Temporary accommodation pods are continuing to be delivered to the hardest hit residents in bushfire affected areas across the state, with more pods arriving in Kempsey and Eurobodalla this week.
More than 100 temporary accommodation pods will be provided to residents in bushfire affected communities across the state, thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government and Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said it was important to offer safe and secure shelter to help people stay on their land, if they choose to do so.
“We have provided emergency and temporary accommodation to 8,000 people since November last year, however we recognise that for some people a hotel or motel in the next largest town doesn’t suit, as they have responsibilities like looking after animals and tending to livestock”, Mr Barilaro said.
“Over the next few weeks, we will see an additional 50 pods allocated, which is great news for many residents. The current temporary accommodation pods can house up to four people, however we are looking to develop larger pods to suit larger families.
“We are doing all we can to keep families and communities together wherever possible.”
Minderoo Foundation CEO Andrew Hagger said the recovery pods had been well received.
“We’re incredibly proud of the impact our recovery pods have had. The feedback from recipients has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Hagger said.
“The Minderoo Foundation team has been working tirelessly to get pods out, despite the new challenges COVID-19 has presented.
“We will continue to work with the NSW Government, to help as many people impacted by the fires as we can, for as long as it’s safe to do so.”
The temporary accommodation pods will allow people to stay on their land while they rebuild, with the first pods arriving in Kempsey and Eurobodalla Local Government Areas. Pods have also been approved for deployment to the Tenterfield and Glen Innes Local Government Areas, with delivery and installation to be scheduled shortly.
The pods will be provided for up to two years, tying into recent planning amendments which allow temporary accommodation on private property for up to two years.
Author: admin
STRONGER PROTECTION FOR SYDNEY’S WATER CATCHMENT FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE REVIEW
Better protections, stronger assessment and more environmental offsets will ensure Sydney’s drinking water supply is safeguarded, following an extensive review by an independent expert panel.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the NSW Government had accepted all 50 recommendations of the expert panel led by the office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer.
“We want to ensure we have every measure in place to protect Sydney’s water supply for generations to come,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ve accepted all of the recommendations from the panel and have established an interagency taskforce to implement a detailed action plan throughout this year.
“These actions will improve our existing comprehensive assessment and monitoring of underground coal mining while providing certainty for both Sydney’s water supply and thousands of jobs across NSW – particularly 5,000 workers in the Illawarra.”
The action plan includes:
- Ensuring there is a net gain for the metropolitan water supply by requiring more offsetting from mining companies;
- Establishing a new independent expert panel to advise on future mining applications in the catchment;
- Strengthening surface and groundwater monitoring;
- Improving access to and transparency of environmental data;
- Adopting a more stringent approach to the assessment and conditioning of future mining proposals to minimise subsidence impacts;
- Reviewing and updating current and potential future water losses from mining in line with the best available science;
- Introducing a licensing regime to properly account for any water losses; and
- Undertaking further research into mine closure planning to reduce potential long-term impacts.
The Independent Expert Panel for Mining in the Catchment’s final report is available at https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/reports/independent-expert-panel-for-mining-in-the-catchment
$25 MILLION RESEARCH FUND TO TACKLE COVID-19
The NSW Government is injecting $25 million to fast-track statewide research and clinical trials to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic and reduce its impact on the community.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the funds are part of about $800 million in extra health funding by the NSW Government to bolster the health system.
“Already researchers in NSW have made huge inroads to improve diagnostics and potentially aid the eventual creation of a vaccine by growing the novel coronavirus,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The $25 million funding boost will further assist the collaborative research efforts of clinicians, universities and research hubs with crucial roles in the NSW COVID-19 response”.
The funding will be directed to research focused on:
- accurate and timely diagnosis of COVID-19;
- support conducting COVID-19 clinical trials including vaccine trials;
- monitoring, developing and evaluating strategies to slow community transmission;
- developing and evaluating treatments for COVID-19;
- preventing the need for intensive medical care.
- minimising the impact of physical and psychological trauma on the community.
The $25 million is on top of $108 million already invested in medical research in 2019-2020 and will help ensure all research findings on COVID-19 can be implemented rapidly.
The extra funding will also support clinician-led research into the COVID-19 impacts on the healthcare workforce, vulnerable populations and regional, rural and remote communities.
Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director of the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, said the institute is leading several research projects on COVID-19, including developing an antiviral therapy.
“The infectious disease expertise within the NSW medical research sector is truly world class, and we are eager to turn this investment into research that will transform this pandemic and ultimately save lives,” Professor Kelleher said.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said: “This funding will go a long way to progressing urgent research to minimise the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 in NSW.”
Progress on research
- ICPMR Westmead was the first lab in Australia to develop and introduce a blood antibody test for tracking the spread of COVID-19 and is working with researchers from The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance at Westmead and the Kirby Institute who will lead NSW studies of COVID-19 in schools, aged care, hospitals and the home.
- Westmead Institute researchers believe that they have found blood biomarkers that tell clinicians whether patients will need intensive care and are working with clinical trials experts from across NSW to integrate these markers in to critical studies of the course of COVID-19 and its transmissibility.
- Garvan and Kirby Institute researchers have developed a world-leading technology to identify the critical antibodies amongst the myriad produced by our immune cells when challenged by this virus – that could lead to a new treatments and diagnostic tests and are working with virology researchers at UNSW and Westmead
- University of Sydney researchers are at the forefront of research into how best to communicate information during epidemics prevent transmission of infection and into the psychological trauma that may result from managing this epidemic in Australia.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged six people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 31 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
- Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling the CBD just before 2am (Sunday 19 April 2020), when they approached a woman on the corner of Goulburn and Cunningham Streets, who had price tags visible on her clothing. During a search of the woman, police located an array of clothing with price tags on them, suspected to be stolen. Checks revealed the woman had multiple warnings and a recent fine for breaching Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act. She was subsequently charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and appeared in court yesterday, where she was convicted and given a $220 fine.
- About 2.15am police from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command spoke to a 22-year-old man on Luxford Road, Mt Druitt, who was walking with two other males. It was ascertained the man had been issued with two prior PINS for breaching the Public Health Act. The man was informed he would be issued with another PIN and instructed to walk directly to the Mt Druitt Railway Station and return home. The man was arrested after he ignored the direction. He was charged with not comply with noticed direction and granted conditional bail, due to appear in Mount Druitt Local Court on 13 May 2020.
- About 9am (Sunday 19 April 2020), a 50-year-old man attended Westfield Warringah Mall – allegedly in breach of a banning notice – and became aggressive with security officers before leaving. About 11.40am, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command located the man on Howard Avenue, Dee Why, seated on a bench drinking a beer. When asked about a jacket in his possession, the man stated it was stolen from the donation bins. The man was subsequently charged with breaching the Public Health Act, enter enclosed lands, larceny and goods in custody. He’s been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Monday 20 April 2020).
- About 1.15pm police from the Sutherland Shire Police Area Command attended a multi-story carpark in Croyden Street, Cronulla, responding to reports of a man who appeared to be unconscious in his car. As police approached the 50-year-old man he became aggressive. Police asked the man to participate in random breath test and he allegedly grabbed the officer’s arm and attempted to spit in his face. The man was removed from the car where it is further alleged he attempted to bite police. He was taken to Sutherland Police Station and charged with assault police and not comply with noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. He was refused bail and is expected to appear via AVL in Parramatta Local Court today (Monday 20 April 2020).
- At 2.20pm police attached to the Mid North Police Area Command attended a service station on Smith Street, Kempsey following a theft. The 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Kempsey Police Station. The woman informed police that she had recently been tested for Covid-19 and was informed to self-isolate until she received results. She was charged with three counts of shoplifting, larceny, dishonestly obtain financial advantage, breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction. She was refused bail and will appear in Kempsey Local Court via AVL today (Monday 20 April 2020).
- About 4.10am yesterday (Sunday 19 April 2020), officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command were patrolling the St Ives area, when they came across a group of youths congregating on Bedford Avenue. One of the boys, aged 16, was allegedly in breach of his bail conditions. The youths then ran from police before the 16-year-old boy was arrested. He was taken to Hornsby Police Station, where he was charged with breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear a Children’s Court on Tuesday 16 June 2020.
Yesterday’s PINs include:
- About 9.30am yesterday (Sunday 19 April 2020), officers from Burwood Police Area Command were called to a unit complex in Swan Avenue, Strathfield, over a noise complaint. On arrival, officers located six men allegedly having a social gathering. All six men – aged 21, 26, 26, 27, 27 and 31 – were issued PINs.
- Just before 1pm yesterday, officers from Central North Police District were patrolling the Kamilaroi Highway, when they stopped a vehicle at Brewarrina. Officers spoke with the driver, a 41-year-old woman, who could not provide a reasonable excuse for not being at home and allegedly had camping equipment. She was issued infringement notices for defected tyres, not obey police direction, exceed speed more than 20km/h, and fail to comply with notice direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID19.
- Officers from Murray River Police District were patrolling the West Albury area, when they came across a car parked in Kremur Street just after midnight yesterday. Inside the vehicle, officers located four men, aged 18, 20, 21 and 21, who were allegedly drinking alcohol and not following social distancing regulations. All four men were issued PINs.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Woman detained and assaulted; pair charged – Hunter region
A man and woman will face court today after allegedly holding a woman against her will and assaulting her in the Hunter last week.
About 3pm last Tuesday (14 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Capper Street, Telarah, following reports for a concern for welfare.
Upon arrival, police located a 28-year-old woman locked in a room suffering multiple injuries to her face and chest.
She was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
A crime scene was established at the Telarah property and detectives commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a home on Logan Road, Rutherford, about 8am on Friday 17 April 2020, where they spoke with a 30-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman.
Both were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
The 30-year-old Telarah man was charged with aggravated sexual assault in company inflict actual bodily harm, take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm, and two counts of supply prohibited drug.
The 21-year-old Rutherford woman was charged with aggravated sexual assault in company inflict actual bodily harm, take/detain with intent to obtain advantage occasion actual bodily harm, take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm and possess prohibited drug.
Both were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Saturday 18 April 2020, where they were again refused bail to face the same court via AVL today (Monday 20 April 2020).
City leaders join forces in historic coordination of COVID-19 recovery
Seventeen CEOs and city leaders met today via video link to develop a blueprint for Newcastle’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
The City Taskforce consists of business, industry and government representatives from key sectors across the local economy, from education to finance to tourism and the arts.
All leaders openly shared insights on the significant impact to their business, industry and most importantly, their people and customers.
City of Newcastle’s City Taskforce consists of:
· City of Newcastle, Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes, Chair
· Hunter New England Health CEO Mr Michael DiRienzo
· Wests Group CEO, Mr Philip Gardner
· NIB CEO, Mr Mark Fitzgibbon
· Port of Newcastle CEO, Mr Craig Carmody
· University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO
· Colliers International Managing Director, Mr Peter Macadam
· Greater Bank CEO, Mr Scott Morgan
· Hunter Business Chamber CEO Mr Bob Hawes
· Hunternet CEO, Mr Tony Cade
· Independent Creative Alliance’s Ms Justine Coggan
· Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock
· Alloggio CEO, Mr Will Creedon
· Newcastle Permanent CEO, Ms Bernadette Inglis
· Regional NSW Director, Ms Alison McGaffin
· Samaritans CEO, Mr Brad Webb
· Hunter Workers Secretary, Mr Daniel Wallace.
City of Newcastle has committed $500,000 to the project, as well as in-kind support, as part of its COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, while each organisation will provide staffing resources to implement initiatives.
This will initially fund an Expression of Interest (EOI) program to provide innovative and targeted responses to those local industries hardest hit by the virus.
Chaired by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, the Taskforce will coordinate a concerted, strategic approach to recovery.
“This is an historic moment in the City’s response to this global crisis, as we work to maximise the capacity and speed of our recovery,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Never before has our city seen such an unprecedented level of collaboration amongst its leaders.
“I’d like to thank all 17 CEOs for accepting my invitation to give their time to the Taskforce. Each has their own responsibilities in terms of leading their organisations’ response during and out of COVID-19.
“Despite this, they are making time to assist City of Newcastle in ensuring that we leave no stone unturned in identifying anything and everything that can be done to help our city now and during its medium to long term recovery.”
The Taskforce will liaise with lead agencies Hunter New England Health for Public Health updates; Regional NSW on government responses; and the Hunter Research Foundation Centre around economic impacts.
It will meet fortnightly through to the year’s end. While the Taskforce has been established as a Newcastle-centric initiative, its benefits will be felt well beyond LGA boundaries
-With-Names-V1.jpg.aspx "City-Taskforce-Zoom-meeting-(original)-With-Names-V1.jpg")
Two charged after drug-filled yacht intercepted off coast near Lake Macquarie
Two men have been charged after a yacht suspected to be carrying hundreds of kilograms of methylamphetamine was intercepted off the NSW coast near Lake Macquarie.
The arrests follow a multi-agency investigation known as Operation ROMANI, comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and Australian Border Force (ABF), collaborating with agencies from the United Kingdom and New Caledonia.
On Thursday 16 April 2020, New Caledonian authorities – French Customs and French National Police in New Caledonia – advised the AFP’s International Command and the ABF about the arrival of a vessel of interest into Pacific waters the previous day.
It will be alleged the vessel had been in waters near Norfolk Island and then had travelled to New Caledonia. The crew declared to New Caledonian authorities they had travelled from Mexico.
As a result of this information, the Australian investigative team identified a second vessel of interest – a yacht known as the La Fayette. Police allege this yacht had been loaded with border controlled drugs in waters around Norfolk Island.
On Friday 17 April 2020, the La Fayette was located by ABF’s Marine Border Command on the East Coast of Australia heading south. The vessel’s movements continued to be tracked as the joint Australian investigative team prepared for an on water interdiction.
About 4.30am yesterday (Saturday 18 April 2020), NSWPF Marine Area Command vessel NEMESIS interdicted the La Fayette about 50 nautical miles east of Lake Macquarie, NSW.
The two crew members – a 33-year-old New Zealand man and a 34-year-old man holding dual UK/South African citizenship – were arrested on board.
The yacht was towed by the NEMESIS to the NSWPF Marine Area Command in Balmain about 1.45pm yesterday.
It will be alleged investigators located more than 1000 packages wrapped in plastic on board the vessel. Specialist forensic officers are continuing to deconstruct the boat and examine the contents, which is believed to contain methamphetamine. Further forensic testing will be undertaken to determine the exact weight and purity of the seized substances.
The men were taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with import a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.
They were both refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 19 April 2020).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Eastern Command Justine Gough said even as world borders are physically closing, police remain alert for attempts to infiltrate transnational borders to bring illicit drugs to Australian markets.
“Organised crime groups will stop at nothing – not even a global pandemic – to try and flood our communities with drugs for greed and profit.
“Our cross-border collaboration remains strong in these times, and through our relationships worldwide, we will not stop in our efforts to protect our communities from the destruction of illicit drugs.”
NSWPF State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said significant NSW Police Force resources have been utilised to aggressively target and intercept the yacht before the drugs could make it to the streets of NSW.
“The expertise of the Marine Area Command, assisted by the Maritime Border Command, has enabled police to execute a tactical navigation plan and successfully board the yacht and arrest two men,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“In light of the restrictions and guidelines under the Public Health Act, we have taken numerous additional precautions in accordance with COVID-19 protocol and as a result the two offenders and all officers on the vessel were decontaminated and tested for the virus.
“With every seizure we make, a syndicate is taken down and it’s evident this criminal network has gone to extreme measures to traffic drugs into NSW with current international travel restrictions.
“Since the start of this year the Organised Crime Squad, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners, has seized hundreds of kilos of prohibited drugs and disrupted multiple criminal networks and their activities.”
ABF Acting Regional Commander for NSW Garry Low said this operation shows the importance of cooperation and shared intelligence across the South Pacific.
“The ABF continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners, here and abroad, to catch and prosecute criminals, no matter where in the supply chain they sit,” Acting Commander Low said.
“Criminal syndicates should know, that not only will we find your drugs concealments when they reach our sea ports and airports, but we’re also watching your movements before you reach Australia. The ABF has eyes on our oceans, not just on our land borders.”
This investigation has been an ongoing operation with the UK’s National Crime Agency and its office in Canberra, looking into British Organised Crime groups targeting Australia.
Joint investigations are continuing with agencies in Australia and offshore, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged seven people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 45 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
- About 1am (Saturday 18 April 2020), police were called to Stuart Avenue, Wahroonga, after reports a 15-year-old man had been assaulted in a nearby park. Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command attended and following inquiries, two boys – both aged 16 – were arrested at homes in St Ives and Turramurra. One of the boys was charged with affray, not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The second boy was charged with affray and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19. They were both were refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Sunday 19 April 2020).
- About 1.20pm (Saturday 18 April 2020), three males attended a home on Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania, and allegedly threw a rock and a glass bottle at a window. The incident was reported to officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command and following inquiries, two boys – both aged 16 – were arrested at a Miranda shopping centre. They were both charged with destroy or damage property, three counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic), and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19. They are due to appear at a children’s court on Wednesday 22 June 2020.
- About midnight (Saturday 18 April 2020), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District were patrolling Missingham Park, Ballina, and spoke to three men, before issuing them a warning about the current restrictions under the Public Health Act. Just before 2am the same day, police were called to Owen Street, Ballina, and spoke to five people – three men and two women – who were consuming alcohol. The group claimed they were fishing when warned about the current restrictions, before being moved on from the area. About 2.30am, police were called to Meldrum Park. A 21-year-old man refused to leave and was arrested. Following a struggle with officers, he was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19, furnish false or misleading information, refuse/fail to comply with direction under Part 14, resist officer in execution of duty, and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today.
- About 1.45am (Saturday 18 April 2020), detectives from Redfern Region Enforcement Squad stopped and spoke with a 24-year-old man who was sitting in a stationary car outside a unit complex on Station Street, Newtown. During a search of his vehicle, officers allegedly located $41,180 in cash in a hidden compartment. The man was arrested and taken Newtown Police Station where he was charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime and not complying with noticed direction – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today.
- Shortly before 3pm (Saturday 18 April 2020), officers from South Coast Highway Patrol noticed a Nissan patrol wagon with modifications travelling north on the Princes Highway. Shortly after, officers attended the home of the driver on Gunbar Way, Nowra. A 24-year-old man answered the door, and allegedly became aggressive towards the officer, before spitting at the male senior constable and assaulting him. Further police were called to the scene and the man was arrested. He was taken to Nowra Police Station and charged with seven offences including assault police, resist arrest (x2) and not comply with noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Nowra Local Court on Monday 15 June 2020.
Yesterday’s PINs include:
- Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended a home on Nott Street, Merewether, at 12.50am, following reports of a party. Upon arrival, police observed six people sitting on an upstairs balcony area. Three people were directed to leave as it was not their place of residence. One of the men – aged 40 – allegedly refused to leave and yelled at police. He eventually complied and together with a 49-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, they were issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with Ministerial Directions.
- Four men – aged 19, 23 and two aged 18 – travelling together in a vehicle were stopped by officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District around 10.45pm on Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey. The 23-year-old man allegedly told police he had been picked up by friends in South West Rocks because he had recently lost his licence and needed to return to his home in Cessnock. All four occupants were issued $1000 PINs.
- Just after midnight, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command stopped a McLaren 650S travelling on Ward Avenue, Potts Point. The driver, a 43-year-old Fairfield man, told officers he was driving to Woolloomooloo to get petrol. After being warned, he informed officers driving is a form of exercise. The man and his 60-year-old passenger were each issued a $1000 PIN. The driver allegedly told police “do what you want mate, I don’t care. This $1000 fine won’t hurt with my $15 million.”
- About 10.30am, officers from Auburn police Area Command were conducting patrols of Auburn Central Plaza when they stopped and spoke to a 27-year-old man. Police explained the current restrictions and the man left. Police returned to the plaza just before 3pm and spoke to the same man. He was issued a $1000 PIN after allegedly telling officers “I thought you just meant go for an hour.”
- About 8.40am, officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command attended a home on Sheffield Street, Auburn, and found four men congregating in a small room, with one man hiding behind the door. Only one of the four men, a 39-year-old, resides at the address and no one in the group – including a 25-year-old man from Guildford, a 36-year-old man from another Auburn address and a 40-year-old man from Fairfield East – are related. They were each issued a $1,000 PIN.
- About 12.30am, officers from Cumberland Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 29-year-old man on Pendle Way, Pendle Hill. The man was issued a $1000 PIN after telling police he was out to go a visit a friend.
- About 2am, officers from Inner West Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 19-year-old woman on Station Street, Enmore. The woman was issued a $1000 PIN after telling officers she was going to pay rent in Lakemba and then drive to Cabramatta to buy a pork roll.
- Just after 4pm, officers attached to Mt Druitt Police Area Command spoke with a 22-year-old man at a shopping centre on North Parade, Mt Druitt, about being in a public place without a reasonable excuse. The man had previously been warned and after telling police he was on his way to a friend’s house to “smoke weed” and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.
- About 10.55am, officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command were patrolling the Waterloo area when they observed a group of about 10 people sitting in a park on Cope Street. The group were all given a warning and left the park. At 2.15pm the same day, police observed two men from the group sitting in a park on Pitt Street with another group of people. All were warned and directed to move on. Shortly after, about 2.45pm, police observed the same two men – aged 71 and 77 – on Raglan Street and issued them with a $1000 PIN each.
- About 6.45pm, offices attached to Sydney City Police Area Command spoke with a 43-year-old man sitting near the intersection of George and Park streets, Sydney CBD. He was warned about being outside his place of residence and allegedly began yelling and swearing at police before trying to walk away. Officers placed the man under arrest, however, he started swinging his hands in the direction of the officers. The man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 19 April 2020). He was also issued a $1000 PIN for being out of home without reasonable excuse.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Offender cautioned after coughing incident – Nelson Bay
A boy has been cautioned over a coughing incident in the Hunter Region this week.
Just before 2pm (Sunday 12 April 2020), a 73-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were walking along Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, and as they approached the pedestrian crossing, a white Nissan Navara slowed and pulled up beside them.
Police have been told that a boy leaned his head and shoulders out of the passenger window and coughed over the couple.
He and the other occupants in the vehicle started laughing before the vehicle drove off.
The couple contacted police and officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District commenced an investigation.
Following an investigation, a 16-year-old boy attended Ryde Police Station and he will be issued a caution under the Young Offenders Act.
Two other occupants of the car have been issued warnings for breaching the Health Minister’s Direction.
Drink-driving rider in court over allegedly coughing and spitting at police – Beverly Hills
A man will appear in court today charged over allegedly spitting and trying to cough on police after he was stopped for riding an unregistered motorcycle in Sydney’s south.
About 5.45pm yesterday (Friday 17 April 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling the Beverly Hills area, when they spotted a motorcyclist riding without a helmet on Tooronga Terrace.
Officers stopped the motorcycle to speak with the rider, a 31-year-old man, before he allegedly tried to cough on them and spat at them.
The man underwent a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result.
He was arrested and taken to St George Police Station, where he underwent a breath analysis test and allegedly returned a reading of 0.079.
The man was charged with 10 offences, including:
- drive with low range PCA,
- use unregistered Class A motor vehicle,
- use uninsured motor vehicle,
- drive motor vehicle unlicensed for Class,
- motorbike rider not wear helmet,
- drive on path,
- resist officer in execution of duty,
- refuse to produce Australian Licence/State Name and residential address,
- not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19, and
- not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The Tregear man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Saturday 18 April 2020).