White Night illuminates a united Melbourne - The Centre
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
a rs
y e
4 0
ISSUE 180 AUTUMN 2018
THE NORTH & WEST MELBOURNE NEWS IS PRODUCED BY VOLUNTEERS AT THE CENTRE
White Night illuminates a united Melbourne
Melbourne Town Hall delivered live opera to appreciative White Night visitors on 17 February Photo: Marg Leser
Janet Graham gyrated to disco music in front of the white If we didn’t know before, White Night left of Books at the State Library but those who
light at its base. us in no doubt that laser light shows have be- patiently waited said the pageant of books
Over the road in Queen Victoria Gardens, come an extraordinarily precise art. In Flinders
S
coming to life in the La Trobe Reading Room
tretching from Linlithgow Avenue in the Light the Way led the explorer through installa- Street the Forum and its neighbours hosted The
was magical.
south to Carlton Gardens in the north, tions ending at the Neon Dog Park, a drawcard Secret Life of Buildings and The Future Sees
The wide expanse of Carlton Gardens in the
the sixth White Night festival was spec- for children who posed beside canine appari- You, pinpoint-perfect rotating installations that
tacular and fun, with an eye-catching event at tions. Hovering above the Yarra were ghostly drew large crowds onto the road. small hours afforded a welcome respite from
every turn. inflated whale-like creatures while, below, a Melbourne Town Hall excelled itself with its the hurly-burly of the central city. In the Mel-
They Cannot Take the Sky was a sombre lone swimmer crossed the river. music-themed laser display in glorious colour bourne Museum forecourt The Serpent Mother
reminder that not everyone is free to enjoy a At Federation Square the calm, mild night and meticulous detail. Accompanying this breathing fire was exciting but hard to get a
midnight wander through convivial crowds in was kind to Liquid Sky, which had been tested were live performances by opera singers on the good view of from ground level.
a harmonious city. Projected onto NGV Inter- by unruly winds in the festival lead-up. To- balcony, who received enthusiastic applause The pièce de résistance was yet another laser
national’s long facade were videos of asylum night, the blue airborne sculpture sparkled and from an appreciative audience. Across the road
installation. What If… painted the Royal Ex-
seekers with soundbites from their stories of danced benignly above the throngs of visitors we had a taste of counter-culture where, on a
hardship and survival. and their insatiable cameras. At regular inter- dark balcony above a shop, a solitary figure hibition Building in various guises and giddy
Close by, oblivious, the Arts Centre spire vals the chiming Bells enthralled as agile bell- mimicking the singers elicited chuckles and a hues, dressing the facade in architectural detail
was illuminated with changing patterns of ringers flew skywards clinging precariously to few raised eyebrows. from bottom to top to sound effects like con-
psychedelic colour, and silhouetted figures the ropes. There was a huge queue for The Secret Life crete being munched. Stupendous!
COMMUNITY 4 • POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT 7 • THE CENTRE 10 • SPORT & HEALTH 11 • EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY 14 • TRAVEL & FOOD 15 • HISTORY 16 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 17
22 NOTICEBOARD
NOTICEBOARD North andNorth
West andMelbourne
West Melbourne
News News AUTUMN2018AUTUMN
AUTUMN 2018
noticeboard
NOTICEBOARD
Please deliver contributions, letters
and feedback to: Easter Services in
North and West Melbourne News North and West Melbourne
58 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051
St James Old Cathedral, Anglican
Email: nwmnews@centre.org.au Corner King & Batman streets,
Telephone: 9328 1126 West Melbourne (opposite Flagstaff Gardens)
Copy deadline for Winter 2018 edition: Palm Sunday 25 March 10.00am Holy Communion
The North and West Melbourne News Good Friday 30 March 10.00am Passion Reading
is a quarterly publication produced by Thursday 24 May Easter Sunday 1 April 10.00am Holy Communion
volunteers from North and West Melbourne Advertisers: Thursday 17 May
and the inner city. It is now in its 40th year Publication date: Friday 22 June St Mary Star of the Sea, Catholic
of production. Readers’ contributions are Corner Victoria & Howard streets, West Melbourne
welcomed. Where relevant the News may Spring 2018 edition: Saturday 24 March 6.30pm Vigil Mass
seek alternative opinions in the interests Copy deadline 23 August, publication 21 September Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) 25 March 10.30am Sunday
of balance. Contributors’ opinions are their Summer 2018–2019 edition: Mass; 12.00 noon Sunday Mass (in Lithuanian) — palms will
own, however, and the News takes no Copy deadline 8 November, publication 7 December be distributed at each Mass
responsibility for them. We reserve the right www.centre.org.au Monday 26, Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March 12.30pm
to edit or omit articles and advertisements Weekday Mass
considered unsuitable or when space is Holy Thursday 29 March 7.30pm Mass of the Lordʼs Supper
limited. Good Friday 30 March 10.30am Stations of the Cross; 11.15am
NEWS DISTRIBUTORS NEEDED! Seven Words of Our Lord on the Cross Sermon; 12.00 noon
Articles should be submitted by email to If you enjoy receiving a copy of the News delivered to your Holy Rosary; 3.00pm Celebration of the Lordʼs Passion; 7.30pm
nwmnews@centre.org.au. Please use home every quarter, you might like to think about joining the Office of Tenebrae
minimal formatting and do not embed team of volunteers who make sure the paper finds its way Holy Saturday 31 March 8.00pm Easter Vigil
graphics in documents. Photographs should into almost every letterbox in North and West Melbourne. Easter Sunday 1 April 10.30am Mass of Easter; 12.00 noon
be sent separately as JPEGs. Please email Distribution Coordinator Dan Tuturas at Mass of Easter (in Lithuanian)
nwmnews@centre.org.au if you are able to assist.
Finance St Mary’s, Anglican
The News is a non-profit organisation Corner Queensberry & Howard streets, North Melbourne
working as a program of The Centre. Palm Sunday 25 March 8.00am Eucharist; 10.00am Sung
Funding is by way of a limited quota of
IMPORTANT STREET EVENT NOTIFICATION Eucharist with Procession; 8.00pm Tenebrae
advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions SPANISH LANGUAGE FIESTA 2018 Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 March 6.30pm Eucharist
and occasional donations. Road Closure Notification Wednesday 28 March 12.30pm Eucharist; 6.30pm Eucharist
Saturday 7 April 2018 11.00am – 4.00pm Thursday 29 March 8.00pm Maundy Thursday Liturgy
News subscriptions The Centre is holding the third Spanish Language Fiesta in Friday 30 March 10.00am Good Friday Liturgy
If you would like to receive the North and George Johnson Lane and Little Errol Street, North Melbourne, Saturday 31 March 9.00pm Great Paschal Vigil
West Melbourne News by mail, the rate on Saturday 7 April from 11.00am to 4.00pm. There will be Easter Day Sunday 1 April 8.00am Eucharist; 10.00am Sung
is $20 for four copies sent anywhere disruptions to the following streets and locations: Eucharist
in Australia or pro rata for part of the • George Johnson Lane and Little Errol Street will be com-
calendar year. The News is distributed free pletely closed to vehicles between 7.00am and 7.00pm on St Michael’s, Catholic
throughout North and West Melbourne. Saturday 7 April. 456 Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne
Further copies are available from The • No public transport will be affected by the road closures. Information not available at time of going to press
Centre and the North Melbourne Library. • Errol Street, Leveson Street, Queensberry Street and
Victoria Street will not be affected by the event. Saints Peter and Paul, Ukrainian Catholic
Advertisement sizes and rates Route 57 tram: The tram will run through North Melbourne as 35 Canning Street, North Melbourne (corner Canning &
60 mm W x 92 mm H $84 incl GST normal and to its regular Saturday timetable. Dryburgh streets)
124 mm W x 92 mm H $168 incl GST Roadblocks will be installed at 7.30am on Saturday 7 April Information not available at time of going to press
188 mm W x 92 mm H $252 incl GST and will be removed at 6.00pm on the same day.
252 mm W x 92 mm H $336 incl GST Car-parking along Errol Street, Leveson Street and Uniting Church, Mark the Evangelist
A charge of 25 per cent may be added for Queensberry Street will be available on the day of the event, 51 Curzon Street, North Melbourne
advertisements that require designing. with most spaces metered between 7.30am and 12.30pm. After The congregation meets in the church hall, 4 Elm Street
For more information phone 9329 1627 or this time, parking in these spaces is free for the rest of the day. Palm Sunday 25 March 10.00am Readings, hymns and choir
email Advertising.NWMN@outlook.com Access will be reopened to traders and residents within the with Eucharist
Community announcements are published precinct after 7.00pm on Saturday 7 April or when safe to do so. Maundy Thursday 29 March 7.30pm including the Eucharist
free of charge. For further enquiries about the traffic management for this and the foot-washing ritual
event please contact Tatiana Echeverri at The Centre on 9328 Good Friday 30 March 10.00am
Volunteers 1126 or the City of Melbourne Strategic Planning and Logistics Saturday 31 March from 8.00pm Easter Vigil
The News welcomes new volunteers. If you Coordinator, Mara Milosevic, on 9658 8773. Easter Day Sunday 1 April 10.00am including the Eucharist and
have skills in writing, drawing, photography, We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the Spanish a reaffirmation of baptism
archiving, subediting and proofreading, Language Fiesta and look forward to celebrating with you.
computer technology or design and layout,
please consider joining the team.
A SMALL REMINDER ABOUT USED STAMPS
Publisher: Ragn Hannah Residents About Integrated Development at 3051 Inc Don’t forget to drop your used postage stamps into The
Content Coordinator: Position vacant (RAID @ 3051 Inc) Centre at 58 Errol Street. This is another way to recycle and
Advertising Coordinator: Janet Graham provides much-needed funds for charities. Tear the stamps
Distribution Coordinator: Dan Tuturas The Annual General Meeting of RAID @ 3051 was held on off the envelopes carefully or just put the envelopes in a bag.
Section Editors: Tuesday 13 March 2018. The following committee was elected:
Arts & Entertainment: Columbia Winterton Chair: Peter Hogg
Community: Amelia Jarrett and Camella Secretary/Treasurer: Tess Demediuk
Macpherson Committee Members: Angela Williams, PROTECT ABBOTSFORD STREET ESTATE
Education & Technology: Dan Tuturas and Gary Bateman and Lorna Hannan The Protect Abbotsford Street Estate group meets fortnightly to
Ian Truong For further information about RAID discuss a better way of solving the public housing crisis.
History: Matt Hennessy email raid3051@gmail.com
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE STATE
Noticeboard: Janet Graham Refer also to article on page 5 of this
GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT PLAN?
Politics & Environment: Catherine McLeod edition of the News.
Sport & Health: Andrew Dunton and Katrina • Sale of public land to private developers
• Gross overdevelopment with towers up to nine storeys and almost
Kincade-Sharkey
total site coverage on the Abbotsford Street Estate
The Centre: Janet Graham
Travel & Food: Gen Blair
St Mary’s Fair • Increase in public housing capacity likely to be less than 10%
Production team: Janet Graham, Amelia Saturday 5 May, 10.00am – 2.00pm Please join us at our informal open meetings:
Jarrett, Dan Tuturas and Jim Weatherill. Cake stall, sausage sizzle, jams, preserves, organic Sunday 25 March, 8 April, 22 April, 6 May — 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Peter Alsen provided professional home produce, face-painting, second-hand children’s North Melbourne Maternal & Child Health Centre, 505 Abbotsford St
assistance with layout. toys, clothes and books, jumping castle, animal farm, Contact us via email: ProtectAbbotsfordStreetEstate@gmail.com
children’s crafts, Devonshire tea and Mother’s Day gifts Join ‘Protect Abbotsford Street Group’ on Facebook.
Printed by Express Print
5 Jones Road, Morwell 3844 St Mary’s Church and Kindergarten Look out for a public meeting after the Parliamentary Inquiry into the
Circulation 7000 430 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne Public Housing Renewal Program releases its findings in June.
AUTUMN 2018 North and West Melbourne News 40 YEARS OF THE NEWS 3
40 years of the News
Amelia Jarrett this year to remind us all how things have a little in the last 20 years! elsewhere in this section, Inner Melbourne
changed, but also how history often repeats However, the original ethos of the News is Community Legal (formerly North Melbourne
itself from one decade to the next in terms of the same. Our readers are still our main con- Legal Service) is also celebrating its 40th anni-
I
n 2018 the News is celebrating its 40th year matters dear to the community’s heart. tributors, whether as residents or workers at versary!
of production! The banner displayed above This article from the 100th edition of the local community organisations, and we still We continue to be a free, not-for-profit
is the one used in the first issue, December North Melbourne News (as it was then) de- meet regularly at The Centre on Errol Street to newspaper, led by and for the community. We
1978. scribes the history of the paper, as well as discuss content and community matters. always welcome new volunteers, so please
We hope to include an article from a past some technological advances up to that time. The year 1978 must have been a good one do see page 2 on how to contribute and get
edition in each issue of the News published Thankfully, things on that front have changed for community initiatives. As you will read involved!4 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News AUTUMN 2018
community
VERY IMPRESSIVE Considering Australia Day
Cindy Huang improvement for diabetes, suicide or transport
Hello from disgustingly hot Melbourne. accidents in recent years.
The NWMR Koolin Balit PCP Consortium
O
It’s 3.24am. Everything is wrong and useless. n 26 January 1788, 11 ships occupied Project details that incidents of mental health
It’s far too hot for sleeping, 31 degrees in here. by British convicts arrived at Sydney and incarceration continue to be an area of
The world’s a crazy stupid place of hideous Cove, where Captain Arthur Phillip particular concern for Aboriginal people and
weather. It’s not global warming, it’s global raised the flag of Great Britain. Two hundred Torres Strait Islanders. A culture that is wel-
instability. It can make my thought process and thirty years later, the Traditional Owners coming and inclusive of all cultures is yet to
extremely random. of the land continue to oppose the current date come.
My latest proposal: take the good bits of of Australia Day. Yet there are solutions to this, and acknowl-
Melbourne — couldn’t possibly name them, The March of Freedom, Justice and Hope, edging the peoples of the Kulin nation as the
some people would certainly think I’d missed which took place in 1988, gathered more than Traditional Owners of the land in which we
some good bits — and move them to just off 40,000 people, including both Indigenous and live and work, and respecting their Elders past
Macquarie Island. With a pedestrian bridge in non-Indigenous supporters, to chant for land and present, are two.
between, as it’s a bird sanctuary. rights through the streets of Sydney. The pres- The North Western Melbourne Primary
Should be much cooler down there. Fantas- sure on the nation to resolve conflicts around Health Network (NWMPHN) provides health-
tic tourism opportunities. And I do like bird the relationship between Indigenous Austra- care services and outreach support to Aborig-
watching. lians and European arrivals has never ceased. inal and Torres Strait Islander people living in
There’s months more of this heat. I’m not An Australia Institute survey released in the region. NWMPHN is committed to build-
liking it in the slightest. January 2018 showed that only 37 per cent of ing meaningful and long-lasting relationships.
Yarndi and I have various places we go in people recognised that the celebration of Aus- By understanding the Indigenous community’s
which to avoid the heat, but one of the favou- tralia Day on 26 January might be offensive to needs in terms of lifestyles and culture, the
rites is the excellent Capture Hair Design on cent green sea turtle, maybe 25 years old, on a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Austra- network seeks to welcome and support them.
Queensberry Street. Yarndi loves Sam greatly certain Bondi veterinary program. lians. Forty-nine per cent acknowledged that With the increasing acknowledgment that
as she’s babysat him. Wants to visit every time By the growths attached to her, she had been Australia Day should not be celebrated on a Australia’s history goes back well beyond
we go past, even on Sundays and Mondays stuck on the surface for an estimated four to day that offends certain populations. 26 January 1788, and the implementation of
when they’re not open. Plus, they do great five months. Unable to feed. Unable to dive. These statistics are not new and should not
programs such as those run by NWMPHN, we
things to my hair and have fabulous coffee. Unable to swim properly. Getting disastrously surprise us. No one denies that at least 40,000
look forward to seeing the gap between Ab-
Entirely random in context, but I just can’t sunburnt and dehydrated, close to death when years before the arrival of the First Fleet, na-
original and Torres Strait Islander peoples and
get it out of my head: 14-year-old girls like found by commercial fishermen and transport- tive populations already inhabited Australia.
the rest of the Australian population closed in
Dolly shouldn’t be committing suicide. ed to vets. Yet few non-Indigenous people remember our
the very near future.
Constantly worrying about my car, Nancy. Upon surgical investigation, it was discov- history and realise that they are living on the
Our landlords are claiming that because she’s ered she had the neck of a latex balloon caught motherlands that used to belong to the First
Sources:
not registered or running I shouldn’t have the between her neck and her shell. People.
Museums Victoria Collection: https://collec-
car park I’ve had for 14 years. They’re not On removal of this nasty bit of human de- According to a 2018 poll carried out by
tions.museumvictoria.com.au/articles/2835
offering any monetary advantage in giving up tritus, multiple shells and assorted growths Review Partners Pty Ltd in association with
Research Now SSI, only 49 per cent of Aus- Australia Institute poll: www.tai.org.au/con-
the car space, which is stupid. It costs proper upon her, she then began to recover. After
tralians surveyed knew that 26 January was tent/australians-laid-back-about-australia-day-
money to park a car on the street in our ‘most many months of veterinary attention, she was
the dark date when Aboriginal and Torres poll
livable’ North Melbourne. released back to the sea.
Strait Islander peoples began to experience Review Partners Pty Ltd in association with
They say she has to go elsewhere. Where A tiny bit of latex. A magnificent sea turtle.
dispossession and violence, imposed by British Research Now SSI Australia Day poll: www.
will she go? Anyone reading this got a spare Which is more important/fascinating and need-
space for a sexy 1955 Hillman Minx to hang ed on this Spacecraft Earth, Douglas Adams? colonisation. The gap between Indigenous reviewpartners.com.au/australia-day-report
out? Supposedly I should sell her again, but I Not latex, and certainly not the useless hu- Australians and the rest of the population is yet Australian Bureau of Statistics findings via
won’t get what she owes me. mans who insist upon dropping their rubbish to be closed. the Australian Human Rights Commission:
I think she’s pretty. Would love to get her everywhere. This includes you useless smokers Australia Day is a symbol of unity that www.humanrights.gov.au/education/face-facts/
running. But apparently she’s yet another ex- who drop your crap all over this beautiful city. should celebrate all cultures and heritages. It is face-facts-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-island-
ample of my being a useless wastrel idiot with My opinions may not be worth much, but indeed an important date for the entire nation, er-peoples
no idea of what I’m doing. they’re the ones I’m sticking with. yet behind the debate lie more pressing issues Closing the Gap: Prime Minister’s Report
But I do know that 14-year-old girls To finish, I’d like to say Joy! Joy! Joy! of about inequality for Indigenous Australians. 2015: www.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/pub-
shouldn’t be committing suicide. Joys! At last, after many years, North Mel- Despite some recent improvements, ac- lications/Closing_the_Gap_2015_Report.pdf
Dolly’s parents are being really nice and bourne has a public toilet again. cording to the Australian Bureau of Statistics NWMR Koolin Balit PCP Consortium Proj-
saying the idiots who were bullying her online According to an article in the previous edi- the average life expectancy of Aboriginal and ect: www.inwpcp.org.au/toolkit-main-page/
should come to her funeral. tion of the News, the 1938 underground toilets Torres Strait Islander people in 2010–2012 aboriginal-health-in-melbournes-north-west-
I’m not a fan of physical violence, never at the corner of Hawke and King streets were was 10 years less than that of non-Indigenous research/
been a favourite thing of mine, but today I feel closed in 1998 and concrete slabs were laid Australians. Furthermore, the 2015 Closing the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Net-
kicking a few useless teenagers in the head over the entrances. They are unlikely to open Gap Report found that the gap had widened work: www.nwmphn.org.au/priority-area-top-
could be a worthwhile pursuit. again, so all they are now is their excellent Art for cancer mortality and that there had been no ic/aboriginal-health/
Dolly. They let off balloons at her funeral. Deco above-ground architecture.
Apologies to any nice people previously But more on the new toilet. It’s fantastic to
offended by our irritating stance on balloons, have it finally open. The corner of Errol and
water and air ones, being released into the en-
vironment.
Haven’t liked them for quite some time now,
Queensberry streets is its location, next to the
urinal. Also, it is great to see that the council
has used a pseudo-historic design rather than
In memoriam
although useful things they can be. But what the chrome or white ones that have been foist-
broke the camel’s back was seeing a magnifi- ed upon other suburbs. The News is sad to report the passing of talent for painting ships and marinescapes
several prominent local people late last in an almost Turneresque style. He was a
year. lecturer in education at Melbourne Uni-
versity’s Hawthorn campus. Despite living
George Dixon (1924–2017) was an actor, with Parkinson’s disease for many years,
theatre producer and respected teacher. He Graeme maintained his positive outlook on
lived with his wife, Lola Russell, in the old- life and sense of humour to the end.
est shop in the CBD, on the corner of King
and La Trobe streets. Together they ran the
Viva Sali (Jillian Gibb) (1945–2017). Viva
front room as a teashop for many years.
was a well-known artist and photographer
whose works were exhibited at the National
Denys Harraway (1932–2017). A metal-
Gallery of Victoria and other galleries. A
lurgical engineer by profession and a lover
lover of nature and animals, her produc-
of the arts and local history, Denys was a
staunch defender of the environment and tive and colourful front garden was a local
sustainable development. He was a member landmark. There was always a faithful dog
of the Hotham History Project and an obit- in her life and Viva immortalised some of
uary appears in the History section of this them in her paintings.
edition of the News.
We offer our sincere condolences to the
Graeme Harper (1943–2017) was a keen families and friends of George, Denys,
photographer and amateur artist with a Graeme and Viva.
Nancy Photo: Very ImpressiveAUTUMN 2018 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 5
Residents About Integrated Development
Marg Leser Amendment C190 (Part 2) panel large-scale housing developments are abundant
hearing in the immediate vicinity of the site, which
RAID (represented by committee member scales up the impact on service infrastructure
Gary Bateman) made a submission to the (including schools, kindergartens, child care
Residents matter!
panel hearing on 2 February 2018 in support and health), recreation facilities, open space,
RAID continues to focus on working with
of Melbourne Planning Scheme Amendment transport, traffic and parking; and public
residents, other community groups and local
C190 (Part 2): Arden Macaulay. and private open space is lacking in North
government and to advocate for physical
The amendment concerns the built-form Melbourne.
planning and development that is matched by
control proposed by the council for the Please refer to the following website for
social infrastructure that addresses the needs of
Shiel Street residential interface, as set updates on the Abbotsford Street renewal:
current and future residents of all ages. out in DDO63 for Area 8. It requires that www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/
RAID is a non-partisan incorporated local development above a three-storey street wall housing-strategy/social-housing-renewal-
organisation that is committed to open and should be set back at least 2 metres for every program/abbotsford-street,-north-melbourne
transparent governance. 1 metre of height at the interface. Councillor Nicholas Reece, chair of the
The owner of 3–15 Shiel Street (the former Development of Arden and CoM Planning Committee, is the guest speaker
Woolworths site Woods Motors site) pursued the panel- Macaulay precincts
RAID was launched in 2011 in response to at RAID’s AGM on 13 March. He has been
recommended ‘residential interface’ control The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct will
an overdevelopment by Woolworths of the that all development be set back 10 metres asked to outline City of Melbourne strategic
have a massive impact on 3051. It involves
triangular site bordered by Canning Street, above a three-storey street-wall height and be thinking on physical planning and implications
a 56-hectare base for 34,000 jobs and 15,000
Macaulay Road and Vaughan Terrace in North ‘visually recessive’. The council maintains that residents and will include the new Arden for community infrastructure.
Melbourne. Despite community opposition, this control would in fact allow “a secondary (future North Melbourne) Metro station.
VCAT approved apartment towers of 16 and highly visible wall of built form up to 12 More information is available at www. Support RAID!
10 storeys, a large supermarket and a bottle storeys in height” to be constructed within ardenmacaulay.vic.gov.au. RAID’s resources are stretched and we really
shop with extended retail hours. 10 metres of the Shiel Street interface (see RAID earlier made a submission to the do need more residents to share their skills. We
RAID members met with a City of Figure 1). Victorian Planning Authority in regard to the need help from the community — especially
Melbourne (CoM) representative and the team RAID considers that CoM’s Amendment Arden precinct, which adjoins the Macaulay with the website, social media, physical and
from Hickory (the site developer) in November C190 (Part 2) would give greater certainty that precinct. We are concerned about the lack related community infrastructure planning and
2017 and raised a number of issues regarding a visually recessive upper level is achieved in of consultation on the strategic planning and transport issues. Please contact us if you are
lack of communication with the community this low-rise, stable, 19th-century streetscape. development of Macaulay. able to assist.
and a range of contractor issues — especially The Melrose Street precinct needs
truck movements in the early morning. Resident input into policy revitalisation. Community engagement is
Hickory acknowledged the issues and Residents’ voices matter and RAID’s Connect to RAID@3051
especially important in this area because
undertook to letterbox the immediate experience is that local residents do make For further information about RAID,
of the multiple apartment towers in Shiel
neighbours and instruct its contractors not a significant contribution to good policy Street, Haines Street and Macaulay Road and or to become a member and receive
to idle their vehicles and to use designated development and implementation affecting especially the Woolworths development of our e-newsletter, email raid3051@
driving routes. These instructions have 3051. For several years RAID has lobbied over 300 apartments, all of which will increase gmail.com, access the RAID website at
frequently been breached. Neither Hickory for the expansion of Gardiner Reserve, as the demand for education, recreation and other www.3051-integrated.com or follow us
nor CoM has demonstrated consistent it is currently the only accessible public community services in this poorly serviced on Facebook at www.facebook.com/3051-
monitoring of contractor issues or effective playground in this area. area. RAID-126672457437926.
communication with residents. We welcome the November 2017 decision
by CoM to approve an expansion of Gardiner
The permitted hours for construction
Reserve (opposite the North Melbourne
site work within the City of Melbourne are
pool). The upgrade will result in a 30 per
Monday to Friday 7.00am to 7.00pm and
cent increase in parkland, refurbishment and
Saturday 8.00am to 3.00pm. Any work outside
changes to the play equipment, and changes to
these hours requires an out-of-hours permit.
traffic flow and parking.
Workers are allowed on site before these times
but must not undertake any building work.
Social Housing Renewal Standing
Any infringements can be reported to the CoM Advisory Committee
on 9658 9658. RAID, along with many community members
Hickory advises anyone needing to make and organisations, presented to the Victorian
urgent contact to phone 0417 074 100. Government Social Housing Renewal
Residents who wish to be kept informed of Standing Advisory Committee on the proposed
construction issues or wish to communicate Abbotsford Street public housing estate
any concerns regarding construction should renewal.
email ardengardens@hickory.com.au. The main points raised in RAID’s
Noise from trucks queuing before 7.00am presentation were: the importance of
and from cranes starting up in the early meaningful community consultation; public
morning continues to disturb residents. land should remain in public hands; support
Construction works restrict access to footpaths for increased, high-quality public housing in
and streets. The CoM’s apparent inability to the inner city; advocacy for additional schools 10M SETBACK REQUIREMENT ABOVE 3 STOREY STREETWALL WITH 30% BONUS
monitor construction activity and the lack in North Melbourne; recognition that inner
of effective community consultation remain Melbourne needs a different solution to urban Figure 1. Context Model Analysis by Melbourne City Council: section perspective (Shiel
major issues for RAID. renewal due to its uniqueness; medium- to Street)6 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News AUTUMN 2018AUTUMN
waste bin. They said neighbours were putting community engagement officers fully support
garbage in recycling bins (with yellow lids) the community garden, and they and the Patch
and recyclable matter (paper, cans and bottles) team are confident the project will receive
North and West
in the general rubbish bins (green lids). final approval by July this year.
One person had seen garbage collectors
emptying general rubbish and recyclable mate- Lord Mayor by-election
Melbourne
rials into the same truck. The Victorian Electoral Commission has an-
A further problem was the amount of hard nounced that a by-election for the vacant posi-
rubbish and personal belongings being dumped tion of Lord Mayor will be held in May. It will
Association
randomly in the street, thought to be the result be conducted entirely by postal voting, with
of tenant turnover. Councils were now facing ballot packs mailed to voters between Monday
another obstacle with China’s announcement 23 April and Thursday 26 April.
that it would no longer accept shipments of Voting is compulsory for all voters listed
Australian waste for treatment. on the Melbourne City Council voters roll at
There were calls for garden-waste bins to be 4.00pm on 16 March 2018. When you receive
issued to help residents deal with prunings and your ballot pack you must complete your
A
fter a couple of months’ break over the meeting about the capacity for 5500-plus new weed growth, and for the council to devise a ballot paper and return it as soon as possible
Christmas holiday the North and West dwellings in West Melbourne, housing around strategy to turn plastic waste into useful prod- using the reply-paid envelope. Alternatively,
Melbourne Association (NWMA) held 11,000 residents; the capacity for about 4500 ucts such as street furniture. A return to the you may hand-deliver your completed ballot
its first ordinary general meeting of the year on new jobs; the effect of increased traffic vol- system of can levies and deposits on bottles material to the election office by 6.00pm on
20 February. umes from the West Gate Tunnel toll road, was also favoured. Friday 11 May.
Adam Mills and Melanie Del Monaco, from especially on the ‘village high street’ vision It must be posted — or in the hands of the
the City of Melbourne’s (CoM) Urban Strategy for Spencer Street with its mooted tram route North West Patch community returning officer — by 6.00pm Friday 11 May,
Branch, provided an update on the West Mel- extension; the safety of cyclists and pedestri- garden or your vote will not be counted and you may
bourne Structure Plan (WMSP) and some in- ans; the expansion of public open space; and The North West Patch subcommittee has re- incur a fine.
formation on the council’s Waste and Resource an increase in tree canopy from 20 per cent to ceived its grant awarded under the Stronger We urge all residents to take this opportunity
Recovery Strategy. 40 per cent. Communities Program and spent the funds to have a say on the composition of our city
The next step for the WMSP is the drafting plus an additional few hundred dollars on 10 council.
West Melbourne Structure Plan of a planning amendment, allowing further top-quality wicking boxes from ModBOX.
update opportunities for community input before it These will eventually be assembled at the NWMA meetings and contacts
The speakers reminded us that work on the returns to CoM for authorisation and then de- North Melbourne Meat Market, which is very The next Association meeting will be the AGM
WMSP had begun three years before. After livery to the Minister for Planning for approv- keen to have the garden in its grounds. The on Tuesday 17 April, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start,
much behind-the-scenes work, in July–August al. This process will take some 18 months. boxes will be mounted on wheel brackets engi- in the Dewey Common, Bastow Institute,
2017 CoM had presented a draft WMSP for neered to allow them to be moved around the 603–615 Queensberry Street (enter off Union
consultation, which had then gone back for Waste and Resource Recovery courtyard when the Meat Market has outdoor Street).
the planners to incorporate the community’s Strategy 2030 events. Membership subscriptions are now due
feedback. The City of Melbourne is currently developing The last step to be completed before soil and you can renew by going to our website at
The final WMSP was released in early Feb- a 12-year action plan. At the NWMA meeting is introduced and planting begins involves a www.nwma.org.au/join/ where you will find
ruary 2018 and a few days later, at the CoM members reported an obvious lack of knowl- formal process through the City of Melbourne, instructions as well as information about pay-
Future Melbourne Committee meeting on edge about the functions of the two types of which runs the Meat Market. The CoM ing by direct debit.
6 February, councillors endorsed it unani-
mously. Three-quarters of respondents had
been supportive of the draft plan — a result
described by the council as an “extraordinary
extent of support”.
There had, however, been concerns about
the definition of floor area ratios (FARs) and
the degree to which they were mandatory
or discretionary, building height limits and
non-residential uses, although there was sup-
port for retaining mixed use. The draft plan
had undergone some changes, some in re-
sponse to suggestions from the Victorian Gov-
ernment Architect. These changes include:
• The FARs now exclude basements, in an
effort to reduce on-site parking.
• Preferred maximum heights have been
increased from four to six storeys fronting
Adderley Street between Hawke and Dudley
streets.
• The vision statements for the five ‘places’
identified in West Melbourne have been
strengthened.
• There will be additional steps taken to miti-
gate the impact of the West Gate Tunnel.
• Updated parking controls will improve ac-
cess to on-street parking for local residents.
There was lively discussion at the NWMA The Meat Market courtyard, which will host the North West Patch community garden Photo: Bridget Macwhirter
Wherever you want to go…
We have great value deals to get you on your way
City North Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Massage
Pilates
59 Errol Street Phone 03 9326 5535
email sales@travelconnections.com.au
North Melbourne or call in and see us at 32 Errol Street, North Melbourne
city
Open Monday to Saturday north
physiotherapy clinicAUTUMN 2018 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 7
40 years for Inner Melbourne Community Legal
Dan Stubbs “It is our job to stand up for those who are
vulnerable in the Melbourne community, and
those who aren’t able to fight for themselves
I
nner Melbourne Community Legal, a long- or who find the legal system daunting.”
standing non-profit organisation offering Inner Melbourne Community Legal prin-
free legal services to vulnerable people in cipal lawyer Melanie Dye recently helped a
North and West Melbourne, is celebrating its client living with mental illness and health
40th anniversary this year. issues, Huong, to be freed of a large debt, after
Formerly North Melbourne Legal Service, accumulating parking fines.
Inner Melbourne Community Legal was es- “We recently helped Huong, a migrant client
tablished in 1978 by an inspirational group of at risk of homelessness. After living and work-
lawyers passionate about social justice. The ing in Australia since the 1980s, he amassed
organisation is still providing community legal $15,000 in parking fines while battling mental
support for the vulnerable to this day. health issues,” Ms Dye said.
Inner Melbourne Community Legal CEO “Huong had lost his job due to a heart
Daniel Stubbs said the organisation wanted to condition and his marriage had broken down.
uncover its history, and is calling on all former Most of the fines had been incurred during
staff, interns and volunteers to make contact this period of time, so we were confident that
with the organisation again to share their sto- something out of the ordinary was happening.
ries. “We assured him we would help and re-
“It’s really great to keep meeting people ferred him to a psychologist for professional
who have gone on and done really interesting help. Huong was then diagnosed with a major
and impressive things, who volunteered here depressive illness that had probably affected
20 or 30 years ago,” Mr Stubbs said. him at the time he received all the fines.
“We’re asking all former staff and volun- “The magistrate in this case ruled Huong’s
teers — from founding members and board fines were a result of his mental ill-health and
positions to law interns — to make contact homelessness, and he shouldn’t be penalised
with us via our website and connect with us to for that. Huong’s fines and associated debt
help celebrate our 40th year.” were waived,” she said.
Mr Stubbs said the legal centre played an CEO Dan Stubbs said this case showed that The dedicated lawyers at Inner Melbourne Community Legal Photo: IMCL
important role in the local community. the work of legal centres like Inner Melbourne
enjoy a good and fair quality of life. Social North and West Melbourne.
“Community lawyers are here to support Community Legal was as relevant as ever in
2018. justice is why we exist,” Mr Stubbs said. Former staff members, volunteers and cli-
those who are the most vulnerable in Mel-
bourne, and often migrants, the homeless and “The fight for social justice helps ensure In 2018, Inner Melbourne Community Legal ents are asked to make contact to join in the
those experiencing mental illness are most at everyone, no matter what their race, religion, is celebrating 40 years of fighting for social 40th anniversary celebrations. Visit www.imcl.
risk,” he added. gender or disability, has an opportunity to justice and helping those most vulnerable in org.au/support-us/40-stories/ for more details.
politics & environment
Melbourne Metro works raise heritage concerns
Conall Batch West Melbourne Association (NWMA), wel- were advertised well in advance, there was a for major construction at Arden — soon to be
comed the restoration of the weighbridge but disappointing lack of community consultation renamed North Melbourne Station — were
aired concerns over the MMRA’s approach to almost complete. The demolition of industri-
A
by the MMRA and Melbourne City Council.
s part of ongoing preparations for the preserving local heritage. While there is a consultative group on the al structures on the site had been completed
Arden station development, the Mel- “It’s fantastic it’s being restored,” he said. Metro development, within which the NWMA earlier in the month, and the set-up for the
bourne Metro Rail Authority (MMRA) “But it’s a pity it’s not in North or West Mel- is represented, Chamberlin described such tunnel boring machine launch shaft, used to
has relocated a historic railway weighbridge bourne in the community, where it served a community consultation as indirect and “very dig the Metro Rail Tunnel, was due to begin in
from its original home in North Melbourne to very important function in its day.” much on the margins”. mid-February.
the Daylesford Spa Country Railway. Chamberlin claimed there had been no More information on the Arden station de-
Though forums and avenues have been
The weighbridge, in operation between 1927 consultation with the local community over velopment can be found at www.metrotunnel.
established for consultation with residents,
and the late 1980s, was one of many used the fate of the weighbridge, and sees this as vic.gov.au/stations/north-melbourne. Informa-
“we’ve got to see whether they’re prepared to
throughout Victoria to determine rail freight symbolic of the MMRA’s overall approach tion on the North and West Melbourne Associ-
listen”, he said. Locals are particularly con-
charges. It will be fully restored to its original towards heritage preservation and community ation can be found at www.nwma.org.au/.
cerned by the depth of tunnelling below resi-
working condition for an upcoming exhibition consultation.
dences in some areas, a worry they feel has not Sources: Joel Dwyer, Melbourne Metro Rail
in an open-air museum at the Daylesford site. He said there was no clear plan for the main-
been addressed by the MMRA. Authority; Kevin Chamberlin, North and West
North and West Melbourne community tenance and integration of historic features
into the new development. “It’s disappointing As of February 2018, preparatory works Melbourne Association.
members, however, have expressed concern
over the move. that we don’t know of any interpretation be-
The original railway plays a role of histor- ing placed in this site on the story of the very
ical importance in the community, and many important role that Victorian Railways played
local residents fear a loss of heritage as a result in the life of North and West Melbourne,” he
of the new Metro Tunnel. Some feel that the said.
weighbridge removal is indicative of a wider “A lot of locals went to work there and got
lack of consultation during the development apprenticeships and training. It gave them a
process. job, income, stability, social development,
Melbourne Metro relocated the Victorian intellectual development. They developed a
Railways weighbridge in conjunction with the trade or a degree. To think that that’s all been
Early Works contractor, John Holland KBR. wiped is unfortunate.”
The MMRA contacted several railway soci- Despite these reservations, Chamberlin ex-
eties in 2017 to gauge interest in hosting the pressed a positive outlook towards infrastruc-
weighbridge, and found the Daylesford Spa ture development.
Country Railway to be the most enthusiastic. “The North and West Melbourne community
Melbourne Metro claims to have taken sig- are well-known strong supporters of public
nificant steps during construction to recognise, transport and would welcome any significant
preserve and restore monuments and artefacts infrastructure upgrades and capital expendi-
with heritage value. ture,” he explained. He did, however, add the
Stephen Shaddock, MMRA project director qualification that “there should be some inter-
for early works, said of the relocation: “North pretation telling future communities about the
Melbourne was the home of Victorian industry importance of this site to the North and West
and the Metro Tunnel Project is preserving Melbourne community”.
these important values by relocating a historic When asked about the impact of ongoing
weighbridge to a new home.” preparation for major works in the area, Cham-
Kevin Chamberlin, chair of the North and berlin stated that, although all disruptions North Melbourne’s historic weighbridge will be preserved Photo: Joel Dwyer8 POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT North and West Melbourne News AUTUMN 2018AUTUMN
Council cans plans for road acquisition
Mitchell Post ‘The Project’, which boasts over 140 members
and was a finalist in last year’s Melbourne
I
Awards for its contribution to environmental
n October last year, homes in the City sustainability.
Gardens residential complex in North Home to herb gardens, veggie patches, bee-
Melbourne were issued a notice from Mel- hives and worm farms, The Project acts as a
bourne City Council stating that the western meeting place for many City Gardens locals.
end of Plane Tree Way — a private roadway Project spokesperson and long-term resident
under City Gardens ownership — would be Trevor Smith spoke ardently about the impor-
compulsorily acquired. tance of The Project for community engage-
Many of the residents were vocal in their ment and cohesion, warning that to infringe
opposition to the proposed acquisition, claim- upon such an important site could diminish the
ing the council’s plans lacked transparency and social and communal life so many of the resi-
did not serve the best interests of the commu- dents hold dear.
nity. In light of consultations with the community
The council’s planned procurement of
and the pressure raised by residents, Mel-
Plane Tree Way was premised on an apparent
bourne City Council decided to abandon its
need to improve access and parking for the
attempts to acquire Plane Tree Way. According
soon-to-be-redeveloped Lady Huntingfield
to its most recent statement, “any future alter-
Children’s Centre on Haines Street, which runs
native [rezoning] proposals would be subject
parallel to Plane Tree Way. The City of Mel-
to community consultation”.
bourne is currently revamping the Lady Hunt-
The growing population density of Mel-
ingfield, due to North Melbourne’s increasing
population and also the need to provide more bourne’s inner northern and western suburbs
children’s services for disadvantaged and vul- does necessitate the improvement and re-scal-
nerable families in the area. ing of public services and infrastructure, as
Although the attainment of Plane Tree Way well as the redevelopment of many key local
by the council would probably not cause any sites. However, our council’s reconsideration
significant changes to current traffic condi- Plane Tree Way in City Gardens Photo: Alison Coulson of the rezoning of Plane Tree Way demon-
tions in the street — the street currently being strates that these processes don’t always have
a quiet, leafy oasis set within an otherwise National Trust provisions, could potentially to be at odds with community values and local
publicly accessible and used by patrons and
busy urban environment — a retreat from the undermine their autonomy over the communal interests.
workers at the Lady Huntingfield on a daily
basis — many City Gardens residents felt that constant hustle and bustle of inner-city life. green spaces that border it. Moreover, it shows that when community
to relinquish their full ownership of the street Many of its residents were therefore con- The communal green spaces of City Gar- groups are allowed to participate in the devel-
could jeopardise the serenity and the strong cerned that losing ownership of their primary dens are integral to its sleepy and serene am- opment of their local environments, both the
sense of community in the complex. thoroughfare, which nestles in the shadows of biance and aesthetic. Of particular importance needs of the city and local interests can be met
To those who live there, City Gardens is lush, 100-year-old plane trees protected under is the complex’s community garden, known as with pragmatic and accommodating resolution.
West Gate Tunnel — wrong way, go back!
Ellen Sandell, proposed by the public, nor did it come from is a good project by this Labor Government.
State Member for Melbourne expert traffic analysis about what’s needed for Yet the Labor Government is putting these
our city’s transport. Transurban, a private com- good transport credentials at risk by pushing
pany, submitted an unsolicited proposal for the forward with a toll road that will just create
I
n North and West Melbourne, we’re lucky West Gate toll road for one reason: profits. So, more traffic and dump thousands of cars onto
to have a beautiful local community so while we stand to lose out, this big business local roads and the CBD.
close to the city. It’s just a short walk to will make billions. For the sake of our city, it must be stopped.
Errol Street, or a quick tram to the Queen Vic And now Labor have started digging before To join the campaign to stop the West Gate
Market. the project can face the public scrutiny of an toll road, go to www.thetollroadwontwork.org.
But if the State Government has its way, election, and before Parliament has given its au or contact my office at office@ellensandell.
soon our streets will become even more flood- approval. com or 9328 4637.
ed with noisy and polluting cars. Have they forgotten the massive community
Late last year, the Labor Government signed uproar when the Liberals attempted the same
off on the West Gate Tunnel, a toll road from thing with the East West Link?
the western suburbs into the city. The toll road Working with the City of Melbourne and
will dump thousands more cars onto local the community, we’ve been able to secure im-
streets in North and West Melbourne. proved bike paths and better lighting for foot-
It will push 3000 extra cars onto Victoria paths. Soon, we’ll have two new train stops
Street, 2500 onto Arden Street, 3500 onto Dry- to link the inner north-west to the rest of Mel-
burgh Street and 5000 more cars onto Hawke bourne as part of the Melbourne Metro, which Photo: Office of Ellen Sandell MP
Street — per day.
Off-ramps will also delay, and potentially
rule out, the development of the E-Gate site
OPTOMETRIST
just west of North Melbourne Station, where
there were plans to create homes for 10,000
new residents and connect West Melbourne
with Docklands in a sustainable, livable com-
munity.
Dumping thousands more cars into the inner
north-west will also pave the way for the East
West Link to be revived. This is a project that
Hours
threatens our parklands and will further in-
crease congestion. 9–5 Mon–Fri
No other smart, modern city is building Andrew 10–12.30 Sat
huge new toll roads and driving traffic into
their CBD. So why is Melbourne? Harris After Hours by Appointment
Our community has already fought against BSc(Optom), FVCO Contact Lens Practitioner
the East West Link and defeated it once. But
Labor seems to have forgotten our communi-
ty’s disdain for destructive toll roads.
56 Errol Street - North Melbourne - phone 9329 9372
Labor’s own modelling shows the toll road
will improve the commute from the outer west
to the city by only eight minutes. They have
kept other critical traffic modelling secret.
The West Gate Tunnel was not a projectAUTUMN 2018 North and West Melbourne News POLITICS & ENVIRONMENT 9
Sunflowers and the city
Catherine McLeod experience a blend of art and horticultural
practice, and Ben hopes that “people will re-
spond positively and engage with the work by
A
gainst a backdrop of red brick and watering and harvesting the seeds at the end”.
post-industrial grey, disused factory This is not the first time that the Upfield line
buildings and the towering concrete has hosted Ben’s black-and-yellow blooms.
pillars that bolster the cars on the freeway His inaugural piece in the series took place in
above, two small crops of sunflowers offer a a vacant lot near Macaulay Station in 2014. On
glimpse of green. this empty block Ben planted an entire field of
They spring from a pair of disused shopping sunflowers that were cared for by a collabora-
trolleys at Macaulay Station, part of the latest tive of local schools, community groups and
installation by Melbourne artist Ben Morieson businesses.
in his Fieldwork series. It made sense for the artist to expand his
The trolleys, which were placed in groups of second installation along the railway line. “It
four or five at every station along the Upfield was a natural fit to extend the idea into that
line, form Fieldwork II, The Colonies. Closer corridor,” he said. Ben also used some of the
inspection reveals a plaque tied to each trolley, 10 kilos of seeds harvested from the original
which invites passers-by to relocate them. Ac- Fieldwork to propagate this latest project.
cording to Ben, about 40 of the trolleys have The Fieldwork series was inspired by the
been adopted and moved by people who live artist’s experience of urban food gardens in
or commute along the train line, some trolleys Havana, Cuba. In 2018, the Centre for Art,
even joining established community gardens. Society and Transformation at RMIT Uni-
Ben had to prepare 70 trolleys for the proj- versity — Ben’s alma mater — is running an
ect. “I needed to take a production line ap- exchange project between artists in the two
Trolleys awaiting placement Photo: Ben Morieson
proach,” he explained. “I designed an insert for cities, centred on the Hershey line in Havana
the trolley that would contain 60 kilos of soil and the Upfield track in Melbourne. for later this year. Those interested will have featuring trolleys — will be part of the Bien-
and also drain the water slowly.” Though the flowers will have wilted by the to travel a little further afield than North Mel- nale of Australian Art in Ballarat from Septem-
The installation allows urban dwellers to time this goes to print, Ben has more planned bourne, however, as his next project — also ber to November.
Legal advice for public housing tenants
Dan Stubbs caused stress for a number of residents, im- can make informed decisions,” Ms Williams the estate is sufficient for the area’s housing
pacting the wellbeing of already vulnerable says. needs. Ms Williams says it is not.
“We know that in our area there are scores
I
members of our community. The drop-in advice clinic followed a com-
nner Melbourne Community Legal contin- Following on from the residents’ feedback, munity meeting held at the North Melbourne of people on the housing waiting list, many on
ues its support for the residents of the Ab- IMCL lawyer Molly Williams has been advo- Library in December enabling residents and the priority list. We assist a number of home-
botsford Street Public Housing Estate, who cating on the residents’ behalf to the Depart- community members to voice their concerns less people, many of whom have been on the
will be relocated this year due to the proposed ment of Housing to clarify the meaning and and pose questions about the redevelopment. waiting list for many years,” she explains.
redevelopment of the site. terms of the relocation agreements to better IMCL presented at the meeting, informing IMCL is working alongside a number of
As part of a suite of responses, Inner Mel- protect their interests. residents of their key legal rights. community legal centres based in other areas
bourne Community Legal (IMCL) recently “We have already had some success with the “I’m so sad,” a resident told the group at with affected sites to ensure the right balance
conducted a drop-in legal advice clinic for Department of Housing in ensuring that the the meeting. “I know everyone here. Everyone is struck between public and private interests
residents impacted by the State Government’s residents we have seen have been able to re- knows me.” At 67, she risks losing her com- so that the Victorian community is getting suf-
plans for the ageing estate in North Melbourne sign new agreements protecting their right to munity and the place she calls home. “I treat ficient return from the selling-off of valuable
and is continuing to work closely with the return to the estates after the redevelopment,” this house like it is my own. I water the flow- public land.
Department of Housing to ensure the residents’ she says. ers on my windowsill. I love the trees, I love “Ideally, we’d like the majority of the rebuilt
rights are protected and that they are treated As the area’s local community legal service, the grass. It is beautiful.” estate to remain public housing,” says Ms
fairly. Williams.
IMCL is concerned that the proposed redevel- Ms Williams would like to see the planning
IMCL encourages any residents of the estate
The drop-in clinic gave residents an oppor- opment could result in considerable disrup- process take greater consideration of the needs
who need advice to get in touch with IMCL.
tunity to get free and confidential legal advice tions for existing tenants, eroding community of existing and future public housing residents.
For more information about residents’ rights,
about their individual situation. ties and access to social services that create “Being relocated to high-rise, high-density
visit www.imcl.org.au to view a legal factsheet.
A common theme expressed by the residents stability for already vulnerable people. buildings is of particular concern for residents
was a sense of uncertainty around the reloca- Of key concern to IMCL — in addition to with a disability or chronic illness,” she says. IMCL is a not-for-profit community legal
tion process and the future of their tenancies. the instability for these vulnerable tenants — is “Whilst there has been a commitment to an centre that provides legal assistance to people
Many residents felt in the dark over how long that a shift from public housing to community increase in public housing properties, there is a experiencing disadvantage in the City of Mel-
they will be temporarily relocated for, or what housing could mean many tenants may move lack of certainty as to whether the new houses bourne area, including the CBD, Docklands,
type of alternative permanent housing they back to having a new, less publicly accountable will accommodate existing families who re- West Melbourne, North Melbourne, Carlton
will be moved to and when. landlord and potentially fewer tenancy rights. quire multiple bedrooms.” and Parkville. IMCL has been assisting in-
Such uncertainty surrounding the relocation “It’s important that we inform tenants about A broader concern is whether the proposed ner-northern suburbs for 40 years. Dan Stubbs
of residents and the redevelopment plans has the implications of these changes so that they 10 per cent increase in public housing stock on is the CEO of IMCL.
General Practice,
Specialists and
Allied Health Centre
Services Provided: Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Immunisations, Pathology,
Health Assessments, Wound Management, Chronic Disease Management Plans
Allied Health Services: Podiatrist, Osteopath and Clinical Psychologist
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm
Level 1, 65–67 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 (above the Pharmacy)
03 9329 7011
Now you can book your appointments ONLINE!
Key “Errol Street Medical Centre” into your search engine
BULK-BILLING FOR CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS Lawyer Molly Williams (left) with law student volunteers Corinna and Chris at the pop-up
legal clinic at Cohealth Photo: Inner Melbourne Community LegalYou can also read
