Australian Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has said ‘Nup to the Cup’ and will join millions of Australians who won’t be participating in the Melbourne Cup today. A Guardian Essential Poll has found just 8% of Australians have a high interest in horse racing, and almost one third of Australians don’t participate in Melbourne Cup due to animal welfare and gambling concerns.
Senator Faruqi said: “Horse racing is an anachronism that is becoming less and less relevant by the day. Despite the gambling industry propaganda, millions of Australians today will be saying ‘nup to the cup’ and I am one of them.
“Just a few months ago, the ABC revealed a culture of doping, drug abuse and cheating in horse racing. Images of starving ex-racing horsers show that animal cruelty and neglect are still rife.
“Whipping horses to make them run faster is just cruel. One racehorse dies every 3 days in Australia and 119 racehorses have died in the last racing year alone.
“I’m saying ‘Nup to the Cup’ and I encourage others to not participate in gambling fueled animal cruelty,” she concluded.
Month: November 2018
Man charged over alleged sexual abuse of young relative
A man has been charged over alleged sexual and indecent assaults of a girl in Sydney’s greater west.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation last week after receiving reports a 15-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a male relative.
Following inquiries, detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a home at Richmond just before 1pm yesterday (Monday 5 November 2018).
A 20-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Windsor Police Station.
He was charged with three counts of have sexual intercourse with a child, three counts of aggravated indecent assault, and aggravated sexual assault.
Police will allege in court the man sexually and indecently assaulted the girl on a number of occasions over a seven-year period.
The man, who is related to the girl, has been refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today (Tuesday 6 November 2018).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Man charged with indecency and intimidation offences – Tyagarah
A man will appear in court later this month after being charged over indecency and intimidation offences near Tweed Heads at the weekend.
About 11.35am on Saturday 3 November 2018, a 30-year-old woman was jogging east along Grays Lane at Tyagarah when she noticed a white utility parked on the side of the dirt road.
The woman told police that the male driver looked at her intently, which made her feel uncomfortable, and she crossed to other side of the road in an effort to keep some distance between them.
As she continued her run the woman saw that the utility drove past her and stopped a short distance ahead. The man alighted from the utility and walked towards her grinning.
As the woman continued her run to the beach the utility slowly followed her and then passed her. The woman continued towards the beach hoping that there would be other people in the area.
As she entered the carpark the woman saw that the man was now standing outside the utility and was naked.
When the woman walked past the man, he looked at her and performed an indecent act.
The woman continued to the beach, but could not find anyone to assist her. When she returned to the carpark the man again performed an indecent act.
The woman ran for some distance to her home and told her partner. They attended the car park and located the white utility which they photographed. Police were contacted and details of the vehicle were provided to police.
Officers from Tweed Byron Police District were travelling to Tyagarah Beach about 1.25pm when they observed the utility travelling along Grays Lane.
The officers spoke to a 33-year-old man who was driving the utility and arrested him.
The man was conveyed to Byron Bay Police Station and later charged with commit act of indecency and intimidation.
He has been granted strict conditional bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Thursday 22 November 2018.
Police will continue to work closely with other stakeholders including NPWS, Byron Shire Council and the Byron Safe Beaches Committee to keep the area safe.
Park and Ride celebrates first birthday
The City of Newcastle’s popular Park and Ride service turns one today after taking 20,000 cars off inner-city streets since it was first introduced in November last year.
A total of 21,389 passengers have taken the Park and Ride from McDonald Jones stadium to the City following its introduction during the light rail construction.
Monthly users have since more than doubled, with October recording the highest rate of commuters (2,500).
Lambton commuter Jordan May, 22, loves how affordable the Park and Ride service is.
On its first anniversary today, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City was pleased to see such a high uptake of the service.
“There’s been a 111 per cent increase in usage, and 20,000 cars taken off the road, in the year since the service was opened to commuters,” the Lord Mayor said.
“I encourage people to continue parking and riding, and ask them to sign up there colleagues and friends. With a return fare of just $2.20, the park and ride offers a fast and convenient trip for commuters to the city, as well as a significant financial daily saving.”
The Park and Ride service was introduced last year in response to light rail construction and had more services introduced earlier this year to accommodate earlier commuters in the afternoon.
For Lambton commuter Jordan May the Park and Ride journey is a convenient, cost-saving mode of transport that she ‘loves’ taking every day.
“The reason why I love the Park and Ride service is I can catch it and I don’t have to pay $15 for parking in town every day,” she said.
“It’s really simple, comes every 15 minutes, is really really convenient and I absolutely love it.”
Buses make the return trip from the CBD to McDonald Jones stadium every 15 minutes from 7am – 9am and 3pm to 6.30pm, with CBD stops designed a few minutes’ walk to wherever you need to go.
“The Park and Ride fare will remain at just $2.20, which for those that work 48 weeks in a year, means a reduction in parking costs of more than $1,000,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It also helps free up valuable car parking for the customers that keep our city businesses ticking.”
More information on the service, visit http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/parkandride
Police praise festival goers in Newcastle
Police have praised the good behaviour of attendees following two festivals held in Newcastle over the weekend.
The “This That” Music Festival was held at Wickham Park, Newcastle on Saturday 3 November 2018 and the “Scene and Heard” festival was held the following day (Sunday 4 November 2018) at the same location.
Newcastle City Police District with assistance from drug-detection dogs conducted a large police operation over the two days.
About 20,000 people attended between the two festivals.
Yesterday (Sunday 4 November 2018), 13 detections were made, with 4 people allegedly found to be possessing cannabis and cocaine.
On Saturday (3 November 2018), a total of 22 Field Court Attendance Notice’s for possession offences were issued and 7 for drug supply. A total of 3 people were transported to hospital, two for drug related illnesses.
Newcastle City Police Area Command Superintendent and Operations Commander Brett Greentree, said that the majority of festival goers across the weekend were well behaved and enjoyed the events safely.
“It was really positive to see people having a good time and heeding police warnings.
“The small number of people who ignored our advice about illegal activity were dealt with accordingly.
“Police worked closely with the promoter to ensure the events were pleasant for everyone.
“Newcastle City Police are committed to providing a safe environment to people attending festivals in this area.” Superintendent Greentree said.
LABOR WILL DELIVER WATER SECURITY FOR TOWNSVILLE ‘ONCE AND FOR ALL’
A Shorten Labor Government will fix Townsville’s water security once and for all by fully funding Stage two of the Water Security Taskforce’s report, building it concurrently with Stage one – and with no strings attached.
Labor will also invest $200 million to build a hydro-electric power station on the Burdekin Dam. This will put downward pressure on power bills, create 150 local jobs and generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes.
Last week, the final Townsville Water Security Taskforce report called for “a once and for all fix” for Townsville’s water supply.
Fixing Townsville’s water crisis is critical. That’s why a year and a half ago Labor committed $100 million in funding.
Now that we’ve got the final report from the Water Security Taskforce we will implement its recommendations. Delivering water security for Townsville once and for all.
The Water Security Taskforce said that building Stage 1 and Stage 2 concurrently would save taxpayers $55 million.
This would deliver long term water security for Townsville cheaper, faster and it would mean more jobs now for a town that needs it.
These are critical projects for the region’s future – the people who live and work in Townsville need affordable water solutions that provide for a reliable supply into the longer term.
Federal Labor’s investment would be in partnership with Queensland Labor, who are currently building stage one.
These investments are a result of the advocacy of Cathy O’Toole, who has been fighting for Townsville to get the water security it needs. It is also a testament to the local community’s determination to get a resolution, in particular Water Security Taskforce Chairman Brad Webb.
We led the way in funding the Townsville Stadium redevelopment and in recognising the need for port channel widening. Today, we’re continuing to lead on water security and hydro power for the Burdekin.
Labor’s commitment to securing Townsville’s water supply has no strings attached – it’s rock solid.
We won’t leave this project half-done or waste time on unnecessary business cases that push construction out into the never never.
Labor first committed $100 million to implement the findings of the Townsville Water Security Taskforce more than a year and a half ago. Today we’re increasing that funding to deliver the water security Townsville needs.
Big night for GIANTS, Swifts at Netball NSW State Dinner
It was a stellar night for both GIANTS Netball and the NSW Swifts at the 2018 Netball NSW State Dinner with GIANTS attacker Jo Harten named the best player in the state, while former Swifts Megan Anderson and Mo’onia Gerrard were inducted into the organisation’s Hall of Fame.
The State Dinner, which this year took place at Rooty Hill RSL, celebrates the best players, coaches, officials and volunteers in the New South Wales netball community.
Harten picked up the Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal, given to the best player from the combined rosters of Netball NSW’s two professional franchises; the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.
It capped off a stellar 2018 for the England international which also saw her claim a Commonwealth Games gold medal in April, and the GAINTS’ MVP, Members’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player Awards in August.
Harten’s award was one of eight categories on the night which celebrated another fantastic year for netball across NSW.
“From celebrating the 50th hosting of our State and State Age Championships to GIANTS Netball Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald overseeing her 300th elite game – and Briony Akle her first at the helm of the NSW Swifts – it has been a year of memorable achievements,” Louise Sullivan, President of Netball NSW, said.
“There has never been a better time to be involved in netball. Our participation numbers at the grassroots level continue to flourish and memberships for both the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball saw big increases in 2018.
“Over 1 million people tuned in to watch this year’s Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, highlighting just how engrained the sport has become in the Australian sporting psyche, and around NSW our local courts are jam-packed on weekends as young and old come together and serve their communities collectively and commercially.
“As we head towards our 90th year in 2019 we have never been in better health, however, it is vital that we keep evolving and learning to ensure we remain at the forefront of what is a very competitive sports market in NSW.”
It was also a big night for Swifts legends Anderson and Gerrard who both took their places in the Netball NSW Hall of Fame.
Starting her netball career as a junior in Woy Woy, Anderson was the first player to debut for the Australian Diamonds in the 21st Century when she did so on their tour of South Africa in 2000.
She represented NSW at underage levels before going on to win four Premierships with the Sydney Swifts in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy Era. After retiring from playing she was part of the coaching team which led the Swifts (then called the NSW Swifts) to back-to-back ANZ Championship Grand Finals, and continued in this role after the arrival of Suncorp Super Netball in 2017.
Gerrard, a three-time Premiership winner with the Sydney Swifts and two-time World Cup winner with the Australian Diamonds, also came through the NSW underage setup before shining at elite level.
Of Tongan descent, and never one to forget her roots, Gerrard has done amazing work in the community since retiring with the Australia Post ONE Netball Program, Netball NSW’s Oceania Cup and Mo’onia’s Cup in conjunction with Tonga Netball. In 2016 she received an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to netball and the community.
And, after celebrating 50 years of competition, both the Netball NSW State & State Age Championships were inducted into the Netball NSW Hall of Fame under the Heritage Category. Introduced in 2016, the Heritage category pays tribute to artefacts and events which have significant historical value to the organisation.
“From humble beginnings, the State and State Age Championships have become iconic events on the NSW sporting calendar,” Sullivan added.
“These events attract players in their thousands, and supporters in tens of thousands, so not only do they bring people together in the healthy environment of sport, they also bring a significant economic boost to the areas that host them.
“And having reached our 50th year for both events in 2018, it is a fitting time to reflect on what has been achieved and look ahead to what we hope will be another half century of growth and prosperity.”
2018 Netball NSW Award Recipients
Anne Clark BEM Service Awards: Tracey Connolly (Campbelltown District Netball Association), Lyn Hahn (Camden & District Netball Association), Elizabeth Konza (Blue Mountains Netball Association), Maureen Nation (Young & District Netball Association), Catherine Walls (Grafton Netball Association)
Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – SSN Player of the Year: Jo Harten (GIANTS Netball)
Marj Groves AM Scholarship: Latika Tombs (Manly Warringah Netball Association)
Nance Kenny OAM Medal – Premier League Player of the Year: Amy Wild (Central Coast Heart)
Lynn Quinn OAM Bench Official Award: Margot Paterson (Northern Suburbs Netball Association)
Neita Matthews OAM Umpires Award: Jessica Clay (Ku-ring-gai Netball Association)
Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award: Amber Cross (Wyong Netball Association)
Judy Dunbar Media Awards: Matthew Findlay, Central Western Daily (Community Media Excellence), Brittany Carter, ABC Grandstand (Best Feature), Richard Dobson, News Ltd (Best Photograph), Sydney Morning Herald (Best Overall Media Coverage).
2018 Hall of Fame Inductions: Megan Anderson, Mo’onia Gerrard OAM
Heritage Hall of Fame Inductions: Netball NSW State Championships, Netball NSW State Age Championships
Canberra GIANTS Announce Coaching Team for 2019
Netball NSW and Netball ACT are pleased to announce the appointment of the coaching team who will lead the Canberra GIANTS in the 2019 Deakin University Australian Netball League (DUANL) season.
Long-time Canberran, Melinda Clarke is welcomed back to the DUANL environment as Head Coach for the 2019 DUANL season. She previously held the position of Canberra Darters Head Coach prior to the implementation of the Suncorp Super Netball competition in 2017. Clarke has an extensive coaching career within the ACT and NSW pathways, which spans 17 years. Most recently, she was Head Coach of the Belconnen Netball Association State League Division One team and the Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens team, which competes in the Netball NSW Premier League competition.
Joining Clarke in the Assistant Coach role is former Australian Diamond and GIANTS Netball player, Rebecca Bulley. The defender is also a familiar face to netball fans in the ACT, having played for the AIS Canberra Darters. Bulley brings with her a wealth of High Performance experience, with 42 international caps and 228 national league matches to her name, making her an invaluable addition as Assistant Coach and mentor to the Canberra GIANTS athletes.
Netball ACT General Manager Benita Bittner is thrilled to welcome Clarke and Bulley to their new roles with the Canberra GIANTS.
“The 2019 Canberra GIANTS coaching staff brings together two eras of netball in the ACT – Melinda with her experience as the Canberra Darters Coach and Rebecca with the new GIANTS Netball franchise.
“I am confident the coaching team will be a formidable force within the GIANTS family and the DUANL competition,” she says.
Bittner also acknowledges the hard work of the departing coaching staff over the last two seasons.
“We would like to thank the outgoing coaching staff – Co-Head Coaches Sharyn Hill and Maria Lynch and Assistant Coach Tara Steel – for their efforts and contributions to the team in the first two years of the Canberra GIANTS,” she Bittner.
GIANTS Netball Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald is looking forward to working with Clarke and Bulley in 2019.
“The strong connection between GIANTS Netball and Canberra GIANTS is of enormous value to us and integral to the future success of our Club. The DUANL is a wonderful opportunity for players to develop their game and test themselves before making a transition into the elite Suncorp Super Netball league.
“Melinda and Bec bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Canberra GIANTS and will be able to provide indispensable guidance to the team as they continue to grow and compete at a semi-elite level.
“I am especially delighted to have Bec join the coaching ranks within the GIANTS family. As a former GIANTS Netball player with a great understanding of the GIANTS culture, Bec will further strengthen the connection between both sides. With her competitive drive and supportive nature, I have every confidence in her ability to positively influence the direction of the Canberra GIANTS,” Fitzgerald says.
A joint initiative between Netball ACT and Netball NSW, the Canberra GIANTS team provides a direct pathway to the elite Suncorp Super Netball competition. The team is comprised of players from the ACT and NSW development pathways. Players are appointed to the squad on a yearly basis, with selections based on competitive trials held annually.
Nominations close at 5.00pm today for athletes wishing to trial for a chance to join the 2019 Canberra GIANTS, with trials to take place on 7 November, while players who successfully trial will be confirmed by 1 December, 2018.
The 2019 DUANL Fixture will soon be announced by Netball Australia, along with information on competition dates and details to purchase tickets.
Fatal crash near Maitland
A man has died and a woman has been injured after a two-vehicle crash on the state’s north yesterday.
About 1.40pm (Thursday 1 November 2018), it is believed two cars collided in the west-bound lane of Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest.
The driver and sole occupant of a 1997 model Mazda 121, a 53-year-old man, died at the scene.
The driver and sole occupant of a Kia Sportage, a 61-year-old woman, had to be extricated from her vehicle. She was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Inquiries are underway into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Telling the stories of our service men and women
Our government is backing plans for the Australian War Memorial that will honour Australians who have served in our armed forces, and those men and women who serve today.
Our $498 million investment in the Australian War Memorial’s redevelopment will help them tell new stories in new ways.
It means the Australian War Memorial will be able to display more of their collection and proudly tell the stories from recent years in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and East Timor.
We want to recognise the service of our Australian Defence Force members and safeguard a place for history to present and communicate those stories not yet written.
The redevelopment will increase visitor areas by 83 per cent or ar ound 10,000 square metres to expand the exhibition and public program space which is currently at capacity. The Australian War Memorial will be able to better tell the stories of current and recent conflicts, operations, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions.
It will include a new temporary exhibition space, improved visitor orientation, wayfinding and amenities, areas for respite and reflection, new education facilities, and a theatre and functions space.
Our ex-serving organisations which play a vital role in supporting our veterans and their families will also be recognised along with the proud communities throughout Australia whose loved ones never returned.
This funding builds on our new Australian Veterans’ Covenant, Veterans’ Card and lapel pin, as well as the $1.4 billion we’re investing for fairer indexation of defence force pensions, free mental health care for all veterans and our veterans to work program.
Whether it’s respecting and recognising our veterans and their families, record investment in defence force capability or building a place where we can proudly tell their stories for generations to come, our government is committed to putting our service men and women and veterans first.