One of the most exciting and fun outings as a young girl growing up in the 90s and early 2000s was a trip to the local shopping centre.
“Thursday night, shopping night” quickly became a thing and there was nothing better than going to Chadstone or Forrest Hill or Knox with friends — outings which almost always included a movie and popcorn at the cinema, especially on school holidays.
Fast forward to my undergrad days at university, and one of my “escapes” when I had a long break between lectures, tutes or pracs was to drive to Chadstone where I’d visit Borders Bookstore — which sadly no longer exists, replaced by some over priced clothing store because FASHION! *sigh*— and I’d have a giant coffee at the Borders Bookstore cafe, situated on the upper level, while perusing through the pile of books I was dreaming of buying.
These days, going to shopping centres like Chadstone, Knox and now also Fountain Gate doesn’t quite bring the excitement of my younger days but it still provides a perfect, super easy outing option, especially since having Miss A … and especially if the weather is, well, crap!
Cold and wet? Let’s go to the shops. Ridiculously hot outside? Let’s hide in the air conditioned shopping centre and get some relief.
For families, shopping centers have long been seen as convenient, safe havens — perfect for taking kids out, especially, like I said, when the weather isn’t cooperating. With parent rooms for quick, convenient diaper/clothes changes, cafes that give mumma a breather, and child-friendly attractions (especially during the school holidays), they seem like an ideal spot for an easy outing.
Miss A and I once stumbled upon a life-sized Gabby from ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ and of course had a photo with her … mainly because it gave Miss A a kick! She LOVED Gabby! I had no idea who Gabby was, but according to friends who commented on the photo I shared on Facebook, Gabby is someone who I’ll soon become VERY familiar with. “She will LOVE HER!”
But in light of recent events, it seems these days, outings to public places like shopping centres — and don’t get me started on public parks — are increasingly being threatened by the lunatic minority who are hell bent on causing hurt, harm and destruction.
I can’t imagine what I’d do if some crazy lunatic poured scalding coffee on Miss A while she played in the park.
We did have a small encounter at a park during our Melbourne visit that sent my anxiety soaring — it turned out to be innocent, but it made me realise how vulnerable we can be as parents with kids.
So, anyway … early this morning — as you do! — all of this got me thinking:
How are we being protected by our local authorities and governments in public places? How can we take back these places and ensure our safety?
What are local governments and shopping centers doing to protect their communities? What safety measures are in place to ensure the security of citizens, especially innocent children?
With incidents like the recent attack in a WA shopping centre, are security efforts being strengthened in shopping centres across the country? And if not, how can parents feel safe in these spaces?
We’re living in crazy times, and one lesson I’ve taken from my background in triathlon is to “control the controllable.” While we wait for local governments, police, and security personnel to ramp up their efforts, I’ve been focusing on how I can protect Miss A while managing my own anxiety.
“Stay alert, not alarmed” may sound like a cliché, but it’s a mantra I’ve started to live by. Being mindful of our surroundings, taking small steps to stay safe, and knowing when and where to ask for help gives me some peace of mind while we navigate public spaces in this uncertain world.
In the end, while shopping centres and public spaces have always been an easy go-to for family outings, they now come with a new layer of concern for many parents.
As much as I’d love to hold on to the nostalgia of care-free trips to Chadstone or Knox, the reality is that we need to be more vigilant than ever.
HOWEVER … that doesn’t mean we stop living!
That doesn’t mean we should live in fear or stop enjoying these spaces with our children.
By staying alert and taking steps to protect ourselves and our little ones, we can still make the most of these outings.
Local authorities and shopping centres must continue to adapt to ensure safety, but as parents, we can focus on what’s within our control — staying aware, knowing our environment, and making smart choices.
Ultimately, while the world around us may feel unsafe and unpredictable, our resilience and readiness can help us reclaim these everyday moments of joy.
And here’s to making lasting shopping centre memories with Little Miss A!
x G.
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
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