Melbourne’s postcode 3029 has the highest number of rooftop solar installations in Australia, with over 28,000 systems installed since 2001. Australia leads the world in solar electricity generation per person, with about 36% of households having solar systems. The country is on track for a record year of solar installations in 2026, driven by government incentives, high electricity prices, and suitable housing designs. Rooftop solar now supplies nearly 14% of the country’s electricity, fundamentally changing the electricity system and reducing grid demand.
Melbourne's West Tarneit train station, opened last month, faces immediate parking shortages, with spaces full by 8am during school holidays. Commuters report arriving earlier to secure spots, while others advocate for improved bus services. The station's car park, initially designed for 400 vehicles, struggles to meet demand. Local residents and transport advocates highlight broader infrastructure challenges in Melbourne's rapidly growing western suburbs. The government has allocated land for additional parking but notes developers must construct access roads.
Transport Victoria has confirmed the final design for intersection upgrades along Sunshine Avenue in Taylors Lakes. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. Two roundabouts at Melton Highway and Old Calder Highway will be replaced with signalised intersections, with additional lanes and new signalised pedestrian crossings. New walking and cycling paths and street lighting will also be built. A bus stop on the northern side of Melton Highway will move to the eastern side of Sunshine Avenue.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
Victoria's Labor government has promised 45 extra beds and 145 nurses for Werribee Mercy Hospital as part of a $1.5 billion election commitment. The plan would expand emergency departments at 12 Victorian hospitals by an average of 25 per cent and reduce waiting times at those hospitals by up to 20 per cent. Labor says the expansion depends on winning re-election. The government has not yet released construction timetables or explained how the waiting time reduction was calculated.
