What kind of suburb should Footscray become?
A Victoria University public forum this month will tackle some thorny questions posed by the changing face of Footscray.
VU community development academic Nicole Oke says the forum will explore the impact of rapid development and gentrification on the suburb’s traditional, ethnically diverse and working-class character.
“Urban renewal not only changes what we see around us but also challenges how people feel they belong to, and identify with, Footscray,” Dr Oke said.
“The shape Footscray takes in the next few years is not pre-determined.” She said services, public spaces and businesses were rapidly changing to reflect the shift in the people now visiting and living in Footscray.
The forum will explore the issue of affordable accommodation, access to legal services and the use of public spaces.
Dr Oke said it was vital to discuss what it is about Footscray that people want to hold on to, as well as what changes are worth embracing.
“People talk about Footscray as the welcoming hub of a diverse range of communities,” she said.
“They value, for example, the numerous African barbers and cafés that help African communities forge a sense of belonging in the city.”
The free forum, organised by VU’s Community Development Association and its Community, Identity and Displacement Research Network, will have speakers including several researchers who work with community groups. It will be held at MetroWest, 138 Nicholson Street, Footscray, from 5.30pm on Wednesday, April 29.
