Our shopping strips are the heart of local life — places where people live, shop, work, meet, and relax. We’re looking for creative, community-driven projects that reflect local needs and add vibrancy to these spaces.

Last year, we received 31 incredible submissions — with five fantastic projects now complete, including:

• Cheerful murals in Elsternwick’s Lois Lane, created by artist Sasha Heath to celebrate local charm.
• A bold mural in Glen Huntly, delivered by artists Aaron Hill and Luke Pearce with input from local traders.
• Street libraries in Caulfield North and Bentleigh, bringing the joy of reading to the community.
• Colourful pole art in Patterson, led and hand-painted by local artist Pamela Irving with help of the community.

Now it’s your turn! Whether it’s fairy lights to brighten a laneway, a native garden to green a corner, or temporary seating to encourage social connection — your idea could help make our shopping strips more inviting, joyful and connected.

Everyone is welcome to apply — individuals, schools, traders and community groups. You don’t need to be an artist or expert — if your idea is chosen, we’ll provide the support and resources to help you make it happen.

Submissions are open from Monday 1 September to Sunday 28 September. See past projects and submit your idea today at Have your say — Community Place Project.