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The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Stepping out on a 250km trek to Crescent Head in honour of fallen heroes
IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website. IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website. IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website. IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
From packing his bags to glory days: Morgan out to cap amazing season
At the start of this season, getting the ride on an early favourite in a stakes race in town would have been a major moment for Ash Morgan. But then again, at the start of the season, the Newcastle-based Welshman was thinking about packing his bags and going home to the UK as well. Now a group 1-winning, in-demand jockey in Sydney, Morgan will look to add to his 'incredible' season with a sixth stakes victory when he rides Glory Daze in the listed WJ McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday. All five of Morgan's Australian stakes wins have come this year, after riding Iowna Merc to victory in the listed Canterbury Sprint on New Year's Day. The real turning point, though, came on November 2 when he took Private Harry to his maiden win at Newcastle. The Nathan Doyle-trained colt remains unbeaten in five starts, giving Morgan his biggest wins, in the group 1 Galaxy and $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight, and changing his life in the process. 'It's been incredible,' Morgan said. 'Before Harry won his maiden, I was thinking I might just pack my bags up and go home. Then I won the maiden on him and I thought, no, I better stay a bit longer. 'But there was a time I was thinking that. My daughter is at home, in Ireland, and I'm thinking, what am I doing? 'I was riding plenty of winners, but it wasn't what I wanted to do, but then he won his maiden and there was a reason to stay.'
The Age
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
From packing his bags to glory days: Morgan out to cap amazing season
At the start of this season, getting the ride on an early favourite in a stakes race in town would have been a major moment for Ash Morgan. But then again, at the start of the season, the Newcastle-based Welshman was thinking about packing his bags and going home to the UK as well. Now a group 1-winning, in-demand jockey in Sydney, Morgan will look to add to his 'incredible' season with a sixth stakes victory when he rides Glory Daze in the listed WJ McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday. All five of Morgan's Australian stakes wins have come this year, after riding Iowna Merc to victory in the listed Canterbury Sprint on New Year's Day. The real turning point, though, came on November 2 when he took Private Harry to his maiden win at Newcastle. The Nathan Doyle-trained colt remains unbeaten in five starts, giving Morgan his biggest wins, in the group 1 Galaxy and $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight, and changing his life in the process. 'It's been incredible,' Morgan said. 'Before Harry won his maiden, I was thinking I might just pack my bags up and go home. Then I won the maiden on him and I thought, no, I better stay a bit longer. 'But there was a time I was thinking that. My daughter is at home, in Ireland, and I'm thinking, what am I doing? 'I was riding plenty of winners, but it wasn't what I wanted to do, but then he won his maiden and there was a reason to stay.'
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Heartbreaking': Rise in HIV cases revives nightmares of the Grim Reaper
A rise in HIV cases in the Hunter New England health district has sparked calls for more support for those living with the virus. Newcastle's Serena Jacobs said those affected "need to know they are not alone and there is support". The Hunter New England Health district recorded 20 cases of HIV in 2024, rising from 12 and four cases in the previous two years respectively. The highest number of cases in the district in recent years was in 2014 (27) and 2019 (23). Of newly diagnosed HIV patients in NSW in 2024, 69 per cent were "men who have sex with men", 25 per cent were heterosexual and 3 per cent were injecting drug users. Ms Jacobs said people living with HIV with access to treatment "can achieve undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus". Over the past year, Ms Jacobs led a revival of Karumah Incorporated, a NSW Health-funded organisation that supports people living with and affected by HIV. Originally established in 1989, Karumah became a sanctuary. Ms Jacobs said it was a "period marked by widespread fear and misinformation, much of it ignited by the Grim Reaper campaign of the 1980s". The Newcastle-based not-for-profit - a small, peer-led organisation - aims to expand to meet demand. "Our strength lies in our members. They are the heart and soul of what we do," Ms Jacobs said. "They inspire me. Their lived experience drives our mission. "While they're always ready to support others, we are experiencing a backlog for essential services." Karumah offers case management and peer support. "We collaborate with other services, but it's not enough," she said. Additional programs such as in-person counselling and HIV education were needed. "There is a noticeable gap in programs tailored to key groups, including heterosexual individuals and women living with HIV," she said. "But with only two paid staff, and rising operational costs, it's near impossible to provide these." Karumah is seeking financial sponsorship. As well as being the organisation's director, Ms Jacobs works as a case manager. "It's a lot of work and it's ongoing. I am lucky that Ashlee Rhodes, our other case manager, is just as committed as I am. "We do a lot of voluntary hours." Ms Jacobs said stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV continued. "Misinformation and fear surrounding HIV remains. Many survivors of the virus still encounter cruel and degrading treatment," she said. "Their stories are heartbreaking." She said healthcare industry workers should have "access to up-to-date HIV education to prevent discrimination and protect patient confidentiality". "Our youth need clear, sexual health education delivered in ways they relate to. "They lack understanding of HIV. Many don't know what it is." She said no one should be relaxed about getting the virus, but those living with it "can live long healthy lives". Antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus, but "cause other potential health complications". "HIV is a lifelong condition," she said. When people are first diagnosed, the shock is often severe. Ms Jacobs has witnessed many people's mental health rapidly decline after being diagnosed. "Being diagnosed with HIV has lasting impacts on an individual's mental health," she said. A rise in HIV cases in the Hunter New England health district has sparked calls for more support for those living with the virus. Newcastle's Serena Jacobs said those affected "need to know they are not alone and there is support". The Hunter New England Health district recorded 20 cases of HIV in 2024, rising from 12 and four cases in the previous two years respectively. The highest number of cases in the district in recent years was in 2014 (27) and 2019 (23). Of newly diagnosed HIV patients in NSW in 2024, 69 per cent were "men who have sex with men", 25 per cent were heterosexual and 3 per cent were injecting drug users. Ms Jacobs said people living with HIV with access to treatment "can achieve undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus". Over the past year, Ms Jacobs led a revival of Karumah Incorporated, a NSW Health-funded organisation that supports people living with and affected by HIV. Originally established in 1989, Karumah became a sanctuary. Ms Jacobs said it was a "period marked by widespread fear and misinformation, much of it ignited by the Grim Reaper campaign of the 1980s". The Newcastle-based not-for-profit - a small, peer-led organisation - aims to expand to meet demand. "Our strength lies in our members. They are the heart and soul of what we do," Ms Jacobs said. "They inspire me. Their lived experience drives our mission. "While they're always ready to support others, we are experiencing a backlog for essential services." Karumah offers case management and peer support. "We collaborate with other services, but it's not enough," she said. Additional programs such as in-person counselling and HIV education were needed. "There is a noticeable gap in programs tailored to key groups, including heterosexual individuals and women living with HIV," she said. "But with only two paid staff, and rising operational costs, it's near impossible to provide these." Karumah is seeking financial sponsorship. As well as being the organisation's director, Ms Jacobs works as a case manager. "It's a lot of work and it's ongoing. I am lucky that Ashlee Rhodes, our other case manager, is just as committed as I am. "We do a lot of voluntary hours." Ms Jacobs said stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV continued. "Misinformation and fear surrounding HIV remains. Many survivors of the virus still encounter cruel and degrading treatment," she said. "Their stories are heartbreaking." She said healthcare industry workers should have "access to up-to-date HIV education to prevent discrimination and protect patient confidentiality". "Our youth need clear, sexual health education delivered in ways they relate to. "They lack understanding of HIV. Many don't know what it is." She said no one should be relaxed about getting the virus, but those living with it "can live long healthy lives". Antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus, but "cause other potential health complications". "HIV is a lifelong condition," she said. When people are first diagnosed, the shock is often severe. Ms Jacobs has witnessed many people's mental health rapidly decline after being diagnosed. "Being diagnosed with HIV has lasting impacts on an individual's mental health," she said. A rise in HIV cases in the Hunter New England health district has sparked calls for more support for those living with the virus. Newcastle's Serena Jacobs said those affected "need to know they are not alone and there is support". The Hunter New England Health district recorded 20 cases of HIV in 2024, rising from 12 and four cases in the previous two years respectively. The highest number of cases in the district in recent years was in 2014 (27) and 2019 (23). Of newly diagnosed HIV patients in NSW in 2024, 69 per cent were "men who have sex with men", 25 per cent were heterosexual and 3 per cent were injecting drug users. Ms Jacobs said people living with HIV with access to treatment "can achieve undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus". Over the past year, Ms Jacobs led a revival of Karumah Incorporated, a NSW Health-funded organisation that supports people living with and affected by HIV. Originally established in 1989, Karumah became a sanctuary. Ms Jacobs said it was a "period marked by widespread fear and misinformation, much of it ignited by the Grim Reaper campaign of the 1980s". The Newcastle-based not-for-profit - a small, peer-led organisation - aims to expand to meet demand. "Our strength lies in our members. They are the heart and soul of what we do," Ms Jacobs said. "They inspire me. Their lived experience drives our mission. "While they're always ready to support others, we are experiencing a backlog for essential services." Karumah offers case management and peer support. "We collaborate with other services, but it's not enough," she said. Additional programs such as in-person counselling and HIV education were needed. "There is a noticeable gap in programs tailored to key groups, including heterosexual individuals and women living with HIV," she said. "But with only two paid staff, and rising operational costs, it's near impossible to provide these." Karumah is seeking financial sponsorship. As well as being the organisation's director, Ms Jacobs works as a case manager. "It's a lot of work and it's ongoing. I am lucky that Ashlee Rhodes, our other case manager, is just as committed as I am. "We do a lot of voluntary hours." Ms Jacobs said stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV continued. "Misinformation and fear surrounding HIV remains. Many survivors of the virus still encounter cruel and degrading treatment," she said. "Their stories are heartbreaking." She said healthcare industry workers should have "access to up-to-date HIV education to prevent discrimination and protect patient confidentiality". "Our youth need clear, sexual health education delivered in ways they relate to. "They lack understanding of HIV. Many don't know what it is." She said no one should be relaxed about getting the virus, but those living with it "can live long healthy lives". Antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus, but "cause other potential health complications". "HIV is a lifelong condition," she said. When people are first diagnosed, the shock is often severe. Ms Jacobs has witnessed many people's mental health rapidly decline after being diagnosed. "Being diagnosed with HIV has lasting impacts on an individual's mental health," she said. A rise in HIV cases in the Hunter New England health district has sparked calls for more support for those living with the virus. Newcastle's Serena Jacobs said those affected "need to know they are not alone and there is support". The Hunter New England Health district recorded 20 cases of HIV in 2024, rising from 12 and four cases in the previous two years respectively. The highest number of cases in the district in recent years was in 2014 (27) and 2019 (23). Of newly diagnosed HIV patients in NSW in 2024, 69 per cent were "men who have sex with men", 25 per cent were heterosexual and 3 per cent were injecting drug users. Ms Jacobs said people living with HIV with access to treatment "can achieve undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus". Over the past year, Ms Jacobs led a revival of Karumah Incorporated, a NSW Health-funded organisation that supports people living with and affected by HIV. Originally established in 1989, Karumah became a sanctuary. Ms Jacobs said it was a "period marked by widespread fear and misinformation, much of it ignited by the Grim Reaper campaign of the 1980s". The Newcastle-based not-for-profit - a small, peer-led organisation - aims to expand to meet demand. "Our strength lies in our members. They are the heart and soul of what we do," Ms Jacobs said. "They inspire me. Their lived experience drives our mission. "While they're always ready to support others, we are experiencing a backlog for essential services." Karumah offers case management and peer support. "We collaborate with other services, but it's not enough," she said. Additional programs such as in-person counselling and HIV education were needed. "There is a noticeable gap in programs tailored to key groups, including heterosexual individuals and women living with HIV," she said. "But with only two paid staff, and rising operational costs, it's near impossible to provide these." Karumah is seeking financial sponsorship. As well as being the organisation's director, Ms Jacobs works as a case manager. "It's a lot of work and it's ongoing. I am lucky that Ashlee Rhodes, our other case manager, is just as committed as I am. "We do a lot of voluntary hours." Ms Jacobs said stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV continued. "Misinformation and fear surrounding HIV remains. Many survivors of the virus still encounter cruel and degrading treatment," she said. "Their stories are heartbreaking." She said healthcare industry workers should have "access to up-to-date HIV education to prevent discrimination and protect patient confidentiality". "Our youth need clear, sexual health education delivered in ways they relate to. "They lack understanding of HIV. Many don't know what it is." She said no one should be relaxed about getting the virus, but those living with it "can live long healthy lives". Antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus, but "cause other potential health complications". "HIV is a lifelong condition," she said. When people are first diagnosed, the shock is often severe. Ms Jacobs has witnessed many people's mental health rapidly decline after being diagnosed. "Being diagnosed with HIV has lasting impacts on an individual's mental health," she said.
North Wales Live
16-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Lorry depot that can't house trucks a 'stain' on North Wales council's reputation
A Mochdre HGV depot that has cost taxpayers £240K a year for nine years has been branded a stain on the local authority. Conwy took on the contract for the purpose-built Mochdre 'shed' in May 2016, meaning the authority has spent around £2.2 million on rent and counting – despite never being able to use the building for its intended use. The depot's floor is unsuitable to sufficiently accommodate HGVs, yet the council is locked into the 35-year lease until 2031 – when the agreement can be broken. An independent, external review found that there were process failings in the way the council took on the lease at Mochdre Commerce Park, which was presented to a special meeting in March 2019. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. But despite the huge cost to taxpayers, a Conwy County Council spokesperson said it was unable to comment on the matter: 'The council is not able to comment on a matter that is the subject of ongoing litigation.' Counicllor Phil Ashe, the Colwyn Bay Town councillor for Dinerth, a ward bordering the site, urged the council to be transparent with taxpayers. 'The Mochdre shed is a stain on the county of Conwy,' he said. 'The local authority has made many mistakes over the years that have cost the county millions, and that is why it is in the mess it is in. Mochdre is a prime example. They've wasted thousands of pounds a month, millions of pounds for something we've never been able to use, and the lack of transparency from the local authority is awful. 'The taxpayers are funding this, and they haven't got the nerve to come out and explain what is going on. They keep hiding behind the legal case when in reality people have made mistakes and need to be held to account.' Should Conwy continue to honour the rent payments until 2031, the total expenditure on the depot would reach around £3.6m. Conwy has increased council tax by around 30% in three years while slashing services. Initially leased from Conygar Investment Company PLC, R.R Sea Strand Limited now serves as the landlords. The facility was used for storing pandemic-related equipment and even prepared as an emergency temporary morgue during the height of the COVID crisis but has been largely left unused. An independent report with Newcastle-based DWF LLP was commissioned by Conwy in 2021. The report was initially not made public but was eventually released following an FOI request, documenting a "lack of leadership, ignored or misunderstood policies, and a lack of accountability". Reflecting on the debacle, Conwy's then-chief executive, Iwan Davies, described the decision to lease the unusable building as "highly regrettable," while Cllr Anne McCaffrey labelled it "a shaming catalogue of errors."
