A man taken to hospital after receiving serious injuries in a suspected assault at Port Kembla on the weekend has died in hospital. Just before 11pm (Saturday 24 December 2016), NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to a licensed premises on Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, after an injured man was located outside. The 66-year-old man was taken to Wollongong Hospital for treatment and following an assessment of his injuries, police were contacted. Police from Lake Illawarra Local Area Command attended the licensed premises and hospital, and commenced an investigation. Today (Tuesday 27 December 2016), the man died in hospital. Local detectives continue to appeal for information from the public to determine how the man came to be injured. Information so far received suggests the man was subject to an unprovoked assault by one or more males outside the premises. Police would particularly like to speak with the person who notified employees at the licensed premises of the injured man and requested an ambulance be called. Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.

Live Traffic NSW

Police have located a woman who went missing from the Central Hunter area just last week. The 49-year-old woman was last seen on Sunday (18 December 2016) in East Maitland. When she could not be contacted or located, concerned family and friends contacted police. Officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command commenced searching for the woman and issued alerts throughout the state for assistance to locate her. Just before midnight on Friday (23 December 2016), Sydney Trains staff together with Police Transport Command officers contacted officers from Central Hunter stating the woman was located at Central Railway Station in the Sydney CBD. The woman was taken to hospital as a precaution and for ongoing treatment. Police thank the public and media for their assistance.

Live Traffic NSW

An 82-year-old woman who had been missing overnight in the Sydney metropolitan area, has been found safe. Police have been searching since she went missing from a shopping centre at Bondi Junction about 5.45pm yesterday (Monday 26 December 2016). About 1pm today (Tuesday 27 December 2016), police from Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command were able to re-unite the woman with her family. Police thank the media and the community for their help.

Police and surf lifesavers are reminding swimmers to make safety the priority when in, on or around the water this summer. Following a number of recent drownings across NSW, including four yesterday (Monday 26 December 2016), anyone heading in or onto the water is urged to use commonsense. Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Hutchings, said the key to water safety is assessing the environment and taking simple precautions. “Whether you’re going to the beach, a river, lake or swimming pool, it’s important to know the conditions and possible hazards in the area,” Supt Hutchings said. “The appearance of many waterways can be deceiving, whether it is depth, current, temperature or submerged objects, so it’s important to check before you get in – or you might be caught out. “At the beach, surf lifesavers and lifeguards do most of this for you and set up the red and yellow flags to show you where it’s safer, so always listen to their directions. “Unfortunately, we find that many drownings and near-drownings could have been prevented by heeding safety messages from police, lifesavers and maritime authorities. “It is also important to know your own capabilities – and if you’ve been drinking, you’re not going swimming: alcohol and water don’t mix,” Supt Hutchings said. With four drownings already recorded in NSW waters over the festive period, Surf Life Saving NSW Operations Manager, Andy Kent, has pleaded with the public to take care while enjoying all that the beach has to offer. “These drownings are a sobering reminder of the power of the ocean environment and of just how quickly things can change. It also reiterates why it is so important to swim at a patrolled location and between the red and yellow flags,” Mr Kent said. “If you are caught in a rip current the number one priority is to remain calm and conserve your energy. Attract the attention of a lifesaver or lifeguard and wait to be rescued. If you are a competent swimmer you can escape the rip by swimming parallel to the shore.” Last season there were 53 coastal drownings in NSW – the highest on record – with 60 per cent of these occurring at a distance of 5km or more from the nearest lifesaving service. “It is concerning the message of swimming at a patrolled beach doesn’t always appear to be getting through,” Mr Kent said. “We have surf life saving assets capable of responding to all coastal emergencies, but it can take time to get to you. “Lifesavers want everyone to enjoy the beach safely, and that will always remain our highest priority, but we really want people to take heed of the safety messages and watch out for their own and others safety. Tips for keeping safe at the beach: * Always swim between the red and yellow flags * Read and observe the safety signs * Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice * Always swim with someone else and look out for each other * Always supervise children around the water * Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs * Learn how to identify a rip * If you need help, stay calm and attract attention * Always wear a lifejacket while boating or rock-fishing * If witnessing an in-water emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for police Surf Life Saving has an easy-to-use website: www.beachsafe.org.au and a free smart-phone app ‘beachsafe’ to help plan a day at the beach. Supt Hutchings said with extra boats and pleasure craft expected on the harbour and along the coast over coming days, and this New Year’s weekend, skippers are also reminded of their responsibilities. “Whether you are in, on or around water, safety should be top of mind,” Supt Hutchings said. “As the skipper of a vessel, you are responsible for ensuring it is safe to go out and have all the required safety equipment on board. “Police, Maritime and Fisheries officers will be on the water conducting safety checks and will issue fines for non-compliance. “And remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, it’s safer not to drink at all,” Supt Hutchings said. More information about water safety in NSW is available at www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au. Police are also reminding the community to look after their health with extreme heat predicted over the next few days across NSW. The advice from NSW Health is to drink plenty of water, keep cool, take care of others and have a plan or point of contact. For more details on how to care for yourself and others during hot weather go to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/beattheheat

A man has died following a single vehicle crash on the state’s mid-north coast this morning. About 3am (Tuesday 27 December 2016), a nearby resident heard a crash on Mulga Road, Marlee and located a car that had left the road and crashed. Emergency services attended and located a man, the sole occupant, deceased. Police believe about 3am, the 26-year-old Taree man was driving his utility east along Bulga Road when it appears he has lost control, veering off the road and crashed into a tree. A crime scene was established and police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. A brief will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Traffic is heavy and lengthy delays continue across NSW as motorists make their way to their holiday destination. In Sydney: Pymble to Wahroonga and Pennant Hills to Wahroonga - Traffic is heavy northbound on the Pacfic Highway approaching the M1 Pacific Motorway and also on Pennant Hills Road between the M2 and the M1 Pacific Motorway. Buses are delayed between 60 and 90 minutes in the area. Lucas Heights - Traffic is heavy southbound on New Illawarra Road near Heathcote Road and eastbound traffic is also heavy on Heathcote Road towards Engadine. Royal National Park - Wattamolla and Garie car parks are full. North: M1 Pacific Motorway - Northbound traffic is heavy in several locations including, Hawkesbury River Bridge, Mooney Mooney, Mount White, Kariong, Tarro - Northbound traffic on the New England Highway approaching the Pacific Highway is queued 5.5km, allow 15 minutes extra time. Pembrooke - Northbound traffic on the Pacific Highway is queued 9km, allow 45 minutes extra time after an earlier multiple vehicle accident. Macksville - Northbound traffic on the Pacific Highway is queued 11km, allow 30 minutes extra time. Woodburn - Northbound traffic on the Pacific Highway is queued 13km, allow 40 minutes extra time, southbound is queued 8km, allow 30 minutes extra time. South: Kanahooka to Albion Park - Southbound traffic on the M1 Princes Motorway and Princes Highway is queued 6km, allow 20 minutes extra time. Berry - Southbound traffic on the Princes Highway is queued 11km, allow 55 minutes extra time. Nowra - Southbound traffic on the Princes Highway is heavy. Milton - Southbound traffic on the Princes Highway is queued 3km, allow 20 minutes extra time. Ulladulla - Northbound traffic on the Princes Highway is queued 2km, allow 10 minutes extra time Batemans Bay - Southbound traffic is heavy on the Princes Highway. Motorists are advised to continue to exercise caution and allow plenty of extra travel time. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Police are disappointed motorists continue to put lives at risk after 20 people were injured in 47 major crashes across the State on day 11 of Operation Safe Arrival. A man and a woman suffered serious injuries after a crash between a motorbike and a Toyota Landcruiser on the Princes Highway at Moruya, about 9.35pm yesterday (Monday 26 December 2016). The 26-year-old man was riding an unregistered motorbike with a 24-year-old female pillion passenger at the time of the crash. The rider suffered severe leg injuries and was airlifted to Canberra Hospital where he remains in a critical condition. His passenger suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to Moruya Hospital. The driver and four occupants of the Landcruiser were not injured. Operation Safe Arrival commenced at 12.01am on Friday 16 December 2016 and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday 2 January 2017. Double demerit points will be in place between Friday 23 December 2016 and Monday 2 January 2017. Acting Traffic & Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, is concerned by the number of serious crashes. “Across the State yesterday we saw too many people putting the lives of other road users – and themselves, – at risk because they made the wrong choice. “The consequences of their actions are devastating for entire communities so it is disappointing people are ignoring our pleas,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said. Meanwhile, in the early hours of Day 12, about 3am today (Tuesday 27 December 2016), police were called to Bula Road, Marlee, about 20km west of Taree, after a passing driver noticed a utility crashed. The driver and sole occupant, believed to be a man, was located deceased inside. He is yet to be formally identified. So far this year, 375 people have lost their lives on NSW roads, and six people have died in crashes so far during Operation Safe Arrival. A man remains in a critical condition following a crash at Port Stephens on Christmas Day (Sunday 25 December 2016). The 51-year-old driver was travelling west on Nelson Bay Road, when he hit a power pole. He was trapped in the vehicle, however, released and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. Other significant incidents on Day 11 include: Bidwill: About 8pm (Monday 26 December 2016), police observed a Holden Vectra allegedly travelling above the speed limit on Carlisle Avenue, Bidwill. A short time later, police observed the vehicle on Rooty Hill Road North, Oakhurst, when they activated lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle. A pursuit commenced, however terminated due to safety concerns. About 10.30pm, police attended a home on Chestnut Crescent and arrested a 17-year-old youth. She was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (Skye’s Law), never licensed person drive vehicle on road, use unregistered vehicle, and use uninsured motor vehicle. She was refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Tuesday 27 December 2016). Granville: Between 9pm and 10.30pm (Monday 26 December 2016), officers were conducting stationary random breath testing on Parramatta Road, Granville. Officers allegedly detected at least eight separate drivers with unrestrained children in their vehicles, including a three-month-old boy being held in the child seat by a woman. Glenwood: About 9.30pm (Monday 26 December 2016), officers from Quakers Hill Traffic and Highway Patrol stopped a Toyota Yaris sedan travelling east on the M7 Motorway at Glenwood. The driver, a 24-year-old woman returned a positive roadside breath test. She was taken to Blacktown Police Station where she returned a breath analysis reading of 0.245. She was charged with high range PCA and is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court on 16 January 2017. Her license has been suspended. Police want road users to think about the #Five2Arrive; five simple tips for road users in order to arrive home safely: 1. Don’t speed. 2. Don’t drink and drive 3. Wear a seatbelt 4. Put your phone away, and 5. Take regular breaks.

Water Police urge community to make water safety a top priority

from livetraffic - Heavy holiday traffic and lengthy delays are continuing across the state as motorists head away for the holidays. The following areas are impacted: NORTH: M1 Pacific Motorway - Northbound traffic is heavy in several locations. Tarro - Northbound traffic on the New England Highway is queued 5km, adding around an extra 35 minutes travel time. Pembroke - Northbound traffic on the Pacific Highway is queued around 9km, adding an extra 45 minutes additional time due to a three vehicle accident. Macksville - Northbound traffic is queued 11km on the Pacific Highway, adding at least 30 minutes extra travel time. Woodburn - Traffic is heavy in both directions on the Pacific Highway, adding at least an extra 25 minutes. SOUTH: Kanahooka to Albion Park - Southbound traffic is queued 6km on the M1 Princes Motorway and Princes Highway, adding around 15 minutes extra time. Berry - Southbound traffic is queued 11km on the Princes Highway, adding an extra 45 minutes travel time. Milton - Southbound traffic is queued 3km, adding 10 minutes additional travel time. Ulladulla - Northbound traffic is queued 2km on the Princes Highway, adding an extra 10 minutes.

A man is in hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Salamander Bay yesterday. About 3.20pm (Monday 26 December 2016), emergency services were called to a shopping centre car park on Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay, and found a 76-year-old man trapped under a Suzuki Vitara. Fire & Rescue NSW attended the scene and removed the man from under the vehicle. NSW Ambulance Paramedics also attended and treated the man at the scene before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital by Westpac Rescue Helicopter, where he remains in a stable condition. Officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command searched the Suzuki Vitara allegedly finding ‘Ice’ in the vehicle. The driver, a 37-year-old man, was arrested and taken for mandatory blood and urine testing. Inquiries are continuing into the crash.