DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 ISSUE 37 PRICELESS WWW.SOUTHBANKLOCALNEWS.COM.AU : SOUTHBANK_News The voice of Southbank

„ Council compromised by „ Melbourne CEO refl ects on developer donations seven years at the top Page 3 Page 8 „ Start building our school „ Are you having a laugh? Page 7 Page 10 Residents fi ght to protect the Shrine By Sean Car

A new community group has been launched in direct protest to current, approved and proposed Southbank developments, which cast a shadow over the Shrine of Remembrance.

Freshwater Place resident and Vietnam this won’t happen and I haven’t heard from veteran Graeme Plumridge formed “Save him. So I suppose I’m just supposed to Our Shrine” last month after noticing a go away.” huge shadow being cast over the Shrine by An independent study commissioned by the new Prima Pearl development from his the Freshwater Place Owners’ Corporation apartment earlier this year. found that Australia 108 and the proposed “I think this is wrong that were shading Queensbridge Tower would both the Shrine,” he said. “I would think that all overshadow the Shrine during winter. veteran communities in Victoria would be In deliberating on overshadowing of concerned about that simply because the the Yarra River at a Future Melbourne Shrine is a revered place.” Committee meeting in August, Lord Mayor Mr Plumridge, who was conscripted in Robert Doyle stated the Yarra, the Shrine and 1967, captured images of shadows cast over State Parliament were sacrosanct. the Shrine, which he emailed to former Mr Plumridge said he and his group would Liberal Planning Minister Matthew Guy campaign vigorously to prevent any further after hearing of plans for the then proposed overshadowing of the sacred memorial. Australia 108 tower. “Th e only thing that we’ve probably still Th e former Planning Minister had got our hand on is, as everybody says, the announced the adoption of permanent and Shrine, which is sacrosanct and shouldn’t mandatory planning controls back in April, have shadows,” he said. which he stated would protect the Shrine from encroaching development. “Th e fact is Prima Pearl is already there so the boundary has shifted. Let’s see if we can After giving Mr Plumridge the same stop anymore from happening.” assurances in his responding email, the Planning Minister then in June approved Southbank Residents Group president and what will now be the tallest tower in the returned serviceman Tony Penna said he southern hemisphere. has been appalled by the lack of competency shown by the former planning minister. “I wrote to him and said that I understood that it’s going to be taller than Prima Pearl “It shouldn’t happen,” he said. and Prima Pearl was only in construction at “Overshadowing the shrine is off -limits, that point,” Mr Plumridge said. “I asked him period,” he said. how could you say this won’t shade “We will be fi ghting overshadowing of the the Shrine?” Shrine just like if it were overshadowing “He came back very succinctly and said ‘no, the Yarra.” it will not shade the Shrine or its precinct’.”

“A week later 108 was approved, so I wrote An image capturing Prima Pearl in Southbank overshadowing the Shrine of Remembrance. Th e image was taken by back to him again and said how can you say Continued on page 2. Southbank resident Graeme Plumridge from his apartment at Freshwater Place.

WE ARE YOUR LOCAL GROCER! 182 City Road, SOUTHBANK 2 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS ISSUE 37 Season’s greetings Southbank Welcome to the fi nal edition of the ‘Southbank Local News’ for 2014. Suite 108, 198 Harbour Esplanade PO Box 23008 Docklands 8012 Tel: 8689 7980 Fax: 9602 2929 Domain and Montague underground train the Southbank community. stations, overshadowing of the Yarra and the www.southbanklocalnews.com.au To our readers – thank you for picking up Sean Car 2014 International AIDS Conference. a copy of the Southbank Local News each Editor: Sean Car And in a bid to keep our ever-growing month and for sharing your stories with us community up to speed with local events, this year. Publisher: Shane Scanlan I can also proudly say that 2014 marks the I’d like to wish all readers, contributors and achievement of a new record in size and Tel: 8689 7980 Fax: 9602 2929 advertisers a happy and safe festive season circulation of the Southbank Local News. [email protected] While I have only witnessed six months of with friends and family. news fi rst-hand since coming in as new It’s only due to the continued support of Reader contributions are welcome. Southbank Local News will be back with its editor for my predecessor Sean Rogasch in our valued advertisers that we are able to Please send articles and images to fi rst edition for 2015 in February and we look July, I can confi dently say there has been broaden our reach within the local area [email protected] forward to bringing you more news from anything but a shortage of content to fi ll our and I’d like to say a special thanks to the postcode 3006 next year. pages. local stakeholders who have invested in this Deadline for edition 38 is February 5. Some of the major stories the newspaper community asset. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. has covered this year have included the I’d also like to thank our regular columnists, approval of Australia 108, City Rd’s future who each month provide the newspaper Sean Car development, the announcement of the with interesting perspectives to share with Editor CONNECT Residents fi ght to protect Shrine Keep up to date with local news & events. Follow us on Twitter Continued from page 1. @SOUTHBANK_News “It’s sacrosanct and I am appalled at seeing “We want to make sure that everybody has the applications that have been approved clarity on the rules rather than the current and I believe the minister claimed that he mess of a developer-driven frenzy that Like us on Facebook was not aware, which to me says that the Matthew Guy has left behind,” he said. Southbank Local News minister is incompetent.” Mr Plumridge said “Save Our Shrine” would Mr Penna said he was disappointed by seek a meeting with Mr Wynne to demand the lack of public consultation and said he the following conditions were met to protect hoped the newly-elected Labor Government the Shrine from overshadowing: would adopt a renewed focus on the issue. „ Suspend any new project, which will cast “Th e minister should be aware, the minister a shadow; should be asking those questions, because „ Reject any new or pending applications; this is absolutely fundamental and critical. and It’s part of our heritage. It’s part of our community and it’s just wrong.” „ Commit the Government to enforcing planning controls, which prevent Albert Park MLA Martin Foley said his overshadowing. government, featuring newly-appointed Planning Minister Richard Wynne, was To register support on the issue visit committed to cleaning up the mess left by www.savourshrine.com.au Mr Guy. Prima Pearl tower in Southbank.

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Make the most of your lunch break and admire the city from the Southgate side of the river. Dine in over an express restaurant lunch menu, or enjoy a quick bite at Melbourne’s bustling riverside food court. Fresh air and spectacular city views are on the house. ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 3 Council compromised by developer donations

City of Melbourne councillors were unable to consider a planning application last month because too many of them had received election campaign contributions from the developer.

On November 11, the Future Melbourne Committee was left without a quorum and was, therefore, unable to consider a Southbank planning matter relating to developer Central Equity. Central Equity already has a planning permit Former Melton man Rehmat Sandhu. Image: Facebook for the site at 199 City Rd but has asked the Minister for Planning for permission to increase the height of the building from 105m to 148m and the number of City Rd apartments from 382 to 557. Th e site falls within a 100m discretionary height zone. Th e Minister has asked the council for its view on the application but councillors were death fall unable to consider the matter because four of the eight councillors present declared a A 21-year-old Melton confl ict of interest and left the room. Councillors declaring a confl ict were Cr Ken man has died after falling Ong, Cr Susan Riley, Cr Kevin Louey and Cr 20-storeys from the balcony Beverley Pinder-Mortimer. of a City Rd apartment in In the absence of a direction from Southbank. councillors, council offi cers will respond the Minister on Central Equity’s application. Th e Central Equity site on the corner of City Rd and Balston St in Southbank.

Rehmat Sandhu fell from his friend’s 26th Of the four aff ected councillors, only Cr Riley fl oor City Towers apartment shortly before responded to a question from Southbank 4am on December 6. Local News on whether or not, in hindsight, last election, Th e Greens were fully aware Cr Stephen Mayne said that, despite it was appropriate to accept developer that donations accepted by a team would supporting a ban on developer A police spokesperson said Mr Sandhu contributions. apply to all members. contributions, he defended the aff ect was socialising with friends before he councillors saying a “conservative opinion” “It has always been clear,” Cr Oke said. plummeted 20-fl oors to his death on the “I think at the time we were, I won’t say had been provided as to the breadth of the sixth fl oor patio. misinformed, but I think we were unaware Greens councillor Rohan Leppert said: “We confl ict. of the consequences of the team taking were unable to conduct business today Investigators spoke to several people who He pointed out that the same discipline was donations,” Cr Riley said. so, whether or not the current law is being were in the apartment at the time of the not expected of state MPs. incident. “I don’t think any of us realised the adhered to, the point needs to be made that consequences such as what happened the current law can result in quorum being “I don’t think it’s a major issue of loss of A police spokesperson said the death was tonight.” lost and in decisions not being made and governance or loss of process in the City of deemed non-suspicious and that police that, in and of itself, is proof that the current Melbourne,” Cr Mayne said. “I don’t think would prepare a report for the coroner. Cr Cathy Oke disagreed saying that, at the system needs to be reviewed.” it’s a major problem.”

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Federal Labor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten (centre back) initiated a discussion forum with represenatives from across the disability sector at the Boyd Community Hub in Southbank during November. Shorten shocked by state of disability

More than 20 experts from the disability sector gathered at the Boyd Community Hub in Southbank last month, for a forum convened by federal Labor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

As former disability minister in the Rudd- thought it would be quite so intense because, “We’re seeing people asked to consider aged Dr Morkham said the emphasis on disability Gillard government, Mr Shorten arranged under the previous federal government, care more than ever,” she said. “I’ve never services had fallen away under the Federal the meeting to discuss issues with a range there was such a commitment to disability seen it as much as it is at the moment.” Government and the previous state coalition of representatives from across the disability issues.” government. “While people are very keen to see the NDIS sector. Th e National Disability Insurance Scheme, come and value it, if you’re in a trial site – “Th e previous state government had cut National director of Young People in Nursing launched under Mr Shorten’s previous Labor wonderful, but if you’re one of the 99 per services, reduced funding to direct money Homes, Dr Bronwyn Morkham, said Mr government, is currently being piloted in a cent who aren’t the situation is becoming down to the trial sites. So we’re seeing Shorten prompted the forum to gain an handful of designated trial sites across the more dire by the day.” fewer services now with the NDIS than ever insight into the current state of the sector country. before,” she said. Among the areas represented by those and was saddened to hear that the situation However, as Dr Morkham and other attending the forum included housing, “I think while the NDIS is bipartisan and it’s was becoming worse. representatives proposed to Mr Shorten at disability services, health, aged care as well continuing, there was clearly felt to be a lack “He wanted a conversation, a bit of a the forum, for those living outside the trial as veteran and youth services. of focus on disability as a vital area of policy.” temperature take for where things were up to sites, life is getting much worse. Th e most vocal matters brought to Mr Mr Shorten told forum attendees that he with disability per se in the disability sector Dr Morkham said the situation was due to a Shorten’s attention were a lack of social was determined to see disability regain its and so on,” she said. signifi cant reduction in the system’s capacity housing and disability funding, which all prominence as a major policy issue, with “He was quite shocked to hear the to support disabled people outside of the representatives said were issues prevalent Labor to formulate its policies next year desperation that was out there. He hadn’t trial sites. right across the sector. ahead of the 2016 election.

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/ broadbeanorganicgrocer ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 5 Foley holds on to Albert Park once more

Labor MP Martin Foley enters another term as member for Albert Park after retaining his seat at the November state election.

A fi nal count saw Mr Foley win the seat with Mr Perkins decision to run for the seat was and both parties I think heard that message,” 53 per cent of the two-party preferred vote vindicated, with the Labor Government said Mr Foley. over Liberal candidate Shannon Eeles, who pledging $13 million to restore the “It was reassuring to see that the Labor party increased her party’s percentage from 38 to dilapidated theatre, while it will also deliver picked up that message loud and clear in our 46 per cent from the 2010 election. $11.5 million to open South Melbourne Park policy contributions.” Primary School before 2018. Th e fi rst-time Liberal candidate also won 40 per cent of the primary vote, which was “We’ll deliver on all of our commitments,” Th e 52-year-old was also handed the higher than Martin Foley’s 34 per cent. Mr Foley said. portfolios of housing, disability and ageing, mental health, equality and creative Despite the encouraging result for Ms Eeles, “Besides education and planning, there industries, while Richmond MP Richard Mr Foley said the result was a refl ection of are a number of health commitments. Wynne assumes the role of planning the key issues that community wanted dealt We’ll end the war on our paramedics and minister in the new government. with. health professionals and we’ll deliver on the community sporting infrastructure.” Mr Foley said the new Daniel Andrews-led “Well, you’re never confi dent but, given the government was determined to get cracking amount of work that our team put in, and Not much separated the two major from day one. the issues that the community made clear candidates at the Southbank polling centre that they wanted dealt with, the result was an with 1109 voting for Ms Eeles, which was “Th e day we get back to Parliament, we won’t endorsement of those issues,” he said. Labor MP Martin Foley. only slightly higher than Mr Foley’s count of waste a single day in delivering on our jobs 1049. outcome to make sure we tackle the looming “Particularly in Southbank they go to jobs crisis that the Liberal government have planning. Th ey go to a greater role for the Greens candidate David Collis won “I think the Southbank community, a left behind,” he said. City of Melbourne and the community in almost 17 per cent of the primary vote, number of owners’ corporations and having a say in that planning. And they go to while independent Tex Perkins who solely the Southbank Residents Group put “We’ll also make sure that we stand up to issues of what is the appropriate outcome of nominated to save the Palais Th eatre in St better planning, better design and better Tony Abbott’s cuts in education, health and that plan.” Kilda, earned 4 per cent. consultation clearly on the political agenda public transport.” Developer’s request the ‘most arrogant’

A developer with the rights to build Australia’s biggest tower at 555 Collins St and over-shadow the Yarra is not satisfi ed and wants conditions over its form and quality removed.

Fragrance Mel-Vic (Collins) Pty Ltd has now wants the three conditions specifi ed in just as we did back in early 2013, that this into how the hell this happened,” he said. asked the State Government for the removal the incorporated document removed. incorporated document be removed from of three conditions that were imposed last the planning scheme entirely. It should “And I certainly hope that the next One of the conditions was that the building year in an incorporated document to the never have been put there in the fi rst place.” minister takes our advice and withdraws had to be for commercial use but Fragrance planning scheme. the incorporated document, although I now wants a mixed-use development to Councillors voted unanimously to reject the fl ag the obvious sovereign risk issue of an In discussing the City of Melbourne’s include residential. request and, taking the matter further, also international investor who suddenly has the response to the planning department on the requested the removal of the over-shadowing Condition one reads: “Th e building must be rules of the game changed on them.” request on November 11, Cr Rohan Leppert exemption. iconic in nature and design, demonstrate a labeled the application: “possibly the most “Th is has been a sordid chapter the likes of high degree of architectural merit, provide Cr Stephen Mayne said he had some arrogant request that we have ever looked at”. which I hope we never see again,” he said. excellent public realm outcomes, and deliver sympathy for the developer should the rules Councillors were appalled last year when high quality economic and environmentally be changed after the purchase but, he said, it Th e council’s planning chair, Cr Ken Ong, the Planning Minister Matthew Guy granted sustainable offi ces.” should not have happened in the fi rst place. said the lesson for developers was to speak permission to build a 400m tower which with the council and do their “due diligence”. Cr Leppert said: “Th e request to change “Th ere are a range of parties with a lot of would over-shadow Southbank almost to the incorporated document conditions questions to answer and I hope that the He said he could understand developers City Rd. are an absolute nonsense and our offi cers next planning minister will release some be confused with agents telling them that Since then, Fragrance bought the site but have gone one step further to recommend, information so we can have a serious inquiry almost anything goes in Melbourne.

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Ray White Southbank 111 Clarendon Street, Southbank 3006, VIC P:(03) 8102 0200 F:(03) 8080 3284 ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 7 Green light for spending

Melbourne’s “people’s panel” has given a green light to the City of Melbourne to increase rates, sell assets, borrow money, spend more on “green initiatives”, maintain community services and cut capital works spending.

Local MP Martin Foley (right) and TwoSchoolsNow’s Marie Walters (left) and Julie Brown (centre) with children Jack Walters 7, Bryson Walters 5 and Madelyn Brown In May, the City of Melbourne determined to bring together a representative group of 43 people to help guide the development of its 10-year fi nancial plan. Th e panel’s report was submitted to a special meeting of the Future Melbourne Start building our school Committee on November 17. In its report, the panel also cautioned the Education lobby group TwoSchoolsNow has wasted no time in putting the pressure on the newly- council on over-spending on the Queen Victoria Market redevelopment and said it elected Labor Government to make good on its promise to deliver South Melbourne Park Primary wanted motorcycles off footpaths. by 2018. Th e panel presented a list of issues it wants the council to advocate on, including: Th e group’s treasurer Martin Lawrence Mr Lawrence said TwoSchoolsNow would arrangements for the proposed Prahran „ Improved public transport; congratulated local MP Martin Foley and be immediately seeking a meeting with the College.” „ More schools; Labor on winning the election and said the incoming education minister James Merlino group was looking forward to working with to ensure plans were carried out. Mr Lawrence also acknowledged the „ Higher congestion taxes on cars in the the new government to ensure education contributions of Liberal candidate central city; “Th e demographics of the area are such promises were fulfi lled. Shannon Eeles and Greens candidate that we probably need more than just one David Collis. „ Higher open space contributions, “Martin Foley is the local member and we school, especially if you have a look at the developers levies and more control of know we can work with Martin Foley. He Fishermans Bend development and also just He said he was proud of the hard work development for the city; and the number of young families with kids.” undertaken by TwoSchoolsNow and the has been very approachable and helpful „ More state-based welfare. to us and now our focus is on delivery,” Mr local community in raising the volume on “You’re going to need more schools because Lawrence said. the issue in lead up to the election. Th e panel met six times between August you’re talking about 50-100,000 people and a 23 and November 8 to determine its town of about 50-100,000 people would have “It’s been great,” he said. “It’s a small “It’s great that we have someone elected who position. At its fi fth meeting, it engaged lots and lots of schools.” group of very committed people and all has a crystal clear pledge on getting South with councillors and presented its report I can say is we’d love to have more on Melbourne Park Primary up and running by Mr Foley said his government would waste to councillors at the meeting on November board. While the election might be done, 2018. We expect that will be delivered and no time in making the area’s education 11. Councillors formally responded on the issues are not over.” obviously one of our jobs is to hold them to needs a top priority. November 25. that.” “We’ll deliver on all of our commitments and “I think one of the things we managed to At the November 17 meeting, councillors However, while Mr Lawrence said it the fi rst of those will be the South Melbourne do at TwoSchoolsNow is do a great job engaged with a number of panelists was great that the area would receive a Park Primary School in Albert Rd,” he said. in making sure people are very aware of selected to present the elements of their school during the next term of the current where both parties stood on education reports. government, the passing of the election had “It will be delivering a new campus for Albert issues in the electorate and that was really not resolved the education crisis in the area. Park College. It will be releasing the data our focus.” Th e report will be embedded as a whole around what are the projections and current into the draft 10-Year Financial Plan as Th e Labor Government has promised it will status for the Ferrars St-Fishermans Bend “Schools take time to build and plan, so a key reference document, including an review the Liberal’s proposed Ferrars St site site. It will be building stage one of Elwood there was a lot of anger about the failure explanation as to the extent to which, each and Fishermans Bend as part of its plan. College. And it will be fi nalising the planning to see this coming.” recommendation could be acted upon.

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After seven years in the top job, the city’s top bureaucrat retired on December 3 frustrated that the council has not able to do more to build community in Southbank.

Dr Kathy Alexander told Southbank Local of budget and, if you look at the international News that the suburb would have been on recognition that the City of Melbourne the right track had the State Government has had for the projects that it has run and Melburnian of the Year Prof. Sharon Lewin. also shared the city’s commitment to the the programs that it implements and the Southbank Structure Plan. directions that it has been taking, there’s no doubt that our excellence in those “I don’t think it’s coming out our way,” she endeavours has been recognised.” said. “Our position on Southbank in terms Melburnian of the structure plan is pretty clear. I think Dr Alexander said her task as CEO had also if we implemented that, we’d have a great been made easier by the alignment and community down there.” commitment of her staff . of the Year “It would not only be a great community “It’s a great organisation. Th e organisation with high amenity for the people living in itself is fundamentally committed to the Medical researcher Prof. Southbank, but it would also complement City of Melbourne,” she said. “We’ve done Sharon Lewin has been the rest of the capital city zone.” culture surveys amongst the staff and the thing that gets them up in the morning to “I think if we could get commitment and named the 2014 Melburnian come to work is the city.” agreement, the problems of Southbank of the Year. would be solved.” “Making Melbourne a bold, inspirational city Dr Alexander acknowledged the apparent is on everyone’s mind.” Th e Doherty Institue director was disconnect between the council and the And, while Dr Alexander will miss the role, honoured for her contribution to Southbank community. But, she said, the she won’t miss the 12-hour days and the Melbourne’s globally-respected medical council was committed to the suburb. burden of reading all the council’s papers research sector and her role as co-chair of the recent AIDS 2014 conference “Southbank is on council’s radar. Th e every Sunday. She also says her retirement is a good opportunity for the organisation to held at the Melbourne Convention and relationships are a little bit diffi cult, but we’ll Exhibition Centre in Southbank. get there,” she said. introduce new energy and new thinking. On November 15, Lord Mayor Robert “I do agree that the community She said a health scare for her daughter and grandson last year was a contributing factor Doyle announced the award. infrastructure and amenity aren’t that Outgoing Melbourne CEO Kathy Alexander. fantastic but there are plans for Southbank. to her decision to retire. “It gives me great pleasure to bestow the honour of 2014 Melburnian of the Year We’ve been able to go back in and buy “She had a very diffi cult pregnancy and it Dr Alexander said her time at the helm had to Prof. Sharon Lewin who is one of the the school and the whole Boyd thing has was touch and go for both herself and the been simplifi ed because of the council’s world’s most infl uential campaigners and become a bit of a focus.” baby,” she said. “Trying to ‘fi t in’ my family, consistent adherence to the “Future researchers working towards a cure for “We’ve had all kinds of ideas about how we rather than focus on them, was an interesting Melbourne” plan and principles which were HIV,” Cr Doyle said. time in my life.” could maybe put parks under some of the fi rst suggested by the John So council in In response, Prof. Lewin said: “To freeways and stimulate some activation in 2008. “And also I’m 60 and things start to happen be singled out for this accolade is a ugly places and turn them into beautiful after 60 and I’m fi t and healthy. Do I want to “I’ve had a pretty clear path to follow in those wonderful honour and something I’m places. Th at requires some agreement with wait until I’m 70 or 65 when maybe I’m not seven years,” she said. “For the past six years extremely proud of.” the State Government so we haven’t been so healthy?” able to progress that,” Dr Alexander said. the council has been working on a very solid Prof. Lewin was joined by nine other set of directions around those major (Future Dr Alexander said she would pursue some “We’ve got the plan for City Rd and there’s individuals, corporations and community Melbourne) community goals.” board positions where she would be able to absolutely no doubt that that’s a priority. It organisations, who were each recognised continue to contribute to organisations at a will be made beautiful and useable.” So, how does she rate her performance? for their contribution to the wider-city’s strategic level rather than at the operational success as part of the Melbourne Awards “Th e other thing we’ve been centrally “I don’t like to appraise my own level. program. involved in, in partnership with the state, is performance, but the fact that I keep getting “I’ve had quite a lot of calls. I’m quite the arts precinct and I reckon that’s a game my contract signed is a good sign,” she said. Judging of the Melbourne Awards comfortable about my future,” she said. changer,” she said. “Th e trouble is there are “I can certainly see huge progress being involved a panel of more than 50 business a lot of parties involved and our role is a made in the directions that council wanted.” “I don’t think I’ll be idle. It’s not like I’m and community leaders across a range of facilitative role. We want to really get moving going home to be with my family and work in industry sectors, choosing winners and on it but, once again, it’s getting a whole lot “I’ve always been able to report that the the garden. I’ll still be in the workforce, but I fi nalists through a thorough application of parties together.” plan’s been implemented and always ahead won’t be doing 12-hour days.” and interview process.

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ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 9 Fishermans Bend anger All steady More than 50 residents from Southbank and Port Phillip attended a public forum during at SRG November to have their say on the Fishermans Bend urban renewal area. Th e Southbank Residents Hosted by the Fishermans Bend Network Group Committee remains community group, the forum was held in an angry response to the now former state unchanged following the coalition government’s strategic framework group’s annual general meeting plan for Fishermans Bend. held on Tuesday, November 18. It comes after former planning minister Matthew Guy approved the construction of Tony Penna remains in the role of president 11 towers in the Montague precinct of the and Mike Vallis continues as the group’s area situated between Southbank and South treasurer. Melbourne during September. Speaking at the forum, Trisha Avery of However, the positions of vice-president and the Montague Community Alliance said secretary still remain unoccupied following Community members at last month’s Fisherman’s Bend Network Forum. her group was frustrated by the previous the departure of Dharmenda (Dave) government’s lack of consultation with the Poobalasingam and Andrea Johnston earlier infrastructure such as schools, public and local government based review of community. this year. transport and open space. the strategic planning framework was “We have been disenfranchised by the undertaken. More than 20 people attended the meeting, Helen Halliday of the Fishermans Bend rezoning of our suburb into a capital city with the group’s membership numbers Network slammed Mr Guy for ignoring the zone,” she said. “We have no voice in what “We want to make sure that it’s done having risen signifi cantly since Mr needs of the community. gets built next door to us.” properly and rigorously,” he said. “It’s not Penna took on the role of president from “We don’t have enough of this basic up to the politicians to pre-empt that.” predecessor Michael Smolders late last year. “Th ere is nothing over two-storeys here, but infrastructure to serve the current developers have been given permits to build “It has to be done with the community, Th e chair of the Freshwater Place Owners’ community, let alone another 80,000 11 towers more than 10 times that height and with the councils and with the developers, Corporation thanked Mr Penna at the residents and 40,000 workers,” she said. we don’t even have the right to know what’s so everyone has confi dence in the meeting for the “superb job” he had done been proposed.” “We totally reject the view that these crucial rules rather than the botched mess that during his fi rst year as president, saying the services will be provided by the developers. Matthew Guy left behind.” community was highly appreciative. Community members made more than Th at is just nonsense.” 160 suggestions at the forum as to how Th e group will hold a series of workshops During his fi rst year as a both a member Fishermans Bend could be improved, with Th e member for Albert Park, Martin Foley, over the next 12 months in order to create of the group and an offi ce holder on the immediate recommendations calling on said the newly-elected Labor Government a holistic and integrated alternative plan committee Tony Penna said he had found it the Government to reserve land for public was committed to making sure a community for Fishermans Bend. an interesting and rewarding experience.

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MEET US: Southbank Farmers Market 6th December CONTACT US: [email protected] 10 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS ISSUE 37 Are you having a laugh?

Laughter Yoga Australia and New Zealand CEO Merv Neal has brought the secrets of laughter health yoga to Boyd Community Hub in Southbank.

As a leading expert on how laughter impacts on human physiology, the Freshwater Place resident said he now swears by laughter as the best form of medicine having miraculously recovered from a life- threatening illness in 2002. According to Mr Neal, doctors had told him nothing could be done to cure him, which is when he said he decided to laugh it off . “I was working, drinking and doing all the things to constitute an illness and ended up with a very serious, life-threatening illness,” he said. “When I was given the news that potentially nothing could be done about it I laughed.” “When the doctor asked, why are you laughing? I said I have no idea, I just think that this whole situation is funny. Th ey said well it’s not funny it’s really, really bad. I said I just think it’s funny and continued to laugh.” According to Merv, the more he continued to laugh the healthier he became and naturally he became curious as to how. Since making his recovery, the 58-year- old has since established Laughter Yoga Australia and New Zealand, an organisation committed to establishing as many laughter yoga clubs and programs as possible. Having conducted two research studies into the impacts of laughter on people, Mr Neal Laughter Yoga Australia and New Zealand CEO Merv Neal has brought his laughter yoga classes to the Boyd Community Hub in Southbank. is now a qualifi ed gelotologist (otherwise known as a laughter practitioner) and travels the world speaking about the benefi ts of for six months. It has an instant impact on guaranteed eff ects. called on anyone to come see what it’s all someone’s being in a positive way.” about. laughter. “We have a saying in laughter yoga that says “What laughter does, regardless of what we can’t cure anything, but we can help to After conducting his research on negative “I have lived in Southbank just on fi ve years your situation, is provide a balance. So, if cure everything,” he said. measures such as stress, depression now and it’s outstanding. It’s absolutely something is too high, it brings it down. If and anxiety as well as positive measures “So it doesn’t necessarily solve a person’s brilliant here,” he said. something is too low, it brings it up.” including mood-control and self-esteem, he problems but it dissolves it to a point where “Essentially, Boyd Community Hub could said laughter yoga had a positive impact in “Th at’s particularly important. If you’re they can think more clearly about maybe be seen as a community centre or a local all areas after just one session. stressed, it will calm you. If you are lacking what it is they have to do and get unstuck gym so come down for some physical health energy, it will energise you.” from the situation that they’re in.” He said his second study, focusing on kidney but what about some emotional and mental dialysis patients, showed that laughter While many would assume a class practising “Th ey are then able to make some more health as well?” boosted a range of areas including the laughter would derive from a joke book, Mr logical decisions about providing a better life immune system and blood pressure. Neal said that was not the case. for themselves in regard to their health and Laughter Yoga is held every Tuesday evening happiness.” at Boyd Community Hub at 6pm. “Deakin University found through that According to Merv, laughter yoga instead research study, that laughter has an instant puts the body into a simulated state of Mr Neal said he was incredibly excited to be To make an enquiry contact Mr Neal at impact,” he said. “You don’t have to do it laughter through a range of techniques with bringing laughter yoga to Southbank and [email protected]

OUNDS of OUTHGATE with Kate Sadler SAn all-comers gathering of singers (18+) TUESDAY EVENINGS 6:15- ST JOHN’S SOUTHGATE 8:00pm Commencing 10/2/15 Kate is a master voice teacher, Come and join in the fun one of Australia’s most noted choral no previous experience necessary experts and a renowned composer. For more information see thesadlerstudio.com ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 11 Providing our Yarra with a voice

After actively standing up for Melbourne’s much-loved waterway for more than a decade, Ian Penrose of the Yarra Riverkeepers Association says it is vital to give the Yarra a voice.

“It’s apart of Melbourne’s life, the river is “Th ere are sewerage spills and there is a lot under a lot of pressure from Melbourne’s of bacteria in the water because of it. In a situation here and it needs a voice to speak modern city like Melbourne and a wealthy up for it and protect it,” he said. city, it’s our view, that it’s unacceptable to have human waste in the river.” “It’s important to our lives as a source of water. It’s the main source of our drinking While Mr Penrose and his group are actively water. It’s the source of recreation for urban lobbying politicians to better manage the dwellers. It’s a beautiful part of Melbourne.” city’s drainage system, he said encroaching development and overshadowing were also Formed in 2004, Th e Yarra Riverkeepers concerning for wildlife and those who enjoy Association is a not-for-profi t organisation, the river at Southbank. which is part of an international water keeper movement of community groups “One of the benefi ts of having the river caring for their local waterways. for people living in Southbank is having a natural space there where there is grass, Having only just retired in October, Mr trees a little bit of nature,” he said. Penrose had held the organisation’s top role of riverkeeper for nine years and still “Th ere’s an amazing amount of wildlife continues to lobby policy-makers and Ian Penrose at a meeting with Liberal candidate for Albert Park Shannon Eeles. down here and every time we destroy some campaign publicly on behalf of the river. of those natural areas, we’re destroying the wildlife habitat and reducing the space for Th e 68-year-old is still as passionate as ever the animals and we don’t think that’s good.” about the river and its history and said it was a shame that more people were not Th e newly-elected Labor government has aware of its historical signifi cance in the committed to implementing a Yarra River establishment of Melbourne. Protection Act primarily focused on reducing pollution and preventing encroaching “Th at history is not well known and I would development. love for Melburnians to understand that history of their place around the river, which While Ian has received the news positively, adds richness to our lives and living in this he said he and his group would continue to place,” he said. fi ght for the river long and hard until further steps were taken. “Th e Yarra is always a source of water for Melbourne and the fi rst settlers would drink “It’s a very noisy world out there and you straight from the river, it was central to their have advocates like us, who need to compete lives.” for space in this noisy world and so we advocate loudly,” he said. However, it wasn’t long before the river was too dirty to drink from or even swim in with Ian taking Albert Park MLA Martin Foley out for a trip on the Yarra Riverkeeper Association patrol boat. “We’ve spoken with that offi ce and they the growth of industry causing widespread recognise the encroaching development is pollution. taking away some of the values of the river Recent data from the Centre for Aquatic “Th e major source of pollution in the lower and it (Labor) has stated an intention to put While water quality has improved since Pollution Identifi cation and Management part of the Yarra is coming from the storm the Act in place.” those days, pollution from the storm water revealed levels of toxic E.coli bacteria more water system,” he said. “Th e river is a drain and sewerage systems continue to have a than 21 times what is considered safe just for our streets and, as a consequence, the To fi nd out more information or to get negative impact on the river environment, for rowing, which Ian said was simply river is highly polluted with street run off .” involved visit www.yarrariver.org.au particularly around Southbank. unacceptable. 12 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS ISSUE 37

MAB Corporation directors Michael and Andrew Buxton at Monument Park during construction. Monumental occasion for Docklands (Vault), Burke and Wills and the Marquis of that Docklands should be regarded not as an this fantasy city.” Linlithgow. isolated precinct but rather as an extension, Th e stunning Monument Park Th e project is funded by Places Victoria and integral part of the city,” he said. is being unveiled this month in A concrete facsimile of the Hoddle Grid is and MAB Corporation, the developer of NewQuay in Docklands. draped across the various monuments and “Th e forms are broken open in sections to Docklands’ NewQuay precinct. Docklands forms the base of the park. reveal new colourful worlds for sheltering in, developers are required to spend 1 per cent exploring, playing amongst and enjoying.” of the value of their projects on public art. Th e $3 million, 2000sqm sculptural park According to Mr Morton, the ground plane is binds together seven sculptures by award- imagined as a carpet – rising and falling as it “Th ere are abundant green areas that appear Joining Mr Morton in creating the concept winning artist Callum Morton. Each is covers the various monuments. through holes created in the surface of the were landscape architecture studio, Oculus, based on a signifi cant City of Melbourne carpet. Th e plantings appear as if literally and architects for the adjacent Th e Quays monument, including the “yellow peril” “Critically, we wanted to emphasise the idea erupting from the ground below to colonise residential building, McBride Charles Ryan. Art for Commitment to art's sake Docklands

Michael Buxton Andrew Buxton

Monument Park is our most ambitious art project. MAB’s approach to public art is to Monument Park is the next key step in the create engaging and welcoming pieces. We revitalisation of NewQuay. What was once always envisage people interacting with the Elma Crosbie thinks Monument Park is great for Docklands. a concrete plaza is being transformed into art rather than just observing it. a space for people to relax, grab a coff ee and enjoy life on the water. Art in the community is an integral component in the creation of a sense of MAB’s vision is to set a new benchmark place and MAB is committed to delivering Park is simply ‘fantastic’ for art and public spaces in Melbourne. art and green spaces to NewQuay. By Each member of our design team is a designing a unique landscape setting with Docklands resident Elma Crosbie thinks Monument Park multi-award winner in their fi eld. great public art enables us to deliver a NewQuay has evolved signifi cantly in truly distinctive space for the NewQuay is ‘fantastic’. recent months, from welcoming new community and our thousands of visitors. residents to Th e Quays through to the Th e beauty of Monument Park is its evolving “It’s fantastic because there’s been “I’ve been watching it being built downstairs creation of Monument Park as well as nature. By integrating the sculptures with nothing in this area like it,” Elma said. there for months now. It’s great to see it introducing exciting new businesses. In fi nally coming together and all the various landscaping elements, it provides a new “I don’t know too much about it, but as 2015, NewQuay will continue to progress colours being added,” she said. dimension. It will continue to evolve as the far as I can see, it also honours people with the completion of the Ron Barassi plants grow. who helped Australia develop in the fi rst “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how it’s Senior Park - Melbourne’s newest park and sporting facility in Docklands. Whilst there is a strong story behind the place.” shaping up. It’s great for the area.” sculptures, the beauty of art is subject to Ms Crosbie lives in the neighbouring Ms Crosbie has watched NewQuay develop Th e start of construction of MAB’s Aqui interpretation. It will create discussion; some Conder tower. She said NewQuay had since moving to Docklands six years ago. Promenade apartments early next year people will love it and some won’t. Th e best needed additional features to draw Th e views and proximity to public transport will provide another opportunity for art pieces always create debate. visitors. are what fi rst attracted her to the area. people to enjoy living at NewQuay.

MONUMENT PARK Opening December 2014 ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 13 Bitcoin arrives in Southbank Th e international digital currency phenomenon Bitcoin has come to Southbank, with the group establishing Australia’s fi rst Bitcoin ‘Embassy’ on City Rd.

Th e concept, which has taken off in countries Embassy “ambassador” Bruno Timpano “Th ey are, in eff ect, and ironically, the fi rst email anywhere in the world devoid of bank across the globe including the United States, called on the Southbank community to come non-nation-based embassies.” fees and, while the technology hasn’t been France and Germany, was offi cially launched and utilise the public space and learn more widely rolled out yet, it can be used in retail Bitcoin is a form of digital money, which is at 91 City Rd on Monday, November 22. about Bitcoin. stores via QR code scanning. often defi ned as “crypto currency” and was Th e Melbourne Bitcoin Technology Centre “Bitcoin adoption and community established fi ve years ago in response to the Th e City Rd embassy was donated by Bitcoin is a not-for-profi t workshop off ering free awareness has been diffi cult due to it being global fi nancial crisis. Group, which will soon be the fi rst company corporate working space to the local a new and emerging technology, but also in the world to launch an entirely Bitcoin It is the fi rst truly “country-less” monetary community, which can be utilised for any because it lives ‘in the cloud’,” he said. focused and orientated company on a stock denomination and is the only currency not purpose. exchange with the intention to list on the “Staying true to Bitcoin being global, printed from a central reserve bank, meaning ASX via an IPO in early 2015. A second Australian embassy has since the Bitcoin Embassy networks are it is not subject to infl ation, bailouts, austerity opened in Perth with a number of other global community hubs united in their measures or quantitative easing. Th e embassy is located at L1/91 City Rd in embassies currently proposed in other cities independence and are open for the people.” Southbank. Currency can be sent at the speed of an around the country.

Members of the media gather at the Bitcoin Embassy launch on Monday, November 22. One of the multi-purpose spaces available for public use in the Bitcoin technology centre.

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Members of Southbank’s business community were treated to another spectacular day for the Yarra River Business Association’s networking luncheon on Friday, November 21.

Up to 50 guests gathered at the Amarok Bar and Restaurant at Southgate Promenade for the last quarterly luncheon for 2014. All were treated to an afternoon of magnifi cent hospitality as well as a guest presentation from the director of the new “SummerSalt” festival Kirsten Siddle, who provided an insight into what would be in store come January 23. Practice manager at the new Medidock Health Centre Dr Sid Vohra also addressed members briefl y on his new health service on City Rd in Southbank. Th e Yarra River Business Association will hold its fi rst quarterly luncheon for 2015 in February. Guest speaker Kirsten Siddle addresses members. Lions call to arms Th e director of the newly-launched Lions Club of Southbank, Graeme Lukey, has called on the community to get behind the initiative.

Th e group set up a stall at the Southbank Mr Lukey said the group was already Farmers Market on Saturday, December 6, formulating ideas on how to help the as it began its push to recruit more members Southbank community grow. from the local community. “One thing that we’re considering at the “Th e Lions Club is still in formation,” Mr moment is, in fact, English training for those Lukey said. “We’ve been meeting now for who are obviously migrants to the area, maybe about 10 months and gradually which we believe there is a lot and who need establishing interest but we are still looking some help and assistance in establishing for members to get our formation.” their communication skills,” he said. Th e Lions Club movement is an international To make a membership enquiry contact Former MasterChef contestants Emma Dean (right) and Sam Gant (left) square off at the Southbank Farmers Market. humanitarian organisation, which was Graeme: [email protected] established with the purpose to serve the Farmers Market cooks off local community.

Curious crowds gathered at the Southbank Farmers Market on Saturday December 6, to witness a cook-off between two former MasterChef contestants.

2013 MasterChef winner Emma Dean and did a good job in keeping the fi erce 2014 participant Sam Gant squared off showdown under control. against each other in a fi ght for gourmet Th e former champion Emma Dean glory. whipped up a chocolate moose using Each of the chefs were provided with $50 and fresh avocados and berries, while Sam 30 minutes to shop the market and a further utilised some fresh Portarlington muscles 30 minutes to create a dish based around in her dish as crowds fl ocked to get a seasonal produce purchased at the market. taste. Th e contest was refereed and judged by In fi tting fashion the contest ended in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition a stalemate, with Mr Panetta declaring Centre’s executive chef Tony Panetta, who Victorian local produce to be the winner. Southbank Lions (left to right) Collin Wang, Sue Zhou, Graeme Lukey and Allen Cui at Southbank Farmers Market. IISSUESSUE 3377 SOUTHBANKSOUTHBANK LLOCALOCAL NNEWSEWS 1515 THE ARTS PRECINCT Sugar Mountain

Rat & Co Ghostpatrol

VISITORS TO SOUTHBANK HAVE ALREADY BEEN ENJOYING THE MANY EVENTS OF THE OUTDOOR SUMMERSALT FESTIVAL WHICH LAUNCHED ITS PROGRAM IN OCTOBER.

By Chloe Strahan

As January approaches, so does the lead Ghostpatrol resides in Melbourne. “It is a bit on an honour to be a part of Sugar up to one of the biggest events, the Sugar Mountain Festival this year. It is really nice “I knew so many great artists here and it Mountain Festival. to be alongside some really big name artists,” was inevitable that I would come back to he said. Held on January 24, Sugar Mountain is a one- Melbourne. I haven’t found anywhere else day event at the Victorian College of the Arts that I would rather be based. It is a good spot Amongst the decorated line up of musical and will showcase the best of contemporary to travel from as well,” he said. talent on show at Sugar Mountain will be music, visual arts and new media. one of Melbourne’s best new exports Rat & Drawing every day as a kid, Ghostpatrol’s Co, who have made a name for their unique Curators of the event aim to inspire and illustrations are infl uenced by his travels to electronic sounds. amaze visitors with interactive arts spaces Japan, early-80s cartoons and nature. and a stellar line up of local and well-known Th e group’s main songwriter and producer musicians such as hip-hop artist Nas. “It’s a good thing for me to roll it all up Josh Delaney described their style as being together and dig into my imagination, and based less on music and more on sound. Artist Ghostpatrol is one of many visual I like that it is a really positive thing to share artists that will be creating a display for the with other people. I like it when other people “Most of the time we will just be making festival, and says he hopes for something tell me a story about what they think an image weird sounds in the studio and working it untraditional. is all about; it is really amazing,” he said. into a melodic instrument basically,” he said. “Th is work that we will be doing with Sugar Fresh off their second album Binary and a “My designs are an evolution of just doodling Mountain will be quite new and diff erent. It is nationwide tour supporting Chet Faker, Josh and meditating on your own thoughts. It’s always a risk trying to do something diff erent the group couldn’t be more excited to feature kind of the way that I almost keep a diary, but that’s the fun of it as well,” he said. at Sugar Mountain. you know some people are better with words Ghostpatrol will be collaborating with artist I am better with drawing.” “I’ve always wanted to play it for so long but Sean Morris to create a 3D installation, was just never right for the line up but this As well as creating his artistic space for hoping to have movement as a main time I think we suit it perfectly so I’m really the event, Ghostpatrol is looking forward element. excited for it.” to the festivities in his hometown with Originating in Hobart and travelling for friends, particularly excited to see a personal months at a time throughout the year, favourite Nas perform his Illimatic set. www.sugarmountainfestival.com 16 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS ISSUE 37

21-YEAR OLD JOHN ALLENGAME’S PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY STEMS FROM A VERY POWERFUL INFLUENCE.

John’s quirky take on life Having grown up in his hometown of asking him for more equipment and stuff like emulate that out to other people through my Bendigo, John said his decision to move that everyday, which is pretty good,” he said. work.” to Melbourne to study at the Photography “Th e passion is defi nitely growing with my While still young, John said he was already PROFILE Studies College was prompted by another dad getting better everyday.” looking to his next challenge as he weighed infl uential photographer – his father. up a number of career options, ranging from Since starting at the Photography Studies PICTURE “Dad was defi nitely a powerful infl uence,” crime scene photographer through to a job College in 2012, John has now completed his he said. “It (photography) was something opportunity with PSC. fi nal year of a commercial major in the full- that I always enjoyed doing, just going out time Advanced Diploma of Photography. In the mean time, he said his credentials as JOHN ALLENGAME on weekends, heading out into the bush and a photographer’s assistant continued to go taking photos,” he said. His fi nal body of work has been widely from strength to strength thanks to his time recognised for a combination of imagery, “I thought I still want to do this, I want networking and learning at the Photography which showcases not only John’s creative to continue doing this because it’s quite Studies College. brilliance but also his slightly left-of-centre relaxing and quite fun.” style humour. “It feels really satisfying to have completed Raised as a photographer’s assistant for the three years now and more and more people While his images capturing everyday life majority of his life, John said he fi rst picked up ring me up everyday now,” he said. are breathtaking in their own right, it is his a camera during his fi nal years at high school. pieces portraying other childhood infl uences “I’m getting more phone calls, like I got a However, it was around this same time when such as rubber ducks and miniature phone call as I was walking in this morning John learnt that his father had contracted fi gurines acting in an obscure manner, which asking whether I can assist them in the cancer which, he said, provided all the more stand out the most. next couple of days and I can’t because I’m motivation to pursue photography. already booked out with somebody else.” “It was very evident in some of my pictures With his father now well and truly on the there that I like to incorporate a little bit of road to recovery, John said the passion for humour,” he said. To see more of John’s work his chosen art was increasing everyday. “It’s very dry sometimes, but it can be very visit www.facebook.com/ “Dad’s got over cancer now and I’m still fun to play around with and try and actually JohnAllengamePhotographic ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 17

Summersalt is coming SUMMERSALT OUTDOOR ARTS FESTIVAL IS FAST APPROACHING, AND IT IS GOING TO TURN SOUTHBANK’S ARTS AND THEATRE PRECINCT INSIDE OUT AND BRING THE FUN ONTO THE STREETS.

By Chloe Strahan

Running over fi ve weeks from January 23 enjoy themselves outside in summer,” Ms garden oasis fi lled with gongs from around will paint and create their own little house, to the immensely popular White Night Siddle said. the world invites visitors to wander through which they can then distribute throughout on February 21, Melbourne’s art precinct and get involved in the beautiful music of the city. Th e Summersalt 2015 program is jam-packed will entertain the public with music, arts, gongs and singing bowls. with events, many of which encourage “Th ese houses will all come together and circus, theatre, dance, fi lm and even aerial participation from kids and families. people will be invited to take them and acrobatics. “As you follow the path you will discover that distribute them randomly through the Th e Giant Opera Dress Up Box allows kids we are curating an incredible collection of city wherever they like. Th ey can appear Summersalt Festival director Kirsten Siddle to have a go at creating their own theatrical gongs from all over the world, and you have anywhere – trams, cafes, the library.” says that the key motivation for the festival plays by pulling out old costumes, props, a the chance to play them and learn about is to utilise the summer season and show off small stage and backdrops that were used in them,” Ms Siddle said. “It is lots of fun to join Other festival highlights will be the Sugar more of Southbank’s fantastic concentration professional productions. Kids will be able to in and create beautiful music together.” Mountain Festival, the Sour Times smart- of arts and theatre organisations. use their imagination to make-believe their phone adventure, the Human Chess Board, Home will unite the community when they own theatre or opera productions. and the jaw-dropping 10,000 square foot “Traditionally, they are focused on our have the chance to depict their idea of home Exxopolis installation. theatre halls and concert halls. We wanted to Gong Garden is an interactive musical on one of 7000 little houses. Based on the turn ourselves inside out and bring all that journey that will be located on Dodds St idea that everyone has a diff erent idea of For the full program and more information creativity onto the streets so that people can between the VCA and Southbank Th eatre. A what “home” means to them, participants visit: www.summersaltfestival.com.au

AERIAL DANCE EXPLORE THEATRE

Pixel Mountain Exxopolis Blak Cabaret 18–21 Feb 23 Jan–1 Feb 10–21 Feb Dodds Street $30 ACCA Forecourt $11 Malthouse Theatre $30–$60

DISCOVER WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTHBANK & BOOK AT SUMMERSALTFESTIVAL.COM.AU 1818 SSOUTHBANKOUTHBANK LLOCALOCAL NNEWSEWS IISSUESSUE 3377 EVENTSDEC/JAN

PSC END OF YEAR EXHIBITION I, MALVOLIO KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS JUMPY

Dec 16 - Feb 20 - Photography Studies College Jan 6 - Jan 11 - Fairfax Studio Jan 23 - Testing Grounds Jan 31 - March 14 - Southbank Th eatre Featuring a range of graduate and undergraduate Th ink Monty Python and Blackadder as Tim A cocktail of fuzz guitars, New Orleans drum beats Jane Turner (Kath & Kim) comes to MTC, taking photography from students at Photography Crouch shoves Shakespeare’s pent-up steward and more. Kid Congo Powers & Th e Pink Monkey centre-stage in April De Angelis’ West End hit, a Studies College in Southbank. Malvolio into the spotlight to hilarious eff ect, Birds ride a geisterbahn into the hypnagogic, a hilarious domestic comedy of frazzled hopes and Th e exhibition continues from 16 December to 20 turning the entire story of Twelfth Night on its place between sleep and consciousness. parental anxiety. February. head. www.melbournerecital.com.au www.mtc.com.au www.psc.edu.au www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

BEN FOLDS SIMON TEDESCHI: PIANIST & PRANKSTER SATURDAY WORKSHOPS - ART EXPERIENCE STAR TREK LIVE IN CONCERT

Dec 19 - Dec 20 - Hamer Hall Jan 15 - Salon Saturdays - NGV International Jan 31 & Feb 1 - Plenary American singer-songwriter Ben Folds brings his Join one of Australia’s most inspiring musicians, For children and families - over six sessions Th e recent rebooting of the legendary Star Trek pop-rock fl air to the classical stage in a unique Simon Tedeschi, as he takes the audience on a under the guidance of experienced art educators, fi lm franchise, launched to widespread critical performance with the MSO, transforming the journey through his musical life from his fi rst children discover treasures of the NGV through acclaim and box offi ce success, brought forth an traditional orchestra into a stellar back-up band. . public performance at the age of 8 at the Sydney visiting select original works. extraordinary collaboration between fi lm and the www.mso.com.au Opera House to the heights of Carnegie Hall. www.ngv.vic.gov.au Melbourne Symphony Orchestra www.melbournerecital.com.au www.mso.com.au

THE MUDCAKES BLAK CABARET MENAGERIE THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

Jan 17 - Salon Feb 10 - Feb 22 - Malthouse Forecourt Dec 13 - March - ACCA main gallery Jan 2 - Jan 18 - Playhouse Featuring lots of cool instruments, fl ying monkeys Flipping Australia’s history on its head, the Menagerie explores the human tendency to Th is stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale and the world famous family team dance unstoppable diva Constantina Bush (Kamahi anthropomorphise through animals and their is adapted for the stage by David Wood, deemed competition, Th e Mudcakes is perfect for young Djordon King, Th e Shadow King) blazes onto the behaviours as a process of metaphoric discovery the UK’s ‘national children’s dramatist’ and the ones between 2 and 6 years of age and their stage as a forgotten queen from a distant land, of the self. Curated by ACCA artistic director undisputed leading writer and director of plays music-loving folks taking no prisoners and claiming this terra nullius Juliana Engberg, the exhibition features works by and musicals for children. www.melbournerecital.com.au as her own. international and national artists. www.artscentremelbourne.com.au www.malthousetheatre.com.au www.accaonline.org.au

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VISIT US ONLINE! WWW.STOPNOISE.COM.AU Call today to organise a free assessment of your windows & doors 1800 880 844 [email protected] Office & Showroom- 15 Industry Blvd, Carrum Downs 3201 ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 19 If you love it, it’s not a chore By Shane Scanlan

If Cathy Oke was an elite athlete, and not a politician, you’d want her drug-tested.

She’s half-way through her second term as a Melbourne city councillor with an impossible work-load, including being a new mum, but shows no sign of burn-out or disinterest. Everyone knows town hall politics is a bruising environment but there is not a hint of cynicism about her. It’s all surprisingly positive, up-lifting, genuine. She is certainly idealistic. But the “looney” label that can come with being a Green doesn’t stick. Cr Oke remains unaff ected because she is doing something that she loves. “I feel we are making a diff erence,” she said. “Especially in the sustainability space.” What makes Cr Oke diff erent from what you might expect of an inner-city Greens councillor is the grounding in grass-roots community politics she got at her kitchen table growing up in a staunch ALP family in North Melbourne. Th e electoral rules have changed now but, “back in the day”, town hall politics was largely decided around similar kitchen tables in West Melbourne, Flemington and Carlton. Her fanaticism for the North Melbourne Football Club also sets her apart from her peers. “I’m not your usual greenie in that sense,” she said. Adding that she really enjoyed the three years she spent with deep-sea fi shermen while she researched a PhD thesis on the genetics of orange roughy. She’s now a seasoned councillor and points of her term. Cr Oke’s parents remain actively involved to achievements in sustainability and At the moment, though, she shows no signs in local community life. Th e family transport. She points out that, on some COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR of slowing down. allegiance has shifted to the Greens, one routes, bicycle use is now almost at the suspects, because of the purity of its ideals, council’s stretch target of 16 per cent of “I’ve found you can actually make a lot of particularly in relation to social justice “mode use”. diff erence being in the political process,” she

PROFILE issues. said. “It’s a big commitment and there are a She says the next bicycle plan will turn lot of hours and you don’t get recompensed its attention to short trips within the It’s easy to imagine Cr Oke as an absolute as you perhaps should but you actually get to municipality with safer infrastructure and joy to her parents – high achieving at school, make a diff erence.” respectful and well-behaved (“Goody two- lower speed limits. She said she mostly loved working with shoes” is the term she uses). She studied Th e council is due to release its fi nal residents and would like to think that she marine biology which led on to activism “walking plan” later this year and Cr Oke is was connected with residents from all around marine national parks and voluntary keen to get some outcomes. work with the Surfrider Foundation. around the municipality. “We all know that a plan is just a plan and “Sometimes its tough and you don’t always Sun, sand and surf. Does it get more that you actually have to do it,” she said. “I’ll provide the answers they want to hear,” she wholesome? Cr Oke carries a bit of that be concentrating on getting some of the said. “You have to decide whether you want golden sunset idealism with her into the actions enacted over the next two years.” council chamber. to be inside the tent or outside the tent. Do She’s also excited by an urban ecology you want to make political change from Party politics came much later than strategy, which she hopes will draw solid within or from the outside?” community activism for Cr Oke. connections between nature and the She said she was very careful in choosing economy of a functioning, liveable city. the Greens but had fi rst voted for the party She says she hasn’t decided what her Th e next Councillor over its stance on asylum seekers during the political future will be. She needs to see Profi le looks at “children overboard” controversies of the what happens in her private life, career and Cr Ken Ong Howard Government years. political life during the remaining two years

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What With Women Abby Want Crawford One scorching hot day, my son and I were surely inevitable, but would die in his care. they’ve died”. And I went into my well- She stepped back most indignantly. I felt heading out on our crunchy grass to fi ll water rehearsed speech of reassurance. About 20 sorry for her, she had a look on her face that So we placed these weird little creatures bowls for the dog (who, sensibly, had stayed minutes later, I heard something, something said “but they’re birds! Birds stuff ed with dog (I said that with love) into a box on the inside out of the heat) when, before I had we hadn’t heard before – and he rushed back food – I gotta get some!” verandah, and I soaked bread in milk to try even thought it through, the words “what to the box – they were alive and giving little to drip into their little beaks. Th ere wasn’t My son later took the birds onto the is that?!?” escaped my mouth. Now, it’s not “tweats”! Th ey’d been asleep. He took great much movement, but my son made tissue verandah and taught them to fl y. Th ey fl ew unusual for words to escape my mouth faster joy in pointing out how wrong I was. blankets and patted them for hours, dripping around the house, sat on our heads and than my mind can keep up, but this was one milk towards these three inert creatures. Th e fi rst few days, I fed them a little of my constantly demanded food. And he loved time that I really wanted to take them back protein powder mixed in with the milk, them (Wilson, Gerry and Bulldust – he could urgently. Th ey started moving. Just gently shuffl ing just to give them a boost – but then they even tell which was which). We had them all together. Th en, they started opening their I had thought that it was a raw chicken wing started growing so much I thought we might for another few days before they took off one beaks when they heard his voice. He took (disgusting image, huh) on the grass, but inadvertently create pterodactyl birds! morning when he’d gone to school. He was them out, one by one, and held them against with horror realised I had alerted my animal- heart broken, but he knew they were ready. his chest. He went outside, on the rare times So I looked up what we should feed them loving 11-year-old son to the disastrous he left the box, searching the skies in vain for - bread and milk were the worst things. It A day later, as my son got off the bus, one of consequences of our hot summer winds the parent birds – I’m not exactly sure what didn’t mention protein powder. Who on the birds landed on his shoulder. He came and baby birds nesting in the leaves. It was the plan was if he sited them, but he seemed earth would take such an expensive product inside with it and the bird fell asleep in his a blind, featherless and very-close-to-death determined to reunite them none-the-less. and feed it to birds? But, in fairness, I did still hands. Th e bird slept in its box and in the baby bird. It wasn’t moving. Just as he believe we were on a palliative care program, morning took off to the skies. It just needed realised what it was, he squealed “Mumma Th at night I told him that God would have not a serious nutrition program! We learned one more night of his love. I’m grateful that there’s more!”. Oh no. Th ere was. Th ree pink, seen every eff ort he had made. I told him that soggy dog food was good. At least that’s this experience was so incredibly diff erent blind, featherless chicken wings – I mean that they would most likely “pass on” (how cheaper than protein powder. to what I feared it would be. I’m moved birds – in the garden. else do you put it to an 11year old?) in the beyond words by my son’s compassion and night but the most important thing was they Now we also have a crazy boxer dog called I tried to cuddle him, and explain that dedication to vulnerable animals. would go having felt love and that was the Daisy, who was meant to be an outside dog, wind was nature’s way of controlling the best possible send off to heaven that a bird but is the most loved-up, sook with a pink And I’ve learnt, that maybe I need to see that bird population and there was nothing that could get – much better than being baked by blanket who lives inside, and believes she is my son is learning to “fl y” on his own, and I could be done to save them. He gave me a just need to trust that his wings will take care the sun and eaten by ants. human. However, her instincts are to hunt withering look, and said “Mum, all of God’s of him through life’s inevitable journeys. (more specifi cally, to hunt you down and creatures deserve a second chance”. Anyway, he won the argument that baby birds then sit on you) and she was bursting to get All mothers must let their babies grow up do belong inside and into the hallway they Right. I popped inside to look for a box whilst, to these birds. She has felled several of the and leave the nest one day. But I’ll never stop came, to surely die in the cool of the night. in my head, cursing myself for mentioning neighbours chickens (they were in our yard. wanting to protect my baby, no matter how it. You see, I had absolutely nothing against I snuggled down with him and prepared It’s really not my fault, right?) in a single big he gets. trying to save the baby birds, but I had myself for the tears in the morning. Up he swoop but the funniest thing in the world With love, everything against my baby being heart got at 5am, looked in the box, touched them was watching her stick her head into this box broken when they not only died, which was and the tears fl owed. “Th ey’re not moving, of baby birds to have them peck her nose! Abby x

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*Please bring this ad to receive the FREE hand polish. 31 Curran Street, Nth Melbourne www.aloysius.vic.edu.au Valid Up to 15 March 2015. Offer not valid with Carrera Outside Wash Service ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 21 SOUTHBANK MARIA D’ANGELO, 48 JOHN PILEGGI, 48 ANNABELLE KATE, 47 Benny’s Berries Villa Pileggi Olive Oil Lions Club Southbank

I love the fact that you can come here and get I’ve been doing this for 18 years and I love the I think it’s really good for the area, because around fresh produce that is picked the day before and it amount of people who pass through here. I’m this area on a Saturday every month people have lasts and always has heaps of fl avour. Th e diversity from Gisborne so I love coming down to meet all something interesting to look forward to. I think of people in Southbank is great, there’s a great of the wonderful city folk! the products available here, as opposed to your mixture of everybody here. average markets, are quite unique.

MICHAEL HOUGHTON, 57 JOAN ALLEN, 48 TERRY GRIFFITHS, 40 Portarlington Shellfi sh Direct Peninsula Wildfl owers Doron Talmi Citrus & Juice What do you love most I’ve been at the market since it started and I love I think the diff erent people and the diversity is We love that we can provide people with the about the Southbank the area and always have. I love the market on a really good and the other stallholders are fabulous products as fresh as possible, without chemicals nice, warm, sunny day when there are hundreds too. We’ve been operating in the area for over four and most of it is generally organic. Th is is my fi rst Farmers Market? of people here. It’s just buzzing. Th e food’s good. years now and being from Boneo, we just love visit to Southbank and I’m really enjoying the Everybody loves the mussels. I enjoy chatting coming to the big smoke! atmosphere. to people and it’s a great chance to promote the mussel industry.

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The Guilfoyle, 131 Wells St. Southbank P +61 3 9602 2992 (opp Vic Barracks cnr Coventry St) mediationcommunications [email protected] phone for a fitting or eye exam 03 9077 9883 WWW.MEDIACOMMS.COM.AU 22 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS ISSUE 37 OWNERS CORPORATION LAW With Tom Bacon ‘Tis the season for AGMs However, contrary to what most think, the If neither of these options are viable, the lot Postscript: AGM is not the venue for airing grievances owner may have to raise the issue via the For a large number of owners’ Participation on the committee by resident and raising complaints about the day-to-day complaints process under the model rules or owners in particular, is going to be of critical corporations at this time of the management of the building or the structure under the dispute resolution section of the importance for the future of Docklands. year and as the holiday season of the aff airs of the owners’ corporation. Owners’ Corporation Act 2006. It is well-documented that the number Of course, the chairperson has the power Remember also that proxy votes for the fast approaches, it also signals of owner-residents in the community are to invite owners to table “general business AGM will only be valid if: (i) the correct falling, as local and overseas investors that it’s time for the end of- from the fl oor” but, unless there is a specifi c and prescribed form is used; (ii) the form continue to acquire these apartments in motion on the agenda to discuss and decide is submitted on time; (iii) that the owner or year annual general meeting large numbers. Only the resident owners on a specifi c issue, then it otherwise cannot owners of the lot do not owe any levies or in these buildings will have the knowledge (AGM). be raised nor resolved. fees at the date of the meeting; and (iv) only and context to keep oversight of the smooth if the form is signed by all owners shown on Th e key point for owners who wish to raise running of the building on a day-to-day basis Th e AGM is a compulsory meeting, and must the roll of owners and the certifi cate of title. be held every 15 months at maximum. a particular issue for discussion and debate and to ensure that the costs of running the is to seek to formally put that motion on the If the lot is owned by a company, trust owners’ corporation are kept in check. All the usual motions must be put and agenda for the AGM. Th is involves either or self-managed super fund, then extra Good luck with the meeting season, and resolved at the AGM – the existing requesting the secretary, chairperson or the documentation may need to be submitted may your upcoming holiday be restful and committee must present their reports, a committee to include the motion on the with the proxy form to prove the execution peaceful. Happy holidays. budget must be set and new levies struck. agenda, or by requisitioning the motion by of the proxy is valid and that appropriate A new committee must be elected, and the petitioning other owners to sign a form to delegations have been made by the company Tom Bacon is the principal lawyer of Strata owners’ corporation must decide on its level support the motion being included on the or trust. Title Lawyers. of insurance and whether an audit should be agenda. done on their accounts. [email protected] Hip hip, hooray for summer and holidays!

December heralds the offi cial start to the season of heat, stonefruit, holidays, an abundance of berries and, of course, the silly season.

While the Southbank Farmers’ Market takes raspberries and blueberries, boysenberries , take their turn: goat, pork, beef, venison a break in January with the fi rst Saturday silvans and others following. ... they’re all good when they’re local and falling just three days into the new year, bought direct from the person who raised Gather together family and friends to visit there’s plenty to celebrate about local food in those animals. one of the numerous pick-your-own farms and around Melbourne. in areas like Red Hill and the Yarra Valley to Charcuterie is also high on our list as a light Cherries and apricots are now available. get a taste of farming life and the best-tasting option and easy to serve, especially for Susceptible to damage from inclement fruit of all – the hard-won kind. unexpected guests, as are the dips, chutneys, weather, birds and bugs, these are among cheeses and other platter items available. Its not just our fruit bowls that are benefi ting. our most savoured stonefruit, perhaps Snowpeas, asparagus, fresh peas, avocadoes Our sister market at Gasworks Arts Park in because its so hard to get nature to co- and zucchini fl owers add delight to salads, Albert Park takes place Saturday, December operate, but when they are, these fruit are with Sarah Robins sides, frittatas, pastas and more – corn, 20 and, if you’re looking for that last minute the stuff memories are made of. tomatoes, new potatoes and beans are next fresh produce fi x, we recommend the Plums are also starting to appear in their in line. Slow Food Melbourne twilight market at myriad varieties on the tart-sweet spectrum Abbotsford Convent, Tuesday, December 23 Of course, the barbie is getting a work out and berries are similarly coming into their from 3 until 8pm. Happy holidays! again and chops and sausages of all varieties time to shine: strawberries lead the way with

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“We really work to ensure we provide the right A global gym with a local focus atmosphere and culture in the club,” he said. “We know every member that walks in the door, so we can call them by their fi rst names.” With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, club manager Rob Ward said it was “It becomes a bit of a second home for a lot the Anytime Fitness model that drew him of them and, once the results start kicking into the role. in, they really enjoy that atmosphere of being greeted rather than just being another Consisting of up to 2700 clubs worldwide, of number that walks in the door.” which nearly 400 are located in Australia, he put the global franchise’s growing success Anytime Fitness provides a state-of-the-art down to its wide reach and fl exible approach fi tness facility, which includes an upstairs to fi tness. studio for personal training, boot camp and circuit-style classes. “It’s defi nitely the 24-hour model,” he said. “It’s really been growing rapidly for the past Th e gym also boasts a team of three highly- six years in particular. It’s just the fl exibility qualifi ed personal trainers, including an for customers, particularly in this area.” international body-sculpturing champion.

“But also just the size of this organisation, “It’s an unbelievable team that we’ve got because if you move or travel there’s always with the amount of years of experience,” Mr one on the corner (so to speak). So that’s a Ward said. huge benefi t. People always say they like the “Th ey enjoyed walking into a clean and number of clubs and the 24-hour access, 365 organised environment and, with the culture days a year.” that we had, it was more professional so they certainly enjoy working in this environment Despite being an international franchise, and it’s a joy for them to come to work.” Rob said each club placed a strong emphasis Anytime Fitness Club Manager Rob Ward (right) with member Vince Villani (left). on community. Situated a stone’s-throw away from Southbank on Market St, Mr Ward said he demographic. It’s an area that is always to be based in and we are really focused on Having established the club back in and his team could think of no better area growing with all the apartments, and there’s a developing our reach.” February, the team at Anytime Fitness South to ply their trade and have been quick to good mix of business and residential,” he said. Melbourne has made it its business to create Anytime Fitness is located at 63-69 Market embrace the community as their own. a comfortable environment for its members “It’s important for us to become involved St, South Melbourne. while off ering aff ordable rates. “South Melbourne and Southbank is a great in the community. It’s a great community www.anytimefi tness.com.au SOUTHBANK MEDICAL CLINIC ones that are here. We’re not getting anyone Committed to providing else to do it. We’re just here Monday to healthcare to Southbank. Friday and Saturday mornings.” “Plus a lot of patients will prefer either a As former residents of Southbank, Dr Peter male or a female doctor so it’s worked out Bennett and Dr Mansi Patel knew exactly just quite well when people come in they can ask how much the area was crying out for quality for either one and we’re able to off er both.” medical services. On top of providing both specialised men When initially scouting a location for their and women’s health services, Southbank fi rst clinic, Dr Bennett said the pair could Medical Clinic off ers all general health think of no better place to set up shop. services from preventative medicine and mental health to weight-loss medicine and “We knew it was really hard to fi nd a doctor skin cancer checks. and there was no medical services around, so that’s when we picked this spot,” he said. Within its brand new state-of-the-art Sturt St “We’d both lived here before so it was perfect facilities, the clinic consists of six spacious for us because we knew what sort of people consultation rooms, with the intention of would be coming to our clinic and the expanding its services to house multiples population we’d be catering to.” GPs and allied-health professionals in the future. Since graduating from Monash University in 2007, Dr Bennett made the switch to While the clinic is still in its very early general practice having undertaken surgical stages, Dr Patel said the response from specialties at hospitals in both Melbourne the community has been overwhelmingly and Gippsland. supportive. Having also worked in ICU at both “Th ey’re really supportive. Th e community metropolitan and rural hospitals, Dr Patel has been really nice,” she said. “Even moved to Melbourne from New Zealand in yesterday, the last patient that left said ‘I’m 2007 after graduating from Otago University so glad you guys opened here’.” in 2006. “We don’t live in the area anymore but it Dr Bennett said he and Dr Patel were feels like we are living here, because we’re committed to providing Southbank with the here everyday so it’s like a second home.” highest level of care and range of services possible. Southbank Medical Clinic is a private billing clinic located 151 Sturt St, Southbank. “We’re running the clinic ourselves. We’re Dr Mansi Patel and Dr Peter Bennett of the new Southbank Medical Clinic at Sturt St. owner operated,” he said. “And we’re the www.southbankmedicalclinic.com.au 24 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS ISSUE 37 Shame on councillors

We vote for councillors to manage the municipality, produce policy and make sensible planning decisions among many other tasks but, overall, to represent the interests of the community through SOUTHBANK those tasks. At last month’s Future Melbourne that they are not able to execute their Industries (aka arts) since the arts play a Committee meeting I witnessed something responsibilities (although this does raise critical role across the Southbank landscape. RESIDENTS GROUP that made me question the values and questions regarding donation rules). I am looking forward to working closely with integrity of some of our councillors and left Martin on all the issues aff ecting Southbank. Th is is our community and we expect council me fl abbergasted and angry. WITH TONY PENNA to make decisions and representation on our I would like to thank all those who attended As an agenda item for a planning application behalf. our AGM and off ered their support and for the corner of Balston St and City Rd was feedback. Obviously I was re-elected as Shame on those councillors/tickets about to commence, a number of councillors president and our executive committee has that allowed themselves to be in this excused themselves from the agenda item remained unchanged. predicament. Th is was probably a deliberate and left the room citing confl icts of interest. strategy of the developer to avoid a Having said this, we still have vacancies Apparently the developer had made negative recommendation from the Future for other offi ce bearer roles so don’t donations to their party/ticket! What this Melbourne Committee. I am disgusted! hold back and consider helping us meant is the agenda item could not be heard, out. Remember to like us on Facebook On a happier note, the election is fi nally over. as there was no quorum. Coincidentally, this (SouthbankResidentsGroup). planning application was in contravention I can hopefully get some normality back into Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very of a number of planning considerations. my schedule (what is that?). I would like to Merry Christmas and safe New Year. May So the planning application was sent to extend our congratulations to Martin Foley 2015 be an exciting, safe and prosperous year the Minister’s offi ce with no comment for his successful retention of the Albert Park for all our community. or direction from the Future Melbourne seat, but also to his party for their win. Committee for the minister’s consideration. Tony Penna Martin has been allocated the portfolios While none of the councillors have broken of Housing, Disability and Ageing, Mental President any laws (from what I am aware), I question Health and Creative Industries. Wow, what how any councillor could allow themselves a workload! We are very fortunate our to be compromised to such an extent local member is the Minister for Creative The best dog in Southbank While other pet owners might not agree with Southbank resident Arji Fry, she said her dog Coco was simply the best.

According to Ms Fry, her and the 10-year-old cho poodle do everything together and she described her as a best friend. “She makes me laugh, she gives people a smile everyday and she’s just a joy to have around,” she said. “She started off being chocolate brown but she has faded like her mother!” As well as being an incredibly active dog, when it comes to protecting her owner Ms Fry said she was very bossy to other dogs. “She’s very protective, she likes to look after her owner,” she said. “She is just the best dog.” “She’s got the best nature of any dog you’ve ever met. I can take a bone out of her mouth while she’s eating and she’ll look at me and say ‘oh, you want that’?” Having lived in Southbank all of her life, Ms Fry said Coco simply loved everything about the area. “We’ve lived here for 10 years. We went from a high-rise apartment to a ground fl oor apartment so she’s really happy now.” Southbank resident Arji Fry with her wonderdog Coco.

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08:00 to 17:30 City Rd General Practice, Surgery, Women’s Health, Chlidren’s Kings Way 216 City Road, Southbank, VIC 3006 Health and Immunisation, Employment medicals, After Hours / Weekends (03) 9686 2222 International Visitors, Skin Checks, Pathology on site. Coming Soon medidock.com.au ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 25 Worth believing

‘Do you Hear What I Hear?’ ‘O Come all ye Faithful!’ ‘It’s Christmas time in the city!’ From radio to department stores, the sounds of Christmas music fi ll the air.

Most people have one of two responses: Th e story of Santa is best understood in is Jesus, who comes to us all year round and joyful smiles or roll-the-eyes in annoyance. its entirety, dating back to fourth-century lives among us. Jesus comes to all people, of Some embrace the season with enthusiasm, Turkey. A bishop of the church by the name of every socio-economic class, rich and poor; others exhaustion. But once we get through Nicholas was a man of deep prayer and great of every age, young and old; and of every the bulk of preparations, most of us are glad generosity. He particularly had compassion height, short and tall. to participate in celebrations, large and for the poor. Bishop Nicholas was known to Jesus gives the same generous and abundant small, warmed with friends, family, food, give secret gifts to families in need, always gift — himself — to all people. He gives us and good cheer. directing all gratitude to God alone. life, love, and salvation because of and in In one story about Nicholas, he knew a spite of our worst behaviour. Jesus knows we with Pastor Ian Vainikka Christmas in our culture has two particularly man who could not aff ord the fi nancial mess up and he meets us there and loves us prominent characters: Jesus and Santa. arrangement for his three daughters to still. Jesus is not only the focus of the season, Despite their own jovial and peace-making marry. So Nicholas threw three purses fi lled but of our lives. personalities, we sometimes position them with gold through the chimney of their home as adversaries. If you have children, perhaps Th is is the message of Christmas that has during the night. His gift enabled the girls you and your family have had to discuss the been proclaimed by many over the centuries, to marry and avoid unemployment and roles of Santa and Jesus in your household. but perhaps none other to the extent, than St poverty. To believe in Santa, or not? Th at is the Nicholas, who demonstrated Christ’s love to question, it would seem. Nicholas, who became known as St the world around him in a very practical way. Nicholas, has since inspired people to give In this Christmas season, may you Of course, as Christians, our faith is placed anonymously to the poor. Th is seems like experience the all surpassing generosity in the Christ-child, the true gift of Christmas, something worth believing, and the church and love of God in Jesus, the baby born at but that does not automatically prevent us celebrates his legacy on December 6. Bethlehem. from learning of the saints who have gone before us. Th e greatest gift we celebrate at Christmas Pastor Ian

US

SOUTHBANK SUDOKU OB A variation of Sudoku, with the letters S O U T H B A N K replacing the numbers. USNH

Th e rules are the same as Last month’s Sudoku solution HKBU

regular Sudoku, each line of UOKATHNS B the must contain the letters NAHS BUTOK BA ‘SOUTHBANK’ as must each SBTONKAUH 9-square box. HUNBOTKAS UA T O Th is Sudoku is medium! TKAHUSOBN BSOKANUHT NSA O Good Luck! AHUTKBSNO OT S NHABKU TA KNBUS OHTA BT 26 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS ISSUE 37 WHAT’S ON COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC/JAN 01

INNER MELBOURNE LIFE JANUARY 22 ACTIVITIES CLUB SOUTHBANK HISTORY GROUP Meeting on selected dates and various Travel back in time with local historians, locations, IMLAC takes in the city’s parks, collectors, guest speakers and meet its culture, fabulous eating options as well other likeminded people at our monthly as festivals, galleries and concerts. Southbank History Group. Visit our website www.life.org.au/ www.melbournelibraryservice.com. imlac or call Carolyn on 9696 1090 au

MONDAY - THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS WEDNESDAYS CHUNKY MOVE DANCE CLASS BOOT CAMP @ BOYD Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays at If you’re looking for a great way to start 111 Sturt St. Chunky Move dance classes the day, come along to Boot Camp at Boyd. are the perfect way to unwind, get fi t and Active Melbourne instructors will take you improve fl exibility and strength. through a series of fun and challenging www.chunkymove.com exercises. Starts at 6.45am

TUESDAYS SOUTHBANK ROTARY Rotary Club of Southbank meets weekly for dinner on most Tuesday evenings throughout the year at various locations. Visitors are always welcome. www.southbank.org.au

TUESDAYS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 LAUGHTER YOGA @ BOYD CHRISTMAS @ BOYD Laughter Yoga is a unique concept that Santa will be paying a special visit to allows you to laugh even when you Boyd next week. Meet in the playroom for least feel like it and is ideal for all ages. Santa’s arrival in a big fi retruck, followed Sessions are at Boyd Community Hub, by a special storytime hosted by Santa, Assembly Hall each Tuesday at 6pm. Christmas carols and face painting.

SUNDAYS FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, 10AM ARTS CENTRE MARKET MELBOURNE SUNRISE PROBUS CLUB Meet over 80 of Victoria’s fi nest artisans fi rst hand. Discover how these unique The Docklands Library, Dock Square artworks are made, chat directly about the Probus Clubs are for anyone over 50. Keep products, inspirations and techniques. your mind active, meet new friends, share www.artscentremelbourne.com.au. interests and enjoy activities. Contact Joan on [email protected]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 FARMERS MARKET On the fi rst Saturday of every month, the market will be setting up the stalls at Boyd Community Hub. Buy direct from the farmers, enjoy live music and experience a little bit of country right here in the city.

MONDAYS & SATURDAYS COMING TO SOUTHBANK TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS YOGA WITH ALISON @ BOYD SOUTHBANK LIONS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Looking to improve both your physical Do you want to be part of something that and mental well-being? Instructor Alison matters? Join the Southbank Lion’s Club This night photography class runs in Corsie hosts classes at Boyd every and use your time to make an impact Melbourne’s city centre and has all the Monday at 6:15pm and Saturdays at 9am. locally and around the world. To enquire night photography tips you’ll ever need. [email protected] email [email protected] At 3 Southbank Promenade. www.pennykoukoulas.com ISSUE 37 SOUTHBANK LOCAL NEWS 27 BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTRACTIONS GYM MEDICAL CENTRE SCHOOLS 24/7 GYM ST ALOYSIUS

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