A season of change and renewal in Parkville

The week before ANZAC Day delivered near-perfect autumn weather in Parkville, with the grand four-row elm avenue along Royal Parade and surrounding street trees turning from green to gold as leaves began to fall.

The Parkville Association’s 59th annual general meeting was held on April 20 at Naughtons, with thanks to Ryan and the team for providing food and beverages. The evening marked an important transition for the association, with Rob Moore stepping down after 10 years as president, as noted in the farewell article published in the April 1 edition of Inner City News.

Attended by more than 70 members, the gathering reflected the high regard in which Rob is held by the Parkville community. It was fitting that both current Lord Mayor Nick Reece and former Lord Mayor Sally Capp attended and spoke warmly in recognition of Rob’s dedicated work over the past decade. He leaves big shoes to fill, and I wish him all the very best for the future.

Rob Moore and Lord Mayor Nick Reece. Photo: Hanna Komissarova. 

Members also heard a thought-provoking address from guest speaker Reverend Professor Russell Gouldbourne, the new Warden of Trinity College. In addition, the City of Melbourne’s senior traffic engineering department presented an update titled Rat Running, the solutions. A recent traffic study found that 51 per cent of vehicles travelling through south Parkville in the morning, and more than 60 per cent in the afternoon, did not have a destination in the suburb. A number of possible responses were outlined, with further consultation to follow.

Easter was also busier than usual in Parkville, with Royal Park and Princes Park hosting the 38th Annual Sikh Games from Good Friday through to Easter Sunday. The newly-opened Parkville Station came into its own, with thousands of Sikh families streaming up the escalators and making their way to the parks.

Through our close connections with Trinity College, members of the Parkville Association and the wider community were invited to the opening of the current exhibition Melbourne in Retrospect by Harper & Charlie. James Tylor was commissioned to paint images of Trinity College, and these works, along with others, will remain on display until May 28.

Tesorina Café, on the corner of Morrah and Wimble streets, has also seen a change of hands. We welcome Thomas and Zoe, who have taken over from Alex after more than four years. Originally from France, they are bringing a new direction to the café, reflected in both the décor and menu.

Parking, along with traffic, remains one of Parkville’s ongoing concerns. The City of Melbourne has now commenced a review of parking in Parkville and engaged Movement & Place Consulting to undertake community consultation. I encourage all residents, whether members of the Parkville Association or not, to make a submission and stay engaged with this important project.

Looking ahead, the Parkville Association, formed in 1967, will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year. Conscious of current financial pressures, and recognising several City of Melbourne initiatives in this area, the AGM agreed that existing paid memberships due for renewal on July 1, 2026, will now be extended until June 30, 2027.

To help grow our membership, joining the Parkville Association will also be free until June 30, 2027, on a “try before you buy” basis. Membership forms are available via the association website. And if you would also like to donate, we certainly would not say no. •