City of Melbourne Magazine Dec 2013 / Jan 2014

YO U R C I T Y O F M E L B O U R N E M A G A Z I N E

christmas cheer

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! PROJECTIONS, DECORATIONS AND REINDEER HELP RING IN THE FESTIVE SEASON

record investment

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET RENEWAL fashion sense

WHY GLOBAL BRANDS ARE CHOOSING MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

DECEMBER - JANUARY 2013-14

CONTENTS

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05

features 06

05 08 18

18

regulars

LIGHTING UP CHRISTMAS

03 LORD MAYOR’S MESSAGE

We chat with Nik from projections company Spinifex Group

Courtside with two important people at the 2014 Australian Open

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

03 MELBOURNE LOVE 04 YOUR SAY Letters, tweets and a little love from our friends

The City of Melbourne will make the largest investment in its history to preserve this Melbourne icon

12 EVENTS CALENDAR

FASHION SENSE

14 TOP OF THEIR GAME

Melbourne’s retail scene is being revitalised by an exciting influx of luxury, global brands

16 YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

A SMOKE FREE CAUSEWAY

19 COUNCILLOR CONTACTS

Local business owners give the thumbs up for the six-month trial

Meet Melburnian of the Year, Major Brendan Nottle

Q&A with remarkable young Australia Day ambassador, Garang Dut

20 MY OFFER

Cover: Ella (3) celebrates Christmas in the city with our friendly reindeer. Discover where to find Christmas cheer on page 10

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LORD MAYOR’S MESSAGE Last month I announced that the City of Melbourne will invest up to $250 million – the largest investment in its history – to preserve and renew Queen Victoria Market.

Our aim is to ensure that the Queen Victoria Market is part of our city forever, which is why I also announced that the City of Melbourne will seek UNESCO World Heritage listing for the market following its renewal.

This investment represents a once in a century opportunity to create a world class market precinct.

Plans for the market and the surrounding precinct will be developed over the next two years, with the renewal project phased over the next decade. The market will continue to operate during this time. Depending on the projects undertaken, up to 12,000 new jobs could be generated in the market precinct, and thousands more during construction.

The Premier joined me at the event to announce that the Victorian Government will support the project by transferring Crown land located at the southern end

MELBOURNE LOVE

JS: Bernard Tomic is my favourite player at the moment because I like his smooth style. He is also a very nice player, who always says thank you and please when he requests something. Of course, I also like him because he’s Australian.

ZT: Rafael Nadal because of his style of play and attitude on court. He also inspires me as he never gives up.

What is the hardest thing about being a ball person?

JS: The hardest thing is staying 100 per cent focused at all times. Out on court during a 38C day can be tough, but you have to remain focused at all times.

The first phase of our community consultation process, which ran during November, focused on what Melburnians love about Queen Victoria Market and what they think could be improved. Many people have expressed a strong passion and interest in the market’s future and feedback from this first consultation phase will be available on our Participate Melbourne website in the New Year.

May I take this opportunity to wish all City of Melbourne residents and business owners a safe, happy and prosperous Christmas and holiday period.

I look forward to a busy and rewarding year and invite you to stay involved in shaping the future of our great city.

Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor @LordMayorMelb

Meet the people that make the city we love

With the Australian Open Tennis Championships set to kick off, we caught up with two young ball people as they prepare for the coming campaign, Jamison Shea and Zoe Theodorakopoulos.

Who is your favourite player?

of the market to the City of Melbourne.

The reaction to the announcement has been overwhelming.

Jamison

ZT: I really enjoy the experience of being a ball kid but I find it challenging not to show my excitement when the best tennis players in the world are competing on court right in front of me.

Can you describe what it’s like being on court?

JS: Being next to some of the world’s greatest players is amazing! Standing only centimetres away from the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is something most people only dream of.

ZT: The atmosphere of being a ball kid is unforgettable and very exciting, whether you’re on an outside court, a show court or most of all, Rod Laver Arena. Being in front of a big crowd and some of the world’s best tennis players is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Zoe

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened on court?

JS: Cleaning bird poo off Rod Laver Arena while the game was stopped and with everybody watching me was pretty embarrassing.

ZT: I was on court at the net for the Bryan brothers when one of the balls was hit to me. The whole crowd was clapping and cheering while I attempted to take the catch. Here I was, the centre of attention, all eyes on me, and then my nerves got the better of me and I dropped the catch. The crowd sighed and stopped clapping – I felt so embarrassed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

www.bit.ly/MELBopen

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YOUR SAY While rubbish and recycling collections will NOT take place on Christmas Day, all collections from Wednesday 25 December onwards will be collected the DAY AFTER your usual collection.

Will my rubbish get collected over the Christmas/New Year period?

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Normal Day Wednesday 25 Thursday 26 Friday 27

Amended Day Thursday 26 Friday 27 Saturday 28

There will be NO CHANGE to collection services on New Year’s Day. Our street cleaning contractors will work every day to sweep the streets and empty rubbish bins to keep our city looking clean and beautiful over the festive period. Phone 9658 9658 to report any street cleaning or waste issues.

TWEETS FROM YOU Thank You City of Melbourne for digital marketing seminar by @TimboReid #inbetweenmelb @Docklands_News

GARAGE SALE TRAIL Just wanted to say great job on organising the Garage Sale Trail. As a resident of Southbank for nearly 15 years, it is great to see some community spirit starting up at Boyd. Southbank has always been one of those suburbs where residents are mainly short term or students and there never really was any sense of community. Since Boyd has opened, I use the library a lot and am always on the lookout on the notice boards for activities to join and it was by chance that I came to see Garage Sale Trail. Thanks for making such a great effort and hopefully see you at the next activity soon.

Good turnout gathering at @ cityofmelbourne bicycle forum! pic.twitter.com/IF6pPyf3qo @MELBCRANK

@AVRILLAURIE

Humbled to be in such fine company - MT @cityofmelbourne Who inspires Melbourne? 2013 Melbourne Awards finalists: http://bit.ly/17f2d1A

City of Melbourne Urban Forest Strategy – gorgeous, amazing visualisation melbourne.vic.gov. au/Sustainability #TEDxMelb @HAMISHCURRY

@_ESTHER

Not even a @cityofmelbourne parking fine can dampen my good mood. Positively giddy!

Thank you.

Kind regards, Corrinne Kong, Southbank

@RITAPANAHI

Want to sip a coffee from a takeaway cup printed with a bespoke short story? Be a part of @cityofmelbourne art strategy bit.ly/1gqn5Wo @MATTYBLACKWOOD

We will be featuring letters from our readers, so please share with us at melbournenews@melbourne.vic.gov.au FOLLOW US @cityofmelbourne or @thatsmelbourne

CITY OF MELBOURNE INSTAGRAM

FOLLOW US on instagram.com/cityofmelbourne

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CITY NEWS

Queen Victoria Market Once in a century opportunity The City of Melbourne will make the largest investment in its history to preserve and renew the Queen Victoria Market, creating an expanded market precinct.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said that the City of Melbourne would seek UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Queen Victoria Market.

‘The renewal of the market presents a once in a century opportunity to create a world class market precinct,’ he said.

‘Investing now will ensure that the Queen Victoria Market is part of our city forever.

‘We want to preserve and celebrate the market’s iconic features, while retaining affordability and ensuring the market is competitive in a changing retail environment.’

precinct to become an important civic and community focal point of the central city’s northern fringe.

‘Investing now will ensure that the Queen Victoria Market is part of our city forever.’

‘Key upgrades could include new public open spaces, essential infrastructure for traders, event spaces, improved car parking and pedestrian access. We have an invaluable opportunity to create dynamic spaces for events and activities, bringing new vitality to the market precinct, particularly at night and outside current hours of operation,’ he said.

MAKING A GREAT MARKET EVEN BETTER Interested in having your say?

You can register your interest in participating in the discussions about the future of the market at www.bit.ly/MELBqvm or join the conversation on Twitter #qvmforever

The Lord Mayor said these changes created a unique opportunity for the market 12717 COM QVM 4page phamplet FA2.indd 1-2

TALKING ABOUT EAST WEST LINK The City of Melbourne continues to meet with the Linking Melbourne Authority (LMA) and the Victorian Government about the potential social, traffic and transport, urban design, open space and recreation impacts of the proposed East West Link.

While the City of Melbourne has no approval authority for the project, it is gathering community feedback to help inform its submission to the planning process following the recent release of the project’s Comprehensive Impact Statement (CIS).

In October more than 200 people attended a meeting to hear about the City of Melbourne’s preliminary assessment of the project’s design and gave feedback via the City of Melbourne’s Participate Melbourne webpage.

On 10 December City of Melbourne’s submission along with an attachment of people’s feedback will be presented to the Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) before it is forwarded to the State Government. The City of Melbourne encourages people to continue to have their say about the planning process and can make a submission to the CIS until 12 December 2013.

The City of Melbourne will continue to keep people updated on its response to the project as it progresses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au OR www.bit.ly/MELBewlink

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COVER FEATURE

LIGHTINGup CHRISTMAS WITH AUSTRALIAN PROJECTIONISTS, SPINIFEX GROUP

The Spinifex Group has produced a spell-binding light sequence that will bathe the Melbourne Town Hall in a festive fusion of colour, lights and sound.

Nik Goldsworthy and Rob Stock 6

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Spinifex Group’s past work at the Lomonosov building, Moscow 2012

Stroll past apartment blocks, homes and businesses across Melbourne during Christmas and you discover a mix of neon lights, oversized baubles, tinsel and jolly fat men.

The central city will be no different and if you pass the Melbourne Town Hall in the lead-up to Christmas you might notice something different about the 19th Century façade.

From 29 November to 25 December the building will – quite literally – dazzle with the spirit of Christmas. Projections pioneers, Spinifex Group, have produced a spell-binding light sequence that will bathe the heritage-listed building in a festive fusion of colour, lights and sound.

It’s perfect timing for the projections company, which recently opened its Melbourne offices under the guidance of General Manager, Robert Stock.

Projection mapping is the art of turning 3D objects into useable surfaces for the display of content. Buildings, given their size and prominence, tend to be the most commonly used objects for projection.

It follows the success of last year’s inaugural projections, which drew thousands to Melbourne Town Hall and adjacent City Square in the build-up to Christmas.

Spinifex Group Executive Producer Nik Goldsworthy said this year’s projections blended typical local flavours with the traditions of the season.

‘We want to leave our audience in no doubt that it’s the Christmas and festive season, a time of giving and sharing, and a great time of year to be in the city,’ he said.

‘Our projection is fun, playful, humorous and will connect with the inner child in us all.

Volkswagen Golf at the New York Auto Show. Both videos have become online hits on YouTube.

‘It’s a time of year when it is great to be young and young at heart and I think we all reflect back to the magic of Christmas, no matter what our age or beliefs.’

They are also listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest video projection mapping project ever undertaken – a spectacular 4D architectural projection on the Lomonosov building at Moscow State University, which used 80 projectors. To give one an idea of the enormity of that project, the Melbourne Town Hall Christmas display will use 14 projectors.

Nik said creating the content for the projection was a delicate process that involved a number of elements coming together, such as the merger of 2D and 3D animation.

This year’s Christmas projection was specifically “mapped” to fit the dimensions of the Melbourne Town Hall, he said.

‘Our projection is fun, playful, humorous and will connect with the inner child in us all.’

‘We start by creating a 3D model of the building and then work backwards to create the content. That content is then projected back onto the building using high-powered projectors that are positioned to cover every nook and cranny of the building façade,’ Nik said.

‘We aim to give our projection shows a strong narrative or theme so our audiences leave feeling they have been entertained, not just amazed by the art form.’

But Nik said local projects always held a special place in his heart.

‘The most rewarding projects for me are the ones that you can enjoy with family and friends,’ he said.

‘Christmas is a magic time of the year and projection mapping has a magic quality about it.

‘So for us it’s about creating a world that transports us back to what Christmas looks like through the eyes of a child and to reflect on the importance of giving and sharing at this time of year with the people we love.’

The Christmas projections will run from 29 November to 25 December from dusk till 11pm at the Melbourne Town Hall, 90–120 Swanston Street, Melbourne.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

www.bit.ly/COMxmas

The Melbourne Town Hall projection is the latest in a long line of successes for the global company. In the past 12 months, Spinifex Group has projected images onto a giant New Balance shoe in Beijing, as well as being involved in the reveal of a new MELBOURNE

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PROSPEROUS CITY It is no secret that Melbourne is one of the world’s most multicultural cities.

Ask a Melburnian to take you out for local cuisine and you’re just as likely to be dining on dumplings in Chinatown, souvlaki in Lonsdale Street or burritos at Tex Mex outlets across town.

But it is not only our taste buds that are noticing the cultural difference. Our shopping strips are undergoing a subtle transformation with international brands such as Japanese giant Uniqlo and Swedish fashion label H&M among a list of highprofile foreigners set to enter Melbourne’s retail market in 2014.

They follow the success of Spanish design house Zara, which opened in Bourke Street Mall in 2011, and Dolce & Gabbana, the latest arrival to the ‘Paris’ end of Collins Street in September 2013.

‘The central city has evolved over the past decade to become a premier global destination, creating a name for itself as a vibrant, bold and innovative retail and hospitality destination’

Zara Store, Bourke Street

Uniqlo, which is renowned for its range of affordable designs, will enter the Australian market in early 2014. The flagship store will be spread across four floors – two basement and two above ground – and covers a sales floor of close to 2180m2.

Uniqlo Australia CEO Shoichi Miyasaka said Melbourne was the ideal location for its inaugural Australian store.

FASHION SENSE Why global retailers are choosing Melbourne

‘We are very excited to be opening our first store in Melbourne,’ he said.

‘The city is a great centre of style and we hope to make Uniqlo an essential stop for fashion-conscious Melbourne shoppers looking for high quality, affordable clothes.

‘Our goal is to build a loyal customer base by offering every visitor the outstanding level of customer service that Uniqlo is known for within Japan, in a comfortable and welcoming shopping environment.’

The store will be a part of the Emporium Melbourne development, which will feature a mix of international and Australian designers, innovative concept and flagship stores, and world-class architecture.

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‘As well as its eclectic side, Melbourne also showcases some of the world’s most prestigious brands and exclusive labels’

Uniqlo Melbourne (concept)

The Lonsdale Street centre will also link with Myer Melbourne and to David Jones via pedestrian bridges and tunnels.

Emporium Melbourne Centre Manager Steve Edgerton said the fashion and food experience would be rich and diverse, just like Melbourne.

‘Five years in the making, we are looking forward to opening the Emporium’s doors and handing this iconic and revitalised retail site back to the people of Melbourne,’ he said.

‘International first-to-market flagships such as Uniqlo will be joined by international designers new to Australia, and will sit alongside our best local talent.

‘As part of the city’s greater fashion and food experience, Emporium’s unique retail offer, combined with its world class design, will firmly cement Melbourne as the country’s retail, food and style capital.’

This push to ensure our retail landscape thrives and continues to grow is a key priority of the new City of Melbourne Retail and Hospitality Strategy 2013-2017, which was launched in late November.

A joint initiative of the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government, the strategy outlines the key strengths and challenges the industry is facing, while detailing the vision to cement Melbourne as a globally sought-after retail and hospitality destination.

Councillor Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Marketing Melbourne portfolio, stressed that both the retail and hospitality sectors were vital to the health of Melbourne’s economy.

‘The central city has evolved over the past decade to become a premier global destination, creating a name for itself as a vibrant, bold and innovative retail and hospitality destination,’ she said.

‘Melbourne’s innovative businesses offer visitors, workers and residents everything they are looking for, as well as some unexpected treats.

‘As well as its eclectic side, Melbourne also showcases some of the world’s most prestigious brands and exclusive labels, high-end and boutique hotels, worldclass restaurants, cutting-edge cafes, and festivals and events for all.’

FOR MORE ON THE RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY STRATEGY, VISIT

www.bit.ly/MELBenter

HOSPITALITY HIGHLIGHT

HOPETOUN TEA ROOMS One Melbourne business that has ensured it remains ahead of the hospitality game is the iconic Hopetoun Tea Rooms. Established in 1892, it is the only original tenant in the exquisite Block Arcade.

Owner Kelly Koutoumanos said she had worked tirelessly to usher in a 21st Century feel, while maintaining the “old world charm and characters of the business”.

‘We’ve employed talented chefs in the savoury and pastry kitchen that understand the uniqueness of Hopetoun Tea Rooms and designed a menu and cakes that delight the senses,’ she said.

‘Our philosophy is “treat our guests as if they were your family or friends”.

‘We have new visitors every day, but also many patrons that have been coming to the Tea Rooms all their lives.’

Hopetoun Tea Rooms Block Arcade, 282 Collins St, Melbourne

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FESTIVE SEASON

it’s a

CHRISTMAS CITY This year is sure to delight, entertain and stimulate the senses of all in the heart of Melbourne.

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the city this year with so many wonderful activities for all ages.

Perennial favourites Santa in the City and Santa’s Post Box will again be a big hit for children of all ages.

Don’t miss the launch of the 2013 Christmas Festival, Nativity Scene Blessing and the magical Christmas forest, bringing a very special atmosphere to City Square, which becomes Christmas Square for December.

Festive events include Christmas on the Green – a sustainable approach to the festive season and the Arts Centre’s spectacular Christmas House installation, which will lighten up the arts precinct.

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Christmas Decorations Program 29 November to 25 December See the new light projections on a giftwrapped Melbourne Town Hall and discover giant decorations suspended along Swanston and Collins streets. Kiss under the mistletoe at Southbank Pedestrian Bridge and see the 12 days of Christmas decorations in our laneways. View the story of Christmas come to life in a traditional nativity scene at Christmas Square.

Christmas Square 30 November to 24 December Christmas Square will be transformed into a magical Christmas forest offering a lush, immersive and sensory experience for all ages. See if you can find Rudolph in the Christmas maze, discover nutcracker soldiers, giant presents, a traditional nativity scene and an interactive story book, plus visit Santa in his house. By night, enjoy daily sound and light shows at 9.30pm and 11.30pm in the Christmas forest - all for free!

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

Download at www.bit.ly/MELBxmas

2013 Christmas Festival launch 29 November at City Square Come to City Square for the eagerly anticipated launch of the 2013 Christmas Festival. Renamed Christmas Square for December, the square comes alive for an evening of family entertainment. Enjoy a free concert, cheer Santa as he makes his entrance and at dusk be the first to see the city’s Christmas tree lights illuminated.

Afterwards head across the street to the Melbourne Town Hall to view the start of the spectacular Christmas projections program. From 7.30pm, free entry.

Deck the Houses 21 November to 5 January Arts Centre Melbourne Lawn Inspired by the twinkling, light-covered houses that line Melbourne’s streets at Christmas, Arts Centre Melbourne has commissioned renowned production designer and artist Christian Wagstaff to create Deck the Houses, a free pop-up artwork filled with Christmas spirit for everyone.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE Melbourne is one of the first cities in the world to welcome the New Year and the City of Melbourne offers a variety of ways to celebrate in style.

Early Eve for the family Early Eve provides the excitement of New Year’s Eve, without the late finish. Families can enjoy free, live entertainment from 6pm at Yarra Park and, courtesy of Maribyrnong Council, Footscray Park at 6.30pm, with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.30pm and public transport available to and from the event.

Christmas on the Green 29 November, 6 and 13 December, Victoria Green, off Bourke Street in the Victoria Harbour precinct.

Christmas on the Green takes an environmentally sustainable approach to Christmas, featuring sustainable market stalls, food, wine and entertainment for all ages, from 4pm to 8pm. Presented by Destination Docklands in partnership with Lend Lease.

Flinders Lane Shopping Night 28 November Discover the treasures of Flinders Lane and its adjoining lanes and arcades of Melbourne’s famous shopping precinct with amazing offers, giveaways, drinks and exclusive experiences available in the evening from 5pm to 9pm.

Nativity Scene Blessing 4 December at Christmas Square View a Christian blessing of the new nativity scene and listen to traditional Christmas carols from the Australian Girls Choir at 10.30am

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SEE THE SKYLINE, SEE THE FIREWORKS More rooftops than ever will feature in the dazzling display, and there are plenty of prime vantage points across the city and beyond to take in the magic.

Midnight Live Sites Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, Docklands and Kings Domain can be accessed from the city. Enjoy free music and entertainment from 9pm and stunning views of the midnight fireworks.

Experience it anywhere

Santa in the City 30 November to 24 December at Christmas Square Children are invited to meet Santa in Christmas Square and tell him their Christmas wishes. Be sure to bring your camera for this free activity running daily from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.

Santa’s Post Box 11 November to 16 December at Christmas Square Place your wish for Christmas in Santa’s Post Box, located on the corner of Swanston and Collins streets. Include a postal address and get a reply from Santa himself. Presented by The City of Melbourne and Australia Post.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

www.bit.ly/MELBxmas

Visit the NYE Melbourne website for full details on the synchronised countdown, official soundtrack and much more.

Live coverage Viewers at home won’t miss out with the event broadcast live on Channel 7.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/nye

www.facebook.com/nyemelb www.twitter.com/nyemelb New Year’s Eve live sites are alcohol-free events. Fines apply.

New Year’s Eve is a major event and large crowds are expected. If travelling into the city, delays should be anticipated.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

JAN

13

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS

Australian Open

22 NOV TO 23 MAR

12 JAN

31 JAN TO 2 FEB

MELBOURNE NOW

MIDSUMMA CARNIVAL

Celebrate the latest art, architecture, design, performance and cultural practice at the NGV to reflect the complex cultural landscape of creative Melbourne.

Bring a picnic, enjoy some music and take a look at some of the finest queer-affiliated community groups Melbourne has to offer as Midsumma returns home to Alexandra Gardens.

6, 7 AND 8 DEC THE BIG DESIGN MARKET Brings together 223 of the best independent Australian and international designers over three days at the Royal Exhibition Building.

7 AND 8 DEC THE HANGING OF JEAN LEE A razor-sharp, post-punk ‘underbelly song cycle’ tracing the life of Australia’s last woman hanged at Pentridge Gaol in 1951.

Features musicians Max Sharam, Hugo Race and members of Gotye at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall.

8 TO 12 JAN SANGKURIANG WITH JIM BIRKETT ArtPlay will host visiting artist Jim Birkett from Bundanon Trust, along with Artist Book Sangkuriang by Arthur Boyd and Indra Deigan.

Children can create their own Artist Book, while families will have the chance to contribute to a giant collaborative book.

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16 TO 18 JAN MUSICPLAY CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 2014

MELBOURNE SUMMER BOAT SHOW

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A show case of the recreational boating industry, the on-water marina display will feature boats ranging from top-end cruisers and yachts, to trailer boats and marine accessories.

Located at New Quay Marina and Promenade in Docklands, the show also includes children’s activities and entertainment.

An exciting summer holiday music festival for children and families at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Features the animated film Peter and the Wolf with live orchestra, and the Grimm Brothers fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel.

Suit up and Ride

JAN

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CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN

29 NOV, 6 AND 13 DEC

24 DEC VISION AUSTRALIA’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Ease into the festive season with earthy music, delicious food stalls, roving entertainment and garden bar at Victoria Green, Docklands. A collection of urban stalls will help with any lastminute gift ideas.

This iconic Christmas event returns to Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This year’s instalment will be as vibrant as ever with top entertainers performing a mix of contemporary and traditional favourites.

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

Discover all that’s happening in Melbourne at melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson

Midsumma Festival

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Summer Boat Show

26 JAN

AUSTRALIA DAY Get involved in a range of free, fun events around the City of Melbourne, including the Australia Day Parade in the city.

During the day St Kilda Road will be the event hub with activities and fireworks to follow in Docklands.

AUSTRALIA DAY AT DOCKLANDS Take part in the Great Aussie Thong Throwing competition, with fantastic prizes to be won, free face painting and kite making.

Enjoy the entertainment at NewQuay Piazza.

KENSINGTON AUSTRALIA DAY FESTIVAL The day will begin with a citizenship ceremony to welcome new Australians, followed by a street festival, billy cart race and lots more around Macaulay Road and Bellair Street.

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL The Sidney Myer Music Bowl presents an afternoon of free entertainment for music lovers and a great way to spend your Australia Day afternoon.

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KFC T20 Big Bash

SUMMER OF SPORT 3 DEC DISABILITY SPORT AND RECREATION FESTIVAL With more than 30 exhibitions, free activities, demonstrations, giveaways and Australian sports stars at Federation Square, the Disability Sport and Recreation Festival is not to be missed.

5 DEC SUIT UP AND RIDE Join Cadel Evans, Matt Goss, Hunters and Collectors and support Orygen Youth Health at Melbourne’s quirkiest team cycling event. Teams tackle the Alexandra Gardens course in an eclectic range of outfits and aboard Bike Share bikes.

6 TO 8 DEC 68TH AUSTRALIAN DANCE SPORT CHAMPIONSHIP Experience the glitz, glamour and competition as local and international stars kick up their heels at Hisense Arena for Australia’s only international dance sport event.

20 DEC TO 7 FEB KFC T20 BIG BASH The fast-paced and popular form of limited overs cricket returns to the MCG and Etihad Stadium, led by local teams Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades. Don’t miss their derby clashes on 20 December and 4 January.

13 TO 26 JAN AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2014 For two weeks in January, there’s no better place to be as the world’s top players hit Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam of the season.

Australia Day Parade

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TOP OF THEIR GAME

MELBOURNE AWARDS Showcasing our best Now in its 11th year, the Melbourne Awards continue to celebrate and reward inspirational people and the organisations, which dedicate their time and energy for the benefit of the city.

The awards honour a diverse range of contributions, focusing on individuals, community organisations and corporations which work tirelessly for the city.

Highlighting these achievements inspires and challenges others to create a better future for Melbourne.

Winners are selected through an independent judging process, which connects entrants with industry leaders and professionals, who often become ambassadors for the achievements they witness.

2013 WINNERS CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABILITY This award celebrates projects or activities that create a more environmentally sustainable city through advancements in sustainable innovation and design, or the development of new sustainable projects or programs.

Corporation Synergetics Environmental Engineering Community Organisation Bicycle Network Victoria

Major Nottle (centre) with the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor at the 2011 Melbourne Awards

Individual Sean Willmore

MELBURNIAN OF THE YEAR

CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY This award celebrates projects or activities that enhance the lives and wellbeing of residents and workers through new approaches to community services and volunteer work.

Corporation ‘Assessment and Referral Court List’, Magistrates Court of Victoria Community organisation St John Ambulance Victoria Individual Professor Hugh R. Taylor AC

CONTRIBUTION TO PROFILE This award celebrates projects or activities that have built Melbourne’s reputation as a centre for business, sport, entertainment, knowledge and culture.

Corporation Melbourne Children’s

Major honour for city hero The deeds of 2013 Melburnian of the Year, Major Brendan Nottle, are legendary in this city.

by where we do not have members of the public stop us and ask if they can assist in some way,’ he said.

Major Nottle has become the face of the Salvation Army in Melbourne, overseeing its daily operations in the central city and selflessly committing his life to helping those less fortunate.

‘Being named Melburnian of the Year is a recognition that any good work that I have been involved in has only occurred due to the wonderful partnerships that we have with some great organisations and individuals.’

Speaking of the award, a typically humble Major Nottle paid tribute to the community support he had received.

‘Utilising the city’s innovative spirit was the best way to tackle some of its problems like homelessness’

Community Organisation Melbourne Queer Film Festival Individual Matt Irwin

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‘When our teams are on the streets seven nights a week caring for people that are homeless or vulnerable for other reasons, there would not be a night that would go

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

A past Melbourne Awards winner, he claimed the award for Contribution to Community by an Individual in 2011 and was also a Moomba monarch in 2012.

Utilising the city’s innovative spirit was the best way to tackle some of its problems like homelessness, Major Nottle said.

‘I would love to see Melbourne become a city where people have a range of housing options that provide safe and secure accommodation as well as the necessary support to help them get back on their feet,’ he said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

www.bit.ly/MELBawards

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

‘It’ll be nice to have a beautiful laneway approach to the building, and great for the small business and community groups ... ’

GREENLINESS IS NEXT TO

Godfreyness Godfrey Street Artist Impression

‘Godfrey Street is the first impression for many people coming into the city from Southern Cross Station. We want to activate this end of the city.’

A living green facade and new public open space is springing up in an underused laneway near Southern Cross Station, helping Melbourne adapt to the changing environment, improve liveability and boost the charm of the city’s western gateway.

‘It’ll be nice to have a beautiful laneway approach to the building, and great for the small business and community groups who use Donkey Wheel House to come out onto the street in summer and work on the community tables. Great for Kinfolk Cafe as well,’ said Jarrod.

New trees and a bluestone paved public space are part of the streetscape improvements planned for Godfrey Street, which over several years has become a community hub for social enterprises like Donkey Wheel House and Kinfolk Cafe.

Ageing street lights will be replaced with energy-efficient LED lights, reducing energy use by 40 per cent, while roof water and stormwater run-off will be captured in structural cells (a first for Melbourne) to irrigate the new trees.

‘Godfrey Street is the first impression for many people coming into the city from Southern Cross Station. We want to activate this end of the city,’ said Kinfolk’s general manager Jarrod Briffa, who worked with City of Melbourne on the streetscape plans.

The new green space will also help reduce urban heat that will be exacerbated by increasing density in this part of the city.

The project is part of a Living Victoria Fund grant from the Victorian Government.

There is an emerging need for green space at this end of the central city, particularly because of recent and projected increases in residents, visitors and workers.

MELBOURNE

DECEMBER - JANUARY

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YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

NATIONAL PRIDE How a former Sudanese refugee is planning to make a difference

As 26 January approaches, we sat down with Australia Day ambassador and University of Melbourne medical student, Garang Dut, who is using his past experiences to help build a positive future.

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Can you tell us about your early life?

Does Melbourne feel like home now?

I was born a few years after the onset of the Sudanese second civil war so my family, as well as many other South Sudanese, made for Ethiopia. A war in Ethiopia obliged that we had to move again, this time trekking across the border into Southern Sudan and on to the Kenyan border. Here we eventually started classes in open grounds and under large trees, then under sheds and subsequently simple shelter. Stationary was scarce initially, writing in a third or a fraction of exercise books with a fraction of a pencil in my junior years.

Yes. Getting to feel at home started from rationalising and thinking positively of what could be unbecoming experiences during my high school years. These years were characterised by palpable prejudices around my recent arrival and unfamiliarity with channels of support, further strained

by VCE demands. However, following years of undergraduate studies and now in medical school, where I interact with likeminded Australians, as well as participating in programs such as the Australia Day Ambassadors, I feel much more a part of the Australian community.

What were your recollections of arriving in Australia?

What has motivated you for a career in medicine?

First the vastness of a major metropolis like Melbourne augmented feelings of unfamiliarity. Then the shift in communications from a previous dominance of languages other than English, to English in day-to-day interactions.

My inspiration comes from my experiences living in situations where medical care was a luxury. A mix of hard work, luck and goodwill has drifted me along from makeshift classrooms to one of Australia’s premier medical schools and I am grateful that I am being prepared to serve society in the way that I enjoy and believe would be welcomed – wherever in the community I was situated.

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

CREATIVE CITY

“Defying the expectation of percussion music.”

Persuasive percussion The most exciting percussion group in Australia will present a high-energy performance with the Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ.

Timothy Constable, director of Synergy Percussion and award-winning percussionist, composer, and singer, is looking forward to introducing Melbourne audiences to a range of percussion instruments beyond the humble triangle.

Synergy Percussion will be bringing a host of instruments, including marimbas, vibraphones, drums of all shapes and sounds and even ‘junk’ percussion when they perform alongside soprano Cath Lukin and organist Brendon Lukin at Melbourne Town Hall in Organ &…Percussion & Soprano.

The event will not only showcase diverse percussion, but the amazing musical breadth of the Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ.

The Grand Organ is central to this concert and the City of Melbourne has commissioned local composer Taran Carter to create a new work specifically for these musicians. It will literally be a case of “all stops out” with epic music, including scores from Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, along with quieter romantic numbers.

Synergy Percussion sees themselves as “sound adventurers” and are well known for “defying the expectation of percussion music.”

Organ &… Percussion & Soprano will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall on Tuesday 10 December.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT www.trybooking.com/DGPM OR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT www.bit.ly/MELBorgan

CITY WELCOMES THE RATTLER City of Melbourne’s latest public artwork, Raising the Rattler Pole - the last of the Connies, has landed among the palm trees on the corner of Flinders and Spencer streets.

A tribute to a bygone era and a 1:1 scale replica of one of Melbourne’s iconic heroes - the w-class ‘rattler’ tram David Michael Bell’s artwork is playfully upended and tilted at 10 degrees near the Grand Hotel, Melbourne.

Take a look at the intricate mechanisms painstakingly reproduced on the tram’s underbelly and in the evening view the tram’s gently glowing windows and headlights.

Raising the Rattler Pole was commissioned by the City of Melbourne Public Art Program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

www.bit.ly/MELBrattler

MELBOURNE

DECEMBER - JANUARY

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IN BRIEF TIME FOR A TRIM? Vegetation that protrudes or overhangs from property into public places can block access and be dangerous. The City of Melbourne will be visiting residential areas during spring and summer to identify properties which require maintenance. Residents will be asked to trim back any plants or trees, which are unsafe or could be a risk.

A reasonable time for the completion of works will be provided. Fines may be imposed if residents fail to ensure plants and trees are adequately maintained.

NEW SYSTEM FOR HANDBILL AND FUNDRAISING PERMITS

Sally Twist (L) with Narelle Ryan

BREATHE EASIER

in The Causeway

We caught up with owner of Local Birds, Sally Twist, to find out what she thought of the smoke-free trial.

In October 2013, the City of Melbourne launched a six-month pilot to ban smoking in The Causeway, which runs between Little Collins Street and Bourke Street Mall in the central city.

The other new amenity that Sally enjoys is the planter boxes.

Local Bird cafe owner Sally Twist said the initiative was already proving beneficial.

The smoke free trial will continue until 31 March 2014

‘The plants add to the friendly atmosphere, there’s definitely more of a community feel.

We would love the space to stay smoke free,’ she said.

‘Myself and my business partner Narelle started cafe Local Birds three months ago,’ she said.

‘Just last week a new customer told me he decided to have lunch for the first time in The Causeway because it was smoke free.’

Sally has found that the last three weeks have been the busiest yet.

HAVE YOUR SAY ONLINE NOW AT PARTICIPATE MELBOURNE

Local Birds is a hole-in-the-wall cafe in The Causeway, open for breakfast and lunch 8am until 4pm Monday to Friday and 9am until 4pm Saturdays.

‘The clientele has broadened with mums with prams coming down to see us and it looks a lot cleaner, the smoke haze and cigarette butts are gone. People are spending more time in The Causeway and noticing us - a bonus as we operate from such a small space.’

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READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

HAVE YOUR SAY ONLINE AT

www.bit.ly/MELBcauseway

Fundraising permits, which are free, allow organisations to collect money for charities on footways or intersections within the City of Melbourne.

Handbill permits offer businesses the opportunity to distribute material by hand and there is a daily fee.

From early 2014, a new online booking system will make it easier for businesses and charities to apply for a handbill or fundraising permit.

The system will save time and provide instant confirmation.

ROAD WORKS CityLink will be conducting major road closures over the Christmas and New Year period and throughout early January 2014. The closures will facilitate works involving the resurfacing of the Domain Tunnel, Burnley Tunnel and West Gate Bridge.

Staggered closure times are as follows: Domain Tunnel closed 10pm, Friday 27 December until 5am, Tuesday 31 December.

Burnley Tunnel closed 10pm, Thursday 2 January until 5am, Tuesday 7 January.

West Gate Bridge - Inbound - closed 11pm, Friday 27 December until 7am, Saturday 28 December.

11pm, Saturday 28 December until 7am, Sunday 29 December.

West Gate Bridge - Outbound - closed 11pm, Thursday 2 January to 7am, Friday 3 January.

West Gate Bridge - Outbound - 11pm, Friday 3 January to 7am, Saturday 4 January.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

vicroads.com.au

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

YOUR COUNCIL The Right Honourable Lord Mayor Robert Doyle

Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley

Future Melbourne (Major Projects) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Marketing Melbourne) Committee Deputy Chair

9658 9658 lordmayor@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9043 susan.riley@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Richard Foster

Cr Ken Ong

Future Melbourne (People City) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee Chair

9658 9056 richard.foster@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9704 ken.ong@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Rohan Leppert

Cr Beverley Pinder-Mortimer

Future Melbourne (Arts and Culture) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Marketing Melbourne) Committee Chair

9658 9051 rohan.leppert@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9038 beverley.pinder-mortimer@melbourne.vic.gov. au

Cr Kevin Louey

Cr Jackie Watts

Future Melbourne (Economic Development) Committee Chair, Docklands Coordination Committee Co-Chair

Future Melbourne (Knowledge City) Committee Chair 9658 8580 jackie.watts@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9170 or mobile 0413 960 811 kevin.louey@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Stephen Mayne

Cr Arron Wood

Future Melbourne (Finance and Governance) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Environment) Committee Chair

9658 9636 or mobile 0412 106 241 stephen.mayne@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9630 arron.wood@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Cathy Oke

Postal address for all councillors

Future Melbourne (Transport) Committee Chair

City of Melbourne, GPO Box 1603, Melbourne VIC 3001

9658 9086 cathy.oke@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Fax for all councillors 03 9658 9613

COUNCIL MEETINGS All committee meetings are held in: Council Meeting Room, Level 2 Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne, except the Docklands Coordination Committee, which is held at: Goods Shed, 710 Collins Street, Docklands, Melbourne.

Changes to the meeting schedule are published at melbourne.vic.gov.au and on the notice board at the front of the Melbourne Town Hall administration building.

All council meetings are held in: Council Chamber, (Public Gallery, Level 3) Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne.

DECE MB E R 2013 Future Melbourne Committee

Tuesday 3 December

5.30pm

On occasion, council meetings are rescheduled or special meetings of the committees and council are called.

Future Melbourne Committee

Tuesday 10 December

5.30pm

For upcoming council and committee meeting dates and times, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au

Council

Tuesday 17 December

5.30pm

MELBOURNE

DECEMBER - JANUARY

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YOUR OFFER

WIN! NYE TICKETS

VICTORIA STAR In 1999 a love of sailing and restoring historic boats led Captain Leigh Doeg (pictured) to start Victoria Star, Dockland’s first classic cruise ship company, continuing a now thirty year career on Melbourne’s waterways.

Today 160 Victoria Star cruises are conducted annually, attracting more than 20,000 visitors to Docklands.

‘Every cruise is unique. It is a combination of the daily shipping movements in our great port, the weather good or bad and the passengers’ activities,’ Captain Doeg said.

Captain Doeg said he had also built up a loyal client base over the years.

‘Many clients book the same dates every year for their special event and with Victoria Star conducting a variety of events from weddings, to corporate functions there is something for everyone.’

Docklands has also been an important part of the Victoria Star history.

‘In many ways Victoria Star’s business has grown with Docklands’ development and now it seems a whole new city has literally been built around the Victoria Star,’ said Captain Doeg.

‘Our objective is to create a hub within Docklands where passenger vessels can be easily accessed by the public. It is an exciting time ahead and I am sure that the Victoria Star and Melbourne’s fleet of charter boats will contribute greatly to Docklands’ life and vitality.’

To celebrate fourteen years of service, Victoria Star is offering two $145 tickets to its New Year’s Eve Dance Party on board its famous Victoria Star cruise ship.

For your chance to win, tell us: What does the expression “splice the mainbrace” mean?

Send your response to info@victoriastar.com.au by 10 December.

The businesses featured on this page are all recipients of the Lord Mayor’s commendations.

The commendations recognise the longterm commitment and contribution to the City of Melbourne

by Melbourne’s small business proprietors and family-run businesses.

Only the winner will be notified.

CONTACT

POSTAL ADDRESS

WE’RE MULTILINGUAL TOO

03 9658 9658 (7.30am to 6pm) melbourne.vic.gov.au melbourne.vic.gov.au/contactus

City of Melbourne GPO Box 1603 Melbourne VIC 3000

We cater for people of all backgrounds.

NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE

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Teletypewriter (TTY) users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 03 9658 9658 Speak & Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9658 9658

To subscribe, update your address, unsubscribe or provide feedback, contact the City of Melbourne or email melbournenews@melbourne.vic.gov.au

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Melbourne Town Hall Administration Building 120 Swanston Street, Melbourne 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

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