[JUST ABOUT NOW IS A COLLECTION OF THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR SPACES & PLACES, PHYSICAL & DIGITAL, intersecting past, present, future, CREATIVITY, CULTURE & COMMUNITY INTO the NOW. STITCHED TOGETHER BY GEROME FOR WSKRA.COM]
About this webpage: The content touches on neighbourhood policing and police visibility and its implications for community safety, public trust, and crime reduction. It includes recent events like the decriminalisation of public drunkenness in Victoria, the vandalism and restoration of the Captain Cook statue in Catani Gardens, and the significance of community-focused art projects. It also highlights St Kilda’s vibrant cultural scene, ongoing property developments, and local community services aiming to address homelessness and foster social connection. Public transport accessibility is also noted.
st kilda: now:
:Linden Postcard show: 07 Dec–02 Feb
:Big Sculpture St Kilda: 15 Dec–19 Feb
:GeorGE LANE: DRUNKLE XMAS SHOW: 20 DEC
:George Lane: The Cartridge Family: 07 Dec
:The Gersh Espy: Cosmic Psychos: 08 Dec
:The Gersh Espy: Eskimo Joe: 13 Dec
:The Gersh Espy: Augie March: 21 Dec
“Law enforcement visibility can refer to the deliberate increase of police presence in a community, to reduce crime, improve public safety, and increase public confidence.
“Some say that increasing police visibility can increase the number of people caught for some types of crime, but it may not be a long-term or cost-effective crime reduction solution. Others say that the new high-visibility status of police work undermines public trust and challenges police legitimacy.”—Gen.AI+
“Law enforcement officers are responsible for protecting the public and preventing illegal acts, but they also have the authority to arrest people. Police can arrest someone if:
The person is committing a traffic offense and refuses to give their name and address;
They have a warrant for the person’s arrest;
They reasonably suspect the person has committed an offense;
They find the person committing an offense;
The person has breached bail conditions; or
The person is trying to escape from custody.”—Gen.AI+
The primary job of law enforcement officers is to protect you. Their job is in maintaining a peaceful society and preventing public order offences.
The Harms Of Criminalising Public Drunkenness | 360edge
“As is often the case with criminal laws that target alcohol and other drug use, these measures disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable in the community.
“Public drunkenness is a relatively common sight on any Friday and Saturday night, but it is commonly only viewed as a disturbance outside socially accepted times and places. This means public drunkenness laws are most often targeted towards alcohol dependent people, who may be drinking during the day or at socially inappropriate locations.
“Many people intercepted for public drunkenness have experiences of homelessness, mental health issues, disability, violence or trauma. For some people who are socially isolated, drinking in public gives a sense of social connection or can be seen as a tool to cope with challenging life circumstances.
“It is widely acknowledged that criminal laws against public drunkenness disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Decriminalisation of public drunkenness in Victoria | Alcohol & Drug Foundation
“Alcohol use is a public health issue, not a criminal justice issue.”
“It is no longer a criminal offence in Victoria to be intoxicated (affected by alcohol) in public. Police cannot arrest, detain or fine you for this offence. They still have powers to arrest and detain you for other public order offences.”
[Public order offences include disorderly conduct, unlawful assembly, homelessness, prostitution, and drug and alcohol offences.]
Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials | United Nations Human Rights (1979)
PLACE. LOWER ESPLANADE. FIRST NATIONS MURAL. The Vaults — St Kilda First Nations Artwork
From Port Phillip City Council (March 2024):
“Council is commissioning a large-scale First Nations Artwork located along the St Kilda foreshore on the lower esplanade ‘Vaults’ wall.
“This site faces the St Kilda foreshore and is a location which has significant links for Traditional Owners and presents an opportunity to work with them on local reconciliation.
“Council is seeking a First Nations Artist/s for an artwork which will be painted directly onto the wall space allocated which incorporates First Nations themes and concepts, working with the surrounding area and respecting Traditional Owners.
“The artwork will serve as an opportunity to integrate storytelling in a creative way.”
Artist: Tommy Day III | Poulina Romano 2024
PLACE. CATANI GARDENS. MEMORIAL SCULPTURE. Captain Cook statue at Catani Gardens, St Kilda foreshore
“A statue of James Cook, is located next to the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in Catani Gardens, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. It was erected in 1914. It was removed from its plinth in an act of vandalism in 2024, on the eve of Australia Day.
“It was erected in 1914 by the St. Kilda Council to honour Cook who in 1770, led a voyage with the first Europeans to the east coast of Australia.
“Since 2018, the statue has been physically targeted on dates near Australia Day in late January. In 2018, the statue was graffitied with the words “no pride” An Aboriginal Australian flag was placed next to the statue. In 2022, the statue was covered with red paint.
“The statue is a replica of the statue of Cook on the West Cliff area of Whitby, in the English county of North Yorkshire. Cook was a native of Whitby. The statue was sculpted by John Tweed. It is a life-sized sculpture of Cook. It is listed on the National Trust Database of Victoria.
“The entry on the database describes the monument as “a good example of early twentieth century British Edwardian academic memorial sculpture” although less important than the equestrian statue of Edward VII by Edgar Bertram Mackennal at Queen Victoria Gardens [across the National Gallery of Victoria].”—Wikipedia
“A statue of Captain Cook in St Kilda that was toppled by vandals will be resurrected following a fiery council debate.
“A motion to have community consultation on the statue’s future was defeated.”—ABC News
COMMUNITY. RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL. All Saints’ Day
“The first evidence for the November 1 date of celebration and of the broadening of the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs occurred during the reign of Pope Gregory III (731–741), who dedicated a chapel in St. Peter’s, Rome, on November 1 in honour of all saints. In 800 All Saints’ Day was kept by Alcuin on November 1, and it also appeared in a 9th-century English calendar on that day. In 837 Pope Gregory IV ordered its general observance. In medieval England the festival was known as All Hallows, and its eve is still known as Halloween. The period from October 31 to November 2 (All Souls’ Day) is sometimes known as Allhallowtide.”—Britannica
PLACE. AMUSEMENT PARK. Luna Park Melbourne
“On December 13th 1912, Mr Moon [a.k.a. Big Mouth] opened his giant mouth to St Kilda and welcomed thousands of people into Melbourne’s Luna Park for the first time.
“Since that day, St Kilda’s famous Luna Park, the oldest theme park in Australia, has had millions of visitors who have enjoyed some of the most iconic rides in Melbourne. Year after year our guests bring their families back to share memories and a day of fun at the most memorable amusement park in Melbourne.”—Luna Park Melbourne
October 31, Halloween: A month-long celebration across St Kilda?
How effective are street drinking bans in preventing public order offences and anti-social behaviour?
“Examples of anti-social behaviour: noise, noise nuisance, vandalism, harassment, bullying, aggression, intimidation, crime, verbal abuse, violence, fighting, littering, dumping rubbish, reckless driving, household disputes…”—Gen.AI+
Key issues in antisocial behaviour | Australian Institute of Criminology
PLACE. LIVE MUSIC. The Esplanade Hotel. Open Mic Tuesdays at The Basement hosted by Stacey Pommer
“Open Mic nights are alive at The Espy. Whether you’re new to playing to a live audience or building up your confidence to hit the big time – all are welcome Tuesdays from 7.30pm.”—Espy Live Online
“I wander up The Esplanade past where Melbourne jazz and soul matriarchs Ruby Carter and Renee Geyer used to live and regularly play and am dwarfed by a giant mural of long time St Kilda local Paul Kelly adorning the northern wall of the famous Espy Hotel. I close my eyes and hear Paul’s nasally iconic voice saying ‘’give you all of Sydney harbour, all that land, all that water, for that one sweet promenade’’ from his song St Kilda to King’s Cross.
“The walls are adorned with action shots of past gigs, and the iconic music cartoons from local illustrator and musician Fred Negro. There’s a chalk board up featuring dozens of names from a new breed of musicians frothing to play the weekly Open Mic night, which is hosted by local identity Stacey Pommer, son of legendary local drummer Billy Pommer Jr, who played with one of Neil Young’s favourite bands, the Johnnys.
“I drift into the Memo Music Hall, one of St Kilda’s favourite candlelit venues where Normie Rowe recorded the city’s first hit, Ain’t Necessarily So, in 1965. Strolling along Acland Street I walk past a giant mural of UK-Born, Frankston based techno DJ Carl Cox, who has played many wild sets at nearby Riva Bar and the Catani Gardens. Then past Hot House Studios, where rock royalty including Franz Ferdinand, Airbourne and Dallas Crane were recorded by engineer Craig Harnath on his vintage 1974 Neve console which AC/DC used to record on when they lived around the corner in the mid 1970s and recorded their first two albums.”–Patrick Donovan
PLACE. LIVE MUSIC . George Lane, off Grey Street, via the laneway at the back of the George Hotel
“Located on the ground floor of the iconic George Hotel Building on St Kilda’s Fitzroy St. The heritage building has stood since 1857 from which it has housed many uses and influential personalities. Its ornate external and internal features provide an image of the suburbs early development and significance to the evolving architecture since the mid 1800’s.
“Today George Lane resides below the former Crystal Ballroom which was a music venue located within the George Hotel. It has often been referred to as the centerpiece of Melbourne’s post-punk movement, showcasing groups such as The Birthday Party, Dead Can Dance, Hunters and Collectors, Models, Crime and the City Solution and The Moodists, as well as visiting Sydney bands INXS, The Laughing Clowns and Midnight Oil, and Brisbane’s The Go-Betweens and The Saints.”—George Lane Online
“A St Kilda institution.”
“The Iodice brothers Johnny, Alex, Adrian opened The Vineyard Restaurant in 1999 quickly establishing a reputation as a place to be in St Kilda for locals and tourists alike. 22 [25!] years later The Vineyard is still holding on and serving the St Kilda crowds, with Johnny and Alex sailing this little boat shed 7 days and nights a week.”—The Vineyard Online
PLACE. LIVE MUSIC. DANCE CLUB. Loud Mouth, Acland St corner Barkly St, Acland Street Village
“St Kilda’s newest “hotspot”, opened its doors in September 2023.
“By day, indulge in the laid-back vibes of our cozy bar, where live music sets the perfect backdrop for relaxation and socializing.
“As the sun sets, experience the transformation into a pulsating nightclub scene, electrified by top DJs spinning the latest beats.”—Loud Mouth
PLACE. COMEDY. LIVE MUSIC. Iddy Biddy Comedy Tuesdays 7.30pm
“Iddy Biddy is a quirky, fun and comfortable bar situated in the heart of St Kilda. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and anything in between, Iddy Biddy boasts an affordable and extensive food and drinks menu with comfortable indoor and outdoor dining areas.
“As well as fantastic dining, Iddy Biddy offers Live Music acts throughout the week making this venue a perfect place to relax with friends and family.
“Iddy Biddy has been serving quality food and drink to the St Kilda community since 2008. Value for money, consistant quality, fantastic taste and generous portions are what Iddy Biddy is widely known for.”—Iddy Biddy Online
“With top St Kilda restaurants, bars, gymnasium, sea water pool, cafes, bike, kite and stand up paddle boarding, it is in an exceptional position on Melbourne’s most famous beach, St Kilda.”—Sea Baths Online
CORPORATE SPONSORED COMMUNITY EVENTS. Major Outdoor Events in Public Spaces
Catani Gardens, St Kilda South Reserve and Moran Reserve, as well as sections of the St Kilda Foreshore and adjoining streets are frequently used not only for music & arts festivals but also for sports & leisure events.
Sign up to receive the latest Major Event notifications | City of Port Phillip
PLACE. FORESHORE. Catani Archway, St Kilda Foreshore
“The Catani Archway was conceived by Carlo Catani, as part of broader St. Kilda Foreshore reclamation and beautification works between 1890 and 1916.
“The engineering firm of Monash & Anderson undertook this project, constructed in the Monier method of reinforced concrete and commenced construction in April of 1916. It was completed around the time of the World War One battle of Pozieres, where Catani’s son, Enrico, and so many soldiers fell. Consequently, it was to sadly draw the appellation Bridge of Sighs for the 23,000 casualties, of whom 6,800 were killed or died of wounds. About this time, it was also proudly dubbed, Bridge of Honour.“—Victorian Collections Online
PLACE. FORESHORE. St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
“St Kilda Pier dates back to the mid 1800’s as an early working jetty. The breakwater was later constructed for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, as a safe harbour for sailing events. You may notice the start tower at the end of the Breakwater, still in use to this day.
“The St Kilda Ferry departs from St Kilda Pier at the lower-landing near the start of the pier. The popular ferry travels between St Kilda Pier, Gem Pier in Williamstown, and Station Pier in Port Melbourne. Bookings are recommended. The ferry timetable can be found at www.stkildaferry.com.au“—Parks Victoria Online
PLACE. ACCOMMODATIONS. St Kilda Coffee Palace on Grey Street
“It’s one of the first ‘temperance hotels’, created in 1883 by extensively rebuilding something that had been built as an ‘assembly room’ in 1871, then became a roller skating rink in 1874. The rebuild was designed by #HendersonandSmart (who later joined with Joseph Reed). It had 37 rooms and a dining room ‘in Corinthian style’ (parts still visible), a billiard room and a ladies salon. The top floor was added in 1888, hence the ‘broken pediment’ at first floor level. Apparently it also closed in 1888, so clearly couldn’t compete with the George Hotel virtually next door and much more prominent.”—Storey Of Melbourne Online
5 facts you didn’t know about homelessness | Mission Australia
1. There are over 122,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night
2. Only 6% of people who are homeless are sleeping on the streets
3. Over 17,600 children younger than 12 years are homeless
4. 60% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing homelessness live in severely overcrowded dwellings
5. Domestic and family violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness in Australia
PLACE. HIGH-STREET. New traders pop up on Fitzroy Street
PLACE. PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT. Fortis Files Fresh Plans for Consolidated St Kilda Site (January 2023)
“Boutique property developer Fortis has lodged plans for a $25-million shoptop development at St Kilda.
“The planning application before the Port Phillip City Council seeks a five-storey mixed-use building on an amalgamated 2660sq m site at 61A-73 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.
“The latest application wants to demolish the existing three-storey commercial building, which includes commercial shop fronts at street level and short-term accommodation on the upper level.”—The Urban Developer Online
Demolition was scheduled for early 2024.
Fitzroy Street: Live Love Local | WSKRA
PLACE. PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT. 99-105 Fitzroy Street
“Nestled in the vibrant heart of St Kilda, the 99-105 Fitzroy Street development represents a pinnacle of luxury living, brought to you by the renowned Brunswick Group. This exquisite development, designed by the acclaimed architects at Warren & Mahoney, features an array of residential apartments that promise to redefine sophistication in one of Melbourne’s most iconic suburbs.
“Residents of 99-105 Fitzroy Street will enjoy a high Walkscore of 96, indicating that daily needs, entertainment, and leisure are just a walk away. Notably, the development is surrounded by top-rated schools, comprehensive shopping centres, lush parks, and is in close proximity to the highly regarded medical facilities. Public transportation options are abundant, ensuring easy access to and from the area.”—Townly
PLACE. COMMUNITY CENTRE. Christ Church St Kilda
“Christ Church Mission’s Community Centre (St Kilda’s Little Mission) is committed to creating an environment which is welcoming, inclusive and supportive for the diverse range of people and groups in our local community.
“Recognising that poverty of resources and poverty of relationships can lead to social exclusion, the Centre offers opportunities for social interaction and personal growth, particularly through our weekly free community meal, emergency support, volunteering opportunities, engagement in free or low-cost activities, and community outreach.”—St Kilda’s Little Mission
PLACE. THEATRE. Theatre Works on Acland Street and Explosives Factory on Inkerman Street
“Theatre Works is one of Australia’s longest-running independent theatres, constantly reinvigorating and reimagining the sector by providing a hotbed for artists and audience development.
“Theatre Works champions artists and work that embraces difference and celebrates risk, working to provide a supportive public platform for marginalised conversations and voices.”—TW
PLACE. ART. Linden New Art on Acland Street
“The mansion was purchased in 1983 by the St Kilda City Council, now part of the City of Port Phillip, and extensive renovations were undertaken to improve the facility for the community.
“Linden opened to the public as an art gallery in 1986. In late 2017 to 2018, the City of Port Phillip supported another significant upgrade to the facility and as a result a stunning new entry foyer and additional exhibition spaces were built. Designed by Michael Taylor Architecture & Heritage, the large two storey glass box that links the old and new parts of the building was inspired by glass panels found in the Linden Project Space.
“The heritage-listed building is a free entry public art gallery and a significant cultural destination in St Kilda.”—Linden New Art Online
PLACE. FAST FOOD. McDonald’s on Acland Street/The Esplanade is open 24/7
“The classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers & fries, situated at the centre of Acland Street.”—Acland Street Village
A revitalised public space completed in September/October 2024.
“No. 16 tram from Swanston Street, No. 96 from Bourke Street, or No. 12 from Collins Street (around 25 minutes) to St Kilda; No. 3 from Swanston Street to Carlisle Street (around 35 minutes) and Alma Road (around 40 minutes).
“Trams run approximately every 10 minutes between 5.30am and 1.30am.”—What’s On St Kilda Online
Find out more about using a mobility aid on trains, trams and buses.
“Turning up the volume on our unparalleled home-grown talent, the best acts from around the country and the most sought-after artists from across the globe, the 2022 and 2023 programs featured shows of all scales and styles, created and curated for our special stages, places and beloved venues across Melbourne and throughout the regions.
“Looking back, forward and at everything in between, Always Live is about live contemporary music in all its forms: from the industry and musicians to the community and fans who support it, all with the energy and atmosphere Victoria’s live contemporary music scene is known and loved for.”—Always Live
Note: some links below won’t take you to the corresponding artist—find gig details in the
Always Live Program
Adrian Eagle AIRFRA Andy Shauf Anees Anthony Anyma presents Genesy Bambii BANKS Bimini BLAKTIVISM with Baker Boy Bôa Boite Voices Maiem CASSIAN Cash Savage & The Last Drinks Chenile Chandler Chet Faker – Built On Glass 10th Anniversary Christine Anu Collingwood Crawl ’24 Coterie Dan Sultan Deline Briscoe DICE Eleanor Jawurlngali Emma Donovan & Friends End Of The Line FLEWNT & INKABEE FrenzeeGRE Folk Sounds with Steph Strings, Didirri and Kee’ahnvFOOLS Full Flower Moon Band Gottmik Garage Band Jack White JACOTÉNE Jamaican Music & Food Festival Kaiit Live At The Chapel with Birds of Tokyo Live At The Gardens Luliepalooza with Starcrawler Maithili Thakur Mia Wray Missy Higgins Pacific Avenue R.em.edy Ripple Effect ‘Mayawa’ Album Tour Sarah Blasko St. Vincent Tash Sultana Tasman Keith Telenova Tina Arena & Richard Marx The Offspring The Push All-Ages Tour The Rions The Slingers TRAMP WAXAHATCHEE Yarns & Yodels with Brad Cox & Friends YERAMBOOEE
“In December 2022 Arts Centre Melbourne presented its second Blaktivism, an event centring on Blak voices and First Nations musical activism. Curated by Gaba Musik Artistic Director Deline Briscoe, Blaktivism began as an Australian response to the global dialogue around the Black Lives Matter [#BLM] movement and its impacts on Indigenous sovereignty.”–Arts Centre Melbourne | Jody Haines (April 2023)
“Nicholas James Murphy (born 23 June 1988), known professionally as Chet Faker, is an Australian singer and songwriter.”—Wikipedia
Nick Murphy & The Program Take In The Roses
25 YEARS NOW. Moon Safari by Air, Always Live, Wednesday 04 December 2024 7pm, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Arts Centre Melbourne
Nicolas Godin & Jean-Benoît Dunckel are Always Live
Always Live Has Added Air Playing ‘Moon Safari’ in Full to Its Already Jam-Packed 2024 Lineup | Concrete Playground | Sarah Ward (8 November 2024)
[Media above Concrete Playground Online]
“When you make an album that lasts the test of time, that feat is worth celebrating. Moon Safari isn’t the only record from French electro-pop duo Air that’s as stellar now as it was when it first met the world, but the dreamy 1998 release is the album that Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel have been celebrating in 2024. To mark its 25th anniversary, which arrived last year, the pair have been touring the globe to play Moon Safari in full live — starting in France, of course, but also heading everywhere from Switzerland, Italy, Germany and the UK to the US and Australia.”—Concrete Playground
YAYOI KUSAMA NOW. NGV International, 15 December 2024–25 April 2025
“Born in Japan in 1929, Kusama is one of the world’s most important and recognised practitioners working today. Kusama is renowned globally for her singular and idiosyncratic use of pattern, colour and symbols to create immersive, thought-provoking and intensely personal works of art that transcend language and borders. The artist has made indelible contributions to key art movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including minimalism, pop art, performance and feminist art, and is celebrated today for her instantly recognisable works of art incorporating pumpkin and polka-dot motifs.”—NGV
POST-SCRIPTUM:
DOCUMENTARY | AUSTRALIAN HISTORY. The Search For The Palace Letters (2023) by historian Jenny Hocking, directed by Daryl Dellora | Available on ABC iView. “This remarkable documentary tells the story of Professor Jenny Hocking, the historian who took on the Australian Government and HM Queen Elizabeth II in a landmark legal battle – and won.”—ABC
“The Search For The Palace Letters follows the personal struggle of historian Professor Jenny Hocking as she fights an epic battle against the Australian Government, the National Archives, and the British Royal Family in a landmark self-funded legal action. At stake is whether letters between former Governor-General Sir John Kerr and HM Queen Elizabeth II, written at the time of the constitutional crisis of 1975, are deemed private correspondence and therefore remain closed, or official documents that should be accessible to the Australian people under the terms of the Archives Act (1983). Running for many years, the Palace Letters case* resulted in a stunning High Court victory and opened the secret archives on the Palace’s role in Kerr’s unprecedented dismissal of the Whitlam Government and set a powerful precedent overturning Royal Secrecy and enabling Australians to know their own history.”—palaceletters.com
