Falling in love with Docklands

Rosslyn Cooper is one of Docklands newest residents.

The 25-year-old moved to Melbourne from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast six months ago and couldn’t be happier with her new home.

Rosslyn and her husband live in Yarra’s Edge, an area that she absolutely loves. “It’s awesome being on the south side of the river,” Rosslyn said. “We love having all the boats around.”

By choosing to settle in Docklands Rosslyn has found the world at her feet.

She loves the convenience of the location and the fact that she is walking distance from the CBD and from her workplace in Southbank.

Rosslyn moved to Melbourne with her job as a project administrator. After arriving she decided to explore the range of choirs that perform in Melbourne.

Rosslyn started singing when she joined her primary school choir at the age of six and hasn’t stopped since. She’s been involved in church choirs, musical theatre groups and has performed at weddings and cover gigs.

Rosslyn joined Melbourne Singers of Gospel (MSG) four months ago. The community choir is performing a gala concert later this month.

The choir will perform a wide repertoire at the event including African and southern gospel songs along with songs by Adele and Michael Jackson. The choir consists of around 60 people ranging in age, occupation and singing experience.

“The choir has a really good community feel,” Rosslyn said.

Community is important to Rosslyn, which is another reason why Docklands provides the perfect lifestyle.

“I think there is definitely a sense of community in Docklands,” Rosslyn said.

“Because it’s been getting a bit warmer lately we’ve been walking along the boardwalk a lot and often see people having barbecues in the park. On Wednesday afternoons we always see a group of guys who all play soccer in the park,” she said.

Rosslyn also said she had met a lot of the locals who walk their dogs and the owners of the cafes at Yarra’s Edge.

“I love the waterfront down here, with all the little cafes. We love having breakfast down here on a Saturday morning or grabbing coffee on a Sunday afternoon,” she said.

And if you thought that an area like Docklands couldn’t possibly have a neighbourhood, Rosslyn will prove you wrong.

“Believe it or not we’ve actually ended up being great friends with our next-door neighbours,” she said.

Rosslyn and her husband bonded with the couple after she knocked on their door to ask if she could borrow a can opener.

“That’s another reason why we love the area, we’ve met some great people,” Rosslyn said.

You can see Rosslyn perform with the Melbourne Singers of Gospel choir at their gala concert ‘Shake Yourself Loose’ on Saturday, November 19.

The concert starts at 8pm at Methodists Ladies College, Kew.  Tickets from $25. Bookings at http://www.trybooking.com.au/GQC