Voice on Pako - February 2018

free monthly FEBRUARY 2018

LET'S PARTY EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS PAKO PREPARES FOR AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST FREE MULTICULTURAL STREET FESTIVAL SEE PAGE 4-5

21 West Fyans St, Newtown Ph: 03 5221 8877 E: sales@tintmaster.com.au

1228880-ACM30-16

2

www.voiceonpako.com.au

YOUR voice With Pako Festa coming up this month the Voice asked locals for their thoughts on the biggest event on the Geelong West calendar.

Jess Costa as Carmen Miranda at last year's Pako Festa.

Picture: Phil Hines Published monthly, covering Pakington Street and surrounds, Geelong West, Newtown

Advertising and content executive: Ellen Fox 5249 6704 ellen.fox@geelongindependent.com.au General enquiries: 5249 6700 Managing editor: Tony Galpin 52496700

“

We actually went by accident for the first time last year – we were in the area looking for houses. We really enjoyed it.

– MONIQUE BALSZCZAK, 24, BELL PARK

“

I love it, it's great. I think it's good for the kids to see people who look different and see things differently.

It's very educational.

– RUSSELL CAMPBELL, 61, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS

“

I love the multiculturalism of it and how it brings the community together. The food and the different national costumes are great too.

– JOE LOSSINO, 45, GEELONG WEST

Facebook.com/ voiceonpako Instagram @ voiceonpako

voiceonpako.com.au Published by Geelong Independent Pty Ltd ACN 006 653 336. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Geelong Independent Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit: www.starcommunity.com.au

“

I danced in the very first one and I’m still dancing in it. I enjoy the whole atmosphere – the food, the dancing… the interaction between nationalities is amazing.

“

I've heard about it. I haven't been yet but I might go this year.

– JO BIRD, 21, POINT LONSDALE

“

We liked all the things that came down the street in the parade. We were in the parade with the Geelong West Giants.

– LUCA AND SAGE LOSSINO, 10, GEELONG WEST

– BIRUTE LIEBICH, 62, GEELONG WEST

Love is in the hair Look and feel your best this Valentines Day 14 February SALON

EVE 12375875-DJ05-18

COLOUR SPECIALIST

A: Shop 1/127 Shannon Ave Manifold Heights T: 5298 1547 E: info@saloneve.com.au W: www.saloneve.com.au follow us on 1227859-CB20-16

3

SECURITY on pako

‘We don’t want Big Brother’

BY LUKE VOOGT PAKINGTON Street traders have warned against "big brother" surveillance as a one-stop solution to burglaries.

"Quite a few people I've talked to don't want to see cameras all over Pako," said local store manager Cameron Brown.

"There are a lot of traders who don't really want that big city, big brother feel where everything is under surveillance."

In December 2017 the State Government provided $10,000 for a "no cash on premises" program in Pakington Street, following a spate of burglaries there last July.

Geelong police advocated for the program following its success preventing burglaries in Ocean Grove.

"The crime was worse there," Mr Brown said.

"Once the traders got together and starting acting as one, crime fell off the cliff."

But Geelong council and the State Government came under fire late last year after providing no funding for security cameras in the street.

Council applied to the State Government for the $10,000 grant, but as Bellarine MP Lisa Neville stated, the application included no request for cameras.

Surveillance would be "inconsistent" with the vibe of Pakington Street, Mr Brown said.

"It was never part of the discussion between the traders and the council."

Mr Brown said crime had already lessened on Pakington Street despite a delay in council distributing program's toolkits, which included "no cash

TRADERS UNITE: Peter and Cameron Brown in Pakington Street. (Louisa Jones) 171066

on premises" signs.

"The information that I've got is that crime has declined.

"Whether that's a result from police having found a few of those (culprits) and charged them or it's a case of it getting it out there that the traders are being smarter - I'm not sure."

The council officer responsible for distributing kits was on leave, delaying the process, Mr Brown said.

"The ball is still in the court of council - the focus at the moment is to get the kits delivered and get people on board."

The traders association would meet again with police to discuss other security

measures, Mr Brown said.

The most important thing was getting the relationship between traders and police right, he added.

"This is the first collaborative project we've worked on."

Restaurant owner Buster Herman described the cost of installing cameras along the length of Pakington Street as "prohibitive".

"I don't think they are a deterrent," he said. "It may help after the fact but it is a huge capital expense - you have to monitor it."

"I've got five cameras in my shop and the crooks are wary of cameras being there."

Mr Herman called for better street lighting, especially at the river end of Pakington Street, after criminals targeted his store last year.

"It's pretty gutting when someone breaks into your shop - it's invasion of privacy."

He urged traders to embrace the "no cash on premises" program.

"We don't leave any cash on the premises and I have a sign on each door," he said.

"If someone (leaves cash at their store), it's like the weakest link in the chain. If the crooks get the money there, they're going to come back."

ADVERTISEMENT

Christine Couzens MP MEMBER FOR GEELONG

t r o p p u s o Proud t

Pako Festa Christine Couzens MP, Member for Geelong E: christine.couzens@parliament.vic.gov.au 12376753-DJ05-18

131 ph 5221 3131

4

www.voiceonpako.com.au

FESTIVE LIFE on pako

Pako pride

BY CHRISTINE COUZENS, MEMBER FOR GEELONG IT is a great honour to represent such a multicultural community in Geelong.

There is always great excitement leading up to Diversitat’s Pako Festa each year and this year is no different.

After 36 years, we still look forward to one of the largest multicultural festivals in Australia, right here in Geelong.

Each year Pakington Street, Geelong West, is filled with stalls of traditional foods, arts and craft and many other traditional offerings.

Pakington Street businesses also play a significant role participating in the festival spirit with their own street stalls and special offers.

There is traditional music and dance from many nations that make up our fantastic multicultural Geelong.

Over 100,000 people descend on Pakington Street to celebrate ethnic diversity, harmony and inclusion in Victoria’s largest regional City.

One of the key highlights for me is the street parade which includes many floats and performers from diverse range of communities and organisations.

Pako Festa is a great opportunity for our many ethnic communities to showcase and preserve cultural diversity in our great region.

I admire the work undertaken by Diversitat, which of course is far more than the Pako Festa, supporting local ethnic communities, new migrants and refugees.Diversitat’s commitment to diversity and inclusion plays a valuable and vital role in this region.

I am very proud that Diversitat is a major organisation in my electorate of Geelong. I am proud that the Andrew’s Government has continued its financial commitment to Pako Festa.

Importantly, the State Government’s whole of government approach to multicultural affairs ensures that the needs of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities are a major focus of government and it’s agenda.

Geelong’s long history as a multicultural city is something we should all be very proud of and of course celebrate.

If you haven’t been to Pako Festa before I encourage you to a make a point of attending this year.

I will be there at my stall on Pako enjoying the festive celebrations of our fantastic multicultural community.

I look forward to a great day.

Geelong’s delights COLOUR, culture and smells from across the globe come to Geelong when Pako Festa returns this month.

This year's extravagant street parade will feature about 90 floats and hundreds of performers representing 45 ethnic communities and about 60 other community groups.

Now in its 36th year, Pako Festa is Geelong's much loved, award-winning, free, multicultural street festival - the biggest of its kind in Australia.

Stalls will line Pakington Street on 24 February selling traditional foods, arts and crafts, while several live stages will showcase a world of music, dance and interactive workshops.

Pako Festa offers a unique opportunity for the 100,000-plus crowd to socialise in the multicultural heart of Geelong and celebrate the city's artistic and cultural expression.

This year's event theme, Reflections of Culture, will see dozens of different international cuisines, and smells and sounds to transport festival-goers to

another world, organisers said.

Diversitat's culturally and linguistically diverse communities will honour their contributions to Pako Festa over its 36year history as part of the theme.

Greek souvlaki, Russian pancakes, Maori Hangi, Filipino skewers, and traditional Macedonian pastries will delight tastebuds.

There will also be food vans complementing the festival offerings, including Turkish Gozeleme, Timboon Ice Cream, Sri Lankan and Japanese food, and a Chocolate Fountain.

Diversitat runs the yearly festival with the support of the Victorian Government, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the City of Greater Geelong.

The parade begins at 11am with free live entertainment running throughout the afternoon.

Pako Festa organisers thanked the festival's multitude of sponsors, including businesses and not-for-profit groups from Geelong and across Victoria. For details visit www.pakofesta.com.au

Make a difference, donate now

12377062-CG05-18

Over 40 years of supporting local communities, the disadvantaged and vulnerable in the region.

5

FESTIVE LIFE on pako

Festa icon Sebastian rides in

SPOKES MAN: Sebastian Flaccavento will jump on his iconic mini bicycle for Pako Festa. 165395 12377056-ACM05-18

BY LUKE VOOGT MINIATURE-BIKE-RIDING icon Sebastian Flaccavento has earnt his place in Pako Festa after decades of involvement in Australia’s largest free multicultural event.

Sebastian has donned outrageous outfits and paddled furiously on a mini bike in the parade for at least ten years.

“People want to take a photo of me at any cost,” he told the Voice on Pako in January.

“Some people think it’s fun and some people think I’m an idiot - but who cares?”

The quirky Geelong West store attendant started collecting children’s bikes more than a decade ago to make up for a tough childhood in Sicily.

“When I was a little boy I never had the opportunity to have any toys,” he said.

“So when I had the opportunity to get a small bike I thought I might as well be a kid again.”

The 75-year-old has the stamina to complete the parade, despite the small wheels and pedals, with more than 25 years of competitive cycling to his name.

“I’m going to be in the Cadel race this month,” he said. “I’ve won a few medals plus a box full of trophies.”

Sebastian migrated to Australia in 1964 as a 21-year-old and was vice president of Pako Festa for three years after it began in 1983.

“I was one of the founders,” he said.

“I’ve tried to be involved with it ever since.”

He said there was no way he was missing Geelong’s colourful annual celebration of diversity in Pakington Street this month.

“Of course I’m going to be in it - I have every right to be in this procession.”

Sebastian loved checking out the different costumes and chatting to people of different cultures at Pako Festa.

He was amazed each year at how much fun the festival’s thousands of participants had and their respect for each other.

“It’s one of the best festivals where people get together,” he said.

“They don’t look at the colour of each other and they’re very friendly inside everybody runs the same colour.”

SAT FEB 24 Pakington Street 9am - 5pm www.pakofesta.com.au

7

WHAT’S HOT on pako 2

1

5

WHAT’S HOT on

pako

3

4

6

1. Wild Iris Miss Rose Sister Violet angel dress, $79.95. 2. Wild Iris Santoro London Gorjuss Dolls, $145 each. 3. SAS Designs and Concepts gold trim bird platter, $50.

4. SAS Designs and Concepts ceramic serving bowl set, $40 5. Wild Iris macrame pot holder, $29.95 6. SAS Designs and Concepts ceramic serving bowl set, $40.

12376845-CG04-18

SAS Designs & Concepts 317B Pakington Street, Newtown 3220 T 5222 5226 E sasnewtown@gmail.com @sasdesignsandconcepts /sasdesignsandconcepts

Home • Gifts • Fashion OPENING HOURS Monday-Friday 9-5pm Saturday 10-5pm

8

www.voiceonpako.com.au

Art on pako

Street art to deter taggers

BY LUKE VOOGT MORE Melbourne-style murals in Pako could deter graffiti vandals, according to the street's traders association.

The association was leading a push to further brighten the vibrant street with colourful art, said local store manager Cameron Brown.

"Everyone is pretty gung-ho about the idea," he said.

"People would love to see more mural-type art in Pakington Street, but it's a matter of getting the landlords, tenants, artists and council all in the same room.

Pako's "hipster" vibe was unique in Geelong and lent itself to artistic expression, Mr Brown said.

"More well-designed street art is only going to enhance the experience when people come here to have their brekky or do their shopping," he said.

"It would really add some character and it's consistent with the vibe of the street."

Various shops had commissioned murals in graffiti hot spots, which vandals had since left alone, he said.

"They appreciate the art and beauty of it. At least they're considerate of other people's artwork."

He pointed out a colourful mural at Box Office Cafe as example of how the concept had worked.

"I reckon it's been up there more than 12 months now with no graffiti."

Pakington Street was developing a Melbournesque vibe with people moving down to Geelong, Mr Brown said. "(People) call the Newtown end the Paris end and the Geelong West the Melbourne end."

The rising real estate values in the

Box Office Cafe commissioned this stunning mural just off the corner of Pakington Street. (Feed the Hungry Artist)

surrounding area reflected the influx of Melbournians, he said.

"A lot of people have come down from Melbourne and decided Pakington Street is where they want to live."

Restaurant owner Buster Herman also backed the concept.

"Walls don't get tagged once they have murals on them," he said.

"The smarter (vandals) seem to leave the murals alone - they recognise that there is some artistic merit to the work rather than a horrendous tag."

Mr Herman said murals were a

fantastic way to add vibrancy to blank walls.

Similar artwork had become a tourist attraction in Melbourne's laneways, he added.

"It just brightens it up and it's a point of interest."

Offering organic herbal teas, pure essential oils and natural skin care & body products. Our Naturopath can make a one of a kind, custom blend just for you.

HERBAL DISPENSARY & CLINIC •฀Herbal฀dispensary-฀Visit our dispensary for advice from our Naturopath Michelle Reynolds, on how to manage your health naturally using herbal teas, tonics & salves.

•฀Naturopathic฀consultations-฀ One on one consultations with our accredited Naturopath to regain and maintain your health in a natural way.

•฀Psychology฀consultations-฀Support offered to youth, adults and couples from our Psychologist, Jane.

Workshops available to explore the use of herbs, from growing your own teas, making natural skincare products to blending a herbal poultice.

Phone:฀5200฀4583 Opening฀hours:฀Mon-Fri:฀10-5฀฀Sat:฀10-3 Shop 3-138 Pakington Street. Geelong West www.theherbalapothecary.com.au 12377175-EPJ05-18

9

THERAPY on pako

Mum, daughter team’s right remedies

GEELONG BOOK FAIR 2017

Michelle Reynolds at The Herbal Apothecary. (Louisa Jones) 176649

with business going well.

“People are understanding the concept of a herbal dispensary which is quite wonderful because it’s really

different for Geelong,” Michelle says.

“There’s been a lot of intrigue and interest and the people are really welcoming on Pakington Street.”

The store, located at Shop 3 138 Pakington Street, launched its website theherbalapocethary.com.au last month for customers to buy products online.

12377188-RC05-18

GEELONG West’s Michelle Reynolds is no stranger to working with her mum.

She and Jane, a registered psychologist, opened The Herbal Apothecary in Pakington Street just before Christmas last year.

“We’re here to help people explore this medicine,” Michelle says.

“I think because we’re in similar fields in terms of health care we sort of understand how things work.”

The mother and daughter both rented a room at their previous practice in East Geelong.

“She’s always been wonderful to talk to if I need some help,” Michelle says.

“She’s got some well-rounded and logical things to say which is nice.”

Michelle combines her knowledge of herbal remedies with her mother’s focus on mental health and well-being.

“They go really well together the two methodologies,” she says.

“When necessary we can work together to help people sort out their emotional and mental health.”

Jane has worked for decades as psychologist, and much of it in Geelong, after the family moved there when Michelle was a teenager.

“It’s been a long, long time - I probably couldn’t give you the numbers,” Michelle says. “She’s a beautiful lady and very supportive and encouraging.”

Michelle has opened her new Pakington Street venture after more than 15 years working as a naturopath in pharmacies, health food stores and practices.

“It’s been a long-time goal of mine to have a community herbal dispensary,” she says.

“Working as a naturopath I saw a need for it - I saw a desire for people to head back to natural medicine.”

Michelle, who has a Bachelor in Naturopathy from Endeavour College, offers naturopathic advice and a range of remedies for specific ailments.

“I also do some workshops and seminars to help people explore this type of medicine,” she said.

After almost a year of detailed planning Michelle was thrilled to open the store to the public.

“It’s been a massive learning curve which has been wonderful,” she says. “It’s been challenging but in a good way.

“It’s all my design - a lot of people are intrigued by the store and how it looks.

“It’s been great to get that feedback because I’ve put so much work into it.”

Michelle says Pakington Street was the “right place” to make “herbal medicine more accessible”.“It’s probably the most vibrant part of Geelong. I just felt it would be the right place.”

The choice appears to be paying off,

$1

Paperback and Childrens Books

Friday 2nd Sunday 4th March

$2

Hardcover Books

Admission Gold Coin Donation Friday & Saturday : 9am-5pm Sunday: 9am-2pm 153 Pakington St, Geelong West

1,000s of

Second-hand Books for Sale

HUGE selection of fiction and non-fiction

Proudly sponsored by

Proceeds to Rotar y a pproved projects . Enquir ies: 0427 211 273

12376754-CG05-18

Geelong West Town Hall

10

www.voiceonpako.com.au

BOOKS on pako

THE CHOKE

Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist

The Choke, the latest book from 2015 Miles Franklin Award winner, Sofie Laguna, is a compelling and harrowing read.

Thirteen-year-old Justine has been abandoned by her mother and lives with her Pop, a survivor of the Burma Railway.

Neglected and under constant threat of danger, Justine finds comfort with Pop’s chooks and at The Choke, a spot on the Murray River. But when her father returns, neither are enough to comfort or protect her.

Laguna is a superb author who writes emotionally charged topics with empathy and a light hand. This is a wonderful read that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Two Steps Forward is the first book by renowned Australian writers and life partners George Simsion and Anne Buist.This funny, poignant and romantic comedy is perfect summer reading.

American Zoe is grieving after the sudden death of her husband and, on a whim, decides to walk the Cluny to Santiago section of the Camino trail. Before she begins, Zoe encounters British engineer Martin, who is testing a cart specifically designed for the trail and also escaping an ugly divorce.

Written in alternating chapters from each character’s point of view, this fast-paced novel is filled with interesting characters, beautiful descriptions, funny interactions and thoughtprovoking observations.

Sofie Laguna

THE TRAUMA CLEANER: ONE WOMAN’S EXTRAORDINARY LIFE IN DEATH, DECAY & DISASTER Sarah Krasnostein The Trauma Cleaner is the result of a chance meeting at a conference between Sandra Pankhurst, owner of a specialised trauma cleaning business, and author and lawyer Sarah Krasnostein. Sensitively written, this true story explores courage, resilience and the human spirit through the lens of Sandra Pankhurst and her clients. Pankhurst is a remarkable woman, whose experience allows her to guide people through trauma. This book is about humanity, empathy and the courage of one person. It’s a fascinating and heartbreaking, yet warm and hopeful read.

GOODNIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS, VOLUME 2

BIRDS OF AIREYS INLET AND ANGLESEA

Elena Favilli and Francessca Cavallo

Combine the incredible array of birdlife along the Great Ocean Road and the passion of an avid photographer and you have a beautiful book.

Who would have thought there were 120 species for birds between Aireys Inlet and Anglesea? Margaret Lacey has watched and photographed the birds of this area for years, resulting in this gorgeous book.

Not fortunate enough to see a rufous bristlebird in the wild?

Want to identify that pael green parrot with blue wings? This is the book for you.

The pictures clearly depict the birds in their natural habitat, with photos supported by detailed information about the species that live along the Great Ocean Road.

This is a high-quality publication. We love it.

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls,Volume Two, is an entirely new collection of stories about inspirational women from across the globe.

The first book, Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, has been a huge success, with retailers across the nation struggling to keep up with demand.This latest edition is every bit as beautiful and inspiring and will be just a highly sought after. Once again, each unique story features an exquisite portrait of the subject, by women artists.

Quite simply, we love this book, the wide range of women featured and the beautiful artwork.This is a must for every home library. Although the title says the book is for rebel girls, it’s perfect for rebel boys too.

Marg Lacey

12377314-ACM04-18

TWO STEPS FORWARD

By The Bookbird

11

Q&A on pako

Some of Earth to Life's unique selection of sustainable products.

Won’t cost the Earth Earth to Life is Geelong's one-stop sustainable shop in the city's vibrant, cosmopolitan Pakington Street.

Owners Barbara and Neville Hull brought the concept to Geelong following the success of their first store in Albury, which has been thriving for the last six years.

The Voice on Pako spoke to Barbara in this month's greenthemed Q&A to find out more.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Neville and I have a home in Albury and we're currently renting an apartment in Newtown, so Geelong is our home away from home!

I grew up in Queensland and lived close to the beach. I've missed the ocean, so Geelong was a perfect choice to set up a second store to satisfy our business development and ocean living.

What makes your store different to other sellers of sustainable products?

The vast range of products, our product knowledge and our affordable prices. We had a unique proposition and we knew it would complement the Pakington Street precinct.

We set up the business to create a one-stop shop for environmental and sustainable clothing and eco-conscious products. Our store in Albury was a first for regional Australia.

Barbara and Neville Hull.

What got you into the business?

I developed a passion for all things sustainable from working in the environmental and agricultural industries.

How much work did it take to complete the store and what went into getting it ready?

The most challenging part of opening the Geelong store was making sure we could deliver the same feel and diversity of products as the Albury Store.

The store was very easy to setup. We don't focus on expensive fixtures and fittings. We utilize recycled materials and packaging, plus the products themselves to create the look and feel of the store.

Too many people spend too much time dreaming of having a business, rather than just doing it!

With any business, the three key drivers to sustain and grow are: the store and its location, its products and services, and its staff members, who really are what make and break any business.

Fortunately we have a dedicated and loyal team who love sharing their knowledge with our customers.

COME February 1st, a go-to pain medication will no longer be available over the counter in Australia. Changes announced by the federal government in 2016 will see products containing codeine move to prescription only.

Up until now, low-dose codeine has been available on the advice of a pharmacist in product combinations with paracetamol (a general pain reliever) or ibuprofen (an antiinlammatory), and was commonly used to treat a range of pain conditions such as headache and back pain.

While cases of more severe pain will now mean a visit to the doctor, there’s still a range of options available over the counter from your pharmacy to treat mild to moderate cases.

On the medicines front, combination products containing paracetamol and ibuprofen in a single tablet have been shown to be as effective as low-dose codeine containing pain relievers for some types of pain. Good old-fashioned aspirin is still very effective for headaches and migraines, while other anti-inlammatories may be useful for muscular, joint and dental problems.

Another popular option for muscular and back pain are topical treatments: creams, lotions and patches applied directly to the skin. Antiinlammatory gels are good for acute muscle injuries, while more natural options containing arnica, eucalyptus oil and other herbal extracts are popular for arthritis aches and pains.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, physiotherapy and TENS devices are just some of the other options available that can help you with persistent pain.

Day-to-day use of antiinlammatories and other pain medicines can cause problems over time. If your pain persists for more than a couple of weeks, it’s important to see your doctor or pharmacist to discuss other treatment options.

If you need any advice on treating pain or inding an alternative to codeine products, come on in and have a chat.

Bryce Cameron Managing Pharmacist

How's business going?

We always look forward to seeing our regulars and we're surprised by the amount of tourists that visit Pakington Street. communitycarechemist.com.au

What do you love about Pakington Street?

It has an amazing diversity of stores and food offerings. Pakington Street has a community feel while retaining the advantages of regional city living.

What tips would you give someone looking to start their own business?

Who would you like to have dinner with, alive or dead?

My husband.

Tell us something about yourself that people might not know.

My favourite food is mud crab and we are long term supporters of the Geelong Football Club!

1/184 Pakington St ● Ph 5246 5850

12376727-RA05-18

Pain, Pain Go Away