Monday 11 March – Sunday 17 March

TWiSK #405

St Patricks Festival Weekend 
Saturday:
Family fun day, parade, dog show and Dancers
Sunday:
The Tumbling Paddies (IRE) headline the craic in O’Donnell Gardens  

This week in music

Cat Clyde (CAN) @ George Lane
Judy Collins @ Memo
Richard Stubbs Comedy Gold @ National
Screaming Jets @ Espy
Jessica Mauboy @ Palais
and more …


Vale Brenda Richards
Advocate, pioneering social worker, writer and footy fan

Kay Rowan retires after 48 years of library service

Max and the Magistrate
Therapy dog avoids fine 

Unanimous support for beachside yoga


Swansong @ Explosive Factory

Wednesday 13 March – Friday 22 March, 7.30 pm
A poignant exploration of the unyielding bond between a mother and her son, set against the backdrop of 1960s society. With the compelling journey of Austin ‘Occi’ Byrne, brilliantly portrayed by Andre De Vanny. $50 / $42
Tix
Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Nik Kershaw & Go West @ Palais
Monday 11 March, 8 pm
An 80s double header when chart toppers Go West and Nik Kershaw $89+
Tix
Gilberto Gil @ Palais
Tuesday 12 March, 8 pm
Brazilian Legend Gilberto Gil. $99+
Tix
John Craigie (USA) & Cat Clyde (CAN) @ George Lane
Wednesday 13 March, 7 pm
Introducing Portland, Oregon singer, songwriter and producer John Craigie and spellbinding Canadian troubadour Cat Clyde. Almost sold out.
Tix

Judy Collins @ Memo
Wednesday 13 March, 8 pm
Judy Collins will perform an intimate concert of songs from throughout her career, accompanied by pianist Russell Walden. $99
Tix
Cheap Trick & The Angels @ Palais
Wednesday 13 March, 8 pm
Remember the dream police? Will you ever see their face again? $142+
Tix
Habitat Gardening Workshop @ St Kilda Library
Thursday 14 March, 6 pm to 7:30 pm
A habitat gardening workshop presented by AB Bishop, a horticulturist, writer, and conservationist. You’ll discover how we care about local wildlife, what to bring into our spaces and how to set up your garden in a way that local critters can’t resist! Free
Bookings

Book Launch: Bully Blocking @ Readings
Thursday 14 March, 6:30pm
Celebrate the launch of Evelyn M Field’s Bully Blocking: Empowering Students to Manage Bullying.
Free but booking essential 
112 Acland St
Sunset Market @ Acland Plaza
Thursday 14 March, 4.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Esplanade Market traders (except the food trucks) appear in Acland Plaza for the last time this season.
Info

Own Voices Forum @ St Kilda Library
Friday 15 March, 11 am to 3 pm
An event for local writers with disability who are interested in joining the Writeability Goes Local Writers Group running at the Library between April and November. Jenny Hedley, local mentor who will facilitate the Writers Group, will be speaking with presenters Jessica Walton and Nicole Smith (pictured). Free
Register 
Comedy Gold @ National
Friday 15 March, 7.30 pm
Follow the fairy-lights to the intimate cabaret Studio 2 for an evening of comedic alchemy with Scout Boxhall, Richard Stubbs and Jon Walpole. $25+
Tix 
TWIGGS performs the music of The Allman Brothers Band @ George Lane
Friday 15 March, 7 pm
TWIGGS brings a 7 piece band that has the original double drummer set up in the form of Chris Cameron (The Rookies) and Johnny Tesoriero (Blues Roulette) , dual guitar duties from Duncan Schmoll and Glenn Ford, Keys from Joel Smithard, Craig Kelly (Dan Parsons/Stetson Family) on Bass and the mighty Paul Slattery (Moreland City Soul Revue) on Vocals.
Tix

Screaming Jets @ Espy
Friday 15 March, 7.30 pm
Touring to support a new album Professional Misconduct. $45
Tix 
Bethenny Frankel @ Palais
Friday 15 March, 8 pm
Entrepreneur, Producer, philanthropist, bestselling author, and CEO of lifestyle brand Skinny Girl. $120+
Tix
Tasty local events @ Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Friday 15 – Sunday 24 March
Donna Chang @ Mya Tiger
Friday 15 March, 7 pm
The Espy’s Mya Tiger hands over the reins to the team from Brisbane’s Donna Chang for an evening of Cantonese deliciousness. $123
Info
Desserted @ Stokehouse
Monday 18 March, 6.30 pm
Five courses of dessert. $148
Tix
Italian-American Beats and Eats
Friday 22 March, 7 pm
For one night only Jimmy Hurlston from Collingwood cult eatery Easey’s pairs up with chef Telina Menzies and star pizza chef Salim Gafayri for a mash-up of all things Italian-American. $148
Tix
SummerSalt @ Catani Gardens
Saturday 16 March, 1.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Festival style event featuring James Bay, Matt Corby, Ziggy Alberts, Thelma Plum, Kita Alexander and Mia Wray. $139 +
Tix 
St Patricks Festival @ O’Donnell Gardens and Acland Street
Saturday 16 March and Sunday 17 March, 10 am to 10 pm
Now a two day event starting with a free family fund day on Saturday with live music and a parade. Sunday has a ticket event with The Tumbling Paddies from Co. Fermanagh, Sharon Shannon & The Lost Backpackers
Tix and times 

Song Cycle ride @ Elwood Singing Walking Trail
Saturday 16 March, 10.30 am – 1.00 pm
Cycle the Elwood Singing Walking Trail stopping at 12 Song Sites to sing (or listen to) a song created or chosen for that location reflecting the history, flora and fauna, stories and people of Elwood.
Meeting at Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the ride travels along backstreets, the Elwood Canal, the Beach and through the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve stopping at each Song-Site.
Total ride 10 km. Riders of all ages and abilities welcome. Free
BookingsA Famous Sri Lankan Garden @ U3A Port Phillip Zoom Saturday Seminar
Saturday 16 March, 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Presenter Lynsey Poore is a volunteer guide at the Royal Botanic Gardens. In this seminar she describes the Sri Lankan Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, close to Kandy. In The Guardian (2018) it was listed as one of the ten great botanical gardens of the world. Free
Register for link 

The Cambodian Space Project @ George Lane
Saturday 16 March, 7:30 PM 11:00 PM
The stratospheric rise of Cambodia’s most renowned music export has caught those witnessing the spectacle of this cosmic cross-culture rock band (CSP) by surprise, not least its founding members.
TixSisters in Crime. Unmasking the Truth @ The Rising Sun Hotel
Saturday 16 March, 8 pm
Authors of three new novels will ‘tell all’ under interrogation of journalist and Sisters in Crime convenor, Leslie Falkiner-Rose. The authors are Louise Milligan (Pheasants Nest), Sarah Bailey (Body of Lies), and Abby Corson (The Concierge) expose the perfidy, duplicity, and brutality that define some people, and far too many institutions.
Info  | Bookings 
Jessica Mauboy @ Palais
Saturday 16 March, 8 pm
“Expect an unforgettable journey through her classics and new hits.” $80+
Tix

Harry Manx (CAN) @ Memo
Saturday 16 March, 8 pm
He’s Canadian. Seven time Maple Blues award winner, Folk Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year. $60
Tix
Swing to the music @ Elwood Croquet Club
Sunday 17 March, 10 am – 4 pm
Drop in anytime to learn to play croquet and listen to live music from Team Love, Elwood Community Choir, Elwood College Band, and the Piano Accordion Group. Free BBQ, café cart and mini mart with local artisans and crafts.
Info 
Head Street, Elwood
(re) Open Day – Free entry @ Jewish Museum 
Sunday 17 March, 10 am – 5 pm
Celebrate the refurbishment and reopening of the Jewish Museum.
Enjoy free entry to all exhibitions, new spaces and access to a full day of activities.
What’s On
10.30am, 1pm or 3.30pm: Meet at reception to join a guided tours 
11am to 12pm: Take part in a pop-up singalong of Hebrew, Yiddish and English tunes 
1pm to 3pm: Enjoy the musical stylings of Simon and Zohar Starr .
3.30–4pm: Calming breathwork session with yoga instructor Rachel Goldenberg in the Krongold Gallery.
All day
Wander our many spaces to find evocative sculptures from Nina Sanadze’s incredible body of work Hana and Child on display.
Explore Harry Nankin’s exhibition Instructions for Mending the World on display in the Krongold Gallery.
Visit the brand-new Children’s Space throughout the day for storybook readings in our many community languages including Russian, Polish, Yiddish, Hebrew, French, Japanese and more!
Drop-in to the Learning Centre at any time to make your own jewellery.
Book your free ticket Festival Africa @ Space2b
Sunday 17 March, 11 am – 5 pm
Featuring Astral African Market showcasing treasures from Black-Owned businesses, including clothing, vintage finds and jewellery; lively performances throughout the day; drumming, henna and face painting workshops and an African art exhibition throughout March.
Info
144 Chapel Street
One Tribe group exhibition @ Space2b
Until 30 March
Exhibition opening: Sunday 17 March, 12 pm
One Tribe is an African Art Exhibition to honour all things African. Space2b has curated a talented group of ten African artists, each sharing the beauty of their culture and the richness of their heritage.
Info

Daoirí Farrell (IRE) @ Memo
Sunday 17 March, 3 pm
Dublin-born singer and bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell direct from Port Fairy. $45
Tix  | YouTube 

Hornstars @ Espy
Sunday 17 March, 6 pm
Three sets of soulful, funky tunes. Free
Tix 

Next week
Monday 18 March – Sunday 24 March

Urban Heat or Cool Green forum @ Pride Centre
Tuesday 19 March, 6.30 pm – 8 pm
Organised by Port Phillip Climate Emergency Network (PECAN), Port Phillip EcoCentre, and City of Port Phillip this community forum looks at Port Phillip’s draft Urban Forest Strategy.
Jen Witheridge (Port Phillip Urban Forest Planner) and Greg Moore (Senior Research Associate, University of Melbourne) will reveal the benefits of canopy cover and address challenges on the journey to a cool green future. Gio Fitzpatrick (Local Naturalist) will talk about the importance of planting for increasing local biodiversity.
Engage in a dynamic Q&A session and be part of the discussion shaping a more sustainable and resilient urban environment. Free
Tix 
79-91 Fitzroy St
MICF The Gala @ Palais
Wednesday 20 March, 8 pm
Comedy Festival Gala always sells out – hurry $193+
Tix

The Southern River Band @ Espy Gershwin
Thursday, 21 March, 7.30 pm
Big sound, no shirts. $38
Tix | YouTube 

King Ibis + Sophian @ Espy Basement
Thursday, 21 March, 7.30 pm
King Ibis & Sophian will be bringing their brand of West-Coast indie rock to East Coast. Free
Info
GP Formula 1 @ Albert Park 
Thursday 21 March – Sunday 24 March
All the usual zoom zoom and boom boom
Info

tfjdeane – Vinyl Launch @ George Lane
Friday 22 March, 7.00 pm – 10:45 pm
Melbourne-based and long-time musician in Melbourne’s music scene both north and south of the river, a special night for the launch of the solo vinyl ‘Melbourne Nocturne’ by tfjdeane. Special guests including fellow Superstitions band members.
Tix
Comedy Gold @ National
Friday 22 March, 7.30 pm
Follow the fairy-lights to the intimate cabaret Studio 2 for an evening of comedic alchemy with Josh Glanc and Henry Yan. $25+
Tix 
Don Walker – Lightning Live @ Memo
Friday 22 Narch, 7 pm
Don Walker returns with his crack band featuring The Harmonettes for the ‘Lightning Live 2024 Tour’. $60
Tix
Martik @ Palais
Friday 22 March, 8 pm
Martik Gharakhanian, also known as Martik, is an Armenian singer, composer, arranger and guitarist from Iran and living in the United States. $150
Tix

Client Liaison – ‘Club Liaison’ @ Espy Gershwin
Friday 22 March, 9 pm
‘Club Liaison’ where disco, lobsters and dancing unite. $44
Tix

Mulalo @ Espy Basement
Friday 22 March, 9 pm
The twenty-six-year-old rapper most known for her single ‘Tracy Grimshaw’, a hard-hitting, tongue in cheek Australian reference-filled song. Free
Info
Eugene Hamilton & The Money @ Memo
Saturday 23 March, 7 pm
Eugene and The Money supported by Murray’s Bay Country Club. Good times. $60
Tix

Opelousas – Album Launch @ George Lane
Saturday 23 March, 7:30 pm -11:00 pm
bare boned blues band Opelousas launch their new album.
Tix

The Chuck Berry Revue @ Espy Basement
Sunday 24 March, 6 pm
Celebrate the genius of Chuck Berry with Rick ‘Hoey’ Bell’s narrative show. Free
Info

Plan ahead

Comedy Festival Opening Night @ Palais
Wednesday 27 March
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow. $73+
Tix

Unanimous support for more flexible policy on beachside yoga
Eliza celebrates 500th beachside yoga session

Supporters of the Feel Good Flows yoga are feeling ‘hopeful’ after Councillors voted unanimously for a more flexible approach to the rules about foreshore recreation.
As reported last week, the popular yoga sessions had been forced to relocate after council officers ruled that weekly yoga sessions (with more than 15 participants) were not permitted but other popular activities such as beach volleyball were allowed.
Strong show of support
At the Council meeting, yoga teacher Eliza Hilmer presented a petition with more than 7500 signatures and other yoga fans expressed their passion for the outdoor location, the benefits of yoga and the strength of connections built after regular participation.
Under questioning from Councillors, council officers struggled to explain their decisions and were unable to recall any complaints from the public. They said that yoga was considered as personal training and was therefore limited to no more than 15 participants.
Councillors unanimous
Cr Baxter and Bond initiated the call for greater flexibility while maintaining the need to have policies and rules to protect foreshore amenity. Cr Baxter said finding a solution for the yoga sessions presented a chance to be flexible without throwing out the longstanding policies. Cr Bond agreed and said Council needed a system that was both consistent and flexible.
What’s next for yoga on the beach?
Eliza told TWiSK that the Sea Baths [management] had been great at providing an alternative space.
‘We appreciate this new home so much more than I have been able to express. It is a temporary agreement for 8-week trial and we hope we can continue on for the rest of the year and beyond.’ she said.
‘There is something magical about Sunday mornings right on the beach – its open skies and sandy toes.’
About returning to yoga by the sand, Eliza said ‘we hope to reach an agreement with the Council similar to what’s available for regular activities like the beach volleyball.’

Editorial opinion
Unanimous support from councillors may not be enough

Last week TWiSK wrote:
“If the current foreshore rules forbid weekly yoga sessions with more than 15 people, the rules need to be changed.”
We stand by that opinion.
The unanimous support by councillors for a more flexible approach was gratifying.
It’s now up to council officers to abide by that message and find a solution without delay.
We hope that’s not too much of stretch.

HerStory map charts local women
Who should be honoured next?

Council has just published a map featuring 22 women recognised across Port Phillip.
The ‘HerStory’ map displays places in the City of Port Phillip where women are recognised and honoured in street names, parks and gardens, buildings and on monuments and other public artworks.
Call for your suggestions
Council wants to celebrate the history and culture of our city by “putting her name on it”. And they are open to your suggestions.
More info | Map

Max and the magistrate
Dog has fine time in Court

Max the local child therapy dog (and his owner John Chellew) avoided a $1400 fine and conviction when they pleaded guilty in the Magistrates court last week (1 March) to being off leash in a public area.
In possibly a first for court 23 on the 6th floor of the Melbourne Magistrates Court, Max, a cute, fluffy 5 year old Pomeranian Cross was present in court to face the Magistrate.
True, Max had been with his owner on the St Kilda foreshore off leash when spotted by Council officers patrolling on a quadbike.
John, a Mental Health Social Worker and Founder of the School Refusal Clinic, told the officers that Max was a highly trained therapy dog and that he was under effective control. But a fine was issued – $280 which rose to $400 when John decided to challenge the fine in court.
Both John and Max are familiar faces on the beach and in the parks around StKilda. John is a school refusal counsellor. He often takes kids on “walk and talk” outdoor therapy sessions with Max as part of his unique approach to helping kids overcome anxiety.
After learning this, the Magistrate said she was pleased to have Max before in her court and that Max offered a valuable community service. (Therapy dogs have recently been introduced to the Family Court)
The Magistrate found the case proven without conviction. Both the $400 fine and Court costs of $1,000 were waived.
Read more about John’s work 

Fines unleashed?
Port Phillip on track for a record haul of off-leash fines

Council local laws officers are set to collect a record haul of off-leash fines.
Figures supplied by council report that 48 fines were issued in 21-22; 70 in 22-23 and 49 so far in 23-24 with many months to go.
Council told TWiSK that local laws officers were using the Council’s ATV buggy for beach patrols as it allows them easier access and they can cover more territory.
“This is in response to many members of the public regularly contacting our Council with complaints about dogs being off leash where they shouldn’t be on our beaches,” said Acting Mayor Cr Louise Crawford.
Timely reminder to check the rules as most change from 1 April
See map of off-leash beaches

Advocate, pioneering social worker, writer and footy fan
Vale Brenda Richards

From Carmel Shute
The St Kilda community is mourning the death of Brenda Richards at the age of 85.
What a woman! What a life!
Brenda was born in country Victoria. She started working in a cannery when she was thirteen. She went on the road as a teenager, picked peas and fruit, worked as a domestic servant.
Brenda settled in St Kilda in 1961 where both her daughters were born. She initially lived in a rooming house in Wordsworth Street. A few years later, she managed against amazing odds to buy a house in Acland Street.
She was a founding member and inaugural treasurer of the Council of Single Mothers and their Children. The members encouraged her to complete high school. Despite a short bout of cancer, she did so, followed by a degree at Monash – and a heart attack at 40.
Brenda worked for 25 years as the Senior Psychiatric Social Worker in the Children’s Court Clinic. In 1986, Brenda initiated a Step Family Program for parents whose children were before the courts.
Brenda became the Vice-President of the Victorian Council of Social Services and a board member of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS). She has also served on the board of the Victorian Adoption Network Information and Self-Help Group (VANISH).
Honours galore – and well deserved
Brenda was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2011. A few years later she was made an Ambassador for Women by the Labor Party, as well as the Number 1 female ticket holder for the local St. Kilda City Football Club.
In 2021, Brenda received an OAM “for service to the community through social welfare organisations”.
Criminal deeds – in fiction of course!
Brenda was also a member of Sisters in Crime in Melbourne from pretty much the beginning in 1991. She attended most events, often winning the raffle, and wrote two crime books under the name of Bebe Chardis, Getting Ahead and Kava Flow: A Kip Kelly Adventure. Her other books include Adventures of a Skitterer, Girls on the Track, and Travels with Grandma.
Brenda also won more awards in the Port Phillip Senior Citizens Writing competition than anyone else. She took out awards in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2021 and was highly commended in 2016.
Brenda was tremendous fun and had a wide circle of friends and admirers. Plans to celebrate Brenda and her many achievements are underway.
A local event is being planned.
TWiSK will have details next week.

Next chapter for history librarian
Kay Rowan retires after 48 years

Local History Librarian Kay Rowan’s remarkable 48 years of service was recognised by Council with a bunch of flowers on Wednesday.
Kay recently retired as Team Leader Libraries Local History to enjoy more time in her beloved Port Melbourne.
From her beginnings at the South Melbourne Library in 1976, Kay played a vital role in establishing the Heritage Collection, Port Phillip Heritage Centre, and local history services.
Acting Mayor Louise Crawford thanked Kay saying her dedication had benefited countless individuals, groups, and organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the preservation and understanding of Port Phillip’s history.
‘Kay’s contributions have been acknowledged in over seventy books for the support she provided the authors, reflecting her invaluable expertise.
‘We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kay for her significant role in our City. Your warmth and commitment to your work will be dearly missed.’

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