THERE’S a version of a local business that opens, trades and closes. It sells something, takes the money and moves on.
And then there’s the version Maylands produces with unusual consistency; businesses that treat the suburb as something to invest in, not just operate within.
Rabble Books and Games is one of the clearest examples on Eighth Avenue.
It opened at a time when many bookshops were closing, squeezed by online retail, rising rents and the idea that physical books were on the way out.
Rabble ignored all of that.
• Nat, Sam and Pippin at Rabble Books and Games.
It survived Covid when larger operators didn’t and built a loyal following that treats the shop less like a store and more like a meeting place.
Events like poetry nights and a pay-it-forward program have turned it into something far more meaningful.
“We’re proud of the diverse range of stories we curate but Rabble is about more than the things we sell,” said Nat, Rabble Books and Games .
“The community is our heart, helping us to create a space where people come to feel welcome and connected.”
That same instinct shows up in less expected places.
At Conan Fitness, Luke has taken a similar approach.
Rather than running a straightforward commercial gym, he’s created a training environment where members know each other, support each other and keep coming back.
As former chair of the Maylands Business Association, his investment in the suburb extends well beyond his own business.
Across Maylands, that mindset is reflected in a wide network of individuals, groups and organisations contributing to a highly engaged community.
Mindset
From Roxy Lane Theatre and the Maylands Community Garden to Creative Maylands, craft groups, walking groups and a riverside parkrun each Saturday morning, community activity is embedded in everyday life.
The Maylands Business Association continues to build on that momentum through initiatives like the Mother’s Day campaign, encouraging people to connect, shop and spend time locally.
This is supported by the Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association, which continues to shape how people experience the area, blending its history with its contemporary identity.
Its self-guided street art walk invites visitors to explore the suburb at their own pace, combining local cafes with the artwork Maylands is known for.
“Maylands is special for creatives, street art, community groups and local businesses. There’s a real sense of people building something together,” said Keith, Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association Chair.
Community doesn’t build itself. In Maylands, it’s shaped by people who see their business as part of something bigger than the bottom line.
by SIMMONE SACHE