The unveiling of the street sign was attended by Chrissy Amphlett’s widower and Cold Chisel drummer Charley Drayton, cousin Patricia “Little Pattie” Amphlett and other members of her family, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Councillor Rohan Leppert (Chair of Council’s Arts and Culture portfolio), her literary agent Fran Moore, media identities Jessica Adams and Jenny Valentish who spearheaded the campaign for the laneway, and members of the music media and music industry.
A mural by Tasmanian artist Peter Gouldthorpe at the lane’s entrance depicts the Geelong-born Divinyls singer’s schoolgirl costume and her two pet dogs. Holiday, the black Pekinese named after Billie Holiday, will be the “watchdog” of the lane standing on top of a Divinyls-branded amplifier. There is also a stencil work by Melbourne artist Damien Arena.
An emotional Drayton said, “When I wake up the face I want to see is Chrissy’s and I do. Nothing really lasts forever, but today’s a lot different – we’re all here in Amphlett Lane and it’s here forever”.
Addressing the couple’s young nephews Tom and Ben, “As you guys grow up and get to learn more about your Aunty and come here with your friends and tell them just how badass your Aunty is.”
The lane adjoins the site of the Palace Theatre, where the Divinyls played, and the Princess Theatre where Amphlett performed as Judy Garland in The Boy From Oz.
Drayton remarked that Melbourne was the only place in the world which could honour Amphlett – and hoped that the Palace Theatre to be functioning again as a live music venue.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle stated, “This was just meant to be.” He added, “This will become a destination for music lovers, to remember a wonderful contributor to the world of music in Chrissy Amphlett.”
Little Pattie called it “a special day for a special woman … who paved the way for so many other female performers.”
Councillor Leppert recognised that “A great deal of hard work and passion had gone into making Amphlett Lane a reality. The City of Melbourne is dedicated to making sure Melbourne’s musical story is heard. Today marks a proud moment for our city, for Melbourne’s passionate music lovers and for family and friends of Chrissy Amphlett.”
Amphlett died of breast cancer in April 2013 aged 53. Three months later, Adams and Valentish launched the campaign for the City of Melbourne to honour her. Drayton and Patricia Amphlett presented a petition to Cr Leppert. Its 6386 signatures included Molly Meldrum, Michael Gudinski, Suze De Marchi, Rick Grossman and Noah Taylor. A year later, the council voted in the affirmative, and Corporation Lane 1639 was chosen.
Amphlett Lane joins AC/DC Lane as part of the Love Your Laneways initiative. The Love Your Laneway program seeks to improve the amenity and presentation of Melbourne’s celebrated laneways.
