Tag Archives: safety
HMAS Stuart Rescues Hostages off Somalia
HMAS Stuart has intercepted a Yemeni-flagged dhow and rescued three crew members who were being held hostage by Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa. The Royal Australian Navy frigate is deployed to the Middle East, conducting maritime security, counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations with the Combined Maritime Forces. The interdiction occurred on the morning of Monday, 11th April 2011, after HMAS Stuart had been monitoring suspected pirate activity in the area for several hours. The Chief Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, said he was very pleased with the way HMAS Stuart’s crew handled a difficult and dangerous mission. “No shots were fired by either HMAS Stuart or the pirates during the interdiction and no threats were made by the pirates to harm the Yemeni crew once they saw the boarding party rapidly secure the dhow,” Lieutenant General Evans said. “Stuart’s boarding party did extremely well in maintaining the safety of the dhow’s crew and ensuring a potentially challenging situation did not escalate.” The Al Shahar 75 was attacked and seized by pirates about 20 days ago. Fifteen Somali pirates surrendered to HMAS Stuart’s boarding party as they approached the Al Shahar 75. During a search of the dhow, the boarding party located 11 AK-47 assault rifles with 16 magazines, a large quantity of small arms ammunition and a Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher with grenade. The weapons were catalogued and then disposed over-board. The unarmed pirates were released in their skiff after being provided with adequate water, food, fuel and communication equipment to make the nearest land-fall off the Somalia coast. The Yemeni vessel was safely escorted from the area by HMAS Stuart. Submitted by: Defence Media Operations Continue reading
Police Advice on Prince William’s Motorcade Sunday 20th March
Public viewing areas and traffic closures for Royal Visit Motorists and visitors to Ipswich, Grantham and Toowoomba on Sunday should expect road closures and delays as the royal motorcade passes through these areas. Police are urging people who wish to see the Royal Motorcade to pay close attention to road closures and designated viewing points. “Motorists and visitors to these areas will need to expect delays and remain patient when travelling on the roads or waiting for traffic to clear,” Superintendent Joe Whyte, Toowoomba District Office said. “Police will close roads in advance of the motorcade, and reopen them once the motorcade has passed to ensure a smooth traffic flow. There are going to be delays and we advise motorists to plan early if they intend to stay for the motorcade.” Police request people attend the public viewing areas to ensure their safety as the motorcade passes. “People who go to what police consider an unsafe area will be moved on,” Superintendent Whyte said “Again we ask that people remain calm and courteous to each other and not step onto the road or place themselves in danger.” “People who wish to view the motorcade should arrive in plenty of time and bring food and water in case there is a long wait.” Road closures will be in place at: Ipswich District There will be altered traffic conditions on Wulkuraka Connection Road, Haggerty’s Avenue, Redhill Road, Harwoods and Clarkes roads from 9am to 1pm. Grantham District William and Victor Street will be closed from 7am. Toowoomba District Changed traffic conditions will be in effect for traffic exiting the Toowoomba Showgrounds between 10am until 8pm. No standing signs will be erected on Glenvale Road at the approach to the showground entrance. Traffic exiting the showgrounds via the main entrance will be permitted to travel straight on Glenvale Road only until the intersection with Boundary Street. Traffic exiting the showgrounds via the car park on Harvey Road will be permitted to turn RIGHT ONLY onto Harvey Road. After this, traffic can disperse via Panorama Drive or join up with the Drayton-Wellcamp Rd which will enable return to Toowoomba via Euston Road. Police will be in positions around the showgrounds and will monitor the flow of traffic. Manual police traffic control may eventuate, dependant on the volume of traffic. Approximate timings and recommended public viewing areas Ipswich District 11am – 11.30am The old Amberley State School – Rosewood Road, Amberley 11.30am-12.30pm Walloon Town Centre – Haigslea Amberley Road, Queens Street and Karrabin-Rosewood Road, Walloon Grantham District 12.45 – 1.45pm Anzac Street, this is the main street leading into Grantham from Gatton. Toowoomba District 1.45 – 2.15pm Warrego Highway, Withcott 2.00 – 2.15pm Intersection of Glenvale and Hampton Roads through to the entrance to the Toowoomba Show Grounds on Glenvale Road Please note there are no safe vantage points in Brisbane. Issued by Police Media Media and Public Affairs Branch www.police.qld.gov.au Continue reading
New Scheme to Keep Vulnerable Community Members Safer
Few experiences are more terrifying for parents than having their child go missing. A new scheme launched by Crime Stoppers in Toowoomba this week aims to avoid those situations by helping vulnerable members of the community reunite with loved ones more quickly and easily. Designed for young children, dependant elderly, and people with disabilities, the Reunite Service will provide needed assistance to those who may be unable to communicate for themselves if lost, hurt or distressed. A secure online registration process allows all crucial identification information to be stored including next of kin contact details, emergency medical information and a current photo. The child or vulnerable adult wears a wristband that has an identification number, and a Reunite contact phone number, which someone who finds that person can ring. Phoning that number allows Crime Stoppers to directly contact next of kin in an emergency, or distribute information directly to police, the Reunite Service will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to reunite separated parties. Darling Downs Crime Stoppers Chair Marcus Osborne was at the Toowoomba launch and spoke of its application in the Toowoomba community. “The Reunite Service will positively contribute to the safety of those most vulnerable on the Downs, and I welcome the initiative,” Mr Osborne said. “It offers peace of mind both for parents and those who have to be responsible for others in the community who may have difficulty if they become lost or disoriented. “This is a great concept that I urge all people across the Downs to consider.” Launching the Reunite Service in Toowoomba are (left) Crime Stoppers CEO Trevor O’Hara and Darling Downs Crime Stoppers Committee chair Marcus Osborne. To register or for more information go to www.reuniteservice.com.au Continue reading
