City of Port Phillip magazine - Issue 98 May to june 2019
Caring about homelessness
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Photo: Chris Cassar
Sleep Out in South Melbourne Deputy Mayor Cr Louise Crawford will be joining the Vinnie’s CEO Sleep Out in June at South Melbourne Market’s rooftop carpark. Attracting over 300 CEOs, the sleep out seeks to raise over $1.1 million to support Vinnie’s outreach projects. Visit www.ceosleepout.org.au to add your support. Pictured preparing for the sleep out are Louise Crawford, Deputy Mayor, City of Port Phillip, and Sue Cattermole, CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria.
Council has caught the infrastructure bug Mayor Cr Dick Gross
We are building community assets as if there’s no tomorrow - for tomorrow. This year will see progress on an impressive list of important local projects. It’s a local big build we can all be proud of.
In South Melbourne, the superb new home for the South Melbourne Life Saving Club and a new kiosk, is almost complete. The club is set to move back in before next summer.
In Alma Park, we are close to completing an innovative project to harvest and use millions of litres of storm water that will keep the park green.
Added to this is the start of construction for the impressive new Pride Centre in Fitzroy Street, all of which means we are witnessing a massive upgrade to public facilities right across the municipality.
At Peanut Farm, a thorough upgrade is set to improve facilities for football, cricket, netball and basketball players. cover story
Pantry partners Mark Young and Henry Nissen are regular faces at Father Bob’s Community Pantry in South Melbourne. They are good mates who together have contributed over 50 years of community service. And, by the way, both have received well-deserved Order of Australia Medals. 2
Council has almost completed much needed new fencing around our beloved Botanical Gardens, work that is timely and aesthetically pleasing. This work was necessary to ensure that the gardens are secure. In Port Melbourne, footy has returned to the North Port Oval and reports about the new facilities are rapturous. Just around the corner at J.L. Murphy Reserve, works have started on upgrading the pavilion in this, our largest Council park (12 hectares to be precise).
A big build indeed, with a dash of Pride. Port Phillip acknowledges the generous support of the Victorian Government, clubs and other partners on many of these projects.
Recycling for the record My last column was written and printed before our recycling service was temporarily disrupted. Before recycling was resumed, materials for recycling were sent to landfill for 16 days. This was beyond our control and very regrettable. Whatever happens, we will always tell the truth about how our recycling is going.
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contacts
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ contact_us.htm ASSIST 03 9209 6777 engagement@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Who cares about homelessness?
www.relayservice.gov.au
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Divercity 98 - May to June 2019
Easel Knievels of senior art
Urban art at Linden
Seniors urged to get arty and poetic for the Seniors Festval.
A new exhibition presents urban Aboriginal art.
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Please contact ASSIST on 03 9209 6777 if you require a large print version. Audio recordings of Divercity are available on the City of Port Phillip website and on CD at libraries.
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Editor Greg Day - gday@edunity.com.au Story suggestions are welcome Next deadline Friday 17 May Information included in this magazine is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
Womin djeka
Breaking bread
Waste watchers inspiration
Social meals are bringing people together.
Ideas and support to help you reduce waste.
Council respectfully acknowledges the Yaluk-ut Weelam Clan of the Boon Wurrung. We pay our respect to their Elders, both past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land. 3
Barking dog kit Council has an information kit that explains some of the reasons dogs bark and what residents can do if they are disturbed by incessant barking. Ideas include talking positively to the owner, offering to walk the dog and referral to dog trainers.
Third age of art The Seniors Festival is on again in October. All local seniors are invited to submit a new painting or drawing for the art exhibition that will be held at the Mary Kehoe Centre during the festival. Entries close on Friday 27 September. Seniors can also pick up a pen (or tablet) to get works ready for the 15th Seniors Festival Writing
Awards. Writers over 55 can submit fictional stories or poems on any topic, or non-fiction about life in Port Phillip. Get those words flowing as entries close on Friday 2 August. Get the entry forms www.portphillip.vic.gov.au ASSIST 9209 6777
One car share car replaces up to 10 private cars
Get the kit ASSIST 9209 6777 www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Living with construction A new information kit will help you deal with living near construction sites. Topics covered include noise, road closures, parking, environment and safety concerns. Above all, it suggests contacting the builder to establish a direct and open line of communication to work through any issues. Find out more ASSIST 9209 6777 www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
North Port Oval
our streets are designed for people
parking pressure
carbon emissions
Find out how www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Sport has returned to North Port’s upgraded oval and facilities after a summer construction blitz. The oval now has new turf, soil, irrigation and drainage systems, plus a new white picket fence, new players’ benches, a larger playing field and six turf cricket pitches. www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
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Photo: Chris Cassar
Muriel Arnott, Sally Chambers and Jacki Burgess help people look good and prepare well for employment.
Wear with care Wear for Success (WFS) is a South Melbourne not for profit that helps job seekers look good and prepare well for job interviews. Operated without government assistance and largely volunteer run, the service has helped over 5,000 people since it opened in 2011. ‘To compete in the job market you need to look the part and feel confident about your potential,’ says Jodie Tuckwell-Knight, WFS’ general manager.
Volunteer dresser Jackie said it is rewarding to see people be transformed. ‘We take care to help people select clothes that make them feel job ready and confident. They blossom before our eyes. Many come back to say they got the job.’ Another volunteer, Sally Chambers uses her experience from 25 years in HR to coordinate the Career Support Program with volunteer coaches. ‘The combination of a
professional outfit and career support is a real confidence booster,’ she said. WFS welcomes donations of clothing, money and time from the public and manufacturers. It also holds sales and events to raise operating funds. Get involved in the success www.wearforsuccess.org.au
Help shape the places you love You are invited to be part of a community driven process to reinvigorate places you care about. It is part of a four year plan to involve the community in innovative and creative activities to revitalise three priority areas: South Melbourne’s Clarendon
Street and surrounds, St Kilda’s Fitzroy Street and Port Melbourne’s Waterfront Place.
‘People who use a precinct are often best placed to guide the way’. Everyone in the local community is invited to share their thoughts and
ideas. Participating can be a great way to better connect with your community and Council while playing your part in helping to create better places. Register your interest and get involved www.lovemyplace.com.au
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Options Dignity Rights
Agencies that care Port Phillip Community Group 8598 6600 www.ppcg.org.au Sacred Heart Mission 9537 1166 www.sacredheartmission.org
Lyn, Alex and Bryan at Wintringham Port Melbourne.
Bryan Lipmann was working at a homeless shelter when he saw firsthand the challenges facing older people who have fallen on hard times. Driven by his passion for social justice, he founded Wintringham, a not for profit that provides people aged over 50 with housing and care services. Thirty years later, Wintringham is Australia’s largest provider of aged care services to elderly homeless people. This includes 35 men and women who reside at Swallow Street, Port Melbourne.
”We provide our residents with a home until stumps - giving some, for the first time in their life, a place to call home”. Bryan Lipmann AM, CEO Wintringham
Wintringham prides itself on providing dignified, affordable, high quality care and accommodation to elderly men and women who are financially disadvantaged, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Salvation Army Crisis Centre 9536 7777 crisisservicesnetwork.org.au Launch Housing 8598 1111 www.launchhousing.org.au
Social meals Every day across Port Phillip free or cheap meals are provided by a diverse range of groups, including Hari Krishna, Temple Beth Israel, Father Bob’s Hopemobile, Sacred Heart and others. Some eligibility requirements apply. Meal map
Caring about homelessness Being homeless is incredibly difficult, and the longer people have to wait for a home, the more complicated lives become, says the Port Phillip Community Group (PPCG). Over one-third of the people who seek help from PPCG are homeless, in insecure housing or unable to find housing; they also usually have several other complex issues impacting their lives. From drop in centres in St Kilda, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne, PPCG provides practical support, advocacy and 6
referrals to housing and other specialist services. PPCG also links people to financial counselling, education courses and social activities. St Kilda Legal Service and Uniting Disability Employment Service are co-located with PPCG. Every day PPCG provides much needed and welcome practical help, but most importantly PPCG staff act as early as possible to prevent people from becoming homeless. Connect with PPCG www.ppcg.org.au 8598 6600
bit.ly/PPcheapmeals
Pause to remember You are invited to join a diverse community for a memorial to remember and honour those who have died in circumstances of homelessness. It’s an opportunity to share personal stories, memories and experiences in the hope of sparking a positive dialogue about homelessness in our community. Homeless memorial gathering Thursday 20 June 4.30 pm to 8 pm Peanut Farm Reserve Chaucer Street, St Kilda 9525 1300
Donna gets a trim from Sam while Donna’s dog Archie keeps them both company.
A head start
Volunteer hairdresser Sam Reid drives from Geelong each month to cut hair at Father Bob’s Community Pantry in South Melbourne. ‘It’s not hard to do and it makes people’s day,’ she says. Recently, Sam provided a cut and blow wave for a woman going to a job interview. ‘It boosted her confidence. Later, she rang to say she got the job.’
Photo: Chris Cassar
Father Bob’s Community Pantry and Community Meals programs provide about 7,000 food hampers and many thousands of meals each year. There are lots of ways you can support Father Bob’s Foundation, including volunteering in the pantry, back office, tutoring or hairdressing. www.fatherbobs.com 7
arts and entertainment
The best of Baluk Saturday 4 May to Sunday 23 June Linden New Art 26 Acland Street, St Kilda Baluk Arts collective presents an exhibition in urban Aboriginal art that explores notions of belonging, loss and motherhood. lindenarts.org
Circus arts, local heroes and architecture Gasworks Arts Park 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
Talking about art Tuesday 7 May, 6 pm Resident Artist Kris Coad explores how public installations intersect with private lives. Thursday 20 June, 6 pm Architect Marta Figueiredo offers insight into the hidden world behind artistic practice and our built environment. $20 / $18
Circus Showdown Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 May 7.30 pm Breathtaking showcase of new and emerging circus acts. $49 / $25
Theatre Beachside Stories Thursday 13 to Saturday 22 June 7.30 pm Hear from five local heroes whose energy, non-conformity and generosity have shaped Port Phillip. $45 / $40 / $30 gasworks.org.au 8
Ireland, Greeks and latex Theatreworks, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
Bitch on heat
Three Graces
Wednesday 8 May to Sunday 19 May Nothing is sacred as Leah Shelton trawls through ancient myths, porn, pop culture, instructional records and revenge movie heroines.
Wednesday 22 May to Sunday 2 June Carved straight from the epic traditions of Greek theatre, the Graces are a legacy from a different time - an artistic symbol of what humans have chosen to preserve.
Swansong Wednesday 15 May to Saturday 18 May, 9 pm Back for four nights only after a sellout seasons in New York and LA. See this powerful Irish drama before it sets off on a regional tour.
Drive Thursday 6 June to Saturday 15 June Drive is an exploration of fallen, deviant women set against long stretches of open road. $45 / $37 / $30 theatreworks.org.au
Wakey and witches at the Stitch 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda East
Wakey Wakey Ends Sunday 19 May Will Eno’s play explores how human dignity and eloquence in the face of annihilation are the most powerful theatrical story there is.
Escaped alone Sunday 2 June to Sunday 30 June In a sun drenched suburban backyard, four older women turned cryptic chroniclers of doom reflect on their lives over the course of many unsettling and bizarre summers together. $55 / $42 / $29 Redstitch.net
Carnival of Shadows Wednesday 5 June to Friday 7 June, 7.30 pm Saint Martin’s Place Theatre, 374 St Kilda Road, St Kilda The Carnival of Shadows transforms the City of Voices into a ragtag troupe of artistes who entertain, delight, make magic and mischief.
PORTogether photography exhibition Tuesday 18 June to Sunday 7 July Gasworks Art Gallery 21 Graham Street, Albert Park Port stories in film and photography. portogether.com
Spoken Thursday 20 June, 5 pm to 7.30 pm 144 Chapel Street, St Kilda Hear stories of the journey, struggle and achievements of people from diverse backgrounds.
$20 / $15 Trybooking.com/BBIPA
Hello Cello Sunday 23 June, 2.30 pm South Melbourne Town Hall 210 Bank Street South Melbourne Lynette Bridgland and cellist Georgie Kirkham team up for Offenbach and Beethoven. $20 / $15 / children 12 and under no charge smso.org.au
space2b.com.au 9
community
Trivia 4 Bob Pop in to the pop up Toy Library to see Rebecca, Catie and Karin.
Saturday 4 May 6.30 pm St Kilda Town Hall 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda A night of trivia, music and a live auction for Father Bob’s Foundation. $25 www.trybooking.com/BBNCP
Health Cycle Tuesday 7 May, 6.30 pm Port Phillip EcoCentre 55a Blessington St, St Kilda Jerome Rachele talks about how urban design can reduce health inequities. ppbug.org
Sorry Day Lunch Friday 24 May, 12.30 pm South Melbourne Community Centre, corner Park Street and Ferrars Place, South Melbourne First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu Brett Lee will entertain guests at a community lunch being held to commemorate National Sorry Day. Free 9699 8804 rosemary.rule@gmail.com
Dine with Heart Throughout May Share a special meal with friends and support those doing it tough. You’ll be helping the Sacred Heart Meals Program provide 400 free meals every day. sacredheartmission.org
Pop up toy library Every Friday until 31 May, 10 am St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street St Kilda Catch the toy library after Baby Rhyme Time and Tiny Tots Storytime sessions at St Kilda Library.
St Kilda West Morning Coffee Sunday 2 June, 9.30 am to 11 am West Beach Bathers Pavilion 330a Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda The West St Kilda Residents Association is organising a gathering over morning coffee and would like to extend this invitation to all residents of and business owners in St Kilda West. wskrassociation@gmail.com
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Free elwoodtoylibrary.org
Amazing Rotary Book Fair Saturday 22 June, 8 am to 5 pm Albert Park College 83 Danks Street, Albert Park Thousands of preloved books at bargain prices. Now in its fifteenth year, the fair has raised over $250,000 for local community groups. That’s a lot of happy readers. rotaryalbertpark.org.au
heritage
Heritage Centre events Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne
Discover Middle Park on foot
Hidden Histories of South Melbourne: See Yup Temple Tuesday 14 May, 6.30 pm to 8 pm Dr Sophie Couchman uncovers the oldest and longest running Chinese community organisation in Australia.
heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cemetery Tours St Kilda Cemetery Dandenong Road, St Kilda East
A Life in the Law tour Sunday 26 May, 2 pm
Tour of St Kilda’s musicians and photographers Sunday 23 June, 2 pm $15 info@foskc.org
Monday 24 June, 7.30 pm Port Melbourne Town Hall 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Old Port Melbourne families will recount the stories of past generations. There will be an opportunity for you to contribute some of your own old tales. Free
Challah and Allah
Early Melbourne on camera Tuesday 28 May, 6.30 pm to 8 pm Barney Meyer, professional photographer and Hidden Melbourne creator, presents an illustrated talk about Melbourne’s early photographers.
Aged Port families
Discover a rich local history with three self-guided walks. Woodwork: buildings with timber decorations. Armstrong Street: uncover the shops of the past. Churches: witness the change from sacred to secular. Available from Port Phillip libraries.
Until 14 July Jewish Museum 26 Alma Road, St Kilda
www.middleparkhistory.org/walks
Homage to Gideon Klein Saturday 15 June, 7.30 pm South Melbourne Town Hall 210 Bank Street South Melbourne It is hard to imagine music being written in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, yet the compositions of Gideon Klein continue to shine out of the darkness of the Holocaust.
Featuring an immersive video installation ‘1001 Lights,’ this exhibition explores one of Judaism’s oldest traditions, the Shabbat. A wide range of special events complement the exhibit. $12 / $6 jewishmuseum.com.au
$62 / $48 / $25 anam.com.au 11
Photo: Chris Cassar
Bringing people together over a simple meal are Vicki, Suzy, Joselyn and Ros.
Food and friendship A weekly community meal is reducing isolation and loneliness for residents of Inkerman Street public housing. Meeting over freshly made sandwiches and tasty vegetarian soup has sparked many friendships and more fellowship around the flats. 12
It’s also a rewarding experience for the volunteers of all ages who prepare and serve the meals. ‘The food is simple and healthy, but we think the most nutritious aspect is the social interaction,’ say volunteer Miriam Weisz.
The Soup, Sandwiches and Chat program is organised by the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation. It is one of over 40 meals programs subsidised by Council. Last year these programs served over 150,000 meals.
Linking Neighbours members enjoy learning about sustainability from Graeme Ambrose.
Avoid the winter blues Hundreds of local seniors are avoiding the winter blues by staying connected through Linking Neighbours Seniors Register and other local activities.
Day trips coming up include a train ride to Geelong to visit the Nolan exhibition and a tour of State Parliament (and its mysterious inner workings).
Linking Neighbours has weekly and monthly events, including coffee mornings at six locations, fascinating information sessions and affordable day trips - all for local people 55 and over.
Linking Neighbours has a free bimonthly newsletter that keeps people informed about future activities.
An information session might be an introduction to croquet (including a game), a storytelling workshop or a sustainability session.
Join Linking Neighbours Seniors Register www.portphillip.vic.gov.au ASSIST 9209 6777
Great local links for seniors in the community Men’s Shed 0432 427 029 mens-shed.org.au Life Activities Club 0407 008 388 www.lifeportphillip.org.au
Probus Port Melbourne Probus St Kilda 1300 630 488 www.probussouthpacific.org U3APP
Participate in arts and heritage Expressions of interest are now open for people who want to join one of Council’s arts and heritage reference committees. Positions are available on the Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee, the Art Acquisition Reference Committee, the Cultural Heritage Reference Committee and the Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship Committee. Express your interest www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Shape the Domain Council wants feedback on proposals to improve public spaces in the Domain Precinct. Go online before Sunday 26 May to take a survey or register for a workshop.
9696 3495 www.u3app.org.au
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Photo: Chris Cassar
Dorelle Davidson, Robert Taylor OAM and John May are part of the Veg Out compost crew.
Jewel on Crown land Veg Out is a jewel on Crown land. The community gardens grew out of fears that public land (the former St Kilda bowling club) would be snatched up by housing developers. Instead, for the past 20 years, a community has blossomed around a garden that 14
has loads of character. Robert Taylor was there at the beginning and this year he received an OAM. ‘It’s recognition for the community and a celebration of public ownership.’ Check out Veg Out vegout.org.au
Photo: Chris Cassar
For general enquiries contact: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ contact_us.htm ASSIST 03 9209 6777
Canal Ward Cr Tim Baxter tbaxter@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0466 495 250
Cr Louise Crawford Deputy Mayor
lcrawford@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0466 514 643
Apartment living is no barrier to reducing waste says Gayle and Benjamin.
Good news for waste watchers Support is now available to help you reduce your wasteline with Council’s new program, Smart Solutions for Waste. The six step program will help you reduce, reuse and recycle. Backed by Council’s Waste Futures Team, you’ll be linked with others via our online community, webinars, events and more. It’s part of Council’s Don’t Waste It! Waste Management Strategy that’s striving for a 50 per cent reduction in food waste entering landfill by 2022.
Go green, go cone Subsidised Green Cones that compost food waste in backyards are the centrepiece of Composting with Community, a new Council household food waste avoidance and recycling program. The 80 litre Green Cones are maintenance-free composters that recycle all food waste (including meat, fish, bones and dairy) into nutrients that enrich the surrounding soil.
Partly buried in a sunny garden spot, the cones’ in ground chamber and innovative twin cone system create the perfect environment for worms and micro-organisms. They are maintenance free and can compost four litres per day. Learn more about composting sustainableportphillip.com
Solar Partnership proves popular Council has been impressed with the response to February’s Solar Partnership launch. After the first information session sold out, a second session was provided in April. The partnership is proving particularly popular with apartment dwellers, with over 200 individual enquiries. Choose solar s ustainableportphillip.com
Cr Dick Gross Mayor
dgross@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0466 355 640
Gateway Ward Cr Marcus Pearl mpearl@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0466 448 272
Cr Ogy Simic osimic@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0466 517 360
Cr Bernadene Voss bvoss@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0413 246 704
Lake Ward Cr Andrew Bond abond@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0481 034 028
Cr David Brand dbrand@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0466 445 807
Cr Katherine Copsey kcopsey@portphillip.vic.gov.au Mobile 0466 478 949
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Join a neighbourhood conversation and help shape Port Phillip for the future. We’ll be in your neighbourhood during May to hear what’s important to you and what you think about the places where you live, work and play. Sign up to Have Your Say today to find out when we’ll be in your neighbourhood, and have your say on the future of our City.