Come and meet a Docklander

After a successful trial in May, the City of Melbourne is proceeding with Docklands’ first Sunday Streets event on November 26.

Merchant St will be closed between Bourke St and Victoria Harbour Promenade for the event, which runs between 1pm and 4pm.

Announcing the initiative at the Docklands Community Forum on October 25, community engagement officer Melanie Del Monaco said it was designed to bring people together.

She said the trial event on Harbour Esplanade in May attracted more than 170 people.

She said only 10 per cent of people surveyed at the event said they felt connected to their community.

“But 60 per cent of people said they wanted to feel connected,” Ms Del Monaco said.

“Events like Sunday Streets are about bringing people together to help make those connections.”

She said, among other activities, a “Meet another Docklander” speed-dating-type activity would be conducted.

“It’s a new event that’s kind of based on speed dating, but without the romantic activity!” she said.

Sunday Streets will be concluded with a community parade.