3004 St Kilda Road News Summer 2016 by MagMedia Pty Ltd

POP-UP PAVILION

A MEETING PLACE MARVEL MAKE NYE POP WITH JOHN FOREMAN

TOM ELLIOTT TALKS DOWNSIZING

WINE MATTERS SUMMER WINE

PAUL MARIC TEST DRIVES NEW MERC SUMMER 2016

3004 NEWS

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WELCOME TO THE SUMMER EDITION OF

3004 ST KILDA ROAD NEWS

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 3004News welcomes any contributions from our readers. Please send material to the above address. 3004News is a free publication and is distributed As part of 3000melbourne through selected outlets. Views expressed in 3004News do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by 3004News 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 All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for Publication”. 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.

7 IN THIS ISSUE: Gary’s meat’s the one to beat

John Foreman is top of the POPS

Village opens its kitchen garden

Tom Elliott

3004 NEWS

publishers Susan Riley {susanr@magmedia.com.au} William Rowe {williamr@magmedia.com.au} editor Chelsea Arnold {editor@magmedia.com.au} design Susan de Kretser - Smith & Rowe {studio@smithandrowe.com.au} advertising enquiries Susan Riley - 0412 045 993 {susanr@magmedia.com.au} Paul Andrew - 03 9370 0040 {lorcymedia@bigpond.com} feature writers Tom Elliott, Anita Roper, Steve Bills, Nathan Lear, William So, Guy Surkijn, Ozker O’Connell cover image MPavilion. Photo: John Gollings.

As we count down the last few weeks of another wonderful year for the 3004 precinct, it’s the perfect opportunity to appreciate all the people who make the precinct such a vibrant place to live and work.

All our regular columnists are back in this issue sharing their insight and expertise.

St Kilda Road is getting into the spirit of the festive season with special events planned to ring in the New Year. Village Melbourne will be celebrating in its newly opened Garden Kitchen, while over at Hamer Hall celebrated conductor John Foreman will lead the Aussie Pops in the new year concert series. You can read about both events in this issue of 3004 News.

We appreciate and enjoy the contribution Senior Sergeant Steve Bills, Tom Elliott, Nathan Lear, Guy Surkijn, Ozker O’Connell and Anita Roper make to each and every issue. To all our readers, have a happy and safe festive season, and a fabulous summer, from all of us at 3004 News. We hope to see you at some of the Club 3004 events in 2016.

Susan Riley Publisher 3004 News

STAYING SAFE OVER CHRISTMAS BY SENIOR SERGEANT STEVE BILLS I know, I know … Christmas is coming up and I’m going to hit you with a road safety message – right? Wrong! Well sort of. We all know the Christmas-New Year period is one of the most dangerous times on our roads. And not just because of excessive alcohol. People trying to finish things up before the holidays and doing excessive hours at work, combined with the Christmas parties, can have devastating effects on our roads and for our families. Not to mention the effect it can have on the emergency service workers that have to attend and deal with the consequences. In the New Year, the State Government

will be trialling a program for 24-hour public transport on weekends called the Night Network. Hopefully this trial will be successful and implemented permanently giving everyone in the city no excuse for jumping in their cars after work functions. We are very excited that building work for the new Southbank police station at 66 Moray Street, Southbank has commenced and is expected to be completed by March next year. These new premises will provide a modern facility for the members to provide our policing service from and will be a far cry from the outdated current premises we have which essentially haven’t changed since the late 70s.

Even though we won’t be physically in the 3004 area, I can assure you we will continue to provide the same level of service to the area regardless of where we are located. So as the Christmas period approaches enjoy yourself and your family but stay safe on the roads. We all know it can get a bit crazy in the lead up to Christmas and over the New Year period so please make sure you take care when you are out and about. That way you’ll enjoy the season and be back refreshed and ready to go in 2016. See you in the New Year. Steve

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY…

…I LOVE DEADLINES. I LIKE THE WHOOSHING SOUND THEY MAKE AS THEY FLY BY… - DOUGLAS ADAMS SPRING 2015

3004 NEWS

PORT PHILLIP’S NEW MAYOR NAMED COUNCILLOR BERNADENE VOSS IS PORT PHILLIP COUNCIL’S NEW MAYOR. Cr Voss (Sandridge Ward) was elected unopposed with Cr Serge Thomann (Catani Ward) voted in as Deputy Mayor at a special council meeting last month. Cr Voss said the council, which has one year remaining of a four-year term, had made great progress towards achieving its wide-ranging council plan for the community.

year. We will be working closely with our community as we respond to these financial challenges, and other, often complex issues, in a transparent, respectful way.” Cr Voss takes on the role from outgoing mayor Cr Amanda Stevens, who served three consecutive terms as mayor.

“We will all roll our sleeves up again and continue our journey. Being elected is a great honour and I am excited to think of what we can all achieve in our last year of this council term,” Cr Voss said.

The Veteran Trader Award recognises those who have committed more than 20 years of service and hard work to their market, while the Ultimate Best Trader Award rewards the trader with the highest overall combined score from the judging panel.

Cr Voss said challenges were expected to continue to arise over the next year.

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GARY’S QUALITY MEATS AT PRAHRAN MARKET WAS AWARDED BEST MARKET BUTCHER, ULTIMATE BEST TRADER AND THE VETERAN AWARD AT THE MARKETS OF MELBOURNE AWARDS IN NOVEMBER. Owner Gary McBean opened his store at Prahran Market in 1975 and has won the Best Market Butcher Award three years in a row.

“We will also continue our longstanding advocacy for good planning and early delivery of infrastructure for the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area through our participation in the Fishermans Bend Ministerial Advisory Committee.”

“The introduction of rates capping and other external pressures means we will be operating in a constrained financial environment over the coming

CAN’T BEAT GARY’S MEATS

McBean is a fourth generation butcher who grew up in a butcher shop. He is a Master Butcher and an expert in choosing, cutting and preparing meat. Cr Bernadette Voss and Cr Serge Thomann

Gary McBean with all of his awards

He sources organic beef, organic lamb, organic pork and organic chicken direct from the farm. When you visit Gary’s Quality Meats Organic Butcher you can see the new purpose-built cool room for dry aging beef. Prahran Market’s The Mussel Pot was named winner of the Best Eateries Award.

A highlight of the program is the sunset ritual. Each evening at sunset, the pavilion structure will present a special ritual – a collaboration between the architect Levete, lighting designer Ben Cobham and sound artist Matthias Schack-Arnott. Visitors are invited to experience the spectacle daily at sundown. MPavilion is a unique architecture event commissioned by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation for Melbourne. A new temporary pavilion is designed each year by a leading architect.

Pe Str rry eet

644 Elizabeth Street

Chapel Street

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For program details visit www.mpavilion.org

This year the multi-purpose structure features a modular design comprising more than 40 fibreglass petals that respond to the environment, shivering in the wind and creating a play of light and shade beneath.

Architect Amanda Levete said the pavilion is “a celebration of those national shelters where we come together”.

“We have achieved an exceptionally light, open structure that sits gently on the land and allows the light, the wind and sometimes the rain to form part of the show. It is designed to provide a contemplative, personal experience as well as a place to congregate,” she said.

The second incarnation of MPavilion in the Queen Victoria Gardens will be home to more than 200 free events until Sunday, 7 February.

The 95 carbon fibre columns each fitted with a ring of LED lights shine brightly at night.

THE SHADY LANDSCAPE ALONG ST KILDA ROAD IS LOOKING DECIDEDLY DIFFERENT WITH THE INSTALLATION OF MPAVILION.

3004 COVER STORY

MELBOURNE MARVEL MAKES ITS MARK

163 Commercial Road South Yarra

SUMMER 2015

3004 NEWS

FUSION AND PASSION

ARE A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

WHEN CLUB 3004 MEMBER AND CITY OF MELBOURNE BUSINESSWOMAN, MAYA MCPHERSON, MOVED INTO THE ST KILDA ROAD PRECINCT, SHE REALISED THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR A FRESH AND VIBRANT FOOD OFFERING TO SATE THE APPETITE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS OFFICE WORKERS. Following a yearning to open her own café or restaurant, Maya settled on what was the former Channel Seven precinct at the corner of Wells and Coventry streets. Mix on Coventry is a haven for fusion culinary delights with a focus on celebrating quality seasonal produce from in and around the Victoria region. Maya also aims to please the local coffee aficionados through her offering of locally roasted coffee.

Providing superior service to her patrons, Mix on Coventry seats 80 patrons with tables inside as well as some outside on a deck. This fully licensed establishment is perfect for any occasion from a quiet Sunday brunch through to corporate functions including Christmas parties. “I am setting out to make Mix on Coventry a restaurant with a clear emphasis on using fresh, local seasonal produce to create colourful, fun and vibrant dishes for breakfast and lunch,” Maya said. “I want customers to come on the seasonal journey all year round as we celebrate Victoria’s fresh produce.” Sitting within Southbank and close to The Shrine, Maya’s establishment, Mix on Coventry is open from 7am to 3pm for all-day breakfast and lunch. For more information and menus visit www.mixoncoventry.com.au

Owner Maya Mcherson with Susan Riley

St Kilda Road Precinct’s newest dining option has arrived. Serving colourful, fun and vibrant dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner the fresh food offering from Mix on Coventry is guaranteed to sate the appetite of local residents as well as office workers. Focussing on celebrating quality seasonal produce from in, and around Victoria, Mix on Coventry serves coffee and specialty teas to suit the tastebuds of aficionados alike.

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41 Coventry Street, Southbank Monday to Sunday: Breakfast and Lunch from 7am to 5pm Thursday to Sunday: Dinner from 6 to 11pm

Call for Bookings: (03) 9498 9065

Open seven-days-a-week, Mix on Coventry is also perfect for any occasion from a quiet Sunday brunch to corporate functions including the office Christmas party. Why not drop in at Mix on Coventry and let the team take you on a seasonal journey all year round.

3004 ENTERTAINMENT

MAKE NYE POP WITH THE AUSTRALIAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE AUSTRALIAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA HAS BECOME A MELBOURNE TRADITION. AND IT’S ONE THAT CELEBRATED CONDUCTOR JOHN FOREMAN HAS COME TO ENJOY. This year will be the fourth that Foreman has led the 65-piece orchestra, affectionately known as the Aussie Pops. “I love spending New Year’s Eve with the Aussie Pops. There’s a lot of pressure to come up with something to do on New Year’s Eve and this is a really fantastic way to spend it,” he said.

They are a talented group of musicians. “This year, guests will be entertained by master of ceremonies, one of our Carols by Candelight favourites and radio star, Denis Walter in song throughout the night. He will be joined by New Zealand bass-baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Australian soprano

THIS YEAR MARKS THE AUSSIE POPS’ 34TH NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT SERIES AT MELBOURNE ARTS CENTRE’S HAMER HALL “For me personally, standing in front of the orchestra is a really wonderful experience. “The New Year’s Eve concert series with the Aussie Pops is always a lovely stylish way to ring in the New Year. They have a fantastic approach to music and they play in a very fresh and exciting way.

Greta Bradman, great grand-daughter of Sir Donald, alongside special guest artists from the Victorian Opera. With a rapidly growing international career, Rhodes’ recent credits include South Pacific for Opera Australia and

the title roles in The King and I and Don Giovanni, while Bradman is known for her extraordinary vocal stamina and skill, having presented more than 1,000 performances with orchestras in Australia and internationally. “Each year we feature beautiful composers and classic pieces that result in a fun and joyful lead up to midnight. We finish in time for everyone to go out and see the midnight crackers. There is also a matinee show for early festivities. “I think the main thing that audiences will take away on the night is that it’s a lot of fun. It’s a really effervescent show.” WHEN: 2pm and 8pm on Thursday 31 December WHERE: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road TICKETS: $70 from apoconcerts.com.au or 1300 182 183

SUMMER 2015

3004 ENTERTAINMENT

NYE AT THE VILLAGE Celebrate NYE under the stars in the magical night garden. Get ready for a huge and unforgettable night. With beer, wine, basic spirits, food and entertainment all included in the ticket price at Melbourne’s most iconic beer garden there’s no better way to bring in 2016. WHEN: Thursday 31 December TIME: 8pm-1am WHERE: The Village, 557 St Kilda Road TICKETS: $140 BOOKINGS: villagemelbourne.com.au

ONE OF MELBOURNE’S MOST ICONIC BEER GARDENS HAS JUST REOPENED ITS KITCHEN FOR SUMMER. The Village on St Kilda Road has opened its Garden Kitchen to create the ultimate outdoor experience. The Garden Kitchen & Bar, will serve a grazing menu, cocktail jugs, beers on tap as well as an extensive range of wines, bottled beers, ciders and spirits. The Garden Kitchen will be crafting handmade pizzas with fresh seasonal toppings for only $12. Cooked to order, flavours include the Gamberi - prawns, dried chilli, pepperonata, salted ricotta and the Salami – sopressa, gruyere, parsley, roast garlic and Napoli sauce and more.

Staples from the Bistro menu will also be available including the famous Village Burger, charcuterie boards made up of a selection of cured meats, house terrine, duck liver parfait, pickles and tomato relish as well as the new Spring Vegetable Salad with asparagus, green beans, ricotta, pickled shallot and toasted almonds.

BEN & JERRY’S OPENAIR CINEMAS ARE BACK BRINGING MUSIC BY DAY AND MOVIES BY NIGHT.

• The Walk • Spectre • Bridge of Spies • Clueless 20th Anniversary Screening • Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Screening

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This year’s festival program includes an assortment of the latest and

Whether it is in the sunshine or under the shade of the huge elm tree head down to The Village to try the new Garden Kitchen menu offering great value all day, every day.

If you are after something slightly more substantial the new Spring Bistro menu designed by head chef Simon Moss is available in the Outdoor Bistro area of The Village Garden. Dishes such as the Spaghetti, Vongole spaghetti with local clams, white wine, garlic, parsley, chilli; and the Chicken Parma, Moss’ take on a classic, comprised of herb crumbed chicken breast,

greatest releases to light up the big outdoor screen, including:

Sunday from an array of Melbourne’s best up-and-coming artists.

parmesan béchamel, salami puree, marinated cherry tomatoes, are set to become the new summer favourites.

The Garden Bar has a freshly concocted list of 1-litre cocktail jugs.

DECKED OUT FOR OPEN AIR CINEMA Melbourne is the next stop on the quintessential summer event’s national tour, and will see movies screen nightly throughout the season. Add in some live music every Saturday and

GARDEN THE PLACE TO BE AT THE VILLAGE

With deckchairs, bean loungers and blankets available for hire, a touch of comfort can be easily added to a night under the stars. Cinemagoers can also opt for a Volkswagen Polo Class ticket which includes reserved premium seating with a blanket and cushion for extra film-watching luxury, a drink and a Ben & Jerry’s shortie. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream will be cooling down the balmy Melbourne evenings

with a range of flavours and will be scooping up free ice cream for every Sundae Session. As always, the Sundae Sessions include a host of lawn games including Putt Putt and Giant Cow Jenga. Complementing the entertainment line-up is a fully licensed bar and Ladro Pizza will be serving up signature salads and gourmet pizzas. Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema sells out every summer in Melbourne, so book early to avoid missing out. BEN & JERRY’S OPENAIR CINEMAS WHEN: Until Sunday 20 December WHERE: South Beach Reserve, St Kilda TICKETS: openaircinemas.com.au

BY OZ O’CONNELL Concierge Manager – St Kilda Road Precinct, 3004

WE HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPS YOU ENJOY YOUR LIFE IN MELBOURNE, UNTIL NEXT TIME.

FEELING MUSICAL Georgy Girl - The Seekers musical The Seekers were the first Australian band to reach number one on the charts in the UK with their first three singles and with Georgy Girl hit number one in America. The Seekers, The musical opens 22 December at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Hit songs include ‘A World Of Our Own’, ‘Georgy Girl’, ‘The Carnival Is Over’ and many more.

BALMY BALMY NIGHTS Moonflower Night Market in St Kilda Every Friday night in December and January an urban oasis opens its arms for summer. Moonflower offers fantastic street food relaxing tunes and inspiring artists and live music at the St Kilda Town Hall Gardens.

KIDS’ DAY OUT Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden I went there recently with my daughter. Situated in the Botanical Gardens,

WINE MATTERS as lighter reds made from varieties such as pinot noir. Of course, it’s better still if these easy drinking wines, perfect for when friends gather for a barbecue, don’t break the bank either.

SUMMER WINE by Guy Surkijn With the end of the year in sight, we can all be forgiven for looking forward to the lazy, hazy days of summer, spending more time with friends and family and enjoying some down time. As the mercury rises, our taste buds crave more refreshing and lighter drinks. Steering away from the heavy reds, we look for crisp whites and rosé wines that can be served nicely chilled as well

So what have I been putting in my shopping basket to be ready for the warmer days of summer ahead? My recent shopping trip to local stores revealed some old favourites and a few new treats to try. My first selection, for under $10, came from supermarket Aldi. My shopping trolley contained quite a few bottles of 2013 Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The Loire Valley in France is famous for its sauvignon wines, such as Sancerre, but this regional example from Aldi will

only set you back $7.80. I also found a 2010 Amarillo Rioja Reserva made from Spain’s flagship Tempranillo grape. For Rioja, Reserva means a minimum of one year in oak barrel plus two years bottle ageing. All for just $9.90. I then visited Vintage Cellars where I capped my spend at $20 a bottle. I picked up the 2010 Quinta das Setencostas, a blend of local Portuguese grapes, which in any six, retails at $13.48. This easy drinking red is a great match for grilled meats. To make up six or more bottles, I chose a few bottles of light and subtly fruity pinot noir from the 2014 Rapaura Springs from Marlborough, NZ at $17.99 in any six. I also grabbed a few bottles of rosé, a long-time favourite of mine. When it comes to rosé, Côte de Provence in the South of France is hard to beat so I picked this fresh and crisp 2012 Perle de Rosaline at $16.19 in any

3004 LIFESTYLE

CONCIERGE COMMUNIQUÉ AT YOUR SERVICE there is plenty of room for children to play and splash with ponds and hollow trees. Great place with lots of kids’ activities which should keep them occupied for hours. Ideal for parties.

BRAINBEATS Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation Launch Following Carrie Bickmore’s inspirational Logies speech Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation is ready for launch. The inaugural music festival BrainBeats 2015 presented by Garnier kicks off on 6 December. For more details visit www. CarriesBeanies4BrainCancer.com

INDOOR SPORTS THIS SUMMER Boxing at Hisense Arena On 2 December, four-time World Champion boxer Danny Green takes on Germany’s Konni Konrad who recently took on WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Jurgen Braehmer.

six. To make sure I had fish and seafood menu options covered, I selected a few bottles of MioPasso Pinot Grigio at $13.49 in any six. A flash looking label told me the wine comes from Sicily. Next on my list - bubbles. My selection included sparkling wines and champagnes at different price points and for different occasions. I stopped at my local, the Melbourne Wine Store, on St Kilda Road for Dominique Portet’s Brut Rosé NV. This sparkling wine is made from pinot noir in the Yarra valley by a Frenchman. All good at $26. And a couple of bottles of Bollinger Special Cuvée for that special occasion, a bit of a splash at $78 concluded my shopping spree. With the trolley full, I headed off home satisfied with my cargo and I now eagerly await enjoying my purchases as the festive and holiday season unfolds.

Armstead Estate boutique vineyard on the banks of Lake Eppalock produces handcrafted premium wines.

OUR SPECIALITY IS MEMORABLE FULL-BODIED HEATHCOTE SHIRAZ. EMAIL: info@armsteadestate.com.au WEB: www.armsteadestate.com.au PHONE: 0419 354 926

SUMMER 2015

3004 ENVIRONMENT

3004 NEWS’ ENVIRONMENT COLUMN BY ANITA ROPER Effects include reduced rainfall in Australia, warmer and more extreme temperatures and bushfire threats.

ACCORDING TO THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR EL NINO EVENT WHICH OCCURS WHEN SEA TEMPERATURES IN THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN PACIFIC INCREASE AS THEY HAVE OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS. PREVIOUS SIGNIFICANT EL NINOS OCCURRED IN 1982-83, ASH WEDNESDAY, AND 1997-98.

We’ve just had the earliest arrival of the fire season ever with houses lost already and much of Victoria, NSW and Queensland suffering severe drought. Fortunately most of our dams are much fuller than they were during the last drought. Melburnians have and are doing well on water use. You will all remember the advertising campaign urging us to limit our use to 155 litres and the tight restrictions we had in place.

The restrictions have long been removed but our habits to conserve appear to have become ingrained. South East Water serves our postcode 3004 and our latest bill shows the average daily use per two-person household is 148 litres. In a normal home 30% of water use is the shower, followed by 20% outdoor, 19% tap, bath or other, 16% washing machine, and 14% toilet – dual flush only uses two-thirds of a single flush. South East Water (southeastwater. com.au) urges us to “love every drop” fixing dripping taps, using an efficient shower head, having a front end loader washing machine, checking filters on air conditioners, growing a waterwise garden watered if necessary during cooler hours. A hand held hose must have a trigger nozzle. An efficient front loading washing machine uses 60 litres (compared to 150 for a top loader) as well as saving energy and reducing electricity bills. A dishwasher uses 15-20 litres every time it runs – full or half full.

A water efficient showerhead uses 7 litres per minute compared with 12 to 15. It’s even recommended that you consider filling a bucket from the pre hot shower water for your gardens. My recent appointment to the Yarra Valley Water Board which supplies water to our northern and eastern suburbs and the surrounding country areas has given me a very real reason to think about both water use and El Nino. We’re in for a long hot summer and Victorians can continue to set an international example in sustainability as we did last drought. A Californian delegation has just finished a comprehensive fact finding visit. Their State Governor Brown has required a 25% cut in water use with appliance rebates, new technology development investment, replacing 50 million square feet of lawn, encouraging recycling and stringent enforcement required by utilities. Look around your house and see if there is anything extra you can do. Until next time, ANITA ROPER

SURVEY SHOWS

BUILDING UPGRADES ON THE RISE MORE THAN 37 PER CENT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE CENTRAL CITY HAVE RETROFITTED TO IMPROVE THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, A CITY OF MELBOURNE REPORT SHOWS.

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Councillor Arron Wood, who oversees the environment portfolio, said the Melbourne Retrofit Survey 2015 shows Melbourne’s existing office buildings are being upgraded with more sustainable systems and fit outs.

“Retrofitting is on the increase because improving a building’s performance makes economic sense. More efficient buildings cost less to run and are more likely to attract and retain tenants, which improves asset value and rental return.”

“THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR CURRENTLY GENERATES OVER 70 PER CENT OF MELBOURNE’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND IS A MAJOR FOCUS OF OUR EFFORTS TO CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE CITY,” CR WOOD SAID.

The survey collects data from building owners, building managers and facilities managers on retrofit activity undertaken in commercial buildings. Key findings include: •3 7 per cent or 541 commercial buildings in the municipality have been retrofitted since 2010. •2 1 per cent, or 315 buildings, intend to retrofit within the next five years.

•T he average cost per retrofit was $343,000.

in 2015, 11 per cent of buildings were “currently” being retrofitted.

•1 2 per cent of buildings spent more than $1 million.

“There is still work to be done. We will keep motivating, educating and supporting building owners so they can reap the benefits of making deeper retrofits, particularly the owners of lower grade buildings,” Cr Wood said.

•9 2 per cent of retrofits included a lighting upgrade, 49 per cent involved a chiller upgrade, and 20 per cent included an upgrade to the building management system. The survey found that 37 per cent were motivated to retrofit to ‘replace a broken asset,’ 33 per cent wanted to ‘minimise energy consumption; and 22 per cent to ‘attract new tenants. It also found that retrofit activity is also on the increase. In 2011 and 2013, seven and five per cent respectively of buildings were “currently” being retrofitted; while

For building owners who want to retrofit but need finance, the City of Melbourne offers Environmental Upgrade Agreements and affordable loans through the Sustainable Melbourne Fund. Businesses can access 100 per cent finance for upgrades such as solar, double glazing, energy efficient lighting, green roofs, cool roofs, and water efficiency.

TIME TO DOWNSIZE?

A few years ago my in-laws downsized. Their old home was overly large, required too much maintenance and had many superfluous rooms filled with junk. Despite this, the move to a newer and smaller place wasn’t without its emotional challenges. In the process of packing, caches of old photos were found reminding them of many happy years spent in the family house. Boxes full of old school uniforms brought back memories of three young children (now grown adults) who’d spent their formative years within its walls. And several pet dogs were buried within the home’s spacious gardens.

Tune in and listen to Tom between 3-6pm weekdays on 3AW’s Drive.

But move they did. Happy memories made way for a more financially comfortable retirement.

Mr Morrison would like older Australians to follow my in-laws’ example. He’s contemplating incentives such as a holiday from stamp duty for the smaller home purchase. There’s also talk of separating any surplus money pocketed from the sale from eligibility for the old age pension. And as more homes hit the market, it’s possible that residential prices for struggling younger families might ease a tad.

3004 FINANCE

TOM ELLIOTT WRITES...

Treasurer Scott Morrison wants pensioners to sell the family home, buy something smaller and fund their retirements with any spare cash pocketed along the way. Financially this makes a lot of sense; after all, once the kids have left home, who really needs to rattle around a large family abode? Unfortunately for Mr Morrison, for many Australians their house is more an emotional investment than a monetary one. Any fiddling with the tax rules surrounding it will cause him pain at the ballot box.

All this makes excellent financial sense. But if he’s to sell this package to pensioners, Mr Morrison must remove any element of coercion from his policies. No one likes the government telling them what to do. I’m heartily sick, for example, of well-meaning bureaucrats constantly urging us to eat and drink less, and exercise more. We’re adults for goodness’ sake! Leave us alone to mind our own business. Selling the family home can be an emotionally fraught decision. A few incentives to move can successfully nudge people in the right direction. But telling a couple that the house in which they raised their children must go in order to fund retirement will never wash. Mr Morrison must use a lot more carrot and fair bit less stick if he wants pensioners to downsize en masse.

THE CASE FOR

FAMILY TRUSTS Recently, leading accounting firm KPMG recommended family trusts pay full capital gains tax (CGT), following new estimates showing lost revenue associated with the use of family trusts tops $1 billion per year. One suggestion was to phase out the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount for assets held by trusts that are disposed of if held for more than 12 months. Another suggestion was that death should be treated as a ‘realisation event’ for capital gains tax purposes in some circumstances. However, family trusts do play a legitimate and important role in the financial strategies of some high net worth Australians and Australian small businesses.

What is the purpose of a family trust? It’s important to consider the role and purpose of a family trust to high net worth (HNW) individuals and families in Australia. In summary, family trusts provide a way for HNWs to hold incomeearning assets, set up to hold a family’s assets or run a business. Family trusts provide asset protection; with the legal owner of the assets being the trust instead of the individual. They facilitate a vehicle for succession planning and the intergenerational transfer of wealth, as well as offer flexibility meaning that unlike a superannuation fund, they do not lock assets away until preservation age. Family trusts are also a trusted investment vehicle for the thousands of small businesses in Australia.

BY NATHAN LEAR

They provide working capital for a business, and are critical to secure personal assets in the event a business fails. Lastly, family trusts provide another investment vehicle beyond superannuation, which currently prevent concessionally taxed superannuation contributions in excess of $30,000 per annum (for those under 50 years of age) or $35,000 (for those over 50 years of age). Role of the ATO The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has a ‘trusts taskforce’ to keep a close eye on how family trusts operate, ensuring compliance and monitoring those who may abuse a trust. As at January 2015, the taskforce had 21 audits and 397 reviews.

With notable court cases and crackdowns in relation to the income that can be distributed to when and to whom, the ATO continues to keep family trusts in the spotlight. Therefore, there is strong incentive for HNWs with a family trust to ensure they are acting in accordance with the law, or risk an audit. In my opinion, the family trust has been unfairly labelled as a loophole exploited by the rich, when in reality, they are an effective way to ensure protection of a family estate. You should always consult a financial adviser or taxation accountant to discuss whether a family trust would be appropriate in your situation. Nathan Lear is a Private Client Advisor at Hewison Private Wealth www.hewison.com.au SUMMER 2015

3004 ENTERTAINMENT

SAPPY SONGS SCOTTISH ACTOR-SINGER-AUTHOR ALAN CUMMING IS MAKING HIS DEBUT IN MELBOURNE FOR A RAUCOUS ADULTS-ONLY ONE-MAN CABARET SHOW, ALAN CUMMING SINGS SAPPY SONGS. Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs takes his irreverent humour and mischief-making show from the dressing room to the stage in a laughout-loud evening to remember. Named by Time Magazine as “one of the three most fun people in show business”, audiences are in for a treat as the fearless actor takes them on a wild journey unleashing his comical chatter, hilarious story-telling and wild mix of songs. He will be joined by his long-time collaborator and Emmy Awardwinning musical director Lance Horne, taking command of the stage with the support of an all-Australian band. Most famously recognised as the Machiavellian advisor Eli Gold in

The Good Wife, Cumming’s diverse career started out in Scottish detective series Taggart in 1985. Beyond the stage and screen the 50-year-old star can lay claim to being on a postage stamp, named an Icon of Scotland and for having been awarded an O.B.E for his commitment to LGBT rights in Britain and the US. He is also a vehement campaigner for Scottish Independence. ALAN CUMMING SINGS SAPPY SONGS WHERE: Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne WHEN: 5-7 January TICKETS: $30-$75. BOOKINGS: 1300 182 183 or www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

WARHOL & WEIWEI AT NGV

START THE WEEKEND EARLY WITH FRIDAY NIGHTS AT NGV. This summer, a ticket gets you afterhours entry to Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei, talks, food and bars, plus DJ sets in the NGV Garden and weekly live performances by international and Australian acts in the Great Hall. Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei is a major international exhibition featuring two of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries – Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei. It will open at the NGV this month and The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh in June 2016.

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Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei will explore the significant influence of these two exemplary artists on modern art and contemporary life, focussing on the parallels and intersections between the two artists’ practices. The NGV exhibition will present more than 300 works, including major new

commissions, immersive installations and a wide representation of painting, sculpture, film, photography, publishing and social media. A suite of major commissions by Weiwei will be premiered and presented alongside key works from the past four decades. It will present the most comprehensive representation of the artist’s work in Australia to date. More than 200 of Warhol’s most celebrated works will be featured, including paintings and silk-screens such as Campbell’s Soup, Electric Chair, Mao, Elvis, Flowers and celebrity portraits, sculpture and installation, and an extensive selection of film, music and publishing; including previously unseen work. The exhibition will also bring together a wide range of photography including more than 500 Polaroids documenting Warhol’s friends, colleagues, artistic and social milieux. WHEN: Fridays 11 December – 22 April TIME: 6-10pm WHERE: NGV International, St Kilda Road TICKETS: www.ngv.vic.gov.au

BY WILLIAM SO I got a call from my editor,

Next I go and ask a pharmacist,

She wanted to know the best way to treat skin cancer.

She said, “Apply sunscreen ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’, layers upon layers.

So, I go and ask a doctor,

“Do this every 4 to 6 hours”

She said, “Regular skin check and biopsy. Do it at least once a year.

Then I go and ask a homeopath,

“Go to a place like MoleMap. Keep an eye on your melanoma.” Then I go and ask a naturopath, He said, “Vitamin C, Eggplant, Raspberry, Coconut oil and baking soda. “Beware of offers like Black Salve which was banned by TGA.”

He said, “Not a lot we have to offer. “There is Calcarea carbonica if you don’t mind very diluted water.” Last I go and ask my darling wife, Pandora, She said, “Cover yourselves head to toe, “With every colour of the rainbow. “Coral, custard, and evergreen, my favourite colours for summer.”

not just band-aid solutions

3004 HEALTH

SUMMER POEM

Benefit from our years of experience & knowledge for your long-term health and well being. Our philosophy is simple. We provide ‘Quality and Care’ to ensure our customers receive the best healthcare advice with value for money and reputable medical products. We are dedicated to providing professional pharmaceutical advice… our finger is always on the pulse for your good health..

Pharmacy 517 517 St Kilda Rd (Corner Commercial Rd) P 9866 4892 • F 9866 2133 Monday – Friday 8.30am – 6.30pm Saturday by appoinment Email pharmacy.517@nunet.com.au

• Self-Care Health Information • Prescription (Rx) • Vitamins • Passport Photos • Photocopy & Fax

At Pharmacy 517, we don’t have customers, we have friends. It’s how we connect with our friends that allows us to make a difference in their lives.

St Kilda Road Medical Centre

Practice Hours: Weekdays (8am-6pm) Saturday (9am-12.30pm) Closed on Sunday & public holiday

SUMMER 2015

3004 MOTORING

While it’s impossible to mistake the new C-Class for anything other than a C-Class, S-Class styling cues flow throughout the body and make it pop when mixed with its comparatively pedestrian looking opposition. Priced from $60,900 for the C200 sedan, the C250 Estate being tested is priced from $71,400, with Estate variants commanding a $2900 over their sedan siblings. The pricing undercuts the BMW 3 Series wagon range, but can’t match the more affordable Audi A4 Avant.

MERCEDES-BENZ

C250 ESTATE MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES OF YESTERYEAR WERE ALWAYS KNOWN FOR THEIR STYLE AND PRESENCE. RECENTLY THIS TRAIT HASN’T BEEN AS PREVALENT — THAT IS UNTIL THE RELEASE OF THIS CAR, THE 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS, SEEN HERE IN C250 ESTATE TRIM.

From the outside, the C-Class features smooth and flowing lines that run from the proudly worn thee-point star around the embossed side beltline and to a neatly concealed boot cavity. While the exterior looks impressive, the interior is the C-Class’ trump card. The stunning interior looks and feels premium enough to belong to a car double or triple its asking price. Black ash wood inlays surround the driver and front passenger, while a large 7.0-inch colour screen sits atop the dashboard and displays the latest iteration of COMAND, Mercedes-Benz’s infotainment system. Under the bonnet, the C250 Estate boasts a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque. That combination helps it move from 0-100km/h in a spritely 6.8 seconds, partly thanks to its slickshifting seven-speed automatic gearbox. Under throttle the engine feels like a bit of a firecracker. It doesn’t feel effortless like a bigger six or eight-cylinder engine does, so there is an element of sharp response at times when only a subtle wave of torque would be needed. This aside, the steering feels wonderful and the crafted AMG steering wheel sits nicely in the hand. The electrically assisted steering allows for effortless steering around town and weightier steering feel in the vehicle’s sport modes. Despite the popularity of station wagons tapering off, impressive packages like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class that blend style, practicality and performance make the wagon an appealing concept for buyers turned off by high-riding SUVs.

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MOTORING REVIEW BY PAUL MARIC

The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is hard to fault, especially when it’s finished with a neat and sporty styling package like the one seen here. While I have convinced my other half that a C250 Estate would be a compelling purchase, I’m not sure I could push the argument for the C63S — I will try, though. Paul Maric is a Melbourne-based independent motoring journalist and mechanical engineer. Visit: www.caradvice.com.au Follow Paul on twitter: @paulmaric

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