For a time In the 1850’s, the territory from Princes Bridge to South Melbourne was know as Canvas Town. Considered a slum, masses arriving from all around the world seeking their fortune in gold descended upon Canvas Town. Living conditions certainly would have been dire and challenging in this nineteenth century "tent city". The inhabitants of [...]
Freddie MacGregor was pretty typical of the blokes who came to live in community rooming houses in the 1990s. He was a boiler maker, in and out of work, and separated from his wife. He just needed a room that was affordable and easy to look after. For a while he lived in rooms above [...]
This story is told by Justin himself: My Journey so far! Things have certainly improved for me over the last few years and at the moment everything is pretty good and the future is looking very bright right now. Looking back and considering where I was, even 18 months ago my life has change dramatically. [...]
This story is told by South Port founding Committee member, Beris Campbell who, in 1983, was the head social worker at Port Melbourne Council. The Port Melbourne rooming house, at 211 Princes Street, was owned by local businessman Jim Fletcher. He was a tall, dignified man, probably in his 80s, but quite reserved; I don’t [...]
