Life in the ’burbs
Opinion
Berwick
My suburb used to be a country town that looked down on its neighbours
The country town feel of our suburb still survives, even if we’re surrounded by sprawl instead of farmland these days.
- by Clancy Briggs
Latest
Opinion
Hawthorn East
Hands off, Camberwell: Melbourne’s most charming cinema is ours, not yours
My suburb’s stereotype is Lululemon, accountants and lawyers, with a lot of “Where are your kids at school?” There’s also the case of an inter-suburban theft.
- by Sarah Moller
Opinion
Maribyrnong
The parks in my valley suburb are great – but there’s a grim reason why
Cyclists and walkers can easily find relief from the inner city in my suburb’s walking tracks, which overlook the neighbourhood’s biggest misfortune.
- by Chris Poropat
Opinion
Opinion
My tiny offshoot suburb is just like Coburg – but boring
I tell myself that we made a very canny investment when we moved here. But the only reason was because we’d been priced out everywhere else.
- by David Clements
Opinion
Clifton Hill
My suburb likes to hide its identity. Even our most famous building is misplaced
After coming up in the world, my suburb would love to build a moat around ourselves. Instead, we keep people out with a welcomed level crossing and plethora of speed bumps.
- by Cara Waters
Opinion
Opinion
My suburb has a bad reputation, but buzzes with the energy of those making a second start
If you watched the recent Q&A filmed in my suburb, you’d think our area was little more than crime gangs, cultural ghettos and “white flight”.
- by Rhonda Garad
Opinion
Opinion
My shabby suburb was once at the cutting edge. Now, it is filled with hard rubbish
I call my suburb retro chic, but others say it is shabby and tired. Change here is rapid, but one thing is certain - if you let go of your trolley in the Coles supermarket in Dorset Square it’ll go rogue.
- by Everard Himmelreich
Opinion
Opinion
A notorious YouTuber came looking for trouble in my suburb – but we surprised him
I understand why Spanian stopped by during his tour of the world’s “most dangerous and notorious neighbourhoods”. The video he shot revealed who we really are.
- by Stefan Koomen
Opinion
Opinion
My suburb was like a dozy old uncle. And then it discovered designer threads
When I told a snobbish friend I had found a small but affordable house, I was firmly instructed to tell everyone it was actually in Ormond.
- by Linda Himmelfarb
Opinion
Opinion
I left Melbourne’s inner city to live on the fringe and found exactly what I needed
I’ve found a nurturing environment for my children. But like many locals in newer suburbs, I’m concerned about transport problems and access to services such as healthcare.
- by Shemsiya Waritu
Opinion
Pascoe Vale
My suburb might be boring, but walking the streets is an extreme sport
Our streets have seen countless broken wrists and scraped knees, with many locals familiar with the thrill of fanging downhill on what are arguably suburban Melbourne’s steepest streets.
- by Joe Comer
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/life-in-the--burbs-6g0e