How the rise of the “third place” reflects our craving for connection and community
FABULOUS FOLIAGE
These sculptural leaves and native stems add colour and character indoors
THE RISE OF THE HEAD SPA
The head spa is redefining how we care for our hair and switch off from daily life
PLUS CATCH UP ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CAMBERWELL JUNCTION
CONTENTS
4 • RETURN OF THE ‘THIRD PLACE’
The rise of the “third place” reveals why we’re craving spaces that foster connection, belonging and community.
6 • TEA TIME
From robust breakfast brews to soothing caffeine-free infusions, discover some of the world’s most-loved teas.
7 • FABULOUS FOLIAGE
From sculptural leaves to native stems, these vase-worthy varieties of foliage add colour, depth and character to any interior.
8 • THE RISE OF THE HEAD SPA
Part beauty service and part wellness ritual, the head spa is redefining how we care for our hair and switch off from daily life.
9 • RIVETING READS
From compelling non-fiction to thrilling novels, these books will captivate and entertain you.
10 • CAMBERWELL CATCH-UP
Catch up on what’s happening in the Camberwell Junction precinct.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
There’s a subtle comfort in the everyday places and rituals that bring us together. In this issue, we explore the simple ways community shows up in daily life, from shared spaces and conversations to the small habits that help us pause and reconnect. Whether it’s a cafe you visit regularly, a favourite cup of tea or a book you can’t put down, the stories we explore celebrate connection in its many forms.
In Return of the ‘third place’, we look at why spaces beyond home and work have become so important for fostering belonging and community. Tea time travels through the world of tea, from robust breakfast brews to soothing caffeine-free infusions, and the rituals that surround them.
Indoor inspiration continues in Fabulous foliage, where sculptural leaves and native stems show how greenery can transform a room. In The rise of the head spa, we explore a treatment that sits somewhere between beauty service and wellness ritual, offering a chance to properly switch off.
If you’re after a quieter escape, Riveting reads rounds up compelling non-fiction and page-turning novels worth adding to your list. And Camberwell Catch-up keeps you across what’s happening around the precinct.
Wherever you choose to linger, we hope this issue encourages you to slow down, look around and enjoy the community that surrounds you.
- The Camberwell Citizen team
EDITOR Sharon Green
ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: citizen@assemblo.com
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RETURN OF THE ‘THIRD PLACE’
The rise of the “third place” reveals why we’re craving spaces that foster connection, belonging and community.
In an age where our lives often feel split between home and work, and increasingly lived online, a growing number of people are seeking something in between. Enter the “third place”.
The term was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who used it to describe the social environments that exist outside of our “first place” (home) and “second place” (work). These are the informal spaces where people gather not out of obligation, but out of choice. They’re places that foster conversation, familiarity and a sense of belonging.
While the idea isn’t new, the third place is having a powerful resurgence as people rethink how and where they want to spend their time.
WHAT MAKES A PLACE A ‘THIRD PLACE’?
Cafes where locals linger with a second coffee, pubs that feel like extensions of the living room, libraries that double as community hubs, independent bookshops that host talks and events, and wellness spaces designed for restoration rather than optimisation all fit the bill.
Community centres also play a vital role, offering shared spaces where people of all ages can connect. Camberwell Community Centre executive officer Liz Finucan said a community centre is “somewhere people can connect without pressure”.
“People come for classes, meetings or events, but return because of the friendships and sense of belonging that grow over time. In a fast-paced world, having a place to be part of something local is powerful, and it’s what keeps people coming back,” she said.
In precincts like Camberwell Junction, these kinds of spaces already exist, and they’re becoming increasingly intentional. Retailers are designing stores that invite customers to stay longer, whether through thoughtful interiors, seating areas or experiences that go beyond a simple transaction.
Councils, meanwhile, are investing in libraries, public spaces and streetscapes that encourage people to gather, linger and feel at home in their neighbourhood.
Cr Wes Gault, Mayor of Boroondara, said libraries have long been community hubs where people come to connect, share and learn.
“They’re far more than just a place to check out a book. Our libraries offer a range of learning programs and serve as a meeting point for thousands of community members,” he said.
“Last year our libraries had more than a million visits, reinforcing the important role these facilities play in our community.”
The modern third place isn’t about exclusivity or aesthetics alone, it’s about accessibility and ease. You can arrive alone, meet friends, or strike up a conversation with a familiar face behind the counter. Over time, these repeated, casual interactions build trust and familiarity; the foundations of real community.
WHY THIRD PLACES MATTER NOW
The renewed interest in third places reflects broader shifts in how people want to live. As remote and hybrid work blur the boundaries between professional and personal life, many people are craving spaces that offer connection without pressure. The third place answers that need.
“LIBRARIES ARE A SPACE FOR EVERYONE AND ONE OF THE LAST PLACES WHERE YOU’RE NOT PRESSURED TO BUY ANYTHING.”
– Cr Wes Gault, Mayor of Boroondara
“The rise in remote work and online activity has highlighted the value of in-person connection. People now actively seek opportunities to step away from screens and engage in social, creative, or hands-on experiences,” Ms Finucan said.
“Flexible programs that fit different schedules are increasingly popular, and people value experiences that can’t be replicated online.”
From a social perspective, these environments play a critical role in fostering belonging. They provide opportunities for interaction that don’t rely on invitations or formal plans, helping to combat loneliness and social isolation — challenges that have become more pronounced in recent years.
Third places also support the growing embrace of slower living. In contrast to productivity-driven spaces, they encourage people to pause and engage with their surroundings. This slower pace can have tangible benefits for emotional wellbeing, offering moments of calm and connection in otherwise busy days.
“Libraries are still a quiet sanctuary for many, with a mix of busy spaces as well as quiet study and reading rooms,” said Cr Gault.
“Libraries are a space for everyone, and one of the last places where you’re not pressured to buy anything.”
Importantly, third places help shape community identity, and provide the space where shared experiences can happen naturally.
“Community identity grows when people feel they belong and can participate,” said Ms Finucan.
“At Camberwell Community Centre, everyday interactions — a friendly chat before class, collaborating on a project, welcoming someone new — build trust and connection. For those new to the area or experiencing change, that sense of belonging helps reduce isolation.”
MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO PASS THROUGH
As our lives continue to accelerate, the value of spaces that invite us to slow down and connect is becoming increasingly clear. The rise of the third place isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about responding to modern needs.
Whether it’s a cafe you visit every Saturday, a library you duck into mid-week, or a wellness space that feels like a reset button, third places remind us that meaningful connection doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as having somewhere to go.
CAMBERWELL COMMUNITY CENTRE
33/35 Fairholm Grove
CAMBERWELL LIBRARY
340 Camberwell Rd
TEA TIME
From bold breakfast blends to calming caffeine-free infusions, tea takes many forms, flavours and rituals. Here are some of the world’s most-loved teas and the best ways to enjoy them.
BLACK TEA
Bold and full-bodied, black tea is fully oxidised, giving it depth, colour and caffeine. It’s grown across India, Sri Lanka and China, with famous varieties including malty Assam, floral Darjeeling, bright Ceylon, classic English Breakfast and aromatic Earl Grey. Black tea is typically brewed with hot water and enjoyed plain, with milk, lemon or sugar, or served iced. It’s suitable for mornings, afternoons and evenings – anytime you need a pick-me-up.
OOLONG TEA
Oolong tea sits between black and green tea, and is partially oxidised for layered flavour. Originating in China and Taiwan, it ranges from light and floral to dark and roasted. Rolled leaves unfurl during brewing, releasing complexity over multiple infusions. Oolong is traditionally enjoyed plain, brewed carefully with hot water, and sipped slowly, making it ideal for mindful tea rituals. Its balance appeals to adventurous drinkers exploring nuance and texture.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is minimally oxidised, preserving fresh, grassy flavours and antioxidants. Popular styles include Japanese sencha, powdered matcha and Chinese gunpowder green tea. Primarily produced in China and Japan, it’s brewed with cooler water to avoid bitterness. Green tea is enjoyed hot or iced, plain or whisked, and is often associated with calm focus. It suits mornings, mindful breaks, light meals, and is ideal for those seeking gentle caffeine intake.
WHITE TEA
Delicate and subtle, white tea is the least processed, and is made from young leaves and buds. It originates mainly from China’s Fujian province and has a soft, slightly sweet profile. Brewed gently with warm – not boiling – water, white tea is usually enjoyed plain. Its light body makes it ideal for quiet moments and refined palates. It pairs beautifully with meditation, reading, or minimalist afternoon rituals, offering calm and clarity.
HERBAL TEA
Herbal tea isn’t technically tea, but an infusion of herbs, flowers or fruit. Naturally caffeine-free, popular varieties include calming chamomile, refreshing peppermint and tart hibiscus. Enjoyed worldwide, herbal teas are steeped in hot water and often blended for flavour or function. They’re commonly consumed to aid relaxation, digestion or sleep, especially in the evening. These comforting brews commonly suit self-care practices, wellness rituals, and night-time routines.
ROOIBOS TEA
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free tea from South Africa, made from the red bush plant. Smooth and slightly sweet, it contains antioxidants and no bitterness. Rooibos can be enjoyed hot or iced, with milk, honey or spices. Rooibos tea is said to improve heart health, balance blood sugar, and improve digestion. It pairs well with dessert, bedtime routines, and is perfect for caffeine-sensitive drinkers seeking warmth and gentle nourishment.
FABULOUS FOLIAGE
Foliage is a beautiful, long-lasting alternative to flowers, bringing natural greenery and texture into the home with minimal effort. From sculptural leaves to native stems, these vase-worthy varieties add colour, depth and character to any interior.
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus is an Australian native prized for its sculptural stems, blue-green leaves and refreshing scent. Popular varieties include silver dollar eucalyptus, loved for its rounded leaves, and baby eucalyptus, valued for fine texture. Exceptionally long-lasting in a vase, eucalyptus thrives with minimal care. Simply change water weekly and trim stems to refresh. Its relaxed, aromatic presence suits modern, coastal and natural interiors year-round, with subtle movement and gentle colour variation.
FERNS
Ferns bring softness and movement to interiors through their varied textures and layered greens. Leaves can be feather-like or finely divided, while fronds range from structured spear shapes to delicate, airy forms. Best displayed loosely arranged, ferns prefer fresh water and cooler positions away from heat. Light misting can help maintain vibrancy, making them ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms and shaded living spaces, with gentle airflow and indirect light exposure indoors.
OLIVE LEAVES
Olive leaves offer a slim, elegant silhouette in soft, muted green tones. Their understated beauty complements Mediterranean, farmhouse, rustic and minimalist interiors with ease. Cut branches last well in water and age gracefully as they dry. For styling, place olive branches in rustic ceramic vases to create a tall, striking greenery display that feels timeless, calm and effortlessly refined in living spaces, with balanced proportions, gentle movement, and visual harmony.
LEAF FAN
Leaf fan foliage makes an instant statement with its large scale and dramatic, fan-shaped form. Often displayed as a single stem, it brings sculptural impact and visual interest to quiet corners of the home. The sturdy leaf holds its shape well in water and can also be air-dried. Display in a simple vase to let the bold silhouette shine without competing elements,to create a bold, gallery-like focal point.
MONSTERA FOLIAGE
Monstera foliage is prized for its lush, glossy leaves and bold, architectural shape. Each cut leaf is long-lasting, making it ideal for displaying as standalone foliage in the home. Monstera creates a striking backdrop or adds interest to empty corners. To extend vase life, refresh the water every three days and recut the stem regularly to maximise longevity. Position away from direct sun to preserve colour and strength over time.
GUM NUT SPRAY
This Australian native features green foliage paired with gums nuts – small, woody capsules – for added texture. Naturally long-lasting and hypoallergenic, it’s ideal for low-maintenance styling. The stems require minimal upkeep, needing only occasional water changes. Gum nut sprays work beautifully alone or mixed with other natives, adding organic interest and an earthy, sculptural quality to modern and rustic interiors seeking durability, balance, and native botanical character year-round.
THE RISE OF THE HEAD SPA
Part beauty service and part wellness ritual, the head spa is redefining how we care for our hair and switch off from daily life.
Head spas are becoming one of the most sought-after services in modern wellness and beauty spaces. Originating in Japan, the treatment combines scalp therapy with deep relaxation, blending elements of hair care and massage into a single restorative experience.
A typical head spa session focuses on cleansing and treating the scalp rather than styling the hair. Treatments often include a microscopic scalp assessment, deep cleansing, exfoliation, massage, warm water therapy, steam, conditioning masks and aromatherapy.
The goal is both therapeutic and cosmetic: to remove build-up, stimulate circulation and support healthier hair growth while offering a calming, immersive experience.
Unlike a standard hair appointment, the outcome is not just how your hair looks when you leave, but how your body and mind feels.
One of the key reasons head spas are gaining popularity is the need for genuine mental downtime. Modern life rarely switches off. Screens, notifications and constant information create a low-level cognitive load that many people carry all day.
Head spa treatments offer something increasingly rare: permission to do nothing. Clients lie down in a dimly lit space while warm water flows through the hair and a therapist performs slow, repetitive massage movements. There is no conversation required and no expectation to engage.
Many people describe the experience as a reset rather than relaxation alone. The combination of warmth, rhythm and touch encourages the body to slow down and the mind to quieten.
FOCUS ON SCALP CARE
Alongside stress relief, the treatment taps into another growing focus in beauty: scalp health. As skincare has become more sophisticated, consumers have begun to treat the scalp as an extension of the skin rather than simply the place hair grows from.
Build-up from products, pollution and oil can affect both comfort and appearance. Head spas address this directly through deep cleansing and stimulation, helping to support balanced oil production and improved circulation. The result is often shinier hair, less irritation and a healthier environment for growth.
This shift reflects a broader change in priorities. Rather than quick fixes, people are investing in treatments that support long-term condition and
maintenance. Healthy hair is increasingly seen as the by-product of a healthy scalp.
A FULLY SENSORY EXPERIENCE
Head spas are carefully designed to engage multiple senses at once. Soft lighting, calming scents and the steady sound of flowing water create an environment that feels separate from daily routines.
Human touch plays an important role. The scalp contains many nerve endings connected to tension held in the face and jaw, so gentle massage can release pressure people may not realise they carry. The experience is immersive but subtle, encouraging stillness rather than stimulation. This sensory element helps explain why many clients return regularly. The treatment offers a form of rest that is difficult to recreate at home, even with high-quality products.
MORE THAN A PASSING TREND
While head spas may appear to be a novelty, their growth reflects wider changes in how people approach wellbeing. Consumers are shifting away from high intensity self-improvement towards practices that support regulation and balance.
Head spas are not simply another beauty service. They represent a desire for quieter experiences that allow people to step away from the noise of daily life, even briefly. As routines become busier and attention more fragmented, the value of a dedicated hour to relax, rejuvenate and reset continues to grow.
Salon Studios, 149 Camberwell Rd
Phone: 0433 675 651
Find a head spa in Camberwell Junction:
KUTSUROGI SPA
RIVETING READS
From compelling non-fiction to thrilling novels, these books will captivate and entertain you.
SEED
By Elisabeth Easther
Seed follows four friends navigating fertility, friendship and desire: Hillary, syncing sex to clinic texts; single mum Maggie thriving on apps; Shelley returning to work after motherhood; and Virginia, a midwife longing for a baby of her own. Raw, hilarious and sharp, Elisabeth Easther’s novel explores ambition and belonging, and asks the question: how far would you go to get a life?
WHERE THE LIGHT GETS IN
By Ben Crowe
Where the Light Gets In distils mindset coach Ben Crowe’s approach into nine powerful perspective shifts for living well. Drawing on self-compassion, imagination and appreciation, Crowe shows how small changes in thinking can transform pressure into possibility. Moving from fear to playfulness and from doing to being, this book offers a practical path to confidence, fulfilment and belonging.
MY HUSBAND’S WIFE
By Alice Feeney
My Husband’s Wife is a dark, twisty psychological thriller about identity, marriage and deception. When artist Eden Fox returns home to find another woman living her life — and her husband claiming the stranger is his wife — reality fractures. Six months earlier, reclusive Birdy inherits the same house, uncovering secrets that bind their lives. Alice Feeney delivers a gripping, mind-bending mystery.
ONE OF US
By Elizabeth Day
One of Us is a gripping tale of betrayal and power inside a British establishment family. Martin and Ben were friends for decades before a scandal shattered their bond. When Martin is drawn back into the privileged Fitzmaurice family, buried secrets resurface. As Ben’s political star rises, the true cost of ambition, loyalty and love is exposed.
DEPARTURE(S)
By Julian Barnes
Departure(s) is the story of Stephen and Jean, who fall in love when they are young and again when they’re old. It’s about an ageing Jack Russell called Jimmy, oblivious to his own mortality. It’s also the story of the body that fails us, whether through age, illness, accident or intent. It begins at the end of life, but it doesn’t end there. Ultimately, it’s about how we find happiness in life, and when it’s time to say goodbye.
CAMBERWELL CATCH-UP
Keep up to date with events, promotions and activities taking place in Camberwell Junction.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
CELEBRATE WITH THESE LOCAL EVENTS
Camberwell Junction is set for an exciting time ahead, with a full schedule of events and activities for the whole community to take part in. From festive celebrations to family days out, there’s plenty to look forward to.
MOTHER’S DAY – MAY 10
Treat Mum to beautiful flowers, a new read, timeless fashion or a pampering salon voucher, or bring everyone together for a leisurely brunch at a local cafe.
CAMBERWELL-BEING – MAY 16
Join the Wellness Trail at CamberWELL-BEING and enjoy a fun day out exploring the best in health and wellness businesses in Camberwell Junction.
CAMBERWELL CULINARY AWARDS – AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
Celebrate your favourite foodie hotspots in the shopping precinct across the months of August and September. Purchase a meal or drink from a Camberwell Junction eatery, upload your receipt, and go in the running to win prizes.
FATHER’S DAY – SEPTEMBER 6
Celebrate Dad with a special gift or spoil him with a day out in Camberwell Junction. Explore our local retailers for thoughtful presents or take him out for a meal at a local restaurant.
HALLOWEEN – OCTOBER 31
Get into the spooky spirit with our Halloween event designed to entertain the whole family. Dress up in your favourite costume and enjoy free face painting, activities and live entertainment across the precinct.
MOVE, EXPLORE AND FEEL GOOD AT CAMBERWELL-BEING
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 16 and experience CamberWELL-BEING, the annual showcase of Camberwell Junction’s thriving health and wellness community. The day, which runs from 11am to 2pm, is dedicated to trying something new and discovering local favourites. Begin at CamberWELL-BEING HQ at the rear entrance of Camberwell Fresh Food Market (via Marketplace) to check in and collect your wellness passport. From there, follow the Wellness Trail to participating health and wellness businesses hosting special events and exclusive offers. Don’t forget to collect a stamp at each stop.
When you’ve completed the trail, return your stamped passport to HQ by 2pm to go in the running for fantastic prizes including personal training vouchers, free fitness classes, beauty treatments and health consultations. Details: camberwellbeing.com.au
ACCESS LATEST OFFERS AND NEWS
Once a month, we send out an email newsletter that shares the latest offers, competitions, local news and ‘Meet a Trader’ stories. It’s a great way to stay up to date on everything happening in Camberwell Junction Sign up at camberwellshopping.com.au
Mongkok Tea House, winner of Best Fine Dining, Camberwell Culinary Awards 2025
SHOP SPOTLIGHT
Highlights and happenings in the Camberwell Junction shopping precinct.
Whether you love clean lines, soft tones or standout colours, Buff Nail Studios deliver nail designs that look effortless.
At Legacy, thoughtfully crafted dishes look as good as they taste, making every visit a feast for the senses.
From statement garments to wardrobe staples, Witchery captures fashion’s current mood with on-trend design.
SHOP NEWS
ALTERIS FINANCIAL GROUP
Level 3, 293 Camberwell Rd
Alteris Financial Group provides comprehensive wealth management and financial advice for individuals and families, including tax structuring, retirement planning and aged care guidance.
CAMBERWELL CAR WASH
550 Riversdale Rd
Camberwell Car Wash provides 100% hand-wash and detailing services, delivering extra care, attention to detail and quality results for every vehicle.
CELL FIXX
889 Burke Rd
Cell Fixx offers fast, reliable repairs for iPhone and Android devices, along with phone sales, trade-ins and accessories to keep you connected.
CLUB PILATES
Rear, 656 Burke Rd
Club Pilates is now open in Camberwell Junction and offers the original reformer-based Contrology Method, but modernised with group practice and expanded state-of-the-art equipment. Try your first class for free.
GOLDEN POTS HERO
662 Burke Rd
Golden Pots Hero serves generous portions of classic Chinese comfort food, perfect for the whole family. Enjoy sizzling Mongolian beef, steaming dumplings, Peking duck and fried rice done right. Fully licensed, with an upstairs function room available.
JH LEGAL
3/321 Camberwell Rd
JH Legal is a boutique law firm offering expert support in family law, wills, estates and conveyancing, with a strong client-focused approach.
MINORI CAFE
267 Camberwell Rd
Minori Cafe brings authentic Japanese home-style cooking to Camberwell Junction, with every dish handmade by a full Japanese kitchen team. Enjoy Toby’s Estate coffee in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
NH BAKERY
Rear 831 Burke Rd
Under new management, NH Bakery serves up crowd-pleasing breakfast, lunch and snack options like crispy pork banh mi, vermicelli salads, pastries and quality coffee.
NORI TECHNOLOGY
Waterman, Level 1, 793 Burke Rd
Nori Technology offers innovative digital solutions including software development, web and mobile design, AI integration and cybersecurity services. With more than a decade of experience, they help businesses thrive with secure and scalable tech strategies.
Camberwell Catch-up is sponsored by the Camberwell Centre Traders Association camberwellshopping.com.au
