Working together to improve community safety
Published on 15 July 2026
By Cr Daria Kellander
Community safety has been front and centre in Hobsons Bay for a long time, and our residents, traders and local organisations raise it with me constantly.
It was one of the strongest themes during last year’s Council Plan consultations, and it continues to shape the conversations I have across the ward.
In Altona, our traders aren’t just dealing with the incidents themselves, they’re also grappling with the flow‑on effects – shaken public confidence, rising insurance pressures, and the sense that the problem is bigger than any one business can tackle alone.
That’s why Council recently wrote to the police minister, Anthony Carbines, and to all local MPs, outlining the concerns we’re hearing and calling for stronger action.
We know Victoria Police faces resourcing challenges. As local government, our job is to work alongside police, traders and residents to advocate for more support and to strengthen the networks that keep our community connected.
Last year, during my term as mayor, we established the Hobsons Bay Local Safety Committee with Victoria Police.
It brings together people who are deeply embedded in our community – leaders in health, community services, sport, recreation and faith organisations. They each bring influence, insight and a shared determination to improve safety across Hobsons Bay.
Councillors have also been working closely with resident Alister Dias, who launched Neighbourhood Watch Hobsons Bay (NWHB) last September.
With around 1,700 followers, Alister has built a genuinely positive force in our community. If you haven’t already, consider joining NWHB, following their updates, or attending a meeting.
We’re also supporting Victoria Police through Coffee with a Cop, a simple but powerful initiative that gives people a relaxed way to speak directly with local officers.
We’ve already supported five sessions this year, and the next one is coming up at 10am on 17 August at the Laverton Community Hub.
When we stay informed and connected, we become stronger and more empowered as a community.