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27 APRIL, 2022
12496404-AV22-21
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Friends by the book The Friends of Williamstown Library are calling for new group members to help continue the monthly sales of surplus books that would otherwise go to landfill. The group has been holding book sales and raising money for charity for over 30 years. It holds book sales on every second Saturday of the month from 10-12.30pm at Williamstown Library, with the most recent sale on April 9 donating all proceeds to help flood-affected communities in NSW. Eva Haabjoern, 80, has been a member of the Friends of Williamstown Library since it was re-established. While she officially takes on the role of the secretary, she said also fills most roles because of the group’s dwindling member base. “The whole point is that at this moment, I’m everything. I’m secretary, I’m treasurer … writing minutes, [chairing] meetings,” she said. A range of roles are available and the time commitment is minimal; up to eight hours a month. “We just love to talk to everybody and just communicate with the public, you know that I think that it’s very important.” Details: Eva, 9397 5011. The Friends of Williamstown Library volunteers Arthur Liebert and Sally Jarvis. (Damjan Janevski) 274977
Rates jump 1.75 per cent By Molly Magennis
12533599-HC07-22
New parking meters will be installed on the Altona Esplanade as part of Hobsons Bay council’s proposed 2022-23 budget, while the council has also flagged upgrades for sporting and recreational facilities. Council is proposing to spend $56.78 million on capital works next financial year, allocating $11.14 million for recreation and open spaces, $14.76 million for roads and $1.02 million for footpaths and bicycle path routes.
A total of $3.9 million over two financial years will be assigned for the McCormack Park Open Space Upgrade in Laverton, one of the budget’s major projects. “This year’s annual budget has been developed with a focus on providing over 100 valuable services to the community and delivers value for money as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” mayor Peter Hemphill said. While the proposed budget was met with a positive response from most councillors,
Cherry Lake Ward councillor Daria Kellander was concerned about the 1.75 per cent average rate increase (the state’s full rate cap) and the council’s possible $30 million debt. The state government announced the 1.75 per cent rate cap last year under the Fair Go Rates System, a slight jump from the 1.5 per cent cap in 2021-22. During the April 12 council meeting Cr Kellander said she was frustrated to see the rate cap at that figure considering the budget includes several new income streams
for council. “I’m a little disappointed that no effort has been made to reduce the rate burden on residents,” she said. “This budget also wants to increase our debt by $30 million over the next four years to levels that I’ve never seen before in Hobson’s Bay, and that concerns me. High levels of debt restrict what can be borrowed in the future and this adds risk.” Residents can have their say on the budget until May 15 via https://bit.ly/3rGFFn4.
Kenyon-Smith Denture Clinic A family tradition for 60 years 100 Pier Street, Altona 9315 9231 • 27 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing 9748 8204
Dental Prosthetists Full dentures, Partial dentures, Repairs - relines • Victorian Denture Scheme • Veterans’ Affairs John, Andrew, Simon and Paul Kenyon-Smith