Summer 2020 ear nd y 42

ISSUE 191

THE NORTH & WEST MELBOURNE NEWS IS PRODUCED BY VOLUNTEERS AT THE CENTRE: Connecting Community in North & West Melbourne Inc www.centre.org.au

The gift of a very Australian News stars at Christmas community Mural artist George Rose newspaper has brought a touch of Christmas cheer to North awards Melbourne. The mural of giant The work of the volunteers who Christmas Beetles covers produce the North & West Melbourne the Queensberry Street wall of the 7/11 at the corner of News has been recognised with Errol Street. five awards in the Community The City of Melbourne Newspapers Association (CNAV) commissioned the work recent statewide awards. as part of the precinct’s Best newspaper: Finalist. Christmas decorations. Best design and layout: Winner. George was asked to relate Christmas to Australia – so Best community content: Finalist. don’t go looking for sleighs Best history article: Special Mention dashing through the snow. for ‘Pandemic brings back She was also asked to design memories of polio’ by Laura Misale. a mural that is inclusive of Best feature article: Special Mention all Australians, regardless for ‘A journey into the past for of cultural or religious traditions. adoptee’ by Tilly Gwinner. Passengers on track with Kaylee on the No. 57 tram

Laura Misale A few weeks ago, she stopped the things again. The city was a ghost tram at Melbourne Showgrounds town and it was a bit sad.” ocals all know the squeal of the where Essendon fans piled on after For someone who spends her day number 57 tram as it turns from L the club’s community day. “They trundling down our local streets, Victoria Street into Errol Street. were all in red-and-black, cheerfully Kaylee’s imagination ranges widely. Kaylee Fisher pilots the Z3 class singing the Bombers’ club song, and She dreams of participating in the trams that ply the 11.6 km route one person had it playing on their annual Tram-Driver Olympics in from the city to West Maribyrnong. phone,” she says. Europe. This unlikely competition She has been based at the Essendon She keeps a close lookout for her includes the likes of tram bowling depot for a year and a half, after a regulars. with huge foam balls and precision long stint working from Preston “There’s this one lady who always stopping. depot. waves down the tram when she “There is an event where you drive With a degree in civil engineering sees people with shopping bags. a tram to the next stop, nail the Kaylee – a self-confessed Melbourne She doesn’t want the tram but she’ll landing to the centimetre, get out of tragic – has an obvious passion for wave it down for them. She’s very that tram, get in the next, and then her job. “I love that I’m part of this community minded.” do it again, like a relay race. Actually, big machine that keeps the city Kaylee has seen it all, from people that’s what we do every day, while going,” she says. moving house with their office chairs also providing a smooth ride. It’s an Kaylee is “a professional people in tow, to young guide dogs on their Local route 57 tram driver Kaylee Fisher. Photograph: Ginny Hollands art,” she says. watcher” and happily shares her daily training. “I’ve also heard of pet Next time you’re catching the 57 stories. rats sitting on shoulders, but I’m yet the elephants are about, we might on a clear day we can see all the way tram, be sure to wave it down on “Yesterday I heard a little girl to see them,” she says. see them – or at least smell them,” down to Flinders Street station.” approach. Or, if it’s night-time, use singing Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Kaylee also drives the number 58 she laughs. This city vista was even more your phone to flag the driver down, So full of beans but right off key and tram to West Coburg and she says Other views from Kaylee’s cabin dramatic with the lack of traffic then give a wave as you leave. she only knew half the words, and lucky passengers can get a glimpse make her day memorable. during the long lockdown. However, “A wave, a thank you, it makes our her mum was tearing her hair out. I of the elephants at the zoo. “One highlight on route 57, as Kaylee is glad to see passengers back day,” Kaylee smiles. was giggling and everyone loved it,” “As we head north, they need to we come into the city and turn the on the network. she laughs. look out the right-hand window. If corner into Elizabeth Street, is that “I’m relieved to see people doing Laura Misale writes regularly for the News.

INSIDE Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 10 2 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

Long-time local ‘Macca’ loved his footy and races

Laura Misale Limerick Castle hotel,” Tom says. “I think that was pretty much Macca’s life. It is clear that Macca’s life revolved around He’d head up to Errol Street four or six times assers-by recently noticed an intriguing the Limerick Castle, and the pub’s owner, each day, visiting the shops or going to lay P‘Vale Macca’ notice in the front window of Bernie Sheehy, helps join some of the dots. a bet at the TAB down on the Victoria Street Tom Shearer’s home at the corner of Arden “Macca lived here for 15 years with about corner.” and Errol streets. a dozen other single blokes. Some worked, Macca was a Kangaroos fanatic and had Who was the mysterious Macca? And why others were on the pension.” been a trainer when North played home did Tom, who admits he knew him only in Tom, not a drinker himself, says Macca games at Arden Street. “He must have finished passing, feel the urge to recognise his life in would spend quiet afternoons sipping a beer about 1980, just a couple of years before this novel way? in the bar. “For the last five years, I’d run into I started as a trainer at the club,” local Jim Tom reveals that he had written it simply to him along Errol Street. We worked out that Knight says. recognise the passing of Graham McKenzie, a we were pretty much neighbours and we’d Bernie Sheehy fills in the gaps on Macca’s local identity always known simply as ‘Macca’. always stop for a chat about footy or the interest in football. “He was keen on local Hospital volunteer Macca joins young patients “He lived just across the road from me, in the races,” he says. footy and he also had a close friendship with at a birthday party. triple Brownlow medallist Bob Skilton. Macca volunteered at the Royal Children’s where Bob had an ambassador role,” he explains. Supported by Bernie recalls how Macca had surprisingly different allegiances. “He had a lot of union mates from the old CFMEU, and they often came into the pub. And he was also a keen Catholic who often told me, ‘I’ve been into St Francis today’,” he says. One of Macca’s endearing habits was to refer to himself in the third person. Tom says their chats would end when he was told, “Macca N O R T H & W E S T M E L B O U R N E P R E C I N C T A N D T H E C E N T R E has to go now”. In fact, Tom only learnt his I N V I T E Y O U T O full name when Macca referred to himself as Graham McKenzie. It is fitting that Tom, who thought enough of his casual mate to put the ‘Vale’ notice in his own window, has the last word. “Macca was a very humble man, genial and affable. He’ll be remembered.”

Laura Misale writes regularly for the News.

SOCIALLY DISTANCED PICNIC AREA - FREE LIVE The ‘Vale Macca’ notice posted in Tom Shearer’s ENTERTAINMENT - KIDS ACTIVITIES - TRADER front window. TAKEAWAY SPECIALS - COMPETITIONS WITH LOCAL PRIZES Boomerang Friday 18 December 2020 bags Volunteers make 4pm - 8pm ‘Boomerang’ Errol St, Victoria St & shopping bags from recycled fabric. Buy Queensberry St, one from The Centre North Melbourne or come and help us make them. A socially distanced COVID safe event North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 3 Rotary It’s pens down for Mary, steps up Hotham History scribe Felicity Jack to end ary Kehoe is well Mknown to many residents and friends of polio North Melbourne. She has been active in the community for more Neville Page than 40 years and was at one time a committee orth Melbourne Rotary made member of what is now Ngood use of the long lockdown The Centre. period. While we couldn’t hold our In 1995, Mary was one of the Mary Kehoe with her husband, Graham regular weekly meetings at the founding members of the Hotham McCallum. Mercure Hotel, we managed to History Project, whose aim is to keep up our normal schedule by research and promote the history 1851 to provide accommodation Zoom. of North and West Melbourne. She for Melbourne’s poor and indigent. We were lucky to have a dozen has been secretary since 2001 and In fact, Mary lives on the asylum impressive speakers, who covered has recently decided that now is the estate, bounded by Miller, Curzon, many absorbing topics ranging time to stand down. Elm and Abbotsford streets. from black lives in custody and Local Rotarian Ted Dziadkiewicz and daughter Nicola raising money to end polio. In 2015, Mary was presented with The building was demolished in charities in Vanuatu to the use of an award of merit by the Royal 1911 and the site developed into drones in private investigations. walked and call for sponsors. students represent countries of the Historical Society of Victoria. She housing. Many people researching We even heard about that most The result was that the $15,000 United Nations at a simulated UN has always been eager to share her their family history have traced mystifying of topics – how the US usually raised on the day was Assembly. knowledge and willing to answer their descendants back to a time electoral college works. exceeded by the $100,000 raised in MUNA has been held in Rotary questions about the area’s history when they had been residents Local legend Lorna Hannan gave the month of sponsored walking. districts around Australia since and the families who have lived in the asylum. Mary’s book has a fascinating talk on the origin of The North Melbourne Rotary Club 1980. It provides a forum for here. been reprinted to meet the great the names of many local streets and alone raised more than $3,600. students to develop and practise Mary has helped develop and lead demand. buildings. Lorna brought the history All amounts raised were matched public speaking skills while walks around local neighbourhoods She has been committed to of North Melbourne to life by by the Bill and Melinda Gates debating topical world issues. The and to promote aspects of their preserving the local area’s heritage touching on the unique individuals Foundation. first-placed team in our district is history. She organised the project’s of the area and has contributed to behind the names as she outlined Our club’s biggest fund-raiser for invited to compete at the Australian annual general meetings and its policy development at both Council what they had done to be named the event was stalwart member Ted National MUNA at Canberra’s Old stall at the annual Spring Fling. and State Government level. She on local streets and landmarks. Dziadkiewicz who received great Parliament House. In all her ventures, she was appeared at VCAT hearings and Another speaker was Kitty support from his friends and clients supported by husband Graham lobbied the Council to preserve Neville Page is president of North at Contours Travel. McCallum, and he assumed O’Conner who explained how Melbourne Rotary. buildings of significance. COVID-19 had forced the During lockdown, North responsibility for some of the Mary’s commitment and energy cancellation of the Rotary District’s Melbourne Rotary took on the Want to know more? fetching and carrying involved in as secretary will be missed. annual October walk around task of running, via Zoom, this If you’re keen to hear any of setting up trestle tables and chairs Fortunately, she will not be Albert Park Lake. The event, which year’s Model United Nations the Rotary speakers, log on to and other equipment. relinquishing her ties with the raises funds to end polio, had Assembly (MUNA) on behalf of rotarynorthmelbourne.org.au and One of Mary’s most significant project and will remain an active to be replaced by a month-long Rotary District 9800. MUNA is click on the calendar link. Contact contributions was her 1998 history committee member. competition where individuals and an international Rotary youth of the Melbourne Benevolent Neville Page on 0414673611 or Felicity Jack is a member of Hotham program in which senior secondary Asylum. The asylum opened in teams could register their distance [email protected] for the Zoom link. History Project. Community Comment Harriet Lancaster asked four of her best friends what they are secretly hoping Santa will bring

Shae (22), zoology student, North Tucker (25), politics student, West Banjo (1), Staffie cross, North Malkah (22), data analyst, North Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne I really want a soda stream. I hate buying I want Santa to give me a ticket home I’m hoping to get a new fluffy koala toy. I’m keen to get back to Queensland to plastic bottles and I know they damage to California. I really miss my family as I’ve shredded the last one and chewed see my family. I also want to try all the the environment. I want to do my part to Christmas approaches. I guess I’ll just its head off. I’d also like to get a cat I can tempting ice cream flavours I see, even save the world’s resources. spend the day at the beach. chase down the street. though I always go for boring vanilla. 4 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

It’s a dog’s life for these house guests

Harriet Lancaster Our last dog is Banjo, who landed on our doorstep a mere 30 minutes y dream of having a dog came after Shadow was adopted out. Mtrue this year – with not just Another Forever Friends miracle, he one, but four! Out of the chaos of would have been put down in the COVID-19 sprang a opportunity for pound had we not taken him in. my Molesworth Street housemates There were many mysteries about and me to foster a dog. big Banjo. We initially thought he Our first two fosters were via was a three-year-old, only to be told Greyhound Safety Net. Tayla, our by the vet that he is actually only six-year-old retired racer with a one. One big puppy! fine winning record, was initially Banjo took a while to warm to very shy. It took her days to feel us, as he’d had a difficult time with comfortable as she’d never lived other humans, but now he is our in a domestic setting. She loved big baby boy. He loves his walkies roaching (that’s greyhounds lying and speeds right up as we get on their backs) but for some reason closer to Clayton Reserve. Some hated walking down Errol Street. dogowners are wary of his giant The other greyhound, Penny, won Bullmastiff head, so we reassure the heart of my housemate Shae them: “Don’t worry, he is just Tayla relaxes in her favourite roaching pose. but never mastered our two flights excited.” He’ll soon be heading to of stairs. It was hard work carrying Shadow was a stray from the Adelaide to his forever home with a 25 kg dog up and down the stairs streets, rescued by Forever Friends. housemate Shae’s parents. three times a day but it was worth it She had never experienced puppy Sending our dogs off to their new to see her comfy on the couch. life and we had to teach her how forever homes is always bittersweet. A happy trio – Harriet (left), Staffie cross Banjo and Shae. Two Staffordshire crosses were to play. Of all our dogs she was We interview applicant families our next guests, both from dog the love, care and attention they helped us even more. But one the biggest puller on the lead and carefully to make sure the dogs are foster group Forever Friends. Our deserve. thing I do know. I can’t wait to see she just loved her walkies where matched with the right household, neighbours probably thought our It is so satisfying to know that Banjo at Christmas wearing his her sociable nature made her best but we are always so sad to see dogs kept changing colour as they we have helped our doggie reindeer costume. friends with every dog she met. them go. were similar breeds but one was community during COVID-19. We couldn’t take her to Royal Park All our foster dogs are now Harriet Lancaster is a new contributor to black and one brindle. Actually, I suspect that they have because she got way too excited. happily housed and receiving all the News. Online carol service to share the joy on Christmas Eve

Richard Hayward

he choir of St Mary’s Anglican Church, TNorth Melbourne, led by music director Beverley Phillips, will perform an online carol service this year. Traditional Christmas music will accompany readings from the St Mary’s congregation. The recorded service will be available on Christmas Eve via the St Mary’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. St Mary’s also welcomes worshippers to attend services at church each Sunday during Advent at 9.00 am and 11.00 am under the St Mary’s COVID Safety Plan published on the church’s website (www.stmarys.org.au). The website will give details of Christmas services as they are announced. Members of St Mary’s Lockdown Choir. During the lockdown, the choir at St Mary’s prepared and recorded numerous hymns and Each singer recorded their part using a performance, which was then uploaded Sound engineer Tim Pilbrow editing the audio tracks. anthems. variety of devices, such as smartphones, to YouTube at www.youtube.com/channel/ computers, tablets and digital voice recorders, UCiZQMHTiPmmkRUG7iEPz86w with the aid of a backing track. Richard Hayward is the parish administrator at St A team of editors compiled each individual General Practitioners (Male and Female) Mary’s Anglican Church, North Melbourne. Osteopathy voice recording into a combined group Clinical Psychology Podiatry Get involved through The Centre Pathology Looking for a volunteer opportunity? The Centre has lots of them, from office administration We are a fully accredited Private Medical Centre to event management. Or we can point you towards other organisations that also rely on OPENING HOURS: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, volunteers. Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm Level 1, 65–67 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 (above Wood Pharmacy) Take a walk with a purpose

Call 03 9329 7011 for appointment bookings and fees If you enjoy walking around North and West Melbourne, a great way to explore areas you may Book appointments online at www.carewisehealth.com.au not usually visit is to help with delivery of the North & West Melbourne News to homes and or key “Errol Street Medical Centre” into your search engine businesses. SERVICES PROVIDED: Women’s and Men’s Health, Immunisations, Health Assessments, Wound Management and If you are interested, please email Chronic Disease Management Plans [email protected] North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 5

Gifting food that feeds both body and the soul

Joey Rebakis sensitive to the fact that giving them Vegemite or Weet-Bix for otham Mission provides breakfast might not be what they Hcommunity outreach and want or need. support to some of the most The people we assist need more disadvantaged and marginalised than calories to survive. We seek groups in North Melbourne and to tap into their cultural needs and neighbouring suburbs. to provide them with appropriate Our faith-based, non-profit food such as beans and lentils. By organisation has recently been listening to what they tell us, we active in providing food relief to feel we respect their dignity and those in need. We have been giving enhance their self-worth. food hampers to vulnerable people What we get through food banks Above: Hotham Mission’s Neysa Charlton prepares food bags for distribution. in our area, including students, does not always meet the pressing Right: Neysa fires up the food delivery van as Joey Rebakis looks on. refugees, asylum seekers, the need for culturally appropriate elderly and the homeless. food. However, a Feed Appeal grant lacked basic daily sustenance and fully engage with society. Not an At the Mission, we realise that we received has meant we are more struggled to stay in touch with their impossible dream at all. food relief is not merely about education. Hotham Mission aims to able to source the food that our Joey Rebakis is community development ensure equal access to education giving people sustenance to keep various cultural groups prefer. coordinator at Hotham Mission. body and soul together. It is also Prior to COVID-19, the Mission for all. We hope that many young a mark of respect, and that’s why was distributing 70 food hampers people who would otherwise have Want to know more? we focus on providing culturally weekly. Under lockdown, this fallen through the cracks will be More information on Hotham appropriate food. We know that figure doubled as we began able to complete their schooling. Mission’s work can be found at the many families we help have parents to cater for teenagers, many of The long-term dream is that website: hothammission.org.au who were born overseas. We are African background. They often these young people will eventually Lorna goes online to perform at Darwin Festival Online carol service to share the joy on Christmas Eve Annette McQuarrie By the 1990s, it had evolved into in August. However, as COVID-19 “That exchange is as close as a community arts festival with a swept Victoria, it was decided to you can get to equality for two ex and death are two things strong cultural influence. present the performance remotely people. And on this is built a special Sthat everyone thinks about Sex and Death features six people, and to give it a new title: Sex, Death moment. It’s amazingly intimate during their lifetime. in their 70s and 80s, who provide a and the Internet. and for me, it was like carving open North Melbourne’s local legend photo of themselves from at least a Lorna explains how the online my chest and letting somebody Lorna Hannan OAM – teacher, decade earlier, then meet another performance differs from direct else in,” Lorna reveals with author, researcher, former participant who provides a similar participant interaction. “When you disarming candour. councillor, great-grandmother – photo. Set questions are asked and start to think about the way you Participants left each encounter has explored these themes while people can choose to answer or to relate to people on the internet, with three pieces of written advice appearing in an intriguing art piece pass. your thinking starts to shift, so the for their younger self. called Sex and Death for the 2020 The questions are intriguing, questions we asked took on a new Lorna is adamant that she would Darwin Festival. even confronting. They include: meaning,” she says. participate in Sex and Death again Sex and Death was first staged at “Are there things you feel too old to It’s only when two people if it came to Melbourne. “Absolutely. the 2016 Victorian Seniors Festival accomplish?”, “What would you say to meet as equals that she sees the Real theatre can’t survive without when Lorna, then 82, helped your younger self today?” and “From experience as deeply meaningful. launch the show with five fellow 1–10, how do you feel about sex?” The exchange works by each real people and their stories.” Local community legend Lorna Hannan OAM. octogenarians. Samar Hersch, Sex and Death bringing a photo of their younger She smiles, and the smile that The Darwin Festival, an eclectic director, succinctly explains the art and to consider the experience of selves – Lorna chose one of her lights up her face is as beautiful and and diverse line-up of artistic and piece. “It invites you to reflect on yourself changing through time.” 1954 graduation – then taking the engaging as she is. musical talent, arose like a phoenix life, death and what happens in Lorna and her fellow contributors opportunity to discuss what they Annette McQuarrie writes regularly for after Cyclone Tracy destroyed between, to ask the big questions were looking forward to taking believe in and to ask each other the News. the town on Christmas Eve 1974. to someone a little older and wiser, the show to the Darwin Festival questions. 6 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

Anna’s world in a spin Arts House in a time of upheaval launches

Anna Huynh homesick and I got to the stage that I didn’t want to wake up. I had no ‘Makeshift ’m a COVID-19 casualty. No, I didn’t choice but to go home. Icatch the virus, but it sure turned In September, just a week before my life around and tore it apart. the spring News was published, I Publics’ A few short months ago, took an Uber out to Tulla to fly to everything was good. I had a Vietnam. The airport was deathly unit in Chetwynd Street in North quiet, and only the Vietnam Air and Jackie Johnston Melbourne and I was in my second Brunei Air check-in counters were year of media and communications open. My last taste of Australia rts House is a City of at Swinburne Uni. before I headed to immigration was AMelbourne contemporary I joined the News in July and wrote a raspberry muffin. performance space, housed in the my first story for the spring issue On the plane, all 200 passengers North Melbourne Town Hall, where and I was so honoured to see it on were given PPE to wear, urged not artists and audiences gather to find page one. But at the same time, my to leave skin exposed and required new creative frontiers. world was falling apart. Because to put on masks during the nine- Arts House has recently of COVID-19 I lost my part-time hour flight. The air-con system was announced a new two-year job at McDonald’s and, without turned off. $500,000 professional development Australian citizenship, I did not have Soon it was like a sauna, and the program, Makeshift Publics, which any financial support and could not girl next to me was sweating freely. will support more than 35 Victorian cover my tuition and living expenses. “I’m burning more calories on this artists. I felt I was a crushing burden to plane than in my daily workout,” Makeshift Publics is an ambitious Anna (left) and friend Cindy at Tulla, all kitted up for the flight home to Vietnam. my parents back in Vietnam where she said as she kept dabbing her new program challenging artists their small furniture shop in Ho forehead. My mind was racing as I twice every day and we were only I miss Melbourne so much. I miss to re-envision what public space Chi Minh City was rapidly going saw the little houses on the ground allowed to go home once everyone North Melbourne, the parks, the means today. downhill. When I heard their weary and my beautiful Melbourne tested negative twice. people, the Errol Street cafes, the 57 Acknowledging artists as voices on the phone after they disappearing from view. Now I’m back with my family in trams and the bustling market. And leaders, Makeshift Publics asks had finished work, my heart broke. When we landed in Vietnam, we Ho Chi Minh City. I can continue of course, I miss the News. Will I be committed arts practitioners to Often they were too busy even to were immediately quarantined in my studies online but, unless back? I hope so. explore new methods of rebuilding pick up my calls. a military base. Had I known that, I Swinburne’s rules change, I can’t Anna Huynh writes regularly for the News. fundamentally disrupted social When I did get through, rather finish the whole course. I might would have brought more snacks We also hope to see her back. ecologies. than talking of her own problems, have to defer. from Australia. We were loaded Arts House artistic director Emily my mother’s concern was always onto five huge buses and taken to Sexton explains that Makeshift for me. She never explicitly said it the camp, three hours away, in rural Publics is a program that will be led but I could sense she wanted me to Đồng Nai province. It was huge and and created by artists, for artists. come home. totally deserted. “After a year of massive upheaval, “You should eat more. We will We had to share rooms, 14 people Makeshift Publics will support try to send you more money for in each, and were assigned to a artists to investigate the new and groceries. Have a good night bed, given toothbrush, toothpaste, different relationships between and Mum and Dad will talk more slippers and shampoo, and artist and community that need to tomorrow,” she would say before we provided with three meals a day. emerge, rebuilding our sense of a hung up. Without wi-fi, we could only buy shared public sphere,” Emily says. I’m fluent in English but I could limited mobile data, but at least we feel my speaking skills deteriorating had electricity and water. The sun Each year, 10 artists and eight and I was too anxious to speak up was scorching and the humidity facilitators will create work adjacent in online classes. For days I spoke to was stifling. to each other and share their no-one and I forgot what my voice The 200 passengers began as learnings and experiences through sounded like. I was totally isolated, strangers but soon became friends in-person and digital gatherings, with all my friends on the other side as we shared food. During the as well as acting as portals into the of Melbourne. I was barely eating day we talked, walked and played diverse communities that they are two meals a day and was waking sports on the exercise courts and at connected to. up at night and desperately missing night we sang songs together. I’m Selected artists will receive an my family. still in touch with many of them and $18,000 honorarium to participate My body ached constantly and I we plan to travel around Vietnam in the Makeshift Publics program, stopped exercising. Silence filled together. including attending three my world. Lockdown had worn me Quarantine lasted 14 days and key workshop weeks over the down and the Melbourne winter the hours stretched out endlessly. 12-month program, facilitated by a group of artists and makers. was freezing. I had no money, I was Our temperature was checked Anna’s shared room in her 14-day quarantine camp in rural Vietnam. A public open day will be scheduled at the end of the year. The outcome will be art that rethinks what it means to be a member of a public body, what it means to share public space and what it is that makes us a public. Makeshift Publics is open to all Victorian-based artists but it is geared towards mid-career and established artists.

Jackie Johnston is marketing manager at Arts House.

Want to know more? Find out about Makeshift Publics at artshouse.com.au Anna (kneeling with mask) and friends after release from quarantine. Anna and fellow passengers entering quarantine. North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 7

Spoonsville stirs up some fun at St Michael’s Telling the truth about history Steven Hubbard Melinda Hinkson poonville came to St Michael’s Primary ver two weeks in September, the in September. The colourful collection of S Institute of Postcolonial Studies and the spoons started growing in the median strip O Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and of Brougham Street, just outside the school’s Globalisation, Deakin University, co-hosted a front door. series of discussions via Zoom on the theme The Spoonville phenomenon began in ‘Decolonising Truth in Australia’. Britain and was then embraced all around Globally, truth-telling has been linked to Melbourne’s suburbs when the harsh processes of recognition and reconciliation lockdown began. Gaggles of spoons, within multicultural societies. In Australia, creatively decorated with googly eyes and it has gained new momentum in the wake of all shapes and sizes, suddenly appeared in of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and parks and gardens. negotiations towards a treaty in Victoria and St Michael’s students were quick to join in the Northern Territory. the fun after wellbeing leader Erin Jenkins The idea of ‘decolonising’ truth-telling promoted the idea to lift everyone’s spirits focuses attention on shifting the underlying during what seemed an endless lockdown. power relationships. “It was just so wonderful to see families and Victoria Cherokee scholar Jeff Corntassel, from the strangers stopping to look at our Spoonville Police’s Luke Cornelius with University of Victoria in Canada, gave an and even contributing to it,” she said. St Michael’s inspired presentation on ‘The stories that Other teachers were quick to echo Erin’s student shape us: Truth-telling, Reconciliation and comments. “I was amazed at the number of leaders. Indigenous Nationhood’ , sharing examples of spoons the children, their families and local regeneration of land relationships, community people contributed. With so many people sustainability and cultural practices. involved and putting their creative hats on, Australian historian Lyndall Ryan presented it brought a real sense of community spirit,” the University of Newcastle’s online map of class teacher Fiona Dunne said. colonial frontier massacres across Australia, Some students brought spoons from home, 1788–1930. The map is a remarkable and we can only wonder how many kitchen reference with great potential for use in drawers were raided by children desperate schools and other educational settings. to join in the fun. St Michael’s also provided Panel discussions shared ideas for the wooden spoons that could be picked up from ways in which truth-telling can foster new the office by any spoonless students. relationships of care and justice between Our school was privileged to host two people and the places in which we live – important visitors who made special trips locally, nationally and globally. Plans are to inspect our Spoonville. One was Victoria underway for a second series in 2021. Police assistant commissioner Luke Cornelius who dropped in to add his own Gruffalo The citizens Melinda Hinkson is director of the Institute of spoon as well some police spoons. of Spoonville Postcolonial Studies in Curzon Street, North A second guest was the Greens state MP for come in all Melbourne. sizes and Melbourne, Ellen Sandell, who planted some Want to know more? shapes. Halloween spoons then spent time chatting The digital map of Colonial Frontier Massacres with delighted school student leaders thought about our very own Spoonville, their character,” another added. And of course, in Australia, 1788-1930 can be accessed at Elisapeta, Siona, Mia and Astha. excited comments came tumbling out. football got a mention with one girl bursting c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmassacres Ultimately, it was the enthusiasm of all our “I created a spoon for each member of out, “I created an AFL spoon player.” Recordings of the Decolonising Truth in children that shows the activity’s success. my family,” said one student. “Everyone at Steven Hubbard is deputy principal at St Michael’s. Australia discussion series are at the Institute of When one of our classes was asked what they home got crafty and made their own spoony Postcolonial Studies website: ipcs.org.au 8 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

would have liked my column to start: House, which is hopefully still yellow. I“I’m writing this as I’m enjoying a very impressive The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which picnic, perched upon a rocky headland I’ve NEVER been to. And there’s always overlooking the great Pacific Ocean. A sooooo much to be seen in Christchurch. few hundred metres away, sperm whales    are frolicking. I’m not in Melbourne, I’m Reinhardt. She’s run into some problems I want to visit Laurence Gere in Timaru, not even in Australia. I have used my with her boat – a Super Yacht called between Christchurch and Dunedin. Kiwi citizenship to escape your infernal THE WORLD. It’s about 87 feet long Most of all, I want to visit Waitati in lockdown.” Well, that’s how I wanted to and dripping in luxury. It’s moored in Dunedin to meet my current dream cat start. But it’s fake news. Fremantle, but poor little Gina hasn’t been allowed to leave Queensland, friend Lewis. Hopefully he falls in love    where she’ll be living in a million-dollar with me like I am with him. He has David Unfortunately, I’m still here. As usual, I hovel. She can’t go and visit THE WORLD. Bowie eyes. And while I’m there, I want got everything higgledy-piggledy and Deep sigh for Gina. to see the magnificent Mandy Mayhem totally up the spout. As I write, I think I    puppies. Even my wonder dog, Nunga, can buy a ticket home to New Zealand, will find it impossible to ignore them. There is at least one positive bit of news flying via Sydney, but it’s the leaving       Melbourne part that isn’t allowed. I Do that has come out of COVID-19. I’m trying PS: At a News meeting a few years ago, Not Want To Be Here Any Longer. I’d go by hard to be a Wordness Creator Person If I could fly away to New Zealand, I’d do someone (forget who) said there was too boat if I could. Anyone got a sailboat they like Sir William Shakespeare. But wait stuff I’ve only done once before. So many much ‘I’ in my writing. I bet that she is not wouldn’t mind losing if I got lost due to a moment! An extra ‘Sir’ seems to have places to go. Auckland’s Civic Theatre, liking this column. the nautical skills I don’t have? slipped in there. I’ve done this ever since which became Planet Hollywood. Sir tony The Rabbit Abbott started it. Claudelands Bush, a forest remnant near    Spellcheck wisely decided not to award Hamilton. The North Island’s Lake Taupo. Very Impressive shares his views on life in each issue of Now, on the subject of boats. Let’s him a capital ‘T’ and because I’m such a The end of Aro Valley, past The Yellow the News. all spare a thought for poor little Gina good speller, neither am I. It’s time to break out the summer shorts and singlets

unners, you sure have run a great race In other exciting news, some of you Rduring the long lockdown! seasoned runners might be surprised While all of Melbourne beat back the MARATHON GIRL that I recently tried energy chews for the second wave, you all kept up the good Thea Oakes first time. I usually never use gels, special work. You survived the curfew and the drinks or anything like that. I hate seeing masks, endured the lack of events and them littered all over the path at running welcomed new running newbies. And, in 2XUs (that’s compression tights, for any Earth, which collects recycled running events, but I thought I should at least give like me, you kept running. non-runners). Their mix of compression shoes and gives them to the homeless the chews a try. Just before summer arrived, we spring- and stretch is amazing. and needy. It’s a great cause. So, I gave Gu Strawberry Energy Chews cleaned our homes and we have been However, the price tag can be a bit While there’s much to celebrate, it could a go. I ended up running my longest spring-cleaning our running closets. hefty, even nudging around $100. But be a while before fun runs are back up distance and I’m convinced they’re some We’ve put our warm leggings and long you can do better than that. I bought and running. But even with lockdown kind of magic. Or perhaps they’re just a sleeves back in the wardrobe, and now a secondhand pair for just $10 and I lifted, you can still compete in virtual kind of crazy placebo. Yes, sustenance it’s shorts and singlets on the agenda. couldn’t be happier. They’re great. events that cater for lots of runners and supplements aren’t for everyone, but I highly recommend you do some Alternatively, think about selling or even send out medals. Last month I they might give you a lift. sorting through op shops and start donating the running gear you don’t use competed (virtually) in The Afterglow Half For me, bread and chocolate milk always checking out secondhand sellers online. anymore. It could become someone’s Marathon, starting at sunset and wearing works best. Runners, get those shoes There are bargains out there for runners new PB outfit. Shoes can be donated to the stipulated neon clothing you can find back on and I’ll see you in 2021! on any budget. Personally, I love running Australian non-profit Shoes for Planet at Glimmer Gear. Thea Oakes writes a regular column for the News.

Dating deal breakers? It’s all a matter of personal taste

n a slow news day, one of the proceeded to describe all his grossest Operennials that always get an airing is dating experiences. Others didn’t get the one about the man drought. LET’S MAKE A DATE past go due to not posting a photo, not This story warns all the single women being able to tell the difference between out there that if they haven’t found a man Suzie Luddon “your” and “you’re”, and saying they liked by the age of 30, the odds of doing so are country and western. so much stacked against them that they But should those things be deal have more chance of being hunted down will be up against some stiff competition. match. She’s tried Tinder, Plenty of Fish, breakers? It depends on what you’re by wolves than by a decent bloke. However, statistics show there are up eHarmony, dating agencies, speed looking for. If grammatical errors make So what are women to do with this to 5% more women than men in any age dating, hanging out at bars and pubs and you break out in hives, or if colour clashes information? Move to another country group in Australia. Take into account the asking friends to set her up. But all to no send you into paroxysms of shame, then where the gender balance is more in their incidence of dating across age groups, avail. put them on the list of not-negotiables. favour? Settle for a rubbish relationship same-sex dating and people who have Sure, she’s met plenty of men, there Fear induces panic, so don’t buy into the for fear of being left out in the cold? no desire to date at all, and the numbers are a lot out there, but none of them felt hype that there are only ten eligible men Resign themselves to being single and become insignificant. right. Is she being too picky? Well, there left on the planet and that none of them adopt a million cats? But that doesn’t change the perception was one guy who showed up for a date lives in Melbourne. And don’t lower your Speaking of cats, does anyone else that finding a good man is akin to wearing a check shirt and striped shorts, standards. Just be clear about what you smell a rat here? Are there more women winning the lottery and unfortunately is topped off with a classy socks-and- want and then get out and find it! than men in the population? Well, the just as unlikely to happen. sandals combo. There was no coming My friend Melissa (not her real name) back from that for Melissa. Suzie Luddon shares her insights into dating in each lower life expectancy of men means that issue of the News. women in their nineties looking for love is despairing of ever meeting her Then there was the bloke who North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 9 The Angels will wing it and Singer/songwriter finds sing it as they did in the past a new creative voice Shannon Colee

Rosie Greenfield ABC Radio host Hilary Harper, and choir singing the canon Dona Nobis aul Milnes used the recent we joined with other community Pacem. Pextended lockdown to do here was nothing much to sing choirs to create an uplifting The highlight was the attempt something useful. He self-published Tabout in lockdown, was there? afternoon of song. at audience participation, and his debut novel, Battle of Bands, Errol’s Angels community choir was The chief firefighter from the choir members dispersed among which he had been working on for unable to get together to rehearse Mia Mia brigade addressed the the attendees to lead them in the the past 30 years. or perform. audience and was so moved by singing of each part. We aimed The local writer’s book tells of During lockdown, choir members our efforts that he gave a heartfelt to develop six parts and we built Archie and Lucy Saunders, who shared favourite memories of past speech of appreciation that towards the six by establishing first leave their country Victorian town glories. A highlight was singing brought many to tears. This event two parts then three parts before to move to a Catholic school in from the balcony of the Town led to the Mia Mia community jumping to six. The jury is still out Melbourne after the death of their Hall as part of the Melbourne inviting us back for lunch and a on whether we succeeded, but it mother. Lucy spirals out of control International Festival. We sang community sing. It turned out to be certainly was a lot of fun. while Archie competes in Battle of Laneway Labyrinth, written specially great fun and an unforgettable day. As Dean Martin used to croon, the Bands, eager to follow in the for the performance, to an audience Another memorable Angels’ event memories are made of this. We footsteps of their musician father. enjoying a banquet in front of the was our musical soiree at the now- know that the Angels’ good times Paul explains that the story largely Legion building. closed Lulu’s Café and Gallery in will come again. Soon, we will shaped itself over the last few years. Paul Milnes with debut novel Battle of Few have forgotten the horrific Queensberry Street. gather again, we will sing again, “It just created its own life, based Bands. bushfires of 2009. The Angels We gathered at the café with we will perform again. Rest assured on a handful of songs I had written. were honoured to participate in a friends and were able to have a that when we can get back to And there’s also a country side to community music concert to raise drink and a nibble in between sets singing together, we will! it, influenced by the fact that my contracted coronavirus in midyear. funds for the Mia Mia Fire Brigade. of our repertoire. partner grew up in the Wimmera.” “I’m happy to report that I’m very The event was MC’d by long-time Rose Greenfield is a member of Errol’s much on the road to recovery,” The evening culminated in the Angels. A singer and songwriter for 20 years, Paul has his own back story he says. that shattered his singing and At year’s end, Paul is proud of performing dreams. Battle of Bands, which he describes “In 2010, I developed whooping as igniting the nostalgia of the cough, which damaged my vocal music scene of the 1970s and ’80s. cords, and I haven’t sung since. Finishing it has led him to urge Being unable to perform has done other aspiring writers who feel they my head in,” he admits. have a book in them to sit down “I’ve gone into dark places since and finish it. His advice is simple. then. I started my own promotional “Just write. You can do all the finer talent and staffing agency but I stuff down the track. It doesn’t have lost that due to COVID-19. Writing to be perfect right away. You can became the social outlet I needed speak notes into your smartphone. and I became obsessed with Just write!” finishing the book. The past few Shannon Colee writes regularly for the years have been intense, including News. hiring and collaborating with professional editors.” Want to know more? This year was especially Paul Milnes’ novel, Battle of Bands, challenging for Paul. Not only did can be purchased on battleofbands. lockdown prevent the planned com.au. A sample of the novel can local launch of his book but he also be downloaded for free. Something to share? Do you have a skill, talent or expertise to share? Would you Photographer Meg De Young was on a mission to visit local cafes (see page 20) but was drawn into Heartland Records on the way. Paul, Gina like to start a club or discussion group? The Centre could and Lucy are happy to be welcoming music fans back into the shop on the corner of Victoria and Chetwynd streets. Drop by and step back into be just the place to get started. Call in or drop us a line at your musical history . [email protected].

MELBOURNE FEDERAL MEMBER FOR 10 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

Sport gives Simonds students a taste of freedom after lockdown

Hayden Wallis were so keen that they had the net set up within five minutes of the hen Simonds College final bell. Wstudents returned to school Rain, hail or shine, the court was after the long lockdown, it was always packed, with players taught soon obvious how much they to dig and spike, and they learnt had missed the usual inter-school the importance of teamwork in this sporting competition against other demanding sport. Catholic colleges. Some boys preferred a more So, our staff decided to be pro- individual approach and joined the active, and we took steps to ensure Wednesday-afternoon running club our boys had lots of opportunities set up by Year 9 coordinator Luke for the physical activity they love. Scerri. We started with some informal “It was a lot of fun and we ran competition with head of sport down in the Flagstaff Gardens,” he Sean Westaway taking our said. “It gave the boys the chance badminton players across town to to blow out some of the cobwebs play against our senior campus, St from the long lockdown when they Brigid’s in North Fitzroy. were all cooped up at home.” However, most of the sporting action has taken place at St Mary’s, Hayden Wallis is head of health and PE at Simonds. our Year 7–9 campus in Victoria Whistle about to blow to start the game at Simonds. Street. With summer in mind, our enthusiastic cricketers began fighting out test matches at lunchtimes, with each counting as a separate session of play. The tests were waged with the same intensity as any Ashes clash. Year 11 coordinator Taylor Dykstra’s online high-intensity workshops proved a real hit. “I organised teams and put the boys and even some of the teachers through their paces. The exercise routines were designed to create high levels of fatigue and they led to awesome fitness gains,” she said. Many boys participated in the volleyball competition organised by PE teacher Patrick Kirley. Players Cricketers take a break in a lunchtime ‘test’ at Simonds. Peel Street – from Haymarket to Flagstaff Gardens

Stephen Hatcher F. Todd, his wife Helen and their six Queensberry Street corner. It is still children arrived. They operated a on the site, now trading as Bobbie eel Street is claimed by both RIGHT UP OUR STREET family grocer and provision store Peel’s. PNorth and West Melbourne. It at number 126 from where they In 1878, 90 Peel Street was built by runs north–south from Flemington Stephen Hatcher served local residents in a building the local Thurgood brothers, on the Road to Dudley Street. now long gone. site now occupied by the market’s Its northern point is the part of the site of the Queen Victoria Street were commonly single-storey By 1865, four architecturally A to F sheds. By 1880, more than Haymarket roundabout (near Market in 1878. The remains of weatherboards. The first known designed early Victorian terraces 100 families were living nearby in where it intersects with Elizabeth thousands of early settlers still lie brick cottage, near the cemetery, had sprung up. A year later, low-rise Victorian-era homes. and Franklin) and its southern point buried beneath today’s market. belonged to a John Brown. Michael Flanagan’s Sir Robert Peel Some original buildings are where it converges with William, Prior to 1859, homes along Peel Five years later, greengrocer John Hotel opened its doors on the still standing. At number 111 is a Dudley and Franklin near Flagstaff beautiful Federation-era two-storey Gardens. home with its own private backyard It was named after political garden oasis. dynamo Robert Peel, born in However, Riggio’s Continental Lancashire in 1788, who twice Grocery Store, once at number 57, served as Prime Minister of the is now gone. From 1937 to 1964, United Kingdom. He created Frank and Angelina Riggio sold the modern police force, whose everything from coffee beans, tea, members became known as bread, biscuits, pasta, cheese and ‘peelers’. olive oil to razor blades, candles Gazetted in 1867, Peel Street had and brooms. been used since 1858. Even earlier, the surrounding native bushland Stephen Hatcher writes regularly about local street names for the News. had been chosen as a site to replace Melbourne’s first cemetery, Want to know more? Burial Hill, which was in use in the To discover more about the Flagstaff Gardens until 1837. history of the streets in North The newly designated burial area and West Melbourne, go to near Peel Street was used until melbournestreets.com.au 1922. Well after it started, it became Peel Street. Photograph: Stephen Hatcher North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 11

was set up, it’s never been empty, never,” Rita Totino, the school’s literacy leader, said. Book a stroll to Another little library is at 197 Roden Street, at a private residence. It is not quite in the a little library front yard – there isn’t one – but on the front verandah. It’s bright red and easy to spot. Two other North Melbourne street libraries Nancy Lane are adjacent to ‘little free pantries’, and they provide a great service to people with ow lucky we are in North Melbourne to hungry tummies as well as hungry minds. Hhave our ‘little libraries’ or ‘street libraries’. One mini library-pantry combo is at the West These tiny, protected book-recycling Melbourne Baptist Church at 4 Miller Street. nooks, accessible from the street and open The other is at Our Community House at 552 24/7, invite people to take books and also to Victoria Street. House manager Sabrina Matthaus explains  donate books they have finished reading and no longer want. Our Community House is a co-working Street Library Australia is a non-profit space for the social sector, focused on social organisation that encourages people to inclusion and social equity. “We want to help ‘plant a library in their own front yard’. make it easy for people to care and be cared Check their streetlibrary.org.au website, for. We’re totally onboard the book-sharing which enables anyone to find their nearest pantry-sharing movements,” she said. street library. Intriguingly, while several are Sabrina accepts the library is only a small The little library at St Michael’s Primary, Brougham Street, North Melbourne. listed for Parkville, Kensington, Flemington gesture but she feels it has had a big impact and Carlton, I found that only one in North in showing that the community cares and she Melbourne is on the map. wants to inspires people to share. That one, at St Michael’s Primary in “Our little library gives books a second, Brougham Street, was featured in the News third or even a twenty-seventh life. It is a first summer issue last year. It grew from the step in the right direction to creating a better school’s love for reading and was a way of community,” she said. sharing with the community and has been Nancy Lane writes regularly for the News. a great success. “In the year since the library 

The little library at the West Melbourne Baptist Church in Miller Street.

The little library in Roden Street, West Melbourne.  

The little library at Our Community House in Victoria Street, West Melbourne.

ELLEN SANDELL STATE MP FOR MELBOURNE

Hi, I’m Ellen. I’m passionate about a fair and liveable Melbourne. Tell me what’s important to you.

(03) 9328 4637 146 Peel Street [email protected] North Melbourne VIC 3051 ellensandell.com

Funded from Parliamentary Budget. Authorised by E. Sandell, 146 Peel St, North Melbourne. 12 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

From the archives

Michelle Brett

The North Melbourne Advertiser was distributed in the area from 1873 to 1894. Some of the most intriguing articles involved the criminal cases heard in the North Melbourne court. 1 2 Here are some of the stories that ran around this time more than 120 years ago. Cheeky young Dowling to end Step out of your door and into the past up with a howling (1883) Words: Lorna Hannan A young man named William Photographs: Meg De Young Dowling got in strife for giving Constable Sexton a hard time. He was charged with constantly 1. Pleasance Gardens annoying Sexton and making rude Canning Street between Dryburgh and faces. The magistrate gave young Abbotsford streets William a good talking to, then Charles Pleasance was the elected sent him home to his mother, who Lord Mayor of Melbourne in 1904 promised to suitably chastise her after changing his name from errant son. ‘Pleasants’. In 1864, he bought a homeopathic chemist shop at 85 Boys’ offence was setting Collins Street and renamed it Martin school fence alight (1883) and Pleasance. In the 1940s, locals Three local lads were charged with called these gardens the ‘Plannie’ setting fire to the fence of the Errol or the ‘Plantation’. It is still a much- Street school. It was put to the loved site for people who grew bench that the D’Arcy brothers and up nearby and used the ‘Plannie’ their friend, Sketcher, should merely as their playground. A local story be cautioned because of their persists that there are underground tender age. The boys were duly caves here. discharged to their parents to get a jolly good hiding. 2. Bangalore A landmark house on the corner of After-hours snowdropper 3 Dryburgh and Canning streets comes a cropper (1887) This handsome house, built in Edward Wrigglesworth attracted 1892, belonged to the Gidney the eye of the law for his after-work This is the first in a series of walks in Melbourne from 1934 to 1939 as chairman. It’s sometimes called family. They came to Melbourne pursuits. He was charged with around the area. the governor’s wife. In that time, she ‘Spider Park’ because children in the 1870s and set up a horse- was often written up in the press thought the old play equipment larceny of ladies’ underclothing breeding business that sent horses founders. Its dome is prominent as a great supporter of women’s resembled a spider in its web. A from locals’ clotheslines. While to the Boer War and later polo by day and a striking landmark at health and the Queen Victoria plaque to Tiger Gardiner is near the exact details of the unmentionables horses to India. The house has two night. The cathedral follows the Hospital. Funds for the kindergarten Dryburgh Street entrance. weren’t mentioned in court, entrances. One, the residential same church calendar as Orthodox on this site were raised at a 1940 the magistrate frowned on his entrance, faces the gardens. The churches and shares a belief system garden fete held at the University of Want to know more? undercover work. Wrigglesworth other, set back on the Dryburgh with the Roman Catholic Church Melbourne. Opened in 1941, it was Hotham History Project couldn’t wriggle out of being researches and records Street boundary, led to the Gidneys’ but services such as the Mass are rebuilt in 2020. placed on remand. the history of our horse trade office. Older locals different. The cathedral is known surroundings and runs recall the office door was later the for choral music for voices only 5. Gardiner Reserve Nasty smell about William’s entrance to the doctor’s surgery. Corner of Haines and Dryburgh streets regular events – walks, rotten bananas (1888) and does not use any instrumental talks and workshops. 3. Saints Peter and Paul accompaniment. The gardens honour James A number of books it William Cargotovitch had only ‘Tiger’ Gardiner (1848–1921). recently arrived in Victoria when Ukrainian Cathedral 4. Lady Huntingfield has published can be London-born, he grew up in purchased through the he began selling fruit at the local Ukrainian Cathedral on the corner of Kindergarten North Melbourne when it was website. The Project is market. Inspector Taylor was far Canning and Dryburgh streets 87/93 Haines Street called Hotham. He founded the keen to attract new members and from impressed with the quality Known locally as the ‘Ukrainian American-born Margaret Eleanor Hotham Football Club (later the encourage people to participate in of the fruit and charged him Cathedral’, it opened in 1958 and Crosby met Lord Huntingfield in North Melbourne Football Club). whatever way they can. Details: with selling rotten bananas. The is named after two of Christianity’s India. After they married, she lived He was also a player, treasurer and www.hothamhistory.org.au defendant pleaded guilty, said he was unfamiliar with the strict local sanitary laws, and was duly fined. Chicken thief gets a whipping for his foul act (1889) Two young boys, John Evans and Joseph Currie, were charged with the theft of two hens. Mrs Annie Smith had heard a noise in her poultry yard then saw the offenders running away. The magistrate clucked over the theft, fined Evans and sentenced Currie to 12 stinging strokes of the birch.

4 5 Michelle Brett writes regularly for the News. North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 13

Creative ideas for the post-pandemic world ahead

John H. Smith white paper on full employment that brought post-war prosperity to grassroots movement is Australia.” Astirring in North Melbourne. Emma calls COVID-19 an “era- Three highly respected locals are defining disruption” and believes significant contributors in a recently we are now at a critical turning published book that is truly ground- point. “We can’t return to business breaking. as usual, and great reforms have They are social historian been implemented at times like Professor Janet McCalman AC; this, often brought about by social retired politician and educator, democratic movements,” she says. Professor John Langmore AM; and For Elizabeth, the situation is educationalist Dr Elizabeth Hartnell- crystal clear. “We cannot simply Young. The trio have combined build back to what we had. We have their talents with Per Capita to reimagine the society we want, executive director Emma Dawson and then rebuild.” The book, What Happens Next? The book’s first chapter, ‘Time to Reconstructing Australia after heal; Uluru healing the people and Janet McCalman Emma Dawson COVID-19, is bursting with ideas to Janet’s interest in the project the land’, is written by First Nations stimulate creative thinking about began with her own family. “My leader Thomas Mayor. For Janet, has given us an opportunity to do carbon-clean economy, provides the kind of society we want, and involvement was driven by young this was the obvious place to start. things better in the future,” she says. quality social housing, extends how we might reach those goals. family members who, due to “I wanted ‘Uluru’ first, because the The pandemic has exposed a unemployment support and Its four sections contain short and the climate crisis and growing moral beginning of everything is cruel reality. Workers such as those mental health services to those readable chapters. inequality, are extremely pessimistic full Indigenous recognition,” she employed in childcare and food who need it, invests generously in Co-edited during lockdown by about the future,” she explains. explains. delivery, and others who keep research and development, and Janet and Emma, the book has John and Elizabeth were attracted Janet imagines forums, both society going in tough times, educates people for a future that a simple purpose. “We want to to the project by their own personal local and regional, that will listen receive the least financial and social we cannot yet see. alert people that a lot of creative motives. John, a key architect of to people’s concerns, involve the support. It is possible! Now is the time to thinking is going on about how we the 1983 Accord, felt the need for authors and share ideas. “There will Emma urges that we all consider get involved and to act. can get ourselves out of this mess,” a new agreement, while Elizabeth have to be specific rules to prevent what we value most. “Then we must Janet says. believed many people wanted to political partisanship taking over. John H. Smith writes regularly for the develop policies and processes News. She believes many people are see changes in education. There would be no banners!” that deliver those values but interested in working to reconstruct An approach from Emma to Janet Emma hopes the book will without entrenching disadvantage. Want to know more? society on a new basis. “Australia sparked the book. “I contacted reach a wider audience, shift the It is more efficient economically What Happens Next? is available has been in this position before, and Janet, whom I had never met, public conversation and build to invest in prevention of social now in bookshops. Forums to discuss we have several models to draw on hoping she and John would a mass movement for change. problems than to mop up the book’s issues will be held, but to create a new path – two are the participate in a conference I was “Present political thinking has afterwards,” she says. details are not yet available. Keep post-World War II reconstruction organising,” Emma says. “It was to undermined the foundations of Just imagine a society that your eye out for them. and the 1983 Accord.” mark the anniversary of a Curtin-era our commonwealth. COVID-19 recognises our First People, runs a Meticulous attention to barbering Joe Misuraca hairdressing. It’s such a good feeling and old-style clipperwork. We to see customers feeling better aimed to combine hairdressing and free beer or whiskey with every about themselves. You can have barbering.” Ahaircut? Cheers! I’ll drink to such an impact on somebody just Like any shop, Meticulous gets its that! from cutting their hair well.” share of colourful customers. “One You too can enjoy an ale if you He runs Meticulous with his dude came in – he had dreadlocks drop in to Irfan Ozalp’s Meticulous former colleague and now business and about 10 different hairstyles Room barbershop on Errol Street. partner, Lee Chen Teoh. “She has in one. A bit of long hair here, A cool beer is always on tap for such a passion for the job. We dreadlocks there, a shaved part customers. “It gives the salon a cool became friends when working here, a bit of a Mohawk there. And it vibe,” co-owner Irfan says. together years ago, and now we really suited him,” Irfan laughs. Irfan has been snipping away at share the business,” Irfan says. Some customers drop in for a trim Meticulous Room since the middle Lee is happy to explain the shop’s while visiting their sick kids in the of last year. A former floorer, he impressive-sounding name – Royal Children’s. Lee and Irfan get to made a dramatic career change Meticulous. “Our aim is to create know them well and have heard the four years ago and decided to quality cuts. Both Irfan and I are most heartrending stories. follow his hairdressing dream. very focused and we care about “One man told us about his two- “I’ve always had a knack for the every fine detail. We won’t let year-old who needed a heart game and I enjoyed doing my a client leave the chair without transplant. That broke us up. And mates’ hair, so, in 2016, I began a feeling we’ve provided a great next time he told us that a heart barbering course. It was such a service,” she says. had been found and the operation change to what I’d been doing and Irfan shudders as he speaks of was successful. When he brought the interactions with people were the old ‘shearing shed’ style. “We the child into the salon, it was so so different,” he says. wanted to build a contemporary amazing,” Irfan says. Irfan’s eyes light up as he explains barbershop, not the sort with your Joe Misuraca writes regularly for the News. the joy he gets from his work. “I love traditional barber with cutthroats Irfan Ozalp in full flight at Meticulous Room. WOOD PHARMACY 67 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 OPTOMETRIST Ph: 9328 1960 • Fax: 9328 1531 (Next to Errol’s Cafe and opposite the Library) ANDREW HARRIS OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.30pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm Closed Sundays and public holidays 9–5 Mon–Fri, 10–12.30 Sat, after hours by appointment FREE HOME DELIVERY MONDAY TO FRIDAY 56 Errol Street, North Melbourne – Phone 9329 9372 IN NORTH AND WEST MELBOURNE 14 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

THE LIFE OF THE PARTY Ellen Sandell

he long lockdown we all popping up in our local parks and Tendured made it hard for me schools. to get out and about. As a result, it This year was a real doozy for us certainly restricted my usual work all, especially for the parents who within the community. had to juggle their kids’ learning However, I was able to be involved from home and for the teachers and in two excellent school-related school staff who had to go above ventures. In the first one, I was and beyond to make it work. privileged to visit St Michael’s A massive shout out to you all. Primary’s Spoonville in the Thanks for every lesson you taught Brougham Street median strip just at home in your ugg boots. outside the school’s front door. Thanks to all the parents who I joined in the fun by contributing brushed up on their maths or a spoon person to Spoonville. science, even when they were Given the time of year, I got to tired to the bone. Thanks to all the work making a spooky Halloween- teachers and parents who juggled themed spoon, and it joined a babies, toddlers and pets while on thriving and colourful spoon Zoom calls. community. Thanks to the parents who had The second educational project to do their own work in the wee was when I joined in an online hours so they could help home video chat with students of St school kids during the day. As a Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre parent of two, ages one and three, about leadership and youth I feel blessed I didn’t have to do the empowerment. dreaded home schooling, but I do While these students aren’t able appreciate how hard lockdown was to attend mainstream schooling, for everyone. John Hood at home in North Melbourne. they are determined to overcome It’s been a year like no other barriers to their education and they and we’ve all worked so hard and are supported by the Queensberry sacrificed so much to get to where Street learning centre. we are. From me and my family, A lifelong link with India Despite the pandemic’s downside, thank you. it brought home to me how much Ellen Sandell is the state MP for I love seeing all the creative ways Melbourne. Ansh Verma the Arts handbook, opened it at Until COVID-19, John would leave people in this community find to Want to know more? random, prayed that it wouldn’t Melbourne after the Grand Final, t’s a long way from Dr John Hood’s make each other smile. It proved we If there’s anything I can do for you, be economics or psychology, and and return, like a homing bird, for unit in North Melbourne to the were all in it together. or if you’d like to know more about I picked the first subject I saw. It was the first round of the next season. vast Indian sub-continent. We started the year with rainbows my work in the community, please Indian Studies and that moment Of course, the virus has changed A genial academic, John’s in residents’ windows, then get in touch: [email protected]. shaped the rest of my life.” all that. “I worry about my Indian speciality is Indian cinema and teddy bears appeared, and later When he first met famed Belgian friends like Prafulla Roy. Some of filmmakers, especially Bengali Spoonville communities began Sanskrit scholar Dr J. Jordan, he my happiest times in life have been cinema. However, his path to the blurted out that he knew nothing sitting in his living room and talking study of Indian history and cinema about India other than having with him,” he says wistfully. was an unlikely one. “My initial area heard of Nehru and Gandhi. His John’s love of India and its people of expertise at university was beer new mentor waved his doubts is palpable. and billiards,” he smiles. away, saying: “Don’t worry, we will “It is they who draw me back. All His lifelong embrace of India teach you all you need to know.” those humble families who have had an unlikely beginning. “I was John never looked back. Soon he extended friendship and kindness a second-year resident student was eagerly pursuing his lifelong to me, who have taken me into at Queens College and I had a fascination with religion, ancient their homes,” he says. French Revolution history essay history and literature. He first visited As an Indian myself, now happily due the next day. I’d done no India in 1966 after finishing his settled in Melbourne, it has been reading for it and some mates and degree and went to Delhi, Jaipur, such a joy to meet John. I can I were drinking gin and looking Bombay and Madras. connect with the lingering sadness for a solution. One suggested I get “I’ve been to Kolkata more than in his voice. “Autumn is a lovely someone else to write it,” he says. 50 times and have a flat and car time in Kolkata. I would normally be John decided on another tack. there. I took a group of students to there now.” “I decided to drop that unit and India in 1975 and spent my long Ansh Verma writes regularly for the News. Ellen video chats online with St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre students. enrol in another. So I grabbed service leave there in 1977,” he says.

Madeleine Scully we have been making use of through regular Friday evening technology to stay connected with Zoom sessions, newsletters and The City of Melbourne Bowls Club, Bowled over by virus members. Our annual meeting in email updates. Some also report nestled in the pretty Flagstaff July was the first held via Zoom and occasional personal encounters Gardens, was bowled over the best attended in memory. The while out walking, though COVID-19. Barron. Some months back, when tough stage four restrictions arrived board has also been using Zoom for recognising our masked-up fellow In many ways, 2020 has been stage three restrictions were lifted, and we had to put all our plans on monthly meetings since March. bowlers was challenging. our most challenging year since members keen to get back on the ice. The club celebrated its 154th We mustn’t forget how fortunate we moved into our beautiful new greens were able to use the online The club has used the time to do birthday back in August. However, we are to be part of a 154-year-old building in 2009. Club members booking system and to comply with some work on our facilities and we couldn’t keep up our now club that has risen to many have been unable to gather in all the COVID-safe rules. our systems. The lounge has been decade-long tradition of an annual challenges over its history. The the clubrooms since we held our When winter pennant fitted out with new chairs and new party in our new clubhouse. That project to write that history is ‘Farewell to the Bowlo … for now’ competition was cancelled, tabletops, ready to be enjoyed night it was sadly empty and silent. nearing completion, and we hope function back in March. we made plans for an in-house when functions resume. Less visible Instead, we all shared a celebration to soon hold the book’s launch in The greens have for many tournament and were excited are the new systems being bedded over Zoom, complete with cakes, our own clubrooms. weeks lain unused but certainly with the prospect of re-opening down, which will make life easier for candles and glasses raised to toast Madeleine Scully is secretary of the City of not unloved due to the care of the clubrooms. We were running members’ accounts and bookings. the occasion. Melbourne Bowls Club. our excellent greenkeeper, Peter a limited bowls program until the Like so many other organisations, Members are staying in touch North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 15

or the Tobin family, winter and an entertainment area where In the rooms, we’d ogle our North FSaturdays in the 1950s meant post-match socials were held. idols and sometimes even dared just one thing – football. TOBIN’S TALES In one of VFL suburban footy’s to speak to the ones we knew. In Until I turned five, I’d be left at great traditions, home clubs the 1960s, I once saw the Herald’s home with Mum while Dad took Gavan Tobin used to host opposition players, Alf Brown interview iconic Demons’ the bigger kids to watch North officials and supporters – even the coach Norm Smith. Later, we heard Melbourne play home games at Memories of the old grandstand no privacy as players washed off umpires – for a post-game drink. It it on the car radio as we headed Arden Street. come tumbling back. It was already thick-caked mud then wandered was an all-male event and usually home. By 1952, I would head off with 25 years old when I visited Arden around naked as they towelled very raucous with cold beers and Mum often stayed home instead the family to the game. The ground Street for my first game and it was themselves down. colourful language flowing freely. of attending the game. When Dad then had few amenities. You had both a rabbit warren and a fire-trap. We kids would look down on Children weren’t welcome but the and the kids arrived home late, we’d to be in the know to get a seat The ground floor featured an the action from a mezzanine area. Tobin crew were well known and get a very frosty welcome. If North undercover in the grandstand. open area where players would After leaving our seats in the stand, we usually got in. had won, it didn’t matter. Luckily, the Tobins were in the crowd in before and after matches, we’d enter via a door manned They were simpler times and a Gavan Tobin will write regularly about know. My father, Phonse, was vice- always surrounded by hordes of by an ancient club stalwart. The golden era. We’d pat the police his beloved North Melbourne. The family old bloke would mutter, “G’day, president of North Melbourne, and supporters. horse before it ran out to protect runs Tobin Brothers Funerals and his dad, a wink from him would get us into Off this main area was a far from Phonse”, and we were in. the umpires then we’d jump the Phonse, is a Kangaroos legend. any area of the ground. A few years glamorous change-room and On the same level were a fence to pat our North heroes and later he became club president. separate shower room. There was committee room, secretary’s office have a kick on the sacred turf. Spanish book club turns page to bright new mañana

Nancy Lane suggested we read his story Axolotl, English, though participants were which is the name of a Mexican invited to read parts of the stories hen Fiona Bunworth was walking fish. It’s still one of my aloud in Spanish. Woverseas in London and favourite stories,” she says. When Lulu’s closed, the group New York, she saw some Spanish Fiona initially sought members by moved to Willows and Wine on language book clubs and thought posting the group on the Meetup Victoria Street. they were a good idea. website. “You don’t have to pay as Last year Fiona decided to focus When I returned to Melbourne, much if membership is less than on Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like “I was waiting for somebody 50, but online membership soon Water for Chocolate) by Mexican to start one. Then I thought, I’m went over that. Not that they all writer Laura Esquivel. The book somebody. I could start one,” she ever showed up for our discussions,” links a recipe for a different Mexican says. Fiona laughs. specialty connected with each It didn’t happen immediately. She then changed the group to month. Eventually, when she was in Facebook and also advertised at After COVID-19 forced the group between jobs and temping at the North Melbourne Library and to go online, they have been the Melbourne Arts Centre, she the North Melbourne Books in meeting via the net on the third found she had some spare time Queensberry Street. Sunday afternoon of each month. on her hands. This coincided with Each month, Fiona would select Plans for 2021 have not yet been meeting Panagiota Kagkali, a Greek a Spanish language short story set. woman who had studied Spanish that was also available in English. “We’re all very keen to start literature in Spain and who was Authors came from various Latin meeting in person again next year, involved in setting up Lulu’s Café on American countries as well as even if it means we have to sit Queensberry Street as an arts hub. Spain, and included Jorge Luis outdoors in a park rather than in a “Lulu’s was a very welcoming café. Borges, Isabel Allende and Gabriel café,” Fiona smiles. You could sit and chat at the bar. García Márquez. At least six people Nancy Lane writes regularly for the News. It was like a spiritual home,” Fiona showed up and the discussion was says. Out of her conversation with always lively. Want to know more? Pana, the Spanish Reading Group Fiona set no minimum language To be on the mailing list and receive was born. It started in 2017 and met standard. Anyone interested in announcements about the Spanish regularly in the patio at Lulu’s. Spanish-language literature was Reading Group for next year, email “Pana gave me the idea for our invited to participate, whether they Spanishbookclubbeginners@gmail. first selection. She grabbed a book were native Spanish speakers or com. of short stories from the shelf, an beginners wanting to learn. anthology by Julio Cortázar, and The discussion was mainly in Spanish Reading Group’s Fiona Bunworth in Errol Street. 16 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

Tiny Sally saddled up on Jumbo

Maurice Gaul moving at a fair old clip and the fans near the fence scattered in fear. n elephant running wild with a young Gavan Tobin, son of legendary Kangaroos’ Agirl perched on its back. It’s one of footy’s president Phonse, was up in the old wooden classic stories and it took place just down the grandstand. road. “I think it ran straight off the oval through Early in 1978, reigning premiers North the open gates as the crowd parted like the Melbourne were hosting Collingwood, their Red Sea. I’ve always thought it headed up the grand final rivals of the previous year. A huge embankment, but my memory’s not as good 31,000 crowd packed the tiny Arden Street as an elephant’s,” he grins. oval, dwarfed in that era by the towering In fact, the handler had managed to slow Macaulay Road gasometer. it down, and a breathless Sally was able to Enter an elephant, stage right. dismount. “When I got off, everyone was Exactly why an elephant was on the ground cheering. I felt like a rock star,” she said. Later Sally Wood rides the elephant at Arden Street (1978). Photograph: Channel 7 minutes before the biggest game of the she heard that Channel Seven’s Lou Richards season is lost in the mists of time. Some say it had described the “boy” atop the elephant. the ground. I wore flared jeans and my duffle outer wing as we pretended to be our North was advertising Sole Brothers Circus that had “Well, I did have a bowl cut,” Sally laughed. coat had Malcolm Blight’s number 15 on the heroes.” come to town. Her mother had seen her wild ride on live TV back. We were there all day, watching the The post-game kick-to-kick on the oval A minute later, an official asked the North and had wondered aloud what silly parents thirds, the reserves then the seniors,” he says. was one of suburban footy’s most cherished cheer squad who would like to ride the huge would allow their kid to do that. Years later, “I’ll never forget the elephant running rituals. “But that day we kept an eye out, just animal. Sally Wood, barely eight years old, Sally ended up marrying a staunch Magpies’ around before the game with the girl on in case the elephant had left something put her hand up and squealed, “Me, me, me”. fan. “The very first time I met him I told him top. North won and stayed top of the ladder, behind,” Vince laughs. Another minute later she was being hoisted the story, and he said, ‘Oh my God’. Now he so after the siren, I ran out to pat Blight on Maurice Gaul is editor of the News. onto the elephant’s back and into football tells the story to everyone,” she said. the back. Then we kicked our footy on the immortality. Now a 50-year-old postie in Queensland, “I was so excited,” she recently told the Sally is happy to relive her wild ride and she The pretend elephant at Arden Street (2017). Herald Sun. “At the time I thought it was has become a regular media favourite. Last supposed to kick footballs but I certainly year she shared her memories with Mick remember getting on it, and hanging on for Molloy and Sam Pang on Channel Seven’s dear life as it started to walk around.” outrageous Front Bar. Then, the unimaginable happened. “The 1970s was a magical era. I’d stand in On the far side of the ground, North ran out North’s cheer squad, my foot on the fence behind skipper Keith Greig and the massive ready to jump over when the siren went. Then crowd erupted. Spooked by the roar, the I’d go into the rooms, clutching my autograph elephant broke away from its hapless handler book, in my duffle coat covered in players’ and lumbered towards the outer wing with names,” she told the Herald Sun. little Sally, totally unrestrained, clinging on for That day is etched in Vince Misale’s memory. dear life. “I was just 15 and my brothers and I had While a bit short of stampede pace, it was walked from home in Queensberry Street to

Left: Old mates Scott Witham and Andy Wilson at Hello Jose.

Right: Mexican restaurant Hello Jose in Peel Street, West Melbourne.

Nicole Pereira The long lockdown proved tough for Hello Jose, and Andy shudders at the memory. ext time you’re heading to the Queen Say Hello Jose, Andy and Scott “We had established ourselves as a local NVictoria Market, glance across Peel Street taqueria on the city’s edge, where people and you’ll spot Mexican restaurant Hello Jose. had never been to Mexico and was wary that form, but at least I got the tortilla right!” could sit down, have a beer and enjoy. Then, Andy Wilson and friend Scott Witham, now customers might think the Hello Jose fare Andy reveals it was his first taste of a true when COVID-19 hit, we lost almost 90% of our a silent partner in the business, were work wasn’t authentic. “To be honest, we never tortilla that was a personal epiphany. “It revenue. We managed to keep all our Mexican colleagues and flatmates. One day they wanted to do Mexican exactly like in Mexico changed my experience of Mexican cuisine. and Brazilian staff but had to cut wages by decided they were “sick of reporting to the and certainly not Tex-Mex, the Texan-Mexican Until then, all the Mexican food I’d tried had about half.” man” and both quit full-time jobs to embark style. Rather, we wanted our own version of been El Paso stuff that was put in a box with Andy breathed a sigh of relief when on a new adventure and to pursue their Mexican,” Andy says. corn chips,” he grimaces. the green flag was waved and the doors passion for food. “In fact, we even toyed with the idea of Andy and Scott aimed to create a taqueria reopened to dine-in customers last month. “It These two ordinary Aussie blokes were running a by-line like ‘Inauthentic Mexican’ so (a Mexican café) that looked as if it had been was great. We did a week’s worth of Uber Eats curious about starting a restaurant and we wouldn’t get barred up by people saying lifted right out of Tulum, a buzzing tourist in just one night,” he smiles. spent a year learning the game. In 2015, they this is not right,” he says. hotspot in Mexico, and planted in West opened the doors at Hello Jose, their very Despite his passion for food, Andy is Melbourne. Nicole Pereira writes regularly for the News. first café venture. Andy gives a disarmingly strikingly relaxed, totally without pretension. “Unlike me, Scott had travelled to Mexico Want to know more? simple explanation for their choice of cuisine. He happily speaks of his first attempt at several times and he came back with Hello Jose is at 85 Peel Street, West “Mexican was just the flavour of the month,” making a taco. “It was a beef taco, with a thousands of photos that inspired the café. Melbourne. Bookings are open for Christmas he says. whole heap of ingredients and a handmade Our walls and interior also borrow from street and birthdays reservations. Phone 9326 3934. He admits he felt like an imposter as he tortilla. It wasn’t Mexican in any way shape or art and graffiti,” Andy says. North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 17

Africa – from the wilds Building a bright future of North Melbourne Geoff Pound ur Community is a social Flora Sciarra that the continent is the focus of his Oenterprise that assists not-for- recent book, The Last Lions of Africa profit organisations in Australia. Its riter Anthony Ham feels – Stories from the frontline in the North Melbourne base is the aptly Wright at home here in North battle to save a species. named Our Community House at Melbourne where he lives with wife The Last Lions of Africa takes the 552 Victoria Street. Marina and daughters Carlota and reader on a journey into the world I recently attended an Our Valentina. “We love being close to of lions. Anthony travelled into Community-sponsored webinar the city and we really enjoy the real the African wilderness to discover and was surprised when the host sense of community in the suburb,” why lions are dangerously close to mentioned that 1,600 people One in which you’ve got plenty delight in these majestic animals he says. extinction and to show how they nation-wide were logging in. The of friends, and plenty of time to by noting that when he first saw He and Marina met in 2002, soon might be saved. presenter was rising Labor star spend with them. A society where wild lions, he felt he had glimpsed after he had moved to Spain to He is passionate about these Andrew Leigh, shadow assistant your street is lively and safe, and eternity. Her review quotes his live. “We met in Madrid and the magnificent creatures and their minister for treasury and charities, neighbours are happy to mind lyrical description of lions that girls were born there. At home we wild habitats and hopes the book and the webinar’s focus was your dog when you’re on holiday. “stalked the earth as if this were speak both Spanish and English,” will draw attention to their plight. his new book, Reconnected: A Local cafés where people know their time”. he smiles. “Lions are the species that can get community builder’s handbook, your name. Creative communities Critic Tony Park, author of Last Anthony is the full package – a people interested in the natural co-authored with Nick Terrell. telling Australian stories. More Survivor, described The Last Lions writer, traveller and explorer all world,” he says. Leigh spoke of the ‘disconnection local sporting teams than you can as a “moving tale with a heroic cast rolled into one. A one-time lawyer Anthony credits the assistance disaster’ in Australian communities. shake a cricket stump at. The kind of of characters, leonine and human, for asylum seekers, he has been given to him by Australian biologist Compared to the 1960s, Australians politics where people work together a must-read for anyone passionate widely published, having written Luke Hunter, now president of today are less likely to be active to solve local problems, rather than about wildlife and wild places”. or contributed to more than 130 PANTHERA, a group dedicated to members of a community group bickering about leaders, slurs and Anthony’s next book takes him far Lonely Planet guidebooks covering conserving the world’s cat species. such as scouts or Rotary, or a slip-ups. from the wilds of Africa. such exotic places as Kenya, “Luke introduced me to many church. The co-authors write of the Set in the Brazilian Amazon, it is Tanzania, East Africa, Botswana and stories, some of which ended up in His analysis is borne out in pleasure of living a more connected the powerful story of one man’s Namibia. the book,” he says. many of our local community life and of the way that such fight to save the precious rainforest He has also written on different The Last Lions has attracted wide organisations. For instance, the collaboration enables us to tackle from imminent destruction. cuisines for Lonely Planet’s food critical praise. Fiona Capp’s glowing Hotham History Project has few larger challenges such as climate “I was lucky that I was able to guides and has contributed to review (The Age, 26/9) mentions members under sixty. And the change, inequality, inactivity and do my research before lockdown many newspapers on conservation, the disturbing fact that lions have board members of Hotham Mission, loneliness. stopped international travel,” he current affairs and politics. disappeared from 29 African which oversees the social service Their book is full of inspirational says. However, it is Africa that absorbs countries and their population is in of the Uniting Church and partner stories of Aussie individuals and him. “I’ve always been fascinated by sharp decline. Flora Sciarra writes regularly for the News. churches, are of a similar vintage. organisations that have done wild places,” he says. It is no surprise Capp captures Anthony’s awe and Worrying signs of social innovative things that have disconnection are volunteer connected people and that built up the ‘social capital’ of their local Anthony Ham provides numbers falling and charitable- a lookout post for a giving flatlining. If these trends community. friendly meerkat. were not bad enough, COVID-19 The book would make a has sent volunteerism into thoughtful Christmas present or even sharper decline – many a stimulating suggestion for your philanthropic foundations have had book club. It’s certainly a must-read their resources depleted, we now for leaders and members of every have fewer friends and we are less local organisation and business. likely to know our neighbours. Geoff Pound is a local resident and Despite this widespread minister of the West Melbourne Baptist social disconnection, Leigh is Church. upbeat about the future of our communities. He and Terrell are Want to know more? not writing a eulogy for Australian Read Reconnected (Leigh, A & civic life; on the contrary, they are Terrell, N), La Trobe Uni Press seeking to nurse the patient back to in conjunction with Black Inc. good health. Paperback: $32.99; eBook: $14.99. An extract from Leigh and Terrell’s Our Community invites you to use book paints an alluring vision of an the code OURCOMMUNITY at the ideal community. They define it as: checkout to receive a discount.

Temporary Relocation

We are operating from home & will reopen in a new North Melbourne location next year

For all enquiries, contact details are:

Phone: 03 9326 4090 Email: [email protected]

Wherever you want to go you can trust us to get you there 18 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

Toy pellets BETWEEN THE COVERS shoot kitty Chris Saliba off to vet

Suzanne Kundevska

mokey is one fun-loving kitty. SHe and his brother Bandit like to get up to all kinds of mischief. Smokey dodged a bullet after eating a foam However, it doesn’t always end pellet. well. Recently, Smokey found anything your pet could potentially himself in Lort Smith’s intensive care eat need to be placed where Everything in its Work: A History of How The Pocket Chaotic unit after eating four foam pellets, curious cats cannot get to them. the sort that are used as bullets for a Right Place We Spend Our Time Ziggy Hanaor and Daniel Gray- “It’s also good practice to wash toy Nerf gun. Barnett (Cicada Books, RRP: $24.99) your pet’s toys regularly to ensure Tobias McCorkell (Transit Lounge, James Suzman (Bloomsbury, “We were all at home and I Alexander is a young joey who they are clean and have no signs RRP: $29.99) RRP: $29.99) noticed Smokey was vomiting,” spends most of his time in his of wear and tear. Small pieces of a Sixteen-year-old Ford McCullen James Suzman is an anthropologist says his owner, Simone Demaux. To mother’s pouch. His mum, Nancy, once durable toy can dislodge and lives in Coburg with his mum and who has lived with the Ju/’hoansi her horror, she watched her much- has a talent for many things. She’s pets can eat them,” Tracy says. grandparents, Noonie and Pop. Bushmen of Namibia, a hunter- loved pet bring up not one but good at skipping, the piano and Owner Sophie confirms that When his paternal grandmother, gatherer people whose lifestyle three-and-a-half Nerf pellets. crafts, just to name a few. One thing Smokey has definitely not learned Queenie, comes into some money, predates agriculture. His research “The first thing I thought was, she is not good at, however, is from his experience and is still she gifts him an enrolment at St on the Ju/’hoansi resulted in his first ‘Where’s the other half?’,” a worried being neat. She’s almost a hoarder, trying his paw at Nerf pellets, Anthony’s in posh Toorak. Shuttling book, Affluence Without Abundance. Simone says. and is forever dropping things into “He’s so cheeky,” she says. “We between the two suburbs, his violin This follow-up book is a sweeping The family rushed Smokey to Lort her pouch – receipts, old cereal bar thought he may have learned a in tow, Ford cops some flak from his history of how we spend our time, Smith Animal Hospital where vets wrappers, bus tickets, bobby pins – lesson, so we tested him out with a Coburg mates. The violin playing is from the first planetary organisms could feel the remaining part of the anything and everything. Nerf pellet. He is still very interested endured to keep his family happy to artificial intelligence. The book pellet in his stomach. Alexander likes it in the pocket. in them, so we are going to be on but is seen as pretentious by focuses particularly on our hunter- The vet team gave Smokey fluids It’s snug and warm, but things are high alert for some time.” Coburg standards. gatherer past. For most of our and other medication to help getting too chaotic. He tries to keep This tale is a timely reminder Ford is muddling through life, species’ 300,000 years, we have dug stabilise him. Soon after, he was things neat and he sets up a filing to keep a watch on our furry carrying a lot of emotional up or plucked food and hunted taken into surgery with Dr Tracy system to put everything away, but friends and to ensure we put any baggage. Some of his friendships wild animals. This gave us plenty of Tang, who was able to remove the his mum keeps filling her pouch. potentially hazardous objects out of are getting complicated: he longs free time and a fiercely egalitarian remaining part of the pellet from Eventually, it gets too much and, their reach. for a girl named Ellie, his mother has lifestyle. Then 12,000 years ago the cat’s intestine. when a half-eaten banana gets If you do need help, Lort Smith serious mental health issues, and we began farming, which gave us “Smokey is lucky to have such thrown in, Alexander can stand continues to offer emergency, his relationship with his father, who famines, slavery and hard work, but attentive carers. As soon as they it no more. It’s time to strike out urgent and essential care to animals left his mother for another man, is also surpluses and big cities. knew he was in trouble they came on his own and become more even when government restrictions strained. He wonders where he fits Work: A History’s narrative makes straight to the right place. If he had independent. are in place. in, if at all. our 12,000-year road to the modern been left in this state much longer, Children will get a great laugh The hospital provides telephone Tobias McCorkell’s debut novel, economy look like a slow descent the damage could have been more out of Ziggy Hanaor’s tale of a and online consultations that allow Everything in its Right Place, is into madness when compared to severe,” Tracy says. cheerfully chaotic mother and clients to speak with a vet instead of a funny, heart-wrenching and the way our species has lived for “All animals love to play, it’s in their her exasperated son. Daniel Gray- visiting in person. refreshingly frank portrayal of most of its existence. Suzman writes nature. However, it is important Barnett’s illustrations offer the story troubled youth. Ford’s story that his aim is to get us to rethink to keep a close eye on them if an elegant simplicity reminiscent of Suzanne Kundevska was PR manager at of increasing isolation and how we work, where we place value small objects are nearby as these Lort Smith until recently. Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline series disconnection is told in the loutish and what we want as a society. can be easily ingested and cause of children’s books. Light, playful street talk of boozing and brawling A brilliantly researched, engaging, problems.” Want to know more? and full of surprises, The Pocket teenage boys, yet is also smartly often witty history that will appeal These past six months have meant If you require urgent medical care for Chaotic is a delight. written and organised. A coming- to readers of Yuval Noah Harari’s that we have all been home more your pet, Lort Smith is open every For 4+ years of-age story that devastates with its Sapiens and Jared Diamond’s Guns, often so it’s understandable that day from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm. Call sense of grief and loneliness. Germs, and Steel. there are more toys around the 9328 3021 or visit www.lortsmith.com house than usual. Small toys or Chris Saliba is co-owner of North Melbourne Books, 546 Queensberry Street. He writes regular reviews for the News. North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020 19

Noticeboard Emerging into a changed neighbourhood his year hasn’t been a classic, Frances also led The Centre’s work Talthough we can all be with the Judy Lazarus Transition grateful that Australia has met the Centre (JLTC) in West Melbourne, pandemic challenge so much more FROM THE DIRECTOR where she and Louise Cindric successfully than almost anywhere Tom Seddon deliver ‘Workout’, a program helping else. JLTC residents to acclimate to life North and West Melbourne will after prison while also helping them emerge from this unfortunate year This will be my last column as homework clubs in Errol Street and with job search and interview skills. changed by the experience. It may director of The Centre (publisher Alfred Street in North Melbourne    take a while to see how we will of the North & West Melbourne and also at the Altona North Library. As I go, I am thrilled to actually do so, but some things are News), a role I have relished over With sessions interrupted by congratulate Maurice, Anne, Janet The North and West Melbourne already clear. Not every local shop the past two and a half years. From COVID for much of the year, Frances and the whole News team for the News is a quarterly publication paper’s much-deserved recognition produced by volunteers from that had to close during the year next year’s autumn issue of the was pleased when the West at this year’s Community North and West Melbourne and the will reopen. Not every person who News, this space will be occupied Melbourne Baptist Community inner city. spent months all but housebound by incoming director Ariel Valent. Centre with its large meeting Newspaper Association of Victoria Readers’ contributions and letters will immediately feel comfortable in I wish Ariel good times and great hall offered to host club sessions, awards (see page 1). It’s a shame are welcomed. Where relevant crowds again, masked or not. success for the future. allowing some students to return as there wasn’t a separate award for the News may seek alternative As neighbours, we’ve all been    Melbourne’s lockdown lifted. our dedicated delivery team as well! opinions in the interests of balance. pretty good to each other this past Thursday 12 November marked Contributors’ opinions are their own, year. Let’s maintain that as we all the end of Frances McMillan’s long however, and the News takes no contribute to keeping everyone tenure as coordinator of foundation Thank you to News distributors for 2020 responsibility for them. We reserve safe while also getting our lives programs at The Centre. Despite the difficulties this year, our intrepid volunteers delivered four the right to edit or omit articles bumper issues of the News to North and West Melbourne letterboxes. considered unsuitable or when back on track. This role involved driving our Thank to the following distributors for their fantastic commitment. space is limited. Articles should be submitted CraigLong-time Barry club tutor andAgnes Girdwood Nancy Nankervis by email to [email protected]. Annesupervisor Burgi Laurence AngwinJanet is Graham Robert Niemann au. Please use minimal formatting Lisbethtaking overCastellano leadership of theSusan Harraway Kay and Rob Oke and do not embed graphics in Timhomework Cremean program. Karen Hayes Jacques Péril documents. Photographs of suitable AnthonyThe other Denehey half of Frances’ Maryrole was Kehoe Annette Rowan resolution for reproduction should Meg De Young Jan Lacey Eiko Sakaguchi be sent as graphic files attached Gary and Robyn Dowling Pat Lightfoot Madeleine Scully with the article. Elaine Drew Kathleen McPherson Tom Seddon Carolyn Fyfe Rebecca Mazzini Rosemary Tonkin Finance Alba Gatto Hanna Melissa Rahul Velumani The News is a program of The Maurice Gaul Helen Michell Samantha Wilson Centre: Connecting Community Jack Mitri in North & West Melbourne Inc, a registered charity. Costs of producing the News are met Christmas Services in North and West Melbourne through advertising, sponsorships, Louise Cindric, Frances McMillan and Laurence Angwin at Frances’ farewell gathering outside West Melbourne Baptist Church. With the uncertainty about COVID-19 restrictions, some local churches will subscriptions and donations. be unable to hold their usual Christmas programs. Donations of more than $20 are tax deductible through the ANHCA Health and Wellbeing Program – Term 1, 2021 St James Old Cathedral, Anglican Public Fund for DGR. Corner King and Batman streets, West Melbourne In-person Pilates and Older Adults Exercise Classes are returning to the (opposite Flagstaff Gardens). Check www.sjoc.org.au, for Meat Market and the Legion in 2021! News subscriptions the latest news. Subscriptions are available at the Cost: $197 per term or $144 Health Care Card concession. rate of $20 per year (four issues) sent Face masks will be required and participants must supply their own mat St Mary’s Anglican anywhere in Australia. The News is and theraband. These can be bought from City North Physiotherapy: Corner Queensberry and Howard streets, North Melbourne distributed free throughout North mats $20 and therabands $10 9.00 am and 11.00 am services every Sunday during Advent. Check and West Melbourne. Further copies Tuesday Pilates at the Meat Market www.stmarys.org.au, for Christmas service details as they are announced. are available from The Centre and 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne the North Melbourne Library and 5.30– 6.30 pm Intermediate Uniting Church, Mark the Evangelist online at www.centre.org.au. 6.45– 7.45 pm General 51 Curzon Street, North Melbourne 8.00– 9.00 pm Intro to Pilates/Rehab A 9.30 am service on Christmas Day is expected, for on-site attendance Volunteers and also live-streaming, subject to COVID-19 restrictions. Check www. 2 February – 30 March The News welcomes new marktheevangelist.unitingchurch.org.au. volunteers. If you have skills in Wednesdays at the Legion writing, drawing, photography, George Johnson Lane (behind North Melbourne Library) archiving, subediting and 9.15–10.15 am: General Pilates Advertisement sizes and rates for 2021 proofreading, computer technology, 10.30–11.30 am: Older Adults Exercise social media or design and layout, 3 February – 31 March Size Colour Mono please consider joining the team. Thursday Pilates at the Meat Market Full page (24 cm wide x 34 cm high) $1732.50 $1457.50 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne Editor: Maurice Gaul Half page (24 cm wide x 17 cm high 5.30 – 6.30 pm Beginners Production: Anne Burgi or 12 cm wide x 34 cm high) $841.50 $731.50 Proofreading: Margaret Langdon 6.45 – 7.45 pm Intermediate Plus One-third page (24 cm wide x 12 cm high) $610.50 $533.50 Advertising: Janet Graham 8.00– 9.00 pm Intermediate One-quarter page (24 cm wide x 8.5 cm high Distribution: Tom Seddon 4 February – 1 April or 12 cm wide x 17 cm high) $451.00 $390.50 Fridays at the Legion Writers: Michelle Brett, Shannon One-eighth page (12 cm wide x 8.5 cm high) $225.50 $198.00 Colee, Maurice Gaul, Stephen George Johnson Lane (behind North Melbourne Library) One-16th page (12 cm wide x 4 cm high) $121.00 $104.50 Hatcher, Anna Huynh, Very 12.15 – 1.15 pm Older Adults Exercise Business card (in Services Directory) Impressive, Harriet Lancaster, 5 February – 26 March Nancy Lane, Suzie Luddon, More information: 03 9328 3733 or www.citynorthphysio.com.au (9 cm wide x 5.5 cm high) $104.50 $88.00 Annette McQuarrie, Laura Misale, • Prices inclusive of GST Joe Misuraca, Thea Oakes, Nicole • Book a repeat advertisement for four issues for a 20% discount, Pereira, Flora Sciarra, John H. Send contributions, letters and feedback to: total amount payable at time of booking. Smith, Gavan Tobin, Ansh Verma North and West Melbourne News • Prices are for supplied artwork (high-resolution PDF). Layout Publisher: Tom Seddon The Centre, 58 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 services are available — talk to us about how we can help. Email: [email protected] Telephone: 9328 1126 Circulation: 7000 Autumn 2021 issue • The News reserves the right to reject advertising bookings that Printed by Express Print are outside the standards for a community-based publication. 5 Jones Road, Morwell 3844 Contributions deadline: Friday 12 February Publication date: Friday 12 March • Email [email protected] for info and bookings. 20 North and West Melbourne News SUMMER 2020

1 2 3 9 Follow the coffee trail 4 North Melbourne is justifiably known for its cafes and coffee, but don’t limit yourself to your closest cafe. Walk in any direction in North and West Melbourne and you are sure to find a friendly face, fabulous coffee and food, and interesting decor. Photographer Meg De Young took a trip round the area in the first week after the ‘Great Lockdown’ loosened its grip on Melbourne to visit cafe owners keen to welcome visitors. Clockwise from top left: 1. Matt at Ample Café & Bar (Howard Street) 2. Tina at Butcher Shop Cafe (Hawke Street) 3. Joelson at Twenty and Six Espresso (Queensberry Street) 4. Takumi at 279 (Victoria Street) 5. Giulia and Cristina at Paws 4 Coffee (Boundary Road) 6. Maximiliano at Fandango Cafe (Errol Street) 7. Beatrix (Queensberry Street) 8. Yura and Sean at Palette (Queensberry Street) 9. Bel and Jason at Code Black (Howard Street)

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