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Welcome new students

Newly-arrived international students in Melbourne received warm welcome at the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome held at the Immigration Museum on March 17.

The event started with a documentary screening of Act of Translation, a theatre program featuring international students’ daily struggle and experience of studying in Melbourne. The Act of Translation cast gave a short live performance following the screening. Vegemite toast and Tim Tam eating contest, Bollywood dance workshop, Vietnamese dances and Aboriginal smoke ceremonies were some of the highlights at this annual community event. The "Act of Translation" cast, directors, Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood and Cr Philip Le Liu at the Lord Mayor's Student Welcome. Photo by Andrew Coutler. CEO buries Freckelton investigation By Shane Scanlan February, it comes as no surprise that the chamber just in time to catch the nightly What was less apparent on the night was the leader of Victoria’s most secretive council is news bulletins. The apologies, the tears, the relative insignificance of what Mr Rimmer now hell bent on preserving what’s left of its hugs and the promise by councillors to make chose to release. The full extent of allegations reputation. the City of Melbourne a better place was the His material added nothing to what was story of the day. against former lord mayor Mr Rimmer on March 13 released to already publicly well known about a small Robert Doyle will probably councillors and the public a mere 805 words And, considering that councillors were given number of accusations. And the “First from a 100-page, so called “First Report” just a few hours and the press about an hour never be known as council CEO from investigator Ian Freckelton QC. before the meeting to digest his 3345-word, Continued Page 4. Ben Rimmer tries to kill off His strategic timing, stage management and carefully crafted report, it is no surprise that See also: the theatre of the occasion took centre stage. content of a 4pm special council meeting Lord mayoral election is a lottery - Page 3 the $1million investigation he and its resulting human drama and pathos Like the ancient Romans, who maintained All this ... and ripped off too! - Page 5 started last December. conspired to divert attention away from his control of their population by providing Doyle damned - Page 6 intention to kill off the investigation process. “bread and circuses”, Mr Rimmer is an artful Having achieved Mr Doyle’s resignation in It was “lights, camera, action” in the council bureaucrat. What can a lord mayor do? - Page 6

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Suite 108, 198 Harbour Esplanade PO Box 23008 Docklands 8012 Tel: 8689 7980 www.cbdnews.com.au Advertising Tel: 8689 7980 [email protected] Reader contributions are welcome. Please send articles and images to [email protected] The deadline for the May 2018 edition is Thursday, April 19. Follow us on Twitter @CBD_News_3000 Sean Car and Shane Scanlan. Like us on Facebook cbdnewsmelbourne

Publisher: Hyperlocal News Pty Ltd ABN: 57 623 558 725 Changing of the guard Editor: Sunny Liu [email protected] Journalist Sean Car has bought into "CBD News" and will become its sole director in July 2019. 20,000 copies are printed and distributed exclusively within Mr Car, 26, and Shane Scanlan have formed and, in 2014 he started CBD News. Mr Car Mr Scanlan said he hoped to maintain a Melbourne's CBD each month. CBD a new company, Hyperlocal News Pty Ltd, has edited Southbank Local News since 2014. strong involvement in CBD News beyond News works for advertisers because to publish CBD News and sister publications Mr Scanlan said: “Sean has excelled in July 1, 2019, when he intends to resign as a people like to know what is happening Docklands News and Southbank Local News. all aspects of the business and has taken director. in their neighbourhood. 60-year-old Mr Scanlan acquired Docklands Southbank Local News to new levels of “I’ve got plenty left to give but am happy Views expressed by contributors are not News from the state government in 2007. On quality and commercial success.” to hand over responsibility to a younger those of the publishers. the strength of succcess in Docklands, he “I have no doubt that CBD News will remain person,” he said. “The publications will thrive established Southbank Local News in 2011 in the best possible hands in the future.” under the direction of a new generation.”

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561 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 T: 9329 9432 E: [email protected] W: www.npm.com.au ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 3 Lord mayoral election is a lottery By Shane Scanlan But there are also other factors to explain the to one. Supporters of this anomaly justify it poor participation rate of two years ago. on the basis of the percentage of commercial rates underpinning the council’s operations. Melbourne votes for a new Postal Critics say it just isn’t fair. But this cuts lord mayor this month, but the Does anyone maintain faith these days both ways. Up to two residential renters winner won’t necessarily be the that a correctly-stamped item entrusted to per property can apply to be added to the Australia Post will reach its destination? council roll – and they don’t even have to be most popular. Australian citizens. The only prerequisite is City of Melbourne elections are run purely as that they had lived at the address for a month a postal ballot. And ballots have to run the Without the dominant figure of Robert Doyle before applications closed (March 16). No postal system gauntlet twice – once from the in the race (with 45 per cent of the primary proof of occupancy is required. Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to the vote in 2016), the field is wide open and the voter and again on the return journey. prize is likely to be claimed by the candidate Dummies and stooges who organises the best flow of preferences. This system is open to routine abuse. Stories abound of theft of ballots from letter boxes Like other Victorian municipal elections, It is even possible that the eventual winner on the day they arrive. And hundreds, if not candidates routinely enlist others to direct could poll the least number of primary votes. thousands, are discarded (to be harvested preferences their way. There is a current Melbourne councillor by others) by residents who receive mail As in the past, voters can expect to select whose team in 2016 received just 1534 votes. addressed to a previously-correctly-enrolled from candidates whose sole role is to attract voter. Voting within the City of Melbourne is or block votes that may have otherwise unlike any other municipality. Its special than anywhere else, which goes someway to And, because the VEC does not have flowed to an opponent. explain the poor turnout. electoral system has morphed and evolved matching signatures from actual enrolled The Greens are the only major political party from a desire from both Labor and Coalition While the city in 2016 had an estimated voters, there is no way of validating that the to officially endorse candidates in local state governments to prevent the capital residential population of 148,000, only ballots being received are genuine. government elections. Labor and Liberal city council falling into the hands of local, 54,791 were on the state electoral roll. On top of all this potential abuse, ballots interests are unofficial. But they are there in parochial interests. the mix. A further 77,939 voters were on the City of destined for absentee landlords are routinely But is it fair? Is it democratic? Is it corrupt? Melbourne’s roll which, combined, added sent in bulk to real estate agents acting on Motivations of parties and candidates vary. It is certainly unique. up to 133,801 eligible voters (before 1607 their behalf. No audit is conducted about For Labor, blocking Greens influence in additions and 536 deletions). what happens to these ballots. the inner city is high on the list. Last time Lowest participation around, Robert Doyle was supported by The numbers show there were tens of Gerrymander Labor as a brake on Greens’ ambition. To start with, Melbourne has the lowest level thousands of residents who were not of voter participation. In 2016, ballots were enrolled. And, no doubt, there were plenty Much is made of the unique situation in The successful candidate will be the one received from only 55 per cent of eligible of enrolled voters who did not even know Melbourne, where corporations are given who does the best preference deals. For the voters. Eligibility in Melbourne is broader they were required to vote. two votes, whereas residents are restricted voters and the candidates, it’s a lottery.

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4 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 CEO buries Freckelton investigation Continued from Page 1 Mr Rimmer says that his nine-page March identified as requiring investigation.” meeting, there is little appetite from 13 report is a summary “derived from the councillors to continue the pain. The This does not say that no allegations have Report” deliberately confined itself to executive summary” of the first report. consensus appears to be to move on, rebuild been made against other councillors. But matters relating to Cr Cathy Oke and former and put the matter behind them. Tactically, this is a departure from his it does say certain criteria must be in place councillor Tessa Sullivan (although it February 6 announcement that there would by which allegations were judged worthy of Cr Jackie Watts said: “I’m frustrated that, inconsistently mentions the also-publicly- be an “interim report” followed by a “final investigation. So what are these criteria? because of the various legal constraints and known Melbourne Health incident, which report”. At that time he said the “interim difficulties, we are seeing a summary. I Mr Rimmer calls a “further allegation”). A suitably-redacted version of Dr draft report” had been provided to Mr Doyle understand fully why this has occurred but Freckleton’s first report would adequately Reference to a “further allegation” implies on January 30. it is my deep position that more information protect participants and, at the same time, that there have been just three women have is better than less, but the summary outlines While Mr Rimmer has revealed that Dr satisfy the public interest. made complaints against Mr Doyle. This is the legal position and very well.” Freckelton’s “First Report” found four not the case. CBD News understands that For Ms Sullivan, public exposure of the adverse findings against Mr Doyle, we still Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said: “We many complainants have contacted Dr breadth and quantity of her allegations know nothing about what Dr Freckelton's now have a summary of findings, and it is a Freckelton since Cr Sullivan resigned with a about her time as a councillor would better terms of reference were. We have been given summary of findings for the various reasons 35-page letter of complaint on December 15. explain why she resigned. some answers without their questions. outlined in the summary report. I know it’s Like many other aspects, Mr Rimmer’s report We don’t know how broad or narrow the Among Mr Rimmer’s justifications for probably going to fall on deaf ears and the is silent on the number of complainants. investigation was. Or: not revealing more on March 13 is that he public commentary will probably continue, “The First Report does not consider other is legally bound not to reveal “personal but there is still an ongoing investigation in ■■ How many women came forward? matters that have been raised by OTHERS information”. This is a City of Melbourne terms of the third complainant.” ■■ How many allegations have been made? favourite and is also frequently used to (our emphasis) in relation to Mr Doyle’s “But people want to get on with their lives ■ avoid its obligations under Freedom of conduct,” he says. ■ What is the nature of the allegations? and start to rebuild their lives and start to Information legislation. He goes on to say: “Such matters, where ■■ Were allegations made against any other focus on some of the good things that they relevant to his role as Lord Mayor, MAY (our councillors? He brought a lawyer with him to discuss wake up for every day,” Cr Wood said. emphasis) be the subject of a further report.” ■■ On what basis was an allegation judged with councillors the risks of revealing more, Whether other complainants feel the same worthy of investigation? another a classic strategy from the City of Is it too cynical to suggest that the way remains to be seen. Just don’t hold your Melbourne playbook – pay for a consultant determining factor of whether there will be a breath waiting for more information about On February 6 Mr Rimmer said: “To date, or lawyer to support your position. further report is whether anyone notices or no concerns about the conduct of any this sorry saga to come from the City of cares about the paucity of detail to date? person other than the Lord Mayor have been And, judging from the March 13 special Melbourne. Franchisee penalised for underpayment By Lina Le The three employees were Chinese students, Central shopping centre by a total of $9616. in future is being sought. between the age of 21 and 24. It is alleged that the employee was paid Once granted, the company could face A former franchisee of Details have emerged that after a high-tech $11.50 per hour between May and October contempt of court proceedings for any payroll system was installed by the head 2016, which was reduced to just $3.98 per further contravention proven in court. a 7-Eleven retail outlet office to ensure employees were paid lawful hour in her final week of work. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s minimum rates, the three employees were in the CBD faced court These rates were significantly below the legal Natalie James, the use of cash-back schemes required to pay back a weekly sum to a safe minimum hourly rate, casual loading, and requiring workers to pay back part of their for underpaying three box in the store or to Ms Lin’s bank account. penalty rates specified under the Restaurant wages is a serious form of exploitation. international students a total The employees were then left with an hourly Industry Award 2010. “We know that workers from overseas rate ranging from $8.53 to $26.52. of $6674 between November In both cases, the outstanding amounts were backgrounds may be reluctant to speak up or 2015 and October 2016. Xia Jing Qi also violated workplace laws by paid back. may be unaware of their rights. We make no providing the Fair Work Ombudsman with The franchisee was penalised up to $54,000 apologies for targeting businesses who seek false or misleading records in connection per contravention in each case, while Ms Lin to take advantage of these vulnerabilities,” The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal with the 7-Eleven outlet. and Ms Xia each face maximum penalties of she said. action against Xia Jing Qi Pty Ltd, which up to $10,800 per violation. operated a 7-Eleven retail store on William Xia Jing Qi Pty Ltd and its sole director The Fair Work Ombudsman has previously St until March 2017, and the store’s former Jing Qi Xia also faced a second charge for In order to curb similar contravention, an taken 10 other legal actions against 7-Eleven manager, Ai Ling “Irene” Lin, who was in allegedly underpaying another foreign injunction restraining the company from franchisee with more than $1 million in Australia on a student visa. employee at Ajisen Ramen in the Melbourne underpaying retail and restaurant employees penalties imposed on the chain to date. Celebrating Easter at St Michael’s Uniting Church A NOT SO HEROIC WAY OF THE CROSS GOOD FRIDAY AN HEROIC CALL TO PARADE MELBOURNE WALK A TRAGIC HERO ADVENTURE

Palm Sunday Service. Join us for the Way of the Cross, A somber Good Friday service Easter Sunday Service Those attending are invited to an ecumenical devotion, with of remembrance with lights and full of celebration with bring branches and greenary to be St Michael’s and Melbourne City lessons. The Academy of St Michael’s, placed on the chancel. Churches in Action. A detailed Music: The St Michael’s Singers St Michael’s Brass and Music: Zoe Wallace (Cello) itinerary at www.stmichaels.org.au. The St Michael’s Singers. Address by Rev Ric Holland Address by Rev Ric Holland St Michael’s Doors open from 5pm, Friday 30 March Address by Rev Ric Holland 10am, 10am, Sunday 25 March 11am, Friday 30 March Sunday 1 April St Michael’s Uniting Church 120 COLLINS ST MELBOURNE - WWW.STMICHAELS.ORG.AU ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 5 All this … and ripped off too!

Former councillor Tessa Sullivan not only felt sexually degraded by Robert Doyle. She also felt financially duped by him.

In her 35-page letter of resignation and An ASIC company extract lists Ms Li’s complaint, she says she started to distrust residential address as 4 Linlithgow Rd Mr Doyle when she realised she contributed Toorak, but there is no house at this address. $50,000 and some other team members had CBD News understands that the property spent nothing. was bought in about 2012 with the house “On or around Friday, 12 August 2016 remaining empty until it was demolished last at 10am I met Doyle and he told me year. that I would be running for council in In October, CBD News incorrectly implied a approximately four days to a week on the connection with Ms Li’s donation and former Team Doyle ticket. I agreed,” she said. councillor Tessa Sullivan, who lives nearby. “During the meeting, Doyle said to me that Rubiix Business Accountants principal candidates usually make a donation to Stuart Coulthard said the Corporations Act their own campaign and that the minimum 2001 sections 117(2)(f), and 205B says the amount was about $50,000-$70,000.” ASIC register application must contain the

“I was shocked, but Doyle reassured me he The land 4 Linlithgow Rd in Toorak is vacant. “address of each person who consents in was putting in $60,000 and indicated the writing to become a director or company other candidates were donating a similar “Doyle assured me that he had put in around Hope Wei and Beverley Pinder-Mortimer secretary” within 28 days. As per section amount.” $60,000 and many other donors put in a lot forked out $2000 each. 205D, this address “must be their usual more. This was when I started to distrust residential address”, Mr Coulthard said. Team Doyle members who did not “I had some savings and money that my him.” mother had given me towards the purchase contribute financially were Kevin Louey, An ASIC spokesperson said that failure to of a first home. I donated $50,000 in two Team Doyle election campaign returns Nicholas Reece and Sue Stanley. update a change in personal details could increments of $25,000 as I had to close of December 1, 2016 show that Mr Doyle result in a late-fee. For details not lodged CBD News can reveal that 2016 Team Doyle accounts to access the money.” himself contributed just $22,000. Mr Doyle with ASIC up to one month after the change later tried to revise this amount upwards election donor Ting Li used an incorrect has occurred, the fee is $78 and for changes “On or around mid to late October I called by $40,000, which is the subject of a Local address to register her business with the not lodged more than one month after Doyle to ask why it was that I was one of the Government Inspectorate investigation. Australian Securities and Investment the change, it is $323. For every year these highest donors to the campaign?” Commission (ASIC). changes are not lodged, the company will be The Team Doyle return also reveals that required to pay $323. “I felt particularly duped when I saw other candidates Arron Wood contributed $10,000, Ms Li’s Dainty Age One Pty Ltd gave the candidates had put in only $500 or donated Susan Riley gave $6200 in cash and a further largest donation to the Doyle campaign, Ms Li did not respond to efforts by CBD News nothing at all.” $1500 worth of in-kind advertising, and both contributing $80,000. to speak with her.

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Gina Donazzan hockingstuart Melbourne 6 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 Doyle damned What can a By Sean Car likelihood that something happened. While Mr Rimmer’s summary noted that The City of Melbourne’s Ms Sullivan had raised a number of other lord mayor do? matters about the conduct of Mr Doyle, independent investigation investigators were not sufficiently satisfied By Shane Scanlan into sexual harassment claims that they met the Briginshaw standard. against former lord mayor Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said that Being elected Melbourne’s Lord Mayor doesn’t necessarily mean all councillors had unanimously agreed Robert Doyle has returned four to review the council’s code of conduct the winner will have any capacity to change anything or get adverse findings. and supported management’s review of anything done. council’s alcohol and drug policy. A special council meeting held on March 13 Cr Oke made an emotional speech to The winning candidate will still need to Ben Rimmer for the entire three-month heard the long-awaited outcomes stemming the meeting, where she called on her command or negotiate support of five “Freckelton”process. Just like others, they from the first report of top silk Dr Ian colleagues to cast politics aside and work other councillors on every issue that comes were getting their news from the daily press – Freckelton’s investigation into allegations together to achieve cultural change and a before the council. with this news cycle being highly influenced made by Cr Cathy Oke and former councillor healthier workplace for all. by Mr Rimmer’s team of media minders. And there is a wide gap in capacity to Tessa Sullivan. “Achieving cultural change in an achieve this between the current and Following Tessa Sullivan’s resignation on Council CEO Ben Rimmer said the environment where political debate is emerging crop of potential candidates. December 15, council media manager investigation into allegations made by a third essential to achieving policy change is of Mandy Frostick visited the home of the At the top end of the scale is Sally Capp, complainant had been suspended until Mr course difficult. We need more women in former councillor to offer media advice. who could well be described as the status Doyle, who is currently suffering ill health, local government for diversity of voice and quo candidate. She appears most aligned Councillors still know only as little as the was able to respond. approach, but change can’t only be on the with the remnant majority “Team Doyle” general public in this matter. shoulders of women to make it happen.” However, the CEO has only made public a councillors. But it’s hard to see the “team” Over his three terms in office, Robert Doyle summary report of the first report, citing “I hope I am not being too naïve in wanting concept holding in a post-Doyle council. elevated the lord mayoralty beyond what “the confidential nature”, “personal” and my daughter to grow up in a post #metoo At the other end of the scale is perennial was envisaged for a popularly-elected lord “health” information, as well as interests of era where speaking out doesn’t cause so candidate Gary Morgan, who is aligned mayor. all involved parties, as justification against much pain. Where political games and only with Cr Jackie Watts. full disclosure. machinations can still operate but with the By bringing with him a team of five, Mr On December 15 last year, Ms Sullivan view that people can expect to be safe and Should Greens councillor Rohan Leppert Doyle morphed the lord mayoralty into a resigned from council after making serious free from harassment when going about the be elected, he would have two other Greens presidential-type position and cemented allegations of sexual misconduct against halls of power," Cr Oke said. for support (as Apsara Sabaratnam would his influence with strong support from become a councillor), but would have to conservative print and radio media interests. Mr Doyle, which she documented in a 35- Cr Susan Riley said she felt ashamed that negotiate issue by issue for the support of page dossier. This document also included her fellow councillors had been forced to So Melbourne’s new lord mayor will be at least another three councillors. This is allegations made by Cr Oke. go through their experiences and called for starting from a position well below that not necessarily a bad thing. The council a “united council” to make its remaining enjoyed by the previous incumbent. Having initially taken leave from council badly needs a return to representative three years the “best term yet”. amid Mr Rimmer’s announcement of an democracy, having most recently As mentioned, officer support is crucial. investigation into the allegations, Mr Doyle Cr Jackie Watts said she was “frustrated” performed as a rubber stamp for the If not forthcoming, a new lord mayor’s resigned as lord mayor on February 5. that council and the public was only dominant Doyle agenda. alterative would be to find another chief receiving a summary of the investigation, executive. This would require the support of On March 13, the four adverse outcomes of Should Ken Ong be elected, he too would but felt optimistic and confident that other councillors – probably quite achievable Dr Freckelton’s first report were made public need to negotiate support on the merits of positive change would occur as a result. in the current climate. Mr Rimmer’s four- and found that: each issue. year contract expires on February 8. Cr Rohan Leppert described the report’s ■■ On May 2, 2017, Mr Doyle deliberately Incumbent or former Melbourne findings as “sobering and serious”. He said The new lord mayor will also have to be grabbed Ms Sullivan’s breast; councillors enjoy the advantage of knowing he regretted that the process had forced the fluent in “spin”. ■ what they are in for and how the system ■ On December 4, 2014, Mr Doyle resignation of Tessa Sullivan and that he works (or doesn’t work). When asked whether our claim that Ms inappropriately placed his hand on Cr missed her presence at council. Frostick visited Ms Sullivan following her Oke’s inner thigh below her groin area; Voters should be wary of candidates Cr Nic Frances-Gilley commended the resignation was true, she said: “Taking ■■ On another occasion in late 2016 or early offering change, as change is probably courage of both women for speaking into account our occupational, health and 2017 he embraced Cr Oke and attempted not within their capacity. The best that up and helping guide the process, safety obligations, appropriate support to kiss her on the mouth in his office; and candidates can offer are their ideals, while condemning some mainstream from City of Melbourne was provided aspirations and principles. ■■ Each of these matters occurred in the media coverage for “ganging up on the to councillors, complainants and other context of Mr Doyle having consumed vulnerable”. But having the support of fellow councillors individuals impacted by the investigation substantial amounts of red wine. is, perhaps, the easy part. As we have seen into allegations made against the former lord Ahead of the Lord Mayoral by-election with the demise of Robert Doyle, it is the m a y o r.” Investigators were required to apply what is on May 11, Cr Philip Le Liu asked all unelected officers who are really running known as the “Briginshaw standard”, which candidates running to have a serious think We interpret this as “yes”. But how would the show at the City of Melbourne. in practice, meant they were required to be about what they could bring to council. you know? satisfied to a level that goes beyond mere “Right now we need leadership,” he said. Councillors were sidelined by CEO CBD crime wrap

By Medha Vernekar one of the men who sustained a few minor Sexual assault injuries. Police are looking for a man who sexually Unprovoked assault When a second man tried to intervene, one assaulted a woman in Spencer St on of the three men attacked him and fled the A male suffered serious facial injuries and December 20. scene after he suffered serious facial injuries another was left with minor injuries after an and was taken to the hospital. At around 10.20pm, a woman was unprovoked encounter between two groups approached by a man from behind who of men on the intersection of Bourke St and No arrests have been made so far and the touched her inappropriately and fled. Hardware Lane on March 11. investigation is ongoing. The man (pictured right) appears to be of Police believe that three men approached Caucasian, 170cm tall, around 30-40 years a second group of males at about 2.15am old and was wearing a khaki coloured when a male from the second group attacked hoodie. With any information, please report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 7 Market traders feel trapped without tenure

Some Queen Victoria Market traders feel trapped in their businesses, which they can’t sell because of uncertainty about the future.

Their only option, they say, is to stay but arrangements and better marketing. more secure tenure than we have been able their turbulent and often toxic relationship to provide before, particularly where they with market management gives them little “These two things haven’t been delivered,” too are keen to co-invest in the fit out of the confidence. he said. “The rest of the stuff that they talk market,” Mr Liacos said. about is somewhat irrelevant to everybody.” CBD News met with a number of traders who “We understand that this is what our trader would like to like to leave, but there are no Mr Craczyk said “a letter of comfort” community has been longing for. We are buyers in the current environment. guaranteeing tenure post-renewal would keen to deliver on that commitment once satisfy traders that they had a secure future. our desperately needed renewal works are Luke Craczyk of The Eggporium in I Shed well underway.” He said some traders felt that management acknowledges that all traders have been was deliberately running down the market given tenure until 2021, but he says this is “Luke is a highly valued licensed trader and privately wanted the get rid of as many not enough. and exactly the sort of business we think traders as possible. contributes to making Queen Victoria “We’re stuck,” he said. “We can’t make any Market the special place that it is. He This was particularly true, he said, following improvements and we can’t leave. It’s like commands a pivotal location in Shed I and the release of a 2012 email from QVM chair having a job that you’re not allowed to leave.” has a popular offering for customers.” Paul Guerra instructing staff not to sign new Mr Craczyk says he bought his business with leases which could become a liability on the “Back in August 2016, QVM management four years remaining on an eighteen-year company “if and when the redevelopment made a strong commitment to guarantee licence (6x6x6) and was assured the time goes ahead”. tenure to all traders operating at the market at that time through to the end of the renewal that a similar licence would be forthcoming Luke Craczyk feels uncertain about the market's future. But new QVM chief executive Stan Liacos development period. We have formally if he traded within the rules. says the market desperately wanted to keep offered all leaseholders and licensees Competition Commission regulations. traders like Mr Craczyk. CBD News has seen an August 2017 email security until December 2021. This degree from QVM management which asks him to He said contradictory messaging and a high He said management had offered most of tenure is actually longer than what most either sign the 2021 extension or leave. turnover of management staff also didn’t traders a longer licence renewal than what licensees had had prior. It was a significant help. they had previously enjoyed. commitment.” "If you are not intending to sign it, we will take that as an indication that you wish to “It might be alright if you thought that any “When the renewal projects are underway “Our recently extended leases and licences relinquish your licence and we will move one knew what they were talking about,” he and we actually have more certainty of do permit, if necessary, for traders to ahead accordingly," the email says. said. project completion dates ourselves, we be relocated from their current trading do look forward to entering into many locations while works are underway so they Mr Craczyk said this approach to negotiation Mr Craczyk said traders had always more new or extended leases and licences can continue to trade at the market right was contrary to Australian Consumer and wanted from management better parking providing our many hundreds of traders with throughout renewal works.” 8 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 Another retail icon goes By Sunny Liu ever since the new policy was put in place. It’s just appalling. How can the CBD’s retail industry survive when they do things like Another iconic Melbourne that?” institution has closed its doors “Melbourne’s going to be left with a whole in March, after operating in the lot of chain stores and cafes, restaurants, bars and nail salons. It’s not going to be very CBD for 96 years. interesting,” Ms Vodicka said. She also said the City of Melbourne had Thomas’ Music officially closed its shop at 31 not provided adequate support for small Bourke St on March 16, much to the dismay businesses within the municipality. of its loyal customers who travel from all over Australia and around the world for classical “I think the council has forgotten who writes music at Thomas’. their cheques. It’s not a very supportive environment for small businesses, which are Owner Elisabeth Vodicka said the the backbone of the economy,” Ms Vodicka unfortunate fate of Thomas’ Music had said. received an “outpouring of grief” from the community. The closure of Thomas' Music follows recent departures of Modak Motorcycles “The reaction has been torrential. We’ve had Thomas' Music owner Elisabeth Vodicka said the shop received overwhelming support from the community. on Elizabeth St and Ding Dong Lounge on more people come in in the last nine days Market Lane, both had operated in the CBD than in the last three months. We have sold music platforms had “killed off” physical the demise of independent retailing in the for decades. half a million dollars worth of stock in nine city and state government’s land tax policy stores. Thomas' Music will sell any remaining stock days,” she said. was a big factor. “Now, instead of buying music, you can go online via www.thomasmusic.net.au “Everyone who comes in expresses their online and listen for free. So you don’t need “The amount of land tax we pay has doubled unhappiness and frustration that we are to come into a store and buy it. Digital has going. Especially for the older customers sabotaged the music industry,” she said. who’ve been coming here for 50 years, they’ve got nowhere else to go now,” Ms Thomas’ Music is one of the last classical Vodicka said. music stores in Australia, where the staff are equipped with professional knowledge “We have a lot of client base, but there’s just about music genres and products. not enough new clients and demand for the huge amount of stock that we are carrying,” Within the last few decades, Ms Vodicka has she said. witnessed dramatic changes to the CBD’s retail scene. “Thomas’ has a very strong following, including lots of famous people,” she said, She was reminiscent of when several pointing to the numerous autographs on the classical music stores co-existed in the heart wall. of the city with high patronage. “There’s been lots of interesting customers Music store Disqueria closed several years that we’ve had. But no more,” Ms Vodicka ago and Myer used to have a classical music said. department. “It’s just not a viable business anymore. We “A lot of the niche stores are disappearing. specialise in the hard-to-get things, such Although Melbourne prides itself in those as records and cassettes. When you get to little niche retailers, we don’t get a lot of a point where you sell things that you can’t support from the council or the government,” actually get, it makes it a bit hard.” Ms Vodicka said. Ms Vodicka said the proliferation of digital She said a lot of things had played a role in Elisabeth Vodicka with staff Peter Bakowski and Christina Hinton.

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The illuminated Fivex signs on top of the River View House at the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets may not be there for long.

The City of Melbourne on March 6 rejected an application for its continued display. The signs displays the word “Fivex” and was installed two years ago by the building’s owner, Fivex Commercial Property. A planning permit for the signs was first issued in 2003 for 15 years and will expire in May 2018. The high-wall Fivex signs installed more than a decade ago may be removed. In February, the council refused an “No one at any point in time told us prior Cr Philip Le Liu said in favour of the sign: “I Since the planning permit was first granted, extension. According to a report to the to the six times this application has been like the fact that we have corporate signage the policy has changed to discourage such March 6 Future Melbourne Committee, the reviewed by the council previously that we because I think it’s the fact that it’s a badge signs within the precinct. signs were deemed to have had an impact could only keep it up for two years,” Leslie of honour for Melbourne where we bring in on views from the Yarra River corridor. “When you consider the look of Darling Berger, Fivex’s managing director, said. international business.” Council’s current policy discourages the Harbour for example, Sydney, [there are] display of high-wall promotional signs Eight councillors voted for the decision “I think it shows that we are an international a lot of high-wall signs at night heavily around the area. whilst two councillors voted against it. city and people want to come here to do illuminated. [It’s] some people’s cup of business.” tea and I love it. But Melbourne is much Representatives from Fivex and Mecone, the more understated than Sydney is, and it is company’s planner, spoke to the committee, Cr Rohan Leppert shared his view that, even He said that refusing to grant the permit something that we pride ourselves on.” but the decision was upheld after a major though the decision seemed punitive, it was would be “unfair”. debate. important that the policies must be followed. Fivex Commercial Property has appealed the Acknowledging that it was a complicated refusal and it will be heard at Victorian Civil Fivex contended the signs were for business “That policy quite clearly discourages the debate, Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in May. identification and were not promotional as signs of this height, of this nature, and of this supported the decision on the grounds of suggested by the council. brightness in this sensitive area,” he said. policy change. THE KEY TO GROWING YOUR SELF-MANAGED SUPER FUNDS

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Seats are limited. Register today! Scan the QR code to go to www.jindingau.com/event/11-april or call 7018 4245 to reserve your spot. JDRE18037 10 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 CBD is home to everyone Tourism By Sunny Liu campaign Boutique development firm RESCOM’s owners Bradley and shows CBD Lisa Matthews lived in the city By Lina Le for two decades until recently. Federation Square and the The Matthews bought several storage National Gallery of Victoria warehouses next to the Queen Victoria Market in 1992 and later converted them into are among the highlights apartments and retail shops. featured in Victoria’s latest When they first moved to the CBD 20 years promotional campaign video, ago, no one understood their decision. which aims to attract Chinese “People were asking us where we would get our milk and bread,” Mr Matthews said. tourists. “We were in one of the first residential In the video, famous Chinese star, actor developments in the CBD and we were Lisa and Bradley Matthews embrace developments in the CBD. Li Xian, is seen stepping into the iconic featured in the newspapers when we moved Federation Square and looking amazed at here,” he said. home to 40,000 other people,” she said. “Melbourne has never seen anything like the Ian Potter Centre. Despite doubts from friends, the Matthews this. The influx of overseas developers The video also features the City Circle happily settled down in their rusty The couple welcomes both residential and building skyscrapers is incredible. And this Tram, Hosier Lane and a beautiful river warehouse apartment and raised four commercial developments into Melbourne, will continue to increase in the future,” she scene from Southbank. children there. but their warehouse-turned apartments next said. to one of the city’s biggest tourism hotspots The video continues to take viewers to Mr Matthews said the city had always had a have become unsuitable as their permanent “We totally embrace the changes. We think the 12 Apostles and the Yarra Valley, close-knit community. home. it’s good for Melbourne, but at the moment showcasing natural landscapes and major “We used to just send a message to the it’s just experiencing some growing pains,” They also said the city’s infrastructure was tourism hotspots. Queen Victoria Market vendors, who we all she said, referring to the infrastructure not keeping up with the rapid development The Chinese tourism campaign, the first knew personally, to order some eggs and improvements and building standards. and influx of new residents. in six years, was launched in Shanghai on vegetables. That’s the beauty of being a city As a boutique developer, RESCOM targets March 12. and a neighbourhood,” he said. “We love the hustle and bustle. But some local owner-occupiers with its high- of the infrastructure needs to be improved, It targets Chinese cities such as Beijing, “We could walk out of our front door and we quality apartment designs. In contrast, especially the rubbish collection system,” Mr Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, from could go to the movies, restaurants, shops international developers build run-of-the- Matthews said. which Chinese tourists can easily travel to and trams.” mill high-rises for investors. Melbourne via direct flights. The Matthews loved their lifestyle in the “Before the streets were clean with the Mr Matthews said developments were In the 12 months to September 2017, there heart of the city, but two decades later, they rubbish bins being picked up every day. essential for Melbourne’s growth, despite were almost 600,000 Chinese tourists, who decided to move out of the CBD in 2016. But now they need to be picked up twice or the various building standards. three times a day because there are so many spent $2.7 billion visiting Victoria, making “The city has outgrown us. We got a planning people. So they are constantly overflowing,” “Every level satisfies someone’s needs in the China the largest tourism market for the permit to build a penthouse, with an outdoor he said. market. All developments are good, but they state. swimming pool, on top of the building. will be of different standards. In the long The state government believes the But when you look around, you only see “So the infrastructure has not kept up with term, developments will get better,” he said. campaign will attract more Chinese building with more than 60 storeys and there the development side.” “Melbourne will be leading other Victorian visitors. wouldn’t be any privacy,” Mrs Matthews Mrs Matthews said the strong residential cities and regions to develop as well. It has said. developments in the CBD have also driven already created a ripple effect in its inner “Before, the CBD was ‘our home’, but now it’s commercial developments. circle and outer suburbs."

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Authorised by Sally Capp, 167 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Victoria 3000 12 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 VG1082 ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 13 Cladding costs to fall on owners

Strata lawyer Tom Bacon says the Victoria Government seems more determined than ever to burden apartment owners with the cost of removing non-compliant cladding.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne on March surveyors will issue emergency orders. legal risks of bringing a claim are too high, exposes them from a liability perspective.” 10 issued new ministerial guidelines to then OCs might well have to simply fix the “These orders are issued on building owners, He said builders and developers were building surveyors, which ban the most cladding themselves via special levies.” which are the owners’ corporations,” Mr similarly also not in the firing line. dangerous types of combustible cladding Bacon said. Mr Bacon said the government seemed from being used on Victorian buildings. “The policy reason is that the government “Because these orders are of an emergency determined to protect building surveyors must keep ‘building conditions’ optimum Aluminium Cladding Panels with a nature, in extreme cases, the buildings could who had originally approved the installation for developers and builders so that they polyethylene core of more than 30 per cent be declared uninhabitable until such time as of non-compliant cladding. continue to build apartment blocks,” Mr will be banned on all multi-storey buildings. the cladding is removed and replaced.” “The problem is that if certifiers and building Bacon said. Expanded polystyrene will also be banned. “In other situations, the residents might surveyors are hung out to dry, they might “It’s simple economics. The more Mr Wynne has directed the Victorian be able to reside there, but only if interim simply close their companies and hand back apartments, the more stamp duty in the Building Authority (VBA) to issue a product safeguard measures are put in place and the their licences,” Mr Bacon said. coffers, and it’s not worth upsetting builders safety alert, and building practitioners who cladding issues are fixed very, very quickly.” “The state government faces a shortage and developers by placing the liability at ignore this directive will face disciplinary “So it doesn’t leave OCs with much time of qualified surveyors already, and if the their feet with the cladding issue, for fear that action from the VBA. to seek to join wrongdoers who might be industry collapses then the state government the builders and developers decide to ‘land responsible for why the cladding is there in But the minister also said if buildings were and councils will need to step back in and bank’ and not develop their properties, or go the first place.” found to be non-compliant at a current state- start certifying buildings themselves again, to other states around Australia where it is wide audit, the VBA and municipal building “If the building is over a certain age, or if the which would be very expensive and then easier for them to do business.” Disappearance of an artist

By Rhonda Dredge

The corner of Bourke and Swanston is a popular place for street artists.

The city of Melbourne prides itself on its busking profile and the mall is the place to be. Recently a poet set up a stand at the corner offering to write a poem on any topic. By law, she was required to have a busking permit. A tourist soon stopped at the poet’s stand and put her artistic talent to the test. Everyone looked on as the tourist assessed the poet’s composition then, a job well done, the poet left her crease to encourage a pavement artist who hadn’t been doing as well. Redevelopment The two of them posed for a moment in front just before 4 pm. Some of those who watched the incident of the mall, he feeling despondent and not felt for the police. “They have a difficult budging from his seat, she standing behind Some say that the rivalry inherent in the for the job,” said one observer, who did not want him, feeling the movement of the people and cultural economy of the streets was her to give his name to CBD News. He said that the glow of the buildings. undoing. The police put her in handcuffs synthetic drugs are readily available nearby. Walk Arcade while they searched her backpack then she They could have been statues demonstrating was bundled into a divvy van. Ms Walker was more empathetic. “They that fact that there are two views of should have let her go,” she said. “She A 10-storey integrated mixed- everything, depending on where you are Bronwyn Walker watched the incident doesn’t hurt anyone. It’s not a good sign.” standing at any particular time. unfold. She believes that Kylie was dobbed use development with retail in by a street trader for not having a busking Police have been out in force along Bourke The next poem to come off the city’s stores, restaurants and two permit. St since the tragedy at the mall. Two days production line was an obvious one. It was earlier a silver Mercedes was surrounded by hotels is proposed for Bourke an ode to the camaraderie of the people “She’s been here since I’ve been on the four police cars and the driver handcuffed forced to make their livings on the street. street,” Ms Walker said. “She teaches people St Mall’s the Walk Arcade. while the car was searched. how to live on the street. She was minding Life can be tough for street artists. Tourists her own business.” The high visibility of the police in the city Two hotels are to be constructed from are usually receptive but there is fierce offers some comfort to residents and the the existing 38-year-old Walk Arcade, competition for lucrative spots. The City of It wasn’t a pretty sight to observe a handcuffing of suspects sends out a tough including an upscale 181-room, 4.5-star Melbourne does a weekly ballot for places in descendent of the original landowners of message but are street artists really that hotel and a midscale 272-room hotel. the mall to provide some equity and requires this country being surrounded by a mob dangerous? that performers do auditions before granting of policemen dressed to the nines with The basement, ground floor and first floor permits. Not everyone is up to dealing with weapons and devices. Soon after Kylie was removed, pedestrians will be retail facilities for either one tenant the authorities. were stepping on her artwork. or subdivided into smaller shops. The sergeant in charge of the operation On February 1, the authorities turned defended the police action. He said they Five days later, the faded pattern of hands Situated at the central point of the Bourke against one particular performer. Kylie, an were speaking to her about another matter and snakes on the footpath attested to her St Mall and the CBD’s retail core, the Walk indigenous chalk artist who had been doing and that they hadn’t charged her. “It’s not former presence but she hadn’t been in the Arcade offers a premium location. well, was surrounded by seven police officers serious,” he said reassuringly. vicinity since her disappearance. 14 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 Welsh choir strikes a chord By Sunny Liu

The Australian Welsh Male Choir has this year established a brand new CBD chapter at the Welsh Church on LaTrobe St.

Having been running in Frankston for 45 “The Welsh choir tradition grew out of the years, the Welsh choir is expanding its CBD Welsh men singing at the mines and rugby presence to attract broader audience and clubs. And we are trying to sustain that membership. tradition with the choir, our rehearsals and the monthly singing at pubs,” Mr Buchanan Musical director Tom Buchanan said in just said. one month, the choir’s CBD chapter had already recruited 15 choristers and the choir He believes the choir helps promote and hoped to double that number very quickly. preserve the Welsh culture and language. “Being based in the CBD opens doors to “The Welsh language was banned in Wales a much larger audience and makes it very for 400 years and it was very much through accessible for participants to join the choir,” the music that the language has survived. So he said. I think that’s an important part of the Welsh choirs now to keep that singing tradition Being the oldest Welsh choir in Australia, going,” he said. the Australian Welsh Male Choir has toured the UK, Asia, New Zealand and all around “If you travel through Wales, you will see that Australia. every village has a male choir. So it’s a very common part of the expression of the Welsh The only prerequisite for joining this well- culture.” established, community-based choir is the love for singing and, of course, being male. There are currently 60 members at the Knowledge of the Welsh language is not Frankston chapter and Mr Buchanan said required. the choir hoped to grow the city chapter to the same size, making the Australian Welsh “The idea is having not trained musicians, Male Choir the largest in the country. but community members to sing in the choir. Our choruses come from very diverse age, The Australian Welsh Male Choir has cultural and religious backgrounds – just not rehearsals at the Welsh Church at 320 gender!” Mr Buchanan said. The Australian Welsh Male Choir's musical director Tom Buchanan. LaTrobe St every Wednesday from 7-9pm. “Singing is a very enjoyable thing to be part For more information about the choir or to of. Our members would often say being part together to sing on a regular basis, is a life- He said Welsh male choirs were very join the choir, visit awmc.org.au or contact of the choir, part of a community that comes changing experience,” Mr Buchanan said. representative of Welsh traditions. [email protected] B3000+ Awards launched Bungling bookstore By Emma Doherty

In celebration of local burglar businesses, the 2018 Business Melbourne Crime 3000+ Awards were launched Investigation Unit detectives on February 22. are appealing for public The City of Melbourne’s Cr Susan Riley assistance following a launched the event at the premises of burglary at a Melbourne book BlueRock before introducing this year’s keynote speaker and awards ambassador Dr store on March 15. Elaine Saunders. The burglary took place when an unknown Dr Saunders, who is the managing director person forced open the main doors to the of Blamey Saunders Hears, spoke of her shopping complex on Collins St just after passion for innovation, specifically of its midnight. impact in her field of audiology. Security footage shows the burglar Fellow speakers and sponsors also addressed struggling in the glass sliding door as it the opportunity and potential for business closes on his leg and back pack. development that can flow from winning a B3000+ award. Once inside the complex the burglary falls over on the escalator before climbing on a BlueRock managing director Bruce ledge to access stores on the lower level. McFarlane welcomed guests and spoke of the importance of entering business awards From left: BlueRock COO Dean Godfrey, Cr Susan Riley and managing director (law) Bruce McFarlane. He then enters the book store and smashes and the positive effects it has on his business. through a security door to gain entry into a rear office. Co-CEO of StarRez, Adele Knipe, spoke Knipe Innovation Award (supported by Award (supported by the State Government about the growth of their business since StarRez), New Business Award (supported of Victoria). Once inside the office, unable to open an being awarded the B3000+ Award in 2014. by VCSO), International Award (sponsored office safe, he lifts it in his arms and leaves the shop. The work of businesses and individuals Chin Communications), Social Enterprise Nominations close April 27 and award can be recognised under the following Award (supported by the RACV Club), winners will be announced at the 2018 Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. categories: the 2018 Business of the Year Sustainability Award (supported by Moral Business 3000+ awards ceremony on Award (supported by BlueRock), the Alan Fairground) and Female Entrepreneur Thursday, May 31. ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 15 Land tax hike harms small businesses By Sunny Liu

The recent state government hike on land tax for property owners has forced many small businesses out of the CBD, according to business owners and experts.

In November last year, the Victorian Government announced it would conduct valuations on land annually instead of every second year.

This change means property owners with commercial and residential land valued at or more than $250,000 will face more frequent land tax and council rate hikes as each year the land value increases.

Local CBD business owners described the policy change as “appalling”, which has played a major factor in some of the recent closures of iconic CBD retail shops.

Owner of the recently-closed Bourke St classical music store Thomas’ Music, Elisabeth Vodicka, said the steep increase in land tax had made the business unviable.

“The amount of land tax we pay has doubled The CBRE and Minter Ellison panel discusses the impact of land tax hike. ever since the new policy was put in place. It’s just appalling. How can the CBD’s retail Both business owners expressed their CBRE and law firm Minter Ellison co- depreciation benefits. industry survive when they do things like frustration towards the lack of understanding hosted a seminar on the impact of the state that?” she said. of small business by the Victorian government’s land tax hike on CBD property Mr Carruthers from CBRE said the hike on land tax could result in commercial rental David Beanham, owner of Modak Government. owners on March 1. increase. Motorcycles on Elizabeth St, which had “It’s not a very supportive environment for On the panel were CBRE’s land tax specialist operated in the CBD for 88 years before it small businesses at all,” Ms Vodicka said. Dane Carruthers, building and depreciation “When property owners pay more land tax, closed in February, said the land tax hike was specialist Neale Scott, director of middle they get that subsidised from the rent. So the the “final nail in the coffin” for his business. “Melbourne’s going to be left with a whole markets and city sales Josh Rutman, retail tenants will end up paying more rent,” he lot of chain stores and cafes, restaurants, leasing specialist Zelman Ainsworth and said. “The policy introduced by the state bars and nail salons. It’s not going to be very Minter Ellison’s Ben Dodgshun. government has more than doubled the interesting,” she said. The land tax expert said this would mean amount of land tax we pay. Running a The panel discussed the government’s recent that many small independent businesses business is an economic proposition and Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said the changes to the land tax legislation, how would not be able to afford the rent in the we can’t be here forever without being changes would make land valuations in property owners could effectively challenge CBD and instead more international and profitable,” he said. Victoria “fairer and more consistent”. land tax assessments and maximise chain operators would snap up properties. Laneways go green STREET LIFE By Medha Vernekar

As part of the “Green Your Laneway” pilot program, four of CBD’s laneways have undergone changes to include greener spaces.

The $1.8 million pilot program has transformed laneways such as the Coromandel Place, Guildford Lane, Meyers Place and Katherine Place with a green makeover by installing vertical gardens, climbing plants, trees, planter boxes and street art. Some of these changes have rendered three of the four laneways to be partially closed to vehicles or have been made one-way for convenient access to pedestrians. More than 800 public nominations and expert advice from a team of professionals including engineers, place-makers, landscape architects and sustainability 2.30 pm. Jeffcott St. Photo by Barry C. Douglas @ BarryTakesPhotos.com professionals were used. 16 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 Comedy festival features local talent

Melbourne-based comedians Geraldine Quinn, Nick Capper and Raewyn Pockernig are performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in April.

This year’s MICF, the third largest comedy festival in the world, will showcase diverse comic talent both locally and internationally. Ms Pockernig is having her first-ever MICF gig, Mispronounced, this year. “I don’t expect to have a sell-out show straight away. It’s more about building up my confidence as a new comic,” she said. “The comedy festival provides me with a great platform but at the same time it’s also easy to get lost in the crowd because there are so many talents each year,” Ms Pockernig said. “So the comics really need to put in work before the festival to get the word out.” Award-winning songwriter-turned comedian Geraldine Quinn is in her 13th year at MICF 2018. She said MICF gave equal opportunity to both established and emerging comics. Comedians Geraldine Quinn, Nick Capper and Raewyn Pockernig. “The festival doesn’t feel generational at all. There are artists from all ages and Mr Capper is delivering his fifth gig at comedies and other art forms. But they every challenging for the comedian to keep backgrounds,” Ms Quinn said. MICF, called Quantum Bad Boy and is also also have high standards and expectations, very single performance lively. This year she is bringing her new show hosting female comedian night Upfront at which force you to advance,” he said. “The material has to be good enough to liven Queen Bitch to the Malthouse Theatre where Town Hall on April 18. “Every year, comedians come from all over up every night. You are in competition with she will be performing in a cabaret style. the world for MICF. So it’s a wonderful He said Melbourne’s artistic environment big international stars so you always have to opportunity to meet international “My genre of comedy, mixed with music, facilitated the emergence and growth of move forward,” he said. comedians and mingle with and learn is very fringe. After these many years, I can new comics and artists. turn around and see these people, who I from them,” Mr Capper said. The festival runs from March 28 to April used to see on television and who are now “Melbourne is very nurturing of arts. He said even though the content of each 22. More information can be found at my peers. It just feels amazing,” she said. People here are very supportive of night’s show was the same, it could be comedyfestival.com.au New planning controls to activate streets By Sunny Liu and wind requirements. At the February 20 Future Melbourne Developers will not be allowed Committee meeting, councillors endorsed the C308 amendment and sought to build ground-level car park authorisation from the Planning Minister in the CBD and Southbank to prepare and exhibition the amendment. under the new C308 urban The City of Melbourne’s planning portfolio design policy package. chair Nicholas Reece said C308 would significant improve buildings’ design quality. Amendment C308 will replace the existing Exhibition showcases Design and Development Schedule 1 “In my view, C308 and the design guide (DDO1) with a new Schedule 1, with the aim that accompanies it is the one of the of activating buildings’ street frontages in the most important things that the City of Melbourne’s development Hoddle Grid and Southbank. Melbourne will do in this term. And it’s Under the amendment, developers will be all about lifting the design standards,” Cr By David Amaya development of the city. required to build only underground car Reece said. The exhibition aims to analyse the impact of parking and use less than 40 per cent of a the Postcode 3000 strategy, introduced in the building’s ground floor for building services. “The new set of planning controls will An exhibition at City adopt a far more rigorous focus on the 1990s to establish a residential population in Car parks in new Southbank buildings must street and surrounds. We want to drive Gallery shows the impact of the CBD. be “sleeved” with active uses and configured a new focus on how buildings in the city Melbourne’s vertical growth on According to the exhibition curator Professor to be adaptable to future uses work at the eye level,” he said. public life on the street. Rob Adams, “we need to think more carefully Also, the required 80 per cent of active retail about the relationship between high rise “The days of new developments being no street frontages on a building’s ground level developments and how they affect people’s more than spread-sheets in the sky are Until April 28, the public can enjoy free will be expanded for more activation. experiences at street level.” over. We want to make sure every building entrance to Between the Street and the Amendment C308 is to compliment C270, gives more back to the city than it takes Sky: a Provocation for Melbourne, an This free exhibition runs at Town Hall’s City which specifies minimum setbacks from and this begins with design excellence and exhibition that displays photos, 3D laser- Gallery until April 28. streets, building separation, overshadowing quality build,” Cr Reece said. printed models and videos to illustrate the ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 17 Scooti rideshare to hit CBD streets By Emma Doherty more rideshare services for cars on the road over the next year or two, Mr Balsters said their vehicle. We also run background and is not a solution to congestion. There needs Melbourne was going to be the perfect criminal checks,” Mr Balsters said. launch pad. He said the city had a better to be a better way to get around town.” Drivers also undergo specialised training culture of being able to “accept and embrace A two-wheeled ridesharing and assessment to ensure they can operate a “We’ve seen this model overseas where things quicker”. service has been launched as scooters are the preferred method of vehicle safely. With the biggest question on passengers’ transport,” he said referring to rideshare an alternative way of getting minds being safety, Mr Balsters was quick to “The next steps, unlike other rideshare, services such as Scooterino in Italy, Gojek reassure that safety was a top priority. minimise the risk and ensure the safety of around the CBD. in Indonesia and Grab in Singapore, which drivers and passengers. We need to make So much so, it has implemented a rigorous have been shown to curb congestion. sure we have processes and training in Scooti is Australia’s first scooter-only process for screening and hiring riders. According to RACV reports, it is estimated place,” he said. ridesharing app, offering passengers a faster, “Right from the form on our website, or an that the cost of congestion will rise to $53.3 Assuming a successful and safe launch in greener and more cost-effective service. enquiry over the phone, they (riders) must billion in 2031. Melbourne, Scooti is looking to establish its meet with us and our team. We then vet that The idea for a rideshare service on scooters service in Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Not only does the service aim to relieve city person to also ensure they can communicate came as a solution to Melbourne’s long-term roads, Mr Balsters says it “hopes to gives New Zealand and South East Asia. congestion problem. clearly. Further to that, we need to check riders a sense of adventure”. that they have their full licence and that Launched on March 20, the app will be Scooti COO Brett Balsters said: “Putting With plans to launch the app in Sydney they have insurance (comprehensive) on available for download soon. Bon Scott’s legacy lives on

A Bon Scott sculpture was unveiled in the CBD’s famous AC/DC How would your Lane on March 6. The permanent three-metre-tall sculpture of the Aussie rock legend, made of metal, building rate? concrete and plaster, emerges from a laneway brick wall. sustainability rating. Nearby rock music venue Cherry Bar’s The City of Melbourne is The selected 20 buildings will be assessed owner James Young started the project partnering with the National by the end of May. in collaboration with local artist Mike Makatron with support from the state Australian Built Environment To participate, 12 months of utility bills government’s Rockin’ The Laneways Rating System (NABERS) to for each account, written agreement and initiative. strata plans are required. rate 20 apartment buildings in “This sculpture will inspire artists, musicians and international tourism. water and energy use efficiency. Also, carparking plans, floorplans, technical drawings, strata management There are fans of Bon Scott already planning to come from places as far as Residents in the CBD can now nominate statements and detailed expenses statements are desirable. Germany and Spain just to come to AC/ their building for assessment through their DC Lane in Melbourne to see Bon Scott owners’ corporation for this pilot program. The owners’ corporation will need to pay honoured in this way,” Mr Young said. The council will pay for the assessment and the submission fee and make the building “From today, we know that Sydney has the will subsidise the $1160 fee to $580. available for inspection. Sydney Opera House, but Melbourne will James Young, Mary Renshaw and Dave Stevens. have Bon Scott.” NABERS will help residents and owners’ Submissions close by Thursday, March “Melbourne is very representative of corporations to identify areas of potential 29. For more information, contact Bon Scott’s son Dave Stevens and former Australia’s rock music culture. So it’s really savings in their common area water and [email protected] or girlfriend Mary Renshaw also attended the fitting that the sculpture is installed in AC/ energy bills and improve the building’s 9658 8557. unveiling. DC Lane,” Mr Stevens said. Measles alert issued for CBD locations By Medha Vernekar Deputy chief health officer, Dr Brett Sutton, Measles has an incubation period of up to Some of the early symptoms of measles spoke about a woman who is infected with 18 days so those at a risk of contracting the include common cold symptoms such as the virus after visiting the CBD. virus and those that have visited the CBD runny nose, red eyes and coughing, followed The Health and Human locations might not show symptoms until by the characteristic measles rash and fever. “An infected woman, in her 20s, visited a March 21. Services Department has issued Although the disease is now less prevalent in number of tourist locations and popular sites Dr Sutton urges people who show symptoms Australia due to the widespread vaccination alerts after several suspected across Melbourne,” Dr Sutton said. “She is of the virus over the next two weeks to it is still vital that children remain now being treated in hospital.” contractions at CBD locations. immediately contact their doctors or hospital immunised due to the risk of infection emergency departments. brought in by travellers. Measles is a highly infectious viral disease These locations include Flinders which is known to cause serious illnesses “Anyone developing symptoms is advised The vaccine for measles is currently Backpackers, Elizabeth St, Flinders Railway particularly in young children and adults. to ring ahead to their general practitioner recommended on the Natural Immunisation Station and Bourke St. Some of the complications that can develop or hospital first and tell them that they may Program for toddlers at 12 months and Several exposed to the virus also visited rural with this virus include pneumonia and have measles so that appropriate steps again at 18 months. Anyone not immunised sites such as Philip Island and areas between other serious conditions that require can be taken to avoid contact with other against measles, has the risk of contracting Geelong and Warrnambool. hospitalisation. patients,” Dr Sutton added. the virus. 18 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41

CBD Local CBD brings the perfect lifestyle By Sunny Liu

Having lived in the CBD for the past two years, recent RMIT University graduate Cindy Wang said her lifestyle had changed dramatically since making the city change.

Ms Wang came from China to study a “Volunteering for the university, Study Masters of Media and Communications at Melbourne and non-profit organisations is RMIT University in 2016 and was surprised a great way for international students to fit at how inconvenient it was to commute from into the local society. The community needs the outer western suburbs to the city each international students’ contribution and it day. also helps break down stereotypes about “It used to take me almost two hours just overseas students once the locals know to commute to the city. And living in the more about the student community,” she suburbs also means I had to head straight said. home after my classes to get home before Another big plus of living in the heart of dark,” she said. the city is safety. She described her lifestyle before coming Ms Wang said she felt much safer living in to Melbourne as “the stay-at-home-and-read the CBD than when she lived in the western type”, but that had changed ever since she suburbs. moved into the CBD. “Commuting on the train and walking “After moving to the city, I became much home from the train station in the suburb more active in both my social life and at night could be quite dangerous. But here physical exercises,” she said. in the city I feel safe going out at night as “There are always festivities and things to there are always people around. Most of the do in the city. I joined the gym and keep a residents here are very friendly and they regular fitness schedule.” also care about your safety,” she said. Ms Wang said she thought the CBD Ms Wang said the geographic location of residential lifestyle was the perfect fit for choice for people in their 20s to live here.” resident meant she had more time and the Melbourne CBD means people would young professionals and students. After moving to the CBD, Ms Wang energy to commit to her voluntary work. always need to come into the city. “I think the CBD is a great place for signed up to become a student ambassador “I had plenty of time to attend to my “Melbourne is not like Beijing, where singles to live in. They have more chances to for the state government initiative Study voluntary commitment because I live in the there are several city centres. Wherever you socialise, more employment opportunities Melbourne. CBD,” she said. go in Melbourne, you would always need to and more room for self-improvement,” she She was also actively involved in RMIT’s As an international graduate, Ms Wang go through the CBD,” she said. said. student TV station, Australian Federation of said she believed volunteering provided a “I feel very comfortable living in the CBD. “The CBD is also very multicultural and International Students and AMES Australia. platform for foreign students to get to know It has improved my social life, my health, my young in its culture, so it’s a wonderful She said the convenience of being a CBD the local community better. lifestyle and employability,” she said.

Critic Pining for a lover woman who is the intelligence behind this Kneen is a thoughtful writer. You can speculative novel is still chasing sexual Last year someone at Dymocks imagine her sitting at her laptop delving pleasure even after she has died and is deeply and imaginatively into issues of bookstore in Collins St left a prepared to pay for it. equity. If she wins the award, however, she In the past this character might have stray novel amongst those on will be thrust into the limelight, maybe even been struck off as a silly old bag but creative onto a billboard. the 2017 Stella Prize shortlist for writing as a university discipline is on the It used to be uncool for creatives to be rise and there is plenty of funding in the women’s writing and the CBD overtly ambitious but ever since the advent sector. Most creative writers these days are of the Stella Prize in 2013 women have been News picked it up mistakenly well-educated, many with PhDs. There are 36 strutting their storytelling prowess. writing programs at universities in Australia out of the pile of hopefuls. Laboratories have now been set up around and research is prominent. town dedicated to the gruelling art of writing. There is no denying that the winner of the An Uncertain Grace by Krissy Kneen had Novelists are hard at work, tapping away on 2018 Stella prize, to be announced in April, just been released and must have missed the their laptops in a race for the big prize. Plot will be greeted by a group of admirers. She deadline for the prize, hence its exclusion. lines are being invented, characters tested will become an ambassador for women’s We gave it a review anyway and now on the public. Text Publishing is known for its writing. She will perform at the Spiegeltent the novel is on the 2018 list. We’re In one of Kneen’s stories, a 130-year- provocative titles. The William St publishing and be interviewed at the Wheeler Centre. congratulating ourselves for picking a old narrator inhabits the body of a young house has released several French novels She will do a lot of PR. winner. prostitute to find love. In another, a robot that deal with predatory males who make Her brain might be kept alive after her The driving intelligence in the book is a boy is used to cure paedophiles. Originality light of their appetites by the use of clever death because of its storytelling skills and woman who makes up stories to deal with is the key to her characters, in contrast to arguments. They have pushed An Uncertain will still be earning her money, enabling her those who are sexually exploited. Most of the well-meaning books like last year’s winner Grace and the novel has been well-received. to transfer funds to the prostitute from her exploiters are men but not all of them. which comforted rather than challenged. Some readers might wish that female bank account using a chip if she is still pining Since the novel came out last year, gender Kneen writes sexually explicit stories writers weren’t quite so serious about their for a lover in years to come. politics has shifted and it has become that view gender as a continuum, more desires, hoping instead for enlargement of increasingly obvious that not everyone is influenced by identity than biology, that the funny bone than more drastic measures Rhonda Dredge has a PhD in Creative suited to the creative approach to gender can be manipulated by a range of medical aimed at knocking “dick” lit off its self- Writing depicted in the book. Certain heroic types procedures and technologies. Transition appointed pedestal. might prefer to remain cool and aloof than from one gender to another, in her hands, Kneen, to her credit, manages to find submit to the ideas in this work, hence the is an increasingly popular and compelling humour in the highly-politicised arena of contentious nature of the novel and its fitting way of finding a community of like-minded sexual difference by reversing the typical Rhonda Dredge place on the 2018 shortlist. people. seduction scenario. The 130-year-old [email protected] ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 19

SKYPAD Living Pets’ peeves of vertical living

2018 is an Earth Dog Year in Chinese astrology and we are all advised to pay special attention to our health – but if you actually have a four legged friend, how might their 2018 health be in your vertical village?

Pet keeping in strata communities of high rise living as they are believed to when owners are away. For some, this means you can record and share all these precious continues to grow, reflecting the cultural positively impact on their human’s wellbeing leaving on the air conditioning, which can moments! importance of pet ownership in Australia. by reducing loneliness and (possibly) contribute significantly to energy bills. And just to give you choice, there is also Led by a generation of baby boomers who alleviating some symptoms of depression And this is just one pet health concern. Petcube Bites – an all-in-one Wi-Fi pet have become empty-nesters, apparently and dementia. Dr Jo Righetti from Pet Problems Solved camera with built-in treat dispenser that lets almost 90 per cent claim their animals to Added to this, pets are claimed to has identified several more challenges you train and reward your pet remotely. See, be more family than pet. Also the “cats, not strengthen our sense of community, a point including your pet’s mental health – what are talk, treat, and train from your phone! kids” brigade have seen pet parks become agreed by Lisa Wood, associate professor at they going to do all day when their human is But if you are more old-school, there increasingly popular safe zones in which University of Western Sydney. Her cross- away? is a local offering called Dogshare which both owners and pets mingle. national study (involving Perth, Australia, But marketing, like nature, abhors introduces dog-owners to other dog-lovers However, how we treat our furry family in and three US cities) has lent weight to the a vacuum – and so, in this time of in their neighbourhood. Dogshare, which is our vertical villages varies. In Queensland claim that pets help build social capital “premiumisation of pets”, there are a wave of free to join, aims to connect time-poor dog and NSW, for instance, pet ownership is (i.e. trust and connections between people, pet-friendly services and innovations that I owners with fellow dog lovers – and, to my subject to a wide range of bylaws, whereas including those we don’t know personally). have come across. mind, there seems potential to add a vertical in Victoria and the ACT, pets are allowed by Also in support of pets is John Bradshaw, For instance, previously owners might village twist to this service by developing default unless they become a “nuisance”. visiting fellow in anthrozoology, University have left on the radio for their pet (along a building-based group and including this Individual building protocols and pet of Bristol, who claims that pet-keeping is with the air-conditioning!). However, now information in the building’s induction facilities also vary widely. one of the few available outlets in today’s there is DOGTV, a live stream channel that program. Some apartment towers require pets be urbanised society that help us to reconnect “provides the right company for dogs when But if the demands of vertical pet carried across common space (lest they with the world of nature. left home alone”. Apparently, DOGTV helps ownership seem all too great, there are an mark the marble flooring). Others request It appears then that pets are good for their stimulate, entertain, relax and habituate array of virtual pets – but before you head residents register their pets with building owners – but what about vice versa? dogs with TV shows that introduce them down this simulated path, you might like management, citing the need to convey Are we, and in particular our high-rise to various movements, sounds, objects, to view Strange Beasts, a short film from relevant bulletins (and also, possibly, to lifestyle, good for our pets? experiences and behaviour patterns, all from London filmmaker Magali Barbé. ensure that owners approve of their four- According to RMIT researchers Yolande a dog’s perspective. If you would like links to the material legged tenants). Some villages also have an Strengers, Cecily Maller and Larissa Nicholls, But too much TV could make too much mentioned, please visit and like SkyPad induction package which alerts pet owners there are some concerns for high-rise pets, Fido. Living on Facebook. to their responsibilities to neighbours and starting with the temperatures within our So, rather than simply leaving toys around, asks them to give thought to how they apartments. As noted in a previous SkyPad there is digital day care with Camp PetChatz will remove their pet in the event of an Living column, a University of Melbourne which makes “chatting with your pet easy!” Janette Corcoran emergency. study found that heat stress inside Apparently it is as “easy” as pressing the Apartment living expert Current trends are towards greater support apartments is a major issue for residents – chat button and your dog or cat will see your https://www.facebook. for pets in apartments as we “age in place” and this includes our pets as they, too, are smiling face on the full-colour LED display. com/SkyPadLiving/ and become more reliant upon our pets susceptible to overheating. But wait – of course there’s more! for company. In fact, many policy makers Some real thought is needed to ensure that By clicking the treat button, you can give are including pets in their future views pets have a suitable environment, especially your pet a healthy reward – and naturally

Music Callisto Woman near Ganymede McLean Stephenson is the director of the Then she brings out an ace, what sounds six furlongs in consecutive years in a photo Many years ago, a woman is film clip to Phantom and he has created a like baritone saxes kick in, and we are in the finish over Brave Smash ridden by Craig moody, atmospheric work, focused on a low- Low Rock realm of that great Chicago band Williams. walking through undulating lit Blasko visage. Morphine and that is a very good thing. She is not just foxing and she has scope to countryside with a grey horse, In a previous episode, Amazing Things I don’t have the time go further. These songs put Blasko in the box from the second Sarah Blasko album What To walk around in circles seat to put on a great show for when she next like Chautauqua. The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have (2006) has To wonder if I’m right tours. A genuine A-grader. Grader Spader. a sparser production approach that is akin Or am I doing something wrong Congrats to Fang It! and 3PBs for their great The horse hears her singing: “All I want, is to The Cowboy Junkies and their magnum Later, when the strings kick in and Blasko gig for International Women’s Day that to one day know myself” and, meanwhile, opus The Trinity Sessions. Producers Sarah sings the refrain, it is The Supremes and included Hospital Pass, Adalita, Camp Cope the Cassini spacecraft, near Saturn directs Blasko, Robert Cranny and Midnight Oil’s The Shirelles. This is the type of song that and Laser Tits. one of its scientific cameras to take in the Jim Moginie achieve this semblance of a very Rowland S. Howard would have devoured. edge of the rings of Saturn, with Earth and live band playing in a church feel. A true signpost for Blasko is her stellar Gigs / Shows Mars in the field of vision ... Maybe that was the aim and scope of that version of David Bowie’s song Life On Mars? Sunday Arvos in April - Sunday Arvo Cherry Phantom, the first single from the brand project, but now she is walking through halls from his 1971 album Hunky Dory. She did a Blues Sessions, Cherry Bar, ACDC Lane new Sarah Basko album Depth of Field is that give entrance to lush, magnificent discos performance of this song on a Triple J radio Gomez (UK) - April 2, 170 Russell St focused and is all Chrissie Amphlett of in Phantom. show at the start of 2016 and it is entrancing. Fang It! - Thursday arvo 3PBS Divinyls. Singing firm over a luscious field A Shot is the second single from Depth Blasko invests herself in totality in this Break and Enter – 4pm Thursdays 3RRR of flanging synths, an understated arpeggio, of Field and it has not been a walk in the material, playing her Prophet 08 with Beautiful The Musical - Her Majesty’s continents of keys underpinning the rich, park for the narrator. There’s a great sense another keyboardist at the Sydney studio of Theatre, till April 24 strong Blasko voice, almost smoky, maybe of maturity in the song writing. This song that radio station. Not a dry eye in the house Rose Callaghan - Forum Theatre, during whiskey. shapes up as a Marianne Faithfull song from at the end of that performance. That is how Comedy Festival I feel my destiny her Broken English album. good she is. At this stage, as a singer, she is Without a sound Blasko can run a mile here, through the hitting her straps, on point, on the mark. Constant force of energy finish line. Never Let Me Go is a great song, It’s hard to do such great material over Floating around that goes through brilliant gear changes, consecutive albums. Blasko shakes it up, Chris Mineral Laid your hands upon me starting out sounding like a Kraftwerk song, rolls the dice and gets the job done. Stepping email: When I was a child then, when Blasko sings in a falsetto voice, up with great material. Brilliant, like Redkirk [email protected] Pulled me under water it is terrain such as Bono singing Lemon, or Warrior with Regan Bayliss winning the Planted in the ground maybe that difficult woman Renee Geyer. Newmarket Handicap at Flemington over 20 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41

We Live Here Letters to the Editor

A soulless city? I continue to enjoy reading each month Embedded CBD News. I thought a couple of the stories this month (whether intentionally or unintentionally) highlighted an emerging problem I see in Melbourne, the demise of kickbacks small unique businesses and institutions that make the essence of this city as a great defamatory. destination to live, work and play. We Live Here has had a request Two real estate companies with links to CBD News this month reported on the Network Pacific gathered a large number of closure of Modak Motorcycles, and the Congrats from the ABC for information non-resident proxies and the proxy-holders relocation of the Order of Buffaloes out Cr Rohan Leppert and the Melbourne about embedded electricity voted the whistle-blowers off the committee. of the city. The ABC News also reported City Council should be congratulated on The property manager-linked contractors on the weekend of the closure of Thomas continuing to argue for a cap on poker networks. were subsequently reappointed for three Music in Bourke St. machines in the CBD. more years. It’s important we keep our heritage Melbourne’s CBD is the only place in Victoria that has no limit. The broadcaster is investigating an issue The disaffected owners took the matter to buildings, but are we perhaps being This policy belongs to a time when hardly arising from electricity companies in strata VCAT which, unsurprisingly, found no issue too focussed on bricks and mortar, and anyone lived in the CBD. Now there are complexes with embedded networks having with the proxy farming. forgetting about the institutions within 44,000 residents. They are entitled to the difficulties trying to change electricity Meanwhile, another Southbank building them, when we think about heritage? same protection from gambling harm as providers or take over the network. is having similar issues with a property As David Beanham of Modak everyone else. If your OC, or if you know of any OC that management company. Motorcycles pointed out, unless a shop Congratulations also to council for asking has had trouble changing their electricity At a recent AGM hundreds of proxies sells food, it is unlikely to survive. Are we poker machine venues to apply for a lesser contracts, or find that the contracts have from non-resident owners were used to heading for a soulless city of endless food number of poker machines than they been rolled over without realising, or have oust the critics of their operations. Only outlets and little else? Can City Hall be currently operate. chosen to pay for the infrastructure to allow four members of the new committee are doing more to foster diversity in the city? With some CBD venues taking over $10 the OC to take over the embedded network – independent owners, the other eight have Peter Barrett million a year, its time to treat gambling like please let us know. connections to the company or its associated smoking and alcohol, and act to reduce the OCs might find that the contracts companies. Two of the proxy holders – a harm. are worded carefully to avoid the word director and an employee – held more than Kelvin Thompson “commission” and importantly, the 85 per cent of the proxies between them. This margin skimmed by the manager is not is an instance of proxy farming at its worst, disclosed. Under the terms of some and could soon become illegal. contracts, managers can claim “commercial One of the options considered by the Send your letters to confidentiality” to avoid disclosing just how Department of Consumer Affairs in its recent [email protected] much they make from the electricity account review of the Owners Corporation Act, with of each occupier. the findings due to be released soon, is to In a building of 400 apartments, a 10 per limit the total number of proxies held by one cent kickback on electricity could swell your person to no more than 5 per cent! property manager’s account by as much as Across town at a Docklands apartment, a $500,000 per year, coming out the pockets developer’s associate voted to give himself a of owners who often don’t even know about highly profitable lease on his lot to be used the commission. by the owners’ corporation. The 20-year The reforms to electricity distribution, due lease was about 20 per cent above the market Top Class to take effect in 2020, will make it possible rate with no option for the OC to terminate. for embedded networks to be challenged. All three situations have arisen from This is a long overdue reform. Until then, you lucrative management contracts being may be paying 10 per cent or possibly 20 per granted hours before the off-the-plan units cent above the best available rate to cover are settled, and no doubt are just the tip of the commission being paid to your property the iceberg. manager. Have a look at your supply and We Live Here calls on the state megawatt rates and compare them. government to: ■■ Limit developer-appointed contracts to Owners pay for proxy farmers 12 months to allow new owners coming in stitching up lucrative contracts to have some say in how the contracts are Owners at two Southbank apartment awarded; buildings have recently been left battered ■■ Require that all these management and bruised after nasty fights with their contracts should be disclosed in the property management companies. The section 32 to allow investors to be aware owners were out-manipulated and out- of the costs; voted. Armed with a swag of proxies gathered ■■ Make it mandatory for all relationships from overseas owners, Network Pacific between the developer and contractors to ousted a committee of owners who had be disclosed; questioned the contract performance of ■■ Proscribe any person with an interest, subsidiaries in the group. shareholding, directorship or association The ABC’s 7.30 picked up on the ugly open 24/7 | with a property management company stoush, which ended up in VCAT. from sitting on an owners corporation It started with the committee of owners committee; and sexy & wild | cataloguing more than 400 problems with the management of the building – ■■ Compel all contractors to disclose improperly maintained fire extinguishers, commissions paid to developers or genuine escorts | poor cleaning and failure to repair damage. building managers. There were also serious concerns about how the funds were being spent, given that the contractors were under the effective financial control of the property www.welivehere.net management group. “we live emails to campaign@ The property manager called a special here”TM welivehere.net meeting, circulating information to owners that was described on 7.30 as false or ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 21

Residents 3000 Keeping fit in the CBD

You live in Melbourne’s CBD? The pre-conception is that your environment, with all the hustle and bustle and compact living could not possibly be healthy, compared to your suburban or country cousins. Is this so?

Ten years ago, when I came to Melbourne of sections of other trails, such as the Merri from the Noosa Hinterland, a lovely semi- Creek Trail, Main Yarra Trail, Moonee Ponds rural lifestyle, people said I was crazy to want Creek Trail and Inner Circle Rail Trail. to live in the city. I know that two of our members regularly However, the first thing I noticed was the take the trail every Sunday morning for walking. a relaxing ride and to enjoy the scenery. In rural life, if you want to go anywhere, I suspect, knowing Melbourne, there are you get in the car. It is the only form of opportunities for a stop or two for coffee and transport. The distances to every day cake! facilities are just too far. The same happens ​But of course many CBD dwellers prefer in the suburbs. lapping up their fitness in the water. But in the city, with everything you need The answer may be the Melbourne City so close by, you walk. Lots of walking is good Baths that was first opened in 1860. It has for you. City people are naturally quite fit as the CBD’s largest 30 metre indoor pool, spa (most) walk everywhere. and sauna and is open all year round. Then there is the running. I thought that There is an extensive range of services - in the “business district” one would not be If you need some guidance, the City of are always fire escape stairs to challenge the from gym, group fitness classes, cycle studio seen running around the streets in sports Melbourne hosts free fitness classes out of adventurous. and squash courts to reformer Pilates beds, gear. doors at Federation Square. One of our intrepid Residents 3000 stretching areas and more. Oh dear. How wrong I was. From time to time, fitness stores conduct members trained for the Kokoda Trail Thus, the city can provide you with a Everywhere, especially in the early running classes in preparation for the many by walking up and down the stairs of her healthy existence if you want it. It is all mornings, people are out running and fun runs that occur in the city throughout 18-floor building. around and you do not have to be wealthy to walking, heading for our wonderful parks on the year – Run Melbourne, Run for the Kids, An easy fitness habit is to take the stairs take advantage of the many opportunities to the fringes of the CBD. the Mother’s Day Classic, Spring into Shape as often as possible. The stairs may take five keep yourself fit. “The Tan” that extends 3.8km around the to name a few. minutes, but you may wait five minutes for Botanic Gardens is full of eager people doing All of these activities keep the city’s the lift anyway! One method is really good Susan Saunders their morning exercise. Such a beautiful residents fit and well and most importantly, for your health and the other is not. vice president location! they are free. Then there is the Capital City Ph: 0412 566 606 If you want to do some yoga or Tai Chi What the city offers is the opportunity for Trail, which is a shared use path email: sue@residents3000. just step into the gardens to soak up nature people to live healthy lives without having to for cyclists and pedestrians circling com.au and breathe the oxygen generated by the spend a lot of money. the Melbourne city centre. luscious vegetation. City people live in high-rises where there It is 29 km in length, and mostly consists

History Palace of Winged Words … There is a soft sighing murmur in the A 19th century three-storey room … that little pouting delicate mouth is wrestling with the pangs, groans and redbrick building in Wills St in tempers of 100 subscribers, that number the CBD hardly rates a glance being attended by one lady operator ...” In 1887 the Victorian Government bought from most passers-by who are the Victorian Telephone Exchange Company unaware that this building was and took over the Wills St Exchange. At the once Melbourne’s first purpose- time there were 887 subscribers. Within a Interior of Wills St Exchange in 1886 year this number had risen to 1462. built telephone exchange. At some stage a third storey was added to the building to accommodate connections to moved to the much larger, purpose-built Melbourne’s suburban exchanges. Although now surmounted by a multi- building in Wills St. The Wills St Exchange finally closed in storey apartment block, externally the In 1887 the Town and Country Journal 1910 when it could no longer accommodate lower three storeys still retain many of their described the exchange and its operations. the ever expanding number of subscribers. It original features. At that time the building had two storeys. is regrettable that this building, classified by 1877 saw the installation of the first “One of the features of the front of the the National Trust, bears little outward mark telephones in Victoria. Initially, each building is the wide and high balcony to indicate its significance in Melbourne’s telephone was connected directly to another through which overhead wires are brought communications history. but soon the connection was made instead into the operating room,” it said. For nearly 30 years most of the telephone to a central exchange, via which any two The outline of this balcony is still visible conversations in the CBD passed through subscribers could communicate. today. The ground floor housed offices, while this building – it was indeed a “Palace of In 1880, Australia’s first telephone the first floor was occupied by the operating Winged Words”. Today, the cafe on the exchange opened in Melbourne with 23 room, described as “not only a spacious ground floor, Operator 25, pays homage subscribers. The Melbourne Telephone apartment, it is splendidly ventilated Wills St Exchange today to the past with its witty take on telephone Exchange Company Ltd managed by H. and well lighted; and a capacious stove is exchanges. Byron Moore, began operations in the old provided for the cold weather.” The Town and Country Journal went on Stock Exchange Building in Collins St. The 24 female operators worked in two to describe the scene in the operating room In 1881 The Australasian Sketcher named shifts and performed their tasks while thus: “Place yourself in the middle of the David Thompson standing at the switchboard. However, chairs that first exchange “The Palace of Winged room and gaze upon the delicate hands in David is the senior Words”. were “provided for the leisure moments of magic confusion playing as it were upon researcher of the Royal The company became the Victorian the fair and nimble-fingered battalion of metal switches, plugs and switching cords.” Historical Society of Telephone Exchange Company, and in 1884 operators”. “There is no shouting or even excitement Victoria 22 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41

Street Art Empire of Melbourne I have spent some of this month fixing up and re-doing the lanes at the north of the CBD.

We have been painting Lovelands and the Blender Lane. The lanes had begun to look messy and some of the art had been slashed by tags. So we painted over the damaged artwork and added some much needed life back into the lanes. The stencil wall at the back of the lane has nearly been covered. It was the last stencil wall dating back from 2001. Don’t worry, there was a couple of layers of anti-graffiti coating placed over the beautiful and important stencil wall before The Blender Studios moved out. So, one day many years from now, it can be cleaned and restored to me that the lane built behind the Empire have been built for profit and nothing more. And follow me on Instagram: doylesart its former glory. was private and belonged to Empire. She Why are the people in charge letting Anyway you have an awesome month and Another project that I have been curating said the car was always going to be parked this happen? When Melbourne is shit and don’t forget to go check out the new Bon this month is a new Marvel Wall in Little there and that it was a private lane not to be everyone remembers the good old days, Scott sculpture in AC-DC lane by Makatron... LaTrobe St for about a month now. driven through. do you think that the people that built Peace out punkz. It’s a great project and will slowly be built This got me thinking. I bet the Empire the Empire and buildings like it will care up with different images based on superhero building project only got permission to if Melbourne is cool or not. No, (like the images and painted by some of Australia’s create such a large and boring building people who allowed this to happen) they best urban artists. At the moment there is a because it was building a lane at the back of will be sitting on their yacht laughing with Phibs and Adnate piece that has just been the development. The Empire project backs all their money after selling the culture of Adrian Doyle completed and, over the next few months, on to Literature Lane, which was basically Melbourne. Street Artist they will be joined by other artists like Lister, destroyed because of the construction Hey if you want to send me something Blender Studios founder and Sirum and Heesco. It will be a great wall project. send it to [email protected] director when it's finished it will be an important So, I now spend some of my days trying addition to the CBD street art collection to fix laneways and adding art to the (now that Hosier Lane is basically finished). Melbourne culture. Whilst the Empire Whilst I was dropping off paint and ladders and building projects like it just exploit I tried to enter via a newly-built lane at the Melbourne for all that its worth. People THE MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCORT AGENCY back of the Empire development in the CBD want to move to Melbourne because it’s an on Elizabeth St and between A’Beckett St awesome and creative place with hidden and Little LaTrobe. The laneway begins in laneways and amazing urban and fine art. A’Beckett and joins to Little LaTrobe via So they milk the money off the culture of Literature Lane. Melbourne, whilst giving nothing back. It is a handy way to avoid the construction I would like to know who is in charge of in Little LaTrobe. all these private lanes and why they are Anyway, there was a car parked in the private. Please send me an email if you middle of the laneway, so I parked behind it know, the people who keep lining their and started unloading and this lady having pockets at Melbourne’s expense need to be her smoke told me that I couldn’t park there. accountable. I said that I was just trying to get my car If you think that these monolithic urban through to drop off stuff for the mural and sculptures that help define the landscape of that if there wasn’t a car parked there then I Melbourne are built for aesthetics or beauty • Dinner Companions wouldn’t have to be in the lane. you are wrong. Most buildings that have I questioned someone who works for the gone up in the boom are ugly and mundane • Social Escorts company in charge of Empire. She informed and at best a celebration of mediocrity. They • Sensual Ladies CITY CENTRE Melbourne’s exclusive entertainment service. Highly recommended for our interstate and overseas visitors. Thanks to BlueRock for sponsoring the 2018 CBD - 5 MINUTES Business of the Year Award. TO YOUR DOOR 有很美丽的中国小姐！有很美丽的小姐！ NOMINATE YOUR BUSINESS 请看网址。 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN NOW, AND CLOSE ON APRIL 27 9654 6011 SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE CITY OF MELBOURNE ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE 2018 BUSINESS See real pictures of our ladies at paramour.com.au 3000+ AWARDS WHICH RECOGNISE AND CELEBRATE THEIR ENDEAVOURS AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

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Metro Tunnel Pets's Corner 24-hour construction starting in CBD

In April, the Metro Tunnel project is progressing to start the 24- hour construction activities in the CBD.

We appreciate your support while we As part of this, the King Neptune undertake these vital works in the city and sculpture by Charles Bush on the Flinders urge caution around our sites. Street side of the arcade will be placed in Please help us support local businesses storage. It will be reinstated as part of the affected by Metro Tunnel construction by new Town Hall Station precinct. continuing to visit them while works take Flinders Lane and Scott Alley businesses place. remain open throughout the demolition Visit metrotunnel.vic.gov.au for more works and can be accessed using either information about works in your area. Degraves Street or Swanston Street. Three buildings between the Nicholas State Library Station Building and Young and Jackson have been The completion of the second acoustic demolished, with work continuing on two shed in the city at A’Beckett St and the start remaining buildings. of 24-hour construction activities there mark With the completion of demolition another important milestone for the State works at City Square, activities including Library Station precinct. site preparation and site investigations Round-the-clock construction is will continue before piling is starts in the continuing at Franklin St with the excavation middle of this year. of an 11-storey shaft progressing well. An acoustic shed will then be installed Shaft excavation at both A’Beckett St and before the start of 24-hour construction Franklin St sites is expected to be completed activities to build Town Hall Station, by mid-year. including excavation of an 11-storey access Service relocations are continuing at shaft and tunnelling. Franklin St, between Swanston and Stewart Double trouble in harness streets. Ongoing traffic changes in this area to allow day and night works will remain in By Kathryn Lewis place until the expected completion of these relocations in April. Site investigations, including groundwater Kathy Sun and her partner Brendan Lee have been regulars at monitoring, are also progressing along Victoria St. This work involves day and night Flagstaff Gardens for a couple of years since they got Bubble, their works and is scheduled to continue until Japanese Spitz. April with traffic management in place to direct vehicles and pedestrians. Today they had two energetic pups on that is not always the case. The demolition of six buildings along their hands as they were also looking after “They fight everyday, but I do not think it Swanston and LaTrobe streets, including their friend’s Poodle / Cocker Spaniel is a real fight. I think they are friends; they the nine-storey former residential tower at cross, Oreo. always make up, ” Ms Sun said, laughing at LaTrobe Street, has been completed. The two dogs were leashed, but that did Oreo tangled in her legs. not prevent them from getting up to all Ms Sun and Mr Lee are both locals to the Town Hall Station sorts of mischief. CBD studying chemical engineering at the The demolition of buildings to enable the Camera-shy Oreo constantly darted in University of Melbourne. construction of the new Town Hall Station is all directions, attempting to pull Ms Sun Ms Sun said the couple often relaxed progressing. along with her, despite her size. in the shade at the park with their pooch, Work to remove Port Phillip Arcade has It seemed Bubble was happy to share particularly in summer. begun and is expected to continue until late Work is progressing on the State Library Station with parents with her adopted sister, as the two “We always come here. We live so close, 24-hour construction activities. March. pups played together amiably. Apparently and it’s always lovely,” Ms Sun said.

The Metro Tunnel will get our Tram service changes train network moving. Untangling Buses will replace trams on sections of St Kilda Road, from the 1 April to 17 April, the City Loop will benefit train lines as part of Metro Tunnel works. across the network by making travel The road and tram tracks will be re-routed easier for you, with more frequent around the construction site that’s being TRAM established to build the new underground trains carrying more people to Anzac Station. SERVICE destinations across Melbourne. Expect delays and plan ahead CHANGES Some of Melbourne’s busiest train lines – Sunbury, To see how you might be affected, visit Cranbourne and Pakenham – will run exclusively metrotunnel.vic.gov.au ST KILDA ROAD through the new Metro Tunnel, freeing up space in the City Loop for other lines to run more frequent and reliable services.

Authorised and published by Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. MT0568 24 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41

Planning A new identity for the Walk Arcade

The long mooted redevelopment of the Walk Arcade looks to finally be progressing following the submission of an application to DELWP on February 9 for “alterations, additions (including partial demolition) to existing buildings for the purposes of retail premises, residential hotel and gym”.

Located in the heart of the city in the Much of the development will be through And finally, Urban Melbourne last month Bourke St Mall and extending through to the adaptive re-use of existing buildings, highlighted the sheer volume of commercial Little Collins St plans for the major overhaul including extensive refurbishments and projects underway in the central city, of the well-known shopping mall looks set facade treatments including: to include a new hotel, replacing the existing Works started on site in January with ■■ Wesley Place; red-brick warehouse which extends to Little completion scheduled for 2021–2022. Collins St with a focus on activating Union Sticking with the theme of tertiary ■■ 271 Spring St; Lane with glazed shopfronts. education institutes, Victoria University has ■■ Olderfleet; The design supersedes plans prepared submitted plans to Heritage Victoria for a ■■ Collins Arch; over five years ago with the only elements proposal to restore and refurbish the former ■■ 80 Collins St; of that particular design coming to fruition Land Titles Office (LTO) and Strong Room, being the entry canopies to Bourke St which with a new vertical campus tower at 247-283 ■■ 839 Collins St; were installed as part of the first stage of Queen St. ■■ 405 Bourke St; works. John Wardle Architects are responsible for ■■ 311 Spencer St; Further north, the University of Melbourne the design of the 17-level tower, which would has announced the appointment of a team of rise from behind the restored LTO building See the full list and details at architects and designers for its $229 million on the corner of Grattan and Swanston to a height of 87.5m. urban.melbourne/ New Student Precinct on the Parkville streets, and is bound by Monash Rd to The proposal will feature a total net development/2018/03/07/2018-year- Campus. the north and the Melbourne School of lettable area of 23,263 sqm with 27 per cent commercial-melbourne-market Led by Lyons Architecture, the successful Engineering Precinct to the west. of space dedicated to formal teaching and team was chosen from a shortlist of five Encompassing nine buildings, the learning. design groups and comprises Koning precinct will bring together the university’s This program will be supported by an Eizenberg Architects, Aspect Studios, student unions, academic services and osteo and dermal clinic, entrepreneurial Laurence Dragomir Breathe Architecture, NMBW Architecture the Institute for Indigenous Development, hub, VU College and social spaces, with a Studio, Greenaway Architects, Glas Urban Murrup Barak, for the first time – new pedestrian link at ground level between Laurence is an Urban Melbourne director with and Architects EAT. significantly reshaping and revitalising the the LTO Building and the proposed tower expertise in the CBD The New Student Precinct will be located landscape and built environment of the site. also on the cards. urbanmelbourne.info

Business Relationships support technology experience

support and offered them with worry-free IT customers and it’s what distinguishes our Having been based in the service. business from the computer retailers or CBD for 23 years, Digiworld “We have a real depth of knowledge online stores. It’s also what makes our job so and technology expertise that other small much more interesting than simply selling offers unparalleled service and operations wouldn’t have. So they are stuff,” the team said. maintains a close relationship providing services related to technology, but Digiworld also leads industry standard half the time they have to rely on Google to with its infallible service. with its clients. find out how it actually works, whereas we “We’ve built up a massive service ethic have a background of building networks and that we just nail it every time. We haven’t For CBD business, having an IT sales and putting things together. So we get cross- lost any customers over these years and service company like Digiworld just around leverage benefit of really strong technology we are constantly expanding our customer expertise,” Mr Robertson said. base. That sort of ethic is a differentiator the corner is a terrific bonus, especially for David Langthaler and David Robertson. those business that have limited access to IT “So we’ve got that security background, that sets us apart from other businesses,” Mr resources. the networking background and “When a small business buys a couple of Robertson said. Digiworld has been providing large and virtualisation background. And we’ve looked new laptops, or a printer, they want more Technical support consultant David small CBD businesses with technological after office IT for many years, so it’s our than the physical goods. They want an easy, Langthaler said Digiworld’s reliability support, IT procurement and management strength,” he said. convenient and fast business solution, and had helped maintain and strengthen its services since 1995. Mr Robertson said it was important to that means they want it to integrate into relationship with customers. When the current owners took over find a team of IT experts with a wealth of their work environment and business needs “They know they can call us anytime and Digiworld from former business partner knowledge in the hardware and software to immediately,” the Digiworld team said. we would just solve the issues for them. in 2014, they did not lose any customers avoid any unnecessary losses. “Our busy customers ask us to unbox their If anything goes wrong, one of our team because the trustworthy brand image and “A lot of the ‘one-man bands’ teach laptop, to set it up, to configure it to existing members can just walk up there and provide client relationship was well maintained. themselves on the fly and learn at other networks, or to create new ones. And before solutions for our clients. So the proximity in Director David Robertson said that, people’s expenses. Even if they’ve been long we are also setting up email, Office 365 the CBD also works for us,” he said. with in-depth industry knowledge and doing it for a while, it’s very hard for one and their wireless connection.” You can find Digiworld at the ground floor experience, Digiworld looked after local person to keep up with everything that’s “We’re happy to do it, and we do it well. of 459 Collins St’s south tower and call them businesses that did not have in-house IT changing in this world,” he said. This is how we build relationships with our on 9663 6699 to discuss your IT solution. ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 25 连锁店因 市长选举是一场博彩 Shane Scanlan 撰稿 133801名合格选民（在增加1607 给与两张选票，而居民仅给一 欠薪受罚 名和删减536名之前）。 票。支持这种异常的选票分布比 本月墨尔本投票选举新市长，但 数字显示，有数万名未注册 率是根据市政运作费用来自于商 Lina Le 撰稿 获胜者并不一定是最受欢迎的。 的居民。毫无疑问，有很多注册 业税的比例。 没有像罗伯特•道尔(Robert 的选民甚至不知道他们需要投 批评人士说这是不公平的。 墨尔本市中心一家 Doyle)这样一个在竞选中占主导 票。 但是这种方式削减了两方面。 7-11(7-Eleven)连锁店在2015 地位人物（2016年他的主要得票 可是还有其他因素可以解释 每个住宅最多可以有两名租客在 年11月至2016年10月期间对三 率为45％）参选的情况下，这次 两年前投票参与率低的问题。 市政注册选举，而且他们甚至不 名国际学生雇员少付了$6674 竞选范围太广了，而且获胜者很 邮政 必是澳大利亚公民。唯一的先决 工资而受到起诉。 可能是候选人排名的组织者。 当今有多少人会信任澳大利 条件是他们在申请截止前（3月 公平工作仲裁专员已经 最终获胜者甚至有可能只获 亚邮政能把正确加贴邮资的邮件 16日）已经在该地址居住了一个 对夏菁琪（Xia Jing Qi,音 得最少的主要选票。目前就有一 送达目的地？ 月，而且无需居住证明。 译）有限公司进行了法律诉 位墨尔本市政议员，在2016年只 墨尔本市政选举纯粹是通过 假象和傀儡 讼。2017年3月以前，该公 获得了1534票。 邮递投票进行的。选票必须经过 和其他维多利亚州的市政选 司在威廉(William)街开设 墨尔本市政的投票选举不同 邮政系统的两次邮递，一次是从 举一样，候选人通常会招募一 过一家7-11连锁零售店， 于其他任何市政，其特殊的选举 维多利亚州选举委员会（VEC） 些人按他们的方式进行候选人排 该店的前任经理林爱玲(Ai 制度已经随维州工党和联合政府 邮递到选民，第二次是让选民将 名。 Ling‘Irene’Lin,音译)当时 的愿望而演变，以防止其州首都 选票寄回VEC。 和过去一样，选民可以期望 还持有学生签证。 市政议会落入地方和狭隘的利益 这个系统是开放的而且也常 在候选人中进行挑选，这些候选 三名雇员都是来自中国 集团手中。 常被滥用。在选票邮件抵达的当 人的唯一角色是吸引或阻止可能 的学生，年龄在21至24岁之 这样公平吗？民主吗？是 天，信箱中的选票邮件被盗窃的 流向对手的选票。 间。 腐败吗？ 但这绝对是独一无二 事情比比皆是。数百人（如果不 绿党是在地方政府选举中唯 资料显示，连锁店总部 的。 是数千人）丢弃了那些以前居住 一正式认可候选人的主要政党。 为了确保员工获得合法的最低 最低的投票参与率 在该地址的选民邮件。 工党和自由党的利益是非官方 工资，安装了高科技的工资系 首先，墨尔本的选民参与率 而且VEC没有与实际登记的 的，但又是混在一起的。 统。之后这三名学生员工被要 最低。 2016年，只收到55％的 选民相匹配的签名，因此无法验 各党派和候选人的动机不 求必须每周向店内的保险箱或 合格选民选票。 墨尔本的选民 证所收到的选票是否真实。 同。对于工党来说，首先要阻止 林女士的银行账户返回款项。 资格比其他任何地方都更为广 除了所有这些潜在的系统滥 绿党在市政内部的影响力。上 于是这些员工的小时工资从 泛，这就可以用来解释其极差的 用之外，对那些不在的物主选票 次选举，作为对绿党野心的遏 $8.53到$26.52不等了。 投票率。 通常会发给他们的房地产代理， 止，罗伯特•道尔得到了工党的 夏菁琪也违反了工作场所 2016年该市的估计居住人口 然而也没有对这些选票的去处进 支持。 的法律，向公平工作仲裁专员 为148000人，但其中只有54791 行审计。 成功的候选人将是候选人排 提供了与7-11连锁店有关的虚 人在州选举名册上注册。 不公平的选票分布 名协议中的最佳排名者。对于选 假或误导性的记录。 另外有77939名选民在墨尔 (Gerrymander) 民和候选人来说，这只是一场博 夏菁琪有限公司(Xia 本市政的选民册上，加起来合计 墨尔本市政选举独特，商家 彩。 Jing Qi)及其唯一董事夏菁琪 还面临第二项指控，涉嫌在墨 尔本中央购物中心的味千拉面 店的另一名外籍员工少支付 市政CEO掩盖大律师调查 $9616工资。 撰稿 本市变得更美好的承诺。 投诉人已经联系了弗莱克腾博 据称，该员工在2016年 Shane Scanlan 会议前他只给了议员们短短 士。 5月至10月期间收到每小时 对前任市长罗伯特•道尔(Robert 几个小时（新闻界只给了一小 如许多其他方面一样，里默 $11.50的工资，在最后一周的 Doyle)指控的全面程度可能永远 时）来消化他精心制作的3345字 尔先生的报告对投诉人的数量没 工作时间内，只收到每小时 不会公开，因为市政行政首席执 报告，不出所料当时的戏剧情景 有提及。 $3.98的工资。 行官本·里默尔(Ben Rimmer)试 就成了舞台中心了。 他说“第一报告并没有考虑 这些小时工资大大低 图抹杀他去年12月开始的百万澳 里默尔先生是一位非常精明 到与道尔先生行为有关的其他人 于“2010餐饮业工资规定”的 元调查。 的官员，正像古罗马人一样，通 （本报强调）提出的其它事项”。 法定最低小时工资，临时工补 毫不奇怪，罗伯特•道尔先 过提供“面包和马戏”来控制他 他继续说道：“这些与道尔 贴和加班补贴率。 生2月份辞职后，维多利亚州最 们的人数。 作为市长角色有关的事情，可能 以上两起案例，所欠工资 隐秘的市政议会领导人现在正竭 那天晚上不太引人注目的是 （本报强调）成为进一步报告的 均已偿还。 尽全力保留其所剩的声誉。 里默尔先生选择性地发布了一些 主题。” 该连锁店被处以每次违规 3月13日，里默尔先生向市 相对无关紧要的内容。 有没有进一步报告的决定性 罚款高达$54000，而林女士和 政议员和公众发布了来自皇家大 他的材料对公众已知的小部 因素在于是否有人注意到或关心 夏女士将面临每人每次违规罚 律师调查员伊恩•弗莱克腾 (Ian 分人指控没有任何新增内容。而 迄今为止的细节缺乏，这是否太 款高达$10800。 Freckelton)所谓的“第一报 这份“第一报告”故意局限于凯 愤世嫉俗了？ 为了遏制类似的违规行 告”，这份100页的报告他只发 西•欧克Cathy Oke议员和前议员 里默尔先生说，他的3月13 为，正在寻求一项禁止该公司 布了805个字。 泰莎•沙利文(Tessa Sullivan) 日的9页报告是摘自第一报告 在零售和餐馆店对员工欠薪的 他的时间策略，舞台管理和 有关的事宜（尽管不一致地提到 的“执行摘要”。 禁令。 下午4点特别市政会议的会议内 公众也已知的墨尔本健康事件， 这与他2月6日发布的通知大 容以及由此产生的人生戏剧和伤 里默尔先生称之为还有“进一步 相径庭，通知称会有一份“临 感，转移人们的注意力，来掩盖 指控”）。 时报告”，然后是“最终报告” 他抹杀调查过程的意图。。 提到“进一步指控”，意指 。 当时他表示，“临时报告草 当时市政会议室里“灯光、 只有三名女士对道尔先生提出了 案”已于1月30日提供给了道尔 相机、动作”正好赶上夜间新闻 投诉。可事情不是这样。本报了 先生。 公告。当天的新闻里充满了道 解到，自沙利文议员于12月15日 歉、眼泪、拥抱和议员们让墨尔 呈上35页的投诉信后辞职，许多 26 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 WHAT’S ON COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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7.20AM FOR A 7.40AM START, TUESDAYS MARCH 2 – JULY 15, MELBOURNE 6PM-8PM TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY INNER MELBOURNE UNTIL DECEMBER 12, CITY LIBRARY MUSEUM LIFE ACTIVITIES CLUB ROTARY CENTRAL SUNRISE WRITING FOR BEGINNERS YOU CAN’T DO THAT Meeting on selected dates and various Interested in what we do? Join us for break- Find new friends and your writing voice at locations, IMLAC takes in the city’s parks, A celebration of fashion designers who fast! We meet at the RACV City Club 501 the free workshop designed to give writers its culture, fabulous eating options as well challenged the norms in society. Melbourne Bourke St, Melbourne. a space to network, receive feedback and as festivals, galleries and concerts. Museum and Virgin Australia Melbourne rotaryclubcentralmelbourne.org.au learn in a supportive environment. Fashion Festival present this exhibition. www.life.org.au/imlac FREE 9658 9500 or call Dianne 0425 140 981

10.30AM-2PM WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & MONDAYS 8.30PM, 41 BOURKE STREET MON – SAT 10AM-4PM, 141 QUEEN ST SUNDAY, 326 LONSDALE ST 4TH MONDAY OF EACH MONTH. LUNCH- COMEDY AT SPLEEN TIME, ST PETER’S EAST MELBOURNE STROLLING IN THE MIDST OF MEET UP WITH FRIENDS AUSTRAL SALON OF MUSIC Instant coffee or tea with a biscuit for $1.00 Mixing some of the big names in comedy JOYFUL BLOSSUMS Meet up with friends or enjoy meeting others at with the best up and coming acts, this will Listen to music from talented young Artist Alice Shen presents her paintings at St Francis Pastoral Centre (entry next to the book be sure to make you forget the Monday musicians. Make new friends. the Fo Guang Yuan Melbourne Art Gallery. shop in the church yard). 9663 2495 blues. Gold coin donation. 0439 660 836 www.australsalon.org These paintings express the artist’s joy at 0449 727 910 her surroundings. FREE. 9642 2388

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 1PM, 1-2.30PM, EVERY WEDNESDAY, CITY 7.30PM WEDNESDAYS, 16 CORRS LANE 6PM, 1ST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH ST MICHAEL'S, 120 COLLINS ST LIBRARY CRAB LAB THE KELVIN CLUB, 14 MELBOURNE PL ST MICHAEL’S RECITAL ESL READING GROUP Comedy in the city at the House of Maxion RESIDENTS 3000 FORUM Experience spectacular music as the St Join this free and fun weekly reading pro- with well-known performers from radio and A community group to inform, connect and Michael's grand organ comes to life for a gram, read along with others and practice TV plus some new talent. FREE. support CBD residents. free 30-minute recital every Thursday. pronunciation, improve English comprehen- 0422 686 933 Regular social events with speaker. Details No booking required. 9654 5120 sion and vocabulary and meet new people. posted on residents3000.com.au Both native and ESL speakers are welcome.

4-6PM, EVERY SUNDAY, CAMPARI HOUSE, EVERY WEDNESDAY, FROM 6PM. 6PM-7PM, WEDNESDAYS UNTIL JUNE 26, 23-25 HARDWARE LANE MELBOURNE CENTRAL LION HOTEL ALEXANDRA GARDENS 10.30AM – 11PM TUESDAYS UNTIL DECEMBER 11, 253 FLINDERS LANE TRIVIA ON THE ROOF LANGUAGE SWAP COMMUNITY WORKOUT A retractable roof and drink specials will Speak another language but no one to prac- Bring your sports gear and turn up for some STOMPERS AT CITY LIBRARY help warm up your brain for Sunday after- tise with? Come along to the free language after-work stress relief. Bring a water bottle For toddlers aged 18 months – 3 years, this noon trivia. Bookings not required. 9600 exchange and meet like-minded people and don’t forgot to prepare for Melbourne’s event is sure to be a fun favourite. Songs, 1574 or [email protected] who love language. weather! www.melbournehealthylife- stories and rhymes will help develop of love Book on www.NewToMelbourne.org style.com/contact-us/ of reading. FREE. 9658 9500

12-6PM, MARCH 28, IAEC MIGRATION, 10AM, EVERY 3RD TUESDAY, POMODORO 10.30-11.15AM, EVERY 3RD SATURDAY, EVERY SUNDAY FROM 2.30PM, 9/ 267 COLLINS ST SARDO REATAURANT, 111 LONSDALE ST CITY LIBRARY THE HUB, 506 ELIZABETH ST PARTNER VISA SESSION EASTENDERS COFFEE CLUB ONCE UPON A TUNE FILM CLUB An info session about what is the right visa An interactive musical adventure that The film club has some of the best film noir to lodge and how long your partner can Come along and join the company of friends features live music by Beethoven, Brahms classics including 1962 French Classic and stay with you in Australia. Ensure you lodge and neighbours. Meet new people and be and Brumby. Suitable for children aged two time Cannes winner "Sundays and complete application to avoid visa rejection. informed. from 5-12 years. FREE. Cybelle". FREE, coffee provided. 9670 1140 or [email protected] [email protected] Contact John on 0459 398 358

PRAYER TIMES

St Michael's Collins Street Baptist Church Holy Cross Orthodox Mission St Paul’s Cathedral 120 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000 174 Collins St 261/265 Spring St Cnr Flinders and Swanston Streets Ph: 9654 5120 Ph: 9650 1180 www.australianorthodox.org Ph: 9653 4333 Church times: Sundays services: 10.30am Sundays: 8.00am, 9.00am, 10.30am, 6.00pm Sunday Service at 10.00am Scots’ Church CrossCulture Church of Christ 156, Collins St St. Augustine’s Catholic Church Chabad of Melbourne 333 Swanston St, Melbourne (Corner of Swanston Ph: 9650 9903 631 Bourke St. Melb Suite 301, 343 Lt Collins St & Little Lonsdale St) Sundays 10:30 am (Indonesian), 11:00 am (Tradi- Ph: 9614 1722 Ph: 9525-9929 Ph: 9623 9199 tional) and 5:00 pm (Contemporary) Sundays Mass: 10.30am & 8.00pm Chabad of Melbourne CBD hosts regular lunchtime Sunday services (English) - 9am, 11:15am & 6pm St Francis’ Church Mon – Fri Mass: 1.05pm lecture series on various topics. Sunday service (Mandarin) - 10:45am 326 Lonsdale St | 9663 2495 Mon – Fri Confessions: 12.30pm www.crossculture.net.au Sunday: 7am, 8am, 9:30am, 11am (St Francis’ City on a Hill Choir) and 12.30, 1.30, 4.30, 6.00 pm Wesley Church Sundays at 9am, 10.30am and 6pm. 148 Lonsdale St Hillsong City Youth Filipino Community Mass: Second Sunday of the Hoyts Cinemas, Melbourne Central Krimper Cafe, 20 Guildford Lane, Melbourne - Every 9.15 am Gospel Hall Cantonese/Mandarin Service month at 2.30pm Friday 7pm-9pm 11.00 am Morning Worship Service Indonesian Community Mass: Third Sunday of the 7.00 pm Evening Worship Service month at 2.30pm ISSUE 41 CBD NEWS 27

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SQUARE / WE INSIDE THINK THE OUR INSIDE THE SQUARE THINK / e [email protected] THINK WE WE THE SQUARE /THE SQUARE about how to customise your TARGET INSIDE SQUARE campaign to our audience / WE THINK INSIDE every month. SQUARE / THE WE THINK INSIDE THE 28 CBD NEWS ISSUE 41 Highest green award for QVM renewal By Kathryn Lewis the market could not survive without significant investment. The City of Melbourne is “In today’s modern market place, it is clear that we need to upgrade the operating the first Australian local modes, amenities and waste management government to be awarded a six systems to ensure Queen Victoria Market remains viable into the future,” Cr Wood star green star - Communities said. rating for the $250 million The program includes a transformation of Queen Victoria Market the current customer car park to the largest Photo by the City of Melbourne from the Moomba Parade on March 12. public space since Birrarung Marr to Precinct Renewal program. accommodate the rising population. “The number of residents in City North The Green Building Council of Australia is estimated to grow to 22,000 by 2040, Moomba woos again awarded the rating based on best practice creating opportunities and challenges benchmarks for liveability, environmental Running for the 64th consecutive year, the while increasing the importance of open By Lina Le sustainability, design excellence, prosperity, annual festival runs a three-day jam-packed space,” the Acting Lord Mayor said. governance and innovation. program that boasts free events for families, The council will be working with the Moomba again thrilled including games, water sports, carnival rides The program will revolutionise the market Queen Victoria Market to deliver the Melbourne crowds over the and food trucks, with highlights such as the with large-scale waste and organic recycling commitments over the next five years. colourful Moomba Parade and the wacky facilities on site, solar and battery storage, Labour Day long weekend Birdman Rally. rainwater collection to reduce water CEO of Green Building Council of consumption and more public open spaces Australia, Romilly Madew, said the from March 9-12 at Birrarung It was estimated that over one million with water sensitive landscaping. council’s approach “struck the right Marr and Alexandra people have visited Moomba Festival balance between preserving a heritage this year, making it one of Melbourne’s Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said icon and rejuvenating an important centre Gardens. busiest festivals, showcasing local arts, the independent business case showed of trade.” entertainment, music and sports.