Metrowest magazine 22 July 2014 issue by MetroWest Magazine

issue 7, 22 july 2014

Kate ceberano I❤

• travel • design • fashion

WES

BEST

O PER T Y G

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contents

ISSUE 7, 22 july 2014

Editor’s Letter

travel The secret gardens of New York

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16 Our cover star this issue is singer Kate Ceberano. From her early days as a teenager fronting funk band I’m Talking to today’s sultry cabaret chanteuse, she has spent more than three decades in the spotlight yet remains a wondefully friendly and engaging interview subject. For much of this issue, I’ve put down the pen (keyboard?) and handed over to my colleague Elaine, who recounts her recent trip to New York through the prisms of design, interiors, fashion and travel. We also caught up with some young, creative Aussie expats who give us a special view of their take on NY. I had a great evening recently at the launch for Nicholas J. Johnson’s book Chasing the Ace, where instead of the usual dry speeches and chewy cheese, we were entertained and amazed by magicians, circus artistes and card tricksters: he knows how to tell a tall tale with verve and style. We hope you enjoy this issue of MetroWest: let us know what you think, our contact details are in the box to the right.

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Design & interiors What’s on guide cover story: Kate Ceberano food west-side stories: Salt-water dreaming fashion: NY street style

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beauty Book review: Chasing the Ace business & legal

Best West Property Guide

cover image: The always gorgeous Kate Ceberano. Photo courtesy of Hachette Australia

Correction: the great photo of Nazeem Hussain on the cover of our 3 June issue was shot by Brisbane-based photographer Baron Walton. We omitted to credit Baron for the photo, for which we aplogise. You can see more of his work at www.baronwalton.com

art director | Carol-Joy Pirie | carol@indentmedia.com.au Published by Indentmedia Pty Ltd | ABN 69 118 720 960 | printed by Hi-Mark Press Group, Williamstown

TIM CORONEL

Editor tim@indentmedia.com.au

MetroWest is a free publication and is distributed throughout selected areas of the west of Melbourne. Views expressed in MetroWest do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by MetroWest 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”. After two calendar months uncollected prizes will be claimed by MetroWest and may be re-drawn. 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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design

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The Paper Factory Hotel by Elaine Sharman

A cornerstone of art, design and fashion, The Paper Factory Hotel is located within the urban playground of Long Island City, New York. This space offers travelers a uniquely hip urban escape, and is preferred accommodation for art lovers, musicians and the creatively inclined. Built on the premises of a thriving 100-year-old paper factory, the venue has been turned into a multifunctional location that hosts design items and artworks that are meant to be uncovered—but above all is a space to be lived in. Showcasing the work of local artists through the hotel with original masterpieces in guests’ rooms, the property mixes urban adventure with art, music and style. The hotel completely overturns the architectural and structural concept of hotel space; it presents an eclectic style of broad and comfortable spaces that alternate works of art and design items, while staying true to functionality. The lobby features artistic elements such as walls created from old elevator doors and floors laminated in twentieth-century New York City newspapers, while recycled wood frames the property throughout. This mix of old and new adds elements of warmth and freshness. Once you enter the evocative metal doors you are instantly captivated and taken into a sophisticated, playful space.

design

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design & interiors

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The Journey Inn During our recent New York sojourn, we needed a break from Manhattan's hustle and bustle, so we chose to go to the Hudson River Valley as it was only an hour and half train ride from NYC to Poughkeepsie, where we hired a car and drove for another half an hour to reach our accommodation, The Journey Inn at Hyde Park. For American history buffs, Hyde Park has colonial cottages and gilded-age manors such as The Stattsburgh State Historic Site, home of Ruth and Ogden Mills. Hyde Park is also the gateway to the Hudson River Valley’s great estates such as Kykuit (The Rockefeller Estate). The Vanderbilt Estate and its formal gardens gives new meaning to ‘a little country place’ and the view of the Hudson River is one of the most magnificent and most photographed in the Hudson Valley. The Journey Inn is a B&B in a gracious turnof-the-century family home once owned by a prominent Hyde Park family. This rambling family home is now run by Valerie, who decided to leave her position as a senior executive in publishing to follow her dream of owning her own establishment. There is a strong American 6

feel to the house, with every nook and cranny filled with pieces from different eras of American history. The use of different patterns from the same colour palette on soft furnishings, wallpaper and furniture within each room work together, creating an atmosphere of folksy coziness. The original family who built the house had five children, each with their own room. The parents’ original retreat is now called the Vanderbilt Suite. If you are visiting the Hudson Valley with two young children this is the suite for you as there are two gorgeous built-in bunks in the adjoining alcove. Valerie has furnished and decorated each room with its own spirit, finished true to its name or time. For example in the Roosevelt Room I experienced a wave of nostalgia when I viewed the white chenille bedspreads on the twin wooden beds with posts. The house is filled with beautiful objects and art collected from Valerie's travels. As you enter the house into the hallway you will find the formal lounge on the left, where a crackling fire is lit on cold nights. Breakfast is served in a double chamber room on the right.

by Elaine Sharman

As you enter the space the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves give an old-world charm. We and the rest of the guests would gather round the large table in the mornings for breakfast and discuss our plans for the day and chat like old friends. Valerie's corn bread and blueberry griddle cakes were just delicious and the coffee was freshly brewed. At breakfast gazing out into the estate at the well-established trees was a delight. When it comes to dinner, we would highly recommend you book in advance before leaving Melbourne to secure a table at The Culinary Institute of America’s fine-dining venue called The Bocuse Restaurant—this place takes silver service to a new level. I have just one word for the food: ‘magnifique!’ Drive up to Rhinebeck and drop into Market Street, the best Italian restaurant/pizzeria in the region. Did I mention Sleepy Hollow is down the road—go if you dare! The Hudson River Valley claims to be the most haunted region in America, as a result I insisted we always got back to the Journey Inn before dark if possible much to my husband's amusement.

design & interiors

The Culinary Institute of America

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what’s on

in your neighbourhood... Melbourne International Film Festival 31 July–17 August Opening with new Australian thriller Predistination, starring Noah Taylor, Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook, this year’s MIFF will showcase over 300 films in a packed 18-day schedule. www.miff.com.au The Black Sorrows 1 August The Substation 1 Market St, Newport Amazingly, The Black Sorrows have been performing together for 30 years, and frontman Joe Camilleri is also celebrating 50 years as one of Australia’s best-loved musicians. www.thesubstation.org.au Eid Festival 2 & 3 August Seaworks, 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown Join the fun at the annual Eid Festival. Eid al Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au Wagons 9 August The Substation 1 Market St, Newport Wagons play the Substation in support of their new album Acid Rain and Sugar Cane. Expect a show both turbulent and intricate; a controlled calamity, a triumph and an entertaining ride. www.thesubstation.org.au

Supermarket art exhibition 14–28 August Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moreland Street, Footscray Fascinated by the everyday, artist Jayde Houareau explores her local supermarket, mining the aisles for inspiration. She prowls the internet in search of outdated advertising campaigns. Taking note of every product that comes into her life, into her pantry, her garden shed and her bathroom, Houareau takes the everyday and elevates it to something wonderful. http://footscrayarts.com 4x10 art exhibition 14 August–28 September Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moreland Street, Footscray The Roslyn Smorgon Gallery will be given over to a community of artists with a socially aware slant. Each has been asked to take up the role of curator, nominating an artist and artwork that speaks to them. The baton is passed and each artist in turn repeats the task, creating both a conversation and an exhibition formed with a collective curatorial voice. http://footscrayarts.com Melbourne Writers Festival 21–31 August MWF celebrates the talent and ideas of hundreds of writers from Australia and around the world, through a vibrant program of storytelling, conversation and discussion, intellectual debate, educational programs, live performance, music and art events.

http://www.mwf.com.au Two Mortals 28–30 August The Substation 1 Market St, Newport This play by Rachael Dyson-McGregor and Mike McEvoy was created from interviews with people who work and live with mortality everyday—an undertaken, a minister, a wills and estates lawyer, a cryogenicist, a carer, a palliative care nurse and a counsellor. This multi-character performance uses headphone verbatim technique, including preshow interviews from the audience, unique to every performance. www.thesubstation.org.au The Rise of Brotality tour 20 September Phoenix Youth Centre, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray An all-ages punk rock spectacular featuring I Killed The Prom Queen, The Ghost Inside (USA), In Hearts Wake, Bury Tomorrow (UK) and Hellions. Presented by Maribyrnong FReeZA. Tickets available from: www.oztix.com. au, 1300 762 545 or at Oztix outlets. Jacqui Shelton: SUB art exhibition until 28 September The Substation 1 Market St, Newport In this exhibition, subtitles are taken from scenes in films and handwritten on blank screens for the audience to fathom as they quickly pass by, much like a film reel passes through a projector. They are still subtitles, but what are they subbing for? www.thesubstation.org.au

LIFE EXPERIENCE Not just academic qualifications PROPERTY & BUSINESS • Conveyancing • Leases • Business Sales & Purchases • Building Disputes • Corporate Governance

WILLS & ESTATES • Wills & Powers of Attorney • Probate • Estate Planning & Administration • Estate Disputes

FAmILY LAW • Parenting Issues • Residence and Contact • Property Settlements • Divorces • Financial Agreements • Spousal Maintenance • De facto Property Disputes • Intervention Orders

SERVING mELBOURNE FAmILIES FOR 80 YEARS 8

Airtime: Pixel8 flags exhibition until October Skate Park Queen Street, Altona Meadows Airtime is an ephemeral outdoor arts exhibition that highlights the creative talents of young people in Hobsons Bay. Artworks fly high in the sky on flagpoles at the Altona Meadows Skate Park. This Airtime rotation recognises the winners of the Pixel8 photographic competition in 2014. www.pixel8photocomp.com.au Your Home, Your Health workshops until November 2 August Chemical Free Cleaning Maidstone Community Centre, 21 Yardley St, Maidstone https://chemcialfreecleaning. eventbrite.com.au 27 September Chemical Free Wholefoods Part 2: Yarraville Community Centre, 59 Francis St, Yarraville https://chemicalfreefoodpart2. eventbrite.com.au Screen Printing Workshops Saturdays until 29 November Woods Street Arts Space 44 Woods St, Laverton A series of free, creative workshops for 14–20-year-olds, with the aim of designing and creating a range of tshirts to sell at local markets and arts spaces. Contact arts@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

what’s on

Jake Clemons

Mark Seymour

Black Sorrows

substation winter music As nice as it can be to huddle up in front of the heater these cold nights, The Substation is doing its best to tempt you out with a great series of rock gigs in coming weeks. First cab off the rank is the legendary Black Sorrows on Friday 1 August. It’s hard to believe, but Joe Camilleri has been fronting this hard-working blues and roots outfit for 30 years! It is his obvious passion for making music, performing live and sense of adventure that keeps Camilleri going and fans coming back for more. On Saturday 9 August, Wagons hit the Substation stage in support of their new album Acid Rain and Sugar Cane. Expect a show both turbulent and intricate; a

controlled calamity, a triumph and an entertaining ride in the best possible way. Jake Clemons is a US-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is playing The Substation on Thursday 14 August as part of his first Australian Tour in support of his debut self-released EP Embracing Light. Then Friday 22 August will see former Hunters & Collectors front-man Mark Seymour and his trio. Mark’s songwriting is always evolving, he continually produces songs that resonate and permeate one’s consciousness. This evolution is due in part to the diversity of his activities, which include composition of film scores, writing and performing music for theatrical productions and acting. See The Substation’s website for ticket info and other details.

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cover story

Kate Ceberano by Tim Coronel

You can’t miss Kate Ceberano: at the quiet innersuburban café where we’ve organised to meet mid-week she is instantly identifiable with her bright eyes and big smile.

We sit down over a coffee and I admit that one the first ever rock gigs I went to as a teenager was seeing her first band, I’m Talking, supporting The Models on the ‘Out of Mind, Out of Sight’ tour. ‘Oh, honey, we were both so young back in the 80s!’ Kate laughs. ‘In I’m Talking I was just a kid with these older intellectual, uni types in the band—(guitarist) Robert Goodge taught me so much about culture and history.’ After the heady years in a pop band, Kate diversified and sang jazz standards, intimate cabaret and starred in big stage musicals. She was on TV as a judge on the first series of X Factor, a winner on Dancing with the Stars and a travel presenter on Getaway. She’s also been the subject of an Archibald Prize-entered nude portrait and the ambassador for a range of bras for the curvaceous—quite a mixed CV! After more than three decades in the spotlight, Kate has now written her autobiography, I’m Talking: My Life, My Words, My Music (published by Hachette), with the assistance of renowned author Tom Gilling. ‘At first we tried the traditional celebrity “ghost” thing, where he recorded interviews with me and then wrote them up, but it wasn’t right, it wasn’t my voice,’ says Kate. ‘We worked out he was an amazing historian and he went away and researched my entire life and gave me prompts to start writing about crucial moments and we worked together to flesh them out: in the end everything in the book is written by me, it’s truly my take on things.’ Last year saw the release of Kensal Road, Kate’s first album of all-original songs since 2003, recorded in London. Then came the writing of the book, and another stint curating the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. So what’s next for this always-busy performer? ‘I’ve teamed up with a group of young musos all from different ethnic backgrounds,’ Kate says. ‘I’m mixing my Filipino/ Hawaiian heritage with their African, Pacific, South American sounds … it’s going to be great!’

Kate Ceberano is an unstoppable performing force of nature. Look out for her on a stage near you soon!

food Local hangout

wee jeannie 50 anderson st, yarraville One cold, grey day recently, the MetroWest team was wandering Yarraville at lunchtime in search of a bite to eat. Just before we hit the train tracks on Anderson St, Wee Jeannie beckoned. It’s a simple rectangular space with a mural on the far wall and lights made of hanging jars. There is a courtyard out the back that would be a very pleasant spot on a warm, sunny day—but on this wintry afternoon a seat inside was the warm and comforting option. Between us we ordered the soup of the day, a lamb empanada, and a mixed salad with quinoa. Elaine thought her Moroccan chicken harira soup was ‘just perfect: spicy and warming but not too hot or too salty.’ My lamb and pinenut empanada came with a tasty yoghurt dip and a potato and bean salad: just the right size for a lunch snack. Carol’s quinoa salad gave her a healthy buzz for the afternoon. Service was quick and friendly, and the coffee was good, We’ll be back to Wee Jeannie!

Local is lovely for the love of fresh seasonal food, nice farmers and their produce Sophie Hansen, published by Penguin Lantern RRP$39.99.

Local is Lovely is a seasonal guide to the fruit, vegetables and meat that Australian farmers produce. The whole cookbook has a lovely cozy feeling to it, with beautiful photography to match. As it goes through each season it features tips and interveiws with and about local producers. This cook book will certainly encourage you to shop local, fresh and healthy. Sumptious winter fare and sweet treats are all in this book that you will probably reach for all the time.

Cutting through that top layer of sweet, hot cake and seeing all that gorgeous sauce is about as satisfying as this sort of easy baking gets. This is just gorgeous served warm with a little drizzle of cold cream. I also like to serve it with custard, ice-cream or a dollop of thick Greek yoghurt (my favourite, as it it offers a nice balance of all that sweetness).

Caramel and pear self-saucing pudding serves 4 PREP TIME: 15 minutes COOKING TIME: 35 minutes 2 Beurre Bosc pears (or apples), peeled, cored and thinly sliced 1 cup of self-raising flour 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1 egg 75g butter, melted 1tsp vanilla paste 1 cup milk Topping 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup hazelnuts (roughly chopped) Preheat the oven to 1800c and line the base of a 24x5cm cake tin with the pears. In one bowl, mix the flour, sugar and ginger together, and in another, whisk together the remaining ingredients (but not the topping) with 1 cup boiling water. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry then pour the batter over the pears. To make the topping, sprinkle the batter with the brown sugar, carefully pour over 1 cup boiling water and then scatter with the hazelnuts, or until the top is firm to touch.

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Photography by Jesse Maskell

west-side stories

Salt-water dreaming He swims. Almost every morning, and usually before sunrise, he rides his bike to Williamstown beach and enters the water.

In any season, in any weather—and never in a wetsuit—he wades into the shallows and sinks beneath the surface. He’s not an athlete. He’s not in training. He doesn’t have to be here. Nor is he driven by some monastic discipline to rise at dawn and enter the frigid waters in search of higher meaning. He’s drawn by instinct (his word). As a river flows to the sea, so he returns each morning to the same small stretch of bay. He’s not a strong swimmer—he says as much 12

himself—but he can write. Two years ago, he started a blog called ‘365 swims’ in which he recorded each week, for an entire year, notes on a year spent swimming. The bulk of his daily dips took place at Williamstown. If he travelled that year, each day he sought out the nearest body of water. On a holiday to Vietnam, he swam his laps in the hotel pool. The blog (which remains online) records his encounters at Williamstown with pelicans, stingrays, dolphins and a seal. It lists the people that he met and the friendships that he made. It also links to essays that he wrote for publication elsewhere. The blog resembles reportage; the essays reveal a poet. He describes how it feels to swim in the dark. A

by Paul Bateman

streetlight casts its glow across the beach as he steps from the sand and into the bay. Beyond the light’s reach, he is swallowed in the water’s dark expanse. This is, he writes, ‘like swimming in ink.’ In another essay, he recalls an encounter on Williamstown beach with an Indigenous Australian—a story that ends one Australia Day with an image both serene and sublime. The day after his final blog post, he swam again at Williamstown. In the last year alone, he’s missed only a dozen swims. He is Williamstown resident Vin Maskell, a man with a strange, abiding love for a small stretch of salty water in Melbourne’s inner west.

technology

a guide to Melbourne’s

spooky side Local history buff and app developer Brett Hiatt has delved deep into our city’s dark past to come up with the Melbourne Haunted Tour smartphone app. ‘My first two travel apps explored Stephen King’s novels across his home town of Bangor, Maine, and then a travel guide to all the places, books and movies of the Twilight phenomenon,’ says Brett. ‘As I’m born and bred in Melbourne I then decided to do an app on my city and I soon found out what an intriguing and truly dark side Melbourne has.’ Brett’s research turned up a chilling list of haunted pubs, ghostly

presences in old houses, asylums with dark secrets and a many sites across Melbourne and Victoria with a murderous past. ‘Like any good travel guide this app pinpoints the location with interactive maps, walks you through the history of our haunted sites and facilitates guided tours to get up close and personal,’ says Brett. ‘Or delve even deeper into Melbourne's dark side to experience witches’ covens, black magic, satanic worship and sessions of raising the dead. Waiting ahead within this app are introductions into this world, if you dare.’ The Melbourne Haunted Tour App is available at the iTunes app store.

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travel

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The hidden

gardens of

New York New York New York, the city that doesn’t sleep, the Big Apple, if you can make it there you can make it anywhere … all the songs lyrics came to mind as we took the bus from JFK to Grand Central. A short walk to our hotel (by the way, be prepared to pay a lot of money for a very small room in Manhattan), a shower and change and we were ready to explore! During our three-week stay here we visited all the must-see spots. We were overwhelmed at the Metropolitan Museum, kept going back to Central Park and crashed a wedding at the Pavilion (a must-see) in the park. We took the free ferry to Staten Island and saw the Statue of Liberty from the water, what a movie moment! Had a hot dog and a lobster roll at Coney Island. Of all the iconic buildings, the Chrysler Building impressed us the most. We stumbled across the Ford Foundation building with its courtyard garden: a veritable mini forest with fully grown trees that helps to control the temperature of the building. It’s a 10-minute walk from the United Nations building—another iconic location. The 14

sculpture of the two-storey high single rose at MOMA was uber impressive. We experienced truly amazing African American art at the Studio Musuem in Harlem. My favourite museum in New York was the Frick Mansion on Fifth Avenue, once a private home. It was here that I experienced my first Turner landscape. I now understand why Turner is considered among the greatest landscape artists. Shopping: so much cheaper than Australia and great quality for the price. We worked out that the further away from Manhattan the cheaper the shopping. Eats: do make a point to go to the Red Rooster in Harlem for the best soul food. At Katz Deli, lower east side, of When Harry Met Sally fame, you must try the obscenely portioned and very delicious pastrami on rye. Health warning! My arteries were getting clogged just looking at it. I had the best pasta marinara at Mario’s, one of the city’s oldest Italian restaurants, on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. The ambience was kitsch with Mario himself sitting in the corner

by Elaine Sharman

watching everyone and everything. There are faded images of all the late and greats who have dined here: Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minnelli to name a few. We had the freshest oysters in Brooklyn and great steak at Quality Meats. Don’t miss the Plaza Hotel food court, this is an experience in itself. The cuisine there is prepared and served with much finesse at food court prices. Be prepared to walk everywhere: a good pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must. The subways are a fine example of what a metro service should run like, all trains were on time and surprisingly safe. We were in New York in spring and what I found most delightful were the little spots of green and plantings that one would come across while walking to a destination of yet another building and landmark. These little hidden gardens gave me the most delight and pleasure, hence the decision to share with you our images of ‘The Hidden Gardens of New York’.

travel

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NY street fashion

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Baby I'm from

new york

NY street fashion

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beauty

Lancôme Rénergie French Lift Combining its historical expertise in institute massage techniques and anti-aging care, Lancôme has developed the Rénergie French Lift to offer all women a new approach to skincare that is highly sophisticated, yet ultra-simple. It is a night-time duo specially designed for exceptional antiwrinkle and firming action. Lancome Rénergie French Lift provides skin firming results for

tighter skin that appears to be lifted.

Lancôme says that Rénergie

French Lift was developed ‘based on the brand's complete and in-depth knowledge of the sources of skin firmness. Facial volumes are defined by both the underlying muscles and deep skin compartments.’ Rénergie French Lift offers a twofold approach that involves cell biology as well as extensive data on the beneficial effects of massage on both a biological and muscular level.

WIN!

Lancôme Hypnose Brun Adore eyeshadow palette

Lancôme offers you the chance to win the eyeshadow palette French women simply adore! Create a range of makeup looks with the five-colour Hypnose palette, which can take you from subtle day-time hues to a dramatic smoky finish, all with one easy colour lineup. Don’t miss out on your chance to own the number one makeup palette in France* Lancôme’s Hypnose Brun Adore. *NPD France, total 2013 eyeshadow value by item.

s ivea wa y

win

WIN

one of three copies of Nicholas J. Johnson’s book Chasing the Ace.

one of three Arbonne eyeshadows

Enter by 28 July See p.19 for details

Enter by 28 July see p. 20 for details

WIN a

Lancome Hypnose Brun Adore eyeshadow palettes Enter by 28 July simply email your name and address and the subject ‘Lancome Hypnose’ to competitions@indentmedia.com.au

books & writing

chasing the ace

Enter the draw to WIN one of three copies of Chasing the Ace Email your name and address by 28 July to

by nicholas j. johnson (SIMON & SCHUSTER)

competitions@indentmedia.com.au

Richard Mordechai has been a conman for over 40 years, and he’s tired and jaded and planning one last big haul before he retires; Joel Fitch is 19 and has watched every movie he can find featuring swindlers, card sharks and conmen. When Joel tries his clumsy scratch-ticket con on Richard, the older man gains an unexpected and initially unwanted acolyte. The story unfolds in alternating chapters from Richard’s and Joel’s point of

Author

view as trust and friendship grows between the pair and their cons escalate from scamming a percentage of Crown Casino gamblers’ winnings to dudding online auctions and onwards to planning The Big One. As the plot races toward its conclusion there are, of course, unexpected twists and the final payout isn’t what anyone has expected. This is a well-plotted and fast-paced yarn from an author who knows the world of conmen, swindlers and magicians inside out, as you can see from the interview below.

Q&A: Nicholas J. Johnson

Joel and Richard, the main characters in Chasing the Ace, are instantly recognisable 'types', but they're also well fleshed-out characters: are they both based on real people you've come across in your dealings with conmen, or are they composites of different common traits? Chasing the Ace was originally meant to be true crime. However, with con artists, it is so difficult to separate fact from fiction that I thought it best to spin their tall tales into a novel. Joel is based on a teenage magician I met who was determined to become a con artist, despite his also being a literal boy scout. The character of Richard was inspired by a French swindler I interviewed who'd spent forty years scamming tourists in Marseilles. the conmen have mixed feelings for the magician, Todd: they admire his talent but look down on his honesty. Is that how entertainer magicians are viewed in the conman world—as

potentially excellent conmen who have too many scruples? A large number of the skills magicians use come directly from con artists, pickpockets and card cheats. The very best magicians have been known to rub shoulders with swindlers and teach them a thing or two. However, for the most part, they stay in their own orbits. After all, magicians crave attention and publicity and con artists want anything but. you use your knowledge of cons and skills with a deck of cards to entertain and educate: tell us a bit about your shows and the variety of audiences you perform to. People love learning about scams. It's like discovering the secret behind a magic trick or solving a particularly cryptic puzzle. I try to re-create scams live on stage so audiences can both protect themselves and appreciate the psychology and creativity behind a well-planned swindle.

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streetspotting

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Vox-pops with expats living in new york

your name: Donica profession/passion: Literary events home town? Benalla via Melbourne how long have you been in NY? Three months which neighbourhood do you live in? West Village what's your favourite thing/shop/restaurant in your 'hood? Coffee from Prodigy on Carmine Street, where they have a photo gallery of customers' dogs on the wall. Book-browsing at cosy, perfectly formed Three Lives & Company. what's one thing any visitor to NY can't miss? The High Line, ideally with a bagel for fuel. what's a secret NY 'thing' you've discovered? The Williamsburg Bridge: quieter and more pedestrian-friendly than the Brooklyn Bridge, great views and it connects two of the city's most fun neighborhoods.

your name: Estelle profession/passion: Literary scout home town? Melbourne how long have you been in NY? Nine months which neighbourhood do you live in? Chinatown what's your favourite thing/shop/restaurant in your 'hood? Hong Kong Supermarket what's one thing any visitor to NY can't miss? Dumplings for $1 what's a secret NY 'thing' you've discovered? Smiling at strangers

Where Am I?

Guess where this place is to

Win

one of three arbonne eyeshadows

Email answers and your address by 28 July to: competitions@indentmedia.com.au Correct entries will be placed in a draw and one will be randomly selected. Notification is by email after 6 August. Entrants must be 18 years or over and reside in Victoria.

business & legal

Impending changes to Vendor’s Disclosure Statements by Les Kohegyi

On 1 October 2014 the changes implemented by the Sale of Land Amendment Bill 2014 will come into effect, changing the disclosure obligations of vendors of real Les Kohegyi property under Section 32 of the Act. It is hoped that these changes will streamline Vendor Disclosure Statements—colloquially ‘Section 32’, more commonly known by reference to the governing section as Section 32 Statements—with the new format to provide clearly defined and logical sub-sections within the Statement, thus making it more ‘user friendly’ for both vendors and purchasers. Currently, all those wishing to sell property must provide prospective purchasers with a Section 32 Statement prior to the signing of the

contract of sale. This document must contain information the prospective purchaser should know before signing a contract to purchase. As examples: the information in respect to such things as mortgages, covenants, easements; zoning, building, planning; outgoings; connected, available and non-connection services; and whether the property is in a bush-fire or GAIC zone. The vendor is under an obligation to provide full disclosure of any outgoings or issues relating to the title. Misleading information provided in the statement may entitle the purchaser to cancel the contract. The more significant amendments to Section 32 are: • A copy of the Section 32 Statement will no longer be required to be attached to the contract. • The addition of a new requirement to disclose the name of planning overlay(s). • The disclosure of only those notices ‘directly and currently’ made in respect to the land. • The Owners Corporation information may be provided either by way of a certificate issued by the Owners Corporation or directly from the vendor themselves. Also, ‘inactive’ Owners

Corporations will no longer need to be included. • The vendor must now only disclose services that are not connected (up to but not including the day of sale) rather than the existing requirement to also disclose services that are connected. • Disclosure may be achieved by attaching relevant documents but other than title documents, no documents are required and disclosure may be made by simply providing the information. • A due diligence checklist will be required to alert a prospective purchaser to various consumer protection issues. Les Kohegyi is the Managing Partner of Wilckens Roche Lawyers in Williamstown and holds Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)(Honours) degrees and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from Chartered Secretaries Australia. If you require any further information please contact the Wilckens Roche Lawyers office on (03) 8383-5999 or via email to info@wrl.com.au

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business & finance

Company Culture Whether intentional or not, every company has a culture or personality that uniquely defines it and in general this stems from the top. There is a rather unpleasant expression that states ‘the fish rots from the Ian Ash, AInstIB head down’, meaning that bad practice and behaviour at the executive level will permeate the rest of the organisation; but similarly a great work ethic and high principles will set a positive direction for the rest of the business. Clearly then executive management and especially the CEO or managing director are role models for the desired culture of a business. But why is culture important for a business at all? Isn’t this all just airy-fairy stuff preached by management consultants and human resources experts? In fact, it turns out that culture has a dramatic impact on the success of a business. Think about any successful companies you know and consider whether their corporate 22

culture is positive or negative. Chances are the successful companies are often considered a great and/or healthy place to work and this is no coincidence. The culture of any business, organisation or even country is based on values and it is these values that form the basis of a country’s laws or in the case of businesses and organisations, the way in which they operate. In business, underlying values have a direct bearing on behaviours that govern the way in which staff will interact with each other and also how staff will interact with customers. For example, if a key element within a business culture is respect, then you will tend to find that people will treat each other respectfully and those that don’t will appear not to ‘fit in’ with the rest of the organisation. The set of values that are embraced by a company (culture) effectively defines the corporate identity and the better this can be articulated, the clearer everyone is on what is expected. This has a massive impact on staff recruitment and in a previous article (‘Hiring the Right Staff’), I noted how it is frequently the case that companies ‘hire on skills, but fire on fit’. This occurs when the prospective employee may well have the qualifications and ability to do the job, but if they can’t align with

the company culture, they are destined to have a short tenure. I would go even further with this and suggest that adherence to a defined set of company values should be part of a company’s performance management process so that staff are clear they need to be accountable to these just as much as they are to specific business outcomes. If you have not defined your company culture, how do you go about doing this? A great place to start is by working with the management team to identify those values that the company won’t give up no matter what. An initial list will likely be extensive but by categorising, rationalising and then prioritising this list, a consensus on the ‘non-negotiables’ should provide a great start. There is no specific format (some companies choose single words, some qualify these and some describe their values in sentences) or number (best to keep this a maximum of six if you can), but if you have never done this before, try searching the web to see what other companies have produced to compare. For more information or for a free, noobligation discussion regarding your business, email me at ianash@iib.ws or visit http://orgmentbusinesssolutions.com.au/

real estate

Taking stock The start of the new financial year is a great opportunity for property investors to take stock. This means not only those with numerous rental properties but even those with just one small flat for rent or those who plan to make 2014–15 the year they buy an investment property. Occasionally, rental properties are chosen for reasons other than those a property investor would use: bought by owners intending to live there one day or a family home rented while the owners work interstate, for example. Mostly though, we buy investment properties for one reason—to make money. Sometimes the goal is to profit from a rental stream; sometimes rental does not cover outgoings but negative gearing creates tax advantages; sometimes the main aim is capital growth when the property is sold. The new financial year is a chance to review your investment property or portfolio. Consider selling any underperformers; or think about how to add value, for example through improvements. Are your loans taxeffective, can you better use of your equity to purchase new assets? The key is research: in reviewing a property's performance, calculate its rental yield. REIV data shows rentals in Melbourne's west bringing solid returns. For example, a three-bedroom home in Moonee Ponds showed a gross rental yield of three per cent in the 12

months to March this year. In Williamstown that figure was 3.4 per cent, Yarraville was 3.3 per cent, West Footscray 3.2 per cent and in Newport, 3.3 per cent. How did your property compare? REIV house and apartment price data from the first quarter of this year can be found on our website and second-quarter data will be uploaded in mid-July so check at reiv.com.au. Median rents by suburb and rental growth rates are also there, as are rental yields by suburb. And it's all free. After reviewing your assets, look ahead to 2014–15. With interest rates at record lows, this could be a good time to look for an investment property. Research prices and affordable locations with scope for capital growth. In the five years to the end of March three-bedroom houses in West Footscray showed average annual capital growth of 6.2 per cent. That figure was 6.4 per cent for Newport and Yarraville and 4.8 per cent for Moonee Ponds. Enzo Raimondo CEO, Real Estate Institute of Victoria

Congratulations

TO OUR 1 JUly ISSUE COMPETITION WINNERS

Winners

Sue Hennessy, Newport Margaret Christoudolou, Williamstown

Betty Lewis, Williamstown Joanne Paul, Kensington George Karabassis, Williamstown Kelly Comeadow, Newport Tracey Hull, Williamstown Suzanne Marambio, Newport

of the Where am I? competition

of Kore Skincare packs

Winners

of copies of The Tainted Trial of Farah Jama Nathan Sibilia, Seddon Sue Sellman, Williamstown Helena Olsen

Winners of

bottles of Jax Coco coconut water Julie Thomson, Kasia Tkaczyk, Nathan Sibilia, Adele Coone, Jessica Gigliotti, Tracey Hull, Mardie Brown, Renee Flood, Vivan Yoshikawa, Nadia Grima, Neil Bendon, Kath Zebra

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ELLY PARTNERS

Altona 3/39 McBain Street A Great Lifestyle Guaranteed The location ensures enjoyment, the spaces provide the perfect accompaniment. From every angle this two bedroom villa promises a rewarding experience. In such a tempting, central setting, a beautifully preserved floor-plan offers a generous lounge that forms the focal point for a bright living/ dining area and a kitchen that reveals the appeal of immaculate originality. Undercover courtyard & garage.

BER $450,000 - $480,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Sale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986 Wayne Elly 0410 305 305 Williamstown Office 8387 0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au 3/39mcbainstreetaltona.com.au

Newport 63 Blackshaws Road When The Right Opportunity Arrives Are you ready to renovate, extend or develop? Then look no further. Sitting on approx. 500m2 with ROW this tempting property has outstanding potential to renovate or redevelop STCA. Existing home comprising of three bedrooms, central bathroom, kitchen/meals area, lounge room, undercover entertaining area plus off street parking from ROW to a huge double garage.

Price $500,000 - $550,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Auction Sat 19th Jul at 12.30pm --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark de Brabander 0406 536 447 Wayne Elly 0410 305 305 Williamstown Office 8387 0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au 63blackshawsroadnewport.com.au 24

ELLY PARTNERS

Williamstown 17 Jackson Street Light and bright with city and water views! This fantastic architecturally designed 3 level residence with exceptionally well proportioned and lavishly appointed dimensions is sure to impress. Comprising open plan kitchen/ meals/living area, three bedrooms, ensuite and remote garage plus city and water views, natural light and Williamstown eateries an easy walk away.

BER $680,000 - $730,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Sale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark de Brabander 0406 536 447 0410 305 305 Wayne Elly Williamstown Office 8387 0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au 17jacksonstreetwilliamstown.com.au

Williamstown 17 The Strand Stylishly, Sensationally, The Strand This renovated architecturally designed home appreciates outlooks of the boats, the bay and the CBD. Offering luxurious & Light filled spaces, contemporary kitchen, two seductive bedrooms surround two superb bathrooms & an alluring lounge is accompanied by a home office zone and a roof-top retreat.

Price Contact Agent --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Sale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986 Wayne Elly 0410 305 305 Williamstown Office 8387 0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au 17thestrandwilliamstown.com.au

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ELLY PARTNERS

Williamstown 27A The Strand Contemporary Concepts In The Best Address This refined residence´s inviting dual level spaces include light filled upstairs areas for living, dining & entertaining accompanied by an expansive terrace & open plan kitchen where stone benches, SS appliances & integrated storage convey elegance & efficiency. The main bedroom´s balcony, ensuite & BIRs set the standard for two further bedrooms downstairs, each with BIRs, both sharing a private terrace backdrop & stylishly appointed bathroom. Double garage.

Price $1,300,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Sale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986 Wayne Elly 0410 305 305 Williamstown Office 8387 0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au

Williamstown 30 The Strand Desirability Defined This landmark home´s huge living, dining and entertaining areas, surround an open plan kitchen featuring Miele appliances, stone benches and walk in pantry. Two downstairs bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a superb main bedroom with WIRs and ensuite, are supported upstairs by a 3rd bedroom, 3rd bathroom and a substantial additional living area framed front and rear by balconies.

Price $3,250,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Sale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986 Wayne Elly 0410 305 305 Williamstown Office 8387 0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au 30thestrandwilliamstown.com.au 26

ELLY PARTNERS

Williamstown 84 Hannan Street The Ultimate In Family Flexibility This fully renovated four bedroom, two bathroom residence thinks of absolutely everything a family needs. Huge open plan living/dining and kitchen areaflows to under cover decking and a solar heated pool. A dedicated home office with external access, but the biggest advantage may well be the former garage, converted with flair to a gym/games room beneath a fully self contained apartment. Huge storage, ample OSP.

Price $1,800,000+ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Sale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986 Wayne Elly 0410 305 305 Williamstown Office 8387 0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au 84hannanstreetwilliamstown.com.au

Yarraville 128 Francis Street Spacious, Luxury Style Living A lifestyle of space and quality and within easy walking distance to Yarraville Village, schools, parks and transport this sensational townhouse offers 3 bedrooms (master with WIR and ensuite), stylish main bathroom, superb kitchen with stone bench tops, SS appliances and light filled open-plan living/ dining. Other features include heating and cooling, alarm, private courtyard, single remote garage and OSP.

Price $630,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Sale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark de Brabander 0406 536 447 Wayne Elly 0410 305 305 Yarraville Office 8387 0011 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au 128francisstreetyarraville.com.au

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Maribyrnong Guide Auction Inspect Contact

Newport Guide Auction Inspect Contact

12 Grandview Avenue

Bed 3 | Bath 1 | Car 4

$660,000-$700,000 1pm Saturday 26th July on location 5-5:30pm Wednesday 23rd July & 12:30-1pm Saturday 26th July Brent Johnson 0449 871 902 & Adrian Butera 0409 099 791 Yarraville 9314 1188

35 John Liston Drive

Bed 3 | Bath 2 | Car 2

$760,000-$790,000 11am Saturday 2nd August on location 11:30-12pm Saturday 26th July & 12-12:30pm Sunday 27th July Julie Standen 0414 901 098 & Brent Johnson 0449 871 902 Williamstown 9397 1600

make change > comptongreen.com.au