Early Intervention Key In Crime Prevention: Singleton Mayor

BY JARROD MELMETH

Early intervention to reduce the risk of substance abuse in Singleton is the first order of business for the revitalised Community Drug Action team.

The need for the program was one of the outcomes from the Youth & Alcohol and Other Drugs forum held at Singleton Youth Venue recently and has been resurrected by council in an effort to provide support and raise awareness locally for young people. 

Community Drug Action teams were established in 1999 and have led thousands of activities to engage at-risk youth, educate parents and wider community through activities and campaigns. The initiative is supported by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and funded by NSW Health.

The latest statistics from the Bureau of Crime Statistics show a 53 per cent increase in amphetamine possession and/or use in the Singleton LGA between 2016-17.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said while alcohol and substance abuse is growing problem it is not exclusive to just Singleton.

"It's growing in every area and early intervention is, of course, a key to being able to stop the addiction which rolls on to many other aspects of crime, not just drug and alcohol," Cr Moore said.

Council's Strategy and Engagement Manager Natalie Zagninski said the program will work in partnership with the Red Cross and the Save a Mate program to raise funds to educate young people about keeping themselves and others safe.

"This kind of initiative is especially timely given school end-of-year celebrations are just around the corner and young people are planning schoolies activities.

Other programs on offer under the initiative include Responsible Service of Alcohol, Driver Education and First Aid.

Acquitted Newcastle Doctor Slams Police And Media

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle doctor, Jeremy Coleman has slammed police and the media for not giving him the presumption of innocence after a jury found him not guilty on 50 sexual and indecent assault charges.

In a statement, Dr Coleman's legal team said police didn't understand the nature of his medical training or the examinations he was carrying out on patients and whipped up hysteria in the community by using the media to call for more alleged victims to come forward.

Dr Coleman's case returns to court next month for a new trial date after a jury failed to reach a verdict on a further 16 charges.

Dr Jeremy Coleman Picture: thetelegraph.com.au

Welcome Rain In The Hunter But Still Not Enough Where It's Needed

BY IAN CROUCH

Parts of the Hunter have seen a good soaking of rain over the past 24 hours, but the Upper Hunter is missing out on most of the downpour.

New Lambton Heights has recorded the highest rainfall so far, with 80 millimetres since 9.00am Monday.

However, Scone has received just 0.8, and Singleton has had 2.2 millimetres for the same period.

While, Careys Peak in the Barrington Tops has had 19 and Millbrodale School17 millimetres since 9.00am Monday.

Birmingham Gardens In Line For New Ambulance Station

BY IAN CROUCH

Health Minister, Brad Hazzard has unveiled the preferred location for a new Ambulance Station at Birmingham Gardens.

The current station in Wilkinson Avenue will be closed down

Land on the Wallsend Community Health Service site in Nash Street is being earmarked for the new station.

The new and larger facility will provide internal parking for up to six Ambulances, administration, office and a staff meeting and logistics areas.

Due diligence investigations are under way ahead of planning approval so construction can get under way.

Matilda's to Return to Newcastle

BY GRACE LANCASTER

It has been announced Newcastle will play host to a Matilda's match against Chile later this year.

The clash is intended to prepare the teams for the nearing 2019 World Cup in France and will feature popular footballer, Sam Kerr and Newcastle's very own, Emily Van Egmond. 

Almost twelve months since the Matilda's were last in Newcastle, the match plans to draw another big crowd.

"It's going to be a really great game", said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, "and I know Newcastle people will come out and support not only our local Matildas, Emily Van Egmond, but our international women's soccer team which is going from strength to strength."

"Newcastle's getting a great reputation as one of the hottest sporting cities in the country and having the Matilda's here again is a vote of confidence not just from the FFA but from the State Government," she said.

The clash will take place on Tuesday the 13th of November at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Image: Huffington Post 

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 Cars Rammed During Pursuit At Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager accused of ramming two police cars during a pursuit at Lake Macquarie is due to front court today.

Police say the 18-year-old was driving a stolen Nissan X-trail which hit a police car at Killingworth on Friday night before speeding away.

It's alleged the car then hit a police dog unit vehicle at the corner of Link Road and Transfield Avenue at Cameron Park.

The 18-year-old driver has been charged with 8 offences.

A second 18-year-old man was charged with being carried in a stolen car, while a 19-year-old female passenger was released pending further inquiries.