10 year celebration at NewQuay

Docklanders old and new celebrated the 10-year milestone of the first residents moving into the suburb on December 21.

It was 10 years to the day that Peter and Lyn Kelly, Tony Smarrelli and Lyn Ireland and Rick and Wendy Gersh (the event organisers) moved into their apartments at NewQuay.

About 70 people attended the reunion at Oscar’s Table and were welcomed by owners Matt and Brett.

Peter Kelly reported that everyone had a great time at the reunion.

“Guests came from all precincts and had a wonderful time chatting and catching up,” Mr Kelly said.

The four speakers of the night, Peter Kelly, Rick Gersh, Vince Muscatello and Peter Crowley, spoke of what Docklands had meant for them.

“It was great hearing from each of the four about how they have experienced the 10 years to date and how they all felt very fortunate to be part of such an important part of Melbourne’s recent development,”
Mr Kelly said.

“What has happened in 10 years has been remarkable and we’re only half way there.”

“Guests were made up of residents (new and old), investors here in Docklands and those who have left and wanted to come back and celebrate. It was great to see Sam and Houda the original owners of the IGA store.”

Declan Sykes, now 15 years old and most recently seen on Channel 10 as a top five contestant in the X Factor, performed.  Declan lived in the Arkley with his mum when he was aged between 4 and 7.

 “It was great to welcome him and his mum back for the night,” Mr Kelly said. “Another youngster Jessica Ness, aged 13, sang a couple of her own songs. It was great to have them both perform for us on the night.”

“All in all it was a great get together with friends of Docklands who have shared this wonderful journey together.”

Former VicUrban staff Peter Crowley and Nicqui Merlina attended, as did former Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Brian Tanti.

NewQuay owners corporation chairs Michele Anderson, David Wolfram and Roger Gardner attended and MAB director Andrew Buxton sent his apologies and best wishes.  Apologies were also received from former MAB connections Steve Buxton, John Darmody and Don Jones.