Bellbird Residents Advocacy Group

The Bellbird Residents Advocacy Group (BRAG) represents residents of the Bellbird Area of Blackburn, a suburb in Melbourne, Australia.

The Bellbird Area comprises a small number of streets that have been saved from development in the 1960s and 70s. The streetscapes were classified by the National Trust in the 1970s and retain a rural ambience in which the streetscape is dominated by vegetation, particularly trees. The principal purpose of Bellbird Residents Advocacy Group is to preserve and enhance the special qualities of the Bellbird Area that led to its National Trust Classification by:

• Liaising with Whitehorse Council and their contractors to ensure the streetscape is maintained to retain and enhance the National Trust Classification.
• Representing and supporting the members and providing a forum for discussions and decisions relevant to the appearance, heritage and environmental values and traffic management issues of the Bellbird Area.
• Promoting community awareness in the area by informing members about matters of community interest.
• Facilitating actions that maintain or enhance the overall appearance, attractiveness and heritage and environmental values of the Bellbird Area.
• Raising and managing funds, as appropriate to achieve the above objectives.

We hope you enjoy browsing the website to learn more about this special area.

Latest News

• Blackburn Activity Centre Update
  Draft plans for the Blackburn , Nunawading and Mitcham Activity Centres were released for community consultation on February 10. Following a record number of submissions by the Blackburn community, the draft plans exclude all the SLO areas. This is a welcome result and is due to the community, Council and both local State MPs all… Read more: Blackburn Activity Centre Update
• Blackburn Activity Centre Community Forum Update November 2025
  The Blackburn Community Info Forum was fully booked, demonstrating strong local interest in housing and environmental concerns. Key discussions highlighted opposition to government-proposed developments, emphasizing community preferences for preserving ecological and heritage values. Participants were encouraged to engage in advocacy through surveys, submissions, and upcoming community sessions for future planning efforts.
• Blackburn Activity Centre Phase 1 Update October 2025
  The Victorian Government has opened Phase 1 consultation on the proposed Blackburn, Nunawading, and Mitcham Activity Centres, which could significantly reshape local neighbourhoods. The draft Blackburn map includes much of the Bellbird area, placing environmentally protected SLO1 and SLO2 zones at risk. The proposal introduces high-density zoning, with developments of up to 12 storeys in the core and 3–6 storeys in surrounding residential areas. BRAG urges residents to provide feedback through the government survey and attend the 9 November community forum to help protect Blackburn’s unique heritage, environment, and character while supporting sensible housing growth.
• Spring Update October 2025
  This spring update focuses on preparing for the State Government’s launch of its Phase 1 consultation regarding its plans for the re-zoning and re-development of Blackburn Activity Centre and the potential impact on the Bellbird streets.
• 2025 Annual General Meeting
  To be held at 11 am on Sunday 17th August 2025 at the Blackburn Bowls Club, Pakenham St.