Albury / Wodonga Area Crime Whinge & Whine

19/12/2024

Financial abuse is often hard to spot — but it’s more common than you think. Thankfully, Australian banks like BankVic are stepping up with advanced security and staff training to protect victims and create safer financial futures.

Read more: https://bit.ly/tackle-financial-abuse

18/12/2024

Rent increases are now limited to once every 12 months for all rental agreements, no matter your lease type. Rent also cannot be increased in the first 12 months of your tenancy.

This means that all renters in NSW are covered by the same rules. An exception applies for some fixed-term agreements that started before 31 October 2024 and already include valid terms for rent increases. For those leases, current terms will still apply until the lease ends.

Agents and landlords cannot increase the rent within 12 months of the last increase. If the agent or landlord does this you should contact Fair Trading here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/complaints-and-enquiries/housing-and-property/tenancy-landlord-and-agent

18/12/2024

PRISON HOPELESSNESS - DRUGS SUMMIT

Premier Chris Minns agreed that using computer tablets in cells to provide external counselling and education was “a good idea,” to lessen prisoner hopelessness driving drug use. Reports of 80% of prisoners using drugs shocked the Summit.

Prisoner access to harm minimisation with fresh needles and syringes was also recommended, responding to the 3000% rate of Hepatitis C infection compared to the general population.

Read the full report here: https://justiceaction.org.au/elementor-9108/

18/12/2024

Double demerits are in place from 20 December until 1 January 🚗

Remember to:
- stay under the speed limit
- wear a seatbelt
- avoid picking up your mobile
- wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

17/12/2024

This holiday season the Fair Work Ombudsman and members of the Fast Food, Restaurants and Cafés Reference Group including Australian Industry Group, Australian Hotels Association, Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association, Restaurant & Catering Association, SDA - the Union for Workers in Retail, Fast Food & Warehousing and United Workers Union want to ensure that all employers and employees understand one simple message:

If an employee’s required to be at work, they must be paid for that time.

This means:
• If an employee is required to come in before a shift start to get the premises ready – they must be paid.
• If an employee is asked to stay back after close to cash up and clean – they must be paid.
• If an employee has been asked to come in on a day off for a meeting – they must be paid.

You can find everything you need to understand your workplace rights and obligations in the fast food, restaurant and café industries here: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/fast-food-restaurants-cafes

17/12/2024

It's a sign of the times as more household names disappear from our shelves and stores close nationwide.

The latest victim, Mosaic Brands, is set to close 160 stores across Australia, including dozens of Millers, Rivers and Noni B shops - while the Katies brand will be axed entirely.

FULL STORY at 7pm.

17/12/2024

17/12/2024

Victoria Police has teamed up with support services to encourage anyone to seek help if they are concerned about family violence this festive season.

While Christmas is a time to get together and celebrate, we know it’s not always the case for some families.

Crime Statistics Agency figures show during December last year, there was an average of 279 family violence incidents per day across the state.

On Christmas Day alone, 372 family violence incidents were recorded.

Assistant Commissioner of the Family Violence Command Lauren Callaway is encouraging Victorians to “come together and look out for signs of family violence, so that we can keep everyone safe.”

If you or someone close to you discloses they are a victim of family violence, please believe them, and encourage them to contact police or a specialist support service.

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria’s statewide 24/7 crisis support service for anyone experiencing family violence – call 1800 015 188 or use their Web Chat available weekdays between 9am to midnight by visiting safesteps.org.au/webchat

No to Violence runs the Men’s Referral Service which helps men who use violence change their behaviour. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour, call 1300 766 491.

Safe and Equal provide policy and advocacy expertise, resources and training for organisations and professionals working to end family violence – visit safeandequal.org.au for more.

17/12/2024

Ba dum tss 🥁

17/12/2024

Wondering when double demerits kick in for Christmas and the New Year? 🚗

It's the season for celebrating, and for many that means racking up the kilometres between family parties and festive get-togethers.

Here's a state-by-state guide of the dates to watch out for ➡️ https://nine.social/SBQ