Presidents Report to Members
MARCH 2025
Members, welcome and thank you for your continued support of the important work undertaken by your committee this year.
On behalf of your EMG committee members, I am pleased to present our annual report to you.
As we celebrate our 72ND Year it is important to acknowledge those who have given of their time to build this organisation into the pre-eminent community group in our city. Past and present members, committee members, convenors and presidents have helped to preserve, protect, and enhance the suburb we have chosen to live.
To your committee Greg Watson (VP & Secretary), Tristan Creed (Treasurer), Deb Browne(Social Convenor), Krys Hendrickson, Shelley Faubel, Anne Graham(Amenities Convenor), Hazel Westbury, Jessica Agoston Cleary, Zipporah Szalay, Andrew Walpole(Communications Convenor), Luke Martin(Parks and Gardens Convneor), Ian Mitchell(Life Member), and Bill Gillies(Life Member), I extend the gratitude of members and the wider community for the time and effort each one of you has given again this year.
Our remit has always been to connect the community and protect and improve its heritage and amenity. In addition, we have set goals for the group to provide better communication and “value” for their membership.
In 2025, Deb Browne and her social team have been able to put on a diverse range of events for members and the wider East Melbourne community. A huge thanks to Deb and her team supported by committee members and volunteers. In particular Krys Hendrickson and Anne Graham who have been outstanding in their commitment to all the social events we have celebrated this year.
Financially the group remains in a sound position. Tristan Creed as Treasurer has worked diligently to provide outstanding service to the group. In our third year without a paid administrator and prudent spending we have significant reserves.
The committee has undertaken to review our financial position in line with the groups stated values.
The amenity of East Melbourne is an issue that generates a large proportion of our correspondence, discussions and work. Anne Graham and her team have managed a busy year including the finalisation of the aircraft noise federal taskforce and engaging with council on traffic and parking concerns. In addition the amenities team have been working with Victoria Police to find ways to ameliorate acts of criminal damage in our community. Our extremely active sub committee deserves acknowledgement for the work they continue to do.
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Our Parks and Gardens remain one of or suburbs greatest assets. Form many, it is the reason they moved here, and they provide a constant source of enjoyment for walking, exercise, picnics or playing with their beloved pet. Luke Martin and his team have continued to work with all stakeholders from City of Melbourne (CoM), Yarra Park Advisory Committee (YPAC) Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) the East Melbourne Library and residents. Our Herb Garden has been a resounding success and Jenny Owen deserves acknowledgement for being the prime mover in this outcome. We are so pleased to have such a diligent sub-committee.
The EMG is seen as the primary organisation in our community to advocate for planning and heritage matters. Our history and experience in this area is matched by a passion and steely determination to protect the unique heritage assets of East Melbourne. We recognise these are for the benefit of residents and future generations along with the wider community. 2025 has seen the Heritage and Planning team continue to spend their time and expertise working on a number of major planning applications that we have deemed detrimental to the suburb. Working with the ACVP residents group we saw a much improved outcome at VCAT mediation for the proposed application at 204 Albert St. We have received confirmation from the City of Melbourne that the Pavilion redevelopment will have allocation of time for community use and we await final details.
Of particular interest to members would be the fact that the five major planning applications that EMG have been involved in over the past five years – 140-142 Jolimont rd(Eblana), 122 Jolimont rd, 10-12 Wellington pde, 101 Powlett St(Magnolia court),204 Albert St. – Not one has commenced building.
East Melbourne is fortunate to have several community organisations that provide valuable service to the east melbourne community. The East Melbourne Group has continued to work closely with the East Melbourne Neighbour Network (EMNN) and The East Melbourne Historical Society (EMHS) and values the strong working relationship and mutual values that we share. To presidents Ann Maree Eckersley and Tim Holland and their teams, we look forward to continuing our endeavours in the coming year.
Yours sincerely,
Greg Bisinella
President
The East Melbourne Group Inc | Ph./Fax 03 9415 7570 | E admin@emg.org.au | www.emg.org.au
152 Powlett St | East Melbourne 3002 | ABN 16624318008 | Reg. No A0041878P
