Welcoming residents of East Melbourne

The East Melbourne Neighbour Network (EMNN) continues to welcome residents of East Melbourne to connect with your neighbours to create a friendly network for mutual support and the benefit of us all.

Morning coffee meeting

A group of 38 members met for coffee under grey skies in a cosy home on Grey St on Friday, August 12. 

We shared local news, including the confirmation from the City of Melbourne that 40kph speed limit for East Melbourne has been approved by VicRoads without the installation of the controversial bike lanes and will commence shortly.

Thank you to Jenny Owen and the East Melbourne Group for working so hard to represent us in discussions with our council.

Our guest for this month was speaker Moira Rayner, barrister, and human rights advocate. Moira has had a storied career in the law and public policy, moving between Western Australia, London, and Victoria.

At different times she was the WA Commissioner for Law Reform, Victorian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity and director of the Office of the Children’s Rights Commissioner for London.

Moira talked about the various challenges she faced as a female in the early 1970s in making a career in the legal profession. She said that here father was supportive of her career choice, as he said the “adversarial” nature of the law would suit her personality.

She also reflected on her dealings with Jeff Kennett when she successfully opposed the closing of Fairlea Prison for women and its incorporation in a male prison facility. Mr Kennett subsequently abolished the position of Commissioner for Equal Opportunity. 

It was a very open and personal reflection by Moira on her life journey starting in New Zealand and currently finding her in East Melbourne.

Moira said that she had had “the most fun time in her life in East Melbourne”.

Health and wellbeing program

Our program continues to run classes aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of our community. Current classes include Qigong, Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Ukulele, and Gentle Exercise.

These classes are held in the Powlett Community Room next door to the childcare centre on the corner of Simpson and Grey streets.

There is also a monthly Book Group held in local restaurants or homes.

Contact [email protected]

Local concert – Camelot

John and Alexander Lidgerwood delighted an audience of around 100 locals gathered in the Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, August 14 with a performance of excerpts from Camelot. John informed us that profits from the concert will be donated to a local charity. He plans to hold a series of concerts over the coming months and welcomes suggestions for deserving local charities to be recipients.

Congratulations Michael of the George St Cafe

Our local café owner Michael was surprised by the large turnout last Saturday morning.  Many residents turned up to congratulate Michael on 10 years of owning and servicing the favourite local spot for “coffee and a chat”.  Michael was presented with a framed painting of himself in front of the iconic café, courtesy of local Bronwyn Holland.

Contact us

New ideas are sought from the community as we seek to provide additional meaningful, fun, and engaging activities for all age groups. Any resident of any age who would like to get involved – the EMNN would love to hear from you.

Your ideas and involvement will help strengthen our community and enhance the health and wellbeing of your neighbours.

Contact – Susan Henderson, Ann-Maree Eckersley at: [email protected] •