Divercity #71 Dec/Jan 2014 by The City of Port Phillip

DI V ERCITY the official newsletter of the city of port phillip

issn 1328 -0309

| issue 71 dec / jan 2014

Summer Events Guide Be Active

imagining melbourne

Message

from the Mayor It is summer in Port Phillip and the message for this edition of Divercity is ‘Be Active.’ To help you get out there and enjoy all that our city has to offer, we have listed many of the events and activities going on over December and January. There are tonnes of foreshore events for the diary from the Open Air Cinema, to the many sports events such as the triathlons and the Ironman, St Kilda Festival and the Pride March – there is something for everyone. There’s also the Piers Festival in Port Melbourne, the night market at South Melbourne Market, defensive bike riding course and sporting clubs inviting participation.

Residential zones are changing Council’s Housing Strategy, which was developed with considerable community input, will generally guide the implementation of the new zones. The strategy seeks to balance the opportunity for new housing development in selected areas near shops, transport and other services, while protecting the highly valued character and heritage of our established residential areas.

The state government has released three new residential zones. Council needs to apply these zones across all existing residential areas. The three new zones are: Residential Growth Zone – areas that are appropriate for increased housing growth and density General Residential Zone – designed to encourage moderate growth and housing diversity in areas with good access to services and transport

In February, Council will release proposals for how the new zones could be applied. You are invited to consider how this might affect you and to have your say on the proposed changes.

Neighbourhood Residential Zone – areas that provide for limited growth in established residential areas where heritage and character are highly valued.

COMMENT OR LEARN MORE  Strategic Planning 9209 6237  newresidentialzones@ portphillip.vic.gov.au  w ww.portphillip.vic.gov.au/newresidential-zones.htm  State government’s planning website goo.gl/IQwYkD

Another option for some summer fun are the ‘blue bikes’. Plans are in place to install new Melbourne Bike Share stations around St Kilda, so you can have the best ride in Melbourne down the bike track from St Kilda to Port Melbourne.

Holiday operating hours 2013–14

The Council was very proud to have recently reopened the Emerald Hill Library and Heritage Centre in South Melbourne (pictured with Adair Bunnett and Dean Stewart). The 100 year old post office building has housed the South Melbourne Library for some time. Now the library has been beautifully refurbished and we now have a purpose built heritage centre that will be a focal point for many history groups from around Port Phillip. Whether you participate in any of the events listed above or you just enjoy a walk or ride through our many parks and foreshore areas, please have a safe, healthy and engaging summer. Amanda Stevens Mayor, City of Port Phillip The City of Port Phillip respectfully acknowledges the Yalukit Wilam 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.

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

ASSIST Contact Centre

St Kilda Service Desk

South Melbourne Service Desk

Port Melbourne Service Desk

Tues 24 Dec

8 am – 3 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm

Wed 25 Dec

Closed

Thur 26 Dec

Closed

Fri 27 Dec

8 am – 5.30 pm

8.30 am – 5 pm

Closed

Mon 30 Dec

8 am – 5.30 pm

8.30 am – 5 pm

Closed

Tues 31 Dec

8 am – 3 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm

Closed

Wed 1 Jan

Closed

Thur 2 Jan

8 am – 5.30 pm

8.30 am – 5 pm

If you need to report an emergency during Council office closure times, call 9209 6777. Your call will be taken by our after hours service.

Waste and recycling collection Rubbish and recycling will not be collected on Christmas Day. All collections will be delayed by one day: Wednesday will be collected on Thursday 26 December, Thursday will be collected on Friday 27 December, Friday will be collected Saturday 28 December 2013. There are no changes to New Year’s Day collections. The Resource Recovery Centre and City of Port Phillip Depot will be closed on the public holidays.

Libraries For Summer library opening hours please check the Port Phillip library website. Normal opening hours recommence from 6 January. For further enquiries contact ASSIST on 9209 6777. The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

Heat hints:

CODE READY: Ready for summer

Be prepared, keep cool, drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun, look after yourself and others.

As the mercury soars, so do the visitors to our beaches, parks, events and shopping precincts. And with visitors comes the need for more services to help keep everyone happy and safe. Divercity looks at some of the ways that our city prepares for summer. As early as 4 am, beach cleaning machines are hard at work. They pick up litter, seaweed and other flotsam by the tonne. As the working day progresses, clean-up crews patrol the beaches and foreshore areas. They do this seven days a week during summer. On hot nights, litter bins in commercial areas are emptied twice daily by an extra cleaning crew that Council employs between November and May. Public toilets too get special treatment over the summer. Usually open dawn to dusk, selected public toilets are kept open and cleaned until 11 pm. Not surprisingly, this includes the conveniences in 13 beachside locations from Sandridge to Elwood. Also on beaches: dog owners need to know that until 31 March off-leash access to beaches is restricted to only seven specific beaches. Read the signs or check out the list on the website before you take your paws for a paddle. It’s not cool to smoke or have glass drink containers on our beaches at any time – NO CUTS, NO BUTTS.

Stay safe over NYE Once again the City of Melbourne is the focus of public New Year celebrations and fireworks, and special late night public transport is available to cater for revellers. In Port Phillip there are no plans for public events on NYE. Victoria Police will be deploying extra members to enforce the special local liquor regulations. Alcohol is banned on the foreshore and beach areas from 9 am 30 December until 9 am on 2 January. But don’t worry, there’s bound to be a great choice of NYE events in local licensed venues, not to mention private parties and even the odd backpacker risking a skinny dip on St Kilda Beach.

Make joy not waste Inspired by recent zero landfill waste events at local schools and kindergartens, Council is putting out the challenge to create less waste at your end of year and other festive events. Check out the Council’s enviroehub website for some helpful hints. Make it part of your fun. Recycle what you can, store leftovers, compost organics and don’t overcater – make a donation to charity instead.

Heatwave volunteers link neighbours Linking Neighbours volunteers keep in touch with one another during heat waves. Pictured are John Gilchrist, Rodney White, Mary Monagle, Noel Gilchrist, Neil Imlach, Georgina Nunn and Lesley Greagg.

A group of local volunteers is helping older residents better cope during extreme weather such as heatwaves. Organised through the Council’s Linking Neighbours Community Register, volunteers stay in touch with older and other more vulnerable residents to see how they are going. Join in the fun of be Monday a Many of the volunteers are also involved in nd Wedne ach tennis on sday even 6 .1 organising free or low cost Linking Neighbours 5 pm un ings Australia til dusk with Beach from events and activities. These volunteers are on Station Tennis Pier Melbourn committed, community-minded local residents e. $20 per Beach in Port beach pad c who give up their time to make the City of dles and c asual session; oaching p Port Phillip a safer, more friendly, healthy and active rovided.  www.b eachtennis environment for older residents. .com.au If you would like to sign on with the Community Register, find out more about the Linking Neighbours Program or become a volunteer, call ASSIST on 9209 6777.

Anyone for tennis ?

Permits online Council has launched a new online permit application and payment system*. Residents and businesses will be able to apply and pay for permits (including parking, animals and property services) through the revamped and expanded eServices platform. If you meet the eligibility requirements for the permit you want to apply for, you will be able to: • a pply for permits by uploading the required ID documents

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

• p ay for various services • make a request online. Payments can then be made with credit card via the secure gateway. You can still apply and pay for permits via email or mail, or in person at one of the town halls. USE eSERVICES  www.portphillip.vic.gov.au * Some eServices commence in early December.

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

council

contacts

Information, requests, questions or feedback Telephone 03 9209 6777 Fax 03 9536 2722 SMS 0432 005 405 Email assist@portphillip.vic.gov.au Internet eservices.portphillip.vic.gov.au If you are deaf, hearing or speech impaired please use the National Relay Service (www.relayservice.com.au). TTY users can call 133 677, then ask for ASSIST – Port Phillip – 03 9209 6777 Speak and Listen users can call 1300 555 727, then ask for ASSIST – Port Phillip – 03 9209 6777 Or visit ASSIST in person Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 5 pm St Kilda Town Hall 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda South Melbourne Town Hall 208 – 220 Bank Street, South Melbourne Port Melbourne Town Hall 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne

Translations For a translation please call the Council’s Language assistance interpreter service:

廣東話普通話 Polska Ελληνικά Россию Other languages

9679 9810 9679 9858 9679 9812 9679 9811 9679 9813 9679 9814

divercity 71 Audio recordings of Divercity are available on the Council’s website and on CD from a Port Phillip library. CDs are delivered to 200 vision-impaired residents every issue. Information included in this magazine is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.

December/January 2014 Editor: Greg Day gday@edunity.com.au Next deadline: 19 December for February/March Writers: Reece Marks, Kathryn McGrath and Greg Day. Thanks to Sandra Goldbloom Zurbo. Design and Production: Mediation Communications Feedback: divercity@portphillip.vic.gov.au Divercity is printed on recycled paper

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Port Phillip life described The Seniors’ Writing Awards invites locals to describe life in our city as fact, fiction or poetry. This year there were 38 entries from 28 writers. The judges chose Eighty four … and Counting by Don Gazzard for the major award. Here is his story.

Eighty four … and Counting by Don Gazzard e woke wanting to pee. It was still dark as he rolled out of the low bed and stood a bit unsteadily before walking into the bathroom across the hall. He did this several times every night and so was confident in the dark. He turned on the light and watched the yellow urine dribble into the pan and checked his watch; it was a quarter to five. He shut the window and returned to his warm bed. The next time he opened his eyes he could see the outline of the wall of books next to the bed. It wasn’t light enough to see the titles, but he wondered yet again why he kept getting library books when he could re-read all his old favourites. There were more than enough to see him out.

He recognised one small book, held together with a rubber band, as Rudyard Kipling’s Kim, a birthday present from his mother on his fifteenth birthday. He must have re-read it almost every year off and on since. Despite Kipling’s colonial overtones, that book gave him the authentic feel of the dust of the Great Trunk Road and the India of the British Raj. He’d visited Lahore once, chasing an airport consultancy. While he was there he had gone to the museum just to see Kim’s gun standing on its brick platform. The local people called it Zam-Zammah, a fire breathing dragon. He also recalled that Kim had gone with his lama to the Himalayas where they’d had an encounter with intruding Russian surveyors. Pity Bush and Blair hadn’t read the history of the Afghan wars before involving us in that fiasco. Yellow light reflected on the reveal of the bathroom window in the adjoining apartment meant that his neighbour was up, so it must be after six. Once again he admired the rainwater head on the end wall of the building and felt an obscure satisfaction that some unknown architect had felt compelled to sensitively design an element of the building that few people would ever notice, like those gargoyles, so high up on Gothic cathedrals that you could hardly see the carved figures. He’d read that the masons often showed the clergy in a bad light in these hidden places and, as he thought about this, his mind flitted over to Cardinal Pell, who he’d seen being evasive on television last night.

He always marvelled at the great fresh openness of the Bay.

Twenty minutes later there was enough light to read the closest book titles, the ones at eye level. Among them he identified Hard Times, and remembered Mr Gradgrind, but for the life of him couldn’t recall the names of the other characters. A few minutes later he pushed back the blankets and went back to the bathroom, dribbled another half a cup of urine, and then gargled and spat before inserting his teeth. He shaved, and washed and dried his face, and after he’d dressed did a few bending and stretching exercises to loosen up. He left his apartment, walked down the stairs to the street and re-entered the building at the next staircase but one where he quietly opened the door to the ground floor apartment, which was his wife’s. Before quietly making coffee and putting out the breakfast things, he opened the blinds and hugged his wife, who was still in bed. Then, he served seven spoonsful of breakfast cereal into a bowl for himself while listening to Fran Kelly, by which time his wife had joined him at the table. It was the side effects of the radiation treatment for his prostate cancer that made him get up three or four times during the night to pee, so he slept separately in the spare bedroom in his apartment during the week so as not to disturb his wife. Both regretted the loss of intimacy, but he joined her at weekends, trying not to wake her each time he had to leave the bed. He used the living room of his apartment as his office; his wife used the other bedroom for dressmaking and office things. She made her strange artworks in her studio at the garden allotments. They walked out on the pier every morning after breakfast to get all the stiff joints working, before going to their respective work places. He always marvelled at the great fresh openness of the Bay at their doorstep. Their walk was a good way to start the day. The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

Seniors step out Amazing hats and head gear were in vogue at the 2013 Community Ball at the South Melbourne Town Hall where Joan Charlton was crowned belle of the ball. Meanwhile at the St Kilda Town Hall, the Police Band Code One got people in the mood for dance at the annual Mayor’s Tea Dance.

What had it all been about, this life he struggled on with? He tried to find some sort of response in his writing that only a few people read, but found few answers. But he didn’t feel unhappy. He’d run his own business for over fifty years and working died hard, the solving of design problems and telling people what to do. His writing gave him the chance to research whatever he was writing about. He was pedantic about facts, spelling and words. His wife thought that he could be doing something more useful, and he agreed with her, but he didn’t know what else he could do. Designing buildings had been his life and he didn’t watch sport or have any hobbies other than reading and writing. Occasionally, he thought about his coming death, hoping that it would be quick, anything to avoid one of those God’s waiting room places. He pondered how you spend a lifetime struggling to understand the world, and then you die and it’s all for nought. He supposed you had to accept that saying of Gropius he had always quoted to students: if you live your life creatively, with as much integrity as you can, there will always be someone who’ll pick up where you left off, and that will be your legacy; that we are like those small animals that each help to create the Great Barrier Reef. Stop being morbid, he told himself. It was his week to cook and he needed to go and buy some mushrooms for a risotto before it started raining again. ■ The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

Also recognised by the judges were the following local writers • Fishing in the 1940s by Reginald Boyd • Up To Speed by Brenda Richards • Grandma Albert Park – My memories of her life as she told me by Helen Barry • Coming Home by Rose Stone • Life On the Old Green Bus by Bob Scheffer *Commended • Scenes from the Street That Never Sleeps by Terry O’Loughlin *Commended • Four Women of Port Melbourne by Margaret Bride *Commended READ THE STORIES  w ww.portphillip.vic.gov.au/seniors_ festival.htm www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

g n i n i g a of Im e n r bou l e M the w o r r o m to The release of the state government’s Plan Melbourne strategy has got Melburnians talking about the future of their city. What will our city look like in fifty years? How will we live? Where will we live? Where will we work and what will we do? Divercity asked Malcolm Snow, Port Phillip’s General Manager, Environment and Planning, to outline some of the issues facing the community and city planners.

reat cities provide an array of opportunities for people to improve their quality of life. Melbourne already offers many such opportunities, acknowledged through its ‘most liveable city in the world’ accolade. The city we experience today is the legacy of visionary plan making that resulted in the places we value and the diverse communities we participate in. How we respect and capitalise on Melbourne’s strengths to create a new legacy that sustains a standard of liveability everyone can enjoy is a responsibility we must all accept. Our city’s population is forecast to increase from 4.2 million to nearly 7 million by 2050. Growth brings diversity and energy to a city. How we plan and where we house the additional people will shape the quality of Melbourne’s future. The aim is to harness the opportunities offered by growth to make our city even better.

Like other Australian cities, Melbourne will need to accommodate major sociodemographic shifts such as an ageing population. This poses ‘Melbourne issues such as workforce participation, and is a city being how we keep skilled people in employment and continuing to be transformed. productive. A change in how we choose to live and the types of As a community, housing needed to accommodate what opportunities our different life stages will equally demand new planning and does this present design responses.

dimension of planning but also equally supports the social and environmental dimensions. We have to get better at maximising the benefits of good planning and design and sharing those benefits equitably. How and where we build our city matters because these decisions directly affect our capacity to be productive. They also affect our life chances, that is, to be the best citizens we can be in the community in which we live.

Making the shift to a more compact city One of the key challenges is a rebalancing of Melbourne’s spatial priorities to make the shift from a spread city to a more compact city. We can do this by identifying suitable locations within the established suburbs and renewing them as places able to accommodate a greater share of population growth. Under-utilised urban areas such as Fishermans Bend must make a greater contribution to supplying the land needed.

and how do we plan to make our city better for it?’

Our city’s economy is also changing. The decline in jobs in the manufacturing sector is being counterbalanced by strong growth in the knowledge and creative industries. Melbourne must have a metropolitan planning approach that supports its global competiveness and helps position it not only as a liveable city attracting talented people but as one that’s also attractive to new investment. We must simultaneously protect those essential ecosystems on which our economic systems ultimately depend. Sustainable city development embraces not only the economic

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Melbourne @ 2050 is a set of three visualisations created for Places Victoria by John Wardle Architects.

Life of the City Streets are active public spaces. Fresh food is found in a busy market – around it there’s a vibrant mix of retail. Above, various building structures support both occupation and habitation.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

The future by numbers Here are some present and projected population and infrastructure figures for Port Phillip, now and in 2050* The population of Port Phillip will more than double as more are attracted to our inner city by the bay Today**

2050

People

91,373

211,609

Households

46,006

108,035

Jobs

88,352

202,120

How will we provide childcare and education to twice as many young residents? Age group

At Play The distinction between activities, building structures and function is blurred. The elevated ground plane offers respite from the activity below and brings new ways of occupying public space. A carpet of green parkland hosts a range of activities – reading, recitals, festivals and games. Access is free and fearless.

The synergistic co-location of affordable housing, health, education and workplaces can be used to create local precincts that are attractive and accessible, particularly by non-car-based travel modes. Melbourne must be planned from the bottom up through grassroots localism as well as from the top down through supportive whole of city policies. To do this we have to start looking differently at the neighbourhood and reinstate its capacity to be a foundation of smart planning. Thinking of neighbourhoods and planning them as vibrant places that offer many things, all within easy access, is pivotal to the aspiration of a more sustainable city. Engaging and empowering our communities with this idea will be a prerequisite for its success. The concept of place in community building, how we strengthen the sense of identity and character of the different parts of our city, must shape how we plan, design and manage new development. Melbourne must continue to be a metropolis full of places that connect us as citizens, remind us of our heritage, and support our health and wellbeing. Our own City of Port Phillip already has a high concentration of such great places and precincts. As a community we need to get more out of what we’ve already built so that public assets serve multiple purposes and users. This will require us

World of Work Places of enterprise and innovation prosper amongst places for living and playing. New technologies have prompted new ways of working. More people work from home or from decentralised support spaces. The commute to work is less frequent and centred on the importance of community building and collective citizenship.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

Today**

2050

Babies and preschoolers

4,580

10,580

Primary school age

4,151

9,522

Secondary school age

2,652

6,137

Tertiary

7,691

17,775

How will our transport infrastructure cope with twice as many journeys to work? Mode of travel to work

Today**

2050 goal***

Train/tram

13,491

31,331

Bus

953

1,958

Car driver

23,454

37,206

Motorbike

482

1,958

Walked only

4,004

14,687

Other

1,099

979

Total trips per day

43,483

97,911

* Includes Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area ** ABS Census 2011 figures *** Assumes a significant decline in car travel, down from 58% to 38% of trips to work.

to manage our existing urban assets more cost-efficiently and to equitably share the cost and benefits of new infrastructure that keeps pace with population growth in the locations where it is directed. The kind of transformational planning agenda I’ve described is achievable with broad public support and long-term political courage. How we seize the opportunities available to us and do what is needed will be the test of success in shaping a better Melbourne. It hinges on effective partnerships, on leadership at all levels of urban administration and an unequivocal commitment to when it will be done. Malcolm Snow joined Council’s executive team in August as General Manager, Environment and Planning, to lead key initiatives such as Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area, the St Kilda Triangle and Port Melbourne’s Waterfront Place. As CEO of Brisbane’s South Bank Corporation, he was responsible for one of Australia’s most successful large-scale urban renewal precincts. More recently, he worked as General Manager Design and Placemaking at the Victorian Urban Renewal Authority. Malcolm has received three Australia Awards for Urban Design and was the inaugural chair of the Place Leaders Association. Images provided by Places Victoria. Proposition @ Melbourne 2050 developed by John Wardle Architects. Original Storyboard: Stefano Boscutti; Visualization: FloodSlicer

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Be part of the Foreshore events calendar for summer 2013–14

December 2013

January 2014

Sunday 1 – Sunday 22 December

Saturday 11 January

Some of the best sporting and cultural events in the state take place right here in Port Phillip, along our scenic foreshore and in our beautiful parks and gardens.

St Kilda Open Air Cinema 6 pm – 11 pm South Beach Reserve www.openaircinemas.com.au

Seaside Music and Art Festival 11 am – 7 pm South Beach Reserve

Saturday 7 December

Gatorade Triathlon Race 2 6.30 am – 11.30 am Catani Gardens Road closure: Ormond Esplanade and Beach Road, from St Kilda Street to Kerferd Road www.supersprint.com.au

There are loads of activities on offer this summer, with a range of events for people of all ages, interests and abilities, including the Sussan Women’s Fun Run, the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon and, of course, the iconic St Kilda Festival. Keep this calendar on hand as a reminder of when events are scheduled, and to find out about any associated road closures in your area. For more information about these events and the many other summer activities in the City, visit our website at www.portphillip.vic.gov.au or call ASSIST on 9209 6777.

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

FunkyTrunks SplashDashBash 7 am – noon Kerferd Road Pier www.wayfunky.com/splashdashbash

Sunday 8 December

Sunday 12 January

Sussan Women’s Fun Run 7.30 am – 11.30 am Catani Gardens Road closure: Beach Road, from Glenhuntly Road to Kerferd Road www.supersprint.com.au

Saturday 18 January

Saturday 21 December

Tri Series 7 am – 11.30 am Carnival site, Elwood Road closure: Ormond Esplanade and Beach Road, from St Kilda Street to Kerferd Road www.starttofinish.com.au

Summer KICK 10 am – 9 pm St Kilda Beach and South Beach Reserve www.popcornevents.com.au

SLAM Volleyball 9 am – 9 pm St Kilda Beach and South Beach Reserve www.popcornevents.com.au

Sunday 19 January

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

foreshore fun March 2014 Saturday 1 March Melbourne Swim Classic 7 am – 5 pm South Beach Reserve and St Kilda Foreshore www.melbourneswimclassic.com.au

Sunday 2 March March Against Melanoma 8 am – noon Catani Gardens www.marchagainstmelanoma.com.au

Sunday 2 March

February 2014 Sunday 2 February Pride March 11 am – 9 pm Albert Park to St Kilda Beach and Catani Gardens Road closure: Fitzroy Street and Upper Esplanade www.pridemarch.com.au

Sunday 9 February St Kilda Festival 10 am – midnight Central St Kilda Road Closure: from 5 am Fitzroy Street, Acland Street, Upper Esplanade and Jacka Boulevard www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Sunday 16 February Gatorade Triathlon Race 3 6.30 am – 11.30 am Carnival site, Elwood Road closure: Ormond Esplanade and Beach Road, from St Kilda Street to Kerferd Road www.supersprint.com.au

Sunday 23 February Melbourne Summer Cycle 6 am – 3 pm Road closures: None www.msmelbournecycle.org.au

Nissan Corporate Triathlon National Series Melbourne 7 am – 11 am Elwood Foreshore and Head Street Reserve, Elwood Road closure: Ormond Esplanade and Beach Road, from St Kilda Street to Kerferd Road www.supersprint.com.au

Sunday 9 March

April 2014 Friday 18 – Thursday 24 April Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games 9 am – 4 pm South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Sandridge Beaches

Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon 9 am – 1.30 pm Catani Gardens Road closure: Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda www.weetbix.com.au

Sunday 23 March Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship – Melbourne 7 am – 12.30 am Monday South Beach Reserve, Catani Gardens and St Kilda foreshore Road closure: Pier Road www.ironmanmelbourne.com

Sunday 30 March Gatorade Triathlon Race 5 7.30 am – 11.30 am Catani Gardens Road closure: Ormond Esplanade and Beach Road from St Kilda Street to Kerferd Road www.supersprint.com.au

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

councillors

contacts

For all general enquires, contact ASSIST 9209 6777 Cr Amanda Stevens, Mayor Albert Park BH: 9209 6431 M: 0481 034 029 E: mayor@portphillip.vic.gov.au

neighbourhood

news

Mammoth party at the Pier

Cr Serge Thomann, Deputy Mayor Catani BH: 9209 6705 M: 0432 299 372 E: sthomann@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Cr Vanessa Huxley Carlisle BH: 9209 6705 M: 0406 890 739 E: vhuxley@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Cr Anita Horvath emerald hill BH: 9209 6705 M: 0438 906 161 E: ahorvath@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Cr Andrew Bond Junction BH: 9209 6705 M: 0481 034 028 E: abond@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Cr Jane Touzeau Point Ormond BH: 9209 6705 M: 0432 287 634 E: jtouzeau@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Cr Bernadene Voss Sandridge BH: 9209 6705 M: 0413 246 704 E: bvoss@portphillip.vic.gov.au Direct all enquiries for councillors during office hours to the Mayor and Councillors’ Office Mayor: Tel: 9209 6431 Barbara Wilson, Mayoral Exec. Assistant Fax: 9536 2711 Councillors: Tel: 9209 6705 Mary Baensch, Councillors’ Support Officer Fax: 9536 2708 All Councillors, email: councillors@portphillip.vic.gov.au Postal address: City of Port Phillip, Private Bag No. 3, PO St Kilda Vic 3182

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

PORT MELBOURNE: On Saturday 25 January the Piers Festival will bring the Port Melbourne piers precinct to life with a spectacular display of music, dance, markets, exhibitions and forums. This colourful celebration of Melbourne’s diversity will link in with Victoria’s Australia Day activities and highlight the state’s rich history of immigration. The Piers Festival will run on Princes Pier from 12 noon – 9.30 pm. The event is free and family friendly, and will culminate with fireworks. Visit www.multiculturalarts.com.au/ events2013/piers.shtml for more information.

Deck the halls SOUTH MELBOURNE: South Port UnitingCare is providing a Christmas Day lunch at the South Melbourne Town Hall. The lunch presents an opportunity for people who would otherwise be alone or who cannot afford the expense of Christmas to enjoy the company of others over a celebratory meal. More than 50 volunteers will decorate the hall, cook and serve the three course meal to up to 300 guests and clean up afterwards. For more information and to book a place call 9690 1188. This event receives funding from Council.

Pop by for pop-up workshops PORT MELBOURNE–ELWOOD: Port Melbourne, Elwood and St Kilda Neighbourhood Houses, Port Phillip Community Group and Learn For Yourself have joined forces to produce their new program, The Pop-Up Workshop, which runs from December to May. Workshops, which aim to encourage learning across a range of artistic fields, include Practice Poetry in December, Digital Storytelling in February, Graffiti in April and Song in May. For more information call 9645 1476 or email popuphenry@gmail.com

Donate for Christmas joy ALBERT PARK: St Kilda Mums and Artea Studio are looking for donations of toys and books as part of their Christmas toy drive. Last year they managed to collect over 1700 toys for children and families in need. If you have anything to donate, drop it off at Artea Studio, 5/36 Mills Street. The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

Church festival branches out for Christmas spirit ST KILDA: Holy Trinity Church, on the corner of Chapel Street and Brighton Road, is holding its annual Community Christmas Tree Festival in December. Themed trees decorated by individuals, families, community groups, businesses and schools will be on display in the church. Visitors can see the trees on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, 10 am – 4pm, and Sunday 8 December, 12 noon – 4 pm. Admission is by gold coin donation for adults; children are free. Carols will be held at 4 pm on the Sunday.

Gifts to go down in history

Sunday market begins tasty offerings

PORT MELBOURNE: The not-for-profit Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society is selling local history books, DVDs and collectable Historic Port Melbourne calendars for those interested in picking up a Christmas gift with a difference. To see the range, visit www.home.vicnet.net.au/~pmhps/ The calendar is also available from Port Melbourne newsagencies, shops and the Town Hall ASSIST desk.

ST KILDA: For the first time ever St Kilda Esplanade Market will be taking applications for food stalls. In keeping with it being a makers’ market, managers are looking for stalls with food products that are produced by the primary stallholder: grown, processed or baked. Products will also need to be packaged or suitable to take home rather than eaten at the market. More information and an application form are available at www.stkildaesplanademarket.com.au

Learn something new at the EcoCentre

Club upgrade’s a life saver PORT MELBOURNE: Council has completed improvements to Sandridge Life Saving Club. Work included the construction of a complying accessible ramp to the front door and brand new accessible kitchen, toilet and shower facilities. Other improvements include a new gate and additional storage space.

Solstice marked by special event

ST KILDA: The EcoCentre on Blessington Street has lots of activities to keep everyone busy over the summer months. Events include the Terrarium Making Workshop for Kids, at which Amy Wong from Petite Green will teach children how to create and maintain terrariums (small decorative plants in a tank). Workshops will happen on location on Sunday 1 December and Friday 17 January from 10.00 am – 11.30 am. Cost is $65 per person. For those looking to produce some dairy goodness, Cheeselinks will be offering Christmas feta (Saturday 14 December) and Summertime camembert (Sunday 19 January) workshops at the EcoCentre. Both run from 10 am – 3 pm. Each costs $160 and includes lunch. For more information on these and other program, including twilight nature walks, visit www.ecocentre.com or call 9534 0670. The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

ST KILDA: The Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia is hosting an event to celebrate the summer solstice. The theme this year is Healing the Children. There will be an Indigenous smoking ceremony, interfaith prayers, spiritual groups, music, food, magic, face painting and workshops for children to promote peace and harmony on the planet. There will also be inspirational speakers, including Father Bob Maguire AM. Sunday 22 December, 6 pm – 9 pm at Catani Gardens, cnr Fitzroy Street and Jacka Boulevard.

Give the canal some summer lovin’ ELWOOD: Join the team that cleans rubbish from the Elwood Canal to give the canal a Christmas spruce up. Meet at the grassy banks at Glen Huntly Road bridge, 10 am, Sunday 8 December. Bring a bag and gloves. www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

neighbourhood

news

Get active locally These local clubs and sporting groups invite you to be part of the fun this summer

South Melbourne Women’s Soccer Club

Port’s wonderful windows

The club is fielding girls’ teams from U7s – U16s and 18s age groups. To express your interest in playing, fill in the registration form at www.southmelbournewfc. com.au or email southmelbournewfc@ gmail.com

Albert Park Hockey and Tennis Centre The centre is open for summer season hitouts, social competitions and coaching. Court hire is also available. Visit www.albertparktennis.com.au or call 9593 8188.

St Kilda Sports Club

PORT MELBOURNE: In the lead-up to Christmas, the areas around Bay, Liardet and Rouse Streets will come alive with window decorations and a 12 Days of Christmas competition for kids. Twelve animal figures will be hidden among the store window decorations. Postcards will be distributed so children can locate the animals and submit their entries. The launch of the Christmas in Port Melbourne celebrations will be on Thursday 28 November, 5 pm – 9 pm, and will feature carols, fire truck display for the kids, sausage sizzle and late night shopping. Santa will be at Tiny Polka Dots in Bay Street for photos every Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm, during December.

Twilight market back in swing ST KILDA: The St Kilda Twilight Market at the O’Donnell Gardens is back with an array of artworks, vintage wear, craft, hand-designed fashion and jewellery, exotic clothes, farm fresh produce, emerging designers and cuisines from around the world. There are activities for all ages. The market runs from 5 pm – 10 pm on Thursdays: 5, 12, 19 December, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 January and 12, 20 February. Visit www.stkildatwilightmarket.com for more details.

Get a handle on the two wheels ST KILDA: Council and the Jewish Ecological Coalition are working together to offer free beginner-friendly attendance to their Defensive Riding Course at the Peanut Farm Pavilion. Participants will increase bicycle rider knowledge, learn road rules, how to recognise hazards and how to choose the most appropriate routes. Sunday 1 December, 9 am – 1 pm. Bookings essential as the course is limited to 12 people. Book online at www.jecobikeskills1.eventbrite.com.au or call 9209 6274 for more information.

Youth event brings party to the beachside ALBERT PARK: South Port UnitingCare is hosting a Youth Fest on Friday 6 December and everyone is invited. The festival will feature music, rides, food and prizes. Join in the fun of this free event from 4 pm – 8 pm. Check the Council’s website for the location www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/south-melb-youth-festival.htm

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Try your hand at bowls, cricket, darts or petanque. Guests are welcome and can join the club as social members for benefits such as discounted drinks and use of the club’s facilities. Visit www.stkildasportsclub.com.au for more information. The Emerald Hill Cricket Club, which is based at the St Kilda Sports Club, has a fun, relaxed, social atmosphere for drinks and postgame analysis. It also has competition: members can also play a competitive brand of cricket. Email cricket@stkildasportsclub.com.au

Rocco Sorace pilates Personal trainer Rocco Sorace is holding pilates for all ages at the Christ Church Community Centre on Mondays, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm. $15 per session ($12 concession). To book call or SMS 0412 519 485 or email info@focussfitness.com Christ Church Community Centre also offers three yoga classes that are perfect for a gentle introduction to this activity. The centre also offers chair-based yoga for less mobile citizens. Bookings are essential only for the chair-based class. Call 9534 9250 for more information.

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron The Squadron is running Wednesday twilight sailing from 6 pm until sunset. There are also opportunities to volunteer for the race management team. Call Allicia Rae on 9534 0227 or email racing@rmys.com.au

Fishermens Bend Gymnastic Club The club has a School Holiday Program on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December – open to everyone of school age (Prep +). $55 per gymnast per day. Enrolments/full payment due Friday 13 December. Visit at www.fbgc.org.au/Holiday_Program.php

St Kilda Cycling Club Get on your bike for early morning Volo Venerdi (Bike Friday) social bike rides where members can get together to visit club sponsors and bike-friendly cafes throughout Melbourne. Program runs until April. Visit www.skcc.com.au

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

inbrief Kids Vacation Program Council is offering a three week Summer Vacation Care, Camp and Nippers Program of activities over January. Highlights include a four day Nippers water safety skills program in conjunction with Elwood Surf Life Saving Club, age-specific activities such as bike building, Hip Hop, the local skate park, photography, model making and a trip to the local café for older children. Younger children can enjoy a swimming and bowling excursion, a zumba workshop, kite flying and making designer clothes for dolls and teddies. A five day camp to Ace-Hi Horse Riding Ranch is also on offer for 9-12 year olds. Open to children five to 12 years of age enrolled in primary school. Bookings close Thursday 19 December or, for children with additional support requirements, on Monday 16 December. Monday 6 January – Friday 24 January 2014. Details and booking forms available at schools, town halls or by calling 9209 6427 www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/vacation_care.htm

Arts activities at the Jewish Museum Designed specifically for children and families, In Season displays rarely seen items from the museum’s permanent collection. The main gallery has been transformed into a dedicated kids’ space where kids can play dressups and do arts and crafts, as well as regular activities and workshops on the first Sunday of each month. Runs until 6 July 2014.

Born This Way An art exhibition celebrating LGBTI youth is happening at Linden Gallery as part of the Midsumma Festival of queer culture. Pic by Liam Wright.

State MP Martin Foley is coordinating this event in partnership with the Linden Art Gallery, the Victorian Aids Council, Minus18 and Pride March Victoria. ‘There are limited opportunities for same-sex attracted and sex and gender-diverse youth to exhibit their talents in public galleries. This event aims to give a voice to the creativity of these young people,’ said Minus18 chairperson Hiba Casablanca. Anyone under the age of 24 is invited to submit their work. More information, together with entry forms and artwork guidelines, can be found at www.lindenarts.org or www.martinfoley.com.au Submissions close 6 December 2013. 21 December 2013 – 16 February 2014. Exhibition launch – 25 January 2014 Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts, 26 Acland Street, St Kilda Open Tuesday – Friday 1 pm – 5 pm, weekends 11 am – 5 pm Free entry.

Seeking refuge in Nhill

Voices & Visions is a poster collection featuring famous Jewish designers, including Dan Reisinger and Bob Gill, who have interpreted the ideas of Jewish luminaries from Hillel to Susan Sontag. Visitors can make their own posters. Runs until 9 March 2014. Jewish Museum of Australia 26 Alma Road, St Kilda Tuesday – Thursday, 10 am – 4 pm Sunday 10 am – 5 pm Last Thursday of the month, 10 am – 4 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm Closed Jewish holy days

GLBTI survey If you identify as GLBTI and haven’t yet participated in the resident survey, we invite you to complete it this month. The information collected will be treated with total confidentiality. You are not asked to identify other than by broad categories. To participate online visit www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ haveyoursay or, to receive a hard copy survey, call Julie Rooney on 9209 6436.

The Seeking Refuge in Nhill photographic exhibition highlights the journey and settlement of members of the Karen refugee community in Nhill. The exhibition raises awareness in the community about the Karen’s struggles, survival and achievements. The black and white images and accompanying stories have travelled throughout Victoria and are currently on display at the Immigration Museum.

Albert Jacka remembered Former Mayor of St Kilda and Victoria Cross winner Albert Jacka will be remembered at a memorial ceremony at the St Kilda Cemetery in January. Jacka served with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during the First World War and was the first Australian to be awarded a Victoria Cross in that conflict. After the war, he moved to St Kilda; he was elected mayor in 1929. Jacka, a tireless campaigner for veterans, did much to improve welfare support for returned soldiers. St Kilda’s Jacka Boulevard is named after him. When he was buried in St Kilda Cemetery thousands lined the streets in his honour.

Immigration Museum 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne 9927 2700

The annual Albert Jacka Memorial will be held at St Kilda Cemetery on Sunday 19 January, 2 pm. The memorial will be followed by refreshments at St Kilda Town Hall.

The Karen New Year Celebrations in Nhill will be held on Saturday 18 January 2014. For more information contact Katherine Colbert on 5391 4444.

All enquiries to the Mayor and Councillors’ Office, 9209 6431, or go to www.civicevents@portphillip.vic.gov.au

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

sustain ability

inbrief

Dance like nobody’s listening

Even with summer almost upon us, it’s not too late to start a veggie patch in your backyard or on your balcony. Imagine the joy of a salad picked from just outside your door. What to plant: In small spaces, basil, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, beans, potatoes and parsley can produce tasty results. With a little more space, you can add lettuce, zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, beetroot and squash. Visit local garden shops for advice on seeds and seedlings. You can also get planter boxes that are great for balconies. Chat with neighbours: Sharing gardening tips is a great way to get to know your neighbours. Chat with them about how their garden grows, share tips and tools. You might end up sharing produce, cuttings and seeds. Give your patch a lift: Prune back your plants to maximise growth and health, and remove unwanted grass and weeds. Turn over the top 200 mm of soil to aerate your garden soil. Add 50 – 100 mm of organic material or topsoil to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

Wild@heART live at The Prince Pictured: Port Phillip resident Eddie Ink, singer / songwriter. Photograph by Greg Carrick.

Wild@heART Community Arts invites you to its final Strumarama live music and songwriters’ event for 2013. The night will showcase the successful culmination of Wild@heART’s songwriting workshops across Melbourne, and invites artists from the Music Network for Mental Health, plus guest performances from popular and established artists. Everyone welcome. Entry by gold coin donation. Wednesday 11 December, 7 pm Prince of Wales Hotel Corner Fitzroy and Acland Streets, St Kilda

Use water wisely: If you’re starting or renewing your garden, think about plants that have low water and maintenance requirements. You will need to water regularly; mornings and evenings are best.

Bright lights save energy

Know your garden’s history: Did you know that much of Port Phillip was once swamp land? Many areas have been filled to enable industrial and commercial growth. If you are growing food in your backyard, consider using raised garden beds with good organic soil. If you want a health check on the soil in your property, get a test done from an accredited soil consultant. The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) can provide you with accredited soil testers (testing fees apply). Go to www.nata.asn.au

The first stage covers the area north of Carlisle Street, St Kilda, to Kerferd Road, Middle Park. When complete, the first stage will reduce energy use by 67 per cent, avoid 420 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, reduce Council’s net greenhouse gas emissions by 4 per cent and save around $22,000 per year in electricity costs.

Plant a green curtain: Grow plants on a lattice to shade your north and west facing windows in Summer. This will also provide better airflow around your house.

Silent Disco 4 Kids (6 – 13 year olds)

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Eco friendly disco – it’s silent. Music, competitions, trivia and a whole lot of fun and games. Special wireless headphones provided. $35 per person. Thursday 16 January, 4 pm – 6 pm DJ Workshop (9 – 17 year olds) Live out your dream of being a DJ in a DJ master class. Each person is taught by a professional instructor. $90 per person. Thursday 23 January, 4 pm – 5.30 pm Silent Treasure Hunt (6 – 12 year olds) Explore the St Kilda EcoCentre and St Kilda Botanical Gardens while learning and having fun on the craziest treasure hunt ever. Wireless headphones provided. Instructions and guidance given over the headphones. $30 per person. Saturday 25 January, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Bookings essential for all sessions. Call 9534 0670 or visit www.ecocentre.com Port Phillip EcoCentre 55A Blessington Street, St Kilda

SPARC Theatre

Council has started upgrading 3200 street lights. The brighter, energy efficient globes will improve safety and reduce operating costs and emissions. Street lights are currently Council’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable street lights will be installed across the whole municipality by June 2016.

Mammies with an accent A new ‘Irish Mammies’ Playgroup is running on Wednesdays in Middle Park. It’s an opportunity to share Irish culture with other parents with links to Eire. Contact Jen on 0416 864 472 or keyesj@gmail.com Wednesdays 1 pm – 3 pm Middle Park Community Centre, 256 Richardson Street

SPARC Theatre welcomes new members who live in supported accommodation or rooming houses. Our theatre workshops are led by the artistic team of Katie Lockett, Rachel Edward and Myfanwy Powell. If you are someone (or know of someone) who loves making art, enjoys learning new skills, making social connections and performing in front of an audience, SPARC Theatre could be for you. Membership is free and transport is available if you live locally. If you have any questions, call Cathy Horsley on 9209 6530 or 0409 047 849. You can find SPARC on YouTube at youtube.com/user/ sparctheatre St Kilda Uniting Care drop-in centre church hall Rear 101 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Thursdays, 9.30 am – 11.30 am

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip

Have you been active on the Moran Reserve fitness station?

Be part of the community grants panel

Council is looking to upgrade the fitness station and would to know what other equipment you would like to see installed or any other improvements we can make. Have your say online at http://haveyoursayatportphillip.net.au/ moran-reserve-exercise-station

Council is looking for volunteers to join the Community Grants Program assessment panel. Nominations are now open for this two year appointment. There are a number of criteria. If you think you or someone you know might fit the bill, contact Emma Blackford on 9209 6345 or eblackfo@portphillip.vic.gov.au or, for more information, go to www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ community_grants.htm

You can also have your say on all the latest parks and reserves upgrades at www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay, where you can register to take part in discussion forums and surveys, and be kept up to date about current and upcoming consultations.

Summer Stuff for Youth Got nothing to do these summer holidays? Check out the City of Port Phillip Youth Services website. It will tell you about fun stuff to do over the summer break, such as the South Melbourne Youth Festival, The Block Party, other local events and holiday programs that are available to young people aged 12–25 in the City Port Phillip. Visit the website at www.portphillip. vic.gov.au/youth-services. htm for detailed information.

Enjoy shopping under the stars The South Melbourne Night Market is back on Thursdays 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm until 19 December. Browse the stalls under the verandah and in SO:ME Space, soak up some great music while you enjoy food and wine with friends. Free rooftop parking from 5.30 pm.

Applications will be accepted until noon, Monday 9 December 2013.

Funding and subsidy opportunities Council’s 2014 –15 annual grants program opens soon. Funding opportunities will be available through the • • • • • •

Community Grants Program Cultural Development Fund Local Festivals Fund Small Poppy Neighbourhood Grants Seniors Festival Funding Multicultural Celebrations Fund.

Council subsidy schemes will cover town hall hire, community meals and community transport. Projects, programs or activities that promote social justice, inclusion, creativity, equity, health and wellbeing, recreation and arts, and cultural heritage within the municipality will be considered. For more go to www.portphillip.vic. gov.au/council_funding_opps.htm Applications are open from 17 February to 28 March 2014. Community Grants Program Information Sessions 2014 Tuesday 18 February, 10 am – 11.30 am South Melbourne Community Centre Hall Wednesday 19 February, 6 pm – 7.30 pm Council Chambers, 1st Floor St Kilda Town Hall Thursday 20 February, 1.30 pm – 3 pm Liardet Community Centre Cultural Development Fund Information Session Thursday 27 February, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Port Melbourne Town Hall Free grant writing skills development sessions will also be available. For more information go to communitytraining@portphillip.vic.gov.au, or www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/community_training. htm, or phone 9209 6345.

South Melbourne Market will also be celebrating the Year of the Horse on Saturday 1 February at 11 am. Join in the festivities as firecrackers are lit to chase away evil spirits, and dance with the dragon to bring good luck and fortune to all. Stay up to date  www.southmelbournemarket.com.au  www.southmelbournenightmarket.com.au

Roomers live for 17 years Roomers are having a retrospective celebrating their 17th birthday. They are a wonderfully diverse and complex bunch of talented writers contending with fundamental issues such as homelessness, food security and personal safety. Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre, 87 Tennyson Street, Elwood.

fyi

from ASSIST What are the local laws regarding drinking during the summer months? Local law prohibits unsealed containers of alcohol in public throughout the municipality on roads and council land between the hours of 8 pm and 9 am throughout the year. There are additional restrictions for New Year’s Eve and the St Kilda Festival. These restrictions are enforced by Victoria Police. For NYE, unsealed containers of alcohol are prohibited in public throughout the municipality from 8 pm on 30 December until 9 am on 2 January. Sealed and unsealed containers of alcohol are prohibited in public along the foreshore from 9 am on 30 December until 9 am on 1 January.

Are we allowed to do fireworks on our own property on NYE? Fireworks may be used only by an authorised person. Council does not issue permits for fireworks on private property; however, a permit is required to discharge or cause or allow to be discharged any fireworks from Council land. Contact WorkSafe Victoria on 9641 1444.

How can I dispose of my Christmas tree? Organise for a hard/green waste collection by contacting ASSIST on 9209 6777.

Does rubbish collection change over the holidays? Rubbish and recycling will not be collected on Christmas Day. Collections will be moved forward one day: Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to Friday and Friday to Saturday.

Are there special parking restrictions during the holidays? During the Christmas and holiday period there is a marked increase in drivers parking in No Stopping areas and Loading Zones. Loading Zones are for commercial vehicles only. All areas, including No Stopping areas and Loading Zones, are constantly patrolled – don’t let a parking infringement spoil your day.

Wednesday 4 December, 6 pm – 8 pm.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Port Phillip