Spoonville ideas: Richards Rd in Montrose, and Chum Creek Forkville’s local favourites
The Spoonville movement has taken Melbourne communities by storm, but now a rival kitchen utensil is trying to muscle in on its turf — and its popularity is spiking.
Outer East
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A rebel faction of a worldwide village phenomenon taking Melbourne by storm has popped up in Chum Creek, and these utensils give no forks.
Forkville is different take on the worldwide Spoonville community movement, and it’s giving Yarra Valley locals a bit of a laugh.
But the phenomenon has become more than just a creative outlet for families – it has given many locals, from toddlers to the elderly, a light in the dark coronavirus tunnel.
For those who are not familiar with the idea – you paint or decorate a wooden spoon – or fork – with your individual style or flair, and add it to your local Spoonville community.
The movement was originally started to cheer up communities across the world during coronavirus, and in the last six months many small spoon communities have popped up all around the Yarra Ranges, and Melbourne.
It was a way to boost the community’s mental health during the pandemic, with people encouraged to share photos which could spread around the world.
Chum Creek grandfather Trevor Mays and his wife wanted to do something fun with their grandchildren who they are looking after during lockdown took a unique take on the idea – Forkville ‘the rebel faction’.
“I never thought it would go viral on the noticeboard,” Mr Mays said.
“Everyone is doing it tough, looking for laugh and it worked.”
He said many families, couple and individuals living near or on Yarra Valley dirt road had all been out exercising and enjoyed the funny rebel faction on their way.
A hugely successful village is the Richards Road Spoonville in Montrose, with its very own Instagram account.
Father of (soon to be) four, Tim Dam, and his family created a very colourful village in their front garden, and it has taken off.
Not only do his own children love finding all the news spoons, the neighbourhood families enjoy seeing their spoons on social media.
After buying half a dozen wooden spoons from the op-shop, Mr Dam realised they would soon run out if neighbours wanted to join in.
So he began to make them himself out of plywood and they are available for anyone who wants to take part.
He set up the now 111-strong Spoonville about three weeks ago, after his wife and children discovered one near their house.
“My son wanted his own,” Mr Dam said.
“So far I must have made almost 300 spoons – 72 today.”
He said it had been fantastic and something that has really helped boost a lot of people’s mental health in a very difficult time.
“I’m out of work at the moment because I’m in commercial construction and I try and get up each day and actually do something,” Mr Dam said.
“It’s the same for a lot of people I’ve talked to since we started this.”
He said this was particularly apparent for a lot of men.
“Many of us underpin our worth on taking care of our families and putting food on the table,” Mr Dam said.
“This has opened up a lot of conversations with people and neighbours.
“That’s the funny thing, it’s brought a lot more value than just being about the Spoonville itself.”
Mr Dam said the village has opened up conversations with people who walk past that he might have never met.
He said it also helped people connect during lockdown, including for those who might not have spoken to anyone outside their household, or even anyone at all, in a week.
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