Two women charged over North Geelong AMDA Foundation bomb hoax

A pair of Geelong women have been charged in relation to a bomb hoax at the North Geelong offices of the Avalon Airshow organisers.

The bomb squad at work at AMDA in Mackay Street North Geelong after a suspicious package was delivered. Picture: Alison Wynd

Two women have been charged by police after a bomb scare at the North Geelong offices of the company that runs the Avalon Airshow last week.

Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that a 52-year-old Grovedale woman and a 61-year-old Geelong West woman had been arrested as part of the investigation into the incident that prompted a large emergency response at the Federal Mills on Friday.

Both women have been charged with intending to cause a bomb hoax and trespassing.

They have both been bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on April 22.

Police were called to the AMDA Foundation’s office about 9.40am on March 21, after reports a suspicious package had been left by two women inside the building.

Police and the bomb squad at work at AMDA in Mackay Street North Geelong after a suspicious package was delivered. Picture: Alison Wynd

It’s alleged the pair, who police believe to be protesters, were chanting and filming while dropping off the package.

It prompted a major emergency response, with a number of emergency vehicles attending the tense scene.

A safety cordon was established, forcing staff in adjacent businesses to evacuate before the bomb squad attended to access the package.

It was deemed to not contain dangerous materials, with the scene declared safe by 2pm.

Many of the evacuated staff were forced to wait around all day for the scene to declared safe before being able to access their keys which had been left at their desk.

AMDA Foundation is the organiser of this week’s Avalon Airshow.

Earlier today, protesters descended on the airshow site, causing traffic chaos for commuters on Wednesday.

Police closed the Beach Rd exit on the Princes Freeway about 8.30am as a group of protesters tried to block cars. By 8.40am traffic was banking up.

Police have warned any violence at protests against the Avalon International Airshow will “not be tolerated” as extra officers are brought in to patrol the event.

Originally published as Two women charged over North Geelong AMDA Foundation bomb hoax