11 August 2007
City Heart announces new membership category for City stakeholders.

Canberra City heart recognises that many stakeholders are reluctant to join more than one or two of the business lobby groups that exist to represent them due to membership fees becoming a financial burden.

For this reason, City Heart has introduced a new free membership category of the Association known as Associate Member.

This category of membership offers all of the benefits of full membership except the right to vote or to be elected as a member of the Committee of the Association.

You are eligible to the membership if you operate any enterprise in the City (see map) and agree to abide by the rules of the Association.

Simply download the Associate Membership form or contact by mail at PO Box 1214, Canberra City, ACT 2601 and we will post them to you.

Related documents:
Associate Membership Application Form.doc
Associate Membership Benefits.doc

08 August 2007
City Heart Members Honoured
Andrew Pike honoured again.
Former long serving committee member of City Heart Andrew Pike has been awarded a honourary Doctorate from the Australian National University in recognition of his services to the film industry.

Andrew’s work in the field was recognized earlier this year when on Australia Day he was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).The citation reads “services to the film industry, particularly through the promotion of Australian, independent and foreign films, and the community.”

Andrew’s work on the City Heart Committee was invaluable. He served during the formative years of the Association and his generosity with his time and the resources of Ronin Films was of great benefit. Andrew has continued his support of the work of the Association. For example he filmed and edited the 2006 and 2007 Chief Minister’s Command Performances at no charge.

His honours are richly deserved.

Peter Barclay also honoured
Current serving committee member of City Heart, Peter Barclay, has also been honoured with the award of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award reflects Peter’s undying commitment to the Canberra community and business sector. Peter has indeed supported many charities and businesses throughout his career, improving the livelihoods of many, as the citation for the award which reads “for service to the community through support for a range of charitable organisations, and to business” confirms.

Peter also wanted to thank City Heart as he feels it is very much through his involvement with City Heart that he has been able to support several businesses, which, without the opportunities offered by the Association, would not have been possible.
Peter, Congratulations, you deserve it!

15 July 2007
Chief Ministers Command Performance raises record amount for charity.
City Heart staged the third Chief Minister’s Command Performance on 14th June and produced the best ever result by raising over $48,000.00 for The Salvation Army, Open Family and a group of local charities and community organisations. A near full house rocked along to the fabulous music of the Beatles and Abba expertly performed by The Beatnix and Fabba with many patrons dancing in the isles. Support artists Misten, Nigel Beatson and Anh Do rounded out a great programme. Canberra’s own David Kilby provided his comparing skills free of charge.

This brings the total amount raised for charity by City Heart since its foundation in 1997 to nearly $300,000.00.

President of the Association Emmanuel Notaras wishes to acknowledge the continued support of the major sponsor, ActewAGL and in particular the efforts of the Corporation’s Manager of Marketing and Communications, Paul Walshe.

This support has been central to the financial success of the event. Mr Notaras also praised the efforts of Arthur and Pat Laing of Laing Special Events who at no cost to the Association organized the artists and staged the event.

The President also wishes to thank the other sponsors who supported the event. They are Qantas, The Novotel Hotel, The Canberra Times, Quantum Ideas, Win Television, Goanna Print, Fosters Australia and The Cultural Facilities Corporation. 

A large number of Canberra businesses also supported the event by purchasing corporate packages which significantly added to the financial success of the event.

The Association looks forward to next year’s concert and hopes it will exceed this year’s outstanding result.  

Minister Hargreaves congratulating two of the Directors (left John Notaras and centre Emmanuel Notaras) of the successful applicant for the Grant, Canberra CBD Limited.

29 May 2007
City Heart and The Property Council win Government grant for joint venture company Canberra CBD Limited.

City Heart and The Property Council of Australia (ACT Division) through their joint venture company Canberra CBD Limited have successfully tendered for an ACT Government grant of approximately $1500000 per annum for the next 5 years. The grant is the result of the recently legislated City Centre Marketing and Improvement Levy (see earlier story).

Canberra CBD Limited is a not for profit company established to represent the cities property owners who contribute to the levy. The company is dedicated to harnessing Canberra's unique private and public sector skills to achieve a City centre that can be considered world class and is distinguished by its liveability, vitality, commercial success and sense of community.

City Heart is justifiably proud that its collaboration with The Property Council in the application for the grant was successful. As the original proponent of the Levy it has retained a passion for the idea for nearly ten years despite virulent opposition from some sections of the business community.

A five year strategic plan has been developed which provides the framework for addressing key issues for the revitalization of the city by using entrepreneurial business solutions and forging productive links with government.

City Heart intends to report regularly on the activities of the company but fully expects the company will set up its own website in the near future.

Although membership of City Heart is open to any stakeholder in the City, those members who are not property owners (and therefore not levy payers) also have an opportunity to have a say in the development of the policy of Canberra CBD Limited.

03 May 2007
Pat Develin, 'Father of the City'
Pat Develin, affectionately known as "father of the city" died peacefully last Saturday after losing his battle with colon cancer. He was aged 76. Patrick John Develin left an indelible mark on the pharmacy industry in Canberra which has had beneficial repercussions for his colleagues around Australia. His activism in the Pharmacy Guild contributed to the Federal Government providing equitable compensation to small pharmacists during the rationalization of the industry.

Descended from solid Irish stock, pharmacy was in his blood. His father was a chemist in Sydney and in turn Pat graduated from Sydney University. His early working career took him to country N.S.W. before coming to Canberra in the early '70s.

This was a period of rapid population growth in Canberra and ever energetic, Pat established a chain of pharmacies throughout the city. However his main focus was on his Develin flagship shop established in Garema Place.

Tom Roberts, owner of fellow long-time city business, the Canberra City Newsagency, remembers Pat as "a presence around Civic" - he knew everyone and everyone knew him. "He was a remarkable man with a real common touch," said Roberts. "Pat could speak to everyone from drug addicts to Members of Parliament, and he treated them all the same".

Despite the demands of his businesses, Pat placed priority on raising his family and spending time with them pursuing their collective love of waterskiing at which all were dab hands. Two of his children, Anne and Matthew, have followed in Pat's footsteps and are both qualified pharmacists, with Matthew having taken over the family pharmacies.

Such was the respect for Pat's business acumen amongst his peers his advice was often sought. He was invited to serve on the inaugural committee of The Canberra City Heart Business Association an organization dedicated to the marketing and revitalization of Civic. He continued to serve as a committee member until early this year when illness made it impossible for him to continue.

Pat supported many charities and devoted much time to Catholic Education. Never completely retired, Pat was active in the stock market and became an astute share trader but was always willing to act as relief pharmacist whenever required.

Pat is survived by his wife Barbara, children Tony, Jane, Geoffrey, Anne, Matthew, Rachel and 14 grandchildren.

01 May 2007
Chief Minister's Command Performance
Canberra City Heart Business Association and ActewAGL are again collaborating to present The Chief Minister's Command Performance to be staged at the Canberra Theatre on Thursday 14th June 2007. The first two concerts raised over $75,000 and the support of the business community contributed significantly to that result. This year we are offering two great value sponsorship packages to businesses so they may help raise even more much needed money for The Salvation Army and Open Family.

The two packages on offer are:

40 TICKET GOLD PACKAGE - $5,000
20 tickets to the pre concert cocktail party and premium seating at the concert valued at $5,000. Plus sponsors incentive bonus of 20 A reserve tickets to the concert valued @ $1,500. And run of station advertising package on WIN Television valued @ $2,000 (tax deductible)
PACKAGE VALUE $8,500 - SAVE $3,500

20 TICKET GOLD PACKAGE - $2,500
10 tickets to the pre concert cocktail party and premium seating at the concert valued at $2,500. Plus sponsors incentive bonus of 10 A reserve tickets to the concert valued @ $750. And run of station advertising package on WIN Television valued @ $1,000 (tax deductible)
PACKAGE VALUE $4,250 - SAVE $1,750

The pre concert cocktail party features the Gold Label range of Wolf Blass Wines,
refreshments and canapés. The concert will feature the smash hits of The Beatles
and Abba supported by local artists, compered by award winning comic Anh Do and
hosted by David Kilby.

We believe these packages offer you an opportunity to treat your clients and staff to
a top evening's entertainment as well as providing a great advertising deal to promote
your business.

For further details and bookings contact the event coordinator Bill Stephens on (02)6297 4587
or email bill@showbuzz.com.au.

20 April 2007
City Heart supports Heart Foundation Healthy Red Breakfast 2007.
MLA Karin MacDonald has invited City Heart to participate in an important health initiative by staging a healthy breakfast. City Heart is delighted to contribute to this important health initiative. A number of city businesses have donated healthy breakfast fare to be consumed at the breakfast.
Many of our members and the city stakeholders lead busy and stressful lives, and the message that the initiative from Ms MacDonald sends is an important one. We encourage people to register and go along to hear Tony Studds, Executive Director of the Heart Foundation, making his presentation on healthy lifestyle choices.

Please download an invitation here

30 March 2007
City Heart achieves victory.
After a long and sometimes frustrating campaign City Heart has finally achieved its most important objective when the Assembly passed the A.C.T. Government's Rates Amendment Bill 2006 (No 2) which will provide funds for a City Centre Marketing and Improvements Grant Programme.This triumph will result in an exciting opportunity for the successful grantee to transform Canberra's City Centre which the Association has long maintained is in urgent need of revitalization.

I would like to acknowledge the work of the Canberra Central Team in ACTPLA headed up by Magdy Youssef in sharing The Associations vision for a world class city centre. Magdy has written an excellent article on the subject in The City News edition of Thursday 22nd March and I recommend a read.Also critical to the success of our campaign is the support of The Property Council of Australia ACT Division who represent the City's stakeholders who will ultimately provide the funds.The CEO of the Council Catherine Carter has made an invaluable contribution to the submissions made to Government.

30 March 2007
Father of the City Pat Develin battling illness.
I regret to advise that foundation member and valued Committee member Pat Develin is not in the best of health and our best wishes go to him and I trust he has a speedy recovery.

15 March 2007
Committee member James Calabria marries.
On a brighter note Committee member James Calabria one of the principles of Franco of Canberra was recently married to a delightful young lady from Melbourne who now rejoices in the name of Mrs Meri Calabria. We wish them a long and happy life together.

28 February 2007
One in 100 year hail storm.
The massive hail storm which recently hit central Canberra disrupted many city businesses and some were forced to close for up to a week to undertake repairs. City Heart members report that valuable assistance was rendered by property owners and Government agencies to assist in speedy recovery from widespread damage.The Association wishes to record their thanks to all involved in helping getting businesses operational again.

15 January 2007
NewActon National Buskers Festival 2006
The 2006 NewActon National Buskers' Festival was held as part of the Christmas in the City celebrations and ran over three weekends.

Heats were held for juniors and open sections in both the performing arts and music categories.

The first two place getters in each open heat went onto compete in the finals, held on Wednesday 20th December in Garema Place. The competition was tough and the combination of performing arts and music made judging a difficult task.

The open category was won by 2005 winners of the People's Choice Award - SchmickAs - an acrobatic troupe who wowed the crowd in attendance. They went away with $3,500 worth of prizes including a gig at King O'Malley's.

If the quality of the competition in both junior and open categories was an indication of the talent within Canberra and the Region, then the 2007 NewActon National Buskers' Festival is an event not to be missed.

15 November 2006
ActewAGL Best Dressed Business
Get into the Christmas spirit by joining in the celebrations and festivities in the City! Through the month of December, shop fronts and customer gathering areas in the City will be taking place in the ActewAGL Best Dressed Business competition to make Canberra City sparkle during Christmas.

Help us make Canberra City a magical place over the Christmas season, and dress up your business. There are fantastic prizes to win, and it's a great way to attract customers.

To enter, please download and complete the entry form and place it in the Entry Box at ActewAGL Home Connect Shop or at King O'Malleys in City Walk by 5pm, December 1st.

We look forward to some hard judging!

08 October 2006 Franco of Canberra celebrates 50th anniversary City Heart member Franco of Canberra passed a rare milestone this month when it completed 50 years of continuous trading as a hairdressing salon in Baileys Corner Canberra City. The occasion was celebrated at a cocktail party and fashion parade held at the Canberra Museum and Gallery recently.

Franco Calabria came to Canberra with the dream of establishing a unique hairdressing salon in his new home. The concept of a unisex salon was pioneering and ground breaking and quickly established Franco as the industry leader in Canberra.

Franco's clientele included a succession of Prime Ministers and their wives, beauty queens and models, business leaders and even the Queen's Ladies in Waiting.

Franco Calabria now spends most of his time managing his various business interests interspersed with some rounds of golf. His sons James and Sam now run the famous salon he founded. They frequently travel to compete in hair dressing competitions or attend trade events to keep abreast of the latest innovations in the industry.

James currently serves on the Committee of City Heart and provides a valuable insight into the imperatives of the retail industry.

August 2006
City Heart raises over $34,000.00 for Open Family and the Salvation Army at the 2006 Chief Minister's Command Performance.
City Heart staged its second Chief Ministers Command Performance on June 8th 2006 at the Canberra Theatre. The show, called 'A Touch of Vegas' featured acclaimed interpreters of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond accompanied by local talent Kaitlin Ludwig, compèred by Steve 'The Sandman' Abbott.

A near sell-out crowd thoroughly enjoyed a fast-moving and entertaining evening which resulted in nearly $35,000.00 raised for Open Family and the Salvation Army. This results in a total of nearly $250,000.00 having been raised by the Association to date.

Planning is already well under way for next year's Chief Command Performance.

July 2006
City Heart partners with Canberra Central for an exciting program of Christmas activities.
City Heart is proud to announce another collaboration with Canberra Central to present a variety of activities in and around the City for Christmas 2006.

Among the activities City Heart will be involved in are a 'Best-dressed Window' competition and a Busking competition.

City Heart is grateful for the financial support of Government through Canberra Central and is looking for further sponsorship from City-based businesses. Enquiries may be directed to Canberra Central direct.

Please contact Ms Jane Easthope
Phone: +61 2 6207 5570+
Email: jane.easthope@act.gov.au

Or you can contact City Heart via email: contactus@canberracityheart.com.au