Latest articles by Spencer Fowler Steen
Public housing resident action groups treated like “rags”
A frustrated public housing resident has slammed new resident action groups as a “farce” amid claims her elderly neighbours are being seriously neglected, belongings are being thrown out unnecessarily, and government staff are creating a culture of fear.
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New bike lanes fully funded
The City of Melbourne will bankroll new Macaulay Rd and Arden St bike lanes to the tune of $5.2 million after the state government continued to “disappoint” by rejecting any funding for the new infrastructure.
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“Deep anger”: Kensington childcare closure leaves parents in the lurch
Kensington parents are “hugely disappointed” by the closure of a childcare centre run by the Kensington Neighbourhood House, after the board declared there was declining demand and lack of funds.
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New bar for Spencer St causes controversy
The City of Melbourne has approved the sale of alcohol at a future bar and restaurant in West Melbourne despite 50 objections to the application which initially sought to open until 3am in a residential area.
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Hawke St linear park plan still flawed, locals say
West Melbourne residents and businesses are concerned about the latest designs for a new linear park along Hawke St, which will reduce parking by increasing green space and cutting down traffic to one lane in each direction.
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Termite swarm hits Kensington
An unsuspecting local couple were left running for cover after a plague of angry termites swarmed their Kensington home in November, forcing them to turn off all the lights and batten down the hatches.
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Kensington’s new strength studio is a dream come true
For Emily Bakyew, opening a strength studio in her garage in Kensington was a no-brainer.
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Indigenous artist creates jewellery to unite community
Indigenous artist Cassie Leatham’s exhibition at the Koorie Heritage Trust’s (KHT) Blak Jewellery – Finding Past Linking Present weaves together her experiences as a Taungurung woman in more ways than one.
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New public housing resident action groups created
New resident action groups have been established for public housing residents in North Melbourne and Flemington, ensuring locals have a say in decisions impacting their homes and communities.
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Council delivers Macaulay Structure Plan
After nearly a decade of frustration and difficulty, the City of Melbourne has released its highly anticipated Macaulay Structure Plan for a new urban renewal precinct in Kensington and North Melbourne.
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Michelle’s world of music and medicine
Music and medicine may seem like disparate disciplines, but Dr Michelle Chong manages to excel in both while keeping the two quite separate.
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New representation for Parkville Gardens
Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens and Member for Melbourne Ellen Sandell will soon be the new MP for Parkville Gardens after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) set new boundaries for the state seat of Melbourne.
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“As big as it gets”: City of Melbourne clashes with State Government over Arden Precinct
Bulky buildings, a lack of affordable housing and no way to achieve zero emissions are just some of the grievances the City of Melbourne (CoM) has flagged with the Victorian Government’s final Arden Structure Plan as it stands.
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Residents weigh in on Shiel St housing plans
North Melbourne residents have voiced their concerns over a proposed community housing block in Shiel St which will be exempt from normal planning requirements as part of the Victorian Government’s “Big Housing Build” blitz.
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Local Somali leader educates community about COVID
A local Somali leader is helping the community to understand the risks of COVID-19 through her work at the Somali Women’s Development Association Incorporated (SWDAI) in Kensington.
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“Regrettable”: Gym to be turned into office
The City of Melbourne has approved construction at a Boundary Rd apartment block despite a “breakdown” in a relationship between the owners’ corporation (OC) and the developer, and nearly 30 objections to the plan.
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Meet Boots, the sidekick
“Boots” isn’t your typical dog’s name, but she is a typical sort of dog.
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“Molesworth Musos” strike a chord
Staving off the COVID blues is what it’s all about for North Melbourne local Ash Voellner.
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Toast visits Toast
Although Toast wasn’t quite cut out to be a trickster show dog like his siblings, he has still managed to become a local celebrity in North Melbourne where he struts his stuff.
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Council delivers on promise to buy new parkland in Kensington
After eight years of speculation and difficulty, the City of Melbourne has delivered on its 2013 pledge to purchase land in Kensington to give local families some much-needed open space to enjoy.
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