A season of growth and fathering in East Melbourne

As the leaves start to turn and the evenings grow cooler, East Melbourne is embracing the new season with a sense of quiet renewal – and a few thoughtful community projects that capture the spirit of this historic neighbourhood.

Right now, the suburb’s wide boulevards and stately tree-lined streets are transforming into a kaleidoscope of autumnal colour. The golden hues, bright crimson and deep ambers of the trees lend a cinematic beauty to every walk, whether you’re heading to a footy game at the iconic MCG, or simply wandering in search of a coffee. It’s a reminder of how deeply nature is woven into the urban fabric here – and how the rhythm of the seasons gives East Melbourne its quiet, distinctive charm.

At the East Melbourne Library, a much-loved local feature is also being lovingly revived. The community herb garden, a green patch tucked behind the library’s welcoming walls, is ready for a fresh chapter.

Volunteers have been busy harvesting seeds, cleaning, and preparing the beds for the next round of planting. The garden isn’t just for show – visitors are encouraged to help themselves to free seeds and bring a little piece of East Melbourne’s shared green life into their own homes. It’s a small reminder of how public spaces, when cared for collectively, can offer quiet gifts to everyone who passes through.

Beyond the gardens, the streets of East Melbourne are also undergoing subtle but important changes. New pedestrian crossings are soon to be installed at several key roundabouts, a project driven by a road safety study and supported by federal funding.

Designed to improve safety while maintaining the leafy character of the neighbourhood, these crossings will make it easier and more pleasant to navigate East Melbourne on foot – whether you’re a local, a visitor, or simply someone who enjoys wandering through streets steeped in history.

Meanwhile, community life continues to find ways to bring people together. This May, a Mother’s Day lunch will be hosted in the upstairs room at Geppetto, one of East Melbourne’s beloved local restaurants, offering an opportunity for friends, families, and neighbours to gather, celebrate and share good food.

These small, convivial moments are part of what makes the suburb so uniquely special – a place where tradition, hospitality and community spirit quietly thrive side by side.