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Reappeal to locate missing man – Muswellbrook

Police are extending their appeal to locate a man missing from state’s Hunter Region.

Gavin Moresby-White, aged 68, was last seen on Greg Stairs Road, Gungal – 50km west of Muswellbrook – about 10.30am on Tuesday (29 October 2024).

When concerns were raised for his welfare on Friday 15 November 2024, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Despite extensive inquiries including a multi-agency search, with assistance from PolAir, Dog Unit, NSW Ambulance Rescue and NSW SES, in Gungal, Denman and Merriwa areas, which concluded on Thursday (21 November 2024), Gavin was still unable to be located or contacted.

Gavin is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with medium build, and balding with white hair.

He is known to drive a Toyota Camry with QLD plates 859MHT, which was found by police on Greg Stairs Road, Gungal.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts or dashcam footage is urged to call Hunter Valley police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Greens Election Announcement: Disability Leadership

Ahead of International Day of People with Disability (Tuesday 3rd December 2024) Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Senator for WA has today announced a $200m package to support the leadership of disabled people across Australia.

The United Nations has announced the theme for International Day of People with Disability as “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” The Australian Greens plan will enable disabled people to lead at a local and Federal level.

The Greens have today announced:

Establishment of a $5m Election Access Fund; to support disabled people to inclusively contest Federal Elections.
A $150m grants program to fund Disability Pride Events across the country; to support community-led events that focus on inclusion, reclaiming disability identity and building a sense of pride.
Sustainable resourcing for disability advocacy organisations; an additional $50m to enable organisations to support disabled people through the NDIS, health systems, legal systems and other areas of their lives.

Jordon Steele-John, Australia’s first physically disabled Senator:

“This year has been particularly rough for disabled people across Australia. We have seen the major parties join together to cut billions of dollars from our NDIS, there has been limited action on the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission and the cost of living crisis has been hitting hard with a lack of accessible and affordable housing options, no meaningful increase to the disability support pension, and high prices at the supermarket check-out, along with the rising cost of healthcare. Disabled people are doing it tough.”

“As the only proudly physically disabled person in the Federal Parliament, I see first hand that major party politicians simply do not understand what our disability community needs. The only way we’re going to get better outcomes is to get more disabled people elected to the Federal Parliament. We know that our political systems are inherently ableist, and there are additional cost barriers in the way of contesting an election. That’s why the Greens are committed to the establishment of a $5m Election Access Fund, similar to one the program that New Zealand Electoral Commission runs.“

“At a time where more disabled people than ever are bearing the brunt of inadequate government systems, disability advocacy organisations are operating with inadequate and unsustainable funding. This is leaving disabled people without adequate support. The Greens have announced an additional $50m for organisations who are supporting people with individual advocacy and lobbying for systemic advocacy.”

“So many of the events designed to bring together the disability community are funded by big-corporations who profit directly from disabled people. We deserve events that are community-led and truly build disability pride. That’s why I am proud that the Greens are committed to launching a $150m grants program to enable events to be run across the country that focus on inclusion, reclaiming disability identity and building a sense of pride. It’s through events like these that we can build leadership skills, have a good time, and build our power.”

PREMIER MUST CALL OFF THE DOGS AS FIRST FESTIVAL WITH PILL TESTING ANNOUNCED

The Victorian Greens have called on the Premier to ensure that police sniffer dog squads are not present during the summer festival season, as it’s announced that Beyond the Valley will be the first festival with life-saving pill testing services.

The Police Commissioner confirmed that sniffer dogs would be expected to operate alongside pill testing at festivals, following a line of questioning from the Greens at the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearings last week.

The Victorian Greens spokesperson for drug harm reduction, Aiv Puglielli says that festival-goers deserve clarity and reassurance that they’re not going to be targeted by police and sniffer dogs for using a life saving health service.

The Victorian Greens Drug Harm Reduction spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli:

“The Summer festival season is just around the corner and we know that we need pill testing up and running in order to save lives.

“For pill testing to work, festival goers need confidence to use this life saving service without fear of being targeted by police and sniffer dogs.

“The Premier needs to pick up the phone to the Police Commissioner and ensure young people and festival goers have clarity and reassurance about how police will be interacting with pill testing and the people using the service.

“We know that people are likely to drop all their drugs at once when they see sniffer dogs. That is not safe.

“Sniffer dogs do not save lives, pill testing does.”

FIRST PASEFIKA-SAMOAN MP ANASINA GRAY-BARBERIO WILL BE SUNG INTO PARLIAMENT BY ONE HUNDRED SAMOAN SINGERS TO GIVE HER INAUGURAL SPEECH

The first Pasefika-Samoan MP to sit in the Victorian Parliament Anasina Gray-Barberio will give her inaugural speech to Parliament this evening, entering the chamber as over one hundred Samoan singers sing a traditional Samoan song.

Newly elected Greens MP Anasina Gray-Baberio will give her inaugural speech this evening Wednesday 27 November at 6.00pm.

The singers will however have to sing from the corridors outside the chamber because the other parties refused to support a motion allowing the cultural practice of singing to occur inside the public gallery inside the Parliament chamber, as is common practice in other Parliaments such as in Aotearoa New Zealand

Ms Gray-Barberio said that the decision not to allow cultural singing in the public gallery, as occurs in other Parliaments, was really disappointing as this is a significant cultural tradition for the Samoan community.

Greens MP for Northern Metropolitan, Anasina Gray-Barberio:

“As the first Pasefika-Samoan person to be entering this Parliament, this is an incredibly significant moment and it’s important for me to be able to practice my culture and have my community here for this moment.

“It’s disappointing that before even getting started, I’m being denied the chance to practice a small part of my culture. The Parliament is supposed to be a place for all Victorians, and I would’ve hoped our Parliament in Victoria could accommodate different cultures in this place, and it’s disappointing to see the community denied this.

“But we only need to look at the powerful moments from the Parliament in Aotearoa New Zealand in recent weeks to know that the tide is changing.

“Despite not being able to have the community in there with me tonight, I know they’re behind me. I’m entering this job with my culture at the forefront. To represent the voices that too often go unheard. Let’s get to work.”

Visit to Singapore for the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee

Tomorrow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, will meet with Singaporean counterparts for the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC).

The SAJMC is an opportunity to increase cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including across defence and security, trade and investment, the green and digital economies, science and innovation, education and the arts.

Ministers will also meet Singapore’s Prime Minister, Mr Lawrence Wong, and conduct separate bilateral meetings. The Deputy Prime Minister will meet with his counterpart, Dr Ng Eng Hen, the Foreign Minister will meet with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and the Minister for Trade will meet with counterpart Deputy Prime Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong.

Singapore is one of Australia’s closest partners, and next year we celebrate 60 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. We share an interest in a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, The Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Singapore is one of Australia’s closest defence partners, providing longstanding access for our ships and aircraft in the region.
“Singapore has also conducted military training in Australia for more than 30 years, supporting both of our armed forces, and providing significant economic opportunities for Australia.
“I am pleased the recent expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland will create more opportunities for our armed forces to train together and increase our interoperability.
“The bilateral relationship between Singapore and Australia is built upon shared values, deep trust and a commitment to the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Our partnership with Singapore is grounded in trust and respect.
“As we prepare to mark a decade since we launched our ambitious Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Australia and Singapore are charting the course for the next phase of our relationship.
“We are working together to foster peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”

the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

“Singapore is one of Australia’s closest trade and investment partners.
“As the region’s financial, trading and energy hub, Singapore plays a key role for Australian businesses seeking to deepen their engagement in Southeast Asia.
“Through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, we are expanding Australian trade and investment to build shared prosperity.
“As a bloc, Southeast Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a potential consumer market that is 10 times larger than Australia by 2040.”

City of Newcastle setting new accessibility benchmark on New Year’s Eve

An explosive chorus of crackles and bangs won’t be the only sounds bringing Newcastle’s annual fireworks display to life this New Year’s Eve.

For the first time in the event’s history, the dazzling light show in the sky will be accompanied by an audio description designed to enhance the experience for people who are low vision or blind.

It is among a range of initiatives planned for 31 December as City of Newcastle delivers one of the most accessible and inclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations in regional Australia.

City of Newcastle's Nick Kaiser with some of the performers and inflatables that will feature in this year's New Year's Eve celebrations. City of Newcastle’s Nick Kaiser with some of the performers and inflatables that will feature in this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy & Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said City of Newcastle was building on its past efforts to ensure the event caters for everyone.

“The community has told us they wanted events to be more inclusive, so accessibility was a key factor in planning from the outset,” Mr Kaiser said.

“We worked with an inclusion consultant to enhance how people plan for, navigate around and experience New Year’s Eve along the Harbour Foreshore precinct.

“Our sensory zone has been one of the most popular elements of our New Year’s Eve event for the past seven years, providing a safe and comfortable space for people with a disability and their families to relax and enjoy the celebrations.

“We encourage all members of the community to come together in the city centre to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere as we welcome in 2025.”

The audio description of the fireworks will allow people who are blind or low vision to better experience what is a traditional highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Registrations are essential to gain access to the headphones, which will be located in the dedicated viewing areas set up to give people with accessibility needs an uninterrupted view of the 9pm fireworks display.

A Sensory Story has also been created for first time to help people who may ordinarily avoid large events, to prepare for the festivities. It provides a visual representation of dedicated parking areas, shows how far people need to travel, where to get food, the location of entertainment and accessible toilets, as well as the Quiet Zone.

Dedicated accessible parking and drop off areas and a continuous path of travel make navigating the Harbour Foreshore precinct easier.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations will kick off at 5pm and are expected to attract more than 35,000 to the Harbour Foreshore precinct surrounding Queens Wharf.

The event will see community spirit combined with creativity through a series of unique activities including a one-kilometre parade of bikes, scooters, prams, and wheelchairs, accompanied by inflatable puppets on whimsical bikes.

Parades will take place every hour with visitors encouraged to come prepared with their ride of choice already decorated, or head to the Creation Station to get inspired and receive assistance with decorations.

A Wish Dome will give visitors a chance to write down their new year’s resolutions or wishes for 2025 and attach them to a giant floating jellyfish inside a beautifully illuminated dome.

There’s also a host of musical options, a diverse array of food vendors and the ‘Kids Zone’ will offer face painting, an inflatable ninja course and crafts to ensure a fun-filled experience for all ages before the 9pm fireworks provide a spectacular crescendo to the night.

To find out more visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/nye24

Final checks as New Mariyung fleet prepares to enter service December 3

In a story five years in the making, Newcastle and Central Coast passengers will be the first to enjoy Sydney Trains’ new Mariyung fleet when it rolls out of Newcastle Interchange for its first passenger service on Tuesday, December 3.

The first Mariyung Train will begin its journey from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal at 8:21am, stopping at 20 stations, including Newcastle Interchange, Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Cardiff, Fassifern, Morisset, Wyee, Warnervale, Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, Point Clare, Tascott, Koolewong, Woy Woy, Berowra, Hornsby, Epping, Strathfield, and Sydney Terminal.

After years of delays under the former Liberal Government, which awarded the contract for the fleet in 2016, the Minns Labor Government came to an agreement on the final operating model with the rail workforce in August 2023 which meant the Government could finally press ahead with getting these trains on the tracks.

The operating model for the fleet has also been signed off and approved by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

So far, fifteen Mariyung train sets have been completely modified by local workers at Kangy Angy. Two of those sets will begin service on December 3, while the rest go through the rigorous safety testing regime before being progressively rolled out along the Central Coast and Newcastle Line.

Mariyung Trains will then be progressively rolled out on the Blue Mountains Line and the South Coast Line.

Modifications include relocation of CCTV viewing screens and passenger door controls, changes to the digital radio system, adjustments to fire detection management and fire-resistant materials, and emergency door release functions.

Modifications have also been made within the rail corridor to support the changes made to the Mariyung fleet operating model, including station platform extensions, relocation of train stopping markers, signaling equipment and overhead wiring structures.

The New Intercity Fleet will set a new standard of travel for commuters who make approximately 26 million journeys a year on the electrified intercity network.

The improvements include wider, more spacious two-by-two seating with arm rests, tray tables, and high seat backs, charging ports for mobile devices, dedicated spaces for luggage, prams and bicycles, and modern heating and air conditioning.

They will also open up greater options for travel for people with disabilities and mobility issues with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and accessible toilets.

Last year, more than 12.7 million trips were taken along the Central Coast and Newcastle Line, and it’s hoped the much-anticipated new fleet will boost patronage.

Named after the Darug word for Emu, the Mariyung can operate in 4-car, 6-car, 8-car or 10-car configurations, and seat more than 820 passengers in a 10-carriage train.

The Mariyung trains will progressively replace older fleets including the V-sets, that were first introduced to NSW in the 1970s and the Oscar trains that debuted in 2006.

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:

“It should have never taken this long but the wait is finally over. The Mariyung trains will finally be on the tracks from December 3 this year. They’ll provide a massively improved level of comfort for all our passengers travelling between Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney.

“These trains were supposed to be on the tracks 5 years ago. It’s been a priority of mine to ensure that we got them out of sheds and on the tracks by the end of this year. I’m incredibly proud that our Government has been able to deliver that.

“I also want to thank our rail staff for working with us to get these trains ready. This is an example of what can happen when the government and the rail workforce work together.”

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“Today is an exciting chapter for our staff and our customers and especially those passengers travelling to and from Sydney on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line.

“The Mariyung trains are quieter and roomier and will provide our passengers with a much improved and more comfortable travelling experience for decades to come.”

“This project has been incredibly complex, but we are pleased we have been able to work in consultation with our workforce to locally modify these trains and get them into service.”

A bright idea to keep drivers safe on unlit roads

Glow-in-the-dark line markings will be trialled on Bulli Pass, south of Sydney, before being assessed for a wider rollout in NSW.

The photoluminescent painted markings absorb and store sunlight during the day and glow at night, helping drivers better see line markings and the shape of the road ahead.

Glow Roads are designed to improve night-time visibility, helping markings stand out in adverse weather, and provide a safe alternative at sites where street lighting is not practical.

The hairpin turn on Bulli Pass will be the first place in the state to get the glow treatment.

The location was chosen after a spike in near-miss incidents between 9pm and 4am, with 125 near-misses recorded in the year to June 30.

Bulli Pass is heavily used by large trucks and motorcycles and the new line markings will be installed part way down the steep descent to increase awareness of the sharp bend. A glow sign will also be installed.

The trial will run for six months, after which data and customer insights will be reviewed to determine whether to extend the trial or implement the Glow Road technology on other parts of the state’s road network.

Rigorous testing of glow roads has been undertaken at Transport’s Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal to ensure the innovation is suitable for Australian conditions.

Different modes of transport were put through their paces, with a car, truck, motorbike and bicycle tackling the controlled ‘glow’ course. Skid testing was also undertaken to check Glow Roads’ had the same level of slip resistance as current line markings.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Line markings might not be the first thing we think about in terms of innovation, but this is a bright idea and we are excited to trial its benefits.

“Being able to see the shape of the road ahead is critical to safe driving and that’s what Glow Roads do.

“Data shows around a third of fatal crashes in NSW happen at night. If this trial is deemed a success, we will look at its application on other locations with a history of crashes or near-misses where better visibility is needed.

“Bulli Pass has had a rising number of near-misses – particularly at night- so using Glow Roads to improve driving conditions will help the thousands of motorists who rely on this busy route.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Glow Roads is an exciting new alternative for areas where street lighting may not be practical – many of our regional and rural roads face this challenge.

“Locals know this road – and others like it across the state – can have visibility plumet in seconds when fog or a storm rolls in, and I’m excited to see how this innovation performs in those conditions, too.

“This initiative offers an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution on regional roads with limited or non-existent street lighting.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“The Glow Roads is the brainchild of one of our transformation teams here at Transport who – trying to find a solution to boost safety at remote or isolated sites – pitched the idea at an in-house innovation challenge.

“Improving road safety is a massive priority for everyone across at Transport – so we jumped on the opportunity to put this ‘bright idea’ to the test.

“Before rolling ‘Glow Roads’ out on public roads, we tested the new line markings and glow paint under a range of conditions at our Future Mobility testing site to make sure it was ready for the next phase of the trial.”

Jobs and entitlements secured as Junee Correctional Centre approaches return to public hands

The NSW Government has reached a major milestone as it brings the management of Junee Correctional Centre into public hands, securing workers’ roles and entitlements ahead of the 1 April 2025 transition.

The Junee Correctional Centre has been managed by The GEO Group Australia since 1993.

Under Corrective Services NSW’s (CSNSW) operational model, the majority of current GEO staff who want to remain working at the prison will be offered roles within the centre and will retain their entitlements without needing to serve probationary or qualifying periods.

Their long service leave will be paid out by GEO and their years of service will be recognised by CSNSW for future entitlements.

The new operational model will also create several new positions, with local recruitment currently taking place to fill openings and additional roles.

CSNSW has begun rolling out induction and custodial bridging courses onsite in preparation for next year’s transition.

Deputy Commissioner Security and Custody Dr Anne Marie Martin, met with GEO staff at the centre today alongside representatives from human resources and Justice Health to outline the next steps in the transition.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reversing the trend towards privatisation, and bringing the management of Junee Correctional Centre into public hands is a key indicator of that.

“This change means Junee prison staff will have well-paid, secure, public-sector jobs with a history of service that will be recognised by CSNSW, which is a huge win for staff and the community.”

Acting Commissioner, Corrective Services NSW Leon Taylor said:

“Experienced Corrective Services NSW staff have been working onsite to support GEO officers through the management transition, to ensure they’re ready, trained, and equipped to move to the new operational model.

“Junee officers have shown commendable dedication to their work over the years, so we’re looking forward to having them on board and working towards our shared goal of reducing reoffending and keeping the community safe.

“We’re also looking forward to maintaining valuable relationships with the local community partners and the Junee Shire Council.”

Funding to support community-led response to men’s mental health crisis

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to support the wellbeing of the people across New South Wales, with $400,000 in grants now available to provide targeted support to improve men’s mental health and drive down rates of male suicide.

Targeted at community-based mental healthcare providers, the new program offers grants of up to $50,000 for local and grassroots organisations who are working on the ground to support men’s mental health.

New South Wales accounts for the most male deaths by suicide in Australia. In 2023 alone, there were 934 suspected deaths by suicide in the state, with men accounting for 730, or 78 per cent of these tragedies.

The launch of the new grants program follows the recent release of the NSW Men’s Mental Health: A focus on suicide prevention report which was informed by the landmark Men’s Mental Health Forum held in August.

This program aligns with the report’s recommendation to invest in grassroots local community-led initiatives that focus on building community connection, emotional intelligence and mental health literacy among men.

The forum brought together 84 participants from 61 mental health and suicide prevention organisations across NSW. It provided a platform for discussions among advocates, researchers, diverse people with lived experience of mental illness and professionals working to support men.

Leaders at the forum examined the social drivers of men’s distress, identified at-risk priority communities and proposed successful interventions, while considering the future of male suicide prevention.

Further recommendations within the report which will inform the Government’s ongoing work in this space include:

strengthen the peer workforce to support men’s mental health, reduce stigma, increase help-seeking behaviour, and improve mental health literacy
expand access to support services for men outside of clinical settings, recognising that clinical settings can be a barrier
ensure policies, programs and services are co-designed with input from men who have lived experience of mental ill-health and those who care for them.

Grant applications are now open until 15 December and can be completed online: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/men-suicide-prevention.aspx

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“The number one cause of death among Australian men aged 15-44 years is suicide. This is unacceptable and we are dedicated to moving the dial by providing real support to mental health care providers in the community.

“While the statistics alone are sobering, we must also remember that behind every number is a story of loss, families and communities left grieving and missed opportunities for intervention.

“The Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program is an opportunity to bolster our support for community organisations who help men and can address the unique challenges they face in relation to mental health and suicide prevention.

“I want to personally thank all the mental health advocates and men with lived experience who participated in the Men’s Mental Health Forum this year – their voices are vitally important to continue this conversation, work towards solutions and end the stigma.

“The recommendations from the Forum report are critical to our ongoing work in this space will guide our future efforts to reduce suicide and improve mental health among men in NSW.”

If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). For those contemplating suicide or experiencing severe distress, the following helplines are available 24/7: