Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" and vocal powerhouse with an unfiltered view of life around her She has an engrained habit of shaking the world by its hairy devilish horns when she has something to say – which is often A preternatural song writing talent recognised early by collaborators like ARIA winner Matt Walker (producer of her first EP) and renowned Australian vocalist Dallas Frasca long-time Melbourne music scribe Jeff Jenkins took to ABC radio to compare her to “a young Patti Smith” when she was just 20 Former Collingwood star Alan Didak is selling his luxury Kew home Former Collingwood star Alan Didak is hoping to kick a big goal at auction listing his luxury Kew home with $3.95m price hopes Property documents confirm the premiership forward’s four-level pad is a limestone-clad showpiece that was completed just three years ago designed by acclaimed architect Coy Yiontis the residence offers lift access to every level and a deluxe basement speak-easy complete with a cocktail bar RELATED: Brighton beach boxes: Six-figure sale for coastal icon Run down Coburg pad scores an almost-$1m payday, after 73 years High-flying Mecca, MCC bigwigs list $9m Peninsula retreat oak floors and soaring ceilings set a sophisticated tone with a wide entrance hall flowing through to multiple living zones A stone kitchen is fitted with Miele appliances an integrated Liebherr fridge and freezer and a butler’s pantry — while the main living area features a gas fireplace and tall glass sliders that open to a limestone-paved terrace The outdoor area features a built-in barbecue Premiership forward Alan Didak dazzled Magpie fans for more than a decade The home’s open-plan living and Super White stone kitchen flow to a sunlit terrace the main bedroom includes a lavish walk-in dressing room and luxurious ensuite with double vanities and marble finishes Three additional bedrooms each have built-in robes the basement level also includes a fully equipped gym and bathroom A living area that opens straight out to the back yard The limestone-clad facade of Alan Didak’s Kew home Didak played 218 games for Collingwood between 2001 and 2013 and was renowned for his dazzling left foot matchwinning flair and ability to deliver in big moments he was a key part of the Magpies’ 2010 premiership side that broke a 20-year flag drought won the club’s Copeland Trophy as best and fairest in 2006 and earned all-Australian honours the same year Known for being part of the Magpies notorious ‘rat pack’ alongside Dane Swan Didak was a crowd favourite among Pies fans The north-facing backyard features a gas and solar-heated pool A hidden speak-easy-style bar and wine cellar is one of the home’s standout features The location is within easy reach of Kew Junction’s cafes and shops private schools including Xavier College and Methodist Ladies’ College and Yarra River parkland and cycling trails Other features include zoned heating and cooling The deluxe main bedroom includes a walk-in dressing room and a marble-finished luxury ensuite Marshall White Boroondara director Chris Barrett declined to comment The home is scheduled to go under the hammer at 12.30pm on May 17 Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Surprise number of Aussie families locked out of their own suburb Mortgage over marriage: couples ditching the altar for bricks and mortar Young family’s reno pays off with $1m+ result in Seaford third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. buffalo fried chicken rolls and generous breakfast plates at the AFL superstar’s new cafe – and no Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime ShareAs featured in the May 2025 hit list. See all stories.When a new cafe opens in your suburb But selling close to 500 coffees on day one is the kind of energy that only comes with stardom it’s the lure of co-owner Marcus Bontempelli Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli and partner Neila Brenning have opened a cafe in Kew.Joe ArmaoThe Western Bulldogs captain and midfielder opened the cafe with partner Neila Brenning on the Easter long weekend hoping to find their feet while Melbourne was quiet “We were scrambling a little for more milk I don’t think we quite anticipated the interest,” says Bontempelli The corner cafe in Kew’s private school belt has been under construction for more than six months with Bontempelli and his father even on the tools as it went from a triple shopfront to one unified space Bontempelli and Brenning bought the site in 2020 for Brenning to explore her interests in design to pursue a business beyond his football career 1 / 6Pancakes are thick and served with butter blueberry compote and maple syrup.Joe Armao2 / 6Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli and partner Neila Brenning have opened a cafe in Kew.Joe Armao3 / 6The cafe sits on a corner surrounded by private schools and residences.Joe Armao4 / 6Turkish eggs were the inspiration for an omelette served with fermented chilli butter and whipped yoghurt.Joe Armao5 / 6A warm and retro feel is obvious in the design.Joe Armao6 / 6Buffalo chicken stars in a fried chicken sandwich that’s saucy and spicy.Joe ArmaoPrevious SlideNext Slide“That creative outlet is important and was really appealing to both of us,” says Brenning although she acknowledges that it’s a well-worn path from football grounds to coffee grinds “you’ve got different periods of time in-season to get out of the footy space is obvious in the design.Joe ArmaoAdvertisementArthur’s is the product of many influences including the diners of Brenning’s childhood in Canada and the building’s time as a milk bar owned by Arthur and Frida Kakousis who still live in the neighbourhood and gave their blessing to carry on the name “We really want to bring back that sense of community … that Arthur’s had provided to the area,” says Brenning The original Pura Milk sign has been retained and there’s bread Buffalo chicken stars in a fried chicken sandwich that’s saucy and spicy.Joe ArmaoAdvertisementExposed brick brown leather banquettes and cabinetry are mixed with checked upholstery and burnt red tones in the design by Studio Esteta who also worked on Lune’s Fitzroy flagship Aussie brunch staples like avocado toast are threaded through a menu that covers wholesome porridge made with macadamia milk; a big brekkie with cheese kransky; and a deli plate of salmon gravlax poached egg and latkes (the Jewish potato fritters) Thick buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote butter and maple syrup nod to North American diners spicy buffalo chicken sandwiches come on a brioche-like roll and are a Bontempelli favourite The breakfast plate includes salmon gravlax potato latkes and more.Joe Armao“It’s a huge breath of fresh air for the area,” says manager Lucabella McLeish who previously managed Kupid Espresso nearby and knows the neighbourhood to the point of attending former customers’ birthdays and funerals As for whether Bont will be putting in shifts behind the espresso machine “He’s proud and wants to be involved so much but it’s striking that right balance,” says Brenning 124-126 Edgevale Road, Kew, instagram.com/arthursmilkbar Former Pies Tyler Brown, Nathan Murphy and Trent Bianco (along with father Frank) own this timber-clad hangout for pizza and wine. 73 Burwood Road, Hawthorn Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn is a partner in both venues. East End (225 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East) serves pizza and heavy-hitting European wines while Motor (735 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn), inside a former garage, references bistro and brasserie faves. Retired Demons star David Neitz is involved in this brew-pub with a rooftop and drink-friendly fare, including dimmies and schnitzels. 44 Tope Street, South Melbourne This pizzeria from ex-Hawk Tim Boyle covers classics and crowd-pleasers, from margherita to ham and pineapple. Locations in Richmond and South Yarra Ben Shewry no longer consents to Attica being reviewed. Here’s why we did it anywayTrailblazing Attica is still a world-class restaurant, and too important for us to ignore. But critic Besha Rodell finds the whole experience a little odd. ‘The best I’ve had outside Cornwall’: The Melbourne bakery reviving proper Cornish pastiesThere’s nothing Cornish about a pasty with minced beef or – heaven forbid – peas and carrots, according to the purists. But one spot is making the real deal. news and the hottest openings served to your inbox Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Elly Blackham is an up-and-coming saxophonist in the Melbourne jazz scene. Having recently finished her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, she is excited to debut her quartet of original music at Kew Court House. Specialising in contemporary jazz, her music is influenced by jazz luminaries such as Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek and Dexter Gordon, as well as artists closer to home such as Andrea Keller, Angela Davis and Sam Anning. In addition to her own projects, she performs regularly around the Melbourne Jazz Scene in numerous big bands and local projects including the Woolgathering Wind Sextet, Kaleidoscope Quintet and the Will Jones Big Band. and melodic personal journey that entices you into the depths of sadness the songman’s work honours a cultural journey to connect back to land and family with a continual thirst for deeper understanding of his people and country Pirritu’s music features folk instrumentation weaving amongst his unique vocals like the gentle wind and waters that the Ngiyampaa man sings of Loz Irwin-Ray creates music to make you think and feel exploring the state of the world and the state of living within it described as having both folk and jazz sensibilities AFROSPACE INTERCHANGE is a collective of extraordinary Naarm musicians celebrate and champion the rich tradition of South African Jazz from its roots in the struggle for freedom to its current sounds under the guidance of the “Born Free” generation Joining forces with The Kew Court House to present a nod to of Youth Day Their music invites a spiritual moment that communicates directly with the soul and rhythms of all our ancestors The collective team up with drum legend Brian Abrahams (collaborator of Sarah Vaughan Abdullah Ibrahim and is an originator of this unique art form) to create something that’s part party It’s the kind of night where you might walk in knowing nothing about South African jazz and leave with a whole new musical obsession In an era where authenticity is often claimed but rarely achieved AFROSPACE INTERCHANGE delivers something genuine Hormesis : (def.) What doesn’t kill you makes your stronger The Hormesis Project is the newest endeavor from Award Winning South African multi-hyphenate This unique line up of all single melody instrumentation : Vocal 1 Double bass & Drums features pure melodic conversation from a handpicked team of exceptional string players The Hormesis Project delves into contemporary groove and improvisation within the vocal and string jazz world Fem explores contemporary groove and improvisation while addressing meaningful themes of resilience Exceptional musicianship and storytelling that are Fem Belling’s signature A sophisticated musical experience that speaks directly from the heart Based in Melbourne after seven years in New York City Mina Yu has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s premier pianists and composers Her performances at world-renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and New York Live Arts have captivated audiences across the globe with international tours spanning South Korea Mina has graced stages such as Melbourne Recital Centre Hamer Hall and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival while also working with renowned artists like Tae Woo Kim (G.O.D) and Fem Belling She’s a fixture in Melbourne’s music scene known for her highly musical performances and collaborations with celebrated jazz and soul musicians Mina Yu’s upcoming show promises to be an unforgettable experience This special performance combines the evocative power of music with a soulful narrative inspired by Milan Kundera’s masterpiece The performance will explore the intricate themes of love Mina will guide you on a journey through the lightness and weight of existence exploring the moments that shape our lives and the memories that define us Don’t miss out on this unique journey through sound and story Kew Court House Live beckons global music aficionados to the iconic venue for a season of Thursday evenings The roster of global music talent has been assembled by DJ Mz Rizk The culture visionary has announced Noriko AFROSPACE Interchange and a legend of the scene Ajak Kwai DJ Rizk gives her natural knack for genre-fluid storytelling to the program culture-rich venue where Melbourne’s rising artists bring their sound to life With its intimate setting and strong community vibe unfiltered performances and discover the next wave of local talent,” says DJ Mz Rizk Ben Langdon and DJ Mz Rizk have amassed a program of live acts to light up Kew Court House Boroondara Arts has platformed these noted cultural curators to present a season of exceptional live music experiences each claiming a night of the week to program the genre they know and love most The Kew Court House Live season launches on 30 April with a kick-off event featuring the velvety harmonies of the Tablelands Folk Festival Songwriting Contest winner the folk-rock/alt-country duo Ally Row supported by Peter Westwood your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt now lives on as Of the Oak — a six-metre-tall LED installation that presents a 3D model of the tree cycling through the seasons in a 12-minute loop with bursts of pixels animating its surface Created by artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast the work draws on advanced technologies including LiDAR and ground-penetrating radar used in collaboration with Kew’s scientists The installation stands near where the oak originally grew and will be on show from 2 May to 28 September Turkish-style omelettes and other Aussie cafe staples at Arthur’s SaveLog in, register or subscribe to save recipes for later.You have reached your maximum number of saved items Remove items from your saved list to add more. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Western Bulldogs captain and midfielder Marcus Bontempelli opened Arthur’s with partner Neila Brenning. It’s the product of many influences, including the diners of Brenning’s childhood in Canada and the building’s time as a milk bar owned by Arthur and Frida Kakousis, who still live in the neighbourhood and gave their blessing to carry on the name. Exposed brick, brown leather banquettes and cabinetry are mixed with checked upholstery and burnt red tones in the design by Studio Esteta. Aussie brunch staples like avocado toast are threaded through a menu that covers wholesome porridge made with macadamia milk; a big brekkie with cheese kransky; and a deli plate of salmon gravlax, poached egg and latkes (the Jewish potato fritters). Thick buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote, butter and maple syrup nod to North American diners. Saucy, spicy buffalo chicken sandwiches come on a brioche-like roll and are a Bontempelli favourite. Coffee is by Inglewood, and for kids there’s fairy bread, ham and cheese toasties, and a simple napoli pasta. ExclusiveThis corner milk bar is now a destination cafe with added Bontempelli magicRestaurant reviews ShareLicense this articleMore: as well as large scale urban renewal precincts.  Explore our interactive project map and see where our projects are located We create vibrant places to live and work across Victoria through diverse and strategic property development and urban renewal projects Our approach combines extensive development project management and urban renewal experience with strong relationships across government and industry technical capability and commercial thinking.With an emphasis on environmental sustainability our goal is to create vibrant places that enrich the local area – with diverse and affordable homes Join our team of experienced industry professionals and develop your capability in a diverse and collaborative workplace.    Development Victoria is investigating options to deliver homes on unused government land in Kew is excited Development Victoria is leading the project which will create approximately 500 homes We’re exploring the viability of reusing the unused commercial office building on the southern end of the site Niall CunninghamActing Chief Executive Officer “The building has a layout and structure potentially suitable for repurposing into homes and mixed-use spaces.” “It’s exciting to be able to explore this approach to housing delivery which reduces carbon emissions compared to a new build.” Other options being investigated include partnerships with the private sector to deliver the remaining residential development ensuring a diverse mix of housing options across the site Further investigations will be undertaken by Development Victoria to decide the best approach for the development with the aim to commence early works to prepare the land in 2025 Early community engagement on the draft planning scheme amendment has been valuable in the process so far Development Victoria will engage with community and key stakeholders as the project progresses For more information visit the Kew project page. In the spirit of reconciliation, Development Victoria respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria. We recognise their continuing cultural heritage and connection to land, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. Yinga Biik Birranga-ga (Sing land and Country), Steve Ulula Parker Connect with us to stay up to date on the latest developments. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Development Victoria is inviting the community to help shape the future of the former VicRoads site in Kew which is set to become a vibrant new residential community Situated in an established area with excellent access to jobs the site presents a valuable opportunity to deliver much-needed housing close to the heart of Melbourne To ensure the development aligns with community expectations, Development Victoria is gathering feedback through a Community Aspirations Report. This report will form a key part of the tender process, helping to guide how the site evolves. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts by participating in the survey on Engage Victoria allowing residents to highlight areas in Kew that support community and connectivity as well as design features they would like incorporated into the new development Development Victoria will be hosting two engagement sessions where residents can meet the project team and learn more about this early planning stage These sessions offer an opportunity to share ideas and help shape the development so it best complements the existing Kew community Community input is invaluable in shaping developments that not only deliver much-needed housing but also reflect the character and needs of the local area Nemesia KennettActing Group Head of Housing We want to ensure this project fosters a strong sense of community the community can play a vital role in shaping a development that truly enhances Kew Access the survey on Engage Victoria or find out more about the in-person engagement sessions  project Development Victoria respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria We recognise their continuing cultural heritage and connection to land Yinga Biik Birranga-ga (Sing land and Country) Connect with us to stay up to date on the latest developments VAFA The VAFA acknowledge the traditional owners of country Round 2 was a mixed bag with plenty on offer in Division 1. From high-scoring games to a couple of thrashings, to close contests that came down to the final quarter – the second round of play had it all. One of the biggest storylines to emerge from the weekend was the strength of Kew who now sit atop the ladder with a big win at home against Elsternwick. Ormond continued their strong start to the season with a 91-point victory over Therry Penola. Ormond started well with the first couple of goals of the match, however before they could settle in, Therry Penola quickly struck back with two goals of their own, with a narrow 5-point margin at the quarter time siren. The second term saw Ormond break away and make the most of the opportunities that presented themselves, putting on a dominant display up forward with eight majors. Their 36-point lead at half-time expanded to 61-points at three-quarter time and by that stage it was clear they had the momentum to carry this game home, which they did in style with another seven goals in the last quarter. Samuel Bailey starred with six goals for the winning side. A high-scoring game in Mount Eliza saw Old Peninsula take the chocolates over UHS-VU by 31 points. This game had swings and roundabouts with Old Peninsula up by 10-points at quarter time, yet UHS-VU had a dominant second quarter, moving the footy around the ground with ease to bank seven majors and an eight-point lead at the main break. However, the home side quickly re-grouped and retaliated to take charge in the second half and controlled the majority of play until the final siren to take the four points. After kicking four goals last week, Old Peninsula’s Bailey Payze well and truly backed up this week with eight goals in this game, whilst despite their team’s defeat, Jeffrey Fox, Jacob Hunt and Archie Frazer stood up for UHS-VU with good performances. In the biggest win of the weekend for this section, Kew showed that they are a side to be taken seriously as they thrashed Elsternwick by 137-points. The Bears virtually silenced the Wicks in the first quarter, keeping them scoreless with a 35-point lead. Kew only reached greater heights in the second quarter and continued to pile on the scoreboard pressure in the third term to acquire a massive 99-point advantage by three-quarter time. Elsternwick kicked two early goals in the final term, but Kew quickly responded with seven consecutive majors. On a tough day for Elsternwick, Daniel Marchese impressed for his side with two of their five goals, whilst Kew’s William Llewelyn starred with six goals and will be a key player for Kew this season. Kew finished the game 24.26 (170), so the pain could’ve been a lot worse for Elsternwick if Kew had been more accurate in front of goal. Despite a valiant final quarter effort from the Monash Blues, the Preston Bullants walked away winners at Frearson Oval having done the hard work in the first three quarters. The Bullants managed to control the game on their terms in the first half as they converted opportunities inside 50 into goals which saw them with a healthy 27-point lead at the main break. The third quarter had good periods for both sides, but the Bullants continued to lead the way and built up their lead to 36 points. The Bullants kicked the first goal of the final term and with their lead now 42 points, many thought the game was all but over. But to Monash’s credit, they continued to put in consistent efforts and kicked four consecutive goals to keep themselves in the game. Alas, it was a case of too little too late as the Blues lost by 18 points and Preston were rewarded for their early effort. Both coming off Round 1 wins, it was Oakleigh who managed to go 2-0, as they defeated Brunswick by 39 points. Oakleigh led this game from start to finish and were in control early on, commanding a 20-point lead at quarter-time and increasing that by half-time. Brunswick clawed back some ground in the third quarter with a couple of goals from Oscar Watt firing them up, however Oakleigh were just the better side on the day, putting the game to bed in the last quarter and returning home worthy winners. Luke Ashen made another significant contribution for Oakleigh with five goals to his name. The competition resumes after the Easter break with five new match-ups ready to do battle in Round 3. Undefeated Ormond host the winless UHS-VU in their first home game of 2025 as they look to go 3 and 0. UHS-VU will be looking to sustain a four-quarter effort this week after struggling to keep up with oppositions in the second half of their first two games. Therry Penola host the Monash Blues with both teams aiming to register their first win of the season. Therry Penola narrowly avoided relegation last season so will be acutely aware of the importance of early wins to avoid 9th and 10th position on the ladder. Whilst the Monash Blues have a point to prove under new Coach Andy Batten, after coming down from Premier C. The 6th placed Preston Bullants host Elsternwick who are yet to register a win. This game could go either way, and Elsternwick particularly will be eager for the challenge and ready to bounce back after their big loss to Kew. The match of the round in Round 3 would have to be Oakleigh hosting Kew at Scammell Reserve. This promises to be an attacking, high-scoring game, with Oakleigh’s Luke Ashen and Kew’s William Llewelyn both sitting in the top five Division 1 goal-kickers at the early stage of this season. Whoever wins this game will make a big statement that they are a serious contender in 2025. Brunswick host the undefeated Old Peninsula. This is another game that should be tightly contested as Brunswick looks to halt the high-scoring Old Peninsula who have cracked the triple digits on the scoreboard on both occasions they’ve played this year, one of only two teams to have achieved this feat. Another intriguing weekend of William Buck Premier Women’s action unfolded in Round 4, headlined by a top-four clash between Old Geelong and Old Scotch, while other contenders continued to build Prahran’s continued efforts to ‘tread water’ amidst an early-season injury crisis, have finally caught a break, although not on the scoreboard. A largely competitive 16.18 (114) to 9.8 (62) loss Round 4 of the Division 4 Women’s competition saw Beaumaris and Westbourne each go a game clear of the rest of the pack on the ladder, riding high after being The VAFA acknowledge the traditional owners of country, on which we play our great game, and pay our respects to them, their culture and Elders past and present. I’d had a very tough few years after my father died living on the streets and sleeping with one eye open you have to sleep with one eye open in case people try to steal your things so you end up being on alert 24 hours a day The effect of living like that means you often look for distraction and I soon began spending time with other homeless people who were drinking and using drugs My days all began to look the same: trying to stay warm things became really hard – people were getting ill on the street and it felt sometimes as if we had been abandoned I was relocated to a hotel room in Putney during the lockdowns and while I was there I started working with a housing charity I was finally off the streets and I knew that meant I also had to get clean otherwise my place would become a crack den I detoxed, went to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and came across a charity called Shepherd’s Star which helps vulnerable people connect with the local community I needed something to keep me busy and something to look forward to so I signed up for their six-week course to learn some new skills since I wasn’t sure what people would make of me I walked through the gates and immediately felt as if I was in another world I was taken with the group to the community allotment and met one of the staff who was showing me around the gardens when we passed by a tulip tree the Latin name for the plant came to me: Liriodendron tulipifera My previous life began flooding back to me I remembered how in my first job after leaving college I was a gardener and that my mum had worked in the finance office in Kew more names came to mind and I started to feel calm and safe for the first time in six years Since I had been living day-to-day on the streets I had forgotten my old life because you have no scope to think of anything other than what is in front of you But seeing the majestic 250-year-old tree connected me to my own roots I told Jane what had happened and she encouraged me to come back the following week to help out in the allotment I began to show up every Wednesday to pot plants get rid of weeds and get seedlings ready for the greenhouse and I soon began to really enjoy the act of planting something and seeing it grow knowing it was my care that helped it stay alive I asked if I could become a regular volunteer and it was a great honour to be accepted by Jane and given a Kew uniform to wear my life has changed completely – every week and every other week we work with adults with learning disabilities It’s amazing to see them smile while digging or watering the plants People from all walks of life volunteer alongside me including those who have also been homeless or addicts as well as those with mental health difficulties or family trauma We have formed a close-knit group who all support each other I always told myself that I was down but I wasn’t out; that things would get better I feel so lucky to have found Kew as my therapy and safe space I can see life as it should be now and I just want to take it day by day always trying to be better and to stay fulfilled Landmark Kew property The Orb House favours tranquil introspective living inspired by the dwellings of ancient Pompeii say its creators at Bojan Simic Architecture Short-listed in the residential category of the Australian Institute of Architects Awards in 2010 the visionary residence’s architecture attracted the current owners to the home in 2019 Now they’ve decided to move on from 52A Molesworth St which has hit the market with a $7.m-$7.5m price guide RELATED: Kath & Kim star’s Melbourne mansion sale secret revealed Auctioneer invokes Taylor Swift lyrics, Kew pad with a sauna is hot property Worrying Vic home building numbers buck national trend Also updated was the central outdoor pavilion The main living room with feature fireplace The dining space can easily accommodate 10 people Some of the property’s greatest drawcards include its unique architectural design and attention to detail senior sales consultant from Kay & Burton Boroondara Dodich highlights the “home office at the front of the house with unrestricted views over treetops through to the Yarra” as one example Combining a zoned split-level interior with a free-flowing layout offering intimate retreats for each family member and a series of living areas that bring everyone together Dodich says that home is tailored for indoor-outdoor family excellence “The home would suit families with several separate wings and living zones in the house and close to all amenities.” MORE: Cost of building a new home jumps $25,000 overnight in Victoria Melbourne pyramid-style house crowned Australia’s best home Melbourne postcodes with highest and lowest mortgages revealed Enjoy outdoor-style entertaining while indoors The precision and artistry of the design are best expressed in a two-level cubical wing where a lower-level lounge with a suspended fireplace and doors to the deck leads to a top-floor home office with magnificent views The kitchen features a waterfall breakfast island and boasts Miele appliances and a butler’s pantry with a Leibherr wine fridge while a pool and deck-side entertainment pavilion by a cedar sauna/bathroom with electric awnings The designer home with a minimalist aesthetic delivers maximum impact with a stunning emphasis on innovative form “It has superb Northern light and dedicated living zones that accommodates for all ages,” says Dodich A living space with floor-to-ceiling windows The chic pool is a centrepiece of the property Located in a prestigious elevated position Dodich says The Orb House “feels like it’s in the country but only a few minutes away from the city” Dodich says the key feature of the location is the natural habitat along the nearby Yarra River as well as golf courses Kew Junction shopping and easy access to the CBD The home is being sold via expressions of interest through Kay & Burton Boroondara Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox RELATED: First look inside new Metro Tunnel’s shopping, dining precinct Twelve Apostles eco-resort site listed for sale Odd bedroom found inside bargain Melb ‘blank canvas’ store The great 19th-century philosopher Henry David Thoreau thought the key to explaining perspective was knowing the difference between what we look at and what we see. Perhaps that’s the very definition of an architect’s work, too – seeing the possible, acknowledging the actual and creating the palpable – the bridge that sits between real and imagined. John Wardle has always been drawn to views, to perspective. “It’s a family thing,” he says. “We all seem to have a house on a hill.” So, when he first came to Melbourne from Geelong and saw the great span of Studley Park he knew this would probably be the place for him. “The house itself was nothing impressive,” he says of the abode he and his wife Susan found on the rise of a Kew street. “But when I looked back over my shoulder from it and saw the wonderful view of Melbourne, I thought that there were very few places anywhere like this – the sweep of the Yarra, amazing green space – almost a peninsula and then there was the proximity to the city.” Originally the horse paddock for the stately home behind, Wardle likes to joke about the fertile patch of earth he found. The imagery is warmly irresistible – as though the fecundity itself grew the house and the family across the decades. Indeed, one of the defining features here, a trio of towering elm trees, has informed every renovation. “We’ve pulled apart, rebuilt and revised three times,” says the architect of the house’s evolution. “There’s very little of the original left, but the nature of the landscape here has always been important.” You’re unlikely to find a more spectacular and magically quiet home. The great, glassy double-height frontage is all about those views, even for the passer-by – generously reflecting sky, street, and surroundings. A framing, rising garden threads itself in and around those imposing elms, their great canopies a natural shade across the west. To the side and rear, the house edges itself into the garden – angles and corners feathered by the greenery. Grant Hackett’s Brighton family home is now for sale Incredible Paddington home of the late Boris Tosic listed for sale ROAME fashion co-founder Hollie Sweet lists luxe Melbourne home Rising from the street below, slab steps of granite reclaimed from the forecourt of architects Yuncken Freeman’s storied old BHP building track through the leafy borders – brawny and beautiful. “There’s some great Melbourne history there. Think of all those people who travelled across that stone,” muses Wardle. The ground-level rooms are exquisite. The dark, dramatic gravity of the kitchen with its scalloped charcoal-tiled splashback and quartzite bench leavened by the glorious, seamless surrounds of Victorian ash cabinetry are primers for the sublime material combinations carried throughout. “All the tiles were designed expressly for this house,” says Wardle, and you can see how the shape and purpose of the spaces take their cues from the concentrated intensity in the ceramics. Lest you think we’re pushing the needle into the red about tiling, consider the “bamboo” powder room. The rare, recovered and remade Japanese tiles – gloriously tactile, jagged and expressive – were formed by the metal spines of an umbrella dragged through wet clay. These are the kinds of artisan processes and collaborations Wardle has always embraced, specifically in this last iteration of the house. “This most recent renovation really reflects the relationships with makers, the skilled others who have created a place for the collections of our life and travels.” In the splendid living room, there’s a stunning example of this in Natasha Johns-Messenger’s camera obscura-esque installation that enhances the all-important city views. Upstairs in the expansive study, beautiful bespoke shelving slides to contain the Wardle’s lifelong treasures – ceramics and sculptures from around the world. Always and everywhere, though, the view. The main bedroom floats out into the landscape of Studley Park toward the city – those sought-after vantage points pinpointed perfectly here. The house is, of course, rich in amenities – paved garden “rooms”, a swimming pool and a brilliant little studio with a loft bed all contained beneath that green elm awning. When it comes to leaving a home created by family, adapted for its growth, and enhanced by the expert eye for detail, you might imagine John Wardle flooded with melancholy. Only a little. “There are many memories here as a family – of drawings and discussions and dictating how the house would operate, but there is always excitement in a move, in the next project too.” Wardle’s wishes for the next occupants of his family opus are simple. “I hope it will be for them, as it has been for us, a place to be distracted by the pleasures of life.” That’s a perspective upon which to build a dream home. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate Carlton’s former president Mark LoGiudice and wife Eli are selling their Kew house Carlton’s former president Mark LoGiudice and wife Eli are preparing to farewell their six-bedroom Kew house with a $8m-$8.5m asking range Mr LoGiudice served on the Blues’ board for 12 years Mr LoGiudice oversaw the club earn its inaugural AFLW license in 2016 and later the $40m stage one Ikon Park masterplan redevelopment RELATED: Kew: Former Ivy Grange guesthouse for sale has seven-figure price tag Carlton footy boss Luke Sayers and wife Cate find a buyer for their Hawthorn East mansion Ascot Vale: Carlton cult hero Dennis Armfield, wife Abby list renovated Victorian-era house When Mr LoGiudice became president in 2014 the Blues were $7.5m in debt but upon his departure they were debt-free Mr LoGiudice is an owner and managing director of the Melbourne-based family-run property development and investment company Crawfords Group Projects by the group include an 18-apartment complex in Studley Rd The company also has a planning application with Yarra Council seeking to build 31 high-end apartments across seven storeys at 67-83 Johnston St The main living and dining area can be opened up to enjoy the outdoor pool and barbecue entertainer’s space which has been Carlton’s home ground since 1897 A 5.3m-long island bench takes centre stage in the kitchen Mr LoGiudice is a non-executive director at both the international fruit and vegetable distributor Premier Fresh Australia and a collection of marketing and communications agencies and a board member of Xavier College’s Xavier Foundation Mr LoGiudice said that he and Eli were downsizing to a new abode now that their three sons have grown up “We hope another family buys the home and has the opportunity to enjoy it like we have it has been a great family home,” Mr LoGiudice said They asked Simeoni to include large expanses of glass in the home to let in plenty of natural light There’s several bathrooms and ensuites within the house former coach David Teague and previous chief executive Cain Liddle Floor-to-ceiling glass doors in the main living and dining space look out to a solar-heated swimming pool pool house with a separate bathroom and an undercover alfresco entertaining space equipped with a built-in eight-burner barbecue and a walk-in cool room “We’ve hosted many events there,” Mr LoGiudice said with one birthday celebration having up to 100 guests “And there was plenty of room for everyone,” Mr LoGiudice said He added that seeing his and Eli’s sons grow up was his “best and fondest memory” of the residence The entire family are dyed-in-the-wool Carlton fans who attend all games and are looking ahead to 2025’s season kicking off “I think we are in with a very good chance with the list we have got and as long as we stay healthy we’ve got a good chance of playing in the finals,” Mr LoGiudice said The study is a peaceful spot to catch up on some schoolwork or to work from home Three downstairs living areas in the house all open up to the outdoors meaning there’s plenty of room for teenagers and older adults to socialise separately or together The kitchen features a 5.3m-long island bench two side-by-side refrigerators and a walk-in pantry hydronic heating and ducted reverse-cycle refrigerated airconditioning ensure year-round comfort alongside home automation and a Sonos surround sound system There are two main bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes and ensuites an underground wine cellar and a three-car garage A downstairs living area opens up to the private rear yard “We’re in a great spot where we live because of proximity to the village and public transport including trams and a bus to the city,” Mr LoGiudice said Marshall White Boroondara director James Tostevin described the house as “a brilliant family home” “You can tell it was expensively-built and it has stood the test of time,” Mr Tostevin said The home will be sold via an expressions of interest campaign closing on March 3 MORE: Novak Djokovic’s humble $900k ‘retirement’ home Melbourne suburbs where house prices outgrew owners’ salaries in 2024 revealed: REIV Bali Body founders sell their Mediterranean-inspired Mt Martha home which previously served as a guesthouse and a private mental hospital A former Kew guesthouse where a man was killed more than a decade ago remains on the market more than 100 days after it was put up for sale The 41-room, heritage-listed property at 3 Malmsbury St is for sale with a $6m-$6.6m price range It was built in 1864 by the architect Charles Vickers whose other works include the ex-Pentridge Prison’s chapel RELATED: Easey St murders: How much is the Collingwood house worth now? Vic’s most-haunted spots led by pubs, hotels, gaols and asylums — but prices keep rising Beverly Hills mansion where parents were killed sells for $26m The bluestone residence features period details such as etched and handpainted windows a double-storey tower with 360-degree views incorporating the Melbourne CBD skyline was added the building was used as a private mental hospital in the 1920s Public records show it last sold in the 1970s and served for decades as a guesthouse for pensioners and accommodation for disadvantaged people The 1664sq m site has been on the market since June 2024 and was previously listed that same year for a separate 76-day period it spent 480 days on the market during an earlier sales campaign Ivy Grange was built in 1864 by architect Charles Vickers whose other works include the chapel at the former Pentridge Prison the now-demolished Congregational Church in Kew and the vicarage of Holy Trinity Church The property previously served as accommodation for pensioners and disadvantaged people a 29-year-old man with stab wounds was found dead on the then-guesthouse’s roof who was also a resident of the rooming house It was believed the victim had jumped out a window onto the roof during an altercation The 39-year-old man was charged with murder but was later found not guilty due to mental impairment the Supreme Court ordered that he spend a nominal 25-year term under supervision at a forensic mental health hospital According to the Victorian Heritage Database Ivy Grange is of significance as a house that was built and owned by the prominent architect Charles Vickers The ex-guesthouse sits on a 1660sq m block of land Ivy Grange’s listing mentions that it could be restored as a family home or renovated before reopening as a guesthouse The listing also suggests Ivy Grange could potentially be transformed into an apartment development The property is located close to Kew Junction’s shops and eateries Barry Plant Eastern Group’s director Theo Politis MORE: ‘We’re done’: Breaking Bad house on sale, homeowner is sick of gawking fans Kyneton: Two historic haunted houses connected to the family of Australian-Indian princess Graffitied mansion in Melbourne’s southeast nearly sells, among state’s abandoned homes which was previously owned by embattled Public Hospitality is in the hands of a new operator as Public’s financial unravelling continues ShareThe Grossi family has ended its association with Puttanesca the flagship restaurant at the Clifton Hotel owned until recently by Public Hospitality Group The Kew Junction pub, built in 1868, had been vacant for many years before its splashy reopening in August 2023 which marked Sydney-based Public Hospitality’s first serious move into the Melbourne market restaurateur-chef Guy Grossi told Good Food a new project has to feel right and be fun Jon Adgemis (left) with Guy Grossi outside the Clifton Hotel in Kew in July 2023.Joe ArmaoIt’s safe to say the good feels are gone “We don’t share the same business values so we couldn’t continue with the association,” said the Grossi family as part of an announcement on Monday that all ties had been severed with the restaurant and Public Hospitality “Grossi Group was engaged as a supplier of consulting services to the Puttanesca Osteria restaurant operated by Public Hospitality Group,” the family said “We have never been involved in the day-to-day operations of Public Hospitality Group We can confirm we have now ceased our arrangement with Public Hospitality Group and will no longer be involved with Puttanesca Osteria.” Owned by former KPMG dealmaker turned publican Jon Adgemis, Public Hospitality disintegrated after refinancing in 2024 Many businesses within the group collapsed The dining room at Puttanesca in September 2023, shortly after opening.Paul JeffersAdvertisementLast September, Good Food reported that Puttanesca’s future was uncertain as Public Hospitality’s financial woes affected several businesses “We are waiting to see what’s happening and trying to work through everything,” said Grossi Restaurants co-owner Elizabeth Grossi-Rodriguez at the time Linchpin Hospitality has been running the Clifton Hotel It has also taken control of three of the group’s former Sydney venues – the Empire Hotel Linchpin’s management team includes chief executive Terry Soukoulis and well-known chef George Calombaris. Soukoulis previously managed Hotel Sorrento, where Calombaris also had ties. George Calombaris’ Sydney expansion plans fall over after only five months“There aren’t many changes at Puttanesca,” says restaurant manager Johnny Mathias which Guy Grossi was proud to introduce to Kew “It’s our nonna’s recipe for bolognese sauce with bechamel and pasta sheets Public’s second Melbourne venue was Saint George in St Kilda He says Linchpin briefly oversaw the venue but was no longer involved Saint George is still accepting online bookings but the phone number on the website is disconnected Martini was approached for comment but did not respond before publication Correction: an earlier version of this story stated that Linchpin Hospitality now owns the Clifton Hotel The five-bedroom home at 5 Tregarron Avenue fetched $6 million in late 2022, records show. It is set on 1305 square metres in a cul-de-sac of period homes and has no heritage restrictions. Marshall White’s Scarlett Hang and Daniel Bradd had the listing. Bradd said there were three bidders and the bidding started at $5.6 million, and rose to $5.65 million, at which point he paused proceedings to talk to the vendor. He returned to a handful more $5000 bids and a $20,000 rise, taking the home to $5.7 million, at which point it passed in. The highest bidder did not buy the property. Instead, a local family upgrading raised their offer to $5.78 million in post-auction negotiations, Bradd said. He said the home was updated about 10 to 15 years ago and was in good order but some interested parties thought they might make cosmetic updates. The Block’s Mitch and Mark selling their Northern Beaches escape Property mogul sells $16m Bondi Beach stunner as billionaire buys nearby Australians used to a love a “renovator’s delight”. But is the reno boom going bust? Bradd acknowledged that the previous, higher sale had been at the tail end of the COVID-affected property market, to a buyer who was overseas and bought it sight unseen. “There has been a little bit of a change in the market since what was happening in COVID.” He said the reserve, in the end, was $5.78 million. “They would have liked to have recovered their costs, but they were understanding the market is the market.” Elsewhere, an investor paid $1.33 million for Abbotsford landmark “Dorothy Terrace”, which was redesigned and renovated by award-winning architect Amy Muir and went under the hammer on Saturday. 1 Bath− .css-12a1b0h{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;margin:-1px;padding:0;-webkit-clip:rect(1px,1px,1px,1px);clip:rect(1px,1px,1px,1px);border:0;overflow:hidden;-webkit-clip-path:inset(100%);clip-path:inset(100%);-webkit-clip-path:none;display:none;}ParkingView listing The 1888-built two-bedroom property at 42 Lulie Street, walking distance to Victoria Park, had a price range of $1.25 million to $1.3 million, with three registered bidders who all took part. The auction was fought between an investor, a young family that had already made a prior offer of $1.25 million which was rejected, and a “surprise” bidder that selling agent Lee Muddle of Jellis Craig only met on the day of the auction. “She popped up on the day and put her hand up, but it was a nice surprise,” Muddle said. The bidding opened at $1.26 million, then increased in $10,000 and $5000 increments. “It then dropped away so we had a half-time break and came back a few minutes later where the next bid was the reserve of $1.32 million,” Muddle said. The home was ultimately bought by the investor, who plans to move in for a period before renting it out. “Seeing an investor bid isn’t something we have experienced a lot of lately in the area,” Muddle said. The property was one of 1157 scheduled for auction in Melbourne in the past week. 2 Baths− ParkingView listing By Sunday evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 67 per cent from 852 reported results throughout the week, while 101 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate. In Fitzroy North, a turn-key terrace was passed in at auction at $1.36 million but sold 20 minutes later by private negotiation at the reserve price of $1.39 million. With a price range of $1.35 million to $1.45 million, the terrace at 29 Rae Street attracted interest from three first home buyers. All were registered to bid at the weekend’s auction, but only one ultimately did, offering the first and only bid of $1.36 million. “Two of the three registered bidders bought other homes prior to Saturday’s auction,” said David Sanguinedo the lead agent from Jellis Craig. This is evidence of a market trend Sanguinedo has noticed more since Reserve Bank’s interest rate cut last month. “We had 80 people come through during the campaign and they were just falling off, not because they weren’t interested but because they were buying other properties, hopping on whatever they could buy before auction,” Sanguinedo said. The buyer, a young professional first home buyer drawn to the property’s open-plan living and location, also felt this sense of urgency. “He wanted to buy something now because he thinks soon he will be priced out of the market,” Sanguinedo said. PRD chief economist Diaswati Mardiasmo said she was pleased with Melbourne’s auction results. “It’s great to see that the clearance rate is going up for the third week and stimulating more demand, but it’s not the frenzy people were expecting,” she said. “A frenzy could be worrisome for inflation. The current increase is the perfect moving forward economic scenario,” she said. In Moonee Ponds, a Californian bungalow sold for $2.26 million in a fiercely competitive auction between two local families. 2 Baths4 ParkingView listing While there were four registered bidders, only two ultimately took part. The competitive nature of the auction was dominated by the eventual buyer and the underbidder, who both wanted to secure their dream home. “Two buyers ready to bid from the beginning and performed strongly throughout. The other two parties couldn’t get in,” said Milo Rasinac, managing partner and auctioneer at McDonald Upton. With a price guide of $2 million to $2.2 million, 14 Kipling Street sold above its reserve of $2.16 million as a crowd of about 100 people watched. “Homes in the Moonee Ponds area always attract great interest and crowds,” Rasinac said. The successful bidder was enticed by the large open living areas, proximity to schools and parks, and additional car accommodation. “The home was also beautifully presented, which they loved too,” Rasinac said. The bidding opened at $2 million and went up in $20,000 increments to the reserve, when the bids lowered to $10,000, $5000 and finally $2000. After the auction, the new owners consoled with the underbidders. “They went up and shook their hands and said sorry – it was a really nice thing to see,” Rasinac said. the neighbourhood exudes gravitas and timeless appeal Here remains an impressive collection of Victorian and Edwardian-era buildings which stands with much of its original character intact and now houses the iconic Postmaster Hotel a beloved institution that – much like the surrounding suburb – celebrates both the classic and the contemporary Kew exemplifies the very best of what Melbourne has to offer: historic charm expansive parklands in Studley Park and Yarra Bend village-like feel that is nearly impossible to manufacture Kew Junction has always been a focal point of the suburb from where it’s a 25-minute tram ride to Melbourne Central The bustling precinct is also home to some of Melbourne’s most loved hospitality establishments, such as Centonove, Mister Bianco, and Frank & Harri. “High Street is the beating heart of Kew for me,” says Andrew Skoullos owner of local patisserie Frank & Harri High Street rivals the best of Melbourne’s shopping strips “It really is the one-stop street for everything.” A post shared by Frank & Harri (@frankandharripatisserie) Another huge drawcard of Kew is its elite schools “There’s an influx of people here for good reason,” he says the cafe’s founder and current head pastry chef says the Kew community is warm and welcoming “It’s a very close-knit community and full of life And people are really proud of where they live.” It’s the kind of place where people want to stay for generations This trend has also been observed by Tim Campbell a property developer known for its projects catering to downsizers The group is now launching its second project in Kew – Studley Park Residences a collection of 31 luxury two and three-bedroom apartments “Most of our buyers on our last Kew project were from a three-kilometre radius,” Campbell says “They were all downsizers selling large homes in Kew and surrounding areas “Some of the potential buyers we are talking to now left Kew [to go] to Fitzroy “It really does have everything to offer.” Perched on an elevated site, each apartment’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer lush green vistas in every direction, over Studley Park and Yarra Bend The residences wrap around a central garden taking inspiration from the established  Himalayan cedar and manna gum trees on site Architecture firm Warren and Mahoney succeeded in its vision to create a true connection to nature Clad in white-beige brickwork and textured facade the building echoes the site’s earthy qualities natural palette of interiors designed by Edwina Glenn European oak floors contrast against magnificent oyster marble benches The main bedrooms are designed to host oversized beds and walk-in wardrobes, while the penthouse apartments also offer rooftop terraces, with optional spas.  With a nod to the stately Victorian homes of Kew, the end product is perfect for the local downsizer seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle without compromise, Campbell says. “It’s a suburb with a rich history,” he says. “We want our building to be part of that legacy.” Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Residents in Kew are fighting a McDonald’s plan to operate its drive-through 24 hours a day claiming the smell of frying oil and noise created by late-night customers will disrupt their lives A group of neighbours who live next door to McDonald’s on High Street in Kew have taken the Golden Arches to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after the local council approved non-stop trading at the restaurant’s drive-through Mary Brest (front) with other Kew residents is trying to block a McDonald’s drive-through in Kew from going 24 hours.Credit: Joe Armao The current trading hours at the McDonald’s which has been operating at the location for 30 years The company has twice been knocked back from operating 24/7 the City of Boroondara granted an amendment to the planning permit in May 2024 that would allow it to continue operating in the five-hour early morning window as a drive-through-only restaurant Residential objectors who share a fence with the McDonald’s drive-through have lodged an appeal with VCAT The McDonald’s drive-through in Kew is surrounded by houses.Credit: Joe Armao said she could hear every order being placed in the drive-through from inside her bedroom and other rooms including responses from employees confirming a customer’s request questions such as “was that a Big Mac meal?” were less intrusive she believed those sounds would keep her awake Her family has owned the house on Pakington Street since 1949 Previously the site was a Shell service station “As much as it can be a little bit frustrating [at the moment] Other objectionable noise included the sound of cars idling in the drive-through music from car stereos playing at loud volumes and people shouting as they eat their food in the car park She echoed the concerns of other residents who moved in after the restaurant opened who said they couldn’t open their windows during the day because of the smell of burgers and fries Some said they didn’t hang their washing outside as the odour would get into the clothes The neighbours feared losing a quiet period during the night when the restaurant’s operations ceased “Everybody’s got better stuff to do than complain,” said resident Mary Brest barristers representing both McDonald’s and the residents argued over whether the change to the operating hours should proceed One proposal was for McDonald’s to block off its car park during the late-night hours to stop people looping back from the drive-through to eat their food the company has not yet agreed to that idea McDonald’s is seeking an amendment to allow it to operate 24/7.Credit: Eamon Gallagher They cited issues such as staff needing car spaces and potential difficulties in making the adjustment late at night Another suggestion was for the drive-through to be built into the ground to prevent noise from being heard by the residents McDonald’s is arguing that the extension of its trading hours is appropriate because the area in Kew was rezoned from residential to commercial in 2017 The company said the rezoning meant its use as a convenience restaurant was “as of right” and a planning permit was not required for the extended hours The company said the installation of 2.8-metre high boundary acoustic fence said none of the residents had raised formal complaints about the smell from the restaurant “One has to ask whether the problems are truly as bad as being suggested if the smell of the food has never been raised,” she said She also said that the company did not accept that it was not in compliance with the conditions of its permit “This is not an audit of whether they like living next to a McDonald’s .. especially one that has been there 30 years,” she said “Neighbours who move in next to a McDonald’s should accept a different amenity than if they move into a quiet residential area.” Not all the residents who object to the overnight drive-through proposal are opposed to the restaurant itself said a proper balance had already been struck between the two parties’ wishes with the 1am closing time “If the tribunal finds the McDonald’s is inflicting unacceptable amenity the tribunal ought not to extend that further into the night,” he said The matter will return for further hearings later this year Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter Residents in Kew are fighting a McDonald\\u2019s plan to operate its drive-through 24 hours a day A group of neighbours who live next door to McDonald\\u2019s on High Street in Kew have taken the Golden Arches to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after the local council approved non-stop trading at the restaurant\\u2019s drive-through The current trading hours at the McDonald\\u2019s Residential objectors who share a fence with the McDonald\\u2019s drive-through have lodged an appeal with VCAT including responses from employees confirming a customer\\u2019s request questions such as \\u201Cwas that a Big Mac meal?\\u201D were less intrusive \\u201CAs much as it can be a little bit frustrating [at the moment] \\u201CYou adjust your life around what is there\\u2019s going to be no reprieve.\\u201D She echoed the concerns of other residents who moved in after the restaurant opened who said they couldn\\u2019t open their windows during the day because of the smell of burgers and fries Some said they didn\\u2019t hang their washing outside as the odour would get into the clothes it\\u2019s not one of those smells where you go but it\\u2019s not nice either,\\u201D Koci said The neighbours feared losing a quiet period during the night when the restaurant\\u2019s operations ceased \\u201CEverybody\\u2019s got better stuff to do than complain,\\u201D said resident Mary Brest barristers representing both McDonald\\u2019s and the residents argued over whether the change to the operating hours should proceed One proposal was for McDonald\\u2019s to block off its car park during the late-night hours to stop people looping back from the drive-through to eat their food McDonald\\u2019s is arguing that the extension of its trading hours is appropriate because the area in Kew was rezoned from residential to commercial in 2017 The company said the rezoning meant its use as a convenience restaurant was \\u201Cas of right\\u201D and a planning permit was not required for the extended hours \\u201COne has to ask whether the problems are truly as bad as being suggested if the smell of the food has never been raised,\\u201D she said \\u201CThis is not an audit of whether they like living next to a McDonald\\u2019s .. especially one that has been there 30 years,\\u201D she said \\u201CNeighbours who move in next to a McDonald\\u2019s should accept a different amenity than if they move into a quiet residential area.\\u201D said a proper balance had already been struck between the two parties\\u2019 wishes with the 1am closing time \\u201CIf the tribunal finds the McDonald\\u2019s is inflicting unacceptable amenity the tribunal ought not to extend that further into the night,\\u201D he said Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories A compact home in a prestigious pocket of Melbourne has hit the market offering the chance to buy into the tightly-held market on the cheap The freestanding one-bedroom house at 2A Minto Street, Kew East has been listed for auction with a price guide of $600,000 to $650,000 That affordable price point makes it the cheapest house that’s currently on the market in Melbourne’s inner east It also represents a $1.6 million saving when compared with Kew East’s $2.2 million median sale price The 2010-built house was designed with a heritage look to blend into the surrounding streetscape is a fraction of the size of typical houses in the suburb Most other houses on the market in Kew East at the time of publication are on blocks of at least 600sqm in size and have four or five bedrooms But what the little house lacks in size, it makes up for in charm, says selling agent Lloyd Lawton of Jellis Craig Boroondara The unique home came into existence when the small lot was subdivided off a larger “[The vendors] purposely built it for their daughter to live there for some independence,” he said While there are plenty of small units and villas nearby it was rare to find a freestanding house of that size in the area which is mostly dominated by larger family homes The compact layout includes a living room with French doors opening to the garden “It’s the first time I’ve seen a one bedroom home in that suburb,” he said “It’s on its own title and there’s no body corporate fees.” The tidy property also comes with a backyard studio that would make an ideal home office The home’s sole bedroom includes built-in wardrobes Mr Lawton said the home was already proving popular with buyers including locals who had grown up in the area and he expected big crowds at the first inspections Kew East’s tree-lined streets and well-regarded primary schools made it popular with families and despite most homes having multi-million dollar price tags the suburb was a more affordable alternative to neighbouring Kew With a separate studio that could work as a home office there’s more to the affordable property than meets the eye “We’re getting lots of calls because it is a very unusual offering,” he said “It’s very appealing because it’s an affordable price range for its own title.” “Already it seems to be popular with young couples or young singles with family nearby The home will go under the hammer on March 15 Read the latest real estate & finance news property market trends and housing information and insights This is probably not the page you’re looking for the brutalist office building with pebbledash exterior has loomed over Kew with bureaucrats from the state’s road authorities working away inside the former VicRoads headquarters has sat empty aside from some firefighters currently using it for training Housing Minister Harriet Shing outside the former VicRoads site.Credit: Wayne Taylor But the main tower on the site could be spared the wrecking ball under a state government plan to readapt it for housing Development Victoria is currently investigating whether the seven-storey structure can be transformed to accommodate 125 homes as part of a pilot program to encourage developers to retrofit old buildings for residential use the 2.5-hectare site on Denmark Street close to Kew Junction would be carved up into four different sections to make way for a total of 500 homes Three were offered to developers this week while the state government intends to keep one piece in the centre as part of its proposal to turn disused offices into housing The “H” shape of the former VicRoads building makes it ideal for reuse.Credit: Development Victoria During a recent tour with Development Victoria officials and Housing Minister Harriet Shing The Age was given a glimpse inside the former VicRoads building to see whether the plan could become a reality The first impression was that this is a building that is showing its age Large nets cover the outside of the tower to catch any loose chunks that fall from the facade Stickers warn against drilling because of asbestos Signs of VicRoads’ tenancy are still evident with murals of roads on the interior walls and old whiteboards scrawled with corporate gobbledegook And then there’s the old-fashioned “H” shape of the building with two wings connected by a central cross-section that contains the lift and stairwell shaft is a crows’ nest that once housed the building caretaker Those tasked with making the project work are looking beyond such things “We have every hope that we can use the structure that’s here,” said Hannah Clement acting chief development officer at Development Victoria “So that’s the work over the next couple of months to get in and have a look and just see what can be salvaged and hopefully reused.” when it was home to the Country Roads Board means that the early stages of that work would be ensuring that everything is still structurally sound A crucial step would be checking that any water that has penetrated the roof has not affected the concrete The building is not up to seismic code and needs reinforcement while balconies would also have to be installed on the outside – regulations have changed a lot in six decades The Kew offices in 1961 on their opening day The buildings housed VicRoads’ predecessor But there are some advantages to working with an older structure compared with adapting a modern office tower as it provides what is known as a shallow floor plate which refers to the width of the building between its main exterior walls Getting sunlight and ventilation into the Kew building would be much easier than with newer offices which tend to have deeper floor plates and more space between windows This is the reason why only the southern office tower has been identified for reuse with the smaller northern building to be demolished and replaced as part of the overall site redevelopment The former VicRoads site in Kew will be redeveloped for housing.Credit: Development Victoria Taller ceiling heights are another benefit of older buildings as that allows for pipes to be built in to provide plumbing for each individual dwelling can also be transformed to make room for utilities such as water and electricity to each floor “There’s probably an over provision of lifts for residential use,” said Clement “Those wells can instead be used for services.” All of this shows why there’s still quite a way to go before transport nerds could move into the former nerve centre of Victoria’s road network with construction expected to begin some time in the next two years Development Victoria has recently completed public consultation which will result in a “community aspirations report” to guide the project’s future A design and development overlay will restrict height limits to a maximum of 28.5 metres There have been calls from people such as federal Kooyong MP Monique Ryan for the site to be used for public housing; however the state government has opted against that idea At least 10 per cent of dwellings will be allocated for affordable housing a loosely defined term that is supposed to ensure buyers from low to moderate-incomes can cover other essential living costs The former VicRoads building in Kew.Credit: Penny Stephens Boroondara Council is also pushing for the “tail” of the site a piece of land 20 metres wide and 280 metres long that was once a railway line That idea is being considered by the state government; however the high price of real estate in Kew will be a factor in whether it becomes housing While the government is keen to see if adaptive reuse can work in Kew, it has ruled out doing so in the case of the 44 high-rise public housing towers in Melbourne which will be razed and rebuilt by the Labor government Many of the towers date back to a similar era as the VicRoads office, and there have been calls for refurbishment over demolition Shing said there were some key differences as to why the government was not opting to retrofit we don’t have people living on these sites She said another factor was the size of the VicRoads building compared to the pre-fab concrete towers we know that it would be upwards of $2 billion just to make them habitable,” said Shing As for whether the option of living in the old VicRoads building would prove attractive to home buyers Shing said it would “get a few pulses racing” She highlighted the sweeping views of the city and close access to amenities “We’re talking about a large footprint in an area which has been traditionally very very difficult to get into real estate,” she said “We want to bring more opportunities for people to get into the property market.” An earlier version of this story stated Harriet Shing was the Planning Minister She is the Minister for Housing and Building with bureaucrats from the state\\u2019s road authorities working away inside Signs of VicRoads\\u2019 tenancy are still evident And then there\\u2019s the old-fashioned \\u201CH\\u201D shape of the building is a crows\\u2019 nest that once housed the building caretaker \\u201CWe have every hope that we can use the structure that\\u2019s here,\\u201D said Hannah Clement \\u201CSo that\\u2019s the work over the next couple of months to get in and have a look and just see what can be salvaged and hopefully reused.\\u201D while balconies would also have to be installed on the outside \\u2013 regulations have changed a lot in six decades The \\u201CH\\u201D shape is actually a benefit here \\u201CThere\\u2019s probably an over provision of lifts for residential use,\\u201D said Clement \\u201CThose wells can instead be used for services.\\u201D All of this shows why there\\u2019s still quite a way to go before transport nerds could move into the former nerve centre of Victoria\\u2019s road network which will result in a \\u201Ccommunity aspirations report\\u201D to guide the project\\u2019s future There have been calls from people such as federal ; however the state government has opted against that idea Boroondara Council is also pushing for the While the government is keen to see if adaptive reuse can work in Kew it has ruled out doing so in the case of the 44 Many of the towers date back to a similar era as the VicRoads office we don\\u2019t have people living on these sites the building is already vacant,\\u201D she said we know that it would be upwards of $2 billion just to make them habitable,\\u201D said Shing Shing said it would \\u201Cget a few pulses racing\\u201D \\u201CWe\\u2019re talking about a large footprint in an area which has been traditionally very very difficult to get into real estate,\\u201D she said \\u201CWe want to bring more opportunities for people to get into the property market.\\u201D Officers were called to the highway 13 kilometres south of Kew around 5pm after someone who had been looking for a 39-year-old Port Macquarie man found a body on a nature strip behind concrete barriers Detective Inspector Natalie Antow of Manning Great Lakes Police said it is believed to be the same man He was last seen walking southbound between Kew and Johns River on Thursday police do not believe he was hit by a car as no debris was found on the road “Anyone who may have been travelling south on the Pacific Highway in that area around Stewarts River south of Kew on Thursday evening is urged to contact Taree Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Det “Thursday evening was [when] that large thunderstorm came through the area so that potentially might jog anybody’s memory in relation to where they may have been on the highway at that time.” the body of a man believed to be in his forties and from the Hunter region was found in scrub at the side of the Pacific Highway at Nabiac He is thought to have died between 24 – 48 hours earlier and website in this browser for the next time I comment In 2024 horticulturalists made single biggest introduction of rare seeds to collection in the past decade The Codonopsis clematidea smells like a skunk elongated bulb and the Fritillaria imperialis is exceptionally tall But to the horticulturalists who journeyed to remote alpine meadows and forests to find these rare flowers growing in the wild this year they are nothing less than the “jewels of the earth” Now, the seeds from these and hundreds of other wild plants that were collected in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan have entered the living collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew After sending its horticulturalists on plant-collecting expeditions abroad, where they collaborated with local botanists to locate and sustainably harvest native flora, London’s Kew Gardens has managed to add more than 300 seeds for rare wild plants to its living collections this year It is the single biggest introduction of wild plants to Kew’s living collections in the past decade “Having living specimens in the collection is really important,” said Dr Ilia Leitch “Many of the analyses to identify plants with new bioactive compounds that can be used as medicines can only be done on living plants because some chemicals in plants are not particularly stable when you dry them out So living plants enable you to pick up on things you might miss in dried specimens.” A Fritillaria imperialis in bloom one of hundreds of rare plants in Kew Gardens’ collection Photograph: Tom Meaker/AlamyKew’s plant specialists are still working to identify all the different rare species collected in Kyrgyzstan – this process is likely to take years since some plants must be fully grown to be classified As many as 10 to 15 could belong to new species not yet known to western scientists you just don’t know what new treasures they hold for science adding that biochemical analysis of living plants can reveal properties which may be of medicinal value for sufferers of inflammation “Plants produce different chemicals in different parts of the plant the plant might produce a chemical to stop the leaf being eaten it produces a scent and different colours,” Leitch said Kew is already running a project which aims to use AI to predict which plant species contain molecules with  pharmaceutical potential for malaria The desire to find such “new treasures for science” is one of the reasons why botanic gardens like Kew are looking to expand their living collections by funding plant collecting expeditions The DNA of a living plant can also be extracted “in the most perfect way” to sequence its genome and look at its evolution and the genes underpinning metabolic pathways “We can’t do top quality sequencing except by harvesting material from a living plant.” There are also pressing conservation reasons to carry out plant-collecting expeditions alpine plants – which need cooler climates to thrive – are facing decline like the wild tulips which grow on the mountains of Kyrgyzstan “Many of the species we’ve collected may already be at risk of extinction – but by being able to collect seeds and then grow the plants at Kew and other botanic gardens And so is their long term future survival,” said Leitch Living plant collections are important not only for conservationists and scientists today but for future generations who may be able to use the plants to make a scientific breakthrough that is unimaginable right now she said: “We don’t know what new techniques for studying plants are just around the corner.” Botanical horticulturist Millie Woodley collected 209 of the new seeds that have entered Kew’s living collection on a month-long expedition to Kyrgyzstan which was led by a team from Cambridge Botanic Gardens we set up a new camp at the base of mountains that we would climb the next day – and woke to incredible views,” the 22-year-old said adding that the trip was the toughest thing she had ever done Horticulturalist Millie Woodley on a plant-collecting expedition in Kyrgyzstan ‘It was so exciting not knowing what we were going to come across.’ Photograph: RBG KewAbout 93% of Kyrgyzstan lies 1,000m above sea level “What makes these mountainous regions so exciting is the way the habitats and the plants change You go from semi-desert to a juniper forest to a high alpine meadow It felt like we were crossing into different worlds every population of plants was different,” she said She compared collecting seeds to finding the jewels of the earth “It was so exciting not knowing what we were going to come across.” This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025. The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media. is the latest suburb where surplus land will be unlocked for development as part of a Victorian Government plan to bust the housing crisis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 2.67ha site on Denmark Street An expressions-of-interest campaign for delivering medium-density projects is under way.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Victorian government wants to provide 9000 homes across 45 sites in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria as it strives to meet its Housing Statement targets Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels “reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address .. which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists who said the measure could prove highly inflationary among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear been endorsed to follow through on its policies and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion 100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have made many changes to how they enable home development The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook is the latest suburb where surplus land will be unlocked for development as part of a Victorian Government plan to bust the housing crisis from transport to a mix of commercial and residential zones That rezoning would be by an amendment to the Boroondara Planning Scheme VicRoads staff were told in September last year that the site would close by  February of this year The fate of the site remained a mystery until now More than 500 homes could be developed on the land through the Small Sites Pilot program announced earlier this month by the Victorian government That program also aims to deliver 260 homes across government sites at Preston An expressions-of-interest campaign for delivering medium-density projects is under way The Victorian government wants to provide 9000 homes across 45 sites in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria as it strives to meet its Housing Statement targets At least 10 per cent are to be affordable housing Consultation on the draft planning scheme amendment for the Kew site is open until August 16 Victorian precincts minister Colin Brooks said the site was a “unique opportunity to deliver hundreds more homes in a popular suburb” and that the government wanted to hear from the community about the types of homes needed.