Police on game
Victoria Police is warning footy fans officers will have public transport and live venues well-covered for Grand Final weekend.
North West Metro Region Command Tim Hansen said people coming to Melbourne would notice a highly visible police presence during the day and night across the CBD and Yarra.
For those heading to the big game, expect extra security measures including bag checks and wanding at the gates.
Asthma alert
Hayfever sufferers should get tested for undiagnosed asthma in the lead up to this year’s allergy season, the head of Deakin University’s pollen counting and forecasting facility Deakin AIRwatch has warned.
Associate Professor Cenk Suphioglu said people with grass pollen allergies were most at risk of any future thunderstorm asthma event, like the deadly 2016 epidemic, and should keep a close eye on the Deakin AIRwatch website.
Three-car smash
Six people were hurt in a three-car collision on Thompson Road, Norlane, which blocked traffic in both directions on Thursday. Paramedics were called to the accident about 3.30pm and all patients were taken to Geelong Hospital in a stable condition. A woman in her 20s suffered back injuries, while a woman in her 30s sustained no obvious injuries. A woman in her 60s was also hurt, and a man in his 40s suffered neck injuries.
Fuel shock
Geelong drivers are adjusting to a petrol price shock with the cost of unleaded soaring to an all-time high of nearly $1.70 per litre.
However, some service stations in North Geelong, Corio and Little River are still selling unleaded below $1.60.
Experts say the price surge has resulted from a slowdown in output by OPEC countries combined with the falling Australian dollar.
Driver fined
A Meredith man who still drove while his licence was disqualified for 27 months was convicted and fined $1500 at Geelong Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Police intercepted the man driving along Steiglitz Road in July this year. Magistrate John Lesser told the man he would have jailed him had he not pleaded guilty.
Fish fight blues
A Mediterranean diet – rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts and fish – could help lower a person’s risk of depression, a new study released this week says. The research analysed 41 studies on the topic and found a link between people’s diet and their chances of developing depression.
People who followed a strict Mediterranean diet had a 33% lower risk of being diagnosed with depression compared to people who were least likely to follow these eating habits.
‘Smelly’ attacker
Geelong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are seeking a “smelly” man in his 30s after a sexual assault was reported by a 17-year-old girl in Corio. Investigators said she was approached and attacked by a man near Grevillea Avenue about 4.30pm on 17 September. If you’ve seen this man call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
