MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY
Home » News » Mates fined for staying in Altona as state of disaster declared

Mates fined for staying in Altona as state of disaster declared

Two men getting fast food in Hobsons Bay have been fined for breaching stay-at-home orders in the past 24 hours as Victoria was declared a state of disaster.

The pair admitted to police they had come from a friend’s house in Altona where they stayed overnight.

It comes as the state’s surging coronavirus caseload, including 102 active cases in Hobsons Bay, plunged Melbourne into stage 4 restrictions including a curfew between 8pm and 5am.

Premier Daniel Andrews declared Victoria had entered a State of Disaster on Sunday, giving police additional powers to ensure compliance with public health directions.

“That includes a curfew from 8pm-5am,” Mr Andrews said.

“The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and caregiving.

“There’ll be exemptions for partners who live apart and for work, if required.”

Under stage 4 restrictions, exercise and shopping are limited to within five kilometres from home.

Only one person per household can leave for essential goods, and only once per day.

Exercise is limited to one hour and with one other person.

Mr Andrews said there were common sense exemptions.

“If your closest supermarket is further than five kilometres, you can still shop there,” he said.

“If you’re a parent with little ones, you can still take them with you when you go for a walk.

“And these distance, gathering and time limits won’t apply for work, medical care or compassionate reasons.”

Victoria Police issued 172 fines in the past 24 hours, including 27 for failing to wear a mask or face covering and 22 at road vehicle checkpoints.

Statewide, 4366 spot checks were conducted at homes, businesses and public places.

Also fined in the 24 hours to 11pm Sunday were a Keilor man who travelled to his Surf Coast holiday home on Friday, a Sunshine man playing Pokemon Go in Melbourne, a group celebrating a birthday party at a short-term rental in Point Cook and a woman at Southern Cross station attempting to travel to Bendigo.

They were each fined $1652.

Students who had been learning onsite will return to home schooling on Wednesday.

Mr Andrews said onsite supervision would only be available for students who really need it.

“That means children whose parents are permitted workers and vulnerable kids who can’t learn from home,” he said.

“From Thursday, those same rules will apply to Melbourne’s kinder and early childhood education services.”

Changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks, until September 13.

Digital Editions


  • ’Shame’ as security trial extended

    ’Shame’ as security trial extended

    Security guards will continue to patrol the Footscray CBD until June after Maribyrnong council voted in favour of extending the controversial program at its meeting…

More News

  • Eskimo Joe to headline west festival

    Eskimo Joe to headline west festival

    Australia’s beloved alt-rock power trio Eskimo Joe are sure to have audiences up on their feet when they headline the Lincoln Park Twilight Festival. Held on Saturday 28 February at…

  • Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes

    Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes

    The Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee is moving forward with an inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes. The investigation is designed to analyse the frequency of targeted attacks, examine…

  • Festival for all abilities

    Festival for all abilities

    Ability Fest is returning to Melbourne on 11 April, 2026, with a new focus on industrial venue accessibility at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. The event marks a shift…

  • The sport of kings in Werribee

    The sport of kings in Werribee

    What many call the sport of kings will be on full display at Werribee Park as the historic Urquhart Cup polo tournament gallops into town on Sunday 1 March. More…

  • Women’s history centre stage

    Women’s history centre stage

    A special one-off theatrical performance is coming to the Kyneton Town Hall in celebration of International Women’s Day. In 2026, the theme for International Women’s Day is #BalanceTheScales – a…

  • Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post is celebrating the Year of the Horse with the release of its Lunar New Year stamp as well as its first ever ‘DigiStamp’. The traditional Lunar New Year…

  • New treatment options for anaphylaxis

    New treatment options for anaphylaxis

    Two new emergency treatment options are set to become available in Victorian schools to support students at risk of anaphylaxis. Education Minister Ben Carroll announced the two new services will…

  • More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    The state government will roll out 35 new fixed cameras, two point-to-point networks and tougher seatbelt and distracted-driving enforcement as part of its Road Safety Action Plan. The state government…

  • Crack down on dodgy drivers

    Crack down on dodgy drivers

    New reforms are being introduced to protect Victorian taxi or ride-share passengers from being ripped off. The reforms, which come into effect on Sunday 1 March, will make it easier…

  • Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police are appealing for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Brendan Breen 14 years ago. The then 55-year-old was last seen in Melbourne on 12…