Augmenting your reality in Flinders Quarter

By Susan Saunders

Just in case you didn’t know, the Flinders Quarter in Melbourne’s CBD, is the area bordered by Collins, Flinders, Elizabeth and Swanston streets.  

The precinct is famous for its street art, cosy laneways and arcades, eclectic small businesses and heritage buildings. It is a special part of the city loved by residents and tourists alike.

But now, from mid-August until September 14, you can wander the area to view a collection of 12 new and existing artworks that are brought to life with augmented reality (AR).  The magic is made possible with an AR app called EyeJack that you download to your mobile phone or digital device. The guided tour and app presentation has been sponsored by the Metro Tunnel project.  

To start your tour, you pick up a map from the Metro Tunnel HQ on Swanston St or from selected Flinders Quarter businesses, Melbourne cafés and shops. Then off you go to enjoy a new experience! All you have to do is point your device at one of the artworks with the EyeJack app activated, press the white button and you will be amazed to see the art come alive with animation, seemingly moving away from the wall, turning into a 3D image that changes in many ways in time with accompanying music. Delightful!

The walk encompasses a diverse collection of artworks over multiple sites, featuring works by celebrated Australian artists including Vexta, The Huxleys, Adele Varcoe, Alex Mitchell, Chelsea Gustafsson, Jacob Leary and Sutu (Stu Campbell). 

As you travel up, down and around Flinders Quarter, you will also discover, or re-discover, the precinct’s diverse independent businesses. There are plenty of places to stop for coffee and a bite to eat mid-walk and the quarter is home to some of the coolest local designers, makers and labels.  You could easily lose an hour or two in the iconic Nicholas Building and reacquaint yourself with the famous Chloe painting in the Young and Jackson building.

Residents 3000 annual general meeting (AGM)

As with last year, Residents 3000 is pleased to welcome Lord Mayor Sally Capp to address our members and guests. This is a wonderful opportunity to be updated on the progress made since Sally has taken over leadership at the City of Melbourne. There will be time for residents to ask questions and to give our Mayor feedback about the good and not so good aspects of life in the CBD.

The event will be held on Thursday, September 5 at 6:30pm.  We suggest arriving at 6 for registration and to enjoy a chat and a drink from the Kelvin Club’s extensive bar.  Details to be posted on our web site at residents3000.com.au

Following the formal part of the meeting, we will be entertained by composer/pianist/jazz singer Monique diMattina who, apart from being a Fulbright scholar, is a regular performer on Australian and international stages. Monique is known for her ABC radio segment in which she composes and performs bespoke songs to listener requests. She has released seven albums on the Head record label. Find out more about her at moniquedimattina.com

As usual, refreshments will be served towards the end of the event.  

Be aware that the Residents 3000 AGM is the time when a new committee is elected.  If you are interested in city affairs and would like to volunteer, please let our president Rafael ([email protected]) know or nominate on the night.