TWiSK #412

Music
John Schumann & The Vagabond Crew
Missy Higgins @ Palais
Pinkerton Pendlebury 

Theatre
The Grinning Man @ Alex
You’re Being Dramatic @ TW Explosives Factory
A Case for the Existence of God @ Red Stitch

Exhibitions
The Air is Electric: David McDiarmid in America
Seen/Scene @ Pride

and more …

Council quiet on major foreshore project

Site contamination costs skyrocket from $750K to over $5M
Timelines blown from the get go
No emails to interested parties since September 2022
What project might that be?
Scroll down to find out


The Air is Electric: David McDiarmid in America @ Pride

 Wednesday 1 May – Sunday 30 June 2024
Presented by the Australian Queer Archives, The Air is Electric: David McDiarmid in America, includes rarely seen photographs from one of Australia’s most significant artists.
Creatively documenting his 1977 travels through San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City and set to a fabulous soundtrack by legendary DJ Stephen Allkins, the exhibition provides a raw insight to the early years of liberation in the USA.
Info
Seen/Scene @ Pride
1 May – 30 June 2024
In Seen/Scene, presented by tilde, photographer Bho Vé goes behind the scenes to spotlight trans and gender diverse creatives, crew and game changers working in Naarm. From multiple sets such as Neighbours, SEEN/SCENE exposes the often-unseen artistry of cinematographers, intimacy coordinators, grips and producers working to bring Australia’s stories to the screen.
Info
Established in 2014, tilde is a community-led, international film festival based in Melbourne, and one of only a handful of trans and gender diverse (TGD) film festivals in the world.

Be snap happy and win
Open to all amateur photography enthusiasts

Entries close 1 May
Promoted by the Acland Street Traders, The “St Kilda, My View” Photography Competition celebrates the diversity of our community and the different faces of St Kilda.
All amateur photographers are invited to enter one photo based on the theme “St Kilda, My View” which means you need to take and submit a photo taken within 3182/3183 that also says something about who you are – it could speak to your background, your heritage, your culture, your hobby, your passion, what you care about etc
There are voucher prizes up for grabs to spend in Acland Precinct for under 16s and 17 and over – $350 first prize and $150 second prize – plus, if you’re one of 20 finalists, you’ll be featured in an on-street gallery, hanging in one of our shop windows for everyone to see!
Details and T&Cs 
Make sure to read the Ts and Cs
B2L Trivia @ St Kilda Sports Club
Tuesdays, 7 pm
Free
Poker Nights
Tuesdays, 6 pmYou’re Being Dramatic @ TW Explosives Factory
Tuesday 30 April – Saturday 4 May, 7.30 pm
Thea and Arvy are best friends. But Thea has a secret, one which could unravel the very fabric of their friendship; and who is it that keeps knocking at their door?
Darkly funny and deeply moving, You’re Being Dramatic is a devastating and beautiful new play from emerging writer/director Zadie Kennedy McCracken, exploring intimacy, queer identity, patriarchy, and the agony of unfulfilled desire.
Tix
Suggested violence, references to sex, violence, sexual assault, and misogyny
Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible 🙁
A Case for the Existence of God @ Red Stitch
Wednesday 1 May – Sunday 12 May
This award-winning play (named one of the best of 2022 by the New York Times) leads audiences on a journey of intrigue and reckoning as the two fathers’ lives intertwine in a powerful narrative about what it means to be human.
Directed by Gary Abrahams and featuring ensemble members Kevin Hofbauer and Darcy Kent. $68/$48
Tix and info 
The Grinning Man @ Alex
Wednesday 1 May – Sunday 19 May, 7.30 pm some matinees
Following an extended West End run, The Grinning Man is a magical and macabre musical based on the novel The Man Who Laughs, written by the globally celebrated author, Victor Hugo (Les Miserables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), and will make its Australian Premiere. $84/$60
Tix 

Third Space @ Linden Project Space
Thursday 2 May, 6 pm – 8 pm
Exhibition until 2 June
A group exhibition that anchors the co-location of time, space, memory, and connection through the works of the disparate yet analogous creative practices of three artists: Jane Bartier, Amber Smith, and Anindita Banerjee.
Info
Rear 26 Acland Street (no wheelchair access)

Fabulous Frogs with EcoCentre @Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve
Friday 3 May, 5.00 pm – 6:30pm (Sunset is at 5.31pm)
Learn about the frog species that live at the reserve, how to listen and recognise a frog species by its call and participate in monitoring the local frog population.
This is a family friendly event. All welcome. BYO Torch, comfortable shoes and clothing.
Free
Bookings

Bowie Unzipped starring Jeff Duff @ Memo
Friday 3 May, 7 pm.
Duffo and his all star band including keyboard wizard, Glenn Rhodes, Jak Housden – guitar & Hamish Stewart – drums will perform their exciting interpretations of all the Bowie hits! $57/$37
Tix 
Pinkerton Pendlebury (Album Launch) @ George Lane
Friday 3 May, 7 pm – 10.45 pm
Andrew Pendlebury (The Sports, Stephen Cummings etc) and Steve Pinkerton (Dallas Crane, The Ronson Hangup, The Anyones,) share musical experience from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s through to now in new musical partnership Pinkerton Pendlebury.
Tix 
Impromptunes @ Alex
Friday 3 May, 8 pm
The audience suggests a title, and seconds later the curtain opens on a brand new, completely improvised and totally hilarious musical.
Not content with dialogue, songs, music and dances all made up on the spot, these incredibly talented improvisers work with a live three-piece band. $33.56
Tix
Missy Higgins @ Palais
Friday 3 May, Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May
All May and two June shows sold out!
Monthly Market @ Christ Church
Saturday 4 May, 9am to 2pm (weather permitting)
Sausage Sizzle. books, plants, clothes & more!
14 Acland Street

Star Wars Trilogy Marathon @ Astor
Saturday, 4 May at 1:00pm (single feature)
“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..” The Star Wars Trilogy on the 4K Astor Laser SuperScreen. Commencing with Star Wars: A New Hope, followed by The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. May the Force Be With You for 388 mins
Tix 

John Schumann & The Vagabond Crew – The Back Tracks Concert @ Memo
Saturday 4 May, 7 pm and Sunday 5 May, 2 pm
Songs, stories – and the odd amusing opinion. One night only. $75/$55
Tix 
Blackbirds F.C. – Single Launch @ George Lane
Saturday 4 May, 7.30 pm – 11.00 pm
Blackbirds F.C. play their own brand of alt. country rock inspired by the Go-Betweens, Paul Kelly, The Church, and XTC. Blackbirds return to George Lane to launch a new single ‘Rings Around the Sun’ from their upcoming third album. With support from Billy Baxter and Gina from the Hollowmen playing their first gig in 15 years and Edie and Sarah making their debut.
Tix
St Kilda East: exploring a century of gentle density @ BUG social ride and tour
Sunday 5 May, 10 am – 12 Noon
Port Phillip Bicycle User Group and Jane’s Walk present a social ride and bike tour exploring housing in St Kilda East. Led by architect Brendan Baxter, the ride will visit exemplary small to medium-scale housing built from the 1920s. 
Free event but booking is necessary
Easy 5km ride on streets through East St Kilda, finishing at a cafe. 

Star Wars Prequel Trilogy Marathon @ Astor
Sunday 5 May, 1 pm
Every generation has a legend. Every journey has a first step. Every saga has a beginning. 461 mins
Tix
The Peptides @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 5 May, 5 pm
Free

‘Kid’ James @ Espy Basement
Sunday 5 May, 6 pm
‘Kid’ James performing authentic covers and originals just like rockabilly was played back in the 50s. Free
Info

Next week
Monday 6 May – Sunday 12 May

He @ TW Explosives Factory
Tuesday 7 May – Saturday 18 May, 7.30 pm
Spanish Friday 10 May and Friday 17 May. 7.30 pm
HE is a coming-of-age tragedy (set in post-civil war El Salvador) about the treacherous waters of masculinity, homophobia, and love. About dad, the war, mum, the moon, the shadows of the past… still lingering. A story about sex, sin, Jesús, and the ocean.
Conceived, written and performed by Salvadoran-Australian theatre practitioner Rodrigo Calderón, HE is physical, vivid and delirious storytelling, with a cumbia heart-beat.
Tix
References to sexual violence and homophobia, and use of homophobic slurs.
Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Mamamia Out Loud LIVE @ Palais
Thursday 9 May, 7 pm
Join Holly Wainwright, Jessie Stephens and Mia Freedman for a night of laughs, unpopular opinions and their trademark honesty. $89+
Tix

Ryan McMullan @ Espy Gershwin
Thursday 9 May, 7.30 pm
Irish singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan. $54.60
Tix

Twist & Shout: A Salute to Rock ‘n Roll @ Memo
Friday 10 May, 7 pm
The Williams Brothers perform the classic No 1 hits of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Legends of the 50’s & 60’s.
The Williams Brothers are the sons of one of Australia’s leading Rock ‘n’ Roll pioneers, Warren Williams, the boys were born to carry on the tradition of one of the greatest eras in Music History. $69.90/$59.90
Tix
The Mojo Corner + Doc Halibut @ George Lane
Friday 10 May, 7:00 pm – 10:45 pm
The Mojo Corner are Rock. They are Roots. They are Blues. They have Soul.
Doc Halibut’s rock n’ roll and pop exhibits an authentic heart and irrepressible energy to carry any audience aloft and along for the ride.
https://www.georgelane.com.au/events-1
Billy Elliot The Musical @ National Theatre
Friday 10 May – Saturday 25 May, 8 pm (some matinees)
CLOC is proud to bring the Victorian Non-Professional Premiere of Billy Elliot, The Musical. $66/60
Tix
Greek Legends of the 20th Century @ Palais
Friday 10 May, 8 pm
Celebrating 100 years of Greek influence on modern music with the cream of Greek/Australian singers, dancers, and musicians. $101+
The organisers are not modest, they promise an event “bigger than Ben Hur, bigger than The Trojan Horse and bigger than the Pyramids.”
Tix
Shannon Bourne Band @ George Lane Matinee Sessions
Saturday 11 May, 3 pm – 6 pm
Shannon Bourne is a critically-acclaimed blues-and-roots-founded guitarist, singer and songwriter with a strong following of discerning fans and the power to sway audiences with the naked emotion and sheer virtuosic power of his soul-searing performances.
Tix
The Imperfects @ Palais
Saturday 11 May, 5 pm and 8 pm
“Founder of The Resilience Project, Hugh van Cuylenburg, his brother Josh van Cuylenburg and comedian Ryan Shelton (neither of their brothers), are touring on an original stage show that will make you laugh, feel and think.” $61.03 +
Tix

The Whitlams Black Stump @ Memo
Saturday 11 May, 7 pm
Tim Freedman’s alt-country project The Whitlams Black Stump sees him and longtime drummer Terepai Richmond joined by an A Team of roots musicians, reconstructing the best of The Whitlams’ repertoire with a smattering of new songs and classic Americana. $65/60/55
Tix 


Lady Bunny – Don’t Bring The Kids!! @ Espy Gershwin
Saturday 11 May, 6 PM
Second show after first date sold out. Drag Royalty Lady Bunny in an hour of jokes and demented song parodies. $59/$49
Tix
J.P. Shilo & T.J. Howden – Hungry Ghosts (duo)  @ George Lane
Saturday 11 May, 7:30 PM 11:00 PM
The reclusive cult-like instrumentalists – Hungry Ghosts, are like rare birds from a bygone era.
Their two founding members – J.P. Shilo & T.J. Howden will be appearing in an exclusive duo mode, previewing new works as well as selections from Shilo’s “Invisible You” LP and his various collaborations. Support on the night is D.C. Cross.
Tix

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen (UK/USA) @ Memo
Sunday 12 May, 3 pm; Tuesday 14 May, 7 pm
Grammy award winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Jon Cleary returns for his first Australian tour in five years with his band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, to celebrate twenty years since the band’s inception and first album. $69.90/64.90/59.90+bf
Tix 
The Golden Gaytimes @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 12 May, 5pm
Free

Later in May

Introducing the Degrowth Movement @ U3A Saturday zoom seminar
Saturday 18 May, 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Degrowth is a lifestyle, a call for system change and a rapidly expanding international movement. Politicians aim for about 3% GDP growth per annum, which is a doubling every 23 years. This growth is killing the natural environment that keeps us alive. Presented by Terry Leahy, a sociologist and environmentalist. Free
Info and link

What is the massive St Kilda project that you may not have heard about?

Here are some clues ….
It’s a $160M project
It’s located on prime St Kilda foreshore
It received a 50-year lease from Council on 1 May 2022
It’s led by a consortium linked to one of Australia’s most famous and successful music promoters
It promises recreation, retail, hospitality, boating and open space uses spanning 8Ha (80,000m2)
All this, and no Council public updates (no public emails, no media releases) since September 2022

It’s not the St Kilda Triangle  …
It’s not St Kilda Pier …

It’s the $160M St Kilda Marina Project

On the second anniversary of leasing the St Kilda Marina to the Australian Marina Development Corporation (AMDC), we look at some of the questions that have been brewing since 2022.
We ask why contamination remediation costs have skyrocketed from $750K to over $5M?
We ask why progress has stalled and is not meeting timelines?
 We ask why Council has remained ‘quiet’ about this project since September 2022?
We ask questions about AMDC and why they have no up-to-date website and information?
Much more than meets the eye
The St Kilda Marina is a massive project in many ways. It’s got a project value estimated at $160M, it covers a vast footprint from the St Kilda Beacon, Marine Parade frontage, the service station, adjoining car parks and the foreshore back to the beacon –spanning 8Ha (80,000m2).
Just the first stages of the proposed project promise to deliver impressive features surrounding a much modernised and more open marina, including:
• a new dry store building with capacity for 300 boats and ancillary facilities
• new wet berths re-oriented to the peninsula side
• a base-level of public berthing infrastructure
• a new Australian Volunteer Coast Guard facility
• comprehensive refurbishment of the RIVA building
• Marine Parade works to create a retail or food and beverage strip
• peninsula works including landscaping and Beacon restoration
• Bay Trail and car parking upgrades.
Council says project info is on their website for all to see
Council disputes our assertion that there has been no information circulated to the public since 2022.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo said “This is incorrect. The tenant achieved landlord approval in late 2022 at a public council meeting, and has since developed the drawings to a stage where they were able to make a planning submission. The project update regarding the planning submission and its current status can be viewed on the project web-page.
“As the new tenant, Australian Marina Development Corporation (AMDC) is responsible for the redevelopment of this complex site and we are working constructively with AMDC to progress the redevelopment.”
But where are the media releases and public emails to interested parties?
Where is the announcement that contamination costs have risen by more than 600%?
What the Mayor says may be true, but people who signed up to receive updates about the project have not received any correspondence since 30 September 2022. That’s a long while between drinks.
Troubling questions are emerging, unanswered
Since Council commenced the project in 2018, there have been persistent concerns about site contamination. As a working marina with refuelling facilities and maintenance workshops, there was bound to be contamination.
In September 2020, Council wrote to a member of the Marina Project Community Panel (that provided advice about the project) stating:
“In terms of the sharing of costs of remediation, it was agreed that Council, as Landlord, would pay 75% and tenant would pay 25% of the costs with Council’s contribution capped at $750,000.”
Yet by July 2022 the anticipated cost of remediation has risen dramatically, with a published report to Council stating:
“AMDC has proposed a broad methodology that uses alternative construction techniques to minimise contaminated soil disturbance and off-site disposal. The outcome of this is a cost in the order of $8M. Council’s commitment in line with the lease requirement of a contribution of 75% of costs is approximately $6M.”
But alarmingly, the Council report also said remediation could have a worst-case scenario of up to $16M.
In response to our recent questions the Mayor said:
“Contamination at the site has been discovered to be more extensive than previously thought. We are working through what that means to the project’s timeline and Council funding contributions.”
Ouch. The current draft budget has a placeholder line item of over $5M. (Vol 2, p94)
Slower start than proposed?
In July 2022, the report to Council included these early project timings:
“Stage 1a including the peninsula works, dry stack, Riva building refurbishment, carpark, Bay Trail Civic Heart – to be delivered in 12 to 24 months.
“Stage 1b including the new wet berths Marine Parade works, peninsula work and Marine Parade retail – to be delivered in 24 to 48 months.”
Clearly this timeline has turned out to be ambitious.
Nevertheless, the Mayor confirmed some progress:
“AMDC continues to maintain marina operations including:
> storing boats and enabling boating activity in the bay
> dredging
> ensuring sub-tenants continue to provide services (hospitability, service station and boat fuelling, convenience store, boat maintenance/repairs and Coast Guard).
“AMDC has also refreshed elements of the site, including notable upgrades to Riva to re-activate the hospitality and entertainment offer.”
Who is behind ADMC?
If you do a Google search for Australian Marina Development Corporation (AMDC), remarkably you will not find anything.
You’ll have more luck on LinkedIn, leading to the rock’n’roll connection, namely Christo Van Egmond* who is a Director of both AMDC and TEG Van Egmond (the dynamic entertainment company founded by his recently deceased father Gary Van Egmond who achieved prominence bringing Dire Straits, Jesus Christ Superstar, Riverdance & AC/DC to perform in Australia).
Meanwhile the St Kilda Marina website remains a shrine to the previous operators. The most recent Latest News item is from August 2020 paying homage to the Spooner family – the previous lessees.
TWiSK confirmed that the current website is being operated by the new operators.
Links to key information
Council project page 
AMDC Landlord Approval Extract document (detailed plans) 
FYI TWiSK questions and Council’s response in full
*TWiSK has contacted Christo Van Egmond for comment and we will happily publish a response.

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