TWiSK #362

Selling Kabul @ Red Stitch
She Writes: Free Play Readings @ TW Explosives Factory
Last week for Ferris Wheel and Circus
The Queer Gaze @ Victorian Pride Centre
Tix to win

Also at Council …

Rate freeze councillors support rate rise
Rate rebate rejected
Only one renter on Council
The Vineyard: Council determined to evict
Speak up about short stay issues

Scroll down for Council stories, they are after the events!
Don’t miss the mural festival hub

254 Carlisle Street until Sunday 30 April
The Hub includes an art exhibition, art workshops, a youth mentoring program and an art apprenticeship program for 10 emerging street artists who are helping deliver some of the murals.
More info at Urban Canvas

ANZAC Commemorative Service @ Elwood
Tuesday 25 April, 8.30 am
Join other locals for a wreath laying ceremony on the Elwood foreshore, adjacent to the Elwood Sailing Club.

Beau is Afraid @ Astor
Various times until early May
Joaquin Phoenix, Parker Posey and Amy Ryan in new movie about a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man confronts his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque odyssey back home.
Tix
Radical Acts Festival | Free Play Readings @ TW Explosives Factory
The She Writes Collective share excerpts of their new plays with audiences in public play-readings. Free.
Wed 26 April, 7.30 pm
Lily Thomson, Laura Lethlean, Georgia Symons, Emma Fawcett
Thu 27 April, 7.30 pm
Megan Mitchell, Amy May Nunn, Brooke Fairley
Fri 28 April, 7.30 pm
Belinda Kirwan, Maeve Hook, Myf Hocking, Kei Murakami
Sat 29 April, 7.30 pm
Inna Tsyrlin, Miranda Middleton, Margot Morales, Flick
Tix 
Explosives Factory venue, 67 Inkerman Street
No wheelchair access
Party at the Palais – 75 Yom Ha’atzmaut @ Palais
Wednesday 26 April, 6.45 pm
If you’re not in Israel for Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day), party the night away with top acts including Ilan Kidron (The Potbelleez), DJ Dave, Rita Sach, Stuey Famous, YPop, Anita Lester, Ramon Callis, and many, many more. $10
Tix


Alien and Aliens double feature @ Astor
Wednesday 26 April, 7pm
Enjoy Ripley (1979) and more Ripley (1986). Can you have too much Ripley?
Tix
Selling Kabul @ Red Stitch
Wednesday 26 April – Sunday 21 May
Australian Premier of a Pulitzer nominated drama that powerfully portrays the humanity and courage of one Afghan family, and asks ‘what would you do to save another person’s life?’ Brett Cousins directs this work by New Yorker Sylvia Khoury with a local cast including Claudia Greenstone, Khisraw Jones-Shukoor, Nicole Nabout and Farhad Zaiwala.
Tix
Opposite the Astor Theatre
Access is limited – contact box office
Hannah Aldridge (USA) @ George Lane
Thursday 27 April, 7:00 PM 11:30 PM
Daughter of Muscle Shoals legend Walt Aldridge, Hannah started her musical journey as a classically-trained pianist. It wasn’t until her early twenties that she first picked up a guitar and began using music as an outlet to grapple with her demons. With Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes
Tix and info

Community Music Project @ St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Workshops: Thursday 27 April, 1 pm – 3 pm, Sunday 30 April, 11 am – 1 pm,
“Let’s create a song about the gardens!”
The Friends of St Kilda Botanical Gardens invite you to help write the song by attending one of two workshops at the Gardens with local song-writers Jeannie Marsh and Matthew Lovering.
Contribute your ideas about the Gardens to inspire Jeannie and Matthew to go home and create a song based on your ideas.
The song will be premiered by Elwood Community Choir at a public event in the Gardens in May.
Register for a workshop by emailing the.convenor@foskbg.org.au 
Or register at your workshop, 30 minutes prior to the event.
Enquiries the.convenor@foskbg.org.au
Row Jerry Crow @ George Lane
Friday 28 April, 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm
All aboard the Row Jerry Crow with a crew including Paul Woseen, Rob Hornbuckle, Jeff Consi, Coberg Tipping, Delsinki & John Kendall. With A Whale Called Phoenix
Tix & Info

Bootleg Rascal @ Espy Gershwin
Friday 28 April, 8 pm
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut record ‘Psychotica’ with Gold Coast-based party-starters Bootleg Rascal. The group will perform the record in full, as well as fan favourites, rarities and new material. $33
Tix
Abbie Chatfield – The Trauma Dump Tour @ Palais
Friday 28 April, 8 pm
“TV star, podcaster, radio host, ambassador, entrepreneur and chronic over-sharer.”
$80
Tix
The Queer Gaze @ Victorian Pride Centre
From Saturday 29 April
Curated by Lisa Salmon, The Queer Gaze is the latest exhibition at the Pride Centre. It features images from iconic lesbian magazine Wicked Women which launched in 1988 and disrupted the rigid political climate that dominated the dyke scene at the time.
Many of these images are now housed in the Australian Queer Archives at the Victorian Pride Centre and have not been seen publicly for decades.
79-81 Fitzroy Street
Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday – 10 am to 6 pm
Pic: Maude Davey – Ms Wicked 1991 reading WW magazine, 1991. Photo by Jamie Dunbar
Humilis: Close to Earth @ Space2b
Closes Saturday 29 April
A group exhibition of four artists exploring their appreciation of the natural world and how they relate to their natural environment.
Info
144 Chapel St
Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
Don Mclean @ Palais
Saturday 29 April, 7.15 pm
Don McLean has a string of mega-hits such as ‘Vincent’, ‘Castles In The Air’ and of course American Pie. $99
Tix
The Jetsons @ St Kilda Sports Club
Saturday 29 April, 8 pm
Free 
Renowned Gardeners Tour @ St Kilda Cemetery
Sunday 30 April, one-hour tours at 1.00pm and 3.00pm
An Australian Heritage Festival event led by Claire Barton. Learn about Sir Ferdinand von Mueller, a German botanist who was director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Ina Higgins, the first female landscape architect in Victoria. $15
Bookings required
Email info@foskc.org or ring 0451 831 102
Dandenong Road, St Kilda East
Super Darts Masters @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 30 April, names by 1 pm
Round Robin Singles, $20 with pizza
66 Fitzroy Street

Return of The Jedi: 40th Anniversary @ Astor
Sunday 30 April, 2 pm and 6 pm
Have a walk on the Dark Side
Tix

The Tonalists @ Espy Basement
Sunday, 30 April 2023 6:00 PM
A Soul Blues trio from Melbourne, featuring Hammond Organ, Guitar, Lap Steel and Piano playing swamp boogie meets Memphis soul rhythms.
Tix
Zucchero @ Palais
Sunday 30 April, 8 pm
A master Bluesman with a voice like aged wine. $139
Tix

Skyline Ferris Wheel @ Catani Cardens
The wheel has rolled on.
Info
Circus Royale @ Triangle
Until Sunday 30 April, various times
The Circus will leave St Kilda at the end of the month.
Tix

Soon

Foundational Drawing Program @ Linden
 Tuesdays 2 May to 6 June, 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Foundational Drawing Program is a six-week program designed for complete beginners and for those who wish to refresh the fundamentals of drawing.
Using pencils and charcoals as the primary medium, the program dives deep into the fundamental elements of drawing, including line, space, texture, shading, composition and perspective. $500, all materials provided
Registration 
Introduction to Chekhov @ Melbourne Actors Guild
From 6 May
Learn the fundamentals of the Michael Chekhov Technique with Transformational acting expert Suzie J. Jarmain.
Suitable for actors with experience. $210
Booking and info
137A Acland Street

Star Wars: The 35mm Marathon @ Astor
Saturday 6 May, 11 am
Star Wars: Episodes 4 – 6 and Star Wars: Episodes 1 – 3 presented in 35mm.
You will need the force to be with you.
Tix

Basket Weaving Masterclass with Helen Philipp @ Linden
Saturday 6 May, 11AM-4PM
Discover the art of basket weaving with local visual artist and sculptor, Helen Philipp. In this creative and relaxing masterclass, you’ll explore various shaping techniques and start your own woven basket using Madagascan Raffia. $110, all materials provided
Registration 

Coronation Thanksgiving Service @ All Saints
Sunday 7 May, 5 pm
A service of evensong to celebrate the coronation of HM King Charles III featuring music from past coronations and followed by a champagne reception. Free
Bookings required before 28 April

Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir present ‘Disco Faith Express’ @ Espy Gershwin
Friday 12 May, 8 pm
Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir are set to move you. Born with a dream to impact the world, the Disco Faith Choir was the brainchild of Sunshine, renowned DJ and producer, who fused her infectious club-ready house and techno vision with a live gospel choir. $50
Tix
Moth @ Theatre Works
Wednesday 17 May – Saturday 3 June, Tues – Sat 7:30pm
“An action-packed graphic-novel fiction fantasy erupting on the stage, MOTH is a love-letter to every teen… and to those who used to be.”
This funny and heart breaking two-hander starts as just another night drinking but soon gives way to an ecstatic vision that leaves fifteen-year-old Sebastian unconscious and his only friend, Claryssa, gone. Suitable for ages 15+ $50/$42
Tix 
14 Acland Street, St Kilda.
Win tix for Moth @ Theatre Works
Readers can win one of two double passes for the Moth on Thursday 18 May 7.30 pm
Email to go in the draw with subject “Moth tix”
Entries close Monday 1 May (11.59 pm)
Urban Wine Walk 2023 @ St Kilda
Saturday 13 May
Urban Wine Walk is a self-guided wine-tasting experience across some of St Kilda favourite drinking holes, including:
Captain Baxter Ft. Tokar Estate (VIC)
Hotel Esplanade Ft. Rob Dolan Wines (VIC)
Korr Jee Chicken Ft. Gonzo Vino (VIC)
Little Prince Wine Ft. Mitchelton (VIC)
Lona Ft. Black & Ginger Wines (VIC)
LOTI Ft. Tillie.J Wines (VIC)
Republica Ft. Loverman Wine (SA)
$75.00 plus Booking Fee
www.urbanwinewalk.com.au
Each ticket includes three complimentary tastings per producer, a $10 voucher to put towards lunch at your starting venue, plus a cool $25 voucher to use when ordering a six pack of wine from one of the winemakers which of course is delivered to your door post event.

Celebrate Pat Grainger’s Port Life @ Port Melbourne Town Hall

Saturday 13 May, 11.30 am – 2.00 pm
Friends, family and members of the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society invite you to socialise, reminisce and admire Pat’s contribution to community and civic life since settling in Station Street in 1983.
Please invite others who knew Pat.
You are welcome to bring a plate.
Please RSVP by Wednesday 3 May to Jill Dawson jaydaw@hotmail.com 0434 843 513
333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Lift access available

Local and independent coverage
of Council news and decisions

Rate rise proposed, but less than inflation

Community comment invited before final vote in June
A majority of councillors have voted to take a 2.8% rate increase to public consultation before making their final decision in late June.
In a surprise move, rate freeze advocate Cr Rhonda Clark proposed the 2.8% rate increase as an alternative to a higher increase sweetened by a once off rate rebate.
“A better way to provide rate relief”
Cr Clark said “I am proposing this motion to reduce the rates increase … as a better way of providing rate relief. It is a permanent reduction in rates as opposed to a one-year waiver.”
Cr Clark’s motion was supported by Crs Bond, Cunsolo, Pearl and Sirakoff giving it a majority.
This will be the first time since the State rate cap was introduced that Council has proposed a lower than maximum rise.
Labor left flatfooted in the minority
Labor councillors opposed Cr Clark’s motion saying that a 3.5% increase was needed to provide services and support to struggling members of the community.
Cr Baxter was not at the meeting.
The package of a maximum rate rise offset by a rate rebate proposed by Council officers earned no support from Councillors.
Cost of living ‘front of mind’ says Mayor
“Cost of living pressures across our City, from rising inflation to interest rates, has been front of mind this year. This is why we are proposing a rates increase of 2.8 per cent – lower than the Victorian Government’s rates cap and well under the expected 4.5 per cent inflation rate. Mayor
“This is the first time we have proposed an increase below the rates cap, introduced in 2016/17. It will not be funded by service cuts,” Heather Cunsolo said.
Read more details in Mayor Cunsolo’s media statement 
TWiSK offered Cr Clark a 100 word editorial to explain her position
She declined, but the offer still stands

Second attempt to restore cultural funding fails
Readers may recall that the Port Phillip Cultural Fund will be cut by $87K or about 50%. This fund supports creative arts through small project grants (many of which have been featured in recent editions of TWiSK).
Cr Crawford moved again to have the cuts stopped, but the motion failed.
Cr Robbie Nyaguy declares himself as the only renter on Council
Recently elected ALP Councillor, Robbie Nyaguy told Wednesday’s Council meeting that he is the only current councillor that is a renter, although he qualified his position by adding that he rents from a family member.
About half of all residents in Port Phillip are renters. 

The Vineyard: Council determined to evict

The current operators of The Vineyard are facing a legal battle with Council to avoid eviction.
Since reported in the Herald Sun and TWiSK last week, Council released a statement confirming it’s intention to evict the current lease holder.
Read their statement 
Ominously the statement ends with a no more comments sting:
“We do not plan to make further public comment at this stage, as the matter is the subject of legal proceedings.”
TWiSK is reminded of the sage advice offered in a Cruel Sea song
“You better get a lawyer, son
You better get a real good one
Get yourself a lawyer, son
You’re gonna need a real good one”
Watch this space
TWiSK welcomes tip-offs about other lease shenanigans. Discretion assured
gday@archives.gdaystkilda.com.au
0418 345 829

Trouble with short term rentals?

Don’t suffer in silence – log your issue on the council portal ASAP
Council CEO Chris Carroll has been instructed to report back to councillors about issues related to short-term accommodation, including community complaints.
If you have an issue or concern about Short Stay Accommodation, please use the Council portal to log your issue.
Make sure you head it “Short Stay Accommodation”
Contact Port Phillip
The CEO’s report must be tabled at Council before 31 July 2023.Greg Day
Happy to chat anytime 0418 345 829
Content suggestions and community questions are always welcome.
gday@archives.gdaystkilda.com.au
Recent editions
Monday 17 April – Sunday 23 April
Monday 10 April – Sunday 16 April
Monday 3 April – Sunday 9 April
Monday 27 March – Sunday 2 April
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.

TWiSK is always free and proudly independent. 
Subscribe for free or with a voluntary option of paid support from $5 per month or $50 annually
Venues are also invited to subscribe