HUMAN NATURE -
release THEIR FIRST EVER CHRISTMAS ALBUM
‘SPIRIT OF THE SQUARE’ AT MELBOURNE’S FED SQUARE
HELP SHARE CHRISTMAS JOY WITH CPEC FAMILIES & THEIR INSPIRATIONAL KIDS
Super fun happy christmas trees A spin on the traditional
OUR BIGGEST EVER CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS GUIDE DEC/JAN 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS
publishers Susan Riley {susanr@magmedia.com.au} William Rowe {williamr@magmedia.com.au}
6
Share the festive spirit Christmas means many things to me, by this time of the year it means holiday time is coming, but it also reminds me of the things that I hold dear and appreciate; my family, my friends and the good fortune I have experienced with my health, a great job and a happy home.
editor Lisa Quittner {editor@magmedia.com.au} 3000melbourne enquiries enquiries@magmedia.com.au design Susan de Kretser - Smith & Rowe {susandk@smithandrowe.com.au}
I am fortunate, but I believe life is like a wheel and in order to receive good things we need to remain grateful but most importantly give back and share with others, especially at this time of year.
advertising Belle Ngien 0411 615 910 {advertise@magmedia.com.au} cover image Human Nature published by
Magmedia Pty Ltd ABN 69 118 720 960, Registered Office: Suite 3, 15-17 Pakington St, St Kilda VIC 3182 Ph: (03) 8506 9908 Fax: (03) 9525 3944 3000melbourne welcomes any contributions from our readers. Please send material to the above address. 3000melbourne is a free publication and is distributed As part of 3000melbourne through selected outlets. Views expressed in 3000melbourne do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by 3000melbourne for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication. All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for Publication”. 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.
In this issue: Human Nature release ‘The Christmas Album’
3
Spirit of the Square
4
Bring Christmas joy to the children of CPEC
6
Christmas on the Green
6
Christmas Gift Ideas Guide Super Fun Happy Christmas Trees
8&9 10
While Christmas is a happy time for many, it is also the loneliest and most confronting time of year for many people in our community. It doesn’t take much to share a little with others in need. Whether a few dollars, a gift for a child in need, or perhaps just taking a moment to stop and acknowledge the many homeless and marginalised people that are a part of our community. A smile, a sincere festive spirit salutation, acknowledgment, it takes nothing but can give so much. For a few years we have covered some of the events held by Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) and the amazing programs they provide for their very special CPEC students. We met little
Tyler Parfuss a few years back, then he was unable to walk and was challenged by his disease, but his smile was everpresent. I was thrilled to receive recent photos of not-so-little Tyler, walking unaided and now attending mainstream primary school! It brought a tear to the eye, there are so many wonderful organisations making a real difference in children’s lives and their futures. Please read our story on page 6 about a special fundraiser to give every CPEC child a merry Christmas, and check out Tyler today, still wearing that wonderful smile. The city is looking magical and there is no shortage of events and opportunities to surround yourself in festive cheer. From all of us to all of you, enjoy a safe and joyous festive season and may 2014 be filled with all you hold dear.
Lisa Quittner & the MagMedia team! editor@magmedia.com.au
Japanese cuisine
}
Merry Christmas
2
HH_KinyaRestaurant_DecJan14_Insert_v2.indd 1
2/12/13 4:32 PM
obvious to us straight away. ‘Christmas (Baby please come home)’ was pretty much the first song that clinched it for us. It was the first song chosen for the album that gave it its 1960’s flavour and we built on it from there. The ongoing success and continued relevance of Human Nature after over two decades and with the massive awards and accolades, is producing a Christmas album the natural order of things for a successful music act?
By Lisa Quittner What started off as a friends performing at their high school Christmas concerts and busking on Pitt Street Mall in Sydney, has led to one of Australia’s most successful male vocal groups of all time. Over two decades later, the now, men, of Human Nature are still going strong and have released their first ever Christmas album reflecting their strong Motown connections and soulful tones. It was an insightful chat with band member Phil Burton on the eve of Human Nature’s Christmas tour at The Palms at Crown, and the release of their very first Christmas album. After listening to the album it’s really enjoyable and has broad appeal, you’ve done a great job at
combining the traditional with the contemporary on this first ever Christmas album, was that the plan? Yes, it really was. We’ve been in America doing Motown for the past four plus years and three years in Australia before that, so the Motown, soul feel was always going to rub off on this album. Many of the songs have that 1960’s American soul feel but we didn’t want the album to be all about that while we also wanted to steer clear of the typical crooner Christmas album. There’s certainly no shortage of Christmas songs to choose from, how did you all agree on the final 14 tracks on this album? Again, it was greatly influenced by Motown and soul music and steering clear of the crooner songs, not to say they aren’t all great, but some songs became quite
There are plenty of successful music acts that have never produced a Christmas album and probably never will. When we first got together in 1989, the first thing we did as a group was busk singing Christmas carols in Pitt St Mall in Sydney. For us Christmas has always been a part of our makeup from the very beginning and we’ve done songs on the Myer Christmas records and performed at both the Sydney and Melbourne Carols by Candlelight several times. I guess in a way it’s surprising it has taken us this long to release a Christmas album. There are some great musical collaborations on this album including the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra right through to legendary Smokey Robinson and our own Jesssica Mauboy. How did these great collaborations come about for this Christmas album? It’s always great to have duets on any album, it’s fun and I think people like to hear different artists work together. As far as working with Smokey goes, it was a no brainer. He’s been such a big part of our career for the past 5 to 6 years and we are
great friends, so when we asked him to be part of the album his answer was yes, as long as we perform on his Christmas album one day, and of course, we said yes. As for Jess, we have known her since her Australian Idol days, and for a while we had the same management so we would see her quite a lot and got to know her. We chose to do ‘Sleigh Ride’ with her because it’s a fun song and to be honest, in a year or so, Jess is going to be so busy and big, so we were lucky to have her on this album while we could.
Merry Christmas
Human Nature Release ‘The christmas Album’
As four guys that started off in high school as friends that have continued on to have such an incredibly successful career and have essentially grown up together through families and through the ups and downs of life, how have you managed to stay so close? Did you have some promise between you all that has kept you moving forward in the same direction after so many years? There was never anything like that between us but I think the main thing for us was that there was no audition process with this group, there was trying out for our parts in the band; the group wasn’t put together as a business. There was no pressure on us from the start and I think that is what has held us together. We grew and built together, we weren’t suddenly famous wondering how we got there. It’s been a slow but continuous build all the way and I think our initial friendship has kept us together. Human Nature - ‘The Christmas Album’ Released through Sony Music this December - www.humannaturelive.com
DEC/JAN 2014
3
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
One of Melbourne’s great December traditions -
Spirit of the Square Merriment, music, films, video games, family portraits and secret picnic places – Fed Square does Christmas a little bit differently!
Square, free family portraits among the trees, a Christmas market, and a film program for those who find themselves orphaned on Christmas Day.
For the month of December Fed Square will be filled with the Christmas spirit with a huge program of free events, an installation of more than 100 Christmas trees arranged around the
Christmas carols will fill the air twice daily with free concerts from community choirs and performances from some of Australia’s best emerging bands at Fed Square
What’s On at Fed Square: In the Pines Fed Square is taken over by a large public art installation of more than 100 Christmas trees by urban artists, The Projects. See the trees transform each week creating quirky patterns, mazes and secret hiding spaces. Where: The Square When: Daily, 24 hours Price: Free
}
Merry Christmas
4
Christmas Market Browse through a Christmas food market that includes festive offerings from Fed Square’s many restaurants and cafes. Where: River Terrace When: Saturday 14 December + Sunday 15 December, 11am – 6pm Price: Free entry
Big Screen Gaming Every week in December, play independent video games on the Big Screen every Monday afternoon with the team from Freeplay Independent Gaming Festival. Where: Big Screen When: Every Monday, 5pm – 9pm Price: Free Outdoor Cinema Pull up a deckchair and watch classic Christmas films as well as block-buster movies on the Big Screen. Where: Big Screen When: 3, 10, 11, 17, 18 + 21 December, from 6.30pm Price: Free Fed Square Live Find a sunny spot in the Square and soak up tunes from some of Melbourne’s best musicians with free acoustic music sets on the stage every Thursday evening. Where: The Square When: Every Thursday, 5.30pm – 7pm Price: Free
Live every Thursday evening. Fed Square’s Big Screen Gaming program presents new and independent games each week with the team at Freeplay Independent Gaming Festival. Block-buster movies and classic Christmas films also take over the Big Screen weekly in December and
Family Portraits Take a quirky photo of you and the family among the trees with free family portrait services every weekend thanks to The Projects. Where: The Square When: Every Saturday + Sunday, 12pm – 4pm Price: Free Community Choirs Listen to your favourite festive songs each day with free performances by community choirs throughout the Square. Where: The Square + The Atrium When: Daily, various times Price: Free Orphan’s Christmas For those who find themselves orphaned on Christmas Day, come to Fed Square for a Christmas movie marathon. Bring your own picnic basket and find a spot among the installation of more than 100 Christmas trees and celebrate the day with fellow Christmas exiles. Where: Big Screen + The Square When: Wednesday 25 December, 11am – 6pm Price: Free
there will be a special movie marathon and BYO picnic on Christmas Day. With its array of family-friendly events and activities, Fed Square’s free Christmas program Spirit of the Square is one of Melbourne’s great December traditions. 1 – 25 December 2013
Christmas at The Atlantic Restaurant Enjoy a fine twist on a traditional Australian Seafood Christmas, at The Atlantic Restaurant. Executive Chef Donovan Cooke has developed an exclusive Christmas menu that will take guests on a journey of delicious celebration, set amongst the restaurant’s stunning ambience and waterfront views. With two seatings available; lunch for $160.00 per person and dinner for $110.00 per person and children’s menus available, there’s no better way to do a culinary Christmas in 2013. The Atlantic Restaurant Crown Entertainment Complex 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. Phone Reservations: 9698 8888 Email: reservations@theatlantic.com.au www.theatlantic.com.au
+
+
+
=
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Share the Spririt of Christmas
with the children of CPEC CPEC also plays a very important role for the families as they learn about their child’s disability. Intervention and support are essential for all family members to be able to function as a unit. After collaborative research with Monash University, it was found that often families of a child with CP were really struggling financially but rarely were acknowledged. With CP being the most common physical disability in childhood and the most expensive, there are many families who just cannot afford the basics, never mind Christmas treats.
If you are a long time reader this little boy, Tyler Parfuss will be familiar to you, now 5 years of age, Tyler is a great example of how with the help of dedicated professionals, a quality program, the love and support of devoted parents and a huge heart, amazing things can happen. Tyler has Cerebral Palsy and early in his life, the likelihood of Tyler walking unaided or attending a mainstream primary school were merely dreams, but Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) has helped that all become a reality for Tyler and so many other children.
Cerebral Palsy is a disorder of muscle control which results from some damage to part of the brain. The Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) runs programs for children under the age of six with Cerebral Palsy (and like conditions). Early intervention is a high priority because developmentally, this is the most critical time of brain development and maturation and the vast proportion of learning occurs in the first five years of life. Appropriate and adequate intervention during the early years capitalises on the plasticity of brain development with greater functional outcomes.
}
Merry Christmas
6
Proudly supported by the City of Melbourne and Lend Lease, Christmas on the Green is a new event to be held on both Friday 6 and 13 of December, from
To donate to the Wishing Tree visit: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/ event/marriottmelbournewishingtree/ preview/bc543b6a5169 Visit the Giant Christmas Tree at Melbourne Marriott – Exhibition St, Melbourne
On Friday 15 November, CPEC and the Marriott Melbourne Hotel in a joint partnership launched the Marriott Melbourne Christmas Wishing Tree at Federation Square. The Marriott are collecting Christmas wishes from each of the CPEC children to ensure every CPEC child receives a special Christmas gift. The Marriott will host a Christmas party where Santa will deliver gifts donated by the public to the children. These gifts may well be the only ones these children receive this Christmas. Share the true spirit of Christmas and consider donating either directly to the Melbourne Marriott Appeal or visit the giant Christmas tree in the Marriott
Christmas on the Green This year, at Docklands, there is a different approach to Christmas – it is chilled-out and stress-free.
foyer and take a tag with a special gift wish from one of the CPEC children.
4pm – 8pm on the lawn at Victoria Green, just off Bourke Street in Docklands. Destination Docklands CEO Anita Donnelly said “Christmas is always such a crazy time we really wanted to make it easy for people to enjoy the season and relax with their work colleagues and to invite their friends and family down to Docklands for an after work catch-up. We created this new event Christmas on the Green in the hope it will ease everyone calmly into the silly season or give them a break from it if they started early!” The team from Mountain Goat Brewery will tend a pop up garden bar, serving a selection of handcrafted, naturally brewed, Australian ales and regional wines. Kick back and enjoy refreshing beverages, while local bands soothe you into a mellow festive state with their groovy tunes; a different band will be featured on stage
Tyler Parfuss with Australian Paralympian, Matt Haanappel
each week and they are Phoebe and the Night Creatures, Ibis and Blush. Meander through the urban market stalls offering sustainable gifts including hand crafted jewellery, homemade puddings, organic tea, handmade soap and edible herb gardens – perfect for any last minute shopping or simply a Christmas treat for yourself. Forget about cooking and enjoy the delicious fare from onsite food trucks plus the hip new Kombi Crush van, who will be whipping up fruity mocktails with a festive flavour. Meet your colleagues, friends and family to and celebrate the festive season at Docklands on the ‘green’ for a cooler and calmer approach to Christmas. Friday 6 & 13 December 4pm – 8pm Victoria Green - enter via 807 Bourke Street, Docklands For a full event program visit www.destinationdocklands.com.au
DEC/JAN 2014
7
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Cat Scratch in ‘da house
Designed with impeccable attention to detail, the Miss Links range is made from .925 sterling silver and Swarovski crystals and includes an array of classic, feminine motifs, pearls, semiprecious stones and enamel designs. The perfect accessory piece for working women who want to add a bit of interest to their sleeves, without breaking the bank. RRP: ‘Rebecca’ Red Star, $115 Stockists: www.misslinks.com
Could your furry feline be the next Miss Kittin or Felix da Housecat? This Cat Scratch is the latest cat/ box combination designed to save your furniture and look pretty cool at the same time. Cardboard, mixing deck-shaped cat scratching mat - with spinning deck. Folds easily, supplied with instructions. Cat not included!
Lunar diary, astrology & dream reading cards
All three titles are available at leading retailers & online at www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au.
}
Merry Christmas
From Australia’s most trusted witch Stacey Demarco, comes the 2014 Lunar & Seasonal Diary, a beautifully produced diary with lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact. Rockpool Publishing also presents Dream Reading Cards by best-selling dream author Rose Inserra and Astrology Reading Cards by leading international astrologer Alison ChesterLambert.
Personalised Christmas Tree Ornaments A special way to decorate the Christmas tree with an ornament of your child’s hand and footprint. An ideal gift and memento to adorn the tree, your child’s prints appear on one side and a personalised message on the other. Available in star, circle and heart shapes from Melbourne company, Belly Art. RRP: $20 each Order online or visit Nth Caulfield studio www.bellyart.com.au
RRP: $39.95 Stockists: www.gyrofish.com.au or 1300 78 44 14
8
Award Winner -Hellyers Road Single Malt Whiskey
MISS LINKS CUFFLINKS
Hellyers Road is Australia’s largest boutique distillery located in pristine dairy farming country on the outskirts of Burnie in north west Tasmania. In 2010 Hellyers Road was recognised by the Malt Whisky Association of Australia for producing the nation’s best single malt and in 2012 it released its first aged statement whisky – 10 Year Original. RRP: $89.50(700ml) Single Malt is available through Dan Murphy, First Choice, Vintage Cellars & independent outlets www.hellyersroaddistillery.com.au
Colour the Christmas Tree
MILL & BAKERY GINGERBREAD HOUSES
Give your Christmas tree a modern edge this festive season with these bright and funky new PANTONE™ Universe Christmas Balls, for decorations with a difference. With a range of 10 vibrant colours, get the set of 10 or purchase individual balls in a range of stand out colours. The perfect way to colour your world this Christmas.
Celebrate this festive season with a bespoke gingerbread house from Mill & Bakery at Central Pier. Each gingerbread house is hand crafted using flour milled onsite and styled by expert pastry chefs, delivering both visually pleasing and delicious tasting creations. The perfect gift for family and friends this holiday season.
RRP $118.95 set of 10 Stockist: www.bristolandbrooks.com.au Ph:02 92328699
The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC AC/DC is not just the biggest rock band in the world, it’s a family business built by three brothers: George, Malcolm and Angus Young. As with any business, some people prosper while others get hurt along the way. ‘The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC’ written by Jesse Fink is unlike any AC/DC book you’ve read before. RRP $34.95 (also available as ebook) New release available through www.randomhouse.com.au
RRP:$60 each Available From Mill & Bakery Shed 9, T18, Central Pier 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands Orders: 8623 9693 www.millandbakery.com.au
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Vintage Street Directory Cufflinks No Gloom with Rainbow Loom® Tweens are going banana’s for this latest craze. The Rainbow Loom® is the original kit for making stretchy and super fun rubber band jewellery. Kids will love creating bracelets, necklaces, rings, key tags… The Rainbow Loom® Kit is complete and Rainbow Loom® Rubber Bands can be purchased separately. A definite winner with the 8+ age group this Christmas. RRP: $ $24.95 Available from mid-December at Spotlight & independent toy & craft stores www.shamrockcraft.com.au
Forget about wearing your heart on your sleeve when you can wear these fabulous Melbourne street cufflinks! These hand-crafted and finely detailed cufflinks are made from vintage street directories and set in sterling silver by Irwin Rohrl at Lord Coconut. Every unique piece has its own story. Various designs and custom orders are available. RRP: $150 pair Lord Coconut Level 4 Carlow House 289 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Ph: 0450 015 263 www.lordcoconut.com
DIY Rudolph Cake Pop Kit
E-Panda Hooligan Edition headphones The Razer Kraken analog music and gaming headphones - the E-Panda Hooligan Edition, are a limited release tailor made for Eric “E-Panda” Hernandez, drummer and brother of Bruno Mars. Designed for maximum comfort and durability and outfitted with large 40mm neodymium magnet drivers tuned for crystal clear music in the high-and mid-ranges and packing deep bass for powerful lows.
In time for Christmas, Yummy Project’s DIY Rudolph Cake Pop kit is a great gift idea or activity for the holidays with this complete DIY Rudolph Cake Pop Kit. Make your own cute reindeer gifts or just enjoy at home. Kit contains everything you’ll need, including step-by-step instruction booklet to make 18 mini Rudolf pops. RRP: $39.95 Stockist: Yummy Project Order: 0424 052 090 or www.yummyproject.com.au Destination Docklands Melbourne’s Playground
RRP - $149 Stockists: www.razerzone.com
DEC/JAN 2014
9
MERRY CHRISTMAS
SUPER FUN HAPPY CHRISTMAS Looking for something different this Christmas? After a little creative inspiration that will really make your pressies stand out? Then you might want to check out Super Fun Happy Tree – a line of designer Christmas trees by four Melbourne designers. Super Fun Happy Tree’s are a modern take on the traditional festive icon by designers Andrew Ashton, Sarah Pickering, Steven Phillips and Sawdust and Diamonds. Inspired by their time living and working in the beautifully designed
but often compact spaces of Berlin and Tokyo, Luke Donovan, Luke Matthews and Marco Gjergja from Sawdust and Diamonds decided to create a tree that would work for highly stylised, smaller spaces. Part artwork, part festive decoration, Super Fun Happy Trees are for those who understand the importance of an aesthetically pleasing Christmas tree – and want something truly different. Marco Gjergja says inner city living is becoming denser and apartment smaller and as such, people are looking
for creative ways to use their space. So, with that in mind, each tree has been inspired by the designer’s experience of Christmas. Andrew Ashton describes his Dude Tree as a ‘cool green giant to join the season’s celebrations’; while designer Stephen Phillips literally celebrates celebration with Balloon Tree, in an example of decorative artistry gone wildly festive. Swiss born illustrator Sarah Pickering took inspiration from classic glass ornaments and the relaxed Aussie approach to the silly season for her
tree, aptly titled Classic Tree while Sawdust and Diamonds team encourages everybody to get involved with their D-I-Y Tree that comes with 18 fluorescent sticker ornaments. That means everyone can go crazy on the decorating! Sustainable and reusable, Super Fun Happy Tree posters are beautifully printed on heavyweight paper with recycled content and environmental accreditation. The trees are limited edition, $89 and available from superfunhappy.com.au
}
Merry Christmas
10
SINCE 2003
MERRY CHRISTMAS
11
DEC/JAN 2014