New faces, energy and initiatives at Southbank3006

While Melbourne has been enjoying sunshine and summer temperatures, a talented group of new committee members, initiatives and advocacy have been heating things up at Southbank3006.

One of our first initiatives of 2026 is being led by Nisha Gull-E-Nishat, the founder of Healing Noor Collective – a community initiative creating culturally safe spaces for women’s wellbeing, connection, healing and recovery. Nisha has worked across social impact and community partnerships for more than a decade.

Prior to Australia, she contributed to Sustainable Development Goals aligned work in the Asia-Pacific region. In Australia, she works in the specialist family violence and gender equality sector, and she co-chairs the Multicultural Women’s Alliance Against Family Violence. Nisha believes healing is part of prevention: when communities have safe spaces, accurate information, and connection, women are better supported to recover, thrive, and reduce future harm.

The pilot program being developed by Nisha in partnership with Southbank3006, Paint & Connect Southbank, is a facilitated creative wellbeing and community connection session for local women, designed to build belonging through guided painting and gentle conversation. A local artist will lead a beginner-friendly activity (no art experience needed) in a calm, culturally safe environment. The session will be community-connection focused (not a clinical service), offering a supportive space for women who may be experiencing isolation or navigating life transitions. The first program will take place at Boyd Community Hub on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm. Sign up for our newsletter at southbank3006.com to receive updates and registration information.

New members to the committee

Ishaan Ray brings the perspective of Generation Z to our committee. He has been a resident of Southbank since 2019 and takes a strong interest in the area’s growth, stability, and sense of community. His professional background spans global security, risk awareness, early childhood education, and business operations, giving him a broad perspective on safety, organisation, and community wellbeing. Through his involvement with Southbank3006, Ishaan aims to apply his experience in security, communication, and problem-solving to help support constructive initiatives, strengthen resident engagement, and contribute to practical improvements that benefit the neighbourhood. He values cooperation, clear dialogue, and forward planning.

Chris Trueman has owned an apartment in Southbank since 1995 and has had a deep involvement in OC management in Southbank since then. He brings his Active Transport and environmental interests and activism to Southbank3006 and the local community. Out of the gate, Chris is applying his knowledge and passion to pedestrian safety in Southbank; his presentation at the February Future Melbourne Committee meeting was well received with Lord Mayor Nick Reece saying the concept presented was the best solution for the issue that he had seen to date.

Ray Easterbrook has been a Southbanker for nearly five years and is now retired after 20 years in owners’ corporation management. He sits on multiple committees in Southbank and was previously the convenor of the Southbank Owners’ Corporation Network (SOCN). He is a big believer in educating committee members with the skills and knowledge that they require to operate successfully.

Our advocacy continues

We expressed our support for the resolution put to the council by the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor for the development of options for the potential future uses of the Victoria Barracks and Repatriation Clinic at St Kilda Rd. We believe the council’s role is pivotal in actively leading the discussion surrounding the proposed sale and redevelopment of these significant assets.

The council resources and planning expertise can be deployed to identify a range of strategic options including the flexible use of the site and the roles of both private and public sectors. These can maximise the economic benefits to both the local and wider Victorian community especially given the historical significance of the site and the role that it has played in Victorians history for over 100 years.

As has been proven with the council’s leadership of the complex process and multiple parties involved in the ACCA forecourt greening, their role is not to acquire the site, but rather to use its resources, experience and diplomacy to frame the site’s future. •