Hello Readers – Just to let you know it was held on the 28th September (remember the night it “bucketed” and thundered ?) Thank you to the just over 30 people who attended despite nature’s fury. Judy & Peter Yeung set up an olive oil tasting booth and we were able to taste, buy and find out about this entrepreneurial retired couple whose produce is from their family farm in Mickelham. All amidst much neighbourly chatter and laughter.

RAV speakers Sarah Kaushik and Anna Lygopolous gave an entertaining presentation of a very serious subject – ALCOHOL- and how we residents might be both informed of, and respond to, late night alcohol related activities that detract from our amenity and peace of mind. We shall not summarise it all, but give you some key contacts which you might want to revert to before total frustration.

Objecting to a Liquor Licence application: Liquor Licences Online at www.justice.vic.gov.au/alcohol

The Role of the Compliance Directorate : If you have a complaint about noise levels or patron behaviour, you might want to contact the venue manager, but failing all,the  email hotline for complaints is compliancedirectorate@justice.vic.gov.au  You should include details about the nature of your complaint, the exact location, and your own contact details.A Complaint Form is also available at www.justice.vic.gov.au/alcohol  Alternatively write to:  Compliance Directorate, Responsible Alcohol Victoria, PO Box 120, PRAHRAN, VICTORIA 3181

The “Freeze” will apply until June 2013, impacting on new licences for trade after 1am.

We were very pleased to have Councillor Oke and Councillor Ong attend, and thank them for their time and input. There was some discussion that public transport (other than taxis & Nightrider buses) ceases, at the very time that many patrons exit venues at 1am. It would be helpful if Council could lobby State Government to extend the trains (outgoing) until 2am on Saturdays and Sundays, getting people moving  more quickly to their destination . Patron behaviour outside Fast Food Outlets was also a “sticking point” with residents. No doubt these issues will be ongoing.

Please do get back to us with any comments or questions in the section below, and we shall get back to you…