Music carried across the courtyard of the Inkerman Street public housing towers on Sunday 26 April, as local bands set up and played for a cause.
There was no traditional stage, no tickets and no security. Just word of mouth, a few amps, and a community showing up for its own.
Among those performing were Fred Negro, Angela Howard, Rob Wellington, The Dums and Stella Delmenico.
“I’ve known Fred and his partner Viv and a number of these musicians for a few years now,” said Stella, 27.
“I just hung around and loved the music and the kind of quirky community that St Kilda has. The fact that Viv and Fred now face losing their home and may be forced out of the neighbourhood they love is terrible.”
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When she heard about the gathering to raise awareness of the residents’ plight, she didn’t hesitate.
“It’s a no-brainer really… whatever we can do, however big or small that may be, it’s just important,” she said.
Viv, 67, was a co-organiser of the event and is a long-time St Kilda resident who drew on her connections to the local music scene and broader community to help create a program of songs, speeches and support.
“They’ve all donated their services,” Viv said. “We need to let people know what’s going on.”
In late January, residents in several Melbourne public housing towers – including St Kilda, South Yarra and Richmond – received letters advising they would need to relocate (with the right to eventually return to the new site) under a plan to demolish all 44 high-rise towers across inner Melbourne by 2051, affecting around 10,000 people.
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For Viv, the issue is personal and frightening.
“Fred and I tried to find another private rental, but it’s impossible for people of our age. Impossible. We are the last people considered,” she said.
“We were going to be homeless and cast out of St Kilda.”
Just eighteen months ago, an offer of public housing accommodation here in Inkerman Street offered stability.
“When we signed the contract, we were told this was our forever home. That gave me a lot of peace of mind.”
Now, she says, residents are trying to process what comes next.
“Everybody I speak to feels the same way. Just shell-shocked.”
For organisers like R-Coo Tran, founder of volunteer-run advocacy organisation 44 Flats United (44FU), the stakes go beyond individual homes.
She grew up in the Carlton towers and still has family living there.
“These buildings are communities,” she said.
“People from different countries, different languages, all living together and supporting each other.”
She said many residents – particularly older people and migrants – are struggling to navigate the process.
“Homes Victoria do not provide all the information you need to make an informed decision,” she said.
“For some people, there are language barriers. For others, it’s just overwhelming.”
As the music continued, Stella says the true meaning of the day was simple, but powerful.
“Everyone who turned up here today, it’s just about community.”
And for many residents, that community is exactly what they fear losing.
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