Divercity #90 - October / November 2017

CITY O F PO RT PHILLI P MAGA ZI N E - I S S U E 9 0 O CTO BE R / N OV EM B ER 2 0 1 7

Belonging matters

SENIORS FESTIVAL hold hands on a tram

Walk for a cause GOOD NEWS FOR SPORT

Transforming an industrial site into a new park opposite the new primary school in Ferrars Street is part of providing much needed community infrastructure for our growing population. (left to right) Councillors Marcus Pearl, Louise Crawford, Mayor Bernadene Voss, Councillors Tim Baxter and Dick Gross pictured with the school rising behind them.

More want to belong

A growing Port Phillip needs bold planning to ensure amenity keeps pace with growth.

Mayor Cr Bernadene Voss

cover photo

Seniors Festival tram ride Pride March co-founders Penny McDonald and Liz Pain promote a Seniors Festival event that remembers the arrest of two women for holding hands on a tram in 1977.

Wednesday 11 October, 1 pm - 4 pm www.alicesgarage.net/tram Seniors Festival Monday 9 October Sunday 22 October Over 60 events for seniors 55+.

See page 11.

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The 2016 Census data has started to come through and there are some fascinating findings. Since 2011, the population of Port Phillip has grown by over 11,000 people to 108,000.

This statistical snapshot of our community reveals that almost every age group is growing, except the twenty-somethings. There is a children and youth boom, with the number of children aged 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19 increasing by 24 per cent, 29 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

People living alone continue to represent 35 per cent of households, a much higher proportion than Greater Melbourne’s 23 per cent.

While extraordinarily diverse, with residents from 163 nations speaking 114 different languages, those born overseas tend to come from English speaking countries - the UK, New Zealand and Ireland. However, our top five countries of birth now include India and China.

Meanwhile, all Melbourne councils are grappling with growth issues like higher densities, infrastructure deficits and transport concerns.

These trends underscore the importance of Council’s actions to embrace difference and help people feel they belong. We do this by standing up for equality, embracing diversity and celebrating seniors.

This Divercity presents dozens of ways you can participate in your community, because after all, we all long to belong.

contents

co nte n t s 13

contacts

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ contact_us.htm Phone:

03 9209 6777

For more information please visit: www.relayservice.gov.au

Silver medal smile 8

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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 Port Phillip libraries.

Divercity 90 - Oct / Nov 2017 Editor: Greg Day - gday@edunity.com.au

Nature enhanced

Walk for causes

Be amazed as Gasworks Arts Park is transformed into a living gallery.

Spring is here and so are a host of charity walks for great causes.

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11

Seniors get festive

Belong in song

Seniors Festival is coming and all seniors are invited.

Add your voice to a choir and belong in song.

Story suggestions are welcome: Next deadline 13 October for December / February 2018 Divercity feedback: engagement@portphillip.vic.gov.au Information included in this magazine is accurate at the time of publishing, but may be subject to change.

The City of Port Phillip respectfully acknowledges the Yalukut 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.

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From Kazakhstan to Boon Wurrung

Here is a musical journey across time, space and culture. Kazakhstan born and trained music teacher Natalya Vagner meets Boon Wurrung Elder Arweet Carolyn Briggs, who has transcribed a traditional song so that St Kilda Park Primary School students can play and sing a traditional totem song.

Carolyn is proud. ‘Language is the best way to learn about Boon Wurrung,’ she said. ‘My son Marbee Williams wrote the song that is now sung by students from all backgrounds.’

Natalya is also proud. She is working with more than ten local schools to help them bring music to December’s Bay Street Festival. ‘Music brings us together,’ Natalya said.

Arweet Carolyn Briggs (left) with Natalya Vagner and musical students from St Kilda Park Primary School

Hear for yourself Bay Street Festival Friday 1 December, 5 pm - 9 pm www.3207port.com.au/christmas

Supported by Council’s Local Festivals Fund.

Photo: Chris Cassar

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news

Ngargee: hard to pronounce, easy to host

Industrial space transformed into an urban oasis for the future Fishermans Bend community.

Each year, around 30 neighbourhood ngargees (street gatherings) are held across Port Phillip, mostly during the festive season. A neighbourhood ngargee is a great way to get to know people in your street or apartment building. Council can help with road closures and insurance. There’s even a kit that includes hints for how to organise your ngargee.

By the way, it’s pronounced nar-ghee.

Host a neighbourhood ngargee www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

neighbourhood-ngargee.htm

Linking volunteers A new Council portal launching later this year promises to better link volunteers with community groups that need them.

Developed by BeCollective, the portal enables community groups to share opportunities and events.

Potential volunteers can explore opportunities that match their interests.

Before the launch, Council will be holding a free workshop for community groups to learn how the portal can help them.

Workshop for community groups Tuesday 10 October 10 am - 12 noon St Kilda Town Hall Bookings bit.ly/portal101017 volunteer@portphillip.vic.gov.au 9209 6455

From industry to open space Recently completed demolition works in Ferrars Street are turning an office building into Fishermans Bend’s newest park. Council partnered with the Victorian Government to purchase land and open the park during 2018 across the road from the soon to be completed Primary School.

whole community to enjoy. During stage one, Council will be laying turf, planting trees, installing lighting and services, and creating new footpaths. During stage two, Council will consult with the community about requirements for other facilities, such as a playground or outdoor fitness equipment.

Located in the Montague precinct, the park will be a much needed space for the

Follow progress www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ferrars-st

Design for Pride

The first stage of the design competition for the Victorian Pride Centre on Fitzroy Street is underway.

The two-stage design competition for registered architects will be judged by an independent design jury led by Dimity Reed AM. Look forward to an uplifting expression of welcoming, engagement and belonging.

Express your interest www.pridecentre.org.au

More accessible online.

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Power in numbers

A next generation solar bulk buy is offering solar panels to locals at discount prices as well as free advice and support from energy experts Positive Charge, a social enterprise that works with many councils.

Middle Park resident David Robinson bought solar panels in 2009 through Council’s previous bulk buy. Since then, his electricity bills have fallen by $500 per year.

‘We reckon the savings have just about covered the capital costs,’ he said.

Artist’s impression of the redeveloped Peanut Farm Reserve pavilion.

New works for good sports

Council and the Victorian Government are set to upgrade sporting pavilions at J L Murphy Reserve and Peanut Farm Reserve. The upgraded facilities at these popular sporting venues will promote even more participation by improving facilities for all genders, ages and abilities.

At Peanut Farm Reserve, the detailed design is now complete and construction is expected to start in early 2018. The redeveloped pavilion will help boost female participation in sport and will also

• K eep your dog on a leash, except in designated off leash areas.

• C arry a leash and keep your dog under control when off leash.

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Learn more about solar www.enviroehub.com.au Positive Charge 9385 8555

provide multi-use facilities for a range of community groups. Wheelchair accessible BBQs will be installed next to the pavilion.

At J L Murphy Reserve, works to upgrade the pavilion are expected to commence in late 2018. A key feature of the upgrade is inclusive design and accessible change rooms for all genders, ages and abilities.

Follow the progress www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Summertime for four-legged beach hounds Summer time restrictions for dogs start on 1 November. Your fellow beach goers will thank you if you follow our top tips for dog owners over summer.

The first step is to talk to Positive Charge to find out if solar is a bright idea for you.

• M ake sure your dog doesn’t disturb people, other animals or wildlife.

• C ollect and dispose of dog droppings.

Get a beach map www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

dogs_on_beaches.htm

‘Our six solar panels have halved our electricity bill,’ says Middle Park resident David Robinson.

sign up. stay engaged.

Performers and audiences are head over heels about the recent renovations at Gasworks. The Council-funded $2.44 million program upgraded the foyer, toilets and soundproofing. Backstage, the dressing rooms have doubled in size and now have generous bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities. Â Book a show and see www.gasworks.org.au

Photo: Chris Cassar

Gasworks is good to go

Gasworks Circus Showdown Champions, Social Staples and finalists, Blindful.

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what’s happening in your city Your guide to what’s on, in and around your city.

Port Melbourne

South Melbourne

Albert Park

Middle Park

Windsor

St Kilda

Balaclava

Elwood

arts and entertainment

Big dreams, unchartered waters

Reverse photography

Monday 2 October Wednesday 1 November Acland Street Plaza

Music makes the world go around Sunday 19 November, 2 pm - 5 pm Acland Street Plaza Join musicians Con Kalamaras and Salvatore Rossano, who, together with artist and storyteller Sylvie Leber, will present an afternoon performance that reflects the history and culture of immigration in Port Phillip.

Through the art of boat building, discover how people took treacherous journeys across dangerous waters in search of a better life.

lella.cariddi@multiculturalarts.com.au www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ acland-street.htm

Gasworks

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ acland-street.htm

22 Graham Street, Albert Park

From nature

All Saints Sunday concerts All Saints Church 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Organ recital and tea Sunday 8 October, 3 pm Enjoy a free afternoon tea followed by a recital by organist Hans Uwe Hielscher as part of Seniors Week.

Free

Beethoven cello sonatas Sunday 22 October, 4 pm

The Ariel Ensemble Sunday 26 November, 4 pm $25 / $15 / students free www.allsaints.org.au/concerts.htm

American Song

Tuesday 3 October - Sunday 5 November Red Stitch Actors Theatre Rear, 2 Chapel Street, East St Kilda Written by Joanna Murray-Smith and starring Joe Petruzzi, American Song explores how a good life can turn irredeemably bad. redstitch.net 8

Until Wednesday 18 October The Gallery, St Kilda Town Hall 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellows 2015, Penelope Davis and Stephen Haley, use 3D modelling and photograms to highlight global urbanisation and the digital age.

Applications for the next Rupert Bunny Foundation Fellowship close on 16 October. www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ rbf_fellowship.htm

Art at Albert Park College

Gala opening night Friday 20 October Exhibition runs Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October Albert Park College, Bay Street Campus 40 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Free activities over the weekend include a student design market, film screening and musical performances. albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au/artshow

Saturday 4 November - Sunday 12 November Tree trunks, branches and walls emerge from the ground as a living sculpture in a showcase of organic public art.

Free

A prudent man Wednesday 15 November - Saturday 18 November, 7.30 pm What makes conservative politicians of the world tick? What would happen if their world started to shift, ever so slightly? gasworks.org.au

community

Celebrating 20 deadly years

Local walks for causes

Light the Night

It’s a bloody long walk

Friday 6 October, 5 pm - 10 pm South Beach Reserve, St Kilda

Sunday 5 November

lightthenight.org.au

One day to conquer cancer Sunday 29 October, 6.30 am - 4 pm Pier Lawn, St Kilda theoneday.org.au

World kitchen - St Kilda style

bloodylongwalk.com.au/Melbourne

Walk4Brain Cancer Sunday 19 November, 9.30 am - 1 pm South Beach Reserve, St Kilda www.walk4braincancer.com.au

Nightmare on Acland Street Sunday 22 October 1 pm - 3 pm and 4 pm - 6 pm Acland Street Plaza

Local chefs, home cooks and special performances.

A world of pop-out puppets, miniature skeletons and giant tongues.

Community Shred Day

Saturday 14 October, 10 am - 1 pm Elwood Foreshore car park

No need to remove staples or clips from documents. Maximum five boxes per person.

Gold coin donation 1300 558 876

Monday 23 October, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm St Kilda Town Hall 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation is celebrating 20 years of bridging the gap between black and white Australia. Finger food, entertainment and door prizes.

Free RSVP bit.ly/CoPP20dy

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October 11 am - 4 pm Acland Street Plaza

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ acland-street.htm

Hear from Leila Gurruwiwi (Marngrook Footy Show), filmmaker Richard Frankland (Victorian College of the Arts), Aboriginal Elder Arweet Carolyn Briggs, broadcaster and poet Den the Fish, and Aunty Judith ‘Jacko’ Jackson.

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ acland-street.htm

Spooktober

Friday 27 - Tuesday 31 October 2 pm - 10 pm St Kilda Town Hall 99a Carlisle Street St Kilda A Halloween festival that includes haunted houses, trick or treat trail, roaming characters, food trucks and a bar. www.spooktober.com.au

Port’s HOWL-o-Ween

Sunday 29 October, 11 am - 3 pm Rouse Street, Port Melbourne

Get your canine into costume and join the Howl-o-Ween doggie parade.

0401 557 809 3207port.com.au 9

what’s happening in your city Your guide to what’s on, in and around your city.

Port Melbourne

South Melbourne

Albert Park

Middle Park

Windsor

St Kilda

Balaclava

Elwood

heritage

active

Forty years on - a festival of running

Sunday 15 October

Come join in the fun at Australia’s largest marathon. melbournemarathon.com.au

Inside/outside: an exhibition of boxes Monday 9 October - Friday 8 December (Library hours) Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Full or empty, boxes spark our curiosity and fascination. heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Cemeteries of Italy

Saturday 14 October, 10 am Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Elizabeth Hore speaks about the Italian cemeteries of Milan, Bologna and Staglieno.

City2Sea

Sunday 12 November 8 am - 1.30 pm Catani Gardens, St Kilda www.thecity2sea.com.au

Bicycle Users Group rides Ride for recycling Saturday 7 October, 9 am - 12.30 pm

Upathletic open day

Saturday 21 October, 8 am - 12 noon

Get energised with back-to-back sessions of yoga, spin, boxing, aerobics, dance, circuit and run club. Lots of giveaways on the day.

hello@upathletic.com.au

Ninety years of croquet

Take a ride from the EcoCentre to the adventure playground, indigenous nursery and a café made from shipping containers.

Thursday 2 November, 12.30 pm Elwood Croquet Club, 33 Head Street Elwood

A ride on the arty side

Celebrate 90 years of Elwood Croquet Club.

Everyone’s welcome to try croquet. Wear flat soled shoes and bring a sense of humour.

Sunday 12 November, 9 am - 12 noon Enjoy the community gardens, outdoor sculptures and organic gallery.

BYO water bottle and spare inner tube on all rides.

0421 236 895 portphillipbug@gmail.com

Joan 0466 991 663

Dancing in the streets

Sundays 12 and 26 November, 2 pm - 4 pm Acland Street Plaza Learn Le Bop, a new dance style that mixes jive, rock’n’roll and Latin street moves.

kaarin@lebop.com.au 10

Free info@foskc.org

Walk through Acland Street’s past Sunday 12 November, 10.30 am - 11.30 am Acland Street Village Join Dr Judith Buckrich on a historical walk around Acland Street. www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ acland-street.htm

Launching Acland history Thursday 23 November, 6 pm St Kilda Army and Navy Club 88 Acland Street, St Kilda Historian Judith Buckrich launches her latest book, Acland Street: The Grand Lady of St Kilda.

buckrich@bigpond.net.au

seniors

Seniors Festival divercity layout - p11.indd 2 Monday 9 October - Sunday 22 October Over 60 events for seniors 55+.

Programs at ASSIST, libraries and community centres. www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ seniors-festival.htm

Afternoon tea with Noel Coward

Come and celebrate 9 - 22 October 2017 29/08/2017 2:43:18 PM Expo Seniors Information

Tuesday 17 October, 12 noon - 3 pm 1-5 Ferrars Place, South Melbourne

Saturday seminars at U3A Mary Kehoe Community Centre 224 Danks Street, Albert Park Get a new perspective at the University of the Third Age’s (U3A) free Saturday talks. All welcome. U3A membership not required.

Step onto the dance floor All seniors are encouraged to get out and be active in October at a series of white light dance events.

Bookings essential.

ASSIST 9209 6777 rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au

White light bush dance Monday 9 October, 2 pm - 4 pm (doors open 1.30 pm) Port Melbourne Town Hall Auditorium 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Group dancing with Bushwahzee - your favourite country tunes with the steps called out.

Friday 20 October, 2 pm - 4 pm Port Melbourne Town Hall Auditorium 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Tim McKew channels Noel Coward in a performance that includes the songs ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’ and ‘(Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage) Mrs Worthington’.

Free with afternoon tea.

ASSIST 9209 6777 rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Pinaroo Village Festival

Sunday 15 - Tuesday 17 October 11 am - 4 pm Pinaroo Village, 114 Inkerman Street St Kilda

White light European folk dance

A recent speaker was Louise Hearman (right, with U3A art history tutor Diana Stock), who won the 2016 Archibald Prize for her painting of comedian Barry Humphries.

How dishonest politics betrayed our national character Saturday 14 October 2.30 pm - 4 .30pm Julian Burnside AO QC

Monday 16 October, 2 pm - 4 pm St Kilda Town Hall Auditorium, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda

My Australian dream road

Circle and line dancing in styles from all over Europe, with a dance instructor and live band.

Dr Barry Smith, Australia’s answer to Bill Bryson.

White light ballroom dance

Open House music showcase

Thursday 19 October, 1 pm - 4 pm South Melbourne Community Centre 1-5 Ferrars Place, South Melbourne Dance the waltz in a ballroom setting. $5

Saturday 18 November 2.30 pm - 4 pm

seminar@u3app.org.au Thursday 19 October 2.30 pm - 5 pm An afternoon art exhibition and concert with the Allsorts instrumental group.

9696 3495 www.u3app.org.au 11

Saturday night for all

Saturday Night Fever is a monthly dance party for people with a disability.

It’s an 18+ only night of dancing, prancing and possibly romancing. The $15 entry fee (no charge for carers) includes pizza, snacks and a glow stick.

It’s a lot of fun.

Organised by local councils, including Port Phillip, through Joint Councils Access for All Abilities (JCAAA), and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, the dance party is part of a program of sporting and social events. facebook.com/jcaaasnf jcaaaenquiries@portphillip.

vic.gov.au

Photo: Chris Cassar

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community

Say g’day at Station Pier The cruise ship season begins in October, which means that the Port Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre is again looking for enthusiastic, passionate people to join their happy band of volunteer Waterfront Welcomers.

As the name suggests, the volunteers welcome cruise ship passengers and lets them know about the many local attractions.

Experience is not required as training is provided. All you need is a bit of local pride.

Get on board Lyn 9645 1476 waterfrontwelcomers

@pmnc.org.au

Parachuute opens

Two internet savvy local mums have launched a free app that makes it easier to arrange carpooling to get kids to school, as well as to sporting and social events.

Carpool with parents you know www.parachuute.com

Practice pays off Albert Park Primary School student Nate Withington has won a silver medal at the 2017 World Taekwondo Hanmadang Competition in South Korea. Over 5,000 competitors from 62 countries took part.

Proud father and local taekwondo instructor Neal Withington said that Nate even made it onto the evening news. While in South Korea Nate trained

at a taekwondo university, visited the World Taekwondo Headquarters and was presented with a gift from the competition president.

Nate, who has been practising taekwondo for eight years, was supported by a Council Neighbourhood Programs Grant.

Hands on reconciliation The children at Clark Street Children’s Centre are making their mark in a colourful banner display for Reconciliation Week.

Teacher Katherine Fahy says, ‘The children have learnt about Australian indigenous history and white settlement. As a centre we decided to make the banner as a sign of respect, sharing and friendship. It’s been a great opportunity to begin the conversation about Australia’s early history with the young people in our lives.’

Educator Tenzing Yeshi with Xavier, aged 21 months.

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Belong in song Nothing brings people together like singing. Generations ago, singing in church was the weekly uplift and community gathering for many.

Now you can get that harmonious feeling by getting involved in one (or more) of the many local choirs.

One of the newest is the Elwood Community Choir (pictured), organised

by Jeannie Marsh. Rehearsing on Wednesday evenings during school terms at Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the choir welcomes new voices. ‘Our choir is an open access choir. No auditions required. We perform a variety of music,’ says Jeannie.

‘While the singing is fun and why we get together, the sense of belonging to the community is the best part.’

Join a local choir Elwood Community Choir jeannie.marsh1@gmail.com

LOWREZ – LGBTIQ friendly male choir lowrezchoir.com Southport Singers Mathew 0400 019 565 Melbourne Singers of Gospel msgchoir.com.au U3A Choir Serina 9696 3495

Photo: Chris Cassar

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Remembrance a century on

Port Phillip volunteer observers surrounded by Suai voters proudly displaying their ink stained fingers, a marker that shows they have voted.

As we pause on 11 November, it’s timely to recall the First World War events of a century ago. In 1917, some 21,000 Australians died including 244 from Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and St Kilda.

Exhibition: Accounts from the front Wartime letters and stories from local rowing club members.

6 November - 15 December Launch and tribute, Saturday 11 November, 10 am - noon.

Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne

Green light for black spots Council has been funded by the Federal Government to fix three local black spots.

The three sites are Dorcas-Moray Street roundabout, South Melbourne; Coventry-Tope Street intersection, South Melbourne; and BroadwayMilton Street roundabout, Elwood.

The works will improve pedestrian safety and roundabouts.

Inky fingers rule, OK?

Five self-funded residents recently travelled to Suai/Covalima in Timor Leste to be international observers for the parliamentary elections held in July.

Feedback from the group was extremely positive. The Timorese passionately embrace their hard won opportunity to participate in the process. The observers

also met with staff at the Covalima Community Centre, to see firsthand the achievements made through their partnership with City of Port Phillip and Friends of Suai/Covalima.

Learn more about Suai/Covalima www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

friendsofsuai.htm

Your councillors For general enquiries contact:

Canal Ward

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/contact_us.htm

Gateway Ward

9209 6777

Lake Ward

Cr Tim Baxter

Cr Marcus Pearl

Cr Andrew Bond

tim.baxter@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0466 495 250

marcus.pearl@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0466 448 272

andrew.bond@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0481 034 028

Cr Louise Crawford

Cr Ogy Simic

Cr David Brand

louise.crawford@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0466 514 643

ogy.simic@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0466 517 360

david.brand@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0466 445 807

Cr Bernadene Voss

Cr Katherine Copsey

bernadene.voss@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0413 246 704

katherine.copsey@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0466 478 949

Cr Dick Gross dick.gross@portphillip.vic.gov.au 0466 355 640

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

applications now open The City of Port Phillip Design & Development Awards encourage and celebrate design excellence in urban design, architecture, heritage, public space, sustainability, interior architecture and urban art.

Applications close Friday 24 November 2017. www.portphillip.vic.gov.au