Melbourne
Your City Of Melbourne Magazine
October – November 2015
Contents
Future Melbourne 2015 ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Enduring city businesses ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Your Say ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Letter of the month .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Will there be a hard waste collection this spring? ........................................................................................... 7
Participate Melbourne ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Places for People study captures local life ........................................................................................................... 8
Rail tunnel goes high tech .................................................................................................................................... 8
Melbourne’s signature style .................................................................................................................................. 9
Clever maps pave way to a greener city .............................................................................................................. 9
Agile cities act globally on climate change ......................................................................................................... 10
Help us reduce emission .................................................................................................................................... 10
Own or live in a residential apartment? ......................................................................................................... 10
Smart Blocks: ........................................................................................................................................... 10
GreenMoney: ............................................................................................................................................ 10
High-rise recycling: ................................................................................................................................... 10
Own or rent a commercial office building? .................................................................................................... 10
1200 Buildings and CitySwitch: ................................................................................................................ 10
Environmental Upgrade Finance: ............................................................................................................. 11
A ticket to success .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Melbourne Music Week 2015: First acts released ............................................................................................. 13
Showcase ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Live Music Safari presented by Jack Daniel’s Future Legends ..................................................................... 13
Self-Made presented by Levi’s ...................................................................................................................... 13
Industry .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Kids/Family .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Flagship venue .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Melbourne Knowledge Week highlights ............................................................................................................. 15
The Human Library ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Mini make day................................................................................................................................................ 15
CityLAB: exploring urban futures ................................................................................................................... 15
Gamify your boring life ................................................................................................................................... 15
Women stand out in social enterprise ................................................................................................................ 16
Rehousing scheme helps women and children at risk ....................................................................................... 16
A host of golden daffodils ................................................................................................................................... 17
Events calendar .................................................................................................................................................. 18
4 to 11 October Victorian Seniors Festival .................................................................................................... 18
Until 22 November Wominjeka: A new beginning ......................................................................................... 18
5 to 16 October Carer’s Project: A sanctuary in the city ............................................................................... 18
8 to 25 October Melbourne Festival .............................................................................................................. 18
11 October Meyers Place Latin Fiesta .......................................................................................................... 18
11 October Malaysia Street Festival ............................................................................................................. 18
17 and 18 October SIGNAL: Resin as form .................................................................................................. 18
18 October Spring Fling Street Festival ........................................................................................................ 19
19 to 25 October Knowledge Week 2015 ...................................................................................................... 19
1 to 30 November The Age Good Food Month ............................................................................................ 19
6 to 7 November Diwali Indian Festival of Light ............................................................................................ 19
7 October to 19 November ArtPlay: Inside out .............................................................................................. 19
10 November 2015 Myer Christmas Windows unveiled ............................................................................... 19
13 to 20 November Melbourne Music Week 2015 ........................................................................................ 19
12 to 29 November Night Noodle Markets .................................................................................................... 20
15 November Polish Festival ......................................................................................................................... 20
20 November Human Walking Program ........................................................................................................ 20
27 November 2015 Christmas Festival ......................................................................................................... 20
28 November Our Christmas Gift .................................................................................................................. 20
29 November Thessaloniki and Melbourne Sister City Festival .................................................................... 20
2 November to 24 December City Gallery: Executed in Franklin Street ....................................................... 20
Sport ................................................................................................................................................................... 21
11 October Around the Bay .......................................................................................................................... 21
31 October to 7 November Melbourne Cup Carnival and Parade ................................................................ 21
14 October RIDE2WORK DAY...................................................................................................................... 21
15 November Eureka Climb, Eureka Tower ............................................................................................... 21
Volunteering raises students’ spirits ................................................................................................................... 22
Building Christmas cheer brick by brick .............................................................................................................. 22
Kids on a roll with meals on big wheels .............................................................................................................. 23
Jump into the deep end this spring ..................................................................................................................... 23
October opening hours: ................................................................................................................................. 23
Weekdays: ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Saturday and Sunday: .............................................................................................................................. 23
November to March opening hours: .............................................................................................................. 23
Weekdays: ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Saturday and Sunday: .............................................................................................................................. 24
Fixing the world, one toaster at a time ................................................................................................................ 24
In brief ................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Melbourne Awards 2015 ................................................................................................................................ 25
Annual Report 2014–15 Released ................................................................................................................ 25
Australian Institute Of Architects Awards ................................................................................................ 25
Bells Competition ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Free Seniors’ Christmas Celebration ............................................................................................................ 25
Your Council ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor Robert Doyle .......................................................................................... 26
Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley .................................................................................................................... 26
Cr Richard Foster .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Cr Rohan Leppert .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Cr Kevin Louey .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Cr Stephen Mayne ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Cr Cathy Oke ................................................................................................................................................. 26
Cr Ken Ong .................................................................................................................................................... 26
Cr Beverley Pinder-Mortimer ......................................................................................................................... 27
Cr Jackie Watts.............................................................................................................................................. 27
Cr Arron Wood ............................................................................................................................................... 27
Postal address for all Councillors .................................................................................................................. 27
Council meetings October 2015 ......................................................................................................................... 28
Council meetings November 2015 ..................................................................................................................... 28
Lord Mayor’s Commendations ............................................................................................................................ 29
David Bower: Neo Technologies ................................................................................................................... 29
Contact................................................................................................................................................................ 30
National Relay Service .................................................................................................................................. 30
In person ........................................................................................................................................................ 30
Postal address ............................................................................................................................................... 30
Feedback ....................................................................................................................................................... 30
Audio version ................................................................................................................................................. 30
Lord Mayor’s Message
The City of Melbourne is a Knowledge City. Is there another local government in Australia that has built and
opened three new libraries in the past three years? I think Melbourne is leading with this trend.
We opened the Southbank Library at Boyd in 2012, Library at the Dock in 2014 (the first civic 6 Star Green
Star building in Australia) and just recently we unveiled the Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre in
Carlton.
This is the inner city; home to great knowledge institutions such as the State Library of Victoria, the University
of Melbourne and RMIT, and yet we have opened three new community libraries, two of which are housed in
former school buildings, repurposed to fit the needs of 21st century learning.
We create community infrastructure plans for each of the precincts in our city. We knew that we needed a
library in Carlton and it needed to be a community-style library. Then we had the challenge of finding a site.
The sale of the Royal Women’s Hospital to the University of Melbourne in 2010 presented an opportunity to
carve off a part of that site, which was the historic public school, built in 1876. Following the school’s closure in
1972, the building became the Kathleen Syme Education Centre: a training facility for Royal Women’s Hospital
nurses.
Here was a building in central Carlton with a connection to Carlton history and education. It was an ideal site.
The City of Melbourne purchased it for $4.88 million in 2011.
And in 2015 it has reclaimed its rightful place at the centre of the Carlton community; a community that will see
a 28 per cent increase in its population in the next 20 years.
This new $15.5 million facility will provide the people of Carlton with a new civic heart. Kathleen Syme offers a
traditional collection of more than 40,000 items as well as a social enterprise cafe, computer rooms,
conference rooms and bookable meeting spaces. It features facilities for people who want to watch a big
screen TV, hear from authors, explore the world of 3D printing, or use a recording studio.
Active library membership has doubled in the City of Melbourne in the past four years and we now have more
than one million people through the doors of our libraries annually.
Libraries are so much more than book repositories. They are part of the social and community glue that turns
a group of houses and buildings into a community.
Future Melbourne 2015
Melbourne is changing faster than many realise and in ways that few of us can predict.
With a residential population that will approach 200,000 in the next 10 years the City of Melbourne is in the
forefront of change. Towards 2026, we are renewing the city’s long-term community plan – with the active
participation of all those who use a city renowned for its arts, sport and medical research strengths and for a
vibrant retail and hospitality sector.
Melbourne is likely to face real challenges from digital disruption, a changing climate and an evolving
economy. Yet these are also the very areas in which our city can lead. Future Melbourne 2026 seeks ideas
from all Melburnians to shape our future as a creative, connected and prosperous city.
‘Future Melbourne 2026 presents a unique opportunity to influence our city. We’ll be encouraging everyone
who lives, works, studies or visits our city to share their thoughts about what matters most to them, and to give
us their bold and creative ideas,’ said City of Melbourne CEO, Ben Rimmer.
Future Melbourne began in 2007 and helped guide major City of Melbourne projects such as the
redevelopment of Swanston Street, and the urban forest strategy.
‘Looking ahead to 2026, the city has compelling reasons to revisit its community plan. Massive urban renewal
projects like Fisherman’s Bend and Melbourne Metro are about to begin. The transformation of City Road and
the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal also provide opportunities for good forward thinking,’ Mr Rimmer
said.
This month the City of Melbourne will start gathering ideas to shape the new plan in 2016. Six respected
Melburnians, with a passion for the city, will guide a process that is inclusive and accessible.
Future Melbourne 2026 will be launched at the Smart City leadership event, part of Knowledge Week, in the
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 October.
For more information, visit Participate Melbourne1.
Enduring city businesses
Small local businesses play an important role in Melbourne’s economy and every year this contribution is
celebrated through the Lord Mayor’s Commendations.
This year 64 small business proprietors were recognised on 24 August, across five commendation categories:
generational, platinum, gold, silver and bronze.
The Talbot family received the generational commendation for their 105-year-old, family-run stand at the
Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market in West Melbourne. In the platinum category Creative Wigs proprietor,
Abe Lourie, was recognised for his 58 years in business in Swanston Street. Gold commendations went to
Kay Craddock of the Antiquarian Bookseller, jeweller William Eckstein of W. Eckstein & Co. and Ted
Dziadkiewicz from Contours Travel, to acknowledge their 40 plus years of continuous business.
Forty-two bronze and 17 silver commendations were also given to businesses with more than 10 and more
than 25 years respectively, of continuous business.
For a complete list of recipients go to Lord Mayor's Commendations2.
1
2
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/commendations
Your Say
Letter of the month
Thank you to the gardeners and the council for taking the time to plant these beautiful flowers so thoughtfully
to remind us that spring is just around the corner. It is so wonderful to see such a thing of beauty, for beauty’s
sake. Walking this avenue of gold has become the highlight of my day.
With great warmth, Megan Jordan
Will there be a hard waste collection this spring?
All residential ratepayers in the City of Melbourne are entitled to one free hard waste collection a year. We
also run a Spring Clean program with an additional free, hard/green waste collection made over three
weekends in November:
Saturday 14 November – Kensington, West Melbourne, Port Melbourne
Saturday 21 November – CBD, Docklands, Southbank, Jolimont, East Melbourne, South Yarra
Saturday 28 November – North Melbourne, Carlton, Parkville
Bookings are essential, and can be made online or by phone on 9658 9658.
For more information on what items are suitable for collection, how much you can put out, and to make a
booking, visit Spring Clean3.
Participate Melbourne
Have your say online at Participate Melbourne4.
Market renewal approved
The final Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan was approved by Council in late July. The next
step in the renewal project is the development of an implementation strategy. This strategy will outline the
timeframe and staging of market renewal projects.
Join our online community
Join over 3,000 community members who are helping shape the future of Melbourne. Jump online and register
to stay up to date on the projects that matter to you.
3
4
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/springclean
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate
Places for People study captures local life
Every 10 years the City of Melbourne conducts Places for People, a study that investigates the urban
conditions of central Melbourne. The study examines how the city has changed and identifies improvements
for the future.
Places for People 2015 was the third iteration of a longitudinal study begun in 1993. The results of the 2015
study will be used to inform future planning and the development of Melbourne as a resilient city.
The study included both qualitative and quantitative research, with community engagement activities including
pop-up stands, hand-drawn mind maps and a specific neighbourhood survey.
More than 300 residents and almost 200 workers responded to the neighbourhood survey designed to capture
key aspects of local living and many expressed a desire for a more localised environment.
One respondent said: ‘Southbank is good, but I don’t access City Road... it is just too confusing and too
claustrophobic with all the concrete, traffic and high-rise buildings. The architecture and vibe of the river is just
so much more appealing’.
Meanwhile a city resident said: ‘My local neighbourhood is quiet and peaceful. It’s away from the busy parts of
the CBD so it’s not what people expect. I am so close to amazing coffee and food and it’s wonderful being
able to go to Queen Vic Market every weekend. I can go between cooking beautiful fresh meals in my
apartment to having high-quality restaurant food delivered to me whenever I please’.
The data collected during the survey and the subsequent analysis will enable urban specialists to understand
the city, and its functionality, in a new way. The study also ties in with Council’s Knowledge City strategy by
informing public dialogue and sharing knowledge.
Rail tunnel goes high tech
The Victorian Government’s Melbourne Metro Rail Project is set to use special tunnel boring machines to
complete the most complex section of the project.
The machines will minimise disruption to surrounding areas, while tunnelling below the Yarra River.
The machines have specialised cutting heads designed to cope with both the soft river soil and the hard rock
below.
Tunnel boring machines have long been used on major projects in densely populated areas, such as the
Sydney Metro and London’s Crossrail project.
For more information, visit the Melbourne Metro Rail Project5.
5
www.mmrailproject.vic.gov.au
Melbourne’s signature style
Melbourne’s first permanent outdoor table-tennis table is the latest addition to a suite of outdoor furniture
designed by the City of Melbourne.
The table’s sleek frame consists of a continuous rolled steel tube, inspired by a humble paper clip, with a table
top made from 25mm thick steel.
A senior industrial designer at the City of Melbourne said, ‘the philosophy behind in-house design is to ensure
all the details within the municipality have a similar style and resemblance’.
‘Commercially available outdoor tabletennis tables are solid and heavy in look. We aim to keep the details
lightweight, so the table does not become a feature of the park, but rather forms part of the overall park’.
Other signature City of Melbourne designs include stainless steel drinking fountains, inspired by a bent tea
spoon, and the Swanston Street redevelopment’s award winning LED street lights.
The enduring appeal of the paper clip can also be seen in the city’s stainless steel bike hoops, which owe their
pleasant arch to the stationery stalwart.
‘I can never find a paper clip when I need one,’ said the designer, ‘they all bent into different shapes’.
The outdoor table was unveiled as part of a $4.5 million redevelopment of Carlton’s Neill Street Reserve, in
August.
Clever maps pave way to a greener city
To find new spaces for urban greenery, the City of Melbourne has used an advanced three-dimensional map
of the central city, in tandem with specialised climate simulation software.
While policies for parkland and street trees are well established, valuable and often underutilised laneways are
now being examined for their greening potential.
Not every laneway can sustain plant life, but many can, and the digital simulations of sunshine and wind can
help locate the most suitable areas. A handful of city laneways already demonstrate the potential of such
upgrades.
La Trobe Street residents, Jim Dixon and his wife Karin, have lived in the city for 22 years. In 2006 they
approached the City of Melbourne about greening their laneway. A shade-tolerant Weeping Lilli Pilli tree
(Waterhousea Floribunda) was planted at the end of their lane, and is watered with runoff from surrounding
buildings.
‘It was a revolutionary development at the time,’ said Jim. ‘It’s nice just looking down onto the tree top’.
Greening in laneways can take the form of vertical gardens, pocket parks, raingardens or street trees.
The maps were developed as part of the Greening Laneways Program and will be released in the coming
months.
Agile cities act globally on climate change
Leaders of countries around the world will descend on Paris in late November for the 21st annual United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as the Paris Climate Conference 2015.
The Conference will for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a universal
agreement on climate change, with the goal of keeping global warming below 2° Celsius.
In addition to the numerous national delegations attending the conference, a large number of civic leaders will
also be there to attend the Climate Summit for Local Leaders, co-chaired by the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo,
and former Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, who is now the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for
Cities and Climate Change.
Historically countries have struggled to reach agreement on climate-related initiatives. Often it has been the
smaller, more agile city and local governments that have had the most success in instigating new, or
experimental, initiatives to combat climate change.
With over 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions generated by cities, city governments have a
leading role to play in implementing strategies for emissions reduction, driving cultural change, and
transitioning to a low carbon economy.
As a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, the City of Melbourne will help demonstrate how
cities are leading the way in delivering action in response to climate change. Our strategy, Zero Net Emissions
by 2020, is the city’s key commitment to help Melbourne reduce its impact on the environment.
Under this strategy we’ve worked with city businesses to increase the energy efficiency of buildings in
Melbourne, get more solar on roofs and improve our recycling rates. There are more opportunities to drive
down our emissions, and we need the whole community to be part of the solutions. The Paris Climate
Conference runs from 30 November to 11 December 2015.
Help us reduce emission
To reach zero net emissions by 2020, we need to improve our recycling rates, be more efficient in our use of
energy and, where possible, source power from renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The City of
Melbourne offers support:
Own or live in a residential apartment?
Smart Blocks: Improve the energy efficiency of common property in apartment buildings with expert advice
and tools.
GreenMoney: A rewards program that gives points to households which recycle. Points can be claimed for
discounts and special offers.
High-rise recycling: Promotes the installation of new recycling bins and educational signage to make
recycling more visible.
Own or rent a commercial office building?
1200 Buildings and CitySwitch: Save energy and money and reduce the environmental impact of your
business through: access to tailored advice, workshops, webinars and assistance for your office-based
business to measure, plan and implement energy efficiency projects.
Environmental Upgrade Finance: Access finance to fund retrofits to improve building performance and
save money.
For more information, visit sustainability6
6
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/sustainability/Pages/Sustainability.aspx
A ticket to success
Melbourne Music Week (MMW) is back for its sixth instalment in 2015, with a new line-up of surprises for
Melbourne’s music lovers. It’s an event where the city is the stage and acts are as likely to pop up in a public
laneway or a cloistered car park, as in a traditional music venue. Devotees of the event have come to expect
the unexpected, and this year is no exception.
Proudly produced by the City of Melbourne, MMW increases opportunities for local and emerging music talent
to be heard. Bands or acts, which might otherwise struggle to stage their own events, can benefit from the
scale and pulling power of a large event like MMW.
The quirky, guerrilla-style music project, Tram Sessions, which first featured on the MMW line-up as part of the
Self-Made program in 2012, is a perfect example of this power at work.
Ashleigh Hills, General Manager of Tram Sessions said, ‘Having Melbourne Music Week attached to our
events was one of the reasons we managed to score Paul Kelly. I’m not 100 per cent sure we would have
been able to have Paul on board at that time, without the City of Melbourne’.
Prior to 2012, Tram Sessions was about as well known as the emerging, unsigned local artists they liked to
feature. Loosely based on a London-based venture, Black Cab Sessions, Tram Sessions emerged as a
quintessentially Melbourne take on the theme, with the addition of an unwitting, instant audience, in the form of
the tram’s passengers.
A typical session unfolds with the artist choosing a tram route, then Ashleigh and her crew (two videographers,
a sound engineer and a photographer) wait at the tram stop with the band for their mobile venue to arrive.
Ashleigh adds they all have valid myki cards and said everyone needs to hold on and be safe.
Hints are given out on social media about where the gig might be, but the exact details remain closely
guarded. The majority of fans have to wait to see the results of the session uploaded to the Tram Sessions
YouTube channel, which has more than 23,000 subscribers.
Featured acts include singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, indie rock band British India, UK rising superstar
Jamie Lawson and folk duo the Pierce Brothers, who can often be seen busking in the Bourke Street Mall.
Like MMW, Tram Sessions began in 2010 at a time when local music venues, such as The Tote in
Collingwood, were on the verge of closure, and both capitalised on Melbourne’s famous traits: the city’s quirky
spaces, local music venues and underground music culture.
In the beginning, Tram Sessions had to seek out bands to participate and apply for grants to sustain the notfor-profit model, but these days Ashleigh said she receives 200 emails a week from bands keen to get
involved and is starting to field offers from potential sponsors. It’s a sure sign the once fledgling venture is now
taking off.
This year Tram Sessions is no longer appearing under the Self-Made umbrella, instead the sessions will be a
stand-alone gig as part of the main program. True to form Ashleigh is keeping the main act under wraps, but
said it would be big and fun. ‘They’re one of the biggest bands in Melbourne at the moment’.
Success stories like this are what MMW is all about. The pride and talent in Melbourne’s local music scene
goes back many years, but it must be encouraged and nurtured if it is to flourish into the future.
The City of Melbourne celebrates and supports our thriving music industry which is underpinned by the City of
Melbourne’s Music Strategy. It is little wonder that Melbourne is widely regarded as the music capital of
Australia.
For more information, visit Melbourne Music Week 20157.
Melbourne Music Week 2015: First acts released
MMW has announced two extraordinary acts from San Francisco and Berlin ahead of the full program
announcement of local and international artists on 7 October.
Two revolutionary sonic forces from opposite ends of the musical spectrum will perform: psych-rock royalty
The Brian Jonestown Massacre, with lead singer Anton Newcombe, will play at Melbourne Town Hall and
sound-art genius Robert Henke of Monolake fame appears at Melbourne Recital Centre.
Tickets on sale now from Melbourne Music Week7
Showcase
MMW curates performances in iconic and unconventional spaces.
Live Music Safari presented by Jack Daniel’s Future Legends
A journey between 14 of Melbourne’s famed music venues to see over 50 artists.
Self-Made presented by Levi’s
See Melbourne’s emerging producers deliver original, musically-inspired events in a myriad of unlikely
locations.
Industry
Hear music industry leaders at a range of panel sessions and networking opportunities.
Kids/Family
Melbourne’s next generation of music lovers are catered to with an engaging line-up of fun events specifically
designed to appeal to kids.
Flagship venue
In the tradition of Kubik, Where?House, The Residence and QVM, one place knits MMW together. Follow
Melbourne Music Week on Facebook to stay tuned for the much anticipated announcement of the 2015
flagship venue.
7
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw
Libraries: A life of learning
From the earliest days, the people of Melbourne had a thirst for knowledge. Just four years after Melbourne
was founded by John Batman in 1835, the first library, the Athenaeum, was built. It still stands on Collins
Street today.
Over the next 25 years, some of the city’s most revered cultural and educational institutions began to emerge,
with the National Gallery, State Library, Melbourne Museum and University of Melbourne all making grand
entrances to the cityscape. With a history steeped in a love of learning, it is little wonder Melbourne has
evolved into one of the world’s great knowledge cities.
Today, Melbourne has moved from an economy driven by traditional manufacturing industries to one focused
on the knowledge sector. We have emerged as an international city of ideas, innovation and learning. We love
books (and e-books) and are proud to be one of seven UNESCO Cities of Literature. Our librarians, educators,
researchers, designers, IT and biotech experts are some of the best and brightest in the world. They are the
key to our future prosperity.
As our world changes, so too the ways we access and interact with information multiply. City of Melbourne
Councillor Jackie Watts, a former librarian, said libraries had changed significantly since she first began her
training nearly 30 years ago.
‘Well resourced, user-friendly libraries continue to play a pivotal role in giving the wider community a chance to
access, and interact with, the tremendous explosion of data available. Local libraries are the go-to places for
assistance and support. We have an obligation to bring the community with us as we develop the knowledge
economy in Melbourne’.
In Melbourne, an increasing number of people visit libraries to find the information and skills they need to
participate in the digital economy. Libraries have become places where informal and peer-to-peer learning is
nurtured and encouraged, in a safe, encouraging environment.
The City of Melbourne is embracing this change. The new Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre
opened in Carlton this year. Home to more than 40,000 books and magazines, Kathleen Syme includes
learning and training rooms, a computer lab, recording studio, meeting rooms, activity spaces for older people,
a café and free Wi-Fi.
In 2014, the Docklands community welcomed Library at The Dock. In addition to the traditional collection, this
6 Star Green Star building offers a state-of-the-art digital collection, recording studio, creative editing suites, a
performance venue and community spaces.
Libraries like Kathleen Syme and Library at The Dock have become go-to destinations for creative minds,
start-up businesses, business experts and job seekers. They are places to read, connect, learn and create. A
huge range of content and IT helps many in our community participate fully in the digital age.
The City of Melbourne’s libraries registered almost 1.2 million visits in the past year, with around 1.38 million
loans made across all the services in 2014–15. Our libraries cater to local residents, workers, international and
local students and visitors who travel to our city each day. As our city grows, this demand will only increase.
The City of Melbourne continues to embrace emerging technology and new trends and our libraries reflect the
exciting potential of a knowledge city.
Now in its sixth year Melbourne Knowledge Week 2015, will once again celebrate our city’s increasing focus
on the knowledge sector. A multi-format festival, Knowledge Week, showcases the latest trends, ideas and
innovations of Melbourne’s knowledge sector, from 19 to 25 October.
During Knowledge Week, the City of Melbourne will host a range of stimulating events, carefully designed to
introduce the latest ideas and technologies to our community.
‘Melbourne has a rich tradition of community learning and education, and our libraries are a major element of
this tradition,’ said Cr Watts. ‘Knowledge Week further cements our position as a knowledge city. Wellresourced libraries and their professional staff will ensure that Melbourne’s wider community has an active
engagement in the social and economic changes ahead’.
The next chapter in our knowledge city’s future is indeed looking bright.
For more information, visit Melbourne Knowledge Week8.
Melbourne Knowledge Week highlights
The Human Library
Meet disrupters from a range of fields at the Melbourne Library Service’s first-ever human library. A human
library works just like a book library except that humans provide the knowledge through one-on-one loans.
Come down and borrow an expert, entrepreneur or innovator for 15 minutes. At Library at The Dock.
Mini make day
Join Melbourne makers to share inventions, talents and discoveries. Check out 3D printing, robotics and
electronics. At Library at The Dock.
CityLAB: exploring urban futures
Interested in exploring how future technologies and ideas might impact our city? Join the City of Melbourne in
our pop-up CityLAB and take part in a series of free events. At the Cube, ACMI.
Gamify your boring life
Hate doing the dishes? Gamify it! Despise doing your taxes? Gamify it! Lauren Ferro, PhD Researcher at the
GEElab applies personalised gaming approaches to our boring and mundane tasks. At the RMIT Design Hub.
8
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/knowledgeweek
Women stand out in social enterprise
Melbourne is the powerhouse of Australia’s social enterprise scene and it is women who are making their
presence felt, with 72 per cent of Australian social enterprises started by women.
The City of Melbourne has a long history of supporting small businesses. In July a new form of support was
trialled, in partnership with crowdfunding platform StartSomeGood, to stage the public crowdfunding event
known as Pitch for Good.
Four social enterprises run by women were shortlisted from a pool of 62 applicants to take part in the event. A
sell-out audience listened to each pitch and then voted on the best idea.
A total of $3850 in ticket sales was distributed among the four social enterprises, who also received mentoring
from StartSomeGood to develop their crowdfunding campaigns.
Since 2010, the City of Melbourne has provided a Social Enterprise Grant program with funding of up to
$25,000 for eligible social enterprises. To date, the council has supported 19 social enterprises through the
grants program, with over $370,000 in funding.
Find out more about Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald from Bright Sparks who received a campaign boost of $3000 for
collecting the most votes at the Pitch for Good event, on page 18.
For more information, visit Pitch For Good9.
Rehousing scheme helps women and children at risk
Violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women and children in Melbourne, but not-for-profit
real estate agency HomeGround, the social enterprise arm of Launch Housing, has come up with an
innovative solution.
The agency’s rapid rehousing program matches people who are in crisis, homeless, or facing homelessness,
with subsidised housing.
Rachael Newton (pictured) and her two children spent 18 months living in hotels, with no permanent address,
until she discovered HomeGround.
‘Being in a hotel I couldn’t save up for a bond and I wasn’t eligible for any funding,’ said Rachel. ‘It was very
stressful. I was a single mum, working and looking for a place to live’.
HomeGround found Rachael and her children an apartment in Kew East, as well as the bond and first month’s
rent. Landlords who participate in the scheme typically reduce their normal rental in what amounts to an
ethical investment.
HomeGround’s program aligns with the City of Melbourne’s Pathways homelessness strategy and Preventing
Violence Against Women strategy.
HomeGround is a Victorian-based initiative, and operates in suburbs throughout the state, but more City of
Melbourne rental properties are urgently required.
For more information, visit Home Ground Services10.
9
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/pitchforgood
http://www.homeground.org.au/
10
A host of golden daffodils
After years of drought and mandatory mulching, a splash of colour has crept back into Melbourne’s winter
garden palate.
Visitors to Fitzroy Gardens in July and August were met with a riot of yellow daffodils adding a dash of colour
to an otherwise dormant winter landscape.
A total of 90,000 bulbs were planted in the gardens over the last two years to produce an early, mid and late
season display of daffodils, with a smattering of bluebells for contrast.
During the recent drought years, large areas of mulch were created around the city’s ageing elm trees to retain
much-needed moisture in the soil.
To bring more colour to these mulched areas, a trial planting of 10,000 bulbs was conducted last year. The
results were a great success and this year a further 80,000 flowering bulbs were planted in Fitzroy Gardens
over autumn.
The new winter flowers follow on from the popularity of the recent summer meadow in Birrarung Marr. Both
are part of a larger strategy to create flowering delight across the municipality, throughout the year.
Director and Chief Executive, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Professor Tim Entwisle said: ‘Any flower brings
a smile to your face, but mass plantings like these make you break out in a wide grin.
‘In winter we are forever on the lookout for signs of spring. Daffodils, and other bulbs, are a sure sign that we
are nearly there.
‘Nature is as much part of life in the city as it is in the country. We experience the same seasons and, if we
look closely, we can find animals and plants responding to the same natural cycles. It all reminds us of a world
beyond our day-to-day tribulations and, of course, the sheer beauty of plants’.
The first daffodils bloomed in mid-July and the bulbs are expected to last between three and five years and
can be left in the ground over summer. The daffodil species were also selected for their hardiness and ability
to expand on their own.
With summer on the horizon, residents, workers and visitors can look forward to the Birrarung Marr meadow
flowering once again with species such as dill, barley, poppies, linseed, sunflowers, and zinnias, also known
as California Giants.
Planting for the first meadow took place in November 2013 and has proved to be popular. The City of
Melbourne is also considering other sites for new plantings, such as traditional bulbs, ecologically managed
wildflower meadows, or wooded meadows.
Events calendar
A few of our favourite things.
4 to 11 October
Victorian Seniors Festival
Celebrate seniors at this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival. More than 1,300 free and low-cost events are held
all over Victoria, throughout October. Pick up a free program from any Coles supermarket, local council or
neighbourhood house.
Until 22 November
Wominjeka: A new beginning
Five Koorie artists have created new works responding to the Koorie Heritage Trust’s significant collections of
objects and artworks to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the trust.
5 to 16 October
Carer’s Project: A sanctuary in the city
A unique dome will appear in the city as part of an art exhibition that invites you to consider the role primary
carers play in our community. Located in Queensbridge Square, the dome is presented by City of Melbourne.
Drop in and reflect on what it means to care for yourself, and for others.
8 to 25 October
Melbourne Festival
The 30th anniversary of the Melbourne Festival will once again feature a diverse range of international and
local theatre, dance, music and film with a large number of free events including the opening ceremony of
TANDERRUM, visual arts, music sessions and an array of in-depth discussions.
11 October
Meyers Place Latin Fiesta
Soak up the sights and sounds of a Sunday street market in San Telmo, Buenos Aires at this all-ages festival
in Melbourne’s own Meyers Place. The festival recreates the spirit of Latin American markets with music, food,
drinks, dance, crafts and hospitality.
11 October
Malaysia Street Festival
With influences from the Japanese, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese, it is little wonder the food, culture and
fashion of Malaysia are so rich. Staged at the Queen Victoria Market it is a little slice of Malaysia in the heart
of the city.
17 and 18 October
SIGNAL: Resin as form
Join artist Kate Rhode to translate ideas into three-dimensional forms. Learn how to model and sculpt in
plasticine for mould making and resin casting. Experiment with hand modelling to realise a three dimensional
sculpture. Play around with vivid colours and finishes in repeat variations. Sculpture works will form part of a
public installation at MPavilion in the summer.
18 October
Spring Fling Street Festival
An action-packed schedule will see Errol Street, North Melbourne, transformed with live music, free activities
and delicious cuisines. Feature events include up-and coming-musicians, an artists’ market, a suitcase
rummage, and the annual Dog Show. From 11am.
19 to 25 October
Knowledge Week 2015
Discover the latest trends, ideas and innovations in Melbourne’s knowledge sector. More on page 10.
1 to 30 November
The Age Good Food Month
Get those tastebuds into gear for the world’s largest food festival. You will find everything from fancy, finedining to free, family-friendly outdoor gatherings. Sweet Fest, a delicious new festival for lovers of baked
goods and sweet treats, is a new addition to the calendar.
6 to 7 November
Diwali Indian Festival of Light
Over two days, Federation Square will come alive with Indian classical, folk and Bollywood music, dance
performances, workshops, children’s acts, henna painting, craft exhibitions, a bustling bazaar, authentic Indian
cuisines and brilliant fireworks at night.
7 October to 19 November
ArtPlay: Inside out
A place for imagination and collaboration, with all sorts of inspiring materials on hand for you to create an
artwork or build a play space. Make a sculpture out of cushions or felt, then turn it into a cubby house. Wrap
and weave using ribbon and rope. Muck about with blankets and bubbles. Anything is possible. Age two to five
years.
10 November
2015 Myer Christmas Windows unveiled
The expectations of a generation of children rest on the grand unveiling of the Myer Christmas Animated
windows. Be among the first to see this year’s top-secret theme and join in the excitement and festivities in the
Bourke Street Mall.
13 to 20 November
Melbourne Music Week 2015
Let your love of music lead you around the city during this eight-day program of imaginative music events.
More on page 8.
12 to 29 November
Night Noodle Markets
The aromas of many cuisines will once again fill the air as Birrarung Marr becomes an Asian hawker style
market. Prepare your chopsticks for 18 nights of Asian cuisine from old favourites, to exciting new additions.
As dusk falls, share dumplings, pho, noodles and many other temptations.
15 November
Polish Festival
A showcase of Poland’s famous hospitality, the festival features song and dance, merchandise and culinary
delights guaranteed to transport you to the historical town squares of Europe. With unique shopping, tasty
food and cold beer, this festival has something for everyone.
20 November
Human Walking Program
Chained to your desk? Corporate life getting you down? Leave your deadlines behind and let our adoption
dogs take you out for a walk in the sunshine. The Lost Dogs’ Home invites you to its third Human Walking
Program at Flagstaff Gardens.
27 November
2015 Christmas Festival
The 2015 Christmas Festival launches on 27 November with a free family concert at Christmas Square.
Throughout December you can visit Santa and his elves in the square, see the amazing Christmas projections
on the Melbourne Town Hall and explore the city as Melbourne comes alive with Christmas festivities.
28 November
Our Christmas Gift
The Salvation Army presents Our Christmas Gift, featuring Silvie Paladino, David Hobson and Emma Pask,
supported by the Salvation Army Band and Choir. The matinee and evening concerts are at Hamer Hall, with
the 7.30pm evening performance being live-streamed at Federation Square. Enjoy pre-show music and
entertainment at Federation Square from 5.30pm.
29 November
Thessaloniki and Melbourne Sister City Festival
This year’s festival marks the 31st anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Melbourne and
Thessaloniki in northern Greece. See an array of performers, dancers and artists in traditional costumes take
to the stage at Federation Square and taste some delicious Greek food and sweets.
2 November to 24 December
City Gallery: Executed in Franklin Street
An exhibition about the public hangings in Melbourne in 1842 of two Aborigines from Tasmania,
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheener, and their overdue memorialisation. It’s curated by Paola Balla, a
Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara woman, as well as an artist and Indigenous studies lecturer.
Sport
11 October
Around the Bay
One day, one bay, this is Melbourne’s chance to ride for children in need. Now in its 23rd year, Around the
Bay is Australia’s largest bike ride and caters for all levels and styles of riding. From the 20km option to the
iconic 250km loop of the bay, there is a ride for you.
31 October to 7 November
Melbourne Cup Carnival and Parade
On 2 November racing fans young and old will line the city streets for the Parade, which will showcase racing
champions past and present. Across four race days of food, wine, fashion and, of course, first class horse
racing, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, featuring the Melbourne Cup itself, is an experience not to be missed.
14 October
RIDE2WORK DAY
National Ride2Work Day is the largest celebration of commuter riding in Australia. City workers, whether
cyclists or not, are encouraged to ride to work, and will be rewarded with a free breakfast and bike repair
service at City Square.
15 November
Eureka Climb, Eureka Tower
Get set for a leg burning climb up 1,642 stairs to the top of Melbourne’s Eureka Tower. Participants can enter
as individuals, or as a team. Meanwhile friends and family can enjoy the free activities and family
entertainment.
Discover all that’s happening in Melbourne on What’s On11.
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson
Volunteering raises students’ spirits
As her name suggests, Hope Dolino has a bright outlook when it comes to life as an international student in
Melbourne.
‘I have seen how rich the culture is. It’s wonderful. It’s really met my expectations. I can’t put it into words, but I
want to share this experience with everyone’.
A Filipino national from the small country town of Davao, Hope had already heard a lot of good things about
the city, with its different cultures and renowned liveability, before she arrived.
Working closely with other international students through her volunteering at The Couch and the Lord Mayor’s
Student Welcome event, she singles out social inclusion as the biggest issue facing international students.
‘They need activities that get them involved in the local community, so I encourage them to start volunteering’.
Every month with City of Melbourne support The Couch holds a party for international students with a country
as the theme in an ongoing cultural series. In August it was Colombia and Hope and her friends decorated
The Couch’s main room fiesta-style with bright yellow, red and blue streamers, balloons and flags.
Given her generous spirit, it makes perfect sense that Hope is now completing a Masters in Social Work,
following on from a Bachelor of Marketing in the Philippines. A bright future surely awaits her and her friends.
For more information, visit International Students12.
Building Christmas cheer brick by brick
Christmas is still several months away, but if you’re building a Christmas tree out of LEGO, now is the time to
start.
The masterminds behind a 10 metre LEGO Christmas tree, began their task months ago. This Christmas their
feature LEGO Christmas tree, produced in a collaborative partnership between LEGO, the City of Melbourne
and Federation Square, will take up residence in Federation Square’s main plaza in late November.
The design process starts with a special 3D modelling program. Sadly there are no paper instructions like
those that come with a regular LEGO set.
Luckily LEGO Master Builders are a special breed. Chris Steininger followed in his father Dan’s footsteps to
become a Master Builder almost six years ago, after previously working at LEGO for two years.
‘The best part about being a LEGO Master Builder for me is doing events, where models I have worked on are
displayed. Seeing the kids’ reactions to them is always fun. The hope is that they get inspired and go home
and build their own cool creation,’ he said.
For those who might want to follow in Chris’s footsteps, he said: ‘We look for Future Master Builders that have
a background in art, in particular 3D art, like sculpting with clay 3D design on the computer, or even skills like
wood working and wood carving. My personal background is in the world of wood working. I have created
everything from custom furniture to a 17-foot cedar boat’.
12
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/internationalstudents
Kids on a roll with meals on big wheels
The aroma of roast chicken and vegetables fills the air of the mobile kitchen which is home to Jamie’s Ministry
of Food.
Inside, a mix of students and adults are learning about portion size, meal planning and how to prepare simple
healthy meals using fresh ingredients.
Kensington Community High School student, Tori Velluto said she didn’t know what to expect from the course
at first, but found she was inspired by the quirky classroom on wheels. ‘It makes it more fun and more
interesting. It’s not too big if you need help. It’s the perfect setting,’ she said.
The 15-metre long mobile kitchen houses five cooking stations and was based in Princes Park for 10 weeks
from July to September. The kitchen then packs up into a single semi-trailer to be driven to the next location.
Food trainers delivered two cycles of Jamie’s five-week cooking course in the City of Melbourne. With 23
classes per cycle and roughly 12 participants in each class, more than 550 people completed the course.
Mobile Kitchen Manager for Victoria, Emma Hannah said, ‘we’ve really enjoyed our Melbourne location. It’s
got good visibility, good access to public transport and the playing fields are full of activity with joggers passing
by’.
The City of Melbourne partnered with The Good Foundation to bring Jamie’s Ministry of Food to Melbourne, to
support Food City, the City of Melbourne’s food policy.
And which meal did the students like the best? ‘Teriyaki salmon,’ said 15 year old Tori. ‘It’s good to be
exposed to new things’.
Jump into the deep end this spring
October signals the start of the swimming season with the opening of the North Melbourne Recreation
Centre’s outdoor pool.
The water temperature in the 25-metre pool is set at a balmy 27.5° Celsius, perfect for laps or the aquatic
education program for adults and children. In addition, a learners play pool, toddlers pool and infant splash
pool provide extra entertainment for younger members of the family.
In October the centre will raise awareness for breast cancer research and promote fundraising for the annual
MS Mega Swim in February. Summer events will run from December until the end of March 2016.
The Carlton Baths outdoor pool will open later in the season following the completion of redevelopment works.
Members from the Carlton Baths can access the North Melbourne pool during this time. Term 4 swimming
classes at the North Melbourne pool start on 4 November. Enrolments are now open.
October opening hours:
Weekdays: 6am to 9am, 4pm to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 7pm
November to March opening hours:
Weekdays: 6am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 7pm
Fixing the world, one toaster at a time
Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald is the force behind Bright Sparks, a social enterprise business aimed at reducing the
amount of electrical and electronic waste discarded in Melbourne landfills.
Bright Sparks offers affordable repairs for electrical items and a retail shop selling small, refurbished, electrical
appliances at low cost. Now when a toaster or kettle breaks down, there is a convenient, affordable alternative
to the rubbish bin.
What sparked the idea for your business?
In 2012 I saw a video about Bright Sparks in London, the inspiration for this enterprise. I remember thinking:
‘That’s AWESOME. I wish we had that in Melbourne’. It just made so much sense to me as a consumer. At the
time I was coordinating repair workshops and I contacted London for repair advice. It took me another year to
figure out that I had to start it if I wanted it to happen. I thought Bright Sparks UK might talk me out of the idea,
but quite the opposite, actually.
What separates social enterprise business from a ‘normal’ business?
Social enterprises exist to help the community or the environment, and the majority of their income is derived
from trade. It’s kind of the best of both worlds. Bright Sparks is not-for-profit and a registered charity, but we
think and operate like a business in many ways.
What were some of the initial challenges you faced?
Securing funding is always challenging. I was naive about what grants would be available to us. Many funding
bodies choose not to focus on the environment, so Bright Sparks is ineligible. And many require Deductible
Gift Recipient status, which we don’t have. Hopefully the longer we’re operating, the less grant funding we’ll
need and the more we can sustain the business through trade. Crowdfunding is a bit of a game-changer, too!
How did you feel when you won the crowdfunding boost at the Pitch for Good campaign launch?
Shocked! After the announcement, I stood there with my mouth open for quite a while. I didn’t think I had a
chance so I didn’t worry about the competition aspect of the night. I was more worried about getting the words
out in front of a crowd. I get nervous when speaking in public, so events like this are a good opportunity to
practise and help build my confidence.
How will the prize money help the business?
It’s bought me peace of mind, really. We’re launching Bright Sparks while our crowdfunding campaign is
running. My to-do list is a little crazy. The prize money is a huge relief because it means I don’t have to stress
as much about promoting the crowdfunding campaign and can focus more on getting the workshop set up.
In brief
Melbourne Awards 2015
The Melbourne Awards are our city’s highest accolade, celebrating the inspirational Melburnians who dedicate
their time and energy for the benefit of the city. A list of finalists will be released on 13 October and the
winners announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on 14 November.
melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbourneawards
Annual Report 2014–15 Released
Want to know how the City of Melbourne performed as an organisation last year? Find out in our Annual
Report 2014–15 available now at City of Melbourne libraries and online. melbourne.vic.gov.au/annualreport
Australian Institute Of Architects Awards
City of Melbourne was recognised in several categories at the annual Victorian Architecture Awards in June.
The Swanston Street redevelopment won an urban design Award, the Library at the Dock won in the
Sustainable Architecture category and received a commendation for Public Architecture, while the MPavilion
won a Small Project Architecture Award.
Bells Competition
The Federation Bells Composition Competition closes on 26 October. Submit your entry online to be in the
running. www.federationbells.com.au
Free Seniors’ Christmas Celebration
City of Melbourne residents aged 60 and above, and seniors groups based in the municipality, are invited to
the Melbourne Town Hall for music, dancing and afternoon tea to celebrate the festive season, 8 December at
2pm. Bookings open on 7 October. Call 9658 9190 to reserve your place.
Your Council
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor Robert Doyle
Future Melbourne (Major Projects), Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9658
Email lordmayor@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley
Future Melbourne (Marketing Melbourne), Committee Deputy Chair
Phone 9658 9043
Email susan.riley@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Richard Foster
Future Melbourne (People City), Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9056
Email richard.foster@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Rohan Leppert
Future Melbourne (Arts and Culture), Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9051
Email rohan.leppert@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Kevin Louey
Future Melbourne (Economic Development) Committee Chair, Docklands Coordination Committee CoChair
Phone 9658 9170 or mobile 0413 960 811
Email kevin.louey@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Stephen Mayne
Future Melbourne (Finance and Governance) Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9636 or mobile 0412 106 241
Email stephen.mayne@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Cathy Oke
Future Melbourne (Transport), Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9086
Email cathy.oke@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Ken Ong
Future Melbourne (Planning), Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9704
Email ken.ong@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Beverley Pinder-Mortimer
Future Melbourne (Marketing Melbourne) Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9038
Email beverley.pinder-mortimer@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Jackie Watts
Future Melbourne (Knowledge City), Committee Chair
Phone 9658 8580
Email jackie.watts@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cr Arron Wood
Future Melbourne (Environment), Committee Chair
Phone 9658 9630
Email arron.wood@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Postal address for all Councillors
City of Melbourne,
GPO Box 1603, Melbourne VIC 3001
Fax for all councillors 03 9658 9613
All committee meetings are held in: Council Meeting Room, Level 2 Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street,
Melbourne, except the Docklands Coordination Committee, which is held at: Goods Shed, 710 Collins Street,
Docklands, Melbourne.
All council meetings are held in: Council Chamber, (Public Gallery, Level 3) Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston
Street, Melbourne.
On occasion, council meetings are rescheduled or special meetings of the committees and council are called.
For upcoming council and committee meeting dates and times, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au
Changes to the meeting schedule are published at melbourne.vic.gov.au and on the notice board at the front
of the Melbourne Town Hall administration building.
Council meetings October 2015
Meeting
Date
Time
Future Melbourne Committee
Tuesday 6 October
Future Melbourne Committee
Tuesday 13 October
5.30pm
Council
Tuesday 27 October
5.30pm
5.30pm
Council meetings November 2015
Meeting
Date
Time
Future Melbourne Committee
Tuesday 10 November
5.30pm
Future Melbourne Committee
Tuesday 17 November
5.30pm
Council
Tuesday 24 November
6pm
Inner Melbourne Action Plan (IMAP)
Implementation Committee (City of
Yarra, Richmond Town Hall)
Friday 27 November
8am
Lord Mayor’s Commendations
David Bower: Neo Technologies
An interest in music started David Bower on the path to a career in computing.
‘I’m a music nut. It’s a passion, a hobby and an interest,’ said David. ‘I bought a digital piano which used MIDI
and I became fascinated with the capability of the software’.
A Bachelor of Computer Science and Associate Diploma of Business Computer Planning, combined with a
formative experience working with the once ubiquitous Novell networks in the 1990s, solidified David’s
computing credentials.
A Sydney boy by birth, his partner convinced him to make the move south in 2001, bringing his business Neo
Technologies with him. He found Melbourne a welcoming city, where it was easy to make friends.
His first home was in Domain Street, South Yarra, and he set up his offices down the road in Southbank – a
location that enabled him to be close to clients in the central city, but kept him outside the gridlock.
‘Neo Technologies is essentially an IT department for companies that don’t have IT departments. We work
primarily with professional service organisations like law firms, accounting practices and real estate.
‘I love doing field support. I get out and get to meet people face to face. I get to know them and their business.
Putting a smile on someone’s face is a really rewarding experience’.
David helps his customers by identifying the most appropriate computing, networking, or software solution for
their business. Every business is unique.
‘‘Cloud’ is a bit of a buzz word right now,’ he said, ‘but it can also be a can of worms because you can get
trapped. People need to think about what sort of control they have over the data once it is in the cloud. Will
they be able to get it out easily? What if the business is required to store data in Australia? Do they know
where the cloud servers are located?’
When choosing software David said businesses need to think about what the brand’s local support is like.
What sort of help will they provide and how quickly? ‘I’m vendor agnostic,’ he said. ‘I make sure clients are
getting the best fit and the best value – to make people aware and to educate’.
Looking ahead David sees the biggest issue in cloud computing will be security and the bigger the business,
the bigger the target.
And the highlight of the last 14 years in Melbourne? ‘RocKwiz, December 2008, episode 83. We almost won!’
David’s business was one of 42 recognised with a bronze Lord Mayor’s Commendation in August this year.
Neo Technologies is located at Level 3, IBM Centre, 60 City Road, Southbank.
For more information visit Lord Mayor’s Commendations2.
The businesses featured on this page are all recipients of Lord Mayor’s commendations. The commendations
recognise the long-term commitment and contributions of Melbourne’s small business proprietors and familyrun businesses to the City of Melbourne.
Contact
03 9658 9658 (7.30am to 6pm)
City of Melbourne website13
Contact the City of Melbourne14
National Relay Service
Teletypewriter (TTY) users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 03 9658 9658
Speak & Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9658 9658
In person
Melbourne Town Hall Administration Building
120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Postal address
City of Melbourne
GPO Box 1603
Melbourne VIC 3000
Feedback
To subscribe, update your address, unsubscribe or provide feedback, contact the City of Melbourne or email
melbournenews@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Audio version
To receive a copy, email john.rojas@visionaustralia.org at Vision Australia or phone 03 8378 1252.
13
14
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/contactus