Assault prompts council to act
Hobsons Bay Council last week tabled a report about Harrington Square shopping centre in Altona where trader Jill Brookes was bashed on July 20. Councillors voted to publicise programs to remove graffiti, continue to work with police and traders, support private security patrols, review lighting and investigate the installation and use of CCTV. A sale held on Saturday to sell stock from the West Side Stories bookshop where Ms Brookes was assaulted raised $8000.
Pakula heads to green benches
Western Metropolitan MLC Martin Pakula will contest the safe Labor lower house seat of Lyndhurst. Up to 10 candidates are expected to vie for his upper house seat after the April 27 byelection. Labor’s Tim Holding held the south-eastern seat with a 14 per cent margin before stepping down last month.
Feast of free treats
The annual free Harmony Feast will bring a world of flavours to Maidstone Community Centre from noon-3pm this Sunday. Delicious treats from more than 10 countries will be on offer.
Man bashed with metal bar
Police are investigating the bashing of a Maribyrnong man after a series of eggings on Friday. The 30-year-old was walking through the Gordon Street and Ballarat Road intersection about 12.30am when a number of eggs were thrown from a silver car. Four men then set upon the victim, hitting him repeatedly about the head with a metal bar. Police want to speak to anyone with information about the incident or further eggings in Footscray, Seabrook, West Footscray and Maribyrnong. Information to Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au
Highpoint unveils expansion
Highpoint has opened its doors on the final stage of its $300 million redevelopment. The new Fashion Mall, including David Jones and international favourites Topshop and Zara, was unveiled last Thursday. Michael Cameron, chief executive of centre operator GPT, said the opening made Highpoint one of the largest shopping centres in Australia. The 100 new stores take the total to 520.
