Food burnt, house damaged
A man saved his elderly mother from their burning home in Victoria Street, Altona Meadows, last Monday morning. MFB crews from Altona and Laverton stations were called to the single-storey property at 8am and found a fire in the kitchen caused by the man leaving food unattended on the stove. Firefighters contained the fire to the stove top and ventilated the property, which was smoked-logged. There was no working smoke alarm in the home.
Duchess lends a hand
Duchess of Spotswood cafe held a ‘bake sale’ at the weekend, raising $1700 for the family of slain mother-of-four Fiona Warzywoda. The 33-year-old Melton West woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her de facto husband in Sunshine on April 16.
Molotovs thrown
Police are investigating an attack on a Yarraville home last Thursday in which a man awoke to molotov cocktails being thrown at his house. Police say the culprit was seen to ride off on a motorcycle. There were four people in the High Street home at the time. No one was injured, but the house had minor damage.
Phones too mobile
Laverton police are urging people to be vigilant when using their mobile phone in public, after a series of ride-by phone thefts in the area. Police have received reports of four incidents where an unknown male on a mountain bike has ridden past victims and snatched their mobile phones. Anyone with information about the phone thefts is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Doctorates for Gillard, Sword
Victoria University will honour Julia Gillard and Kirsty Sword Gusmao at its graduation ceremonies on Wednesday. Ms Gillard and Mrs Sword Gusmao will be admitted to the degree of Doctor of the University, in recognition of their significant contributions to education.
Reception centre for sale
Footscray’s iconic 501 Receptions is on the market, with strong interest being shown in the site. Owned and operated by the Acquaro family and trading since 1980, the centre has hosted mor than one-million guests in its 34 years. The 6271-square-metre site at 495-507 Barkly Street is being sold with a planning permit for a five-level retail and residential development, including 111 apartments and eight shops. Selling agent James Gregson of Fitzroys said the property may also be snapped up by a party interested in continuing on the function of the five-room reception centre. Expressions of interest close 3pm, May 27.
Speak up on noise laws
EPA Victoria is giving residents a chance to have their say on Victoria’s noise laws. A survey, targeted at residents living near music venues and around business and industrial precincts, will play an important role in shaping future noise laws for Victoria. Visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/2014noisesurvey by May 23.
