TWiSK #386
Council divided and confused over Voice vote
Marlborough Street social housing still vacant
Another view of the Triangle
Local law action on short stay accommodation
Fringe Festival kicks off @ Theatre Works
Referendum Pre-poll locations
Polling places for Saturday
Plus music, theatre and community events
Win Tix
I Am Seaweed @ Theatre Works
I Am Seaweed @ Theatre WorksTuesday 10 October – Saturday 14 October
Double billed with Flit
“But you’re no loser.
You are sunshine.
So get well motherf**cker!
But also.
To exist, simply to float.
Now wouldn’t that be the dream…”
Follow Sheryl with an ‘S’ on her quest to become as resilient and as versatile as Seaweed. Enter a world of moody projections, quirky presentations, satirical ads and a lot of the ‘weed’ from the sea. In a society where we are constantly pushed to be more productive, skilful and self-sufficient, what does it mean to ‘just be?’. Can we grow from a place of love and trust instead of shame and comparison?”
Tix
Flit @ Theatre Works
Tuesday 10 October – Saturday 14 October
Double billed with I am Seaweed
“A girl returns home from a night out, muscles aching from dancing. A boy she has never seen before sits in her flat, awaiting her return. Assuming the worst, the girl takes a frying pan to the boy’s temple, and when he claims he has been banished from Neverland by Peter Pan, the girl thinks the boy is crazy, high or both. That is until his story begins tugging on a memory she thought she had forgotten…
Drawing on JM Barrie’s mythological tale, Flit is a new work that “caresses the tumultuous”, and “possesses a raw, mesmerising quality” (Arts Hub). Flit will leave you feeling like you’ve seen it before – but can’t remember where.”
Tix 
Fish Boy & Fire Dyke @ Theatre Works Explosives Factory
Tuesday 10 October – Saturday 14 October, various times
A dark dramedy play that dissects nepotism, transphobia, racism and capitalism, creating clowns of the rich and famous. Fish Boy and Fire Dyke serves to champion voices within the Trans community.
Tix
No wheelchair access
Memory Lane Café @ Victorian Pride Centre
Tuesday 10 October,1:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Meet with others who can provide friendship and support while enjoying some entertainment and light refreshments.
You will also have the opportunity to chat with trained staff and volunteers from Dementia Australia.
This event is for LGBTI+* people or allies who are living with dementia, and their family and friends.
Bookings are essential. Please RSVP by phoning Jacquie on (03) 9815 7879 or emailing vic.memorylanecafe@dementia.org.au and they will contact you.
Flake @ Red Stitch
Previews 11 – 17 October, Season 18 October – 5 November
Set in Hanoi, Dan Lee’s wry new play draws us deep into the mess and chaos of old friendships, fragmented families and the inevitable blur of aging. Meanwhile, the ancient city of Hanoi howls and crashes around outside, through the walls of the tiny basement kitchen.
Great cast: Joe Petruzzi, Robert Menzies and Phoebe Phuoc Nguyen
Tix and info
Life of Byron @ Alex
Wednesday 11 October – Sunday 22 October, various times
“Byron’s mother is suffering with the early effects of dementia, and his sister Alex thinks the best option is to sell the house and put their mum in a nursing home. As Byron picks through his old glory box full of memories of the women who shaped him, in particular the one who was the lynchpin holding everything together – his mum, Byron wonders, can he really send his mother away? Can he care for her himself?
Is he good enough? Maybe it’s time for him to finally grow up and find out.”
Tix and info 
Chess @ National Theatre
Until 21 October, 8 pm (plus some matinees)
“Everybody’s Playing a Game…
An international romantic drama played out against a backdrop of political intrigue and treachery provides the setting for Chess. Set during the height of the Cold War, two of the world’s greatest chess players are about to battle for the World Championship. They think they are just playing chess, but they both unwittingly find themselves pawns of their own governments’ political manipulations as well as being caught up in an epic love triangle.
With music by ABBA’s Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, and book and lyrics by Sir Tim Rice.” $58/$36
Tix and info 
Seniors Fest: Friends with a Firie and Coffee with a Cop @ St Kilda Library
Wednesday 11 October, 2 pm – 4 pm,
Join us for a session with representatives from Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria who discuss feeling safe in public spaces and other tips for older people to be prepared for emergencies and home security.
150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Seniors Festival Writing Awards @ St Kilda Library
Friday 13 October, 3.30 pm – 5 pm
Join us for this enjoyable session of literature including the announcement of the of the Judges Awards. Special guests will read selections of writers’ entries.
Light refreshments included.
99a Carlisle Street 
Full Seniors Festival Program program now available
World Series Barefoot Bowls @ St Kilda Bowlo
Wednesday 11 October – Wednesday 22 November, 6.30 pm
Seven-week tournament for new bowlers. Prizes, snacks and colored balls. $75
Get a taste at learn to bowl and BBQ Wednesday 4 October 6.30 pm
Get more info 0411 413 617
Colours of Latin America Group Exhibition @ Space2b
Opening Night Thursday 12 October, 6 pm – 8 pm
Until 28 October
Vibrant artworks, immersive displays, and interactive experiences that beckon them to explore the kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and stories representing the true essence of Latin American diversity.
More info 
Shannon Bourne @ George Lane
Thursday 12 October, 7 pm – 11 pm
A veteran of Melbourne’s music scene, Shannon Bourne’s career began as a sideman to blues legend, Chris Wilson. He has collaborated with and accompanied some of Australia’s most highly acclaimed musicians, including, Vika Bull, The Black Sorrows, Tex Perkins’ Band of Gold, Matt Walker, Broderick Smith, Don Walker and The Suave Fucks and Checkerboard Lounge.
Tix 
Chet Faker @ Palais
Thursday 12 October, 8 pm
Aussie musician Nick Murphy presents his first Chet Faker shows in Australia since 2015. $89
Tix
Killing Time: Mysteries with History @ The Rising Sun Hotel
Friday 13 October, 6pm for dinner. Show at 7.30 pm
Authors Alison Goodman (The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies), Nilima Rao (A Disappearance in Fiji), and Margaret Hickey (Broken Bay) will dissect their mysteries with host Dr Kelly Gardiner and detail what light they shed on contemporary concerns as well as those of earlier times, from the Regency era in England to Fiji in 1914, and to more recent skulduggery on South Australia’s limestone coast..,. A short AGM follows.
Bookings
2 Raglan St, South Melbourne
Gallie & Band Double Single Launch@ Memo
Friday 13 October, 7 pm
“Gallie’s latest work follows on from his critically acclaimed album ‘The Occoquan River’. Having played this years Port Fairy festival to standing ovations, showcasing the new songs, Gallie and the band are raring to get on the road to share this new body of work.” $45/40/30
Tix
Kim Volkman & The Whiskey Priests @ George Lane
Friday 13 October, 7 pm – 11pm
Kim Volkman (guitar), Helen Cattanach (bass) and Carl Manuell (drums) deliver a no holds barred rock n roll sound.
Tix
Spooky Night @ The Prince Bandroom
Friday, 13 October, 7 pm
Sing and dance along to all your favourite musical theatre songs that are a little halloweenie.
They’re talking Rocky Horror, Phantom of the Opera, a few Disney bangers and Little Shop of Horrors…oh and plenty of witches and wizards!
There’ll be lip sync battles, drag performers, amazing singers and a few sneaky surprises.$37
Tix 
My Cousin Vlad – Catastropha @ Palais
Friday 13 October, 8 pm
After blowing up the comedy scene with his notorious 1 minute stories and sold out theatre tours, My Cousin Vlad returns with his new show Catastropha!
Documenting the past few years of events, the culture, the influencers, the heads & the Sydney Renos, Vlad is taking no prisoners this round.
Tix
The Casanovas @ Espy Gershwin
Friday 13 October, 8 pm
Melbourne hard rock band $28
Tix
Coffee, cake & crime @ Gasworks Café
Saturday 14 October, 10.30 am
Join L.A. Larkin (now a Port Melbourne resident) to celebrate the launch of First Victim, an action-packed and suspenseful novel that follows the story of Detective Inspector Hal Challis.
More info
21 Graham St, Albert Park.
Creating Expression with Nature & Ink Workshop @ Space2b
Saturday 14 October, 2 pm – 4 pm
Led by artist Rahila Zeeshan, this workshop will encourage you to embrace the ever-changing form of nature, by exploring and experimenting with organic objects such as twigs, sticks, native plants and leaves. It will give you the space to play with pattern and enjoy the fluidity of mark making using ink. Materials will be provided. $30 pp
Bookings
144 Chapel St
Andrea Robertson @ George Lane Matinee Sessions
Saturday 14 October, 3 pm – 6 pm
Andrea Robertson has a voice like honey and a knack for making music that gets into your system and feels immediately like an old friend.
Tix
Bill Kirchen + Redd Volkaert (USA) @ Memo
Saturday 14 October, 7 pm
Bill Kirchen and Redd Volkaert are two country music guitar-picking American icons. Country Music Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner and respectively. Playing with their International Rhythm Section. $85/75/65
Tix
Moira @ Palais
Saturday 14 October, 8 pm
Witness the music talents of Moira, graduate of The Voice Philippines. Moira has hit songs that have over 1 Billion Streams and the Most Streamed Female Artists of the Philippines.
Filipino International Students and Filipino community members are invited to watch this delightful event. $131
Tix 
World’s Greatest Freak Show @ Espy Gershwin
Saturday 14 October, 6:30 pm
It is what it says on the ticket. $55
Tix 
Melbourne Marathon @ St Kilda and beyond
Sunday 15 October, 5 am to 2.30 pm
Road closures: Fitzroy Street, Beaconsfield Parade, Marine Parade, Ormond Esplanade, St Kilda Road, Jacka Boulevard.
Road closure time: 5 am to 12 pm. St Kilda Road to 1pm
Event hotline: 03 9864 1118 
Ash Grunwald @ Memo
Sunday 15 October, 2 pm
A journeyman, storyteller, and troubadour at heart, Australia’s foremost bluesman Ash Grunwald has inspired a generation to hit the road in an old beat-up Bedford to ‘surf by day jam by night’. $50/40/35
Tix
James Abberley @ George Lane
Ssunday 15 October, 4 pm – 8 pm
Based in Margaret River in the south west of WA, James has made a name for himself as one to watch! His high energy show is full of Melody and storytelling and will leave you craving more.
Tix 
Tim Dillon @ Palais
Sunday 15 October, 9 pm
Tim Dillon is a comedian and podcaster who hosts the popular Tim Dillon Show, which regularly attracts over one million viewers and listeners on a weekly basis. He has comedy specials on Netflix and Comedy Central and tours the world doing stand-up comedy. $91
Tix
Katjarra @ Vivien Anderson Gallery
Until 4 November
Katjarra Butler is a Western Desert artist. Vivien says Katjarra work has been described in the media as joyous, sheer dynamism, awe inspiring and grand.
“In each painting in this exhibition Katjarra channels the supremacy of desert religion. New and ancient together, in an embrace as strong as the juxtaposed colours,” say Vivien.
Info
284–290 St Kilda Road
Tuesday to Friday 11am — 5 pm, Saturday 12 pm — 4 pm
Photo: Katjarra Butler and Sally Butler in front of Vivien Anderson Gallery for Katjarra’s solo exhibition.
Next week
Monday 16 October – Sunday 22 October
Author Talk: Michael Gawenda @ Emerald Hill Library
Tuesday 17 October, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Michael Gawenda, journalist and author, was a political reporter, a foreign correspondent based in London and Washington, and a senior editor at Time.
Gather round as Michael discusses his latest release, My Life as a Jew.
Tix
Cocktails, Creativity and Conversations – Meet the Maker Event @ Hustle With Ease space
Thursday 19 October, 6.30 – 8 pm
Meet the incredible makers and creatives at the Hustle With Ease space – cocktail included in the ticket! $10
Special local ticket link 
Oktoberfest in the Gardens @ Catani Gardens
Saturday 21 October, 1 pm to 9 pm
Lederhosen, liquor and bratwurst in the Gardens. $79
Tix
St Kilda “Then and Now” @ Christ Church Mission Community Centre
Sunday 22 October, 5 pm
To celebrate 20 years of the Christ Church Mission Community Centre, a powerhouse panel of notable locals will discuss the needs of the community.
Panel includes: John Thwaites, Pia Sim, Hang Vo and Nina Taylor
A big event for the little mission!
Please book
14 Acland Street, St Kilda
Plan ahead
In The Club @ Theatre Works
26 October – 11 November, 7.30pm
Written by Patricia Cornelius, one of Australia’s most awarded and uncompromising playwrights, In The Club is a powerful and compelling work that shines a fierce light on consent, coercion, and sexual violence. $50 Full, $42 Concession
Tix
14 Acland Street
Duration: 80 minutes no interval
Suitable for ages 16+
Warnings: Contains coarse language and adult themes including explicit retelling of sexual violence
In The Club Tix
TWiSK has two double passes for Thursday 26 October 7.30 pm for readers to win.
Email with subject line ‘In The Club’ by 5 pm Monday 9 October to go in the draw.
Local Author Talk: Roderick Waller @ St Kilda Library
Thursday 28 October, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Join Roderick Waller in conversation with Janet McDonald, co-ordinator of Roomers, a publication written by and for residents of rooming houses, private hotels or supported residential services in the City of Port Phillip.
Roderick Waller is a Yorkshire man, a rural dweller and has spent six decades with farmers in various lands. His work has been published in various journals and he has received several awards for his short stories and poetry, including major awards at Port Phillip Writes Seniors Festival.
Tix 
Author Talk: Ed Le Brocq @ St Kilda Library
Thursday 2 November 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
A talk from writer, musician and ABC Classic’s Weekend Breakfast presenter Ed Le Brocq about his new book, Sound Bites.
Ed invites you on a journey through a living tradition that spans millennia: the tradition of Western classical music.
Tix
Summer Camp Festival @ St Kilda Marina
Saturday 2 December
LGBTQIA+ outdoor music festivals, with performances, DJs, drag and lots of dancing.
Summer Camp 2023 will feature Jessie Ware (UK), DJ Trixie Mattel (USA), Brooke Candy (US), Half Queen (NZ), Kito (US), Meg10, Rebecca Black (US), The Illustrious Blacks (US), Tom Aspual (UK), Ultra Nate (US), Alex Morris, Ballroom Australia, Bathesba, Dawsdilonce, Disco Daddies, DJ Gay Dad, Etcetera Etcetera x Art Simone, Fragile Future, House of Buffet, Jesse Boyd, Kat Zowthabag, Kween Kong, Mz Rizk, Saint Eve, Sal, Simple, SOVBLKPSSY, Stone Motherless Cold, Sullivan, The Huxleys, Tilly Capulet, Tyoow, VB and Yo! Mafia. $142
Tix
Another local view:
Triangle proposal saves grassy slopes and key views
Krystyna Kynst offered us her comments on the unChain 3D video of the Triangle proposal we published last week.
“unChain’s 3D Triangle ‘impressions’ video – published unverified in last week’s TWISK – is a scaremongering tactic that ignores the positives, while exaggerating the building’s impact on views.
The most important benefit of the new Triangle proposal is that it retains Catani’s grassy slopes – St Kilda’s much-loved and important heritage landscape feature, public space, and pedestrian connection to the beach.
Another benefit is that it does not build over the Lower Esplanade, thus preserving important views from Luna Park to the foreshore and vice versa. Finally, it puts an end to the 2016 Masterplan’s costly re-engineering of the Esplanade promenade and loss of its bay views for a carpark.
The new performance venue, located where the Palace (and before it the Palais De Danse) once stood, will continue St Kilda’s and the Triangle’s history as a live music destination. It presents a simple return to basics rather than chasing visions of grandiose cultural and world significance, or of massive shopping/nightclub activation proposed in previous Masterplans.
Too much time and money have been wasted fighting over unrealistic ideas when all that was ever needed was a music venue for modern times, designed beautifully to complement the magnificence of the Palais Theatre.”
TWiSK welcomes submissions – always
gday@archives.gdaystkilda.com.au
View unChained’s 3D images here
One on One Device Advice @ St Kilda Library
Wednesdays, 1 pm – 2 pm
Book in a 30-minute appointment and have your tech questions answered by our friendly team! We can assist you with basic troubleshooting and navigation of your personal devices.
Bookings required
St Kilda Affordable Art Show Submissions are open @ Space2b
Applications Close Sunday 12 November
Open to both emerging and established artists, the St Kilda Affordable Art Show is an exhibition that celebrates the power of creativity and expression of joy in the lead-up to the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The show is open to creatives of all kinds, exhibiting a wide array of artistic styles and mediums
Show runs from 28 November 2023 until 27 January 2024.
Submit Your Artwork
Referendum: Local Early voting Centres
Monday 9 October – Thursday 12 October: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Friday 13 October: 8.30 am – 6 pm
Unfortunately, St Kilda has been overlooked for an early voting centre.
The nearest pre-poll centres are located in Malvern, Brighton, Port Melbourne and Ashburton.
See on map
St Stephen’s Church Hall
111 North Rd, Brighton
St George’s Anglican Church
296 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern
Port Melbourne Town Hall
333 Bay St, Port Melbourne
1st Ashburton Scout Hall
337 High St, Ashburton
St Kilda / Elwood polling places
Saturday 14 October
Voting near St Kilda / Elwood
See on map
Betty Day Centre
67 Argyle St, St Kilda
Christ Church Community Centre
14 Acland St, St Kilda
St Kilda Police & Citizens Youth Club
179 Inkerman St, St Kilda
St Kilda Park Primary School
68 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
St Kilda Primary School
2B Brighton Rd, St Kilda
St Kilda Scouts Hall
26 Avoca Ave, Elwood
St Mary’s Parish Hall
208 Dandenong Rd, St Kilda East
St Columba’s Primary School
24 Glen Huntly Rd, Elwood
Elwood College
101 Glen Huntly Rd, Elwood
Elwood Primary School
Cnr Mitford St and Poets Gr, Elwood
Ripponlea Primary School
25 Carrington Gr, St Kilda East
Yes vote divides and confuses council
Yes vote divides and confuses councilLast week Council voted to ‘affirm a YES position in the October 14 Referendum’ in a tied vote that required the Mayor to exercise her casting vote after initially abstaining.
In a heartfelt final hour of a marathon meeting that ended after midnight, the eight councillors present took turns to voice their thoughts on The Voice proposal.
The motion was proposed by Cr Robbie Nyaguy who spoke at length on his positive feeling about the marriage equality vote and his desire to pass that forward to First Nations reconciliation. Cr Baxter, Crawford and Martin also spoke earnestly in favour of supporting YES.
Cr Bond, Clark and Pearl spoke against the resolution generally because they didn’t think it was within the remit of council. Cr Bond pointed out that both the local indigenous groups had taken no position on the referendum. “We aske them and they had no position for or against the referendum question,” he said.
Cr Cunsolo said she was disappointed that this had come to the chamber..
The votes were cast as follows:
FOR: Crs Baxter, Crawford, Martin and Nyaguy
AGAINST: Crs Bond, Pearl and Clark
ABSTAINED: Cr Cunsolo
Cr Sirakoff was on leave
Casting vote required
Confusion overcome the meeting and an adjournment was required because the standing rules determined the abstaining vote was considered a vote against – creating a tied result.
After the adjournment, Mayor Cunsolo used her casting vote to pass the motion.
Council published this statement on social media and it’s website
“At the Council Meeting 4 October, a motion was passed by Council to support the Yes vote in the referendum on establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution. The motion supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including a Yes position in the referendum. It also supports clear and accurate information for the community to make an informed decision on their vote in the referendum. Finally, Council reaffirmed its commitment to develop its third Reconciliation Action Plan.”
FYI Links to local First Nations websites
The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Local law response to Short Stay Accommodation amenity concerns
Council voted to use Local Law S59, which applies to the amenity impacts of commercial activities, to investigate complaints, require management plans or issue infringements related to short stay accommodations (SSA) for a 12 month trial period..
This follows a community petition earlier in the year from residents concerned about short stay ‘party’ rentals with excessive noise, litter and anti-social behaviour.
A report to Council stressed that “Amenity Management plans could address ongoing issues, although it is not particularly responsive to immediately abate complaints. For example, late night noise, which would need referral to Police.”
A number councillors spoke against the change because they supported the ability of landlords to offer rentals as short stays.
Previously Council has sought to avoid any authority over SSA.
But don’t expect Council to shut down late night parties, the S59 response will be an ‘office hours’ job.
The report contains data on SSA rentals and complaints.
Read the report to Council
Marlborough Street Social housing still empty
Despite a photo-opportunity launch in March, the $29m Marlborough Street (Balaclava) residential social house project in is yet to welcome any residents.
In August, TWiSK contacted both Council and Housing First about the delay. A Housing First spokesperson said residents would arrive in early September.
But in response to a councillor question at Wednesday’s Council meeting, council officers said the settlement date was 6 November.
Read the Housing First information (that still says the first tenants will move in from April 2023).
Notes from the council meeting
Changes coming for community bus
Currently an on-demand service, the community bus that helps people get to libraries, market and medical facilities is set to revert to a timetabled service.
TWiSK will report on why and when this change is happening – and what it means.
National Theatre $30K grant for external lighting
After a tour of the theatre in past weeks, Councillors approved funding of $30,000 for an
external building upgrade and lighting to improve both the safety and amenity of a key
entryway to St Kilda.
More delays for Palais Theatre and Luna Park Precinct Project?
This topic was listed in confidential matters at Council. Intriguingly, the council website features this common refrain:
Unfortunately ongoing issues have delayed the onsite commencement of construction works. Council is working to develop a suitable solution and anticipates to see the re-commencement of construction works early 2024 and for all onsite works to be delivered by mid-2024.
TWiSK notes that this saga has more ups and downs than the nearby Scenic railway. Last year we reported a 12 month delay due to discovery of a previously unknown storm water drain. Before that it was touted as a shovel ready COVID era project.
Maybe we should submit it to the Utopia script writers?
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Greg Day
Happy to chat anytime 0418 345 829
Content suggestions and community questions are always welcome.
gday@archives.gdaystkilda.com.au
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This Week in St Kilda respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.