A crime scene has been established following the death of two men in Kotara South this afternoon.
Shortly before 5pm (Saturday 14 March 2020), police were called to a residence on Blackbutt Parade following reports of a man armed with a firearm.
On arrival officers located the body of a man outside the home suffering a gunshot wound.
Further inquiries led police inside the home where they discovered the body of a second man, also suffering a gunshot wound.
Both men are believed to be aged in their early forties.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District continue investigations on scene.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
COVID-19: how is the Council responding
The safety of our communities, customers and employees is our top priority.
We aim to maintain our current level of service to residents and businesses during this period.
We take advice on all public health matters from the state and federal health departments.
To date, NSW Health and the other advising authorities are clear in their message. As of today, there is no COVID-19 cluster in the Hunter, and therefore no reason to alter our service levels to the community.
Events and public gatherings
A state and federal government advisory has been issued regarding events and public gatherings of more than 500 people. Visit the NSW Health website for more information.
How we are responding
- We are promoting the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au as the primary source of information and health updates.
- The City is actively involved in the Local Emergency Management Committee’s response to Covid-19 which includes police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW and neighbouring councils. This is allowing us to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
- A City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has been established. The Planning Team includes People and Culture (and WHS), Legal (Emergency Management and Risk) and Corporate Affairs (Communications and Community Engagement).
- Activating our Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) for Newcastle. This Plan is aligned to State and National emergency plans and CN’s suite of Emergency Management Plans. The EMAP outlines strategies for CN in accordance with readiness and key actions which CN is committed to in accordance with relevant legislation, Acts and Regulations.
Preparedness – Key actions
- The City has installed hand sanitisers at all front facing facilities, focusing particularly at the libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues.
- We are reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites and appropriate signage needs.
- We are working through flexible working options with City of Newcastle staff should this become necessary to continue delivering essential services.
- We are liaising with other agencies including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring Councils, the University of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport, to ensure sharing of information and consistent messaging to our community.
We are continuing to develop our plans to cover a situation where COVID19 becomes widespread in Australia, and state and federal governments move to greater restrictions on activities within the Newcastle Government area.
Communicating to employees
City employees who have recently travelled to affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus will be excluded from work and have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
All employees have been reminded to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Public health information has been distributed at the City’s libraries and community children’s education centre.
City of Newcastle will continue to update you on the work we’re doing through our Local Emergency Management Plan prepared for COVID-19.
More information is available on the NSW Health website or the Federal Government Health website.
City working with key partners on COVID-19 response
City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19.
The City’s Local Emergency Management Plan for COVID-19 has the following key objectives:
The City’s Local Emergency Management Plan for COVID-19 has the following key objectives:
- maintain services to residents and businesses
- provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities
- support the State and Federal governments to manage the impact of the pandemic
- adjust our operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff
“Public health is the number one priority for City of Newcastle and all agencies working collaboratively on the COVID-19 response,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We’re actively working within the Local Emergency Management Committee – with NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW to ensure that our city is adequately equipped and prepared.
“The City is also liaising with partners including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring councils, the University of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle and the Newcastle Airport to ensure consistent information is shared with our community.
How we are responding:
- The City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has activated an Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) aligned with state and national emergency plans.
- Working with the Local Emergency Management Committee to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
- Establishing a dedicated webpage which will be regularly updated to provide information about our essential services www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Latest-News/Novel-Coronavirus
- Notifying event organisers following the state and federal governments issuing an advisory today restricting non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.
- Each City of Newcastle service area is developing a detailed plan to support the EMAP should the spread of the virus prompt the state and federal governments to introduce greater restrictions on activities within our Local Government area.
- Distributing hand-sanitising gel to front-facing facilities, focusing particularly on libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues and reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites.
The NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au is the primary source of health information. The City is supporting the NSW Government in sharing information on its channels.
CORONA RESPONSE MUST PROTECT CASUAL WORKERS
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called for greater protection for casual workers in the Newcastle-Hunter region as part of the coronavirus stimulus package.
Ms Claydon said local businesses and workers were particularly vulnerable to the flow-on impacts of coronavirus.
“Our region is heavily exposed to the economic shockwaves from corona, given the significance of our small business, tourism and hospitality sectors,” Ms Claydon said.
“Regretfully, these same industries are also heavily reliant on casual workers, who are enormously vulnerable and without sick pay if they get their shifts cut or have to go into isolation.”
Ms Claydon said that concerns about workers had been a key theme of feedback from local business and representative organisations.
“Local businesses are facing unprecedented challenges themselves, but the consistent message they’ve been giving me is they want to protect their workers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Morrison Government is doing nothing to ensure that the many thousands of casual workers in our community get through this terrible time. The message is clearly ‘You’re on your own.’”
Ms Claydon said it was also a public health issue to contain the spread of the virus.
“The last thing we would want is sick workers continuing to go to work because they can’t afford to do otherwise,” Ms Claydon said.
“This isn’t just about protecting vulnerable workers – it’s about protecting our entire community.”
Ms Claydon said it the problem shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of business to fix.
“It’s great that some businesses have announced that they will continue to pay workers who have to go into isolation, but it’s neither fair nor reasonable to expect all businesses to do this.
“Successive Liberal Federal Governments have supported an increasingly casualised workforce. It’s now incumbent on the Morrison Government to step up and protect these workers and our communities.”
Ms Claydon said local businesses and workers were particularly vulnerable to the flow-on impacts of coronavirus.
“Our region is heavily exposed to the economic shockwaves from corona, given the significance of our small business, tourism and hospitality sectors,” Ms Claydon said.
“Regretfully, these same industries are also heavily reliant on casual workers, who are enormously vulnerable and without sick pay if they get their shifts cut or have to go into isolation.”
Ms Claydon said that concerns about workers had been a key theme of feedback from local business and representative organisations.
“Local businesses are facing unprecedented challenges themselves, but the consistent message they’ve been giving me is they want to protect their workers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Morrison Government is doing nothing to ensure that the many thousands of casual workers in our community get through this terrible time. The message is clearly ‘You’re on your own.’”
Ms Claydon said it was also a public health issue to contain the spread of the virus.
“The last thing we would want is sick workers continuing to go to work because they can’t afford to do otherwise,” Ms Claydon said.
“This isn’t just about protecting vulnerable workers – it’s about protecting our entire community.”
Ms Claydon said it the problem shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of business to fix.
“It’s great that some businesses have announced that they will continue to pay workers who have to go into isolation, but it’s neither fair nor reasonable to expect all businesses to do this.
“Successive Liberal Federal Governments have supported an increasingly casualised workforce. It’s now incumbent on the Morrison Government to step up and protect these workers and our communities.”
Statement on Hamilton Carnivale
Hamilton Carnivale has previously been hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce, which has recently seen a number of directors resign, has chosen not to apply to Council for funding or support to run Carnivale this year.
Because the name ‘Hamilton Carnivale’ is trademarked, no event bearing that name can be run by the new Hamilton business improvement association (BIA). This new group, which consists solely of local businesspeople, is working on a series of events to showcase Beaumont Street later this year and will be announcing details in the next few months.
Under agreements with BIAs, there is no cap placed on the funding that can be allocated to events within their annual $100,000 grant. In addition, BIAs can apply for further funding for additional projects or events. In addition, BIAs can also apply for additional funding for projects or events. This funding for additional projects is capped at $15,000 per project over and above annual funding.
The new model enables BIAs to engage professional event managers to deliver events on their behalf and provides additional support by centralising administrative services.
Because the name ‘Hamilton Carnivale’ is trademarked, no event bearing that name can be run by the new Hamilton business improvement association (BIA). This new group, which consists solely of local businesspeople, is working on a series of events to showcase Beaumont Street later this year and will be announcing details in the next few months.
Under agreements with BIAs, there is no cap placed on the funding that can be allocated to events within their annual $100,000 grant. In addition, BIAs can apply for further funding for additional projects or events. In addition, BIAs can also apply for additional funding for projects or events. This funding for additional projects is capped at $15,000 per project over and above annual funding.
The new model enables BIAs to engage professional event managers to deliver events on their behalf and provides additional support by centralising administrative services.
Paul Jennings display calls library in world first
The haunted dunny from children’s book Round the Twist and Paul Jennings’ colourful sea creature in The Fisherman and the Theefyspray are among characters and scenes in a new exhibition inspired by the famous writer.
A magical, immersive world expressed through Jennings’ writings will be presented at Newcastle Library’s Lovett Gallery in the form of sculptures, interpretative panels and various illustrations from his books.
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Named for his 1985 bestseller, the Paul Jennings: UNREAL! exhibition will be displayed for the first time away from the Warrnambool Art Gallery when hosted in Newcastle from Friday night.
“Paul Jennings AM is one of Australia’s best loved storytellers whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide, won countless awards and been turned into hit television series,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“I know many parents who grew up loving the stories of Paul Jennings and I hope that they have passed this love onto their children.
“Unreal will appeal to children and parents alike and the exhibition will serve as a celebration of Jennings’ work for Newcastle families.
“So far, more than 2,000 students are scheduled to visit school workshops, which are still available.
“The City of Newcastle invests around $15 million in delivering cultural facilities in our city year in year out and the Library plays a vital role in telling our stories and showcasing wonderful Australian talent like Paul Jennings.”
The English-born writer has sold more than 10 million books worldwide in 18 different languages, with his characteristic series of events ending with a twist to resonate across cultures.
The Library launch on Friday 13 March includes performances from local artists, craft activities and access to the exhibition.
Many of the items on display are privately owned by Jennings, a Warrnambool resident, and other individuals.
Jennings’ books are available in print, audio and e-books from Newcastle Libraries.
Current programming scheduled for the duration of the exhibition includes school excursions, school holiday programs and professional development opportunities for teachers and librarians.
Novel Coronavirus
The safety of our communities, customers and staff is our top priority.
City of Newcastle is following advise from the NSW Government on the recent outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We take advice on all public health matters from the state and federal health departments.
Our staff are monitoring developments daily and assessing any potential impact on city services and events.
We aim to maintain our current level of service to residents and businesses during this period.
All staff have been reminded to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Council is committed to our community’s safety and whilst the risk is currently very low, we ask residents to take precautions.
Feeling unwell?
If you develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of overseas travel, seek medical attention.
More information is available on the NSW Health website and www.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus websites.
Police investigate suspicious blazes at Muswellbrook home
Police are appealing for public assistance after a Muswellbrook home was targeted in two suspicious blazes in the past week.
About 4.30am on Saturday 7 March 2020, NSW Fire and Rescue crews were called to a home on Bligh Street, Muswellbrook, after reports the front of the home was well alight.
Crews extinguished the blaze a short time later.
Then about 5am today (Tuesday 10 March 2020), neighbours contacted emergency services after the same home was fully engulfed in flames.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze a short time later, with officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District establishing a crime scene and commencing investigations.
The home was vacant on both occasions, with the building completely destroyed.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have heard or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area in the early hours of either Saturday 7 or Tuesday 10 March to contact Muswellbrook Police on 6542 6999 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man charged over historical alleged sexual assaults of teenage girl in the Bathurst area
Unsolved Homicide detectives have charged a man over alleged sexual assaults, which were uncovered during inquiries into the suspected 1997 murder of Bathurst teenager, Jessica Small.
Jessica Small, aged 15, was abducted by an unknown man in the early hours of Sunday 26 October 1997 from Eglington, near Bathurst. She has not been seen or heard from since and a 2014 Coronial Inquest found that she had been murdered.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit are continuing to re-investigate the circumstances surrounding Jessica’s abduction and suspected murder under Strike Force Carica II.
As part of their inquiries, strike force investigators received reports a teenage girl had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her in the Bathurst area in the mid-90s.
Following extensive investigations, a 43-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station earlier today (Tuesday 10 March 2020).
He was subsequently charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually assaulted the girl, who was known to him, in 1994 and 1996, when she was aged 17 and 19.
The Bruinbun man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Carica II are ongoing.
A $1 million NSW Government reward remains in place for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for Jessica’s disappearance and murder.
Police investigate East Maitland armed robbery
Police are appealing for public assistance after an armed robbery in the Hunter region overnight.
About 8.45pm (Sunday 8 March 2020), a man entered a fast food restaurant on Lawes Street, East Maitland, armed with a baseball bat.
The man threatened an employee before he fled the scene with a sum of cash in an easterly direction along Lawes Street.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a short time later and established a crime scene.
The man was last seen wearing dark coloured clothing with his face covered.
Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the nearby area to contact Maitland Police on 4934 0200 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.