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.
Melbourne Renegades bowler Jason Behrendorff will miss the entire BBL|16 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. The 36-year-old is the fourth most prolific bowler in Big Bash history, with 145 wickets. He said he has a clear plan with the medical team and aims to return to full fitness. The Renegades have confirmed they will sign an injury replacement. Tom Rogers is set to return from his own shoulder injury, while Brendan Doggett and Will Sutherland are expected to take on more work.
The Melbourne Star observation wheel has reopened after a five-year closure, with thousands of visitors queuing to experience the 120-metre attraction. The wheel's new owners, Jay and Jane Jones, invested $11 million in restoration works, including mechanical overhauls and a new lighting system. The wheel first opened in 2008 but closed after 40 days due to structural issues, reopened in 2013, and shut again during the pandemic in 2021.
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The Melbourne Star has reopened after lying idle since September 2021, with a long queue of visitors seen waiting to ride it. The wheel is now run by Jay and Jane Jones of Skyline Attractions, who have made fire system compliance upgrades and a lighting upgrade installed in July. The writer describes the ride as a 30-minute journey with a gold-trimmed bar in the premium cabins. The piece questions whether the wheel can help revive Docklands, which has faced the closure of Costco at Ardeer, the demolition of Central Pier and sinking footpaths.
Melbourne's Melbourne Star observation wheel in Docklands has started turning again, after sitting stationary for five years. Owners Jane and Jay Jones say they are confident 2026 will mark a turning point for the attraction. Docklands precinct chief executive Jonathan Codman expects an additional 300,000 visitors each year. The wheel has had several closures since opening in 2008, including a stop in 2021 when its owners went into liquidation. Cancer patient Melanie Olsen and her daughter Charli-Koko Vance, who has a rare disease, attended the reopening.
A stranger's question at a Melbourne hospitality job inspired University of Melbourne student Hiya Thacker to create a photography exhibition. You're Indian, Aren't You? features work by six contemporary photographers from India. Hiya says Indian identity is too varied to define in a single way. She wants visitors to question why people are defined so quickly. The exhibition opens at XYZ Photo Gallery in Docklands on 7 November and runs until 20 December 2026.
Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network has announced several October events around Docklands. During the Melbourne Boat Show from October 15 to 18, the former Steve Irwin will berth at Melbourne City Marina, where the public can visit for free. The vessel is now a registered historic museum ship. Local students are also taking part in a maritime art and creative writing project, with awards presented on October 18. The network has further announced a reciprocal membership arrangement with Seafood Industry Victoria, linking to the history of Melbourne's former Fish Market.
