Get the appThe 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.
Point Cook Warriors beat local rivals Point Cook Centrals in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield on Saturday. The Warriors bowled the Sharks out for 94, with captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed taking four wickets. Halwathurage Jayasinghe top scored with 45 as the Warriors chased down the runs, finishing 4-95. The win made it three from three for the Warriors, who are one of three undefeated teams. Their next match is a two-day game against Moonee Valley this weekend.
Nambucca Valley resident Kevin Blanch, 93, has finally received medals recognising his service in the Royal Australian Air Force. The delay of more than 70 years appears to have been caused by an administrative mix-up, with his identity possibly confused with that of a brother. His family, particularly his granddaughter in Adelaide, pushed for the matter to be resolved. Mr Blanch was among servicemen involved in Britain's first atomic bomb test, Operation Hurricane, in October 1952 at the Montebello Islands. A British medal linked to nuclear testing is also reportedly pending.
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Get the appPrimary students from Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Manor Lakes and Werribee have placed first, second and third in Greater Western Water's National Water Week poster competition. Over 2320 students from early learning to year 8 entered, using painting, drawing and digital media to show water saving tips and the need to protect the resource. First prize winners in each age group moved on to state awards, with individual prizes valued at up to $100. Cambridge Primary School in Hoppers Crossing received this year's $500 school prize, sponsored by Southern Rural Water for a sustainable project.
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.
Point Cook has become the most expensive Wyndham suburb for houses, according to quarterly median data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. Its median house price fell 1.2 per cent in the September quarter to $850,000, still more than $100,000 above Williams Landing. Williams Landing's median dropped 20.9 per cent to $740,000. Across metropolitan Melbourne, median prices softened 0.7 per cent, with the median house price at $943,000. Mount Eliza recorded the strongest quarterly house price growth, rising 9.1 per cent to $1.8 million.
Wyndham City's Light Box Project is back for a second year, placing new artworks by local artists on community facilities. Naimo Omar, Ammar Yonis and Ayelet Brooks each have a work displayed in illuminated lightboxes. Omar's Isii Nafta is at Arndell Park Community Centre in Truganina, and Yonis' As Long As I'm Near is at Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre. Brooks' Just a Wallflower is at Point Cook Community Learning Centre. The artworks can be viewed by day and lit at night until June 30, 2027.
The Coalition will introduce a Senate bill that would give parliament power to block the sale of Defence sites. Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson says the government is selling off significant assets because it refuses to fund Defence adequately. The government plans to wholly or partly divest up to 67 sites, including Victoria Barracks, Point Cook and HMAS Penguin. Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil says some sites are unused, and that HMAS Penguin's operational centre will be retained. A petition against the sale of Fairbairn Golf Course has been launched by its members.
Promoted Caroline Springs coach Ian Shattock says the Falcons have no fears about stepping up to division 2 in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield this summer. The club won last season's division 3 premiership. It has recruited Ashen Abeykoon from Sunshine and Ishan Peiris from Sydenham-Hillside, both with experience in higher grades. Captain Rukshan Fernando has been appointed first XI captain, and Mohammad Mehdi is a standout of the club's next generation. Shattock said the group is confident in its own ability despite the strong competition ahead.
Caroline Springs coach Ian Shattock says the Falcons have no fears about moving up to division 2 in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield this summer. The club won last season's division 3 premiership and has signed Ashen Abeykoon and Ishan Peiris, both with experience in higher grades. Shattock said the squad was confident in its ability, while the club replaces captain Roshan Laksiri and Akeem Springer. Rukshan Fernando has been named first XI captain.
Security measures at the historic Point Cook Homestead are one step closer after urgent meetings between Parks Victoria, Heritage Victoria and community groups. The bluestone homestead, built in 1857, has faced repeated vandalism and break-ins, with three incidents recorded in the past fortnight. Parks Victoria is working through a permit application with Heritage Victoria for proposed works, including possible temporary fencing. State government funding of $1.2 million will help secure the site and fund electrical, heating, cooling, roofing and accessibility upgrades, and allow the homestead to open to community groups.
Point Cook wants to build a lasting base for success in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association. Captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed says climbing the senior grades is key to keeping junior players, after the club lost some to other clubs. The Warriors lost last season's division 3 grand final to Caroline Springs, and several players have left. Mohamed says the team aims to reach finals. Point Cook opened its season with a win over Laverton.
Volunteers who maintain Werribee's Victoria State Rose Garden will receive a $220,000 upgrade to their volunteer shed, Point Cook Labor MP Mathew Hilakari has announced. The state government is funding the work through its Better Community Facilities Program to replace the ageing shed. Planned improvements include new flooring, heating and cooling, extra storage, water tanks, solar panels, a new toilet, better security and an all-abilities access path. The garden, based at Werribee Park, covers about five hectares and holds more than 5000 roses.
Kaliope Vassilopoulos, a 55-year-old Point Cook resident, has become president of the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West. She first engaged with Zonta in 1994 through a fellowship that supported her aerospace engineering PhD. Vassilopoulos now leads efforts to assist women, including domestic violence survivors and those experiencing homelessness, while also managing international projects like birthing kits. The club is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026.
A diverse range of properties captured Australian homebuyers' attention in September, with listings spanning coastal retreats, suburban estates, and heritage restorations. Courtney Adamo's Byron Bay-inspired holiday home near Coffs Harbour topped the list, while a sprawling Perth residence and a Phillip Island property from The Block 2024 also drew significant interest. The late architect Iwan Iwanoff's distinctive family home in Perth's Floreat suburb was another standout. Victoria led the most-viewed properties, followed by New South Wales and Western Australia. With housing prices declining and borrowing capacity constrained, buyers appear to be seeking properties that combine character, space, and value.