A man has been charged with break, enter and steal and firearms offences in the state’s Hunter region.
Police have been told a 44-year-old man entered the front yard of a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland, and threatened an occupant about 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday 7 July 2019).
He left the premises and later returned allegedly armed with a rifle, before being involved in a struggle with the resident.
He returned to his home and was later seen leaving on foot.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called and commenced a search but were unable to find him.
About three hours later, police were called to Redbill Drive, Woodberry, where the man allegedly forced entry to a home, threatened and assaulted a 72-year-old woman.
After a short foot pursuit the man was arrested with the assistance of the NSW Police Dog Unit at Swallow Close, Woodberry, and was taken to Maitland Police Station.
No one was injured; it’s believed the man knew both the alleged victims.
Officers later executed a search warrant at a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland, where they seized a rifle.
The man was charged with aggravated enter dwelling with intent, common assault, steal property in dwelling, destroy/damage property (x2), possess unregistered firearm and not keep firearm safely.
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Monday 8 July 2019).
Australian Greens announce new shadow ministries for the real opposition
The Australian Greens have today announced updated portfolios, as decided at Monday’s meeting of the Australian Greens Party Room.
“Someone needs to stand up against Scott Morrison’s regime of failed trickle-down economics, or we’ll end up living in a dog eat dog society like Trump’s America,” Opposition Leader Senator Di Natale said.
“Sadly, the other parties have bought into the Prime Minister’s reckless plan, and Labor’s nowhere to be seen. Yesterday shows that the Government’s benches aren’t nearly big enough for the number of politicians trying to enact his agenda.
“Scott Morrison’s selfish vision for our country is not the Australia I know, and it’s not the Australia the Greens will accept.
“That’s why I’m proud to announce the roles held by the Australian Greens team, who will be offering fearless and real opposition to Scott Morrison’s selfish vision for Australia.”
NEW SHADOW MINISTRIES OF THE REAL OPPOSITION
RICHARD DI NATALE – Opposition Leader
Shadow Minister for Health
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
Shadow Minister for Foreign Policy
Climate Change & Energy Spokesperson (Senate)
LARISSA WATERS – Co-Deputy Opposition Leader
Shadow Minister for Democracy
Shadow Minister for Mining & Resources
Shadow Minister for Women
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Shadow Minister for Gambling
ADAM BANDT – Co-Deputy Opposition Leader
Shadow Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Shadow Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations
Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation
Shadow Minister for Public Sector
MEHREEN FARUQI – Senator for NSW
Shadow Minister for Education
Shadow Minister for Local Government Housing
Shadow Minister for Industry
Shadow Minister for Animal Welfare
Shadow Minister for Gun Control
Shadow Minister for International Development
Employment & Workplace Relations Spokesperson (Senate)
SARAH HANSON-YOUNG – Senator for SA
Shadow Minister for Environment & Biodiversity
Shadow Minister for Water & Murray Darling Basin
Shadow Minister for Arts, Media & Communications
Shadow Minister for Nuclear Issues
NICK MCKIM – Senator for TAS
Shadow Minister for Justice
Shadow Minister for Immigration & Citizenship
Shadow Minister for Digital Rights & Information Technology
JANET RICE – Senator for VIC
Shadow Minister for Transport & Infrastructure
Shadow Minister for Forests
Shadow Minister for LGBTIQ
Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Shadow Minister for Sport
Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation (Senate)
RACHEL SIEWERT – Senator for WA
Shadow Minister for Family & Community Services Ageing
Shadow Minister for First Nations Peoples’ Issues
Shadow Minister for Mental Health
JORDON STEELE-JOHN – Senator for WA
Shadow Minister for Disability Rights & Services
Shadow Minister for Trade
Shadow Minister for Youth
Shadow Minister for Peace, Disarmament & Veterans’ Affairs
PETER WHISH-WILSON – Senator for TAS
Shadow Treasurer
Shadow Minister for Finance
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Waste & Recycling Healthy Oceans
Shadow Minister for Small Business
Youth group leader charged over alleged aggravated sexual assault of 15-year-old girl near Newcastle
A youth group leader has been charged over the alleged aggravated sexual assault and sexual touching of a teenage girl near Newcastle.
Last month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation, following reports a 15-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 22-year-old man in Beresfield about 7.20am yesterday (Friday 5 July 2019).
Shortly after, detectives executed a search warrant at a home near Belmont and two vehicles have been seized for forensic examination.
The man, who is a youth group leader, was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touch child (under 16 years), and seven counts of aggravated sexual intercourse child (under 16 years).
Police will allege in court that the man sexually touched and sexually assaulted the girl on several occasions between April and May 2019.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 6 July 2019).
The man was stood down from his role as youth group leader during the investigation.
Drugs, weapons and counterfeit money seized; man charged – Maitland
A man will appear in court today after being charged with numerous offences, including drug supply, in the state’s Hunter region.
In May 2019, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Dunwell to investigate the supply of illicit substances in the local area.
Following inquiries, detectives and officers attached to the Drug Unit executed a search warrant at a house on Narang Street, East Maitland, about 11.40am yesterday (Thursday 4 July 2019).
During the search, a number of items were located and seized including 115 grams of methylamphetamine hydrochloride (Ice), 33 grams of cannabis, a replica prohibited firearm, an extendable baton, over $4000 in counterfeit Australian $50 notes, documentation and electronic devices, believed to be stolen.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Maitland Police Station.
He was charged with supply prohibited drug, three counts of possess prohibited drug, possess prohibited weapon, receive stolen property, unlicensed driving and goods in custody.
The man was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Friday 5 July 2019).
New playground open in Adamstown
Local families looking for outdoor fun can mark Fletcher Street Reserve’s new playground down as a fantastic place for the kids to play.
The $150,000 facility, nestled away in a leafy part of the suburb, was opened yesterday by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes as part of the City’s annual playground replacement program.
Located in a reserve also known as Laneway Park, the new playground includes an extra wide stainless-steel slide, clock, musical chimes, mountain ramp, rope net climber and double swings.
“I’m delighted to open this new playground,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said at the official opening attended by students from St Columba’s Primary School in Adamstown.
“The design, which was selected by the community, is versatile enough to suit toddlers up to primary school-aged children and makes for a great new addition to the suburb.
“Fletcher Street Reserve takes the total number of playgrounds replaced by the City in the past four years to 15 across 11 different suburbs, equating to more than $5 million worth of fun new facilities for the community.”
Under the annual renewal scheme, the City’s Parks and Projects teams completely overhaul outdated equipment, replacing them with more modern materials that meet rising standards and service expectations.
This opening follows the recent delivery of the South Stockton Active Hub, the Cressington Way playground in Wallsend and last year’s opening of Blackbutt’s Richley Reserve adventure playground.
“We look forward to rolling out more of these wonderful facilities for young families in the years to come,” Councillor Nelmes added.
The $150,000 facility, nestled away in a leafy part of the suburb, was opened yesterday by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes as part of the City’s annual playground replacement program.
Located in a reserve also known as Laneway Park, the new playground includes an extra wide stainless-steel slide, clock, musical chimes, mountain ramp, rope net climber and double swings.
“I’m delighted to open this new playground,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said at the official opening attended by students from St Columba’s Primary School in Adamstown.
“The design, which was selected by the community, is versatile enough to suit toddlers up to primary school-aged children and makes for a great new addition to the suburb.
“Fletcher Street Reserve takes the total number of playgrounds replaced by the City in the past four years to 15 across 11 different suburbs, equating to more than $5 million worth of fun new facilities for the community.”
Under the annual renewal scheme, the City’s Parks and Projects teams completely overhaul outdated equipment, replacing them with more modern materials that meet rising standards and service expectations.
This opening follows the recent delivery of the South Stockton Active Hub, the Cressington Way playground in Wallsend and last year’s opening of Blackbutt’s Richley Reserve adventure playground.
“We look forward to rolling out more of these wonderful facilities for young families in the years to come,” Councillor Nelmes added.
Greens the real opposition as tax cuts pass
Leader of the Australian Greens Senator Richard Di Natale has condemned today’s bipartisan destruction of our progressive taxation system, declaring that the Greens are the only party acting as a real opposition.
“What a dark day this has proven to be. Centre Alliance seem to be Morrison puppets, Jacqui Lambie has sold out Tasmanian battlers for cents on the dollar, and Anthony Albanese’s Labor folded at the first sign of pressure,” Opposition Leader Richard Di Natale said.
“Scott Morrison’s hard-right government is cruel and the crossbench have been conned, but we’d held hopes that the Labor Party would have held true to 100 years of support for progressive taxation.
“By voting for $158 Billion in revenue cuts that will hurt people doing it tough and line the pockets of millionaires, Anthony Albanese has abandoned the mantle of Opposition Leader. Today was the first test of his leadership, and he comprehensively failed.
“The Greens will never support a hit to the tax system that strips money from our schools and hospitals and hands it to the wealthy. We need to be supporting people through raising Newstart, properly funding our schools and hospitals, and creating jobs through infrastructure projects that build our community.
“It’s clear now that the Greens are the real opposition to Scott Morrison’s cruel agenda.
“What’s the value of the Labor party if they are simply are a paler version of the Morrison government? Labor needs to work with the Greens to take on this cruel government and campaign with us to reduce inequality and take action on climate change.
“Voters will be asking themselves today: ‘What is the point of the Labor Party?’
Greens Senator introduces bill to ban live export
Australian Greens Senator and Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has today introduced a bill to ban live export. The Live Animal Export (Slaughter) Prohibition Bill 2019 will ban the export of livestock, including sheep and cattle for slaughter.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Live export cannot be made safe for sheep, cattle or any animal. It is a business model built on cruelty and is simply incompatible with animal welfare.
“The Greens have long argued that we should ban all live export for slaughter and introducing this bill is part of the campaign to make that a reality.
“We make no apologies for standing up for the welfare of animals. We need a phased ban with a structural adjustment assistance fund which can transition the industry to the chilled meat trade.
“The Government and the industry think our outrage will die down and we will become silent about the abomination and cruelty of live exports. The people of Australia have been steadfast in their compassion for animals and their welfare and we won’t stop until the live export industry is consigned to the dustbin of history,” she concluded.
Teacher charged over alleged sexual touching of student – Hunter region
A teacher has been charged over the alleged sexual touching of a student at a high school in the Hunter region.
In June 2019, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation, following reports a 14-year-old girl had been sexually touched by a male teacher during a class.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 50-year-old man at a Newcastle home just before 2pm yesterday (Thursday 4 July 2019).
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with intentionally sexually touch child under 16 years.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually touched the girl, then aged 14, during a school class in April 2019.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 5 July 2019).
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.
Resident critical after house fire – Hunter region
A man remains in a critical condition after a house fire in the Hunter region overnight.
Emergency services were called to a home on Peewee Close, in the Maitland suburb of Woodberry, about 6.45pm (Wednesday 3 July 2019), after neighbours noticed the home alight.
The resident was evacuated from the home by neighbours.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze, which had been contained to the kitchen.
Whilst speaking with firefighters, the resident has suffered a medical episode and CPR was performed until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The 84-year-old man was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
Officers from Port-Stephens Hunter Police District were notified, and initial inquiries suggest the fire is not suspicious.
2019 HART Junior State Titles to take centre stage
Baulkham Hills and Penrith will be at the heart of the NSW netball community this weekend when they host the 2019 HART Junior State Titles from Saturday to Monday, 6-8 July.
Formerly known as the Netball NSW State Age Championships, the three-day event, which is one of the largest female sporting competitions in the southern hemisphere, will see teams play in three age-groups (12U, 13/U and 14/U) and across four divisions (1, 2, 3 & 4).
In order to accommodate the sheer size and scope of the State Age Championships, Netball NSW undertook a detailed review to find out how the organisation could make them run in the most efficient and sustainable manner.
After five decades of success it involved some shuffling, and a little rebranding, but in the new HART Junior State Titles the organisation has strengthened the event’s solid foundations as it looks to the next 50 years and beyond.
In 2019 Baulkham Hills Netball Association will play host to divisions 1 and 2 of the age-groups, while Penrith District Netball Association will welcome participants from divisions 3 and 4.
State Champions will be crowned on Monday with the Division 1 winners in each respective age-group taking the mantle of State Champions.
In total 2,347 players from 232 teams, representing 85 Associations, will hit the courts with almost 400 (395 to be exact) umpires officiating.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said she was looking forward to one of the busiest, but best, weekends on the calendar.
“In terms of players alone, thousands will descend on both venues this weekend,” she said.
“Add onto that the hundreds of officials, coaches, team managers and thousands of supporters, and you have a pretty special gathering.
“Every one of our players should take a moment to acknowledge and be proud of their achievement to be here, and to thank all those in their life that made that success possible.
“At the elite level we currently have some of our NSW Swifts and Giants away with the Australian Diamonds for the Netball World Cup in England.
“Those players came through competitions such as the HART Junior State Titles. For those that aspire for that same journey, or to enjoy their netball in
other ways, I hope your dreams come true.”
She also paid tribute to netball’s volunteer workforce, who will be out in numbers this weekend.
“Of course, we are only ever as strong as our volunteer base and I want to make special mention of those who give up their spare time to instill a love of netball in the next generation. This weekend simply would not happen without you.”
As well as our volunteers and staff, Netball NSW would also like to thank HART Sport, the naming rights partner of the Junior State Titles, and extend those thanks to the following official partners of the event: QBE, TAFE NSW, BBX and The Kids Cancer Project.