Columns

From solidarity to celebration: a busy summer for Port Phillip

February 13th, 2026 - Alex Makin

While the City of Port Phillip returned to formal council meetings in early February, the past few months have been exceptionally busy as we worked with local government across Victoria to respond to the events of Bondi, heatwaves, bushfires, and flooding.

Latest

Summertime at the Southbank Sustainability Group gardens

February 10th, 2026 - Seema Misra Thakur

All simple joys of summer: sunshine, friends, and good vibes to good produce in the garden.

Southbank3006 committee demands action on dangerous road crossing pinch point

February 10th, 2026 - David Hamilton

Our community is united in the call for safer streets and a traffic management plan for all of Southbank.

Politics is a team game – so is being a parent

February 10th, 2026 - Josh Burns

Last week was the first time since 2019 that I missed a Parliamentary sitting week in Canberra. I’ll admit I did tune into Question Time, embarrassing as that may be.

The yes and no of things

February 10th, 2026 - Pastor James Winderlich

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Opinions, couched as social and political commentary, are plentiful.

Selling our history: What’s really at stake with Victoria Barracks?

February 10th, 2026 - Tony Penna

For more than a century, the Victoria Barracks on St Kilda Rd has been a mystery hidden behind high fences and military precision.

A new highway is emerging in Southbank. It’s green

December 10th, 2025 - Mary Kay Rauma

After years of advocacy, planning and budgeting a new byway is taking shape in Southbank – a connection of green spaces forming an abstract highway for birds, bees and humans.

Christmas scents

December 10th, 2025 - Pastor James Winderlich

What are your favourite Christmas memories?

Tough new retail crime laws pass Parliament

December 10th, 2025 - Nina Taylor

Our Allan Labor Government has been implementing significant reforms to enhance community safety. One of those areas of reform includes cracking down on unacceptable behaviour against retail and hospitality staff.

Safety, summer and a confident river precinct

December 10th, 2025 - Jeremy Vincent

As Melbourne heads into summer (eventually!), the Yarra River precinct is entering its busiest and most exciting season.

Community Safety Officers: a welcome initiative – but are we missing a key opportunity?

December 10th, 2025 - Tony Penna

As Southbank continues to grow into one of Melbourne’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, safety remains one of the most consistent concerns raised by residents.

Celebrating another year at Southbank Sustainability Group

December 10th, 2025 - Maria Tarrant

Let me start this column by recognising and thanking all the volunteers who ensure the gardens at the Boyd Community Hub are thriving with plenty of herbs and vegetables.

Your voice for Montgaue

December 10th, 2025 - Alex Makin

One year ago, I was the newly elected councillor for Montague Ward, representing Fishermans Bend, alongside parts of Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park and most of Port Melbourne.

A record-breaking sitting fortnight in Parliament

November 12th, 2025 - Josh Burns

I have just returned from a big sitting fortnight in Parliament House (a record breaking-one).

Spring has sprung in Southbank

November 12th, 2025 - Maria Tarrant

Welcome to the November column from Southbank Sustainability Group. We continue to make the most of Melbourne’s warmer and sunny weather in the community garden at the Boyd.

When promises meet politics: the Lord Mayor’s conflict of interest

November 12th, 2025 - Tony Penna

During his election campaign, the Lord Mayor Nick Reece, made one promise that resonated deeply with voters – that he would not accept donations from property developers.

Friends in new places

November 12th, 2025 - Pastor James Winderlich

It’s been almost two years since my wife and I moved from Adelaide to Southbank.

Operation Consider and theft from motor vehicles

November 12th, 2025 - Snr Sgt Alex OToole

During the month of August, the Victoria Police State Highway Patrol and Melbourne Highway Patrol combined to launch Operation Consider in response to a surge in illegal and overpowered e-bikes on CBD roads.