BREAKING! ADF to join Newcastle Police in COVID-19 compliance operation

BY JARROD MELMETH

Australian Defence Force personnel will join Newcastle Police officers from Wednesday as part of its COVID-19 welfare and compliance operations.

50 ADF personnel have been deployed to the region to conduct compliance checks of stay-at-home and self isolation orders as well as welfare doorknocks.

Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing says he welcomes the arrival of troops in regional towns.

“The NSW Police Force has a long history of co-operation with the ADF and they have provided vital assistance over the past 18 months.

“First and foremost, the troops are there to support the community alongside police. Among other tasks, you will see them delivering hampers and checking on the welfare of our most vulnerable people.

“I want to thank them for their help and again appeal to everyone across our regions to stay at home as much as possible – please do everything you can to help us stop the spread," DC Willing said.

Further deployments are expected by the end of the week.

Image: Sky News

Breaking the Ice forum hits Maitland

BY JARROD MELMETH

Crystalline methamphetamine or 'ice' will be the topic of tonights' 'Breaking the Ice' forum in Maitland.

Local community members, health experts and government will be on hand to help attendees understand the issues and misconceptions surrounding 'ice' and give some practical tools to deal with the issue.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare the number of Australians who have used methamphetamine has increased to 1.3 million people. In the regional areas of the Hunter, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reveal a 60 per cent increase in reports of amphetamine use and possession. Much larger than the 18 per cent increase in population centres of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation NSW Programs Manager Annie Bleeker says, the forum will aim to inform the community about the drug, break the stigma attached to its use and promote social inclusion.

"We need to start seeing the person rather than just the drug and to encourage people to seek help early, rather than hide the problem."

According to Ms Bleeker this is a community problem with a community solution.

"The solution is very much in the community's hands around this issue and that means working effectively with police as well as education and community groups."

The forum will be held tonight at East Maitland Bowling Club at 6:30pm.

Pictured: the drug 'ice'. Photo Courtesy of the ABC.