TWiSK #387
‘Miracle’ on Marlborough Street
Fringe Double Bills @ Theatre Works
More views on Triangle
20 years @ Christ Church Mission
$1 per year for beach pavilion?
St Kilda / Elwood vote goes against national trend
See how your booth voted
Plus music, theatre and community events
Win Tix
Author Talk: Michael Gawenda @ Emerald Hill Library
Author Talk: Michael Gawenda @ Emerald Hill LibraryTuesday 17 October, 6.30 pm – 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
Pornographillip @ Theatre Works
Tuesday 17 October – Saturday 21 October, various times
From the writer of ‘Leopard Print Loincloth’, ‘Sexy Dead Schoolboys’, and ‘Five Stars’, comes a new play about lust and satisfaction and forearm muscles.
Tix
Pornographillip is double billed with The Wilde Kind
The Wilde Kind @ Theatre Works
Tuesday 17 October – Saturday 21 October, various times
The Wilde Kind explores identity, love, and the complexity of human connection, all against the backdrop of a rigorous, prestigious academic institution.
Tix
The Wilde Kind is double billed with Pornographillip
MinusOneSister @ Theatre Works Explosives Factory
Tuesday 17 October – Saturday 21 October, various times
Told in 26 striking fragments, MinusOneSister is Sophocles Electra wrenched into the furious present and placed in the hands of the young people at its centre. Anna Barnes’ script breaks open the classic Greek drama to bring its audience face to face with the challenge of violence and its capacity to make families into strangers, heroes into villains, and meaning into oblivion.
Tix
Double billed with The Femme Commandments
The Femme Commandments @ Theatre Works Explosives Factory
Tuesday 17 October – Saturday 21 October, various times
This is a show about the rules and expectations placed on women. Something like a cross between a poetry reading and an indie folk concert, the Femme Commandments covers topics women often feel we can’t (or shouldn’t) talk about.
There are rules for being a woman. Thou shalt burn the rules.
Tix
The Femme Commandments is double billed with Minus One Sister
Flake @ Red Stitch
Wednesday 18 October – Sunday 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
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 
Opening Of Charlotte Watson > Moral Stranger @ Linden Projects Space
Thursday 19 October, 6 pm – 8PM
For Moral Stranger, artist and writer Charlotte Watson creates an installation that unfolds the complexities around crime. For this exhibition, game-hunting and its strict ethical codes are paired against commentary from a criminal case. Drawing from a theoretical term used for offenders, Moral Stranger pits individual morals against social ethics, exposing the grey area that surfaces when choices are made at the expense of another.
Info 
Willie Watson (USA) @ Memo
Thursday 19 October, 7 pm
Willie Watson makes modern folk music rooted in older traditions. Hailing from Watkins Glen in upstate New York, the legendary founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show has a rucksack of feelgood songs and stories to share with St Kilda. With special guest Melissa Carper & Nat Myers. $75/70/65+bf Online
Tix
Celebrate The Traveling Wilburys @ Memo
Friday 20 October, 7 pm
Great Aussie legends band starring Lindsay Field, Sam See, Glyn Mason & backed by a ‘stellar band’. $65/55/45
Tix 
Kosheen @ Espy
Friday 20 October, 7.30 pm
Kosheen is a British electronic music group based in Bristol, UK. The group consist of singer-songwriter Sian Evans, songwriter-producer Markee Ledge and producer-songwriter Darren Decoder.$54
Tix 
AndyLP @ Espy Basement
Friday 20 October, 8:30 pm
Launch of his new single “Icarus”! $17
Tix
Oktoberfest in the Gardens @ Catani Gardens
Saturday 21 October, 1 pm to 9 pm
Lederhosen, liquor and bratwurst in the Gardens. $79
Tix 
Possible, Probable & Preferable Futures @ Linen
Saturday 21 October, 1pm – 2pm
Explore what our possible world might look like together with Sarah McArthur, the Director of CityLab, City of Melbourne’s design-led innovation consultancy. Sarah brings an antidisciplinary approach to solving challenges. As a design leader her background has intersected strategic, experience, service, brand, product and spatial design across studios, new venture startups and innovation labs. Free
Tix 
Queen Forever Tribute @ Memo
Saturday 21 October, 7 pm
“A Night at the Theatre” with a classy Queen tribute act. $60/45
Tix 
Urban forest strategy workshops @ St Kilda Town Hall
Sunday, 22nd October, 10 am – noon (Canal Ward), 2 pm – 4 pm (Lake Ward)
Council is taking steps towards a “bold and innovative Urban Forest Strategy” that guides the greening of both public and private spaces.
Imagine, for example, more median/extended kerb ribbon planting and in-street plantings etc.
If you’ve got ideas or interest, these workshops are for you.
RSVP Canal Urban Forest Strategy Workshop Invite: Ripponlea, St Kilda East and Elwood
RSVP Lake Urban Forest Strategy Workshop Invite: Albert Park, Middle Park, St Kilda West, St Kilda
More info 
Ross Wilson Ep Launch @ Memo
Sunday 22 October, 3 pm
Witness the first live performance of all four new tracks from Ross Wilson’s new EP “She’s Stuck On Facebook All The Time” as well as all the classic Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock hits. With Guest 8 Ball Aitken $65/55/45
Tix
Baroque violin & Harpsichord @ All Saints’
Sunday 22 October, 3 pm
2023 All Saints’ Concert Series continues with Lucinda Moon (Baroque violin) and John O’Donnell (Harpsichord ) presenting works by Telemann, Handel and J. S. Bach .$25 full / $20 concession. Students free entry with a valid student card.
Tickets at the door (No EFTPOS) or on Trybooking
Concert series info
2 Chapel Street, East St Kilda (opp. Astor Theatre)
Bones Mackinnon (Album Launch) and Charles Jenkins George Lane
Sunday 22 October, 4 pm – 8 pm
Independent Gippsland artist, Bones Mackinnon launches her debut album ‘Goin’ Back’ with a full band.
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
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 
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 23 October – Sunday 29 October
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 16 October to go in the draw.
Local Author Talk: Roderick Waller @ St Kilda Library
Thursday 26 October, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Join Roderick Waller in conversation with Janet McDonald, co-ordinator of Roomers. Free.
Tix 
Halloween Kids Party & Workshop @ Linden
Saturday 28 October, 1pm – 4pm
This Halloween, we want you to join in the eerie fun at Linden! Go on a thrilling quest in the garden, get creative in our gallery with a range of hair-raising activities, and make your own spooktacular peg doll with the amazing fibre artist Elif Bradfield. Limited Spots for the Workshop
Tix
Call for stall holders: Laneway Festive Market @ Space2b
Sunday 3 December, 10 am – 3 pm
Book Your Stall Now: Space2b is super excited to be partnering with the wonderful Jorge and Susana from The Urban Creatives. The pair are venturing Southside to run a not to be missed festive shopping market for you all to enjoy in our colourful laneway behind Space2b. This is a great opportunity for artisans and makers to showcase their craft and products. Stalls are available to book now before market day.
Book Your Stall
More info
144 Chapel St St Kilda
Consider green alternatives for Triangle says PECAN
Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network (PECAN) is concerned about the latest Council proposal for a 5000 capacity live music venue on the iconic Triangle Site.
The 2016 Council Triangle Masterplan recommended an allocation of 19,835 sq metres of open space, this proposal leaves only 7,250 sq metres. PECAN thinks that saving the slopes in insufficient and that the building bulk envisaged is in violation of both the Masterplan and the Urban Design Framework for 2002 which guides any development and requires the protection of views from the Upper Esplanade.
Additionally the proposal fails to address the environmental impact and heritage response. PECAN proposes that the Council redress these issues before progressing and recommends the integrated approach taken to the foreshore in Chicago’s Lurie Gardens.
See more images from Lurie Garden
PECAN encourages support for their alternative vision. Consultation closes on Thursday 19 October
Have your say
Don’t let “Triangle fatigue” stop you commenting says Serge
Many people have asked Serge Thomann what he thinks of the Council proposal of a 5000 people live music venue on the St Kilda Triangle site. Here is Serge’s reply
Of course, like most people, I support in principle the concept of having another live music venue in St Kilda. But I have serious reservation for what is proposed.
Let me first say that more than ever I support the statement made previously that what should be built on the site is “a cultural precinct to complement the Palais Theatre and Luna Park – a precinct of uses and activities that recognises and supports St Kilda’s continuing contribution to the vibrancy of Melbourne and Australia.” It should be a space that is used 7 days a week, day and night, all year round and brings people to St Kilda. These visitors will shop, eat our cakes, wonder…. Any development should have significant pizzazz and drawing power to be the game changer that St Kilda needs.
I was disappointed that Council took this very narrow approach and is just looking at one option.
I am also disappointed that Council never took the offer from both our State and Federal MPs to fund a proper business case.
Some of my concerns include:
Costs (over $120 – $150 Million). Who is paying for it?
The slopes are saved but most view lines are lost. The unChain 3D images are accurate! The proposed building is 2.5 times the height of the former Palace and 4 to 5 times its size!
Car parking. 240 spots for 12,000+ people on a busy night. Where is the traffic study?
How often will it be used?
I noticed that unfortunately, there is a “St Kilda Triangle” fatigue, indifference and little interest. This should not stop having a say before Thursday! I encourage you all to do so!
Have your say before 19 October
Macnamara votes Yes 65% No 35%
St Kilda and Elwood voters recorded some of the highest Yes votes in a national poll that saw the No vote carry every state and territory except the ACT.
At St Primary School and Elwood Primary the Yes vote exceeded 80% – as seen in the table below sorted according to Yes %.
In a growing trend, pre-poll voting was a popular option, with Port Melbourne Town Hall being the popular choice.
At Port Melbourne the Yes vote was 59%, in Malvern the Yes vote was 57%.
Overall, voters in the Federal seat of Macnamara voted against the national trend, returning Yes 65% / No 35%.
Nationally the vote was approximately Yes 40% / No 60%
In Victoria, the vote was Yes 45% / No 55%
Note that these figures are provisional as published by the AEC on Sunday 15 October.
For the latest count, visit the AEC tally room
Local polling results – see how your neighbourhood voted
Sorted by Yes%
St Kilda Primary School Yes 81% / No 18%
St Kilda Scouts Hall Yes 81% / No 18%
Elwood Primary School Yes 80% / No 19%
Elwood College Yes 79% / No 20%
Betty Day Centre Yes 78% / No 21%
Christ Church Community Centre Yes 78% / No 20%
St Mary’s Parish Hall Yes 76% / No 23%
St Kilda Park Primary School Yes 76% / No 23%
St Kilda Police & Citizens Youth Club Yes 76% / No 23%
St Columba’s Primary School Yes 74% / No 26%
Pre poll voting
Port Melbourne Yes 59% / No 40%
Malvern Pre poll Yes 57% / No 42%
Macnamara (total) Yes 65% / No 35%
Miracle on Marlborough Street
After seven months of bureaucratic constipation, the ownership of the long-completed Marlborough Street Social Housing Project was transferred to Housing First on 12 October enabling tenants to start moving in from 30 October.
This breakthrough comes after Council admitted last week that settlement was not planned until 6 November.
Clearly the scrutiny of councillors (and TWiSK) prompted a welcome bureaucratic ‘dose of salts.’
Immediately after the settlement, Housing First told TWiSK that residents would be moving over a five-week period starting on 30 October.
Bravo.
Focus turns to the ‘other’ beach pavilion
The news of the death of Kevin Donovan, co-creator of Donovan’s at the South Beach Pavilion, drew attention to one of the two beach pavilions on St Kilda’s magnificent foreshore.
This story looks at the ‘other’ beach pavilion, namely West Beach “Bathers” Pavilion on the city side of Catani Gardens next to the famous, photo worthy kite surfing zone.
Allowed to fall into disrepair for many years by Council, the West Beach Pavilion was leased to it’s current operators in 2009 after a public tender process. Now questions are being asked about the lease of West Beach Pavilion amidst persistent rumours that a mega corporate hospitality empire is seeking to take over the lease.
As little as $1 per year rent
Based on publicly available information, the current lease started in 2009 for a 15-year period plus two 3 year options – effectively running until 2030. The lease required the operators to complete $4M in agreed works with rent set at $1 per year. After the 5th anniversary, a turnover rent applies at 5% of turn-over in excess of $2.3M (food and beverage) and $1.4M (retail).
TWiSK is aware that the pavilion would be unusable without the $4M investment, so the investment by the current operators has been transformational. It has created a popular function venue, dining and coffee place with an amazing beach outlook.
Is extra scrutiny needed on Crown foreshore?
TWiSK is following a number of Crown asset management deals overseen by Council: The St Kilda Marina, The Vineyard, the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and the West Beach Pavilion are all managed by Council for the Crown. And of course, the Triangle.
One of the tricky issues is transfer of ownership, personnel and business strategy in leases that can cover more than 20 years.
In most cases, the leases are awarded on a variety of criteria, including commercial terms, skills and business offer.
In the case of Donovan’s, there appears to have been little questioning of the sale to former General Manager Nick Parkhouse in the months before Kevin’s death. But in the case of the St Kilda Marina, there have been significant and alarming changes to the consortium (including architect and many business operators) after the recent lease was awarded.
TWiSK wonders if the public are aware that some choice Crown assets are being leased at peppercorn rents to commercial outfits based on long term fit-out arrangements.
We are particularly concerned where operators only pay token rent until turnover targets are reached.
Normally, positive changes would be driven by market success as operators strived for a profit. But what happens when low turnover equals $1 per year rent? Where is the incentive to increase turn-over in that situation? How do we maximise value on assets for the community?
Whats happening at West Beach?
TWiSK contacted Ivor van der Sluys from WBP about this story and he was very responsive.
He said they receive frequent offers from various parties. “However, we are not at liberty to discuss specific negotiations or arrangements beyond what is publicly known.”
He was guarded about the rent paid, but confirmed that the “trigger points” have been exceeded before.
Mr van der Sluys also argued that the initial investment was the equivalent of an above market rent over time.
“Our calculation of an equivalent annual rental is more like $400,000 pa. When taking in the site’s unique limitations and restrictions we believe the rental structure is above the market and does not fully take into account the site’s economic realities,” he explained.
His final words were confident. “Rest assured that we are dedicated to our role as custodians of the property, committed to its upkeep and serving the community.”
As we say at TWiSK … watch this space.
Meanwhile on the buses …
Although just weeks away, the detail of changes to the community bus service are yet to be released.
TWiSK can reveal that there is no information in the public realm about the change and why it’s happening. But we did get a response from Mayer Heather Cunsolo about the change.
“The reintroduction of the timetabled ‘hop on hop off’ bus service follows us listening to strong community feedback preferring this option, including from our Older Persons Advisory Committee, and fewer people using the booked bus service,” said Mayor Cunsolo.
“We will be promoting the change to our community as soon as possible when all the details have been finalised.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the booked service meant Council could track patrons if there was an outbreak.
TWiSK will pass on the details when they emerge.
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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.