Neighbourhood festivities in Parkville Gardens

Sure enough, the hottest days of the year didn’t occur in summer, they only showed up once the kids were back in school. That’s the wonder of weather in Melbourne.

Here in Parkville Gardens, we’re fortunate to live in a haven of gardens, lawns, shrubs and trees. Every day they remind us of how precious our environment is and what we must do to protect it from the ravages of global warming.

We’re hoping for a fine and mild day on Sunday, March 17 for our Neighbours Day community picnic. There’ll be something for everyone – pony rides, games and a Taekwondo demonstration for the kids, and a barbecue for everyone with vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.  Add to that as you wish with your own picnic provisions.

Come along to the Galada Ave Reserve from 12pm to 2pm and catch the neighbourly spirit.

That day’s a wee bit early for Easter eggs, even if hot cross buns have been on sale for months. So, we’re having our annual Easter egg hunt the following Sunday, March 24.  Please note that the hunt will take place at 11am sharp. There’ll only be one, so make sure you’re there in plenty of time before 11am. Don’t be disappointed!

We renew our thanks to the City of Melbourne for the funding grants that make all our community events possible.

In what seems to have been a low-key announcement, the state government has revealed that the global animal health company Zoetis has purchased the bulk of the CSL site in Poplar Rd for $350 million (pictured). Zoetis produces vaccines for a wide range of animals, including sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, dogs and cats. Interestingly, this move represents a return to base.

According to a March 7 article by The Australian’s commercial property editor, Ben Wilmot, Zoetis’ connection with the site goes back to 1922 when it was the animal health division of CSL.

The unit was sold to Pfizer in 2004 before becoming part of Zoetis. It looks like it’s here to stay.

Wilmot states that “Zoetis’s footprint at the Parkville site will grow five times as it expands operations over the years ahead.” One must wonder what a “five times” expansion could mean. One might also wonder what the remaining part of the CSL site is to become.

The last of the Parkville Neighbourhood Survey pop-ups has been held but you have until March 31 to complete the online survey. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to inform the City of Melbourne about your hopes and dreams for Parkville Gardens as well as any concerns you have.

See you on Sunday, March 17. •