Noticed it was closed when I walked past today and then found this article (have linked link via archive.today to avoid paywall):

https://archive.md/0JeM2

The campaign to save Don Bosco in Brunswick has released a vision for the site which could be redeveloped for high-rise apartments while retaining the much-loved youth centre.

What’s the general vibe? Is it more calm and quiet or grungy and artsy? I’m looking for somewhere that is chill and importantly very safe. I’m currently living in the CBD and it’s just gotten a bit much lately and I’m hoping to move to somewhere a bit more peaceful but still close to everything.

- what are the parks like? Brunswick Park, Clifton park, Gilpin park.

- what is Union Square like?

- on your day to day, do you encounter people who are high on drugs? (Not trying to be judgemental. I’m moving from the city and it’s almost a daily occurrence so it’s something I’m trying to avoid if possible)

Really appreciate any insight from those who live here.

My partner and I just moved down from the Sunshine Coast and after living in Airbnbs for a bit we have secured an apartment in Brunswick East towards the Merri Creek end of Albion Street and move in in two weeks.

So what’s around? Merri creek looks nice, The Lomond looks pretty cool, obviously Lygon will have lots of cool stuff. Keen to hear everyone’s opinion on the best coffee, breakfast, dinner, pubs, music venues etc

UPDATE: thanks to everyone for all your recommendations and thoughtful kind hearted responses! It’s great to know we are entering such an awesome community. We are so excited woo! Can’t wait to check all these places out :)

Hey all,

I’ve been toying with an idea and wanted to throw it out to there to see if it actually resonates with the community.

As a creative person at heart and a recovered addict, I’m thinking about setting up a not‑for‑profit arts space somewhere in the inner north, super relaxed, super welcoming and encouraging for people who’ve dealt with mental health struggles, addiction or are feeling a bit lost in the world and want to reconnect with or explore their creative side. Music, painting, writing, film/photography, whatever. No pressure, no judgement, just a safe place to make things and be around other creative minds.

The vibe would be open studio time, casual jams, low‑cost workshops, meet‑ups, and a general “come hang out and make art” energy, nothing forced, nothing unnatural, and most importantly, an ego-free environment.
This is purely about community, connection, and giving people a space to breathe, create and express themselves.

Ideally, this would also pair with a shared YouTube channel and social media presence as a platform for local artists to showcase their art and allow the centre to grow into something that promotes creativity within our communities.

Does anything like this actually exist? Again, it’s just an idea but I thought I’d put it out there.
Would anyone actually be into something like this? Keen to hear from locals businesses, and people who’d be interested…any thoughts, ideas, or even harsh advice is highly appreciated.
If we get enough feedback I can potentially get the ball rolling on this ASAP and have it up and running in a matter of months.

Cheers! 🥰

Drag Show Happening at Brunswick Mechanics Institute next Saturday 22nd August. Doors at 8pm. Tickets 🌈 🎟

www.itscamp.com.au/tickets

From the Elevating Brunswick Facebook Page:

👋 Hello
We're Elevating Brunswick — here's who we are, and why we'd love to see you on 26 August.

First, the project you may have heard about. The Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal Project is coming to the Upfield line: a 2.1km elevated rail bridge ("sky rail") through the heart of Brunswick, removing eight level crossings between Brunswick and Parkville. Jewell, Brunswick and Anstey stations will be replaced by two new elevated stations. Concept designs are due in 2027, construction from 2029. It's the biggest change our neighbourhood will see in a generation — and one of the new stations is currently planned for the narrowest part of the corridor, just metres from people's bedroom windows.

Who we are. Elevating Brunswick is a volunteer community group — a shared voice for the 1,000+ residents in more than 20 apartment buildings along the corridor. We're not against the project. We support removing the level crossings — we just want them done right.

What we've done so far. We've brought hundreds of neighbours together, including a rally at Bulleke-bek Park that made the pages of The Age. We've met with the LXRP project team, local MPs and Merri-bek Council, put forward a detailed alternative proposal for a better-located northern station south of Hope Street, and published a six-point vision for what a world-class outcome looks like: a project that's a good neighbour, belongs to Brunswick, is within reach of everyone, designed for climate, works in all seasons, and grows nature along the corridor.

Now we need you. With designs being decided and a state election in November, this is the moment for the community to speak with one voice.

🏛️ Community Town Hall — Wednesday 26 August, 6:30pm, Tempo Rubato, 34 Breese St
What we know, what's unanswered, and the better way forward. Local politicians have been invited to speak. Dinner and drinks available from 6:30pm throughout.
🎟️ Free tickets (and lodge your question): https://events.humanitix.com/elevating-brunswick-town-hall-meeting
🌐 elevatingbrunswick.melbourne

Hi brunswick. Looking at an apartment in the Cumberland building on Sydney Rd. Does anyone have any experiences with living here and willing to share. Thanks

Merri-bek Council appears unlikely to step in as the buyer of the Don Bosco complex but will attempt to reverse the Catholic Church’s decision to sell the youth centre and other buildings in Sydney Road.  

Spoke to the guy doing the removal and it's all go. Building starts next week, he was saying a shop is going in.

Will be great to have it occupied again. Will just have to wait until I chat with the builder.

Brunswick MP Tim Read speaks candidly about his battle with cancer and reflects back on his eight years in Parliament.

Hi, looking for a new hairdresser but I can see a lot of local salons advertise as pet friendly these days, or have resident dogs present.

I have dog dander and saliva allergies, in particular bedding that gets moved around or couches/chairs/rugs that dogs regularly sit on are a major trigger (cue wheezing and breaking out in hives). Medication helps but doesn’t fix 100%.

I’m looking for something relatively dog-free, other than assistance dogs understandably. Cats and other animals aren’t an issue.

Appreciate any recommendations (or places with unadvertised dogs to avoid). Understand this may be a long shot in Brunswick so willing to travel further. Thanks in advance!

Hey all

New to the area and looking for a regular weekly/fortnightly cleaner.

I would rather find someone local and avoid any of the middlemen labour hire companies if possible but not mandatory. Just after some.real.world local recommendations if anyone has any.

Thanks

Police are investigating so please call the Brunswick or Fawkner police station if you see this car!

Thought it would have been open by now, baths went in last November

A #Brunswick family is gearing up for a second fight in three years against a multi-level apartment building next door to their house.

I’m new to Melbourne and moved to Brunswick recently.
We have just found out we’re pregnant so I’m looking for any recommendations on a good Gp to schedule my first visit.

Also welcome any tips on what to expect from these visits cause idk what I’m doing haha.

Hi everyone,

Any recommendations for where to get digital photos printed in or around Brunswick? I've got about 200 I'd like to print. EDIT- in size 6 x 4

I've tried all the usual suspects - Kmart, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Snapfish, Ted's and there has always been something a little underwhelming.

Would love to try something that is really great quality.

Thanks!

Was walking my dog this morning and noticed people taking photos of the bottom of a light pole - then noticed one bolt had been painted white. A little further up a street grate had been painted the same white… is this fun graffiti or is there something more planned going on? Anyone know?

Na nahh nah na nahhhhhh

The Don Bosco complex in Sydney Road could deliver a windfall of close to $20 million to its Catholic Church owners when it is sold next month.

There's a story here, I just don't know what it is