Father Michael Kalka was farewelled with a mass at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Altona on Sunday 11 October. He is retiring after nine years as Archpriest and 45 years of service in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. Speaking to Star Weekly, the 69-year-old said he remains a priest but will be less involved in public ministry. He plans to support priests across Melbourne's west from a new base in Werribee, citing the ageing priesthood and growing workloads.
House prices in Hobsons Bay dropped sharply over the September quarter, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria data. Williamstown led the fall, with average prices down 24.8 per cent to $1.3 million, their lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic. Newport fell 13.4 per cent to $1.1 million, and Altona dropped 10 per cent to the same average. Seaholme and Altona North were the only suburbs to record noticeable rises, of 9.8 and 8.1 per cent. Seaholme now matches Williamstown as the highest-priced suburb in the inner west.
Adam Yates has played his 200th first XI Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association game, joining the association's 200 game club. Yates moved from Tasmania and began at Yarraville before joining Altona for the 2016-17 season, where he has played since. He has also served as a VSDCA selector for three seasons and was named in the VSDCA team of the year last season. Yates said his career is now played year by year, and he and his Altona teammates are hoping to win a premiership this season.
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Altona police are seeking witnesses to a multi-car collision in Altona North on Sunday night. It is believed a green Toyota Corolla and four other vehicles crashed on the inbound Westgate Freeway, just before the Westgate Bridge, at about 6.50pm on 18 October. A 19-year-old Broadmeadows man, a passenger in the Toyota, suffered critical injuries. The Corolla's 18-year-old driver and a 22-year-old passenger, both from Broadmeadows, suffered serious injuries. All lanes were closed for several hours. Anyone with information or camera footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Sporting facilities across Hobsons Bay are receiving millions of dollars in funding ahead of next month's state election. On Tuesday 13 October, Point Cook MP Mat Hilakari announced $5 million to redevelop the pavilion at Bruce Comben Reserve in Altona Meadows. Combined with $2 million from Hobsons Bay council, the new pavilion will serve tenant clubs including Altona Roosters Rugby League Club, Seabrook Cricket Club and Westside Touch.
Altona Meadows entrepreneur Amanuel Bayu has developed RaeyLink, AI software that detects possible retail theft. The product uses existing CCTV cameras and alerts staff when it spots items being removed from shelves and hidden in bags or pockets. Bayu said the idea followed his own experience of having a prototype product stolen from his home. The software has been rolled out at several retailers across Melbourne's west, including IGA Saltwater in Point Cook. Co-owner Amanjot Kaur said it had quickly helped staff deal with suspected thefts.
Children spent their school holidays helping a not-for-profit prepare for its annual Christmas festival. Australian Solo Mothers by Choice is holding its 13th festival in Port Melbourne on 22 November, with more than 150 families expected. A similar event will follow in Sydney on 5 December. The children wrapped more than 600 presents and filled gift bags at the Altona home of founder and chair Michelle Galea. Galea is now seeking sponsors to support the festival and the group's year-round programs.
