Melbourne Magazine October - November 2015 by City of Melbourne

YO U R C I T Y O F M E L B O U R N E M A G A Z I N E

MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK 2015 FEATURING THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE KNOWLEDGE CITY LIBRARIES: A LIFE OF LEARNING

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2015

CONTENTS

LORD MAYOR’S MESSAGE

FEATURES

05 PLACES FOR

PEOPLE STUDY Neighbourhoods survey

08 MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK Tram Sessions en-route

HIGH-TECH LIBRARIES Knowledge Week highlights

A HOST OF GOLDEN DAFFODILS Spring in Fitzroy Gardens

REGULARS 02

LORD MAYOR’S MESSAGE

YOUR SAY Letters, tweets and a little love from our friends

CITY NEWS Women stand out in social enterprise

EVENTS CALENDAR What’s on in the city

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD North Melbourne’s outdoor pool opens for warmer weather

MELBOURNE IN FOCUS Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald from Bright Sparks

YOUR COUNCIL

20 LORD MAYOR’S COMMENDATIONS David Bower Neo Technologies

Information and events in this publication are current at the time of printing. Subsequent changes may occur. The City of Melbourne does not guarantee that this publication is without flaw or wholly appropriate for your purposes. It and its employees expressly disclaim any liability, for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, suffered by any person as the result of or arising from reliance on any information contained in the publication. © All applicable copyrights reserved for the City of Melbourne. Except for any uses permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner or in any medium (whether electronic or otherwise) without the express permission of the City of Melbourne.

From left: Cr Arron Wood, Cr Cathy Oke, Cr Rohan Leppert, Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, the Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Cr Jackie Watts, the Hon. Craig Ondarchie MP and Cr Ken Ong, at the opening of the Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre.

The City of Melbourne is a Knowledge City. Is there another local government in Australia that has built and opened three new libraries in the past three years? I think Melbourne is leading with this trend. We opened the Southbank Library at Boyd in 2012, Library at the Dock in 2014 (the first civic 6 Star Green Star building in Australia) and just recently we unveiled the Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre in Carlton. This is the inner city; home to great knowledge institutions such as the State Library of Victoria, the University of Melbourne and RMIT, and yet we have opened three new community libraries, two of which are housed in former school buildings, repurposed to fit the needs of 21st century learning. We create community infrastructure plans for each of the precincts in our city. We knew that we needed a library in Carlton and it needed to be a community-style library. Then we had the challenge of finding a site. The sale of the Royal Women’s Hospital to the University of Melbourne in 2010 presented an opportunity to carve off a part of that site, which was the historic public school, built in 1876. Following the school’s closure in 1972, the building became the Kathleen Syme Education Centre: a training facility for Royal Women’s Hospital nurses.

Here was a building in central Carlton with a connection to Carlton history and education. It was an ideal site. The City of Melbourne purchased it for $4.88 million in 2011. And in 2015 it has reclaimed its rightful place at the centre of the Carlton community; a community that will see a 28 per cent increase in its population in the next 20 years. This new $15.5 million facility will provide the people of Carlton with a new civic heart. Kathleen Syme offers a traditional collection of more than 40,000 items as well as a social enterprise cafe, computer rooms, conference rooms and bookable meeting spaces. It features facilities for people who want to watch a big screen TV, hear from authors, explore the world of 3D printing, or use a recording studio. Active library membership has doubled in the City of Melbourne in the past four years and we now have more than one million people through the doors of our libraries annually. Libraries are so much more than book repositories. They are part of the social and community glue that turns a group of houses and buildings into a community.

Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor @LordMayorMelb

Cover: Enigmatic singer-songwriter Anton Newcombe fronts The Brian Jonestown Massacre during Melbourne Music Week.

MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

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FUTURE MELBOURNE 2026

City view from Princes Bridge

Melbourne is changing faster than many realise and in ways that few of us can predict. With a residential population that will approach 200,000 in the next 10 years the City of Melbourne is in the forefront of change. Towards 2026, we are renewing the city’s long-term community plan – with the active participation of all those who use a city renowned for its arts, sport and medical research strengths and for a vibrant retail and hospitality sector. Melbourne is likely to face real challenges from digital disruption, a changing climate and an evolving economy. Yet these are also the very areas in which our city can lead. Future Melbourne 2026 seeks ideas

from all Melburnians to shape our future as a creative, connected and prosperous city. “Future Melbourne 2026 presents a unique opportunity to influence our city. We’ll be encouraging everyone who lives, works, studies or visits our city to share their thoughts about what matters most to them, and to give us their bold and creative ideas,” said City of Melbourne CEO, Ben Rimmer. Future Melbourne began in 2007 and helped guide major City of Melbourne projects such as the redevelopment of Swanston Street, and the urban forest strategy. “Looking ahead to 2026, the city has compelling reasons to revisit its community plan. Massive urban renewal projects like Fisherman’s Bend and Melbourne Metro are about to begin.

The transformation of City Road and the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal also provide opportunities for good forward thinking,” Mr Rimmer said. This month the City of Melbourne will start gathering ideas to shape the new plan in 2016. Six respected Melburnians, with a passion for the city, will guide a process that is inclusive and accessible. Future Melbourne 2026 will be launched at the Smart City leadership event, part of Knowledge Week, in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 October.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate

ENDURING CITY BUSINESSES Small local businesses play an important role in Melbourne’s economy and every year this contribution is celebrated through the Lord Mayor’s Commendations. This year 64 small business proprietors were recognised on 24 August, across five commendation categories: generational, platinum, gold, silver and bronze. The Talbot family received the generational commendation for their 105-year-old, family-run stand at the Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market in West Melbourne.

A 2014 commendation recipient and guests

In the platinum category Creative Wigs proprietor, Abe Lourie, was recognised for his 58 years in business in Swanston Street.

Gold commendations went to Kay Craddock of the Antiquarian Bookseller, jeweller William Eckstein of W. Eckstein & Co. and Ted Dziadkiewicz from Contours Travel, to acknowledge their 40 plus years of continuous business. Forty-two bronze and 17 silver commendations were also given to businesses with more than 10 and more than 25 years respectively, of continuous business. For a complete list of recipients go to melbourne.vic.gov.au/commendations

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

YOUR SAY

LETTER OF THE MONTH Thank you to the gardeners and the council for taking the time to plant these beautiful flowers so thoughtfully to remind us that spring is just around the corner. It is so wonderful to see such a thing of beauty, for beauty’s sake. Walking this avenue of gold has become the highlight of my day. With great warmth, Megan Jordan

Share your thoughts with us at melbournenews@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Will there be a hard waste collection this spring? A Punt Road golden elm is @cityofmelbourne’s most emailed tree. Yep, you can email a tree.

#Melbourne ‘smart’ bins to alert council when full @LordMayorMelb #smartcities

@Ironbarksustain

@NikGuruprasad

All residential ratepayers in the City of Melbourne are entitled to one free hard waste collection a year. We also run a Spring Clean program with an additional free, hard/green waste collection made over three weekends in November: Saturday 14 November – Kensington, West Melbourne, Port Melbourne

Nite Art in action - #melbourne makes a great gallery #art #streetart #graffiti #wallart #photogram…

Love #Melbourne. World’s most liveable city yet again. Let’s make sure it stays that way

Saturday 21 November – CBD, Docklands, Southbank, Jolimont, East Melbourne, South Yarra Saturday 28 November – North Melbourne, Carlton, Parkville

@JoshFergeus

@lostandwandering

Bookings are essential, and can be made online or by phone on 9658 9658. For more information on what items are suitable for collection, how much you can put out, and to make a booking, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/springclean

CONNECT WITH US @portablemink

@heaven.111

@lostandwandering

@suddenlysteven

www.facebook.com/cityofmelbourne www.twitter.com/cityofmelbourne instagram.com/cityofmelbourne

@PhotoGanic

@eunhann

@ironsmcduff

PARTICIPATE MELBOURNE

QVM

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HAVE YOUR SAY ONLINE NOW AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU/PARTICIPATE

Market renewal approved

Join our online community

The final Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan was approved by Council in late July. The next step in the renewal project is the development of an implementation strategy. This strategy will outline the timeframe and staging of market renewal projects.

Join over 3,000 community members who are helping shape the future of Melbourne. Jump online and register to stay up to date on the projects that matter to you.

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CITY NEWS

PLACES FOR PEOPLE STUDY CAPTURES LOCAL LIFE Every 10 years the City of Melbourne conducts Places for People, a study that investigates the urban conditions of central Melbourne. The study examines how the city has changed and identifies improvements for the future. Places for People 2015 was the third iteration of a longitudinal study begun in 1993. The results of the 2015 study will be used to inform future planning and the development of Melbourne as a resilient city. The study included both qualitative and quantitative research, with community engagement activities including pop-up stands, hand-drawn mind maps and a specific neighbourhood survey. More than 300 residents and almost 200 workers responded to the neighbourhood survey designed to capture key aspects of local living and many expressed a desire for a more localised environment. One respondent said: “Southbank is good but I don’t access City Road... it is just too confusing and too claustrophobic with all the concrete, traffic and high-rise buildings. The architecture and vibe of the river is just so much more appealing”. Meanwhile a city resident said: ‘My local neighbourhood is quiet and peaceful. It’s away from the busy parts of the CBD so it’s not what people expect. I am so close to amazing coffee and food and it’s wonderful being able to go to Queen Vic Market every weekend. I can go between cooking beautiful fresh meals in my apartment to having high-quality restaurant food delivered to me whenever I please’. The data collected during the survey and the subsequent analysis will enable urban specialists to understand the city, and its functionality, in a new way. The study also ties in with Council’s Knowledge City strategy by informing public dialogue and sharing knowledge.

Above: Places for People community consultation pop-up stand Right: Neighbourhood mind map

RAIL TUNNEL GOES HIGH TECH The Victorian Government’s Melbourne Metro Rail Project is set to use special tunnel boring machines to complete the most complex section of the project. The machines will minimise disruption to surrounding areas, while tunnelling below the Yarra River. Tunnel boring machine used on London’s Crossrail project

The machines have specialised cutting heads designed to cope with both the soft

river soil and the hard rock below. Tunnel boring machines have long been used on major projects in densely populated areas, such as the Sydney Metro and London’s Crossrail project.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

mmrailproject.vic.gov.au

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

Students from Carlton Primary test out the new table

MELBOURNE’S SIGNATURE STYLE Melbourne’s first permanent outdoor table-tennis table is the latest addition to a suite of outdoor furniture designed by the City of Melbourne.

We aim to keep the details lightweight, so the table does not become a feature of the park, but rather forms part of the overall park’.

The table’s sleek frame consists of a continuous rolled steel tube, inspired by a humble paper clip, with a table top made from 25mm thick steel.

Other signature City of Melbourne designs include stainless steel drinking fountains, inspired by a bent tea spoon, and the Swanston Street redevelopment’s awardwinning LED street lights.

A senior industrial designer at the City of Melbourne said, ‘the philosophy behind in-house design is to ensure all the details within the municipality have a similar style and resemblance’. ‘Commercially available outdoor tabletennis tables are solid and heavy in look.

The enduring appeal of the paper clip can also be seen in the city’s stainless steel bike hoops, which owe their pleasant arch to the stationery stalwart. ‘I can never find a paper clip when I need one,’ said the designer, ‘they all bent into different shapes’.

The outdoor table was unveiled as part of a $4.5 million redevelopment of Carlton’s Neill Street Reserve, in August. The drinking fountain (inset) is also a City of Melbourne design.

‘...We aim to keep the details lightweight, so the table does not become a feature of the park, but rather forms part of the overall park’.

CLEVER MAPS PAVE WAY TO A GREENER CITY To find new spaces for urban greenery, the City of Melbourne has used an advanced three-dimensional map of the central city, in tandem with specialised climate simulation software. While policies for parkland and street trees are well established, valuable and often underutilised laneways are now being examined for their greening potential. Not every laneway can sustain plant life, but many can, and the digital simulations of 6

sunshine and wind can help locate the most suitable areas. A handful of city laneways already demonstrate the potential of such upgrades. La Trobe Street residents, Jim Dixon and his wife Karin, have lived in the city for 22 years. In 2006 they approached the City of Melbourne about greening their laneway. A shade-tolerant Weeping Lilli Pilli tree (Waterhousea Floribunda) was planted at the end of their lane, and is watered with

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

runoff from surrounding buildings. ‘It was a revolutionary development at the time,’ said Jim. ‘It’s nice just looking down onto the tree top’. Greening in laneways can take the form of vertical gardens, pocket parks, raingardens or street trees. The maps were developed as part of the Greening Laneways Program and will be released in the coming months. melbourne.vic.gov.au/Sustainability/ WhatCanIDo/Pages/GreeningLaneways.aspx

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AGILE CITIES ACT GLOBALLY ON CLIMATE CHANGE City skyline from Birrarung Marr

Leaders of countries around the world will descend on Paris in late November for the 21st annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as the Paris Climate Conference 2015. The Conference will for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a universal agreement on climate change, with the goal of keeping global warming below 2° Celsius. In addition to the numerous national delegations attending the conference, a large number of civic leaders will also be there to attend the Climate Summit for Local Leaders, co-chaired by the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and former Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, who is now the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change. Historically countries have struggled to reach agreement on climate-related initiatives. Often it has been the smaller, more agile city and local governments that have had the most success in instigating new, or experimental, initiatives to combat climate change. With over 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions generated by cities, city governments have a leading role to play in implementing strategies for emissions reduction, driving cultural change, and

HELP US REDUCE EMISSIONS To reach zero net emissions by 2020, we need to improve our recycling rates, be more efficient in our use of energy and, where possible, source power from renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The City of Melbourne offers support: Own or live in a residential apartment?

transitioning to a low carbon economy. As a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, the City of Melbourne will help demonstrate how cities are leading the way in delivering action in response to climate change. Our strategy, Zero Net Emissions by 2020, is the city’s key commitment to help Melbourne reduce its impact on the environment.

Historically countries have struggled to reach agreement on climate-related initiatives Under this strategy we’ve worked with city businesses to increase the energy efficiency of buildings in Melbourne, get more solar on roofs and improve our recycling rates. There are more opportunities to drive down our emissions, and we need the whole community to be part of the solutions. The Paris Climate Conference runs from 30 November to 11 December 2015.

Smart Blocks: Improve the energy efficiency of common property in apartment buildings with expert advice and tools. GreenMoney: A rewards program that gives points to households which recycle. Points can be claimed for discounts and special offers. High-rise recycling: Promotes the installation of new recycling bins and educational signage to make recycling more visible. Own or rent a commercial office building? 1200 Buildings and CitySwitch: Save energy and money and reduce the environmental impact of your business through: access to tailored advice, workshops, webinars and assistance for your office-based business to measure, plan and implement energy efficiency projects. Environmental Upgrade Finance: Access finance to fund retrofits to improve building performance and save money. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/ sustainability

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

A TICKET TO SUCCESS Melbourne Music Week (MMW) is back for its sixth instalment in 2015, with a new line-up of surprises for Melbourne’s music lovers. It’s an event where the city is the stage and acts are as likely to pop up in a public laneway or a cloistered car park, as in a traditional music venue. Devotees of the event have come to expect the unexpected, and this year is no exception. 8

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MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK 2015 13 TO 20 NOVEMBER First acts released MMW has announced two extraordinary acts from San Francisco and Berlin ahead of the full program announcement of local and international artists on 7 October.

A Winged Victory for the Sullen, 2014

Architecture in Helsinki, 2014

Proudly produced by the City of Melbourne, MMW increases opportunities for local and emerging music talent to be heard. Bands or acts, which might otherwise struggle to stage their own events, can benefit from the scale and pulling power of a large event like MMW.

Like MMW, Tram Sessions began in 2010 at a time when local music venues, such as The Tote in Collingwood, were on the verge of closure, and both capitalised on Melbourne’s famous traits: the city’s quirky spaces, local music venues and underground music culture.

The quirky, guerrilla-style music project, Tram Sessions, which first featured on the MMW line-up as part of the Self-Made program in 2012, is a perfect example of this power at work.

In the beginning, Tram Sessions had to seek out bands to participate and apply for grants to sustain the not-for-profit model, but these days Ashleigh said she receives 200 emails a week from bands keen to get involved and is starting to field offers from potential sponsors. It’s a sure sign the once fledgling venture is now taking off.

Ashleigh Hills, General Manager of Tram Sessions said, ‘Having Melbourne Music Week attached to our events was one of the reasons we managed to score Paul Kelly. I’m not 100 per cent sure we would have been able to have Paul on board at that time, without the City of Melbourne’. Prior to 2012, Tram Sessions was about as well known as the emerging, unsigned local artists they liked to feature. Loosely based on a London-based venture, Black Cab Sessions, Tram Sessions emerged as a quintessentially Melbourne take on the theme, with the addition of an unwitting, instant audience, in the form of the tram’s passengers. A typical session unfolds with the artist choosing a tram route, then Ashleigh and her crew (two videographers, a sound engineer and a photographer) wait at the tram stop with the band for their mobile venue to arrive. Ashleigh adds they all have valid myki cards and said everyone needs to hold on and be safe. Hints are given out on social media about where the gig might be, but the exact details remain closely guarded. The majority of fans have to wait to see the results of the session uploaded to the Tram Sessions YouTube channel, which has more than 23,000 subscribers. Featured acts include singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, indie rock band British India, UK rising superstar Jamie Lawson and folk duo the Pierce Brothers, who can often be seen busking in the Bourke Street Mall.

The pride and talent in Melbourne’s local music scene goes back many years, but it must be encouraged and nurtured if it is to flourish into the future. This year Tram Sessions is no longer appearing under the Self-Made umbrella, instead the sessions will be a stand-alone gig as part of the main program. True to form Ashleigh is keeping the main act under wraps, but said it would be big and fun. ‘They’re one of the biggest bands in Melbourne at the moment’.

Two revolutionary sonic forces from opposite ends of the musical spectrum will perform: psych-rock royalty The Brian Jonestown Massacre, with lead singer Anton Newcombe, will play at Melbourne Town Hall and sound-art genius Robert Henke of Monolake fame appears at Melbourne Recital Centre. Tickets on sale now from melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw Showcase MMW curates performances in iconic and unconventional spaces. Live Music Safari presented by Jack Daniel’s Future Legends A journey between 14 of Melbourne’s famed music venues to see over 50 artists. Self-Made presented by Levi’s See Melbourne’s emerging producers deliver original, musically-inspired events in a myriad of unlikely locations. Industry Hear music industry leaders at a range of panel sessions and networking opportunities. Kids/Family Melbourne’s next generation of music lovers are catered to with an engaging line-up of fun events specifically designed to appeal to kids. Flagship venue In the tradition of Kubik, Where?House, The Residence and QVM, one place knits MMW together. Follow Melbourne Music Week on Facebook to stay tuned for the much anticipated announcement of the 2015 flagship venue.

Success stories like this are what MMW is all about. The pride and talent in Melbourne’s local music scene goes back many years, but it must be encouraged and nurtured if it is to flourish into the future. The City of Melbourne celebrates and supports our thriving music industry which is underpinned by the City of Melbourne’s Music Strategy. It is little wonder that Melbourne is widely regarded as the music capital of Australia. melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

KNOWLEDGE CITY

Enjoying virtual reality goggles in the Sound Egg at Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre

LIBRARIES: A LIFE OF LEARNING From the earliest days, the people of Melbourne had a thirst for knowledge. Just four years after Melbourne was founded by John Batman in 1835, the first library, the Athenaeum, was built. It still stands on Collins Street today. Over the next 25 years, some of the city’s most revered cultural and educational institutions began to emerge, with the National Gallery, State Library, Melbourne Museum and University of Melbourne all making grand entrances to the cityscape. With a history steeped in a love of learning, it is little wonder Melbourne has evolved into one of the world’s great knowledge cities. Today, Melbourne has moved from an economy driven by traditional manufacturing industries to one focused

on the knowledge sector. We have emerged as an international city of ideas, innovation and learning. We love books (and e-books) and are proud to be one of seven UNESCO Cities of Literature. Our librarians, educators, researchers, designers, IT and biotech experts are some of the best and brightest in the world. They are the key to our future prosperity. As our world changes, so too the ways we access and interact with information multiply. City of Melbourne Councillor Jackie Watts, a former librarian, said libraries had changed significantly since she first began her training nearly 30 years ago. ‘Well resourced, user-friendly libraries continue to play a pivotal role in giving the wider community a chance to access, and interact with, the tremendous explosion of data available. Local libraries are the go-to places for assistance and support. We have

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an obligation to bring the community with us as we develop the knowledge economy in Melbourne’. In Melbourne, an increasing number of people visit libraries to find the information and skills they need to participate in the digital economy. Libraries have become places where informal and peer-to-peer learning is nurtured and encouraged, in a safe, encouraging environment. The City of Melbourne is embracing this change. The new Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre opened in Carlton this year. Home to more than 40,000 books and magazines, Kathleen Syme includes learning and training rooms, a computer lab, recording studio, meeting rooms, activity spaces for older people, a cafe and free Wi-Fi.

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Kathleen Syme Centre’s recording studio

Melbourne’s libraries invite people to connect, learn and create

In 2014, the Docklands community welcomed Library at The Dock. In addition to the traditional collection, this 6 Star Green Star building offers a state-of-the-art digital collection, recording studio, creative editing suites, a performance venue and community spaces. Libraries like Kathleen Syme and Library at The Dock have become go-to destinations for creative minds, start-up businesses, business experts and job seekers. They are places to read, connect, learn and create. A huge range of content and IT helps many in our community participate fully in the digital age. The City of Melbourne’s libraries registered almost 1.2 million visits in the past year, with around 1.38 million loans made across all the services in 2014–15. Our libraries cater to local residents, workers, international and local students and visitors who travel to our city each day. As our city grows, this demand will only increase.

Library at The Dock

latest trends, ideas and innovations of Melbourne’s knowledge sector, from 19 to 25 October. During Knowledge Week, the City of Melbourne will host a range of stimulating events, carefully designed to introduce the latest ideas and technologies to our community. ‘Melbourne has a rich tradition of community learning and education, and our libraries are a major element of this tradition,’ said Cr Watts. ‘Knowledge Week further cements our position as a knowledge city. Well-resourced libraries and their professional staff will ensure that Melbourne’s wider community has an active engagement in the social and economic changes ahead’. The next chapter in our knowledge city’s future is indeed looking bright.

The City of Melbourne continues to embrace emerging technology and new trends and our libraries reflect the exciting potential of a knowledge city. Now in its sixth year Melbourne Knowledge Week 2015, will once again celebrate our city’s increasing focus on the knowledge sector. A multi-format festival, Knowledge Week, showcases the

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/knowledgeweek

MELBOURNE KNOWLEDGE WEEK HIGHLIGHTS The Human Library Meet disrupters from a range of fields at the Melbourne Library Service’s first-ever human library. A human library works just like a book library except that humans provide the knowledge through one-on-one loans. Come down and borrow an expert, entrepreneur or innovator for 15 minutes. Library at The Dock Mini make day Join Melbourne makers to share inventions, talents and discoveries. Check out 3D printing, robotics and electronics. Library at The Dock CityLAB: exploring urban futures Interested in exploring how future technologies and ideas might impact our city? Join the City of Melbourne in our pop-up CityLAB and take part in a series of free events. The Cube, ACMI Gamify your boring life Hate doing the dishes? Gamify it! Despise doing your taxes? Gamify it! Lauren Ferro, PhD Researcher at the GEElab applies personalised gaming approaches to our boring and mundane tasks. RMIT Design Hub

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

REHOUSING SCHEME HELPS WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT RISK Violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women and children in Melbourne, but not-for-profit real estate agency HomeGround, the social enterprise arm of Launch Housing, has come up with an innovative solution. The agency’s rapid rehousing program matches people who are in crisis, homeless, or facing homelessness, with subsidised housing. Rachael Newton (pictured) and her two children spent 18 months living in hotels, with no permanent address, until she discovered HomeGround. ‘Being in a hotel I couldn’t save up for a bond and I wasn’t eligible for any funding,’ said Rachel.

The Community Grocer was shortlisted at Pitch for Good

WOMEN STAND OUT IN SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Melbourne is the powerhouse of Australia’s social enterprise scene and it is women who are making their presence felt, with 72 per cent of Australian social enterprises started by women. The City of Melbourne has a long history of supporting small businesses. In July a new form of support was trialled, in partnership with crowdfunding platform StartSomeGood, to stage the public crowdfunding event known as Pitch for Good. Four social enterprises run by women were shortlisted from a pool of 62 applicants to take part in the event. A sell-out audience listened to each pitch and then voted on the best idea. A total of $3850 in ticket sales was distributed among the four social enterprises, who also received mentoring from StartSomeGood to develop their crowdfunding campaigns.

Four social enterprises run by women were shortlisted from a pool of 62 applicants to take part in the event.

‘It was very stressful. I was a single mum, working and looking for a place to live’. HomeGround found Rachael and her children an apartment in Kew East, as well as the bond and first month’s rent. Landlords who participate in the scheme typically reduce their normal rental in what amounts to an ethical investment. HomeGround’s program aligns with the City of Melbourne’s Pathways homelessness strategy and Preventing Violence Against Women strategy. HomeGround is a Victorian-based initiative, and operates in suburbs throughout the state, but more City of Melbourne rental properties are urgently required.

Since 2010, the City of Melbourne has provided a Social Enterprise Grant program with funding of up to $25,000 for eligible social enterprises. To date, the council has supported 19 social enterprises through the grants program, with over $370,000 in funding. Find out more about Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald from Bright Sparks who received a campaign boost of $3000 for collecting the most votes at the Pitch for Good event, on page 18.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/pitchforgood

homeground.org.au

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A HOST OF GOLDEN DAFFODILS Daffodils in bloom at Fitzroy Gardens

After years of drought and mandatory mulching, a splash of colour has crept back into Melbourne’s winter garden palate. Visitors to Fitzroy Gardens in July and August were met with a riot of yellow daffodils adding a dash of colour to an otherwise dormant winter landscape. A total of 90,000 bulbs were planted in the gardens over the last two years to produce an early, mid and late season display of daffodils, with a smattering of bluebells for contrast. During the recent drought years, large areas of mulch were created around the city’s ageing elm trees to retain much-needed moisture in the soil. To bring more colour to these mulched areas, a trial planting of 10,000 bulbs was conducted last year. The results were

a great success and this year a further 80,000 flowering bulbs were planted in Fitzroy Gardens over autumn. The new winter flowers follow on from the popularity of the recent summer meadow in Birrarung Marr. Both are part of a larger strategy to create flowering delight across the municipality, throughout the year. Director and Chief Executive, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Professor Tim Entwisle said: ‘Any flower brings a smile to your face, but mass plantings like these make you break out in a wide grin. ‘In winter we are forever on the lookout for signs of spring. Daffodils, and other bulbs, are a sure sign that we are nearly there. ‘Nature is as much part of life in the city as it is in the country. We experience the same seasons and, if we look closely, we can find animals and plants responding to the same natural cycles. It all reminds us of a world

‘In winter we are forever on the lookout for signs of spring. Daffodils, and other bulbs, are a sure sign that we are nearly there.’ beyond our day-to-day tribulations and, of course, the sheer beauty of plants’. The first daffodils bloomed in mid-July and the bulbs are expected to last between three and five years and can be left in the ground over summer. The daffodil species were also selected for their hardiness and ability to expand on their own. With summer on the horizon, residents, workers and visitors can look forward to the Birrarung Marr meadow flowering once again with species such as dill, barley, poppies, linseed, sunflowers, and zinnias, also known as California Giants. Planting for the first meadow took place in November 2013 and has proved to be popular. The City of Melbourne is also considering other sites for new plantings, such as traditional bulbs, ecologically managed wildflower meadows, or wooded meadows.

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

EVENTS CALENDAR

OCT

A Few of our favourite things.

ArtPlay Inside Out

4 TO 11 OCTOBER

11 OCTOBER

1 TO 30 NOVEMBER

VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL

MALAYSIA STREET FESTIVAL

THE AGE GOOD FOOD MONTH

Celebrate seniors at this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival. More than 1,300 free and low-cost events are held all over Victoria, throughout October. Pick up a free program from any Coles supermarket, local council or neighbourhood house.

With influences from the Japanese, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese, it is little wonder the food, culture and fashion of Malaysia are so rich. Staged at the Queen Victoria Market it is a little slice of Malaysia in the heart of the city.

Get those tastebuds into gear for the world’s largest food festival. You will find everything from fancy, fine-dining to free, family-friendly outdoor gatherings. Sweet Fest, a delicious new festival for lovers of baked goods and sweet treats, is a new addition to the calendar.

17 AND 18 OCTOBER UNTIL 22 NOVEMBER WOMINJEKA: A NEW BEGINNING Five Koorie artists have created new works responding to the Koorie Heritage Trust’s significant collections of objects and artworks to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the trust.

5 TO 16 OCTOBER CARER’S PROJECT: A SANCTUARY IN THE CITY A unique dome will appear in the city as part of an art exhibition that invites you to consider the role primary carers play in our community. Located in Queensbridge Square, the dome is presented by City of Melbourne. Drop in and reflect on what it means to care for yourself, and for others.

8 TO 25 OCTOBER MELBOURNE FESTIVAL The 30th anniversary of the Melbourne Festival will once again feature a diverse range of international and local theatre, dance, music and film with a large number of free events including the opening ceremony of TANDERRUM, visual arts, music sessions and an array of in-depth discussions.

SIGNAL: RESIN AS FORM Join artist Kate Rhode to translate ideas into three-dimensional forms. Learn how to model and sculpt in plasticine for mould making and resin casting. Experiment with hand modelling to realise a three dimensional sculpture. Play around with vivid colours and finishes in repeat variations. Sculpture works will form part of a public installation at MPavilion in the summer.

18 OCTOBER SPRING FLING STREET FESTIVAL An action-packed schedule will see Errol Street, North Melbourne, transformed with live music, free activities and delicious cuisines. Feature events include up-andcoming musicians, an artists’ market, a suitcase rummage, and the annual Dog Show. From 11am.

6 TO 7 NOVEMBER DIWALI INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Over two days, Federation Square will come alive with Indian classical, folk and Bollywood music, dance performances, workshops, children’s acts, henna painting, craft exhibitions, a bustling bazaar, authentic Indian cuisines and brilliant fireworks at night.

7 OCTOBER TO 19 NOVEMBER ARTPLAY: INSIDE OUT A place for imagination and collaboration, with all sorts of inspiring materials on hand for you to create an artwork or build a play space. Make a sculpture out of cushions or felt, then turn it into a cubby house. Wrap and weave using ribbon and rope. Muck about with blankets and bubbles. Anything is possible. Age two to five years.

10 NOVEMBER 19 TO 25 OCTOBER KNOWLEDGE WEEK 2015 Discover the latest trends, ideas and innovations in Melbourne’s knowledge sector. More on page 10.

11 OCTOBER

2015 MYER CHRISTMAS WINDOWS UNVEILING The expectations of a generation of children rest on the grand unveiling of the Myer Christmas Animated Windows. Be among the first to see this year’s top-secret theme and join in the excitement and festivities in the Bourke Street Mall.

MEYERS PLACE LATIN FIESTA Soak up the sights and sounds of a Sunday street market in San Telmo, Buenos Aires at this all-ages festival in Melbourne’s own Meyers Place. The festival recreates the spirit of Latin American markets with music, food, drinks, dance, crafts and hospitality.

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

Discover all that’s happening in Melbourne at melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

OCT

Meyers Place Latin Fiesta

13 TO 20 NOVEMBER

27 NOVEMBER

MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK

2015 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Let your love of music lead you around the city during this eight-day program of imaginative music events. More on page 8.

The 2015 Christmas Festival launches on 27 November with a free family concert at Christmas Square. Throughout December you can visit Santa and his elves in the square, see the amazing Christmas projections on the Melbourne Town Hall and explore the city as Melbourne comes alive with Christmas festivities.

28 NOVEMBER OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT

12 TO 29 NOVEMBER NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS The aromas of many cuisines will once again fill the air as Birrarung Marr becomes an Asian hawker style market. Prepare your chopsticks for 18 nights of Asian cuisine from old favourites, to exciting new additions. As dusk falls, share dumplings, pho, noodles and many other temptations.

15 NOVEMBER POLISH FESTIVAL A showcase of Poland’s famous hospitality, the festival features song and dance, merchandise and culinary delights guaranteed to transport you to the historical town squares of Europe. With unique shopping, tasty food and cold beer, this festival has something for everyone.

20 NOVEMBER HUMAN WALKING PROGRAM Chained to your desk? Corporate life getting you down? Leave your deadlines behind and let our adoption dogs take you out for a walk in the sunshine. The Lost Dogs’ Home invites you to its third Human Walking Program at Flagstaff Gardens.

The Salvation Army presents Our Christmas Gift, featuring Silvie Paladino, David Hobson and Emma Pask, supported by the Salvation Army Band and Choir. The matinee and evening concerts are at Hamer Hall, with the 7.30pm evening performance being live-streamed at Federation Square. Enjoy pre-show music and entertainment at Federation Square from 5.30pm.

29 NOVEMBER THESSALONIKI AND MELBOURNE SISTER CITY FESTIVAL This year’s festival marks the 31st anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Melbourne and Thessaloniki in northern Greece. See an array of performers, dancers and artists in traditional costumes take to the stage at Federation Square and taste some delicious Greek food and sweets.

2 NOVEMBER TO 24 DECEMBER CITY GALLERY: EXECUTED IN FRANKLIN ST An exhibition about the public hangings in Melbourne in 1842 of two Aborigines from Tasmania, Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheener, and their overdue memorialisation. It’s curated by Paola Balla, a Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara woman, as well as an artist and Indigenous studies lecturer.

Around the Bay

SPORT 11 OCTOBER AROUND THE BAY One day, one bay, this is Melbourne’s chance to ride for children in need. Now in its 23rd year, Around the Bay is Australia’s largest bike ride and caters for all levels and styles of riding. From the 20km option to the iconic 250km loop of the bay, there is a ride for you.

31 OCTOBER TO 7 NOVEMBER MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL AND PARADE On 2 November racing fans young and old will line the city streets for the Parade, which will showcase racing champions past and present. Across four race days of food, wine, fashion and, of course, first class horse racing, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, featuring the Melbourne Cup itself, is an experience not to be missed.

14 OCTOBER RIDE2WORK DAY National Ride2Work Day is the largest celebration of commuter riding in Australia. City workers, whether cyclists or not, are encouraged to ride to work, and will be rewarded with a free breakfast and bike repair service at City Square.

15 NOVEMBER EUREKA CLIMB, EUREKA TOWER Get set for a leg burning climb up 1,642 stairs to the top of Melbourne’s Eureka Tower. Participants can enter as individuals, or as a team. Meanwhile friends and family can enjoy the free activities and family entertainment.

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

BUILDING CHRISTMAS CHEER BRICK BY BRICK Christmas is still several months away, but if you’re building a Christmas tree out of LEGO, now is the time to start. The masterminds behind a 10 metre LEGO Christmas tree, began their task months ago. This Christmas their feature LEGO Christmas tree, produced in a collaborative partnership between LEGO, the City of Melbourne and Federation Square, will take up residence in Federation Square’s main plaza in late November. The design process starts with a special 3D modelling program. Sadly there are no paper instructions like those that come with a regular LEGO set. Luckily LEGO Master Builders are a special breed. Chris Steininger followed in his father Dan’s footsteps to become a Master Builder almost six years ago, after previously working at LEGO for two years. ‘The best part about being a LEGO Master Builder for me is doing events, where models I have worked on are displayed. Seeing the kids’ reactions to them is always fun. The hope is that they get inspired and go home and build their own cool creation,’ he said.

Hope Dolino at student support centre, The Couch

VOLUNTEERING RAISES STUDENTS’ SPIRITS As her name suggests, Hope Dolino has a bright outlook when it comes to life as an international student in Melbourne. ‘I have seen how rich the culture is. It’s wonderful. It’s really met my expectations. I can’t put it into words, but I want to share this experience with everyone’. A Filipino national from the small country town of Davao, Hope had already heard a lot of good things about the city, with its different cultures and renowned liveability, before she arrived. Working closely with other international students through her volunteering at The Couch and the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome event, she singles out social inclusion as the biggest issue facing international students.

‘They need activities that get them involved in the local community, so I encourage them to start volunteering’. Every month with City of Melbourne support The Couch holds a party for international students with a country as the theme in an ongoing cultural series. In August it was Colombia and Hope and her friends decorated The Couch’s main room fiesta-style with bright yellow, red and blue streamers, balloons and flags.

‘The best part about being a LEGO Master Builder for me is doing events, where models I have worked on are displayed.’ For those who might want to follow in Chris’s footsteps, he said: ‘We look for Future Master Builders that have a background in art, in particular 3D art, like sculpting with clay 3D design on the computer, or even skills like wood working and wood carving. My personal background is in the world of wood working. I have created everything from custom furniture to a 17-foot cedar boat’

Given her generous spirit, it makes perfect sense that Hope is now completing a Masters in Social Work, following on from a Bachelor of Marketing in the Philippines. A bright future surely awaits her and her friends.

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/ internationalstudents

Father and son master builders, Dan and Chris Steininger

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

KIDS ON A ROLL WITH MEALS ON BIG WHEELS The aroma of roast chicken and vegetables fills the air of the mobile kitchen which is home to Jamie’s Ministry of Food. Inside, a mix of students and adults are learning about portion size, meal planning and how to prepare simple healthy meals using fresh ingredients. Kensington Community High School student, Tori Velluto said she didn’t know what to expect from the course at first, but found she was inspired by the quirky classroom on wheels. ‘It makes it more fun and more interesting. It’s not too big if you need help. It’s the perfect setting,’ she said. The 15-metre long mobile kitchen houses five cooking stations and was based in Princes Park for 10 weeks from July to September. The kitchen then packs up into a single semi-trailer to be driven to the next location. Food trainers delivered two cycles of Jamie’s five-week cooking course in the City of Melbourne. With 23 classes per cycle and roughly 12 participants in each class, more than 550 people completed the course. Mobile Kitchen Manager for Victoria, Emma Hannah said, ‘we’ve really enjoyed our Melbourne location. It’s got good visibility, good access to public transport and the playing fields are full of activity with joggers passing by’. The City of Melbourne partnered with The Good Foundation to bring Jamie’s Ministry of Food to Melbourne, to support Food City, the City of Melbourne’s food policy. And which meal did the students like the best? ‘Teriyaki salmon,’ said 15 year old Tori. ‘It’s good to be exposed to new things’.

Tori Velluto gets inspired in Jamie’s mobile kitchen

JUMP INTO THE DEEP THIS SPRING

Warmer days attract lap swimmers at North Melbourne Recreation Centre

October signals the start of the swimming season with the opening of the North Melbourne Recreation Centre’s outdoor pool.

The Carlton Baths outdoor pool will open later in the season following the completion of redevelopment works. Members from the Carlton Baths can access the North Melbourne pool during this time.

The water temperature in the 25-metre pool is set at a balmy 27.5° Celsius, perfect for laps or the aquatic education program for adults and children. In addition, a learners play pool, toddlers pool and infant splash pool provide extra entertainment for younger members of the family.

Term 4 swimming classes at the North Melbourne pool start on 4 November. Enrolments are now open.

In October the centre will raise awareness for breast cancer research and promote fundraising for the annual MS Mega Swim in February. Summer events will run from December until the end of March 2016.

November to March opening hours:

October opening hours: Weekdays: 6am to 9am, 4pm to 7pm Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 7pm Weekdays: 6am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 7pm

MELBOURNE

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

MELBOURNE IN FOCUS

IN BRIEF MELBOURNE AWARDS 2015 The Melbourne Awards are our city’s highest accolade, celebrating the inspirational Melburnians who dedicate their time and energy for the benefit of the city. A list of finalists will be released on 13 October and the winners announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on 14 November. melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbourneawards

ANNUAL REPORT 2014–15 RELEASED Want to know how the City of Melbourne performed as an organisation last year? Find out in our Annual Report 2014–15 available now at City

Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald at the Bright Sparks workshop

of Melbourne libraries and online.

FIXING THE WORLD, ONE TOASTER AT A TIME

melbourne.vic.gov.au/annualreport

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS AWARDS City of Melbourne was recognised

Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald is the force behind Bright Sparks, a social enterprise business aimed at reducing the amount of electrical and electronic waste discarded in Melbourne landfills. Bright Sparks offers affordable repairs for electrical items and a retail shop selling small, refurbished, electrical appliances at low cost. Now when a toaster or kettle breaks down, there is a convenient, affordable alternative to the rubbish bin. What sparked the idea for your business? In 2012 I saw a video about Bright Sparks in London, the inspiration for this enterprise. I remember thinking: ‘That’s AWESOME. I wish we had that in Melbourne’. It just made so much sense to me as a consumer. At the time I was coordinating repair workshops and I contacted London for repair advice. It took me another year to figure out that I had to start it if I wanted it to happen. I thought Bright Sparks UK might talk me out of the idea, but quite the opposite, actually. What separates social enterprise business from a ‘normal’ business? Social enterprises exist to help the community or the environment, and the majority of their income is derived from trade. It’s kind of the best of both worlds. Bright Sparks is not-for-profit and a registered charity, but we think and operate like a business in many ways. 18

What were some of the initial challenges you faced?

in several categories at the annual

Securing funding is always challenging. I was naive about what grants would be available to us. Many funding bodies choose not to focus on the environment, so Bright Sparks is ineligible. And many require Deductible Gift Recipient status, which we don’t have. Hopefully the longer we’re operating, the less grant funding we’ll need and the more we can sustain the business through trade. Crowdfunding is a bit of a game-changer, too!

The Swanston Street redevelopment

How did you feel when you won the crowdfunding boost at the Pitch for Good campaign launch?

Victorian Architecture Awards in June. won an urban design Award, the Library at the Dock won in the Sustainable Architecture category and received a commendation for Public Architecture, while the MPavilion won a Small Project Architecture Award.

BELLS COMPETITION The Federation Bells Composition Competition closes on 26 October.

Shocked! After the announcement, I stood there with my mouth open for quite a while. I didn’t think I had a chance so I didn’t worry about the competition aspect of the night. I was more worried about getting the words out in front of a crowd. I get nervous when speaking in public, so events like this are a good opportunity to practise and help build my confidence.

Submit your entry online to be in

How will the prize money help the business?

City of Melbourne residents aged 60

It’s bought me peace of mind, really. We’re launching Bright Sparks while our crowdfunding campaign is running. My to-do list is a little crazy. The prize money is a huge relief because it means I don’t have to stress as much about promoting the crowdfunding campaign and can focus more on getting the workshop set up.

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

the running. www.federationbells.com.au

FREE SENIORS’ CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION and above, and seniors groups based in the municipality, are invited to the Melbourne Town Hall for music, dancing and afternoon tea to celebrate the festive season, 8 December at 2pm. Bookings open on 7 October. Call 9658 9190 to reserve your place.

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

YOUR COUNCIL The Right Honourable Lord Mayor Robert Doyle

Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley

Future Melbourne (Major Projects) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Marketing Melbourne) Committee Deputy Chair

9658 9658 lordmayor@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9043 susan.riley@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Richard Foster

Cr Ken Ong

Future Melbourne (People City) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee Chair

9658 9056 richard.foster@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9704 ken.ong@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Rohan Leppert

Cr Beverley Pinder-Mortimer

Future Melbourne (Arts and Culture) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Marketing Melbourne) Committee Chair

9658 9051 rohan.leppert@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9038 beverley.pinder-mortimer@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Kevin Louey

Cr Jackie Watts

Future Melbourne (Economic Development) Committee Chair, Docklands Coordination Committee Co-Chair

Future Melbourne (Knowledge City) Committee Chair 9658 8580 jackie.watts@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9170 or mobile 0413 960 811 kevin.louey@melbourne.vic.gov.au Cr Stephen Mayne

Cr Arron Wood

Future Melbourne (Finance and Governance) Committee Chair

Future Melbourne (Environment) Committee Chair

9658 9636 or mobile 0412 106 241 stephen.mayne@melbourne.vic.gov.au

9658 9630 arron.wood@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cr Cathy Oke

Postal address for all councillors

Future Melbourne (Transport) Committee Chair

City of Melbourne, GPO Box 1603, Melbourne VIC 3001

9658 9086 cathy.oke@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Fax for all councillors 03 9658 9613

COUNCIL MEETINGS All committee meetings are held in: Council Meeting Room, Level 2 Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne, except the Docklands Coordination Committee, which is held at: Goods Shed, 710 Collins Street, Docklands, Melbourne.

OCTOBER 2015

All council meetings are held in: Council Chamber, (Public Gallery, Level 3) Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne. On occasion, council meetings are rescheduled or special meetings of the committees and council are called.

Future Melbourne Committee Tuesday 6 October

5.30pm

Future Melbourne Committee Tuesday 13 October

5.30pm

Council

5.30pm

Tuesday 27 October

NOVEMBER 2015 Future Melbourne Committee Tuesday 10 November

5.30pm

Future Melbourne Committee Tuesday 17 November

5.30pm

For upcoming council and committee meeting dates and times, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au

Council

Tuesday 24 November 5.30pm

Changes to the meeting schedule are published at melbourne.vic.gov.au and on the notice board at the front of the Melbourne Town Hall administration building.

Inner Melbourne Action Plan (IMAP) Implementation Committee (City of Yarra, Richmond Town Hall)

Friday 27 November

MELBOURNE

8am

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

LORD MAYOR’S COMMENDATIONS

DAVID BOWER NEO TECHNOLOGIES

An interest in music started David Bower on the path to a career in computing. ‘I’m a music nut. It’s a passion, a hobby and an interest,’ said David. ‘I bought a digital piano which used MIDI and I became fascinated with the capability of the software’. A Bachelor of Computer Science and Associate Diploma of Business Computer Planning, combined with a formative experience working with the onceubiquitous Novell networks in the 1990s, solidified David’s computing credentials. A Sydney boy by birth, his partner convinced him to make the move south in 2001, bringing his business Neo Technologies with him. He found Melbourne a welcoming city, where it was easy to make friends. His first home was in Domain Street, South Yarra, and he set up his offices down the road in Southbank – a location that enabled him to be close to clients in the central city, but kept him outside the gridlock. ‘Neo Technologies is essentially an IT department for companies that don’t have IT departments. We work primarily with professional service organisations like law firms, accounting practices and real estate.

smile on someone’s face is a really rewarding experience’. David helps his customers by identifying the most appropriate computing, networking, or software solution for their business. Every business is unique. ‘‘Cloud’ is a bit of a buzz word right now,’ he said, ‘but it can also be a can of worms because you can get trapped. People need to think about what sort of control they have over the data once it is in the cloud. Will they be able to get it out easily? What if the business is required to store data in Australia? Do they know where the cloud servers are located?’ When choosing software David said businesses need to think about what the brand’s local support is like. What sort of help will they provide and how quickly? ‘I’m vendor agnostic,’ he said. ‘I make sure clients are getting the best fit and the best value – to make people aware and to educate’. Looking ahead David sees the biggest issue in cloud computing will be security and the bigger the business, the bigger the target. And the highlight of the last 14 years in Melbourne? ‘RocKwiz, December 2008, episode 83. We almost won!’

‘I love doing field support. I get out and get to meet people face to face. I get to know them and their business. Putting a

David’s business was one of 42 recognised with a bronze Lord Mayor’s Commendation in August this year. Neo Technologies is located at Level 3, IBM Centre, 60 City Road, Southbank.

The businesses featured on this page are all recipients of Lord Mayor’s commendations. The commendations recognise the long-term commitment and contributions of Melbourne’s small business proprietors and family-run businesses to the City of Melbourne.

CONTACT

POSTAL ADDRESS

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03 9658 9658 (7.30am to 6pm) melbourne.vic.gov.au melbourne.vic.gov.au/contactus

City of Melbourne GPO Box 1603 Melbourne VIC 3000

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