The Melbourne Quiz - Sally Capp

The Age

Friday July 27, 2007

Interview: Peter Barrett

Businesswoman Sally Capp is the new chief executive of the Committee for Melbourne.

Does Melbourne have too many big events?

I don't think so. I like to take my kids and go with my friends to things that are world-class events because they are very inspiring and they make them seem achievable and touchable.

Is there any evidence to show that these events boost the economy?

There's definitely hard evidence that they benefit the economy but whether that benefit is equivalent to the cost is really the argument.

We seem to be obsessed with comparing our city with other cities around the world. Are we deeply insecure?

Are we deeply competitive? I think we're so obsessed with sport and having the best that I think it comes down to, one, being competitive, which I think is a good thing and, two, looking for acknowledgement.

Do you think Melbourne will ever regain prominence over Sydney as the business capital of Australia?

What do you mean regain? There's a blanket statement that Sydney is the business capital of Australia and I don't believe that. If you take, for example, the superannuation fund industry, then Melbourne definitely leads the way there.

What does the Committee for Melbourne actually do?

It represents business in the formulation and implementation of projects to enhance the business environment, liveability and international standing of Melbourne.

So it's made up of business people who lobby the Government on issues to do with fostering business in Melbourne?

It's actually an action group because if lobbying isn't appropriate then it will do what is necessary.

What do you hate about Melbourne?

The parking. I just got two tickets last week because I didn't understand the sign.

What would you abolish from Melbourne?

I've never been a big fan of caravans; I know that's going to really upset a few people, but I remember holidays sitting in traffic with a long train of cars behind caravans.

Where did you grow up?

I spent my first five years in Rabaul in Papua New Guinea - that was back in the time when it was an Australian territory - and came home in 1972, and we lived in Burwood. Mum and Dad were working up there (in Rabaul); Dad was an accountant for the Australian Government.

Where do you live now?

Hawthorn. It's a white house with dark shutters, big green hedge, it's brick - I think they call it Georgian style.

If money was no object where would you live in Melbourne?

I would probably still live around Hawthorn but backing onto the Yarra.

What's your favourite suburb?

Now that I've got a family we love the bike tracks and the convenience of Hawthorn.

When did you last get drunk?

At a friend's dinner party, about two Fridays ago.

Where do you get the best fish and chips in town?

Fishy Business on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn.

What's the most expensive meal you have ever had in Melbourne?

It was at Rockpool. I had the Wagyu beef - I can't remember exactly how much it was but when it arrived it was the only thing on the plate.

What's your favourite pub?

The one I go to most at the moment is the Cherry Tree in Richmond. I've got an office around there.

What's your favourite bar?

I used to go to Walter's Wine Bar a lot but I haven't been there for ages.

Federation Square - yes or no?

Yes! I love it. I like things that have been brave enough to be different.

Where's the most romantic place in Melbourne?

Upstairs at Stokehouse at night or being right on the Heads at Point Lonsdale.

Where did you last spend $500?

I just bought a piece of photography from Jason Kimberley, which he blows up onto canvas. I bought it for my brother.

What club memberships do you have?

Collingwood Football Club, Kooyong Tennis Club and the Point Lonsdale Tennis Club.

Where would you have your ashes scattered?

The Point Lonsdale back beach.

Where do you go on a sunny day?

The Yarra Valley or to Point Lonsdale.

Where do you go on a rainy day?

The museum.

What do you think is the most important thing to have happened in Melbourne during your lifetime?

The Collingwood move to the Lexus Centre.

What's your favourite building in Melbourne?

Melbourne Museum. It's new and again, I think it's really bold.

Describe Melbourne in three words.

Diverse, rich, fun.

© 2007 The Age

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