Category: Newcastle News

A man will re-appear in court today charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl in the Hunter region.
In August 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a five-year-old girl had been sexually abused by a man known to her.
Following extensive investigations, a 45-year-old man was arrested at a home at Cooranbong about 10.30am on Thursday 10 October 2019.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with intentionally carry out sexual act with child under 10 years, intentional incite child under 10 years to do sexual act to them, and intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years.
The man appeared at Toronto Local Court last Thursday, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court today (Tuesday 15 October 2019).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Police are investigating after a letter box was destroyed by explosives at Hamilton North early this morning.
Just before 5am (Tuesday 15 October 2019), police attended Boreas Road, following reports of an explosion heard in the area.
Police canvassed the area and located a damaged letterbox.
No one was injured, and no other property was damaged.
A crime scene was established and has been forensically examined.
Newcastle City Police District have commenced an investigation and are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in Boreas Street to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newcastle are the pride of regional NSW after winning the 2019 Regional State Cup at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park at the weekend.
The competition brings the best regional teams from across the state together to determine the standout regional Association in the Opens age category.
Newcastle were ranked the top Association at the conclusion of the weekend, bringing well-earned honours back to the Hunter.
One hundred players from 10 Associations, from as far and wide as Lismore and Wagga Wagga, took part over two days – Saturday and Sunday, 12-13 October – with the top four making the Finals Series.
Newcastle put in a 100 per cent effort, winning 11 from 11 – including a 26-16 Grand Final win over Orange – to be crowed regional NSW’s best, ahead of their rivals from the West Central West.
The North Coast was also well represented at the business end with Hastings Valley claiming third place, and Ballina (Far North Coast) rounding out the top four.
Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale thanked the players, coaches, team managers and supporters for a brilliant weekend in Olympic Park.
“We had about 50 games of netball over the course of the weekend with almost 2,150 goals scored,” she said.
“That is a testament to the standard of netball we have in our regional areas and it was wonderful to host them at the home of Netball NSW.
“Newcastle have been very successful in the previous version of the State Cup, and the really showed their champion qualities again over the weekend.
“These teams have had long seasons in the BING LEE Regional League, and now the Regional State Cup, so I’d like to wish them the best for their break, and look forward to seeing them back in 2020.”
2019 Regional State Cup Final placings
Newcastle Netball Association
Orange Netball Association
Hastings Valley Netball Association
Ballina Netball Association
Queanbeyan Netball Association
Wagga Wagga Netball Association
Lismore & District Netball Association
Quirindi Netball Association
Great Lakes Netball Association
Goulburn & District Netball Association

Police have released CCTV images and are appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into the theft of ‘smart’ watches from retail stores.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District launched an investigation after three males took 12 ‘smart’ watches from a store at a Charlestown shopping centre on Wednesday 18 September 2019.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command were notified of a second incident on Wednesday 2 October 2019, after 17 watches were stolen from a store at a Hornsby shopping centre.
Investigators have been told; however, that the items are only display models with very limited functionality despite appearing identical.
They are warning members of the public – who may be offered the watches for sale – to exercise caution and ensure they ask for proof-of-purchase before proceeding with a transaction, online or otherwise.
Initial inquiries suggest the incidents are linked and investigators are now releasing CCTV images of three males who may be able to assist with their investigation.
The first male is described as being Caucasian appearance, about 18-20 years old, of a medium build, and with a dark beard and moustache.
He is depicted wearing a white t-shirt, black hooded jacket, cream coloured pants, and an orange cap.
The second male is described as being Caucasian appearance, about 18-20 years old, of a medium build, and with short brown hair.
He is depicted wearing a black hooded jumper, black pants, and is seen carrying a black backpack.
The third male is described as being Caucasian appearance, 15-17 years old, of a slim build, and with short dark hair.
He is depicted wearing a black hooded jumper, and black pants with white stripes down each leg.

Police are appealing for urgent public assistance to help locate a man missing north of Newcastle.
Gavin McDermott, aged 47, was last seen by his neighbour on Macrae Crescent, East Maitland on Wednesday 9 October 2019.
Officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were recently notified of his absence by a relative and commenced their enquiries.
Family and police hold serious concerns for his welfare due as they believe his behaviour is out of character.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Gavin who is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a thin build, about 180 cm tall with brown eyes and brown hair.
It is believed he could be driving his white 2008 Toyota Prado diesel station wagon with NSW registration CEQ 39Y.

A sustainable swap-meet, art and activism workshop and exciting line-up of local live music are among the highlights of a youth-led community street festival taking over Laman Street tomorrow.
Organised by the Newcastle Youth Council, the Spring Street Festival is a showcase of social and environmental sustainability that is designed to encourage people to talk, learn and think globally by getting involved locally.
Being held in Laman Street and the ground floor of the Newcastle Region Library from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 12 October, the festival will feature live music, vegetarian food stalls, local artists and workshops on a range of issues like fast fashion, urban farming and climate action.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Spring Street Festival was about empowering young people to come together and connect on issues that matter to them.
“This youth-led event provides an opportunity to discover, connect and celebrate the incredible work that is being done in our community around sustainability,” she said.
“It will explore positive solutions that are happening right now to address issues such as climate change, gender equality and sustainable consumption, encouraging people to think global and act local.”
Sustainability has been used to inform every aspect of the festival, from the clothes, jewellery and book swap designed to combat fast fashion with a more sustainable approach to looking fabulous, through to the Enviro Hub where you can learn how to get involved with local environmental campaigns and maintain the momentum created during September’s School Strike 4 Climate rally.
Well-known local artist Quinn Squires (aka Real Salad) will bring his colourful brand of art and activism to the festival with a workshop on creating issue-focused art, while Newcastle Art Gallery will showcase the incredible talent of Newcastle’s visual artists with an emerging artists market.
Headspace Newcastle will host a chill zone with art, music, food and comfy cushions to sink into, five local bands will keep the festival vibe going with live performances throughout the day while numerous organisations involved in everything from gender equality and climate action to mental health and wellbeing will also host activities across their own stalls.
The Spring Street Festival is being run in conjunction with Newcastle Libraries, Newcastle Youth Council, CIFAL Newcastle, United Nations Society – University of Newcastle and The Y Project.

A woman reported missing from Lake Macquarie yesterday has been located safe and well.
A 37-year-old woman was last seen leaving a property in Cooranbong about 11.30pm on Wednesday 9 October 2019.
Following inquiries, about 9.30am today (Friday 11 October 2019) the woman was located safe and well in Cooranbong.
Police wish to thank the public and the media for its assistance.

The world’s most famous board game now has embraced a unique Novocastrian theme.
A special edition Newcastle Monopoly was launched today by Winning Moves, City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Mr Monopoly at Newcastle Museum. Also in attendance were members of the community keen to be the first to get their hands on the new local version of the classic board game.
“Newcastle is an iconic city so it’s only fitting we have our very own Monopoly board game to celebrate our spectacular built and natural attractions,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We’re certainly spoilt for choice for board game worthy locations to feature, from our renowned beaches to locations like Newcastle Museum, Blackbutt Reserve, and Fort Scratchley, which are all up for grabs for players.
“I’m thrilled our city now has its very own version of Monopoly and know it will be embraced by Novocastrians young and old. It’s wonderful to think people will create memories playing the game based on our very own city.
“It’s the perfect family friendly gift for Christmas or for those looking for something truly unique. It’s also sure to prove popular with visitors to the city,” Cr Nelmes said.
The fast dealing property trading game features special twists like Newcastle locations and themed board design.
“This edition is everything you love about the traditional board, adapted in a way that Novocastrians will enjoy for generations to come,” Winning Moves’ Dale Hackett said.
Monopoly first hit the shelves in 1935 and since then has secured its spot in pop culture and people’s homes as a best-loved game.
Newcastle Monopoly is available at the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre and in selected stores from today.

Police have located and seized dozens of items believed to be stolen from the Lake Macquarie region.
On Wednesday 25 September 2019, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District executed a search warrant at Arlington Street, Belmont in relation to several alleged copper thefts in the area.
During the search, police located and seized more than 50 items alleged to have been stolen.
The property seized includes a field line marker, floor polisher, floor sander, concrete cutter, high pressure cleaner and ceiling projector.
It’s estimated the value of the stolen goods is approximately $50,000.
Police are now looking to locate the owners of the stolen property.
Anyone with information can contact Belmont Police Station on (02) 4922 8899 or call Crime Stoppers.

Police are appealing for assistance to help locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie region.
Skye Conway, aged 37, was last seen leaving a property in Cooranbong about 11.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 9 October 2019).
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced an investigation.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to medical reasons.
She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, with a thin build, blonde hair and brown eyes.
She was last seen wearing a black singlet, grey track pants and polka dot socks.
Skye is also known to have connections in the Cronulla area in Sydney’s south.
Anyone who has seen Skye or knows of her whereabouts is urged to contact police.