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Female Officer charged over AVO breach – Northern Region

A police officer – attached to North West Metropolitan region – has been charged following an investigation into alleged domestic violence related offences.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a report of alleged breaches of an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order between Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 10 December 2024.

Following inquiries, police attended a Central Coast home about 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 10 December 2024) and arrested a 39-year-old woman, a senior Constable attached to a command in the North West Metropolitan region.

She was taken to Wyong Police Station where she was charged with two counts of breach AVO.

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Thursday 16 January 2025.

New Report: Connectivity of habitat critical for Koalas

A new report from Canines for Wildlife has revealed the critical importance of maintaining habitat connectivity for Koala populations. The report, provided to Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance, examined the Koala population in the Bellingen-Coffs Harbour area and demonstrated the genetic health of the Koalas was reliant on a wide geographic range with healthy habitat connections through public and private land, and across barriers created by human infrastructure.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “Koalas need a landscape approach to habitat protection that provides healthy pathways between population hubs. This means that a piecemeal approach to protecting forests cannot protect healthy Koala populations from threats like logging and infrastructure,”

“Acoustic monitoring research relied on by the Forestry Corporation and the logging industry to guess Koala numbers has been debunked. This new report goes further and shows just how important it is for the Government to protect habitat across land tenures, and in a way that connects forests across the landscape,”

“The community have been waiting for 18 months for the Minns Labor Government to act on their promise to create a Great Koala National Park in the Bellingen-Coffs Harbour area, while seeing an increase in industrial logging across critical areas of Koala habitat. This new report shows just how dangerous this approach is to the Koala population in the area,”

“The logging lobbyists are working overtime to push the Government to create a Koala Park that is a fraction of what was promised, and want logging to continue in areas within the park. If the Minns Labor Government caves to the logging industry, so much more habitat connectivity will be destroyed, putting this significant Koala population at greater risk of extinction,”

“Rather than walking backwards on their promise to protect Koalas, NSW Labor should be heeding the calls from experts and communities to go further and faster in protecting more habitat at a landscape level. Without a scientific approach to conservation, Koalas will remain as political footballs that will be driven to extinction by compromise and political failure,” Ms Higginson said.

Greens preselect award-winning poet Omar Sakr in Blaxland

Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and Senator for New South Wales, is excited to announce the preselection of Omar Sakr as the Greens candidate for the federal seat of Blaxland currently held by Labor Education Minister Jason Clare.

An award-winning Arab Australian poet who was born and raised in western Sydney to Arab and Turkish Muslim migrants, Sakr will bring a desperately-needed, authentic community voice in parliament.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“I’m so proud and excited to see Omar running for the Greens in Blaxland. Omar will bring the authenticity of western Sydney and its rich multicultural community into the halls of parliament. And that’s exactly what we need.

“It’s never been clearer that the two major parties have lost touch with the community as they prioritise corporate interests while millions struggle to make ends meet in this cost of living crisis. That’s why it’s so important that voices like Omar are in parliament – voices from the community that fight for the community.

“Western Sydney has been taken for granted for far too long. Mortgage and rental stress is high, it’s getting harder to see a GP for free, and public schools are underfunded. 

“The Greens have a plan to make corporations pay their fair share of tax to fund things we all need like affordable homes, fully funded public schools and making sure people can see their GP for free.

“Labor does not care about western Sydney. Labor’s inaction on Israel’s genocide in Gaza has traumatised Arab and Muslim communities in western Sydney, and they teamed up with the Liberals to pass horrific anti-migrant laws. 

“With people like Omar alongside me, we can keep fighting even more strongly for marginalised communities who have been left behind.

“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expect different results. There is a better way. If you want change, vote Greens.”

Omar Sakr:

“I’m running for election as a Greens candidate in the seat of Blaxland, where I live with my family, because I’m disgusted and horrified by the Labor government’s refusal to sanction Israel in accordance with international law, as it carries out a genocide in Palestine. This “friend” of the government has killed and maimed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, to say nothing of the indiscriminate bombing that killed 4,000 in Lebanon, where my mother was born and where some of our relatives still remain.

“Labor and the Liberals are united in their disregard for the rights and lives of Arab and Muslim people, they are united in attaching Australia to the US’s doomed and ruinous forever wars in the Middle East, which we don’t need to have any part in, nor should we. 

“It’s harder and harder to distinguish between Labor and the Liberals these days, but there is a clear difference in the Greens, who have stood on their principles, and who continually champion justice, which is why I’m honoured to have been preselected by my local Greens group and to represent this party. 

“I want a better, fairer society for my children to grow up in, one with a sustainable future, quality education, accessible housing and healthcare that encompasses all of the mind and body, not just the parts deemed cheapest to cover.

“Blaxland has the highest mortgage stress rate in the country and I’m one of the people experiencing that. Most of my family are struggling under extreme rental stress as well. And this is why I’m getting involved, we need serious change and we need it now. 

“Blaxland deserves a federal MP who actually represents them. They won’t get that in a Labor or Liberal MP, but they will get that in me.”

RBA stubbornness hurting Australians

The Reserve Bank’s decision not to reduce interest rates will needlessly hurt mortgage holders and put more Australians out of work, the Greens say

“The RBA’s decision today increases pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to step in and provide relief,” Australian Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Nick McKim said.

“Australian mortgage holders have done nothing to cause inflation yet they are being smashed by high interest rates.”

“There are any number of things Treasurer Jim Chalmers could do, but he is again just wringing his hands and doing his ashen-faced theatrical performance.”

“Labor could put in place a excessive profits tax on corporations, freeze rents and  make price gouging illegal. All of these things would actually put downward pressure on inflation.”

“But Labor’s refusal to act means that the RBA feels compelled to leave interest rates higher for longer.” 

“The Greens saved section 11 in the Reserve Bank Act precisely so the Treasurer of the day could override the RBA when necessary. Now is the time.”

“High interest rates have no impact on international supply chains, climate change or wars on the other side of the world. What they do is harm people who have no responsibility for current rates of inflation.”

Greens push for big banks to offer low-rate discount mortgages could save North Queenslanders thousands

While in Cairns and Townsville Greens Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters demonstrated how the Greens plan to require the big banks to offer a discount mortgage could benefit all Far North and North Queensland homeowners, 

The ‘HomeKeeper’ low rate mortgage would be mandated via legislating requiring the big banks to offer a mortgage rate option of just 1% above the cash rate, protected to save the average mortgage holder $90 each week.  The big banks could still offer other products and there would be no compulsion on anyone to switch to a HomeKeeper mortgage.

Greens Senate leader Larissa Waters, Senator for Queensland

“We’re in a housing crisis everywhere, but Cairns and Townsville are the hardest hit outside of Southeast Queensland, with the worst levels of housing stress.

“In Townsville, rents have skyrocketed by 35%, and house prices have increased 61% in the last five years.

“Meanwhile, bank profits are also skyrocketing—they raked in $17.6 billion last year alone off people’s home loans. For decades they have been massively profiteering while people are really hurting.

“That’s why the Greens are taking on the big banks. We’ve announced ‘HomeKeeper,’ a plan to legislate low-rate mortgages—just 1% above the cash rate.

“We’ve seen policies like this work in Portugal, France and Chile.

“This could save the average mortgage holder in northern Queensland about $90 a week or $4,000 a year. It’s time to stop big corporations and banks from ripping us off and making the housing crisis worse.

“It is immoral that people are being forced out of their homes to protect the profits of big corporations. In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should have a secure home.

“Big banks pocket an estimated $176 a week—or $200,880 over 30 years—from profits on the average home loan, according to The Australia Institute.

“The Greens are here to fight for you, to take on the big banks, and to deliver a cheaper mortgage.

Community use of coastal buildings in focus to aid future planning

City of Newcastle is leading the way in coastal infrastructure planning by kicking off consultation with the community on its Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, the first of its kind in the state.

The Plan will incorporate a range of structures along the various coastline precincts from Stockton to the Merewether Ocean Baths Pavilion, and include lifeguard facilities, surf club pavilions and clubhouses, beach kiosks, shade shelters and amenities, as well as seawalls. 

It will be guided by Newcastle’s Coastal Management Programs and input from the local community, alongside a comprehensive review of existing facilities, as part of a strategic effort to enhance and maintain the city’s iconic coastal assets.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the community is at the heart of the trailblazing work on the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan.

“We’re leading the way with our work, which will ensure that the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of Newcastle’s coastal buildings is planned and delivered in a sustainable, strategic and considered manner, and benefits the wider community,” Mr Thomson said. 

“If you’ve swam at a local beach or ocean baths, enjoyed coffee and a snack from a beach kiosk, asked a lifeguard in blue for advice, been involved with nippers or other surf lifesaving club activities, then you’ll be no stranger to the importance of the buildings situated along the city’s iconic coastline.

“To inform the development of the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, we recently hosted a series of focus groups with key stakeholders, and now we want to hear from you to help us understand your needs and aspirations for our coastal buildings.

“Community insight is crucial to help inform the new plan, which will provide clear guidance for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of coastal buildings and assets over the short, medium and long term.” 

In addition to the user needs analysis currently underway, a review of existing infrastructure is also being undertaken. 

This important feedback will contribute to a considered framework for future planning, management and prioritisation of infrastructure, balancing the views of users, and considering social, environmental and technical constraints. 

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will also support City of Newcastle to apply for and secure NSW and Federal Government funding for projects that enhance access to our coastal areas.

Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle’s beaches, baths and coastal areas are spectacular precincts that contribute to the wellbeing of our community and attract visitors to our city, and planning for their future will serve the community and visitors now and into the future. 

“We love our coast, and our beaches are a big part of our local culture, which is why we need to proactively plan for coastal infrastructure that supports the needs of our growing community and visitor economy now, and for generations to come,” Cr Barrie said. 

“Located along arguably one of the most incredible coastlines in the country, these buildings and facilities are essential community spaces that bring people together, while also providing a base for vital surf lifesaving services.”

To find out more and have your say visit https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/CBRP

Coastal Management Program

To continue to guide the ongoing management of Newcastle’s coastline and related projects and planning, City of Newcastle is also in the process of developing the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program, which covers the coastline from Nobbys Headland to Glenrock Lagoon, and the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program. 

Coastal Management Programs set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coast, to protect coastal environments, manage the risk of coastal hazards, respect Aboriginal values and uses of the coastline, and ensure all use and development of the coastal environmental occurs in an ecologically sustainable way, while balancing the needs of the community. 

Newcastle Art Gallery gets official reopening date

Newcastle Art Gallery will reopen its doors next year in time for City of Newcastle’s flagship arts and culture festival, New Annual, to be held in late September. 

But before the community is invited back into the reimagined space, City of Newcastle will undertake the most complex fit-out and commissioning process of any building project in its history. 

An artist's impression of the interior of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.An artist’s impression of the interior of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the next stage of work was critical to meet the exacting international standards required to accommodate world-class works of art. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to be the custodian of one of the nation’s most significant public collections of Australian and international art, which is valued at more than $126 million,” Ms Morton said. 

“But with this honour comes great responsibility as we create a fit-for-purpose home for both our own collection and works of art on loan from across Australia and around the world. 

“We need to get every aspect right, from the international standard humidity and temperature control system, to the global-specification loading dock and quarantine area needed to manage the safe handling of high value works of art, as well as the international standards to display the collection, which includes the top 10 works alone collectively valued at $34million.” 

Work on the project remains on schedule for the planned reopening next year, with the final stages of construction now underway. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said he was looking forward to the completion of the transformational project to ensure the long-term protection, preservation and enjoyment of the city’s most valuable cultural asset. 

“It’s been a tremendously exciting project to design and build. The challenge has been to design a building that is entirely welcoming and inviting to the public but that appropriately secures $126 million in artwork,” Mr Thomson said. 

“I sometimes equate what we are building to that of a bank vault, but with windows on every side, a huge front door, a staff entrance and a loading dock. It’s been a massive challenge but I’m confident that we have got the balance right in terms of designing a building that Novocastrians can be proud of, but that is also capable of safely hosting in the vicinity of $50 million of art on any day of the year. 

“A project of this nature is unique for our city, and has required collaboration, perseverance and passion as we prepare to deliver one of the largest galleries in Australia.  

“Like many complex infrastructure projects, we have had to overcome a range of challenges, including excessive wet weather, underground utilities and important archaeological preservation, and the remediation of historic mine workings which required five-and-a-half Olympic-size swimming pools worth of grout to be pumped beneath the site.  

“We have also navigated the task of combining a new building with the retrofit of an iconic 47-year-old structure, carefully respecting its heritage while ensuring compliance with modern-day requirements and standards. 

“What we are delivering, however, will make a significant contribution to our city, creating jobs and economic investment now, while promising to help drive our visitor economy once it reopens.  

“It’s been fantastic to watch the transformation on site as the roof takes shape and we shift toward the final stages of construction in the coming months, before the fit-out and commissioning are completed.” 

The project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Art Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows. 

It will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street. 

The expanded Art Gallery will provide a significant cultural tourism opportunity and is expected to attract 150,000 visitors per year. 

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Game-changing upgrade for Australia’s largest firefighting helicopter

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has been preparing for summer with upgrades to Australia’s largest firefighting helicopter, including increased water-holding capacity and new night-time capabilities.

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter can now hold 11,000 litres of water in an internal tank, making it an even better asset in firefighting efforts.

With the tank upgrade, the helicopter can fill faster, deploy more effectively, and conduct night-time operations when fire intensity is typically lower. Previously, the Chinook had a bucket that made it too dangerous to be used at night-time or over densely populated areas.

Added to the RFS aerial fleet last year, the Chinook has been instrumental in firefighting efforts in NSW and is one of only a few Chinook helicopters in use for firefighting activity globally, with the heavy transport helicopter mostly used by defence forces.

NSW has the most aerial firefighting aircraft of any state and territory in Australia. In addition to the Chinook, the fleet this season includes the Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker ‘Marie Bashir’, two Cessna Citations, one King Air fixed-wing aircraft and six Bell 412 helicopters.

The new tank was fitted out locally and is a permanent solution that replaces a temporary 10,000-litre bucket. It allows the Chinook to carry the largest water payload of any firefighting helicopter in Australia and second only to the ‘Marie Bashir’ in the RFS fleet.

This expanded capability builds on the RFS’s strategic partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force, with the aircraft operating out of RAAF Base Richmond.

Operating from bases across the state, including Richmond, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Cooma, the RFS fleet is further supported by more than 200 additional aircraft available on an as-needed basis through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and other agreements.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We can never be too prepared for summer and the upgraded Chinook makes the RFS aerial fleet even stronger in the fight against fires.”

“This new capability to safely conduct aerial waterbombing at night is a game-changer for our response, allowing for faster turnarounds and greater capacity to protect people and properties.”

“Our aerial fleet includes crucial assets that support our RFS volunteers and personnel on the ground to keep communities as safe as possible, and I thank them for everything they do for our state.”

“As we enter the warmer months and as the RFS and other fire agencies prepare, communities across the state should also do their bit by checking the readiness of their properties and their plan in the event of an emergency.”

Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service Rob Rogers said:

“This addition means that the Chinook can directly attack fires with precision when conditions are typically more favourable – such as at night.”

“The RFS is prepared to deploy our robust and versatile fleet wherever and whenever needed to protect communities and respond swiftly to fires across NSW.”

Free school holiday fun for regional youth

Young people across regional NSW can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities during the upcoming school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s Holiday Break program.

The initiative ensures regional youth have access to free enriching, educational and enjoyable experiences during the school holidays, breaking down financial barriers and making these opportunities accessible to all.

The program will deliver a total of 800 free events across the summer and autumn school holidays, including a wide variety of activities designed to engage, inspire and connect young people in regional areas.

With the summer school holidays just around the corner, young people can look forward to 500 exciting activities across the state, including tennis, rugby, cricket and basketball, alongside creative workshops and outdoor adventures.

Music and dance workshops offer opportunities for collaboration and performance, while rock climbing, pool parties and barefoot bowls are fun supervised social events.

Other unique experiences include a ‘Paint a Skateboard’ workshop, an introduction to aeromodelling and cultural programs that celebrate and teach Aboriginal culture.

To make it easier for families to plan, see an interactive map where you can find some of the activities near you.

NSW Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“The Holiday Break program is a great way to support young people in regional NSW by offering a wide range of free activities that help them stay active, explore new interests and build meaningful connections with their peers.

“In total, the program will deliver 800 free activities across regional NSW over the summer and autumn holidays, making sure kids are learning and having new experiences with their peers.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This program is about making sure that every young person, no matter where they live, has the chance to try something new, develop their skills and have fun with their friends.

“As families face increasing financial pressures, this program offers young people the chance to create lasting memories without the added cost, making school holidays more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”

Club Manager at Gunnedah PCYC Jessica Blair said:

“PCYC Broken Hill and PCYC Gunnedah’s Holiday Break program is specifically designed to address the unique needs of young people in regional areas.

“For many young people in these communities, school holidays can be a time of isolation, with limited recreational options available.

“By offering structured, supervised activities like the 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Menindee and multisport programs in Wee Waa and Wilcannia, the program helps keep young people engaged in positive, social activities.

“Many of the activities are designed to enhance physical fitness, mental well-being and life skills, all while providing an alternative to the challenges that come with long school holidays in regional communities.”

High school upgrades to increase opportunities for high potential students

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to expand high potential and gifted education opportunities across NSW public schools, with 13 targeted schools set to receive a share in $50 million for specialist school facilities.

The funding will deliver upgrades and improvements to facilities such as science and technology laboratories, libraries, creative arts spaces, sporting facilities and design workshops, enabling the schools to deliver talent development and extension opportunities across a range of subject areas.

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education opportunities in all NSW public schools.

Work with these partner schools is the first step in the NSW Government’s expansion of access to High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities across NSW public schools. Staff at these targeted schools will work with HPGE experts to deliver more opportunities that challenge and extend students to reach their potential.

These opportunities include activities such as class-level acceleration programs, inter-school competitions and tournaments, and statewide opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program, the Premier’s Spelling Bee, the Gamechanger Challenge in design thinking, the Schools Spectacular and inter-school debating championships.

Priority schools have been chosen across metropolitan and regional NSW based on identified student needs, population growth, and schools’ capacity to accommodate increased enrolments.

Marrickville High School, which has had a 50 per cent lift in school enrolments since 2021, will be among the first schools to benefit from the new program, with funding to go towards an upgraded hall and science labs, improved music and performance spaces and modernising outdated food technology facilities.

The investment will help broaden educational opportunities at the school through access to state-of-the-art learning resources such as STEM provisions and dedicated creative arts, performance and sports facilities.

The 13 partner schools are:

  • Batemans Bay High School
  • Bowral High School
  • Canobolas Rural Technical High School, Orange
  • Chifley College Dunheved Campus
  • JJ Cahill High School, Mascot
  • Kooringal High School, Wagga Wagga
  • Lake Macquarie High School
  • Lithgow High School
  • Marrickville High School
  • Matraville Sports High School
  • South Sydney High School
  • Tamworth High School
  • Windsor High School

The NSW Government and Department of Education is working closely with the partner schools to identify infrastructure investments that would best support student opportunities.

In addition to the facilities upgrades, teachers at the partner schools will receive dedicated professional learning to assist with identifying and rolling out more High Potential and Gifted Education opportunities for their students.

Broader professional learning will also be provided to teachers in all NSW public schools as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to expanding access to High Potential and Gifted Education opportunities across the system.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

“We want every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential at school, with high expectations for achievement.

“Through our commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education across our state’s schools, parents can be confident that their local public school will bring out the absolute best in their child.

“NSW public schools already offer a free world class education, the addition of these programs will only enhance that offer.

“The investment in specialist facilities like science and technology labs and creative performance spaces will enhance opportunities for students to nurture their talents in our high schools.” 

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“We know all our schools have high potential and gifted students. Creating classroom and school environments where students are encouraged to achieve excellence in their learning will mean all our students, including high potential and gifted students, will have the opportunity to flourish.”

Marrickville High School principal Steve Holz said:

“This additional support in delivering high-quality programs for all our students, including high potential and gifted students, will further boost our school’s increasingly positive reputation within the community.

“We want our school to be the school of choice for the parents and students in our area and this program will help us in achieving that goal.”