Category: NSW News

Police are issuing a warning for members of the public to be wary of potential phone scammers, who attempt to coax people into handing over their personal and financial details.
Officers from Camden Police Area Command have received reports from people who have received phone calls from someone claiming to represent either, NSW Police Force, or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The caller claims to be a police officer and tells the person that they have an outstanding ATO bill or debt that must be paid, or they will be arrested.
The number displayed on the caller identification is that of the local police station, and it is unclear how the scammers are utilising the actual number.
Police are warning members of the public to be wary of any requests for personal details or payments made over the phone and are urging them not to give any personal details or to transfer any money to people over the phone.
Community members are reminded that the Australian Taxation Office will never:

• threaten you with immediate arrest
• ask you to pay money to receive a refund or payment from us
• ask you to pay a debt via iTunes vouchers, or pre-paid credit card or store gift cards
• ask you to provide personal information, such as your tax file number (TFN) or credit card number, via email or SMS
• ask you to pay money into a personal bank account
• direct you to download files from the internet, or open attachments in unsolicited emails.

Further information can be found by clicking on the following link.
https://www.ato.gov.au/general/online-services/identity-security/verify-or-report-a-scam/
Furthermore, the following advice on how to protect yourself is provided by SCAMWATCH
Protect yourself

• If you receive a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be a representative of Telstra and their call relates to a problem with your internet connection, just hang up.
• If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don’t rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
• Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register (link is external). Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
• Don’t let scammers press your buttons – scammers use detailed scripts to convince you that they’re the real deal and create a high-pressure situation to make a decision on the spot.
• Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
• Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
• Never give a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from a reputable business.
• If you think your computer’s security has been compromised, use your security software to run a virus check. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Report

• If you have lost money as a result of this type of scam, please report the matter to your local Police Station.
• You can also report scams to the ACCC via SCAMWATCH or report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.

Netball and tennis players and fans are set to benefit from a major upgrade to create an international level facility for both sports in Western Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres today to announce the $50.5 million upgrade to the Tennis Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
“This upgrade will provide better facilities for netball and tennis fans and athletes, and provide opportunities for both sports to meet growing demand especially in Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know the Swifts and Giants netball teams have completely outgrown their existing facility, and a bigger and better venue is needed. This upgraded facility will have 10,000 seats, so more fans can support their team.”
As part of the upgrade, a new roof will be installed over Ken Rosewall Arena and Show Court 1 to create an all-weather high performance environment for both sports. A timber sprung floor will also be installed at the Arena, capable of hosting major netball events.
The upgrade will improve players’ facilities, lighting, ventilation, seating and public amenities.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said this upgrade will help secure major international sporting events as part of the Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years strategy,
“We are bringing the best sporting events in the world to NSW, and this upgrade will allow us to host ATP Tennis World Team Cup event in January 2020.
“We want the best tennis players in the world playing in Western Sydney – and this upgrade is part of our strategy to make that happen.”
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell supported the announcement and said that by providing access to a purpose built facility, netball will continue to see strong growth.
“Netball is one of the top sports in NSW when it comes to participation, and is the
market leader for women and young girls. Sydney requires a fit for purpose indoor venue to accommodate our professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.”
“Today’s announcement is a wonderful development, which will provide us with a much more cost-effective venue that also allows us to raise the number of people who will be able to watch our game at the elite level.”
Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson welcomed the news, stating that the upgrade will allow tennis to attract new events and the best international talent.
“The redevelopment of Ken Rosewall Arena and Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre is extremely exciting for tennis in NSW and for Sydney. It will ensure that the facility here remains one of the nation’s premier tennis facilities and allows us to bid for new world-class events such as the ATP World Team Cup,” said Mr Robertson.
“Sydney has a long tennis history and is home to one of the world’s oldest professional tennis tournaments. These upgrades will go a long way to ensure we are in the best possible position to continue that tradition when the biggest event outside of the Grand Slams makes its debut on the tennis calendar in January 2020

As parents begin planning for the year ahead, they can now access Creative Kids vouchers, providing them with $100 for every school-age child to help cover the cost of enrolment for creative and cultural learning activities.
Parents can use one voucher for every school-age child per year to help meet the cost of structured creative and cultural activities, such as music lessons, languages, coding, drama and theatre, photography and graphic design.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the NSW Government’s Creative Kids program builds on the success of the Active Kids program, which is back this year, helping to reduce the cost of registration for sport and organised physical activity.
“The start of the school year is just around the corner and we are encouraging parents to get in early by jumping on the Service NSW website to register for their Creative Kids vouchers,” Mr Dominello said.
“Involvement in creative and cultural learning activities is critical to a child’s growth and development but the enrolment costs all add to the family budget and can be prohibitive.
“The NSW Government recognises that cost of living is a major issue for families and because of our strong budget position, we are proud to be providing this extra assistance for children to participate in these valuable creative and cultural programs.
“This program compliments the hugely popular Active Kids voucher and for a family with two children, Creative and Active Kids combined will save you $400 a year.”
There are still thousands of providers out there which could be eligible to be part of the Creative Kids program throughout 2019. The Government is calling on them to register with Service NSW so that parents can claim their vouchers with them.
Creative Kids is one of a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, free car registration for regular toll users and the FuelCheck app. Further information on how to register as a provider and the program is at www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/creative-kids

The NSW Government’s Active Kids program is now open for 2019 after an enormously successful first year, which saw families save more than $54 million in children’s sport, fitness and recreation activities.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 540,000 of the $100 vouchers were redeemed in 2018 making sport more accessible for families and helping to reduce childhood obesity.
“We have made it a priority to reduce childhood overweight and obesity rates in NSW and now with Active Kids we have almost half of all school-enrolled kids enjoying the benefits of exercise,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is clear the first year of the program has been a huge success and I want to see even more families take advantage of the vouchers and enroll their children in sport in 2019.
“The Active Kids program is just one of the ways the NSW Government is easing cost of living pressures on families. We also have our $100 Creative Kids vouchers, cheaper Green Slips, free and half priced car rego for toll road users.”
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said parents can register for the Active Kids program again in 2019 by registering online to receive their $100 voucher to go towards membership expenses and fees.
“Active kids are happy and healthy kids and this program means that every child in the State has the opportunity to be fit and active,” Mr Ayres said.
Active Kids supports the Premier’s Priority to reduce overweight and obesity rates of children by five per cent over ten years.
There are 9600 approved Active Kids providers across NSW. For more information and a list of approved providers, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids

A man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman in his care last year.
Police will allege that between Monday 1 October 2018 and Thursday 1 November 2018, a 38-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a man while she was in his care.
The incident was reported to Mid North Coast Police District in November 2018 and an investigation commenced.
Following extensive inquiries, just after 7am today (Wednesday 9 January 2019), officers from Mid North Coast Police District executed a search warrant at a home on Hampton Court, Port Macquarie, where a number of electronic devices were seized.
Later that morning, a 62-year-old man attended Port Macquarie Police station where he was arrested.
He was charged with aggravated sexual assault – victim with cognitive impairment, carer have sexual intercourse – person cognitive impairment and aggravated indecent assault – victim has cognitive impairment.
The man was refused bail to appear in Port Macquarie Local Court today.

Netball NSW has welcomed today’s announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres that will see a major upgrade carried out on the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre and a new roof installed on the Ken Rosewall Arena.
The project will create an all-weather high-performance environment for both tennis and netball, with an upgraded canopy roof structure to be placed over the Arena and Show Court 1.
It means Netball NSW’s two professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball, will have a new permanent home venue to play Suncorp Super Netball games at from 2020.
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell was delighted by the announcement and said that by providing access to a purpose-built facility, netball would continue to see strong growth.
“Netball is one of the top sports in NSW when it comes to participation, and is the market leader for women and young girls,” she said.
“Sydney requires a fit-for-purpose indoor venue to accommodate our professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.
“I think today’s announcement is a wonderful development which will provide us with a much more cost-effective venue, with priority scheduling, that also
allows us to raise the number of people who will be able to see our game at the elite level live and up close.
“I would like to thank the Premier, the Minister for Sport, Tennis NSW, the Office of Sport and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority for their efforts and cooperation in helping make today’s announcement happen.”
Premier Berejiklian said upgrading the Centre would create another international level sporting facility in Sydney and continue to increase grassroots sport participation.
“This upgrade will provide better facilities for netball and tennis athletes, and provide opportunities for both sports to meet growing demand for more content,” she said.
“Netball and Tennis are market leaders in growth and participation and the NSW Government is committed to continuing to support these sports.”
Minister Ayres echoed these sentiments.
“Investing in renewing our sporting infrastructure allows NSW to attract a wide range of events, keeping Sydney the number one when it comes to events,” he said.
“NSW netball teams continue to dominate national competition while Tennis NSW athletes flourish both nationally and internationally. Both of these sports have proven they mean business and aspire to be our nation’s best.”
The project will be undertaken by Tennis NSW with funding and oversight from the state government, under an agreement that will ensure netball and other sports have access to the facility once the upgrade is complete.
Work on the Tennis Centre upgrade is expected to commence in early 2019 and the first stage will be complete in November 2019.
Major upgrades include the following:
• The construction of canopy roof structure over Ken Rosewall Arena and Show Court.
• Upgrades to player and media facilities.
• Additional lighting, seating and public amenities.
• A new sprung floor to allow for multi-sport use.

Police are pleased with the significant difference in the number of fatalities during Operation Safe Arrival, with 14 less deaths on NSW roads compared to 2017.
Operation Safe Arrival, the State’s Christmas/New Year road safety operation, started at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018, and will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 January 2019.
Double demerits are in place over the entire operation for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said it’s important to reflect on the positives of this year’s operation.
“Although it’s disappointing to see a hit and run incident showing complete lack of care for other people’s wellbeing, I’m satisfied this operation is reflecting the strong approach we have taken with more police saturating the roads,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“As we near the end of the operation, I’m pleased there have been 14 less people killed on NSW roads during the operation so far.
“I encourage all road users to take extra care in the leadup to the new year, so they arrive safely to enjoy celebrations with family and friends,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Of note during day nine of Operation Safe Arrival:

• About 11pm (Saturday 29 December 2018), emergency services were called to Tudor Street, Campsie, after reports of a man injured following a hit and run crash. The 19-year-old man was crossing the street, when a grey Mazda 2 Hatchback turned onto Tudor Street from Canterbury Road travelling north, before striking the man. The car stopped briefly, before driving away in the same direction. The man was treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition with arm and leg injuries. Officers from Campsie Police Area Command urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Key statistics (Cumulative total – started on 21 December 2018):
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 15,536
Speed infringements: 9,202
Breath tests: 413,463
Drink-driving charges: 495
Lives lost: 6

NSW Police will be deployed as part of a highly-visible and mobile police operation to ensure the safety and security of the community ahead of Sydney’s 2018 New Year’s Eve celebration.
Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 will commence on Monday (31 December 2018), as significant crowds begin to converge on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state for New Year’s festivities.
General duties officers from Police Area Commands across the state will be assisted by specialist units including Public Order & Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.
Metropolitan Field Operations and Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 Commander, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton APM, said police will be focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We are prepared for significant crowds who are expected to make their way into the city and harbour foreshore areas this New Year’s Eve,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Police will be out in force across the event footprint to ensure the movement of crowds to vantage points are managed safely.
“We want everyone to have a memorable night for the right reasons, so celebrate responsibly, drink in moderation and look after one another – you don’t want to start 2019 with a criminal record,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
NSW Police have been working closely with City of Sydney, NSW Government agencies, landowners and other stakeholders in the lead up to the event, to ensure the festivities are safe and family-friendly.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said officers will be patrolling the crowds, out on the water, travelling on the trains and in the sky to ensure everyone rings in the New Year safely.
“We have some of the best police in the world and they’ll be out on the beat doing what they do best to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities in a safe and secure environment,” Mr Grant said.
“But police can’t be everywhere at once, and with big crowds expected in the CBD and surrounds, it’s really important that everyone plays their part in behaving responsibly and looking out for your mates.”
Extensive assessments have been conducted throughout the year and detailed plans will be implemented to ensure traffic, transport, crowd behaviour and security are expertly managed.
“Police want New Year’s Eve to be safe and fun for everyone, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to plan your night in advance,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Key sites will have security checks upon entry and are closely monitored by police and event security to gauge when they are reaching capacity, and people will be directed away from the area to prevent overcrowding.
“The public should be reassured that police have a significant, robust and flexible operation in place to ensure the safety of revellers throughout the night,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Detailed vantage point information, alcohol-free zones and important hints and tips for the evening are available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
The website also features important traffic and transport information to assist revellers in planning their trip to and from the city.
“There will be a number of major road closures and significant changes to traffic conditions in and around the CBD, so public transport is certainly your best bet,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“For those who insist on driving, please be patient, be aware of your surroundings as there will be a large number of pedestrians and never drink or drug drive,” he added.
Detailed public transport information is available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website. Special event traffic information can also be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
“For those that choose to enjoy the celebrations from the water, stay alert and be always be aware of your surroundings and other boaters in the area,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Before heading out on the water, check the vessel is in good working order, ensure all the required safety equipment is on board – most importantly, lifejackets.
“And remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, it’s safer not to drink at all,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.

As New South Wales prepares for a wave of hot weather over the next week, police are urging residents and visitors to keep informed on the conditions and look after their health.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures in the 30s and increasing across the state from today (Thursday 27 December 2018) and peaking in the low-to-mid 40s on New Year’s Eve (Monday 31 December 2018). Visit www.bom.gov.au for updated weather forecasts and warnings.
With these conditions expected, police and emergency services are urging everyone in NSW to remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:
1. Drink plenty of water (limit hot, sugary, or alcoholic beverages)
2. Keep cool (stay in the air conditioning, if possible)
3. Take care of others (visit or contact those at risk of heat-related illness)
4. Have a plan (know who to contact if you need assistance and seek medical advice if you feel unwell).
For more information on staying healthy in the heat, please visit NSW Health’s ‘Beat the Heat’ website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat.
Importantly, motorists are reminded it is never okay to leave children, the elderly, or pets unattended in a car – even with the air conditioning running. Not only is this dangerous, it can be deadly.
Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided, where possible. Additionally, no animal should be left in confined, unventilated areas.
The RSPCA has a multitude of advice available online for reducing heat stress for animals: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/care-for-animals/pet-hazards/heat-stress.
While it is advised to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, large crowds are still expected at NSW beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools.
Anyone swimming in unfamiliar waterways is urged to take extra care. Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf and many needlessly drown.
Surf Life Saving NSW urge people to swim at patrolled beaches and always between the flags. If in doubt about the conditions, ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for advice or just stay out of the water.
To help plan a day at the beach, Surf Life Saving Australia has an easy to use website: www.beachsafe.org.au and a free smart-phone app ‘beachsafe’ with the latest information about every Australian beach.
Police are also urging rock anglers to wear a life jacket and adhere to the safety advice available at: www.safefishing.com.au when venturing out onto the rocks.
Skippers are reminded they are responsible for the safety of all on board their vessel, and they should expect police or NSW Maritime to conduct safety compliance checks, as well as random breath tests.
Police will also focus on jet ski riders to ensure they’re enjoying the sport safely. Dangerous riding and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
Members of the public should also be aware of the increased risk of bushfires on days with high temperature, especially when combined with windy conditions. Visit the Rural Fire Service website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au) for bushfire preparedness advice and current conditions/warnings.
Finally, in the event of an emergency, call 000 (Triple Zero).

“Any road, anytime” is the message from NSW police as many residents begin their journey or return home after the Christmas break.
Operation Safe Arrival, the State’s Christmas/New Year road safety operation, started at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018, and will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday1 January 2019.
Double demerits remain in place over the entire long-weekend for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said the roads are are still busy with holiday traffic going to or from their destination. .
“I know a lot of people will be discussing what is the best road to take home right now. I can provide one bit of advice – regardless of whatever road you are on, we will be there,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“I am pleased there have been declines in the numbers of people detected speeding and drink-driving.
“At this point in Operation Safe Arrival there has been a decline in the number of people injured in crashes across the state.
“This means there will be fewer people starting the New Year having to face rehabilitation, time off work and the imposition on family life.”
Some examples of inappropriate driver behaviour detected during Day Six of Operation Safe Arrival include,
About 1.45am today (Thursday 27 December 2018), a male driver was detected travelling at 136km/h (lidar) in am 80km/h work zone on the M1 at Wahroonga. A roadside breath test returned a positive result. A subsequent breath analysis returned a reading of 0.196. The driver was Charged by way of field court attendance notice for the offences of ‘Drive the high concentration of alcohol’ and ‘Exceed speed limit – over 45km/h’. The man will appear at Hornsby Local Court at a future date
A man will face court today after a stolen van was stopped in Lansvale in south western Sydney A Toyota Hiace with incorrect registration plates was stopped on the Hume Highway by Fairfield Highway Patrol officers just before 2am today (Thursday 27 December 2018). Inquiries carried out at the scene found the Hiace had been stolen. A search of the Hiace located a push bike, television, tools, copper wire, lawn mower, leaf blower and suitcases of clothing. It will be alleged that some or all the property is suspected of being stolen. The 39-year-old male driver was charged with drive conveyance without consent, possess prohibited drug (x2), not carry drivers licence and breach of bail. Further charges regarding the property is anticipated. He is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court today.
Key statistics (Cumulative total – started on 21 December 2018):
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 8825
Speed infringements: 5792
Breath tests: 262,669
Drink-driving charges: 306
Lives lost: 4