Boozer busted
A female driver who blew five times over the limit on Torquay’s The Esplanade has prompted police to warn motorists about drinking and driving during the festive season.
Police said the 34-year-old had her licence suspended and would be summonsed to court after recording a blood-alcohol level of .251 this week.
Kitten con
Geelong detectives have arrested convicted fraudster Con Petropolis, 55, at his East Geelong home following allegations of animal mistreatment.
Animal welfare officers assessed 32 animals on the property, including four dogs, two cats and 26 kittens.
Healthy result
Barwon Health has revealed a “turnaround financial surplus” after finishing $13 million in the red last year.
New chief Professor Ruth Salmon said the $1.2 million surplus was “largely due” to the efforts of staff, who had worked “incredibly hard”.
Awards named
Geelong Business Excellence Awards has officially welcomed a new naming-rights sponsor, according to the event’s organiser.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce said Deakin University had agreed to the “exciting new partnership” after record entries for the 2017 awards.
Crash bail
Whittington teen Zachary James Watkins was on bail when he injured a 72-year-old man in a car crash, Geelong Magistrates’ Court has heard.
Magistrate Michael Coghlan rejected Mr Watkin’s bail application on Wednesday, ordering the 18-year-old’s return to court at a later date to answer a series of driving, theft and assault charges.
Cats’ loss
The Geelong Cats have posted a $446,000 loss for the 2017 financial year despite home-game attendances rising almost 17 per cent.
The club blamed the result on a depreciation charge of almost $2 million following the completion of four redevelopment stages at the Kardinia Park stadium.
Flood impact
New Deakin University research shows that floods have a bigger economic impact than bushfires.
The university released the findings as Geelong braced for the wettest weather in years, with authorities warning of flooding risks across the region and state.
