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.
Planning has started for two new employment precincts in Melbourne's west, at Ravenhall and Warrawee. The Victorian Government says the aim is to create jobs near growing residential areas in Ravenhall and Truganina. Developers Boral, Dexus and Pelligra will fund planning and infrastructure work, and the projects will trial an industry-led approach. Public consultation is planned, and arterial road upgrades are proposed to handle more traffic. No timeline for completion has been given.
A contract has been awarded to remove the Anderson Street and Hudsons Road level crossings in Melbourne's west. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and finish in 2029. The project aims to improve safety and reduce delays in Yarraville and Spotswood. Two new accessible underpasses will maintain connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Plans also include new public space and additional car parking near Yarraville Village.
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Father Michael Kalka was farewelled with a mass at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Altona on Sunday 11 October. He is retiring after nine years as Archpriest and 45 years of service in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. Speaking to Star Weekly, the 69-year-old said he remains a priest but will be less involved in public ministry. He plans to support priests across Melbourne's west from a new base in Werribee, citing the ageing priesthood and growing workloads.
L2R Dance will hold a Supa Dupa Fly showcase at the Bowery Theatre on Saturday 28 November, from 3pm to 4pm. The event celebrates the group's free dance programs and features L2R dancers alongside special guests. It is inspired by hip hop artist Missy Elliott. L2R is a not-for-profit and social enterprise that makes dance accessible to children and young people facing financial and social barriers. Its programs include Panda Squad, Lil Legends and Breaking, which are based in Braybrook, St Albans and Melbourne's west.
Dylan Wight MP, the member for Tarneit, joined the Bengali community at the West Melbourne Durga Utsav 2026 festival in Hoppers Crossing on 10 and 11 October. The two-day event, organised by Bongosathi, featured religious ceremonies, music, dance and cultural performances. It coincided with Maha Ashtami, a significant day of Durga Puja marked by prayer and community gatherings. Wight thanked Bongosathi for the warm welcome and said the visit recognised the contribution of multicultural communities in Melbourne's western suburbs.
Ninety schools across Melbourne's west have planted 3911 native trees through Greater Western Water's Trees for Schools program. The initiative aims to increase tree cover, reduce stormwater run-off to local waterways and teach students about environmental benefits. Schools received native trees, stakes, guards and expert planting advice. Since launching in 2021, the program has grown from 22 schools to 90. It is delivered with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action through the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West initiative.
Melbourne's west is set to host the region's largest electric bus depot, with plans to equip a Truganina facility to support more than 130 zero-emission buses. Bus operator CDC Victoria is partnering with fleet electrification specialist Zenobē on the project. The depot will feature 65 dual-lead direct-current chargers, with provision for 20 more charging points. The project forms part of CDC Victoria's delivery of the Victorian government's Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchises. It also supports the state's plan to move its public bus fleet to zero emissions by 2035.
Woodlea at Aintree, a Melbourne west estate home to about 17,000 people, has been named Australia's best new community. Fifteen young growling grass frogs were recorded within a year of a purpose-built wetland habitat being created along Kororoit Creek. The estate won Development of the Year at the 2026 Urban Developer Awards. Judges praised the early delivery of schools, parks, shops and transport links. Residents say the estate has grown from a small pocket of homes into a full suburb, though they want the Melton line electrified sooner.
