TWiSK #365

 Friday …
Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission @ Memo
Jack Howard’s Bacharach & Beyond @ George Lane
Richard Clapton’s 50th Anniversary @ Palais
Saturday …
Robert Forster @ Memo
Sgt. Peppers Orchestrated @ Palais
Sunday …
Joe Camilleri & Leo Sayer birthday bash @ Palais

Plus new theatre, arts events and more.

At Council: Cycle of broken promises?
Budget shift delays safe cycling plans

Scroll down for Council stories, they are after the events!

No Laughing Matter Podcast Launch @ Alex
Wednesday 17 May, 6.30 pm
No Laughing Matter is a podcast series on intra-familial child sexual abuse (incest).
With nearly 30 short stories of victim/survivors, they are narrated by well-known voices of comedians, media and sport personalities.
The opening event MC is Adam Hills, with Keynote Speaker Tracy Adams CEO Kids Helpline, and live performances by Rachel Berger & Luke Heggie with music by Peter Northcote, plus interviews with Tanya Lee OAM & Dr Russ Pratt – Forensic Psychologist. $60
Tix
1/135 Fitzroy St
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

Henry Hugo & The Kindred Souls @ George Lane
Thursday 18 May, 7 pm – 11 pm
The Kindred Souls has a moody alternative-rock sound with one and sometimes two guitars, drums and bass.
Info
1 George Lane
Limited access
Beachkeepers Dune Planting @ St Kilda West
Friday 19 May, 10 am – 11.30 am
Join the EcoCentre The Beachkeepers for their first community planting event of the year guided by the Port Phillip Baykeeper, Neil Blake.
Help protect and preserve our coastal dune environments and prevent coastal erosion. Free
Sign Up 
Corner of Beaconsfield Parade and McGregor Street

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission @ Memo
Friday 19 May, 7 pm
The release of “Where Only Memory Can Find You” marks the return to the fray of Mick’s former Weddings, Parties, Anything bandmate, violinist Jen Anderson – joining founding WPA accordion player Mark “Squeezebox Wally” Wallace in the Roving Commission ranks. Together with local Brooke Taylor, a recent addition to the Roving Commission. $50/45/35+bf
Tix
88 Acland St
Accessible venue with wheelchair booking options

Bacharach & Beyond @ George Lane
Friday 19 May, 7 pm – 11.30 pm
Almost sold out. Jack Howard and his splendid Ambassadors of Love have been thrilling and moving crowds with their Bacharach and Beyond show for the last ten years.
Info
1 George Lane
Limited access
Richard Clapton’s 50th Anniversary @ Palais
Friday 19 May, 8 pm
Richard Clapton and his merry band of old mates / excellent musicians will be playing the whole show (two sets). $99
Tix

Knitting Circle with Kate Just @ Linden
Saturday 20 May, 11.30 am – 1 pm
Your last chance to be part of a live knitting circle, connecting with your community while contributing to artist Kate Just’s latest art project entitled Conversation Piece. All materials provided and free.
Bookings and info
26 Acland Street
Limited access to some spaces
Linden Plays > Sculpting Magical Animals @ Linden
Saturday 20 May, 1 pm – 2 pm
Family Friendly Event Join Kate Robinson, an Iranian/Australian artist, for a fun workshop inspired by Abdul-Rahman Abdullah’s exhibition, Journeys.
This events starts with an exhibition tour and then a dive into imaginative design to create our own magical animals with modelling clay, gems and glitter!
RSVP
26 Acland Street
Limited access to some spaces
Bag o’ Nails @ St Kilda Sports Club
Saturday 20 May, 8 pm
As the posters says, Blues-Rock, Rock and Rock-Blues. Free.
66 Fitzroy St

Robert Forster ‘The Candle and The Flame’ Album Launch @ Memo
Saturday 20 May, 7 pm
From Go Betweens to the world, Robert is a class act and stylish man. $55/48/43
Tix
88 Acland Street
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Orchestrated @ Palais
Saturday 20 May, 8 pm
The George Ellis Symphony Orchesta presents Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The songs will be performed by Russell Morris, Jack Jones, Steve Balbi & Robyn Loau. They will be accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra, conducted by George Ellis, along with a 7-piece band. $80
TixThe Bloody Long Walk @ ending in St Kilda
Sunday 21 May, 6 am to 6 pm
A 35 km fundraiser for Mito disease research and cure from northside to St Kilda.
Get walking
Leo & Joe’s Big Birthday Bash @ Palais
Sunday 21 May,
Born on the same day 75 years ago and growing up on opposite sides of the world. This extra special show will combine not only Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows but also Leo Sayer with his full touring band and then see all musicians on stage for a massive finale tribute to their musical heroes. $100
Tix

Superstar – The Carpenters Songbook featuring Laura Davidson @ Memo
Sunday 21 may, 3 pm
Vocalist Laura Davidson and her All-Star Band recreate The Carpenters’ exquisite arrangements and lush harmonies. $50/35 At The Door
Tix
88 Acland Street

Clint Boge – The Final Days of Autumn @ Espy
Sunday, 21 May 2023 7:30 pm
An intimate and personal experience with one of Australia’s most renowned frontmen, as he explores the softer and darker aspects of himself. $38
TixNature in Relief Group Exhibition @ Space2b
Until Sunday 28 May
Eleven artists come together to exhibit their recent 3D Bass clay works, created during a Space2b workshop led by Artist Leila Ashtiani. Using traditional Iranian building techniques, each artist has touched on themes such as nature, religion and connection. An exciting new ceramic clay wall mural will also be unveiled in our laneway
More information
Candy Nelson Nakamarra @ Vivien Anderson Gallery
Until 27 May
This Candy Nelson Nakamarra’s first solo show in Melbourne, and she will be travelling to Melbourne for the opening event, opened by John Kean, curator, writer, Papunya Tula art advisor from 1977-1979, and friend of the artist.
“The exhibition will feature nine major multidimensional paintings that uniquely energize the ancient and abiding songline of Kalipinypa as taught to the artist by her late father, the eminent Papunya Pioneer, Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula.”
Info
284–290 St Kilda Road
Tuesday to Friday 11 am — 5 pm, Saturday 12 pm — 4 pm
Access is limited
Selling Kabul @ Red Stitch
Until 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?’ 
Tix
Opposite the Astor Theatre
Access is limited – contact box office

Next week 22 May – 28 May

The defunding of local culture discussion @ Middle Park Library
Wednesday 24 May, 7 pm – 9 pm
Join Progressive Port Phillip’s next Community Conversation to discuss Council’s proposal to deprioritise the arts by cutting $87K from the Cultural Development Fund. This audience led conversation will be introduced by Jon Hawkes, a highly regarded commentator on cultural policy. Free event with the option of a $5 donation.
Bookings essential as capacity is limited 
(upstairs – lift access) 254-256 Richardson Street, Middle Park.

Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party @ Espy
Thursday 25 May, 6 pm
You know he can act, but can he rock? Find out for yourself. With Russell Crowe, The Gentlemen Barbers, Janet Devlin, Lorraine O’Reilly & Myth of Her. $55
Tix

Tommy McLain with CC Adcock @ Memo
Friday 26 May, 7 pm
Direct from Louisiana, 101% pure Swamp Pop. Tommy McLain is an American music legend, a Louisiana Music Hall of Famer. Guitarist C.C. Adcock is the man put together and led the band Lil Band O Gold, helping McLain and other local legends, including the late great Warren Storm, to enjoy a late career revival. $$60/55
Tix
Fire and Food Truck Carnival @ South Beach Reserve
Saturday  27 May –  Sunday 28 May, 12 pm to 10 pm daily
Flame Fest and Food Truck, beer and performance, beachside jollies.
Early bird tix $15 Adults and $10 Kids – 4 years and younger Free 
Tix
Christ Church St Kilda’s Trivia Night @ Middle Park Bowling Club
New date Saturday 27 May, 6 pm for 7 pm start
BYO nibbles & food. Drinks (alcoholic, soft drinks) must be purchased from the bar (no BYO). $30
Please book on website  (no walk-ups)
Circus Showcase @ Gasworks
Saturday 27 May, 7:30 pm- 9:30 pm
Get ready for four new innovative circus acts with wow factor in an unparalleled professional development opportunity for circus and physical theatre artists.
Four acts shortlisted by an industry panel perform 15-minute excerpts of new works-in-development, and development awards will help them to take their works to new heights. $40/$36
Tix 

Painters & Dockers Get Docked 40 @ Memo
Saturday 27 May, 7 pm
The Painters and Dockers are a musical institution and are turning 40! $70/$60
Tix
Sights and Sounds @ St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Sunday 28 May, “All Day around the Gardens”
Celebrate the wonderful and much-loved St Kilda Botanical Gardens with a day of fun with sights and sounds with the Friends of the Gardens.
There will be two photo exhibitions and musical performances with the Elwood Community Choir
Photography exhibition #1 – Readers in the Gardens
Photography exhibition #2 – your photographs of your favourite spot/activity/site/sight in the St Kilda Botanical
Program
Launch of St Kilda Botanical Gardens Photography Exhibition: 10 am
Flash Mob choir by Elwood Community Choir: 12 noon – 12.30 pm
Public Rehearsal of the New Song for St Kilda Botanical Gardens – all welcome: 1 pm – 2 pm
Launch and premiere performance of the New Song with Elwood Community Choir and friends: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Send in your photographs ASAP
Send photos to photos@foskbg.org.au asap
Groove With Heart @ Encore St Kilda
Sunday 28 May, 12.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Sacred Heart Fundraiser. Party with Brian Nankervis of RocKwiz fame and get your drag on with guest Drag Race AU Star, Aubrey Haive. Enjoy canapes, cocktails, lunch and dessert, there will be prizes to be won, dancing to be done and a whole lotta fundraising fun! $99
Tix
Pioneers in Deaf, Blind and Mental Health Institutions @ St Kilda Cemetery
Sunday 28 May 2023, 2 pm
Join tour leader Claire Barton to learn about the inspiring work of Tilly Aston, James Thomas Harcourt, May Harrison, Reverend William Moss, John Downes Owen, Frederick John Rose and William Thomas. $15
Bookings required email info@foskc.org or ring 0451 831 102

Soon in June

Uncle Vanya @ Theatre Works
From 7 – 17 June
This June, multi-award-winning director Bronwen Coleman (Dirt, Naomi, Ignis) and the Anthropocene Play Company breathe immediacy and new life into Anton Chekhov’s renowned classic, Uncle Vanya. Performed by Dion Mills, Pia O’Meadhra, Alex Marshall, Sebastian Gunner, Catherine Morvell, Ismail Taylor-Kamara, Clare Larman, Helen Doig, and Thilan Ahangama. $45 with some tix $20
Bookings
TWiSK has 2 double passes for readers at the 7:30 pm show on Thursday 8 June.
Email before 16 May with subject “Uncle Vanya”  to go in the draw for a double pass.
Deadline for entries Tuesday 16 May
  
A month of extra Pride @ Pride
From 1 June
Pride has programmed a big month of extra activities in June which is Pride Month. They’ve got something happening every day.
Full program
St Kilda Film Festival @ St Kilda and South Melbourne
Thursday 1 June – 12 June
Starting at the Palais and then moving to host most screenings at the Astor, the SKFF focuses on short films.
Highlights include: Australian Comedy Showcase; International Family Animation Explosions (kids free); Australian Documentary Showcase; and Made in Vic
Strangely (as if there were no suitable locations in the eponymous ‘hood), this year SKFF also has a range of screenings in bars and hidden venues in South Melbourne.
Program now on line

Groups back Shrine to Sea project bike paths

A diverse range of community and not-for-profit groups are calling on State Government to construct a safe bike lane on Kerferd Rd. This major cycling project is separate from the pop-up bike lanes that are being removed.
Supporters fear that the State Government has got cold feet about the project despite the fact that a separated bike path along the length of Kerferd Rd-Albert Rd corridor was a key recommendation of the community panel for the Shrine to Sea project.
Support from health and community advocates
Port Phillip Bicycle Users Group president, Julie Clutterbuck, told TWiSK that a bike lanes were supported by diverse groups including The Heart Foundation, Victoria Walks and Disability Resource Centre.
“Separated lanes encourage scooter users off the footpath, ensuring that footpaths remain usable for pedestrians, particularly older people and people with a disability.”
“Kerferd Rd is an extraordinarily wide corridor, with ample room for people walking, on bikes, driving and parking. A separated bike lane would be a wonderful community asset that gives people more options for sustainable travel. It would connect Anzac station and the new St Kilda Rd bike lanes, Albert Park, and the beach.”
Grand idea say grandparents
Middle Park locals Barb and Dennis said that cycling with their grandchildren was one of their greatest pleasures. “Having protected bike lanes to ride to the beach, the Botanical Gardens, and the parks in the CoPP makes it safe and fun.”

Big shake up before next Council elections in 2024

All metropolitan councils, including Port Phillip, will move to single councillor wards for the next Council elections in 2024.
Mandated by the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act), a panel appointed by the Minister will hear community input and made recommendations to the government between 19 July – 13 September.
The panels will consider:
> number of councillors
> how many wards 
> the location of ward boundaries
> the name of each ward.
This means that the current multi-councillor wards will end and be replaced with a yet to be determined number of single councillor wards.
TWiSK has asked the VEC for a detailed consultation timetable – it’s not available yet.
Audition call @ Rawcus
EOI closes 25 June, 5 pm
Rawcus is an inclusive theatre Ensemble of performers with and without disability based locally for over 22 years. 
They are seeking Expressions of Interest to audition to be part of this excited award winning, long-term Ensemble.
Information and EOI forms 

“Fanfare about library upgrade was dirty dealings”
Helen Halliday OAMInbox submission

“The article in TWiSK reveals some of the dirty dealings which have obscured the reality of what the Council was committing to when it drew up the Library Plan in 2021 and, to much fanfare, committing to $11 M for the much vaunted and much needed upgrade to this Library.
“It is evident that the St Kilda Library has a central role in the provision of Library services in the City of Port Phillip with its performance outstripping all the other libraries put together. Unlike all the other libraries, the St Kilda Library is linked to its community by numerous transport links from Elwood, East St Kilda, Balaclava, and St Kilda proper, right up to the Queens Road precinct.
“At the 50th Birthday celebration of the Library in 2022 it was noticeable that nothing was said about future plans. Since then the works underway have been limited to the purchase of items of furniture and small layout changes.
Library is below par compared to neighbouring councils
“The St Kilda Historical Society has made many presentations regarding the restoration of the St Kilda Library into one of the ground breaking libraries offered in Docklands Carlton and Bayside. These libraries have facilities such as state of the art internet and resource material, collaborative workspaces, spaces which connect the indoor and outdoor areas and much more.
“We are in danger of losing our major cultural assets by neglect, leaving a few remnants intact related specifically to music. The area east of Brighton Road – St Kilda, Balaclava and St Kilda East have consistently received the smallest per capita expenditure in Port Phillip, despite population analysis which confirms many times over the high level of community need.
“Expert advice and facilitated community input is needed on directions for the future of the St Kilda Library.”

“While I would have preferred no increase …”
Cr Rhonda Clark As seen on Facebook

(Facebook 25 April) A week proposing a rate increase instead of a rebate at Council, rate freeze advocate Cr Rhonda Clark took to Facebook to explain her decision.
“On Wed April 19th I moved an alternative motion to the council officer’s recommended 3.5% waiver to propose an increase in rates by 2.8% rather than the State Government maximum rates cap increase of 3.5%. While I would have preferred no increase for our community, the reduction in the potential increase from 3.5% to 2.8% is the first time in my term that we have got a majority support for a reduction from the maximum rate increase allowed under the State Government rates cap.
“On the face of it, the waiver might seem better because it is 3.5% however this would mean you get a waiver or refund of the 3.5% increase for this financial year but the following year you would get the 3.5% increase and whatever the increase is for that year as well.
“So, in summary it’s a one-year waiver but the increase is permanent for the following years. While the 0.7% reduction in rates is modest, it is a permanent reduction on your rates year after year.”
TWiSK offered Cr Clark an opportunity to contribute but she declined.

Local and independent coverage
of Council news and decisions

Council budget review

Cycle of forgotten promises?

In our next deep dive into the draft Council budget and plan,
we investigate the proposed delay to the construction for the Inkerman Street Safe Cycling Corridor until 2026/27.

After 5 years of a ten year plan, only 4 of 16 cycling safety projects have started construction
In 2018, Council adopted a Move Connect Live: Integrated Transport Strategy for 16 cycling safety projects to be completed by 2028.
Now at the half way point, only a quarter of the projects have started.
The draft budget proposes delaying the Inkerman Street Safe Cycling Corridor until 2026/27.
If the Inkerman corridor is delayed as proposed, its highly likely that less than half of the promised projects will be started by 2028.
Two major projects on a knife edge
It’s not only the Inkerman St Safe Cycling Corridor that’s facing chronic delays or negative decision. The Shrine to Sea cycle path from the new ANZAC station to the beach is currently under review at State Government level.

Cycling project score board: Half time results 

Here is the list of cycling projects presented in the Port Phillip Move Connect Live: Integrated Transport Strategy 2018 – 2028.
GREEN ZONE: Completed projects
Garden City – off-road connection to Sandringham Light Rail Trail
St Kilda Road safety improvement project – delivered by Victorian Government (although the Junction to Carlisle St section has not been started)
YELLOW ZONE: Works underway
Moray Street to City (with MMRA rail project
Park Street link (Note that council significantly downgraded part of this to an on-footpath bike path).
RED ZONE: Construction not started
Inkerman St – Fitzroy Street/ Cantebury Rd to Glen Eira connection (Inkerman St Safe Cycling Corridor)
Albert Road to Kerferd Road (Shrine to Sea is a Victorian Government project)
Dorcas St / Nelson Rd / Foote St – Kings Way to Beach
Sandringham Line/ Westbury St – Ripponlea to Windsor
Dickens St – Balaclava to St Kilda Beach
Acland St / Mitford St / Beach St – Fitzroy St to Elwood Beach
Tennyson St/ Blessington St – Elwood to St Kilda Beach
Byron St/ Glen Eira Rd – Ripponlea to Elwood
Bridge St/ Richardson St/ Loch St – Port Melbourne to St Kilda
Alexandra St – Prahran to Balaclava
Armstrong St – Middle Park Beach to Albert Park trail
Info supplied by Port Phillip BUG
Community feedback is invited by Council
Have Your Say 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.

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