Detectives investigating the disappearance – and suspected murder – of three Lake Macquarie teenage girls have released an image of a vehicle which is similar to the one they believe may be linked to two of the cases.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
Robyn Hickie, aged 18, left her home around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 April 1979, and was last seen standing at a bus stop on the Pacific Highway, Belmont North.
A fortnight later, Amanda Robinson, aged 14, was last seen on Saturday 21 April 1979, also near a bus stop on Lake Road, Swansea, after attending a dance at her high school in Gateshead.
About 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994, Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on the same road.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, none of the girls have been located.
A subsequent Coronial Inquest into their disappearances found that the girls were deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives have identified a vehicle which they believe may be linked to the disappearance and suspected murder of both Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson.
They have released an image of a similar vehicle, which is described as a distinct green-coloured, mid-1970s four-door Holden Torana sedan.
Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Greg Thomas, said this is a significant new lead in the investigation of these cases.
“We are hoping anyone who was living in the Lake Macquarie region in the late 1970s may have a recollection of this Holden Torana, in particular in the month of April 1979.
“We understand it’s been 40 years since Robyn and Amanda’s disappearances, however, we are seeking assistance from anyone who may even have moved to a different state or who may have some memory of this vehicle to come forward to police – you can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers if you wish.
“It may seem like small or insignificant information from decades past – but it could help investigators solve these cases,” Det Ch Insp Thomas said.
Investigations under Strike Force Arapaima continue.
Anyone with information about any of these cold cases is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.
Author: admin
Police pleased with crowds as Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 concludes
Police have praised the good behaviour of tens of thousands of race goers following a high-visibility operation at this year’s Coates Hire Newcastle 500.
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 commenced last Thursday (21 November 2019), to ensure the safety and security of competitors, officials and spectators throughout the event.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Marine Area Command, Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command were involved in the operation.
Of note, officers attached to Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 arrested four males on Saturday 23 November about 3.30pm following an incident inside the precinct near Watt and Scott Streets. All four were charged for a range of offences including drink liquor in ticketed area, offensive behaviour, use offensive language and resist arrest. They were all conditionally bailed to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 12 December 2019.
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said he was extremely pleased to see the majority of spectators behave appropriately and enjoy themselves at the event over the weekend.
“Dozens of officers were out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, and minimising the impact of the event on the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“We were quite happy with the behaviour of most people who attended the race, and it was great to see so many families return to the city this year in support of the Newcastle 500.
“Despite the forecast wet weather yesterday, spectators turned out in the thousands and enjoyed the Supercars finale while knowing their limits and respecting others around them.
“Police worked closely with Supercars, the City of Newcastle and Transport NSW before and during the event to create a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
“There were a small number of race goers who engaged in anti-social behaviour and didn’t listen to the warnings. They tried to spoil the fun for others, but they were identified and quickly dealt with by officers, security and Supercars officials,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Road safety was another focus of the operation, with police conducting 913 random breath tests and issuing 108 traffic infringement notices for offences including speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
“We will continue our presence on the roads in and around Newcastle and the Hunter today to ensure everyone’s journey home is a safe one,” Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.
“Our Traffic and Highway Patrol officers have done an excellent job this weekend, reminding drivers of the dangers of speeding, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“With the festive season just around the corner, we are reminding the public to leave the racing to the professionals on the track.
“We do not want to see any more tragedies on our roads and those that choose to engage in risky driver behaviour will face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Special event clearways and road closures will remain in place throughout the week. Motorists are urged to visit www.livetraffic.com for more information.
Community Recovery Package for Farmers, Small Businesses & Non-Profit Organisations in NSW Communities Hit by Bushfires
Farmers and small businesses on the North Coast, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands that were hit by the recent NSW bushfires can now access recovery grants of up to $15,000.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the $15,000 grants would help bushfire affected communities get back to doing what they do best.
“Getting back to business is one of the best ways to bounce back,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This will make sure businesses can open and people are back to work sooner.
“When money flows around a community it can help to speed up the whole recovery.
“An $18.25 million Community Recovery Fund has also been set up for targeted community project grants and mental health support.
“The mental toll on the community, volunteers and emergency service staff can linger long after the fires and they will need ongoing support.
“In addition the targeted grants will be available for projects that help with the recovery and improve disaster resilience.”
Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian said that the assistance package is a commitment from both governments to not only assist the long term recovery effort of bushfire affected communities, but also the farming and business sectors by making available recovery grants of up to $15,000 to eligible primary producers and small businesses.
“The impact to communities has been evident over the last few weeks, however the extent of the impact to our farming and business sectors has not been fully quantified as these bushfires continue to burn.
“We also know the emotional impact a disaster like this can have on communities which is why we are committing $4.05 million to mental health services,” Premier Berejiklian said.
New South Wales Deputy Premier, John Barilaro said regional New South Wales is going through a difficult time with the drought biting hard and ferocious bushfires across the state.
“This funding is an important step towards helping communities recover and we will do everything we can to help regional families rebuild for the long run,” Mr Barilaro said.
New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said the State and Federal Governments are working together to help communities impacted by the recent bushfires get back on their feet as soon as possible.
“The Community Recovery Fund and the recovery grants will be targeted across three regions that have been identified as the worst affected,” Minister Elliott said.
Assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
To apply for a recovery grant, primary producers and small businesses should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit raa.nsw.gov.au.
DIGITAL INNOVATION TO TACKLE HOMELESSNESS
A new digital data service will record information relating to rough sleepers in real-time to better facilitate collaboration between service providers for those experiencing homelessness in NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said global tech giant Microsoft has partnered with the NSW Government and the Act to End Street Sleeping Collaboration to bring the project to fruition.
“Every day more than 37,000 people in NSW experience homelessness and this new initiative will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the challenges they face,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“By using technology to collect a range of social and demographic data on rough sleepers, we can improve the way we respond to homelessness.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the launch of the initiative comes during the inaugural Connections Week, which aims to create a by-name list of people sleeping rough in Sydney’s CBD.
“The homelessness targets our Government has set require an innovative approach as well as collaboration with our non-government partners,” Mr Ward said.
“By compiling a database of rough sleepers, our assertive outreach teams and NGOs will be able to better collaborate towards a common goal.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the data will be captured using a mobile device and include geolocation technology.
“We are using digital technology to make life easier for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.”
Act to End Street Sleeping Convener Graham West said the aim is to create a vulnerability index of rough sleepers across the state, to determine risk and help prioritise specialist services.
Data collected this week will be used to inform potential expansion of the program across the state.
QUALITY IS THE STAR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD RATING SYSTEM
A clearer and simpler rating system for early childhood services was announced today, making it easier for parents to understand how their service rates under the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the change is something both parents and services have been calling for.
“All providers will be required to display their National Quality Standard (NQS) rating in the format of four stars that correlate to their NQS rating level,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Services will display the stars where parents can see them clearly, and will be requested to provide more detailed rating information to parents and families at enrolment from July 1, 2020.
“A fifth star can be obtained through an additional application to Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
“We have worked with the sector and families to find a better way for promoting and understanding the quality ratings, and have set aside a further $8 million to support providers to improve the quality of their services, building on the $5 million already invested.
“Ensuring parents and carers understand the rating of their early childhood service is essential for families, and also for maintaining and improving quality.”
Early Childhood Australia CEO Samantha Page said the Quality Ratings Guide will be a great way for families to start a conversation with services.
“Parents should play an active role in communicating with services about all aspects of quality, and the star graphic invites them to learn more about quality improvement,” Ms Page said.
“It also gives services the opportunity to pro-actively engage and focus on quality as an ongoing priority.”
The new four star format will display a service’s NQF rating as:
- Exceeding NQS = 4 stars
- Meeting NQS = 3 stars
- Working towards NQS = 2 stars
- Significant Improvement Required = 1 star
For more information on the new Stars system visit the website: https://www.education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-quality
Officer receives knife wound while arresting juvenile – Toronto
A police officer has received a knife wound while arresting a juvenile following a pursuit in Toronto this morning.
About 5.20am (Saturday 23 November 2019), police attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were patrolling Nita Street when the noticed a Subaru station wagon.
The car matched the description of a vehicle that had just been circulated by police radio as being allegedly stolen at knife point moments before.
A police pursuit was initiated and when the car reached Straight Drive, the driver continued across a reserve, through a fence and crashed into a footbridge bollard.
The driver, a 15-year-old boy, ran from the car and was tackled to the ground by police.
Police struggled with the teen who was holding his arms towards his chest. As police were able to force his arms to the rear, a knife which was allegedly secreted in the boy’s T-shirt, penetrated one of the officer’s bicep.
The young person was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with robbery while armed, police pursuit – Skye’s Law, wound officer executing duty recklessly causing actual bodily harm, assault police, and unlicensed.
He was refused bail and is expected to appear in a children’s court tomorrow (Sunday 24 November 2019).
The injured officer, a senior constable, was taken to Belmont Hospital and received three sutures for his wound.
LNP Failing to Deal with Skills Crisis
Official data shows there are 29,000 fewer Queenslanders engaged in apprenticeships or traineeships than when the Federal Coalition took office more than six years ago.
That includes 12,000 fewer apprenticeships and traineeships in the Brisbane electorates Bonner, Bowman, Brisbane, Dickson, Griffith, Lilley, Moreton, Oxley, Petrie, Rankin and Ryan.
This represents a 37 per cent reduction.
Over the same period, the Government has issued more than 500,000 visas to overseas workers to cover the skills shortages created by its cuts to vocational training.
Queensland employers are crying out for qualified workers, particularly in regional Queensland.
The skills crisis in engineering, health and community services, trades, technicians and construction is hurting the Queensland economy and denying young Queenslanders a pathway to secure, well-paid jobs.
Nationwide, since the Liberals were elected six years ago, Australia has 150,000 fewer apprenticeships and traineeships.
Scott Morrison has no plan to fix the skills crisis.
He has no plan to create more jobs or to lift wages for those who are employed.
Australia is perfectly placed to reap the benefits offered by the extraordinary economic growth in our region.
But to take full advantage of this growth, we must train Australians so they have the skills and qualifications to exploit the looming opportunities in manufacturing and construction.
$1 billion road boost for Victorian economy
A federal and state infrastructure package will boost the Victorian economy with more than $1 billion in project funding aimed at busting congestion and increasing road safety.
The package includes the Federal Government bringing forward $262 million for early works on the North East Link and more than $184 million in additional funding for the Monash Freeway Stage 2 project which commences next year.
When combined with funding from the State Government, it locks in a further billion dollar spend on infrastructure for Victoria over the next four years on top of the billions already being spent by both governments across roads and rail.
The Morrison Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline, was responsible and considered economic management.
“We’ve been working closely with the Victorian Government to identify the projects that are shovel-ready to get them moving,” the Prime Minister said.
“We want these road and rail projects delivered as quickly as possible so Victorians can benefit from better infrastructure and the jobs and investment that come with it.
“We will bring forward $269 million in federal funding for existing projects on top of the $184 million we committed to Stage 2 of the Monash Freeway upgrade back in September.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews welcomed the deal, which fast-tracks spending on road projects across the state.
“I’m pleased to have struck this significant agreement, which will help us deliver the vital second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade,” Premier Andrews said.
“We’ll continue working closely with the Federal Government to deliver the major projects our state needs and help create Victorian jobs.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was investing heavily in key roads in regional Victoria that are vital to safety and supporting the economy through improved connectivity to the regions and to our markets.
“The Government recognises the need for these key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This package includes additional funding for regional projects including, $32.6 million for the South Gippsland Highway realignment between Koonwarra and Meeniyan and $28.7 million for the Echuca-Moama Bridge.
“Upgrading these highways will improve safety and travel times on some of Victoria’s busiest freight and passenger road corridors.”
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the investments would flow within months.
“There’s $370 million of the new package that will be spent in just the next 18 months to get these projects done,” the Treasurer said.
“By bringing forward funding for these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make Victorian roads and highways safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for Victorian infrastructure at the most recent Budget.
“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $29.1 billion towards infrastructure in Victoria, including $6 billion committed in the 2019–20 Budget and the 2019 Federal Election with more than $1.4 billion in targeted local projects to be delivered under the Urban Congestion Fund,” Minister Tudge said.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said today’s announcement built on the Andrews Government’s record investment in major transport infrastructure.
“This funding builds on the more than $70 billion we’ve invested in Victoria’s transport network, to boost services, reduce congestion and get people home quicker, every day.”
PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:
- $262 million for early works on the North East Link
- Funding to flow immediately over the forward estimates in support of the $15.8 billion project.
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $1.75 billion ($262 million brought forward).
- The Victorian Government is providing the remaining contributions to the project.
- $7.1 million for Commuter Car Park Upgrades – Northern Lines at Craigieburn and Hurstbridge
- Funding to flow immediately this financial year to enable the commencement of works.
- Australian Government contribution to Commuter Car Parks projects on these lines is $70 million ($7.1 million brought forward).
ADDITIONAL FUNDING:
- $183.8 million for Stage 2 of the Monash Freeway Upgrade
- Funding to flow immediately and enable construction to commence in January 2020.
- Total cost of both stages of the Monash Freeway Upgrade has increased from $1 billion to $1.37 billion.
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $683.8 million.
- The Victorian Government contribution to the project is $683.8 million.
- $32.6 million for the South Gippsland Highway realignment between Koonwarra and Meeniyan
- Funding to flow immediately to enable construction to commence early next year with the Victorian Government also providing additional funding of $32.6 million.
- Total cost of the project has increased from $50 million to $115.2 million.
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $57.6 million.
- The Victorian Government contribution to the project is $57.6 million.
- $28.7 million for the Echuca-Moama Bridge
- Funding to flow immediately to enable completion in mid-2021 with the Victorian Government providing additional funding of $15 million.
- Total cost of the project has increased from $280 million to $323.7 million.
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $125.7 million.
- The Victorian Government contribution to the project is $111 million.
- The New South Wales Government is also contributing $87 million towards this project.
Future of transport on show as City gears up for Supercars
Newcastle’s driverless shuttle will be available for racegoers and locals to test-ride in Wheeler Place this weekend.
Newcastle’s very own Aussie Racing Cars driver Charlotte Poynting joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes for the announcement today which comes at the same time as the release of City of Newcastle’s first mobile app.
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“The driverless shuttle moves a bit slower than I will be around the track this weekend, but it’s just as exciting that this futuristic transport technology is being used in Newcastle,” Ms Poynting said.
“Newcastle is my home-town and it’s great to see the way the city is changing and embracing technology like never before.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the driverless shuttle will be operating in full driverless mode in Wheeler Place as part of a busy weekend of activities and events planned in Newcastle.
“Community members and racegoers keen to take a ride can turn up to Wheeler Place from 10am both Saturday and Sunday to experience driverless technology,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Keolis Downer staff including driverless shuttle specialists and trained chaperones will be onsite to answer people’s questions around the trial.”
The City has also developed a mobile app to make doing business with the City and finding key points of interest easier in line with its Smart City Strategy.
Improving the cultural experience for locals and visitors alike, the app will provide information on current and upcoming events, including late-breaking City-related news, feature attractions, accommodation and hospitality offerings
“A big part of making the city more attractive to visitors and prospective businesses is making its offerings and attractions more accessible,” Cr Nelmes said.
“And this app does just that. We are actively packaging information and data to make life easier in the City for residents, visitors and workers.
Wayfinding and a portal to report issues to the City for fixing are also among the new efficiencies offered by the app.
In future, it is expected to offer augmented reality content to enrich experiences, such as guided walking tours, and help improve awareness of Newcastle’s history and heritage buildings.
Business that would like to be included in the app can upload their relevant information to the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, the same data source used in the newly refreshed Visit Newcastle website.
The City of Newcastle App is available for download via the Apple store and Google Play.
REPLACEMENT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY BUSHFIRES
People who lose important identity documents in the bushfires can have them replaced for free to help them recover as quickly as possible, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello announced today.
“The fire emergency has wreaked untold havoc on many people’s lives and we want them to be able to get back on their feet with a minimum of fuss,” Mr Speakman said.
“Anyone who has lost paperwork such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate can apply to have them replaced at no cost as a priority.”
“The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM) can assist people who have lost documents in the fire to quickly re-establish their identity,” Mr Dominello said.
“For those who were born or married interstate, BDM will coordinate with other Australian State and Territory registries to obtain replacement certificates.”
Those affected can visit their nearest Service NSW where the team will assist them in applying for their official certificates.
Customers requiring a new driver’s licence will be issued with an interim licence on the spot allowing them to get back on the road immediately, with the new licence card being delivered 7 to 10 days after the transaction.
Service NSW’s Mobile Service Centres have visited bushfire affected communities to assist customers with government transactions, including replacement identity documents.
Useful contacts:
Please visit Service NSW website for resources on dealing with bushfire. For bush fire information and updates contact the Public Information Enquiry Centre on 1800 222 228.
Office of Emergency Management information is available here evacuation centres.
Fire updates are available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information.