Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - June 28, 2023

MY MELBOURNE JACKALOPE’S LOUIS LI

LUME

FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS SHINE

TRAVEL RETRO HOTELS TO TAKE YOU BACK

KATE CEBERANO

40 YEARS OF SONG

I’m no stranger to a pub gig. When I was in my teens and early 20s, I was a singer in bands in Perth – playing many a room with sticky carpet and vinyl chairs. But my days on the stage were numbered, as they are for many young hopefuls. Not so for our cover star, Kate Ceberano. Most will know her hits in the ’90s, but the singer and songwriter’s rise to pop stardom was certainly not instant, and she spent years playing pubs and rooms from Doncaster to St Kilda. After 40 years in the business, Ceberano is not done gigging – whether in a country pub or a grand theatre. She shared some of her memories with us. ●

Compiled by HAILEY COULES

SAY CHEESE \ Get your hands on Maker & Monger’s speciality Tour De France cheese and wine packs, to be enjoyed with each stage of the tour as a perfect pairing to the race. ● makerandmonger.com.au

ONE-OF-A-KIND \ Tassie-born designer Noah

Johnson has collaborated with Tourism Tasmania on sustainable winter gear, dubbed Off Cuts, made from discarded materials. ● bit.ly/tasoffcuts

THE EDIT

Things we love about Melbourne

OUR COVER \

Kate Ceberano

Photographed by Kristoffer Paulsen

MORE TO LOVE ONLINE

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TACO’BOUT IT \ Mornington has just welcomed its latest hospo venture, La Cabra, offering modern Mexican eats and playful experiences like tequila paddles. ● lacabramexican.com.au

STAR TREATMENT \ Let the kiddos live their celebrity fantasy at a special screening of Pixar’s Elemental, with a red carpet and a Kez’s Kitchen treat. July 1 at Classic Cinemas Elsternwick. ● classiccinemas.com.au

KRISTOFFER PAULSEN

Retro relaxation

The Kyneton Springs Motel KYNETON

A Palm Springs-inspired motel channels the Calidesert in the much cooler climate of central Victoria. There’s an abundance of attention to detail at The Kyneton Springs Motel. From the electrifying pink neon sign to the kitsch decor, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a contemporary twist.

Each of the 20 curated rooms is so Instagramworthy your friends will wonder how you got there first. Deluxe bathroom products are impressive, as are the fast Wi-Fi and access to streaming services essential for the FOMO traveller.

There are retro fit-outs wherever you turn. Guests can enjoy a cocktail in the pastel-hued shade of The Patio, grab a bite from the diner-inspired menu at Cathie’s Kiosk or browse the gift shop.

“We are determined to remain affordable so guests can maximise on the unique vibes,” says owner Catherine Foote. “The goal is ... creating a space that is accessible, fun and with a little bit of luxury.”

Sunnymead Hotel AIREY’S INLET

In the heart of Airey’s Inlet, this gorgeous 1980s hotel has modern retro accents and beautifully styled rooms, complemented by a heated pool and Sunnies pool bar.

The manager’s residence of the old Lightkeeper’s Inn has been turned into Indie Spa with a bath house attached. Dine in at the Indian-inspired Santara Restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights, or grab a takeaway or room service on other nights.

Words WRITER NAME

River Drive Motel GIPPSLAND

On the Tarwin River in the heart of South Gippsland is where you’ll find this new five-room, self-contained motel. It’s been restored with a modern design and a clever nod to Australian nostalgia.

The interiors are inspired by the couple’s design background – think a palette of eucalyptus greens, earth tones and wattle golds with decor that fuses polished chrome, corduroy, cork and Victorian plantation hardwood furniture and joinery.

Astor Hotel Motel ALBURY

This family-owned and operated hotel in Albury underwent a multimillion-dollar reboot in late 2019, reworked by architects Techne, who were behind the makeover of The Espy in St Kilda.

The striking retro facade makes you feel like it’s The Brady Bunch meets The Jetsons. Here you’ll find gourmet pub-style food and 28 beers on tap. The rooms have been renovated in keeping with the hotel’s makeover.

These destinations deliver both nostalgia and Insta-worthiness.

Words JANE ROCCA

The Kyneton Springs Motel is both fun and luxurious.

Lighting the way

The art and culture of First Peoples enter the iridescent digital world in Connection , the latest show from the team at The Lume – best known for digitising the artworks of Van Gogh and Monet & Friends to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences.

The Lume’s newest exhibition features paintings, photography and video works themed across earth, land, water and sky, with original artworks projected across 3000 square metres of gallery space.

Each work is enhanced for the digital age, and images move, swirl and flow as you move through the space.

From landscapes to portraits and drone footage, Connection fuses the traditional with the contemporary to show the multifaceted art of Australia’s First Peoples.

It includes works by contemporary Indigenous artist Sarrita King, who first painted the lightning strikes she saw in the Northern Territory as a 17-year-old.

“I became known for my lightning work,” says King, who is the daughter of artist William King and the sister of Tarisse King, who is also exhibiting here.

“I love to paint the energy of the big storms that sweep over the Top End, and I was in awe to see how these works have come into the digital space at The Lume,” King says.

“What I love about the digital gallery is that those who walk through the exhibition can feel the storm rolling over them.

“My works are juxtaposed with the rich colours of the landscape I paint in,” she adds. “Viewers are taken on a journey through Connection

“I love how the works are punchy and vibrant as when I first painted them. There are times you want to cry in this exhibition, others when you want to dance or you find your mouth wide open in awe. It’s like a workout of soul.”

Another series, Ancestors, features works depicting King’s reflection on those who came before her.

Renowned Sydney-based artist Kate Constantine – known as Konstantina – also joins The Lume’s Connection . The proud Gadigal woman of the Eora nation is passionate about her language and sharing stories through her contemporary works.

THE LUME’S CONNECTION

Words JANE ROCCA

She reimagines the dot paintings of centuries past, using acrylics, ochre and natural pigments to create her highlysought-after work.

She’s booked out for commissions for the next three years and is heading to Paris in September to exhibit her work.

Konstantina says having her work seen in spaces away from traditional galleries is a thrill in itself, and that showing at The Lume is an exciting era for art expression.

“We have a massive referendum coming this year … and have had some gnarly discussions around it,” she says.

“What I love about this exhibition is that it’s all about the joy of what our culture is about and it’s for all Australians. This is the opportunity to ask all of Australia to walk with us.” ●

CONNECTION

Features nearly 650 works from more than 110 First Nations artists – an unprecedented number together in one show –giving them a platform to share their stories, perspectives and enduring culture passed down through generations. Along with Sarrita King and Konstantina, the artists include Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Tommy Watson, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Lin Onus, Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi and Michelle Possum Nungurrayi.

Art from First Nations people is set to inspire and illuminate at The Lume.

LUME \ Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf ●

Endless passion

Kate Ceberano walks down memory lane as she celebrates 40 years in music.

Memories flood back to Kate Ceberano almost every day as she goes about her life in Melbourne, mostly when she passes a venue she’s performed at – and there are quite a few of them.

“From Lower Plenty to Doncaster to venues like The Harp in Kew and The Palais in St Kilda, there isn’t one venue in Melbourne I haven’t played in,” Ceberano says.

Now the 56-year-old singer and songwriter is celebrating 40 years in the music business with a new album, My Life is a Symphony with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, an illustrated memoir titled Unsung to be released in November and, of course, more performances.

“I’m very nostalgic,” Ceberano says. “There is not one time when I drive past [a venue she’s played] and don’t recall what it was like for me back then and where I am today.

“Who would have thought? What was it in me to keep going?”

As a child Ceberano always knew she wanted to be a singer.

“I was chasing a dream from the minute I could open my mouth and ask for it,” she says.

Ceberano grew up in the eastern suburbs with two brothers, her mother Cherie, who she says has been an incredible support, and her father Tino, who was a karate superstar.

Students who idolised her father used to come and visit the family home, so she got used to the concept of fame early.

“We would have hundreds of students coming to the house to see Dad, so I understood celebrity before celebrity was a thing,” she says.

Ceberano would consume music whenever she could, and that included making the trip from Doncaster to Elsternwick on a Saturday morning to see whichever international act was playing on Countdown on the day.

It didn’t take long for her to start living her musical dream. At 14, she got her big break on national TV.

“The show was called Search for a Star and it was like The Voice of that era and Molly Meldrum was on the judging panel,” she says.

“I won the Battle of the Bands at 15 and then started going and playing gigs around that age, from the Grainstore and Inflation in the city, to the Mount Erika Hotel in Prahran, and so many others.”

School took a back seat, and Ceberano was playing multiple gigs a week – a professional singer and recording artist by the age of 16.

She ended up singing in bands that would open for superstars such as The Church and Divinyls frontwoman Chrissie Amphlett.

She even busked at the Bourke Street Mall, sometimes going home with a bucket full of cash.

By the time she was 17, she bought her first car, an Alfa Romeo Spider.

“It was amazing,” she says of those early years. “I would have my brothers, who were a couple of years older than me as chaperones, and they would drive me to and from the gigs.

“Sometimes my grandpa would pick me up if it was late at night. Nobody thought twice about the fact that I was underage.”

Ceberano joined the pop/funk band I’m Talking, which had a huge hit with Trust Me in 1984. The band broke the mould for the Australian music scene at the time, which was heavily focused on pub rock.

Since I’m Talking, Ceberano has barely been out of the limelight.

From hugely successful albums such as Brave, starring in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1992 to winning Dancing With the Stars in 2007, there isn’t much she hasn’t done.

She played a sell-out concert with the MSO at the Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall in May this year, where she got a standing ovation, and says it’s another place that takes her back in time.

“I met Prince Charles and Princess Diana in the causeway under the Arts Centre – these venues have been the home of some of the most pivotal moments of my career,” she says.

Sitting at one of those iconic Melbourne venues, The Espy in St Kilda, Ceberano says she will never forget the days where it all began. For her, Melbourne was the epicentre of the inspirational ’80s in Australia.

“I travelled around with a posse of so many people who had high hopes, and who have gone on to do great things,” Ceberano says.

“Martin Grant the fashion designer was my friend, [fashion designer] Theresa Liano was a great Melbourne person, [restaurateur] Maurice Terzini and [chef] Guy Grossi. It was just such a great era in Melbourne.”

Fast forward four decades, and Ceberano has her husband Lee Rogers and daughter Gypsy by her side.

Another concert with the MSO at the Melbourne Town Hall in September has already sold out, but Ceberano will be playing smaller gigs around the country, still lapping up life on the road – a true survivor.

“I am proud,” she says. “I love the term survivor when it comes to my career, because I hope it is a good example to others.” ●

KATE CEBERANO \ Tour dates, music and more: kateceberano.com

Words LUKE DENNEHY ● Photos KRISTOFFER PAULSEN

“I was chasing a dream from the minute I could open my mouth and ask for it.”

The

Words JANE ROCCA

Louis Li is the man behind the iconic Mornington Peninsula luxury accommodation Jackalope and the avantgarde cakes of Black Star Pastry, which has opened its third store, located in the former Money Order Office in Driver Lane in the CBD.

“With the new store we wanted to realise a quintessential laneway experience,” Li says.

Li’s fave cakes are the OG strawberry watermelon and the new rose and pistachio croissant.

“The team and I took months in order to realise this croissant,” Li says. “The flaky croissant dough filled with strawberry and rose cream, dipped in

Confidence that motivates them.

St Michael’s holistic approach to teaching, learning and caring, encourages all our students to be confident and tenacious. Motivating them to chase their goals, whatever they might be.

At St Michael’s every student is the star of the show.

mastermind behind Jackalope and Black Star Pastry reveals the high points of his city.

strawberry chocolate then sprinkled with rose petals and pistachios, wowed our audiences both visually and taste-wise.”

Li plans to reopen Rain Room at Jackalope Pavilion later this year – it attracted more than 100,000 visitors before the pandemic.

He says he loves Melbourne for its resilience, vibrancy and convenience.

“After spending two years overseas, a lot of exciting new concepts have opened … Melburnians are so supportive of the businesses,” Li says.

● blackstarpastry.com

● jackalopehotels.com

Fave retail

Incu is more than menswear, it’s a holistic lifestyle store too. When I am in Melbourne, I wear a lot of elevated basics for work. With all the emerging international labels that the store carries, you will always find a good balance between being comfortable and stylish. My recent purchase here includes a Junya Wantanabe patchwork jacket and Nike x Ambush sneakers.

● incu.com

Fave restaurant

Right now it’s Gimlet . I always love to show visitors around Flinders Lane and have been a fan of Andrew McConnell’s culinary creations. Gimlet ticks all of my boxes – the classicism and nostalgic beauty of the interior, and menu, makes guests feel so familiar from the very first impression. I recommend you try the wood-roasted lobster in saffron rice and rouille. Also highly recommend the steak tartare, which is only available at lunchtime.

● gimlet.melbourne

Fave galleries

My favourite galleries in Melbourne are Anna Schwartz Gallery and Neon Parc I love contemporary conceptual art, and both galleries have the finest representation of both international and Australian artists with the most advanced perspectives. Some unforgettable moments include Chiharu Shiota’s Absent Bodies and Emily Floyd’s Icelandic Puffins at Anna Schwartz, and Jon Rafman’s (an upside-down rendering of avra kehdabra – the

Hebrew phrase from which “abracadabra” is derived) and Dale Frank’s It’s Such a Perfect Day at Neon Parc Gallery.

● neonparc.com.au

● annaschwartzgallery.com

Fave cafe

Patricia Coffee Brewers on Little Bourke Street – although it has a tiny little standing space and barely has any seats, I like its singularity – one thing and one thing only. The baristas and staff are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. My go-to is a flat white using a seasonal espresso blend.

● patriciacoffee.com.au

Fave bar

I am obsessed with the minimalist cocktails at Byrdi. The cocktail menu is constructed with extreme precision and outstanding aesthetics. I like the complexity behind the simplicity; some elements took months to preserve, ferment and clarify. Thus, it always delivers a strong sense of time and seasonality.

● byrdi.com.au

Now Selling

avra kehdabra

FEATURE HOUSE

SANDRINGHAM \ 96 BEACH ROAD

Cleverly designed to take advantage of sunset views over Port Phillip Bay, this home has the spacious living areas on the top floor, and the bedrooms on the ground floor, with garden views. It has a superb location opposite Sandringham beach.

The house is built of sandstone, with a tall sandstone fence and mature trees in the front garden.

Enter through the double doors of the spacious entrance. A pretty timber staircase leads to the first floor and to the basement, and hallways track around to the bedrooms, also with double doors.

The main bedroom suite includes a walk-in wardrobe, a balcony and an en-suite bathroom with twin basins, a marble benchtop, a corner spa bath and a dual-head shower. Two of the three remaining bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, and there is a Euro laundry.

On the first floor of the house, wide expanses of glass open to an undercover balcony with retractable blinds, ideal for entertaining or a quiet evening glass of wine.

Living and dining areas wrap around the central staircase, providing for flexible furniture arrangements, and there is space for two living areas if required. There are vistas in all directions, while a gas log fireplace, with a sandstone surround, creates a cosy place to curl up with a book.

Immaculate white decor adds to the beachy atmosphere, and the flooring is a mixture of engineered oak and tiles.

The white kitchen has a black splashback, a pantry, stone benchtops, a square island bench and Miele appliances.

In the basement, there is parking for four cars and storage. The large area offers the new owners the flexibility to include a workshop or gym.

The house has hydronic heating, central evaporative cooling, keypad entry, a security system and a powder room.

It is zoned for Sandringham Primary School and Sandringham College and is close to several independent schools. Shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and transport are all nearby. The beach is across the road, and this area includes Sandringham Yacht Club, two beach parks and a dogfriendly beach. ●

BEVERLEY JOHANSON property@domain.com.au

Agent: Marshall White, Andy Nasr 0422 029 324

Price: $2.85 million-$3.1 million

Private sale

FINAL WORD

“DESIGNED FOR IMPRESSIVE ENTERTAINING AND RELAXED FAMILY LIVING.” ANDY NASR – AGENT

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Sandringham

While this property will attract people smitten by contemporary good looks, it also offers functional, four-bedroom living buoyed by a decent slice of the great outdoors. The absence of a front fence allows for unimpeded appreciation of the handsome facade. Enter via the porch or through the double garage for a laundry, powder room, bedroom with en suite and amalgamated kitchen, dining and living areas on ground level. Glass doors in the living area part to a deck looking over

orderly gardens. Ascend the staircase for a roomy retreat buffering the luxe main bedroom suite from two minors and a full bathroom. The retreat adjoins a streetview balcony. Metres from Royal Melbourne Golf Club and close to shops, schools and transport, the location underwrites the strong family-oriented pull here. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Buxton, Stefan Delyster 0419 614 699

Price: $1.75 million-$1.85 million

Auction: 12.30pm, July 8

BRIGHTON \ 2/31 NEW STREET

This tasteful townhouse champions bright, modern living in a convenient and beachy location. With the interior spick and span and the outdoor set-up styled for minimal maintenance, you can move right in and get on with your water sports and whatnot. There’s a regal air about the red brick facade. Enter to a foyer heralding expansive, open-plan living, with a central kitchen area and a door leading to a wraparound patio at the rear. Head upstairs for three bedrooms,

including the seductive main with a walk-in wardrobe, Juliet balcony and direct access to the bath-and-shower bathroom. Two basement car parks and ducted heating and cooling figure among the inclusions. Stroll to shops, cafes, Brighton Beach station and the foreshore. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Belle Property Sandringham, Mandy Englehardt 0439 483 024

Price: $995,000-$1.09 million

Auction: 5.30pm, June 29

HAMPTON \ 20A SARGOOD STREET

4

Light and fresh, with a beautifully relaxed and elegant interior, this home has space for a large family to live and entertain in style. On the ground floor, living areas open to a covered outdoor entertaining area with a barbecue. The kitchen has a Siemens induction cooktop, pyrolytic combi oven and steam oven, and an integrated Liebherr fridge and freezer. The butler’s pantry has a double farmhouse sink, Zip tap, Vintec wine fridge and a second dishwasher. The main bedroom suite and a study are also

on this floor. Upstairs, all bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, and there is also a bathroom, rumpus room and walk-in linen cupboard. The house has a fitted laundry, keyless entry, heating and cooling and a solar unit with a battery. It is close to cafes, shops, schools and transport. ●

BEVERLEY JOHANSON

Agent: Buxton, Christian Hegarty 0409 449 948

Price: $2.5 million-$2.65 million

Auction: 12.30pm, July 1

SANDRINGHAM \ 34

3 2 2

With the original sector of the house dating from the 1930s and the rear extension showpiece-contemporary, you get the best of both worlds here. The clinker brick facade presents imposingly, complete with an enticing, arched entrance porch. Pop in through it, and you’ll find three alluring living spaces and three lovely bedrooms in an airy, singlelevel flow. Both the lounge and the dining room sport fireplaces and jaw-dropping

ceiling roses. In the open-plan hub at the rear, there’s further reason for gazing at the ceiling, which is a dramatically raked affair underpinned by clerestory glazing. Both the hub and the main bedroom open to the deck and backyard, wherein the sizable studio makes for a great office or a groovy teen retreat.

●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Jellis Craig, Melina Scriva 0419 348 606

Price: $2.39 million

Private sale

Harleston Road, Mount Eliza

With breathtaking views and luxurious features, this stunning half-floor penthouse is situated at the top of Hobson's Bay Apartments and was designed to maximize natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. With three bedrooms including a lavish master suite, this residence offers a truly remarkable living experience from the highest point in Middle Park, with panoramic views of the bay, city skyline, and the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.

belleproperty.com/222P428428