Wyndham City's Light Box Project is back for a second year, placing new artworks by local artists on community facilities. Naimo Omar, Ammar Yonis and Ayelet Brooks each have a work displayed in illuminated lightboxes. Omar's Isii Nafta is at Arndell Park Community Centre in Truganina, and Yonis' As Long As I'm Near is at Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre. Brooks' Just a Wallflower is at Point Cook Community Learning Centre. The artworks can be viewed by day and lit at night until June 30, 2027.
The Coalition will introduce a Senate bill that would give parliament power to block the sale of Defence sites. Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson says the government is selling off significant assets because it refuses to fund Defence adequately. The government plans to wholly or partly divest up to 67 sites, including Victoria Barracks, Point Cook and HMAS Penguin. Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil says some sites are unused, and that HMAS Penguin's operational centre will be retained. A petition against the sale of Fairbairn Golf Course has been launched by its members.
Promoted Caroline Springs coach Ian Shattock says the Falcons have no fears about stepping up to division 2 in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield this summer. The club won last season's division 3 premiership. It has recruited Ashen Abeykoon from Sunshine and Ishan Peiris from Sydenham-Hillside, both with experience in higher grades. Captain Rukshan Fernando has been appointed first XI captain, and Mohammad Mehdi is a standout of the club's next generation. Shattock said the group is confident in its own ability despite the strong competition ahead.
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Caroline Springs coach Ian Shattock says the Falcons have no fears about moving up to division 2 in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield this summer. The club won last season's division 3 premiership and has signed Ashen Abeykoon and Ishan Peiris, both with experience in higher grades. Shattock said the squad was confident in its ability, while the club replaces captain Roshan Laksiri and Akeem Springer. Rukshan Fernando has been named first XI captain.
Security measures at the historic Point Cook Homestead are one step closer after urgent meetings between Parks Victoria, Heritage Victoria and community groups. The bluestone homestead, built in 1857, has faced repeated vandalism and break-ins, with three incidents recorded in the past fortnight. Parks Victoria is working through a permit application with Heritage Victoria for proposed works, including possible temporary fencing. State government funding of $1.2 million will help secure the site and fund electrical, heating, cooling, roofing and accessibility upgrades, and allow the homestead to open to community groups.
Point Cook wants to build a lasting base for success in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association. Captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed says climbing the senior grades is key to keeping junior players, after the club lost some to other clubs. The Warriors lost last season's division 3 grand final to Caroline Springs, and several players have left. Mohamed says the team aims to reach finals. Point Cook opened its season with a win over Laverton.
Volunteers who maintain Werribee's Victoria State Rose Garden will receive a $220,000 upgrade to their volunteer shed, Point Cook Labor MP Mathew Hilakari has announced. The state government is funding the work through its Better Community Facilities Program to replace the ageing shed. Planned improvements include new flooring, heating and cooling, extra storage, water tanks, solar panels, a new toilet, better security and an all-abilities access path. The garden, based at Werribee Park, covers about five hectares and holds more than 5000 roses.
Kaliope Vassilopoulos, a 55-year-old Point Cook resident, has become president of the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West. She first engaged with Zonta in 1994 through a fellowship that supported her aerospace engineering PhD. Vassilopoulos now leads efforts to assist women, including domestic violence survivors and those experiencing homelessness, while also managing international projects like birthing kits. The club is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026.
A diverse range of properties captured Australian homebuyers' attention in September, with listings spanning coastal retreats, suburban estates, and heritage restorations. Courtney Adamo's Byron Bay-inspired holiday home near Coffs Harbour topped the list, while a sprawling Perth residence and a Phillip Island property from The Block 2024 also drew significant interest. The late architect Iwan Iwanoff's distinctive family home in Perth's Floreat suburb was another standout. Victoria led the most-viewed properties, followed by New South Wales and Western Australia. With housing prices declining and borrowing capacity constrained, buyers appear to be seeking properties that combine character, space, and value.
Pavement art showing native Wyndham waterway species will appear around Wyndham in the coming weeks as part of the Waterways of the West trail. Melbourne artist Ulla Taylor is creating the anamorphic chalk works, which feature the Murray Cod, Rakali, Growling Grass Frog and local waterbirds. The trail aims to raise awareness of protecting aquatic habitats. The artworks are at and around Lollypop Creek, Dianella, Point Cook and Werribee community and town centres. Because they are chalk, they will fade over time, so visitors are encouraged to go early.
A 62-year-old man from Caroline Springs has been charged after an alleged incident in a change room at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre on Sunday 25 October. Police allege he used a recording device to film several people in a change room cubicle around 11.10am. He faces charges of producing child abuse material and producing intimate images. Brimbank council says it has terminated his membership and banned him from all council leisure centres. He is bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 23 March 2027.
Authorities have shut 100 shops under newly granted powers aimed at stamping out the trade in illegal tobacco. Since those powers took effect on 9 September, the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria officers have confiscated over four million unlawful cigarettes, roughly 70,000 vaping devices, three tonnes of leaf tobacco and close to $1 million in cash. The drive is directed at criminal networks that profit from the illicit product, including groups run from overseas. Retailers across a string of Melbourne suburbs have been inspected, and the operation is still underway.
A large former Toyota site at 200-214 Blackshaws Rd, Altona North, has been listed for sale, with a possible $40 million price. The 5.3-hectare property was sold by Toyota in 2020. A Victorian government masterplan has earmarked the site for a future town centre with a supermarket, shops and up to 395 homes. No development plans are yet in place. Expressions of interest close at 3pm on November 11.
Three volunteer emergency services in Wyndham will share in state government funding for vehicles and equipment. Wyndham Vale CFA, Wyndham SES and Wyndham West SES are among 350 organisations set to receive part of more than $31 million from the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program. The round will deliver almost $20 million for vehicles, more than $5 million for facility upgrades and more than $1 million for other operational equipment. Werribee MP John Lister, a volunteer emergency service worker himself, said he was proud to back local volunteers.
Rock musician Ross Wilson is selling his Port Melbourne home, which he bought in 2018 for $1.681m. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house has been extended and renovated and carries a $2.4m to $2.6m price guide. Agent Justin Holod of Marshal White says buyers have described the home as feeling like a famous person lives there, pointing to an old-school jukebox. The house goes to auction on November 7 at 1.30pm.
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Ten-year-old Brandon Winkworth raised $500 for Bread Hub Victoria after his school charity choice was not selected. The charity matched the amount, doubling it to $1000. The money will fund vouchers for disadvantaged people in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham to use swimming and gym facilities at Laverton Community Hub and Bayfit. Laverton Community Integrated Services chief executive Michael Pernar praised the boy's efforts. Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said the youngster's hard work was an inspiration. Brandon said he is proud of what he achieved.
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.
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.
The 46th Werribee Craft Festival will return to the Encore Events Centre on 6 and 7 November. Local crafters of all ages, from two junior stallholders to an 85-year-old, will show their work. Committee member Carmen Littley said the festival aims to be accessible and inclusive, and to give back to the community. Each year the committee supports an organisation in Wyndham, with past projects including a palliative care garden refurbishment at Werribee Mercy Hospital. Visitors can also enjoy lucky door prizes, a free photo with Santa and a Christmas cookie decorating workshop.
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.
Emergency department wait times at Werribee Mercy Hospital would be cut if the Victorian state government is re-elected next month. The government has promised to reduce wait times by up to 20 per cent across Victoria, which it says will help more than 210,000 patients each year. The plan includes a 25 per cent expansion to 12 hospital emergency departments, hiring 1500 health workers including 750 nurses, and adding 250 beds. Premier Ben Carroll said more nurses would mean patients are seen sooner.
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.
The Victoria State Rose Garden at Werribee Park will mark its 40th anniversary on 9 November. A volunteer group saved the garden from being bulldozed in the early 1990s, when the state government agreed to continue work only if enough volunteers could maintain it. The supporters group was registered in 1993 and now has about 80 members, with more than 50 helping regularly. The garden holds more than 2000 rose varieties. A celebration is planned for Sunday 8 November, and entry is free.
The Meeniyan Marty Gras drew crowds to South Gippsland for its drag and rainbow-themed events under the theme Rainbow Country. The main night at the Meeniyan Town Hall was briefly disrupted by a hailstorm and a power cut, but a live band kept the party going. The festival raises funds for Opportunities of Development thru Art in Cambodia and the Gippsland Pride Initiative. Organisers say the event has grown since it began in 2018 and that close to 180 guests attended this year's main event.
