It was an intrepid group of local residents and kinder families which gathered for the 9th Annual Lagoon Reserve Neighbour Planting Saturday morning, 28 May 2016.  The wet, windy conditions were testing, but they didn’t best us!  Perhaps the feat in newly wintry weather will become a mini-legend – ‘The time when..
 It was a tremendous effort by all concerned in so many different directions! Propagation, Planning, Photo, Promotion, I describe the Undertaking as definitely successful’.  More hundreds, if not thousands, of Port people know about our local initiative and the Bubup Womindjeka’s Open Day than ever before.
Surely that translates into positive community value, richness, respect and pride, – some measurable, much ineffable but palpable.
 Fantastic to think so many seedlings did get planted to refresh, augment, and extend two of Lagoon Reserve’s native garden beds – all in still warm, damp soil at an optimum time.
 Although it is impossible to measure how many people knew about our event or considered the conditions prohibitive, I believe there is community appreciation for our initiative that resonates in respect and enjoyment of the park. Extra gratitude is due to the true ‘Outdoor Champions who ventured out in imposing conditions to work with Council Officers to enrich one of Port Melbourne’s special parks.
 By Alice
Photo supplied by Alice

 Join us to capture a moment in time through memories, experience and imagination. Learn from the past to create a future together. Build a vibrant and diverse community to live, work and play.
Tell and share your story through digital storytelling, a series of photos or a photo and caption. You can get involved in the following ways:

• Participate in an 11 week digital storytelling course on Friday mornings. Course begins 15 April and runs to 24 June. Facilitator: David Nicholas. Basic writing and computer skills needed. Participants will create a 2-4 minute digital story using  a combination or oral history (300 words), and photos plus or minus music. Spaces are still available but get in quick!
  
• Link us to community members who have a story to tell
• Submit your own story and photo 
• Link up with a community member who can help you to tell your story
• Register your interest with ship@ischs.org.au

I love my work, the place where I live and why not? I'm a cosmetic tattooist. It often happens to me that my clients get moved/ touched as soon as I finish the procedure. Their confidence is finally back! Sometimes they have been fighting against very bad sickness for years but in the end... They win!!! I'm the final step to show them that they did it! I love my life too! I'm so lucky because I live and work in Port Melbourne where all my favourite things just mix extraordinary well together: ocean, sky, beach, parks and many many different cultures.
Facebook: Bayside Cosmetic Tattoo
 
By Stefania
Photo by Michelle Chan

Given the fact that I married a Victorian farmer’s son and as a dancer, I knew we were always going to end up in Melbourne, where it has a terrific arts scene.  Port Melbourne has the best combination of beach/port life as well as walking distance access to the city and all of its arts.  I want to work and live in the same suburb, where I can walk or bike most places, where my kids can go to the local community kinder or school, and where I can feel like I am contributing to making my community a happier, healthier place to live.
 
My family is a massive part of my life. Every choice I make in my life these days has an attachment of how it will affect them.  As my personal yoga practise doesn’t just take place in a studio, but often at home on my own mat, my children become a part of this.  It often becomes an advanced version of the game Twister, where I am trying to maintain or transition into a pose, and they find ways to include their bodies into the mix; some less gracefully than others.  My family helps make me who I am, thus it is important to me to have my kids included in a representation of that. 
 
This year I started my own movement company: Mindful Movement Melbourne, where I teach yoga, fusion (pilates meets yoga) and dance classes. I have always been passionate about movement.  I have been a dancer from the age of 4.  For the last 20 years I have been teaching dance in local dance studios, and as well I have been teaching yoga in local studios for the last 13 years of those 20.  I love to move and to dance, and I have a hard time sitting still when surrounded by music.  After starting a consistent meditation practise a few years ago to combat post-natal sleep deprivation after the birth of my littlest one, I began to notice a difference in how I was teaching my yoga and dance classes to how I wanted to teach them: with purpose and acknowledge of a student’s personal journey.  I also noticed the difference in myself from regular meditation; I became more patient as a mother, and more relaxed as an individual.  As I attempted to teach and accommodate my own changes, it became clear to me that I needed a chance to expand the classes I’d like to teach, but to do so with a higher level of authenticity meant that I would need the freedom to pursue those objectives, hence Mindful Movement Melbourne.
 
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mindfulmovementmelbourne 
Instagram: @smrekartdance 
Email: mindfulmovementmelbourne@gmail.com 
By Sam Thompson
Photo by Michelle Chan

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room;
Why cry for a soul set free!
 
Miss me a little but not for too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me – but let me go!”
  ( taken from
Kevin’s beautiful smiles will always be in our heart. God bless.
Carmen

Monica Dullard:  Works for the Port Phillip Library Service.  Conducts Story Time at Port Melbourne Library on Wednesday’s at 11am for Tiny Tots Program.
 
I have been working at the library service for just over 10 years, and I have been delivering story time programs at Port Melbourne Public Library, Albert Park library, Emerald Hill Library and St Kilda library service for well over 9 years. 
I love my job, and I love getting to know all the families in the area, who come to story time.  They start off bringing their first baby to the library,  (then usually another sibling later on ) and it is a privilege to watch them grow up and develop as a person, learning early literacy skills, with the use of reading stories, singing, action rhymes, dance, counting, and interactive and engaging ‘play' sessions,  when attending story time programs and using the Port Melbourne library space.  
 
There are 2.5 million story time sessions deliver in public libraries right across Victoria every year, and they are all free.   Cultural institutions such as public libraries are such an important part of early learning and early literacy for children and their families in the local community.  As well as learning early literacy, by coming to the library at least once a week, children develop a life long love of public libraries, and children’s space within libraries are vital for children to feel they belong and to assist them with developing a love of books and reading, and to assist them to get involved in using the digital services of a modern public library as well. 
 
The website for the Port Melbourne Library is:   http://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Home
 Our website is chock full of information for the whole family, including, school holiday programs, homework help, access to ebooks, and e-audio books, e-magazines, films, book clubs for children and local history.  You can even find out who lived in your house 100 years ago at your library!
 
I am delighted to be part of the Port Melbourne community, and as an added bonus, when I buy my lunch each day, I am always greeted by children and their families who call out to me in Bay Street to show me their latest drawing done at kinder, or to tell me all about their day, or show me their sore finger or knee, which always has a splendid Wiggles or Peppa Pig band-aid applied to help with the healing.  I wouldn’t have it any other way!  
 
By Monica Dullard
Photo by Michelle Chan

We came to Melbourne in March 2014 because my husband was sent by the government of Malaysia to serve as a Consul at the Consulate General of Malaysia here in Melbourne to assist fellow Malaysians and would be foreign visitors in matters relating to immigration such as passports, travel documents and social visit visa.  In the first place, we continued the lease of the previous Consul. As time went by, we grew to love Port Melbourne as it is such a nice suburb to experience our life in Melbourne.  Life here is different indeed compared as what we used to experience back home. Port Melbourne offers more relaxing environment but with most things still within reach. Culturally, we don't find it too much of a difference as Melbourne itself is so diverse in culture as we can find most  of the things that we are used to quite easily here. One thing commendable for sure is the relaxing nature here!  Port Melbourne - could not ask for more. Close to the city, the beach, entertainment both for kids and adults and lots more! Not forgetting all the nice people and cafes around it.
 
Photo by Michelle Chan
Written by Zubaidah Latif

184 locals and visitors came to ARTcontained at Station Pier  to see the Poster exhibition during 1-7 February. Some of the reveiws of the exhibition:
 Posters of PORTogether brings Port Melbourne to life through the eyes of its own people. I was particularly impressed with Aili Lim 's #morethanaport for its combination of uniquely Port snapshots. Lims poster generates the feeling that the spirit of place cannot be captured in a single image, but rather that it exists in the liminal space between images where their commonalities can be found.

I have seen the posters in shop windows up and down Bay Street Liked the connection and collection of local photos/art really good.
 
Its nice to see familiar photos display in container about Port Melbourne . My favorite is Storytime. Well done to all the artists. It’s a really beautiful way to showcase Port Melbourne

The public display of works in the Posters of PORTogether exhibition has officially closed but the artworks will continue to be available to view online.
The innovative public display held on Bay Street and Station Pier across January and early February allowed a wide range of members of the community to view the works. Curious onlookers had the opportunity to poke their heads inside a shipping container while walking past, a gaggle of cyclists dropped by adding a cultural break to their journey through Port Melbourne, overseas visitors checked out the display while their cruise ships were stationed at the pier and some travelled across the city when word of the exhibition spread.
The Bay Street exhibition allowed locals to combine community art with their weekly chores and coffee breaks.
Plans are afoot to involve the community in a third phase of the community arts project.
Contact us if you would like to be involved ship@ischs.org

Elegant Slax owner George opens the door to the community exhibition Posters of PORTogether. Don a pair of slacks to promenade the waterfront as featured in Walk my Way, to celebrate the milestone of 40 years in business @ElegantSlax. Listen to artist Peter discuss the inspiration for Walk My Way https://youtu.be/g9RxF0haci4
‪#‎portogether‬ ‪#‎portmelbourne‬
http://ow.ly/WH2xi

One of Port Phillip’s great community treasures, the Port Melbourne Library, is being featured in a community arts exhibition along Bay Street from January 5-24. Port Melbourne resident Bob Newey has created an artwork celebrating ‘Knowledge is Free at the Library’ as part of the Posters of PORTogether exhibition showing in the window of the next-door building, Hurricane Handsome cafe.
Listen to Bob share his inspiration for promoting the Port Melbourne Library.
‘Knowledge is Free at the Library’ is one of 18 works displayed in shop windows along Bay Street from January 5-24.

Every Friday for 8 weeks we attended wonderful training sessions to become a Waterfront Welcomer, so on the 27th October we were ready to welcome our first of many visitors to our wonderful City of Port Melbourne.
 After setting up our banners and brochures we waited for the passengers to disembark the Noordam.  For about 3 hours we engaged with many International and Australian visitors needing assistance with many and varied requests, and for those who had no real plans a free rickshaw ride to Bay Street for some retail therapy and a bite to eat was a great success.
 Overall, judging by the feedback from some returning visitors the information and advice given by us was well received, also they were pleasantly surprised that this was a voluntary service as they have not experienced this in any other port.
 I had lots of fun and I am looking forward to my next shift. "
Debbie O'Farrell

Aagaman – 271 Bay Street Port Melbourne                                                                     
SHIP Social Club had a great night at Aagaman in Bay Street on Saturday night. It was my first taste of Nepalese cuisine and it was only bettered by the company. I’ll definitely be back.
The mains were very reasonable at $16.18 and meat lovers and vegetarians both seem well catered for. I snared a couple of bowls of steamed rice (thanks Dani) which made for a really tasty hearty meal.
I had the gamely lamb, tender diced lamb roasted with potatoes and Nepalese spices and finished with spinach and cashews – Yum!! Dani’s eggplant dish reminded me why I love eggplant and Rochelle’s spicy chicken was HUGE. I didn’t hear any complaints about the food or service.
It was also nice to meet some new Waterfront Welcomers in Sue, Ben and his wife Cora. I could go on espousing the virtues of Aagaman, but the main thing is our resident restaurant connoisseur, Lulu has given it the thumbs up, we’ll be back. √ Tick!
By Tom

Damien is a professional race jockey and a sporting legend in this country, having won the Melbourne Cup three times.
His lovely family enjoys the outdoors lifestyle in Port Melbourne.
'To live by the sea, there's no better place to be.'
By Michelle

It was the second Saturday in August, a cold winter’s night with a lazy wind – one that doesn’t go around but right through you. I didn’t really want to go out but had said I’d go to the inaugural “SHIP sails into Port Cafes” dinner.

 As soon as I walked into Skewer’d, a Greek restaurant in Bay Street, I felt much happier. It was warm, friendly, smelt delicious and everyone seemed to be relaxed and enjoying themselves. I joined our table in the back corner and the night looked up from there. There were five of us and everyone in a good mood. We shared a dip – thanks Steve, then a huge platter of meats and salad ($7 each). Unusually there was no dessert but Ben had come prepared with a really delicious lime chewing gum!

As you can see from the photo we had a great night and I was pleased I had ventured out. Now I’m happily anticipating the next dinner, at a Nepalese restaurant and hope more people can join us on the second Saturday of next month.
By Susie

  On the weekends, my four-year-old child constantly asks; ‘Is it Heather Feather day today?’
Heather is the teacher, director and a former student at South Port Melbourne Uniting Care Kindergarten formerly known as Port Melbourne Uniting Church Kindergarten. She has been involved in the education and care of children at the kindergarten for over 25 years.  Heather and her extended family have collectively resided in Port Melbourne for over 80 years—seeing many changes— the Nott Street Primary School she attended is now the Port Phillip Specialist School.
When Heather walks along Bay Street, there is always a familiar face to say ‘hello.’ She stops to chat with neighbours, shopkeepers, past and present students, their parents and grandparents.
As a parent and fellow early childhood teacher, Heather is an inspiration and positive role model. Parents can trust that Heather and her staff will nurture, care and educate the children in a fun and supportive environment. She is truly dedicated and passionate about her job. As an educator, she has had such a profound, long term impact on so many children. How can we thank someone who has significantly enriched my children’s lives and prepared them for school? Heather is a rare gem in our community, our family and one of the hearts and souls of Port Melbourne.
by Michelle

Sunset at ‘the Beach’

I turned around and the sun was going down. You don’t normally see it like this. When you are in a rush you don’t normally stand still.
by Rochelle

This would be the path along the beach where I walk morning and afternoon.  It makes my feel better for the day exercising and seeing those who walk the walk.  I have taken many photo shots and this is one of them.  The day is warm and the path is clear what more could you ask for.  Absolute Bliss.
By Chris

Roy reflected on the bygone years and said there were two instances of his family presence in Port Melbourne. In the 1860’s his great grand- parents had travelled via a sailing vessel, from Ireland to Australia.  The vessel landed in Station Pier which is today an entry point for millions of visitors, from the gateway for the luxury liners and the daily Spirit of Tasmania ferry. The great grand- parents were transferred to a naval vessel where they embarked on a journey to Warrnambool.  In Warrnambool they had a 700 acres property.

In the late 1940’s his sister and her husband bought property in Liardet St, close to Bay Street, for 800 pounds—with his uncle’s assistance.  Her husband used to commute to work in Essendon. Next to the property was a strip of land that was vacant and after seven years they were able to claim it as their own.  The house had a brick frontage but was in disrepair, so the couple later moved down the road to property on the beach. In the 1950’s, Roy used to visit the cinema on the corner of Bay Street and Liardet Street, with his sister.
by Barbara
Photo by David N