Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing in the Hunter Valley area.
Robert Pagan, aged 45, was last seen leaving a home on Sixth Street, Cessnock, about 12pm today (Wednesday 9 August 2023).
When he was unable to be located or contacted, he was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.
Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall, of solid build, with blonde hair and unshaven.
He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a black bum bag.
Anyone with information into Robert’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Hume Community Housing today announced the purchase of seven villas in East Maitland. The sale represents an important move by the community housing provider to preserve social housing in a region experiencing one of the tightest rental markets in NSW.
The sale was a rare opportunity to purchase a full line of properties centrally located close to shops and amenities. The seven single-level, 2-bedroom attached villas were held by a private owner and head leased to Hume, who managed tenancy of the properties. The villas have provided long-term social housing to local families over many years.
According to Hume’s CEO Brad Braithwaite, the decision to purchase was important in that it would retain desperately needed social housing stock, rather than see the properties lost to the private market.
“We want to help solve the housing crisis by contributing to the supply of affordable rental housing, particularly in the Hunter. Tonight, seven households are sleeping soundly in the knowledge they will retain their tenancies under Hume and will not be adding to the growing line of people waiting to secure a rental they can afford.”
According to a recent Real Estate Institute of NSW’s (REINSW) Vacancy Rate Survey, the Hunter region saw declines in the number of available residential rentals over June with the vacancy rate dropping by 0.3 per cent to 2 per cent. The problem is compounded with an estimated 35.2% of Maitland residents reported as experiencing rental stress. “It is a perfect storm, and with the ongoing cost-of-living pressures more families are approaching organisations like Hume in desperate need of housing support, that’s why every property we can safeguard for social housing matters.’
The villas, built in 1998, are earmarked to undergo a program of repair and maintenance. “These homes, along with another 400 plus homes in the Hunter region that Hume manages, are currently receiving upgrades. Our goal is to provide housing that is safe, secure and that people are proud to call home,” said Braithwaite.
The announcement comes amid National Homelessness Prevention Week 2023 taking place from Monday August 7 to Sunday August 13. The theme for Homelessness Week 2023 is “It’s time to end homelessness”. You can find out more at Homelessness Week – Homelessness Australia.
About Us
Hume is one of the largest providers of community rental housing solutions in Australia. With over 30 years’ experience, we provide homes and services to more than 9,000 customers across NSW. In fact, one in every thousand NSW residents resides in a Hume managed home. We believe a safe, secure, and affordable home is a human right and is the cornerstone to ensuring a prosperous future.
Hume’s comprehensive range of rental housing solutions are targeted to meet the needs of a diverse customer base. With government support Hume provides housing for those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence along with low to moderate income earners. Our rental programs span crisis, temporary and transitional housing, through to community and affordable housing and specialist disability accommodation (SDA).
Hume also builds and develops new properties in conjunction with Government and partners. We are experts in property management and maintenance services and are a trusted partner with proven large scale property transfers and muti-story residential and precinct developments. Hume is also one of the largest Specialist Disability Accommodation providers in NSW, managing and developing homes in conjunction with the NSW Government. Today Hume has more than 500 NDIS customers living in Hume group homes. www.humehousing.com.au
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Newcastle area.
Angel Baker, aged 13, was last seen on Tyrell Street, Wallsend, about 1.40pm on Monday (7 August 2023).
Unable to be located since, Angel was reported missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District on Tuesday (8 August 2023), who commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police hold serious concerns of Angel’s welfare due to her age.
Angel is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 150cm tall, with a thin build, with red hair and green/hazel eyes.
She was last seen wearing grey pants, white shoes, and a lavender crop top.
She is known to frequent the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.
Anyone with information into Angel’s whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
City of Newcastle will welcome ultramarathon runner Pat Farmer into Wallsend in August as part of his epic six-month run around Australia in support of the Voice to Parliament.
The former Federal Liberal MP will be four months into his 14,400km Run for the Voice journey, which is designed to raise awareness, support and engagement for the upcoming referendum.
Pat will take a break from his demanding schedule, which sees him run up to 80km each day, to share his views on the Voice during City of Newcastle’s family-friendly event at Wallsend’s Federal Park from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 19 August.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was proud to endorse the ‘Yes’ campaign, and support the tireless campaigning of Pat Farmer to raise awareness about the importance of the upcoming constitutional referendum.
“On behalf of the City of Newcastle, I commend the Hon. Pat Farmer AM for his amazing feat of endurance, all in the name of raising awareness about the importance of voting ‘Yes’ at the upcoming referendum for the Voice to Parliament,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Newcastle has a long and rich history of standing side-by-side with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to enact positive change, having established the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee more than two decades ago, while also being the first city to raise the Aboriginal Flag over a civic building under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings.
“We’re proud to be the first local council in Greater Newcastle to formally endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the ‘Yes’ campaign, reflecting the views of our progressive and inclusive community.”
Ward Four Councillor Deahnna Richardson applauded Mr Farmer’s efforts to promote understanding of the proposed constitutional amendment.
“City of Newcastle supports the call for a constitutionally recognised voice that would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to Parliament on policies and projects that impact our lives,” Cr Richardson said.
“Pat Farmer’s Run for the Voice is a wonderful initiative that will bring more awareness and understanding of this important issue to communities right around Australia.”
Ward Four Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said City of Newcastle’s community event will provide an accessible way for people to learn more about the upcoming referendum and the ‘Yes’ campaign.
“I encourage Novocastrians to come out and show their support for Pat and the Voice at our family-friendly event at Wallsend later this month,” Cr Adamczyk said.
Find out more about Pat and track his travels around Australia at www.runforthevoice.com
It’s with much sadness that I acknowledge the passing of the Hon. (Richard) Jack Richard Face, former State Member for Charlestown, Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development in the Carr Labor Government, who passed away peacefully last night.
Born in Merewether and attending Merewether Public School, Broadmeadow High School and Newcastle Technical College, Richard served as the Labor State Member for Charlestown from 1972 to 2003.
Richard was a very strong supporter of local government and played an integral role in preserving the Glenrock State Conservation Area for the community. He worked closely with my mum and dad on that important campaign.
Richard was always generous with his advice, time and guidance, and was a man with true Labor values who always strongly supported me running for Council – first as a Councillor, and then as Lord Mayor.
On behalf of the City of Newcastle, the elected Council and all Novocastrians, I pass on my sincerest condolences to Richard’s partner Gay, and his family and friends.
A celebration of Richard’s life, his contribution to public policy and the Labor movement will be held on Wednesday, 9 August at Pettigrew Family Funerals, Mayfield West at 12 noon.
Today I have met with the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Minister for the Hunter, Tim Crakanthorp.
I have formed the view that Mr Crakanthorp has failed to comply with his obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct to promptly notify me of a potential conflict of interest.
This has given rise to concerns that he may have acted in matters in which he had a conflict between his public duties and the property interests of members of his family.
This is unacceptable and I have referred the matter to the ICAC.
Mr Crakanthorp’s failure to comply with the letter and the spirit of the Ministerial Code of Conduct has caused me to lose confidence in his ability to discharge his duties as a Minister.
In light of this, I have asked Mr Crakanthorp to resign and he has agreed.
On forming Government, I clearly set out my expectations to my Ministers that they conduct themselves with the highest integrity to maintain the public’s trust in government.
Deputy Premier Prue Car will assume responsibility as interim Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Training.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley will assume responsibility as interim Minister for the Hunter.
Two men have been charged following an investigation into the shooting death of a man in Newcastle last year.
About 11pm on Tuesday 6 September 2022, emergency services were called to a residence on Fowler Street, Hamilton South, after reports of a shooting.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and found a 57-year-old man with a gunshot wound.
The man was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics, however, died at the scene.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced Strike Force Alcheringa to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
During the course of the investigation, a number of search warrants were executed, with items – including firearms – relevant to the investigation seized for forensic examination.
Following extensive inquiries, a search warrant was executed at a property on Station Street, Waratah, about 8.45am yesterday (Tuesday 1 August 2023).
A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene before being taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with murder and supply pistol to person unauthorised to possess it.
He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 2 August 2023).
Following further inquiries, two search warrants were executed at properties in Glenfield and Busby about 8.40am today (Wednesday 2 August 2023).
A short time later, a 32-year-old man was arrested in the drive-thru of a restaurant on Harold Street, Macquarie Fields.
He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with murder and supply pistol to person unauthorised to possess it.
He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 3 August 2023).
Navigating a notorious Islington intersection has become easier and safer for cyclists, students and pedestrians following an $800,000 upgrade by City of Newcastle (CN).
New traffic signals installed at the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde streets were officially switched on last night, signalling completion of the latest stage of work by CN to improve traffic movements and safety in the area.
The intersection sits at the entrance to the Tighes Hill campus of TAFE NSW and the junction of two key cycling routes, and was considered a high priority for improved pedestrian, cyclist and road user safety.
The traffic signals will also assist in the management of traffic at the level crossing on Clyde Street, allowing safe passage through the intersection.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see this long-awaited upgrade delivering improved outcomes for the community.
“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring community members are able to safely and easily navigate our footpaths, cycleways and road networks,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This Islington intersection is heavily utilised by pedestrians and cyclists accessing Newcastle TAFE and Islington Public School, and we are pleased to have been able to work with the community to improve safety and traffic flows in this area.”
The project, which was funded through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant program, also included the installation of new kerb and guttering as well as extended shared footpath links along Clyde and Chinchen streets.
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the installation of the traffic signals was essential ahead of an important future stage of the project, which would create a separated cycleway in this area.
“This intersection is at the juncture of two major cycling routes, which provide connections from the University of Newcastle into the city centre as well as a key north-south link from the regional route at Griffiths Road,” Cr Clausen said.
“Heavy volumes of traffic flowing through this area necessitated the installation of these traffic signals, and I am pleased to see them become operational for the benefit of all the community.
“The signals will also pave the way for a future stage of this project, which would replace the existing on-road cycle lane with a separated cycleway in this area.
“We continue to work closely with Minister Tim Crakanthorp and the NSW Government to deliver this $950,000 separated cycleway project.”
One of the world’s most successful musicians will be winging his way to Newcastle this October thanks to a major events partnership between City of Newcastle and Venues NSW.
Former Beatle and Wings frontman Paul McCartney will take to the stage at McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday 24 October as part of a national tour presented by Frontier Touring.
The concert marks not only Paul McCartney’s first visit to Newcastle, but will also be the first time he has ever played in Australia outside of a capital city.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Paul McCartney concert would cap off an enviable trifecta of international acts that have set their sights on Newcastle as a result of City of Newcastle’s strategic partnership with Venues NSW.
“We are thrilled to welcome global music icon Paul McCartney to our city in October for what will be a night to remember for tens of thousands of appreciative Novocastrians and tourists,” Cr Nelmes said.
“On the back of two unforgettable performances by Elton John in January this year and ahead of next February’s sold-out Pink concert, Newcastle has become a must stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to include on their national concert tour schedule.”
Since entering into a formal partnership last year, City of Newcastle and Venues NSW have secured a diverse line-up of major music and sporting events, including the Australian Supercross Championship in 2022 and 2023, the Cup of Nations football double header featuring the Matildas, and an international netball Test Series match between Australia and England.
Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said it’s been a transformational year for Newcastle and McDonald Jones Stadium.
“Venues NSW has worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to ensure Newcastle becomes a regular stop on the Australian leg of any artist’s world tour,” Ms Mather said.
“Off the back of the record-breaking Elton John concerts earlier this year, we are delighted to have partnered with Frontier Touring and the City of Newcastle to secure global superstar Paul McCartney and other major events for McDonald Jones Stadium.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper added: “It’s incredibly exciting to secure the one-and-only Paul McCartney for Newcastle and Sydney, in what shapes to be the biggest and best concert season ever across the Venues NSW network.”
Cr Nelmes said attracting headline acts of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class event city.
“Events deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy, with greater visitation, investment and liveability outcomes,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Elton John’s visit to Newcastle injected more than $14 million into the local economy while Pink’s concert is forecast to deliver another $9 million economic windfall for the city, with similar outcomes expected during Paul McCartney’s visit.
“These events also play an essential role in boosting tourism, as well as encouraging repeat visitation in the future.”
Elton John’s concerts were watched by almost 50,000 music fans, with more than 75 per cent of people coming from outside of Newcastle. During this time, Newcastle’s accommodation occupancy rates almost double compared to the same period the year before.
The visitation trends were similarly high for the sporting events, with more than 90 per cent of the Supercross spectators and around 60 per cent of the football fans coming from outside of the local government area.
“Major events are a key part of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan as a primary driver of the local tourism visitor economy,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Ongoing investment in events and tourism is integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust economy.”
Tickets to Paul McCartney at McDonald Jones Stadium go on sale on from Thursday 3 August, with further information available via Frontier Touring at www.frontiertouring.com/.
City of Newcastle has made progress on a range of work underway to address coastal erosion at Stockton, as discussed at a meeting earlier today with the Stockton Community Liaison Group.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes reiterated the importance of continued collaboration and consultation between the City, the NSW Government and the Stockton community.
“Significant work has been undertaken by City of Newcastle staff since Minister Moriarty’s visit in June when she confirmed the NSW Government’s role in funding and delivering amenity and mass sand nourishment at Stockton Beach,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This includes all the front-end work required to support approvals for placement of sand at Stockton Beach.”
In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from City of Newcastle.
The grant funds the delivery of more than 100,000 cubic metres of sand onto Stockton Beach and studies into possible sources of much larger volumes of sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources. The grant will also fund the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment – a complex process, which has never before been undertaken in NSW.
At a meeting of the Stockton Beach Taskforce in June new Taskforce Chair Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty announced that as part of rolling out the NSW Government’s $21 million commitment for mass sand nourishment, Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works would coordinate and deliver the works funded by the Federal grant.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said City of Newcastle’s work enables the NSW Government to move ahead with the required approvals for placement of sand at Stockton Beach.
“Now that the front-end work is complete, including the environmental assessment for sand placement, development of a detailed monitoring program, and liaison on a Crown Land licence, the NSW Government is in a much better position to deliver on their Stockton Beach nourishment commitments,” Ms Bisson said.
“To ensure there is efficient and seamless delivery of the entire sand nourishment program, the NSW Government is best placed to own the process of sourcing and placing sand on Stockton Beach, and it is appropriate that they own all of the associated approvals.”
Cr Nelmes reiterated appreciation for the Minister’s commitment to get sand back on the beach.
“I again thank Minister Moriarty for her previous commitment that the Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works will coordinate and deliver the works to finally get sufficient volumes of sand back onto Stockton Beach,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It’s only right that the NSW Government take on this critical role given it is their infrastructure, namely the breakwater and deepwater navigation channel of the Port of Newcastle, that has been proven as the primary cause of ongoing erosion at Stockton Beach.”
Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group Barbara Whitcher said that in this latest update she was pleased to see progress in a number of areas and that she looks forward to further progress in getting sand on the beach.
