A woman will face court today on drug supply offences following a strike force investigation in the Southern Highlands.
In February 2020, Strike Force Grantown was established by investigators from The Hume Police District to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Southern Highlands.
Following extensive inquiries, shortly after 1pm on Friday (15 May 2020), police stopped a white Mazda 3 sedan on the Hume Highway at Alpine, north of Mittagong.
The driver, a 40-year-old man, allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test for cocaine and methylamphetamine and was found in possession of more than $5,000 cash.
He was arrested and taken to Southern Highlands Police Station, where he allegedly attempted to dispose of almost 10 grams of crystal methylamphetamine that was secreted in his pants.
A short time later, investigators attended a home on Berrima Road, Moss Vale, and arrested a 25-year-old woman.
A search warrant was executed at the woman’s home, with officers allegedly seizing ‘ice’, cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, cash, replica pistol, air rifle and ammunition.
The 40-year-old man was charged with:
take part in supply prohibited drugs, • deal with proceeds of crime, • resist or hinder police officer in the execution of their duty, • cultivate prohibited plant, and • organise/conducts/assists drug premises.
He was refused bail and appeared in Wollongong Local Court via AVL on Saturday 16 May 2020, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Goulburn Local Court on 10 June 2020.
The 25-year-old woman was charged with:
supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis (x2), • supply prohibited drug (x7), • take part in supply prohibited drug, • possess prohibited drug (x3), • deal with proceeds of crime, • organise/conducts/assists drug premises, and • possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.
She was refused bail and is due to appear in Wollongong Local Court today (Monday 18 May 2020).
Two men have been charged over the alleged serious assault of a man in Moss Vale last weekend.
The victim was recording on his mobile along Argyle Street before allegedly being attacked by the pair.
Police allege the 30-year-old was kicked in the face and held down until he deleted the recording before the offenders fled.
The victim required surgery for facial fractures.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed search warrants at a home in Moss Vale and a home in Bowral on Wednesday where they seized a number of items for forensic examination.
Police arrested the two men, aged 19 and 20 when they attended Southern Highlands Police Station yesterday.
Both were charged with affray, cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent and take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage.
The pair were granted strict conditional bail and will front Moss Vale Local Court next month.
A nasty accident in Moss Vale left a car badly damaged but the driver uninjured.
It happened Saturday night - a BMW crashing on Mount Broughton Road.
Given the extent of the damage to the vehicle it's amazing the driver was able to walk away.
The Fire and Rescue Moss Vale crew attended the scene and issued a reminder to slow down at night and always keep a look out for wildlife on our roads, as a sudden swerve can be dangerous.
Wingecarribee Council's chemical cleanout day is taking place on Saturday.
Council’s Manager of Environment and Sustainability, Barry Arthur said it's an opportunity for residents to drop off any of their unwanted household chemicals.
That includes the following:
* household cleaners * fluorescent globes and tubes * car and household batteries * motor oils and fluids * paints * garden, pool and hobby chemicals * gas bottles, fire extinguishers * poisons.
And there is 20 kilogram or 20 litre maximum container size.
It's all happening at the Moss Vale Works Depot between 9am and 3:30pm.
After a lengthy layoff due to covid19, the Cockatoo Run will be returning to the Southern Highlands on December 5.
At full capacity the train will carry around 200 passengers, with stops at Summit Tank in the Illawarra, Robertson and Moss Vale along the way.
East Coast Heritage Rail General Manager James Bushell said it's great for local tourism.
"People from Robertson and Moss Vale have commented to us, how every train that we bring in has great benefits for the restaurants and the places people visit,"he said.
True Green has scrapped its plans to build a large electric bus manufacturing hub in Moss Vale.
The group had anticipated the State Government ordering 800 electric buses buses per year for the next 10 years, to replace the the existing fleet of 8000 diesel buses.
But now, it looks like those plans won't come to fruition.
Head of Community Engagement at True Green Mike Levin said they're extremely disappointed.
"Back in October 2020, the then Transport Minister Andrew Constance said he was committed to replacing all of the state's 8000 diesel buses by the end of the decade,
"At the time, that gave us a great sense of security and confidence that the project would be viable,"Mr. Levin said.
The Tafe NSW campus at Moss Vale is offering a fee free RSA course taking place on Friday February 11.
It follows the State Government's announcement that 5000 courses will be made available in a bid to address staff shortages in the hospitality industry.
Tafe Services Coordinator Michelle Pontello said an RSA can be used in a multitude of different operations.
"Everyone thinks straight away of a hotel, but wineries require it aswell as restaurants and cafes that serve alcohol,
"Now is a great time to enrol if your a school leaver or changing careers,"Ms. Montello said.
Free infant swim classes are now available at the Moss Vale Aquatic Centre.
The classes are guided by two fully qualified swim instructors and are designed to expose babies to water for the first time, in a controlled environment.
Blue Fin Facility Manager Jodie Buttsworth said there are still places left.
"If you go to the splash time website and click the Moss Vale section you can book in.
"We've still got 16 places left for Wednesday,"Ms. Buttsworth said.
The BDCU Alliance Bank is collecting unwrapped gifts underneath its Christmas Giving trees in Bowral and Moss Vale.
The gifts will be passed on to the Salvation Army and handed out at the Christmas Drive thru at the Southern Highlands Christian School on December 23.
Head of Marketing and Community Matt Sewell said they're hoping to support people doing it tough.
"We're really looking for teen gifts, which we often struggle with,
Some big improvements are on the way at the Moss Vale Aquatic Centre.
That includes the construction of a 120 square metre multipurpose room for group fitness classes and community use, and a change room for people with limited mobility and special needs.
The upgrade is being funded by a NSW Government grant as well as contributions from Wingecarribee Council and BlueFit.
Blue Fit State Manager Andrew Hungerford has more details about the new multi purpose room.
"This is a new space to be created off the front of the existing gym,
"There's some space between the gym and the carpark which will create a new room,
"There'll be minimum impact on existing use,"Mr Hungerford said.
Wingecarribee Council's Interim Administrator had decided to put the Lackey Park Regional Sporting Hub project on hold until a Sports Facility Strategy is completed.
Viv May told yesterday's council meeting that he's not convinced Lackey Park is the best spot for the project.
"I think we need to ask the community about where a regional sporting hub sits in the wishlist against a regional aquatic facility .
"I'm told schools cram into Bowral Pool, now that Mittagong is closed, and no one's happy,'' Mr May said.
Wingecarribee Council approved a concept masterplan for the project back in November last year.
Some relief for opponents of two controversial developments in the Highlands.
Wingecarribee Council has placed six month interim heritage orders on properties at 2 and 4 Myrtle Street Bowral and Karingal at 26 Elizabeth Street in Moss Vale.
It means proposals to build townhouses won't be able to proceed for six months.
David Hayman from the Elizabeth Street Action Group said development needs to be carefully managed in the shire.
"We love living in the Highlands, we love the feeling of space and the country feel,
"We need to ensure we're not knocking down and getting rid of our own character,"Mr. Hayman said.
A day and a half old calf called Kevin can thank his lucky stars for the skill and determination of Wingecarribee and Moss Vale SES units.
Kevin had slipped down a steep embankment into a creek shortly after he was born and Southern Highlands SES crews were called in the rescue him from his predicament.
Although a bit cold and tired, the little bloke was reunited with his mum in a warm sunny paddock, none the worse for wear.
A Mittagong man has been charged in connection with the alleged stabbing of another man in Moss Vale.
Just after 8pm on Friday August 6, Emergency Services were called to Parkes Road, after reports of a brawl.
Police rushed to the scene and found a 22-year-old man with stab wounds to his back.
He was treated at the scene by Paramedics before being airlifted to Liverpool Hospital in a serious condition.
He has since been discharged.
Strike Force Briwood was set up to to investigate the incident.
About 2:30pm yesterday a man was arrested at a motel in Lagoon Street, Goulburn.
During a search, Officers found a quantity of methylamphetamine.
The 21-year-old was taken to Goulburn Police Station and charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possess prohibited drug, and not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
The Mittagong man has been refused bail and will appear at Goulburn Local Court today.
A new course will become available at the Tafe NSW campus in Moss Vale aimed at preparing people for a career in the growing industry of medical administration.
It'll be offered as a mix of face-to-face training and virtual classroom over one semester starting in July.
Teacher Emma Gemmell said the course will prepare people for a number of roles.
"Receptionists, first point of call in hospitals doing surgical bookings,
"It does vary and depends on the market your entering,"Ms. Gemmell said.
Wingecarribee Council has secured $1.1 million from the NSW Government to progress design work for stages two and three of the proposed Moss Vale Bypass Project.
That's in addition to the $2.4 million previously committed for stage one.
The MU Group is expected to have all of the design work completed by mid 2023.
Council's General Manager Lisa Miscamble said the traffic situation in Moss Vale is set to intensify in coming years as major housing developments come online and the population increases.
Wingecarribee Council will be holding an information session about the proposed Moss Vale Bypass.
Council’s Director of Service and Project Delivery, Ms Karin Targa said the project is a crucial step in alleviating traffic congestion and also supporting the the Southern Highlands Innovation Park.
The session will be held at the Moss Vale Civic Centre on Tuesday February 22 between 6 and 7pm.
It will provide residents with an opportunity to find out more about the project.
Southern Highlands Police are seeking information about a fatal crash at Moss Vale.
Just after 10 this morning, Emergency Services were called to the intersection of Argyle Street and Waite Street after a truck and motorcycle collided.
The male rider was trapped under the truck before being released.
He suffered critical head injuries and despite the best efforts of Paramedics, could not be saved.
He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver of the truck not injured and was taken to Bowral Hospital for mandatory testing.
Diversions are currently in place and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
Parents picking their children up at Moss Vale Public School are being asked to do so on Browley Street and not Argyle Street.
An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Ray Stone has enjoyed the best and possibly worst moments of his NRL career, scoring Parramatta's golden-point match-winning try against Melbourne but hurting his knee in the process.
The unheralded lock became the Eels unlikely new hero, scoring twice at AAMI Park to help secure a 28-24 victory but was taken for scans following the match with fears it could be season over.
The golden point try came two minutes into extra time when Stone pounced on an attempted field goal by Mitch Moses that hit the upright.
The haul doubled the 24-year-old's career tally from five seasons.
Stone immediately clutched at his knee after diving untouched across the line and while he managed to walk off the field he was too upset post-game to front the media.
The Eels said he would be sent for scans in Melbourne before travelling back to Sydney.
Coach Brad Arthur was unaware of the seriousness of Stone's injury at the media conference and said the popular player deserved some luck.
'It's always good when a little bit of luck goes to one of our players that you can rely on," Arthur said.
"Stoney is one of those guys, he works hard, he is sometimes in and out of the team but he never complains, he just gets on with his job."
The injury blow dampened the celebrations for Parramatta, who again proved a thorn in the Storm's side.
They beat the Storm twice last season, their round 24 victory ending Melbourne's chance to set a record 20 successive NRL wins, and now serving up the Storm's first loss of the year.
Playing in the centres, Stone's other try came in the 70th minute to break a 18-18 deadlock when he attempted to catch a Moses bomb that bobbled off a Storm player and back into his hands.
Melbourne took momentum into golden point when Brandon Smith and Cameron Munster combined to put Ryan Papenhuyzen away in the 75th minute, with the fullback converting to make it 24-24.
The home side had two early tries disallowed however Smith, who made an early return from a broken hand made no mistake in the 11th minute.
The Eels responded with a try in the 18th minute through fullback Clint Gutherson after a Dylan Brown break.
The Parramatta five-eighth then sent a long ball to Waqa Blake and the winger steamrolled Papenhuyzen, sending the lightweight fullback flying back into the in-goal.
Nick Meaney, who was a late replacement for injured Storm winger Xavier Coates, crossed on either side of halftime to put the home side up by six.
But again the Eels hit back, with Moses putting up a bomb for centre Tom Opacic and the halfback squared up the ledger with his conversion.
The heavyweights continued to go toe to toe before Moses and Stone stood up to again leave the Storm shattered.
Coach Craig Bellamy said while they had had disrupted preparation, losing first-choice hooker Harry Grant to COVID, they were too inconsistent.
"We did some real good things and then we did some things that weren't so good," the Storm coach said.
"I think they scored three tries off kicks and we knew that was coming and practised for it... whoever won it was going to have a bit of luck go their way and whoever lost it, bad luck, so it is what it is."
A team from Moss Vale has taken out the Young Farmer Challenge State Final at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
It's made up of Angela Hughes, Andrew Scarsbrook, Chloe Sawell and Nicholas Hreszczuk who competed against other teams from Cootamundra, Albion Park and Goulburn.
They had to perform tasks such as leading an alpaca, identifying seeds and grains, paperwork, and putting out a spot fire.
Team member Angela says they're hoping to continue their success.
"We'll head to Royal Adelaide next year for the national final,
"We're all very stoked with the opportunity to represent not only our local area, but the state aswell,"Angela said.
Black Jack crew member Moss Vale's Will McCarthy is celebrating a Sydney to Hobart victory.
The 100 foot supermaxi, owned by Peter Harburg and skippered by Mark Bradford took line honours in the iconic blue water classic in a time of two days, 12 hours, 37 minutes and 17 seconds.
It was the slowest winning time recorded in the Sydney to Hobart event since Nicorette sailed to victory in 2004.
Law Connect crossed the finish line on the Derwent River in second place.
Scallywag arrived at Constitution Dock in third position.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between three local community groups to continue rolling out a youth mentoring program at Bowral and Moss Vale High schools.
The program called ' Raise ' involves mentors offering one to one support to young people.
Southern Highlands Foundation Chair Shelley Boyce said they're already seeing fantastic results.
"The young people who are in the program maybe disengaged at school or may just need someone in their life that they can talk to,"she said.
Raise was founded in 2008, and is is a not-for-profit organisation.
It delivers mentoring programs in six states and 184 high schools across Australia.
Wingecarribee Council's Interim Administrator Viv May is calling on feedback from residents about a proposal to modify the recently refurbished Council Chambers.
Mr May believes the changes would make the room more welcoming and practical.
"Since chairing my first meeting of Council under Administration I have felt the refurbished Chambers leave a lot to be desired,
“In my opinion the room creates a distinct divide between Council and the community,"Mr. May said.
The work would involve removing the podium, changing the levels within the room and reconfiguring the communication and information hardware
This would cost around $40,000.
Unless contrary views are received by the end of December, Mr. May will be instructing Council to undertake the changes in time for the first meeting of next year.
The Kings School Tudor House is welcoming on board its new Head.
Adam Larby was previously based at Shore’s North Sydney Preparatory School where he served as Deputy Head for six years
He joins the Tudor House residency with his wife Lyndel and their four children.
The school said Mr. Larby is looking forward to optimising Tudor House’s 169-acre campus, with initiatives such as the redevelopment of the mountain bike track and further use of the beehives.
Tudor House is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
The owners of the old Central Hotel in Moss Vale have submitted an application for a liquor licence through the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority.
Wingecarribee Council is currently reviewing development consents and will be working with all relevant parties to progress the application.
The hotel has been closed since 2013 and a development application to build a supermarket was knocked back.
Brigid Kennedy from the Moss Vale Rural and Chamber of Commerce believes it will add some vitality to that section of town.
"I don't know the owners well, but I'm hoping they will do a beautiful job of resurrecting, a lovely historical part of Moss Vale, that has been a blot on the landscape for far too long,"Ms. Kennedy said.
Australians have returned over 36 million kilograms of unwanted paint and packaging to the National Paint Recovery scheme since it was established six years ago.
Across the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands more than 254 thousand kilograms of unwanted paint has been collected.
The successful Paintback scheme receives unwanted oil and water based paint and paint packaging at over 165 permanent Australian collection sites and ensures it is disposed of safely or repurposed for other industrial uses.
The packaging and liquid are separated with the containers being recycled, subject to contamination.
The solvent paint can then be converted into an alternative fuel source replacing coal.
Water is separated from acrylic paint with the by-product used in a variety of industrial applications significantly reducing landfill and the reclaimed water is used by other industries which reduces the reliance on mains water.
In the Shoalhaven alone, Paintback has collected 165 thousand 868 kilograms from the permanent sites and special one off events.
Paintback has collected 88 thousand 354 kilograms from the Wingecarribee Resource recovery Centre and special one off events.
This significantly reduces landfill and ensures the unwanted paint doesn’t end up in our waterways.
You can dispose of your unwanted paint at these permanent sites:
There was plenty of feeling at a recent community engagement session regarding a proposal to build a large plastic recycling facility on Beaconsfield Road in Moss Vale.
Around 200 people attended the meeting at the Moss Vale Services Club.
Residents claim they had to write their questions out beforehand and then representatives from Plasrefine chose which ones they wanted to answer.
Local resident David Baxter said they have a number of concerns which need to be addressed.
"Mostly about the pollution that it could cause and water issues,
"The traffic is probably the biggest concern,"Mr. Baxter said.
Population forecasts show the Wingecarribee Shire’s population will increase to just over 65,275 residents by 2041.
That represents an increase of about 1.1 per cent per annum.
The revised population forecasts represent a significant increase compared to the State Government’s 2019 projections.
Moss Vale is expected to experience the largest growth with approximately 4,550 new residents.
Ms. Miscamble said numerous factors were responsible for the forecast growth.
“There are a range of issues that are driving population growth in the Shire,
“Families and older people seeking to escape growing population pressures in Sydney and people moving to the regions in the wake of COVID- 19 are definitely factors.” Ms. Miscamble said.
Travel from Sydney to regional parts of New South Wales will go ahead once the state reaches 80-percent covid vaccination.
That will likely be around the start of November and will mean the Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival will go ahead.
It's scheduled to take place at the Moss Vale Showground on November 27 and 28.
However Food and Wine Association President Jean Marie Simart is still concerned about businesses being responsible for checking if people are fully vaccinated.
"I think there will be a lot of problems and I don't think businesses are properly equipped to deal with it," he said.
The Southern Regional Planning Panel has approved Ashbourne's stage one development at Moss Vale for 176 lots.
The developer Aoyuan contacted all of the purchasers yesterday about the news and further updates will be provided in coming weeks about time frame and construction.
Development Manager Angela Villate said the project has been a long time in the making.
"It's a long awaited approval,
"We've worked really hard in collaboration with all the authorities including Wingecarribee Council and NSW Department of Planning and Environment,
"We are very happy with the result and believe it's going to be a good project for the community,"Ms. Villate said.
Wingecarribee Council has accepted a tender for detailed designs to be prepared for Stage one of the Moss Vale Bypass.
The work will be carried out by MU Group Pty Ltd at a cost of $1.56 million dollars and should be completed by June 2023.
Council's General Manager Lisa Miscamble has spoken about the importance of the project for the region
“A Bypass for Moss Vale has the potential to deliver enormous transport benefits to the Southern Highlands and provide a significant stimulus to the local economy,”she said.
Authorities can't say at this stage how long it will be before passenger rail services will resume from Moss Vale after a freight train derailed this morning.
The train jumped the tracks and took out a line of fencing.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation is currently on scene
As a result of the derailment, no trains are running on the Southern Highlands Line between Moss Vale and Campbelltown.
Passengers are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time, listen to announcements and check information displays for service updates.