A day for reflection

On ANZAC Day at the University of Melbourne’s dawn service, the Parkville Association had the privilege of laying a wreath in memory of Parkville residents who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

A chilly morning was attended by a large crowd including very importantly, many students. The Parkville Association, while representing our residents, also of course enjoys participating in the service at the university which is in Parkville.

There is a memorial on the corner of The Avenue and Royal Parade where some 21 local residents lost in the First World War are commemorated. The link being many of them were students or staff of the university.

Seeing the students at the ceremony and their respect was wonderful given the ages of those listed on the memorial were in their late teens early 20s – the same ages of the students. Thank you to the university for letting Parkville residents participate and recognising the wonderful suburb we live in.

Next month the Parkville Association is holding their 57th Annual General Meeting. With nearly 200 members the association looks after all matters Parkville and is always available to assist in local matters! Members have been notified of the AGM and new members are welcome to join and attend.

Like any organisation we are always looking for new committee members as we look to embrace today’s generations of parents and children.

It is very heartening to see so many kids living in the area and enjoying the local schools at North Melbourne Primary and University High, we will also work with Wimble Street Childcare Co-Op when we hold our Party in the Park in November. I often reflect on our beautiful terraces and streetscapes and thank Stan Dean and Eric Benjamin for saving Parkville from being partially demolished. So, to local families we only meet 10 times a year and your involvement could keep Parkville intact for your children.

Regarding younger participation in South Parkville next week will see students from Trinity College assisting with keeping nature strips and tree beds weeded and tidied. It is thrilling to see our relationship with Trinity develop further and for students to give up their spare time helping their suburb.

Finally, the opening of Grattan St has been delayed. There is a little more kerbside landscaping and road marking to take place coupled with a slight delay in the paperwork. Hopefully we will see action soon.

Have a great May! •