Category: Newcastle News

A man has been charged after an alleged pursuit near Newcastle today.

Just before 2.30pm (Monday 20 January 2025), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting patrols of the Merewether area when they attempted to stop an Audi allegedly speeding.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was soon terminated, due to safety concerns.

A short time later, officers attached to Newcastle City Traffic and Highway Patrol located the vehicle on Wilton Street, Merewether, where it crashed into a brick wall.

The driver, a 23-year-old man, was uninjured and arrested nearby after a short foot pursuit.

During a search of the vehicle and the man, officers allegedly located and seized a knife, a firearm and machete.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with,

• police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
• hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty,
• acquire etc pistol-subject to firearms prohibition order,
• possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place,
• not keep firearm safely – pistol,
• not stop at stop line (intersection with no lights),
• possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit,
• use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order,
• custody of knife in public place, and
• carry cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 21 January 2025).

A man will face court today over an alleged assault and hit and run crash in the Lake Macquarie region on Friday.

About 1.20am Friday (17 January 2025), emergency services were called to Harrison Street, Cardiff, following reports a man had been located injured.

On arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District located a 36-year-old man injured on the roadway.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains.

Initial inquiries suggested the man was struck by a vehicle, which failed to stop.

Police established a crime scene and commenced enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the assistance of specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following enquiries, police located the vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident on Devon Street, Wallsend. It was seized for forensic examination.

A 24-year-old man was also arrested at the location and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with attempt murder, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm, proceed through red traffic light (not toll booth), drive motor vehicle while licence suspended and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 19 January 2025).

Police will allege in court the younger man assaulted the older man before striking him with a vehicle and leaving the scene.

It’s a new year in more ways than one for City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural festival, New Annual.

The festival is kicking off 2025 with a new search for local talent and a new director taking the creative reins, as work begins to put together the program for the 10-day event.

Newcastle-based or affiliated artists are being invited to apply for up to $40,000 in funding to present their work during New Annual, which will be held from 26 September to 5 October.

Local artists working across interdisciplinary art forms, visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and multimedia have until Friday 21 February to submit an expression of interest (EOI).

New Annual Festival Director Tory LoudonNewly appointed Festival Director Tory Loudon said Made New provided a fantastic opportunity to elevate the work of Newcastle’s thriving creative community.

“One of the most important things any arts and culture festival can do is celebrate and in some cases introduce emerging and established local artists within the communities where they live and work,” Ms Loudon said.

“Not only does it showcase the ability, creativity and diversity of local talent right here in Newcastle, it helps to foster audience development by generating a sense of ownership amongst the local community.

“Supporting local talent has been one of the real strengths of New Annual since it was established by City of Newcastle in 2021 and I look forward to continuing that tradition.”

Ms Loudon joins New Annual on the back of an impressive 20-year career in the arts, media, and creative industries, including senior roles at leading institutions including Sydney Opera House, Vivid Sydney, Carriageworks, Creative Australia, The Guardian, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Dance Theatre, and most recently as the Head of Public Programs and Engagement at the Sydney Theatre Company. 

Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said she was looking forward to working with Ms Loudon on City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural event.

“Outgoing Festival Director Adrian Burnett has grown New Annual’s program and position on the national festival circuit, and we thank him for his passion and dedication,” Ms Jones said.

“However, we’re thrilled to be welcoming Ms Loudon to City of Newcastle. She has an exceptional track record of leading and creating distinct and engaging arts, entertainment, education, and community engagement programs.

“I am excited about what she and the rest of the team have in store for us when New Annual returns to the city in September and also look forward to seeing the performances and experiences produced under the next round of Made New funding, which will form part of the wider programming of local performers.”

To keep up-to-date with the latest festival news or find out more about the “Made New” EOI process, visit www.newannual.com

City of Newcastle acknowledges that we operate on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.
We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship with the land, and that they are the proud survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 14 January 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Notices of Motion

Shark Management Program in Newcastle

Council supported a notice of motion to respond to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) 2024 Preferences Survey to indicate its support for shark mitigation technology measures such as drones, SMART Drumlines and tagged shark listening stations. An amendment was supported that opted to leave the question about shark nets blank with the addition of a Part B. Another amendment was supported that reiterates the DPI is best placed to manage the Shark Meshing Program in a coordinated manner across NSW and emphasises the importance of broad community consultation, a robust state-wide public education campaign, and continued funding and leadership from DPI for shark detection technologies.

Management and replacement of commemorative plaques in the City of Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to explore the cost and replacement of a range of commemorative plaques that have been stolen from prominent locations in Newcastle since October 2024.

Heritage listing of Newcastle Ocean Baths

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that formally reaffirms Council’s support for the proposed listing of the Newcastle Ocean Baths to the Heritage Council of NSW via a submission, noting Council’s record of investment in enhancing the Baths while safeguarding their enduring heritage values.

Pressurised washing of footpaths in Main Street business precinct areas

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to improve the amenity of heavily populated main streets through high pressure cleaning of footpaths, noting the Business Improvement Associations of Hamilton, Newcastle, Wallsend and Mayfield have identified that footpaths on their main streets would benefit from a water pressure washing at least once every four years.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s north.

Kaytana Smallwood, aged 29, was last seen at a hospital on Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, about 4pm on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Kaytana is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165-170cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, black cap and carrying a black bumbag.

Kaytana is known to frequent the Hamilton South and New Lambton areas.

Anyone knowing of Kaytana’s whereabouts is asked to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Jesse Milne, aged 28, was last seen leaving a medical facility on Edith Street, Waratah, about 12pm last Sunday (12 January 2025).

When he was unable to be contacted again, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Jessie’s welfare.

Jesse is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall, of large build, with short to medium-length black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, navy shorts, and black shoes.

Jesse is known to frequent the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie areas.

A man has died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in the state’s Hunter Valley Region overnight.

About 7.20pm (Wednesday 15 January 2025), emergency services were called to Maitland Road, Cessnock, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found a motorcycle had left the roadway and crashed into a telegraph pole.

The rider – a 32-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 14 January 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Notices of Motion

Shark Management Program in Newcastle

Council supported a notice of motion to respond to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) 2024 Preferences Survey to indicate its support for shark mitigation technology measures such as drones, SMART Drumlines and tagged shark listening stations. An amendment was supported that opted to leave the question about shark nets blank with the addition of a Part B. Another amendment was supported that reiterates the DPI is best placed to manage the Shark Meshing Program in a coordinated manner across NSW and emphasises the importance of broad community consultation, a robust state-wide public education campaign, and continued funding and leadership from DPI for shark detection technologies.

Management and replacement of commemorative plaques in the City of Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to explore the cost and replacement of a range of commemorative plaques that have been stolen from prominent locations in Newcastle since October 2024.

Heritage listing of Newcastle Ocean Baths

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that formally reaffirms Council’s support for the proposed listing of the Newcastle Ocean Baths to the Heritage Council of NSW via a submission, noting Council’s record of investment in enhancing the Baths while safeguarding their enduring heritage values.

Pressurised washing of footpaths in Main Street business precinct areas

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to improve the amenity of heavily populated main streets through high pressure cleaning of footpaths, noting the Business Improvement Associations of Hamilton, Newcastle, Wallsend and Mayfield have identified that footpaths on their main streets would benefit from a water pressure washing at least once every four years.

Community members are being invited to have their say on the terms of reference that will guide an independent review of City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance.

Councillors unanimously voted at the December Council meeting to undertake a review, which will be conducted by Davidson Business Advisory.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said the purpose is to provide an independent review of City of Newcastle’s performance, processes and procedures to uphold public trust and enhance governance.

“I am committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and excellence in our governance,” Cr Kerridge said.

“The goal is to objectively assess our current practices and identify areas for potential improvement. This review is not about restructuring or reducing Council operations but about providing independent assurance of our performance and compliance with regulated obligations.”

Cr Kerridge said the review provides the opportunity for community input.

From Monday 13 January to Wednesday 29 January 2025 the community is invited to provide submissions and feedback on the terms of reference as resolved by Council at the December meeting, which covers five themes:

1. General Governance – assessing the adequacy of City of Newcastle’s general governance processes

2. Financial Governance – assessing the adequacy of City of Newcastle’s financial governance processes

3. Compliance – assessing City of Newcastle’s compliance against key legislative requirements

4. Engagement – assessing City of Newcastle’s processes to engage the community

5. Major Projects – assessing City of Newcastle’s governance of major projects

“I am pleased that we are moving forward with this important review and that it offers the opportunity for community submissions and feedback on the scope. Davidson Business Advisory has established a secure portal for this input to be lodged directly with them and this mechanism enables respondents to opt for their submission to be treated as confidential if they wish,” Cr Kerridge said. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who brought the Notice of Motion to the December Council meeting, said the review will be led by Davidson Business Advisory, who have worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews, with oversight from City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

“Davidson’s lead consultant, Colin Jensen spent 14 years as the CEO of the largest local government in Australia, the City of Brisbane. Prior to this he was Director General of the Queensland Government Infrastructure and Planning Department, and has extensive experience in navigating complex, highly regulated environments,” Cr Pull said.

Davidson will prepare a report for City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee prior to the review findings being presented to the elected Council later this year.

Submissions to the Independent Review can be made via the external, secure portal here.

A man has been charged after he allegedly painted offensive graffiti on a shopfront in Newcastle this morning.

About 7.30am (Sunday 12 January 2025), a man approached a chemist on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, before he allegedly painted an offensive symbol on a side wall of the premises.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and established a crime scene.

Following inquiries, about 10am, the 47-year-old man was arrested nearby and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with intentionally mark premises etc without prescribed consent and knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse.

The man was refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 13 January 2025).

The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously and encourages anyone who is the victim of a hate crime or witnesses a hate crime to report the matter to police through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through Triple Zero (000).

It is important that the community and police continue to work together to make NSW a safer place for everyone.