Attwood: Why families never leave Melbourne’s hidden gem

Meryl Thomas from Attwood who has lived in the suburb for almost 40 years. Picture: Wayne Taylor

When Meryl Thomas moved to Attwood in 1988, it was a practical choice.

She wanted her children to stay at the same school, and the quiet pocket just beyond Gladstone Park kept them close.

But over nearly four decades, the move became so much more.

“I look out every day and see the creek, the trees and the walking tracks,” she said.
“We’re not hemmed in here, there’s space, fresh air and nature at your doorstep. Families have grown up here, kids have flown the nest, and now some of them are even coming back with their own families.”

“That’s the secret, the sense of continuity, of contentment. We all know each other, and that connection is what makes people stay.”

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Ms Thomas said the street had barely changed in all that time.

“Almost every house still has the same families,” she said.

“I’ve seen the children grow up, I’ve even taught some of them as a teacher, and now they’re grown with families of their own.

“Very few move on. It’s extraordinary stability in a world where things are constantly changing.”

She describes Attwood as having the feel of a village rather than a suburb, with its historic church dating to the 1830s, heritage buildings from the 1840s and ’60s, and the local tavern where neighbours still gather.

“It really is a village, and there aren’t many like it left in Melbourne. That heritage, that closeness, is precious,” Ms Thomas said.

Meryl Thomas describes Attwood as having the feel of a village rather than a suburb. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Attwood has long been known as a hidden gem. Ms Thomas remembers when it was almost a mystery to other Melburnians.

“We even had T-shirts 30 years ago saying, ‘Where the hell is Atwood?’ because nobody knew! But once you find it, you don’t want to leave,” she said.

“It’s close to the airport, close to the city — I could be in town in 15 minutes, but at the same time it’s peaceful, with nature all around.”

Living under the flight path has never been an issue.

“Visitors come and stand on the deck and say, ‘Oh my goodness, the planes are so close,’” she said.
“But inside, you can’t hear them. We’re so used to them that we take no notice at all.”

Now preparing to downsize to a retirement village nearby, Ms Thomas admits the move is “emotional beyond words”.

“I’ve done everything in this house myself, from the brickwork, the painting, the garden,” she said.

“It’s such a good street, so supportive. Just this evening, neighbours were waving as we spoke. That says it all.
“Attwood gave me belonging, stability and home, and that will always stay with me.”

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david.bonaddio@news.com.au

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