www.awnw.com.au
Issue #254 – Wednesday, 15 October, 2014
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Testing times AFTER years of hard work, students across the Border are putting their knowledge to the test as the Higher School Certificate Exams kick off this week. The largest, and for some, the most stressful – English – may be done and dusted, but there is still a long way before the stress is all over.
FOR MORE DETAILS, TURN TO PAGE 3
Alarming crashes By ERIN SOMERVILLE POLICE are concerned over the number of motorbike fatalities that occurred in the state over the weekend, with two of the three fatalities happening on Albury Local Area Command roads. The concern comes after a 24-year-old Thurgoona man was killed on Friday after his motorcycle collided with a car near Albury on Sunday. Just before 7pm, the local man who has been identified as Andrew Pithers, was riding along Thurgoons Drive when he ran into the rear of a Holden sedan. He was treated by paramedics, but was pronounced dead at Albury Base Hospital. The 75-year-old male driver of the Holden was not injured in the crash, but was also taken to Albury Base Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing. The crash came only a day before another 24-year-old man from Wagga was killed in a trail bike crash. Around 2pm Saturday, the man was riding along Perkins Drive in the Bago State Forest, two hours north-east of Holbrook, before leaving the road and hitting a number of trees. Emergency services attended a short time later, however the rider died at the scene. Police from Albury Local Area Command are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further away from the Border, a 38-year-old Bathurst man died at the scene when his Yamaha R1 bike crashed into a tree on the Oxley Highway, while a 28-year-old male rider from West Pymble crashed into a stationary vehicle at Forest Lodge and sustained critical injuries. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said the recent
fatalities involving motorcycle riders should be a concern for all road users. “To see three riders lose their lives on our roads suggests the need for greater awareness by riders and other motorists alike,” he said. “No doubt there are families suffering this morning as a result of these sad events.” Mr Hartley said that with perfect riding conditions in recent days, motorcycle riders needed to take extra care on our roads. “With 44 riders losing their lives on NSW roads so far this year, which is 10 less than this time last year, our aim is to ensure that riders and other motorists are fully aware of the risks on our roads,” Mr Hartley said. Mr Hartley offered some simple advice for riders: Riders should ensure they choose safer helmets and riding gear for better protection, as well as complete regular bike maintenance to keep motorcycles in a safe condition for riding. Riders should maintain a threesecond gap and scan the road ahead to avoid danger, and be aware that speed, alcohol and fatigue can all increase the risk of having a crash. With advances in anti-lock braking systems, riders can improve safety by choosing a motorcycle or scooter that offers the option of ABS. Police are urging anyone with information in relation to the incidents 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. People are reminded they should not report crime information via Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Faye, Stacey and Sienna Thomas-Bottrell with Sonny at Australia’s Cutest Dog contest in Albury this Picture: KATIE HARDMAN weekend. 128838
Charli chow chow takes a bow-bow By ERIN SOMERVILLE A LITTLE bit of puppy fat was definitely not going to hurt any model on the weekend, as dozens of pooches battled it out for a place in the Austra-
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lia’s Cutest Dog final in Albury. From the hairy, to the small, through to all colours of the rainbow, judges had a hard time picking a winner.
While there were dozens of personality and puppy-dog eyed pooches on show, three-month-old chow chow Charli took the crown for the region. To check out the stiff competition and adorable winner, turn to page 10.
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