A range of Scouts, Girl Guides, and PCYC facilities located on Crown land will get a boost with the NSW Government providing $3 million assistance from its COVID-19 stimulus program.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the funding would provide a win-win for Scout and Girl Guide groups and PCYC clubs, as well as local communities by supporting maintenance upgrades and generating work for local economies.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program is about supporting jobs and economic activity in communities that have been battling as a result of the pandemic’s impacts on local communities,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This has included disruptions to community organisations like the Scouts and Girl Guides that have been unable to meet face-to-face or do their normal fundraising activities.
“It has also had a major impact on PCYC which rely on income from its network of youth centers across the state to generate more than half of its annual revenue.
Mrs Pavey said the stimulus fund will support $3 million in priority maintenance and improvements on Scout, Girl Guide and PCYC facilities located on Crown land in NSW to ease the financial pressure while strengthening their infrastructure for the future.
“At the same time the stimulus will support tradespeople and building materials suppliers with spending and work for local economies,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Scouts and Girl Guides offer fun, friendship and adventure for young people and we want to empower them with safe places to grow and develop while contributing to communities.
“PCYC clubs are also great places for young people of all ages and backgrounds to make friends through sport and recreation and develop skills, character and leadership that can help them reach their full potential, so it’s fantastic to support them.”
“We are absolutely delighted with the NSW Government support which will assist a number of communities through projects to improve our Scout facilities,” Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins said.
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Chief Executive Officer Helen White said good facilities are fundamental to indoor and outdoor guiding.
“The funding will allow us to continue offering quality activities, adventures and dynamic educational programs as we transition back to safe, in-person activities.”
“This stimulus funding is going to have a lasting impact. It means we can prioritise a range of repairs and upgrades – from roof refurbs to internal work to enhance facilities. This will benefit thousands of young people across NSW,” PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle said.
SUPPORT FOR BUSHFIRE-IMPACTED SMALL BUSINESSES EXTENDED
Support has been extended for bushfire-impacted small businesses across NSW with grant applications now remaining open until 15 December through the Small Business Assistance Program.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said communities recovering from the recent bushfires will have more time to apply for the hugely successful small business grants without the stress of missing out.
“Last season’s bushfires were unprecedented and the support offered by the NSW Government needed to match,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The $10,000 and $50,000 small business grants have resulted in around $240 million being paid out to small businesses, putting money directly into the pockets of those enterprises most in need across the state.
“Initially the grants program was expected to close mid-year, however the assistance will remain open until the end of the year and can be accessed via Service NSW.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said it was important that small businesses were supported, particularly given the compounded effects of bushfires and now COVID.
“In addition to the small business grants, the concessional loans program for small businesses will also be extended,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The NSW Government is here to support regional NSW on the long-term recovery journey and we encourage bushfire impacted small businesses who have not yet accessed this support to please call Service NSW on 13 77 88.”
The below financial aid programs have been extended and will take applications until 15 December 2020:
- $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grants
- Small Business Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $50,000 for businesses directly impacted by bushfire
- Bushfire Recovery Loan of up to $500,000
NEW DATA REVEALS 800 PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS IN NEWCASTLE
New data from Homelessness Australia has revealed 800 people are homeless in Newcastle and there is a shortfall of 3,100 social housing dwellings.
As part of the “Everybody’s Home” for Homelessness Week (3 – 8 August), the interactive heat maps show that our community is not immune to homelessness.
Decades of neglect, underinvestment and sell-offs have led to a projected shortfall of almost 500,000 dwellings nationally. Shamefully, the NSW Liberal Government has netted almost $50 million from selling off social housing in Newcastle alone.
It’s unconscionable that a rich country like Australia is failing so dismally to meet the fundamental needs of citizens. The Morrison Government needs to do more to address this crisis.
For months Labor has been calling on the Morrison Government to fund the construction of more social housing.
Regretfully, it has so far ignored the enormous potential to protect half a million jobs in residential construction and put a roof over the head of thousands of Australians.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the critical importance of safe and affordable housing is. It’s also shown that we can move mountains when there is genuine political will.
In the last few months, more than 7,000 Australians sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough have been provided with a bed in one of the many empty motel and hotel rooms.
There is absolutely no doubt if the Morrison Government really wants to, it can slash the number of Australians sleeping rough.
The National Cabinet needs to make sure that the homeless Australians we helped at the height of the pandemic are not thrown back on the street in the next few months.
Some state governments are doing good work, but this is a national problem that demands national leadership.
During the Global Financial Crisis, the former Labor Government invested $5.638 billion in the construction of nearly 20,000 new social housing dwellings and repaired a further 80,000 existing properties. So we know this can be done.
As part of the “Everybody’s Home” for Homelessness Week (3 – 8 August), the interactive heat maps show that our community is not immune to homelessness.
Decades of neglect, underinvestment and sell-offs have led to a projected shortfall of almost 500,000 dwellings nationally. Shamefully, the NSW Liberal Government has netted almost $50 million from selling off social housing in Newcastle alone.
It’s unconscionable that a rich country like Australia is failing so dismally to meet the fundamental needs of citizens. The Morrison Government needs to do more to address this crisis.
For months Labor has been calling on the Morrison Government to fund the construction of more social housing.
Regretfully, it has so far ignored the enormous potential to protect half a million jobs in residential construction and put a roof over the head of thousands of Australians.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the critical importance of safe and affordable housing is. It’s also shown that we can move mountains when there is genuine political will.
In the last few months, more than 7,000 Australians sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough have been provided with a bed in one of the many empty motel and hotel rooms.
There is absolutely no doubt if the Morrison Government really wants to, it can slash the number of Australians sleeping rough.
The National Cabinet needs to make sure that the homeless Australians we helped at the height of the pandemic are not thrown back on the street in the next few months.
Some state governments are doing good work, but this is a national problem that demands national leadership.
During the Global Financial Crisis, the former Labor Government invested $5.638 billion in the construction of nearly 20,000 new social housing dwellings and repaired a further 80,000 existing properties. So we know this can be done.
Girl charged with spitting at police and two women issued PINs in latest alleged breaches of Public Health Orders
A teenager has been charged after allegedly spitting on police, and two people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices for alleged breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders in the past 24 hours.
In the first incident, about 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020), police spoke with a 15-year-old girl at a shopping centre in Blacktown and ascertained she was in breach of her bail conditions.
As police arrested the girl, it is alleged she assaulted police by kicking and punching, as well as spitting in the face of an officer.
She was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with two counts of assault police in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The teen was refused bail and is due to appear before a children’s court today (Friday 7 August 2020).
Meanwhile, on Saturday (1 August 2020), a 31-year-old woman was stopped at a border checkpoint in Albury and presented a permit allowing her entry to NSW, under the provision that she was to self-isolate for 14 days at a Nimbin address.
Subsequent checks revealed the woman was not staying at the address, and following inquiries, police found her yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020) in a vehicle at Nabiac. She was issued with a $1000 PIN for not complying with a noticed direction and instructed to return to Victoria.
In an unrelated incident, just before 1pm yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020), police were conducting a walk-through at a licensed premise in Albury, when they spoke with a 50-year-old woman who was playing a gaming machine.
The woman produced a Victorian licence and a permit allowing cross-border travel for work purposes only.
She was issued with a $1000 PIN and removed from the club, to return to Victoria.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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.
Appeal to locate wanted man – Lake Macquarie
Police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants.
Daniel Dejong, aged 34, is wanted on outstanding warrants for stealing, fraud and driving offences.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, of a thin build, with short dark hair and brown eyes.
Daniel previously resided in the Gateshead and Windale areas; however, his current whereabouts are unknown.
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but instead call Triple Zero (000).
Missing Persons Week – 1994 disappearance of Lake Macquarie teen, Gordana Kotevski
NSW Police are renewing their appeal for information into the disappearance of a teenage girl from Lake Macquarie for more than 25-years, as part of this year’s Missing Persons Week.
Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was last seen being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on the same road about 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Gordana has not been located.
In a Coronial Inquest into Gordana’s disappearance in 2003, then State Coroner, Mr John Abernethy, found that Gordana Kotevski was deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearance and suspected murder of Gordana, along with two other missing Lake Macquarie teens – Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan APM, says twenty-five years on, it’s crucial for any potential witnesses to come forward.
“This Missing Persons Week, we want you to think about the person behind the photo. She was just a teenager, she had her life ahead of her.
“There are people in the community who have vital information which could help Strike Force Arapaima detectives solve this case.
“Anyone who lived in or would visit the Lake Macquarie area in late 1994, please cast your mind back and recall if you noticed a light-coloured utility in and around the area.
“It’s been a quarter of a century of unknowns and heartache for Gordana’s friends and family. Please, help us give them closure,” Supt Sullivan said.
Gordana’s aunt, Julie Talevski, is encouraging members of the public to take the time to read about Gordana on www.missingpersons.gov.au.
“This Missing Persons Week, we’ve decided to release one of the last known images we have of Gordana – she was a bridesmaid in 1994. Young, joyous, innocent, she had the world at her feet,” Ms Talevski said.
“The impact of Gordana’s disappearance has taken its toll on her parents and siblings, extended family and friends. Missed special events bring with them a stark reminder of the emptiness felt by her disappearance. The passage of time has not made acceptance of the situation any easier.
“Please, if you know anything or can vaguely remember any information which could help detectives, call the police,” Ms Talevski said.
Anyone with information about Gordana Kotevski’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The community is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 2 August and Saturday 8 August 2020.
For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au.
Anyone with information about this incident 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.
Man charged after knife and cash located when he attempted to enter NSW on invalid permit
A Victorian man who allegedly attempted to enter NSW using an invalid permit last night has been charged after police also located a knife, cash and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.
Officers from Operation Border Closure were conducting permit checks at a checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, when they stopped a Holden Captiva about 6pm (Tuesday 4 August 2020).
Police spoke with the 36-year-old male driver who produced a permit but was unable to provide any documentation or evidence relating to the essential work he would be conducting in NSW.
When questioned further, the man allegedly became aggressive towards police and refused to cooperate.
It’s alleged the man wound his window up and attempted to drive off before officers were able to stop the vehicle, but the man refused to get out or comply with police directions.
After further officers came to assist, the man opened the driver’s door and was arrested.
During a subsequent search of the man and his vehicle, police located a knife, $1600 cash and a bag containing items consistent with the supply of illicit drugs.
He was taken to Albury Police Station, where he was charged with not complying with noticed direction – COVID 19, goods in custody and having custody of a knife in a public place.
The Rutherglen man was granted strict conditional bail and returned to Victoria. He is due to appear at Albury Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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.
Man charged over sexual assault of young girl met through social media
Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad detectives have charged a man over the alleged sexual assault of young girl he met on social media in the state’s north.
Last month, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a 12-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted earlier this year by a man she met on social media.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a home at Cardiff about 8.40am yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2020).
During the search, officers seized mobile phones and other electronic devices.
A 19-year-old man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with intentionally sexually touch child (between 10 and 16 years), five counts of have sexual intercourse with child (between 10 and 14 years), produce child abuse material and disseminate child abuse material.
Police will allege in court that the man used social media to communicate with the girl, before sexually assaulting her at a park at West Wallsend in April this year.
It will be further alleged the man shared recordings of the incident on social media.
He was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Wednesday 5 August 2020).
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, said the incident is a timely reminder for parents and carers to speak with young people about potential dangers online.
“While social media apps allow us to be better connected with people we know, they also provide opportunity for people we don’t know to connect with us – and this includes strangers talking to our children,” Det Supt Kerlatec said.
“For young people, any online platform that allows them to be in contact with people they do not know – and have only met in the online environment – can put them at risk.
“We know that sexual predators may use the online environment to target children, so it is imperative that all young people know what to do if they are exposed to explicit or inappropriate conversations.
“It is common for young people to feel uncomfortable reporting these types of conversations, so I urge parents and carers to make sure they’re assured that they don’t need to be embarrassed or upset.
“From a police perspective our priority is protecting children from any type of harm, and we will track down anyone who uses the internet to groom and/or procure children for sex.
“Finally, I want to remind everyone to be careful about providing personal details on social media, especially to someone they only know online, and take extreme caution if making plans to meet up – consider whether you really know who it is you are meeting,” Det Supt Kerlatec said.
More information can be accessed via the eSafety website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Police appeal for witnesses after fatal crash at Charlestown
Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash at Charlestown last week.
Emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Charlestown about 9.25pm last Thursday (30 July 2020), following reports a car collided with a telegraph pole.
Police have been told a red Mitsubishi Lancer was travelling northbound when the vehicle left the road.
A 47-year-old male driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.
Police are appealing for any vehicles who may have been driving along the Pacific Highway at the time of the crash and may have witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage to contact Belmont Police on 4922 8899 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Border checkpoint police arrest man trying to cross in stolen ute
A man has been charged after police at a border checkpoint at Albury discovered he was trying to cross into NSW driving a stolen ute.
NSW Police manning the checkpoint stopped the utility on the Hume Highway at Albury about 7am today (Wednesday 5 August 2020).
The 27-year-old driver was unable to produce permits or ID, and further checks revealed the ute had been reported stolen from a business in West Melbourne yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2020).
The man was arrested and was taken to Albury Police Station where he was charged three offences
• Receive property stolen outside NSW
• Not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19, and,
• Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.
The man, of no fixed address, appeared in Albury Local Court today, where he was refused bail to re-appear in the same court on Friday 11 September 2020.