Home » New program creates vibrant villages

New program creates vibrant villages

A selection of Hobsons Bay’s smaller shopping precincts are receiving a new lease of life thanks to the Council’s Vibrant Villages art program. The Vibrant Villages program aims to enhance the physical, economic and social activities in local neighbourhoods by upgrading key facilities and creating a site specific artwork.

Harrington Square in Altona is the latest shopping precinct to be revitalised through the project with a series of colourful mosaics, titled ‘Colourful Pasts, Vibrant Futures’ unveiled in November 2006. Mosaic workshops were conducted by local artist Julie Stevens to teach local students and community members how to create a mosaic design, and use the tools, equipment and materials needed to make the mosaics.

The end result, a spectacular artwork that reflects the aspirations of local residents and promotes the area as a wonderful place to shop, relax, and socialise with friends.

Other Vibrant Villages sites include Hudsons Road, Spotswood; Challis Street, Newport and Ford Road, Altona.

Digital Editions


  • Redlands Koala population stable

    Redlands Koala population stable

    Redland City Council has become the first local government in south-east Queensland – and within the koala’s federally-listed northern endangered range – to report stabilisation…

More News

  • New deputy for Liverpool

    New deputy for Liverpool

    Councillor Peter Harle has been elected Deputy Mayor of Liverpool City Council following the resignation of Cllr Dr Betty Green. Councillor Harle, who has served the office in the past,…

  • Erosion reef wins awards

    Erosion reef wins awards

    A West Australian-first coastal erosion research reef installed off C.Y. O’Connor Beach in 2022, reducing wave height and energy and blossoming into a thriving habitat, took out the 2025 WA…

  • More rehabilitation works for Coffs

    More rehabilitation works for Coffs

    Scores of local flood-damaged roads will be improved after the City of Coffs Harbour determined to expand rehabilitation works. An initial program of stabilisation works had already been approved for…

  • First-class Pump Track opens in Ballina

    First-class Pump Track opens in Ballina

    Ballina Shire Council is thrilled to announce the completion of the new Ballina Pump Track at Kingsford Smith Reserve in the heart of Ballina. Designed to national competition standards, the…

  • Fraser Coast support announced

    Fraser Coast support announced

    Fraser Coast Regional Council has renewed and expanded its support for three key emergency services – the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), LifeFlight, and local Rural Fire Brigades. At their…

  • Council named among Australia’s most inclusive employers

    Council named among Australia’s most inclusive employers

    Lake Macquarie City Council has become one of only two local government organisations in Australia included in a benchmark list of inclusive employers. The Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) added…

  • New deputy in Griffith

    New deputy in Griffith

    Griffith City Council has elected Councillor Scott Groat as the new Deputy Mayor at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. Cr Groat will hold the position…

  • Planning for the future

    Planning for the future

    Cowes Primary School students brought plenty of energy and curiosity to Berninneit Cultural Centre in mid-October for a special Meet the Mayor visit as part of their Community Walk. Organised…

  • Wollongong named as host city

    Wollongong named as host city

    Wollongong has been announced as the host city for the 2026 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference, following a warm invitation from the Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown…

  • Grant secured for Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan

    Grant secured for Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan

    The Town of Cambridge, in partnership with the Flower District Town Team, has been awarded a 2025 Streets Alive Stream Two Grant to develop the Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan.…