Bangs Street residents send the year off with a bang

Residents at Bangs Street, Prahran came together recently to mark the end of another year and continue a community tradition – the annual Christmas lights judging.  

It may only be 2 years since the Bangs Street development reached completion, but that hasn’t stopped new residents establishing a strong sense of community and regularly getting together – including for an end-of-year dinner.  

Despite the unpredictable Melbourne weather, around 50 residents attended the celebration which included a communal meal and a range of children’s entertainment such as face painting, drumming and craft. 

The dinner was hosted by Community Housing Limited (CHL), the community housing provider managing the Bangs Street site.  

CHL’s Community Development Manager, Kate Daddo said the event highlighted the strong connections that have formed among residents. 

“It’s wonderful to see people coming together like this. There’s such a fantastic sense of community here at Bangs Street,” said Kate. 

“It’s people like Judith [a Bangs Street resident] who are really the backbone of this community – they show up and support others no matter what’s happening in their own lives.” 

Judith, a long-time Prahran resident, moved into her home last September, bringing her trademark energy, glasses and community spirit with her.  

She now organises regular coffee catch-ups and plays a key role in creating opportunities for the community to come together. 

“Judith was here early, setting up all the Christmas decorations, despite recovering from surgery only a few weeks ago.” 

Also attending the event was 84-year-old Svetlana, who originally hails from Russia. Svetlana now takes part in regular English classes offered at Bangs Street and has formed a close friendship with her neighbour from Ukraine.  

After eating their fill, featuring a range of meat and vegetarian options, residents gathered for the annual Christmas lights judging – a tradition led by Bangs Street resident, Stephen, in memory of his late son. 

The event then concluded with dessert, prize presentations and shared messages of goodwill among the residents who have found not only a place to call home, but a community here at Bangs Street, Prahran.  

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