H5 bird flu has now been detected in Hobsons Bay (Thursday 1 October 2026). Please be vigilant and if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, follow the guidelines of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Bird flu guidelines.
2019 marked 100 years since Williamstown became a city.
The city was proclaimed by His Excellency the State Governor, the Hon. Sir Arthur Stanley on 17 May 1919. At the same time he unveiled a collective photograph in memory of local servicemen killed during World War One and officially opened the new Town Hall. The Governor was presented with a leather bound proclamation and asked to sign the parchment. The official birth of the city was celebrated by 2000 residents.
The beginning of Williamstown was as a municipal borough, created in 1856 and incorporated Newport and Spotswood, although they were sparsely populated until the 1880s. The borough was proclaimed a town in 1886 before becoming a city in 1919.
The current photographic honour board was unveiled in 1924 and recently restored. More information can be found at www.sonsofwilliamstown.com.au