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.

It was, by any measure, a jolt to household routines. The reaction was immediate.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Petitions circulated through neighbourhood groups. Social media feeds filled with frustration. More than 4300 residents lodged submissions through Shape Monash, many warning of overflowing bins, summer odours and the practical difficulties of storing nappies and medical waste for two weeks at a time.

Council heard every one of those concerns. And then, in a rare move– it held its nerve.

The results have vindicated that resolve. In the first twelve months alone, Monash diverted more than 9,000 tonnes of material from landfill by channelling food and garden waste into composting, an outstanding outcome by any municipal benchmark. The diversion rate, which sat at 56.4% in 2020-21, has climbed steadily since. More households than ever are using their green bins correctly, and the volume of recyclable content recovered across the municipality has increased measurably since the frequency change took effect.

The statistics speak for themselves. Every tonne diverted from landfill is a tonne that avoids contributing to methane emissions, preserving what little tip capacity remains in Melbourne’s east and reduces the state government levies that ultimately find their way onto rates notices. With eastern region sites nearing capacity, Monash’s early shift has placed the municipality in a stronger position to avoid the costlier alternatives that await less proactive councils, including waste‑to‑energy processing or transporting rubbish across the city to the West.

Critically, the Council did not simply impose the change and walk away. It offered free bin upgrades to households with two or more children in nappies, residents with medical conditions generating additional waste, and families of six or more experiencing financial hardship. It reduced the cost of a second recycling bin to just $65 a year. It distributed sample packs of compostable liners and deployed education officers into neighbourhoods to help residents sort their waste properly.

Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

Inside the community’s reaction

Speak to residents across the municipality and you hear the full spectrum of experience, but what stands out is how many have embraced the new system once they adjusted.

One resident living in Monash since 2006, is part of a six-person household — exactly the kind of larger family critics predicted would struggle most. Yet the response is positive. “I like the bin collection,” the resident says. “I like the sorting of the bins — the cardboard and recycling.” For households willing to engage with the system as designed, separating waste streams properly means the red bin stretches further than sceptics expected.

Not everyone has found the transition straightforward. Jo, 32, has rented in the area for five years and shares her home with four family members. She says the yellow recycling bin has been easy enough to manage, but the fortnightly red‑lid collection remains difficult for a five‑person household. “It’s a bit more challenging,” she says. “With a large family we go through so much in a week, and the red bin fills up fast. We often end up storing extra rubbish at the back of the garage.”

Anthony, 20, is more direct. He preferred the old weekly system and says the fortnightly cycle is harder for his three-person household to manage. He views the change as a top-down decision — “a push down,” in his words — and is unconvinced there is a practical way around the tighter schedule.

These are legitimate perspectives, and Council has never pretended the change would suit every household equally. But it is worth noting that the support structures are there for those who need them. And as Jo’s experience illustrates, the yellow bin — the stream that handles the greatest volume of household packaging — is working effectively for residents who sort their waste correctly.

As for Anthony’s feeling that the policy was imposed from above, it is worth remembering that 4,300 residents participated in the consultation process, and that Council weighed that feedback carefully before proceeding. The decision was not taken lightly. It was taken because the environmental case was overwhelming and the long-term cost of inaction, both financial and ecological, was greater than the short-term inconvenience

Photo: City of Monash | Bin Collections

The Purple Bin: The Mayor Speaks Up

Ask Monash Mayor Cr Stuart James what the biggest issue facing the municipality is right now, outside the well-worn debate over housing and planning reform, and his answer comes without hesitation.

“The biggest thing that’s happening for us outside of that at the moment is probably the fourth bin, or the glass recycling bin,” Cr James tells the Monash Herald.

The Victorian Government has mandated that all councils introduce a purple-lid glass recycling bin by 1 July 2027. Monash is one of 36 councils, roughly half the state, pushing back. But Cr James is not simply opposing the mandate for the sake of it. He is making an argument grounded in how the recycling landscape has shifted since the policy was first conceived.

Location: Mazenod College, Mulgrave ( Unaffiliated Purple Bin Initiative) Photo: Izy Rajapakshe | Monash Herald

“We’re one of 36 councils ... that are saying to the government, well, no, you legislated this for a good reason in 2018 when China sort of stopped taking recycling,” Cr James explains. “You put that in place then. Since, you’ve introduced the container deposit scheme, and that has been outstanding.”

He is right about the scheme’s success. CDS Vic, launched in November 2023, has seen Victorians return more than 1.8 billion containers in its first twenty months. Over the 2025–26 Christmas and New Year period alone, nearly 62 million containers were returned — a record. The 10-cent refund has proven such a powerful incentive that it has changed behaviour at street level, in ways no one quite predicted.

“We now have residents going through other people’s bins to grab that stuff out and go and get the refund,” Cr James says. The point is serious: a market-driven mechanism is already diverting enormous volumes of glass and other containers out of the kerbside waste stream, without requiring an additional bin, an additional truck, or an additional collection schedule.

The Mayor argues the scheme should be expanded. “We argue that you should increase the container deposit scheme to include wine bottles and larger bottles,” he says — containers that are currently excluded from the CDS Vic refund but represent a significant share of household glass.

His second argument goes to the processing chain. Monash’s kerbside recycling is handled by Visy, one of Australia’s largest recyclers and a company Cr James is happy to single out by name. “Visy Recycling are really good, and they’re actually able to separate the glass from the other recycled material,” he says. “From the commingled bin.”

That capability is significant. Visy’s material recovery facilities use advanced optical sorting technology that can identify glass fragments as small as three millimetres, separating them from paper, cardboard, plastics and metals in the mixed yellow bin. Not all recycling providers can do this — and that, Cr James argues, is precisely where the state government’s legislative energy should be directed.

“There are other recycling providers that aren’t able to do that,” he says. “And our say is, as well as increasing this container deposit scheme, force those people that can’t separate the glass out — force them, or legislate for them to increase it so that they can separate it out.”

When pressed on whether his position is simply that councils should use recyclers who already have the technology, Cr James refines the point: “Force the recyclers to actually introduce the technology to separate it out would be the ideal one.”

The cost question sharpens the argument further. In Monash, implementing the purple glass bin would mean approximately $3 million in upfront implementation costs and $2 million in annual collection expenses — all to pick up a single material stream. The Mayor makes the point personal: “I’ve got three young children at home. We’re a family of five. Other than the old whiskey bottle every couple of months, I don’t have much glass at all.” He pauses. “So why are we spending $2 million a year to pick up something when we’ve got a container deposit scheme that can just be increased to take in those things?”

Photo: Andrew Keslo | Australian Broadcasting Corporation

It is a disarmingly practical question. And it is one the state government has, so far, declined to engage with.

Cr James is candid about the political reality. Thirty-six councils have made the same case. None have broken through. “It’s a great question,” he says when asked why the government would listen now. “I don’t have an answer for you because we just keep hitting brick walls.”

But the Mayor frames his persistence as a matter of principle — and political maturity. “Sometimes you need to look at things and go, we did this with the best of intent,” he says. “Times have changed, we’ve moved on, we’re now in these different settings. I’m happy to go back and review that and say, well, now that times have changed, I’m happy to review my decision and change.”

It is a direct challenge to Spring Street: not to abandon glass recycling, but to have the intellectual honesty to acknowledge that a policy designed for 2018’s crisis may no longer be the most viable solution in 2026’s reality.

Leading, Not Following

It is worth remembering where Monash sits in this landscape. While some Victorian councils are only now grappling with food and garden waste collection, Monash introduced its green bin service back in July 2020 and expanded it to weekly pickup two years later. The municipality has consistently been ahead of the curve — not because it enjoys disrupting residents’ routines, but because it takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.

The fortnightly garbage collection was never about taking something away from ratepayers. It was about redirecting resources toward a system that works better for everyone — residents, the environment and future generations who will inherit whatever we leave behind. The 9,000 tonnes diverted from landfill each year is not merely a line in a council report. It is cleaner air, slower tip fill, lower long-term costs and a community that can honestly say it is doing its part.

Residents like Anthony may feel the squeeze of the fortnightly cycle, and renters like Jo may wish the red bin were larger. Council should — and demonstrably does — keep listening. But the trajectory is clear: where Monash has led, results have followed. The household that sorts well, composts its scraps and returns its bottles to a CDS Vic refund point will not just cope with the new system. It will thrive in it.

On the purple bin, Cr James is asking the right question — not whether glass should be recycled better, but whether a mandatory fourth bin is the smartest way to achieve it when proven alternatives already exist. He is not grandstanding nor refusing to engage. He is offering an evidence-based counter-proposal and asking the state government to do something that too few politicians are willing to do: revisit a decision in light of changed circumstances.

Monash has earned that credibility with four years of results. Spring Street would be wise to listen.

What stands out is how firmly intergenerational the celebration remains. Even as younger Greek Australians grow up more culturally mixed and linguistically diverse, Easter continues to pull them back. It is one of the few moments in the year when the threads of faith, family and heritage are woven tightly together.

Courtesy of Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of St Anargiri Oakleigh

A Week of Tradition Across Monash

The Orthodox Holy Week is observed according to the Julian calendar, placing it a week later than Western Easter.

Holy Week began quietly on Palm Sunday, April 28th, with services at Greek Orthodox churches in Oakleigh, Clayton, and surrounding suburbs. By Good Friday, the streets around Sts Anargiri in Oakleigh and St Catherine’s in East Malvern filled with parishioners following the Epitaphios procession, a solemn walk that winds through local streets accompanied by hymns and candlelight. For Orthodox Christians, the ritual symbolises Christ’s burial and the community’s collective mourning, marking one of the most significant moments of the week.

An Epitaphios, Courtesy of Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of St Anargiri Oakleigh

These processions have become a familiar sight in Monash drawing not only Greek Australians but neighbours who line the footpaths to watch.

The midnight Anastasi service on Holy Saturday is the emotional peak of the week. Thousands gather at Sts Anargiri, spilling into the surrounding streets as the priest proclaims Christos Anesti — “Christ is Risen” — and the flame of the Resurrection is passed from candle to candle.

Although the service is centred in Oakleigh, many families travel from other parts of Monash—Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Clayton, Chadstone—to take part. For second‑ and third‑generation Greek Australians, it’s a moment that connects them to their heritage.

Easter Sunday

The climax of the week is Easter Sunday. The scent of lamb on the spit drifts from backyards in Oakleigh South, Hughesdale, and Clayton. Families gather for long lunches, cracking red eggs and sharing tsoureki (a sweet, aromatic bread). Local bakeries and cafés prepare for weeks, producing koulourakia, flaounes, and traditional Easter breads.

Eaton Mall becomes a magnet for the broader Melbourne community. Even those without Greek heritage come to experience the atmosphere—live music, packed restaurants, and the unmistakable sense of celebration that spills into the street.

What makes Greek Easter in Monash distinctive is its openness. While deeply rooted in Orthodox tradition, the celebrations have evolved into a shared civic moment, reflecting the area’s diversity and the way migrant communities have shaped Melbourne’s cultural landscape.

The Monash Herald started with a simple observation: for a city full of stories, Monash wasn’t getting much… well, story. We’re locals who live the day‑to‑day here, we know about the school runs, the late‑night supermarket dashes, the “why is Springvale Road like this?” moments, and we kept noticing the same thing. The stories that define our community weren’t really being covered anywhere. Not the small wins, not the quiet community heroes, and sometimes, not even the decisions shaping what our suburbs look like next year.

So we set out to change that.

What began as many “someone should really be reporting on this” remarks has grown into a publication built entirely from local commitment. We’re not backed by big media or distant newsrooms. We’re powered by people who love this place; its diversity, markets and libraries, its parks and playgrounds, its small businesses, its cultural festivals, its volunteers, and the thousands of stories unfolding quietly every day.

Monash deserves a voice that feels like home, and that’s why we’re here.

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Australia has quietly become a global heavyweight in fast‑fashion consumption.

Recent figures show Australians purchase an average of 56 garments a year, the highest per‑capita rate in the world. This is often interpreted as evidence of economic confidence, but it also signals a deeper cultural shift: the entrenchment of fast fashion and the growing alignment between consumption and self‑expression.

The fact that we now out‑consume the United States, a nation with more than thirteen times our population and a long association with excess, should prompt a more honest conversation about the habits we’ve normalised.

As a result of such a habit, we end up with clothing that is worn only once or twice, and in many cases not at all. When it comes time to discard these items, some are donated, but Australia still throws out an estimated 250,000 tonnes of clothing each year, much of it in near‑new condition. Around four‑fifths of these textiles ultimately end up in landfill, despite having had little to no use, while others end up exported abroad.

Against this backdrop, initiatives such as the Monash Great Clothing Exchange, which recently returned for another successful year, offered a glimpse of what a different, more sustainable, relationship with fashion might look like.

When The Monash Herald visited the Great Exchange on the 15th, walking into the Monash Civic Centre felt like stepping into a carefully curated boutique. Racks were colour‑coded, garments hung neatly on coordinated hangers, and every section was arranged into clear categories. For an event built entirely around exchanging rather than purchasing, the presentation was strikingly professional.

This year’s exchange, only the third since the program began two years earlier, had sold out well in advance. More than 250 adult tickets had been claimed, along with around 100 children’s tickets. Admission was free.

Organisers had developed a system to keep the crowds moving. Teen and adult clothing occupied the ground floor, while the upstairs level was dedicated to newborns through to roughly 10‑year‑olds. The children’s section was run entirely by council staff, while the Clothing Exchange, a social enterprise focused on sustainable fashion, managed the adult floor.

One of the volunteers with the Clothing Exchange, Shiangi, said she had been helping at swaps for about six months. “I’ve done about five swaps now,” she said, sorting garments into labelled tubs. “We do almost one every month.”

She was buoyed by the turnout. “I think it’s great. We had a lot of clothes for the swap,” she said. “The last one we did was in a regional area and there weren’t a lot of people, so this is a great turnout.”

New garments are commonplace, she said. “Some still have tags — they’ve never been worn. A lot of what we see is perfectly good clothing that just didn’t fit the buyer.”

Even so, the swap holds to strict standards.“We don’t take undergarments, swimsuits, children’s wear or athleisure,” she explained. “It’s mostly for hygiene reasons. And nothing with missing buttons or broken zippers. We have a mending circle that takes care of those kinds of clothes before they come to the swap, but we still don’t take anything with stains.”

The scale of the event surprised even seasoned volunteers. “It’s massive,” she said. “It was 250 people, and then on top of that about 50 to 70 on the waitlist.”

The popularity was obvious the moment the doors opened. Within minutes, the space filled with families, students and seasoned swappers combing through the racks for their next find. Demand had grown so quickly that organisers said they were now running three exchanges a year, two full‑scale Great Exchanges like this one, and a dedicated children’s event.

The Monash Herald asked a few locals what drew them to the event. Tracy, who was juggling a handful of tiny T‑shirts, said she had come mainly for the children’s section. “I really mainly came for the kids’ clothing,” she said. “I just finished from there and I got some new ones.”

For her, the appeal was partly practical, partly financial. “It just makes it easier,” she said. “Cost‑of‑living‑wise, yeah, but also it’s easier than selling it yourself. You come to one place and everything’s here.”

With young children who outgrow outfits almost as quickly as they acquire them, she said the swap solved a big dilemma. “Kids grow out of clothes — what can you do with them after? People sell them everywhere else, but here you don’t have to worry about that. You don’t have to sell it yourself. In that sense, it’s easier.”

Another local, Janne, was hard to miss. Her bright jacket and green Converse, both second‑hand finds, matched the cheerful chaos of the room. “I love op‑shopping,” she said. “I do it every week.”

She’d planned to come last year but was sick on the day. “So when I saw it was back, I thought, great; it’s a way to exchange things instead of sending them to landfill.”

Janne has her regular circuit of shops. “I’ve got a bunch of little op shops I go to,” she said. “There’s one in Bayswater, Forest Hill is actually quite good, and the Salvos near me; I’m in there all the time. I usually pick up something each week.”

That regularity comes with rules. “It’s very hard in Australia because I go, okay, I need this and I need that and I need more,” she laughed. “So with clothing, for everything I buy, I have to take something out of my wardrobe. When I get something, I make sure something goes back.”

If Monash’s Great Clothing Exchange demonstrates anything, it’s this:

Australia’s textile waste crisis is vast, and no single swap event will reverse decades of overconsumption. But the Great Clothing Exchange shows what’s possible when councils, volunteers and residents pull in the same direction. If nothing else, it proves that the appetite for alternatives is already here.

Glen Waverley has not traditionally been a suburb associated with rapid reinvention. Its appeal has long been tied to stability: established schools, a consistent retail centre, and a dining precinct along Kingsway that has become a well‑known feature of suburban Melbourne.

In a growing city, however, such constancy is often a temporary condition.

What is now unfolding is not a sudden rupture, but a staged transformation that is already underway and will continue well into the next decade.

At the centre of this shift is the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), a project whose significance lies less in its engineering than in the way it reorders the geography of the city. In Glen Waverley, early works and planning are already progressing, with major construction expected to accelerate over the next few years. The new underground station forms part of the SRL East section, which is currently slated for completion around 2035.

Once operational, the line will provide direct connections from Glen Waverley to Monash, Clayton and Box Hill within minutes, reshaping the suburb’s position within Melbourne’s transport network. Such shifts in accessibility are a key driver of urban change, altering patterns of movement and redefining proximity.

Some of the effects are already visible. Planning controls around the future station have been revised, with the state government designating Glen Waverley as a priority “activity centre”. This designation brings a substantial increase in permissible building heights and residential densities within walking distance of the station.

One of the most prominent developments reflecting this shift is a major project on Springvale Road, approved at more than $400 million, which will deliver two towers rising to approximately 30 and 35 storeys, alongside nearly 800 apartments and ground-floor retail. Construction is expected to commence within the next one to two years, with completion likely toward the late 2020s.

This is not an isolated case. A pipeline of mid- and high-rise proposals is emerging across the precinct, many expected to be delivered progressively between 2026 and the early 2030s, reshaping the skyline and increasing the local population. To describe this as intensification is accurate, but incomplete. What is being proposed is not merely more housing, but a different model of suburbia altogether.

Parallel to private development, public investment is quietly reshaping the civic landscape. The Glen Waverley Civic Precinct project, a council-led redevelopment near Kingsway, is already underway, with staged construction expected to continue through 2026–2028. The project will deliver a new library, upgraded community facilities and revitalised public spaces designed to support a growing population. Such projects rarely attract the same attention as high-rise towers, but they often prove more enduring in how they shape daily life.

On Kingsway, the changes are more subtle but no less significant. The strip remains crowded most evenings, its restaurants continuing to draw patrons from across Melbourne’s southeast. Yet even here, the context is shifting. Increased residential density is gradually altering the demographic mix, while ongoing upgrades to The Glen shopping centre and surrounding sites are expected to continue incrementally over the coming decade.

Taken together, these developments point to a clear timeline of change:

• Now–2026: Planning reforms, early works for SRL, civic precinct construction begins

• 2026–2030: Major apartment developments delivered, skyline begins to shift

• 2030–2035: SRL station completion, full transition to a high-density activity centre

Such transitions are rarely without tension. Concerns about congestion, infrastructure capacity and neighbourhood character have accompanied the first wave of proposals. These are not new objections, nor are they easily dismissed. They reflect a deeper uncertainty about how much change a place can absorb before it becomes something else entirely.

Yet to resist change outright is to overlook the forces that are driving it.

Infrastructure investment of this scale anticipates and directs growth. The SRL, in this sense, is both a transport project and a planning instrument, one that compels surrounding suburbs to evolve in tandem. Glen Waverley, by virtue of its location, has become one of its clearest test cases.

For now, the suburb occupies an in-between state, no longer quite what it was, but not yet what it is intended to become. Its shift reflects a broader metropolitan trend, as Melbourne adapts to patterns of expansion that extend both outward and upward.