W I N T E R 2 0 12 46
Napoleon: Revolution to Empire The Victorian Major Events Company The Producers Comes to Town St Kilda Road: The Boulevard Debate Continues
your guide to the st kilda road precinct
CONTENTS
Publisher’s note
Publisher Susan Riley susan@melbournemedia.com.au M 0412 045 993
Melbourne really comes into it’s own during winter, and no postcode does it better than 3004. Mesmerising local and international cultural events and exhibitions tempt us out onto the boulevard, and the Melburnian preference for dark wintery fashion is perfectly suited to the weather.
Editor Emily Rolfe emily@melbournemedia.com.au Advertising Enquiries Lyndall Tennant lyndall@melbournemedia.com.au M 0422 857 939
The Winter Masterpieces program is always keenly anticipated, and this year’s Napoleon: Revolution to Empire (our cover story) is packed with the drama and intrigue of another age - not to be missed.
Feature writers Emily Rolfe, Tom Elliott, William So, Costa Rolfe, Anita Roper, Chelsea Arnold, and Helen Kent, Snr Sergeant Steve Bills, Ian Shears
As well as Napoleon, the St Kilda Road winter calendar is packed with arts and culture, including the superb new production of the acclaimed musical, The Producers (interview page 16), and we revisit the ongoing debate about changing St Kilda Road to St Kilda Boulevard.
Photography Lucia Ondrusova info@luciaondrusova.com Design Smith & Rowe studio@smithandrowe.com.au P 9525 3933
We also welcome guest columnist Senior Sergeant Steve Bills, Station Commander of the St Kilda Road Police Station, and take a look inside our local station.
Printing Almar Press, Brunswick Phone 9380 4228
And as much of a delight as winter is in Melbourne, the best thing about it is knowing sunny spring isn’t too far away!
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.
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St Kilda Road Police Station
HAPPENING
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Napoleon: Revolution to Empire
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Top Arts 2012
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The Producers
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Southbank Blood Donor Centre
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Property Flashback: The Junction Hotel
COVER STORY
HEALTH PROPERTY
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 w i n t e r 2 0 12 46
sa $35
napoleon: revolution to empire The Victorian Major events Company The Producers Comes to town St Kilda road: The Boulevard Debate Continues
12/05/11 3:22 PM
your guide to the st kilda road precinct
Cover image: Antoine-Jean GROS General Bonaparte at the Bridge of Arcole on 17 November 1796 1796, oil on canvas, 130 x 94 cm, Napoleonmuseum Thurgau, Schloss und Park Arenenberg, Salenstein Collection of Queen Hortense
For advertising enquiries contact Lyndall Tennant: 0422 857 939 ISSUE 46
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HAPPENING
Precinct Message
In a tight real estate market, both the commercial and residential aspects of St Kilda Road are performing solidly to the great relief of the boulevard. A new CBRE report has highlighted a shift of focus for investors from the CBD to St Kilda Road, caused in part by a shortage of assets in the city centre. Major commercial transactions in the six months to March have included 484 St Kilda Road, purchased by Abacus and Heitman LLC for $68 million; 601 St Kilda Road bought by Shakespeare Investments for $30 million; 607 St Kilda Road purchased by private Chinese investor Casino Investments;
and 441 St Kilda Road, which sold for $58 million to Centuria Property.
for an initial nine years a yield of more than 8 per cent is no surprise.
Vacancy rates in the commercial sector have happily slipped below 10 per cent after continued tightening for four quarters, according to statistics from Jones, Lang LaSalle.
In the residential sector apartments of all size continue to hold their price - even against the siege from Southbank. At 348 St Kilda Road a small unit sold for $348,000 while a similar size unit at Royal Domain tower sold for slightly above $400,000, while a three bedroom at 505 recently sold for $2 million while one-bedroom apartments have also continue to hold their appeal for young professionals.
The major highlight has seen A-grade buildings at 5.5 per cent vacancy with yields varying from 6.2 per cent to 10.6 per cent, and these figures will no doubt be the envy of most commercial centres. At 607 a 12-storey office complex recently sold for $28.5 million and with Alfred Health taking three floors
St Kilda Road Police Station Did you know that there is a 24hour police station at 412 St Kilda Road? Many people are unaware of our location or confuse St Kilda Road police station with St Kilda police station (which is in Chapel St, St Kilda) The complex at 412 St Kilda Road houses many of the specialist investigation areas such as the Homicide squad and Armed Crime Task force. But on the ground level is a 24 hour uniform police station which is staffed by a team of sworn officers and administrative staff. As the station commander, I have responsibility for those members and also the response we provide to our response zone. St Kilda Road police station is the southern most station within the North West Metro Region of Victoria Police. As the name suggests, this region takes in the majority of the northern and western metropolitan suburbs stretching from Whittlesea and Diamond Creek, out to Melton and Werribee and also includes the CBD and City of Yarra. Assistant Commissioner Fontana is the Regional Commander. Each police station has a response zone that they are responsible for patrolling and attending jobs in.
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For St Kilda Road that zone is an almost banana shaped one that is bordered by High street, Punt Rd, the Yarra and City Road back to St Kilda Road. This area includes some large items of infrastructure such as The West Gate Bridge, City Link Tunnels, Crown Casino and the South Bank precinct and the Myer Music bowl just to mention a few. Fortunately, the general area around St Kilda Road itself is relatively quiet from a crime point of view. Whilst traffic can be very heavy particularly during peak periods, serious collision rates are also relatively low particularly when compared to the high volume of vehicles. A particular focus for us is to ensure the public feels safe in and around the streets and the many open areas around St Kilda Road. To achieve this we regularly have foot patrol units out in the parks and public areas particularly around the Shrine, Botanic gardens and around the boat sheds and skate park. If you have any queries, please pop in to the station, call us on 98652102 or e-mail the station on stkildard.uni@police.vic.gov.au. Of course if you need police urgently then always call 000
William H. Deague
President, St Kilda Road Precinct & Promotions Committee
...by Senior Sergeant Steve Bills
Following the success of the National Gallery of Victoria’s Winter Masterpieces of previous years – a superb program that has included last year’s Vienna: Art and Design and Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire in 2009 - this year’s spectacular
Napoleon: Revolution to Empire will bring the legend of Napoleon Bonaparte to life, recounting the story of a man who emerged from the chaos of the French Revolution to become one of the world’s most powerful and visionary rulers.
The exhibition features nearly 300 works, examining French art, culture and life from the 1770s to the 1820s, bringing to Australia for the first time hundreds of opulent and luxurious objects – paintings, drawings, engravings, sculpture, furniture, militaria, textiles, porcelain, gold and silver, fashion and jewellery.
FRANCE Empress Josephine’s shell cameo diadem, presented to her by her brother-in-law Joachim Murat Empire period 1804–15 Gold, shell, mother-of-pearl, cameos, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones - 6.7 x 17.0 x 20.0 cm - Musée Masséna, Nice (inv.CHAP.1360)
Dr Gerard Vaughan, Director NGV, said: “Napoleon: Revolution to Empire continues the tradition of spectacular NGV exhibitions which have become a winter highlight in Victoria’s cultural calendar. “This year visitors will be intrigued by the life of Napoleon, a man who held the world captive to his ambition. He had a vision of a united Europe, but a Europe controlled by France and united through conquest. Napoleon is well known as a master military strategist; this exhibition reveals that he was also a passionate lover and dedicated patron of the arts, sciences and literature.” Napoleon: Revolution to Empire explores, amongst other themes, the stormy period of social change forced upon France through the outbreak of the French Revolution, the execution of Louis XVI and MarieAntoinette, and the rise to power of the young
Anne-Louis GIRODET-TRIOSON (studio of) Napoleon in Imperial robes c.1812 Oil on canvas - 248.0 x 178.0 cm - Musée de l’Empéri, Salon de Provence - Gift of Charles Pasqua, French Minister of the Interior, 1987
Napoleon Bonaparte and his new wife Josephine, as the couple worked to cement their place as France’s new political and social leaders.
COVER STORY
A Napoleonic Revolution
Ted Gott, Senior Curator International Art, NGV said: “World leaders in the Age of Exploration, Napoleon and Josephine were a true power couple - famous and stylish. “The stunning artworks and objects in this exhibition illustrate their belief that the advancement of knowledge was integral to social order; they welcomed scientists and artists to receptions and dinners where world affairs were reshaped under their rule.” Personal items will give visitors a glimpse into an extravagant private world of the couple. Jewels owned by Josephine, Napoleon’s personal weapons, lavish furniture from private residences and a lock of Napoleon’s hair feature alongside spectacular decorative objects, bejewelled gifts given to dignitaries, military uniforms and a beautiful court dress - the only surviving garment worn at Napoleon’s coronation ceremony in 1804. Organised in partnership with the Fondation Napoléon in Paris, lending many of its greatest works, the exhibition also features incomparable treasures drawn from Europe’s most important Revolutionary and Napoleonic collections, including the Château de Malmaison, Château de Versailles, Musée Carnavalet and Musée de l’Armée in France, the Napoleonmuseum Thurgau in Switzerland, and the Museo Napoleonico in Rome.
NITOT ET FILS, Paris (manufacturer), France 1780–1814 Coronet from replica of the ruby and diamond parure of Empress Marie-Louise 1809–11 Gold, silver, white sapphires, diamonds, garnets - 10.0 x 14.4 cm - Chaumet Collection, Paris © Chaumet
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Sonic the Hedgehog © SEGA. All rights reserved
Trout quintet & quartet for the end of the time
Like their titles – one carefree, the other menacing – the inspiration for Schubert’s ‘Trout’ and Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time’ germinated in radically different environments. ‘Trout’ reflects the delight Schubert took in his first country holiday, while Messiaen’s was set against an entirely more oppressive backdrop, with the Frenchman captured by German forces in 1940. A small selection of the Australian Chamber Orchestra combine with clarinettist Paul Dean and rising young PalestinianIsraeli pianist Saleem Abboud Ashkar, who makes his Australian debut.
Elizabet
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Perry Street
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When: 16 July, 8pm; 22 July 2.30pm; 23 July 8pm Where: Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Southbank Price: Standard from $44; concession from $37 Phone: 03 9699 3333
Game Masters
Run Melbourne
Fed Square Wine Awards
With obsessive text messaging being indirectly attributed to increased onset of early arthritis in young people (the medical journals still in denial), what better time to pay homage to the original and best destroyer of youthful thumb joints and wrists: the video game. Game Masters will afford the opportunity to test out your old high scores, or try something completely new. Yu Suzuki’s 1980s full-body arcade games are sure to be popular, whilst thatgamecompany’s postmodern release Flower – where the landscape is privileged above all else – will polarise players.
Swelling to an impressive 20,477 participants last year after an inaugural turn out of roughly 5,500 in 1994, Run Melbourne continues to support the waistlines of Melburnians and the bottom lines of many charities. Variant distances cater for all fitness levels, with weekend runners, professionals and completely out of their depth ‘I’m thinking about playing footy again next year’ types all adding great texture to the event (drink and first aid stations are located throughout the course for those in the latter category).
For those not interested in running under any circumstances, then perhaps drinking some wine holds greater appeal? Take a jovial tumble down the cellar stairs of some of Victoria’s finest producers at the Fed Square Wine Awards. Over 100 wines from some 30 leading Victorian winemakers will be available to sample. Last year’s Fed Square Wine of the year was the 2010 Heathcote Riesling from Shelmerdine Vineyards. The winemakers themselves will be on location to discuss all the subtleties of their vinification process.
When: 28 June – 28 October Where: ACMI, Federation Square Price: Full $22; concession $17.50; children $11
When: Sunday 15 July Register: at runmelbourne.com.au Where: Starts and finishes at Federation Square
When: Thursday 2 August Where: The Atrium Price: $25 via Ticketmaster or at the door.
The Heretic
Suzanne Johnston from Bizet to Broadway
Not all climate change deniers wear those hats with the flaps or are the Leader of the Opposition, it seems. Directed by Matt Scholten, The Heretic tackles the complexity of climate change via the character of Dr Diane Cassell (Noni Hazlehurst), a lecturer of Climate Science whose latest research data fires an unexpected broadside at the prevailing view of global warming causes. Written by Richard Bean, The Heretic’s wicked wit belies its politically charged content as it explores the various pitfalls of maintaining the status quo.
Join opera diva Suzanne Johnston and some of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s best young singing talent for a morning of Puccini, Bizet, Gershwin and Sondheim – and a little Loyd Webber to boot. Johnston – a versatile veteran of opera, music theatre and concert performance, and herself a VCA graduate – has in recent years shown a strong interest in teaching and mentoring young vocalists, and both master and apprentices are sure to be in fine voice as they perform this charming selection of arias, duets and trios.
When: Until 23 June Where: MTC Sumner Theatre Price: From $56 (Under 30s $33); MTC Box Office (03) 8688 0800 or mtc.com.au
When: Friday 13 July, 11pm & 1.30pm Where: State Theatre Price: $19 Phone: 1300 002 787
Are you Planning a
Bill Cunningham New York
Linda Jackson Bush Couture
Though himself an intensely private individual, Bill Cunningham gained fame for his obsessive chronicling of celebrities and socialites, snapping pictures of New York’s rich and famous when they were not expecting it. Scoring documentary-related gongs at film festivals from Nantucket to Melbourne to Abu Dhabi, Bill Cunningham New York is a 50-year visual history of some of fashion’s most iconic styles and figures, the city of New York co-starring as the most fitting of catwalks…
For Melbourne-born fashion designer, fashion retailer and artist Linda Jackson, fashion transcends mere seasonal trends. Jackson’s fashion is as eclectic as it is unconventional. Her first major solo exhibition encompasses much of the innovative early creations that would prove so critical to her stylistic development, with pieces drawn from a threedecade long archive on show. Jackson’s unusual decorative techniques – from screen printing to Kenyan beading – suggest an artist in every sense of the word, and not an individual at all preoccupied with clothing in its functional form.
When: 25 August - 3 September Where: ACMI, Federation Square Price: Full $11; senior $6
HAPPENING
Jenny Kee wearing Black magic, Black cockatoo Blackheath, Blue Mountains 1976 © Linda Jackson
Madman Entertainment
When: Until 9 September Where: Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square Price: Free
Function
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In its 18th year, Top Arts 2012 continues the tradition of highlighting the thoughts and talents of young Victorians. Displaying over 60 works by 54 students from government, catholic and independent schools, works range from traditional printmaking, to a number of drawings, paintings, photographs and threedimensional works. Merren Ricketson, Top Arts Coordinating Curator said: ‘Top Arts is an exhibition of ideas. This year’s works show an extremely high level of experimentation, imagination and conceptual development. ‘Many of the works on display also show the concerns students have about facing life in the 21st century, highlighting both their thoughtfulness and selfconfidence as artists’.
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Visitors to the exhibition are also encouraged to vote for their favourite work, with the art department of the top three schools receiving a cash award. Last year, more than 13,000 votes were cast. Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said: ‘Top Arts is incredibly popular with students, school and the general public alike. Last year more than 100,000 people enjoyed the exhibition and I
encourage all Victorians to attend this year’s show.’ Students selected for Top Arts 2012 completed Art or Studio Arts in 2011 as part of their VCE, with 148 artists shortlisted from more than 1800 applicants. Top Arts 2012 will be on display at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square until 15 July. Entry is free.
Carla Scotto, Untitled - Oil on canvas - 91.2 x 122.3 cm Caulfield Grammar School – Caulfield Campus, St Kilda East
Philip Hickingbotham, Content - Charcoal pencil - 48.4 x 39.4 cm (image) - Kyabram P-12 College, Kyabram
HAPPENING
Top Arts 2012
The Chairman of the Royal Botanic Gardens Board (Victoria), Ms Elaine Canty, has announced that Dr Philip Moors will retire as Director and Chief Executive of the Gardens when his current contract concludes in November this year.
With 20 years at the helm of this much loved Melbourne attraction, which is also the oldest scientific institution in Victoria, Dr Moors has become the second longest serving Director in the 166 year history of the Gardens after William Guilfoyle, who held the post from 1873 for 36 years. “Just as Guilfoyle was responsible for shaping the beautiful landscapes that the Royal Botanic Gardens is renowned for today, Dr Moors
has been instrumental in preserving and enhancing those landscapes”, Ms Canty said.
“Dr Moors has revitalised the Gardens. He has added immeasurably to the public enjoyment of the Gardens and pride in this magnificent public asset.” “Dr Moors has been a visionary leader. His initiatives and achievements as Director and Chief Executive have seen the Gardens thrive in the face of significant challenges including thirteen years of drought and occupation by flying foxes. His innovative approach to such challenges and his unfailing good humour will be missed by both staff and the Board.”
During his tenure, Dr Moors has contributed significantly to the prestigious position that the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne now occupies within the global scientific community. The establishment of the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology in 1998, one of Dr Moors’ initiatives, has seen the Royal Botanic Garden become a global leader in the study of preserving biodiversity in urban and suburban areas. He has been an energetic promoter of the importance of botanic gardens in the broader community, particularly their role in demonstrating sustainable gardening practices.
“As Director and Chief Executive, Dr Moors has done an exemplary job in preserving the history of the Gardens on behalf of the Victorian community, while also working to secure a sustainable future. His personal drive and leadership over the last 20 years has given Melbourne and Victoria one of the most acclaimed Botanic Gardens in the world.”
HAPPENING
Gardens Chief to Retire
The Royal Botanic Gardens Board (Victoria) will be commencing an international search to fill the role of Director and Chief Executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Details about the recruitment process are available at www.rbg.vic.gov.au.
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COMMUNITY
More fun in the park By Helen Kent
Victoria is renowned for being the garden state and Fawkner Park has been one of Melbourne’s favourite parks for over 100 years, enjoyed by thousands of people every day. Over the past six years the City of Melbourne has undertaken a major renewal program to enhance the landscape and usability of the facilities within. More than 300 trees have been planted and another 50-60 will be planted this year, with improvements to the pathways that graciously weave through the park, and two new toilets that have been installed along with new storm water drainage and better irrigation. In 2010, the City of Melbourne received an Australian Institute of Architects Design Award for the toddler playground. A playground has been upgraded and work is due to commence this year on another.
Other major improvements have been done to the important and much used sporting facilities, these include; new cricket nets, major refurbishment to the Southern pavilion and upgraded lighting on the Cordner Oval that lights this area till 9pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only. Unfortunately these lights have created some concern for a few of the residents and a dispute is in progress. According to a City of Melbourne spokesperson, “The installation of these lights on the Southern sports fields were a key part of the Fawkner Park Master Plan and the Council undertook significant community consultation prior to the commencement of works. We have fully complied with our obligations under the Melbourne Planning Scheme and as this matter is before the courts we cannot comment any further.”
Arts Centre Kids Program With so much to see and do in the arts and culture precinct of St Kilda Road geared towards more mature tastes, it’s good to know there are still activities and events for younger creative minds. The Arts Centre hosts a year-round program of kids activities, this year featuring such programs as Instant Rockstar, where children get to perform and direct in fun and easy music video workshops. Kids create a song using music samples, and then use it to make a music video – everybody gets a DVD of their rock efforts to take home, too. For $25, children can join in the fun of the Get Dancing! Program, presented by the Arts Centre and the Australian Ballet’s Education Unit. Learn all about dance from some of our best dancers, in a relaxed and fun workshop during the September school holidays.
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Held in the State Theatre Rehearsal Room (the same space where The Australian Ballet dancers prepare for performances), these workshops will teach boys and girls about how the body moves, and spacial awareness. With guidance from the dancers and their own vivid imaginations, children will work together to create their own dances. The Arts Centre’s Digital Learning Hub also hosts birthdays yearround, a fun, interactive and supportive space for kids to create and learn. Using the latest computer software, kids will create their own rock, pop or hip hop songs with their friends, with a take-home album of their party tracks at the end of the day.
For more information, visit www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
The works undertaken at Fawkner Park serve to enhance its already diverse range of recreation and sporting activities, which can all be enjoyed in a magnificent setting of tree avenues and open, spacious lawns.
The Fawkner Master Plan is available online at: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov. au/ParksandActivities/Parks/ Documents/masterplan_fawkner.pdf
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COMMUNITY
Melbourne in Winter: A Fashion Guide People who live in Melbourne wear a lot of black – it’s quite the cliché. While there’s certainly a ring of truth to it (especially when compared to some of the sartorial choices of our northern neighbours), bright pops of colour are more prevalent this winter. And what’s wrong with black, anyway? COATS
A classic winter coat is viewed by the fashionable as a true investment piece, though in truth, ‘classic winter coat’ is often interchangeable with ‘very expensive winter coat’. For that reason, muted classic shades in black and charcoal can’t be bested for their versatility, but this winter heralds an explosion of jewel-toned woolen coats. Chic belted styles, capes, pea coats and trenches are all getting a burst of rich colour. Look for bright mustard, orange, teal, cobalt and ruby red.
BOOTS
Flat leather boots are coming into bat this winter, perfect for wading through flooded city streets and keeping toes warm – there’s nothing bleaker than wet feet. Again, Melbourne will be counterintuitively steering away from familiar black and choosing boots of brown or grey. The ever-changing ‘must-have’ item (how many must-haves can a person have?) for this winter is surely the ankle boot, either with a wedge or squared wooden heel.
ACCESSORIES
The easiest (and fiscally sensible) way to maintain a toe-hold in the fast-paced world of fashion is to put more energy into accessories. Scarves, hats and gloves are a safe way to inject the season’s daring colour palette into a neutral wardrobe. And nothing pairs better with a cold nose and rosy-pink winter cheeks than a smart winter hat, whether a structured ladylike style or slouchy knitted number.
SUMMER CLOTHES
Yes, that’s right. Summer clothes for winter are all around. Melbourne’s average winter temperature compares pretty favourably to the northern hemisphere where donning a summer outfit in the winter months is unwise at best, suicidal at worst. Short summer dresses can be effortlessly teamed with thick opaque stockings (another way to introduce intense colours), blazers, coats, scarves and the aforementioned knitted hat to create a stylish winter look. Image: Supplied
432 St Kilda Road Melbourne Tel 03 9866 6220 robertahairbeauty.com Ladies | Mens Hair and Beauty Therapy 12
3004NEWS
The Art and Design of Contemporary Jewellery On 21 April, the National Gallery of Victoria will open the highly anticipated contemporary exhibition,
Unexpected Pleasures: The Art and Design of Contemporary Jewellery. The exhibition displays almost 200 works by important Australian and international contemporary jewellers who have pushed conceptual and material boundaries within their practices.
Dr Gerard Vaughan, Director, NGV said: “This is a remarkable and exciting exhibition, brilliantly installed in the Gallery’s newly redeveloped Contemporary Exhibitions space at NGV International.” Curated by Melbourne jeweller Susan Cohn, the exhibition is complemented by a selection of NGV Collection works and private loans. Exploring the essential meanings of jewellery, the exhibition bypasses traditional perceptions and instead traces the radical experiments of contemporary
jewellers who have challenged the conventions of jewellery design. The exhibition is curated through a number of themes: Worn Out – celebrating the experience of wearing jewellery; Linking Links – looking at the ways in which ‘meaning’ and narratives are invested and expressed through sub-themes such as social expressions and creative systems, and; A Fine Line – offering insight into the origins of contemporary jewellery
today, highlighting key figures of the contemporary jewellery movement that started in the late 1970s. Each theme within the exhibition provides an outline of current thinking and offers a unique view on how people use and interact with objects, through which design and production processes come to light. New techniques and experimentation continue to question the relevance
of preciousness, highlighting the shifting values from material worth to the personal associations that jewellery holds. The exhibition celebrates jewellery from the point of view of both the maker and the wearer. It considers the pleasures of wearing jewellery and the many meanings associated with jewellery which are at times unpredictable and, in turn, unexpected.
COMMUNITY
Unexpected Pleasures:
Unexpected Pleasures:
The Art and Design of Contemporary Jewellery will be on display at NGV International, St Kilda Road from 21 April 2012 – 26 August 2012. David Bielander - Scampi (2007) Silver (copper anodised), elastic - 10.0 cm (diam) - Collection of the artist © David Bielander - Photo: Simon Bielander
Open Wed–Mon, 10am–5pm. Entry is free.
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COMMUNITY
Club 3004 Club 3004 continues to strengthen our community, inviting both business representatives and residents to celebrate our diversity and passion for St Kilda Road. Join fellow networking enthusiasts either casually, or as a member to accelerate your growth potential.
Ashleigh Israel and Debra Hicks
Yvonne Lynch and Ian Shears
Aaron Gardiner and Jess Mueller
Peter Jago and Gary Maxwell
Margo Radnell and Paul Littman
Anna Giannis and Mia De Rose
Tony Basile, Mark Richardson and Andrea Rowe
Membership form
Club 3004 is a social club for those who work and/or live within the 3004 postcode precinct. The club aims to offer a fun and relaxed atmosphere for people to meet and mingle with their neighbours over a drink and finger food. The club holds cocktail functions on the 1st Thursday of every month from 6.00pm till 7.30pm at our home - Ormond Hall, 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004. To join, simply fill out this form and return by fax to 9758 7411, or post a cheque to Lyndall Tennant at Club 3004, PO Box 107, Collins Street West, Melbourne 8007. Alternately, e-mail Lyndall: enquiries@club3004.com.au to pay via bank transfer. Receipts will be e-mailed back.
TYPE
COST
DESCRIPTION
Individual
$125 pa
Membership for one includes entry to ten club functions
SME’s
$250 pa
Includes individual and interchangeable membership for up to 5 associates
Invited guests
$20 per event
A pass will be issued to invited guests for the evening
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Webpage sponsored by Rodney www.pn.com.au
St Kilda Road or St Kilda Boulevard? ... by Chelsea Arnold But is it Melbourne’s grandest boulevard, or just the road to St Kilda? Either way, it has been a divisive topic.
“Council doesn’t really see the need for change from St Kilda Road to Boulevard as it is, after all, the road to St Kilda,” Cr Powning said.
In a debate that has split residents, commuters and workers for time immemorial, the City of Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the three-kilometre stretch of road should be granted the title it deserves. “St Kilda Road is a great boulevard of Melbourne. It would be a simple matter to rename it as such,” Cr Doyle said.
It is easy to see why some would like the road renamed with a title befitting some of its great landmarks dotted along the picturesque streetscape: the Alexandra Gardens, Victorian Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Shrine of Remembrance.
Not only are viewpoints on the name split, but so too is the road itself. Currently, St Kilda Road falls within two municipalities. The east side of the road to High Street, Prahran is in the municipality of the City of Melbourne while the west side of the road and the road south of High Street fall in the municipality of the City of Port Phillip.
St Kilda Road, with its beauty and grandeur, rivals the world’s greatest boulevards. It can justifiably compete with the Champs de Elysees in Paris, the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Boulevard, not to mention Germany’s Unter den Linden.
With its elm-lined median strips, residential towers and office blocks, some of Melbourne’s finest tourist attractions and nature’s beauties, the multi-lane thoroughfare that spans from Princes Bridge to St Kilda Junction certainly fits the definition of a boulevard.
However, boutique property specialist, Melbourne Living St Kilda Road’s managing director, Angela Davidson, said that when so much about the local landscape had changed it was important to retain part of the precinct’s proud heritage. “I would like to see the name St Kilda Road retained,” Ms Davidson said.
Cr Doyle believes rezoning of the road and municipality boundaries could coincide with the renaming of the road.
“Over the decades significant buildings and gracious mansions have been demolished. For the historical preservation of the area, the road to St Kilda should remain,” she said.
“The Minister for Planning Matthew Guy has indicated that St Kilda Road should be in the capital city zone and we should give some attention to one of Melbourne’s premier boulevards of elms, plane trees and icons like the shrine,” he said.
St Kilda Historical Society President Peter Johnson agrees. “The road has been known as St Kilda Road for over 170 years. From a historical continuity point of view, the name should remain the same. It is so deeply engrained in our history,” Mr Johnson said.
But his sentiments are not shared by his counterpart across the road. The City of Port Phillip’s Mayor Rachel Powning said discussion about the naming of St Kilda Road was raised often, and that efforts would be better off focused on more immediate priorities.
COMMUNITY
What’s in a name:
Should St Kilda Road retain its name, or be renamed St Kilda Boulevard? Email the editor and share your thoughts: emily@melbournemedia.com.au
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community
The Producers
guarantees big belly laughs ...by Chelsea Arnold Wayne Scott Kermond is full of energy and pizzazz, as you would expect from such a seasoned musical theatre performer. From touring the world and learning the ropes as a youngster with his parents, and with his first big break at age 11 in Gypsy, there is no denying Kermond feels most comfortable when treading the boards. His career has seen him in Singing in the Rain, wowing audiences with his all-round talent in A Chorus Line and Chicago, and as the tap-dancing feet of penguins as a principle motion capture in Happy Feet. He has received five MO awards and has been nominated for a string of other industry accolades. In the past 12 months alone Kermond has starred as Fagin in Oliver, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes and paid homage to Sammy Davis Jr in his own hit stage show, Candyman. “Now that I am getting older, I am getting these great character roles in the shows,” Kermond said. “It’s challenging and very satisfying.” And he is simply itching to get into character for his latest role in The Production Company’s, The Producers. Playing Max Bialystock, a struggling Broadway producer, is a role like no other, Kermond said. “I’m so excited to be playing this role. It is an amazing opportunity.” The Producers, with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, is regarded as among the best musical comedies to ever hit the stage. The story, set on Broadway, sees Bialystock and Leo Bloom, a stage-struck accountant played by Brent Hill (Rock of Ages), join forces to strike it rich by producing the worst musical ever produced. When they receive a script titled, Springtime for Hitler, from Franz Liebkind, played by Trevor Ashley (Hairspray), an ex-Nazi storm trooper, which tells the story of
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Hitler’s rise to power in song and dance, they are convinced that they have found a show that is guaranteed to be a sure-fire flop. “Max is a bit of a cheapskate. He befriends little old ladies, taking advantage of them so they give him money to fund his shows. The show has him at his lowest ebb and centres around the premise that he is losing money not making it. So he comes up with a formula - find the worst script, the worst actors, and put on the worst Broadway show in history, taking $2 million in the process and then fleeing to Rio,” Kermond said. Starring alongside Kermond and Hill is the delightful Christie Whelan (Anything Goes and Britney Spears: The Cabaret) playing Swedish-born Ulla, who auditions for a role in their show. Leo and Max take a liking to her straight away they hire her as their secretary. “It’s very silly. The comedy is pure genius and is something that will bring a tear to your eyes from laughter,” he said. “For anyone that loves slapstick comedy you will come and see a show that is absolute chaos and walk away with a grin from ear to ear. It’s a traditional Broadway show. “It’s riddled with great songs and routines. It’s one of these shows where you don’t have to think too hard. It’s all right in front of you. Come and see it. You will get your socks knocked off.” While there are laughs a-plenty, there are also big musical pieces. “There are some really great numbers. We’ve got a fantastic ensemble cast and there are lots of beautiful, tall showgirls,” Kermond said. “Whelan will wow the audience with her performance of When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It.” This is Kermond’s second season performing in one of The Production Company’s stage shows,
Wayne Scott Kermond
a non-profit company that presents three musical each theatre season. “The Production Company shows are based on a great formula,” Kermond said. “The cast spends two weeks rehearsing then we perform six shows. You blink and it’s over. It’s a big challenge because it’s such a big production to put together in such a short amount of time. But we have a great cast and we have a terrific creative team. I guess, as the saying goes, it’s all about getting on with the show.”
The Producers runs from July 8 through until July 15.
Tickets start at $45 through to $105. Concession and group prices available. For more information or to book tickets phone 1300 182 183 or visit
www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
COMMUNITY
The Victorian Major Events Company ...Meet Brendan McLements Formed in 1991, the Victorian Major Events Company (VMEC) is arguably the most important entity behind much of the state’s world-class events calendar, and most likely, you’ve never heard of it. This year, VMEC is responsible for the Grand Prix; L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival; Winter Masterpieces series featuring Napoleon and Game Masters; the Cycling World Championships; the Australian Masters (golf ) and the Boxing Day Test, to name a few. ‘We maintain a low-profile,’ says CEO Brendan McLements. ‘In a broad sense, we are a businessto-business group. We don’t go out seeking a profile.’ Formed in 1991, then the Melbourne Major Events Company, VMEC had unusually bipartisan beginnings when Labor Premier Joan Kirner appointed Liberal Party figure Ron Walker as Chairman of the body for the state’s bid for the 1996 Olympics. The bid failed, but the company remained. VMEC CEO for five years, McLements’ professional background is an appropriate combination of senior roles in marketing and public affairs for the brewing, financial services and sporting industries. Prior to McLements’ appointment at VMEC, he managed corporate affairs and strategy function for the International Cricket Council, followed by a term with the then Australian Cricket Board’s Senior Executive Team as General Manager of Public Affairs. The VMEC calendar delivers an economic benefit to Victoria of around $1.4 billion annually, and McLements has been instrumental in securing several Melbourne
exclusives, including the record-breaking exhibition Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, which attracted more than 796,000 visitors in 2011. ‘We were the first of a very specific type of company. It’s a collaborative business with lots of organisations working together. We work closely with the City of Melbourne and Tourism Victoria, and it has to be that way. Our job is to identify and retain events of a certain size and scale that will benefit Victoria,’ said McLements. A limited not-for-profit company, VMEC receives funding through the government and one of its distinguishing features is a committed set of directors that includes Eddie McGuire and Greg Hywood. To attract large-scale international events, the VMEC offers a collaborative set of organisations rather than one central repository, providing a ready-made network to connect with. The Melbourne Winter Masterpieces is one such event, which VMEC has worked on since 2004 with the National Gallery of Victoria. ‘We are fortunate to have bipartisan support from both sides of politics that have helped underpin our
success. There are strong foundations in place in Melbourne, in particular the passion of Victorians for these
sort of events, and the great assets of the city in its sport and culture infrastructure,’ said McLements.
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ENVIRONMENT
Anita Roper 3004 News’ Environment Page
iconic 80-year-old Empire State Building in New York where a deep retrofit has reduced energy bills by 38%, saving $4.4m annually, cut 100,000 tonnes of CO2 over 15 years and has a 3 year payback – rewards for both the owners and tenants. 500 Collins has been rated 5-Star Green Star and saved 52% off its energy bills through using chilled beams, efficient lighting, solar hot water, and through workforce productivity improvements.
Thanks to all readers who provided feedback on my last column focusing on the social aspects of sustainability. I really appreciated hearing about your interactions with your neighbours whether residential or business. More and more of us are turning to high and mid rise inner city living – almost every crane is adding to the number of apartments and to lifestyle changes. The great majority of new buildings are ‘green’: designed to be sustainable with more efficient design and reduced water and energy use. Examples such as Lend Lease’s Convesso in Waterfront Place are 4-Star Green Star with 25% less water use, lower utility costs, better temperature control and a whole lot more. The ‘green’ premium of a 2% extra cost will be paid for quickly through utility savings. But what of our existing buildings? Can they be retrofitted for better performance? Of course they can – 500 Collins Street is an excellent office building example as is the
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What about your building? Why don’t you ask your managing agent/ Committee of Management when your energy and water use was last audited and what future investment is being considered. Your owners corporation bills will continue to grow as will your own electricity and water bills if you do nothing. You can also audit your own performance. Have you installed energy efficient lights which last longer and can even cut electricity use. Are your appliances on standby? It’s been estimated that standby power plus excessive heating and cooling adds more than $300 to an average bill. Next time you buy an appliance choose the highest-star label. Is your showerhead efficient? Do you use cold water for the clothes wash? Do you use curtains to protect your apartment from the sun? Take advantage of government and other websites that include practical tips to cut your energy and water use. For example, http://www.dodo.com/ electricity/electricity/energy-savingtips/ With rising utility prices, we can’t afford not to pay attention.
Anita Roper
The Urban Forest At the Club 3004 meeting on 3 May this year, Ian Shears, Manager of Urban Landscapes at the City of Melbourne presented a captivating account of the city’s Urban Forest Strategy. This document underpins some highly ambitious and worthy plans to enhance Melbourne’s landscapes, making them even greener than they are now, by doubling the city’s canopy cover and improving the resilience of Melbourne’s tree population. Current research is showing that many of our municipal trees are in severe decline and will need to be replaced over the coming two decades, but reassuringly the aim is to keep Melbourne’s character intact. That means St Kilda Road, our iconic boulevard and gateway to the city, Imagining a green future for the city. Image supplied
will always have elm trees and will always maintain its stately grandeur, striking colour and deciduous nature. It is planned that important decisions about the future our landscapes and measures to keep the character of Melbourne intact will be conducted in collaboration with the community through the development of a series of precinct plans. Ian is one of Australia’s leading experts in urban landscapes and urban forestry. He has specialised in horticulture for over 20 years and has worked for over a decade with the City of Melbourne. Further information on the Urban Forest Strategy can be found at: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/urbanforest
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HEALTH
Why is it so, William So? So, William So, What is your best advice regarding...
A Transplant Success Story From December 1988 when the first heart transplant was performed at the hospital to November 2009, The Alfred has undertaken 1,716 heart and/or lung transplants. The hospital is Victoria’s only adult heart and lung transplantation service, and Australia’s only paediatric lung transplantation service. May saw the launch of the Heart and Lung Transplant Trust (Victoria) accommodation program, for rural and interstate post transplant patients. In recognising the financial hardship faced by rural and interstate transplant patients and their carers, the program aims to alleviate the cost of the 90-day post transplant period in which patients must
pay for accommodation in close proximity to The Alfred and its skilled medical practitioners. In partnership with the heart and lung transplant clinics at The Alfred, St Kilda Road’s Park Regis has entered into a venture offering two one-bedroom serviced apartments to transplant patients for a discounted rate. For the duration of the 90 day post-transplant stay, patients will pay only $15 per night, with state government subsidies and contributions from HLTTV covering the difference. For more information or to make a donation, head to http://www.hlttv.org.au/
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
If you have xerostomia, check your medications. Healthy adults secrete about 1.5 litres of saliva a day. Mouth dryness is often the result of dehydration, anxiety, diarrhoea and vomiting, diabetes and very often a direct side effect of various medications. Saliva substitute sprays, mouthwashes and gels; fluoride mouth rinse and toothpaste; sugar free hard lollies and chewing gum can help and pilocarpine tablets, lozenges and oral drops are used to stimulate saliva flow. Please ask your dentist and doctor for details.
Yawning If you yawn, others will follow. Yawning is an involuntary action that causes us to open our mouth wide and breathe in deeply. Although commonly associated with drowsiness and weariness, it is a sign of arousal as our heart rate
increases. Recent proposed theory is that yawning acts to cool down our brain to increase our alertness. However, if you experience excessive yawning or daytime sleepiness, consult your doctor for underlying causes like heart disease and sleep apnoea. Unless, of course, you just want to show off your beautiful set of white teeth.
????
Thanks to 20th century nanotechnology, this mystery product is now possible. Nanoparticles are extremely tiny, ranging from 1 to 100nm, which is one-billionth of a metre. If a nanoparticle is as large as an orange, then on the same scale, an orange is as large as the Earth. Although there are concerns about the absorption of nanoparticles into our skin, latest research and medical opinions are that this product is safe to use and its benefit far outweigh the risk of not using it. Still no idea of what I am talking about? Answer below. Answer: Invisible Zinc
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. 20
3004NEWS
The Australian Red Cross Southbank Blood Donor Centre in Clarke Street, Southbank was opened in 2009. It is the largest facility of its kind in Australia, able to collect life saving donations from up to 30 people at one time and offering unsurpassed comfort for generous donors.
I am alive today because of the generosity of blood donors. Many years ago I was run over by a car and almost bled to death on the road. Luckily, it happened outside casualty at the Austin hospital and medical assistance was close at hand. Apparently one in three people will require blood or blood products during their lifetime yet only one in 30 currently donates. Australia needs 27,000 blood donations each week just to meet current demands, so your help can make an immeasurable difference. Giving blood takes about one hour; there is an initial screening involving a questionnaire and consultation with a staff member, after which you are taken into the procedure room where you recline most comfortably in a leather chair while hooked up to donate. After completion you are ushered into the
refreshment area to partake in one of their famous milkshakes, tea and coffee, sausage rolls, biscuits, - a rather lovely way to relax for 10 minutes. The centre is equipped to collect whole blood, plasma and platelets for accident victims, surgical procedures, recovery from serious burns, childbirth complications, cancer and blood disease patients.
Whole blood is taken in 500ml lots and is the simplest procedure. Plasma is collected whilst the donor receives 500ml of saline, red cells and platelets are kept and the white cells returned to the donor and this takes around 30-35 minutes. Platelets are the most fragile with a life span of only five days. This collection is the most technologically complicated with the machine next to you whizzing around doing all the work. All products collected are tested, weighed, packed and sent to the West Melbourne facility for processing and distribution. I recently visited the centre and was overwhelmed with the warm friendly ambience pervading, the professionalism
of the staff and the positiveness of the donors I spoke to. ‘Lesley’ has donated 167 times. Despite dreading the needles, she started donating whole blood and now donates plasma every two weeks. “The staff are so caring and I walk out of here on a high”. ‘Johnny’ is a staff member and originally donated whole blood but he has B+ blood that is much needed for plasma. He said he is emotionally charged after donating. ‘John’ comes to Melbourne from the country for regular business meetings and combines this with a visit to the centre to donate. A seasoned donor of over 220 times he provides the much needed platelets. He did say that, “. . . originally we would be given a local anaesthetic prior to the needle going in but this is no longer done as it is really just double dipping and there isn’t any real pain. My one complaint is that the pies have been taken off the menu in the refreshment area”. His son also is a regular donor.
By Helen Kent distance from trains, trams and the city. They have some street and offstreet parking spaces and a shuttle service to accommodate small groups from within a five km radius.
HEALTH
A lifeline of blood
As I was leaving the centre, a group of Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School students arrived to donate and I was so impressed by the community minded spirit within these teenage girls.
For more information go to: www.donateblood.com.au or ring 13 14 95 to make an appointment.
The Southbank Blood Donor Centre is conveniently located, walking
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SPORT
Melbourne Park Redevelopment A $5.5 million Budget announcement towards the next stage of redevelopment at Melbourne Park has ensured the Australian Open will remain in Melbourne until 2036. Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said the funding would be used to commence the design process and inform a business case for Stage 2 works at Australia’s home of tennis. “This Budget is shaped by the very real and serious challenges of the
present, but its focus is on securing the future and positioning Victoria to take full advantage of current and future opportunities,” Mr Delahunty said.
“Anyone who has recently visited Melbourne Park will see that Stage 1 works are well underway,” Mr Delahunty said.
Stage 2 works which will include significant improvements to the centre of the Melbourne Park site, including the upgrading of Rod Laver Arena and, depending on the outcomes of the scoping process, a new Town Square and associated player, media and broadcast facilities.
“The next stage will ensure our world class Melbourne Park can continue to keep pace with the extraordinary growth of the Australian Open Tennis Championships and the significant number of events held outside of the Open.
Image: Supplied
“This year’s Open attracted a record attendance of 686,000, of which 24 per cent of patrons were from interstate and 15 per cent were from overseas. “A full economic assessment of the 2008 event revealed the Open generated about 1000 full time equivalent jobs, injected $164 million into our economy and attracted 240 million viewers worldwide. “The preliminary estimates reveal the economic impact of the 2012 Open is likely to top those figures.
The Victorian Government has committed $363 million to Stage 1 of the redevelopment, which is due to be completed by late 2014 and involves three components including: • Early works – the installation of a 4.5 megalitre water tank under the Oval with considerable associated landscape improvements; • Eastern Plaza – construction of eight indoor tennis courts, 13 outdoor tennis courts, a 1000 space car park and an elevated plaza with above-ground connections to both the MCG and AAMI Park; and • Western Precinct – an upgrade and expansion of Margaret Court Arena, including an extra 1500 seats and a fully operable roof.
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
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“The Open is a key player in our $1 billion major sports events industry, and that’s why we’re investing in an event that gives so much back,” Mr Delahunty said.
3004NEWS
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
South Melbourne branch and Elwood Community Bank速 Branch
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BUSINESS
Federal Budget 2012 Review By Tom Elliott
reduction in the company tax rate – from 30% to 29% - was abandoned by the penny pinching government. Wealthy superannuants will also find they have a greater role to play in improving public finances as the tax rate for their retirement contributions is doubled from 15% to 30%. This is an odd gesture by a government keen to promote superannuation as a valuable savings strategy in an era of mass baby boomer retirements.
As with all Federal Budgets, Wayne Swan’s effort in 2012 produced the usual collection of winners and losers. And like families with multiple children, it’s increasingly hard to give one group in society some sort of benefit without this immediately leading to cries of anger from those who feel they’ve been left out.
Obvious winners Because Labor has been struggling in the polls, Treasurer Swan has moved to shore up its traditional support base by handing out money to families on low and middle incomes. Although the definition of who is wealthy varies according to the particular benefit in question, the usual cutoff for federal government support is in the vicinity of $80,000 per annum. Those currently in receipt of Family Benefit Part A, for example, are likely to receive a little more than in the past - say $12 per week for a total of around $600 a year. Other ‘winners’ include those struggling with disability, as the bipartisan National Disability Insurance Scheme should make their lives a little easier – at least from a monetary perspective. Poorer people unable to afford adequate dental care should also appreciate the new funds being allocated to this important area.
Obvious Losers Mr Swan’s strong desire to return the Budget to surplus means that the list of losers this year is somewhat longer than the list of winners. The corporate community was dismayed, for example, when the promised 24
3004NEWS
And Defence loses out by having over $4bn worth of purchases delayed for at least a year. While this should affect the military’s immediate ability to deploy, the longer-term impact of putting off equipment upgrades will only be felt at a time of international crisis.
A Potential Silver Lining Balancing a Budget is never an easy task when so many people and interest groups have their hands thrust out for extra funding. Wayne Swan is to be congratulated for resisting the politically easy decision to borrow and spend more money at a time when his party is doing so badly in the polls. Unfortunately for the government, however, there is a real chance our economy will slow over the next 12 months as European uncertainty combined with weakening commodity prices reduces demand for Australian mineral exports. Should this slowdown lead to further rises in the local unemployment rate, it is to the Reserve Bank, rather than to the Federal Government we should turn for assistance. As I’ve mentioned in the past, Australia’s interest rates remain too high when compared to most of the countries with which we trade. Recently the Reserve Bank cut official rates by 50 basis points to 3.75% - a move I believe it will repeat in the very near future. Such a rate cut may force the Australian dollar down, but our loss of international purchasing power will be well and truly offset by the decreased mortgage payments heavily indebted households will enjoy.
Australians take to smartphones Australians have demonstrated an impressive fondness for smartphones, with the devices featuring in more than 46 percent of Aussie households. The UK leads the charge, with Australia taking the honours with the world’s second highest smartphone penetration, ahead of Japan, France, Germany and the US. A recent online survey conducted by Ipsos MediaCT and Google investigated smartphone habits of 1000 Australians. More than half of all respondents (52%) owned a smartphone compared with 37 percent in 2011. The impact of smartphones on retail was also apparent, with 22 percent of respondents claiming that they had changed their mind about an
in-store purchase after finding better deals via smartphones. A further report published by TechCrunch reveals that Australian smartphone adoption has happened at a faster rate than in the US, where take up of the devices has recently reached 50%.
A Better Way to Travel When you want to take in the diversity and beauty of the boulevard, nothing beats a leisurely stroll along St Kilda Road. That’s all well and good for summer, but Melbourne’s recent weather of the less clement variety (driving rain, howling winds) has made a casual walk less appealing. With this in mind, the Parkview Hotel has added a complimentary shuttle service to its roll call of added comforts. Available Monday to Friday between the hours of
7.15am and 5.45pm, guests are provided with an enjoyable mode of transport with the Parkview’s affable and multi-tasking concierge, Angelo Gosetti. A friendly guide with all the local knowledge, Angelo is an 11-year veteran of the Parkview, and his responsibilities include deftly handling guest enquiries, restaurant bookings, rental cars, valet parking, luggage storage, airport transfers and hotel mail, while also dispensing advice on shopping and children’s activities. A favourite of regular and first-time guests alike, Angelo goes the extra mile to be of service, no matter how large or small the request.
Angelo Gosetti, Parkiview Hotel concierge Image supplied
For more information on the Parkview Hotel’s shuttle service, visit www.viewhotels.com.au
by Emily Rolfe
TRAVEL
A Wedding in New Zealand
Image: Matthew Ramage
The arrival of a square creamcoloured envelope in the mail means only one thing: somebody is getting married. And the thick invitation within that says Te Anau, New Zealand, means somebody is getting married abroad. Overseas weddings require meticulous planning and a band of intrepid friends to dash across the world and back in about 72 bleary hours. We decide to make a proper holiday of it; the wedding of our dear friends in Te Anau will be followed by a week in nearby Queenstown. At just 1500 km east of Australia, NZ is 1200km closer than Perth. Those who have been speak of it in reverent tones as no less than ‘the best place in the world’. Our pilot’s commentary is certainly reverent as we fly over the South Island, and scores of astonished first-time Australian visitors lean over each other to take in the Southern Alps – an expanse of dark mountains, glacial valleys and deep blue lakes formed over the course of 45 million years as the shift of tectonic plates crumpled the land. After landing at Queenstown airport, it’s a two-hour drive to Te Anau flanked by green farmland and cloud-capped mountains. A spirited discussion ensues about whether
‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ refers to New Zealand or South Africa and a quick text to my brother in Melbourne settles the matter. (Silence follows.) Situated at the doorstep of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau is the closest town to the famed Milford Sound and a prized wilderness area known for its tramping (New Zealand-speak for ‘hiking’) and unmatched scenery. A quick costume change and it’s on to the wedding celebrations on the shore of Lake Te Anau at Fiordland Lodge, a remote setting that bewitches its guests and provides an exhilarating backdrop for much merriment inspired by excellent local wine and food (with deepest thanks to Guy, Pru, Tim, beautiful bride LJ and all the lovely Strapp girls.) The following day is spent in post-wedding convalescence, ably assisted later that afternoon with a crisp pint of Speight’s and perfect steak at the local pub. The South Island, however, isn’t all eating and drinking. Tramping, mountain bikes, horse riding, rafting, bungee, hunting and all manner of spirited and risky activities are the order of the day. To wit, our lovely hosts at the Blue Ridge B&B, one of whom is an emergency rescue paramedic, have been up half the night following the hair-raising
recovery of a hunter who fell into a deep ravine, breaking his collarbone. The next day, back to Queenstown: a beguiling and uniquely New Zealand blend of adventure and sloth – fling yourself from a rocky cliff by a rope tethered to your ankles one day, sit by the fire at The Bunker and stuff yourself with paua (abalone) and tender lamb while downing some of the world’s best pinot the next. Our hotel room looks across magnificent Lake Wakatipu to geological masterpiece The Remarkables. It’s a sculpture of naked rock in early April but will soon be swathed in fresh snow and thousands of skiers. Wakatipu is known as a ‘breathing’ lake - its water level rises and falls about 12 centimetres every few minutes. The cause of the phenomenon is hotly debated, but a Maori myth describes how Matau, a terrible giant was destroyed in a fire lit by the good warrior Matakauri. The flames were so fierce that a hole in the shape of the giant was burnt into the earth, filling with melted snow to form the lake. Legend has it that the rise and fall of the water is the beating of the giant’s heart in the depths of the icy water.
more unusual for being almost mammal-free, but for two species of bat and marine mammals. A 65-million year isolation from other land masses meant New Zealand became an avian paradise, but habitat loss and the introduction of rats, dogs, deer and Australian possums obliterated many flightless species. Others remain critically endangered. Fenced ecological islands and huge conservation efforts are being made to save such flightless wonders as the kiwi and takahe. Aside from a half-day bike ride around the lake we forego the extreme activities that lure the intrepid to Queenstown. Its position in the famed Central Otago region is more exhilarating to some than a ‘canyon swing’ (exactly what it sounds like), as it can mean only one thing: exemplary pinot noir. Akarua, Amisfield, Felton Road, Bannock Brae Estate, Carrick: we dutifully sample them all, and ship several bottles back home to be longingly sipped while planning the next journey to The Land of the Long White Cloud: the best place in the world.
It’s well worth exploring New Zealand’s extraordinary flora and fauna, as its biodiversity is all the
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BUSINESS
The Prahran Mission – The Mission Caters From Chapel Street, the inviting Prahran Mission Café is a coffee establishment seemingly like any other you’d find in inner-Melbourne: there are the attractive furnishings, polished concrete floors, perfect coffee and delicious food, but the Mission provides much more than a strong latte. Through the café, the op-shop next door and several floors above, the Prahran Mission is a multi-purpose initiative geared toward helping people reconnect and regain a vital sense of social inclusion.
number of ways, by working out where peoples particular skills and talents lie.’
The Prahran Mission was established in 1946 as an agency of the Uniting Church to provide emergency relief to people experiencing poverty and homelessness, and to those experiencing mental illness.
Today, Prahran Mission uses the op-shop, café and its latest venture – a first-class catering service, The Mission Caters – as training centres to create entry-level retail and hospitality employment. A function centre above taking in superb panoramic views (pictured) across Melbourne provides an idyllic spot for all manner of events. ‘All of it exists to support the purpose of the mission,’ said Pawson. ‘With the catering and the function centre, people don’t often associate Prahran Mission with high quality. But the standard of the food shouldn’t be underestimated. We have 100% confidence in its success.’
Prahran Mission CEO Quinn Pawson, says ‘We look to create opportunity in a
With its belief that ‘every person has the right to a decent life’, The Mission
Caters has a workforce consisting of 25% long-term unemployed working alongside industry professionals.
down gently. But we can’t do that if we don’t deliver a quality product. Our clients wouldn’t accept it. We’re quite proud of it.’
Important links to the community are forged through the successful programs of the Mission, and many who have benefited from the support work in the café and op shop. In addition, the drop-in centre and art studio provide the fullspectrum of support from earliest contact with the Mission to full participation in society. ‘That’s why we’re doing it. Typically, the community is frightened by mental illness – and I can understand that. They then come into the café and they don’t know who might have a mental illness. And so it challenges that attitude in a very gentle way,’ said Pawson.
The Mission Caters provides support to people experiencing the effects of mental illness and long-term unemployment through its catering and functions. Chef consultation on the diverse and impressive menu selections and endto-end management from dedicated staff, as well as the unbelievable view, ensure a fine experience, whether banquet or buffet dining, formal dinners, breakfast, share plates, cocktail events, and lunch for day conferences.
‘We want to address these invisible walls surrounding mental illness and tear them
For further information visit www.themissioncaters.org.au Ph: 9692 9520 Email: bookings@prahranmission.org.au
Spectacular views from the Prahran Mission function terrace
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
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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 August 2012 to EXPOSE your business in 3004 News Spring issue.
Lyndall Tennant enquiries@club3004.com.au mobile 0422 857 939
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3004NEWS
Club 3004 –
Celebrating 5 years of successful networking www.club3004.com.au
If you’ve ever paused over a steaming cup of single origin Nicaraguan to ponder, ‘will this, my seventh coffee of the day, keep me awake all night?’ then Caffeine Zone might be for you. An iPhone app that monitors, predicts and displays caffeine levels in the human body in real time, Caffeine Zone users enter their caffeine intake, and the app produces a line chart of predicted caffeine levels over the following 24-hour period.
The app also displays a cognitive active zone – when people will feel most active – and a sleep zone – the caffeine level where most people will be able to sleep. Designed by two researchers from America’s Penn State University, the app is designed to help people decide upon the ideal time to take a coffee break, and maintain an optimal amount of caffeine in the body.
BUSINESS
The Perfect Coffee Break
Switch to Green A growing national partnership between businesses and local government acting as environmental leaders, CitySwitch Green Office is working towards facilitating the commitment of office tenants to improving energy efficiency, all geared to making a positive impact on climate change. With the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions among the highest in the world per capita, one of Australia’s greatest challenges is how to make substantial reductions in the carbon pollution produced by office buildings. Organisations signing up to CItySwitch Green Office are now eligible to apply for financial assistance towards the cost of their NABERS Energy Tenancy or Whole building rating. Funding is open to small, medium and large sized enterprises and not-for-profit organisations who sign up their City of Melbourne, Port phillip or Yarra located tenancies to CitySwitch - a national tenant energy efficiency program, before 30th June 2012.
Organisations can receive up to $9,000 to go towards the cost of their rating which must be undertaken by an accredited assessor and completed by 30th April 2013. To become a CitySwitch signatory, organisations commit to acheiving a NABERS Energy rating of 4 or above stars, agree to obtain a baseline NABERS Energy rating, and undertake energy efficiency actions and annual NABERS Energy ratings that will measure energy efficiency progress over time. By signing up to CitySwitch, organisations join a partnership between local government and corporate leaders to demonstate and promote their commitment to environmental sustainability.
For more information please contact the Victorian CitySwitch Program Manager, Paul Whelan at paul.whelan@melbourne.vic.gov.au
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PROPERTY
Property Flashback -
The Junction Hotel By Costa Rolfe
Old photographs of St Kilda Road’s Junction Hotel make one curse the very notion of progress. Eventually swallowed up by extensive and regretfully essential road upgrades in the 1960s, the Junction was a captivating wedge-shaped corner-dweller (in keeping with St Kilda’s rich history of corner-dwellers!) originally constructed of brick and stone. Affixed at a rakish angle on the intersection of High (now St Kilda Road) and Barkley Streets so that its impressive entrance directly faced the point of the street corner, the Junction first opened its doors in 1853 under the licence of a Michael O’Shea. Later development would see the building crowned by a stunningly ornate tower and Italian Mannerist spire, which only added to the structure’s visual appeal. Fitzroy’s grand old Victorian pub The Pinnacle is one still-standing example of a similarly designed wedge-shaped watering hole – complete with corner tower – though without the Junction’s level of adornment and built to a less imposing scale. The Junction Hotel’s unusual form was by no means its only draw card, however. Over the years, the building transitioned between several different guises. Despite its apparent sterilisation in the spilt alcohol of its patrons, the Junction Hotel did at one stage become a ‘victim’ of the temperance movement, converted into a Coffee Palace in the 1880’s. Coffee Palaces – which sprung up throughout Melbourne, often in highly ornamental Victorian buildings – were establishments that did not serve alcohol, instead catering for families with a 28
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Image: Supplied
desperate moral appeal to all things wholesome and virtuous. Luckily, the influence of the Independent Order of Rechabites that had so gripped ‘temperate’ Melbourne soon reached the dregs of the barrel, and the Junction was dry no longer. In 1929, an additional saloon bar was installed on Barkley Street, as well as a bottle shop and lounge on the High Street side. The Junction continued to take in the clattering of the St Kilda Road trams for decades to come. A wonderful tradition of flying the St Kilda Football Club’s flag atop the
hotel after Saints wins – and at halfmast after losses – was developed, adding further warmth to an already much-loved institution. Given St Kilda’s sorry overall record through much of the Junction’s life, however, the black, red and white colours were forced to suffer the ignominy of halfmast more often than not (though the hotel’s spire might just have been able to crane its neck MCGward and witness Barry Breen’s Premiership-winning point in 1966). Despite the Saints triumph, 1966 was the very same year the Bolte government initiated plans to radically redevelop the roads in and
around St Kilda junction, eventually spelling the end for the Hotel itself. Crippled by traffic flow problems in an increasingly populated innercity, the overhaul – which included amongst many other things the creation of Queens Way, the rerouting of the old Route 1 (later the Monash Freeway), the realignment of the tramline and the widening of High Street – eventually resulted in the 12-street ‘intersection’ negotiated by irate motorists today. The beautiful Junction Hotel was eventually demolished in 1973, making way for the ordinariness of a median strip.
The appeal of a holiday house by the water or nestled among the trees is undeniable, but what should those seeking a getaway spot all their own be thinking about before making the purchase? It’s often said that a holiday property isn’t a wise investment, but there are ways to maximise the benefits. Firstly, it might sound obvious, but buy only what you can afford, and don’t rely on income from the property to help pay for it. There are some extra costs incurred by all the beauty and fresh air that surrounds a holiday home – a pile of bricks by the sea is prone to accelerated deterioration due to the presence of salt water in the air. Be sure to get the local
knowledge on this for a realistic understanding of what’s involved in maintaining the property.
A position close to the attractions might cost a little more, but will prove more popular to as a rental.
Working with a local agent ensures you understand potential drawbacks – is there an increased fire risk during summer? Is the only road into town flooded during the wet season? Is parking a disaster during peak holiday periods?
Lastly, think of the property as more of a luxury than an investment. The significant returns to be had from properties tenanted year-round don’t apply here, so make sure that it’s somewhere you love and will use regularly.
PROPERTY
Home away from home buying a holiday property Assessing whether the property will make a good rental is paramount. One person’s idea of a stylish, relaxing home might not be to everybody’s taste, so aim for the widest possible appeal and keep it tasteful. Include numerous sleeping options (good quality air mattresses as well as beds) – a place that can sleep an army is a bonus.
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. Here are a couple of ideas so you can utilise the space you have correctly: Easy to install shelves or storage cubes can be purchased at most hardware stores and these can be mounted directly to the wall and look great with picture frames, candles, flower vase, books and other decorating items. By adding additional shelving in your wardrobe such, shoe rack storage, pull-out storage units, multiple hangers and other storage tools can increase the amount of things you can fit in the wardrobe and help you to keep it all better organized.
not enough space. I had no where to put my bike, golf clubs, picnic chairs and suitcases. An option I looked into was to hire some storage off site. But this was very expensive and not very convenient. In my search for more storage I found a really great solution. It’s called an over the bonnet car storage system. It sits in the unused space over the bonnet of your vehicle without taking up any of your parking space. It provided more storage space than I needed but I’m sure in time, like most of us, I will fill it. For us apartment-dwellers, having enough storage is always a challenge. But by implementing some of these solutions you be organised, clutter free and have spot for all your items.
After implementing all of these options I still found myself with ISSUE 46
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Car Parking -
A finite resource
Image: Supplied
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A white paper tabled by Colliers International has found that supply of non-residential car parking is slowing in all CBD markets throughout Australia, and limited new car spaces are expected over the next decade. As a result, strong rises in car parking rates are being seen, with local rates some of the highest in the world.
demand. Melbourne has the most spaces of all Australian capital cities with 39, 898 as of 2011 (Sydney 28,498, and Perth 22, 831). Just over 700 car spaces will be developed in Melbourne over the next two years, a relatively large increase due to significant development. Eight new buildings will be completed over this period.
The majority of car spaces in Australian CBDs are used by workers, and around the country the number of city workers has increased by 100,000. The increase has been notably higher in Melbourne, which accounts for almost half the Australian total.
Similarly in Perth, a large number of new car spaces will be added to the CBD primarily due to a significant amount of new office development.
The paper details how parking spaces are a finite product, with very few new car parks being built in order to keep pace with
CBD daily rates for parking are among the most expensive in the world. Sydney makes the top 10 for monthly rates, while both Melbourne and Sydney are in the top 4 for the daily rate. When compared to previous years, Australian rates are higher
because of a strong dollar, and the relatively strong performance of Australian office markets that have led to significant increases in employment. The white paper cited a case study of 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne, comprising a 19-level commercial building including above ground parking completed in 1991 and purchased by Victoria University in 1993 as their city campus. The car park at the time of purchase was managed by Greenco Parking Pty Ltd on a monthly agreement with the passing net income reflected in excess of $2.1 million.
Source: Australian CBD Car Parking – The Next Decade, White Paper, Autumn 2012
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