Category: Newcastle News

Raptor Squad officers have charged a man in Newcastle following an investigation into an alleged armed affray last month.

About 4.40pm on Saturday 2 March 2024, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were called to an address in Cranbrook following reports a man had been threatened with a knife.

Witnesses told police two men had been involved in an altercation, during which one man lunged at the other with a large kitchen knife before fleeing the scene.

Local police commenced initial inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad.

Following extensive inquiries, about 11.40am today (Monday 8 April 2024), a 25-year-old man was arrested in Bar Beach, Newcastle.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with use offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, use knife in public place – cause person to fear for safety, and affray.

The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow Tuesday 9 April 2024.

Raptor Squad officers have arrested a man in Newcastle following an investigation into an alleged armed affray last month.

About 4.40pm on Saturday 2 March 2024, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were called to an address in Cranbrook following reports a man had been threatened with a knife.

Witnesses told police two men had been involved in an altercation, during which one man lunged at the other with a large kitchen knife before fleeing the scene.

Local police commenced initial inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad.

Following extensive inquiries, about 11.40am today (Monday 8 April 2024), a 25-year-old man was arrested in Bar Beach, Newcastle.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he is expected to be charged with use offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, use knife in public place – cause person to fear for safety, and affray.

Inquiries are ongoing.

With a month of the season remaining, City of Newcastle’s (CN’s) inland pools have already experienced their busiest summer in almost 30 years, attracting more than 410,000 visitors.

The total, which is a 33 per cent increase compared to the same time last season, comes just one year after BlueFit began operating all five of Newcastle’s swimming centres and is the highest annual visitation since the 1997/98 season.

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre

Further cementing their popularity, customer satisfaction surveys conducted throughout the season by BlueFit found that 88 per cent of respondents are likely to continue using CN’s inland pools in the future.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN has prioritised investment in the city’s much loved community facilities to ensure they are inclusive and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

“We know visitor numbers were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these statistics prove our pools are more popular than ever,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our five inland pools hosted 91 special events and carnivals across the summer, as well as six major events including the Australian Water Polo League Games, Diving NSW Country Championships and NSW Underwater Hockey championships.

“We’re committed to maintaining and investing in our network of inland swimming centres to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of the community.

“It’s part of our ‘Inland Pools Strategy 2043’ which includes accessibility upgrades and redeveloped changeroom facilities.”

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre enjoyed a meteoric rise with almost 48 per cent more people choosing to cool off at the facility compared to the previous year.

CN’s first inland pool received its new $2.2 million grandstand just in time for Christmas to help accommodate more than 26,000 extra visitors across January, February and March.

BlueFit’s customer survey revealed that 95 per cent of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the new grandstand, which now includes much-needed storage space and upgraded accessibility.

CN’s decision to relocate temporary tiered seating from Lambton to Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend during the winter of 2023 was well received, with new shade covers providing extra protection for visitors, schools, sporting groups and spectators.

Swimmers at Wallsend took full advantage with the centre receiving more than 11,000 extra visits by the end of March compared to last summer.

Ninety per cent of surveyed customers were impressed with the centre’s new accessible changeroom, which was completed in November as part of CN’s 20-year Inland Pools Strategy.

All five of CN’s swimming centres now provide accessible amenities, ensuring a more inclusive swimming experience for all members of the community.

The seating and shade were also welcome additions at Stockton Pool, which has already had 8,000 more visits than the entire 2022/23 season.

Mayfield Pool enjoyed a 24 per cent boost in swimmers until the end of March, with the customer survey showing a 97 per cent approval of its upgraded family changeroom.

December proved a peak month for Beresfield Swimming Centre, which received more than double the number of visitors compared to the same time last season, who were also able to enjoy a new playground, shade sail and picnic tables.

CN’s investment will continue this year with the installation of new heat pumps at Mayfield and Wallsend Pools.

City of Newcastle (CN) is investigating the development of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at its Summerhill Waste Management Centre to cater for waste collected from both its kerbside pickup service as well as from construction and demolition sites. 

The Inert MRF will significantly increase the amount of waste the region can divert from landfill, with the majority of bulk waste dropped off by the public or picked up in scheduled kerbside collections, as well as the inert Commercial & Industrial and Construction & Demolition waste streams, able to be considered for recycling. 

CN Managing Director Waste Services Michael Allaway said CN was continuing to explore a range of sustainable solutions for managing waste in the region. 

“We’re exploring all options to deliver responsible, environmentally sustainable, and commercially feasible waste and recycling operations to manage our current and future waste streams,” Mr Allaway said. 

“The establishment of an Inert MRF will divert a significant amount of waste from being disposed of in landfill at Summerhill. 

“We’re also continuing to progress approvals for a recyclables MRF as an option to process the recyclables from residents’ yellow-lid bins at Summerhill. 

“A development application is currently being assessed by the NSW Government’s Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, who are expected to hand down their determination mid-year.”  

Recycling from Newcastle residents’ yellow-lid bins is currently taken to the Summerhill Waste Management Centre before being transferred to iQ Renew’s processing facility on the Central Coast. 

The arrangement was established following the sudden closure of the only Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the Hunter in 2020, which was at the time sorting recyclables for the majority of all local councils.  

Mr Allaway said it was an appropriate point in time to test the market in this space, with CN now calling for tenders for a long-term recyclables processing contract. 

“With the current recyclables processing contract due to expire towards the end of this year, we’re moving forward with a tender process,” he said. 

“This will allow us to assess the potential to secure an arrangement that provides certainty around cost, resource recovery and commodity market exposures. 

“We also have the option to extend our current contract with iQ Renew for another 12 months should that prove more favourable.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Ryan Daley, aged 40, was last seen between at the Braxton Hotel about 5pm on wed 3rd April 2024.

Unable to be located or contacted since, Ryan was reported missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

Ryan is described as of Caucasian appearance, about 198cm tall, of solid build, with brown eyes, brown hair in a ponytail, a beard and tattoos on both arms.

Police believe Ryan may be driving a white 2011 Mazda 6 station wagon with NSW registration ‘BVD25R.

Anyone with information in relation to Ryan’s whereabout is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing girl from the Newcastle area.

Pheobe D’Arcy, aged 12, was last seen on Christo Road, Waratah, about 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 2 April 2024).

Unable to be located since, family reported her missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Pheobe’s welfare due to her age.

Pheobe is described as being of Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander appearance, of slim build, about 145-150cm tall, with shoulder length black hair. She was last seen wearing an oversized black hooded jumper, navy tracksuit pants and yellow shoes.

She is known to utilise public transport and frequent the Jesmond and Waratah areas.

Anyone with information into Pheobe’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has died after an ATV rolled in the Lake Macquarie area.

About 7pm yesterday (Sunday 31 March 2024), emergency services were called to a fire trail on Crown Land in Cooranbong, following reports a two-seater ATV had crashed.

The passenger – a 35-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

The driver a – 30-year-old man – was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene which was forensically examined by specialist police form the Crash Investigation Unit.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Inquiries are ongoing.

Newcastle’s reputation as an arts and cultural destination continues to grow thanks to an array of significant public art projects bringing colour to the city’s streets.

City of Newcastle’s (CN) Public Art Reference Group (PARG) considered six public art proposals relating to major private developments in Newcastle West and Adamstown during the past 12 months. An example of work approved by PARG is the Awabakal-inspired artworks on a recently constructed prominent commercial building on Hunter Street.

Councillor and PARG Chair Carol Duncan with PARG member Nikolas Orr in front of Fintan Magee’s mural in Civic Lane, Newcastle.

The projects were included in PARG’s 2023 Annual Report tabled at this week’s Council meeting, which also highlighted a range of community art proposals, CN related works and festivals partially funded by CN’s Special Business Rates program.

The proposals included murals, statues, video art, temporary artworks, chalk art, sculptures and suspended artwork.

Councillor Carol Duncan, who Chairs the group, said the last 12 months had seen major growth for both Newcastle’s public art collection and Newcastle’s reputation as a city that embraces the arts.

“Newcastle’s dynamic landscape has literally become a diverse and brightly coloured canvas for public art,” Cr Duncan said.
 
 “The public art panel have continued to come together to consult on all aspects of Newcastle’s public art, from advising on the commissioning of new proposals associated with large developments in the city, to supporting community murals. 

“The much-loved Paul McCartney mural by local artist Mitch Revs has been one such project that has brought colour and vibrancy to a prominent location in the city in 2023.”

PARG acts as an advisory committee to CN, providing guidance and advice to developers, artists, curators, CN staff and the community regarding public art in the private and public domain. 

The group also worked with applicants and artists to ensure proposed artworks were inclusive, culturally appropriate and added value to the city.

Its membership includes three Councillors and external community members specialising in art, design and heritage, as well as local Indigenous cultural representatives.

PARG panel member Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said the calibre of public art in Newcastle is of the highest standard.
 
“Newcastle boasts a proud public art scene which is not surprising when you consider that this city is home to the highest concentration of artists in Australia,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Our public art consultation and approval process at City of Newcastle, reflected by the incredible art that adorns our city streets, has become the goal of many other local governments. 

“Public art does not just beautify our city scapes; its positive effect on the entire community sparks connection and proves that art does not just belong inside a gallery.”

Fellow PARG member, Cr John Mackenzie, said the panel has continued to raise the bar on public art in Newcastle.

“Our role has always been to help businesses incorporate relevant artworks that are reflective of Newcastle’s culture and heritage,” Cr Mackenzie said.

“We also provide opportunities for local artists to work and connect with appropriate projects that ultimately leads to creative visual artworks that both residents and visitors enjoy.

“The addition of local artists and creatives who joined the group in 2022 have added a wealth of expertise to our decision-making that has further enhanced our processes and outcomes for public art in Newcastle.”

A man has appeared in court charged with murder after the death of a man at Lake Macquarie yesterday.

Just before 4.30pm yesterday (Friday 29 March 2024), emergency services were called to a home on Kankool Way, Windale, following reports of an assault.

Prior to their arrival, a 40-year-old man suffering stab wounds to his chest was driven to Belmont Hospital.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and established a crime scene. Police were told the man was allegedly stabbed during a physical altercation in which a knife was produced.

As part of inquiries, police arrested a 21-year-old man on Cherry Street, Windale, just before 5pm.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Clent.

The injured man was transferred to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery; however, police were later notified that the man had died.

The younger man was subsequently charged with murder.

He appeared at Newcastle Local Court today (30 March 2024), where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Wednesday 3 April 2024.

Newcastle’s Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) has tested the city’s preparedness for a major emergency while also familiarising themselves with City of Newcastle’s purpose-built emergency operations centre (EOC).

Conducted by NSW Police, the annual LEMC training simulation was attended by a variety of emergency service organisations including the SES, Fire and Rescue and NSW Ambulance, as well as utility providers such as Hunter Water, Telstra and Ausgrid.

Lake Macquarie Police Acting Superintendent Lisa Jones, City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke, Fire and Rescue Superintendent Garry Tye, Newcastle Police Superintendent Kylie Endemi and NSW SES Superintendent Ian Robinson attend the annual Local Emergency Management Committee training simulation at City of Newcastle’s purpose-built emergency operations centre.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was vital for the city to be ready for any natural disaster or major hazard that can impact our community.

“Newcastle is no stranger to natural disasters having experienced the 1989 earthquake and the Pasha Bulker storm in 2007, so it’s important to be prepared for any emergency scenario,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re committed to working with emergency services to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach in order to provide the best support to our community in an emergency.”

CEO Jeremy Bath said creating the EOC was an important part of City of Newcastle’s move to the Administration Centre on Stewart Avenue in Newcastle West in 2020.

“Our emergency operations centre is the perfect place to conduct these simulations as it provides a fully equipped space for emergency services and welfare agency personnel to manage responses to natural disasters,” Mr Bath said.

“The EOC features screens with live-stream capabilities, a 32-seat room and a commercial kitchen capable of providing meals, all in a central location with access to backup power on site via diesel-powered generators.

“This ensures CN is able to deliver critical business functions if a major incident causes disruption in Newcastle.”

Police Superintendent Kylie Endemi said these types of training exercises are vital to ensuring agencies are always prepared.

“We conduct emergency operations training annually, covering a different crisis each year, from earthquakes to floods and tsunamis,” Supt Endemi said.

“In the face of overwhelming pressure, it’s important for every agency and utility provider to know what resources they have, what they might need and how they can best work within a coordinated response.”

It’s a busy time for the local SES as it prepares to move from its current base at Tighes Hill to a new home at the Steel River Industrial Estate at Mayfield West.

The new premises have been facilitated by CN under the State Emergency Service (SES) Act 1989, which requires Councils to provide accommodation for the SES in its local government area, including suitable training facilities, storage and office accommodation.