Stay home or risk a fine

Superintendent Andrew Hurst says that 12 people have been issued with warnings by Bourke police for failing to comply with directives and one man was fined $1,000 for failing to comply with self-isolation requirements. PHOTO TWH

The message from police is loud and clear – if you are thinking of visiting Bourke, Brewarrina or any other remote outback town over Easter, don’t.

Commander of Central North Police District, Superintendent Andrew Hurst has issued a blunt warning to the community – don’t leave home unless you have a valid reason, don’t invite people over for a barbecue or a party and don’t invite people to come to Bourke for a holiday over Easter.

Superintendent Hurst said if you breach the ministerial directives on social gatherings during the pandemic crisis and you’ll face a $1000 fine.

Already, 12 people have been issued with warnings by officers from the Central North Police District for failing to comply with those directives and one man was fined $1,000 for failing to comply with self-isolation requirements.

Police will be out in force over Easter to enforce the directive, and there is strong messaging from the NSW government about travelling to regional areas. Just over a month ago, the call was for people to support regional towns – now the message is, go home and stay home.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.