A medical centre in Melbourne's north-west was extensively damaged by fire in a suspected arson attack early today. Police say offenders smashed a front window of the Shuter Street clinic in Moonee Ponds before using an accelerant and setting it alight just after 2am. About an hour earlier, two cars were set alight outside a Brighton home on Manor Street in what police describe as a suspected targeted attack. Police will investigate whether the two incidents are linked. An arson chemist will attend both scenes today, and anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact CrimeStoppers.
Sunbury mother Jessica Gusew and her son Malachi are fundraising through Smart Pups Assistance Dogs after the death of Millie, the assistance dog they got in 2022. Malachi, 16, has brittle asthma and autism, and Millie helped him at hospital visits and appointments and gave him confidence. Millie died from bone cancer on 21 October. The family is now raising $25,000 to help train and place a new assistance dog, which costs the charity up to $50,000 for each child.
West Footscray residents are preparing for Halloween this Saturday, with almost a dozen streets decorated with elaborate displays. Trick-or-treating is encouraged across the suburb. Khartoum Street, visited by thousands each year, is among those taking part. Other highlights include the House of Abandoned and Dismembered Dolls on Blandford Street and the West Footscray Halloween Hell House at Barkly Street, run by The Op Shop. Entry to the hell house is by gold coin donation. Maribyrnong councillor Pradeep Tiwari, who will volunteer there on Saturday night, says the community comes together for the event.
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The Rotary Club of Keilor is preparing its annual 100 Christmas Bags project for isolated patients in the Moonee Valley and Brimbank areas. Bolton Clarke community nurses will deliver the gift bags, which contain basic food, toiletries, personal care items and seasonal treats. The club says many recipients have no family, friends or wider community, and the bags aim to bring them comfort at Christmas. Recipient Anica said the gift brought her to tears, while Kent said he was looking forward to the day.
Sunshine artist Ken McKean is walking 260 kilometres across Victoria to raise $10,000 for UNICEF Australia. He set off from Warrnambool on 17 October and aims to finish back in Melbourne's north-west by 1 November. Mr McKean said his main purpose is to help children wherever they live, and he hopes to spread a message of peace. He has raised more than $2,200 so far and says he wants to raise even more. UNICEF Australia chief executive Tony Stuart praised the challenge.
NextDC chief executive Craig Scroggie has agreed to give up annual bonuses worth up to $7.5 million. The data centre operator's board directors will also take a 10 per cent voluntary fee cut, and a proposed pay rise has been withdrawn. The move follows a delay to expansion of its M3 data centre in West Footscray, which led to earnings guidance being slashed by $140 million. Shares fell last week, wiping $3 billion off market value.
A new Australian play, Fall, will have its world premiere in Melbourne's west in December. Written by Michele Lee and directed by Beng Oh, it opens at The Bowery Theatre in St Albans on 5 December. The production then moves to Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray for four shows from 9 to 12 December. Set in northern Laos in 1975, the three-character play follows an Australian teacher and a former Hmong student facing the end of the Secret War. The 75-minute show is recommended for audiences aged 15 and over, and Wit Incorporated Theatre Company presents it.
Moonee Valley City Council is working to make swimming in local rivers and waterways a reality by 2050. The goal includes safe swimming in the Maribyrnong River and after-work dips in the Yarra River, also known as Birrarung.
The Municipal Association of Victoria has recognised long-serving councillors through its 2026 MAV Councillor Service Awards. MAV President Jennifer Anderson said recipients should be proud of their leadership and commitment to residents. She said the role is demanding and often done as a second job or alongside family care. Awards were presented at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-year service levels, plus a Mayor Emeritus Award. The association said the recipients have left a lasting mark on communities across the state.
A triple-brick home in Northcote, with a separate apartment, passed in at auction on a vendor bid of $1.7 million, below its $1.8 million reserve. The property is now listed for private sale at $1.775 million. Meanwhile, a fully renovated art deco home in Fitzroy sold for $1.531 million, above its $1.35 million reserve, to a first-home buyer. In Essendon, a four-bedroom home sold for $2.285 million, above its $1.95 million reserve, to a young family.
Workers at eight Victorian councils have rejected a pay offer, continuing protected industrial action that has disrupted services. The councils, including Hume and Merri-bek, are in multi-employer bargaining with unions. The rejected offer included wage increases tied to the rate cap and a $1200 transition payment. The Australian Services Union reported a 98 per cent rejection rate among its members, leading to strike action and service disruptions.
Actor, musician and writer Louis Lucente lives in West Footscray with his wife and two young sons. He grew up in Greenvale and went to school near Essendon. He says the west has grit, a mix of cultures and a strong sense of community. He would like more investment in local arts, and has been exploring a permanent intimate professional theatre in the west. His favourite local spots include the Sun Theatre in Yarraville, The Chestnut Tree Bookshop and Hansen Reserve.
Suzuki has added a hybrid version of its Swift small hatchback to its Australian range, priced from $24,490 driveaway. The Swift Hybrid uses a three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system and front-wheel drive. The reviewer praised its city handling and claimed fuel use of 4.0 litres per 100km, though a week-long test averaged just under 5.0 litres. The car needs premium unleaded fuel. It holds a three-star safety rating, and its infotainment system was criticised for slow response and weak audio.
A 29-year-old Altona North man has been charged over an alleged attempted carjacking in Campbellfield. Police allege he was armed with an axe and tried to steal a car after a collision involving up to eight vehicles at the intersection of Sydney and Bolinda roads, about 7am on Thursday, October 22. He was struck by a vehicle and then restrained by good Samaritans near Sunshine Street before police arrived. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Electric vehicle sales in Australia surged in August, with EVs capturing 24.9 per cent of the market, driven by brands like Tesla and BYD. The Kia Stonic Hybrid, priced under $30,000, competes with Chinese models, offering a mild hybrid system, improved fuel efficiency, and a seven-year warranty. The vehicle features a refreshed design, advanced safety tech, and a spacious interior. While Chinese EVs dominate sales, concerns about reliability and resale value persist, contrasting with Kia's established reputation. The Stonic Hybrid aims to balance affordability, performance, and practicality for Australian buyers.
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Western Health has launched a Paediatric Hospital in the Home service, allowing some child patients to receive hospital-level care at home. The team, based at Sunshine Hospital, will care for up to 10 eligible children aged 28 days to 18 years at any one time. Services cover conditions including eczema, respiratory conditions, wound care and IV antibiotics. Kirsty Barnes, divisional director of Western Health at Home, said treatment at home can reduce stress and time away from siblings and school. Referrals can only come from the children's ward at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's at Sunshine Hospital.
