EMERGENCY REPORT
The Dubbo Photo News column dedicated to the hard work of our emergency services personnel.
Walwaay the best way
“AFTER 17 years in policing I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s amazing, the turnaround with the kids is just unbelievable.”
That’s an experienced police voice talking about the profound impact Project Walwaay has had on so many of Dubbo’s disadvantaged youth, and it’s what senior constable Kellie Shields, one of three local officers who makes up the local Aboriginal Youth Team, told Dubbo Photo News as the Rotary Club of Dubbo’s president Carla Pittman handed over a $1000 cheque to local police commander Peter Mckenna.
“This is what keeps us running, it’s very important, without it our programs stop,” Snr Cst Shields said.
As a frontline cop, she says she can’t believe the positive, transformative impact Project Walwaay is having for the participants and their families, as well as for the city itself.
“We’ve had kids going from committing crimes every night, maybe just stealing to get by, for a feed, to now where we’re providing meals for them most days and they’re not having to steal.
“We’re providing them with activities that keep them busy so they’re not out there committing crimes, it’s marvellous,” she said, emphasising how important it is to have a boss who understands it’s critical to keep the programs that work, up and running.
“It makes the difference – without a boss that is open to other methods of policing, this doesn’t happen, so we need that open-mindedness and the community support,” Snr Cst Shields said.
“Charging kids isn’t necessarily going to make a difference (nor is) putting them before the magistrate – we find that if we are able to stop them getting involved in the criminal justice system then we can make the difference.”
Superintendent Peter Mckenna said proactive policing programs that actually work at the grassroots are vital to keep running.
“This means the world to what we do with these kids because without this sort of donation we can’t do the programs we’re doing, and they’re going great guns, you know, we’re really making a big difference,” he said.
President of the Rotary Club of Dubbo, Carla Pittman, said her members were all for supporting local initiatives that they can see working on the ground.
“A key part of the community is our youth and that was something that I think we do need to put a bit of a focus on because they’re going to be the leaders of tomorrow, potentially,” she said.
Teenager stranger danger
POLICE are appealing for information after reports three teenagers were walking along Oak Street from Alder Avenue in Dubbo when a vehicle stopped alongside them after 3pm on July 16.
The three teenagers, aged between 14 and 16, described the vehicle as an older model Holden Rodeo dual cab utility tray back, and said the male driver attempted to initiate conversation before driving in an easterly direction on Oak Street.
They said the ute drove by them a further three times, slowing each time it passed the teenagers, before leaving the scene via Wheelers Lane and Cobra Street.
Police were called and commenced an investigation into the incident, now officers are hoping to speak to a man described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 20-30 years of age, with short strawberry blonde hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve orange high-visibility shirt, dark sunglasses and a hat.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Buzz off motor bikes
TWO dirt bikes were spotted on Mugga Hill Reserve late on Sunday afternoon, when a couple of locals on their mountain bikes came across the motorbikes using trails maintained by local volunteers and popular with the local mountain bikers and walkers alike.
The damage was well and truly done with deep tyre tracks now seen gouging many places along the trail which is still damp after recent rains.
Volunteers dedicate hours of their time to create and maintain a facility for the local mountain bike club and damage of this kind can close trails, meaning everyone misses out.
There are a lot less places for mountain bikers to enjoy their sport in Dubbo than there are for dirt bikers, and there’ll be a lot of kids going without their favourite pastime while trails are closed for repairs.
Police have been alerted.
Cobra Street crash
MORNING peak hour was disrupted on Tuesday after a twocar collision at the traffic lights where Cobra and Darling Streets intersect.
Police say no-one suffered serious injury in the crash, but one of the vehicles had to be towed from where it came to rest, next to one of the traffic lights on the western side of the crossroads.
Narromine scam
POLICE have charged a 46-yearold man with fraud-related offences following an investigation into a scam targeting the elderly in Narromine.
Police allege that last month, the man engaged in conversation with a 70-year-old woman at the town’s hospital about conducting maintenance work at her home.
On June 26, it’s alleged the man and a woman attended the victim’s home on Meringo Street, taking her to a bank to withdraw a sum of cash for payment.
The pair allegedly requested and received payment of $2800 prior to commencing maintenance of the woman’s roller door, before avoiding contact with the victim.
On June 29 police were notified of the incident by concerned neighbours and commenced an investigation into the matter.
Officers will allege a second woman, aged 83, was approached by the pair at her home on Manildra Street at Narromine when they offered to split wood at the residence.
Police further allege that the 83-year-old gave the man a sum of cash to purchase a new axe, however he failed to provide the change.
Following investigations, at about 5pm on July 15 police arrested the man at a home on Cathundril Street. He was taken to Narromine Police Station and charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (x2), and drive disqualified – second offence.
He was bail refused to appear before Dubbo Local Court.
Investigations continue, with Detective Inspector Paul Stephens encouraging local residents to check on their elderly neighbours.
“As our detectives continue to investigate these incidents, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to share these warnings with their parents and grandparents,” Det Insp Stephens said.
“Fraud is theft by deception and often you won’t know it’s happened until it is too late.
“Do not be afraid to ask the right questions – what is the person’s name and what company do they represent.”
Police say homeowners can safeguard against becoming a victim by following a number of simple precautions:
z Never let anyone inside your house or unit if you don’t know them,
z Always ask for identification – a business card is not enough,
z Never keep large amounts of money around the house,
z If you are uncertain about the person’s credibility, obtain their details and contact NSW Fair Trading,
z Banks do not send anyone to your house to collect anything.
Further advice and information can be found at the Ageing and Disability Commission website.
Hotel headbutt penalised
AT about 5pm on July 11, police say a group of people were socialising at a hotel in Byrock before retiring to nearby accommodation to consume alcohol.
It is alleged a 36-year-old man from Byrock, unknown to the group, attended the accommodation and began harassing its members.
Police were told the man refused to leave the location before members of the group attempted to escort him from the area.
It is alleged the accused approached the victim, a man aged 39, and headbutted him in the nose.
As a result, the victim sustained multiple fractures and was taken to Orange Base Hospital for treatment.
Police attended the scene and commenced inquiries into the incident and ended up arresting a man at a home on Merrere Street at Byrock.
He was taken to Bourke Police Station where he was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm.
The man was granted conditional bail at Bourke Local Court and is due to reappear at the same court today (July 23).
Former correctional officer charged
A FORMER Corrective Services NSW officer has been charged with 10 offences following an investigation into corruption and the introduction of contraband at a correctional facility in the state’s Central West.
In September last year, detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit commenced an investigation under Strike Force Zandona into corrupt activities at correctional centres in the area.
During the investigation detectives received information that a female Corrective Services NSW officer was involved in the introduction of contraband at a facility near Dubbo.
Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Zandona investigators arrested a 34-year-old woman at a home at Wellington on July 15.
She was taken to Wellington Police Station where she was charged with six counts of agent corruptly receive benefit, two counts of supply prohibited drug, holder of public office misconduct herself, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court that the woman trafficked contraband, including prohibited drugs and tobacco, into a facility in return for financial benefits from the family members of inmates, while employed as a Corrective Services NSW officer.
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Wellington Local Court on August 18.
The woman’s employment was terminated by Corrective Services NSW in June this year.
Investigations under Strike Force Zandona are continuing.
West roundabout work zone
THERE wouldn’t be many people in Dubbo who weren’t aware of the extensive roadworks happening at the Newell Highway roundabout where it meets the Mitchell Highway just west of the L.H. Ford Bridge, but things will be speeding up over the next couple of weeks.
Drainage will be relocated, and new drainage infrastructure will be built as part of the intersection upgrade.
To minimise disruptions to motorists, work is taking place from Sunday, July 19, between 6pm and 6am Sunday to Thursday, and is expected to be completed in two weeks, weather permitting.
Utility work will also take place at the intersection of the Newell Highway and Baird Street from Sunday, July 26, between 6pm and 6am from Sunday to Thursday, and is expected to be completed in two weeks, weather permitting.
Temporary traffic control measures including reduced lane widths, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h and lane closures will be in place during work hours.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
Motorists should plan their trip, allow extra travel time and follow the direction of traffic control and all signs, including reduced speed limits.
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