Category: Newcastle News

Seventeen CEOs and city leaders met today via video link to develop a blueprint for Newcastle’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
The City Taskforce consists of business, industry and government representatives from key sectors across the local economy, from education to finance to tourism and the arts.
All leaders openly shared insights on the significant impact to their business, industry and most importantly, their people and customers.
City of Newcastle’s City Taskforce consists of:
·         City of Newcastle, Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes, Chair
·         Hunter New England Health CEO Mr Michael DiRienzo
·         Wests Group CEO, Mr Philip Gardner
·         NIB CEO, Mr Mark Fitzgibbon
·         Port of Newcastle CEO, Mr Craig Carmody
·         University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO
·         Colliers International Managing Director, Mr Peter Macadam
·         Greater Bank CEO, Mr Scott Morgan
·         Hunter Business Chamber CEO Mr Bob Hawes
·         Hunternet CEO, Mr Tony Cade
·         Independent Creative Alliance’s Ms Justine Coggan
·         Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock
·         Alloggio CEO, Mr Will Creedon
·         Newcastle Permanent CEO, Ms Bernadette Inglis
·         Regional NSW Director, Ms Alison McGaffin
·         Samaritans CEO, Mr Brad Webb
·         Hunter Workers Secretary, Mr Daniel Wallace.
City of Newcastle has committed $500,000 to the project, as well as in-kind support, as part of its COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, while each organisation will provide staffing resources to implement initiatives.
This will initially fund an Expression of Interest (EOI) program to provide innovative and targeted responses to those local industries hardest hit by the virus.
Chaired by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, the Taskforce will coordinate a concerted, strategic approach to recovery.
“This is an historic moment in the City’s response to this global crisis, as we work to maximise the capacity and speed of our recovery,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Never before has our city seen such an unprecedented level of collaboration amongst its leaders.
“I’d like to thank all 17 CEOs for accepting my invitation to give their time to the Taskforce. Each has their own responsibilities in terms of leading their organisations’ response during and out of COVID-19.
“Despite this, they are making time to assist City of Newcastle in ensuring that we leave no stone unturned in identifying anything and everything that can be done to help our city now and during its medium to long term recovery.”
The Taskforce will liaise with lead agencies Hunter New England Health for Public Health updates; Regional NSW on government responses; and the Hunter Research Foundation Centre around economic impacts.
It will meet fortnightly through to the year’s end. While the Taskforce has been established as a Newcastle-centric initiative, its benefits will be felt well beyond LGA boundaries

Two men have been charged after a yacht suspected to be carrying hundreds of kilograms of methylamphetamine was intercepted off the NSW coast near Lake Macquarie.
The arrests follow a multi-agency investigation known as Operation ROMANI, comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and Australian Border Force (ABF), collaborating with agencies from the United Kingdom and New Caledonia.
On Thursday 16 April 2020, New Caledonian authorities – French Customs and French National Police in New Caledonia – advised the AFP’s International Command and the ABF about the arrival of a vessel of interest into Pacific waters the previous day.
It will be alleged the vessel had been in waters near Norfolk Island and then had travelled to New Caledonia. The crew declared to New Caledonian authorities they had travelled from Mexico.
As a result of this information, the Australian investigative team identified a second vessel of interest – a yacht known as the La Fayette. Police allege this yacht had been loaded with border controlled drugs in waters around Norfolk Island.
On Friday 17 April 2020, the La Fayette was located by ABF’s Marine Border Command on the East Coast of Australia heading south. The vessel’s movements continued to be tracked as the joint Australian investigative team prepared for an on water interdiction.
About 4.30am yesterday (Saturday 18 April 2020), NSWPF Marine Area Command vessel NEMESIS interdicted the La Fayette about 50 nautical miles east of Lake Macquarie, NSW.
The two crew members – a 33-year-old New Zealand man and a 34-year-old man holding dual UK/South African citizenship – were arrested on board.
The yacht was towed by the NEMESIS to the NSWPF Marine Area Command in Balmain about 1.45pm yesterday.
It will be alleged investigators located more than 1000 packages wrapped in plastic on board the vessel. Specialist forensic officers are continuing to deconstruct the boat and examine the contents, which is believed to contain methamphetamine. Further forensic testing will be undertaken to determine the exact weight and purity of the seized substances.
The men were taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with import a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.
They were both refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 19 April 2020).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Eastern Command Justine Gough said even as world borders are physically closing, police remain alert for attempts to infiltrate transnational borders to bring illicit drugs to Australian markets.
“Organised crime groups will stop at nothing – not even a global pandemic – to try and flood our communities with drugs for greed and profit.
“Our cross-border collaboration remains strong in these times, and through our relationships worldwide, we will not stop in our efforts to protect our communities from the destruction of illicit drugs.”
NSWPF State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said significant NSW Police Force resources have been utilised to aggressively target and intercept the yacht before the drugs could make it to the streets of NSW.
“The expertise of the Marine Area Command, assisted by the Maritime Border Command, has enabled police to execute a tactical navigation plan and successfully board the yacht and arrest two men,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“In light of the restrictions and guidelines under the Public Health Act, we have taken numerous additional precautions in accordance with COVID-19 protocol and as a result the two offenders and all officers on the vessel were decontaminated and tested for the virus.
“With every seizure we make, a syndicate is taken down and it’s evident this criminal network has gone to extreme measures to traffic drugs into NSW with current international travel restrictions.
“Since the start of this year the Organised Crime Squad, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners, has seized hundreds of kilos of prohibited drugs and disrupted multiple criminal networks and their activities.”
ABF Acting Regional Commander for NSW Garry Low said this operation shows the importance of cooperation and shared intelligence across the South Pacific.
“The ABF continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners, here and abroad, to catch and prosecute criminals, no matter where in the supply chain they sit,” Acting Commander Low said.
“Criminal syndicates should know, that not only will we find your drugs concealments when they reach our sea ports and airports, but we’re also watching your movements before you reach Australia. The ABF has eyes on our oceans, not just on our land borders.”
This investigation has been an ongoing operation with the UK’s National Crime Agency and its office in Canberra, looking into British Organised Crime groups targeting Australia.
Joint investigations are continuing with agencies in Australia and offshore, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
 

Two teenage boys will face court today after an alleged pursuit through Newcastle overnight.
About 3.35am today (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers from Newcastle City Police District were patrolling Parkway Avenue, Cooks Hill, when they observed a black Volvo SUV driving at speed – police will allege the vehicle was stolen from a Merewether property earlier that morning.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle for a random breath test but the vehicle drove onto Union Street and police initiated a pursuit – this was terminated a minute later due to safety concerns.
An hour later, police patrolling the area observed the black Volvo SUV travelling along Parkway Avenue, Cooks Hill, when they attempted to stop the vehicle and it drove off at speed.
A second pursuit was initiated, which continued through several streets in Cooks Hill, with the vehicle allegedly travelling at speeds of 110km/hr in a sign-posted 40km/hr zone.
At the intersection of Watt and Darby Streets, the vehicle lost control and hit a tree.
Police arrested two teenage boys – aged 14 and 15 – a short time later and they were taken to Newcastle Police Station.
The 15-year-old boy was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously and drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.
The 14-year-old boy was charged with custody of knife in public place and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
Both were refused bail to face a children’s court today (Wednesday 15 April 2020).

A man, who escaped yesterday from a minimum-security correctional facility at Cessnock, has been arrested.
The 30-year-old inmate was reported missing from the facility on Lindsay Street about 11.15am (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
About 6pm (Wednesday 15 April 2020), police attended Cooper Street, Cessnock after receiving information a man matching his description had been seen.
The man was arrested a short time later in King Street.
A car believed to have been used by the man has been seized.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with escape lawful custody, take and drive conveyance, disqualified driver, dishonestly obtain property by deception and resist arrest.
He has been refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 16 April 2020).

Police are investigating a suspicious house fire in Lake Macquarie early this morning.
About 4.15am (Thursday 16 April 2020), emergency services were called to a property on Livingstone Street, Belmont, after reports the home was well alight.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze a short time later.
All occupants of the home escaped without injury.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the cause of the blaze.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious around the area in the early hours of Thursday morning, who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, or who may have other information which may help investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

An investigation is underway after two people were coughed on by an unknown man in the state’s Hunter Region yesterday.
Just before 2pm (Sunday 12 April 2020), a 73-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were walking along Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, and as they approached the pedestrian crossing, a white Nissan Navara slowed and pulled up beside them.
Police have been told that a man leaned his head and shoulders out of the passenger window and coughed – making a retching sound – over the couple.
He and the other occupants in the vehicle started laughing before the vehicle drove off.
The couple contacted police and officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District commenced an investigation.
As their inquiries continue, police are appealing for information from the community to locate the vehicle and identify the occupants at the time of the incident.
In particular, investigators would like to speak with a man who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance with tanned skin, aged in his late teens or early 20s, with short, dark, curly hair. He was last seen wearing a red and dark-coloured checkered top.
Police are urging anyone with information, including dash cam from the area around the time of the incident, to contact Nelson Bay police as soon as possible.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police will be issuing Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to 19 adults caught gathering for an illegal street-racing ‘meet’ west of Newcastle yesterday.
Highway Patrol officers from Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle were called to the Stockrington Conservation Area in Haul Road about 4pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), and saw up to 40 vehicles gathered within a closed area.
Drivers attempted to leave the scene when police arrived; however, 19 vehicles were stopped, the rest escaping into surrounding bushland.
Police will be alleging the group had gathered for the purpose of street racing and burnouts, with two vehicles brought to the site on trailers; police allege these had been specifically modified to conduct burnouts.
These 19 people will now be issued with PINs for breaching the Public Health Order, with 13 of those also being fined for being in the Conservation Area unlawfully.
Three children were found to be accompanying the adults – one aged nine years and two aged 18 months – and officers will be making notifications to Family and Community Services.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said this was exactly the kind of incident his officers had been working to prevent.
“Gatherings of virtually any kind are breaching the current Public Health Order but gathering to conduct street racing and burnouts in a park is illegal, irresponsible and beyond my understanding,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“I am appalled at the fact that up to 40 drivers were willing to put themselves and others at risk on so many levels.
“And I am even more appalled by the fact three children – who have no choice in the matter – were also exposed to risk; my officers will be alerting the relevant authorities to the actions of their parents and caregivers.
“We have identified 19 people who will be getting Infringement Notices (PINs), and we will be working to identify the other drivers who fled.
“Anyone with information about this incident, or any other illegal gatherings such as this, is urged to alert police.
“My officers will continue to monitor the situation and, if breaches are found, they will take action,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A man has been charged after a fatal crash at Newcastle yesterday.
Just after 9.30am (Sunday 12 April 2020), a Nissan Navara was travelling east on Park Avenue, Kotara, when it allegedly failed to negotiate the bend and collided head-on with a white Toyota Camry, travelling in the opposite direction.
The Toyota driver, a 58-year-old woman was trapped in the vehicle for a short time, before being freed by emergency services.
She was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she later died.
The Nissan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital as a precaution, where he also underwent mandatory testing.
Following his release from hospital, he was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), not keep left of dividing line, and negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm).
The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 13 April 2020).

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal head-on collision at Maitland this morning.
About 7:45am (Saturday 11 April 2020), police and emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, near Dagworth Road, Maitland, following reports of a head-on collision between a car and a truck.
Motorists stopped at the scene and rendered first aid to a man, believed to be aged in his 30s, who was found unconscious inside the car.
They rendered CPR to the man before police and paramedics attended.
The man, who was the sole occupant of the car, was taken to the John Hunter Hospital by paramedics but was unable to be revived. He is yet to be formally identified or his next of kin notified.
The driver of the truck was not injured as a result of the collision and has been taken to hospital to undergo mandatory testing.
A crime scene has been established and Cessnock Road is closed while investigations of the scene are conducted.
Diversions have been put in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area or delay their travels. For full information on road closures, please visit www.livetraffic .com.
Anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Two men will appear in court today after allegedly spitting at police in two separate incidents yesterday.
In the first incident, officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command’s Proactive Crime Team were patrolling when they noticed a man and woman seated in a vehicle in a carpark on Sadlier Avenue, Ashcroft, about 2.45pm(Friday 10 April 2020).
After speaking with the man in the driver’s seat, he was issued a warning in regards to not complying with ministerial directions and issued a move on direction.
The 24-year-old an allegedly became aggressive towards police, verbally abusing and threatening them while driving through the carpark.
Police approached the vehicle and arrested him, before he allegedly spat at a male sergeant and made a comment regarding Coronavirus.
He was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with not comply noticed direction (COVID-19), fail to comply requirement public health order (COVID-19), intimidate police officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty, and issued a $5000 fine under the Public Health Act.
The man was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 11 April 2020).
The woman was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with contravene AVO (domestic). She was granted conditional bail to appear before Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday 21 April 2020.
It has since been confirmed the man does not have COVID-19.
In a separate incident, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Eucalyptus Crescent, Metford, about 6.45pm yesterday, following reports of a domestic-related intimidation incident.
Two men – aged 36 and 62 – spoke to police, before the younger man was arrested.
As officers attempted to put the man in the caged vehicle, he allegedly punched a male senior constable in the head.
During the incident, the older man approached the officers and after being moved away, he allegedly pushed, hit and spat at a female constable in the chest, before he was also arrested.
The men were both taken to Maitland Police Station where the older man was charged with assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm (x2), resist officer in execution of duty (x2), and issued a $5000 fine under the Public Health Act.
The younger man was charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm (x2), and resist officer in execution of duty (x2).
They were both refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court later today.