Abbotsford St Estate Renewal' to grow public housing - The Centre
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ISSUE 177 WINTER 2017
THE NORTH & WEST MELBOURNE NEWS IS PRODUCED BY VOLUNTEERS AT THE CENTRE
‘Abbotsford St Estate Renewal’ to grow public housing
Public Housing Renewal Program, North Melbourne, sketch plan ‘for discussion’ Graphic: David Lock Associates
Katrina Kincade-Sharkey gram is part of the Victorian Government’s DHHS called a public meeting in the grounds notification and there was no appointed per-
$2.7 billion in support for social housing and of the estate during April to deliver formal ex- sonal contact with their landlord (the DHHS
homelessness and to renew existing houses planation of this major lifestyle change for its Director of Housing) or with the department’s
T
he Department of Health and Human on public housing estates across metropolitan tenants. In leaflets distributed to the 60 or so manager, stakeholder engagement, Lisa Taylor,
Services’ communication difficulties Melbourne and in regional centres of Victoria.” people in attendance — several of whom were although she did attend the meeting with sev-
have devastated many of its North Mel- This advice continues: “The renewal will interested neighbours from adjacent streets eral departmental staff, including a number of
bourne residents, with tenants facing re-hous- result in a 10 per cent increase of social hous- — DHHS says it is “… developing our plans foreign language translators.
ing in potentially unfamiliar regions. ing homes at each renewal estate.” to renew the Abbotsford Street site … and we That meeting was the first of three planned
Several dozen of the several hundred DHHS That generalised, fairly curt notification to want to work together with residents, local ‘consultations with residents’ to assess their
residents housed in 16 blocks of apartments the 108 letterboxed apartments provided no services and council to decide how to create a specific housing requirements, allegedly be-
within the Abbotsford, Haines, Curzon and ability for residents to appeal proposals for new, integrated neighbourhood”. fore any architectural plans are drafted for the
Molesworth streets triangle received initial redevelopment. It was their first notification of The leaflet continues, noting the site “… site. Residents in attendance were asked to
redevelopment notification about their homes a major life change, delivered to many people consists of older public housing buildings that report their specific requirements at the next
on a single typewritten sheet inserted within who reportedly panicked. are rundown and have high maintenance costs. meeting, but not given a date or location for
their quarterly housing newsletter delivered Those English-language letters were The site includes multi-storey ‘walk-ups’ — that event.
mid-March. received by a housing community of pre- buildings commonly constructed in the early DHHS plans to begin work on its Abbots-
It said the blocks would be replaced within dominantly disabled, aged and newly settled 1960s without lifts, making them inaccessible ford Street Renewal by the end of 2017, leav-
the near future with “… vibrant, better-con- residents, many of whom could not read or to people with mobility issues, families with ing little time for this desired ‘consultation and
nected, mixed-tenure neighbourhoods where understand the details. Certainly included were small children and elderly Victorians”. planning’, given the physical and emotional
people can live in housing that is safe and se- single paragraphs in several languages telling Further: “We [DHHS] want to improve and states of many residents.
cure, and meets modern standards”. readers where they could access translations of grow social housing at this estate because it is
DHHS simultaneously wrote to each of its the circular, but no specific translations about close to transport, education and work oppor- Local residents’ concerns
tenants on that block, but gave no specific their future homes were included on the notifi- tunities, as well as support services.” Neighbouring property owners and residents
timelines for their individual tenancies, al- cation sheets. Fortunately, the gardens info meet was held were notified of DHHS public–private rede-
though it has said Abbotsford Street Estate will Many worried tenants suspect restricted on a sunny autumn day, with DHHS providing velopment proposals in late May at a meeting
be completely rebuilt by 2020. future access to critical medical, educational make-up artists to paint young children’s faces, that several attendees said they’d only learnt
In questions and answers for the community and social services for themselves and/or their while several translators were on hand to speak of from community centres. Despite DHHS
released to the media on 17 March, DHHS families in the wake of this ‘estate renewal’. with parents in their birth languages.
says: “The Public Housing Renewal Pro- Following its March letterbox circular But tenants were given no new address Continued on Page 5
COMMUNITY 3 • THE CENTRE 10, 20 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11 • EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY 14 • SPORT & HEALTH 16 • TRAVEL & FOOD 18 • HISTORY 19
22 NOTICEBOARD
NOTICEBOARD North
North and WestandMelbourne
West Melbourne
News News WINTER2017
WINTER 2017
NOTICEBOARD
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Please deliver contributions, letters
and feedback to: News from Errol’s Angels
North and West Melbourne News Pam Every
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Email: nwmnews@centre.org.au
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Copy deadline for Spring 2017 edition:
The North and West Melbourne News
is a quarterly publication produced by Wednesday 9 August
volunteers from North and West Melbourne Advertisers: Wednesday 2 August
and the inner city. It is now in its 39th year
Publication date: Wednesday 6 September
of production. Readers’ contributions are
welcomed. Where relevant the News may Provisional dates for December edition Errol’s Angels at the Port Melbourne Community Carnival
seek alternative opinions in the interests Copy deadline 1 November, publication 29 November Photos: Marais Duckworth
of balance. Contributors’ opinions are their www.northandwestmelbournenews.com Itʼs been a busy year so far for Errolʼs Angels Community Choir
own, however, and the News takes no with two performances in Term 1.
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Articles should be submitted by email to To apply to become a subscriber please email More recently, the choir presented a Musical Soirée, hosted
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minimal formatting and do not embed 506 Queensberry Street. In this beautiful, intimate local venue,
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be sent separately as JPEGs. singing.
SHORT STORY COMPETITION We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Finance
The News congratulates North Melbourne at the Maternal and Child Health Centre at 505 Abbotsford
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Read her winning story, The Suitcase, Events at North Melbourne Library
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AVOIDING THE PAIN OF BROKEN BONES
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email Advertising.NWMN@outlook.com. borrowed from our library and meetings conclude with Book via Eventbrite link on website or on 9658 9700
Community announcements are published afternoon tea. Minutes of each meeting are circulated with
free of charge. the newsletter. North Melbourne Book Group 2017
Strong bones are important to carry you around; Third Monday of every month, 6.00pm, North Melbourne Library
Volunteers weak bones tend to fracture, causing pain. One in two 19 June Do Not Say We Have Nothing Madeleine Thien
The News welcomes new volunteers. If you women and one in four men will break a bone due to 17 July The Good People Hannah Kent
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computer technology or design and layout, president, Beryl, on 9885 2839 or check out our website, 16 Oct The Sympathizer Viet Thanh Nguyen
please consider joining the team. www.melbosg.org.au. We are also on Facebook. Enquiries to: 9658 9700 — www.melbournelibraryservice.com.au
New members are always welcome. North Melbourne Library, 66 Errol Street, North Melbourne
Publisher: Michael Halls
Editor: Position vacant
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Section Editors:
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Community: Siobhan Cooney-O’Donoghue
Education & Technology: Dan Tuturas and Get moving and
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History: Cecilia Robinson
Noticeboard: Janet Graham Our gentle Active Hearts
Politics & Environment: Brianna Faye Lugg class is a great way for
Sport & Health: Victor McMillan and Katrina mature adults to stay
Kincade-Sharkey
VACANCIES ON THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE mobile.
The Centre: Janet Graham
Travel & Food: Suzie Luddon OF THE CENTRE
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WINTER 2017 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 3
community
Hotham Gardens — ahead of the trend
John H. Smith wellbeing of the residents. Her work captured
the spirit of her mentor, Edna Walling, whose
vision was to use the landscape to develop a
“The gardens at Hotham Gardens are amaz- unity between house and garden.
ing,” said Neil Cole. “It blew me away when Mann’s achievement depended on her flair
I found the place. I am going to really enjoy for blending plants and colour. Uncommonly
living here.” I was talking to our newest resi- for her time, she made use of Australian flo-
dent at Hotham Gardens.
ra as well as exotics. Hotham Gardens was
Hotham Gardens, which was begun in
created as an urban forest using exceptional
1959, was a creative innovation. It replaced
Australian trees and a variety of exotic plants
substandard housing that existed on the two-
and-a-half-acre site on the north side of Arden long before the modern greening of the urban
Street, North Melbourne, between Curzon and environment came into vogue.
Abbotsford streets. The Housing Commission The sensitive planning of the gardens an-
of Victoria reclaimed the land, found new ticipated present-day concerns for community
homes for the 208 residents and demolished health and wellbeing, our connection with
approximately 73 houses. nature and the health and sustainability of the
But there was more to it than slum clear- environment. With cities working out how to
ance. Anne Reynolds, who worked for archi- green themselves, and climate change making
tect John Mockridge and Associates, said of Photo of scale model of proposed Hotham Gardens, from The Age, 10.2.1959. From left: Mr
us more aware of the importance of trees and
the project: “It was an experiment in a totally A.V. Jennings, Master Builders’ Association; Roy Grounds, Architects’ Association; Mr V.J.
plants, 60-year-old Hotham Gardens remains
different way of doing things that emerged Bradley, Housing Commission Chair; and Horace Petty, Minister for Housing
ahead of the trend.
from architectural firms that collaborated to Photo: Fairfax Syndication
The modern relevance of Hotham Gardens
design decorations erected on the city intersec-
Melbourne Professor of Architecture Hugh three-bedroom units were included in each is due to the project’s visionary architecture
tions during the Olympic Games.”
O’Neill said the development was “very well- block of 18. The four towers in each block sit and landscape gardening implemented in 1959.
The collaborative relationships that gave
known when it was done, because of its unique at different angles to each other, reducing the This innovative marriage of building and
birth to a new kind of innovation in design
and landscaping at Hotham Gardens came to design and its landscaping”. number of walls in common. Each block has garden is being recognised in the striking of a
include the State Government, the City Coun- The vision that drove Hotham Gardens was off-street parking and garages. special plaque to be erected on the site.
cil, the Architects’ Association and the Master to create ‘own-your-own’ homes catering for But the second feature that really sets Hotham Gardens deserves to be celebrated
Builders’ Association. The land was bought by a mixed population. The design has a Euro- Hotham Gardens apart is the landscape gar- as a significant and valued heritage site in
the Master Builders’ (Association) Slum Clear- pean flavour thanks to ideas local architects dening. Brilliant landscape architect Beryl North Melbourne. And it is a very good place
ance Ltd and the rehousing project followed. gathered from seeing the rebuilding of Euro- Mann designed gardens that added to the to live. At Hotham Gardens, what is old is new
Hotham Gardens attracted a lot of attention. pean cities after World War II. One, two and amenity of the properties and enhanced the again.
4 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News WINTER 2017
VERY IMPRESSIVE
27/04/17 Michael is gone I find myself almost starting Last question on WWTBA Millionaire? Ques-
“If you get everything you want the minute to fall apart. He’s been in my life for so long tion won $100,000.
you want it, what’s the point of living?” that it’s difficult to understand WHY he could/ The Wicked Girls, Alex Marwood.
Finn the Human, Adventure Time. By far one can be gone. LUV, 2012, DVD, Morgan Freeman.
of my currently favourite shows. Another The Brass Teapot, 2012, DVD.
would have to be Abandoned on SBS. Tues-
days 10.10pm. 13/04/17
Gerald Ridsdale should be released from pris- 14/03/17
on. Then anyone who wants to should be al- Why is it that when the media/government talk
26/04/17 8.51 lowed to put in an application to chop a bit off about it, all they mention is power loss and not
I’ve oddly never been to a Comic-Con before. of him. Just my own opinion of an opportunist the extremely bent hi-tension power pylons?
Anyone on this apparently social network abusive priest who is now said to have abused One of the few other times I’ve seen power
(Facebook) want to come with me to Mel- a potential 100 children. pylons so seriously damaged was after that Ca-
bourne’s on Saturday? Wearing my recently Plus the only reason RBA governor Philip nadian ice storm in the late ’80s or early ’90s,
acquired Frank suit (Donnie Darko for those Lowe was smiling was because he had enjoyed one that featured in the films of those suicide
who are not in the know) with my own Sha- a particularly yummy lunch. girls, and there’s another I don’t remember.
manistic variants. Ask Darryl??
07/04/17 I can pretty much count on one hand the
26/04/17 A Quick Survey: number of times I’ve played computer games;
Here’s a thought I’ve been having recently. Blankets or duvet? never really had that much interest in them.
The most unfortunate and stupid thing about Duvet myself. Considerably less interest in watching others
the Victorian Labor Government doing dumb Sure I was aware of duvets when a teenager, play them (especially like now, on a bus sur-
things is that it gives Matthew Guy (extremely the aunties had them. But personally didn’t rounded by private schoolboys playing on their which I’ll be dressed as a mashup of Don-
useless ex-planning minister against historic start using them until moving here. Now I can- phones). ald and Melania Trumpet. Teeny tiny dress,
architecture) an excuse to be in the media. not imagine going back to only blankets, does So little interest that not once did I watch the five-inch stilettos. With Donald hair and tan.
not compute. ABC’s hugely rating show Good Game, which Wheelchair pusher dressed as a nurse??
A great idea I had yesterday for a patch, to sew they foolishly removed (sold to Channel 7) last Went dress shopping today but neither of what
onto many shirts and jackets, after seeing the year. And I know I can say ‘foolishly’ as I’m I found was quite right, though I did rather like
latest potential terrorist news from Magnificent 20/03/17 well aware how popular it was. Many, many a long one I saw but didn’t buy.
Paris: It’s a Sad Day. gamer nerds and nerdettes in my circles are
FUN After some four (?) years, the most excellent nuts for the show. The joy of being a hoarder
SPICE and original thing to have happened in Mel- A text received from my friend Darryl in re-
ENJOYMENT bourne Central in years, the Little Library, is gard to my arts studio space:
TOLERANCE gone. Spoke to a man who said he was there 02/03/17 “I’m moving out of Caulfield and into the
OR on Friday and shelves were full of books, I think I’ve just seen the first-ever male-to- Ivanhoe flat, plus V’s mum’s place in Black-
RACK OFF whereas shelves are now still full of books, but male kiss on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? burn. We will need space at Preston to store
they’re multiple copies of only three titles. Winner won $10k. stuff, so you need to move all your stuff out. I
Chairs have changed to an ornate rococo and am happy to give you a hard rubbish collection
21/04/17 carpet to a bland blue, door has been removed here in Caulfield and could probably arrange
First time I’ve had this text from North Mel- and there are leafy faux roses dangling from 01/03/17 transport of stuff from Preston if required.
bourne Library: ceiling. Offal spill on CityLink. Bizarrely looks from Timeframe is everything out by mid-March or
“Notice from Melbourne Library Service. The A sad, sad day. Channel 9 footage that said offal has fallen sooner.”
following item is now overdue. Please return Then a week later it all changed once again, from an open-topped truck. Not a small load
ASAP — The Immortal Iron Fist. The Com- like Alice falling down her rabbit-made en- truck either. Many thoughts flying around my Dinosaurs. Dinosaurs. Dinosaurs. I seem to
plete Collection Vol. 2” trance to Wonderland. (Haven’t we all, if being head, like a blowfly trapped in a milk bottle. be a wee bit obsessed by dinosaurs. There are
Usually our library texts look more like this: truthful, wished we could holiday there?) hundreds of them here in the apartment in all
“Notice from Melbourne Library Service. The new chairs and ceiling hanging roses sizes and they’re one of the first things we go
Please pick up reservation from North Mel- stayed, but are gone again now a month later. 22/02/17 for when op-shopping.
bourne Library by 03 May 2017 — Night- No idea where the boring books have gone Thought been in head last few hours, it’s now
mares & Dreamscapes” (apparently some promotional thing) but the 1.17am. John Clarke is dead. John Clarke is dead.
previous greatness of the Little Library has re- Yesterday’s plane crash, an assassination that John Clarke is dead.
turned. Plus the sliding door never came back. happened early? Supposed to have been over How can we possibly cope with the pain and
17/04/17 Comfy chairs and roses are gone again also. sea maybe 20 minutes later. To get rid of re- sadness? A world without the wit, humour and
Last year I was affected by the loss of Prince tired FBI agent? great intelligence of John Clarke is a particu-
and of course by our magnificent Sir David Unknown news for myself and other SK fans: larly sad and foolish one.
Bowie but this year every time something John Swithen, 1972, short story. Pseudonym of Anti-Trump rally next Saturday I grew up listening to his magnificence as Fred
goes out of its way to remind me that George Stephen King. Seeking a person to push a wheelchair. In Dagg. So much has gone with him.
Authorised by D. Lawson, 296 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
RM EL B O U R N E
FE D ER A L M EM B ER FO
STANDING UP FOR WHAT MATTERS
GF1 296 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
(03) 9417 0759 adam.bandt.mp@aph.gov.au
adambandt.com @Adam.Bandt.MP @AdamBandt
WINTER 2017 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 5
‘Abbotsford St Estate Renewal’ to grow public housing
Continued from Front page ity of tenants who were not in attendance. en us no dates for moving out, or for returning
They have
claims that all neighbouring properties had
been letterboxed about the meet, several swore
they had not received notification.
Significantly, many of these people battling
language difficulties and professional re-edu-
cation in their search for work to care for their
young families are Afghanis, Sikhs, Sudanese,
here, whenever that might be. And if we take
their ‘new’ addresses, wherever they may be,
how do we know there’ll be room for all who
want to come back?
paid their
That neighbourhood meeting — at DHHS’s
Melrose Street centre — uniformly rejected
the “plan for discussion”, which included
public housing buildings close to footpath pe-
Somalis and mainland Chinese. Many were
already socially marginalised by war and tra-
ditional ethnic bias back home, so desperately
seek a better future for themselves and their
“How do we know there’ll be room for
us all if half of the places become private?”
Bob’s turmoil is patent. Long-term potential
dues
effects on the health of the significant number
rimeters, accommodation extending to 10–12 families. of outpatients living on the estate should well Katrina Kincade-Sharkey
storeys and vastly less open area between Many both recent and well-established mi- have been considered before these insensitive
those buildings. grant settlers on the estate escaped personal,
R
re-housings were planned.
Created by David Lock Associates Town political, economic and social persecution that esidents at Abbotsford Street Estate fill
Planning & Urban Design, this proposal sug- destroyed their notions of any comfortable three sectors: relatively recently set-
gested continuing Wood Street as a treed walk- home life. tled new Australians from Africa and
way access across the block to Molesworth Now, many speak bitterly of settlement central Asia; middle-aged and elderly locals
Street. days when they were encouraged to relax, to who’ve lived there for two generations; and
Significantly, there was to be no under- feel comfortable and to view their Abbotsford physically disabled outpatients attending local
ground car parking for public or private Street Estate accommodation as their new hospitals and/or critical medical clinics.
owners, this deemed “far too costly”, so “car Aussie home. After I had been diagnosed with chronic
space will be provided on the buildings’ lower This chronic avoidance of personal notifi- myeloid leukaemia (CML) on returning to
floors”, according to a facilitator from KJA. cation has drawn major criticism from social Australia in 2001, my long-term Footscray GP,
Further, little consideration had been given and community workers, health profession- Dr Jeff Rubin, referred me to his colleague,
to providing space for large families in either als, teachers, local shopkeepers, sympathetic then Dr — now Professor — Andrew Grigg, at
the public or private residences, the majority neighbours and residents themselves, but uni- Royal Melbourne Hospital.
of units providing only one or two bedrooms, formly all residents interviewed were tentative These two had respected each other’s
“ideal for inner-city living”. to identify themselves in fear of departmental dedicated practices since their studies at
Response to the multi-storey plan was rejection of any future claims. Melbourne University, so my GP was well
uniformly negative, despite the 10 per cent Each resident interviewed said they believed acquainted with Grigg’s participation in in-
Face painter Susan from Animals 2U with Nour
planned increase in public housing tenancies. any public statement could jeopardise their Photo: Jim Weatherill
ternational trials of drug treatment regimes to
The presenters told the meeting there were future public housing prospects. relieve blood cancer symptoms and, hopefully,
plans for private housing on two-thirds to Rather than mere and certainly expensive one day achieve a CML cure.
three-quarters of the block’s area. If developed renovation, this large domestic housing estate Keep people local This writer was lucky: sure, the initial In-
thus, it may house as many as 960 residents will be redeveloped to accommodate, at latest But not all Abbotsford Street Estate’s residents docid steps weren’t great, but Grigg consulted
on the Abbotsford Street Estate, yet this was estimates, a 50/50 residential cohort, meaning were negative. ‘Matt’, a 35-year-old disabled on several trials with haematology units across
“merely a plan for discussion”. half public/half private property owners. pensioner, agreed with renewal: “It’s high the globe. This eventually led to his CML
A two-way housing mix would be similar to time they tore down these derelict old blocks patients undergoing several generations of
Resettlement woes the bedevilled DHHS project on Racecourse — the windows rattle, the water temperature twice-daily self-injection with world-leading
At least 50 per cent of this estate’s tenancy is Road, Ascot Vale, opposite Melbourne Show- doesn’t last, rainwater comes in in storms and chemotherapy imatinib mesylate, marketed
long-term, that is 10 years-plus, with many of grounds, where tenant trauma has been signif- they’re old and smelly.” Departmental advisors as Glivec and Dasatinib, which treatments
those currently in outpatient attendance at the icant, according to local health professionals, claimed their Phase One Engagement Program achieved remission for many of us.
Royal Melbourne, Royal Women’s and Royal Epsom Road shopkeepers and residents them- would do its “utmost to keep people in the It wasn’t all hunky-dory, though: years of
Children’s hospitals, as well as Peter MacCal- selves. local area, if they want to remain here”. sleepless nights and wayward temperature sen-
lum Cancer Centre and numerous other nearby “Rather than being ‘equal’ residents here DHHS has promised rent subsidies for sitivities were no fun, but I’m still here — all
medical facilities. Had they been aware of [at Racecourse Road’s new development], current public housing tenants forced to rent thousand kilos of me — and I have no inten-
the April DHHS meeting, it is probable many we’re expecting to be treated like second-class privately until the Abbotsford Renewal is com- tion of passing on for several decades yet.
would not have felt able to attend. ‘dogs’,” growled ‘Mario’ (not his real name), pletely habitable. Historically, this subsidy has Fundamental responsibility for this glorious
Several local GPs and medical specialists a 69-year-old former bricklayer who lived on lasted for two years, but advisors claim Ab- remission lies primarily with those brilliantly
agreed all patients — especially those who Racecourse Road for seven years until redevel- botsford Street Estate Renewal is only at ‘early dedicated medicos, but the inordinate patient
may be budget-stressed or otherwise socially opment began. engagement’ timetable. comfort organised by Royal Melbourne Hospi-
prejudiced — needed confidence and emo- He was offered an outer-suburban unit Aiming to adequately meet modern living tal social workers and provided by the former
tional comfort in their continuing care, with needing bus and train connections to the CBD, standards with this new development, DHHS Department of Human Services (now DHHS)
assured housing being critical. Yet until 1 June has still promised its current tenants that no in ‘placing’ me at Abbotsford Street Estate
then a tram to Peter Mac Cancer Centre for
there have been no programmed personal dis- more than 25 per cent of their government cannot be under-estimated.
treatment of his acute emphysema. He refused
cussions with residents, especially no individ- income — that is, disability or aged pensions, Accommodated on the ground floor of a unit
the offer.
ual explanations in their native languages with or unemployment or new settler allowances — block on Abbotsford Street, my days awoke to
“Now I board in Maidstone with my former
will be charged for their rent. chirping bird calls from eucalypt and poplar
the several dozen recently settled Africans. wife, who gave me her spare room, thank God,
trees surrounding our public tenancy homes.
Consequently there has been no relief from but also with her new bloke and his teenage DHHS rentals at Abbotsford Street Estate
Family and friends were tentative at this
the emotional distress felt by many about their son, all of which is fine bar my breathing dif- will provide more one and two-bedroom
‘down-market’ residential move, but all soon
housing futures. ficulties climbing on buses and trams to the apartments for North Melbourne, which are in
saw a relatively efficient redevelopment of the
Yes, DHHS provided interpreters for the hospital,” Mario says, gasping for breath. high demand, while also introducing homes
journo they’d known. She wasn’t working,
information meeting, but that was not followed Abbotsford Street Estate resident ‘Bob’ is for private sale to help address the constantly
but she was safe and secure in a double-keyed
by individual doorknocks or later appoint- also receiving treatment for late-stage lung growing demand for inner-city housing. The
entry apartment that was clean and fully
ments for personal explanation with the major- cancer at Peter MacCallum. “But they’ve giv- Abbotsford Triangle is a potential goldmine.
equipped.
And it was so quiet back then. Nowadays,
several years after moving out, I still miss
WOOD PHARMACY – NORTH MELBOURNE those birds. It’s hard to imagine such peaceful
quiet while living adjacent to a main street, but
67 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 • Ph: 9328 1960 • Fax: 9328 1531 the estate’s blocks were all double-brick and as
comfortable as their tenants made them, so it
was easy to truly relax.
At Wood Pharmacy North Melbourne, we want to help you I now believe relaxation was the factor
optimise your use and understanding of your medicines. enabling my varying new chemotherapies to
Please ask us about: function.
• Your annual Medscheck But the real joy of that home was the other
residents. True, this supposed journo didn’t
• Weekly medication packing
even know the names of most of her co-dwell-
• Medication delivery
ers, but we all ‘knew’ each as close as family,
• MedAdvisor phone app to order repeats from home!
rarely passing without fond acknowledgement
We also stock popular brands such as: and usually recognising others’ visiting family
and friends.
• MooGoo skincare
Abbotsford Street Estate residents formed
• Tilley soaps
a true community, so it is vital that each res-
• Bioceuticals practitioner-only supplements ident be offered the option of returning after
• Organyc women’s hygiene range ‘renewal’. Most of those who live there have
• Bioderma and Uriage withstood personal trauma, be that physical,
political or economic. They’ve done their time;
OPENING HOURS: Mon to Fri 8.30am to 6.30pm, Sat 9am to 2pm, Sun 10am to 2pm — closed on public holidays they’ve well paid their emotional dues. Now
it’s time public housing gave back.6 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News WINTER 2017
CHALLENGE: selling
North and West benefits
Katrina Kincade-Sharkey founder in July 2007.
BECOME A MEMBER OF YOUR LOCAL TRADERS GROUP
The Precinct Association now encourages
P
traders to leverage off each other, this both
THE NORTH & WEST MELBOURNE PRECINCT
rofessional, cost-effective, stylish: those educating customers on the benefits of this
mantras have drawn businesses — and precinct, and keeping business with local ser- ASSOCIATION!
their client bases — to this region vices.
through most of Victoria’s modern history. NWMPA’s seven-member committee meets
Applications are now open for membership of the North & West Melbourne Precinct
Yet communicating North and West Mel- every six weeks in rotation at each member’s
Association (NWMPA) for the 2017–18 financial year. Be an active contributor to the
bourne’s market provision nowadays is an ex- business premises. Their next meeting is
future of your local business area and benefit from member-focused marketing campaigns.
pensive effort for any trader, especially against scheduled for 7.30am on Thursday 15 June at
the profusion of good, bad and oh-so-indiffer- architect Neville Page’s practice, Greenway
ent promotions splattered across our mass me- Hirst Page Pty Ltd, first floor, 464 Victoria Cost: $60 per year Fling Street Festival, Errol Street Open Air
dia. Advertising is the blood of public commu- Street, North Melbourne. Christmas Party and two new events to be
nications; it’ll draw yours with gleeful gusto. North & West Melbourne Precinct Associ- What you get: introduced to the area in 2017–18.
Experts agree the only way to raise the mar- - High-quality business profile listing on - Opportunities to join the NWMPA Man-
ation’s annual general meeting will be held
ket awareness of any trading precinct is for the NWMPA website, including images, agement Committee.
at 6.00pm on Monday 31 July, venue to be
map pin-point and click-through to your
shopkeepers, professionals and traders of all advised.
business website. Plus a number of new benefits!
sorts who run businesses in the region to get Recent improvements proposed by NWMPA
- Access to four newly structured Business - The first 50 members to join with a paid
together to SELL ONE MESSAGE. And the and adopted by the City of Melbourne include
Networking events during the year featur- membership for 2017–18 will be able to
easiest message to sell is LOCATION. provision of extra public toilets adjacent to
ing speakers from a variety of business, book in a free professional photography
We all know the individual styles of Collins North Melbourne Town Hall, corner Queens-
marketing and commercial backgrounds. session through the NWMPA and will be
Street, of Chapel and Brunswick, of Sydney berry and Errol, as well as the suggestion
- Opportunity to post event listings and provided with four high-quality, profes-
Road and the Trak Village. Whatever their by trader Louisa Chalmer to develop a com-
business promotions on the NWMPA web-
pluses or traffic hassles, they each record prehensive marketing and physical planning sional photos to keep. These photos will
site at no additional cost.
massive foot traffic and capital turnover. North strategy for the local area. Ms Chalmer is one also be owned by the NWMPA and used to
- Exclusive access to specialised demo-
and West Melbourne have it all; we just need of the owners of Clever Polly’s restaurant and promote your business on our website and
graphic reports and tourism data for Mel-
to communicate that essence to the wider pop- wine bar. social media channels.
bourne.
ulation. Mr Halls explains: “Our aim is to help busi- - Free membership of the North West
- First access to communications and busi-
Any communication must be led by com- nesses expand, to survive well by promoting ness development opportunities from local Business Network — a new and interactive
mon themes of ease of access, variety of and expanding North and West Melbourne as council. business resource and support platform
produce and expert professionalism, and then a business area, simultaneously expanding our - Ongoing social media campaign specif- operated locally in North Melbourne, to be
delivered in a handy, easy-welcoming manner. client base. This strategy is for the business ically for your business, via the growing launched in July 2017.
North and West Melbourne are overlaid with period 2017 through 2021. NWMPA channels. - Increased exposure for your business
genuine heritage style, this region encompass- “The Precinct Association won another plus - Increased opportunity for your business through the NWMPA’s new, dedicated pres-
ing a plethora of world-leading technocrats, for local traders in having brighter lighting or event to be featured in direct City of ence within the North and West Melbourne
designers, medicos, teachers and many others, installed along Victoria and Errol streets, that Melbourne print and online marketing cam- News.
each caring for this community’s welfare, both being just one forerunner to its marketing strat- paigns, therefore reaching over 500,000
professionally and personally. egy for current and future members in terms of potential customers/clients. You can secure your membership for the
North & West Melbourne Precinct Associ- this local area’s attractiveness and tradeability. - Opportunities to participate in a number 2017–18 financial year by emailing us:
ation (NWMPA) has several dozen members, “The Precinct Association will now consult of local events, including the annual Spring northwestmelbourneprecinct@gmail.com
but a potential body of hundreds. Its current a top urban planner to develop a vision for the
membership mainly provides business and pro- area, then a tangible, yet readily achievable,
fessional services, as well as hospitality, but plan for that vision,” he stresses, enthusiasti-
North & West Melbourne Precinct Association (NWMPA) Members 2017
also comprises information technologists, re- cally.
tail and tourism advisors and communicators. “In the meantime we’ll continue with our A1 Used Computer Systems, Multiply Accountants & Advisors,
Tutors and knowledge sector professionals are four-seasons promotions, advertising in both 630 Queensberry Street – 9326 6261 649 Spencer Street – 9093 4888
also members. Docklands News and North and West Mel-
Alexkarbon Real Estate, Nick Theodossi Prestige Cars,
NWMPA’s constitution welcomes anyone bourne News, our Spring Fling jaunt, the next
122 Errol Street – 9326 8883 185 Arden Street – 9373 7777
trading as a business within the precincts of development stage of Northside Winter Festi-
North and West Melbourne’s postcodes. val and our end-of-year Christmas Festival,” Allen Kong Architect Pty Ltd, North Melbourne Books,
“We’re also allowed to admit as members he says, barely drawing a breath. 464 Victoria Street – 9328 2320 546 Queensberry Street – 9041 4216
business people who live locally but trade Local branding and marketing is a massive Andrew Harris Optometry, North Melbourne Football Club,
elsewhere,” says Michael Halls, NWMPA vice undertaking, but experts agree that done to- 56 Errol Street – 9329 9372 204–206 Arden Street – 9320 2400
president and director of The Centre – Con- gether it will locate, promote and trade North Bakers Delight – North Melbourne, North Melbourne Podiatry,
necting Community in North & West Mel- and West Melbourne to a far wider, regular 29 Errol Street – 9329 0467 283 Victoria Street – 9329 6618
bourne, which produces this newspaper. market base.
Bubbleblue, Pitcher Partners,
The Centre’s primary concern is the so- Further information will be provided by
1–3 Provost Street – 0404 882 404 Level 19, 15 William Street – 8610 5000
cio-economic welfare of its local participants NWMPA secretary Ms Loan Nguyen, owner/
manager of North Melbourne Podiatry, 283 Butcher Shop Cafe, Pocket Cafe, 29 Melrose Street – 9041 4441
and their surroundings, these factors linking
Victoria Street, West Melbourne, telephone 72 Hawke Street – 9939 4326 Rotary Club of North Melbourne,
almost exactly with those of the Precinct
Association, of which The Centre was a joint 0420 840 924. City North Physiotherapy Clinic, PO Box 304, North Melbourne 3051
59 Errol Street – 9328 3733 Select Right, 7 Purcell Street
Clever Polly’s, Strang Systems Pty Ltd,
313 Victoria Street – 9077 9294 94 Errol Street – 9329 6111
Northside Winter Festival
Contours Travel, Synergetics, 490 Spencer Street – 9328 4800
287 Victoria Street – 1300 135 391
The Centre, 58 Errol Street – 9328 1126
Dolcetti Cakes,
The Comic’s Lounge,
223 Victoria Street – 9328 1688
North and West Melbourne are getting a new festival! Celebrating everything unique about the 26 Errol Street – 9348 9488
precinct, with an enchanting twist.
Electron Workshop,
The Courthouse Hotel,
31 Arden Street – 9270 5850
86–90 Errol Street – 9329 5394
Ferguson Plarre,
The Eco Laundry Room,
The Northside Winter Festival will bring the 27 Errol Street – 9329 3588
37 Melrose Street – 1300 326 880
historic streets of North and West Melbourne Greenway Hirst Page Pty Ltd,
The Paw Principality,
to life for 10 days this July–August with 1st Floor, 464 Victoria Street – 9329 2611
60 Errol Street – 1300 225 202
an exciting line-up of live music, walking Guild of Objects,
tours, pop-up cinemas, theatre, comedy, retail TAS Australia
690 Queensberry Street
markets, special dining experiences and local Vega Associates, 25/16 Courtney Street
Joseph Louis Realty Pty Ltd,
trader events. This event is being produced W.B. Simpson, 30 Errol Street – 9328 1213
496 Queensberry Street – 9329 5050
by the North & West Melbourne Precinct
Association Inc. MBG Education Pty Ltd, Wayne Lynch Master Jeweller,
123 Chetwynd Street – 1300 137 389 93 Errol Street – 9328 5500
Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic, Willows and Wine,
49 Chetwynd Street – 9686 2566 315 Victoria Street – 0411 686 080
What: Northside Winter Festival
When: 27 July – 5 August Melbourne North Service Centre,
Where: Errol Street, Victoria Street, Queensberry Street and inside various local venues 175 Arden Street – 9328 4237WINTER 2017 North and West Melbourne News COMMUNITY 7
Residents About Integrated
Development (RAID@3051)
Marg Leser and the area surrounding the Queen Victoria 3051 population plus an additional 15,000 to
Market. 20,000 people.
● In Dr Woodcock’s view the design presents Much more public open space must be found
R
esidents About Integrated Development as a concentrator rather than a distributor of for the current and future population of 3051.
(RAID) considers that future planning traffic and, with the significant population
needs to include not only physical in- growth projected for Melbourne, has the Haines and Shiel Street develop-
frastructure but also enhancement of transport, potential to create demand for the shelved ments
heritage building and streetscapes. The pro- East West Link. There have been a number of developments
active planning of community infrastructure This contentious project is likely to have a approved or commenced in the Haines and
must include spaces for active and passive significant impact on 3051 through increased Shiel Street precinct opposite our sole public
recreation, education, community services, traffic volume and movement and a reduction playground at Gardiner Reserve.
landscaping and affordable housing. in the visual amenity of the area. Health may The 13-level 43-unit development at
RAID@3051 Inc continues to represent the also be affected by increased noise, loss of 104–110 Haines Street is in construction and
views of the local community by informing open space and diminished air quality caused the six-storey 22-unit development at 1 Shiel
integrated long-term and sustained planning by diesel and other emissions. Street is now complete. Twenty-seven apart-
for urban renewal in North Melbourne and ments are proposed for 114–116 Haines Street.
surrounding areas. RAID is a non-partisan in- Update on the Woolworths site The status of the two 10-storey towers on the
corporated local organisation that is committed The Woolworths triangular site bounded by corner of Macaulay Road and Haines Street
to open, transparent governance. Macaulay Road, Vaughan Terrace and Canning remains unclear.
RAID’s experience over several years has Street has been re-branded as Arden Gardens. The new developers of the Woods Motors
reinforced the contribution that residents can It will consist of two towers containing ap- site at 3–15 Shiel Street are seeking to radi-
make to policy development and implementa- proximately 300 apartments, a supermarket cally amend the previously approved 64-unit
tion affecting the 3051 postcode. We welcome and other shops. The Hickory Group has been development to accommodate 124 units in
residents’ involvement in a range of roles. appointed as builders for the site and construc- a 12-storey podium and tower. This would
tion has now commenced.
appear to be allowed under the proposed plan-
Annual general meeting Construction of stage 1 is scheduled for
ning panel amendments, but would not have
RAID@3051’s AGM on 5 April at the North completion by the end of 2018. Members of
been allowed under the original Arden–Macau-
Melbourne Recreation Centre was well sup- the RAID committee met with the Hickory
lay Structure Plan setbacks.
ported by RAID members and the community. Group and raised concerns about the construc-
The amendment is currently before the Plan-
Committee members elected at the AGM tion process including construction noise, traf-
ning Minister and as such is “seriously consid-
were: Peter Hogg (chair), Marg Leser (deputy fic management into and surrounding the site,
ered”. It is in effect the operative height control.
chair), Tess Demediuk (secretary/treasurer), parking arrangements for workers’ vehicles
RAID wrote to the minister to urge prompt
Lorna Hannan and Angela Williams. Annual and safe access to the 402 bus stop adjacent to
rejection of the planning panel amendments
membership remains $1 and the initial joining the site in Canning Street.
to prevent this project from proceeding in its
fee is also $1. In addition to reports from the The Hickory Group representatives advised
current form, but we were unsuccessful. Why
chairman and treasurer two guest speakers that they are keen to liaise with the community
and to keep people informed as the develop- the planning panel made the decision to allow
presented.
ment progresses. They have provided an email 12-storey developments along Shiel Street with
Councillor Nicholas Reece, chair of the
City of Melbourne’s planning portfolio, address for individuals in the community to minimal setbacks is a matter of conjecture.
stated he was interested in ongoing dialogue subscribe to if they wish to receive updates or The largely intact low-rise 19th-century
with the community. He referred to Victorian raise issues: ardengardens@hickory.com.au streetscape on the north side of Shiel Street
Government decisions impacting the City of The permitted hours of construction site will be juxtaposed with high-rise on the south.
Melbourne and its residents. He provided an work within the City of Melbourne are Monday This would seem to be contrary to generally
overview of Amendment C190, which will to Friday from 7.00am to 7.00pm and Saturday accepted good urban design and planning.
implement new land use and development from 8.00am to 3.00pm. Any work outside The Macaulay Road/Haines Street devel-
controls. these hours requires an out-of-hours permit to opment, the Woods Motors site in Shiel Street
Amendment C190 is currently seeking be issued. Workers are permitted to be on site and Arden Gardens all adopt a ‘podium and
approval from the Minister for Planning. In- prior to this time, however must not undertake tower’ model of urban development, which is
formation and updates can be found at www. any building work. Any issues can be reported now likely to become the dominant develop-
participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ardenmacau- to the City of Melbourne on 9658 9658. ment model in Arden–Macaulay. As an urban
layc190. design approach it leaves much to be desired.
Other matters raised with Councillor Reece Draft Arden Vision and Framework RAID believes we can do much better than
included the contentious Victorian Govern- The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct will have repeat the mistakes of Docklands and South-
ment decision on Residential Zones and the a significant impact on 3051. It involves a bank but the tower-and-podium model is the
implications of the recently released Victo- 56-hectare base for 34,000 jobs and 15,000 most profitable. Unfortunately we can expect
rian Better Apartments Design Standards. residents and will include the new Arden Met- to see more of it.
RAID had lobbied that these should include ro station. More information is available at
minimum standards in respect of size, storage, www.ardenmacaulay.vic.gov.au. Who is RAID@3051?
light, ventilation, open space and accessibility, One of RAID’s principal goals is to advo- RAID@3051 Inc is a community group
thus resulting in improved design, cate for the urban infrastructure required to formed in 2011 to respond to the proposed
sustainability and livability of apartments. meet the needs of current and future popu- Woolworths development in the residential
Dr Ian Woodcock, chair of the Inner Mel- lations. There is a substantial backlog in all area bounded by Macaulay Road, Vaughan
bourne Planning Alliance (IMPA), of which forms of infrastructure across the country and Terrace and Canning Street, North Melbourne.
RAID was a foundation member, is also a the Melbourne Metro is a pivotal project for RAID is concerned about the impact of in-
planning and urban design academic with a the future bigger, denser Melbourne of the creased density, population and traffic on the
specialist interest in Melbourne’s public trans- 2020s and beyond. already overstretched community infrastruc-
port. He presented on the important topic of The method in which the Arden Urban Re- ture.
the Western Distributor and its potential im- newal Precinct, around the new Arden station, RAID is seeking immediate traffic-calming
pact on postcode 3051. is implemented is critical to the future of North measures to make the area safer for pedestri-
Key points, which generated discussion and West Melbourne, Kensington and E-Gate. ans. We are also urging the City of Melbourne
from the floor, included: RAID contributed to the initial community and state planning bodies to lock in a range of
● The Western Distributor has been re-brand- consultations on the Draft Arden Vision & open spaces in all future developments.
ed as the West Gate Tunnel Project. Framework in October 2016. We continue to lobby the City of Melbourne
● It is now a significantly bigger project than The State Government owns large parcels for Gardiner Reserve to be enlarged and for the
what was originally projected in both size of land in the precinct, so has the opportunity immediate provision of a community hub in
and estimated cost. to develop this well. However, the initial signs the Hotham Hill area and in all new precincts.
● The most recent design appears not to are not reassuring. Sketches of the precinct RAID endeavours to work constructively with
link directly to the docks. The planned show buildings of 12 and 15 storeys, poten- all involved in 3051.
ground-level and elevated roads near the tially resulting in 30 storeys if history is any RAID is strongly committed to stakeholder
E-Gate site may impact on future urban de- guide. Furthermore, it is clear that the intention engagement.
velopment of this area, and the project will is to use Arden Oval as the primary open space
potentially compete with the Regional Rail for the precinct. Connect to RAID@3051
Link and Melbourne Metro. North Melbourne Football Club has submit- For further information about RAID or to be-
● The lack of design clarity does not enable ted a major redevelopment plan to the Victori- come a member and receive our e-newsletter,
surety as to where the traffic will decant into an Planning Authority, which can be viewed at contact us by email to raid3051@gmail.com,
North and West Melbourne, but Dr Wood- www.nmfc.com.au/news/2017-05-09/norths- access our website at www.3051-integrated.
cock considered it would probably have bold-plan. The oval cannot be relied on to ser- com or follow us on Facebook by searching
significant impact on 3051, Dudley Street vice the active recreation needs of the current 3051 RAID.8 COMMUNITY North and West Melbourne News WINTER 2017
on 22 and 23 May, local people who attended ● We don’t need shops and cafes on the site; the E-Gate site and will destroy potential
complained about the lack of, or late distribu- there are already many within easy walking connections between West Melbourne,
tion of, written information. distance. E-Gate and Docklands.
They also expressed concern that selling off The government’s commitment to increase If it goes ahead, the WGTP is likely to bring
North and West part of the land to private developers was an social housing on the estates by 10 per cent more traffic into North and West Melbourne
Melbourne attempt by the government to make a profit at seems tokenistic when housing for the disad- and the CBD.
the expense of public housing tenants and the vantaged is in such short supply and the need In a further slight, Transurban has given citi-
Association estate’s amenity. The sketch plan tabled at the for it increasing rapidly as Melbourne’s popu- zens only five weeks to respond to 10,000 pag-
meetings showed much denser site coverage lation swells. es of EES (Environmental Effects Statement)
than the current layout as well as buildings up documents. Submissions on the EES are due
The Association’s 2017 AGM West Gate Tunnel Project (WGTP)
to 10–12 storeys high. by 5.00pm on 10 July.
The NWMA annual general meeting for the In another instance of perfunctory communi-
There was wide agreement with the follow- It is vitally important to make submissions so
financial year 2016 took place in April this cations, some residents were letterboxed about
ing feedback: that community voices are heard. Lodge them
year. Running through his tabled report, the a ‘pop-up’ display of WGTP plans after it had
● We support and welcome social housing. at www.planning.vic.gov.au/west-gate-tunnel-
chair, Kevin Chamberlin, commented that in taken place! Nonetheless many did visit the in-
● We don’t need more private housing in an project-hearing and request to make an oral
the Association’s 50th year it was pleasing to formation booth outside North Melbourne Post
area already saturated with new develop- submission at the panel hearing if you wish.
see the membership growing and that younger Office on 18 April to learn more about the pro-
ments. You can view the EES documents at www.
people were joining.
● The proposed building heights are unaccept- ject (formerly known as Western Distributor). westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/eesdocu-
The committee was elected unopposed and
able in this residential and historic part of If approved, the elevated extension of ments/ or read hard copies at North Melbourne
comprises: Kevin Chamberlin (chair), Jane
North Melbourne. Wurundjeri Way will have a devastating effect Library.
Poynter (secretary), Michael Horscroft (treasur-
● High-rise buildings do not promote commu- on West Melbourne for the following reasons:
er), Janet Graham (assistant secretary) and Bill
nity connectedness. ● It will be noisy. WGTP modelling shows NWMA’s 50th birthday
Cook, Cecilia Gason, Sue Scarfe and Geraldine
● What fosters a safe environment is a mix of that traffic noise will (just) meet the To celebrate this milestone the Association is
Suter (ordinary committee members).
residents, including the elderly and especial- VicRoads standard of 63 dB(A). On this planning at least one event this year, including
Abbotsford Street Estate ‘renewal’ ly families. basis no sound barrier is planned. something for the Spring Fling. If any readers
As part of the State Government’s $185 mil- ● The estate should therefore contain fewer ● The road will be 10 metres high, which is have suggestions for a suitable event, please
lion plan to redevelop nine public housing sites single-bedroom dwellings and more with higher than the Regional Rail Link tracks, let us know.
across Melbourne, it is proposing to demolish three or four bedrooms. and within 100 metres of residences.
and rebuild the North Melbourne estate on the ● All current residents must be guaranteed ● It will increase pollution, with thousands of Contact details for NWMA
land bounded by Abbotsford, Haines, Curzon accommodation in the new estate. trucks using the road every day and night. Meetings are held at 7.30pm on the third
and Molesworth streets. (See cover story in ● There should be much more open space of ● It will destroy visual amenity, just when the Tuesday of the month at the Bastow Institute
this edition.) varying types to cater for children’s play and City of Melbourne has launched plans to in Queensberry Street. Email info@nwma.
There has been much criticism by the ball games (kick-to-kick), informal social beautify Railway Place as part of the West org.au for information or visit our website at
estate’s tenants and local residents of the gatherings and community gardening. Melbourne Structure Plan with vehicle re- www.nwma.org.au. At the meeting on 20 June,
Department of Health & Human Services’ poor ● Buildings should be no more than four sto- strictions, more plantings and pedestrian and guest speakers from Melbourne City Council’s
efforts to contact and engage those affected. reys, to prevent overshadowing and maxim- cycle links to Docklands. Placemaking and Engagement team will be
At meetings called for neighbouring residents ise access to sunlight. ● It will compromise future development of presenting.
Local community lawyers say reduce
homelessness, don’t criminalise
John Mangan and Dan Stubbs House drop-in centre in North Melbourne, was Activities Local Law are against the spirit of nise that “people with special circumstances
referred to Inner Melbourne Community Legal the law, contravene the Victorian Charter of are disproportionately, and often irrevocably,
S
(IMCL) service in Queensberry Street, who Rights and Responsibilities and undermine caught up in the system. In a just society, the
teve was doing it tough. He had been in helped him handle his fines. recent council and state measures that will help response to people with special circumstances
crisis accommodation in the inner city The legal service helps over 200 people significantly in reducing homelessness in the should not be to issue them with an infringe-
for a number of weeks when he picked each year who are homeless, or in danger of long term. ment notice”.
up a fistful of parking fines. There were only homelessness. A significant proportion of As the council has acknowledged, it is not IMCL proposes improving services and af-
two-hour parking bays in the vicinity and he those people have problems with infringe- illegal to be homeless. However, the amending fordable housing options for Victorians, rather
wasn’t able to get a permit. Being homeless, ments. law will make it an offence for a person to than putting the homeless on an ‘infringements
it was one more stress he didn’t need while Based on its extensive experience of the ‘camp’ in any public place. Given that the term roundabout’ which will drain community re-
trying to sort things out. impact of infringements on people experienc- ‘camp’ is undefined and open to broad inter- sources while being unlikely to stop people
He’s one of hundreds of Melburnians who ing homelessness, the service has made a sub- pretation, this effectively includes — whether with limited choices sleeping rough.
could be affected by new laws designed to mission to the City of Melbourne opposing the intended or not — homeless people sleeping In the case of Steve, the legal service and
reduce the number of people sleeping rough. changes to the sleeping-rough laws. rough, and may make criminals of them. Ozanam assisted him in securing permanent
“If you’re sleeping rough, you have no The service is particularly concerned that IMCL’s submission notes that when the accommodation. IMCL agrees with Steve, that
money,” Steve says. “So how are you going to criminalising homelessness will further Infringements Act was introduced 11 years the focus should be on solving the problems
pay the fines? A lot of these people have got a entrench disadvantage, and tie up both the ago the Victorian attorney-general, Rob Hulls, of homeless people, rather than adding to their
mental illness or substance or alcohol issues, authorities and the rough sleepers in lengthy, detailed that the law endeavours “to filter peo- woes with onerous fines.
so fines are just going to be on top of having expensive processes that in many cases are ple out of the system who cannot understand
no money and having no home.” unlikely to see the fines paid. or control their offending behaviour”. The You can view IMCL’s submission on their
Steve, who was getting help at Ozanam In fact, the proposed amendments to the legislative framework, he said, ought to recog- website, www.imcl.org.au.
City North Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Massage
Pilates
59 Errol Street
North Melbourne
city
Open Monday to Saturday north
physiotherapy clinic
Photo: Ralph Alphonso, courtesy Inner Melbourne Community LegalYou can also read
