When I’m attending events and talking to people, the reason most people love living in Hobsons Bay is the community. They love meeting people for activities or events, seeing friendly faces down the street, joining community groups and volunteering.
Community organisations, environmental groups, sporting clubs and social groups all play a role in creating a healthy, active community.
It’s why Council invests nearly half a million dollars into our annual Make it Happen grants program to fund community-driven projects that meet a local need. If you have an idea or initiative that can help support people in our community, I strongly encourage you to apply for a Make it Happen grant, details on page 5.
It’s also why we’re launching the inaugural Hobsons Bay Community Recognition Awards. We know there is terrific work happening in the community and we want to celebrate people who drive positive change, strengthen the community, and go above and beyond to support others. View the award categories and more information on page 5.
Last month, it was a pleasure to welcome Phu Nguyen as Hobsons Bay City Council’s new CEO. Along with a refreshed executive team, a Council group with a year of experience working together, and a new Council Plan guiding our work, I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve.
Lastly, don’t forget to download our new waste and recycling app and delete the old one, details on page 3.
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 24 February | 7pm
Tuesday 24 March | 7pm
Tuesday 28 April | 7pm
Tuesday 26 May | 7pm Tuesday 23 June | 7pm
Tuesday 28 July | 7pm
25 August | 7pm Tuesday 22 September | 7pm
Tuesday 27 October | 7pm
Friday 13 November | 7pm (Election of Mayor and Deputy
Tuesday 24 November | 7pm
Tuesday 15 December | 7pm
For more information, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/CouncilMeetings
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: Download our new waste and recycling app, details on page 3.
We’ve launched a new and improved bin app! Stay on top of bin days, get collection updates, and find out what goes where –all in one place.
Get started today:
1. Download the ‘LoopedIn Councils’ app
2. Select Hobsons Bay City Council during setup
3. Delete the old app
Never miss bin night again; download the new app now.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
Make a difference in our local environment by joining Australia’s biggest clean-up event! Clean Up Australia Day is coming up on Sunday 1 March and it’s a fabulous opportunity for people of all ages to band together and make a big, positive impact on our environment – one piece of litter at a time!
How you can help:
• Join a local clean up
• Host your own event
• Make a donation
Get involved in Clean Up Australia Day and protect our beautiful open spaces for future generations.
FOOD SCRAP BIN LINERS ARE NOW FREE!
Designed to fit perfectly in your kitchen caddy, you can now collect paper bag liners for free from the front desk at any Council+ location, including libraries and the Civic Centre.
How to use:
• Insert one of Council’s paper bags into your kitchen caddy
• Pop your food scraps in there for a day or two
• Put the paper bag straight into your food and garden waste wheelie bin (green lid)
• Repeat!
Remember that we can’t accept any plastic bags in the food and garden bin (even if they say they’re compostable or biodegradable) as our processor cannot break them down.
Stay in the know with local news, events and stories delivered straight to your inbox. Scan to subscribe.
THE CUPCAKE QUEEN
Monique Milenkovic is a mother of five, founder of The Cupcake Queens empire, keynote business speaker and author of her first book, Celebration & Inspiration.
Monique will share her journey building The Cupcake Queens at our International Women’s Day event on Thursday 5 March.
As a sneak peek, Monique shares what motivates her and tips on how to balance being a parent and a business owner.
Q. Your business grew from your first shop in Williamstown to eight retail locations. How did you grow so quickly?
A. The growth of The Cupcake Queens was very organic and certainly not an overnight success. While the idea began years earlier, our first store in Williamstown officially opened on 1 May 2010. From the beginning, I focused on quality, consistency and building a genuine connection with the local community. We listened closely to our customers, stayed true to our values and reinvested back into the business at every stage. Growth was never rushed. Each new store only opened when the time felt right. In many ways, the biggest growth step was moving from one store to two. Once we had successfully done that, expanding further felt far less daunting and much more achievable.
Q. You are a baker and an author, what do you most enjoy?
A. I enjoy the ability to inspire people through both baking and writing as well as speaking. I see myself as a business person in a bakery, not a baker in a business, and I am still coming to terms with being an author. As the business has grown, I am not as hands on with the baking, but baking allows me to bring joy and celebration into everyday moments, while writing gives me the opportunity to share my story, lessons and inspire others.
Q. As a mother of five, what are your time management tips for running a business and a family?
A. Planning and prioritising are essential, and I truly believe that done is better than perfect. The only time this does not apply is when it comes to our cupcakes and cakes, which need to be as close to perfect as possible, especially as everything is handmade. I ask for lots of help and I am very fortunate to have an incredible team behind me, as well as a very supportive family.
Celebrating
our long-standing businesses
For over 150 years, local businesses have helped shape Hobsons Bay - our streetscapes, our economy and, most importantly, our sense of community. At the 2025 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards, we paid homage to some of these longstanding businesses with incredible longevity, who have thrived over decades and, in some cases, generations.
A big shoutout must go to my husband, who is extremely hands on and plays a huge role in making it all work.
Being present is still a constant work in progress for me, and I am continually learning to be as present as possible. I am also very big on setting boundaries, which is a skill I have practised over time. I have learnt that many things are out of my control, so I focus my energy on what I can control.
Q. The Cupcake Queens is a family business, what advice can you give people managing family businesses or wanting to turn their idea into reality?
A. Clear communication is essential in any family business. It is important to respect each other’s strengths and have honest conversations, even when they are challenging.
For anyone wanting to turn an idea into reality, start small, back yourself and be prepared to work hard. Stay consistent, be resilient and remember that progress often comes from taking small, steady steps rather than trying to do everything at once.
Hear more about Monique’s business insights; her highs, the challenges and the lessons learned along the way at the International Women’s Day event on Thursday 5 March. The event is hosted in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council, tickets are $40 and available to purchase via the QR code below.
Scan here to book.
Scan the QR code to watch the video, proudly brought to you by Pache Built.
Watch the video here
COUNCIL’S MAKE IT HAPPEN GRANTS NOW OPEN
Nearly half a million dollars in grants is available to community organisations, clubs and producers to turn community projects, initiatives and events into reality.
Grant categories include:
• up to $1,500 for equipment and resources
• up to $15,000 for community projects and
• up to $25,000 for events and festivals.
In total, $495,000 is available, including a contribution from Toyota Australia of $30,000 for the equipment and resources grant.
The Make it Happen grants program can provide support for programs, projects, events and resources across all sectors including environment, sustainability, sport and recreation, arts and culture, health and wellbeing, multicultural, community and neighbourhood development, technology, projects by and for young people, children and families, and more.
Last year, Council funded 86 programs, projects, and events to deliver in 2025 and 2026.
Funded projects ranged from festivals to workshops, nature walks and open days, to learning courses and arts programs.
Thanks to Toyota, we were also able to provide much needed sports and gardening equipment.
President of Williamstown Literary Festival, Lis Grove OAM, praised the Make it Happen grants for broadening the festival's audience and community engagement.
"Without the support of Council for the past two decades, this couldn't possibly happen," said Lis.
If you have an idea or initiative that can help support people in our community, or your group or organisation is looking at innovative ways to meet a local need, a community grant could make it happen.
Before you apply, register for one of our online information sessions or grant writing workshops.
Grants are open for applications until 1pm on 30 March 2026.
The program supports activities, programs and events that take place until December 2027.
To view eligibility, grant categories and to apply, visit our website hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/grants
NEW AWARDS TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY LEADERS
NOMINATIONS FOR THE HOBSONS BAY COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS WILL OPEN IN MARCH.
The inaugural awards recognise the achievements of community organisations, leaders and volunteers who deliver services and initiatives with positive social impact. Categories include:
· Helping Others Award – Recognising an individual or group going above and beyond to support others
· Change Maker Award – Recognising an individual or group who has led positive change in the community
· Sporting Spirit Award – Recognising a club, team or individual involved with community sport and recreation, through playing, coaching or volunteering
· Community Strengthening Award –Recognising a community group that has made an exceptional contribution to building a stronger, more connected and inclusive Hobsons Bay
· Young Leader Award – Recognising a young person (12–25 years of age) who is making a real difference in the community
· Community Leader Award – Recognising a person who is making a real difference in the community.
Keep an eye out on our social media channels for when nominations open or visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ CommunityRecognitionAwards.
The award winners will be announced in May, as one of Council’s major activities celebrating National Volunteer Week.
Scan here to apply.
Hobsons Bay’s population is forecast to increase to 113,134 by 2046.
West Welcome Wagon volunteers
Our Plan for the next four years is here
In December, Council voted to endorse four key strategic documents that will set Hobsons Bay’s direction for the next four years and beyond.
These four plans will guide our work and programs to ensure our community receives the services it wants, and that our assets are maintained and renewed effectively and financially responsibly.
Theme
“
Our Community Vision
All four plans work to help us achieve our Community Vision, which is a high-level, broad ambition for Hobsons Bay. During the consultation process for these strategic documents, the Community Vision has also been updated and is now that:
By 2040, we are a safe, sustainable and healthy community supported by an accountable, efficient and transparent Council.”
Council Plan 2025-29
Every four years, councils are required to consult their municipalities and put together a plan that outlines their community’s priorities for that council term.
Our plan for the next four years is broken down into four key themes. Each theme has a series of goals, and each goal has measurable actions, which Council will undertake as part of four annual action plans, and which will be funded by the annual budget.
Healthy Community Sustainable Environment Liveable City Accountable Council 1 2 3 4
Goals
1. Strengthen community connection
2. Reduce harm and build a safer community
3. Promote physical and mental wellbeing
1. Respond effectively to climate change by reducing emissions and managing risk
2. Support the community to respond to climate change
3. Promote and deliver recycling and waste management services that divert waste from landfill
4. Promote the conservation and enhancement of our unique natural environments
1. Provide equitable and inclusive community infrastructure
2. Increase access to jobs, education and housing
3. Deliver and advocate for a safe and accessible transport network
4. Foster community through events and arts
5. Address drainage, flooding and stormwater concerns
1. Strengthen governance practices and systems
2. Increase staff satisfaction and safety
3. Improve financial performance of Council
4. Increase effective communications and community engagement
5. Develop strategic partnerships to deliver on community needs
Health,Wellbeing and Safety Plan 2025–29
As well as a Council Plan, councils are also required every four years to put together a plan to guide the health and wellbeing of their communities.
Because safety was identified as a significant issue during our community consultation, our plan in this area has been named the Health, Wellbeing and Safety Plan.
This plan works together with the Council Plan. The goals and actions that will work to improve the health, wellbeing or safety of the Hobsons Bay community are replicated across the Council Plan and the Health, Wellbeing and Safety Plan.
Who we are
95,633 residents in 2024
51% 49%
Females Males
Greater Melbourne was 52% females and 49% males
10,000
increase in Hobsons Bay’s population over the next 10 years residents
21.3% of residents have a disability
Compared to 21.4% of people across Australia
Asset and Financial Plans 2025–35
While preparing the new Council and health plans, we have also updated our long-term asset and financial plans.
These plans cover the next 10 years, and show how we expect to manage our budget, and maintain and develop our assets so we can achieve the goals set out in the Council Plan.
13.3%
Compared to 11% of people across Victoria of residents identify as LGBTIQA+
11,372 residents live in low-income households
Compared to 13.4% of people in Greater Melbourne 13.2%
How you contributed:
1,063 people told us their priorities
117 expressions of interest to join the community representative group
36 community representatives took part in workshops
1,400+ pieces of feedback from community and Council staff
27%
Compared to 34% of people in Greater Melbourne 2.5% 3% of residents speak a language other than English at home 2.1%
The top three spoken languages other than English are: 1. Arabic 2. Greek 3. Vietnamese
A.W. Bond Reserve, Altona North
BETTER CITY BUILDING A
SAFETY UPGRADES AT A.W. BOND RESERVE
Altona North’s A.W. Bond Reserve is safer for all users following recent upgrade works.
The reserve, home to Newport Storm FC, had two new 30m LED floodlight towers installed to make training more accessible.
Fencing behind the goals was also added to improve safety between the soccer pitch and children’s play space.
The upgrades are thanks to funding from Council and the Victorian Government and were officially unveiled in November 2025.
BROOKLYN’S BLUESTONE BRIDGE REVITALISED
The heritage-listed 1880s bluestone bridge in Brooklyn has been renewed with structural repairs, graffiti removal and improved lighting.
The bridge crosses over Kororoit Creek on the main road link to Geelong and creates a welcoming gateway to Hobsons Bay from neighbouring Brimbank.
You can cycle across the bridge along Kororoit Creek to Hosken Reserve and view the magnificent Spirits of Time and Place sculptures by local artist Geoffrey Ricardo.
The upgrade, funded by Council and the Victorian Government through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, was finished in December 2025.
MAKING IT EASIER TO GET FROM A TO B
We want your feedback to help design a transport future that works for everyone.
Every trip in Hobsons Bay matters - the quick walk to the shops, the school drop-off, the bike ride on the weekend, public transport to work and driving across town.
That’s why Council is developing the Integrated Transport Strategy 2026–2036, a 10 year strategy to improve how we move across Hobsons Bay.
We are looking at the whole picture, with a focus on connectivity, accessibility and sustainability.
Keep an eye out on Participate Hobsons Bay and share your local insight. Tell us what’s working, what isn’t and what you’d like to see.
Scan the QR code to have your say
ALL THINGS RATES
We know not many people check their letterbox so we’re giving property owners the heads up via text message when we send important information.
You may receive a friendly reminder when we have sent you a rates notice, overdue notice or information about payment plans.
To receive text messages and emails from the rates team, please scan the QR code below. You'll need:
• your assessment number from the rates notice
• property address
• email address and
• mobile number.
Please note, you will never be asked to make a payment from a text message.
You can also sign up for enotices at hobsonsbay.enotices.com.au. Use the eNotice code from your recent rates notice and you’ll receive future rate notices via email. It’s also easy to log in to view your notice online.
Scan here to complete the short online form
Brooklyn Bluestone Bridge, Brooklyn
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REINVIGORATED
The iconic four-faces
Neighbourhood Watch logo is making a local comeback and popping up across Hobsons Bay.
Neighbourhood Watch Hobsons Bay is a new community-driven group campaigning to raise awareness of and reduce crime in Hobsons Bay, helping to connect people and empower them with knowledge.
Neighbourhood Watch encompassing all of Hobsons Bay was created in 2025.
Altona Meadows resident Ian
Watson has won the prestigious Heart Foundation Above and Beyond Golden Shoe Award for his leadership founding and organising the Mighty West Walkers.
The national award recognises the outstanding efforts of walk organisers and the impact they’ve made on their community.
Ian founded The Mighty West Heart Foundation Walking Group in 2019. It has grown from just three walkers to a diverse, vibrant community that meets regularly for walks, coffee and friendship. Ian is deeply honoured and privileged to accept the award.
“This recognition means so much, not just for me but to all our walking groups’ members,” said Ian.
“The Golden Shoe Award is more than an awardit symbolises every step taken towards a healthier community through the walking program.”
The walking group meets every Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 4pm, Wednesday at 10am, Friday at 10am and Saturday at 10am.
Ian also organises social events, special walks and outreach programs.
All ages and levels of fitness are welcome, and it’s free to join and attend.
The walking group is supported by The Heart Foundation and members need to register through the Heart Foundation online or contact Ian on 0411 566 862 .
The community group has a growing committee that will represent each suburb of Hobsons Bay and aims to have over 200 members and 3,000 Facebook followers by the end of 2026. It’s free to become a member, and anyone can follow Neighbourhood Watch Hobsons Bay on Facebook.
Both followers and members receive regular updates on best-practice crime prevention and tips to keep themselves and their neighbours safe.
Neighbourhood Watch key safety tips:
• Know important contact numbers. For emergencies, call 000. For nonurgent police assistance, use 131 444. For anonymous crime reports, ring 1800 333 000.
• Lock up your home — always. Make sure all doors, windows, gates, garages and sheds are locked, even when you’re at home. Spare keys shouldn’t be hidden outside.
• Lock cars, install anti-theft screws (SafePL8) and don’t leave valuables inside. Many thefts from vehicles happen simply because cars are left unlocked or items are in plain sight.
The Neighbourhood Watch Hobsons Bay committee works collaboratively with Victoria Police, Council and local MPs to help foster strong local networks and advocate for improved safety across Hobsons Bay. Neighbourhood Watch Hobsons Bay is also represented on the Hobsons Bay Local Safety Committee.
Members are invited to quarterly Neighbourhood Watch meetings, where they can hear about current projects, help shape future priorities, and volunteer at local events throughout the year.
To become a member, complete the online form: nhw.com.au/membership-application
To find out more, follow the group on their Facebook page, visit facebook.com/NHWHobsonsBay or scan the QR code below. Scan here for more details
Neighbourhood Watch started in Victoria in 1983.
UPGRADE YOUR TECH SKILLS
Every Friday during the school term, the Friday Morning Tech Class brings people together from 10am to 11am to learn about technology.
The locations alternate between the Altona and Altona Meadows libraries and cover a wide mix of topics; from artificial intelligence (AI) to reducing scam stress.
Although the classes are designed with beginners in mind, they attract participants with all kinds of skills and experiences, each keen to boost their confidence with technology.
Sien from Altona makes it a priority to come every week.
“I’ve never been educated on computers and I want to learn more,” said Sien.
“It’s like decoding a magical mystery and learning another language.”
Robyn from Newport joined to feel more confident using her mobile.
“I felt like I wasn’t using my phone to its full capability; people I speak to were using certain functions and I didn’t know what they were talking about,” said Robyn.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS
Each week offers a new topic facilitated by our technology librarian, Sarah Hattam, along with a handy set of notes for participants to take home.
Upcoming sessions include: managing your passwords, finding a lost phone, and understanding your digital footprint.
Beyond tech tips, the classes have also grown into a welcoming social space, with attendees forming friendships and supporting one another.
Tina from Altona North loves the social aspect and connection.
“We’re all wanting to learn the same thing, and we learn from listening to other people’s questions and helping each other,” said Tina.
As technology continues to evolve, these sessions provide an engaging and supportive way for the community to keep up to date.
To reserve your spot, speak to our library staff, call 1300 179 944 or book online at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/TechClasses
In the spirit of the Dear Agnes contemporary public art program, budding artists of all ages and abilities are invited to draw, sculpt or paint Hobsons Bay’s coastal landscape for the chance to win a $100 voucher.
There will be two categories: under 18 and open.
View the terms and conditions and enter the competition by Sunday 15 March at hobsonsbay. vic.gov.au/magazine
The Dear Agnes art program will speak to local landscape-inspired themes while paying homage to A Forest for Australia, a land artwork by one of the world's leading environmental artists, New Yorkbased Agnes Denes. A Forest for Australia was commissioned in 1998 to sit within the environs of the Altona Treatment Plan, Queen Street, Altona.
The contemporary public art program features commissioned artwork from artists and collectives and will be exhibited at Truganina Explosives Reserve, Altona, from 13 to 29 March. Find out more on page 12.
Muda, 12, Newport Lakes Under 18 category
Michael Costa, Seaholme Pier Open category
BALANCE THE SCALES
Imagine working throughout your life, dedicating time to raising a family, volunteering at school or in the community and then finding yourself in housing stress or without a home when you retire. For a disproportionate number of older women, this is the case.
Living alone, on a government or low income, and renting a private house are all risk factors of becoming homeless.
The 2021 Census showed that women over 55 are one of the fastest growing groups to experience homelessness in Australia, alongside women and children experiencing family violence.
Rebecca Cook, a participation and early intervention worker for Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG), says there are some misconceptions about housing for older people.
HAAG is a state-wide agency that advocates for housing justice, and supports older people to find long-term, safe and affordable housing, including residents of Hobsons Bay.
“Australia’s retirement system is built on the assumption that older people retire owning their own home, but it’s not always the case,” said Rebecca.
“We’re seeing a growing trend of people retiring with mortgages or in private rental which causes housing stress and impacts an older person’s health and wellbeing.
“Often older people can’t afford repairs to their own home or if they’re renting are reluctant to ask for repairs or basic maintenance for fear that their rent will increase, or they will be evicted and then have trouble finding a new home."
In Hobsons Bay, there is a slightly higher percentage of residents aged over 60 compared to Greater Melbourne, and is forecast to grow by 29.7 per cent by 2041.
According to the 2021 Census, 50.4 per cent of all people in low-income households in Hobsons Bay are living alone.
Rebecca wants older people, especially women, to seek support earlier.
“We have an ageing population and everywhere has a waitlist,” she said.
“Older women living alone hold off asking for help, they don’t want to be a burden so make huge sacrifices to their health and wellbeing to maintain high rents and keep a roof over their heads.
“They often skip meals, don’t use heating or cooling, don’t visit the GP, and it can be socially isolating because it can be expensive to go out for coffee or lunch.
“Older women shouldn’t feel shame about asking for help and accessing support services they very much deserve. Everyone deserves the right to affordable housing.”
Housing for the Aged Action Group has services that can help older people experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, and if needed, connect people with Aged Care.
If you need support or would just like some information about your options, please contact HAAG. They have an office in Flinders Lane which is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (no bookings required) or you can call 1300 765 178.
If you’re interested in balancing the scales to help improve housing for older people, talk to MPs about your housing concerns and the need for safe and secure housing for older people.
“We have stronger, safer communities when everyone has a stable and affordable home,” said Rebecca.
Rebecca is one of three community leaders who will speak at Hobsons Bay’s world-cafe style event #BalanceTheScales on Tuesday 3 March ahead of International Women’s Day, which is globally acknowledged on 8 March every year.
The roundtable event aims to highlight the urgent need for fair, inclusive and accessible justice for women and girls.
To register, please visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/IWD
To find out more about HAAG, visit oldertenants.org.au
Rebecca (right) with volunteer Vanessa Heart, who is on HAAG's management committee, and received an award from the Victorian Government for her volunteering.
Photo supplied by Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG).
WHAT'S ON
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOCTURNAL NIGHT
Saturday 28 February, 7.30pm to 10pm
Truganina Explosives Reserve, Altona
Join local zoologist Rob Gration for a spotlight tour through Truganina Park, you might see owls, possums and bats. Free event but registrations essential at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/NocturnalTours
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
Sunday 1 March
Join Australia's biggest clean-up!
Clean Up Australia Day is an annual event that inspires the community to come together and remove litter from the local environment.
Join a local clean-up, cleanup.org.au
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
We’re acknowledging International Women’s Day with two events.
Join us at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre on Tuesday 3 March, 1pm to 2.30pm, for a world-café style event to discuss how we can #BalanceTheScales and provide fair, inclusive and accessible justice for women and girls. To register, please visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/IWD
For our business community, you’re invited to an event on Thursday 5 March from 11.30am to 2pm at Williamstown Italian Social Club The event is in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council. Tickets for the business networking event are $40, to book scan below.
THE TEEN BRAIN
Thursday 19 March, 7pm to 8pm Online
Free webinar from our youth services team featuring Dr Justin Coulson, author of nine parenting books and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance.
The Teen Brain will help you understand your teen’s behaviour and navigate the teenage years with more confidence and less stress, transforming your relationship with your teen in the process. Bookings essential at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ youngpeople
CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK
21 to 29 March
Cultural Diversity Week is a time to come together and celebrate different cultures within our community. Hobsons Bay is rich in diversity with over 120 different languages spoken. Stay up to date on events and activities at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/CDW
FREE HERITAGE WALKING TOURS
Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Williamstown
Jump back in time and discover Williamstown’s secrets. Explore hidden lanes, an abandoned morgue, historical buildings and monuments on a free, guided walking tour.
Every Tuesday and Friday (except Good Friday) from 5 March to 29 May. Tours depart from Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre in Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown. To book contact 9932 3016 or visit hobsonsbaytickets.com.au
DEAR AGNES
13 to 29 March
Truganina Explosives Reserve, Altona
Dear Agnes contemporary public art program returns to Truganina Explosives Reserve in 2026, featuring new works by 12 artists and collectives that pay homage to the land artwork A Forest for Australia and respond to local landscapes and environmental themes.
A Forest for Australia, by pioneering artist Agnes Denes, was commissioned in 1998. Situated within the environs of the Altona Treatment Plant it features a ‘forest’ of native tree species planted in five spirals, intended to highlight the preciousness of the natural environment. To celebrate the artwork's 25th anniversary in 2023, the Dear Agnes project brought to light the work of Agnes Denes, and also provided an ongoing legacy by generating new ideas by contemporary public artists in response to Denes’s work.
A new group of artists and collectives have been selected through an expression of interest process, and their works will be shown at Truganina Explosives Reserve alongside a public program. You will have an opportunity to learn about Agnes Denes, the local coastal environment, and discover both the Truganina Explosives Reserve site and A Forest for Australia artwork at Altona Treatment Plant. Find out more at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/
The Teen Brain webinar with Dr Justin Coulson
Lesser long eared bat, photo credit Rob Gration Hobsons Bay walking tours
