Melbourne: A City of Villages

Happy Birthday Melbourne! 

Out on 1 October, Melbourne: A City of Villages captures a few of the events, characters and stories I've encountered in books, archives, abandoned warehouses, disused rooftops and on the city's streets in that time. 

Arranged geographically, Melbourne Villages is a miscellany of Melbourne stories past and present. Inside you’ll read about how convict William Buckley escaped to live with local Aboriginal people for 32 years, how John Batman discovered a little turning basin in the Yarra River in 1835, where Madame Brussels ran her notorious brothel, and where Kylie Minogue grew up. There’s the tale of the shot tower under a glass cone, the turbulent true story of a public artwork known as the Yellow Peril and the one about the lord mayor who quoted ACDC. You'll also find Australia's oldest drive-in and a lake that turns hot pink at the height of summer. 

As you dip in and out of Melbourne Villages I hope you will be inspired to explore your neighbourhood's past through its landmarks and details. As a wise woman once told me, You can read the past in this city if you know where to look. 

Brady Michaels’ photography captures iconic scenes right across the city, from the landmarks of the CBD to the hidden secrets of the suburbs. Every picture tells a story, so look up, look around and get to know the stories behind this town.

Melbourne Villages is out on 1 October. You can buy it here.