Monthly Archives: February 2015

Second man charged over death of Corey Power – Strike Force Bumble

A 22-year-old man will face court tomorrow (Wednesday 25 February 2015) in relation to the 2013 death of Corey Power at Young.

Shortly after 5am on Thursday 29 August 2013, Corey Power was located with severe head injuries on Wombat Street, Young. He died a short time later.

Strike Force Bumble, led by detectives from Cootamundra Local Area Command, and assisted by detectives from Wagga Wagga and The Hume local area commands and the Homicide Squad, was established to investigate Mr Power’s death.

Today (Tuesday 24 February 2015) Detectives from Strike Force Bumble have charged a second man in relation to Mr Power’s death.

A 22-year-old, previously from Young, has been charged with murder, accessory before the fact to murder, steal motor vehicle and aggravated break, enter and steal.

He was refused bail and will appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court on 25 February 2015.

A 19-year-old man from Young has already been charged in relation to Mr Power’s death.

The 19-year-old is due to reappear at Wagga Wagga Local Court tomorrow.

13-year-old burglary suspect arrested in Armidale crackdown

Police have arrested a suspected burglar, aged just 13, during a crackdown on break and enter offences at Armidale in the state’s New England region.

Around 1.30am today, officers from the New England Local Area Command stopped a blue Holden sedan in Kirkwood Street, Armidale.

A short time earlier police had received a report of a nearby house break-in.

When officers searched the vehicle, it is alleged they discovered a number of stolen valuables, including mobile phones, hidden under the front seat.

Police arrested the 13-year-old passenger who was taken to the Armidale Police Station to assist with inquiries.

The arrest has occurred during a Police crackdown on home burglaries in the New England area.

At 2am on Sunday (22 February), police made another, unrelated arrest, stopping a man on a bicycle as they patrolled Watson Avenue.

He was allegedly found in possession of fingerless gloves, screwdrivers, hex keys, pliers, a folding knife and a slingshot.

The 44-year-old was charged with possess house breaking implements, possess prohibited weapon, custody of a knife in a public place and not wearing a helmet.

He will face court on Monday 16 March.

New England Local Area Commander, Fred Trench, said his officers are working hard to deal with a series of break and enter offences in the area.

“These arrests show that we are taking this issue very seriously,” Superintendent Trench said.

“In addition to our car crews, we are utilising bicycle police, foot patrols, the dog unit and investigators in the fight against break-ins,” he added.

“We need the community’s help as well. “The public are our eyes and ears.

“If you spot someone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, let us know and we will act,” Supt Trench said.

The New England Commander is reminding Armidale residents they can minimise the risks by being security conscious.

“Unfortunately, the days where we could leave our doors and windows open, particularly during the hotter months, are gone.

“Thieves will take advantage of lax security, ensure your home is locked whenever possible,” Supt Trench warned, “Don’t make it easy for them.”

Anyone with information about break-in offences in the New England area is urged to contact Armidale Police on (02) 6771 0699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

New Bridges for Hume Area

Both Federal Member for Eden Monaro Dr Peter Hendy and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor last week announced funding for much needed updates to local bridges in their electorates.

“Today I welcome the much-needed upgrade to local bridges under the Australian Government’s new $300 million Bridges Renewal Programme,” Dr Hendy said.

The Coalition Government is committing $28.5 million – matched by proponents – to 29 projects across New South Wales as part of Round One of the Bridges Renewal Programme.

This includes several bridges around the Southern region such as Candlagan Creek Bridge on Coronation Drive at Broulee, the Abercrombie Bridge between Goulburn and Oberon, Gobarralong Bridge in the Gundagai Shire, 9.3kms east from the Hume Highway near Coolac, Parsonage Creek Bridge at Bombala, Kippilaw and Lansdowne Bridges in Goulburn, Kirkland Rd Bridge and Caalong Bridge near Robertson in the Southern Highlands, and Burrangong Creek Bridge, 12 kms north of Young.

Some $937,000 was announced by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor for the Kippilaw Bridge renewal, as well as the remaining amount of $1.1 million provided by Goulburn Mulwaree Council, bringing the total cost of the project to approximately $2 million.

He also announced $3.25 million for Lansdowne Bridge in East Goulburn, in addition to another $4.5 million already announced by the State Government.

The Lansdowne bridge works will involve the demolition of the existing State Significant 1902 deBurgh truss structure with work to be carried out by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

All in all the Lansdowne Bridge works will cost approximately $7.7 million with the RMS to supplement the federal funding.

“Congratulations to Goulburn Mulwaree Council on securing funding for such an important project,” Mr Taylor said.

“Hume has done particularly well to win funding for five separate projects under the Bridges Renewal Programme, where many other electorates have missed out.

“I can also announce $3.25 million for Lansdowne Bridge in east Goulburn, which is in addition to money already announced by the NSW Government.

“My office is always enthusiastic about helping councils and local communities – with letters of support, with guidance on application preparation, with general advice – to try and get these worthy projects underway,” he said.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle also welcomed the funding announcement for Kippilaw and Lansdowne Bridges.

He says that the Kippilaw Bridge especially needs a complete replacement, due to regular flooding.

“We’re going to straighten the Gurrundah Road, realign it and raise the height of the new Kippilaw Bridge, because it’s prone to flooding,” he says

“Council budgeted for the work in its 2015-16 operational plan, and the announcement of the funding is most welcome, as it’s an increasingly busy road and an important route for stock carriers.”

In his electorate of Eden Monaro, Dr Peter Hendy announced the injection of almost $1.1 million towards improvements to the Canadlagan Creek Bridge at Broulee in the Eurobodalla Shire.

Bridges get vital funding for upgrades

“The injection of $1,097,000 to upgrade the Candlagan Creek Bridge on Coronation Drive in Broulee will make its use safer and more reliable, while also being a huge fillip for freight providing major benefits for the community and the region,” Dr Hendy said.

“In particular, our programme will improve road access for local traffic and increase efficiency on local roads, which will be a relief to all.

Eurobodalla is a vibrant region and our Government is investing in its continued growth.

These important projects are made possible by close and effective consultation between Local Government Areas and the Commonwealth.

I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of Mayor Lindsay Brown and his team at the Eurobodalla Shire Council.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council will play a significant role in managing this project, ensuring the bridge can continue to contribute to productivity and community access.”

The Federal Government will provide a total commitment of $300 million over five years from 2014-15 for the entire bridges renewal programme.

Man charged with possessing housebreaking implements – Armidale

A man has been charged with possessing house breaking implements yesterday, following a number of break-ins in Armidale.

About 2am (Sunday 22 February 2015), police were patrolling Watson Avenue, after reports of a number of break-ins the area, when they stopped a man riding a bicycle.

They searched the man and allegedly located a number of items in his backpack including fingerless gloves, screwdrivers, hex keys, pliers, stainless steel folding knife and a type of slingshot.

Police arrested the 44-year-old and he was taken to Armidale Police Station.

He was charged with possess house breaking implements, possess prohibited weapon, custody of a knife in public place, and not wearing a helmet.

The local man was granted conditional bail to appear at Armidale Local Court on Monday 16 March, 2015.

Inquiries are continuing.

Man dies in suspicious house fire near Maitland

A man has died and investigations are underway following a fire in Maitland this morning, which police are treating as suspicious.

About 1.50am (Friday 20 February 2015), emergency services were called to a demountable building on Elizabeth Street, Wallalong (about 13km north east of Maitland), following reports of a fire.

Officers attached to NSW Rural Fire Service attended and extinguished the blaze.

The body of a man was located in the building. It is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be the 72-year-old resident.

A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Central Hunter Local Area Command are investigating the cause of the fire, which is believed to be suspicious.

As police continue their inquiries into the circumstances leading up to the incident, they are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

Motorcyclist injured in crash near Maitland

Witnesses are being sought to a crash involving a motorcycle and car near Maitland yesterday.

About 6.20pm (Wednesday 18 February 2015), a motorcycle and car collided at the intersection of River Road and Denton Drive, Windella, about 10km west of Maitland.

Officers from the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) and Central Hunter Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation.

The rider, a 19-year-old man, suffered a serious injury to his right arm and was taken by NSW Ambulance Paramedics to John Hunter Hospital.

The driver of the car, a 24-year-old woman, was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

The intersection was closed for more six hours while investigations were conducted.

Police from the CIU are now asking anyone who witnessed the crash, and hasn’t yet spoken to investigators, to come forward.

They are especially interested in anyone who may have seen the motorcycle – a green Kawasaki – or the car – a blue Toyota Camry sedan – before the crash occurred.

Anyone with information should contact the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit on 02 49290744.

AXION ESTI (‘IT IS WORTHY’) City Recital Hall

Friday 17 April, 8pm

Hear the master symphonic work of Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis (legendary composer of Zorba’s Dance)and the Nobel Prize-winning poetry of Odysseas Elytis at the Australian premiere of Axion Esti.

This unique collaboration of choral and orchestral music and poetry will be brought to life by Greek and Australian stars of the stage and screen to celebrate the 33rd annual Greek Festival,

Conductor George Ellis leads a symphony orchestra and the stunning Millennium Choir, as Greek star vocalist, Vasilis Lekkas and Australian-Greek actor, Tony Nikolakopoulos (Underbelly), bring the evocative poetry of Elytis to life.

Don’t miss this Australian first, celebrating the enduring presence of Greek culture in Australia.

Diynamic Outdoor – Barcelona Off Week Edition

On Saturday, June 20th, all Diynamic artists will come together at “Parc del Forum” in Barcelona and kick off the “Diynamic Outdoor” season with its biggest line up yet: Solomun, Stimming, David August, Adriatique, H.O.S.H., Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Karmon, NTFO, Thyladomid, Magdalena, DJ Phono, Ost & Kjex, Undercatt and Roberto Calzetta & Twin Soul.

It’s that very special week in the year, when everyone is coming to Barcelona – numerous parties all week throughout the city, from sunrise to sunset and on to the next morning.

On Saturday, June 20th the complete, well-known artist roster plus two fresh talents known from Diynamic’s ‘Four To The Floor’ EP series will perform on two stages at “Parc del Forum” in Barcelona. The event starts at 12:00 noon and continues until 3:00 at night – 15 hours of Diynamic Music sound.

“Diynamic Outdoor” is the label’s summer open air concept. It started successfully on Ibiza last year. It will return in 2015 with more events at various places. The Off Week event in Barcelona will be the opening for the new summer season.

Parc del Forum is a green patch at the Barcelonan coastline, surrounded by the futuristic skyline of its own structures and the nearby Congress Center of the City.

The finest of Diynamic Music will come to Barcelona:

–      Solomun, who just announced his 3rd season of “Solomun +1” on Ibiza

–      Stimming, who’s breaking musical boundaries with his 4D Sound events

–      David August, who ranked 4th on Resident Advisor’s “Top Live Acts” list

–      Adriatique, who scored 28th on Resident Advisor’s “Top DJs” list

–      H.O.S.H., who recently opened his own club called “Villa Nova”

–      Kollektiv Turmstrasse, who will be releasing the next Diynamic EP

–      Karmon, who locked himself into his studio to work on some new material

–      NTFO, who released an EP on Dennis Ferrer’s Objektivity label a few weeks ago

–      Thyladomid, who is currently on an album release tour for his debut LP “Interstellar Destiny”

–      Magdalena, the latest addition to the Diynamic artist roster

–      DJ Phono, who just hit the #1 spot of German album sales charts with his project “Deichkind”

–      Ost & Kjex, who are currently finishing up on their next album

–      Undercatt, who opened and closed the Diynamic Showcase at Ritter Butzke in Berlin last year

–      and Roberto Calzetta & Twin Soul, known from Diynamic’s “Four To The Floor” EP series

The Diynamic Outdoor – Off Week Edition Party is the kick off for a very exciting Diynamic summer:

Exciting Ibiza plans, which will soon see the light of day, Diynamic Festivals in Brazil, Buenos Aires, Amsterdam and countless Diynamic Showcases all around the globe. Summer may come. Hope to see you around! 

Event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1376831325949834

Pre-sale / Event details on Resident Advisor: www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?681248

Diynamic Showcase – Barcelona Off Week Edition

with Solomun, Stimming, David August, Adriatique, H.O.S.H., Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Karmon, NTFO, Thyladomid, Magdalena, DJ Phono, Ost & Kjex, Undercatt and Roberto Calzetta & Twin Soul.

Saturday, June 20th, 2015 / Parc del Forum, Rambla Prim 2-4, Barcelona (ES)

Three police officers injured during arrest – Albury

Three police officers were injured during the arrest of a man in Albury yesterday.

About 7.15pm (Tuesday 17 February 2015), police attended licensed premises in Lavington after reports of alleged drug activity.

Two officers searched a 53-year-old man and allegedly located prohibited drugs and cash in his possession.

As police arrested the man, he became non-compliant and a third officer was called to assist.

Police will allege the man’s female partner hindered police and was also arrested.

As a result of the arrest, the man and the three officers all suffered lacerations.

Many patrons in the licensed premises abused the officers while they were trying to affect the arrest.

The man and his 29-year-old partner were conveyed to Albury Police Station where the man was charged with possess prohibited drug, assault police and resist officer in execution of duty.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Albury Local Court on Tuesday 24 March 2015.

The man’s partner was charged with hinder police and was also granted bail to appear before Albury Local Court on Tuesday 31 March 2015.

New trucking projects to deliver improved rest areas, roads in NSW

Work is expected to begin on most projects in the coming weeks and months.

A bevy of trucking-specific projects across New South Wales will soon get underway to strengthen the state’s bridges, upgrade key routes and build new rest areas.

The Federal and NSW governments will jointly fund projects on council-owned and state government-controlled routes under the NSW Fixing Country Roads initiatives and the federal Bridges Renewal and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity programs.

NSW roads minister Duncan Gay says Fixing Country Roads is aimed at better connecting local and regional roads to state highways and freight hubs to make it easier to move freight from paddock to port.

The Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal scheme is designed to improve the load-carrying capacity of council-owned bridges, while the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program funds trucking-specific projects such as rest areas, parking bays, road upgrades and technology trials.

Gay says 75 per cent of the 77 projects to receive funding from the programs are shovel ready, meaning works can begin in the coming weeks and months.

“Sixty successful council applications are road and bridge construction projects while 17 successful applications are bridge and culvert assessments, which will see the load-carrying capability of a total of 420 bridges and culverts assessed right across country NSW,” Gay says.

Many of the bridge projects involve replacing one-lane timber structures with concrete bridges, which Truss says will lead to better, safer and more reliable road access and more efficient freight movements from farms and local factories.

The Federal Government will allocate $119.6 million to 27 projects under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program. Most of the projects are on local-government controlled roads, with six projects on state routes.

“These projects will improve the safety environment for heavy vehicle drivers and increase road transport productivity,” Gay says.

Funding will be used on projects such as a new rest area on the Hume Highway north of Albury. The project will include toilets and shelters and capacity for 15 B-triples or 20 B-doubles.

A new truck rest area and decoupling bay with toilet and shower facilities will be built on the Mitchell Highway. It will have capacity for 20 B-doubles and will be erected next to an existing 24-hour commercial fuel station.

Money will also be spent on installing green reflectors on existing guide posts to notify drivers they are approaching a stopping area, upgraded parking bays on the Golden Highway and a new parking area for 25 B-doubles on the Pacific Highway at Chinderah.

Furthermore, 50 new rest stop signs will be posted along the Mitchell, Kamillaroi and Gwydir highways and Kidman Way.

Funding will also go toward a number of road projects to improve heavy vehicle access in council areas.