Audit would end ‘fair go’
Recommendations in the federal government’s Commission of Audit would severely impact the western suburbs community, according to social service providers and local politicians. Opposition leader and Maribyrnong MP Bill Shorten said the plan would punish young jobseekers by removing income support while cutting the education and training programs they need to help gain employment. Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said the Commission of Audit recommendations pointed to an end to the “fair go”. Full story: www.maribyrnong.starweekly.com.au
Boat destroyed
A boat was destroyed by fire at Altona boat ramp on Friday night. Victoria Police spokeswoman Sergeant Creina O’Grady said a man had started the boat’s ignition when sparks and flames appeared in the instrument panel area. He was unable to put the fire out with an extinguisher. The fire destroyed the boat while he went for help. No one was injured.
Man held on rape charges
A 32-year-old real estate agent has been charged with multiple counts of rape after a woman was allegedly attacked and held against her will at a vacant property in Melbourne. Henry Jiang, of Maidstone, has been charged with false imprisonment, five counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault and theft. He is accused of raping a 35-year-old woman at the vacant property in Doncaster East about 3am on April 2. He made no application for bail in a brief appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Sunday. Magistrate Ross Betts remanded Jiang in custody until Thursday for his next court appearance.
Truck drivers test positive
Police from the Heavy Vehicle Unit have nabbed three truck drivers in three hours for drug use. Officers intercepted a 36-year-old Kurunjang man on Geelong Road, West Footscray, about 9.30am. He tested positive for speed and ecstasy. An hour later on the same road, a 45-year-old Western Australian man driving a prime mover returned a positive test for cannabis. About 12.30pm, a 46-year-old Laverton North tip truck driver was intercepted on Little Boundary Road in Laverton North. He was found to have cannabis in his system. The three will be issued with penalty notices.
Cancer screening made easy
Rotary Clubs of Altona, Altona City and Williamstown have united to make Bowelscan cancer-screening tests available at pharmacies for $10 in May. Kits are available from Martin Didzys, Tom Sarros and Tyrrell’s Caremore pharmacies in Altona; PharmaSave in Altona Meadows; Newport Pharmacy; Williamstown National Pharmacies and Priceline Pharmacy in Williamstown; and Carnovale Pharmacy in Yarraville. More details: 1300 779 694 or
www.nationalbowelscan.org.au
Garage sale pops up
Woods Street Arts Space will hold a pop-up garage sale from 10am-4pm on Saturday. Gold coin donation is welcome.
