Month: November 2018

The NSW Police Force is acknowledging World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims today (Sunday 18 November 2018), as people across the world reflect on the number of lives lost on our roads.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Middlemiss is marking the day by reminding all road users to take extra care.
“Today is a special advocacy day for road traffic prevention,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
“1193 lives have been lost on Australian roads in the last 12 months to the end of October, with 384 of those in New South Wales.
“When you consider those directly impacted as well as the emergency services personnel including police, paramedics, fire fighters, emergency volunteers and medical professionals, indirectly affected, these numbers are significant and we all need to do more to minimise the risks to others on our roads.
“I would encourage everyone to pause for a moment and reflect on the grief they have endured.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said whether you are driving, riding, cycling, or walking, you need to ensure the roads are shared safely and responsibly.
“We know speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seat belt or proper helmet, driving distracted, or fatigued, are all the key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads, and personal responsibility is the key in keeping yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe on local roads and highways,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
“I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the work done by the NSW Police Force, emergency and medical services, and road safety professionals in enforcement, treatment and advocacy, all focussed on driving down the road toll.”
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a United Nations initiative that started in 1993 as a global day observed on the third Sunday of November each year.
 

A police officer who dedicates her time to mentoring young Indigenous women has been awarded the 2018 Gold Commissioner’s Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing.
Senior constable Shari Gibbs from the Central North Police District not only took out the top prize but was also the winner of the “Mentor Award”.
Senior constable Gibbs has dedicated her time to strengthening relationships within the local community and mentoring young Indigenous women in the Goodooga area. She actively encourages young girls to reach their full potential, sharing with them how she fulfilled her dream of becoming a police officer.
The Perpetual Awards were established in 2006 to acknowledge and showcase the efforts and achievements of women in policing.
Fifty-five nominations were received this year in six award categories according to their roles and expertise.
The awards were presented by Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM at the Curtis Cheng Centre in Parramatta today (Friday 16 November 2018).
Over 80 police officers, civilian employees, and their families attended the awards ceremony.
There were 13 award and highly commended certificate recipients, as well as the overall Silver and Gold Perpetual Award winners.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys also presented the Silver Award to Detective Sergeant Claudia Allcroft for her outstanding leadership and dedication to her work.
Detective Allcroft was also the winner of the “Role Model” category.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys praised all the nominees for their commitment to their community and ongoing dedication to their work.
“These awards are a testament to the outstanding contributions of many police officers and administrative employees, which often go above and beyond their core duties,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said today’s awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication of female officers throughout the NSW Police Force.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to those whose efforts were recognised today – it’s your passion and hard work that make a huge difference to the community and within the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The winners of the six categories were:
Dynamic Leader Award – Alissa Roptell – Police Transport & Public Safety Command
Alissa is a true leader in every sense of the word and has been instrumental in building the new Police Transport & Public Safety Command. Alissa has provided career development opportunities for her team and has consistently supports career progression. Alissa has displayed dynamic and innovative leadership which has positively influenced the Command and is an asset to the wider NSW Police Force.
Philanthropy Award – Inspector Linda Bradbury – Central West Police District
Inspector Bradbury has demonstrated that she goes above and beyond in providing support to a range of women and men within her District. She has demonstrated selfless acts of compassion and thoughtfulness, in particular, providing colleagues with support, advice and development opportunities. Inspector Bradbury adopts a progressive, dynamic and tenacious approach to ensure all female officers on maternity leave are regularly contacted regarding information and decisions relating to the workplace, and she continues to offer ongoing training and support in preparation for their return to the workplace.
Local Hero Award – Senior Constable Ingrid Reilly – Inner West Police Area Command
Senior constable Reilly has superior knowledge, experience and commitment as a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer where she has identified trends and correlations between victims of domestic violence and family pets. Senior constable Reilly is the subject matter expert in relation to investigations and prosecution aspects of Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act and enforcement. Through her actions and efforts, she has built a reputation as a local hero to victims of domestic violence and their pets.
Champion of Change Award – Superintendent Allan Sicard – North Shore Police Area Command
Superintendent Sicard has continued to change the landscape for women in his command. He has endeavoured to create an inclusive work environment to ensure women have access to development opportunities to build their capabilities into leadership positions. He continues to sponsor women to attend events, development and leadership programs both at a corporate level and local level. Superintendent Sicard has demonstrated key attributes of a champion of change with his unwavering commitment to promote gender equality within the command. Many women have benefited from his sponsorship and support and his influence in the workplace is worthy of high recognition.
Role Model Award – Detective Sergeant Claudia Allcroft – Tweed/Byron Police District
Detective Sergeant Allcroft was the first female Team Leader for the Tweed/Byron Police District’s Proactive Unit. She leads by example, working night shifts and changing duties at short notice, all with a focus on crime prevention. She has performed duties as Crime Manager and Duty Officer and is described by her colleagues as the strongest woman they know, evident in her role as Detective Sergeant and loving mother. The resilience and determination consistently displayed by Detective Sergeant Allcroft places her not only as a role model for women in policing but for all police.
Mentor Award – Senior Constable Shari Gibbs – Central North Police District
Senior constable Gibbs has engrained herself within the local community and is a mentor to many Indigenous women and girls in the community. She participates in a broad range of community events such as career days, school graduations and working committees to effect positive change and build relationships. Senior constable Gibbs encourages and motivates young women, who may not have pursued a career through sharing her experience as a police officer.

Senior police are reminding school leavers to party safely and know their limits ahead of the 2018 schoolies celebrations.
NSW Schoolies runs from today (Friday 16 November 2018) until Monday 3 December 2018, with many school leavers heading towards the northern parts of NSW, including Byron Bay; and southern parts of Queensland, including the Gold Coast.
Tweed/Byron Police District Duty Officer, Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe said police will be out in force targeting drug and alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Police aren’t here to ruin your fun, but rather make it a safe environment for your celebrations,” Det Insp Kehoe said.
“Drugs and alcohol impairs your judgement and may lead to a conviction or choice that affects the rest of your life.
“Know your limits and look out for your mates so you can ensure this is a memorable event for the right reasons.
“Officers will be around and are there for your safety; approach police or authorities if you are in danger or a victim of any type of crime.
“Large crowds are expected, and people are urged to plan ahead; those not joining in the celebrations are asked to watch out for increased pedestrian activity.”
For event information visit the official schoolies website: https://www.schoolies.com/party/byron-bay

The NSW Government today announced its school budget allocations for 2019, with a record $1.18 billion being distributed to more than 2,200 public schools across NSW.
Speaking at Kingswood High School, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW schools would collectively receive more than $100 million on top of last year’s record amount.
The additional funding will be provided through an increase to every school’s perstudent allocation, increased funding to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and additional support for small schools with teaching principals.
Mr Stokes said the funding, known as Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding, gives school principals freedom to spend their allocated funds to deliver the best outcomes for their students.
“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding educational leaders in our public schools and their ability to engage students. RAM funding provides greater resources to enable them to direct funding to cater to the needs of their particular student body,” he said.
“Schools can use the money to hire more teachers or administrative staff, for example, or to buy new iPads, instruments or sports equipment – whatever the school community decides will best meet their unique learning and teaching needs.”
The RAM payments were introduced in 2014 as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to needs-based funding and ensures that every school receives a fair and transparent allocation of the State’s public education budget.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said that almost $429 million of this year’s $1.18 billion RAM funding would flow into Western Sydney schools.
“Where Labor closed schools, we provide record funding. Today’s announcement demonstrates again that only the NSW Liberals & Nationals can deliver real results for the people of Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
High schools with highest 2019 RAM funding allocation

1. Bonnyrigg High School $2.8 million
2. Miller High School $2.6 million
3. St Johns Park High School $2.5 million
4. Holroyd High School $2.4 million
5. Prairiewood High School $2.2 million

Public schools with highest 2019 RAM funding allocation

1. Liverpool West Public School $2.4 million
2. Berala Public School $1.8 million
3. Merrylands Public School $1.6 million
4. Oran Park Public School $1.1 million
5. Hornsby North Public School $800,000

Kingswood High School 2019 RAM funding Allocation – $1,538,020

• With their 2018 RAM funding, Kingswood High School was able to:
• Create a senior student study centre, staffed by a full time study coordinator tasked with mentoring HSC students.
• Hire four full time specialists tasked with Year 7-9 literacy and numeracy
• Employ a Deputy Principal tasked with Student Engagement, who has introduced coding to Year 7 students
• Allowed the school to maintain and run an operational commercial kitchen and café for skills based study.

“Without the recurrent RAM funding we would not be able to offer our students the best possible learning environment to support their academic, social and emotional needs. Equity is a core value in public education and at Kingswood High School we pride ourselves on creating opportunities for all students to succeed,”
– Adam Forbes – Principal, Kingswood High School