Senior Citizens Targeted in Fire Safety Program

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Seniors across the Hunter and the state are encouraged to book a free home visit with Fire and Rescue NSW. 

It comes after new data revealed citizens over 65 have accounted for 50% of all fire-related deaths over the past five years. 

Firefighters are now offering to visit local homes as part of FRNSW's Safety Visit Program, to discuss evacuation plans and safety measures, and perform essential smoke detector tests. 

Visits can be booked on the Fire and Rescue NSW website. 

Beach safety technology expanded to Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

New technology helping to keep beachgoers safe is being expanded to Newcastle.

The Smart Beaches program is already being used at Lake Macquarie, but the State Government is now extending it to five more council areas along the coast.

Digital Government Minister Victor Dominello says it will help both lifeguards and visitors feel more secure on the shore.

"We’ll be using wave detection buoys, artificial intelligence cameras and surf rescue boards fitted with GPS technology to gather accurate data on beach conditions so our lifeguards can be better prepared for the busy summer ahead," he said. 

"These smart devices will provide real-time readings on tide conditions and wave patterns, as well as help predict how many people will visit the beach, how long they will stay and the most popular times for a swim."

The $1.6 million spend will also see the program expanded to Randwick, Sutherland, Wollongong, and the Central Coast.

Image credit: Visit Newcastle.

Helicopters flying low over the Hunter for safety checks

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Locals can expect to see a twin-engine plane or helicopter flying low across the Hunter this week, as part of safety checks at helicopter landing sites.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will be conducting the checks at Newcastle Westpac Base and Lake Macquarie Airport on Thursday.

The aircraft could be seen as low as several hundred feet, and are likely to be taking an unusual flying pattern for the purpose of making sure maps are accurately marked and no new obstacles have appeared.

Hunter school buses to be fitted out with seatbelts

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Selected school bus routes in the Hunter will be equipped with seatbelts, as the State Government extends the $237 million program to the region.

100 school buses across Cessnock, Singleton, Maitland, and Port Stephens are being fitted out, after studies of roads with higher-risk ratings.

Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway says it's important to keep kids safe on their way to and from school.

"This program has already ensured a safer trip to and from school for more than 200,000 students who often travel long distances on dirt roads," he said. 

"This will deliver improved safety for school buses travelling long distances on unsealed roads and on roads outside urban areas with a speed limit of 80km/h and above."

"And of course, it will give parents more comfort knowing their kids are better protected when  travelling to school."

35 buses in the Upper Hunter were retrofitted earlier this year, in addition to 37 brand new buses.

Hunter lifesavers to help rock fishers get up to scratch on safety

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government is set to roll out a new program across the Hunter and New South Wales to educate rock fishers when it comes to coastal safety. 

The Rock Fishing Safety and Skills program will be delivered in conjunction with Surf Lifesaving Clubs up and down the state's coast, while the $205,000 spend will also include 1,000 life jackets to be handed out to communities.

Hunter Surf Lifesaving President Henry Scruton says, sadly, the program is something the region does need.

"Down near the Fraser Park, near Catherine Hill Bay, has been unfortunately a scene of several tragedies down there with rock fishers," he said.

"Wearing a life jacket doesn't guarantee to save your life, but it's a heck of a good leg-up for them."

The State Government's describing it as the largest rock fishing safety campaign in the state's history.

It's understood, the program will cover simple tips and tricks on how to use equipment and to stay safe on the coast.

"It's going to be some of the protective gear that they can utilise for their own safety," Mr Scruton said.

"The boots or shoes that they wear, that are non-slip on the rocks. Educating them to keep an eye on the waves - never turn your back to the waves."

Parents Urged to take Safety Measures

BY GRACE LANCASTER

One in five children in Australia will be sexually harmed in some way before they turn 18.

Today, the 'Bravehearts' organisation is empowering Hunter parents to protect their children with an online Safety Guide.

The guide will include a number of helpful tips and strategies to encourage children to build their confidence and knowledge so they are less vulnerable to harmful situations. 

Founder and Executive Chair of Bravehearts, Hetty Johnston, is calling on all Hunter parents to educate themselves about child protection. 

"As parents, it's our responsibility to as much as we can make sure our kids are safe.

"We know that the world is a dangerous place for these kids, particularly if they are not properly protected and educated around this and if their parents are not, so do what you can to do that...download this document, read it and understand it," she said. 

The guide also places particular focus on the issue of online safety. 

"It's really, really important that we monitor our children's behaviour online, that you put all the protections in place and find out what to do to keep your children safe," says Ms Johnston. 

More information and the free, downloadable safety guide can be found here: https://bravehearts.org.au/personalsafety. 

Police launch Operation Safe Arrival

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

NSW Police are urging Hunter drivers to remain vigilant on the roads this festive season, with the launch of 2017's Operation Safe Arrival.

The theme chosen by police this year is "Don't Let Safety Take a Backseat."

Running from midnight on Friday 15th through to New Year's Day, motorists can expect to see a heavy police presence on NSW roads.

They'll crack down on dangerous driving behaviours such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not wearing seatbelts and mobile phone use.

It comes after a horror year on NSW roads, with records showing our Road Toll currently stands at 383 deaths, including 14 deaths since the start of  December.

In their sights: An officer conducts a random breath test. 

Fire Stations Drained for Supercars

BY GRACE LANCASTER

The New South Wales Government plans to drain fire services around the Hunter over the weekend to cater for the upcoming Supercars event.

Lambton and Tingira Heights staff and appliances will be backfilled into the Cooks Hill and Cardiff stations, with no further backfilling taking place to accommodate for the shortened services, resulting in longer response times from Friday to Sunday.

The relocation comes after receiving a $30,000 dollar grant under the user pay system, leading many including Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery, to believe the money is being pocketed.

"The user pay system is in place to cover the costs of bringing in additional staff and vehicles when required."

Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison, is also angered by the decision, believing the event is unfairly compromising the safety of the community.

"There's no question that the supercars is a very exciting event for Newcastle and the Hunter region generally but the Supercars event should not be used as an excuse for the government to reduce the services that are being provided by local fire services in our local fire stations", she said.

Photo: Daily Telegraph 

Photo: Newcastle Supercars Track- Motorsport.com