Residents who live in NewQuay love living here
By Farah Hissim
“Being on the waterfront gives us a feeling of being on holiday,” one local resident told me. He added: “For city living, there is no better location. It is so close to everything, the freeways, walking distance to the station and shops. We can enjoy the fireworks on New Year’s Eve and the Fire Light Festival.”
Another resident said: “What we love most about living in the Docklands is its proximity and easy access to the city and the riverside while still maintaining a pet- and family-friendly atmosphere.”
The expansion of The District has made a difference to the quality of our lives. A local resident said: “I like The District … no, I love The District. It’s amazing!”
Another resident told me: “In the five years my wife and I have lived in NewQuay we have seen significant development towards it becoming a family-orientated suburb. Within walking distance, we now have everything we need for our daily shopping or entertainment needs and will shortly have a school as well, which will further attract more families to the area.”
The area is growing in its recreation offerings too. A local resident said: “As a mum, I really enjoy the bicycle paths around Docklands. My children can manage the cycle, because it is flat and it is in good condition. It takes us to numerous playgrounds around the Dock. I also like that the cinema and shopping complex are so close. Access to the Library at the Dock and Marvel Stadium for events are great. Soon there will be a primary school. We will never want to leave.”
Another local resident said: “I enjoy walking the dog to Ron Barassi Snr Park, and the Railway Canal Reserve under the bridge, and seeing the rabbits and birdlife. It must be so amazing for tourists, especially with the Free Tram Zone and the ferries. And you only need to take one tram from Docklands to the MCG and Telstra Dome.”
Monique, one of Docklands’ longer residents said: “I fell in love with Docklands when I first saw it almost two decades ago now. It wasn’t much then, a few towers, a new football stadium and an enormous barren site on which we now have Victoria Harbour. But I could see the potential, and didn’t hesitate in becoming a resident. Some would say that potential that I saw back then, hasn’t been realised to the full, but that’s what I actually love in Docklands.”
“It’s the people, the families and the pets that have made this place their home. Not a day goes by when someone doesn’t greet me with a smile, or say hello to my two fur babies – Gidget and Gizmo – who everyone seems to know and that’s what I truly love about Docklands. It’s the people that have turned this once barren port site into a home for me.”
Undoubtedly, the quality of offerings in our village have improved greatly. The new school will add to this, as does the library. We’re also looking forward to the marina promenade being extended to Ron Barassi Snr Park, which will make our sundowner walks so much more pleasurable.
Originally published in Docklands News 29/01/2020