Ripponlea reimagined

While the trauma will never be forgotten, recovery efforts are gaining momentum with Ripponlea especially vibrant and busy during Passover and Easter.
 
The Adass Israel community has deeply appreciated the support from the Ripponlea community, both in the immediate aftermath of the attack and during the current recovery phase.
 
“It has felt like a nice warm hug,” Adass Israel congregation board member Benjamin Klein said. “The community has stood by us, including sending donations and letters and cards of support.”
 
He also praised emergency services, including Victoria Police, and City of Port Phillip for their help.
 
There are now several temporary sites for daily prayers and community gatherings, which also successfully housed Passover celebrations. They will remain during the estimated two to three year build for a new Synagogue and community centre. 
 
The Shul is working with international and local architects and town planners to present concept drawings to the community and Council, which is advising on the permit process.
 
“The plans will take time and we look forward to sharing them with the community in the future,” Mr Klein said. 

The Shul has undertaken fund-raising for the rebuild and the Australian Government and federal Opposition both pledged funding during the election campaign so the Synagogue continues to serve as a safe and welcoming place for worship and community activities.
 
In a further act of support, the Port Phillip Multifaith Network, with Cr Libby Buckingham, recently visited to meet faith leaders and encourage interfaith connections.
 
Meanwhile, our Council is looking at how to improve and expand the public areas surrounding the Shul for everyone to enjoy under a precinct plan.
 
Our draft 2025/26 Budget proposes allocating $60,000 to investigate from July:
 
•    public realm improvements integrating security interventions, such as bollards and barriers, which provide hostile vehicle mitigation while maintaining an open and welcome public space
•    more street trees and greening
•    lighting upgrades
•    improved connections with the Ripponlea train station and nearby Burnett Grey Gardens
•    improved links to the Shul from the Glen Eira Road retail precinct.
 
There will be opportunities for our Ripponlea community, including traders, to have their say on the revitalisation.
 
The draft Budget also includes an additional $250,000 to fund activities addressing loneliness and isolation, social connection and combating discrimination and racism and anti-Semitism, including $60,000 to fast track the delivery of the Multicultural Strategy.
 
Our Ripponlea traders continue to offer exceptional retail and hospitality offerings in this historic and culturally significant part of Port Phillip. Opportunities to reinvigorate the Glen Eira Road shopping precinct will be considered under Council’s Great Places and Precincts program in collaboration with existing initiatives such as differential rates being implemented to discourage commercial vacancies.

Please show them your support as we rebuild Ripponlea together.