Town planning has always been central to the role of local government, as the level of government closest to the community.
The Victorian Government’s draft plans for Stage 2 of its Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program propose increased building heights and density throughout much of Stonnington.
When it comes to planning for the future, Stonnington supports growth, but it needs to be planned properly.
Our team of experienced planners have already undertaken work to plan for our future growth, in consultation with the community. Our plans demonstrate how we can exceed the State's target of 50,000 new homes for Stonnington, while maintaining the local character, heritage and liveability our city cherishes. Our commitment to liveability also includes ways we can support our health, wellbeing and self-connection. That’s why Council has endorsed the Active Stonnington Action Plan
CEO UPDATE
Message from the Mayor
2026–2029, a four-year roadmap for how we will strengthen participation in sport and active recreation across our community.
This Plan builds on recent progress, including major sporting facility upgrades, expanded programs and the introduction of the Fair Access Policy. It also recognises that Stonnington is growing and changing, and that people want more flexible, inclusive and accessible ways to be active.
Developed through extensive engagement with more than 750 residents, club members and community stakeholders, the Action Plan reflects what we heard. People value safe and welcoming places to be active, better connections and pathways, modern facilities, and opportunities that suit different ages, abilities and lifestyles.
The Plan is guided by six strategic priorities, from improving and upgrading facilities to strengthening inclusion, participation and awareness to supporting the volunteers and clubs that play a vital role in community life.
Managing residential parking across Stonnington
Dale Dickson PSM, Chief Executive Officer
Residential parking is one of the issues Council hears about most often. In an inner metropolitan municipality like Stonnington, where many streets are narrow, housing density has increased and off-street parking is limited, managing access to on-street parking fairly has become increasingly difficult.
Draft plans to enable more density in more areas, released by the Victorian Government in February, suggest competition for parking is unlikely to dissipate.
For many years, Council provided up to two free residential parking permits per eligible household, with more than 33,000 free permits issued annually. As population growth, car ownership and competing demand for parking have increased, this model, subsidised by all ratepayers, including those who do not benefit from the permit scheme, has become financially and operationally unsustainable.
The cost of administering the residential parking scheme involves community consultation, signage installation and maintenance, system management, customer support and enforcement.
Most comparable inner metropolitan councils moved to user-pays permit systems many years ago. Stonnington has followed, rather than led, that shift, and our fees compare favourably.
A tiered pricing structure applies. The first permit is priced lower to recognise essential vehicle needs, with higher fees for second and subsequent permits reflecting increased competition for limited space. Concessions are in place,
Reconciliation Acknowledgement Statement
It aligns closely with Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and broader Council Plan, ensuring our efforts are coordinated and focused on long-term outcomes.
This edition of Stonnington News highlights what that commitment looks like in practice. You will read about safer streets near schools, major upgrades at East Malvern Tennis Club and Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park, continued safety improvements along Chapel Street, and the community groups and services helping Stonnington thrive.
Whether it’s walking or cycling locally, joining a sporting club, taking part in a casual fitness program or simply enjoying our parks and open spaces, the Active Stonnington Action Plan is about making it easier for everyone to move in a way that suits their life.
I am proud of the collaborative work behind this Plan and look forward to seeing it come to life across our neighbourhoods.
Cr Melina Sehr JP, Mayor
with eligible Pensioner Concession Card and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders receiving a 50 per cent discount.
Council has also transitioned from paper permits to a digital system. Digital permits are linked to a vehicle registration, so there is no need to display a permit. Visitor permits for eligible properties can be activated online by entering a registration number, either for short stays or an annual visitor permit. The system has been thoroughly tested and is designed to be simple to use.
Planning changes in your area
As part of the Victorian Government’s Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program, draft plans showing proposed changes to building heights across large sections of Stonnington were released for feedback in mid-February.
The draft maps affect eight centres in Stonnington, including South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Hawksburn, Toorak (also known as Beatty Avenue), Toorak Village (tram), Armadale and Malvern train stations. Properties in Malvern East are also affected by the Caulfield centre in Glen Eira.
Council has already undertaken significant strategic planning work, which demonstrates that Stonnington can exceed the State's target of 50,000 homes in Stonnington and protect local character, heritage and liveability.
A survey on the Victorian Government’s Engage Victoria website to capture community feedback on their vision, was scheduled to close on Sunday 22 March – during the distribution window for this newspaper.
To provide feedback on the draft plans after this date, email activity.centres@ transport.vic.gov.au or contact your local Member of Parliament in the State Government.
Last year, our libraries were buzzing: more than one million loans, 320,000 visitors and 1,200+ events. Now, we want to hear how we can make this service even better.
Our annual library satisfaction survey is open for feedback from Monday 13 April to Thursday 30 April
Tell us what you value most about our libraries and what you’d like improved. Your feedback shapes what we do.
Have your say from Monday 13 April at connectstonnington.vic.gov.au/ library-survey
Frequently asked questions, including pricing, eligibility and how visitor permits operate, are available at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ parkingpermits Share some library ideas
We acknowledge we are on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations and pay our respect to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge their living connection to Country, relationship with the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.
A win for kids with safer streets
A 30km/h speed trial outside two Stonnington primary schools is designed to create safer, more liveable streets.
For Windsor father Glenn Peters, the short walk or bike ride to school is more than a commute; it’s a ritual.
“It’s a great time to talk… but a lot of the time, it’s nice to just walk, watch and listen to [everything] happening around us,” Glenn said.
But Glenn also knows how unpredictable local streets can feel for children, especially when visibility is limited by parked cars and footpath obstacles.
“There are a lot of cars parked on streets and rubbish bins on footpaths that can make it hard to see cars coming. Now, there are electric cars that you can’t hear, so that can feel dangerous.”
To help create safer streets, Stonnington Council will run an 18-month trial that will reduce speeds from 40km/h to 30km/h on Hornby Street in Windsor and on Canterbury Road, Brookville Road and Fairbairn Road in Toorak.
These streets have high numbers of children walking, riding and scooting to and from school.
Research shows that pedestrians have a 90 per cent chance of surviving a crash at 30km/h, compared to 60 per cent at 40km/h and only 10 per cent at 50km/h.
For Toorak Primary School mother
Alex Campbell, who lives in South Yarra with her husband and five children, lowering the speeds is one important piece of the safety puzzle.
“I think it’s a great idea… the slower, the better, right next to schools,” Alex said.
Her four eldest children commute to school via bike or scooter – a routine that supports independence and fits the rhythm of a busy household.
“Bikes are fantastic in this area for so many reasons. Better for the environment, for road congestion, often faster – they give kids good independence within confines.”
But independence only works when streets feel safe.
“If we’re going to give [our kids] independence, you have to make sure they’re safe on the roads.”
Lower speeds support more active travel, reduce congestion at school gates, improve air quality and create calmer, more walkable streets – key goals of Stonnington’s Road Safety Strategy and Walking Action Plan.
“It benefits everyone,” Alex said, “not just people with kids.” Learn more at: stonnington.vic.gov.au/30-speed-limit-trial
Ace upgrade for historic tennis club
Get set for a new era at the East Malvern Tennis Club, with upgrades designed to boost safety, accessibility and community connection.
Celebrating its 140th year, the East Malvern Tennis Club is ready for a refresh that honours its past and prepares it for the future.
President of the East Malvern Tennis Club, Ralph Muir-Morris, said the revamp is much anticipated.
“This upgrade recognises the hard work of volunteers over many years and brings the club up to the standard today’s families expect,” Ralph said.
The works will enhance the safety, accessibility and cohesion of the off-court areas.
Several ageing structures – including the old swimming pool, coaches’ box, spectator seating and associated fixtures – will be replaced with a new, compliant concourse, upgraded paths and ramps, and modern spectator seating.
“Improved safety will allow families to relax and enjoy watching their children play, rather than worrying about where they’re moving around the club,” Ralph said.
For younger members, like eleven-year-old Louis, the upgrades couldn’t come soon enough.
“I think the upgrade will make the club much safer, especially for little kids. It’ll also be nice for our parents to have somewhere to sit and cheer us on from the sidelines,” Louis said.
Giving everyone a shot
The upgrade will also help broaden participation through new ramps.
Ralph says the committee is eager to re-engage with blind and low-vision players and eventually host wheelchair tennis.
“Seeing better access in action will be incredibly rewarding, especially as it opens up opportunities to re-engage players with disabilities.”
With construction underway, members are already imagining the energy of the renewed space. For a place that has stood the test of time, this moment marks the first page of a new chapter.
Learn more at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ east-malvern-tennis-clubrefurbishment
↗ The East Malvern Tennis Club Committee.
↗ Toorak Primary School students.
↗ Windsor father, Glenn Peters, and his son, Fred.
Time to renew your parking permit?
Does your parking permit expire on Thursday 30 April? It’s time to register in our new ePermit system and renew your permit.
All parking permits are now managed digitally in Stonnington – no more paper permits or stickers stuck to your windscreen.
The new digital parking permits are instead linked to your vehicle’s number plate and your residential address.
We’ve moved to a digital parking permit system as it’s a more efficient and effective way to issue permits.
All residents with a current parking permit will receive direct communication from Council in the mail about renewal.
If your permit expires on Thursday 30 April, you can register your details on our ePermit system and apply for your new permit. Our customer service team is here to assist residents that require support or you can visit our Parking Services team at one of our upcoming library information sessions.
We’ve also introduced a new tiered fee structure for permits that follows a user-pays model, so we can manage increasing demand as the municipality grows.
The digital permits start at $60 annually, with a second permit costing $90 and a third costing $100. A visitor permit costs $120 annually and special occasions permits are $6.70 per vehicle.
Build summer swimmers this autumn
Crisp air, turning leaves and the welcome warmth of an indoor pool. Autumn is the season to build your child’s swimming skills before the summer rush.
For Stonnington mother of three, Sandy, enrolling her children in swimming lessons is part of growing up in Australia.
“So much of our life [is] centred around beaches, pools and holidays,” Sandy said.
“We wanted swimming to be a natural and essential life skill for all [our children].”
That’s why Sandy enrolled all three of her children at age two in the Learn to Swim program at the Harold Holt Swim Centre.
“Water safety is so important to our family,” Sandy said.
“Before lessons, Chloe, Marcus and Kiara were like most toddlers –cautious around water and very dependent on us.”
But through parent-in-the-water, play-based lessons, Sandy’s children learnt to feel safe in the water and build independence.
Ripples of progress
As the children have grown, so have their achievements.
“These are the moments where you really see how far they’ve come from those early days in the baby pool,” Sandy said.
To ensure the fairest system, eligible concession card holders now receive a 50 per cent discount across all fee levels.
To apply for a digital parking permit, create an account on our ePermit platform or visit one of our Service Centres.
APPLY ONLINE AT:
stonnington.vic.gov.au/ parkingpermits
MyStonnington app
For more information, visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/ parkingpermits
“As a new dad, I’m taking in all the firsts, which makes me excited for what’s ahead. I can’t wait for my daughter to feel confident in the water – and programs like this help families get there.”
— Cr Jamie Bell, Tooronga Ward
“Learn to Swim has helped turn the water into a place they genuinely love being. They’re relaxed, confident and aware, and they approach pools and the beach with excitement rather than hesitation, while still understanding the importance of safety.”
Why early swimming matters
With water woven into so much of Australian life – from backyard pools to summer holidays – Sandy believes early swimming lessons are one of the most valuable investments families can make.
“They give families peace of mind, build confidence and safety from an early age, and create pathways for lifelong skills.”
Her message to families considering enrolling?
“Start early and stick with it. The confidence, safety and love of the water children gain through swimming lessons are truly invaluable.”
From sticks to stumps: Oval upgrade underway
Sport is upping its game at Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park, with the ovals undergoing a facelift.
The latest upgrades will deliver better playing conditions for the lacrosse and cricket club, as well as park users, with both ovals being re-turfed and fitted with improved drainage and irrigation systems.
Players will also enjoy a new turf wicket table, new practice nets and ball protection screens. For anyone interested in staying active off the field, new outdoor fitness stations are being installed to give the community more ways to move.
Evening visitors will notice improvements too, with upgraded lighting boosting visibility and safety across the park.
With construction now underway, the ovals are temporarily closed. However, pedestrian paths remain open around the site.
These works form the final stage of Council’s Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park Masterplan, which aims to establish the precinct as an epicentre for sport in Stonnington.
With each stage of the masterplan, Percy Treyvaud is becoming a true sporting hub for Stonnington. These upgrades are a major step toward realising that vision.
— Cr Jami Klisaris, Malvern Valley Ward
Interested in our Learn to Swim program? Visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/ learn-to-swim
Learn more at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ ptmp
↗ Learn to Swim participants, Marcus and Chloe.
Arm yourself for flu season
With winter approaching, it’s a good time to book your flu vaccine to reduce the spread and help protect our community.
The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the wider community from influenza.
Who can get a free flu vaccine?
» all children aged six months to five years
» all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
» pregnant people
» all adults aged 65+
» people with certain medical conditions
If you’re not eligible for a free vaccine, you can still book a flu shot at Council immunisation centres for a fee.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR FLU VACCINATION:
Call 8290 1459 or 8290 3335
Complete the online booking request form at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ immunisation
Meet the nurse supporting families for 20+ years
Before a baby can coo or crawl, a Maternal and Child Health Nurse like Annie is already there, helping families find their feet.
For veteran Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurse Annie, who has spent two decades in the role, a typical day involves seeing around eight families.
Each visit brings a different need: a feeding question, a sleep concern, a developmental check, or simply a moment of reassurance.
“Supporting and guiding parents through those early years is incredibly rewarding,” Annie said.
“I love helping families thrive and watching babies grow and change over time.”
With 879 babies born in the City of Stonnington in 2024–25, Stonnington’s Maternal and Child Health Services play a vital role in supporting local families.
The services provide free high-quality care for children from birth to school age.
Support includes newborn home visits, sleep and settling sessions, breastfeeding support, and food, play and screen time education
How Billye visits the library without leaving home
Books open portals to other worlds. But for 97-year-old Glen Iris resident Billye, those portals don’t sit on a shelf – they arrive at her door.
Every three weeks, Billye receives a bundle of books, featuring a selection of curated crime novels, as well as her favourite magazines.
These books aren’t sent by a literary fairy, but by a local librarian through the Stonnington Home Library Service.
groups as part of the INFANT (INfant Feeding, Active play and NuTrition) program.
Our MCH nurses also run first-time parent groups, including a partnership with a Dads Group, and deliver Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services for families experiencing additional challenges.
Much more than weighing babies
Despite the breadth of care MCH nurses provide, their work is often misunderstood as “just weighing babies”. In reality, the profession is built on extensive training and clinical expertise. Maternal and Child Health Nurses are registered nurses and midwives with additional qualifications in Child and Family Health Nursing.
“The needs of a baby and their family can be very complex, and we work closely with families to guide and support them through the many challenges they face,” Annie said. From maternal mental health to toddler behaviour to safety advice, MCH nurses are trained to support the whole family – not just the newest member.
With International Day of the Midwife on Tuesday 5 May and International Nurses Day on Tuesday 12 May, it is timely to recognise the work of dedicated MCH nurses like Annie who support Stonnington families to thrive from day one.
Learn more about our Maternal and Child Health Services at stonnington.vic.gov.au/maternal-child-health-services
The service offers a free, personalised home delivery of library items –spanning books, audiobooks, magazines and even seeds – for community members who can’t visit the library.
“When I found out there was a delivery library… I knew it was perfect for me,” Billye said.
For Billye, who is now housebound, the service lets her enjoy the comfort and stimulation of reading without the challenge of leaving home.
Over the years, the Home Library Service has introduced Billye to new authors, including Australian writers she might never have discovered on her own.
“I was stuck on three or four authors I liked, but their books aren’t always available,” she said.
The librarians introduced me to a lot more – it’s like they almost know my mind.
But for Billye, the service is about far more than books.
“The librarians are wonderful because they understand the genre I like… they’re so patient – they listen,” Billye said.
“We even exchanged Christmas cards. They’re like another family member or friend.”
While the books connect Billye to different places, people and parts of history, it’s the human connections she’s made through this service that have brought the most joy.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Eligible community members are Stonnington residents:
» aged 65 and over
» people with disability, illness or injury
» residents of aged care facilities or assisted living accommodation
» socially isolated
Carers may also be eligible. You only need to be eligible for one of these criteria. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact our librarians to discuss.
Materials will be delivered to your home every three weeks. Any items for return will also be collected at this time.
To register your interest in receiving a Home Library Service delivery: Call 8290 8011 or email homelibrary@ stonnington.vic.gov.au Complete the online registration form.
↗ Home Library Service participant, Billye Clegg.
↗ Maternal and Child Health Nurse Annie.
Stonnington Engaged
Walk and talk buddies
Mondays and Thursdays
10am–12pm
Looking to join a friendly walking group that explores a new location each week? Mondays involve a gentle, leisurely walk while Thursdays offer a moderate-tobrisk walk. Meet at the location or ask about our bus service which drops you there from home. Free. Bookings essential.
Planning for your future workshops
Grattan Gardens
Community Centre
40 Grattan Street, Prahran
» Understanding the impacts of a blended family under the Family Law Act
Monday 13 April 9.30am–11am
Discover how the law approaches stepparents, shared parenting responsibilities and financial arrangements in blended households. This free workshop will provide real-world examples to help you navigate fair, balanced outcomes in Australia’s evolving family law framework. Bookings essential.
Prahran Place
40 Grattan Street, Prahran
For bookings, call 9510 7052 or visit prahranplace.org.au
Introduction to AI
Tuesdays, 21 April to 23 June
1pm–3.30pm
Curious about how AI can make your life easier? This 10-week course is designed to explore how AI can help with writing, organising information and everyday tasks. Build confidence with AI and have fun discovering its capabilities.
Yin yoga
Mondays and Wednesdays 9.30am–10.30am
Join us for yin yoga that gently stretches your body, improves flexibility and eases tension in your joints. Leave feeling restored and revitalised. Everyone welcome. Mats provided.
» Legal matters for older fellas
40 Grattan Street, Prahran
Monday 11 May 9.30am
Seniors Rights Victoria will present on enduring powers of attorney, advanced care directives and medical decision-making. Leave with a free copy of the Take Control booklet. Includes morning tea. Bookings essential.
Freestyle creatives
22 Rob Roy Road Malvern East
Wednesdays 10am
Bring your own creative project and join a friendly group of people for morning tea. Free. Bookings essential.
Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House
22 Rob Roy Road, Malvern East
For bookings, visit phoenixparknh.org.au or call 9530 4397
Chair-based exercise
Mondays 11.45am–12.45pm
A gentle, low-impact exercise class designed to improve strength, mobility and balance while seated or supported. Costs $5.
Open studio
Wednesdays 11am–1pm
A relaxed, self-directed art session for painters and creatives to work on their own projects in a studio. Materials not supplied. BYO project. Costs $5.
The puzzle club Thursdays 1pm–4pm
Enjoy a relaxed, social afternoon working on jigsaw puzzles together. Connect, unwind and keep your mind active. Costs $2.
Supporting older adults to stay active and connected.
WALKING AS A TOOL FOR CONNECTION
Since joining the group about two years ago, the walks have let me connect with wonderful people who are also retired.
We connect and support one another, and use ‘walking’ as a tool to facilitate this. I enjoy the friendships and hearing everyone’s stories.
New members are accepted easily and readily accommodated despite specific health concerns.
— Daniel Bright, Walk and talk buddies
Tai chi at Prahran Square
Cato Street, Prahran
Tuesdays 9am
Join us outdoors for free gentle exercises that increase mobility, suppleness and mental alertness. Suitable for all levels and led by a Tai Chi Australia instructor. Tai Chi is also available on Zoom each Friday at 9am. Bookings essential.
Program bookings: 8290 3337 or email engaged@ stonnington.vic.gov.au
Collagraph and beyond workshop
Fire Station Studio
2 Willis Street, Armadale
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 May 10am–4pm
Collagraph is a versatile printmaking technique in which impressions are printed from a plate. Create your own prints in this two-day workshop with printmaker Kay Watanabe. Suitable for beginners and more experienced practitioners. Materials provided. For bookings, call 9509 1782 or visit fps.org.au
U3A Stonnington: Something for every senior
1–3 Valetta Street, Malvern
Join an organisation that offers opportunities for retired and semi-retired people to be mentally, physically and socially active. For details, call 9500 1288, email mail@u3astonnington.org.au or visit u3astonnington.org.au
100 reasons to celebrate with the Mayor
If you are a Stonnington centenarian, or know someone who will be, the City of Stonnington would love to know.
To be eligible for the recognition, the nominated person must:
» be 100 years of age
» reside in Stonnington
» agree to be nominated.
Transport bookings: 8290 3349 or email communitytransport@ stonnington.vic.gov.au
Grattan Gardens Community Centre
40 Grattan Street, Prahran
Hope Connection Inc Tuesdays 11.30am–3.30pm
Come along to our Japanese speaking group for a range of fun activities. All ages welcome. No bookings required.
Learn more at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ hope-connection-inc
Learn more at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ engaged
Subscribe to our Stonnington Engaged e-newsletter at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ subscribe
WHAT’S ON
Savouring the Seasons
Saturday 11 April
10am–12pm
Correa Kitchen
Discover how to transform stale bread into two delicious dishes in this hands-on sustainable cooking workshop led by not-for-profit shared kitchen venue, Correa Kitchen. Learn from professional chefs and take home samples of your creations.
LIBRARIES
Learn more and book at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ library
School holiday fun at the libraries
Tuesday 7 to Friday 17 April
This program turns time off school into time well spent, whether your child loves being creative, trying new things or having fun with friends. Choose from arts and crafts, writing and illustration, Zumba, dance and hands-on robotics, there’s something for every interest. Charges and bookings apply for some sessions.
Chapel Street Walk
Wednesday 22 April
10.30am–11.45am
PMI Victorian History Library
Step back in time on this Australian Heritage Festival tour exploring the golden era of Chapel Street shopping. Hear stories of iconic department stores and visit historic gems like the Prahran Arcade, beginning at the PMI Victorian History Library. Costs $22–$33.
Diana Thorp on Code of Silence: How Australian Women Helped Win the War
Wednesday 1 April 5.30pm–6.30pm
Malvern Library
Journalist, historian and teacher, Diana Thorp, brings to life the stories of women involved in Australia’s covert operation during WW2. Free. Bookings essential.
Smartphone basics
Tuesday 21 April 1pm–2.30pm
Malvern Library
Learn basic features, buttons, shortcuts and tips to use your smartphone with confidence. Free. Bookings essential.
Learn more at stonnington.vic.gov.au/whats-on
Armadale
Heritage Walk
Wednesday 29 April
10.30am–11.45am
Armadale Train Station
Enjoy a guided stroll through the rich history of High Street, Armadale. Explore its celebrated food scene, boutiques, leisure spots and architectural highlights, beginning at Armadale Station. Costs $22–$33.
How to write a song like Taylor
Saturday 2 May 2.30pm–4.30pm Toorak/South Yarra Library
Learn how to use your own life stories and experiences to write songs that connect with listeners. Acclaimed songwriter Charles Jenkins shares lyrical techniques to improve your songs and songwriting. Cost $10. Bookings essential.
Wear. Repair. Reuse.
Sunday 3 May 2pm–5pm
Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House
Want to reduce waste and extend the life of your stuff? Recycle clothing, linen, accessories, soft plastics and small electronics. Repair household items at the Phoenix Park Repair Cafe, try hands-on textile reuse activities, and join a community goods swap. For details and to register, visit: stonnington.vic.gov.au/ whats-on/wear-repair-reuse.
How to grow microgreens at home
Saturday 16 May 10.30am–12pm Greville Street Library
Learn how to grow tasty, nutrientpacked microgreens on your own kitchen windowsill. They’re perfect for beginners and anyone interested in trying something new. Free. Bookings essential.
Friday 1 May
Sing along to ABBA’s hits with the lyrics on the big screen and a five-piece band on stage. This is the only ABBA tribute where the show spills off the stage and into the audience. Expect a glittersoaked night of fan favourites – Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Take a Chance on Me and more – delivered with infectious energy, big vocals and pure disco joy.
Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 May
A proudly Aussie comedy with heart, The Last Parma Night is a rowdy love letter to mateship, music and the perfect pub feed. Tommy Gibson returns to the local of his youth, ready to relive his glory days. But as the stories get bigger, the truth gets messier. With his life and friendships at stake, Tommy must confront his greatest fear: the last parma night.
Friday 8 May to Saturday 23 May
From the first note, Once draws you in and never lets go. This emotionally captivating musical is the only show with music to win an Academy Award, Grammy, Olivier and Tony. From the producer of Mamma Mia! and Avenue Q, AG Theatre presents Once, a heartfelt love story brought to life through stunning live music. Set on the streets of Dublin, two musicians’ chance encounter sparks an unforgettable collaboration full of soul, magic and heart.
Pride in every note
This autumn, the Melbourne Rainbow Band is filling our parks with something far louder than music.
The community ensemble is sharing a story of resilience, visibility and belonging – one that has been three decades in the making.
Founded in 1995, at a time when many LGBTIQA+ people couldn’t lead authentic lives, the band began as a sanctuary.
Melbourne Rainbow Band (MRB) President Luke David recalls members avoiding photos and using alternate surnames to protect their identities.
“We started with a group of less than 20… before the internet was born. Members had to make sure they weren’t in photographs and used alternate last names in newsletters, so they weren’t outed and sacked,” Luke said.
“The band gave them a space where they could be themselves, develop their musicianship, and [help] change perceptions of the Rainbow Community.”
Today, the MRB has grown to 70 musicians. While society has shifted,
Luke says the need for a safe, welcoming space remains.
“Some members are not out to their parents or community,” he said.
“The MRB gives them a place each week to let their guard down and work towards a positive and meaningful collective goal.”
For many, that sense of belonging is life-changing.
It’s so important for everyone to have their community. It can be incredibly valuable for mental health… and can even save lives.
A one-of-a-kind Australian band
As Australia’s only large-scale LGBTIQA+ concert band, the MRB holds a unique place in the country’s cultural landscape.
Over the years, Stonnington’s grants program has provided varying levels of support to the Melbourne Rainbow Band. This has allowed them to enjoy professional musical direction and regular performance opportunities for local audiences for nearly 30 years.
1 WE LISTEN Budget planning starts with you. Last November, we asked residents what Council should focus on in 2026–27. More than 320 community members participated and common threads across the feedback included the need to get the basics right, improve our green spaces, create safer streets and invest in more roads and active transport.
2 WE BUILD THE DRAFT
Your rates fund everything from parks and footpaths to services such as libraries and leisure centres. But how do we decide where the money goes? That's where you come in.
With our draft 2026–27 Budget open for feedback, we’re sharing how the budget comes together – and how your voice makes an impact.
Our finance team then gets to work, weighing community priorities alongside rising costs, inflation, debt repayments and essential services.
3 WE GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO REFINE IT
Once the full draft budget is ready, it comes back to the community for a second look in April/May. While there’s less room for major changes at this stage, your feedback still matters and will be considered.
“We’re so proud to call Stonnington home,” Luke said.
“We add something special to the area.”
That spirit carried the band through COVID, when Zoom rehearsals became lifelines – sometimes the only human contact members had.
“It kept them going,” Luke said.
Now, with new Musical Director Shawn Williams and Associate Musical Director Elliot Westbury, the MRB is entering a fresh chapter.
This April and May, the band will present two free outdoor performances, showcasing vibrant music and the unmistakable sound of a community playing in harmony.
FREE LIVE SHOWS
Sunday 19 April, 1pm–3pm South Yarra Siding Reserve
Sunday 17 May, 1pm–3pm Rockley Gardens, South Yarra
4 WE FINE-TUNE AND TAKE IT TO COUNCIL
Based on your feedback, we make any final tweaks and then present the final Budget to Council for endorsement. All feedback is shared with Councillors, along with an explanation of how it’s been considered.
5 WE PUT IT INTO ACTION
Once the Budget 2026–27 gets the tick of approval, it kicks in from 1 July – funding the services, projects and improvements you see around Stonnington every day.
Have your say on the draft 2026–27 Budget at connectstonnington.vic.gov.au/ budget2026-27
Soft plastics might look recyclable, but items like cling wrap, bread bags and biscuit packets don’t belong in your yellow bin. Instead, drop them to a participating local supermarket.
Kerbside recycling can’t process soft plastics. They jam machinery, contaminate other materials and disrupt the whole recycling stream.
That’s why some local supermarkets have reintroduced dedicated soft plastic drop-off bins. How it works
» Collect your clean, dry soft plastics.
» Take them with you when you shop.
» Drop them into the soft plastics bins at participating stores.
From there, your plastics get a second life. They’re turned into road materials, concrete additives and even supermarket trolleys – helping keep valuable materials out of landfill and supporting a more circular economy.
This program is part of a national trial run by the supermarket retailer-led Soft Plastics Taskforce, designed to test large-scale soft plastic recycling capacity and help shape a long-term solution.
Stores participating in the trial in Stonnington include:
» Woolworths Prahran Metro Corner Wattle and Cato Street Prahran
» Woolworths South Yarra 670 Chapel Street, South Yarra
» Woolworths Toorak 459–465 Toorak Road, Toorak
» ALDI South Yarra 34 Elizabeth Street South Yarra
Please note: participating Coles stores are not located in or near inner south-eastern suburbs.
↗ The Melbourne Rainbow Band in action.
Operation Safenight helped drive a major decline in assaults, robberies and public order offences along Chapel Street in 2025.
Last year, almost 100 arrests were made in the Chapel Street precinct. Robberies fell by 35 per cent, crimes against the person dropped by 24 per cent, and public order category offences declined by 17.6 per cent.
More than 7,744 policing hours were dedicated to the area in 2025 as part of Operation Safenight.
This Victoria Police initiative targets antisocial behaviour and public order offences on Chapel Street every Friday and Saturday night.
Operation Safenight will continue in 2026 to help keep the precinct safe and fun.
Last year, you shared how deeply pets enrich your lives – from companionship and wellbeing to helping you stay active and connected.
We heard that parks and open spaces matter, with many calling for more fenced off-leash areas, better signage and stronger enforcement. Dog poo, off-leash compliance and barking topped the list of frustrations, while cat concerns centred on roaming and stray animals.
Participants also demonstrated responsible pet ownership, with high rates of registration (96%+), microchipping and desexing.
Our Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029 provides the framework for our animal management services, with a focus on dogs, cats, and the people who own or spend time around them.
If your pet could talk, they’d remind you to renew their registration by Friday 10 April.
Failing to do so may result in a fine. By law, every cat and dog over three months old must be registered.
Registration helps keep your pets safe, makes it easier to reunite lost pets with owners, and ensures compliance with animal ownership regulations. Registration starts at $80 for de-sexed dogs and $56 for de-sexed cats. Reduced fees apply if you provide proof of adoption, obedience training, or registration transfer from another council.
Owners of more than two cats or dogs (one dog if you live in an apartment), must apply to keep extra animals.
How we support local businesses
When local businesses thrive, our precincts come to life, our economy strengthens, and our community benefits from more choice, activity and connection.
That’s why we support our local businesses. It’s a key part of our Council Plan; to maintain Stonnington as a vibrant destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Here’s how we help local businesses grow.
Business events
Book now at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ businessevents
Business Concierge
Starting, expanding or buying a business can be complex. Our Business Concierge makes it easier.
We help new and existing businesses understand permits, navigate requirements and connect with the right teams across Council – all for free.
To get started, email businessconcierge@ stonnington.vic.gov.au or call 8290 1333
Events and workshops
We support capability-building across our business community. Our regular online and in-person events cover digital skills, marketing, customer experience and more. So, our local businesses can stay competitive and resilient.
See what’s coming up at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ business-events
Help
Business grants
Grant ideas help energise our precincts and strengthen our local economy.
Our grants support initiatives that foster vibrant neighbourhoods – from precinct activations to business improvements. Explore grants at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ community/grants
Stonnington business directory
A strong local economy relies on strong local connections.
Our free business directory helps our community discover local businesses and helps businesses to connect with each other.
List your business at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ business/find-a-local-business
Precinct data snapshots Smart decisions start with research.
Our biannual precinct data snapshots provide insights into local spending, visitation, vacancies and business activity across our key precincts, supporting smarter planning for businesses and Council.
See the snapshots at stonnington.vic.gov.au/ business/economic-data
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER
Find out about business events, services and updates by subscribing to Your Business Connect, our dedicated monthly business e-newsletter.
stonnington.vic.gov.au/ subscribe
Victoria’s Small Business Bus visits Toorak Village. Book ahead to secure your session.
Ward spotlight: Cr Sally Davis on Hedgeley Dene
It seemed surreal to Cr Sally Davis when the Darling Road Dairy delivered milk bottles to her home by horse and cart.
“It was 1982 when Ken and I bought our home in Malvern East, so we were really surprised by our unique milk delivery. Sadly, that era soon ended and Dairy Park now stands in the dairy’s place,” Cr Davis said.
“The then Malvern Council – and residents – lobbied the State Government to buy the old dairy (in 1989) to replace parkland lost by the South Eastern freeway (now the Monash) extension.”
The dairy theme continues with Hedgeley Dene Ward taking its name from the historic Hedgeley Dene Gardens which was also once part of a dairy farm.
In 1911, Malvern Council bought 8.5 acres of the farm and used it as a quarry – then a rubbish dump.
After WW1, returned soldiers planted significant trees and the gardens were developed from 1924.
“[Hedgeley Dene Gardens] has always been my favourite spot in Malvern East,” Cr Davis said.
“It’s a quiet, special place which is hidden away from main roads. During Covid-19 lockdowns, the waterfall was a calming backdrop for residents walking through the gardens.”
“For several years prior, the waterfall had ceased operating – because it was using precious portable water,” Cr Davis said.
“After my re-election in 2016, local residents requested the waterfall be reinstated, so I suggested Council staff introduce a recycled water pump. During the lockdowns, I was so pleased the waterfall was operating, as I could see the tranquil effect it had on many people,” Cr Davis said.
Protecting heritage in a changing ward
The Hedgeley Dene Ward – spanning the suburbs of Malvern East and Glen Iris – has evolved significantly since its dairy-cart days. With increasing pressure for high-density development, Cr Davis is hearing growing unease from residents.
“The Victorian Government’s plans for high-density developments are concerning many residents who value
the heritage areas in Hedgeley Dene Ward,” Cr Davis said.
“But it’s also the diverse style of architecture that defines our suburbs: predominantly Victorian, Edwardian and Californian bungalows that help create our ‘sense of place.’ ”
Cr Davis’ key concerns
Strengthening community safety and tackling loneliness are also priorities for Cr Davis.
“When people talk about local government, they often only think about the basics provided by councils – but under Victorian Government legislation we are responsible for improving and overseeing community health, safety and wellbeing.”
“While it is a state government responsibility, local government has a role to play in helping people feel safe and connected in their community.”
Do you have any memories of Hedgeley Dene ward?
Share them with us by emailing communications@ stonnington.vic.gov.au
↗ Cr Sally Davis in front of the Wilmot Fountain in Central Park.
MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS
WARD
Cr Melina Sehr JP Mayor msehr@stonnington.vic.gov.au 0417 773 644
HEDGELEY DENE WARD
Cr Sally Davis sdavis@stonnington.vic.gov.au 0439 946 122
The City of Stonnington's Council comprises nine elected Councillors, representing each of the city's nine wards – Como, Greville, Hedgeley Dene, Malvern Valley, Orrong, South Yarra, Toorak, Tooronga and Wattletree.
WARD
Cr Samantha Choudhury Deputy Mayor schoudhury@stonnington.vic.gov.au 0447 758 691
Cr Jami Klisaris jklisaris@stonnington.vic.gov.au 0427 333 471 MALVERN VALLEY WARD
