Three teenage boys have been charged following an alleged aggravated carjacking in Altona Meadows in the early hours of this morning
the boys reportedly approached a man in a carpark on Central Avenue
The man attempted to take refuge in his silver Toyota Rav4 but was unable to lock the doors in time
Police allege that one of the offenders entered the front seat
while another got into the back seat and demanded the victim’s phone
The first offender allegedly struck the victim with the hammer
the 51-year-old man from Point Cook escaped unharmed and fled the scene
The trio allegedly drove off in the Toyota towards Queen Street before crashing into a fence on Honeysuckle Court
They then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot
arrested three boys soon after the incident
A search of the Toyota revealed a hammer and two edged weapons
A 15-year-old from Hoppers Crossing and two boys
have been charged with aggravated carjacking
They have been bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date
Roads in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham will receive long awaited upgrades in a joint funding package announced by both the state and federal governments on Thursday
The centrepiece of the announcement was a $55 million plan to duplicate and upgrade Central Avenue in Altona Meadows between Lunn Court and Skehan Boulevarde
A further $3.5 million was announced for a business case to upgrade Point Cook Road between Jamieson Way and Dunnings Road
building on previous work to develop the scope of the project
Both Central Avenue and Point Cook Road connect to the Princes Freeway
the main access road connecting the western suburbs to the city
The Princes Freeway carries approximately 40,000 vehicles per day from Geelong
increasing to 90,000 vehicles per day at the Western Ring Road
Central Avenue and Point Cook intersect just before the freeway entrance
with nearly 28,000 vehicles passing through the intersection per day
a figure that is expected to increase along with congestion and travel times
Federal Infrastructure and Transport,Minister Catherine King said the upgrades would help ease congestions and travel times as well as improving safety
“This will be transformative project for Melbourne’s west
better connecting these growing suburbs with the city and the region.”
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said the upgrades were long overdue
“My constituents have been stuck in traffic for too long
“Residents in Point Cook have long been waiting for a fix for Point Cook Road
This business case will provide the State government with a plan for the solution.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams thanked the federal government for helping fund the road projects
“It’s fantastic to have a partner in Canberra that can find Victoria on a map and deliver critical investments to keep our state moving,” Ms Williams said
“Our growing communities deserve the very best road connections
which is why we are investing more to improve traffic flow and boost safety across Melbourne’s west.”
Firefighters responded to another to a significant grass fire at the Laverton Grasslands in Altona on Wednesday morning
FRV and CFA crews arrived at the Bell Avenue scene at 1.42am on January 29 after callers to triple-0 reported seeing two fires spreading across the wetlands
firefighters immediately requested additional support as a fire grew to three hectares in size
An advice message was issued for residents in Altona and Altona Meadows
but the fire was not considered a risk to people or property and was brought under control by 4.36am
It’s the second major fire to occur at the Laverton Grasslands in the space of three days
with firefighters also responding to a blaze there on Sunday
Police are investigating if two large grass fires at a wetlands reserve in Altona this week are linked
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed or has been told about any concerning behaviour in relation to fires
The most recent fire in the Laverton Grasslands occurred near Bell Avenue in Altona early on Wednesday
FRV and CFA crews arrived at the scene at about 1.42am after callers to triple-0 reported seeing two fires spreading across the wetlands reserve
Investigators are treating the blaze as suspicious and are working to establish the exact circumstances as well as any possible link to a fire in the same reserve three days earlier
fire crews responded to a blaze near Purnell Street
Altona after callers to triple-0 reported it was spreading rapidly
Firefighters arrived at the scene at about 3.49pm by which time the fire had already spread over a two kilometre radius and was threatening houses located 30 to 50 metres away
The fires also got close to Westona train station on the Werribee train line
forcing a temporary suspension of services
After four firefighting planes were deployed to assist ground crews tackling blaze
the fire was brought under control by about 6.15pm
Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire can face up to 15 years in prison
Lighting a fire on a total fire ban day can result in up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $46,000
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Firefighting planes were needed to bring a large grass fire under control in Altona on Sunday afternoon
Crews from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Association (CFA) arrived at the Laverton Grasslands on Purnell Street at about 3.49pm on January 26 after callers to Triple Zero reported a fire on the site was spreading quickly
Crews found the fire had already spread over a 2km radius and was threatening houses located 30 to 50 metres away
A Watch and Act message was issued for residents of Altona and Altona Meadow as the grass fire travelled north from the Laverton Grasslands towards Kororoit Creek Road
The fires also got close to Westona Train Station on the Werribee train line
A total of 23 hectares of grassland was burnt by the fire which has been deemed suspicious and is being investigated by FRV and Victoria Police
A group of Altona Meadows parents are pleased that out-of zone enrolment restrictions have been removed for Altona College
however believe there is still work to be done
parents have been concerned there is no high school in Altona Meadows
despite the suburb having three primary schools
With the help of a dedicated group of parents
has been campaigning for a high school in Altona Meadows and for the suburb’s zoning to be changed
“Previously Altona Meadows’ kids were zoned to one of four schools,” she said
Laverton P-12 and Carranballac P-9 (Jamieson Way and Boardwalk campuses) in Point Cook.”
Ms Brusa said the ideal situation is for the suburb to have its own high school
“When you look at numbers of students within Altona Meadows from census data
the numbers of students of secondary age in Altona Meadows is higher than Altona or Williamstown which both have their own high schools,” she said
“So when looking at the data and numbers
I think there are enough students of secondary school age to justify a high school in Altona Meadows.”
it was announced that the restriction on out-of-zone enrolments to Altona College had been lifted
and new school zone boundaries had been put in place for the Altona Meadows community
with the south-western boundary now aligned with Skeleton Creek
“Instead of being zoned to four schools
students from Altona Meadows are now zoned to one of two schools: Altona College or Laverton P-12
This increases the chances of friendship groups continuing into high school
and also means that people don’t have to navigate Skeleton Creek and the busy Point Cook Road to get their child to school.” Ms Brusa said
“In relation to the lifting of restrictions at Altona College
it is not a rezoning to Altona College but it does increase the likelihood of students from Altona Meadows being accepted at Altona College
“We have been talking with council and local government for a long time who have been very supportive so we are pleased to have some outcomes to show for that shared advocacy..”
Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said he will continue to work on improving the education opportunities for all the community
“This is an important first step towards responding to long-expressed concerns from families in Altona Meadows regarding the lack of a high school in our area,” councillor Tyler said
“It reflects our advocacy efforts over a number of years
together with committed members of our community
in partnership with Mat Hilakari to make progress in terms of meeting the educational needs of our community”
Recent infrastructure developments and upgrades to local amenities have been key factors in Altona’s recent property price surge
Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) data showed a 25 per cent increase in the median property price to $1.2 million in the June quarter
The number of properties sold in Altona has remained steady
with 120 properties sold this quarter compared to 118 in the March quarter
Ray White Altona director Anthony Anile said the steady volume of sales and rising prices indicates a strong demand
with the average days on market reducing from 45 to 30 days
while Mr Anile said was a sign of increased buyer interest and competition
Auction clearance rates have also risen considerably
First-home buyers and investors alike have shown an interest in Altona
with increased activity from both demographics
Mr Anile mentioned “the appeal of a coastal suburb with a relaxed lifestyle,” as being among the deciding factors
The suburb is attracting young professionals
“They are drawn by the family-friendly environment
The suburb saw the largest median price increase in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong and was significantly higher than the rest of metro Melbourne
which recorded a 1.5 per cent decrease to property prices
Among the suburbs in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong to also record a rise were Altona North (7.8 per cent to $965,000)
Seabrook (2.8 per cent to $784,000) and West Footscray (11.4 per cent to $1.02 million)
Decreases were seen in Altona Meadows (-1.4 per cent to $730,000)
Maribyrnong (-0.6 per cent to $1.3 million)
South Kingsville (-5.1 per cent to $975,000)
Williamstown (-10.6 per cent to $1.6 million ) and Yarraville (-0.5 per cent to $1.2 million)
Crime in the inner-west is on the rise according to the latest data released by the Crime Statistics Agency on Thursday
Results for the year to June showed recorded offences rose by nearly 15 per cent in Maribyrnong and almost 14 per cent in Hobsons Bay
A total of 10,631 offences were recorded in Maribyrnong
14.9 per cent higher than the 9255 offences recorded to the same point a year earlier
a 13.8 per cent increase on the 5640 recorded to June 2023
552,228 offences were recorded for the year
Footscray recorded the most offences with 3804 compared to 3048 a year earlier and more than second place Maribyrnong (1740) and third placed Braybrook (1574) combined
Streets lanes and footpaths overtook houses as Maribyrnong’s most common location for crime
Stealing from a motor vehicle remained Maribyrnong’s most common crime
criminal damage (717) and motor vehicle theft (572)
Williamstown was again the suburb with the most offences in Hobsons Bay
recording 1366 compared to 1052 to June 2023
which leapfrogged Altona Meadows (714) into third place
Houses remained by far the most common crime location
ahead of streets lanes and footpaths on 1127
Other retail was the only location to record a reduction in offences
A spokesperson for Victoria Police blamed the increase on property and deception offences
which jumped by nearly 10 per cent in Hobsons Bay
However the spokesperson pointed out that Hobsons Bay still had the fourth lowest crime rate of any council area in Melbourne and that most crime types in Maribyrnong remained steady
Family violence incidents in Maribyrnong dropped by 8.1 per cent
Hobsons Bay recorded a 3.7 per cent increase and the police spokesperson said the issue required constant vigilance
“That’s why our specialist family violence detectives are out every day to proactively target and apprehend wanted family violence perpetrators and ensure the safety of victim-survivors
Police are investigating an aggravated burglary that took place in Altona North on Monday
two unidentified male offenders armed with an axe forced their way into a home on Mangan Court
and vandalised a car parked in the driveway
A 36-year-old man from Altona North sustained minor injuries during the attack but did not require medical treatment
Police are now examining whether the individuals involved were known to each other
This incident follows a previous aggravated burglary at the same property early Sunday morning
where a man reportedly gained access to the home and threatened the resident at around 4:30 am
the resident chose not to pursue the matter further
according to a Victoria Police spokeswoman
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Police executed three warrants in Werribee and Altona Meadows linked to the investigation into the cultivation and distribution of illicit tobacco in eastern Victoria
The authorities have seized over $12 million worth of illicit tobacco in relation to this investigation
This was a joint operation of the Australia Taxation Office and Lunar Taskforce police
three warrants were executed in Werribee and Altona Meadows
Approximately 50,000 illicit tobacco sticks
vapes and a CCTV system were seized from the Werribee addresses – one residential address and one tobacco store
in relation to possessing and producing illicit tobacco
Mobile phones were seized from the residential Altona Meadows address
The search warrants followed the seizure of a seven-acre tobacco crop
worth a total avoided excise value of almost $9million
and with a dried weight of over four and a half tonnes
Police also seized two tonner of dried illicit tobacco
Two large kilns were located at the rear of the property which investigators will allege were utilised to dry illicit tobacco
Police will allege the properties searched are linked to a significant leader of an organised crime syndicate involved in the illicit tobacco network
State Anti-Gangs division detective acting superintendent Mark Hatt said
“We have made it absolutely clear that we will target anyone at any level across the state who is involved in the distribution and sale of illicit tobacco
“These seizures – and their potential value in avoided excise – are significant
and their impact will no doubt be felt by the organised crime groups operating in Victoria
They will also provide further avenues of enquiry for Victoria Police.”
ATO assistant commissioner Jade Hawkins said
“The success of these significant operations has required the close collaboration of law enforcement agencies at all levels of government to detect
disrupt and dismantle organised crime syndicates who use profits from illicit tobacco to fund other more serious illegal activities
“Engaging in the illicit tobacco trade is a serious offence and is far from victimless
and take vital funding from essential community services such as healthcare and education
“Illicit tobacco retailers gain an unfair price advantage over honest businesses who do the right thing
Removing illegal tobacco from crop to the shop creates a level playing field for those small businesses.”
Residents of Altona North were thrown into panic early Saturday morning when a fire broke out at an abandoned child care center
The facility was situated in the same block as the Holy Dormition of the Virgin Mary church and the new facilities of the Hobsons Bay Greek Orthodox Community
which had recently been handed over to developers for the area’s redevelopment
was not owned by the Community at the time of the fire
Emergency services responded to the blaze on Millers Road at 1.30am Saturday
Firefighting crews took more than an hour to bring the fire under control
president of the Hobsons Bay Greek Orthodox Community
told Neos Kosmos that approximately 50 fire trucks arrived at the scene
surrounding the area to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings and the nearby shopping center
“A crane was used to spray water from above towards the shopping center side,” said Dimitriou
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire
“The site had been abandoned for four years
with no electricity or flammable materials that could justify the building’s ignition,” Dimitriou said
explaining that “the owners of the childcare center had left some beds and mattresses that children used
“This attracted some homeless individuals
who found a way to enter the building from the back by making a hole in the fence separating it from the shopping center
It is believed that due to the cold that night
which got out of control with these disastrous results.”
Police conducted a thorough search of the site for potential victims but found none
the incident caused concern among many parents whose children attend the nearby Greek school
Dimitriou assured that all necessary checks had been carried out by the relevant authorities and there was no cause for concern
“Special firefighting crews conducted air measurements and confirmed that everything is clear and there is no reason for concern
and the Greek Centre hall are safe and will operate as normal.”
It was announced that the area would soon be cleared of the debris from the completely destroyed former childcare center
The flames melted even the iron bars of the building’s roof
The fire ravaged the abandoned childcare center in Altona North
The data has been crunched and the results are in - revealed are the top three property investment prospects in Melbourne
the three suburbs investors should be watching that are benefiting from rail network expansion
Melbourne’s property market has underperformed compared to other Australian cities
Continued high levels of international immigration, however, are fuelling speculation that increased population pressures could put upward pressure on prices in the Victorian capital
API Magazine columnist and property data specialist Kent Lardner said analysis of a range of factors vital to a successful real estate investment had revealed the top three suburbs for property investors to target
he has also singled out the worst three investment suburb prospects
And with Melbourne’s rail network expanding
many investors are speculating on what that might mean for the property market along those routes
The top three suburbs on the train line for investor potential are also revealed
these are the top three suburbs in Melbourne for property investors
These suburbs exhibit a combination of strong rental yields
making them attractive options for investors
Altona Meadows
Altona Meadows boasts a median listing price of $719,250
with an average rental yield of 3.25 per cent
The suburb’s rental market shows a relatively low vacancy rate of 0.71 per cent
with rental affordability at 29.24 per cent
reflecting a balanced market for potential home buyers and investors
Chirnside Park
Chirnside Park offers a median house price of $890,000
the suburb presents a solid investment opportunity
The suburb benefits from a zero percent vacancy rate
Rental affordability is favourable at 27.8 per cent
while buying affordability stands at 8.35 years
indicating a relatively balanced market for both renters and buyers
Wandin North
It offers the highest rental yield among the three suburbs at 3.66 per cent
which is a decrease from 3.60 months a year ago
indicating an improving market for sellers
The suburb’s vacancy rate is 1.60 per cent
making it an appealing choice for investors seeking a strong rental return and moderate entry costs
these suburbs provide a compelling mix of investment potential
positioning them as the top choices for property investors in Melbourne
The advent of new rail stations in Melbourne has markedly enhanced the appeal of several suburbs
with three suburbs emerging as the prime investment locations
These suburbs are not only benefitting from improved connectivity but also demonstrating strong market fundamentals
the development of new rail stations is positively impacting these suburbs
driving demand and enhancing their attractiveness for property investors
Burwood
stands out with a median listing price of $1,596,000
This suburb offers a moderate rental yield of 2.25 per cent
a slight increase from 2.53 months a year ago
The suburb’s rental vacancy rate is 1.3 per cent
making it a strategic choice for long-term investors capitalising on the suburb’s growth potential due to its proximity to the new rail station
Burwood East
Burwood East is another suburb experiencing significant uplift
The suburb presents a rental yield of 2.40 per cent with a median lease price of $600 per week
Inventory levels are currently at 1.06 months
and buying affordability stands at 15.54 years
positioning Burwood East as a compelling option for investors looking to leverage the benefits of new rail infrastructure
Cheltenham
features a median house price of $1,263,600 and offers a higher rental yield of 2.94 per cent
a slight increase from 1.30 months a year ago
Cheltenham demonstrates strong rental demand
The suburb’s rental affordability is 36.0 per cent
making it an attractive proposition for investors aiming to benefit from the suburb’s enhanced accessibility due to the new rail station
The latest data highlights the three suburbs presenting the least favourable prospects for property investors in Melbourne
They are driven by high inventory levels and concerning market pressures
These factors contribute to lower attractiveness
particularly from a rental affordability perspective
Melton South
Melton South presents a median listing price of $569,872
This high inventory puts downward pressure on prices and rental rates
and the rental affordability is relatively high at 33.09 per cent
The suburb’s vacancy rate stands at 2.81 per cent
suggesting difficulties in attracting tenants
which can further exacerbate rental market pressures
St Albans
The suburb’s inventory level is currently 5.57 months
with rental affordability at 35.7 per cent
making it less attractive for renters due to the higher cost burden
The vacancy rate in St Albans is 1.17 per cent
the increasing inventory levels signal potential challenges for property owners in maintaining occupancy and rental income
Sunshine North
Sunshine North features a median house price of $777,920 and a rental yield of 3.37 per cent. The suburb struggles with an inventory level of 6.00 months, up from 5.63 months three months ago, reflecting an oversupplied market.
The median lease price is $470 per week, with rental affordability at 33.6 per cent, indicating a significant financial burden on renters.
The vacancy rate is 1.89 per cent, suggesting moderate rental demand, but the high inventory levels could lead to longer vacancy periods and increased competition among landlords.
Overall, these suburbs face considerable market pressures due to high inventory levels and rental affordability challenges. These factors contribute to a less favourable investment environment, highlighting the need for careful consideration and strategic planning by potential investors.
When it comes to investing in houses priced under $1 million across six Australian capital cities, these interactive maps, and the data that crunched multiple variables in thousands of suburbs, have unearthed the top three prospective investor hotspots in each city.
Based on the latest data, these are the top three suburbs in Melbourne for property investors. Altona Meadows, Chirnside Park and Wandin North exhibit a combination of strong rental yields, manageable inventory levels, and favourable affordability metrics, making them attractive options for investors.
The latest data highlights the three suburbs presenting the least favourable prospects for property investors in Melbourne. They are driven by high inventory levels and concerning market pressures. These factors contribute to lower attractiveness, particularly from a rental affordability perspective, and are identified as Melton South, St Albans and Sunshine North.
The advent of new rail stations in Melbourne has markedly enhanced the appeal of several suburbs, with three suburbs emerging as the prime investment locations, namely Burwood, Burwood East and Cheltenham.
Kent’s focus on property data and analytics started in 1999 working in lenders mortgage insurance. While heading up the valuation services team he studied statistics and trained with industry experts …
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With its coastal yet community feel and array of affordable homes on offer
this up-and-coming Melbourne suburb has seen a new wave of buyers recognise the locale’s potential
Located 17km south west from the Melbourne CBD and five minutes from Altona Beach, Altona Meadows was featured in the realestate.com.au Hot 100 list of suburbs expected to outperform in 2024
nominated by buyer agent Cate Bakos for its affordability
I think that it's an advantage because it's relatively close to the city for its price point and you've got a very friendly neighbourhood around you,” Ms Bakos said
a leafy feel coupled with reasonably good amenity such as schools
arterial roads and shops were strong buyer drawcards for Altona Meadows
1990s style dwellings and there's a healthy blend of houses and units
It's not oversaturated with units,” she said
With a median house price of just under $730,000, PropTrack senior economist Angus Moore said Altona Meadows was an affordable alternative to buying in the CBD
“In terms of how its performed in the past year
about 1.5% and units are up – it's not a huge unit market – so there is some volatility in that but that’s broadly consistent with what we are seeing in Melbourne’s west
which has been a bit slower growing over the past three to four years,” he said
Affordability is one Altona Meadows' big drawcards, with this three bedroom freestanding home on the market for $530,000 - $570,000
Julian Montebello
principal at Hockingstuart Altona who has lived in Altona Meadows all his life said during his childhood the suburb was traditionally dominated by an older European demographic
But in recent years that has gentrified to a very multicultural community
with young families in the 30 to 50 year age group the predominant buyers
you're seeing a lot of first time buyers spending in that $600,000 to $800,000 bracket,” he said
“They pop up a lot and make good homes for people to start out and start a family.”
Altona Meadows is close to the city with a sleepy suburban feel
with many buyers recognising a home in Altona Meadows was a good option with three bedroom
two bathroom homes with generous living areas typically priced anywhere from $700,000 to $800,000
“It's actually popular because of the price
which is a really big draw card for locals.”
An abundance of well-regarded primary schools were also a strong lure for families looking to buy in the suburb
An abundance of parks and wetlands offer peaceful outlooks and plenty of space
Benjamin Wigg
partner at Sweeney Altona said in February alone
he and his team sold 13 homes in the suburb
“So probably 10 out of the 13 went at the top end or above
Describing Altona Meadows as a “sleepy” suburb
Mr Wigg said he believed property values were a bit behind their true value
“If you look at any other suburb in proximity to the CBD
you're paying over a million dollars,” he said
Neat and tidy: This three bedroom family home is on the market for $670,000 - $730,000
Ms Bakos said investors have also set their sights on Altona Meadows
“I am supporting investors with that price point if they're looking for a house on its own full block
are reasonably healthy because the price points are lower than your average house on land and the opportunity to upgrade internally is pretty good
“A lot of them are solid builds that just need a kitchen and bathroom makeover
with paint and new carpet and they come up really well.”
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The original version of this article incorrectly referred Skeleton Creek rather than Laverton Creek
Thank you to the readers that brought this to our attention
The long-planned bike and pedestrian bridge over the Laverton Creek to link Altona and Altona Meadows is set to proceed following a $12 million state budget allocation
The only existing option is to use the narrow bikes lanes on the Queen Street bridge
where 19,000 vehicles a day can whistle by at 60 km/h
There are no pedestrian facilities on the bridge
Hopes for a shared path crossing were dashed several years ago when the road bridge was upgraded
Now riders and walkers will have their own facility
The Hobsons Bay area has many sections of good shared paths
including the Bay Trail West and paths along the Laverton Creek
but some crucial connections have been missing
This project will significantly improve the connectivity of the bike network and make local facilities more accessible to the community
Minister for Road Safety and Williamstown MP Melissa Horne says the announcement was a significant win
“We are taking decisive action to address safety concerns and enhance local connectivity,” she says
“This investment reaffirms our commitment to improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Matt Tyler says he is pleased to hear of the funding win
“We have been working closely with the Department of Transport and Planning on the design of the new bridge
and we look forward to seeing works begin and our community having a safe passage between Altona and Altona Meadows.”
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The Great Victorian Bike Ride is set to return in 2025 on 24–28 November
offering an exciting new format while keeping the spirit of this beloved event alive
Bicycle Network Memberships offer benefits to all kinds of riders
The Peaks Challenge Ride2School fundraiser is on again for this year's epic event on Sunday 9 March
The City of Adelaide will undertake a speed limit review to understand the need for reducing speeds to support business and residents and create a safer city environment
Work on the much-anticipated $38.9 million Sydney Harbour Bridge ramp upgrade has begun
the bike lane will link the country's most famous bridge to the bike network in Milsons Point
we launched our Affiliate Membership program
specially designed for cycling groups and clubs
Orange in New South Wales is in line for a nice new stretch of bike path
one that will expand the off-road network and improve access to schools
Work has kicked off on a key Canberra bike route
setting the wheels in motion for safer and more pleasant journeys through the city’s northern suburbs
In a submission to the federal government’s draft National Urban Policy
Bicycle Network and seven other Australian bicycle organisations have called for active transport infrastructure funding to be increased to 10% of federal transport investment
Many of our best bike journeys are along coastlines
or up and down the creeks and rivers that meet the sea
But with rising sea levels some of this vital infrastructure is at threat of inundation
erosion and from changes in groundwater chemistry
Three men have been charged by Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives after an alleged high-speed pursuit through Melbourne’s southwest last night. According to police, a Canine unit spotted two motorcycles travelling at excessive speeds along the Princes Highway in Werribee around 9 pm
the motorcycles were followed to a residential property in Altona Meadows where the two riders were apprehended by attending officers
the Air Wing reportedly observed a third man attempting to conceal an item at the back of the property
which is believed to contain 367 grams of heroin
A subsequent search of the property led to the seizure of $2910 in cash
A 33-year-old man from Altona Meadows has been charged with multiple offences
including trafficking a commercial quantity of heroin
He is scheduled to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court today
from Altona Meadows and Seabrook respectively
have been charged with dangerous driving while being pursued by police
They have been bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court on October 7
The arrests were part of a police operation that took place over Wyndham last night which saw multiple police vehicles intercepting drivers around the area
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage, CCTV footage, or any other information that could assist with the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
An Altona Meadows couple are attemping to snake-proof their home after their dog was bitten and nine snakes in 10 days were caught on their property
whose house in Eucalypt Court backs onto wetlands
“We always get snakes – nearly every year – but this year’s been remarkable where we’ve had so many in such a short time,” Ms Meurer said
“I’ve got two huskies and unfortunately the boy huskie
She said the dogs were undergoing “snake evasion training” while Mr Hillas was installing snake wire and trying to plug every hole on the property
“One day was a little bit emotional for me because I’ve got one grandchild and I love her coming over on the weekends
but my daughter has trained her now when they get out of the car [to watch for snakes],” Ms Meurier said
“And we’re very cautious when we go out the backyard – we’re just constantly surveying the area
said he was receiving between 10-15 call-outs a day
He said he was bound by law to relocate the snakes to within five kilometres of where they were caught
“There is a always a possibility that they can come back depending on where we let them go
but we try to find them a nice open area with plenty of food
plenty of water and stick them in there and hope for the best,” he said
Water and Planning wildlife officer Abby Smith said snakes were emerging from hibernation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate
“Snake controllers must relocate any snakes caught within a suitable habitat on public land,” she said
“This is to ensure they aren’t moved beyond their natural habitat
“When we choose to live in areas dense with wildlife
snakes will usually be a part of the ecological landscape
“Ensuring your property is tidy and clear of debris
rocks and other hiding places for snakes and their prey will help to reduce the likelihood of snakes on your property
It will also ensure that any snakes that do occur there are more likely to be noticed and avoided
“People who live in or travel to areas where snakes occur should have immediate access to a wide
elastic bandage capable of covering an entire adult limb
and know how to apply the ‘pressure immobilisation’ first aid technique.”
Ms Smith said all snake bites should be considered life-threatening
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act and it is illegal to capture
Hobsons Bay detectives have called for any public assistance to identify a man following a number of alleged burglaries in Altona Meadows
Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Libby McHarg said the alleged burglaries occurred between Tuesday
with the man taking about $2000 across the alleged burglaries
one male has attended several commercial small businesses in the Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook areas,” she said
“This male offender has gone to the front doors of these premises…and he’s jemmied open the front doors using some sort of claw hammer
the male offender has rummaged through the tills of these businesses and stolen significant amounts of cash.”
Senior Constable McHarg said the male has been described as Caucasian
with short hair and a slightly receding hairline and walking with a distinctive limp
so we’re hoping someone will recognise this male,” she said
Senior Constable McHarg said CCTV footage captured the man driving a dark-coloured Mitsubishi sedan with an unknown licence plate number
She said the man then attended a number of premises in Altona Meadows
including a medical centre on Queen Street in Altona Meadows at about 12.45 am on Wednesday
July 13 and a number of residential properties in Edina Grove
was unsuccessful,” Senior Constable McHarg said
“He’s utilised a nearby rock and has smashed open that window.”
She said the man was unsuccessful in locating any money at the medical centre
this same male offender has attended some residential streets in the Altona Meadows area,” Senior Constable McHarg said
“He’s approached the front door of one residential house
he’s become spooked by the Ring security doorbell and the light and before attempting to open that door handle
She said the man jemmied open the rear door of the garage of another property in Altona Meadows and rummaged through the contents of the garage
“He was unable to gain access to the actual house,” Senior Constable McHarg said
Details: 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) was alerted at .:15am to 4 Brown Avenue
when multiple triple-0 calls were made to the fire department
There was one person in the house at the time of the fire
who evacuated the property and was checked over by paramedics on the scene
The calls detailed a house fire with flames issuing
additional firefighting trucks were immediately responded to assist
approximately 30 FRV firefighters arrived at the residential property
confirming the house was engulfed in flames
First responders reported the flames were billowing through the tiled roof of the single story brick house
the properties surrounding the house were threatened and firefighters actively focused on preserving the rest of the street
The fire took 45 minutes to bring under control however thick black smoke continues to cover the surrounding area
A community advice message was issued due to the smoke advising the public to avoid the area where possible
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined
FRV firefighters remained on scene throughout the morning to finish extinguishing the fire
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A council in Melbourne’s south-west has been urged to ditch plans for a lavish new $60 million pool complex
Hobsons Bay City Council voted last month to spend $2 million on design plans for the proposed Western Aquatic and Early Years Learning Centre in Altona Meadows
despite hundreds of residents signing a petition calling for an existing pool in the neighbouring suburb of Laverton to be refurbished instead
president of the Rainbow Club charity which supports disabled people to learn to swim
want the Laverton pool revamped instead of an expensive new facility
who presented the 784-signature petition to the council
said the existing pool was partly funded by residents in the 1970s and was an important part of the area’s history
“Laverton is a low socio-economic area and for years the council has been slowly removing our services and relocating them to other suburbs,” she said
a charity that runs several weekly swim classes for disabled children and adults at the Laverton pool
said the new facility would not be suitable for its clients
major aquatic centre in a fairly small space,” said Stephen Morgan
the founder of the club’s Point Cook chapter
“It has too many distractions and too much noise
which doesn’t help people with neurodiverse challenges.”
The council plans to decommission the pool at Laverton’s Swim and Fitness Centre and redevelop it as a water play and youth facility
then-mayor Peter Hemphill referred to a 2018 council review of the 50-year-old pool
and said it was not viable to redevelop it as a modern indoor aquatic centre
the same review found the pool could exist for another 30 years if properly maintained
“Our city is growing – we’ll have about 112,000 residents by 2036,” Hemphill said in August
“The Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre has served our community well for decades
but it was not technically or financially prudent to redevelop it as a modern indoor aquatic and leisure centre.”
The council has committed $20 million to the new aquatic facility
The state government has promised another $10 million
leaving Hobsons Bay $30 million short of committed funds
The council has also acknowledged the works could blow out by as much as 40 per cent
A 40 per cent increase on $60 million would be $84 million
Hobsons Bay councillor Daria Kellander abstained from last month’s vote to spend $2 million on design plans for the centre because she wasn’t convinced the full funding would be secured
yet it is pushing ahead as if this is something that is going to happen within the next five years,” Kellander said
“This is a very ambitious project and our ratepayers shouldn’t be treated like an open chequebook
The state and federal governments are clamping down now trying to cut costs
so I really don’t know where the council is going to get that money from.”
A spokesman for the council said it needed to invest in the pool design to secure funding from both state and federal governments
“This level of commitment to the design phase is vital to ensuring we can accurately plan for project delivery once funding is secured,” he said
“Having the project ‘shovel-ready’ also gives us the best chance of obtaining state and federal funding for this major advocacy priority.”
The spokesman said the council would continue seeking state and federal funding despite budgetary constraints
Dean Hurlston, vice president of ratepayer advocacy group Council Watch Victoria
slammed Hobsons Bay for pushing ahead with the pool design
“The cost of the pool has now blown out to at least $84 million as disclosed recently in the council meeting,” Hurlston said
“I see hundreds of these projects across Victoria
but I’ve never seen a council commit to a project with a $54 million shortfall
“The fact that [Hobsons Bay Council] has now agreed to spend $2 million to draw up plans to try and apply for funding is just absolutely idiotic.”
Hurlston also criticised the council for refusing to release the business case for the pool to residents
about which he has complained to the ombudsman
The ombudsman’s office said it could not confirm whether it was investigating the matter
The council also declined to provide a copy of the business case to The Age
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here
A council in Melbourne\\u2019s south-west has been urged to ditch plans for a lavish new $60 million pool complex
and the council can\\u2019t afford to build
said the existing pool was partly funded by residents in the 1970s and was an important part of the area\\u2019s history
\\u201CLaverton is a low socio-economic area and for years the council has been slowly removing our services and relocating them to other suburbs,\\u201D she said
\\u201CLaverton pool is all we have left.\\u201D
major aquatic centre in a fairly small space,\\u201D said Stephen Morgan
the founder of the club\\u2019s Point Cook chapter
\\u201CIt has too many distractions and too much noise
which doesn\\u2019t help people with neurodiverse challenges.\\u201D
The council plans to decommission the pool at Laverton\\u2019s Swim and Fitness Centre and redevelop it as a water play and youth facility
\\u201COur city is growing \\u2013 we\\u2019ll have about 112,000 residents by 2036,\\u201D Hemphill said in August
\\u201CThe Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre has served our community well for decades
but it was not technically or financially prudent to redevelop it as a modern indoor aquatic and leisure centre.\\u201D
Hobsons Bay councillor Daria Kellander abstained from last month\\u2019s vote to spend $2 million on design plans for the centre because she wasn\\u2019t convinced the full funding would be secured
\\u201CThe council doesn\\u2019t have the money
yet it is pushing ahead as if this is something that is going to happen within the next five years,\\u201D Kellander said
\\u201CThis is a very ambitious project and our ratepayers shouldn\\u2019t be treated like an open chequebook
so I really don\\u2019t know where the council is going to get that money from.\\u201D
\\u201CThis level of commitment to the design phase is vital to ensuring we can accurately plan for project delivery once funding is secured,\\u201D he said
\\u201CHaving the project \\u2018shovel-ready\\u2019 also gives us the best chance of obtaining state and federal funding for this major advocacy priority.\\u201D
\\u201CThe cost of the pool has now blown out to at least $84 million as disclosed recently in the council meeting,\\u201D Hurlston said
\\u201CI see hundreds of these projects across Victoria
but I\\u2019ve never seen a council commit to a project with a $54 million shortfall
\\u201CThe fact that [Hobsons Bay Council] has now agreed to spend $2 million to draw up plans to try and apply for funding is just absolutely idiotic.\\u201D
The ombudsman\\u2019s office said it could not confirm whether it was investigating the matter
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories
Hobsons Bay council has put the call out for Seabrook and Altona Meadows community members to speak up about how to make the areas better places where they can live
The council’s Better Places initiative would involve a place-based approach to how council designs and delivers projects as a whole
Hobsons Bay deputy mayor and Wetlands Ward councillor Diana Grima said anybody could contribute
“The first round of Better Places consultation focuses on what the community feels makes Seabrook and Altona Meadows special
what they think needs to change and big ideas they have for the future,” she said
ideas and aspirations will lead to practical on the ground projects and initiatives that the community wants and needs to create a better Seabrook and Altona Meadows.”
Wetlands Ward councillor Matt Tyler said the focus of the initiative would be on adding to the council’s assets
100 Steps of Federation and Skeleton Creek
we have the opportunity to harness community input and create a shared vison that captures the values and aspirations of our community and then undertake real projects and improvements that bring the vision to life making our community even better,” he said
Council has completed and started to implement Better Places guides in Laverton
Following extensive consultation earlier this year
the council has been developing guides for Altona North and Brooklyn
with drafts to be made available to the community soon
Details: participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/bpsam
A woman has stolen four bags from a Melbourne Airport carousel and later burgled the Altona Meadows home of one of the victims
Investigators from the Hobsons Bay crime investigation unit have released an image of a woman they want to speak to in relation to the burglary and theft
Detective Senior Constable Megan Walters said the woman stole the baggage from the terminal 4 carousel about 3pm on November 20 last year
“[She] selected four bags from the carousel and placed them onto a trolley and then has just wheeled the trolley to a small white car and then a short time later has committed the residential burglary in Altona Meadows,” she said
There was no forced entry to the Alma Avenue home
which was burgled within an hour of the luggage theft
jewellery and electrical goods were taken from the home
Police are appealing for public assistance to identify the woman
She had long blonde hair and was wearing sunglasses and a DC t-shirt
The four stolen bags belonged to four separate victims
Anyone with information is being urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
All childcare and school holiday activities at Altona Meadows Community Centre have been cancelled after vandals smashed windows and tried to set the building on fire
No part of the centre can be used because of smoke and fire damage caused in the attack
The Trafalgar Avenue centre provides counselling
multicultural and education programs and numerous classes and activities
Hobsons Bay councillor Colleen Gates said the vandalism was a “slap in the face” to the community
“It flies in the face of what everyone’s doing,” she said
“All the windows were smashed and someone’s tried to set the place on fire
“I understand that council is working with the groups to find alternative venues where possible
churches – have also reached out to offer interim venue space
“It has a flow-on effect to everybody of all ages
it’s an insult to their neighbours and an insult to even their own families who
if they’re not already using services that come out of these community centres
who runs Kumon classes for about 80 students at the centre
I can’t believe anyone can do that to their own community; it’s horrible
council and residents were praised for working together to combat crime in the area
Atona Meadows residents are mapping crime hotspots in their suburb and conducting citizen night patrols
Anyone with information on the community centre vandalism is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000
Altona Meadows is expected to attract thousands to its first regional farmers market this Sunday
Altona Meadows Community Association president Jodi Martin said it was “a dream come true“ to become the 16th place in Victoria to host a market
to be held at AB Shaw Reserve from 9am-2pm on the first Sunday of the month
“The market came about after residents asked the Altona Meadows Community Association to investigate the possibility of a farmers market,“ Ms Martin said
it has resulted in a green light for the community
“The market location was decided on due to accessibility to public transport – bus and train – as well as the open space and proximity to toilet facilities.“
Regional Farmers Markets’ Melissa Burge said the Altona Meadows move had been about 15 months in the making
“It’s been ages getting it up but we’re very excited,“ she said
“Everyone was really excited about having a community meeting place and fresh food and good affordable prices and things for the kids
is that our mission statement is to create ’food communities’
“We run traditional farmers markets – authentic ones
“The most important thing is having fabulous fresh produce and having farmers and producers selling it.“
Other markets include ones held at Williamstown on the second and fourth Sunday of the month
Hobsons Bay council is opening a new pop-up library
at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows
while the Altona Meadows Library is being refurbished
The Altona Meadows Library is closing on Friday
so works can begin on a signficant redevelopment in January
The refurbished library will feature a new children’s area
landscaping on the external courtyard and the council’s first centre of excellence
Hobsons Bay’s Centres of Excellence will each have a unique theme
The Council+ pop-up library will open at the Central Square Shopping Centre in mid-January
with visitors able to collect their reserves
use a public computer and have council queries answered
Hobsons Bay deputy mayor Diana Grima said the refurbishment of the Altona Meadows library is a priority in council’s plan
“The Altona Meadows Library has served our community well for 17 years
and attracts 30,000 visitors each year,” she said
“This redevelopment will give us a modern new facility that meets the standards our community expects and will allow us to plan for some exciting new initiatives.”
The Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre is being delivered thanks to a $500,000 contribution from the state government through its Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and a $1.54 million contribution from Hobsons Bay council
Hobsons Bay councillor Matt Tyler said having library services available is essential for the community
“I love our libraries – they’re places to connect
“Building on everything that makes our libraries great
I’m thrilled to see council investing to make them even better including through the programs
collections and experiences associated with each Centre of Excellence.”
the Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre requires major refurbishment to modernise the building and allow the council to plan for some new initiatives
Roberta Wooles has played with her three best friends every day since prep
But when she heads to high school in two years
It’s a common story for children in Altona Meadows
which has three primary schools but no secondary campus
want plans for a local high school revived.Credit: Luis Ascui
families are zoned to high schools in surrounding suburbs including Laverton and Point Cook
Parents face the difficult choice of a twice-daily
one-hour round trip along the congested Point Cook Road or M1 freeway
or sending their children on a quicker but arduous bike ride around the Cheetham Wetlands
Many are forced out of the public system altogether
opting for closer private and Catholic schools
The public Altona College is the preferred school for most families
It sits tantalisingly close to Altona Meadows’ primary schools but has been given a restricted zoning despite a recent expansion
meaning it cannot accept students outside its direct catchment
Parents in Altona Meadows have now revived a decades-long campaign to get better access to high school for their children
both through the introduction of new zoning to allow expanded enrolment at Altona College and eventually the construction of a local high school
which was once earmarked for development but never built
For children residing in metropolitan Melbourne
their local school is usually the nearest government school in a straight line from the child’s permanent address
The government can issue a non-standard school zone to align with geographical and structural barriers such as rivers and freeways
parents say Altona Meadows is a classic example of the provision
said their appeals to the state government were yet to produce any action
Brusa said data showed Altona Meadows had higher student populations than Altona
“But our kids are basically going every which way,” she said
We’re quite a tight-knit community geographically because we’re so contained
and even Laverton because it is on the other side of the freeway.”
Allison Wooles has three daughters; her eldest
is in grade 5 at Altona Green Primary School
Wooles didn’t want to send her daughters to a religious or single-sex school
but she’s planning to enrol all three at the local girls-only Catholic high school after being zoned to Point Cook
getting two children to primary school in Altona Meadows and completing a return trip via the gridlocked Point Cook Road in time to run her business would be impossible
The only alternative is a seven-kilometre bike ride for Roberta around the wetlands
which Wooles said would not be safe in her early high school years
“I feel like the people that are doing this zoning
they’re not putting any real thought into the fact that there’s a massive creek dividing the two suburbs
There’s a highway and train lines,” she said
“Why would you send Altona Meadows [families] into Point Cook when it’s already so gridlocked with traffic
We don’t have a reason to go into Point Cook.”
Wooles said she was lucky to be able to consider a non-government school
which with three daughters enrolled would ultimately cost about $15,000 a year
who would start a new chapter in her life without her closest friends
they’ve played together every single day since prep and ..
they’re not going to be able to go to the same high school.”
Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said there should be no barriers for families to enrol their children in local schools
“The department needs to be responsive to local community needs
especially with problematic planning and geographical barriers,” she said
Data released to The Age under freedom of information laws last month shows 41 per cent of government school students attended a mainstream public school other than their local neighbourhood campus in 2022
But an Education Department spokesperson said there were no immediate plans to change the provisions and current analysis showed schools surrounding the Altona Meadows area had the capacity to meet anticipated enrolments
The information would continue to be reviewed annually
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Roberta Wooles has played with her three best friends every day since prep. But when she heads to high school in two years, none of them will go with her.
It\\u2019s a common story for children in Altona Meadows, in Melbourne\\u2019s south-west, which has three primary schools but no secondary campus.
Every year, families are zoned to high schools in surrounding suburbs including Laverton and Point Cook. Parents face the difficult choice of a twice-daily, one-hour round trip along the congested Point Cook Road or M1 freeway, or sending their children on a quicker but arduous bike ride around the Cheetham Wetlands.
Many are forced out of the public system altogether, opting for closer private and Catholic schools.
The public Altona College is the preferred school for most families. It sits tantalisingly close to Altona Meadows\\u2019 primary schools but has been given a restricted zoning despite a recent expansion, meaning it cannot accept students outside its direct catchment.
Parents in Altona Meadows have now revived a decades-long campaign to get better access to high school for their children, both through the introduction of new zoning to allow expanded enrolment at Altona College and eventually the construction of a local high school, which was once earmarked for development but never built.
For children residing in metropolitan Melbourne, their local school is usually the nearest government school in a straight line from the child\\u2019s permanent address.
The government can issue a non-standard school zone to align with geographical and structural barriers such as rivers and freeways.
Bordered by the Cheetham Wetlands, Skeleton Creek, Point Cook Road and the M1 Freeway, parents say Altona Meadows is a classic example of the provision.
But Kia Brusa, spokeswoman for the campaign, said their appeals to the state government were yet to produce any action.
Brusa said data showed Altona Meadows had higher student populations than Altona, Williamstown and Williamstown North, all of which had their own high schools.
\\u201CBut our kids are basically going every which way,\\u201D she said. \\u201CIt\\u2019s splitting up the community. We\\u2019re quite a tight-knit community geographically because we\\u2019re so contained. We\\u2019re quite disconnected from, for example, the Point Cook community, where some of our people are zoned, and even Laverton because it is on the other side of the freeway.\\u201D
Allison Wooles has three daughters; her eldest, Roberta, is in grade 5 at Altona Green Primary School.
Wooles didn\\u2019t want to send her daughters to a religious or single-sex school, but she\\u2019s planning to enrol all three at the local girls-only Catholic high school after being zoned to Point Cook.
For the personal trainer, who runs classes from home, getting two children to primary school in Altona Meadows and completing a return trip via the gridlocked Point Cook Road in time to run her business would be impossible.
The only alternative is a seven-kilometre bike ride for Roberta around the wetlands, which Wooles said would not be safe in her early high school years.
\\u201CI feel like the people that are doing this zoning, they\\u2019re just ticking the boxes like, yep, that\\u2019s the straight line ... they\\u2019re not putting any real thought into the fact that there\\u2019s a massive creek dividing the two suburbs. There\\u2019s a highway and train lines,\\u201D she said.
\\u201CWhy would you send Altona Meadows [families] into Point Cook when it\\u2019s already so gridlocked with traffic? We don\\u2019t need to be there. We don\\u2019t have a reason to go into Point Cook.\\u201D
Wooles said she was lucky to be able to consider a non-government school, which with three daughters enrolled would ultimately cost about $15,000 a year.
But she said she was sad for her daughter, who would start a new chapter in her life without her closest friends.
\\u201CShe\\u2019s pretty heartbroken,\\u201D she said. \\u201COne of her friends ... they haven\\u2019t even had a single fight, that\\u2019s how close they are. They\\u2019re like sisters ... they\\u2019ve played together every single day since prep and ... I just think, wow, they\\u2019re not going to be able to go to the same high school.\\u201D
Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said there should be no barriers for families to enrol their children in local schools.
\\u201CThe department needs to be responsive to local community needs, especially with problematic planning and geographical barriers,\\u201D she said.
Data released to The Age under freedom of information laws last month shows 41 per cent of government school students attended a mainstream public school other than their local neighbourhood campus in 2022.
But an Education Department spokesperson said there were no immediate plans to change the provisions and current analysis showed schools surrounding the Altona Meadows area had the capacity to meet anticipated enrolments.
The information would continue to be reviewed annually.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. .
Locals said people often crossed the tracks where the men were hit. (ABC News: James Hancock)
Link copiedShareShare articleTwo men have been killed after being struck by a train at Altona Meadows in Melbourne's south-west.
Police believe the men were on the tracks near the intersection of Merton Street and Railway Avenue when they were hit by a city-bound passenger train shortly before midnight.
Inspector John Kearney said the train driver spotted the men but was unable to stop.
"He's getting looked after," he said.
"We do know that he applied his emergency brakes and attempted to avoid the collision but unfortunately he was unable to.
"We've got some specialist services coming down to examine the scene. Once they've done that, the bodies will be removed and [be] subject to a post-mortem."
Locals said many people took a shortcut across the tracks even though there was a pedestrian bridge about 500 metres away.
"I've known people to go to the local gym [and] go across the tracks there to get access to Laverton. What I can't understand is how they didn't know a train was coming," one local said.
Victoria Police's transport crime unit is investigating the incident.
Detective Sergeant Alistair Boyd said the investigation was still in its early stages.
"At this stage, early indications are [that] the circumstances are not suspicious," he said.
"It is unknown what the two males were doing in the area at the time."
The two men have not been formally identified.
Metro Trains said there were 13 passengers on the train at the time.
Trains were suspended between Laverton and Westona after the incident, but services have since resumed.
Altona Meadows’ Carmel Walker has received an Order of Australia Medal for helping train doctors and midwives to serve the Pacific Islands
Ms Walker has worked with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for more than three decades
“Often people in the Pacific – and I’m talking about medical professionals and midwives – are very isolated,” Ms Walker said
“My work was in medical education for doctors
and then we also branched in to midwives because midwives have a very important role
“I found that through encouraging people and giving them links and networks
“If you empower people and give them the resources to be their best
In 1995 Ms Walker was a founding member of the Pacific Society for Reproductive Health
helping them in areas such as family planning and reducing maternal mortality rate
Ms Walker remains connected to the area and started the charity Beanies for Babies in the Pacific
Newport’s Reverend Ronald Mark was made an officer of the OAM for services to the community
The Anglican priest cofounded the Australia Karen Foundation and is a member of the Hobsons Bay Interfaith Group
Laverton’s Colin Campbell received an Australian Fire Service Medal in recognition of 29 years’ work with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade
including 16 years as a Leading Firefighter and the past decade as a multicultural liaison officer
A puppy was bashed and burned before being dumped in an Altona Meadows park
The eight-week-old kelpie cross was found by a passer-by in a small park at the bottom of the 100 steps of Federation in Truganina Park about 7pm on Wednesday
She was taken to an emergency vet in Point Cook but had to be euthanised on Thursday morning
RSPCA senior inspector Daniel Bode said it was believed the puppy had been bashed several days before being dumped
“The veterinary team fought to save the puppy’s life
but her condition continued to deteriorate,” he said
“The extent of her injuries had already damaged her internal organs and would have affected her future growth
“Her mouth was swollen and possibly fractured before she was burned and left for dead in the park
“Clearly it is the intention of the offender or offenders to not only cause the death of this puppy
but to inflict pain and suffering as well.”
RSPCA inspectors are doorknocking the neighbourhood surrounding the area where the puppy was found
Mr Bode urged anyone with information to come forward
“There is no way this puppy suffered in silence and we are appealing to anyone who heard
saw or knows anything around the circumstances leading up to her death to come forward,” he said
The woman who took the puppy to the vet said she was heartbroken
“It’s also just distressing knowing that it was deliberate,” she said
“Just knowing that someone would do that … it’s sadistic
People convicted of animal cruelty offences may be fined up to $75,600 and receive up to two years’ jail
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA on 9224 2222 or make a report at rspcavic.org
An Altona Meadows woman has been jailed as a result of a crash which killed a man on the Western Ring Road
died after he was struck by a car in the emergency lane about 10.40am on May 7
was on Monday sentenced by the County Court to six and a half years’ jail after pleading guilty to culpable driving causing death
She must serve three and half years before being eligible for parole
Brennan also pleaded guilty to possessing a drug of dependence after a quantity of ice was found in her bag on the day of the crash
Mr Dunlop had been feeling unwell so his cousin
pulled into the emergency lane near Fitzgerald Road in West Sunshine
Mr Dunlop stepped out of the Ford Laser on to the side of the road and a short time later the rear of the stationary car was struck by a purple Commodore
Emergency services attended but Mr Dunlop was pronounced dead at the scene
sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital under police guard
Hobsons Bay Council has reopened the Altona North Community Library
With Victoria’s vaccination rates reaching 80 per cent and restrictions easing
the council is taking a measured approach to reopening to ensure community and staff safety
as well as continuing to provide more than 100 Council services
The Altona North branch will be open from 9.30am to 5pm weekdays
Customer service officers will be on hand at the library for general Council enquiries and EFTPOS payments in lieu of the Civic Centre remaining closed until further notice
A COVID Check-in Marshal will greet visitors upon arrival and will assist with checking-in
Vaccination status will be a condition of entry
Remaining library branches will stay closed for now
click and collect will operate as normal at Altona
Altona Meadows and Williamstown libraries (Newport remains suspended)
Two Altona Meadows residents hid in a neighbour's yard as a pack of men rifled through their home during an alleged burglary in October last year
A man and woman fled their Oakdene Grove South home before jumping a fence and seeking refuge in a neighbour's back yard as the men searched through the house on October 13
Police are seeking information about an Altona Meadows assault.Credit: Marina Neil/Fairfax Media
Police have arrested five men in relation to the alleged burglary and charged a 20-year-old Oakleigh man
20-year-old Dandenong North man and a 16-year-old Keysborough boy with aggravated burglary
theft of motor vehicle and criminal damage
police said a man arrived at the same house and was assaulted by a number of men
received serious injuries and was taken to hospital
A search warrant was executed at an address in Bonica St
where a 38-year-old Tarneit man was arrested in relation to the assault
He is assisting police with their inquiries
Police believe the incidents may be linked and will be door knocking homes in the area on Friday hoping to speak to anyone who may have information
The Oakleigh and Dandenong North man have been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court in February
The Keysborough teen has been remanded to appear at a children's court at a later date
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Two Altona Meadows residents hid in a neighbour's yard as a pack of men rifled through their home during an alleged burglary in October last year
A man and woman fled their Oakdene Grove South home before jumping a fence and seeking refuge in a neighbour's back yard as the men searched through the house on October 13
The Oakleigh and Dandenong North man have been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court in February
The Keysborough teen has been remanded to appear at a children's court at a later date
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at
Two young men emerge from a battered Commodore and look around despondently
A police officer gets in the driver’s seat and moves the car out of the way
The P-plate driver folds his paperwork from the Sheriff
and he and his passenger begin walking away from the Altona Sports Centre carpark
This is a scene from a joint operation between western region police and the Sheriff at Altona Meadows on Wednesday of last week
officers have netted 77 drivers with 621 unpaid fines
The officers are using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to scan the number plates of westbound cars in Queen Street
They’re checking for disqualified or unlicensed drivers
and vehicles with outstanding warrants or unpaid fines
Cars are herded into the centre carpark where Sheriff officers are waiting to collect unpaid fines
Fifty-three people settle fines totalling $72,000
points to a row of clamped cars belonging to drivers with large outstanding fines
“I think there was one person who had $20,000
and they paid half of that up front,” he says
Suddenly a Sheriff’s car turns on its siren and speeds out
Sergeant Wojcik says a car with stolen number plates has refused to pull over
“The idea is to target those that shouldn’t be on the road
and have outstanding warrants or fines that have already been issued that need to be paid,” he says
Police issued 35 fines to unlicensed or unregistered drivers and four drivers were summonsed for licence offences
Seven drivers with 169 warrants valued at more than $63,000 were given seven days to pay or have their licences and registrations suspended
Victoria’s Sheriff Brendan Facey says the operation reminds people of the serious consequences if they didn’t pay their fines
“People with outstanding infringements run the risk of tough sanctions.”
To sort out outstanding fines, call 1300 SHERIFF or visit fines.vic.gov.au
Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to after a car was broken into at Altona Meadows on Boxing Day
Detectives from the Hobsons Bay crime investigation unit said a credit card and other items were stolen from a car parked in Sommers Drive after 5.30pm on December 26
Police believe the stolen credit card was used at a number of stores at Central Square shopping centre
Police are wanting to speak to a man believed to be in his mid-20s to 30s
He was wearing a white t-shirt with blue sleeves
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
An Altona Meadows school has opened Hobsons Bay’s smallest library
Queen of Peace Parish Primary School has joined a growing movement
installing a ‘street library’ at the front of the school
Street Library Australia was founded by Nic Lowe in Sydney in 2015
It involves installing a box of books accessible from the street in mainly residential areas or on school property
Queen of Peace grade 5 teacher Belinda Bartolo said the school hoped the library would help build connections with the community
“It promotes a love of reading for both our students and people in our community.”
To find more about Street Library, visit streetlibrary.org.au
(PR HANDOUT IMAGE PHOTO)Two teenagers have died
two children are seriously hurt and a father is injured following a crash involving off-road motorbikes in Melbourne's west
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe crash happened on Beattys Road at Grangefields
An 18-year-old Altona Meadows woman and a 17-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy collided head on while riding on a sealed public road
according to Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham
He said the crash happened near a private property where about 50 people had gathered and they rushed to help
The woman died at the scene and the boy was taken to hospital where he later died
were also injured and taken to a local hospital by family but investigators do not know if they were on the back of the dirt bikes or watching
we haven't received much in the way of co-operation with the family so we're not too sure as to how they received those injuries," Det Sen Sgt Lineham said on Monday
who is the father of the young woman killed
was seriously injured after his quad bike hit a road sign
Investigators do not know if he was responding to the first crash or had been riding with the teenagers
they're not fit for purpose on the road anyway and they shouldn't have been on it in the first place," Det Sen Sgt Lineham said
has footage or information about what happened is urged to contact police
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Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have begun investigations into a fatal collision in Altona North on Sunday
collided with a motorcycle at about 12.10pm
Police have interviewed the driver of the car
and have released her pending further inquiries
Details: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or 1800 333 000
A REMEMBRANCE plaque sparked by the death of Altona Meadows teenager Allem Halkic could be erected in his home suburb by September 8 – the date that would have marked his 21st birthday
Allem was 17 when he leapt from the West Gate Bridge on February 5
successfully launched a landmark prosecution of cyber-bullying offences and a coronial inquest into their only son’s death
among other anti-bullying and suicide-awareness initiatives
Mr Halkic said the plaque was planned for the corner of Queen and Merton streets
“What we’re trying to do is remember that Allem was a part of the community and after his death many changes actually occurred
three and a half years ago people didn’t understand what was going on,” Mr Halkic said
“I think when all the kids commute out there they can sort of stop and reflect and understand the dangers of bullying
I think this is a way that’s going to remind people forever
“It’s a reminder of the suffering that he had to go through and I think if it triggers people to look at what happened to Allem and understand it
it’s going to definitely help and probably save lives down the track.”
Ms Halkic said she hoped the plaque would also raise awareness about the dangers of social media
is something that we live and struggle with each day
We’ve set out to bring awareness to this cancer that is taking so many young lives.”
Hobsons Bay Council last week agreed to investigate options for establishing a plaque of remembrance near the “Grow” sculpture so the park land may be used for reflection by any resident whose loved one has “ended their life early by suffering the pain of being a victim of bullying”
Anyone with problems may call Lifeline on 131114 or Suicide Helpline on 1300651251
An Altona Meadows woman is urging pet owners to be aware of snakes after her boarder’s dog was bitten by a tiger snake last week
Rocky was back home four days after being rushed to intensive care at U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital
Irene Rogers took to social media to alert pet owners that snakes were on the move
“I live a block from Skeleton Creek in Altona Meadows,” she posted
my boarder’s dog Rocky was bitten by a metre-plus tiger snake in my backyard
This is not the first snake that I’ve had in my backyard
“Thanks to Stewy the Snake Catcher who was able catch the snake
“Please all be vigilant in this area as there are many children and animals that are vulnerable.”
said when he arrived at the property the snake was going back and forth into a neighbouring yard before being caught for relocation
“The snakes will come into our properties looking for water
go out and check out what it’s barking at
Dogs don’t bark for no reason.”
For more information about what to do in the event of a snake bite, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/snakes
Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit [CIU] detectives have appealed for public assistance concerning an alleged road rage incident in Altona Meadows last year
which led to a 54-year-old Altona Meadows man allegedly being stabbed twice
Wyndham CIU Detective Senior Constable Kai Wilkie-Bourke said the alleged incident occurred on Tuesday
was involved in some sort of road rage incident,” she said
“Both the victim and the offending vehicle have pulled into Carinza Avenue in Altona Meadows and the victim has exited his vehicle
Detective Senior Constable Wilkie-Bourke said witness reports indicated a verbal altercation took place
Andrew has gone to get back in his ute and the offender has stabbed him twice to the lower back
causing really serious injuries,” she said
“The offender has then ran back to the offending vehicle
which took off at a fast rate of speed towards Point Cook Road and then back towards the Werribee area
“The offending vehicle was a grey Volkswagen hatchback with the rear VW logo blacked out and the offender was described as African in appearance
approximately 170 centimetres tall with a slim build and he had black
Detective Senior Constable Wilkie-Bourke said the alleged offender was wearing all black clothing and white runners
“The victim and the offender in this incident are not known to each other and it was a completely random attack,” she said
Detective Senior Constable Wilkie-Bourke said police have alleged that there were at least two people in the offending vehicle
She said the incident was “extremely violent” and traumatic for Andrew
“It’s just violence for the sake of violence,” Detective Senior Constable Wilkie-Bourke said
Andrew said he had suffered from nerve pain
back pain and had difficulty walking following the incident
“I’m back at work doing what I can and will take it as I progress and just see what happens.”
Andrew said the offender was “mentally sick” and he believed the attack was calculated to kill him
“I saw someone sprinting at me with a knife in their hand,” he said
he was looking at me over my left shoulder
Andrew said he believed he was going to die in that moment and he said goodbye to his family
“I’ve got a seven year-old son and a 12 year-old daughter and they’ve been devastated,” he said
Andrew said witnesses encouraged him to stay alive until the ambulance arrived
He said finding the offender would mean a lot for the community
“Knives destroy lives and it’s destroyed mine,” Andrew said
“I’ve witnessed the most evilest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Andrew said he was an ex-Defence member who served in Cambodia in 1991 and 1992
Details: 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au