HF Oasis sale x 25 listed, local law decision divides, local budget wins and Vineyard saga twist

#513 Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May

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HousingFirst lists all 25 Oasis units for sale

[Breaking news: Oasis tenants have reported seeing their apartments for sale online] After squirming in the spotlight and making caring noises, HousingFirst has listed all 25 units in the Oasis complex for sale in a single line via an Expressions of Interest campaign closing Thursday 28 May at 2 pm (AEST). Despite claiming that the sale was because the units were a financial liability, the sale material says:
‘An outstanding investment opportunity in a strong rental market (5%+ yield) that has also experienced substantial capital growth.
Potential for up to $700k income p.a. fully leased.’
And here’s the heartless kicker – the sale is with vacant possession. So much for working it out case by case with tenants. More info next week.
[Link to sale notice]

Council backs controversial local law

Councillors have voted to proceed with controversial amendments to local laws covering encampments. Facing a packed public gallery and after heated questioning of officers, the final vote was 5 for, 3 against and 1 abstaining. [TWiSK reports]

State budget brings some local joy

Budget season can feel like a blur of big numbers and bigger promises, so it is always worth asking what it means closer to home. TWiSK looks at what the state budget is set to deliver for St Kilda and nearby suburbs. [State budget winners]

Lakeside Ward ignored in council budget

Council has released its draft budget for consultation, with public feedback open until 29 May. For Lakeside Ward, the verdict is brutal: the budget offers next to nothing in 2026/27. [Opinion from a Lakeside local]

Collective inspiration for The Vineyard?

The Vineyard saga continues with the Iodice brothers, despite the current lease expiring at the end of April. After a sad and sorry saga of inaction, false starts and recriminations, council is planning yet another round of community consultation and an EOI process — repeating the same approach and expecting a different result.
This has prompted Cr Serge Thomann to bring together a dream team of local architects to work pro bono on creative ideas, infused with local understanding, to help shape the next decisions about the fabled Vineyard.
[You heard it on the grapevine first with TWiSK]

Cosmopolitan Hotel plans hit drainage hurdle

Plans to redevelop the seven-storey Cosmopolitan Hotel have hit a major obstacle: a drainage easement that could block a building permit. [Watch this space]

St Kilda City women win after Embley kicks seven goals

After starting the season with four respectable losses, the St Kilda City women’s team has recorded its first win of the season in the SFNL Women’s Division 3 competition. [Watch the team sing with joy]

Review: Isolation in Three-Part (Dis)harmony

Theatre Works brings another authentically Australian story to the stage: a tale of isolation, alienation, and miscommunication. [Red Sky Morning until 16 May]

Win tickets: Anna X at Red Stitch

Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents the Australian premiere of Anna X, a razor-sharp, high-octane satire inspired by the true story of socialite con artist Anna Delvey. It runs from 23 May to 21 June. [Tix and details]

TWiSK newsletter reader exclusive
Email to enter the draw for a double pass. Entries close 19 May.
Prizes are subject to seat availability.

Probus topic Australia’s Volunteer Surgery Ships

Everyone is welcome at the next Probus event, when Samantha Clarke, ambassador for Mercy Ships Australia, will share inspiring stories of life-changing surgery delivered by volunteer teams aboard hospital ships in some of the world’s most challenging regions. St Kilda Bowls Club. Wednesday, 10am. $5 for non-members.

Jimpa screening with LIVE Filmmaker & Cast Q&A

MQFF presents an intimate community screening of landmark film Jimpa, followed by an exclusive live virtual Q&A with Olivia Colman, Kate Box, Aud Mason-Hyde and Sophie Hyde. Pride Centre. Wednesday. [Tickets and info]

Panel Conversations with Councillors

Councillor Bryan Mears (Lakeside Ward), Councillor Rod Hardy (Albert Park Ward) and Councillor Serge Thomann (St Kilda Ward) will take part in a community conversation at Middle Park Community Centre. Wednesday, 6pm. [More details]

‘For the Sake of the Song’

A night of storytelling, musicianship and authentic songs with Shane Howard, Sara Storer and Shane Nicholson. Memo. Thursday. [Tickets and info]

Difficult Woman: Songs of Renee Geyer

Nichaud Fitzgibbon is celebrating 45 years in the industry and a significant birthday by paying tribute to the late Renee Geyer. Friday. Memo. [Tickets and info]

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Greg Day

Happy to chat anytime: 0418 345 829. Content suggestions and community questions are always welcome. gday@edunity.com.au