The vibrant, creative, prosperous and green community of Gertrude Street
People of Gertrude Street started as a celebration and strengthening of the Gertrude Street community during a period of social and economic hardship
It brought people and businesses together, building on our vibrant and diverse communities which continue today. We’re a handwritten love letter to our first true love; Gertrude. Amongst the many characters that make up our community, we’re a voice of the street, rather than the voice of the street.
The recent “second coolest street in the world’ title has been a moment to reflect on what it is that makes Gertrude different - we’re sure the term ‘cool’ isn’t adequate to encompass all our community is about.
If you’re into making lists we’d rather be on the places you’ve had the most fun or the greenest, queerest, colourful or most socially progressive neighbourhoods you’ve visited.
Gertrude Street is rich in history
We're a street of significance for First Nations people who have a strong and continuing historical, cultural and emotional connection to this place on land that always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Sitting within the World Heritage Environs Area, Gertrude is recognised as a place of historical, social, architectural and aesthetic significance and occupies the oldest section of Melbourne's first suburb, Fitzroy.
Gertrude has many layers of history and association as a place of social transformations. From boom-time Melbourne to the generations of working-class families living and working side by side.
A diverse local economy and social fabric
In its current incarnation, Gertrude is home to 100+ mostly small, independent businesses. In the middle of our street, 2500+ residents from more than 60 language groups call Atherton Gardens home. In the Summer we host the largest LGBTIQ+ Street party in Victoria and in Winter, our street comes alive at night time for our annual projection festival.
Gertrude houses both a private and public hospital, drug and alcohol support services and soup kitchens for the homeless which are parked among some of our cities most iconic bars and restaurants which are neighbours to our communities unique artists, designers and retailers, all within a compact 800-metre village.
It’s the people of our street that make this place unique
With every possible flavour thrown in, the Gertrude Street soup comes out tasting good.
An urban environment with a rich tapestry of characters that keeps it interesting and ever-changing. From the sisters (in their distinguished Mother Teresa style habit) crossing paths with a gaggle of queens on their way to drag bingo at Evies and a dad with his kids strapped into their trusty cargo bike.
The rich heritage and fabric of our Gertrude Street community have been captured in a series of short films through the eyes of those that call it home. Watch all the films here.
Working together to make our street better
The uniqueness of our street is as much about what isn’t here as what is, and the spirit of a community that welcomes local vendors over big brand chain retailers.
People of Gertrude Street have witnessed the power of our community and how a collective of local businesses, community members and residents can work together for the betterment of our neighbourhood and beyond.
Gertrude Street has always been a place of social change, and its future as a cultural innovator continues. Revitalising our precinct isn’t about snapping back to the way it was before covid, but imagining what it could be like in the future.
What is the experience we’re wishing to create for visitors and how can we welcome those that want to form a connection with our community?
The recent announcement of funding for accessible tram stops is a major investment in Gertrude that provides an opportunity for us to look towards how our street can improve access for all within our community and how we prioritise our limited public space. Introducing more nature and biodiversity with the Greening Gertrude projects amplifies the character of our community whilst also making positive steps for our street’s climate resiliency.