Balaclava deadline, $2.4M Playground, Fitzroy St Building Boom, Bayside seeks ‘conscious recoupling’

Quick links

Events | News | Stories | Bits | Opinion | Headlines

Make or break decision looms for Balaclava

Balaclava is on the verge of a series of Council decisions about the renewal of the supermarket precinct on Carlisle Street. Resident and urban researcher Rachel Iampolski urges people who love Balaclava to speak up before it’s too late. [Consultation stage one ends Monday 26 May]

Q&A on Council’s planning for Carlisle Street

Port Phillip Council CEO Chris Carroll tells TWiSK what the community will – and will not – be able to influence as planning for Balaclava’s supermarket sites moves ahead. With the State likely to control the planning decisions, Council is relegated to advocate rather than decider. [Your say will be crucial]

Promises, promises, promises of adventure

It has been a long time coming, but it seems Council is finally going to restore the St Kilda Adventure Playground. The $2.4M upgrade will see the playground closed for up to 12 months. [A local mum reports]

Strategy and hustle on court at Peanut Farm

Netball action is back on the court at St Kilda City. Our netball reporter Tia Pynor-Greedy talks to long-time rivals Aisling Kelly and Hollie Dawson about strategy and hustle. [Go team St Kilda City]

The Gild on Fitzroy Street part of $196M building spree

Fortis has started building The Gild, a $131 million mixed-use development on Fitzroy Street, as momentum builds behind a broader $196 million ‘collective’ push along the strip. [Top end dollars flow into Fitzroy Street]

Bayside calls for ‘conscious recoupling’

Bayside will seek to reset its relationship with the Yalukit Willam Nature Association and Melbourne Water by developing a new collaborative working agreement to deliver the ideals of the masterplan. TWiSK reports on this important ‘reset’, described by one councillor as ‘conscious recoupling’. [Time to reset at Reserve]

Marina boat ramp closed until mid-June

Which reminds TWiSK that the St Kilda Marina project is awaiting resuscitation after it failed to launch despite years of fishing for grand results. The current timetable sees the site brief updated by 3 June 2026 — yes, just a week or so away — with tender documents released by 30 June 2026 and then the tender process and outcomes for the new lease arrangement by 31 July 2026.
But don’t hold your breath: transition to the new lease is scheduled for December 2027, with the new lease commencing in October 2028. [So much time, so few results]

Find the local events you want

Music | Theatre | Community | Exhibition | Learn | Comedy | Sport | Free | Wheelchair accessible

Panel Conversations with Councillors

Councillors Buckingham, Crawford and Halliday will be at the St Kilda Library to discuss your questions on Monday, 6–8 pm. Perfect timing, as Balaclava is facing some big decisions. [Bring your questions to the panel]

Parents stage the battle of the bands

Parent bands from local primary schools are battling it out over two nights at the Prince Bandroom. Round 1 features Wet Wet Wet Time Table, Albert Parklife, The Portals, Lunchbox 20 and Primary Scream. Thursday this week and next. Door proceeds go to the school of your choice. [Guess which band title goes with which school]

Cemetery tour: Irish Achievers in Colonial Melbourne

Hear Claire Barton introduce us to Melburnians of Irish heritage who rest with us in St Kilda, including Andrew Tobin, grazier; Thomas Monahan and Thomas Moubray, businessmen; Thomas Black, doctor; Henry Figsby Young, one-time licensee of Young and Jacksons Hotel; and Ina Higgins, gardener and activist. Sunday, St Kilda Cemetery. $10. [The first Irish backpackers]

Win tix: Lazarus

Lazarus is the extraordinary true story of Larry Walsh, Taungurung Elder, activist and storyteller, brought to life in a heartfelt and vital work that speaks directly to the soul of this country. Theatre Works, Acland Street, until 6 June. [Tix and info]
Win tix: subscribers only
Email to enter the draw for one of three double passes. Entries close 26 May.
Passes are subject to seat availability.

Anna X at Red Stitch

Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents the Australian premiere of Anna X, a razor-sharp, high-octane satire inspired by the true story of socialite con artist Anna Delvey. Red Stitch until 21 June. [Tix and info]
Winners of the free tix were Judith K and Karen C — congrats.

St Kilda’s only source of independent journalism

Independent local reporting combined with local arts, music and community events. TWiSK is always free and proudly independent — subscribe to keep it that way.

Subscribe for free, or choose voluntary paid support from $5 a month or $50 a year.
Venues can also subscribe for $150 a year.

Greg Day

Happy to chat anytime: 0418 345 829. Content suggestions and community questions always welcome. gday@edunity.com.au