Charges following Mooroolbark death
Homicide Squad detectives have charged three people following the death of a man in Mooroolbark last year.
A 19-year-old Yellingbo man, a 19-year-old Glen Waverley man and a 17-year-old Mooroolbark boy were all arrested on 5 November and subsequently interviewed by police.
The 19-year-old Yellingbo man and the 17-year-old boy have both been charged with manslaughter, while the 19-year-old Glen Waverley man has been charged with assault offences.
The pair charged with manslaughter will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and a childrens’ court on 9 November.
The second 19-year-old man will also appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 November.
The charges came after the death of a 50-year-old Mooroolbark man following an alleged assault on 25 December, 2019.
Investigators were told up to eight people were involved in an altercation outside a property on Esther Crescent just before 11pm.
The 50-year-old man was taken to hospital following the incident and subsequently passed away.
A 60-year-old Mooroolbark woman was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
On 27 December, police responded to a second altercation at the same address and four people were subsequently charged with affray in relation to this incident.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Call for public assistance
Knox Police are seeking assistance to identify a man following an alleged sexual exposure in a public place.
A man was allegedly observed exiting bushes at Glenfern Valley Bush Reserve, Glenfern Rd, Upwey on 19 August.
The man is alleged to have approached a female walking along the pathway, exposing himself before retreating back into the bushes.
Anyone with information relating to the offence should contact Knox Police Station – First Constable PAPPIN – 9881 7000.
More shed break-ins
Monbulk Police are urging people to be wary of a series of shed break-ins recently around the Monbulk and Macclesfield region.
It comes as another shed was broken into in Monbulk over the weekend, on either Friday or Saturday night.
Other incidents have allegedly involved vehicles being tampered with and a vehicle having a brick thrown through it.
Police have urged people living in the outlying areas to remain vigilant when it comes to locking sheds. They are also reminding nearby residents that they are not immune from people trying to steal from them.
If residents see any suspicious cars of activity in the region they should contact Triple-Zero or Monbulk Police on 9756 6266.
Police celebrate NAIDOC Week
While taking place in a different month and with all events online, Victoria Police’s NAIDOC Week celebrations will be as significant and important as every other year.
NAIDOC Week, which has previously been celebrated across Australia each July, runs from 8 November – 15 November, after it was postponed due to Covid-19.
To honour this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Always Was, Always Will Be, the Victoria Police Academy has worked with an Aboriginal business, Kinya Lerrk, to develop six acknowledgement of country plaques.
Each plaque recognises and honours the importance of the land the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley is built on to its traditional owners. They will be installed at the entrance of prominent buildings at the Academy.
Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said the acknowledgment of country plaques demonstrate to Aboriginal recruits, all employees and visitors that Victoria Police welcomes and respects Aboriginal culture.
“The acknowledgment of country plaques will educate everyone on the need for continual progress towards strengthening relationships and reconciliation,” AC Barrett said.
“The detailed artwork on the plaques also provides enjoyment for those working or visiting the Academy, and acts as an important conversation starter.
“Having positive partnerships with Victoria’s Aboriginal community is vital.
“Our Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers continue to take important steps in breaking down barriers between police and community.”
The Academy will also be supporting NAIDOC Week by hosting two online panel discussions, which covers topics such as linkages to the Aboriginal community in both regional and metro settings, varying cultures within Aboriginal society, the importance of understanding their differences, and personal insights as a police officer of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Victoria Police will be flying Aboriginal flags at stations across the state in celebration and support of NAIDOC Week.
