Play Duration: 3 minutes 45 seconds3m 45sBrought to you by At a car park in Oakleigh East, there is an ongoing stream of people cutting laps as they try to find a space. A new gym is charging $5 per week for membership, attracting 14,000 members, which has added to the parking woes of residents and businesses. 774 Station reporter Kate Meade joined Raf Epstein from the car park to give him a sense of the morning rush hour. A car park space in Oakleigh East. August 22, 2024.(ABC: Kate Meade) Published: 12h agoSun 4 May 2025 at 10:30pm Download the ABC listen app to text and call your favourite live radio Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A new 24/7 super-gym that flouted a rule to limit its members is causing parking chaos on nearby streets as security guards are brought in to manage queues outside the building Many locals are furious at Monash City Council for granting a planning permit to gym chain Derrimut Problems started almost immediately after the company launched its Oakleigh East club People line up outside the new 24/7 gym in Oakleigh East.Credit: Joe Armao Owners of local businesses say customers and staff have been unable to park as gym members seize any spot they can find The traffic has spilled onto neighbouring residential streets Derrimut is popular among bodybuilders and known for its large-format gyms with cheap memberships that can cost as little as $5 a week The Oakleigh East branch enrolled more than 14,000 members despite a condition from the council that there could be a maximum of only 180 patrons inside the gym at one time The new gym’s popularity is frustrating locals.Credit: Joe Armao is part of a group of about 20 traders who say they would have opposed the new gym if they had been adequately consulted by the council At least one trader was considering leaving the area “We’re frustrated we didn’t know about it,” Davis said Monash Council took Derrimut to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after an investigation found up to 440 members were being let inside the gym at one time – more than double the 180 people allowed tribunal member Dalia Cook made an interim order in May allowing the gym to have 295 members inside the gym between 7am and 6pm and 440 between 7pm and 7am Resident Reynie Hafner is frustrated over cars lining the streets.Credit: Joe Armao Monash Mayor Nicky Luo said the council disapproved of the decision The gym has hired security guards to manage patron numbers at peak times Cook said in her judgment: “One practical challenge for the gym operator is that when it sought to restrict patron numbers in the past this led to unruly behaviour by some patrons “Documents filed on behalf of council referred to at least one attendance by Victoria Police.” a childcare centre next door hired security and installed bollards to protect its parking spaces as parents were unable to drop off and pick up their children The council tried to resolve the issue by introducing new parking restrictions including limits of 30 minutes in front of some businesses and 90 minutes on residential streets But some locals say this only created new problems Davis said: “Our customers now are distracted said she was disappointed by VCAT’s decision and that the gym should not be allowed to have more than 180 members inside at any time “We’re getting let down by the council,” she said Davis also said the area was now riddled with turfed protein bar wrappers and drink containers: “I’m over it.” A Derrimut Gym spokeswoman declined to answer specific questions from The Age due to ongoing VCAT proceedings “Derrimut Gym is committed to continuing to work productively with Monash City Council to ensure that any alleged issues are properly and expediently resolved for the benefit of local residents and businesses,” she said The matter will return to VCAT for a final enforcement order in November who lives a seven-minute walk from the gym says she and other neighbours are frustrated by cars lining their streets and having to pay for parking permits who is a member of another 24/7 gym only 200 metres from Derrimut questioned why the development was ever approved The situation is winding up gym members too The club has received many negative reviews for overcrowding and lack of parking said she was seeking a refund for her 12-month membership She said members who wanted to work out during peak times faced queuing for 30 to 60 minutes I’ve never experienced anything like that before,” she said “Everyone I know has had a parking fine and I felt sorry for adjoining businesses.” said she understood that the higher-than-expected number of patrons had affected locals She said the council did not anticipate parking to be a problem The gym was not required to build new parking “A significant issue here has been the ongoing non-compliance of the business with their planning permit.” The council said it advertised the planning application in 2022 and received no objections Fifty-three complaints about the gym and parking have been received since the club opened The gym has submitted an application to permanently increase its patron numbers The tribunal encouraged gym management to explore implementing a booking system and block the purchase of new memberships Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. 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This article has been updated to make clear that half of the 111 car spares are shared \\u201CWe\\u2019re frustrated we didn\\u2019t know about it,\\u201D Davis said Monash Council took Derrimut to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after an investigation found up to 440 members were being let inside the gym at one time \\u2013 more than double the 180 people allowed Cook said in her judgment: \\u201COne practical challenge for the gym operator is that when it sought to restrict patron numbers in the past \\u201CDocuments filed on behalf of council referred to at least one attendance by Victoria Police.\\u201D Davis said: \\u201COur customers now are distracted said she was disappointed by VCAT\\u2019s decision and that the gym should not be allowed to have more than 180 members inside at any time \\u201CWe\\u2019re getting let down by the council,\\u201D she said Davis also said the area was now riddled with turfed protein bar wrappers and drink containers: \\u201CI\\u2019m over it.\\u201D \\u201CDerrimut Gym is committed to continuing to work productively with Monash City Council to ensure that any alleged issues are properly and expediently resolved for the benefit of local residents and businesses,\\u201D she said You wouldn\\u2019t think we\\u2019d be impacted I blame the council completely,\\u201D she said I\\u2019ve never experienced anything like that before,\\u201D she said \\u201CEveryone I know has had a parking fine and I felt sorry for adjoining businesses.\\u201D \\u201CA significant issue here has been the ongoing non-compliance of the business with their planning permit.\\u201D entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy Detectives will investigate a series of six incidents overnight where armed offenders have targeted service stations and small retail outlets across the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne Police have been told on each occasion up to five offenders may have been involved and have entered or tried to enter the various stores in a two-hour window between just before 10pm until shortly after midnight an axe and what has been described as machete's which were used at the various locations to smash shop fronts and or threaten victims including staff and customers The location of the incidents in order include: • A small supermarket/bottle shop in Macrina Street in Oakleigh East • A service station in North Road Murrumbeena • A small supermarket in Lilac Street Bentleigh East • A service station at the corner of Hawthorn and North roads in Caufield South • A service station in High Street Ashburton • a service station in High Street Malvern The offenders were all described as wearing dark coloured clothing and were wearing face coverings At some of the locations the quintet made off with various items including cash and cigarettes One staff member was physically assaulted and received minor injuries while other staff and customers weren't physically injured It is believed the offenders were travelling in a white coloured sedan with stolen plates Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream Police are searching for up to five offenders involved in a worrying spate of robberies across Melbourne suburbs on Thursday night Service stations and supermarkets in Oakleigh East Ashburton and Malvern were all targeted in a two-hour rampage between 10pm and midnight The offenders were armed with hammers and an axe Click PLAY to hear more about the worrying incident overnight A temporary error has occurred. If the problem persists, please visit my.wpengine.com or check our status blog for updates Graphic footage has been released of a violent home invasion in Melbourne’s south-east Footage from inside a Turnbull Avenue home in Oakleigh East shows three men restraining the male resident on the ground covering his mouth and grabbing the phone from his hand A female friend at the house intervenes and the offenders point the gun at her Police say the attack began when the man answered the door of his home at about 9pm on May 10 The offenders entered and punched and assaulted the man with the firearm Investigators have released the footage as well as an image of a man and are calling on members of the public to help identify the offenders Anyone who recognises the men is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Press PLAY below to watch the footage (CONTENT WARNING: VIOLENT FOOTAGE) A China based investor has paid $8.08 million for a modern childcare centre in Melbourne’s Oakleigh East The sale price for 82 Ferntree Gully Road reflects a 5.4 per cent gross passing yield The seven year old centre contains 650 square metres of area and is surrounded by 20 car parks Sixteen kilometres south east of the city – connecting Chadstone and Clayton – the 1415 sqm block is zoned General Residential (story continues below) Guardian’s rental agreement expires in 2031 when it can exercise the first of two 10 year options The Ferntree Gully Rd investment is the third in Melbourne – and the priciest – leased to ASX-listed occupier to trade in recent times: last December a 104-place complex at 50-52 Blackburn Rd a Point Cook property at 37-39 Windorah Drive 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 today it’s $10k a metreNathan Mawby Suburban apartments have changed since the Pellicano family built this complex in Oakleigh East in 1969 A pair of Italian bricklayer brothers stepped into the development world selling Oakleigh East apartments to new migrants for about $10,000 each in 1969 Today the same sum covers a square metre in neighbouring Oakleigh at the Alke apartment complex built by the second generation of Frank and Nunzio Pellicano’s property empire While the two bricklayers’ firm has gone on to complete $3b in development projects and is proposing to build the biggest indoor water park in the southern hemisphere a return to the Oakleigh area more than 50 years on shows how much suburban apartments have changed the second generation to run the Pellicano family business said Melbourne’s expanding urban fringe reclassifying Oakleigh from outer suburb to middle ring was part of what had raised prices — with one-bedroom apartments now starting at $463,000 But the apartments built today also look very different to those in the ‘60s The Alke Apartments in Oakleigh are very different to the Pellicanos’ first project The views on offer from projects today are also higher quality than those in the ‘60s “They were a stock standard type of unit to get the price point low,” Mr Pellicano said they are all now designer apartments with an architect design and top-level fixtures and fittings affordable apartment buyers were new migrants looking for a cheap foothold in the market with the 12 apartments in the first Pellicano development sold for a combined $125,000 The $53m Alke project’s one-bedroom apartments are still selling to first-home buyers but downsizers are paying up to $1.1m for a three-bedroom offering Indoor-outdoor designs and open-plan living are now a standard for new homes But there’s still plenty of brickwork on show “It’s more for the people who don’t want to go further out,” he said the project was originally planned to feature 95 properties but the number dropped to 83 as buyers combined multiple homes Despite expectations COVID-19 will hit Melbourne’s apartment building market harder than any other construction sector he’s expecting it will only be a “short-term hiccup” “Long-term we are still very positive on the drivers and demand factors,” Mr Pellicano said two and three-bedroom apartments are still for sale at the Alke project 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. 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A serious crash in thick fog this morning has closed the Princes Highway out-bound at Dandenong All out-bound lanes are closed between Huntingdale and Clayton roads after a car veered off the road and crashed into a tree just after 7am The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle Press PLAY below for details from police + the impact on traffic in the area The proposal to link the Scotchmans Creek and Djerring Trails through Oakleigh has re-emerged with updated The City of Monash has developed a concept over the past year to connect the two popular trails in Melbourne’s south-east by providing a separated bike path along Atkinson Street The first iteration featured a two-way bike lane separated by a parking lane but public consultation revealed concerns about sightlines at intersections for both drivers and riders The new concept removes all parking on the east side of Atkinson Street There is ample parking for residents in the side streets Closer to the shopping centre there is a large carpark for drivers The other key aspects of the plan remain unchanged The concept designs are open for further consultation until 9 October The section north of Dandenong Road connecting to Scotchmans Creek will be addressed in the second stage of the project Become a Member and help fund our advocacy work Find out more about Bicycle Network and support us in making it easier for people to ride bikes 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 An 18-year-old man has been charged with possessing what is believed to be an AK-47 assault rifle following a raid at a home in Melbourne's south-east The Oakleigh East man has been charged with possessing a controlled weapon an imitation firearm and cannabis An 18-year-old man has been charged with possessing a firearm.Credit: Victoria Police The assault rifle is currently with ballistics experts for analysis On Wednesday morning police said is could be a fake A police spokesman said the charges could be upgraded if the AK-47 was found to be real Police executed a search warrant at a home in Oakleigh East about 1.15pm on Tuesday The Oakleigh East man was bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates Court on October 10 It comes days after police found a similar firearm during a series of dramatic raids across Melbourne's south-east last week police said Tuesday's arrest in Oakleigh East was part of a completely separate investigation police arrested 14 people including a 14-year-old boy in relation to a series of "terrifying" carjackings and aggravated robberies in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs between July 26 and August 7 three males were charged with a string of offences aggravated carjacking and possession of a prohibited weapon handling stolen goods and unlicensed driving Police have since charged a further four male teens taking the total number charged over the incidents to seven It was revealed on Tuesday an 18-year-old boy from Doveton was charged with the possession of a firearm and a number of other firearm offences A 19-year-old male from Dandenong was also arrested on outstanding warrants for robbery offences Police have also spoken to another seven males They have been released pending further inquiries Police arrested four people on Thursday and 10 on Friday.Credit: Police Media "Investigations are continuing and further charges are expected to be laid," a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday investigators recovered two stolen vehicles a black Holden Captiva and a Landrover Discovery as well as the imitation firearms and a military assault rifle Detective Inspector Pannell said on Friday that the weapons were found in a person's bedroom and that it appeared the imitation firearms were used to scare victims "Just by the nature of the offending and going into people's homes when they're there is causing fear Three teens were charged last week while a fourth was released pending further inquiries.Credit: Victoria Police "The weapons are being used at this stage to enhance that fear." Detective Inspector Pannell said the offences appeared to be "ad hoc" But while the officer described "a level of organisation" among the groups arrested they're a collective group of individuals who know each other," he said in response to a question from a reporter He said police were trying to determine the motive behind these kinds of crimes "What's driving this type of crime Certainly I've been a police officer for quite some years and there has been a change in the type of offending," he said on Friday List of teens spoken to or charged during investigation into carjackings and robberies: An 18-year-old man has been charged with possessing what is believed to be an AK-47 assault rifle following a raid at a home in Melbourne's south-east It comes days after police found a similar firearm during a series of dramatic raids across Melbourne's south-east last week police said Tuesday's arrest in Oakleigh East was part of a completely separate investigation police arrested 14 people including a 14-year-old boy in relation to a series of \\\"terrifying\\\" carjackings and aggravated robberies in Melbourne\\u2019s south-eastern suburbs between July 26 and August 7 were also charged for property offences.\\u00A0All three have been granted bail \\\"Investigations are continuing and further charges are expected to be laid,\\\" a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday Detective Inspector Pannell said on Friday that the weapons were found in a person's bedroom and that it appeared the imitation firearms were used to scare victims \\\"Just by the nature of the offending and going into people's homes when they're there is causing fear \\\"The weapons are being used at this stage to enhance that fear.\\\" Detective Inspector Pannell said the offences appeared to be \\\"ad hoc\\\" But while the officer described \\\"a level of organisation\\\" among the groups arrested they're a collective group of individuals who know each other,\\\" he said in response to a question from a reporter Certainly I've been a police officer for quite some years and there has been a change in the type of offending,\\\" he said on Friday A 1956 Oakleigh East home at 54 Ferntree Gully has made its owners nearly half a million dollars in ten years A 1956-built home with elements of the Melbourne Olympic pool has made its vendors nearly a $500k profit in ten years The 54 Ferntree Gully Rd pad in Oakleigh East sold under the hammer in an online auction on Wednesday evening snaring a $113,000 premium on its $800,000 reserve as three active bidders fought for the keys RELATED: Kids already spending the money after $170k Oakleigh South auction boon Ron Rosenberg: Oakleigh South house designed for jazz muso hosted Shirley Bassey World Cup, Olympic Games expert Adviser Jacqui Murdoch hopes for gold medal result for home The classically-built home has plenty of renovation potential Elements of the Olympic pool are found in the roof while the interior design takes cues from the vendors’ careers as university professors A young couple buying their first home and seeking a renovation project placed the final $913,000 bid that sealed the deal Ray White Oakleigh auctioneer Robert Cincotta said the vendors were retired university professors academic style” into the home over the years He added that they initially fell in love with the history of the property which was designed in 1956 by Peter McIntyre and renowned architect Robin Boyd It even has elements of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic pool in the roof “There are probably only three suburbs where you see them: Beaumaris Glen Waverley and Bairnsdale out in Gippsland.” The residence provides great potential for renovation with a spacious floorplan showing two separate living areas Ray White Oakleigh agent Nick Strilakos had the listing with 60 groups inspecting the home over its campaign CoreLogic records show it last sold in 2012 for $470,000 making the vendors a cool $443,000 profit in 10 years Mr Cincotta said they were “absolutely stoked” with the 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: Comedian David Callinan lists creative Preston pad for sale Real Estate auction blog: Livestreams and rolling updates from the Melbourne auction market Super-sized Docklands rooftop pool tipped to host A-list Hollywood stars One of Oakleigh’s original homes has been reinvigorated When vendors Nikola and Andrew Coffey purchased this Oakleigh house in late 2017 the plan was to knock it down and start again But a change of plan saw the three-bedroom house at 26 Tamar Grove restored to its former glory — and then some “We were considering potentially rebuilding when we brought the house then we found out it was the first house in the street possibly the whole area,” Ms Coffey told Monash Leader A lot of work was required to go from this … “When we realised the historical significance of it we decided to work a refurbish instead; that involved gutting the place and redoing everything from the ground up.” saw the Coffeys install oak flooring throughout butler’s pantry and plenty of storage options “My business is getting places ready for sale so that’s been lucky for us,” Ms Coffey said of the house But just weeks after finishing the renovations the Coffeys – who run On Trend Property Styling – received a pleasant surprise … has blossomed into a contemporary masterclass “We planned to have two children and got the three-bed house perfectly finished as our dream house and then found out we’re having a third,” Ms Coffey said with another renovation planned in the future “We do see ourselves renovating again because it’s the only way we can get exactly what we want,” Ms Coffey said The kitchen and attached butler’s pantry includes integrated appliances and high-end finishes Outdoor entertaining seamlessly transitions inside which has a price guide of $1.075 million-$1,182,500 include open-plan living at the rear with a custom-made steel and glass door shielding the space from the hallway “With sleeping children it creates a noise barrier and breaks up the house a bit – and also looks really good,” Ms Coffey said I’ve kept most things monochrome – it’s very contemporary so you can add your touches.” Greg Hocking Cheltenham agent Danielle Scanlon said it was “not often a property like this comes on the market.” “You’re in the heart of Oakleigh: the location it’s got everything going for it,” she said “It’s just waiting for the next family to fall in love with it.” A custom made steel and glass door to the right sections off the accommodation wing American oak floors run through the stylish modern home Police have arrested an alleged serial car thief in Melbourne who is accused of breaking into more than 50 cars in the city's south-eastern suburbs A man is facing a string of charges after allegedly breaking into more than 50 cars in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs across three months.  Victoria Police allege the 42-year-old broke into 52 vehicles between March and May this year at Brighton The man also stole various items from the cars "Detectives executed a warrant in Oakleigh East this morning identity cards and various stolen property," police said in a statement The man from Oakleigh East was arrested by detectives from the Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit He has been charged with 10 counts of theft from motor vehicle as well as obtain property by deception deal in the proceeds of crime and disqualified driving Police said it was expected the 42-year-old would be charged "on summons" in relation to the remaining offences.  He has been remanded to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Friday.  A former Hampton Park Secondary College student has been identified as one victim of a fiery car crash in Melbourne's south-east on Sunday night was turning his Nissan Skyline into Ferntree Gully Road in Oakleigh South about 8pm when he collided with a Mazda 3 carrying four teenagers Police said an "erratic driver" was in control of the green Mazda and that a car had been seen "ducking and weaving" in traffic before the collision Victoria Police Inspector Stuart McGregor said because of the speed suspected to be involved in the collision who pulled out of a side street into the path of the other car Shocked friends told The Age they were still coming to terms with the news that Mr Juriansz In one tribute a friend wrote: “Throughout our car convos that turned into some deep convo about life never did I think I’d wake up one day to hear that you’ve been taken from our lives .. one of two young adults who died in a fiery two-car collision that also left three teenagers injured in Melbourne's south-east Family and friends gathered at Mr Juriansz’s Hampton Park home throughout the afternoon to console one another Childhood friend Sudesh Hasanga Abeynayaka said Mr Juriansz was a funny man who loved cars and being with friends He said Mr Juriansz moved from Sri Lanka to Australia with his family about seven years ago The pair had always dreamed of making films “He is my best friend and a very funny person,” he said "Every time he called me he was very happy.” “If only words could tell how much we miss you right now We will never forget you sweety,” wrote one woman was taken to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition with head injuries where she later died was taken to The Alfred hospital with head injuries “He is fighting for life,” said Inspector McGregor “He’s undergone surgery and they’re doing everything they can to save his life.” a 19-year-old Bayswater North man who is on his P-plates They were both taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition Inspector McGregor said while police were yet to interview the driver of the Mazda blood tests were being carried out to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash “We had an erratic driver driving a green Mazda in a westerly direction on Ferntree Gully Road so we’re calling for anyone who might have seen that type of driving at that time of night .. to come forward and call Crime Stoppers,” he said One of the cars at the scene after the crash He said police were also investigating whether the back seat passengers were wearing seatbelts with a failure to do so contributing to 15 per cent of the state’s annual road deaths The deaths take the number of lives lost on Victorian roads to 209 compared with 152 this time last year and Inspector McGregor said it was time drivers did everything they could to stay safe behind the wheel The crash occurred about 8pm on Sunday night.Credit: Nine News “Haven’t we taken enough lives on our roads this year this was a completely avoidable death,” he said Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating Anyone who witnessed the collision or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au A former Hampton Park Secondary College student has been identified as one victim of a fiery car crash in Melbourne's south-east on Sunday night was turning his Nissan Skyline into Ferntree Gully Road in Oakleigh\\u00A0South about 8pm when he collided with a Mazda 3 carrying four teenagers Police said an \\\"erratic driver\\\" was in control of the green Mazda and that a car had been seen \\\"ducking and weaving\\\" in traffic before the collision In one tribute a friend wrote: \\u201CThroughout our car convos that turned into some deep convo about life never did I think I\\u2019d wake up one day to hear that you\\u2019ve been taken from our lives .. Family and friends gathered at Mr Juriansz\\u2019s Hampton Park home throughout the afternoon to console one another \\u201CHe is my best friend and a very funny person,\\u201D he said \\\"Every time he called me he was very happy.\\u201D \\u201CIf only words could tell how much we miss you right now We will never forget you sweety,\\u201D wrote one woman \\u201CHe is fighting for life,\\u201D said Inspector McGregor \\u201CHe\\u2019s undergone surgery and they\\u2019re doing everything they can to save his life.\\u201D \\u201CWe had an erratic driver driving a green Mazda in a westerly direction on Ferntree Gully Road so we\\u2019re calling for anyone who might have seen that type of driving at that time of night .. to come forward and call Crime Stoppers,\\u201D he said with a failure to do so contributing to 15 per cent of the state\\u2019s annual road deaths \\u201CUnfortunately its a regular event.\\u201D \\u201CHaven\\u2019t we taken enough lives on our roads this year this was a completely avoidable death,\\u201D he said driving lethal weapons on our roads.\\u201D Anyone who witnessed the collision or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at By Melissa Cunningham and Patrick Hatch Gregory Liakatos drives to Eaton Mall in Oakleigh where he sips Greek coffee and soaks up the scent of grilled gyros they chat about everything from their grandchildren to the motherland “I’ve known him since he was eighteen months old from back in the village,” 79-year-old Liakatos says pointing to his lifelong friend James Kaloumeris who is sitting smiling at him from across the table We were told we were coming to a very promised land.” Liakatos spent 33 days travelling aboard a ship His family were crammed alongside thousands of other migrants But the riches of the promised land have been plenty “I meet a beautiful lady in 1966,” the self-taught chef and grandfather says who has lived in nearby Mount Waverley since 1972 senses great changes are on the horizon for Melbourne’s Greek heartland and the city’s south-east The adult children of these migrants have left the nest New people and cultures are moving in ahead of a projected population boom and change will only accelerate from here High-rise apartments will soon dot the skyline a world away from the post-war migration of wide roads and modestly designed flat-roofed houses that filled the tree-lined streets when Liakatos moved in Gregory Liakatos shares a Greek coffee with lifelong friend James Kaloumeris at Eaton Mall in Oakleigh.Credit: Joe Armao However while much this pocket of Melbourne has changed over recent decades it will pale in comparison to what is slated to happen next The wider City of Monash area is set up to boom into an employment and population hub that – if it comes to pass – will rival Melbourne’s CBD today Two things will drive that: first is the nearby Monash University precinct which is already the busiest employment cluster outside Melbourne’s CBD the Australian Synchrotron and a growing number of biotechnology companies and start-ups the precinct is attracting highly skilled and highly paid professionals to the area And second is the state Labor government’s Suburban Rail Loop East a 23-kilometre underground railway between Cheltenham and Box Hill Three of the $34.5 billion project’s six stations are within the City of Monash: at Clayton Underpinning the project is a plan to decentralise Melbourne by creating new commercial and residential development around each station shifting jobs away from the CBD and redirecting population growth away from the city’s outer suburbs The Suburban Rail Loop Authority has seized planning controls over large areas of these precincts and will rezone them to allow higher and denser development including buildings of up to 20 storeys in parts of Clayton The rail loop business case forecasts that Clayton’s population will more than double from around 22,000 today to 55,000 by 2056 while the number of jobs based there will grow from 21,000 to 57,500 That would make it a similar place to Collingwood today the population will jump from about 14,000 to 30,500 by the middle of the century and the number of jobs will skyrocket from 36,500 to 162,000 there will be as many jobs across the combined Clayton and Monash University precinct (219,500) as there are working in Melbourne’s CBD today Vanilla Lounge owners Tia Spanos Tsonis (far right) with her two sisters.Credit: Joe Armao one of the managers of family owned Greek patisserie and Mediterranean restaurant said over the last 15 years Eaton Mall had shifted from being primarily Greek customers to a cultural melting pot of new residents and increasingly international tourists whose family have been in hospitality for 50 years Asked about the changes ahead for nearby Clayton which is just a five-minute train ride away from Oakleigh we have to make sure we are able to accommodate the people moving [in] with the right infrastructure and support for local businesses.” Liakatos has watched Eaton Mall shift around him It has transformed from a couple of cafes and supermarkets to a sprawling and thriving strip of al fresco Greek restaurants “We’ve got lots of other nationalities coming in adding to the beauty of the place,” he says A few kilometres away, Clayton Road provides a snapshot of the evolving cultural diversity of the area. Clayton has emerged as the Melbourne suburb with the highest percentage of overseas-born residents, outside of the CBD This growth has been fuelled in part by high numbers of international students technology and research hub around Monash University Census data shows that between 2011 and 2021 the City of Monash’s population grew by 30,664 people or 19 per cent – just above the Victoria-wide growth of 18 per cent the number of people living there who were born overseas jumped by 26,217 More than half (54 per cent) of residents in the area were born overseas compared to a 35 per cent statewide average The number of Monash residents who were born in China grew from 13,301 to 22,608 people over the decade to 2021 and they now make up 12 per cent of the community Indian-born residents almost doubled to 13,517 over the same period Sri Lankans grew by a third to 7515 (4 per cent of residents) and a thousand more Malaysians brought their number to 6497 (3.4 per cent of all residents) And while the Greek community has become relatively less prominent the number of Greek-born residents grew by 365 people between 2011 and 2021 to 4489 people (or 2.4 per cent of the population) Those claiming Greek ancestry grew by 1300 to 13,221 while the number of people speaking Greek at home grew by 169 to 10,247 Greek is still spoken at home by just over 5 per cent of residents – the second most common non-English language between Mandarin at 9.4 per cent and Cantonese at 4.5 per cent Clayton Road is now bustling with Asian restaurants and specialty shops including the bright blue and yellow painted Hong Kong Supermarket Locals say the supermarket has such a diversity of Asian produce a reflection of a surge in families migrating from the subcontinent Sunny Shim at her grocery shop in Clayton.Credit: Joe Armao Sunny Shim is part of Clayton’s great Asian migration and relocated to Melbourne from South Korea in 2003 as an international student she still remembers her friends’ reactions when she and her husband told them they were moving to South Clayton more than a decade ago “They told us ‘you’re moving to the countryside’.” But the mother-of-one was drawn to Clayton for its cheaper house prices and perks like Chadstone Shopping Centre and Ikea After working as a nurse at The Alfred hospital during the gruelling coronavirus pandemic She decided to take over the Top Mart Korean Grocer two and half years ago so she could spend more time with her seven-year-old son she has observed Clayton Road light up at night as more restaurants open up While she would like to see more trees and parkland in Clayton like everyone else The Age spoke to in the suburb this week she is excited by what is to come for Clayton “A higher population is good business-wise,” she said this week in her store where the shelves are full of specialty produce like roasted seaweed flakes and South Korean rice wine tables outside were packed full of older Italian and Greek migrants A lot of Asians and Indian migrants are flooding in because of Monash University and it has never been busier.” The Suburban Rail Loop business case suggested that by 2056 Clayton could have a similar population density to the once working class – but now gentrified – Collingwood The inner-city suburb has experienced an explosion of apartment construction When asked about the prospect of Clayton morphing into the next Collingwood Mademlis’ eyes widen and he quickly erupts into laughter Collingwood or Carlton would be what they are today?” Monash Mayor Nicky Luo represents the area’s changing demographics The 41-year-old moved to Glen Waverley from China with her family as a young child She studied locally and now works in the area as a mental health clinical nurse “People come to Monash because of our proximity to the CBD and our incredible education and employment opportunities There is significant investment driving the growth of knowledge and technology industries,” Luo says catch up with Isabelle Foscolos in Oakleigh.Credit: Joe Armao Luo says the council supports the rail loop and the opportunity it creates for more people to live and work in Monash but like other councils it is concerned about the Suburban Rail Loop Authority taking over planning controls and what building heights and densities it will permit she says the state government’s lofty goals for population will demand more healthcare facilities “We need genuine conversations with the Victorian government about investing in the community infrastructure to support the population growth,” Luo says are continuing their family ritual of coming to Eaton Mall who were enjoying Greek frappes outside Nikos Cakes amid the lunchtime rush on Wednesday Foscolos vividly remembers coming to the mall for groceries as a child and stocking up on red dye to decorate eggs for Greek Easter “Now there’s a lot of young people coming here for a bite to eat and things like that,” she says It still reminds me of those special memories from my childhood.” The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here \\u201CI\\u2019ve known him since he was eighteen months old from back in the village,\\u201D 79-year-old Liakatos says We were told we were coming to a very promised land.\\u201D \\u201CI meet a beautiful lady in 1966,\\u201D the self-taught chef and grandfather says senses great changes are on the horizon for Melbourne\\u2019s Greek heartland and the city\\u2019s south-east The wider City of Monash area is set up to boom into an employment and population hub that \\u2013 if it comes to pass \\u2013 will rival Melbourne\\u2019s CBD today which is already the busiest employment cluster outside Melbourne\\u2019s CBD And second is the state Labor government\\u2019s Suburban Rail Loop East Three of the $34.5 billion project\\u2019s six stations are within the City of Monash: at Clayton shifting jobs away from the CBD and redirecting population growth away from the city\\u2019s outer suburbs The rail loop business case forecasts that Clayton\\u2019s population will more than double from around 22,000 today to 55,000 by 2056 there will be as many jobs across the combined Clayton and Monash University precinct (219,500) as there are working in Melbourne\\u2019s CBD today \\u201CIt\\u2019s become a destination,\\u201D says Tsonis we have to make sure we are able to accommodate the people moving [in] with the right infrastructure and support for local businesses.\\u201D \\u201CWe\\u2019ve got lots of other nationalities coming in adding to the beauty of the place,\\u201D he says \\u201CThings can\\u2019t stay the same forever Clayton Road provides a snapshot of the evolving cultural diversity of the area Clayton has emerged as the Melbourne suburb outside of the CBD the City of Monash\\u2019s population grew by 30,664 people or 19 per cent \\u2013 just above the Victoria-wide growth of 18 per cent Greek is still spoken at home by just over 5 per cent of residents \\u2013 the second most common non-English language Sunny Shim is part of Clayton\\u2019s great Asian migration and relocated to Melbourne from South Korea in 2003 as an international student she still remembers her friends\\u2019 reactions when she and her husband told them they were moving to South Clayton more than a decade ago \\u201CThey said \\u2018why are you going there there\\u2019s nothing there\\u2019,\\u201D Shim laughs \\u201CThey told us \\u2018you\\u2019re moving to the countryside\\u2019.\\u201D \\u201CA higher population is good business-wise,\\u201D she said this week in her store A lot of Asians and Indian migrants are flooding in because of Monash University and it has never been busier.\\u201D The Suburban Rail Loop business case suggested that by 2056 Clayton could have a similar population density to the once working class \\u2013 but now gentrified \\u2013 Collingwood Mademlis\\u2019 eyes widen and he quickly erupts into laughter Collingwood or Carlton would be what they are today?\\u201D Monash Mayor Nicky Luo represents the area\\u2019s changing demographics \\u201CPeople come to Monash because of our proximity to the CBD and our incredible education and employment opportunities There is significant investment driving the growth of knowledge and technology industries,\\u201D Luo says she says the state government\\u2019s lofty goals for population will demand more healthcare facilities \\u201CWe need genuine conversations with the Victorian government about investing in the community infrastructure to support the population growth,\\u201D Luo says \\u201CNow there\\u2019s a lot of young people coming here for a bite to eat and things like that,\\u201D she says but in many ways it\\u2019s still the same It still reminds me of those special memories from my childhood.\\u201D The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories This is probably not the page you’re looking for Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" vanillalounge.com.au Located just a stone’s throw from Oakleigh Centre – a hub of the south east and the heart of Melbourne’s Greek precinct – is Vanilla Lounge you’re immediately greeted with an impeccable assortment of incredibly sweet and colourful cakes while a variety of wraps and panini are available for those after a quick and easy meal on the run An absolutely massive space with endless tables of all shapes and sizes to accommodate either a simple dinner for two or a group looking for a bite of lunch The upstairs offers a more expansive dining area catering for a sit-down meal rather than the cafe style downstairs – which has a stocked bar toting an extensive wine list and cocktails cleverly named after each of the Mediterranean Isles There’s a distinct feeling of friendship and community buzzing through the venue with large groups of regulars happily chatting with staff as they rotate around They’ve been around for ten years now and pride themselves on good service and locally sourced products you can’t go past the spanakopita – a Greek classic cooked to perfection with crisp pastry and a rich filling that melts in your mouth The more adventurous might be tempted by the roast beetroot and freekah salad served with feta complete with figs straight from the owner’s tree it’s an explosion of flavours with each ingredient bringing unique strengths to the dish It’s made all the better for adding chicken which brings heft to an already filling special The sausage  or loukaniko has a distinctly Greek flavour with a medley of herbs giving a rich taste that settles in The pork and beef keftedes are a combination of fresh meats The chicken gyros is the highlight – blended with spices and prepared as if carved right from the spit The delectable poultry melts in your mouth For dessert there’s sweet and rich galaktobouriko a staple of Greek desserts and perfect with a coffee at the end of your meal or kormo for those after something a little less sweet If you’re seeking unique Greek cuisine with a modern flair or a selection of sweet treats served in the friendliest of settings An 18-year-old has been arrested after detectives executed a search warrant on a home in Melbourne’s south-east this afternoon Investigators executed a search warrant at the Oakleigh East home about 1.15pm and found a firearm believed to be an AK-47 (similar to the one above, seized in raids last week) and an imitation firearm The weapons were seized along with a quantity of what is believed to be cannabis An 18-year-old Oakleigh East man was arrested at the scene He is currently assisting investigators with their enquiries the slowdown has opened up an opportunity to upgrade or even buy for the first time and his teacher partner Alexandra Thompson who were able to take advantage of a less crowded market and upsize to a house in Oakleigh “We’d been looking for about six to eight months on and off,” Mr Wood said “Things got a little bit deflating [before] because the Melbourne market was roaring at the start of the year.” With the ban on public auctions to stop the spread of coronavirus upsizers like Mr Wood and Ms Thompson have kept the property market moving but at a much slower pace than earlier this year In February and early March, house prices in Melbourne sat at record levels and buyers were plentiful The median house price was $918,350 – rising 2 per cent over the quarter, and 12 per cent over the year – Domain’s House Price Report for the March quarter released this week showed Units were up by 13.2 per cent over the year to a median $554,306 but down by 0.4 per cent over the quarter there were at least five suburbs where property buyers could have snapped up a house for close to the median price Price cuts on the rise as vendors move to sell during coronavirus pandemic Melbourne house prices rose 2 per cent in March quarter pre-coronavirus: Domain House Price Report Australia’s house prices are up but the effect of coronavirus has yet to take hold They included Oakleigh East which had a median of $920,000 in the March quarter Buyers could have also picked up a house in the leafy north-eastern suburb of Eltham Lower Plenty’s $915,000 median offered a slightly cheaper price which had a unit price median of $558,000 in the March quarter Mentone at $551,000 and Ormond with a median of $549,000 Embed this tableWhile prices sat at record levels in the March quarter economists are predicting drops similar to those in the downturn which ended early last year while CBA has suggested an 11 per cent drop across Melbourne property prices Agents say fairness is now coming back to the market with some vendors discounting prices to ensure a sale The Agency general manager Peter Kakos said first-home buyers and upsizer numbers were holding up the current coronavirus-affected market and vendors were willing to be more realistic about prices “It’s falling short where vendors are holding out for a premium price like they may have gotten in February,” Mr Kakos said you’re probably going to miss the market.” Kay & Burton partner Michael Armstrong said buyers were still looking to buy, hoping for a bargain. “On most properties we’ve got interest,” Mr Armstrong said. “Some buyers are offering 30 per cent below the asking price, other buyers have a higher motivation and offer more realistic prices. “For prices to drop by a lot, we need to see a whole lot of properties come on to the market and we haven’t seen that yet. We haven’t seen any distress selling.” Domain senior research analyst Nicola Powell said new listings in Melbourne overall were down, although in some suburbs they were higher than the same time last year – when prices bottomed out after 18 months of a market downturn.  Across the city, listings were down by 11 per cent for the weeks between March 23 and April 19, when compared to the same time last year. In Manningham and suburbs like Doncaster and Warrandyte, listings fell by 47 per cent. However, not all areas fell. Listings were up by as much as 30 per cent in Maroondah, which includes Ringwood, Croydon and Mooroolbark, and 22 per cent in Knox and Boroondara over the same time.  Embed this table“Listing numbers are putting a floor underneath prices because there are fewer, so there may be more competition for properties keeping prices steady,” Dr Powell said.  Price drops, she believed, could be concentrated in Melbourne’s more expensive suburbs to open the market to buyers looking to upgrade their homes as the coronavirus continues to affect the market. “It does make upsizing more affordable. It helps people get onto the property ladder, too.” 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 News From ‘wog’ area to ‘cosmopolitan chic’ Find out why property owners are reluctant to sell in Oakleigh a district with a thriving Greek community is not your run-of-the-mill piece of suburbia according to recent reports that place it among the top four suburbs of Melbourne with average holding periods of more than 20 years Recent data by RiskWise Property Research has shown that the property downturn noted in 2019 has led to a significant material reduction in the number of transactions in many areas holding periods went up for a number of suburbs with Oakleigh being among the Melburnian suburbs that are leading this trend who has been active in the Oakleigh property market for 49 years told Neos Kosmos that not even he could have predicted the development of the district when he first started his family real estate business in the area all those years ago houses were around $12,000-$14,000 and people looked down on the area as a place for ‘wogs’ and now there’s been a turnaround and Oakleigh is viewed as ‘cosmopolitan’ with the average house selling for over $1 million,” he said of the properties owned by members of the strong Greek community which is thriving in the area flanked by Caulfield and Chadstone “It is near the city centre and has a great transport system however Oakleigh is also a destination in its own right where people come to drink coffee and enjoy the cuisine –  and it’s not just the Greeks transporting the visitor to an affluent Greek suburb without having to leave Melbourne READ MORE: Greek expatriates can buy real estate in borderline areas of Greece Mr Lazogas indicated that the changes have been particularly evident in the last 25 years as the area has built up its unique facilities and Greeks have left Lonsdale Street to enjoy many comforts anything you can possibly want,” he said “Come any day to Oakleigh and it is filled with young and old enjoying all the area affords.” A veteran in the business and expert when it comes to the ins and outs of Oakleigh Mr Lazogas predicts that the systematic undersupply of family-suitable properties made it “very likely” that holding periods would only increase RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg states that “the greater the holding period in strong markets He points to the strong comeback that property prices are making as a result of ultra-low interest rates which has the highest population growth across Australia are displaying strong economic fundamentals “Their economies have delivered and are projected to deliver solid economic growth and these states also attracted a consistent level of private capital expenditure which has contributed to their stability,” he said READ MORE: Oakleigh Community residents take rent hike dispute to VCAT CoreLogic figures show that the national property index recorded its fifth consecutive monthly increase as Sydney house prices rose by 2.7 per cent in Sydney in November and 2.2 per cent in Melbourne 38km southwest of the Sydney central business district with a population of 3,237 according to the 2016 ABS Census has a median house price of $519,068 compared to that of Greater Sydney of $877,220 There are a number of major infrastructure projects under way in the region including the Western Sydney Airport set to open in 2026 the 10-year Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan and the new M12 Motorway Upmarket Rossmore is a short drive west of Miller with a median price of more than $2 million are owned outright and close to 20 per cent were owned with a mortgage Many of the properties are on acreage and there are also a number of heritage-listed sites is 68km from Sydney and offers a rural retreat from city life it is characterised by prestige homes on acreage and older-style houses on smaller blocks Birrong is 22km southwest of the Sydney CBD and has a median house price of $714,999 it offers good public transport and a convenient lifestyle there are also newer prestige ones throughout the suburb Sadlier sits adjacent to Miller and is enjoying the benefits from the same infrastructure boom in the South West This blue-collar suburb has a median house price of $517,054 Leafy Wheelers Hill is only 22km from the city and has a median house price of just over $1 million compared to Greater Melbourne’s of $716,542 It is well serviced by public transport and conveniently close to all amenities Many of its properties are prestige houses on large blocks About 25km southeast of Melbourne is Noble Park North which has a median house price of $585,413 It is close to major roads and other amenities Campbellfield is only 16km north of the city and close to major roads and public transport options which have a median price of $476,458 are older-style renovated homes Oakleigh is 14km southeast of Melbourne and has its own historic CBD and high street The median house price is more than $1 million many owned by members of the strong Greek community which thrives in the suburb The last to make the Top 5 list is Vermont South which is 20km east of the city and has a median house price of $1.1 million