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Man charged with property offences in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle

A man will face court today charged over alleged property offences in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Sometime between 3pm on Sunday (10 January) and 7.30am on Monday (11 January 2021), police will allege two businesses on Pendlebury Road at Cardiff were broken into, with laptops, iPads, power tools and other industrial equipment taken.
Following extensive inquiries by the Lake Macquarie Police District Proactive Crime Team, officers stopped a Mazda 6 on Minmi Road, Fletcher, about 1.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 14 January 2021) and spoke with a 31-year-old man.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle where they allegedly located items believed to be stolen from the above premises as well as methylamphetamine and housebreaking implements.
The man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with 10 offences, including:

Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse
Larceny
Destroy/damage property (x2)
Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal
Aggravated break and enter commit indictable offence-in company-steal
Possess housebreaking implements
Possess prohibited drug
Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen

Police will allege in court the Birmingham Gardens man was involved in property offences around the Newcastle area in December 2020.
He was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Thursday 14 January 2021).

Statement on Ocean Bath cleanliness

The summer cleaning schedule at Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Ocean Baths, and the cleaning hours for staff at the baths, have not been reduced.
During the past month, a number of factors have contributed to the cleanliness of Newcastle Ocean Baths. The recent wet weather has impacted ocean water quality, which in turn impacts the water quality of the baths.
The already larger summer visitor numbers at Newcastle Ocean Baths increased this week due to shark sightings, which forced the closure of Nobbys and Newcastle Beaches for two consecutive days.
Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Ocean Baths have also been the target of antisocial behaviour including vandalism to the facilities and rubbish and objects thrown into the pool.
Cleaning crews conducted a routine weekly clean at Newcastle Ocean Baths today to ensure that the baths are in the best condition possible ahead of the forecasted high temperatures and low-high tides both today and Thursday.
While City of Newcastle schedules weekly cleaning of Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Ocean Baths, the ability to clean the pool is highly dependent on surf conditions, tidal heights and the weather. The onsite pumps can assist in controlling cleanliness, however they can only operate during mid to high tides and as such are unfortunately not always able to be used.
Additionally, water quality is heavily influenced by the naturally occurring water quality of the ocean and the debris present. During summer, warmer water accelerates algae growth resulting in a build-up on the walls. Although this results in the appearance of an unclean pool, regular testing indicates that the water quality is acceptable for public swimming.
City of Newcastle will continue to investigate and trial options to increase water quality lifecycles, while attempting to minimise pool cleaning shutdowns of the Ocean Baths to achieve a balance between availability and cleanliness.

Man charged after two women allegedly stabbed – Muswellbrook

A man will face court today after allegedly stabbing two women in the Hunter Valley overnight.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were called to a home on the Pacific Way at Muswellbrook about 7pm (Tuesday 12 January 2021), and found a 27-year-old man in the front yard allegedly armed with a pair of scissors, carrying a baby.
Officers repeatedly directed the man to release the child; however, he allegedly refused.
As the man briefly put the 11-month-old girl on the ground, police deployed a Taser to affect his arrest.
A 30-year-old Macksville woman was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, while a 28-year-old Muswellbrook woman was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for treatment.
Five children aged between 11-months and seven were at the home at the time but were not physically injured.
The Macksville man was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he has been charged with two counts of wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He was refused bail to face Muswellbrook Local Court today (Wednesday 13 January 2021).
Police will allege in court the man stabbed a 30-year-old woman several times to the abdomen and right eye, before stabbing a 28-year-old woman to the upper arm and face.

PIN issued to amusement park for alleged NYE Public Health Order breach

Police have issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) to an amusement park following a New Year’s Eve event that breached a Public Health Order on Sydney’s North Shore.
Earlier this month, officers from North Shore Police Area Command commenced an investigation after receiving mobile phone footage of a large crowd gathered at the Milsons Point venue in possible breach of a Public Health Order.
Following inquiries with the venue and a review of further footage, the company secretary of the amusement park was issued a $5000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19 – Corporation about 2pm today (Wednesday 13 January 2021).
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

$38 million available for research into diabetes, heart disease

Two new medical research centres will be funded by the Morrison Government to produce rapid improvements in preventing, treating and curing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and their complications.
The Government will provide $10 million each for the new research centres ($20 million overall), as well as $18 million to support translational research projects.
Expressions of interest are now being sought by MTPConnect for the two research centres and also the first tranche of translational research projects, worth $6 million. There will be opportunities to fund translational research projects using the remaining $12 million in the future.
The funding is drawn from the Government’s Medical Research Future Fund, under its Targeted Translation Research Accelerator, which is managed by MTPConnect.
It will be directed to research projects with the potential to transform diabetes and cardiovascular disease outcomes, and reduce the burden of these diseases on patients, families and the community.
The two research centres will stimulate collaboration across industry, research and clinical organisations.
The Diabetes Research Centre’s translational research, development and implementation science activities will address three priority areas:
·       Diabetic kidney disease.
·       Peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot syndrome.
·       Short term complications of hypoglycaemia and/or hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) and ketoacidosis.
The priorities for the Cardiovascular Disease Research Centre will be:
·       Coronary artery disease (including angina and MACE)
·       Cardiomyopathy and heart failure
·       Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and stroke (ischaemic and haemorrhagic).
Through a parallel program of research grants, $6 million will also be made available to develop innovative preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic and disease management products and solutions in priority areas.
The priorities for funding were identified through in-depth consultation with doctors and patients and include chronic kidney disease, cardiac and vascular complications, and mental health of people living with cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes.
The new research funding will build on MTPConnect’s work with its partners—ANDHealth, Medical Device Partnering Program, and UniQuest—to help researchers put their diabetes and cardiovascular disease research results into clinical practice, through mentoring and commercialisation support.
Investing in health and medical research is a priority for the Morrison Government. Research is a key pillar of our plan to make Australia’s health system stronger, more equitable, and more sustainable.

$44 million to extend dementia training, education and support

The Australian Government will extend grant agreements for programs providing support, training and education for services and individuals caring for people living with dementia.
An extra $44 million will be provided to Dementia Training Australia and Dementia Support Australia to extend the following national programs from July 2021 to June 2022:

Dementia Training Program (DTP)
Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS)
Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT)
Needs Based Assessment (NBA), which is a component of the Specialist Dementia Care Program.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the programs improved care for people living with dementia.
“The programs deliver support and advice – including clinical support, assessments, recommendations for care interventions, mentoring and capacity building – to family and informal carers, primary and acute care staff and aged care service providers,” Minister Colbeck said.
“They also provide accredited education, upskilling and professional development in dementia care for health and care workers, GPs, nurses and allied health professionals.”
Funding for these programs is available beyond the life of the extended grant agreements.
The final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will inform how the programs will be delivered beyond 30 June 2022.
This extension follows other recent investments by the Australian Government with an additional $11.3 million provided for the DBMAS and SBRT programs in the 2020-21 Budget which built on an additional $10 million invested in DBMAS, SBRT and DTP in 2019-20.
Dementia is one of Australia’s biggest health challenges. It is estimated that there are between 400,000 and 459,000 Australians living with the disease today, and that number grows each year.
“These programs have delivered great outcomes and significant clinical improvements in recent years,” Minister Colbeck said.
“They have improved the quality of care delivered by thousands of health professionals and care workers to people living with dementia. Dementia Support Australia alone has delivered services to nearly 80 per cent of aged care homes across Australia since 2016.”

Full program unveiled one month out from inaugural New Annual festival

An intimate art gallery performance by a renowned Australian musician, an augmented reality experience celebrating indigenous culture and a discussion on women in leadership with Australia’s first female Prime Minister feature in the second program announcement for City of Newcastle’s inaugural arts festival, New Annual.
With one month until the 10-day event kicks off on February 12, tickets have gone on sale and the full program has been revealed, with more than 50 events set to showcase over 100 visual and performing artists.
Australian singer songwriter and lead singer of much-loved band Something For Kate, Paul Dempsey, will perform at Newcastle Art Gallery.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Annual provided an opportunity for locals and visitors to discover new work, new perspectives and new performance spaces across the city.
“New Annual represents Newcastle’s time to shine – through our local artists, through our city’s creative spaces and most importantly, through rich and engaging stories,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Supporting and delivering cultural and community programs, events and live music is key to progressing our vision of Newcastle as a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.
“The festival will feature local and visiting artists sharing music, dance, contemporary performance and visual art, showcasing our community’s journey of self-expression, resilience and recovery, and highlighting Newcastle’s identity as a creative hub with a vibrant cultural heritage.”
Highlights of the program include an event presented by Newcastle Writers Festival, which will see former Prime Minister Julia Gillard discuss her latest book and the lessons that can be learned from women leaders.
Fans of iconic Australian singer songwriter and lead singer of much-loved band Something For Kate, Paul Dempsey, will get to see him like never before during an up-close-and-personal performance at Newcastle Art Gallery, while a range of Indigenous cultural items at Newcastle Museum will be enhanced via an augmented reality experience incorporating music, narration, animation and storytelling.

Newcastle’s iconic Hazy Cosmic Jive recording studio will provide a musical showcase of homegrown talent, while various street art activations will bring key outdoor locations to life. An open artist studio trail featuring some of Newcastle’s most dynamic independent art spaces will also offer a hands-on insight into the creative processes of a visual artist.
These events complement major commissions from local artists and companies revealed during the first program announcement in October last year. Feature performances from Curious Legends and Catapult Choreographic Hub and pop-up venues and installations in Civic Park and Wheeler Place will showcase the best of Newcastle’s creative arts, while visiting artists like Feras Shaheen and Omega Ensemble will deliver a range of compelling works.
Cr Nelmes said New Annual has an eclectic and ambitious program designed to inspire, delight and encourage contemplation as it explores both light-hearted and more serious themes.
“New Annual is the catalyst for Newcastle’s cultural events sector to take centre stage alongside leading national events,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It will shine a spotlight on Newcastle’s reputation as a creative city where ambitious and accessible contemporary art and culture grow and thrive within a prosperous, diverse and resilient community.
“Over time the festival will grow to become a significant generator of cultural tourism, using arts and culture to share the city’s stories with the world.”
New Annual’s program has been designed with the flexibility to operate as a COVID-19 Safe event depending on Public Health Orders. To find out more visit www.newannual.com.

Appeal to find girl missing from Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to find a girl reported missing from Newcastle.
Hailey Price, aged 13, was last seen leaving a home on Bellevue Street, Newcastle on the morning of Wednesday 23 December 2020, but has not been seen since.
Hailey is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with long brown hair, brown eyes, about 160cm tall, with a slim build.
After extensive inquiries by officers from Newcastle City Police District Hailey has not been located and due to her age police have concerns for her welfare.
Anyone who has information about Hailey’s whereabouts, is urged to contact Newcastle City Police (02) 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

$3 million for McGrath Breast Care Nurses

Breast care nurses epitomise what it is to be a national hero and it is with great privilege the Morrison-McCormack Government is able to continue supporting the McGrath Foundation’s breast care nurses with a $3 million investment in 2021.
The funding will support these wonderful Australians as they continue to protect and save the lives of so many Australian women and men with breast cancer.
The investment will also fund a scoping project that will seek feedback from patients on what aspects of breast care nurse support they value the most.
Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack said Jane McGrath Day, as part of the Sydney Pink Test, was a highlight on the Australian calendar.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it is great to see the Sydney Cricket Ground still awash with pink and the determination of the cricketing community and the wider Australian community to carry on Jane McGrath’s legacy is as strong as ever,” the Acting Prime Minister said.
“Australia’s breast care nurses are at the core of this, particularly in regional communities. They are supporting our breast cancer patients and their families with vital care and genuine compassion.
“They improve the quality of care in so many ways, from fewer specialist appointments, to improved understanding and clarity, to more confidence and reduced anxiety. They are Australian heroes by every definition.
“I thank Glenn, Holly, Tracy and everyone at the McGrath Foundation for their tremendous work, and express my deep gratitude to McGrath breast care nurses and all breast care nurses for their unrivalled commitment to supporting breast cancer patients.”
The Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said feedback from the scoping project will help inform the ongoing development of advanced cancer care nursing roles.
The McGrath Foundation will form a stakeholder working group to guide this project and will provide a report to the Government in the second half of 2021.
“When listening to breast cancer patients I often hear them describe their care nurses as their own personal ‘angel,’ and I think that’s a pretty accurate description,’ Minister Hunt said.
“Australia still has one of the highest survival rates for breast cancer in the world. The five‑year relative survival for people with breast cancer was 91.1 per cent from 2012‑2016, but we must aim higher.
“It is critical that as a Government we continue to pursue improvements across the board, and support the ongoing development of cancer care nursing roles so that breast cancer patients receive the greatest care possible.”
Australia’s network of breast care nurses (BCNs) work within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care from diagnosis and throughout treatment, free of charge.
The Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne thanked Australia’s breast care nurses, saying they helped women and men with breast cancer and their families navigate through the often complex world of hospitals and cancer wards.
“These nurses are improving lives across Australia. They listen, guide and support people with breast cancer and their families with health advice and quality care,” Senator Payne said.
“This holistic care includes physical, psychological and emotional support for people with breast cancer and their families.”
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian women. Tragically, nearly 3,000 lives were lost to breast cancer last year.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, with an estimated more than 19,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, as well as more than 160 men.
The Government already provides funding to support the recruitment, training and employment of specialist breast care nurses through the McGrath Foundation.
This funding is in addition to the Government’s funding of $38 million to the McGrath Foundation from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to increase the number of Commonwealth-funded breast care nurses from 57 to 102 positions.

FIRST TRACKS LAID ON CITY AND SOUTHWEST METRO

The first tracks have been laid on the City & Southwest Metro, marking an important milestone in the delivery of Australia’s biggest public transport infrastructure project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said extending Sydney Metro from the north west into the city and Bankstown will forever change how we get around Sydney and will create vital jobs.
“Metro has already transformed the lives of people living in Sydney’s north west and now we are getting on with delivering it for the south west and the CBD,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The construction of this mega project couldn’t come at a more important time for our State. Metro forms a key part of the Government’s record $107 billion infrastructure pipeline, which will be a major jobs creator during our COVID-19 recovery.
“More than 5000 people are currently working across the City & Southwest Metro project and, by the time the project opens, around 50,000 people will have worked on it.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Sydney will have 31 Metro railway stations and a 66 kilometre standalone Metro railway system in 2024.
“More than 4,000 tonnes of Australian rail steel has been used to create 31 kilometres of railway tracks for the twin 15.5 kilometre tunnels, which extend from Chatswood to Sydenham,” Mr Constance said.
“North West Metro has been a great success with more than 25 million customers already using the service, and this extension into the city and southwest will see a Metro train every two minutes in both directions under the CBD.
“The new Metro will be able to move more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel combined.”
Systems Connect, a joint venture between CPB Contractors and UGL, is designing and converting the excavated tunnels into a working railway, including distributing and laying the rail tracks along the tunnels.
The company is also expanding the Sydney Metro Trains Facility at Rouse Hill, building a new facility at Marrickville and installing the power systems for the Sydney Metro extension.
Metro trains will start running through the tunnels in 2024, extending from the North West Metro, into the city and beyond to Bankstown.
New stations will be delivered at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station.