Introduction: The initiative taken by the local community in 2025 for a small but historic area of Melbourne – Matisi Street – was not just to preserve a building or area, but to save the memories, culture and traditions of generations hidden in it. This is the story of a collective petition that gave impetus to the campaign to get Heritage Overlay Status.
The importance of Matisi Street: a history, a legacy
Some buildings and institutions located on Matisi Street in Melbourne are not just structures of brick and stone, but are woven into collective memories, the identity of Friulian culture, and the roots of the migrant community. This was the reason why when news came about the demolition of these buildings under development projects, there was a stir in the local community.
What is Heritage Overlay Status?
Heritage Overlay Status is the legal protection that the local administration or council gives to those buildings, streets, sites or areas that have historical, cultural or architectural importance. Under this, any kind of construction, reconstruction or change is strictly monitored. The purpose of this status is to preserve heritage and pass on its significance to new generations.
How did this community petition start?
- The campaign was initiated by some local elders and members of a cultural club who feared that their heritage might be lost in the race for renewal.
- Soon an online petition was launched, urging people to sign in support of this heritage overlay status. Schools, clubs, social groups and nearby businesses wholeheartedly supported the campaign.
- Many residents said that their grandparents had got married in this building, or they used to celebrate festivals in this building.
One local resident, Maria Delchia, said emotionally:
- This place is not just bricks and mortar, it is our soul. We learned our language here, adopted our customs. We will not lose it.
- Such sentiments formed the backbone of this petition.
Travel Information: How to Reach Matisi Street, Melbourne
In case you desire a more intimate visit to this historic region, here are the simple ways to explore this area:
By Polytrans:
Tram: Catch a tram on tram line 96 which leads down to St Kilda Beach. Take the tram at the Middle Park station and get down; then take the Canterbury road to walk about southwards up to the Matisi Street.
Rail: Use train and travel down to South Yarra Station then hop into bus number 606 (route to Fishermans Bend). Alight at Canterbury Road/ Montague Street and walk east on Canterbury road along to Matisi Street.
Driving/ Parking:
On the CBD:
- Head south along St Kilda road.
- Go left to Toorak Road.
- Turn directly into Chapel Street.
- Turn then right on the Commercial Road.
- In to coventry street then in to canterbury road.
Melbourne Airport:
- Go on the Tullamarine Freeway/State Route 43 to Melbourne.
- Exit at Citylink on to Montague Street.
- Make a right turn leading towards Coventry Street and Canterbury Road.
- Parking: You can park on Canterbury road or neighboring streets.
Effect of the petition and response of the administration
- At the time when the petition collected more than 10,000 signatures, it was a serious issue of the local authorities.
- There were numerous written applications communicated to the council. A local meeting was subsequently convened and the heredity experts, the local councillors and citizens joined the meeting.
- The authorities said they recognised the cultural significance of the site and were reviewing the Heritage Overlay Status.
Why is heritage status important?
- Preserving cultural identity: Every building, every street has history within itself. Heritage status ensures that future generations understand that history.
- Promoting local tourism: Preserving such sites can also promote tourism, which in turn boosts the local economy.
- Community engagement: When an area is a cultural hub, it brings together people and solidarity. This needs to be preserved.
Conclusion:
Solidarity of the community and its declination to lose its heritage was the greatest force behind this petition We should not fail to remember that heritage is not only a great museum, but it lies in the buildings, streets, memories around us. And when a society bands together to preserve that heritage, then it is not only saving the past, but it is building a future as well.