East Melbourne residents have new community centre

By Katie Johnson

After months of lobbying, the City of Melbourne has agreed to give extensive use of the Powlett Reserve Community Room to East Melbourne residents.

The East Melbourne Neighbourhood Network (EMNN) will be able to host COVID-safe activities and classes in the space after being given final approval.

East Melbourne Group amenities convenor Susan Henderson said that although the Pavilion in Fitzroy Gardens would have been a better space, the community room would provide a place for residents to gather.

“Most inner-city communities have a dedicated space for community activities, and we are sadly lacking one,” Ms Henderson said.

“While this space is not ideal, it is a least a chance to hold some activities for the community which is so important in East Melbourne.”

EMNN plans to hold gentle exercise, pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation classes and eventually create activities related to music and family history writing.

They are also open to other suggestions from the community.

Ms Henderson said that as East Melbourne did not have a dedicated community space, it could be very difficult for groups to gather.   

“We can try to book a space in the library, which is always heavily used. This is especially true now when so many workers and students are working from home and need a quiet space to work,” Ms Henderson said.

Unlike the Pavilion, the community room at Powlett Reserve has a maximum of 10 people able to use it at one time, so group sizes will be limited.

As a result, Ms Henderson urged the community to continue lobbying the council.

“We will be participating in the community consultation regarding the future of the Pavilion and encourage East Melbourne residents to join us in asking for it to become a community activity space,” Ms Henderson said •