blends Italianate heritage with luxury finishes full home automation and rare original features One of Moonee Ponds’ most iconic homes has hit to the market with a bank vault hidden underneath it the 1878-built mansion ‘Trinafour’ comes with restored 19th-century features and a working bank vault once used by Westpac The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property at 55-57 Park St has been listed with a $9m-$9.9m price guide making it one of the most-expensive homes ever offered publicly in the suburb RELATED: Cafe in Melbourne’s inner north comes with unusual feature Eight bidders push Frankston North house to new record Labor’s ‘sneaky’ change to major plan exposed The home underwent a three-year renovation that blended period craftsmanship with full home automation all set across two and a half blocks and 1220sq m of land McDonald Upton Essendon’s Joe Zucco said the transformation had to be seen to be believed but the level of detail in the restoration is something else entirely,” Mr Zucco said The gas-heated pool at Trinafour is framed by Paul Bangay gardens and Travertine paving rosettes and staircases have been meticulously restored “They’ve honoured every part of the heritage from the arches staircases and then extended it with a 20m-long rear family zone that delivers what buyers expect in a modern luxury home.” The Arabescato marble kitchen includes fridges and freezers Miele induction cooking with in-built downdraft The extended rear living zone stretches nearly 20m The luxurious master bedroom features a period fireplace A full butler’s pantry includes further Miele and Liebherr appliances Mr Zucco said the original Westpac bank vault has been preserved and is currently used as storage The formal dining room retains its 19th-century grandeur with restored period detailing One of several marble bathrooms in the home — this space also includes a heritage fireplace You don’t expect to walk into a family home and see a vault,” he said Other features include hydronic heating in the original wing steel-framed double-glazed windows and doors and rear laneway access with parking for two more cars The granite-clad extension delivers sleek contemporary living while respecting the home’s historic Italianate architecture and original footprint The McDonald Upton Essendon agent said the property had already attracted interest from families wanting a high-end home with both street presence and substance “This is one of those homes that rarely gets offered publicly Most prestige homes in this part of Moonee Ponds are sold quietly “I’ve sold more than 50 homes above $4m in the area and this one sits in the absolute top tier.” 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. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A family whose property was flooded by overflowing stormwater drains has been given sandbags to shield their home while Moonee Valley City Council’s ageing underground pipes increasingly struggle to protect houses in heavy downpours Homeowner Rae Berge is among a group of residents of a pocket of Moonee Ponds who are demanding urgent infrastructure upgrades to deal with the growing threat of flooding and water-related damage to their properties Rae Berge outside her sandbagged home in Moonee Ponds.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui who has lived on Stuart Street for 18 years with her husband and two teenage children said the volume of water pouring from council-owned stormwater pipes during heavy rainfall had increased dramatically in her neighbourhood in recent years The situation highlights a looming danger across the city, with stormwater systems struggling to handle growing pressure from higher density development and climate change. Last year, more than 22,000 properties in Yarra Council were declared flood-prone due to overflowing drains after hearing from several concerned residents Moonee Valley Council held a meeting with affected homeowners According to meeting minutes seen by this masthead the council’s director of service delivery explained that while underground stormwater infrastructure was built to cater for 1-in-10-year floods and the roadway was designed for 1-in-100-year events the goalposts were changing due to climate change Berge said the council delivered sandbags to her home after her property was hit by water in January The water got almost as high as two weatherboard panels and she now has to restump her home with Berge worrying it’s only a matter of time before the inside of her house is flooded She has installed a pump to push floodwaters away from the house and has other makeshift defences she erects when it rains six residents asked questions about the risk of flooding in the area Flooding in residential streets of Moonee Ponds in January 2025 Moonee Valley City Council chief executive Helen Sui said the council regularly monitored and maintained its stormwater network and she was not aware of any specific damage to pipes in the area She said drains were last cleaned in late February council engaged with the community regarding the potential upgrade of the existing drainage network in Stuart Street,” Sui said “These works are currently at the design stage.” Several residents have voiced concerns over the Moonee Valley Racecourse’s ambition to build 2000 new homes including an 11-storey apartment building that is under construction The racecourse’s master plan outlined a proposal to harvest stormwater from neighbouring residential areas onto the infield Sui said: “All new developments must be designed to ensure there are no detrimental impacts to the existing drainage network downstream.” Stormwater Victoria president Alice Lisitsa said stormwater drains across Melbourne may be unable to manage current and future flood risks “The concern is that much of Melbourne’s stormwater infrastructure – particularly in older established municipalities where networks are approaching 100 years of age – was not designed to accommodate these increased volumes,” she said She said that with the push to build higher density housing in Melbourne to accommodate a growing population more focus was needed on impacts beneath the surface underground drainage systems are already operating at or near capacity Infill development necessitates additional hard surfaces – roofs sealed roads – which leads to greater [water] volumes and faster and higher peak runoff.” Melbourne Water is in the process of updating flood maps for municipalities across the city in partnership with councils Some are expected to be released later this year “Once completed the modelling will inform development planning assessments to ensure drainage outcomes are appropriately managed,” a Melbourne Water spokesman said called for the stormwater system to be pre-emptively addressed as she was worried the area would be designated a flood zone which would impact insurance costs and property values Sui said the new maps would inform the council’s prioritising of drainage upgrade works “Should any potential changes to planning overlays be required as a result of this modelling those changes will follow extensive consultation with the local community.” A spokesman for Water Minister Gayle Tierney said the new flood models would address the impacts of rising infill development on drainage Berge said while some homeowners faced the threat of flooding like her mould and mosquitoes from wet soil which they blame on leaking water pipes said she had lived on Vine Street for 43 years and was now “beyond fed up” with fracturing pipes Greater Western Water manages the area’s household water supply and sewer pipes The company’s general manager of growth and infrastructure said no burst pipes were responded to in Stuart Pattison and Steele streets in Moonee Ponds this year so far Greater Western Water did a major upgrade of a 140-year-old water main on Pascoe Vale Road and surrounding streets in Moonee Ponds Burton said the project increased the capacity to provide drinking water to customers in Moonee Ponds amid growing population and water needs 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 A family whose property was flooded by overflowing stormwater drains has been given sandbags to shield their home while Moonee Valley City Council\\u2019s ageing underground pipes increasingly struggle to protect houses in heavy downpours The situation highlights a looming danger across the city with stormwater systems struggling to handle growing pressure from higher density development and climate change were declared flood-prone due to overflowing drains the council\\u2019s director of service delivery with Berge worrying it\\u2019s only a matter of time before the inside of her house is flooded \\u201CI\\u2019ve been having trouble sleeping I\\u2019m super stressed,\\u201D Berge said \\u201CI\\u2019m still in a state of shock.\\u201D council engaged with the community regarding the potential upgrade of the existing drainage network in Stuart Street,\\u201D Sui said \\u201CThese works are currently at the design stage.\\u201D Several residents have voiced concerns over the Moonee Valley Racecourse\\u2019s ambition to build 2000 new homes The racecourse\\u2019s master plan outlined a proposal to harvest stormwater from neighbouring residential areas onto the infield Sui said: \\u201CAll new developments must be designed to ensure there are no detrimental impacts to the existing drainage network downstream.\\u201D \\u201CThe concern is that much of Melbourne\\u2019s stormwater infrastructure \\u2013 particularly in older established municipalities where networks are approaching 100 years of age \\u2013 was not designed to accommodate these increased volumes,\\u201D she said Infill development necessitates additional hard surfaces \\u2013 roofs sealed roads \\u2013 which leads to greater [water] volumes and faster and higher peak runoff.\\u201D \\u201COnce completed the modelling will inform development planning assessments to ensure drainage outcomes are appropriately managed,\\u201D a Melbourne Water spokesman said Sui said the new maps would inform the council\\u2019s prioritising of drainage upgrade works \\u201CShould any potential changes to planning overlays be required as a result of this modelling those changes will follow extensive consultation with the local community.\\u201D said she had lived on Vine Street for 43 years and was now \\u201Cbeyond fed up\\u201D with fracturing pipes Greater Western Water manages the area\\u2019s household water supply and sewer pipes The company\\u2019s general manager of growth and infrastructure Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories We transformed a section of the Moonee Ponds Creek into a more natural and enjoyable community space Melbourne Water led the delivery of the project on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration Group and in partnership with Merri-bek City Council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Read how the project was developed  We transformed a 360-metre section of the concrete-lined Moonee Ponds Creek in Strathmore and Oak Park into a more natural The re-naturalisation works have resulted in: A Wurundjeri-led experiential trail - called the Wilami Wunmabil Trail in Woi-wurrung language - was also created along this section of creek The unique trail highlights the cultural and natural values of the waterway and celebrates Moonee Ponds Creek as a place owned lived in and celebrated by Wurundjeri people. Using a mix of signage the cultural elements invite the community and trail users to learn from Elders and knowledge holders about aspects of Wurundjeri culture and history and encourages people to become better connected and care for Country. The trail is proudly supported by the Victorian Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund that supports self-determination for Traditional Owners We’re pleased to announce that the project area is now open and ready for you to enjoy cormorants and other wildlife enjoying the space and making their home here we upgraded the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail which was widened and replaced with concrete We created a gravel path next to the creek for people who like to wander at a slower pace and enjoy the sights and sounds of the flowing creek.  We’ll be back in the Autumn and Winter months of 2025 to do some more revegetation to fill in the gaps We invite you to explore the stepping stone crossing to hop over to the other side of the creek and perhaps spot some insects wider bridge to venture to the other side.  Take a walk across the boardwalk on the Oak Park side of the creek meet up with friends and family at the amphitheatre It's an exciting space and we can't wait for you to explore it!  We’ll be back in the Autumn and Winter months of 2025 to do more planting when weather and ground conditions are more favourable This will include a combination of native trees Plantings in the terracing space and boardwalk area will help to blend the rockwork and infrastructure in with the natural surroundings Keeping the area clean is important for protecting the delicate ecosystems and making it enjoyable for everyone Please be sure to keep to the designated paths and stepping stones These paths allow you to explore safely without disturbing the plants and animals.  Please remember to pick up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly please keep your dog on a leash while enjoying the new space The Reimagining Moonee Ponds Creek Project Team would like to thank you for your patience understanding and cooperation through the impacts of construction as we ‘reimagined’ this space.  the Moonee Ponds Creek from Strathmore to Flemington Road was highly modified realigned and concreted by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) to carry flood water away from properties in the most efficient manner possible – which was considered best practice at the time Waterway management and drainage approaches have evolved over time to better recognise the environmental and social value of natural waterways and for these values to be managed in harmony with the drainage services they also provide Current thinking now better recognises the value that restoring previously engineered stormwater channels to more natural systems (creek naturalisation) contributes to liveable communities and waterway health The Reimagining Moonee Ponds Creek project covers a 360-metre section of the most northerly concreted section of the creek in Oak Park and Strathmore Through community feedback that informed the Chain of Ponds Strategic Plan in 2018 this particular section of the creek was identified as a priority area as it was the last section of the creek to be concreted and represents the most upstream section of concrete channel The naturalisation of large concrete channels like Moonee Ponds Creek can unfortunately be very costly This is primarily due to the significant excavation required to remove the concrete and reshape the waterway to recreate a more natural form making strong delivery partnerships essential in the delivery of large naturalisation projects This project was also a pilot to demonstrate how Moonee Ponds Creek could be naturalised more cost-effectively in the future Due to low levels of PFAS in the soil beneath the concrete base of the creek channel (something we discovered during preliminary investigations for the project in 2021) a decision was made to leave the concrete base in place This decision was mainly based on the high additional costs associated with the transport and disposal of contaminated soil off site at a designated waste management facility and making the best use of the funds we had By installing rockwork on top of the concrete base a similar ‘naturalised’ look was still achieved The concrete was taken to a recycling facility where it was crushed and went through a process called ‘thermal desorption’ The resultant clean concrete was then able to be re-purposed and used for other projects that needed concrete it was revealed that soil in the project area contained fragments of non-friable asbestos Non-friable asbestos is lower risk compared to other types of asbestos as it is more difficult to become airborne In line with contamination handling guidelines a licenced contractor wearing recommended safety equipment will undertake the removal to ensure that the risk remains negligible Melbourne Water will take a conservative approach and engage a health and safety consultant to monitor air quality in the area to ensure that it remains at safe levels to the public The Collaboration has developed a prospectus identifying a number of priorities for advocacy and delivery. Working groups have been established around these priorities determining ways to deliver projects using a catchment-wide approach More information on key projects that are currently underway can be found here: https://chainofponds.org/ It was envisaged that if the Reimagining Moonee Ponds Creek project was successfully delivered and showed a good return on investment with strong community support that this would help to leverage funding for naturalising other sections of the creek in the future We’re excited to announce that there will be a second stage to transform a further section of the creek down to Lebanon Reserve This is thanks to a $11.4 million investment from the State Government into Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program and $5 million from the Federal Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program Early planning and investigations work for this next stage is already underway with delivery expected to take place in 2027-28 Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program works collaboratively with councils Traditional Owners and local residents to transform stormwater drains and concrete channels into natural waterways and desirable open spaces The program has seen the transformation of sections of Taralla Creek in Croydon Arnolds Creek in Melton West, and Blind Creek in Boronia Comprehensive flood modelling is always undertaken to ensure that there will be no increased flooding risk to the local community or downstream users as a result of these projects If you have questions or feedback on the project please get in touch with the project team:  1800 952 911  [email protected] We use reCAPTCHA to protect our website from spam, for more information about the data we collect see our privacy website statement Melbourne Water respectfully acknowledges the Bunurong Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and water on which we rely and operate We pay our deepest respects to their Elders past The self-contained hospitality space at 23A Gladstone St A Moonee Ponds cafe set in the area’s Wesleyan Church redevelopment is on the market with a $2.2m+ price tag The property at 23A Gladstone St is leased to the Quarter Two Cafe and features the ex-church’s spire that is accessed via an internal spiral staircase the Gothic-style place of worship was designed by the prolific Melbourne architect Alexander Duguid RELATED: Historic Queenscliff Brewhouse to reopen after refurbishment Businessman Morry Schwartz lists Collingwood’s ex-British Crown Hotel: liquor license intact Melbourne’s most famous fish and chip shop D’Lish Fish just got a new landlord developers converted the former religious hub into nine residences They added a double-storey premises at the front incorporating part of the old church building for hospitality use An office and storage area is part of the set-up The 300sq m building’s lease will return $123,600 per year plus GST from June onwards Inside the cafe which includes part of the former church building The cafe is located opposite a supermarket an a 500-lot car park Commercial real estate agency Fitzroys’ Ervin Niyaz and Chris Kombi have the listing “We’re expecting interest from private investors and self-managed super fund investors based locally and around the country,” Mr Niyaz said “Investors will note the uniqueness of the property – this isn’t a standard shopfront – as well one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing inner city locations.” The cafe is opposite a Woolworths supermarket and large carpark High ceilings and stained glass windows can be enjoyed by patrons as they eat The Quarter Two Cafe boasts more than 14,500 Instagram followers About 10km away, a shopfront at 380 High St, Preston, that’s leased to a Cellarbrations liquor store is also up for sale Mr Kombi and Mr Niyaz are managing the marketing campaign for the 170sq m building along with real estate agency Mulcahy Butera’s Robert Butera and David Butera The property’s lease is worth $130,000 per year plus GST with fixed four per cent annual increases in place The recently-updated retail space has a coolroom “Investors will be attracted to the property’s secure long-term lease to a major liquor retail group at a time of residential and share market volatility one of Melbourne’s busiest shopping strips and opposite the famous Preston Market,” Mr Niyaz said Expressions of interest in 23A Gladstone St 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: Joe Avati: International comedian making multiple property moves around Melbourne Surprise fortune Pope Francis left behind revealed Restoration Australia: Beaumaris mid-century marvel restored on TV show hits the market realcommercial.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. The property at 23A Gladstone St is leased to the Quarter Two Cafe and features the ex-church’s spire that is accessed via an internal spiral staircase RELATED: Historic Queenscliff Brewhouse to reopen after refurbishment Businessman Morry Schwartz lists Collingwood’s ex-British Crown Hotel: liquor license intact Melbourne’s most famous fish and chip shop D’Lish Fish just got a new landlord About 10km away, a shopfront at 380 High St, Preston, that’s leased to a Cellarbrations liquor store is also up for sale 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: Joe Avati: International comedian making multiple property moves around Melbourne Surprise fortune Pope Francis left behind revealed Restoration Australia: Beaumaris mid-century marvel restored on TV show hits the market An intensive upgrade of a previously barren concreted section of the Moonee Ponds Creek has been completed The 360m stretch through Strathmore and Oak Park has been naturalised with a new rockwork bed and native plantings to slow water flow and encourage biodiversity and habitat for native species A pond and terrace has been established on the Oak Park side of the creek and a new bridge links the two sides of the creek The Moonee Ponds Creek Trail has been realigned and upgraded while a second section of gravel trail has been added closer to the creek edge as well as a new gravel trail on the eastern side of the creek Some 43,000 native trees and shrubs are being planted with more to come when the weather is better suited Elements for a cultural immersive trail have recently been installed using a mix of signage The trail will highlight the cultural and natural values of the creek as a place owned lived in and celebrated by the Wurundjeri people Bicycle Network assisted during the planning phase of the multi-year project Become a Member and help fund our advocacy work Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter The Great Victorian Bike Ride is set to return in 2025 on 24–28 November offering an exciting new format while keeping the spirit of this beloved event alive Bicycle Network Memberships offer benefits to all kinds of riders The Peaks Challenge Ride2School fundraiser is on again for this year's epic event on Sunday 9 March The City of Adelaide will undertake a speed limit review to understand the need for reducing speeds to support business and residents and create a safer city environment Work on the much-anticipated $38.9 million Sydney Harbour Bridge ramp upgrade has begun the bike lane will link the country's most famous bridge to the bike network in Milsons Point we launched our Affiliate Membership program specially designed for cycling groups and clubs Orange in New South Wales is in line for a nice new stretch of bike path one that will expand the off-road network and improve access to schools Work has kicked off on a key Canberra bike route setting the wheels in motion for safer and more pleasant journeys through the city’s northern suburbs In a submission to the federal government’s draft National Urban Policy Bicycle Network and seven other Australian bicycle organisations have called for active transport infrastructure funding to be increased to 10% of federal transport investment Many of our best bike journeys are along coastlines or up and down the creeks and rivers that meet the sea But with rising sea levels some of this vital infrastructure is at threat of inundation erosion and from changes in groundwater chemistry In 2024, this Moonee Ponds home sold for $1.35 million. Now, after a year and a renovation, it’s on the market for $1 million more. Once you see the transformation by Natasha Nardella of Nardel Architects and Joshua Best of Jobe Homes, the price bump makes a little more sense. The duo completed their first renovation in Brunswick West in 2024 to much critical acclaim, with recognition from Houses Awards and a feature in The Local Project. This, their second collaboration, has been listed with Dylan Francis and Rebecca Smith at Whitefox Real Estate – Northside. “You could see that it was this beautiful old cottage at one point in time, so it was just trying to bring that back,” Nardella says. Jobe Homes completed the build in just eight months. “A lot of the heritage elements were stripped from the home over time … [our] goal was always to retain the character of the period home while setting up a conversation between old and new at the back, ” Nardella says. “If you’re looking at the existing facade, we put the posts back in, the lacework back in, [and] restored the verandah roof. Frank Body co-founders list Melbourne home for $3.95m-$4.3m From 1920s worker’s cottage to award-winning Durham House: Scandi-style Queenslander now for sale How a clever reno restored this Sydney heritage spot to its former glory Revived art deco home for sale on Sydney’s north shore “At the front of the home, there were higher ceilings. There were decorative cornices and large architraves, all those period details. “And then you move to the back, and while there are still high ceilings, they drop to about three metres … you get the full-height glazing and open-flow living.” Nardella says her favourite feature in the home is a shroud window in the middle of the property. Part of the original cottage, it is visible from the street. “That was a deliberate point of intersection between the heritage and the contemporary,” she explains. “Rather than having that strict boundary between old and new, the shroud window allows a moment of transition … showing people what’s to come, or that there might be something a bit quirky and modern at the back.” There are four bedrooms, a study and two bathrooms at the front of the home, while the extension includes the kitchen and open-plan living and dining areas opening to a deck and central courtyard. In the parents’ retreat, there are extensive built-in wardrobes and a lavish en suite with a bath and rain shower. The cottage is close to public transport, private schools, foodie hotspots and parks, making this the perfect haven in which to raise a growing brood. 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 The West Gate Tunnel Project continues its delivery of more than 14km of new and upgraded paths to the public, with the opening of a new walking and cycling bridge over Moonee Ponds Creek this week. A new addition to another dedicated walking and cycling bridge over Moonee Ponds Creek that opened in mid-November along Footscray Road, this new path is located along Dynon Road. It is a permanent structure that replaces a temporary pontoon bridge that has been in place since mid-2020 to enable crews to carry out works on the Wurundjeri Way extension and surfacing works at Dyon Road. The 3 metre-wide bridge is wider than the original path and pedestrians and cyclists are physically separated from the busy traffic at Dynon Road via a railing - offering a safer and easier journey across Moonee Ponds Creek. When construction is complete by end 2025, walkers and riders will be able to cross the Moonee Ponds Creek, onto Dynon Road and onwards to North Melbourne, the CBD and the broader cycle network, via a new connection over the North Melbourne railway station corridor. As the next evolution of the Moonee Valley Park precinct, Stonepine House introduces 2 & 3 bedroom residences embraced by greenery in Melbourne's most exciting and new urban destination. Situated on the Moonee Valley Racecourse, the area is undergoing a major transformation into a new neighbourhood comprising of eight highly walkable new precincts. The result of this massive transformation will be a landmark destination, attracting visitors from far and wide, and creating an extraordinary home for residents. The future planned retail village Cox Place will provide residents everything they need and eight new precincts deliver a walkable and exciting opportunity for an eclectic lifestyle just downstairs from home. Tote Park and TOTE Bar & Dining, a community addition to the beginning stages have already opened with great success! Each residence features stone benchtops, timber flooring, heating and cooling, and a welcome zone to neatly store keys, bags and shoes with ease. With a range of designs available, opt for a spacious gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry, or perhaps a dedicated home office to study or work from home without distraction. Selected apartments also boast stunning views across Moonee Ponds and leafy Stonepine Square through expansive windows and oversized balconies. Stonepine House residents have exclusive access to: Live in one of Australia's most storied new neighbourhoods, integrated with hectares of generous parkland. Stonepine House at Moonee Valley Park - Kenna Street, Moonee Ponds. This exceptional development offers unique 2 & 3 bedroom residences with exclusive amenities. Nestled within Melbourne's most exciting and new urban destination, Stonepine House is surrounded by a vibrant community and embraced by greenery. Situated on the iconic Moonee Valley Racecourse, this area is undergoing a major transformation into a highly walkable new neighbourhood comprising eight distinct precincts. As part of the renowned Moonee Valley Park precinct, Stonepine House represents the next evolution in luxury living. The future planned retail village Cox Place will provide residents with everything they need right at their doorstep. With an eclectic lifestyle just downstairs from home and stunning views across Moonee Ponds and leafy Stonepine Square available in selected apartments, Stonepine House offers an extraordinary living experience. Designed by Rothelowman, one of Australia’s most awarded names in design Your dream residence awaits at Stonepine House. Each meticulously designed apartment features stone benchtops, timber flooring, heating and cooling systems for year-round comfort. The welcome zone provides convenient storage space for keys, bags and shoes. Select from a range of designs that cater to your needs – whether it's a spacious gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry or a dedicated home office for uninterrupted work or study. Expansive windows and oversized balconies offer breathtaking views of Moonee Ponds and the serene Stonepine Square. As a resident of Stonepine House, you will have exclusive access to an array of amenities including a hotel-inspired porte cochere and lobby, an infinity pool with stunning city and racecourse views, a library and private dining area, a maker's studio and bike store, as well as a gym and wellness space. We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia. We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home! the suburb of Moonee Ponds has expanded into its own mini metropolis Find A Bargain On Puckle Street Historical Landmark rbbnbl / Unsplash Go Shopping Puckle Street features some of the best cafés restaurants and fashion retailers in Moonee Ponds Several of Melbourne’s trendiest charity shops can be found around the street Boasting a rich history as Moonee Ponds’ business and trade center Puckle Street has gradually evolved over the years and is now the place to shop rhindaxu / Unsplash Queens Park has long been a cherished space in the Moonee Valley district Its former swampy center offered a resting spot for miners during the gold rush the original swamp has since been transformed into a large lake containing several small islands Gordon Bell / shutterstock Originally the Essendon and Flemington Mechanics Institute the Clocktower Centre is Moonee Ponds’ entertainment and cultural hub the Clocktower Centre opened in February of 2000 and was named after the building’s iconic clock tower the only original feature left of the old institute Maribyrnong Park is a large recreational reserve that borders the picturesque Maribyrnong River The esteemed Boathouse restaurant is found here in the gardens and gum trees closest to the Maribyrnong River bridge or just a closer view of the river activities rylouma / Unsplash Visit Racecourse Melbourne’s second-biggest racecourse holds thoroughbred horse races and harness racing the Moonee Valley Racecourse has been home to the annual Cox Plate races since 1922 It garners worldwide attention and has been visited by many racehorses Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Mount Alexander Road Historical Landmark Denise Jans / Unsplash Mount Alexander Road stretches through several suburbs, ending in Parkville. Century-old churches, historic dwellings and parks line the street. Fine restaurants and sports bars are also a common sight in the Moonee Ponds area A popular locale for ‘foodies,’ Mount Alexander Road is home to some of Melbourne’s greatest restaurants the building operated as a courthouse until 1974 The Essendon Historical Society regularly organizes events fundraisers and heritage talks at the museum Guided tours are normally held in the warmer months chrissie / Unsplash Situated on the eastern side of Queens Park, the Queens Park Swimming Pool facility provides much relief on hot days Surrounded by the local flora and fauna of the gardens the center features a large heated outdoor swimming pool and a shaded toddler’s pool with a slide in the shape of a frog the Fanny Street Reserve contains a BMX Dirt Track and access to the Moonee Ponds Bike Trail It is the perfect spot to start or end your cycling journey the Fanny Street Reserve includes a small car park Photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash Established in 2011 the Incinerator Gallery presents the best of local artists Originally containing large furnaces used for the city’s waste disposal the gallery remains a tribute to the constructive architecture of its main feature the incinerator designed by Walter Burley Griffin Curator talks and local history tours are regularly held due to their popularity Guides & Tips The Best Non-Touristy Things To Do in Perth See & Do The 10 Best Ecotourism Experiences in Australia See & Do The 10 Cutest Animals in Australia and Where To See Them See & Do The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Brisbane See & Do 6 Gorgeous Islands Near New South Wales Guides & Tips The 11 Weirdest Animals in Australia and Where To See Them Guides & Tips A Two-Week Itinerary to South Australia See & Do 24 Must-Visit Attractions in Queensland See & Do 9 Things You Can Only Do And See In South Melbourne See & Do The Best Aquariums and Marine Parks in Australia See & Do Awesome Things to do in the Blue Mountains See & Do 10 Greatest Things To Do In Fremantle US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd A Moonee Ponds townhouse inspired five first home buyers to try their luck at auction on Saturday It sold for $720,000 to a buyer who placed only one bid The two-bedroom house at 2/38 Evans Street was a freestanding building with a small backyard Barry Plant agent and auctioneer Anthony Molinaro listed the property for sale with a price range of $600,000 to $660,000 Five bidders contested the Moonee Ponds auction which is becoming rarer and rarer to see with traditional floor plans Bidding opened at the start of the range and four buyers made offers early Just two were left in the competition by the time the price hit the reserve of $700,000 It sold to a buyer who made just one $5000 bid Molinaro said the home attracted five bidders because there were few homes like it available “We had to bring the auction forward a week … There’s only seven townhouses on the market [in Moonee Ponds] this was probably the best quality in regards to features.” It was one of 393 auctions scheduled for Saturday two developers went head-to-head over a deceased estate on a large block The three-bedroom house at 8 Hosken Street needed renovations to be comfortable a tree-lined street and was in a reasonably tightly held area.” Butera listed the property with a price range of $950,000 to $1,045,000 He said he started the auction with a vendor bid of $900,000 The two developers traded bids until the price reached $1,055,000 and the home sold Butera said the winning developer planned to build either three townhouses or a luxury home “They were hoping to buy for under $1 million to make it feasible but they’re hoping they can make it work,” he said a townhouse sold to a first-time buyer for $810,000 after a tight contest The modern two-bedroom townhouse at 23 Souter Crescent featured an upstairs living and dining area and balcony Jas Stephens agent John Galea had the sale; he listed the property with a quoted price range of $735,000 to $785,000 “The owner bought it off the plan 12 years ago The auction began at the bottom of the range and two buyers competed Galea said they were both first home buyers and the parties traded fast bids in varying increments until the end of the auction “Ensuring you’re bidding with confidence goes a long way.” Galea said the winning bidder decided to buy the home quickly “The young chap … only inspected it for the first time on Thursday night,” he said a three-bedroom home sold in a three-way negotiation after it passed in with no bids The aged house at 257 Raglan Street had mostly original features and Nelson Alexander listing agent Nick Smith said it needed some renovation He listed it with a quoted price range of $900,000 to $990,000 it had been with the owner for many years,” he said Smith said the home was passed in on a vendor bid of $900,000 and three buyers put forward offers afterwards “[The buyers were] a couple who were buying on behalf of a family member and they have backgrounds in the trades so they were pretty comfortable doing some work,” he said “The [other parties were] a family looking to build a new home and … a developer.” He said the property was attractive to buyers for its location and block size of 471 square metres The two-bedroom house at was a freestanding building with a small backyard \\u201CIt had a downstairs bedroom and bathroom as well as a grassed backyard,\\u201D he said many times in conversations with buyers.\\u201D \\u201CWe had to bring the auction forward a week \\u2026 There\\u2019s only seven townhouses on the market [in Moonee Ponds] this was probably the best quality in regards to features.\\u201D The three-bedroom house at needed renovations to be comfortable a tree-lined street and was in a reasonably tightly held area.\\u201D \\u201CThey were hoping to buy for under $1 million to make it feasible but they\\u2019re hoping they can make it work,\\u201D he said The modern two-bedroom townhouse at featured an upstairs living and dining area and balcony but the ambience is very lovely,\\u201D he said \\u201CThe owner bought it off the plan 12 years ago and she\\u2019s downsizing now she\\u2019s retired \\u201CThe location is great there; it\\u2019s quiet \\u201CThe person that secured it put two big \\u201CEnsuring you\\u2019re bidding with confidence goes a long way.\\u201D \\u201CThe young chap \\u2026 only inspected it for the first time on Thursday night,\\u201D he said The aged house at had mostly original features it had been with the owner for many years,\\u201D he said \\u201C[The buyers were] a couple who were buying on behalf of a family member and they have backgrounds in the trades so they were pretty comfortable doing some work,\\u201D he said \\u201CThe [other parties were] a family looking to build a new home and \\u2026 a developer.\\u201D The Moonee Ponds Creek Trail in West Melbourne will be closed between Arden Street and Dynon Road for 10 days in mid January Detours will be in place but are awkward due to the location of the worksite Although regular commuters will have experienced similar detours the holiday season is likely to draw more occasional riders who should take care as they navigate unfamiliar territory The trail will be closed 24/7 between Tuesday 14 January 2025 and Saturday 25 January Southbound riders will be required to turn off at the Arden Street ramp and follow the recommended detour via Arden Street then past North Melbourne Station and along Adderley Street to La Trobe Street From there riders can reach Docklands Esplanade If heading out of the city riders can travel along the creek trail towards Dynon Road as usual but will be able to use the new shared path bridge over the Moonee Ponds Creek and take the Dynon Road shared path as far as Lloyd Street they can then take the Lloyd Street bike lane to Arden Street where they rejoin the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail to head further north The works are to reinstate a section of the trail adjacent to the Metro Tunnel intake substation which riders would recognise as the new building beside the trail During works to build the new substation and connect electricity to the site a heavy-duty vehicle track was formed alongside the trail Now Metro Tunnel is removing the asphalt and existing line marking that was installed across this section of the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail pouring new concrete and painting the new line marking The two-bedroom house at 2/38 Evans Street was a freestanding building with a small backyard Wanted: A rental without a leaky roof or wine stains on the carpet always have’: The Sydney suburb people never want to leave The three-bedroom house at 8 Hosken Street needed renovations to be comfortable, Woodards listing agent Mario Butera said. “It was unrenovated, barely livable,” he said. “It had 770 square metres of land, and it had a north-facing garden, a tree-lined street and was in a reasonably tightly held area.” Butera listed the property with a price range of $950,000 to $1,045,000. He said he started the auction with a vendor bid of $900,000. The reserve was set at $1 million. The two developers traded bids until the price reached $1,055,000 and the home sold. Butera said the winning developer planned to build either three townhouses or a luxury home. The modern two-bedroom townhouse at 23 Souter Crescent featured an upstairs living and dining area and balcony. Jas Stephens agent John Galea had the sale; he listed the property with a quoted price range of $735,000 to $785,000. “It’s very compact, but the ambience is very lovely,” he said. “The owner bought it off the plan 12 years ago, and she’s downsizing now she’s retired. “The location is great there; it’s quiet, family-oriented.” The auction began at the bottom of the range and two buyers competed. The reserve was set at $795,000. Galea said they were both first home buyers, and the parties traded fast bids in varying increments until the end of the auction. “The person that secured it put two big, bold bids,” he said. “Ensuring you’re bidding with confidence goes a long way.” 1 Bath1 ParkingView listing Galea said the winning bidder decided to buy the home quickly The aged house at 257 Raglan Street had mostly original features, and Nelson Alexander listing agent Nick Smith said it needed some renovation. He listed it with a quoted price range of $900,000 to $990,000. “It was a deceased estate, it had been with the owner for many years,” he said. “It needed a bit of TLC. He’d updated the bathroom, but it was relatively original.” Smith said the home was passed in on a vendor bid of $900,000, and three buyers put forward offers afterwards. “[The buyers were] a couple who were buying on behalf of a family member, and they have backgrounds in the trades so they were pretty comfortable doing some work,” he said. “The [other parties were] a family looking to build a new home and … a developer.” The house sold for $980,000, and Smith said no reserve was set. He said the property was attractive to buyers for its location and block size of 471 square metres. Former Australian soccer player Ivan Kelic is selling 54 Park St Former Australian soccer player Ivan Kelic has relisted his luxurious Moonee Ponds house with $14m-$15m price hopes Kelic last played with the Melbourne Knights from 1997 to 2000 after an earlier stint with the club plus South Melbourne and Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar United Football Club He now heads up the property development division of construction firm Parkside Group In 2023, Kelic put his six-bedroom pad at 54 Park St up for sale with a $20m-plus price tag but later took it off the market RELATED: Socceroos legend’s ‘Castle of Love’ for sale Nathan Coe: Former Socceroo goalkeeper selling his family home in Yarraville Socceroo’s Bondi Beach treasure up for grabs If the home sells within its current asking range it will still overtake the Moonee Ponds’ $10.725m house price record set by 36 Ardmillan Rd in 2018 Whitefox Northside’s Paddy Tilli and Dylan Francis both declined to comment on the vendor but records show the house remains under Kelic and his wife’s ownership “It could be the best home on the market in Victoria right now,” Mr Tilli said “It’s arguably the number one house north of the Yarra.” integrated Gaggenau and Miele appliances and a butler’s pantry while the tennis court has a north-south orientation Set on a 2284sq m block among gardens created by famous landscape designer Paul Bangay the 1889-era abode retains its period facade A renovation kept the home’s high ceilings and leadlight windows while a formal wing includes a gallery foyer a bay window with garden views and marble-fitted ensuite The home’s three levels are accessed by a 2m-wide staircase crafted from polished plaster a type of grey stone that comes from mountains near the city of Afyon in Turkey “There are 300 slabs of Tundra stone both in and outside of the house,” Mr Tilli said The staircase was crafted from polished plaster The impressive outdoor entertainer’s set-up Sydney Olympic’s Ante Juric and South Melbourne’s Ivan Kelic fight for the ball at a NSW game in 1995 The residence’s basement level is fitted with a temperature controlled wine cellar tennis court and entertainer’s set-up with a gas fireplace The indoor kitchen features American White Oak joinery an office and wood-burning and ethanol fireplaces are among the other highlights Mr Tilli said it was not just a three-to-four-year renovation journey for the home but also three to four years of pre-planning before that adding up to an eight year journey to create the house as it is today even if someone had the idea of trying to execute this nowadays taking eight years or more would make it very easy to miss the prime window of when a family would enjoy such a home at its best,” he said the Kelics paid $5.25m for the unrenovated property Mr Tilli said to replace the abode today would cost well in excess of the listing’s quoted range taking land and renovation charges into consideration Mr Francis said an equivalent house in Brighton or Toorak would likely fetch $50m-$60m interstate and China have inquired about the home Expressions of interest close at 5pm on March 25 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: Melbourne first-home buyers’ plan to pay off their house within six years Olympic legend Grant Hackett’s Brighton multimillion-dollar mansion hits the market Mt Eliza: Showstopping house features a $75k staircase with a link to singer Guy Sebastian Add videos to your saved list and come back to them any time seven-car garage could break suburb price recordAlesha Capone is bringing a slice of 1930s-era Hollywood glamour to the Melbourne market A palatial Art Deco-style house in Moonee Ponds featuring a panic room concealed behind sliding bookshelves is on the market with a $10.5m-$11.5m asking range Exuding 1930s-era Hollywood glamour, the three-storey home could set a new price record for the suburb where the current $10.725m benchmark was set by 36 Ardmillan Rd in 2018. Located at 106 Eglinton St, the new contender for the crown boasts a Great Gatsby-esque cigar room lift and basement level with a seven-car garage including a vehicle turntable RELATED: Two panic rooms: Insane Aussie home you won’t believe Moonee Ponds: Award-winning chef Shane Delia, wife Maha serve up special house for sale Superwog stars Theo, Nathan Saidden film new Netflix series at Moonee Ponds’ heritage pad Jellis Craig Moonee Valley and Kensington director John Morello said Moonee Ponds’ most famous resident Dame Edna Everage — a character created by late Australian comedian Barry Humphries — would describe the house as “It just has a sense of opulence and grandeur but is also a practical home too every room has a purpose,” Mr Morello said “If you had to write a wishlist of what you wanted in a house and money was no object The 9m by 5m solar-heated pool with portholes a spa and adjoining pavilion including a retractable awning It’s not the New York setting of The Great Gatsby The panic room can be accessed by sliding part of the library’s book shelf A section of the library’s bookshelves slides away to reveal the panic room the name given to a secret room in a residence that provides occupants with a safe spot to shelter in the case of a break-in it’s something you read about those with a high-net worth having or see on television,” Mr Morello said The abode’s outdoor undercover entertainment area contains a wood-fired oven A half-basketball court and soccer pitch in the back garden 15-person spa and pavilion with a retractable awning completes the set-up the five-bedroom house designed by architect Robert Wignall features a marble-fitted kitchen and butler’s kitchen plus a main bedroom with a walk-through robe The kitchen is fitted with marble benchtops and splashbacks a 900mm steel oven with a six-burner gas cooktop two Liebherr fridges and a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher A grand entry includes a glass-floored bridge above the front door leading from the main bedroom to the library Mr Morello said the house was built in 2017 and the owners were selling up with plans to “do it again but on a smaller scale” Expressions of interest close at 2pm on October 29 MORE: Inside epic US-style ranch estate in central Victoria that could sell for $15m Melbourne’s overlooked suburbs where analysis says they’re ready to boom Dons players Nic Martin and Ben Hobbs will be heading to Moonee Valley Festival in Queens Park Fans will have an opportunity to chat and grab photos with the boys from 1pm-2:30pm AEDT on the day with plenty of Dons gear and more on sale throughout the day at the designated merchandise tent The Moonee Valley Festival runs from 10am-10pm. More info can be found here. Read the key individual stats from Thursday night’s close win North Melbourne pip Dons by 10 points at Windy Hill Jordan Ridley and Jade Gresham will all miss against Sydney We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians on whose Country we are based We acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders We extend that acknowledgement and respect to all First Nations peoples throughout Australia A concrete channel for stormwater that runs from Strathmore to Flemington Road is to become a leafy and healthy waterway thanks to Melbourne Water and the Chain of Ponds Collaboration The second stage of works at Moonee Ponds Creek will expand on a 350-metre-long section from Strathmore and Oak Park to Lebanon Reserve to create a natural-looking amenity in the middle of the city By planting aquatic vegetation and slowing water flow the project will improve the overall health of the creek Trees and shrubs planted along new shared paths will increase shading and cooling and New public gathering spaces – including an amphitheatre – will be completed later this year.  The Chain of Ponds Collaboration unites over a dozen organisations along with community feedback played a crucial role in shaping the design of this part of the creek  situated on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung The project includes an interpretive trail inviting visitors to experience the creek while learning about  its cultural significance to our Traditional Owners.  These works were made possible by a $11.4 million contribution from Melbourne Water through its Reimagining Your Creek Program and $5 million awarded to the Chain of Ponds from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program Comprehensive flood modelling has been undertaken to ensure that there will be no increased flooding risk to the local community or those downstream.  Melbourne Water's Reimagining Your Creek Program works with councils and Traditional Owners to transform stormwater drains and concrete channels The program has already transformed sections of Tarralla Creek in Croydon Melbourne Water is leading the delivery of this project on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration Group and in partnership with Merri-bek City Council  03 9679 7004  [email protected] Famed chef Shane Delia and his wife Maha have sold 25 Dickens St Hospitality mogul and television chef Shane Delia and his wife Maha have offloaded their two-storey Moonee Ponds pad for $2.289m Delia’s rise to fame in the fine food world started with the opening of his flagship Melbourne restaurant Maha in 2008 Collingwood’s Maha North and Melbourne Airport’s Biggie Smalls and Middle Ground to his award-winning portfolio he has hosted three SBS shows including Spice Journey as well as presenting on the travel program Postcards RELATED: Top chef behind Gimlet, Cutler & Co, buy Karen Liberman’s Toorak mansion Dubai and LA-inspired house featuring Swarovski crystal mural wowing buyers Yarra Valley: Famed restaurateur Rinaldo Di Stasio selling vineyard estate with amazing pool Delia and has wife purchased the four-bedroom abode at 25 Dickens St from a friend 10 years ago They have since hosted up to 50 people every Christmas Day at the house as it became the nexus of family gatherings “I love the times I am home cooking for my family and friends,” he said when listing the home The large open plan living area that connects to the dining zone and kitchen The kitchen where he’s filmed some episodes for his cooking shows Scenes from Middle East Feast and online cooking classes have been filmed in the kitchen which is fitted with AEG cooking appliances but was passed in and took a few more weeks to find the right buyer The expansive main bedroom comes with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite but also embraces the world beyond the home with a private balcony offering city views Jellis Craig director John Morello said the property was in one of Moonee Pond’s most sought-after pockets and sold to a family that was relocating back to Melbourne after being based in Asia “They loved the entertaining area out the back and the fact it had accommodation for the size of their family,” Mr Morello said The undercover entertaining area with a large fireplace The expansive main bedroom with its own private balcony The sale joins a list of Melbourne restaurateur deals done this spring with Andrew McConnell and wife Joanna McGann offloading their $20m-plus Toorak mansion in October They are known for their popular dining institutions Supernormal Their former home on Struan St was purchased from the ex-Australia Post boss Ahmed Fahour for $14.2m in 2018 MORE: ‘Tired’ old Melbourne bungalow gets its entire back cut off ‘Bondi of the Gold Coast’: Huge interest in Hewitts beach mansion First look inside secret $100m Myer mansion A former mayor of Moonee Valley was given cocaine for favours and workshopped a bribery scheme to pay unnamed councillors up to $60,000 to buy their votes a wide-ranging anti-corruption investigation has found The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission on Wednesday released the findings of a 17-month probe uncovering damning evidence against ex-mayor Cameron Nation The City of Moonee Valley council chambers in Moonee Ponds It also found two councillors whom it did name – Narelle Sharpe and Jacob Bettio – used their positions to influence council decisions in favour of a local soccer club at the expense of other clubs and without declaring conflicts of interest The findings come on the eve of local council elections Bettio and Sharpe – who is deputy mayor – are running for council again this month Nation resigned in March this year and is not contesting the poll The IBAC report said Nation and his partner were “regularly supplied” with cocaine and Xanax – a prescription sedative – by an unnamed construction manager linked to the Essendon Royals Soccer Club Nation openly discussed receiving drugs in exchange for efforts to intervene at council to benefit the construction manager and his associates “[My partner] wants a little bit of cheek [cocaine] … I’ll sort out [street address of the business in the municipality] for it,” a text message from Nation in March 2021 included in the report stated Evidence showed Nation’s partner picked up the cocaine at the construction manager’s house the same day Moonee Valley City Council’s former mayor Cameron Nation.Credit: Facebook the construction manager asked Nation for an update on a permit application he had with the council offering drugs for the favour: “Can u [sic] check where it is at please … I will fix u up … 7 [grams] of the best.” Nation wrongly claimed credit for getting a graffiti removal notice for the premises withdrawn Operation Leo began when IBAC received information indicating the Essendon Royals Soccer Club’s president – who was not named in the report – was intending to bribe Nation and two other unnamed councillors through his associate The president allegedly wanted them to vote in favour of increasing club access to the council-owned Cross Keys Reserve in Essendon The sports ground was the site of Jason Moran’s infamous underworld slaying The report stated there was “an intent on Mr Nation’s part to foster a payment arrangement” though the watchdog was unable to find financial evidence bribes were paid Nation told IBAC that the construction manager “repeatedly” raised the notion of paying the councillors in exchange for favourable votes of between $30,000 and $60,000 before a council vote on the matter last year An intercepted phone call between the club president and the construction manager also detailed discussions of alleged bribes of $15,000 each per year or a one-time payment of between $40,000 and $50,000 to be split among Nation and two other unnamed councillors Operation Leo also outlined the failure of councillors Sharpe and Bettio to disclose gifts from the soccer club or report bribery attempts Sharpe told IBAC she was aware of the alleged payment arrangement “between the construction manager Mr Nation and another councillor from the ERSC president” but did not report it to the council CEO out of fear for her safety The report also showed she had an undisclosed relationship with the president of the soccer club Bettio told IBAC that a business associate of the construction manager once requested his assistance in removing a street pole in front of his residence and asked: “How much will it take?” IBAC found it was an example of a payment offer that was not reported to the council Although no evidence of monetary bribes paid was confirmed IBAC did find that Nation on “multiple occasions” bypassed proper council processes to positively influence other property matters on behalf of the construction manager in exchange for drugs Nation was assisting the construction manager to get planning approvals and permits required to build a shop on vacant land The report includes a message from Nation to the construction manager stating: “… still waiting for planning to tell me how we can get around things Need to talk to them in person so no paper trail.” While IBAC didn’t find evidence that the vacant land was developed as intended it noted that Nation’s “reference to a ‘paper trail’ demonstrates an intentional attempt to conceal his involvement in the matter by avoiding a written record of his conversations to MVCC planning staff” Nation was contacted for comment on Wednesday but did not respond by deadline Sharpe said in a statement that the report “clears my name in regards to bribery and corruption” and expressed gratitude that it had been tabled Bettio said in a statement that his acceptance of membership to the soccer club was an “error of judgment” and in no way impacted my decision-making with respect to any motion or council decision” an Essendon Royals Soccer Club official said IBAC “had not found sufficient evidence to support any allegations involving the club or its representatives” The Age revealed last year that the corruption agency had seized the phones of four Moonee Valley councillors – Nation Bettio and Samantha Byrne – as part of its investigation IBAC recommended the state government strengthen requirements for councillors to report suspected corrupt conduct 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. A former mayor of Moonee Valley was given cocaine for favours and workshopped a bribery scheme to pay unnamed councillors up to $60,000 to buy their votes, a wide-ranging anti-corruption investigation has found. The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission on Wednesday released the , uncovering damning evidence against ex-mayor Cameron Nation. It also found two councillors whom it did name \\u2013 Narelle Sharpe and Jacob Bettio \\u2013 used their positions to influence council decisions in favour of a local soccer club at the expense of other clubs and without declaring conflicts of interest. The findings come on the eve of local council elections. Bettio and Sharpe \\u2013 who is deputy mayor \\u2013 are running for council again this month. Nation resigned in March this year and is not contesting the poll. The IBAC report said Nation and his partner were \\u201Cregularly supplied\\u201D with cocaine and Xanax \\u2013 a prescription sedative \\u2013 by an unnamed construction manager linked to the Essendon Royals Soccer Club. In a series of text messages, Nation openly discussed receiving drugs in exchange for efforts to intervene at council to benefit the construction manager and his associates, including on planning applications, building height restrictions, parking and graffiti removal. \\u201C[My partner] wants a little bit of cheek [cocaine] \\u2026 I\\u2019ll sort out [street address of the business in the municipality] for it,\\u201D a text message from Nation in March 2021 included in the report stated. Evidence showed Nation\\u2019s partner picked up the cocaine at the construction manager\\u2019s house the same day. In another text, from June that year, the construction manager asked Nation for an update on a permit application he had with the council, offering drugs for the favour: \\u201CCan u [sic] check where it is at please \\u2026 I will fix u up \\u2026 7 [grams] of the best.\\u201D In another text, Nation wrongly claimed credit for getting a graffiti removal notice for the premises withdrawn. \\u201CCan\\u2019t believe I\\u2019m that efficient. Gold medal standard, that and the graffiti. God status.\\u201D Operation Leo began when IBAC received information indicating the Essendon Royals Soccer Club\\u2019s president \\u2013 who was not named in the report \\u2013 was intending to bribe Nation and two other unnamed councillors through his associate, the construction manager. The president allegedly wanted them to vote in favour of increasing club access to the council-owned Cross Keys Reserve in Essendon. The sports ground was the site of Jason Moran\\u2019s infamous underworld slaying. The report stated there was \\u201Can intent on Mr Nation\\u2019s part to foster a payment arrangement\\u201D, though the watchdog was unable to find financial evidence bribes were paid. Nation told IBAC that the construction manager \\u201Crepeatedly\\u201D raised the notion of paying the councillors in exchange for favourable votes of between $30,000 and $60,000 before a council vote on the matter last year. An intercepted phone call between the club president and the construction manager also detailed discussions of alleged bribes of $15,000 each per year, or a one-time payment of between $40,000 and $50,000, to be split among Nation and two other unnamed councillors, the report states. Operation Leo also outlined the failure of councillors Sharpe and Bettio to disclose gifts from the soccer club or report bribery attempts. Sharpe told IBAC she was aware of the alleged payment arrangement \\u201Cbetween the construction manager, Mr Nation and another councillor from the ERSC president\\u201D but did not report it to the council CEO out of fear for her safety. The report also showed she had an undisclosed relationship with the president of the soccer club. Bettio told IBAC that a business associate of the construction manager once requested his assistance in removing a street pole in front of his residence and asked: \\u201CHow much will it take?\\u201D IBAC found it was an example of a payment offer that was not reported to the council. Although no evidence of monetary bribes paid was confirmed, IBAC did find that Nation on \\u201Cmultiple occasions\\u201D bypassed proper council processes to positively influence other property matters on behalf of the construction manager in exchange for drugs. In another example, Nation was assisting the construction manager to get planning approvals and permits required to build a shop on vacant land. The report includes a message from Nation to the construction manager stating: \\u201C\\u2026 still waiting for planning to tell me how we can get around things. Need to talk to them in person so no paper trail.\\u201D While IBAC didn\\u2019t find evidence that the vacant land was developed as intended, it noted that Nation\\u2019s \\u201Creference to a \\u2018paper trail\\u2019 demonstrates an intentional attempt to conceal his involvement in the matter by avoiding a written record of his conversations to MVCC planning staff\\u201D. Nation was contacted for comment on Wednesday but did not respond by deadline. Sharpe said in a statement that the report \\u201Cclears my name in regards to bribery and corruption\\u201D and expressed gratitude that it had been tabled. Bettio said in a statement that his acceptance of membership to the soccer club was an \\u201Cerror of judgment\\u201D and in no way impacted my decision-making with respect to any motion or council decision\\u201D. In a statement late on Wednesday, an Essendon Royals Soccer Club official said IBAC \\u201Chad not found sufficient evidence to support any allegations involving the club or its representatives\\u201D. The Age that the corruption agency had seized the phones of four Moonee Valley councillors \\u2013 Nation, Sharpe, Bettio and Samantha Byrne \\u2013 as part of its investigation. Byrne was not named in the final report. IBAC recommended the state government strengthen requirements for councillors to report suspected corrupt conduct. Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights.. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) A Spanish Mission-style facade welcomes visitors at 59 Park St A Moonee Ponds house full of period features including a secret bar is almost like a museum showcasing life at the turn of the twentieth century Located on a corner block, the 59 Park St home with a Spanish Mission-style facade Rendina Real Estate director Lou Rendina said it is believed that the residence RELATED: Chef Shane Delia sells Moonee Ponds pad where ‘Middle East Feast’ was filmed Moonee Ponds: Great Gatsby-esque house with a panic room could break suburb price record Superwog’s Theo and Nathan Saidden film new Netflix series at heritage Moonee Ponds pad “It’s a gorgeous home – it has original features like the dado oak panelling beautiful arched leadlight windows and decorative cornices and plasterwork “It is like has been locked up and had no one living there.” The front porch leads to a hallway with timber panelling Double doors open to the formal lounge room with a Jetmaster fireplace and the separate dining space has a concealed bar to store alcohol in Rendina described the laminex curved bar as cleverly disguised “That would be as old as the house itself,” he said ornate ceilings and Axminister carpets feature throughout Rendina Real Estate director Lou Rendina says the porch is a great place to have breakfast Timber detailing adds to the period atmosphere The updated kitchen has parquetry flooring shaker-style cabinetry and a 110cm Falcon oven Near-new Axminister wool carpets have also been installed along with gas central heating and reverse-cycle refrigerated cooling The lockup garage is accessed off Mantell St while a separate studio and office space has bathroom facilities The kitchen has been updated with a 110cm Falcon oven shaker-style cabinetry and timber bench tops An arched window in one of the three bedrooms And the abode is a short walk to the Moonee Ponds shops Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School junior girls’ campus Lowther Hall Anglican School and St Columba’s College Mr Rendina said the home will suit families and downsizers including those coming from 1000sq m-plus acreages who still want some outdoor space has an oak tree in the front garden and is fitted with an irrigation system Expressions of interest for the three-bedroom house will close at 3pm on December 19 A beautiful window lets sunlight into the bathroom MORE: Presbyterian Church lists $3m landmark St Kilda House of God Melbourne tops the nation with the most number of homes for sale: SQM Albert Park: Five bidders fight for dilapidated Victorian abode at auction Greater Western Water (GWW) has completed a once in a lifetime upgrade to replace a more than 140-year-old water main on Pascoe Vale Road The new main has increased capacity to provide safe and reliable drinking water to residents in Moonee Ponds meeting the city’s growing population and water needs for the next century The works involved replacing 3km of water pipes in Alexandra Avenue GWW’s general manager of growth and infrastructure Ian Burton said the project has increased reliability and protection against water loss and leaks for the community “This has been a long-running major project to future proof our water infrastructure,” Burton said “We know it has caused some inconvenience to those who live and we thank the community for their patience and understanding while we’ve delivered these essential works our Moonee Ponds customers can count on a more reliable water supply and fewer interruptions for years to come ensuring they have water when they need it.” GWW partnered with Jaydo Construction for the project and worked closely with local residents businesses and other stakeholders throughout the project to manage impacts and keep people updated on the works Jaydo used horizontal directional drilling techniques which enabled the team to reduce the traffic and public transport impact of the works compared with using more traditional trenching methods All construction sites have been restored to their original condition and all impacted roads have fully re-opened Subscribe to Trenchless Australasia for the latest project and industry news Following the opening of the bridge across the Moonee Ponds Creek between Strathmore and Oak Park further upgrades in the precinct will change access routes until the end of the year The shared user path on the northern side of the creek between Margaret Street and Main Street will be closed from 30 October until mid-to-late December for the installation of a boardwalk Path detours will be in place via Margaret Street and Main Street The opening of the bridge was a significant milestone in Stage 1 of the project to transform the former concrete drain into a proper work will continue with shared path safety fencing and line markings construction of the boardwalk and informal shared path on the northern side of the creek Plantings will be installed around the bridge and other landscaping around the creek and areas affected by the works will be reinstated and restored Works continue with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the Chain of Ponds Collaboration to create an experiential trail along the creek expected to be completed by January next year with $16.4 million state and federal funding secured planning and design will be scheduled for the next phase to transform the concrete section from Oak Park and Strathmore downstream through to Lebanon Reserve When hospitality veterans and married couple DJ and Adela Richard decided to have kids they knew they needed a break from the late nights that often come with kitchen life we took some time off to try and have a family,” DJ tells Broadsheet They welcomed baby boy Maxwell 10 months ago After discovering a new kind of sleep deprivation who previously ran lunch- and dinner-focused burger joint Balwyn Canteen decided they were ready to re-enter the industry They opened Maxiemoon Canteen in Moonee Ponds at the end of autumn travel spots and more – curated by those who know “We’ve named it Maxie [after our son] and ‘moon’ as an ode to Moonee Ponds,” DJ says The illustrated logo depicts their baby boy getting ready to dive into a burger This new spot on Puckle Street serves a golden trio of burgers doughnuts and (very) thick shakes that don’t fall out of the cup when they’re held upside down But the highlight is the house-made burger buns rocks up at 3am to make Maxi buns – a milk bun and brioche hybrid – that take six hours from start to finish The buns are used for all the burgers and are light fluffy and not too sweet so they can pair with a juicy beef patty and a sizzling sunny-side-up egg get a load of the Staff Pick One breakfast burger where a juicy beef patty is crowned with egg bacon and crisp onion fritter and drizzled with Maxi’s barbeque sauce try the Staff Pick Two burger starring Southern-style fried chicken with tomato ranch sauce and red onion for extra crunch fluffy doughnuts (Adela recommends the crowd favourite Biscoff number) that are great for dunking into a hot coffee Adela says the secret to getting a gravity-defying shake is using solely ice-cream The Oreo thick shake is a Maxiemoon favourite Adela tells Broadsheet managing a cafe as new parents “comes with its challenges” but adds that “this time around we are trying to focus on breakfast and lunch instead of dinner so Dad can still spend time with Maxie and not come home at 10pm like we used to” @maxiemoon_canteen/ Bakeries and Restaurants That Opened or Closed in April 32 of the Hottest Dishes and Drinks in Melbourne Right Now Menu Reveal: Five Things To Order at Junda Khoo’s Ho Liao First Look: Filipino Pop-Up Palay Moves to Fitzroy for Good Australian TV and radio personality Zan Rowe takes a trip down memory lane on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, a suburban strip in Melbourne she remembers visiting as a child right through to her rite-of-passage teen years.   From the white bread only bakeries of her youth, to the iconic sport store that locals still support, it stirs all the nostalgic moments for Rowe who recently moved back to Melbourne after a 10-year working stint in Sydney.  Zan Rowe at the opening of Palace Cinemas Penny Lane last year with local MP Danny Pearson and Palace chief executive Benjamin Zeccola. Picture: Getty Along with hosting her Double J hit podcast Bang On with colleague and friend Myf Warhurst (and selling out theatre venues around the country as they took the podcast to the stage for the first time), she’s about to unveil a third season of her TV show Take 5 with Zan Rowe, which features a great line-up of guests including Dannii Minogue, Neil Finn and Bernard Fanning to name a few.  Rowe invites her guests to dig into their record collections so she can delve into the deeply personal stories behind their chosen tracks.  She loves nothing more than strolling the ever-changing bustle of her local high street when she wants a hit of nostalgia.   Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds was the High Street of our area growing up. It wasn’t super long, but had everything I needed as a kid in the inner suburbs. A bookstore, Brashs, Sportsgirl, and a Fosseys. An arcade led through to the Moonee Ponds Market behind on one side, and the Safeway sat on the other. I remember popping 20 cent coins into the kiddy rides outside the Jewel Food Barn and having a go. SIMS Sports was an iconic shop in the middle of the street, I can still recall the smell of new leather while I dreamed of one day owning Reeboks. Rowe can remember when Puckle Street had only a few shops, now it’s a bustling high street. Picture: realcommercial.com.au Every Friday night we’d go food shopping and, once I was old enough, Mum would let me go to Brashes and flick through the new releases that had just come in. I got fitted for my first bra by the old duck at Illusions Lingerie, and The Cactus nightclub sat on the corner and would be HQ in our final year of high school. That little strip of shops between Moonee Ponds train station and Mt Alexander Road raised me.   There was a great bakery in the middle of the street. It wasn’t fancy, most of the bread was white kind, but it was always fresh and delicious. I remember a Sunday treat after church would be a cream bun. A lightly sugared roll, whipped cream, and a blob of raspberry jam. I loved those fluffy things. It was like a country bakery, close to home.  You can’t go past SIMS Sports, which has been open since 1935. I don’t think they’ve updated the interior since I last shopped there in the 90’s either, and I love them for it. I love that they survive in the face of chain stores, malls, and developments. And locals wear SIMS SPORTS T-shirts with pride. A local icon.  Sims sports store is a Puckle Street staple that has stood the test of time. Picture: realcommercial.com.au I’ve just moved back to the inner northwest of Melbourne after many years in Sydney, and Puckle Street and its surrounding areas have completely changed, so there are heaps of new favourites in what is increasingly becoming a cool area (12 year old Zan would die).   Luke’s Vietnamese turn out delicious Banh Mi’s all day, and the line down the street proves how good they are. We have a cinema now, and I love Palace Penny Lane so much. And Top Notch coffee on the corner near the tram stop makes the best coffee in the area – hands down – with delightful service to boot.  Penny Lane Arcade has been transformed in recent years, and now includes more cafes and shops. Picture: realcommercial.com.au Australian TV and radio personality Zan Rowe takes a trip down memory lane on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds a suburban strip in Melbourne she remembers visiting as a child right through to her rite-of-passage teen years From the white bread only bakeries of her youth to the iconic sport store that locals still support it stirs all the nostalgic moments for Rowe who recently moved back to Melbourne after a 10-year working stint in Sydney Zan Rowe at the opening of Palace Cinemas Penny Lane last year with local MP Danny Pearson and Palace chief executive Benjamin Zeccola Along with hosting her Double J hit podcast Bang On with colleague and friend Myf Warhurst (and selling out theatre venues around the country as they took the podcast to the stage for the first time) she’s about to unveil a third season of her TV show Take 5 with Zan Rowe which features a great line-up of guests including Dannii Minogue Neil Finn and Bernard Fanning to name a few Rowe invites her guests to dig into their record collections so she can delve into the deeply personal stories behind their chosen tracks She loves nothing more than strolling the ever-changing bustle of her local high street when she wants a hit of nostalgia Moonee Ponds was the High Street of our area growing up but had everything I needed as a kid in the inner suburbs An arcade led through to the Moonee Ponds Market behind on one side I remember popping 20 cent coins into the kiddy rides outside the Jewel Food Barn and having a go SIMS Sports was an iconic shop in the middle of the street I can still recall the smell of new leather while I dreamed of one day owning Reeboks Rowe can remember when Puckle Street had only a few shops Every Friday night we’d go food shopping and Mum would let me go to Brashes and flick through the new releases that had just come in I got fitted for my first bra by the old duck at Illusions Lingerie and The Cactus nightclub sat on the corner and would be HQ in our final year of high school That little strip of shops between Moonee Ponds train station and Mt Alexander Road raised me There was a great bakery in the middle of the street I remember a Sunday treat after church would be a cream bun I don’t think they’ve updated the interior since I last shopped there in the 90’s either I love that they survive in the face of chain stores And locals wear SIMS SPORTS T-shirts with pride Sims sports store is a Puckle Street staple that has stood the test of time I’ve just moved back to the inner northwest of Melbourne after many years in Sydney and Puckle Street and its surrounding areas have completely changed so there are heaps of new favourites in what is increasingly becoming a cool area (12 year old Zan would die) Luke’s Vietnamese turn out delicious Banh Mi’s all day and the line down the street proves how good they are And Top Notch coffee on the corner near the tram stop makes the best coffee in the area – hands down – with delightful service to boot Penny Lane Arcade has been transformed in recent years Cocaine found in a men’s bathroom has plunged the troubled Moonee Valley council into further drama on the eve of local elections with allegations the mayor demanded a late-night drug test from a fellow councillor Moonee Valley City Council – which includes Essendon Moonee Ponds and Flemington – on Wednesday confirmed white powder was found in the men’s bathroom at the Moonee Ponds council chambers on Kellaway Avenue earlier this month and tested positive for the presence of cocaine said lines of cocaine were found in the bathroom on September 5 and reported internally several people who had access to the building at that time were asked to give a “corroborated voluntary drug test” But the drama spilled into the public arena on Tuesday night when councillor Jacob Bettio took to social media alleging Mayor Pierce Tyson confronted him at his home on the night of the bathroom discovery “demanding” he perform a drug test – an incident he described as “a gross invasion of my personal privacy” Councillor Jacob Bettio.Credit: Moonee Valley Council “I wish to advise the Community that on 5th September at 10pm, Cr Pierce Tyson, acting as the Mayor of the City of Moonee Valley Council, attended my residence and demanded me to ‘pee in a cup and provide my urine to him for the purposes of drug testing’ (my words),” the Facebook post, which was later deleted, read Bettio went on to allege Tyson told him he was “was required to provide a urine sample to him or retire (resign at the next meeting of Council)” and that Tyson “alluded that if I did not Tyson, who is a Labor Party member and was recently in the running for preselection for Bill Shorten’s safe federal seat of Maribyrnong denied he demanded the councillor “pee in a cup” and said it was his mayoral responsibility to confront Bettio “There is a responsibility of the mayor under the Local Government Act 2020 for councillor behaviour as well as an obligation to uphold trust and confidence in council,” he said I approached Cr Bettio to give him an opportunity to provide a clear negative drug test after cocaine was discovered at Moonee Valley Council Moonee Valley Mayor Pierce Tyson.Credit: Simon Schluter “Council has a statutory obligation to ensure a safe workplace under the Occupational Health & Safety Act and I have a role in fulfilling that responsibility.” Bettio denied he used the men’s bathroom at all that day and demanded CCTV “from the CEO to prove my innocence” He said he “provided a negative drug test to the CEO within 48 hours” telling The Age he did so because “he felt pressured to by the CEO” The Age is not suggesting the cocaine belonged to Bettio The council – which is now in caretaker mode – in a statement said it referred the matter to Victoria Police including what the CEO asked of councillors and staff or whether CCTV existed of Bettio using the bathroom Victoria Police was unable to corroborate that a report was made Tyson said the reason for the urgency of the test that night was because cocaine tests are only valid for one to two days after exposure Bettio said the incident had “placed enormous stress and mental health impact upon me and my family” and that the episode was “a political play” on the eve of council elections in which both he and Tyson are running He was one of four councillors who had their phones seized by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) last year as part of an investigation into their relationship with a local soccer club Investigators raided the homes of councillors Cam Nation No public findings on that investigation have been made and it may not amount to charges Nation quit the council in March, and last week Byrne was suspended for two weeks as a result of the arbitration dispute brought by another councillor The council is one of several under state government scrutiny by municipal monitors for governance issues There are 43 candidates running for nine positions in the Moonee Valley on the October 26 election The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here The Facebook page on which the post referenced in this story appeared was deleted after the local council elections in October The story has been updated to reflect this Bettio was re-contacted for comment and said he stands by his original comment Cocaine found in a men\\u2019s bathroom has plunged the troubled Moonee Valley council into further drama on the eve of local elections Moonee Valley City Council \\u2013 which includes Essendon Moonee Ponds and Flemington \\u2013 on Wednesday confirmed white powder was found in the men\\u2019s bathroom at the Moonee Ponds council chambers on Kellaway Avenue earlier this month several people who had access to the building at that time were asked to give a \\u201Ccorroborated voluntary drug test\\u201D But the drama spilled into the public arena on Tuesday night when councillor Jacob Bettio took to social media alleging Mayor Pierce Tyson confronted him at his home on the night of the bathroom discovery \\u201Cdemanding\\u201D he perform a drug test \\u2013 an incident he described as \\u201Ca gross invasion of my personal privacy\\u201D \\u201CI wish to advise the Community that on 5th September at 10pm acting as the Mayor of the City of Moonee Valley Council attended my residence and demanded me to \\u2018pee in a cup and provide my urine to him for the purposes of drug testing\\u2019 (my words),\\u201D Bettio went on to allege Tyson told him he was \\u201Cwas required to provide a urine sample to him or retire (resign at the next meeting of Council)\\u201D and that Tyson \\u201Calluded that if I did not who is a Labor Party member and was for preselection for Bill Shorten\\u2019s safe federal seat of Maribyrnong denied he demanded the councillor \\u201Cpee in a cup\\u201D and said it was his mayoral responsibility to confront Bettio \\u201CThere is a responsibility of the mayor under the Local Government Act 2020 for councillor behaviour as well as an obligation to uphold trust and confidence in council,\\u201D he said \\u201CCouncil has a statutory obligation to ensure a safe workplace under the Occupational Health & Safety Act and I have a role in fulfilling that responsibility.\\u201D Bettio denied he used the men\\u2019s bathroom at all that day and demanded CCTV \\u201Cfrom the CEO to prove my innocence\\u201D He said he \\u201Cprovided a negative drug test to the CEO within 48 hours\\u201D telling The Age he did so because \\u201Che felt pressured to by the CEO\\u201D The council \\u2013 which is now in caretaker mode \\u2013 in a statement said it referred the matter to Victoria Police Bettio said the incident had \\u201Cplaced enormous stress and mental health impact upon me and my family\\u201D and that the episode was \\u201Ca political play\\u201D on the eve of council elections in which both he and Tyson are running He was one of four councillors who had their phones seized by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) last year as part of and last week for two weeks as a result of the arbitration dispute brought by another councillor The council is one of by municipal monitors for governance issues There are running for nine positions in the Moonee Valley on the October 26 election The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories Delia Group director and TV presenter Shane Delia and his wife Maha are selling 25 Dickens St Hospitality king and television star Shane Delia and wife Maha are hoping to whet buyers’ appetities with their beloved Moonee Ponds house for sale with a $2.6m-$2.8m asking range Since award-winning chef Delia established his flagship Melbourne restaurant Maha in 2008 Collingwood’s Maha North and Melbourne Airport’s Biggie Smalls and Middle Ground to his portfolio and is a presenter on the travel program Postcards RELATED: Melb: Chef, TV‘s Scott Pickett offers taste of Chancery Lane restaurant premises Andrew McConnell: chef behind Gimlet, Cutler & Co, buys Karen Liberman’s Toorak pad From celebrity chef to winemaker – Curtis Stone’s next move he launched meal delivery platform Providoor which later went into liquidation but is now operating under a new owner Delia said that he and Maha bought their four-bedroom home at 25 Dickens St from a friend 10 years ago The couple have given the abode a significant makeover — resurfacing the timber floors updating cabinetry and planting a landscaped garden Scenes from Middle Feast Feast and online cooking classes have been filmed in the kitchen AEG cooking appliances and Bosch dishwasher A fireplace warms the outdoor entertaining deck The schmick kitchen contains a stone-topped bench The house is ideal for entertaining thanks to its open-plan living and dining area sheltered outdoor deck with an open fireplace media and theatre room and guest powder room I have a big family so we have about 50 people there,” Delia said “I love the times I am home cooking for my family and friends.” Reclaimed Tasmanian timber that was formerly used in Maha’s build has been transformed into a dining table by Ballarat’s Sawdust Emporium founder Bryan Cush it will be available for purchase if the buyer of the house is interested ducted vacuum and zoned ducted heating and refrigerated cooling feature throughout Ormond Park and the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail Also included in the property are a home office triple garage and main bedroom offering Melbourne city views Delia said he loved the nearby Ascot Vale Hotel the tram at Dickens St’s end which takes him to Melbourne’s CBD in 20 minutes and Moonee Ponds’ parks Delia said his family was moving to a new pad in the same suburb that would give his children more room as they grow older – but that 25 Dickens St would always hold a special place in their hearts I will miss it but won’t be too far away so I can come and stroll past,” he said Jellis Craig director John Morello said the residence was located in Moonee Pond’s most sight-after pocket “I call that pocket the city side of Moonee Ponds I think it will appeal to families and also downsizers wanting a low-maintenance turnkey property.” MORE: Fitzroy North: Former All Nations Dairy, now an Art Deco house, is an udder delight Late Collingwood legend Lou Richards’ longtime Toorak home for sale Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seek $100m+ for marital home amid marriage woes A “panic room”, with an entry concealed in a bookcase. It could be in a fantasy novel or a superhero movie, but it’s real life, in Melbourne’s Moonee Ponds. “Across the hall is the library, which showcases the first of four gas fireplaces with feature marble and steel surround,” the Jellis Craig listing says. “A sliding panel of bookshelves cleverly reveals the panic room.” The high-end home, with a price guide of $10.5 million to $11.5 million, includes a cinema, sleek garaging, basketball court, soccer pitch, swimming pool and eight-person lift. The agents to see are John Morello and Chauntel Considine of Jellis Craig Kensington. The house oozes “1930’s glamour”, the listing says, and it will set a suburb record if it sells for its price hopes. There is not shot of the panic room on the listing, as you’d expect of an attribute designed for safety and security. New York City's extreme measure to prevent 'freeloading' tenants Aussie boy made good: Low-key expat cashes in on $29m Bellevue Hill house Did you panic buy your home? Here's how to fall in love with it The price record for the family-friendly, north-west suburb is $10.725 million, set in 2018. A panic room boom is spreading in the international luxury property market, and although they are less common in Aussie real estate, they are not a totally overlooked feature. They are especially prevalent in New York City, where these fortified retreats have long been inclusions in exclusive, high-end real estate. However, their popularity is suddenly spreading, according to reports this year. A safe room was once the preserve of billionaires and celebrities but is now a choice of the “mundane ranks of the merely ultrawealthy” in the United States, the New York Times’ Curbed reports. A safe room was once the preserve of billionaires and celebrities but is now a choice of the “mundane ranks of the merely ultrawealthy” in the United States, the New York Times’ Curbed reported. These days in the US, Manhattan-based Fortune 500 CEOs with fears of theft and kidnapping are keeping specialist bunker builders run of their feet, the newspaper reports. The companies that install the safe rooms in America often sign non-disclosure agreements with their high-profile clients, according to Curbed. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The next phase of transforming the Moonee Ponds Creek into a thriving This initiative is a collaboration between Melbourne Water and the Chain of Ponds Collaboration in partnership with the Albanese Labor Government has invested $16.4 million to facilitate Stage 2 of the restoration project This stage will see works continuing along the creek between Pascoe Vale and Strathmore building on efforts already completed and ongoing between Oak Park and Strathmore The project has been made possible by an $11.4 million investment from the Victorian government into Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program along with an additional $5 million from the Albanese Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here The work to rejuvenate the creek includes replacing concrete blocks installed between the 1940s and 1970s with natural rockwork and planting aquatic vegetation These efforts aim to slow water flow and improve the overall health of the creek Ongoing planting of trees and shrubs along new shared paths will provide increased shading and cooling while the construction of new public gathering spaces “Our waterways are the lifeblood of our growing communities and Melbourne Water’s work with community-driven design is already creating havens for wildlife and activating more of our beautiful public spaces.” Traditional Owner knowledge and community feedback will remain central to both the design and delivery of the Moonee Ponds Creek restoration The project acknowledges the land’s significance to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owners and includes an interpretive trail that informs visitors of the site’s cultural heritage It’s one of a spate of new park and nature feature announcements over recent months, including a focus in the north-west. Commonwealth Minister for Water Tanya Plibersek noted “We’re investing $200 million in projects to revitalise our urban rivers and creeks We want to support the groups on the ground who understand the needs in their community and are working to better manage and restore their local environment.” Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten emphasised the importance of the project it will be a space where our community can enjoy and watch the local wildlife thrive.” Member for Wills Peter Khalil highlighted the environmental benefits “The ongoing restoration of the Moonee Ponds Creek is improving the environmental conditions for our native species such as frogs It is vital that we finish this project to protect our native environment.” Essendon’s Danny Pearson reiterated the importance of environmental stewardship: “We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids and that means repairing damage to our environment and waters and better protecting it for the future.” Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward added “This important initiative will benefit the communities on both sides of the Moonee Ponds Creek and play an important role in strengthening our local ecosystem and allowing native animals to thrive.” Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone expressed his enthusiasm for the project “The revitalisation of Moonee Ponds Creek is now well and truly underway and I am looking forward to seeing the completion of new public spaces for locals to explore and enjoy for years to come.” For more information, visit melbournewater.com.au Ask any migrant: recreating food from home is never as straightforward as just following a recipe They’ve risen to the challenge with careful testing and tweaking – and a proofing machine imported from Korea The bakery specialises in salt bread (sogeum-ppang) a buttery Korean and Japanese speciality not unlike a dinner roll it’s proofed with a 20-hour-aged starter to reduce the amount of yeast required The result is an easy-to-digest bread that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside condensed cream and the plain ol’ salt bread are customer favourites which is topped with cinnamon spread and cookies and a jambon beurre salt bread stuffed with sliced meat Other picks include the bestselling chestnut loaf; soboro buns coated with peanut crumble; and a chewy “dinosaur egg” bread In the same vein, special drinks like banana lattes and misugaru lattes are inspired by the team’s childhoods in Korea. The latter is a caffeine-free blend of barley, soybeans, black rice, corn and other roasted grains. And two crowd favourites are the Oasis, a take on the Mont Blanc using tea-infused cream “It’s a healthy breakfast that brings out nostalgia for Koreans The cafe stocks a house blend from Dukes Coffee and three filter blends from a close friend the former head barista at now-closed Toby’s Estate on Flinders Lane Bread lovers know the drill – pick up a tray and load it up Bread K44 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds 0400 627 282 @breadkcoffee 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 ShareEvery restaurant featured in The Age Good Food Guide 2025 in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs. See all stories.Bekka in Moonee Ponds. SuppliedCritics' PickHow we score Generosity spills forth from this crowded backstreet eatery, where most nights see locals packing out the modest dining room to a soundtrack of plates passed around shared tables. Traditional Lebanese mezze are the star attraction. Curds of shanklish, the aged Levantine cheese, are strewn through a radish and cucumber salad accompanied by zesty zaatar chips. Golden quenelles of lamb and burghul kibbe are fragrant with cinnamon, matched to a dense labne. Bountiful platters of charcoal-kissed chicken tawook arrive with fattoush that pops with pomegranate and sumac twang. Enthusiastic staff might direct your attention to the Lebanese wines on pour, such as a vivid viognier blend from the same valley the restaurant draws inspiration. Fresh mint tea to go with your orange blossom scented muhallebi milk custard, however, is non-negotiable. Benyue KitchenReminder of how good the classics can be. Heaving address for regional subcontinental cooking. Bar TobalaFilm-noir diner meets tropical cocktail bar. SaveLog in, register or subscribe to save recipes for later.You have reached your maximum number of saved items Moonee Valley Racing Club has pushed back a decision on where to stage the 2026 Cox Plate until after the spring carnival as it continues to prepare for major on-site surgery The superstars of the turf will run on the unique amphitheatre circuit for the last time next year before the old track is ripped up and completely reshaped The racecourse will undergo an extreme makeover that will include demolishing an ageing grandstand precinct to make way for new apartments and building a new grandstand on the north side of the course along a new 317m home straight The Valley has already asked for expressions of interest from rival clubs to host a one-off Cox Plate in 2026 while the course is closed for 21 months but will not name a winning bidder until at least the end of November The Victoria Racing Club, which runs Flemington Racecourse, was seen as an early favourite, but Caulfield’s landlord, the Melbourne Racing Club, has been given extra time to update its proposal following a recent board upheaval which operates tracks at Cranbourne or Pakenham Another 39 Valley meetings in the same time frame are also up for grabs “We have agreed to park those conversations until all the clubs have delivered their carnivals and then we will pick it up again,” Moonee Valley chairman Adam Lennen said Speaking ahead of the 2024 Cox Plate barrier draw on Tuesday Lennen said the club was still tinkering with final designs for their new grandstand which would form part of a total project cost between $200 million and $250 million such as incorporating a hotel or not,” he said “It is probably over the next three or four months that we need to make a call on what that looks like.” Racing is expected to return to a new-look Moonee Valley in 2027 The new track will be about 1700m compared to its current 1800m and will have a new 317m straight – compared to 173m – that will run east to west along Wilson Street By stretching the track three metres wider – from 24 to 27m – it will allow the club to increase future Cox Plate fields to 16 runners compared to the current maximum of 14 Lennen said the club board and executive would continue to be “prudent” around costs and finances considering the current economic climate and following a recent decision by Melbourne Racing Club to shelve plans to build a new $250 million grandstand Views from the famous Moonee Valley track to the Melbourne CBD.Credit: Penny Stephens “We are working through a whole checklist of things at the moment including financing and costings,” he said The mega upgrade will be bankrolled by profits from The Valley’s ongoing residential development agreement with Hamton/Hostplus and ISPT – a project that will feature 2000 dwellings at Moonee Valley Park by 2037 “We will most likely have our next wave of apartments in market in February next year The new grandstand is going to sit closer to the track “We are very mindful of the money we are spending and the timeframe we are doing it in “We don’t want to jeopardise the club from our members’ perspective or from a broader racing industry prospective.” He said the Valley was also committed to recreating the velodrome-type atmosphere that has existed since 1883 “We want to preserve the amphitheatre,” he said “The new grandstand is going to sit closer to the track “We are trying to build a facility that is more than just a grandstand that caters for 25-odd race meetings a year We want to be able to leverage it so it can generate revenue for us potentially 365 days of the year.” The long-term project to transform 98 acres of freehold land has been driven by club chief executive Michael Browell Another key component of the renovation will be utilising the racecourse’s infield, a project that has already attracted interest from golf driving range companies and the AFL which is always looking to build new ovals to keep up with the sport’s growing demands “We want to bring that infield to life and make it work with the residents and the local community and ideally deliver a return on that land for the club,” Lennen said “We have appointed a group to help us on the value management around the civil works “We are effectively working towards February next year to finalise all the prices and the scope of the work needed on the infield new horse stalls and new maintenance yards News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter has been given extra time to update its proposal following \\u201CWe have agreed to park those conversations until all the clubs have delivered their carnivals and then we will pick it up again,\\u201D Moonee Valley chairman Adam Lennen said such as incorporating a hotel or not,\\u201D he said \\u201CIt is probably over the next three or four months that we need to make a call on what that looks like.\\u201D and will have a new 317m straight \\u2013 compared to 173m \\u2013 that will run east to west along Wilson Street By stretching the track three metres wider \\u2013 from 24 to 27m \\u2013 it will allow the club to increase future Cox Plate fields to 16 runners compared to the current maximum of 14 Lennen said the club board and executive would continue to be \\u201Cprudent\\u201D around costs and finances \\u201CWe are working through a whole checklist of things at the moment including financing and costings,\\u201D he said The mega upgrade will be bankrolled by profits from The Valley\\u2019s ongoing residential development agreement with Hamton/Hostplus and ISPT \\u2013 a project that will feature 2000 dwellings at Moonee Valley Park by 2037 \\u201CWe will most likely have our next wave of apartments in market in February next year which is 440 apartments,\\u201D Lennen said \\u201CWe are very mindful of the money we are spending and the timeframe we are doing it in \\u201CWe don\\u2019t want to jeopardise the club from our members\\u2019 perspective or from a broader racing industry prospective.\\u201D \\u201CWe want to preserve the amphitheatre,\\u201D he said \\u201CThe new grandstand is going to sit closer to the track \\u201CWe are trying to build a facility that is more than just a grandstand that caters for 25-odd race meetings a year We want to be able to leverage it so it can generate revenue for us potentially 365 days of the year.\\u201D Another key component of the renovation will be utilising the racecourse\\u2019s infield a project that has already attracted interest from golf driving range companies which is always looking to build new ovals to keep up with the sport\\u2019s growing demands \\u201CWe want to bring that infield to life and make it work with the residents and the local community and ideally deliver a return on that land for the club,\\u201D Lennen said \\u201CWe have appointed a group to help us on the value management around the civil works \\u201CWe are effectively working towards February next year to finalise all the prices and the scope of the work needed on the infield results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday \\u201CWe want to preserve the amphitheatre .. Hamton and Hostplus are readying to build a road which will slice off what has for 140 years been the western portion of the Moonee Valley Racecourse The developer and super giant with the Moonee Valley Racing Club have already developed much of the soon-to-be-annexed 7.6 hectare area bound by Thomas and Dean streets introduced in a local council meeting this week will extend south from the kink at the bottom of Thomas St with that buyer offloading it in late 2022 Last week, we reported Charter Hall sold an office in this pocket the former Foxtel headquarters (story continues below) It was in 2017, Moonee Valley Racing Club appointed ISPT, Hamton and Hostplus as joint venture partners to develop surplus racecourse land; the area has since been branded Moonee Valley Park the club intends to realign the track; interestingly the proposed road will abut its eastern edge potentially more easily paving the way for future private/partnership development A new seating stadium (artist’s impression top) is also set for the northern boundary More apartments are also mooted for portions at the corner of Dean and Feehan – known as the Cox Plate zone – and facing the Tullamarine Freeway near the Wilson St overpass to Victoria St Moonee Ponds is six kilometres north west of Melbourne’s CBD Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page A former property analyst and print journalist Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password Back to login 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. A family whose property was flooded by overflowing stormwater drains has been given sandbags to shield their home while Moonee Valley City Council\\u2019s ageing underground pipes increasingly struggle to protect houses in heavy downpours. Homeowner Rae Berge is among a group of residents of a pocket of Moonee Ponds, in Melbourne\\u2019s north-west, who are demanding urgent infrastructure upgrades to deal with the growing threat of flooding and water-related damage to their properties. Berge, who has lived on Stuart Street for 18 years with her husband and two teenage children, said the volume of water pouring from council-owned stormwater pipes during heavy rainfall had increased dramatically in her neighbourhood in recent years. The situation highlights a looming danger across the city, with stormwater systems struggling to handle growing pressure from higher density development and climate change. Last year, were declared flood-prone due to overflowing drains. On March 26, after hearing from several concerned residents, Moonee Valley Council held a meeting with affected homeowners. According to meeting minutes seen by this masthead, the council\\u2019s director of service delivery, Ben Harries, explained that while underground stormwater infrastructure was built to cater for 1-in-10-year floods and the roadway was designed for 1-in-100-year events, the goalposts were changing due to climate change. Berge said the council delivered sandbags to her home after her property was hit by water in January. The water got almost as high as two weatherboard panels and she now has to restump her home, with Berge worrying it\\u2019s only a matter of time before the inside of her house is flooded. She has installed a pump to push floodwaters away from the house and has other makeshift defences she erects when it rains. \\u201CI\\u2019ve been having trouble sleeping, I\\u2019m super stressed,\\u201D Berge said. \\u201CI\\u2019m still in a state of shock.\\u201D At a public council meeting last month, six residents asked questions about the risk of flooding in the area. Moonee Valley City Council chief executive Helen Sui said the council regularly monitored and maintained its stormwater network, and she was not aware of any specific damage to pipes in the area. She said drains were last cleaned in late February. \\u201CIn 2022, council engaged with the community regarding the potential upgrade of the existing drainage network in Stuart Street,\\u201D Sui said. \\u201CThese works are currently at the design stage.\\u201D Several residents have voiced concerns over the Moonee Valley Racecourse\\u2019s ambition to build 2000 new homes, including an 11-storey apartment building that is under construction. The racecourse\\u2019s master plan outlined a proposal to harvest stormwater from neighbouring residential areas onto the infield. Stormwater Victoria president Alice Lisitsa said stormwater drains across Melbourne may be unable to manage current and future flood risks. \\u201CThe concern is that much of Melbourne\\u2019s stormwater infrastructure \\u2013 particularly in older, established municipalities where networks are approaching 100 years of age \\u2013 was not designed to accommodate these increased volumes,\\u201D she said. She said that with the push to build higher density housing in Melbourne to accommodate a growing population, more focus was needed on impacts beneath the surface. \\u201CIn highly urbanised areas, underground drainage systems are already operating at or near capacity. Infill development necessitates additional hard surfaces \\u2013 roofs, paved areas, sealed roads \\u2013 which leads to greater [water] volumes and faster and higher peak runoff.\\u201D Melbourne Water is in the process of updating flood maps for municipalities across the city in partnership with councils. Some are expected to be released later this year. \\u201COnce completed the modelling will inform development planning assessments to ensure drainage outcomes are appropriately managed,\\u201D a Melbourne Water spokesman said. Moonee Ponds resident Samantha Freestone, who lives on Kipling Street, called for the stormwater system to be pre-emptively addressed as she was worried the area would be designated a flood zone, which would impact insurance costs and property values. Sui said the new maps would inform the council\\u2019s prioritising of drainage upgrade works. \\u201CShould any potential changes to planning overlays be required as a result of this modelling, those changes will follow extensive consultation with the local community.\\u201D A spokesman for Water Minister Gayle Tierney said the new flood models would address the impacts of rising infill development on drainage. Berge said while some homeowners faced the threat of flooding like her, others had experienced cracking, mould and mosquitoes from wet soil which they blame on leaking water pipes. Josie, who asked not to use her surname, said she had lived on Vine Street for 43 years and was now \\u201Cbeyond fed up\\u201D with fracturing pipes. Greater Western Water manages the area\\u2019s household water supply and sewer pipes. The company\\u2019s general manager of growth and infrastructure, Ian Burton, said no burst pipes were responded to in Stuart, Kipling, Vine, Pattison and Steele streets in Moonee Ponds this year so far. In late 2024, Greater Western Water did a major upgrade of a 140-year-old water main on Pascoe Vale Road and surrounding streets in Moonee Ponds. Burton said the project increased the capacity to provide drinking water to customers in Moonee Ponds amid growing population and water needs. Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. . Gluten isn't always the enemy. Sometimes it's just wheat, a grain that's been modified so much over time that many of our guts now struggle to digest it properly. The team at Farro is well aware of this, opting to replace wheat with 100-percent spelt flour in all of its pizza, pasta and bread. Not only is this ancient grain better for our bellies, but it arguably tastes a whole lot better than wheat and totally gluten-free options. It's also what had made this Italian restaurant group so successful, with the crew having opening its seventh outpost in Moonee Ponds. Here, diners can expect the same stacked menu of classic Italian dishes found at its locations in Fitzroy, Caulfield North, Hawthorn, Thornbury, Windsor and Richmond, from the long list of antipasti to house-made pasta and woodfired pizzas. The extensive vegan menu can also be found the new Moonee Ponds site, offering up a huge amount of completely plant-based eats. Drinks-wise, all the usual contenders are here. Aussie and Italian beers come both on tap and in tinnies, vinos from Victoria and Italy dominate the wine list, and there's a decent selection of cocktails for those feeling a little fancier. And if you're simply looking to order some pizza and pasta to be delivered to your house near in the inner northwest, Farro is available on UberEats. Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe market instability and cost-of-living pressures have dragged preliminary auction clearance rates to their lowest level since last year Auction sales across all capital cities except Melbourne tracked down recording a national preliminary clearance rate of 64.2 per cent which is the lowest since mid-December 2024 SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Moonee Valley bike riders now have their own two-wheel playground paradise with the official opening of a purpose-built bike jumps track at Fanny Street Reserve in Moonee Ponds The official opening on Friday was attended by guests including the Assistant Treasurer and State Member for Essendon Danny Pearson; City of Moonee Valley Mayor Pierce Tyson; and fellow Councillors Samantha Byrne It was during the rollercoaster of COVID lockdowns that some local bike riders decided to bring some ups and downs with a difference to Moonee Valley building their own jumps at various locations throughout the municipality Council recognised the increased demand for bike tracks and consulted with BMX and mountain bike riders of all ages playground and park users and the broader Moonee Valley community on an upgrade to the existing Fanny Street Reserve track which was then released for public consultation The completed track features two levels of jumps for riders stairs and an up-ramp to the start mound and safety balustrades and extras including adjoining concrete paths The track has been delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government via the Community Sport and Recreation Grant Program which contributed $300,000 towards its creation “I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for helping to deliver this brilliant new asset to our community,” Mayor Tyson said “We know how much the people of Moonee Valley love their open spaces and now Moonee Ponds has even more ways people can enjoy being outdoors.” Information and Events for Local Councils throughout Australia Contact us: newsdesk@insidelocalgovernment.com.au It’s not exactly a rarity to hear people speak glowingly of home and hearth, but to listen to Shane and Maha Delia reminisce about their recently-listed Moonee Ponds property is to hear genuine warmth and gratitude for the house that grew with them. “I don’t want to leave,” Shane smiles.  “I love this place.” That’s the depth of feeling for this house the couple bought 10 years ago after living in a squeezy space in Sydenham. “That house was 150 square metres  Maha ran a salon from the garage  We managed to use every spare centimetre of the place but we always aspired to something bigger and better.” With their then two small children and a lively rotating roster of their large families periodically descending for celebrations and festive occasions, push finally came to shove. With his restaurants flourishing, the couple considered crossing over to the other side. “We thought about looking in Toorak, but this has always been home and staying here was important. We know who we are; we love it here.” Finding just the right house, though, in just the right part of this locale was the catch. Enter old friend, Australian Test cricketer Peter Siddle. Fast bowlers usually only save the day when their batters have let the team down, but Siddle turned out to be the family’s champion, too. “I was telling him how we needed to find another place, somewhere in the west and he said, ‘Oh I have somewhere that I’m renting out in Moonee Ponds  You could have a look.’” Why David and Yuge Bromley fell in love with this modernist home 'at first sight' Inside a colourful Fitzroy North home that was once a horse stable 'I like to say I'm a bowerbird': Inside new MasterChef judge Poh Ling Yeow's treasure-filled home When they first toured the cricketer’s house, Maha saw the potential instantly. Shane was less impressed. “I just couldn’t see it, to be honest. The floors were that yellow pine, the kitchen was just stark white, and there was no back garden, really. The garage was just a roller door.” Maha, though, knew they could make something great of it. “I loved it,” she says. I loved the floor plan and the space. It felt adaptable and usable, and I knew if we put our touches on it, we could make it home.” They sealed the deal on a handshake with Siddle and began the process of making the house their family home. Built in the early 2000s, the two-storey brick facade has a grand, elevated entry portico that rises to form the main bedroom’s balcony with marvellous city views. Columned edges and window moulds provide decorative relief, and large ground-floor casements give the facade an open, warm look. Inside, the excellent central passage is broad, allowing light to flow end to end, conferring a pleasing sense of space and utility. It’s easy to see why Maha liked the bones here. The rooms are generous without being overbearingly large, and after the Sydenham squeeze, seeing four bedrooms upstairs must have felt like moving into a mansion. “It was a huge step up for us,” Shane says. “It was like our own Taj Mahal.” The changes were largely cosmetic. They darkened the cabinetry in the kitchen to create a sharper, more contemporary look and refinished those “yellowy” timber floors, bringing up a light-catching warm sheen. They installed modish black-framed glass doors across the front two rooms – the handsome home office with custom-built cabinetry and the formal living/media room across the way. Upstairs, the bathroom and en suite boast excellent upgrades – black tapware and deep spa baths are just a few of the luxe inclusions. What remained a much-valued constant was the brilliant, usable space. The open plan rear section is a rangy affair made even more user-friendly by the doors that open onto the superb, covered al fresco on two sides. What you get, then, is double the space –an all-weather ripper with louvre side airflow, a fireplace and blinds to regulate the northerly aspect. If the sun’s out, the entire extended family can spill onto the rear deck and neat linear garden. There’s an actual garage out here now, too. Their brand-new house, the first one the couple have built together, is mere blocks away from this one, so they’re not leaving their “unpolished diamond of the north-east” locale. “I’ve walked the kids to school, I can walk to the tram and I’m in the city. We had a birthday party one time and walked 20 kids to the park and kicked the footy  It’s so easy around here, it’s just home.”