Category: Newcastle News

A teenage boy was hurt after falling down a lift shaft at a power station in the Lake Macquarie area today.
Just before 2pm (Sunday 20 June 2021), emergency services were called to a decommissioned power station on Summerhill Drive, Wangi Wangi, after reports a teenager had fallen down a lift shaft.
A multi-agency search and rescue operation commenced to locate the teenager, involving Lake Macquarie Police District, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance Specialist Operations Team and Special Casualty Access Team.
About 2.30pm, the boy was located inside the lift shaft and a vertical rescue was conducted by Fire and Rescue NSW.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition with non life-threatening injuries.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.

A man has been charged with 80 offences as part of an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the state’s Hunter region.
In February 2021, officers from Hunter Region Enforcement Squad established Strike Force Hanging to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine throughout the Newcastle and Port Stephens regions.
As part of investigations, a search warrant was executed at a house on Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, on Tuesday 13 April 2021.
Police seized more than $240,000 cash that was found in a handbag and book safe, and 14grams of methylamphetamine hidden in a microwave.
A 34-year-old woman who was home at the time of the search was arrested and charged with supply prohibited drug and two counts of deal with proceeds of crime. She remains before the courts.
Following inquiries, a 36-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police Station yesterday (Friday 18 June 2021).
He was charged with 80 offences including supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, possess prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.
The Newcastle man was refused bail and appeared before Maitland Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear before the same court on Thursday 24 June 2021.

Police are investigating after a suspicious fire at a pub near Newcastle overnight.
About 4.40am (Friday 18 June 2021), emergency services were called to a hotel on Elder Street, Lambton, after reports part of the building was alight.
A neighbour extinguished the blaze prior to Fire and Rescue NSW arrival, with minimal damage sustained to the building.
Fire crews attended a short time later to fully extinguish the flames, while police extinguished a small grass fire a short distance away in Lambton Park.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have established a crime scene, which is in the process of being forensically examined.
Police have been told three men were seen running from the scene a short time after.
The blaze is being treated as suspicious and police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the nearby vicinity between 4.30am and 4.45am to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Detectives have commenced an investigation after a man was stabbed several times in Newcastle overnight.
About 9.35pm (Monday 14 June 2021), emergency services were called to the Newcastle Ocean Baths on Shortland Esplanade, after reports a man had been injured.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and found an 18-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds to the back.
He was treated at the scene by passers-by and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition; his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police, and detectives have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The man was described as wearing dark clothing with his face covered.
As inquiries continue, investigators are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage from Shortland Esplanade between 9pm and 10pm or who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the nearby area to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A 65-year-old man reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area has been found safe.
Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal for assistance.

Detectives have commenced an investigation following the fatal shooting of a woman near Newcastle yesterday.
Just after 8pm (Wednesday 9 June 2021), emergency services were called to a home on Queen Street, Stockton, following reports of a shooting.
A woman died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 61.
Police have been told the woman answered her front door before she was shot.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene, which is being examined by specialist forensic police.
Detectives formed Strike Force Backhouse to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As inquiries continue, anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the surrounding area is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter region today.
Just before 5.30am (Friday 11 June 2021), emergency services were called to Italia Road near the Pacific Highway, Balickera, about 13km north of Raymond Terrace, after reports of a crash.
Occupants of a house nearby located a vehicle that had left the road and crashed into trees.
The male driver was treated at the scene but died a short time later. He is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 26.
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police.
Officers from Port-Stephens Hunter Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

City of Newcastle is inviting the community to identify the barriers to social inclusion as it develops a new Social Strategy that will provide the foundations for a range of planning decisions to make Newcastle a more liveable and inclusive community.
Over the next three-months, the City will host community engagement activities such as workshops, community events, festivals and forums to ensure Novocastrians have multiple opportunities to share their voices and help shape the new Strategy.
The new Strategy will outline a vision and guiding principles for an inclusive Newcastle along with the role that City of Newcastle and its partners can take to lead and empower connected and liveable communities, with emphasis on vulnerable community members.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to making the city a more liveable and inclusive community for all Novocastrians to thrive in, by increasing social inclusion and creating more opportunities for community connection.
“As the region grows, challenges such as affordable housing, youth unemployment, and an ageing population emerging, we want to make sure that everyone feels able to grow with it and are acknowledged as integral members of our vibrant community. An inclusive community reduces the social and economic cost of mental health and wellbeing as well as being an important determinant of better educational outcomes for our children,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle values the contributions made by all people and believes that diversity strengthens the city. Through targeted services, programs and facilities we can provide all Novocastrians with equal opportunities to reach their full potential and take an active part in our community to the betterment of the city.”
Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said the new Social Strategy is about treating all people with respect.
“Newcastle has changed a lot over the years and continues to undergo significant change and growth. Today, our city is more diverse than ever, with people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, beliefs, socio-economic status, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities,” Cr Duncan said.
“The City recognises the dignity and worth of all people by treating communities fairly and equitably. The new Social Strategy will outline a framework for treating all Novocastrians with respect, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage amongst our community.
“Hearing from a diverse cross-section of our community is critical to ensuring the Social Strategy reflects everyone, so the planning decisions we make support all Novocastrians. “Individually, we may be very different but, together, we can all call Newcastle home.”
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay until August 2021.