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Five charged after break-in at Hunter business

Five people – including four teenagers – have been charged in relation to two alleged break and enter offences in the Hunter region.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been investigating two separate break and enter offences at a business on the New England Highway at Rutherford.
Police have been told in the early hours of Sunday 27 December 2020, three people attempted to force entry to the premises; however, were unsuccessful and fled the scene.
Then between 2.50am and 4am on Sunday 3 January 2021, police will allege a Nissan Patrol was stolen from a property in Dudley and driven to the Rutherford business, before reversing through and smashing the front doors.
Police will further allege five people exited the vehicle and stole two Kawasaki trail bikes from the business, before all five fled the scene.
It’s estimated the damage caused to the front façade and the stolen property was valued in excess of $60,000.
The Nissan was later found burnt out in nearby bushland.
Following extensive inquiries, officers have arrested five people in relation to the alleged offence:

About 1.30pm on Thursday 14 January 2021, investigators attended an Aberglasslyn address and arrested a 15-year-old boy. He was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal and goods in custody. He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court the next day, where he was granted conditional bail to reappear at a children’s court on Friday 12 March 2021.
About 7.45am on Monday 18 January 2021, investigators attended a Telarah address where a 17-year-old boy was arrested. He was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 12 February 2021.
About 7.45am on Tuesday 19 January 2021, investigators attended a Tenambit address and arrested a 15-year-old boy. He was charged with steal motor vehicle be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 29 January 2021.
On Wednesday 20 January 2021, a 20-year-old man was issued a court attendance notice for five offences, including aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal, steal motor vehicle, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner. He was remanded in custody to appear at Maitland Local Court on Thursday 21 January 2021, where he was formally bail refused to next appear at the same court on Thursday 4 February 2021.
Yesterday (Thursday 21 January 2021), police attended a Muswellbrook home and arrested a 14-year-old boy. He was charged with steal motor vehicle and aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 12 February 2021.

The two Kawasaki trail bikes remain outstanding, with police continuing to conduct inquiries to locate them.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, said solving property crime remains a high priority for local police.
“Break and enter offences continue to occur throughout areas such as Rutherford, Aberglasslyn and Maitland, and our local police are continuing to target those crimes.
“These crimes can often be prevented through simple crime prevention tips people can introduce in and around their homes, including security systems, sensor lighting, and keeping all valuables locked inside the home or shed at all times.
“Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home or leaving your car.
“We will continue to run operations throughout the district – those who choose to continue breaking the law, we will charge you and put you before the courts,” Det Insp Urquhart said.

Release of refugees from hotel detention a belated humanitarian step

The overdue release of dozens of refugees from immigration detention is a very welcome glimmer of humanity in Australia’s refugee policy, Greens Immigration Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim says.
“These men have been through so much for so long, and for them now to be able to breathe free air is a wonderful step forward for them,” Senator McKim said.
“There are still over 150 people who suffered through years of offshore detention detained in Australia. They should also be immediately released.”
“Those released today, and those still in detention, deserved freedom and safety a long time ago. Now they need permanent protection, support in our community, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.”
“There was never a legitimate reason for their detention, and it’s time to write the end of this dark chapter in our country’s story.”
“Special thanks go to the many Australian people who have protested this appalling situation.”

Additional support for senior Australians to live independently

The Australian Government is ensuring senior Australians can live at home for longer thanks to additional assistance under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said allowing older Australians to choose how and where they lived is a priority.
“The choice to live safely and independently in their community has increasingly become a strong preference for senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government continues to invest in measures to make this possible no matter where people live.”
The Commonwealth Government will provide up to $124.4m in additional grants across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years.
This will include an additional $32.2m per year over two years starting in financial year 2020-21 and a separate allocation of up to $60m in additional funding in 2021-22.“This funding will expand access to entry-level services to more senior Australians right across Australia, now and into the future,” Minister Colbeck said.
Eligible providers of aged care and disability services are invited to apply for the funding to deliver home support services under the CHSP.
The CHSP is an entry-level aged care program for frail people aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need some help with daily tasks.
As part of its commitment to supporting the entry level care needs of older Australians, the Government has committed a total of $5.94b across 2020-21 and 2021-22 to fund the delivery of services through the CHSP.
Nationally, more than 1,400 organisations are funded to deliver CHSP home support services to around 840,000 seniors.
“Maximising independence and autonomy is a key objective of the CHSP, to help people live their best lives as they get older,” Minister Colbeck said.
Services provided under the CHSP include domestic assistance such as help with cleaning, washing and shopping, transport, allied health services, nursing care and social support, assistance with food preparation in the home and delivery of meals, support for carers including respite services and home maintenance.
The grant opportunity GO3632 is now open and will close on 5 February 2021.
Information for eligible providers and how to apply is available on Grant Connect.

Tenders called for Dixon Park Kiosk refurbishment

City of Newcastle is progressing with plans to revitalise Dixon Park, with contracts to refurbish the Dixon Park kiosk now open to tender.
The project will see the kiosk building transformed into an improved space with public seating, shade shelters and landscaping.
“This project supports City of Newcastle’s Coastal Revitalisation program which commenced in 2010 as part of a long-term commitment to enhance Newcastle’s coastline,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“By investing in our coastal buildings, we hope to continue to make our beaches a welcoming place for our community and visitors, which is now more important than ever.
“Construction companies are invited to bid to refurbish the Dixon Park kiosk and contribute to the continued activation of Bathers Way.
“We will invite expressions of interest mid-year for the kiosk operations and Dixon Park Beach will become a vibrant hub where our community can connect and appreciate the benefits of living near the coast.”
Work to prepare the kiosk for use commenced in 2020, with provision of power and sewage infrastructure now complete.
The transformation of the kiosk will see the relocation of a portion of the building’s faded mural which features local, four time world surfing champion, Mark Richards. The City has committed to fully restoring the mural in a new location on the southern side of the kiosk as a part of the completed project.
In 2019 the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club was refurbished with new change rooms, space for female members, and accessible amenities. The $640,000 upgrade was jointly funded by NSW Government through a Surf Club Facilities Grant, City of Newcastle, Dixon Park SLSC and Ability Links NSW.
Tender submissions can be made via tenderlink.

Upstanding Novocastrians honoured at award ceremony

Australia’s first recognised Indigenous surgeon and a passionate advocate for health equality, Associate Professor Kelvin Kong, has been honoured as City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year 2021.
When he’s not tending to patients at his Broadmeadow practice or performing operations, Dr Kong devotes his time to researching Alloiococcus otitidis – an organism prevalent in ear disease – with the Hunter Medical Research Institute and lecturing students at the University of Newcastle.
As one of only three Indigenous surgeons in the country, Dr Kong is passionate about addressing the disparity in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Each year, he spends time working in remote Australian communities, providing access to quality healthcare that would otherwise be limited or unavailable.
“Indigenous people have been practicing medicine in this country for 60,000 years, a history I am proud to be part of and carry on for future generations,” Dr Kong said.
“I am both humbled and galvanised by this prestigious award, to continue striving towards improved ear health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Dr Kong’s demonstrated leadership in Aboriginal health service delivery, advocacy and research had earned him the Citizen of the Year gong at an intimate award ceremony in Newcastle today.
“Dr Kong exemplifies the values of the Citizen of the Year title, representing Newcastle at the top of his field and working tirelessly to improve health outcomes among disadvantaged communities,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The year 2020 was challenging for our health professionals, so it is apt that today we recognised Dr Kong for his continued efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Awarded Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year 2021 was professional netballer Samantha Poolman.
Poolman, of Rankin Park, was recognised for her contributions to women and girls in sport, representing Newcastle in the GIANTS Netball team at the sport’s most elite level. She is also an ambassador for the Confident Girls Foundation, inspiring and empowering a new generation of young netballers.
In 2020, Poolman led a fundraiser for Black Summer bushfire affected communities through her Hunter athlete development program, Aspire Netball, which raised $12,000 for Netball Bushfire Relief.
This year City of Newcastle also awarded a Senior Citizen of the Year accolade to Jaci Lappin, CEO of Carrington Bowling Club, for her dedication to providing a safe, inclusive space for the community to gather, enriching the City’s vibrant social tapestry through a range of community activities. This became even more significant at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when social isolation was prevalent.
Ms Lappin was also the driving force behind fundraisers to install solar panels and complete much-needed renovations to the club.
“Both Samantha and Jaci are well respected, well-loved members of our community who give so much of their time to that which they are passionate about for the benefit of others, and I’m pleased to be able to formally acknowledge their contributions,” the Lord Mayor said.
Taking out Community Group of the Year 2021, Hamilton Business Association Inc was recognised for its commitment to the betterment of the Hamilton community, and the Association’s renewed sense of purpose to attract people to the Beaumont Street precinct and surrounds.
The Hamilton Business Association has worked closely with the City during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the community’s safety, a partnership from which the LiveSpots initiative was born, helping local musicians recover from the pandemic’s economic impact.
The Association was also instrumental in helping to secure a new home in September for Newcastle Men’s Shed after four years without a dedicated space.
“Hamilton Business Association embodies the sense of community spirit the Community Group of the Year award aims to highlight and celebrate,” the Lord Mayor added.
“I commend each of our 2021 award recipients and congratulate them all on making Newcastle an even better city to live, work and play.”
Lord-Mayor-Nuatali-Nelmes-with-City-of-Newcastle-s-2021-Citizenship-Award-recipients-web-1.jpg ^{(L-R): Hamilton Business Association Chair Janice Musumeci, representing City of Newcastle’s Community Group of the Year 2021; Senior Citizen of the Year 2021 Jaci Lappin; Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes; Citizen of the Year 2021 Associate Professor Kelvin Kong; and Young Citizen of the Year 2021 Samantha Poolman.}
City of Newcastle’s Awards Program is judged by a panel consisting of:

Nuatali Nelmes, Lord Mayor of Newcastle
Carol Duncan, Councillor City of Newcastle
Andrea Rufo, Councillor City of Newcastle
Jeremy Bath, CEO City of Newcastle
Pastor Sue Irwin, The Grainery Church
Michelle Faithfull, Citizen of the Year 2020
Alexa Stuart, Young Citizen of the Year 2020
Ivan Skaines, representing Newcastle Pride, Community Group of the Year 2020

NSW CROWN LAND GETS $51 MILLION FUNDING BOOST

The NSW Government will provide a record $51.7 million from its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) to maintain and upgrade Crown reserves and community facilities across the State.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this year’s fund has received a $40 million stimulus boost to support communities impacted by bushfires and COVID with infrastructure improvements to support jobs and local economies.
“Last year the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supported about 345 projects across NSW and this year’s stimulus boost will more than double the number of projects to 705,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will support projects right across NSW which will contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of communities.
“It will support residents with quality open recreational space by maintaining and improving reserves and supporting bushfire, noxious weed and pest control to keep Crown land safe and functional and to protect the environment.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said CRIF projects include improvements to nature reserves, public halls, surf life-saving facilities, Scout and Girl Guide halls, showgrounds, caravan parks, amenities blocks, PCYC clubs, racecourses, playground equipment and more.
“Crown land is for the people of NSW to use and enjoy, and to support organisations at the heart of our communities,” Mr Stokes said.
“Across the State, Crown land provides space for local parks and nature reserves and a home for community organisations like showgrounds, surf life-saving clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, RSPCA, PCYC, Rural Fire Service and SES groups.
“This record $51.7 million investment will protect and enhance Crown land while stimulating local economies with work for tradespeople.”
For more information visit: https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

City deliver on promise to community by investing millions in Priority Projects

Novocastrians are encouraged to ‘go out and enjoy their city by grabbing it with both hands’ in the tagline for City of Newcastle’s latest Priority Projects campaign.
The campaign features four Priority Projects initiatives including City Centre Revitalisation, Blackbutt Reserve, Cycleways, and Coastal Revitalisation projects.
Priority Projects in 2021 have been identified as a result of extensive community consultation and the significant investment will benefit residents, businesses and visitors to Newcastle.

Building on the success of previous campaigns, the 2021 campaign features engaging videos that place the audience in amongst the action by using a first-person point of view.
The campaign features a 30-second television commercial (TVC) running until 31 January 2021, an overarching video for social media and website, and four project specific videos. Each of the project videos can be found on City of Newcastle’s Priority Projects webpage or via the following:

Footpath decals have also been placed in strategic locations within each Priority Projects area with a QR code linking back to the TVC. To find out more, visit City of Newcastle’s Priority Projects webpage.

REGIONAL WOMEN’S SPORT A WINNER WITH $50 MILLION FUNDING BOOST

Sports facilities across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved women’s change rooms and amenities thanks to $50 million in funding from the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee today announced that Round Four of the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund will have a regional sports focus, with up to $50 million to be made available for the delivery and enhancement of women’s sporting facilities, including change rooms.
Mr Barilaro said a lack of adequate facilities can be a barrier to female participation in sport and this funding will provide new and improved amenities to make it easier for girls and women to dominate on the field or courts.
“The NSW Nationals are building a safer and stronger regional NSW and these new facilities will increase participation and allow women and girls to receive the social and health benefits associated with sport,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Women have been flying the flag for Australian sport with our international teams achieving incredible status on the world platform, and many of these athletes come from regional communities.
“Too many women participating in local soccer, AFL, rugby or cricket matches in rural and regional locations don’t have access to suitable changing facilities so the NSW Government has committed this funding to level the playing field.
“Access to designated female change rooms will be of huge benefit to our future Matildas, Opals, Hockeyroos, Jillaroos and Wallaroos, as well as local athletes.”
Mr Lee said the provision of new and improved female change rooms is a step that will encourage more women to step out on the court or field.
“Some of Australia’s best sporting talents are women from regional NSW, and we want to see more females showcasing their talent at a grassroots level,” Mr Lee said.
“In many areas of regional NSW there is a shortage of female dedicated change facilities and amenities which can be off-putting, so this funding will be a huge win for women and girls who would have otherwise been deterred from playing sport.”
Minister for Women and Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said women have been proudly stepping up to the plate, pitch or pool for years now and this next round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will address a barrier for females when it comes to entering local and regional sport.
“I know this funding will be warmly welcomed by female athletes in regional communities who will now face one less barrier to taking up a sport,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Clubs and community sport provide friendship, fitness and a lot of fun and I’m delighted that this funding has been made available as a means of boosting participation in women’s sport.”
The remaining $50 million of the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four will be made available for further high quality community amenity and sports-related infrastructure projects to meet strong demand.
Applications for Round Four of the program will be open from 1 May. Guidelines and information about eligible applicants will be available on the Regional Growth Fund website in coming months.

CALLAN PARK WATERFRONT SET FOR $14M MAKEOVER

A continuous green link connecting the Sydney Harbour foreshore is a step closer, with Callan Park set for a $14 million makeover under the new management of the Greater Sydney Parklands.
The new plans will see a missing link in the Bay Run fully pedestrianised and upgraded, the removal of two dilapidated buildings, new picnic areas, parks, accessible amenities, the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage and much more.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the major works represented a significant milestone for the new public parkland authority.
“Greater Sydney Parklands is the first body to have a Metropolitan-wide focus on the city’s green spaces, and these plans for Callan Park are the first step in our vision to connect Sydney’s stunning harbour foreshore with public parks and green links,” Mr Stokes said.
“These works will see a tricky section of the Bay Run fixed, meaning pedestrians and cyclists will no longer have to weave around motorists looking for parking in a space that will make better use of its prime position on the foreshore.
“We’re enhancing the best of Callan Park’s heritage while maximising public space to make this one of the true jewels in Sydney’s crown.
“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the Member for Balmain Jamie Parker, who has been a tireless advocate of Callan Park for more than 20 years.”
A development application for the first stage of improvements at the waterfront will be lodged in early March with work on site expected to begin later this year. The improvements will complement the $2 million upgrade to Waterfront Sports Ground undertaken by Inner West Council in 2019.
Greater Sydney Parklands will begin engagement on a Companion Animal Management Plan over the coming months to balance the needs of dog owners and other park users.

Volunteer youth worker charged over alleged sexual touching of young boy – Newcastle

A volunteer youth worker will reappear in court today charged over the alleged sexual touching of a young boy near Newcastle.
On Tuesday (22 December 2020), police received reports that an eight-year-old boy had been sexually touched by a man while attending a vacation care program at a youth club in Broadmeadow.
The matter was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, who commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, detectives, with assistance from officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, attended a home in Lambton and arrested a 57-year-old man about 11.40pm the same day.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with three counts of sexual touching (child under 10 years).
Police will allege in court that the man sexually touched the boy while working as a volunteer youth worker at a youth club in Broadmeadow.
The man appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 23 December 2020, where he was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at the same court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021).
Investigations are continuing.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.