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26 JANUARY, 2022
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Day of true blue fun
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Live music, performances and family-friendly activities will take place across Wyndham on Wednesday, January 26 to celebrate Australia’s many different people and cultures. The series of free Australia Day events, hosted by Wyndham council, has been organised so that residents can enjoy themselves while remaining COVID-safe. The events will be held at Lollipop Hill Park in Manor Lakes, Longreach Parade Park in Point Cook and Golden Square Reserve Playground in Hoppers Crossing from 11am to 3pm. Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said: “From African drumming and Bollywood dancing to rap artists, jazz musicians and talented singers – there’s something for everyone. “For creatives, the Wynnies art competition will run, and for the adventurous, some amazing native reptile friends will visit. “Coffee and snacks will be available through food trucks on-site to give you energy for the afternoon of fun.”
Sisters Lilly, 6, and Aurelia, 3, with their Australian flags.
Community safety focus Wyndham police have launched a Community Safety and Engagement Team (CSET) whose duties include patrolling shopping centres, recreational sites and other areas where general anti-social behaviour may “escalate”. The municipality’s Local Area Commander, acting inspector Steve Hayes, said the CSET comprised of a sergeant, along with five constables and senior constables. “The team is focused towards providing a highly visible present around prominent community locations such as major shopping centres, public recreation centres such as Wyndham Park, Eagle Park Stadium and other key public thoroughfares and gathering points
such as Werribee CBD and surrounds,” acting inspector Hayes said. He said the team’s main duties included increasing community safety and confidence; crime reduction through prevention and deterrence; reducing road trauma through enforcement and increased presence; and engaging with the community to identify community safety issues and concerns. “Rather than focusing on any particular shopping centre the team will look to ensure an active presence at locations where general anti-social behaviour can at times escalate to more serious behaviours which can create public safety concerns, or where we see developing trends or issues with general offending,” acting inspector Hayes said.
“Part of our focus is on engaging and intervening and ensuring the youth of Wyndham are actively involved in positive activities and don’t become influenced by the small numbers doing the wrong thing.” Acting inspector Hayes said the CSET has been launched as part of a broader initiative, moving towards the Victoria Police Neighbourhood Policing model. He said that in the week since CSET has been up and running, they have “already been involved in a number of arrests and other interventions”. About 5.30pm on January 18, CSET officers arrested three men, aged 18, 20 and 22 years old, at a Manor Lakes shopping complex. Police said the 20-year-old is expected to
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be charged on summons for hindering and resisting police and possession of a controlled weapon. All three men have been banned from the shopping centre. A Manor Lakes Central centre management spokesperson confirmed they were “assisting the local Wyndham Police and the newly formed Wyndham Community Safety and Engagement Team in this matter”. The spokesperson said: “The safety of centre retailers, their staff and customers remains of paramount importance. “As the hub of the local community we are proud to collaborate with the relevant local authorities and community groups to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all.”
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By Alesha Capone