YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE
Eccentricity, energy and a real commitment to inspiring action around climate change make this project stand out.
FOR SCOUTS, ARTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
What do scouts, arts and climate change have in common at the City of Melbourne? They’re all part of a unique and intriguing arts program, Be Prepared. Be Prepared is the brainchild of The Torque Show artists Ingrid Weisfelt, Ross Ganf, and Vincent Crowley. The artists will work with the City of Melbourne’s only scouting group, 6th Melbourne Scout Group, in April and May. Ten performances are planned for Be Prepared, which invites participation in fun games, training exercises, songs, rituals, ceremonies and special dances derived from the scouting movement. The program is designed to leave audiences with enduring messages on how they can make a difference to the environment.
‘We wanted to create a performance experience to inspire people to take action around climate change ideas,’ said program artist Ingrid Weisfelt. The City of Melbourne has produced Be Prepared through the Arts Participation Program and is part of our strong focus on sustainability. ‘We’re looking forward to audiences coming on the ride and leaving with smiles on their faces and with renewed resolve to make a positive impact on climate change in whatever way they can,’ said Ingrid. If you are passionate about climate change, head to one of the Be Prepared performances.
SWANSTON STREET CELEBRATE LOCAL TALENT NOMINATE FOR THE 2014 MELBOURNE AWARDS The Melbourne Awards celebrate our Melburnians who have contributed to the city’s success, highlighting the inspirational achievements of those who go above and beyond for the benefit of Melbourne. The program also recognises one outstanding individual as the Melburnian of the Year. The city’s highest honour is presented to an inspirational role model who has made a substantial contribution in their chosen field and to the greater community. The program has celebrated many outstanding individuals and organisations over the past decade, highlighting the unique stories that make Melbourne a better place to live, visit and do business. Park Ranger Sean Willmore is among them. He was the winner for Contribution to Sustainability by an Individual in 2013. Recognising a need to support Park Rangers in the field, Sean established The Thin Green Line Foundation. As the current president of the International Ranger Federation, Sean inspires young Melburnians through school visits and storytelling in his ‘ranger in danger’ series to promote the work rangers do around the world to protect our wildlife. There are awards open under the following categories: CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABILITY CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION TO PROFILE
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Performances will be on at the Kensington Scout Hall, 55 McCracken Street Kensington from Thursday 15 May to Sunday 24 May, in partnership with The Torque Show and the 6th Melbourne Scout Group.
READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU
Design a good street and you design a good city
Park Ranger Sean receives his contribution to Sustainability Award L to R: Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Sean Willmore, Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley.
DO YOU KNOW AN INSPIRATIONAL MELBURNIAN? Nominations open 30 April. Register at www.bit.ly/MELBawards
Photo © Shelley Roberts Architect
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RETAIL RENAISSANCE
Since the late 1800s, four generations of the Jackson family have been an intrinsic part of our city trading lifestyle. ‘We have a strong sense of pride when we reflect on our involvement and contribution to city trading,’ said David Jackson. The Jackson family has traded under the Jackson name and also as Drews specialising in quality leather goods. Drews was the longest serving retailer in the Manchester Unity building, serving there for 55 years. In their own building on the corner of Swanston and Little Collins Street, they have worked with architect Shelley Roberts to redesign and upgrade that section of Swanston Street. During his time, David has seen many positive changes in the city.
We have a strong sense of pride when we reflect on our involvement and contribution to city trading. ‘Over the years Melbourne city has become known for its arcades and laneways. This has drawn people from around the world to sample the culture, trading and restaurants,’ said David. David has been an energetic advocate for revitalising the city shopping experience. ‘Melbourne city has always been about retail. It’s one of the things that attracts people to Melbourne and in particular to the city offerings.’ David’s efforts and those of others are leading to an increase in the variety of high end retail and city living.
L to R: Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and David Jackson cutting the ribbon in the new shop front.
‘We would like to see a lot more shops upgraded to attract restaurants and cafes and bigger name retailers. We believe this would complement and make great use of the ‘no traffic zone’ drawing more people into the city.’ We have always fostered entrepreneurs and enterprises ensuring infrastructure and programs support business successes and city revitalisation. Early schemes such as Postcode 3000 encouraged city living and current activities such as the 24 Hour City Policy and the new Melbourne Retail and Hospitality Strategy 2013—17 are working to lead positive change. For David it’s about continuing to build on the successes so far. ‘I would like to see in the future, a cleaner and safer city and Swanston Street having the reputation and persona of Collins Street,’ he said. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
www.bit.ly/MELBenter
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