NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Sex crimes on the rise By Alesha Capone More than 50 sex offences have been reported on public transport across the west in the past financial year. Victoria Police statistics show there were 51 sexual offences reported on, or near, public transport in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Brimbank and Melton in the 2016-17 financial year. The number is almost double the 28 sexual offences reported on public transport in the west in the 2015-16 financial year. Of the 51 reported offences, 32 incidents occurred on trains, at train stations and in station carparks. The remaining offences happened on buses, at bus stops, in taxis, on trams and at tram stops, although Maribyrnong is the only municipality in the west which has trams. Three weeks ago, Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of sexual offences on public transport. In that time, Crime Stoppers released photos of 10 offenders wanted in relation to sexual offences allegedly committed on Melbourne’s train, tram and bus system. Transit safety division Inspector Karl Curran said sexual offences on public transport included people exposing or touching themselves inappropriately, people engaging in sexual acts in front of commuters and unwanted touching. “People should be able to go about their daily business without being touched inappropriately by anybody. It is a crime,” he said. Inspector Curran said police believed the incidences were under-reported, and that authorities urged all victims to report crimes they experienced. “We’ll support them, we listen to what they have to say and we’ll do everything we possibly can to resolve this crime,” he said. He said anyone experiencing, or witnessing, a sexual crime should contact triple-0. If you have been a victim contact triple-0, 1800 RESPECT or 1800respect.org.au. Report information to Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
An industrial revelation
(Damjan Janevski)
A cabaret fashion show inspired by Hobsons Bay’s petrochemical industrial complex is expected to wow audiences at Williamstown town hall this month. IF: Industrial Fashion will feature about 15 outfits, including a Qenos-inspired 1920s milk bottle dress by Amy Stokes and Jo Boyd and a defence ship gown by Stephanie England. Other outfits will include the Newport freezer works or “meat” dress by Edie Kurzer and a Take Five tank dress by Alexandra Zvi, inspired by the Mobil Altona refinery. The show opened last year’s Art & Industry Festival and is back by popular demand. Director Donna Jackson said the outfits – which would include firefighter uniforms – told the stories of the local area with humour and style. The ship dress, for instance, was inspired by Ms England’s experiences in Williamstown as a navy cadet in Williamstown. “She can remember learning to sail under the shadow of great hulking defence ships, which were being built a few hundred metres across the water,” Ms Jackson said. “She was impressed about being in a tiny little sailing boat in Williamstown and coming across the strength and dignity of the ships.” The full Art & Industry Festival will return over 10 days in November next year. IF: Industrial Fashion’s three shows from will run November 24, 25 and 26. Tickets cost $30/$20 and people are encouraged to BYO food. Drinks will be available at bar prices. Details: www.hobsonsbaytickets.com.au ALYSON MURRAY
Goya Dmytryshchak
Fiesta Market TURN TO PAGES
Fiesta Market by the Circle
OPENING THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9
8, 9, 10 & 11
Sports mouth guards starting at $90
N I N E P G O
ENIN
Weddings Birthdays Corporate Celebrations Licensed till 1am 7 days a week Mosaic Restaurant | 48 Pier St. Altona 9398 4488
Denture Repairs from $70 returned in 1hr* *Conditional on the type of repair method required.
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION DENTURE CARE CLINIC www.altonadentureclinic.com.au
8 Borrack Square, Altona North
9391 9998
1182408-CG18-15
by the Circle
12363036-PB35-17 10057191-21
N
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU