As a disturbing trend of party gatecrashing engulfs the Shire, residents who are planning and organising parties have been urged by police to send written invitations to guests rather than text messages or emails. Police say that the use of text messages and emails as invitations is easily circulated.
Miranda police crime prevention officer, Leading Senior Constable Tina Davies, said it was not the responsibility of police to provide security at private parties; rather it is the host’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests, which extends beyond their residence.
Leading Senior Constable Davies said that while most partygoers are responsible, police have seen an increasing number of parties spoilt by gatecrashers and people who cause damage in the immediate area. She added parties were a great way for people to relax and enjoy themselves but poor planning could lead to problems.
A few precautions and thorough planning can reduce the risk of issues arising and ensure a good time is had by all. Some key hints and tips for party planners include:
• registering their party with police
• use written invitations rather than relying on text messages and email
• consider hiring licensed security personnel
A free safe party pack is also available from police stations or at www.police.nsw.gov.au.
Protecting the Shire’s Aboriginal rock art
Aboriginal marking and carvings in the Royal National Park have been kept secret for fear of vandalism. Recently, twenty-five people from the Department of Environment and Climate Change trained with Aboriginal community members in site identification and conservation in an effort to learn how to respond to threats against heritage sites including urban development, animals, fire and tourists.
Aboriginal heritage conservation officer, Glen Morris, said hand stencils were painted over an original rock art site at Audley. He said that there are at least 20 cases of Aboriginal heritage site vandalism a month across the Sydney central region. Some of the rock art in the Royal National Park dates back 600 years, while engravings have been dated as being between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.
National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger, Bill Sullivan, said the remnants were those of the Dharawal people, the region’s traditional owners. They also carved the famous whale engravings at Jibbon beach.
“We have no problem with people photographing engravings but some have been damaged by people putting sand over them, highlighting them with rocks and drawing on top of them,” he said.
There are about 2,500 Aboriginal sites within the Royal and Heathcote National Parks. They include middens and burial sites, rock engravings and hatchet-grinding markings.
For more information about Aboriginal rock art and the best place to see examples of hand stencils and carvings, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au | 
