GALLERY 3
THE SAVIOURS
NAT THOMAS AND CONCETTINA INSERRA
Today, the Abbotsford Convent is a thriving Melbourne arts precinct, set in 6.8 hectares of garden and 11 historic buildings. Full of people everyday of the week, it was almost 289 apartments, a seven-storey tower and a putting green. The determined action of the community group Abbotsford Convent Coalition (ACC) saw the alternative option on the site become a wonderful reality.
“Eventually in 2005, the car parking went the way of the ACC too. They had won the lot. They were driving home the game show BMW, with keys provided by the smiling model. Seven years of lobbying, gathering signatures, Tuesday meetings and pro bono work after work. Seven years”.
Nat Thomas and Concettina Inserra have met and photographed members of the ACC, to have faces to thank for saving a beautiful public space for all of us.
