Popular show My Darling Patricia’s Africa, p19
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Leader Melbourne
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2009
$1 Incl. GST
REPTILE HOUSE SETTING WORLD FIRSTS p8
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melbourneleader.com.au
FESTIVE SEASON SANTA IS COMING p7
DATE: 22/7/09
Picture: TONY GOUGH N19ME703
City lunch crunch Festival | Hamish Heard A FOOD fight is brewing over plans to host the World’s Longest Lunch in Chinatown next year. Bullying allegations against a Melbourne councillor and counterclaims of ‘‘sour grapes’’ have surfaced after the council gave Melbourne Food and Wine Festival organisers the green light to block off Lt Bourke St from 4am-10pm for next March’s luncheon. Chinatown Precinct Association president Danny Doon said about 80 traders had signed a petition against the event that would see
Council, Chinatown at loggerheads the strip blocked to traffic to accommodate a 350-metre dining table between Exhibition and Swanston streets. He said local restaurateurs were furious that the event would use outside caterers. ‘‘They say this is about promoting Chinatown but Chinatown has no chance to participate in the event,’’ Mr Doon told the Leader.. Traders were also concerned the street closure would affect visitor
numbers and prevent deliveries. Mr Doon took the association’s complaints to Cr Ken Ong, with an email exchange leaked to the Melbourne Leader by a third party. Cr Ong was scathing in his reply, accusing traders of blocking attempts to breathe life into the strip. ‘‘There is a feeling that Chinatown complains about not enough being done but when new ideas are proposed, they oppose it. There may be a feeling that
‘‘They were getting $30,000 a year to run this event and most of the benefit flowed to restaurant owners from way outside the MelChinatown wants no new ideas but bourne municipality so the council only money. This may not be forth- decided enough was enough and coming in the future,’’ Cr Ong we’d find other ways to activate the area,’’ the source said. wrote in his reply. Cr Ong refused to comment on the Mr Doon responded to Cr Ong’s comments by circulating an email bullying allegation, saying he to all councillors accusing Cr Ong didn’t take it personally. ‘‘On the one day of the year, how of ‘‘bullying techniques’’. A council source, who asked not big an inconvenience is it comto be named, described the associ- pared to the positive marketing ation’s outburst as ‘‘sour grapes’’ and exposure,’’ Cr Ong said. He said the association had failed at a council decision to stop fundto present its petition when asked. ing the Asian Food Festival. 19MEV434103FME/KE/9
Look inside for your FREE Melbourne Events Calendar
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GLOBAL PARTY: Musicians from around the world will meet this month for the Australasian World Music Expo. More, p13
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Melbourne in November... ED: ME PUB: MEV DATE: 22/7/09
Be part of the action at Flemington Racecourse from November 2-7 for the best in Spring Carnival racing and fashion. The Melbourne Cup Day parade will be held today (November 2) along Swanston St with activities at Federation Square. The Cup Carnival continues at Federation Square tomorrow as the nation stops for the magic race. On Thursday, November 5, it’s all about the fillies and mares on Oaks Day, while the carnival’s family day, Stakes Day, rounds off the racing on Saturday, November 7.
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The 31st annual Johnston St Fiesta brings Melbourne to life with a Latin flavour on the weekend of November 21-22. For three decades, the famous street performers parade has grown as performers proudly wear the traditional clothing of their country and dance and sing their way from Brunswick St to the Nicholson St end of Johnston St in Fitzroy. During the fiesta, you can learn to flamenco, samba or salsa, enjoy some tapas or delight in the colours, smells, sights and sounds of Spanish speaking culture. Street stalls open at noon each day. Details: hispanicfiesta.com.au
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The cosmopolitan and vibrant open-air Queen Victoria Market isn’t limited to those with spare time in the daylight hours. From November 25 until February 27, Melbourne’s historic market is open at night. Pedestrian entry is from the cnr Queen and Therry streets and Peel St. Entry is free, while tables of 10 can be booked at a fee of $25 a table. Contact Queen Vic Market management office on 9320 5822.
For the second year, teams of three will run, ride, kayak, climb and abseil across a Melbourne course that’s only revealed to them hours before they begin. The Oxfam Rat Race for charity is split into two parts, and the winning team must compete in both adventure challenge events. It is a combination of points and time that will determine the winner. The Mean Streets Prologue will run from 5 to 8pm on Saturday, November 28, with teams racing around the city visiting as many checkpoints and completing as many challenges as they can. In the Rat Race Adventure, teams will do the Mean Streets event then on Sunday an adventure race by bike that will take teams all over Melbourne to complete challenges by bike, boat, foot and rope. Entry is $75 (total adventure) or $45 (mean streets). Enter after November 21 and it’s $80 or $50.
The late Kerryn McCann will be honoured when the 20th Olympic Dream run/walk is held in Melbourne on Sunday, November 22. McCann touched hearts when she won the women’s marathon at the 2006
Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and later battled breast cancer before passing away in 2007. All finishers will receive a medal paying tribute to McCann. The event will be held at Birrarung Marr, with participants able to walk or run the 5km or 10km courses that take in Melbourne’s cityscape. There is also a 3km Schools Challenge. Entry from $17 to $42 a person.
Nov 13: Christmas tree lighting spectacular, City Square. Nov 15: Nissan/Datsun car display – Waterfront City & New Quay promenade. Nov 19-21: UCI track cycling world cup – Hisense Arena. Nov 19-22: Australasian World Music Expo – arts centre, Hi Fi Bar, Transit Bar. Nov 20: Pearl Jam in concert – Etihad Stadium. Nov 22: Monaros at Docklands Waterfront City & New Quay promenade. Nov 25: Corporate dragon boat challenge: Victoria Harbour. Nov 28-Dec 6: Men’s hockey Champions Trophy – State Netball & Hockey Centre, Parkville. Nov 28: Melbourne Movember Gala Party – Birrarung Marr. Nov 29: Great Australian Run – various CBD areas.
Let’s get down to details. At GIO, we get what it means to be meticulous. We step through insurance nitty-gritty with you and happily answer any of your questions too. When you’re certain what you’re covered for, you’ll know where you stand, right down to the last detail at hand. Search
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Melbourne Leader
November 2, 2009
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The world’s best will be competing in the Australian Dancesport Championship at Hisense Arena from December 10-13. Melbourne has been successfully hosting this event for many years with more than 1300 competitors of all levels from more than 10 countries heading to Melbourne for the Australian DanceSport Championships each year. It’s a great opportunity to see world class talent at the 63rd annual event in Melbourne. For more information, go to www.theaustrali anchampionship.com.au
Melbourne in January...
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Join thousands of people in a new, overnight fundraising event at the iconic Alexandra Gardens park – on the banks of the Yarra – in support of the Cancer Council Victoria on December 5 and 6. You’ll be part of a “tent city” as teams camp out waiting for their turn to carry the baton around the track. The day and night will be filled with entertainment, food, music, prizes and festivities. Relay for Life is a time to remember those lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have survived. Phone 9635 5057 for more information.
Dec 1-24: Christmas Advent Calendar – Federation Square. Dec 4-6: Art at Burnley HarbourRichmond’s Burnley Harbour precinct. Dec 6: 125th anniversary Christmas extravaganza – Treasury Gardens. Dec 11: Australia Post Opera in the Bowl – Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Dec 24: 72nd Carols by Candlelight – Sidney Myer Music Bowl (and livesite at Fed Square). Dec 26-30: Boxing Day Test match – MCG. Dec 31: New Year’s Eve – various locations in the CBD and Docklands.
A great day for the entire family, free Australia Day celebrations will be held in the Alexandra Gardens from 11am-5pm on Australia Day, January 26. Fireworks across the city start at 9.15pm, with the best viewing spots along the river near Federation Square. Watch a flotilla of numbered, bright yellow rubber ducks (with Lifesaver caps!) race in the middle of the Yarra River (between the Engineers Lawn and the boatsheds) to celebrate Australia Day. Best viewing points are from Birrarung Marr, Alexandra Gardens, Federation Square and Princes Bridge. The official Australia Day luncheon will be held at Docklands on January 21. The lunch features performances, guest speakers, great food and wine, and more. Tickets: $130. Details: www. australiaday.vic.gov.au
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The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival began in 2006 as a collaboration between the exhibiting arts groups, Parks Victoria and the Friends of Herring Island. This followed on from the work
DATE: 22/7/09
Melbourne in December...
of Maudie Palmer who, as curator of the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park, established the permanent collection of art works on the island and ran art exhibitions in the renovated scout hall. From January 12 to February 20, the exhibiting groups are the Wildlife Art Society of Australasia, the Association of Sculptors of Victoria, Ceramics Victoria, the Contemporary Art Society of Victoria Inc. and the Koorie Heritage Trust. There will also be a special program of events on Australia Day including tours of the island and arts demonstrations in the gallery courtyard. Access to the island is via the Parks Victoria punt from Como. Entry is free. Open weekends only, noon-5pm.
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A free event hosted by the Newcomers Network, the Christmas Day lunch is for people without family or friends in Melbourne, however, everyone is welcome. Guests are invited to take food, a picnic blanket or chairs and outdoor games equipment. Runs noon3pm at the Queen Victoria Gardens, St Kilda Rd. To attend, RSVP via email to Melbourne@newcomersnetwork.com
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Melbourne Leader November 2, 2009
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At GIO, we get what it means to be meticulous. We step through insurance nitty-gritty with you and happily answer any of your questions too. When you’re certain what you’re covered for, you’ll know where you stand, right down to the last detail at hand. Search
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Melbourne Leader
November 2, 2009
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