Greythorn Central has a vibrant new landmark – the Greythorn Story Seat, now installed at the corner of Agnes Avenue and Doncaster Road, right beside Muscle, Joint & Bone. This colourful piece of public infrastructure is ready for locals, visitors and families to sit, relax and explore the rich history of Greythorn.
A journey through 150 years of Greythorn
The story seat illustrates the evolution of Greythorn from the late 1800s to today. What began as rolling orchards of lemons, cherries and apples transformed through the 1900s into a violet farm, a wildlife sanctuary, a growing housing estate and eventually the bustling shopping strip we know today.
The seat’s artwork captures this transformation in a single sweeping visual timeline – a pictorial journey through Greythorn’s past, present and future as the gateway to the North East Link.
The final chapter in Greythorn’s trilogy project
The story seat is the vision of Greythorn marketing coordinator Yolanda Torrisi, who championed the idea to the Greythorn Traders Association who wholeheartedly embraced it. It completes a trilogy of projects celebrating Greythorn’s identity:
- 2022: Faces of Greythorn statues
- 2025: Faces of Greythorn book
- 2026: Greythorn Story Seat installation
Together, these projects bring Greythorn’s history to life for today’s shoppers, residents and visitors.
A collaborative community effort
The Greythorn Traders Association secured a $75,000 State Government grant through the North East Community Fund, one of the highest grants awarded in 2025. A stakeholder group was formed including:
- North East Link Program representatives
- Boroondara City Council officers
- Greythorn Traders Association
- Lump (designers, manufacturers and installers)
Over nine months, the team worked together to plan, design and create the story seat’s unique shape and illustrated panels.
Come and enjoy the Story Seat
The story seat is now open for everyone to enjoy. Bring the whole family, take a break from shopping, cool your jets and immerse yourself in Greythorn’s story.
An interactive quiz is printed on the tabletops, making the experience fun and educational for children and adults alike.
Your Story Seat journey and quiz
These questions appear on the tabletops at the story seat – a playful way to explore Greythorn’s past.
Farmland and Orchards
In the late 1800s this area was an orchard. Can you name the fruit trees grown here?
A Violet Farm
Violets were grown at Greythorn in the early to mid‑1900s. They symbolise innocence, remembrance and delicate love. What’s your favourite flower and what does it symbolise?
Greythorn Wildlife Sanctuary
The violet farm later became a wildlife sanctuary, home to more than 200 animals. Can you name some of the animals that lived here?
A Housing Estate and Shopping Strip
In 1954 the sanctuary was sold to make way for new homes and shops, forming the beginnings of Greythorn Central. Can you name some of the first shops at Greythorn?
The Greythorn Icons
In 2000 the Greythorn Icons statues were installed in front of the fire brigade, representing local community figures. Can you name who each statue represents?
Greythorn Today
Greythorn Central is now a thriving community hub and gateway to a major Melbourne freeway. What is the name of the freeway?