Wonderfully-rich chance encounter

Ambling through the greenery along Southbank Promenade, Steven and his miniature Dachshund Lola were keen for a chat.

Steven, a self-confessed Jack of all trades, master of none, and his 18-month-old pup only moved to Southbank in January.

“I used to manage hotels, spent 10 years in Hong Kong International School, had our own café, spent a year in the Territory doing road works. Just about everything really,” Steven said.

Admittedly, Steven says Southbank isn’t the most ideal place for his little companion, but Lola is starting to get used to her new surrounds.

“I just try to get her out all the time, take her to a few parks around the area. I’m not supposed to, but I let her off the leash here so she can run up and down,” he said.

Steven has moved back to Melbourne from Hong Kong with his wife in order to spend more time with his daughter.

“She is one of the lead performers for the Australian Ballet Company, so she is doing pretty well for herself at the moment,” he said.

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do for work now, might have to put some of my skills to the test.”

After a fantastic and unexpected chat, Steven and Lola wander off through the Southbank crowds.