I had the privilege of attending Hobsons Bay’s very first Community Recognition Awards at the Williamstown Town Hall in May.
It was wonderful to meet so many dedicated community members who care deeply about Hobsons Bay and generously give their time, energy and passion to help others. The event was a celebration of the outstanding contributions being made across our community and truly, everyone in the room could have been crowned a winner. You can read about the inspiring winners on page 3. Congratulations to our winners and everyone who was nominated.
Council’s 2026-27 budget was adopted by Council on Monday 29 June. It’s a responsible and community-focused budget that will help us continue delivering the services, infrastructure and support our residents rely on every day.
We know that many in our community are continuing to face cost-of-living challenges, so we've worked hard to balance maintaining essential services and infrastructure while keeping rates affordable for residents.
Budgets are always about choices and priorities. This budget reflects our commitment to delivering for our community today while planning responsibly for the future.
It ensures we can continue providing the everyday services residents expect while investing in the long-term wellbeing of our city.
You can take a look at the budget highlights on pages 6 and 7.
All Council meetings are held at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre and livestreamed. If you would like to attend in person, please register online or at the door.
Tuesday 25 August | 7pm
Tuesday 22 September | 7pm
Tuesday 27 October | 7pm
Friday 13 November | 7pm (Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor)
Tuesday 24 November | 7pm Tuesday 15 December | 7pm
For more information, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/CouncilMeetings
HOBSONS BAY Life
We acknowledge the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands, rivers and coastal areas in Hobsons Bay. We recognise the First Peoples’ relationship to this land and offer our respect to their Elders past and present.
Cover: Photos from across Hobsons Bay featuring Altona Pier, Nelson Place and Dennis Reserve in Williamstown, Skeleton Creek in Altona Meadows, tree planting and drain maintenance.
The inaugural Hobsons Bay Community Recognition Awards were held at the Williamstown Town Hall.
The new awards showcased how lucky we are in Hobsons Bay to have a wide range of inspiring individuals, groups and organisations committed to supporting others, driving positive change and enriching our community.
Jo Farguson
Jo has been volunteering as the head chef at Laverton Community Cafe since 2017. She oversees the preparation and delivery of three - course meals for more than 100 community members at Laverton Community Hub and Altona Meadows Community Centre each week, leading a team of more than 30 volunteers.
Rhonda Collins
As manager at Latitude: Directions for Young People and Chair of the Hobsons Bay Inter-Agency Network, Rhonda helps organisations work together to support vulnerable community members and advocates for people experiencing homelessness, rough sleepers, young people at risk, and others with complex needs.
Irena Kaluski
Irena has dedicated 45 years of volunteer service to the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West, advocating for women’s rights. Irena has recognised the importance of gender equality, safety for women and an end to gender-based violence. She is a founding member and has served across multiple presidencies, financial positions and governance roles. Zonta meet monthly at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown.
Hteepoe Ri
Hteepoe is an active participant and leader with youth programs at Laverton College and Council's Youth Change Makers Challenge. He has helped plan and deliver two community soccer tournaments that were attended by more than 230 young people.
Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club
The Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club, established in 1936, is one of Victoria’s oldest women’s sports clubs. It champions inclusion through initiatives such as Pride Round and Pink Round, has supported more than 100 Hobsons Bay school children in interschool lacrosse, and provides lifelong opportunities for girls and women to participate, lead and belong in sport.
Laverton Community Integrated Services
Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) is a not-for-profit neighbourhood house providing training, education courses, emergency relief, volunteering opportunities, food and community support programs. LCIS supports people of all ages, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, migration-related barriers, disability, and social isolation.
for a better future SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
RECYCLING DROP-OFF DAY
Our next drop-off day will look a little different. Bring your old electronic waste along with polystyrene and unwanted mattresses so they can be recycled and given a new life.
When: Saturday 12 September, 9am to 2pm
Where: New location, please scan for details
FREE HEALTH CHECKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
The Victorian maternal and child health (MCH) service is a free health and wellbeing service available for all families with children from birth to primary school age.
There are 10 key age and stage visits, beginning with a home visit shortly after your baby is born and continuing through to the three-and-a-half-year visit before starting school.
Meghan, an MCH nurse and mother of four, says the three-and-a-half-year appointment is an important milestone for children and families, and just as important as the newborn visits.
“While the earlier visits focus on your baby’s growth and development, the three-and-a-half-year appointment helps prepare your child for the transition to school,” Meghan said.
TEXTILES DON’T BELONG IN YOUR RECYCLING BIN
We often see clothes, towels, bedding and pillows in with recycling, but they don’t belong there. Our recycling system is not designed to handle textiles, which can get caught in machinery and cause breakdowns that disrupt the whole recycling process.
Instead, please donate, repair or repurpose where possible. If items can’t be saved, please place them in your red-lidded general rubbish bin.
“MCH nurses are well placed to identify any additional support needs and connect families with services that can help give your child the best start for kindergarten or school.”
The three-and-a-half- year visit includes:
• a vision check
• health and development screening
• oral health check and advice on caring for your child’s teeth
• information about four-year-old kindergarten and how to enrol
• four-year-old immunisations
• tips for starting four-year-old kindergarten and school readiness
• a discussion on how you and your family are feeling, and available support services.
In addition to regular health checks, the MCH service provides parenting advice, education, referrals and support for families experiencing family violence.
VAPE RECYCLING BIN RELOCATED
To keep our community and staff safe, the vape collection bin at Altona Library has been moved to the entrance foyer of the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre in Altona. This follows repeated tampering with the vape disposal bins.
We’re working on a safe new location for the second vape bin and will share an update soon.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep vape recycling safe for everyone.
All MCH nurses hold specialist qualifications in nursing, midwifery, and maternal and child health. They are also connected to a local network of health and support services and can refer families to additional support when needed.
For families who are unable to attend an appointment at one of our centres, we offer an outreach program where MCH nurses can visit local early childhood services.
To learn more or book an appointment, scan the QR code or visit, hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/MCH
Learn more or book an appointment
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Hobsons Bay continues to grow and evolve. Our population is expected to grow by at least 20,000 residents over the next 20 years. Future housing is being driven by the state government’s major planning reforms and guided by Plan for Victoria 2025, including housing targets for Hobsons Bay.
Our strategic and statutory planning teams are responding to state-led planning reforms to help Hobsons Bay manage growth, housing demand and future development.
Victorian Government major changes to planning
The state government has introduced major planning reforms for all of Victoria, which aim to improve housing affordability and meet housing targets by streamlining the planning process.
These changes include:
• introducing a streamlined approval process for residential townhouse and apartment developments up to six storeys in height, which will be automatically deemed compliant if they meet specified design standards
• reducing car parking requirements for developments
• expanding ministerial fast-track pathways for significant projects to be assessed directly by the minister, rather than through Council.
How it impacts you
For residential properties, if a proposal meets codified standards, Council must now issue a planning permit. Council has limited ability to consider broader issues such as neighbourhood character, traffic impacts or building density.
There is also reduced notification requirements for compliant developments, which means unless you are directly impacted, you may not be notified of smaller proposals. The ability of residents to appeal to VCAT has also been significantly reduced.
Future housing
The legislative overhaul is the biggest shakeup of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and is focused on increasing housing supply across the state.
As part of Plan for Victoria, the Victorian Government has set a housing target of 22,500 new dwellings in Hobsons Bay by 2051.
Council is required to implement state planning directions and has a role to plan for future housing growth. Housing that is in well-located areas and activity centres will be central to how Hobsons Bay evolves in the coming decades.
KEY STRATEGIC PLANNING INITIATIVES
What we're doing to set the direction for Hobsons Bay's housing, jobs and sustainable future.
• Housing strategy review – involves analysing housing needs, opportunities and constraints. It will be supported by related strategic work on activity centres to consider how they can accommodate future housing needs while supporting economically resilient, diverse and vibrant centres.
• Heritage strategy – establishes a 10-year action plan for how we identify, protect, support, promote and celebrate our heritage. Community consultation on the draft strategy recently took place from 8 July to 19 August.
• Industrial strategy review – sets the future direction for Hobsons Bay’s industrial precincts, supporting job growth, investment and well-designed employment precincts.
• Environmental planning – aims to protect and safeguard environmental assets, including native grasslands, internationally recognised wetlands, coastal and estuarine systems and waterways.
• Flood and sea level rise planning –places an emphasis on how Council responds to flood and coastal hazard risks, working with relevant state agencies.
• Integrated transport plan – ensures transport planning integrates with housing, jobs and land-use planning.
YOUR BUDGET2O26–27
A financially responsible back-to-basics budget.
This year’s financial budget focuses on improving service standards, maintaining and supporting our existing assets, and providing affordability for all ratepayers.
Capital works budget
$59.7M Highlights
$19.2M
Major projects
Kororoit Creek Trail in Altona and Altona North, construction set to commence this year
Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club redevelopment, with construction aiming to begin in 2027
Bruce Comben Reserve sports pavilion redevelopment design, Altona Meadows
RATES
Rates notices are due on 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May.
The average general rate increase for residential properties is 1.84 per cent.
Across all property categories (including, commercial, industrial and petrochemical properties) rates will increase by an average of 2.75 per cent.
Mary Street Reserve, Spotswood upgrade
Sportsground redevelopment for Edwards Reserve, South Kingsville and Bond Reserve, Altona North Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre heating and air conditioning upgrade
$11.91
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Rate relief and payment plans are available for those who need financial support. If you are experiencing financial hardship and need rate relief, you can apply for financial assistance hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/FinancialAssistance
If you are an eligible pension card holder, you will receive $100 off your rates notice, in addition to the state government pensioner concession.
Here’s a quick guide to how rates will be divided to deliver community assets and services this financial year.
WHEN ARE PROPERTIES VALUED?
Property valuations are calculated on 1 January each year by a state government appointed independent valuer. The valuation change for each ratepayer’s property determines if their rates bill will increase or decrease. Any changes in the marketplace from that date will be reflected in following year’s rates notice.
BETTER CITY BUILDING A
ALTONA SEAWALL SAVED
Remediation works to stabilise a section of the Altona seawall near Laverton Creek are complete.
The remediation works were necessary to protect the seawall and reduce risks of damage to the Bay Trail, The Esplanade and Altona’s iconic Norfolk Island pine trees.
Over many years, a natural sand spit from the mouth of Laverton Creek moved east along the Altona shoreline causing the opening of the creek to narrow and undercut the seawall.
The tidal flows became more concentrated between the sand spit and the sea wall, which eroded the sandy beach in front of the seawall.
The remediation works by the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), in collaboration with Council, created
a new outlet through the sand spit to redirect creek flows away from the seawall and restored the beach to stabilise the seawall and foreshore.
The manmade ‘sandbag’ structure that you can see at low tide is a geotextile training wall that also helps redirect flows away from the seawall. Without these works, the seawall would have collapsed.
Along with DEECA, we’ll continue to monitor the Laverton Creek spit, including regular inspections of the seawall and the flow of Laverton Creek outlet.
Longer-term planning for the Laverton Creek spit and Altona foreshore is progressing through the Adapt West – Shaping our Shores project, led by the Port Phillip Bay Western Shoreline Regional and Strategic Partnership.
To learn more and get involved, visit engage.vic.gov.au/adapt-west
HOBSONS BAY FLOOD MAPPING
Melbourne Water has released new flood information for the Hobsons Bay City Council area.
The maps provide information about the current and 2100 flood extent and flood depth scenario predictions.
The current scenarios show the best understanding of the flood extent and flood depths for today.
The 2100 scenarios show the projected flood extents and flood depths under a climate change scenario.
Find out what this means for your property, visit the flood mapping page on the Melbourne Water website or scan
After works on the Altona Seawall
Before works on the Altona Seawall
Construction works on the Altona Seawall
Geotextile training wall
WORKING YEAR-ROUND TO REDUCE FLOOD RISKS
Behind the scenes, our in-house drainage and maintenance team works year-round to reduce flood risks and keep Hobsons Bay’s stormwater network operating effectively.
With more than 22,000 stormwater pits and pipes across the municipality, Council’s proactive inspection and maintenance program helps keep the drainage network in good condition, reduces flood risks and protects local infrastructure.
Stormwater drains can get blocked by debris, leaves, sludge and even branches.
To clean and unblock the pits and pipes, our team uses a purpose-built truck that carries 2.5 tonnes of water and can remove up to 6 tonnes of sludge. A high-pressure vacuum mounted on a boom removes blockages, debris and sludge. A powered jet and hose then flush water through the drain to the next stormwater pit, helping ensure the water flows effectively.
As a bayside municipality, Hobsons Bay faces additional challenges during severe weather.
When high tides coincide with heavy rainfall, stormwater can be slower to drain, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding even when drains are clear.
When this happens, multiple crews from our operations centre respond quickly to clean affected areas and make them safe as soon as possible. By routinely inspecting, maintaining and cleaning our stormwater network, we’re able to reduce the risk of flooding and minimise unplanned disruptions.
While Council maintains the stormwater drainage network, Greater Western Water is responsible for drinking water and sewage infrastructure, including water mains and sewage pipes.
Both Council and Greater Western Water carry out routine inspections and maintenance to help keep essential water services operating effectively.
LIFELONG LEARNING
Our libraries are hubs of activity for all ages. They’re places of connection, shared learning, friendship and creativity.
Across our five libraries, we have a huge range of free programs for all interests.
It’s free to join and close to home. As the saying goes, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
Come along to one of our regular programs below, meet like-minded people, broaden your horizons and learn something new.
CONNECT AND CHAT
• Cards and conversation
• Mahjong
• Craft and laugh
• Morning Movie Club
• Let’s talk books
CREATE
• Monday Makers
• Something Sketchy
• Adult Lego Club
• Learn it, Make it (topic varies monthly)
UPSKILL
• Device advice
• Friday morning tech
• Heritage help
• Sustainability workshops
SPECIAL EVENTS
Way-back workshop - Introduction to Findmypast library edition
Wednesday 19 August, 2.30pm to 4pm Williamstown Library
Science Week tech class special Friday 21 August, 10am to 11am, Altona Meadows Library
Adult Learners Week Expo
Saturday 29 August, 10am to 2pm, Altona Meadows Library
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
For over eight years, Trevor Warren and his team of volunteers have dedicated every Saturday morning during school terms to teaching kids how to code as part of the global movement CoderDojo.
CoderDojo is an international, free, volunteer-led, community-based programming club for young people.
Trevor founded the Hobsons Bay chapter of CoderDojo in 2017, and the program is so successful there is a long wait list.
Every week, 20 kids and their parents meet at Brooklyn Community Hall to immerse themselves in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related challenges, learning computer programming, exploring the basics of electronics and developing 3D modeling and printing skills, including working on robotics.
“Thanks to donated laptops and volunteers, we’re able to offer high-quality STEM programs for free,” said Trevor.
“Every kid works at their own pace on a different challenge that helps them stretch and learn new skills.
STEM challenges also help build life skills such as logical thinking, problem solving, learning from failure and group work.”
Trevor is currently on the lookout for more volunteers. He encourages anyone who is passionate about STEM, has programming / electronics / robotics experience and is keen to help kids and their parents on their STEM learning journey to volunteer.
“There are many benefits to volunteering and growth and learning opportunities,” said Trevor.
“Volunteers support parent/child teams. Projects include building robots for a sumo wrestling challenge and a ping pong ball launcher.”
If you’re interested in volunteering, email Trevor at volunteer@hack2.live
Council operates Brooklyn Community Hall, for booking enquiries contact 1300 179 944.
ACCESS TO CARE WHEN IT MATTERS
Whether it’s a young person seeking counselling, a child needing speech therapy, or someone recovering from injury, timely access to health care can make a critical difference to a person’s wellbeing.
Across Melbourne’s west, demand for health, mental health and allied health services continues to grow, leaving many residents waiting weeks or months for the support they need. Essential services such as counselling, occupational therapy and speech pathology are often difficult to secure, with many residents needing to travel outside Hobsons Bay to attend appointments.
Mental health remains a significant concern in our community. In 2021, it was the leading long-term health condition reported by Hobsons Bay residents, with anxiety and depression affecting thousands of people locally.
In 2021, western suburbs artist Manny Sison took part in the Art Bomb project run by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network. His art remains relevant today and was recently exhibited at Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton.
The Art Bomb project engaged local artists within the community who have experienced mental health challenges to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Manny’s six pieces explore different ways in which loneliness, anxiety and bottling up emotions can impact one’s mental health.
“Lifeline is a piece that explores how hard it can be to reach out for help when things are not okay. I went through a tough time a few years ago and found it difficult to be proactive about my healing,” said Manny.
“It felt like I was constantly being dragged down by my depression and didn’t believe I would ever surface. Fortunately, I have an amazing support network that stuck by me and encouraged me to seek professional help. My three closest mates, the ones who have been there since the beginning of my transformative journey, are the seagulls in this piece.”
Council’s youth services currently provide the only free, face-to-face counselling available to young people aged 12 to 25 in Hobsons Bay. Wait times for appointments can be many weeks, highlighting the growing need for accessible frontline support, close to home.
Every resident deserves access to quality care when they need it. That’s why we’re advocating for increased investment in health and mental health services across Melbourne’s west.
By strengthening local health and community services, we can reduce wait times, remove barriers to care and build a healthier, more resilient Hobsons Bay.
FAIR SHARE FOR THE WEST
Have you experienced long wait times or difficulty accessing health, mental health or allied services? Share you experience to help us advocate for the services and investment our community needs. Scan to take part
In the spirit of lifelong learning, share a new creative endeavour for the chance to win a $100 voucher. The artwork can be a drawing, painting, sculpture, or a piece created using digital media, and must contain the letters HB. There will be two categories: under 18 and open. The winning artwork will be published in the
View the terms and conditions and enter the competition by Sunday 6 September. Scan to enter
WHAT'S ON
DAUGHTERS OF THE WEST IS BACK
Daughters of the West is a free 10-week health and wellbeing program designed to help women feel healthier, more confident and more connected.
Led by fitness experts, health professionals and women with lived experience, the program provides practical tools, supportive friendships and a welcoming community.
Daughters of the West is delivered by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council.
Laverton Community Hub
Mondays 1pm to 3pm
10 August to 12 October
Brooklyn Community Hall
Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm 11 August to 13 October
Join us in 2026, scan to register for either location.
COFFEE WITH A COP
Monday 17 August, 10am to 12pm
Laverton Community Hub
Join us for a free coffee and friendly chat with our local police officers. Ask questions, discuss issues, and get to know more about our local police members from Hobsons Bay.
MELBOURNE CHEESE, WINE & SPIRIT FESTIVAL
Saturday 22 August, 12pm to 7pm
Seaworks, Williamstown
A showcase of local producers, and live music in this unique waterfront location at Nelson Place.
Supported by Council’s Make it Happen grants program.
To book tickets, visit seaworks.com.au
ADULT LEARNERS WEEK EXPO
Saturday 29 August, 10am to 2pm
Altona Meadows Library
Inspiring presentations, practical workshops and local learning opportunities - there’s something for everyone! No bookings required, for more information visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/events
STARTING SECONDARY SCHOOL
Monday 31 August, 7pm to 8pm, online
This is a free one-hour webinar for parents of teens who are preparing to start secondary school. Experienced secondary educator and author Sharon Witt will share tips and strategies parents can use to best support their young person transitioning to secondary school. For more information, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/youngpeople
BODY SAFETY AUSTRALIAPARENT & CARER WORKSHOP
Wednesday 9 September, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Maribyrnong City Council, Civic Precinct and Community Hub 61 Napier St, Footscray
Body Safety Australia is hosting a free practical workshop for parents and carers of children aged 3 to 12. This two-hour session empowers families with body safety tools that can be used within the home, school and community. The event is in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council.
HOBSONS BAY BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Friday 11 September, 7am to 9am
The Substation, Newport
Presented in partnership with Uccello Jewellery & Watches, the popular Hobsons Bay Business Breakfast brings together our local business community for a relaxed and uplifting event featuring keynote speaker and behaviour expert Anthony Laye.
Known for his engaging style, Anthony will share practical insights into how we communicate, build relationships and connect with others in our work and day-to-day interactions. Tickets are now available, scan the QR code to book your place
EVENTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
VR DROP-IN
Mondays, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Altona North Community Library
Hosted by Hobsons Bay Libraries, try VR at the Games Discovery Centre, no bookings required, ages 10+
HIGH SCHOOL DROP-IN
Thursdays, 3pm to 5pm
Youth Services, level 1, Newport Community Hub
Hang out and meet some new people in a space just for young people, ages 12 to 17. Our youth services team will provide a range of activities and snacks, no registration required.
WOODS STREET YOUTH
ART PRIZE EXHIBITION
4 to 19 September
Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton
The biennial exhibition celebrates the creativity, diversity and spirit of young people across Melbourne’s west. For details, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ creativeopportunities
QUEER YOUTH SOIREE
Friday 18 September, 6pm to 9pm Newport
A party for LGBTIQA+ young people to celebrate end of term, meet new friends and have fun!
Bookings essential – allies welcome. For details visit, www.hbys.com.au
