The Rezzadent - October 2022

By Nicole Robertson

Acknowledgement is not enough but still important

The Rezzadent was made on stolen land in Reservoir, Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation who are the traditional custodians of this beautiful land. For many of us, our local creeks, trees, and our lake have been such a comforting balm to the soul during these chaotic times.

We would also like to pay respect to the Wurundjeri Elders, past and present, and extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait people from other communities who may be reading this.

It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Contact us: rezzadentnews@gmail.com

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With a huge thanks to our volunteer contributors: Editor-in-Chief Shannon McKeogh

Deputy editor Viktoria Komornik

Making things beautiful/Designer: Delyse Baldwin

Our clever illustrators: Nicole Robertson

We love our Marketing guru: Vinisha Pulikkaparambil

Our big brained writers: Matt Sheers Eddy Urias-Castro Andrea Wegner Hayley Culley Viktoria Komornik Nicole Robertson Jenny Brown Ess Chris Princess

Our Eagle -eyed proof readers: Jenny Brown Hayley Culley

REZZA RECIPES

Words by Eddy Urias-Castro

Of all the quirky games, diverse music, and spicy attitudes nothing defines our broader cultures more, and I will argue this to my grave, than the food they crave when homesick, or look forward to on special holidays. For all of our idiosyncratic microcosms, differing political leanings, and empowering identities a simple smell can transport us to a place where we felt safe, loved, and at home.

It can transport us to a place where all our woes and worries drift away, replaced by moments of pleasantness and hopefully belt straining satisfaction.

This leaves me wondering if food defines our culture above all, then what makes Reservoir, Rezza? Is it my neighbour’s moreish Dutch Christmas Pepernoten, the delectable Gado Gado from My Asian Neighbour (some of the best Indonesian food around), or the flavourful sourdough loaves at Tyler’s Milk Bar baked just down the road by local baker Gabs at Back Alley Bakes.

All of these great places contributed recipes and can be found in the Rezza Recipes cookbook, plus more businesses like Blue Boy Thai, Knocken, and cute contributions from St Gabriel’s and St Stephen’s Primary Schools.

I’ve lived in Rezza for three years now, and I need to say what truly encapsulates us, can be found through a read of the Rezza Recipes cookbook curated by Elise Pulbrook, lifetime Reservoirtonian and damn proud of it.

As I flip through Rezza Recipes I’m transported from Indonesia to Italy and everywhere in between alongside peoples authentic stories. So much of us care for our own authenticity, and are willing and excited to help each other with their own stories too. It is an inclusiveness that I have not experienced anywhere else but Rezza. A respect and excitement to know each other and be open to our respective histories and hopeful futures.

A true community.

Elise told me in an interview, “Each one of these recipes has been passed down from loving hands to loving hands.”

My contributions to the recipe book, the sausage roll and quesadilla cake hold great meaning for me. Evoking repressed and lost memories of my childhood in another land across the sea. If you ever get a chance to bake it, know that you’re eating from my childhood, recipes that hold memories I had forgotten until I was asked to contribute from my heritage. It was, and is, something I often find too painful to think about: my family's migration.

But behind every recipe there is a story, whether they are happy or a little melancholy. The cookbook provided contributors with the a chance to share their story, and on behalf of all of us I would like to thank Elise Pulbrook the curator, Tim Hancock the designer, Carly Altree-Williams the illustrator, and Darebin Council for allowing us to share or stories and become part of Reservoir’s history.

And there is no shortage of stories,

history or talent. Rezza Recipes was originally planned to be a 15-page leaflet-style cookbook that has been pumped up and transformed into 221 pages showcasing 61 recipes, with 45 contributors including businesses, home cooks, and local schools.

What Elise and her team have captured in an astonishingly commendable time frame is nothing short of amazing.

Rezza Recipes has captured the soul food of Reservoir in the most Rezza of ways, all together and true to ourselves.

As far as where to pick up a copy the final date has not been finalised so for the moment you are going to have to watch this space. The Rezzadent will keep you updated, as soon as we know, you’ll know.

PRE-LOVED

Words By Andrea Wegner.

Shopping ethically can be a minefield. We want to make good decisions, spend our money wisely and support local businesses. Finding things we need without exploiting people or harming the planet can be difficult. It takes time to find where and how a product is made and the information is not always available. Add to the mix that we all need to work within a budget and shopping turns into a quagmire that no one finds fun.

I encountered this shopping dilemma when spring finally hit. My kids wanted to run wild, but I discovered the shorts were too short and the Ts were too tight. Instead of running to Northland for some fast fashion, we decided to use the

OP SHOP MAP

Darebin Op Shop Map and see what we could find. The map is available online and is currently being updated.

(darebin. vic.gov.au)

Andrea Wegner and her kids look for ethical goodies at Rezza’s op shops

CITY OF DAREBIN

The three Reservoir op shops are easy walking distance from each other, but we did venture out to a few in Preston as well. It was a great success with a new summer wardrobe for two growing kids and we had fun along the way, trying on things we had no intention of buying and laughing at the possibilities. I found the range of kids and adult clothes better than usual. I wonder if the covid clearouts and the years of rarely wearing your good clothes have restocked the op shops full to the brim with options for all.

October is also Vinnies Buy Nothing New Month. Jett Antcliff, Vinnies Victoria Executive General Manager Commercial Services says, “Buy Nothing New Month is designed as an annual circuit-breaker in our buying habits – a reminder that with a little extra time and care, buying pre-loved items can bring immeasurable joy to our lives and provide a meaningful connection to the circular economy.”

Last year Victoria’s second-hand charity shops estimated that 242,842 tonnes

of donations were processed which prevented 214,368 tonnes of CO2 emissions and saved 21,975 ML of water. The revenue created by the sales contributed over $232 million towards supporting people in need.

Ticking all your boxes. Sustainable shopping and giving to charity!

I don’t like to mention the festive season so early, but have you considered a Buy Nothing New Christmas? Op Shops are full of barely used toys and quality products. Start early and enjoy finding unique bargains you can feel good about giving or get crafty and up-cycle what you find into something new.

Winnie approves of the 100% lambswool pile Invicta vintage blanket. Made in Australia. Bargain!

OAKHILL FOOD JUSTICE FARM’S FIRST BIRTHDAY

A year on, the farm is thriving Ess Chris writes

Words By Ess Chris.

On Saturday 10th September, Oak Hill Food Justice Farm, based in Tyler St on the Reservoir and Preston border turned one.

The birthday celebrations included an open invite to the community to hear from guest speakers and presenters offering insights into the collaborations with the farm and volunteers.

This included interesting gardening facts such as growing berries with Angelo, Worm Lovers chat with Richard and Community Composting with Vince from Clyde Compost.

You could help yourself to a cuppa and some delectable treats supplied by Tyler’s Milk Bar, the café next door, who also contributes their daily compostable scraps to the farm.

The Oak Hill Food Justice Farm is run with support by Sustain (the Australian Food Network). Head gardener Gemma helps run internships, and it was clear the garden produce grown was diverse and thriving.

Gemma said that volunteers can come and work in the garden on Monday mornings, Thursday afternoons or during a weekend day. As well as learning about permaculture and gardening skills, it also an opportunity to make friends and share in a common interest.

Volunteers also get to take home some of the produce they grow and nurture. Any excess veg is also shared with DIVRS (Darebin Information Volunteer & Resource Service) who are a notfor-profit volunteer driven community organisation based locally in the Darebin area.

As well as the vibrant and productive community garden, the former clergy

House of Saint Mary’s Anglican Church is now a unique coworking and event space. Rooms and spaces are available to hire.

I had a lovely chat with Paula and John who support Sustain by helping design and build sustainable and healthy food systems such as the Oakhill Food Justice Farm and other community gardens. Their investment assists with promoting mental health challenges and addressing food insecurity within our communities. Emma is a regular volunteer who also feels that she has benefited from being involved in the farm and learning to grow her own food.

So if you’re a sticky beak like me, go check it out and say Hi! Have a nosey at their website  and get involved in our awesome, caring and environment loving community! You can also purchase compost by the bag or cubic metre, supplied by Worm Lovers and Clyde Compost.

NEW MUM ON THE BLOCK

There’s a card you may have seen in trendy shops. It says ‘Rezza mum’ and has cute illustrations depicting iconic local things that define a mother living in 3073: the train line, Off the Boat Pizza, Edwardes Park, Foch Reserve and coffee.

For this new Rezza mum, hazily emerging from the depths of nearly two months of getting acquainted with a new human being, I think if a newbie Reservoir mum card existed it would need to contain a few extra illustrations.

1) A bleary-eyed mum buying more pairs of trackies, swaddles and anti-colic baby bottles from Kmart at Summer Hill. Trackies are the ultimate mum-wear of choice over the next few weeks, stained with baby vomit, poo and wee.

2) Hot spot destinations such as Night Owl Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist. New parents are amazed at how quickly their hard-earned cash is handed over to the modern alchemists, seeking solutions to their and bub’s ailments.

3) A mobile phone, opened at Google for the early morning searches, ‘why won’t

baby sleep?’ ‘what colour is normal baby poo?’ and with recent call history being the maternal and child health line and breastfeeding Australia helpline.

4) Finally, the card would need to show a mum in a cape, because mums are superheroes, ordinary and common, but incredible.

Words By Shannon McKeogh. Image By Able and Game, published with permission

WILL THE VISY SMELL EVER VANISH?

A number of concerned Reservoirans are banding together and rallying for cleaner air

Words By Hayley Culley. Photograph Supplied By The Age

In an earlier edition of The Rezzadent, I wrote an article titled What's that smell? (The answer: VISY) and now, many months on, I sat down with Chris Wilkinson, spokesperson of the Clean Air Reservoir Facebook group to see where things are at and if anything has been resolved.

VISY is a 40-year-old, privately owned paper, packaging and recycling company in the heart of suburban Reservoir. With an annual turnover of more than $7 billion, it is the largest privately-owned company in Australia. The plant operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and emits a smell that locals have compared to off-ham.

Chris, when did you start contacting VISY?

I first contacted VISY in early 2020 shortly after moving to the area. My family and I started to experience the horrible odour, particularly on days with northerly winds. What made the situation more upsetting was the Melbourne lockdown meant that there was no escaping the smell. How are we meant to enjoy our yard and our local community when the air is foul to breathe in?

Are they responsive to your concerns?

Unfortunately not, my initial contact with VISY was unproductive. This is a common theme I have heard from other community members as well. They were more interested in trying to explain to me how their factory operates and what the smell is. When they finally admitted it was an issue and said what measures they would take, the timeframe given to fix the issue was ridiculous and has yet to make any difference.

Who else is involved in this effort to get VISY to listen /act?

Currently, the EPA is regulating them and has issued them several notices. The only fine though has been a measly $9087. Chump change to a family and business worth more than $24 billion.

There is a Facebook group called clean air Reservoir 3073 that has 160 members and is steadily growing. There has also been recent interest from big media and a piece was featured in The Sunday Age and 7news. There has also been some support from local MPs.

What have VISY said they will do?

Since 2020 VISY has said that they will increase the height and number of exhaust stacks and they have been given until February of 2023 to have the exhaust fans installed.

Have they done anything since 2020 when you first started communicating with them more often?

They have made a few changes to their factory over the last few years and they insist that the intensity of the smell has decreased. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of EPA reports made. There have been over 900 EPA reports made in the last year alone.

What is the current plan for you and the community members involved?

The current plan is to increase community awareness of this odour. Many members of the community have never known where the source of the

smell was as it's not a smell you would think would come from recycling. We will continue lobbying the EPA to take a more hard-line approach as it has been allowed to continue for years with no real repercussions.

How can we as a community help?

1. The local community can contact their local MPs to pressure them into making meaningful changes.

2. Contact lily.dambrosio@parliament. vic.gov.au , the Environment Minister

3. They can also make a pollution report any time they are impacted by the smell. https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ report-pollution/reporting-pollutiton

4. A good way to stay informed is also to join the Facebook group. Clean Air Reservoir, 3073

THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Recipe Supplied by Jenny brown

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

• 250g macaroni

• 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter

Topping

•

2tbsp (30g) unsalted butter

• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese

• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Sauce

• 3 cups milk

• One onion quartered

• 1 carrot peeled and cut into large pieces

• 1 bay leaves

• 4tbsp (60g) unsalted butter

• 1/3 cup plain flour

• 1 cup grated gruyere cheese

• 1/2 cup grated cheddar/Colby or similar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated romano cheese

Optional (but recommended)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp mustard powder (or tbsp made up mustard such as Dijon)

• Pinch cayenne pepper

Method

1. Cook pasta as per directions minus 1 minute. Pasta is best slightly undercooked for this recipe. Once cooked, drain, and return to pot with butter. Toss to coat thoroughly and leave to cool whilst making sauce.

2. Prepare topping by melting butter in a medium skillet, add breadcrumbs and cook whilst stirring constantly over medium heat until they are golden brown (this could take several minutes). Transfer to a bowl and mix with parmesan and thyme (if using) and set aside.

3. Put milk, onion, bay leaf and carrot into a saucepan and bring to the boil, Simmer for 10 minutes then let cool. Once cooled, strain and keep the infused milk.

4. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

5. Add flour and stirring constantly cook for 1 minute.

6. Slowly add 1 cup of the infused milk in small amounts whilst whisking to ensure no lumps.

7. Then add the remaining milk, whisking to ensure smooth consistency.

8. If using any optional seasonings, add now.

9. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens.

10. Once thickened, remove from heat, and add the cheeses stirring until well combined.

11. Add cheese sauce to the saucepan of cooked macaroni and stir to mix well.

12. Spoon the macaroni/cheese mixture into a baking dish that will allow filling to be at least 5cm (2 inches) deep. 6 cup Pyrex baker is ideal

13. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb topping mixture.

14. Bake in a preheated oven at 180c (350f) for about 25 minutes.

15. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

GIG REVIEW

SING-A-SONG OF SIXPENCE AT FUTURE MOUNTAIN BREWERY

Words By Matt Sheers

On a cold and rainy evening in Rezza I head up Plenty Road to Future Mountain Brewery. Upon entering the dry and warmly lit space, I hear the sounds of voice and music filling the vast warehouse. Pizzas, pints, stories and darts fly around the room, and the clack of pool balls echo across the hall. Future Mountain is a fairly new place in the Oakhill Shopping strip, and offers a wide range of delicious and unique beers brewed onsite. The space is filled with barrels, stone and steel in the main drinking hall; it feels as though one has stepped into an old-fashioned American tap-house with a distinctly Australian flavor. After receiving a glass of frothy ale from the bar, I settle into my chair to listen to the musicians sitting in the round, facing each other with guitars in hand. Beards, jeans, caps and leather are prominent in this group, as the six musicians start to share songs and the stories behind them.

Leading the free-flowing performance is bluesy-country singer/songwriter Delsinki, who has invited a group of songwriters to join him in sharing and playing songs one by one. There is Danny Walsh - (of Cheddar Road All-Stars fame) who brings a punk/rock/folk energy to the space; Dallas Frasca - whose soulful voice fills the rafters of the large beer hall; Josie Laver - with a country twang to her songs; Maggie Alley - with a mournful vulnerability in her voice, and they are all accompanied by the soaring tones of saxophone played by Ash Gaudion from the Shuffle Club.

The audience sits side by side with the musicians, nestled amongst the tables next to the open fire, and it feels intimate and inviting. Each musician gives a little story about the song they perform, inviting the audience and other musicians to join in on the chorus and provide backing vocals for the melody, breaking down the divide between the

crowd and the stage. Dallas sings a song about “differences of opinion” and makes a comment that it's a “therapy song”. That’s what this gig feels like; a group therapy session, where we as the audience are invited to come and be a part of the healing that songwriting provides these musicians. Everyone is holding space and supporting each other, connecting through music and laying bare the sometimes secret process of experimenting with writing songs.

Danny shares a Cheddar Road All-Stars song about Mr Bertram (the broadway barbarian), and gets the crowd to sing the chorus at full volume. Josie shares an upcoming single called Dandelion White, and Maggie performs a song about Zombies. It’s a mixed bag of stories and songs, but the crowd responds after each song with whistles and whoops, stomping and clapping along to the music. The musicians strum along on their acoustic guitars, while

the soulful saxophone rises and falls between the voices.

Delsinki flawlessly facilitates the banter and transitions between songs, providing context for the audience, and prompting details from the musicians. He has been touring the country with Sing A Song of Sixpence, and gathers a different crew of musos for each performance. He seems very at ease in making the crowd feel as though they are part of the group, which makes it all the more engaging as a listener.

I came away from the night feeling inspired and excited. There’s a growing momentum of creative and unique experiences in Rezza if you know where to look.

PUTTING THE ‘PARK’ IN KEON PARK

NEW STATION UPGRADES

Words By Shannon McKeogh

Swapping daggy greys for vibrant greens, and promising a future beyond traffic jams, the northern Rezza station will be upgraded by 2025 as part of the state government-level crossing removal works. The Victorian government have released early plans of what the future station could look like and locals were able to provide feedback on the design to the state government and council during

September.

The new Keon Park Station will include a rail bridge over the road and the main station will be built in a new location south of Keon Parade. The modern design focuses on a green interior, which was chosen to represent the ‘park’ in Keon Park.

As well as saying farewell to traffic congestion on Mahoney’s Road and Keon Parade and improving safety, there are other opportunities to bring the station and area to life.

Darebin Council is advocating for the community with a broad list of asks, focused on sustainability and future practicality - think connective bike paths to JC Donarth Park, green spaces with native plants, EV power stations and making Johnson street more attractive for businesses and for locals to mingle, with local only traffic. There is also an opportunity to beautify the area, with artistic murals around the station.

You can find the full list of asks from Darebin here

Works will commence in 2023, which is creeping up on us! To stay up to date with the latest on the Keon Park station works check out the Big Build website .

DEAR RESERVOIR DOGS

Every month a different Reservoir dog helps a troubled Rezzadent through this column; one tail wag and wet kiss at a time. Treats welcome. Send your qualms with the subject line “Dear Reservoir Dogs” to rezzadentnews@gmail.com . If your best-legged mate wants to get involved, also get in touch. We love our Reservoir doggos!

October's question is answered by Princess

Dear Jimmy,

This is my kind of question. I’m a bit of an expert in this area, constantly perfecting my technique.

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of camouflage. This is a must to facilitate the element of surprise. Standing by the gate, actively waiting is not enough anymore. They know to expect you and will carry on as if nothing happened.

My favourite spot is under our low limbed tree, on the ground softened by fallen leaves. This is right by the front gate across from the mailbox, not right behind it. This way I have the space to jump out and leap onto the gate. Though lately, I must admit, it’s been less jumping and leaping, more like limping. You can use your voice for added effect, especially if you lack skills in leaping and jumping.

You need to learn all the signs of them approaching. I can hear the bike turning at the end of the street which is when my eyes open, lying motionless and just as the bike stops I jump (limp). Don’t forget the little things. They might get a new bike that comes with a different sound. This new sound needs to be filed into your memory.

Find the space where your nose fits through the gate, no matter how small, preferably as close to the mailbox as possible and just as the hands reach for the mailbox bark through the gap.

My human friends even put a sign on the gate to notify everyone of my existence. If this is the same in your case don’t worry, carry on (heard this from George, an English bulldog friend of mine).

Now, if our human friends build an additional wall of protection and

occasionally force you further away from the gate, don’t be disempowered. The element of surprise is still on your side. Use your voice, wait for the moment, make yourself big and bark like you haven’t barked before.

My human friends love calling out my name in these joyous moments so I know they are proud of my skills. Take it from me, yours will also be proud of you.

I live for the extra little heartbeats and no doubt the joy my little surprises cause to our lovely postwoman.

Keep up the good fight, Princess

CONO GELATERIA

Words By Eddy Urias-Castro

In my family there are three ice cream makers within our generation, legit artisans that used to make ice creams and sorbets using fresh ingredients. It’s been kind of a lifelong obsession for them. They'll sit and discuss the finer points of each flavour. Each describing the quality of ingredients, texture, and consistency. Some of them understandably do not hold back their

punches on critique. Come on, it’s their art.

I say ‘they’, because for a long time I wasn’t hugely fussed by soft creamy cold desserts. I would sit there licking my little cup or cone half interested in their animated break down of cold treats while I slowly built an appreciation for cold dairy cuisine by osmosis.

Where does that leave me now? It leaves me at 4pm on the day we’re all meant to upload our stories for The Rezzadent, still not having eaten from the one place I said I’d write about, so not a single word on the page. Just a little bit of first year Uni PTSD, heh.

Luckily the universe was conspiring for me today, a gorgeous spring sunny day, perfect gelato weather. I jumped in the car and zipped over the other side of our lovable suburb of Reservoir, to Gilbert Rd in a nook of quiet little shops just before Edwardes Lake Park. Cono was easy to spot, a cute kinda kitsch humble store with a considerable line out the front on a sleepy Sunday arvo.

I weaved through the line of people to get to the end all while wondering which flavours to get. How can I judge an entire menu from just one cone? Not possible, I’d need to get a tub, half litre should do. I asked for a recommendation, “I like hazelnut” they sang back. Never pass on a recommendation direct from the maker, never, just don’t, if I catch you doing it there will be stern words.

In the end I got a blood orange cone for myself, couldn’t pass that up as it's the end of season, and I reserved the hazelnut and mango to go in my half tub.

My blood orange did not get time to drip as I balanced the scoop with well timed licks of its creamy texture. Now mind you, sorbet doesn’t have dairy, so only the best sorbet can don the crown of creamy texture. The fresh blood oranges permeating through my senses took me home on a citrus high.

It wasn’t till after dinner that I allowed myself the other two flavours. The mango sorbet had an equally as impressive creamy texture, whilst boldly stating that real mango was used in the making of this frozen little masterpiece. The hazelnut mind-blowingly good, you can taste and smell the lightly roasted hazelnuts that pump the flavour well past 11.

I deferred to my own gelato expert, careful to feed her the hazelnut last and waited for her reaction. She gracefully took the spoon from my hand and began to eat from the tub, the look of satisfaction was as clear as a sunny day, I asked “well?”. Completely focused on her spoon she casually stated, “it’s really good”. I was a little dissatisfied with her response, so I pressed “how would you make this better?” Still focused on her spoon without hesitation she simply put, “you can’t”.

Even though I’m on the other side of Rezza, I think Cono Gelateria might be our new local.

KIND WATCH

Kind Watch is Reservoir’s most trusted information receiving service. It’s for people wanting to share when they see, or suspect an activity or action of kindness. Tips can be anonymous. Share at rezzadentnews@gmail.com.

Cheers to some of these top neighbours!

My neighbour Paul always gives a cheery hello, gives me fruit & veg from his garden & looked after my pup when he got through a hole in the fence, and decided to go into his house and watch some footy with him! He mows the nature strip outside the church & cleans up any mess left there too. An all round really nice bloke!

My neighbour started to give our household cat food and treats when they noticed us feeding some of the homeless cats in our area. We connected and became friends. These beautiful women started to include Greek biscuits and wine in the cat food delivery, also divine perfumes on our birthdays or just because they liked to gift us beautiful things. After 11 years in Reservoir, I recently moved to Tasmania. Our gorgeous rez neighbours are still doing their twice daily mission to feed the cats of the area, and offer unconditional love to felines (and renters) in need. I think they might actually be angels in people costumes. I think of them so often, and miss having their generous, warm presence in my life.

Was lost but now I’m found

I would like To thank the Reservoir/ Coburg / Preston and all surrounding areas police stations for their amazing quick response in looking for my son. He decided to go for a wander and get lost,

and also a huge thank you to the lady who found him and called the police. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mowed away

Lent a lovely Reservoir Good Karma member our lawn mower… and got these beautiful flowers in return!! Thank you Natasha!!

Just a gate mate

I bought an old gate to stop my son's puppy from rushing out of the house and onto the road, but it had a bit missing. My gorgeous neighbour John, who is in his 80s, volunteered to make some wrought iron swirls and fix it. He took the gate one afternoon from the front where it was sitting, and made the wrought iron section - it is soooo beautiful!

COMMUNITY NEWS

If you have a tip-off or know of an event coming up that you’d like featured please contact us at rezzadentnews@gmail.com

Get on ya bikes - Spring workshops

The Volunteer Tutor Scheme (VTS) rWant to get your pushie out but not sure what to do beyond blowing off the cobwebs? Join one of Council’s small hands-on workshops and learn how to do a basic safety check, deal with punctures and chain care. BYO bike. Bookings essential.

Below are the upcoming dates during spring:

• Basic Bike Maintenance – Saturday

22 October 2-5pm

• Basic Bike Maintenance – Saturday

12 November 2-5pm

• Basic Bike Maintenance – Saturday

12 November 2-5pm

Readers can get a 50% discount by using the code REZ. All the workshops are also listed at www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ bikeskills

Do you like to move it, move it - for free?

Get Active in Darebin is a free community-based exercise program aimed at increasing the physical activity and wellbeing levels of Darebin residents, as well as engaging underrepresented groups into physical activity.

The program offers a variety of active recreation sessions and all activities are free of charge, cater for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels, and are facilitated by qualified instructors.

The Spring 2022 sessions will run until 29 October.

darebin.vic.gov.au/Events-and-facilities/ Sport-in-Darebin/Free-exercise

Edwardes Lake Dog Off Lead area is now open

The new Edwardes Lake Dog Off Lead area is now open! This wonderful site is a place of interaction, socialisation and play for your furry friends. Please remember to read and follow all of the safety information at the gate about how to use the park responsibly.

Our Water Story: a festival to celebrate Edgar's Creek and Edwardes Lake

Join us during National Water Week 2022 in this family-friendly community event and learn how we can all help protect the health of Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek.

The event will open with a Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country and Wurundjeri storytelling.

There will be a range of activities to learn more about our waterways and local fauna, including waterwatch water testing, education about waterbugs, frogs and turtles, and more!

Sunday 23 October 10am–2pm Picnic Area, Edwardes Lake, Reservoir Free

This event launches the Edgar’s Creek and Edwardes Lake Taskforce, a collaboration between partners to improve water quality, biodiversity and amenity in Edwards Lake and Edgar's Creek.

WHAT'S ON

Richie 1250’s Unlimited Love Lounge

Free entry

K’nochen Joint www.facebook.com/KnochenJoint/ 206 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073

Ph 0414 704 077

First Friday of the month, 5 – 11 p.m.

Music and DJ event held monthly

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Third Saturday of the month, 10 – 11 a.m.

Monthly meet-up to swap excess food, meet local folks, talk about gardening and sustainability.

Special pie and margarita deals

Hard Rubbish Bar www.facebook.com/HardRubbishBar/ 670 Plenty Rd, Preston VIC 3072

Ph 0414 704 077

Pie Thief pies on Wednesdays and $12 Margaritas on Thursdays

DJs every Friday and Saturday

Free entry

Hard Rubbish

670 Plenty Rd, Preston https://www.facebook.com/ HardRubbishBar/ Trivia nights

Hard Rubbish

www.facebook.com/HardRubbishBar/

670 Plenty Rd, Preston VIC 3072

Ph 0414 704 077

Transition Darebin Food Swap

Reservoir Library, free

Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.

Trading card game tournaments

The Game Experts

944 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073

Ph (03) 9191 5155

www.thegameexperts.com.au

Flesh & Blood tournament on Mondays from 7 p.m. and Dragon Ball tournament on Wednesdays from 7 p.m.

Live music

Free entry

High and Wild

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights

817 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073

https://www.highandwildbar.com.au/ pages/whats-on

Live piano shows free entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072

Ph 0418 557 650

ragtimetavern.com.au

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6 –11 p.m.

Follow their Instagram account www. instagram.com/ragtimetavern/ to see which artists are performing each week.

Music and DJ event held monthly

Monthly produce swap

Regent Community Garden

4 Robinson Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

1st Sunday of the month, 2 - 3 p.m.

Produce swap facilitated by Friends of Regent Community Garden

Further information can be found online https://localfoodconnect.org.au/localdirectory/71517/regent-food-swap/ https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofRegentGarden/

Sunday Jazz Sessions free entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072 free entry

Ph 0418 557 650

ragtimetavern.com.au

Every Sunday, 5 – 10 p.m.

Social Gardening and Activities

Regent Community Garden

4 Robinson Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Friends of Regent Community Garden meet every other week to maintain the garden and run other activities such as cooking, crafts and propagation.

Follow their Facebook page for more details https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofRegentGarden/

Communicare Lunches

Reservoir Neighbourhood House

2C Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Every Monday, 12 - 1 p.m.

Weekly chef-prepared lunch for visitors and health professionals on site available to chat

After School STEAM Club free

Reservoir Library

Thursday 3 November, 4 – 5pm

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

After school STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) crafts and activities for ages 5 - 12

Yoga and the Nervous System

Sunday 23 October, 1-4pm Oshun Yoga

20 Gellibrand Crescent, Reservoir VIC 3073

This workshop will provide tools and understanding for calming the nervous system through yoga.

Book online: https://www.oshunyoga. com.au/special-events

Register online

Gnocchi Making Class

Saturday 5 November, 10am – 1pm

That’s Amore Cheesery, $125

66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown VIC 3074

Learn to make gnocchi with Masterchef Australia contestant Pia Gava. Italian style lunch included.

Book online: https://thatsamorecheese. weteachme.com/classes/1024783gnocchi-making-class

Litter collection

Sunday 6 November and 4 December, 9 –10:30am

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Join the Friends of Edwardes Lake volunteers to collect litter from Edwardes Lake Park and then report data to the Litter Watch portal. Meet at the notice board in Edwardes Lake Park. Further details online:

https://www.friendsofedwardeslake.org/ events

Cheese, Sip & Paint

Saturday 26 November, 1:30 - 3:30pm

That’s Amore Cheesery, $125

66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown VIC 3074

Painting class hosted by Brush by the Vines with wine and cheeseboard included.

Book online: https://thatsamorecheese. weteachme.com/classes/1041450cheese-sip-and-paint

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Children’s Week - Exploring Nature Event

Thursday 27 October, 10 - 11:30am

Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir VIC 3073

Engage in imaginative play with natural materials outdoors and have a rest under a tree while listening to the sounds of nature - for Darebin families with children aged 0 - 5.

Register interest with vanessa.stuto@ darebin.vic.gov.au

Open Exchange is a place-based initiative committed to supporting men of all ages from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/mens-circle

Edgars Creek and Edwardes Lake Community Event

Sunday 23 October, 10am - 2pm

Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir VIC 3073

Launch event for a new taskforce working to protect the health of Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek including a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Wurundjeri storytelling along with learning activities.

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/10/edwardes-laketaskforce-community-event

English Pronunciation Tutorials

Every Friday excluding school holidays, 10 - 11:30am

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Drop in tutorials to improve language skills in a safe, constructive and supportive environment.

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/english-pronunciationtutorials Job Club

Every Wednesday excluding school holidays, 12:30 - 2:30pm

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Men’s Circle

Every third Thursday of the month, 56:30pm

Chat with a careers counsellor and jobs advocate to get support for job searching, resume writing and interviewing skills.

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/job-club

Halloween '22 - Lake Minnetonka, Firetail, and more!

Monday October 31

Doors at 7pm, live music from 7:30pm

Tapestry Classes

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Free weaving classes open to women and girls from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, women who experience family violence and those who live in isolation. All tools and materials provided.

Book by calling Rosa Vasseghi on 0423 060 989

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/tapestry-classes

Greek-English Bilingual Storytime

Free Thursday 17 November, 10:15 - 10:45am

Preston Library

266 Gower Street, Preston VIC 3072

Join us for bilingual storytime where we will read some wonderful picture books together in Greek and English - for kids aged 0 - 5.

Register online: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/greek-english-bilingualstorytime-registration-416513431887

Two and Four Music and Natural Habitat Studios present the funkiest Halloween party in town!

Featuring Lake Minnetonka in full Gotham City mode -- with support from Firetail, and more artists to be announced soon! Prizes for best costume and best Batdance!

Tickets: Presale $20+bf or else $25 on the door.

More info and tickets here.

Supported by Future Mountain Brewing

A VOTE FOR ME MEANS … STATE ELECTION

Words By Shannon McKeogh.

The Victorian State Election is coming up on November 26. The Rezzadent introduces you to the local candidates running for Reservoir (in the seat of Preston), providing you with an overview of some of their priorities for our suburb.

however due to our long lead times for writing, some candidates may have slipped under our radar, or have been announced post-publication. Please check the candidates’ Facebook pages for recent updates. ABC News also lists all candidates here.

Please note, answers provided and the candidates profiled were current in early October. We have taken all measures possible to include all of the candidates,

NAME: PATCHOULI PATERSON

PARTY: THE GREENS

What’s your favourite thing about Rezza?

I have now lived on both sides of the train line in Reservoir, and I just feel like Rezza has this authenticity, this realness and sense of community that not all places have. It’s not as frenetic as other suburbs, but you can still get the best kebabs and banh mi, walk to beautiful parks and reserves, and people say hello to you on the street. We have diversity, opportunity, and connectedness – what more could you want?!

What do you stand for and what will you do for the area?

I’m running to win this seat and be the one fighting for Reservoir and Preston in parliament, and I have the lived experience to be a great advocate for these suburbs. I’m a passionate local, and I know what it is to struggle, and to work hard to build a good life. I think people in this community deserve the best, not just to be taken for granted because we’re in the northern suburbs. I want to push Labor further on things like bringing down the cost of living and creating true equality. This means advocating for more public education and more public housing, increasing access to quality healthcare and ramping up bus services and off-peak train frequency. We also need to make sure Reservoir has enough green spaces, and healthy and clean streets, waterways and parks.

What is your position on the Preston Market redevelopment?

I think the Preston Market redevelopment could be a real fork in the road for the future of development in this area – it’s going to set the tone for what we as a community will stand by and let happen, and therefore what kind of politicians we will vote for. I’m concerned that the state government will let developers run rampant and create an irresponsible, purely profit-driven development that creates more congestion, diminishes useability and erodes the cultural and social essence of the market. I will be advocating for us to keep the location, footprint and character of the market as is, and ensure development around the market is actually wellplanned, increases public benefit and has sustainability as a key consideration.

What will you advocate regarding housing affordability and health?

Everyone from renters to homeowners are feeling the pinch right now, so at the same time as bringing down the cost of living as it relates to goods and services, we also need to make sure everyone has safe, secure housing at a reasonable price. A core part of this for me is making sure we mandate high quality developments that will last and be livable. Reservoir

is growing, and there are heaps of high-density developments popping up, so we need to make sure we get it right. Public housing is also something really close to my heart because as a kid I grew up in public housing, and I know it’s incredibly vital to have this.

As for health, I’d love to have a large healthcare centre here. Wait times for GPs, specialists and mental health providers are way too long and this puts more pressure on our already stretched hospitals.

What will you champion for biodiversity, environment, sustainability?

Climate change is no doubt the huge existential threat of our time, and it can seem like something almost beyond the capabilities of state politics, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. At a local level we can help arrest some of these climate impacts by increasing solar projects, making public transport an attractive option for all users, reducing pollution at Edwardes Lake and looking to buy and restore more green spaces, like the land behind Edwardes Lake Hotel. Reservoir has much less green space than the suburbs just south of here, so we need to do everything we can to avoid becoming a big concrete heat sink in summer. Another huge issue is the logging of our native forests which Labor continues to support, which has a knock-on effect for Reservoir because these forests are our lungs. We can end logging and at the same time support workers to transition to new industries.

What TV show are you watching at the moment?

I’ve actually been on a big reading kick lately – I love books about First Nations culture and history because it helps me get better at my day job. But for a veg out on the couch with my cats at night, I’m watching Bob’s Burgers or Alone lately.

NAME: GAETANO GRECO

PARTY: INDEPENDENT

What is your favourite thing about Reservoir?

What makes Reservoir special is its people. It is one of the most multicultural suburbs in Melbourne, if not all of Australia. It has an authentic and unpretentious character that welcomes everyone. I love its working-class egalitarian ethos and the people’s straight talking in whatever language they speak to you. Unfortunately, Reservoir has been taken for granted as a safe Labor seat for far too long and it's been ignored by other parties. This needs to change.

What do you stand for and what will you do for the area?

At the core of my values is an unshakeable concern with growing inequality that undermines our ability to deal with climate change, oppressive living costs, unexplainable high electricity and gas prices, unaffordable housing and cuts in community services.

Because of my egalitarian beliefs I gave up the mayoral car to help fund transport for the aged and donated half of my Councillor allowance to the community. If I’m elected as an MP, I will donate $100,000 of the parliamentary salary of $192,000 to community causes.

Integrity in politics matters so I will fight to ban political donations over $1000 and enforce online disclosures.

On a local level Reservoir needs a new aquatic and leisure centre with a 50-metre pool and improved sporting facilities with female friendly change rooms. Also, better public transport with the Extension of Gilbert Rd tram and upgrade of Plenty Rd tram stops

What is your position on The Preston Market redevelopment?

This is a big issue for the community. Nearly 20,000 people have signed petitions to save Preston Market.

Preston Market is the beating heart and soul of Preston and provides fresh produce to the northern region. Since it opened in 1970, it has had tens of thousands of visitors each week from across Melbourne and our multicultural community.

The Market is of local heritage significance, second only to Victoria Market, and should be protected from overdevelopment and bulldozers.

Instead, the state government’s planning and the private developers want to allow for 80% of the market to be demolished and replaced with thousands of apartments and towers as high as 19 storeys.

This will kill Preston Market as we know it.

Together with the community I am fighting to get the state government to immediately scrap the proposed plans and compulsorily acquire Preston Market and refurbish it as a people’s market and preserve it into the future.

What will you advocate for in regards to housing affordability and health?

Housing affordability

About 1,500 people in Darebin experience homelessness on any given night and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women.

We must urgently create more social and affordable housing with more public investment in social and affordable housing.

A key strategy is for the state government to introduce a 10% mandatory inclusionary zoning that will require that a proportionate number of affordable homes are included in private developments as a condition of planning approvals. Modelling shows it could potentially provide tens of thousands of additional social and affordable homes in Melbourne over the next 15 years at no cost to the government.

Health

I’ll be fighting for Preston to be nominated as one of the 50 federally funded Medicare urgent care medical clinics for non-life-threatening care. We used to have the [Preston and Northcote Community Hospital] (PANCH), in Bell Street before it was sold off to developers by the Kennett Government. Preston should get back its 24/7 health services. This will help free up the backlog in our local hospital system.

What will you champion for biodiversity, environment, and sustainability?

To help the environment and save on ever increasing energy cost I will push for incentives and interest free loans, especially for low-income families, to install more rooftop solar panels, connect home storage batteries and retrofit more homes to maximise overall energy efficiency.

Reservoir should also be selected to be one of the six Urban Renewable Energy Zones for the proposed neighbourhood battery and solar panel rollout project, as part of a transition to clean and cheap energy.

Privatisation of gas and electricity has been a complete failure for people and the environment. It's time to put energy generation and supply back into public hands.

I’ve been fighting for years to improve the water quality of Edwardes Lake and convinced Council to set up a Task Force to clean up the lake, and become a biodiversity sanctuary, but the State Government needs to step up with funds.

In tackling climate change I am inspired by a sentiment attributed to First Nations people to ‘touch the Earth lightly’.

What book are you reading at the moment?

Believe it or not I’m reading Cathy McGowan’s book “Cathy goes to Canberra” which is all about doing politics in a different way. That’s why I’m an Independent running a community powered campaign and all the parties.

It is a fascinating and inspiring read about ordinary people making real change possible.

NAME: CARMEN LAHIFF-JENKINS

PARTY: THE REASON PARTY

What is your favourite thing about Reservoir?

The people, the lake and surrounds and the wetlands, Sargents, the people in my wonderful street, Crispe Park dog park ...Clayton and Me, the Library - love working in there, and Sycamore meadows, I love the Reservoir Bee Collective!

What do you stand for and what will you do for the area?

I strongly support retaining the integrity of the Preston Market and turning the lake area into a sanctuary. Getting the boathouse and old library working as community spaces and public housing.

What is your position on The Preston Market redevelopment?

The market needs to be secured for the community and become a real community place reflecting the way we, the community, see it.

What will you advocate for in regard to housing affordability and health?

I work in health and have worked in global health governance and have a passion for this community pillar, I am passionate about Public Housing and am a member of the Save Public Housing Collective.

What will you champion for biodiversity, environment, and sustainability?

We need more green corridors that go into the city, reduce our emissions in Victoria to zero and prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change.

What is the last song you listened to on Spotify?

Lizzo, It's about damn time.

NAME: NATHAN LAMBERT PARTY: VICTORIAN LABOR PARTY

What is your favourite thing about Reservoir?

One thing I really like is how Reservoir drivers give a wave when someone pulls over to let them through. It's something that's common on country roads but rarer in Melbourne. It's very friendly and communal!

What do you stand for and what will you do for the area?

I'm hoping to be elected as part of a Daniel Andrews Labor Government, and I stand in solidarity with the government's values of fairness, inclusion and sustainability.

Locally, the government runs hundreds of programs that touch on people's lives in a lot of different ways. I think the most important thing any representative can do is to listen to people across a wide range of experiences with government and work with them to make better collective decisions. That might sound like stating the obvious, but I really believe that the way a representative approaches that task, in terms of their values and how they work with people, is more important than any specific promises about a new swimming pool or whatever.

What is your position on the Preston Market redevelopment?

I support the government's process for considering the redevelopment proposals. The next step will involve an advisory committee of architects, urban planners and heritage experts. They will hold hearings in October, and all the key community groups will be part of that.

I live near the market. I've knocked on hundreds of doors in the area. Like most people, I love the place and don't want to lose it. It's one of the reasons we live where we live.

Perhaps unlike most people, I'm cautiously optimistic that we can get a good outcome in the long run. But I appreciate that it has been a long battle for many in the community already, and without pre-empting any of the current processes, I think it's probably going to continue to be an issue for some time to come.

What will you advocate for in regards to housing affordability and health?

Housing affordability and health are both big policy areas.

One important thing in housing is recognising that not everyone is in a position to take out a mortgage, and that shouldn't be

a prerequisite for having a good, secure home. That's why the Victorian Labor Government has strengthened rights for renters and significantly expanded social housing.

An important thing in health — probably the most important thing — is the workforce. The Victorian Labor Government has recruited an extra 22,000 public healthcare workers since 2014 (an increase of 30%) and will recruit at least another 7,000 if we are re-elected. A lot of training programs have been made free. There's an old saying that the most important things in an organisation are 'people, systems and technology — in that order', and I think that's definitely the case in health.

What will you champion when it comes to biodiversity, envi ronment, and sustainability?

I think decarbonisation has been the biggest priority in sustainability for the last twenty years and probably will be for the next twenty. We've made some really good progress — Victoria's emissions are down 40% from their peak — but there is still a lot to do, especially with respect to non-energy sector emissions. Obviously it's not the only thing that matters for the environment, and it's an interesting question, "What will the big priorities be once greenhouse gas levels are neutralised?", but obviously if we don't achieve that, most of the other work will be for naught!

What was the last movie you saw at the cinema?

Sadly, it was 'Motherless Brooklyn' in Byron Bay in March 2020. We used to go to the cinema all the time, but two children and one pandemic later, we still haven't made it back!

NAME: AMANDA PALIOURAS

PARTY: VICTORIAN LIBERAL PARTY

What is your favorite thing about Reservoir?

The history of Edgars Creek and the way the creek flows from headwaters in Wollert, through Epping, Thomastown, Reservoir before finally joining the Merri Creek in North Coburg. This reminds me of my childhood living in Fitzroy North, near the Merri Creek collecting tadpoles and frogs. Edwardes Lake has a feeling of tranquility and peace at dawn and dusk, a playground, with excellent cycling and walking paths. I love any body of water, surrounding our natural habitat and open spaces.

What do you stand for and what will you do for the area?

Equality of opportunity. I want everyone living in Reservoir to be able to have the same opportunities as other Victorians. It can be an opportunity by gaining a skill or trade, attending university, setting up a small business or support being provided to families to gain more independence through employment and/or volunteering. In Reservoir, many residents struggle to navigate through complex systems set up by governments that were originally designed to help them. An area of interest for me is helping youth in the area, seeking job opportunities within Reservoir and Preston, so they can build a resume.

What is your position on the Preston Market redevelopment?

To save the Preston Market. I do not support any redevelopment or demolition of the market. A Liberal Government will support sponsoring heritage listing to ensure the maintenance of the Preston Market. This includes ongoing good hygiene practice, a high standard of fresh food, quality produce, affordability with pricing and a local accessible culturally and linguistically diverse community hub for all Melbournians.

What will you advocate for in regard to housing affordability and health?

First and foremost, a Liberal Government will fix the health crisis by shelving the proposed rail line from Cheltenham to Box Hill and redirecting every cent into building more hospitals, hiring more health workers, and reducing wait lists. Locally, I will advocate for more housing in Reservoir. Homelessness is a key driver of poor mental health outcomes, and the inability to provide shelter leads to chronic mental illness and poor health outcomes. It is also important to have available land to build more housing.

What will you champion when it comes to biodiversity, environment, and sustainability?

I am a supporter of “Friends of Merri Creek”, “Friends of Edgars Creek, and “Friends of Edwardes Lake”. I want to ensure the water quality in Edwardes Lake is at the highest standard. I will always advocate for protecting and respecting our natural environment which is on Wurundjeri land. I also want to protect our parklands from tree vandalism as too many times, people drive up to local reserves, parks, and to Edwardes Lake and remove plants, cut off branches etc. It is important to stand up as a community together to protect our environment in which we are all born into, live, grow, learn, and work. We must be protective of the history and beauty of Reservoir. I support a circular economy within Reservoir, reducing waste, sharing resources, and supporting for a local battery power program for the sharing of energy renewal within the community.

What was the last band/musician you saw live?

In 1976, AC/DC watching them live making a video with Bon Scott playing bagpipes along Swanston Street for Countdown.

NAME: STEPH PRICE

PARTY: VICTORIAN SOCIALISTS

What is your favourite thing about Reservoir?

It’s tough to narrow it down to one thing, but I have big love for the tip shop. If you’re in the market for a very old and very rusty piece of garden equipment, you can’t go past it. We’re lucky to have one in Reservoir as there are only a handful across Melbourne. The council recently took it over, so hopefully it remains the treasure trove we know and love.

What do you stand for and what will you do for the area?

I stand for workers’ rights and social equality. I’m angry that corporations and the wealthy and well-connected get to make so many of the decisions about the world around us, from how energy is generated to what our neighbourhoods look like. I want to use my position if elected to fight for better funding for the health system, welfare, education, childcare and green space. These are vital for people to have a decent life, yet they are increasingly unaffordable, privatised or hard to access. I will fight against greedy developers, polluting companies and subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. I have been a socialist activist for more than 20 years, campaigning for social justice, refugee rights, marriage equality and Indigenous rights. I hope to be a voice for workers and the oppressed in parliament and take on the billionaires who currently dominate politics.

What is your position on The Preston Market redevelopment?

The Preston Market is a community asset. It must be protected from demolition and its unique character and social value preserved. I strongly oppose the current plans to demolish the existing market and build a smaller different “market” on another part of the site. The only reason that the market that we all love is under threat is because there is money to be made in it for the billionaire developers that own the site. Along with my party, I support the Save The Preston Market Action Group’s demand that the site be publicly acquired, compulsorily, if needed. Putting the market into public hands will ensure it is permanently beyond the reach of greedy developers. I think decisions about what our area looks like should be guided by social equity, community need and environmental sustainability and not dictated by profit generation.

What will you advocate for in regards to housing affordability and health?

I have worked as an advocate for tenants for many years, so housing is a question close to my heart. I will advocate for a major expansion of public housing which will provide safe and secure housing for more people and put downward pressure on rents in the private market. I will advocate for better protections

for tenants, to cap rents, make it harder for landlords to evict and to allow tenants to withhold rent when repairs are not done. I support an immediate increase in funding for the healthcare system, which is in crisis. I also support investment in training for more health professionals, expansion of the hospital system and urgent measures to address waiting times for surgery. Healthcare workers also need pay rises and improvements in their conditions, the current pressure they are experiencing is unacceptable. Access to housing and healthcare are human rights and should be the highest priority of government.

What will you champion when it comes to biodiversity, envi ronment, and sustainability?

At a local level, I am committed to fighting for a safer and cleaner environment and against corporations polluting our neighbourhood. I want to see the Visy paper recycling mill on Radford Rd forced to take action to immediately remediate the appalling smell it generates, including ceasing operation (with its workers on full pay) while it undertakes necessary works. Visy is the largest private company in Australia - yet it refuses to implement the measures required by the Environmental Protection Authority. I also want action taken by the state government to improve Edwardes Lake and its surrounds. At a broader level, I want to see subsidies and privileges enjoyed by fossil fuel companies and other environmentally destructive business ended, and stronger protections for the environment. Our planet is facing an existential crisis. It is appalling that politicians seem to care more about GDP growth and company profits than protecting it.

What was the last meal you had out, and where was it?

Vegetarian spring rolls, crispy skin chicken and rice at Hao Vinh (High Street Preston).

NAME: RACHEL UNICOMB

PARTY: ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY

What is your favourite thing about Reservoir?

The sense of community. As soon as I moved to Reservoir I found numerous welcoming communities to get involved with. There’s my local gym, the Friends of Edwardes Lake group, local wildlife and companion animal charities and rescuers, local market/café communities – even my next-door neighbours have been the nicest neighbours I have ever had! I also love Edwardes Lake Park, which is very close to my house and is my favourite patch of nature in Reservoir. I am proud to support rubbish clean-ups, weeding, planting and other activities to improve the park for animals and people.

What do you stand for and what will you do for the area?

I am committed to supporting the work of companion animal and wildlife volunteers and carers and protecting and conserving our natural habitat. I have supported local campaigns to protect Edwardes Lake and Preston Market, and improve the parameters of the Epping pound facility. Every decision I make would be in the best interests of the area as a whole (for both people and animals) and reflect the core values of the Animal Justice Party – Kindness, Equality, Rationality and Non-Violence.

What is your position on The Preston Market redevelopment?

I understand the need to support local traders, and the constant threat they come under from developers and other commercial interests. Preston Market is of considerable importance to the community on a cultural, historical and social level. It also currently offers affordable produce for locals, and all of these aspects are threatened by the proposed redevelopment in its current format. I support the local community’s clear opposition to the proposal. I advocate for the protection of Preston Market and would work with other advocates in parliament, Darebin Council and key community groups to either publicly acquire the market or, at the very least, implement the modified plan proposed by Council.

What will you advocate for in regards to housing affordability and health?

AJP aims to broaden the focus in health policy from just treating disease to also improving health. We believe the biggest gains in health, longevity and economy are to be achieved by improving people’s knowledge and access to healthy diet and exercise opportunities and ensuring appropriate funding of health services. Spending time in nature is critical to good physical and mental health, so I will advocate for adequate outdoor and green spaces.

Veticare is also a unique part of the AJP platform, creating a model of subsidised veterinary care to ensure the health of our animals state-wide.

Housing should be affordable for all, with schemes that support this. I would not have been able to buy my unit in Reservoir without government support for a deposit, so I understand the barriers many face when it comes to housing affordability. Development also needs to be in line with what’s appropriate for the area.

What will you champion when it comes to biodiversity, environment, and sustainability?

These are areas I am extremely passionate about and play a key role in my decision to run as a candidate. I support the efforts of the Friends of Edwardes Lake to restore the biodiversity and environment around the lake and creek, and ultimately have the area declared a sanctuary to ensure the protection of animals (including the beloved black swans, Kevin and Mabel).

Recognising the role of Indigenous elders in the protection of our wild spaces is also of primary importance, as are issues like the installation of more nesting boxes and the purchase of the grasslands behind Edwardes Lake Hotel, which has been identified as important habitat. I am a passionate advocate of recycling, composting, growing produce and maximising garden spaces, and I believe individuals and government need to do more to promote and protect native habitat for Victoria's wildlife.

What's your favourite radio station?

I have to say I don’t listen to the radio very often, but when I do it tends to be Triple R. I like the blend of music from upcoming artists and the factual programs around science and other topics. Plus it keeps me informed of local events!

Illustration By Nicole Roberston

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