With 135 countries represented in the population of Footscray, the suburb showcases a model for multiculturalism, made even more impressive by its natural occurrence. No policy dictated the informal urbanism that has seen several waves of migrants find the footholds needed to successfully establish their community. In recent times, the spaces forged by these peoples have come under threat of gentrification. Whilst the arrival of bars like Mr West, the influx of cafés and increase of families becoming first home buyers on the west side may signify the hallmarks of white gentrification, the views from above ground level tell a different story.

 

The residents of Footscray are going to become more and more accustomed to seeing cranes and construction everyday. With an apartment boom that has seen to the councils approval of 1350 local units in 2015 (10 times the number approved two years ago) and the “Footscray Structure Plan” proposing something akin to a CBD for the suburb, there is a nearing possibility that the Footscray market and the cultural melting pot that denotes the suburb may be erased entirely. 

 

This website is the home to an ongoing catalogue on the voices of Footscray, those who have studied and are observing the destruction and those who hope to survive it. For all, the same question stands: “must we become passive observers to the destruction of one of Melbourne’s most culturally diverse and socially rich suburbs?” (Sidh Sishtingua)