Category: NSW News

A man, who purports to be a fortune teller, will face court today charged over the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in Sydney’s south west at the weekend.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation on Sunday (20 January 2019) after receiving reports a 14-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by an unknown man earlier in the day.
With the assistance of interpreters, investigators spoke with a 31-year-old man at a business on Macquarie Street, Liverpool, before executing a crime scene warrant.
About 6pm yesterday (Monday 21 January 2019), investigators were alerted by the Australian Federal Police that the man was at Sydney International Airport and attempting to board a plane to Singapore.
The man was arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touch child under 16 years of age, and three counts of aggravated sexual assault-victim under the age of 16 years.
Police will allege in court that the man approached the girl and offered her free fortune telling services before sexually assaulting her in the business premises.
The man, who is an Indian National, was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Tuesday 22 January 2019).
Inquiries are continuing.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Western Sydney drivers will soon see shovels in the ground on more than $300 million worth of road upgrades to ease congestion and improve safety along major arterial roads in Prospect and Kellyville.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government today announced it will duplicate both the Prospect Highway between Reservoir Road at Prospect and St Martins Crescent at Blacktown and Memorial Avenue between Old Windsor Road and Windsor Road at Kellyville.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said work on the two major upgrades is now underway with the Government to start procurement on both projects immediately and construction to begin this year.
“Around 35,000 vehicles currently use the Prospect Highway each day, including around 5000 heavy vehicles, so it is great to see work will soon start on this important project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Once complete the upgraded three kilometre section of the Prospect Highway will be widened to a four-lane divided road improving safety and travel times. The work will include upgrades to bridges across the M4 and Great Western Highway, and the on and off ramps to the M4.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is also building for future generations by upgrading Memorial Avenue in Kellyville.
“On Memorial Avenue work will be carried out to upgrade the existing 2.2 kilometre road to a four-lane divided road, with shared pedestrian and cyclist paths to be built on both sides of the road,” Mr Ayres said.
“This investment in Prospect Highway and Memorial Avenue will allow people to spend less time in traffic and more time at home and it is only being delivered because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.”
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor and Member for Baulkham Hills David Elliott have both welcomed the significant investment in roads in their electorates.
“The duplication of the Prospect Highway will make a huge difference to the lives of drivers who travel along this major road corridor each day,” Mr Taylor said.
“The upgrade of Memorial Avenue is a crucial project for the future of Kellyville and I can’t wait to see construction underway,” Mr Elliott said.

A serving police officer has been charged in relation to an alleged sexual assault.
The charges follow an alleged incident at a private residence in Sydney’s inner-west, on Monday 24 September 2018 whilst off duty.
The matter was referred to the NSW Police Force Professional Standards Command for investigation in November last year.
The Inspector, who is attached to a specialist command, attended Burwood Police Station yesterday (Thursday 10 January 2019), where he was arrested and charged with sexual assault.
A provisional AVO was also served upon the officer.
The man was granted conditional bail to attend Burwood Local Court on Thursday 24 January 2019.
The officer’s employment status is under review.

Western Sydney drivers will soon see shovels in the ground on more than $300 million worth of road upgrades to ease congestion and improve safety along major arterial roads in Prospect and Kellyville.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government today announced it will duplicate both the Prospect Highway between Reservoir Road at Prospect and St Martins Crescent at Blacktown and Memorial Avenue between Old Windsor Road and Windsor Road at Kellyville.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said work on the two major upgrades is now underway with the Government to start procurement on both projects immediately and construction to begin this year.
“Around 35,000 vehicles currently use the Prospect Highway each day, including around 5000 heavy vehicles, so it is great to see work will soon start on this important project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Once complete the upgraded three kilometre section of the Prospect Highway will be widened to a four-lane divided road improving safety and travel times. The work will include upgrades to bridges across the M4 and Great Western Highway, and the on and off ramps to the M4.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is also building for future generations by upgrading Memorial Avenue in Kellyville.
“On Memorial Avenue work will be carried out to upgrade the existing 2.2 kilometre road to a four-lane divided road, with shared pedestrian and cyclist paths to be built on both sides of the road,” Mr Ayres said.
“This investment in Prospect Highway and Memorial Avenue will allow people to spend less time in traffic and more time at home and it is only being delivered because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.”
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor and Member for Baulkham Hills David Elliott have both welcomed the significant investment in roads in their electorates.
“The duplication of the Prospect Highway will make a huge difference to the lives of drivers who travel along this major road corridor each day,” Mr Taylor said.
“The upgrade of Memorial Avenue is a crucial project for the future of Kellyville and I can’t wait to see construction underway,” Mr Elliott said.

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.