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Still counting By LIAM DURKIN

The last game at Latrobe City Sports Stadium before its major redevelopment was played last Saturday night.The venue was broadcast nationally and welcomed crowds of more than 8000 people in its heyday. STORY - PAGE 52

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SEVEN KNIVES

A POLICE blitz in Morwell’s CBD resulted in 12 arrests and the seizure of seven knives, as police continue to crack down on weapons and anti-social behaviour. Local police were deployed across key locations - including shopping precincts, and public transport hubs as part of a recent OMNI operation, which provides officers with additional powers to conduct random weapons searches in designated areas. Seven people were charged after allegedly being found in possession of knives during the two-day safety blitz. Among those arrested was a 48-yearold Morwell man allegedly found with a knife during a search on George Street. He was charged with possess controlled weapon and bailed to appear at Morwell Magistrates’ Court at a later date. Police also issued multiple on-the-spot infringement notices for individuals carrying prohibited weapons - an offence that carries a maximum penalty of $47,421 or up to two years’ imprisonment. In addition to the weapons offences:  Four people were arrested on

outstanding warrants, including one who was remanded in custody;  Three people were processed for drug possession; and,  Four infringement notices were issued for traffic and local law offences. As part of the operation, officers also visited local businesses and engaged with the public to provide reassurance and address safety concerns. “We’ve listened to the concerns of the local community and we’re acting on them,” Latrobe Local Area Commander Acting Inspector, Dave Fyfe said. “This is not a one off operation - we’ll continue to maintain a strong presence in the CBD to keep people safe and address issues that mean most to the community. “Seizing seven knives in just two days is concerning, but it reinforces the value of operations like this - we’re sending a clear message that weapons and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in Morwell. “We’re not just focused on enforcement - we’re here to deter crime, engage with the community, and ensure people

feel safe when they visit or work in the CBD.” Anyone with information about criminal or anti-social behaviour is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report at: crimestoppersvic.com.au  SHADOW Minister for Police, David Southwick, and his predecessor, Liberal state leader, Brad Battin were in Morwell last week. The pair came to the area on separate days while the Erin Patterson triple murder trial entered its second week at Latrobe Valley Courts. Mr Southwick added his voice to calls for more Protective Services Officers (PSOs) in regional Victoria, as crime continues to sweep the state. Mr Battin announced in Morwell the Liberals/Nationals ‘Break Bail, Face Jail’ policy. The Liberals/Nationals say the policy will re-instate the consequences for repeat and youth offenders and put the safety of regional Victorians first. Under the plan, the offence of committing an indictable offence while on bail

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as a Schedule 2 offence triggering a bail uplift will be reinstated, and robbery and burglary will be listed as Schedule 2 offences, meaning tougher bail tests apply. The offence of breaching bail conditions as a Schedule 2 offence - requiring offenders to show compelling reasons to be granted bail again, will also be reinstated. The current exemption for youth offenders who breach bail will be removed - ending what the opposition calls a “free pass for under 18s”. Mr Battin made the announcement alongside Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron and Shadow Attorney General, Michael O’Brien, as well as Natalie Gordon, who has been a vocal advocate for bail reform in the wake of her brother, Dr Ash Gordon’s death last year. Dr Ash died, aged just 33, following an alleged violent stabbing. His death was reported nation-wide after chasing two burglars in Melbourne after his home was broken into by suspected youths aged 16. Continued - Page 3

AT time of press, the result for the federal seat of Monash is still not official. While all signs point to a Liberal victory for Mary Aldred, preferences are still being sorted. Ms Aldred led by more than 9000 votes on Monday morning when close to 90 per cent of votes had been counted. Delaying what appears the inevitable is preference flows, which in the words of Independent candidate, Deb Leonard “are all over the place”. Ms Leonard, while still a mathematical possibility, conceded “it’s unlikely I’ll get up”, while one Labor insider said the party would need to do a “Bradbury” in order to win. Ms Leonard’s decision not to list any preferences on her howto-vote cards has undoubtedly stalled the process, although she has maintained voters should not be directed who to preference. It could still take another week before the Australian Electoral Commission declares an outright winner. IN local politics, Latrobe City Council has endorsed the 2025/26 Draft Council Budget, and is now seeking community submissions. Council has made the decision to halve the allowable increase in municipal rates and charges (excluding waste services charges) proposing a 1.5 per cent increase rather than the three per cent maximum increase in rates permissible under the state government’s Fair Go Rates System. Council will spend $29.3 million on the continuation of the Regional Car Parks Fund, including the completion of the Kay Street, Traralgon car park and the commencement of the Commercial Road, Morwell car park. Other major projects include flood recovery projects at Traralgon Recreation Reserve totalling $5.3 million, the multiuse pavilion at Gaskin Park ($3.7 million, $2.5 million of which will be funded through new borrowings), and the upgrade of the Glengarry preschool ($1.1 million). The community is encouraged to review the draft budget and make submissions by May 27, 2025 before 5pm. For more information or to make a submission, visit: yoursay.latrobe.vic.gov.au/ council-budget-2025-26 Hard copies are available at council service centres.