Nepali community in Melbourne’s north advocating for amenities and bus services around ‘busy’ public park

The lack of public toilets, amenities and limited public transport options around playgrounds in Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs have been major concerns for residents. A community organisation is advocating for facilities to address the needs of the area’s expanding population.

The Nepali community in Wollert are making calls for amenities and increased public transportation around the Lyndarum Estate Playground. Credit: SBS Nepali

Key Points

• The absence of public toilets at a public park in Wollert, Melbourne, is a key issue for locals.
• The Epping Wollert Nepalese Community (EWNC) is calling for amenities and more public transport options to cater to the growing population.
• Local and state government officials have acknowledged the issue and said they are working with the community organisation.

When 72-year-old Bhakta Bahadur Karki takes his grandchildren to Lyndarum Estate Playground in Wollert, he carries a sense of worry.

“There’s no toilet here. The kids need to go, and we have to leave right away. It's the same for us seniors as well,” he told SBS Nepali.

“We come here to spend quality time with our families and connect with other community members, but can’t stay for long. And because some seniors might have health issues, it becomes more inconvenient.”

Listen to our conversation with Bhakta Bahadur Karki

"And because some seniors might have health issues, it becomes more inconvenient"

03:47

Bhakta Bahadur Karki spoke to SBS Nepali about the need for public toilets at Lyndarum Estate Playground. Credit: SBS Nepali

Karki, who is from Nepal and visiting his family in Australia, is one of many residents advocating for better infrastructure in the fast-developing suburb.

Wollert, 26km north of Melbourne’s CBD, has seen a 169.4 per cent population increase in 10 years, reaching 24,407 residents in 2021.

The Lyndarum Estate Playground, also known as Kendon Reserve, is around 48 hectares in size and a key gathering spot for locals from Wollert, Epping and surrounds.

The Lyndarum Estate Playground, also known as Kendon Reserve, is located in Wollert, Melbourne. Credit: Facebook/Epping-Wollert Nepalese Community

Wollert resident and registered nurse Niva Prajapati Sahukhal is a mother to a three-year-old, and lives a ten-minute drive from the park.

"When my daughter says she needs to use the toilet, we have no other option than bringing her home. It is difficult for parents who don't drive," she said.

"Now my daughter has also understood that there is no toilet in the park, and we have taught her to let us know before it is urgent."

Niva Prajapati Sahukhal (R) has been living in Wollert for the past two years. Credit: Facebook/Epping-Wollert Nepalese Community, SBS Nepali (inset)

Krishna Sapkota is the President of the Epping Wollert Nepalese Community (EWNC), a local community organisation which is at the forefront of this advocacy.

The group recently submitted a petition to the City of Whittlesea, requesting public toilets in the park and improved public transport services between the Epping and Wollert areas.

"Around 50 to 100 seniors gather in the park every day. Some live around 30 minutes away, and a lack of public amenities is an issue for them," he said.

"In terms of public transport, Wollert and nearby suburbs like Donnybrook, Mickleham, have rapid growth, but the current public transport facilities are not enough to cater the increasing needs."

"Access to a toilet is a basic necessity and a core part of the inclusive public infrastructure."

Once built, this facility will benefit not only the Nepali community, but all local residents and visitors from diverse backgrounds who use the park.

Krishna Sapkota, President, Epping-Wollert Nepalese Community

Listen to our conversation with EWNC President Krishna Sapkota

"Lack of public amenities is an issue"

03:29

Epping-Wollert Nepalese Community President Krishna Sapkota (front row, second from left) and City of Whittlesea Councillor Lawrie Cox (R) during a community event in Melbourne. Credit: Facebook/Epping-Wollert Nepalese Community/Photo Station

Following the petition by EWNC, the matter was raised during a February council meeting by Whittlesea Councillor Lawrie Cox.

Cox told SBS Nepali that the council has a policy position concerning toilets in parks in terms of access, and the issue will be prioritised.

"We have put in place a budget process to supply toilets and we have quite a number of parks throughout the municipality so it will be into the priority list" he said.

"The park toilets are an issue for council. The public transport is a state government issue but we also advocate on behalf of the community to improve public transport in the area."

He added that the possibility of portable toilets in the park depends on the budget process, availability and park policies.

Bronwyn Halfpenny is the state member for the electorate of Thomastown — an electorate within the City of Whittlesea.

"I understand EWNC is working closely with Councillor Lawrie Cox to put the best possible case to the City of Whittlesea and ensure council understands how important such facilities are to the community," she said.

"The recent state budget includes extending and reconfiguring some bus services in the area."

The Victorian Minister for Climate Action and Energy and Resources, and Mill Park state member Lily D'Ambrosio has also acknowledged the concerns.

“The Epping Wollert Nepalese Community (EWNC) are a fantastic local community group who are actively advocating for the concerns of the community who use the Lyndarum Estate Playground," she stated.

"I understand the EWNC have been constructively working with Cr Lawrie Cox on this matter, and the Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny MP and I are meeting with the EWNC next week to further understand how we can support the community.”

EWNC President Sapkota said the meeting is scheduled for Friday, 13 June 2025.