EXPLORE THE GAMES DISCOVERY CENTRE AT THE ALTONA NORTH COMMUNITY LIBRARY. DETAILS, P6–7
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
One of the most important jobs of a newly elected Council is to develop a Council Plan that guides the work of Council for the next four years. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey last month or provided feedback at one of our drop-in sessions or workshops. It is important that the Council Plan reflects what our community wants and needs.
The annual budget is scheduled to be adopted later this month at the June Council meeting. This is the first budget of our new four-year Council term, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter. This year’s draft budget prioritises maintaining our existing assets and delivering essential services that our community use every day, because we understand how vital these are to our residents. Additionally, we’re not taking on any new debt, instead we are paying it down. Once the budget is adopted, we’ll feature the highlights in the next edition of the magazine.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting our hardworking SES volunteers. It was inspiring to hear their stories and the reasons they volunteer. You can read more about how they respond to emergencies on page 9.
The biannual Hobsons Bay Business Awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of our fantastic local businesses and how they contribute greatly to our community and Hobsons Bay’s economy, read more and nominate a business on page 9. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Games Discovery Centre at Altona North Library, find out more on pages 6 and 7.
All Council meetings are held at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre and livestreamed starting at 7pm. If you would like to attend in person, please register online as seating is limited.
Tuesday 24 June (Adoption of Budget 2025–26)
Tuesday 1 July
Tuesday 29 July
Tuesday 26 August
Tuesday 23 September
Tuesday 28 October
For more information, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/CouncilMeetings
2 Check the Experience Hobsons Bay website hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/visit to see if the rebates are still available (there are limited rebates)
3 Spend $100 or more on food (excluding drinks)
4 Keep your itemised receipt – it must show the business name and date of your visit
5 Submit your rebate claim online
Thanks to a community idea as part of Pitch Your Project, this program aims to support local hospitality businesses in the quietest season of the year.
Don’t miss out, reserve a table and discover the incredible dining experiences right here in Hobsons Bay.
Find out more Love Local, Dine Local
* Subject to terms and conditions.
A big thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the Council Plan 2025–29 and annual budget.
Your contributions helped us define Council’s priorities for the next four years and ensured the Council Plan reflects that vision of our community, and guides the projects, programs and initiatives we invest your rates into.
Following feedback on the proposed budget, the Annual Budget 2025–26 will be adopted at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 24 June. Keep an eye out for the budget highlights in the next edition.
The draft of the Council Plan will be available for community feedback in October/November.
Find out more, participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
See page 11 for the answer
OUR CREATIVE CITY
HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL TALENT
Across Hobsons Bay we have five outdoor exhibition spaces for artists to showcase their work.
We chat to Naomi Thorpe, who won the Hobsons Bay Artist Award 2024 as part of the Woods Street Youth Arts Prize.
Naomi will have her artwork displayed at the Airtime flags in Altona Meadows for three months from 2 June.
Q. What was it like to win the Hobsons Bay Artist Award as part of the Woods Street Youth Arts Prize?
A. I had a huge sense of achievement; it was my first art prize award, so it was really exciting.
Q. The Airtime flags are outside the Altona Sports Centre and the HD Graham Reserve Skate Park and BMX Track, how does it feel to have your work seen by so many people?
A. It’s a really good location, I can tell people exactly where it is, and they can drive past and see my work.
Q. Can you tell us about your exhibited artwork and what inspired you?
A. There are seven separate images displayed on the flags which were originally part of an exhibition with nine paintings and an animation. I was inspired by Biennale Arte 2022: The Milk of Dreams, curated by Cecilia Alemani. It made me think philosophically where our minds go when we’re dreaming and how it connects us. If we stayed conscious dreaming, what would it look like?
If you get a chance, check out the Airtime flags on Queen Street in Altona Meadows and see Naomi’s work.
OUTDOOR EXHIBITION SPACES IN HOBSONS BAY:
• Airtime in Altona Meadows
• The Outside Gallery at Paine Reserve in Newport
• Laneway Gallery on the exterior of Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton
• Orbital showcase in Central Square Altona Meadows
• The Substation’s Billboard Gallery in Newport (a great viewpoint is from the trains on the Werribee and Williamstown line).
Expressions of Interest for exhibiting in spaces for Airtime flags (young people, under 25 years old) and the Laneway Gallery are advertised through Council’s website. They are open to Hobsons Bay artists at diverse stages of their creative careers.
for a better future SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
MAKE A CHANGE THIS PLASTIC FREE JULY
Plastic Free July is back and it’s a great opportunity to start reducing single-use plastic in your daily life. You don’t have to give up all plastic –just start with one item like cling wrap or coffee cups. Small changes add up, and you might just create a new habit that sticks for good.
When millions of people take action together, the impact is massive!
TURN YOUR GARDEN INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL
Want to spruce up your garden? Sign up to our free, award-winning My Smart Garden program, designed to help turn your outdoor space into a beautiful, sustainable garden that’s good for you, good for your wallet and the planet.
The program offers free workshops, seasonal newsletters, and online resources. You'll learn what to grow and how to grow it, techniques to shelter your home from extreme weather and ideas to attract birds, butterflies, and other precious local wildlife to your garden.
Start your smart gardening journey today
PAPER BAGS FOR FOOD RECYCLING
We’ve designed paper bags to fit perfectly in your kitchen caddy for food recycling. Use the paper bags to contain food scraps before placing them in your green food and garden bin. Get your first pack for free or take advantage of our special offer until 30 June: buy two packs and get one free. You can pick them up from any Council+ location, including all Hobsons Bay libraries and the Civic Centre in Altona.
Keep in mind, green plastic bags (even if they say they’re “compostable” or “biodegradable”) are not accepted in our food and garden bins. Our processor doesn’t have the technology to break any plastic down, so food scraps in these bags will be sent to landfill.
Order paper bags for food recycling
In addition to this bimonthly magazine, we also produce a monthly digital newsletter. Get the latest Council news, handy reminders and upcoming events delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe to our monthly enewsletter
out more
Take the Plastic Free July challenge
WIN A $100 VOUCHER
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Take a photo of your favourite art in Hobsons Bay and tell us why it is for your chance to win a $100 voucher from a Hobsons Bay business of your choice. The winner will be published in the next edition of Hobsons Bay News.
GAMES DISCOVERY CENTRE
View the terms and conditions and submit your photo by Sunday 29 June. Scan QR Code
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR COMPETITION WINNERS!
Andrew Ung, won our writing competition about living near the bay
Unexpected gifts
APRIL/MAY COMPETITION WINNERS
Morning light glints on wet sand— a long-neck turtle lumbers across the path, ancient, deliberate. I freeze. Time slows. Further on, the bay offers more: a cormorant’s dive, silver fish swimming, the sigh of seagrass at low tide. Every walk holds secrets— a shell, a tide-smoothed rock, the way the water remembers and forgets.
Home is this: the surprise of small things, the bay’s quiet heartbeat.
Ryan, 13, won the under 18 competition
Waves crash, the breeze flows, Teddy chases where the sea goes. Ryan breathes, his heart slows, Altona Bay, where peace grows.
It was wonderful to receive so many beautiful poems, stories and haikus. Visit our website to view the shortlisted entries: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/magazine
NOW OPEN COME +PLAY
To celebrate, we’re holding a Festival of Games at the Altona North Community Library during the upcoming school holidays from Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July. For details, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Libraries/News
If you’re over 18, come along to our adult games nights every Wednesday, 5pm to 8pm, and connect with like-minded individuals in a fun and social setting.
Not into games? Don’t worry, the Altona North Community Library still offers all our core library services. You can print, use the computers, borrow books, attend events and study in the library.
Our brand-new Games Discovery Centre opened at Altona North Community Library on Tuesday 22 April. It’s a space to explore, learn and connect though a huge range of games for all interests and ages.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
• Nine gaming PCs
• Two console trolleys with PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch
• Specialised board game tables
• A huge selection of traditional games including role playing, cards and strategic board games.
GAMING PCS
Make the most of the gaming PCs and bring your STEAM log in.
Don’t have one? It’s quick, free and easy to create an account. All you need is an email address.
You’ll get access to a selection of STEAM games (all G or PG rated) on the PCs at the Games Discovery Centre.
LIBRARY OF THINGS
Our Library of Things is continuing to grow. We now have a video and board games collection.
Relive your childhood and borrow retro consoles like Atari, C64 Mini, Playstation Classic, Sega Mega Drive and Nintendo Classic Mini NES.
Get into strategy board games and try 7 Wonders, Catan or Wingspan.
We also have the classics covered with Connect 4, Jenga, Mastermind and Game of Life.
And there’s a special children’s section with Bluey Monopoly, Cluedo Junior and Super Mario Guess Who?
In total, there’s 59 family board games for you to choose from. Browse through our online catalogue and reserve an item. We’ll even deliver it to your closest library.
Learn more
BETTER CITY BUILDING A
ALTONA HOCKEY PAVILION
The hockey pavilion at JK Grant Reserve in Altona will soon be ready to use.
The new pavilion was constructed offsite as a modular building and transported by 14 trucks before it was craned into place.
You may have passed the procession of trucks on the freeway!
The modern facility includes four changerooms, umpire facilities, social space and storage.
The project is scheduled to be completed in early June and was delivered with support from the Victorian Government.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
New floodlights have been installed at AW Langshaw Reserve in Altona North, improving conditions for evening use of the facility by tenant clubs. The reserve is home to Newport Football Club and the Altona Roosters Cricket Club.
Delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, the project included new poles and energyefficient LED lights. The lighting upgrade complements other recent improvements at the reserve, including a redeveloped playground and three outdoor fitness stations available for community use.
How many volunteers are there in Hobsons Bay?
EXPLORING OUR GRASSLANDS
It’s easier to connect with significant remnant grassland in Altona Meadows thanks to a new concrete pathway.
The pathway provides access to Emu-foot Reserve, which is located midway on Henry Drive, along the Skeleton Creek Trail, and features embedded ‘footprints’ of animals that live or once lived in the area.
Remnant grasslands are patches of native grassland that have survived significant habitat loss and modification. In Victoria, less than one per cent of original grasslands remain.
The reserve in Altona Meadows was named after a local endangered plant species - Emu-foot (Cullen tenax) which has three-pronged leaves on long stalks, similar to an emu’s foot!
See page 11 for the answer
AW Langshaw Reserve, Altona North
New path and seating at Emu-foot Reserve, Altona Meadows
Altona Hockey Pavilion
Emu-foot Reserve
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
The Hobsons Bay SES provides emergency assistance during floods, storms and other emergency events 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We chat to the Hobsons Bay unit controller Mel Smith about the vital service they provide to the community and what inspired her to volunteer.
Mel started volunteering with the Hobsons Bay SES unit in 2022 after she experienced flooding in 2021.
“ I was staying with a friend when we were evacuated from the home and went to a relief centre. The support and empathy we received from the SES volunteers was incredible and I thought I could do that!” said Mel.
“ I love the sense of community that volunteering provides. There is something really special about helping
a community member in what may be one of their hardest days or being part of large-scale training exercises. That feeling never gets old and is the reason our volunteers keep coming back.”
On average, the Hobsons Bay SES responds to between 250 and 350 requests each year.
When Hobsons Bay had its biggest storm event in a few years in February last year, the SES received over 40 requests for assistance that were all cleared over a 30-hour period.
“ The community should call SES on 132500 when they need emergency assistance during a flood, storm, tsunami, earthquake or landslide,” said Mel.
“ This could be that a tree is blocking a road, or a tree has fallen on your house. For life threatening emergencies, call 000.”
Volunteers also assist other agencies such as Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria in searching for missing people, at crime scenes and general rescue duties. In addition to responding to local emergencies, Hobsons Bay SES members travel across Victoria and even interstate to provide support in major events.
Volunteers also have non-operational roles such as managing finances,
NOMINATIONS
NOW OPEN
maintaining equipment, vehicles and facilities, and attending community events, fundraising and member training.
Mel encourages anyone who is community-minded, enjoys teamwork and is willing to commit time to training and emergency response to consider volunteering.
“Many volunteers are attracted to the role because of the opportunity to help their community during emergencies, gain valuable skills, and work as part of a dedicated team,” said Mel.
“ It's a great opportunity for those looking to make a positive impact and develop new skills. Since joining the SES, I have conquered my fear of heights, learnt how to use a chainsaw and drive a truck."
The Hobsons Bay SES is part of the Victoria State Emergency Services (VICSES) and made up of members from the Hobsons Bay area.
VICSES does not charge a call-out fee for its services, but without community support, it would not be able to purchase much needed equipment. You can donate to the Hobsons Bay Unit at givenow.com.au/ hobsonsbayses
For more information about volunteering with the SES, visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/ volunteer
Do you know an outstanding local business you want to celebrate? Nominate them for the Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards. Held every second year, the awards recognise the efforts and achievements of our local businesses.
• Creating social change or diversity
• Home-based business AWARD CATEGORIES:
• New/start-up business (up to two years old)
• Excellence in customer experience
• Excellence in sustainability and circular economy
• Excellence in innovation
Businesses can self-nominate for all six award categories and, as a resident, you can nominate a business for Excellence in Customer Experience.
Nominations close 13 July. Find out more hobsonsbaybusiness.com.au
LAND YOUR PERFECT JOB
Are you looking to get back into the workforce? Do you want a career change?
Or are you interested in study pathways?
We’re hosting free career development workshops in partnership with the Victoria University Skills and Jobs Centre at Altona Library.
The workshops will be facilitated by programs and partnerships coordinator Dianne Debrincat, who has worked as a qualified career counsellor for 10 years.
Di is passionate about supporting individuals to overcome personal barriers and gain confidence and courage to achieve their career goals.
“ I absolutely love the opportunity to connect with the community and help them navigate their career journeys,” said Di.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to work collaboratively, empower individuals to face their career challenges, and equip them with the tools they need to make confident and informed decisions about their future.”
WORKSHOPS ARE IDEAL FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO:
• gain a deeper understanding of career development
• learn how to prepare for job interviews and navigate the job market
• explore potential study pathways for their career aspirations
• master the art of writing effective cover letters and resumes
• seek guidance on how career counselling can address their personal needs.
The workshops will also provide an opportunity to connect, engage and learn with other attendees.
Q&A with Dianne
What’s your best advice for people looking for work?
Don’t hesitate to seek support. The Skills and Jobs Centre offers free, professional, and informed career services for the community.
Whether it’s guidance on career development, job preparation, or resume writing, there are resources to help you navigate your career path with confidence.
What’s the best format for a resume?
A great resume is:
• Clear and easy to read
• Targeted to the specific position you’re applying for
• Focused on showcasing your skills and what you would bring to the organisation.
How should you prepare for an interview?
The key is to research, plan, prepare, and practice. If you’d like to learn more about these steps, I highly encourage you to attend one of the workshops. We delve into the details and help you feel confident and ready for your next interview.
Where can I find more information?
Our Skills and Job Centre website has templates, handy hints and you can book a free one-on-one 45-minute consultation with qualified career counsellors.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
ALTONA LIBRARY
The art of mastering your interview
Tuesday 10 June and Tuesday 5 August, 10am to 12.30pm
The art of mastering your resume and cover letter
Tuesday 29 July, 10am to 12.30pm
To register, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/events
IMMUNISATION SPECIALISTS
Council has a team of 10 immunisation nurses who visit community centres, hubs, workplaces and schools to vaccinate adults, children, babies and young people.
" Vaccinations are our bread and butter,” said immunisation nurse Linda, who has been working for Council for over 20 years. "It’s what we do and what we do well.”
Linda has given vaccines to six-week-old babies and 106-year-old residents. But she enjoys visiting Hobsons Bay’s high schools the most.
“ We’re able to help the Year 7 students who are new to the school and may feel scared and vulnerable,” said Linda.
“ Then you get the fun banter from Year 10s when they’re feeling more confident.”
The immunisation team provides free vaccines for babies and children as part of the National Immunisation Program.
Vaccines for adults include Hepatitis B; chickenpox; whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (free for pregnant women, fee applies for immediate family members), pneumococcal; influenza; and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) for people born from 1966 to 1991 who haven’t already had two doses of the vaccine.
You may be eligible for free vaccines if you meet the state government criteria. For example, if you are over 65 years old, the pneumococcal and flu vaccines are free.
Immunisation sessions are run in Altona, Altona North, Altona Meadows, Brooklyn, Laverton, South Kingsville, Newport and Williamstown, including evenings and weekends.
“We often have people telling us that they went to the doctor last time and this is so much nicer,” said Linda.
“ We make every effort to minimise anxiety and create a welcoming, calm environment.”
To book an appointment, call 9932 1695 or visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/immunisation
Scan the QR code for the answers and test your knowledge KNOW? DID YOU
Immunisation nurse Linda
babies.
WHAT'S ON
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HOBSONS BAY
6 June to 26 June
Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Altona
Exhibition celebrating the Williamstown Camera Club’s 60th birthday.
HAUS OF YOU
Friday 13 June
6.30pm to 10pm
Williamstown Town Hall
A jazz, R&B and gospel concert by candlelight, supported by Council's Make it Happen grants program.
Tickets $40 at hausofyou.wixsite.com/ williamstown
CONTEMPORARY
WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP
Thursday 19 June
10am to 4pm
Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton
Hobsons Bay Arts Society presents a weekend workshop with prize winning artist Stefan Gevers. $95 for Hobsons Bay Arts Society members; $110 non-members.
To register, email hbas@y7mail.com
HALL STORIES WITH DAMIAN CALLINAN
Thursday 19 June
7.30pm to 9pm (doors open at 7pm)
Williamstown Town Hall
A night of storytelling at Williamstown Town Hall with comedian Damian Callinan.
Tickets at hobsonsbaytickets.com.au
WILLIAMSTOWN LITERARY FESTIVAL
Friday 20 June to Sunday 22 June
Williamstown Town Hall
From Stereo Stories to Andy Griffiths, and so much in between - check out the program and how to book tickets at willylitfest.org.au
BLOOD DONATION POP-UP CENTRE
23 June to 4 July
Williamstown Town Hall
Save a life and donate blood at the Australian Red Cross Life Blood pop-up centre.
To book your next (or first) donation, visit lifeblood.com.au
NATURE IS A HOME
28 June to 16 July
Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Altona
Exhibition exploring the interconnectedness of memory, creativity and storytelling in sustaining our responsibility to nurture both nature and community.
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL
Friday 4 July to Saturday 5 July
Various indoor spaces around Paine Reserve, including Newport Bowls Club, Newport Community Hub, The Substation and Newport Scout Hall. Details at newportfolkfestival.org.au
THE AUSTRALIAN
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Saturday 5 July and Sunday 6 July 10am to 5pm Seaworks, Williamstown
Meet cacao farmers, see how beans are made into chocolate and visit 30+ exhibitors. Tickets at seaworks.com.au
NAIDOC WEEK
Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July
Celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
FESTIVAL OF GAMES
Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July
Altona North Community Library
Details at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Libraries/News
OPEN HOUSE MELBOURNE
Saturday26JulyandSunday27July
The Open House Melbourne Weekend celebrates good design. You're invited to explore buildings, places and spaces across Hobsons Bay.
DetailsatOpenhousemelbourne.org
OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION
Wednesday to Sunday, until 13 July
Seaworks, Williamstown
There’s still time to catch the internationally renowned photography exhibition at Seaworks.
Tickets at seaworks.com.au
NATIONAL TREE DAY
Sunday 27 July 10am to 12pm
Altona Coastal Park, Altona Road, Seaholme
Get your hands dirty and plant a tree or two for National Tree Day. To celebrate National Tree Day and thank you for your efforts, we’ll be holding a free barbecue following the planting (vegetarian options available and not just vegetarian sausages!).
WESTSIDE OPEN STUDIO SESSIONS
First Thursday of the month 5pm to 7pm - Ages 15 to 24 years old Newport community Hub
Calling all local youth musicians! Hang out, jam, and connect at our Youth Open Mic Night in Newport. Whether you're performing, learning to record with pro sound engineers, or just soaking in the music scene, there's something new every month — from guest bands to hands-on workshops.
These free sessions are fully supervised, drug, alcohol, vape and smoke free, and are youth lead through the Amplify program.
Interested? Find out more at hbys.com.au
Hall Stories with Damian CallinanBlood donation pop-up centre
