Latest news with #PortPhillipCouncil
Herald Sun
06-05-2025
- Herald Sun
Two new charges laid on Paul Murphy over alleged anti-Semitic Middle Park attack
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News. A man allegedly at the centre of an anti-Semitic attack on a Middle Park family's home has been slapped with two fresh charges. Paul Murphy, 68, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates' Court for the first time on Tuesday, facing five charges including one count of intentionally damage property, one count of unlawful assault and one count of mark offensive graffiti visible from a public space. Police have alleged Mr Murphy spray painted a blue Star of David on the fence of a prominent Jewish family's mansion on Beaconsfield Parade on January 31. When a passer-by tried to intervene, he allegedly spat and threw a packet of bacon at the person. Under the Nazi regime, Jewish people were forced to wear the Star of David – a symbol of Jewish identity – to identify themselves, while the star was also painted on Jewish shop fronts. In court on Tuesday, two charges were added to the allegations against Mr Murphy — one count of making a threat to destroy property and one count of behaving in an offensive manner within the view of another person — occurring on the same date as the alleged anti-Semitic attack but at a different location. After the alleged attack the graffiti was quickly removed with the assistance of the Port Phillip Council. Mayor Louise Crawford said she was 'appalled' by the anti-Semitic vandalism. Ms Crawford said the council had dispatched an emergency response team to remove the graffiti. 'An attack on any group is an attack on our City's longstanding value of inclusion for all,' she said. Mr Murphy will return to the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 27.
The Age
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Age
Food fight at Albert Park temple as locals call for Hare Krishna kitchen to be moved
The dramatic growth of a Hindu sect in Melbourne has ignited a clash between worshippers and residents over the noise, traffic and smell emanating from an inner-city temple. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the primary organisation of the Hare Krishna movement, has been based on Danks Street in Albert Park for almost 50 years. But the growing Indian diaspora has fuelled a resurgence in members, pushing its Albert Park headquarters to capacity as local complaints intensify about the temple kitchen that pumps out thousands of meals weekly. A petition with 182 signatures calling for the kitchen's relocation was presented to Port Phillip Council last week, claiming it was now a 'commercial activity' for an industrial site. Hare Krishna Melbourne, however, argues the kitchen should remain because it complies with an existing use right for the temple's current operations. Port Phillip Council's lawyers are assessing the claim before a vote in June. Temple president Aniruddha Dāsa said he appreciated neighbours' concerns, as the temple had experienced a 'mind-boggling' increase in popularity since the pandemic, particularly as border restrictions lifted and Indian university students returned. However, Shirley Lanning and Maria Mercurio, petitioners from the 'Keep Albert Park Peaceful' group, argue disruptions are linked to the temple's kitchen, which expanded significantly around 2017. The kitchen powers the Hare Krishna Food For Life charity that feeds people experiencing food insecurity across Melbourne. Temple worshippers also get three free meals a day, and weekend feasts draw large crowds. Some food is also prepared for ISKCON's low-cost restaurant in the CBD.
Sydney Morning Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Food fight at Albert Park temple as locals call for Hare Krishna kitchen to be moved
The dramatic growth of a Hindu sect in Melbourne has ignited a clash between worshippers and residents over the noise, traffic and smell emanating from an inner-city temple. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the primary organisation of the Hare Krishna movement, has been based on Danks Street in Albert Park for almost 50 years. But the growing Indian diaspora has fuelled a resurgence in members, pushing its Albert Park headquarters to capacity as local complaints intensify about the temple kitchen that pumps out thousands of meals weekly. A petition with 182 signatures calling for the kitchen's relocation was presented to Port Phillip Council last week, claiming it was now a 'commercial activity' for an industrial site. Hare Krishna Melbourne, however, argues the kitchen should remain because it complies with an existing use right for the temple's current operations. Port Phillip Council's lawyers are assessing the claim before a vote in June. Temple president Aniruddha Dāsa said he appreciated neighbours' concerns, as the temple had experienced a 'mind-boggling' increase in popularity since the pandemic, particularly as border restrictions lifted and Indian university students returned. However, Shirley Lanning and Maria Mercurio, petitioners from the 'Keep Albert Park Peaceful' group, argue disruptions are linked to the temple's kitchen, which expanded significantly around 2017. The kitchen powers the Hare Krishna Food For Life charity that feeds people experiencing food insecurity across Melbourne. Temple worshippers also get three free meals a day, and weekend feasts draw large crowds. Some food is also prepared for ISKCON's low-cost restaurant in the CBD.
