The Port Stephens Local Area Command, of which we are all a part of, has experienced a horrendous year for serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents.

Many of which I have unfortunately had the need to attend.

Contacting and informing family members that their loved ones won’t be home tonight is a terribly hard thing to do and they do not get easier with practice.

The above stories are true stories and only a small snippet of what has occurred recently in our local area.

All involved motor vehicles, some involved terribly drunk drivers, some included drivers that were not even licensed to be on the road.

ALL included the roads that you all use daily.

In this very special time of the year, I appeal to all of you to please take care and enjoy a very special and Merry Christmas and welcome a new 2017 in style.

This is my eighth Christmas at Tea Gardens Police Station and Rob’s first.

It is also Trent’s second at Karuah.

Weather permitting we are expecting it to be a busy time as the area fills with holiday makers.

We are all very honoured to work at Tea Gardens and Karuah and we sincerely wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.

By Senior Constable David COYLE