There’s no place like Docklands

For Docklander Dr Yvonne Zhou-Grundy, there’s really no other place in Melbourne to live.

The Yarra’s Edge resident first moved to Docklands from Port Melbourne 11 years ago seeking a quieter, more manageable and less complicated lifestyle.

“The beauty of apartment living is that you can just close the door and go,” she said.

Her first choice was to buy off-the-plan at Mosaic in Victoria Harbour, where she lived until three years ago when she moved to Forge.

Yvonne said Victoria Harbour had become too built up and hectic, whereas she has again discovered the quiet life at Yarra’s Edge.

She and partner George also enjoy weekends away working in the garden of their rural retreat.

“There are so many positives about Docklands,” Yvonne said. “It’s a city on the water, whether you are at Central Pier, NewQuay or Yarra’s Edge.”

And, it’s the water that really appeals to Yvonne. “Water really relaxes your mind. It is always soothing to come home to.”

She said Docklanders were spoiled for choice, when it came to activities. “Footy, shows, cinema … we’re got everything here,” she said. “And we only have to hop on a free tram to the hustly, bustly CBD and, best of all, we can come back to Docklands and find peace.”

“But what I like most about Docklands is the people. People come here by choice, because they love it.”

Yvonne has contributed to community life ­– having served on the Docklands Representative Group of the community forum and the executive of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce.

She is also a foundation member of Docklands’ choir, the Open Door Singers, which meets every Wednesday.

“There are so many things going on here to get residents out of their apartments and take part in this very diverse community,” she said.

She is also active on her tower’s owners’ corporation committee.

Yvonne is originally from Shanghai, having set out to explore the world and forge a new life some 31 years ago.

“Australia is my home,” she said, reflecting on what a different place China was all that time ago.

“China is very advanced now, but it was only starting to emerge then.”

Dr Zhou-Grundy’s professional consultancy involves introducing and culturally guiding Australians and Chinese looking to do business together. She often travels between the two countries.

She likes to keep fit and swims as well as working out at the gym. “When you are in good health, you can enjoy life a lot more.”

And enjoying life is exactly what this contented Docklander intends to continue in her favourite part of Melbourne.