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Magazine competition

Writing competition

Win a $100 voucher

Take a photo of winter fun in Hobsons Bay for the chance to win a $100 voucher for a local business of your choice.

The winner will have their photo published in the next edition of Hobsons Bay Community News and featured on Council's social media channels.

Submit your written piece by Sunday 30 June. Only one entry per person is permitted. View the terms and conditions(PDF, 208KB).

Click here to view form.

April/May writing competition winners

Topic - heritage or cultural story, poem or haiku about Hobsons Bay in 100 words or less.

Winner - James Konstantinidis

In the heart of Altona, amid the salty breeze and the lively Pier Street,

my family's café stood as a beacon of community and camaraderie. As a

young boy, I immersed myself in its rhythm, mastering the art of the

barista and the stories behind each regular's favourite coffee. Nights

unfurled into symphonies of chatter, where locals and those from far and

wide, shared tales over the rich aroma of roasted beans. Closing up with

my dad, under the amber glow of streetlights, became a cherished ritual,

brewed with laughter and warmth. I never fathomed its end. Pedaling

home for the last time, I lost a piece of my heart. Yet, Altona helped me

find it — I guess home really is where the heart is.

Under 18 winner - Ava McCutcheon from Williamstown

Hi, I’m Ava and I'm 9 years old. I am the 5th generation to go to St

Mary's Primary School. When my Nan went to St Mary's, she marched

into class, but I walk. Out my classroom window, I see the playground,

but Nan saw the Post Office. At lunchtime Nan played hopscotch, I swing

on the monkey bars. Nan was in a crowded classroom where 94 kids

would sit on desks, the floor and windowsills, I have a table all to myself.

The bell would ring by pulling a rope, now an electric bell rings. I must go

to class, I hope you liked my story bye.

Previous winners

2024

February/March drawing competition winners

Kai, 7

Karin, 11

Helene Wild

January/December summer photography competition

Congratulations Brett and Fredrieka Werner who won the best summer pic photography competition.

Father giving his son a piggy back ride at Altona Beach as sunset

Shortlist

Stephanie Lemmon- Williamstown Beach Boat Ramp

2023

October/November writing competition

First place

Congratulations Larisa Feliciano!

Larisa won our writing competition on the theme of migratory birds.

Winning entry

Homecoming

Soar.

Follow the flyway.

Embrace the wind

as it shifts from

shivering to warmth.

Glide.

See the frost bid its farewell.

Glimpse soft rays of light

piercing through the

dark horizon.

Sail.

See the vibrant shore

shimmering in the midday sun.

Inviting. Beckoning.

Just within reach.

Breathe.

Savour the summer breeze

as it soothes the weary heart

gently guiding ruffled wings

to familiar ground.

Welcome home.

First place - Under 18

Congratulations Dexter Appels!

Winning under 18 entry

In lands afar, these birds take flight,

Migrating through day and night.

With feathers so fancy and wings that soar,

They travel to places they've never seen before.

Over mountains tall and oceans wide,

They soar in flocks, side by side.

A journey long, a daring quest,

They never stop, they never rest.

So let's learn from these feathered herds,

To explore the world like migrating birds.

With hearts so free, and dreams that soar,

We'll find adventures, forevermore!

August/September drawing competition

Thank you to our young readers who submitted a drawing of their favourite playground or spot in Hobsons Bay. We were blown away by the talent and quality of entries. Congratulations to the winners!

Under 12 prize

Minnie, aged 10

Young person prize (12 to 25 years)

Chiyoka, aged 12

Drawing of old Altona Pier at sunrise with someone fishing and a pelican

Encouragement award

Hannah, aged 9

Drawing of Altona Theatre and the rainbow

Runners up

June/July photography competition

Congratulations to Sarah Dowling!

Sarah won our Hobsons Bay Hidden Treasures photography competition. The photo captures the Walking Man sculpture in Bladin Street, Laverton (near Maher Street)

Walking Man sculpture in Laverton, captured at night by Sarah Dowling

April/May writing competition

Congratulations to Levente Toth!

Levente won our writing competition ‘What Hobsons Bay means to you’.

Winning entry

Hobsons Bay, oh Hobsons Bay,

Where the ocean meets the land,

A place that’s filled with memories,

And where my heart does stand.

The sandy shores and rolling waves,

A playground for my youth,

The salty air and sea breeze,

A treasure to be beheld, forsooth.

Back in town, the cafes are great,

Where friends and I would often meet,

Aroma of coffee fills the air,

Moments shared, oh so sweet.

And now with children by my side,

Hobsons Bay is where we reside,

Beaches, parks, and open spaces,

A playground for their smiling faces.