December 2020 – Page 2

First look at Stockton’s container café

Image: Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Café Manager Vinny Sovechles and Café Owner Nick Sovechles
Stockton residents and visitors now have a new coffee haunt to choose from for a morning pick me up as works have wrapped up on the installation of a temporary container café near Stockton Ferry Wharf called ‘Whispers on the Wharf’.
The licence has been signed by owner of Lexie’s On The Beach, Nick Sovechles, and the container café is now open for business. Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen today met with Nick Sovechles and Café Manager Vinny Sovechles for a first look at the temporary café.

Initially, the cafe was going to be a temporary home for the popular Stockton café, which vacated its beachside location following an erosion event earlier in the year. Lexie’s has since reopened at the beach in addition to taking on the container licence.

The location is ideal for a café, with Stockton’s Ferry servicing around 50,000 passengers per month and the nearby Active Hub attracting thousands each week.
During this initial 12-month licence, City of Newcastle will complete its Community Land Plan of Management, which will help determine the long-term plans for the reserve.

Teen charged over alleged armed robbery – Scone

A teenager has been charged over an alleged armed robbery in the Hunter region last month.
About 9pm on Monday 16 November 2020, a teen entered a fast food restaurant on Kelly Street, Scone, and allegedly threatened a 19-year-old man with a knife, demanding cash.
The staff member complied, and the teen then fled on foot with an amount of cash.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended a short time later and established a crime scene.
The two staff members present at the time were not injured.
Following inquiries and an appeal for public information, a 16-year-old boy was arrested at a home in Scone about 9:40am today (Sunday 27 December 2020).
The teen was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.
He was refused bail and will face a children’s court tomorrow (Monday 28 December 2020).

Woman charged with high range drink driving – Thornton

A woman will appear in court in February next year after crashing her car into another vehicle while allegedly intoxicated earlier yesterday.
Police will allege that, about 7:40am (Saturday 26 December 2020), a 40-year-old woman was driving her Mazda CX-5 out of a carpark onto Tomas Cooke Drive, Thornton, when she collided with a Toyota Hilux driving south along Tomas Cooke Drive.
The Toyota Hilux rolled onto its side. The 50-year-old male driver was not injured.
Emergency services were called and officers from Port Stephens – Hunter Police District attended and commenced an investigation.
The woman was breath tested and provided a positive result. She was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where she submitted an alleged breath analysis reading of 0.189 – in the high-range category.
She was charged with high range PCA, and her licence was suspended.
She is due to appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 3 February 2021.

Man charged with affray following hotel brawl – Hunter Valley

A man will appear in court following investigations into a brawl at a hotel in Branxton at the weekend.
During the evening of Saturday 19 December 2020, several members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang attended a hotel in Branxton.
It will be alleged in court that, while inside the hotel two men, one aged 28, approached two patrons and assaulted them.
Other patrons in the venue came to their aid and separated the group; they all left the location – including the victims – prior to the arrival of officers from Hunter Valley Police District.
About 10am today (Thursday 24 December 2020), investigators attended a home on Wollombi Road, Bellbird Heights, where they arrested the 28-year-old man.
He was taken to Hunter Valley Police Station and charged with affray.
The man was granted conditional bail and will appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 20 January 2021.
As inquiries continue, with the assistance of Strike Force Raptor, officers are seeking information from anyone who may have been at the hotel in the evening of Saturday 19 December 2020.

Contracts signed for rollout of COVID-19 vaccine

Contracts have been signed with companies to partner with the Australian Government to safely distribute COVID-19 vaccines to all Australians from March next year.
The contracts cover three vital aspects of the vaccine rollout:

Distribution and logistics— industry leading providers DHL and Linfox will undertake COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Data—Accenture will provide tracking of vaccine doses as well as enabling overall program implementation monitoring.

In addition, PwC will be the Department of Health’s Program Delivery Partner for the vaccine rollout.
Finalisation of these contracts confirms Australia is on track to achieve a well-ordered, efficient and safe rollout of COVID-19 vaccine. Subject to approvals, the first vaccinations will be provided to health workers and aged care residents from March.
DHL and Linfox will work with the Department of Health to design and operate a national distribution network. They will support vaccination for all, including people in rural, remote and very remote areas and others who are hard to reach.
They will also be required to track and report the temperature of the vaccine at all times. The required temperature could be 2 to 8 degrees (standard cold chain temperatures) to as low as minus 70, which is needed for the Pfizer vaccine.
Purpose built dry ice containers will be supplied for moving the Pfizer vaccine around Australia, as part of the Government’s global distribution deal with Pfizer.
As well as transporting the vaccines from the point of acceptance from manufacturers to vaccination administration sites, the logistics partners will be responsible for transport and management of vaccination supplies such as needles, syringes, and personal protective equipment.
Data partner Accenture will design, develop, and implement a software solution to enable “point in time” visibility of COVID-19 vaccine doses across the delivery chain.
This will include receipt of the vaccine by health services, vaccination of patients, and subsequent monitoring for adverse reactions.
Vaccines will be a critical part of Australia’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and the Australia Government has secured over 117 million doses to cover the Australian population several times over.
Vaccines will complement the other vital health measures including social distancing, good hand hygiene, high testing rates and Australians mandatory hotel quarantine regime for international travellers.
Our advice remains that Australia remains on track for first vaccinations in March, and completion of whole of population in 2021.
Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic remains the envy of the world.

Holiday vigilance to protect older Australians in aged care

The health and safety of older Australians should be a priority this holiday season with families urged to keep in contact with those most in need – but to take appropriate precautions.
While restrictions have eased across Australia, providers and families living across the Northern Beaches and Penrith areas of Sydney must abide by the current visitation guidelines.
Until further notice all staff and visitors at residential facilities must wear a surgical mask.
Additionally, until at least Wednesday 30 December, all residential aged care facilities across the Northern Beaches LGA must exclude visitors, except those performing essential caring functions.
Up to two people are permitted to visit loved ones in residential aged care facilities in Greater Sydney including the local government areas of Central Coast and Wollongong.
The rule also applies for Greater Sydney residents visiting regional aged care facilities.

There are no restrictions on people from regional NSW visiting residents in regional facilities.
Updated advice for Residential Aged Care facilities and Home Care Service providers can be found here.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said aged care providers and families were required to follow the relevant visitation guidelines to ensure loved ones could maintain contact.
“We know where there is community transmission there is a serious risk of the virus spreading to aged care settings,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It is a difficult time for residents, families, providers and staff at facilities across this region but it’s vital we prioritise and protect our most vulnerable.
“Of course, we want families to maintain contact with their relatives in aged care, and a phone call or video call will mean a lot to those who can’t have visitors.
“Staff and management will continue to provide compassion and understanding, while also being a strong line of defence for those in their care from the coronavirus.”
Australian Government support for aged care providers in the Northern Beaches hotspot is already being provided, including asymptomatic testing, supplies of personal protective equipment as required, and workforce surge and support where needed.
A new three-tier escalation plan, backed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), outlines how providers can respond to the COVID-19 threat level in the local community and ramp the response up or down as needed.
The AHPPC guidelines outline visitation recommendations providers can put in place if they are in a defined hotspot with localised outbreaks of cases (Tier 2) and when there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the community (Tier 3).
“Residents must be protected in the least restrictive manner and their health needs must be balanced with their personal wellbeing,” Minister Colbeck said.
Additionally, Minister Colbeck said the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19, developed in conjunction with consumer peak bodies sets out a nationally consistent, principles-based approach to maintaining residents’ visitation and communication – the Government welcomes the latest version of the code.
In conjunction with the new visitation guidelines, it offers clarity for residents and families.
“It is an important time of the year for families to re-connect, particularly as we return to COVID-normal environments with the current exception of the Sydney hotspots,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The social distancing measures we have all adopted will protect our families.
“Don’t visit if you are unwell, practise good hand and cough hygiene, and follow the advice available from staff at the aged care facility.”
All aged care providers are urged to ensure their outbreak management plan is up to date and ready to be activated. They must also be alert to any staff or care recipients experiencing respiratory and flu like symptoms.
The Visitation Guidelines for Residential Aged Care can be found here.
The COVID-19 escalation tiers and aged care provider responses can be found here.
The Older Persons COVID Support Line can offer information and support to seniors who need assistance or are feeling worried and isolated. The line can be reached on free call 1800 171 866.
Mental health support is available to all Australians by calling Lifeline (13 11 14) or BeyondBlue (1800 512 348) and further resources are available on the Department of Health’s Head to Health website.

Incorrect report in Newcastle Herald regarding contract for Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade

A report in today’s Newcastle Herald incorrectly claims that the architecture firm that in 2017 developed widely criticised concept designs for the Newcastle Ocean Baths pavilions has been awarded the contract for work to the pools and surrounds.
As stated in a City of Newcastle media release issued earlier this week, it has awarded a contract to GHD Pty Ltd for work to the pools and surrounds. The contract does not include work to the pavilions, which is a later stage and to be resolved in consultation.
Yesterday online and today in print, the Newcastle Herald incorrectly claimed that GHD Pty Ltd was responsible for the drawings of a “boxy new modern pavilion”. The Herald included one of these drawings in its online and print editions.
As raised with the Herald yesterday, a controversial design of the pavilion which the Lord Mayor and Council ruled out progressing more than 12 months ago, were done by GHD Woodhead. This is a different company to GHD Pty Ltd. Not only do they have a different name, but they also have a different ABN, different staff and a different Board of Directors.
Had the Newcastle Herald approached City of Newcastle for comment, or GHD Pty Ltd, this unfortunate error would have been detected. As is sometimes the case, the Herald chose not to seek comment from City of Newcastle before publishing the inaccurate story.
The Herald story has generated a significant amount of concern among the Newcastle Ocean Baths community, and has been shared online by a number of prominent people with large followings. All of this community angst could have been avoided had the Newcastle Herald fact checked their story.
City of Newcastle has on multiple occasions over the past 12 months been forced to correct factually incorrect and sensationalised reports from the Newcastle Herald regarding the Newcastle Oceans Baths. These ‘stories’ are usually accompanied by photos of the 2017 concept designs, despite City of Newcastle and the elected Council confirming several times these designs are not proceeding.
The only development occurring at the Newcastle Ocean Baths at this point in time is to upgrade the pools and their surrounds. The contract awarded to GHD Pty Ltd for the development of concept designs of the pools and surrounds has occurred following extensive community engagement.
We again reiterate that any redevelopment of the pavilions will occur in consultation with the community, including the Community Reference Group, which City of Newcastle established earlier this year.
City of Newcastle looks forward to the new year and a new approach from the Newcastle Herald to reporting on matters relating to the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

Northern Beaches woman issued PIN for breach of NSW health order – Sanctuary Point

A woman from the Northern Beaches has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PINs) over an alleged breach of the Public Health Act while travelling on the South Coast.
Officers from South Coast Police District commenced inquiries yesterday (Wednesday 23 December 2020), after receiving reports a woman from the Northern Beaches had collapsed at a pizza shop at Sanctuary Point the evening before and was treated at Shoalhaven Hospital.
Police were told the woman appeared to be experiencing symptoms – however declined to be tested – and left the hospital.
Following inquiries, police attended a home on Edmund Street, Sanctuary Point, and spoke with the 37-year-old woman and three other occupants. All parties were directed to self-isolate.
The Bilgola Plateau woman has since been issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with requirement of public health order – COVID-19.
It is understood the pizza store has closed for cleaning as a precaution.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages

Man charged after allegedly stealing high performance car – Merewether

A man will face court today after allegedly stealing a high-performance vehicle and driving in a dangerous manner throughout Newcastle.
About 2.45pm on Sunday (20 December 2020), an Audi R8 was stolen from a home on Scenic Drive, Merewether.
Police will allege in court that the driver – a 49-year-old man – committed several driving offences throughout Newcastle after stealing the Audi including, but not limited to:

Crossing double white lines to overtake vehicles
Driving on the wrong side of the road
Speeding at approximately 160km/hr in a sign-posted 60km/hr zone

Following extensive inquiries by Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police District officers, police attended a home on Nooroo Close, Windale, and arrested a 49-year-old man just before 9pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 December 2020).
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive whilst unlicensed and break and enter house steal value more than $60,000.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 24 December 2020).
Newcastle City PD Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM, said the manner of driving in these alleged offences is horrendous and is one of the worst examples of dangerous driving he’s seen.
“It so happens that the vehicle we will allege the 49-year-old stole from the Merewether home had a dash cam which automatically turned on as it left the property.
“It is dangerous driving at an extreme level – speeding through residential areas and stop signs, over pedestrian crossings, travelling in excess of 160 km/hr in built up areas, overtaking other motorists across double unbroken lines, and crossing to the wrong side of the road.
“This manner of driving puts dozens of lives at risk.
“Double demerits are in force until Sunday 3 January 2021, and we are continuing to plead with all motorists to pay attention to your surroundings, don’t drink and drive, don’t speed and don’t have any distractions around you while behind the wheel,” Det Supt Humphrey said.
The state-wide Christmas and New Year road-safety operation started at midnight (12.01am today Thursday 24 December 2020) and concludes 11.59pm on Sunday 3 January 2021.
Double-demerit points are in force throughout for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
NSW Police officers will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the Four Ds; drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

Renewed appeal to find missing man – Muswellbrook

Police have released a new image as they renew their appeal for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter Region earlier this month.
Vainenooroa Tuaratini (known as ‘Scotty’), aged 25, was last seen on Bridge Street, Muswellbrook, about 3am on Saturday 9 December 2020.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District were notified of his disappearance later that morning and along with his family have concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition.
Vainenooroa is described as being of Pacific Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, of solid build, with brown eyes and short black hair.
It has since been established that Vainenooroa got off a train at Redfern about 5.45am the same day. In CCTV footage, he is depicted wearing a green t-shirt and camouflage shorts.
He resides in the Belmore area and frequents Lakemba.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police Station or Triple Zero (000).