Happy New Year from Parkville

Ten years ago, I offered to take on the role of president at the Parkville Association annual general meeting.

I had no idea I would be in the role 10 years later but in April I will step down. This has been planned for the past year yet sadly we have no volunteers to replace me.

Over time many individuals have worked very hard to build and protect the suburb. It may sound familiar but without the association those who live in the block from Story St, Park Drive and Morrah St would not have their homes. They were to be pulled down, but Stan Dean and Eric Benjamin fought hard and succeeded stopping the plans for the demolition.

Regarding Stan, his wife Margaret passed away over Christmas. She was in the trenches in all of Stan’s hard work and after he passed away was the treasurer of the association. We will be holding an event for Margaret nearer to Easter.

In my time I have been very lucky to have had David McGregor as treasurer however when he retires in March, he and his wife will spend time in Europe so he will not continue.

Bruce Pertzel will take the role of secretary on again however we need volunteers to fill the committee and someone to lead it. It doesn’t have to be an onerous role as with the committee roles can be spread. However, for City of Melbourne council meetings they expect a leader to attend.

Please Parkville residents, put your hands up and volunteer to keep our great association, which turns 60 shortly, active and meaningful in our great village!

Enough rambling, clearly my passion is there, and we need to keep the work of the past 60 years going and ensure our unique and heritage suburb retains its wonderful atmosphere.

My contact details are on our website so give me a call and volunteer!

Finally, thank you, to the Trinity College team for hosting our Party in the Park. It was a great afternoon, and we look forward to the next one November.

Have a great February. •