Monday 6 November – Sunday 12 November

TWiSK #390

St Kilda’s frontline sobering up centre
A Remembrance Day to remember
Bike lane right of reply
Mayoral election this week

Plus music, theatre and community events

You Am I @ Prince Band Room

Monday 6 November, 7.30 pm
Cup holiday eve. Rare outing with You Am I with Glenn Richards (Augie March), Bananagun & Step Mother $62
Tix

James Blundell – Lost Highway Tour @ Memo
Monday 6 November, 7 pm
Cup eve. Live, intimate and unplugged. Special guest Jarred Wrigley. $40/35/30
Tix 
Melbourne Cup @ St Kilda Sports Club
Tuesday 7 November, 11 am – 3 pm
Get a little bit fancy with great local wine and beautiful food. Enjoy the sweeps, games and win a prize for yourself on the day. $40/$30
Bookings required 
Wall Arms & Table Legs @ Alta Forma
From Wednesday 8 November
Opening celebration on Saturday 11 November, 2 pm – 4 pm
Wall Arms & Table Legs is a group exhibition featuring five Naarm based experimental artists:
Belle Bassin, Allona Goren, Minhi Park, Meredith Turnbull and Manon van Kouswijk.
altaforma.au
Suite G07/620, St Kilda Road
Wed–Fri 11 am – 3 pm, Sat noon – 3 pm
‘Beguiling’ new exhibition @ Victorian Pride Centre
From Wednesday 8 November until January 2024
Beguiling is an evocative, multimedia exploration of changing landscapes and environmental collapse by acclaimed artist Professor Dr. Lisa Anderson – the current City of Port Phillip Rupert Bunny Fellow.
More info
Maoko Mend & Meetup Sewing Circle @ Space2b
Fortnightly from Thursday 9 November, 10.30 am – noon
Join Japanese sewer Maoko Carroll who will be running a fortnightly sewing circle at Space2b.
Fortnightly on Thursdays until 21 December. $10 Donation. Drop-ins Only
More info 
144 Chapel St St Kilda
50th AGM Meeting and Celebration @ Port Phillip Community Group
Thursday 9 November, 5.30 pm
An AGM and celebration together at the Town Hall with some interesting guests.
The AGM guest speaker is Associate Professor Simon Stafrace, Program Director, Alfred Mental and Addiction Health.
Following the AGM there will be a 50 year anniversary celebration with MC Jo Stanley, Radio and TV host.
Please RSVP Ruth Krawat agm@ppcg.org.au Ph: 8598 6600

Lonesome Dove + Hyla @ Espy basement
Thursday 9 November, 8 pm
Lonesome Dove are a 4-piece indie-pop/indie sleaze band from Perth. The band fuses big driving guitars with catchy pop hooks and three-part harmonies. Free
Info 
Reconnections Group Exhibition @ Space2b
Opening Night Friday 10 November, 6 pm – 8 pm
Exhibition until Saturday 25 November
Although our genres and subjects are varied, we connect with each other through the Painting Maribyrnong Art Group, supporting and encouraging each other and sharing feedback. We are enjoying reconnecting for our second group exhibition at Space2b.
More info 
144 Chapel St St Kilda

Jebediah @ Espy Gershwin
Friday 10 November, 7.30 pm
Jebediah are back with a new single ‘Gum Up The Bearings’, the first new song the band have released in over a decade. $54.60
Tix 

Ben Salter @ George Lane
Friday 10 November, 7 pm – 11 pm
Australian songwriter and performer Ben Salter.
Tix
Tripsitta and Terra Rouge @ Espy basement
Friday 10 November, 8.30 pm
Tripsitta are from Brisbane, and they love amps. $15 
Tix

Talking Heads: STOP MAKING SENSE @ Astor
Various day and times until 26 November
The greatest concert film of all time? STOP MAKING SENSE brings to the screen Talking Heads at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983: David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison, alongside an ecstatic ensemble of supporting musicians. Renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs) captures the band at their exhilarating best, in this new and complete 4K restoration for the film’s 40th anniversary.
Tix | Trailer 

The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) @ Pride (rooftop)
Until Sunday 19 November, 7 pm door, sunset screening
The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) has returned with a spectacular Rooftop Cinema Program.
Fri 10 Nov – La Cage Aux Folles (1978) – featured image
Sat 11 Nov – Laugh-Out-Proud – Shorts Package
Sun 12 Nov – The Mattachine Family (2023)
Wed 15 Nov – Isla’s Way (2023)
Thurs 16 Nov – Before I Change My Mind (2022)
Fri 17 Nov – Who’s Queen? – Shorts Package
Sat 18 Nov – Sunflower (2023)
Sun 19 Nov – Summer Qamp (2023)St Kilda RSL Remembrance Service @ Alfred Square
Saturday 11 November, 10 am – 11.10 am
Lest we forget

Author Talk and Writing Workshop @ Emerald Hill Library
Saturday 11 November, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Dr Rachel Matthews, author and lecturer at RMIT/ACU University is discussing her book, “Never Look Desperate”.
Afterwards, Dr Matthews will lead you through a workshop and writing activities.
Bookings 
195 Bank St, South Melbourne

Songs From Mermaid Avenue @ George Lane Matinee Sessions
Saturday 11 November, 3 pm – 6 pm
Songs from Mermaid Avenue celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic album by Billy Bragg and Wilco.
Tix
Celebrating a Decade of the Decibelles @ Alex Theatre
Saturday 11 November, 3 pm and 7.30 pm
Walk the red carpet all the way back to 2013 when The Decibelles Female Pop Choir began. This show-stopping showcase celebrates a decade of anthems and attitude, pop divas and rock icons, all rolled into a gala full of glitz and glamour! So dress to the nines, and boogie down to ten years of our favourite tunes. $38/$20
Tix

Up Next: Artist Showcase @ Espy basement
Saturday 11 November, 7.30 pm
Up-Next showcases emerging acts, in this case, Pretty Moi, Chelsea Elder, Will Baker & Spenser in the Espy Basement. $15
Tix

Checkerboard Lounge @ George Lane
Saturday 11 November, 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Semi-finalists at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN.
Tix

The Screaming Jets – Professional Misconduct Tour @ The Prince
Saturday 11 November, 8 pm
The Screaming Jets are ready to unleash their highly anticipated new studio album, “Professional Misconduct,” following the success of their Top 5 album, “All For One” 30th Anniversary Edition. $45
Tix 

Motor City Sounds – Soul Music Revue @ Memo
Saturday 11 November, 7 pm
Honouring the original sound of classic Motown and Soul music, Motor City Sounds will play two big sets of your favourites. Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Temptations, The Supremes, Sam & Dave and many more… $40/30/20
Tix 
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
The Age Four star review
Tix
14 Acland Street
 80 minutes no interval | Suitable for ages 16+
Warnings: Contains coarse language and adult themes including explicit retelling of sexual violence
Ironman 70.3 @ Catani Gardens and on road
Sunday 12 November, 6 am to 5 pm
Road closure: Beaconsfield Parade, Jacka Boulevard, Marine Parade, Ormond Esplanade from Kerferd Road to Head Street. Pier Road.
Road closure time: 5am to 1pm, Pier Road 4am to 5pm
Info
St Kilda Repair Cafe and Bike Kitchen @ EcoCentre
Sunday 12 November, 2 pm – 5 pm
Bring your broken items to the St Kilda Repair Cafe to reduce waste and learn new skills, all while having a cuppa.
If you have any unwanted phones or laptops, please bring them along to donate. Free / by donation
38 Blessington St

Legends Of Sunbury @ Memo
Sunday 12 November, 3 pm
None other than Madder Lake, Spectrum & Phil Manning. $40/35/25
Tix

Next week
Monday 13 November – Sunday 19 November

St Kilda City revival: Kick off for footballers @ Peanut Farm
Monday 13 November, 6 pm
Pre-season for all footballers starts on Monday 13 November and new faces are welcome for the start of a new era for the Club – and if you are keen on helping St Kilda City FNC build a strong foundation and culture both on and off field – join us!
No boots – runners only!
Hammer 0406 424 247
Mel 0459 988 206
Coming soon: A new era for St Kilda City FNC.

Book launch: Nick Cave’s Songs Reimagined @ Readings
Thursday 16 November, 6:30pm
Join several of the contributing authors to celebrate the launch of Into Your Arms: Nick Cave’s Songs Reimagined, edited by Kirsten Krauth.
This is a short story collection inspired by a Nick Cave lyric. These 21 stories, from some of Australia’s favourite creators, respond to Cave’s visionary genius with their own original and unsettling tales of death, faith, violence and love. Free
Bookings essential 
112 Acland St
Discover Sailing Days @ Royal Melbourne Yacht Club
Saturday 18 November @ Sunday 19 November, 10 am – 5 pm
Royal Melbourne Yacht Club (Pier Rd St Kilda next to the pier) invites you to visit their Club
for Dinghy Rides, tours of our facilities and a BBQ. Free
Register members@rmys.com.au
The Puckerups with Stella + Tim @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 19 November, 5 pm
Free

The Johnnys – 40 years of original cowpunk @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 19 November, 7pm
Mystery MC and lucky door prize for the best dressed cowperson!! Supported by Burn in Hell & Murrays Bay Country Club. $40/30
Tickets 

Plan ahead

Balaclava Boogie free music festival 

Friday 24 November – Sunday 26 November
A three day festival of free music for your ears.
Friday
Delsinki & Brooke Taylor @ The Balaclava Hotel 7 pm – 8 pm
The McNaMarr Project @Pause Bar 8 pm – 10 pm
Little Wise @ The Local Taphouse 8 pm – 10 pm
Saturday
Eugean Hamilton @ Ms Carlisle 8 pm – 10 pm
Lyra @ Voodoo Lovechild Speakeasy 8 pm – 10 pm
Vinyl Record Market @ Coles Arcade 10 am – 3pm
Sunday
Sunday Session Rear of 202 Carlisle Street 2 pm – 7 pm
The Bornstein Ultimatimatum @ Pause Bar 4 pm – 7 pm
Ash Gaudion @ Portone Bar 7 pm – 9 pm
Julian Steel @ Voodoo Lovechild Speakeasy 8 pm – 10 pm
Info 

Dave Warner From The Suburbs @ Newmarket Hotel
Saturday 25 November, 8 pm – 11 pm
John Dennison (keyboards), Tony Durant (guitar) Howie Johnstone (drums) and Paul Noonan (bass) join Dave Warner in performing all the original Mugs Game tracks plus some of the other most popular songs from the band. $49
Tix 
Launch of Boris Frankel’s memoir @ Readings
Tuesday 28 November, 6 for 6.30 pm
Join Boris in conversation with Jeff Sparrow as he launches his memoir, No Country for Idealists: The Making of a Family of Subversives.
With opening remarks from St Kilda’s favourite subversive, Carmel Shute.
Free but please book

Civic awards return for a trial period

Nominations close Friday 22 December
Council has reinstated a version of civic awards including an award for small business.
The previous iterations of  CoPP civic and business awards were abolished last decade.
The awards will be assessed by two councillors and three senior council staff.
Three shortlisted applicants in each category will be announced, and the winners named at a ceremony in March 2024.
Rebranded as Proudly Port Phillip Community Awards, the categories are:
Community First
Sustainability
Small Business of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year
More info and nomination forms
Pump up the volume, temporary green light for amplified buskers
Strange as it may seem for an area aspiring to be a Live Music Precinct, amplified busking has not been permitted in St Kilda.
In fact busking has been actively discouraged!
But from November to April this year, buskers can apply to perform amplified at 13 locations around St Kilda between 9 am – 9 pm for no longer than 2 hours at any one location.
As they say, you cant stop the music!
View the full list of locations, rules and contacts

St Kilda’s frontline sobering centre
starts on Tuesday

Note: TWiSK has chosen NOT to disclose the address of the sobering up centre

Local residents were told about the new 24/7 sobering up centre on Friday afternoon by letter drop.
For over 30 years, residents in a typical St Kilda side street have been neighbours to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) alcohol and drug recovery service.
Operated by Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation, the facility has helped hundreds (maybe thousands) of men take their first steps towards sobriety.
But when neighbours got a leaflet on Friday afternoon announcing it would become a 24/7 sobering up facility from next Tuesday – more than a few eyebrows were raised – the leaflet raised more questions than it answered.
Frontline response to decriminalisation of drunkenness
With new laws coming into effect on Tuesday 7 November, the facility will be at the frontline of Melbourne’s response to the new laws.
The facility has a 6 bed capacity and will receive ATSI people from across Melbourne.
The service will be for men and women. It’s expected that most stays in the unit will be less than 12 hours.
 It will be a “consent-based” service dealing only with people who want to be taken there by first responders.
A place of safety
The Sobering Up unit will be the ‘safe place’ offered by an outreach service also run by Ngwala. 
Ngwala’s assertive outreach teams will visit places where mob gather with their Ngwala coffee and soup van offering support.
Ngwala says their first step will be to offer transport home or to a safe place with friends or family.
If that is not possible, they will take people to the St Kilda sobering centre.
Once sobered up and feeling well, they will be transported back home or to their own place of safety.
A lifesaving project
In a press release issued on Saturday, Ngwala CEO De-Joel Upkett said:
“Ngwala is honoured to be able to provide a culturally safe and responsive service to community that we believe will not only reduce the risk of community being incarcerated, but our hope is that we can reduce the number of lives lost and support community affected by chronic alcohol misuse in engaging in longer term treatment options by engaging in the breadth of complimentary services Ngwala offers.
“The decriminalisation of public intoxication is another step forward to reducing the over representation of our community in prison, with the burden of unpaid infringement notices, reduced life expectancy, poor health outcomes (just to name a few) but particularly related to Aboriginal deaths in custody. 
“Ngwala is honoured to be able to provide a culturally safe and responsive service to community that we believe will not only reduce the risk of community being incarcerated, but our hope is that we can reduce the number of lives lost and support community affected by chronic alcohol misuse in engaging in longer term treatment options by engaging in the breadth of complimentary services Ngwala offers.”
Watch this space as new laws decriminalise public drunkenness
From Tuesday, public drunkenness will be decriminalised. 
Police and first responders will refer rather people to sobering services rather than arrest (unless other offences have been involved).
Until last week much of the media attention was on the metro wide sobering unit planned in Collingwood (which is facing delays in construction).
Its now been reported that the St Kilda facility is the first of ten similar sites dedicated to supporting ATSI peoples.
Given the high impact of current laws on aboriginal people, the addition of a specialist ATSI sobering services will be crucial.
Read the Ngwala Willumbong media release in full

Mayoral election
Mayor puts her hand up to go again
Deputy Mayor position will be contested

(Corrected Sunday 7.20 pm sorry) Cr Heather Cunsolo seems set to secure a 2nd term at the special Mayoral election Council meeting next Wednesday.
Cr Cunsolo told TWiSK that she will put her hand up again and hopes to have the support of her fellow councillors.
“But I can’t speak for others. This is always a hard week among the group as Mayor/ Deputy are sought after roles in Port Phillip,” she said.
TWiSK understands that the ‘phones have been silent’ on the Mayor ballot. 
However, the position of deputy mayor seems up for grabs.
Current Deputy Mayor Andrew Bond told TWiSK it was timely for ‘the other side’ to have a go.
That raises the prospect of a behind the scenes ‘stoush’ between the ‘progressive’ councillors for the deputy gig.
The result will be declared on Wednesday night.

Right of reply:
Looking forward to safer Inkerman Street for everyone

From Julie Clutterbuck, President, Port Phillip Bicycle Users Group
“The CoPP transport strategy envisaged a network of eleven protected bike routes, to be built in the decade 2018–2028.
In that time, Council has built just one (the Garden City link in Port Melbourne), with State Government delivering part of Moray St.
Inkerman St is the latest opportunity for council to show that it’s listening to locals who want to see well-designed cycle infrastructure.
“Option A will also provide more trees on the corridor.
The 1.2km stretch of protected bike lane proposed under Option A would begin to fix the missing link between the St Kilda Rd lanes, and the Djerring Trail, with the prospect of a safe ride from the city all the way to Dandenong. The remaining missing piece is a short section between St Kilda Junction and Inkerman St (promised to be completed by State Government by 2025) and the section along Inkerman Rd in Glen Eira.
“At the council meeting that endorsed the consultation on the two options, one councillor claimed that ‘You can’t ride your bike and bring home your groceries. You can’t take your kids to their dance classes, or bring parcels home, or use the bike if you’re elderly, disabled or infirm.’
One local resident replied ‘please tell that councillor I do all my shopping, kinder pick ups and swimming lessons on my bike. And my friends would do it too if they weren’t so afraid of cars.’
On social media, one response was “My electric scooter is not a bike but I do use the bike paths….. And yes, I am disabled as well.”
“It’s not disputed that cycling (or any other micro-mobility option) isn’t for everyone: but enabling people who want to cycle to do so reduces congestion— leaving more space on the roads for people who drive.
“It gives people another option— whether they are among the 17% of CoPP households who don’t own a car, or are just trying to save some time and money– and do their bit towards climate action. “
The deadline for public feedback on Council’s plans for Inkerman have been extended until 7 December.
Have your say at the Port Phillip site 

People have started moving into this magnificent social housing project next to Balaclava Station

Housing First provided this progress report on the Marlborough Street Social Housing occupancy.
‘Settlement and transfer of 48 Marlborough Street took place on Thursday 12 October, with the City of Port Phillip retaining the basement car park and HousingFirst taking possession of the building and the 46 apartments.
‘Within six working days of possession, HousingFirst moved three residents into the property (Friday 20 October).
‘A further 36 units have been allocated out of a total of 46 units in the development. We have identified potential residents for the final 7 units.
‘Those 36 residents started moving in (joining the existing three) from the morning of Monday 30 October and, will the allocation of the final 7 units, will progressively fill the building over November.
‘The measured pace of fulfilment of a new building is usual, allowing some later-scheduled incoming residents time to finalise their current housing notice obligations and it also avoids the local street, lift and other communal areas being overwhelmed by removalists.’
Bravo we say.

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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.