Vale Docklands News – welcome, The Melburnian

In late 2016 – nearly 10 years ago – I wrote my first SKYPAD Living column for Docklands News.

At the time, I was intrigued by the possibilities of vertical living and explored topics on innovative apartment design, smarter ways to use smaller spaces and promises of “vertical sustainability”.

But it quickly became clear that successful apartment living wasn’t just about well-designed buildings. It was about creating well-connected communities.

My columns evolved from discussing “clever ideas” and innovation to tackling the realities of owners’ corporations, building management, governance, neighbourly connections and the everyday challenges – and opportunities – of living together in higher-density communities.

In many ways, this change mirrored the evolution of Docklands itself.

Over the past decade, this precinct has continued to transform from an urban renewal project into a genuine neighbourhood.

Our community found their voice – in no small way due to the support of the community focused, Docklands News, first led by Shane Scanlan and then Sean Car.

This publication has been far more than a newspaper. It has been our community noticeboard, our advocate, our historian and, often, the thread connecting people who otherwise would have remained isolated.

I’ve been equally fortunate to contribute to the Docklands Representative Group, whose own journey reflects this evolution. While originally grounded in local issues, its focus has expanded to recognise that apartment living is a national conversation. Stronger connections with the Owners’ Corporation Network (OCN) reflect a growing understanding that the lessons learned in Docklands can help shape better apartment communities across Australia.

So, while it is time to say vale to Docklands News, the evolution continues with The Melburnian, carrying forward the vital role of independent, hyperlocal journalism in telling the stories that matter to our communities.

Our communities never stop changing – and neither should the conversations that help shape them.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of that conversation over the years. Whether you’ve agreed, disagreed or simply reflected on my columns, you’ve made the effort worthwhile.

As Melbourne continues to grow upwards, the next chapter of vertical living is only just beginning. I invite you to continue that journey with me by subscribing to OCN: ocn.org.au.

Together, we can keep advocating for apartment communities that are not only well built but well connected – places where people don’t just live, but truly belong. •