Camberwell Citizen - Issue #13

T H E

C A M B E R W E L L

CITIZEN YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING LOCAL

GET READY TO ROAM AGAIN

Find out how to book your next holiday with ease

PROPERTY MARKET ‘VERY STRONG’

A look at how the local residential property market is performing

FINE AUTUMN READS

Your guide to the best books of the season

P L U S C ATC H U P O N W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N CAMBERWELL JUNCTION

ISSUE #13

FREE COPY

s t a e E r B e h u t n t e n e y M

2 • THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13

in Camberwe

ll Junction

The Easter Bunny will visit Camberwell Junction to meet and greet shoppers.

Pop down to the precinct to say hello and get a photo. ll e w ber The Great Cam Saturday, April 9: 10am - 1pm Sunday, April 10: 10am - 1pm

t n u H r e East gs and g e n e ld o g e h t Find

00 tion WINam$be1r0 well Junc

to spend in C hidden rs te s o p g g e n e Find the gold erwell b m a C d n u ro a s w on shop windo r online: te n e n e th , n o ti c Jun .com.au g in p p o h s ll e rw e camb you find, s g g e n e ld o g re o The m win! to s e c n a h c re o m the r CITIZEN

site fo s apply – see web on iti nd co d an s *Term ose 24/04/2022. details. Entries cl

Camberwell Shopping | Burke Road & The Junction

CAMBERWELL SHOPPING.COM.AU

THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13 • 3

CONTENTS 4 • GET READY TO ROAM AGAIN

With travel back on the cards, find out how to navigate the ins and outs of booking your next holiday with ease.

6 • PROPERTY MARKET ‘VERY STRONG’

A look at how the local residential property market is performing, and predictions for the upcoming season.

8 • HANDY HERBS

From rosemary to sage, discover the incredible medicinal benefits of herbs and how they can be used in cooking.

9 • FINE AUTUMN READS

From insightful non-fiction to exciting page‑turners, here are the books to fall in love with this autumn.

10 • CAMBERWELL CATCH-UP

Catch up on what’s been happening in the Camberwell Junction precinct.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As we embrace this ‘new normal’ way of living, many of us will be considering our options and making plans again. Among those plans might be resuming travel and finally booking that long‑awaited holiday. But how do you navigate travel in the current era, with all its rules and regulations? In our feature Get ready to roam again we speak to travel agents and experts that share advice for navigating your next trip with ease.

As we wave goodbye to summer and enter a new season, some of us may be looking to review our house values or could be contemplating a move later in the year. In our story Property market ‘very strong’, experts share an overview of how the local housing market has been performing and what to expect in the coming months.

As the season shifts, many of us might be looking to change what we eat and making efforts to incorporate more beneficial foods into our diet. Enter herbs. Full of incredible medicinal qualities, as well as a great way to pack flavour into any dish, our story Handy herbs shares how you can make the most of herbs this season.

Autumn signals the beginning of the cosy season, where you can curl up with a blanket on the couch and get lost in a good book. If that sounds like your cup of tea, we’ve got some great recommendations for you. From insightful non-fiction to exciting page turners, we share the books to fall in love with this autumn in Fine autumn reads.

I hope you enjoy the stories in this issue.

Sharon Green Editor

EDITOR Sharon Green

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Steve de Niese JOURNALIST Seanna Cronin

CITIZEN

ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: citizen@assemblo.com

CIRCULATION 30,000 DISTRIBUTION*

Camberwell, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Glen Iris, Canterbury, Deepdene, Ashburton, Surrey Hills, Box Hill, Balwyn, Brighton.

PUBLISHER Assemblo Pty Ltd 322/282 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 assemblo.com ABN 88 143 206 508 Copyright 2022 Assemblo Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. *Distribution cannot be guaranteed to entire suburb.

4 • THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13

GET READY TO ROAM AGAIN With some careful planning and organisation, you can enjoy international travel again. Here’s how.

Starting to think about international travel, not just dream about it?

Flying overseas is a reality again with Australia’s international border reopening after being shut for nearly two years due to the pandemic.

Whether you want to visit family and friends, reschedule that long overdue holiday or simply have a travel itch that needs to be scratched, there are a few more things that need to be taken into consideration when planning a trip in a post‑COVID world.

With the virus still circulating, and changing, it’s understandable to feel some apprehension. But with planning, expert advice and some flexibility, it’s possible to see the world again.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re setting your sights abroad.

BEFORE YOU BOOK Even before the pandemic, there was a lot to consider before packing your bags.

On top of your travel dates, destination, accommodation, visas and activities, you’ll need to consider things like entry requirements, pre and post-departure PCR tests, and proof of vaccination.

Flight changes and cancellations are also more common.

“Have your dates but be flexible and be prepared for things to change,” said Natalie Daw, owner of Helloworld Camberwell.

“Give yourself a buffer of time. Don’t book the return flight the day before you start work.”

While airlines have offered flexible conditions and cancellation policies during the pandemic, you can’t assume that you’ll escape fees if you show up to the airport without a PCR test or the correct paperwork.

“It’s not the airline’s responsibility to tell you that you need a

CITIZEN

border pass; it’s your responsibility,” Ms Daw said.

“Airlines will allow you to make a change for free, but they’re starting to crack down on that. They’re not going to waive fees for ignorance.”

And just because a seat is for sale on an airline’s website doesn’t mean travel to that destination is guaranteed on the day.

Border restrictions, entry requirements and transiting rules are very fluid at the moment as countries and regions balance reopening with public health.

“The rules are changing overnight,” Ms Daw said. “Something can be correct one day and it changes the next.

“It’s hard to do it on your own, which is why more people are coming back to a travel agent. With everything that’s changing, it’s good to have that human interaction. It’s a new ball game but we’re doing it every day.”

When considering destinations, your travel agent and the government’s Smart Traveller website are your two most reliable sources of information.

Natalie Daw, owner of Helloworld Camberwell

THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13 • 5

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MOST INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL If you dust off that passport and find it’s expired, you’re not alone. Plenty of Aussies let their passports lapse during the pandemic, so allow up to six weeks to get it renewed.

At a minimum, you will need to be double vaccinated to travel abroad but having a booster at least seven days before your departure is the safest bet to ensure you meet entry requirements.

To prove your vaccination, or medical exemption, you will need to obtain an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate.

“The vaccination certificate on your Services Australia app is not accepted overseas,” Ms Daw said.

“You’ll need the international certificate, which you can download onto your phone.”

It’s likely you will need to provide a negative PCR or RAT test to be able to board your international flight, but it’s worth checking the requirements in the weeks leading up to your trip.

“At the moment you need to have a PCR test, but by May it will probably change,” Ms Daw said.

If you need a pre-departure test, you can find your nearest testing location via Dorevitch Pathology or Melbourne Pathology.

WHILE YOU’RE ABROAD Even if you are only transiting through a country, it’s important to know the rules and have the correct paperwork filled out ahead of time where possible.

Many travel agents recommend reading every document presented to you during your travels.

Reading the fine print may not be exciting, but it could mean the difference between a memorable trip and a travel nightmare.

Once you arrive at your destination, you may be required to get one or several post-arrival tests, which may affect your itinerary.

It’s important to know where you can get tested and if you need to make an appointment.

“There may be a specific test you need,” Ms Daw said.

“We call it a PCR test here, but it might be called something else overseas.

In many places you’ll need to book an appointment, sometimes at a hospital, and it’s good to know how much it’s going to cost.”

Once you’re in the clear, and seeing as you’ve travelled all that way, you’re going to want to see some sights and eat the local food.

Arm yourself with the essentials including plenty of spare face masks and hand sanitiser, and assume that social distancing is the norm.

COVID-19 has also impacted the opening hours for many attractions and public transport timetables. Book ahead where possible to avoid long queues or the possibility of missing out.

MAKING YOUR TRIP LESS STRESSFUL Even if you follow every rule to the letter, there is still a chance you could get COVID-19 or another illness or injury while you’re overseas.

Getting COVID-specific travel insurance will ensure you’re not left with hefty quarantine or medical expenses.

Again, make sure you read the fine print and have a contingency built into your travel budget.

And there’s one more thing you’ll need to pack – your sense of adventure.

“If you are fully vaccinated, you can’t be too scared to do things or you won’t do anything at all,” Ms Daw said.

“You need to look at your own health and situation. If you’re a healthy, triple vaccinated 26-year- old, then wear your mask as per the rules of that country but don’t stop doing the things you want to do.”

With some careful planning and organisation, you can enjoy international travel again.

WITH PLANNING, EXPERT A DV I C E A N D S O M E F L E X I B I L I T Y, I T ’ S P O S S I B L E TO S E E T H E WO R L D A G A I N .

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT FOR ADVICE Helloworld Camberwell 941 Burke Rd, Camberwell Phone: (03) 9963 1280 Flight Centre Camberwell 231 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East Phone: 1300 835 259

6 • THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13

PROPERTY MARKET ‘VERY STRONG’

After a tumultuous two years, Camberwell remains one of Melbourne’s most stable and desirable places to live and invest.

According to the most recent data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), the suburb’s house prices are the highest they’ve been in five years.

In the final quarter of 2021, Camberwell’s median house sale price was $2.56 million – nearly an 8 per cent increase on the median price at the start of last year.

REIV data shows house clearance rates sitting at a healthy 80 per cent, with an average 39 days on market.

“In terms of the current market, so far we’ve achieved good results,” said Janssen Xiang, director and auctioneer at First National Real Estate Camberwell.

“That part of Camberwell towards Hawthorn East and the junction is very, very strong. Despite having less international competitors (for residential properties), domestic buyers have been very strong.”

Units have also performed well, with the median price increasing 5.2 per cent to $930,000 in the fourth quarter of last year.

Greg Bowring, head of sales at Woodards Camberwell, said it’s the busiest fourth quarter he’s seen since before the pandemic.

“The second half of 2021 gave Camberwell the most active real estate market it had seen in many years. In December, my office conducted 25 auctions across 21 days and experienced a clearance rate of near 90 per cent,” he said.

“These figures are higher than usual. In our local market, the spring rush usually starts around late August–September, but last year that rush didn’t arrive until November–December, which saw us busier than ever up until late Christmas Eve.” Mr Xiang said Camberwell’s multi-million dollar residential property price tag has helped the suburb, situated just 9km east of the CBD, to avoid the volatility seen in other markets.

“The past year and a half has been very unpredictable because everything has come out of something abnormal that we can’t predict,” he said.

“Instead of a four-year cycle, there’s no cycle to follow anymore. Prices could drop or increase by 20 per cent. The areas where we saw those big drops were at that $1 million price.

CITIZEN

“The investors coming into Camberwell are more financially secure and are unlikely to be affected by an interest rate increase.

“In the long term, Camberwell and the surrounding areas continue to be very stable.”

Looking ahead to the rest of 2022, all four major banks are predicting price growth for the Melbourne real estate market.

“At the top end of the scale, Westpac is predicting an increase in values of 8 per cent. NAB is predicting a slightly softer 4.9 per cent. The upgraded forecasts are a marked change from the pessimistic predictions issued by banks at the start of the pandemic and reflect the resilience of real estate markets throughout the country in the past two years,” Mr Bowring said.

“Beyond 2022, banks are predicting a correction for all Australian markets.

How these predictions will affect our local 3124 postcode remain to be seen.

“I am always the optimist in regard to the performance of our local market given the variety of architecture in our homes, the quality of education available and the iconic draw cards, such as the local Sunday Market and our terrific Camberwell Junction, to name a few.”

Mr Xiang agreed, with an equally positive outlook for Camberwell’s residential property market.

“In Camberwell, the worst case is we stay pretty stable with a slight increase in prices,” he said.

“Financial advisors have predicted that next year there could be a drop of up to 13 per cent in Melbourne but areas like Camberwell and Hawthorn East will be very stable.”

FAR LEFT: Greg Bowring, head of sales at Woodards Camberwell LEFT: Janssen Xiang, director at First National Real Estate Camberwell

THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13 • 7

ADVERTORIAL

MEET PHILIPPE LUDER OF TIVOLI HI-FI The owners of Tivoli Hi-Fi have built their success upon a solid foundation of exceptional customer service and technical expertise.

For almost 50 years, the store has been servicing the needs of music lovers and home cinema devotees in the Camberwell area and surrounds.

The family-owned business launched in 1973 – stemmed from a longstanding passion for music and a vision to create a store that catered to those seeking an audio experience beyond the ordinary.

So, what is it about Tivoli Hi-Fi that keeps generation after generation of loyal customers coming back?

Tivoli Hi-Fi’s charismatic Swiss-born owner, Philippe Luder, has a theory.

“It’s probably not our good looks,” he said.

“I think it’s expertise coupled with honest value. If you want value in terms of spend versus performance, I think that’s what gets people to keep coming back.”

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO SUCCESS Travel back in time several decades to the early 1970s, when Mr Luder was a young immigrant from Switzerland who was working as a technician for Philips.

Full of passion for the industry, Mr Luder and a friend decided to follow their dream and open a business of their own in 1973. They called it Tivoli Hi-Fi and Stereo Repairs and were initially based on Cotham Rd in Kew. Soon after opening, the store began to sell quality hi-fi equipment in addition to providing repairs – a winning formula to this day.

In 1976, they incorporated and became Tivoli Hi-Fi & Home Cinema, and later moved from Kew to Glenferrie Rd in Hawthorn, and eventually into their current location in Camberwell Rd in 1982.

“We’re very close to the Camberwell Junction, so it’s a good location,” Mr Luder said.

The store stocks all of the latest brands and technologies and offers on-site audio and hi-fi assessments in customers’ homes.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Over the years, Tivoli Hi-Fi have strived to deliver outstanding customer service, always keeping abreast of the latest industry developments.

Mr Luder runs the store with his wife Erica, as well as their team of staff.

He rarely ventures on to the sales floor anymore, preferring to work his magic behind the scenes, but Mr Luder has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

“What got me into this from the word go is my love for music, I guess, and training technically in an area that deals with music in terms of its electronic amplification and reproduction,” he said.

Mr Luder said they had no plans to move to a bigger outlet, but would grow in other ways.

“One is always looking for ways of providing an even better service to the customer, and that’s the way I see us evolving,” he said.

Philippe Luder, owner of Tivoli Hi‑Fi

8 • THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13

HANDY HERBS Seasoning can transform an average dish into an amazing one. From classic pairings like rosemary and lamb to chicken and sage, herbs make food sing. But their benefits don’t stop there. These plants have also long been used for their fragrance, medicinal qualities and as a natural pest repellent.

BASIL

CORIANDER

MINT

This delicious and quick-growing herb pairs perfectly with tomato, garlic and lemon. It’s a versatile ingredient in the kitchen; basil is great as a fresh garnish in salads and pastas, cooked in sauces and omelettes or blitzed in a pesto. Basil is full of antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in the body. Basil oil has also been used to alleviate digestive issues, nausea and inflammation.

When it comes to this tangy herb – which is related to parsley, carrots and celery – you either love it or you hate it. Coriander leaves are used as a fresh garnish in many Asian and Mexican dishes while the seeds are used in curries and masalas. But unfortunately for about one in five people, this herb has a soapy taste due to a sensitivity to a group of chemicals called aldehydes.

The oil of this aromatic herb is a popular flavouring for everything from toothpaste and gum to ice cream and beauty products. The fresh leaves pair well with chilli and coriander in salads while the dried leaves make a fragrant tea. Mint is a traditional remedy for indigestion and soothing common cold symptoms. Just be careful to plant it in a pot as mint is a vigorous plant that will take over your garden bed.

ROSEMARY

SAGE

THYME

Unlike most herbs, rosemary holds up well to heat and prolonged cooking times, making it a great flavour booster for soups, casseroles and stews. Its earthy, woody flavour pairs well with potatoes, bread and most meats. Rosemary oil has been used to treat acne and dandruff, and is used as an all-purpose cleaner. Dried sprigs can help repel pests and add a decorative touch to bouquets and wreaths.

This strong herb must be used sparingly to prevent it from overpowering a dish. It can be fried to mellow its flavour and pairs well with butter, poultry and root vegetables. Sage is packed with antioxidants and has antimicrobial qualities which promote oral health. Dried leaves are used in teas and burned in spiritual rituals. Sage is a hardy, sun-loving plant but needs well-drained soil to thrive.

This pungent herb, which has a slightly sour flavour, is extremely versatile in the kitchen.

It’s a great companion for seafood and roasted vegetables, and also works well in sauces, pasta and pizza. Thyme oil has antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory properties which fight acne and tooth decay. This drought-tolerant herb is easy to grow and makes a great ground cover.

CITIZEN

THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13 • 9

FINE AUTUMN READS From insightful non-fiction to exciting page-turners, here are the books to fall in love with this autumn.

THE PARIS APARTMENT

by Lucy Foley This compelling thriller is set in an old apartment block, far from the charm of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. At No 21 Rue des Amants, nothing goes unseen and everyone from the watchful concierge to the prying journalist and the naive student has a story to unlock. But behind the door of apartment three lies the mystery of a murder.

ELIZABETH FINCH

by Julian Barnes

THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB IN THE WORLD

by Gina Rushton Award-winning journalist Gina Rushton analyses the role of motherhood in society today, and the competing forces that draw us towards and away from it. How do we consider creating a new life on a planet facing catastrophic climate change? How do we reassess the gender roles we have been assigned? How do we balance ascending careers with declining fertility? How do we know if we want to go it alone, or if we don’t want to do it at all?

Elizabeth Finch was a teacher, a thinker, an inspiration. With careful empathy, she guided her students to develop meaningful ideas and discover their centres of seriousness in her Culture and Civilisation course. As a former student unpacks Finch’s notebooks, her ideas unlock the philosophies of the past and explore key events that show us how to make sense of our lives today.

AGAIN, RACHEL

by Marian Keyes Back in the ‘90s, Rachel Walsh was a mess.

But a stint in rehab transformed everything.

Nowadays, Rachel has love, family, a great job as an addiction counsellor, and she even gardens.

But with the sudden reappearance of a man she once loved, her life wobbles. She thought she was settled. Is she about to discover that no matter our age, everything can change?

THE MAID

by Nita Prose Molly is used to being invisible in her job as a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, plumping pillows and wiping away the grime and dust.

But she is thrown into the spotlight when she discovers an infamous guest dead in his bed.

As she becomes embroiled in the hunt for the truth, she discovers a power she never knew was there.

The online publication for smart, savvy women who are forging their own path shedef ined.com.au

10 • THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13

MEET THE EASTER BUNNY

CAMBERWELL C ATC H - U P

Camberwell Junction will have a special visit from the Easter Bunny, and you’re invited to visit the precinct to meet them. The Easter Bunny will roam around the precinct to meet and greet people, while spreading some festive Easter cheer. Join the fun on: • Saturday, April 9 from 10am – 1pm • Sunday, April 10 from 10am – 1pm

There has been plenty of activity taking place in Camberwell Junction in recent months and lots in store for the coming weeks.

FIND THE GOLDEN EASTER EGGS AND WIN! Take part in the Great Camberwell Easter Hunt for your chance to win a $1000 shopping voucher. Look for the golden eggs hidden on posters in shop windows around the Camberwell precinct and note the store that it appears in to enter. The more golden eggs that you find, the more chances you will have to win.

Enter at camberwellshopping.com.au

MOTHER’S DAY IS COMING UP Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is coming up soon and will be on Sunday, May 8. With more than 400 stores across the junction, it’s easy to find the perfect gift for your mum. Treat her to books, flowers, fashion, a salon voucher, or get the family together for brunch at a cafe. For a full list of businesses in Camberwell Junction visit: camberwellshopping.com.au

EXPERIENCE HEALTH AND WELLNESS AT CAMBERWELL-BEING Come along to CamberWELL-BEING on Saturday, May 21 – an annual event that celebrates the diverse range of health and wellness businesses in Camberwell. We’d love for you to join the fun!

Follow the Wellness Trail by starting at CamberWELL-BEING HQ (located at Camberwell Fresh Food Market, rear entrance via Market Place) where you can check in and collect your Wellness Passport.

The passport will guide you to participating health and wellness businesses on the trail where you can get it stamped. These businesses will host special events and have exclusive offers available on the day.

When you’re done on the trail, return to HQ with your stamped passport for the chance to win from a huge prize pool, including personal training vouchers, free fitness classes, beauty treatments and health consultations.

Details: camberwellbeing.com.au

CITIZEN

JOIN THE VIP LIST ACCESS LATEST OFFERS AND NEWS Once a month we send out an email newsletter that shares latest offers, competitions, local news and ‘Meet a Trader’ stories. It’s a great way to stay up to date on everything happening at Camberwell Junction. Sign up at camberwellshopping.com.au

THE CAMBERWELL CITIZEN • ISSUE #13 • 11

SHOP SPOTLIGHT Highlights and happenings in the Camberwell Junction shopping precinct.

Want nails with character and colour?

Then get yourself to Buff Studios in Camberwell Junction for the finest manicure in town.

For a cafe that combines fabulous coffee, delicious food, stylish interiors and service with a smile, head to Rumour Has It.

Admire the mural by artist Carla McRae in the laneway that connects Burke Rd to Camberwell Place next time you’re passing by.

SHOP NEWS BEST 1 OF A KIND

MARAL MELBOURNE

A recent addition to the Camberwell Junction precinct, Best 1 of a Kind offers a variety of natural preserved dried flowers and gorgeous arrangements made up in vases or pots.

New to Camberwell Junction, Maral Melbourne sells handmade leather wallets, shoes, belts and more.

Shop 14, Camberwell Arcade, 600 Burke Rd

BLUE SPARROW COFFEE 742 Burke Rd

Blue Sparrow Coffee is a new cafe that offers coffee, desserts, baked goods, chocolates and plants. They also have a dog-friendly backyard sitting area.

BURGERS & BREW 736 Burke Rd

New to Camberwell Junction, Burgers & Brew offers a menu of quality flame-grilled burgers, as well as sides like chips, BBQ wings and onion rings. Their ‘brew’ range includes craft and lager beers, as well as cider.

CRIMSON COFFEE 716 Burke Rd

Crimson Coffee is a small espresso bar that focuses on speciality coffee and high-quality patisseries. They source coffee from different coffee roasters and roast their own to bring the best experience to the local community.

IMPERIAL DENTAL

618 Burke Rd

O’HENRY BIG & TALL MENSWEAR 969 Burke Rd

O’Henry Big & Tall Menswear offers the best possible shopping experience for the bigger man – to show him that shopping for big men’s clothes need not be an arduous chore, but something that can be done in a relaxed and comfortable way.

OPSM

586-590 Burke Rd OPSM has refurbished its Camberwell Junction store and now has a fresh new look. Pop into the store to book an eye test and to access their range of glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.

PRICELINE

592 Burke Rd

Priceline Camberwell has been undergoing an exciting renovation. They will reopen as Priceline Pharmacy Camberwell, but don’t expect a regular pharmacy. More details to be revealed soon.

220 Camberwell Rd

Imperial Dental has arrived in Camberwell Junction and offers a diverse range of dental treatment and oral hygiene services including general, cosmetic, orthodontics, dental implants and preventative family dental care.

Camberwell Catch-up is sponsored by the Camberwell Centre Traders Association camberwellshopping.com.au

new sea d n i f s o on fa s h i o n t . ..

Meet me at the junction n t i f ess a n i c o j la ...to s s Camberwell Shopping | Burke Road & The Junction

CAMBERWELL SHOPPING.COM.AU