Inspector charged
A police Inspector will appear in Geelong Magistrates Court in February on charges related to allegations an officer “fraudulently took possession of a number of properties”, the force’s watchdog has revealed.
The Inspector would face three charges, including perjury, and a Sergeant would appear in a Melbourne court over 20 allegedly related offences, said the Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
Cats draw
A round-two match with Melbourne will be the first of the Cats’ nine games in Geelong next year, the AFL’s draw for 2019 has revealed.
The Cats will also play fellow Victorian teams the Bulldogs, Saints, Kangaroos and Carlton at Kardinia Park, with the draw scheduling four of the local matches after dark, three at twilight and two during the day.
Signs arrest
A man who allegedly stole 18 of Darryn Lyons’ state election campaign signs is set to front court in January.
Detectives arrested the 33-year-old with the signs at his Hamlyn Heights home last Friday after police were supplied a day earlier with images of the man and a vehicle allegedly involved in the thefts.
Complaint rejected
Australia’s press watchdog has rejected a complaint of inaccuracy in a Geelong Indy report that National Disability Insurance Scheme funds had paid for Disneyland trips and ocean cruises.
The Australian Press Council investigated but was “not satisfied that any statements of fact in the article (were) substantially inaccurate or based on an omission of key facts”.
Electricity shock
The cost of electricity will “skyrocket” $101 for the average Geelong household next year on the back of rising natural gas prices, according to a self-described “progressive” research unit.
The McKell Institute said the city’s average residential electricity bills “could” total $1286 next year as the increasing cost of gas flowed on to power generators.
Amphlett honoured
Geelong’s Chrissy Amphlett and former band Divinyls will be inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame this month, City Hall has announced.
Mayor Bruce Harwood, who described himself as a “long-time Divinyls fan”, welcomed the tribute to the band and its lead singer and songwriter, who died in 2013 aged 53 after a battle with breast cancer.
Dog killing
A dog’s killing of a possum at Barwon Heads before “carrying its prize along the beach” has prompted a foreshore manager’s call for owners to exercise greater control over pets.
Barwon Coast said the removal of trees to make way for housing in coastal areas was forcing possums into the open during daylight, making them vulnerable to uncontrolled pets.
Chief quits
The chief of lobby group Committee for Geelong has resigned for a job with the Master Builders Association of Victoria.
Chair Dan Simmonds thanked Rebecca Casson for her “great job” and “influence” on the committee during her six years as chief executive officer, with the organisation to search nationally for her replacement.
