Pascoe Vale, a suburb in Melbourne, may not seem like anything special at first glance, but it holds a unique charm that attracts the use of superlatives. Known for its steep streets such as Gaffney, Bolingbroke, Pardy, and O’Hea, where gradients can reach an extreme 30 per cent, the suburb has seen its fair share of broken wrists and scraped knees. Local dog walkers and cyclists are familiar with the challenge of navigating these hills, while thrill-seekers recall the days of fanging their BMX downhill. Despite its quirks, residents of Pascoe Vale take pride in their suburb, even fiercely defending landmarks like the controversial bike lane on Kent Street.
Pascoe Vale is a suburb undergoing demographic and density transitions, with the Greens now setting their sights on the state electorate of Pascoe Vale. Once considered a “hipster-proof fence” on Bell Street, the suburb has witnessed changes that have brought it into a new era. Despite this, Pascoe Vale has maintained its charm from a bygone era, though it remains less ethnically diverse than its neighboring suburbs. The area boasts outstanding pizza, but residents must venture out for other cuisines like kebabs and baklava.
A few generations ago, Pascoe Vale locals enjoyed the luxury of having Gilmour’s milk delivered, purchasing locally made soft drinks from the corner milk bar, and even buying potatoes from a man driving through the streets selling them from his ute. However, the landscape of Pascoe Vale has drastically changed with the demolition of past landmarks, the construction of townhouses on once spacious backyards, and the subdivision of post-war homes. While some support the higher-density development in the suburb, others feel that the breakneck pace of change is dominating the conversation and erasing the familiar landscape they once knew.
Despite the rapid changes, Pascoe Vale remains a special place for many residents like Joe Comer, who has a woodcut of the suburb on his wall. As an academic researching language, landscapes, and communities, Comer reflects on the evolution of his suburb and the nostalgia he feels walking its hills with his mother. While Pascoe Vale may not be as flashy or diverse as other suburbs, it holds a unique place in the hearts of its residents who appreciate its stubborn, insular, and sometimes grumpy qualities. Amidst the changes and challenges, Pascoe Vale continues to be a place where memories are made and cherished, making it truly special to those who call it home.
