Community3008 AGM wrap up: Docklands charts its next chapter

Community3008 Inc. held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 27 at Library at the Dock, bringing residents, local stakeholders and supporters together to reflect on the year and look ahead to the future of our neighbourhood.

The evening marked an important milestone for the association, which was formed to strengthen community representation across Docklands.

Outgoing president Sandi Severin tabled the President’s Report and Treasurer’s Report, outlining the highlights and challenges of Community3008’s first year as an incorporated association. Members acknowledged the significant work of the inaugural committee, with particular thanks to Sandi and Helen for their contributions in helping establish the group.

The AGM featured four community updates that touched on some of the most pressing issues for Docklands. The City of Melbourne provided an overview of recent activity in the precinct and invited residents to the Christmas Party at Library at the Dock on Thursday, December 12.

A safety update was presented following the Victoria Police briefing held in October. Police confirmed that the top community concerns in 2025 mirror those from the previous year, including safety in public spaces and protection of personal belongings.

Officers outlined key operations such as Operation Teddy, which focuses on multi-storey carparks, and Operation Stand, which responds to aggressive shop theft. The Crime Reduction Team also continues its proactive work with young people on bail to connect them with support networks.

Harvey Cleggett gave an update on his waterways project, presenting a proposed solution to intercept debris before it enters Victoria Harbour. His presentation showed how rubbish travels through the Yarra River and highlighted the need for coordinated action to protect the harbour environment.

The Alma Doepel and Melbourne Heritage Fleet provided a further update on the challenges they are facing, including the threat of eviction. They invited Docklands residents to support their Day of Protest on Saturday, December 7 to help protect this important part of Melbourne’s maritime heritage.

Following the formal reports, all committee positions were declared vacant, and nominations were accepted. Members elected the new committee for the coming year, including co-presidents Jamal Hakim and Peter Lardner, secretary Damien Livesley, treasurer Anu Bhardwaj, and general committee members Simon Charles (communications), Paul Vella (IT), Marshall Wei (student engagement) and Hana Assafiri (community engagement).

The meeting recognised the efforts of the outgoing team and welcomed the new committee as they take forward the next phase of the organisation’s work.

Peter presented an outline of the proposed 12-month plan, which focuses on strengthening governance, growing the membership base, supporting resident-led working groups and building a sustainable structure for the future. The plan also includes quarterly member meetings and continued advocacy on behalf of Docklands residents.

The evening ended with a well-attended panel discussion titled, “What Does the Future Hold for Docklands”, featuring Rob Moore, and Michael Smith in conversation with Peter Lardner.

The discussion explored the long-term opportunities and challenges for the precinct, including public realm improvements, planning considerations and ways to support a stronger, more connected community.

As Docklands continues to grow and evolve, Community3008 Inc. is committed to ensuring that residents have a strong voice in the decisions that shape the neighbourhood. We can only do this as a community, and we invite you to join us as members in the new year.

Finally, as we wrap up our first year, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

community3008.org.au •