3004 News Autumn 2012 Issue 45 by MagMedia Pty Ltd

A U T U M N 2 0 12 45

The Fabulous Spiegeltent! The Art of Buildings: Exploring St Kilda Road Interview with Doctor Chantel Thornton Taste of India

your guide to the st kilda road precinct

CONTENTS

Publisher’s note

Publisher Susan Riley susan@melbournemedia.com.au M 0412 045 993

It’s hard to believe another summer is already gone as we head into the cooler months. Melbourne is arguably at its best in autumn when St Kilda Road turns on a beautiful show as its trees and parks shed their red and gold foliage along the boulevard.

Editor Emily Rolfe emily@melbournemedia.com.au Advertising Enquiries Lyndall Tennant lyndall@melbournemedia.com.au M 0422 857 939

This issue is again full of arts, community and business stories from the precinct; our annual Melbourne favourite, the Fabulous Spiegeltent, is gracing the Arts Centre forecourt with its dazzling structure and sublime performances – turn to page 5 for a bit of history on this wonderful venue; Viktoria Rother takes us on a tour of some of our boulevard’s familiar buildings and their eye-catching features; we step back in time for a look at the story behind St Kilda Road’s Chevron building; take a closer look at the superb Peony Pavilion, a very special performance from the National Ballet of China; and don’t miss our interview with incredibly talented St Kilda Road resident Dr Chantel Thornton.

Feature writers Emily Rolfe, Tom Elliott, William So, Costa Rolfe, Anita Roper, Chelsea Arnold, Viktoria Rother and Helen Kent Photography Lucia Ondrusova info@luciaondrusova.com Design Smith & Rowe studio@smithandrowe.com.au P 9525 3933

Enjoy, and as always, we welcome your comments and feedback.

Printing Almar Press, Brunswick Phone 9380 4228

March is such a hectic month... I love deadlines, I especially like the sound they make as they go whooshing by...

This magazine has a distribution of 10,000 - connecting residences and businesses in the St Kilda Rd & Queens Rd Precinct.

Susan Riley Publisher 3004 News

3004 News is published by: Melbourne Media Pty Ltd The Foundry Suite 305 / 399 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 PO Box 107, Collins St West, Melbourne VIC 8007 No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission of The Publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication, 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 Editor or The Publisher. © Melbourne Media Pty Ltd.

The Peony Pavilion

HAPPENING

The Fabulous Spiegeltent

International Women’s Day

Art is Child’s Play

Tom Elliott on the Big Four

Blackman Classic

PROPERTY

Property Flashback: Chevron

PROPERTY

COVER STORY HAPPENING COMMUNITY HEALTH

We invite our readers to submit ideas, stories, happenings and other material relevant to the St Kilda Road precinct. Email us at: emily@melbournemedia.com.au or retro mail to: PO Box 107, Collins St West, Melbourne 8007

A U T U M N 2 0 12 45

The Fabulous Spiegeltent! The Art of Buildings: Exploring St Kilda Road

sa $35

Interview with Doctor Chantel Thornton Taste of India

your guide to the st kilda road precinct

For advertising enquiries contact Lyndall Tennant: 0422 857 939

12/05/11 3:22 PM

ISSUE 45

HAPPENING

Precinct Message

St Kilda Road’s reputation for fine dining has waxed and waned over the years. The Willows has been a staple for years and recently the Balencea has excited our taste buds. But the latest addition is sure to attract attention.

Bakini is located at 568 St Kilda Road and above towers the 17-storey apartment block built by the Ubertas Group which is headed by Albert Dadon, who received an Order of Australia (AM) a few years back for his services to jazz and philanthropy in the community. Now he has turned his incredible enthusiasm to food.

He has combined his entrepreneurial talents with restaurateur Mario Di Nardo’s creative talents. Throw in executive chef Claudio Brugalossi, and you have Bakini. At the heart of the 70-seat restaurant is its open and ‘on show’ marble kitchen with a staff keen to please. Mario Di Nardo brought us Southbank Scusa Mi, and if his latest venture is as successful, then the foodies of the precinct are in for a fine time.

The restaurant highlights comfortable leather seating for the tired businessperson and an outside terrace distinguished by indoor fittings!

But that quirk of design is easily explained by the restaurateur.

“In Italy people take their furniture outside when they are dining alfresco and we wanted to continue that feeling of dining” he said. Bakini will feature prominently among luncheon crowds and should easily attract the discerning diner at night as well. Try it!

William H. Deague President, St Kilda Road Precinct & Promotions Committee

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the National Ballet of China’s The Peony Pavilion The National Ballet of China returns to Melbourne in an Australian-exclusive season of one of China’s most famous classical love stories. Described as China’s Romeo and Juliet, The Peony Pavilion will be performed in the State Theatre from 15 – 18 March 2012.

A deeply romantic tale of the power of love over death that dates back to the Ming Dynasty, The Peony Pavilion was written at almost the same time William Shakespeare was penning his own celebrated works, and remains one of China’s most cherished stories. With magnificent sets, exquisite costumes and a full corps de ballet, The Peony Pavilion is a largescale choreographic fusion of western classical ballet and traditional Chinese dance. “The Peony Pavilion is based on a Chinese love story and performed in the Western ballet tradition,”

3004NEWS

like ballet will love it and those who are interested in Asian work will love it as well,” she added.

Making its European debut to sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival, The Peony Pavilion promises to be one Melbourne’s dance highlights of 2012. The performance is also making its Australian debut in the official Year of Chinese Culture in Melbourne.

explains Judith Isherwood, Chief Executive, Arts Centre Melbourne. “It is a ballet company en pointe but with exquisite interventions from Kun opera, which is the lyrical form of Chinese opera. People who

Directed by Li Liuyi (Beijing People’s Art Theatre) with original music by acclaimed composer Guo Wenjing, costumes by Academy Award winning designer Emi Wada, choreography by Fei Bo and featuring the superb dancers of The National Ballet of China, the travelling company also features a large-scale orchestra, the National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra. Composer Guo Wenjing states that the ballet’s score seeks to fuse Western and Chinese influences, featuring both classical Western music and traditional Chinese music. “I consider The Peony

Pavilion as an opportunity for experimentation and exploration, so I hope to break through the old rigid form of Chinese ballet music,” said Guo. The National Ballet of China, the only Chinese national ballet company, was founded in 1959 and is based on the finest traditions of Russian classical dance. It has become renowned both for its outstanding productions of the traditional classics and for its inspired blending of Chinese culture and history with classical western elements.

The Peony Pavilion 15 – 18 March, 2012 Thurs – Sat, 7.30pm Sat & Sun, 1.30pm

Tickets $89 - $159. Groups and concession prices available. artscentremelbourne.com.au, 1300 182 183 or Arts Centre Melbourne Box Office

By Costa Rolfe “Roll up, roll up, The Spiegeltent’s in town!” It may not be a circus, per se, but this transient Melbourne icon has once again taken fleeting root at its old St Kilda Road stamping

ground. A throwback to the traveling dance halls and bars of the early 20th century, a mere glimpse of the Famous Spiegeltent’s magnificent façade is enough to spark excitement and mystery; perhaps even a lingering hint of apprehension at what darker

appetites might be sated down this here rabbit hole… Built in 1920 by Belgian craftsmen Oscar Mols Dom and Loius Goor, this beguiling 3,000-piece puzzle successfully taps into that giddy carnival atmosphere generated by circus troops of old. Indeed, a distinct feeling of yesteryear pervades the Famous Spiegeltent, with every hand-hewn lump of wood, velvet curtain and mesmeric mirror ultimately geared towards meeting a single brief: to entertain. Marlene Dietrich’s 1930s rendition of Falling In Love Again is just one of the thousands of memorable performances to have set these cosy booths abuzz in almost a century of dare, innovation and adventure. Presented by the Arts Centre Melbourne and running until 22 April, this year’s ‘Famous Spiegel Season’ offers up an intoxicating cocktail of cabaret, music, comedy and circus to suit any taste. For lovers of live music – and let’s face it, Melbourne is full of self-appointed gig guardians – names such as acclaimed

Bad Seed, producer and solo artist Mick Harvey, Tim Rogers, former Magic Dirt front woman Adalita Srensen, Tex Perkins and Dave Graney headline the local offerings. The beautiful folk sound of Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit – who first came to prominence with their sublime Youtube cover of Fleet Foxes ‘Tiger Peasant Mountain Song’ – joins Concrete Blonde bassist/vocalist Johnette Napolitano to form part of the international contingent. Jazz connoisseurs can sample some acid, punk, funk and delicious manicured snacks with Jazz High Tea ($60), featuring some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians on selected Friday and Sunday afternoons throughout March and April.

COVER STORY

The Fabulous Spiegeltent

If it’s a Cheshire cat grin you’re after, the Famous Spiegeltent’s comedy line-up is happy to oblige. The riotous indie rock extravaganza of German duo Die Roten Punkte runs from 29 March to 8 April, and is best described as a Spinal Tap-esque brother and sister cabaret electroclash comedy. Performance poet Tim Key – a highly decorated performer and thrice-published author – returns to Melbourne with his subtly profound ‘Masterslut’, apparently having recently taken some time off to ‘bulk up’. Where the Famous Spiegeltent really does differ from other venues is in its cabaret, burlesque and circus shows. It does have an in-built trapeze, after all! Book a booth ($650 packages that include beer and wine) for vaudeville vamp Christa Hughes’ Beer Drinking Woman, featuring a Waits or Sinatra cover or two amidst the booze-soaked bawdiness. In keeping with the theme of mobile converted spaces, visitors to the Famous Spiegeltent can also wet their conductor’s whistle at the famous Tram Bar, where the only fines dished out come in red, white or sparkling.

ISSUE 45

HAPPENING

Photo: Jeff Busby

MOOMBA Icarus may have soared too close to the sun, but at least he got to enjoy the glorious sensation of flight before things went awry. For the vast majority of the brave Moomba birdmen, a date with Poseidon’s trident (the freshwater variety) is their only reward as they plummet to their destiny in the Yarra’s chocolaty drink. The annual Birdman Rally has seen all manner of ‘flying’ contraptions come to grief, with a particularly ambitious Mary Poppins umbrella flight just one of the highlights,whilst the Riverside Skate Park and annual Moomba Masters waterskiing championship will thrill the teeming riverbank. When: Friday 9 March until Sunday 12 March Where: Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr and the Yarra River between Princes Bridge and Swan Street Bridge Price: Free

PRA053_3004_News_120x185mmW.indd 1

3004NEWS

Tai Chi at Fed Square

Get down to Fed Square for your autumn quota of ‘Supreme Ultimate Fist’. T’ai chi chuan, that is, the meditative Chinese martial art not to be confused with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. And though fans of the global cage-fighting phenomenon might not have their thirst for brutal knockouts sated, they might benefit from the precise skills and alluring life-force that comprise this ancient form of defense training. Every Tuesday morning, people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the relaxation and health benefits of tai chi, with each session led by expert instructors. Loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended, so leave the leotards and stilettos for Beyonce videos. When: Every Tuesday, 7.30am-8.30am Where: Main Square (The Atrium in poor weather) Price: Free

Ford Focus The Seed Moonlight Cinema

What better venue to screen a film about a princess than the Royal Botanic Gardens? And none other than The Princess Bride (Sun 11 March) herself, who elicited the whimsical response of “As you wish” from love-struck Westley in Rob Reiner’s 1987 Oscar-nominated smash which ultimately came to resemble the “kissing book” that a young Fred Savage was so suspicious of. John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson (Pulp Fiction; Thurs 15 March) and Audrey Hepburn (Breakfast At Tiffany’s; Sun 18 March) are a few of the stars on display. Enjoy the New York street food inspired menu, and a ‘Gold Grass’ ticket will score you a reserved bean bed. When: Now until Sunday 25 March Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue Price: Adult $18; Concession $16; Sen/ Child (5-15yrs) $14; Gold Grass $33. Ph: 1300 551 908

War leaves its mark on all its participants - and even some not yet born - no matter where the battle is waged. Rose Maloney’s dad Danny went to Vietnam; her grandfather Brian was IRA; then Rose was born with cancer after her father was exposed to Agent Orange during his service. Written by Kate Mulvany, The Seed is an autobiographical work that plots the tragedy and humour of poisonous family secrets. Mulvany has penned a haunting personal tale, underscored by the still reverberating impact of Vietnam. Directed by AnneLouise Sarks in her Melbourne Theatre Company main stage debut.

When: Until 4 April. Mon & Tues 6:30pm; Wed 1pm & 8pm; Thurs & Fri 8pm; Sat 4pm & 8:30pm Where: Fairfax Studio, Level 5, Theatres Building, Arts Centre Melbourne Price: $33 - $99

29/02/12 9:41 AM

Fred Williams: Infinite Horizons

John Brack said at Fred Williams’ funeral: “He changed the way we see our country: an achievement which will live long after all of us are gone.” Indeed, few Australian artists have altered the way we as a nation regard our natural environment quite like Williams. For Williams, the abstract experience of the landscape reigned supreme. At the Ian Potter Centre until 22 July, this comprehensive retrospective includes oils and gouaches, and explores Australia from Bass Strait to the arid Pilbara – just some of the remote sites Williams drew inspiration from. Several engaging portraits of the artist’s family and associates add further texture to the exhibition. When: 7 April – 22 July Where: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square Price: Adult $16; concession $12

ARE YOU PLANNING A

Simon Hogan Pitjantjatjara born c.1930 Ilkurlka 2004 Felton Bequest, 2011 © Simon Hogan, courtesy Spinifex Arts Project

William Kentridge: Cash Savage and the Living Water: Five Themes Last Drinks NGV Australia

Best known for his animated films derived from charcoal drawings, William Kentridge is nothing if not versatile. Few disciplines have not felt his poetic touch, imparting his dreamy yet sobering message in prints, books, collage and sculpture – even performing arts. Kentridge’s charcoal animations are acclaimed not only for their provocative content, but for the laborious process from which they are born. The themes of social revolution and bitter ideological difference have been strong in many of Kentridge’s films. This exhibition explores Kentridge’s striking multi-disciplinary approach, and five constantly recurring signifiers within. When: Open daily, 8 March – 27 May; 10am – 6pm Where: ACMI Price: $17.50 adult; $12.50 concession; $11 ACMI members More Info: Please visit acmi.net.au

Cash Savage and the Last Drinks have emerged as one of the city’s most powerful stage acts since the 2010 release of Wolf. And what a hellhound was unleashed upon Melbourne that fateful day! Themes of revenge, darkness, loss and the bottom of a bottle – howled to the moon by one big, bad voice – are tempered by some good old country heartbreak and wail. Niece of a Bad Seed (Conway Savage), Cash appears to have thoroughly embraced her lineage. Get down to the Spiegeltent and marvel at what big teeth she has. Any recently unfaithful males should avert their ears during her rendition of ‘Dancing on Graves’… When: March 19; 7pm Where: The Famous Spiegeltent Price: $25 Phone: 1300 182 183

HAPPENING

Fred Williams Iron ore landscape 1981 National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne ©Estate of Fred Williams

For many Aboriginal tribes of the Western Desert, the relationship with water extends far beyond mere worship as a life-sustaining essential. The paths through which these revered streams could flow – untainted by the harsh, inhospitable conditions above – were forged by the ancestral beings of the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming), as they entered the land and journeyed beneath the earth’s surface. Living Water taps into these belief systems and showcases some 107 contemporary Indigenous paintings from 94 Far Western Desert artists. The Spinifix paintings often incorporate religious landscapes detailing spiritual the realm, whilst the Ngayartu Kujarra focus on the vast power of Lake Dora and the surrounding waterways that have sustained its people for generations.

When: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm, 24 May until 31 December 2012 Where: Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square Price: Free

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HAPPENING

A glimpse at the history behind International Women’s Day By Helen Kent

a peace deal. During the French Revolution, Parisian women marched on Versailles to demand women’s suffrage with cries of ‘liberty, equality, fraternity’ (as well as the heads of many nobles).

International Women’s Day (8th March) is a time to reflect and celebrate the lives and achievements of ordinary women, past and present. Looking back, the difficulties that women of all cultures have endured to establish themselves as equal to men are clear. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata embarked on a mission to end the Peloponnesian War by convincing the women of Greece to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands as a means of forcing them to negotiate

3004NEWS

The idea for an International Women’s Day (IWD) was conceived at the turn of the 20th century, coinciding with unheralded population growth and changing ideologies. On 28th February 1909, the first National Women’s Day was observed across the USA. In 1910, the concept of ‘Women’s Day’ was established when the Socialist International met in Copenhagen at a conference attended by more than 100 women from 17 countries. It wasn’t until the next year, 1911, that IWD was acknowledged for the first time on the 19th March in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, where more than one million women

and men attended rallies demanding equal rights. Just prior to the First World War, as part of a peace movement, Russian women observed their first IWD on the last Sunday in February and elsewhere in Europe, on March 8th, women held rallies to protest the war or express solidarity with their sisters. Since those turbulent times, IWD had assumed a global dimension, and the United Nations has been instrumental in creating a cohesive push for women’s rights. The Charter of the United Nations, signed in San Francisco in 1945, was the first international agreement to proclaim gender equality as a fundamental human right. In Australia, the first IWD rally took place in the Sydney Domain on March 25, 1928, organised by the Militant Women’s Movement. Dramatic

changes in the way women were perceived and their role in society took place in the 1970s, driven by the Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL), a feminist political organisation founded in Australia in 1972. We may have come a long way, but there are still enormous discrepancies, and the inevitable glass ceiling to break through. Elizabeth Broderick, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, was recently quoted in The Saturday Age: “The research is clear that it’s men taking the issue of gender equality to other men that will change the situation for women in Australia, particularly in the workplace. Because men make the rules at work and, if we want those rules changed, we need men to change them. It’s not about asking men to save us – we can save ourselves, thank you very much – but it’s about engaging them to help create change.”

By Helen Kent

Pioneer Women’s Garden in Kings Domain had it’s formal dedication was in 1934 and the commemorative bronze tablet unveiled in 1935. At that time, it was suggested “That a day should be set aside during the Centenary Celebrations, and on the same day every following year, for a pilgrimage to the Memorial that is erected in memory of the pioneer women: that appropriate songs (Australian) should be sung and in this way the memory of the pioneer women would live forever”. The spirit of this legacy has been captured as each year near Australia Day a Service of Remembrance is held at the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden. The Australian

flag is raised high above the garden wall by Girl Guides, flowers are placed at the base of the commemorative plaque, and speeches are given by distinguished women. The organisation responsible for continuing this tradition is the National Council of Women of Victoria, NCWV, an organisation with broadly humanitarian and educational objectives. It seeks to raise awareness of women’s rights and responsibilities as citizens, and encourage their participation in all aspects of community life. This year the ceremony was held on Thursday 19th January and the official party included: Mr Joe Shneider

OAM, Chairman, Australia Day Council; Susan Riley, Deputy Lord Mayor MCC; Margaret Devlin, State Commissioner Girl Guides Victoria; and Jennie Rawther-Russell, President NCWV. Elizabeth Newman, Vice President of NCWV, provided the beautiful floral tribute that was placed under the memorial plaque. Carol Warren, whose titles include CEO Home Economics Victoria, President Elect International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE), and Chair IFHE World Congress, was eminently qualified to deliver a very eloquent and inspiring speech, on the history of home economics.

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As a postscript to Emily Rolfe’s article last year, Eleanor Holden of the NCWV noted that, “There is a record of the names of all the women, thousands of them, posted under the sundial. Apparently there is a beautifully bound book of pages in copperplate cursive handwriting. There were four books prepared, one of which is in the Latrobe Library. I have been told if you make an appointment, the staff will bring it forth to be read.” This could make very interesting reading, especially if one came upon the name of an ancestor, and would draw closer the spirit of the pioneer women who toiled in harsher times.

HAPPENING

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ISSUE 45

COMMUNITY

Buildings As Art: Strolling along Little Bourke Street last week, I noticed huddles of people watching wreckers deconstruct what used to be the Myer Lonsdale Street store. Buildings being demolished fascinate: noise, action, satisfying clouds of dust, big muscular machines, drama. Even I stood still and stared. One feels sad too: all that effort, all that time, all those people who worked hard to build it. One large metal ball, and it collapses. And becomes rubble, to be dumped, carelessly, somewhere else. We all have opinions about buildings. Some we love. Others we loathe. So, walk beside me while I show you some aspects and perspectives of a selection of buildings along St Kilda Road you may not have seen during your travels along it. Our first perspective: the roof of a section of Melbourne Grammar School at 355 St Kilda Road.

What I found fascinating about this building is the lichen growing upon the tiles; how wonderful to see a living thing using something made by humans to help it to survive.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another perspective from the same building: a section of the bluestone wall. What marvellous collection of rectangles these blocks are.

3004NEWS

Diagonally opposite the school, at 400 St Kilda Road, is a building called Botanica, an erstwhile office complex, converted to apartments in 1997.

Quite mathematically regular, this building: I was particularly taken by these two towers. And the four windows beneath them, all framed by convex upper frames, matching the slope of the towers. And resembling two pairs of eyes, complete with eyebrows. The green paint seems to echo the green of St Kilda Road.

Next stop on our journey is the Royce Hotel at 379 St Kilda Road. First perspective, the front window above the entrance to the hotel.

How beautiful this window is, comprising symmetrical panes of glass. All those diamonds, they are jewels in this transparent work of art. Look carefully, and you may see trees reflected in it. For the second perspective, you will need to crane your neck upwards towards to the sky. All those tiles, marching along the edge of the roof, straight as any soldiers on parade.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re nearly at the intersection of St Kilda Road and Toorak Road. Here, at street level, there is some beautiful greenery. But it is not alive, or growing. It is the walls of 401, tiled in the most glorious squares. These change colour during the day, so it is rather like walking past a twinkling painting, or a cool forest.

Another perspective of the walls, showing a series of silver rectangles above street level, and a very pointy triangle just above your head!

Let’s cross St Kilda Road: our next building is at 420.

Taken as a whole, it’s very hard to find anything of beauty or interest in it. But look upwards, and suddenly, one can see a series of shrinking shiny rectangles, framing smaller dull white rectangles within them. Never did I think I would find fluorescent lights pretty; here, there almost are. On the list next, at 430, is a building called Lucient. I’m certain the entrance, comprising a magnificent metal sculpture is impressive to some. I am rather more impressed by the profile view of this building: it bulges slightly, like a woman with child. As I couldn’t decide which image showed this best, here are both:

Next stop, same side, at 442 St Kilda Road. Another former office complex converted to apartments. And again, you will need to look up towards to sky above the building – known as the Deva Apartments – to appreciate the appeal in the symmetry of rectangles. All those windows, watching. All those ornamental balconies, hanging on, waiting.

My second perspective shows one of these silent sentinels; five fingers of metal, a cold, open hand. These balconies are individual sculptures, suspended grimly from the windows; each one a metallic Prometheus awaiting the eagle.

By Viktoria Rother At our next stop, 450 St Kilda Road, look at the entrance to this building. Sometimes the most interesting things are at street level! This is the number four from the 450. What a marvellous sculpture it is. And how creative and clever to make the mere number of a building on a street in a city into a work of art.

two of which you can see here. While not as shiny as the hotel behind it, Airlie is just as clean, having recently been painted. What an elegant woman she is! Final stop for today: Fawkner Towers, my home, at 431 St Kilda Road.

COMMUNITY

Exploring St Kilda Road

Further down the same side is an utter contrast to most of the previous buildings: Airlie Mansion, 452 St Kilda Road, built in 1892, former home of Stanley Melbourne Bruce, Prime Minister of Australia 1923-1929. Again, look upwards, you will see not sky, but another building behind Airlie, a new hotel. I liked this contrast between the old and the new; the nineteenth century and the twenty-first century. And again, as with most of the other buildings on our little tour, there are symmetries and shapes. I was particularly taken with the arches,

Again, symmetry from this perspective. Notice the column, hiding within the balconies, which appear to merge into one enormous insect, resting on the side of the building.

I always feel insignificant, looking at it. Such a long way to the top!

Mendelssohn

oCTeT Written when Mendelssohn was just 16, his Octet is a miracle of musical beauty.

One of the world’s great violinists, Kolja Blacher, joins musicians of the MSO for this sublime work. Wednesday 28 March at 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall Melbourne Recital Centre

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ISSUE 45

COMMUNITY

Art is child’s play at Birrarung Marr By Chelsea Arnold If it’s messy and noisy, it’s enough to strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere. But youngsters will delight in the most creative of workshops these school holidays at ArtPlay. ArtPlay at Birrarung Marr provides youngsters with the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild in the many workshops run weekly at the purposebuilt venue at Federation Square, giving children up to the age of 13 the opportunity to engage in high-quality art programs while having fun. Budding artists have enjoyed the creative workshops at ArtPlay for the past eight years. The workshops, run by professional artists, cover all art forms. Some program highlights include:

Ingenious Contraptions with artist Jens Altheimer Over three days, artist Jens Altheimer will teach kids to make a madcap contraption. This machine, with a

domino effect, will see shoes, tyres, watering cans, chairs, toilet seats and lots of other daily objects reassembled to take on completely new and quirky functions. How will it all work? When: 11 to 13 April Cost: $60 for three full days.

Transforming Passages with artists Sumitra Pasupatty and Jennifer Loh from Singapore Transforming Passages, from Singapore, is a maze-like interactive installation inspired by traditional

By Adam Micmacher & Evan Lowenstein

However, in more recent times, these advances have been somewhat reversed through a combination of the GFC and government imposed regulations on the industry. Some examples of regulation that have impacted the market are. 1) The new Resale Royalties legislation, which imposes an extra 5% on the selling price on the resale of art work has led to some uncertainty and poorly worded law has led to many unintended consequences. 2) Superannuation changes that have effectively restricted purchases of art works in SMSF’s have had a major impact on the art market.

3004NEWS

• Paint what you hear with artist and musician Erica Rasmussen When: 4 April Cost: $15

• Cardboard play spaces An exhibition of cardboard spaces created by first-year architecture students from Monash University. When: 19 May to 3 June

• Jazz Festival Kids Workshops When: 2 and June at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival Cost: Free

• Paper pictures with children’s book illustrator David Miller When: 31 March and 1 April Cost: $15

Accounting for the arts Over the past 10-15 years, there has been a dramatic increase in prices realised for certain art works at auction houses and for artists in the primary market selling through commercial galleries.

Popular workshops coming up at ArtPlay include:

These changes have come about as a response to the Cooper Report in April 2010 and despite much lobbying there has not been any change or improvement. 3) The new Personal Properties Security Register laws that have just commenced as of February 1st 2012 places an additional burden on artists who sell their art work on consignment through art galleries. The PPSA will require the artists to register that interest as a secured interest. Lowensteins Arts Management Pty Ltd, an accounting firm that specialises in matters relating to the arts, has put in numerous submissions to the government alerting them to the harmful effects that the above pieces of legislation have caused. Lowensteins Arts Management Pty Ltd is located on Level 5, 574 St Kilda Road.

• Crazy costume creations with costume designer Nick Barlow When: 24 June Cost: $15

the banks of the Yarra River. With Asian fabrics and geometric slides, sandpits, hammocks, balance patterns. In this special session for beams and rock and rope-climbing pre-schoolers, artists Sumi and walls, it is sure to burn off the kids’ Jennifer will lead children through boundless energy. the installation. Little ones will be encouraged to move the fabric panels ArtPlay is open 10am to 4pm to create their own hiding spaces Wednesday to Sunday at Birrarung and passages. As they explore, children Marr, behind Federation Square. are also invited to create their own fabric designs. For more information or to view the full program of activities, When: 4 May visit www.artplay.com.au Cost: $15 And when the workshop is done, while the sun is still shining, pay a visit LA0014_Press Ad 90x120mm_OL-HR-R1.pdf 1 5/05/11 10:24 to the ArtPlay playground on

ISSUE 45

COMMUNITY

precinctround-up MacMillan mini book on Grafitti Supports NGV’S Acqusitions Fund

The Sandra Bardas: Mini Book #21 from the Macmillan Mini-Art Series features a compilation of photographs of graffiti and stencil art - the work of anonymous artists - that caught the eye of the much-loved artist, photographer and philanthropist, the late Sandra Bardas. Sandra and husband David amassed an extraordinary collection of art in their home, reflecting the couple’s love of visual expression. “Sandra recognised, understood and was drawn to the free-spirited, rebelliousness of the unknown graffiti artists and their need to be seen and heard,” says David. Priced at $35 all royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to the National Gallery of Victoria’s Acquisition Fund.

Charming Charnwood

As Summer comes to an end and Autumn approaches in the Yarra Valley, why not get out of the city and share this very special time with your very special

person in Warburton. The trees will change colors as they shed their leaves and the nights become cooler - what a great time to snuggle in front of the log fire with a nice bottle of red at your side. Charming Charnwood Cottages are offering a 3 night stay for the cost of two nights until the end of June 2012. Contact Mike or Jeanette through www.charnwoodcottages.com

Local Matters

Every month, Grill’d Southhgate located at shop G32 in the Southgate food court will be donating $500 to local groups and they are asking our customers to decide who the money goes to. When customers buy a burger, they will receive a token to put into one of three jars representing different groups. Whoever has the most tokens at the end of the month will receive $300. The other two groups will receive $100 each. In addition to the money, we hope the program helps local groups raise their profile in the community. To date, they have supported local groups in the Melbourne area such as Steps Outreach Service, The Arts Centre and Engineers Without Borders. Details at http://www.grilld.com.au/localmatters.

Get EXPOSED with Lyndall Tennant Manager of St Kilda Road’s premier networking group Club 3004 and advertising sales manager of 3004 News, Lyndall Tennant continues to strengthen our community by connecting and promoting businesses within the 3004 precinct. Discover the benefits of becoming a Club 3004 sponsor to promote your business, products and services to an established member-based audience with additional advertising and editorial opportunities in 3004 News – reaching over 30,000 people per issue.

Bookings close on

25 May 2012

to EXPOSE your business in our Winter 2012 issue.

Lyndall Tennant enquiries@club3004.com.au mobile 0422 857 939

3004NEWS

Club 3004 –

Celebrating 5 years of successful networking

www.club3004.com.au

Slow it down

In a bid to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, the City of Port Phillip is applying to VicRoads to extend 40kmh speed limits across local areas around the municipality. “By introducing this new approach to road user safety in Port Phillip we can help save lives and prevent serious injuries,” said Mayor Cr Rachel Powning. Research findings prove that lower speeds reduce trauma involving collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists. The probability of death for an impact speed of 40kph is in order of 22%, for 50kph it is 65% and for 60kph it is 92%. The Mayor said reduced speeds also help to promote sustainable transport options.

Use Your Head

If you’re retired or semi-retired, you can stay mentally active by learning new skills at U3A Port Phillip - the University of the Third Age Port Phillip (U3APP). By participating in daytime classes, you’ll also find new friends and enrich your retirement lifestyle. Their new program offers seniors the chance to learn about new social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Skype. If you’d like to join the team to learn about this new media, contact U3APP on 9696 3495 or visit the website at u3app.org.au.

SO:ME Thursday night

The South Melbourne Market has a new precinct that showcases new designers. The SO:ME space has clothing, technologies (bikes, lights, helmets), books, artwork and jewellery stalls, with many of the products designed or made in Australia. There’s a mix of permanent and pop-up stalls, which are open during regular market hours as well as 5–9 pm Thursday evenings. Visit somespace.com. au for more information.

Sorry to see you go...

Lleyton and Beck Hewitt paid approximately $8.35 million for two adjoining penthouses in 2004 in the Yve building, combining them to create a large Melbourne penthouse that occupies the entire 19th floor of the building. According to experts, the magnificent views of the Port Phillip Bay, the CBD and the Dandenong’s will help sell this property sell for $15 million. Interested in purchasing this property? The Hewitt’s Melbourne penthouse can only be viewed after a lengthy screening process.

Philip Sidebottom and Greg Fitzgerald

Degen Agnew

Matt and Chris Gatt

Debra Mathias and Rose Calandra

Susan Stirling and Victoria St John

Stuart Pettigrew and Bob Richardson

Jacob Aaslund, Bronwen Creevey and Wayne Banks-Smith

Jonathan Ramsey, Debra Hicks and Ashleigh Israel

Bastein Treptel and Russell Dowling

Simone Blaikie and Valentina Srpcanska

Neil Collins and Frank Chila

Club 3004 St Kilda Road’s very own business and social networking group offers a powerful platform to meet and discuss business ideas with like minded people from your neighbourhood. Also providing excellent branding opportunities, Club 3004 is an ideal way to expand your business networks in a friendly and professional environment.

to grow and develop businesses of all sizes.

Launching their innovative process of recycling materials that has made an immediate impact on the way companies are now choosing to discard unwanted products, Green Hearts Recyclers explained how they will ultimately reduce land fill waste whilst improving the quality of lives of others, finalising our 2011 calendar.

Little keys open big locks, and that is exactly what we intend on doing in 2012.

And with so many festive activities going on in St Kilda Road for Mad March, comedian and member Degen Agnew, from You Parodies, had members in fits of laughter with his original songs – Barwon Prison Blues, the Labour Party and Fevola.

COMMUNITY

Ross Dour and the team at BlueCentral Hosting Solutions

Club 3004 invites you to come along on the first Thursday of every month, simply rsvp to enquiries@club3004.com.au

Kicking off the New Year, BlueCentral Hosting Solutions showed members and guests an effective way to work smarter – not harder in 2012. As a one-stop-shop, BlueCentral Hosting Solutions offer a wealth of knowledge and a solution

Individual and SME memberships are great value; include a listing on our website directory, and a discount on advertising in 3004 News. Casual networkers are always welcome for a small entry fee. Lyndall Tennant

Manager – Club 3004

Club 3004 Sponsors

Club Dates Thursday 5 April Thursday 3 May Thursday 7 June www.club3004.com.au

Photography by Lucia Ondrusova www.luciaondrusova.com.au

Webpage sponsored by Rodney www.pn.com.au

ISSUE 45

COMMUNITY

On the boulevard...

by Emily Rolfe

Working on St Kilda Road ... Ann Stoddart When it comes to live performance, there’s a lot that needs to go right. And though the logistics of some of today’s concerts are staggering, the paying public expect nothing less than flawlessly executed productions. Disgruntled punters en masse will pour a litany of justified vitriol upon the ‘organisers’ of appallingly run and very expensive events, particularly anybody who attended the 1993 travesty that was Guns n’ Roses appearance at Calder Park (75,000 fans, a couple of toilets, you do the maths.)

3004NEWS

Bringing some of the world’s biggest acts to our shores takes a lot of planning. As a ‘real time’ business, there’s nobody to step out and yell ‘cut’ when something goes awry live and in front of thousands. Behind the scenes at Van Egmond Group is a skilled and energetic team, including Sales and Marketing Director Ann Stoddart, pulling out all the stops to ensure each show runs smoothly.

promotion. I’ve always liked the live entertainment business and years ago had the opportunity to become involved in the business. I really enjoy the environment that this work provides, and have been involved in some interesting areas of the business over the years. We produce shows in Australia, New Zealand and throughout Asia, and they can run in a range of different countries,’ Ann said.

‘Our business is entertainment – concert and theatre production and

Van Egmond Group’s upcoming Batman Live is a typically vast production. After touring huge arenas in Europe and America, Batman and Robin - the world’s best crime fighting duo, perhaps with the exception of Jake and the Fat Man will head to Australia. Expect heartstopping stunt work, acrobatics and thrilling illusions, as well as a story line that sees young circus performer Dick Grayson (Robin’s non-tightswearing counterpart) seeking to avenge the death of his parents in the style of his mysterious vigilante hero, Batman.

As part of this, I also work closely on all the advertising and marketing that we do with our shows and develop other concepts with all the new marketing options that the business now has such as social media,’ said Ann. Balancing budgets complicated enough to make your head spin are all in a day’s work for Ann – the magnitude of some of these shows ensures there are more than a few people to pay and plenty of expenses to cover. ‘We generally have a morning meeting, and work out the priorities for the day and what we need to achieve. I spend a lot of my time reviewing budgets and trying to assess what we need to do to sell a show profitably and quickly,’ she said. ‘One of the biggest challenges is once you back a tour and start working on it, ensuring that the act really delivers.’

Ann’s fast-paced job takes in myriad duties and numerous modes of communication. Angry word-ofmouth and bad press were the traditional modes of ripping into poor live events, but these days irate ticket-holders can just about break the internet with their fury. The importance of social media to the high-risk entertainment business is not lost on Ann.

As well as the various perks of the industry, particularly seeing favourite big-name stars (‘Bette Midler would have to the most enjoyable, such a great show from one of the best entertainers there is’), the St Kilda Road location is a bonus. ‘I live in St Kilda so it’s easy for me to get to and from work. It’s also very centrally located so I’m only a short drive to the city, South Yarra, Albert Park, or back to St Kilda. It’s perfect for when I want to leave work and go out for dinner or a drink.’

‘My role as sales and marketing director means that I am involved in everything that basically sells tickets.

And the most rewarding aspect of the job? Ann doesn’t hesitate: ‘When you have a sell-out.’

COMMUNITY

Living on St Kilda Road

...Dr Chantel Thornton On her way to report at a medical conference after a long day of performing delicate surgery, specialist breast surgeon and St Kilda Road resident Dr Chantel Thornton returns my call on the hands-free from her car. ‘I operated all day, and tomorrow I’ll be at Epworth and do a ward round to see my patients, then to Peter Mac. I’ll head to St Vincents later for breast screenings and to review results, and then back to Epworth for consulting. I also have a meeting with a woman who wants to discuss a donation,’ Chantel says. A packed schedule of surgery coupled with extensive philanthropic work does nothing to diminish Chantel’s enthusiasm and love of a difficult job. At the age of six, a medical career beckoned after her grandfather gave her a toy doctor’s bag. ‘It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, there was no second option. I wanted it relentlessly. I have a fabulous career as a breast surgeon. It’s really a very humbling job, and I am constantly rewarded. Health is the most important thing in the world,’ she says. Discipline and a rock-solid work ethic are vital qualities in the medical world where constant and unforeseen challenges are the order of the day. ‘Everyday is very different. I always travel with a change of clothes in the car as you sometimes don’t know

where the day will take you. I may go to four hospitals in a day – it’s very labour intensive. ‘That said, in breast surgery I’m not on-call as I was at The Alfred. In this field you can spend a lot more time with your patients in consulting. It’s very planned, and a lot of the operations we do in consultation with the plastic surgeon,’ she says. A doctor for twelve years, Chantel has seen numerous advances in medical science and hopes to see further breakthroughs in cancer research in the near future. ‘Oncoplastic surgery is a method in which we take out the cancer but reshape the breast. It looks much better and a lot of patients are seeking this out as it it’s meant a reduction in the intensity of surgery. We also now have better information for women who have a family history of breast cancer, giving them some idea if they’re at risk. Breast MRIs are better at detecting cancer in its early stages. From an oncological perspective, this has meant medication can be tailored to individual requirements. We can keep people alive for longer and importantly improve their quality of life.’ Chantel is involved with numerous charities, noting that doctors are often best-placed to assess what

hospital equipment requires updating and how services can be improved. While working at The Alfred, Chantel was involved with various fundraising activities. ‘I was the chair of Life Support, a charity of young professionals that raise money for The Alfred, and I’m still on the committee of Women at The Alfred, which raises funds for prostate cancer research and men’s health,’ Chantel says. A patron of the Flying 1000 Club that assists the Royal Flying Doctors fit out special planes to ICU standards found on the ground, Chantel also conducts research for the Foundation for Surgery that helps to train surgeons to work

in remote indigenous communities. And if all that doesn’t sound like this surgeon has quite enough on her plate, Chantel also somehow manages to find time to enjoy the offerings of the St Kilda Road precinct. ‘The beautiful views across Albert Park Lake and the bay are incredible. I try to run three times a week around the Tan. If you look at what the rest of the world has to offer, we’re so blessed to have such amazing parks here,’ she says in trademark winsome style.

ISSUE 45

ENVIRONMENT

Melbourne Water ground investigation works

Anita Roper 3004 News’ Environment Page

– Fawkner Park On 24th February, The Water Resources Alliance on behalf of Melbourne Water conducted ground investigations at Fawkner Park in South Yarra. The geotechnical investigation surveyed existing water assets and ground conditions, to help inform any potential water main renewal works needed in the area.

The Water Resources Alliance consulted with the City of Melbourne Park and Gardens Team regarding the timing and community notification of these works.

and the ground reinstated, with no impact to any trees in the park. The works will inform any potential water main renewal projects in the future. Preparation for these investigations included two community drop in sessions in early February, which were attended by 10 people. The key area of concern was that Fawkner Park’s trees not be disturbed.

A trailer mounted drill was used to take soil samples to determine the type of soil and rock below the surface. All equipment was removed from the site at the end of the day

It’s all white to be cool in Melbourne It’s hard to believe 2012 is well underway. The theme of my articles in 2011 was sustainability, in particular the environmental aspects of sustainability. But of course, integrating sustainability is more than just being ‘environmentally friendly’. It involves the consideration of social and economic as well as environmental impacts. On my floor in St Kilda Road we have three apartments. Last year, two of them were vacant for an extended period of time leaving us alone on our floor. It was very quiet and we missed the company. It was during this time that we realised how fantastic our neighbors had been and how we had supported each other, whether it was watering each others’ plants, bringing in the mail, feeding the pets (even goldfish need feeding!), providing nourishment when ill, checking damage after storms or just saying

3004NEWS

‘hello, how are you?’

By Chelsea Arnold

This support doesn’t just apply to residential neighbors. Business neighbours also provide social and potential economic support to each other, particularly in the case of small businesses. Just having neighbours keeping an eye on your premises or being able to take delivery of packages while you are out and about building your business. A neighboring business could also be a potential customer.

A cool change is about to sweep Melbourne with research revealing white roofs coated in solar-reflective paint can stop buildings absorbing heat and keep them cooler when the mercury rises. In an Australianfirst, the City of Melbourne has painted a white roof on its ArtPlay building to trial the innovative energy-saving measure.

We now have new neighbors in both apartments. We’ve already had some fun get-togethers and shared parking spaces over Christmas. Neighbors can be friends for life. You don’t have to be in each others’ pocket all the time it is just knowing that they are there! Until next time,

Anita Roper

The roof of the historic railway shed next to the Yarra River has been painted in solar-reflective paint that contains nano particles, or ceramic beads, that act as pockets of air and add insulation to the roof. A joint study between the City of Melbourne and Melbourne University found that white roofs – also known as cool roofs – can make buildings four degrees cooler inside. Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the council commissioned the research to gain “a local perspective on how white roofs

can work in our city” and an understanding of the potential energy consumption benefits. Lead author of the research, senior lecturer Dr Dominique Hes, said that when painted white, roofs are able to reflect heat away from the building rather than absorbing it. On hot days, white roofs can cool commercial buildings by about three per cent. “White roofs are a low-cost solution in making buildings more sustainable, particularly for our older buildings. And if our air conditioners are not working as hard, there are financial benefits for building owners as well,” Dr Hes said. The research monitored the temperature of five test buildings for the performance with and without white coatings. The buildings with white roofs experienced significantly cooler temperatures, on the exterior and interior.

and vegetable lentil soup. Meat-eaters will enjoy the flavours of Mughal and Punjabi food, including kebabs and biryanis, curries and kormas, and the incredible goat masala. Boutique travel group Travel with a Twist, working with Beacon Holidays, has designed a unique Indian food experience that ensures you’re not just a tourist in a foreign land. Join celebrity food blogger Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal in a journey of discovery showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Indian countryside through one of the greatest contributions to the gastronomic world – spices.

India is a country that continues to fascinate: a nation with a population of 1.21 billion, a land of contrasts and contradictions. The majestic palaces and forts from a different era evoke the sensation that time has stood still, while on the other hand, India is replete with contemporary international bars and

restaurants. A deeply religious nation brimming with the traditions of myriad cultures, India offers dozens of varied cuisines. Over 50% of the population are practising vegetarians, meaning herbivores have plenty to choose from. Flavours change depending on the part of the country: try the bhindi, okra with potatoes, or travel down south to try an idli sambhar - steamed rice in a tomato

The cuisine of India and the world of spices share a symbiotic relationship. From the saffron scented platters of Kashmir in the North, to the pepper infused dishes of Kerela in the South, from the opulent banquets of Rajasthan in the West, to the mustard scented fish dishes of the East, the dishes of every region and every community in India is based on signature spices and spice combinations. India is a land in which spices permeate everything.

But handfuls of spices are not tossed into food arbitrarily; their use is far more subtle. Whether it’s doled out in generous pinches at street food stalls all over the country, or sprinkled delicately from compact little spice boxes at home, the use of spices in Indian cuisine is as judicious today as it was when spices were first used as currency during the age of the spice trade. But much of the best of India’s vast and incredibly diverse cuisine is hidden from the visitor’s eyes in home kitchens, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it street corners across the country.

TRAVEL

Indian Spice Tour

Explore and experience India like never before with a trip along the ‘road less eaten’, discovering India’s famous markets, and cooking at home with locals. Learn to cook a biryani from scratch, or join an excursion through the spice plantations and even pluck your own spices. Join Travel with a Twist on journey you will never forget!

www.travelwithatwist.com.au

Will you marry me . . . ?

When we think of the world’s most romantic spots in which to propose to a breathless beloved, a few highly regarded matrimony-inspiring spots come to mind. The oil-painting streets of Paris are certainly laden with romantic possibilities; something

to do with all the window boxes overflowing with red geraniums, charming striped shop awnings and that delightfully permanent accordion soundtrack (all heavily featured in every French film ever made). Hawaii must surely make the top ten proposal locations, or perhaps the gobsmacking Aegean splendour of Santorini? Shockingly, none of the above even came close according to the World Travel Awards (WTA), which

recently selected the ten most romantic spots on earth to propose to your loved one.

So if you’re considering popping the question, forget Paris. Antarctica anyone?

Manon Han, Executive Vice President, WTA, said: “Proposing to your loved one is always going to be a nerve-wracking moment, but choosing a fitting location can go a long way in swaying the outcome favourably.”

1. Taj Mahal, India

The destinations range from a few classics to some rather unusual options; for the traditionalists, the Taj Mahal – the world’s greatest monument to love – remains popular, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge effect (that’s Kate and Wills to you) has led to Kenya’s Lewa Downs making the list.

2. Lewa Downs, Kenya 3. Antarctica 4. Rialto Bridge, Venice 5. Iguazu Falls, Argentina 6. Roseberry Topping, Yorkshire 7. Sahara Desert, Morocco 8. The Pitons, St Lucia 9. Great Barrier Reef, Australia 10. Snowshill, Cotswolds, UK

ISSUE 45

HEALTH

No good night’s sleep with alcohol Fiona Clark It may help you nod off, but the sleep you get after drinking alcohol is not a good one, according to new research. US and Japanese researchers have shown that even a small amount of alcohol before bed can interfere with the restorative sleep phase, when your body does its recovery work. During normal sleep the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for ‘resting and digesting’, takes over from the sympathetic nervous system that regulates the body’s response to daily events or stimulants. But researchers found that alcohol interfered with that phase of sleep. Instead of seeing an expected lowering of heart rate and shallower breathing, they noted that the subjects in their study had higher heart rates. In a sneak peak of a yet to be published study, the authors said that even a single dose of alcohol interfered with sleep patterns,

3004NEWS

leading to insomnia and other negative health effects. The researchers gave 10 healthy male university students three different alcohol beverages at threeweek intervals: 0g (control), 0.5g (low dose), or 1.0g (high dose) of pure ethanol/kg of body weight.

Safety takes back seat for Australian drivers Safety is taking a back seat for Australian drivers, with more than 60 per cent of people risking accidents by driving without sunglasses on glary days according to a new national survey by Optometrists Association Australia (OAA).

On the day of the experiment, subjects wore a portable ECG machine that measured their heart rates for a 24-hour period. They were instructed to drink the prescribed doses 100 minutes before going to bed, with a sleep analysis performed overnight.

The survey of 1,000 Australians that examined attitudes to eye health, also revealed that 26 per cent of people who require prescription sunglasses are potentially also putting themselves at risk by wearing regular sunglasses when driving.

‘Although the first half of sleep after alcohol intake looks good on the EEG, the result of the assessment shows that drinking leads to insomnia rather than good sleep,’ the researchers said.

OAA National Professional Services Manager Jared Slater said the research was extremely worrying as safety should be paramount when it comes to driving. “Road incidents often occur because people become momentarily dazed or disorientated by sun glare. It is essential to protect your eyes when driving in bright, glary or generally sunny conditions,” he said.

Tips for protecting your eyes against UV damage:

• M ake a habit of wearing sunglasses or UV protective lenses when outdoors, including on overcast days. • W hen purchasing sunglasses, look for high category (Australian Standard) lenses and remember that a higher retail price does not necessarily mean better protection. • S unglasses that wrap around the face and are close-fitting provide better protection against UV damage. • L enses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions, such as Transitions lenses, provide convenient UV and glare protection for prescription lens wearers. • A sk your local optometrist to check the fit of your sunglasses or UV protective lenses. • V isit your optometrist regularly for an eye examination.

SPORT

Eye of the Storm By Costa Rolfe

Forced to establish itself in unfamiliar territory, the Melbourne Storm have from the outset engaged in a battle for every single fan. And despite numerous setbacks in recent years, the fact that the purple and gold is still so revered by its loyal supporters – and begrudgingly respected by the teams north of the border – is testament to this organisation’s tenacity; its roots in the Glen Lazurus-led juggernaut that shocked the Rugby League fraternity by taking the Premiership in just the Storm’s second season.

are catering for your next St Kilda Road team bonding exercise. These packages are tailor-made to thrill your clients and valued staff alike, with a host of match day options to choose from. Join Storm CEO Ron Gauci in the Crown Executive Lounge ($275 per person) and mix with Melbourne’s business and sporting elite, whilst enjoying top-level food and wine and a premium view of the game. Or take in AAMI Park’s rollicking atmosphere from the comfort of a luxurious Melbourne Storm Corporate Suite.

Few clubs could bounce back from adversity quite like Melbourne, winning the Minor Premiership, a number of Dally M awards, breaking attendance and membership records and scoring record consecutive wins in 2011 just one year after almost losing it all.

Packages start from $2,950 for rental only and peak at $5,760 (rental and catering for 18 guests). If this proves a thrill, then a Storm Biz Corporate membership is well worth considering, the experience including two inner sanctum tours at AAMI Park, two invitations to Storm Biz luncheons, a table of 10 for the Storm’s official State of Origin luncheon and numerous other corporate gifts.

Indeed, this team’s story of persistence is one that every business should take note of. And with their exciting new corporate program being recently unfurled, the Storm

For those businesses looking for a more relaxed function to celebrate a company field goal, the easygoing pace of the Makita Kearns Club ($220 per person) is an excellent option. Hosted by club legend Robbie Kearns (Storms ‘Team of the Decade’ prop), this more casual spread features live music, highprofile celebrities and delicious finger food and drinks throughout the game.

And continuing the more relaxed theme, how about a hit of golf with State of Origin legends Cameron Smith and Craig Bellamy at the Legends of Origin Golf Day. As long as you promise not to do a Bob Barker/Happy Gilmore, this is a wonderful chance to meander the fairways shooting the breeze (and hopefully sub-100) with Rugby League players or coaches.

St Kilda Road Medical Centre

St Kilda Rd Sports & Physiotherapy Centre

Services available:

St Kilda Rd Sports and Physiotherapy Centre hosts a team of experienced physiotherapists, massage therapists and dietitian. Their vast knowledge and experience provides a solid foundation for the effective care of a broad spectrum of clientele, from recreationally active individuals to elite level athletes in all sports including gymnastics, tennis and triathlon. Though our therapists are capable of assessing and treating a wide range of injuries, they also have particular specialist expertise in the treatment of spinal, shoulder and hip injuries. Appointments are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Please call us to make an appointment or enquiry.

• General Practice • Men’s and Women’s Health • Family medicine • Accredited Travel Vaccination Centre • Acupuncture

• Nutritional medicine • Preventative Medicine • Dietitians • Physiotherapy – Sports and Rehabilitation • Remedial Massage

We offer: • High quality medical care • Female and Male practitioners

• Established for over 15 years • Dorevitch Collection centre on site

Phone 9869 2000 Level 1/391 St Kilda Road (Between Domain Rd & Toorak Rd) e: info@phm.org.au www.skrmc.com.au 8am – 6pm Mon – Fri, Sat 9 – 11am Consultation by appointment only

St Kilda Road Medical Centre

Phone 9869 2030 Level 1/391 St Kilda Rd (Between Domain Rd & Toorak Rd) e: physio@phm.org.au www.skrphysio.com.au Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm Consultation by appointment only

ISSUE 45

HEALTH

Nurses Memorial Centre By Helen Kent

Strolling down St Kilda Road, on the eastern side, at number 431 one comes across a memorial set back a little way from the road that demands a second glance. It is quite austere in appearance, made of granite with a beautifully cast bronze bust of a nurse gazing serenely downwards, as if giving comfort to a patient.

FORCES DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-1945. MAY THEY KINDLE IN YOUR HEARTS A TORCH WHOSE FLAME SHALL BE ETERNAL.

The words inscribed upon it say:

The NMC is regarded as a living memorial, ‘Living, because out of the extraordinary sacrifices of these women, was born a desire to support the professionalism and specialised skills of nurses into the future.’

TO REMEMBER THOSE NURSES WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY AND THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE ARMED

Folate for better women’s health Though the importance of folate (also known as folic acid) in the healthy development of the foetus in early pregnancy has been known for some time, most women still don’t get enough of it. This B-group vitamin is essential to the prevention of neural tube defects such as spina bifida when taken before conception and during early pregnancy, can prevent seven out of ten cases of these serious defects. Over 600 pregnancies are affected by neural tube defects in Australia each year, and some women are at higher risk than others. Measuring how much folate is absorbed through food is difficult, as the vitamin is affected by many factors including how foods are cooked and stored. It’s recommended that women increase their folate intake by an 22

3004NEWS

additional 0.4mg per day above the recommended daily intake of 0.6mg when planning a pregnancy and during its early stages. This can be done by taking folate supplements, eating plenty of folate-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and yeast extracts like Vegemite. Since 2009, all bread sold in Australia (except organic varieties) is made with wheat flour containing folic acid, making bread and some breakfast cereals a good choice when increasing folate intake. Women who aren’t intending to have a baby might want to consider increasing their folate intake as half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and consuming folate-rich fruits and vegetables is recommended for overall health.

The memorial graces the forecourt to the building housing the Nurses Memorial Centre, which was formally established following a public appeal initiated by Victorian nurses who had returned from the Second World War.

Over the years the NMC has been instrumental in drawing together

professional organisations including the Australian Nursing Federation, Nurses Board of Victoria and the Royal College of Nursing, Australia. The NMC is a charitable not-forprofit organisation, receives no government funding or grants and, amazingly, maintains its activities primarily through investment income, donations and bequests. For further information on their scholarship program or with assistance of much needed donations, go to: www.nursesmemorialcentre.org.au Today the NMC performs the dual role of being keeper of the archives of its unique history and being a responsible steward for the award of scholarship funds to outstanding nursing graduates.

Why is it so, William So? So, William So, What is your best advice regarding... Ulcer Peptic If you have a peptic ulcer, stop smoking.

Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy and Health Foods is a pharmacy like no other. Owner Mary Pham has put her own personal style into the store, with ornate timber and a chandelier adorning the roofline. “Customers tell me all the time that it’s the most beautiful pharmacy they have seen,” she said. “You really do have to come to see it.” Not only are the aesthetics of the pharmacy a talking point, but Mary, who has more than 20 years’ experience as a pharmacist, and her team can provide you with the very best healthcare advice. With qualifications from the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mary has 12 years’ specialist experience in preventative and complementary medicine rather than just treatment. “Our pharmacy promotes overall health and wellbeing, we don’t just

sell medication,” Mary said. “We also stock an extensive range of health foods and super foods and can discuss ways our customers can keep themselves well. If you have a very busy lifestyle and can’t afford to be sick, I can help,” Mary said. “We also have a consulting room designed for customers who need some private attention or for appointments with our naturopath.” In addition to everything you have come to expect from your local pharmacy, Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy also has an extensive range of vitamins in store, can provide weight management assistance and also offers an express 30-minute teeth-whitening service. Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy is at 403 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. For more information, please telephone Mary and her team on (03) 9866 1284.

Peptic ulcers exist in the form of duodenal or gastric ulcers with the former four times more common. Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the main cause of ulcer. Smoking and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also high on the list of causes. Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy is the good standard of diagnosis and treatment usually consists of antibiotics combined with acid suppression drugs. Antacids give symptomatic relief but do not heal peptic ulcers.

Vertigo If you have vertigo, when’s the last time you ate or drank? Vertigo is a false sensation of movement or spinning, often referred to as dizziness. It is not a

disease but a symptom, which can be caused by anything that upsets our inner ear. Common examples are sudden head movements, inflammation of inner ear, Meniere’s disease…etc.

HEALTH

Melbourne Boulevard Pharmacy

Your doctor will first need to decide whether you have true vertigo and not another illness. Treatments need to be tailored to the causes, although medications are often used to control associated dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Warts If you have warts, do nothing. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. Two-thirds of warts disappear by themselves within two years and require no treatment at all. Other proven treatments include wart paints and plasters, duct tape, pumice stone, caustic pencil, freezing aerosol and liquid nitrogen therapy. For warts in genital areas, please consult your doctor.

not just band-aid solutions 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. ISSUE 45

BUSINESS

Why the Leading by Government is Leadership By Phillip Fernandez wrong to bash Qantas & the banks By Tom Elliott

a price – from which the taxpayer actually made a considerable profit. Remember the bank guarantees still in place are there to protect deposit holders, not shareholders.

The banks should follow the RBA’s rate decisions

In recent weeks companies like Qantas and the Big Four banks have attracted considerable ire from both the federal government and the union movement. And what financial crime have these firms committed? Frankly they’ve looked into their crystal balls, decided the economic outlook isn’t all that rosy, and cut costs (ie sacked people) in an effort to maintain profitability. While job losses are always unfortunate, the criticism directed at Qantas and the banks is both unfair and unwarranted. Here’s why:

It’s wrong to sack people while reporting large profits

On the face of it, this seems a true statement, especially as the big banks announce interim results in the billions of dollars. But the CEOs of this company have a legal duty to shareholders to maximise not just current, but future profitability. And if they perceive the economy to be slowing, then reducing staff numbers may be the only viable option for them. As to Qantas and the pressures it faces, just consider the bankruptcy last month of local budget carrier Air Australia.

Taxpayers bailed out the banks during the financial crisis This is true to a point, but the government’s support during the dark days of 2008 and 2009 came at 24

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For the past 15 years both the banks and their customers have become used to variable home loan rates that pretty much tracked the RBA cash rate. In a sense this close correlation between the two was unfortunate, because in reality there isn’t much of a link between them. The RBA’s official rate is the overnight cash rate for funds deposited by the banks. It is not a rate at which the banks can borrow money from the RBA. Much of the money homebuyers (and others) do borrow is now sourced on international credit markets which pay little attention, if any, to moves by the RBA. The cost of such funds has been rising recently; as a result, so have variable mortgage rates.

Qantas is our national airline

Yes, Qantas planes still have the famous flying kangaroo on their tails. But the airline itself hasn’t been owned by the Australian government for almost 20 years. Air travel is a brutally competitive business that has claimed many scalps, both here and overseas, in recent times. We should be thankful that Qantas is still profitable, even if it is being forced to cut back on both routes flown and the number of people employed. In conclusion, the recent bashing of both Qantas and the big banks is pretty unreasonable. As companies all they’re really trying to do is stay profitable in potentially tough times. Contrast this with foreign-owned firms like Alcoa, Holden, Toyota and Ford which demand constant handouts from governments in order to stay here. As taxpayers, these are the businesses about which we should be asking the tough questions!

Being transparent and fair in your decisions, even if they are not popular, is probably one of the hardest skills to master when employing best practice in your business and also addressing the needs of Generation Y. Gen Y now occupies over 25% of the workforce and in the next ten years will supply many of the key decision makers in the economy. As business owners and managers, we need to understand this generation and facilitate their growth. Gen Y want: • A warm friendly workplace that values the environment, people and socio-economic concerns before profit.

• A workplace culture that uses ‘team’ language develops fun traditions and tells them regularly that they are valued.

• To know that there is clear support towards their self-development. We also need to understand that this generation saw what happened to their parents who worked hard, remained loyal and then one day were made redundant. They heard about false promises that companies made. Employees are longing to be with a business leader who walks the talk, and is fair in decisions regarding both business and people. Employees do not always agree with decisions that a company makes, but if these ingredients are there, then respect isn’t lost and employees will begin to have a greater understand as to why those decisions were made. This will ultimately lead to a better culture and greater staff retention in the long run. Phillip Fernandez can be contacted at phillip@businesswizards.com.au

we print for businesses both BIG and small...

the key to Australian businesses competing over the next decade The next decade will be a case of ‘the quick and the dead’, with Australian businesses needing to increase the speed of delivery to customers while maintaining quality to remain competitive.

“Companies will need to have a greater focus on mobile devices, social media and instant messaging over traditional channels like inperson sales forces, telephones and mail.”

Outlined in the second key finding of BDO’s Service 2020 report, companies must maintain service standards in the face of ‘the need for speed’.

The research findings fall into eight ‘megatrends’ which will define service in the coming decade. The eight trends are:

The report found that 87 per cent of Asia-Pacific companies said that clients expected faster service than they did five years ago. BDO National Retail Sector Leader, Eric Passaris said the increasing role of technology in our society was the driver behind increasing expectation levels, with regards to service delivery speed. “Today’s need-it-now online society has sharply changed perceptions of customer service,” Mr Passaris said. “Increasingly, customers don’t want it tomorrow - they want it now, with the same level of quality. “Speed has become a key competitive differentiator. Companies will have to figure out where in their business processes they can speed up service delivery without compromising on quality. “Australian businesses will need to continue to embrace technology to develop new channels for service delivery.

1. Global competition will drive up service standards 2. Companies must maintain service standards in the face of ‘the need for speed’ 3. Firms must learn to use the increased transparency brought by social media to their advantage 4. Companies must use new sources and types of data to rethink the way they track and personalise their service 5. Good employees will remain fundamental to good service but with technology as an enabler 6. More firms will outsource aspects of customer service to new kinds of specialists 7. The rise of the mass aﬄuent and other customer segments will force companies to find new product or service niches 8. Customer expectations, including the purpose of the store, are evolving with new technology.

Search engine optimising (SEO) for business owners has become the quickest and cheapest method for attracting and engaging potential customers. Unlike a physical shopfront, in the virtual street an online customer needs more clues about your products to make the best decisions about what to click and where to buy. Think of search engine optimising as making the biggest, most appropriate sign for your shopfront in a virtual street, and you will have taken the first step in planning a suitable SEO strategy for your business. Google, Bing, Yahoo and other search engines focus on providing the correct information to the customer (searcher). They rank your site against other sites using a range of criteria. By making basic improvements to your website, you can improve the rankings in all search engines. However, because of its popularity most SEO consultants optimise for Google, which currently handles 66% of online searches (comStore January 2012). So it makes sense to focus on Google to maximise results to your business. Here are some starting points when reviewing your website for search rankings.

Usability

A usable site presents content that is easy to locate and understand, and allows your customer to find information as quickly as possible. There are many guidelines on usability, with the best being those to be found at www.usability.gov

Content

Search engines analyse content on your site to understand your business. If you can describe your business precisely, then your site will rank highly for specific searches. For instance, if you provide legal services, avoid phrases like “our professional services” and use “our legal services”.

BUSINESS

Increase speed, maintain quality -

Start maximising your search results

Establish your business as the “expert” in your field by adding extra relevant content. The content on your site must outperform the content of your competitors to outrank them in search results. If you are sending newsletters to your existing clients, consider adding the content to your website.

Keywords

While you may describe your business using a few keywords, consider the way your business is described by your future clients. Survey your existing customers, your employees and associates to discover related keywords for the service you provide. You can attract more customers to your website by uncovering all possible keywords that may be used to find your service.

Location

Google presents different results to different users, according to previous search history and location. What you see in your search results may not be what other users see. There are many online tools that allow you to type in your web address and obtain your rank without taking location into account. Ensure your address is prominent on your website if you need to bring customers to your location. Jo Dalvean can be contacted at info@thewebmanager.com.au

the

web manager Major and minor website problems fixed Maintenance and repairs including: server/hosting issues, content changes, social media setup, broken menus, faulty images, Analytics and SEO. Minimum of one hour’s work enquiries@thewebmanager.com.au

03 9867 7784 (B/H)

www.thewebmanager.com.au ISSUE 45

PROPERTY

Glass Art Providing an eye-catching feature, colourful ‘Glass Art’ can be placed in all wet areas of the family home or modern apartment and require little maintenance.

Many new or freshly renovated homes are embellished with standard neutral tones. ‘Glass Art’ is a way to add colour and texture to kitchen and laundry splashbacks, cupboard doors and panels, linen press doors, and feature walls in ensuites or bathrooms.

• G reat alternative to decals as this concept is a one off application

experience in their respective art and design fields.

Melbourne based, award-winning company, Sayers Art & Design create, deliver and install art for all applications.

Specialising in innovative design features for the home that can be affixed to a variety of surfaces, SA&D create colourful designs in a range of mediums including archival paper and canvas, and have also extended their line to incorporate

SA&D is the brainchild of creative duo Bill Sayers and Hans Langeder, with a combined 35 years

The benefits of Glass Art • Th e glass will not crack or fade and is easily maintained • C an be applied to clear Starphire glass and etched glass • C an be applied to a single sheet of glass or laminated between two or more panels of glass • Can also be printed on films • V arious densities and transparencies are available

Apartment living – Creating Space By Dean Whelan

One of the challenges when moving into an apartment and downsizing from a big home is the where to put everything. Having moved to an apartment myself I know just how challenging this can be. While unpacking, I took the opportunity to ‘cleanse’ and started by putting things that I didn’t have any where to store in my spare room, placing them in two piles: things I needed to keep and those that I could dispose of. The things that I no longer required I gave to friends or sold through internet auction sites. Some items went into the charity bin in the building. For those items that I was keeping, I started to think about how to use the available space, and also create additional space. The trick 26

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is to take an objective look at the spaces between things, behind things and below. Make sure that you’re utilising the space you have correctly and to it’s maximum. • B ehind the door is a great to place to fit a rack to hang anything and everything. You can buy over-the-door shoe hangers or other hanging containers where you can keep all kinds of items. A rack behind the bathroom door is a great place to keep towels. • U nder the bed is great place to for storage. You can buy long flat containers and bed drawers that fit under the bed for clothing, appliances and papers. To make sure people can’t see anything purchase a bed skirt or valance to ensure they stay hidden from view.

various substrates from tempered glass, acrylic sheet, aluminium cladding, acoustic tiles and a multitude of textiles and fabrics. If you mention this editorial, SA&D are able to offer a free consultation. For more information, visit www.sayersartanddesign.com

Bringing a depth of flavour and impeccable style to St Kilda Road, Classico and Depot de Pain at The Blackman are flourishing with the patronage of residents and office workers alike, lured by the promise of delicious fare. And now, the inspired offerings of these groundfloor dining establishments are available for memorable functions in the two breathtaking penthouse suites above. In August 2010, The Blackman launched as the third of the renowned Art Series Hotels. Situated behind historic Airlie Mansion that fronts onto the boulevard, The Blackman is accessed via Arthur Street but

enjoys a St Kilda Road address. The eye-catching foyer displays original work from Charles Blackman’s highly regarded Alice in Wonderland Series, while the penthouses themselves are luxuriously fitted throughout. Already a magnet for corporate events, leisure seekers and longstay residents, The Blackman has been unified by the addition of both Classico and Depot du Pain. A concise and considered menu of Italian classics at Classico (hence the name) includes offerings from the antipasti bar fashioned to resemble a salumeria (the Italian version of the French charcuterie) where diners can select from

prosciutto, salami and Parma ham, freshly carved, as well as an array of elegant and simple Italian dishes. The Blackman’s Depot de Pain (there are also Depots in Hawthorn and North Carlton), known as Fleur among its regulars, is a French patisserie café offering fresh bread, indulgent pastries and seasonal French dishes. Taking its name from the traditional French ‘bread depot’, Depot de Pain is the term for a shop that sells bread made off-site. The Blackman penthouse suites are now available for corporate and private events with an elegant twist, with an impressive array of

catering options from Classico and Depot de Pain. Imagine a stylish product launch, networking event, professional function or even a birthday party to remember (after the guests leave, you’re left with a beautiful room for the night) with a priceless backdrop of sweeping views across Albert Park Lake. House specialities croquenbush and the macaroon tower are sure to impress.

PROPERTY

Blackman Classic

The Blackman 452 St Kilda Road (entry via Arthur Street) (03) 9039 1444

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PROPERTY

Full steam ahead for St Kilda Road office market in 2012 increasingly attractive option for owners and tenants.

Office vacancy rates on St Kilda Road have plummeted since mid-2011 on the back of high levels of net absorption and the popularity of the market is set to soar to new heights in 2012.

With the net face rent on St Kilda Road currently at $295 (A-grade) on average, compared with $497 (prime grade) in the Melbourne CBD, it is no surprise there is growing interest in the area.

According to the latest office data from the Property Council of Australia, the St Kilda Road vacancy rate has dropped from 13.4 per cent in the middle of last year to 10.8 per cent as demand soars to a 17-year high. Net absorption reached 19,174m over the past six months, which is the strongest in this market since 1998. 2

Strong tenant demand elsewhere in the Melbourne CBD, combined with relatively low rents, has led to St Kilda Road becoming an

Functional fitted space is leasing well across all size ranges – 574 St Kilda Road is a prime example. The gap in quality between the top buildings and the rest continues to widen. NABERS Energy ratings are hugely important, with low ratings reflecting low investment in the eyes of tenants. It is crucial that owners show evidence of works they have undertaken or plan to undertake in order to counter this view.

Over the course of 2011 we saw tenants continue to take fewer car spaces and standards for common area facilities are continually improving. The St Kilda Road vacancy rate is likely to contract further in coming months, reaching about 8 per cent by mid-2012. Top performing buildings on St Kilda Road in 2011 included: • 4 84 St Kilda Road: 4,542m2 leased to three major tenants (Australand, 1,914m2; Ivanhoe Australia, 1,314m2; and Glencore Grain, 1,314m2) for an average rent of $270 net / m2 • 5 49 St Kilda Road: The whole building (9,500m2) taken by Spotless at $270 net / m2

• 4 32 St Kilda Road: 2,404m2 leased to six major tenants at $250 net / m2 • 4 76 St Kilda Road: 3,821m2 leased to two major tenants (Asciano, 2,734m2; and Kaiser Trading, 1,087m2) at $250 net / m2 • 5 74 St Kilda Road: 2,428m2 leased to three major tenants (Comstra, 600m2; Huawei, 914m2; and Wesley College, 914m2) at an average rent of $258 net / m2 • 3 32 St Kilda Road: 5,200m2 leased to Homesglen Institute at $252 net / m2

Source: Colliers International

Craig Kelly Offering a full comprehensive property management service including: • Leasing • Tenant screening • Site supervision • Maintenance • Financial reporting and all aspects of managing rental property • Full knowledge of VCAT legislation. Everything is done to maximize client’s property’s cash flow and to increase its market value. Property management is one of the most critical aspects of owning an investment property. The expertise that Asia-Australia Real Estate offers will greatly increase your chances for succeeding in this venture.

Contact Karen Murphy - Asia-Australia Real Estate 48-50 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 Tel: 9486 9633 Fax: 9486 9733 Mob: 0418 379 919 Email: karen@asiaaustraliarealestate.com.au

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Scala’s ‘People Person’ What’s the difference between managing people and managing a building? Craig Kelly would argue that they are one and the same. As Building Manager for Scala, Craig and his company Green Facility Management are focussed on building relationships to help uphold the rules of the building. As live-in manager, Craig is sometimes faced with ‘around the clock’ requests, but such is his personality, this ‘people person’ is able to straddle the many requests with the rules and demands of the OC Committee to deliver a service that is comparable to dining at one of our 5-star restaurants. “What keeps me going is the flexibility of the job and the trust the Owners Corporation Committee have in me,” says Craig.

“Added to this the many ‘colourful characters’ who reside at Scala – from the long-term owneroccupiers to the medium-term tenants - my motto of ‘be friendly, but not too familiar’, is sometimes hard to follow,” he exclaims. Craig’s background as a State Manager in tourism has given him a deep appreciation of working with people to resolve any conflict. “Sometimes I feel like I have to wear ‘different jackets’,” says Craig. And, in true Edward de Bono-style, this high flying manager of vertical communities, delivers to his clients that ‘quiet and peaceful enjoyment’ that most apartment dwellers expect.

By Costa Rolfe

The Chevron Hotel has undergone more makeovers than Madonna. First erected at 539 St Kilda Road in 1934, the original Chevron Hotel was designed by Leslie M Perrott as a development of the two-storey guesthouse on the site. Perhaps unusually for a man so adept at constructing some of Melbourne’s finest hotels and watering holes, Perrott was an unabashed teetotaler. The dominant architect of the inter-war period, Perrott managed to organise the construction of the Chevron in just a 16 week period so as to have the building ready for Melbourne’s centenary celebrations: no mean feat considering its 200 rooms. The structure was built by E. A. Watts in the Palazzo style, and included an unusual tower as one of its most discussed features. A ‘country club’ hotel of sorts set resplendent in a garden setting, the Chevron boasted an outdoor swimming pool (perhaps the first of the city’s kind), tennis court and gymnasium, as well as ensuite

PROPERTY

Property Flashback Chevron bathrooms for all of its rooms (a not so common feature in those days). The Chevron soon made the transition to swanky nightclub – likely to Mr Perrott’s ultimate chagrin – hosting the dancing shoes of some of the world’s biggest stars. Names like Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra and Gregory Peck were among the glitterati to call the Chevron home for a day. The hotel became an important epicenter in the global house music scene after its purchase by Paul Adamo and Vince Sofo (who later acquired another landmark in the Esplanade Hotel) in 1996, becoming home to DJ Donnie One’s ‘Freakazoid’, the legendary wild themed nights that put Melbourne at the cutting edge of world house. The last deck was spun in 2001 when the nightclub finally closed, but not before Grammy Award winners like Frankie Knuckles and David Morales had left their mark on the venue. For a while thereafter, perhaps like a few of its revelers who went a little too hard, the Chevron lost its way for a

time, employed as a nurses’ residence for the nearby Alfred Hospital before eventually sitting derelict and unused. Perhaps Mr Perrott was right about the perils of the demon drink, after all. Redemption was found when the Chevron returned to something of its roots by once again housing guests, this time in the guise of apartments.

Constructed by the ‘Abigroup’, the Chevron Green mixed development saw 68 apartments dominate the original hotel site, with a further 232 apartments erected in a new 9 level complex on the southern and eastern borders of the site. Commercial spaces now line the street where the partygoers once queued for blocks.

Moubray Street Precinct Redevelopment

In 2016 Wesley College will celebrate its 150th year. As this significant milestone approaches, Wesley is embarking on its most substantial redevelopment of the St Kilda Road campus since it was rebuilt by the Nicholas brothers during the 1930s.

projects that make up the Moubray Street Precinct Redevelopment.

learning spaces, a new reception area and a covered amphitheatre for student performances.

The first project focuses on the 1930s Menzies Wing, named after one of Wesley’s two former Prime Ministers, Sir Robert Menzies, who attended the College in the early 20th century.

The second project is the redevelopment of the historic Adamson Hall. Built in 1908 and arguably the most historically significant building at the College, it will be completely redeveloped into an air-conditioned performance space with tiered seating, a new stage area and fly tower, new audio visual control room and much improved backstage facilities along with spaces for small productions.

The Menzies Wing will be redeveloped to provide appropriate, inspiring and flexible learning environments for the Middle School. Included in this will be expanded

The third of these is a new Music

School. The current building has been demolished to make way for a new four-storey, state-of-the-art facility, which will include: substantial rehearsal and recital spaces, individual music tuition studios, multi-purpose classrooms, a music studio and specialist facilities for the digital arts. Adjacent to this building will be a new Middle School cafeteria. The individual sections of the redevelopment project will be finished at different times over the next 18 months, with the whole project due for completion by the beginning of the school year in 2014.

L-R: Music School, Adamson Hall, Menzies Wing

As Wesley College Principal, Dr Helen Drennen said ”this exciting redevelopment is designed to ensure that the College remains at the forefront of education both nationally and internationally, well into the 21st century”. The redevelopment plan focuses on three individual

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Location, luxury and lifestyle – Melbourne Living

There will always be demand for St Kilda Road property. Boasting a central location and with high-end apartments offering size, luxury and first-class facilities, St Kilda Road presents a rare opportunity to secure prestigious apartments. Melbourne Living’s managing director Angela Davidson attributes this partly to a change in architectural style in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. “The properties along St Kilda Road and Queens Road are more sought after than ever before because they are not building apartments like that

ST.KILDA ROAD HAS A FRESH NEW FACE. No, we are not new to St.Kilda Road, but we have freshened our brand. Welcome to:

Formerly known as Melbourne Central Real Estate, Melbourne Living St Kilda Road is still owned and operated by Angela Davidson who has been successfully marketing and selling premium St Kilda Road properties for the past decade. Angela explains, “Our new brand better reflects our strong connections to the St.Kilda Road precinct. It reflects our knowledge, experience and confidence in this iconic Melbourne district. Our new brand celebrates the wonderful lifestyle we have here” For great property knowledge and experience, and a true passion for this marvellous slice of Melbourne, contact Angela and her Melbourne Living team.

Royal Domain Plaza Ground Floor, 360 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004

TEL 03 9682 3713 FAX 03 9682 5469 EMAIL info@melbournelivingstkildaroad.com.au

melbournelivingstkildaroad.com.au 30

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any more. It has certainly driven the demand up. Plus, St Kilda Road property has always maintained an image of prestige,” Angela said. The precinct boasts large apartments, many with coveted period appeal. “The properties are suited to residents down-sizing from Toorak and South Yarra,” Angela said. “It really offers residents the complete lifestyle. St Kilda Road is often referred to as the ‘artery of Melbourne’. “It leads everywhere. With public transport at the doorstop, or just a short walk to parks and attractions, it’s very central. If you head in one direction you’re in the city, you head in the other direction you’ve got South Melbourne shopping, the beach, and you’ve got Fawkner Park, Albert Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens right there.” For the past 10 years, Angela and her team of specialist real estate agents at Melbourne Living (formerly known as Melbourne Central Real Estate), have been helping discerning buyers find the right property. “We’re at the doorstep to St Kilda Road,” Angela said. “Our clients are better serviced and we are more effective by being local and focussed.” With her precinct knowledge, Angela – who has been a St Kilda Road resident herself since 2003 – is wellequipped to ensure buyers, sellers and landlords have all the information they need when considering purchasing, selling or leasing a piece of the area’s prime real estate. “We have been here since 2003 so we know the apartments very well. We do our research on the buildings.” For further information regarding any aspect of Melbourne’s prestige or boutique apartment property market, contact: Angela Davidson at Melbourne Living on 9682 3713 or at angela@melbournelivingstkildaroad.com.au via email. Melbourne Living is at the Royal Domain Plaza, Ground Floor, 360 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, just opposite The Shrine of Remembrance.

2 courses plus a glass of wine $35 new lunch special Phone 9677 9933 379 St Kilda Road Melbourne Victoria 3004