The “Heartbreak Streets” was the name popularly given to newly-opened sub-divisions in post-World War 2 Melbourne and at the time applied to areas of north and south Oakleigh and Clayton. They were called this because of the dearth of amenities in these areas, such as unmade roads and lack of footpaths, and the impact of this on those who lived in them.
Dr Andrew Foley wrote a Ph D dissertation, published by the University of New England in 2025, on how local progress associations and newspapers were active in highlighting and addressing the needs of these areas. This activism eventually led to planning changes and a “healing” of these problems.
In writing his thesis Dr Foley received assistance from Helen Gobbi OAM, historian, and accessed History Monash’s archives.
History Monash Inc was delighted to welcome Dr Foley at a presentation on this topic which it hosted on 11 June 2025. Those who attended felt privileged to hear such an important and fascinating address.