September 13, 2024
KIDS GO FREE On the ferry during school holidays 21 September - 6 October 2024 (T&Cs apply)
portphillipferries.com.au 12715660-KG37-24
Clubs ready for battle The Geelong & District Football Netball League grand finals are at St Albans Reserve tomorrow (Saturday September 14) with four different clubs representing the two main games. Belmont Lions and Thomson will do battle in the senior footy grand final and Winchelsea takes on East Geelong in the A Grade netball. It promises to be a huge day with the netball action beginning at 8.15am with the 13 & Under division while Torquay and Anglesea kicks things off in the Under 18 Division 3 footy grand final at 9.30am. The weather forecast is looking far from perfect with a top temperature of 13 degrees and a high chance of showers in the morning and afternoon. A big crowd is expected for the season finales, but if you can’t make it, the senior footy will be live streamed. Click on ‘Live Stream’ at gdfnl.com.au See page 31 for match previews
and schedules.
Skippers: Belmont Lions’ Jak Evans, Thomson’s Sam Jacka, East Geelong’s Stephanie Boyce and Winchelsea’s Meg Royal at St Albans Reserve this week. (Ivan Kemp) 430283_08
Second genU fraud arrest A second man has been arrested during an investigation of suspected fraud against a Geelong-based not-for-profit organisation. A 74-year-old man was arrested by Financial Crime Squad detectives in Geelong on September 5 following an alleged fraud incident against genU. Police interviewed the Leopold man and subsequently released him pending further investigation into the activity that allegedly occurred over five years and involved several million dollars. An investigation initially commenced in February 2023 after genU reported the matter to police, which identified suspicious
activity related to accounts being wrongfully charged. genU chief executive Clare Amies said she was glad to see the investigation progress with the second arrest and that the organisation would continue to work with police to “ensure justice is served”. “At no stage has this impacted our day-to-day service delivery or the way we support those communities we serve,” she said. “Our amazing employees demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our clients, their families and carers, and to our purpose which is to enrich people’s lives. “For someone to allegedly take advantage
of a not-for-profit organisation who provides important supports and services to vulnerable community members is disgraceful.” Police executed a warrant in August at a residential address in Newtown, with a 57-year-old man interviewed and subsequently released pending further enquiries. Ms Amies said genU informed state and federal government agencies, regulatory authorities and it’s stakeholders as soon as the matter was identified. She said the organisation continued to provide high-quality services across the country during the period of suspected fraudulent activity.
“We remain strong and...this has not and will not impact our day-to-day service delivery or the way we conduct our business,” she said. Detectives have obtained financial and business records from the genU, which continue to be forensically assessed. A Victoria Police spokesperson told the Independent that the investigation remained “ongoing” and that investigators were interested in speaking with anyone who may have knowledge of the matter. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic. com.au
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