Melbourne Magazine February - March 2015

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

MOOMBA MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS MAKE WAVES IN MELBOURNE

RETURN TO

ROYAL PARK A HAVEN FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

MELBOURNE’S PATH TO

ZERO NET EMISSIONS

MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015

CONTENTS

LORD MAYOR’S MESSAGE

FEATURES

05 FITZROY GARDENS Ready to withstand the effects of climate change

08 MOOMBA MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

World-class waterski and wakeboard athletes flock to the Yarra River

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A RENEWABLE VISION FOR MELBOURNE Melbourne’s path to zero net emissions

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BLAK NITE SCREEN Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander actors and filmmakers

REGULARS Dr Kathy Alexander and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle at the former Chief Executive Officer’s farewell

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LORD MAYOR’S MESSAGE

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

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CITY NEWS Better decisions for heritage buildings

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EVENTS CALENDAR What’s on in the city

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YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Helping kids cross with care

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MELBOURNE LOVE Cultural diversity in the heart of the city

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YOUR COUNCIL LORD MAYOR’S COMMENDATIONS Koorie Connections

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.

The City of Melbourne is embarking on a new era as we welcome our new CEO Ben Rimmer, who joins us on 9 February.

Ben has extensive professional experience in the public and private sectors, most recently as Associate Secretary at the Australian Government Department of Human Services.

Ben is widely acknowledged as one of the finest thinkers in public policy in Australia and, in his recent job, has been hands on in the practical business of delivering better government services, especially using new digital technologies.

strategies, an expanded and improved network of bike paths, recognition as a world-leader in legitimate community engagement and world’s most liveable city status for four consecutive years.

Kathy’s vision and leadership made these initiatives and accolades possible. On behalf of myself, my fellow councillors, City of Melbourne staff and our many stakeholders, I thank Kathy for her service and wish her the best of luck with her future endeavours.

I would also like to thank Martin Cutter who did a fine job as Acting CEO while we recruited for the position.

I am confident that Ben will be a CEO of vision, intellect and hard work. He is an inspirational leader and we are delighted to welcome him home to Melbourne.

The current Council is half way through its four-year term and is working hard to deliver on our visions and goals for this great city.

Ben’s appointment comes after we said goodbye to our admired and respected CEO, Dr Kathy Alexander, on 3 December 2014.

I look forward to this exciting time at the City of Melbourne and hope we continue this term in the way we have started.

Over the past six years, Kathy made an enormous contribution to the City of Melbourne and provided a strong voice for our organisation.

As an excellent CEO with an impeccable record at the top level of a public sector organisation, Kathy oversaw many City of Melbourne milestones and achievements including the transformation of Swanston Street, our international award-winning climate change adaptation and mitigation

Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor @LordMayorMelb

Cover: Dancers from the Jester float march down St Kilda Road in the 2014 Moomba Parade. Photo by Hobo.

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WURUNDJERI SEASONS BIDERAP DRY SEASON Late summer (February) LUK EEL SEASON Late summer (March) WARING WOMBAT SEASON Winter (May June) GULING ORCHID SEASON Early spring (August) New play equipment in Royal Park

PORNEET TADPOLE SEASON

TIME TO RETURN TO ROYAL PARK

True spring (September October)

Royal Park just got a little leafier with the return of the old Royal Children’s Hospital site to parkland.

The new park is a haven for children and wildlife. Open lawns and grassy meadows provide space to run around, while the playground, cubby mound and sunken gullies provide the perfect springboard for children’s imaginations.

Shade trees and woodland planting throw a dappled shade over visitors at the new barbecue facilities. A picnic area, seating and water fountains round out the brand new amenities available in this state of the art park.

To strengthen the connection of the new space to the predominantly indigenous landscape of Royal Park and to highlight the significance of the area to the local Wurundjeri people, the landscape was designed with special planting inspired by the Wurundjeri seasons.

Each of the seasons is expressed with plant selections and landscape detail showing relationships between flora and fauna, seasonal change and cultural associations.

The concept encourages curiosity and discovery, while increasing awareness of Melbourne’s indigenous heritage and was designed in consultation with Wurundjeri elders.

Wurundjeri elder Bill Nicholson said: ‘It’s going to be a great part of Melbourne. It gives people a perspective on how the Wurundjeri people saw this country and our people’s knowledge of the seasons’.

‘For the Wurundjeri the seasons are about lifestyle: what were Wurundjeri doing, what was important to them, and how they saw their country and its connection to the seasons. One such season was the eel migration near today’s Easter time, which allowed for the large ceremonial gatherings on Wurundjeri country’.

Located at the corner of Flemington Road and Gatehouse Street in Parkville, work began on the new parkland following the demolition of the hospital buildings in 2012.

BUATH GURRU GRASS FLOWERING SEASON Early summer (November December) KANGAROO APPLE SEASON High Summer (December)

Research into the Wurundjeri seasons continues. It is hoped more information will be found through oral history and the archaeological record.

After five years of work, including extensive community consultation, design and construction phases, the new park is now almost complete. Following a short period of plant establishment, the park will be officially opened to the public in late February.

Councillor Arron Wood, Chair of the Environment Portfolio, said the Return to Royal Park project was a great example of sensitive landscape design and a great addition to adventure-based play for children and families.

‘The City of Melbourne and the Department of Health have worked in partnership on this project and it is a wonderful example of our commitment to providing high quality open spaces for residents and visitors alike’, he said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT melbourne.vic.gov.au/ returntoroyalpark A view of the city from Royal Park

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YOUR SAY

LETTER OF THE MONTH I received the December 2014/January 2015 issue of the excellent Melbourne magazine. With the many new developments, completed, under construction, and planned within the city, have there been any issues of the magazine devoted to these developments, and with a recent aerial photo of the city which includes a timeline of the developments? I have enjoyed reading the magazine for several years now, and I have not seen any aerial photo of the changes in Melbourne’s growth and development (the built environment) - in pictures! I think this would be a great benefit to both residents and non-residents who love this great city!

Richard C. Howard, Boston, USA Editor: Keep an eye out for future editions to find out more about how Melbourne is growing, or check out the Places for People study, which explores how our city’s urban environment is changing, at melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate

LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY PARKING

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

I would like to attend the Moomba Parade on St Kilda Road. As Monday 9 March is the Labour Day public holiday, can I park in the city for free?

Props to @cityofmelbourne on their speedy reply to my service request, took less than 2 hours!

Where a city’s streets is its identity! @cityofmelbourne #laneways #cantgetenough @NACTO @JSadikKhan @ShumakerNYC

@ROLANDJAMEZ

@SKYEJDUNCAN

Great garden bed outside #Melbourne Town Hall.

Had #parsley. Well done @cityofmelbourne @thats_melbourne @melbourne

Best busker of the day award to the guys on Swanston St singing “here comes the tram” to the tune of Here Comes The Sun. #melbourne

@GARDENINGMELB

@JENNY_SINCLAIR

The best way to get into the city and see the Moomba Parade is by public transport. If you drive on Labour Day, remember that parking is free and unrestricted on public holidays where a parking sign panel states days of the week (1P meter, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 7.30pm). However, if the sign does not state days of the week then the usual fees and time restrictions apply, regardless of the public holiday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/parking

CONNECT WITH US @elise_mountford

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@museumvictoria

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@cityofmelbourne

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@cityofmelbourne

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

Clever concepts for University Square

Great freight ideas for a busy city

Following community consultation in September 2014, an ideas plan has been developed for the transformation of University Square. The plan illustrates how the square could be made bigger, feature more trees, more garden space and more things to do. The plan also includes a stormwater capture and re-use system.

A growing city will need more deliveries in order to fill shops and offices with the things people want and need. The City of Melbourne wants to talk to businesses and people across the central city to find ways to make deliveries efficient, keep costs down and improve the city environment.

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

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CITY NEWS

FITZROY GARDENS FLOURISH AGAIN

Widely recognised as one of Australia’s premier Victorian-era landscape gardens, with its network of tree-lined avenues, ornamental ponds, fountains and sculptures, the future of the Fitzroy Gardens looked precarious at the end of 2010.

But after much planning and four years of hard work, the gardens are now well prepared to withstand the effects of climate change and meet the needs of a growing population.

The Fitzroy Gardens master plan, first released as a discussion paper in 2010, sought to protect and enhance the unique attractions of the gardens so they could be enjoyed by generations to come.

A new stormwater harvesting system was installed at the southern end of the gardens on the site of the old maintenance depot.

The system includes a four megalitre underground stormwater collection tank.

Water collected in the tank is cleaned through a bio-filtration reed bed and then stored in a separate one megalitre storage tank for re-use.

It is estimated a total of 69 megalitres of water will be provided annually through this system, which is equivalent to roughly 28 Olympic-size swimming pools.

Meanwhile, the old depot has been rebuilt on the western side of the depot site to make way for the new visitor centre and garden area. New lawns, pathways and plantings have also been added, to refresh and renew the gardens’ overall appearance.

Other major renewal works undertaken in the gardens since 2010 include a significant replanting of the mound, near the Dolphin Fountain, and planting more than 100 new trees in the northern section of the gardens.

Curious visitors will find information on the Fitzroy Gardens, the new stormwater harvesting facilities and other nearby gardens in the new visitor centre.

Plane Tree Walk in Fitzroy Gardens

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/parks

NEW VISITOR CENTRE OPENS As the expectations of modern visitors rise, so too must the services offered by popular destinations.

The new Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre has revitalised visitor information services at the eastern end of the city.

Interactive touch-screen displays, free Wi-Fi access and a social enterprise cafe run by KereKere Green are just some of the highlights on offer.

Visitors using the interactive displays

Operating since December last year, the centre is linked with Cooks’ Cottage,

providing ticketing and merchandise sales.

It also serves as a meeting point for a range of programs and walks in the Fitzroy Gardens and Cooks’ Cottage.

The new centre complements the City of Melbourne’s existing network of visitor information services, all of which receive great support from a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitor

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Rounded balconies and porthole windows were popular architectural features of the inter-war period

BETTER DECISIONS FOR HERITAGE BUILDINGS As our city’s population grows we want to ensure the subsequent building growth is well designed and well managed.

The City of Melbourne has a long history of heritage conservation. We are proud of our historic streetscapes, residential neighbourhoods, parks and other public infrastructure.

To protect the city’s heritage over the next 15 years, as outlined in the Heritage Strategy 2013, we will review two heritage planning scheme policies, which are used to make decisions on planning permit applications (Melbourne Planning Scheme clauses 22.04 and 22.05).

New statements of significance will also be developed to help understand the important heritage qualities of the existing heritage precincts in the following suburbs: • Carlton • East Melbourne and Jolimont • North and West Melbourne • Parkville • Southbank • South Yarra • Kensington A statement of significance details the main heritage characteristics of each precinct and is important when making decisions

Iron lacework typical of Victorian buildings

about development proposals affecting a heritage place.

Planning Portfolio Chair Councillor Ken Ong said that as we harness the opportunities of our city’s growth, we also need to protect the things we value.

‘Melbourne is renowned for its heritage fabric and we will work with key partners in the community, the state government and heritage groups, to ensure our story continues to be well understood, celebrated and protected’, he said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET: THIRD PHASE More than a year has passed since the renewal of the Queen Victoria Market was announced back in October 2013.

In that time we have talked with traders, residents, shoppers and community groups to better understand what’s important to them and what can be improved at the market.

Now the third and most important phase of community engagement will begin in March.

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READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

We want to hear your thoughts on a range of draft renewal concepts that will help us preserve the market’s heritage and atmosphere, while allowing the precinct to evolve.

Your feedback will ultimately help shape a master plan which is expected to be presented to Council for endorsement in June.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate

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Rock band AC/DC’s signature lightning bolt was added to the lane’s sign in 2014

LOVELY LANEWAYS AND SLICK STREETSCAPES Before Melbourne’s laneways became famous for their cafe culture and street art, they were often dark places, full of rubbish bins and litter.

A few small changes – fewer bins, more cleaning, better lighting – opened up a whole new world for traders and visitors alike.

The City of Melbourne’s Love Your Laneway program continues to make improvements by working closely with laneway traders, owners and residents to discover and address issues.

Thirteen lanes have been part of the program since 2011. Key results have included a significant reduction in the number of bins and dumped rubbish, and cultural enhancements such as new wall murals and street signs – the distinctive AC/DC sign among them.

Laneway recycling levels have increased, resulting in less waste going to landfill, and a new compost recycling system, complete with worm bins, has also been installed (find out more on page 12).

Overall the program has seen an increase in building code compliance and promoted greater pride and respect for the lane from inhabitants and visitors. This year, Love Your Laneway is operating in AC/DC Lane, Stevenson Lane, Sniders Lane, Flinders Court, Rothsay Lane and Amphlett Lane.

In addition, several streetscape improvement programs are scheduled to take place this year, which will include things like new trees, drainage works, traffic management improvements, road resurfacing, footpath widening, and bluestone paving.

Street works to be undertaken in 2015 include: Lonsdale Street between Russell and Swanston streets Elizabeth Street between Little Bourke and Lonsdale streets and between Little La Trobe and La Trobe streets

SHARING IS CARING ON OUR STREETS Crowded footpaths, busy streets and hectic schedules can turn navigating the city into an obstacle course.

To make walking, riding and driving in the city safer and more enjoyable, the City of Melbourne has launched the second phase of our road safety campaign, Share Our Streets. The campaign encourages road users to show courtesy and respect to fellow road users.

Roving street teams will be at busy locations across the city until April, to encourage all road users to be alert, cross on the green signal and to look out for each other in a bid to reduce collisions, car-doorings and injuries among pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists.

The City of Melbourne aims to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries in the municipality by 20 per cent over the next five years. To help, follow these common sense tips to reduce the impact of distractions in shared spaces: • Look up from your mobile phone.

Spencer Street between Flinders Lane and Collins Street

• Keep to the crossings where possible and only cross on green.

Laneway works to be undertaken in 2015 include:

• Make eye contact with other walkers, bike riders, motorists and tram drivers.

Little La Trobe Street between Swanston and Elizabeth streets and Literature Lane Westwood Place Brights Place Healeys Lane

• Keep music low and listen out for what’s around you.

• Always use your mirrors and do a head check before getting out of a vehicle. Expect bike riders to be passing.

Crombie Lane FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT melbourne.vic.gov.au/

shareourstreets

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4–9 MARCH 2015

CHAMPIONSHIPS

In 2015, City of Melbourne’s Moomba Festival will celebrate Melbourne’s insatiable appetite for discovery with a diverse program of activities and events held in five precincts on the grounds of Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens.

This year one of the festival’s standout features returns – the world-renowned Moomba Masters Championships, presented by Nautique. The Moomba Masters takes place on Melbourne’s Yarra River – the location of Moomba’s ‘River’ precinct.

The event will see waterskiers and wakeboarders of the highest calibre compete across five disciplines: slalom, tricks, jump, night jump and wakeboarding, to win a coveted Moomba Masters title.

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‘These world-class events were created to be a family-oriented wake series dedicated to growing the sport and includes amateur, junior and pro divisions ...’

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Moomba presents a vibrant atmosphere with free music, performances, activities and workshops.

A program highlight, the Moomba Masters begins with two days of junior competitions in the lead up to the Moomba Festival.

The men’s and women’s competitions take place, from 6 to 9 March.

EXPLORE MOOMBA FESTIVAL 2015

This year will see the Moomba Masters make waves as it becomes the first stop in the 2015 Nautique Wake Series, further cementing its reputation as a competition with international merit.

The globe’s most respected wakeboarding series, the Nautique Wake Series, features participants from 23 countries and will go on to wow fans in four subsequent meets in Texas, California, Ontario and Miami.

Nautique President and CEO Bill Yeargin said: ‘These world-class events were created to be a family-oriented wake series dedicated to growing the sport and includes amateur, junior and pro divisions, pulled by our award-winning and industryleading G-series boats’.

For the first time, the Moomba Masters will include women’s wakeboarding to celebrate the sport’s extraordinary female talent alongside their male counterparts.

Competitors will include the likes of world number one male and female wakeboarders, Harley Clifford and Amber Wing – two Aussies at the top of their game.

The main attraction for water sports lovers from around the world and the only one like

it in the Southern Hemisphere, the Moomba Masters brings thousands of spectators and overseas visitors to the Yarra River to witness the internationally respected sporting event and enjoy the festival at large.

For the droves of water sport enthusiasts, Moomba presents a vibrant atmosphere with free music, performances, activities and workshops, including the Ashton Circus, a day and night carnival, fireworks, as well as the Birdman Rally and Moomba Parade.

The Moomba Masters runs from 4 to 9 March. For the full schedule and more information about the wider Moomba Festival program visit melbourne.vic.gov. au/moomba You can follow Moomba Festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and via #moomba

Proudly owned and delivered

by City of Melbourne, Moomba is Australia’s largest community festival boasting carnival rides, free entertainment, tasty food offerings and activities for all ages.

Staged across five precincts on the grounds of Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens, you can discover this year’s epic program from 6 to 9 March.

Listen to free music and enjoy cultural performances at the Main Arena; let young ones play in the fun-filled Kids Zone; hit the ramp with scoot, skate and BMX comps and clinics at the Skate Park; watch a barrage of emerging bands at The Green; look on as elite athletes battle it out for the Moomba Masters titles at the River; and witness the iconic Birdman Rally and Moomba Parade.

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AN ECO CITY

A RENEWABLE VISION FOR MELBOURNE MELBOURNE’S PATH TO ZERO NET EMISSIONS

Sweltering summer temperatures, dramatic storm events and prolonged dry spells are part and parcel of Melbourne life. How we cope with these daily extremes is what separates Melburnians from the pack.

To ensure our city is not only one of the most liveable, but also one of the most sustainable, the City of Melbourne continues to work hard to protect it from drought, increase the tree stock and reduce the amount of municipal waste sent to landfill. They are tough challenges, but they are challenges the organisation is tackling head on, with a variety of plans and strategies.

Another key challenge is to reduce the city’s overall carbon emissions. The bold vision to become a zero net emissions city by 2020 was established more than 10 years ago. For a growing and dynamic city like Melbourne, this is a serious challenge, a challenge that requires some big thinking on sustainable solutions.

One of our priorities is to move towards clean sources of electricity. If just 25 per cent of the municipality’s electricity came from renewable sources, Melbourne would be well on its way to reaching the zero net emissions goal.

Meeting this target requires an innovative, scalable idea that is appealing to all levels

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of business and the community. As a result the City of Melbourne has teamed up with a group of large energy users, to investigate the potential their combined purchasing power has to drive investment in clean energy and secure savings for the organisations involved.

The group comprises neighbouring local governments the City of Maribyrnong and City of Yarra, Federation Square and private businesses NEXTDC, Mirvac and bankmecu. This group is asking renewable electricity providers if they can supply the group’s combined 100 GWh worth of energy at a competitive cost.

‘Achieving this ambitious target requires substantial structural, economic and policy changes to help decrease our reliance on carbon intensive fuel sources’.

By banding together the group can offer a reliable demand to renewable electricity providers to allow their projects to be built (in a market that has experienced a lot of

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

uncertainty), and start a steady supply of clean energy to Melbourne.

Environment Portfolio Chair Councillor Arron Wood acknowledged that an ambitious vision requires hard work to bring it into reality. ‘We know that if we work alone we can only achieve so much.

It is through partnerships with like-minded businesses, industry and governments that will see the scale of renewable energy developed that we require for the municipality of Melbourne’, he said.

‘Achieving this ambitious target requires substantial structural, economic and policy changes to help decrease our reliance on carbon intensive fuel sources.

‘What we are proposing is a new model for securing renewable energy. If it works we would encourage other organisations to adopt a similar model’.

Meanwhile a lot of work is taking place at the local level where residents are making the decision to switch to renewable electricity.

Many residents are taking advantage of generous deals on home solar systems, with the support of a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the energy experts at Positive Charge and Energy Matters.

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‘What we are proposing is a new model for securing renewable energy...’

100 Resilient Cities Network

Solar installation at Queen Victoria Market and wind farm turbines

Cr Wood said that this solar bulk buy assists residents to save on power bills, save energy, reduce their carbon emissions and takes the headache out of going solar.

‘A typical household can save up to $1000 a year on their electricity bill by installing solar. Not only does generating electricity from the sun reduce your power bills, you can also be a part of Melbourne’s sustainable vision’, he said.

‘Whether it’s solar panels on a rooftop in North Melbourne, or a large-scale wind or solar park supplying the city with clean electricity, this is all part of achieving the ambition of a zero net emissions city by 2020’.

The solar bulk buy will be open until the end of March and residents are encouraged to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/ sustainability

If just 25 per cent of the municipality’s electricity came from renewable sources, Melbourne would be well on its way to reaching the zero net emissions goal.

The City of Melbourne appointed Australia’s first chief resilience officer as part of the 100 Resilient Cities Network, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, in December 2014.

Toby Kent has international experience in sustainability and related resilience planning. He will lead the development and implementation of a Melbourne Resilience Strategy.

A resilience steering committee including representatives from state and local government, as well as agencies such as Emergency Management Victoria, has been established to oversee development of the strategy to help make Melbourne more resilient to the shocks and stresses that our city faces. Shocks include hazards such as extreme heat, fire and the impacts of climate change while stresses range from population growth to infrastructure stresses and social exclusion.

The 100 Resilient Cities program was announced last year to mark the Rockefeller Foundation’s centenary.

It is a US$100 million commitment to help 100 cities build resilience to the shocks and stresses of the modern world.

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ADD A LITTLE FLAVOUR WITH THE GROW SHOW A sprig of parsley or hit of thyme can elevate a meal from the realm of home cook to celebrity chef in minutes.

Yet with space at a premium and the popularity of ready-made meals on the rise, fresh, healthy, local food can seem out of reach for some.

Luckily edible inspiration will blossom in the city with the return of the City of Melbourne’s Grow Show from 5 February.

Watch as the planter boxes outside the Melbourne Town Hall are once again transformed into a visual display that is pleasing to the eye and the palate.

Staged as part of the Sustainable Living Festival, the popular Grow Show installation will feature fresh flowers, herbs and vegetables, with pop-up demonstrations, talks and tips for passersby.

This year the emphasis is on how to grow your own produce at home, no matter how small your space. Growing your own herbs and vegetables is easy with a little knowledge and Grow Show staff can provide advice on the best plants to grow in different settings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT melbourne.vic.gov.au/

sustainability Sunflowers bloom among the edible floral display in last year’s Grow Show

WORMS AT WORK Laneway-based city venues are helping to reduce and recycle the organic waste they produce using worm farms and container gardens.

Tattersalls Lane’s perennial pop-up bar Section 8, fellow bar Ferdydurke and neighbouring tequeria Touché Hombre have signed up to the latest and grubbiest initiative from the City of Melbourne’s Love Your Laneway program – worm farms.

Benjamin Bocock, general manager of Section 8 and a long-time laneway advocate, said he wanted to make a difference in the city and is thrilled to be a part of the program. ‘I feel like a papa bear to 40,000 worms. I love them’, he said.

Twice a week, scraps from the kitchen are fed into a series of communal worm farms in the adjacent Stevenson Lane. Each farm contains more than 10,000 tiger worms, which can convert tonnes of food waste into solid and liquid fertilizer.

Benjamin Bocock with his worm farm

The worms eat biodegradable refuse such as fruit and vegetable scraps, shredded paper, cardboard, coffee grounds and egg shells. The composted soil and worm juice can then be used on the new container gardens, installed along Section 8’s boundary.

Benjamin hopes to one day serve drinks and food garnished or cooked with herbs grown in compost created from the leftovers and scraps of previous patrons.

‘We’re growing basil, mint, chives, dill, chilli, cucumbers, lemongrass and tomatoes’, he said. ‘It really brings the laneway community together’.

The initiative is part of the City of Melbourne’s food policy, Food City, which aims to improve people’s health and wellbeing by promoting a food system that is secure, healthy, sustainable, thriving and socially inclusive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT melbourne.vic.gov.au/

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BLAK NITE SCREEN PROGRAM David Gulpilil in Charlie’s Country

Friday 6 February

WOMINJEKA TO

BLAK NITE SCREEN Held over two spectacular nights, Blak Nite Screen celebrates the talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander actors and filmmakers through music, conversation and cinema.

Blak Nite Screen ambassador, Aaron Pedersen, who has been involved in Blak Nite since its inception in 2009 said: ‘The great thing about Blak Nite is that it is a night allocated for Indigenous people.

It’s an occasion when you can hear some stories of the first people, their ancestors and their children of the future’.

The event opens with a special tribute to the 44-year career of award-winning actor David Gulpilil.

One of the most highly acclaimed actors of his generation, David will join host Aaron Pedersen in a conversation about his extraordinary body of work. He is a familiar face from iconic Australian films such as Walkabout, Storm Boy, Crocodile Dundee, Rabbit Proof Fence and his recently acclaimed feature, Charlie’s Country.

‘David is the benchmark’, said Aaron. ‘He’s been great for this country and very real about his life’.

As a film star David is at home on the red carpet, rubbing shoulders with the best and brightest of the film industry, but as an elder of the Yolngu clan he spends much of his time in a remote community in north-eastern Arnhem Land – the realities of which he revealed to filmmaker Darlene Johnson in her revealing biographical documentary, Gulpilil: One Red Blood.

Now in its sixth year, Blak Nite turns its attention to the new blak wave of Australian film and television, which has seen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people take control of the creative process to tell their stories their way.

‘Indigenous people want to be part of the Australian story, not just stories about Indigenous people’, said Aaron. ‘A lot of people take for granted the country they live in. It’s going to take a while to break down that wall’.

Blak Nite Screen opens each night with live music performances from musician Frank Yamma and actress and singer Ursula Yovich, star of television series Gods of Wheat Street and Redfern Now, both of which will be screened on Saturday night.

‘I like that people make the effort. It’s easy to stay at home on the couch. It’s harder to get up and go out and where else in Melbourne will you find this campfire setting?’ said Aaron.

Blak Nite Screen is a free festival held on 6 and 7 February from 7pm until late at Treasury Gardens. Bring a picnic blanket, pick up some tasty treats from on the onsite food stalls and sit back to enjoy some stellar storytelling under the starlit Melbourne sky.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/blaknite

7PM Frank Yamma

An acoustic performance from the acclaimed Pitjantjatjara musician.

8PM In conversation

with Aaron Pedersen Host Aaron Pedersen talks with actor David Gulpilil and filmmaker Darlene Johnson about the making of the documentary Gulpilil: One Red Blood and David’s other films.

8.50PM Gulpilil: One Red Blood (2002)

Documentary film.

9.55PM Charlie’s Country (2014)

Feature film.

Saturday 7 February 7PM Ursula Yovich & Band

See one of the stars of Gods of Wheat Street and Redfern Now, Ursula Yovich, perform live with her band.

8PM In conversation

with Aaron Pedersen Host Aaron Pedersen explores the new Blak Wave that has emerged in Australian film and television productions, with Ursula Yovich, Bruce Carter, Jon Bell and Jub Clerc.

9PM The Turning (2013)

Three short films: Abbreviation, Sand, Big World.

9.30PM Gods of Wheat Street (2014)

Series 1 episode 3, The Games People Play.

10.30PM Redfern Now (2013)

Series 2 episode 5, Pokies.

MELBOURNE

FEBRUARY - MARCH

13

EVENTS CALENDAR

In between going away and staying home, the city is waiting.

FEB

26

Movies under the stars at Point Park, Yarra’s Edge in Docklands

UNTIL 21 FEBRUARY

9 FEBRUARY TO 9 MARCH

16 FEBRUARY TO 1 MARCH

SUMMERSALT FESTIVAL

100 WAYS TO MOVE IT

CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

A unique and creative collaboration of Melbourne’s leading arts organisations, there are just three weekends left to enjoy this fun, free and spirited festival of music, dance, circus, theatre and art at Southbank.

There are so many ways to get moving Melbourne. Join in the fun this month with free 80s dance classes hip hop, Bollywood for beginners, superfood nutritional talks, adult sunset cruise, skateboarding classes, lunchtime bike tours, free healthy lunchbox sessions and more.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with free family activities, light shows and a traditional dragon parade through the streets of Chinatown. Visit Docklands from 19 February to see the return of the spectacular, illuminated Docklands Dragon, with special entertainment on 19, 20, 27 and 28 February.

6 & 7 FEBRUARY BLAK NITE SCREEN Held in the Treasury Gardens, the festival celebrates the Indigenous contribution to Australian film and TV. Find out more on page 13.

FEB

09

7 FEBRUARY TO 1 MARCH SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL Be inspired and empowered to accelerate the uptake of sustainable living with this innovative festival. Find out about ecological and social challenges and lean how to make a difference through education, art, film, performance, symposiums and special exhibits.

21 FEBRUARY WHITE NIGHT MELBOURNE For one night only, White Night will transform Melbourne’s streets, parks, laneways, public spaces and cultural institutions.

Explore the mix of local and international art, illuminations, music, food, theatre, film, design and performances on display.

FEB

21 Let’s Move it Melbourne

8 FEBRUARY HYP FEST Celebrate the cultural diversity of young Melbourne through food, art, dance and live performance, generated from the hearts and minds of young Australians.

9 TO 15 FERUARY PAUSE FEST 2015 Australia’s premier digital event, Pause Fest facilitates original collaborations between a global network of creative agencies and digital artists to generate unique content you can’t Google, while supporting and showcasing the best in creative and tech from Australia and beyond.

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11 TO 16 FEBRUARY GOLDEN KOALA CHINESE FILM FESTIVAL It’s the biggest and most influential overseas Chinese film event. Find out more about filmmakers from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Macau.

White Night Melbourne

13 TO 15 FEBRUARY

26 FEBRUARY, 5 AND 12 MARCH

SUPERGRAPH CONTEMPORARY GRAPHIC ART FAIR

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

Delve into design, print and illustration at this three-day fiesta in the Royal Exhibition Building. There’ll be original and limited edition artworks, creative workshops, artistled master classes and fun, family activities.

READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

Enjoy a free outdoor cinema experience at Point Park, Yarra’s Edge, featuring Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Skyfall and the everpopular Elsa in Frozen. Bring a picnic and a blanket, or be along the first 100 guests to arrive and be treated to free bean bag hire.

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

FEB

FEB

13

14

Supergraph Contemporary Graphic Art Fair

27 FEBRUARY TO 15 MARCH

14 TO 22 MARCH

MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL

Explore new frontiers of flavour with delicious one-off events, rooftop soirées and laneway parties. Drop by the festival hub, the Artisan Bakery and Bar in Queensbridge Square, to enjoy baked treats from a roll call of leading local and international bakers.

Set to be one of the most exciting festivals yet, the program includes fashion, business, cultural events, with more than 100 established and emerging designers scheduled to take to the world-class runway.

5 MARCH

14 TO 22 MARCH

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK

In celebration of women’s economic, political, and social achievements, Melbourne writer, broadcaster and feminist Amy Gray will deliver the 2015 International Women’s Day Address at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre.

An opportunity for all Victorians to come together to share their culture, faith and language. Find out more on page 18.

6 TO 9 MARCH MOOMBA FESTIVAL Read all about Melbourne’s beloved festival on pages 8 and 9.

15 MARCH THAI CULTURE AND FOOD FESTIVAL Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Thailand at Federation Square. Watch cooking demonstrations, visit the restaurant stalls, see the cultural performances, or get a soothing Thai massage.

8 MARCH

15 MARCH

JAPANESE SUMMER FESTIVAL

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET TURKISH PAZAR FESTIVAL

A family friendly event showcasing Japanese culture, the festival is based on the Japanese tradition of honouring one’s ancestors and includes traditional song and dance, drumming, martial arts, games and delicious Japanese food.

Pazar is the Turkish word for Sunday and bazaar. Enjoy the vibrant colours, sights, sounds and flavours of Turkey in this recreation of the grand bazaars.

29 MARCH 10 T0 22 MARCH DANCE MASSIVE AT ARTS HOUSE A beautifully hand-crafted program will introduce new ways of thinking about contemporary dance for artists and dancelovers from all over Australia, with more than 30 curated dance shows, events and activities.

KENSINGTON COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Celebrate Kensington’s cultural diversity with great live music, entertainment, food stalls and family activities, while watching the AFL’s multicultural youth footy play in the Unity Cup.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

SPORT 14 FEBRUARY TO 29 MARCH ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 Melbourne welcomes one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, in February and March. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host five matches including the final. Celebrate at the Official Fan Zone in Birrarung Marr on Melbourne match days: 14, 22 and 26 February and 19 and 29 March.

1 MARCH TO 1 JUN MELBOURNE VIXENS SEASON Defending champions, the Melbourne Vixens begin their 2015 ANZ Championship campaign against transTasman rivals the Haier Pulse at the new Margaret Court Arena. Watch the best netballers in the world battle it out as our team aims to #AchieveAgain.

12 TO 15 MARCH F1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX Celebrate two decades of Formula 1 at Albert Park this year. See Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo take on the world’s best in the first race of the season. Will he make it to the winners’ podium?

22 MARCH HERALD SUN/CITY LINK RUN FOR THE KIDS The 2015 Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids is an all-age fun run and walk to raise funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Join in the event’s 10th birthday celebrations.

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

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15

From left: Emily, Kim, Dori and Samya help out at the Community Grocer

Latin Fiesta in Myers Place 2014

GREAT GRANTS AND SPONSORSHIPS Have you got a vision, a business idea, an event, or sporting group, but don’t have the funds to get if off the ground?

The City of Melbourne can help.

A range of grants and sponsorship opportunities are offered by the City of Melbourne each year to help applicants realise their ideas in a number of sectors including business, community, sport and the arts.

Our small business and social enterprise grants aim to create jobs, assist innovative small businesses and benefit the community. Names to look out for in the future include the 2014 small business grant recipients Kisa Phone, a user-friendly mobile designed for seniors and people with disabilities, and Trapt, a city venue that challenges participants to find clues and solve puzzles in order to escape from its themed rooms.

Funding can also be used to foster community spirit and activate city spaces. A new Latin Fiesta received event partnership funding to celebrate the burgeoning Latin Quarter in Meyers Place with food stalls, drinks, live music, DJs, and cultural dances. A new youth-focussed program called Cypher Culture received funding to engage young people from diverse backgrounds using the genre of hip hop as a common ground.

For those with in creative industries, the City of Melbourne’s annual arts grants program offers funding for artists and arts organisations. Additionally, funding from the business event sponsorship program assisted 20 delegates from developing countries attend an international health care conference in Melbourne in 2014.

Meanwhile, social enterprise grant recipient, the Community Grocer, helps to provide affordable fresh food for local communities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/ grantsandsponsorship

2015 APPLICATION DATES 16 February to 16 March

4 May to 15 June

Open all year, or until funding exhausted

• Small business grants • Social enterprise grants • Event partnership program • Business event sponsorship program

• Annual Arts grants program

• Individual athlete grants • Indigenous grants

Please note some programs have a second round of applications. Dates will be advised at the time.

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READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

AN ENTERPRISING COMMUNITY IDEA Like most Melburnians, the public housing community in Carlton love a market. Every Friday, when the Community Grocer market pops up, local residents gather to buy colourful fruit and vegetables, such as zucchini, capsicum, eggplant, coriander, watermelon, mangoes and bananas.

The not-for-profit, fresh produce market opened at the Carlton Housing Estate in October last year and was established by Russell Shields.

‘After a long time working in the food relief sector I believed an enterprise based, fresh produce model could help prevent people relying on charitable hand-outs, and offer training and employment opportunities for local residents’, said Russell.

Launched with the help of a City of Melbourne social enterprise start up grant, the market has already become a hot spot for the locals and Russell said the team had been overwhelmed by the response.

‘The customers have welcomed not only the convenience and the reasonable prices, but the sense of belonging the market provides with time to chat, connect, share food and be involved in the decision making process’, he said.

The Community Grocer operates each Friday from 10am to 2.30pm at 510 Lygon Street, Carlton.

YOUR CITY OF MELBOURNE MAGAZINE

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

HELPING KIDS CROSS WITH CARE There are many lessons to learn at school, but some of the most important lessons are learnt before children even reach the school gates.

Sandra Joy is one of 25 school crossing supervisors employed by the City of Melbourne. She’s been on the job for 14 years. She’s seen it all and knows the drill.

From about grade three the primary schoolers begin to test their boundaries and their relationship with authority, said Sandra. ‘They try to run across the road before reaching the crossing. They try and test you out’, she said.

‘I try to set a good example for the children and teach them how to use the roads ... look both ways before you cross’.

Dressed in bright yellow overcoats, with the obligatory orange sash and stop sign, school crossing supervisors provide an essential community service to help children get to and from school safely – rain, hail or shine.

‘I try to set a good example for the children and teach them how to use the roads’, said Sandra. ‘We set quite a high standard for crossing supervisors’.

Based at the Holy Rosary Primary School in Kensington, Sandra works from 8.15am to 9.15am and then returns for the afternoon shift from 3pm to 4pm. She said the crossing supervisors become quite a fixture in their local communities, adding that some kids she knew when ‘they were in their mums’ tummies’.

‘You see them when they come in the first time, when their bags are as big as they are, and then they’re off at graduation and you think: has it really been seven years?’

Sandra Joy at Holy Rosary Primary School in Kensington

This continuity of service does not go unnoticed by the children.

When she’s away sick they ask, ‘Where’s Sandra? Where have you been? and You’re not supposed to get sick. A couple of them think I’m here 24-hours a day’, she said.

What of the nickname lollipop lady? ‘It’s a bit old fashioned. We’re school crossing supervisors’, she said And her message to pedestrians everywhere is simple: ‘look both ways before you cross’.

GREEN GLADE COOLS MELBOURNE MUSEUM PLAZA The feeling of walking through searing heat over baking pavements is an experience familiar to many Melburnians in summer – particularly those visiting the Melbourne Museum.

After previous planting had failed, thermal imaging revealed the plaza was significantly hotter than surrounding areas in summer months, so the City of Melbourne teamed up with Museum Victoria to give it a green makeover before the summer heat set in.

Dr J Patrick Greene, CEO, Museum Victoria

Two raised concrete seating areas at either end of the plaza were revamped with new mulch, lawn, irrigation systems, and 16 mature native water gums.

Known botanically as Tristaniopsis laurina or ‘Luscious’, the water gums will grow to around nine metres and are ideal for city landscaping with their bright yellow flowers and quick-to-grow shade covering.

The gardens provide a welcoming green space for visitors to relax and they help to connect the Melbourne Museum with the Royal Exhibition Building and the Carlton Gardens beyond.

The joint-funded initiative was delivered as part of the City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Strategy, which outlines how we will secure the future of our city’s trees over the next 20 years.

MELBOURNE

FEBRUARY - MARCH

17

MELBOURNE LOVE

IN BRIEF 10-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN UPDATE Recommendations on revenue and spending priorities from the City of Melbourne’s first People’s Panel will be embedded into our financial plan for the next decade. The draft 10-Year Financial Plan will also include an explanation on the extent to which each recommendation could be acted upon.

The draft plan will be considered by Council in April. melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate

KENSINGTON TOWN HALL NOW OPEN Following an extensive restoration, the historic Kensington Town Hall is once again open to the community. Spaces within the venue are now available for community, social and business events.

Amrit Kaur and Gurbani Kaur from Sikh Community

CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY With Cultural Diversity Week just round the corner, we spoke to Amrit Kaur, Community Engagement Officer at Melbourne’s Multicultural Hub as she prepares for the coming festivities.

What is Cultural Diversity Week all about?

Cultural Diversity Week is an annual event that runs from 14 to 22 March and is a way to celebrate the many cultures which create vibrant diversity and prosperity in our community, from the first people to newlyarrived migrants.

What is happening this year?

Every year there are hundreds of Cultural Diversity Week events around Victoria.

The week kicks off with the Premier’s Gala Dinner and concludes with the spectacular Viva Victoria Multicultural Festival at Federation Square on 22 March. In addition there is Harmony Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, held on 21 March, and a huge range of smaller community events.

What events are held at Federation Square?

Viva Victoria, the Multicultural Festival, is a free public event held in celebration of Victoria’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity and community harmony. It is held on 22 March, from 12pm to 6pm and includes live music and dance across four stages, food, art, workshops, film and kids’ activities, all representing Victoria’s diversity.

How many different cultures will take place in the festivities?

Hundreds of communities host their own events. They may be Burmese, Vietnamese, Eritrean and more – the range is huge and it’s what makes Cultural Diversity Week so spectacular.

How has the event grown in recent years?

The number of events continues to grow as more and more cultural communities get involved and host their own event and as people see how wonderful Cultural Diversity Week can be.

What events are held at the Multicultural Hub?

Who can participate in Cultural Diversity Week?

The Multicultural Hub will run a Community Cultural Fair for the third year in a row at the Drill Hall on Therry Street, from 11am to 2.30pm on 21 March. There will be wonderful cultural stalls and musical and dance performances. My daughter and I loved getting our faces painted at last year’s Community Cultural Fair.

Cultural Diversity Week is for absolutely everyone, it’s simply a celebration of Melbourne’s cultural diversity and the benefits that brings to our wonderful city.

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READ ONLINE AT MELBOURNE.VIC.GOV.AU

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson

melbourne.vic.gov.au/ communityinfrastructure

ON YOUR BIKE FOR 1000 CITIES This February you are invited to take part in a two-wheeled adventure. Using a smartphone, a blue share-bike and a helmet, the interactive game 1000 Cities turns the central city into a mythical adventure where riders will fight monsters, collect treasure and explore the hidden parts of the city. melbourne.vic.gov.au/1000cities

CLEAN AND GREEN BUSINESSES The City of Melbourne has profiled 10 clean technology businesses based in Melbourne. Hear how these businesses are leading the way in green thinking in a series of interviews on our YouTube channel. youtube.com/melbournecitycouncil

SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL The City of Melbourne is proud to be the principal partner for the Sustainable Living Festival. To give everyone the chance to get involved in our programs and drive positive action on environmental issues affecting Melbourne, we’re hosting a great program of events as part of this year’s festival. melbourne.vic.gov.au/sustainability

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.

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.

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

FEBRUARY 2015 Future Melbourne Committee

Tuesday 3 Feb

5.30pm

Future Melbourne Committee

Tuesday 10 Feb

5.30pm

Council

Tuesday 24 Feb

5.30pm

Inner Melbourne Action Plan (IMAP) Implementation Friday 13 Feb Committee (City of Stonnington, Malvern Town Hall)

8am

MARCH 2015 Future Melbourne Committee

Tuesday 3 Mar

5.30pm

Future Melbourne Committee

Tuesday 10 Mar

5.30pm

Council

Tuesday 31 Mar

5.30pm

MELBOURNE

FEBRUARY - MARCH

19

LORD MAYOR’S COMMENDATIONS

KOORIE CONNECTIONS Julie Peers is a Wiradjuri woman who has been part of the Victorian Aboriginal community since she was three months old.

Together with her late husband, the assistance of Queen Victoria Market and a ‘pocketful of dreams’, she established Koorie Connections, which sells affordable and authentic aboriginal art and crafts.

Julie believes in fair trade, ensuring that all products are licensed and royalties paid to artists.

‘Everyone makes an income, the artists’ work is shared and the customer is pleased because they come away with a wonderful piece of art that is 40,000 years old,’ she said.

‘The shop acts more like a mini heritage trust in a way. We provide a profile of the artist and the land and help provide a better understanding of indigenous culture.’

Julie’s two sons are very much part of the business and, in particular, help provide local and international shoppers with an indigenous small business experience.

‘When you come into the shop, you are greeted by myself and my children and welcomed on behalf of the Wurundjeri people,’ she said.

‘My boys are now 22 and 21 and we’ve got repeat customers that have been coming here since the boys were about three years old. We’ve got a great local community around us and always have people popping by to say hello.’

Julie Peers of Koorie Connections

A Lord Mayor’s Commendation recipient, Koorie Connections is located at Queen Victoria Market, 145 Victoria Street, Melbourne.

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.

SUMMER SENSE TIPS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT melbourne.vic.gov.au/summersense

During periods of extreme heat it is important to keep cool to ward off dangerous conditions such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Remember to keep an eye on vulnerable members of the community including seniors who live alone, pregnant women, those who are physically unwell, or have a disability and people experiencing homelessness.

To prevent heat-related illness, drink water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, and don’t rely on fans for cooling unless there is good natural ventilation. Be aware of cool public places that are close to your home that you can visit for temporary respite from the heat if your accommodation is too hot.

When out and about, try to keep to shady areas, and if you are in the city look out for drinking fountains. Download the free smart phone app ‘Choose Tap’ to find out where your nearest water station is so you can refill your drink bottle.

CONTACT

POSTAL ADDRESS

WE’RE MULTILINGUAL TOO

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

We cater for people of all backgrounds.

NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE

FEEDBACK

Teletypewriter (TTY) users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 03 9658 9658 Speak & Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9658 9658

To subscribe, update your address, unsubscribe or provide feedback, contact the City of Melbourne or email melbournenews@melbourne.vic.gov.au

IN PERSON

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To receive a copy, contact john.rojas@visionaustralia.org at Vision Australia or phone 03 8378 1252.

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