The Rezzadent - September 2023

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Our front cover image is by Cybelle

Jones @cybelle_jones_photography

The Rezzadent continues to exist thanks to:

Editor-in-Chief

Shannon McKeogh

Deputy editor

Viktoria Komornik

Our grouse designer

Delyse Baldwin

Our whizz-bang marketing guru

Vinisha Pulikkaparambil

Our amazing illustrators

Nicole Robertson

Constance Hunter

Our Awesome writers & photographers

Ashley Ferguson

Viktoria Komornik

Shannon McKeogh

Delyse Baldwin

Panda Saunders

Rachel Unicomb

Mylie Nauendorf

Haley Wilkinson

Omar the dog

Bec Thexton

Our social media hot-shot

Eddy Urias-Castro

Thanks to our proof-readers:

Jenny Brown

Hayley Culley

By Nicole Robertson

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.

In the April/May 2023 edition, Darebin Councillor Susanne Newton wrote an article 'New Preston and Bell stations are open!'. Please be advised this article is her personal opinion and not the view of Darebin City Council.

Acknowledgement is not enough but still important

About Us

The Rezzadent is a community publication that was created during one of Melbourne’s many lockdowns in 2021 and has continued since. Run by volunteers, we focus on light-hearted and positive stories that celebrate and embrace our neighbourhood and its delights and oddities.

Website: https://www.cybellejonesphotography.com/ Instagram: @cybelle_jones_photography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cybellejonesphotography

THE IN BETWEEN MOMENTS

Words by Ashley Ferguson Photos supplied by Cybelle Jones

Reservoir based photographer Cybelle Jones spoke to us about her journey from the immaculate world of posed newborn photography to capturing the in-between moments that make up documentary style photography.

When seven-year-old Cybelle got her first camera she would take it along with her everywhere. School excursions would benefit from her fine eye. Her doll her first model. Her backyard her first landscape. She studied photography in school but a true passion for taking photos came from travelling the world. Camping spots would be carefully selected around the landscape photos that could be taken. And then she birthed her own muses, her son and daughter. Special family moments were captured on a ‘fancy pants’ digital camera and a love for family photography was born.

At the time photographer Kelly Brown was well known for posing dozing, curled-up newborns in baskets. Cybelle started out doing posed shoots under her business name Cybelle Jones Photography. Despite this type of photography being ‘on trend’, Cybelle reflected on the ‘awkwardness’ of posing a newborn. It felt unnatural to her. Doing this work however, she discovered the beauty of the ‘in between moments’. The moments of getting the baby ready, the snuggling, the feeding, these were the moments Cybelle wanted to capture.

As the vision for her photography business became clearer, Cybelle looked to documentary style photographers such as Kirsten Lewis and Rowena Meadows for inspiration. She sold all the extensive equipment that was required for the posed shoots and started showing up to client’s homes with a single camera. She follows clients

around wherever they may be, often around the home, often doing the ‘everyday’ activities. Cybelle describes seeing a ‘clear version of life’ through her lens and ‘manipulating the focus’ so that you can zone in on the unexpected and perhaps previously unseen. Cybelle provides her clients with a unique and potentially confronting viewpoint. With documentary style photography ‘you get to see yourself in a really honest way’. Cybelle’s work aims to celebrate all the flaws and challenge perfectionism.

Perhaps inspired by Cybelle’s family projector nights with footage provided by her father on his super-8 video camera, Cybelle has learnt how to create family films at the Filming Life Academy in Sydney. Creating films of her son and daughter growing up, preserving their mannerism, their voice and their interactions as they walk through life together is a priceless gift that Cybelle is proud to give them.

When Cybelle isn’t working she is enjoying the ease of the Rezza lifestyle. Cybelle has lived in East Reservoir for 11 years and it is where her family has grown. She enjoys being able to walk to transport, the kid’s school and to shops. With all of this, Cybelle says she is lucky to have the Darebin Creek very close by. The Creek is a special place for family walks and bike rides. It is also home to her family’s favourite tree that must remain anonymous.

A WILD REZZARECTION

You may have heard that there’s a new brewery opening in town. Panda Sanders c hats to the custodian of yeast, Costa Nikias of La Sirène. Images supplied.

If there is one outfit uniquely experienced at making the best out of what the world throws at them, it is La Sirène Founders Costa and Eva Nikias.

Over the last 13 years Costa and the team have forged an incredible business in the hyper competitive world of craft beer, selling predominantly spontaneously fermented beer produced in the brewery in Alphington.

“We’re custodians of the yeast within the brewery and local surrounds,” Costa says as he explains to me what ‘spontaneously fermented beer’ means and how it makes La Sirène’s beers unique, and uniquely Australian.

While most other breweries, regardless of size, use lab isolated and cultured yeast to ferment their beer in sterile stainless steel vessels Costa does something different. Costa uses oak barrels (old wine barrels), open fermentation vessels and a koelschip (a broad, open-top, flat vessel used to cool the liquid after the brewing process). This process means his wort (the unfermented beer) is exposed to naturally occurring yeast.

These ‘wild yeasts’ do their thing over the course of a few years, gobbling up sugars and producing alcohol, resulting in a wide range of flavours of La Sirène’s house style, which is bold on flavour, acid forward, dry and really drinkable.

“We started doing Oak Aged Wild Ales back in 2010 when pale ale was the trending beer style… Starting with tanks and four barrels, 13 years later we have 20 tanks and 200 barrels,” Costa said.

While La Sirène may not be a household name in the mainstream, the beers have quite literally won over craft beer aficionados the world overParis is one of their biggest markets outside of Melbourne!

So how have they ended up here in Reservoir?

These 13 years of hard work almost came toppling down around Costa overnight, with La Sirène’s landlords telling them there were concerns about asbestos with the building’s roof and they weren’t allowed back…ever…with just two hours notice.

Following a ruling from VCAT however, La Sirène were “graciously” awarded 90 days to head back in to gather their belongings, and organise everything to move a brewery that took over a decade to build.

“It was 90 days in writing,” says Costa, still a little exasperated by the experience.

“Then you’ve got to come to terms with it all, so it was really just eight weeks in practice to find a new home for us, and coordinate moving everything.”

And that home of course is here in Reservoir.

While it’s a slightly smaller building, Costa is excited by what both the site and the neighbourhood offers his beer.

“The triangle of microflora where we are now setting up, in the little pocket of Reservoir between Edgars Creek, Edwardes Lake and Merri creek is very exciting for us,” he says.

The new brewery features two large roller doors, one on each end, that will be thrown open for the first brew day to create a cross wind, and invite in Reservoir’s local wild yeasts to become part of La Sirène’s process.

Although, with the average ageing of their barrelled beer being about 3.5 years, there will be a bit of waiting before we get to see what our yeasts do.

In the meantime however, and most importantly

TAPROOM OPENING HOURS

Friday 5.00 - 10.00pm

Saturday 12.00 - 10.00pm

Sunday 12.00 - 6.00pm

for Rezzadents, the new brewery will feature a taproom and kitchen!

With a choice to sit indoors amongst the impressive collection of oak barrels, or out front in a cosy little beer garden, Rezzadents will have easy access to try La Sirène’s beers on tap and out the bottle; plus a curated selection of local natural wines and international old wines - think Chablis and Burgundy.

The kitchen will have a menu featuring a highly local and seasonal + regional menu, building on Costa’s ethos of opportunities for exploration.

“Turn tables. Chill beats. Spanish inspired food. Wild ale and wine. Casual but refined.”

And the best thing about their Reservoir Brewery? It’s got a brand new roof so La Sirène is here to stay!

“We’re on a journey of exploration and this is the next stage in our journey.

So, heed the siren’s call, keep your eyes on Edwardes St (at the end of September all going to plan) for Reservoir’s newest Rezzadent and entertain your tastebuds with La Sirène’s wild house of beer.

RESERVOIR’S LITTLE ART GALLERY

LITTLE, BUT MIGHTY

Words By Shannon McKeogh

It’s the age old question: what is ‘art?’ Why does something get mounted or framed in the grandest galleries while other creative works never see the light of day? What price can you, or should you, put on art? And what if people gave it away for free?

These are questions that are at the heart of Reservoir’s Little Art Gallery, run by Nicole Robertson as part of the spring FUSE festival running from the 3rd - 17th of September.

The idea of Reservoir’s Little Art Gallery was inspired by the popularity of little street libraries and produce carts (such as Gellibrand produce cart, now in Barry street).

“I had a corkboard and wondered if I could put it out on the street and people would put art on it, like people do with the street libraries and books,” Nicole said.

The idea is simple: share your art or take art, or do both. The only limitation is that it must fit in the gallery, which is about the size of a fridge. Reservoir’s Little Art Gallery will be located near the public toilets on the corner of Broadway and Cheddar road. (Yes, where the cool mural by Christine Martine that we featured in our last issue is).

As well as public contributions, each day will feature a different local artist who has been commissioned to be part of the gallery. These art pieces will be in the gallery for someone lucky to claim. These artists show the diversity of Reservoir: embroidered pieces, whittled sculptures and henna art.

Nicole said that the gallery will represent, “everyday creativity.”

“Art institutions can often feel exclusive and

intimidating,” Nicole told The Rezzadent.

“My grandma had 11 kids, lived in public housing and would knit these elaborate sweaters but this was not recognised as “art”. I want to amplify people and artists who don’t often get seen.”

Nicole is no stranger to the art scene, she is a practicing artist who has lived in Reservoir for seven years. She’s been a regular of The Rezzadent since we started, and we hope she never stops sending us her funny, thoughtful and entertaining illustrations.

She’s excited to see what will pop up from the community as an expression of Reservoir.

“I’d love to see the journey of these art pieces. It would be great if people took photos of where the art goes and shares it on socials.”

We will be following online and you can too, on instagram: @reservoirlittleartgallery

PASTRIES, LEARNING ENGLISH AND ARABIC COFFEE

Words by & Photos Haley Wilkinson

You might be familiar with the AMEP (Adult Migrant English Program), a national program funded by the Commonwealth Government, Department of Home Affairs. Melbourne Polytechnic support delivery of the AMEP across five regions in Melbourne and regional Bendigo through a network of TAFEs and Learn Locals called the Melbourne AMEP. Prace, the local adult

education provider in Reservoir, is part of this network.

A very special part of the Melbourne AMEP is the Volunteer Tutor Scheme (or ‘VTS’), which offers people from migrant and refugee backgrounds further opportunities to practice English and connect to community through the support of

a volunteer for one hour a week. The VTS has a proud history in the North, where Melbourne Polytechnic has delivered the Melbourne AMEP continuously since 2003. The VTS now boasts upwards of 700 volunteers across the regions. Volunteers make a big difference through small gestures such as supporting someone to build confidence with conversational English, learn more about life in Australia, access local services or explore pathways into further study or employment. Volunteers themselves gain a lot from taking part - new skills, practical experience, increased cultural awareness and a more cohesive community.

Locals, Josie and Sabrieh shared a little about the mutual benefits of making a new connection. Josie brings pastries. Sabrieh makes Arabic coffee. A weekly routine they have both found comfort in.

Sabrieh, from Syria, arrived in Melbourne via Lebanon in 2014 on a humanitarian visa. For the past year, Josie has been supporting her with learning English and settlement. Recently, the focus has

been Sabrieh’s Citizenship exam (which she just passed!) Josie said they have spent the best part of a year “just chatting”. Sabrieh added “yeah, she is good. We talk - not just for the English

session but also about what is happening in my life - my family, my kids”, and added that while getting to know each other, Josie has helped her to understand more about the public transport system, writing emails, understanding bills, and many areas of English that relate to her daily life.

Josie mentioned phone calls to services was something they often spent time on, but recently Sabrieh had begun to do this independently, having called Vic Roads to update the terms of her car rego payments. Gaining the confidence to advocate for herself has been a big win for Sabrieh. As a mother to four children her weeks are busy so when her energy is less, the two return to their routine: pastries, coffee, chatting. Josie says she has made a friend who is very funny – “when you ask her, she’ll probably tell you I’m a terrible tutor (as a joke). We’re from two different worlds, but similar people.” Reservoir,

https://www.melbourneamep.com.au/volunteer/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/melbourne-amep-volunteer-tutorscheme

Phone: (03) 9269 1514

Email: amepvts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au

THE REZZADENT CONTRIBUTORS

DELYSE BALDWIN

Each issue we will introduce you to some of the team behind our wonderful publication.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hmm, well that's always a hard question isn't it? On the surface I'm a graphic designer, illustrator and mum that has decided now is a great time to go back to uni. Really though, I'm a homebody that loves to hang out with my dog and read far too much.

What do you do for The Rezzadent?

I am the graphic designer that takes all these awesome articles and puts them into magazine format.

Apart from The Rezzadent of course, what else are you passionate about?

I am obsessed with design to be honest.

Favourite things about Reservoir?

Being part of the Rezzadent has been one of my favourite things. It has been so cool to unearth all the talented, quirky and diverse people that call Reservoir home.

Favourite board game?

I love Clue, mostly because I always win.

What song have you enjoyed singing lately?

This is a tough question, I love to sing but I don't retain song names or lyrics so I tend to make up whatever ditty I'm singing.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

An art print by my talented bestie. If anyone has read this far though, I'll take gifts in the form of art supplies ;)

Constance Hunter @conhunterart

PROJECT SHARE STATIONERY

Words by Viki Komornik , photos supplied

Once upon a time there was Amelia, who like many others was bothered by the amount of unused, or only somewhat used, stationery our kids bring home at the end of each school year. The difference was that Amelia decided to take action and do something about it.

At the end of each school year, her child, just like mine and possibly every school child across Australia brings home notebooks with nearly all pages intact. (Mine also brings home numerous glue sticks and pencils ). The list of what students are required to bring to school and how to acquire it varies by school - some have shared stationery, while some request the students to purchase their own new, every

year. For some you can order through the school and/or have the option to purchase it individually yourself. January is a busy time in Officeworks, little and big people roam around with a lengthy list in their hand.

Needless to say, it’s great for business - stationery businesses that is. Many of you have already been asking questions though. Is this the responsible way? Are we teaching the new generation how to consume responsibly? Is this what circular economy is meant to be like?

I’m not saying we should use stale bread instead of erasers to rub out pencil marks like in the old days. (Fun fact: erasers only became a stock pencil

accessory in 1858).

However, each year in Australia, over 140 million pens are sold, contributing approximately 700 tonnes of plastic waste to landfill sites across the country.

There are schemes in Australia that handle the stationery related waste but Amelia was more interested in finding ways to redistribute the still-useful stationery.

Last summer she wrote a post on Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes Facebook page asking people to bring their extra stationery to collection points. From her own admission, she was not prepared for the overwhelming response, or for the overwhelming amount

of stationery. 89 people messaged her for the collection addresses. Some people had years worth of stationery collected in their cupboards (See the images of what exactly was collected).

Amelia then investigated where the extra stationery may be used. As it turned out, childcares/kindies are crying out for paper, and the sheets don’t need to be perfect. Community centres and some schools also welcome the leftovers.

Amelia’s aim is very clear: Buy less and use what we already have cleverly. How can we create a systematic change and only purchase stationery when we need it.

Compared to other waste problems stationery may be minimal, but it's the message

we are giving our children that she believes to be the most damaging. I strongly agree with her.

Amelia brainstormed an impressive pilot program that was based on the term ‘stationery amnesty’. The term originates from the UK where office staff collected the unwanted stationery from their drawers and redistributed it within their offices. Some have a ‘thing’ for staplers, while others prefer paperclips ( each to their own! ) Her pilot program is now looking for its first school host!

The program aims to be successful without putting additional strain or blame on teachers, staff and parents.

We certainly hope that Amelia’s pilot program can be endorsed by one or more of our local

schools in Reservoir. About 14% of Reservoir’s population is school aged, between the ages 5-19, so there is a lot of stationery consumed in our area.

The next generation has to be smarter than the last and it’s not a question of do they ‘want’ to be, but they actually ‘need’ to be, in order for our world to be sustainable. The problem is not unique to stationery of course, but one needs to pick their battles. .Amelia picked stationary.

I started the article as a fairytale but it’s up to all of us to help give it a fairytale ending.

If you are keen to find out more about Amelia’s stationery pilot program please contact us.

IN CONVERSATION WITH AMI

Hailing from Hyderabad in India, Artist Afreen Sayyada (Ami) grew up in a land of heritage, culture, and cuisine. Taking influence and inspiration from her father’s artistic talents, Ami uses art to express emotion and bring her imagination to life. Now calling Reservoir home, Ami has spent years exploring her creativity and developing her passion and skill in Henna art. Ami shares with us details of her artistic background, her influences and future hopes and dreams as a flourishing Henna artist.

Tell us about your background and how this has influenced your work?

My father is my inspiration. He wrote handwritten books in Farsi (Persian) which looked like prints - the way he held the pen, his strokes and font amazed me as a kid. To recreate his style; this arose an artist in me when I was about eight years old. Art has become my method of selfexpression. Each of my works has an emotion, a story, and has helped to provide me with a way of dealing with all my lows.

How has your practice changed over time?

I have been learning all my life. As a kid I would sketch cartoons and superheroes. My art got better through my life experiences and my imagination. I have learnt to put my feelings on

paper through art.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

Leonardo Da Vinci and Indian Artist Harun Robert (Rob)

What are your tools of the trade?

Pencils, paint brushes, oil crayons and Henna cones.

Words and interview by Mylie Nauendorf , photos courtesy of Afreen Sayyada

Follow your dreams and take a stand for yourself

What type of artwork do you most enjoy creating?

Henna art for now. As well, I enjoy my ability to cover different genres of art; may it be about life, death, realism, fantasy, or just skies and flowers or maybe a sketch which will make your brain think even more.

Can you tell us more about Henna art and where it originates from?

Mehendi - which is also known as Henna in the west - is a natural temporary skin decoration. This is made with Henna leaves, which are beneficial for the skin and hair. Henna art originated in the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Egypt, and is widely applied on Indian brides and at other festivals. Nowadays, Henna art is a popular tattoo, similar to a regular tattoo, and is applied on wrists, palms, arms, legs and the head.

What are your dreams for SAQ ARTISTRY?

SAQ ARTISTRY is a dream come true! It’s the beginning. I am just a bud, wanting to bloom like the brightest flower and make anyone and everyone smile with my work.

And finally, can you share with us what is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Follow your dreams and take a stand for yourself.

Check out Ami’s work via Instagram @_saq_ artistry

GOT FRUIT?

JOIN THE SQUAD

Words By Rachel Unicomb

Hopefully, like me, many of our Rezza locals are enjoying the return of War on Waste on the ABC. For many people, this show has been a real eye opener about wastage, particularly in terms of food, with many items ending up in landfill every year. In fact, according to Sustainability Victoria, our state wasted 2.4 million tonnes of food in 2020. We also know the rising cost of living is making it harder for people to access fresh food in their daily lives.

Luckily for us, we have a fantastic local initiative that’s helping to reduce waste and improve food security. Introducing the Darebin Fruit Squad, a program managed by the Darebin Information,

Volunteer and Resource Service (DIVRS), an organisation which supports over one third of the 3,000 households that experience food insecurity in Darebin.

The Darebin Fruit Squad is a community fruit harvesting project, which has actually been running since 2012. If you are fortunate enough to have a fruit tree in your yard, there can be a lot of wastage when fruiting season comes around. My partner’s nan has a 30-year-old lemon tree, and it has produced so many lemons this year, that even though she regularly gives them away, many still inevitably end up on the ground.

The perfect solution is to register your tree with the Darebin Fruit Squad. You can harvest the fruit yourself and leave whatever you don’t want out for collection (or deliver to the DIVRS hub at Preston). Alternatively, the fruit squad can lend you a hand by doing the harvesting for you (even those hard-to-reach branches that require a ladder!)

There are a lot of fruit trees around Reservoir; many a proud reminder of our migrant history. So even if you don’t have a tree, your neighbours likely do, so be sure to tell them about this great initiative. The more people that get on board, the more fruit can be rescued and distributed to those in need, with fresh, nutritious ingredients an important element in DIVRS food parcels.

Anyone in the Darebin council area can sign up – from homeowners and renters to schools and businesses. The program accepts all kinds of fruits, and even if your tree isn’t fruiting right now, you can still register your interest and the squad will be in touch when fruiting season comes around.

You can also register as a harvesting volunteer, with the program always looking for more pickers who are able to donate a few spare hours each month to help with collecting the fruit, while building connections with others. The Fruit Squad even runs workshops on how to care for fruit trees.

If you’d like to join the Darebin Fruit Squad as either a donator or a fruit picker, you can contact fruitsquad@divrs.org.au or register online.

DIVRS are doing amazing things in our community. For over 30 years they have offered free services, financial advice and food aid to people experiencing personal and financial stress.

You can find out more about DIVRS and the Fruit Squad on their website . So let’s get picking and see the fruits of your labour help someone in need!

RESERVOIR’S AGONY PETS

OMAR IS THIS ISSUE’S AGONY DOG. HE’S HERE TO PROVIDE A DOG’S PERSPECTIVE FOR YOUR LIFES PROBLEMS. THANKS TO THOSE WHO MESSAGED THEIR PROBLEMS. OMAR HAS SPENT THE LAST MONTH MULLING IT OVER AND HAS SOME IDEAS FOR YOU!

Hi Omar, I’m looking for the best coffee in Rezza, can you help? – @emilyloynd

Dear Emily, Woof, guess what? Now that we've officially upgraded our status to besties, I can’t wait to share some seriously pawsome news with you. Brace yourself, because my Dad dropped the ultimate coffee bombshell –Reservoir's coffee mecca is none other than the legendary Sycamore Meadows. I mean, we're talking coffee that's so good, it'll make your tail wag faster than a three-year-old on a sugar rush.

But hold your biscuits, there's a world of caffeinated wonders out there - we have so many great places to eat and drink in Rezza! Coffee, tea, chai – you name it, we're on it! My Mum, bless her soul, is a self-proclaimed chai snob, and guess where her heart finds its chai-flavored solace? Yep, you guessed it – Sycamore Meadows, or any place that can whip up a cup of Prana wet chai with oat milk!

Now, here's the scoop on another local hangout - Northside, with outdoor heaters. My Mum's chai devotion reaches heights so

astronomical that she's willing to brave the great outdoors just to sip her chai in peace, because, let's face it, if she left me alone I'd give the neighbourhood a canine opera performance that would have the local cats begging for earplugs. Thank goodness for those outdoor heaters! I've perfected the art of ankle sneak attacks from beneath the bench seats. You should see the hoomans jump!

So there you have it, Emily! Life's a tail-wagging adventure and I'm thrilled to have you trot alongside me. Until next time, keep those paws dancing and those coffee cups overflowing!

Yours, in ankle snapping happiness, Omar the Agony Dog x

About to move to Rezza. Am sad to leave my neighbours. Any tips on meeting new folk? X

Dear future collector, Well, bark my biscuits, if you’re moving to Reservoir, you're in for a treat! While the thought of leaving a barktastic street and the legendary Crispe Park dog posse is a ruff bone to chew- fear not, the realm of new friendships is just a tail-wag away. Let me spill the kibble on my secret to social supremacy: tree messages. Yep, you heard it right. As I strut my fluffy self to my all-time favorite park, I leave little notes on the trees, like a four-legged pen pal party. My hooman friends might not have caught onto this trend….. Yet.

My park rendezvous might be overshadowed by my Mum's epic hooman chat sessions, but it’s just a really friendly place! My Mum also goes to a howl club - she calls it ‘choir’. There are heaps around Rezza, but you won’t catch me there; I’ve been banned, but I think it’s because my sister who’s a Kelpie and a real show off, with a serious set of pipes drowns me out and no one knows how damn good I really am!

AND, you could also volunteer at the REZZADENT - they are really cool people! If you see me around Reservoir come up and sniff my butt!

Yours, in tail-wagging camaraderie, Omar the Agony Dog x

Every month a different Reservoir pet 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 Pets” to rezzadentnews@gmail.com . If your bestlegged mate wants to get involved, also get in touch.

THE FOODIE HEARTBEAT OF OUR NORTHERN SUBURBS

SAVE THE PRESTON MARKET

If you have noticed colourful flyers amongst our streets, or been following local minister’s conversations you may have noticed the Preston Market being a hot topic lately, even getting a mention at State Parliament last month, with Nathan Lambert presenting the petition signed by the local community. It’s clear to many locals now, the Preston Market is under attack.

Developers have threatened to close the Preston Market if the State Government does not allow them to demolish 80% of it, place a three-storey car park on top of what remains, and replace the rest of the market with what will essentially be a shopping mall. The process to decide the fate of Preston Market has mainly lay behind closed doors, in the hands of the politicians and private developers. But the Save The Preston Market Community Action Group (STPM) has been working hard to open up this very public matter to a public conversation, and to make sure the community voice is being heard loud and clear.

As regular people, we do not get to hear their conversation and the private agreements, and we certainly don’t get to have any real input. The

Words & Photos by Bec Thexton

STPM Community Action Group has made it their mission to make sure that everyone in the community is aware of the current situation with the market, and that they represent the voice of Preston, Reservoir and the surrounding suburbs.

The group believes that The Preston Market, the heartbeat of Northern Melbourne, should be in public hands. Other precious local markets, such as the Victoria, Dandenong, and South Melbourne markets are already owned and run by their councils, ensuring that the vibrancy and diversity they bring to their local suburbs is safeguarded for future generations. There are successful models around Melbourne that we can learn from.

Their campaigning has gained the attention of the local government and Salta Properties, the developer proposing to turn the market space into thousand’s of apartments. They’ve also grabbed the hearts of locals who have rallied in support of the market, at many community events and a huge Town Hall meeting in June.

The state government announced on 7th August new planning controls that include a heritage overlay over the majority of the market, and the requirement for the developers to provide a “trading continuity plan” to ensure that the traders are able to continue their businesses throughout the construction. This announcement was welcomed by the STPM Community Action Group, but they are carefully reading the terms to ensure that it truly protects the market from demolition, protects the traders during any redevelopment, and are prepared to take action if it looks like the government will not stick to their word.

During this process of redevelopment, it’s critical that the traders are protected and the 140 stalls (and the livelihoods these stalls enable) are considered during this process. The Action Group have said that if the developer ignores new planning controls implemented by the Minister, and insists on issuing the notices to vacate to the traders, then this should trigger an investigation into public acquisition as a way of permanently keeping the market safe from unruly developers.

The developers have delayed issuing the traders with notices to vacate for a couple of months, and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny and the state government have said they will "protect Preston Market" but we still don't know how much that will be.

All the while the STPM Community Action Group have been busy campaigning, and have gathered on the market on August 12th with over 2000 locals in support who came together and showed the community strength and solidarity by holding hands around the ENTIRE market!

It’s been a long and emotionally exhausting fight, but it’s absolutely worth it, if it means we get to keep access to fresh, affordable food and local producers in the northern suburbs, and protect this local meeting place that connects our community for generations to come.

If the STPM Community Action Group had three wishes, here’s what they’d be for the market’s fate:

• We want the developers to revoke their threat to close the traders' businesses!

• We want the State Government to come through and protect 100% of Preston Market as recommended by their own evidencebased report!

• If the developer insists on closing the market then we want Public Acquisition!

We have a gem in the Northern Suburbs, and we don’t need to demolish it in favour of yet another large apartment block.

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

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

Book Week Storytime

Reservoir Library

Friday 25 August, 11:15 - 12pm

Free

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Dress up as your favourite book character while Reservoir Library reads shortlisted books from this year’s Children’s Book Council Awards.

Queer Crafternoon

Reservoir Library

Friday 25 August, 4 - 6pm Free

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

An afternoon of relaxed, inclusive craft run for and led by young LGBTQIA+ people and their allies. Snacks provided. Suitable for ages 1318.

Beginner Carpentry with Pallets

Oakhill Food Justice Farm, $20

Saturday 26 August, 10am - 12pm

233 Tyler Street, Preston VIC 3072

Learn the basics of sustainable carpentry using second-hand pallets in this hands-on workshop with Max Godber.

Book online: https://www.oakhillfarm.org.au/ event-details/beginner-carpentry-with-pallets

Basket Weaving Workshop

Reservoir Community and Learning Centre, $95

Tuesday 29 August, 5:30 - 7:30pm

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Join us for a fun and creative evening learning the ancient art of basket weaving from Yorta Yorta woman and owner of Wanala Weaving Samantha Jetta.

Book online: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ basket-weaving-workshop-tickets-686984658607

Student Career Night

Soaring Health Reservoir

Wednesday 30 August, 6 - 8pm

35-37 Mahoneys Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Discover allied health careers, engage with professionals and explore pathways for career development.

Register online: https://www.eventbrite.com. au/e/student-career-night-tickets-680114469687

Reservoir Little Art Gallery

Sunday 3 - 17 September

Corner of Broadway/Cheddar Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Take home artwork or share your own for free at this pop-up community art gallery! Follow @ reservoirlittleartgallery on Instagram for gallery updates.

Details online: https://www.fusedarebin.com.au/ what-s-on/events/reservoir-little-art-gallery/

Friends of Edwardes Lake Planting Day

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Sunday 3, 17 & 24 September, 9am - 12:30pm

Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir VIC 3073

Friends of Edwardes Lake are hosting a planting day in partnership with City of Darebin.

Further details online: https://www. friendsofedwardeslake.org/events

After School STEAM Club

Reservoir Library

Thursday 7 September, 4 - 4:45pm

Free

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Join after school for fun craft and activities with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) theme. Suitable for ages 5 - 12.

Reserve a spot online: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/after-school-steam-club-reservoirregistration-517224481347

Rezza Mural Launch

Saturday 9 September, 10am - 1pm

Corner of Broadway/Cheddar Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

To celebrate the five new vibrant murals in the area, Darebin Council is gathering with the artists and local community for a celebratory launch event.

Further details online: https://www.fusedarebin. com.au/what-s-on/events/rezza-murals-launch/

Beginner’s Cheese Making Class

That’s Amore Cheesery, $250

Saturday 9 September, 10am – 3pm

66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown VIC 3074

With hands on instruction, learn to transform a few litres of milk into primo sale, mozzarella, bocconcini and ricotta. Gourmet Italian lunch included.

Book online: https://thatsamorecheese. weteachme.com/classes/1015997-beginnerscheese-making-class

https://thatsamorecheese.com.au/

Reservoir Frogs - Water Quality Testing Session

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Sunday 10 September and 8 October, 11am12pm

73-77 Leamington St, Reservoir VIC 3073

Join the Reservoir Frogs for water quality testing sessions as part of the Waterwatch program monitoring our waterways.

Further details online: https://www. friendsofedwardeslake.org/events

Get Your Game On!

Reservoir Library

Friday 15 September, 4 - 5:30pm

Free

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

From card games to PlayStation, connect with your friends in this friendly and supportive space for young people aged 12 - 18. Pizza provided for anyone who makes a booking

Reserve a spot online: https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/get-your-game-ontickets-666520198857

Mozzarella Making Class

That’s Amore Cheesery, $150

Saturday 16 September, 10am – 1pm

66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown VIC 3074

Learn how to make mozzarella and shape into bocconcini and trecce. Cheese tasting with wine included.

Book online: https://thatsamorecheese. weteachme.com/classes/1038590-mozzarellamaking-class

https://thatsamorecheese.com.au/

Spring Sound Bath with Chris

Oshun Yoga, $55

Saturday 16 September, 4 - 5:30pm

20 Gellibrand Crescent, Reservoir VIC 3073

In this spring sound bath, Chris will facilitate a deeply relaxing experience that includes a brief guided meditation, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, drums, flute, shakers, wind chimes, mantra chanting and more.

Buy tickets online: https://www.oshunyoga.com. au/special-events/4b0u0skamr298i8nb23n6p55 bbaxup

Saturday Nights at Rigani

Reservoir RSL

Saturday 16 September from 8pm

251 Spring Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Live music by Wilde Style upstairs at Rigani Restaurant

Spring/Poorneet Pruning Workshop

Oakhill Food Justice Farm, $20

Sunday 17 September, 10am - 12pm

233 Tyler Street, Preston VIC 3072

Join urban permaculture expert Angelo Eliades to learn how to prune your fruit trees this season.

Book online: https://www.oakhillfarm.org.au/ event-details/spring-poorneet-pruning-workshop

Sunday Music Afternoons

Kingsbury Bowls Club, $5

Sunday 17 September, 3 - 6pm

181 Dunne St, Kingsbury VIC 3083

InRetrospect plays music from the 60s - 80s.

https://kingsbury.bowls.com.au/play-bowls/

Device Advice

Reservoir Library

Thursday 21 September, 2 - 5pm Free

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Book a one-on-one Device Advice session and have your tricky tech questions answered.

Reserve a spot online: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/device-advice-reservoir-libraryregistration-679830199427

Litter Collection

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Sunday 15 October, 9am - 12:30pm

Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir VIC 3073

Help Friends of Edwardes Lake to collect and sort litter and report data. Meet at the notice board between the bridge and the playground.

Further details online: https://www. friendsofedwardeslake.org/events

Sunday Music Afternoons

Kingsbury Bowls Club, $5

Sunday 22 October, 3 - 6pm

181 Dunne St, Kingsbury VIC 3083

Come along and dance to Inferno Duet!

https://kingsbury.bowls.com.au/play-bowls/

Halloween Ice Skating Session

IceHQ

Saturday 28 October, 6 - 9pm

1 Blake Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

October’s theme for the evening ice skating session is Halloween! Follow IceHQ socials to find out when tickets go on sale: https://www. facebook.com/iceheadquarters/

Garden Bed Weeding

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Sunday 29 October, 9am - 12:30pm

Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir VIC 3073

Volunteers needed to weed the Friends of Edwardes Lake garden bed. Meet at the notice board between the bridge and the playground.

Further details online: https://www. friendsofedwardeslake.org/events

Tapestry Classes

Free

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Monday

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/events-calendar/2022/03/tapestryclasses

Communicare Lunches

Free

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

Trading card game tournaments

The Game Experts

944 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073

Ph (03) 9191 5155

Every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm

www.thegameexperts.com.au

Job Club

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

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

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/events-calendar/2022/03/job-club

Ballroom Dance

Dance Action Melbourne

Every Wednesday, 6:30 - 9:45pm

35 Sturdee Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Join dance sessions and instruction run by Dance Action at Merrilands Community Centre.

Opa-cize

Every Thursday, 7:30 - 8:30pm, $10 or free for children under 16

12 Robb Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Join us on the dancefloor for Greek dance fitness run by Sofie. No bookings required.

Darebin Parkrun

CT Barling Reserve

Every Saturday from 8am

880 Plenty Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

A free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate!

Register online: https://www.parkrun.com.au/ register/?eventName=darebin

Barefoot Bowls

$10

Kingsbury Bowls Club

181 Dunne St, Kingsbury VIC 3083

Every Friday, 5 - 6pm

Casual lawn bowling with drinks available in the Club.

https://kingsbury.bowls.com.au/play-bowls/

Transition Darebin Food Swap

Free

Reservoir Library

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.

https://transitiondarebin.org/existing-projects/ food-swaps/

Live piano shows

Free Entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072

Ph 0418 557 650

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

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

ragtimetavern.com.au

Sunday Jazz Sessions

Free entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072 free entry

Ph 0418 557 650

Every Sunday, 5 – 10 p.m.

ragtimetavern.com.au

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/local-directory/71517/ regent-food-swap/

https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofRegentGarden/

Men’s Circle

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every third Thursday of the month, 5 - 6:30pm

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/events-calendar/2022/03/mens-circle

English Pronunciation Tutorials

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Friday excluding school holidays, 1011:30am

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/events-calendar/2022/03/englishpronunciation-tutorials

Bike checks

Free

Reservoir Leisure Centre

2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Occur monthly, check dates at link below

Book online https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ free-monthly-bike-checks-reservoir-darebin-lovesbikes-tickets-273933571687

Trivia

Nord Bar

641 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072

Every Thursday from 7:30pm

Book online: https://nordbar.com.au/

Movie Trivia

Audacious Monk Cellars

Last Thursday of the month from 7pm

128 - 130 Regent Street, Preston VIC 3072

Email audaciousmonkevents@gmail.com to book

Darebin Creek - Maintenance Working Bee

Friends of Darebin Creek

Second Sunday of the month, 9am - 12pm

Meet at Kingsbury Bowls Club

181 Dunne St, Kingsbury VIC 3083

As part of the Revegetating Darebin Creek Project, volunteers are needed to maintain plantings through weeding, mulching, removing guards and other activities.

Further information can be found online: https:// friendsofdarebincreek.org.au/events/archgibson-maintenance-working-bee/

Nordie Comedy

Nord Bar, $15

641 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072

Last Sunday of the month from 6:30pm

Book online: https://nordbar.com.au/

Illustration By Nicole Roberston