The untold stories of an eclectic Footscray street are being unearthed through a creative writing project.
Nicholson Street Now, a website created by Victoria University professional writing and editing students, explores the people and passions behind the street, which runs through the heart of Footscray and connects VU’s two Footscray campuses.
VU lecturer Michelle Fincke said the idea stemmed from her observation that many students arrived in Footscray to study each day and left without necessarily engaging with the wider area.
“Footscray is clearly in a state of flux. I thought, let’s get to know our neighbours,” she said. “Each story has a little treasure or gem.”
Ms Fincke said the project was a way for her students to experience the complexities of journalism while learning more about the people who keep Footscray humming along.Her writing class was quick to take up the project and revelled in the chance to interview people. “I tailored the project to fit their ambitions and they have embraced it,” she said.
“The hardest job as a journalist is finding stories. It was a good experience for them to get to interview people face to face.”
Ms Fincke said that like the rest of Footscray, Nicholson Street had undergone a great deal of change over time.
She hopes Nicholson Street Now will give people a greater insight into the wide range of businesses and organisations that have made it their home.
“It’s a street that has taken time to find its place. There was outrage when it became a mall, which seems a surprise now.”
Visit: www.nicholsonstreetnow.com
