WEDNESDAY, 8 JULY, 2026
Small and sustainable A new home has been built in Seddon to showcase how sustainable, space-efficient design can be both achievable and affordable. Known by its project title ‘Stack and Field’ the Station Road home has been designed by Steffan Welsch Architects and will be open to the public during Open House Melbourne from 24-26 July. “Th is is a unique and personal home on a tight inner-city block,” Mr Welsch said of the project delivered in collaboration with builder Encore Projects and interior designers Neutral Instinct. Mr Welsch said the key to the design was prioritising complexity over size by organising the home through a series of layered rooms and courtyards that make it easy to move through and feel longer and more spacious. “We created distinct activity zones that are articulated in accordance with spatial needs, connection to adjoining spaces and relationship to the outside,“ he said “The outcome is a sustainable model for inner-city housing measured by quality of space and experience rather than size alone.” More information: https://openhousemelbourne.org/
Seddon home owner Dan Thompson with his dog Stewie and architect Steffen Welsch. The home Welsch designed will be on display during Open House Melbourne from 24-26 July. (Damjan Janevski) 563203_06
MP injury shock By Cade Lucas
12533599-HC07-22
Footscray MP Katie Hall is recovering from emergency surgery after allegedly being assaulted outside her electorate office late last month. Ms Hall alleges she was headbutted and knocked to the ground by a man near her electorate office in Nicholson Street, Footscray, about 12.45pm on Thursday 25 June. The incident left Ms Hall needing emergency surgery to repair damaged tendons in her hand. Despite her injuries, the MP managed to call triple-0 and then followed the alleged offender to nearby Footscray Station.
Police arrested a 33-year-old of no fi xed address, charging him with assault. He was remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 July. Ms Hall said she saw two women walking near her office, before one of them was allegedly knocked to the ground. It was when the Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Building then began calling for help that she was allegedly headbutted. Ms Hall was treated for minor injuries at the scene before later being admitted to hospital for surgery. Another woman, 36, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
“Th is sort of crime is unacceptable,” Ms Hall said of the incident. “I have zero tolerance for this happening to anyone in my community.” Ms Hall said she was grateful to the police and ambulance officers who came to her aid, as well as members of the public. “There were many kind people who stopped to help.“ First elected to state parliament in 2018, the Footscray MP is facing a tough battle to retain her seat at November’s state election. However, her main political opponents were quick to condemn the alleged attack.
“The Greens are appalled to hear of the violent attack on Katie Hall MP and another woman outside her electorate office,” read a statement posted on behalf of Greens West candidates Elena Pereyra and Brittany Henderson. “Violence against women is unacceptable. Women have the right to be safe at all times.” The Voices of the Inner West of Melbourne group wished Ms Hall a swift recovery following what they called a “violent and confronting situation”. “No one should have to experience this,” their statement read.
Kenyon-Smith Denture Clinic A family tradition for 60 years 100 Pier Street, Altona 9315 9231 • 27 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing 9748 8204
Dental Prosthetists Full dentures, Partial dentures, Repairs - relines • Victorian Denture Scheme • Veterans’ Affairs John, Andrew, Simon and Paul Kenyon-Smith