Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - October 02, 2024
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Since Who Gives a Crap launched in 2012, toilet paper has gone from bland necessity to a snazzy designer lifestyle object worthy of display. Once spotted only in cool cafe bathrooms and home loos of those in the know, the Melbourne-born brand is now in major supermarkets – and selling around the globe. For this week’s cover story, we talk to CEO Simon Griffiths about his ascent to the throne – and what it takes to do good in business.
Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor
Melbourne: Level 4, 600 Church Street, Cremorne 3121, VIC
Nordic baking celebrates a nuanced appreciation for grains. Semla’s founder Robin Ridell knows this well. Growing up in Karlskrona, Sweden, he heard stories about his great-grandparents’ bakery.
Earlier this year Ridell and his partner Georgia Hulse launched Semla the Bakery, operating out of their garage in the beachside suburb of Seaford. The bakery’s name pays homage to a traditional Swedish bun filled with cream and topped with icing sugar.
Equipped with two Rofco ovens, Ridell creates signature offerings such as vanilla buns; tosca buns (a Swedish-style sweet with pecan nuts and golden syrup); and a variety of loaves including porridge, sesame and a 50/50 rye sourdough.
You can find Semla popping up at markets including Redhill Market, Mornington Racecourse Market and Little Birdie Market in Mordialloc. For those who can’t make it to the markets, there are also delivery options between Edithvale and Mornington. — SP
Grab That oven mitts
Melbourne label Grab That lets you turn up the heat with its triplewadded (two layers of cotton filling and one heat-resistant layer) oven mitts, made for extra protection when transporting that piping hot casserole from stove to table. Each glove is made locally by fashion not-for-profit The Social Studio, based in Collingwood Yards. Pick from four bright checkered colourways, including pink and orange, and lilac and green. — GG
$49 95 / grabthat.com.au
IN THE DIARY
So Soiree Fringe Garden
Across 10 nights, Prahran’s Grattan Gardens will transform into the So Soiree Fringe Garden to host comedy, cabaret, burlesque and circus. The dazzling line-up features eight shows, including contemporary circus Apricity, cabaret divas Dolly Diamond and Leather Lungs, and crowd-pleaser Granny Bingo. Plus, grab cocktails, wine and craft beers, served from a retro caravan, before or after the performances. Entry is free from 5pm. — GC
Oct 10–20 / Grattan Gardens, Prahran / sosoiree.com.au
SNACK BAR STREET STYLE
Thelatest
By Audrey Payne
Greville Street French restaurant
Entrecote has launched two- and threecourse weekday lunch menus for $54 90 and $64 90 respectively, for a limited time. The lunch menu comes with a glass of house wine and includes dishes such as the Entrecote cheeseburger and the fish of the day served with a classic sauce gribiche and fries. 142 Greville Street, Prahran / entrecote.com.au
Chinese Mongolian chef Charles Duan, former Kisume chef Ken Ibuki, and Flower Drum bartender Joey Tai have teamed up for a new six-seat omakase pop-up on Monday nights at Brunswick East izakaya, Kura. The roughly 20-course dinner is $175 per person. After an oyster to start and eight to 10 sushi pieces from Ibuki, Duan serves chawanmushi, yakitori, ochazuke and dessert. You can also order from Tai’s list of Japaneseinfluenced cocktails. Shop 1/22, 30 Lygon Street, Brunswick East / kuramelbourne.com.au
Tofu Shoten, a tiny tofu shop run by Japanese maker Sava Goto that was located on Victoria Street in West Melbourne, recently moved to Brunswick. Stop by for fresh house-made silken tofu, sweet tofu puddings and tofu doughnuts. 6B Saxon Street, Brunswick / tofushoten.com
Former medical scientist and long-time home-brewer Luke Foster has opened Subculture Brewing Company. The fit-out reflects Forster’s passion for brewing and his love of music subcultures, with posters of punk, reggae, northern soul and roots bands. 841 Sydney Road, Brunswick / subculturebrewing.com.au
Ruben’s Deli on High Street Armadale has created a new apple crumble version of its signature babka. It’s made with cinnamon butter, caramalised apples, maple cream cheese and is topped with an oat crumble. Kings Arcade, 978 High Street, Armadale / @rubens_deli Read the full story for each dot point: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/series/snack-bar
Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Name: Cammie Munro Occupation: Stylist Tell us about your outfit today. I’m wearing wide-leg pants with an elasticised waist, which is great. A crisp white shirt with this shirring detail. And we’ve done a pop of orange with the navy and white with this Desigual bag from Barcelona. How does your style fit with your lifestyle? I think I’m relaxed and casual but like to have an edginess, something a bit different. And always an earring. What’s a trend that you love or hate at the moment? I’m loving lounge suits and the kind of matchy-matchy look.
A THRIVING HUB
Anchored by the Glenferrie Road shopping strip, Malvern offers fine dining, designer stores and peaceful streetscapes. The suburb boasts serene parks like Malvern Gardens and notable sites like Stonington Mansion, reflecting its rich history.
Source:
Photo: Vivian Tang
Photo: Ben Moynihan
Photo: Casey Horsfield
Photo: Elisa Watson
Photo: Ben Moynihan
Photo: Jake Roden
THE INTERVIEW
Thelma Plum On Her Grown-Up Second Album
Words by Lucy Bell Bird
Photo by Kira Puru
Homecoming queen Thelma Plum has been in the public eye her whole adult life since she won Triple J Unearthed’s inaugural National Indigenous Unearthed Music competition at just 17 years old. Her debut album Better in Blak clocked in at number nine on the 2019 Hottest 100 Now, after a couple more EPs, she’s back with her second studio album I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back and a national tour. She sat down with Broadsheet to talk about her new mature sound, where she draws her inspiration from, and taking her album on the road.
Do the three released singles (Freckles, Nobody’s Baby and We Don’t Talk About It) from the new album reflect the overall feel and sound of the album? Absolutely. I wrote Nobody’s Baby first. There were a few different versions of it, but they all came from the same place, even though two of them are from like a year apart. But yeah, they all reflect the sound and the production on the record, and I guess the things that I’m writing about. I mean, this not new for me, but I do write a lot about growing up and my childhood.
What was the writing process like for this album? Did all the songs come to you quickly and fully formed or did you start with the melody and work your way back? It’s funny, like, if I knew the exact way to get it right every time, I would do that same thing every time but [the process with each song] is just so different. Sometimes I can write a song in 20 minutes and then other times I struggle and it takes me a little bit longer. I find that if I start writing a song and then I don’t finish it in that session, then it becomes
a little bit more tricky. So I definitely do like to finish my songs in one sitting but it doesn’t always happen that way.
Where were you when you were writing these songs? I was travelling, so I was in a few different places. I was in London with my producer in his studio. I was in like, Darlinghurst [Sydney] for some of it. In Brissie, in Melbourne – everywhere! Do you feel like the different cities seep into the music? I think so. I know London for me felt like it really shaped the record sonically. Each city has like a vibe and a sound, and I was heavily influenced by London in particular with this record. Were you listening to anything specific while you were in writing mode? I was listening to so much from ’90s female artists like Sheryl Crow, Meredith Brooks, Shania Twain, Annie Lennox – lots of that era of music. I don’t really know why I did that, but it kind of just became a really big influence for the record.
How big of a departure is this from your previous output? I’m writing about similar things but I feel like I have a different perspective now. I guess I’m also, like, literally older, but [the music] feels a little bit more mature and a little bit more reflective than my last album. What excites you most about performing these songs live? It’s really nice to perform new songs; it’s really nice to perform my old songs too, but it has been just so special performing Freckles in particular, which is my latest single.
I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back will be released on October 18. Tickets for Plum’s show at the Forum Melbourne on November 8 are on sale now.
HOME OF THE WEEK
Brighton ‘wow factor’ awaits
Words by Maria Harris
Classic at the front, contemporary at the back, this 1940s double-storey house captures Brighton’s upmarket appeal. The renovation by award-winning Techne architects has transformed this home into a spectacular family domain with all the bells and whistles.
If you are after the “wow factor” it’s all here. Clean lines, geometric shapes and bold colours create a beautiful, strong look with finishes of timber and natural stone.
The house becomes more remarkable as you venture beyond the front entrance with its chevron-patterned floorboards and onto the formal living room.
Retaining its original charm, the dramatic transformation now includes a forest green carpet and an open fireplace with a stone chimney breast. Opposite, the first of five bedrooms also looks out to the front garden, but the adjacent bathroom really gets the pulse racing. Emerald green tiles are juxtaposed with brass accents.
Past the office or fifth bedroom, which overlooks the pool and garden, the openplan living and dining area recalls mid-century modern design.
A sunken lounge with green carpet and a suspended fireplace is framed by floor-toceiling glass, offering amazing views of the pool that wraps around the entire living area.
“It was inspired by the architecture of Miami of the mid-century,” says agent Matthew Pillios.
The block’s north-west orientation means that the living area is bathed in sunlight for much of the day. Glass sliders open to the garden and outdoor entertainment on both sides of the living zone, creating a true sense of indoor-outdoor living.
The kitchen, with four Miele ovens and an induction cooktop, has a view of the pool and garden.
This house is full of surprises. Hidden doors in a wall of timber cabinetry reveal a powder room and a butler’s pantry. At the end of the kitchen, a couple of steps lead up to a home office.
Upstairs, a retreat opens to two bedrooms, each with built-in desks and a central bathroom that continues the emerald and gold theme, has stone vanities and a retro pink bath. But it’s the main bedroom that delivers
the biggest impact. Beyond the walk-in wardrobe, the en suite combines creativity, practicality and playfulness.
It is large with twin vanities, and as you walk past the glass-framed shower, you enter a private “room” with an open-air bath, which makes watching the sunset or seeing stars an everyday occurrence.
This home is close to Gardenvale Station, Bay and Church streets’ shopping and dining precincts and the beach.
Brighton
63 Cochrane Street
$5.5 million-$6 million
5 3 3
Expressions of interest: Close 4pm, October 15
Agent: Kay & Burton, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982
Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Brighton
“A bold blend of art deco elegance and mid-century flair, this Techne architects renovation offers luxurious indoor-outdoor living packed with personality.”
NEED TO KNOW
This property last sold for $4.25 million in 2017 and the highest recorded price for Brighton (past 12 months) was $40 million for 16 Moule Avenue. RECENT SALES
$7.3 million
12 Normanby Street, March $6.75 million 3 Wilson Street, April
Matthew Pillios Kay & Burton
FEATURE FLUSH With SUCCESS
Words by Jenny Valentish · Photos by Natalie Jeffcott
Who
Gives a Crap CEO Simon Griffiths has built a social enterprise empire on bathroom basics and bum jokes.
Today’s internet loves watching a filmed feat of endurance. But back in 2012, Simon Griffiths might have been the OG.
That’s when the Who Gives a Crap CEO famously launched the toilet paper brand by livestreaming himself sitting on a toilet in a Melbourne warehouse for 50 hours. Griffiths declared he would not get off the throne until the first $50,000 of his team’s Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign had been reached, so that the empty warehouse could be filled with its first bulk order.
TV and other media went wild for this pun-tastic opportunity, and the stunt became one of Indiegogo’s top five campaigns of the year. From that moment on, 50 per cent of the B-Corp-certified business’s profits have gone towards building toilets and improving sanitation in developing countries. It’s raised more than $13 million to date.
While the company was co-founded with Danny Alexander and Jehan Ratnatunga, it’s Griffiths who’s largely been the face – and the butt – of punny jokes. Gamely, he dons a fluffy robe for our shoot, but when the interview
starts it’s serious business. Griffiths is chill, but his thoughts run to markets, growth and strategy. When I ask if his family will be settling here on the Mornington Peninsula after a stint living in LA, he considers, “What’s the true ROI for us as a family?”
This laser focus is understandable. Over the next few weeks, Griffiths has a conference in the South Pacific and is visiting South Africa and Mozambique on an impact trip. (And of course he wants to ensure he’s creating enough time to drop the kids off at the pool, so to speak.) Who Gives a Crap (WGAC) sells into 36 countries through subscriptions and now supermarkets, including Woolies and Aldi in Australia. The Melbourne-born brand recently triumphed in a “Loodunnit” investigation by UK consumer advocacy group Which?. The report confirmed its paper is 100 per cent bamboo, as opposed to other competitors making the same claim.
By the time Griffiths was eight years old, he was flyering his neighbourhood to set up a pet-minding business. When he turned 12, he launched a sand board range, because his native Perth didn’t have snow but plenty
of sand dunes. He loved using his initiative –but there was a problem.
“When I sold something to someone I felt a little bit disgusted by the act of profiteering,” he says. “That part of the transaction felt icky and gross for me.”
Social enterprise was the perfect solution. At uni, while studying engineering and economics at the University of Melbourne, Griffiths fell in love with development economics and became fascinated by social mobility, fuelled further by his travels.
“As a good economist, I figured out it was cheaper for me to spend all of my university holidays in Southeast Asia than it was to go back to Western Australia,” he explains, “so I’d spend three or four months of every year in different parts of Asia, and then eventually further afield, through Central America and Africa. I realised that there was more to that passion than just hedonistic pursuit. It was actually this deep interest in why being born in one place gave you access to a set of opportunities that was entirely different to being born on the other side of an invisible borderline somewhere in the world.”
In 2007 he teamed up with university mates Matthew Tilleard and Jehan Ratnatunga, and web developer Mack Nevill, to form Ripple.org. The website generated money for charity by selling advertising impressions. “The goal there was to try and make philanthropy accessible to everyone, not just your Bill Gateses and Warren Buffetts,” he says. “We won a bunch of awards, but to be successful in that space you have to constantly innovate. It’s very expensive getting engineers and we were donating 100 per cent of our revenue, so there was nothing to reinvest.”
Then came Shebeen, a Melbourne venue with the feel of a South African speakeasy meets Mexican beach bar. The idea was to import beers and wines from all over the developing world, then pump the proceeds back into those regions.
“That business did really well initially and then we had a lot of challenges,” Griffiths says. “It didn’t quite achieve what we wanted to in terms of donations. The big realisation was that bricks and mortar is inherently unscalable.”
Okay, so what’s scalable? What’s one thing
everybody needs, all over the world, and can be ordered online? Griffiths and Ratnatunga went to a supermarket to study the loo paper aisle. The major names had aligned their branding to puppies and feathers, avoiding any association with toilets. Who Gives a Crap would do the opposite.
“It gave us this defensible moat around our marketing message that we thought would allow us to cut through and potentially be successful in the long run,” Griffiths says.
There was some pushback from outraged members of public who consider “crap” to be a swear word – “at my son’s school, he’s the only person in his year that’s allowed to say the word ‘crap’ and he’s only allowed to say it in reference to where his dad works,” Griffiths says – but mostly the eye-catching wrappers won favour.
Customer loyalty was pursued through limited edition packaging such as the mix-andmatch Play Edition, which won the D&AD Yellow Pencil design award; Flush Your Ex (in which rolls were made of recycled love notes from exes); a poetry edition; and a collaboration with Melbourne designer Beci Orpin, whose
wrappers could be reused for craft projects. Following their recent collabs with Lewes FC and Heaps Normal, Griffiths promises more fun stuff on the horizon.
After launching in Australia, the company hit the UK and US in unison. The US, being 15 times the size of the Aussie market, was vital if they wanted to put a dent in the global sanitation problem.
But it was the Great Loo Roll Crisis of 2020 that absolutely catapulted WGAC into the big time. Griffiths was on parental leave when it struck, but noticed sales had gone up by 50 per cent over the weekend of February 29 and March 1. On the Monday of March 2 his phone rang at 7am. A radio station wanted an interview.
“That first day of March, we did two times a regular day of sales. The second of March, five times a regular day of sales. Third of March, 12 times a day of sales. The fourth of March, we’re going to do 30 to 40 times a regular day of sales,” he says. “There was this insane exponential growth and our supply chain team was like, ‘Turn it off! Turn off the website!’” Somehow, they made it work. The WGAC
website was the only place in Australia where TP was reliably available. A word-of-mouth phenomenon meant that an email sign-up list wound up with more than 600,000 new customers. The company tripled its customer service capacity by hiring a whole new team furloughed from elsewhere, and started running two teams in the warehouses.
“On June 30 we made a $5 85 million donation, which was this amazing cherry on top,” Griffiths says.
One legacy from that crazy period is now, at the beginning of every quarter, the company has a “slow week” – no meetings – so employees can figure out what their priorities are and avoid burnout.
“We subscribe to Dan Pink’s philosophy that he talks about in his book Drive, that to create motivation you focus on autonomy, mastery and purpose,” Griffiths says. It used to be the case that all new team members would go on an impact trip in their first two years to see how their hard work was paying off in other countries. “But that’s become harder as we’ve grown. You can’t walk into someone’s house with 250 people and say, ‘Can we have
a look at your toilet?’”
I ask Griffiths what the hardest lesson has been to learn on his journey through various social enterprises and building WGAC to what it is today.
“I wasn’t someone who was naturally born with a ton of empathy,” he says frankly. “I think if you asked my wife or friends, they would probably say that that’s true of me. To be a great leader in a business, you have to have a lot of empathy to understand what’s going on in the team and what changes to make in order to have the most impact.”
But most CEOs are psychopaths, right?
“Yes, probably,” he smiles. “But I think the most effective CEOs probably aren’t psychopaths. Also, to be customer-obsessed you have to have a lot of empathy for what your customer will be thinking about and going through. For me, probably one of the hardest things is that empathy isn’t innate, it’s a skill, and learning to harness that skill has been one of the bigger parts of my personal journey.”
Striped robe and Bobbi slides worn on cover and throughout thanks to Hommey
LIKE A LOCAL
Fitzroy
By Sasha Murray
Fitzroy is Melbourne’s oldest ’burb, and has seen countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs come and go over the years. But at its core, the inner-city suburb hasn’t really changed. It’s still one of Melbourne’s biggest cultural hubs –always bustling from day to night, with young professionals, families and students all competing to live there.
Mornings are for coffee and shopping. (A Pilates class at Upstate or a swim at Fitzroy Pool are also great options to kick the day off.) Start on Gertrude Street, where you’ll find tiny daytime coffee nook Calere, organic sourdough bakery Fatto a Mano, and pastel pink brunch spot Archie’s All Day. The street is lined with boutiques to check out afterwards including casualwear label Handsom, homewares haven Mud, and vinyl store Northside Records.
For vintage shopping, walk down Brunswick Street and explore massive second-hand bazaar Lost and Found Market and quirky op shop Hunter Gatherer. If you’re around on a Saturday, swing by The Fitzroy Mills Market on Rose Street for more thrifting opportunities, fresh produce and music. While you’re in the area, join the queue for Lune’s famous almond croissants.
Come lunchtime, Fitzroy’s takeaway game is hard to beat. Two of Melbourne’s most popular sanga shops are here: Nico’s Sandwich Deli and Hector’s Deli. Family-run Lebanese bakery A1 serves satisfying pita and falafel, and Mile End slings woodfired Montreal-style bagels. Along Smith Street, you’ll also find top quality sushi at Hinoki and steaming bowls at Shop Ramen. For something sweet, gelato from Pidapipo Laboratorio or Fluffy Torpedo is always a good pick.
In the evenings, you’re spoilt for choice. Some of the best restaurants include Andrew McConnell’s much-loved wine bar Marion; swanky bistro Poodle; Mischa Tropp’s Keralan diner Toddy Shop; and Piedmont-inspired Alta Trattoria. For drinks, you could head to one of the many pubs in the area, such as the Marquis of Lorne, The Napier, or the Builders Arms Hotel. For something moodier, go for a glass of wine at Bar Liberty, Milney’s or Blackcat. Finish the night off with a dance at barnightclub hybrids Yah Yah’s and Sircuit, or house and techno club Glamorama.
This vibrant suburb pulses with life, home to 10,000 residents and the eclectic Brunswick Street, lined with cafes and shops. The historic Town Hall adds charm, while its multicultural vibe and tram connections keep it close to Carlton, Collingwood and Richmond.
Average Age 35
Median Weekly income $2,194
Clockwise from top: Rotson Studio building, photo Casey Horsfield. Poodle Bar & Bistro, photo Jake Roden. Hector’s Deli, photo Arianna Leggiero. Street art, photo Casey Horsfield
Clockwise from top: Brunswick Street, photo Casey Horsfield. Toddy
Shop bar and restaurant interior, photos Ashley Ludkin. Graffiti art wall, photo Casey Horsfield
THE TOORAK Grand design for family living
Words by Liz McLachlan
Boutique Homes has unveiled its latest design, the Toorak, a spacious and luxurious home for growing families and multigenerational households.
The new display house on Jasper Road, Bentleigh, has a generous double-storey floor plan of 595 square metres. A harmonious blend of grandeur and functionality, it has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, four living areas, a study and ample entertaining spaces.
Senior designer Robert Nguyen says the brief for the Toorak was to create a home offering comfort and sophistication.
“We wanted to design a large family home that felt open and expansive,” he says. “The double-height void over the central staircase gives the home a real sense of volume as you move through it.”
Inspired by Hamptons-style architecture, the Rhode Island facade makes a striking first impression.
“This high-end facade combines traditional elements like the four-post verandah and double gables with French doors opening onto a charming balcony,” Nguyen says.
“It has great street presence.”
The Toorak exudes refined coastal elegance thanks to its nature-inspired palette of sage greens, charcoals and soft neutrals.
Brushed brass fittings, timber joinery and decorative wallpapers add warmth and texture to the interior, creating a welcoming yet luxurious atmosphere.
The entertainer’s kitchen is the heart of the home, with an extended island bench, a walk-in butler’s pantry and seamless access to the open-plan living and dining area.
Upstairs, the main-bedroom suite is Boutique Homes’ largest yet, featuring dual dressing rooms and a lavish en suite.
Nguyen says he designed the Toorak for mature families seeking a dream home. “It’s perfect for buyers looking for a house that accommodates long-term, multigenerational living,” he says.
Buyers can select from 20 facades – from traditional to contemporary – and have the option of floor-plan and finish upgrades.
LAYOUT
Boutique Homes’ floor plans enable buyers to easily personalise their space. As displayed, the Toorak has five bedrooms, four living areas and a study, thoughtfully zoned to provide versatile family living in communal and private spaces. The expansive main-bedroom suite, with its luxurious dual dressing rooms and en suite, and multiple living and entertaining areas, ensure that everyone has room to relax.
FEATURES
Boutique Homes has packed the Toorak display home with premium features, from the central double-height void and entertainer’s kitchen with an extended island and butler’s pantry to the formal lounge with fireplace and upstairs wet bar. Brushed brass fittings, timber joinery and nature-inspired hues create a refined coastal aesthetic. The home also boasts a spacious laundry, powder room and ample storage solutions.
The Toorak exudes coastal elegance.
LIVE EVENT Long Prawn Offers Something To Chew On
Words by Jinghua Qian · Photos by Ben Clement
Melbourne Fringe always offers plenty of food for thought, but this year’s festival serves up some actual nibbles too. The theme for 2024 is “Eat Your Art Out” and the program highlights the intersection of food and art as communal experiences that have the capacity to nourish and transform.
The centrepiece commission is Cooked, a pop-up public barbecue at Fed Square developed by Long Prawn, a creative Melbourne duo known for their high-concept dinner parties and eccentric cookbooks – such as Fat Brad, an investigation into all the food Brad Pitt has eaten on film, and Devils on Horseback, an illustrated etymology of dishes with nondescriptive names.
For over a decade, Fred Mora and Lauren Stephens have been playing with food and ideas beyond the confines of the hospitality industry. Cooked is their biggest project yet.
“It’s really a festival within a festival,” Mora tells Broadsheet
Running from October 1 to 20, Cooked includes a mix of artful sit-down dinners, free ticketed events with a snack and a show, and drop-in open grill sessions where anyone is welcome to step up to the hot plate. Punters can bring their own goodies to grill, or Long Prawn will supply hourly drops of free sausages and veggie sticks – as well as some provocations. “It will be free-range to an extent, but we also want to facilitate those conversations around the grill that we think are really interesting,” Mora explains.
All this takes place in a weatherproof space designed by Mikhail Savin Rodrick Projects and Long Prawn, with the barbecue at the heart of it all designed and built by installation artist Mike Hewson. Melburnians young and old will know Hewson’s work, as he designed the intriguing Rocks on Wheels public art playground in Southbank, which rewards risk and exploration while paying homage to its namesake, a 1962 artwork by photographer Diane Arbus.
Cooked similarly blends pleasure and playfulness with artistic rigour. From Paul Hogan’s infamous “shrimp on the barbie” tourism ad to the cult anticolonial satirical film BabaKiueria, there’s no doubt that the public barbecue has a particular significance in the Australian imagination. Long Prawn relishes drawing from all of that cultural baggage, while also serving up something fresh.
“Cooked – the hot plate stage – is a coming together of all the things we think are great about public barbecuing,” Mora says. “And we say ‘public barbecuing’ as opposed to backyard
barbecuing, because to us public barbecuing opens up a much more exciting coming together of different cultures and foods and uses of this very democratic public space. They’re kind of a unique thing; a lot of people are taken aback that they’re free and that they’re in these iconic locations.”
Like playgrounds and libraries, barbecues are among a diminishing number of free public facilities in a world where shared space is often privatised. “But while that might seem like a wonderful, generous offering, they only reason they’re free is because they used to get robbed all the time,” Mora says. Democratic chaos is part of the creative recipe. “We wanted to create a public artwork that brings together the real essence of a public barbecue, and to us that is crazy and disconnected and disparate ideas coming together on the grill,” Mora says. “We love the idea that often at these public barbecues, there’ll be a packet of Twisties next to something that’s been beautifully homemade … We really love those fringe food areas that exist outside of the standard hospitality space.”
It’s in this spirit that the Cooked: Hot Nights – Indecisive Cinema event embraces crowdsourcing in both its cinematic and culinary offerings. Audience members will be able to select bite-sized film excerpts and also nominate ingredients to go into a sausage maker. The night is a collaboration between Dudo Wook of Korea’s Steak Films (“another storied barbecue culture”, Mora says) and Long Prawn, which also allows for a questionable pun on surf and turf. Wordplay seems as much a constant feature of Long Prawn’s events as food, with previous events titled Gutful and Break an Egg.
As for what else is on the menu for Long Prawn, the pair strive to continue working in a multifaceted, researchinformed way that steps beyond the confines of both the hospitality industry and the art world. “We didn’t study either,” Stephens says. Floating between the two gives them more room to grow.
They’re also proud of resisting the pressures of an Instagram-driven landscape to think beyond visual spectacle and short-lived market trends. “A lot of food that falls into that art category doesn’t consider waste, for example,” Mora says. “We hope to say a bit more and allow for a conversation that’s not purely visual.”
Cooked runs October 1 to 20 in Fed Square. See melbournefringe.com.au for info and tickets
How to Spend 24 Hours in Mullumbimby
By Romy Frydman
Coming from the big city, I never expected to fall totally in love with Mullumbimby, a little town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. While “Mullum” (as it’s known to locals) has changed a lot in recent years, it has managed to keep its old-school charm and relaxed, alternative vibe.
Escape to the hills and check in at Blackbird –a little oasis tucked away in the Nightcap National Park, one of Australia’s largest subtropical rainforests. This intimate estate is made up of four pavilions with magical views, and a truly spectacular pool, perfect for an afternoon dip.
Start your morning at Baker & Daughters. True to its name, owner Matt Marshall bakes while his daughters work behind the counter with their mum Beck. There’s often a queue for its treats and Ona coffee. Or head to Mullumbimby Farmers Market –a great choice if you’re after breakfast, brunch or an early lunch. Look out for Neville Singh Bananas, a third-generation local farmer and Mullum market staple. Radiance Kitchen makes the cutest glutenfree hand-rolled pastel-coloured dumplings. They’re dyed naturally using turmeric, butterfly pea flower, kale powder and dragon fruit. If you miss the markets, you can find them in town at the newly
opened Radiance Oolongtea House. And just behind the main drag in a converted campervan there’s Russian-inspired Baba Emma’s serving handmade pierogies.
The Middle Pub balcony is a popular spot among locals in the evening. After, head to Mullumbimby Continental for dinner. (The savoury jalapeno doughnuts are a menu highlight.) The bar is also a fun place to enjoy a classic cocktail or three. If some recovery is needed after the previous night’s feast, book into The Banya Bathhouse – inside an old bank – for a sauna, cold plunge and steam (in that order), then a massage and a mineral soak.
Photo
LUXURY
Words by Joanne Brookfield, Anders Furze & Richard Cornish
Brighton
8 Bay Street
$9.25 million-$9.9 million
5 4 5
Expressions of interest: Close 4pm, October 15
Agent: Kay & Burton, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982
A double-height entrance flanked by palms sets the scene for this luxe beachside retreat, which offers high-end living over four function-packed levels. A huge basement garage also has a gym, cellar and bathroom, with a lift to the light-filled contemporary living space with kitchen and butler’s pantry, bar, fitted study and guest bedroom. More bedrooms plus a theatre room are on the next level, while the rooftop includes a pool, spa and views of the bay.
Albert Park
22 St Vincent Place North
$11.5 million-$12.5 million
5 3 2
Expressions of interest: Close 4pm, October 22
Agent: Cayzer, Simon Carruthers 0438 811 601
This is a lovely terrace home in a leafy Albert Park location. The first floor’s main bedroom has a marble en suite and its own private balcony. Downstairs, the family zone opens up out the back for contemporary living. Other highlights include the original stable out the back, now a sauna and studio. Elsewhere you’ll find a wine cellar and north-facing private garden. It’s close to Albert Park Lake, the bay and South Melbourne.
Toorak
5 Landale Road
$4.5 million-$4.95 million
4 3 2
Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, October 9
Agent: Kay & Burton, Andrew Sahhar 0417 363 358
A modern townhouse over three levels in a quiet, leafy Toorak cul-de-sac. The generous entrance and formal sitting and dining areas give it a warm, homely feel, complemented by the open-plan living area with a state-of-the-art kitchen at its heart. A lift connects the house from the basement to the study and bedrooms upstairs, each with an en suite. The finishes, from French oak floors to marble benchtops, match the blue-ribbon address, steps from restaurants and retail.
Kew
3/27 Howard Street
$4.185 million
3 3 3
Private sale
Agent: Kay & Burton, John Bradbury 0413 772 778 with Marshall White, Davide Lettieri 0414 018 707
Designed by architect Nicholas Day, Studley Park’s recently completed Sequoia building features 12 large-scale residences. This ground-floor, single-level corner abode is about 253 square metres inside, with all bedrooms granted an en suite. There are also 140 square metres of wraparound John Patrickdesigned gardens, which every room can access directly. The high-end luxuries include Liebherr and Gaggenau appliances.
OPEN FOR INSPECTION
Words by Kay Keighery, Richard Cornish & Shae Wiedermann
Clearance Rate of 61%*
Source: Domain Group
WHAT OUR MANAGING EDITOR SAYS
Natalie
Mortimer Domain managing editor
“Melbourne’s housing market is catching up, with buyer confidence rising and strong auction results. Strategic investment is crucial as competition will intensify when interest rates fall.”
904/127 Beach Street
$2.3
Contact agent
Agent: Marshall White, Ben Manolitsas 0400 201 626
$3.9 million
Mount Waverley 5 Jubilee Street
Sold by Jellis Craig*
*As reported on September 21, 2024
Glen Iris 35 Pascoe Street
$2.995 million
5 3 2
Private sale
Agent: Shelter, Manae McInnes 0490 399 626
With a central hall spilling into a north-facing, open-plan hub, this new house surpasses the norm for switched-on family living. With several social spaces on the ground level and another upstairs, you can spread out or come together. The main bedroom has a massive walk-in wardrobe and a chic en suite. Reached via sassy, black-framed sliders is a covered entertainment terrace and lawn.
Brighton 1/16 Montclair Street
$1.725 million-$1.89 million 3 2 2
Contact agent
Agent: Marshall White, Robin Parker 0409 336 282
On the lower level of this Brighton townhouse are the main bedroom and a series of comfortable living spaces opening onto a tranquil and private courtyard. Upstairs are two more bedrooms with an elevated, airy feel, looking out onto a leafy canopy. The polished jarrah floors and light interior add to the sense of space. It’s well-positioned near North Brighton station and Bay Street shops. Port Melbourne
2/93 Princess Street
$800,000-$880,000 3 1 1
Auction: 10am, October 5
Agent: Kay & Burton, Rebecca Edwards 0423 759 481
This ninth-floor Beacon Cove apartment offers wraparound views – from the bright lights of the CBD to the ebb and flow of the bay – framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside is a free-flowing, open-plan home with timber floors, and a kitchen with granite worktops and stainless steel appliances. The apartment includes access to a heated pool, lifts and a concierge service.
This neat townhouse exudes sturdy, lowmaintenance magnetism. With a powder room and bright, open-plan living adjoining a sunny courtyard on ground level and three bedrooms sharing a bathroom/laundry on the first floor, it’s a sensible pad affording a foot in the door in a coveted and convenient location. Timber, tiled and carpeted floors give variety underfoot.
Brighton East
$2
3 2 1
Auction: 10am, October 12
Agent: RT Edgar, Chelsie Cargill 0404 561 988
Double-fronted, free-standing and singlelevel, this house has Victorian charm in and out, including high ceilings, hardwood floors, plantation shutters, leadlight windows and ornate fireplaces. The open-plan kitchendining area sits to the rear and extends onto a deck overlooking a pool.
Surrey Hills
7/20 Florence Road
$1.15 million 3 1 2
Private sale
Agent: Jellis Craig, Jerry Lin 0416 062 668
A dash of colonial styling adds welcoming character to this roomy unit, which is coddled toward the rear of a low-density complex. Swing easily into the attached double garage. Both the big main bedroom and the lounge and dining room benefit from fulllength, multi-paned bay windows.
South Melbourne 12 Clarendon Place
$1.485 million-$1.575 million
2
Private sale
Agent: Marshall White, Sarah Wood 0408 902 827
Beyond the Victorian facade of this house is a creative floor plan that maximises space and light. The long and narrow home opens to living and sitting rooms separated by an original free-standing brick fireplace. A galley-style kitchen and central bathroom lead to the courtyard.
Get a sneak peek of the lifestyle you could enjoy with extra support around you at our free Open Home event. Explore our community, inspect our display home, discover our social activities, chat with our friendly team and find out if retirement living will suit you.
Absolute Beachfront Luxury in Exclusive Aspendale Pocket
2/7 Kara Grove, Aspendale. For sale
At the end of a hidden coastal lane, contemporary luxury and absolute beachfront serenity awaits. Offering an astonishing 20 metres of beach frontage with breathtaking views across the water, this 3 bedroom + study, 2.5 bathroom ground floor coastal haven is situated in one of Aspendale’s most exclusive pockets. Experience an unrivalled lifestyle with outstanding space and superior finishes, an alfresco paradise and direct beach access.
