Introduction: The initiative taken by the local community in 2025 for a small but historic area of Melbourne – Matisi Street Club 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.
- Locals’ sentiments: We don’t want to lose our roots 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.
Where to go: Getting to Matisi Street, Melbourne
In case you desire to see this historic area better, here are some simple ways how to come there:
Public Transport:
Tram: Tram no. 96; it heads to St Kilda Beach. Alight at the Middle Park tram stop, and proceed walking (south) along Canterbury road until you arrive at Matisi Street.
Train and Bus: You can travel by train incidentally to the south Yarra Station and ride bus 606 (route: down to Fishermans Bend). Alight at Canterbury Road/Montague Street and walk along Canterbury road towards east until you get yourself to Matisi Street.
By Car (Driving/Parking):
From the CBD:
- Go south on St Kilda Road.
- Turn left onto Toorak Road.
- Go straight onto Chapel Street.
- Then turn right onto Commercial Road.
- Turn onto Coventry Street and then onto Canterbury Road.
From Melbourne Airport:
- Take the Tullamarine Freeway/State Route 43 towards Melbourne.
- Take the Citylink exit towards Montague Street.
- Turn right onto Coventry Street and then onto Canterbury Road.
- Parking: Parking is available on Canterbury Road or nearby streets.
Impact of the petition and administration response
- When the petition garnered over 10,000 signatures, it became a serious matter for the local authorities.
- Many written applications were sent to the council. A local meeting was then called, attended by heritage experts, local councillors and citizens.
- 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:
The strongest asset of this petition was community unity and its will and desire to rescue the heritage The matter is that we need not forget that heritage is not only in the museums, it is in the streets, buildings and the memories we know. And when a town gets to band together to rescue that past, it does not just preserve the past but it also builds the future.