Questions, questions - Melbourne
#46
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Location: Epsom
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Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
It's australia. Realistically, it has no history etc.
One of the things I noticed coming here was how there was a huge continent of a country, but they crowded together in what would be considered low class, high density hovels because they thought it was more cultured, etc. to be in the middle of the city.
It's fake. Culture doesn't come from where you live, it come from what you are. Far too many of the 'arty' types here are just rehashing trends from 5 years ago (or more) elsewhere, jumping on bandwagons. It's got no depth, little authenticity, and no innovation.
One of the things I noticed coming here was how there was a huge continent of a country, but they crowded together in what would be considered low class, high density hovels because they thought it was more cultured, etc. to be in the middle of the city.
It's fake. Culture doesn't come from where you live, it come from what you are. Far too many of the 'arty' types here are just rehashing trends from 5 years ago (or more) elsewhere, jumping on bandwagons. It's got no depth, little authenticity, and no innovation.
As for culture, yeah i find it lacking in the way you are saying. It's almost as if they are trying to suppress Australian culture and copy and import everything from overseas. Like Melbourne trying to be the most European like city. It's quite different from say NZ where Polynesian culture is a lot more evident and embraced/celebrated.
#47
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
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Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
As for culture, yeah i find it lacking in the way you are saying. It's almost as if they are trying to suppress Australian culture and copy and import everything from overseas. Like Melbourne trying to be the most European like city. It's quite different from say NZ where Polynesian culture is a lot more evident and embraced/celebrated.
#49
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 126
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
Once we decide the next massive hurdle is telling our families - totally dreading it!!!
#50
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
Do try to keep up, Polly. History's all about what you do and use in everyday life, don't you know. And fish - history's about fish too
#51
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
I personally think living close into the Melbourne CBD is some of the best urban living in the world.
Best I've ever had thats for sure.... Beats Peckham, Lewisham, Catford, South Norwood, Forest Hill, Bethnal Green and Bermondsey.
Best I've ever had thats for sure.... Beats Peckham, Lewisham, Catford, South Norwood, Forest Hill, Bethnal Green and Bermondsey.
Last edited by ozzieeagle; Jun 27th 2017 at 6:45 am.
#52
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Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Epsom
Posts: 1,705
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
Great for singles/couples - for families there are better places IMO. And a 4 bedroom home close to the CBD - you'll need very deep pockets for the property and the private schools as there are little options for public schooling. (University High probably the only decent one)
#53
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
Great for singles/couples - for families there are better places IMO. And a 4 bedroom home close to the CBD - you'll need very deep pockets for the property and the private schools as there are little options for public schooling. (University High probably the only decent one)
Last edited by ozzieeagle; Jun 27th 2017 at 7:01 am.
#54
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
Yes, Point Cook and the west are not great locations. It's livable, and yes I understand many people are forced there due to cost of living in the East/North, but it's nothing special at all.
Pros
Cheaper housing
Newer housing
Cons
-Bad Infrastructure
-Many areas are commercial/industrial
-Shocking congestion - 1-2 hour commutes are not unheard of when the Westgate Freeway is bad.
-Bad schools - there are no public secondary schools I'd want to send my kids to, especially in Wyndham area
-Cafe and pub culture is non-existent, no decent restaurants (exception is a Thai restaurant in Laverton), nothing good until Footscray/Yarraville.
-Dusty and windy, especially new estates
-Internet can be non-existent literally - exchanges are full
-Some of the highest crime rates (Point Cook one of the highest for burglary)
It's just monotonous, dreary suburbia with nothing going on. Nobody walks anywhere, apart from elderly Chinese doing some exercise. No greenery, no hills. Modern fortress homes, people drive up with their electric garage openers and disappear.
If you have kids spend the extra and live in a more established area in the south-east or other inner suburbs - the difference in rent (sometimes not much) more than pays for itself with better schools
Pros
Cheaper housing
Newer housing
Cons
-Bad Infrastructure
-Many areas are commercial/industrial
-Shocking congestion - 1-2 hour commutes are not unheard of when the Westgate Freeway is bad.
-Bad schools - there are no public secondary schools I'd want to send my kids to, especially in Wyndham area
-Cafe and pub culture is non-existent, no decent restaurants (exception is a Thai restaurant in Laverton), nothing good until Footscray/Yarraville.
-Dusty and windy, especially new estates
-Internet can be non-existent literally - exchanges are full
-Some of the highest crime rates (Point Cook one of the highest for burglary)
It's just monotonous, dreary suburbia with nothing going on. Nobody walks anywhere, apart from elderly Chinese doing some exercise. No greenery, no hills. Modern fortress homes, people drive up with their electric garage openers and disappear.
If you have kids spend the extra and live in a more established area in the south-east or other inner suburbs - the difference in rent (sometimes not much) more than pays for itself with better schools
#55
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
I have a pet peeve about people who appropriate things aboriginal in order to say "look, we've got culture too". It's all too 'noble savage' for my liking.
Practically australian culture started in 1788, the stuff before is someone else's and doesn't inform people's lives in the cities at all.
As I say, australia is a young country, no matter what it might try and convince itself of.
Practically australian culture started in 1788, the stuff before is someone else's and doesn't inform people's lives in the cities at all.
As I say, australia is a young country, no matter what it might try and convince itself of.
#56
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
I drove through Catford a few weeks back. Still a dump.
#57
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
I have a pet peeve about people who appropriate things aboriginal in order to say "look, we've got culture too". It's all too 'noble savage' for my liking.
Practically australian culture started in 1788, the stuff before is someone else's and doesn't inform people's lives in the cities at all.
As I say, australia is a young country, no matter what it might try and convince itself of.
Practically australian culture started in 1788, the stuff before is someone else's and doesn't inform people's lives in the cities at all.
As I say, australia is a young country, no matter what it might try and convince itself of.
#59
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Re: Questions, questions - Melbourne
Actually I'm currently helping a colleague look into 'cultural leave' which involves looking at his Aboriginal heritage. On a more day-to-day work level we have to be constantly aware of the rights of the original landowners when dealing with reduction burns and the like.
#60
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Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
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