“We don’t have any potholes,” he told ABC Melbourne’s Raf Epstein, during a discussion of road maintenance earlier this year. Epstein called it a “bold statement.” Cr James stood by it, drawing a distinction he has made before: much of what residents complain about as “Monash potholes” sits on state-controlled arterial roads, not the local streets his council maintains. He said he was happy to be challenged on the point.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

It’s the kind of thing that’s easy to say and hard to get exactly right, given how large and constantly changing a council’s road network is. So the Monash Herald decided to investigate.

Our team began examining council roads across the municipality. Within 24 hours, we found a series of potholes on Nantilla Road in Clayton, a road the council maintains.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

Taken at face value, that means Cr James’s claim, stated as an absolute, wasn’t quite accurate at the moment it was tested. It’s a minor point in the scheme of things: a couple of defects, on one street, in a network of council-controlled roads spanning the entire municipality. It says little about the Mayor’s broader record on road maintenance, and it doesn’t suggest he was aware of this particular pothole when he made his comments months earlier.

Councils are managing surfaces that are always shifting under traffic and weather; a network with zero defects at any single moment is a high bar for any local government to clear, and the odd exception turning up under close inspection isn’t unusual.

What stood out far more was what happened next. The Monash Herald reported the defect to the City of Monash.

A crew was on site within days. The pothole was repaired within the week. There was no delay, no dispute, no need for follow-up pressure, Council treated it as routine and dealt with it.

That’s the more telling result of this exercise. A council that let a reported pothole sit for months would be a different story. A council that fixes one within a week of being told is, if anything, a story about a maintenance system doing its job well. On this evidence, it appears the City of Monash is responsive and committed to ensuring that the municipality has well maintained roads.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

What matters to residents is exactly that, whether problems get fixed once they’re reported, and here, they clearly did.

Cr James point about the confusion of jurisdiction is also significant. Many of the roads residents associate with council neglect are, in fact, state-controlled, and that distinction is easy for the public to miss. Cr James was right to draw attention to it, even if his phrasing on this occasion went slightly further than the evidence could support.

The City of Monash’s response stands in contrast to the experience of residents in some municipalities, with Monash offering a gold standard of how local governments and their state counterparts can remain responsive and accountable to the communities they serve.

Old couches appear on nature strips. Mattresses lean against fences. Broken furniture, timber, appliances and household odds and ends are carefully carried from garages and backyards and stacked outside homes, waiting for Council’s annual hard waste collection. For many residents, it is simply the annual clean-out. For others, however, it has become something else entirely: an opportunity to scour the streets for furniture, appliances and other discarded goods worth salvaging.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

There is nothing inherently wrong with that. Reusing something destined for disposal can give an unwanted item another life and keep usable goods out of landfill.

The problem, residents say, is what is sometimes left behind.

The Monash Herald has spoken to residents frustrated by people pulling apart carefully arranged hard waste piles while searching for items, only to leave rubbish scattered across nature strips and footpaths.

“We don’t care if people want to take the rubbish, as long as they don’t mess up our nature strip,” one resident told the Monash Herald.

It is a frustration that exposes an often-overlooked consequence of Monash’s traditional collection model. When entire neighbourhoods put their hard waste out at roughly the same time, streets can effectively become an unofficial second-hand marketplace for several days.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

A neatly stacked pile can quickly be pulled apart as people search through it, leaving smaller items strewn across the grass or pushed towards the roadway. What began as an orderly collection can become an eyesore and the resident whose property it sits outside is left looking responsible for the mess.

Council currently instructs residents to put accepted items out no earlier than two days before collection and limits the annual collection to four cubic metres. The 2026 collection is running across Monash from 13 July to 4 September, with different areas allocated collection dates during the eight-week period.

The annual system is not new. Council records show that Monash was already operating its once-a-year “blanket” hard waste collection when the service underwent a major review in 2017 and 2018. More than 105,000 residents and ratepayers were contacted during that consultation and, of the 30,900 responses received, 77 per cent supported retaining the annual collection, supplemented by a user-pays at-call service. Council subsequently voted in January 2018 to retain the annual model.

But after years of the familiar winter clean-out, that system is now approaching its end.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

From 2027, Monash will abandon the municipality-wide annual collection timetable and move to a flexible booked service, allowing households to arrange up to two hard waste collections each year at a time that suits them. The decision followed another major community consultation in late 2025, with more than 2,600 people participating. This time, 55 per cent preferred the booked model.

Council says the change is intended to provide greater flexibility, particularly for renters, people moving house and households without enough space to store unwanted items until the annual collection arrives. Bookings will be available digitally and by phone.

Importantly, Council has acknowledged concerns about what the change could mean for neighbourhood amenity. During consultation, supporters of the existing annual system raised fears that booked collections could result in rubbish sitting outside homes or being dumped illegally. Council says it intends to introduce clear rules around when items can be placed outside, collection timeframes and enforcement.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The change may also have an unintended benefit.

Rather than entire suburbs placing unwanted goods on nature strips within the same collection period creating kilometres of potential pickings for people searching for second-hand goods booked collections will spread hard waste across different properties and different weeks throughout the year.

It will not necessarily stop people taking something useful from the kerb, nor should reuse itself be regarded as the problem.

But for residents who spend time carefully preparing their hard waste only to wake up and find it pulled apart across the nature strip, the expectation is a simple one: if you find something worth taking, take it, just leave the rest as you found it.

For Monash, 2026 represents the final year of a hard waste tradition that has defined the municipality’s streets for years. From next year, the annual suburban clean-out will give way to something more individual, more flexible and, residents will hope, a little tidier.

Artist impression, view across the existing 50m pool to the new east extension. Courtesy of City of Monash, Monash Aquatic Recreation Centre (MARC) Redevelopment, Council Agenda, 28 July 2026.

For years, the Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) has been caught between two competing realities.

It remains one of Monash’s busiest community facilities, attracting almost 748,000 visits in 2024-25. But the 25-year-old centre is increasingly struggling to cope with the demands placed upon it, with ageing pool systems and equipment, frequent shutdowns and facilities that no longer meet contemporary standards.

Monash Council now wants to spend $83.7 million to fix it.

The proposed redevelopment of the Waverley Road centre would replace much of its ageing infrastructure and significantly alter the facilities on offer, including the removal of the existing wave pool.

In its place would be a large zero-depth splash pad, aquatic play area, toddler pool and a new flexible program and learn-to-swim pool.

The change is one of the more consequential elements of a redevelopment that council officers describe as the “best value” option after years of feasibility studies and financial modelling.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The council has considered a range of alternatives since councillors first called for a significant redevelopment in 2019. A full-scale redevelopment costing about $100 million was examined after the pandemic, while a more limited $40 million option would have concentrated on renewing ageing plant and equipment and making necessary accessibility improvements.

The cheaper option, however, offered little prospect of improving the centre’s financial performance.

The preferred $83.7 million proposal is intended to do more than repair what is broken. It is designed to increase the centre’s capacity and generate additional revenue.

The redevelopment would expand warm-water facilities, provide dedicated learn-to-swim and programmable space and enlarge the gym and fitness areas. It would also add outdoor change facilities and about 120 car spaces.

The centre would be fully electrified and fitted with 500-kilowatt solar panels.

Council documents identify the existing plant and circulation systems as being in a state of deterioration and say the renewal works are needed to reduce future maintenance and replacement costs.

The aquatic centre has experienced frequent shutdowns in recent years because of the age and condition of its assets. Council says the closures have affected revenue, customer satisfaction and confidence in the reliability of the centre.

There is a capacity problem as well.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

An independent review found the centre had reached capacity, while its existing facilities were not sufficient to meet demand for learn-to-swim programs, warm-water pools, health and wellness services.

That problem is expected to become more acute as the population around the Suburban Rail Loop’s Clayton, Monash and Glen Waverley precincts grows.

Monash has also been given a state housing target of an additional 69,500 dwellings by 2051.

The council’s argument is that MARC needs to be rebuilt for the population it will serve in the future, rather than simply repaired for the population it serves today.

The financial case rests heavily on the new facilities attracting more users and reducing the cost of running the existing centre.

The independent aquatic services review found that planned and unplanned maintenance could be costing the centre up to $613,000 in lost revenue each year. It estimated that profitability could rise to $2.9 million after redevelopment.

The decision to remove the wave pool is also based on this financial modelling.

Council says replacing it with contemporary water-play facilities would produce a better benefit-cost ratio and return on investment than retaining the wave pool, while providing facilities more closely aligned with current community demand.

It is a pragmatic argument, but one that will inevitably test the attachment of existing users to a facility that has been part of the area for a quarter of a century.

There is another, less visible cost.

The redevelopment would require MARC to close for about two years, from June 2029 to June 2031, if the current timetable is maintained.

For a centre whose ageing infrastructure has already produced repeated interruptions, the irony is difficult to avoid: the solution to its unreliable operation will require the biggest interruption of all.

The financial commitment is also substantial.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Council has provisionally allocated $50 million in its long-term financial plan. The remaining $32.2 million funding gap could be met through state or federal government contributions, additional borrowing or land sales.

The proposal is not yet a final commitment to construction. The preliminary design is to be publicly exhibited, with community feedback to inform a final concept plan and business case before council considers the project again in 2027.

For Monash, the redevelopment represents a choice between continuing to maintain an ageing facility at increasing cost or making a substantial investment in a centre designed around the growth expected across the municipality.

The $83.7 million price tag makes the decision difficult to ignore.

So too does the two-year closure that will be required to deliver it.

There are no membership cards, borrowing limits or opening hours. Residents simply stop, open the small cabinet and see what is inside. They might take a book home, return it when they are finished, or leave another behind for somebody else to discover.

It is a remarkably simple concept, and one that remains well and truly alive across Monash.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Street libraries have become an increasingly familiar feature of Australian neighbourhoods, appearing beside letterboxes, front fences and footpaths. Usually established and maintained by local residents, they operate almost entirely on trust and goodwill.

A novel gathering dust on one person’s bookshelf can be placed inside and, within days, find itself in the hands of another reader a few streets away. Children’s books are passed between young families, old favourites are rediscovered and occasionally something unexpected catches the attention of a passer-by.

The Foster Road library is one example of a broader culture that can be found throughout Monash.

In Mount Waverley, a registered street library on Wilga Street was established by a local family wanting to share its love of books and learning with the surrounding community. In nearby Glen Waverley, the Magical Wavlink Street Library on Myrtle Street was built by the Monash Men’s Shed and painted by participants, volunteers and tutors from Wavlink Neighbourhood House.

Another registered library on Waverley Road offers everything from children’s books to classics, adding to an informal network of small community libraries scattered through the municipality.

They sit comfortably alongside Monash’s established public library network, but serve a distinctly different purpose. Rather than asking residents to come to the library, they bring the bookshelf directly into the neighbourhood.

Perhaps their greatest value, however, has little to do with the books themselves.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Someone has made the decision to place a library outside their home. Others have contributed books without expecting anything in return. Children walking past with their parents can stop to see what is inside. Neighbours who may otherwise have little reason to speak can find themselves sharing recommendations over a small wooden cabinet on the side of the street.

These are hardly dramatic interactions, but they are the small things from which strong neighbourhoods are often built. There is also something particularly refreshing about the concept at a time when so much of everyday life has moved online.

There is no account to create, subscription to pay or algorithm deciding what somebody should read next. The system works because people contribute to it and, importantly, because they trust that others will do the same. That sense of trust is perhaps why these little libraries feel so at home in the suburban streets of Monash.

They are modest, often handmade and easy to overlook. Yet behind each one is a small act of generosity from somebody willing to turn part of their front yard into something the entire neighbourhood can enjoy.

On Foster Road, that generosity takes the form of a little library filled with books waiting for their next reader. It may occupy only a small corner of a Mount Waverley front yard, but it represents something much bigger about the community around it.

In an increasingly disconnected world, Monash’s street libraries are proof that sometimes bringing a neighbourhood together can begin with something as simple as sharing a good book.

While activity remains steady across the municipality, the market at large is no longer being driven by urgency alone. Instead, buyers are demonstrating greater discipline, placing an increased premium on quality homes, established locations and realistic pricing. The result is a market that continues to perform well, albeit with a noticeably sharper distinction between premium offerings and average stock.

This week’s collection of sales illustrates that Monash remains one of Melbourne’s most resilient residential markets. Strong family homes on generous allotments continue to attract competition, while well positioned townhouses and apartments are providing valuable opportunities for first home buyers, downsizers and investors alike.

This Week’s Snapshot

Twenty-one confirmed residential sales across the City of Monash for the week to 9 August 2026, drawn from listed sales records for the period shown.

Auction Report:

From development potential to renovated family living, this week’s Monash Property Brief examines two Mount Waverley campaigns that reveal a market attracting interest, but increasingly struggling to convert it into competition.

Property #1 - 49 Therese Avenue, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149

Auction - 1:00pm, Saturday 4 July 2026 (Presented by Jellis Craig Mount Waverley)

Source: Jellis Craig Mount Waverley (REA Group)

Mount Waverley has long occupied a premium position within the City of Monash. Its proximity to leading schools, established retail precincts and major transport connections has underpinned decades of demand, making the suburb a reliable performer for both owner-occupiers and long-term investors.

But the current market is testing even traditionally resilient pockets.

This week, attention turned to a property brought to market by Jellis Craig Mount Waverley under listing agents Peter Alamaras and Briannah Hilsley. Set on a substantial allotment of more than 800 square metres, the property presented an increasingly scarce proposition: a sizeable parcel of Mount Waverley land with potential for future redevelopment or subdivision, subject to council approval.

With an advertised range of $1 million to $1.1 million, the campaign appeared to offer compelling value, and the turnout on auction day reflected that interest.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

Proceedings commenced shortly after 1pm before a crowd that stretched along the street. Yet the strength of attendance did not translate into competitive bidding.

Despite repeated invitations from the auctioneer, no member of the crowd was prepared to open proceedings. A vendor bid of $1 million was subsequently placed at the bottom of the advertised range, with the auctioneer initially seeking a $20,000 advance.

That rise did not eventuate.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

Eventually, one prospective buyer offered a $10,000 increase, taking the bidding to $1.01 million. With no further competition forthcoming, the property was passed in and negotiations opened with the sole bidder.

The result offered a useful snapshot of the present Mount Waverley market. Buyers are still attending, inspecting and identifying value, but attendance should not be mistaken for urgency. Even where the fundamentals appear strong, purchasers are demonstrating a willingness to hold their ground rather than compete simply for the sake of securing a property.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

For vendors, it is an increasingly important distinction: there remains interest in quality Monash real estate, but converting that interest into competitive tension is becoming the harder part of the campaign.

Property #2 - 5 Chantilly Street, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149

Auction - 2:00pm, Saturday 4 July 2026 (Presented by Jellis Craig Mount Waverley)

Source: Jellis Craig Mount Waverley (REA Group)

Later that afternoon, attention shifted to another Jellis Craig campaign, this time at a considerably higher price point.

Advertised between $1.65 million and $1.7 million, the property represented a different segment of the market. An established older residence that had undergone an extensive renovation, the home combined the character and proportions of an existing property with a distinctly modern finish throughout.

Presentation was strong and the campaign appeared comprehensive, with considerable effort made to build interest ahead of the scheduled Saturday auction.

The auction, however, never commenced.

Our team arrived ahead of the scheduled 2pm proceedings and waited for the campaign to get underway. Shortly after 2pm, agents emerged from the property and advised those present that the auction had been cancelled due to insufficient buyer interest.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

While a cancelled auction is not, in isolation, evidence of a broader market shift, it adds to a pattern increasingly visible across parts of Monash: vendors and agents are becoming more willing to move away from the public auction process where genuine competitive tension has not materialised.

Private negotiations can offer greater flexibility in those circumstances. They allow agents to engage prospective purchasers individually, test price expectations and negotiate without the immediate pressure or public finality of an auction-day result.

For vendors, that strategy may provide greater control over the sale process. For buyers, however, the absence of transparent competition can make it more difficult to determine where genuine market value sits.

The outcome of this campaign remains to be seen, but the broader message from the weekend was difficult to ignore. Monash buyers have not disappeared, they have become more selective, more disciplined and increasingly prepared to wait.

In a market where the gap between vendor expectations and buyer confidence remains unsettled, the next phase of Monash’s property cycle may be determined not by how many people turn up on Saturday, but by how many are ultimately prepared to raise their hand.

DISCLAIMER:

This publication is general information only and is not financial, legal, taxation or investment advice. Prices, suburb medians and rate commentary are drawn from confirmed sales records and third-party sources (including Domain, Cotality/RP Data, Woodards and realestate.com.au) and may contain errors or be out of date. All rights are reserved by original authors and agents.

Past prices and trends are not a guide to future performance. The Monash Herald accepts no liability for any loss and does not permit reliance on this publication.

Seek independent professional advice before making any property or financial decision. By using this publication, you agree to this disclaimer.

AUTHORISED G RAJAPAKSHE, MONASH HERALD MELBOURNE, PO BOX 107, COLLINS STREET WEST, VIC 8007.

Few realise that beneath this modern landscape lies an ancient network of waterways that has quietly shaped the municipality for thousands of years.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

From the broad floodplains of Dandenong Creek to the winding banks of Scotchmans Creek, Damper Creek and Gardiners Creek (KooyongKoot), these waterways existed long before Springvale Road, the Monash Freeway or even Glen Waverley itself. Together, they became the natural blueprint upon which the municipality was built.

For the Traditional Owners, the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, these were not simply creeks. They were places of food, travel, gathering and cultural significance, supporting life for countless generations before European settlement.

When European settlers arrived during the 1830s and 1840s, they followed the same water.

Farms, orchards and early settlements emerged beside reliable creek systems, where fertile soils and permanent water made agriculture possible. Even the names of several waterways reflect Monash’s earliest colonial history. Damper Creek takes its name from timber miller J. Damper, while Scotchmans Creek is believed to reference Scottish pastoralist John McMillan and the nearby Scotchmans Creek Run established in the 1840s.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

But as Melbourne expanded, the relationship between the city and its waterways changed. Wetlands were drained. Creeks were straightened. Some disappeared into underground pipes, while others were lined with concrete to reduce flooding and make way for housing estates, roads and industry. Large sections of the once-sprawling Dandenong Creek floodplain were transformed as suburban Monash took shape. Yet despite decades of urbanisation, the waterways continue to perform work that few residents ever see.

They reduce flood risk during major rain events, cool surrounding suburbs during summer, provide habitat for native birds, frogs and reptiles, and form green corridors linking parks across the municipality. Popular trails such as the Dandenong Creek Trail and Scotchmans Creek Trail have also become some of Melbourne’s most valued walking and cycling routes, connecting communities through landscapes that existed long before the suburbs around them.

Ironically, some of Monash’s most important natural assets are also among its most vulnerable.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The City of Monash identifies Gardiners Creek and Dandenong Creek as waterways of high regional significance. Despite that status, both are considered to be in poor ecological condition due to decades of urban runoff, altered creek channels and the loss of native vegetation. Community groups, Melbourne Water and local councils are now working together to restore sections of these waterways through revegetation, biodiversity projects and improved water management.

Perhaps that is why Monash’s waterways deserve a second look.

They are more than drainage channels or places to walk the dog. They are living reminders of the landscape that existed before the municipality itself—natural corridors that have quietly witnessed Indigenous history, early settlement, suburban expansion and the transformation of Monash into one of Melbourne’s most successful municipalities.

The next time you cross the bridge on Springvale Road, cycle along Scotchmans Creek or pause beside the winding banks of Damper Creek, remember this:

The roads may have built modern Monash.

But it was the water that built everything else.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The name “Black Flat” emerged during the mid-1800s when the district was characterised by open grasslands, dense timber and rich volcanic soils. Early settlers established orchards, small farms and timber operations throughout the area, while horse-drawn drays travelled along what are now some of Monash’s busiest roads. The landscape bore little resemblance to the suburban environment residents know today.

One of the first major milestones in the community’s development came in 1868, when the Black Flat State School opened to serve the area’s growing farming population. At the time, the settlement consisted of only a handful of homes, orchards and rural properties scattered across what is now Glen Waverley.

Photo: City of Monash | Public Library Service

By the late nineteenth century, a small village had begun to emerge around the intersection of Springvale Road and Waverley Road. Residents had successfully established a post office and several local businesses and were campaigning for a railway connection to Melbourne. However, many believed the settlement’s name no longer reflected the aspirations of an expanding community.

After years of discussion, the name Glen Waverley was officially adopted in 1905. The new name drew inspiration from an earlier privately surveyed township and the famous Waverley novels by Sir Walter Scott, reflecting the optimism of a community looking towards its future rather than its rural past. At the same time, neighbouring Waverley was renamed Mount Waverley to avoid confusion.

Despite the new identity, Glen Waverley remained a quiet country township for several decades. The district was known for its orchards, market gardens and small-scale agriculture, with only a hotel, bakery, several stores and a recreation ground serving local residents during the early 1900s. A Mechanics’ Institute opened in 1909, becoming the social heart of the community and a venue for meetings, church services and public events.

The suburb’s transformation accelerated following the arrival of the Glen Waverley railway line in 1930, although significant residential growth did not occur until after the Second World War. Through the 1950s and 1960s, farmland steadily gave way to housing estates, schools and shopping centres as Melbourne expanded eastward.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The opening and continued expansion of The Glen Shopping Centre, together with the establishment of quality schools, improved transport links and major civic infrastructure, cemented Glen Waverley’s position as one of Melbourne’s premier suburban centres. What was once a quiet farming district became the commercial and civic heart of the former City of Waverley and, today, the City of Monash.

Yet traces of Black Flat remain. Heritage buildings, historic streets and preserved community landmarks offer subtle reminders of the settlement that existed long before apartment towers and bustling cafés became defining features of the suburb.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

As Monash continues to evolve through new developments and growing populations, remembering places such as Black Flat provides an important connection to the municipality’s origins. It is a reminder that every modern community begins somewhere and that beneath Glen Waverley’s contemporary skyline lies the story of a small rural settlement that helped shape one of Melbourne’s most successful suburbs.

It is now also Australia’s most dangerous road.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

New crash analysis released as part of AAMI’s 2026 Crash Index has identified Springvale Road, particularly through Glen Waverley, as the nation’s leading crash hotspot after recording the highest concentration of insurance claims anywhere in Australia during 2025. The findings place Monash at the centre of a growing national conversation around congestion, road safety and the increasing pressure being placed on Melbourne’s suburban arterial network.

While the ranking is confronting, it reflects more than simply driver behaviour. Springvale Road carries an enormous volume of traffic each day, serving commuters, freight vehicles, buses and local traffic simultaneously. Combined with numerous signalised intersections, shopping precinct access points and heavy pedestrian activity, the corridor presents a challenging operating environment even for experienced motorists. The section through Glen Waverley is particularly complex. Vehicles frequently transition between through traffic and local access movements, while motorists negotiate turning traffic into commercial centres, schools and residential streets. During peak periods, congestion often extends through multiple intersections, increasing the likelihood of low-speed rear-end collisions and driver frustration.

According to the AAMI analysis, rear-end crashes remain the most common collision type, accounting for almost one-third of all recorded incidents. Failures to give way and impacts with stationary objects were also identified as significant contributors, reinforcing that many crashes occur during everyday driving situations rather than extreme speeding events.

Road safety specialists have long argued that Australia’s growing suburban centres require a broader approach than enforcement alone. Infrastructure improvements, intersection design, traffic signal optimisation and safer pedestrian environments all play an important role in reducing crash risk.

That position is increasingly supported by research from the Monash University Accident Research Centre, which recently found that reducing vehicle speeds in appropriate urban environments can significantly reduce casualty crashes and pedestrian injuries. Their research demonstrated measurable safety improvements in areas where lower speed limits had been implemented, particularly in locations with high pedestrian activity.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The broader Victorian picture also illustrates why local road safety remains an important public policy issue. Official crash datasets compiled from Victoria Police and hospital records continue to identify road trauma as one of the state’s most significant preventable causes of death and serious injury, with authorities updating detailed crash information each month to help identify emerging risk locations and inform future infrastructure investment.

For Monash residents, however, the statistics represent something far more personal than numbers on a spreadsheet.

Every collision has the potential to delay emergency services, disrupt businesses, impact local families and place additional strain on already congested transport corridors. Many residents would be familiar with the frequent traffic queues that follow even relatively minor incidents along Springvale Road and the Monash Freeway, where secondary crashes often become an additional safety concern.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

As Monash continues to accommodate population growth and increased development, transport infrastructure will inevitably come under greater pressure. Ensuring that key arterial roads can safely accommodate that growth will require continued investment in intelligent traffic management, safer intersections, pedestrian protection and evidence-based road design.

Springvale Road’s unwanted title should not simply be viewed as an alarming statistic. Rather, it serves as a reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility between governments, engineers and every person behind the wheel.

For one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing municipalities, ensuring residents can travel safely may prove to be one of Monash’s most important infrastructure challenges in the years ahead.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The two day activation, delivered through a partnership between Vicinity Centres and Melbourne Food & Wine, attracted hundreds of visitors eager to experience the event’s exclusive culinary offering while enjoying an atmosphere that extended far beyond a traditional shopping centre promotion.

At the centre of this year’s event was renowned Melbourne food entrepreneur Raph Rashid, whose collaboration with local creative Alice Bennett (Miss Trixie Drinks Tea) produced the limited edition Milk Tea Brûlée Doughnut, created exclusively for The Glen. The bespoke creation quickly became one of the weekend’s highlights, drawing enthusiastic queues from residents across Monash and beyond.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The Monash Herald attended the event across the weekend, where it was evident that the activation had become much more than an opportunity to collect a complimentary doughnut. Families, friends and visitors filled the precinct, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the growing importance of community focused events within Monash.

For many attendees, the event represented an opportunity to reconnect with neighbours, support local businesses and enjoy one of Melbourne’s most recognisable retail destinations in a new and engaging way. The atmosphere throughout the centre was energetic, welcoming and distinctly community-focused, demonstrating how well-executed public events can strengthen local identity while encouraging increased visitation to surrounding retailers.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The Glen Centre Manager Emily Curcio told the Monash Herald that the initiative was designed to celebrate both Melbourne’s shopping centre culture and the communities that make each location unique.

“Greatest of the Mall 2026 is a celebration of Melbourne’s iconic shopping centre culture and the food court favourites that bring back memories for so many people,” Ms Curcio said. “At its heart, the project is about celebrating local pride. It gives Raph Rashid and local creatives a platform to celebrate the unique personality of Melbourne’s communities through bespoke, limited edition doughnuts inspired by local flavours and stories. The result is a fun, shared experience that brings people together and transforms shopping centres into vibrant community gathering places.”

That vision was clearly reflected throughout the weekend, with visitors of all ages embracing the event and contributing to an atmosphere rarely seen outside of major festivals. Events such as Greatest of the Mall continue to highlight the evolving role of shopping centres within the City of Monash. While retail remains their primary purpose, centres like The Glen have increasingly become important civic spaces where residents gather, connect and participate in shared community experiences.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

For local businesses, increased visitor numbers provide valuable economic benefits, while for residents, these activities offer accessible opportunities to enjoy high quality events without leaving the municipality.

As Monash continues to grow, initiatives that celebrate local identity while bringing people together will remain an important part of strengthening community connections.

If the enthusiastic response witnessed throughout the weekend is any indication, Greatest of the Mall has firmly established itself as one of Monash’s most anticipated annual community events, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas, a great venue, great food and a strong sense of community, leave the greatest lasting impression.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Since 2017, the Victorian Government has committed $5.4 billion to 786 school upgrade projects. Yet, by October 2024, the number of government schools classified as being in poor condition had risen from 182 to 221. In Monash, 23 of the municipality’s 37 government schools, almost 62 per cent, are rated either worn or poor, illustrating the ongoing challenge of ageing infrastructure despite years of capital investment.

The Auditor-General also questioned how upgrade funding is allocated. While the Victorian School Building Authority has a strategy to prioritise schools in the worst condition, the audit found that it did not consistently follow this framework when recommending projects for funding. Between 2015-16 and 2024-25, only 19 per cent of schools receiving upgrade funding were classified as being in poor condition, while almost half were already rated in good condition.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The report raises broader questions about the government’s infrastructure priorities. Successive Labor governments have invested heavily in building new schools to service Melbourne’s growing suburbs, but the audit suggests established schools with ageing facilities risk being overlooked. The Auditor-General concluded that weaknesses in project prioritisation and oversight reduce confidence that public funding is being directed to schools with the greatest need.

With Victoria in the midst of an election year, the findings present a significant test for a government that has long positioned education as a cornerstone of its policy agenda. They suggest that record levels of expenditure alone are not enough; how funding is prioritised, managed and delivered is equally critical to improving the condition of Victoria’s ageing schools.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

The report also lands against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny over the state’s management of public spending, including ongoing investigations and controversy surrounding Victoria’s relationship with the construction industry following allegations of corruption involving the CFMEU. In that environment, questions about transparency, accountability and value for money are likely to carry even greater political weight.

For the Allan government, the challenge is no longer simply to point to record funding announcements, but to demonstrate that investment is reaching the schools that need it most and delivering measurable improvements for students. As Victorians prepare to head to the polls, the Auditor-General’s findings are likely to sharpen debate not only about how much is being spent, but how effectively public money is being used.

While activity remains steady across the municipality, the market at large is no longer being driven by urgency alone. Instead, buyers are demonstrating greater discipline, placing an increased premium on quality homes, established locations and realistic pricing. The result is a market that continues to perform well, albeit with a noticeably sharper distinction between premium offerings and average stock.

This week’s collection of sales illustrates that Monash remains one of Melbourne’s most resilient residential markets. Strong family homes on generous allotments continue to attract competition, while well positioned townhouses and apartments are providing valuable opportunities for first home buyers, downsizers and investors alike.

This Week’s Snapshot

Ten confirmed residential sales across the City of Monash for the week to 28 June 2026, drawn from listed sales records for the period shown.

Auction Report:

From prestige to established family living, this week's Monash Property Brief examines two notable sales, a luxury residence in Glen Waverley and an impeccably presented home in Mulgrave's coveted Waverley Park Estate, offering insight into buyer demand across two very different market segments.

Property #1 - 8 Melrose Court, Glen Waverley, Vic 3150

Auction - 1:00pm, Sunday 28 June 2026 (Presented by Jellis Craig Glen Waverley)

Source: Jellis Craig Glen Waverley (REA Group)

Glen Waverley has long established itself as one of Melbourne’s premier prestige residential markets, underpinned by a concentration of architecturally designed homes, access to leading independent schools, vibrant retail precincts and exceptional transport connectivity. It is a location that has consistently attracted affluent owner occupiers seeking premium family accommodation, while also remaining a favoured destination for luxury residential developers.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

This weekend, one such residence was offered to the market by Jellis Craig Glen Waverley under the direction of lead listing agent Lily Chen. Beautifully presented throughout, the newly completed five bedroom, five bathroom residence, complete with a double garage and wine cellar, represented the calibre of property synonymous with Glen Waverley’s upper echelon.

Auction proceedings commenced just after midday, with the listing agency leaving little to chance in its campaign execution. A strong auction day presentation, complemented by hospitality for attendees, reflected a well resourced marketing strategy aimed at maximising buyer engagement despite increasingly challenging market conditions.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

The property was marketed with a quoted range of $2.80 million to $3.08 million. While buyer attendance was encouraging and several parties appeared to be closely observing proceedings, it became evident prior to the auction that converting interest into competitive bidding would prove difficult. The agency had indicated to the Monash Herald that the campaign was likely to culminate in post auction negotiations rather than an under the hammer sale. Those expectations quickly materialised.

Despite repeated invitations from the auctioneer, no opening bid was forthcoming. A vendor bid of $2.88 million was subsequently placed to commence proceedings, with bidding increments of $50,000 sought. Describing the audience as “a very tough crowd”, the auctioneer worked diligently to encourage participation, however buyer caution remained evident.

After several minutes without a response, a second vendor bid of $2.95 million was entered in an attempt to maintain momentum. The absence of any genuine bidder participation at this stage was particularly noteworthy. While prestige homes typically experience longer selling campaigns than mainstream residential stock, the need for successive vendor bids within the quoted price range illustrates the increasingly selective nature of today’s luxury buyer.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

Proceedings were temporarily adjourned to allow further consultation with the vendor before the auction resumed. Upon returning, the auctioneer acknowledged that the campaign had not yet reached the vendor’s reserve expectations, remarking that “we are not quite where we need to be”, before making one final appeal for buyer participation.

With no further bids forthcoming, the property was formally passed in at $2.95 million, leaving all interested parties eligible to enter post-auction negotiations.

Property #2 - 14 Stadium Circuit, Mulgrave, VIC 3170

Auction - 12:00pm, Saturday 27 June 2026 (Presented by Jellis Craig Glen Waverely)

Source: Jellis Craig Glen Waverley (REA Group)

The Waverley Park Estate has become one of Monash’s most recognised residential communities. Built on the former home of the Hawthorn Football Club, the estate has matured into a tightly held neighbourhood renowned for its modern homes, landscaped streets and family-oriented lifestyle. Its proximity to leading independent schools including Caulfield Grammar and Wesley College continues to underpin strong owner occupier demand.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

This contemporary four bedroom, two bathroom family home was presented by Jellis Craig Glen Waverley, under the direction of lead listing agent Tori Liu, and was offered for auction on Saturday afternoon before a healthy crowd despite the cold winter conditions.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

With an advertised price guide of $1.10 million to $1.20 million, bidding opened confidently at $1.10 million, immediately meeting the lower end of the quoted range. From there, however, momentum slowed considerably.

Seeking to encourage further competition, the auctioneer called for $20,000 advances, but no additional bids were forthcoming. After a lengthy pause, a vendor bid of $1.14 million was entered in an attempt to reignite proceedings. Even then, the opening bidder declined to compete against the vendor, leaving the auction at a standstill.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

Following further discussions with the owners, the property was not declared on the market despite bidding having entered the advertised range. The original bidder subsequently returned with an improved offer of $1.15 million, requesting exclusive negotiation rights should the property be passed in.

A final vendor bid lifted proceedings to $1.18 million, where the property was ultimately passed in for post-auction negotiations.

DISCLAIMER:

This publication is general information only and is not financial, legal, taxation or investment advice. Prices, suburb medians and rate commentary are drawn from confirmed sales records and third-party sources (including Domain, Cotality/RP Data, Woodards and realestate.com.au) and may contain errors or be out of date. All rights are reserved by original authors and agents.

Past prices and trends are not a guide to future performance. The Monash Herald accepts no liability for any loss and does not permit reliance on this publication.

Seek independent professional advice before making any property or financial decision. By using this publication, you agree to this disclaimer.

AUTHORISED G RAJAPAKSHE, MONASH HERALD MELBOURNE, PO BOX 107, COLLINS STREET WEST, VIC 8007.

From grand finals and record crowds to Hawthorn Football Club’s long standing presence, the Mulgrave precinct has occupied a unique place in Victoria’s sporting history. Following Hawthorn’s departure to its new Kennedy Community Centre, many local residents were left wondering what the future would hold for the famous site. Now, those questions have been answered.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Richmond Football Club has confirmed it will relocate its football operations to Waverley Park while a major redevelopment of its Punt Road headquarters is undertaken, ensuring the iconic venue remains an active part of the AFL landscape for years to come.

For the City of Monash, the announcement represents far more than a simple change of tenant. It is a significant vote of confidence in one of Melbourne’s most strategically located sporting precincts and reinforces Waverley Park’s ongoing role in elite Australian sport.

The Tigers’ arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the venue. Hawthorn’s departure marked the end of an era, concluding a relationship that spanned more than two decades and helped establish Waverley Park as one of the premier training and administration facilities in the AFL. While many feared the site could lose relevance following the Hawks’ exit, Richmond’s decision demonstrates the enduring appeal and quality of the facility. From a football perspective, Waverley Park offers exactly what elite clubs require: world-class training infrastructure, established administration facilities and a location capable of supporting large scale professional sporting operations.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

From a local perspective, the benefits extend well beyond football.

Richmond remains one of Australia’s largest sporting organisations, boasting a passionate supporter base and significant commercial reach. The club’s presence is expected to generate increased visitation to the area, providing flow-on benefits for local cafés, restaurants, retailers and service businesses throughout Mulgrave, Wheelers Hill, Glen Waverley and the broader Monash municipality. The move also ensures that Monash retains a direct connection to the AFL at the highest level.

In recent years, the City of Monash has continued to emerge as a major centre for business, education and community activity in Melbourne’s south-east. Retaining an AFL club presence strengthens that position and further enhances the municipality’s profile as a destination for major organisations and investment.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Importantly, the transition reflects the evolving story of Waverley Park itself.

What was once one of Australia’s largest sporting stadiums has continually reinvented itself over successive generations. First as a premier match-day venue, then as Hawthorn’s headquarters, and now as the temporary home of one of the AFL’s most successful modern clubs, the precinct continues to adapt while remaining deeply connected to the game that built its reputation.

For Richmond supporters, Waverley Park will become a temporary base during a transformative period for the club. For Monash residents, however, the significance may prove more lasting.

The colours may have changed from brown and gold to yellow and black, but the message is clear: Waverley Park remains very much part of football’s future.

This Week’s Snapshot

Fourteen confirmed residential sales across the City of Monash for the week to 20 June 2026, drawn from listed sales records for the period shown.

Auction Report:

A closer examination of two contrasting Monash auctions this weekend, a bespoke luxury family residence and an entry level unit, provides valuable insight into the breadth of current market conditions and evolving buyer sentiment across the municipality.

Property #1 - 27 Hillside Road, Mount Waverley VIC 3149

Auction - 1:00pm, Saturday 20 June 2026 (Presented by Jellis Craig Monash)

Source: Jellis Craig Monash (REA Group)

One of Mount Waverley’s most anticipated luxury offerings was brought to market on Saturday afternoon, with a newly constructed five bedroom, four bathroom family residence positioned on approximately 713sqm and marketed as a “sculptural masterpiece”. Presented by Jellis Craig Monash, under the direction of lead listing agent Stan Song, the property enjoys proximity to some of Melbourne’s most sought-after educational institutions, including Huntingtower School and The Presbyterian Ladies’ College.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

The home was offered for sale with a quoted range of $3.38 million to $3.59 million, attracting a substantial auction day crowd reflective of both the property’s architectural appeal and premium location. Auction proceedings commenced shortly after 1:00pm under the stewardship of Jellis Craig Monash Director and auctioneer Costa Calaitzis. In a strategic move designed to stimulate bidder engagement, an opening bid of $3.1 million was sought, significantly below the advertised range, with bidding increments set at $20,000.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

While the campaign had generated strong interest, competitive tension failed to fully materialise. Bidding remained measured throughout the auction and struggled to gain sufficient momentum to approach the vendor’s reserve expectations. Following discussions with the vendor at $3.25 million, a vendor bid of $3.3 million was placed before the property was ultimately passed in for post auction negotiations.

The result highlights the increasingly complex conditions emerging within Melbourne’s prestige housing sector. While demand for high quality family homes remains present, escalating construction costs, elevated holding expenses and a more cautious buyer cohort continue to place pressure on newly developed luxury stock. For many small to medium residential developers, the narrowing margin between development costs and achievable sale prices is creating a more challenging environment for speculative projects.

Property #2 - 3/13 Dean Avenue, Mount Waverley VIC 3149

Auction - 2:00pm, Saturday 20 June 2026 (Presented by Jellis Craig Monash)

Source: Jellis Craig Monash (REA Group)

Later in the afternoon, attention shifted to a well positioned three-bedroom townhouse in the heart of Syndal, one of Mount Waverley’s ‘blue chip’ residential pockets. Situated within walking distance of Syndal Station and located inside the coveted Mount Waverley Secondary College Zone, the residence also benefits from close proximity to Huntingtower School, reinforcing its appeal to owner occupiers and family buyers alike. The property was marketed by Jellis Craig Monash Director Stephen Huang with a quoted range of $980,000 to $1,078,000 and auctioned once again by Costa Calaitzis.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

Auction proceedings opened at $980,000, with bidding increments of $20,000. While the crowd demonstrated genuine buyer interest, participation remained relatively restrained, reflecting the selective nature of the current marketplace. Competition progressed to $1.01 million before the auction was paused for consultation with the vendor. Notably, despite the property trading only $30,000 above the opening bid, the decision was made not to place the property on the market. As a result, bidders were effectively competing for the exclusive first right to negotiate with the vendor following the auction.

Authorised G Rajapakshe | Monash Herald (Photographed By: Izy Rajapakshe)

A vendor bid of $1.05 million was subsequently entered, positioning the property comfortably within its advertised price range before it was passed in. Given that the final bid was a vendor bid, all interested purchasers remained eligible to participate in post-auction negotiations.

Importantly, buyer engagement appeared stronger than the auction result alone may suggest, with multiple parties remaining active following the conclusion of proceedings. This reflects a broader trend emerging across Monash, where purchasers continue to demonstrate interest in well-located, family-oriented properties, but remain disciplined in their approach to price discovery in a market characterised by heightened affordability pressures and economic uncertainty.

Interest Rate Outlook

The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Board held the cash rate at 4.35% at its meeting on 16 June 2026, pausing after three consecutive 25 basis point increases in February, March and May, a combined 75 basis points of tightening since the start of the year. The vote to hold was unanimous.

Governor Michele Bullock was clear that this is a pause, not a pivot: underlying inflation remains above the RBA’s target band, and the Board has left the door open to a further increase if needed. The next decision lands at the RBA’s meeting on 10 - 11 August 2026.

DISCLAIMER:

This publication is general information only and is not financial, legal, taxation or investment advice. Prices, suburb medians and rate commentary are drawn from confirmed sales records and third-party sources (including Domain, Cotality/RP Data, Woodards and realestate.com.au) and may contain errors or be out of date. All rights are reserved by original authors and agents.

Past prices and trends are not a guide to future performance. The Monash Herald accepts no liability for any loss and does not permit reliance on this publication.

Seek independent professional advice before making any property or financial decision. By using this publication, you agree to this disclaimer.

AUTHORISED G RAJAPAKSHE, MONASH HERALD MELBOURNE, PO BOX 107, COLLINS STREET WEST, VIC 8007.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Operating since 2009, the Mulgrave Farmers Market has quietly become a cornerstone of the local community, bringing together farmers, growers, bakers and artisan producers from across Victoria each and every week. What began as a modest community initiative has evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established weekly farmers markets, attracting visitors from across the south east while maintaining its distinctly local character.

Located within the grounds of Mulgrave Primary School, the market offers a refreshing alternative to the increasingly impersonal nature of modern retail. Rather than navigating supermarket aisles, visitors have the opportunity to meet the people behind the products, learn where their food comes from and purchase directly from those who grow, produce and create it. The range on offer is impressive. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables sit alongside locally baked breads, specialty foods, gourmet products and artisan goods. Yet beyond the produce itself, it is the atmosphere that leaves the strongest impression. There is a genuine sense of community that is becoming increasingly rare in contemporary shopping environments.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Markets such as this play an important role in supporting local economies. Every purchase made at a stall helps sustain small businesses, family run farms and independent producers who face growing pressures from large scale retail competition. In an era where economic challenges continue to impact households and businesses alike, supporting local enterprise has never been more important.

Shopping locally is about more than simply buying produce. It is about investing in the resilience of our community, supporting jobs, strengthening local supply chains and ensuring that small businesses continue to have a place within Monash’s economic landscape. The Mulgrave Farmers Market demonstrates that residents are increasingly seeking experiences that combine quality, authenticity and community connection. It is a place where neighbours catch up over coffee, families spend a morning together and producers share the stories behind their products.

For a city that prides itself on its strong sense of community, the market serves as a reminder that some of Monash’s greatest assets are often found in our own backyard.

This week’s snapshot covers 16 confirmed residential sales across Clayton, Mulgrave, Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley and Chadstone between 6 and 13 June 2026, alongside 553 properties currently listed for lease in the area. Two clear themes emerge: strong, sustained demand for knock-down-rebuild (KDRB) sites on generous blocks, and a widening gap between entry-level apartments and premium new-build family homes.

This Week’s Snapshot

A quick look at every sale recorded this week. Properties marked as having strong subdivision or KDRB potential are increasingly setting the pace for prices on larger, older blocks.

Property Spotlight: The Entry Point

1509/868 Blackburn Road, Clayton VIC 3186 – SOLD: $500,000

This brand new two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with one car space sold on 12 June for $500,000, within the M-City Residences precinct on the corner of Princess Highway and Blackburn Road. M-City is one of Monash’s largest mixed use developments, combining residential towers with a shopping centre anchored by Woolworths and Kmart, plus a pool, gardens, BBQ areas and a tennis court for residents.

Why it matters for Monash residents

The median sale price for an apartment or unit in Clayton currently sits around $549,000. This sale landed below that benchmark for a brand-new apartment – a reminder that Clayton’s M-City precinct remains one of the more accessible entry points into the Monash property market, particularly for:

• First-home buyers wanting a low-maintenance, brand-new home close to transport, shops and Monash University’s Clayton campus.

• Parents of university students considering a purchase instead of years of rent.

• Investors targeting the steady rental demand generated by Monash University and the surrounding health and science precinct.

It’s worth noting that units in the same building have sold for similar or slightly lower prices in recent years, so buyers should compare body corporate fees, floor level and aspect carefully – not all M-City apartments are created equal, even within the same tower.

Property Spotlight: The Family Upgrade

4A Sunhill Road, Mount Waverley VIC 3149 – SOLD: $1,794,000

At $1,794,000, this was the highest-priced residential sale recorded across the City of Monash this week – more than three times the price of this week’s most affordable sale (the M-City apartment, profiled above).

This brand new four bedroom, three bathroom home with double garage sits on 419 square metres – a block created through a previous subdivision. Sold for $1,794,000, it appears to be a good family home with strong fixtures and fittings, though some have noted the floorplan feels slightly compact for the price point despite its open layout.

Why it matters for Monash residents

Mount Waverley’s median house price currently sits in the region of $1.58 - $1.6 million, based on the most recent 12 months of sales data. At $1,794,000, this new build sold well above that median – a useful illustration of the premium that fresh construction can command over the median, even on a smaller than average block.

This sale also tells the next chapter of a story this week’s snapshot shows clearly: older homes on generous blocks (700 square metres or more) are increasingly being bought, demolished and replaced with one or two new dwellings like this one. Six of the 16 sales this week – including 70 View Street Clayton, 1456 North Road Clayton, 43 Bertrand Avenue Mulgrave, 526 High Street Road Mount Waverley, 29 Lancelot Crescent Glen Waverley and 118 King Arthur Drive Glen Waverley – were flagged as having subdivision or KDRB potential. 4A Sunhill Road is the kind of finished product that pipeline eventually produces.

• If you own an older home on a larger block: there is active buyer demand for subdivision and KDRB sites, even where the existing house isn’t in great condition – 1456 North Road, Clayton sold for $1,295,000 largely on its land value.

• If you’re upgrading to a new build: weigh up floorplan and yard size against the convenience of moving straight into a finished, low-maintenance home – newer homes on subdivided blocks are often smaller than older homes at a similar price point.

• If you’re a downsizer: new-build townhouses and units on subdivided land (such as those in Mulgrave this week) can offer a low-maintenance alternative without leaving the area.

Interest Rates: What Monash Buyers and Sellers Should Watch

This segment would not be complete at the moment without a word on interest rates, which continue to shape what buyers can afford and how confident sellers feel about going to market.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate currently sits at 4.35%, following a 25 basis point increase at the May 2026 meeting, the third rise this year. The RBA pointed to inflation running hotter than expected, partly driven by higher fuel and commodity prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The Board’s next decision is due on 16 June 2026, just days after this week’s sales window closes.

Economists are genuinely split on what happens next. Some bank economists expect the RBA to hold steady in June, giving the previous three rate rises time to work through household budgets before any further move. Others, including Westpac, have flagged the risk of one or two further 25-basis-point hikes over coming months, which would take the cash rate toward 4.85%. Looking further out, most of the major banks expect the cycle to eventually turn, with cash rate forecasts for late 2027 ranging from around 3.6% to 3.85%, though the timing remains genuinely uncertain and will depend heavily on how inflation data evolves over the rest of this year.

What this could mean locally

• Borrowing capacity: each rate movement directly affects how much buyers can borrow and what their monthly repayments look like – in Mount Waverley, for example, the median mortgage repayment already sits at roughly $2,600 a month, around 27% of typical household income. Further increases would tighten budgets further; a hold or eventual cut would ease that pressure.

• Buyer confidence at auction: uncertainty ahead of RBA meetings can make buyers cautious, particularly at the higher end of the market – the kind of premium new builds featured in this week’s top sale. A clear hold (or the start of a cutting cycle) tends to bring more buyers back to the table.

• Sellers planning ahead: if you’re weighing up when to list, it’s worth keeping an eye on the RBA’s 16 June announcement and the inflation data due later this month – both are likely to influence buyer sentiment heading into the spring selling season.

We’ll keep tracking the RBA’s decisions in future editions and translating what they mean for the Monash market specifically – rather than just repeating the national headlines.

Pulling the week’s data together, a few practical takeaways for Monash residents:

• Entry-level buyers and investors: Clayton’s apartment precincts, especially around M-City and Monash University, remain comparatively affordable and well-serviced – a good starting point for a first purchase or an investment with steady tenant demand.

• Owners of older homes on big blocks: subdivision potential is adding real, measurable value. Even tired or unliveable houses are achieving strong prices when marketed on their land value and development potential.

• Families looking to upgrade: new-build homes on subdivided lots are commanding premiums over suburb medians, but often trade floorplan and backyard space for newness – it pays to inspect in person and compare against older, larger homes at a similar price.

• Renters and those considering renting: with 553 properties currently listed for lease across the area, there remains reasonable choice for tenants, though demand around the university and M-City precinct typically remains strong.

DISCLAIMER:

This publication is general information only and is not financial, legal, taxation or investment advice. Prices, suburb medians and rate commentary are drawn from confirmed sales records and third-party sources (including Domain, Cotality/RP Data, Woodards and realestate.com.au) and may contain errors or be out of date. All rights are reserved by original authors and agents.

Past prices and trends are not a guide to future performance. The Monash Herald accepts no liability for any loss and does not permit reliance on this publication.

Seek independent professional advice before making any property or financial decision. By using this publication, you agree to this disclaimer.

Oakleigh Post Office & Council Chambers, Atherton Road, Oakleigh, photograph, c. 1954, State Library of Victoria

There was a time when a trip down some streets in Clayton required less driving skill and more blind faith.

After heavy rain, cars disappeared axle-deep into mud. Children arrived at school with clay caked to their shoes and socks. Residents kept timber planks by their front gates to navigate the bog that lay between their homes and the nearest passable road. In one oft-repeated local story, a pregnant woman had to be carried through the sludge to reach a doctor.

These were Melbourne’s “Heartbreak Streets”.

The name carried none of the menace associated with urban decline. There was little crime and few of the social problems that would later come to define disadvantaged suburbs. The heartbreak was simpler than that. Families had invested their savings, their hopes and their futures in a suburban dream that seemed permanently out of reach.

In the years after World War II, Melbourne was growing faster than its infrastructure. Thousands of returned servicemen, migrants and young families were searching for somewhere to live. The city’s south-eastern fringe offered an answer. Land in Oakleigh and Clayton was affordable, available and close enough to employment opportunities to appear an attractive proposition.

What those new residents discovered was that a housing estate and a functioning suburb were not the same thing.

Much of the district had been shaped by clay extraction, sand mining and brickmaking. When developers moved in, they subdivided former farmland and quarry land at remarkable speed. Blocks sold quickly. Houses followed. The roads, drains and footpaths did not.

Winter transformed unsealed streets into quagmires. Summer brought dust storms that swept through half-built estates. Drainage was rudimentary or non-existent. Public transport lagged behind population growth. Residents found themselves living on what felt like a frontier settlement.

The population boom of the early 1950s only intensified the problem. New families arrived every month, but local councils lacked the resources to provide the infrastructure needed to support them.

Frustration grew.

Then something important happened.

The residents who had come to these suburbs in search of opportunity began organising. Progress associations sprang up across the district. Meetings were held in scout halls, church rooms, lounge rooms and unfinished garages. Neighbours who had little experience in politics learned the mechanics of advocacy. They wrote letters, organised petitions, confronted councillors and lobbied state governments.

Their demands were hardly radical; they wanted roads that could be driven on, footpaths that could be walked on and drains that carried water away from their homes.

Yet those modest demands would help reshape local government in Melbourne’s south-east.

Research by historian Dr Andrew Foley has highlighted the extent to which these grassroots campaigns changed the trajectory of the district. Resident pressure forced councils to accelerate infrastructure programs and prompted greater scrutiny of subdivision practices by state planning authorities. What began as local complaints evolved into a broader challenge to the way Melbourne was managing suburban growth.

The significance of that activism can still be seen today.

The City of Monash is now one of Melbourne’s most important economic and educational centres. The Clayton campus of Monash University has become a globally recognised hub of research and innovation. Major employment precincts stretch across the municipality. Its streets are lined with thriving businesses, diverse communities and the infrastructure that earlier generations fought so hard to secure.

The transformation is so complete that it can be difficult to imagine the landscape that preceded it.

The roads are sealed. The drains are underground. The mud has long since disappeared beneath asphalt and concrete.

But the story of the Heartbreak Streets feels strikingly contemporary.

Melbourne is again grappling with the consequences of rapid growth. New housing estates continue to emerge on the city’s fringes, often accompanied by familiar debates about transport, schools, roads and community infrastructure. The central question remains unchanged: what happens when development outpaces the services that make a community function?

The residents of Oakleigh and Clayton understood the answer decades ago.

They built homes in difficult conditions and raised families in suburbs that often seemed forgotten by decision-makers. More importantly, they refused to accept that neglect was inevitable. Through persistence and collective action, they transformed not only their streets but the expectations of what suburban life in Melbourne should be.

Their legacy survives in places that no longer resemble the Heartbreak Streets at all.

It’s no secret that Victoria has been dramatically suffering on the public transport stage. Between significant bus shortages, trains packed with people and v-line booking disruptions, many of us have been left wondering if we’ll even travel to where we need to be on time

Photo: Kate Young (Supplied) | Australian Broadcasting Corporation

In fact, over the Easter break Victoria had over 300 coaches on standby due to the massive influx of people travelling to their holiday destinations via PT. It also didn’t help that major train lines, most notably the Glen Waverley line, were down during the second week of school holidays - veryyy helpful to the many individuals hanging out with friends or attending events in the city. Additionally, a major student hub, Monash University, also began to feel the aftermath of such public transport disruptions after a drop in the frequency of shuttles between campuses left students cueing in long lines for overcrowded buses, missing classes and even returning home on the way to University as it was a more viable option than travelling to the campuses.

But these shortages and understaffings with public transport have just suddenly appeared out of nowhere…at least, that’s what it seems like. The true cause behind this is most likely the recent fuel shortages, to which Victoria reacted with free public transport for all. Just as the Easter break was starting, and holidays were about to begin…

Photo: The Herald Sun

This whole conversation regarding Monash’s public transport scene is an important one to have though, because it sheds light on issues that may have been concealed before. Most notably, the fuel shortages have translated into a discussion regarding electric buses, and whether finances should be invested into importing such vehicles. Overall, there seem to be two major benefits of such an installment: one, they would aid in restricting the consumption of limited fuel in current times, and two, would help Australia in reaching our SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Because Australia imports over 90% of its refined fuels, or in other words fuel used to power machinery and transport, the current conflict in the Middle East has decreased the volume of refined fuel that Australia has for usage. Much of this fuel is delegated to air travel and buses, while the small proportion left over is what we notice driving by a gas station with our jaws open (because yes, prices have been raised!). However, if buses were to start using electricity to run, the reliance that we have on fuel would significantly decrease, and more of the limited amount that we currently have would be available for the public to use for their personal transportation (e.g. cars).

Photo: CDC Victoria | Australasian Bus & Coach

In fact, Monash recently partnered with CDC on a Zero Emission Bus (ZED) project, the aim of which is to make travel for students more comfortable and sustainable. Most notably, battery-electric buses have already been introduced to the 601 and 630 routes, illustrating that the findings from the ZED project truly do have the capacity to change the sustainability, availability and comfortability of public transport throughout Monash, and possibly even wider Victoria.

Of course, the process of converting the majority of Monash’s operational buses into electric ones would be a procedure of utmost time consumption, however would serve great benefits to the Victorian and Australian communities alike. Given the current circumstances of the public transport scene in Victoria, it may be worthwhile for councils and governments to look into electric buses and the future possibilities for PTV.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

At the Glen Waverley Cenotaph, where our team from The Monash Herald was on site, locals stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder in the cold morning air. The mood was solemn and steady as families, veterans, school groups and newly arrived residents fell into near‑silence, listening as the first notes of the Last Post drifted across the reserve.

A City Forged in Service

Few municipalities carry as deep a connection to Australia’s military heritage than the City of Monash, named for General Sir John Monash — the volunteer soldier and civil engineer who rose to become Australia’s most senior commander during the First World War. Monash led the Australian Corps to decisive victories at Hamel, Amiens and the Hindenburg Line in 1918, was knighted in the field by King George V, and upon returning to Melbourne became the driving force behind the Shrine of Remembrance and the ANZAC Day commemorations we observe today.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Monash’s personal connection to this area runs deep. He oversaw construction of the Outer Circle railway terminating at Oakleigh and purchased property in the district. Without his tireless advocacy for returned soldiers, these annual commemorations may well have faded into history.

The communities now forming the City of Monash sent hundreds of men and women to serve in both World Wars, and their sacrifice is recorded in memorials across our suburbs. The Oakleigh Honour Trees along Drummond Street, planted for each local man who served in World War I, still stand as living tributes. The Cenotaph in Warrawee Park and the Oakleigh RSL, opened in 1922, were built to honour the fallen. Memorial gates at Oakleigh Primary School remind students daily of the cost of freedom.

In Glen Waverley, the Memorial Gates on Central Reserve record the names of local servicemen. The Mount Waverley Avenue of Honour along High Street Road, a memorial plaque for Private F.C. Ross at the corner of Blackburn and England Roads, and a stained glass window at St Stephen’s Anglican Church honouring parish servicemen all bear witness to the district’s contribution. In Clayton and Notting Hill, Avenues of Honour along Carinish Road and Blackburn Road respectively pay similar tribute.

When the Second World War came, a new generation from these same streets answered the call, serving across North Africa, the Pacific, Europe and South-East Asia. The local RSL sub-branches became lifelines for returned servicemen and their families for decades afterward.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Among the most stirring contributions to this year’s services was the Melbourne High School Cadet Band, whose young musicians provided impeccable musical accompaniment. The school’s cadet unit, among the oldest and most respected in the state, demonstrated that ANZAC values are being passed to the next generation with pride and discipline.

Equally powerful was the performance of award-winning singer-songwriter Kelly Newton-Wordsworth, whose song Lest We Forget — written to honour her grandfathers and all who served — captured the struggle and sorrow of war with rare beauty. Her voice, unwavering in the dawn light, reminded every person present that behind every name on every memorial stands a human story that must never be forgotten.

A tradition carried forward

Anzac Day, marking the 1915 Gallipoli landing, has grown into the nation’s most solemn day of remembrance, honouring Australians who have served in every conflict since the Boer War. With the number of surviving Second World War veterans dwindling, many at Saturday’s services spoke of a renewed responsibility to preserve the tradition

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

If attendance is any measure, that responsibility is being met. Young cadets stood alongside elderly veterans; schoolchildren clutched rosemary sprigs; families new to Australia paused to observe a ritual that has become part of the country’s civic fabric.

The Anzac spirit, far from fading, appears to be finding new resonance in a diverse and modern Monash.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

To the veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force who call the City of Monash home, the message from the community was unmistakable: your service is honoured, your sacrifices remembered.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

We will remember them.

Photo Authorised By: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

This year, we’re putting them to the test — so you, our readers, can find a cup that’s close to home, good value and genuinely worth drinking, without having to trek too far away from home.

The Monash Herald has launched The Coffee Run, a weekly series where we visit cafés across the City of Monash in search of the area’s best brew. Each episode takes in a different spot; sometimes a local favourite, sometimes a place you might never have noticed, and we rate them on the things that matter: taste, atmosphere and value for money. And because Monash is built on small businesses, we’re committed to shining a light on the cafés that keep this community fuelled.

Take a look at where our Coffee Runs have taken us so far:

Instead, it continued for roughly 350 metres with 12‑year‑old Nathaniel hanging from the rear doorway, finally pulling in at the next scheduled stop as if nothing were amiss.

In her interview with the Monash Herald, Nathaniel’s mother, Grace, recounted not only the frightening events of March 16 but what she describes as a troubling lack of urgency afterward — from police who turned her away to a bus company she says deflected responsibility, and a safety system she believes is fundamentally broken.

Thirty seconds of terror on a suburban street

Nathaniel had been catching the bus to high school on his own for about two months. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary on March 16 until he went to step off through the rear doors at his usual stop just after 8am.

As he moved to exit, the doors closed on him. His hand was trapped inside; his backpack, still half over one shoulder, was caught in the gap. The rest of his body was outside the bus.

Grace told the Monash Herald her son tried to run alongside the bus as it pulled away, but quickly realised he couldn’t keep up. He lifted his legs and held on.

Photo: Provided to Monash Herald by Nathanials Mother Grace.

A woman driving behind the bus saw what was happening, leaned on her horn and took photos. Moments after the bus coming to a stop, Grace received a text from Nathaniel saying he’d been in an accident. She later took him to a doctor to be assessed and he was confirmed to have suffered serious psychological harm.

A mother’s investigation

What followed, Grace told the Monash Herald, was a weeks-long battle to piece together what happened; largely on her own.

She walked the length of Brandon Park Drive, knocking on door after door, asking residents whether their security cameras had captured anything. House after house had nothing. Luckily, a hand full of properties yielded footage

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Grace told the Monash Herald she then attempted to obtain the bus’s own onboard recording. Ventura confirmed to her that internal footage of the incident exists, but the company has not provided it to the family.

On the Monday following the incident, Grace called Ventura more than ten times before she was able to reach a customer service representative. She told them she wanted to lodge a formal complaint and file an incident report.

She later received a call from an executive general manager, who advised her the driver had been stood down and that the bus had been taken off the road pending safety checks.

A week after the incident, during which Grace told the Monash Herald she had consulted six lawyers, she received a further call from a Ventura manager. Grace advises that the company’s chief operating officer was also in the room for the conversation.

‘No faults found’

Despite the severity of the incident, Grace said Ventura informed her that its investigation had identified no faults with the bus’s rear-door sensor. The vehicle, she was told, had been returned to active service

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Grace told the Monash Herald the rear door relied on a single sensor positioned in the centre of the frame. Because Nathaniel was trapped below that point, the system detected nothing. No alarm sounded and no warning reached the driver. The only alert came from a motorist behind the bus, and it went unheeded.

That a bus carrying schoolchildren could drag a child 350 metres with no technological failsafe intervening and then be declared fit to return to the road represents, in Grace’s view, a serious and unresolved safety failure.

“The response has been dismissive,” she told the Monash Herald.

The driver has since been removed following the companies internal review process. Ventura Bus issued a statement describing the incident as “very distressing” and pledging a review of its driver training programs.

Turned away by the Police

Grace said she had also gone to the Glen Waverley police station to report the incident but was turned away.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

She said officers told her the matter was civil rather than criminal, did not take a statement and advised her to lodge a complaint and seek legal advice if she wished to pursue civil action.

Victoria Police has since confirmed it is aware of the incident and that inquiries are under way. The force said the matter was not formally reported at the time, a characterisation Grace disputes, noting she attended the station in person and was not permitted to make a report.

A boy who shakes at the sight of a bus

Nathaniel’s physical injuries were limited to minor bruising. His mother is more concerned about the psychological effects.

Grace said her son is now on a mental health plan, attends regular counselling and receives additional support at school.

She said he becomes visibly distressed when he sees buses with advertising similar to the one involved in the incident, and he no longer feels able to use public transport without an adult accompanying him.

A child who had recently begun travelling independently now requires support to board a bus.

Political response

Grace said she has raised the matter with Monash City Councillor Elisha Lee and contacted the office of local MP Eden Foster.

Premier Jacinta Allan described the available footage as “shocking” and said she had asked the relevant minister to ensure the Transport Accident Commission made contact with the family. TAC executive general manager Katherine Gobbi confirmed the commission was engaging with the family but did not provide further detail.

Photo: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Grace said the official responses to date have been slow and have not provided the clarity or accountability she is seeking. Hundreds of parents rely on public bus services to transport their children safely to and from school. The incident involving Nathaniel has raised questions about the systems and safeguards in place to prevent similar events.

The circumstances described by his family point to several areas of concern. The door sensor did not detect an obstruction. The driver did not see the child in the doorway. A warning from another motorist did not prompt the bus to stop. Each of these elements is now under scrutiny.

Transport operators, including Ventura Bus, are required to meet safety standards that cover both vehicle condition and driver training. When an incident occurs, operators are expected to investigate, report their findings and demonstrate that risks have been addressed before a vehicle returns to service.

The response has also highlighted issues within the broader regulatory framework. The standards governing door‑safety mechanisms on buses, and the processes for reporting and assessing incidents involving passengers, are likely to attract further examination. The family’s experience at a local police station has raised additional questions about how such matters are classified and handled.

Stakeholders have called for clearer protocols, improved technology and stronger oversight to ensure incidents of this nature are properly investigated and that any systemic issues are identified.

For now the Grace and her family are left with questions unanswered and an overwhelming distrust in the Victorian Public Transport Network.