2019 was a year of experimentation for the DRG where different formats and venues were trialed.
March – “that the tram bridge will impact on livability” (debate)
A proposed tram bridge through Yarra’s Edge to Fishermans Bend is a topic of great concern to many Docklanders. To help bring greater clarity to this topic, the DRG hosted a community debate “that the tram bridge will impact on livability”. This session featured Yarra’s Edge local Keith Sutherland, Trisha Avery (a neighbour from across the Yarra River) and Public Transport Expert from Monash University, Professor Graham Currie. While this issue elicits very strong emotions, this session provided an opportunity for neighbour to speak to neighbour, with the benefit of an expert to inform what is really feasible – thank you Professor Currie!. With over 70 locals attending, this was a great christening of Yarra’s Edge Neighbourhood Space, a new community facility located at 100 Lorimer Street.
June – Community Forum Presentation
June saw a return to more traditional format at the Performance Space at Library at The Dock. The theme for this forum was “SHARING OUR VISION OF DOCKLANDS: Building Place” and featured sessions about projects that will shape the nature of Docklands.
September – Helping Launch LOS3008
The DRG took a hands-on role in supporting the launch of a new Docklands community group LOS3008 – Love Our Street Docklands. Along with Rotary Docklands and Neighbourhood House, over fifty fellow Docklanders came together to show that they cared about their neighbourhood. All were shocked at the amount of cigarette litter polluting their streets and this led the DRG to endorse the aim of a “butt-free Docklands”.
December – XMAS Community Gathering
The final event for 2019 was different again. In conjunction with the City of Melbourne and other community groups, a XMAS gathering was held at Library at the Dock. Open to all Docklanders – residents, workers and their children – this was an event for all the community to come together to enjoy a BBQ with Santa and XMAS helpers!