BY JARROD MELMETH
Australian Defence Force personnel will join Newcastle Police officers from Wednesday as part of its COVID-19 welfare and compliance operations.
50 ADF personnel have been deployed to the region to conduct compliance checks of stay-at-home and self isolation orders as well as welfare doorknocks.
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing says he welcomes the arrival of troops in regional towns.
“The NSW Police Force has a long history of co-operation with the ADF and they have provided vital assistance over the past 18 months.
“First and foremost, the troops are there to support the community alongside police. Among other tasks, you will see them delivering hampers and checking on the welfare of our most vulnerable people.
“I want to thank them for their help and again appeal to everyone across our regions to stay at home as much as possible – please do everything you can to help us stop the spread,” DC Willing said.
Further deployments are expected by the end of the week.