Safety first as NSW Government expands vehicle testing centre in Central West

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to prioritise the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians on our roads, with the state’s premier vehicle safety facility to quadruple in size.

Funded through the Community Road Safety Fund, $30 million has been invested by the NSW Government to significantly expand the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal, paving the way for new highway speed and heavy vehicle testing.

This investment follows the purchase of 100 hectares of farmland adjacent to the existing site. Planned works will include the expansion and construction of a 4.4-kilometre loop track, as well as a new heavy vehicle skid pad.

This will support the team in increasing safety testing and research. This work involves enacting real-world scenarios at the centre to test vehicle safety features that help prevent crashes.

Since being established in 2019 the facility has delivered more than 85 test and research programs.

Transport for NSW will now begin planning and community consultation for the design of the new loop track, with construction set to commence in 2025.

The Mobility Testing and Research Centre is the only Government-owned and operated testing centre of its kind in the world and is foundational in ensuring all vehicles on NSW roads are road ready and safe.

Visit the Transport NSW website to find out more about the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre and the Community Road Safety fund.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The need for a new heavy vehicle testing space in the southern hemisphere was a key finding from extensive engagement with vehicle manufacturers, developers and researchers to map the future for the Cudal site.

“As light vehicles continue to become more advanced, there is also a need to uplift testing capabilities to keep up with new, increasingly automated, technology.

“The new Cudal track will let the team test new driver assist systems in real-world scenarios, including heavy laden B-doubles travelling at highway speeds, and situations involving head-on approaches and merging safety with cars, trucks and motorcycles.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This expansion is an investment in regional NSW, and this cutting-edge facility attracts clients from across the globe, making NSW a leader in testing road safety aspects of autonomous vehicles that will save lives.

“Vehicle safety is a critical part of making our roads safer and independent modelling has shown that vehicle safety improvements have saved more than 700 lives over the past decade.

“The Cudal centre is a part of our transport history as a former airport, and it is a vital part of our transport future, testing the next generation of safety technology.

“As the only government-owned and operated testing centre of its kind in the world, the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre is a pillar of integrity in the safety and testing landscape.

“As more advanced safety features on vehicles become available, it’s increasingly important that these are rigorously tested so we can get them into our cars and onto our roads faster.”

Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome this substantial investment in the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre. The expansion of this state-of-the-art facility will significantly enhance its capacity to test and improve vehicle safety.

“This investment is a crucial step in ensuring that our roads remain safe for all motorists, both now and in the future.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence said:

“A commitment to this Cudal site is a commitment to Central West hospitality operators, local tradespeople who service this site, and families looking for local career paths for their children.

“Although country residents make up about a third of the NSW population, they sadly make up around two-thirds of deaths on NSW roads, so I’m pleased this regional Central West site is helping to play a key role in improving road safety for all communities.”

Transport for NSW’s Director Future Mobility Evan Walker said:

“Our vision for the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre is that it continues to grow as a world-class vehicle testing site.

“We’re acting on feedback directly from manufacturers, developers, and industry about the kind of facility they need, and addressing a growing community and government need for confidence and assurance in vehicle safety as new technologies emerge.

“Our team ensures these systems do what they claim to and identifies the best emerging safety technology that we want to encourage more of on our roads to reduce the heavy cost of crashes on our community.”

NSW to take action this week to appoint independent administrator for the CFMEU Construction and General Division

The NSW Government through the Minister for Industrial Relations has today filed an application in the Industrial Court seeking orders for the appointment of an administrator for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) NSW Branch, Construction and General Division.

The NSW Government through the Minister for Industrial Relations has today filed an application in the Industrial Court seeking orders for the appointment of an administrator for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) NSW Branch, Construction and General Division.

To remove any doubt about the validity of the appointment and powers of the administrator, the NSW Government will this week introduce a bill to Parliament amend the Industrial Relations Act 1996 to provide for the appointment of an administrator for the CFMEU NSW Branch, Construction and General Division.

This is necessary action and consistent with the application made by the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission last week.

The CFMEU (NSW Branch) has dual registration under both the federal and NSW industrial relations systems, as a result legal and legislative action is needed both from the Commonwealth and NSW Government in each system to ensure the effective administration of the union.

The NSW Government has made absolutely clear that there is no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the building industry, in unions or anywhere for that matter.

The appointment of an administrator will ensure swift changes to the organisation as well as the appropriate and efficient management of the CFMEU’s funds and assets in the interests of its members and the industry.

The commencement of proceedings and the introduction of the NSW Bill to Parliament will reflect steps being taken by the Australian Government.

This includes the commencement of proceedings by the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission to put the CFMEU into administration as well as the proposed introduction of a Bill to Federal Parliament.

The NSW Bill will ensure that the administrator will be authorised to administer the CFMEU Construction and General Division in NSW, perform the functions of State Secretary and exercise all the functions of the Divisional Council under the CFMEU rules.

The provisions in the Bill will also provide for the ability to suspend office holders without remuneration, during the administrator’s appointment.

Following the passage of the Bill, the NSW Government will work alongside the Australian Government to ensure the administration scheme aligns with steps being taken in relation to the CFMEU national branch.

The administrator appointment will be for a period of up to five years.

This follows a number of steps already taken by the NSW Government to protect the integrity of the construction sector and unions in NSW including:

  • Moving to suspend the NSW CFMEU Construction and General Division’s affiliation to the NSW Labor Party, to stop any donations or affiliation fees, and to appoint an independent administrator to the branch.
  • Asking the Commonwealth Government to review Enterprise Bargaining Agreements in NSW which the CFMEU is party to.
  • Referring all allegations of inappropriate behaviour on NSW construction sites to the NSW Government’s Construction Compliance Unit.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government and NSW Labor have taken a series of strong actions to clean up the construction division of the CFMEU.

“We must take the necessary action to protect honest and hardworking construction workers and union members. It is necessary to protect the integrity of the construction sector and unions in NSW.

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said:

“There is absolutely no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the construction industry or unions, or anywhere in our state.

“We will work together with the federal government to ensure we are setting the CFMEU on the right path to once again effectively represent those industries’ workers in our state.”

Buses replace trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange

Incident activity

  • Ongoing – Today, 2:00am

Details

Saturday 3 to Monday 5 August 

  • Buses replace trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange.
  • Saturday and Sunday, buses also replace trains on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line.
  • Monday, if you are connecting with Central Coast & Newcastle Line trains you may need to catch an earlier bus to ensure you meet your train connection.
  • Replacement buses may be impacted by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
  • Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus routes1AHU Telarah, then all stations to Tarro, then express to Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return4HU Dungog, then all stations to Maitland and return (Monday only)7HU Warabrook Station to Newcastle University shuttle bus8AHU Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, then Berowra, Hornsby and return (Saturday/Sunday)9HU Scone, then all stations to Lochinvar, then Morisset and return (Monday only)18HU Scone, then all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return19HU Dungog, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return26HU Singleton, all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return (Saturday/Sunday)28HU Muswellbrook, then all stations to Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return (Monday only)33HU Newcastle University, Sandgate, Hexham and return78HU Scone, then all stations to Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, then express to Berowra, Hornsby and return (Saturday/Sunday)79HU Singleton, then all stations to Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, then express to Berowra, Hornsby and return (Saturday/Sunday)

Man dies after crash between truck and car – Cessnock

A man has died following two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 3.50pm today (Monday 5 August 2024), emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Cliftleigh, following reports a car and truck had collided.

The driver of the car – a 31-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

The driver of the truck – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene, which will be forensically examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Maitri grants and partnerships to promote Australia-India ties

A project to grow sustainable manufacturing of Australian technology in India, workshops connecting Australian energy transition researchers and start-ups with India, and an artistic duo who will turn Melbourne’s Federation Square into a living canvas are among the recipients of this year’s Maitri Research and Cultural Partnerships Grants.

The Maitri (meaning friendship in Sanskrit) grants are administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations to deepen links with India and allow for closer collaboration between our two countries.

The five Maitri Research Grants will explore opportunities between Australia and India in agribusiness, critical technology, energy transition and advanced manufacturing. This will provide a pathway for commercialisation of Australian research and technical capabilities with India and explore new avenues for industrial collaboration between our countries.

The Maitri Cultural Partnerships support connections between Australian cultural organisations and India’s creative sector. This round will fund fourteen collaborations between Australia and India, including three First Nations collaboration projects. 

For the full list of Maitri Research Grant recipients please see:  https://www.australiaindiacentre.org.au/our-programs/maitri-research-grants

The full list of Maitri Cultural Partnership recipients is available at:  https://www.australiaindiacentre.org.au/our-programs/maitri-cultural-partnerships

Imagery is available at: https://multimedia.dfat.gov.au/fotoweb/albums/Zpdoe-doalJ9Uqv0/

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“I congratulate the recipients of this year’s Maitri grants and look forward to seeing how their work helps foster deeper links between Australia and India.

“Whether it’s shared research, commercial innovation, cultural exchanges – or just laughing together – we are proud to support these initiatives, because we understand that human connections and people to people links have always been at the heart of the Australia-India relationship.”

Tim Thomas, CEO, Centre for Australia-India Relations:

“The Maitri Cultural Partnerships support innovative collaboration between small and large cultural organisations in Australia with India’s thriving creative sectors.

“The Maitri Research Grants will assist Australian businesses to harness the opportunities created by India’s economic transformation and build on its track record in innovation.

“They are focused on sectors of the economy that are indispensable for Australia’s future growth.”

LECC report exposes inadequate police investigations almost buried Keneally’s lies

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has today published its final report into Operation Tambre , concerning the conduct of Constable Daniel Keneally (former Premier Christina Keneally’s son) in fabricating evidence with intent to mislead a judicial tribunal.

The report details the failures of the preliminary police internal investigation and former Constable Keneally’s deliberate dishonesty in producing statements that lead to the arrest and imprisonment of Luke Moore, an advocate against police strip searches.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said, “This report paints a damning and callous picture of Constable Keneally, who knew he was lying in his statements and that Luke Moore would face court and jail time, based on those lies,”

“Keneally’s lies led to the wrongful arrest of a consistent advocate against police misconduct and overreach. It is a gross injustice that Moore was falsely sent to prison while Keneally, convicted and his appeal quashed, will avoid jail,”

“The internal police investigation was a failure. Keneally resigned, but only after his failed appeal, and only after the LECC recommended his resignation. Police are routinely found unwilling to hold themselves to account until the courts or the watchdog drag them kicking and screaming,”

“This will no doubt result in yet another successful and extremely costly civil case against the NSW police force, who spent more public money on losing in court last year than the entire operating budget of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission,”

“The flashing neon question now is how many more LECC reports into failed internal investigations does Premier Minns need before he changes this broken system of police investigating police?”

“The LECC does excellent work, but it is reactive, has limited resources and powers and is routinely obstructed by police, who would sooner drag the LECC through the courts than comply with their requests in investigations. A police force we can trust requires a watchdog with proactive powers and teeth.” Ms Higginson said.

Greens accuse Prime Minister of sending in the Trojan Horse at Garma

The Australian Greens have accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of sending in the trojan horse of economic development, the week before the landmark High Court challenge of the Yunupingu case which is spearheaded by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus.

At the same time all but abandoning the Uluru Statement, following his speech at Garma Festival today.

The theme of Garma is ‘fire, strength, renewal’ which post-referendum should be a stark reminder to Labor that like the NAIDOC theme this year “Keep the fires burning” – Blak, loud and proud the strength and renewal is about the strength of our leaders like the late Dr Galarrwuy Yunupingu, who first talked about Makarrata at Garma after former Prime Minister Tony Abbott walked back his commitments raised at Garma. 

The very concept of Makarrata is about ‘coming together after a struggle’, with this struggle is viewed as the struggle for the truth and justice for Gumatj and First Nations people. 

Despite Labor previously committing to implement the Statement in full – including both Truth and Treaty – Albanese today tried to talk about everything but Truth and Treaty in a desperate attempt to pull the wool over people’s eyes and ignore and divert the focus and the need for the renewal of Garma’s previous calls of Truth and Treaty.

In the PM’s speech, he failed to say that shifting power to national entities like the Coalition of Peaks or the National Cultural Heritage Alliance will remove the rights for Traditional Owners to solely negotiate and to protect their lands and waters, ready for the next Government raid on critical minerals under the guise of a Renewable Energy revolution.

Australian Greens First Nations spokesperson, Senator Dorinda Cox, said Albanese’s grab bag of announcements today were nothing more than a ‘trojan horse’ to conceal the fact that Labor has walked away from its pre-election commitment to First Nations Justice in the way of Makarrata and is hiding the fact that they are in the High Court next week contesting the late leaders landmark case for just terms compensation believed to be worth $700 million.

The Greens currently have a bill for a Truth and Justice Commission before Parliament, and have urged the new Minister for Indigenous Affairs Malarndirri McCarthy to negotiate with them to get it passed.

Australian Greens First Nations spokesperson, Senator Dorinda Cox:

“It’s clear the Prime Minister is walking away from Truth and Treaty. Despite Labor previously committing to implement the Uluru Statement in full, today Anthony Albanese treated it like the elephant in the room saying let’s leave it to the states and territories.

“Seems he needs a lesson in his own constitutional powers, or is he doing this because of the power of Blak leaders and activists in this country like the late Dr Yunupingu who have left a legacy of fighting for country and culture.

“If Labor abandons its commitment it will be an utter failure for First Nations Justice in this country, it can not continue to sit in our sacred ceremonial places with our leaders and stare down the tip of the spear, without knowing and understanding the consequences of truth, it will come back to haunt you.

“Labor needs to abandon the appeal on the Yunupingu case and publicly support the Greens Bill for a Federal Truth and Justice Commission aka Makarrata.

“The dire reporting again on the Closing the Gap targets need us to be focused on the resilience and strength of our First People, the survival of our culture and our connection to our country must never be diminished or removed under western systems. 

“Standing on the shoulders of our cultural giants is about continuing the fight they left for us and survival requires us to navigate the service systems, and the legal battles to protect our legacies of sovereignty to be truly recognised.

“The Greens are ready to work with the new Minister to get our bill for a real Truth and Justice Commission passed and we will continue to stand with Gumatj and all clans and nations around Australia who are entitled to just terms compensation for mining and the destruction of our traditional lands and waters.”

Renewable energy decision-makers and community unite to empower Newcastle towards net zero future

A keynote address by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe will lead discussions on clean energy, jobs and investment as City of Newcastle urges Novocastrians to become net zero champions.

This follows the successful launch of the Empowering Newcastle event series at City Hall last month attended by more than 800 Novocastrians to hear from Australian engineer, inventor and renewable energy entrepreneur Saul Griffith on electrifying Newcastle.Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy and Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.

Minister Sharpe will join Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, business leaders and members of the community at City Hall on August 17 to highlight the opportunities around the Hunter’s renewable energy transition.

Renewable energy experts and representatives from the NSW Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and EnergyCo will join the discussion, sharing details about the Hunter’ renewable energy zone and government initiatives to support a net zero transition.

City of Newcastle will share details of its Empowering Newcastle community program to support residents, businesses, schools and community groups to switch to renewable energy, electrify and create a net zero future, based on the Rewiring Australia model. 

Through the program, City of Newcastle will offer a range of online resources, and deliver a free Climate Champions training program later in the year, to equip emerging climate leaders with the knowledge and skills to deliver electrification campaigns and projects across the city.

City of Newcastle is also exploring the feasibility of a solar and battery bulk buy program to support the community to buy affordable, quality solar and battery systems from trusted suppliers, and will offer youth based and sustainability grants to drive local climate action.

Minister Sharpe said that the Hunter has led the conversation on how to put people at the heart of the changes we are seeing in how our energy needs are met.  

“We’re in the business of providing good secure jobs for the future and the Renewable Energy Zones are essential to this” Minister Sharpe said.

“Increasing the production of renewable energy as well as access to rooftop solar and batteries is good for the environment as we tackle climate change, will place downward pressure on bills and ensure that our State achieves net zero by 2050.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the opportunity to have key players in the city’s net zero future in the same room as part of City of Newcastle’s Empowering Newcastle event series.

“One our crowning achievements of the last decade is the planning, hard work and results that continue to move us further towards sustainability,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through our Newcastle Environment Strategy, we’re supporting the transition of our local government area to net zero emissions, encouraging an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries, electric or zero emissions transport and buildings, as well as community renewable energy projects.

“Our Empowering Newcastle event series is a way to encourage the community, business and industry to become involved in this transformation.

“Whether you’re across the clean energy transition or you’re just starting to take an interest, I’d strongly encourage you to be at City Hall on 17 August for this important and timely discussion.”

City of Newcastle will also host a roundtable to discuss electric vehicles and low emissions transport on 8 August. A host of stakeholders will be invited, including Transport for NSW, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the University of Newcastle, Business Hunter and Port of Newcastle, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to electric vehicles and low emissions transport in Newcastle. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the roundtable would be a welcome opportunity for City of Newcastle to engage with stakeholders with a common goal to tackle climate change and energy security.  

“We embrace our role in addressing climate and City of Newcastle has leadership we’re proud to share in response to this challenge we all face,” Cr Clausen said.  

“Hosting key stakeholders is a golden opportunity for City of Newcastle to align our plans with our industry partners, and help us to achieve our community’s commitment to be net zero by 2040.” 

To secure tickets to the free August 17 Empowering Newcastle event with Minister Sharpe at City Hall visit: trybooking.com/CSVXK

Tripartite Partnership Secures Garma Institute Vision and On-Country Learning for Yolngu

Today’s landmark signing of a Partnership Commitment by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments and the Yothu Yindi Foundation is a momentous step towards the Yolngu people’s long held vision for a world class tertiary institution in northeast Arnhem Land.

The Garma Institute Partnership Commitment confirms up to $20 million from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) towards construction of a Yolngu-owned and run tertiary and vocational education facility to provide on-Country learning for Yolngu people from early childhood education to university.

The Partnership was fittingly signed at the 2024 Garma Festival – a year on from the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of $6.4 million for Stage 1 of the project, which involved consultation and development of a proposal.

This latest investment of $20 million will fund Stage 2 of the project, with the Northern Territory Government investing a further $1.05m (exc GST) and providing in-kind supports, enabling a partnership of infrastructure planning and co-investment.

The Garma Institute Partnership Commitment supports Closing the Gap Priority Reform 1: Formal partnerships and shared decision making, and commits all three parties to working collaboratively towards the successful establishment of the Garma Institute.

The Yothu Yindi Foundation already offers a Yolngu-centred curriculum for school students through the bilingual Dhupuma Barker School at Gunyangara, driving strong school attendance rates and improved education outcomes.

This latest investment will see those students given a pathway to continue their higher education at the Garma Institute.

The Institute is to be community and homelands-led using an adult education model created in consultation with Traditional Owners (Waŋu Wataŋu) and clan (bäpurru) leaders and other strong community leaders.

The Institute will draw from Yolngu culture and Rom (law), and operate as a regional accredited education, training and employment hub that combines a strength-based approach derived from both Yolŋu and Balanda learning and knowledge.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“True to its name, the Garma Institute Partnership is a great example of the impact we can make working in genuine partnership and alongside communities.

“Today, I am proud to announce that – through a new partnership agreement with the Northern Territory Government and the Yothu Yindi foundation – we will be investing $20 million from the Aboriginal Benefits Account to build The Garma Institute.

“A new tertiary and vocational education centre, owned and run by the Yolngu people.

“And a new pathway to higher education, right here on country.”

Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:

“Connection to culture through on-country learning ensures the best outcomes possible for Yolngu students – keeping young people engaged in school creates a pathway to further education and the endless possibilities for reaching their full potential.”

“I commend the Yothu Yindi Foundation for their dedication to this ground-breaking initiative and their vision for future generations of Yolngu students who can access world-class education on-Country, learning Yolŋu and Balanda knowledge close to home.

“Communities across Arnhem Land and other areas of the Northern Territory have always understood the power of strong partnerships to deliver better outcomes.” 

Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“My team and I are focussed on providing opportunity for every Territorian no matter where they live.

“The Governments $1 million will go towards assisting the establishments of the Garma Institute, providing more opportunities along the Gove Peninsula.”

Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO Denise Bowden:

“This Partnership Commitment recognises that the Garma Institute will be a game-changer for the region, a state-of-the-art education facility that will preserve and protect Yolngu knowledge, languages, and traditions, capturing and showcasing 60,000 years of unique cultural DNA.

“Offering a suite of tertiary, VET, and bridging courses tailored to the needs of the local community, it will advance education outcomes and create employment opportunities at a critical time for the region.

“It will allow Yolngu to complete the studies of their choice, without having to leave their community and culture behind.

“The Garma Institute has been the vision of Yolngu elders and community leaders for more than two decades, and we’re delighted that the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments are helping to make it a reality.”

Teenagers charged following pursuit – Muswellbrook

Five teenagers have been arrested and two charged following a pursuit in the Hunter Valley region yesterday.

About 7.30am (Saturday 3 August 2024), police were called to New England Highway, Branxton, following reports two vehicles were allegedly driving in a dangerous manner at a rest stop off the highway.

Checks revealed the vehicles were allegedly stolen.

On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District located a white Toyota sedan well alight. Officers attempted to stop the second vehicle – a black Nissan SUV – before a pursuit was initiated.

Fire and Rescue NSW officers attended and extinguished the fire.

The pursuit continued north along the New England Highway; however, was terminated due to safety concerns.

Following inquiries, about 8.25am, police located the SUV unattended on Thomas Mitchell Drive, Muswellbrook.

A perimeter was established and officers commenced a search of the surrounding area, with assistance from PolAir and the Dog Squad.

A short time later, police located and arrested five teenage boys – one aged 16, two aged 15 and two aged 14 – and they were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

Two boys – aged 16 and 15 – were charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner

They were granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Wednesday 28 August 2024.

The other three teenagers were released with a formal caution.