Authorities have shut 100 shops under newly granted powers aimed at stamping out the trade in illegal tobacco. Since those powers took effect on 9 September, the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria officers have confiscated over four million unlawful cigarettes, roughly 70,000 vaping devices, three tonnes of leaf tobacco and close to $1 million in cash. The drive is directed at criminal networks that profit from the illicit product, including groups run from overseas. Retailers across a string of Melbourne suburbs have been inspected, and the operation is still underway.
The founding leader of a Melbourne mosque says the accused attempted hijacker of a flydubai flight has never attended the centre. United Arab Emirates authorities claim pilot Hamam al-Hammami was radicalised there, a claim Samir Mohtadi calls false and misleading. Al-Hammami is accused of trying to seize control of a plane bound for Tel Aviv on September 30. Mohtadi says the claims could damage the reputation of a charity that has served the community for decades. The Australian Federal Police confirmed a Victorian counter terrorism team is investigating the pilot's potential domestic connections.
Melbourne mosque imam Samir Mohtadi has strongly rejected claims he was connected to the suspect in an alleged attempted hijacking of a flydubai plane. The United Arab Emirates attorney-general said suspect Hamam Al-Hammami began drifting towards extremism while studying in Melbourne. Mr Mohtadi said he had never met Mr Al-Hammami and that the mosque had no record of him attending. Authorities in Victoria, including the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, are investigating any links between the suspect and Australia. The ABC has noted it does not suggest Mr Mohtadi radicalised the suspect.
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The Broadmeadows Multicultural Community Centre Foundation has secured funding through Australia Post's Community Grants program, which is distributing over $163,000 across 18 Victorian projects. The grant will support the foundation's initiatives to enhance mental wellbeing and community connections in Melbourne's diverse Hume region. Director Katey Ahmed expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the grant's role in expanding programs like the Multicultural Women's Cooking and Wellbeing initiative. Nationally, 81 projects will share over $700,000, with a focus on rural, remote, and disaster-affected areas.
Ford Australia ceased manufacturing cars a decade ago, with the final Ford Falcon and Territory produced at Broadmeadows in 2016. The company had a history of over 90 years in Australia, starting with the Model T in 1925. Ford Australia produced iconic vehicles like the Falcon, Coupe Utility, Cortina, and Laser. The 1971 XY Phase III GT-HO Falcon is considered a legendary performance car. The company's design centre and engineering capabilities led to significant models like the XA Falcon and special editions. The end of local manufacturing marked the closure of a significant chapter in Australia's automotive history.
