Organised Resident action groups have a long and varied history in Australia, dating back to the mid 20th century. One of the first recorded resident action groups was The Paddington Society, a resident group founded in 1964 in Sydney. The group was established to protect and preserve the unique character of the Paddington neighbourhood, which was under threat of redevelopment at the time.

In the early 1960s, urban renewal was sweeping through many areas of Sydney, and Paddington was no exception. Many historic buildings were at risk of being demolished to make way for high-rise apartments and office buildings. This sparked a grassroots movement among Paddington residents, who banded together to form The Paddington Society.

The Society was founded by a group of concerned residents who were passionate about preserving the unique character of the neighbourhood. They were particularly concerned about the proposed redevelopment of Oxford Street, which was lined with historic buildings and characterful shops.

The Paddington Society quickly gained a reputation as a vocal and effective advocate for the preservation of Paddington's heritage. They organised protests, wrote letters to local politicians and the media, and lobbied for the introduction of heritage protection laws.

Today, the Paddington Society remains a respected and influential organisation in Sydney. They continue to be a vocal advocate for the preservation of Paddington's heritage and character, and play an important role in shaping the future of the neighbourhood.

Melbourne is no exception when it comes to the importance of resident groups. Our groups are made up of local residents who come together to address issues that are important to their community, such as traffic congestion, public transport, or environmental protection. They work to amplify the voices of residents, providing a platform for concerns and issues to be heard by local government officials, and educate their communities about important issues, providing information and resources to help residents make informed decisions.

One of the most significant roles of our resident groups in Melbourne is to hold local government officials accountable. By keeping a watchful eye on local government officials, these groups can help ensure that the needs and concerns of local residents are being addressed.

Resident groups provide a valuable channel of communication between local residents, ratepayers and business and government officials, helping to ensure that their concerns and needs are heard and addressed. These groups also provide local government officials with valuable insights into the concerns and issues facing their communities, helping to inform policy decisions and ensure that government resources are allocated effectively.

Resident groups also play a vital role in local government in Melbourne, providing a valuable platform for residents to voice their concerns and ideas, and ensuring that local government officials are accountable and responsive to the needs of the community. By working collaboratively with resident action groups, local governments can gain valuable insights into the issues facing their communities and work to develop effective policies and programs that benefit all residents.

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