Geelong News Now

07/03/2025

TEEN CHARGED FOLLOWING ALLEGED INCIDENT INVOLVING A FIREARM AT LOCAL AIRPORT

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes
Date: 7/3/2025

The teenager at the centre of a major emergency at Avalon Airport yesterday afternoon has been charged.

Police were called to Avalon Airport, around 2:50pm after receiving reports that a 17-year-old boy, who was armed with a shotgun, had allegedly boarded a commercial flight.

In a video seen by Geelong News Now, passenger Barry Clark is shown holding the teenager in a headlock, while a pilot holds the barrel of the shotgun.

Geelong News Now understands that the teenager, who is from the Ballarat area, is alleged to have entered the tarmac after cutting or jumping over a security fence.

Once officers arrived, they took the teenager into custody in front of shocked onlookers before putting him in the back of a divisional van.

The teenager was interviewed by police throughout the evening, before being charged early this morning.

The teen has been charged with several offences, including Unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, Endangering safe operation of an aircraft, Endangering safety of aircraft, Dangerous goods on an aircraft, Threat to the safety of an aircraft, Bomb hoax, Possess firearm, and Traffic-related offences.

The teenager was wearing a high-vis jacket over the top of a suit at the time of the incident, with those on board the plane telling GNN that he told the Jetstar crew he was from maintenance.

Police also located two bags and vehicle belonging to the boy, with the bomb squad responded to the scene as a precaution.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at a children's court at a later date.

The CEO of Avalon Airport, Ari Suss, released a statement early this morning, saying, "Melbourne Avalon Airport has now fully reopened, with all flights and operations back to normal scheduling. The safety and security of our passengers, staff, and community, as always, remain our highest priority."

"As part of our ongoing commitment to security, we have implemented further measures across the airport, including within the terminal and surrounding areas."

"We continue to work closely with authorities to maintain a safe and secure environment for all travellers."

"Our teams are on hand to assist travellers as normal operations resume."

"This remains an ongoing investigation, and we will be able to provide further details in due course as more information becomes available."

Deputy Prime Minister and federal member for Corio, whose electorate covers Avalon Airport, released a statement reading, "I was closely watching the events at Avalon Airport yesterday."

"This would have been a scary situation for everyone, but the bravery of the pilot and Barry Clark in 1C, who took action and put themselves in harm's way, was nothing short of heroic."

A source from within Avalon Airport's security team has told GNN that it is feared that serious consequences could have occurred if the teenager wasn't restrained.

Ahead of the upcoming Avalon Airshow, serious questions are being asked about the safety of those attending.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the airport confirming they are working with police. Police have stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

PIC: Supplied

06/03/2025

TWO CRASHES, NEIGHBOURING SUBURBS, LESS THAN AN HOUR APART BRING TRAFFIC CHAOS

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes
Date: 6/3/2025

Two separate crashes within a few kilometers of each other last night brought traffic to a standstill along two main roads last night.

The first crash occurred at the roundabout of Surf Coast Highway and Lower Duneed Road in Mount Duneed around 6:45 pm, with reports of a crash and one person possibly trapped inside.

According to VicEmergency, at least eight emergency service units were on the scene, consisting of firefighters, paramedics, SES volunteers, and police officers.

One vehicle was observed on the side of the road, opposite the roundabout, with the front portion missing.

A second vehicle was parked along Lower Duneed Road, with visible damage to its rear side.

Police on scene directed traffic for around an hour as they awaited the arrival of tow trucks.

One Torquay-bound lane was closed, while the Lower Duneed Road entrance and exit to the roundabout were blocked.

Paramedics were seen assessing at least three people at the scene; however, a spokesperson told Geelong News Now that no emergency treatment or transport was needed.

The second crash occurred at the intersection of Warralily Boulevard and Horseshoe Bend Road in Armstrong Creek just after 7:00 pm.

Paramedics assessed multiple people at the scene, with a spokesperson confirming that two people were transported to Geelong Hospital via road ambulance.

Traffic heading Geelong-bound along Horseshoe Bend Road was blocked, while traffic heading Torquay-bound was reduced to one lane.

The two cars were seen blocking a portion of the intersection before tow trucks arrived.

06/03/2025

UPDATED: TEEN ARRESTED AFTER AN INCIDENT INVOLVING FIREARM AT LOCAL AIRPORT

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes, Declan
Date: 6/3/2025

An armed teenager has been arrested at one of the region's local airports, following a terrifying incident.

Police were called to Avalon Airport, just outside of Geelong, around 2:50pm after receiving reports that a 17-year-old boy, who was armed with a shotgun, had boarded a commercial flight.

In a video seen by Geelong News Now, a passenger, named Barry, is shown holding the teenager in a headlock, while a pilot holds the barrel of the shotgun.

Geelong News Now understands that the teenager, who is from the Ballarat area, is believed to have entered the tarmac after cutting or jumping over a security fence.

Once police officers arrived, they took the teenager into custody in front of shocked onlookers before putting him in the back of a divisional van.

The teenager was wearing a high-vis jacket over the top of a suit at the time of the incident, those on board the plane said that he told the Jetstar crew he was from maintenance.

"When he mentioned maintenance, the staff looked confused; they said they didn't have any knowledge of any need for a maintenance crew member," one witness told Geelong News Now.

Police located two bags and a vehicle belonging to the boy, with the bomb squad called in as a precaution.

It is understood that the Jetstar flight was bound for Sydney, with the airline confirming that the flight has been canceled.

The passenger who had hold of the boy told him, "I'm not strangling you, but you're not moving, alright?"

An Avalon Airport spokesperson confirmed that they were aware of the incident, saying, "We are currently investigating the situation, and our immediate focus is on the safety of our passengers and staff."

"At this time, Avalon Airport visitor access is closed until further notice."

Police have confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.

The teenager remains in custody and is expected to be interviewed by police.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the airport confirming they are working with police.

Police have stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

PIC: Supplied

05/03/2025

Stay Safe South East Queensland 🤍

Be sure to follow the advice of all goverment agencies and emergency services.

04/03/2025

EXCLUSIVE: RAID PERFORMED AT CORIO HOME, NEIGHBOURS LEFT SHAKEN

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes
Date: 4/3/2025

A typically quiet local street was swarming with police this morning.

According to police, officers executed a search warrant at a property along Appleton Road in Corio around 9:00am.

A 38-year-old Corio man was arrested at the home before being taken away by officers.

Locals watched on observing the raid take place and seeing officers walking throughout the front yard and house.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the raid was part of an ongoing investigation.

Several neighbors who spoke with Geelong News Now described the street as "usually quiet” compared to others in the area, also describing it as "a tight-knit street."

One neighbor said, "You never really hear from many people unless you know them or see them. If you have a problem, you sort it out peacefully."

"It's shocking to see all the police," they added.

The Corio man has been issued a pending summons.

03/03/2025

MAN TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL FOLLOWING CRASH INVOLVING A TRAIN

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes
Date: 3/3/2025

An elderly man has been injured following a serious crash just outside Geelong.

Emergency services, including police, paramedics, SES, and firefighters, responded to Railway Street in Inverleigh just after 3:00 pm following reports of a crash involving a train.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that the man, aged in his 80s, was trapped inside his car, which sustained significant damage to its rear side.

It took emergency services several minutes to extricate the man, the sole occupant of the car, from the vehicle. He was then placed into the care of Ambulance Victoria paramedics.

A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria confirmed that the man was transported to Geelong Hospital by road ambulance with injuries to his upper body.

Geelong News Now understands that the driver of the train was not injured in the incident.

The train lines where the crash occurred do not service V/Line services, so travelers between Melbourne and Geelong were not affected.

A spokesperson for the CFA confirmed that the scene was deemed safe by 4:25 pm.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

01/03/2025

WINCHELSEA HOME BURNT DOWN, ROAD CLOSED

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes, Traffic Team
Date: 1/3/2025

A family home in a local rural town has been gutted by fire, prompting a large response from emergency services.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, were called to a property along Willis Street in Winchelsea around 10:00am, following reports of a roof on fire.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that the fire had spread quickly, engulfing most of the property, making only an external firefighting attack possible.

Police closed down a portion of the road, with extra firefighting resources called in from fire stations, including Geelong City, Grovedale, and Fire Station 64.

A hazmat unit from Lara Fire Rescue, Victoria Station 61, also attended the scene.

In total, at least nine firefighting crews were on scene at the peak of the fire, according to VicEmergency, with units from Winchelsea, Wurdale, Birregurra, Modewarre, and Gnarwarre also responding to the scene.

The rear of the property collapsed, with bent tin and metal scattered, while the wooden fences were also scorched.

Willis Street is expected to remain closed, between Gladman Street and Witcombe Street, to traffic for some time as emergency services clean up.

26/02/2025

Geelong News Now Wednesday bulletins are back, hosted by our Chief anchor Darby Travers.

Make sure you stay tuned every Wednesday night for your local news.

26/02/2025

Geelong News Now Wednesday bulletins are back, hosted by our Chief anchor Darby Travers.

Make sure you stay tuned every Wednesday night for your local news.

Geelong News Now February 26th 2025 hosted by Darby Travers.

24/02/2025

VICTORIA POLICE TO REVIEW AN INVESTIGATION FROM NEARLY THREE DECADES AGO

By: Editorial Team
Date: 24/2/2025

Victoria Police have announced that they are reviewing an investigation from nearly three decades ago, into the death of Alana Cecil.

It was the 10th of November 1996 when Alana was found deceased outside of Melton property.

A report, which was prepared by the coroner determined the 16-year-olds death was caused by he**in toxicity with acute asthma.

In the review, recently announced by police, local detectives will review the original investigation and the coronial inquests findings, determining whether there are any new avenues of inquiry.

Police have said that they would like to speak with anyone who has information in relation to Alana's death.

They have particular focus on a person who submitted information anonymously.

Anyone with information about the matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

22/02/2025

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AFTER WOMAN FOUND IN NORLANE STREET

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes, Declan
Date: 23/2/2024

A police probe has been launched after an injured woman was found in Norlane early this morning.

According to police, a local woman, aged in her 30s, was located in the middle of Waitara Grove around 2:30am, by a passing motorist.

The woman was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital with suspected serious injuries, police say.

At this stage, the circumstances surrounding how the woman came to be in the middle of the road and what led to her injuries remain unclear.

A crime scene has been set up, with a portion of Waitara Grove blocked off.

Detectives from the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit are also expected to attend the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

22/02/2025

GEELONG NEWS NOW KICKS OFF NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH FORWARD FLANK IN A BIG YEAR AHEAD FOR SPORT

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes, Sports Team
Date: 22/2/2025

Geelong News Now is thrilled to announce our brand new partnership with Forward Flank.

Together, we will strengthen our sports reporting capabilities, bringing you more comprehensive coverage.

Among the coverage will be full-time AFL scores and in-depth analysis of the issues affecting the AFL.

Geelong News Now Chief Reporter Lincoln Holmes said, “This is an exciting chapter and opportunity. We have been working tirelessly to increase our sports capabilities for local sports fans and AFL fans, not just for the Geelong Cats.”

The Geelong News Now sports team will also have an increased focus on local footy, as well as other local sports.

Our team will provide a full rundown of the upcoming weekend’s games in our Wednesday bulletins, hosted by Darby Travers.

21/02/2025

SURF COAST SHIRE COUNCILLORS SET TO DEBATE AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

By: Editorial Team, Declan, Lincoln Holmes
Date: 21/2/2025

Councillors from the Surf Coast Shire are set to discuss the return of Australia Day celebrations, joining a growing trend of local governments re-evaluating their stance on January 26th.

The move comes after the Surf Coast Council voted to stop acknowledging Australia Day in September 2021, a decision that at the time was seen as a step towards reconciliation.

The discussion will take place at the council's first meeting of the year, where two petitions will be tabled.

One petition, with 556 signatures, calls for the shire to maintain its current stance on Australia Day.

The other petition, with 612 signatures, supports reinstating January 26 celebrations.

Torquay Ward Councillor Rebecca Burke will present a motion seeking the council's support and participation in events celebrating Australia Day, including citizenship ceremonies.

The motion is part of a larger trend, with Geelong Council leading the charge in bringing back Australia Day celebrations after last year's local government elections.

That decision was has sparked furious debates, with a recent council meeting overshadowed by “protests”.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj forced the public gallery to be cleared after attendees protested the decision, and were heard screaming at the mayor and councillors.

The Surf Coast Council's decision to stop acknowledging Australia Day in 2021 was echoed by the City of Greater Geelong 18 months later.

As the Surf Coast Shire Councillors prepare to discuss the return of Australia Day celebrations, the community remains divided.

Some see January 26 as a day of celebration, while others view it as a day of mourning and invasion.

Do you have a view on this story? Believe it needs to be heard? Contact us via our email: [email protected].

19/02/2025

MAN DEAD FOLLOWING INCIDENT AT LOCAL HOTEL, SEARCH ON FOR THE OTHER INVOLVED

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes, Declan
Date: 20/2/2025

A major investigation has been launched following the death of a man at a local hotel late last night.

According to police, a man was found injured inside an upstairs hotel room at the premises along Brougham Street around 11:50pm last night.

It is understood that the 82-year-old victim was assaulted by another man, aged in his 30s, who was staying at the hotel.

The elderly man tragically died at the scene.

Police have confirmed that the other man left the area before police arrived.

A probe has been launched by detectives from the Homicide Squad, who will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A crime scene has been established, taking in a portion of Cavendish Street, with police tape set up, with officers from the Major Crime Scene Unit are also attending the scene.

A search is currently underway to locate the other man involved in the incident.

Police have confirmed that at this stage, the incident appears isolated, with those involved believed to be known to each other.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

19/02/2025

Since opening after its recent upgrade, Marshall train station has been without a bike cage.

For one local resident this led his bike to be stolen.

Lincoln Holmes - 6NewsAU and Geelong News Now reporter - has the details.

07/02/2025

BREAKING: EVENT CANCELED, FOCUS SHIFTED TO THE NEXT

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes, Sports Team
Date: 7/2/2025

Avalon Raceway has announced that an upcoming event has been cancelled.

In a statement shared online, they announced that the "difficult decision" had been made to cancel the event scheduled for Sunday, February 15, which was due to see Super Sedans, Street Stocks and AMCA take to the track.

The statement went on to say, "With a busy racing schedule and lower-than-expected nominations across all classes, combined with other venues in operation, we feel it would be unfair to restrict drivers from the opportunity to race elsewhere."

The decision means that the next event on the calendar is the Great Southern Showdown, scheduled for Saturday, March 1.

"The Drew family will now turn its attention to the Great Southern Showdown on Saturday, March 1, presented by Daimler Trucks Geelong, whom we are proud to welcome as our newest partner at Avalon Raceway," Avalon's statement reads.

"We also look forward to welcoming back the Sprintcars as part of the Doolan's Heavy Haulage Sprintcar Track Championship, presented by Camden Signage & Transall Motors."

Those wanting to purchase tickets can visit the Avalon Raceway website.

07/02/2025

FIRE RIPS THROUGH GEELONG PAVILION SHED, INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes
Date: 7/2/2024

A probe has been launched following a suspicious early morning fire at a popular local spot.

Emergency services were called to the Pavilion along Eastern Beach Road in Geelong around 1:00 am following reports of a fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a shed fully engulfed by fire, with smoke and flames billowing from the roof.

At the peak of the inferno, which gutted a storage shed next to a brick building, up to eight firefighting crews were on the scene.

The blaze took crews around 30 minutes to bring under control.

A nearby resident told Geelong News Now, "You could hear the sirens, and then as I stepped out of the yard, there was an orange glow in the sky."

"It was quite a sight. As I walked down, I could hear people talking, and they thought it was the larger structure that was engulfed."

A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed that no one was inside the storage location at the time, with officers working to investigate what led up to the inferno. Police have confirmed that the fire is being treated as suspicious.

As of 8:30 am, police had the area taped off, with officers guarding the scene.

06/02/2025

BUS CRASH CHAOS: MULTIPLE INJURIES, POWER OUTAGE IN GEELONG

By: Editorial Team, Lincoln Holmes, Traffic Team
Date: 6/2/2025

A serious crash involving a bus has closed one of the region's busiest intersections and left multiple people in hospital.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters, paramedics, and SES crews, were called to the intersection of Garden Street and Ryrie Street in Geelong just after 6:00pm following reports of a crash with a person possibly trapped.

It's understood that the bus, owned by McHarrys, crashed into a light pole, mounted the footpath outside the Shenton Performing Arts Theatre, and collided with a tree before crashing into a traffic light pole and a light pole in the middle of the intersection, however the cause is unclear.

A witness told Geelong News Now reporter Lincoln Holmes that it's lucky that the crash, just outside the popular Geelong High School, didn't occur earlier.

"If this crash had occurred just a couple of hours earlier, we'd be talking about deaths. Students, parents, and people walking could have been involved if it was even just two hours earlier."

Geelong News Now understands that the bus was carrying around 15 people at the time of the crash.

A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria confirmed that paramedics assessed four people at the scene before transporting them to hospital; however, their condition is unclear.

Shocked people at the scene speculated that the bus driver suffered a medical episode, with one person saying he appeared relatively uninjured, while a passenger sustained a head injury.

The bus largely sustained damage to the front, with the portion below the windshield sustaining the brunt of the damage, seen caved in.

Power in neighboring areas was cut due to the crash, with Powercor confirming that some customers had been restored while others were expected to come back online around 11:30 pm.

A police officer also confirmed that power lights at the busy thoroughfare were expected to be off well into the morning, confirming that he expected them to be back up and running by 5:00am.

SES volunteers returned to the scene just before 8:00 pm and were seen cutting up the tree that was ripped from the ground, as a Powercor worker was hoisted atop a power pole by a cherry picker.

A local resident described the intersection as "notoriously dangerous," saying that people regularly run red lights and have near misses.