MCN_September 2010 Edition by MC News

DO NOT L

PLE

E RECY CL

PLE

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

65,000 COPIES MONTHLY

MCN

FREE

Melbourne City Newspaper

Website: www.mc-news.com.au • Postal Address: PO Box 582, Collins Street West, Vic 8007 • Toll Free: 1300 80 40 33 • E-mail: info@mc-news.com.au

Photo: AAP

Change is in the air

inside

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Greens MP Adam Bandt shake hands after signing a parliamentary agreement.

Full story page 2

plus Interview with Strauchanie, man about town -page 5

Taste of Lilith Festival - page 6

The Camberwell Market

Graffiti Crews in Melbourne

ArtPlay: Reigniting imaginations for Spring

School holiday activities - page 8

Entrepreneur of the Year awards - page 23

Classifieds - page 23

MCN national news

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Change is in the air By Rebecca Ponsford

MCN Melbourne City Newspaper

Editor-in-Chief: Paul McLane Features Editor: Rebecca Ponsford Journalist: Chiara Macfarlane Designers: Rakesh Maharjan, Matt Hocking Webmaster: Ryoko Morimore Marketing: Pummi Sooden Photographer: AP Guru Production Manager: Lisa Stathakis Publisher: Paras Australia Pty Ltd Distributors: Ryan Gunn, Fermax

CONTACT Free call: 1300 80 40 33 Next Issue on: 15 October, 2010 Advertising: ad@mc-news.com.au Freelance submissions: mail@mc-news.com.au General inquiries/feedback: info@mc-news.com.au

Disclaimer MC NEWS and web MC-NEWS. com.au due care in the preparation of the publication but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, omissions or misprints. MC NEWS prints advertisements provided to the publisher, but gives no warranty and makes no representation as to the truth or accuracy of any description and accepts no liability for any loss suffered by any person who relies on any statement contained herein. MC NEWS reserves the right to refuse, abbreviate or delete any advertisement at any time. Advertisements are responsible for advertising copy by virtue of the Trades Practices Act and advertisements are published in good faith. All logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Bandt talking to shoppers at Victoria Market during the election campaign

in support for the Greens is more than a “protest” vote. “We made a conscious decision to campaign on positive issues; values like compassion, sustainability and equality. We saw that the possibility was there to put these sorts of discussions on the agenda. “I think this is what people responded to, not just in Melbourne but around the country.” Bandt cited his party’s longstanding opposition to mandatory detention and off-shore processing of asylum seekers as one factor in their electoral success. “We’re already dealing with the fallout of some complicated political and military conflicts around the world, but the effects of climate change are going to see growing numbers moving across borders in the next few years. We need to go back to basics and think about how we’re going to approach that. In policy terms, Bandt thinks the first step could be the introduction of a “climate change” visa. “At the moment there’s no long-term solution,” he said. “We’re going to need to have

a practical, compassionate, long-term plan. “The ideal would be to move back to a situation where the treatment of refugees is no longer a political football to get kicked aound at election time. “That would say volumes about where we’ve come as a country.” Compared to similarlyplaced countries like Canada, Australia takes in an “incredibly low” percentage of the world’s displaced persons. “According to the Refugee Council, our fair share would be about 20,000 a year, but we only take in about 12 to 15,000,” he said. “But it’s not just about the numbers: it’s about how we treat people once they’re here.” The Greens have consistently insisted that the processing of asylum seekers should take place close to Australia’s capital cities where they can easily access the legal and medical support they need. “After the Vietnam War and in the decade following we took in close to 100,000, as a combination of direct refugees and family resettlement – and there was bipartisan support. “It’s tough to imagine either

Why young people drink

oung people get drunk to bond with their social group, an academic

says. Teenagers regard their ability to drink excessive amounts of alcohol as a mark of “personal esteem” among their friends and for many it is key to being accepted as part of a social group. Professor Christine Griffin carried out detailed research into the reasons for young people drinking, including extensive interviews. “Extreme inebriation is often seen as a source of personal esteem and social affirmation amongst young people. “Our detailed research interviews reveal that tales of

alcohol-related mishaps and escapades are key markers of young people’s social identity. “The ‘culture of intoxication’ has become a normalised and an almost compulsory aspect of many young people’s social lives. “Getting very drunk with friends often insulates young people from viewing their level of alcohol consumption as a potential problem, deepening bonds of friendship and cementing group membership. “Campaigns that aim to change young people’s drinking habits need to take the social importance of drinking into account, as well as the pervasive availability of ‘cheap deals’ on alcohol.”

Photo: AAP

eat of Melbourne voters made history when they elected Green candidate Adam Bandt to Federal Parliament at the last election. It was the clearest expression of a shift in the wider electorate that saw a national swing towards the “third party” of around 3.7 per cent, almost twice the swing towards the Coalition. While many political commentators see the first Australian minority government since World War II as a harbinger of instability, the new Federal MP for Melbourne considers it an important opportunity to change Australian political life for the better. Bandt believes the swing is due to increasing disenchantment with the major parties because of their stance on issues like gay marriage, climate change and humane treatment of refugees. But he stresses that the rise

one of the major parties agreeing on a similar policy today,” he said. Bandt is optimistic the new political and parliamentary environment will open the way for that to change. “No political party has an absolute majority or absolute power, so that gives people some space to change their minds. “We now need to find areas of common ground and that might mean people can become more reflective,” he said. He also stresses the need for greater reflection when it comes to action on climate change. “It’s essential that we change the unsustainable way we have of doing things, but what we need is a transition plan that will get us to a new kind of economy based on sustainability.” “At the same time, we have to consider how people are going to be affected and plan for that as well. “We’ve seen from what’s happened in the Latrobe Valley that we can’t just leave everything “up to the market” – it devastates communities and devastates livelihoods. “This is where compassionate, long-term planning comes into play. In the Latrobe Valley, for example, it’s possible the development of geo-thermal (as opposed to carbon-based) energy sources could provide on-going work. But it means getting the funding to test out the viability. Bandt thinks the Parliamentary reforms instituted at the behest of the independent ministers will help open the door for the sort of far-reaching discussion needed to effect this

sort of transition. “It means bills and legislation can now be put up for discussion and vote even if they’re opposed by both major parties,” he said. “It assures that these values can become part of the national debate,” he said.

38 year-old former lawyer, Adam Bandt

Bandt’s main campaign issues • Creation of a $4.2 billion Denticare scheme to provide universal basic dental care. • A ban on $2 ATM transaction fees. • Free kindergarten and more community childcare places. • An increase in Newstart to $486 a fortnight. • Discounts for energy efficiency in low-income homes. • High-speed rail from Melbourne to Sydney. • Introduce a price on carbon.

LOCAL NEWS MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

As street art moves into public sphere, the conventional notion of graffiti artists as criminals who come from underprivileged homes is being discredited. However, graffiti is illegal and has serious consequences for offenders. Recent changes to Victorian graffiti legislation has given police increased powers to search people suspected of carrying graffiti implements, and imposes tougher penalties

Photo: Henry Palander

ith a final burst of colour, fifteen year old Tom Smith* completes his hundredth graffiti ‘piece.’ Walking backwards to get perspective of the large painted mural that now covers a brick wall alongside the Richmond rail tracks, he nods with satisfaction, and hands the graffiti implements to his mates. “Let’s boot,” he orders. At 15, Tom is a veteran of Melbourne’s expanding graffiti scene. He is also the leader, or ‘King’ of an inner city graffiti crew. Capping the spray can, he packs his bag. It’s four in the morning, and the adrenalin rush that has sustained him is wearing off. As he heads home, Tom imagines the thousands of commuters who will see his work as the train takes them into the city to work. The crew separates - heading off through the well-lit parks and quiet suburban streets towards their homes, looking

forward to the warmth of their doonas and a few hours’ kip before school. Melbourne is internationally recognised for the volume and quality of its ‘street art.’ The infamous Hosier and Union Laneways attract hundreds of national and international ‘graffiti’ tourists each year.

Photo: Henry Palander

Tom Smith, Jay Atlantis and Ralph Reed

Malvern Train Tracks

for graffiti offenders. Tom says this has led to discrimination against graffiti writers, and has even led to incidents of police brutality. Melbourne City Council distinguishes between street art and graffiti, and has a Graffiti Management Plan to address the problems associated with illegal graffiti. The unsightly presence of ‘tagging’ – the illegal practice of writing a pseudonym on unapproved property cost the Melbourne City Council over $7,000,000 in clean-up costs last year. However, the Council recognises legalised street art as an important part of Melbourne’s social discourse and urban landscape, and has a number of initiatives designed to give youth’s the opportunity to contribute to legal public art works. Graffiti is complex subject, and an issue that generates widespread community concern. Part of the problem comes from graffiti’s status as both an aesthetic practice and criminal activity, with the line between art and vandalism constantly shifting. Research has shown that there is increased public anxiety in areas that have large volumes of illegal graffiti. Known as the broken windows theory, areas that have large amounts of illegal graffiti are often seen as places where more serious crimes are likely to occur. As one of the most visible forms of graffiti, tagging is perceived as a sign of unruliness, social decline and antisocial behaviour. Art is inherently controversial as it engages with values of diverse cultures and explores these values through posing difficult questions, challenging the status-quo, and exploring diverse realities. The global outrage that occurred when Melbourne City Council accidentally removed an image by the international graffiti artist ‘Banksy’, high-

St Kilda

lights the passionate divide that exists within the community. To the growing number of teenagers engaging in graffiti related activities, graffiti is a legitimate art form and means of self-expression. It also provides these youths with a sense of identity, unity and community. Victorian police statistics show an increase of 17% per cent in the number of young people convicted of graffiti related crimes, compared to the previous year. While this number obviously reflects the results of the increased police

Melbourne City Council distinguishes between street art and graffiti, and has a Graffiti Management Plan to address the problems associated with illegal vandalism – or graffiti. search powers, as well as the six new graffiti-related offenses (it’s now an offense to carry a graffiti implement), graffiti writing has become an increasingly popular attraction for 13-19 year olds. Such research highlights the need to maintain public spaces to give communities an enhanced sense of safety, but also highlights the need to provide legal areas where youth can engage in their artistic endeavours. Melbourne City Council recognises that street art is an important part Melbourne’s social discourse. The Council’s Graffiti Management Plan addresses the need to remove unwanted graffiti applied without consent, and utilises various strategies to ensure public spaces are maintained. The council has also funded several projects through its Art and Public Programs, providing street artists with opportunities to create legal works, guided by mentors and conducted under

strict supervision. These projects are guided by the principle that cultural expression, creation and participation of art is a universal human right, and that everyone, regardless of circumstances has the right to express themselves artistically. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle believes that such programs are an essential element in the fight to maintain safe and attractive public spaces. “By providing these youths with areas for legitimate works, the incidence of criminal graffiti is reduced. We have found that people have respect for these spaces – they tend not to vandalise over an asset of the city,” says Doyle. Doyle believes that these programs help “promote Melbourne so that it influences and contributes to an Australian cultural identity that is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally.” “We have a desire to develop an ethos of creativity and risk taking, by investing in the development of ideas which may or may not adhere to conventional criteria.” Doyle says it’s not the Council’s job to define art. “Street art shouldn’t be done artificially – where guidelines inhibits the creation of unique works.“ As street art moves into public sphere, the conventional notion of graffiti artists as criminals who come from underprivileged homes is being discredited. Recent research into the Australian graffiti culture discredits the notion that youths engaged in the scene come from broken homes, convict serious crimes unrelated to the practice of graffiti, and are in danger of becoming hardened criminals (Australian Institute of Criminology 2009). Jay Atlantis,* is a member of Tom’s gang. With his beige slacks, immaculate white Nike Airmax ‘kicks’ (sneakers), and expensive navy blue Tommy Hilfiger jacket, Jay look more like a prep school yuppie than criminal. The fashion that these graf-

fiti crews wear is a far cry from the dress of stereotypical hoodlums. Many graffiti writers are from wealthy-middle class families, and attend inner city private schools. Until recently, much of the research that lawmakers and society used to study this sub-culture was conducted in America, where gang related violence is more prevalent and members come from

Photo: Henry Palander

By Chiara Macfarlane

Photo: Henry Palander

Graffiti Crews: Melbourne to become the vanguard of a new wave of creative risk taking activity

St Kilda

lower socio-economic areas. The recent study conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology shows that Australian graffiti writers do not engage in gang related violence, and are unlikely to progress to unrelated crimes. This suggests that an ability to establish mechanisms to identify and work with graffiti writers in a way that encourages legalised street art rather than illegal vandalism is essential for the well- being of the community. Such an approach would ensure that such youths are not introduced into the criminal justice system, but are encouraged to use their artistic talents to contribute to community artworks. Melbourne City Council’s progressive approach to graffiti is a well thought plan which may provide an acceptable solution and “help Melbourne to become the vanguard of a new wave of creative risk taking activity (Melbourne City Council website); albeit in a safe and legal manner. *Names have been changed for legal reasons.

MCN OUR CITY

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Looking at the city in new ways Melbourne’s cobbled laneways invite

By Rebecca Ponsford

Photo: City of Melbourne

H.C.J. Lingham was a poet, musician, actor and sometime classics tutor whose ruminations on pleasure, pain and desire so appalled mid 19th century Melbourne that his

last book of verse was banned. Curiously though, a reprint under the pseudonym Viva Vox (voice of the people) soon popped up for sale among the cane chairs and wall-to-wall mirrors of Cole’s Book Arcade in Bourke Street. Melbourne artist Anthony

Public Writing is being projected on the bluestone walls of Lingham Lane

McInneny invites us to ponder this quirky, intimate slice of local history as we experience his Public Writing. The video work is being projected onto the bluestone walls of Lingham Lane as part of the eighth City of Melbourne Laneways Commissions. In reconnecting us to this quirky, intimate slice of our urban history McInneny invites us to ponder the tensions that impact on the written word once it is released into the world. All of this year’s commissions make artful use of twentyfirst century technology to help us engage with little-known aspects of our local urban past, and in that way enable us to reconsider and possibly reimagine the present. In Guildford Lane,Troy Innocent’s Urban Codemakers provides real world and online games that explore the very way urban environments come to be defined.

Photo: City of Melbourne

human-scale engagement and reflection

McInneny’s hybrid “writing machine” invites reflection on the relationship between technology and public mores.

With MyStory writers Matt Blackwood, Tony Birch, Barry Dickins and Cate Kennedy each provides a self-guided

audio tour of “literary Melbourne” that encompasses the Block Arcade and Whitehart and Hardware Lanes.

These extraordinary opportunities to look at the city in new ways are running until January 30, 2011.

Voting opens for CitySearch Best in the City Awards

By Rebecca Ponsford CitySearch is again celebrating the best haunts, venues and events Melbourne has to offer. If you’re among the many savvy urbanites who take recommendations from industry critics with a grain of salt, you’ll be pleased to hear they’ve kept the ‘people’s choice’ ethos

Events and blogging guru, John Curtin

that made last year’s inaugural awards such a success. The finalists have been selected from hundreds of nominations from everyday Melburnians keen to share

their favourite discoveries across a range of categories that ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of fine dining, great vinyl spinning, or even if you just like gazing at the skyline over a cocktail, you’re invited to vote for the best of the best in ten quirky categories being announced on October 4. To help refine the list and add the benefit of his insider knowledge, CitySearch has recruited local events and blogging guru John Curtin to the 2010 judging panel. Thirty-four year-old Curtin is immanently qualified to weigh in on any discussion concerning a great night out. Around 50,000 Melburnians already rely on his “Top Melbourne Restaurants” Facebook page for the latest tips on the best bars, clubs and restaurants around town and his stylish Electric Ladyland is one of the most popular night spots on Chapel Street. And that’s just what he does in his spare time: as the national marketing manager for Onelove Music he’s also the key promoter for the annual Stereosonic Festivals. Last year the popular music event attracted

Photo: Ingrid Langtry

Have your say about the best experiences in Melbourne

Stylish and unassuming, Café Ladro in Greville Street, Prahran

over 140,000 people across five venues around Australia. The value of the personal recommendation approach embraced by the CitySearch Awards was evidenced by his choice of Café Ladro for the interview. It’s stylish but unassuming and a little set back from the street. I’d never noticed it before but thanks to Curtin I’ve “discovered” a great place

for a classic, tangy Italian-style Genovese blend. Besides the undiscovered gems, John says the Awards also help spread the word about new experiences and venues as they emerge. “For example, over the last few years night spots like the Night Cat in Fitzroy and the Northcote Social Club have really come into their own and

this is a good way for people to let each other know about it,” he said. The open voting means the full spectrum of experiences within each category is up for contention. “We even called one category ‘Best Vinyl Spinner’, as opposed to ‘Best DJ’ because we didn’t want to exclude anyone’s favourite just because

they might not be considered a full-time professional,” he said.

To view the categories and cast your vote go to: www.citysearch.com.au/ awards

LOCAL PROFILE MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

An AFL legend shares his pre-Finals wisdom

By Rebecca Ponsford

A Photo: www.sdpmedia.com.au

veteran of four AFL Legends games, Bryan Strauchan (“Strauchanie”) has some advice for less experienced players feeling the pressure of the upcoming Grand Finals.

“Most players do find Grand Finals to be like a pressure cooker,” he says. “So my advice would be get used to that environment and live in an actual pressure cooker in the week leading up so by the time GF day rolls around you’ll just feel like you’re in your own kitchen but this time you can handle the heat.” This is the sort of wisdom we’ve come to expect from the spiritual leader of Collingwood Football Club. “Some people might say ‘hang on Strauchanie, you haven’t played this year’. “But stats can be misleading ... to be a true spiritual leader of a club means that you shouldn’t physically be there. So, in a way Strauchanie has become like a ghost like Casper.” True to his word, and with a deep sense of his responsibilities, he makes a point of sneaking into the locker rooms and “moving stuff around”. “Last week for example, I snuck in and I changed Tyson Goldsack’s boots with little Jarryd Blair’s. That may have backfired, I don’t think he realised and he was running funny

against the Hawks but you get Strauchanie’s drift, yeah?” Blair also rates a mention as one of the stand-out players of the 2010 Season. “He could be the first player to win a Grand Final and ride the Melbourne Cup winner in the same year.” All in all though, he feels the distinct lack of Strauchanie on the field has meant a drop in excitement in the game. He’s even doubtful the much-debated Twenty-20 game format is going to solve the problem. “You want excitement? You want members? Recruit Strauchanie. It’s pretty simple. Strauchanie still has a lot of good footy left in him. I would say approximately another seventeen years and that’s being conservative. I would like to see games quicker... I don’t mind the idea of first goal wins.” There’s more to Strauchanie than AFL, of course and he’s recently started talking about settling down. “Tiger Wood’s missus is single now so I might have a crack. There would have to be a pre-nup though, she ain’t getting her Swedish hands on my Mars cash.” In the unlikely event he decides not to return to a fulltime on field career, he’s also bubbling away with other ideas, including a few for his own TV show. Unfortunately the cooking

show, Master Strauchanie is not on the immediate agenda. “These rumours start because I have been dating Poh on and off for a little while now,” he says. He’s also been reluctant to give too much away since neophyte UK adventurer Bear Grylls stole his Man vs Wild idea. “It was Man vs Wild where ex-Freo skipper Peter Man took on ex-Magpie ranga battler Jason Wild. It was going to be huge,” he laments. “I tell you don’t let Strauchanie in a room with Bear Grylls, it will not be pretty.”

Follow Strauchanie on Twitter right up to the Grand Final: www.twitter.com/ Stauchanie Special thanks to Melbourne writer, actor and director, Peter Helliar for his assistance in accessing the reclusive star.

Photo: Token

The media may have given Ashton Kutcher credit for popularising Twitter, but it took Collingwood legend Bryan Strauchan to figure out what it was invented for: sharing his AFL insights with Melburnians right up to the Grand Final. As his 45,000 Facebook fans will attest, whether you’re following him on Twitter or checking his home page, where Strauchanie is involved you can always count on ‘pure B.S.’

The legend as we know him best

Strauchanie’s Mecca

Bryan Strauchan, man about town

For Strauchanie the biggest appeal of Melbourne is its proximity to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, he thinks people who compare it to The Colosseum are actually doing the stadium a disservice. “The MCG’s the Mecca of world sport,” he says. “The Colosseum is falling apart, it’s not safe,” he says.

While the traditionalist in Strauchanie is drawn to the famous clocks at Flinders Street Station, the up-to-the-minute technophile can’t help suggesting a bit of modernisation. “It’s probably time they went digital,” he says. “... may call Lord Mayor Doyle about that.” The public-spirited icon is also keen to contribute to Melbourne’s outdoor artworks.

“Sure, the surface is better than at Etihad where it is structurally unsound (too many AC/ DC concerts there). “I think it’s time Ian Collins stopped running the Colosseum, I mean it’s a bit arrogant to name a stadium after you isn’t it?” “Although ‘The Strauchanium’ has a nice ring to it.”

Photo: Stephenk1977

Melbourne Cricket Ground, “better than The Colosseum”.

Maybe it’s time for a bit of modernisation

“Imagine a Strauchanie statue in the middle of Fed Square. Even the pigeons would be too respectful to lay cable on it. It could become a place for families to come and worship together.” Another favourite spot is the Melbourne Museum. “I take chicks there when I am trying to impress them.”

MCN LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Australia to get A Taste of Lilith! Court Yard Hounds, Kate Miller-Heidke and The Verses join Sarah McLachlan for the 2010 A Taste of Lilith Festival!

has been an ambition of ours for years, and we’re thrilled to be able to host A Taste of Lilith in October.” The Lilith festivals are renowned for attracting some of the most celebrated female

By Chiara MacFarlane In 1997, Grammy Awardwinning singer/song writer Sarah McLachlan launched an all-female music festival - Lilith Fair. The next three years saw the Lilith Fair Festival become the highest grossing touring festival in the world – with 1.5 million fans raising over $10 million dollars for national and local charities. Founded by McLachlan, along with Dan Fraser, Marty Diamond and Terry McBride, Lilith Fair is the only music tour of its kind – a celebration of women in music, and a successful fundraising and social awareness campaign. Past festivals have seen celebrated acts including Sheryl Crow, Christina Aguilera, The Dixie Chicks, The Pretenders, Nelly Furtado and Queen Latifah all grace the stage in the name of social activism. Nearly eleven years later, Lilith makes its highly anticipated return, reaching Australian shores in October. Chugg Entertainment, in conjunction with Network Music Group is thrilled to announce the arrival of A Taste of Lilith in Australia, featuring a diverse line up of celebrated solo artists and female bands. Michael Chugg says “Bringing the Lilith tour to Australia

Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson of Court Yard Hounds also offer songs which reflect the complexity of human life experiences. As the mainstays of The Dixie Chicks, there will be no shortage of spine tingling bluegrass tones and harmonies, acoustic ballads, banjo goodtimes, and some gorgeous guitar and fiddle folk songs. artists around the world. A diverse musical smorgasbord that includes folk, contemporary soul and hard rock, the Taste of Lilith festival has received rave reviews worldwide. Joining Sarah McLachlan for the Australian segment of A Taste of Lilith are songbirds Court Yard Hounds (featuring Martie Maguire and Emily Robison of The Dixie Chicks), and Australia’s own Kate Miller-Heidke, and Ella and Jesse Hooper from The Verses (formerly of multi-platinum recording act Killing Heidi.) Ella Hooper is excited about

the chance to unveil her new, more mature sound. “After four years exploring our new direction, this festival is the perfect platform to show the Australian audience the depth and complexity of our new album,” says Hooper. The Versus new album, titled Seasons, is a mature, adventurous and personal record with songs that are equally steeped in vulnerability and resilience. Set to a blend of warm roots rock and alt-country balladry, it’s a departure from teenage angst of the Killing Heidi days. “The lyrics in this album are quite revealing and frank,” says Hooper. “It’s an unveiling of a new character – a girl’s journey through maturity.” This ‘new character’ symbolises Hooper’s own transformation from teen pop idol to mature musician. The lyrics cover the entire spectrum of human emotion, and the music has a mature soul which highlights the complexity of the music. “To me, the album is about journey,” says Hooper. The album traverses the symbolic seasons of life experience; from the tender regret of Let You (w)in, the sexual aggression of Teeth, to a heartfelt ode to the duo’s family and hometown in Winter. “The title - Seasons - is a metaphor for life cycles,” asserts Hooper. “You have good times, hard times - then you’re reborn.” It’s a perfect message to bring to the Taste of Lilith festival, giving hope to the thousands of Australian women suffering from Ovarian Cancer. The Lilith 2010 tour contributed $200,000 to local women’s

Sarah McLachlan

Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson of Court Yard Hounds

charities in each of the markets with another $300,000 going to the I4C campaign, which designated four social and environmental enterprises (Alter Eco, Better World Books, To-Go Ware and Grameen America) that received growth capital from the Lilith i4c Campaign. In Australia, for each ticket sold, A Taste of Lilith will donate $1.00 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Liz Heliotis, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation CEO & Co-Founder, said “In Australia, one woman in Australia dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer; an intolerable

The Verses Ella Hooper

statistic that can only be changed through supporting research towards the development of an early detection test. Tragically, over 50 per cent of the population incorrectly thinks that a pap smear detects ovarian cancer. McLachlan is part of a growing number of musicians who are using their fame to promote social issues. “I have a moral and social responsibility as a human being to give back what I can,” says McLachlan. Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson of Court Yard Hounds also offer songs which reflect the complexity of human life experiences. As the mainstays of The Dixie Chicks, there will be no shortage of spine tingling bluegrass tones and harmonies, acoustic ballads, banjo good-times, and some gorgeous guitar and fiddle folk songs. The ultimate aim of the Foundation is to develop a test that is non-invasive and cost effective for the entire community, becoming a habitual part of every woman’s regular health check up regimes along with mammograms and pap smears. The Foundation applauds Lilith Fair’s ongoing commitment to the community; our

alignment with this festival will raise the profile to prosper funds into early detection, the future will not change without a breakthrough in research – awareness in isolation is not enough. What we can achieve collaboratively will make a significant impact on the future of global women’s health.” Artist Fan Club Pre-Sales will open on Monday 30 August, 2010. General public tickets to all shows (excluding Perth) go on sale at 9am on

Thursday, 2 September, 2010. There will be two tiers of ticket prices available for all shows. The standard ticket price is $149 and there will be a Platinum Reserved Ticket Package available for $249 which will include Premium reserved seating, limited edition tour poster and a limited edition tote bag. Don’t miss the rare chance to see four incredible female talents on the one intimate stage this October.

A Taste of Lilith 2010 Featuring: Sarah McLachlan Court Yard Hounds Kate Miller-Heidke The Verses Monday 4 October, 2010 Enmore Theatre, Sydney Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849 Friday 8 October, 2010 One Movement for Music, by Twilight, Perth Tickets on sale at 9.00am, Friday, 27 August, 2010 from www.moshtix.com.au or 1300 GET TIX

Sunday 10 October, 2010 Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849 Tuesday, 12 October, 2010 Palais Theatre, Melbourne Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au or 136 100 Saturday 16 October, 2010 Convention Centre, Brisbane Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

LOCal news MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

2010 Fringe Festival: Women’s Year

Come into the purple haze for MIAF 2010 The best from home and abroad – and something for every budget

One of the great delights of the Fringe is seeing local artists breaking new ground. This year’s theatre program offers a fantastic opportunity to check out our female theatre makers in challenging works being performed everywhere from the city streets to tiny little shops in Flinders Lane. By Rebecca Ponsford

photo: Madame Productions

Girls at Work

Theatre Works is celebrating the diversity of female artists with a stunning collection of shows and events including works by dance-physical theatre companies Liquid Skin (Rochelle Carmichael and Jenny Robinson) and The She Sessions (Sally Smith, Trudy Radburn & Tirese Ballard); award winning author Hoa Pham; cabaret sensation Isabel Hertaeg; and cross-disciplinary artist Alison Richards. The double-bill from multiaward winning Mornington Peninsula company, Liquid Skin gives a foretaste of sort of no-holds-barred grappling with form and content we can expect from this program. In PaPer Man and The 499th Day, “helium balloons, piercing red eyes, chocolate and cream explode with sinuous bodies writhing with palpable emotion”.

Theatre Works 14 Acland Street, St Kilda www.theatreworks.org.au Phone: 9534 3388

The Getaway

In an example of the delicious contrast on offer during the Festival, Madame Productions’ The Getaway is fresh, honest theatre delving into “the alchemy of human relationships”. Playwright Judi ChaplinFleming even chose the tiny miHub in Flinders Lane as a way of sharing the intense intimacy of her examination of the modern Australian marriage with her audience. As a performer Chaplin’s experience ranges from a Five Star sell out season at the Edinburgh Fringe to appearances most recently on Rush and Tangle. Happily married to a fellow artist, and revelling in life

with her two young children, it was her own struggles (and indeed an element of grief) with the changing character of relationships over time that inspired her to write her first play. “We try to pump life into something that’s already past, the lustful pleasure-driven beginnings (of a relationship) instead of finding the beauty and the pearls in what you’re actually in – which is a long-term commitment.” Wielding such intensely private experiences into a work to be shared with audiences was sometimes confronting for the first-time writer. “ But I realised we need to be told stories so that we can gain greater understanding of how we can stay in the pack – learn what we would

The opening weekend will feature Grupo Puja! in their dazzling aerial spectacular K@osmos photo: MIAF

and wouldn’t do in certain situations. “We tell our kids stories that we hope will help them negotiate a safe path through life. As adults, when a story’s told beautifully you can walk away with a greater insight.” miHUB, Shop 4, 239 Flinders Lane (via Scott Alley) September 22 to October 10 8.00pm, Wed to Sun Phone: 9660 9666 www.melbournefringe.com.au

Kelly Hay in PaPer Man

photo: Matt Haysom

Veteran actor turned first-time playwright, Judi Chaplin-Fleming

The Fringe Festival is about to unleash 300 shows built, crafted, written, devised, rehearsed and polished by Melbourne’s remarkable independent arts community. Presenting works across the artistic spectrum, from visual and screen art, film and design, to circus, dance, music, comedy and theatre, Melbourne Fringe truly does have something to entice every art lover. And with an average ticket price of $17, it provides the widest possible access to Melbourne’s rich cultural scene. In a lot of ways this is “women’s year”. With Theatre Works presenting a three-week season of all-female works, and NIDA-trained actor Judi Chaplin-Fleming making her debut as a playwright with her premiere production of The Getaway.

ootpaths, trees and rooflines from the National Gallery to the Forum will glow purple this year in celebration of the 25th annual Melbourne International Arts Festival. Allan Parkinson’s Halo installations are just one component of a program built on the same commitment to excellence, diversity and accessibility that brought the largest audiences on record to the Festival in 2009. A live rock show and spectacular aerial performances from Spanish/Argentinean company Grupo Puja! will be the highlight of the free opening weekend of October 8 and 9. Free and open-air events feature throughout the program that runs over 16 days until 23 October, presenting an unparalleled feast of music, dance, theatre, opera, visual arts and multimedia events from renowned and upcoming Australian and international companies and artists. Widely recognised as one of the world’s great multi-arts festivals, MIAF 2010 showcases 13 world and 14 Australian pre-

miere works with projects varying widely in scale and content. Of the 909 artists presenting their work in the 2010 festival, 658 are Australian and 251from overseas, with many of the international artists realising their Australian debuts. The Festival not only focuses on innovation and excellence but also accessibility and affordability, with an extensive program of free and low cost performances, installations and exhibitions. Once again under the inspired direction of Brett Sheehy, this year’s Festival includes Hotel Pro Forma’s awe inspiring, large-scale operatic spectacle, Tomorrow, in a year, featuring the groundbreaking music of electro-pop masters The Knife; world renowned recording artists Sinead O’Connor, John Cale and Meshell Ndegeocello; Jack Charles one of Australia’s most highly regarded performers in his one-man show, Jack Charles V The Crown; and avant-garde Netherlands theatre group, Toneelgroep Amsterdam in the Australian debut of their dynamic re-interpretation of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night. www.melbournefestival.com.au

MCN OUT & ABOUT

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Get Out and About during spring school holidays in Melbourne’s city The City of Melbourne offers an array of exciting school holiday activities for children of all ages Arts and craft

Get into the spirit of AFL Grand Finals fever and the 2010 Commonwealth Games at the National Sports Museum’s Cadbury Holiday Heroes – Quest for Glory (20 September – 1 October). Meet your favourite sports stars, try on the shoes of champions and challenge your siblings in a quirky quiz show called Games for Glory.

Younger children (5 to 8 years of age)

Discover all kinds of true stories, not from books, but from real people at The Living Library. Get Dancing! With The Australian Ballet, feel the rhythm with the South African song workshop, Valanga Khoza, or learn traditional Brazilian songs with Neda. Inspire young minds to imagine and create this spring at ArtPlay (various times in September and October), with a bumper program set to feature Pocketfool’s new show Wishhh!.

Photo: City of Melbourne

Join the excitement and football frenzy when Melbourne host loads of free, interactive activities during the AFL Grand Final Week (20-25 September). Don you footy colours and watch in awe as current and past AFL players’ journey through the city for the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade. Sharpen your skills at the ‘Auskick’ clinic, and enjoy AFL merchandise, giveaways and live entertainment at Federation Square throughout the week.

Introduce kids to the wonder and magic of the arts with Kids at the Arts Centre (22-24 September). Enjoy a show that’s part theatre, part circus with Curiosity.

Fun for all ages at Cooks Cottage

The return of the popular Driftwood Wind Chimes workshop, the PianoBoat Project: Stories of Departure, and the highly anticipated seasonal ArtPlay cabaret!

Open Day (3 October) and Draw to Explore (23 & 29 September) adding to establish favourite Fairies at the Bottom of the Garden (22, 24, 28 & 30 September).

experience life during the 1800s gold rush.

an exciting games room, free activity books, prizes to give away, and Melbourne Aquarium’s resident King and Gentoo penguins in their spectacular Antarctica exhibit.

Older children (9 to 12 years of age): Kids and teens will work wonders with a needle and thread this spring at Thread Den (various times during September), which will offer holiday classes for beginners through to skilled stiches led by local fashion designers and craftspeople. Photo: City of Melbourne

Sporty activities

Royal fun time in the sunshine The Melbourne Showgrounds will be transformed into a wonderland of family entertainment, discovery and excitement when The Royal Melbourne Show (18-28 September) brings the best of the country to the city for 11 huge days of springtime fun. With animals and livestock, award winning food and wine, carnival rides, and spectacular entertainment, there is plenty to excite and entertain the whole family. Family ticket packages start at $54. The Royal Botanical Gardens will blossom these spring school holidays, with a program set to delight children of all ages, including Spring

Discovering our heritage

Older children (9 to 12 years of age):

Younger children (5 to 8 years of age):

Older kids will be transfixed by the history of the Old Melbourne Gaol and its inmates, with ‘Such is Life’ providing a powerful performance about the life and legend of Ned Kelly, and Scary & Weird Stories guaranteed to generate Goosebumps (each Saturday during September at 12.30pm and 2.00pm).

The Children’s Fair at Cooks’ Cottage (18 September – 3 October) provides a great chance to get out of the house play in the spring sunshine, when the Fitzroy Gardens flourishes with cool craft activities and interactive games to amuse young explorers. Or set out on a journey with Melbourne Golden Mile Guided Walk (daily September and October) to learn about our city’s early immigrants and colourful characters, and

Curious creatures Waddle into the Melbourne Aquarium for the thrills and spills of Club Penguin (1 September – 3 October), offering daily treasure hunts,

Older children can also delve deep into the ocean these September school holidays with the breathtaking new IMAX film, Dolphins and Whales 3D, which will immerse viewers in the daily lives of some of our favourite ocean creatures big and small.

Visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for a full listing of familyfriendly activities to do Melbourne these spring school holidays.

OUT & ABOUT MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

ArtPlay reigniting imaginations for spring

Photo: Artplay

Anyone over 5 can join in The Big Draw

imaginative play. In a special treat, this year’s Big Draw is celebrating portraits: realistic, abstract, self, miniature, giant or even animated. Bookings will fill quickly for these drawing afternoons. A free annual event, The Big Draw provides anyone over five with a range of activities to inspire the imagination and

professional drawing materials to make it a reality. In addition, professional artists will be on hand to show children just how many different ways there are to draw a portrait. Children over seven are by no means left out. ArtPlay is offering a range of painting workshops, inspired by everything from the work of French

master Henri Rousseau, Chinese dragons, and the plants in the ArtPlay garden. And whether children consider themselves ‘singers’ or not, they can also join in a choral workshop being run by The Australian Voices and perform for their families at a small post-workshop concert. Wishhh! Offers a unique blend of music, art and imaginative play for preschoolers

The Australian Voices: Children’s Choral Workshop Age range: 7 and up Event date: 27 September (1.00pm to 3.00pm) Cost: $10 per child. Bookings essential

The Big Draw @ ArtPlay Age range: Five years and above (families welcome) Event date(s): Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 October (noon to 4.00pm) Cost: Free. Bookings essential

Photo: Artplay

usic, painting, drawing, writing and playing are all on the menu for ArtPlay’s spring program which is running all the way through to November. Activities to excite and inspire children from ‘pre crawlers’ to 12 year-olds are being hosted by some of the best known and most popular artists and teachers in Melbourne every weekend and on a few days during the week as well. ArtPlay Bubs! was a big hit with the under-twos during the winter program, and early childhood dance specialist Susan Mailing will be helping parents and bubs explore music and movement together for two sessions this spring. Wishhh! is set to become a highlight for the more mature preschooler (ages 3 to 5). The world premiere of Pocketfool Productions’ latest theatrical journey will take children and their families on an adventure that interweaves music, art and

Wishhh! @ ArtPlay

ArtPlay Bubs!

Age range: Three to five years Event date(s): 27, 28, 30, 31 October Wednesday and Thursday 10.30am to 11.30 and 1.00pm to 2.00pm Weekend: 10.30am to 11.30am; 12.30pm to 1.30pm Cost: $15 per child and adult pair. Bookings essential

Cost: $15 per child (includes tea and coffee) Time and age: 10.00am to 11.30am (Friday 15 – pre crawlers; Friday 22 – crawlers), 12.30pm to 2.00pm (Both days – walkers) All children must be accompanied by an adult

The full program is available at www.artplay.com.au ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr, next to the Yarra River Phone: (03) 9664 7900 Email: artplay@melbourne.vic.gov.au

There’s more than one way to skin a portrait

By Shannon Robert Walker Prepare to be amazed by the latest 3D film to hit the Melbourne IMAX Museum: Dolphins and Whales 3D. This latest documentary from famed French film maker, Jean-Michel Cousteau, is set against the awe inspiring backdrop of some the world most remote and exotic marine locations including the Pacific Ocean atolls of Moorea and Rurutu (French Polynesia), Pico Island (Azores), Valdez Peninsula (Argentina) and Vava’u Island (Kingdom of Tonga). Dolphins and Whales 3D is the closest to a sea adventure anyone can have without get-

ting wet. Viewers will experience an undersea adventure unparalleled in IMAX history, as Cousteau and the Mantello brothers along with famed oceanographer Gavin McKinney and composer Christophe Jacquelin (the team behind the highly successful 3D Entertainments Ocean Wonderland and Sharks 3D) take viewers on this utterly spellbinding aquatic experience in glorious 3D. Three years in the making, Dolphins and Whales 3D explores the underwater culture and daily lives of the the Humpback Whale, Belugas, Orcas, Manatees and Bottlenose Dolphins. In intimate, three dimen-

sional details, these sea giants appear life sized and up close, thanks to the incredible and innovative three dimensional technology of the IMAX format. Narrated by actress and environmentalist Daryl Hannah, Whales and Dolphins 3D provides a very important message about the delicate ecological balance in our oceans. Through engaging and emotional up close details, the film highlights the critical impact the human race plays in a healthy marine environment. A dazzling and ground breaking cinematic achievement, Dolphins and Wales 3D is sure to enthrall audiences

Photo: Melbourne Museum

Deep sea adventures with Dolphins and Whales 3D

A whale of a time for the whole family

of all ages with its bigger than life stories of these remarkable creatures of the deep who call the world’s oceans home. Whales and Dolphins 3D is defiantly something from the depths that will keep you and your family spellbound.

Where: IMAX Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens When: From September 9 Price: Ticket prices range from $12.50 for children, $14 concession, $17.50 for adults or $50 for a family (2 adults and 2 children),

MCN FASHION

Gwendolynne Burkin’s designs evoke notions of a bygone formal luxurious femininity

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Obüs combines adventurous design with practicality

European intensity from nevenka

Alice McCall, girlish charm, bohemian flare, and dash of rock and roll

photos: PPR Melbourne

Melbourne designers dominate

Spring Fashion Week M

Lisa Ho is a favourite of Elle Macpherson, Sophie Monk, Sophie Lowe, Saskia Burmeister, Delta Goodrem and Emma Booth

elburnians flocked to the most exciting Spring Fashion Weeks in years as the city buzzed with 200 events fusing fashion, performance, film, music and food. Two ambassadors guaranteed MSFW not only provided the best of fashion, but also delivered a rich, all-embracing creative, cultural and social experience. Melbourne model Lucy McIntosh, lead the Designer Series runway shows while style icon Ruby Rose served as cultural attaché. Seventy per cent of the designers showcased this year were Melbourne based, and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle explained why the event has become such an integral part of local cultural life. “MSFW is about accessible fashion, where you can see it, try it and buy it. On the catwalk and in city spaces you will see models of all shapes and sizes and all styles of fashion,” he said. The hallmark event was the Designer Series at Melbourne Town Hall. Emerging talent and design elite marched side-by-side to present their bold, beautiful spring/summer collections. The series included the latest from some of Australia’s most coveted designers, including internationally renowned Collette Dinnigan, whose label became a regular red carpet fixture, from Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie to Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman. Also featured were the luxuriously feminine designs of German-born, Melbourne-based designer Gwendolyn Burkin. The one-time fabric sales assistant was a finalist for the New Designer award four years in a row and has gone

on to become one of our most admired and sought-after designers. With Lisa Ho’s collection, we saw the newest designs from the Australian designer favoured by celebrities including Ivanka Trump, Sarah Wynter, Elle Macpherson, Sophie Monk, Sophie Lowe, Saskia Burmeister, Delta Goodrem and Emma Booth. Therese Rawsthorne’s Spring-Summer collection, ‘The Temptress’ was lauded at RAFW 2009, for her unique aesthetic that produces unstructured yet beautifully tailored garments. The classic styles of Manning Cartell were on display to give us a taste of things to come from the designer’s first Melbourne boutique which opened at the GPO earlier this year. The passion and confidence of Rosemary Masic’s European heritage were evident in the latest collection from nevenka. Once again, embroideries and embellishments from her travels and family heirlooms provided strong inspiration for the characteristic detail of her creations. In her tenth collection, Obüs’s Kylie Zerbst delivered beautiful and practical clothing for the modern adventurous woman, featuring signature prints and styles inspired by her travels. As could be expected from one of our newest labels, the Limedrop collection captured the spirit of experimentation and possibilities. Clea Garrick and Nathan Price’s men’s and women’s wear combined clear lines, bold colours, structured pieces and curious proportions with their trademark irreverence. Alice McCall has come a long way from oneoff silk tops and 50s dresses. Her latest collection exhibited the combination of girlish charm, bohemian flare, and dash of rock and roll that have earned her devotees around the world.

The hallmark event was the Designer Series at Melbourne Town Hall. Emerging talent and design elite marched sideby-side to present their bold, beautiful spring/ summer collections.

The introduction of the Lunch Time Series took the MSFW out to the streets and to the people, making this the most accessible Fashion Week to date. City Square was transformed into a magical spring garden and fashion hub for the weeklong celebration that included free fashion, music and beauty activities. We also got a glimpse of our designers of the future, as pioneer students displayed their innovative creations in a series of bespoke shipping containers located throughout the city. Many also found inspiration in the fascinating constructions showcased on the Dangerous Goods runway. The Fourth Year Collections of Architecture and Design students, inspired by everything from the technical detailing of lingerie to strange creatures that inhabit dreams, ensured that we can continue to count on new and exciting fashion for years to come.

LIFESTYLE MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

The Camberwell Markets T

here is a running joke among my friends that I can buy a whole new wardrobe for under $20. It’s true. Shoes $3; top $1; skirt $2; jacket $7 and a handbag - $5 maximum. Easy! All I need is a Sunday morning at my favourite place, the Camberwell Markets. For those of you who have not yet discovered this Melbourne delight you have a treat waiting, especially if you are a bargain hunter. It’s not just clothes you will find; there are treasures of all sorts. Furniture, books, musical instruments, flowers, plants, children’s clothes, and designer clothes – in fact the range of goods is extraordinarily wide. The markets are on almost every Sunday of the year and run from 7am – 12.30pm. There is a lovely community feel as you wander among the stalls. Kids, dogs, prams and all ages meander happily up and down the aisles of the transformed car park. Smells of jam doughnuts and Kransky sausages waft by and there are always buskers playing. Most weeks the resident Elvis impersonator is among them. The night before I go, I set myself the “market challenge”. It works like this: I think of whatever I want and I imagine finding it there. And sure enough, I almost always do. I mentioned this “challenge” to a friend once, the night before his

market debut. He was sceptical but said that he would love a pair of ski boots. Sure enough, ten minutes after he arrived he came across a pair that fit him perfectly, and they were only $10! I should note here that they were a rather stark bright red, which led him to remark

As dawn arrives, so do the shoppers. This is the calm time of the markets. On a fresh spring or summer morning, with a latte in your hand this is a beautiful time to wander amongst the 350 plus stalls. If you are after antique furniture this is definitely the best time to go, as most good things go early. that next time he took on the “market challenge” he would specify the colour. There are different experiences you can have at the Camberwell markets and it all depends on what time of day you go. If you take the early shift (6am – 7am) you will be among the “torch people”. These are the folk who emerge, seemingly out of the darkness, just as stall owners are dragging boxes from their cars. They flock to stall after stall, opening boxes and searching eagerly through

bags with a fever about them. It’s almost otherworldly to see them rugged up in the morning cold, torches in hand, bartering for the first deals of the day. As dawn arrives, so do the shoppers. This is the calm time of the markets. On a fresh spring or summer morning, with a latte in your hand this is a beautiful time to wander amongst the 350 plus stalls. If you are after antique furniture this is definitely the best time to go, as most good things go early. For those who simply want a bargain, try your luck at 12pm. At this time shop owners, not wanting to haul unsold goods back home, start selling things at extra low prices. Cries of, “Everything $1!” echo through the stalls. While most of the quality goods have gone by this point, the joy of making a purchase for $1 will tempt you buy a couple more things, maybe even worthwhile ones. At 12.30pm, the efficient Rotary club members who oversee the markets are quick to wrap things up and everyone is gone by 1pm. The Rotary club and has raised over nine million dollars for the community through the market, since it began in 1976. Bill, from the Canterbury Rotary Club has been a market volunteer for 18 years. When I asked him why people love this market, he smiles, “It’s something different to do on a Sunday morning, you get to mix with all sorts and find bargains or even treasures,” he

Shoppers hunt for bargains amongst the 350 plus stalls.

adds with a wink. Kitty Liaghin is a stallholder who comes to the markets about four times a year. She has a shop in Murrumbeena, but says when she gets sick of looking at things on her

Photo: Julie Eckersley

By Julie Eckersley

Photo: Julie Eckersley

Treasure hunt your way through a lazy Sunday

Something catches one shoppers eye.

display floor she brings them here to sell cheaply. “You get rushed early by the people who have a good eye for a bargain,” she says. “But it’s a great atmosphere, people barter and stop to chat, it’s never stressful. It reminds me of how Australia used to be.” One person you will be sure to see, should you venture to Camberwell on a Sunday morning, is Frank. Frank has had a stall here every week since the market first began. You’ll find him in the top right hand corner, looking content in amongst what he calls his “household requirements” stall. Frank is over eighty and selling at the markets has been a hobby since his retirement. “Been here since ’76, and will be here till I die,” he says, then suddenly looks serious and adds, “Not that I am intending on doing that today.” Frank sells vacuum cleaners, toys, records and “just about anything.” He refers fondly to the markets as a “great social gathering.” “There’s thousands of regulars who come here,” he says, “ They don’t come to buy, they just come for the atmosphere.” When you’ve had enough of treasure hunting and bartering you can sit in one of the cafés on the markets fringe and

watch the world go by. If you want something a little quieter, sneak around the corner to the Hush Hush café, I recommend their Energy breakfast: warmed spinach, cherry tomatoes, fetta, lemon and avocado on rye. Completely delicious! As for my latest great find at the markets, it’s a pair of handmade brown leather boots. A backpacker from London was selling them off before she headed to Phuket for an unknown amount of time. They had already travelled with her to Africa and America, having been re-heeled in New York. Mine, for $20. Bargain! What better way to spend a Sunday morning! Where: Station Street, Camberwell When: 7am to 12.30pm nearly every Sunday of the year. (Some public holidays and a couple of weeks around Christmas are the exception.) Cost: A gold coin donation. More Info: www.sundaymarket.com.au

MCN ON SCREEN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Escape to Italy The eleventh Lavazza Italian Film Festival is bringing all the glamour, passion, drama and artistry of Italian cinema to Melbourne when it opens on September 22.

over an espresso, limoncello or a serving of affogato (that’s ice cream topped with a hot espresso shot) with friends.

This year’s program showcases twenty six films handpicked from the Cannes, Berlin, Rome and Venice film festivals.

“Escape to Italy for a few hours and experience the latest and greatest in contemporary Italian cinema” says newly appointed festival director Elysia Zeccola.

The festival provides an opportunity to revel in Italian culture in all its guises as serial Italophiles as well as hard-core movie buffs sip authentic Italian beer before the screenings and then follow up with a critiquing session

“There is so much in the program for audiences to be excited about and I look forward to sharing the stories of modern-day Italy with filmgoers at their local Palace Cinema”.

The Lavazza Italian Film Festival opens in Melbourne on September 22

La Nostra Vita The festival opens with Daniele Luchetti’s acute snapshot of contemporary Italy, Elio Germano (As God Commands; IFF09), won the Best Actor Award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Claudio, a construction worker living on the outskirts of Rome with a wife he adores, two small kids and a third on the way. When a tragedy befalls the family, Claudio leans on his boss, Porcari (Giorgio Colangeli), to give him his own construction site to supervise. In exchange, Claudio will keep a secret Porcari is covering up. The star-studded cast also includes Luca Zingaretti (from the popular Inspector Montalbano series) as a drug-dealing neighbour and Raoul Bova, one of Italy’s most exportable heart-throbs who is perfectly cast as Claudio’s brother, and is unexpectedly moving as a handsome but introverted bachelor. Luchetti’s wisely made human drama explores some of Italy’s most topical issues, punctuated by songs from Italian rock great and working-class hero Vasco Rossi.

Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di biciclette) As a fitting ‘bookend’ to La Nostra Vita’s study of contemporary Italian life, the closing night screenings, complete with Limoncé cocktails, will feature Vittorio De Sica’s masterpiece of Italian filmmaking, Bicycle Thieves. A foundation stone of the neorealist film movement, Bicycle Thieves is a harrowing portrait of loss and depravation in post-war Rome. Awarded an honorary Oscar for Best Foreign Film, and regularly voted one of the greatest films of all time, Bicycle Thieves is a simple, powerful movie story about a man who needs a job. Like the great neorealist film that preceded it, Roberto Rosselini’s Open City, the film was shot on location in the streets of Rome using nonprofessional actors, giving chilling authenticity to the story of a man’s desperate bid to provide for his family.

Baaria

Happy Family

Multi award-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) creates a moving homage to his childhood home in Baarìa. Accompanied by a score from legendary composer Enrico Morricone, Baarìa provides a rich tapestry of 20th century Italian life as it follows Peppino through all the stages of his life. In his hot, dusty Sicilian village, young Peppino’s childhood coincides with the rise of the Fascists, the declaration of war and liberation by the Allies. Tornatore takes us on a journey through three generations as the older Peppino joins the Communist Party and falls in love with the beautiful Mannina, events that are to shape and define his adult years.

Academy award-winning veteran director Gabriele Salvatores (Mediterraneo) delivers a colourful tongue-in-cheek and richly comedic tribute to Pirandello in his tale of a writer holed up in his apartment in Milan one hot summer trying to punch out a story while the characters come to life around him offering their input on the direction they think the story should take. Fabio De Luigi (Many Kisses Later; IFF2009) plays recently dumped screenwriter Ezio who is having trouble writing a story about two neurotic families whose paths cross when their teenage children decide to marry. Ezio soon writes himself into his script, and into a love story, while the characters bother him about having bigger and better roles!

The Double Hour

What more do I want?

(La doppia ora)

(Cosa voglio di più)

Giuseppe Capotondi’s engaging psychological thriller won Best Film at the 2009 Venice Film Festival. The tight, measured pace and subterranean plot turns provide plenty of intrigue and suspense as we are drawn in to the emerging relationship between the two charismatic but fragile people who meet through a speed-dating service. Ksenia Rappoport (The Unknown Woman; IFF08), is extraordinary as the vulnerable Sonia. Her magnetic performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival. As the ex-cop turned security guard, Guido, Filippo Timi, (Mussolini in Vincere; IFF09) earned the Best Actor award for his work in this surprising and very effective mix of love and danger.

Two people unhappy in their relationships turn to one another in this handsome relationship drama from acclaimed filmmaker Silvio Soldini (Days and Cloud; IFF08) which screened in the Berlinale Special section at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival. Alba Rohrwacher (I Am Love) delivers a beautifully nuanced performance as Anna, a woman who is afraid to take responsibility for her future once and for all. She lives with her long-time boyfriend Alessio (Giuseppe Battiston), a nice guy who thinks they should settle down and have a child. Anna, on the other hand, feels like the excitement has gone out of their relationship and when she meets Domenico (Pierfrancesco Favino) in her office, it isn’t long before their clandestine chemistry turns into a fully fledged affair even though Domenico confesses to having a wife and two kids at home. The illicit lovers meet once a week for a few hours in a cheap motel, but soon it’s not enough for Anna, who becomes increasingly needy.

Participating Cinemas Draquila - Italy Trembles (L’Italia che trema)

Vittoria D. Screening in accompaniment to Bicycle Thieves, the festival presents Mario Canale fascinating documentary about the legendary director. Vittorio De Sica (1902-1974) had one of the most remarkable careers in the history of Italian cinema. He began acting during the silent era and directing in the early 1940s, making his mark internationally when his powerful neorealist drama Shoeshine (1946) earned acclaim from critics and audiences around the world. Just two years later he made Bicycle Thieves which is still considered a landmark achievement in European cinema. This affectionate portrait of Vittorio De Sica and his work received its world premiere as part of the “Venice Days” program at the Venice Film Festival 2009.

Italophiles and political junkies will be enthralled by documentarian and bold satirist Sabina Guzzanti’s new documentary which examines the aftermath of an April 2009 earthquake that devastated the historic city of L’Aquila, the capital of Italy’s wildly beautiful region of Abruzzo. The earthquake killed more than 300 people, destroyed artworks of global importance and left the majority of the city’s residents homeless. Guzzanti alleges that the disaster was used by the government for political gain, approaching her theme in a systematic way, cleverly and humorously building her case and making good use of her background as a satirist and comedian to keep the audience engaged. Draquila received a standing ovation at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

Palace Cinema Como Cnr Toorak Rd & Chapel St, Sth Yarra. Bookings: 9827 7533 Palace Balwyn 231 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn. Bookings: 9817 1277 Palace Brighton Bay 294 Bay St, Brighton Bookings: 9596 3590 Kino Cinemas 45 Collins St, Melbourne. Bookings: 9650 2100 Palace Westgarth 89 High St, Northcote. Bookings: 9482 2001 Visit www.italianfilmfestival.com.au for more details and screening times

ON STAGE MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

A carnival in the heart of the city Lose yourself in the magic of Finucane, Smith, and about 30 of their friends

By Rebecca Ponsford

t the age of eight, Moira Finucane was torn away from the enchantment of white Christmases in Boston and transplanted to the scrubby back lots of Cottesloe in Perth. She didn’t find much to inspire her in the dusty sunburnt ground lined with rows of flats. Then one day a tiny circus pitched their tents on a vacant block and she discovered a “wild and different” world. “My imagination ran riot,” she said. “Since then I have seen carnivals all around the world and the fascination never dies.” Along with her long-term collaborator, Jackie Smith, she’ll be sharing that fascination with Melbourne Festival audiences as their latest creation Carnival of Mysteries takes over Forty-five Downstairs later this month. “Carnivals have always brought the exotic and the unusual to you,” she says. “The local park would fill up with the exotic and the gypsies and everyone could go along.” More than 30 artists have come together to produce an extraordinary experience interweaving cabaret, fairy tale, the gothic, variety and burlesque into “a portal from the familiar to the unknown”. Finucane and Smith’s ability to deliver excite-

The exotic inhabitants of The Carnival of Mysteries

COM Image: The Sisters Hayes Photo: Jodie Hutchinson

fortyfivedownstairs 45 Flinders Lane Friday October 8, 6pm & 8pm Friday & Saturday from October 9 to 30, 6pm , 8pm & 10pm Sunday October 10, 17 & 24 at 4pm, 6pm & 8pm Tuesday & Thursday October 12 to 28, 7pm & 9pm Season runs until Saturday 30 October Duration: Session open for 2 hours (last entry 45min after session starts) Ticketmaster 1300 723 038 / www.melbournefestival.com.au fortyfivedownstairs 03 9662 9966 / www.fortyfivedownstairs.com

Intimacy A compelling journey from Ranter Theatre By Rebecca Ponsford

Entitled simply Intimacy, their exploration of the human need for connection will premiere at the Malthouse Theatre as part of the Melbourne International Arts Festival. “The internet has changed the way people interact,” says company director, Adriano Cortese, “but I don’t think the needs, wants or desires have changed.” The intensely personal realm was also appealing at this point in the evolution of an ensemble where most members have been working together for 17 years. “We’ve been working together for so long, we wanted to create a work together, based on a concept that we all agreed on and looked at ways of exploring that context together. We’re all interested in those abstract connections, the personal moments, and how to serve those moments as we create them on the floor. “It became redundant for us to try to make a script work,” he said. “We did so much that was dramatic, painful,

ment and spectacle has made them famous the world over. What distinguishes their work though is the deeply humane celebration of all aspects of life and humanity that underpins their riotously theatrical adventures. A 2005 meeting with French-born Melbournebased artist Mirka Mora, then in her 80s, reinforced Finucane’s belief in the ‘infinitely sparky’ nature of human beings. “As a young Jewish girl she had been rounded up into the Paris velodrome. I was fascinated by her innocence and beauty and her great love of humanity.” “When I commented on it she said, ‘If I didn’t have my innocence I would die.’ “I found that very moving and it made me think about how the things we say we value so highly – like human goodness and compassion – are often seen as passive. I wanted to explore how that love and celebration of humanity could drive the work.” The project has attracted a wide range of unique, idiosyncratic artists in a spectacular pageant that “also has room for the delicate voices”. This includes Christina Yoyo who was a star of circus Ethiopia at 15, and then sold cigarettes on the streets to support her studies. Finucane describes Christina’s tale of her bid for asylum as “beautiful, sad, and triumphant”. Carnival of Mysteries brings together artists from all facets of the live entertainment spectrum in a way that creates fireworks. Can you imagine any other theatre makers offering both the queen of Australian variety Toni Lamond, and avant garde contemporary dancer Brian Lucas in the one production? Each two-hour session will be packed with eight hours of entertainment in which the carnival-goer gets to choose how they’re going to spend their time and their “carnival cash”. In addition to Yoyo, Lamond and Lucas, the menu also includes the work of the The Sisters Hayes, who have sourced and decorated 140 metres of Alana Hill red silver and blue silk velvet for the tent and side show; access to ‘bodice rippers and true love letters’ from Caroline Lee and some ‘hilarious and gob-smackingly hot’ contributions from sideshow queen Azaria Universe that have something to do with fairy floss. In the words of Moira Finucane, “This is a work that will open your eyes and fill you with wonder.”

Beckett Theatre The Cub Malthouse 113 Sturt Street, Southbank Opening Night: Thursday October 7, 7.30pm October 1– 23 Tuesday, 7pm, Wednesday to Sataurday, 7.30pm Matinees Sat October 16 & 23, 2.00pm; Thursday October 21, 1pm 9685 5111 malthousetheatre.com.au

premieres at Melbourne International Arts Festival

nyone who’s caught a tram in Melbourne knows that complete strangers occasionally lean across and share delicate and excruciatingly intimate aspects of their lives. For me the most memorable was the woman who tapped me on the knee the day Van Nguyen, the young man from Richmond, was due to be hanged in Singapore. Maybe she didn’t feel there was anyone else she could say it to, and maybe she just needed to give voice to her innate repugnance at the barbarism of the event. All she really told me was that she was so upset about it that she hadn’t been able to do her shopping that morning. But it’s stayed with me ever since. These interlinked phenomena – the tendency to be more open with strangers than we may be with those we know and love, and the way we can be affected by chance and fleeting encounters – comprise the central themes of the new production from award-winning Melbourne-based ensemble, Ranters Theatre.

Paul Lum on the streets of St Kilda in Intimacy

and now we’re finding the drama in no drama,” Cortese explains. He also believes eschewing classical notions of ‘drama’ paves the way for a richer experience for the audience. They strive to create genuinely ‘spontaneous’ moments in the space and offer up to the audience “not so much the drama between performers but within performers.” “It gives us the chance to explore what can emerge from two people who have no agenda. It becomes a series of conversations between two people.” “I like watching the audience dealing, not being told in big broad brushstrokes what to expect

photo: Garth Oriander

and therefore having the chance to become absorbed in the detail of the work,” Cortese adds. “In this particular show the idea of someone going on the street was a real event. Some dialogues are invented, but there are fragments of previous conversations, and each of the performers brings some very personal experiences of their own to the work.” Along with company writer Raimondo Cortese, and director Adriano, ensemble members Patrick Moffatt, Beth Buchanan and Paul Lum have co-created a piece of theatre whose simplicity and clarity belies the assiduous attention to detail that produced it.

MCN FOOD & WINE

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Review “Taste of Melbourne Festival” Dedicated foodies braved the rain to line up for this year’s annual Taste of Melbourne Food Festival

By Anthea Abell

eld in the opulent Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, this year’s annual Taste of Melbourne festival again showcased some of Melbourne’s finest and most talked about restaurants, providing visitors with the opportunity to create their ultimate degustation menu. Six separate four hour sessions (with a bonus hour on Sunday) took place from 26th-29th August. Dedicated foodies braved the cold weather and occasional rain in order to line-up to gain entry to the event, which for the first time was staged over both levels of the historic building. Fourteen Melbourne eateries had scaled-down versions of their restaurants set up and were offering three of their signature dishes for diners to try. Most courses cost between $8 and $12 and ranged from wallaby tataki topped with pungent ginger and horseradish at Charcoal Lane, to a fennel-tinged wild rabbit sausage roll served with a dollop of rich kasundi from The European. For the first time in the festival’s history, each day also featured an additional Pop Up restaurant; including a touch of Japanese from Izakaya Den on Saturday and moderne French cuisine courtesy of Embrasse on Sunday. With many food lovers attending Taste more than once over the weekend it provided some extra variety to the program and a chance for some newer kitchens on the culinary block to show Melbournian’s just why they have hit the epicurean radar. Both Stokehouse and Longrain were operating bars alongside their mini-kitchens. The former serving up caffeine charged espresso martinis; the latter replicating its Little Bourke Street cool with a DJ spinning loud dance music and flirty bartenders mixing cocktails to order. The tropical Ping Pong filled with vodka, passionfruit and stuffed with fresh lychees was a definite hit. With so many choices, planning was essential in order to get the best mix of dishes. The venue map provided with the menu was the only way to successfully navigate the huge space without becoming overwhelmed by the crowds and delectable dishes everywhere you turned. Due to the set-up of the event, buying a dish also usually involved lining-up. The longest queues were at Luke Mangan’s The Palace with a twenty minute wait to purchase the overhyped Wagyu burger (which sold out most sessions) or a generous portion of perfectly seared eye fillet with mashed potato and Bordelaise sauce. Foodie tweets were hot on mentioning Mezzo Bar and Grill’s

slow braised pork cheeks served with white polenta and a marsala sauce, and a reply from the Libertine and Le Traiteur camp was that their smoked duck, walnut and apple rillettes were “going gangbusters!” The talk of the town dessert was Stokehouse’s The Bombe best devoured with each element of the meringue, sorbet and white chocolate parfait in every mouthful. In addition to the restaurants there was a scaled down version of the Yarra Valley Farmers Market with jams, biscuits and other homemade treats to try and buy. A plethora of local wineries were providing bottle after bottle of free tastings and specialist butchers had take home packs of their best cuts of offer, with Hopkins River Beef from Dunkeld selling out all their produce by the end of the weekend. Kitchen gadgets, knives and cook books were also available to purchase with celeb chef Karen Martini signing copies of her latest publication at the Mr Wolf stand. For those wanting to learn, as well as eat and drink, several classes and demonstrations took place at each session. Sensology made its first festival appearance this year, running group cocktail classes for those wanting to hone the art of mixing the perfect the mojito, daiquiri, martini or margarita. For $10 the lessons were great value as participants were able to drink their handiwork after being shown how to expertly wield the tools of the trade set out on their benches. Big name chefs were heavily featured throughout the activities schedule. There was the opportunity to have an informalstyle chats over canapés and wine, as well as watch the seemingly effortless live whipping up of signature dishes. The free dem-

Melbourne’s Mad For Macarons By Anthea Abell

efore discussing the macaron it is important to clear up the most confusing issue surrounding this tasty morsel: its name. The traditional and correct French spelling of the dainty little treat is macaron and not macaroon. As a result of the single ‘o’ it is therefore also a requirement to pronounce it as ma-kaRHON and not ma-ka-ROON. Any foodie worth their salt will scoff at incorrect spelling and pronunciation when it comes to discussing these petit fours. And there is a lot of macaron discussion going on around Melbourne. The popular macaron of today was developed in the early 20th Century by patissier Pierre Desfontaines. His ingenious idea of sandwiching ganache between two almond biscuits had such a profound effect that now, 80 years on, dessert lovers make pilgrimages to Paris bakery Ladurée to see where it all began. But what is it exactly that makes the macaron so special? To begin with their production involves a high level of culinary skill. First there is the delicate shell of meringue-based casing to get right; traditionally made of a mixture of almond meal, egg whites and sugar. Kitchen atmosphere, resting times and low baking temperatures are key elements in achieving a glossy casing which is a benchmark in quality. Then there are the fillings that are many and varied; ganache is a popular choice or a flavoured cream or jam. No matter what is placed in the middle, the ratio of filling to shell is also another measure of the standard of macaron. Too much, or too little, filling impacts on the textural experience of biting into a macaron. In addition to flavour, it’s the sensory elements that make eating them such a pleasure. A delicate yet crisp casing, housing a chewy meringue layer and then

Macarons

a gooey middle should meld together for the perfect mouthful. Local food blogger Iron Chef Shellie www.ironchefshellie.com attributes the current boost in popularity of the macaron in Melbourne to its appearance on the first season of Masterchef in 2009, combined with the opening of the Lindt Chocolat Café on Collins Street. “(Lindt) would offer a free Delice with a drink (which) helped get more macarons in people’s mouths.”

Taste of Melbourne 2010

photo: Anthea Abell

onstrations were on a first come, first serve basis and lines of fans waited patiently to see TV favourites Frank Camorra from Movida and Masterchef finalists Chris Badenoch (2009) and Jonathan Daddia (2010). Taking into account that the dishes at Taste were being reproduced in such large quantities, and in a non-commercial kitchen setting, the quality for the most part was impressive; although suffering from a noticeable lack of vegetarian options. Spokesperson for the event Meghan O’Hanlon gushed that “We are thrilled with the attendance, the range and quality of restaurants and exhibitors plus the incredible effort from our major partners to create unique experiences at the event.” With 20,000 visitors over the weekend (a 20% increase on last year’s numbers) the decision to expand the Taste of Melbourne festival and add to the program was obviously a smart one.

Lindt marketing manager, John Candi agrees that the appearance of the dessert on the hit TV show “certainly didn’t hurt” in boosting the popularity of their version of the macaron known as the Delice (the name reflecting the delicate nature of the pastry). Lindt have had the Delice on their menus since opening their first Australian cafe in Sydney in 2004, however sales have increased five-fold recently. Deliveries to the two Melbourne locations have been increased to twice weekly in order to keep up with demand that sees around 10,000 of the sweets sold each week. Candi believes that macarons appeal on different levels due to the versatility of recipes and flavours, in addition to the appetising colours and textures. The Melbourne Macaron website www.melbournemacaron.com is dedicated to spreading the word about the talent and skill it takes to produce a decent batch and the delight involved in consuming them. Spokesperson for the website Jessica Stojkovski believes that consumers appreciate the degree of difficulty involved in creating a macaron giving it a “fine art (status within) the pastry world. It’s bright, it’s indulgent and it’s quirky...the macaron has a personality of its own.” The website lists a handpicked Top 20 of Melbourne’s finest macarons and is staging a competition on October 26th at the National Gallery of Victoria, in order to award the prominent title of Melbourne’s Best Macaron. Entrants will be scored across 5 equally weighted categories including: texture, appearance, taste, shell and originality/creativity. Event organiser Linda Kowalski “...want(s) to spread the macaron love and declare it the new cupcake.” Sitting alongside some of the big names in the Top 20 such as the Langham Hotel (whose macarons are a High Tea staple) are some smaller and newly established Melbourne eateries. Tiny CBD cafe Hardware Societe announced their recent entry into the Top 20 via Twitter. It’s the same communication medium they use to let patrons know what flavour macarons they are currently serving and when they have run out of stock. The social networking website is the Melbourne macaron hunter’s best resource when it comes to discovering new flavours and merchants. For example, the only way to find out when the holy grail of macarons baked by the guru Duncan Markham are available, is online. Whether via Twitter or by sheer consumption Melbournians have spoken and their desire for macarons seems insatiable. With new flavours constantly being created and only a few dollars between trained perfection and amateur disaster, Iron Chef Shellie’s prediction that “The macaron craze is just beginning!”, seems right on the money.

FOOD & WINE MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Wedding cakes out of this world

edding cakes have come a long way from the fruit cake encased in impenetrable white icing, with couples now spending hundreds or even thousands on personalised cakes. “We see loads of unusual cakes, around 50 per cent of our wedding cake orders would be custom made,” says Paris Cutler, owner of Sydney based cake-making company - Planet Cake. “I think (people) are very selective with what they spend their money on and they will probably pick things like the dress, the cake and a couple of other elements that they will really invest in to create the major wow factor.” And there is no better way to create “wow factor” than with a 1.5 metre cake. “When you walk into a venue and you see a cake of that size it is a serious impact. Also, the opportunity of constructing something that big is so exciting from a technical point of view,” Cutler says. For a cake that big you are looking at around 100kg of cake and a starting price of $1800. When it comes to personalising the cake there really is no limit to what you can do. “Technically we can do anything, I think the most challenging thing is when people don’t know what they want,” Cutler says.

While most people just want to personalise the figurines on their cake others want to personalise the whole cake. “(Pop star) Guy Sebastian ordered a 3D guitar with him on top of the guitar as a figurine playing the piano, and his partner at the end of the guitar neck singing,” Cutler says. Planet Cake, which designed wedding cakes for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s wedding and Celine Dion’s 40th birthday, has also catered for some unusual weddings. “There has been a few weddings that have been kind of goth inspired there always really fun,” Cutler says. “We have done a cake covered with bones, cakes with gothic inspired figurines on top, we have done skulls (and) Twilight type of cakes. “(But) the main thing for people would be the figurines and how they are represented in the figurines. We will have someone in a nurse’s outfit and him in a fireman’s costume (or) they might have children (or) animals they want to introduce.” It is the inside that counts, with white chocolate chip and praline cake being one of Planet Cake’s best sellers. “Fruitcake only makes up about five per cent of the cakes we sell,” Cutler says.

How to choose the perfect wedding cake • Choose a cake that matches your venue. If your venue is a ballroom then a big tall cake could work well but if it is small and intimate, a more modest creation might be better. • Pick a cake that works with the height of the bride and groom. You don’t want to be disappearing behind a towering cake but at the same time you don’t want to be looming over a tiny one. • Before deciding on the type of cake you want, check if the venue has adequate refrigeration facilities. A massive cake will need a very big fridge.

How to brew the perfect cuppa

Cheese facts

• Feta accounts for 70 per cent of all cheese eaten in Greece.

• Earthenware pots found in a pharaoh’s tomb suggest that Egyptians made cheese over 5,000 years ago. • Indian water buffalo were introduced as draft animals to the plains around Naples in the 6th century, their milk is now used for the famous Mozzarella di Bufala. • Traditional brie and camembert differ in production and size according to regions; larger, thinner brie comes from around Paris; smaller, thicker camembert from Normandy.

• Arabs from Spain introduced goats to France (now famous for its chevre/goat cheese) in the early Middle Ages. • Early church codes had many meat-free days, so flavourful washed rind cheeses were developed in monasteries as a meaty-tasting alternative protein source. • Processed cheese, was invented in Switzerland in 1908 to use excess cheese. • J.L. Kraft applied for an American patent for making processed cheese in the early 1900s and launched processed cheese slices on the American market in 1950.

• Legend says that a French shepherd, distracted by a pretty shepherdess, left his meal of fresh sheep’s cheese and bread in a cave in Roquefort; weeks later when he rediscovered it, it had turned blue but tasted wonderful. • Over half the cheese consumed in English-speaking countries is called “cheddar,” but authentic cheddar (marketed as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar) is made by “cheddaring,” a process of stacking blocks of curd atop one another to drain. From 500 Cheeses by Roberta Muir

We have a happy accident to thank for the convenience of tea bags, tea expert Stuart Sanders says. “A tea merchant actually sent out samples of tea to a potential customer and he (put) them in tiny silk bags,” says Sanders, who is one of only four Australians to pass the test to become a Silver Tea Master. “They thought it was the way that it was supposed to be brewed and they wrote back and said `that was fantastic; can I get some more of those tea bags’ and it started from there. A good accident.” Tea itself, was discovered by a Chinese emperor who was boiling water to drink when some leaves blew into it, says Sanders, who completed his Tea Masters training with German tea specialist House of Ronnefeldt. The course, which has been running for about two years, requires participants to recognise 18 types of tea by taste and smell and the appearance of their leaves when wet and when dry.

But most Australians, who are more likely to be slurping tea from a Best Boss cup than sipping it from bone china, have a few things to learn about brewing the perfect cuppa. The two most important things to get right when making tea is the water temperature and the brewing time, says Sanders, who has compiled a new Tea Connoisseurs Guide on behalf of Lipton. Water needs to be at 100 degrees Celsius and the tea should be brewed for no more than three-and-a-half minutes. “A lot of people throw their tea bag into a cup and leave it there for 10 minutes trying to draw extra strength out of the tea. (That) actually doesn’t

work,” Sanders says. “If you leave it in there for a long time, chemically, it changes, it has a relaxant effect and will actually put you to sleep.” Black tea should be “brisk and bitter”. “I think that’s the reason why it is so stimulating... it doesn’t have the same impact as a short black or a cup of coffee would but it’s also a lot more gentle on the stomach,” he says. For green tea, water should be at about 90 degrees Celsius and herbal tea can be brewed for as long as you like.

MCN RED CARPET

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Sovereign Hill comes to Federation Square

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Celebrities from the worlds of sport, fashion, beauty and music joined hundreds of Melburnians from all walks of life to celebrate the vibrancy and creativity of the local product. This year’s festival also included a series of hair and beauty fo-

rums and a chance for an indepth look at the future direction of the fashion industry. (See main story page 12.) All photos: PPR Melbourne

Photo: Sovereign Hill

From the free Lunch Series in City Square to the four day Designer Series at the Town Hall, the latest creations from Australia’s most sought-after designers were on display during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

The population of Sovereign Hill during an earlier invasion of the Melbourne Streets

The crusty characters from Sovereign Hill brought the thrill of the Gold Rush to Melbourne as part of September’s Tourism Week celebrations.

Three lucky “townies” found $100 gold nuggets during the gold panning activities set up to celebrate the 40th birthday of Australia’s favourite living museum.

Other activities included traditional games of knuckles and hopscotch, candle dipping and the chance to enjoy Sovereign Hill’s famous boiled lollies.

Melbourne model Lucy McIntosh, DJ Poet from the Black Eyed Peas, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and MSFW Ambassador, Ruby Rose at the MSFW Lunch Series in City Square.

Another great food experience launches in Melbourne Locals and celebrities flocked to the early September opening of the Steer Bar and Grill at the Olsen Hotel on Chapel Street. Offering the best Australian beef infused with distinct authentic Brazilian cooking techniques, styles and flavours, looks set to become a hub for Melburnians in search of great food, great wine and great loca-

tion close to the city. Nathaniel Willemse entertained the crowd that included FOX 8’s re:tv host Brodie Young, singers Paris Wells and Zevon Hiltz, actress and model Alicia Bellette, and model and Dancing with the Stars favourite Alex Fevola.

Model Rhys Uhlich and Essendon FC’s Andrew Welsh

Photos: Media Moguls

Gold medal winning skiers, Lydia and Lauri Lassila at the Designer Series Alex Fevola with Alicia Bellette

Singer Nathaniel Willemse performed for an appreciative crowd

Brodie Young, Paris Wells, Zevon Hiltz savoured the Brazilian-inspired menu

The owners Alex Moulieris and Rob Webber with Steer’s trademark sculpture, The Bull

MSFW ambassador Ruby Rose and stylist Connel Chaing

RED CARPET MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07 Andy Lee and Megan Gale pose with singer Frank Stallone, brother of Sylvester,at the after show party following his concert at The Forum Theatre on August 18, 2010 in Melbourne.

Model Jennifer Hawkins poses with the Melbourne Cup as she attends the Melbourne Cup Carnival Launch at The Ivy on August 17, 2010 in Sydney.

Actors Luke Joslin and Christina O’Neil hold their awards at the 2010 Helpmann Awards at the Sydney Opera House on September 6, 2010 in Sydney.

Peter Alexander arrives at the opening of the new David Jones flagship store at Bourke Street Mall on August 12, 2010 in Melbourne.

Actress Natasha Cunningham attends the Opening Party for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week at Russell Place Car Park on August 27, 2010 in Melbourne.

Model Lucy McIntosh and DJ Poet of the Black Eyed Peas (real name Jamie Munson) attend the Opening Party for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. Director and co-writer ‘Bran Nue Dae’ Rachel Perkins attends the Australians in Film screening of ‘Bran Nue Dae’ at the Harmony Gold Theater on September 7, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Former AFL player Nick Holland (L) and Rachel Holland attend the Melbourne Cup Carnival Launch at The Ivy on August 17, 2010 in Sydney.

photos: Getty Images

MCN TRAVEL

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Bigger is not always better By Danny Rose

Photo: Matt Hocking

Spooky treats in Vancouver

alloween falls on October 31, but in Vancouver there’s a stream of spooky events leading up to it. From October 8, the annual Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tours dare brave visitors to board a decorated trolley bus and travel through the city listening to experienced storytellers spin eerie tales of treachery and intrigue. That’s followed by a walk through the Mountain View Cemetery and a visit to the old Vancouver city morgue for an autopsy. It’s not considered little kids’ stuff - participants must be twelve or over. The two-hour tours for up

to 33 people run on Wednesday to Sunday evenings, leaving from Canada Place at 5.30pm and 8pm; reservations are required and private charters are available. Details at: www.vancouvertrolley.com Also from October 8, every night from 6pm to 10pm until Halloween, thousands of people flock to Stanley Park on the fringe of downtown for a train ride deep into the forest for the scary world of Alice in Nightmareland. In addition to the train ride, this year’s family adventure will include the Haunted Children’s Farmyard and its “spooky animals” and other activities. Details: visit www.vancouverparks.ca.

Historic Fort Langley’s Grave Tales are scheduled from October 1 to 24, with a costumed guide sharing spinechilling tales of mysterious burials and old-school amputations which took place in the old Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and local cemeteries. The 90-minute tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and 9pm and on Sundays at 7pm only. Details: visit www.pc.gc.ca/ eng/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index. aspx. On October 24 comes the Parade of the Lost Souls, the Commercial Drive area’s annual celebration “to honour the dearly departed and wake the

living”. As skeleton brides and witches dance under the street lights, a colourful torch-lit procession makes its way through the streets and alleys with everyone invited to join in the fun. The procession begins at Britannia Oval and ends as spirits awaken to a grand finale featuring torch choreography and fireworks. Details: visit www.publicdreams.org For all details of Vancouver attractions and accommodation: call from Australia (0011-604) 682-2222 or visit www.tourismvancouver.com

Aussies visiting Fiji in record numbers

he indefinite military rule in Fiji hasn’t deterred Australians from holidaying there, with more than 27,500 Aussies visiting the Pacific nation in the month of June. Figures released by the

Fiji Bureau of Statistics also showed that visitor numbers from China increased by more than 30 per cent while tourists from India grew by nearly 29 per cent. In the first six months of this year, however, more than

127,000 Australians had visited Fiji, a record-breaking hike of almost 44 per cent on the corresponding period in 2009. This means that of all the visitors pouring into the popular island nation, nearly one in two is an Australian.

Fiji has been under the military leadership of Commodore Frank Bainimarama since 2006, when he took power in a bloodless coup. Details: www.fijime.com

ize does matter when it comes to cruise ships and, in terms of the tourism experience they offer, smaller definitely can be better. The biggest cruise ships now plying the world’s oceans can accommodate thousands of passengers and crew, and boast features from ice-skating rinks to rock-climbing walls. Add to that the expected deck-top swimming pool and spa, saunas and gym facilities where you can spend a large chunk of your cruise in blissful ignorance of the outside world. But if you’re the type of traveller who also wants to explore the exotic ports you’ll be visiting - and does not want the arrival of a cruise ship to dominate the local atmosphere then it is worth thinking about the size of the vessel you’ll be travelling luxuriously within. The world’s biggest cruise ship under construction, the Allure of the Seas, is due to come online in December this year when it will carry up to 8,500 passengers and crew. “That’s bigger than the population of some of the ports we go into,” says Philip Herbert, Hotel Director at Azamara Club Cruises. “... It’s more of a boutique experience here.” Mr Herbert spoke as one of his cruise line’s ships, Azamara Quest, was moored off the Greek Island on Mykonos. There are around 10,000 local residents on the island, and around 6,500 of them found in its historic and white-walled port town of Hora. As a hub for Europeans on summer vacation, the island is by no means off the tourist radar but part of its charm for visitors is exploring Hora’s maze of near identical alleyways and streets. How much harder would that be with several thousand of your fellow cruise buddies freshly disgorged into the town? The Azamara Quest carries 690 passengers plus crew. “It means when you come into port you don’t have thousands of people getting off the gangway and thousands of people coming back on,” Mr Herbert said. “That and the fact you can provide to the guests a more intimate experience ... there’s a different ambience on board.” The size of the ship can also play a role in the pricing model it adopts - whether it is all-inclusive, semi-inclusive or not inclusive and you’ll pay for meals plus “every soda water, ice cream and orange juice” consumed on board. “You may think it would be included but many (cruise) lines charge you for items like that ... you have to pay for everything,” Mr Herbert said.

“When you’ve got a big ship the trick really is to get as many people on board, and make your revenue on board.” The Azamara Quest has a semi-inclusive pricing model. Dining is $US15 ($A16.40) per head (free for premium room guests) in either of the vessel’s two silver-service restaurants. You can otherwise dine for free in the well-stocked buffet, or at the ship’s regular pool deck barbecues, or in the cafe while coffee and snacks are always free. There are complimentary wines on offer at meal times but you pay for drinks ordered over the bar. You should also check whether guided tours in ports are included in the initial ticket price (they cost extra on Azamara Club Cruises) and how long the ship will remain docked in port. Mr Herbert said some cruise lines only remained in port for half a day, curtailing plans to venture far from the port or dining ashore in the evening. Azamara Club Cruises had a focus on spending more time in port “rather than zooming from port to port ... you can take your time and go out”, Mr Herbert said. “We can also get into some of these other little ports that these bigger ships cannot,” he said. “We are now going to South America where we will be sailing up the Amazon River ... we’re also going to Antarctica, when we’re in Asia we’re going to places like Krakatoa and Komodo in Indonesia. “People are looking for more and more unique destinations.” So when planning your ultimate cruise, it is worth thinking about how the size of the ship can affect where it can go and your experience in ports. Bigger is not automatically better, and as cruise ships grow they can become more focused on what is on board and less about where they are headed to.

IF YOU GO: Azamara Quest: Prices for a seven-night Greek Isles Cruise start from $2,239 for an interior room or from $3,019 for cabin with a veranda overlooking the sea. For more information, contact Azamara Club Cruises (www. azamaraclubcruises.com). The writer was a guest on board the Azamara Quest travelling from Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey.

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

DAY TRIPPING

DAY TRIPPING MCN

Mt Buller a destination for all seasons!

An Alpine village just three hours from Melbourne

Just a three hour drive from Melbourne, Mt Buller is close enough for a day trip yet far enough for a holiday. It’s well known for its winter seasons, offering 22 lifts and over 40 ski runs, but it’s also a great destination for a spring or summer escape By Liz Nowosad

Winter

SPRING/ SUMMER

I must admit I didn’t have particularly high expectations of skiing in Australia. I was looking forward to getting out of the city for a weekend and back into the mountains - sunning myself on the chairlifts, long lunches up the slopes, a massage or two in the hotel spa and a few apres drinks all part of the plan. We left Melbourne at 4:00pm on Friday evening and after a smooth and scenic drive, arrived in the resort just after 7:00pm. We parked our car in the car park and got a mountain taxi the last bit of the way up to our lodgings. The Breathtaker is a beautiful hotel, perfectly located on the edge of the slopes. When I opened the curtains and looked out on the Saturday morning, I understood where they got the hotel’s name from! After a buffet breakfast we headed down to buy our lift passes and then we were off. We had two days of clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine. The snow was a little icy at first lifts (8.30am) and after lunch a little slushy, but for three to four hours in between it really was pretty good - despite the fact it hadn’t snowed for a few days. That is one of the great things about Mt Buller, they can pretty much guarantee some skiing however little ‘natural’ snow arrives. They have excellent snow-making facilities and keep the runs in great condition. Another big plus, is that the accommodation and bars are at the foot of the slopes, making an apres-ski tipple or ten and falling into bed after a ‘tough’ day possible!

There are many activities to choose from in the warmer months up the mountain. Adrenalin junkies, spa seekers, walkers and fitness fanatics all catered for. Mt Buller has four downhill biking tracks as well as a network of cross country mountain biking trails and they’re all available from November until the end of April. Bushwalking is also a hugely popular pasttime on the mountain, as is fly fishing, horse riding, climbing, abseiling, tennis and motorcycling. If you’re more into massage than mountain biking, book yourself in for a weekend of spa treatments at The Breathtaker On High Spa Retreat. The facility features a beautiful Water Experience Area, geisha tubs, and a range of relaxing, indulgent treatments. A perfect way to forget the stresses of city life.

Great snow-machines means there’s good cover even when nature doesn’t cooperate!

There’s never a long walk to a chairlift on Mt Buller

Breathtaker Hotel: www.breathtaker.com.au Mt Buller info: www.mtbuller.com.au

photos: Alex Gray

MCN EDUCATION

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

2010 National Mental Health Week: October 10-16 By Allison Browning

week dedicated to raising awareness of Mental Health issues highlights the need for further education within the community. In Australia, an estimated 2 Million Australians suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) alone. Australian Mental Health Week 2010 begins Sunday October 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. The week involves a series of interactive events across the state including community festivals, art exhibitions, music, theatre and seminars. Megan McQueenie, Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation Australia, says “Mental Health Week (MWH) plays an essential role in raising community awareness and knowledge of mental health issues, with the aim of reducing stigma and the discrimination associated with mental health problems.” Clinical psychologist Catherine Madigan says the week is also plays an important role in educating family and friends about the diverse issues which effect mental health patients. “This enables them to provide

better support, and also lets them know that there are treatment options available.” Mental Health Week highlights multiple mental illnesses. One such disorder is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD. Currently affecting an estimated 2 million Australians, the condition is characterised by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualised behaviours. It occurs equally in males and females and often begins in childhood. Sufferers come from all walks of life. Some are born with a genetic predisposition that can often be hidden until a stressful event happens and triggers the condition. Modern treatments have provided sufferers with positive prognosis, - with most cases of OCD improving within a year of diagnosis. Author Joel Magarey released his book Exposure last year. A love story come travel adventure which detailed his journey through obsessive compulsive disorder, the novel highlights the troubles the illness caused him in his daily life. Magarey’s compulsions made him afraid for both and others safety. His fear mani-

fested in situations mostly related to travelling, and one of his more intense episodes happened when he was in India, as is described in a poignant chapter of his book. Deeply affected by the country’s poverty Magarey began compulsively giving money away and then equally compulsively trying to stop beggars with eye infections from going blind by encouraging them to go to hospital or taking them there himself, “In one instance I took a boy to hospital who turned out to have conjunctivitis.” This led Magarey to have obsessive thoughts that he may go blind. Magarey was aware that his distressing compulsions were irrational, yet was unable to stop himself from acting them out. “It is important to recognise that although OCD is a psychiatric condition, sufferers are not ‘crazy’, ” explains Madigan. “They know their thoughts and actions are inappropriate but are unable to simply stop the behaviour.” OCD causes the brain to get stuck on a particular thought or urge much like a needle getting stuck on an old record.

The fact that OCD is not logical stops most people from being able to understand it. Medications can be used in therapy, but psychological exposure therapy (exposure and response prevention) is regarded by many as the treatment of choice for OCD. While treatment is readily available the condition can easily missed by family and friends, who can be essential in support. In Magarey’s case colleagues and friends had trouble believing anything was wrong with him. “They see me as someone who comes across as a lucid and together person. They can’t reconcile that I have a mental disorder.” It’s been twelve years since Magarey has had an episode. “I still have a fair bit of perfectionism, though, and I’m not the greatest fan of uncertainty.” Often people with mental health issues hide their condition so well that no one really knows. “Of course it’s hard to understand; especially if so much effort goes into hiding the affliction. I think increasing awareness in the community though events such as Mental Health Week is an important step to demonising the illnesses,” says Margery.

Exposure author Joel Margarey

For further information: www.mentalhealthvic.org.au Getting Help: Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria www.arcvic.com.au Anxiety Disorders Association www.adavic.org.au

BUSINESS MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

By Chiara Macfarlane

Gone are the days of tomb-like bank vaults with foyers which proclaim wealth, power and security. The foyer at the NAB at Docklands is a light-filled glass atrium, which complements rather than dominates the natural environment. It is the ideal physical statement to reflect the NAB’s more transparent approach to business. The glass atria signals life rather than power, and encourages participation rather than projecting a stark, inpersonal business façade. The soaring glass ceilings and transparent walls of the atria provide views of the reclaimed harbour. Nestled amongst the trees, the foyer merges with the natural environment. A café provides

Source: Laminated Timber Supplies

he National Australia Bank headquarters and training centre at the Melbourne Docklands has become an icon of modern business architecture where design meets function, and architecture becomes advertising. A collaborative team effort has seen the building evolve to meet the needs of the company, the employees and the customers. As one of the first major employers to commit to the Docklands precinct in 2004, the NAB building is a prime example of the global shift towards office buildings welcoming open spaces, interconnecting platforms and common areas that provide relaxing areas for multi-use business interaction. The NAB building is an example of function motivating aesthetics. Rather than building first, then trying to work around the building design, this office has been built specifically for the needs of the business. A recent $20 million upgrade has seen the space evolve to include a stairway made to resemble trees and a trendy café area secluded underneath the staircase. To guide the architects and craftsmen, the NAB developed a new set of core beliefs which are reflected in the final structure. These new beliefs - openness and honesty, ownership and accountability for its ac-

which proclaim wealth, power and security. The foyer at the NAB at Docklands is a lightfilled glass atrium, which complements rather than dominates the natural environment. It is the ideal physical statement to reflect the NAB’s more transparent approach to business.

National Australia Bank at Docklands

tions, teamwork and collaboration, treatment of people fairly and with respect and the supply of services with speed, simplicity and efficiency - underpin its operations and are manifested in the expansive glass foyer, internal artistic landscapes and addition of civic areas such as the café. Gone are the days of tomblike bank vaults with foyers

employees and visitors with a relaxing communal area for business interaction, and relationship building. “The Building is much more than real estate, it’s a statement about the new National and it’s culture,” says NAB CEO, John Stewart. While the glass atria is a physical statement of the NAB’s new guiding philosophy - open-

ness and transparency - the latest installation, a staircase designed to resemble a tree lined path is a physical embodiment of the company’s commitment to sustainability. A remarkable feat of timber engineering, the staircase is the focal point of the foyer, and an example of the versatility and enhanced durability of engineered wood products. Built by Laminated Timber Supplies, the complex design includes seventy two interconnecting grid points which create the diverse angles and stunning columns which give the staircase which give the structure its impressive appearance. Part of the recent $20 million refurbishment, which created a NAB Training Academy on the first floor, the design brief had exact limitations that required Bell’s team to create a prototype to determine if such an intricate design could be made to a large scale. “It was one of the most challenging projects we have ever done,” says Bruce Bell, owner of Laminated Timber Supplies. “The geometry of the project was quite specific. With less than 300 mm distance between the top of the pillars and the glass ceiling – we had to be very exact in our methods to ensure the glass walls (literally) didn’t come crashing down.” Made from local and New Zealand Radiata Pine, the structure meets the NAB’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. “All the timber is sourced from sustainably managed plantation timber,” says Bell. Before modern advances in engineered wood technology, such innovative large scale timber designs couldn’t have been built. Modern wood processing procedures have provided timber engineers with the ability to engineer specific and enhanced characteristics into timber products, eliminating many of the variable attributes inherent to timber. These innovative processing procedures ensure such products have defined and reliable structural properties and enhanced capabilities. These modern developments have seen engineered wood products become prominent in large scale structural projects. As dwindling resource levels create a need to find sustainable products for building structures, engineered wood products are becoming a popular alternative to non-renewable, or less recyclable mineral or petro-chemical based materials. Engineered wood products have a lower environmental footprint than steel and concrete, are lighter, more stable and malleable. Bell’s laminated timber products have become part of

Source: Laminated Timber Supplies

Engineered Wood creates a sustainable Stairway to Heaven

Local and NZ Radiata Pine Staircase at the NAB Academy Docklands

Melbourne’s changing landscape. The ability to create timber products with an ‘A Grade’ finished appearance has seen engineered timber products become regular features in Melbourne’s outdoors landscapes. Bell’s products can be seen

around the Docklands area, Federation Square, Bourke Street Mall, Birrumung Marr and numerous commercial and residential buildings. As architects begin to appreciate the enhanced characteristics of engineered wood, and

the low maintenance requirements, creative elements and large scale timber structures like the NAB staircase will become more regular features in our changing city landscape.

MCN BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Doing business in the

online world “As with traditional media, good online campaigns are driven by very creative ideas,” says Acott. “It’s most important to get your influences talking. Identify who is blogging about your industry and focus on connecting with them. One you connect with these key players they can re-tweet to their audience and spread your message.”

By Julie Eckersley

very passing day the online world appears to be growing in possibility and potential, and for business owners there is a need to keep up or risk falling behind. This means that having an online strategy and using social media are becoming increasingly important for business growth. Social media refers to sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Ping where the social interaction is the foundation of the site. These sites offer businesses a chance to network within their industry as well as interact with clients. According to Ben Acott, Creative Director and founder of Thinktank Media, using social media sites is an excellent way to develop familiarity with your brand and to generate a community who will support and refer you. “It’s crazy not to get your business involved in social media,” says Acott, “Anyone can do it. The overheads are low and the potential return is very high. Social media can give your brand a face or a personality. You can use it to show off your staff, build rapport and increase your product differentiation. So when it comes time for a sale the consumer feels like they know who you are.” Acott recommends that businesses focus their energy in the social media pages that will most appeal to their demographic. “It’s also important to know when your audience is online and make sure you are too,” Acott claims. “The highest traffic time for social media is from 7pm – 9pm, so if you only work from 9 – 5 you can tools like TweetDeck which allow you to schedule your Twitter or Facebook updates.” The objective is to build a community of followers who will ‘friend’ the site and become advocates for the business. “Social media is basically a free way of marketing,” says Acott, “And it’s much more effective. Even if you only create a community of two or three hundred people, you can market to them forever, as long as you treat them like gold.” As with traditional marketing establishing and maintaining the trust of an online network is vital “The best way to build an online community is to offer incentives. Make sure you focus on what you can give, before you think

Creative Director and founder of Thinktank Media, Ben Acott

about what you will get,” warns Acott. “For example, if you have a coffee shop, offer people a free coffee once they’ve ‘liked’ you on Facebook. This works on two levels, first it builds your network, and secondly it draws people to your shop. It might not always be about your product, but once you get ‘eyeballs’ then they can be converted to sales at a later point.” Danny Dvash and Noah Borensztajn are the founders and directors of Splashbox, an e-commerce company. Their business is getting websites into the Google Top 10, which they refer to as Google’s ‘prime real estate’. “Two or three years ago getting on the first page of Google wasn’t as important,” says Dvash, “But now it is the primary place people go for information. Today, eighty percent of shoppers research on Google before they buy. And most of them won’t look past the first two pages.” According to Dvash and Borensztajn there are 147 criteria that Google use to determine where a page is ranked out of potentially millions of websites on the same topic. This is a process referred to as SEO or search engine optimisation. Just what those 147 criteria are, are one of Google’s bestkept secrets; it took Splashbox two years of online research to work them out. “You want to make sure your website has a content management system built in, this allows you to upload infor-

mation regularly,” says Dvash. “If you have fresh content or images then this will definitely give you a higher ranking because Google reads the activity on the site as a business being successful, so the more regularly you can update your site, the better. You can upload pictures, company updates, post offers or write a blog.” “You also really want to be aware of the words on your site,” says Borensztajn. “If you have a camera shop, write the word ‘camera’ as often as you can. Then when someone types that word into a search, it’ll help your site rank higher. But you can’t just type the word ‘camera’ over and over; it’s got to be in an appropriate ratio to the total number of words on the page. If you try to trick the system like that, Google will ban you for life.” “Another really good thing for businesses to do is SEM,” says Borensztajn. This refers to search engine marketing, also known as pay-per-click. “It’s relatively cheap and very easy. You pick key words that relate to your business and when someone searches for them, you will be listed in the side bar. It guarantees you space on the Top 10 page.” With this option, users only pay for the service if someone clicks through to their site. “You can set a daily budget and you are guaranteed ‘eyeballs’, or you don’t pay,” Borensztajn points out. “The skill is trying to work out the best words, for the lowest price that

will get you the most clicks.” Each word has it’s own price but pay-per-click campaigns can start from just a few dollars per day. Acott also recommends buying ads on Facebook and targeting them to specific audiences. “When my business partner, Sam, announced on Facebook that she was pregnant ads instantly popped in her adstream for Melbourne based baby good companies. It’s perfect,” he says, “It’s timely, it’s needed and it’s cost effective.”

DEBT

“As with traditional media, good online campaigns are driven by very creative ideas,” says Acott. “It’s most important to get your influences talking. Identify who is blogging about your industry and focus on connecting with them. One you connect with these key players they can re-tweet to their audience and spread your message.” But he also warns that going too far can work against a brand. “A free coffee might be a good idea, but asking customers to pour coffee over them-

selves naked, might not give you the kind of publicity you want. People can be very opinionated behind a computer screen.” “We’re in a pretty cool phase now,” says Acott, “It’s still very new and any small business can get on board. If you have interacted with a brand online it is going to skew your purchasing decision. And you never know who you are interacting with. The person you are tweeting could be the daughter of the CEO of BMW.”

OVERLOAD!!!

Is This You? Are You:

DROWNING IN HIGH INTEREST DREADING THE MAIL EACH DAY STRESSED WITH ALL THE PAYMENTS PRESSURED WITH TOO MUCH DEBT SICK OF JUGGLING THE DEBT

NEED A WAY OUT? We Can Help: C O N S O L I D AT E

UNSECURED DEBT

CANCEL INTEREST O N E E A S Y PAY M E N T Call our friendly staff at DEBT CUTTER

1300 307 571

www.debtcutter.com.au And we will show you how to GET A LIFE AGAIN

BUSINESS MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Ernst & young: entrepreneur of the year Entrepreneurs create the future By Allison Browning

he past decade in business has seen much change; a global financial crisis, a heightened awareness of the environmental impact in production, a rise in online retail and, with growing access to information through the Internet, a particularly savvy consumer has emerged. Yet, while entrepreneurs have adapted their business strategies dexterously to these changes, entrepreneurs themselves have altered very little. Despite increasing globalisation and a progressively competitive marketplace the core secrets to success, according to Ernst & Young, are timeless. Now in its tenth year in Australia, The Entrepreneur of the Year competition has recognised more than 800 Australian entrepreneurs.

Eighty per cent of entrepreneurs surveyed by Ernst & Young this year believe that passion, determination and vision are the key ingredients for success and that those key elements have not changed in the past 10 years and will not change in the future. Ernst & Young partner Greg Logue says the survey response illustrates that successful entrepreneurs are more than simply high achievers. ‘They are the ones who seek out opportunities and turn their vision into reality, creating a flow-on success for those around them through employment, export growth and social contributions.’ So while the world continues to change, offering different business opportunities each decade, the fundamentals of seizing and developing those opportunities appear to remain the same. Kristina Karlsson, southern region winner, has built her business from scratch. She knows that having passion and a clear vision, no matter how crazy, is essential to business success in the long term.

MD Showers and Robes

Please Contact: Michael 0431123625 or 99391202

JFM

ince starting out in 2001, Karlsson’s fashion stationery retail concept kikki.K has developed into a multi-million dollar business. Almost a decade later, kikki.K has 45 boutiques across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, with an online

Customer care training

Learn to treat customers with respect and consideration & as if they are the most important person in the world!

Contact Josie on 0410 534 489 for more details or to book.

obilie echanics

Mobile: 0409 012 621 Log book services Service and tune Repairs EFI Servicing Trouble Shooting Electrical Repairs

kikki.K store. It all began with a simple plan. Shortly after moving to Australia Karlsson was struggling to find the right career path. ‘I was really restless, not knowing what I wanted to do in my life. One night around 3am after tossing and turning,

were only just starting to realise the convenience of online shopping. ‘It was definitely part of our original plan but it’s exceeded our expectations as it continues to grow rapidly and in new ways, such as social media.’ In response Karlsson has become active in communicating with her fans via email newsletters, Facebook & Twitter and recently launched a blog on the website. Karlsson feels that staff relationships play a crucial role in any organisation’s success, ‘No matter how attached you become to your business, at some point you realise that you can’t do it all on your own— even the things you believe no one could do as well as you can!’ Does she have any advice for young entrepreneurs? ‘We’ve literally had thousands of examples where we’ve been given a ‘no’ answer – only to find our way to a ‘yes’ by being more creative or persistent. There were definitely points where things were tough and giving up would’ve been an easy way out. Anyone who has started a business of their own will know exactly what I mean.’

classifiedS

*Free Quotes* | *Quality Work*

Shower Screens, Build in Robes/Wardrobes, Splash Backs, Vanity Mirrors And much more

Kristina Karlsson

Southern region winner of Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Products category

my partner Paul got a little fed up and encouraged me to grab a pen and paper and make a list of what was important to me that could guide my thinking.’ Karlsson created what she now calls her ‘3am list’: she wanted to do something that she was passionate about, that would keep her in touch with her family and friends in Sweden and would lead her to a business of her own, making $500 per week. Karlsson says her list gave her the focus and traction she needed to refine her thinking. When she began to set up an office at home she struggled to find attractive stationery products. ‘I could find all this at home in Sweden, but nowhere here in Australia.’ That’s when the idea for starting kikki.K was born. Her list then developed into a business plan, an ambitious one, but crystal clear. ‘Having a simple, clear and compelling vision is absolutely vital. It keeps you on track and drags you, and your team, through all challenges.’ Karlsson recalls that a decade ago very few businesses had an online presence and consumers

We Come to You.

C/O Alternators & Starter Motors

Your Technician: Joey Ferraro

SIMS Bin Hire Building - Industrial - Domestic

Walk in Bins 2m3 3m3 4m3 5m3 6m3 8m3 12m3 14m3 20m3

6 Days a week

0419 898 181 We deliver you fill we remove we recycle Counseling

Bayview Landscape & Paving Construction

through caring and compassionate counselling

Landscape & Paving Specialists. Landscape Contractors & Designers - Highett, VIC

Rooms in Melbourne. Booking essential.

Call: 0417 550 993

Learn new life coping skills

Contact Josie on 0410 534 489

Pty Ltd

A.R.a Painting services All types of Painting work at affordable prices Guaranteed work with referees. Interior, Exterior, Plaster, Render, Water Damaged Repairing.

Call: 0423 298 500

A truck load of rubbish Rubbish Removal from your home & office

Provide Labour & Rubbish Take Away

Min Cost $50 Max Cost Full Truck Load $350

Call Cameron: 0400 192 269 www.atruckloadofrubbish.com.au

Your Security is Our Business ÎÎ CCTV Solutions ÎÎ Hidden Cameras ÎÎ GSP Tracking ÎÎ Listening Devices ÎÎ Alarm Systems ÎÎ Phone Recorders

ÎÎ Bug Detectors ÎÎ D.I.Y. Options

Brunswick $$ SAVE

Professional and friendly service

**Free Quotes**

9381 0766 259 Sydney Rd

Blackburn

9894 2887

2 Whitehorse Rd

Commercial/ Retail/Home/ Personal SEcurity

J.A.I PAVING Specializing in all types of concrete

Exposed Aggregate, Slate Stencil, Footpaths, Crossovers etc Call Justin for FREE quote 0434506206

Bob The Fixer General Painting, Roof Painting, Tiling, Welding, Odd Jobs & Landscaping Fully Insured No Job Too Small Reason Prices

Free Quotes

Bob 0413 080 722

Accurate Cleaners All Types of Cleaning Prompt Reliable Service Attention to Detail Environmentally Friendly

Call Heath

0406 713 956

MCN ENVIRONMENT

Shopping

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

u s t ainab l e

By Mileta Rien

I used to think of myself as environmentally conscious. I recycle, conserve water, am a member of Greenpeace and the Wilderness Society. Yet all this time, I’ve been donating money to companies that continue to use products

made from protected forests, use genetically modified crops and other unsustainable ingredients, and test products on animals. A new book published by Ethical Consumer Group, the guide to Ethical Supermarket

The 2011 Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping will be available in November 70,000 books sold since 2008 Check out the “Shop Ethical” iPhone app!

Shopping highlights the environmental and human-rights issues which are part of everyday purchases. This pocket sized book is an essential list of products, which also analyses the ethical behavior of the manufacturing company. “Every time we buy something”, says the introduction, “the money we spend endorses a company and its activities. By avoiding companies with a negative track record and instead buying products from companies that have a positive impact, we can send a strong message for change”. Because of concerns about food and industry monopolisation, the GESS recommends consumers use farmers’ markets and home-grown food as preferable to supermarket shopping. Of course these are ideal – but in todays timepoor and chronically tired society, consumers seek greener choices without sacrificing convenience. With this in mind, I wrote a basic shopping list and put three urban supermarkets to the ethical test. I start in the bread section at COLES CENTRAL. I’m surprised, not for the first time, by how often multiple brands of the same item from the same company are placed far apart from each other. It seems like a sneaky tactic to create the illu-

sion of greater choice. For example, George Weston foods (Wittington Investments) manufactures twelve different brands of bread, including Burgen, Sunblest and Tip Top. According to online shoppers’ guide ethiscore.org, quoted on the ECG website: “Criticisms include pollution, animal rights abuse and workers’ rights abuse”. I’m horrified to discover that my cat’s dried food is made by environmental vandals: Whiskas, owned by Mars which ironically tests its products on animals, and Friskies, owned by Nestlé which promotes bottled water and uses unsustainable palm oil. Her usual brand of meat -- Fussy Cat (V.I.P) -- is apparently okay though. Whew. I search for a recycled notepad, without success. Coles do stock Reflex 50 per cent recycled printer paper, but Reflex gets a thumbs-down for using Australian native forest fibre and bleaching their paper with chlorine. I continue the search for recycled writing paper at WOOLWORTHS QV, with no luck. I’m impressed by the well-informed deli counter staff, able to provide information right off the bat. They tell me all fish with a ‘Fresh’ sticker is unfrozen and fished by De Costi Seafoods in Australia. Their frozen fish is imported from Sea Gold

“All this time, I’ve been donating money to companies that continue to use products made from protected forests,that use genetically modified crops and other unsustainable ingredients, and test their products on animals.” in Taiwan, which is troubling from a fuel-miles perspective since more greenhouse gases are produced in its transportation. Also, according to the GESS, “imported frozen foods … require constant energy to stay frozen all the way”. I ask about sea-cage aquaculture, another no-no as it ‘adds pressure to our wild fisheries, uses fish meal made from wild fish and pollutes our waterways’. According to deli staff, their salmon and barramundi are ocean-caught, but the prawns are sea-cage grown. At Supa IGA I actually find a recycled notepad! I’m so excited I almost buy it, but it’s made in China and I don’t actually need a new notepad. Buying nothing is even better for the environment than buying responsibly. I’m bemused by Green Works, a ‘99% natural’ multipurpose household cleaner manufactured by Clorox, which tests its products on animals. This is a common paradox;

companies which market token green products alongside their bad old versions. I wish the GESS included ‘house’ brands like IGA’s Black & Gold. Supermarkets are a fact of life, and many house brands offer green alternatives. Shouldn’t they get credit for acknowledging customers’ concerns? Of course, this booklet is only the beginning. We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves, but finding information is often just a matter reading the fine print on the label, or a couple of mouse-clicks away. While it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of the issues involved, it’s not all bad news. For every company polluting and exploiting the planet, there’s usually a less harmful alternative. It’s time to put our money where our mouths are. http://www.ethical.org.au/ http://www.knowmore.org/

Goodbye Conspicuous Consumption – Consumers Embrace Conscious Consuming

ustralian consumers are embracing the concept of conscious consumerism, that is, the idea that people should be mindful of the impact of their purchases. It was not so long ago when conspicuous consumption was both socially acceptable and economically feasible. Big was, in many cases, better. Perhaps it is results of the Global Financial Crises that people have become even more aware of how they spend their money. The extreme greed which people may perceive as the cause of the world’s economic instability means that people are now starting to really think about the ethics behind their purchases.

“People are horrified when they find out the extent of slave labour and child trafficking that happens to give us cheap coffee and chocolate, or the amount of chemicals strayed on cotton crops so that we can have cheap clothes. They are asking questions and demanding products sourced by alternative means” says Sarah Helm, co-founder of www.naturallygifted.com. au, an online gift service which specialises in ethical and sustainable gifts. Fair Trade AUSNZ reported that Australia has seen a 15% increase in sales of certified ‘FairTrade’ products in the past year alone. However, it is not just fairtrade that people are increas-

ingly concerned about. “We are finding demand for a whole range of products, from baby products, clothing, cosmetics and food and wine. People want to know where the products come from, how far they have travelled and what chemicals have been used in production,” says Helm. “Take the growth in organic wine as an example. While the Australian wine industry has seen exports drop 21% since the peak in October 2007 and worldwide over supply means prices have plummeted, the Australia organic wine industry has experienced growth.” And it’s not just consumers who are making the switch. “Corporations are increas-

ingly aware of the image that they project in everything that they do. If they engage certain companies which are known to have questionable ethical stan-

Low impact. Sustainable. Fair.

dards, then their customers may question their ethics. We have seen an incredible interest in ethical gifting from major corporations such as banks,

Photo: www.naturallygifted.com.au

national real estate agents and professional service firms.”

cars MCN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Hyundai ix35 2.0 R-series Highlander

All-new ix35 takes Hyundai into the heart of the growing compact SUV segment.

’ve always loved the concept of a soft-roader SUV, in the same way I’ve always loved cold sores. Or semi-trailers that take back streets at midnight. Or John Brumby. You see, I don’t really get the point of having a vehicle that looks like it can go off-road, but then can’t. There are a myriad of Toorak tractors which fit this description but thankfully, the Hyundai is not one of them. Similar to the AFL football team they sponsor, 5 years ago, I would’ve said Hyundai were rubbish. I remember driving the old Hyundai Excel and thinking it was made from compressed sewage. However their reputation is growing and they’re now building much better cars rivaling the rest of the world’s carmakers. The Highlander model costs $37,990, and for that money you get a gutsy 135kw turbo diesel engine and 6-speed auto transmission. The engine is fit for purpose and does a good job of lugging the 1700kg body around. There is a hint of initial turbo lag from stand-still but once you’re off the line, the engine is happy to sit at 1500rpm and pull you around town without much effort at all. In fact, the maximum 392Nm of torque is available from just 1800rpm. It’s a good little engine that allows for brisk overtaking and plenty of pulling power. It is slightly on the noisy side however. The auto transmission with manual mode is nicely matched to the engine characteristics most of the time, although it is slightly over eager to jump back a few gears and put you close to the redline when you’re asking for a bit more boogie. But that may have something to do with the fact that my right foot only works in 2 modes. ‘Cruise’ mode and ‘Let’s overtake and laugh at the Porsche Boxster’ mode.

There is a hint of initial turbo lag from stand-still but once you’re off the line, the engine is happy to sit at 1500rpm and pull you around town without much effort at all. Inside, the Highlander model comes with lots of gadgetry including a reversing camera in the rear view mirror, MP3 player, front seat warmer, a huge panoramic sunroof and leather seats. That’s extremely good value for under 40k. The dash look nicely futuristic and everything is well laid out and functional. Putting my snob hat on, there are a few small annoyances. The interior plastics are not exactly premium, but then again, nor is the price. Still, some of the centre console plastics are prone to scratching. Apparently the front seat headrests are adjustable but I couldn’t get them to tilt, which according to my fiancé’ means she couldn’t have her hair tied up. I must admit I did have a good laugh watching her firstly try and adjust

a headrest which wasn’t designed to move that way, and then try and pull her pony tail out while I was taking some fast corners. Very entertaining stuff. Also, Hyundai were clever enough to fit a light above the sun-visor so you can use the mirror at night, but then stupidly decided to use a manual switch to turn it on. The lack of any mobile Bluetooth option is also annoying. Outside, I rather like the look of the ix35, especially considering it has some decent off-road capability. It has nice fluid lines and is styled beyond its price tag suggests. In town, it’s comfy enough, although slightly on the firm side, yet handles the obstacles that daily driving entails with relative ease. It’s not about to win any awards for onroad handling but it’ll do a fine job of sticking 3 children in the back and a dog in the boot and then zooming them off to school Schumacher style so you can make it to the hairdresser in time. In fact, if your hairdresser happens to live in a wood, you’ll be extremely happy you have the option to lock the diffs for extra off-road traction. It also has a handy hill decent function. It can happily go off-road in a ‘camping weekend’ sort of way. It’s not a Landcruiser, but it’s one hundred times more capable than many things costing twice as much. So, there we have it. A well priced SUV which is capable both on-road and off. It does neither absolutely brilliantly, but in the context of the price, it’s very, very good. If you plan on spirited on-road driving or travelling across the Nullarbor, don’t bother. But if you want excellent value and you like to make toilet in the bush, or prefer the porcelain variety at a Chapel Street café’, the Hyundai has got you covered.

Type

Hyundai ix35 2.0 R-series Highlander

Transmission

6-speed automatic

Drive

All Wheel Drive

Seats

Kerb Mass

(kg) 1706

Type

Turbo Diesel

Engine Size

(cc) 1995

Cylinders

Power

135kW @ 4000rpm

Torque

392Nm @ 1800-2500rpm

Airbags

Front, Side & Curtain

Green Star Rating

3.5 star

Fuel Consumption (Combined)

(L/100km) 7.5

Price

$37,990 + charges

MCN community sports

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

St Joseph’s Heroes When troubled AFL star Ben Cousins paid tribute to the Tigers and their fans for their support during his recent crisis, it wasn’t just media spin. Richmond Football Club can trace its origins back to a rag-tag team recruited from the streets of then-industrial ‘struggletown’ 150 years ago. Today, management and players work hard to give back to the community that’s been behind them ever since.

Tigers in the Community Since 2007, Richmond FC’s Thee Towers Program has provided encouragement and assistance to hundreds of disadvantaged and newly-arrived children and their families on the Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy Public Housing Estates. By Rebecca Ponsford This year Richmond players were assisted by volunteers from the Victorian Police and Melbourne Grammar to provide a ten-week football development program for primary aged students that concluded when 13 children (and six parents) from the Collinwood Estate participated in a half-time Auskick match when Richmond took on Port Adelaide at Etihad stadium in August. Besides fostering an interest in the game and helping young players achieve their athletic potential, the Foundation runs year-round activity, healthy eating, and social programs for pri-

mary and high school students. On the Collingwood Estate alone, their Livewires program provides cooked meals for up to 45 children two days a week, every week of the year. Through Youth Space, they have created a safe place for young locals to socialise with peers, enjoy pool, table tennis, football, basketball and access the internet. They’re around during the school holidays as well, with their regular three-day Bridging the Gap program focusing on healthy eating tailored specifically for primary school children.

From Richmond to Alice Springs and beyond Victoria Police’s Chris McGeachan with players from the Three Towers Grid Game

photos: RFC

By Rebecca Ponsford

n the field, Richmond Football Club gave fans plenty to celebrate with the comeback story of the 2010 AFL Season. The bookies had written them off for dead before Francis Bourke Award winner Chris Newman, with the backing of young coach Damien Hardwick showed the critics what could be done with carefully cultivated talent and unbridled enthusiasm. Jack Riewoldt kicked a total of 43 goals from Round 8 to Round 15. He broke Matthew Lloyd’s 2001 record for highest individual total in a consecutive eight-game period and went on to take out this year’s Coleman Award for his total of 78 regular-match goals for the season. Daniel Connors, AFL Best first-year player, Dustin Martin, and Brett Deledio are just a few of the players who stood out in an impressive wholeteam turnaround. Even more impressive in some ways are the off-thefield achievements generated through Tigers in the Community Foundation (TICF) projects that see players and club employees working with children and families from Richmond to Alice Springs throughout the year.

Patricia Taylor, long-time principal of St Joseph’s Primary School in the heart of Collingwood also credits players and Foundation members with helping her students academically. “Richmond Football Club has been fabulous,” she says. “Players have been coming down here for two years, reading to the kids.” “We’ve had a very concerted effort over the last couple of years to get the kids involved in sport and also trying to keep them out of trouble outside school, and Live Wire’s really helped with that.” She’s most grateful, however, for the inspiration the players have provided by sitting down and reading with the year three to year six students. St Joseph’s students come from all over the world ... and from 16 different language backgrounds and many find the early stages of learning English a daunting challenge. “Often the children come with low levels of oral language and when that is an issue it can affect confidence in reading and learning,” Taylor says. “Just seeing their role models – these footy players they see running around the field every week, sitting down and reading

“We’ve had a very concerted effort over the last couple of years to get the kids involved in sport and also trying to keep them out of trouble outside school, and Live Wire’s really helped with that.” a book with them really helps improve their confidence. It helps a lot with motivation too – especially with the boys. “They realise that their heroes are also people who were once kids who also had to sit down and learn to read. “We get to see these amazing things happening, with the children growing more confident and starting to discuss the books among themselves. “”It’s all part of what they

(RFC) do – helping the kids socially, physically and academically – they even donate books for the library. Money’s always tight so we’re very grateful for any help getting books into the students’ hands.” “It’s also been good for me personally,” she adds with a chuckle. “For a long time I was the lone Richmond supporter in the heart of Collingwood.”

Children from the Collingwood housing estate on the field in August

Adam Thomson and Matt Dea

This month Richmond players Adam Thomson and Matt Dea spent three days in Central Australia visiting schools in Alice Springs and the remote communities of Areyonga and Hermannsburg. Earlier in the year, Jamie O’Reilly, Nick Westhoff and Ben Griffiths took time out of their pre-season training to make the trip to the outback. It’s all part of the ongoing Tigers in the Territory program that encourages and motivates indigenous students living in remote areas. Besides providing some much appreciated football coaching, the players speak to children about the importance of going to school, good nutrition and teamwork. While the trips are the first

face-to-face meeting for some, many of the students have already ‘met’ their idols through Richmond FC’s Technology in the Territory where players regularly chat with children in remote areas via webcam from Punt Road Oval. Richmond Football Club has developed a strong relationship with the Northern Territory since 2008, combining the webcam contacts with several trips to the region each year. Richmond players and officials have also visited outback communities in Santa Teresa, Ti Tree, Papunya and M’Bunghara, as well as assisting with football teams within the AFL Central Australia competition and schools in the Alice Springs area.

SPORTS MCN 27 In Brief Slow ticket sales a

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

worry for Hong Kong A New Zealand Rugby Union spokesman confirmed there was concern about sluggish ticket sales but no decision had been made on the fixture’s future. Less than 10,000 tickets had been purchased so far for the 40,000-seat venue.

Photo: Getty

The Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup rugby Test next month is reportedly under threat due to poor ticket sales. Television news reports in New Zealand tonight said the fourth trans-Tasman international of the year, scheduled for Hong Kong Stadium on October 30, might be relocated to England.

Rice wont stop online socialising Stephanie Rice has supported professional athletes using social networking sites despite the furore erupting over her controversial comments on Twitter. The swim star made an emotional apology on Wednesday after she tweeted “Suck on that faggots!” following the Wallabies’ dramatic Tri-Nations weekend win over the Springboks early on Sunday AEST. But 22 year old Rice said she had not thought about ceasing to use the site, rather declaring she had to be more careful about what she posted. “I think there’s a lot of good that can come from social networking,” Rice said. “I think people can connect to people on a better level than what you read through media

and things like that. “So in some ways I think it’s very good, but I’ve learned a huge lesson that you just have to be so careful with what you’re saying and think before you say. “Because what happens is out there for everyone to read and I guess everyone’s entitled to their own opinion of what they read.” Some sporting organisations have taken a hard-line stance following the advent of sites such as Twitter and Facebook in order to avoid such controversies. A host of NRL clubs have educated their players about using such sites while the Netherlands football squad was banned from using Twitter at the recent World Cup after striker Eljero Elia made a racist slur against one of his friends.

Rice said the incident would change the way she used the site but did not want to suppress her “outgoing personality.” “Obviously it’s going to change things,” Rice said. “I’ve become so much more aware of how people can be affected by what I say or do, but at the same time I don’t want to change who I am as a person. “... It is very difficult and I think I have a pretty outgoing personality which sort of leaves me a bit more open to criticism. “I think being a role model and being in the spotlight is a really big lesson and I think you make a lot of mistakes along the way, this being a huge one. “I think everyone makes mistakes, It’s just a shame I’ve hurt people through my mistake.”

Photo: Getty

Aussie Oeltjen is a Dodger Australian baseballer Trent Oeltjen has earned a recall to Major League Baseball, picking up a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Sydneysider will become the first Australian to take the field for the iconic team since Jeff Williams last pitched for them in September 2002. Oeltjen burst onto the scene last season with a sensational debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but his career stalled after he signed with Milwaukee in the off-season. The Dodgers purchased his contract from Albuquerque, a move which shocked the talented outfielder who thought his days in the big leagues may have been up. “I was surprised,” he said. “They told me after our last game (with Albuquerque) and I was getting ready to go home to Australia.”

Dodgers manager Joe Torres said the 27-year-old had plenty to offer. “We want to see him at this

SEBASTIAN VETTEL has rebuked teammate MARK WEBBER’S suggestion that the Red Bull formula one team should consider backing one driver for the rest of the season. With six races left in the drivers’ championship, WEBBER trails McLaren’s LEWIS HAMILTON by just three points with VETTEL 31 points back. While WEBBER said Red Bull would soon have to make a call on who to back the German said today as long as he could win the team need not put all their eggs in one basket. AFL BULLDOGS

level,” he said. “He’s got speed and we haven’t had a lot of that.”

Western Bulldogs skipper BRAD JOHNSON has decided to retire after battling an Achilles injury throughout the season. The Bulldogs face Sydney in a semi-final on Saturday night. MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS Photo: Getty

By Liam FitzGibbon

MOTO GRAND PRIX

Swan the AFL’s best, say players By Sam Lienert Midfielder Dane Swan has begun what Collingwood hope will be a September of silverware by winning the AFL players’ association’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The prolific ball-winner and Brownlow Medal favourite ended the three-year reign of Geelong’s Gary Ablett, who also took home last year’s Brownlow, to become the first Magpie named MVP since Darren Millane, in 1990. In a good sign for flag favourite Collingwood, that was also the club’s most recent premiership year. The winner of the MVP award has proved a good guide to premiership success in recent seasons. Two of Ablett’s wins in the past three years have been followed by flags, then-West Coast skipper Chris Judd did the double in 2006, while former Brisbane captain and now coach Michael Voss won the MVP and a premiership in 2002 and 2003. Swan was a clear winner, picking up 972 votes, ahead of Hawthorn’s Luke Hodge (603 votes), Ablett (562), Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands (279) and Cat Joel Selwood (166), with all AFL players voting on a 3-2-1 basis. Hodge won the most courageous player award, retiring Sydney skipper Brett Kirk was

AAP

voted best captain and Fremantle’s Michael Barlow best first year player, some consolation for missing the Dockers’ finals campaign after breaking his leg in round 14. Swan was rewarded for his near-unstoppable ball-winning ability, the heavily tattooed Magpie picked up 30-plus disposals in each of the club’s last 12 games of the home and away season. While the award only takes into account the minor round, he carried that form into the finals, with 39 touches and three goals as best afield as Collingwood thumped the Western Bulldogs in Saturday night’s qualifying final. Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell said Swan, who topped the AFL disposal count, had become an elite player through pure hard work “He’s really learnt how to work in an AFL game,” Maxwell said. “It was something by his own admission he didn’t work hard enough when he was younger and he was first in the system. “But something clicked and he’s been sensational ever since, the last few years.” The 26 year old, who won Collingwood’s best and fairest award for the past two seasons, was picked at No. 58 in the 2001 national draft, but did not make his debut until 2003.

Australia topped the medal table at the mountain bike world championships in Canada. SAM HILL and TROY BROSNAN took out the men’s elite and junior downhill world titles on the final day at MontSainte-Anne in Quebec. CAROLINE BUCHANAN earlier secured the women’s four cross with JARED GRAVES also taking silver in the men’s four cross. CRICKET BETTING Cricket’s corruption crisis has deepened with a teammate of the three suspended Pakistani players reportedly claiming almost every Pakistan match has been affected as far back as 2004. The News of the World has quoted opening batsman YASIR HAMEED saying Pakistan players were constantly manipulating matches. He also questioned the spending power of players. CRICKET AUSTRALIA National captain RICKY PONTING is concerned the new domestic one-day format will hamper the World Cup preparations of fringe cricketers. Domestic one-dayers will now be split into two innings of 20 and 25 overs, in a break from the single innings 50-over format. SURFING WORLD Hawaiian surfer ANDY IRONS has won the World Championship Tour event in Tahiti, his first win in more than three years. In the final he beat American CJ HOBGOOD 14.67 points to 8.33 to rise to No.7 in the rankings. South African JORDY SMITH still leads the title race from KELLY SLATER and TAJ BURROW.

MCN BEAUTY

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

Scents of Spring Submerge yourself in delightful Springtime Smells Submerge yourself in the sensual aromas of Spring! Inspired by traditional apothecary, Australian designers Dianna Burmas and Deon St Mor have created an award winning collection of luxurious cosmetics and products designed to pamper and delight.

Combining luxurious massage oils, soaps, candles and cosmetics, the entire MOR range has become the must have of beauty products this Spring.

Lip gloss Blood Orange Lip Delight 10g / 0.35 oz $14.95 AUD Brightly coloured tins filled with delectable glosses, beckon to be sampled like sweet confections. With a subtle sweet taste, the MOR Lipgloss range comes in 9 delicious Springtime flavours. BLOOD ORANGE PASSIONFLOWER ROSEBUD PEACH NECTAR FRENCH VANILLA SORBET LYCHEE FLOWER APPLES CASSIS NOIR

Body Butter Emporium Black Collection Black Cherry Plum Body Butter 150ml / 5 fl oz $29.95 AU

Soap Emporium Black CollectionBlack Cherry Plum Soap200g / 7 oz $19.95 AUD Unwrap a remnant of 17th Century decadence and indulge in the Emporium Soap Bar Collection. Hand wrapped and Australian made, MOR brings to life designs long buried in archives of bygone days. The sweet burst of tangy Pomegranate is enhanced with Summer Berries, Cassis and exotic Passionfruit. A heart of crisp Apple and Jasmine meld into a base of Musk, Vanilla and Rose. FLEUR de VIOLETTE POMEGRANATE CINQUE TERRE FIN de SIÈCLE ITALIAN BLOOD ORANGE ONYX CURRANT

Perfume

Drift into the dreamy world of Little Luxuries, where petite treasures leave you smitten with sweet craving.

Little Luxuries Lychee Flower Perfume Oil 9ml / 0.3 FL OZ $19.95 AUD

Slip into your favourite fragrances and enliven your mood anytime.

Beautifully packaged and formulated, Little Luxuries dance in the highly desired MOR fragrance offerings of:

In a moment’s notice your senses will soar as you treat yourself to this exquisite alluring delight.

SNOW GARDENIA CASSIS NOIR BELLADONNA LYCHEE FLOWER MARSHMALLOW

Key Benefits • Exquisite Packaging • Convenient Handbag Size • Cost Friendly • The Perfect Occasion Gift • Collection Based on MOR

Stockists: + 61 3 9600 4599 Available from David Jones, Myer, gift botiques, select retailers and www. morcosmetics.com

Ammonia Free Hair Colour L’Oreal INOA 100 years after the invention of the first synthetic hair colour, L’Oréal Professionnel now marks the anniversary by revealing to the world, a never before seen breakthrough technology and the hair colour of the future, INOA. INOA has taken the world by storm with over 36,000 salons across fifteen countries offering the revolutionary colour service which provides women with a new level of comfort and greater respect for the hair fibre, while guaranteeing optimal colour quality. L’Oreal Professionnel researchers have created a revolution in the world of hair colouration that supersedes major formulation principles. The key to INOA is in its revolutionary technology; Oil Delivery System which transports colour pigment to the hair fibre without the

damaging effect of ammonia, providing absolute respect for the hair and scalp, and an unprecedented colour result. Ammonia-free, odourless INOA allows you to lighten your hair up to three levels, darken hair and perfectly cover grey hair, while respecting the scalp and the

hair fibre. The colour choice is unlimited with pre-dosed mini-tubes, incredibly easy to apply thanks to its exceptional velvety texture. Available in 60 beautiful shades, to guarantee the ultimate precision in terms of desired colour, with real warm tones and real cool colours.

MCN BRAIN TRAIN

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOL 1, ISSUE 07

CROSSWORD 1

8 9

11 12

12 15

25 27

21 22

28 29

ACROSS: 1. Losing blood, 5. Strong drink, 9. Begin, 10. On the plane, 12. Neurotically preoccupied, 13. Peruvian pack animal, 14. Strung up, 16. Compassionate, 19. Live together, 21. Fishing-rod winder, 24. Gutsy, 25. Kind of peach, 27. Ancient (3-3), 28. Fracture, 29. Cease, 30. Risen DOWN: 1. Motion towards, 2. Entangle, 3. Slimming regimes, 4. Notching, 6. Lack of equilibrium, 7. Off guard, 8. Reworks (script), 11. Touch, 15. Brollies,17. Sword holder, 18. Fleece clippers, 20. Heavy weights, 21. Notes as evidence, 22. Sorcerer, 23. Rely, 26. Come to THE PUZZLE THAT MAKES YOU SMARTER !

EASY + ÷ x 12x 1

2. For a 4x4 puzzle use the numbers 1-4.

4 6x

1. Fill in the numbers without repeating a number in any row or column.

4÷

3. The numbers in each heavily outlined set of squares (cages) must combine to equal the number in the top corner using the arithmetic sign indicated. 4. Cages with just one square can be filled in straight away with the target number in the top corner. 5. A number may be repeated in a cage but not in a row or column.

ACROSS: 1. Island state formerly Van Diemen’s Land (8), 5. Warm North Atlantic current, the Gulf ... (6), 9. Major Serbian city in which the US accidentally bombed the Chinese Embassy during the Kosovo crisis (8), 10. Plough star group, Big ... (6), 12. Arctic island that's the largest in the world (after Australia, which is a continent) (9), 13. Sports jacket cloth from Scotland (5), 14. Fiji's capital (4), 16. Former Russian president, Boris ... (7), 19. Acrylic glass substitute (7), 21. New Year's song, Auld Lang ... (4), 24. Timbuktu’s river (5), 25. The first man on the moon was astronaut Neil ... (9), 27. Dickens’ Oliver Twist character, the ... Dodger (6), 28. German shepherd, dog breed (8), 29. Fruit-filled treat, ... pastry (6), 30. Tolstoy’s tragic heroine who ended up at the railway station, Anna ... (8) DOWN 1. Caribbean nation,Trinidad & ... (6), 2. Treasure Island pirate, Long John ... (6), 3. Composer of Fanfare For The Common Man, ... Copland (or Moses’ brother) (5), 4. Harrison Ford action adventure, ... Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (7), 6. Race with swimming, cycling & running legs (9), 7. Italian coffee style (8), 8. Argentine football star, Diego ... (8), 11. June 6, 1944 when WWII’s Operation Overlord was launched (1-3), 15. Rising punches to the opponent’s chin (9), 17. Person from Madrid or Barcelona (8), 18. Graham Greene’s novel, ... Rock (8), 20. Roentgen beam used to take images of bones (1-3), 21. Mogadishu is the capital of this East African country (7), 22. The D of AD (6), 23. Idi Amin’s land (6), 26. Equatorial breeze, ... wind (5)

MCN QUIZ 006 1. 2.

Which bird sent out by Noah successfully found dry land? What parts of the body are missing from the Venus de Milo statue? 3. Which product was advertised by Louie The Fly? 4. Who is building a $300m new engine plant in Melbourne that will save 3,300 existing jobs? 5. What is ‘farfalle pasta’ commonly known as? (something it closely resembles) 6. Which Aussie band is headlining the festivities at the 2010 AFL Grand Final at the MCG? 7. Who wrote the children's book, Where The Wild Things Are? 8. Musician Eithne Patricia Ni Bhraonain is fortunately best known by which name? 9. Finland, Vietnam and Zimbabwe all have capital cities that begin with which letter? 10. What was Wednesday Addams' middle name?

SODOKU

Fill the grid so that every column, every row, every 3x3 box & the two shaded diagonal lines contain the digits 1 to 9. Rating:

Rating: Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

1 4 3 5 6 9 9 3 1 7 2 6 4 3 5 7 6 2 8 7 8 9 2 3 4 1 8 6 7 4 4 5 3 For solutions, visit our webpage www.mc-news.com.au

Aries March 21 - April 20

Taurus April 21 - May 21

Gemini May 22 - June 21

Cancer June 22 - July 23

Optimus Maximus – Jupiter – is heading backward through your sign. And when the planet of burgeoning opportunities temporarily goes back over old ground, opportunity is sometimes put on hold. The March birthdays in particular will notice this. Relationships have a judgment factor attached, especially if you’ve been burnt before. You can achieve much in the areas of work and health improvement during September, and the mid-month period will provide plenty of inspiration here.

Horoscope

17 September14 October 2010

6 3 5 3 4 1 2 1 4 4 2 7 3 9 9 2 6 6 4 5 7 2 5 3

From mid September attractive Venus and passionate Mars, are activating into your partnership zone. Here we have the duo of attraction and assertion together, sparking new partnerships or warming up existing relations. This mark a time to see a partner in a whole new light - do something different together. September is perfect for putting time and effort into a creative hobby, or exploring your artistic potential.

When the foundation stone of your horoscope is activated you are called to put conditions right on the home front, deal with living conditions, and/or attend to family matters. The key to this is shoring up your personal security. In a career scenario there can be increased dealings with others with the purpose of locking in some agreement or surety.

September favors intellectual development and innovative interests.

You are ripe for undertaking short courses or adding to your skill set. In the professional and business arena, the communicative focus suits updating computer equipment and software. It is also essential to hone your skills in these areas, mastering new programs, and utilizing the opportunities that technical advancements provide.

Leo July 24 - August 23

Virgo August 24 - September 23

Libra September 24 - October 23

There is also a financial overtone to the next few weeks. September can represent a focus on finances and home improvement, and a release from a period of greater subjectivity. Mercury, the planet of commerce and commercial thinking has been moving backward through your money house from late August. You’re using your mind to make money – and hopefully it’s not just for others.

The energy source of the solar system has now returned to your sign, and it’s time to fire up the afterburners for September. There is more of a home and possibly family focus around the birthdates of the 15th. The birthdates around the 21st and 22nd can be meeting up with new and exciting people across the year ahead. These contacts, and the opportunities they bring, will tend to modernize your life in a major manner.

What is going on behind the scenes is very important now. You may be dealing with more private or confidential concerns. You also learn that you have to give to get, with this kind of karmic energy operating. There can be sacrifice required in pursuit of your goals. You may be letting go of something now, but that can be necessary to move forward.

8 Scorpio

October 24 - November 22

You are entering a very self-directed period - it is essential to know exactly what you want, and not be deflected from your purpose. Usually life has a peculiar yet elegant way of teaching you self-sufficiency. Relationships thrive in seclusion, or there can be a need for confidentiality across the first week. Here you appreciate your privacy, and hidden pleasures hold greater appeal.

Sagittarius November 23-December 21

Capricorn December 22 - January 20

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

The planets are highlighting several areas of your life – status and career, along with the larger conglomerates, or groups and friendships. In the former domain, where profession is concerned, you may be going back over some old ground. Realize that we cannot always climb the mountain direct; there are often detours and back tacking along the way to the top.

Your ruling planet Saturn is now solidly moving ahead and you can do the same. The September New Moon may provide fresh inspiration and opportunity. For some this will involve travel or relocation. For others it will involve further educational choices, or some form of retraining. You may also be in touch with people from a distance, or even undertake a long trip yourself.

What’s happening, on a personal and collective level is a call to stop, slow down, and reflect on how much you may have got caught up in dependencies. It reminds you of how automated life has become. Are you driving the machine, or is the machine driving you? Rediscovering your personal life during September will afford the chance to recover spontaneity and break some negative patterns.

= Pisces

February 20 - March 20

The union of your classical ruler the expansive Jupiter, with the rapid development planet Uranus, can spell surprising breakthroughs or unexpected offers. This is more likely after the 20th - but when it happens you can be delighted with the outcomes. It may have a connection with previous educational courses you have undertaken, or as a result of a journey. It can also be something that you’d hoped for previously but the timing just wasn’t right.

By Ed Tamplin | (02) 95341081 | www.edtamplin.com

Abbotsford, Albert Park 1. 2. 3. 4.

N MC p Pick U

Carlton, Carton North

CBD, Collingwood, Docklands 7 Eleven,100 Collins St, Cbd 7 Eleven,11 Collins St, Cbd 7 Eleven,118 Bourke St, Cbd Ames,255 William St, Cbd Apex FItness Training Pty Ltd,132 Greville St, Cbd Lavrin & Lawrence Orthodontics,15 15 Collins St, Cbd 7 Eleven,1-5 Elizabeth St, Cbd 7 Eleven,152-154 Exhibition St,Cbd 7 Eleven,159 Swanston St,Cbd Ladyworks Fitness,17- 23 Little Latrobe St,Cbd Great Eastern Groceries Centre,185- 187 Russell St,Cbd 7 Eleven,190 Bourke St,Cbd 7 Eleven,197 Elizabeth St,Cbd 7 Eleven,197 Russell St,Cbd V A Internet Cafe,202 Bourke St, Cbd IGA X-Press,212 King St, Cbd Melbourne City Medical Centre,222 ExhIbition St, Cbd 7 Eleven,222 Swanston St, Cbd 7 Eleven,224-228 Queen St, Cbd 7 Eleven,237-239 Exhibition St, Cbd 7 Eleven,26 Elizabeth St, Cbd 7 Eleven,26 King St, Cbd 7 Eleven,261 William St, Cbd 7 Eleven,263 Bourke St, Cbd Spring St Chiropractic Centre,287 Spring St, Cbd Back In Care,287 Spring St Cnr Victoria Parade), Cbd Metrobody Health & Fitness,29 Somerset Pl, Cbd Bowen Crescent Newsagency,3 Bowen Crs, Cbd 7 Eleven,301 Elizabeth St, Cbd Iga X-Press,320 St Kilda Rd, Cbd Corporate Fitness CLub,321 Flinders La, Cbd Iga X-Press,333 Exhibition,St, Cbd 7 Eleven,35-37 Bourke St, Cbd

E Melb, Elwood, Fitzroy 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 183. 184. 185.

7 Eleven,142 Wellington Pde,East Melb 7 Eleven,23-29 Victoria St , East Melb IGA,Shop 2, 416-446 Victoria Pde,East Melb Albert Street Deli,478 Albert St,East Melb Elwood East Newsagency,164 Tennyson St,Elwood Foodworks,168 Tennyson St,Elwood Elwood Family Clinic,63 Glenhuntly Rd,Elwood 7 Eleven, 2 Swanston St. Fed Square,Cbd Hq Internet Lounge,121 Smith St,Fitzroy

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Cravens Pharmacy, 134 Bridport St, Albert Park 7 Eleven, 147 Victoria Ave, Albert Park Maternal Health Centres,18 Dundas Pl, Albert Park Dundas Place Newsagency, 188a Bridport St,Albert Park Craigrossie Clinic, 45 Victoria Ave, Albert Park Victoria Avenue Pharmacy, 51 Victoria Ave, Albert Park

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Kilbride Centre, 52 Beaconsfield Pde, Albert Park Melbourne Aquatic Centre, Aughtie Drv, Albert Park Albert Park Deli, 129 Dundas Pl, Albert Park At Sweethearts Cafe, 71 Queens Rd, Albert Park Avenue Food Store The, 69 Victoria Ave, Albert Park Bazara, 173 Victoria Ave, Albert Park

17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

Safeway, “Lygon Court” 368-380 Lygon St,Carlton 7 Eleven, 161 Lygon St, Carlton BP, 2 Rathdowne St, Carlton Maternal Health Centres,216 Rathdowne St,Carlton Carlton Baths Centre, 248 Rathdowne St,Carlton LygOn Authorised Newsagency,260 Lygon St,Carlton 7 Eleven, 272 Lygon St,Carlton Readings Bookshop,309 Lygon St,Carlton

25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.

Carlton Newsagency,325 Lygon St,Carlton Rathdowne Newsagency,410 Rathdowne St,Carlton E1 Networks Pty Ltd, 62 Pelham St,Carlton 7 Eleven, 743-751 Swanston St,Carlton The Carlton Clinic,88 Rathdowne St,Carlton Trades Hall -Union Bar,Cnr Lygon & Victoria St, Carlton Iga Everyday, Cnr Princess & Drummond Sts,Carlton Metro Medical,L 1 - 333 Drummond St, Lygon Ct,Carlton Shell,Lygon & Elgin St,Carlton Lygon Crt Newsagency,Shop4/ 380 Lygon St,Carlton

35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42.

Animal Orchestra,163 Grattan St,Carlton Bouverie Cafe,154 Bouverie St,Carlton Briscola Cafe,157 Pelham St,Carlton Caf Itch Carlton,Shop 169 Elgin St,Carlton Princes Hill,Rear 270 Mcpherson St,Carlton North Birdie Num Nums Cafe,745 Nicholson St,Carlton North Cafe Alleri,400 Rathdowne St,Cartlon North Medical Centre,841 Rathdowne St,North Carlton

76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109.

Iga X-Press,35-41 Lonsdale St, Cbd IGA X-PRESS, 84 Flinders St, CBD 7 Eleven,37 Swanston St, Cbd Iga X-Press,370 Queen St, Cbd 7 Eleven,388 Bourke St, Cbd 7 Eleven,391 Swanston St, Cbd Iga Supa,399 Bourke St, Cbd City Baths General Practice,420 Swanston St, Cbd 7 Eleven,43-45 Elizabeth St, Cbd Living Lean,441 St Kilda Rd, Cbd 7 Eleven,446 Collins St, Cbd 7 Eleven,463 Elizabeth St, Cbd Collins St Pharmacy&Newsagency,470 Collins St, Cbd FernWood Female Fitness Centres,475 Flinders La, Cbd Little Lonsdale Newsagency,485 Latrobe St, Cbd CAV Innovation Centre,5/ 21 Degraves St, Cbd 7 Eleven,50 Queen St, Cbd Mitty’s Authorised Newsagency,53 Bourke St, Cbd Bourke Place Newsagency,600 Bourke St, Cbd Body & Health Creation,601 - 603 Elizabeth St, Cbd United Network Group,606/ 1 Queens Rd, Cbd Flinders City Newsagency,65 Francis St, Cbd IGA X-Press,84 Flinders St, Cbd IGA X-Press,85 Queen St, Cbd IGA X-Press,90-96 Spencer St, Cbd Coles Supermarket,Cnr Elizabeth & Flinders Sts, Cbd 7 Eleven, 281 Cnr. Swanston And Lonsdale St, Cbd City Health,Druids House,407 Swanston, Cbd Central Internet Cafe,Grnd Flr 279 La Trobe St, Cbd Docklands Gym,Grnd Flr, WTC Siddeley St, Cbd Birdseye Dental Group,L 20 15 Collins St, Cbd The Gymnasium, L1/ 242 Exhibition St, Cbd Elounge Internet & Network,L1/9 Elizabeth St, Cbd City Chiropractic Clinic,L 4, 407- 409 Swanston St, Cbd

110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143.

Coles Supermarket,Gd L Mall, 211 Latrobe St, Cbd Net Please Internet Cafe,L 1/ 207 Swanson St, Cbd Mc Internet,Lvl1/ 276 Russel St, Cbd Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre,Olympic Blv, Cbd Global Gossip Australia Pty Ltd,1/ 440 Elizabeth St, Cbd N2c,Shop 100, Mid City Arcade, Cbd 7 Eleven,Shop 2 104-110 Exhibition St, Cbd 7 Eleven,Shop 2, 620 Bourke St, Cbd Nauru House Newsagency,Shop 3 / 80 ColliNs St, Cbd 7 Eleven,Shop 67 - 211 Latrobe St, Cbd Food-Way Express,G43 Union House Swanston St, Cbd St James Newsagency,Shp 3/ 121 William St, Cbd City West Newsagency,Shp 9/ 600 Collins St, Cbd Q Mart,Shp1/ 453 Elizabeth St, Cbd Customs Lane Newsagency,Shp4/ 15 William St, Cbd Uptown Newsagency,Shp7b/ 161 Collins St, Cbd Subway Authorised Newsagency, 8a/ Degraves St,Cbd 7 Eleven,Spencer St, Spencer St, Cbd Think Chiropractic,Suite 136,1 Queens Rd, Cbd Paramount Medical,Suite 4 - 5, 108 Bourke St, Cbd Melbourne Martial Arts 1-4 Banana Alley Flinders St, Cbd Aj’s Terrace,45 William St, Cbd Alfred’s Place Cafe,90 Collins St, Cbd All Saints Cafe,636 St Kilda Rd, Cbd Aroma On St Kilda,Ste5/ 456 St Kilda Rd, Cbd Art Deco Cafe,18 Queen St, Cbd Bambini Barrista Pty Ltd,Shp 7/ 530 Little Colins St, Cbd Barbarino’s Wong,474 St Kilda Rd, Cbd Barista Cafe,Shop 11 242 Exhibition St, Cbd Barista Espress Equitable Place,16 Equitable Pl,Cbd Base Camp Kafe,390 Little Bourke St,Cbd Basement @ 350 Latrobe,Shp 43/ 350 La Trobe St,Cbd Basic Bites,26 Hardware La,Cbd Be-Hive Cafe Bar,459 Collins St,Cbd

144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176.

Beetroot,123 Hardware St,Cbd Bel Air Caffe,1 Queens Rd,Cbd Bellini,100 Queen St,Cbd Bite,505 St Kilda Rd,Cbd Blu Point Cafe,336 Russell St,Cbd Blue Moose Cafe The,436 St Kilda Rd,Cbd The Brazilian Bean,Ground Floor 440 Collin St,Cbd Brother Baba Budan,359 Little Bourke St,Cbd Cafe 123,123 Lonsdale St,Cbd Cafe 201,201 Spring St,Cbd Cafe 294,294 RusselL St,Cbd Cafe Allegra,574 St Kilda Rd, Cbd Lifestyle Fitness Centre,276 Russell St,Cdb Victoria Park Pharmacy,146 Smith St,Collingwood Iga Friendly Grocers,199- 201 Johnston St,Collingwood Smith St Newsagency,212 Smith St,Collingwood Maternal Health Centres,253 Hoddle St,Collingwood 7 Eleven,286 Smith St,Collingwood Melbourne Asian News,300 Wellington St,Collingwood Headline Newsagents,35 Emma St,Collingwood BP,40 Johnston St,Collingwood Shell/Coles Express,Blanche St,Collingwood Neighbourhood House,Gd Fr 253 Hoddle St,Collingwood BP,Lot 2001 Princes Hwy,Collingwood Aroma Cafe,73 Langridge St,Collingwood Chiropractic Centre,22a St. Mangos La,Docklands Costco Wholesale,383 Footscray Rd,Docklands IGA X-Press,54 River Esp,Docklands IGA,753 Bourke St,Docklands Ymca Docklands,Lvl 4/ 100 Harbour Esp,Docklands 7 Eleven, 99 Spencer St,Docklands Docklands Internet Cafe,,Waterview Wlk,Docklands Banc Cafe,National Bank Head,Docklands

186. 187. 188. 189. 190. 191. 192. 193. 194. 195. 196.

THe Cottage Centre,134 Napier St,Fitzroy Bp,143-153 Johnston St,Fitzroy Liberty Fitzroy,151 Victoria Parade,Fitzroy Fitzroy Learning Network,198 Napier St,Fitzroy Safeway,243 Smith St,Fitzroy Mobil,244 Nicholson St,Fitzroy Caltex,286 Johnston St,Fitzroy The Reef Cafe,295 Smith St,Fitzroy 7 Eleven,295-297 Brunswick St,Fitzroy Fitzroy Newsagency,393-395 Brunswick St North,Fitzroy IGA,424 Brunswick St,Fitzroy

197. 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207.

Coles Supermarket,95-103 Johnston St,Fitzroy Swimming Pool,Cnr AlExander Pde & Young St,Fitzroy Maternal Health Centres,Cnr Moor & Young Sts,Fitzroy 7 Eleven,Cnr. Smith & Victoria St,Fitzroy Alchemist Bar & Cafe The,361 Brunswick Stwww,Fitzroy Babka Bakery Cafe,358 Brunswick St,Fitzroy Beans & Bagels,121 Johnston St,Fitzroy Black Cat The,252 Brunswick St,Fitzroy Cafe 328,328 Nicholson St,Fitzroy Holden,128 Holden St,Fitzroy North Newsagency,224 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North

208. 209. 210. 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218.

Caltex,260-264 St Georges Rd,Fitzroy North Iga Supa,37-49a Best St,Fitzroy North Piedimonte’s Supermarket,43 Best St,Fitzroy North Liberty,64 Holden St, Fitzroy North I Sip Internet & Services,798 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North Maternal & Child Health Centres,Alfred Crs, Fitzroy North BP,St Georges Rd,Fitzroy North Green Grocer The217 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North Melbourne Bar,168 Cnr Elizabeth And Bourke St, Melb Front Yard Youth Services,19 King St, Melb Cafe 22,22 William ST, Melb and more...

250 ots Sp 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75.

Vietnews Pty Ltd, 412 Johnston St, Abbotsford The Soap Opera, 128 Bridport St, Albert Park Dundas Place Cafe, 131 Dundas Place, Albert Park IGA,133 Dundas Pl, Albert Park

Melbourne City Newspaper is hand-distributed throughout the CBD in close proximity to the more than 2,000 shops in the heart of town. MCN is hand-delivered to thousands of homes throughout the inner city suburbs. Residents will find their monthly edition of MCN in their letterbox. Melbourne (3000), Southbank (3006), South Melbourne (3205), East Melbourne (3002), St Kilda Road (3004), Docklands (3008), North Melbourne (3051) and South Yarra (3141) Every month come “MCN Friday”, you’ll see our newspaper being handed out and read all along Chapel Street from Toorak Road to Dandenong Road; and along Toorak Road from Grange Road to Punt Road. For more info, please check: www.mc-news.com.au

MCN OCTOBER ADVERTISING FEATURES Melbourne City Newspaper’s special advertising features offer a unique platform to promote your business and services to specific markets. These niche publications are the most cost-effective way of reaching your target market. Take advantage of the opportunity to be part of a quality publication. All MCN advertising features include informative and engaging articles, as well as offering editorial for select advertisers.* SPRING RACING CARNIVAL

CHRISTMAS LUNCH BOOKINGS

Spring equals Racing season - and that means stunning dresses, spunky suits and headpieces galore.

Don’t miss out on the chance to promote you restaurant, bar or venue for Christmas Day Lunch bookings. The October and November editions of MCN offer the ideal vehicle to promote your hospitality venue for a hassle-free Christmas day.

MCN is publishing a special Spring Racing Feature containing all your racing essentials. From fashion, beauty, jewellery, hair and make- up – this Racing Guide is a one stop guide to ensure you step onto the field in style!!

SPRING CYCLING October is Cyclist’s Heaven. With the Go Bike Expo, the Melbourne Cycling Festival and the Around the Bay in a Day event, as well as Commuter Cyclist Workshops, MCN is publishing a feature dedicated to the growing popularity of cycling. From bicycles and cycling accessories and fashion to cycling tours and special events, this Spring Cycling Feature offers a unique chance to reach the thousands of Victorians who regularly cycle for fun and fitness.

Celebrating the Racing season with a champagne breakfast? Visiting Melbourne from interstate? MCN’s Racing Feature will highlight the hottest accommodation and flight deals, the best restaurants and bars, as well as providing visitor’s with a comprehensive list of Melbourne’s social Hotspots for the Racing Carnival. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to promote your fashion, beauty and lifestyle business in time for the Spring Racing Carnival. XMAS CELEBRATIONS

Regular Features

Looking for a place to hold this year’s office Christmas party? MCN’s XMAS party guide will promote some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants, bars and function venues for the annual work Xmas party. Featuring Special discounts on alcoholic beverages, food and party needs, this publication is the ideal platform to promote your business to the thousands of CBD businesses planning the annual Xmas party.

Our City Each month MCN covers a special area of Melbourne. Showcasing the shops, restaurants, events, entertainment, and areas of local interest, these “Our City” Features celebrate the diversity of our town and encourage both residents and visitors to explore the many delights of Melbourne. SEPTEMBER: Docklands OCTOBER: Chapel St NOVEMBER: Fitzroy DECEMBER: CBD JANUARY: St Kilda

To participate in MCN Features,

call 1300 80 40 33 *Editor reseves the right to change features unconditionally.