Let your imagination take flight in a Wirraway aircraft manufactured at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in a story piloted by Alice about Fishermans Bend, or let Chris take you on a journey to Morley’s Coal Depot—transformed into a modern gym at Port Melbourne.
The history of ‘the Bend’ and ‘Port’ will come to life in a multimedia exhibition ’20 minute city, then and now’ on display from 29 August. The exhibition will be held at Emerald Hill Heritage Centre from 29 August to 18 September and Port Melbourne Library from 3 to 22 October.
As the future of Fishermans Bend hangs in the balance, a group of local storytellers have banded together to capture the communities of ‘the Bend’ and ‘Port’ through tales of industry, family, home life, cultural diversity and sport in an exhibition.
Personal reflections
Find your way with the historic Beacons of Port Melbourne on a dog-walking expedition. Learn from one of Port’s newer residents Peter about life from a born-and-bred local Ron, growing up in a family of 12.
Jim, as he nears 80, shares personal stories of ‘the Bend’ including donning whites to play cricket. Check out a photo of Jim and his team mates on a dusty field showing a scene much changed but recognisable with the backdrop of homes in Garden City.
It is a timely reminder that change is constant. A new generation of residents will soon unpack their bags and begin life in Port and surrounds as a nearby large-scale residential development opposite North Port Cricket Ground nears completion—and plans for Fishermans Bend progress.
Michelle celebrates Port’s cultural diversity with iconic Vegemite and a series of snapshots of home life for local families.
Deja vu
Talk of future transport options for Fishermans Bend has a sense of deja vu with the uncovering of historic railway tracks by rail enthusiast Rochelle, and plans left incomplete to reinstate the ‘Webb Dock Rail Link’ discontinued in 1996.
Coverage of Port Melbourne or Fishermans Bend could not be complete without a story of the gateway to the bay— Irene examines the local landmark Station Pier formerly known as Railway Pier.
PORTogether
The ‘20 minute city; then and now’ is the third project completed under the PORTogether banner providing stories of Port Melbourne and surrounds taught by David Nicholas, in partnership with SHIP (Social Health and Inclusion Port) Inner South Community Health and Port Phillip Community Group. This includes a blog launch in March 2015, a photographic exhibition with stories held in May 2015, a book ‘PORTogether People and Places’ published in July 2015 available for loan at Port Melbourne Library and the Posters of PORTogether exhibition held across January and February 2016 in an innovative exhibition displayed in Bay St businesses and Station Pier.
Multimedia Exhibition; ‘20 minute city; then and now’
Emerald Hill Heritage Centre, 195 Bank St, South Melbourne: 29 August – 18 September.
Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay St, Port Melbourne: 3rd October to 22nd October 2016.
The official opening will be held on Wednesday 7 September at Emerald Hill Heritage Centre from 6 to 7.30pm, with another opening event to be held at the Port Melbourne Library exhibition on Tuesday 4 October from 2.30pm – 4.00pm.
For more information visit PORTogether.