Woman charged over alleged child approach – Lake Macquarie

A woman has been charged following an alleged child approach at a Lake Macquarie shopping centre over the weekend.

About 12.30pm on Sunday 23 June 2024, a couple and their two children aged 2 and 10 months were in a shopping centre at Glendale, when a woman, who was not known to the couple, allegedly took hold of the pram containing the two-year-old girl.

The woman attempted to push the pram containing the child away but was stopped by the mother and other members of the public. She then left the shopping centre.

The mother and the children were shaken but not otherwise hurt during the incident.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into the incident.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 41-year-old woman at a unit in Windale about 12.50pm yesterday (Monday 24 June 2024). During the arrest, the woman allegedly resisted police officers’ attempts to effect the arrest.

She was taken to Belmont police station where she was charged with three offences – stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal), affray and hinder police.

The woman was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

Survey reveals Hunter public schools stretched to breaking point – NSW Teachers Federation

A survey of public school teachers and principals in Newcastle and the Hunter reveals how the combined impact of the $1.9 billion funding shortfall and teacher shortage is leading to merged classes, poorer student wellbeing and unsustainable workloads, the NSW Teachers Federation has warned.

NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra will hold a doorstop with local teachers at Newcastle High School at 8:15am on Wednesday, 26 June

The survey of 664 principals and teachers across Newcastle and the Hunter found:

● 46% have taught merged/split classes regularly or always;
● 91% agree that “schools as a whole currently have difficulty in retaining teachers in the profession”;
● 14% are committed to staying in the profession until retirement;
● Only 3% of teachers say their school is well-resourced;
● 72% reported a decline or significant decline in student wellbeing and engagement in past 18 months;
● 91% reported a decline or significant decline in teacher wellbeing and morale;
● Only 11% say counsellor support is adequate.

NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra said Newcastle and Hunter public schools were facing immense challenges due to the funding shortfall.

“Amazing things happen in our public schools every day, but the Government is exploiting the goodwill of teachers to maintain standards. This is not sustainable.

“The challenges facing our schools are too great, and the cost of inaction too high. We need the state and federal governments to step up and deliver the funding our schools so urgently need.

“The Federal Government must lift its share of funding to 25% by 2028, while the NSW Government must ensure that public schools are genuinely funded at 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard.

“Providing a quality education for every child is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic necessity. Today’s students are the lifeblood of tomorrow’s workforce. Shortchanging their education now will have consequences for decades to come.”

Mr Rajendra said it was time for federal MPs to fight for their local public schools, pointing out that public schools educate the overwhelming bulk of the region’s students.

Electorate Number of public school students Percentage of total students

Shortland
16,554
73.8 per cent

Newcastle
17,742
68.3 per cent

Hunter
17,135
66.2 per cent

Paterson
18,754
67.5 per cent

“Our schools and our students need champions in Parliament who will stand up and demand fair funding,” he said.

“It’s time to stop the excuses and start investing in our children’s future. Every student in Newcastle and the Hunter deserves the resources and support they need to thrive.”

Mr Rajendra said fully funding public schools was the only way to ensure every child in Newcastle and the Hunter got the support they needed to succeed.

FERNLEIGH AWAKBAKAL SHARED TRACK (FAST) AT LAKE MACQUARIE NEARS COMPLETION

The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) at Lake Macquarie is nearing completion, opening up an uninterrupted 27 kilometre continuous active transport route for walkers, runners and cyclists from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.

Four years in the making, the upgrades fill a missing gap of shared pathway between Blacksmiths and the existing Fernleigh Track, when complete it will be the longest active transport route in the Hunter region.

The final works include an elevated accessible boardwalk along Belmont Lagoon, accessible amenities, upgrades to three local bus stops, and public art installations, crafted by Aboriginal artists, telling of the local Awabakal people and their relationship with the environment.

The project was made possible through $1.15 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, $8.92 million from the NSW Government, and $12.82 million from Lake Macquarie City Council.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“Bushfire recovery takes time, so it brings me great pleasure to know that this track is nearing completion and will support the Hunter community to continue to heal from a devastating time in their lives.

“These grants assist recovery efforts of communities and I thank our NSW colleagues for working with the Australian Government to deliver an incredible result for the community.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“The new track will provide locals and tourists alike with some of the best views in Lake Macquarie while promoting an active lifestyle.

“This shared track will be a great addition to the Lake Macquarie area as well as a tourism drawcard for cyclists and fitness-minded visitors.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“It’s great to see the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track nearing completion for the Hunter community to enjoy, creating a safe place for pedestrians and cyclists to get outdoors and exercise.

“The NSW Government is committed to community infrastructure upgrades that support the health and wellbeing of communities that live in regional NSW.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“This track is the longest shared walking and cycling route in the Hunter region and provides potential for the area to host a wide variety of sporting and fitness events, such as marathons.

“The track is also an opportunity for us to showcase the incredible scenery of the area, which was previously hidden, helping put Lake Macquarie on the map.

“Enjoying the outdoors is such an important part of life in the Hunter, and this will make it even better for the people who live here.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“Shared pathways are vital for healthy lifestyles and enhancing regional tourism opportunities.

“I remember walking the first section of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track with my family in the early 2000’s. It’s great to be here for the completion of the 27km continuous active transport link from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser:

“The track’s centrepiece is a 400m stretch of elevated boardwalk over wetlands next to Belmont Lagoon – the focal point of the Aboriginal creation story known as ‘When the Moon Cried’, and one of the region’s best spots for birdwatching.

“We are blessed with so many beautiful places here in Lake Mac, but Belmont Lagoon is up there with the best of them – until now, it’s been a bit of a hidden gem, but the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track provides a very low impact means of shedding light on this natural and cultural wonder.

“It also contributes to our ongoing push to promote tourism and active transport in Lake Mac and expand our city’s network of family-friendly shared pathways.”

Two women charged following unauthorised protest – Newcastle

Two women have been charged following an unauthorised protest near Newcastle earlier today.

About 1pm (Tuesday 25 June 2024), officers from Newcastle City Police District received notification that a number of people had entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains at Kooragang Island.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District – assisted by Police Rescue and the Dog Unit – attended the site and arrested two women aged 67 and 59.

They were taken to Newcastle Police Station where they were each charged with enter inclosed lands and create serious safety risk.

Both women were refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 26 June 2024).

Three charged following unauthorised protest – Newcastle 

Three men have been charged following an unauthorised protest near Newcastle earlier today.

About 7am (Tuesday 25 June 2024), emergency services were called to a rail bridge near Mangrove Road, Kooragang, following reports of an unauthorised protest.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District – assisted by Police Rescue and the Dog Unit – attended the site and commenced inquiries into the incident.

Three men – aged 20, 27 and 67 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

The 20-year-old man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

A warrant was also executed over an alleged earlier incident for enter etc Sydney Harbour Bridge etc disrupt etc vehicles etc, wilfully prevent free passage of person/vehicle/vessel, pedestrian obstruct driver’s/other pedestrian’s path, and join or continue in unlawful assembly.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 25 June 2024).

The 27-year-old was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 4 July 2024.

The 67-year-old man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, and cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 25 June 2024).

SAFETY CHECKS AT CESSNOCK AND MAITLAND – Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Residents of Cessnock and Maitland in New South Wales may see an aircraft flying unusually low next week as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carries out important flight path safety checks.

The checks are being conducted by CASA on 3 July and 4 July to validate new procedures at Cessnock and related modified procedures at Maitland.

A twin-engine Beechcraft Duchess will be used to carry out the safety checks within an area up to 40 kilometres from the aerodromes.

Low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise, with the aircraft down as low as several hundred feet at times.

Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist. Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.

If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days, they will be carried out as soon as possible.

NSW Government invests $7.7 million in Greater Newcastle fire station

The NSW Government is delivering a new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station at Charlestown, providing modernised emergency coverage for the Greater Newcastle area.

The Minns Labor Government has allocated $7.7 million in the 2024-25 Budget to the new facility, which will include additional training facilities, storage areas and workspaces.

Design of the new facility will start in the upcoming financial year and will be informed by consultation with the Charlestown crew.

The new station will be designed to meet the needs of a modern firefighting workforce and adhere to FRNSW’s ‘Clean Firefighter’ policy, separating work and cleaning areas.

The existing station is almost 40 years old and has limited scope for expansion and modernisation.

Funding for the design of the new Charlestown station is part of a $96.9 million capital investment in the Fire and Rescue network in 2024-25, including funding for new fire stations at Badgerys Creek and Byron Bay.

The Minns Labor Government has also committed an additional $189.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to guarantee the positions of 286 permanent firefighters, whose jobs were not previously funded on an ongoing basis.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are rebuilding essential services across the State through the NSW Budget 2024-25, ensuring Fire and Rescue NSW can respond to emergencies and restoring job security for firefighters.

“This new fire station will provide a modern base for Charlestown firefighters who play a critical frontline role in keeping the local community safe.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:

“This new station is great news for local Charlestown firefighters and for the Charlestown community.

“With local crews having the opportunity to provide feedback on the design, I look forward to seeing the final building when it opens.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“A new fire station at Charlestown is important for our operational readiness, and we are dedicated to improving our infrastructure to meet the demands of contemporary firefighting in the Lake Macquarie district.

“This new facility will not only replace the old station but also provide our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the public.”

Council for Australian-Arab Relations grants program

Today I announce the recipients of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) grants program for 2023-24.

The CAAR grants program aims to strengthen collaboration between Australia and the Middle East and North Africa region by advancing areas of shared political, economic, and social interest and building a greater appreciation of each other’s cultures and values.

Projects under the CAAR grants program are focused on the areas of innovation and sustainability, health and sport, social cohesion and gender equality, and arts and culture.

The ten successful projects for 2023-24, which will receive a share of $452,000 in funding, include:

  • Workshops for Early Childhood teachers in Saudi Arabia to promote gender equity when teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics, hosted by the University of New England.
  • A partnership with Fred Hollows Foundation to broker linkages between St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology will improve the delivery of eye health services and lay the foundation for the early recovery phase in Gaza and future eye health missions in the broader region.
  • A training and leadership camp in Qatar focused on building leadership skills for Muslim youth footballers, organised by the Bachar Houli Foundation.
  • A project promoting circular entrepreneurship between Australian and Arab entrepreneurs through the establishment of a Blended-Living-Lab, run by James Cook University in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University (United Arab Emirates) and King Abdul Aziz University (Saudi Arabia).

More information about the CAAR, the grants program and the full list of successful grant recipients can be found on the CAAR website.

GREAT BARRIER REEF DECISION A TRIUMPH OF SPIN OVER SCIENCE

A Unesco recommendation not to declare the Great Barrier Reef be placed on a list of World Heritage sites “in danger” is a triumph of lobbying and spin over science.

The recommendation – to be considered by the World Heritage Committee next month – goes against a 2022 decision by the IUCN and World Heritage Centre scientific committee, to recommend the reef be placed on the “in danger” list. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“The burning of fossil fuels is literally cooking our oceans and degrading marine ecosystems across the globe, and nowhere else has this been more politicised than on the Great Barrier Reef. 

“Only two years ago the IUCN and World Heritage Centre scientific committee recommended the Great Barrier Reef be placed on the “in danger” list largely due to devastating climate impacts. Yet the Australian Government lobbied against this recommendation and has continued to rip open new coal and gas mines. 

“The Unesco recommendation not to declare the Great Barrier Reef be placed on a list of World Heritage sites “in danger” is a triumph of lobbying and spin over science.

“Successive governments have lobbied hard and splashed cash on the Great Barrier Reef to buy political cover instead of treating the root cause of this magnificent ecosystem’s decline; which is rising emissions from burning fossil fuels.

“The Albanese government has previously claimed it’s ‘on track’ to have national climate targets in line with keeping global heating to 1.5C, but we know this is completely disingenuous. 

“No amount of conservation efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef will shield it from the impacts of new coal and gas projects.

“The world will continue to watch the plight of the Great Barrier Reef moving forward, and as a custodian of this great natural wonder the Albanese government should remember this next time it inevitably looks to approve another fossil fuel project.”

GREENS SECURE AMENDMENTS TO VAPING LEGISLATION AND WILL SUPPORT PASSAGE THROUGH SENATE

The Greens have negotiated amendments to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 and will support the legislation’s passage through the Senate.

As a result of Greens negotiations, we have secured significant changes to the government’s prescription only legislation that risked criminalising people for possessing vapes for personal use. The changes include:

  1. Vapes will be available from a chemist as a Schedule 3 pharmacist-only medication for adults over 18 years old, rather than requiring a prescription from a GP. These will be plain packaged and properly regulated vapes. Data of vape purchasers will not be recorded.
  2. GPs can continue to prescribe therapeutic vapes, and a prescription will be the only pathway for vapes for people under 18 if they are deemed clinically appropriate. 
  3. Possession of personal use quantities of any form of vape will not be subject to criminal charges. There will be an 8-month personal possession amnesty period. Commercial quantities sold by retailers other than pharmacies will be unlawful.
  4. As this is world-leading legislation, there will be a review of this legislation after three years.
  5. There will be an expanded disposal framework via pharmacies.
  6. There will be stronger regulations around advertising to healthcare professionals.
  7. Additional funding will be announced to support young people quitting vaping.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for health

“The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about increasing rates of vaping amongst children and see increasing nicotine dependence rates as a significant public health problem.

“The status quo in Australia is far from ideal. It’s unacceptable that children have access to flavoured vapes, and vaping products that have been entering Australia are unsafe, falsely labelled and have dangerous unknown ingredients.

“We’ve heard from parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about their deep concerns about the impact of vapes. It’s time for change.

“The Greens do not support prohibition, that is why we have successfully secured changes to this legislation to ensure that vapes remain out of the hands of kids, but adults can access them via a pharmacy, and there’s no chance of individuals being criminalised for possessing a personal vape.

“The Greens will support the amended legislation.

“The Greens have secured a carefully regulated scheme that focuses on public health outcomes, reducing harm and minimising use, particularly amongst children.

“We must ensure that no one is incentivised to return to cigarette smoking and that people can get support when they need it. That’s why the Greens have focused on making sure adults can get access to therapeutic vapes when they need them. We’ve moved the government from a cost-prohibitive prescription model to a model where adults can pick up a vaping product from their local pharmacy without a prescription.

“No one should be penalised for personal use of vapes. The prohibition of drugs has failed. The Greens are pleased that we have secured amendments to this legislation that will ensure that no person will be criminalised for personal possession of a vaping product. 

“We need to ensure that disposable vapes are no longer littering our streets and waterways, and we need to reduce lithium battery fires. That’s why the Greens have pushed this government to commit to action on a vaping products amnesty and ensure there are convenient and safe disposal locations.

“The implementation of this legislation with amendments will be a world-first, and because of this, we’ve secured a legislated review of this legislation. A review in 3 years will allow us to see if the harm-reduction settings are right. Across this time, we urge the government to focus on improved data collection, support and education for our community and above all ensure that we have the harm-reduction settings right.

“The Greens have been willing to work with the government to amend the legislation to ensure that no person will be criminalised for the personal possession of vapes, that people can access therapeutic vapes as needed, and we’ve secured a review of the legislation so we can ensure that it’s meeting its harm-reduction goals.”