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Man charged over alleged child sexual abuse – Lake Macquarie

A man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of young children in the state’s north.
In March 2021, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Friar to investigate multiple reports of child sexual abuse that occurred between 1993 and 2020.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators arrested a 64-year-old man, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, at Swansea about 8.30am yesterday (Monday 20 December 2021).
The Marks Point man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with 26 offences,

  • Indecent assault with victim under the age of 10 (13 counts)
  • Indecent assault person under 16 years of age
  • Sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 (three counts)
  • Aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 (three counts)
  • Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years (two counts)
  • Commit act of indecency with person under 10 years
  • Sexually touch another person without consent, and
  • Carry out sexual act with another without consent (two counts)

Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused seven children – who were known to him – in the Lake Macquarie and Narrabri areas between 1993 and 2020.
He was refused bail and appeared in Belmont Local Court on the same day, where he was formally refused bail to appear in the same court on Wednesday 16 February 2022.

Strengthening leaders and governance across aged care

The Morrison Government today launches an education program to help aged care providers strengthen organisational governance and leadership.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said strong leadership within the sector is critical for driving the cultural change required for high-quality levels of care.
The “Governing for Reform in Aged Care” education program is an important component of the Government’s once-in-a-generation aged care reform plan aimed at supporting providers to fulfil responsibilities to consumers.
“The Government recognises the importance of strong leadership and governance to drive the cultural change required to support the reforms in aged care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This education program is an investment in our future aged care system and will enhance leadership and governance skills across the sector.
“All aged care providers need to review their current practices to ensure they are ready to embrace the future”.
The program will be led by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and will specifically target all leaders and members of governing bodies of approved aged care, aiming for approximately 3700 participants.
Enrolment in the program is free and will continue to June 2023.
The initiative is part of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and is aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
Minister Colbeck said it was an opportunity for leaders and governing bodies to play an active part in the transformation of culture across the sector.
“The Morrison Government is committed to providing senior Australians with access to care that supports their dignity and recognises the contribution that they have made, and continue to make, to our society.”
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet Anderson, will invite all aged care leaders and governing bodies to register their interest and participate in the program.
The Government is investing an unprecedented $17.7 billion in aged care reform, in response to the Royal Commission.
A key pillar of the reform package is to strengthen governance and leadership of aged care boards that can support better quality and safety of care for senior Australians.
You can read more about the aged care provider governance capability program here.

Energy and experience to deliver for NSW

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier Paul Toole have announced a new Cabinet team to focus on delivering the NSW Government’s vision for the state.
It combines a wealth of experience with fresh energy at a critical time, leading NSW out of the pandemic and toward a stronger future.
“Our new Ministry harnesses experience, while allowing for renewal and injecting fresh energy into the team,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s a team with purpose, carefully shaped to deliver on our vision. My expectation is that every Minister will work hard to improve the lives of people across our state at a critical time in the history of our state.”
There are nine first-time Ministers in the new-look Cabinet which includes the three new portfolios of Minister for Cities, Minister for Homes and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.
“Four of our new Ministers are women and we hope they will help inspire our next generation of leaders,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We’ve spelt out our vision and the new portfolios demonstrate our commitment to deliver more opportunity for home ownership, our Six Cities strategy, and great jobs through cutting edge research, innovation and local manufacturing.”
The Government’s priority remains reopening and kick starting the economy in a safe and measured way while delivering its record infrastructure program.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the past three years have been some of the most challenging in our State’s history, with the team’s focus now on recovery and strengthening our resilience.
“We’ve gone through the darkest of days, but we are focused on building stronger regional communities – stronger for their services, their jobs and the opportunities we’re unlocking for this generation and the next,” Mr Toole said.
“Regional health has been a big focus of our Government since day one – and as a registered nurse from the bush, Bronnie Taylor will ensure regional communities get the investment in hospitals and health services and the quality of care they deserve.
“The new Emergency Services and Resilience portfolio combines our response and recovery efforts to ensure NSW can bounce back and lead our state to a better future.”

NEW SOUTH WALES CABINET MINISTERS

The Honourable Dominic Francis Perrottet MP Premier

The Honourable Paul Lawrence Toole MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Police

The Honourable Stuart Laurence Ayres MP Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, Minister for Western Sydney

The Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC Minister for Women, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Mental Health

The Honourable Matthew John Kean MP Treasurer, Minister for Energy

The Honourable Damien Francis Tudehope MLC Minister for Finance, Minister for Employee Relations, Vice-President of the Executive Council, Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council 

The Honourable Alister Andrew Henskens SC MP Minister for Skills and Training, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly

The Honourable Bradley Ronald Hazzard MP Minister for Health

The Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC Minister for Education and Early Learning

The Honourable Mark Raymond Speakman SC MP Attorney General

The Honourable Robert Gordon Stokes MP Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Cities, Minister for Active Transport

The Honourable Victor Michael Dominello MP Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government

The Honourable Anthony John Roberts MP Minister for Planning, Minister for Homes 

The Honourable David Andrew Elliott MP Minister for Transport, Minister for Veterans

The Honourable Natalie Peta Ward MLC Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence

The Honourable Kevin John Anderson MP Minister for Lands and Water, Minister for Hospitality and Racing

The Honourable Dr Geoffrey Lee MP Minister for Corrections

The Honourable Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Disability Services

The Honourable Samuel Farraway MLC Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

The Honourable Stephanie Anne Cooke MP Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience

The Honourable Eleni Marie Petinos MP Minister for Small Business, Minister for Fair Trading 

The Honourable James Henry Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage

The Honourable Mark Joseph Coure MP Minister for Multiculturalism, Minister for Seniors

The Honourable Dugald William Saunders MP Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Western New South Wales

The Honourable Benjamin Cameron Franklin MLC Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Regional Youth

The Honourable Wendy Margaret Tuckerman MP Minister for Local Government

Libs: Bridget Sakr will fight for the Strathfield community

Successful business founder, Bridget Sakr, will ask the Strathfield community to make her their representative in the NSW Parliament at the upcoming state by-election.
A working mother, Bridget spent years in the corporate sector and then was building up her finance business when a family tragedy reshaped her life and focus.
“I was going through the most unimaginable time in my life when this community wrapped its arms around me, opened its heart to me and came to my aid,” Ms Sakr said.
“I would like to repay their love, kindness and generosity by fighting for to build a better community for every one of them.”
“I will campaign for safer and less congested roads, educational opportunity, policies to improve home ownership in our community, and more accessible grief support, trauma and mental health care for the multicultural community that calls Strathfield home.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet said Ms Sakr is a determined and successful businesswoman whose perspective and drive would be an asset to the parliament.
“Bridget is a strong-willed woman who has had success in business and is determined to make a difference for the Strathfield electorate,” Mr Perrottet said.
“She is a resilient and extraordinary person with a genuine determination to give back to a community who supported her through her time of need.
“As a candidate, she embodies all of the values we want in our elected leaders, particularly her commitment to giving voice to those who struggle to be heard.”
Ms Sakr said she will be a strong advocate for the Strathfield community and local businesses, to ensure that they get the services and infrastructure that is needed to recover and ultimately prosper.
“I grew a successful business from scratch, so I understand the challenges that small businesses are facing; and I will be a vocal advocate for support that local businesses need to help them recover.”
“There are still people and businesses doing it tough, and they need a stable and experienced government that can deliver jobs and opportunities. By voting for me, the community will get a tenacious and passionate representative in the Perrottet Government working to build a better future for the community.”
Ms Sakr has spent more than three decades working in the financial services sector, and is the co-founder of Granite Home Loans.
Ms Sakr has a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Humans Resource Management from UTS.
She is a former executive at Genworth Financial, former ambassador for The Risk Board, and was an executive consultant to the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia.
Ms Sakr founded heartFELT, an online grief support platform, following the death of her 11-year-old daughter Veronique in February 2020.
Together with Daniel and Leila Abdallah, whose three children were also killed in the Oatlands tragedy, she co-launched ‘I 4Give Day’.
The annual event is designed to promote a national dialogue about the benefits of forgiveness.

Flying Kangaroo delivers jobs bounce

The NSW Government has signed a deal with Qantas to keep its global headquarters in Sydney, supporting the creation of 2,500 jobs and generating more than $300 million in economic benefits for the State.
Following an in-principle agreement in May, thousands of new and existing jobs have been secured and Sydney is locked in as the exclusive launch city for non-stop flights between global cities, including London and New York.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the deal secures Sydney’s place as a global travel hub and brings new jobs to the state as the economy recovers from the pandemic.
“All over the world, when people think of visiting Australia it’s Sydney and our state that they dream about experiencing,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s right that our national carrier is headquartered here. We know how difficult the pandemic has been for the travel and tourism industry.
“Our Government is supporting them to bring back thousands of jobs and take to the skies.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the long-term deal secures valuable investment in NSW as we continue to open up to the rest of the world.
“The Qantas deal is a vote of confidence in our State as we bounce back from COVID-19, and continue to get our people back into jobs and planes back in the air,” Mr Kean said.
“Sydney remains Australia’s business capital and a runway to the rest of the world, with this deal securing the future of our aviation industry.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said keeping our national carrier in Sydney sends the right message to business and tourists as we reopen.
“Our agreement with Qantas will help secure 2,500 new full time jobs over the next five years, which is great news for the aviation industry as it looks to bounce back following an extremely challenging couple of years,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is a major boost to the State, securing Sydney as the nation’s exclusive hub for non-stop flights to some of the world’s most popular destinations.”
The agreement also confirmed:
  • The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators in NSW.
  • Plans for expansion of the Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot.
  • A commitment from Qantas to deliver improved Indigenous and diversity employment outcomes in its NSW workforce over the next five years.
Based in Sydney since 1938, Qantas currently employs more than 3,000 people at its headquarters, a figure that will increase as NSW and Australia continues to reopen to the world and the aviation sector continues its rebound.

Vaccine booster rollout gathers pace

The NSW Government’s booster program continues to ramp up with NSW Health already delivering more than 120,000 vaccine booster doses to help keep people safe and increase levels of immunity to COVID-19.
On Friday, NSW Health clinics delivered the highest daily total since the rollout of the program, up from 2000 doses two weeks ago, in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
People are eligible for a booster 5 months after a second dose and NSW Health can accommodate people about to travel who might need a slightly earlier appointment.
The number of people eligible to receive a booster will increase steadily in 2022, with around 40 per cent of the NSW population to be eligible at the end of January, 64 per cent in February, 87 per cent in March, and 91 per cent by April 2022.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet thanked people for coming forward to get their booster shots and urged every eligible person to book in as soon as possible.
“As we navigate our way out of the pandemic, we remain focused on saving lives and protecting livelihoods and getting your booster shot will offer you protection against COVID,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our frontline health workers have been incredible over the past two years and their dedication is greatly appreciated. It’s time for us to step up again and get a booster to protect ourselves, the community and those who have done so much to keep us safe.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said NSW Health will also be keeping its COVID testing centres open during the holiday months, so people can get a test when they need it.
“The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and get a booster if you are eligible,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We need everyone to continue to do their bit and follow the rules, so if you have even the slightest of symptoms get tested and stay at home.”
Those eligible for a booster dose can book in at a NSW Health vaccination clinic through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder. You can also book in to receive a booster dose at a participating pharmacy and your local GP.

AFL support for the Devonport community acknowledged

As part of its 2022 pre-season fixture to be released on Monday, December 20, Hawthorn will host Richmond in a tribute match to support the families who lost loved ones and the wider community.
North Melbourne Football Club will also show its support as part of the event.
Minister Colbeck, a Devonport resident, said the tribute match would mean a lot to the community as it deals with the unbelievably loss.
“It is an extraordinary acknowledgement from the AFL community as the people of Devonport and Tasmania draw together at this sad time,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It is a profound loss that will affect our community for a long time – but the outpouring of support across Australia brings some level of comfort.
“We are there for the people of Devonport, now and for the months and years ahead.
“I want to thank AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett, Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein for taking the initiative to host an event that offers an opportunity for people to draw closer together.”
Further details for the match to be held on Saturday March 5 will be confirmed.

Fatal motorcycle crash near Cessnock

A motorcyclist has died following a crash in the state’s Hunter region.
About 4.20am today (Saturday 18 December 2021), emergency services were called to Old Maitland Rd, Sawyers Gully, about 20km north east of Cessnock, after reports a motorcycle had crashed.
The rider – a 48-year-old man – died at the scene.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and an investigation commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

NSW welcomes 214 new firefighters

The NSW Government has welcomed 214 new firefighters to its ranks at a graduation ceremony this morning at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills.
The recruits completed their training in all facets of the job, including fire, rescue, emergency first aid, hazardous material treatment and natural disaster response.
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott joined FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter to congratulate the new permanent and on-call firefighters. They observed a live demonstration by the recruits of the types of incidents they could face as firefighters, including a mock service station fire, a structural blaze and a hazardous material emergency,
“These fresh-faced recruits join the ranks at a time when we face the likelihood of more natural disasters over summer as well as the ongoing pandemic, yet nonetheless are committed to work to protect our property and loved ones,” Mr Elliott said.
“They have joined FRNSW because they want to make a difference and now they’re learning the skills to make that positive impact.
Their recruitment represents the ongoing, record investment this Government has made to safeguard our communities from fire and disaster right across this State.”
Commissioner Baxter praised the recruits who come from diverse backgrounds but share one common goal – to protect the irreplaceable.
“These new firefighters appropriately represent the communities they protect,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“They come to us from cities and towns all over New South Wales and beyond with fortitude and determination and we equip them with the knowledge and skills to be prepared for anything, to protect the irreplaceable.”
The recruits have successfully completed almost 15 weeks of training in the Academy’s state-of-the-art learning environments which include a special urban search and rescue scene, an underground train tunnel, a mock service station, a five-storey training tower and a live fire facility.
The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds, including a former teacher, a former restaurant manager and an accomplished landscape architect.

More beds more services for $260 million Eurobodalla regional hospital

The masterplan for the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital at Moruya has been revealed at a site visit by the Premier Dominic Perrottet today.
“We’ve listened to the community, experts in health planning and our clinical and allied health staff. They want this new hospital to grow with the residents of the Eurobodalla and that’s what my government is delivering,” Mr Perrottet said.
“There’ll be MRI services, greater ED capacity, an ICU/Close Observation Unit and space for staff education and training in one of the largest greenfield hospital developments underway in NSW.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be built to accommodate a Level 4 health facility.
“We will be delivering so much more than is currently in the district including a new MRI, an 8 bed intensive care unit and enhanced oncology services.  It will be up to the Local Health District to recruit all of the specialist clinicians necessary to operate a Level 4 hospital and that’s what will be delivered,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you live in Narooma, Moruya or Bateman’s Bay you will have outstanding medical care as close to where you live as possible.  Our nurses, doctors, allied health staff will be able to deliver care from a state-of-the-art hospital.
“Once completed, the new hospital will provide more beds than are currently available in both Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined.”
The NSW Government recently announced a $500 million boost to its investment in rural health services and infrastructure.
The new South Coast facility will feature the latest technology and models of care and improved Emergency Department capacity, specialist consultation rooms, an expansion of medical imaging including a second x-ray machine and MRI, as well as other amenities including space for staff education and training.
The formal State Significant Development Application (SSDA) planning process for the new hospital has commenced and consultation will continue to develop the application, including a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Local member for Bega Andrew Constance said the project would dramatically boost work opportunities in the region.
“This project will support hundreds of direct and indirect jobs here in the region during construction and many locals will be able to develop industry skills providing a boost to the local economy.  Once it is built there’ll be additional jobs working at the hospital,” Mr Constance said.
Southern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Margaret Bennett said the new hospital will strengthen the region’s network of healthcare services with future proofing plans for additional education, training and research facilities included in the masterplan.
“As we progress designs and plans for the project, we will continue to engage with staff and the community,” Ms Bennett said.
The master plan and early designs have been prepared in collaboration with clinicians, operational staff, local Aboriginal community representatives and community members.
The site acquisition process is proceeding, and early and enabling works are expected to start in 2022.
Construction of a facility of this size generally takes between two to three years to complete and is expected to open to patients in 2025.
The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include:
  • An emergency department
  • an eight bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) /Close Observation Unit (COU)
  • increased capacity for chemotherapy treatments
  • surgical and operating theatres
  • expanded medical imaging, including MRI and additional X-ray
  • Ambulatory care for community outpatient services
  • Paediatric and maternity services – including inpatient beds
  • Flexible mental health beds associated with the medical inpatient unit and
  • enhanced education and training facilities.
More information about how stakeholders and community members can get involved in the project is available at www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au