By Kirsty Ross
A PUBLIC council meeting to advise an Altona East hall’s terms of lease has been described as “a fiery event” at which intimidation allegedly came into play.
Angry resident Jason McHale lives in nearby Marion St.
He is sick of the noise made by people leaving the hall, smashed bottles, and cans thrown over his fence on Saturday nights.
Then there are the car alarms, screeching wheels and loud arguments past midnight.
The Maltese Association has occupied the Collins Ave Hall since January 2006, and is the lead tenant responsible for managing the hiring of the hall to potential users.
During the Hobsons Bay City Council meeting last Tuesday night, Maltese Association president Joe Attard told members of the Maltese community present to stand while the agenda item was addressed, an act Mr McHale believes was to intimidate councillors.
Mr Attard then interrupted proceedings as community services director Peter Hunt commented on the matter, while former mayor Carl Marsich requested he refrain.
Councillor Peter Hemphill later told Star he felt Mr Attard crossed the line.
“Joe Attard was verbally attacking Peter Hunt – he gave him a tirade,” Cr Hemphill said.
“We can’t be intimidated by people just to get their own way.”
Cr Hemphill also warned Mr Attard, as lead tenant, could be liable for hirer’s trouble, as outlined the Residential Tenancy’s Act.
But Mr Attard later told Star he was no longer interested in hiring out the hall. “The council is trying to restrict us to five events till midnight a year, but we want once a month to go till midnight,” he said.
Mr Attard said it was the council’s problem for moving the 600-member group to the new hall, knowing its member base.
But Mr McHale was unforgiving of the display during the meeting.
“I tell you what, Joe Attard’s contempt for council is exactly the same contempt that he bestows upon neighbours here with the Saturday night nightclub entertainment for the residents,” Mr McHale said.
Councillor Lee Hardinge said he would not comment on the meeting antics, but said he was concerned for residents over the noise issues.
“We will have a meeting on 5 December, and sit down with all the parties on the issue to come up with a solution,” Cr Hardinge said.
Hobsons Bay City Council will confirm in writing a variation to the service agreement with the Maltese Association, as was amended by councillor Bill Baarini during the meeting.
The hall will be available tfor hire until 11pm on Saturday evenings.
The Maltese Association was going to be allowed to hold a maximum of five activities a year that run until midnight, with a further half hour to clean and vacate the premises.
However, this will be discussed further at the 5 December meeting before a final decision is made.
The Maltese Association is set to sign a lease for a period of 25 years at the hall, subject to community feedback.
