t was wonderful to return to the Council Chamber alongside my fellow councillors this month as we turn our focus towards a prosperous 2022 for our beautiful City.

It’s been a busy start to the year as we hosted our flagship event, St Kilda Festival. It was fantastic to see people safely gathering to enjoy live music and entertainment again with 50 bands showcased over six performance days.

We are proud to lead the charge to bring events and live music back to Melbourne after such a difficult time, and it is only natural for St Kilda to be first in line considering our long history as a home for live music and major events.

It was an honour to march through Fitzroy Street to take part in the annual Midsumma Pride March with our very own contingent, the Port Phillip Pride Squad.

Another successful Midsumma Festival saw 30 events hosted within our municipality, including our Pride flag raising ceremony, where we raised the Rainbow and Transgender flags at St Kilda Town Hall. The Rainbow flag flew high above our Town Halls in St Kilda, Port Melbourne and South Melbourne throughout the Midsumma Festival in a symbol of pride and inclusion.

Our Council has been, and will continue to be, a major supporter of the Midsumma Festival and all that it stands for in celebrating our LGBTIQA+ community.

Looking back over the summer period, our Summer Sessions programming has been a hit and we’ve received great feedback regarding the KIIS Ferris Wheel in Catani Gardens. We put forward these initiatives with the focus of getting people out and about in Port Phillip to reinvigorate our lively neighbourhoods and support our many traders.

As expected, the warmer weather brought more people to our City and our summer management program was well equipped to deal with larger crowds over a busy New Year’s period and Australia Day public holiday.

Thank you for helping play a part in a safe and successful summer period in Port Phillip.

In this month’s Divercity, you can learn more about our involvement in an e-scooter trial taking place across the Cities of Port Phillip, Melbourne and Yarra.

The use of these e-scooters comes with great responsibility as users are expected to obey Victoria’s Road Laws and I encourage a thorough inspection of the rules and regulations to ensure your e-scooter trip is taken with the utmost safety.

I trialled the new e-scooters first-hand to celebrate the opening of our new Garden City Bike Corridor in Port Melbourne and they are a nifty way to get around our City or just to get out and have some fun.

As usual, don’t hesitate to contact me with any feedback or ideas for our City.

Regards,

Cr Marcus Pearl
Mayor, City of Port Phillip

Grab your helmet, because e-scooters have arrived in Melbourne thanks to a 12-month trial between Port Phillip Council and the Cities of Melbourne and Yarra.

You may have noticed the bright orange and white electronic scooters popping up around town this month, as Melburnians test out a new way to travel around the three municipalities.

The trial is part of a Victorian Government program to understand how e-scooters can be safely incorporated into the community for the long term. 

Whether you want to scoot to work, ride from one location to another or just have fun, e-scooters provide an alternative, low-cost and sustainable way to travel through the region.

Lime and Neuron Mobility are delivering the trial as two of Australia’s leading micro-mobility operators known for their leadership and innovation in safety and sustainability. 

From 1 February, 1,500 e-scooters have been rolled out across the three cities with users able to get scooting by simply using their smartphone.

E-scooters will travel up to a maximum speed of 20 km/h on bicycle lanes, shared paths and low speed roads, and will not be allowed on footpaths. 

Riders must adhere to most of the same rules as bike riders, including wearing a helmet and slowing down to give way to pedestrians on shared paths. More at council

Bicycle access in Port Melbourne just became a whole lot easier thanks to Council’s Garden City Bike Corridor upgrade.

The new and improved bike route increases connections for bike riders as the corridor spans from Garden City Reserve to the Sandridge and Bay trails shared path networks, providing a link between popular destinations in the Port Melbourne area.

The upgrade means Port Melbourne residents now have increased access to Garden City Reserve or can simply enjoy the views along their journey through Port Melbourne.

Port Phillip Council is committed to providing additional sources of transport for residents, especially those that encourage sustainable practices.

The construction of the corridor also features the installation of upgraded lighting at the Howe Parade and Beacon Road intersection as well as at the Swallow Street and Ross Street intersection.

The project, partially funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads Community Infrastructure grant, is part of Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy 2018-2028 “Move, Connect, Live” and sets out a priority to deliver a set of protected bike lanes along 14 identified sites across Port Phillip.

The Strategy sets a target of increasing cycle trips in the municipality by 151 per cent over the 10-year period.

For more information, visit: Garden City bike corridor connection upgrade - City of Port Phillip.

The third We-Akon Dilinja (mourning reflection) ceremony was attended by an estimated crowd of 500 people at Alfred Square on Australia Day.

The moving ceremony was also livestreamed for those unable to attend the St Kilda ceremony.

Presented by the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council (BLSC), and supported by our Council and the National Australia Day Council, this year’s theme was Healing through Remembrance, Reflection and Recognition.

As dawn broke, Kiernan Ironfield’s skilful didgeridoo playing opened the proceedings. The culture and history of the Boonwurrung people was then conveyed through readings and music with a smoking ceremony concluding the inclusive event.

N’arweet Jason Briggs said: “This ceremony is an important step in acknowledging our shared history with other Australians who’ve come to our Country.”

To view the ceremony, click here 

2022 WE-AKON DILINJA PROGRAM

MC – Bo Svoronos

Didgeridoo player – Kiernan Ironfield

Boonwurrung Welcome Song – James Henry (written by James Henry & Jarra Steel)

Welcome to Country and Introduction – Parbinata Dr Carolyn Briggs AM

N’arweet Jason Briggs

Boonwurrung song – “Long Time Living Here” – Shauntai Batzke (written by Deborah Cheetham AO, Parbinata Carolyn Briggs, Jarra Steel & Aunty Fay Stewart Muir)

1st reading – Dick Gross

Shofar with Jewish prayer – Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann

Wiradjuri song – “Babirra Nyiwarri Gariya Giran” – Shauntai Batzke (written by Shauntai Batzke)

2nd reading – Cr Marcus Pearl, City of Port Phillip Mayor

Tribute to past Boonwurrung Elders – Parbinata Carolyn Briggs and Michael Julian

Boonwurrung song – Balayang (written by Marbee Williams) & Yuwaalaraay song – Murrgumurrgu (written by James Henry) – James Henry (lead vocals) accompanied by Michael Julian (percussion) & Caerwen Martin (cello)

Smoking Ceremony – David Tournier

Ooh la lah! In a French twist on Lady and the Tramp, dogs can now enjoy a delicious dining out experience at a St Kilda restaurant, Chez Misty

Named in honour of their 15-year-old rescue pooch, Cherry and Marc, together with Mathilde, opened what they believe to be the world’s first dog creperie in December.

The feedback has been pawsome, with two and four-legged diners lapping up the sweet and savoury crepes, smoothies and coffees or kefir-based puppuccinos.

Originally from France, Cherry and Marc have adapted the crepes to suit their human and canine clientele. The Chez Misty dining experience involves two menus – and separate plates.

While gluten-free buckwheat flour is used in the batter for both versions, pet nutritionist Cherry has tweaked the canine crepes to omit butter, milk, eggs and salt. Lean fish and meat are the stars of the filling, complemented by cooked vegetable leaves.

Humans can tuck into organic chocolate sauce, salted caramel and a new “pavlova” inspired crepe without leaving their good boys and girls at home.

And if you feel Rover also deserves a birthday party, a crepe doggy birthday cake with a candle can be ordered for a group booking.

“Dog birthday parties are fun and give people a lot of pleasure,” Marc said. “In one month, we’ve already had about seven dog birthday celebrations and only one for a human.”

And that’s no surprise, as fur babies are  increasingly regarded as much-loved family members. In line with that sentiment, the couple’s ultimate pooch passion project is evolve the restaurant into a dog wellness hub.

Cherry is already developing natural “dogsmetic” products she wants to sell here and overseas. Soaps with argan oil and a paw cream with goldenseal, coconut oil and beeswax are being fine-tuned.

“Dogs are extremely sensitive so you need to be aware of preservatives and the correct pH for their skin. And some plant-based products, such a tea-tree oil, can be harmful for dogs,” Cherry said.

In the meantime, there is a separate dog lounging area at the restaurant and Marc, a qualified dog trainer, is hosting puppy socialisation dinners where puppers - and their owners - can form friendships.

A crepe-themed brunch before a stand-up paddling adventure (dog lifejacket included) went swimmingly and there will soon be opportunities to do a downward facing dog, with your dog, in Doga classes.

The couple say St Kilda has proven to be a great place to start their business.

“Council and the community have been very supportive,” Marc said.

“The friendship of  people in St Kilda is very important to us. It feels a bit like we are still in Europe, there a sense of freedom and being very open to new things here,” Cherry added.

Chez Misty is at 103 Grey St, St Kilda. Bookings are recommended. Humans without a canine companion are welcome to come along and enjoy a crepe while admiring the doggy diners.

For more information go to https://www.chezmisty.com.au/  or call 0385 970 307.

Bon(e) appetit!

A hundred Port Phillip residents from 31 nations became Australian citizens on Australia Day at the St Kilda Town Hall.

One of the most joyous events on our Council’s official calendar, there were plenty of smiles at the ceremony, officiated by Mayor Marcus Pearl.

Five of the conferees, who were unable to attend, became citizens in an online ceremony.

The conferees at the Town Hall received a native plant – and a delicious lamington – after the ceremony.

Drashta Kapadia, her husband Mukulanand and their 11-year-old daughter Nancy arrived in St Kilda from India in 2011.

Drashta said: “It was our destiny. Port Phillip is a very friendly place and it’s wonderful to live near the beach.

"Nancy enjoys school and we have all made many new friends.

"Becoming an Australian citizen means everything. We are so happy, there’s no words to describe it. Port Phillip is our home now," she said.

Fellow conferee and engineer Arlen Mendez Martinez also now calls St Kilda home.

She left Mexico three years ago and was excited about becoming an Australian citizen.

“I love living near the beach and the people here are so nice and welcoming to ‘outsiders’.

"I think Port Phillip’s a great place to live.

"I am pretty excited about today. Becoming an Australian citizen is very important to me.”

We're having a blast hosting the Live Love Local Summer Sessions program at our three amazing venues - Cleve Gardens St Kilda, Town Hall Reserve South Melbourne and Burnett Grey Gardens in Ripponlea - and we're not slowing down just yet.

Over the past two months, we've presented a host of free events at our three venues featuring some of Melbourne's finest musicians, performers and artists. Patrons have enjoyed everything from live music and mini golf to face paining and inflatable handball games. These events have brought enormous energy to our community with something for everyone and there's even more to come with one last weekend of great events.

Burnett Grey Gardens, Ripponlea is the place to be on Saturday 26 February with the unique sounds of Synthronica who will be packing their blend of fat beats, fatter synths, bari sax, Afrobeat, glitch-hop, wonkfunk and more from 12.30 pm.

On Sunday 27 February, we invite you to find some balance in the beautiful surrounds of Burnett Grey Gardens with Yoga Space Melbourne from 12.30 pm  to  2.30 pm. Yoga Space Melbourne embraces yoga as a holistic practice, one that often begins on the mat then gently expands into all aspects of life. Join us at the gardens for an invigorating and healthy way cap off your weekend.

It's a full-on live music marathon at Cleve Gardens, St Kilda starting with the brilliant Bernadette Novembre playing from 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturday 26 February. Bernadette's music can be described as a mix of late 1960’s Rock: The Doors, George Harrison, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane with Brit Rock/Alternative Rock: Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets, The Vaccines, Babyshambles, Queens of The Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand, Muse, Oasis, Nick Cave and Chrissie Hynde.

Hungry for even more Summer Sessions magic, Synthronica will make the trip from Burnett Grey Gardens on Saturday to join us at Cleve Gardens on Sunday 27 February from 1 pm to 5 pm. 

Town Hall Reserve, South Melbourne has been home to some incredible activities, performances and live music over the last 12 weeks - and we'll be closing with yet another live music feast mixed with summer family fun. From 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm on Saturday 26 February, we'll have a St Kilda Fottball Club Handball game set up on on the grounds. This will be sound tracked by a musical voyage, starting with Capt'n Justyna, a moody, melodic alternative rock band based on the songs written by The Captain (a self-proclaimed Angry Slav Woman) laced with laments, anger, betrayal, vulnerability, fear but also hope, determination, and a sprinkling of dark satire at random times that take the listener on a voyage of human emotions. It portrays what it FEELS like to be human: imperfect, vulnerable, delicate, lost, scared, weak, messy, determined, strong-willed, spiritual, hardy, brave, calculating. 

On Sunday 27 February, we welcome Melbourne's favourite alt-country outfit Team Love. You'll be treated to traditional country and folk songs with a twist, rocking duets to heartbreaking ballads to dazzling four part harmonies. Team Love have been breaking and melting the hearts of all who hear them, with music that echoes the country greats with a contemporary spin. Exploring traditional themes such as love and loss, as well chronic illness, identity and feminism, Team Love will not only make you think but make you feel heard.

A very special thank you to all the performers, artists, musicians and everyone in our community who made this such a memorable and exciting program for the last 12 weeks.

Communal food organic (FO) recycling hubs will be available and ready to use this week in three new locations across our City. This means even more of us can conveniently and sustainably dispose of our food scraps.

Starting in May 2021, we introduced communal Food Organic (FO) recycling hubs at three locations for an initial trial period of six months. During that time, our community diverted approximately 28 tonnes of food organics material from landfill. In response to high demand for this service, we decided to expand it to three more locations in the City. As of this week, there is now a total of six hubs available in Port Phillip, expanding the number of residents who can participate in a more sustainable future for our City. 

The three new communal FO recycling hubs in your area will be ready to use from this week at the following locations: 

• Walter Reserve, Port Melbourne 
• Clarke Reserve, Elwood  
• Hewison Reserve, St Kilda East

About our communal food organics (FO) recycling hubs  

Our green-lidded communal FO recycling hubs provide bins for the food scraps that you would usually put in your garbage bin. You can now take scraps, including fruit, vegetables, meat and bread, to your nearest recycling hub for disposal. Rather than ending up in landfill, your food organics will be collected and taken to a facility in Dandenong South to be composted and reused. 

How do I use the communal food organics recycling hub? 

• Use any container with a lid (empty ice-cream cartons or old Tupperware make perfect food collection caddies) to collect all food scraps and unwanted leftovers. 
• Make sure that all plastic, including bags, cling wrap, stickers and rubber bands are removed from your food waste. 
• Take your container to your nearest communal food organic recycling hub. 
• Empty the contents into one of the bins. We recommend doing this every two to three days. 
• Give the container a wash with warm, soapy water after use. You can also use newspaper or compostable liner to line the container.  

What can you put in the communal food organics recycling hub? 

• Fruit, vegetables, cheese and eggshells.
• Cooked and baked goods, including bread, pasta and rice.
• Coffee grounds and loose tea leaves. 
• Garden waste: to save room for your neighbours to dispose of their food organics, please do not place large garden waste such as tree trimmings and lawn clippings in these bins. Small amounts of green waste such as cut flowers and indoor plant trimmings can go into the communal bin. 

Compostable liners 

We encourage our community to use our communal FO recycling hub as much as possible. To help you get started, we will provide you a roll of compostable liners for your household. Please feel free to collect a free roll at our customer service centres at the St Kilda Town Hall and / or at Port Melbourne Town Hall.  

If you’d like to purchase more, please note that only compostable liners marked AS 4736 can be accepted in our communal FO recycling bin. 

Have your say 

The expansion of our communal hubs was largely informed by community demand and feedback to our initial trial. We will be proposing further changes to our waste strategy to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the future of waste in our City. To ensure we are responding effectively to the needs of our community, we are seeking your input. Our Have Your Say page is now open and accepting feedback.

Find out more:

Reviewing how we manage waste in our City | Have Your Say Port Phillip.

For more information on our communal FO recycling hubs, please visit www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/fogo  or contact ASSIST on 9209 6777.  

City of Port Phillip and Live Nation are working with the Palais Theatre to help community groups, who otherwise might not be able to access the venue normally due to venue hire costs, create magic in this iconic theatre by providing reservations for a reduced venue hire cost of just $1.

Successful applicants will still need to cover operating costs, but this is a unique opportunity for small and medium sized, non-commercial organisations to have access to this extraordinary venue.

The Palais Theatre is an iconic part of St Kilda’s vibrant cultural heritage and is a highly sought-after venue for artists, community groups and event producers across a range of performances from all genres of music, through to opera and dance, comedy, gala events and more.

As the Palais Theatre’s venue size and associated expenses can make it inaccessible for non-commercial operators, the Community Reservations initiative aims to change that by providing up to eight Community Purpose Reservations per year for dates in 2022.

Increased community usage of this much loved, iconic theatre will:

• increase access to the Palais Theatre for community groups, artists and event organisers who may not otherwise be able to hire the venue for financial reasons
• increase access to the Palais Theatre for the wider community as audience members, through ensuring a diverse range of events is programmed that caters to broad audiences
• maintain and grow the sense of community ownership of, and engagement with, the Palais Theatre
• provide opportunities to local organisations, performers and producers within the City of Port Phillip, and attract or retain events locally to ensure a balanced events calendar year round
• encourage programming of low ticket-cost events increasing audience access to Palais Theatre.

Applications are now open until 12 midnight (AEDT) Sunday 13 March 2022.

To find out if your group is eligible, check available dates and for more information, visit the Palais Theatre Community Reservation page.

You may have noticed some of our City’s intersections have transformed over the last few weeks.

As a part of the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, we have been busy improving the safety and access for pedestrians and greening the community by replacing asphalt surfaces with landscaped areas at the following intersections:

• Cecil and Napier Streets, South Melbourne
• Nimmo Street and Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park
• McGregor and Patterson Streets, Middle Park

This is much more than a few upgraded intersections. The design delivers improved pedestrian access and sustainability in these locations and beyond with no negative impact on road use. These new projects provide:

• passive watering and drought proofing of garden areas
• cleaning and recharging water into local soils to improve the health of the Port Phillip Bay
• improved streetscape amenity through new garden beds areas with no loss of parking spaces.

The transformation of these three intersections is part of the LRCI program. More than $3.4 million was awarded across eight projects under this program to help us deliver improved community infrastructure and to support local jobs.

As part of this program, we have also completed our improvements to Point Ormond Reserve including the pathway to the Beacon Hill Lookout. Key improvements at the Reserve include new trees and garden bed, new paths between the playground and the existing Point Ormond lookout path and Bay Trail, improvements to access around Point Ormond Lookout and new barbecue areas including a new picnic shelter. And there’s even more to come, with a new playground to replace the existing equipment. Our concept plan for a new playground responds to this special location, catering to all ages and abilities and will meet the current Australian Standards. Work will be completed on the playground in mid to late March.

Look out for more LRCI projects due for completion in the coming weeks and months: Projects and works - City of Port Phillip

Our vibrant arts and cultural scenes get another boost with a new round of funding opportunities.

Arts and culture are a key cornerstone of our City’s identity and form an essential part of what makes this City distinctive. Supporting our artists is a celebration of the cultural diversity, creativity and prosperity of our communities.

That’s why City of Port Phillip’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has announced a new round of multi-year funding through the Key Organisations Grants Program, which will support significant local arts and cultural organisations as they continue to reach new audiences and develop new opportunities for artists.

The three-year funding stream will award up to $30,000 per annum to successful not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations based in the City of Port Phillip that have been a legally constituted body for at least two years and have a formal governance structure.

The program will enable these groups to forward plan, build organisational capacity and increase partnership opportunities while strengthening the financial viability of projects and other activities.

Applications Open Monday 21 February

Applications Close: 4pm Friday 25 March

Funding for successful applicants will be awarded from January 2023

For more information, visit our webpage to find out more about the grants, guidelines and criteria, eligibility and how to apply.

Port Play invites you to bring the family to Kirrip Park for the weekend where we’ll be creating the perfect play-zone filled with colour, dance and fun activities to close out this summer. Designed for all ages, Port Play Play embraces the outdoors and celebrates the fun spirit of our community with a showcase of activities live on stage for all to join. You better stretch beforehand, because we have some incredible event partners onboard - highlighting the best of Fishermans Bend.

The best part about Port Play is you can try any of the amazing classes, as many times as you like and every class is FREE. We have Taoist Tai Chi, so come and start the day with some mindfulness and meditation in the park. Fishermans Bend Gymnastics Club have designed classes for all-ages, so we’ll be tumbling on mats and showcasing our fresh skills across the green. As Radiant Sol Yoga would say ‘Flow like a Local’ as we explore our strength, flexibility, relaxation and spirituality with some family-friendly yoga sessions. You Can Dance Studio will show you where the rhythm is - with kids dance, all-ages cardio dance and sexy salsa for all.

Port Play is made possible with support from the Victorian Government.

Port Play is free to enter so pop these dates in your diary:

• Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 February
• Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 February
• 10am to 2pm
• Kirrip Park, Fishermans Bend
• 2 / 4 Buckhurst St, South Melbourne
• FREE ENTRY. See you at Port Play.

This is a Covid-Safe event.

Port Play Timetable

Profile
My connection with the area runs deep, having lived here for over fifteen years. My kids have gone to childcare locally, and I have worked with dozens of community groups over the years to make our community the best it can be. In my first term on Council, my achievements have been:

• Pushing Council to take action on the Climate Emergency, leading to Council joining the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project at 100 per cent energy purchase, achieving Council's membership of the Cities Power Partnership, declaring a Climate Emergency and the strengthening of Council's Sustainability Strategy.
• Increasing democracy and transparency at Council, leading to the live streaming of Council meetings, regular updates on the status of Council decisions made and regular de-classifying of confidential information.
• Supporting my fellow Councillors to transform Council's transport and waste strategies, among other great changes at Council.

Council or local government committee experience

• Councillor 2016 to 2020
• Deputy Mayor 2019 to 2020
• President, Association of Bayside Municipalities 2018-2020
• Chair, Port Phillip Multifaith Network

Political affiliations
The Australians Greens

Reasons for standing for Council
My vision is for our local neighbourhoods to be defined by green spaces, trees and biodiversity. For our streets to be designed for people, enhancing our community connections and making our public spaces active and attractive. For every resident to feel welcome and supported as a valued member of our community.

Objectives and priorities for your term
To increase open space, accelerate the greening of public and private land, and combat climate change.

Favourite parts of our City
Carlisle Street and Ormond Road. Those strips are proper community hubs, offering most things people need, and the ability to connect with our neighbours, while also attracting people from other areas.

What sets our City apart from others in Australia
What other seaside 'resort city' is also a hub of arts, culture and innovation, while also being home to a number of 'village' neighbourhoods?

What are you most looking forward to as restrictions ease
Sunday morning brunch with the family at a local cafe.

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0466 495 250
Email: Tim.Baxter@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Profile
I have lived in Canal Ward for over 15 years in both Elwood and Balaclava.

Employment history
I am a general manager who has worked across multiple industries including energy, retail, oil and gas, and banking and finance with accountability for budgets of over $200 million. I am also accountable for profit and loss results and developing, leading and driving high-performance national and international teams comprising more than 180 employees.

Known for being customer-centric, adaptable and having strong business acumen. Also known for the ability to assess and understand the commercial dynamics to develop the strategy, and the requirements for change and process improvements resulting in improved outcomes such as $3.5 million in profit contribution.

Recognised for leading strategic business transformations, acquiring and successfully integrating businesses of up to $15 million in revenue resulting in improved operational efficiencies in the range of $420,000 and customer experience.

Council or local government committee experience
No prior experience.

Political affiliations
Not applicable.

Reasons for standing for Council
I stood for Council to inject a new voice into Council and ensure that the Council's decision making is based on the best interest of residents.

Objectives and priorities for your term
My overarching aim is to help shape and evolve our community over the next four years to improve the outcomes and services for all residents.

• Affordable rates for all residents of Port Phillip to make sure it is long-term sustainable for all to live here.
• Improved community safety and amenity for our restaurant and shopping precincts to bring people back to our famous streets like Acland, Carlisle and Fitzroy Streets.
• Support our traders with lower costs and drive improvements by listening to their suggestions.
• Focus Council spending on the essential Council services that the residents needs and remove duplication.
• Lower the cost of car parking for residents and traders and improve car parking around our shopping precincts.

Favourite parts of our City
Elwood and St Kilda foreshore, walking paths and bike paths. Outdoor dining overlooking the beach and the variety of great restaurants. The walking paths of the canal. The vibrant streets like Bay St, Carlisle St, Fitzroy St, Acland St, Ripponlea and Elwood Village. South Melbourne Market and Albert Park Lake. The beautiful tree-lined streets in Elwood. The diverse community groups.

What are you most looking forward to as restrictions ease
A life without a mask.

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0435 098 738
Email: Rhonda.Clark@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Profile
Having served one term on council, I have learned much and I am looking forward to serving the community. I am keen to listen, collaborate and continue to work with integrity and creativity and kindness.

Employment history
I have an eclectic employment history - actor, hospitality professional and administration assistant.

Council or local government committee experience
I have been a councillor on the previous council and served on the Community Grants and Cultural Development committees. I was also a board member of Gasworks.

Political affiliations
Australian Labor Party

Reasons for standing for Council
To get things done

Objectives and priorities for your term

• Assisting our creative community and traders recover
• Creating litter picking programs to provide jobs and keep the City clean
• Flood mitigation and waste transformation
• Action on climate change and greening our City
• Supporting our amazing early education organisations.

Favourite parts of our City
The bay - seeing the sunsets and sunrises especially the magical pastel coloured bay matching the sky.

What sets our City apart from others in Australia
We have it all - we are a beautiful, creative, inclusive, exciting and close to everything city.

What are you most looking forward to as restrictions ease
Going to excellent local theatre shows!

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6431
Mobile: 0466 514 643
Email: Louise.Crawford@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Profile

My vision is for unity in the community. When Council works together with residents, businesses and organisations, we will get the most successful outcomes serving the most people. Vibrancy back in our high streets. Beautify our public spaces. Ensure sensible development in our municipality. Bounce back from COVID-19. Increase trust and satisfaction of Council.

I will bring a pure dedication to the community. I am a respectful, considerate thinker and active listener. I have diverse studies in architecture and local planning experience. I'm a small business owner with mediation and project management skills.

I'm a Ward resident and appreciator of our bayside lifestyle. Woman. Mum. Communicator. Port Melbourne Focus creator and admin. Community leader. Spend local supporter. Unifier. Caring. Genuine.

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0466 227 014
Email: Heather.Cunsolo@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Profile
I've spent most of my life living or working in Port Phillip. I have many years of experience in supporting local community groups and for the past five years, have been Vice President and Football Operations Manager for the Port Colts Junior Football Club. I previously served on the executive of several other sporting clubs, a kindergarten, a PFA and the Science Teachers Association of Victoria.

One of my fondest memories is of being the only male in a new mothers' group at the Elwood Maternal Health Centre! I have 48 years of on-field involvement in the Southern Football Netball League as a player and umpire and am a member of the League's Hall of Fame.

I view my involvement on Council as an extension of the community role that I undertook at Port Melbourne Primary School, although the community I am now supporting is just a little bit larger.

Employment history
I taught at a variety of primary and secondary schools, most recently as principal of Port Melbourne Primary School (2001-20) and Assistant Principal at St Kilda Primary School (1998-01). I have also been a Senior Research Officer at the Australian Council for Educational Research and an Education Officer at CSIRO.

Council or local government committee experience
No Council experience but have served as an executive member of numerous sporting club committees, a kindergarten, a school PFA and the Science Teachers Association of Victoria.

Political affiliations
Member of the Australian Labor Party.

Reasons for standing for Council
To advocate for the best interests of the people of Port Philip and, in particular, the residents of Gateway Ward.

Objectives and priorities for your term
To ensure that Council is able to effectively deliver all its current services within a strict budget framework, and still be able to address other issues (for example COVID recovery) as the need arises.

Favourite parts of our City
Our wonderful beaches (I haven't missed a swim or two on a Port Phillip beach for over sixty years), our great parks and sporting fields (I seem to spend much of my time at Murphy Reserve, although the Blessington St Gardens are also a favourite haunt) and the many vibrant pubs and restaurants around the City.

What sets our City apart from others in Australia
Our connection to the Bay, our closeness to the CBD, our wonderfully diverse range of residents, our great cultural and sporting amenities and the friendliness of the locals.

What are you most looking forward to as restrictions ease
Seeing people smile.

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0435 390 821
Email: Peter.Martin@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Profile
Your Council is at its best when focused on results for residents, ratepayers, and local businesses. There has never been a more important time to support our local traders and residents through targeted services, reduced costs, and less red tape in the post-COVID-19 world.

You elected me four years ago to bring energy, integrity and action to Port Phillip. Over that time, I have gained a reputation for delivering essential projects, acting to strengthen planning regulations and fighting for common-sense decisions.

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0466 448 272
Email: Marcus.Pearl@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Andrew Bond - wants to ensure that the City of Port Phillip focuses on its residents and businesses in an efficient and effective way in order to deliver the necessary services and facilities for our municipality.

Profile
I have been a Councillor at Port Phillip for eight years, with a strong business background across large and small businesses, and a hard-earned reputation for holding Council and its officers to account. I have a Business Degree and am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Employment history
I am employed full time as a Business Development Manager for a consumer electronics company.

Council or local government committee experience
Councillor for Junction Ward 2012 to 2016. Councillor for Lake Ward 2016 to the present.

Political affiliations
I am a member of the Liberal Party.

Reasons for standing for Council
I want to ensure that the City of Port Phillip focuses on its residents and businesses in an efficient and effective way in order to deliver the necessary services and facilities for our municipality.

Objectives and priorities for your term
Lower rates and stronger financial management, restrained council spending, improved security on our streets, better amenity for local residents, appropriate development in our neighbourhoods, support for small business, a fairer parking system, and preserve open space and off-leash areas for dogs.

Favourite parts of our City
St Kilda Botanical Gardens, St Vincent Gardens, Acland Street and Fitzroy Street.

What sets our City apart from others in Australia
We have everything. Beaches, parks and gardens, great public transport and right on the doorstep of the city.

What are you most looking forward to as restrictions ease
A couple of beers at the St Kilda Bowls Club on a warm Friday evening.

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0481 034 028
Email: Andrew.Bond@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Profile
I grew up in the inner south and have lived in Middle Park and Albert Park for many years. I am passionate about Port Phillip’s diverse, caring and connected communities and beautiful but fragile natural environment.

Employment history
Former planning and environment lawyer. Currently, work in advocacy to reduce harm from gambling in addition to Council.

Council or local government committee experience
Councillor 2016 to 2020. I have represented Council on SECCCA, Metro Waste Forum and previously served on the Metro Transport Forum Executive. I have also participated in Council’s community and arts grant assessment committees.

Political affiliations
The Australian Greens

Reasons for standing for Council
I am passionate about climate action and local efforts to reduce emissions. A keen cyclist, I am passionate about improving active and sustainable transport in our city. The achievement I am most proud of in my first term is getting the City of Port Phillip on 100 per cent renewable energy - now the focus is on reducing community emissions!

Objectives and priorities for your term
I will keep pushing to address inequality through mental health, housing and homelessness support so no one in our community is left behind. I am excited about opportunities to advance local climate action and improve open space, active and sustainable transport and resource recovery and waste management.

Favourite parts of our City
Our Beautiful parks and foreshore and our live music and arts scene.

What sets our City apart from others in Australia
Port Phillip is one of the most beautiful places, we are blessed with great open spaces and our unique foreshore. We also have an amazing local creative scene.

What are you most looking forward to as restrictions ease
Going on long bike rides and getting back to a gig!

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0466 478 949
Email: Katherine.Copsey@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Christina Sirakoff  has a vision is to deliver reduced rates for ratepayers and traders and bring back our vibrant iconic retail and dining precincts.

Profile
My vision is to deliver reduced rates for ratepayers and traders and bring back our vibrant iconic retail and dining precincts. Improve greater community safety and amenity. I want to reduce waste to landfill and introduce green waste programs without introducing a bin tax.

I am a longstanding resident of Lake Ward and been involved in the Middle Park kindergarten, school committee events along with community advocacy for town planning, parking issues and addressing Council on its spending. I have participated in workshops by Ratepayers Victoria and a founder of Ratepayers of Port Phillip.

Contact
Phone: 03 9209 6705
Mobile: 0435 419 930
Email: Christina.Sirakoff@portphillip.vic.gov.au

The City of Port Phillip website contains information on the history of Port Phillip. The following is an extract about the history of Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne was first called Sandridge after the ridge of sand dunes along the beach. In 1839 Wilbraham Frederick Evelyn Liardet arrived with his wife and family and set up home at the beachfront. Liardet has been called the father of Port Melbourne for his many innovative and entrepreneurial ventures which included building the first rudimentary jetty and providing a mail service to Melbourne from the port.

In 1850 the first land at Sandridge was sold, although the area had been surveyed as early as 1839. The most distinguishing feature of Sandridge at the time was the great saltwater lagoon as large as the settlement itself. The importance of Sandridge as the port for the metropolis was underlined when the first passenger railway in Australia was opened on September 12, 1854. It ran from Melbourne to Sandridge.

On 13 July 1860, after some agitation for self-government, Sandridge was proclaimed a municipal district. William Morley, a local coal merchant, became the first chair of the Council. Sandridge became a borough in 1863, and in 1884 changed its name to Port Melbourne. In 1893 Port Melbourne became a town and, on 14 May 1919, was proclaimed a city.

In June 1994 the City of Port Phillip was formed from the old municipalities of South Melbourne, St Kilda and Port Melbourne.

The first Council offices opened in 1861, located on the corner of Bay and Graham Streets, Port Melbourne. The first community hall was built in 1869 on the current site of the Port Melbourne Town Hall. In 1881 the addition of the grand building in front of the hall brought the council chambers and offices to the site.

Source: https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/explore-the-city/history-and-heritage/port-phillip-history

A team is at work researching and writing a history of Albert Park. The book will be the latest in a series published by The Middle Park History Group.

The first was THE HEART OF MIDDLE PARK: Stories from a suburb by the sea. It was designed to take readers on ‘ a voyage of discovery of iconic places, people and milestones in the life of an Edwardian suburb by the sea.’

It was followed by MIDDLE PARK: From Swamp to Suburb, a much larger volume tracing early history and the development of swamps and lagoons into the suburb that is Middle Park.

In the latest MIDDLE PARK: The way we were, the reader is introduced to daily life, as it used to be,  in the area. This ranges from the milkman and his horse to small industries, clubs, corner shops (lots of them) memories of the Greek community, even violence and crime.

The Avenue Bookshop in Albert Park has long urged the publication of a history of that suburb prompted by interest in the Middle Park volumes. Now it is underway.

The Middle Park History Group comprises a dedicated band of amateur and professional historians, writers, researchers and enthusiastic local residents

https://middleparkhistoryg.wixsite.com/mphg 

Image: courtesy of State Library of Victoria (Rose Stereograph Co. (1920). ARMSTRONG STREET, MIDDLE PARK, VICTORIA).

February feedback opportunities
We’ve got some new consultations coming online this month and we’d love your input. Visit Have Your Say and join the conversations in 2022.

Help shape . . . . Positive ageing
We’re developing a Positive Ageing Policy to guide future decisions about responding to the needs and aspirations of people aged 60 years and older. We want to hear about your experience and aspirations for positive ageing.

Events Strategy
Help us develop a new events strategy that delivers and attracts the best events, activates the right places and partners with the right organisations, to ensure our City continues to be welcoming, healthy, safe, and vibrant for all.

Reviewing how we manage waste in our city
Your feedback will help Council review its Don't Waste It! Waste Management Strategy 2018-28, which was developed to respond to both the challenges and opportunities presented by our rapidly growing City. Learn more about these challenges and opportunities, share your feedback and suggestions.

Visit Have Your Say and sign up to receive notifications of upcoming opportunities to provide feedback on the topics that matter to you.

Not all heroes wear capes, some wear brightly coloured T-shirts and collect rubbish. That’s the case for members of your local Beach Patrol and Love Our Street groups, who volunteer their time to help keep our streets, parks and beaches nice and tidy.

Founded in 2009, Beach Patrol is an organised network of volunteers who pledge one hour each month to sweep public spaces across Melbourne collecting rubbish to help keep the environment clean.

Beach Patrol groups started in Albert Park and now span from Rye to Geelong creating a chain of volunteer groups all dedicated to keeping Port Phillip Bay clean for marine life.

From plastic bags, bottles and straws, to cigarette butts, coffee cups and now face masks, volunteers go above and beyond to help look after the public spaces we all enjoy.

Ramona Headifen, treasurer for Beach Patrol Australia and co-leader for Port Melbourne’s Beach Patrol and Love Our Street groups, said: “We have a group for every beach in Port Phillip. The Council does a lot of cleaning, but you think, what else can I do as an individual and as a community member?

“It’s one of those problems where most people are aware of it, but until they look at it and see it, they don’t realise how big of a problem it is.

“We say many hands make light work. Picking up litter is something that almost anybody can do. It’s a problem that we as humans have created and I think it takes a community response to address it,” she said.

Port Phillip Council has always been a proud supporter of Beach Patrol and Love Our Street, whose members are easy to spot in their bright coloured shirts, many of which came thanks to various council grants over the years. 

Inspired by Beach Patrol’s initiative, Elwood resident Jill Sokol decided the same work could be applied to community streets and parks in a bid to prevent waste from reaching beaches and waterways.

From there, several Love Our Street groups were founded across Melbourne, with the City of Port Phillip being at the heart of this movement. Much like Beach Patrol, they meet once a month at one of their local streets for a clean-up before enjoying a coffee together.

“Typically, our groups meet for an hour each month in a location they might feel needs a bit of attention," Ms Sokol said.

“It’s very heartening to be involved with other people who not only share a concern for the environment about plastic pollution, but are also willing to take action."

Beach Patrol’s volunteers have been responsible for the collection of more than 100,000 kilograms of rubbish over nearly 50,000 hours of volunteering. The groups even use their own Litter Stopper App and conduct research into the types of litter that are most commonly found in our public spaces.

Beach Patrol and Love Our Street groups also take part in proactive measures to reduce littering by working with local schools to raise awareness of the litter problem and help educate students about reducing, reusing and recycling.

For more information on groups like Beach Patrol and Love Our Street in Port Phillip, visit our environmental community groups page.

We invited submissions from designers, artists, architects, sculptors and other creatives to think outside the box when submitting concepts for the Reimagine – Activation Design Competition. We have our winners - and they didn't disappoint.

Six $50,000 prizes were on offer to talented artists to design and deliver amazing activations across Port Phillip creating vibrancy and increased activity through creative use of public space.

The competition criteria provided plenty of scope for imaginative entries with a preference for interactive or tactile projects, made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. After careful deliberation, we have selected six winners for the Reimagine competition. We received some fantastic applications and while it was not easy to choose the winners, we based our decision on how well they fit the brief and how we anticipate they will provoke interest, ignite conversation, engage pedestrian foot traffic and stimulate economic activity in our neighbourhoods. 

Our six winning entries are: 

• Drift by Ying-Lan Dann
• Call to Peace by Nina Sanadze
• Fairy by Jonathan Leahey
• W(e)aves of Colour byVillage Well
• Shifting Sand by EXCX and LIAN
• Screening by Office of Culture, Technology and Architecture (OCTA)
• Meet our winners
• Ying-Lan Dann

Ying-Lan Dann presents Drift. Inflatable ocean buoys are arranged into groups of 10 to 20 and will be distributed in two to three large public spaces. The integrated eyelet is threaded with marine grade cordage / cable to create a constellation of visually striking and thought provoking public seating. The spherical forms allow users to roll over, rest and interact with the buoys.

Nina Sanadze
Nina Sanadze’s Call to Peace is a socially engaged monument activating the site through weekly community workshops with the artist as well as musical performances. Replicating a historic monument with the same title and using scaffolding as a conceptual device questioning impermanence of monuments, this large sculpture will bring intrigue and excitement to the Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. Designed as a place of gathering and social discourse, this project employs music, humour and art to call for tolerance, empathy and peace in our often polarised society.

Jonathan Leahey
Jonathan Leahey's Fairy celebrates the smallest species of penguin - eudyptula minor, or Little Penguin, an aquatic flightless bird that lives on St Kilda’s foreshore. Fairy will be anything but a “little”. Standing at 500 cm and fabricated from 3 mm corten steel, Fairy will be an icon and place maker day and night, inspired by one of St Kilda’s least transient populations. Fairy will be one of the grandest, if not the biggest, penguin on the planet. This work is created in conjunction with the Bay Keeper, Neil Blake OAM, and is an origami representation of a Little Penguin.

Office of Culture, Technology and Architecture (OCTA)
Screening is a multimedia installation that uses material and technological devices to create a variety of conditions which interrogate notions of self-image and identity in contemporary society. The installation is an immersive passageway clad with a large digital screen and one-way mirror, charging the surrounding public space with a sense of intrigue and event. The work explores society’s fascination with self-image, which is primarily constructed and curated through interaction with screens, and how our engagement with screens is altering our relationship to ourselves, others, and the material world.

Village Well and Slow Art Collective
W(e)aves of Colour will introduce 'tactical urbanism' to our City. Similar to yarn bombing, a popular form of activism with the overall goal of covering urban objects with yarn, Village Well and Slow Art Collective aim to make a public statement by changing people’s way of looking at existing spaces by adding layers of colour and intricacies in a truly collaborative process.

W(e)aves of Colour will deliver a colourful and dynamic overhead art installation that will provide a virtual roof to Acland Plaza, effectively integrating a playful sense of human scale and creating an inviting and ‘instagramable’ place for resting, meeting and eating.

EXCX and LIAN
Shifting sand is a temporary installation made primarily of dyed sandbags, an immediately recognisable object associated with temporary infrastructure, weather emergencies and coastline reinforcement. The bags have a tactile woven surface quality and are firm, sturdy, and comfortable to sit on.

A rigidly geometric timber frame is counterposed with the fluid sandbag formation, creating uncertainty about whether the frame is holding the sandbags down or the sandbags are holding the frame up. Structurally, both are the case. This tells a story about the intertwined fates of the coastline and the built environment, one constantly moving, and the other designed not to.

The installation forms various intimate spaces, at the scale of a living room yet clearly oriented outwards towards the urban surroundings and welcoming curious passers-by. It is designed as a place for people to stop and sit, for children to explore, and for small groups to collect on and around. It aims to reactivate the linear reserve on Victoria Avenue, as a generous and playful installation that is also thoughtful, poetic and responsible.

Look out for these vibrant, interactive pieces being installed throughout our City over the coming months.
Find out more: Reimagine - Activation Design Competition - City of Port Phillip

Another successful St Kilda Festival has come and gone, but the music will live on thanks to St Kilda’s music history map.

The new mapping project will see footpath decals positioned outside eight historical venues along Fitzroy Street to Acland Street, recording our live music heritage and the places, bands and characters that have contributed to St Kilda’s history.

We have started by pinning some iconic places, together with a brief history of the site, images, and links to bands who played there. Brian Nankervis, Melynda von Wayward of Punk Journey, Kaye Blum and Rob Wellington have shared their stories and knowledge. 

Songs have been sung on this land for generations, led by First Peoples and joined by voices from many cultures. 

The map is a marker of what was and what is, encouraging people to delve deeper and to share their own experiences of all genres of music in the area.

Users can scan a QR code to learn more and see imagery from the Port Phillip City Collection. We encourage you to explore the trail in person and visit some of these landmarks – stop for a drink or meal and enjoy live music again.

We invite contributions, recollections and suggestions from our community – favourite gigs, the music of yesteryear, the places lost and the new ones we love.

The sites include:

• George/Seaview Hotel - Crystal Ballroom
• Prince of Wales Hotel
• Hotel Esplanade
• Wattle Path/Palais de Dance/St Moritz/Bananas
• Earl’s Court/The Venue
• Palais de Dance/ The Palace
• Palais Theatre
• Galleon/Galleone Lounge, 130 Acland Street 

This project delivers on Council’s Live Music Action Plan, and links in with art and heritage services programming and St Kilda Festival and Renew Fitzroy Street activities with further sites to be added.

For more information, including to view the map and add your own contributions, visit: St Kilda's music history map - City of Port Phillip

The Jewish Immersion Day program is a combination of engaging sessions with a diverse range of speakers and facilitators and includes a visit to the Jewish Museum of Australia and St Kilda Hebrew Congregation.

The program provides participants with helpful insights in order to develop a rich working understanding of the nuances of the Jewish community. The session covers a range of topics including the diverse demographics of the Jewish community in City of Port Phillip, history of the Jewish community in the area, Jewish traditions and practice, Jewish responses to local challenges, and the Jewish experience in 2021/22.

Visit this website for more information.

Celebrate the fascinating lives and history of notable women who have contributed to the St Kilda community.

This guided walk will be led by Marilyn Rudd and Meyer Eidelson as part of 

International Women's Day and Women's History month program.

The walk will start at St Kilda Light Rail Station, stop 132, Fitzroy Street and ends at Esplanade, St Kilda.

The guided walk is free with bookings required.

For more information, visit the booking website.

Image: Granny's Shop, The Esplanade, 1870. Port Phillip City Collection

A powerful and unfiltered exploration of the mother/daughter relationship, BETTY is the latest highly anticipated work by Elwood writer and social scientist, Jules Allen.

Largely autobiographical, unapologetic, and wonderfully amusing, this premiere season unravels the complex tale of a mother’s unresolved traumatic childhood, and the echoing impact on her daughter.

BETTY invites audiences on the journey as Lucy’s mother, Rose, succumbs to dementia and Lucy finds herself in the challenging position of trying to care for her. Weaving through an unpredictable landscape she is brought face-to-face with the harrowing nature of old age and decline, and the urgency this places on the many unanswered questions of the past.

City of Port Phillip residents can use the promo LOCAL to receive 20 per cent off all tickets.

Tickets: https://bit.ly/twbetty 

 Rising Sun Hotel

 Prince Bandroom

 Middle Park Hotel

 Prince Alfred

 Esplanade - St Kilda

 Inkerman Hotel

 George Lane

 Iddy Biddy

 Republica

 Cornerstone

 Jimmy ONeils

 Captain Baxter

 Palais Theatre

 Memo Music Hall

 Recital Centre Melbourne

 Alex Theatre - St Kilda

 Arts Centre - Melbourne

 Crown - Southbank

 Astor - St Kilda

 Palace Dendy - Brighton

 Classic - Elsternwick

 Hoyts - Docklands

 Palace - Brighton Bay

 Village - Jam Factory

 Whats On in Port Phillip

 Jewish Museum of Australia

 Whats On in St Kilda

 Gasworks

 Events @ South Melb Market

 Markets in the Area

 Australian Tapestry Workshop

 Middle Park Bowls Events