UNDER THE BIG TOP
THRILLER LIVE MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO KING OF POP
HIV EXPERT MELBURNIAN OF THE YEAR NAMED
WIN TICKETS SANTA'S MAGICAL KINGDOM GIVEAWAY
SUMMER FUN YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN THE CITY DEC/JAN 2015
ISSUE
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL UNVEILS TOTEM
96
UNTIL 25 DECEMBER IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE CITY
UNRIVALLED SHOPPING GIANT CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
MISTLETOE KISSING BRIDGE
AND MUCH MORE
FIND OUT MORE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU/CHRISTMAS
Susan Riley {susanr@magmedia.com.au} William Rowe {williamr@magmedia.com.au}
editor Chelsea Arnold {editor@magmedia.com.au}
magazine enquiries {enquiries@magmedia.com.au}
design Susan de Kretser - Smith & Rowe {susandk@smithandrowe.com.au}
advertising Paul Andrew - Lorcy Media for MagMedia {lorcymedia@bigpond.com}
cover image Cirque du Soleil presents big top spectacular, Totem. Photograph: OSA Images, costumes Kym Barrett, 2010 Cirque du Soleil
contributing writers Simon Bailey, Tom Elliott, Janine Phillips, Suzana Talevski, Tahlia Mandie, and Paul Maric. This magazine has a distribution of 14,000 copies throughout Melbourne CBD, Docklands, parts of Southbank and rotating through South Melbourne and surrounding areas with a readership of approximately 40,000. If you would like to stock 3000Melbourne at your place of business please email Chelsea at editor@magmedia.com.au published by
Magmedia Pty Ltd ABN 69 118 720 960, Registered Office: 25 Northumberland St, Collingwood VIC 3066 Ph: (03) 8506 9908 Fax: (03) 9525 3944 3000melbourne welcomes any contributions from our readers. Please send any material to Chelsea at editor@magmedia.com.au. 3000melbourne is a free publication and is distributed through selected outlets. Views expressed in 3000melbourne do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by 3000melbourne for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication. All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for publication”. After two calendar months uncollected prizes will be claimed by 3000melbourne and may be re-drawn. No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system or reproduced in any form without permission of The Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication. The opinions in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of The Publisher.
EDITOR'S LETTER It’s that time again when we reflect on the year that’s been and look forward with excitement and anticipation to the year ahead. From a personal perspective, 2014 has been one filled with discovery. Since joining the 3000 Melbourne team back in January I have met many colourful
characters who are at the very heart of our city and discovered the magnitude of events and happenings that make Melbourne truly a great events city.
MagMedia team, our talented and allknowing contributing writers for your tireless efforts, and our supportive and loyal advertisers.
And of course, this month is no different. From Christmas activities in the City Square, at Federation Square and at Docklands, to New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations there are so many events on within Melbourne this summer. I encourage you to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the great show this city will stage. See our special guide to summer in the city for all the details.
Thank you also to everyone who has picked up and read a copy of our humble little magazine this year. I’ve enjoyed every minute working to bring celebrity interviews, events and the latest news to you each month.
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From all of us to all of you, wishing you a safe and joyous festive season and may 2015 be filled with much happiness and success.
Also, don’t forget to enter our competition to win one of three family passes to Santa’s Magical Kingdom. Delight the youngsters in your life with all the magic of Christmas straight from the North Pole at this larger than life festive extravaganza. Before the year is out, I want to pass on my sincere thanks to the fabulous
Chelsea Arnold & the MagMedia team editor@magmedia.com.au
IN THIS ISSUE 6
13
Cirque du Soleil’s new show
Tribute to King of Pop
8
14-15
Battle to win seat of Melbourne
Your guide to summer in the city
10
20-23
Taxi trial in the CBD
Survive the school holidays
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Melburnian of the year
Meaningful giving
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6
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF OUR NOVEMBER COMPETITIONS: • Alicia Bardsley • Alison Portelli • Luna Choi • Elizabeth Leon • SE Lim • Katie Khoo • Robert Eden • Cynthia Briffa • Linda James • Tali Schmidhuber • Samantha Taleska • Lara Britnell • Michelle Gray • Anna Petersen • Debbie Doyle
www.magmedia.com.au
www.facebook.com/3000melbourne
Twitter.com/3000MelbMag
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The Melbourne Barbecue Festival is all about meat, smoke, summer and good times in Melbourne. The inaugural event will involve a four-day program of classes, competitions and entertainment that culminates in a free barbecue food festival at the Queen Victoria Market. The festival will feature barbecue cooking classes by local and international barbecue experts; equipment exhibitors showcasing the latest BBQ products on the market; and live entertainment.
When: Thursday 29 January to Sunday 1 February Where: Queen Victoria Market Details: www.melbournebarbecuefestival.com.au
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The School of Hard Knocks presents its Spectacular Christmas Spectacular. The best Christmas concert in town stars Rosamund Illing, Roxane Hislop and Danielle Matthews, with the FootscrayYarraville City Band, David Johnstone at the Town Hall Organ and the Absolutely Everybody massed choirs. Conducted and compered by Jonathon Welch. Proceeds go to support School of Hard Knocks.
When: Melbourne Town Hall When: Saturday 13 December Time: 7.30pm Tickets: $35 adults, $25 concession, $12 under 16 Details: www.schoolofhardknocks.org.au
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STRICTLY BALLROOM Strictly Ballroom the Musical will have audiences dancing in the aisles in a kaleidoscope of colour and fun. Based on the much-loved Australian film and directed by Baz Luhrmann, Strictly Ballroom the Musical features classic songs including Love is in the Air and Time after Time, as well as some wonderful songs by artists such as Eddie Perfect and Sia. The cast includes Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos as Scott Hastings and Fran, plus an ensemble of more than 40 performers. Come and join in the fun during this strictly limited season
When: 30 January to 15 March Times: 7-10pm Tuesdays, 2-5pm and 8-11pm Wednesdays, 8-11pm Thursdays, 2-5pm Saturdays and 3-6pm Sundays. Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street Bookings: Ticketek on 132 849 Details: strictlyballroomthemusical.com
Queen Victoria Market’s Night Market is the place to meet every Wednesday night during summer. More than just a market, it also offers a platform for emerging designers, artists, musicians and foodies to showcase their talents at one of Melbourne’s favourite summer events. Set beneath the historic sheds, you will find limited edition pieces ranging from jewellery, fashion and accessories to homewares, ceramics and prints. The Night Market also boasts one of Melbourne’s most impressive food line-ups, with more than 60 foodies serving up street food from across the globe.
When: Every Wednesday until 25 March, excluding Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve Time: 5-10pm Where: Queen Victoria Market, 65-159 Victoria Street Cost: Free Details: www.qvm.com.au/night-market
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When: Medibank Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands When: Every day except Christmas Day Tickets: Adults $26, child (6-14) $22, child (3-5) $13, family $80. Visitors also receive a 20% discount on entry when they show a valid Myki or Vline ticket. Details: www.icehouse.com.au
ry Eve
Grease is a real party musical full of those unforgettable songs from the hit movie, including You’re the One That I Want, Grease is the Word, Summer Nights and Greased Lightnin’. In the lead roles of Danny and Sandy are musical theatre favourite Rob Mills and rising star Gretel Scarlett.They are joined by Bert Newton and Todd McKenney. Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby socks and take a trip to a simpler time as bad boy Danny and girl-next-door Sandy fall in love all over again. When: 11 December to 8 January Times: 8-10.30pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 2-4.30pm and 8-10.30pm Saturdays and 1-3.30pm and 6-8.30pm Sundays. Where: Regent Theatre, 191-197 Collins Street Details: www.greaseistheword.com.au
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Medibank Icehouse is the perfect venue for family fun these school holidays with super entertaining craze Wonderballz on Ice back plus guest appearances from Penguins of Madagascar. Wonderballz, suitable for those aged over 12, involves visitors strapping into an inflatable bubble suit so they can bounce, roll and laugh their way around the rink all while playing a crazy game of soccer. Wonderballz takes place from 11am to 3pm daily. DreamWorks’ Penguins of Madagascar Skipper and Kowalski will visit from 11am to 3pm on 10-11 January. The Penguins will join the Medibank Icehouse’s resident DJ out on the ice, grooving to today’s latest hits, plus there will be giveaways and prizes for all to enjoy.
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WHO IS POSHLOPEZ? Newcomer to the stage, Phillip Lee Curtis, brings his alter-ego PoshLopez to life in what promises to be a night jam-packed with pop music and camp stories. Who is PoshLopez? examines fame from the most glamorous of angles, often highlighting some ugly truths. However it’s the life of PoshLopez creator, Phillip Lee Curtis that contains the real story. A boy from a country town who, at just 25, battled depression stemming from a lifelong struggle with obesity, followed by extreme weight loss. But if you think you’ve heard this story, think again. Who is PoshLopez? explores the side effects from a change so drastic, including loss of identity, confused sexuality and invasive plastic surgery at the age of 24.
When: 10-14 December Where: The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, off Little Collins Street Tickets: Full $32, concession $28 Details: www.thebutterflyclub.com
Moral Fairground is running its sixth annual Fair@Square festival to promote conscious consumerism and corporate social responsibility. The Fair@Square Festival is free to the public and demonstrates how Australians can take action to create a sustainable future and make a difference. The festival showcases goods and services provided by conscious enterprises and offers workshops, talks, market stalls, music, fashion and art. There will be live cooking shows, markets, fashion shows, seminars, live music, an art exhibition, delicious food, and activities for the kids. Transitions Film Festival will be featuring Who Cares. This film is about the growing social entrepreneur movement that is taking off across the planet. It shows how anyone can be a change maker; all you need is a vision for society and the desire to improve the lives of others.
When: 6-7 December Where: Federation Square Details: www.moralfairground.com.au
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LITTLE GUYS that do BIG THINGS Design and development of quality eCommerce and brochure websites, without the ego. Look out for our new website, coming soon...
DECEMBER 2014
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COVER STORY
TOTEM SHOWS WHY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS POLES APART FROM RIVALS BY CHELSEA ARNOLD
THE TRADEMARK BLUE AND YELLOW BIG TOP AT FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE WILL BE UNMISSABLE WHEN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL UNVEILS ITS LATEST PRODUCTION, TOTEM. Since its world premiere in 2010, more than three million people across 25 cities worldwide have been mesmerized by the intimacy and beauty of awe-inspiring, Totem. A cast of 45 acrobats, actors, musicians and singers will take to the big top to showcase an uplifting array of athleticism, comedy, heartfelt emotion and surprising visual effects. Totem, written and directed by Robert Lepage, traces the journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Cirque du Soleil’s artistic director Neelanthi Vadivel told 3000 Melbourne that the highlight of the show “is the artists who put themselves on the line”. “You should see the incredible feats. The acts include the unicycle, trapeze, foot jugglers, Russian bars, rollerskaters and high bar artists,” Vadivel said. “These are performers who have dedicated their lives to technical discipline and have been a part of traditional circus for a very long time. It’s very high-level.” Vadivel joined Cirque du Soleil in 2006 as a dancer in Dralion. She retired from the stage in 2009 before joining Saltimbanco, leading the team as the artistic director through to the end of 2012. She then went on to head up Michael Jackson - The Immortal World Tour, before joining TOTEM. “As artistic director my job is to help this show evolve. The artists are always changing and the technology is also changing. The shows have a very long shelf life, generally about 20 years,” she said. magmedia.com.au
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“When you step into our world we are going to share this beautiful moment. It’s a very happy show with a lot of joy. It’s kid-friendly. They love the animals that are portrayed in the show and the music is wonderful.” Cirque du Soleil performs 300 shows a year. More than 130 people are on tour year-round from 20 different countries and aged from 18 to 60.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – TOTEM WHERE: Flemington Racecourse, 448 Epsom Road, Flemington WHEN: 21 January to 15 March PRICES: From $154.17 DETAILS: www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem
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ELECTION
2014 ELECTION
YOU
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TOO CLOSE TO CALL BY CHELSEA ARNOLD
A HANDFUL OF VOTES SEPARATES THE GREENS’ ELLEN SANDELL AND LABOR’S JENNIFER KANIS IN THE BATTLE TO WIN THE SEAT OF MELBOURNE WITH THE RESULT STILL TOO CLOSE TO CALL. If the Greens can hang onto the narrow lead over sitting Labor MP Ms Kanis, who has held the seat since 2012 by-election, it will be an historic achievement – the first time the minor party has won a seat in a Parliament’s Legislative Assembly. As at 1 December, the two-party preferred results showed Ms Sandell ahead with 51% of the vote, ahead of Ms Kanis on 49%, with thousands more votes yet to be counted. Addressing a crowd of supporters at an inner city bar on election night, Ms Sandell – the former head of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition - thanked the people of Melbourne for getting behind the Greens. “This result actually belongs to the people of Melbourne and Victoria,” she said. “I know a lot of people have voted for the Greens for the first time, or at least the first time on a state level. So thank you to all the people of Melbourne. I have been very humbled by the support I have received out in the community. Thank you to the voters in Melbourne who have talked to me about your issues. And also to everyone who voted for the other candidates. For those people I am here to represent you as well. We all want a Melbourne that is liveable and fair and my door will always be open.”
JENNIFER KANIS - AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
ELLEN SANDELL - GREENS
Meanwhile, Labor had not conceded defeat in Melbourne but admitted the Greens had invested heavily in their campaign. Ms Kanis faced a strong advertising and volunteer blitz from the Greens aimed at kicking her out. “Obviously they’ve spent a lot of money in Melbourne but we’ve spent a lot of time talking to people,” she said. The result will be determined by the counting of 8777 early votes cast at pre-poll centres, postal votes yet to be received and absent votes cast in other electorates.
TWO-PARTY PREFERRED RESULTS
FIRST PREFERENCE RESULTS
(AS AT 3.30PM 1 DECEMBER)
(AS AT 3.30PM 1 DECEMBER) VOTES
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SWING
VOTES
SWING
GREENS
ELLEN SANDELL
13,428
51.0%
+5.6
LIBERAL
ED HUNTINGFORD
LABOR
JENNIFER KANIS
12,922
49.0%
-5.6
LABOR
JENNIFER KANIS
7,863
29.8%
-4.4
GREENS
ELLEN SANDELL
10,817
41.0%
+8.5
OTHERS
MELBOURNE
1,337
5.1%
+0.7
6,335
24.0%
-4.7
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NEIGHBOURHOOD
TAXI RANK TRIAL ON BOURKE STREET A LATE-NIGHT MEGA TAXI RANK TRIAL ON BOURKE STREET WILL HELP REVELLERS GET HOME SOONER AND SAFER THIS SUMMER. On Friday and Saturday nights until the end of January, a section of Bourke Street between Russell Street and Royal Place will become a dedicated hub for people to safely and easily catch a taxi. Like the successful Queen Street Mega Tax Rank, the Bourke Street rank will operate from midnight until 5am. The mega rank is already proving successful with more than 500 people each night using the site to catch a taxi home. Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the Bourke Street rank was supported by passenger
queuing controls, security marshals, CCTV cameras, regular police patrols, the Salvation Army food and coffee van and an on-site public toilet. “On Saturday night, more than 1000 passengers caught a cab from the safety and convenience of the Queen Street Mega Taxi Rank and we’re hoping to replicate that success in Bourke Street,” Cr Doyle said. “This taxi rank will provide a safe and convenient place for people to get a taxi home after a night out. “Bourke Street is a logical location for our newest Mega Taxi Rank: it is one of the city’s busiest precincts and home to many licensed venues and fast-food outlets.” At the Queen Street Mega Taxi Rank, the presence of security marshals, police and the Salvation Army has helped diffuse tensions caused by hailing and waiting for taxis on the street. The mega taxi rank is just one in a suite of safety initiatives outlined in the City of Melbourne’s Beyond the Safe City Strategy 2014-17.
FREE WI-FI FOR ALL IN THE CBD FREE WI-FI WILL BE ACCESSIBLE ON ALL MAJOR STREETS IN THE CBD BY DECEMBER 2015 UNDER VICTORIA’S FREE PUBLIC WI-FI PILOT. As part of the pilot project, wi-fi will be accessible at 13 hotspots across the city providing a free, fast and reliable service.
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The hotspots will be in and around public infrastructure, including transport hubs and tourist attractions. The State Government is working with the City of Melbourne, City of Ballarat the City of Greater Bendigo and service provider iiNet for the pilot, to deliver a total of 1000 hotspot locations across the three cities.
The wi-fi network makes use of existing public infrastructure, such as light poles, bus shelters and government buildings, and is available outdoors. There is a 250MB download limit per device per day which allows up to three hours of constant web browsing or 200 photos to be shared on social media. The pilot is part of the State Government’s agenda to establish infrastructure that enables ‘smart city’ initiatives to strengthen Victoria’s position as Australia’s leading technology state. For more information on the free public wi-fi pilot, visit www.digital.vic.gov.au
CBD WI-FI HOTSPOTS
• Queen Victoria Market • Bourke Street Mall
• City Square • Southbank/Southgate
• Fitzroy Gardens • Treasury Gardens
• Birrarung Marr
• Carlton Gardens • Swanston St • Flinders St (City Circle) • La Trobe St (City Circle)
• Flagstaff Gardens • Docklands Precinct
NEIGHBOURHOOD
BID TO BUTT OUT IN HOWEY PLACE HOWEY PLACE COULD BE THE NEXT LANEWAY TO GO SMOKE-FREE. Workers, visitors, nearby residents and stakeholders are invited to have their say on the City of Melbourne’s call to make Howey Place a smoke-free zone. The council has begun consulting with users of the area as it continues its commitment to protect people from the effects of passive smoking outdoors. Councillor Richard Foster, Chair of Council’s People City portfolio, said following a successful pilot in The Causeway last year, Howey Place – which runs off Little Collins Street about 100m west of Swanston Street – was an ideal area to consider next for a smoking ban. “Howey Place is one of Melbourne’s smaller laneways tucked away between Little Collins Street and two arcades and is covered with a glass canopy, making it unique to other city laneways,” Cr Foster said. “It is home to a mix of cafes, fashion shops and other retailers who we have spoken to already about our proposal to make the laneway smoke-free. We now invite those stakeholders, workers, visitors and users of Howey Place to tell us what they think. “In 2013, we took the bold step of trialing a six-month smoking ban in the nearby laneway The
Causeway. Almost 80 per cent of people surveyed there told us they thought the ban was a good thing for the city, leading to the council endorsing a permanent ban in the laneway. We hope to see a similar result with Howey Place.” The City of Melbourne made a commitment to expanding smokefree areas in the central city in its 2014-15 annual plan and budget, allocating $340,000 to explore further sites across the city. Several factors guide the selection of sites for consideration, such as the number of businesses with outdoor dining, food businesses, adjoining buildings and properties, and existing smoking controls. “We are taking a ‘one-by-one’ approach to the exploration of smoking bans in the central city, with Howey Place the first cab off the rank this financial year,” Cr Foster said. There are about 40 existing smoke-free areas in the City of Melbourne including children’s playgrounds, childcare centres and The Causeway. Have your say about make Howey Place a smoke-free site by visiting the City of Melbourne’s online engagement hub Participate Melbourne at participate. melbourne.vic.gov.au
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HIV EXPERT NAMED
MELBURNIAN OF THE YEAR INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED HIV RESEARCHER AND LEADING INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERT PROFESSOR SHARON LEWIN HAS BEEN NAMED THE 2014 MELBURNIAN OF THE YEAR. The inaugural Director of the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity’s dedication to her work and the cause of finding a cure for HIV was highlighted at the annual Melbourne Awards gala ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall.
Professor Lewin is the inaugural Director, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at the University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Prior to this, she was Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Alfred Health and Monash University; and Co-Head of the Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute in Melbourne.
Professor Lewin expressed her delight in receiving recognition for her work. “Melbourne’s reputation as an international centre for medical research is rapidly growing due to the tireless and innovative work of many in our industry. To be singled out for this accolade is a wonderful honour and something I’m extremely proud of,” she said. Professor Lewin’s research focuses on understanding how HIV persists in patients on antiviral therapy, strategies to cure HIV infection and biological determinants of immune recovery following antiviral therapy and the pathogenesis of HIV-HBV co-infection. Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Professor Lewin was a worthy recipient of the city’s highest accolade.
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“It gives me great pleasure to bestow the honour of 2014 Melburnian of the Year to Professor Sharon Lewin who is one of the world’s most influential campaigners and researchers working towards a cure for HIV,” Cr Doyle said. “Professor Lewin is passionate about her work and her city which was
LORD MAYOR ROBERT DOYLE, PROFESSOR SHARON LEWIN AND DEPUTY LORD MAYOR SUSAN RILEY.
evident as she awed us all with her performance as the Co-Chair of the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne earlier this year. “She is a leader and an inspiration.” Professor Lewin is an extraordinary advocate for the HIV community, research community and is always ready to promote Melbourne in terms of medical research. She was the Local Co-Chair for the AIDS 2014 Conference held in Melbourne in July 2014 – the largest health and development event ever held in Australia, with 13,600 delegates attending from more than 200 countries, with Sir Bob Geldof
and Bill Clinton as keynote speakers. It was the first time in 10 years since the International AIDS conference was held in the Asia-Pacific. The highly-anticipated event put Melbourne firmly in the international spotlight. Many of the attendees at AIDS 2014 were there entirely due to Professor Lewin’s appointment as Co-Chair and her unrelenting drive to educate and advocate on behalf of the HIV/AIDS community. At the conference, she was hailed by the International AIDS Society as one of the most influential campaigners and researchers in the world.
The Melburnian of the Year was joined by nine other individuals, corporations and community organisations, who were each recognised for their contribution to the city’s success as part of the Melbourne Awards program. The Melbourne Awards acknowledge excellence and celebrate the remarkable people and organisations who continue to shape the city of Melbourne. “Given that in the past year Melbourne has again been voted the world’s most liveable city, the world’s friendliest city, the world’s most admired knowledge city and the world’s ultimate sport city, the recipients are obviously doing a magnificent job,” Cr Doyle said. Judging of the Melbourne Awards involved a panel of more than 50 business and community leaders across a range of industry sectors.
A THRILL FOR MiG
BY CHELSEA ARNOLD Entertainer MiG Ayesa shot to fame winning over Australian audiences when he placed third in the global hit reality television show Rockstar:Inxs. Next month the adopted Aussie returns to our shores to headline Thriller Live, a spectacular concert production that celebrates the music of one of the world’s greatest entertainers, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. Thriller Live has played in London’s West End since 2009, and last month entered the record books as the 20th longest-running musical in West End history. Citing Michael Jackson as a big musical influence in his career, MiG is excited to be leading the stage spectacular Thriller Live.
“I used to sing Michael Jackson’s songs when I was growing up. He was a very significant influence on my musical career. The first CD I bought was Bad. I saw him perform in Parramatta in 1987 - it was the best concert I have ever seen,” he said. “If you are a fan of Michael Jackson you will enjoy the show immensely. It’s exciting theatre. It is a visual and audio extravaganza. I sing quite a few solos and we sing a lot of songs together. We make people remember why he was so incredible. “Ever since his 2009 passing, Michael Jackson’s legacy has lived on through his music. Because it’s a very tricky show to put together we don’t want to be Michael Jackson imitators. It’s us singing the songs in a tribute to him.”
“It was an amazing time in my life. It really was a life-changing opportunity for me. It’s certainly been a door opener and I’m very grateful,” he said MiG began his professional career in Australia playing Ritchie Valens in Buddy. He was then chosen to join the London cast including a Royal Variety Performance. He went on to star in many West End musicals including We Will Rock You and Rent. After Rockstar:Inxs, MiG went on to release his self-titled debut album, before starring on Broadway in Burn the floor, Rock of ages and in Australia in Grease, Cinderella and West Side Story. He has also made numerous television and film appearances.
Thriller Live is more than two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco in a show that pays homage to Michael Jackson’s legendary live performances and the magic of his 45-year musical history.
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KING OF POP ROLE
MiG, who hails from Auckland before he spent nine years in Sydney, looks back fondly on his career kick-start from Rockstar:Inxs in 2005 acknowledging he has been afforded many amazing opportunities since as a result.
Thriller Live features all of Jackson’s favourite songs including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad, Rock With You, They Don’t care About Us, Dangerous, Heal The World, and Thriller. THRILLER LIVE WHEN: Wednesday 28 January to Sunday 8 February WHERE: Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre TIMES: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday Friday 8pm, Saturday 4pm and 8pm, Sunday 1pm and 6pm TICKETS: from $69.90 BOOKINGS: artscentremelbourne.com.au
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SUMMER IN THE CITY
FREE FAMILY THE MAGIC OF A MELBOURNE CHRISTMAS WILL CAPTIVATE THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART THIS DECEMBER
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle helped transform City Square into Christmas Square as the City of Melbourne lit up its 7.4-metre living Christmas tree, beginning the month-long festival of free family entertainment.
“At Christmas Square you can snap a free photo of the children with Santa, explore the Christmas forest, post a letter to Santa and admire the nativity scene, illuminated advent calendar and interactive candy canes.
“Christmas is the time for giving and the City of Melbourne is giving families, residents, workers and visitors a month-long program of free events and entertainment to spread the spirit of Christmas,” Cr Doyle said.
“The digital sound and light projections on Melbourne Town Hall are also a Christmas highlight; operating from dusk until 11pm, this state-of-theart show tells a unique Christmas story in a modern, dazzling way.”
NEW YEAR’S EVE
AT FED SQUARE Light up and shine this New Year’s Eve with a colourful spectacle at Fed Square. African beats, samba dance, circus acts and neon lights, Fed Square’s free New Year’s Eve celebrations will be a party to remember. Reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Melbourne, the square will illuminate in a kaleidoscope of colour and so will you.
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Wear your brightest colours or crystal whites so you illuminate under a canopy of ultraviolet lights installed exclusively for the celebration. Experience the big beats of Lamine Sonko and African Intelligence as they guide you through easy dance steps
that, on the stroke of midnight, will coalesce in an en-masse dance to their popular track, Light and Shine. The entertainment lineup also includes Sounds of Polynesia, Marawa the Amazing, Ethiopian Circus Trio, Maracatu Estrela do Mar featuring Neda Rahmani and Samba Dancers, Wassawumba and Congo Tardis #1.
Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley said the opening of Christmas Square marks the beginning of the city’s most magical month. “Christmas is such a special time in Melbourne and there is so much you can see without spending a cent,” Cr Riley said. “I’d encourage all visitors to download or collect from the Melbourne Visitor’s Centre a free copy of our Christmas Guide to discover all the city has to offer this festive season.”
JUBILATION AT
DOCKLANDS
This year New Year’s Eve celebrations are supported by Deakin University culminating its 40th anniversary.
Where: Fed Square When: Wednesday 31 December Time: 8pm-1am Details: fedsquare.com/nye
Santa Claus is coming down town this December with a three-day festival of lights, community, food and entertainment to show the city’s gratitude to Country Fire Authority (CFA) members. The festival, presented by Destination Docklands, is a chance to find out more about the good work the CFA does in
Social media users can snap their favourite decorations and events using the hashtag #melbxmas. The best images will be shared on our Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram. Details of the full program of Christmas events, activities, festive offers and a Christmas decorations map is available for download from melbourne.vic.gov.au/Christmas.
the community, raise the profile of fire safety as people head out of the city over the summer holidays and a chance to start a fun family-friendly Christmas tradition on the waterfront. There will be floating lanterns, a Christmas-themed market, different food trucks across the three days, light installations, a carousel, more than 10 vintage and modern fire trucks, boats lit up in the Harbour, fire-fighter displays and parade, the City of Melbourne Christmas tree and decorations, live entertainment and appearances from Santa and the CFA’s Captain Koala and Beepa.
When: 12.30-2.30pm and 5-10pm Friday 12 December and 5-10pm Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December. Where: Harbour Esplanade, NewQuay and Victoria Promenade, Docklands Details: www.jubilationmelbourne.com.au
SUMMER IN THE CITY
FESTIVITIES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS SQUARE Until 24 December, City Square
SANTA IN THE CITY Until 24 December, Christmas Square
The centre of Melbourne’s Christmas decorations, City Square will be transformed into Christmas Square, a magical forest offering festive fun for families and children. By day, discover nutcracker soldiers, Christmas buskers and free photos with Santa. By night, experience sound and light shows from 9-11pm.
Children can meet Santa, tell him their Christmas wishes and get a free photo at Christmas Square. Santa is available every day between 10am to noon and 1-3pm, and on Fridays in December, Santa stays up late from 4-7pm.
SANTA’S POST BOX Presented by City of Melbourne and Australia Post. Until 19 December, Christmas Square Write a letter to Santa and post it in Santa’s Post Box. Include a self-addressed envelope and stamp and get a reply from Santa himself. You can find Santa’s Post Box on the corner of Swanston Street and Collins Street.
SPIRIT
By day, Town Hall is gift-wrapped and guarded by three metretall toy soldiers. By night, the façade becomes a backdrop for a spellbinding light projection with a festive flavour. Every 15 minutes from dusk until 11pm.
SPIRIT OF THE SQUARE EVENTS CHOIRS
OF THE
Enjoy the festive harmonies of choirs and singing groups from across Melbourne as they come together in a daily schedule of public performances.
SQUARE
OUTDOOR CINEMA
Federation Square will be transformed into a festive playground of public art, gameplay and interactivity from 1 to 25 December.
It will create a playground atmosphere with installation elements including a giant draughts board and badminton net.
Melbourne-based design outfit, Sibling will transform The Square with Whiteout, an installation of large, snow-white spheres that will pop up throughout The Square, creating an immersive and interactive landscape.
In a Spirit of the Square tradition, the Orphans’ Christmas will return for Christmas Day for anyone looking for a new place to take the family or to connect with fellow Christmas exiles. Joining the day’s free events is the Breakfast Hop, an event to connect the people from all walks of life with a free buffet breakfast with lots of activities for kids and adults.
Whiteout is a playful take on the snowy imagery often associated with the festive season.
MELBOURNE TOWN HALL DECORATIONS AND LIGHT PROJECTION- Until 25 December
Pull up a deckchair and enjoy free screenings of festive films on the Big Screen 6-8pm every Monday.
BIG SCREEN GAMING Test your gaming skills in multiplayer video games by independent designers 6-8pm every Tuesday. Curated by Melbourne-based collective, Freeplay Independent Games Festival the games will include Push Me Pull You,
Super Pole Riders, Hokra, Towerfall, 2QWOP, Spaceteam, Videoball, Hidden in Plain Sight, Nidhogg, Starwhal, Flop and Super Pole Riders.
FED SQUARE LIVE Soak up the summer evenings while watching an acoustic outdoor concert with some of Melbourne’s emerging musicians 5.30-7.30pm every Thursday except Christmas Day.
CRAFTERNOONS Spend the afternoon getting crafty with artist, Zoe Stuart and make a bauble that you can fill with your Christmas wishes. From 2-4.30pm 6-7 and 13-14 December.
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CULTURE
CONCIERGE COMMUNIQUÉ AT YOUR SERVICE INTRODUCING OZ O’CONNELL Concierge Manager – Oz Concierge Welcome to our Concierge Communiqué, we hope you find our comments and suggestions valuable to help you enjoy living in Melbourne – ‘the worlds most liveable city’. With a touch of old-school charm that one associates with five-star service the Concierge team provides to selected high-rise residential apartments, the following questions and answers will help you enhance your quality of life in our lovely city. Gourmet pizza lovers try this… I Carusi – Melbourne’s original Artisan Pizzeria, celebrating Italian home-made pizza with an authentic old town feel – Be sure to book - 46A
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Holmes Street, Brunswick – for pizza lovers – Highly recommended. More than just coffee… Speaking of Artisan, take a step back in time at Pellegrini’s and enjoy a cuppa to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of a Melbourne coffee institution. The café opened in Bourke Street in 1954 with Melbourne’s very first espresso machine. Need a reliable dry cleaner that picks up… Try Dry-Clean Express – register online for pick up and deliver to your office or apartment reception www.drycleanexpress.com.au Best kept secret - Just out of town… Ragusa in Williamstown, the awardwinning restaurant offers traditional Croatian cuisine. Great service and
equally impressive food, try the calamari for entrée, and the Teletina (Veal), Sarma or Mortan Bay Bugs for mains with the crepes for desert, Ragusa also has a kids menu – Well worth the short drive over the Westgate. For some family fun… Jubilation at Docklands – A threeday Christmas event which supports the CFA for all the family to enjoy. Eat your way around the world one dish at a time 12-14 December. I have some friends visiting from overseas? Try the Melbourne laneways and arcades tours, great fun and plenty of good spots to shop and have tea or coffee. Until next time … Oz Concierge - The Concierge and Building Management Professionals
CULTURE
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PROPERTY/BUSINESS/FINANCE
NEW HOME FOR AUDI THE $25 MILLION AUDI CENTRE MELBOURNE REDEVELOPMENT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED LAST MONTH, MAKING IT THE LARGEST NEW AUDI SHOWROOM IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE.
RS and R8 vehicles, special wheel selections, exclusive vehicle accessories and an extensive range of merchandise is available for Audi enthusiasts to purchase in this ‘shop within a shop’ concept. There are two cafes, multiple lounge areas for customers, and also a room where prospective owners can configure their Audi on an innovative, large touchscreen table display in a private lounge.
More than 650 guests attended the opening of the Swanston Street facility which showcases 40 vehicles across three levels. Radio hosts Hamish and Andy emceed the event which featured performances by Megan Washington and Wikid Force, as well as food by ambassadors Shannon Bennett and George Calombaris. Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Doyle said the facility “encapsulates our Vorsprung durch
concept. With Australia having been identified as a pilot market worldwide for the Audi Sport showroom concept, the third floor of Audi Centre Melbourne has been turned into a 200m2 showcase for the brand’s high performance range.
Technik philosophy, and it will become a beacon for the Audi brand in Melbourne”. “We see tremendous growth opportunities for Audi in Melbourne in the future and this impressive new dealership will signify how serious we are about meeting the needs of our Victorian customers.
It showcases the latest architectural trend from Audi, as well as innovations in the way we will interact with customers, in a space that truly defines us as a premium brand,” Mr Doyle said. The facility is also the first in Australia to feature the Audi Sport showroom
The 501 Swanston Street site also reflects a number of sustainable design features, achieving a four-star NABERS rating through the use of low energy, high-efficiency LED lighting, automatic daylight harvesting system and advanced façade glazing.
TOM ELLIOTT WRITES...
PETROL IS NOW CHEAP AND SHOULD STAY THAT WAY
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For several months now the bottom of each week’s petrol discounting cycle has permitted motorists to fill up below $1.30 per litre. Cheap fuel has been great news for stretched household budgets. And thanks to a couple of important international trends, the oil price is unlikely to jump back up any time soon. Since the early 1960s a cartel called the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) has done its best to ensure oil importers paid as much as possible for petrol. OPEC’s member countries meet periodically to agree caps on production in an effort to drive up prices. And as we all know, higher oil means more expensive petrol, diesel, jet fuel and even LPG. As the Whitlam Government discovered to its detriment in the early-to-mid 1970s, OPEC policies can lift inflation and reduce economic growth, thus making voters very upset. Recently, however, the Middle Eastern members of the cartel have struggled to agree on production limits. The exact reasons for this are difficult to ascertain, but I believe the conflicts in Iraq and Syria are partly to blame. Although the world’s biggest oil producer, Saudi
Arabia, is not directly involved in the region’s civil wars, Saudi money is definitely behind the rise of Sunni-allied terror group the Islamic State (IS). Understandably, Shia governments such as Iran and Iraq resent IS’s presence on their doorsteps. As a result, when Saudi Arabia calls for talks on oil production cuts the OPEC representatives from Baghdad and Tehran don’t necessarily do what they’re told. Another reason petrol has become cheap arises from the actions of nonOPEC member the United States. Thanks to a revolutionary oil-and-gas extraction technology called “fracking”, America is now producing fossil fuels at levels not seen in 30 years. Although
fracking is not without its critics (some of whom claim it causes earthquakes), the fact the US economy is approaching energy independence has curtailed oil imports from the Middle East. And when the US reduces its purchases of foreign fuel, the global price for this commodity drops precipitously – which is bad for OPEC, but good for us. No one knows for how long America’s newly found energy riches will last. Estimates on fossil fuel independence suggest that the US has between ten and 30 years before it again becomes reliant on Middle Eastern supplies. During this period President Barack Obama has stated his desire that human ingenuity find alternative (and inexpensive) forms of energy. In the meantime internal combustion engines will remain the locomotive choice for millions of commuters. Tune in and listen to Tom between 3-6pm weekdays on 3AW’s Drive.
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MOTORING REVIEW BY PAUL MARIC PORSCHE CAYENNE IMPRESSES Despite being launched in 2003 to mixed public reactions, Porsche customers (old and new) have warmed to the Cayenne. In fact, customers are so hooked on fast SUVs that 70% of Porsche’s sales in Australia are dedicated to Cayenne and Macan. Given this focus on fast and practical SUVs, Porsche chose the winding Gold Coast roads to launch the Cayenne. I flew north to drive the new model and see whether the Cayenne still feels as good as before. Launched with the availability of two diesel engines, two petrol engines and one hybrid, the Cayenne range starts in Australia from $104,700 with the Cayenne Diesel. The range tops off at the Cayenne Turbo, priced from $230,800. We had the chance to sample the 309kW turbocharged petrol V6 Cayenne S, the 283kW turbocharged V8 Cayenne S Diesel and the 382kW turbocharged petrol V8 Cayenne Turbo. All models are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Climb on board the Cayenne Turbo and the term SUV changes meaning from Sports Utility Vehicle to Super
Utility Vehicle. This 4.8-litre twinturbocharged V8 missile produces 382kW of power and uses two turbochargers to help propel it from 0-100km/h in a staggering 4.4-seconds. Despite weighing in at 2.19 tonnes, the Turbo handles like an all-wheel-drive sports sedan. The direct, hydraulic steering communicates every single aspect of the road surface through to the driver, while the rigid chassis and huge 265mm wide tyres help with feel through the seat of your pants. It’s a similar story behind the wheel of the Cayenne S Diesel, which is powered by a 4.2-litre turbocharged diesel V8 that produces a whopping 850Nm of torque and shows no signs of turbo lag. Regardless of which engine option you settle for, it’s hard not to be amazed at how dynamic, versatile and practical the Porsche Cayenne is. With a range starting from $104,700, this SUV offering has never been better. Paul Maric is a Melbourne-based, independent motoring journalist & mechanical engineer.
VISIT: www.paul.maric.id.au FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER: @PaulMaric
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KINGDOM OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC Youngsters are already counting down to Christmas so why not give them a taste of the festive magic with a visit to Santa’s Magical Kingdom. Santa’s Magical Kingdom brings all the wonder and joy of a traditional Christmas into one amazing experience. This interactive walk-through is enchanting and includes everything that you love about Christmas. Santa’s Magical Kingdom, open to the public from 15 November to 23 December, will deliver a Christmas wonderland direct from the North Pole full of activities that will capture the imagination of children and parents everywhere. Santa’s Magical Kingdom production director Keith Brown said this year the
event will be held at Caulfield Racecourse, making it bigger and better than before. “We are extremely excited about bringing Santa’s Magical Kingdom again to Melbourne this Christmas. It’s even more exciting that we have been able to secure our new home, Caulfield Racecourse, allowing us to make the event bigger and better, as well as easily accessible to our consumers. Santa’s Magical Kingdom is a magical experience, and we can’t wait to share the magic in 2014,” Mr Brown said. Some of the fun-filled activities include: • A magical Christmas walkthrough wonderland • Snow castle and activity Land • Meet Santa and receive a free gift
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The Langham, Melbourne is swapping its signature pink for the shade of Smurf blue for a very special children’s high tea.
marshmallow mushroom house, fairy bread, signature, Langham-made fluffy scones with fresh cream and jam and Smurf blue lemonade
Children will be treated to a Smurfinspired high tea including Smurf blue cupcakes, chocolate-dipped cherry Smurf-berry, Gargamel Red Boot cookies, Smurfette chocolate daisy, village jelly clouds,
Youngsters are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Smurf. For those new to The Smurfs, they were created in Belgium in 1958. The comic and television series
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• A spectacular Christmas circus show • Roving Christmas characters • A Christmas craft area where you can decorate your own gingerbread man and decorate your own Christmas decoration • Storytelling with Mrs Claus • Gingerbread land • Amusement rides and laughing clowns including a carousel, Santa’s sleigh ride, ferris wheel, platform ride and Australia’s largest super slide
SANTA’S MAGICAL KINGDOM
Santa’s Magical Kingdom opened its doors for the first time in 2012. The event was a sell-out in 2012 and 2013. Last year’s event attracted more than 120,000 people from across Australia.
TICKETS: 1300 307 740 or www.ticketek.com.au
centres on a fictional colony of small, blue creatures that live in the forest in mushroom-shaped houses. Where: Aria, The Langham, Melbourne. When: Monday 29 December until Friday 30 January. Time: 10-11.30am or 12 noon1.30pm Monday to Friday. Cost: Children $35 or $45 including a Smurf toy and activity book. Bookings: 1800 641 107 or www.ariabar.com.au
WHEN: Until 23 December WHERE: Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield
DETAILS: www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au
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SOMETHING FISHY GOING ON AT THE AQUARIUM
This summer, see hundreds of amazing tropical fish, then bring your own ideas to life in the amazing art aquarium at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Each day during the school holidays, use your imagination to create your own sea creature and watch it come to life as it’s released into the nine-metre virtual aquarium. Visitors can marvel at their creation as it moves like a real sea creature in the virtual underwater world, part of the allnew Coral Caves tropical wonderland.
With special presentations, interactive animal encounters and 12 zones of discovery, visitors can also spend hours learning about how fish swim, what they like to eat and how they survive in the wild. Whether it’s watching your underwater creatures come to life in the art aquarium, or discovering fun fishy facts on the interactive quiz trail, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium.
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Where: Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Corner King and Flinders streets, Melbourne When: 20 December to 27 January Time: 9.30am – 6pm Price: Book online and save via www.melbourneaquarium.com.au Details: 1800 026 576
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KIDS’ FLICKS AND FUN AT ACMI MOVIES
WORKSHOPS
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL 20-24 December
MAKE A MOVIE 12-14 January and 19-21 January
Michael Caine, along with everyone’s favourite Muppets, plays it straight as the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge in this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story.
A three-day hands-on filmmaking workshop for kids aged nine to 12. Learn the basics of writing, directing, acting in and editing a short film.
ARRIETTY 31 December-7 January Arrietty is a tiny 14-year-old girl who lives with her family beneath the floorboards of a sprawling Tokyo mansion. They survive by borrowing items from humans. MINUSCULE: VALLEY OF THE LOST ANTS 8-22 January An army of black ants join forces with a plucky young ladybird to save the ant colony from the invading evil red ants. MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO 15-30 January Two girls move to the country to find that they share their new home with giant furry being called Totoro that only they can see. THE LITTLE MERMAID 23 January-1 February Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fable story gets a spirited Disney makeover in this 1989 adaptation, one of the studio’s last animated films to use traditional hand-painted cells.
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school holidays
Where: ACMI, Federation Square When: December and January Cost: Movie tickets from $5-$9. Tickets: acmi.net.au Details: 8663 2583
Full $270, concession $250, ACMI member $230. THE MASSIVE MINECRAFT MOVIE 10am 16 and 23 January Design a unique world and characters, then direct a scene in your own Minecraft movie. For young people aged 12 to 16. Full $120, concession $110, ACMI member $100. MONKEY! HOLIDAY GREEN SCREEN WORKSHOP 10am 12, 13, 22 and 23 January Take a magical journey in search of lost scrolls in this one-day workshop inspired by an ancient Chinese story. Recommended for kids aged 8 to 11. Full $80, concession $70, ACMI member $60.
ATTRACTION A ROARING SUCCESS
This summer, Melbourne Zoo is set to open its most exciting experience: Lion Gorge. Come face to face with African lions, meet the African wild dog pack and get closer than ever before to the endangered Philippines crocodile. You’ll encounter a series of challenges that will have you searching for prey like a wild dog, working with local community members to find and protect crocodile hatchlings and designing beadwork to help protect lions.
Be among the first to see the lions and African wild sogs and Philippine crocodile presentations. When: 20 December – 28 February Time: 9am – 5pm Where: Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Avenue, Parkville Cost: Adults $30.80, Kids under 16 free during school holidays Details: zoo.org.au/holidays
SKY HIGH THRILLS Let vertigo take over the summer school holidays with a visit to Eureka Skydeck, where guests can enjoy a fear-fulfilling twist on the iconic Edge experience. Eureka Skydeck’s current green screen installation, Eureka Vertigo, is a specially constructed set allowing guests to have their photo taken with the illusion they’re falling through the glass floor of the Edge and are trying to hold on for dear life, 285 metres above the streets of Melbourne.
Patrons are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild while creating their Eureka Vertigo photo. Eureka Skydeck is the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. Located on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower, the observation deck provides patrons with 360 degree floorto-ceiling views of Melbourne and beyond. Where: Eureka Tower, Southbank Cost: $12 Details: www.eurekaskydeck.com.au
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These summer holidays youngsters will delight in the magic of Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales. This enchanting journey features more than 25 Disney characters in an unforgettable theatrical experience for all families. From Feld Entertainment®, the producers of Disney On Ice, this authentically-woven tale of “happily-ever-after” is performing in Melbourne in January.
Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they embark on an unexpected quest to find a magical storybook hidden in Mickey’s attic. As the four pals curiously turn the pages, they magically bring to life the timeless fairy tale adventures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Audiences will be captivated by time-honoured songs, stunning costumes and glittering special
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effects, humour, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories performed live on stage.
DISNEY LIVE! THREE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES 9-11 January The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Tickets through Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au/disneylive
TEA TIME AT CHATIME With more than 60 stores Australia-wide, Chatime has fast become a favourite tea specialist. Since it’s arrival down under in 2009, its extensive range of beverages has kept tea-lovers across the country hydrated and refreshed. Chatime’s experts have crafted a dynamic menu that draws on traditional Taiwanese tea concepts, fusing them with contemporary culture. The Fruity, Fresh Tea menu category is popular due to its refreshing flavour range available in either a jasmine green or Assam black tea base. This summer, try the Grapefruit Green Tea for a delicate yet flavour-packed burst of rejuvenation. Lychee Black Tea is another popular option, enriched by delicious pieces of the exotic fruit. The invigorating Pomegranate flavor is Chatime’s newest iced tea, originally
introduced as a seasonal special but kept on due to its popularity. For those craving something creamier, opt for the Vanilla Milk Tea containing delectable Egg Pudding cooked in store. On a real summer scorcher, try a Mango Chiller from the selection of thirst quenching blended ice drinks. Chatime also looks after coffee fanatics during the warm weather, offering ice-cold double shot Coffee Smoothies. It is no secret that Melbourne’s weather can go from hot to cold in the blink of an eye, but fortunately Chatime has that covered. Its extensive menu features many options that can also be served hot. Chatime’s dairybased drinks are prepared using 100% fresh milk and cream - supporting Aussie farmers while creating a wholesome product. Furthermore, 100% genuine loose tea leaves are used to infuse beverages with
that robust yet nuanced real tea flavour. All of Chatime’s drinks are prepared fresh to order, and customers are invited to finetune the ice and sweetness levels of their drink – just ask the friendly tea experts. Chatime’s QV Square outlet is at 15 Red Cape Lane, Level 2, at the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston streets. You can also find Chatime at these CBD locations: • Melbourne Central – Shop 152A, Level 1, 211 Latrobe Street • Emporium Melbourne - Shop 324, Level 3, 287 Lonsdale Street • Mid City - Shop 27A, 194 – 200 Bourke Street • 28 Elizabeth Street • 101 Swanston Street
Check out the menu online at www.chatime.com.au
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HOW TO SURVIVE THE OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY
PATSY ROWE, AUTHOR OF FOUR BOOKS ON TODAY’S ETIQUETTE, INCLUDING THE REVISED AND UPDATED 3RD EDITION OF BUSINESS ETIQUETTE SAYS HOW YOU BEHAVE AT THE COMPANY CHRISTMAS DRINKS THIS YEAR COULD JEOPARDIZE YOUR FUTURE NEXT YEAR. HERE ARE PATSY ROWE’S 10 HOT TIPS ON SURVIVING THE OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY - AND ENSURE YOU’RE INVITED NEXT YEAR.
1. Eat before you drink - and keep eating. Drinking soft drink between hard drinks is also a good idea.
2. Women should avoid
wearing anything low-cut, see-through or provocative; think of the office party as an extension of the workplace.
3. Have a ‘buddy’ system. Have
your pal keep an eye on you - and bundle you into a taxi when you
start weeping into your wine and do the same for them.
4. Don’t take liberties such
as calling the senior partner by his first name or worse, his nickname ‘Spud.’
8. Think carefully before you
bring a partner or husband/ wife with you. If they don’t know anyone and are not outgoing and good mixers, they may be bored, jealous or drink too much.
5. Avoid bad language and telling
9. Be careful what photos you post
6. Don’t get yourself into intimate
10. Don’t go home with
7. This is not the time to
Remember, you’ll be working with these people tomorrow (hopefully). Make sure you’ll be able to face them.
jokes with strong sexual innuendo which could be misinterpreted. situations such as dancing ‘cheek to cheek’ with fellow employees (or a senior member of staff) or sitting on their knee.
on Facebook and what comments you make on social media.
anyone you didn’t come with
ask for a raise or even to discuss serious business.
THE
CHRISTMAS MOMENT
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I don’t celebrate Christmas. However, I do watch everyone around me often get frazzled and caught up in what seemingly should be one of the most happy times of year. Maybe it is the preparation of the huge Christmas feast, or finding that ONE special gift that you know a significant person wants or needs; I don’t know. But what I do know is that the festive season needs to be just that, festive.
one thing, it is that every moment is special and treasured. If you don’t find that one gift, it doesn’t matter. If you can’t get all the special ingredients for your cooking, don’t worry. If your table setting and decorations are a mumble jumble of odd bits and bobs, that is okay. Because you know what? It doesn’t matter. What matters is family and friends around you, being together, celebrating or mourning together.
If last month’s tragedy of the death of Phillip Hughes has taught me only
As the year winds down and we approach the holiday season, think
about creating something different this year; a new tradition or even pull out a really old one. Create memorable moments and be in the moment. Don’t get stressed out, don’t worry if things are not perfect - that word is just a bad word, in my opinion and don’t sweat the small stuff. Merry Christmas to all my followers and friends. Have a beautiful festive season.
Tahlia is a writer, columnist and therapist, see more of Tahlia’s work and join the conversation at www.theparentingfiles.com.au
THIS SUMMER 10 GREEN MONKEY PEDICABS WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS OF THE CBD TO TRANSPORT TOURISTS AND LOCALS TO TOURIST HOTSPOTS. Green Monkey founder and managing mirector, Judy Gatt, said the Green Monkey Pedicabs will be a refreshing addition to transportation options in Melbourne.
The pedicabs have been given the green light by the City of Melbourne to provide an alternative mode of transportation over the summer months. Backed by a 250kW electric motor, the Green Monkey Pedicabs will be the eco-friendly alternative for all the shorter trips across town.
“We want to be working alongside conventional cabs, horse and carriage services and all the transportation services to ensure that Green Monkey Pedicabs are another choice in enhancing the Melbourne experience,” she said. “With Sydney and Brisbane already in pedicab heaven, it is perfect timing for Melbourne to introduce this fun way to move. Green Monkey Pedicabs are the short journey transport service for pedestrians in Melbourne CBD.
“From tourists wanting to get a taste of Melbourne’s iconic spots, Melbourne office workers going to their meetings to evening visitors getting to their short stop restaurant or destination, Green Monkey Pedicabs will be a carefree and enjoyable travel option. “The beauty and ingenuity of the pedicab is that it is environmentally friendly, all the riders are cycle enthusiasts who know Melbourne well, it is a novel way to get around town, it is the easiest way for short distance travel and passengers get the opportunity to soak up the city at its finest, whether it is during the day or at night.
Here’s to a Happy New You! Well, it’s that time of the year again where we start evaluating our achievements, our journey, and where we want to go next. For some of us, we may have made massive steps towards changing our
fitness and for some our journey has just started. Wherever you are on your path, now is a great time to amplify your goals. First thing to be clear on is the fact that the only person you need to be competing against is ...You. It’s your fitness, your goals and your journey. Everyone is on a different path and for a completely different reason. What are you most proud of this year? What did you achieve that you thought you never could? And what is something or some things you perhaps could have done better? Be honest with yourself and start planning for 2015.
able to accommodate its diverse travel needs. We hope we can be a permanent fixture in Melbourne.” Look out for the pedicabs in and around the City Loop plus at Harbour Town, Harbour Esplanade, Crown Precinct, Federation Square, State Library Melbourne Museum and Birrarung Marr.
“We are determined to prove that a Green Monkey Pedicab is perfect for Melbourne and being
HAPPY NEW YOU BY SUZANA TALEVSKI – TELEVISION FITNESS PRESENTER AND INSTRUCTOR
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GREEN BY NAME GREEN BY NATURE
One of the best ways to break through a fitness barrier is trying something new. Is there an adventure, a program, a sport that you have always wanted to try? What are the reasons you haven’t done it yet? Is it your level of fitness, fear, time commitment? Now is the time to have a good think about it and plan to tick that off your list.
Once you have a plan you can take action. What is it that you want to be better at in 2015? Is it strength? Endurance? Flexibility? And how are you going to achieve it?
to start. Begin exploring the fitness centres around your area. Compare programs and their facilities. Do they align with your goals? Do they fit in with your fitness philosophies? And remember the warmer months are great for getting outdoors. Make your goals fun. Learn a sport that fits in with your goals. Mix it up and stay motivated. Check your local council guides and see what team sports and clubs there are and whether they are looking for participants in the new year. Bottom line? You control what your health and fitness looks like. Commit or re-commit to making 2015 your year in health and fitness.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New You!
If you have been thinking about starting a fitness regime now is a great time DECEMBER 2014
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MEANINGFUL
GIVING
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY IS ON 5 DECEMBER. Mandated by the UN General Assembly, it is a day for volunteers and volunteer-based organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to showcase the difference they make in their communities. You can find more information at Volunteering Australia via www.volunteeringaustralia.org In the words of Ben Harper “I can change the world with my own two hands”… So in celebration of volunteering, I’m providing some fun ideas. Maybe I’ll see you at one of these programs this festive season? GRANDIES GIFTING PROGRAM – Assists men’s and women’s shelters as well as elderly residents, particularly those living in care facilities who no longer have family and friends to support them. They would appreciate your help in shopping for gifts, sorting them, and delivering them to the above facilities. For more details visit www.magicmoments.org.au BASKET BRIGADES PROGRAM – Sends gifts, food and even toys to needy families and the homeless. The Basket Brigades need volunteers to sort and pack gift baskets this Christmas season. For more details visit www.magicmoments.org.au magmedia.com.au
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MEALS ON WHEELS delivers meals daily to people who can’t leave their homes. The program runs all across Australia so
if you have a car and a driver’s licence, then they need your support. For more details visit www.mealsonwheels.org.au HOMELESS VOICE SHELTER – Help feed the homeless on Christmas Day in the spirit and tradition. Help serve Christmas dinner between 2-4pm or 4-6pm on Christmas Day. Or you can donate gifts. For more details visit www.homelessvoice.org THE SMITH FAMILY – Buy a gift or collect toys and books at your workplace or with friends. Preference is nothing bigger than a school backpack and no wrapping. Currently gifts for children aged between six to 12 years are a priority. You can also help create food hampers for needy families. For more details visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au
Wishing you all the very best for a safe and happy festive season and I look forward to sharing more meaningful stories with you in 2015 - Miss Meaningful xx
MISS MEANINGFUL COLUMN JANINE PHILLIPS AKA MISS MEANINGFUL is passionate about philanthropy and business with a love of combining the two living by the motto ‘one devoted person can initiate change’.
MAKE SURE YOU VISIT HER BLOG AT missmeaningful.com.au
This column is dedicated to journalist Peter Greste and his colleagues who were convicted on charges linked to aiding the Muslim Brotherhood. The journalists have repeatedly said they are being punished for doing their jobs. My thoughts are with Peter, his colleagues Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed and their families waiting for their safe return home.