Category: NSW News

Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 19 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• About 7am yesterday (Friday 17 April 2020), a 44-year-old man was detained by security after entering a residential building in Chatswood and attempting to steal mail. Officers from North Shore Police Area Command attended and located documentation, clothing, a police exhibit bag and jewellery inside the man’s backpack. The man was arrested and assessed by paramedics after he told security he was unwell and had been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital before being taken to Chatswood Police Station and checks revealed he had received a prior warning under the Ministerial Direction on Saturday 11 April 2020. The Surry Hills man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises w/o lawful excuse, larceny, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 18 April 2020).

• About 6.30pm yesterday (Friday 17 April 2020), officers from Inner West Police Area Command spoke with a 58-year-old man after observing him drinking on a bench near Newtown Railway Station. Checks revealed the Camperdown man had previously been charged with not complying under the Public Health Act on Wednesday 8 April 2020 and Friday 10 April 2020. The man was arrested and taken Newtown Police Station and charged with detention application and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today.

The other individuals charged have been highlighted in previous media releases.
Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 5pm, officers from Mount Druitt Police Area Command attended Dawson Mall and spoke to five people consuming alcohol. Four were issued warnings while a 28-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned. Officers returned to the mall just before 8pm and found a 29-year-old man consuming alcohol. He was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.

• Just after 8.30pm, officers from Murray River Police District stopped an unregistered Audi on Dallinger Road, Lavington. Officers spoke to the occupants who told police they were going shopping. The passenger, a 35-year-old man, was found in possession of tattooing equipment. He was issued a $1000 PIN. The driver, a 27-year-old man, was issued traffic infringements for the unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

• Officers attached to South Coast Police District stopped a 24-year-old man riding a bicycle in a dangerous manner and without a helmet in the middle of Knapp Avenue, East Nowra. Police observed the man throw a small plastic bag onto the footpath. The man was arrested and stated he was on his way to leave the bag, allegedly containing 0.7g methylamphetamine, in a location for a friend to pick up. He was issued a $1000 PIN and a Field Court Attendance for possess prohibited drug and possess implements for the self-administer of a prohibited drug. He is due to appear at Nowra Local Court on Monday 29 June 2020.

• About 4.45pm, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District spoke to a man at Apex Park, Byron Bay, in the company of a group of people. The 63-year-old was on conditional bail – not to enter Byron Bay – and had also been spoken to by police on three separate occasions in the past 10 days about breaching Ministerial Directions and subsequently issued a $1,000 PIN and charged with breach of bail. He was due to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Saturday 18 April 2020).

• Officers from Wollongong Police District spoke to two men – aged 42 and 55 – after they were observed drinking alcohol in McCabe Park, Wollongong, about 10.45am. The men were each issued a $1,000 PIN.

• At 3.55pm, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were patrolling the Kingswood CBD when a 20-year-old man was stopped on Richmond Avenue. Police were aware the Penrith man had been issued warnings on Thursday 9 April 2020 and Tuesday 14 April 2020 and he was subsequently issued a $1,000 PIN.

• About 3am, officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command spoke to a 34-year-old man outside a house on Prospect Highway, Seven Hills. The man had previously been warned by officers on 4 April 2020 at Surry Hills and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• Just after midday, police from Coffs/Clarence Police District were patrolling South Grafton when they noticed a man riding a mountain bike on Vere Street without a helmet. When police spoke to the 42-year-old man he informed officers he had been visiting a friend. Police searched the man and found a small amount of cannabis in his pocket. The man was arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station. He was charged with possess prohibited drug, rider not wear approved helmet and ride bike without working warning devices. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Grafton Local Court on 6 July 2020. It was also ascertained the man had been issued with a warning on 16 April 2020 by Grafton Detectives and was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 6.30pm, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District were patrolling when they noticed a man and woman walking along Byamee Street, Dapto. The man allegedly told police he had been at a mate’s house. Police searched the pair and will allege they located cannabis in a backpack. The 41-year-old man was arrested and charged with possess prohibited drug. He was granted bail to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 15 July 2020. He was also issued with a $1000 PIN for breaching the Public Health Act.

• About 7pm, officers from the Murray River Police District were patrolling when they noticed a man riding a bicycle on the footpath on Griffith Road, Lavington, with no helmet. When police stopped and spoke to the man it’s alleged he became aggressive and argumentative towards police. The 18-year-old man was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being in the area when he lived in Narrandera. Subsequent checks revealed the man was wanted for an aggravated break and enter and he was arrested. He was charged with aggravated break and enter and breach of bail. He was refused bail refused and appeared at Wagga Wagga Local Court today where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court on Monday (20 April 2020). He was also issued with a $1000 PIN.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
 

More than 2500 small businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 have already been approved for grants of up to $10,000 in the first three days of the NSW Government’s new Small Business Support Fund.
Applications opened earlier this week, with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, saying getting money out the door to ensure businesses could stay in business and help keep people in jobs was vital.
“This is about providing cash quickly to eligible small businesses when they are struggling. These grants could help your local cafe or corner shop during this very difficult time,” Mr Perrottet said.
The $750 million Small Business Support Fund was announced on April 3 as part of a range of Government support, and can be used to pay for unavoidable expenses such as utility bills and council rates.
Mr Dominello said successful applicants for the grants could receive the funds in as little as five days.
“It is the Service NSW way to make the process of applying for grants as painless and efficient as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“That’s why we asked them to deliver these grants to small businesses in their hour of need.
“Businesses in highly impacted sectors can expect to have their applications processed quickly and see money in their bank accounts within five days of approval.
“Businesses outside those industry codes will be subject to a manual assessment process which may require slightly more documentation and processing time.”
Eligible businesses must meet a range of criteria including:

• Between 1-19 employees,
• A turnover of more than $75,000,
• A payroll below the threshold of $900,000, and
• Be heavily impacted by the Covid-19 shutdowns.

Businesses will be expected to demonstrate a 75 per cent decline in turnover as a result of COVID-19, relative to an equivalent period in 2019 of at least two weeks.
Applications for the grant must be received by 1 June 2020. For more information on eligibility or to submit an application please visit www.service.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government has today made a series of regulatory changes to ensure council resources continue to be focused on frontline COVID-19 response efforts and allow councils to provide financial relief to businesses and residents.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the changes acknowledge that councils are redirecting resources to ensure the delivery of essential services to their communities across the State.
“Councils are playing a vital role in supporting and protecting local communities during these unprecedented times,” Mrs Hancock said.
“The changes provide councils with the flexibility to adjust to rapidly shifting circumstances.
“Importantly, they also give ratepayers more time to pay their rates notices and allows councils to provide financial support to businesses suffering from reduced cash flows or forced closure by waiving or reducing fees.”
Amendments to local government regulations include:

• Allowing councils to delay sending out the first quarterly rates notice for 2020-21 and extend the payment deadline by one month;

• Enabling councils to immediately waive or reduce fees for services such as food premise inspections and footpath usage for COVID-19 affected businesses, without the need to provide 28 days public notice;
• Providing councils with a one-month extension to adopt their 2020-21 operational plans and budgets and submit their 2019-20 audited financial statements and annual reports. Councils will also have an extra month to submit their last quarterly budget review statement for 2019-20;
• Removing the requirement for documents to be made available for inspection at council offices, if the document is published on the council’s website or available electronically; and
• Removing the requirement for council notices to be advertised in newspapers and instead allow the relevant notice to be published on the council’s website.

“The NSW Government will continue to work with local councils to identify, develop and implement more measures to support them and their local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mrs Hancock said.

Four teens will face court today charged after a police vehicle was rammed in Sydney’s south-west yesterday.
About 7.50am (Thursday 16 April 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were patrolling Liverpool CBD, when they saw two stolen vehicles – a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Honda Odyssey van – and followed them.
The vehicles stopped in traffic at the intersection of Orange Grove Road and Viscount Place and police approached them. The Honda allegedly rammed a police vehicle and mounted the median strip before mounting the kerb and hitting bollards in an attempt to flee.
The Honda driver, aged 17, attempted to run but was arrested nearby.
Two passengers, aged 14 and 17, were arrested in the Honda and three teens, aged 16, 14, and 17, were arrested in the Jeep.
They were all taken to Liverpool Police Station.
The 17-year-old male Honda driver was charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not m/v), never licensed person drive vehicle on road, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The 16-year-old female Jeep driver was charged with take & drive conveyance without consent of owner, driver never licensed, enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner/occupier, and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The two passengers, a 14-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, were charged with be carried in conveyance taken w/o consent of owner, and Not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19.
They were all refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Friday 17 April 2020).
The two additional passengers, aged 17, will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
Three officers received minor injuries when the police vehicle airbags were deployed.

Police have outlined the breadth of the investigation under Strike Force Bast and appealed for assistance from passengers from the last two voyages of the Ruby Princess to assist with ongoing inquiries.
Detectives from across State Crime, Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics and Marine Area Commands are conducting inquiries under Strike Force Bast surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess at Sydney Harbour on Thursday 19 March 2020.
The priority of the investigation is to determine whether there was criminal negligence by the company or crew relevant to health issues prevailing on the ship, as well as any actions or omissions by any other entity, including NSW or Commonwealth departments, which may have directly or indirectly related to the death of a person from COVID-19.
This would include the nature of – and deficiencies in – decision-making processes both on-board and on-shore surrounding the management of the vessel, and its crew and passengers.
Strike Force Bast will refer any and all information relevant to jurisdictional responsibilities to the Special Commission of Inquiry.
Information relevant to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of people who either contracted COVID-19 on board the vessel or through contact with a passenger will be reported to the NSW Coroner’s Court in due course.
The State Coroner will not make a decision about whether an inquest will be held until after the criminal investigation and the Special Commission of Inquiry are completed.
Information from the vessel’s voyage data recorder (black box) – which was seized last Wednesday (8 April 2020) – and believed to contain telemetry, as well as engine and systems management, and voice recordings of ship-to-shore communications, is currently undergoing forensic examination.
All necessary inquiries have been conducted on-board and, as communication has been established with the crew, there are no operational or investigative issues that would impede the vessel’s impending departure.
Further, strike force investigators are continuing to receive relevant documentation from the cruise company; the process of logging, triaging and assessing the information is ongoing.
Due to current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place across the globe, strike force detectives are being flexible and agile in their approach to investigations management and witness contact, which includes a strong reliance on remote communications and digital technology.
In recent days, investigators have provided a survey to the crew currently on board the vessel, which will assist with guiding relevance of information, and witness statements will be obtained remotely, as required.
Strike force investigators will also reach out in coming days to passengers from both the 24 February to 8 March and 8-19 March voyages to conduct a similar survey, which will help prioritise the order in which statements are obtained.
The manifests list passengers from across the globe, including 2995 people on the first voyage and 2647 people on the second voyage – many with travel agents as their primary contact – and at this time, investigators are making their way through the list contacting via email and text.
They will be provided a link to an online questionnaire, which will provide the information directly to Strike Force Bast. This Initial triage will assist with prioritising key witnesses for a timely investigative response.
All passengers who receive the investigator’s electronic survey request are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible.
Passengers who have not received the survey by next Friday (24 April 2020) should register their best contact details with Crime Stoppers online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au, which will assist with establishing a direct contact within the strike force and ensuring the timely recording of relevant information.
While the rosters show many of the same crew were part of the more the 1100-strong workforce on-board for both voyages, there are numerous members who have since returned to their home country.
Given the expanse of the proposed inquiries – both in volume and distance – this may take some time to complete.
As such, Strike Force Bast may enlist the assistance of interstate and international law enforcement colleagues for liaison and to finalise statements.
These inquiries are expected to include the canvass of some 7000 people, the analysis of thousands of pages of documentation, and hundreds of hours of footage, and information may also be referred to the NSW Government’s Special Commission of Inquiry.
It is of critical importance that detectives ensure they maintain the integrity and thoroughness of this investigation – as they would any investigation – despite the current restrictions and guidelines under the Public Health Act.
Anyone who has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the voyage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
The community is reminded that their information is treated in strict confidence.

Police have charged six people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 24 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• Officers from Newcastle City Police District were patrolling when they stopped and spoke to two men near Steel Street, Newcastle West, just before 2pm (Thursday 16 April 2020). Police will allege one of the men – aged 20 – refused to provide his personal details and repeatedly used offensive language. Following checks, it was established the man had previously been warned and issued a $1000 PIN on Tuesday (14 April 2020) for breaching the Public Health Act. He was subsequently arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with use offensive language in/near public place, breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The Clarence Town man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 17 April 2020).

• About 8.30pm (Thursday 16 April 2020), officers from Wollongong Police District stopped a Toyota Kluger on the Princess Highway at Figtree and spoke to the driver, a 37-year-old Victorian woman, and her two passengers, as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of GBL under Strike Force Braky. Following a subsequent search of the vehicle, police found 375ml of GBL in a water bottle, two smaller bottles also containing GBL, an electronic stun device, mobile phones and drug paraphernalia including digital scales and a glass pipe. The total estimated potential street value of the drugs is $14,400. The driver was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station where she was charged with supply prohibited drug (between indictable and commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Police will allege the woman was supplying GBL across the Wollongong area. The Bundoora woman was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today. Both passengers were given warnings for not complying with a ministerial direction.

• About 3.15pm (Thursday 16 April 2020), officers from the Police Transport Command were patrolling near Wollongong Railway Station, when they stopped and spoke with three men. None of them could provide a reasonable excuse to not be at home. A 19-year-old North Nowra man was charged with breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today. The two other men were issued formal warnings.

• About 8am (Thursday 16 April 2020), officers from Wollongong Police attempted to stop a man on a bicycle at Fairy Meadow as part of investigations into a number of nuisance calls to Triple Zero (000) made in the early hours of the morning. The 29-year-old man initially ignored direction from police, before he was stopped and searched. During the search, police found a 25cm tactical knife concealed in his pocket and a 30cm hunting knife in his backpack. He was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station where he was charged with use carriage service to menace/harass/offend, custody of knife in public place – subsequent offence, breach of bail, goods in custody suspected of being stolen (mountain bike), rider not wear approved bicycle helmet, and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail and is due to appear in Wollongong Local Court today.

• Just before 8am yesterday (Thursday 16 April 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command saw two stolen cars – a Honda Odyssey and a Jeep Cherokee – travelling along the Hume Highway, Liverpool. Both vehicles attempted to evade police, with the Honda allegedly ramming a police car and crashing into the front entrance of a bottle shop. The occupants of both vehicles – six teenagers aged between 14 and 17 – were arrested. Four were charged with a range of offences relating to vehicle theft, drugs, traffic, and breach of bail. Two of the four were also charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Four of the teens were refused bail to appear before a children’s court today. The remaining two teens were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

• Just after 11.30am yesterday (Thursday 16 April 2020), police attached Liverpool City Proactive Crime Team spoke to a 57-year-old man on Burlison Street, Warwick Farm. Officers searched the man and his Holden utility, seizing cannabis and cash from the vehicle. He was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with drug supply, drug possession, goods in custody, dealing with proceeds of crime and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He is due to appear before Liverpool Local Court on Thursday 11 June 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 3am, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended a service station on Pittwater Road, Brookvale, when they saw a Holden Commodore utility at the bowser. Police spoke to the occupants – a 24-year-old Green Valley man and a 33-year-old Busby man – who could not provide police with a reasonable excuse to travel. Both men were issued $1000 PINs.

• About 5.20am, officers attached to Campbelltown City Police Area Command stopped a blue Nissan Navara utility on Tamborine Drive, Minto, and spoke to three occupants. The female passenger – aged 24 – had previously been issued a PIN on Saturday 11 April 2020 for not complying with a ministerial direction. Due to the occupants being in the vehicle without a reasonable excuse, the woman was issued a second $1000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and two men – aged 20 and 23 – were issued warnings.

• Officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District stopped a Ford Territory station wagon with four occupants on Gordon Street, Port Macquarie, about 12.50am for the purpose of a random breath test. A 21-year-old man had previously been issued a warning for breaching the Minister’s direction on Wednesday 1 April 2020, while a second man – aged 23 – and a 17-year-old girl had also been issued a warning on Thursday 9 April 2020. All four people, including a 15-year-old boy, were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being out with each other. The two men and teenage girl were issued a $1000 PIN. The teenage boy received a warning.

• About 5.15pm, officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command spoke to a man sitting with a group of other people at Little Hay Street, Haymarket. The man had previously been warned by officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command on Tuesday 7 April 2020 at Bondi for breaching the Health Act and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• Just before 4.30pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling Darling Harbour and spoke to a 29-year-old man sitting in the centre of a water feature using his mobile phone. The Redfern man allegedly told officers he was meditating. He had previously been issued a warning under the Ministerial Direction and was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• Just after 9am, officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command spoke to a 25-year-old man at Hornsby Railway Station. He was issued a warning after telling officers he had travelled from Wyong to have lunch with his brother. About 9.45am, officers spoke to the man again on-board a train at Epping. He allegedly told them he was travelling to Central to collect money from a friend and was subsequently issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 1.50am, officers from Central West Police District were patrolling Calarie Road, Forbes, when they spoke to a 22-year-old man, who was walking on the road with alcohol bottles. When asked where he was going, police allege the man did not provide a reasonable excuse under the Public Health Act. The man was issued a $1000 PIN. Police had issued the man with a warning last Friday (10 April 2020).

• About 3.30pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command issued a $1000 PIN to a 54-year-old man after he was found drinking alcohol in the Royal Botanical Gardens. Police had previously warned the man on Sunday (12 April 2020).

• About 6pm, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District were patrolling when they stopped a 25-year-old man outside a home on Pur Pur Avenue, Lake Illawarra. He allegedly told police he was visiting a mate. Checks revealed the man had received two prior warnings on Saturday (11 April 2020) and Wednesday (15 April 2020) and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police have charged five people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 25 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• Just before 1am (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command stopped and spoke to an 18-year-old man on Allen Street, near Experiment Street, Pyrmont. He allegedly told police he was going to “hang out with a mate in Kings Cross” and during a subsequent search he was allegedly found in possession of cannabis and a prescription medication. Checks revealed the man was issued a warning under the Public Health Act the day prior (Tuesday 14 April 2020). He was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The Pyrmont man was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 8 June 2020.

• About midday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), a man attended a golf club on Marsh Street, Arncliffe, and verbally threatened two employees before leaving. Officers from St George Police Area Command were notified and a short time later, a 46-year-old man was arrested at a park off the Princes Highway, Wolli Creek. He was taken to St George Police Station and charged with two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal), and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The Parramatta man has since been taken to hospital for assessment.

• Just before 1pm (Wednesday 15 April 2020) police arrested a 27-year-old man at a basketball stadium on Ralph Place, Mount Druitt following his fifth breach of ministerial directions under the Public Health Act. The man received a warning on Thursday 2 April 2020 for failing to provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. Despite this he repeated the offence the following day (Friday 3 April 2020), then twice again last week resulting in three PINs being issued. On each occasion the man was allegedly found consuming alcohol in a public place with others. Following his arrest, the man was taken to Mount Druitt Police Station and charged with larceny, enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today (Thursday 16 April 2020).

• Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 15 April 2020), police from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command approached a 39-year-old man who was drinking alcohol in a park on Little Bay Road, Little Bay. Checks revealed the man had been given two warnings earlier in the month for breaching isolation rules. He was issued with an infringement notice on 14 April for failing to comply with direction. The man was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with not comply with direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Waverley Local Court on 1 July 2020.

• About 6.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended Florence Street, Tweed Heads, after receiving information about a man who had arrived in a car acting aggressively. The man returned a positive roadside breath test, before being taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he allegedly refused a breath analysis. He was charged with breach of bail, refuse breath analysis, drive unregistered vehicle and unlicensed driver. The man had been issued with a $1000 PIN on 7 April 2020 for failing to comply with a ministerial direction. He was also charged with not comply with noticed direction and refused bail, to appear at Lismore Local Court today (16 April 2020).

Yesterday’s PINs include:

• Infringement notices were issued to two women aged 23 and 37, about 8.30pm last night (Wednesday 15 April 2020) after police from Sydney City Police Area Command saw them sitting in a car in Sussex Street. Both women had been issued warnings in the days prior.

• A 23-year-old man was issued his second infringement notice under the Public Health Act. About 7.15pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command saw a group of people sitting on a stairwell at Colo Lane, Blacktown. The group ran from officers, and the 23-year-old man found nearby told officers he had been going to the doctors but did not know the location of the practice or the name of the doctor. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• A 21-year-old man was issued a fourth PIN, after being stopped by police on Lawson St Penrith. About 4.15pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), the man told officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command that he had been at a friend’s birthday. He was issued with a $1000 PIN. A passenger in his vehicle was also issued a $1000 fine.

• Two people have been issued fines for travelling from Victoria to use ‘Return and Earn’ facilities. About 9.20am yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), a 61-year-old man was issued a fine after travelling from Wangaratta, Victoria, to Corowa to return cans and bottles. About 3.40pm, officers from Murray River Police District spoke to a woman also at a Corowa ‘Return and Earn’ facility, the 24-year-old had travelled from Yarrawonga, Victoria, and was issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel.

• Four men have been issued fines, after being seen drinking in a park on Carinya Avenue, St Marys. About 1.30am yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command observed the men, aged 20, 25, 26 and 28, in Lang park and they failed to provide a reasonable excuse. All four were issued $1000 PINS and one of the men was issued a Court Attendance Notice for breaching his bail conditions.

• Two women have been issued infringement notices after travelling to a caravan park at Broadwater. Officers from Richmond Police District were notified the two women, aged 19 and 29, had travelled to the caravan park from Taree. About 10.20am the pair were spoken to by police and were issued $1000 PINs for non-essential travel.

• About 1.45am yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), a security guard alerted police that a group of five was climbing scaffolding on a building site at Bathurst Street, Sydney. Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended and spoke to five males, aged 14, 15, 16, 17 and 21, all from Kellyville. The group admitted to climbing the building with the intention of taking photos. The 21-year-old was issued an infringement for breaching the Public Health Act and trespass, while the juveniles were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

• About 5pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers from Tweed/Bryon Police District stopped a vehicle at Fawcett Street, Brunswick Heads, and spoke to the three occupants. The 20-year-old driver failed to provide a reasonable excuse for travel, telling officers he answers to a higher authority. He had previously been issued a warning under the Ministerial Direction and was issued with a $1000 PIN. The other two occupants, men aged 46 and 56, were given warnings.

• About 4.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020), a 29-year-old man was stopped by offices attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District, riding a bike. The man told police he was going to a friend’s place to “chill” and was aware of the restrictions in place. He was issued a $1000 PIN.

• A two teenage boys have been issued infringements for failing to provide a reasonable excuse for being out of home at Carrington Street, Woonona. It is the second time the 15-year-old and 17-year-old have been issued $1000 PINs while visiting each other.

• Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District issued an infringement notice to a 42-year-old man at Morisset after he was issued multiple warnings. The man was warned twice yesterday, at 3.50am and 4.30pm in different locations on the Central Coast, for being out of home without a reasonable excuse. At about 6.20pm he was issued a $1000 PIN Gateway Boulevard, Morisset.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Vital infrastructure projects will be fast-tracked in regional NSW to help local industries, councils and communities rebuild and recover from the impacts of drought, bushfire and COVID-19.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said more than $100 million of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus package will go towards the expansion of plantation nurseries to boost production, infrastructure repairs in State forests, the rebuild of local showgrounds, and vital upgrades to regional hospitals, courthouses and Aboriginal housing.
“The NSW Government is responding to the needs of regional communities and this funding will help to protect jobs, support business, upgrade infrastructure and support the regions’ most vulnerable,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Regional NSW has done it incredibly tough over the past few years with the worst drought on record, unprecedented bushfire and now COVID-19 taking its toll, so it is important our regional communities get the backing they deserve to get them through this difficult period.
“This funding will protect vital jobs and production in forestry areas badly impacted by bushfire and deliver essential upgrades to almost 170 showgrounds around the state, where our local agriculture sector gathers to showcase produce and achievements.”
Funding committed under the COVID-19 stimulus package includes:

• $46 million as an equity injection into Forestry Corporation to repair damaged public infrastructure, and expand Blowering and Grafton nurseries and begin planting activities in bushfire affected State forests.
• $25 million for local councils to rebuild and refurbish infrastructure for up to 171 local showgrounds.
• $20 million to Aboriginal Housing for minor projects and maintenance across NSW.
• $9.5 million to Health to accelerate regional hospital minor projects and maintenance.
• $9 million to the Stronger Communities Cluster to accelerate minor projects and maintenance on assets such as regional courthouses and correctional facilities.

For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Police have charged three people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 52 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:

• Just after 2pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020) officers from Inner West Police Area Command saw a man known to them on Enmore Road, Newtown. Officers were aware the man had previously been issued with two formal warnings and one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction. After a short interaction the 45-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
• On Monday (13 April 2020) a 52-year-old man attended Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he was tested for COVID-19. He was told by health officials to self-isolate for 48 hours while he awaited his test results. About 1.30pm the next day (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended the man’s residence on a proactive compliance check, where they allegedly witnessed him walk out of his home. The man advised officers he was going to the shops and then to a friend’s house. When police asked him why he wasn’t self-isolating as directed, the man allegedly told officers he didn’t care, and he could leave his house whenever he wanted to. The man was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
• At about 6.45pm on Monday (13 April 2020) saw a man walking through the Bourke township. Officers from Central North Police District asked the man why he was out of his home and he allegedly told them he was locked out and was attempting to find his keys. A short time later, just after midnight (Tuesday 14 April 2020), police sighted the man nearby. When he was questioned, police will allege he said he was helping his friend who was locked out to find his keys, in contradiction to his earlier statement. Further inquiries revealed he had already been issued with three warnings and one $1000 PIN for breaching a ministerial direction. The man was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction and is due to appear at Bourke Local Court on 11 June 2020.

PINs include:

• About 3.30pm on Monday (13 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a unit complex in Distillery Drive, Pyrmont, following reports of a social gathering in breach of the public health order. On arrival, officers found a group of people at the property holding an Easter party. Five women – aged 30, 29, 27, 26 and 21 – and a 28-year-old man were issued PINs for failing to comply with noticed direction.
• Eight people have been issued with PINs by police from Central North PD after they were found where burnouts had allegedly been conducted at Cobar last week. Police had been investigating the incident after receiving a driving complaint on Lerida Street about 11.20pm (Monday 6 April 2020). Officers found two unregistered Commodores with blown rear tyres, as well as a ute and a 4WD. They have now issued PINs to six men – one aged 18, three aged 20, two aged 25 – as well as a 16-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman, all from Cobar.
• About 5.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District were called to Pilot Street, Yamba, following reports of a group of youths in a vehicle creating a disturbance. Officers spoke to a 19-year-old man who said he was driving to visit friends and members of his family. He was issued with a $1000 PIN. He was also charged with breach of bail and will appear at Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
• A 22-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man both from Cobar have been issued with PINs for breaching a Public Health Order after they were stopped for an RBT on Lerida Road, Cobar, about 4.15pm on Monday (13 April 2020). The male driver tested negative, but neither was able to provide a reasonable excuse for travelling.
• About 9am yesterday (14 April 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command spoke with a man on Sadleir Avenue at Heckenberg. When questioned by police, the 26-year-old man told officers he was going to see a friend for relationship advice. He was given a formal warning for failing to comply with a public health order and directed to go home. About 10 minutes later, police stopped the man again after he failed to comply and issued him with a $1000 PIN.
• Around 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020) officers from Newcastle City Police District spoke with a man at Broadmeadow Railway Station. When asked by officers why he was out of his home, the 24-year-old said he was aware of the current COVID-19 restrictions but had to get out as he was sick of being at home. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.
• About 6.15pm on Monday (13 April 2020), officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Roulstone Avenue, Belrose, after reports of youths loitering in the area. Police spoke with an 18-year-old teenager and gave him a formal warning. Further inquiries revealed he had been given warnings on two other occasions, and officers subsequently issued him with a $1000 PIN.
• A 53-year-old man from Tharbogan and a 23-year-old man from Yoogali were spoken to by police from Central North PD after they were found at truck stop on the Mitchell Highway at about 12pm Saturday (11 April 2020). The group had been spoken to by police twice previously. The two men were issued with $1000 PINs.
• Two men have been issued with PINs and four have been warned after police from Central North PD were told a group of people were gathered on Clugoa Street, Bourke, about 6.30am Sunday (12 April 2020). Most of the group dispersed when police arrived; however, two men, aged 18 and 26, and both from Bourke, were identified as having been warning previously and were issued with fines.
• A 28-year-old Victorian man has been issued with a $1000 PIN after his campervan was stopped on Head Street, Forster, on Monday (13 April 2020). The man had been warned the previous day after he was found in at a camping ground at Tuncurry.
• A 64-year-old Woollahra man has been issued with a $1000 PIN after he allegedly breached the Public Health Order when he was found on Boomerang Beach, 20km south of Forster, about midday Monday (13 April 2020). The man informed police he had been on the beach for two hours using his mobile phone.
• A 20-year-old Parramatta man has been issued with a $1000 PIN by officers from Mt Druitt PAC after he was found drinking wine while sitting in a camping chair in a commuter carpark at North Parade, Mt Druitt, just after 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020). The man had been given a warning by police about 11.30am.
• Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District stopped a Toyota van travelling on Kennedy Drive at Tweed Heads over its alleged faulty taillights about 3pm on Friday (10 April 2020). Officers spoke with the driver, a 42-year-old man, who told them he was going to visit a friend nearby. The man was issued infringement notices for driving an unregistered vehicle, not updating his licence details, no functioning break lights, and for not complying with noticed direction.
• About 9.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Bunnerong Road at La Perouse, following reports of a man walking around in an intoxicated state. The 39-year-old Randwick man could not provide a reasonable excuse as to why he was not at home. Following inquiries, police discovered he had been warned for breaching the public health order on both Thursday 9 April 2020 and Sunday 12 April 2020. He was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction.
• Just before 2am yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command stopped a vehicle on Maroubra Road, near Mons Avenue, at Maroubra and spoke with the driver, a 29-year-old man. The man told officers he was driving to Wollongong for a visit. He was issued a PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction.
• About 1.10am yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Murray River Police District were patrolling the Albury area when they spoke with a 30-year-old man near on Creek Street. The man could not provide a reasonable excuse as to why he was not at home and was issued a PIN.
• About 11.45pm on Monday (13 April 2020), officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command noticed a Ford Fiesta allegedly travelling over the speed limit on Mandarin Street, Fairfield East. The vehicle allegedly failed to stop for officers and a pursuit was initiated. The car stopped a short distance away on Lisbon Street, where the driver and passenger, both aged 17, were arrested. A 45-year-old relative arrived at the scene and it’s alleged he became aggressive towards police. He has been charged with hindering police and is due to appear before Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday 30 June 2020. The 17-year-old driver was issued with Traffic Infringement Notices for Learner Not Display L Plates as prescribed, Learner Not Accompanied by Licensed Driver, Class A Motor Vehicle exceed Speed Limit – Over 20 km/h. Both 17-year-olds were also issued $1000 PINS in relation to the Public Health Act.
• About 3.30pm on Sunday (12 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were patrolling Parkway Avenue, Raymond Terrace, when they stopped and spoke to the occupants of a Mitsubishi Mirage sedan. The two men – aged 40 and 47 – did not have a reasonable excuse for being out and were given a warning to return home. Officers stopped the vehicle again a short time later after they failed to comply with this direction and issued both men with PINs.
• About 8.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens Highway Patrol were patrolling Kingston parade, Heatherbrae, when they stopped a 31-year-old male who was not able to provide police with a reasonable excuse for his travel. He was issued with $1000 PIN.
• About 9pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Richmond Police District located a 30-year-old man on River Street, Ballina. The officer recognised the man from an interaction with him on Tuesday 7 April 2020, where he was warned about returning to his hometown in Maclean. The man was not able to come up with a valid excuse for being in the area, informing police that he simply preferred the location. He was issued with $1000 PIN.
• About 12.05am yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), an officer from Quakers Hill Police Area Command issued a warning to an 18-year-old man for sitting his car at Glenwood Reserve, Blacktown, without a valid reason. The man was given a move on direction to return home. About 12.30am police returned to the location and found the man had not moved. He was issued with $1000 PIN.

Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 66 Court Attendance Notices and 560 PINs for breaches of the Public Health Act.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Earlier today (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers from Nepean Police Area Command conducted inquiries after a health care worker at an aged care facility at Caddens tested positive to COVID-19.
Police spoke with the organization’s CEO and the facility manager, and have been provided significant information relating to possible contacts with residents and other staff, as well as workplace health and safety arrangements.
It is understood the woman was not symptomatic while at work, and was last on duty on Thursday 2 April 2020.
She was tested after this date when advised of contact with a person – not from the facility – who tested positive to COVID-19.
No further police action is expected to be required.