AUGUST 14, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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Racist graffiti attack By Esther Lauaki Police are investigating after racist slurs and nazi symbols were scrawled across walls at a Werribee community centre. Werribee police were called to the council-owned Wayaperri House at 8.50am on August 5. Police said the Duncans Road building was daubed with graffiti and windows and doors were smashed. The graffiti, which included Nazi symbols and racist slurs, was quickly removed by Wydham council last week. City operations director Stephen Thorpe said the council would work with the investigating police. “Council is currently getting quotes to repair the damage to the windows,” Mr Thorpe said.
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Formulas for the future A love of learning science will be encouraged in a city-wide competition. The Young Scientist of Wyndham competition is open to students in years 7 to 12. Entrants – who can enter as individuals or pairs – are invited to submit project ideas around the theme of making a better tomorrow for Wyndham. Entrants will then create a model or installation and a presentation, based on their idea – whether it is robotics, aeronautics, sustainable living or another topic. On the final day of the competition, September 1, short-listed entrants will be invited to appear in front of a panel of judges with their models and presentation. To enter the competition, students must complete an individual application form at youngscientistofwyndham.com.au and submit a three-minute video recording. A maximum of six entries per school will be permitted. The last date for entries to be submitted is August 31. The judging criteria will be based on innovation, communication, creation and presentation of the project in line with a better future for Wyndham. Judging for Young Scientist of Wyndham, part of the The Wyndham Learning Festival, will be held on September 1 from 9am to 1pm, at Arndell Community Centre, 24-49 Federation Boulevard, Truganina. Details: youngscientistofwyndham.com. au
We aim to remove illegal graffiti as quickly as possible - Kim McAliney
(Mark Wilson)
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Recent anti-graffiti campaigns have been bearing fruit, with the council reporting a 25 per cent reduction in graffiti in the past 12 months thanks to education programs, rapid removal and engagement with local youths. Safer communities portfolio holder Kim McAliney said earlier this year that the council took graffiti vandalism seriously and worked closely with Victoria Police, schools, residents and businesses to reduce graffiti in the municipality. “We aim to remove illegal graffiti as quickly as possible to keep our city looking neat and tidy and also to discourage other vandals from adding their tags,” Cr McAliney said. “One of the initiatives that is proving successful is a targeted early intervention anti-graffiti program targeted at year 8 students, aiming to prevent incidents in the community.” Cr McAliney said that while education was key to preventing graffiti, the prosecution of perpetrators was also important. “Victoria Police successfully prosecuted a case of graffiti vandalism in Wyndham [in February] with the offender charged with a criminal offence and also ordered to pay compensation,” she said. Anyone with any information about the Wayaperri House damage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic. com.au.
VINAY, 12
Alesha Capone