EMERGENCY REPORT
New police on beat
OUT of 194 new probationary constables across NSW, five have been allocated to the Orana Mid-western Police District to join what local superintendent Peter Mckenna describes as a great career.
“You’re about to embark upon a journey that I think you’re going to love because it really is joining the best job in the world as far as I’m concerned. I’ve been doing it for over 30 years now and I really almost wish I could go back and start where they’re starting,” Supt Mckenna told Dubbo Photo News.
“They’re coming to a job where they’re going to be out there helping people, they’re going to be looking after those good members of the community, making sure that people are safe in the community.
“Part of that is that they’re going to go up against some bad guys and people out there who want to do the wrong thing, and it’s their job to bring them to justice and make sure that victims are protected and supported,” he said.
One of the new recruits, 24-yearold Taylah South, hails from Penrith and said she’s looking forward to the challenge after spending some years working at other jobs.
“They said they just needed me out here,” she laughed. “They needed somebody out in Narromine and my name popped up and I said ‘yep, happy to do it’.
“The furthest I’d been this side of the mountains was Lithgow prior to getting stationed here.
“I came out to visit and there was more than I expected, it’s really good and I really want to work around people,” she said.
Matthew Bootes grew up around Terrigal on the Central Coast and said it’s a change from working as a landscaper back home.
“I was planting a plant and I was like; you know what, I don’t think this is where I can use my skills the most,” he said.
“I love working with people, I love more community-based work, I felt like I was wasting my skills there.”
He’ll be stationed at Coonamble and said he knows there’s no beach anywhere in sight.
“I’m 22 and I’ve got a lot of life ahead of me and the more experience I get the sooner, I feel like it will change me for the better.”
Well said, you two, and welcome
aboard to the five new probationary constables.
Driver charged after pursuit, car crash
POLICE have laid charges after an incident which occurred months ago.
About 10.40pm on November 29, police attempted to stop the driver of a Holden Commodore sedan for a random breath test on the Mitchell Highway at Narromine.
The driver allegedly failed to stop so a pursuit began, terminated
when officers lost sight of the vehicle.
Shortly after, police found the Holden crashed and rolled in a paddock at Webbs Reserve near High Park Road.
The 31-year-old male driver sustained critical head injuries and was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital where he also underwent mandatory testing. He has since been released.
The incident was declared a critical incident and an investigation commenced by a critical incident investigation team from Central North Police District.
Following inquiries, on February 26, the man was issued Court Attendance Notices for police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, drive with high range PCA – second offence, and drive recklessly/ furiously or speed/manner dangerous second offence. His licence was also suspended.
The Trangie man is due to appear at Dubbo Local Court on April 14.
THE 2021 Coonamble Ag Field Day is shaping up well with more than 60 exhibitors expected to attend, a fine weather forecast and plenty of optimism around the ag sector and rural communities.
Field Day Committee president James Nalder says such a strong season last year after coming out of three years of drought had brought plenty of positivity to the district.
"When there hasn't been a Field Day for about 18 months, we're keen to show that rural areas can put these events on safely and successfully,” Mr Nalder said.
"We suspect that it could be better than previous years for both exhibitors and attendees, with more money around and great deals and discounts to be had.”
He said many previous exhibitors will be returning with bigger sites booked and he anticipates there'll be more to see in terms of machinery and ag tech.
"We've also got a fair bit to offer livestock enterprises this year with a few studs on board, stock handling equipment, labour saving devices and other new developments.”
The field days will also boast a range of government agencies and non-government organisations promoting various programs aimed at benefitting people from across the region.
There's no need to pre-register for the event, with Coonamble Rugby Club members set to greet you at the gate and overseeing a COVID-SAFE entry for all.
Inside the pavilion smaller stallholders will be set up to display house and garden wares, clothing and appliances – added to those attractions, morning tea and lunches will be available from CJS Country Kitchen, Two Birds Café and the Coonamble Rugby League Club who've compared notes to ensure a wider menu this year.
"It's all coming together well, and the council have the grounds looking great," Mr Nalder said.
"For farmers it's a great way to see a number of businesses in one location and get the lowdown on what's available but it'll be a great day out for whole families and people of all ages.
"The helicopter joy rides that proved so popular last time have just been confirmed – so we're excited to announce that.”
The Coonamble Showground gates open at 8.30am on Saturday, March 13 for this year’s Coonamble Ag Field Day.