Metrowest Magazine 17 June 2014 issue

1metrowest

Margaret Porritt

fashion never goes out of style

issue 5, 17 june 2014

in the land of the rajPuts

West-side stories

PROPERTY GUID

E

BEST WEST

2

Arthur G Mid-year sale now onAustralian Designed, Australian Manufactured

618 church street Richmond 3121 Telephone (03) 9429 6696 www.arthurg.com.au

SOFAS, MODULARS, TABLES, OTTOMANS & CHAIRS

UP TO 30% OFF

3metrowest

editor’s letter

TIM CORONEL [email protected]

MetroWest is a free publication and is distributed throughout selected areas of the west of Melbourne. Views expressed in MetroWest do not necessarilyrepresent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by MetroWest for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within thepublication. All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for publication”. After two calendarmonths uncollected prizes will be claimed by MetroWest and may be re-drawn. No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system orreproduced in any form without permission of The Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication.

contents

Managing Publisher | BRAd MAThEsON | [email protected] director | ELAINE shARMAN | [email protected]

real estate & ProPerty advertising | BRAd MAThEsON | 0417 032 617 | [email protected]/advertising | ELAINE shARMAN | [email protected]

editor & staff Writer | TIM CORONEL | 0418 696 786 | [email protected] Writers | IAN Ash, PAUL BATEMAN, TOM ELLIOTT, hAsANTI PERERA

art director | CAROL-JOy PIRIE | [email protected] by indentMedia Pty ltd | ABN 69 118 720 960 |

Printed by hi-Mark Press Group, Williamstown

www.indentmedia.com.au

This issue of MetroWest sees us ogling classic cars, travelling to Rajasthan, delving into a swamp and sitting on some very comfy chairs.

Our cover star is Margaret Porritt, the founder of the Feathers fashion label and an inspirational businesswoman who has weathered the ups and downs of the fickle fashion world for over 40 years.

We’re very pleased to welcome local writer Paul Bateman to the pages of MetroWest with the first of a series of pieces we’re calling ‘West-side stories.’ Paul has a deft voice that captures snapshots of the people and places he encounters in his, and your, neighbourhood.

Then there are some mouth-watering recipes, the success story of a family-run winery, a review of an impressive literary debut and much more.

MetroWest continues to strive to feature all the best in people, property and lifestyle in the inner-west. We hope you enjoy this issue: let us know what you think, our contact details are in the box to the right.

4 Designers & interiors: Arthur G

6 What’s on guiDe

8 CoVer storY: Margaret Porritt

10 Classics on parade

12 fooD & Wine

14 health & beautY

15 West-side stories by Paul Bateman

16 traVel: in the land of the Rajputs

18 fashion: winter warmers from Feathers

20 business & finanCe

22 book reVieW: Captives

25 best West ProPertY guiDe

IssUE 4, 3 JUNE 2014

7 Swamp thing: Jeff Achtem tells us about the origins of Swamp Juice

4

Arthur G has spent the last 30 years building a brand associated with quality, style and innovation. The company also celebrates local workmanship as every Arthur G product is designed and manufactured in Australia.

Arthur G's range of sofas, chairs, tables, beds, shelves and more covers both the classical and contemporary ends of the design spectrum, all created to provide extraordinary comfort, luxury and durability. These features are the result of a very careful blending of the best quality raw materials sourced from around the world. And Arthur G is so confident of the build quality of its furniture that every piece is covered by a 10-year structural guarantee.

It's also sustainable, as Arthur G's range has been assessed against the GECA 28:2006 Furniture and Fittings standard and awarded the Environmental Choice Australia Eco-Label.

Arthur G is also in a partnership with internationally acclaimed designer diane Bergeron. she has put together a furniture collection that is inspired by her love of Chinoiserie, Palm Beach glamour and classic American style. Each piece is defined by its exquisite shape and scale and combines Arthur G's superb craftsmanship with diane's careful attention to detail.

See the full range of Arthur G products at its Melbourne showroom on Church St, Richmond or visit the Arthur G website.

designers&interiors

ARthuR G Furniture: world-class Australian style

“the range covers both the classical and contemporary ends of the design spectrum.”

5metrowest

designers&interiors

6

what’s on

Refugee Week: David nyuol Vincent 18 June, 6:30–7.30pm Williamstown Library, 104 Ferguson Street, Williamstowndavid Nyuol Vincent, one of the Lost Boys of sudan and author of The Boy who Wouldn’t Die, shares his remarkable story of survival to help celebrate Refugee Week. www.libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Arts at Your Doorstep: Road Trip18 JuneWilliamstown Mechanics Institute, 5 Electra St, WilliamstownComedians damian Callinan and Mickey d have packed the Tarago and are en route to Williamstown to put on their show. see how the lads spend their two days in Williamstown before bursting onto the stage with a 90-minute celebratory roast. www.hobsonsbaytickets.com.au or tel 9932-4074.

swamp juice21 & 22 June, 11.00amThe Substation, 1 Market St, Newport A shadow-puppet comedy about one man’s romp through a swamp, Swamp Juice is a playful and immersive puppet experience. A simple story told with no dialogue or text. For ages 5 and up and fun for adults too! www.thesubstation.org.au

Piccadilly Market22 June, 10am–3pmWilliamstown Town Hall, 104 Ferguson Street, WilliamstownAn indoor artisans market showcasing over 60 stalls of beautiful and unique jewellery, adults and children’s

clothing, homewares, art, gourmet food and more. www.piccadillymarket.com.au

Westside Discovery Toursfrom 25 JuneMaribyrnong City Council is running a series of tours throughout Footscray in late June, uncovering some of the area's best-kept secrets.Hop on the Seddon Ghost Tram Wednesday 25 June, 10.30am–12noon Start at Footscray historical society with a short film on Footscray’s lost tramways, then follow the old tramway route, noting historical sites and curios along the way.‘Bring your Bub’ Photography Tour of Footscray Wednesday 25 June, 10.30am–12noon A pram-friendly walking tour, incorporating the essentials of good photography while uncovering the cultural landscape of the Footscray CBd.Woks ‘n Rolls Saturday 28 June, 10–11.30am & 2–3.30pm Tour Footscray’s plethora of Asian cafes, takeaways, markets and specialty grocers.African Town Walking Tour Saturday 28 June, 12noon–2.30pm A unique walking tour around the epicenter of African culture and business in Melbourne.Footscray Walking Tour Saturday 28 June, 12noon–1.30pm A guided tour of vibrant Footscray galleries, creative spaces and public artworks. Billy Button, Bang Bang & you've Got Buckleys sunday 29 June, 10.30am–12noon

starting at the happy River Café, walk to Billy Button Creek and return via Mr Glass’s rubber factory.footscraylife.com.au or tel 9688-0303.

The Darling Downs27 June, 8pmThe Substation, 1 Market St, Newport The darling downs is Kim salmon (scientists, The Beasts Of Bourbon, The surrealists) on banjo and acoustic guitar and former died Pretty front-man and songwriter Ron Peno on vocals, taking Appalachian lullabies, bluegrass and rustic folk in a completely new direction. www.thesubstation.org.au

Talking Difference Portable Studiountil 27 June Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, 2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows do you have an opinion on diversity, belonging, difference or racism? Have your say in the Portable studio and make a difference in the world. www.libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

I Did Not Choose to be a Refugeeuntil 27 JuneLouis Joel Arts & Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street, AltonaGallery Hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm Commemorating World Refugee day, ‘I did not choose to be a refugee’ reflects upon Eritrean artist Michael Adonai’s journey and experience fleeing his homeland of Eritrea, to his settlement in Melbourne’s western suburbs. www.multiculturalarts.com.au

Adam Hills live28 June The Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen St, YarravilleTickets: VIP dinner & show (7pm) or Reserved seating (8:30pm). 18+ Eventwww.yarravillelaughs.com

Through the Artist's eyes exhibitionuntil 28 JuneHobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, AltonaPresented by hobsons Bay Arts society. www.hobsonsbayartssociety.org.au

The Roast Collectionuntil 30 Junepresented by the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in restaurants and other venues across Melbourne and throughout country Victoriahttp://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/yearround-events

newport Folk Festival4–6 JulyThree days of diverse music and events across four venues.www.nffc.org.au

Future nowuntil 6 July The Substation, 1 Market Street, NewportAn annual award exhibition of VCA honours graduates presented by The substation and the VCA. www.thesubstation.org.au

six Dance Lessons in six Weeksuntil 12 JulyWilliamstown Little Theatre, 2 Albert Street A thoughtful, charming, genuinely moving comedy.visit www.wlt.org.au or tel 9885-9678

in your neighbourhood...

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Deco screens custom madeOPPOSITE BUNNINGS

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7metrowest

what’s on

Ahead of its upcoming season at The Substation, Newport, we spoke to Swamp Juice creator Jeff Achtem to find out more about this fascinating 3D shadow-puppet show, which uses all recycled materials and contains no words ...

Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got interested in performance and puppetryI spent a few years messing around about performing in different sorts of venues and events, and eventually began to work more and more as a clown. I started to get really interested in the stories that you can tell using little or no words, and creating experiences for an audience that don't really sound great on paper. I developed this improvised clown show, where my goal was to entertain people for an hour and then if you asked them after the show what was so interesting that they laughed along for an hour, that they wouldn't really have a clear answer.

I wanted to make hilarious shows from nothing, about nothing. shadow puppetry come to be like a lover who wouldn't leave me, and we decided that we should work together. I decided to make puppets from bits of rubbish,

and really simple materials because it sort reflected the 'from nothing' ethos. I've always been a lo-fi DIY sort of cog in the machine of life, and I hope my crazy puppet shows reflect that.

How did Swamp Juice come about? And how did you hook up with the band Manny Fox, who provide the music?The show began as a project in the wake of my first show Sticks Stones Broken Bones, which had propelled me into an international spotlight, and I had lots of interest from around the world for another show. 'Another one, another one!' they would cry. At that point, I had been playing around with some concepts for stereoscopic shadows and using different lights to create 'shots' like a cinema camera, and so swamp Juice came together as the show to host these nifty tools. It's all come together quite nicely, and the reaction from audiences to the 3d shadow puppets is terrific. It really tears the roof off.

The Manny Fox boys were mates of mine, and as I was devising the show, we would jam together in a dingy warehouse in Brunswick. I would show them some characters that I had been working on that week, and then they would come up with melodies and music and we'd nut

it out from there. Really, we tried to score it like a film and match the action to the music, to create a tight coherent musical pattern, with instruments that fit the DIY feel of the show. And ear worms. some nice ear worms.

Where has Swamp Juice been performed so far, and where are you off to next?The show has travelled quite a bit around the world, and we hope to continue on until our arms and ears fall off. So far we've been all of the UK, Edinburgh and London, through Europe with stops at some great theatres in Germany, a cultural palace in the United Arab Emirates, and just last week we played a sell-out season in singapore. Now upcoming for 2014 and 2015, we have two national tours planned for Australia—from Port hedland to Flinders Island, and dozens of town halls in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, New south Wales, south Australia and Northern Territory along the way ... we're taking Swamp Juice, and 3d shadow puppetry, across the globe!Swamp Juice is on at The Substation, newport, for three shows only, on 14, 21 and 22 June. See www.thesubstation.org.au for more info and to book tickets.

It’S A SWAMP thInG

8

cover star

MARGARet PoRRItt

Feathers has been part of the Melbourne fashion landscape for over 40 years, an impressive milestone in a notoriously fickle industry. We spoke to founder Margaret Porritt about fashion, business and simple, stylish living.sitting at the long white bench that forms the centrepiece of her compact yet light-filled inner-Melbourne house, Margaret Porritt says 'I still love what I'm doing, going to work at Feathers isn't a job, it's my passion'. After over 40 years in the 'ever-changing and very demanding' fashion industry, she is still hands-on with the Feathers design team and closely involved with every aspect of the business.

For Margaret the secret to success and longevity in business is 'about not being stuck in your old ways, always reinventing yourself'. And Feathers has been reinvented a number of times. starting out as one small boutique in Melbourne's CBd in 1972, Feathers followed its customers into the suburbs and shopping

styleFAsHion neVeR goes ouT oF

by Tim Coronel

9metrowest

cover story

malls and at its peak had over 20 locations. But when the GFC hit, Feathers very nearly went under and Margaret took the tough decision to close almost all the stores and start again. Now Feathers is back to fifteen outlets, a mix of stand-alone shops and mini-boutiques within Myer stores. Except for two stores in sydney, Feathers remains true to its Melbourne roots.

'What we do at Feathers, and always have done, is classics with a twist,' says Margaret. 'A woman of 18 or 80 can wear the same garment from our range.' Along with the longevity of the brand comes the loyalty of the customers: 'we're now getting the daughters

and grandaughters of our original customers shopping with us'. While Margaret believes that 'our core customer is still likes to shop in-store, to see and feel the garments,' Feathers has

embraced online shopping and social media and 'being online gives us much broader customer base.'

'I grew up in fashion and in retail,' says Margaret, 'my parents were milliners.' And via their connections, her first job was as an apprentice to legendary designer Norman hartnell, who imparted 'a background in quality and service' that she has

maintained throughout her career.

The simple, classic-with-a-twist philosophy carries over to Margaret's living spaces. her son david designed and built her inner-Melbourne house; he also designed the clean, minimal look of the Feathers shops. The house is on a narrow, long block but is light and spacious: downstairs is one room combining living and kitchen, with two bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. While the palette is predominantly white, bightly coloured contemporary art and furniture sits alongside warm, timeworn pieces. 'I like the mixture of modern and antique,' Margaret says, 'all modern is too cold'. The bright, open feel of her inner-city house (top photos) is echoed in a more expansive space at her main residence on the Mornington Peninsula (bottom photos).

Melbourne house interior photos by Pia Johnson

style

“Going to work at Feathers isn’t a job, it’s my passion.”

10

There is something about older cars that delights even those who aren't petrolheads. Perhaps it's the chrome, or the curvaceous designs; and for many there's a dose of nostalgia, of 'we used to have one of those' or 'I learnt to drive in one of them' or 'I always dreamt one day I'd own a …'

Classic car owners like nothing better than to get out the polishing cloth and show off their pride and joy to fellow enthusiasts and to the public. Throughout the year there are a number of car shows in and around Melbourne.

some focus on a particular marque, or cars from a certain era or country; others focus on racing and speed; and other events are welcome to all-comers from Fords to Ferraris, Alvises to Zils, Model Ts to Minis.

MetroWest's resident car nut, editor Tim Coronel, can be found at a range of classic car events in his 1969 daimler V8-250. It's always a grand day out!

DRiVe YouR oWn CLAssiCdid you know that under VicRoads' Club Plate scheme, any car that's more than 25 years old and whose owner is a financial member of a recognised car club is entitled to heavily discounted registration that allows either 45 or 90 days unrestricted use per calendar year? And insurance for classic cars that are on club

plates is very reasonable as well. So dust off that old car in the shed (but please get it properly serviced by an expert and put new tyres on it!), join your local car club and hit the road!

soMe keY DATesClassic car enthusiasts have no shortage of events to choose from, especially if you belong to a car club and participate in club events. however, every year there are some big events that attract hundreds if not thousands of cars and large audiences.

saturday 8 & sunday 9 AugustWinton Festival of speedWinton Raceway, near Benalla23–26 OctoberMotorclassicaRoyal Exhibition Building, Carlton28–30 Novembergeelong Revival, Geelong waterfront

motoring

ClASSICS on PARAde by Tim Coronel

11metrowest

We elected to present the scheme as a historical story book of the area which

should be considered as contemporary historic, viewed as a valuable contribution

to urban landscape .

-Mark Sinton,Miceli Oldfield Sinton Architects.

‘‘

‘‘

Contact: Adrian Butera P: 0409 099 791

Set in the heart of Williamstown & designed to architectural perfection, these townhouses are due to be completed late 2014.

Each on own footprint featuring cooling, heating, SMEG appliances and intercom.

3 bedrooms. From 160.5m2 to 182.5m2.

Price: Starting from $807,450 up to $859,000.

Construction

Has

Commenced

12

food&wine

2 x 70 g eggs1/2 cup (110 g) caster sugar150 ml pure cream1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened, Dutch-process cocoa65 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1 1/2 cups (150 g) walnuts, chopped2 cups (300 g) self-raising flour1 cup (150 g) plain flour

180 g chocolate icing sugar

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan-forced and line two baking trays with baking paper.

Beat the eggs and sugar with hand-held electric beaters until pale and creamy. Add the cream and continue beating to combine, then add the cocoa, melted butter and spices and beat until combined.

Using a wooden spoon, fold in the nuts, then the flours, to form a soft dough.

Take teaspoonfuls of the dough and roll into balls, then place them on the prepared trays at 3 cm intervals. Bake for 15–20 minutes, then remove from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Place the chocolate icing sugar in a bowl and gradually add water, a teaspoonful at a time, stirring until thick but pourable (you’ll need about 1 tablespoon water in total).

Dip the top of each biscuit into the icing and return it to the wire rack for the icing to set.

These biscuits will keep, stored in an airtight container, for up to 2 weeks.

ChoC Nut BisCuits

osso BuCoserves 4

1 cup (150g) plain flourSalt and freshly ground pepper12 pieces (around 2 kg) veal osso buco1/4 cup of (60ml) olive oil1 onion, finely chopped1 large handful chopped flat-leaf parsley100ml of white wine2 cups (500ml) chicken stock400g tomatoes, peeled and chopped1 teaspoon dried oregano

Place the flour, salt and pepper on a plate and combine. Dust the osso buco in the seasoned flour on both sides until completely covered.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the osso buco and cook for 2 mins on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining oil and the onion to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes or until translucent. Add the carrot and cook for a further 2 minutes, then add the garlic and parsely and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine, stock tomato and oregano, stir to combine and cook for 5 mins.

Return the osso buco to the pan and stir to ensure all the pieces are covered in the sauce. Cover and cook over very low heat for 90mins. The meat will be fall-apart tender and the sauce a rich red colour. Serve immediately.

A WInteR WARMeR

Mangia Mangia! gatheringsThe spirit of coming together

Penguin Books AustraliaRRP $39.99

This book is a sentimental food journey with the daughters of migrant familes from Calabria, southern Italy, who grew up in Melbourne. With a passion to preserve the old recipes from their forebears, this cookbook chronicels the basics of traditional Italian cusine.The cook book features 110 authentic Italian recipes concentrating on formal celebrations and festive seasons, with added personal touches from the authors’ own photo albums.

SWeet tooth?

13metrowest

food&wine

Many wineries start out as family-run businesses, but over the years they often get bought up by bigger concerns, consolidated, and sold off again. So it’s relatively rare these days for a wine company to stay in family hands for over 30 years, and for the second generation to take on the reins. Meet the Ellises of Hanging Rock Winery ...

Back in the late 1970s Ann Tyrell, a daughter of the famous hunter Valley wine dynasty, met John Ellis, the young-gun winemaker recently hired to launch what would become one of Australia’s big-name wine brands, Rosemount. Once Rosemount was established, John and Ann moved to Echuca to Tisdall’s before locating their dream spot to start up their own winery: a farm called ‘Jim-Jim’ at Newham, in the shadow of hanging Rock in the scenic Macedon

Ranges. The first vines were planted in 1983.Fast-forward thirty years and not only has hanging

Rock Winery thrived but a second generation of Ellises now hold key positions: daughter Ruth handles all the sales and marketing and son Rob (pictured above) is chief winemaker.

What to drinkhanging Rock originally made its name with sparkling wines and the sparkling Macedon is still winning awards and creating smiles with every cork popped. Pinot noir thrives in the cool climate at Macedon, making a svelte red, while a perfect patch at heathcote provides grapes for a full-bodied shiraz. hanging Rock makes a wide range of white wines including semillon, sauvignon blanc and riesling.

Andrew at cellar door is your friendly guide to vintages new and old.

spotty cowsJohn Ellis always wanted to diversify and to provide meat to match his wines, and a few years ago hanging Rock started a herd of uncommon speckle Park beef cattle. The beef is from two-year-old animals and is sold with all the same information you would expect to see on a wine label, including: age, hang-time, breed, tasting notes, where they grew up ... and of course wine-matching tips!

getting therehanging Rock Winery is only an hour out of Melbourne. hit the Calder Freeway and stay on it past Mt Macedon. At the Woodend turn-off, turn right onto the C324 and follow it past the back of hanging Rock and the Woodend Racecourse. In the tiny village of Newham, turn left at the only crossroads into Jim Rd and you can’t miss the winery atop the first rise.

hAnGInG RoCk WIneRy: A FAMIly AFFAIR by Tim Coronel

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health&beauty

LANCôME ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE YEUXYouTH ACTiVATing eYe CReAM

Tiredness, burnout, exhaustion … fatigue is undoubtedly a global malaise of the 21st century. We are all aware of its causes: stress, insomnia, overwork, environmental factors … Whatever our age, whatever our skin type, wherever we live, fatigue can make us look older than we actually are. And one of the main zones where it is concentrated is the fragile eye contour area. Lancôme offers a solution: new AdVANCEd GÉNIFIQUE yEUX yOUTh ACTIVATING EyE CREAM. It combines the latest optical technology and a blend of anti-fatigue actives specifically selected to treat the delicate eye area.

New-generation elastomers were selected to provide a powerful soft-focus effect to ‘blur’ tell-tale lines and wrinkles. In addition, these high-tech ingredients provide a soft, powdery skin finish.

Micro particles of different shades were selected to diffuse the light in order to immediately reduce signs of fatigue and make the gaze younger and smoother. Silica resin microspheres enhance light diffusion to visually correct dark shadows and other imperfections; boron nitride increase the quantity of diffused light; nacres subtly add illuminating effects, immediately.

AdVANCEd GÉNIFIQUE yEUX improves the eye contour area and was specifically conceived for the delicate skin of the eye contour. It lastingly moisturizes for eight hours and protects against urban pollution.

YSLsHu ueMeRA ‘Vision oF beAuTY’

The bright, tropical palette will be perfect for tropical holidays lounging by the pool with a cocktail.

15metrowest

When the weather is good and the tide is right, Joe goes fishing. He settles himself by the stretch of narrow water that flows towards the Westgate Bridge, at a point where the mouth of the Yarra River meets Port Phillip Bay.

There, in the shadow of the Newport Power station, Joe sits upon an upturned bucket and

casts his rod into the murky water.

On a day of fair weather, Joe will be one of a dozen or so fishermen perched on the river’s western edge like meditating Buddhas, watching their lines, baiting their hooks.

The tide today is barely discernible. The river is calm, even languid. Now and then a small passing boat sends ripples of water radiating from its hull and the morning sun shimmers in the corrugated pattern of its wake. The slow, rhythmic sound of the chugging motor gradually fades, leaving behind a strange, exquisite silence.

Joe likes the familiarity of his chosen fishing spot: its view across the river to the shipping docks and container cranes; the imposing sweep of the Westgate Bridge; the tall clump of bright pins that stand in the distance, signifying Melbourne. Joe lives in Footscray. he runs his own business and finds that demanding. He was born in Indonesia to a

family of Chinese descent and as a boy, he was taught to fish.

In the few hours that he has to himself at the end of a working week, Joe takes his place in this semi-industrial landscape and fishes for whatever’s biting – like flathead, mulloway or pinky fish.

Does he eat his catch? Sometimes. Mostly, he throws it back or gives it away. Joe made friends some time ago with two Greek fishermen, one of them aged 86. Joe says they taught him that you never stop learning how to fish – but Joe’s not here to perfect his hobby. Joe’s here to relax.

'I come to sit and think about nothing,' he says, cheerfully. 'I sit for a while and my brain is clear. Then it’s back to work.'

I leave him to his rest: a sane man in brilliant sunshine; a seagull hovering at his side.

west-side stories

Gone FIShInG by Paul Bateman

Paul Bateman is a Melbourne-based writer

16

travel

17metrowest

travel

Rajasthan in northern India is a region steeped in centuries-old history and as one travels from city to city, it’s evident that past rulers were monument-builders on a grand scale. This is seen in Delhi with the remnants of the Red Fort, which was started in 1638, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, which was commenced in 1631. Add to this the splendour of such monuments as Fatehpur Sikri near Agra, the Amber Fort of Japiur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the Ranakpur Jain Temples consisting of 1444 pillars carved in marble, and one is left with a never-ending feeling of awe that human beings were responsible for building these structures.

The region also boasts some of India’s most delectable cuisine, including the vast array of food that emerges from the Tandoor including naan and many varieties of meats that are marinated and then baked in the clay oven. The food is rich and plentiful—but a warning that street food is not for those with a finicky stomach, nor is the local water. Eating in good restaurants and drinking bottled water is always a safer option.

Intermingle the history lesson with picturesque images of brightly clothed and veiled young women carrying metal or clay water pots; the jingle of belled anklets and the chink of bangles; the white dhoti and colourful turbaned Rajputani men; grand palaces and ancient forts; herds of goats or sheep; children playing along the roadside, cows meandering across the road, crazily overloaded trucks which threaten to tip over ... and you have a pretty good picture of life in Rajasthan. however, it doesn’t give any inkling to the magic and romance this beautiful country offers every traveller.

A Place to Call HomeIf a tour of Rajasthan is on your travel wish-list, then make sure to include accommodation in some of the palace hotels which make a tour of Rajasthan such a unique experience. Taj hotels & Palaces offer luxurious accommodation in Jaipur at Rambagh Palace, in Jodhpur at Umaid Bhawan Palace and in Udaipur at the

iconic Lake Palace—each a distinctive and very memorable experience. There are also beautiful hotels offered by Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, as well as the Leela Palace Group. If boutique accommodation is more your style then this is also possible: from small oases in the middle of bustling cities, hunting lodges and safari camps in the countryside, to lavish forts in the desert complete with infinity pool.

A Culinary gemThe cuisine of North India is a mouth-watering sensation of carefully blended spices with fresh vegetables or meat cooked slowly to infuse flavour and aroma. Curries are eaten with naan, chapti, roti bread or rice. Curries can be rich due to the use of ghee or clarified butter and chili-hot so it’s best to advise the temperature at which you like your spice. several eateries offer stand-out dining experiences including The spice Route and Bukhara in New delhi and Peshawar in Jaipur.

Land of the Rajputs

RAJASthAn by hasanti Perea

18

WInteRWARMeRS

fashion

from feathers

shearling CoatMatrix Jumper

hotch Potch shirtKensie Legging

19metrowest

WInteRWARMeRS

fashion

Velvet Track PantKenny Vest

street sweater

Matrix JumperMountain VestMidi skirthoundstooth scarf

Two Way JacketZip-a-de-do-da Kint

hotch Potch Pant

20

business&finance

Small business owners start their own business for a variety of reasons: a belief that they can service customers better, be faster/cheaper than others, the lure of financial freedom, autonomy to operate a business in their own way,

work/life balance, etc., but at the heart of every one lies the fundamental reason: that they enjoy and/or are good at what they do (technically). They generally do not start a business because they are good at business.

While technical knowledge is important, it can be a double-edged sword since—as Michael E. Gerber points out in his excellent book The E-myth Revisited—a business requires three key roles to be in place: ‘The Entrepreneur’ (responsible for the vision and direction of the company and seizing new opportunities), ‘The Manager’ (whose role is to ensure order through systems, processes and plans) and ‘The Technician’ (who delivers on the company’s products and/or services). Unfortunately, especially when times get tough, it is the latter role that tends to dominate and the other two roles either get marginalised, or worse, not even

invoked at all since it is the ‘Technician’ role that the business owner knows best, is most comfortable with and feels is most important. Before you know it the business owner is working longer hours (often for little gain) and all the dreams of autonomy and work/life balance have become a distant memory.

There are a number of ways to address this, but I find that a very simple yet effective approach is to go back to basics and simply draw up an organisation chart for the business. The chart will simply consist of boxes: one at the top for the business leader/CEO/Md supported by the following functions at the same level: sales, marketing, operations (the part that produces products or delivers services), finance, human resources and customer service/support. Now put in the names of the people who are responsible for each of these areas. Often I find the business owner occupying the majority, if not all of them; little wonder then that they find themselves working longer and harder!

The next step is to write up a position description for each of these major roles in the business, in which the accountabilities and responsibilities are clearly defined together with the technical and personal characteristics required by the role. There are a number of important consequences of doing this:

Firstly, a good business distributes responsibilities across its employees. This increases their sense of empowerment, job satisfaction and feeling of value, which is

probably the primary reason most people go to work. Attitude and aptitude are more important than technical competency, so don’t be afraid to find the right type of person and invest in training as required.

Secondly, it clarifies what the true role of the business owner/CEO/Md actually is. In my personal opinion, it boils down essentially to really one thing: ‘to ensure that the various business functions operate in harmony with one another’. This gives the business leader the opportunity to really think about the business from each of the key roles and improve its performance.

Thirdly, the business becomes scalable. you can see that as the business grows, the list of business functions remains unchanged so that the organisation can grow in depth without over-complicating.

Finally, if you are a business owner with five staff or fewer, you may be thinking that this is all very well, but how do we fill each of the key business function slots? The answer is that you may need more than one person to occupy multiple roles, but the key is to distinguish between each of these roles and to recognise that a certain amount of time needs to be allocated to each.

For more information or for a free, no-obligation discussion regarding your business, email me at [email protected] or visithttp://orgmentbusinesssolutions.com.au/

WhAt hAPPened to My dReAM? by Ian Ash, AInstIB

Ian Ash, AInstIB

21metrowest

Trying to pick the future direction of any currency is about the most difficult job there is in economic forecasting. This is because what any currency is 'worth' is usually expressed in terms of its relative value to other currencies—themselves

hard to predict.For this reason, when people intending

to head overseas ask me when they should exchange their spending money, I usually reply: 'half now, and half just before you leave.' This

means my prediction of the optimum exchange will always be at least partly correct!

having said this, I feel that over the next 12–18 months the A$ should fall against the Us$. here's why:

First, although American interest rates have remained near zero for several years now, eventually they should rise as the Us economy recovers. such rising rates act like a magnet for international currency traders always looking for the best economy in which to park short-term cash.

second, the Australian mining sector's decade-long love affair with the rapidly growing Chinese economy is likely to cool over the next few years. Commodities such as iron ore and coal, which we produce in abundance, have

suffered price falls due to weaker Chinese demand—which in turn should make the A$ less attractive on international markets.

Finally, local agriculture is failing to capitalise on the Westernisation of food consumption patterns in the Asian region. As much as we might hate to admit it, Kiwi farmers are doing a better job than their Australian counterparts selling beef and dairy products to customers located north of the Torres strait. Rapid development of our food export sector could easily replace mining as a foreign exchange earner for us. Until we grasp this opportunity, however, the A$ is likely to fall further.

Tom Elliott is a financial journalist and host of the Drive show on radio 3AW

In which direction is the A$ heading?by Tom Elliott

Tom Elliot

business&finance

22

CAPTiveSby AngelA Meyer

books & writing

Where aM i?guess Where this Place is to

Email answers and your address by 23 June to: [email protected]

Correct entries will be placed in a draw and one will be randomly selected. Notification is by email on 3 July. Entrants must be 18 years or over and reside in Victoria.

Win a beautiful handMade glazed Porcelain boWl

by craftsMan Phil elson, Provided by stockrooM kyneton valued at $39

Angela Meyer has been a ‘young writer to watch’ for a while now, building her reputation as a blogger, book reviewer, literary journalist, workshop presenter, and festival panellist and host. Her short fiction pieces have been published in all the right magazines and journals, and recently she edited a book of short stories called The Great Unknown (published by Spineless Wonders).Now her first book is out: Captives is a beautifully designed small book of super-short stories, or ‘flash fictions’. Some of these pieces are barely a page long, others stretch to a couple of pages, but all are desgned to provoke and unsettle. Readers are only offered a tantalising glimpse of a situation and are left to

their own devices to work out a broader context for each micro story.

Meyer is an avowed fan of Franz Kafka, and many of the pieces in Captives have a Kafkaesque sense of absurdity and menace. Kafka’s notebooks also provided award-winning book designer sandy Cull with visual cues for the black and red stick figures that illustrate each section break.

Captives is a strong debut, and another example of innovative publishing from one of the many Melbourne-based independent presses, in this case Inkerman & Blunt.

Captives is out now from inkerman & blunt, RRP$9.99 paperback (ebook also available)

enter

the draw to Win

one of three copies of

CAPTiveSEmail your name and address

by 23 June to

[email protected]

23metrowest

24

congratulations TO OUR 3 JUNE ISSUE COMPETITION WINNERS

WInneRS of copies of InheRItAnCe from Sleepers Publishing:

HeLene RiCHARDs, WiLLiAMsToWn

eLAine bRunDLe, WiLLiAMsToWn

MARie ReADe, neWPoRT

WInneR ofa $50 dining voucher at the

IndIAn PAllette:

LesLeY suTHeRLAnD, neWPoRT

the WInneR of the

Where am I? competition:

MiCHeLLe sPAgnoLo, neWPoRT

real estate

A MeSSAGe FRoM the Ceo oF the ReAl eStAte InStItute oF VICtoRIA

If you ever want to know how much a home sold for, you will find that the REIV is the provider of the most authoritative and timely collation of property sales results in Victoria.

Each week the REIV collects and provides for free hundreds of sales results across Melbourne’s western suburbs—and often more than 1000 sales results from across our city. This helps to inform buyers, sellers, property professionals and anyone with an interest in the local real estate market. sales results are provided by REIV members and are rigorously checked before being published online. As the reports are provided at the time of the contract of sale being signed they provide a real-time record of the market and are an invaluable source of information.

The results are published first on the REIV website around 7pm every saturday night. They are then updated on sunday night and again on Wednesday morning. They cease to be freely available when the next week’s results are published. If you would like to be directly informed about when sales results relevant to you are published you can subscribe to an email alert service.

The majority of sale results published provide an address, price of sale, date, the real estate agent responsible for the sale, the method of sale, the number of bedrooms and type of property. In a minority of cases the vendor specifically requests that the price not be disclosed or the entire

sale. It is also worth noting that if the sale was a private one the exact street number of the property is not published due to privacy restrictions.

If you would like to search the data for your suburb, find out more about collection methods, property classifications for the market in general visit www.reiv.com.au

enzo RaimondoCEO, Real Estate Institute of Victoria

ReseARCHing PRoPeRTY sALes ResuLTs

25metrowest

BER $560,000 - $600,000---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Auction Sat 21st Jun at 3.30pm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect Saturday 3.00 - 3.30pm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark de Brabander 0406 536 447

Wayne Elly 0410 305 305

Yarraville Office 8387 0011---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au

65williamstownroadseddon.com.au

Situated in an excellent location, filled with potential and ready for you to reap the rewards. Great for

investment with 2 income streams, possibilities for future redevelopment (subject to council approval)

or your own business. Comprising established Barber shop on Williamstown Road and residence at

the back of Station St with 2 bedrooms both with built in robes, open plan kitchen/meals, separate

lounge room, bathroom with shower and bath, full laundry, private yard, single garage and second off

street parking. Easy walk to Seddon shopping strip, eateries, parks and Train Station. Barber shop

currently returning $180pw and residence potential of $370pw.

Seddon 65 Williamstown Road

Outstanding investment opportunity

AUCTIONSATURDAY

2 21

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Price Contact Agent---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forthcoming Auction---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect Saturday 2.15 - 2.45pm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986

Wayne Elly 0410 305 305

Williamstown Office 8387 0000---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web greghocking.com.au

30thestrandwilliamstown.com.au

One of The Strand´s most coveted addresses sets the scene for the exceptional dimensions of this

landmark home. Huge living, dining and entertaining areas, each distinctly zoned, surround an open

plan kitchen featuring stainless steel Miele appliances, stone benches and walk in pantry. Two

downstairs bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a superb main bedroom with walk in robes and

ensuite, are supported upstairs by a third bedroom, third bathroom and a seriously substantial

additional living area framed front and rear by balconies. A sandstone terrace, inviting lawn, salt water

swimming pool and car parking accessed from Mariner Street provide the perfect backdrop.

Williamstown 30 The Strand

Desirability Defined

3 23 Price $1,100,000+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Sale---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986

Wayne Elly 0410 305 305


1/1symestreetwilliamstown.com.au

Spectacular in scale and style, equally unforgettable for its privileged position, this dramatic, dynamic

two bedroom, two bathroom residence could not possibly be closer to the water, Gem Pier and the

Royal Yacht Club. The scenery, the surroundings and the city in the distance provide a mesmerizing

setting for memorable spaces including luxuriously large living, dining and entertaining areas, with an

open plan kitchen and sun drenched balcony, that make the most of the views and enjoy natural light

all day long. Two secure car spaces seal the deal on a Williamstown property where enjoyment is

inevitable!

Williamstown 1/1 Syme Street

Absolute Waterfront, Ultimate Allure

VACANT POSSESION

2 22

27metrowest

Price $1,100,000+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Sale---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986

Wayne Elly 0410 305 305


1/1symestreetwilliamstown.com.au

Spectacular in scale and style, equally unforgettable for its privileged position, this dramatic, dynamic

two bedroom, two bathroom residence could not possibly be closer to the water, Gem Pier and the

Royal Yacht Club. The scenery, the surroundings and the city in the distance provide a mesmerizing

setting for memorable spaces including luxuriously large living, dining and entertaining areas, with an

open plan kitchen and sun drenched balcony, that make the most of the views and enjoy natural light

all day long. Two secure car spaces seal the deal on a Williamstown property where enjoyment is

inevitable!

Williamstown 1/1 Syme Street

Absolute Waterfront, Ultimate Allure

VACANT POSSESION

2 22

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ELLY PARTNERS

BER $800,000 - $880,000---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Auction Sat 28th Jun at 11.30am---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986

Wayne Elly 0410 305 305


13latrobestreetwilliamstown.com.au

40 years in the same family, 3 bedrooms in a functional floor-plan, 2 street frontages, 1 exceptional

opportunity - that´s how the numbers stack up to define this tempting property and its outstanding

potential. Today´s living, dining and separate kitchen/meals areas illustrate options for renovation, or

for receiving a rental income while ideas for re-development take shape, STCA. The allotment,

featuring fabulous depth, north westerly rear aspect, an original double garage and second frontage to

Franklin Street highlights dual occupancy possibilities that will make the most of an engaging, evolving

family location close to Armstrong Reserve.

Newport 13 Latrobe Street

An Exceptionally Enticing Equation

3 21

ELLY PARTNERS

BER $720,000 - $790,000---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Auction Sat 28th Jun at 12.30pm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986

Wayne Elly 0410 305 305


57florencestreetwilliamstown.com.au

The substantial, single level spaces of this four bedroom, three bathroom clearly put family needs first.

A flexible formal lounge leads to the home´s focal point, a north facing living area accompanied by a

kitchen/dining domain equipped with stainless steel appliances. French doors to designer decking and

elegantly low-maintenance outdoor dimensions add further appeal to a home in which zoned

accommodation includes a main bedroom with sophisticated ensuite and its own outdoor access.

Ducted heating and refrigerated cooling ensure constant comfort. Secure garage and extra parking

contribute ideal convenience close to parks.

Williamstown 57 Florence Street

Designed With Families In Mind

4 23

29metrowest

ELLY PARTNERS

BER $720,000 - $790,000---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Auction Sat 28th Jun at 12.30pm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986

Wayne Elly 0410 305 305


57florencestreetwilliamstown.com.au

The substantial, single level spaces of this four bedroom, three bathroom clearly put family needs first.

A flexible formal lounge leads to the home´s focal point, a north facing living area accompanied by a

kitchen/dining domain equipped with stainless steel appliances. French doors to designer decking and

elegantly low-maintenance outdoor dimensions add further appeal to a home in which zoned

accommodation includes a main bedroom with sophisticated ensuite and its own outdoor access.

Ducted heating and refrigerated cooling ensure constant comfort. Secure garage and extra parking

contribute ideal convenience close to parks.

Williamstown 57 Florence Street

Designed With Families In Mind

4 23

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ELLY PARTNERS

BER $680,000 - $750,000---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Auction Saturday 12 July at 1.30pm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wayne Elly 0410 305 305

James Gregson 0421 516 480


- Land area: 147 sqm approx with 5.7m frontage to Ferguson St

- Building area 200sqm approx comprising ground floor retail together with 2/3 bedroom dwelling

- Zoned commercial 1

- Existing Lease expires 16th July 2014 providing an ideal opportunity for investors / owner occupiers

and developers

- Close proximity to Williamstown North train station and Williamstown’s highly regarded core retail

precinct.

Williamstown 168 Ferguson Street

Affordable shop and dwelling

31metrowest

ELLY PARTNERS

BER $680,000 - $750,000---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Auction Saturday 12 July at 1.30pm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inspect As advertised---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wayne Elly 0410 305 305

James Gregson 0421 516 480


- Land area: 147 sqm approx with 5.7m frontage to Ferguson St

- Building area 200sqm approx comprising ground floor retail together with 2/3 bedroom dwelling

- Zoned commercial 1

- Existing Lease expires 16th July 2014 providing an ideal opportunity for investors / owner occupiers

and developers

- Close proximity to Williamstown North train station and Williamstown’s highly regarded core retail

precinct.

Williamstown 168 Ferguson Street

Affordable shop and dwelling

make change > comptongreen.com.au

Newport 56 Mason Street Bed 4 | Bath 3 | Car 2

Guide $1,100,000-$1,225,000

Auction 11am Saturday 5th July on location

Inspect 1:30-2pm Saturday 21st June & 2:15-2:45pm Sunday 22nd June

Contact Joseph Luppino 0411 508 458 & Adrian Butera 0409 099 791

Williamstown 9397 1600

Newport 241 Melbourne Road Bed 5 | Bath 4 | Car 2

Guide $1,200,000-$1,300,000

Auction 11am Saturday 21st June on location

Inspect 6-6:30pm Wednesday 18th June & 10:30-11am Saturday 21st June

Contact Adrian Butera 0409 099 791 & Julie Standen 0414 901 098


32make change > comptongreen.com.au

Kingsville 15 Bishop Street Bed 3 | Bath 2 | Car 2

Guide $700,000-$770,000

Auction 2pm Saturday 21st June on location

Inspect 5:30-6pm Thursday 19th June & 1:30-2pm Saturday 21st June

Contact Steele Sexton 0403 557 711 & Traci Charles 0425 717 489

Yarraville 9314 1188

Yarraville 23 Kidman Street Bed 3 | Bath 1 | Car 3

Guide $500,000-$550,000

Auction 11am Saturday 28th June on location

Inspect 11:30-12pm Saturday 21st June & 11-11:30am Sunday 22nd June

Contact John Luong 0401 718 277 & Adrian Butera 0409 099 791


make change > comptongreen.com.au

Williamstown 39 Osborne Street Bed 3 | Bath 2 | Car 1

For Sale $1,495,000

Inspect 1:45-2:15pm Saturday 21st June

Contact Susie O’Neill 0417 755 450 & Dee Gibson 0416 091 369


Altona North 565-567 Geelong Road Bed 4 | Bath 1 | Car 7

Guide $700,000 plus

Auction 2pm Saturday 5th July on location

Inspect 12-12:30pm Saturday 21st June & 1-1:30pm Saturday 28th June

Contact Traci Charles 0425 717 489 & John Galea 0405 564 669


33metrowestmake change > comptongreen.com.au

Williamstown 39 Osborne Street Bed 3 | Bath 2 | Car 1

For Sale $1,495,000

Inspect 1:45-2:15pm Saturday 21st June

Contact Susie O’Neill 0417 755 450 & Dee Gibson 0416 091 369


Altona North 565-567 Geelong Road Bed 4 | Bath 1 | Car 7

Guide $700,000 plus

Auction 2pm Saturday 5th July on location

Inspect 12-12:30pm Saturday 21st June & 1-1:30pm Saturday 28th June

Contact Traci Charles 0425 717 489 & John Galea 0405 564 669


34

35metrowest

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This winter rediscover what’s inside your

museums. Share your #MuseumAdventures

for a chance to win spot prizes!

Documents

Metrowest Magazine 17 June 2014 issue