Category: Local News

VCAT has approved a facility in Altona that will result in contaminated soil from around Victoria being transported to Altona for treatment.  The EPA supported the application, although the council opposed it. I have opposed this application for the last 4 years and am extremely disappointed by the decision.  Clearly politicians don’t understand facilities like…

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Art in Public Places is an annual event in Hobsons Bay, featuring lots of local artists exhibiting their works at more public venues across our wonderful municipality.  This program aims to encourage and create partnerships between local artists, cultural groups and businesses right across the city. This year’s program is the biggest yet with plenty…

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To celebrate the diversity of Hobsons Bay, the Libraries in partnership with the Community Development Department have been working on a Journeys to Australia project, collecting stories about migrant experiences, first impressions of Australia and adapting to a new country and culture. The idea of the project came from the Greek Anamnisis Exhibition held at…

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I am pleased and relieved the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court today issued an Intervention Order to protect me from a person that has been harassing and stalking me for the last 18 months.  The Intervention Order expires on 3 April 2018. The accused person contacted me and the council offices many times over the last 18…

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If you are a young person (or a parent of a young person) aged between 12 and 18 years and need financial assistance towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment to participate in a state, national or international sporting championship, then the Australian Sports Commission may be able to help! http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/local_sporting_champions Note:  The Commission…

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The council is looking for feedback on our draft Synthetic Sports Surfaces Feasibility Study. The Synthetic Sports Surfaces Feasibility Study – Executive Summary contains: A set of Principles to guide future decision making with respect to the provision and management of synthetic sports surfaces. An Implementation Plan detailing specific recommendations to help the Council achieve the overall objective of…

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The annual Altona Beach Festival will take place on Saturday 23rd March 2013.  Put it in your diary and bring your family and friends.  It’s sure to be a great day with lots of free activities, live music, fireworks, the street parade, and lots more!    

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Council meetings returned to the Council Chambers in Altona this week.  Here is an update on the main topics discussed: Councillor Question Time I asked a number of questions regarding the new seaweed collection process, the Special Planning Committee meeting to consider the application for a 4 storey residential development on the corner of Merton…

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The Australian Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee released its report following considerable consultation about the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012 and I am very pleased with the recommendations regarding intersex people.  I just hope the Parliament passes this Bill before the election and not deliberately make it a point of debate in the…

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I am pleased to announce I proposed to my girlfriend, Manja Sommeling, on Valentine’s Day 2013 and she accepted. We’re looking forward to moving into our new home in Hobsons Bay this May and building a life together with our family and friends. On behalf of Manja and I, I thank the hundreds of people…

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Movies by the Bay is on again this year – see the poster below for more information!

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Tony Briffa’s Community Update – Local News & Events   Dear local resident, As you have probably heard, I was re-elected to the Hobsons Bay City Council with a record vote – the highest percentage primary vote of any councillor in Melbourne’s western suburbs. I appreciate your support and promise I will continue to serve…

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