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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.
A Kensington resident, Steve Martinuzzo, has prepared an advocacy paper urging the State Government to investigate removing the Kensington Station level crossing on Macaulay Rd. He says the issue should at least be discussed rather than dismissed. Residents have previously raised concerns about heritage, traffic and trucks, and the City of Melbourne says it would consider those factors. A Victorian Government spokesperson said there are no current plans to remove the crossing, though it may be considered in future.
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Get the appPavement 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.
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.
The state government says it will spend $250,000 to redevelop the play space at G F Stirling Reserve in Altona Meadows if it is re-elected next month. Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari said the upgrades would improve enjoyment for the community. Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes said the new play space would give families a modern, safe place to play and relax.
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.
Melbourne's Diwali celebrations return to Marvel Stadium Square in Docklands this Saturday, October 31. Organisers expect between 15,000 and 20,000 people to attend the free event, which runs from 2pm to 10pm. The program includes dance competitions, interactive workshops and cooking masterclasses. Organiser Gautam Gupta says this year places more emphasis on hands-on participation. Federal Member for Melbourne Sarah Witty and Bollywood actor Vishwajeet Pradhan will open the event at 2pm.
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.