Category: Newcastle News

A man will face court today after an alleged armed robbery attempt in the state’s Hunter Region.
About 4pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 August 2021), police responded to a report of an attempted armed robbery at a convenience store in Anderson Drive, Tarro.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended, secured a crime scene and commenced an investigation.
Police were informed by the 42-year-old male shop owner that a man allegedly entered the store with a large knife demanding cash and cigarettes. The owner challenged the man who fled the store without any property. No injuries were sustained to the shop owner.
About 6.50pm a 21-year-old man attended Maitland Police Station where he was arrested.
The man was charged with one count of attempted robbery armed with offensive weapon.
He was bail refused to appear in Maitland Local Court later today (Wednesday 4 August 2021).

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man with murder following an investigation into the fatal shooting of another man at Newcastle last month.
About 12.45pm on Thursday 22 July 2021, emergency services were called to a unit at Darby St, Cooks Hill, following reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, police located a 40-year-old man inside the unit with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.
The man has been formally identified as Wesley ‘Wes’ Prentice from Rutherford.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries, before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Hibbard.
Following extensive investigations, Homicide Squad detectives , with assistance from officers from Newcastle City Police District, Tactical Operations Regional Support (TORS), Police Negotiators, Mid North Coast Police District and the Dog Unit, arrested a 35-year-old man near a caravan park at Bonny Hills about 5.45pm on Sunday (1 August 2021).
During a search of the man’s belonging, officers located a loaded firearm and cash. They were seized for forensic examination.
He was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station, where he was charged with murder, possess loaded firearm in public place, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority and possess unregistered firearm in public place.
The Woodrising man was refused bail and appeared at Wauchope Local Court on Monday (2 August 2021), where he was formally refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court today (Wednesday August 2021).
As part of ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Hibbard detectives executed two search warrants at Bonny Hills and Windale.
During the searches, number of items were seized by police for forensic examination.
Investigations are continuing.

A former youth worker has been charged with historic sex offences across the state’s Hunter Region dating back to the 1990s.
In November 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Eiraban to investigate allegations of alleged child sexual offences against two teenage boys between 1990 and 2004 in Muswellbrook and Gateshead.
Following extensive inquiries, a 71-year-old man attended Belmont Police Station where he was arrested about 7.40am yesterday (Thursday 29 July 2021).
He was charged with 15 offences, including:

• Sex assault (Cat 4) incite indecent act under 16 and under authority;
• sexual intercourse with person 10 or over and under 16 years (x3);
• sexual intercourse with person 10 and under 16 years (x3);
• sexual intercourse with person 14 or over and under 16 years (x2);
• aggravated indecent assault – victim under authority of offender; and
• supply prohibited drug (x5)

Police will allege in court that the Marks Point man formerly worked as a youth worker in the region.
He appeared at Belmont Local Court, where he was formally bail refused to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 30 July 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Eiraban are ongoing.

A man will appear in court today charged over an alleged aggravated break and enter and sexual assault in Newcastle.
About 3.20pm on Thursday (29 July 2021), a 20-year-old woman was inside her bedroom at a home on Turana Parade, North Lambton, when an unknown man, armed with a knife, entered the room and threatened her.
She attempted to yell out and alert neighbours before it’s alleged the man grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.
A short time later, the man fled on foot and the woman sought assistance from other residents, who notified police.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Oorin, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 20-year-old man, not known to the woman, at a home on Faulkner Crescent, North Lambton, just after 4pm yesterday (Friday 30 July 2021).
Shortly after, a search warrant was executed at the home where police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation.
The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with four counts of aggravated sex assault-threat to inflict actual bodily harm victim with weapon, break and enter indictable offence (not steal/damage), robbery armed with offensive weapon, sexually touch another person without consent, and reckless wounding.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 31 July 2021).

City of Newcastle is continuing to support a multi-agency approach to community safety in the Hamilton area to ensure people who are vulnerable get access to important services.
More than $30,000 in Rapid Response Grants have been distributed to six community service providers and faith organisations to bolster the support being provided for people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.
This includes funding for the following initiatives:

• Hunter Homeless Connect – boost its program offering food and clothing vouchers
• Grainery Food Bank – make non-perishables and fresh vegetables available at the food bank, increase the quantities of single-serve frozen meals already available, provide one-on-one assistance for those in need to access support services and financial counselling, and extend the opening hours of the service
• Hamilton Seven Day Adventist Food Pantry and Meal Service – increase the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables and non-perishable products, extend emergency food relief, trial extended operating hours to include Friday mornings, and explore a weekly pop-up at a local community centre
• Hamilton Uniting Church – provide access to community and emergency food support through the ‘Shoebox Project’, which includes boxes of basic food and sanitary items
• Reach Homeless Services – implement a ‘breakfast pack’ program for those in need, distributed at the Suspension Café in Beaumont Street Islington.
• Establish a new partnership with the Hamilton Men’s Shed and the Hamilton BIA to trial a new community pantry service in Hamilton for a period of six months, which is expected to be operating in late 2021.

City of Newcastle is supporting a multi-agency approach along with stakeholders including NSW Police and the Department of Community and Justice Assertive Outreach (AO) regarding vulnerable people and community safety issues at Hamilton Train Station Park.
As part of the multi-agency operation, AO staff have regularly visited the park since Police commenced regular patrols, which has led to four people being housed. NSW Police has increased visibility in the area to prevent and address anti-social behaviour.
CN is responsible for safely managing the use of public land on behalf of our community. CN will continue working with those providing outreach in Hamilton Train Station Park to support the safety of vulnerable people and the broader community.

A man has been charged after a senior constable was allegedly injured during an attempted arrest and police pursuits in Lake Macquarie.
About 2.45pm on Tuesday (27 July 2021), officers attached to Northern High Visibility Policing Team attended a carpark on the Pacific Highway at Bennetts Green and observed a grey Volkswagen Amarok utility bearing stolen NSW registration plates.
Officers approached the ute where the male driver attempted to drive off.
A male senior constable smashed the driver’s window to remove the keys from the ignition, during which the driver resisted, causing the officer’s arms to be pushed into shattered glass.
The male driver then fled the scene in the utility onto South Street, Windale.
A pursuit was initiated and continued in the surrounding streets but was terminated a short time later.
Numerous patrols were conducted throughout the area; however, the vehicle could not be located.
Following inquiries, police identified that the ute had been stolen from Valentine between 6pm on Sunday 25 July 2021 and 8.50am on Monday 26 July 2021.
The senior constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries to his arms and has since been released.
As part of ongoing inquiries, the Northern HVP Team attempted to stop a grey Amarok ute northbound on the Pacific Highway about 9am today (Wednesday 28 July 2021).
A pursuit was initiated with the Amarok allegedly reaching speeds of approximately 160km/hr in a sign-posted 100km/hr zone.
During the pursuit, additional resources were requested before the utility crashed into bushland off Lakeview Parade, Pelican.
The driver and sole occupant fled the ute on foot where officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, Operation Utah, Traffic and Highway Patrol and the Dog Unit conducted an extensive search and arrested a 35-year-old man in Little Pelican a short time later.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with 24 offences including;

• Break and enter house steal value less than $60,000 (x2),
• receive property – theft (serious indictable offence x2),
• dishonestly obtain property by deception (x5),
• steal motor vehicle,
• drive conveyance taken without consent of owner,
• police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (x2),
• drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (x2),
• use registrable vehicle not display authorised number plates,
• use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention,
• assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm (x2),
• resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty (x2),
• goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle),
• refuse to submit to taking of blood sample, and,
• refuse or fail to provide urine sample.

The Caves Beach man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 29 July 2021).

A man reported missing from the state’s Hunter Region has been located safe and well.
The 19-year-old was last seen was last seen leaving a home at Greta Street, Kurri Kurri, about 7pm yesterday (Tuesday 27 July 2021).
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified after he failed to return and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Just after 8pm (Wednesday 28 July 2021), a member of the public located the man in Maitland and contacted police.
Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.

Nine people, including eight teenagers, have been charged following a police pursuit in the Hunter region today.
About 11.15am (Wednesday 28 July 2021), officers attached to Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol observed a grey Honda Civic allegedly travelling at speed southbound on the Hunter Expressway.
The vehicle allegedly reached speeds in excess of 200km/h in a sign-posted 110km/h zone. A pursuit was initiated at Church Street, Minmi, before being terminated in Wallsend, due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was subsequently sighted by several police vehicles across Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police Districts, before being abandoned at Arthur Street, Cardiff, shortly after midday.
A perimeter was established by officers from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, assisted by PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Police Transport Command.
Following inquiries, a 19-year-old woman and eight teenagers – aged between 13 and 17 – were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.
The woman was charged with being carried in a conveyance without the owner’s consent and breaching bail.
She was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 29 July 2021).
A 15-year-old teenage boy was charged with police pursuit – drive dangerously, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, take & drive conveyance without consent of owner and not give particulars to other driver.
He was refused bail to appear in a children’s court today (Thursday 29 July 2021).
A 16-year-old teenage boy was charged with breaching bail and being carried in a conveyance without the owner’s consent.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 2 August 2021.
The other six teens were released into the care of their respective parents and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
All nine will be issued with PINs for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

Thirty talented and entrepreneurial individuals have been selected to relocate to Newcastle as part of an Australian-first economic stimulus program.
The City’s ‘New Move’ talent attraction program incentivised skilled professionals in existing and emerging industries to relocate to Newcastle with a $10,000 grant to be spent in the Local Government Area.
Over 460 expressions of interest were received from around the globe including the Netherlands, Mexico, Hong Kong, Canada and India.
The ‘10,000 Reasons’ digital marketing campaign has been viewed more than 5.5 million times, effectively promoting Newcastle as a city of opportunity.
The successful applicants bring expertise and investment in areas such as clean energy, defence, health and tech development like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality. Several are start-up founders and will be establishing their business ventures in Newcastle.
At the same time as the New Move Program, City of Newcastle is investing almost $400,000 in local training to connect locals with Newcastle’s emerging economic opportunities. The NewSkills training program will be delivered by specialist training providers through workshops, self-paced learning, intensive programs and mentoring over the next 12 months.
From assisting businesses to become more inclusive, to building resilience to market disruptions including COVID-19, the NewSkills training programs seek to close skills gaps in the local workforce.
NewSkills follows the City’s highly successful Tourism Product Development Program which provided 15 local businesses with training and business mentoring to develop new visitor experiences and products that leverage Newcastle’s unique offering to visitors, to sustain and grow Newcastle’s visitor economy.
The New Move grant recipients are required to adhere to the latest COVID-19 Public Health Orders when planning their relocation to Newcastle, when allowed to do so.
To view a video from the New Move curated ‘Famil’ weekend, visit.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 July 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Strategies to help ameliorate homelessness in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that called for City of Newcastle to receive a report on partnering with NSW Government agencies, Hunter Community Alliance leaders, Soul Cafe and civil society to establish a 24-month pilot of safe rough sleeping zones. City of Newcastle will also work with NSW Land and Housing Corporation to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite the delivery of new and refurbished social and affordable housing, including the exploration of a ‘Make Room Project’ in Newcastle. The Lord Mayoral Minute reiterated the urgency for City of Newcastle to finalise and implement its Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme.
Infrastructure Australia 2022 Infrastructure Priority List
A Lord Mayoral Minute was carried unanimously that called for City of Newcastle to prepare a submission of 15 infrastructure priorities, including Catalyst Area Projects as outlined in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036, to seek their inclusion in the Infrastructure Australia 2022 Infrastructure Priority List. It recognised that City of Newcastle’s previous advocacy to Infrastructure Australia led to Infrastructure Australia listing the ‘Newcastle Airport Capacity Expansion’ as a Priority Initiative in 2021, before the project was funded by the Federal Government earlier this year.
Bring Back JobKeeper
A Lord Mayoral Minute was carried that supported a bi-partisan calls from the NSW Treasurer and NSW Leader of the Opposition for the urgent reintroduction of JobKeeper for businesses impacted by the continued pandemic, while also expanding eligibility to casuals, the University sector, local government and the childcare industry. City of Newcastle will write to the Prime Minister, the Federal Treasurer, and their respective Shadow Ministers, along with the Federal Member for Newcastle, advising them of the City’s position and advocacy.
Ordinary business
Adoption of Draft Community Infrastructure Incentive Policy
Council voted to adopt the Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy, which is designed to enhance the delivery of community infrastructure to support urban renewal in Newcastle through the provision of development incentives.
A Planning Proposal will be prepared to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 to enable implementation of the Policy, initially focussing on supporting implementation of the Wickham Masterplan.
Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion funding options
Council voted to endorse borrowing up to $22.6 million by way of low-cost loan over 10 years as the preferred funding pathway for the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery. A Loan Borrowing Report will be separately submitted seeking Council approval to borrow funds from NSW Treasury Corporation (T-Corp), including a capital expenditure review in accordance with Office of Local Government guidelines. City of Newcastle will continue to seek Federal and State grant funding up until the time of borrowing loan funds from T-Corp to ensure all available grant funding options have been exhausted prior to commencing the project.
Frederick Street, Merewether – proposed raised pedestrian crossings
Council resolved to approve raised pedestrian crossings on Frederick Street, Merewether, at Coane Street and at Berner Street.
Acquisition of Part 64 Mackie Avenue, New Lambton
Council voted not to acquire part of the property known as 64 Mackie Avenue, New Lambton for road widening purposes.
Investment and Borrowing Policy annual review
Council voted to adopt the draft Investment and Borrowing Policy and in doing so terminate the previously approved Investment and Borrowing Policy. Investment Policy Guidelines issued by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, May 2010, recommend that a council’s investment policy be reviewed, and any amendments approved, by council resolution annually.
Authorisation for signing of the annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021
Council noted that the preparation of City of Newcastle’s Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021 is underway and upon completion they will be referred to CN’s Auditors, NSW Audit Office. Council voted to authorise the Lord Mayor, a Councillor, the Chief Executive Officer and the Responsible Accounting Officer to sign the Statements by Councillors and Management at the conclusion of the external audit.
Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel temporary membership
Council voted to appoint a second planning expert to replace the Director Governance as a temporary City of Newcastle representative to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for one matter only, being consideration of the rezoning review following Council’s decision to not endorse a Planning Proposal to rezone 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
Notices of Motion
Vandalism of New Lambton parks
Council adopted a notice of motion to express frustration and disappointment at the vandalism of local parks and sporting fields in New Lambton by a motor vehicle. The motion noted previous efforts to prevent illegal vehicle access and vandalism, including the installation of large sandstone blocks along Birdwood Street in 2020, and a commitment to install sandstone blocks to restrict vehicle access from Orchardtown Road. It called for witnesses to come forward to ensure those responsible for the damage of public property can be held accountable.
Improving connectivity between Wickham and Wickham Park
Council adopted a notice of motion to write to Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment seeking support to temporarily open a pathway across the Bullock Island Rail Corridor between Wickham and Wickham Park, and for ongoing acquisition negotiations between City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW to be prioritised.
Property development
Council adopted a notice of motion calling on the CEO of City of Newcastle to submit this motion to the LGNSW Conference in support of the adoption of a policy which prohibits property developers and their close associates from holding office as local Councillors in NSW. The motion also called for the CEO to write to the NSW Premier and the Minister for Local Government in support of a bill on the same topic, which was passed by the Legislative Council and is currently before the Legislative Assembly.
Development notification for boarding house residents
Council adopted a notice of motion to write to Boarding House operators in the Newcastle Local Government Area advising them of a new notification process to ensure their tenants are reasonably notified of a Development Application relating to the Boarding House. This includes requiring the operator to advise boarders that a DA has been lodged, place a copy of the DA application in a common area of the Boarding House and notify boarders when the DA has been determined, including the outcome.
Best practice employment conditions for construction workers undertaking City of Newcastle projects
Council adopted a notice of motion to ensure that all major construction projects for Council are undertaken by organisations with current Enterprise Agreements registered with the Fair Work Commission. The motion noted that the best employment conditions and work health and safety standards are often achieved as a result of the collective power of trade unionism, and the ability for workers to take collective action and negotiate their terms of employment through Enterprise Agreements.
Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster
Council adopted a notice of motion to request a briefing from NewH2 – Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster on opportunities for City of Newcastle to support and accelerate the emerging hydrogen economy locally, and receive a report regarding options including but not limited to developing and maintaining supporting infrastructure, connecting local businesses with industry, and early adoption of hydrogen technologies for specialised uses within Council operations.
Protecting our urban forest through an aerial bundled cabling program
Council adopted a notice of motion that notes City of Newcastle’s commitment to achieving the best outcome for the City’s urban forest by working with Ausgrid to identify key sites where essential service lines and significant tree stands intersect. It noted the need for an Aerial Bundled Cabling (ABC) Program by City of Newcastle and Ausgrid, which identifies priorities and systematically plans for the conversion to bundled cabling or application of other engineering solutions. The motion also called for Council to engage with the Australian Energy Regulator to advocate for funding, including State and Federal funding, for the development and implementation of engineering solutions.
Love Lambton 150 Years – celebrating local community heritage milestones
Council adopted a notice of motion that notes the success of the Love Lambton 150 Years event, acknowledges the volunteers and City of Newcastle staff involved in organising it and recognises the financial support provided by the City, with a call to ensure City of Newcastle annually promotes the existence of its grant programs.