SIGN this Petition — It’s FREE.

Let today be the day we are no longer treated as victims of a broken system — but rise as a beacon of resilience,
a place where culture, connection, and community live on.

For 67+ years, the Furlan Club has been a vibrant home for Italian-Australian and culture, bocce, sport, food, and community in Thornbury.

Built by post-war migrants with their own hands, it is more than a venue — it’s a living legacy.

Now, this cherished piece of history is under threat.

Developers want to demolish the club and erase decades of cultural heritage to make way for private projects. But we, the community, say NO.

We are calling on Darebin Council to vote YES for heritage protection and support the immediate listing of the Furlan Club as a Heritage Overlay Site.

This isn’t just about saving bricks and mortar —
It’s about honouring the sacrifices, stories, and spirit of the Italian migrants who helped shape Melbourne’s multicultural identity. It’s about preserving a place where generations have celebrated weddings, played bocce, shared meals, and passed down traditions.

And we’re still growing.

Our proudest recent addition, The Thorn 3071, stands as a testament to our commitment to youth, innovation, and the future of multicultural Melbourne.

It proves that the Furlan Club isn’t frozen in time — it’s a thriving, evolving space that continues to serve and inspire.

Sign the petition to demand action.

Stop the destruction of one of Melbourne’s most important cultural landmarks.

Let’s show the Council, the media, and the world that our heritage matters — yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Together, let’s preserve a place where generations have made memories —

where they’ve played bocce, danced, laughed, and rocked and rolled.

Where they’ve shared meals, celebrated 1st birthdays, 21sts, 60ths, and all milestones before and beyond.

Where they’ve honoured life through weddings, christenings, communions, wakes,

and passed down traditions that connect the past to the future.

Let’s protect this living legacy — for us, for them, and for those yet to come.

 A Little More Info & Call to Action

Our beloved Furlan Club, having stood proud since 1957, is the very heart of Thornbury's history. For over six decades, it has been a place where memories are made, culture is kept alive, and generations—young and old—come together. It's where we've celebrated our youth, cherished our elderly, and fostered a sense of belonging for everyone in between. 

This petition holds personal significance to me because it represents our Italian ancestors, my parents, and the many migrants who found solace and community here after the war. Unfortunately, after a devastating fire and related challenges, our cherished club is at risk of demolition. Without immediate action, we risk losing this significant cultural heritage.

Development threatens to erase what has stood as a symbol of unity and support for all. But even if you've never been to the club, if you believe in the power of community, the importance of preserving history, and the necessity of saving local icons, we implore you to stand with us. 

We must rally together, not just for the current members, but to ensure future generations can experience this shared piece of our cultural narrative. 

We want Council to vote YES in favour of the heritage listing of our Furlan Club.

Sign this petition to Stop the developers and preserve our cherished club—a place that has been, and should remain, a beacon of Community Spirit and Historical Pride in Thornbury.