round-about, be asked to attend an initial screening to Venue: Shop 58 ‘almost-resident’ customers. Ama Lurra has established itself as a favou- assess which class is most suitable for 28 April or 30 June Owner/operators Giles Legg and Philippe rite among those wanting delicious cuisine you. Million gathered with expat friends and local served amid quiet style and, as Jim Weath- Cost: $55 Absolute Beginners A nationally recognised course providing acquaintances to toast their installation of erill’s photograph shows, all celebrated its Time: Thursday 5.30pm – 6.15pm knowledge and skills to manage severe French style in uptown North Melbourne. first birthday’s success. Venue: The Meat Market allergic reactions and anaphylaxis and risk After battling major Howard Street pipe- 26 April – 28 June management strategies. works for select parking spots, 75 guests Katrina Kincade-Sharkey writes regularly were gloriously serenaded by Victoria for the News Homework Club for 2012
The Centre, in conjunction with the The Centre North Melbourne Library, runs a 58 Errol Street FREE homework tutoring program for North Melbourne students from years 4–12. ph: 9328 1126
• Years 7–12, Tuesdays 4pm–6pm
• Years 4 –6, Wednesdays 3.30pm–5.30pm
The North Melbourne Library Great fun for tutors and local children ! 66 Errol Street North Melbourne Please contact The Centre on 9328 1126 to register your child or student or for information about the Homework Club
Lots of happy guests at Maison Ama Lurra’s Happy Birthday Photo: Jim Weatherill MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News THE CENTRE 13
THE CENTRE
ART PROGRAMS sensation when you come to our delicious Globe Trotting Lunches. Calligraphy Cost: $2 for morning and afternoon tea, Time: Tuesday 7.30pm – 9.30pm $17 per lunch Venue: Shop 58 The Feldenkrais method Dates: TBA 24 April – 26 June Kylie Sparkman Cost: $115 / $100 concession Chess Club Come and join us at The Centre for tea, Learn how to make beautiful cards, I am very excited to be running The envelopes and scrapbooks with your new- coffee and chess. All skill levels and all Centre’s Feldenkrais “Awareness found writing artistry. Explore different members of the local community are Through Movement” classes that will scripts, illumination and family trees. Ask welcome. Chess pieces and boards start next month. for a materials list when you enrol. provided. Time: Sunday 2.00pm – 5.00pm Moshe Feldenkrais was an Israeli Arty Farty Institute* Venue: Shop 58 engineer and physicist who worked with Time: Tuesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm Cost: Free Joliot-Curie at the Sorbonne in Paris. He Venue: Shop 58 Sewing was also a keen martial artist and one 24 April – 26 June of the first judo black belts in Europe. A Join in our sewing workshop every Cost: $50 / $35 concession knee injury led him to turn his scientific Bring your inner artist to this friendly Thursday during term. Bring whatever you Kylie Sparkman: teaching how to move without are making and your machine and make mind to his own rehabilitation, after doc- having to sweat and strain to do it. group who explore the creative process. tors of the time predicted only a 50 per some new friends. and how much your movement has In a relaxed, informal and supportive cent chance of recovery after surgery. environment you can discover your artistic Time: Thursday 10.00am – 1.00pm changed without having sweated and This inspired a lifetime of work on self, working with a variety of media (paint, Venue: Shop 58 strained for it! human structure and function and became clay and textiles) to create an individual Cost: Contribution to tea and coffee As Feldenkrais wrote in Awareness the Feldenkrais Method, which is now project. No experience is needed, just a EMPLOYABILITY AND through Movement: “The lessons are taught by practitioners all over the world. touch of curiosity! designed to improve ability, that is to SKILLS DEVELOPMENT The method is used by people recovering expand the boundaries of the possible: to Art Warriors Computer Program* from injury or wanting to reduce pain and turn the impossible into the possible, the Time: Tuesday 3.45pm – 5.15pm strain, by athletes and musicians wanting Beginner difficult into the easy and the easy into Venue: Shop 58 to improve their performance, and by Time: Friday 9.00am – 11.00am the pleasant. For only those activities that 24 April – 26 June people seeking to improve their flexibility Venue: Shop 58 are easy and pleasant will become a part Cost: $115 / $100 concession and co-ordination; in fact, by anyone who 27 April – 29 June of a person’s habitual life and serve at all Kids aged 7–11, bring your enthusiasm is seeking new and easier ways to move Cost: $80 / $55 concession times.” and imagination! This playful class will and to maximise their potential. explore a variety of artistic techniques and Gain confi dence and understanding in the The classes are suitable for people of processes. Explore your imaginative realm practical use of computers. The course Awareness Through Movement classes all ages and fitness levels: from the senior and build on your own natural creativity. will cover Windows, word processing, are not like exercise classes. Rather than citizen who would like to be able to play Recycle, invent and create! Suitable for the internet and email, spreadsheets and focussing on developing muscle strength with their grandchildren more easily, to Grades 1–6 and children must be signed multimedia. or stretching, the classes focus on devel- the young athlete wishing to improve out by a parent or nominated guardian. Beginner Plus oping an awareness of how we move. their tennis swing. Must have a minimum of eight students This awareness allows us to eliminate Time: Friday 11.00am – 1.00pm Classes will start next month at the to run. faulty movement patterns and excessive Venue: Shop 58 Meat Market in North Melbourne on tension that may be hampering us, and Nature Play 27 April – 29 June Tuesday evenings. Time: Tuesday 11.00am – 11.45am Cost: $80 / $55 concession to explore truly new and better ways of Venue: Shop 58 Start broadening your abilities in areas of moving. Kylie Sparkman will take Awareness 24 April – 26 June offi ce skills and multimedia. At the end of a class you can be Through Movement classes for The Cost: $5 per session Word Processing and Business surprised by how different you feel, Centre Toddlers and parents learn from nature Documents with play-based art and stories. This class Time: Individual programs by appointment teaches sustainable, sensory ways to Melbourne Language and Learning we Certifi cate IV in Training and Venue: Shop 58 express and care for your world. will offer nationally recognised certifi cates 23 April – 29 June Assessment subject to demand. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Cost: $125 / $55 concession This course trains you to design and This course will provide you with the skills Food Handling facilitate courses, and teach and assess The Centre’s Volunteer Program students in adult education, business, and knowledge to produce simple word- Time: Two consecutive Saturdays This program offers something for processed documents. industry and TAFE sectors. everyone. Volunteering is a great way to 9.00am – 4.00pm We have two programs: Introduction to Media Venue: Shop 58 meet people in your area, do something Intensive Course for your community, gain new skills or just Time: Weekly for each edition Cost: $125 / $55 concession Venue: Shop 58 This program covers the skill set This involves 12 intensive classroom- do something out of the ordinary. We have based sessions focused on interpersonal a wide array of opportunities for everyone, April – June FDFFS1001A – Follow Work Procedures Cost: $125 / $55 concession / free to to Maintain Food Safety, and delivery skills, planning and workplace from volunteering for Spring Fling 2012 assessment. There is some out-of- to writing and editing for our newspaper, volunteers subject to conditions FDFFS2001A – Implement Food Safety This course is conducted through Program and Procedures. classroom work and computer skills are tutoring and much more. necessary. Contact us for more information. participation in the North and West Melbourne News, The Centre E-newsletter Introduction to Teacher’s Dates: Monday (12 weeks) Introduction to Community and promotional material. Aide Work Cost: $1500 / $280 concession Volunteering and Event Introduction to Working Includes an introduction to legislative Upgrade from the old BSZ40198 or Management in a Call Centre policy and industrial requirements in the TAA40104 education environment, working with a Time: Weekly for three hours minimum by Time: By agreement This one-day workshop is for people who diverse range of students, assisting in individual agreement Venue: North Melbourne Library already hold the former Certifi cates in facilitating student learning and more. This Venue: Shop 58 April – June Assessment and Workplace Training or is done through participation in the Global 16 April – 29 June Cost: $125 / $55 concession Training and Assessment. Submission of a Homework Program and the Adult ESL Cost: $125 / $55 concession / free to Introduction to customer contact, small learning portfolio is a requirement. Program. volunteers subject to conditions operating a personal computer, OHS and Date: Monday 30 April 9.00am – 4.00pm Cost: $125 / $55 concession / free to An introduction to the knowledge and preparation for working in a call centre. Cost: $425 skills required to be a volunteer. Learn volunteers *ACFE funded programs Fancy Becoming a Freelancer? through participation in the Administration, Certifi cate III in Children’s Services Time: By agreement Reception and Events Program. This full-time accredited course is offered NEW PROGRAMS Venue: North Melbourne Library through our partnership with Kensington PLANNED Centre Adventures April – June Neighbourhood House and is highly (half/full-day bus trips) Cost: $125 / $55 concession • European Languages – French, Italian regarded by local childcare providers. Our Adventure Program allows parti- This course will help hone your skills and and Spanish There is full ESL support to students with cipants to join in the fun and ‘jet off’ to increase your profi ts! • Aromatherapy an accredited module from Certifi cate II various destinations around Melbourne • Introduction to Massage Be a Better Writer in ESL. This course is a mix of classroom and beyond. Transport costs from The • Introduction to Commercial Cleaning Time: By agreement teaching and training in a childcare Centre are included. We will visit places • Digital Photography and Editing Venue: North Melbourne Library setting. such as Daylesford, Queenscliff, various April – June • Retirement Planning Certifi cate III in Education Support op shops and markets. Cost: $125 / $55 concession • Finances – Planning, Investments, For those seeking employment as a Cost: From $25 — booking with payment Learn to write in a clear, coherent and Personal Money Management teacher’s aide. This course covers a broad essential to guarantee your seat engaging way, working from your own • Girls Create – an art class for young range of topics that provide participants Dates: Vary depending on destination writing with the support of a published women with the knowledge, skills and attributes author and teacher. An individual session • Yearning to Paint – for adults Morning/Afternoon Tea & Globe essential to support students and teachers is an option. Trotting Lunches @ The Centre in primary, secondary or special school • Building a Wood-fi red Oven Come and join the community at The English as a Second Language under broad-based supervision. If you are interested in these programs Centre for tea, scones, conversation and – Spoken and Written Dates: Wednesday (12 weeks) or wish to suggest others, please contact fun. Or experience a gastronomic taste Through our partnership with North Cost: $1585 / $280 concession our offi ce.
16 HISTORY North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012
HISTORY Good days in old North
All round us the North Melbourne we Lorna Hannan moved into was emptying of one population and becoming home to another. Some fami- e came to North Melbourne to lies and young couples were moving out to live in 1965. Basically, we have new suburbs and bigger back yards. As they Wlived here ever since and oddly left, new people were moving in – migrant enough, because I can remember shifting workers and families from Italy, Malta and into Shiel Street, I still think of myself as a the various parts of what we then called newcomer and seem to know an increasing Yugoslavia and the Baltic States. Houses and number of people and families who lived schools filled up; some shops sold salami, here in North before I came. What I only half some stuck to slices of pork German sau- realised when I arrived was that the area was sage. in the midst of its greatest change since set- But although there were changes, some tlement in the 1850s. things stayed the same and I think we My friend Rae who grew up on Hotham believed they always would. The milkman Hill likes to remind us all that many people came round in the early morning, clink clink have a connection with old North Mel- clinking down the street. Bread was deliv- bourne and it is just a matter of finding it. ered and was there alongside the paper when That proved to be the case for us too. Bill you opened the front door in the morning. had grown up in St Kilda but found he had We put out the milk bottles in the evening The Christian Community Church in Errol Street (1940s), now the Lithuanian Club an uncle who had lived in Provost Street at and tied string round the newspapers and Photo: Courtesy Melbourne Library Service about the time of Federation, married and took them down to the greengrocer who used had his children baptised at St Mary’s Star of them to wrap the vegies. whether as one “slum” vanished another charming old shopping centre of Happy the Sea, which is in West Melbourne, but he Of course we had the Vic Market, but it grew to take its place. The difference, it was Valley in Abbotsford Street gave way to a had settled on North as the football team to had not killed off small shops the way super- said, was that the new slums were vertical. ruthless and ugly commercial development follow. Subsequently a cousin, Jim Hannan, markets one day would. Bill often noted that Although high living, as Anne Stevenson of apartments. was treasurer of the club for more than a S.E. Dickins had started up self-service in and Judith O’Neill called it in their study of Some of this history has been recorded in decade and his son the time-keeper. Chapel Street years before, but proper house- family life in the Melrose Street flats pub- the superb photographs of F. Oswald Barnett, For my part, my father, Mathew Hogan keepers and young boys sent on messages lished in the 1960s, was confined then to who documented the old slums of North (Mathew being spelt in an Irish way with one relied on shopkeepers to find and package public housing, private developers were also Melbourne, Carlton and Fitzroy and in the ‘t’), had been head master at the Errol Street those items that were not delivered. replacing old streets with new apartment official reports and studies of the campaigns State School in the 1950s. The presence in Today, some call that period of change the blocks, generally about three storeys high so for the clearances and of the work of the the school of so many children from Camp clearances, echoing the political and social that lifts were not needed. When we moved Housing Commission. But it is fair to say Pell – a military camp turned into a kind of campaign for slum clearance that had built in, the upmarket Hotham Gardens were that people living today amid the monuments slum re-housing – was a potent symbol of up before World War II and got underway already in Haines and O’Shanassy streets of the clearances have little knowledge the upheaval that was underway. seriously in the 1950s under the authority and the high-rise Commission blocks were of a remarkable period that irrevocably As soon as Mathew heard we were of the Housing Commission of Victoria. beginning to occupy Melrose Street where changed the face of inner Melbourne and moving he was anxious to introduce me to Its greatest symbols, the high-rise blocks empty shops waited to be demolished and still lies just beneath the surface waiting to Horrie McEwan, the Happy Valley butcher. of apartments, are still commonly known replaced by more towers. be re-discovered. Horrie had been the treasurer of the school as Housing Commission towers though the Later, the old cottages in Haines Street Oswald Barnett’s photos can be seen at: committee. Horrie and his mate Brockie Commission itself no longer exists. that our kids walked past on their way
POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT Getting to know North Melbourne Sustainability Street members
Jennifer Boyce and now have six very happy hens that eat all our kitchen scraps and keep us in fresh eggs. ou may have read about community We are planning workshops for 2012 on Yorganisations from time to time and growing food in small spaces, composting, be familiar with some of the names of the and cooking fresh produce. people involved. However, you may not know the people behind the names. In a bid What are ways that residents of North to remedy this situation, members of North and West Melbourne can get involved? New members welcome Melbourne Sustainability Street will be fea- Coming to our working bees, attending our tured in upcoming editions of The North and workshops or getting out and starting their Go to the Sustainability Street website West Melbourne News. In this issue, we meet own community garden, like we did! to find out more about us and sign Matt. up to our newsletters to receive early Name: Matt Grounds If money and time weren’t a consider- notification of our events. Occupation: Audiologist at Vicdeaf ation, what project would you want to You can also visit our Facebook page to How long have you been involved with implement? chat with other locals about any sustain- NMSS? Four years I would like to see a lot more space in ability issues/tips/projects you may want Why did you join NMSS? North and West Melbourne devoted to com- more information on, or to share any munity gardening so that more people can information you may have about similar I moved to North Melbourne from a enjoy the satisfaction of growing their own initiatives. Also receive direct invitations bush block near Bendigo where I had a big food. There are plenty of pockets of unused to our events. veggie garden and orchard, with chooks of Matt Grounds land awaiting development that could be course. I wanted to keep growing food, so I Web: Community Garden which we established turned over to community groups for a few approached North Melbourne Sustainability
POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT
From Copenhagen to Bacchus Marsh: The glamorous life of a wannabe eco-activist
beginning of the climate change summit in December 2009, I felt like I’d achieved a lot. A group had joined me over my last months of cycling. Thousands joined me for simultaneous events as I entered the city. I was interviewed by media from many coun- tries, I presented at the summit, and I was invited to meet then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. I gave him the stories I had docu- mented during my travels. I was nominated for Young Australian of the Year 2010. I felt like somehow I’d made it to a position of influence. But things didn’t turn out quite so easy. I spent the next year working in a pub in Amsterdam paying off my credit card while an endless stream of tourists demanded to know where to get high. The jobs I thought I’d be offered─working with Greenpeace, WWF or Oxfam─I couldn’t even get an interview for. Kim Nguyen in Copenhagen for the Climate Change But it wasn’t all bad. I managed to pull Summit. Photo: Kim Nguyen together a small group of activists and artists Protests during the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, 2009. Photo: Kim Nguyen to form the Amsterdam Zero Carbon Col- lective. In November 2010 we put on a con- will listen. Most of the campaigns leading My development course is hard, but I’m Kim Nguyen cert powered by bicycles, which along with up to Copenhagen followed that philosophy. thankful for it. Some of the students in our others around the world was part of the first And it’s a good one; people on the streets are class said the World Bank can’t change. But ometimes when you see all the bad Zero Carbon World Concert. Not far from important and maybe change will come from our lecturer, Craig Thorburn, disagreed. He stuff going on in the world, you feel here, at Edendale Farm in Eltham, the Aus- that eventually. But this Bacchus Marsh issue said that all of it, not just the World Bank but Spowerless. A lot of people I talk to tralian section of the event took place. is simple. It’s here. We might not be able to the global system of capitalism itself, it can seem to feel that way. When you talk about And so to Bacchus Marsh. Right now get all the leaders of the planet to agree to all change. In fact it’s changing every day. the big issues, the global financial crisis, or a company called Mantle Mining is con- cut emissions, but if we can stop this mine It’s a construct made by us. We are changing climate change, people say it’s out of their ducting exploratory drilling there, with the from being built then that’s a start. it every day. hands, that they can’t do anything about it. aim of setting up a large scale coal mine. If it Even if they don’t say it, the sentiment is goes ahead it will contribute not only to the pretty clear. destruction of Bacchus Marsh’s farmlands, And it’s not just the really big interna- bringing all the local environment and health tional issues; often it’s the local ones too. problems that coal mines bring, but also add Like the Baillieu government’s decisions last to the continued burning of fossil fuels that year to curtail wind farm development and will worsen the impacts of climate change. cut the solar feed-in tariff. A lot of people I’ve been back in Australia now for about shrug their shoulders and say they can’t do 12 months. And in the first three months anything about it, even if they think the deci- I didn’t do anything about climate change sion is wrong, even if they care. and the environment, the things I really care I have to admit that recently I’ve been about. I just felt too overwhelmed. Too busy. feeling a little overwhelmed by all these My international development classes were issues myself. I’ve felt the attraction of with- hard, and the readings went on forever. drawing back into my shell, into the small Beforehand I had been working on pub- world that exists around me, that I know licity for the worldwide 350.org event. Mel- I have some influence over. I started my bourne put together a wonderful event in double Masters over a year ago and along Docklands, but I didn’t even attend. I said to with my part-time job I have had more than myself, let someone else worry about it now, enough to keep me occupied. For a time, the I’ll do something when I have time. world’s big problems have been someone Shaun Murray is one of the main organ- else’s. isers for the Quit Coal campaign, mobilising That’s not how I felt a few years ago the community to stop the coal mine devel- when I decided to cycle to Denmark. Back opment in Bacchus Marsh. In October, police in early 2008, I was ready to launch my shell pulled him off the top of an eight-metre Protest against the proposed coal mine in Bacchus Marsh during Christmas 2011. Photo: Kim Nguyen off a cliff. I wanted to make my mark on the high drill after he’d climbed up to protest. world, to finally do something that I really I spoke to Shaun and he told me he’d only cared about and knew was important. been an activist for a few years. He’d been I had just been an average guy doing an concerned about what was going on with cli- average job. I had a degree in social work, mate change and thought someone should do but working in child protection I was stuck something about it. Then one day he decided in an office most of the day writing reports. he could be that person. Frankly, I had decided there wasn’t much Meeting Shaun, Paul, Merryn and all the point protecting children from abuse if other people that give up their time to stand they weren’t going to have a planet healthy up for something they believe in has inspired enough to live on. me to get involved again. To make time. It From the middle of 2008 until the end helps that it’s the semester break, and I’ll of 2009 I cycled from Brisbane to Copen- have to be a part-time activist like most of hagen. I took two short flights over bits of us, but at least I’m getting involved again. water I couldn’t otherwise get across, but I And it’s important to me that this Bacchus cycled the rest of the way. While I cycled I Marsh issue is local and tangible. That I’ll spoke to people throughout Australia, Asia be able to see the success, if we eventually and Europe about how climate change was achieve it. " affecting them, documenting their lands and Most of the climate change things I did !" #! emotions. Realising the privileged posi- before were about raising awareness: world- tion I was in, my actions having brought me wide. I was ambitious. I wanted to change attention and access to the media, I started the whole world in one go. I had the idea $$$! $% to organise events to mobilise others to take that if you have enough people on the streets, action. enough people screaming loud enough across ! By the time I got to Copenhagen at the the whole planet, that the decision-makers 18 YOUTH & EDUCATION North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012
YOUTH & EDUCATION Finding my feet at Uni High
Daniella Azzollini
I have really enjoyed my first six weeks of high school at University High. Already it is hard to remember how nervous I was on the first day. So many things are different and more exciting in high school, like getting big lockers instead of little tubs under your desk, and lugging books from class to class. It is also very intimidating going from being the oldest in the school to the youngest and having to ask for directions when you get lost. I was the only one in my class from my primary school, but I made friends quickly on our camp at Gundiwindi Lodge near Healesville. Camp was a great way to not just make new friends but to get to know your teachers as well. We have lots of subjects which are fun and interesting, such as history and geography, sci- ence, music, tech, art, maths, English, PE and German. My favourite subject is art but I enjoy school all together. Another big change for me is catching the train and tram to and from school instead of being driven to the local primary school in Mill Park. It has been a great learning experience for me to use public transport and get to know the city. I am getting used to high school very quickly and have had a great time so far.
Daniella Azzollini is in year 7 at University High School
Growing vegetables at North Melbourne Primary Photo: Courtesy North Melbourne PS Are you fated to make it? Amelie leaves me lonely
Cath Bowtell calendar. We had rides for children of all ages, a great live music program, art Bronte Vipond As I sit huddled in a school hallway, I’m he school year is well under way and craft activities, and a wide variety of afraid. I am so, so afraid. Mum and Dad, at North Melbourne Primary food and drinks. And there were plenty of “Things like this never happen to me,…” I how to tell them about Amelie’s flight…? TSchool and we have certainly had chances to win prizes in our raffles and thought as I ran down the corridor, breath- And her things, her room. I couldn’t go in a busy start. games. less. I flung myself behind a grey concrete there, not now, maybe not ever. When once We welcomed our new preps and Our fete is always a great opportunity pillar, feeling the cold stone against my I’d sleuth around the white wood door to their families to the school community for people who live, work and study in back as Calae and Louise ran past, no doubt her shabby chic wardrobe to grab her cutest and occupied our new Commonwealth North Melbourne to come together as a looking for me. That’s just what best friends clothes, I would now only be hit by her jas- Government-funded building, The Flex, community, to meet their neighbours and do, I guess, when their best friend receives mine perfume without her there to wear it. which we will officially open later in the to share their networks. bad news – horrible news – the worst news. I hated my school dress. Amelie did too, year. All proceeds have gone to support the I waited until their footsteps faded and in her fashion designer wisdom. And maybe We also organised our annual interna- North Melbourne Primary kitchen garden then allowed myself to sink to the floor. I hated our little town too – if it wasn’t so tional dinner, where families bring along program, which enables students to learn My breathing was still shaky and my heart suffocating, so mediocre, Amelie would a meal to share with each other, catch up to grow, harvest, cook (and eat!) fresh pounded against my ribs, demanding to be never have left. She wouldn’t have… on the summer holiday news and meet produce, as well as acquiring all the asso- free to investigate for itself whether or not it Tears prick and drop into my lap, trailing new faces. And we ramped up our plan- ciated social and cultural skills. was true. True, true – how could it be true? after each other like ducklings after Mother ning for the North Melbourne Primary North Melbourne is much more than a Eighteen years wasn’t long enough – 18 Duck. What was I supposed to do now? Twilight Fete. school. Like most local primary schools, years felt like a tiny speck of black paint on Amelie was my guide, my world. Her Some lucky readers will get the News we bring people together and foster a an immense white canvas stretching further strength made me want to be stronger. Her before the fete is held on Friday 16 March strong and resilient community. This ben- than I could reach. uniqueness made me see the world in bright (4pm to 8pm). And if that’s you, please efits not only our students and their fami- Eighteen years wasn’t enough to spend technicolour. Without her there was only come along. lies but also the broader local community. with your sister. grey, despair. For those not so lucky, the fete will And we have fun doing it. Amelie and I went together like peanut My phone buzzes, and as much as I want have been held by the time you read We hope you were lucky enough to butter and jam. Despite our age difference to block the world out, destroy it in fact if it the paper. So you should know that we get your copy of the News early and can we fitted in with one another, like puzzle can take my best friend, my darling away, planned the fete to bring together the make it on Friday 16 for all the fun of pieces. I’d seen her yesterday morning it might be Mum. She’s already lost one entire school community for an evening the fair. before she left. daughter; she can’t lose me too… of family fun, food and festivities. “I hate this town!” she’d burst out, her It’s a text, but it’s been delayed – I recog- We planned it as a not-to-be-missed Cath Bowtell has a child at North suitcase tipping again on the gravel path. nise the number. event in the North Melbourne social Melbourne Primary School People sometimes said we looked alike, Hey gem, i’m sorry I was a bit cranky. but I could never wear my hair that long, to Our town is awesome, everyone is accepted around my waist in black lapping waves, – paris can be so snooty. Remember when and my eyes didn’t sparkle emerald green; we come here that u r BEAUTIFUL and can they stubbornly stayed murky grey. “Well? do anything. I’m so proud of u – love Am xx Gemima, help me!” Fresh tears start, but I brush them away. “Of course.” I’d shaken myself out of Mum will call soon – “Gemima? Please, me !(*%&( %$')"(!$ )!( ' my stupor, righting the wheels of her lug- and Louise are worried…” I hear Calae and gage and opening the boot of her hire car. take a deep breath. I’m not OK. I’m nowhere “Twenty-two and already working in Paris; near OK. But I will be; Amelie believed in wow.” me, and if anything, I would be someone she “You’ll be next kiddo – the Dandenongs could really be proud of. can’t hold back my little sister.” She’d tou- It was the worst news, horrible news. It sled my short dark hair. I’d laughed and would not, however, break me, or the love I ) &(+ " &! )") pushed her away. “Now, Mum and Dad are would carry for my sister in my heart. driving back up from Melbourne tomorrow % $ )* $ – you’ll be OK until then?” “Yup,”I replied. She adjusted her knee- !%$ "#' high black boots, tucking in her skinny jeans and hugging her purple overcoat tighter !# &" * %((%$ around her slim frame. “I can’t wait for Paris Bronte Vipond finished year 12 at St spring. You should come with me!” Aloysius College last year. “It’s called year twelve?” She is now studying arts at “Nerd.” She finished packing her little Melbourne University &&%"(& (%&( " %)&$ white sedan. “OK then… c’mere,” she pulled me in for a hug. “Don’t be afraid to sparkle, Gem.” “I won’t.” MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News YOUTH & EDUCATION 19
Bright new story beckons for Bronte A real bottler
Bronte received plenty of support at home Maurice Gaul during VCE. “My brother called off a poker game with his friends because I had a SAC, “I punched my boyfriend really hard,” Mum let me take over the dining room and Bronte Vipond laughs. pile books and papers everywhere, and Dad “Well, I didn’t actually punch him, but I drove me to school if I was panicking and did this,” she says, waving her arms extrava- running late.” gantly, as she relives the excitement of the Yet the year wasn’t all hard work. “When moment in January when she learnt she I made my own way to school, by bus, train Thanh Vo with her bottle had got into the prestigious Melbourne Arts and tram, I’d meet my school friends at Mac- Photo: Jodie McLeod course. ca’s in the city. We bonded so much during Jodie McLeod Just four weeks earlier, Bronte had an the year. They were just lovely, lovely girls,” even greater reason for celebration. The she says, her face lighting up. he social justice committee at St bright and bubbly former St Aloysius Col- Bronte revelled in her last year at St Aloy- TAloysius College was disturbed to hear lege student learnt she had achieved a per- sius. “I was in the choir, I was a drake in our the alarming statistic that 80 per cent of all fect 50 out of 50 score for VCE Literature, production of Honk, and surrounded by my disposable water bottles end up in landfill. placing her equal first in Victoria. year 7 ducklings. I tutored younger students, It decided to take action and, in an attempt “It was such a shock. I got a text of my did public speaking and played house sport. I to make the College plastic-water bottle results and my Literature mark was the last tried for the school softball team but I strug- free, all students will be given a reusable one. I said, ‘No! No! No way!’ and I got a gled with throwing and catching,” she grins stainless steel water bottle. These can bit teary. Then I showed my mum. I was impishly. then be filled from the new water fountains stunned.” Creative writing has been a passion. “I in the school grounds. She pulls out her phone to check the text got into it at primary school, then at sec- “Working with the social justice com- as if the reality of her extraordinary achieve- ondary wrote romantic, over-the-top, girly mittee, the girls wanted to do something ment has still has not sunk in. stories. I used to scribble them in class that supported our Mercy tradition and The love of books and reading started behind a book.” Later came awards in short ethos,” said social justice coordinator Dazzling smile, dazzling student: Bronte came first in Angela Moore. “Sustainability is one of the early in Bronte’s life. “My first book was Victoria Photo: Jim Weatherill story competitions and she now reviews chil- Spot Goes to the Beach, when I was around dren’s books for Saturday’s Herald Sun. four main focuses of the Mercy sisters, so three, then I had a picture version of The her eyes light up as she faultlessly quotes the social justice girls wanted to do some- But now it’s the halls of academia that are thing that would support that teaching and Wishing-Chair series by Enid Blyton,” she from Catherine’s anguished declaration of calling. In Melbourne Arts, Bronte will take recalls. “I could read before I went to school. love for the demonic Heathcliff, even as have an environmental focus.” a generalist first year then focus on literature All staff and students are encouraged to “Later I had my vampire phase with Ste- she announces she is marrying the milksop and history in second year. After her three- replace plastic water bottles with their new phenie Meyer’s Twilight series of fantasy Edgar Linton. year degree, she plans to study education to reusable bottles that have been beauti- romance novels. I unfortunately got sucked In Year 12 Literature she enjoyed Eurip- prepare her to teach secondary English and fully designed by year 10 student Thanh in,” she admits with a grimace. Then came ides’ The Bacchae, in which a band of Greek history. Vo. Every student has been given her own Australian writers Monica McInerney and women driven mad by the god Dionysus dis- “After that, I hope to be a tertiary lecturer water bottle in the hope of ending the use Cath Crowley. “Their books were just beau- member the voyeuristic King Pentheus as he and to also be a published author,” she says, of disposable bottles. Even the school tifully written.” screams in agony. without a trace of affectation. canteen has stopped selling water in Bronte smiles at the obvious literary allu- “I was struck by Pentheus’ hypocrisy “I can see myself in England. I went there plastic bottles. sions of her name. “My mum enjoys litera- and arrogance and the image of his mother, with my mum two years ago. I loved Shake- Each blue stainless steel bottle carries ture and I suspect she had the Bronte sisters, Agave, parading around with his head on speare’s Stratford and thought Jane Aus- Thanh Vo’s design. “The bottle design was Charlotte and Emily, in mind,” she says. a stick. My school often taught texts about ten’s Bath with its ancient Roman baths was mostly based around our College crest, She loves Emily’s Wuthering Heights and strong women,” she smiles approvingly. amazing. Ad Altiora, which means born for higher things, and the use of our colour blue,” “I loved England’s architecture and how she said. “I am proud that St Aloysius green the country was, especially the Cots- is trying to become plastic-bottle free, wolds. They were so untouched. No High- and I hope that through this design other points, no McDonald’s. Just really lovely.” schools may take the initiative to become more eco-friendly.” Maurice Gaul is editor of the News. He Jodie McLeod is St Aloysius College Book reviews taught year 12 Literature for many years. marketing manager
Meg Whelan The Night School, by C.J. Daugherty (Little Brown, 2012. RRP $17.99 PB) The Fault in Our Stars, Sixteen-year-old Allie hadn’t planned Homework Club by John Green on getting arrested three times in a year, (Penguin, 2012. RRP $19.95 PB) honest. Regardless of her intentions, her par- Tutors Needed Most young adult readers know that they ents believe that shipping her off to some are safe in the hands of John Green, who exclusive boarding school is the only option has delivered several incredible and widely that remains. Expecting to hate her new acclaimed novels, including Looking for life at Cimmeria Academy, Allie is pleas- Alaska, Paper Towns and An Abundance of antly surprised to find herself doing well in The Centre, in conjunction with the Katherines. The Fault in our Stars has done the classes, making friends, and catching North Melbourne Library, runs a more than live up to this name – it has sur- the attention of the previously unattainable FREE homework tutoring program for The Centre passed expectations. Protagonist Hazel Lan- French heartthrob, Sylvain. But there are 58 Errol Street caster is slowly but surely dying of cancer, dark secrets at Cimmeria Academy, secrets students from years 4 –12. and although currently she’s holding on that somehow seem to hold Allie and her North Melbourne quite nicely, most of her life revolves around family at their centre. When Allie is the Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting in ph: 9328 1126 leaving as little mess as possible behind her only witness to a tragic event on campus, when she inevitably goes. Then she meets she soon finds herself in danger from an Term 1, 2012. Augustus Waters at the usually depressing unknown source. With a great cast of char- Cancer Kid Support Group and she is force- acters including the determined and curious Great fun for tutors and local children ! fully reminded that there is more to life than Allie and the not-quite-bad-boy Carter, The waiting to die. Funny, delightful and poi- Night School is part romance, part mystery gnant, John Green’s latest will have you and completely thrilling. Daugherty has cre- No teaching qualifi cations required. alternately in tears of laughter and grief. The ated a vibrant, slightly creepy world in which Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful and capti- the teachers are actually in on the secrets and The North Melbourne vating exploration of life when death is not there is always something hidden beneath Please contact The Centre on 9328 1126 to just an abstract concept but something that the surface. With intriguing plot twists to Library is constantly waiting to strike. Green’s latest keep you up reading all night and moments register your interest in volunteering or for 66 Errol Street handles the heavy issues of life and death, of pure suspense to leave you gasping, The information about the Homework Club North Melbourne love and being remembered with grace, hon- Night School is a wonderful new young adult esty, and more than a little humour. Heart- read that is not to be missed. breakingly beautiful, this is one book that you just can’t pull away from – even long Meg Whelan regularly reviews books for the after the final page has been turned. News 20 YOUTH & EDUCATION North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012 Homework help gives students a learning free kick
Lee Kenny
otham Stars Homework Club works in partnership with local schools and Hcommunity organisations to help grade 4, 5 and 6 primary school students in North Melbourne and Kensington with their weekly homework. All students are welcome and there is no charge. Hotham Stars Homework Club provides learning opportunities for students, especially those lacking resources and a quiet space at home. The club com- plements the learning that occurs in the classroom at school. Support might include English language, lit- eracy, numeracy and study skills as well as helping students complete school homework. Tutors are available to help students with home- work and to assist them in becoming more organ- ised with their work. The tutors also help students to develop confidence so they can participate in class more effectively. Homework Club local sessions are held at this location and time: Mondays at St Alban’s Church, 55 Melrose Street, North Melbourne, from 3.45pm to 5.15pm (grades 4, 5 and 6) While term 1 has already commenced, students may join at any time. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer tutor or in attending the Hotham Stars Homework Club should contact Lee Kenny on 9326 8245 or (mob) 0409 849 877.
Lee Kenny is coordinator of Hotham Stars Homework Club Volunteer tutor Patricia Harwood with Mackenzie, Hafso and Rudy Photo: Lee Kenny
Quick, girls! It’s now espresso to class and don’t be latte
Jodie McLeod
he McAuley Cafe was launched last month at North Melbourne’s St Aloysius College. Year 9 students opened the café, helped by the local T th Casa e Bottega coffee shop, to celebrate the 125 anni- versary of the education of young women at the college. The cafe is already providing students with the opportunity to learn professional barista and customer service skills from professionally trained staff from Casa e Bottega. Students are receiving professional barista training and using these skills in the café. “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn professional skills and put them into immediate practice in a café environment,” said principal John Davidson. “It will also further develop the sense of community we have here at St Aloysius, as the cafe will provide staff and students the opportunity to meet in a social environ- ment.” McAuley Cafe will be open to staff and students two mornings a week. “The cafe is an integral part of the interactive year 9 program. It takes the girls out of the traditional classroom setting and provides skills that are immediately relevant to their learning. It fur- ther develops their learning for life skills,” explains the school’s director of learning, Antonia Caridi. The café was named in honour of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. St Aloy- sius upholds her teaching and beliefs, and hopes the cafe will provide a comfortable place for staff and students to “try and met all with peace and love”, one of Catherine McAuley’s teachings. The launch of the McAuley Cafe is a living example of her message. Many staff member and students have been involved in the establishment of the McAuley Cafe and we hope that the St Aloysius community will enjoy many a cup of coffee there.
Jodie McLeod is St Aloysius College marketing : Must be time for a coffee: Clare Coffey (second from left) with Marley, Bec and Emma Photo: Jodie McLeod manager MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News YOUTH & EDUCATION 21 We’ll raise a warming toast to our breakfast club
apples, oranges, mangoes, bananas, pears we are really appreciative of the effort that and strawberries. staff make for us. They arrive at school at We had a fruit tasting one morning with 7.00am to get the food ready for us when we a full selection of apples to taste, which arrive an hour later. was very popular. The school’s parents Being involved in the scramble for the association has provided funds to keep the berry scones can be dangerous, but it’s program operating. Fresh juices and hot always worth it. There’s always something chocolate are also provided for students. delicious to eat and the orange juice, deftly Predictably, the Rumbles breakfast poured by yet another early team member, club has been a massive hit. Now, every and the hot chocolate just make it better. Wednesday morning, we catch an early The club also serves as a link between train and lend a hand, making melted cheese teachers and students. We are able to talk “toasties” by the dozen. But we aren’t the socially with our teachers and meet students only people who make a special effort. from other year levels. Seeing the toast table There are at least 10 other early bird stu- in the morning, with all the teachers trying dents and staff who help out with the food to get students to eat multigrain or whole- and drink preparation. Some of them go to meal bread and students telling teachers how man the toasters and jam jars, and some cut to toast and butter fruit loaf, is a hilarious up fruit and buns. Kate, our canteen man- reversal of roles. ager, has been fantastic in helping to set up So, the breakfast club isn’t just free break- the program and makes wonderful hot choc- fast. It’s a way for students to take the oppor- olate for students. tunity to lend a hand, and a chance to chat Rumbles has made Wednesday mornings with teachers without them talking about parabolas or essays. so much better with everyone now looking forward to mid-week, even when they have Indigo York & Michelle Wu are in year 10 at maths first session! The food is amazing and University High School
No tummy rumbling for visitors to Rumbles breakfast club Photo: Courtesy University High
Indigo York & Michelle Wu hunger and prepares them for the day ahead with a nutritious meal. Simonds boys make a splash e discovered last year that many The breakfast program is free for all stu- Cameron Veal University High students skip dents and up to 150 students attend each A special mention must go to Tim Nguyen Wbreakfast on a regular basis. week. Carlton’s Bakers Delight donates from year 12. He won four events, including The school’s wellbeing committee, com- bread, scones, buns, fruit loaves, savoury imonds Catholic College’s swimming the showcase 200 metres open freestyle prising teachers and students, came up with scrolls and other delicious treats while The squad had only a few early morning event. an ingenious way to fix the problem by Organic Gardener at the Queen Vic market Straining sessions before last month’s We also thank the staff (Mr Vaughn, Mr providing breakfast that satisfies students’ donates organic seasonal fruits including Catholic Colleges swimming carnival. Di Fabrizio and Miss Hands) for their out- However, the 22 swimmers who repre- standing help and the parents who gave up sented Simonds at the carnival against 10 their time (and sleep!) to help their sons to other Melbourne Catholic schools were a train and compete. dedicated group. They swam above expecta- tions and we acknowledge the whole squad Cameron Veal is sportsmaster at Simonds for their efforts. Catholic College
* $ &$,$("$(,-$- # )(,)& ,,. # , $&&$ ',0#.+ #0) % 0&)/ 0) %*)+-0 ) .&&$ + ',)& ,0)*/,)& ,0 "+ * $+,
+$"$( &*+)*+$ -)+ (!+ #)*!$, % #$( -# ).(- + ++)&-+ -)+-# & ).+( 0#)( Poised on the blocks and awaiting the starter’s gun Photo: Cameron Veal 22 SPORT & HEALTH North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012
SPORT & HEALTH Push-ups prove a pushover for Young at Hearters
Nancy Lane
t ten o’clock sharp on Mondays and Wednesdays, we’re on our stationary Abikes and ready to roll for the North Melbourne Recreation Centre’s “Young at Heart” workout. These one-hour sessions for us “more mature” members of the community are a mixture of aerobic fitness, strengthening, stretching for flexibility, balance, and just plain having a good time. Usually six to eight of us show up, and although we know in general what we’ll do, the instructors always aim for variety. Some- times it’s a circuit using gym equipment, such as the upper body ergometer wheel, the shoulder press or the seated row. Sometimes it’s working with weights, kettle balls or medicine balls. If it’s a fine day, we may move outdoors, which can mean anything from push-ups using the rail alongside the oval to walking backwards up the surrounding hillside. Alter- natively, on colder days we might be in the community room stretching on the mats or balancing on Swiss balls, or in the stadium shooting basketballs or hitting a punching bag. One of the instructors, Ryan, says he enjoys showing us new aspects of fitness and providing useful information, or maybe he just likes seeing us constantly in motion. A gentle pedal on the bikes gives these Young at Hearters a warm-up heart starter Photo: Nancy Lane “I’m a man of few words,” he jokes. “Get up, get down, move!” Another instructor, Nathaniel, finds the Young at Heart classes Marian Fenwick say they enjoy the work- The gym membership fees are kept low of every month, occasional health lectures, not as “go go go” as some of his others. outs “because the instructors are very helpful for those of us aged 60 and over. family films at the pool (ideal as a treat for “There’s more time to have a chat and get to and ensure we’re doing things correctly”. Fortnightly automated payments are grandchildren), and special events and com- know people,” he says. Elaine Drew likes having the firm commit- $15.99, with a one-off start-up fee of $59.99. petitions, such as the Christmas party or the We Young-at-Hearters agree. As new ment to exercising twice a week, while Aisha This entitles us not only to the twice-weekly upcoming biathlon in March. class member Jan Scopel comments, “The Mackessy knows the classes are helping her Young at Heart classes, but attendance So, we Young-at-Hearters would welcome friendships are lovely”. Regulars Alan and strengthen her bones and improve her health. at any or all of the additional 43 group you to join us. We’re a friendly group who fitness classes per week. Several of us go to enjoy working out (but not too hard!) and water aerobics (on Tuesday evenings), and we’re always ready to chat or share a laugh occasionally to Pilates, yoga or zumba. or two during class. As Alan says, “It’s good Our Kangas will hop right to the top In addition, we have access to a free fit- to keep our fitness up, as we’re knocking on ness assessment every few months and use of a bit!” Joseph Hess newly-appointed captain Andrew Swallow, the gym. Not only does membership include For more information, visit the North is one of the best up-and-coming outfits in the use of the North Melbourne swimming Melbourne Recreation Centre at 204-206 tep aside, cricket and soccer. Aussie the AFL. Adding the youth of Ryan Bas- pool, but reciprocal use of the pools at Mel- Arden Street, or ring 9658 9444. Rules is back! The NAB Cup was tinac, Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington and bourne City Baths and Kensington pool. SMickey Mouse football but the real Levi Greenwood to the experience of Wells, Special events are also free to members. Nancy Lane is a keen member of the Young season gets under way in under a fortnight. Swallow and Brent Harvey, we have the per- These include a breakfast on the first Friday at Heart group. North Melbourne Football Club has fect mix to take us deep into September. been on the receiving end of many negative The favourable draw will assist us articles in The Age recently but The Aus- immensely. We face both Gold Coast (who 5 Do sprints. tralasian got it right when it said (15 June won only four matches last season) and new Fitness to fit you Short intense bursts of cardio, such as sprinting, really kick your fat-burning 1940): AFL club Greater Western Sydney twice, Chris Gregoriou mechanism into high gear. “In two aspects North Melbourne stands and this makes four wins highly likely. Plus 6 Reduce salt. we play the Western Bulldogs and Essendon second to none. One is the loyalty of its sup- ow is a great time to work on your Too much salt is bad for everything, porters. The other is the determination to twice, teams we beat last season. Nhealth and fitness goals. A little bit including weight. Limit salt intake by carry on, despite its disadvantages. In the North does have to travel a bit, though: of planning goes a long way, so think resisting fast food and packaged foods. face of adversity, which might well have six interstate trips for away games, and that about what you want to achieve and make 7 No grain. broken the spirit of most men, we find that doesn’t include our two “home” games in your goals realistic. Grains are full of insulin-spiking carbo- from the earliest days there were always Hobart. But with a healthy membership, a Here are some handy and effective tips: hydrates that will fatten you up. Go for enthusiasts to fight for North Melbourne.” nearly dent-free pre-season and the players 1 Eliminate sugar. lean meats, fish and vegetables. The “determination to carry on, despite sensing they can make the finals, the club is Sugar contains no nutritional value and 8 Lean proteins. its disadvantages”. That’s North! We might in a great position. gives instant highs that cause you to put All meals should have lots of lean pro- have had a couple of issues during the off- This could be the catalyst for some- on weight. Much better to enjoy fresh tein. It will build muscles and control season, but they are all sorted now and the thing that North and West Melbourne locals fruit. blood sugar. Go for fish, chicken and kan- genuine stuff is about to begin. haven’t had for a while: a stable and consis- 2 Start walking. garoo. Making the finals last year would have tently winning football team. My gut feeling It’s the best exercise. It strengthens vital 9 Hill walking. been an unexpected bonus. But this year our is that the Kangaroos are poised to enter an muscles and is great for cardiovascular A great way to reduce stored body fat. pre-season has been relatively injury-free bar era of Geelong-style dominance in the next health and weight loss. Walk for at least an hour and there’s no a serious illness affecting superstar Daniel five years. 3 Cut back on processed carbo- need to get your heart rate up too high. Wells. North Melbourne is the place to be and hydrates. Star by creating some fitness goals that are achievable and measurable. You I’m looking forward to seeing how our our football club is an integral part of our White bread and pasta have little nutri- might find it useful to enlist the help of a new draftees go this year, especially Brad vibrant and multicultural suburb. So, get on tional value and are low in fibre. Not dietitian or personal trainer. Become more McKenzie whose left-foot kicking needs to board for this exciting period. There is no ideal foods to consume if you want to active and watch the food you eat. be seen to be believed. It will also be inter- better time to become a member. tone up. esting to see how big Hamish McIntosh goes Just dial 1300 KANGAS (526 427) or go 4 Eat lots of fibre. Chris Gregoriou runs MetroBody Health in his comeback from a recurring Achilles to the website:
Kevin Bolt before the game and met the players. Peter Katrina Kincade-Sharkey Steward made a big deal because I had his first started barracking for the Kangas number on my jumper. ealth care professionals seem to when my cousin Carmel married Brian Skipper Alan “Mick” Aylett played a true proliferate in Melbourne’s inner Turner. I was just six when he started captain’s game, kicking four goals, but gun Hregions, but podiatry is not the most I visible specialty. playing for North in 1959, and he was the forward John Dugdale got just one. Laurie first VFL player I’d ever met. My fate was “Twinkle Toes” Dwyer was fantastic on the That’s changing locally though, with sealed. wing and big Noel Teasdale was handy in Loan Nguyen launching her practice full- the ruck. We lost by 12 points. time within City North Consulting Suites at Forty years later, Carmel brought Bri- 59 Errol Street. an’s number 34 guernsey to the unforget- For my twelfth birthday in 1964 I was given “Polly” Farmer’s “Tarax Footy Podiatry is the treatment of foot and lower table 1999 Grand Final. It is a number that leg disorders, symptoms of which our local has been worn in all four North flags: Ross Game”. I got back on the Tarax Show rep- resenting North and beat my Collingwood specialist is well familiar. “While growing Henshaw in ‘75 and ‘77 and David King in up, I had many foot problems resulting from ‘96 and ‘99. opponent. I won an Enid Blyton book, Shadow The Sheepdog. flat feet, so I ended up with orthotics, or sup- My sisters gave me a North jumper for ports to realign and correct foot function,” The first Grand Final I saw was in 1970. my tenth birthday in 1962. The big deci- Loan explains. North played Melbourne in the reserves; we sion was which number would I have. Brian “I became quite fascinated with podiatry lost and I thought it would be the only time had retired the previous year, and our new and found that having treatment made a sig- I’d see us compete in September. gun recruit was Peter Steward. He wore 15 nificant difference to my life,” she says, ear- so that was the number I wore as a flexible In 1972 we won the wooden spoon but nestly. “I felt that I could relate to people plastic white sheet sewn onto my jumper. lightning struck at North’s Grand Final with feet problems and wanted to genuinely When my mum washed the jumper in Breakfast. Aylett and fellow legends Albert give something back by becoming a podia- the old copper, the blue faded into the white Mantello and Barry Cheatley signed Ron trist.” Barassi up on a serviette and launched a fan- Loan puts heart and sole in her work and the plastic number hardened. It made So, in its provision of foot care - by Photo: Jim Weatherill the jumper very uncomfortable to wear – tastic era for the Rooboys. appointment - six days per week, what does but I did! At St Joseph’s in Malvern, I was Next season, all 10-year players were North Melbourne Podiatry provide its con- accrued her Bachelor of Podiatry from the the only kid who barracked for the cellar- given open clearances and three champions sumers? University of South Australia, before having dwelling North. from other teams came across to North: Loan Nguyen (pronounced low-arn new- those credentials confirmed by the Podia- Later that year I won the “Kia-Ora King John Rantall, Barry Davis and Doug Wade. wen) treats general foot pain: “Many people trists Registration Board of Victoria, Aus- for a Day” competition on Nine’s Tarax We recruited well too: Keith Greig, Sam put up with constant foot pain - they curse tralian Podiatry Association, Australian Show, a kids show hosted by “Corkey, King Kekovich, Wayne Schimmelbusch, Arnold ‘That’s life!’ and accept what can become for Academy of Sports Medicine, Medicare of the Kids”. The prize was a trip to a VFL Briedis and David Dench. them a genuine disability, all the while not Australia and the Department of Veterans’ game and I went to watch North. We finished sixth in Barassi’s first year realising that that pain can be treated or, at Affairs. I was picked up at home and driven to but made the finals for the next seven years. least, managed. Following graduation she worked as an Arden Street to see lowly North host top Those golden years yielded a rich harvest: “I would see at least two clients each day allied health paramedic at both Port Augusta team Melbourne. I was taken into the rooms six Grand Finals and two premierships. with conditions such as painful corns, cal- Hospital and Whyalla Hospital & Health An indelible memory endures from the louses - they’re thickened hard and dry - as Services Inc SA, rostered on both clinic and 1980 Escort Cup night-time Grand Final. well as cracked and split skin on their feet, Royal Flying Doctors programs for rural Kerry Good kicked the winning goal after and these people have never before been to patients. the umpires fortunately failed to hear the a podiatrist,” she tells, ever astounded at our Next stops were Bendigo and Glenhuntly, siren. And against the hated Collingwood, patent lack of specialist health care knowl- the latter of which saw her managing the too! edge and its treatments. practice, while organising clinical assess- Attention Then it was drought again, until Denis “We provide ready treatments for heel ments, supervising staff and ensuring opera- Pagan arrived in 1993. He soon built an pain, minor surgery for in-growing toenails, tional efficiency. Then 2007 saw her estab- Readers! awesome combination around the likes warts and papillomas, and also treat acute lish North Melbourne Podiatry part-time of Wayne Carey, Anthony Stevens, Glen accident or sports injuries. Also available at 59 Errol Street, while other clinical con- Archer, John Blakey and Corey McKernan. are orthoses for flat feet or high arches, as straints were finalised. If you’re a creative type and We had Nathan Buckley signed, too, but we well as conservative treatment of fractures “Over the past year I’ve done a deal of would like to share your gifts lost him, and he lost his chance to play in a and diabetes foot assessments. professional development,” Loan confides, with the local community (and “Foot health is really important,” Loan and she certainly has, among which were a see your name in print), you premiership side. stresses, her shiny black locks nodding. “It heel pain seminar, sports medicine confer- might like to submit something I feel fortunate to have followed a team ence and vascular conference at Columbia to The North & West Melbourne that has won four flags in my lifetime. I feel is a common perception that one need see University in New York. “Taking on a busi- News. for Saints, Doggies and Demons who have a podiatrist only when something is wrong ness was challenging and having as much We’re interested in seeing short tasted little success in the modern era. But with our feet. However, people should knowledge as possible guarantees better out- stories, poems, cartoons or any I feel much more for Fitzroy fans who lost develop the practice of having their feet comes for clients. other information that you think is their team. It could easily have been us. checked regularly - at least once each year - worth sharing with the community since prevention is much better than cure. “What we do here is no difference from of North and West Melbourne. Now, in just over two weeks, the ball will “And those clients are amazed by the fact anywhere else in the world - that New York be bounced again. It’s time for Brad Scott to that their conditions are treatable - usually conference was international and proved our If you’re interested, submit lead North to another flag. your work to the News at painlessly; they certainly regret not having standards are highly comparable,” she says, [email protected] them seen to much earlier.” proudly. Kevin Bolt is a financial planner with This beautiful young intellect is well Katrina Kincade-Sharkey writes regularly Absolute Accounting and Taxation equipped to provide such treatments, having for the News 24 TRAVEL & FOOD North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012
TRAVEL & FOOD The summer night market hit all our taste buds for six
Lakshmi Balakrishnan This clearly wasn’t the place to exercise caution or count calories. At least, we didn’t. t was a cosmic haunt for Melbourne’s art If the food at the night market did not get us, and craft addicts, a haven for the city’s then the shopping certainly did. Showcasing Itwilight creatures and a comforting spot a variety of retro-fashion and sustainable for tourists who came expecting a city but goods, our favourite was the local show of discovered the world instead. power in fashion, arts and crafts. The 14th annual Suzuki Night Market at From wooden wrist watches to photo Queen Victoria Market was all this and more. frames made of recycled paper, this certainly From mid-November to the end of February, was a place to catch some of the most inno- every Wednesday night at Victoria Market vative, eco-friendly and exciting designs. featured a carnival night where the possibili- And when we got tired of shopping or ties were endless. sinking into those delicacies, there was live From sipping on Sangria to lemonades to music and entertainment to get us re-ener- tucking into tacos, paella, curry or savouring gised. crepes, giant pancakes or just multiple scoops of ice creams, the only reason you Lakshmi Balakrishnan is travel and food could stop eating at this feast was to start editor for the News eating again. Mark it down: there’s always a bargain to be found at the night market Photo: David Apostol Perfect spot to put a hot spring in your step Kate McDonell temperatures, including a hilltop pool with deck chairs by the lake and listened to the WHAT’S ON panoramic views, the springs were an peaceful sounds of the ducks and the water. orn out and in sore need of a holiday, amazing experience, and a perfect antidote to We also enjoyed exploring the reflex- 1. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival but with a time and financial budget, W my fatigue. ology walk, which realigns your body’s Indulge in the best of food and wine! my friend and I decided to head down the Following the path up the hill, we tried energy through carefully placed stones March 2-21 Mornington Peninsula recently to visit the increasingly warmer pools (up to 43 in a shallow stream, and the Turkish bath Details: friends. degrees Celsius, in which you’re advised house (or Hamam), where you can lie on the We discovered that just ninety minutes not to stay longer than five or six minutes!), marble benches and cleanse yourself with a
MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News TRAVEL & FOOD 25 All quiet in the kitchen when mum is the word
Lakshmi Balakrishnan “We started the classes because we did not want to open a second or a third n the warm and quaint interiors Amiconi. We have a small place but of Amiconi Restaurant at 359 six full-time chefs who have grown IVictoria Street, great food is with us. What we share here and what incidental. Just as conversations we want to share with people is our around family dinners are. love for Italian food,” says Michael. For where there is a loving family, The restaurant hosts one class there are bound to be numerous every four to six weeks. The many laughs, discussion and debates. Bring registrations, surprisingly high in the it all together around a table of sump- beginning, eventually made the Ami- tuous and traditional south Italian coni team come up with an alternative food and wine, and you pretty much to crowded multiple classes. Prior to know that the conversation will keep every class, the restaurant randomly flowing. picks applicants from the list and calls Having entertained visitors for to check their availability and interest nearly half a century, Amiconi does in taking the next class. the thing that Italians do best – it The hands-on two-hour class has shares a love for Italian food with a different theme each time, with those passionate about it. The restau- popular choices or requests made by rant’s cooking classes, now in their people often being repeated. “Gnocchi second year, offer a grand opportu- has been one of the more popular nity for enthusiasts of Italian food to classes and has been repeated due to learn the secrets of a traditional Italian popular demand. A large number of kitchen. our students are professionals like Available to both beginners and lawyers and surgeons who are pas- experienced cooks, Amiconi’s cooking sionate about cooking,” reveals Joe. classes teach what the restaurant prac- Keeping it simple, he says, is per- tises in its own kitchen. Here, “mum’s haps the most important and toughest the word’’ when it comes to cooking. lesson for cooks. “People often try As chef Joe notes, “We cook the way and make things complex rather than our mothers cooked. It is the simple, simple. When it comes to cooking traditional style.” good Italian food, the basics are pretty The authenticity of its flavours, simple. Use fresh, good produce and points out Amiconi owner Michael, is keep the flavours true. And avoid short how the restaurant has gained its cred- cuts.” ibility. It’s one that has been passed There is one more thing that down the generations and has helped it is essential in Amiconi’s kitchen build a loyal customer base. Watching - respect. “You won’t see anyone two or three generations from a family shouting or screaming in our kitchen. visit Amiconi is the best reward, says We enjoy our cooking and respect Michael. comes with it. That is what makes it “I see 18-year-olds come with special here,” adds chef Vince. friends and talk about how they used to come with their parents. Or an 80- year-old comes with his children and For more information: phone Amiconi talks about the experience of coming at 9328 3710 or go to the website here with his father. That is rare to see
No wild oats here, just Savoury Oats
Savoury Oats Method: Heat oil in a deep pan. So you love sweet oats. But have you Add the mustard seeds. Once they ever tried it the savoury way? From the start spluttering, add the ginger and " & ! Skirlie in Scotland to the Upma in India, onion. the healthy oats are relished in different If using chilli, add the chilli and curry forms. Here is a simple instant savoury leaves. oats recipe inspired by the Upma. Sauté the onions till they turn light Ingredients brown. Add all the vegetables 1 teaspoon mustard or cumin seeds except tomatoes. 1 teaspoon ginger, chopped Cook the vegetables till they become a little soft and then add the toma- " !"" !' #
1 cup red onion, chopped Ads 1 cup carrot, chopped toes. " #" 1 cup capsicum, chopped Add the curry powder and oats and cook for another minute.
1 cup frozen peas
9328 1126 & # " $% "! 1cup tomatoes, chopped Add the water to the mix and let the 5-6 curry leaves mixture cook, covered, for five 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional) minutes. 1 green chilli (optional) Keep turning the oats to ensure they " & 2 tbsp cooking oil don’t stick to the pan. Salt (to taste) The oats are ready when they have a 1 cup rolled oats sticky rice consistency. "& '!" ""! $!"$ !%" 2 cups water Garnish with fresh coriander to serve. ( Lakshmi Balakrishnan is travel and food !"$ !%" $"& '!" ! % editor for the News # $'''$"& '!" ! % !"$ !%" 26 TRAVEL & FOOD North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012 Then mark this: I went to a land of great Danes
Steve Jasper
’ve recently had the privilege of living in Denmark for a month as part of an Iexchange program at RMIT. So just after New Year I boarded a plane for the long, long flight from the sunburnt country to the land of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, the oldest royal family in the world, and lots of cycling lanes. On my first day in Denmark – feeling the cold after leaving 40°C in Melbourne! – I encountered Copenhagen’s famous bicycle lanes. Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles are all well-separated with kerb and gut- tering between each, and I learned very quickly – you take your life into your hands if you walk on the cycle path! But seeing the bicycle lanes in Copenhagen made me realise that bicycle lanes really work, if you’re prepared to put in the infrastructure and make it work. I did my study in the city of Århus, and catching trains across Denmark was a real treat. On several occasions I reserved seating in the stillezone (quiet zone) carriages, where conversation and mobile phone use is for- bidden. I have now added stillezones to my Christmas wish list – how lovely it was to travel for hours without hearing someone else’s mobile phone conversation, and could we please have these in Australia? The only conversations were with the train conductor and the staff selling drinking water and con- fectionery on the train. I now have an addic- tion to chocolate-coated marzipan. When I was there it was Queen Margrethe II’s 40th (ruby) jubilee, and I went to the cel- ebrations in the Town Hall Square in Copen- hagen (for buffs of Danish crime drama, this features in The Killing quite a lot. The Town Hall Square that is, not jubilee celebra- Bicycles, bicycles, everywhere. It looks as if there are many things ridden in the state of Denmark Photo: Steve Jasper tions). And yes, I got to see Princess Mary up close and personal (she was a few metres away from me) and I waved the Danish flag and the meal reflected that. There were some out of sunlight (the sun rose after 9 and set What did I take away from my trip? I that I had been given. (She waved back, of particular treats such as a rice custard des- around 3:30!) I went the following day and have a new appreciation for cycling lanes, course.) And then I went home to defrost, sert with a whole almond hidden in it, and explored some TV crime scenes. I struck and I am much more committed to sup- after standing around waiting in 2°C weather anyone who found the almond received a up a conversation with a Danish couple porting their development at a local level. for several hours. prize. We were introduced to the Danish con- – Danish people are so friendly! – and we I’ve got a few recipes to try that I will Århus is an ancient Viking city, and once cept of hygge, which basically translates to talked about life in Denmark. unleash on my friends and family next doing excavations beneath a bank the diggers a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. This is a key The weather had been pretty mild during Christmas Eve, and try and get a bit of hygge came across some Viking relics, including concept for the Danish people, who like to my trip, but on my last night in Denmark it happening locally. I can now watch Danish the skeleton of one who had been murdered. create a home environment for themselves snowed all night, and Copenhagen turned crime shows and have some perspective of This excavation is now a museum, with the and their families. into a winter wonderland. Everything was where things are being filmed. Oh, and an skeleton on permanent display with some I have a confession to make here: I am a blanketed in white, like a fairy tale. I wanted addiction to chocolate-coated marzipan. If other Viking relics of the era. Danish crime show addict. And for me, Den- to take more photographs but being well you know of a 12-step group that can help Our hosts made us very welcome in mark was like Disneyland for murder. I did below zero, my hands were getting a bit me there, please let me know. Århus, and a highlight of the trip was a the obligatory trip to see the Little Mermaid shaky at that point. So I bade fond farewell Christmas feast for the students. The Danes statue and on the way, discovered the place to Denmark and got back on a plane for the Steve Jasper lives in North Melbourne and seem to live on pork, cheese, and chocolate where Eagle was filmed. As I was running long flight home. will write regularly for the News
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Comic’s Lounge will host Lehmo A feast of comedy from Before The Game, Marty Fields from Hey Hey It’s Saturday and Jacques Sally Whyte Barrett in the one show. The Comic’s Lounge will also be % *% ' $! he Melbourne International Comedy home to Gab Rossi’s stand up comedy ("*$% '$! TFestival returns to North Melbourne festival show. Rossi’s show follows from this month with performances at both the sell-out shows Resevoir Wogs, Mel- '%*'%#' Comic’s Lounge and Lithuanian House. bourne the Musical and Gift of the Gab. #%"% '#% #)%'%'&&' #(%" Both venues will welcome a range of The Melbourne International Comedy acts to the ever-growing festival. Festival will show both local and inter- national acts and run from late this WAGS is coming to The Lithu- month for four weeks. anian House Ballroom after playing to More information at http://www.comedy- sell-out crowds at last year’s Adelaide festival.com.au. Fringe Festival. The show follows Milly, Cheryl, Bunty and Reggie as they battle their way down the Blue Carpet of the Sally Whyte is arts and entertainment Downlow Medal. editor for the News ## ')))'%*## " #!#% MARCH 2012 North and West Melbourne News ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 27
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Finding a venue for a large-scale work like this is always difficult. A church pro- It’s back to Bach at St Mary’s this Easter vides a suitable atmosphere, but not many are large enough to accommodate the six Matthew Passion in 2010. “The concert was soloists and orchestra, as well as a choir – in totally amazing,” says Lisa. “I was blown this case around 100 singers. St Mary Star of away by the power of the music and the the Sea, immaculate after its recent renova- Rosalynd Smith (left) professionalism of the choir. I had to be part tion, is not only large enough but has a beau- and Lisa Klasas get of it.” tiful acoustic for choral music. ready for Easter in St The Melbourne Bach Choir was formed “It’s an exciting experience,” says Lisa. Mary Star of the Sea in 2005 by a group of singers who were dis- “Not just the performance, but the whole appointed at the limited opportunities to process of learning and rehearsing the music, Photo: Jim Weatherill perform or hear Bach’s great St Matthew and absorbing our conductor’s interpreta- Passion in Melbourne. In many European tion. It’s awe-inspiring to take on such chal- countries there is a strong tradition of Easter lenging music, and to be able to share it with performances of music depicting the pas- others.” sion story, especially the superb settings The Melbourne Bach Choir’s perfor- by Johann Sebastian Bach. The Melbourne mances will benefit the Cancer Centre at St Bach Choir has since performed his St Mat- Vincent’s Hospital. thew Passion twice, and this year is singing The St John Passion will be performed on the St John Passion. Friday 30 March at 8 pm and Sunday 1 April The St John Passion was written in at 3 pm. Rosalynd Smith concerts – always a big event, but for the German, but conductor Rick Prakhoff says: For details and bookings see first time this year they are being held close “This is not only beautiful music, but also
of matter have been pondered since scientific M-Theory unified them. thought began: “The Greeks believed it was “Edward Whitten, who first suggested M- Place of desire and sapphire the atom, which sufficed for over 200 years, Theory in 1995, did not specify what the M until smaller building blocks - protons and stood for, suggesting ‘magic’, ‘mystery’ or electrons - were discovered, then in 1984 the ‘matrix’, and others have suggested ‘mem- Katrina Kincade-Sharkey bags with their painted representation on quark was proposed. brane’, ‘mother’ or ‘master’, even ‘missing’ canvas, Murray’s work was seen as further “In the 1980s, string theory—the or ‘murky’. M-Theory is not complete and is ONCURRENT exhibitions just examining the paradoxes of perception and mathematical representation where particles still controversial,” he explains. closed at Langford120 gallery pro- representation inherent in both artwork and are thought of as strings of vibrating Cduced exceptional images of sought- observation. energy —led to five different seemingly Katrina Kincade-Sharkey writes regularly after desirables by local artists Jan Murray Dr Tabacco’s Zaffiro, or Sapphire, was a unconnected theories, until the 1990s when for the News and Wilma Tabacco. precious stone, while its facet was its form Ms Murray’s Objets de Desir and Dr of cutting and polishing for use in stylistic Tabacco’s Zaffiro both celebrated widely personal decoration. Her eight images of this recognised human wants, they being access gem’s precious value were created by com- to exceptional products and inherently fine bining its intense blue colour within the com- jewellery, through each of which people cel- plex faces of its cut, with each displaying ebrate life and love. stunning accuracy in their linear execution. Those exacting paintings on paper high- Murray is head of school at Victorian Col- lighted Langford120 co-director Tabacco’s lege of the Arts. Her 35 Shopping Bag pieces use of sparse yet highly complex forms. enclosed the notion of a widely varying Asymmetrical and shining in the dark, they range of possessions. Within their differing toyed with edge and form, area and style, shapes and textures were wrapped a repre- welcoming the viewer into the world of a sentation of the wide variety of human pur- jeweller’s microscope. chases. Also reflected was one social desire Just opened last week, the gallery’s latest close to universal in western society, that exhibition will run till March 31 and features being the lust for pretty possessions. a selection of works by sculptors Geoffrey Those bag images - all works oil on Bartlett and Gus Dall’Ava and painter Roger linen - were as individual as the mix of Byrt created over the past 12 years. owners who may have carried them and Celebrated for his figurative drawings for utilised images of a variety of material and which he has been awarded several major art fabric, structure and design, as well as care prizes, local artist Goodwin Bradbeer will and filling. mount an installation of found objects medi- Some reflected deliciously tapered snake- ated by his hand-drawn or written marks. skin handbags - ‘I’ve always been a bag From April 14 to May 6, Asher Bilu’s girl’; several were comfortable tote-alls for breathtaking floor installation and wall market or groceries, while others definitively works were inspired by a schematic drawing depicted life’s hurt from surviving out of an of M-Theory seen in Brian Greene’s book old rubbish bag. The Fabric of the Cosmos (2005). * ' # %' & (&'%$(#' $%#% Through joining her images of shopping Asher notes that fundamental constituents * ' $#& # "$#' !+ (&+'$'(%+,
Tapestry of Light, a 7.5 x 2.4 metres oil print by gallery co-director Irene Barbaris
Photo: Courtesy Langford120
, $'& $%'$%' !$(%# ')#(#&%%+# '$% &'& 28 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT North and West Melbourne News MARCH 2012 Sun, sand and life was a beach
Janet Graham employed by the Commonwealth Gov- ernment to produce images with the main A National Archives touring photographic purpose of promoting Australia overseas. exhibition, Summers Past: Golden Days in Other exhibits in Summers Past, equally the Sun 1950–1970, is currently on show evocative, are labelled “Photographer at the Victorian Archives Centre in North unknown”. Melbourne. The amusing information boards Celebrating Australians’ “enduring love include a potted history of the bikini, affair with the sun and the sea”, the vast which was banned in Bondi until 1961. majority of pictures focus on beach life, Speedo cossies for men were born on with its emblematic pursuits of surfing, Bondi Beach in 1928. Designer Gloria lifesaving, beauty pageants and getting Smythe modernised the swim trunks in sunburnt, but cricket and tennis get a look- 1955, discarding the ‘modesty skirt’ — in, too. regrettably, some might say. For baby boomers it is a reminder of Janet Graham is advertising coordinator times past, for younger visitors a window for the News into a bygone era, a snapshot of 1950s and ’60s fashions and body shapes. Almost all the photographs in Summers SUMMERS PAST: Past were selected from the Australian GOLDEN DAYS IN THE SUN 1950–1970 News and Information Bureau collection held by the National Archives, a treasure- Victorian Archives Centre, Level 3 trove of half a million photos from the 99 Shiel Street, North Melbourne 3051 late 1940s to the early 1990s described as 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and “candid snaps of Australians at work and every second Saturday 9.00am to 4.30pm until 29 April 2012 Christmas at Bondi as beach belles snap a wishbone for luck play”. Photo: Courtesy National Archives of Australia: NAA:A1500, K4074 These are the work of photographers No No shouts out ‘yes’ to artists’ innovation and style
Sally Whyte afternoons are a way to involve more of the North Melbourne community with the gal- lery, using a local baker for the scones. St ucked away on Raglan Street, Clair Wilson admits they can’t compete with No No Gallery is a bubble of the local coffee, so offering tea is a unique creativity just a stone’s throw alternative. from the bustle of Errol Street. The gallery takes submissions from any TEmerging artists find a home for their artists and attempts to show whatever work work up a flight of stairs in a small space fits the gallery. “As long as they’re excited filled with natural light from the window and it fits, we want to do it.” No No is not across one wall. only unique for showing emerging artists, “It’s got a lo-fi DIY kind of feel to it. but also in the art chosen. It’s a really open, accessible place for art, “It’s more about concept rather than the for consumers as well as artists. It’s very finished product. It’s more about creative exciting fun art,” says director Charlotte St ideas than how that manifests itself. It’s a bit Clair Wilson as she describes the gallery. different for Melbourne,” St Clair Wilson No No opened in 2010 with Roger Nelson explains. curating exhibitions by new artists. St Clair The March exhibition is entitled In-House Wilson took over as director in February and Monsters and features acrylic paintings by juggles directing the gallery with a career as Kristy Young, a Brisbane artist who has also a public servant. worked in Melbourne and Tokyo. She explains that the gallery faced closure “It’s kind of about capturing that lost when Nelson decided to move on. “I was in a childhood. Things that might seem mon- group show at No No at the end of last year. strous at first glance are actually about the I was discussing my work with Roger and he happiness and sweetness of childhood,” was explaining what was happening with the says St Clair Wilson. The exhibition fea- gallery and that he hadn’t found anyone to tures household items turning into monsters, take it over. I walked away from our coffee as well as an actual fridge with monsters and got home and thought ‘I can do that’.” appearing. “They’re really fun and naive and Her first exhibition opening as director dreamy.” Just like much of North Melbourne’s art was marked with torrential rain, but a crowd scene the gallery has a quiet art buzz. “There of 60 enjoyed the work of Darcy McFall are all of these amazing artistic things going and Oli Wilson. She hopes to continue the on but they’re all kind of hidden. It’s increas- work Nelson started. “I feel so great about ingly vibrant in the arts scene.” No No Gal- speaking to these artists and giving them a lery is on the way to taking its creative buzz space. It seems like an altruistic project but to the Melbourne map as more artists find you get so much back.” their start there. No No is now offering Tea and Scone Sundays on opening weekends to create a Sally Whyte is arts and entertainment editor new way to enjoy the artwork displayed. The for the News
Left: No No director Charlotte St Clair Wilson bathed in sunlight inside the gallery Photo: Sally Whyte
Right: Tea for Two: one of Kristy Young’s acrylic paintings featuring at the gallery this month Photo: Courtesy No No Gallery