www.awnw.com.au
Issue #267 – Wednesday, 4 February, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Lifesaving hub Noreuil Park may be a far cry from the glitz of Bondi Rescue, but that hasn’t stopped its grassy banks turning into a lifesaving hub. SEE HOW THEY’RE HELPING MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON PAGE 3
Arson crackdown By ERIN SOMERVILLE BORDER residents are being encouraged to dob in a firebug this summer as local action ramps up to tackle the growing arson problem. Up to 50 offences of arson have been committed in the North East in the past financial year, while a further 89 fires have been attributed to reckless behaviour. Police and firefighters have had enough of the needless stress reckless fires are putting on their resources, while also endangering property and even lives. “It’s very frustrating, especially this time of year,” Wodonga CFA Station Officer Andrew Schulz said. He emphasised many of the volunteers who attend these recklessly lit fires are also taking time out of their jobs and livelihoods. Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers are now leading the charge across the state to help extinguish arson activity. The Crime Stoppers Bushfire Arson campaign that was developed in response to the Black Saturday fires in 2009 seeks support from the community in capturing arsonists, and has seen nearly a 300 per cent rise in
community reports regarding bushfire arson and reckless fires since it started. The confidential system encourages the community to report suspicious activity, which may include seeing unfamiliar cars, camping, grinding and welding, bushwalking, and children playing at areas where bushfires have started. Police are reminding the public that arson and reckless fire activity can carry heavy penalties, including large fines and even jail time. Campers are also being encouraged to take care with fire activity as they head bush this summer to avoid becoming unintentional firebugs. “Three quarters of the fires in national parks are human error or malicious,” Ovens Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Jarrod Hayse said. “(Campers) need to figure out whether they really need a camp fire if camping.” If you think you have information about someone in your community who is deliberately lighting fires or engaging in reckless fire behaviour call Crime Stopper on 1800 333 000, or report securely online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au DELP Ovens Jarrod Hayse, Wodonga firefighter Andrew Schulz, Crime Stoppers Community manager Victoria Peter Brown and Victoria Police Inspector Haydn Downes tackle the burning issue. 134017 Pictuer: ERIN SOMERVILLE
Imogen Rolfe at her first day at pre-school for the term. 133891
Some brushing up on the first day FOR many children on the Border, starting school for 2015 was a nervous, exciting, and down-right tiring experience. Many new-starters were focused on making friends and learning how
to deal without parents just as much as learning how to read and write. As school doors opened on the Border last week for Term One, the Albury Wodonga News Weekly was there to capture the emotions and excitement
of many young ones starting their first day. Turn to Page 4 to see what young students on the Border loved about their first day of school.
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