The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will close its Altona, Williamstown and Altona North branches on 20 November. The bank plans to open a new branch at Altona Gate Shopping Centre later. Together with earlier closures in Newport and Spotswood, local resident Brian Haynes estimates more than 100,000 people in Hobsons Bay will be affected. He says many elderly residents do not use internet banking and rely on in-branch services. Customers have not been formally told of the closures, according to residents. A local traders group has encouraged people to bank with Bendigo Bank's Community Bank Altona instead.
Dr Liz Cyarto is inviting families affected by dementia to join free guided walks in Hobsons Bay, starting Tuesday 27 October. The four walks offer people living with dementia and their carers two unhurried hours outdoors. Dr Cyarto said the walks may be the first of their kind in Melbourne. They are slow and mindful, and end with a cup of tea. A national survey found most family carers reported low wellbeing, with about 30 per cent caring more than 70 hours a week.
House prices in Hobsons Bay dropped sharply over the September quarter, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria data. Williamstown led the fall, with average prices down 24.8 per cent to $1.3 million, their lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic. Newport fell 13.4 per cent to $1.1 million, and Altona dropped 10 per cent to the same average. Seaholme and Altona North were the only suburbs to record noticeable rises, of 9.8 and 8.1 per cent. Seaholme now matches Williamstown as the highest-priced suburb in the inner west.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Sporting facilities across Hobsons Bay are receiving millions of dollars in funding ahead of next month's state election. On Tuesday 13 October, Point Cook MP Mat Hilakari announced $5 million to redevelop the pavilion at Bruce Comben Reserve in Altona Meadows. Combined with $2 million from Hobsons Bay council, the new pavilion will serve tenant clubs including Altona Roosters Rugby League Club, Seabrook Cricket Club and Westside Touch.
Artworks by students from seven local secondary schools are on display at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre Gallery as part of the annual My Canvas My Art exhibition. The exhibition opened on 6 October, with an awards ceremony on 9 October. Emmanuel College placed first, Altona College second and Williamstown High School third, with prizes including gift vouchers from exhibition sponsor Atelier Art Supplies. Works remain on display until 28 October and can be purchased. The gallery is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
