As Melbourne’s population continues to grow and demand for housing intensifies well-connected developments close to the CBD are becoming increasingly important One project leading the charge is Bradmill in Yarraville — a landmark regeneration of the former denim factory site into a thriving I recently caught up with Theo Della Bosca, Development Director at Frasers Property, for an in-depth conversation about one of Melbourne’s most anticipated communities Bradmill Yarraville, on an unrepeatable 26 hectares just six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD It will deliver up to 1,500 new homes, a mix of townhouses and apartments. The first homes being brought to market are three and four-bedroom townhouses designed by Rothelowman, which are already attracting significant interest, particularly from families and downsizers Families are drawn to the project for its variety of housing options and the convenience of having a shopping centre within the community Investors see strong potential in the area’s rental market and appreciate the low-maintenance First home buyers are also showing strong interest particularly because opportunities to purchase this level of housing so close to the city are rare Later stages will introduce a range of one with all homes within the community to be fully electric as part of Frasers Property’s commitment to sustainability A key feature of the Bradmill masterplan is its mix of residential and lifestyle amenity — much of it set within repurposed heritage buildings The upcoming Bradmill Quarter retail precinct which will front Francis Street and include a major supermarket will bring a convenient hub to Bradmill residents Another standout feature of the community is Bradmill Social — a resident-exclusive lifestyle precinct that will breathe new life into the site’s historic buildings “We’ve got a proofing house down there which will be converted to a wellness centre that will feature a yoga Pilates space basketball half court — so it’s got it all going on,” Theo says The iconic boiler house, a well-known landmark in Melbourne’s inner west visible from the West Gate Freeway is set to be transformed into a vibrant lifestyle hub The space will include areas for children’s play and even dog-washing facilities — offering a wide range of amenities designed to foster connection and convenience for future residents Green space is also central to the project’s design with an open space reserve threading through the community from west to east and connecting directly to the expansive 18.5-hectare McIvor Reserve Bradmill is being delivered in stages, with Figurehead Construction currently working on stage one Residents are expected to move into the first townhouses before Christmas 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 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 A restaurant in Yarraville has been targeted in an early morning arson attack A Land Cruiser drove into the Anderson Street business at about 4:30am on Monday with the vehicle set alight and alleged offenders fleeing in a getaway car 3AW police reporter Madelaine Bourke told Mark Allen and Jimmy Bartel police and firefighters were immediately at the scene to assess the damage Press PLAY to hear Madelaine’s report from the scene  “It’s a family-run business and it’s very sad,” she said on 3AW Breakfast Press PLAY to hear the latest update from Victoria Police Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Melbourne straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Melbourne without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Melbourne restaurants and attractions and make the most of this picturesque suburb One of Yarraville’s most prominent landmarks is the Sun Theatre – it’s one of the first places you see when you hop off the train the Art Deco building was refurbished in the 1990s and now features eight separate cinemas each named for a now-closed cinema from Melbourne’s history It acts as a kind of centrepiece in the main part of town cafés and occasional street festivals within walking distance you would never actually have to leave – it’s the perfect blend of residential and recreational and restaurants and bars to suit every taste We asked the staff at the Sun Bookshop for some of their favourite picks of Yarraville so keep an eye out for their thoughts and suggestions below Much of the main food and entertainment hub of Yarraville is conveniently situated right by the train station parking is relatively easy – if the carpark near the train station is full the side streets are usually a good backup option Seddon is to the north, and just beyond that is Footscray. Scienceworks is located in nearby Spotswood Head to the beautifully renovated art deco Sun Theatre for a film making sure to stop next door and browse the intimate and well-stocked Sun Bookshop for a book to read on the train home.  Photograph: Ed Sloane PhotographyIf you’re in the mood for Mexican, Village Cantina (30 Ballarat St) offers generous servings and (almost) too much choice – so make sure you come with an appetite While the quesadillas and burritos are not to be ignored the real hero is the taco menu – though narrowing down your order from the extensive list of options is tough Despite its prominent location next to the Sun, Pizza d’Asporto (2-6 Ballarat St) is surprisingly easy to miss if you aren’t seeking it out quick family fare,” the staff at Sun Bookshop tell us doughy bases and the choice of toppings is extensive the pasta menu is almost just as varied and exciting recipes drawn from regional Italy and rustic feels it’s a local favourite for good reason Slightly further away from the main food hub is Navi (83B Gamon St) contemporary Australian fine-dining restaurant has an ever-changing set menu with eight and five-course options available Chef and owner Julian Hills is across every part of the restaurant – right down to the plates One thing to note on the food though: try not to fall in love with a particular dish because chances are you might not see it again Even further away, in deeper suburban Yarraville, is Mishra’s Kitchen (18 Wembley Ave) it is well worth the slightly longer journey this cheerful restaurant boasts some of the best Indian food in Melbourne A local tip: even if you are a seasoned chilli eater who thinks they can handle the hottest of the hot – order the mild option Photograph: Supplied / Ms BotanicaYarraville has plenty of options to suit all different moods so take your pick based on how you're feeling Barkley Johnson (11 Anderson St) is a cosy and friendly deli and wine bar located right in the heart of things The former barbershop is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and a board of bar snacks – though sometimes it can be hard to get a seat because it gets busy The Railway Hotel (35 Anderson Street) is everything you want from your local pub it’s a great place to spend a weekend afternoon or to grab a bite after seeing a film at the nearby cinema If you’re looking to wind down in a relaxed setting, Yarra Lounge (7 Ballarat Street) has friendly service and is located in a great spot by the street park The lush, plant-filled Ms Botanica (34 Ballarat Street) is the place to go for epic cocktails and a tasty snack menu Order the free-range pork slider and thank us later Photograph: Chevanon Photography/PexelsOperating since 2007 is The Cornershop (11 Ballarat St), a much-loved spot in the main park strip right by the cinema – and the staff at the Sun Bookshop tell us they order food from them a LOT with most of their ingredients sourced from Victorian producers and make some of the best coffee in Yarraville and you can explore the nearby shops until they give you a ring Dad and Dave’s Café (29 Birmingham St) is a kitsch and cosy former milk bar with one of the best vegan menus in the neighbourhood Another one near the train station is the light and airy Coracle (63-65 Anderson St) The Sun Bookshop staff tell us "it’s a personal staff favourite for their incredible Asian fusion café food – it’s just second to none" Photograph: SuppliedWe’ve mentioned them a lot through this guide, but it’s because the Sun Bookshop (10 Ballarat St) is simply a gem it’s a small but well-stocked bookstore that has all the latest and best titles as well as a knowledgeable staff who can help steer you in the right direction if you’re feeling a bit indecisive which specialises in children’s books Need to stock up on groceries and essentials? Plump Organic Grocery (24 Ballarat St) has been running since 2002 and is a one-stop shop for fresh food and fair trade groceries If you’re looking up to brighten a space with some greenery, check out Mosey (97 Anderson St) Whether you are a nervous first-time plant parent looking for something simple or an experienced green thumb It’s also just a really relaxing place for a browse though it is hard to walk out without a new ceramic pot or a hanging plant you promise not to kill Photograph: SuppliedOn the third Saturday of every month, there’s the Yarraville Village Farmers Market The list of stallholders is constantly changing good food and a choice of fresh produce from local farmers If you're someone who enjoys heritage buildings – or the odd bit of eccentric architecture – the streets of Yarraville Village are great for an exploratory walk Photograph: Time OutSupport your local neighbourhood with our selection of area guides around Melbourne Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitterinstagrampinterestAbout us Contact us The co-owner of Greek restaurant in Yarraville damaged by a suspicious fire on Easter Monday said it’s devastating to have suffered a second arson attack in less than a year A white SUV was rammed into the rear entrance of Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar on Canterbury Street and set alight shortly before 4.30am on April 21 Fire crews arrived soon after and required breathing apparatus to enter the building and prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring businesses The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire which is being investigated by police The attack on the restaurant came just days after it hosted the launch of co-owner Eleftheria Amanatidis’ memoir and cookbook which she wrote while the businesses was closed following an arson attack on June 28 last year arsonists attacked the front entrance of the restaurant on Yarraville’s Anderson Street shopping strip causing extensive damage which tool until November to repair Ms Amanatidis said the latest attack was far less serious with only an outdoor dining area affected “The main dining room and kitchen of Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar adding that all customers with bookings had been contacted and they were working to reopen as soon as it was safe to do so “Resilience is in my blood,” Ms Amanatidis declared “Our family has been running businesses in Yarraville since 1971 and that 54-year history gives us the determination to face whatever challenges come our way.” Ms Amanatidis opened Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar 2018 and co-owns it and the neighbouring Jimmy’s Deli Their grandparents Jimmy and Eleni ran a tavern and a butcher shop in Yarraville in the 1970’s before Jimmy became the long serving president of the Yarraville Glory soccer club Their great grandfather Antonios Amanatidis was the founding priest of the nearby St Nicholas Greek Orthodox church Speaking to Star Weekly at the book launch last week Ms Amanatidis said writing it provided a welcome distraction following last year’s fire “Obviously that was such a hard time for me and I was struggling to pick myself up and the book sort of reaffirmed for me that this is why I am doing what I am doing,” she said “That’s sort of my silver lining out of the fire.” Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Eleftheria Amanatidis looked at her phone on Monday morning and sighed “How could this have happened again?” she said Amanatidis said she and her family were in disbelief as they gathered outside their Yarraville restaurant – Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar – on Monday after it was firebombed for the second time in less than a year Eleftheria Amanatidis (right) outside her Yarraville business on Monday after the fire.Credit: Jason South and just anger that this has happened again,” Amanatidis told The Age “It was just the same feelings as last time I think everyone’s just a bit shaken – obviously not something that we were expecting to see on Easter Monday morning.” Police said a car was rammed into the back of the Canterbury Street restaurant about 4.20am before its occupants set the vehicle alight The offenders then fled in another vehicle Firefighters controlled the blaze within 20 minutes but not before it spread to the restaurant’s outdoor dining area The arson comes after a fire at Eleni’s on June 28 last year which also caused minor damage to Jimmy’s Deli next door A Toyota LandCruiser was driven into the rear of the restaurant and torched in the early hours of Easter Monday.Credit: Jason South Amanatidis opened Eleni’s eight years ago and started Jimmy’s in 2023 and named the businesses after her grandmother and grandfather which alerted her of damage to the roller shutters that she installed as extra security after the fire in June The family has been involved in several Yarraville restaurants dating back to 1971 including the suburb’s first Greek restaurant Those ventures catered to Melbourne’s growing Greek population at the time “The businesses came about because both myself and my sister wanted to be able to show the community what we grew up with and share our culture and our family history,” Amanatidis said which reopened late last year after an initial firebombing.Credit: Chege Mbuthi The first fire at Eleni’s also inspired Amanatidis to write a cookbook police confirmed they charged a 35-year-old Narre Warren man last year over the first fire Amanatidis said she was unsure why her business had been targeted twice but it [crime] is sort of a growing issue throughout Melbourne now,” she said Eleni’s was open for lunch on Easter Sunday and preparations were under way for another busy week of public holidays before the firebombing Now Amanatidis and her family face another uncertain wait before their restaurant can open again “It really depends on when power and gas can be reconnected but Jimmy’s Deli will probably be back up and running this week,” she said Amanatidis said it was too early to know how much damage there was in terms of financial cost “The community has been messaging all pretty much in support: that they’re thinking of us and can’t wait to see us up and running again,” she said Get alerts on significant breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert \\u201CHow could this have happened again?\\u201D she said Amanatidis said she and her family were in disbelief as they gathered outside their Yarraville restaurant \\u2013 Eleni\\u2019s Kitchen + Bar \\u2013 on Monday after it was firebombed for the second time in less than a year and just anger that this has happened again,\\u201D Amanatidis told The Age \\u201CIt was just the same feelings as last time I think everyone\\u2019s just a bit shaken \\u2013 obviously not something that we were expecting to see on Easter Monday morning.\\u201D but not before it spread to the restaurant\\u2019s outdoor dining area The arson comes after a fire at Eleni\\u2019s on June 28 last year which also caused minor damage to Jimmy\\u2019s Deli next door Amanatidis opened Eleni\\u2019s eight years ago and started Jimmy\\u2019s in 2023 including the suburb\\u2019s first Greek restaurant Those ventures catered to Melbourne\\u2019s growing Greek population at the time \\u201CThe businesses came about because both myself and my sister wanted to be able to show the community what we grew up with and share our culture and our family history,\\u201D Amanatidis said The first fire at Eleni\\u2019s also inspired Amanatidis to write a cookbook \\u201CGenerally [Yarraville] is pretty safe but it [crime] is sort of a growing issue throughout Melbourne now,\\u201D she said Eleni\\u2019s was open for lunch on Easter Sunday \\u201CIt really depends on when power and gas can be reconnected but Jimmy\\u2019s Deli will probably be back up and running this week,\\u201D she said \\u201CThe community has been messaging all pretty much in support: that they\\u2019re thinking of us and can\\u2019t wait to see us up and running again,\\u201D she said Get alerts on significant breaking news as it happens We don’t know who is trying to harm us or why,” Eleftheria Amanatidis told Neos Kosmos Victoria Police have deemed a fire that broke out earlier today at the well-known Greek restaurant Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar in Yarraville as “suspicious” the perpetrators drove a vehicle into the rear of the restaurant on Anderson Street around 4:30am on Monday and set it on fire forcing the restaurant to close for days—or possibly weeks What raises further concern is that this is the second suspicious fire to strike Eleni’s Kitchen in less than a year The restaurant had only reopened last November following a previous fire in June 2024 which also caused significant damage and was investigated as arson “I’m very upset, I’m angry—but I’m also determined,” Eleftheria Amanatidis told Neos Kosmos. Together with her sister Anastasia, she runs the beloved Greek eatery, which recently hosted the launch of her debut cookbook Ela na Fáme! (Come and Eat!) just days before the latest incident “Before I had the chance to properly celebrate the book’s success and the amazing feedback it received this happened—right at Easter,” she said “It’s devastating to be facing what appears to be a second arson attack – less than a year after a previous fire forced us to close Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar for four and a half months and completely rebuild Our family has been running businesses in Yarraville since 1971 and that 54-year history gives us the determination to face whatever challenges come our way,” she added Police confirmed that no one was inside the building at the time of the fire A fire investigator specialising in arson was sent to examine the site “We are incredibly grateful to the emergency services for their swift and professional response no one was in the restaurant at the time and no injuries have been reported,” Elefteria explined it appears the fire was contained to our outdoor garden seating area The main dining room and kitchen of Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) reported that 18 firefighters responded to the blaze and brought it under control within approximately 20 minutes FRV Commander Callum Donoghue praised their swift response which prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties he confirmed there was substantial damage to a section of the restaurant on the lower floor and said access to the venue has been compromised “We are working closely with the City of Maribyrnong to ensure the premises are safe and ready to reopen as soon as possible we are hoping to reopen Jimmy’s Deli on Thursday and Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar to follow shortly thereafter All customers with bookings this week have been contacted and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves We are also cooperating fully with police as they investigate the incident The circumstances strongly indicate that this was an arson attack,” she said we were celebrating the launch of my debut book personal stories and family photographs honouring the three strong Greek women who raised me I’m drawing on their strength more than ever On behalf of my co-owner – my sister Natalie – and our entire family and team I want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out today with kind words and offers of help Your love and support means everything to us Victoria Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 Yarraville home draws fresh buyer interest after Valentine’s Day auction pass-in A Yarraville home that went under the hammer on Valentine’s Day night is still searching for its perfect match with buyers showing renewed interest over the weekend The three-bedroom house at 4 Love St includes a self-contained granny flat The 446sq m block offers scope to extend or redevelop making it a standout opportunity in one of Yarraville’s most sought-after areas Vendors Matt and Ivonne Ferguson bought the home as their first owner-occupied property and have loved raising their two young children there RELATED: Ex-Roo’s Melb move complete to join Dimma on Gold Coast Melbourne buyers risk missing out amid anticipated rate cut Aussie clothing store worker buys 17 homes in one year “Yarraville has an amazing community feel,” Mr Ferguson said and it’s been a wonderful place for our family.” the couple has completed various renovations and discovered hidden quirks including a secret bathroom door tucked inside a cupboard and a gallery-sized painting left behind by the previous owners open-plan living area offers modern comfort in Yarraville Spacious bedrooms provide the perfect retreat in this family-friendly home but we’re ready for a change — maybe somewhere a bit warmer,” he said It passed in within its $1.1m-$1.2m price guide with post-auction negotiations now underway Self-contained granny flat adds flexibility for guests or rental income Generous backyard with storage sheds offers room to extend O’Brien Seddon director Peter Gindy said the Valentine’s Day auction was a fun way to generate interest “A Love Street auction on Valentine’s Day night “It definitely helped bring more attention to the home.” Mr Gindy said buyers have continued to show interest over the weekend with at least one potential buyer returning for a second inspection with their partner “It means they’re seriously considering it.” A rare 12-month settlement option has also drawn attention particularly from buyers needing flexibility to finalise finances or sell their existing property Mr Gindy said he has had interest from buyers who need extra time to secure a loan Contemporary kitchen with open-plan design makes entertaining easy for prospective buyers Modern bathroom features a double shower and sleek finishes The settlement option allows them to lock in the purchase now without the pressure of moving immediately The home remains available for private sale to buyers with negotiations continuing it may not be long before 4 Love St finds its perfect match 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: Inside Oprah Winfrey’s childhood homes Five-time Melbourne Cup winner puts $12m acreage up for sale ABC TV personality’s $8m mansion back on market after one month 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. Four fierce bidders placed offers on 29 Tongue Street, listed with a price guide of $2 million to $2.2 million. But the auction came down to just two parties who traded at least 100 bids between them. Two other parties quickly entered the race where the trio exchanged $10,000 bids Jas Stephens Real Estate auctioneer Craig Stephens quickly donned a Santa hat and declared the home on the market as the price surpassed the $2.25 million reserve leaving two fierce parties to trade $1000 bids for some five minutes before a fourth bidder surprised the crowd by placing a $2.5 million bid The auction stalled for a moment before the two parties resumed making counter bids back and forth the ultimate buyer – a family from neighbouring Kingsville – put forward a $3000 rise to purchase the home for $370,000 above the reserve Stephens described it as the “auction of the year” for him “This market has been treading water for the last 12 to 18 months but the good houses in the good streets are the first ones to go.” Yarraville home sells for $2.62m in ‘auction of the year’ as Avondale Heights record falls Young couple pays $200,000 above reserve for spacious Yarraville home Young man outbids seven others for $2.2m Thornbury retreat – $381,000 over reserve told The Age they had lived in the Yarraville home for nearly three decades and were overjoyed that a young family would be moving in It was one of 1000 homes scheduled to go under the hammer in Melbourne on Saturday Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 59.9 per cent from 862 reported results across the week Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate an investor bought a single-fronted two-bedroom home for $1,722,500 beating out a couple and a first home buyer Jellis Craig auctioneer Warwick Gardiner kicked off the auction for 8 Fraser Street with a vendor bid of $1.5 million, before all three parties started trading $10,000 and $5000 rises. Once the home surpassed its $1.6 million reserve, bidding slowed to $2500 increments until the house sold under the hammer to a local investor with renovation plans. The Victorian-style property had a guide of $1.5 million to $1.6 million. It last sold for $116,500 in 1985, records show. 1 Bath− .css-12a1b0h{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;margin:-1px;padding:0;-webkit-clip:rect(1px,1px,1px,1px);clip:rect(1px,1px,1px,1px);border:0;overflow:hidden;-webkit-clip-path:inset(100%);clip-path:inset(100%);-webkit-clip-path:none;display:none;}ParkingView listing Gardiner said while investor activity has dropped off this year he expects it will pick up ahead of predicted interest rate cuts a five-bedroom home in Avondale Heights with a pool and tennis court sold to a young couple for $3,025,000 smashing the suburb’s previous sales record by almost half a million dollars Five parties turned out to bid on 14 Lorgrove Court, which was listed with a price guide of $2,350,000 to $2,585,000. One party put forward an opening bid of $2 million, but Jellis Craig auctioneer Christian Lonzi rejected the offer for being under the price guide. 4 Baths4 ParkingView listing Lonzi placed a vendor bid of $2.35 million and the auction got moving with all five parties trading $50,000 bids until the price hit $3 million the underbidder – a family wishing to upsize – offered a $15,000 rise Lonzi thought the auction was all over before the ultimate buyers put forward another $10,000 to purchase the spacious home for $275,000 above its $2.75 million reserve Lonzi said the “really special” home was a lifestyle property that had attracted interested families from across Melbourne “I really believe the home deserved [the price] it got It’s one of the most special homes I’ve sold.” The result smashed the previous Avondale Heights record of $2.54 million which was set in 2021 by 104 Templewood Crescent a first home buyer purchased a three-bedroom home for $550,000 Four parties turned out to bid on 71 Monterey Boulevard, which was listed with a price guide of $500,000 to $550,000. An investor put forward an opening offer of $501,000 before a bidding war ensued between the four parties, with bids quickly climbing in various increments. 1 Bath3 ParkingView listing The house ultimately sold under the hammer to a first home buyer from Frankston for $5000 above its $545,000 reserve. O’Brien Real Estate Frankston’s Mark Burke said the home’s price point was attractive to first-time buyers looking to purchase a standalone home in the area. It last sold for $77,000 in 1999, records show. 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 Council will be removing the playground at Bellairs Park following an independent inspection identified a risk to public safety The playground has remained closed in recent months while the necessary investigations were undertaken The inspection found there is significant rotting and splitting at the footings of the structural timber components that cannot be easily repaired Council has accepted a recommendation to replace the entire play unit Given the redesign process is currently underway for the Reserve replacement has been deferred until a concept plan for Bellairs Park has been finalised and shared with the community – this is scheduled for early 2025 the community will have the opportunity to review and provide input on the proposed design The proposed design will be informed by the community feedback received during a conversation with nearby residents and businesses in late 2023 about what they wanted to see improved in the Park We recognise the vital role playgrounds play in children's development and recreation and appreciate the community’s understanding as we take these necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety The removal of Bellairs Park playground will take place on 27 November 2024 Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past For the first time in more than half a century the Footscray Yarraville City Band (FYCB) is officially the best in the land FYCB took out the A-grade competition at the Australian National Band Championships held at Xavier College in Melbourne over the Easter weekend the first time it has won the national title since 1974 The competition has four components: the hymn with FYCB finishing first in each to win the overall competitions ahead of Willoughby Band who has played with some of the best brass bands in the UK including Fodens and Cory Band and who was hired specifically for the national championships Footscray MP Katie Hall was among those to congratulate the band on its drought breaking win “This is a remarkable achievement by one of the inner west’s most enduring and accomplished institutions,” Ms Hall said AFL matches or international concert halls Footscray Yarraville City Band always carry themselves with professionalism This win is not just a recognition of musical talent but a reflection of the strength of your community.” The 150-year-old band didn’t have much time to celebrate its victory performing at the Williamstown dawn service and the Melbourne march on Anzac Day FYCB can next be seen in concert next on Saturday June 14 at the Kensington Town Hall Details: shorturl.at/ZQLV8 Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime ShareAs featured in the Melbourne hit list for December 2024. See all stories.1 / 8Chewy crispy rounds of flatbread with tyrokafteri butter flavoured with Greek feta and roasted red peppers.Eddie Jim2 / 8Taramasalata with cucumber dill and lime.Eddie Jim3 / 8Molten cheese saganaki is served with jammy peppered figs Eddie Jim4 / 8Chickpeas a la Diporto are slow-cooked in vegetable stock and finished with olive oil and lemon juice.Eddie Jim5 / 8An open kitchen and an L-shaped bench fill the single Yarraville shopfront.Eddie Jim6 / 8Loukaniko sausage arrives on a sizzling platter drizzled with hot honey and walnuts.Eddie Jim7 / 8There’s always one larger dish on the menu such as beef dressed with a tangy mustard sauce and garnished with a fistful of parsley Eddie Jim8 / 8The feta cheesecake is cooked to order in the wood oven.Eddie JimPrevious SlideNext Slide14/20How we score What we haven’t had, until now, is a place that feels as though it might exist in the trendy Athens of today, somewhere that exudes cool and freshness. That’s exactly what Tzaki is bringing to Yarraville – an all-day cafe and no-bookings wine bar that thrums with youthful energy. In the mornings, there are pastries and coffee, and in the evenings a menu of affordable mezze makes for a charming casual dinner. Tzaki is a tiny slip of a venue, a shopfront wholly taken up with its kitchen/bar and the L-shaped counter that surrounds it. Central to that kitchen is the restaurant’s only cooking method – a large wood-fired oven that pumps out everything from chewy crispy rounds of flatbread ($10) to beautifully charred octopus ($19) and individual feta cheesecakes ($16) – yes, even the delicious cheesecakes are baked to order in the belly of this furnace. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Tzaki’s tiny kitchen produces pastries, coffee, wood-fired mezze and Greek-inspired cocktails.Eddie JimThe chef and owner is Alex Xinis, who spent 10 years at Hellenic Republic with George Calombaris, and worked at tavernas and Michelin-starred Funky Gourmet in Athens. At Tzaki, the chefs work shoulder to shoulder in this tiny open kitchen with a bartender, who makes clever Greek-themed cocktails. The Tzaki martini ($23), for example, is made with a coffee-infused vermouth from Athens and garnished with kalamata olives, while the espresso martini ($23) is made with Metaxa Greek brandy. Taramasalata with cucumber, dill and lime.Eddie JimTo go with your flatbread, you’re going to want a serving of taramasalata ($11), an impossibly silky and tangy version that would sway even the most vehement fish roe sceptic. Cheese saganaki ($12) comes smoky, crisp and smothered in deeply jammy peppered figs. That interplay of sweet and salty is a menu hallmark – loukaniko, the hearty Greek sausage ($18), arrives on a sizzling platter drizzled with hot honey and walnuts. And that cheesecake, which sits in the wood-fired oven long enough to be speckled with char and molten inside, gets its magic from the interplay of the salty feta that forms its base and the sugar that glazes its surface. Most of the food is mezze-portioned, but there’s always at least one more substantial protein-based dish, most recently a platter of thinly sliced Pure Black beef ($24), tender and rich, swathed in a tangy mustard sauce and garnished with a fistful of parsley. The feta cheesecake is cooked to order in the wood oven.Eddie JimThe menu here changes often, with Xinis taking his cues from what’s in season and available at the Footscray market. This week you might find a medley of marinated and grilled white and green asparagus ($15) smothered in a hollandaise-like avgolemono sauce. Next week, it’ll be gone – all the more reason to return and see what’s next. Tzaki is immensely loveable, for so many reasons. The food is fantastic and affordable. The room feels like an instant community, the hip neighbourhood bar with a twist, and a slice of modern Athens right here. Xinis and his team make it their mission to give us a new iteration of Greek culture, a beautifully updated version that we didn’t know we needed until we got a taste. Vibe: Cosy and bustling Athens-inspired bar Drinks: Creative, Greek-inspired cocktails, concise wine list focused on Greek and Australian producers Carlton’s exciting new Greek Taverna is here for a good time, not a long timeOwners Angie Giannakodakis and Guy Holder are looking for a permanent home for the new concept, popping up in the Carlton terrace formerly known as Epocha. Three new bayside openings in time for summer (including one right on the beach)Black Rock has scored an all-occasions bistro, while a new cafe and kiosk is making waves at the iconic bathing boxes in Brighton. With five new openings within 300 metres, one of our best Eat Streets is getting even betterThornbury’s High Street is booming, with a new fire-fuelled Lebanese restaurant, elite ice-cream and more. news and the hottest openings served to your inbox National developer Frasers Property is putting family first at its latest masterplanned development Bradmill in Melbourne's Yarraville family-friendly option to the suburb which is dominated by single detached houses The first two stages at Bradmill, Pioneer and Monfort Townhomes, have been designed by renowned architecture firm Rothelowman They have several different configurations offering either three or four bedrooms across two or three levels living and dining areas flowing onto private gardens Single or double garages also offer convenient access to the indoors Rothelowman has also put a focus on modern living with many homes offering dedicated study areas to accommodate the growing work-from-home trend The living areas feature low-maintenance engineered oak timber flooring while the bedrooms are fitted with 100 per cent wool loop pile carpets Buyers can choose from two distinct interior colour schemes a light or a darker colour for the interiors Like the majority of Frasers Property projects across the country as the company looks towards a more sustainable built environment They all come complete with solar PV systems Frasers Property doesn't build just homes The neighbourhood of Bradmill will be one of the most connected in Melbourne's inner west Future Bradmill residents will have exclusive access to Bradmill Social connecting residents directly to the vast green spaces and sports grounds of adjacent McIvor Reserve and a stroll to Bradmill Quarter’s 8,000 sqm retail precinct and the vibrant dining and community spaces of The Arbory The townhouses at Bradmill are currently under construction and will welcome residents toward the end of 2025 The Yarraville Library branch will move from its current site on Wembley Avenue to the Bradmill Precinct at 341-351 Francis Street with Council endorsing the relocation following multiple community conversations and a detailed assessment of options is in fair to poor condition and does not meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements It also lacks the capacity to expand services to accommodate the growing needs of the community Council undertook two community conversations to understand the community’s appetite for remaining in the current location or moving to the Bradmill Precinct with an expanded footprint Over 800 community members participated in the engagement process in late 2023 and early 2024 highlighting a strong preference for a larger and more modern library The Bradmill Precinct is set to undergo substantial development with plans for 1,300-1,500 new dwellings and a Neighbourhood Activity Centre Cr Cuc Lam said makes it an ideal location for a modern library that will serve the community effectively for years to come “Relocating to the Bradmill Precinct not only aligns with the needs of our community but also offers an exciting opportunity to enhance our library services and facilities for the benefit of all residents,” Mayor The decision reflects Council’s commitment to providing high-quality accessible services that meet the evolving needs of our growing community The next steps involve planning and budgeting for the capital and operating costs associated with the new library with fit out expected to occur in the 2027-28 and 2028-29 financial years Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews A Yarraville real estate agency and its director have been accused of breaching underquoting laws for 11 properties Nicholas Skapoulas and the agency of which he is the director will face a hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after Consumer Affairs Victoria’s underquoting taskforce started a disciplinary proceeding The underquoting taskforce is operating across Melbourne.Credit: Penny Stephens can result in the agent’s licence being suspended or cancelled The underquoting taskforce continues to monitor sales campaigns and auctions across Melbourne Skapoulas and his agency (although he is the only agent from the agency named in the release as facing proceedings) are alleged to have committed several breaches of underquoting laws for 11 properties they were engaged to sell These alleged breaches included repeatedly supplying Statements of Information that did not comply with the law such as advertising an indicative selling price lower than the estimated selling price given to the seller or not listing the median selling price or comparable properties in the area It is also alleged they failed to provide information when the taskforce issued a statutory notice Skapoulas said he had provided information “We supplied them everything when they came to our office,” Skapoulas told this masthead “No consumer has made any complaint about our office Skapoulas was granted an estate agent’s licence in September 1995 records held with the Business Licensing Authority show The agency largely runs private sale campaigns rather than using the auction method Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said the government was supporting home buyers by stamping out illegal underquoting “Our underquoting taskforce is out and about in the community sending a strong message to agents that underquoting is illegal and will not be tolerated,” he said Underquoting can waste the time and money of buyers who attend inspections arrange finance or pay for building inspections for properties they later realise they cannot afford Underquoting can waste time and money for buyers.Credit: Joe Armao It occurs when a property is advertised at a price that is less than the estimated selling price or has already been rejected by the seller – but it is difficult to prove all properties for sale must have a Statement of Information that includes the indicative selling price and the details of three comparable recent sales The advertised price guide may be expressed as a single price or a range no wider than 10 per cent there is no obligation for a vendor’s reserve price to fall within that range – a point raised in a 2022 government review The findings of the review – which recommended the underquoting taskforce – are yet to be made public The date of the VCAT hearing is not yet set Real Estate Institute of Victoria chief executive Kelly Ryan could not comment on the matter as it is before VCAT but said more generally that the REIV was committed to offering education and support to real estate agents to ensure their compliance with underquoting laws while the REIV treats such matters with the utmost seriousness underquoting issues raised with Consumer Affairs Victoria relate to only a small fraction of the property transactions completed across the state,” she said will face a hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after Consumer Affairs Victoria\\u2019s underquoting taskforce started a disciplinary proceeding can result in the agent\\u2019s licence being suspended or cancelled \\u201CWe supplied them everything when they came to our office,\\u201D Skapoulas told this masthead \\u201CNo consumer has made any complaint about our office \\u201CWe are working with Consumer Affairs.\\u201D Skapoulas was granted an estate agent\\u2019s licence in September 1995 \\u201COur underquoting taskforce is out and about in the community sending a strong message to agents that underquoting is illegal and will not be tolerated,\\u201D he said is less than the seller\\u2019s asking price or has already been rejected by the seller \\u2013 but it is difficult to prove there is no obligation for a vendor\\u2019s reserve price to fall within that range \\u2013 a point raised in a 2022 government review The findings of the review \\u2013 which recommended the underquoting taskforce \\u2013 are yet to be made public underquoting issues raised with Consumer Affairs Victoria relate to only a small fraction of the property transactions completed across the state,\\u201D she said Discover the Pioneer & Monfort Townhomes Minutes from all things Yarraville & the inner west Come and see what we’re making at the new Bradmill Explore Bradmill's masterplan in an interactive map A storied history spanning 70 years of industry and innovation Helpful resources for your buying journey at Bradmill Use our Property Tracker tool to track your progress Please accept marketing cookies to view this content A recent gathering at Bradmill Yarraville brought together former employees for a warm and nostalgic reunion celebrating the site's rich history and close-knit community The event offered attendees the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about their shared experiences working at the iconic Bradmill site Frasers Property unveiled an exciting vision for Bradmill’s future presented in collaboration with leading architectural firms Craig Tan Architects Guests were given an exclusive look at plans to transform the historic site into a vibrant new community that honours its storied past while embracing modern design and innovation The reunion served as a bridge between Bradmill’s industrial legacy and its bright future with Frasers Property reaffirming its commitment to preserving the site’s heritage “We’re proud to honour this rich history while creating a vibrant new community,” Bradmill Development Director The event marked a meaningful chapter in Bradmill’s evolution blending the memories of its former workforce with the promise of new beginnings and Yarraville's Hotel Mexico launched at the beginning of October The two venues are similar — as they are both Mexican-inspired — but Hotel Mexico has more of a pub vibe plus a large sun-soaked rooftop deck and beer garden We anticipate this will be a must-visit spot out west through summer where you can spend a whole day sipping on margaritas while downing tacos But don't worry if margaritas aren't your jam for the Hotel Mexico crew is also slinging a bunch of other Mexican-inspired sips like its yuzu paloma Oaxaca old fashioned with tequila and mezcal you'll also find a stacked lineup of agave-based spirits — including tequila The drinks lineup is rounded out by an extensive list of Aussie and international beers on tap and plenty of canned and bottled Mexican brews but it's really all about the tacos here — an unsurprising fact considering El Taco's Neven Hayek and Sandrow Yalda are running the kitchen tempura battered prawns and birria tacos — which are having a huge moment in Melbourne right now There's even the option to grab a build-your-own taco kit to share with the table a healthier burrito bowl or the Mexican parmigiana It's proper crowd-pleasing comfort food that few people will find issues with the Hotel Mexico crew is also promising big party energy and massive versions of Jenga and Connect 4 Hotel Mexico is tailor-made for group hangs and long drinking and eating sessions out in Melbourne's inner-west Police have charged a Yarraville man with murder following a fatal shooting in Campbellfield last month The 20-year-old was charged this morning and will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later on Thursday The charge follows an incident on December 20 where a 60-year-old Craigieburn man was shot outside a property on Gentles Avenue in Campbellfield Two men subsequently came to police attention after being dropped off at a hospital with injuries A 22-year-old Westmeadows man was charged with murder on January 4 and is currently remanded in custody Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here that it’s a blistering 40-degrees when we visit Tzaki which translates to “fireplace” in Greek The Yarraville newcomer is named for the blazing hearth at its centre – the tool chef-owner Alex Xinis uses to prepare nearly every dish on the menu roasting octopus and smoking saganaki as 15 diners sit around him and watch Perhaps it’s the warmth radiating from within that attracts people When the hostess hesitated over whether there was space for two walk-ins Xinis stepped in to personally usher us in with front-row spots at the counter.  The menu is concise with a balanced mix of vegetable and meat-forward dishes the psomi (flatbread) is an excellent starting point We weren’t asked if we wanted the optional $5 red pepper and feta butter but it arrived anyway – a small faux pas that turned out to be a blessing The bread alone is exceptional with its chewy But the butter is a revelation with the sharp tang of feta and sweet acidity of roasted capsicum spun into a perfectly spreadable accompaniment inspired by a dish from Athens institution Diporto It appears deceptively simple: a brothy mix of chickpeas and carrots fat and time leaves the chickpeas impossibly tender succumbing to the gentlest press of a fork Mash them slightly as we did and you’ll have the perfect topping for flatbread not dissimilar to the warm chunky musabbaḥa eaten throughout the Levant and skipping this section would be a missed opportunity unless you’re vegetarian in which case there are still plenty of options Among the highlights: ham glazed with Metaxa (a Greek brandy) fat perfectly rendered while maintaining just enough moisture finished in molasses and served on a bed of yoghurt.  encouraging you to order progressively rather than all at once – a strategy worth employing to ensure you save room for dessert Chief among them is the burnt feta cheesecake similar to its Basque cousin with a softer The salty-sour tang of sheep’s cheese and lime zest are a clever twist on a dish that can sometimes feel predictable Xinis takes something familiar and gives it an refreshing edge the blended iced coffees known as frappes are a lifesaver on a hot day Tzaki’s off-menu version pairs espresso with whipped milk of your choice and a dusting of cocoa powder It may have been even warmer inside than out but the care and craft that so clearly define Tzaki’s ethos are hard to step away from The back of former soccer star Nathan Coe’s family home at 98 Hamilton St Retired Socceroo and Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe is selling his family’s Yarraville dream home that teammate Archie Thompson helped them find Coe also spent time with clubs across Europe including two years with popular Italian side Inter Milan as well as a stint at PSV Eindhoven in Holland Coe played in three matches for Australia and in 73 matches for Victory including making a significant contribution to the club’s 2015 premiership though a back injury ended his season and career at the club before the final RELATED: Socceroo’s Bondi Beach treasure up for grabs Ex-Pussycat Doll star’s $9.7m payday amid major career change New shopping centre set to boom in Melbourne’s west Nathan Coe when he was in action for the Melbourne Victory Coe said his time in Melbourne had been some of the best years of his life and the city’s European feel had helped keep him here as he and his wife Anne-Marie had begun raising their children and started a cafe chain with his brother under the name Coe & Coe with stores in Cremorne In 2013, it was former teammate Archie Thompson who helped the Coes find their 98 Hamilton St home as they were struggling to find a home that suited them after he’d relocated to play for Victory “When I first signed up with Victory he told us to go and check out Yarraville,” Coe said A short time later they had bought the property and have since set about an extensive renovation to make it their dream the family have listed the home with hopes of a $1.95m-$2.05m sale Outside they’ve added an outdoor kitchen with a fridge and built-in barbecue a cedar hot tub imported from England and an outdoor shower to make it a perfect retreat throughout the year while the kids play inside “And you can come in from the gate and have a quick shower at the end of a run or jump in the hot tub at the end of the night,” Coe said character features including polished floorboards and decorative ceilings have been retained — but everything in between has had an update One of the biggest changes was to the home’s upper level where a fourth bedroom was sacrificed to create a parents domain with a main bedroom walk-in wardrobes and space to relax with a book and enjoy the view Nathan and Anne-Marie Coe at a Melbourne Victory awards night at Crown The now three-bedroom home’s rear entertainment space has also been updated with a new kitchen showcasing tile splashbacks pendent lighting and an island bench at its heart The laundry even now has a giftwrapping station “And being so close to Yarraville and Seddon it’s the perfect blend of inner-city Melbourne,” Coe said Jas Stephens director Tate Moore said the home was ideal for entertaining and in a perfect location between the Seddon and Yarraville shopping villages “Hamilton St is up in the top handful of streets in the whole area,” Mr Moore said The agent added that the home was different to many others in the area and behind its charming facade unexpected features and unique styling were captivating a mix of young families and professional couples but the people who have been walking in are just saying ‘wow’,” Mr Moore said An expressions of interest for 98 Hamilton St ends at 4pm on October 5 MORE: Joyous Winery with putting green, karaoke room for sale Feng Shui frenzy: Bidders fight for Mernda home at auction Original 1980s Jan Juc home smashes reserve by $1m Yarraville Seddon has won the first senior premiership of 2024 defeating Sunshine by a point in a thrilling Thirds Grand Final at Skinner Reserve Friday night’s decider came down to the final stages with a late goal handing the minor premiers the major prize Both teams had previously only faced off once this season doing so at Yarraville Oval in Round 11 with the Eagles winning by 23 points on that occasion Yarraville Seddon would repeat the result in the Grand Final it would be in a much closer affair this time round the difference was never more than three points at any change with the Eagles holding a three-point advantage at quarter time and three-quarter time Sunshine led by two points at the main break and despite being outplayed in the third term some inaccurate kicking from Yarraville Seddon set things up for an intriguing last quarter The lead would again change in the fourth with Sunshine going ahead by five points with less than five minutes to play The game winning passage would ultimately come from Yarraville Seddon just a few moments later as they launched a quick transition from defence to attack that would deliver their sixth goal of the evening Nicholas Velevski converting a set shot from close range It would be the final score of the game as the Eagles held their nerve to complete a memorable victory SEE FULL SCORES & BEST PLAYERS HERE stay late for feta butter pitas and cocktails at Yarraville’s new cafe/mezze barGreek is the word at Tzaki the buzzy new all-day diner with a menu that makes the most of its roaring wood-fired oven and a top chef at the helm ShareAs featured in the October hit list. See all stories.Yes new Yarraville cafe and mezze bar Tzaki is Greek “It means fireplace or hearth [in Greek],” owner-chef Alex Xinis (ex-Press Club it’s fitting that the offering at his all-day Athenian diner – opening on Ballarat Street on Tuesday September 3 – revolves around a roaring wood-fired oven Yarraville’s no-bookings Greek cafe and mezze bar Tzaki Visit from 7am to find tables blanketed in Greek delicacies fresh from the oven and as a savoury version with three cheeses (feta And olive-oil pastry is hand-stretched for the large trays of spanakopita (spinach pie) You can also caffeinate with a range of Greek coffees including the summer-fave freddo espresso (or cappuccino But as Tzaki catches the last of the afternoon sun it transforms into a mezze bar inspired by those in “modern Athens” – with no bookings and an artfully stripped-back fit-out that’s all earthy tones and galvanised steel is served with feta butter.Eddie JimXinis brings to the table not only Greek heritage but experience at both ends of the culinary spectrum – from Michelin-starred Athens fine diner Funky Gourmet to tavernas “churning out 100 litres of taramasalata a day” “It’s more about the ingredients you’re using.” Metsovone – a cow’s milk cheese smoked with herbs from its region of origin in northern Greece – is “the best saganaki cheese I’ve ever tried” He’s also slow-braising capretto (young goat) from Meredith Farm Molten saganaki cheese is served with figs.Eddie JimWhile about 75 per cent of the menu will change fortnightly the focus on affordably priced smaller dishes will not so you can try more than usual and “you don’t have to dedicate yourself to eating a whole lamb shoulder” The on-theme cocktail list includes a freezer martini made with coffee-infused Otto’s Athens Vermouth and an espresso martini with Metaxa Greek brandy Xinis expects a high-energy experience: “There’ll be chefs making cocktails 31 Ballarat Street, Yarraville, tzaki.com.au The $2 optional extra that makes this anchovy sandwich worth crossing town forCollingwood focaccia bar The Continental has created the ultimate tapas-packed sandwich – with added crunch. Let’s give this sophisticated Italian restaurant a quiet clap for its lovely acousticsSincero is a charming high-street restaurant with high-concept dishes from the team behind Buono in Melbourne’s bayside. Low-key luxurious Italian cafe opens in Cremorne – and the sky’s the limit for what’s nextThe team behind beachside diner Sebastian have opened Caffe Amatrice in new development, Cubitt Place. And there’s a rooftop restaurant on the way. By Caroline Schelle owner of The Sun theatre in Yarraville.Credit: Jason South Long before the Sun Theatre got the attention of Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino for a film screening the art-deco gem was close to becoming a pile of rubble the single-screen cinema was forced to close its doors because it was deemed unsanitary with squatters taking up residence and teens sneaking in to cause mischief who grew up in nearby Seaholme but has lived in Yarraville for more than 20 years “The Sun was a burnt out shell,” he recalls The Sun Theatre in Yarraville in March 1993.Credit: The Age we used to go and climb around inside there and what not.” His clandestine route into the building was almost replicated by Michael Smith who climbed through a hole in the back of the brick wall to take a glimpse at the inside of the building he was considering buying What he found was a roof caving in, graffiti everywhere, torn-up seats and needles strewn across the floor It’s amazing how I managed to look past everything that was wrong and all I saw was the remnants of the old art deco past.” Smith bought the theatre in 1995 and spent more than two years renovating it It opened in 1997 with monthly screenings for a film club and in 2003 then-premier Steve Bracks opened the expanded four-screen site to the public Anderson Street in Yarraville.Credit: Jason South Now much of village life revolves around The Sun Hollywood director Tarantino crashed a screening of The Hateful Eight at the cinema a mum is sitting in the foyer rocking a pram back and forth before an afternoon showing A father and his teenage son queue up and discuss which movie they should see and debate Choc Top flavours cars have been banished and replaced with metal trees and synthetic turf of a park The park was only meant to last for one summer and instead became permanent after locals launched a campaign to keep it as kids spring off coloured blocks and parents watch on with take-away coffees clasped in hands stopping to say hi if they bump into friends almost perfect storm of timing and that as more and more young families started to move in people started to think about cafes and maybe restaurants,” Smith says “I’m sure the movies being on gave people confidence to open their cafes and shops a cinema in isolation isn’t a very nice destination.” owner of Village Idiom.Credit: Jason South Shop owner Elise Hopper says there is no other place like it in all of Melbourne “I don’t know anywhere else like Yarraville and I’m sure everyone feels strongly about their own area but Yarraville is truly special.” The pink-haired woman extols the virtues of Yarraville from her shop Village Idiom For new arrivals it can take a little bit of time to become “a local” in the tight community but once you start meeting people it’s a place where people take care of each other I talk to them as they go through things.” Hopper says there are some things she wishes would change including making the village more accessible “One of the biggest problems the village faces is that it’s not easy to get into I didn’t know this existed’ because it’s just that little bit tucked away.” She also wants to see the level crossing at Anderson Street dealt with ideally with the train line put into a trench mornings see unlucky commuters stuck on either side of the tracks Both the council and state government acknowledge the level crossing and freight traffic heading to the nearby port as an ongoing issue resident and Footscray MP Katie Hall wants to see the level crossing gone on Anderson Street which she describes as a challenging street to drive down “We need to protect and preserve the built form of the village so closing the level crossing is really the only option You couldn’t build a trench there [for the train] and you couldn’t go over,” she says whose family has been in the inner-west for six generations.Credit: Jason South The challenge would be to ensure better connectivity for residents and visitors and it is already an issue for commuters who need to cross to catch the city trains or buses with gates down for upwards of half an hour during peak times “It’s been this intractable problem for decades with living by the port without the proper road infrastructure in and out of the ports and trucks have always been using the inner west … with the port and roads getting busier this will absolutely transform these streets,” Hall says Maribyrnong council also supports the plans and is gathering feedback on options to make sure the new crossing is accessible from next year It’s also concerned about the air quality and truck traffic in Yarraville, after reporting found particulates spewed by diesel trucks using residential streets to access the Port of Melbourne are being found in nearby houses “Although air quality and heavy truck traffic are also a concern for Yarraville the future looks promising,” Mayor Cuc Lam says Part of their plan is to advocate for truck bans on Williamstown Road and the creation of “ultra-low emission zones” The truck problem will be alleviated when the West Gate Tunnel opens The Labor MP says it will take 9000 trucks off local roads and there will be a ban on them using Francis Street and Somerville Road as rat runs Parliament is set to debate the legislation next week with funding to bring in cameras to catch any breaches But part of the charm of the inner west remains wrapped in its industrial identity Kiwi-born artist Alex Still has lived in Yarraville for seven years and used to own a popular cafe in the centre of the village He is concerned about rising house prices in the suburb and hopes it stays affordable for younger families “I’ve seen house prices in Auckland completely decimate the city … I don’t want that to happen here.” Artist Alex Still hopes Yarraville keeps its character.Credit: Jason South who worked for art departments on major films including Lord of the Rings said it wasn’t a suburb for property speculation “It’s not a suburb for real estate speculation and I think that’s a vital aspect of this place as well.” professionals and the older migrant community who moved into the area in the 1960s and ’70s “There’s a lot of old traditional stuff around here still and I feel that’s very essential to the identity of this place It’s engaged with its sense of its history.” It’s something sisters Anatoli and Eleftheria Amanatidis understand Their family has been a part of the fabric of the village for decades and their great-grandfather was the parish priest of St Nicholas Orthodox Church for 30 years The pair run a successful Greek restaurant following in the footsteps of their own grandparents who also ran a restaurant while other family members once ran a deli When the pair go to the church for a photo with The Age everyone coming out of Mass stops to chat to the women Anatoli and Eleftheria Amanatidis in the St Nicholas Orthodox Church Their great-grandfather was the parish priest for decades.Credit: Jason South people in the neighbourhood said it was time for a Greek restaurant to make its return to the west so we’re obviously doing something right.” But a fire has shuttered the restaurant for now and the reaction from the community shocked the sisters “After the fire people in the street were crying because it meant so much to them,” Eleftheria says there have been factories and industry along the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Yarraville including a bone mill (to crush bone for fertiliser) At what is now the popular Cruikshank Park there were up to 11 quarries providing stone used to maintain railways supply ballast and build Melbourne Town Hall and Pentridge Prison the Indigenous groups living between Footscray and Williamstown were the Bunurong (Boon Wurrung) and Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri) tribes Alex Still doesn’t want to see the area lose its history and become overdeveloped like some other suburbs particularly with the proposed development of the site of the former Bradmill Denim Factory into homes and apartments she said it showed how eager people were to live in such a wonderful community It’s something that’s echoed by Matt Callander the man who once snuck into the abandoned cinema as a teen he has seen it evolve into a beloved and incredibly friendly community Now he regularly socialises with his neighbours there’s even a WhatsApp group for the street and he believes people have become more open since COVID He also enjoys showing off the area to visitors and have a look at the Sun Theatre and that’s a critical part,” he says has lived in the suburb for more than a decade and helped battle the council so he could plant trees that blocked out the train line.Credit: Justin McManus “People come from quite far to go to the Sun because they really like the vibe.” And the owner is proud it’s become a destination for people from all over the city “I’ll never forget there was a lady who wanted to make sure we knew that she was from Kooyong pretty quickly … and she was just standing out the front her perfect hair and she just looked around said Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter here. An earlier version of this article misattributed a quote to City of Maribyrnong Mayor Cuc Lam Long before the Sun Theatre got the attention of Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino \\u201CThe Sun was a burnt out shell,\\u201D he recalls we used to go and climb around inside there and what not.\\u201D What he found was a and needles strewn across the floor it had been closed for 20 years,\\u201D he says It\\u2019s amazing how I managed to look past everything that was wrong and all I saw was the remnants of the old art deco past.\\u201D the centre of Yarraville\\u2019s solar system Now it\\u2019s like it has always been there people started to think about cafes and maybe restaurants,\\u201D Smith says \\u201CI\\u2019m sure the movies being on gave people confidence to open their cafes and shops a cinema in isolation isn\\u2019t a very nice destination.\\u201D \\u201CI don\\u2019t know anywhere else like Yarraville and I\\u2019m sure everyone feels strongly about their own area but Yarraville is truly special.\\u201D \\u201CIt\\u2019s extraordinary that this tiny For new arrivals it can take a little bit of time to become \\u201Ca local\\u201D in the tight community but once you start meeting people it\\u2019s a place where people take care of each other \\u201CIt\\u2019s like an English country town I talk to them as they go through things.\\u201D \\u201COne of the biggest problems the village faces is that it\\u2019s not easy to get into I didn\\u2019t know this existed\\u2019 because it\\u2019s just that little bit tucked away.\\u201D \\u201CWe need to protect and preserve the built form of the village You couldn\\u2019t build a trench there [for the train] and you couldn\\u2019t go over,\\u201D she says \\u201CIt\\u2019s been this intractable problem for decades with living by the port without the proper road infrastructure in and out of the ports and trucks have always been using the inner west \\u2026 with the port and roads getting busier this will absolutely transform these streets,\\u201D Hall says It\\u2019s also concerned about the air quality and truck traffic in Yarraville after reporting found using residential streets to access the Port of Melbourne are being found in nearby houses \\u201CAlthough air quality and heavy truck traffic are also a concern for Yarraville the future looks promising,\\u201D Mayor Cuc Lam says Part of their plan is to advocate for truck bans on Williamstown Road and the creation of \\u201Cultra-low emission zones\\u201D \\u201CI\\u2019ve seen house prices in Auckland completely decimate the city \\u2026 I don\\u2019t want that to happen here.\\u201D said it wasn\\u2019t a suburb for property speculation \\u201CIt\\u2019s not a suburb for real estate speculation and I think that\\u2019s a vital aspect of this place as well.\\u201D Still said it\\u2019s always been a melting pot professionals and the older migrant community who moved into the area in the 1960s and \\u201970s \\u201CThere\\u2019s a lot of old traditional stuff around here still and I feel that\\u2019s very essential to the identity of this place It\\u2019s engaged with its sense of its history.\\u201D It\\u2019s something sisters Anatoli and Eleftheria Amanatidis understand \\u2018We don\\u2019t usually cross the West Gate\\u2019 so we\\u2019re obviously doing something right.\\u201D \\u201CAfter the fire people in the street were crying because it meant so much to them,\\u201D Eleftheria says Alex Still doesn\\u2019t want to see the area lose its history \\u201CI don\\u2019t want this place to be Fitzroy I don\\u2019t want it to be Prahran,\\u201D he says It\\u2019s something that\\u2019s echoed by Matt Callander there\\u2019s even a WhatsApp group for the street and have a look at the Sun Theatre and that\\u2019s a critical part,\\u201D he says \\u201CPeople come from quite far to go to the Sun because they really like the vibe.\\u201D And the owner is proud it\\u2019s become a destination for people from all over the city \\u201CI\\u2019ll never forget there was a lady who wanted to make sure we knew that she was from Kooyong pretty quickly \\u2026 and she was just standing out the front \\u2018It\\u2019s quite nice really\\u2019.\\u201D entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy A Yarraville man is one of four people charged after alleged assaults on police officers horses and attendees outside the Land Forces Expo in Melbourne last month The clashes occurred outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 11 where thousands of demonstrators had gathered to protest the biennial weapons and arms expo while Victoria Police have been accused of using excessive force by using capsicum spray and stun grendades against demonstrators After issuing charges and fines against 89 people on the day police have since charged a further four protesters including a 62-year-old Yarraville man who is charged with affray discharging a missile and tormenting-abusing an animal Also charged was a 28-year-old Carlton North man who police will allege splashed a liquid irritant over four officers before spraying a mounted police officer and horse with the same liquid as well as throwing horse manure at a mounted police officer A 22-year-old Mount Waverley man was charged with two counts of abusing an animal two counts of obstructing a police officer and two counts of theft A 55-year-old man from Templestowe Lower was charged with four counts of obstructing police and two counts of abusing an animal As part of their ongoing assault and animal cruelty investigation police have also released images of eight men and women they are hoping to identify and speak to Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Overwhelming community demand has resulted in a new container deposit reverse vending machine being installed in Yarraville Located at the Yarraville Community Centre on Francis Street the new reverse vending machine (RVM) replaces the previous over the counter refund point at the site technology-powered hub” by CDS West Zone network operator it’s hoped the new Yarraville reverse vending machine will make recycling faster more convenient and more fun than ever before for residents in Melbourne’s inner west Yarraville Community Centre chief executive Jessie Deane and TOMRA Cleanaway general manager for Victoria Tony Catania were in attendance for the installation of the RVM on Wednesday TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said it was another milestone for the CDS scheme “We’re very excited to have such great participation at the Yarraville Community Centre resulting in the upgrade of this location,” said Mr Dorney and able to be seamlessly integrated into retail and community locations.” Mr Dorney said the popularity of the over the counter refund point made Yarraville an obvious location for an RVM “The community has shown that when provided with a convenient and technology-based container deposit scheme network “All containers returned through the TOMRA Cleanaway refund point network pass through technology for audit and verification purposes source-separated commodities that support Victoria’s transition to a circular economy.” There are now eight CDS refund points in the City of Maribyrnong and 196 refund points across the entire CDS Vic West Zone Residents of the City of Maribyrnong can download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refund point The CDS Vic West Zone app also allows customers the unique opportunity to donate their container refund to many charities that have joined as charity partners for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme Details: cdsvic.org.au/locations. Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE Police have charged a Yarraville man they believe is responsible for the ‘Pam the Bird’ images that have been graffitied on landmarks across Geelong and Melbourne The 21-year-old man was arrested on January 30 and is facing more than 50 charges including criminal damage it’s alleged the man scaled and defaced the heritage listed Flinders Street Railway Station clock tower on July 10 It’s alleged he is also responsible for graffiti plastered across the rail network as well as the ‘Cheese Stick’ column on CityLink a television station building in Docklands and concrete silos in Geelong graffiti was daubed across a hotel in South Wharf The total damage of the offending is estimated at more than $100,000 The man has also been charged over an incident in Footscray where an allegedly stolen car was driven through the front window of a Barkly Street restaurant early on December 20 Police executed search warrants on January 30 at addresses in Yarraville and Abbotsford seizing numerous items including spray paint abseiling equipment and property suspected to be the proceeds of crime Police also arrested a 39-year-old man from Abbotsford who has been charged with more than 20 criminal damage offences relating to the graffiti of suburban trains and the Docklands office building Both men have been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today Yarraville tenor James Egglestone is playing a character who needs to become a master singer overnight in order to marry the woman he loves Given singers don’t come any more masterful than those who do opera was this how Egglestone’s own career began quashing any parallels between he and Walther von Stolzing which begins a four night run at the Royal Exhibition Building on February 16 While Egglestone has been singing opera for 20 years Walther von Stolzing has barely 24 hours to try and win the affections of Eva the woman he has fallen in love with while visiting Nuremberg during a journey to explore his artistic passions Eva’s father has other ideas and organises a singing competition for the next day with his daughter’s hand in marriage the winning prize “They have to be a master singer to enter that competition but he (Walther) is not a master singer so the fun of the journey is that he has to learn to become a master singer in a day rather than years of training to win her heart,” explained Egglestone who said rather than just being a conventional romance Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg was a story on conflicting cultures and artistic visions “Walther comes in with his own ideas on poetry and singing,” he said “He tries to break the established musical conventions favouring creativity and originality over rigid rules.” Egglestone said audiences for Wagner’s only comedy were in for a treat “It’s just grand and wonderful.The visceral experience you’ll get from listening to this grand orchestra and live singing is something that will give you goose bumps.” Work on the reinstatement of the North Yarra Main Sewer in Yarraville resumes this week The on-road bike lane on Somerville Road will be closed from Whitehall Street to Hyde Street Riders and pedestrians can still use the shared-user path on either side of Somerville Road Works will be underway 24/7 at the junction of Whitehall Street and Somerville Road from 9pm on Tuesday 16 July and are scheduled to be completed by 5am on Sunday 11 August 2024 These works will not permit use of the pedestrian crossing that crosses Somerville Road on the west side of of Whitehall Street There will still be access to cross Whitehall Street and Somerville Road on the east side of Whitehall Street Riders can ensure their safety and that of pedestrians by following the rules at the crossings 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 New female friendly change rooms are being delivered at McIvor Reserve in Yarraville north of the existing Yarraville Glory Football Club pavilion with works due to start on site in March with completion in mid-2025 This development responds to the need for compliant and accessible change rooms that support the increasing participation of women in soccer specifically at Yarraville Glory which has increased by 357% over the past four years “The inclusion of friendly change rooms is an essential step forward in supporting the growing number of women participating in soccer in our community,” Mayor “It’s important we provide the infrastructure to match this growth ensuring all members of our community have access to inclusive amenities,” he said which has received more than $1 million of funding from the Victorian Government through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, will include two change rooms The new change rooms will create better linkages between change rooms and the soccer pitches and will be available for club use during winter seasons and may also accommodate cricket teams in the summer months the facilities may be utilised by school groups during scheduled bookings at the Reserve They are to be built in an area currently used as storage with funding also support the installation of a new scoreboard “This project ensures Council provides modern and accessible facilities for all residents to benefit from spaces that support their physical health while fostering greater community connections The new change rooms will be instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for residents of all backgrounds and abilities promoting increased participation and inclusivity in local sporting opportunities,” Mayor Tiwari continued For more information on the project, please visit: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Building-and-Planning/Works-and-Projects/Yarraville-Glory-FC-Female-Friendly-Change-Room-Project Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews Australia: Maribyrnong council has unanimously rejected a proposal to expand Steel Cement's Yarraville plant The US$113m expansion proposal involved the construction of new sheds a workshop and two grinding mills for 24-hour clinker grinding with 109 objections citing environmental and amenity concerns Lisel Thomas from the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group stated that pollution was already a big problem in the area while Steel Cement argued the expansion would offer environmental benefits since its proximity to the Port of Melbourne would remove ‘1500 truck movements for every ship that arrives.’ Steel Cement was reportedly ‘disappointed but not surprised’ by the council’s decision 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. Share1 / 5The Persian-inspired croissant.Chege Mbuthi2 / 5Choco hazelnut croissant.Annabel Smith3 / 5Laminating pastry for croissants.Supplied4 / 5Inside the Yarraville bakery.Supplied5 / 5Pistachio and rosewater croissant.SuppliedPrevious SlideNext SlideBakery$$$$ Signature items: It depends on who you ask. For Namavarkedanji, it’s the filled pistachio croissant ($8.50), “a Persian-inspired classic using pistachios and rosewater”. For Rezzani, it’s the tiramisu ($9), which celebrates his Italian background. Seven great bakeries have opened and (gasp!) they’re not in the inner northRestaurant reviews ShareLicense this articleMore: Council is inviting the community to consider two future options for the Yarraville Library - which are to rebuild The challenge is how a local library can continue to meet the needs of a growing community given size constraints of the current building respondents told us they liked the collections and programs offered at the Library and while they enjoyed the intimate surroundings agreed the current space was too small to deliver on their aspirations Just over half of respondents wanted their future library to include more community spaces and over a third (38.9 per cent) wanted spaces to support quiet study and collaborative work The rebuild option would involve demolition of the current Wembley Avenue location to facilitate construction of a new library including exploring the addition of a second storey This option is currently unfunded and would be considered as part of Council’s ten year Asset Plan with a view to construction commencing in 2034 Relocate would enable a new purpose-built library to be constructed as part of the redevelopment at Bradmill approximately 600 metres from the existing facility construction would be funded by the developer with Council only responsible for fit-out costs This option would see a new library open in 2028 Either option would provide some additional capacity – potentially delivering a library that is three times larger at the existing location or five times larger if relocated – increasing the ability to deliver more services including a larger book collection and more study space but both options would limit outdoor space “Council understands libraries are an important part of our social fabric and provide an important place to meet and connect This is why it is so important that we hear from you about your preferred option for the future of Yarraville Library,” Mayor Lam said You can be part of the conversation online by talking to staff at the Yarraville library or by attending one of our in-person engagement sessions.  Find more information about the two options, and opportunities to talk with us in person, at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/yarraville-library Feedback closes midnight Sunday 11 August 2024 Following on its launch last year at the Greek Film Festival in both Melbourne and Sydney the new 1941 Greek campaign documentary film entitled Anzac The Greek Chapter is spreading its wings this 90 minute documentary tells the story of the valiant defence of Greece against the Axis invasion in April-May 1941 like never before Drawing on over 130 hours of veteran interviews conducted by historian Dr Peter Ewer the film presents Anzac veterans themselves sharing their previously untold stories of service in the Greek campaign They recount the bitter battles and sorrows endured and reveal how lasting bonds of love and respect formed between the Anzacs and Greeks The documentary supplements these vivid interviews with other relevant video footage and stills photographs to create a unique and fitting document of this essential part of the Hellenic link to the Anzac story Readers unfamiliar with the documentary can view a short trailer which features excerpts of the documentary, including many of the Greek Campaign veterans who were interviewed and which form the cornerstone of the documentary. More information about the film and the trailer can be accessed online at the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee webpage Recently the Festival Hellenika in South Australia announced its screening at the Henley and Grange RSL in Adelaide at 2-5pm on 4th May 2025 The screening will be held at the as part of Adelaide’s iconic annual Festival Hellenika The following additional screenings across Australia have now been announced It will then screen at Canberra’s impressive Hellenic Club at 7pm on Friday 4th April This screening will be combined with the display of the Imbros and Gallipoli Pictorial Exhibition curated by myself for the Imvrians’ Society of Melbourne I will provide a post-screening Q&A at the Club The film’s narrator Barrie Cassidy may also be taking part in the Q&A Contact Jim Claven via email for more information On Saturday 5th April Sydney’s Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW will then host a screening of the documentary The time and location are yet to be determined This screening will complement the Association’s annual Battle of Vevi commemoration to be held at 1pm on Sunday 6th April at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park I will provide a presentation on the significance of the battle of Vevi during this year’s service This is particularly relevant as the battle of Vevi features in the veteran accounts in the documentary film This documentary was produced for the Melbourne-based Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc by historian Dr Peter Ewer and filmmaker John Irwin assisted by the Committee’s historian Jim Claven OAM and communications consultant Vicki Kyritsis Narrated by Barrie Cassidy whose father served in the campaign the documentary is a unique account of this campaign and of the Anzacs who served there It was funded by a grant provided through the Australian Government’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program with additional financial and in-kind support provided by the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc Copies of Jim Claven’s history of the Anzacs in the Greek campaign – Grecian Adventure – will also be available for purchase at the screenings said that the Committee was very pleased at the reception the film has received to date and these new screenings are testimony to its significance “The fact that the audience – both the Hellenic and wider community – can finally see the campaign veterans themselves recount their experiences in such a vivid and heart-rending way is fantastic Many veterans families have told us that the documentary has helped them “fill-in-the-gaps” in their family connections to the Anzacs in the Greek campaign,” he said Mr Tarlamis said that the Committee was proud of the filmmakers – Dr Peter Ewer and John Irwin – assisted by our Committee’s historian Jim Claven OAM and Vicki Kyritis provided communications support – for their work on behalf of the Committee “The documentary is another great part in our Committee’s work to honour and commemorate the Hellenic link to Australia’s Anzac story The film tells the story of the Anzacs in the 1941 Greek campaign as it has never been done Well done to the team,” Tarlamis said More screenings are planned – including in Greece – watch this space. For more information or those interested in holding a free community screening, contact Committee Secretary Jim Claven OAM via email – jimclaven@yahoo.com.au and Associate Producer of the Anzac The Greek Chapter documentary He is currently working to secure further community screenings of the documentary in Australia and overseas Maribyrnong council is inviting the community to consider if it will need to rebuild or relocate the Yarraville Library Council said the challenge is how the library can continue to meet the needs of a growing community given the size constraints of the current building During a community engagement in late 2023 respondents told the council that they liked the collections and programs offered at the library While they enjoyed the intimate surroundings they agreed that the current space was too small to deliver on their aspirations Just over half of respondents wanted their future library to include more community spaces and over a third (38.9 per cent) wanted spaces to support quiet study and collaborative work The rebuild option would involve the demolition of the current Wembley Avenue location to facilitate the construction of a new library This option is currently unfunded and would be considered as part of the council’s 10-year asset plan ,with a view to construction commencing in 2034 Relocation would enable a new purpose-built library to be constructed around 600 metres from the existing facility as part of the redevelopment at Bradmill and the council would only be responsible for fit-out costs This option would result in a a new library opening in 2028 Either option would provide some additional capacity—potentially delivering a library that is three times larger at the existing location or five times larger if relocated—increasing the ability to deliver more services including a larger book collection and more study space “Council understands libraries are an important part of our social fabric and provide an important place to meet and connect This is why it is so important that we hear from you about your preferred option for the future of Yarraville Library.” Details at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/yarraville-library. This is probably not the page you’re looking for Village Real Estate auctioneer Huss Saad placed a vendor bid of $1.5 million “Nobody ever wants to start,” Saad joked with the crowd The auction was one of 1003 scheduled across Melbourne on Saturday Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 62.6 per cent from 720 reported results with the two parties trading bids from opposite sides of the auction They pushed the price well above the $1.6 million reserve before a third party entered the race and the house eventually sold under the hammer for $1.8 million Saad said all bidders were families or young professionals already living in the area and that the number of bidders was a good turnout in the current market “Obviously there were some cautious people not wanting to kick the bidding off but as soon as you get that first bid then you can get that momentum,” he said How much it costs to live in the top Victorian tree-change towns for wellbeing Fresh $2.2 million deal for Ash Barty’s tennis coach Local family splash $3m on tower home in landmark former asylum a three-bedroom Hughesdale townhouse sold under the hammer to a first home buyer for $1,360,500 Seven active bidders, including one bidding from the south of France, vied for the keys to 1/13 Bletchley Road. One party placed an opening bid of $850,000, with the auction momentarily stalling before an all-out bidding war broke out. Ray White auctioneer Jonathon Eaves said more than 100 bids were traded between the seven parties, driving the price well above the $1,045,000 reserve. “It just sort of went off like a pinball machine,” he said. 2 Baths2 ParkingView listing The buyer, from the neighbouring suburb of McKinnon, spent more than she expected to beat out young couples and downsizers to secure the sought-after property. Eaves said she had been trying to buy for some time but kept missing out at auctions. “The highest bidder was just rapt. I think there were mixed emotions, she was happy that she found something … she’d very well surpassed her limit, but she was prepared to pay.” Eaves said the affordable price point of properties like Bletchley Road was a major drawcard for first home buyers and young families, with more than 260 groups inspecting the townhouse. Meanwhile, a brother and sister have nabbed a two-bedroom villa-style unit in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs for $20,000 below the property’s reserve. 1 Bath1 ParkingView listing The siblings won the keys to 2/13 Ross Street Niddrie for $720,000 in post-auction negotiations after the home was passed in on Saturday They were the only active bidders after a downsizer ultimately decided against bidding McDonald Upton Essendon auctioneer Paul McDonald placed a vendor bid of $680,000 then the siblings made a single bid of $690,000 before the property was passed in The siblings offered an extra $30,000 during negotiations to purchase the unit for $720,000 McDonald Upton listing agent Simone Tramontana said the vendors were happy to accept the offer despite it being below the $740,000 reserve who live at home with their parents in nearby Essendon which had been renovated by previous owners and they wanted more space,” Tramontana said Tramontana said while villa-style units were traditionally popular among downsizers they were becoming increasingly sought-after as first homes “They’re affordable for people that are getting out of the rental market why am I paying somebody else’s [mortgage]?’ So they’re becoming quite popular with young people,” she said a fixer-upper unit in Beaumaris sold at auction for $775,000 to a local couple keen to embark on a renovation A crowd of 60 people watched the auction of 1/117 Cromer Road, a deceased estate, which sold for $75,000 above its reserve. The bidding opened with an offer of $680,000 before a competitive auction ensued, with five active bidders vying for the two-bedroom unit. 1 Bath1 ParkingView listing “It just went up and up and up,” said Kevin Pleysier of Hodges Real Estate Beaumaris. Pleysier said the successful buyers, who plan to live in the unit, had already completed a renovation and wanted to flip the property. “It’s a great little purchase for someone to do exactly what they’re planning on doing,” he said. Pleysier said some potential buyers were deterred from bidding because the property shares outdoor spaces with four neighbouring units. Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) removed from Yarraville Footscray Bowling Club will be added to nearby venues where the gambling losses are “significantly greater“ Councillor Michael Clarke’s warning came as council adopted a new lease agreement for the club’s Francis Street premises which requires the club to remove gambling from its facility by the end of 2032 The requirement is in line with council’s gambling harm reduction policy which restricts the presence of gaming machines on council-owned land The club currently has an EGM entitlement of 29 machines According to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission $1.9 million was lost on the venue’s EGMs last financial year – the lowest in Maribyrnong The municipality has an EGM entitlement of 471 machine all of which are currently allocated to the city’s nine gaming venues Cr Clarke said it was “wonderful“ that the club was transitioning out of gaming but was concerned about the impact the move would have on the wider municipality “Once they divest themselves of these machines they will in fact go to another site in the municipality,“ he said “Those machines will go to facilities … where the losses are significantly greater “It is a fantastic facility that will hopefully will be able to identify a funding stream going forward that will ensure its sustainability.“ Cr Bernadette Thomas said council was clear about its intend to remove gambling harm from the community and the Yarraville Footscray Bowling Club was a venue where council could make a impact as it was on council land “It is pleasing that the club has worked with council I want to thank the club for coming to the party,“ she said “It will be interesting to see what they come up with [as part of the transition plan] “The club does a really great job of providing a space to the community.“ The move away from gaming machines has the support of the club the club said it has a robust gambling harm minimisation plan We are all aware of some of the problems that exist in society today such as harm from gambling … and of the onus on us to be aware of the role that we must play in responsible gambling through harm minimisation,“ the submission stated “We are however cognisant of the fact that the [council] do not want gambling in their facilities to comply with these guidelines our bowls club will work with nominated [council] representatives to formulate a plan to transition away from having gaming machines in our current council owned facility against a schedule that is acceptable to both parties.“ “We have suffered huge damage” Eleftheria Amanatidis says to Neos Kosmos and adds: “We thank the people for their support.” Fire caused extensive damage in the early hours of Friday morning to the well-known Greek restaurant Eleni’s Kitchen on Anderson Street in Yarraville The fire is being treated as suspicious by police the fire broke out near the kitchen and destroyed the front of the establishment “Unfortunately we don’t know the cause yet An investigation will be conducted,” Eleftheria Amanatidis told Neos Kosmos She added that the aim is to reopen the restaurant as soon as possible but it is not known when this will happen Eleftheria Amanatidis told us that the shop next door is also owned by her family but it was not badly damaged “Since it became known that our restaurant was badly damaged by fire numerous people have been calling us to support us and we thank them,” she told Neos Kosmos The fire brigade arrived at 5am on Friday morning at Eleni’s Kitchen and quickly managed to contain the fire They conducted a search and all occupants were located The fire started at Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar before spreading to the neighbouring Jimmy’s Deli owned and operated by the Anatoli family The front windows of Eleni’s were completely smashed and much of the interior has been burnt out said he was ” shocked” by the fire “I came in around 9am and saw all the damage,” he said “It’s the same owners of both stores and they’ve both been damaged A nearby florist shop was also damaged during the fire The owner is currently in London visiting his sick mother “It will be absolutely awful to come home and see your business damaged like this,” said Jimmy “Everyone on this road is tied to each other and it’s just heartbreaking to have this happen,” he concluded Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log on to www.crimestoppers.com.au Heading to and from school will soon become easier and safer for hundreds of students and their families in Yarraville New pedestrian technology is set to be installed at the traffic lights on Wembley Avenue providing a much-needed safety upgrade for the community teachers and community members a head start when crossing the road before cars can turn making pedestrians more visible to turning drivers This technology will ensure pedestrians are more visible to turning drivers making walking to and from Wembley Primary School safer for the school community New signage will also be installed at the intersection to alert drivers to the pedestrian crossing The work to upgrade the crossing is expected to be completed by the end of June This project is part of the government’s broader initiative to implement increased school safety measures Wembley Primary School principal Vassie Vatsilas-D’Arcangelo thanked the state goverment and Roads Safety Minister Melissa Horne for her support of the Wembley Primary School community in working in partnership to prioritise the safety of our students “This traffic light upgrade is a great step forward in an ongoing plan to improve the road safety around Wembley Primary School,” she said Ms Horne said said the government had worked with the school and the community to introduce a small change that will have a big impact on the safety of school kids