Where we support

The focus of Southside Community Foundation is the Port Phillip area, with the potential to look beyond Port Phillip on the south side of Melbourne.

We are located on the lands of the Kulin Nation, a region that extends from the southernmost point of Victoria up into the Great Dividing Range and has been inhabited by traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurring and Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin Nation for tens of thousands of years.

Port Phillip is one of the oldest European settlements in Victoria and, from the late 1800s, millions of migrants first arrived in Australia via Port Melbourne’s Station Pier. The Port Phillip council area was established in 1994 after the amalgamation of three municipalities: South Melbourne, St Kilda and Port Melbourne. It is an area of 20.6 km² and includes the suburbs of Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwood, Middle Park, Ripponlea, South Melbourne, St Kilda, St Kilda West, most of Port Melbourne and St Kilda East and parts of Southbank and Windsor. It’s also one of the most visited places in metropolitan Melbourne, attracting almost three million visitors a year. Our community is central to Melbourne’s heart and soul.

Key demographics

As described in our Vital Signs report, the 2021 Census tells us:

  • Population: 109,515

  • Dwellings: 63,299

  • Diversity: 1 in 3 people born overseas

  • Diversity: 1 in 5 people speak a language other than English at home

  • Housing: single person households comprise 41% of all households

  • Housing: breakdown pie graph

  • Education: 49% have a university qualification and 10% have a trade qualification

Our challenges

In the 2023 Australian Liveability Census, Port Phillip was counted in the top ten most liveable local government areas in the country, valued for its access to amenities, connectivity, and spaces for activities. 

However, contradictions exist. Not everyone enjoys the same standard of liveability across Southside. Our neighbourhoods are home to both high- and low-income earners and access to resources, housing, transport, health, open space and amenities varies significantly. Not everyone enjoys the same level of connectedness or the same ability to participate in community activities. 

  • Nearly 1/3 renting households and 1/6 mortgage holders are experiencing housing stress

  • Only 0.8% of rentals are affordable for lower income households.

  • Nearly 9,000 of us are experiencing poverty and food insecurity.

  • 3,721 of our residents are living with a need for assistance.

  • 1 in 3 residents live with a long-term health condition.

  • We’re culturally diverse and that diversity needs to be nurtured.

  • As a coastal community, we are more susceptible to the climate crisis and the risks of inundation and extreme weather events.

  • Our creative industries are under pressure as property prices increase with creative spaces needing to relocate

Our strengths

We have strong and unique resources in our community. We are diverse, creative and generous. For example, our strengths include:

  • Our people - One third of the population has been in their neighbourhood for 10 years or more.

  • Volunteering - One in six people are volunteers, including work for sporting groups, schools, religious organisations and other community organisations.

  • Arts & Culture – We are home to some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, including Luna Park, Palais Theatre, South Melbourne Market, The Astor Theatre, Victorian Pride Centre, and the Jewish Museum of Australia.

  • Natural Resources - We have 169 public open spaces, including parks, gardens, reserves and play spaces, as well as Albert Park Lake and 11kms of foreshore.

  • Financial Capacity - A third of our households are in the highest weekly income quartile.