The Williamstown Mechanics’ Institute and associated cottage are two of the oldest and most significant heritage buildings in Hobsons Bay and I have advocated for their restoration throughout my Council term.
After being out of action for several years, the time has come to restore them so they can again become great assets for our community.
Since 1860, the Mechanics Institute has been many things, including an education facility, a cinema, a theatre, a public hall, a library and a museum. In recent times it was home to the Williamstown Historical Society and the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company.
Council consulted the community on what it wants for the building, and we’re now seeking volunteers to join the Williamstown Mechanics’ Institute reference group to help shape the next phase of the masterplan.
This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in heritage, building the local economy, creating a space for the community, or someone who wants to help bring more people to Williamstown.
Another great initiative in Williamstown is the idea of establishing a community garden on the corner of Ann and Hanmer Streets, just near the Williamstown train station.
There’s a successful one in Altona allowing people to get their hands dirty, get great tips on sustainability and, of course, produce tasty fresh veggies.
You can express interest in the mechanics’ institute reference group and have your say on the community garden online at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.
This week, I’m excited to chair the first meeting of the newly formed Hobsons Bay Women’s Advisory Group. The range of talent, experience and skills of those who nominated to be part of this group was fantastic, and I can’t wait to get started.
I became involved with Council through the original women’s advisory group, and it gave me great exposure to how Council works, and I met some incredible people who I now call friends.
The new advisory group reinforces my commitment as women’s charter champion and will be a wonderful opportunity for women to help shape and inform ways we tackle critical issues as a community.
Finally, I recently participated in the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of early works for the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre in Altona Meadows.
I’m a huge supporter of the Wetlands Centre and am so pleased to see work starting on tree plantings and landscaping.
We are advocating for funding from the state and federal governments to help us complete our vision for this centre, which will be an incredible educational and environmental asset for our community. I can’t wait to see works continue to develop in future.
I was also pleased to recently open the new community centre at Dennis Reserve in Williamstown. It’s a fantastic facility and I look forward to seeing the important role it plays in our community for many years to come.
