AMES Australia Footscray

Located along the Maribyrnong River, 5km west of Melbourne, Footscray is characterised by a very diverse, multicultural central shopping area, which reflects the successive waves of immigration experienced by Melbourne, and by Footscray in particular. Once a centre for Greek, Italian and former Yugoslavian migrants, it later became a hub for Vietnamese and East African immigrants in Melbourne.

In addition to major supermarkets and shopping strips, Footscray has its own market, a large indoor fresh produce and seafood market, with approximately 33 food stalls and 50 general stores.

There are many sports fields, parks and reserves located in Footscray including the Footscray Community Arts Centre Reserve that features an amphitheatre, outdoor seating, wharf, and public activity space.

Footscray offers a public library and a Community Arts Centre, which is a centre for contemporary arts and community engagement running events, projects, workshops and programs. A bi-annual community arts festival is also run out of Footscray called Big West.

The Western General Hospital is located in Footscray offering acute medical and surgical services. There is also the Western region health centre which provides refugee health services.

Footscray is also serviced by tram, bus and train - Footscray railway station being the busiest non CBD railway station in Melbourne.