Standing as the Socialist Equality Party’s representative in the Melbourne electorate of Calwell
I am the only candidate advancing an internationalist and socialist program that is necessary to resolve the devastating
decades-old social and economic crisis affecting working class people in the area
Calwell covers multiple outer-northern working-class suburbs including Broadmeadows
The electorate has one of Australia’s most culturally diverse populations
Over 72 percent of residents are first- or second-generation migrants
Many arrived as refugees fleeing US imperialist-led wars
backed by successive Australian governments
The area has levels of social and economic distress far above national averages
Unemployment data released last month showed that Broadmeadows
Meadow Heights and Coolaroo all had official unemployment rates between 13–14 percent
more than three times the state average in Victoria
The official rate significantly downplays the real level of joblessness as it does not include those underemployed
workers who have withdrawn from the labour market
and others able to access disability and other pensions
A poverty survey released last year by the Victorian Council of Social Service found that the Hume Council area
which considerably overlaps the Calwell electorate
has the highest levels of children under the age of 15 living in poverty in Melbourne
The Roxburgh Park South-Somerton suburb had the highest rate of poverty
with nearby areas also part of the ten most disadvantaged areas—Campbellfield-Coolaroo (33.6 percent)
Roxburgh Park North (32.1 percent) and Broadmeadows (31.9 percent)
The report also highlighted how full-time employment and home ownership no longer provide secure protection from poverty
Full-time workers in Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park are three times more likely to be in poverty than workers elsewhere
while people in Craigieburn who own their own home outright experience poverty at three times the levels found in other areas
Poverty and unemployment are responsible for a devastating social crisis
with widespread problems of drug and alcohol abuse
The capitalist class is directly responsible for the social and economic crisis confronting the entire working class
The situation in Calwell is the result of decades of ruthless corporate profit accumulation
enforced by successive Labor and Liberal governments
Manufacturing was previously the main source of employment in the area
beginning in 1959 when Ford opened a car production plant in Broadmeadows
the area was developed as an industrial satellite city based on public housing projects
Ford’s presence attracted other factories—including tyre and auto components plants
Reflecting the contempt of government authorities for the working-class residents
Broadmeadows was developed without a hospital and other basic social infrastructure and services
No major shopping centre was established until the mid-1970s
The area was widely known for the militancy of the workers
In 1973 there was a successful nine-week strike at Ford that included workers storming the plant while fighting off police
as well as workers physically confronting Stalinist union bureaucrat Laurie Carmichael after he attempted to sabotage the struggle
every part of Calwell has been ravaged by deindustrialisation and waves of factory closures
In every instance these were justified by the Labor Party and enforced by the trade union apparatuses as “orderly closures.” The car industry was liquidated without a fight
while other significant plants in the area operated by Pacific Brands
South Pacific Tyres and Caterpillar have closed in recent years
mass unemployment has intersected with escalating inflation caused by corporate and financial profiteering
and other basic necessities have skyrocketed far beyond nominal wage growth
I have spoken with numerous workers in the course of this election campaign who are are only barely surviving
and do not have any hope for a positive future for their children
Nothing will be resolved through the May 3 federal election
regardless of whether Labor or Liberal-National form government
the 12 candidates other than myself comprise a swamp of right-wingers and opportunists
There are multiple far right and fascistic candidates—Trumpet of Patriots
Family First—as well as so-called independents
which work to divert mounting opposition to the Labor Party back behind the parliamentary set-up
Many “independents” in previous elections have stood only in order to boost their personal profile ahead of council elections
The most prominent “independent,” Samim Moslih
has been endorsed by the Muslim Votes Matter lobby group and has sought to appeal to the large Islamic community in Calwell
including over the Labor government’s complicity in the genocide in Gaza
In revealing comments to the Crikey news outlet
Moslih rejected the suggestion that he is left-wing
not a handout,” and respects that “an individual’s wealth is their wealth.”
anti-working class codewords were combined with a crass pitch to the Labor Party in the event there is a hung parliament
“You can be a kingmaker in a minority government
or you can be the jester in the king’s court,” he stated
indicating his eagerness to join a pro-business
Maria Vamvakinou —whom Samim Moslih has described as a “beautiful person”—recently resigned from parliament
which has held Calwell since its creation in 1984
with his selection being an obvious attempt to defuse outrage over the Gaza onslaught
their campaign has been largely invisible as this party of the affluent upper-middle class has focussed its resources on inner-city seats
with the aim of joining Labor in government if there is a hung parliament
On every issue confronting the working class, including the war on Gaza and the economic and social crisis, the only independent perspective is that advanced by the Socialist Equality Party. On the question of war and militarism, our election statement declared:
and the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine
The billions squandered on war must immediately be redirected to the public hospitals
Close the military bases that are transforming Australia into a launching pad for war
Build a socialist anti-war movement that unites workers worldwide against the source of conflict
Together with our sister Socialist Equality Parties around the world
we fight for the rights of immigrants and refugees to live and work in any country of their choosing
We demand the dismantling of the so-called border protection regime
including the closure of a privately-operated immigration detention centre in Broadmeadows and the liberation of those imprisoned there
we call on workers to form rank-and-file committees in every workplace
independent of the union bureaucracy and controlled by workers themselves
These must be part of the International Workers’ Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees
which unites the struggles of workers worldwide in opposition to the poisonous nationalism promoted by the union apparatuses
Workers must receive immediate pay increases of at least 30 percent
to make up for the real wage cuts of recent years
For a massive expansion of public housing and rent caps to ensure everyone has a decent place to live
End the crisis in the public schools and hospitals
High-quality education and healthcare are a social right
Place the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers’ control
Expropriate the fortunes of the billionaires
The working class must control the social wealth it produces
I urge workers and young people in Calwell and throughout Australia to vote for me and other Socialist Equality Party candidates on May 3
I urge you to become actively involved in the different aspects of our campaign
and to make the decision to join our movement and help build the SEP as the new mass party of the working class
Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party
Police are investigating after a pedestrian was critically injured in Meadow Heights
Police have been told the woman was crossing Pascoe Vale Road
when she was struck by a car about 7.15am on Friday
The 51-year-old Meadow Heights woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries
He is now in custody and will be interviewed by detectives
The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and police have cordoned off the area
It is expected the area will be closed to traffic while detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit process the scene
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
By Eliza Wregg
first published at 30 July 2024 - 8:46 am
Check your tickets Victoria video interview available here
Check your tickets Victoria audio interview available here
Lottery officials are calling on players in Victoria to check their TattsLotto tickets after two division one winning entries
The mystery players held some of the 21 division one winning entries nationally in TattsLotto draw 4489
which means officials from The Lott have no way to contact the winners to break the exciting news and must wait for them to come forward to claim their prize
One of the division one winning entries was purchased at Meadow Heights Lotto & News
The other entry was purchased at IGA Supermarket Thomastown
The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said The Lott was in the business of paying prizes and looked forward to uniting the state’s latest division one winners with their TattsLotto loots
“It’s likely our latest division one winners have gone about their week as normal with no idea they’ve won division one,” she exclaimed
“We’ve made contact with most of the division one winners in the weekend’s draw but are yet to confirm the life-enhancing news with these two mystery Victorian winners
“We’re urging all players who purchased a TattsLotto ticket from Meadow Heights Lotto & News or IGA Supermarket Thomastown to check their tickets today
“Imagine how exciting it would be to realise you’ve won more than $952,000
Your plans for the rest of 2024 could change in a heartbeat
“If you discover you are holding the winning ticket
contact The Lott on 131 868 to begin the process of claiming your prize.”
The winning numbers in TattsLotto draw 4489 on 27 July 2024 were 4
while the supplementary numbers were 15 and 10
there were 21 division one winning entries in TattsLotto draw 4489 – seven in Victoria
two in South Australia and Western Australia
The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 252 so far in 2024
TattsLotto created 176 millionaires across Australia
there were 303 division one winning TattsLotto entries across Australia that collectively won more than $436 million
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Two people fled their burning home in Melbourne’s north early on Wednesday morning after a car rammed into an adjoining shop and was set alight
Neighbours scrambled to wake the man and woman after a Meadow Heights milk bar was rammed with a ute and torched shortly before 1am
A milk bar in Meadow Heights was torched in a ram-raid firebombing shortly before 1am.Credit: Nine News
said he ran outside after he heard a “big bang” and saw a car speed away
He then heard another explosion and spotted smoke rising from the milk bar on Magnolia Boulevard as another neighbour ran outside
“We were just screaming to each other: ‘There’s people in the back!’” Sahinkaya said
The neighbours rushed to alert those inside
“So we eventually start kicking the door down ...” Sahinkaya told The Age
Victoria Police said two men were seen trying to douse a Ford Ranger with liquid after it was crashed into the shop
“A man and woman who live in a residence attached to the milk bar luckily weren’t injured,” they said
a Meadow Heights resident who helped get two occupants out of a firebombed tobacco shop on Wednesday.Credit: Nine News
a Middle Eastern restaurant in Campbellfield was set ablaze for the second time this year
Firefighters found the Al Marjan Restaurant on the Hume Highway “well alight” shortly before 4.30am
Fire Rescue Victoria said the fire took 30 minutes to control and triggered a community advice message
“The restaurant has been extensively damaged, but firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to an adjoining car wash,” FRV said. The same shop was firebombed days before it opened in May
Both fires have been deemed suspicious and Victoria Police are investigating
the neighbour who helped rescue two people from the burning Meadow Heights milk bar
said the firebombings of small tobacco and convenience shops was “shocking” and had caused several to close in his suburb over the past year
he said he was concerned someone would soon be seriously injured
“It’s real scary; because these guys obviously don’t give a shit of who’s around
They don’t care about families – about anything,” he said
“They’ve got to do something about it before it gets too wild
A Ford Ranger rammed the front of a Meadow Heights milk bar on Wednesday morning.Credit: Nine News
An underworld fight for control of Melbourne’s lucrative illicit tobacco market has led to more than 100 arson attacks over the past 18 months. Last year, Victoria Police created a dedicated taskforce to tackle the escalating feud, which has been linked to two assassinations
The Victorian government, which pledged in March to implement a long-awaited tobacco licensing scheme this year to help stem the illegal market
is yet to introduce the legislation to parliament
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Two people fled their burning home in Melbourne\\u2019s north early on Wednesday morning after a car rammed into an adjoining shop and was set alight
said he ran outside after he heard a \\u201Cbig bang\\u201D and saw a car speed away
\\u201CWe were just screaming to each other: \\u2018There\\u2019s people in the back!\\u2019\\u201D Sahinkaya said
\\u201CSo we eventually start kicking the door down ...\\u201D Sahinkaya told The Age
They didn\\u2019t know what was happening.\\u201D
\\u201CA man and woman who live in a residence attached to the milk bar luckily weren\\u2019t injured,\\u201D they said
Firefighters found the Al Marjan Restaurant on the Hume Highway \\u201Cwell alight\\u201D shortly before 4.30am
\\u201CThe restaurant has been extensively damaged
but firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to an adjoining car wash,\\u201D FRV said
The same shop days before it opened in May
said the firebombings of small tobacco and convenience shops was \\u201Cshocking\\u201D and had caused several to close in his suburb over the past year
\\u201CIt\\u2019s real scary; because these guys obviously don\\u2019t give a shit of who\\u2019s around
They don\\u2019t care about families \\u2013 about anything,\\u201D he said
\\u201CThey\\u2019ve got to do something about it before it gets too wild
we\\u2019re going to end up like America.\\u201D
An for control of Melbourne\\u2019s lucrative illicit tobacco market has led to more than 100 arson attacks over the past 18 months
Victoria Police created a dedicated taskforce to tackle the escalating feud
which to implement a this year to help stem the illegal market
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A 21-year-old man on bail has been arrested after speeding in a stolen car through Melbourne’s north this morning
Press PLAY to hear the full details from police
He was clocked at 170km/h on the Western Ring Road at around 12:40am before dumping the vehicle in Meadow Heights
the alleged driver was found hiding in the rear of a nearby home
The Dallas man has been charged with a string of offences and will be interviewed in relation to the theft of numerous vehicles in the area
It was during one of her business classes that 35-year-old Hiba Fathi first felt the rush of entrepreneurialism
which later morphed into a dream of opening her own eatery — ‘Dusty Coffee’
the impetus of that vision no longer exists
For the last four years up until November 29
she had been studying English and business at the Meadow Heights Education Centre
The not-for-profit institute was forced to shut its doors due to ongoing financial struggles
according to the centre’s board of management president Phillip Perroni
our expenses far outweighed our income and we were losing money hand over fist for a while,” he said
especially [post-pandemic] — we didn’t get enough students back in the classrooms but we continued to pay rent because we didn’t want to lose the premises.”
While the board implemented measures to cut-back costs
Mr Perroni said the deficit was a hurdle they couldn’t overcome
The closure has left students like Ms Fathi in the lurch
“It’s very sad — this is so hard,” she said
the centre provided educational opportunities to adults from diverse backgrounds
the space “empowered” people to “build strong and resilient communities”
“It was perfect for us because there’s also a free childcare space within the centre so we didn’t have to choose between our education and our families
“There’s also a school nearby and I know mothers who would drop off their kids and come to class.”
A core offering of the Meadow Heights Education Centre was “accessible education”
This access has been stripped away from 24-year-old Nour Chaker
so for me the centre’s closure also puts a stop to my education
I won’t be able to socialise — it’ll be lonely.”
According to Meadow Heights Education Centre teacher and assessor Nikolas Kolendrianos
the closure is devastating for both staff and students
“Let’s not forget a lot of these people were displaced
they’ve gone through extensive trauma and this can inflict those emotions again,” he said
“We’re all saddened and everyone is trying to put on a brave face but it’s going to be a hard transition.”
Mr Kolendrianos said as classes come to an end
its “ripple effect will be felt across the area”
Mr Kolendrianos said “miraculous funding“ was the only way the centre’s fate would be reversed
or people interested in keeping the school running
“I’m not sure how much money we need but I suppose if we received $500,000 that could keep us going for another year.”
Northern Metropolitan Liberal MP Evan Mulholland said the situation warrants immediate government intervention
“I am concerned about reports [of] this much-loved facility closing down and the impact it will have on local residents and their access to education and training,” he said
“Meadow Heights Education Centre is where so many of our community learned to speak English
gained social skills and became active members of our community
“It is clear that the [state government] needs to step in to save this wonderful community resource.”
While the centre’s future is stuck in limbo
and then maybe ‘Dusty Coffee’ could become a reality,” she said
A new Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) has landed at the Meadow Heights Shopping Centre
residents across Victoria have been collecting and recycling eligible drink bottles
and cans and returning them through CDS Vic refund points to receive 10 cents per item in return
Located at the Meadow Heights Shopping Centre
this is the 13th refund point installed in Hume
TOMRA Cleanaway currently has 170 deposit sites across the CDS Vic West Zone
with 180 refund points planned to be installed by August 2024 when the scheme is fully rolled out
The Reverse Vending Machine technology scans and verifies each container
deposited and provides options to the user to either receive the amount through a retail cash
via digital transfer direct to a bank account
or for the amount to be sent as a donation to a nominated charity or community group
and sporting groups new ways to fundraise by registering as a Donation Partner
groups and organisations are already fundraising with CDS Vic
including Craigieburn Little Athletics Centre
TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said the new Meadow Heights refund point allows locals a location where they can conveniently drop off their eligible drink containers for recycling
retail and community locations,” Mr Dorney said
“ … The community has shown that when provided with a convenient
and technology-based container deposit scheme network
Hume residents can also download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refund point
(KBSI) — First grade students at Meadow Heights School District got a hands on lesson in healthy eating during a special Field Trip Friday visit from nutrition expert Hannah Schellman
Penford’s class to teach students the basics of nutrition and how what they eat affects their bodies and minds
we’re big kids,” Schellman told the students
we’re going to talk about more foods today that help your body and help you keep growing
and running all those things we like to do.”
The lesson talked on engaging young learners with the fundamentals of nutrition
“Everything we eat affects not only how we feel
but it affects how our brain works,” Schellman said
“All those nutrients in the food we eat help us do everything even sleep
Students eagerly responded with examples like watermelons
Schellman encouraged creativity by asking students to draw their favorite healthy foods and explain the benefits
“then you’re going to tell us out loud what it does for you.”
Schellman asked the students to share their knowledge beyond the classroom
“We want to make sure we share all the things we’ve learned about fruits
“We’re going to share it with our friends and family
© 2025 KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News
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An eight-bedroom Meadow Heights mansion with Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Turkish flags adorning its walls is set to raise the northwestern suburb’s price bar
The mega pad — two houses in one — at 1/8 Shankland Blvd is priced at $1.35m: well above the current benchmark of $1.05m and median house price of $551,500
Zain Real Estate director Ahmad Hashmi said the massive home’s original owner and builder was a bricklayer
and the rock-solid design featured “about 1 million bricks”
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Broadmeadows in demand for first-home buyer deposit scheme
Solid materials are obvious throughout the home
“On the top level there are two bedrooms and a kitchen
then on the first floor they have two different suites: a unit at the back with two bedrooms
and then at the front they have four bedrooms and two bathrooms
with a large kitchen between the two spaces.”
The rear of the site has been developed into townhouses
The kitchen is an excellent one for home chefs
Mr Hashmi noted the sale of two homes with a total of six bedrooms on 1213sq m at 23 and 23A Nicholson St as the benchmark price for the suburb
He said the Blue Mosque was “a decoration reflecting Turkish art” and was not a painting
A spa bath in the main ensuite and two large balconies are other highlights
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MORE: National Affordable Housing Alliance: New coalition calls for $20bn to address social housing shortfall
Ascot Vale pad’s private boat mooring lets owners sail right into the heart of Melbourne’s CBD
Point Cook house for sale next to Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club
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Ten people have been charged as police continue to investigate a syndicate of alleged motorbike thieves targeting Melbourne’s CBD
The alleged series began in January and has seen at least 30 personal motorbikes and motor scooters – with a combined value of more than $150,000 – stolen from Melbourne CBD streets during the night
Police will allege they travelled to these suburbs in groups on stolen motorbikes and often with pillion passengers on the back
They would then steal further bikes and ride them back to the northern suburbs
police will allege they engaged in dangerous and high-risk riding including performing monos and riding on footpaths
detectives from Melbourne’s Divisional Response Unit on Friday executed 10 warrants across Melbourne’s north and seized three allegedly stolen motorbikes worth approximately $20,000
police also seized an allegedly stolen gold Holden
A 27-year-old Broadmeadows man who was charged with seven counts of theft of motor vehicle
five counts of conduct endangering serious injury
three counts of recruit a child to engage in criminal activity
failing to stop on police direction and five counts of unlicensed driving
An 18-year-old Meadow Heights man who was charged with eight counts of theft of motor vehicle
six counts of conduct endangering serious injury
five counts of unlicensed driving and possessing a prohibited weapon
A 20-year-old Dallas man who was charged with conduct endangering serious injury
two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon
possessing ammunition and possessing cannabis
A 19-year-old Gladstone Park man who was charged with conduct endangering serious injury
unlicensed driving and possessing cannabis
Two 18-year-old Broadmeadows men who were charged with offences including conduct endangering serious injury
A 21-year-old Jacana man who was charged with conduct endangering serious injury and altering a registration plate
All were bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 1
Two boys – a 17-year-old from Dallas and a 15-year-old from Meadow Heights – were charged on summons during Friday’s warrants
They will appear before a children’s court at a later date
police arrested a 19-year-old Broadmeadows man and charged him with theft of motor vehicle
two counts of conduct endangering serious injury
unlicensed driving and possessing a prohibited weapon
He was also bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 1
Detectives are continuing to investigate the alleged syndicate and have today released CCTV vision of two males in the hope they can assist with their inquiries
The first male – pictured in Carlton about 11.30pm on January 30 – is believed to be aged between 18 and 25
and was wearing black and white striped tracksuit pants
The second male – pictured in Southbank just before 3am on March 30 – is believed to be aged between 18 and 25
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
2/54 Bicentennial Cres, Meadow Heights
sold to first-home buyers from St Albans for $453,000
MEADOW Heights has been identified as one of Melbourne’s leading growth areas
New data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria reveals the middle-ring northern suburb within 20kms of the CBD is expected to see strong price growth this year
Meadow Heights is one of more than 30 suburbs yet to reach the citywide median house price of $817,000
REIV President Richard Simpson said that despite many Melbourne suburbs experiencing double-digit price growth in the past year
the west and the north had yet to peak in terms of price growth
“Buyers on a budget should consider suburbs in the city’s north and west
with these areas continuing to offer value for money without the need to compromise on proximity to the CBD,” he said
“Gentrification is certainly improving the attractiveness of these suburbs
with homes in the city’s middle ring poised for significant long-term growth.”
SUBURB PROFILE: MEADOW HEIGHTS
YPA Meadow Heights director Alex Jaafar said he expected house prices to rise in Meadow Heights as demand surged for homes in the suburb
“Buyers from as far as Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and Sydney are looking to this area because of its value-for-money and capital growth potential,” he said
“Meadow Heights is still affordable compared to Glenroy which is just five minutes down the road.”
101 Rokewood Cres, Meadow Heights, was snapped up by first-home buyers
“And it’s still pretty close to the city,” he added
The suburb attracted a variety of buyers from young families and first-home buyers to investors and developers
“It offers high rental yields and great infrastructure,” he said
Mr Jaafar pointed to the three-bedroom house at 101 Rokewood Cres that sold for $518,000
Nine bidders fought for the home and pushed the price $68,000 above the reserve
First-home buyers from out-of-the-area attracted to the 668sq m block size and location near amenities snapped up the home
A family from St Albans also looking for their first home paid $453,000 for a three-bedroom unit at 2/54 Bicentennial Cres
competed for the property that sold $43,000 above the reserve
“The buyers loved the location in the newer part of Meadow Heights,” Mr Jaafar said
Police are appealing for information following an alleged stabbing in Meadow Heights earlier this month
Investigators have been told an 18-year-old man was sitting in a fast food restaurant’s outdoor area in Paringa Drive about 8pm on Wednesday
when a number of youths approached him and a fight occurred
the 18-year-old was allegedly stabbed in the stomach three times
He was later taken to hospital in a stable condition
Police said the youths ran off and got into a silver coloured Nissan Navara
which was last seen mounting the median strip and heading north to Hudson Circuit
Police have released images of a vehicle seen in the area at the time
and said they believe its occupants may be able to assist with their inquiries
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any other information or video footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Hume residents of all faiths are being invited to share a meal with the Muslim community this Saturday
Islamic Community Milli Gorus Australia (ICMG) will host a street iftar at the Meadow Heights mosque to help the community learn more about Ramadan and to celebrate Hume’s cultural diversity
takes place following maghrib (sunset) prayers each evening during the sacred Islamic month
ICMG spokesman Muhammed Ali Altiparmak said the group wanted to celebrate diversity and promote solidarity between people of all religions and racial backgrounds
“We are inviting people of all backgrounds and cultures to join us at the beautiful courtyard of our mosque for food and fun with their fellow Australians,” he said
but all Australians together at the Meadow Heights mosque to share a meal and experience the breaking of fast
We want all walks of life to experience the moment together.”
The group has been organising street iftar for the past nine years and expects this year’s event to be the biggest yet
Hasene Australia will distribute any food left over from the event to homeless people in the CBD
Details: facebook.com/icmgau
CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
A 17-year-old Meadow Heights teen has been charged with murder after a man was allegedly stabbed in Adelaide’s CBD on Monday
with police called to the intersection of North Terrace and George Street
Police said the 25-year-ol victim died shortly after officers arrived at the scene
Three other men were intercepted by police at Adelaide Airport in an attempt to travel back to Victoria
An 18-year-old Victorian man was charged with aggravated affray and travelling under a false name
a 21-year-old from Werribee and a 16-year-old from St Albans were also charged with aggravated affray
The young boy from Melbourne’s north was also charged with aggravated affray and travelling under a false name
He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on Tuesday
South Australia Police Assistant Commissioner John Venditto said: “We understand there was a series of skirmishes and confrontations between groups of men in the CBD
“The working theory at the moment is this an incident between two groups who know each other
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward
Two men from Meadow Heights have been charged over an non-fatal shooting in Glenroy at the weekend
The charges follow an incident about 12.30am on Sunday
where police were called to an address on View Street
following reports of gunshots and an affray between a group of men
Investigators will allege two men inside the premises were shot at
and they subsequently armed themselves with knives and confronted the intruders
Two men aged in their 20s from Meadow Heights were taken to hospital to be treated for stab wounds
A 45-year-old Glenroy man and a 43-year-old Meadow Heights man
were treated for non-life threatening gunshot wounds
A 22-year-old Meadow Heights Man was arrested on Monday
July 31 while a 23-year-old Meadow Heights man was arrested on Tuesday
Both were charged with 18 offences including intentionally causing serious injury (gross violence)
The 22-year-old man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on October 22 while the 23-year-old man faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 1
Police believe the incident was targeted and the investigation remains ongoing
Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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A Sydney investor has snapped up Meadow Heights Shopping Centre
a neighbourhood mall in Melbourne’s outer north
Once part of the shopping mall empire run by Centro – which all but collapsed after the global financial crisis – and subsequently held privately
the mall is the only neighbourhood shopping centre with at least 10 specialty stores to have sold on market last year
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The police raids included a house at Meadow Heights
Link copiedShareShare articleThree people have been charged for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in Melbourne
which police say could have occurred on Christmas Day and which Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described as one of the most substantial terrorist plots to be disrupted in recent years
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the threat was "very serious" and labelled the plot an "act of evil".
Victoria Police were involved in joint counter-terrorism raids in Melbourne's north-west overnight where five search warrants were executed.
The raids, as part of Operation Kastelholm, also involved the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Seven people were arrested and authorities say they believe a group of four men were intending to carry out an attack in Melbourne's CBD involving explosives and other weapons, possibly on Christmas Day.
Of the seven arrested, five remain in custody and are being questioned.
Victoria Police Commissioner Graham Ashton said an investigation had been running for a couple of weeks but said those arrested had been "persons of interest for some time".
Properties in Meadow Heights, Dallas and Flemington were raided. (ABC News)
Six men and one woman were arrested in the suburbs in Melbourne's north-west.
Three of them — 26-year old Abdullah Chaarani from Dallas, 21-year-old Hamza Abbas from Flemington and 24-year-old Ahmed Mohamad from Meadow Heights — have been charged with planning a terrorist attack.
A 22-year-old man from Campbellfield and a 21-year-old man from Gladstone Park, remain in custody.
A 20-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, both from Meadow Heights, were released without charge.
Commissioner Ashton said four of those arrested were Australian born with a Lebanese background and another was an Egyptian-born Australian citizen.
Police believe those involved in the plot were inspired by the Islamic State group and planned to target high-profile Melbourne locations.
Commissioner Ashton said police found the makings of an improvised explosive device during the raids.
He said there was also evidence of an intention to use other weapons, including include knives or a firearm.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the foiled plot was "amongst most serious in terms of its intent, and in terms of the capability of the people disrupted".
Police say the areas where they believe attacks were planned include Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and St Paul's Cathedral.
Those locations are in Melbourne's central business district and are often heavily populated with pedestrian traffic.
Police said the attacks would have caused significant harm to the community, including likely injuries and deaths.
Authorities have moved to reassure the public after the arrests.
Commissioner Ashton said he believed the threat had been "neutralised" and there would be an increased police presence over the Christmas period, including for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"We believe we have neutralised that threat, I think it's been dealt with," he said.
"We know that there's a lot of events on over the next several days. There is no intelligence to suggest there is any threat whatsoever in relation to any of those events."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said he had spoken to authorities in other parts of Australia to beef up police numbers.
"The police presence will be noticeable, but it won't be intrusive," he said.
Mr Andrews said Victorians "should go about their business".
UPDATE: Hundreds of patients are at risk of contracting blood borne diseases after being treated by a fake dentist in Meadow Heights.
Victoria’s acting chief health officer Dr Finn Romanes is urging anyone who was treated by alleged dentist Muhammet Velipasaoglu to contact the Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr Romaes says Mr Velipasaoglu has been practicing from his home in Rocklands Rise since 2003 despite not having the formal qualifications to do so in Australia.
“We are concerned that patients who received dental care from this individual at this premises may have contracted a blood borne infection as a result of poor infection control practices,” Dr Romanes said.
“While the risk of the transmission of any infection is regarded as low, we urge any patients to call the department for information and advice.”
Dr Romanes said there is a risk of transmission of several blood-borne viruses and singled out hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
The practice was closed down on May 1 following an investigation by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), a government body charged with regulating health practitioners operating in Australia.
Charges have been laid against Mr Velipasaoglu for allegedly pretending to be a dentist and for performing dental acts that only a registered dentist may undertake.
The matter will be brought before the Magistrates Court in the next few weeks.
A tip-off from a dentist who was left to clean-up the work Mr Velipasaoglu had performed on a female patient led to AHPRA’s investigation.
AHPRA and Victoria Police executed a search warrant on the Rocklands Rise property and found dental equipment and evidence of inadequate infection control, poor hygiene and potential public health risks.
Mr Velipasaoglu had trained as a dentist in Turkey, but has never been registered in Australia in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
The Department of Health is appealing to anyone who received dental care at any location in Rocklands Rise, Meadow Heights to call the Department on 1800 356 061 between 8am and 7pm. The Department will assess the potential risk of transmission of infection and provide advice to patients and their general practitioners. This is a free call number and interpreter services will also be available.
ABC NewsMelbourne terrorist plot: Four charged
one in custody over alleged Christmas Day attack planShare Melbourne terrorist plot: Four charged
one in custody over alleged Christmas Day attack planTopic:Police
Police blocked off a street in Meadow Heights during the raids
Link copiedShareShare articlePolice have disrupted a terrorist plot to detonate improvised explosive devices at locations in central Melbourne
Seven people were arrested during overnight raids on Thursday at properties in Flemington
Meadow Heights and Dallas in Melbourne over the alleged plot
which police said was inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group
21-year-old Hamza Abbas of Flemington and 24-year-old Ahmed Mohamad of Meadow Heights have been charged with planning a terrorist attack
The trio appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court and were taken into custody and will return in April
A 22-year-old man from Broadmeadows was charged with the same offence hours later
Ahmed Mohamad (C) and Hamza Abbas (R) were all remanded into custody
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews described the plot as an "act of evil"
while Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said police had seized "the makings of an improvised explosive device"
Mr Turnbull said: "Overnight our police and security agencies have disrupted a very substantial terrorist plot
Some of the men were arrested in a bungalow (L) attached to a house in Meadow Heights
working with the Australian Federal Police and ASIO
searched five premises and are continuing to search them
"What they have uncovered is a plot to explode improvised explosive devices in central Melbourne in the area of Federation Square
The raids were part of a counter-terrorism operation involving Victoria Police
Possible targets included Flinders Street Station
St Paul's Cathedral and Federation Square (774 ABC Melbourne: Simon Leo Brown)
Commissioner Ashton said it was believed a number of people were intending to carry out an attack involving explosives and other weapons
"Over the last fortnight … we have had to conduct a criminal investigation relating to the formation of what we believe was a terrorist plot," he said
"We believe that there was an intention to conduct what we call a multi-mode attack
Police believe the locations to be targeted include Federation Square
Commissioner Ashton said: "We believe [the plot] was going to involve an explosive event
"There has also been evidence that we will lead around the possibility of an intention to use other weapons
That could include knives and/or a firearm
"Certainly these [people] are self-radicalised
but inspired by ISIS and ISIS propaganda."
Commissioner Ashton said four of the five were Australian-born with a Lebanese background
"There is another suspect in this matter who will be charged that was an Egyptian-born Australian citizen
All the others were Australian-born," he said
While Premier Andrews said the planned attack was not an act of faith
One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson said the raids demonstrated why there should be a ban on Muslim immigration to Australia
Go and find some other place that suits your needs
your way of life and your faith," she said
Premier Andrews said there would be an increased police presence at large gatherings in Victoria over the Christmas period
Commissioner Ashton said he spoke to Cricket Australia about providing additional security at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test, which starts on Monday.
This is probably not the page you’re looking for
Hume residents of all faiths are invited to share a meal with the local Muslim community this Saturday
Islamic Community Milli Gorus Australia (ICMG) is hosting a street iftar at the Meadow Heights Mosque to help the community learn more about Ramadan and to celebrate Hume’s cultural diversity
ICMG spokesman Muhammed Ali Altiparmak said the group was encouraging people of all faiths and backgrounds to experience the moment of breaking fast
which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar
Muslims are prohibited from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset
but all Australians together at the Meadow Heights Mosque to share a meal and experience the breaking of fast
We want all walks of life to experience the moment together
“Our aim is to promote solidarity of all backgrounds.”
The group has been organising street iftar for the past eight years and expects more than 2000 people to attend this year’s event
The street iftar starts at 4.15pm at 15-17 Hudson Circuit
Details: www.facebook.com/icmgau
Intercepted information from social media and phones form part of the evidence that led to charging a Seabrook man after counter-terrorism raids in Melbourne on Tuesday
appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday afternoon charged with six counts of intentionally making funds available to a terrorist organisation
is led away from the Seabrook property.Credit: Jason South
One of the charges related to making funds available to Islamic State of Iraq and Levant in early March and the other five related to helping fund Jabhat al-Nusra from March to August
Mr Sabsabi made no application for bail during his brief court appearance on Tuesday
following his arrest in Seabrook earlier in the day during police raids on properties across Melbourne
A man is led away by police in Seabrook as simultaneous raids are carried out across Melbourne on Tuesday morning
Deputy Chief Magistrate Daniel Muling noted the "complex investigation" into Mr Sabsabi
Prosecutor Andrew Doyle told the court that police had 25,000 pages of information
as well as the transcripts of more than 500 calls and messages intercepted during an eight-month investigation
Mr Doyle said the investigation into Mr Sabsabi was prompted by information was received from the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation
told the court it was the first time Mr Sabsabi had been in custody
Police removed items from the Seabrook home in brown paper bags.Credit: Jason South
"He's never experienced these sorts of conditions before," Mr Huynh said
He requested his client be seen by a doctor for a number of medical issues that he did not detail in court
A car at the Seabrook home that is being inspected by forensic police.Credit: Jason South
The court heard closed-circuit television footage would be formatted and telecommunications intercepts transcribed to form part of the brief that would be served on December 23
Mr Sabsabi was remanded to appear before the court again for a committal mention on February 3 next year
A police officer runs around the Seabrook house raided on Tuesday morning
Victoria Police and Australia Federal Police moved on seven properties during raids in Flemington
Broadmeadows and Kealba on Tuesday morning
AFP assistant commissioner Neil Gaughan alleged the 23-year-old had acted alone in raising $12,000 to fund a United States citizen to fly to Syria and assist a proscribed terror group in fighting
"We will allege that organisation was a proscribed terrorist organisation," he said
"We will further allege that the man provided approximately $12,000 in funds to support a US citizen who is currently fighting in Syria
"We have gone early today as we are of the view that funds were about to be transferred to this person in Syria."
The pair primarily knew each other through "social media" Mr Gaughan alleged
adding that the US citizen had been fighting in Syria for "a number of months."
"This is the first time in a terrorism environment that we're aware that an Australian citizen has sponsored or paid for a citizen of another country to go into Syria or Iraq to fight," he said
But he also said it would be "very naive" to think more money was not travelling from Australia to fund terrorism overseas
"There are a number of current investigations at hand and we're not going to go into the details of those," he said
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton said there were other ongoing investigations that could not yet be discussed
"There are a number of matters that are under investigation."
A series of raids took place simultaneously across Melbourne at 6.45am this morning and "a large quantity of electronic media was seized," police said
Police have also searched a townhouse in Meadow Heights in Melbourne's north-west
Two laptops were seized from the townhouse by forensics officers
A woman inside the property declined to speak about the operation
A neighbour said officers arrived about 7am and had also seized the cars of residents
Police have said the raids are not related to the shooting of 18-year-old terror suspect Numan Haider in Endeavour Hills last week
Mr Ashton said there had been racially-fuelled attacks in the days following Mr Haider's death and his family received death threats over the weekend
Mr Ashton appealed for the community to act responsibility
"This is an innocent family who were not involved in the investigation
and they need to be left alone to grieve," Mr Ashton said
"I think the fact they did receive those death threats is very disappointing..
this is about criminals undertaking criminal acts."
Police have also confirmed Tuesday raids are not related to earlier anti-terror raids in Brisbane and Sydney
Tuesday's raids were the culmination of an eight-month terror financing investigation codenamed Hohensalzberg
More than 100 Victoria Police and AFP officers executed search warrants at seven properties allegedly linked to the 23-year-old shortly after 6.30am on Tuesday in what authorities branded a "low- key" manner
Dozens of Federal Police officers were at the Seabrook home on Tuesday morning
brick house with a double garage about a year ago with his wife
The arrested man moved into the house with his young wife
according to neighbour Herve Du Buisson Perrine
Mr Du Buisson Perrine said the man spoke to him almost every day
very very surprised," Mr Du Buisson Perrine said
he seems a very nice person to me." Mr Du Buisson Perrine
said his wife woke him on Tuesday morning to tell him of the raids next door
He said the man had moved in after a woman
He said he believed the family were from Lebanon
appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday afternoon charged with six counts of intentionally making funds available to a terrorist organisation
Deputy Chief Magistrate Daniel Muling noted the \\\"complex investigation\\\" into Mr Sabsabi
Mr Doyle said the investigation into Mr Sabsabi was prompted by information was received from the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation
\\\"He's never experienced these sorts of conditions before,\\\" Mr Huynh said
\\\"We will allege that organisation was a proscribed terrorist organisation,\\\" he said
\\\"We will further allege that the man provided approximately $12,000 in funds to support a US citizen who is currently fighting in Syria
\\\"We have gone early today as we are of the view that funds were about to be transferred to this person in Syria.\\\"
The pair primarily knew each other through \\\"social media\\\" Mr Gaughan alleged
adding that the US citizen had been fighting in Syria for \\\"a number of months.\\\"
\\\"This is the first time in a terrorism environment that we're aware that an Australian citizen has sponsored or paid for a citizen of another country to go into Syria or Iraq to fight,\\\" he said
But he also said it would be \\\"very naive\\\" to think more money was not travelling from Australia to fund terrorism overseas
\\\"There are a number of current investigations at hand and we're not going to go into the details of those,\\\" he said
\\\"There are a number of matters that are under investigation.\\\"
A series of raids took place simultaneously across Melbourne at 6.45am this morning and \\\"a large quantity of electronic media was seized,\\\" police said
Police have also searched a townhouse in Meadow Heights in Melbourne's north-west
Mr Ashton said there had been racially-fuelled attacks in the days following Mr Haider's death and his family received death threats over the weekend
\\\"This is an innocent family who were not involved in the investigation
and they need to be left alone to grieve,\\\" Mr Ashton said
\\\"I think the fact they did receive those death threats is very disappointing..
this is about criminals undertaking criminal acts.\\\"
Tuesday's raids were the culmination of an eight-month terror financing investigation codenamed Hohensalzberg
More than 100 Victoria Police and AFP officers executed search warrants at seven properties allegedly linked to the 23-year-old shortly after 6.30am on Tuesday in what authorities branded a \\\"low- key\\\" manner
very very surprised,\\\" Mr Du Buisson Perrine said
he seems a very nice person to me.\\\" Mr Du Buisson Perrine
sunflower seeds and sticky baklava will be on the menu at the fifth annual street iftar this weekend at Meadow Heights mosque
it’s the taste of a single date that fasting Muslims savour
Iftar means to “break fast” and is an intrinsic part of the 30 days of Ramadan
the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time of spiritual reflection
improvement and increased devotion and worship
is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities
sacrifice and empathy for those less fortunate
giving rise to actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat)
Sareera and Australian Islamic Social Association (AISA) Youth
have joined forces to organise this Saturday’s street iftar
Sareera’s university group secretary Bahar Acahan says everyone in the community is invited
stalls and led discussions on faith,” Ms Acahan says
“Some ladies will sell jewellery and scarves
There will also be a group prayer that we all do together.”
Group president Nursen Turker says fasting has taught her many things
counting down the minutes,” Ms Turker says
“You always think you can eat more than you can because you are so hungry
but when you finally eat you realise you don’t need that much food and you could fast for another eight hours
“It teaches you to really appreciate your food and savour it
You become so appreciative of what you have
especially when you think of people on the other side of the world who don’t have a choice about fasting.”
Ms Turker says Muslims really look forward to the month of Ramadan
“You make the effort to be home on time to eat dinner with your family
Last year’s street iftar catered for about 1500 people and the group hopes to attract even more this weekend
The iftar starts at 4pm on Saturday at Meadow Heights Mosque
The second victim of the double fatal shooting in suburban Meadow Heights on Monday has been described as a "very caring human being"
was shot alongside 28-year-old Ali Ali but the two men died 500 metres apart
one of two victims shot dead in Meadow Heights
On Wednesday it was revealed that Mr Ali's social media accounts teem with images of him holding high-powered firearms
some taped in the colours of the Syrian flag
he is pictured wearing military fatigues in front of bombed out houses
Friends paid tribute to Mr Hasan on social media on Thursday
"We lost a great friend," one wrote
"Still in shock about what's happened ..
great conversations and a very caring human being for everyone he knew."
Another friend wrote: "You didn't deserve to be murdered" and "My prayers go to your family and daughters."
Witnesses living in Huntly Court heard gunshots and saw men running around a silver hatchback
Ali Ali's social media accounts were full of him brandishing guns
Mr Hasan was shot and killed in Huntly Court
while Mr Ali – bleeding from gunshot injuries – was next seen 500 metres away being wheeled in a shopping trolley to Morris Court
An associate pushing him was calling for help
Despite the pictures that appered of him with various guns
friends of Mr Ali urged people to remember him for his kindness
always smiling and never angry with anyone," Kayla Collins said
"He'd take off his own shirt and put it on someone else's back
He did have a minor criminal history but he wasn't a troubled guy."
The homicide investigation into their deaths is continuing
There were another two fatal shootings in the two days before the Meadow Heights incident
Dandenong man Mitat Rasimi was found dead with gunshot wounds after his car crashed
three men were shot – one dead and one critically – outside a Kensington boxing venue Melbourne Pavilion
Police say the three shootings are unconnected
The Kensington investigation is believed to be centred on warring Middle Eastern organised crime factions
The Dandenong homicide may be linked to a debt owed to the Comanchero bikie gang and the Meadow Heights double fatal is understood to be linked to drugs
The second victim of the double fatal shooting in suburban Meadow Heights on Monday has been described as\\u00A0a \\\"very caring human being\\\"
On Wednesday it was revealed that Mr Ali's social media accounts teem with images of him holding high-powered firearms
\\\"Still in shock about what's happened ..
great conversations and a very caring human being for everyone he knew.\\\"
Another friend wrote: \\\"You didn't deserve to be murdered\\\" and \\\"My prayers go to your family and daughters.\\\"
while Mr Ali \\u2013 bleeding from gunshot injuries \\u2013 was next seen 500 metres away being wheeled in a shopping trolley to Morris Court
always smiling and never angry with anyone,\\\" Kayla Collins said
\\\"He'd take off his own shirt and put it on someone else's back
He did have a minor criminal history but he wasn't a troubled guy.\\\"
Dandenong man\\u00A0Mitat Rasimi was found dead with gunshot wounds after his car crashed
three men were shot \\u2013 one dead and one critically \\u2013 outside a Kensington boxing venue Melbourne Pavilion
A fire has caused an estimated $250,000 damage to a home in Meadow Heights
Fire crews arrived to find the Bicentennial Cresent home well alight at around 5.30am on Tuesday
They were initially unable to search the property for residents due to the severity of the blaze
Click PLAY below to see a video of the fire
Fire at Meadow Heights as discussed with @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/AeRZNBQPSt
? Kris Bondin (@KrisBondin) December 12, 2016
Graeme Marr hasn’t played football in about 30 years
but he’s not letting that – or the prostate cancer he’s battling –stop him from pulling on the boots for a charity match this weekend
The Meadow Heights resident is behind a cancer awareness match with Airport West Football Club’s thirds side
The event will raise money for the Dry July Foundation to help it support cancer patients
and the family of Carly Murphy who died of stomach cancer in March
Ms Murphy’s family have been involved in the club for 25 years
said he was pulling on his footy boots after so many years because he was determined not to let cancer get the better of him
The security guard was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2015
He had surgery to remove the cancer in early 2016 but it came back
He has completed five weeks of radiation therapy and has three to go
Mr Marr will speak about his cancer journey at a morning tea before the match
“I always encourage people to talk about cancer
I find it helps if you smile and talk about it,” he said
Details: airportwestfc.com.au