Parkville balances growth, heritage and community

The quarterly meeting of the Presidents of Residents took place with the Lord Mayor Nick Reece, some City of Melbourne councillors, and officers, on June 4.

This is a forum where key issues concerning areas of Melbourne city, are raised for discussion. It offers an opportunity to exchange experience across the city.

Unsurprisingly, there were common issues, such as traffic, and parking. But there were also some matters particular to some parts of the city, such as residents’ safety and homelessness. The Lord Mayor briefed us on particular budget initiatives aimed at specifically addressing these issues.

While a substantial portion of the University of Melbourne campus lies within Parkville, the suburb is also the home of the Monash University Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Founded in 1881 as the School of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria, it relocated in 1960 to purpose-designed buildings north of Walker Street. In 1992 it became part of Monash University and makes another important contribution to the vitality of Parkville.

At 343 Royal Parade, Monash University is completing the revitalisation and repurposing of a former CSIRO building to house the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. It is an example of recycling a building to meet current building standards and sustainability. The project also demonstrates how critical tree protection zones are during construction. Their use has avoided damage occurring to the State Heritage Registered Elm Avenue.

Street trees make a vital contribution to the visual amenity of Parkville. Unfortunately, for a few weeks each year, however, there is a downside. Some gutters are blocked by leaves, and piles of damp leaves appear on the footpaths, and in front gardens. Despite sterling efforts by the City of Melbourne contractors, one gusty day and/or major downpour temporarily undoes their good works. Yet the upside of these avenues of trees throughout the suburb, clearly outweighs these short periods of inconvenience. While winter has arrived, a brief period of mild weather has seen the jonquils and daffodils out in bloom.

With a mind on the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Parkville Association in 2027, a visit was made to the Association’s records held at Melbourne University Archives. There are 50 boxes of documents, forming a number of assessions made since the first in 1988. While some deposits have been fully listed, others have not, and finding resources to address this issue will be the subject of further discussions with Melbourne University Archives and the Parkville Association Committee. This issue is not unique to the Parkville Association.

Another celebration in Parkville this year is the 140th anniversary of Janet Clarke Hall (JCH). “Founded in 1886 as Trinity Women’s Hostel and renamed in 1921 for its first benefactor Janet, Lady Clarke, it was the first university residential college for women in Australia – created to open doors to higher education for those previously excluded from it. What began as a pioneering home for women scholars has evolved into a co-educational college that continues to champion the same founding ideals of access, equity and intellectual curiosity” (JCH website).

To mark this milestone, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Janet Clarke Hall held an event to celebrate and commemorated this foundation. As an example of the close relationship that has been developed with the College an invitation to attend was extended to members of the Parkville Association and families.

Just a reminder that joining the Parkville Association will be free until June 30, 2027. on a “try before you buy” basis. An increasing number of residents have taken advantage of this offer. Membership applications can be made via parkvilleassociation.org.com •