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One charged and two fined for not wearing masks in public across Sydney

Police have charged one person and fined two others who allegedly breached a Public Heath Order by not wearing a mask in public areas yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 4 January 2021), officers from Burwood Police Area Command stopped a man on The Boulevarde, Strathfield, after they allegedly saw him steal an energy drink from a nearby grocery store.
Police spoke to the man, who had taken off his mask, and told him he was under arrest for shoplifting.
During this time, the man allegedly refused to properly wear his mask and became aggressive with officers.
He allegedly verbally threatened police before being arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station, where he was charged with shoplifting, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty, and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 5 January 2020).
Two people were issued Penalty Infringement Notices for allegedly not wearing masks across Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Monday 4 January 2021):

  • About 12.20pm, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) stopped a 35-year-old man who was allegedly not wearing a mask at Seven Hills Railway Station. Officers attempted to issue the man a warning a number of times however he allegedly swore at police and told them to fine him. The man was issued a $200 PIN.
  • About 3pm, officers saw a 39-year-old man allegedly not wearing a mask at a shopping centre on Church Street, Parramatta. The man had allegedly been warned about not wearing a mask earlier in the day. He was issued a PIN.

Police also issued more than 25 official warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.

City praised for drought response efforts

City of Newcastle’s water saving action has gained attention, with Hunter Water reporting an impressive 20% reduction in consumption during recent Level 1 and 2 Water Restrictions*, saving in excess of 80 megalitres of precious water and an estimated $220,000.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to long-term water efficiency initiatives and maintaining the momentum beyond the impressive results to-date.
“City staff acted quickly and worked collaboratively with Hunter Water and key stakeholders to reduce water consumption across the city, as soon as water restrictions were announced,” said Cr Nelmes.
“Initiatives included minimising irrigation practices at sporting fields, parks and Blackbutt Reserve, installing new rainwater tanks, using surface water catchment ponds at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, and auditing water use at inland pools.
“In addition, the City implemented efficiency strategies such as temporarily ceasing the water intensive annual planting regime at King Edward Park, and installing smart water meters at key sites across the city that track water usage in real time and help identify leaks.
“The City is currently installing new sand pipe infrastructure near Summerhill to access dam and non-potable water for washing down trucks and dust suppression. We will continue to use leak detection measures, improve irrigation practices, use nozzles, limit travelling irrigators, avoid daytime watering where possible, and increase staff awareness of water usage to change behaviours.
“Now that Smart Water Choices have replaced Level 1 Water Restrictions, City of Newcastle will continue to work with Hunter Water to ensure we are leading the way and using water as efficiently as possible, whilst continuing to provide amenity at key sites across the Local Government Area.
“This is an impressive result, but we must not be complacent. Collectively we need to continue to be mindful of our water consumption behaviours on an ongoing basis, particularly over this peak Summer water-usage period.
“We encourage Novocastrians to adopt simple everyday water saving behaviours that they demonstrated during Level 1 Water Restrictions.”
Hunter Water’s Executive Manager Customer Strategy & Retail, Victor Prasad, acknowledged the excellent water saving efforts of City of Newcastle.
“City of Newcastle has achieved a fantastic result and I applaud their ongoing commitment to saving our most precious resource,” said Mr Prasad.
“Hunter Water is grateful to all Councils across our area of operations for working closely with us during the period of water restrictions to drive down water use and encourage everyone to love water.
“We will build on these results to save even more drinking water by exploring opportunities for recycled water schemes to irrigate public open spaces and playing fields.”
*Hunter Water’s Level 1 and 2 Water Restrictions were in effect between September 2019 to 1 October 2020.

Licensee issued $5000 PIN; three others fined for alleged Public Health Order Breaches

Police have issued a licensee a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) after a Fairfield venue allegedly breached a Public Health Order.
Officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command, licensing police and South West Metropolitan Operations Support Group attended a venue on Spencer Street, Fairfield, about 9.30pm on Saturday (2 January 2021) after concerns were raised about the number of guests at a wedding.
Police observed a large group at the location and spoke to the venue operator, a 46-year-old man. He was advised a number of guests would be required to leave, which he complied with.
Following further inquiries, the licensee of the venue attended Fairfield Police Station yesterday afternoon (Sunday 3 January 2021).
He was issued a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19-Corporation.
Separately, three individuals have also been fined in recent days for breaching the Public Health Order:
– A 27-year-old Cronulla woman has received two PINs in three days for failing to self-isolate as required under the Public Health Act. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended a resort at Byron Bay about 8.30pm on Thursday (31 December 2020), after receiving information in relation a possible breach of public health orders. Police were told the woman had been notified she was a close contact of a positive COVID case but was not self-isolating and had not been tested. The woman was provided advice about testing facilities and self-isolation before being given PPE to assist with safe travel to the facility. Officers returned to the resort about 8pm the following day (Friday 1 January 2021), and found the woman was not self-isolating. The woman was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act. About 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 3 January 2021), police were again called to resort after reports the woman was not self-isolating, instead swimming in the resort pool. Following inquiries, the woman was issued with another $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act.
– Two people have been issued PINs after leaving their Northern Beaches home to holiday on the state’s north coast. On Saturday (3 January 2021), police were notified that a man and woman, both aged 32, had left their Collaroy home the previous day to travel to Yamba for a holiday. Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District spoke with the pair and determined they didn’t have a lawful excuse for leaving their home and, in doing so, had breached the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order. Both were issued an $1000 PIN.
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.

Man assaulted – Hawks Nest

Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was assaulted in the Hunter region at the weekend.
About 11.30am on Saturday 2 January 2021, a 56-year-old man was walking along Curlew Avenue, Hawks Nest, when he was approached by two unknown men.
Police have been told one of the men grabbed the 56-year-old by the shoulder and demanded he hand over his wallet before punching him in the face, while the second man stood nearby.
The man fell to the ground while the first man continued to assault him.
A short time later, a passing motorist stopped to render assistance as the unknown men fled the scene.
The bystander assisted the 56-year-old, who sustained minor injuries which did not require hospital treatment.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified yesterday (Sunday 3 January 2021) and commenced inquiries.
The men are both described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in their early 30s, between 170cm-180cm tall, with slim builds and short dark hair.
The first man is further described as having facial stubble and missing a number of teeth.
Police are also appealing for the male motorist who stopped to render assistance to come forward, as he may be able to assist police with their inquiries.

Supporting the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth

Perth will host the 2023 World Transplant Games in a major sporting coup for Australia.
The Morrison Government today announces it will provide Transplant Australia with $600,000 towards its preparations for the event which is expected to lure more than 1300 athletes and thousands more supporters from around the world.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said securing the World Transplant Games would significantly boost awareness and provide inspiration for transplant recipients around the world.
“This will be a spectacular showcase of what can be achieved from transplant athletes who have had either an organ or bone marrow transplant,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Games are the world’s largest awareness event promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation and just how high transplant recipients can aim in their recovery.”
Minister Colbeck said it also marked another major sporting event in the same year Australia will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Australia has already proven itself as an enviable host of global sporting events and securing the World Transplant Games serves to reinforce that reputation,” he said.
It will be the third time Australia has hosted the biennial event. Previous World Transplant Games were held in Sydney in 1997 and the Gold Coast in 2009.
It will also be a triumphant return for the Games after the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 event in Texas.
Previously Australia has fielded teams in 20 of the 21 games, with competition in core sports including athletics, 3-on-3 basketball, road racing, cycling, darts, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, petanque, tennis, squash, tenpin bowling, and sprint triathlon.
Lawn bowls, beach volleyball and football are also under consideration.
Minister for Regional Health, Mark Coulton, said hosting the World Transplant Games provides an opportunity to celebrate Australia’s success stories.
“The games will highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation and will be a good chance for Australians to consider registering to become a donor and to discuss their intentions with their family,” Mr Coulton said.
“The games will see many visitors to Perth and Western Australia, and provide a boost for local businesses, hospitality and tourism.”
World Transplant Games Federation and Transplant Australia CEO, Chris Thomas, said the event is living proof that donation can lead to those with chronic organ failure living long and healthy lives.
“After the challenges of 2020 the world’s transplant population will be looking for a host city that’s modern, with excellent sporting facilities and first class health care services,” Mr Thomas said. “Perth will be a beautiful destination.
“Australia’s reputation across the world with how we handled the coronavirus pandemic gives people confidence they will be able to travel here safely to participate in this inspirational celebration.”
More information about the 2020-21 MYEFO statement is available online: www.budget.gov.au
To find out more about Transplant Australia and the World Transplant Games see www.wtgf.org

STATEMENT FROM GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN AND BRAD HAZZARD 2 JANUARY 2021

Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the following adjustments are being made.
From midnight tonight, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be subject to the same restrictions as Greater Sydney.
Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same with stay at home orders in place until 9 January 2021;

  • No visitors to the home.
  • Five northern zone residents can gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone.
  • Non-essential businesses remain closed.

Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, new measures are required to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.
The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight;

  • Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings: shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres), public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres), places of worship, hair and beauty premises. Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services. Compliance will start from Monday, 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
  • Gym classes reduced to 30 people.
  • Places of worship and religious services limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.
  • Weddings and funerals limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people.
  • Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.
  • Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.
  • Night clubs not permitted.

People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
Whilst these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), we urge all residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.
We thank the community for their patience and understanding.
Our priority is always to protect the health and safety of the community.

Man charged over alleged stabbing – Newcastle

A man has been charged over an alleged stabbing at Newcastle earlier today.
About 10am (Sunday 3 January 2021), emergency services were called to a unit complex on Pitt Street, Stockton, following reports of a fight between two men who were known to each other.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and found a 58-year-old man with a minor stab wound to the shoulder.
He was treated by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
A 40-year-old man was arrested in a neighbouring unit and taken to hospital for treatment to head and knee lacerations.
Upon release, he was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with reckless wounding.
The Stockton man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 4 January 2021).

Appeal after man assaulted – Warners Bay

Police are appealing for assistance from the public after a man was assaulted at Lake Macquarie.
Between 1215am and 12.30am this morning (Friday 1 January 2021), a man, aged 52 was walking home when he was assaulted at Feighan Oval, Warners bay.
Police have been told the man was approached by a group of six males before allegedly being pushed to the ground and assaulted.
As the group fled down John Street, Warners Bay, an unknown woman walking her dog heard the man and provided assistance before his friend arrived.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie were notified on the incident later that day and commenced inquiries.
After speaking with the man, police transferened him to Belmont Hospital for treatment.
Police are appealing for assistance form the public to identify the males involved and the woman who rendered assistance to the man.
The six males are described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in their late teens to early twenties, and were all dressed in dark clothing at the time of the incident.
Inquiries are continuing.

Officers injured in head-on crash – Newcastle

Two police officers have been injured in a head-on collision in Newcastle this morning.
About 1.30am (Friday 1 January 2021), emergency services were called to Brunker Road, near South Street, Adamstown, after a marked police vehicle travelling south and a Volvo travelling north collided in the southbound lanes.
The driver, a female constable, and her passenger, a female senior constable, sustained bruising and arm injuries.
The officers were both taken to John Hunter Hospital; however, they have since been released.
Two civilian passengers were also in the police vehicle at the time of the crash. The women were assessed by paramedics at the scene, however, did not require further treatment.
The Ford driver and sole-occupant, a 56-year-old woman, was trapped for a short time. She was released and taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries and mandatory testing.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Inquiries are continuing.

Man critically injured after allegedly falling from moving car; man charged – Mayfield

A man has been charged with dangerous driving after another man was seriously injured in Newcastle last week.
Shortly before 8pm on Tuesday 22 December 2020, three men left a home on Scholey Street, Mayfield, and got into a BMW sedan.
Police have been told the 18-year-old driver and a 20-year-old passenger got into a verbal argument before the older man exited the vehicle and returned inside.
The BMW left the scene before returning a short time later, where police will allege the 20-year-old climbed onto the bonnet of the moving vehicle before the vehicle turned onto Valencia Street and he fell to the roadway.
Police will further allege the driver did not stop to render assistance and continued along Valencia Street.
Passers-by contacted emergency services a short time later.
The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
Officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit attended and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, an 18-year-old man attended Cessnock Police Station about 3pm on Monday (28 December 2020) where he was arrested and charged with four offences including dangerous and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm.
The Kearsley man was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 25 February 2021.
Investigations are ongoing.