Essendon Fields News Issue 10 SUMMER 2013

ISSUE 10 > SUMMER 2013

ESSENDON fIElDS CElEBRATES THE SEASON Of gIVINg All YEAR ROUND

BY LISA QUITTNER

It’s hard to believe that 2012 has gone by so quickly. As we compile our summer issue it seems a little surreal that the season of giving and merriment is upon us once more.

As Essendon Fields continues to grow in its second decade as a vibrant and assiduous hub attracting a continuous and increasing flow of visitation,

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Essendon Fields News, a publication aimed at informing and servicing residential and business communities within the municipality, is set to embark on its third year of circulation in 2013.

In previous years our summer issue has provided readers with an update of the year in review.

This year we focus on the community and Essendon Fields involvement and commitment to the people and organisations that make up this progressive area of Melbourne’s North West.

Essendon Fields started off 2012 offering a fabulous opportunity to win a brand new car of choice from the extensive AutoCentro line up of car dealerships, up to the value of $18,000, just by simply shopping at the centre and collecting tokens from one of the nine participating retailers over a six week period. For lucky winner Margaret Brown, this just required her usual weekly visit to Essendon Fields Shopping Centre.

“I didn’t feel that I was buying anything extra that I was going out of my way to buy. It was just a matter

of visiting the shops I normally go to and getting a little sticker for my entry form” said Margaret.

Margaret drove away in a brand new Mazda 3 with added extras that has made life taxiing her two young sons around quite a bit easier and in style.

The competition to win a car courtesy of Essendon Fields was publicised on billboard scooters and through the Essendon Fields website and Facebook Page, but most of Essendon Fields community involvement is not widely known but provides

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ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS > SUMMER 2013

COVER STORY CONTINUATION support and partnership to many community programs, local organisations and charities.

For several years Essendon Fields has been one of the significant sponsors for the Kokoda Trail Breakfast hosted by local Chartered Accountants, Matthews Steer, which this year raised over $22,000 towards subsidising the annual trek where members of Victoria Police bridge a connection with “at risk” youth. The Kokoda Trail expedition has been instrumental in turning the lives of young people around and giving them an opportunity to start again on the right path with a better understanding of the role of police as a support system.

When it comes to local youth, Essendon Fields has rarely shied away from offering a helping hand. Earlier this year over 1000 show bags were donated to Oak Park Primary School for their school fundraising efforts as well as a host of prizes donated to Penleigh/Essendon Grammar to assist with their fundraising events in both their midyear trivia night as well as their recent October fete.

for this very important cause. The management of Essendon Fields were pleased to provide 1000 show bags for the event held at Flemington Racecourse which raised an impressive $72,000.

Australians love sport and many of our national heroes on the worldwide sporting arena began their careers in local sporting clubs.

Essendon Fields stands behind local sport and has provided assistance with equipment and general amenities at Essendon Cricket Club.

Essendon Airport terminal received a $100,000 refurbishment to revitalise and improve this landmark building ensuring its long-term future for the community. Essendon Airport is dedicated to working together and keeping the lines of communication open with the residential community and authorities.

As Martin Luther King Jr said, “the time is always right to do what is right.” The management and staff at Essendon Fields look forward to a successful year ahead continuing their commitment to the people, businesses and organisations of Moonee Valley.

On a final note, on behalf of Essendon Fields News we wish our readers a wonderful festive season and a spectacular 2013!

Essendon Fields proudly takes part in and partners with the National Breast Cancer Foundation breakfast held in Moonee Valley annually, organised through the Vic Events Committee which incidentally happens to be one of the largest held nationwide and has raised phenomenal amounts of money

Moonee Valley has a new Mayor

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Peter Cribb Awarded 2012 Moonee Valley Citizen of the year

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Moonee Valley takes a slice of $3.1 million State Government infrastructure investment 5 Essendon Bombers delay training at new Tullamarine Facility 5 How much is enough for your retirement? 5 History of Essendon Airport - Series 10 9 Essendon Fields News Entertainment Guide

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Melbourne’s Luna Park celebrates its centenary 11

Essendon Fields Pty Ltd Level 2, 7 English St Essendon Fields 3041 T 9948 9400 F 9948 9330 www.essendonfields.com.au CEO: Chris Cowan 9948 9400 Marketing Manager: Dee Johns 9948 9408 Leasing: Jodie Schickerling 9948 9400 Essendon Fields News: Publisher: MagMedia Suite 3 15-17 Pakington St St Kilda VIC 3182 8506 9908 Editor: Lisa Quittner editor@magmedia.com.au

Marketing: Dee Johns djohns@essendonfields.com.au Sales and Advertising: Belle Ngien advertise@magmedia.com.au Cover page Image - Year in Review - Images from 2012 Contributing writers: Costa Rolfe, Roger Meyer - OAM, Geoff Steer, Lisa Quittner, Design: Smith and Rowe studio@smithandrowe.com.au Essendon Fields News welcomes any contributions from our readers.

Please send material to the editor.

Essendon Fields News is a free publication and is distributed through selected outlets.

Views expressed in Essendon Fields News do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by Essendon Fields News for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication.

All material forwarded to the newspaper will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for publication”.

No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system or reproduced in any form without permission of The Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication.

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SUMMER 2013 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEwS

mOONEE VAllEY HAS A NEw mAYOR Buckley Ward Councillor Narelle Sharpe will be leading the municipality over the upcoming year after being elected as Mayor of Moonee Valley last month; Cr Sharpe takes over from outgoing Mayor Cr Jim Cusack, who was elected as Deputy Mayor for 2013.

Cr Sharpe said she was proud and honoured to be elected to represent Moonee Valley as Mayor and looks forward to leading a committed group of newly elected Councillors.

“As a Council we have several large immediate tasks ahead of us including setting the direction for the next four years and developing a budget for the 2012/13 Financial Year,” Cr Sharpe said.

In late October nine Councillors took the oath to represent the local area for the next four years. Six of these Councillors returned and three were elected for the first time.

“We also have many challenges to address and opportunities to seize to continue to ensure Moonee Valley is a great place to live, work and visit. As Mayor, I am committed to working hard so we can continue to achieve positive outcomes for the community” Cr Sharpe continued.

Deputy Mayor Jim Cusack with newly elected Mayor, Narelle Sharpe

“I would like to thank outgoing Mayor Cr Jim Cusack for his hard work in the last year, and I am delighted I will have his support as Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months” said Cr Sharpe.

COUNCILLORS FOR THE 2012 TO 2016 TERM ARE:

• Cr Jan Chantry (0411 704 625; jchantry@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

Rose Hill Ward Representing Airport West, Avondale Heights, Essendon West and Keilor East:

• Cr Paul Giuliano (0423 699 646; pgiuliano@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

• Cr Shirley Cornish (0409 524 662; scornish@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

• Mayor Cr Narelle Sharpe (0429 977 171; skeppel@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

• Cr John Sipek (0423 776 740; jsipek@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

Myrnong Ward Representing Ascot Vale, Flemington, Moonee Ponds and Travancore:

• Cr Andrea Surace (0408 309 435; asurace@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

• Deputy Mayor Cr Jim Cusack (0407 521 432; jcusack@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

Buckley Ward Representing Aberfeldie, Essendon, Essendon Fields, Essendon North, Niddrie, Strathmore and Strathmore Heights:

• Cr Nicole Marshall (0408 141 471; nmarshall@mvcc.vic.gov.au) • Cr Cam Nation (0409 247 410; cnation@mvcc.vic.gov.au)

pETER CRIBB AwARDED 2012 mOONEE VAllEY CITIZEN Of THE YEAR Recently over 300 people attended the thirteenth annual Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards to celebrate and recognise Moonee Valley’s most generous residents and to celebrate the announcement of Flemington resident Peter Cribb as the Moonee Valley Citizen of the Year.

As a member of the Rotary Club of Flemington, Peter has been heavily involved with the Debneys Park high rise estate, and was the driving force behind the club’s support for Horn of Africa migrants.

He also set up an Opportunity Shop on Racecourse Road to

provide training and employment opportunities for the community.

their way to enhance the lives of others,” Mr Smith said.

The Citizen of the Year was selected from eight Outstanding Award finalists who were recognised for their contributions to a variety of community causes and groups. Each of the Outstanding Award finalists had shown a long standing commitment to the Moonee Valley community.

“It is an honour to hold this event year after year and formally recognise their achievements and ongoing ambition. Our finalists are an inspiration to the Moonee Valley community. They teach us to always be communityminded and give a little back.”

Moonee Valley City Council Chief Executive Neville Smith was impressed by this year’s finalists.

“Council is proud of the passionate people who make up this city; those who go out of

The Citizen of the Year was awarded $3,000 for the charity of their choice, while each of the Outstanding Award recipients received $250 to donate to their chosen charity.

Never miss a thing at Essendon fields simply visit www.essendonfields.com.au or like us at facebook.com/essendonfields E6

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SUMMER 2013 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS Moonee Valley takes a slice of $3.1 million State Government infrastructure investment Planning Minister Matthew Guy recently announced more than $3.1 million for local infrastructure projects to be delivered across metropolitan and regional Victoria to help councils revitalise local communities and to invest in local jobs.

Nine metropolitan and ten regional councils will receive grants of up to $200,000 in the first round of funding from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Community Works Program.

“The Coalition Government has recognised the need to support local councils to deliver projects tailored for their communities and this is demonstrated by the success of the first round of the Community Works Program.

“As a result of the Community Works Program we will see the development of public spaces that are attractive and accessible as well as pedestrian friendly, while encouraging local investment and creating jobs.” Mr Guy said.

Mr Guy said the raft of projects will provide much needed community infrastructure ranging from playgrounds, footpaths, community gardens, river trails and improved town centres.

Essendon Bombers delay training at new Tullamarine Facility

Despite earlier plans for the Essendon Football Club to begin training at their state-of-the-art precinct at Tullamarine, Melbourne’s wet winter has

“Delivering local infrastructure projects that local communities want and need is an important part of planning vibrant suburbs, towns and regional centres.The Community Works Program is recognition that the Coalition Government is committed to investing in local infrastructure at the community level and to providing funding to assist with local communities’ key infrastructure needs.”

Moonee Valley is amongst the metropolitan councils to receive funding along with Banyule, Brimbank, Cardinia, Frankston, Hume Manningham, Whitehorse and Wyndham. Regional councils to receive funding are Ballarat, Baw Baw, Corangamite, Queenscliffe, Greater Geelong, Mildura, Moira, Strathbogie,Wellington and Wodonga.

The Community Works Program has been developed to better service councils and their communities in delivering vital facilities and community infrastructure.The State Government has committed $6.9 million to fund the program.

A detailed list of Round 1 projects can be found at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning.

How much is enough for your retirement?

Geoff Steer | FINANCIAL FREEDOM

What type of lifestyle do you dream of living in retirement?

Do you have visions of travelling around Australia in a Winnebago, buying a villa next to a golf course, or cruising around the Pacific on an ocean liner?

Do you want to own your home outright, buy new furniture and whitegoods, and have time to pursue the interests you’ve never seemed to have time for?

How much do I need?

delayed training at the new facility until at least the start of 2013 while the turf on the new training oval settles.

Meanwhile the Bombers will continue their pre-season training schedule at various locations around Melbourne including Windy Hill,Victoria Park and Aberfeldie athletics track.

The decision to relocate to the new 100,000 square metre facility at Tullamarine after a century at Windy Hill was based on achieving a more flexible approach to training and administrative outcomes for the club.

The elite facility on completion will feature two ovals with specific AFL dimensions for more realistic match simulation, a gymnasium, pool, indoor training space and a one kilometre running circuit as well as areas dedicated for medical and sport science uses.

The Bombers could be able to relocate in the upcoming AFL season if construction of the training centre and facilities stays on track.

At Matthews Steer Chartered Accountants we recognise that lifestyle is a very personal choice. The big question is: How much do you need to save while you’re working to pay for your chosen lifestyle once you’ve retired?

A good starting point to estimate your required retirement savings is to calculate how much you need to meet basic living costs.You could use your current expenses as a guide, but keep in mind that these may change quite a bit in retirement depending on the types of things you plan to do.

Can I live on the Age Pension?

The Age Pension is designed as a safety net for those who are unable to self-fund their retirement. The payment for a single person represents just under 28% of average male weekly earnings. A person receiving the full single-rate age pension will receive $755.50 each fortnight, or $19,643 annually, while a couple entitled to the full rate will receive a combined amount of $1,131 each fortnight, or $29,406 annually.

These payments may enable a retiree to meet essential expenses, but most retirees now expect a better standard of living and plan to do much more in retirement than previous generations. For these people, the Age Pension won’t be enough.

A modest retirement lifestyle The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (AFSA) Retirement Standard can help to provide an insight into the cost of different lifestyle options. The Standard has been prepared since 2004 and benchmarks on a quarterly basis the annual budget that Australians need to fund either a comfortable or a modest standard of living in retirement.

The Standard defines a modest retirement lifestyle as “better than the Age Pension, but still only able to afford fairly basic activities”.

The December 2011 ASFA figures suggest that a single person would need $21,930 a year to achieve this, while couples would need a combined amount of $31,675.

A comfortable retirement lifestyle The Standard defines a comfortable retirement as one that enables “…an older, healthy retiree to be involved in a broad range of leisure and recreational activities and to have a good standard of living through the purchase of such things as: household goods, private health insurance, a reasonable car, good clothes, a range of electronic equipment, and domestic and occasionally international holiday travel”.

The December 2011 ASFA figures suggest that a single person would need $40,407 a year to have a comfortable lifestyle, while couples would need a combined amount of $55,249.

Of course, these amounts are just a guide, and the actual amount needed to fund your preferred retirement lifestyle will depend on the choices you make about the things you want to do. That’s where your financial adviser comes in.

Your financial adviser can help you to determine the amount you need for your retirement based on your goals, needs and preferences.

Doing the numbers If you want more than a basic lifestyle in retirement, you’ll need more than the Age Pension to live on.Your superannuation and nonsuperannuation savings will need to provide the difference. In some cases, you may need to fully fund your retirement from your own savings.

If you need some general guidance regarding how much you need to save, the ASIC MoneySmart Retirement Planner calculator, available at www.moneysmart.gov.au, can help.

The figures generated by the ASIC calculator suggest that to achieve a modest retirement, as defined by the ASFA Retirement Standard, a single person should save about $350,000, and a couple should save about $510,000.

To achieve a comfortable retirement, a single person should save about $650,000 and a couple should save about $895,000.

These general estimates go some way to showing just how much retirees need to have saved to live well, and how important it is to start planning early to ensure that you do have enough. But they are not a substitute for individualised financial advice.

Your financial adviser can provide detailed calculations to help in your planning.

Saving inside or outside superannuation?

Once you’ve worked out how much you need to save for retirement, the next step is figuring out the best strategies and methods to save it.

Superannuation is specifically designed for retirement savings and can be very taxeffective, both during your working life and in retirement when receiving a pension.

Depending on your circumstances, you can build up your account balance through employer contributions (including salary sacrifice), your own contributions, spouse contributions and government co-contributions.

There are, however, some restrictions on how to make contributions and the timing and method of withdrawals, so your financial adviser may recommend that you supplement your superannuation with other investments. These may include managed funds, term deposits or property.

Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages.Your financial adviser can help you to navigate each of the relevant considerations and develop strategies that suit your individual circumstances. At Matthews Steer our goal is to ensure that you can afford the lifestyle you want in retirement.

Geoff Steer is a Founding Partner of Matthews Steer Chartered Accountants. Geoff’s knowledge of taxation matters combined with his financial planning skills enable him to provide a complete financial service for professional, executive and small business clients. Geoff was recently ranked one of Australia’s top 10 financial advisors by the AFR Smart Investor Magazine’s 2011 Masterclass. www.matthewssteer.com.au

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THE HISTORY OF ESSENDON AIRPORT Roger Meyer OAM | HISTORY SERIES 10 Essendon Airport incorporates a number of interesting building styles, indicative of tastes in architecture at their time of construction.

Clearly visible from the Tullamarine Freeway are two substantial brick buildings, numbered 83 and 85. A short distance further into the airport is building 89, which now houses a supermarket.

These three large purpose built structures were erected in the early 1940s for the Commonwealth Department of Aircraft Production. DAP was established in June 1941 for the purpose of constructing and overhauling aircraft – notably the Bristol Beaufighter – at Essendon and Mascot aerodromes. After the war, DAP became known as the Government Aircraft Factories.

While aircraft were not actually constructed at Essendon Aerodrome, the buildings were used to maintain and overhaul military aircraft.They were generally referred to as ‘the Beaufort Hangars’.

It was agreed that DAP buildings at Essendon and Mascot aerodromes would be handed over to the fledgling Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA) when it was established in January 1946.The buildings were used as workshops and stores.

The architect of these buildings was Arthur Baldwinson (1908 – 1969). Born in Western Australia, he studied at the Gordon Institute in Geelong, and moved to Sydney in 1938 where he specialised in designing simple houses in the modern style. He was appointed as chief

1959 - View of the airport entrance at the corner of Lancefield Road and Bristol Street.The Baldwinson-designed buildings are the TAA workshop and the tram shelter. Note the public telephone box near the entrance gates. The close up below shows the man in the foreground is reading a newspaper, while his daughter plays on the ground.

architect of the Beaufort Division, Department of Aircraft Production in August 1943.

Building 79, located at 40 English Street, was also a Department of Aircraft Production building, but designed by a different architect. Built as a store, it was taken over by the Department of Civil Aviation in 1946 and became the Air Traffic Control Centre for Essendon Airport.

At this time, Essendon was the busiest airport in Australia. On the ground floor were Aeradio and radio equipment rooms, while upstairs housed the Pilot Briefing Office, meteorological office and ATC operator consoles. It was the first ATC centre in Australia to employ the Flight Progress Board, which was later used nationally until the introduction of radar in 1967.

When the radar-equipped ATC centre at Tullamarine was opened in February 1967, the Essendon building was used for pilot briefing only, and this service ceased in the late 1990s.

1954 - A view of building 79, with an array of radio communications receiving aerials on the roof.

Cirque du Soleil presents OVO

OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The cast of OVO is comprised of 54 performing artists from 16 countries specialising in many spectacular acrobatic acts.

The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion. When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It’s love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye—and the feeling is mutual.

OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic.

And as the sun rises on a bright new day the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew.

When: From 17 January, 2013 Where: under the blue-and-yellow Big Top at Docklands Tickets Now on Sale at: cirquedusoleil.com/ovo

Sarah Blasko I Awake

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Captivating Australian singersongwriter Sarah Blasko is taking her highly anticipated new album I Awake on the road with her in a big way in February 2013 when she performs on St Valentine’s Day as part of her national tour. She has invited an orchestra in each capital city to accompany her, to rouse the beast that is I Awake.

Rolling Stone has called the new album, which is her fourth, “a defining, unsettling masterpiece.

Sarah Blasko has won two ARIAs for Best Female and Best Pop Album and also triple j’s J Award for Australian Album of the Year. She has been nominated for a further 14 ARIAs (including two for Album of The Year) and been shortlisted for two Australian Music Prizes and another J Award.

When: Thursday 14 February, 2013 Where: Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Tickets: $84 through the Arts Centre.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, the most fantasmagorical stage musical in the history of everything, flies into Her Majesty’s Theatre this summer.

You’ll believe a car can fly in this stage adaptation of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG that features sensational sets, stunning special effects, an irresistible story and memorable classics such as “Truly Scrumptious,” “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain” and, of course, its Oscar-nominated title song “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. All these ingredients add up to a West End and Broadway blockbuster the whole family will love and is an incredibly good idea for a special Christmas gift.

Based on the timeless novel by Ian Fleming, author/creator of the James Bond franchise, the production features music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins with original script and fresh adaptation directed by Ray Roderick.

When: From 30 January, 2013 Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne Tickets: From $56 -$130 Bookings: Ticketek 1300 795 012

ESSENDON FIELDS NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Disney Live!

Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show

Whisk the whole family on a talent search adventure, filled with unexpected twists and turns and exciting encounters along the way with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and your favourite Disney friends Tigger, Cinderella and Disney/ Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear and Woody for a thrill seeking journey.

Get ready to experience a highenergy adventure, jam packed with hip music, eye-catching chorography and one of a kind scenery that creates an unforgettable journey full of surprises with your favourite Disney friends. For the first time in Disney Live! history, Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story join the show with a hoot and hollerin’ hoedown. As the storyline unfolds, you will sing, dance and laugh along with the ever-lovable characters, set to leave you on the edge of your seat and ready to embark on your very own road trip.

When: 24-27 January, 2013 Where: The Plenery Melbourne Convention Centre Tickets: Through Ticketmaster Web: www.disneylive.com.au

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SUMMER 2013 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEwS

mElBOURNE’S lUNA pARk CElEBRATES ITS CENTENARY

BY COSTA ROLFE |

Opened to much fanfare on December 13, 1912, Luna Park this month unveils its Centenary Program to celebrate 100 years of dizzying delights. And what better venue for an epic birthday bash than Melbourne’s unofficial playground?

For CEO Mary Stuart, Luna Park’s enduring success is grinning proof of the inherent value of more traditional forms of entertainment. “Quite simply, people require physical spaces in which to play. Luna Park’s fantasy environment symbolises fun, laughter and shared experiences, and holds such widespread appeal to both children and adults alike.” As CEO, Stewart is charged with ensuring Luna Park’s long-term viability, a responsibility she relishes. “100 is a wonderful age, but 150 sounds even better…”

Stuart nominates the famed Great Scenic Railway as the Park’s biggest drawcard. “The Great Scenic Railway opened in 1912, having been built by an international team of engineers and

wooden roller coaster experts. It is the most popular ride in the Park, the most visible ride in the Park, and probably its most cherished attraction.” The ride’s cult following extends beyond Australian soil, with international enthusiasts frequently making pilgrimages to Luna Park for the express purpose of taking in the stunning bay views provided by the world’s oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster.

The heritage-listed and highly decorative Carousel – replete with almost three Melbourne Cup fields worth of beautifully crafted horses – remains another firm favourite with the punters. Other old world entertainments like the Ghost Train and Dodgem Cars are today complemented by more contemporary sources of thrills, such as the whiteknuckled Spider and Enterprise rides.

The first of four Luna Parks built in Australia, Luna Park Melbourne was developed by the American showman J D Williams and designed by renowned

English amusement park designer T H Eslick.The picturesque beachfront site’s bag of attractions was in 1923 further furnished with a Big Dipper, Water Chute and Noah’s Arc. More recently the Park was purchased by a consortium headed by Lindsay Fox, which pledged to restore the site to its pre-Word War II glories.

Indeed, in an era where so many cultural landmarks seem under constant threat from the developer’s wrecking ball, Stuart places a premium on the preservation of Luna Park’s more old-fashioned traditions. “It’s a testament to the character of this city that Luna Park is still here. It is an incredibly special place with a reputation that is not only treasured locally, but internationally.You can’t make or invent the kind of character the Park has – it has been a long time growing.That Luna Park maintains such an integral presence in our cultural fabric is something that Melbourne should be tremendously proud of.”

As a throwback to Luna Park’s early years, live performance will be a strong feature of the Centenary Program. Back then, beguiling side-shows and impossible high-wire acts from elephant-suit clad stars such as Granada and Fedora were the order of the day.

Now, the 13th of December will see a day’s entertainment program spearheaded by Anthony Callea, whilst Daryl Braithwaite’s night session is sure to inspire even the most saddle-shy visitors to go riding on the Carousel’s horses. A ‘Friends and Neighbours’ evening on December 10th

will see as many current and past staff as possible invited back to Luna Park to celebrate its many charms.

“Another thing that is fundamentally precious about Luna Park is its people. It’s not only about the people who come here, but also the people that work here,” Stuart explains.The weekend of the 15th and 16th will also host a nostalgic ‘Back to 1912’-themed celebration.

As ever, all visitors to Luna Park will be welcomed by that most tireless of maître d’s, Mr Moon, perhaps the most recognisable face of entertainment in Melbourne’s history.

CHRISTmAS CElEBRATION TImE

Join In the Birthday celebrations this Summer: MELBOURNE’S LUNA PARK 18 LOWER ESPLANADE, ST KILDA www.lunapark.com.au

HAppY 10 TH SUmmE 0 mR mOO R N!

CHRISTmAS wITH DENIS wAlTER Join one of Australia’s finest concert performers as Denis Walter presents a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs in this very special Christmas concert.

When: Tuesday 11 December at 11am and 2pm Where: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds Bookings: (03) 9243 9191 or www.clocktowercentre.com.au Tickets: $19.00

CAROlS IN qUEENS pARk Celebrate the festive season with a free evening of carols and entertainment under the stars.

The fun starts at 5pm with free craft activities for children. Songbooks and refreshments will be available for purchase.

When: Sunday 9 December 7pm-9pm Where: Queens Park, Moonee Ponds