GRAEME LEWSEY L’ORéAL MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL

STEVEN K. AMOS MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

NATALIE & HARRY 2012 MOOMBA MONARCHS

JOIN & CONNECT WITH MELBOURNE’S BUSINESS PRECINCTS

FESTIVAL FEVER HITS MELbOuRNE

{MARCH 2012

LMFF CEO – Graeme Lewsey 3An audience with the Lord Mayor 42012 Melbourne Awards 4Moomba Festival 5Stephen K. Amos 6Sidney Myer Music Awards 6Not to be Missed March Events 7

IN THIS ISSuE:

I love Melbourne, but nothing quite compares to Melbourne in March when our cosmopolitan appeal is at its height and the variety of fantastic events and festivals literally unfold day by day.

Melbourne comes alive in March with fashion, food and wine, revs and laughter as the biggest national festivals and international events come to town.

The weather is still warm to make the most of the extra daylight hours, best appreciated after a long day at work, on home duties or study.

In this issue, Rebecca Howden speaks to L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO, Graeme Lewsey about all things fabulous in the fashion world and on the catwalk at Central Pier. We also give you a taste of things to come at the Melbourne

International Comedy Festival as U.K comedian, Stephen K. Amos stopped by for a chat.

And of course, March would be the same with Moomba, our nation’s biggest community festival. Meet our 2012 Monarchs and get all the details for the Labour Day long weekend festivities.

Enjoy and celebrate being a Melburnian in March!

Lisa Quittner editor@3008docklands.com.au

IT’S GREAT TO BE A MELbuRNIAN IN MARCH

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by Rebecca Howden

A feast of colour and creativity is set to take over Central Pier, as the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival transforms the Docklands into a vibrant hub of fashion, design and runway style over the second week of March.

“With fashion, you have innovation, you have a sense of inspiration, you have this magical goodwill feeling - and that’s what the festival celebrates,” LMFF CEO Graeme Lewsey says.

The festivities kick off with a carnivalesque, open-air celebration that Lewsey describes as a “fashion-infused block party.”

“It’s inspired by the tradition in New York where all of the neighbours come out of their apartments and party in the streets,” Lewsey says. “It’s going to be an extraordinary event, with a world-class runway and an incredible line up of music that really showcases the spirit and energy that the festival has, so it will really create this special moment in the Docklands.”

And the special moments continue with a weeklong program of events, including fashion shows, beauty workshops and business events, celebrating all aspects of the fashion industry.

“We have an amazing line-up of Australian designers that will take the runway, primarily at the Docklands but also around Melbourne,” Lewsey says. “That includes both established and emerging designers - with our Young Designer Award and our national graduate showcase - so it’s a great opportunity to profile all the talent we have.

“For the business events, we’ve brought together some incredible international speakers. It really is an amazing opportunity to upskill our Australian fashion industry.”

The festival also presents an expansive cultural and visual arts program, which runs for the whole month of March, with everything from classes and demonstrations, to exhibitions, fashion films, lectures.

“Fashion is like a nucleus. All sorts of creative industries are hovering around and interacting with the fashion industry. Whether it’s graphic design or architecture of music or photography or film, all of these things bounce around fashion.“

As a young fashion designer in the 1980s, Lewsey felt almost embarrassed by the fashion scene in Australia, and fled the country for more glamorous and cutting-edge design capitals like Milan and New York. Now, the cultural cringe has well and truly eroded, and he couldn’t feel more different.

“Things have definitely changed,” he says. “We have an international reputation now, where before we were sort of in isolation. We have some great brands and designers that act almost as ambassadors for Australia, running around the world. They’re right on the arc of innovation and trend setting, and people are starting to take notice.”

And what they’re noticing is something quite fresh and different. “Australian fashion is very eclectic. We really have a melting pot of inspiration coming from Asia and Europe, but our lifestyle and sense of light, our love for colour and love for the great outdoors really keep our fashion quite unique.”

Over the years, the festival itself has rapidly grown in its size, its national relevance and its international reputation. “The festival started out to generate retail sales and profile Australian designers, but where it’s grown over the years is in its entertainment value and its accessibility,” Lewsey explains. “It’s not like a trade event - it brings the industry together, but it’s really something that everyone in Melbourne can go to and enjoy.”

This accessibility is something that Lewsey particularly wants to highlight through this years festival. Even for those with no other involvement in the creative industries, he argues, fashion is relevant to all of us, and brings us all together on a daily basis.

“Everyone wakes up in the morning and makes a fashion decision,” he says. “When we wake up, most of us don’t make a decision about graphic design or a decision about photography. But we do all make a

decision about what to wear - and whether you realise it or not, that’s a fashion decision.

“You can look square in the eye of a businessman or businesswoman who says, ‘No, no, no, I’m an accountant or a lawyer, and this just what I have to wear for work.’ But then you really dig a bit deeper, and it’s the small things - like, I’m sure when you wear the blue tie, you like the blue tie, and you wear it on special days. And you always do get a bit of a smile and an admission that that’s true. “

With this spirit of inclusivity, Lewsey hopes the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival will bring people from all over Australia together to be entertained and inspired.

In particular, he says he hopes to help invigorate the Docklands. “The whole idea of doing the block party in particular is to celebrate the Docklands,” he says. “It’s a party for the people of Docklands, so we want to get as many people involved as possible.”

L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival – 8th -15th March Tickets: Ticketek 1300 795 012 Program: www.lmff.com.au

TALKING TO CEO GRAEME LEWSEY - L’OréaL MeLbOurne FashiOn FestivaL

LMFF CEO, Graeme Lewsey

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AN AUDIENCE WITH LORd MAYOR, RObERT dOYLEPresented by the COLLINS STREET PRECINCT GROuP As we reach the three year mark of Council’s term, Melbourne is booming.

Here is an opportunity to get up close and personal with Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle at the Collins Street Precinct Group Neighbourhood Networking Night.

The Lord Mayor will offer an insight into the Swanston Street redevelopment, forthcoming Council Elections, city

beggars and buskers and the opportunity to answer your questions.

The Collins Street Precinct Group invites you and your colleagues to attend this special event with the Lord Mayor at this iconic venue. Learn about the Precinct Group’s most recent activities and enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with your fellow city business owners and operators and ‘talk shop’. A scrumptious array of cocktail food & beverages will be provided.

When: Tues 20th March, 2012 - 6pm– 8pm

Venue: under the dome – The block Arcade, 282 Collins St, Melbourne

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: Tracey davis for information and a registration form on 9639 4078 or

Email: admin@collinsstreet.com.au

RSVP: by Thurs 15th March, 2012

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CONNECTING MELbOuRNE’S buSINESS PRECINCTS Melbourne is made up of distinct districts across the city, each has their own character and identity. These areas contain District North which includes North and West Melbourne, the Docklands District, District South which skirts the areas along the Yarra, and District Central consisting of Melbourne city and East Melbourne. There are also three cultural districts which are Chinatown, the Greek Precinct on Lonsdale St and Lygon Street in Carlton.

In the second half of 2011 these areas came together under the umbrella of the Melbourne Business Precincts Program. An incorporated non-profit association, the Melbourne Business Precincts has a board that comprises one elected member of each of individual precinct associations that represents their district constituency’s best interest, but also the economic prosperity and interests of the City as a whole. A nominated City of Melbourne Councillor and a City of Melbourne officer are also on the board.

The individual precinct association representatives on the Melbourne Business

Precincts board will liaise with their members to ensure the board represents the views of all constituents. Collectively businesses and service providers that join as association members reap advantages through a collaborative community approach, sharing and contributing toward positive outcomes for all.

Paul Sullivan, of Venice on the Yarra and M.V. Melburnian has been a member of the Yarra River Business Association (YRBA) for close to 8 years. The YRBA assisted Paul in finding a new base for his business at Marina YE at a time when he had to leave his then existing location nearby the Maritime Museum. Paul was put in contact with Allan Cayzer, manager of Marina YE at Yarra’s Edge , who was also a YRBA member, and this introduction has since developed into a great friendship between Paul and Allan.

Membership has given Paul the opportunity to meet and liaise with a group of like-minded people in both small and larger scale businesses and he enthusiastically encourages others to join their local

business precinct and take advantage of the range of benefits.

“Being a member has allowed me to be involved and in touch with what is happening in my local business precinct and gives my business along with others a voice”, Paul said. “For a small membership fee, I have been really satisfied with the results and the people I have met and regularly communicate with. We work together cooperatively and my experience over these years has been really positive”.

For further information on the Melbourne business Precincts Program and information regarding precinct membership, please contact Helen Gibney on 0411 550 772 or email helen@melbournebusinessprecincts.org.au. Information is also available on the website www.melbournebusinessprecincts.org.au

To find out more about Venice on the Yarra visit: veniceontheyarra.com.au or MV Melburnian visit: mvmelburnian.com.au

The Melbourne Awards celebrate the people and organisations whose vision and hard work shapes the city. Now in its 10th year, the Melbourne Awards honour a diverse range of contributions, focusing

on individuals, community organisations and corporations who give their time selflessly for the benefit of our city. Highlighting these achievements inspires and challenges others to make their own contribution to creating a better future for Melbourne.

Three areas have been identified by the City of Melbourne as vital elements

for securing Melbourne’s future as a thriving, forward thinking capital city. The awards honour significant contributions to Melbourne’s profile, community and sustainability. Within each of these areas, winners will be recognised within three separate divisions resulting in a total of nine award categories.

Melbourne Awards recipients are selected by an independent judging

panel of industry leaders and Melbourne personalities. An inspirational role model within the Melbourne community will also be honoured as the ‘Melburnian of the Year’. In 2012, the program will culminate in the presentation of awards at a prestigious Gala Awards Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday 18 August.

Nominations for the 2012 Melbourne Awards close on 28 March, 2012.

For more information: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbourneawards

DO YOU KNOW AN INSPIRATIONAL MELbuRNIAN?

AN AUDIENCE WITH LORd MAYOR, RObERT dOYLE

By Lisa Quittner

On February 15 international star footballer, Melbourne Victory’s Harry Kewell and beauty of the stage and screen Natalie Bassingthwaighte were announced as the 2012 Moomba King and Queen. The Socceroo veteran and musician take their crowns from 2011 Moomba Monarchs, Mick Malthouse and Ruby Rose.

The anointed King and Queen sailed into the festival site on the banks of the Yarra, joined by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle to take their throne and reveal an exciting Moomba program for 2012.

“Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world and what better way to welcome one of our nation’s finest footballer to Melbourne than by honouring him as the King of our Moomba,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Natalie is the perfect Moomba Queen. As a former young ambassador of this event, she lives in Melbourne with her young family and she is a tremendously talented actress and musician” the Lord Mayor added.

Moomba is one of Melbourne’s most loved and enjoyed family and cultural festivals and Australia’s largest community event. Last year the event was attended by over 1 million people and generated close to $29 million to the local economy.

“The 2012 program is a testament to the diversity and imagination of this city, with a long weekend of high quality and free entertainment along the banks of the Yarra and St Kilda Road. I can’t wait to see our new King and Queen headlining our food themed parade “Melbourne is Delicious” staged for the first time in Moomba history along our iconic Melbourne Boulevard, St Kilda Road,” the Lord Mayor said.

The famous Moomba Parade’s new route from the Shrine of Remembrance along St Kilda Road to the Moomba festival site is flavoured with the “Melbourne is Delicious” theme and will feature renowned Melbourne restaurateur Guy Grossi, along with over a thousand community groups and performers.

“For the Moomba traditionalists there will be the family favourites such as the Birdman Rally, the family fireworks, waterskiing, and of course, the Moomba Parade,” the Lord Mayor said.

Music is always a feature of Moomba and this year will not disappoint with a diverse range of free performances starring artists such as Josh Pyke, The Panics and Darryl Braithwaite as well as opening and closing concerts and the return of the silent disco. A number of skate, bike and scooter competitions will also run throughout the weekend.

For the full events program visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Moomba

The festival is held over the Labour day long weekend (9-12 March) at birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens, on the banks of the Yarra River and all events are free.

MOOMba MOnarchs set tO kick gOaLs AND HIT THE HIGH NOTES IN 2012

{March 2012

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The creative prowess of a comedic genius, a children’s theatre company that’s a national treasure and a company advancing the music of Indigenous Australians mark the outstanding achievements recognised by the 2011 Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards.

Actor, comedian, composer Eddie Perfect has taken out the Individual Award of the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards, while groundbreaking Adelaide children’s theatre company Windmill Theatre has been recognised with the Group Award. Darwin based record company Skinnyfish Music has won the Facilitator’s Prize for its dedication to promoting the music of Indigenous Australians.

The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards pay tribute to outstanding achievement in the performing arts across Australia. The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards were created in 1984 by the Trustees of the Sidney Myer Fund to commemorate the life and work of Sidney Myer - and to enhance the status of the performing arts in Australia.

The Awards not only celebrate past achievements for either a single outstanding performance or a sustained contribution, consideration is also given to the potential of an individual or group to continue in their contribution to Australian society through the performing arts.

SIDNEY MYER PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS Winners annOunced

By Lisa QuittnerAfter sell-out seasons of THE BEST MEDICINE across Australia in 2011, Stephen K. Amos returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) with his new show ‘LAUGHTER IS MY AGENDA’. Full of his life observations and hilarious stories, this show will be bursting with Stephen’s easy, relaxed style, intelligent wit and honest warm-hearted joie de vivre.

I have to ask, along with probably ever other person that has ever interviewed you, what does the ‘K’ stand for?

I could say it stands for Kind, King, Kindred, Kool with a K, or I could just say... Kevin.

Your comedy and in general comedy is about observation of human behaviour, where do you find your best material?

That is absolutely right, most of my material is based in truth or an element of truth about what I see, feel, what I have heard or what people have said to me and some bits are semi-autobiographical from parts of my own life.

How did you get started in comedy?

I was doing a law degree and went off travelling thinking, ‘what am I going to do with my life’ and I met this woman in America who said I was funny and I should do comedy. I told her I had never been to a comedy club in my life, I had no idea where to even start and

she said she was opening a Comedy Club in London and she wanted me to pop down and have a go. I thought about it and I did.

And how did that go?

It was nerve racking, it was frightening and I had a lot of support from my friends that gave me a false sense of security telling me that I was just amazing. The next time I tried it, my friends weren’t there and the truth came out!

but I see you are still going strong, so it couldn’t have been too bad?

Thankfully something inside of me said just carry on, keep doing it, there is something there.

You are also an actor on stage and screen, how do you find the transition from stand up comedy to dramatic performance?

I personally find it quite hard, the only thing that is parallel is that you are standing up in front of an audience and talking. The difference is I am speaking someone elses words and thoughts and lines, when it comes to comedy it is all mine and I will do exactly what I want to do, I am my own self censor and I will go with it wherever it takes me.

How many MICF have you performed at and how does the MICF rank on an international scale?

This is probably my 5th MICF solo show. I think Melbourne is definitely up there in

the ranks of the best world comedy festivals because the whole city gets behind it, there is a whole range of acts you can see from new acts to well established acts to groups and musical comedy. There is something for every budget to be seen at the Festival. I love the way Melburnians get behind their events, whether it’s the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open, the MICF is just another event on the calendar that is a rite of passage in Melbourne.

do you have to tweak your material at all for an Australian audience?

I don’t think I have to, but all I do is add in bits that I have noticed about Australia or if I hear something in the news that has happened. For example, last year there was a recession in the rest of the world, people didn’t have money or jobs but in Australia you were complaining about not having any bananas!

When in Melbourne do you have a favourite hangout?

I enjoy going to Cookie in Swanston Street, I like hanging out at the Gin Palace in Russell Place or sometimes just at the Langham Hotel. Apart from that you’ll often find me strolling along the beach at St Kilda.

What should we know about your show?

Laughter is My Agenda – so if you are looking for a laugh, come and see my show!

Stephen K. Amos - Melbourne International Comedy Festival

When: 29 March – 22 AprilWhere: Melbourne Town Hall, Main Room, Corner Swanston St & Collins St, City Tickets: $42.50 (conc $39.50)bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au / ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 660 013

stephen k. aMOs ‘LAUGHTER IS MY AGENDA’

ONE OF 2 DOUBLE PASSES FOR‘SUNDAY1ST APRIL’

Eddie Perfect - Photography by Rob Banks

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Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70 while the use of sun beds is in the highest risk category for causing cancer. Louise and Geoff White lost their newlywed daughter, Emily Tapp, at just 26 from melanoma and have tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness of this insidious disease ever since, founding the Emily Tapp Melanoma Foundation. The annual MARCH for MELANOMA has run since 2007 and is a 4km walk or 8km run (timed) including MelaNOmore Concert and entertainment with all funds raised for melanoma research.

When: Sunday 4 March registrations open at 3pm, March begins at 4pm Where: Catani Gardens – St Kilda Registration Fee: Adults $20 - Students $10 - children under 13 FREE Web: www.marchformelanoma.com.au

Be prepared to stand in your seats as Rebecca O’Connor delivers her flawless rendition of Tina Turner’s greatest hits including iconic hits Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary, River Deep, Private Dancer, Better Be Good To Me, and of course her anthem, Simply the Best.

When Rebecca last performed in Australia, she received standing ovations at every performance. While Rebecca O’Connor may look and sound like Tina she is adamant that “There is only one Tina Turner, she is absolutely amazing and I admire and respect her so much and I hope that I can bring a little piece of her power, energy and magic to each and every show I perform!”

When: 8 & 9 March at 8pm Where: Palms at Crown, Southbank Tickets: From $49.50 bookings: 1300 795 012

Life Like Touring is proud to bring SCOOBY-DOO LIVE! MUSICAL MYSTERIES to Melbourne these April school holidays.

See Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang help solve an epic mystery live at The Princess Theatre.

Scooby-Doo is one the most beloved and iconic characters in popular culture delighting families on the small screen for more than 40 years and now on stage in Melbourne in this fun new show. This live show features big musical numbers including the evergreen Scooby- Doo theme song, ‘Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?’ alongside fun new songs.

When: Thursday 5 and Saturday 7 April Where: Princess Theatre – 163 Spring St, Melbourne Tickets: Ticketmaster on 136 100 Visit: www.scoobydoolive.com.au & www.lifeliketouring.com

2012 March FOr MeLanOMa

siMpLy the best With rebecca O’cOnnOr

scOOby-dOO Live! MusicaL Mysteries

{March 2012

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