News
April 12, 2019
As we lead up to the 17 May 2019 we reflect back 100 years when Williamstown grew from a town to a city. Sir Arthur Stanley, the State Governor, when proclaiming Williamstown as a City (17 May 1919) noted that – “their town (so long famous as William’s Town) to […]
April 11, 2019
In 1919 the Repatriation Department was created by the Australian government to facilitate the repatriation of our servicemen and women, many of whom bore the physical and psychological scars of war. the department provided war pensions, a soldier settlement scheme and other vital services such as healthcare, education, housing and […]
April 1, 2019
Oh to be a kid again, when times were simpler and there was just your imagination to keep you entertained. Step back in time at the Altona Homestead and take a peek at games and toys from days gone by when electronics was something that was ‘futuristic’ and a thing […]
February 26, 2019
2019 marks the 70th Anniversary of operations at the Altona Refinery which commenced the production of lubricants and bitumen on 22 July 1949 as part of a joint venture between Vacuum Oil Company (Mobil) and Standard Oil (Exxon). At an initial construction cost of £1m, it was widely acknowledged as an […]
February 21, 2019
The Altona-Laverton Historical Society in partnership with the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre and the John Shaw Neilson Society are pleased to present two events in March. John Shaw Neilson is arguably one of Australia’s best poets but unfortunately he has lacked the recognition that he deserved. The first […]
February 20, 2019
The Williamstown Chronicle February 19,1954 reported that £35000 pounds had been spent to open a Speed Track (around the perimeter of Cherry Lake) and that record crowds were expected at Altona. The Age,Monday,March 8 1954 reported that the inaugural car meeting at Altona Road Race Circuit on that day would have 10 of Australia […]
December 10, 2018
On Saturday, December 21, 1968, on the lawns of the new Civic Offices in Civic Parade, the Proclamation Ceremony of the City of Altona was undertaken by his excellency Major-General Sir Rohan Delacombe the Governor of Victoria. The Honourable R J Hamer, Minister for Local Government made the presentation of […]
August 26, 2018
The Altona-Laverton Historical Society is proud to present the History of Altona Hospital. This publication is a unique opportunity to read about ‘A Bush Hospital by the Bay’, (the history) its staff, volunteers and what made it so special and important to our community. It is more than the record […]
June 15, 2018
Altona Laverton Historical Society Archivist, Ann Cassar has been researching the Cherry Family, a pioneering family of Altona for several years, and documentary information about the family is currently on file at The Homestead Museum. The name Cherry is familiar to most people in Hobsons Bay through its long association […]
April 19, 2018
As we edge closer to the 25th April, ANZAC Day, we should remember what this day means. On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they […]
March 30, 2018
Altona and Laverton communities flourished in the wake of two world wars. People from Europe flocked into our area to make a new home for their families. War was the catalyst for change and peace was the result as military personnel returned home to Altona and Laverton or made the area their new home. The […]
February 5, 2018
The Altona-Laverton Historical Society congratulations the Altona Football Club as it celebrates 100 years since its formation in 1918. The club owes its existence to a number of Altona business people, at that time, including James Duke and Dick Blomberg who saw a need and set about establishing the club. […]
October 25, 2017
The Altona Progress Association and the Progress Hall (now Altona Baptist Church in Sargood Street, Altona) turns 100 years old this year. From humble beginnings when Altona was a small village of between 50 and 500 residents a number of these residents were already thinking of improvements. From the […]
October 8, 2017
The Altona High School / Altona Secondary College display, hosted by the Altona Laverton Historical Society, at the Altona Homestead will commence on Sunday 8th October 11am – 2pm. The display includes school memorabilia, honour boards, sports pennants, trophies and the collection of student/teacher photo albums from 1980 onwards. This […]
August 11, 2017
The members of Seabreeze Quilters and the Altona Laverton Historical Society, would love to show you all things ‘quilted’ in our beautiful Altona Homestead — and invite you to join them each weekend as our members sit and sew. The Homestead will be open each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 […]
May 5, 2017
Following the closure of the Altona Hospital in November 1996 the residents of Altona stood as one not to merely protest at the closure of an icon of this community for over 60 years but to fight to retain what had always been seen as a community asset. The residents […]
April 16, 2017
Were you or a relative born at the Altona Hospital between 1932 and 1995? We estimate that approximately 13,500 babies were born at the hospital during that time. If you are one of these we would love to hear from you so that we can add your details to our […]
March 5, 2017
Any scones left after our Devonshire Tea do not go to waste – we donate them to Altona Lions Club Soup Kitchen, straight after our event, for them to distribute that afternoon … a little help to those less fortunate!
March 5, 2017
Over 600 years of Altona’s History enjoying Devonshire Tea today. Be sure to check out our events page on and join us for our next Devonshire Tea.
September 30, 2014
In the 1930s, Altona was well known as a holiday and fishing village. Following WW1, a steady influx of families moved into Altona and the population grew. In 1928, the Werribee Shire appointed Dr Louis Joel of Newport as the medical officer of Altona. At that time, with no trained […]