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A warm welcome The Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton is launching a new arts program, which it celebrated with the installation of a new mural. Painted by Spotswood artist Tony Mead, the mural welcomes people into the space. “The brief for the mural was to hand paint it, because it is an art centre they didn’t want anything produced digitally,” he said. “They wanted a human touch, so we came to do a big sign on the wall as soon as you walk in, which reads ‘Welcome to Woods Street Arts Space.” Given the sign was hand painted, Tony said this mural felt very personal. “I painted the mural using traditional sign writing techniques. I’m a sign writer by trade, so it was great to be able to do hand lettering which is sort of more unusual these days.” Hobsons Bay mayor Tony Briffa said the Woods Street Arts Space is an important part of Hobsons Bay. “Opening twice a week in consistent hours means our community will have even more opportunities to experience the arts and enjoy this great neighbourhood space,“ she said. “With the launch of the new program, we’re looking forward to sharing the diversity and experiences on offer.”
Artist Tony Mead at Woods Street Arts Space. (Damjan Janevski) 362748_01
Crime up in Maribyrnong By Jennifer Pittorino Family violence incidents increased by 18.8 per cent in Maribyrnong in the year ending in June 2023, according to new Crime Statistics Agency [CSA] data released on Thursday. The data reflected 1217 total family incidents reported in the 12 months to June, compared to the 1024 reported in the previous 12 months. Of the offences, 910 of those affected were women family members, while 307 were men family members, the most common age group affected being 25-34 years old.
Maribyrnong Local Area Commander Inspector Paul Morgan said the issue of family violence is a major priority for the police. “No one should ever have to feel unsafe in their own home,” he said. “The statistics indicate Maribyrnong police are continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders, with an increase of 29% since pre-pandemic. “This can be attributed to the proactive work of dedicated members, who are knocking on the doors of victims and perpetrators to ensure offenders know they are being monitored, victims feel supported, and possible breaches
are more easily identified.” The Crime Statistics Agency data showed family incidents increased by 1.8 per cent in the last 12 months. While family violence incidents increased in Maribyrnong, there was a 9.1 per cent decrease in the overall number of offences in the municipality in the 12 months to June. In Footscray, there were 3050 offences in the period, which increased from 2798 in the previous 12 months. In Braybrook, there was decrease in offences, 1692 were recorded in the 12 months to June in comparison to 1397 in
the previous year. There was also a decrease in the overall offences in Hobsons Bay, with a 9.1 per cent decrease in the year ending June 2023. There were 5647 recorded offences during the June 2022 to June 2023 period in Hobsons Bay, compared to the 6211 recorded offences recorded in the previous year. Criminal offences recorded in Williamstown, Altona Meadows and Altona all increased in the recording period. Crime in Laverton decreased with 643 offences recorded in the period, in comparison to 676 the previous 12 months.
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