Unwind, get outside and listen to nature: Summer a time to reconnect and think bigger

The Age has asked prominent Victorians to reveal their favourite places and activities of the summer holiday season.

Today, newly elected Greens MP Aiv Puglielli, who is the youngest member of the 60th Victorian Parliament, shares the secret places he escapes to in his north-east metropolitan electorate.

Newly elected Greens MP Aiv Puglielli loves the Alistair Knox Park, where he is pictured, in his electorate. Credit: Jason South

What does a Victorian summer mean to you?

Taking more time to unwind, reconnecting with friends and family, taking the opportunity to get outside and listen to the sounds of nature. I tend to compose more music during summer and think bigger.

Where is the first place you take visitors?

I always find I’m taking visitors to a park or somewhere local for brunch or drinks followed by a walk in the park. We have such precious green space in the state. You can’t beat sitting under the shade of a tree during the summer.

Alistair Knox Park in my local neighbourhood is really popular. That would be where I usually go.

Puglielli escapes to the NGV on a scorching hot summer day. Credit: Rebecca Hallas

Is there a secret spot you escape to?

For a quiet coffee or bite to eat, I’ll always have Papa Bear in Midway Arcades in Eltham. It’s a hidden gem and it’s tucked away. Plus, they have a great seasonal menu.

For the really, really hot days, I head to the National Gallery of Victoria because it’s airconditioned and really cool, and there are just so many things to see.

What’s the best summer food?

I challenge anyone to find anything better than pavlova, but it needs to include passionfruit. I’m open to both fresh and canned [passionfruit]. You need the zing. It just balances everything out.

Is there a smell that defines summer?

SPF 50+ coconut sunscreen just overpowers all the senses.

Do you have a favourite summer song?

This is a really tough one because mine changes every year. This year, after watching the ABC’s New Years Eve broadcast, it’s Electric Field’s 2000 and Whatever. It’s an absolute banger.

Sarah Mansfield, Katherine Copsey and Aiv Puglielli are the Greens’ newest upper house members. Credit: Jason South

What’s the worst thing about summer?

I’m not a big fan of the heat and we all know how hot our summers can be. It’s really important people protect themselves from the harsh sun. We all need to look after ourselves and each other.

And finally – what’s your guilty summer pleasure?

Summer fruits for breakfast every morning. Get them while they’re in season. Normally, I just have a coffee for breakfast, so this is me changing it up.