Domain Review Stonnington & Boroondara - July 05, 2023

ART

FIRST NATIONS COLLABORATIONS

TRAVEL

SEE WHAT’S NEW IN SYDNEY

MY MELBOURNE

OLYMPIAN SCOTTY JAMES

I was lucky to go to the opening of Connection at The Lume, and as art from First Nations peoples danced across the space, I was in awe of their ties to the land. This NAIDOC week, we talk to more Indigenous artists attracting a new audience – notably children. Also, our cover star Tony Armstrong humbly tells us his tale of fame. Here is a welcome to country –it’s from my daughter’s kinder class: “We would like to say thank you to the Wurundjeri people for letting us share your land. We promise to look after it, the plants, the animals and the people too. Hello land, hello sky, hello me, hello friends.” ●

by HAILEY COULES

SPECIAL BOND \ Two Girls From Amoonguna, the enchanting story of two childhood friends who are now leading artists, is being told at ACMI through animation and art until August 20. ● acmi.net.au

EASY-PEASY \ Up your chef game with Melbourne brand Supper Supply’s new squeezable Australian extra-virgin olive oil, Main Squeeze. The bottle is 100 per cent recycled plastic. ● suppersupply.com.au

THE EDIT

Things we love about Melbourne

OUR COVER \

Tony Armstrong

Photographed by Hugh Davies

MORE TO LOVE ONLINE

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Editor \ Jemimah Clegg

Editorial producer \ Hailey Coules

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REVIEW

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FRESH FARE \ Pipi’s Kiosk in Albert Park is throwing a Celebration of the Bay lunch on July 9, hosted by food writer Richard Cornish. Guests will enjoy a four-course seafood feast. ● pipiskiosk.com.au

CELEBRATING COUNTRY \ The Arts Centre’s stacked NAIDOC Week program includes the digital projection Spirits of the Land and the use of native ingredients at Pawa Cafe & Bar. ● artscentremelbourne.com.au

JAKE RODEN

BAKRI MAHMOUD

RICHARD CORNISH

Compiled

Sydney boasts a slew of new places and events to explore.

Words DONNA DEMAIO

Heading overseas for a winter getaway is not for everyone. If you’re seeking a closer-to-home adventure, Sydney has undergone a multimillion-dollar spruce-up, and sprouting up across the harbour city are new luxury hotels, buzzing restaurants and elevated experiences. We checked out some of the latest offerings. ●

Harbour city swings

Entertainment

Just days after the Australian premiere of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical in the aptly named Theatre Royal, the world mourned the loss of the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll. Rising star Ruva Ngwenya brings her powerhouse vocals to channel the late, great Ms Turner. The 23-song show celebrates Turner’s talent and successes, while also chronicling her misery with domestic abuser ex-husband Ike Turner (performed superbly by Tim Omaji) – her musical collaborator for nearly 20 years. There’s no word yet if the musical will tour Australia.

● tinathemusical.com.au

Experience peak Sydney on The Jackson superyacht – the newest way to head out on the harbour. There’s a grand staircase, private dining room, refined outdoor spaces and cool rooftop bar. It oozes sophisticated grandeur while gliding past (or under) landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

● thejackson.com.au

Stay

While glancing at the breakfast buffet at the sumptuous hotel Capella Sydney, staff occasionally appear from nowhere to hand you a plate. It is indicative of the next-levelservice at Brasserie 1930 – a majestic restaurant in the restored and transformed former Department of Education building in the Sandstone Precinct. Capella Sydney manages to be gloriously opulent without being stuffy. There’s artwork galore, the high-ceilinged rooms are refreshingly enormous (each with a spectacular free-standing bath), and there’s a guest lounge no-one wants to leave. ● capellahotels.com/en/capellasydney

Dine

In the heart of the city is glitzy New York-style steakhouse Clam Bar, with mood lighting, cosy booths and the plumpest prawn cocktails. The focus here is on quality Australian produce.

● clambarsydney.com

Evoking the subdued elegance of a Parisian Brasserie, Armorica is culinary bliss in Surry Hills. Nibble on beef tartare with horseradish cream or gorge on duck-fat potatoes.

● armorica.com.au

Gaze across the water at Crafted by Matt Moran at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, while munching on roasted globe artichokes or stuffed baked apple. What a view.

● craftedbymattmoran.com.au

Arts

What can’t be missed at the sparkling new North Building at The Art Gallery of New South Wales are the large, bold installations Here Comes Everybody by New Zealand artist Francis Upritchard at the gallery’s meeting place entrance. Explore further, and you’ll find Lee Mingwei’s contemplative Spirit House sculpture.

● artgallery.nsw.gov.au

The Sydney Opera House has just been awarded a 6-star Green performance rating – one of the first among World Heritage listed buildings. Guided tours allow you to “sneak in” to upcoming performance rehearsals (no photos though!).

● sydneyoperahouse.com

Pleasure Club, a much-anticipated basement bar, will soon open its doors on King Street in Newtown. Run by Odd Culture Group, it will have late-night shows (with a rare 4 am licence), every night. “There will be no limitations for us to pull the curtain open at 1am and offer up the coolest band you’ve seen in some time,” says group manager Sabrina Medcalf.

● oddculture.group

Over at Taronga Zoo Sydney is the new immersive Nura Diya Australia, where you stroll past kangaroos along a 400-metre trail or hang with dingo pups. A tree canopy lets you chill with koalas. Soon to be introduced is a Night Walk to view creatures, such as platypuses and feathertail gliders.

● taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo

M c RAE BAR AT CAPELLA SYDNEY

DANIEL BOUD

IWAN BAAN

JENNIFER SOO

ART

Indigenous artists are bringing their work to new audiences.

Words KIM WILSON

First Nations artists are sharing the stories of our country’s rich Indigenous culture through breathtaking work that is being viewed and enjoyed increasingly by a more mainstream audience.

Collaborations with well and lesser-known artists are seeing works that reflect the land and traditions appearing in fashion, homewares, and large-scale interactive installations.

A desire to share the stories of his ancestors inspired artist B.J. O’Toole to reignite his passion for painting when he started working as a cultural heritage representative at the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

O’Toole started painting when he was a child, but only recently picked up the brush full-time.

“What really inspired me to get back into it was working on Country every day,” he says.

“Learning the stories and walking Country and just wanting to educate people about the stories of Wadawurrung country.

“With my art, I love to incorporate elements that people see visually so when they look at my artwork, they have an understanding of the story that I’m trying to share.”

His latest collaboration with baby and children’s wear brand Homegrown invites children to explore the symbols, stories, and significance behind his artwork – handprints for connection and eucalyptus leaves for welcoming, to animal tracks leading the way and a radiant sun signalling a new day.

Sharing a culture

first] clothing collaboration,”

O’Toole says. “I’ve got three little girls as well, so to be able to do children’s clothing is something I pinch myself about every day. The more aboriginal art that’s out in the public domain, the more people are going to be educated about it.”

Professor Wayne Quilliam, a pre-eminent Indigenous artist and photographer, is curating the latest exhibition at The Lume, Connection

“By listening to our songs, revelling in our art, and walking with us, there is a wonderful opportunity to experience diverse truths and different ways of being,” he says. “My journey as an Aboriginal storyteller is to listen and record these narratives. In essence, each photograph explores self, time, space, place, and connection as a cultural consciousness.”

Quilliam was particularly moved to curate Connection because of the opportunity it gives to share stories with children and families.

“I have three children and four grandchildren who greatly influence my work and I realised that there are very few immersive experiences that embrace and share our culture in a dynamic and educational way,” he says.

Fourth-generation Ngen’giwumirri artist Kieren Karritpul says he was destined to be passionate about art and design.

born,” says the awardwinning painter and printmaker. “My mother, grandmother and great grandmother were already artists and it had already been decided by the ancestors that I, too, would follow that path. It was my chosen destiny.”

Watching the women in his community weave baskets and fishing nets greatly influenced his art. Karritpul uses lines and circular forms to represent life on the land in paintings, fabrics and ceramics.

“For all First Nations people, connection to country is everything,” he says. “We understand ourselves as woven into the land. We don’t walk on top but move within the landscape. We are part of the land, and it is part of us.”

Karritpul has collaborated with Country Road on a limited-edition homewares range that tells the stories of the traditional lands of the Daly River region, drawing on the cultural significance of its billabongs, mermaids and turtles.

“This is a positive story and will generate more respect and understanding for all of us. I am proud to be part of this and hope that I can help other people, including other white Australians, understand our long, varied and strong culture.” ●

Kieren Karritpul x Country Road

B.J. O’Toole x Homegrown, left; The Lume Connection exhibit, below.

“By listening to our songs, revelling in our art, and walking with us, there is a wonderful opportunity to experience diverse truths and different ways of being.”

WAYNE QUILLIAM

WAYNE QUILLIAM

Former AFL player turned Australian media personality Tony Armstrong is having an out-of-body experience on the ABC News Breakfast set, where he works as a sports reporter.

He’s just been nominated for a 2023 Logie – the Bert Newton award for most popular presenter – yet he hasn’t seen his name on the list after only taking a quick glance at the press release on the morning of the announcement.

“I completely didn’t see my name,” Armstrong says. “Someone at work said, ‘Have another read of it, Tony!’

“You know, it’s pretty humbling to be nominated, particularly against iconic household names in Australia. It’s both cool and weird. I can’t quite describe it.”

Last year, Armstrong won the Graham Kennedy award for most popular new talent, recognised for his sports reporting on ABC News Breakfast. This year, he competes against Shaun Micallef, Sonia Kruger, Julia Morris, Scott Cam and Hamish Blake (the pair are friends away from the limelight).

“I just don’t have a perception of myself and still have the old imposter syndrome, which is probably a good thing,” he says. “It keeps me on my toes a bit.”

Raised by a single, non-Indigenous mother in Sydney’s west, Armstrong wanted to play AFL since he was a kid. He moved to Melbourne 10 years ago to play for Collingwood, and also had stints at the Adelaide Crows and the Sydney Swans.

LEANING INTO LIFE

Logie winner (and current nominee) Tony Armstrong is ready for whatever comes along, even a chat with friendly strangers.

After eight years, and just 35 games into his career, he walked away, saying he was sacked. It was a brutal blow for a young man in his 20s who had given it his all.

“It’s never as good as you think it is, and not as bad as you think it is,” reflects Armstrong, who is now 33.

“A tough lesson I learned with footy is that just because you work hard and do everything right doesn’t mean it will work out, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try,” he says.

“I gave it what I could, and I would never have thought I’d step into this career and have the moment I am having. You just never know in life.”

These days he’s also busy working on his podcast The Pool Room with Tony Armstrong. It’s a chance to tell longer sports stories and not be in the glaring lights of the TV studio.

“What I do in TV is staccato, it’s high level and quick, but you don’t get the chance to do the deep dive into a yarn that a podcast can allow,” Armstrong says.

“The Pool Room allows me to be niche and deliver content that is bitesized – 10 minutes in length, which is great when on a short commute somewhere,” he says.

“People in my circles love to share a sport yarn and these are stories you can retell with ease.”

Armstrong also likes to listen to podcasts when he can. Some on high rotation include The Worst Idea of All Time, produced by two Kiwi comedians who watch the same movie once a week for a year and review it. They’ve done Sex and the City 1 and 2 and are now doing the Fast & The Furious franchise in descending order.

“It’s so funny listening to them descend into a pit of misery and drag themselves out again,” Armstrong says. “They hate each other and the film so much but they always find the humour in it.”

Words JANE ROCCA ● Photos EDDIE JIM

Having just returned from a holiday to Europe, Armstrong is feeling refreshed. He casually reveals he dined at Ciccone’s in Mayfair with comedian John Cleese, whipped off to Spain for a former footy-player friend’s wedding and soaked up the architecture in Copenhagen.

The best part about being away was not having alarm clocks buzzing at 3.30am.

“It was nice to disconnect from the news cycle too, but let me tell you last Monday’s alarm hit me like a tonne of bricks,” Armstrong laughs.

So, what was it like sitting opposite John Cleese for lunch?

“I remember walking away from that saying to myself, ‘Did that really just happen?’ John ordered a fish dish and I had vongole. We shot the breeze. It was so amazing,” he says.

Armstrong is rubbing shoulders with some big names these days –including a career-highlight 10-minute interview with Irish comedian Dylan Moran.

Home is in Melbourne’s inner north. A quick coffee at Heart Attack and Vine is always on his radar, while a knock-off drink at Gerald’s Bar or a dance at the Night Cat on a Saturday fit the bill. He loves watching the footy with friends on a Saturday, and he loves to cook.

Learning how to better himself in the kitchen came from hours dedicated to watching travelogues and YouTube videos.

He makes a good Sunday lambshoulder roast and a Penang curry, and is a ragu connoisseur.

“I sound like a wanker but, seriously, learning how to cook changed my life,” he says.

What would Armstrong say to his younger self if he could travel back in time?

“I would say to myself, ‘Don’t lose the spark,’ ” he says. “And, ‘Don’t let fear of failure get in the way of trying to do something awesome,’ and, ‘The best is yet to come.’ ”

Maybe that’s an acting career?

“I would never rule it out,” Armstrong says. “I do think about it every now and then. If something came along that looked like fun and something I could work hard at and execute, then I’d love to do it.”

For now, he’s rolling with the good times, but with that comes less ability to hide when out and about in Melbourne.

“I am recognised way more now that I am on TV than when I played footy,” he says. “I am so painfully polite, too. Someone could spill something on me and I’d apologise to them!

“I am conflict-averse and I want everyone to be happy. But yes, if someone comes up and says g’day to me, I will always give them the time of day. Isn’t it humbling that someone wants to come up and say hi? I don’t take any of this for granted.” ●

●

“I would never have thought I’d step into this career and have the moment I’m having. You just never know in life.”

PODCAST \ THE POOL ROOM with Tony Armstrong. Listen on iHeartRadio, Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

ABC TV sports journalist Tony Armstrong is adding podcaster to his resume.

MY MELBOURNE

The

Words JANE ROCCA

Australian snowboarding star Scotty James is a two-time Olympic medallist and three-time world champion who grew up in Warrandyte and now lives in Monaco with his wife, Formula 1 heiress and aspiring singer Chloe Stroll. He recently tied the knot – and it’s no surprise one of his best mates, F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, was in attendance.

James’ family still lives in Victoria. He spent his childhood riding the slopes at Mount Buller, where he first got his snowboarding thrills, and he still enjoys life on the incline.

When he’s back in Melbourne, he’s either dirtbike riding in the countryside or visiting his favourite spots in South Melbourne.

Scotty James

projects

Olympic medallist on the places he thinks take the gold.

Fave place to eat

HECTOR’S DELI, RICHMOND & SOUTH MELBOURNE

They opened their first store in Richmond, but they’re now conveniently located in South Melbourne, which is ideal for me. They make the best sandwiches in Melbourne and it’s always the first pit stop I make for lunch whenever I arrive back in Melbourne. I highly recommend the schnitzel roll – it’s amazing. ● hectorsdeli.com.au

Fave winery

ST HUBERT’S ESTATE, YARRA VALLEY

Another favourite go-to when I am back in Melbourne. I always enjoy a trip here as St Hubert’s The Stag pinot noir is my favourite drop to drink when I’m home with the family and sitting around a fireplace – it’s perfect for wintertime. They have an incredible new cellar door as well, set in the awesome

landscape of the Yarra Valley, which is close to my home town of Warrandyte. I love a Sunday drive there with family and friends.

● sthuberts.com.au

Fave live music venue

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL, SOUTH YARRA

I’ve seen a few gigs here now and love how it sits in the middle of the Royal Botanic Gardens, a natural amphitheatre with the grassy hill to stand on and watch acts perform. I saw Mumford and Sons play here at sunset and it is a memory that lives rent-free in my head.

● artscentremelbourne.com.au

Fave shop

CHEF’S HAT, SOUTH MELBOURNE

Chef’s Hat kitchen supply store is a regular stop for us. My wife and I love going in here to get new kitchen supplies. Although we don’t have an industrial kitchen, it’s a fun place to go and get some new plates, pots, pans and appliances we didn’t know we needed until we saw them here.

● chefshat.com.au

Fave market

SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET, SOUTH MELBOURNE

I love going there on weekends and love all the different types of food with bakeries, fish markets, fresh fruit stalls and an incredible energy that’s really fun to walk around in when shopping.

● southmelbournemarket.com.au

“I always enjoy a trip here as St Hubert’s The Stag pinot noir is my favourite drop to drink.”

FEATURE HOUSE

TOORAK \ PENTHOUSE AT 65 LANSELL ROAD

This glamorous penthouse sits on top of an exclusive boutique development and is the striking brainchild of local architecture and design firm Cera Stribley.

Some 720 square metres encompass two levels, which are home to four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a variety of luxurious shared living spaces. Quality materials, stunning views and all-important opportunities to bring light inside all add up to premium Toorak livability.

There’s even secure basement parking for seven cars.

Direct lift access will bring you into a tasteful entry foyer on both floors. Walk through the foyer doors at the top, and you’ll be greeted by floor-to ceiling-glass, wide oak floors, soaring ceilings and a gas log fire, all making a grand statement.

The kitchen comes with a butler’s pantry, and appliances include Wolf ovens and cooktop, Liebherr integrated fridge and freezer and two Vintec bar fridges.

Glass stacking sliding doors open to the north-west-facing terrace, which has a plunge pool and spa, and a barbecue. This terrace is just made for entertaining, which gives the new owners the ideal excuse to show off the penthouse’s views. Everything from mountain ranges to the Melbourne CBD skyline is in sight.

The stand-out curved staircase leads down from the open living zones to the more private downstairs sanctuary. Here you’ll find the penthouse’s bedrooms. The main bedroom has a limestone and marble en suite, a dressing room and a gas log fire. Occupants can also enjoy an enviably private covered terrace. Three more double bedrooms can also be found on this level. All of the bedrooms have both en suites and walk-in wardrobes.

Rounding out the lower level is a study and a retreat that also works as a media room.

Other features include double glazing, ducted heatingcooling, a laundry and a large storeroom.

It can all be found in a northern pocket of Toorak, close to the winding Yarra River. It’s a quick stroll to Heyington train station, and Toorak Village is also nearby. Two elite independent schools, St Catherine’s and St Kevin’s, are within walking distance. ●

ANDERS FURZE property@domain.com.au

Agent: Marshall White, Nicholas Brooks 0419 883 136

Price: $9.5 million-$10.4 million

Expressions of interest

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

FINAL WORD

“THIS PENTHOUSE IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF COLLABORATORS AT THE TOP OF THEIR FIELDS COMING TOGETHER TO CREATE A STUNNING RESIDENCE. NICHOLAS BROOKS – AGENT

BALWYN NORTH \

It will be easy living in this single-level home, with nothing to be done before moving in and low maintenance once you have. Ticking plenty of boxes – north facing, high side of the street, close to schools and shops – the dwelling itself would suit young couples, families or downsizers. The main bedroom has a walkin wardrobe and en suite, while the central bathroom has a shower and spa bath. The monochrome kitchen overlooks the dining

area, which, like the adjoining spacious lounge, has access to the decked al fresco area. Other highlights include 2.7-metre ceilings, polished timber floors, a separate laundry and a double garage with built-in shelves and storage. ●

JOANNE BROOKFIELD

Agent: Belle Property Glen Iris, Leo Liu 0403 715 783

Price: $1.3 million-$1.43 million

Auction: 10am, July 15

BALWYN NORTH \ 14 WALBUNDRY AVENUE

5 3 2

Ample space with lashings of grandeur is on offer at this double-storey home. Located on a tree-lined street within the desirable Riverside Estate, the property sprawls across 838 square metres, allowing space for a generous driveway behind remote gates leading to a double garage and, out the back, a garden and al fresco zones around the heated in-ground pool and spa. The residence itself has a versatile floor plan, with a sweeping staircase, tiled

BALWYN NORTH \ 17

LEONIS AVENUE

3 2 1

Relaxed indoor-outdoor, parkside living awaits at this address. There are two marble bench kitchens – one outside and hosting a built-in barbecue and drinks fridge, the other indoors, with Gaggenau appliances. There are even marble benches in the laundry. The three northfacing bedrooms have built-in mirrored wardrobes, and the main bedroom has a travertine en suite. The large living, dining and family areas make up the bulk of the

downstairs space and offer open-plan living. Bulleen Road’s cafes and shops are within walking distance, and the Koonung Creek Trail is directly opposite, which put an active leafy lifestyle within easy reach. Reward yourself after a run with a pastry from Tatin, which is around the corner. ●

ANDERS FURZE

Agent: Jellis Craig, David Fileccia 0402 026 748

Price: $1.45 million-$1.55 million

Auction: 1pm, July 15

BALWYN \ 160 WINMALEE ROAD

This three-level house was built in the Mediterranean art deco style around 1941, and renovations have retained details such as original cornices and plaster mouldings, mahogany doors and jarrah floors while updating lifestyle conveniences. There are integrated high-end appliances in the kitchen and designer pendants in the dining room, plus a solar system and Tesla Power Wall. There’s a parents’ wing, a children’s wing and, on the lower level, a fully self-contained guest retreat with an

flooring and plenty of natural light, making it ready to live in now while also offering scope for changes. The property is zoned for Kew High School and Balwyn North Primary School and is close to private schools, transport options and North Balwyn Village. ● JOANNE

Agent: Fletchers, Suki Zhuang 0423 235 966

BROOKFIELD

Price: $2.95 million-$3.15 million

Auction: Noon, July 8

en suite (featuring heated floors), a lounge room, a kitchenette and a study nook. Set behind an impressive stone wall, the established gardens on this 892-squaremetre block were inspired by famed 1930s garden designer Edna Walling. Describing it as a “fusion of elegance and innovation”, agent David Fileccia says “this is Balwyn at its best”. ●

JOANNE BROOKFIELD

Agent: Jellis Craig, David Fileccia 0402 026 748

Price: $3.2 million-$3.4 million

Auction: 1pm, July 22

160 Winmalee Road, Balwyn

Original elegance, luxury transformation

Auction: Saturday 22nd July at 1pm

Inspect: As advertised or by appointment

THE LOCAL DIRECTORY WINTER 2023

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

J.L Hutt Electrical Specialising in all electrical installations: Extensions/ Refurbishments, Stove/Oven/Hot Water Repair, Switchboard upgrades, House Rewires, TV/Phone/Data, Safety switches. Free quotes. 24 hour service. Lic 17824.

Contact: Jason 0411 300 772. www.jlhuttelectrical.com.au

FENCING

Websters Fencing Building quality fences in Stonnington and Booroondara since 1982. Websters fencing provides a tailored and reliable service, with the experience to ensure quality and longevity of your fence. We specialise in boundary fencing. Please call Les Webster between 7am and 7pm for a quote.

Contact: 0417 356 608

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Gardens By Glen 30+ years experience in all aspects Horticulture and Plants. Garden Maintenance. New Gardens. Garden Planning. Garden Renovations. Regular Garden Service Calls. High pressure cleaning.

Contact: Glen 0408 456 988. gardensbyglen@gmail.com

SECURITY PRODUCTS

Crimsafe Protect your Home and Family. Hi-light Group, Melbourne’s premier manufacturer and installer of CRIMSAFE security products. Doorswindows-Enclosures. See showroom: 44/125 Highbury Road, Burwood. (By appoinment only). Free measure and quote.

Contact: 9808 9559 www.highlightdirect.com.au

SECURITY PRODUCTS