The Alphington–Fairfield Civic Association (AFCA)began life in May 1998, when a group of passionate locals came together under the banner of the South Alphington Fairfield Civic Association. Their mission was clear: to give the community a strong voice on environmental care, planning, and local issues.
In its early years, the group was busy securing funding to restore and revegetate the Alphington wetlands and the bushland bordering the old Amcor paper mill site. One of their proudest achievements came in 2002, when they obtained funding to uncover and restore the remains of the much-loved Alphington Swimming Pool—a semi-circular river basin where the Alphington Swimming Club had drawn crowds since the 1920s.
SAFCA also brought music and community together with the launch of Music From the Wetlands in the mid-2000s, a festival that quickly became a highlight of the local calendar. At the same time, the association—and allied groups—kept a close eye on the enormous redevelopment of the 16-hectare Amcor site, pushing for outcomes that would benefit residents and respect the area’s character.
In more recent years, the group broadened its scope to reflect the growing community north of Heidelberg Road, and with that shift, the Alphington–Fairfield Civic Association (AFCA) took shape—continuing the tradition of grassroots advocacy, but with an even wider embrace.
1995
With the amalgamation of Local Government Areas, South Alphington Fairfield Civic Association (SAFCA) was formed to give local people a voice in the City of Yarra and to represent their views at the community, local government and state levels.
1998
Establishment of the Alphington Wetlands which was a collaborative effort that has been driven primarily by SAFCA with assistance from a number of other organisations including Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, the National Heritage Trust, Greening Australia, Australia’s Open Garden Scheme and Yarra City Council.
2000
Tower Hotel – VCAT hearing re: Collingwood Football Club’s attempt to turn the Tower Hotel into a gaming club.
2000–2001
SAFCA obtained a grant from the Centenary of Federation Fund for a partial restoration of the Alphington Swimming Pool basin. In 2001, SAFCA also received a grant from Australia’s Open Garden Scheme for landscaping and planting around the swimming pool area.
2001–2002
Alphington Wetlands – further tree planting.
2005
Establishment & ongoing organisation of the Music from the Wetlands.
2006
Initial involvement with State Government and Yarra City Council re: the redevelopment of the AMCOR site and formation of the Alphington Paper Mill Action Group (APMAG).
2020
Name of South Alphington Fairfield Civic Association (SAFCA) changed to Alphington Fairfield Civic Association (AFCA).
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