Local associations: why?

Having been president of the Parkville Association I need to reflect on what an association does and why they are so important to the fabric of a residential suburb.

I am very fortunate to have been around when the City of Melbourne has been very receptive to our needs.

Sadly, the days of ward councillors have gone. This was when a local represented an area of the City as a councillor and therefore with a seat at the table brought local issues up on a regular basis. Jack Lynch was such a representative and the tree-lined streets of Parkville were due to his amazing work!

What do we do and why should locals become involved? Think about streetscapes, and actual streets (we fought to have Grattan St reopened post the completion of the Metro Tunnel. Also, the Royal Park Master Plan and what it could do to our beautiful park, which we all enjoy passive recreation in.

Consider the relationships with local businesses and how, given their location, the desire for some to encroach on a residential area. The Parkville Association (PA) stopped the hospital expanding and the likely demolition of a third of our suburb. If you live in Story St, Benjamin St, or parts of Fitzgibbon St at the southern end, your properties would not be here!

We try to manage traffic and are working with the council now. The carpark that is Gatehouse St and the "rat-runners" that drive through at excessive speeds when the kids are walking home from Uni High. Parking issues, e-scooters and bikes – we have tried to assist in the management of all. Not in an aggressive way, but to look after the safety of our residents and children.

We have fought twice to save 35-39 Royal Parade and note it now has a higher heritage grading as does the whole of South Parkville. The PA ensured Royal Parade was heritage listed.

As we get older, we are seeing a new group if younger families moving in, who will fill North Melbourne Primary and Uni High, but some of them now need to do the heavy lifting as we, at the other end of life, move on!

We do have some younger members on our committee, but we need more. More importantly we need to replace me! Ten years is a long time and new and enthusiastic blood is needed. We have built a great relationship with colleges and the University of Melbourne – someone needs to develop that further.

In short, join us, join the committee and, if able, chair it … we need you!

Come to our Party in the Park this year. Trinity College is hosting us on November 30 from 12.30pm until 3.30pm. We will have music, fun for your kids, a full barbecue and most importantly the opportunity to meet your neighbours and friends.

On that subject one of our members dropped a watch in the street – a Longines, which has very great sentimental value. If you find it let me know by emailing me at [email protected]

See you at the party! •