It is with great excitement that the Altona Beach entry and Esplanade works have been completed ahead of schedule and ready for summer. This has been a huge multi-year project that enhances the area and creates a wonderful family-friendly space with mist fountains, ample seating, open space and shade. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather and seeing locals and visitors alike enjoying the new facilities.
I want to say a big thank you to all our 63 school crossing supervisors who diligently keep our children safe on their way to and from school. It’s heartbreaking to hear that some drivers ignore school crossing supervisors and endanger our children. Please respect our school crossing supervisors and read how you can be a role model for children on page 3.
Speaking of safety, I'm honoured to co-chair the Hobsons Bay Local Safety Committee with Local Area Commander Inspector Damien Madden. We know that community safety is of the highest priority in our community, and rightfully so. I am looking forward to working as part of the group, to both help inform Council’s work and in advocating for the city. You can read more about the committee on page 9.
As my mayoral term comes to an end, I wanted to say what a privilege it has been to serve as Mayor of Hobsons Bay, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with and for the community as a councillor.
All Council meetings are held at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre and livestreamed. If you would like to attend in person, please register online as seating is limited. Tuesday 28 October | 7pm Friday 14 November | 6pm Election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Tuesday 18 November | 6.30pm Tuesday 9 December | 7pm
For more information, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/CouncilMeetings
HOBSONS BAY Life
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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.
Rain, hail or shine, our dedicated school crossing supervisors are out in the elements keeping children safe.
“They’re our precious cargo,” said Mark, who has been a school crossing supervisor for six years.
“When you’ve been doing it as long as I have, you watch kids grow up from being in prams, to primary school and then secondary school. You have genuine interactions with kids and parents.”
It’s a job that has many rewards but can also be frustrating.
“Your heart’s in your mouth a lot of the time,” said Kerryn.
“Parents think they’re the only ones not parking properly or not using the school crossing, but over an hour it happens multiple times and by the end of the shift, you’re stressed.”
During school pick-up and drop-off times, please be a role model for your kids:
• Be mindful, when approaching school zones
• Find a legal park
• Cross the road at the school crossing
• Before crossing, wait for the whistle
• When driving, please wait until the school crossing supervisor has crossed the yellow line
• Treat crossing supervisors kindly, they’re here for you.
Children’s Week
A week-long celebration across Hobsons Bay libraries, community centres, parks and schools, raising awareness of children's rights through creativity, play and connection.
Highlights:
• Discover the magic of shadow puppets at Newport Mechanics Hall
• Join Trawlwoolway woman Merilyn Duff for a hands-on boomerang painting workshop
• Learn how to care for backyard chickens with Jessamy Miller and her chooks at Woods Street Arts Space
• Join Science Play Kids at Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre for a fun-filled, hands-on science adventure designed especially for curious young minds. All events are free, and bookings are required for most events.
In addition to our 63 school crossing supervisors, covering 58 crossings, Council’s local laws officers and Victoria Police run a joint school safety blitz at the start of each school term.
Over a two-week period, Victoria Police Highway Patrol focuses on speed and other traffic offences around school zones, while our local laws officers monitor illegal parking near schools. The joint initiative aims to keep children and families safe by ensuring everyone is following the road rules during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
Local laws officers also patrol several schools throughout the school year to monitor compliance and take appropriate enforcement action where needed.
We know mornings can be a rush but safety needs to be the first priority.
Thank you for helping us keep children safe.
18-26 October
Children’s Week is presented by Hobsons Bay City Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.
Hobsons Bay
MAHJONG CONNECTS GENERATIONS
Laughter and friendly banter rings out of the Games Discovery Centre at Altona North Community Library as Mahjong Monday gets underway.
“We play for companionship and to socialise,” said Bette, who recently moved to Altona North.
“When I first moved to Hobsons Bay I went to two pubs to play pokies and I thought ‘there’s nothing here for me’,” she said.
“Then I realised I was surrounded by libraries and what they offer. I go to Mahjong on Mondays and we play Canasta and cards on Tuesdays, both at Altona North Library.”
KNOW? DID YOU
The weekly Monday morning game at Altona North Community Library is free to join and you don’t need to know how to play Mahjong.
The traditional Chinese game is played with 144 designed tiles. Four players take turns drawing and discarding tiles, aiming to complete combinations like ‘pung’ (three of a kind), ‘chow’ (a straight), or ‘kong’ (four of a kind).
It’s a game of strategy, skill and luck. To win, you need four sets and one pair.
Anthea moved to Altona from Perth last year and discovered Mahjong Monday in March this year when the library reopened after refurbishment.
“I had never played Mahjong before but I was new to the area and wanted to socialise,” said Anthea.
“ It’s such a fun, welcoming environment and a great group.”
Leanne first learnt how to play Mahjong when she lived in Singapore. She has been coming to Mahjong Monday for four weeks.
“ I love it,” Leanne said. “It gets your brain working and strategising and you meet new people. You’re always finding new things from other people about what’s happening locally.”
For Anita, it’s her first time at Mahjong Monday. She wants to learn the traditional game so she can keep her mother-in-law occupied when she visits later in the year.
“ She doesn’t speak English but she’s an expert at Mahjong so it will be good to connect with her,” said Anita.
“ She might even come down to Altona North Library and I can sit at the table with her.”
Mahjong Monday is weekly from 10am to 12pm. You don’t need to book or register. The sessions are delivered in collaboration with IPC Health through Gambler’s Help and are a fantastic way to build social connections for everyone and an alternative to gambling.
Games, Cards and Conversations is on Tuesdays, also from 10am to 12pm at Altona North Community Library. Everyone is welcome, it’s free and no bookings are required.
Find out more about what’s happening in our libraries: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/libraries
Which local author recently won the Picture Book of the Year as part of the 2025 Children’s Book of the Year awards?
See page 11 for the answer
for a better future SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
GARAGE SALE TRAIL
Do you have second-hand treasures piling up? Or love a good bargain? Join in on the Garage Sale Trail – Australia’s biggest weekend of pre-loved shopping. Over two weekends in November (8 to 9 and 15 to 16), garage sales will be popping up across Hobsons Bay, with residents turning driveways, front yards, garages and community spaces into treasure troves for savvy shoppers.
Register to host a garage sale – it’s a great way to declutter, meet your neighbours, and make some extra cash while keeping good items out of landfill. Last year, the average household sale made $499, while community groups raised more than $1,500!
TACKLE RISING ENERGY BILLS WITH SOLAR
Installing solar today means lower bills tomorrow – and protection from rising power costs.
Through the Solar Savers program, Hobsons Bay households can access affordable, trusted solar with free support from start to finish. The program (funded by Council and provided at no cost to you) helps by:
• recommending suitable products and connecting you with trusted installers
• guiding you through government rebates, incentives and no-interest loans
• providing ongoing support throughout the process.
Run by Birdlife Australia, it’s easy to take part.
• Register online (aussiebirdcount.org.au)
• Spend 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor space
• Count the birds you see
DROP-OFF DAYS: E-WASTE, CHEMICALS AND SOFT PLASTICS
Safely dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) and toxic household chemicals for free over two Saturdays in November.
E-waste such as old TVs, monitors and computers are hazardous to the environment and can even catch fire in collection trucks if not handled properly. Toxic household chemicals such as bleach and pesticides require special handling to prevent harm to people, pets and the environment.
You can also bring soft plastics for recycling, giving them a second life instead of sending them to landfill.
E-waste & soft plastics
Saturday 8 November, 9am to 2pm
Household chemicals
Saturday 15 November, 9am to 2pm
Hobsons Bay Operations Centre, Sugar Gum Drive, Altona – enter through Fresno St and Bluegum Drive.
Last year, we recorded a massive 11,402 birds in Hobsons Bay. The most popular recorded bird was the Silver Gull, followed very closely by the Black Swan.
You can count multiple times per day, once or twice for the week.
Check out the website to learn more about birds in your area and find out what Aussie bird best fits your personality at aussiebirdcount.org.au GREAT AUSSIE BIRD COUNT
Connect with nature and take part in the Great Aussie Bird Count from 20 to 26 October.
• Submit your count via the Aussie Bird Count app or the web form. Unsure on the species? The app provides a built-in bird finder tool to help identify birds.
THE GOLDEN SPARK
An active mind and body can make all the difference to enjoying a healthy, independent retirement.
Whether it’s joining a low-impact exercise class, learning a new skill or simply staying socially connected, there is something to pique your interest at one of the 22 senior groups in Hobsons Bay.
The senior groups are led by volunteer committees with support from Council. Activities are free or low-cost and there is something on every weekday from bingo to line dancing, art and craft, conversations and poetry.
Each group differs in what activities they hold but they all welcome new members and participants.
At the Altona North Seniors Centre in the Lorraine Bedella Building, you’ll often smell exotic cuisine as multicultural groups meet and cook traditional dishes in the kitchen. Many friendships have been built over shared memories of home cooking. You are more than welcome to attend multiple groups and centres. To find out more, call the group’s president or visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ SeniorsInformation
Dennis Reserve, Williamstown
Mystery Music sessions at Altona Senior Citizens Centre
Guided walking tours as part of the Seniors Festival
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
John Dawson has been the president of the Altona Seniors Centre for a little over a year. Initially, he resisted the top position but after repeated requests to fill the role, he agreed to take the helm.
John has lived and worked in Altona his whole life and wanted to give back to the community.
“I want to show the community that Altona Seniors Centre is a good place to spend time, socialise and enjoy yourself,” said John.
“ The senior years can be challenging. There can be challenges to your health, your partner’s health or when you lose a partner; but we can provide support and help people get through them.”
Anyone over the age of 55 can become a member. The centre’s motto is ‘What good is sitting alone in your room, come here to hear the music play.’
On a Tuesday afternoon, this motto certainly rings true with the Mystery Music sessions. From 1.30pm to 3pm, a local band donates its time to play for free.
The genre of music and performers varies for each session. Both members and non-members are welcome.
“ I love that it’s a little bit quirky, it’s a win for our members and guests, a win for the performers and a win for our community,” said John.
The Altona Seniors Centre also runs weekly carpet bowls, billiards and pool, art classes, knitting and crochet, line dancing, social lunch, bingo, exercise classes, and new vogue dancing. Plus, there are special functions for St Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas in July, September High Tea, Melbourne Cup Day and Christmas.
“ Life isn’t over because you’re in the senior years, it’s a way to rebegin,” said John.
To find out more, phone 9932 1311 or email altonaseniors3018@gmail.com
VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL
The Victorian Seniors Festival happens every year throughout October. This year, we have a vast range of free or low-cost events including guided walking tours, exercise classes, bus tours, concerts and IT sessions including understanding artificial intelligence and how to spot fake news.
Pick up a booklet at your local library or view the list of events on our website hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ SeniorsFestival or scan QR code.
For events outside Hobsons Bay visit cotavic.org.au
SENIOR CITIZENS
CENTRES AND GROUPS
ALTONA SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE
2 Sargood Street, Altona
Altona Seniors - President - 9932 1311 Altona U3A - President - 9398 1346
ALTONA MEADOWS
COMMUNITY CENTRE
28 Trafalgar Avenue, Altona Meadows
Greek Senior Citizens of Altona Meadows and Laverton – contact - 9315 8244
ALTONA NORTH SENIORS
60 Walker Close, Altona North
Lorraine Bedella Building
Contact: Barbara - 9932 1597 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm)
DENNIS RESERVE
Cnr Ferguson Street and Melbourne Road, Williamstown
Williamstown Seniors, Williamstown U3A and Conversation for the Curious Contact: Barbara - 9932 1597 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm)
Country Women’s Association - email: cwaofvicwilliamstown@gmail.com
HOBSONS BAY
MEN’S SHED
280 Queen St, Altona Contact - 9398 2383
LAVERTON
COMMUNITY HUB
95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Laverton Golden Age ClubContact - 8368 0100
NEWPORT
COMMUNITY HUB
Mason Street, Newport
Newport Senior Citizens Club Contact - 9932 1234
MALTESE ASSOCIATION
HOBSONS BAY
Collins Avenue, Altona North Contact - 9391 7359
WESTGATE MIGRANT
RESOURCE CENTRE
Second Avenue, Altona North Contact - 9391 3355
Laverton Park improvements, Laverton
BETTER CITY BUILDING A
ALTONA BEACH ENTRY AND ESPLANADE WORKS COMPLETE
The Altona Beach redevelopment has been completed ahead of schedule and is ready for the community to enjoy. The enhanced community space was officially opened by the Mayor Cr Daria Kellander and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne MP.
Highlights include:
• Landscaping and tree planting
• Upgraded seawall
• New seating and picnic areas
• Misting features for water play
• Improved lighting
• Upgraded facilities
• Realignment of the beach entry with Pier Street.
Following community consultation, the area between the foreshore and Weaver Reserve has been transformed into a pedestrian promenade, creating a safer link with the beach and Altona Life Saving Club, public toilets and shops. The project was supported by the Victorian Government as part of the Suburb Revitalisation Program and Coastal Protection Program.
KNOW? DID YOU
ROAD UPGRADES
Council manages 670 kilometres of roads throughout Hobsons Bay. Over time, wear and tear can lead to pavement failures, affecting both safety and accessibility.
This year, Council has allocated $22 million in the current financial year to improve our road network. This funding supports a broad range of maintenance activities including:
• Road surface repairs
• Pothole patching
• Footpath safety upgrades
• Carpark maintenance
• Kerb and channel renewal
• Drainage maintenance and upgrades.
Council undertakes audits to assess the condition of our roads every four years. These assessments help us prioritise which roads need resurfacing or rehabilitation, ensuring resources are directed where they’re needed most.
Recent road rehabilitation works have included Railway Avenue in Laverton, Hannan Street in Williamstown, Rayner Street and Horsburgh Drive in Altona, Nolan Ave, Cypress Ave and Heather Ave in Brooklyn, and Junction Street and Durkin Street in Newport.
Major arterial roads are managed and maintained by VicRoads.
What’s the difference between native and indigenous plants?
LAVERTON PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Thanks to funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria, we’ve upgraded facilities at Laverton Park in AB Shaw Reserve.
The Laverton Magpies Football Club and the Laverton Cricket Club now have access to two additional unisex changerooms adjacent to the BF Jackson Pavilion.
Plus, the social rooms have been refurbished with a new outdoor decking area, fresh paint, new flooring and new furniture.
The project also included constructing a new electronic scoreboard which will make keeping score a lot easier!
See page 11 for the answer
Altona Beach entry and Esplanade, Altona Road upgrades
WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP CREATE A SAFE AND CONNECTED COMMUNITY
We’re working in partnership with Victoria Police on the Hobsons Bay Local Safety Committee.
Co-chaired by Local Area Commander Inspector Damien Madden and Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellander, the Local Safety Committee brings together local voices, with a committee made up of community and business representatives as well as state government and regional services.
COUNCIL PLAN TAKING SHAPE
The Council Plan 2025–29 will be open for public comment on our community engagement platform Participate Hobsons Bay in November.
It’s our key strategic document that helps decide how we prioritise investments and deliver services that meet the changing needs of our community.
Thank you to everyone who shared ideas in the first round of community consultation and ranked their top priorities.
Health and wellbeing community services was rated the highest priority, followed by services for children, youth and/or families, older people and people living with a disability, and then sport and recreation facilities.
The Local Safety Committee is a platform to identify community safety priorities, and to be able to consider emerging issues and trends, with a focus on prevention.
Committee members include representatives from Victoria Police, Council, Latitude Directions for Young People, Laverton Community Integrated Services, Hobsons Bay trader associations, IPC Health, CoHealth, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, among others.
Key capital work priorities included upgrading sports facilities, improving parks, footpaths and drainage, and planning for growth to protect neighbourhood character and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with demand.
A huge thank you to the 36 community representatives who took part in three comprehensive workshops and provided meaningful, informed insight to help refine the shared vision for Hobsons Bay’s future.
Coffee with a Cop
We’re also working with Victoria Police to hold monthly opportunities to ask local police questions in a friendly informal environment. No bookings are required, just drop in.
MONDAY 10 NOVEMBER
10AM TO 12PM Coffee Club Altona Gate, Altona North
TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER
10AM TO 12PM TickTok, Williamstown
MONDAY 1 DECEMBER
10AM TO 12PM
The Forestta, 60 Pier Street Altona
TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER
10AM TO 12PM Kiosk D’Asporto, Williamstown
We’re also developing the Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29 which will be available for community feedback. This document draws heavily on local research and data and guides Council’s efforts to protect, improve and promote the health and wellbeing of people in Hobsons Bay.
Community engagement is also crucial for developing our annual budget. This year, we’re inviting community feedback on next financial year’s budget earlier –giving you more time and opportunities to help shape the budget.
Sign up to our monthly enewsletter Hobsons Bay Life and we’ll let you know when consultation opens hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/HobsonsBayLife
We look forward to your feedback on the draft Council Plan, the Health and Wellbeing Plan and the annual budget.
Find out more, participate.
hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
OUR CREATIVE CITY
Across Hobsons Bay, large murals and street art brighten our urban landscape and highlight our natural environment, heritage and culture.
Artist Giovanna Da Silva shares the inspiration of her recent work I remember you when I’m on the Pier at 111–119 Douglas Parade in Williamstown.
Giovanna spent a sunny day in Williamstown looking out across the water at the boats and the city landscape.
“I was in awe of the view and the sun glistening off the water and how this brought me a deep feeling of calm and allowed space for reflection,” Giovanna remarked.
“ I shared pleasant exchanges with others who were also enjoying the view including some fishermen and a man spending the day with his son. As this man was leaving, he said to me ‘isn't this a good place to forget all of your problems?” I agreed.
“ This artwork captures the feeling of calm and connection I experienced that day. The image of a docked boat symbolises how stillness can create space for the mind to wander - just as the boat moves gently on the water, my thoughts drift into memory and imagination. These shared spaces, like the pier, may evoke different reflections in each of us, but the act of pausing and connecting remains universal.”
Giovanna named the boat in the mural Jose after her late grandfather José Roberto Colares Da Silva. Her work explores themes of the personal, hyperlocal, and pattern recognition in everyday life.
Learn the story behind street art near you
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF LOCAL SPORT
We’re developing a range of documents that will underpin the usage, allocation, and future priorities of sport and recreation facilities within Hobsons Bay.
These include:
• A new Sport and Recreation Allocation, Fees & Charges Policy
• Updating the Sport and Recreation Facility User Guide
• Conducting a Municipal Highball Feasibility Study (basketball, netball, badminton and other indoor sports)
• A new Club Funded Capital Works Policy for minor infrastructure projects at Council-owned facilities
• Reviewing the Aquatic Strategy to develop a Strategic Review and Action Plan
• Developing a Sport Infrastructure Action Plan incorporating a review of the Sports Facility Needs Analysis to help guide future capital investment. These documents ensure we provide a clear, consistent and transparent approach to how Council sport and recreation facilities are allocated and charged both seasonally and casually, and how Council invests in sporting and recreation facilities.
Sports clubs and the wider community will have an opportunity to contribute to these policies through a range of community engagement methods. Keep an eye on our engagement platform participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
For more details
YOUNG LEADERS SHINE BRIGHTLY
Every second Wednesday after school, the Youth Services space at Newport Community Hub is thriving with fresh ideas as the young leaders program kicks off.
The Young Leaders are a group of passionate young people, aged 12 to 18, working together to deliver projects in the local community.
The group presented at the Western Region Youth Forum and met the Australian Youth Ambassador to the UN.
It’s an opportunity for young people to have a say about issues that matter to them, advocate for change, and get to know other like-minded people.
Participant Gilly is passionate about creating fun events that help young people make friends and learn new skills.
'I WISH I KNEW' WRITING COMPETITION
In October, we celebrate the full spectrum of life - from our youngest residents during Children’s Week to our older residents through the Seniors Festival.
In the spirit of celebrating life’s journey, we’re inviting you to enter our writing competition and share 100 words of what you would tell your younger or older self.
It could be a poem, a short story or a reflective piece of wisdom or imagination.
“My favourite part of being in Young Leaders is how we get to speak and listen to various members of local government on equal standing,” said Gilly.
Similarly, fellow participant Tandi enjoys being around so many other young people who share similar interests and hobbies.
“ It's nice being in a group with others who really want to make a change for young people in our local community,” said Tandi.
Applications to join the 2026 Young Leaders program open in November 2025.
To find out more, visit www.hbys.com.au
There will be two categories: under 18 and open.
View the terms and conditions and enter the competition by Sunday 9 November at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ magazine or scan the QR code.
Scan the QR code for answers and test your knowledge.
WHAT'S ON
WHAT'S ON
UPCOMING EVENTS
SENIORS FESTIVAL
1 to 31 October
A month-long celebration of free or low-cost events for seniors. Celebrate positive ageing and take part in events and activities in Hobsons Bay or right across the state. For details view pages 6 and 7.
INNER WEST ART FAIR
17 to 19 October
Williamstown Town Hall
Artists from Hobsons Bay and across Australia showcase and sell their artworks.
CHILDREN’S WEEK
18 to 26 October
A fantastic week of free fun activities for children up to 12 years old. Check out page 3 for details.
THE MELODIES OF MUSICAL GREATS
Thursday 23 October, 11am to 2.30pm Laverton Hub, Railway Ave, Laverton Enjoy light refreshments and be entertained by the Real Paul Hogan Tribute Show performing hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
This event is part of the Seniors Festival; tickets are $13.50 each. To book, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival
BEGINNER’S BIRD WALK
Saturday 25 October, 9am to 11am
Newport Lakes
Learn how to spot and identify local wildlife with our conservation rangers. Free event, no bookings required. Meet at the main entrance from the carpark into the bushland reserve.
MONSTER MAYHEM IN THE MEADOWS
Sunday 26 October, 2pm to 7pm AB Shaw Reserve, Altona Meadows
Halloween-themed family festival with live music and $20 unlimited ride pass. Organised by volunteers and supported by Council’s Make it Happen community grants program.
HALLOWEEN PARTY IN THE PARK
Friday 31 October, 4.30pm to 8pm
Newport Lakes
Organised by Rotary Club of Williamstown and supported by Council’s Make it Happen grants program.
NILS LINDBERG: REQUIEM
Saturday 8 November, 7pm to 9pm
Williamstown Town Hall
A fusion of jazz and classical choral tradition. Supported by Council’s Make it Happen grants program.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Tuesday 11 November
Altona Cenotaph - Civic Centre, Spotswood Kingsville RSL, Williamstown Cenotaph - Corner of Ferguson Road and Nelson Place
Altona, Newport and Spotswood Kingsville RSL clubs invite us all to pause and reflect on those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.
HELP WITH MY AGED CARE
Wednesday 12 November, 10am to 12pm
Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre
Support and advice on how to access aged care services. Free event, no bookings required.
GARDEN PARTY
Sunday 16 November, 10am to 4pm
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Come down and celebrate the garden's 165th anniversary. Bring a picnic and relax on the lawns while enjoying live music, storytelling, talks, old-fashioned games, a plant sale, art and nature-based activities for the whole family, and a vintage photo booth to capture it all.
THE SUBSTATION ART SALE
19 to 29 November, 11am to 5pm
The Substation, Newport or online Designed to celebrate and support
The Substation’s community of artists and raise funds for its year-round commissioning program.
JAMAICAN MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL
Saturday 6 December, 11am to 9pm
Seaworks, Williamstown
A huge celebration of roots music, culture and real Jamaican food.
Supported by Council’s Make it Happen grants program. Tickets at jmff.com.au
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Sunday 7 December, Altona
Tuesday 9 December, Newport
Saturday 20 December, Altona Meadows
Sunday 21 December, Williamstown
Save the date for Christmas carols, supported by Council’s Make it Happen grants.
From Seed to Flower Zine - Bookmaking workshop
WOODS STREET ARTS SPACE
44 Woods Street, Laverton
FROM SEED TO FLOWER ZINE
Saturday 18 October and Saturday 22 November, 11am to 2pm
Join a hands-on series of bookmaking workshops. $5 per session, bookings required.
BACKYARD BUDDIES: A CHICKEN CELEBRATION
Sunday 19 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Jessamy and her chooks will teach you how to keep chickens at home, plus there will be a mini-farm and chicken-themed stories and music. Free event presented by My Smart Garden as part of Children’s Week 2025, bookings not required.
HERMOSA SONGWRITING WORKSHOP
Saturday 25 October and Saturday 6 December, 12pm to 3pm
Women aged 18 to 30 are invited to join songwriting workshops at Soundstep Studios, a non-profit music collective and audio recording studio at Woods Street Arts Space. $10 per session, bookings required.
WEAVING THE THREADS OF COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY
Saturday 8 November and Saturday 13 December, 10am to 11.30am and 12pm to 1.30pm
Learn to weave traditional baskets with Samantha Bennett, a Bunurong Traditional Custodian and descendant of Naynertgoroke. $5 per session, bookings required.
REFLECTIONS AT WOODS
STREET ARTS SPACE LAVERTON
Friday 21 November, 6 to 8.30pm
A one-night digital screening and community gathering that brings together artists and audiences from Melbourne’s west.
Find out more, hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ WoodsStreetArtsSpace
