This public discussion explores the features a neighbourhood requires to enable residents to continue ‘living locally’ in a post-COVID Melbourne.

The COVID-19 neighbourhood lockdowns were a catalyst for change to Melbournians’ accepted living practices and norms. Last year highlighted the many benefits associated with a shift to ‘living locally’, with many people achieving a better work-life balance while fostering neighbourhood connections and spending more time in their local area. These benefits, however, were not experienced by all Melbournians as the facilities within some neighbourhoods did not adequately support its residents in this spatial shift.

Monash University Urban Planning and Design, in consultation with DELWP and Brimbank Council, examines how retrofitting an established neighbourhood like Sunshine West to meet 20-minute Neighbourhood objectives can better support living and working locally.