Rest In Peace

SOLDIERS Point Rural Fire Brigade sadly announce the passing of brigade life member Bob Coote.

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Bob recently passed at the age of 79.

Bob joined the RFS way back in 1989 at Katoomba/Leura before coming to Soldiers Point in 2001.

He was the brigade’s equipment officer for twelve years and was appointed a life member in 2018.

Thoughts are with Trish and all of Bob’s family and friends.

Vale Bob Coote.

Be Fire Safe This Winter

Cooler months see an increase in the number of fires in bedrooms and living rooms due to heaters, wheat bags and electric blankets.

Fire and Rescue NSW issue the following tips to prevent fires:
· Keep everyone one metre away from heaters
· Use heating products only as per manufacturer’s instructions
· Supervise children near fires and heaters
· Ensure chimneys are regularly cleaned
· Never use wheat bags in bed
· Have working smoke alarms

Flooding

Across the afternoon of Sunday 3 July, severe weather hit Port Stephens and the Hunter Region.

Roads in Raymond Terrace including Newline Road (Northbound) just past William Bailey St were closed due to flooding.

Other road closures included Fingal Street and Trafalgar Lane in Nelson Bay and Port Stephens SES reported water across roads in Medowie, Hinton, Heatherbrae and Raymond Terrace.

Raymond Terrace Fire and Rescue remind residents to stay safe on the roads and if it’s flooded – don’t drive through it.

Even if you’ve driven a road hundreds of times before, it doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Flood waters are capable of damaging structure and whilst water is over the road, it is impossible to see the damage.

Sandbags

For anyone needing sandbags, there are numerous spots to collect and fill bags, but all residents are reminded to take only what you need.

Anna Bay Rural Fire Brigade has several bags that can be filled out the front of the station.

NSW SES – Port Stephens Unit at 31 Rees James Road in Raymond Terrace has pre-filled and empty sandbags, sand and shovels for people requiring sandbags.

Strike Force Baste

Seven teens have been charged with more than 40 offences, after a strike force was formed to investigate the theft of luxury vehicles and police pursuits.

Strike Force Baste was established by officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District to investigate numerous aggravated break, enter and steal offences where luxury motor vehicles were stolen, then used in additional property offences and police pursuits.

Police will allege social media platforms were used by the youths to coordinate their actions, locate the vehicles, and live-stream pursuits.

Following investigations, four search warrants were executed on Thursday 30 June across three police districts including Port Stephens-Hunter, Hunter Valley and Newcastle City.

During the search warrants, police seized mobile phones, clothing and e-scooters which will be forensically examined.

By Tara CAMPBELL