Trailbike rider hurt in chase
A Tarneit trailbike rider will be charged after leading police on a chase through Hoppers Crossing last Thursday. The man, 21, has serious back injuries after colliding with a police car. The pursuit began after police detected his unregistered trail bike in Forsyth Road about 2.30pm. The rider is in the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.
Bricks shatter in bin fire
Property owners are being urged to assess fire risks after a Werribee blaze sparked in an industrial waste bin caused extensive damage to nearby buildings and a car. Fire crews were called to the rear of a premises in Bridge Street about 3.15pm on September 26. CFA spokesman Darryl Wells said they arrived to find a car well alight and soon established the fire had ignited in the bin which had been stored against a wall in a car park. Bricks in a nearby building shattered due to the intense heat. Investigators said the blaze was accidental.
Fines after staff underpaid
Two companies and their director have been fined $78,600 for underpaying two staff at separate cafes, including one at Point Cook. Turbo Cafe Watergardens, which operates Turbo Cafe at the Watergardens shopping centre in Taylors Lakes, was fined $26,400, while Turbo Cafe Point Cook, which formerly operated Turbo Cafe at Point Cook Town Centre, was slugged $39,000. An Essendon North man, who was the owner-manager of both outlets at the time, was fined $13,200. The penalties, imposed by the Federal Magistrates Court in Melbourne, were the result of an investigation and prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The man admitted being involved in underpaying two staff a total $10,458 between November 2008 and August 2010. A full-time counter-hand at the Point Cook cafe was underpaid $5682.
Firearms amnesty offered
Police are urging Wyndham residents to surrender unwanted or illegal firearms and weapons “no questions asked” as part of a two-month statewide amnesty. People should ring their local station before bringing items in.
Relay off to early start
Residents can raise funds for Cancer Council research by signing up for next year’s Wyndham Relay for Life. The event will be launched from 7-11pm at Werribee Sports Club, Watton Street, Werribee, this Friday. The relay will be at the Victoria University athletics track in Hoppers Crossing on April 20 and 21. Details: 0408 539 287.
