Join us as we celebrate (in our IRREGULAR way!) all that is North and West Melbourne...

Our opening night launch is an evening of local storytelling, beginning with a Smoking Ceremony and taking a journey through the history of North and West Melbourne, before we turn our minds to the present and ask "What are the ideas that will shape our future?" from different local perspectives.

Arrive early to view the exhibits and be immersed in the ideas that will transform the places and the ways in which our community connects.  

IRREGULAR Opening Night

• Evening Hosted by Andy Fergus

• Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country and Didgeridoo Performance

• Blue Lake by David Sornig

• The enduring legacy of Ruth and Maurie Crow - Rob Adams and Jane Homewood in conversation with Andy Fergus

• Intermission

• An IRREGULAR Panel Discussion, facilitated by Jane Rocca and featuring Courtney Holm, David Sequeira and Professor Melanie Davern

Food and Drinks

Available for purchase on the evening, featuring some of North and West Melbourne’s finest, including Manzé, Bread Club, Lumen People, Whitebark, Twang Brewery and Willows & Wine

After Party

Some of North and West Melbourne’s venues will be open for an after party. Make a booking at Manzé, Lumen People, Whitebark or The Courthouse North Melbourne to make your Irregular night one to remember!

The Exhibition

Ideas from the local community of North and West Melbourne, featuring artists and creatives, architects and urban designers, academics and educators, local business owners and lots of passionate local residents!

Desire Lines

Led by Laura Martires, an interactive for school students to engage in mapping as a design process by placing markers and postcards on a map of North and West Melbourne in response to a set of questions.

Design Your Own Arden... in Minecraft! 

From the creator of Mini-Melbourne in Minecraft, Stephen Elford, a digital interactive for players to design their very own Arden precinct in Minecraft. 
Arden's actual design and development overlays will guide players to create buildings and public spaces they would like to see in the future precinct.

Presentations and Workshops

Engage with participants in IRREGULAR as they make a case for their idea to be implemented (11am to 1pm on Saturday 25th May) or participate in a workshop (all day on Friday 24th May or 10am to midday on Saturday 25th May).

Special Presentation 

Enjoy a special presentation by Elio Sarpi, creator of Houses of North and West Melbourne (2pm on Saturday 25th May)

Elio Sarpi, the creative force behind the acclaimed Instagram account, "Houses of North and West Melbourne” is set to deliver a captivating 45-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session.

Beginning with an exploration of the rich history of the Metropolitan Meat Market, celebrated as one of Victoria's most elaborate and adorned market edifices, Elio will delve into its fascinating narrative. He will also share a collection of intriguing tales he has unearthed over the years, alongside a preview of some yet-to-be-published stories.

Elio’s Instagram account has amassed 18.7k followers since its inception. Despite not being a professional photographer, architect, or historian, Elio's passion for his neighbourhood drove him to start capturing images of intriguing buildings that caught his attention.

Over time, his interest evolved into a journey of historical research, unearthing countless local tales waiting to be shared. Elio's dedication to showcasing the rich heritage of his community earned him the prestigious Local History Project Award at the 2024 Victorian Community History Awards, presented by the Public Record Office Victoria in collaboration with the Royal Historical Society.

Additionally, his contributions were acknowledged in December 2023 with an award from a Rotary Club. Living, working, and playing in North and West Melbourne, Elio feels privileged to be an integral part of the community's fabric.

Food and Drinks

Available for purchase, featuring some of North and West Melbourne’s finest, including Mörk Chocolate (on Friday & Saturday), Melrose Pizza 3051 and Twang Brewery (on Saturday).