Keeping the community informed
Business, Parks and open spaces, Sustainability and environment
Tree of the Month: Ceiba speciosa (Silk Floss Tree)
Ceiba speciosa, commonly known as the silk floss tree, is a striking South American deciduous tree notable for its bottle-shaped trunk, thorny bark, and large, showy pink flowers. Our May Tree of the Month is currently flowering beautifully in Queens Park, just north of the Moonee Ponds Bowls Club pavilion on the western side of the park….
Council updates, Parks and open spaces
Overland Reserve is ready for action
A $1.65 million upgrade of Keilor East’s Overland Reserve (Oval 1) is now complete, delivering a top-quality space for football, cricket and casual use by the community. The upgraded oval is now open and ready for the community to enjoy, with the first home game for East Keilor Football Club scheduled on Saturday 25 April….
Council updates, Parks and open spaces
‘Rosemary’ to be replaced
Moonee Valley City Council has begun work to replace a World War One monument stolen from Victory Park in Ascot Vale earlier this month. The ‘Rosemary’ statue, as it is affectionately known, was first erected in 2015, paying tribute to the women who cared for returned servicepeople after the Great War. She takes her name…
Council updates, Parks and open spaces
Street tree planting begins for 2026
Moonee Valley’s streets are soon set to become greener! Council is preparing to plant a new round of street trees across the municipality. The winter planting season is an ideal time for young trees to take root, with cooler temperatures and regular rainfall helping them establish strong, healthy growth. Over the coming months, residents will…
Parks and open spaces, Sustainability and environment
Tree of the month | March 2026
Location: Thelma Avenue, North Essendon Botanical Name: Brachychiton populneus Common Name: Kurrajong Our March tree of the month is a standout example of a Brachychiton populneus, commonly known as the Kurrajong. In Moonee Valley this particular example can be found on the nature strip at the northernmost point of Thelma Avenue, North Essendon. Kurrajongs are tough, resilient trees, perfectly suited to Australia’s climate. This species is known for being highly drought tolerant, especially once it has been established over…
Council updates, Events, Parks and open spaces, Sustainability and environment
Nature Stewards: Discover Local Wonders
Always wanted to know more about the environment? Everything from rocks, soils and fungi to climate change, seasons and Caring for Country? Then now is the time to join Nature Stewards. This is a multi-week, hands-on course designed to introduce community members to the plants, animals, geology and ecosystems that make up their local environment. Co-delivered by Merri-Bek, Hume and Moonee…
Council updates, Parks and open spaces
Afton Street Pedestrian Bridge temporary closure
With sunny summer days perfect for getting outside, more people are out and about walking, running and cycling. If you enjoy a trip around the Maribyrnong trail, please be aware that the Afton Street Pedestrian Bridge will be closed for three weeks from Monday, 2 February. The bridge will be closed while essential safety inspections and maintenance are carried out, including checking and testing the…
Council updates, Parks and open spaces
Tree of the Month | Washingtonia Robusta
The soaring skyduster of Moonee Valley December Tree of the Month: Washingtonia Robusta Location: Ardoch Street, Essendon Common name: Mexican Fan Palm Botanical name: Washington Robusta Height: Over 30.5m Diameter: 25.4-30.5cm Life expectancy: Up to 500 years old For our final Tree of the Month for 2025, we’re celebrating one of the most soaring heights…
Update on closure of Queens Park Cafe
After undergoing repairs and maintenance the much loved and iconic Queens Park Cafe will soon open its doors to the public. A new operator for the cafe is preparing to open in the second half of 2026. Keep an eye on our website and socials for further updates.
Tree of the month | Glenview Road, Strathmore
Common name: Himalayan or Bhutan Cypress Botanical name: Cupressus torulosa Type: Avenue Location: Glenview Road, Essendon, between Upland Road and Grammer Street Height: Average at 12.5 meters Spread: Average at 5.6 meters Each month we shine a light on one of Moonee Valley’s most remarkable trees. For our second feature, we are once again not…