3000Melbourne Magazine ISSUE 90 June 2014

Circus OZ

Hugh Jackman X-Men hysteria hits Melbourne

Friday fireworks Docklands to light up the night

Bombshells & boylesque Burlesque Festival line-up unveiled

Novel new building Library at The Dock opens JUNE 2014

ISSUE

But wait... there’s more

90

Susan Riley {susanr@magmedia.com.au} William Rowe {williamr@magmedia.com.au}

While the crowds were excited to see megastars Aussie Hugh Jackman and Game of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage, the biggest reception was saved for Chinese star Fan Bingbing.

Resplendent in white and with the highest of high heels, Bingbing simply wowed the crowds who couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of the starlet.

editor Chelsea Arnold {editor@magmedia.com.au}

magazine enquiries {enquiries@magmedia.com.au}

design Susan de Kretser - Smith & Rowe {susandk@smithandrowe.com.au}

advertising Shane Bridges 0420 539 308 {advertise@magmedia.com.au}

cover image Circus Oz 2014 Photo: Rob Blackburn

contributing writers Tom Elliott, Andrew Hewison, Suzana Talevski, Paul Maric, Simon Bailey, Janine Phillips, Tahlia Mandie.

This magazine has a distribution of 14,000 copies throughout Melbourne CBD, Docklands, parts of Southbank and rotating through South Melbourne and surrounding areas with a readership of approximately 40,000. If you would like to stock 3000Melbourne at your place of business please email Chelsea at editor@magmedia.com.au published by

Magmedia Pty Ltd ABN 69 118 720 960, Registered Office: 25 Northumberland St, Collingwood VIC 3066 Ph: (03) 8506 9908 Fax: (03) 9525 3944 3000melbourne welcomes any contributions from our readers. Please send any material to Chelsea at editor@magmedia.com.au.

3000melbourne is a free publication and is distributed through selected outlets. Views expressed in 3000melbourne do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by 3000melbourne for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication. All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for publication”. After two calendar months uncollected prizes will be claimed by 3000melbourne and may be re-drawn. No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system or reproduced in any form without permission of The Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication. The opinions in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of The Publisher.

I was fortunate enough to secure a very quick chat with Wolverine himself who was thrilled to attend his hometown premiere. The downto-earth heart throb was exceedingly obliging to everyone and even commuted between media commitments via Melbourne’s public transport network.

Editor's Letter

I

have been to my fair share of events in Melbourne recently but take it from me, there have been almost none bigger than the red carpet premiere of the latest instalment in the X-Men film series.

Melbourne Central was certainly a fitting venue for the premiere, with crowds of thousands lining the balconies to catch a glimpse of the stars under the glass cone.

Melbourne played host to the seventh and final world premiere for the release of the latest film in the blockbuster franchise, X-Men: Days of future past.

Incidentally, Melbourne Central celebrated 125 years of its Coops Shot Tower as part of the Shot Tower Heritage Week.

The Coops Shot Tower is one of only three shot towers still standing in Australia.

And if that’s not enough reason to bring out the balloons and pop the champagne, 3000 Melbourne magazine celebrates its eight birthday this month.

On behalf of the entire team here at 3000 Melbourne, a huge thank-you to our clients, many of whom have been with us since the very start.

And thank-you too, to our wonderful contributors who delight us with their wonderful words in every edition.

But of course, I sincerely thank you, our loyal readers who pick up a copy of 3000 Melbourne each and every month. It is for you that we strive to bring you the very best round-up of Melbourne’s entertainment news, views and events. Thanks for reading.

Chelsea Arnold editor@magmedia.com.au

IN THIS ISSUE 6

9

Circus comes to town

3000’s Movie review

7

12

High school disco with Tim Campbell

Burlesque festival’s bombshells

8

3000 Wheels

Hugh Jackman talks X-men

25

17

CONTENTS

publishers

7

6

9

12

Win a Samsonite satchel

Congratulations to the winners of our MAY COmpetitions: • Elisabeth Vereker • Natalie Smith • Linda James • Jade Janai • Rachelle King • Peter King • Robyn Tilley • Annie Wragg • Lara Demaio • Shane Frost • Rose Mercer • Arlene Smith • Ken McAlpine • SE Lim • Ricky Forster

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JUNE 2014

3

Events

Boating Industry Association of Victoria’s Melbourne Boat Show

19

~ 29 J u n e

Melbourne International Animation Festival

~ 12

16 June

1 ~ 30 J u n e

The Roast Collection The undisputed king of winter cuisine, the mighty roast, will be honoured across Victoria this month with more than 80 events celebrating the best local produce with the return of The Roast Collection. Winter’s favourite dish will take on an array of guises with some of Victoria’s favourite restaurants, wineries, bars and pubs carving up nourishing festivities. Enjoy Victoria’s tender beef and lamb, succulent game, suckling pig, root vegetables and other roasted morsels, washed down by soul-warming wines, craft brews and crisp ciders.

Federation Square’s annual winter program The Light in Winter brings together local and international artists for a nightly program of free events, performances and exhibitions, culminating in the Solstice Celebration on the true winter solstice, Saturday, June 21. The program will illuminate Federation Square after dusk with the world premiere of Radiant Lines – an interactive, illuminated, largescale, sculptural shrine from the UK’s Asif Khan in his first Australian commission.

Other highlights will include Remembering in Melbourne: Monuments, Memorials and Shrines, a forum that explores the many commemorative sites in Melbourne, and in a Melbourne-first, a rehearsed reading of Tim Winton’s new play Shrine.

When: June 1-22 Where: Federation Square Price: Free Details: fedsquare.com/thelightinwinter

22 J u n e

When: June 19-29 Where: Australian Centre for the Moving Image Tickets: From $16 adults, concession $12.50 Details: www.miaf.net

When: Thursday, June 12 to Monday, June 16 Time: From 10am daily Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Tickets: Adults $20, children five-16 $2, children under five free, students and pensioner concession card holders $14.

Details: biavic.com.au/melbourne-boat-show/

The Light in Winter

1~

Over 11 days the Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF) serves up a celebratory feast of forums and more than 400 of the best recently released, historical and retrospective animation from around the world. Indie animation is an art form that continues to thrive and develop as a breathtaking medley of styles, materials, techniques and production - from hand drawn, paint on glass, collage, sculpture, cut outs, puppets, abstract, sand/salt, solely digital to some of the more interesting developments in 3D.

Melbourne's biggest boat dealers are getting together under one roof to provide visitors with unprecedented deals on a huge range of boats and sailing goods at this years’ Boating Industry Association of Victoria’s (BIA) Melbourne Boat Show. Visitors will find a huge array of boats and equipment on display from budget tinnies to top-end cruisers, from jet skis to wake boats, and from every type of engine and drive system to all the lifestyle accessories show-goers could ever need. As ever, the whole family is catered for at this year’s show including kids who will be entertained at the Flathead Fred’s Fun Fishin’ Show.

When: June 1-30.

Where: Various venues across Victoria.

Details: www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL!

MagMedia

Rea d al l abo ut it !

MagMedia presents a lineup of local magazines that bring the neighbourhood closer. magmedia.com.au

4

We would like to introduce our Advertising Manager, SHANE: ADVERTISE@magmedia.com.au | 0420 539 308 And our Editor, CHELSEa: editor@magmedia.com.au | 0413 133 341

IT’S ONLY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Un

t il 5 J u n e

The Speechmaker From Working Dog, the iconic team behind numerous classic Australian films, comes a political satire about global power and the fumbling hands that hold it. Air Force One is London-bound for a Christmas meeting between the US President and the British PM. It will be a diplomatic coup and the chance for the leader of the free world to give the speech of a lifetime. Yet what appears to be a major international crisis begins to unfold. Boasting a stellar cast featuring Erik Thomson (Packed to the Rafters) as the President, as well as Offspring’s Lachy Hulme and Kat Stewart, The Speechmaker promises to be an exhilarating stage debut from one of this country’s most successful creative groups.

When: Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne When: May 31 to July 5 Tickets: from $60; under 30s $33 Bookings: Southbank Theatre Box Office 8688 0800 or mtc.com.au

A new musical experience is hitting the road, It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, is more than just a rock show, it’s a rockumentary behind one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands in the world, The Rolling Stones. This authentic musical snap-shot gives audiences a glimpse into a time when The Stones reigned, telling their story through their music. Performed by the highly acclaimed Australian Rolling Stones Show, this show shares the highs and lows of one of the world’s revered rock bands, while also putting on a damn good rock show. If you love The Rolling Stones, or just love rock, there is something for everyone in this rockumentary.

When: Saturday June 7 Where: Palms at Crown, Melbourne Tickets: www.crownmelbourne.com.au Details: www.itsonlyrocknroll.com.au

7 J u ne

Events

Mondo Rock’s 33rd anniversary tour

ne u J 7

Street Requiem The School of Hard Knocks presents the world premiere of Street Requiem: For those who have died on the street. Street Requiem is a new choral work that aims to bring a sense of peace, remembrance and hope to many communities struggling to come to terms with street violence and a loss of safety on our streets. It features the vocal talents of the Choir of Hope and Inspiration, The Choir, members of Voices Without Borders asylum seeker choir, School of Hard Knocks ABSOLUTELY EVERYBODY choir program from The Latrobe Valley Voices, the City of Casey Choir and Voices of Brimbank.

Where: Saturday 7 June Time: 7pm Where: Melbourne Recital Centre Tickets: $25 student/concession, $35 adults Bookings: www.melbournerecital.com.au or 9699 3333

For the first time in 24 years, Mondo Rock is hitting the road with the classic line-up not seen since the Summer of 1981. Ross Wilson, Eric McCusker, James Black, Paul Christie and Gil Matthews are reuniting for this very special run of national shows. The tour coincides with the 33rd anniversary of the band’s breakthrough album, Chemistry, which spawned four massive hits.

When: Saturday June 28 Where: Palais Theatre, St Kilda Tickets: From $69.50 Bookings: www.Ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100

28 June

JUNE 2014

5

COVER STORY

Circus Oz is back

&

with more antics & acrobatics

Roll up! Roll up! The circus is in town.

Melbourne’s own Circus Oz will delight audiences this month with the world premiere of its eclectic new two-hour show full of breathtaking agility, death-defying stunts, awe-inspiring acrobatic performances, irreverent comedy and a spectacular live band.

The troupe returns to the Big Top at Birrarung Marr to wow audiences with an astonishing mix of stunt jumping acrobatics, cutting-edge juggling, unicycling elegant trapeze flying, cheeky impersonations, ridiculous knockabout and multi-skilled human physical exuberance in But wait … there's more.

Be impressed by Olivia’s Balls. Like an eccentric wind-up toy from another era, Olivia catches and throws balls coming from all directions with her hands, feet, neck, and elbows. Her unique style, quirky yet perfectly precise transforms juggling into a wonderful exploration of obsession.

magmedia.com.au

Then there is Unicycle Adagio with two of the newest and most skilled performers, Kyle and April who reinvent the possibilities of a unicycle. April’s bravery and skill are on display as Kyle swoops her into his arms, onto his

6

Photography: Rob Blackbur n

shoulders and around the room, all the while displaying his own improbable ability to do almost anything while spinning and riding on his unicycle.

But wait … there’s more.

You won’t want to miss Matt’s high fall.

Irrepressible MC, Matt, is prepared to leap out of the ceiling. His signature high fall from the top of the truss becomes a flying leap into a rousing rendition of the finale song.

Circus Oz has taken its self-crafted performances of wit, grace and spectacle to 27 countries across five continents.

The Circus Oz show is a rock-n-roll animal-free circus that adults and children can enjoy together.

Circus Oz -

But wait … there’s more When: 18 June to 13 July Where: Circus Oz, Big Top, Birrarung Marr, Melbourne Tickets: $22-$95 Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au

CULTURE

Campbell takes debut album on the road

By Chelsea Arnold Remember the classic melodies and exciting nights out at your high school disco? Well, if you’re keen to get a bit Footloose and Shake Your Groove Thing join, star of the stage and screen, Tim Campbell and his band reliving those memories and iconic songs.

Campbell is well regarded as one of Australia's most versatile entertainers for his roles in Home and Away, House Husbands, Singing Bee, Shout!, Wicked and Carols by Candlelight. And having just released his debut album, High School Disco, Campbell is taking his show on the road, touring nationally in June and July.

“I am ecstatic to be hitting the road with these hits that everyone knows and loves.

The 70s and 80s era have provided me with so many of my favourite songs that continue to be an absolute delight to perform. I cannot wait to be up there with

my band singing and dancing the night away with everyone,” Campbell said. “I am a mad passionate lover of the 70s and 80s.

It always works. People have a few drinks and they love to get up and have a dance.

“It’s totally about having fun. We will be reminiscing about our time back at school. Through social media, I’ll be asking the audience to submit their high school reunion pics, and I’ll be sharing my memories of life and schooling.” Audiences can expect to hear old-school favourites like Play That Funky Music, Centrefold, My Sharona, and Can You Feel It? It may come as a surprise that this is Campbell’s debut album. “After I finished up at House Husbands (Campbell’s character was written out of the last series) I was travelling weekly around the country. It was almost a godsend and I got to spend time in the studio.”

Campbell credits partner, former Australian Idol runner-up, Anthony Callea with helping him produce his debut album. “He is the singer in the relationship let’s be honest.

But we bounce off each other well. He knows the studio side of things and he’s the best vocal coach I’ve ever had. It works well, we cross over and help each other.

“Although, if I’m completely honest, I’d be quite happy to live off his successes while I sit back and drink pina coladas.” Audiences are encouraged to join Campbell for a drink and a dance while travelling back in time.

“Come along and have fun, we’re going back in time. And don’t be afraid to get up and dance because I will be encouraging it.”

Tim Campbell - High School Disco When: Saturday, July 26 Time: 7.15pm for 8pm start Where: The Palms at Crown Tickets: 132 849 or ticketek.com.au

JUNE 2014

7

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Homegrown

hero

back for

world magmedia.com.au

8

Premiere

Chiseled good looks, trademark larrikin grin, crisp designer suit and consummate professionalism.

Hugh Jackman was every bit the Hollywood megastar when he returned home for the premiere of the latest instalment in the X-Men franchise, Days of Future Past.

Still recovering from a skin cancer scare, which left him looking a little tired and drawn, Jackman otherwise happily hammed it up with his co-stars, Game Of Thrones star Peter Dinklage and Chinese pop culture sensation Fan Bingbing on the red carpet at the A-List event on May 16 at Melbourne Central underneath the famous Shot Tower.

The 45-year-old was sporting a small scar from where he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his nose. But, as the event was also a fundraiser for the Fight Cancer Foundation, of which Jackman is an ambassador, it proved a great talking point to highlight the sun smart message to sun-loving Australians.

“Make sure you get checkups (and) wear sunscreen unlike me when I was a kid,' he said. Jackman made time to chat to everyone and obligingly posed for photos with fans.

Jackman, who plays Marvel Comics hero Wolverine who possesses animal-keen senses and a capacity to heal quickly, spent 18 months getting in shape for the role and was pleased to be able to enjoy Melbourne’s culinary fare.

The Wolverine himself told 3000 Melbourne that it was extra special to attend a movie

premiere in his home country. “I tell you what, it’s great to be back here in Melbourne, my home country - and particularly to be here on a non-Wolverine diet! This place is too good to be here on a diet."

Although only in Melbourne for 12 hours, Jackman said he had always wanted to dine on board one of the city’s iconic attractions.

"My wife always laughs at this - I've never done it. But I've always wanted to go on the Melbourne Tramcar Restaurant. I know it sounds daggy, but I've always kind of wanted to do that.”

For Dinklage, who is mostly famous for his role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, being in Melbourne felt like home away from home, having previously spent five years filming a movie in Melbourne.

"Melbourne reminds me of New York, where I'm from. Great restaurants, great wine, great coffee - the three things I require from a city,” he said.

The Melbourne premiere was the seventh and final stop in the whirlwind worldwide X-Men X-Perience where, after the New York world premiere, cast members walked the red carpet at premieres in London, Moscow, Sao Paolo, Beijing and Singapore.

In this movie, the X-Men fight a war for the survival of the species across two time periods. The familiar characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from the past, X-Men: First Class, in order to change a major historical event and fight in an epic battle that could save the future.

3000 movie review

3000’s MOVIE REVIEW

X-Men: Days of Future Past Review By Simon Bailey X-Men: Days of Future Past is a tale of two eras, each with its own cast of superheroes fighting for survival.

At the hand of X-Men’s original director Bryan Singer, this seventh instalment sees a veteran generation of movie mutants - Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry), Magneto (Ian McKellen) and Professor X (Patrick Stewart) close to dying out in the rubble of a dystopian future.

This is a grim and cold place where Sentinels are intent on dooming the fate of mutants and the humans who help them. Using the power of Kitty

(Ellen Page), the mutant mob devises a plan to send Wolverine back to the 1970s to redesign the future.

His task is to stop Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) from assassinating the Sentinel’s creator - an event that triggered a future of woe for mutants rather than desired salvation.

Among the lava lamps of the 70s where Wolverine is plonked (as his younger self, Logan), we meet a younger cast of superhero mutants

– including James McAvoy as Xavier and Nicholas Hoult as Hank.

Days of Future Past’s cast bring complexity and nuance to their characters, adding a thick layer of emotional depth to a film that is as much about its gripping story as its incredible effects.

In particular, McAvoy dominates with his standout performance as Xavier, which is at times tormented and rather moving. All importantly, the charisma Jackman brings to Wolverine is well and truly intact. For fans who first landed in X-mania seven movies

ago and have followed the franchise blockbuster by blockbuster ever since, this latest instalment will be a riot.

For audiences whose knowledge of X-Men does not extend beyond the mental image of a powerful looking Hugh Jackman, Days of Future Past may be a little harder to follow. This does not have to be a problem, however, as this epic packs in enough action, special effects and A-List appeal keep even the most uninitiated X-men newbies satisfied.

X-Men: Days of Future Past is in cinemas now.

JUNE 2014

9

3008 docklands

New library boasts novel design Library at The Dock is set to become the centrepiece of Victoria Harbour’s new civic heart.

The next generation library and community centre is a stunning addition to the waterfront at Dock Square at the corner of Collins and Bourke streets.

Library at The Dock is a three-storey building, 55.3 metres long by 18.1 metres wide, made from engineered timber and reclaimed hardwood.

As well as a traditional library collection, the centre also offers an interactive learning environment and a state-of-the-art digital collection, multi-purpose community spaces and a performance venue.

The next generation library opened

magmedia.com.au

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its doors on Saturday, May 31.

A highlight of the day was the inaugural Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Oration, presented by acclaimed author, Arnold Zable.

City of Melbourne Acting Lord Mayor, Councillor Susan Riley said the opening event was the culmination of three years’ work by a tripartnership of Lend Lease, Places Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

“Library at the Dock is the most modern public library, in the most spectacular setting, in Australia,” Cr Riley said.

“The Library at the Dock will be a place of inspiration for generations to come. For the creative and the literary, for students and for

families, this building will provide Docklands with a civic heart.

“Globally Melbourne is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and this exciting new facility will enrich the culture of our city and the community of Docklands.”

The library also features a recording studio, performance space, children’s library and digital, music and entertainment collections.

The library project arose from extensive community engagement as part of the Docklands Community and Place Plan, where feedback reinforced the importance of community services and facilities and the delivery of more comfortable, functional and intimate public spaces and amenities.

3008 Docklands

Friday night fireworks

Start your weekend with a bang during July and August with free Friday night fireworks at Docklands.

Bring the family, rally your friends and come early to enjoy the entertainment and get a view at one of the waterfront restaurants or bars. Or rug up and enjoy the show from New Quay Promenade.

There's music and fun to keep everyone entertained before and after the fireworks, along the promenade and piazza at New Quay.

The fireworks, presented by the City of Melbourne. will occur every Friday night from July 4 to August 29.

A dazzling display of colour and light will ensure the spectacular fireworks display lights up the city skyline.

Where: Piazza At Docklands, 429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands When: Every Friday in July and August Time: Fireworks at 7pm Cost: Free.

JUNE 2014

11

Culture

&

Bombshells

boylesque

at burlesque fest From the best in classic and glamorous acts to shimmy shakin’ exotic tease and beyond, sparkle and sizzle will abound at the Australian Burlesque Festival.

The festival, in its fifth year, is the biggest celebration of tease in the Southern Hemisphere and brings together the best of home-grown seasoned performers along with renowned international icons never before seen on Melbourne stages.

There is even a bit of male performer ‘boylesque’ thrown in for equal measure.

Nouvelle Royale

ONE O PASS F 2 DOU BLE ES NOU TO SEE V

ROY ELLE ALE

ON J

UNE

8

Burlesque was a form of entertainment popularised in the 1880s. The art of striptease is an enticing removal of clothing minus full frontal nudity.

From the 1840s to the 1940s, clubs and theatres often had raunchy variety shows.

Today there has been a resurgence in burlesque, most notably led by Dita Von Teese.

For tickets, workshops and more info visit www.australianburlesquefest.com

Baby bombshells Baby Bombshells is the Emerging Performers Contest and will mark the official opening of the Australian Burlesque Festival.

A showcase of the rising stars of tease, the contest will feature burlesque artists from every genre that have less than two years' experience and will be judged by a panel of industry professionals. The winner will be invited to perform at the festival’s gala event, The Big Tease, alongside the illustrious international headliners. magmedia.com.au

12

Think you know what burlesque is? Think again. Join Australia’s premier neo-burlesque artists and international guests in a beguiling romp through the bizarre and intriguing world of modern burlesque.

Nouvelle Royale offers a veritable feast of burlesque for those not afraid to see the acts that have sent whispers around the globe. Featuring the best of circus burlesque, queer delights, satire, parody, vaudeville and everything in between.

When: Sunday June 8 Where: Howler Bar, 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick Time: 7pm for 8pm show

When: Thursday, June 5 Where: Howler Bar, 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick

Cost: $40-$60 + booking fee

Time: 7pm for 8pm show Cost: $30-$50 + booking fee

Tickets: http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-

Tickets: http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-australian-

burlesque-festival-baby-bombshells/70233

australian-burlesque-festival-nouvelle-royale/70274

CULTURE

Celtic culture comes to the coast The largest celebration of Celtic culture in the Southern Hemisphere returns to the idyllic surrounds of Portarlington from June 6 to 9.

The National Celtic Festival features a line up of 40 local, national and international Celtic acts.

Kicking off the international lineup are Barrule (Isle of Man), The Druids (IRE), Heartstring Quartet (UK), Fèis Rois (Scotland), Mairead Hurley (IRE) and Fiona Ross (Scotland).

The National Celtic Festival has handpicked the best Celtic acts from across Australia, this year presenting Sasta, The BordererS, Catherine Fraser and Duncan Smith, Tolka, Claymore, Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, Señor Cabrales, Shamrock Sheilas and Siobhan Owen.

The festival is also excited to announce Aine Tyrrell & Band, Beyond High Street, Bhan Tre, Borderline Kaylee, Claddagh, Classically Celtic, Festival Choir - Jane and James, Likely Celts, Molly Maguires, Saoirse, Sunas, Taliska, The Simpson Three Dancestravaganza, Vessel (James Lawson), Victorian Welsh Male Voice Choir, Working Dog Union, Zeon and Zeptepi.

Performances by community and dance groups are another festival highlight, including Christian College Ceilidh Band, Geelong Scottish Dance, Melb. Claddagh Irish Set Dancers, Ceffyl Gwyn Welsh Dancers, O'Shea-Ryan Irish Dancers and Cathie’s Celtic Dance groups.

National Celtic Festival When: June 6 - 9 Where: Portarlington Tickets: www.nationalcelticfestival.com

A DOUBLE FESTIVAL PASS VALUED AT $190 PLUS A MEAL FOR TWO AT BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE VALUED AT $60

JUNE 2014

13

PROPERTY / BUSINESS / FINANCE

Awards recognise Melbourne’s greatest The Melbourne Awards celebrate the inspirational Melburnians who dedicate their time and energy for the benefit of the city.

The awards are the city’s highest accolade and celebrate the outstanding achievements of organisations and individuals whose passion and commitment makes the city a great place to live, visit and do business.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the Melbourne Awards recognise individuals, organisations and community groups that have made outstanding contributions to the city in the areas of sustainability, community and the profile of Melbourne.

“The awards also incorporate the Melburnian of the Year: an honour bestowed on an inspirational individual for their service to the community.

The Melbourne Awards are our opportunity to thank those who help make our city the most livable in the world,” Cr Doyle said.

magmedia.com.au

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The awards are given in three categories: • Contribution to Profile – projects or activities that have built Melbourne’s

reputation as a national centre for business, knowledge, innovation, sport, shopping, entertainment, food and culture.

• Contribution to Community – projects or activities that enhance the lives of residents and workers through new approaches to community services and volunteer work, improvements to accessibility, developments in architecture and design, or improvements to parks, gardens and open spaces.

Melburnian of the Year: Major Brendan Nottle

Be inspired by these 2013 winners:

His deeds for the Salvation Army are legendary in this city. He has become the face of the Salvos, given them a higher profile and selflessly committed his life to help the downtrodden, especially Melbourne’s homeless. The dedication shown to others by Major Brendan Nottle is inspiring. He oversees the daily operations of the Salvation Army in the central city, which sees him at work seven days a week helping diverse people with many challenges. You will also find Brendan on the 614 Youth Bus in Melbourne most evenings and his patience, humour and dedication have won him universal respect. His ability to build bridges between people and his passion for improving services has seen him continually find new ways to help the cities most needy. He is a past Melbourne Award winner, taking out the Contribution to Community by an Individual Award in 2011. He was also a Moomba Monarch in 2012.

Contribution to profile

• Contribution to Sustainability – projects, events or activities that create a more environmentally sustainable city through advancements in sustainable innovation and design or the development of new environmental projects or programs.

An independent judging panel of industry leaders and Melbourne personalities selects the recipients of the Melbourne Awards.

Nominations for the 2014 Melbourne Awards close on June 16. Winners will be announced at a Gala Ceremony at Town Hall in November.

For more information about the awards and to nominate, visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov. au/melbourneawards

2013 Winner

Dave Collins

by an individual: Matt

Irwin When he was just 18 yea rs of age Matt Irwin was struck with an idea – to photog raph Melbourne in all its shades and moods, at street leve l, telling everyday stories on a human scale as no pho tographer had done bef ore. For more than 24 years, Ma tt’s artistic endeavour has created work that is enjoyed by Melburnians who are pro ud of their city as well as inte rstate and international visitors who take home his wor k as cards, calendars, books and original prints. Matt was the first photographer to truly capture the laneways of Melbourne, celebrating a unique aspect of the city long before it became popula r or groovy.

sation: by a community organi Contribution to profile Festival Melbourne Queer Film best in international

s the Festival (MQFF) screen queer Melbourne Queer Film transgender, intersex and al, exu bi-s , ian lesb , is FF MQ The s. and home-grown gay day 11 r more than 150 films ove (GLBTIQ) cinema, with about 25,000 people ing act attr ia, tral Aus kind in the largest festival of its the highlights of the e every March for one of to the heart of Melbourn t challenge, inform, tha s r. MQFF screens film ple GLBTIQ cultural calenda ortunity for GLBTIQ peo ortantly provide an opp entertain and most imp big screen. the on ed ect refl ries their sto to see themselves and

2013 Winner

Kylie E

ddy

It’s a phrase many business owners have heard and probably spent many hours pondering. What exactly is a strategy? And how do you develop a good one? The Oxford Dictionary defines a strategy as: “A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.” So while the term strategy might strike fear into the hearts of business owners, most people have developed many,

both in their personal and business lives - saving for a house, designing a garden, choosing activities to outsource, all require a plan of how to get from point A to point B.

you’re going to build that bridge. The challenge is to decide which strategy will maximise the benefits and minimise the pitfalls as it leads you to your destination.

For many, the strategy is the overarching bridge between where you are now and where you want to be in the future. The strategic plan is the finer detail of how exactly

The first challenge is to create an inspiring goal – one that is challenging, yet achievable. But many business owners and managers find it difficult to imagine what their business might look like in the future. Consider involving your staff in brainstorming where the business could go.

No doubt you’ll come up with many destinations.

In fact, you might be surprised at how much thought your staff have about the business and

NETWORKING

EVENT If you’re up for a night of learning, networking, canapés and drinks then you’ll love this Business Shorts event. Bring your cards and meet other business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals in a relaxed environment.

Come along and expand your network.

Critical Leadership Skills

how excited they are to contribute to developing it.

Anything that’s unimportant falls away. You’ll carefully consider how each and every decision will impact achieving the vision.

Suddenly there isn’t enough time to do anything other than those things that draw you closer to your goal. What’s left when all the non-priorities fall away is the essence of your strategy and your strategic plan. Decide the best approach to get you for where you are now to where you want to be.

Let all else fall away and you’ve got your blueprint for the future - or if you prefer, a good strategy and a great strategic plan.

140 William Street, Melbourne

Time: 5:30-7pm Price: $20 | inc. 2 drinks & canapés Speaker: Andre Obradovic Info: Andre will talk about the critical leadership

RSVP: www.servcorpaunz.eventbrite.com “In Business” brought to you by

T: 9097 1617 W: servcorp.com.au linkedin.com/company/servcorp

WIN

A Yarra Valley Delights Hamper valued at $112.75 courtesy of Gourmet Living

+ 5 runners-up will win passes to in-store cooking classes at Gourmet Living! Each pass is valued at $70. Enjoy a fun night out at Gourmet Living Master Class. Learn how to cook three gourmet courses from chef Bek McMillan. Sample all three courses plus get all the recipes and tips.

To WIN this fantastic prize simply email 'SERVCORP' with your name and full contact details to: melbourne@servcorp.com.au Draw closes Friday, June 30, 2014. Winner will be drawn at random & notified by email.

LOCAL BUSINESS pROFILE

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2014 Location: Servcorp, Level 40,

capabilities all organisations need which are: Sense-making: Trying to understand the contexts in which an organisation and its people operate. Sense-making is similar to creating a roadmap that the team can follow.

Relating: Building relationships within and across the organisation. Building a community of confidants who can collaborate to solve problems.

Visioning: Creating a compelling picture of the future. A leader should be able to articulate what the team wants to create.

Inventing: Developing new ways to achieve the vision.

Similar to the innovation skills required of entrepreneurs, this is more about execution than creativity.

IN BUSINESS

What you need is a strategy

Stuart Coulthard Rubiix Business Accountants Time in Melbourne CBD: 12 years.

Why Melbourne CBD: Best city in the world. Best place to attract and maintain clients as well as staff.

Your business in a nutshell: Tax and business advisors. We help our clients move from start up phase to exiting their business using our years of business experience.

A successful business needs: Good staff you can rely on, disciplined

management who have the client’s best interest in mind and engaged clients Whose brain would you like to pick: Julia Gillard. I think she had a tough job and some of her interviews I’ve found her very impressive.

What is your definition of success in business: Being able to go on holidays and the business is able to tick away successfully.

Biggest mistake business owners can make: Not paying attention to their cashflow.

Biggest strength business owners can leverage: Engaging of their staff. Asking for and receiving quality feedback from clients.

Hidden gem in Melbourne CBD: Amazing coffee in Melbourne is not really a hidden gem, but I have found a place (Overdraft Café) where the coffee is good and the guys there happily greet me which starts my day well.

Most surprising discovery since being located in Melbourne CBD:

Nutella Crepes. On a trip to France I lived off them, and thought I’d never be able to find little side stores that sell just crepes. These types of stores are appearing every where.

What is your businesses mantra?

Be honest and prepared with clients and staff, and have fun doing it.

3 attributes needed for success in business: Be prepared, ambition and a sense of humour.

Words of advice: Be prepared, you can never do enough planning.

What were the most important factors that contributed to your business success? Having a good relationship with my clients. Actually running a business helps me have more of an understanding of what my clients are going through. And work/life experience.

Rubiix Business Accountants Level 10, 50 Queen St Melbourne 03 9603 0066 scoulthard@rubiix.com.au www.rubiix.com.au JUNE 2014

15

PROPERTY / BUSINESS / FINANCE

Tom Elliott writes...

Increasing the fuel excise is a good idea had left the excise alone. This now costs the Treasury around $5bn per annum, money it can ill afford given the apparent need to cut the deficit. Indexation of the excise is now back, and for several reasons we should welcome this tax increase. Here’s why:

Back in early 2001, and facing poor opinion polls, then Prime Minister John Howard decided to do a silly thing: he cut the excise per litre of fuel by 1.5c to 38.1c per litre. Then he abandoned the twice-yearly indexation that lifted the value of the excise with inflation.

The result? Today’s federal government makes around 20c per litre less revenue than it otherwise would have if Mr Howard

First, when John Howard froze the excise 13 years ago, the price of petrol had just broken through – shock, horror – $1 per litre. The fact the world is still turning despite the fact fuel now regularly sells for more than $1.60 a litre suggests we’ve learnt to deal with higher prices.

Second, there is talk of converting all roads into a ‘user pays’ system via the use of complicated vehicle tracking technology. Why reinvent the wheel when a slowly increasing tax on petrol and diesel achieves the same end? Given our rather sad experience with the Myki ticketing

system, there’s every reason to assume that a mass vehicle tracking system will cost billions and fail to work as promised.

Third, to the extent one believes in global warming/climate change caused by human induced CO2 emissions, a petrol tax is a reasonable means of making people think twice about excessive driving. Recall that even Tony Abbott still has a multi-billion dollar ‘Direct Action Plan’ to deal with this issue.

Finally, the average car on Australian roads is now far more fuel efficient than its predecessors of just a decade ago. When the Greens negotiated to lift the Luxury Car Tax threshold for economical vehicles back in 2010, the cut off point was seven litres per 100km. Since then, it’s become commonplace for hybrids, diesels and even some small petrol vehicles to use less than

five litres of fuel to travel the same distance.

Whatever one thinks about broken election promises and increased taxes, the government has rightly decided to deal with Australia’s growing public debt now than leave it to future generations. In the past we grudgingly coexisted with a fuel excise that rose a cent or two each year. The time has come for this very efficient tax’s return.

Tune in and listen to Tom between 3-6pm weekdays on 3AW’s Drive. Tom Elliott is Director of both MM&E Capital Pty Ltd, a Melbourne based hedge fund, and Beulah Capital Pty Ltd, a private wealth manager.

Beulah Capital P: 9270 9180 W: www.beulahcapital.com

Super contribution limits will make a fool out of you by andrew hewison Unless you fully understand the rules of the game…

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Changes to superannuation back in 2007 were supposed to make super ‘simple’.

It’s better described these days as a minefield. Superannuation contribution limits are a moving beast. They constantly change and if you are contributing to super you need to ensure you are abreast of the changes otherwise they may come back to bite you. There are two methods of contributing to super.

Concessional contributions: • Also known as pre-tax, or taxable contributions. Examples are: »» Employer superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions. »» Salary sacrifice, pre-tax amounts contributed over and above SG. »» Personal tax-deductible contributions for those who are self-employed.

Non-concessional contributions: • Also know as post-tax, or tax-free contributions. Examples are: »» Contributions made to super after tax has been paid. »» The net sale of an asset, such as a property, or a lump sum of cash that has had tax paid on it.

Key points • For the most part, the changes in the limits from 201314, to 2014-15, relate to indexation.

• If you have previously been maximising your concessional super contributions, there

may be opportunities to increase your salary sacrifice and maximise the tax benefit.

• Always ensure you have not exceeded your contribution limits.

• Utilising the non-concessional is not always as easy as it looks. If you are nearing 65 years of age and have a large sum of money to contribute to super, using the bring forward rule immediately may not be most beneficial.

• Contributing to super is only one piece of the puzzle. Issues around asset allocation, investment, and pension strategies can also come into play.

• Hewison Private Wealth Advisers are market-leading experts in superannuation strategies. As an existing client or prospective client, if you believe there are opportunities for you in this area I recommend contacting our office to arrange a meeting.

Contribution limits for 2014-15: Concessional contribution limits: Age

Up to 49

50-75

75+

Contribution limit

$30,000 per annum

$35,000 per annum

Eligible for SG only

Non-concessional limits: Age

Up to 65

65+

Non-concessional limit

$180,000 per annum, or; $540,000 over three years

$180,000 per annum, only if member meets employment test

3000 WHEELS

Motoring Review by Paul Maric Porsche Cayman S In a world where practical sports cars mean everything, the Porsche Cayman S reigns supreme. This pint-sized German punches well above its weight on-road, without losing out on interior room, storage space or functional appeal. In fact, the Cayman S may just be the most perfect compromise between performance and usability.

This latest Cayman revision aims to improve on what is near perfection. A few minor styling tweaks, electrical steering and a jazzed up interior headline the MY2013 Cayman range — you know what they say; if it ain’t broke …

Inside the cabin, soft to the touch materials and a driver-oriented layout makes the Cayman S driver’s seat a great place to be.

An updated touch screen with satellite navigation is high-resolution and very easy to use. It blends in well with the great sound system, which can stream audio via your telephone or iPod.

One of the coolest things about all new Porsches must be the key. It’s the shape of a car and slots into the dashboard to start the engine — you’ll definitely have the best key on the table at the café.

Sitting directly behind the driver’s seat, the 3.4-litre flat-six cylinder engine is mid-mounted for optimum weight and noise distribution.

Producing 239kW and 370Nm of torque, the flat-six produces an absolutely unique sound that is addictive and attentionseeking. The naturally aspirated engine offers the performance benefits of a meaty six, but doesn’t feature the same thirst, averaging just 8.8L/100km in six-speed manual form.

Despite the miserly fuel consumption, the six-speed manual Cayman S is good for a 0-100km/h dash of just 5.0-seconds. Surprisingly, the ride is exceptionally compliant and smooth.

Even more surprising is the heavenly electric steering.

While electric steering normally makes the driver feel disconnected from the wheels, it’s the exact opposite in this Porsche.

Accurate feedback and perfect weighting makes this steering package one of the best on the market.

Throw the Cayman S through a few bends and it really begins to make sense. A feeling of almost unlimited grip is matched with razor sharp throttle response and a seemingly endless rev band. The tight gearbox is also a bonus and brings the Cayman S to life.

The Porsche Cayman S range starts from $139,900 for the six-speed manual and $144,890 for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Paul Maric is a Melbourne based, independent motoring journalist & mechanical engineer.

Visit: paul.maric.id.au Follow Paul on Twitter: @PaulMaric

JUNE 2014

17

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Steamboat barbeque

experience is gold

By Simon Bailey As Melbourne’s mercury drops, an authentic Chinese steamboat dining experience at Gold Leaf BBQ is the perfect way to keep warm.

Tables at the Waterfront City haven are equipped with inbuilt hotplates that can accommodate individual hot pots, as well as steaming pots for two or more to share. Diners can chose between several flavoured broths to sit bubbling away at the table - a tangy Tom Yum is our pick - and any combination of fresh seafood, meats, vegetables, mushrooms, noodles and sauces at a set price. After your personal smorgasbord of ingredients is expressly served, the fun begins.

Immersing each delicacy in the broth to cook is an interactive way to dine and an exciting idea for a family meal out. The hot pot experience is all about the variety of ingredients available –

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and from razor clams to pork belly to sliced lotus – the choice is yours.

meal experience this winter for couples, groups or families.

Steamboat newcomers need not feel thrown into the soup – Gold Leaf BBQ’s team is happy to explain the whole process so that novice hot pot chefs get the most from their first DIY dinner. Cooking times for different delicacies – and which sauces compliment what creation - can all be explained.

Gold Lead BBQ Cuisine is at Shop 14G, 427 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands.

For those not game to sail full steamboat ahead, Gold Leaf BBQ also offers an extensive à la carte menu featuring favourite entrees and mains brought piping hot to your table.

Gold Leaf BBQ is a warming, tasty and engaging

It is open for lunch 12-13pm Monday to Friday, 11.30am-3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, and for dinner from 6pm seven days a week.

Phone 9642 4288 for bookings.

JUNE 2014

19

3000 WELLBEING

Barista named nation’s best

3000’s kitchen

Sensory Lab. The drink was served in a glass rimmed with cinnamon icing.

Matt is no stranger to the coffee competition scene, as a two-time Australia Barista Champion (2011 and 2013), World Brewers Cup Champion (2012), and Runner-up at the World Barista Championship (2013).

Melbourne’s Matt Perger has been named the world’s best coffee cocktail maker, at the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championships at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo.

Matt, who works for coffee company St Ali, impressed the judges with his stellar performance that required him to make two Irish coffees and two original coffee cocktails.

The recipe for his signature coffee cocktail was inspired by Christmas cake, as a mix of Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Grand Marnier, Morris of Rutherglen Muscat and double espresso roasted by

Matt competed in front of a huge crowd of coffee lovers, as over 9,500 visitors attended the Melbourne International Coffee Expo. The event is Australia’s largest coffee-dedicated event, welcoming over 120 exhibitors featuring the latest in coffee beans, technology, skills and more The Melbourne International Coffee Expo was also host to the World Latte Art Championship. Over 30 competitors took part in the event, including Australia’s own Rie Moustakas who came in fourth place. The winner was Germany’s Christian Ullrich.

Japanese cuisine

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3000 WELLBEING 21 MAY 2014

3000 WELLBEING

Step up

to the challenge Stadium Stomp MCG has two courses to test even the fittest entrants.

Claire Benson is stepping up to a mighty steep challenge. The Docklands resident and her team, the Sloggers, are competing in Australia’s ultimate stair climb challenge, Stadium Stomp.

Stadium Stomp at the MCG on Sunday, July 6 presents a unique fitness challenge. It is not a competition or a race, but a personal test of stamina and concentration open to all levels of fitness.

Sporting exhibition is gold

Sporting medals are what athletes dream of, what teams strive for and what fans celebrate.

For the first time in Australia, a collection of more than 500 sporting medals will be on show to sporting enthusiasts.

The National Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is hosting Gold for Australia!

Stories of our sporting medals.

The collection includes medals won by Shane Gould, Ricky Pointing, Nathan Buckley, Robert de Castella, Peter Norman, and Frank and Lily Beaurepaire.

National Sports Museum curator Helen Walpole said that as a nation, Australian shares these gold medal moments.

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“We can see our flag raised over the medal dais in the presentation ceremony and hear our national anthem,” she said.

The half course is a complete circuit of the MCG’s Level 1 seating bowl, walking up or down every flight of stairs between the seats on that level until back to the start. It is about 1,890 steps and will take around 20 minutes to complete.

The full course then takes entrants up to Level 4 to complete a second circuit of the MCG, again walking up or down every flight of stairs between the seats on that level until back to the start.

The full course is about 7,343 steps and will take anywhere from 45 minutes to more than two hours

to complete, depending on fitness levels. Staggered start times from 8am to 1.15pm will ensure the stairs will not become too congested.

All entrants will receive a Stadium Stomp MCG medallion, commemorative drink bottle, access to Stadium Stomp exhibitor stands, free post-event massage service and 20% off 2XU compression garments, as well as pride in having finished this epic stair climb at Melbourne’s iconic sports stadium.

If you need a fitness reason, stair climbing is an excellent way to build cardiorespiratory endurance and lowerbody muscular endurance and strength.

Stadium Stomp When: Sunday, July 6 Time: 8am Where: MCG Cost: $80 standard, $50 half Details: www.stadiumstomp.com.au

“But sporting medals are presented for so many reasons, not just for victory. Regardless of what they are awarded for, sporting medals are an important symbol of the way society recognises key achievements and moments in sport.

Medals belonging to Shane Gould, who is still the only woman to win five individual medals at a single Olympic Games – including three gold all won in world record time, plus one silver and one bronze, are part of the collection. “Although my medal moment was more than 40 years ago, it’s still fresh in my memory,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to think that the moment was as special to the nation as it was to me, all those years ago.

Seeing my medals among hundreds of other treasured items certainly evokes a strong sense of pride – it’s lovely to display them in Australia’s greatest showcase of sport.”

Other golden moments captured in the exhibition include: • One of Jacqueline Freney’s record haul of eight gold medals won at the London 2012 Paralympic Games which saw her become Australia’s most successful Paralympian at a single Games.

• Ricky Ponting’s four Allan Border medals.

• Nathan Buckley’s Norm Smith medal, which offered him no consolation for his team’s Grand Final loss in 2002.

• Medals won by marathon champion Robert de Castella which were melted during the Canberra bushfires.

Gold for Australia! Stories of our sporting medals.

Where: The National Sports Museum, Gate 3, Melbourne Cricket Ground When: Daily from 10am Details: www.nsm.org.au

By Suzana Talevski – Television fitness presenter and instructor As a strength training professional I get asked regularly about the benefits of using weights or strength training in your exercise programs and whether they are necessary if you don’t want to 'bulk up'.

The answer is unequivocally YES!

Here are some commonly asked questions and your guide to why strength training should definitely be part of your routine.

1. Weight lifting will make women look bulky FALSE: Men have about 30 times more testosterone than women, which is why they can bulk up so noticeably. But for you to reach Incredible

Hulk proportions it would require you to do far more weight-lifting than the average woman, plus have some sort of hormone imbalance, either genetic or synthetically induced, as with steroids.

2. Strength training won’t help me lose weight FALSE: In fact, strength training will help you lose weight faster and keep it off in the long-term.

If you also do cardio, it'll help you retain muscle as you drop fat, as well as prevent your metabolism from slowing. So don't focus all your efforts on the treadmill -- some bicep curls could help you reach your goal faster. Lifting weights increases the number of calories you burn each day. Muscle tissue is the most metabolically active tissue in our bodies, so the more muscle you have, the more energy you expend even at rest.

3000 WELLBEING

TOP STRENGTH TRAINING MYTHS AND FACTS EXPLORED

3. Weight training is bad for your joints FALSE: I say false because this all comes down to technique.

Anything done with incorrect technique is a potential disaster waiting to happen. But generally weight lifting – and especially strength training – will increase the health of your joints by strengthening the muscles and ligaments that hold them together.

4. Diet doesn’t matter FALSE: You can of course afford to increase your calorie intake a little as long as you increase your exercise time too. But it is not a free pass to get the large pizza and Coke option most nights. Diet is just as important as the workout itself. If you’re eating fatty foods and have a calorie surplus then it is fairly simple, you’re going to put more fat on your body than lean muscle.

5. You shouldn’t eat before you work out FALSE: You should always

have a little something in your tummy before you work out. Just make sure it’s small and quickly digestible, for example, a protein bar or a piece of fruit.

For more training tips check out my blog at suzanatalevski.blogspot.com.au

JUNE 2014

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3000 WELLBEING

Getting unstuck

By Dana Atkin - Professional Kinesiology Practitioner When I sat down to write this June article, my mind went blank. I think I’ve already written about the metaphysical elements of illness or injury, I’m pretty sure I’ve covered what happens to your body when you’re under stress.

Hmmm, what can I write about?

Staring at a blank page is scary sometimes. You know you need to write - or type - what needs to be said but sometimes, the beginning just doesn’t start regardless of how much you want to begin.

Often in life, we feel tired, frustrated and to a certain degree like there has

to be something more than what we’re doing right here, right now. Or we make grand plans for something we want to do one day but somehow, the years pass by and that ‘one day’ never comes.

Much like writers’ block, we become blocked because on some level we like the clean fresh, empty page. It’s safe.

It’s always been that way so if we don’t begin writing on it, then we can’t mess up that page, nothing can go wrong.

Except that is, that the feeling that something is missing remains. And that feeling eats away at us until all the other less than comfortable things in our life are amplified by the missing pieces.

Appreciating the Chaotic Moments So hard, there have been times I felt like shutting myself off from the world for just a minute, just one, to catch my breath and regroup.

But in all the chaos, whirlwinds and days of turmoil, I have come to realize these are days to be cherished. The reality is, they won't last. These moments I am wishing away are in fact moments I won't soon have.

But, even when that bedroom door was shut and I began to believe that a moment of peace had arrived, little fingers revealed themselves under the door followed by a loud "Mumma".

The kisses and cuddles come pouring in at the moment, quickly coupled by the 'needing', 'wanting' and everything else that this Mumma does. The days of constant sleepless nights will soon turn

This parenting gig can sometimes be impossibly hard.

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So, how do you get unblocked? First of all, you need to work out why you’re blocked. What’s the worst thing that could happen as a result of you taking action towards your dream?

How would that change your life?

For better for worse? And how?

How would this make you feel? Does this project or idea have any similarities with a past event in your life? How did that past situation make you feel?

Once you have honest answers to these questions (any answer is okay, by the way), you have your metaphorical ‘dam’.

Breaking the dam down and getting back into the flow again, requires you

into sleepless nights of worrying and waiting for my babies to come home from a night out partying with friends. Those big cuddles at school drop-off will quickly be turned into "stop it mum, people are watching". Their innocence is to be embraced. The innocence of life around me is to be grabbed onto. Without sounding like a total pessimistic, life is short.

I am learning to breathe through the chaotic moments and appreciate the positives in everything that surrounds me. Well, try to anyway.

Because sometimes we are better off to be in the moment then capture it, ignore it, or dare I say it, wish it away.

to look at your answers to the above questions and really investigate why you put that dam up to begin with.

For some people it’s a reactive thing either consciously or subconsciously to some past experience that was similar and didn’t go as planned. For others, it could be the fear of the future concept map, which perpetually goes to the worst-case scenario. And sometimes, all it takes is for you to notice what your metaphorical dam is made of for you to release it. Everyone is different.

Once you’ve know what your metaphorical dam is made of, you can chip away at it until life starts to flow again. And if it’s not flowing as you would like, it’s okay to seek out a professional who can help you to release the conscious and subconscious or energetic dam in a safe and healthy way.

Dana Atkin, Dip. Kin Professional Kinesiology Consultant www.danaatkin.com

Tahlia is a writer, columnist and therapist, see more of Tahlia’s work and join the conversation at www.theparentingfiles.com.au

Once again Samsonite has ticked all these boxes, updating its premium business collection with Savio Leather III available in store now.

Samsonite knows appearance is key to representing not only your workplace but your personal style.

The perfect business partner

Savio Leather III projects an image of prestige, quality and excellence, something that every businessperson strives to encompass. Featuring a fusion of contemporary and classic design, this first-class leather range remains at the forefront of business collections on the market.

Savio Leather III's Messenger Bag has been designed with the modern business traveller in mind, featuring a fast access pocket, smart sleeve,

removable strap and padded 16-inch laptop compartment.

3000 WELLBEING

Professionalism, proficiency and performance come to mind when thinking of the corporate world.

ON

SAVI E OF TWO MESSO LEATHE R III ENGE VALU R BAGS E

Samsonite’s Savio Leather DA III business $269 T collection is available now at leading luggage retailers including Myer, David Jones, Strandbags and Victoria Station.

Samsonite, founded in 1910 when travel was associated with exclusivity, has applied this standard to all its products for more than 100 years.

Having consistently made revolutionary developments in luggage design and technology, Samsonite has earned its place at the forefront of the travel and business world.

For more information go to www.samsoniteaustralia.com

SINCE 2003

JUNE 2014

25

3000 WELLBEING

Miss Meaningful Column

Janine Phillips aka Miss Meaningful

is passionate about philanthropy and business with a love of combining the two living by the motto ‘one devoted person can initiate change’.

Make sure you Visit her blog at missmeaningful.com.au

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Pay A Sack Forward…

This story starts in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley. Michael Stafford realised the potential to make a difference through his business, BAM Espresso, by donating some profits from every cup of coffee sold towards creating survival sacks for the homeless in the area.

of purpose to realise it here. In six months, Ryan has managed to build support with 30 caring cafes and make a difference in the lives of many. You can feel the dedication to the cause when Ryan shares stories of giving the sacks to those in need. He has such humble respect for their welfare.

and Ryan run it themselves including packing and delivering to the homeless. It’s certainly not a 9-5 job and often has them visiting food vans and shelters late at night. I asked Ryan: why do you do it? His response: “It combines my love of coffee, building friendships and making a difference.”

Michael felt he could do more and expanded his idea into Pay a Sack Forward. The program asks customers of supportive cafes to donate funds to assist with the making of the survival sacks. The sacks include much-needed items such as a pillow, blanket, tuna, cereal, milk, baked beans, toothbrush, toothpaste and water.

They cost $5 to make but people can donate as much as they like in the donation tube provided at the cafés counter.

The City of Melbourne’s Homelessness Strategy 2011–13 identified that 1,302 people are experiencing homelessness in Melbourne. Homelessness is prevalent in Australia with over 105,000 homeless (2011 ABS Census), 44 per cent of which are women*.

With 90 outlets across Brisbane and Melbourne generously supporting the fundraising they are really making a difference. A recent partnership with Rewardle, and other exciting collaborations, is good news and ensures their ability to continue. However, they still need more support. Do you have a favourite café?

Why not ask them to contact Pay a Sack Forward and join the movement?!

One sunny day while visiting Brisbane a kindred spirit named Ryan Everett walked into Michael’s café and felt an immediate connection to the cause. He knew the idea was needed in Melbourne and felt a sense

I visited the legendary Neighbours Café in St Kilda to hear how the patrons embrace the idea. The manager, Jon, explained, “We loved the idea and felt it was going to resonate with our customers. Homelessness is prevalent in the area and seeing it on a daily basis means we will not ignore it. Pay a Sack Forward is the perfect fit for our business and our customers.” As a non-profit, Michael

To donate or express your interest you can visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/PayASackForward or phone 1300 796 211. Stay tuned for their new and improved website at www.payasackforward.com.