A decade in Docklands

Michele Anderson was one of Docklands’ first residents.

She and her family moved to the area 10 years ago searching for a home by the water.

They had previously lived in waterside suburbs, moving from Williamstown to Port Melbourne, before settling in Docklands.

Docklands proved to be the right fit for the family of four.

“To have an apartment right on the water was a unique experience in Melbourne,” Michele said. “There are not a lot of places in Melbourne where you can live this close to the water.”

The family lived in the Arkley tower for two years and has spent the following eight years in an apartment at the Nolan.

Closeness to the water was one thing, but another drawcard for Michele and her family was the proximity to the city and the ease of lifestyle in Docklands.

“I love the fact that absolutely everything is close by,” Michele said.

Now working at Harbour Town, Michele said she loved having to travel no further than across the road on her daily commute.

Likewise, the fact that public transport is so readily available means she might not use her car from one week to the next.

Over her time in Docklands, Michele has been involved in many different aspects of the community.

She has been chairperson of both the Arkley and Nolan towers and had been involved with the Docklands Community Association and the Docklands Chamber of Commerce.

Having now clocked up a decade in Docklands, Michele has had plenty of time to watch the area grow.

Likewise, she has also had time to think about how she would like the area to evolve.

Michele’s vision for Docklands is of an artistic community.

“I’d like the whole NewQuay Piazza area to be transformed with small cafes and protection from the sun and wind. I’d love it if it was an area of extreme art so that it drew people to the precinct,” she said.

Michele also said she felt that a theme of maritime art would be a great way to connect the different precincts in Docklands.

As her first decade in Docklands draws to a close, Michele now looks forward to seeing Docklands grow and develop over the next 10 years.