Children
Broome: Bell on trial for baby murder
A baby’s stepfather is on trial for the child’s abduction, torture, rape and murder.
Police say Mervyn Kenneth Douglas Bell took the 10-month old boy from his mother in Broome in March 2012.
The boy was found dead at the Fortescue River Roadhouse 15 hours later.
He is on trial at the Supreme Court
WAToday [read this story]
Melissa Price on childcare benefit increase
Local member Melissa Price says a lower income family, with one child in full‐time care, could receive up to $264 extra this year.
You can read her statement here:
Broome: Federal police discuss cyber-crime with schoolkids
A Federal Police Commander is visiting Broome today to talk to schoolkids.
According to a statement, topics were to include cyber bullying, sexting, online grooming and social media reputation management.
“Students engaged in open and honest discussion about respecting culture in the digital world and were encouraged to ‘think before you post’,” the statement says.
You can read a media release here:
‘Morbidly obese’ child taken from parents
Child Protection has taken a child away from her home in an east Kimberley Aboriginal Community.
The three year old already has twice the normal weight for her age and doctors say she needs to live near a suitable hospital in Broome, Perth or Kalgoorlie.
A department spokesperson says the family had not followed followed diet, physiotherapy and exercise plans.
She is now in state care in Perth, and the department says it hopes to place her with a relative.
The West Australian [read this story]
Melissa Price on HIPPY funding
Local member Melissa Price says four Durack communities MIGHT receive funding to help parents assist their kids’ schooling.
Ms Price said Broome, Derby (Mowanjum), Fitzroy Crossing (St George Ranges), and Port Hedland (South Hedland) were among 31 sites shortlisted for the next round of funding, which will be reduced to 25 after consultation with each of the shortlisted communities.
Broome: Kids’ sporting goods donated
Broome Shire has received donations of kid’s sporting equipment on behalf of local clubs.
Shire of Broome Club Development Officer, Mike Doyle, said the equipment was donated by members of the community and also sourced from the Fair Game collection centre in Perth.
You can read a media release here:
Royal Commission to hold private sessions
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse reminds readers it is conducting private interview sessions.
“It invites abuse victims to meet with Royal Commission staff in Kununurra or Broome in the week beginning Monday 19 May.”
You can read a media release here: