We-Akon Dilinja dawns again

The Boonwurrung People, in partnership with the City of Port Phillip, invite everyone to attend the We-Akon Dilinja (Mourning Reflection) dawn ceremony on Thursday 26 January.

We-Akon Dilinja - a commemorative dawn service honouring the past and realising a new united vision from the perspective of First Nations performers and speakers - is in its fourth year. This year's ceremony is themed Honouring the past and realising a new united vision for our shared future.

The ceremony, supported by the National Australia Day Council, honours the past and realises a new united vision. This event will be livestreamed via the Council website, includes musical performances and a smoking ceremony. Readings will be given by Mayor Heather Cunsolo and multi-faith representatives. Full details are on the City of Port Phillip's website at https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/first-nations-community-information/we-akon-dilinja

 

Hoon Driving

Warm summer nights in Port Melbourne unfortunately bring out the worst hoon behaviour. BCNA's concern centres around the behaviour of a minority of drivers, notable drag racing from stop lights, tyre and engine noise around Station Pier, and the ongoing noise of unbaffled motor cycles.

The BCNA hosts a sub-committee called the Port Melbourne Road Safety Group (RSG) that successfully campaigned last year for a Council-owned mobile CCTV unit. The RSG also represented our neighbourhood through participation in the Hoon Driving Community Group sponsored by Road Safety Victoria. The BCNA continues to advocate for:

• Stronger penalties for dangerous driving and unnecessary noise.
• Greater use of technology such as CCTV and noise cameras to capture hoon driving
• Council laws to empower police to act more proactively on local hoon events
• Stronger laws against unbaffled motorcycles.

Police have asked that hoon driving be reported to 000 whilst it occurs. If it is not reported police will not know about it.  This means CCTV cameras and extra patrols will not be deployed to the area. Non urgent events can be reported to Police or to Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers or 1800 333 000

Jet Skis

Summer holidays also bring out aberrant jet ski riders or "hoons on water". The BCNA regularly receives complaints of dangerous jet ski riding, notable near the Port Melbourne Yacht Club, near the lighthouse in front of Beacon Cove towers, and near Sandridge Beach. Recently a 16-year old jet ski rider was filmed harassing the occupants of a boat near Safety Beach and is currently facing charges.

BCNA members and residents should be aware of the yellow poles placed in the water by Parks Victoria roughly 200 metres from shore. These poles carry warning signs for boaters (which apply to jet skis) and prohibit most watercraft from approaching the shoreline. In certain areas, such as the beach adjacent to the Port Melbourne Yacht Club, watercraft are allowed to approach the beach but are limited to a speed of 5 knots - about the speed of a race walker. Jet skis are required to display their registration number. 

A common guideline is that if you see a jet ski creating a bow wave within the 200 metre limit near swimmers, report their registration to Police on 000. Non-urgent events can be reported to Police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers or 1800 333 000.