Category: Newcastle News

A man has been charged following a fatal crash in the state’s Hunter region last month.

About 12.05pm (Thursday 4 April 2024), emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Wingen, about 18km north of Scone, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.

On arrival, officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District attended the scene found a Toyota Landcruiser towing a caravan and two other vehicles – a Volvo truck and an Isuzu truck – had collided.

The driver of the Isuzu truck– a 41-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the Toyota – a 63-year-old man – and his female passenger were taken to the same hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Volvo truck – a 60-year-old man – was uninjured.

A crime scene was established, with officers from the Crash Investigation Unit commencing an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following inquiries, the 63-year-old man was issued a future Court Attendance Notice for negligent driving occasioning death and not give way (move from marked lane to another) today (Friday 24 May 2024).

He is due to face Scone Local Court on Wednesday 12 June 2024.

His licence was also suspended.

Hunter communities will soon be able to enjoy improved access to public transport infrastructure thanks to a more than $245,000 funding injection that will deliver dozens of better bus stops across the region.   

The NSW Labor Government’s $1.6 million Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Scheme will see 149 regional bus stop improvement programs rolled out across the state, including 54 in the Hunter.

Maitland City Council will receive $77,250 from the latest round of the Scheme and this will go towards funding construction of a new bus shelter in East Maitland and the upgrade of 26 bus shelters across the local government area.

Port Stephens Council will use $80,500 in grant funding to build two new shelters and upgrade 12 existing shelters.

Cessnock City Council will benefit from $88,000 which will be used to build two new bus shelters and upgrade 11 existing shelters.

Upgrade works will include a mix of treatments including:

• Installation of tactile indicators to help people with vision impairment
• Establishment of safer boarding points
• Erection of new signage and support poles
• Construction of connecting paths

For a full list of NSW councils and funding amounts they have received visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/country-passenger-transport-infrastructure-grants-scheme 

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“If we want people in the Hunter using public transport we need to make it an attractive option.

“Bus stops are a window to a crucial part of our integrated transport system in the Hunter.

“These stops need to be user-friendly for everyone including older passengers and those with a disability. This funding will vastly improve 54 stops in the Hunter.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Labor Government is delivering improved public transport infrastructure across the state and I’m happy to see Hunter communities have benefited.

“Better bus stops make public transport more accessible and attractive as an option to get around our community so these investments are very welcome.

“Whether it’s upgrades to improve safety, travel experience, or new shelters to protect people as they wait for public transport; these investments will deliver a range of positive benefits to all transport users and future generations for many years to come.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“The NSW Labor Government is injecting $1.6 million to improve public transport infrastructure across regional NSW and Port Stephens is a big beneficiary.

“Port Stephens will be getting two new bus shelters, and twelve will be made more accessible, enabling local residents to catch buses more easily.

“By investing in better bus stops we’re delivering on our commitment to make NSW more accessible and inclusive – one bus stop at a time.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“It is great to see the Cessnock City LGA receive two new bus stops and upgrades to a further 11 existing shelters.

“The investment into infrastructure will make it more accessible and inclusive for everyone to use public transport.”

Maitland City Council new bus shelter site:

• 14 Mitchell Dr, East Maitland NSW 2323

Maitland City Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• 108 South Seas Dr, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 99 South Seas Dr, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 42 Norfolk St, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 14 Highland Way, Bolwarra NSW 2320
• 37 Corina Ave, Bolwarra Heights NSW 2320
• 65 Cumberland St, East Maitland NSW 2323
• 31 Turnbull Dr, East Maitland NSW 2323
• Cessnock Rd, Gillieston Heights NSW 2321
• 343 Cessnock Rd, Gillieston Heights NSW 2321
• 18 Belmore Rd, Lorn NSW 2320
• 321 High St, Maitland NSW 2320
• Ken Tubman Dr, Maitland NSW 2320
• 5 Dunkley St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 39 Avery St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• Hillview St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 59 Weblands St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 34 South St, Telarah NSW 2320
• 27 Taylor Ave, Thornton NSW 2322
• 1 Purdom Cl, Thornton NSW 2322
• Raymond Terrace Rd, Thornton NSW 2322
• 11 Woodlands Dr, Thornton NSW 2322
• 28 Government Rd, Thornton NSW 2322
• 1 Taylor Ave, Thornton NSW 2322
• Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322
• 114 Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322
• 118 Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322

Port Stephens Council new bus shelter site:

• South St, Medowie NSW 2318
• 2129 Nelson Bay Rd, Williamtown NSW 2318

Port Stephens Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• 6 Frost Rd, Anna Bay NSW 2316
• 35A Blanch St, Boat Harbour NSW 2316
• Fullerton Cove Rd, Fullerton Cove NSW 2318
• 77 Government Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
• 152 Benjamin Lee Dr, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• Rees James Rd, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• 141 Mount Hall Rd, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• Port Stephens Dr, Salamander Bay NSW 2317
• Sandy Point Rd, Salamander Bay NSW 2317
• Ridgeway Ave, Soldiers Point NSW 2317
• 112 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point NSW 2317
• 24 Moxey Clos, Williamtown NSW 2318

Cessnock City Council new bus shelter site:

• 93 Main Rd, Heddon Greta NSW 2321
• Alexandra St, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327

Cessnock City Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• Allandale Rd, Cessnock NSW 2325
• 15 Main Rd (Main Road opp 20 stop id) Cliftleigh NSW 2321
• 4 Lake Rd, Kearsley NSW 2325
• 2A Lake Rd, Kearsley NSW 2325
• 16 Triton Blvd, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• Bendeich Dr (opp Slattery Rd), North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 24 Bendeich Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 44 McGann Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• McGann Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 124 Triton Blvd, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 8 First St, Weston NSW 2326

The newly established Hunter Environment Advisory Group met for the first time last week, bringing together a group of representatives from community, industry and councils to discuss the Hunter’s unique environmental profile, challenges and priorities.

The new Advisory Group has evolved to combine and replace two former committees – the Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee (UHAQAC) and Newcastle Community Consultative Committee for the Environment (NCCCE) – providing a more unified approach to environmental issues across the region.           

Fourteen members represent interests across the Hunter region, including six from the community, four from industry, three from local government, and one environmental representative. 

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director of Operations Jason Gordon, who chairs the group, said the new Advisory Group will inform the EPA’s regulatory priorities and work in the region.

“The Hunter Environment Advisory Group is a great way for us to come together to listen to the major environmental concerns across the Hunter region, and share the ideas and actions being taken to mitigate these issues,” Mr Gordon said.

“In our first meeting, we covered a range of topics including local air quality and monitoring networks and discussed water quality and the remediation of contaminated land. 

“We committed to more transparency about how the EPA works with our licensees and protects the environment across a range of industries.

“The inaugural meeting was also a great opportunity to discuss the results of the EPA’s recent Operation ‘Bust the Dust’. Using drones and unannounced site inspections, EPA officers undertook 78 observations of coal mines in the Hunter Valley between August and December 2023 to monitor for dust emissions.

“Fortunately, the results from this latest campaign show improved performance by local mines against previous years, including increased measures for dust suppression and several instances where operations were stood down in response to dust risks.

“We understand that dust from mining activity in the Hunter Valley is a key concern for the community, and the EPA will continue its campaigns and routine inspections to ensure the mines are maintaining good air quality in the region.”

The Hunter Environment Advisory Group will meet every six months. More information about the Group’s priorities and members can be found at: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/community-engagement/community-committees/hunter-environment-advisory-group

City of Newcastle has recognised the dedication of more than 250 volunteers who contributed over 6000 hours of their time to the community during the past year.

Their efforts were acknowledged during a special morning tea attended by City of Newcastle volunteers at City Hall today to mark National Volunteer Week, which runs from 20-26 May and is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk celebrate National Volunteer Week with some of City of Newcastle’s dedicated volunteers during a morning tea at City Hall.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was fortunate to have so many selfless volunteers who contribute to strengthening the community.

“Today is about thanking, recognising and acknowledging the amazing work our volunteers do across Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Each of them positively contribute to our community by helping out at facilities, events or with special programs and initiatives. This year the theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘something for everyone’, and this certainly rings true in Newcastle. 

“Volunteers from all walks of life lend their time, skills, and passion to City of Newcastle facilities and projects including at Landcare sites, Libraries, the Museum, Gallery, Civic Playhouse and at major events.

“There really is something for everyone when it comes to volunteering with City of Newcastle and we continue to be grateful for their ongoing support and dedication.”

Among those who attended the morning tea was Robert Clifton, a retiree and keen bushwalker who has been volunteering with Landcare for 14 years as part of the Obelisk Hill – Arcadia Park group. 

Landcare volunteers are the largest single group of volunteers at City of Newcastle. Over the last 12 months they have contributed over 4000 hours of service and planted in excess of 10,000 native plants.

“I have always been passionate about the environment so when my walking group decided to give back to the community by caring for the land around Newcastle’s Obelisk I wanted to help,” Mr Clifton said.

“We did a lot of weeding and planting, and it felt good to be part of something that has improved an iconic outdoor space in Newcastle.” 

Mr Clifton says that in addition to helping renew picturesque spots in Newcastle, volunteering has had many other personal benefits.

“Our core group of 25 people now meet most Fridays and work for around three hours before stopping for morning tea. It is good exercise in the fresh air and a great way to meet new people. We all started out as strangers and have since become friends,” Mr Clifton said.

Expressions of interest for new volunteering opportunities can be registered through City of Newcastle’s website.

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to share their thoughts on the safety and accessibility of pedestrian crossings to help guide future installations and upgrades across the city.

Residents will provide feedback on the different types of crossings, as well as recently completed raised pedestrian crossings in suburbs including New Lambton, Waratah, Birmingham Gardens, Broadmeadow, and Merewether.

Cr Adamczyk and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen use the pedestrian crossing at New LambtonDeputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said encouraging more people to walk is important for the wellbeing of our community and the liveability of our city.

“We’re preparing a more strategic approach to how we plan and deliver pedestrian crossings across Newcastle by addressing barriers to walking,” Cr Clausen said.

“With a better understanding of how different crossing types improve the experience of pedestrians, we’ll be able to implement appropriate crossings that prioritise safety and accessibility.

“We want to ensure our pedestrian crossings reflect the diversity of our community and cater to the needs of all Novocastrians including older residents, people with mobility or vision impairments, parents with prams, school children and tourists.”

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Walking and Mobility Working Party said the survey would help shed light on community experiences and perceptions of the safety benefits of different pedestrian crossing types.

“Community feedback will help to improve safety and accessibility of walking in our city,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“By reducing the barriers related to crossing the road, we aim to improve safe continuous pathways of travel and enhance the experience for pedestrians of all mobilities and abilities.”

To take part in the survey visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

Feedback closes at 5pm on 10 June 2024.

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to share their thoughts on the safety and accessibility of pedestrian crossings to help guide future installations and upgrades across the city.

Residents will provide feedback on the different types of crossings, as well as recently completed raised pedestrian crossings in suburbs including New Lambton, Waratah, Birmingham Gardens, Broadmeadow, and Merewether.

Cr Adamczyk and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen use the pedestrian crossing at New LambtonDeputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said encouraging more people to walk is important for the wellbeing of our community and the liveability of our city.

“We’re preparing a more strategic approach to how we plan and deliver pedestrian crossings across Newcastle by addressing barriers to walking,” Cr Clausen said.

“With a better understanding of how different crossing types improve the experience of pedestrians, we’ll be able to implement appropriate crossings that prioritise safety and accessibility.

“We want to ensure our pedestrian crossings reflect the diversity of our community and cater to the needs of all Novocastrians including older residents, people with mobility or vision impairments, parents with prams, school children and tourists.”

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Walking and Mobility Working Party said the survey would help shed light on community experiences and perceptions of the safety benefits of different pedestrian crossing types.

“Community feedback will help to improve safety and accessibility of walking in our city,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“By reducing the barriers related to crossing the road, we aim to improve safe continuous pathways of travel and enhance the experience for pedestrians of all mobilities and abilities.”

To take part in the survey visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

Feedback closes at 5pm on 10 June 2024.

Surf life saving clubs in the Swansea have shared in more than $5 million in funding under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program. 

Swansea Belmont, and The Lakes Surf Life Saving Clubs were among 32 clubs to be awarded grants for the upgrade, restoration and construction of facilities under the Program. 

Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club was awarded $38,462 to upgrade its CCTV system as part of an overall clubhouse security upgrade. 

The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club was awarded $31,511 for the installation of solar panels, lighting upgrades and a replacement garage door. 

The Surf Club Facility Program helps surf life saving clubs develop facilities that encourage increased participation and facility usage as well as improve community safety. 

The NSW Government has allocated $16 million to the Program over four years. This was boosted an additional $5 million in the 2023/24 NSW State Budget as part of a $23 million funding increase to Surf Life Saving NSW to better protect beachgoers and reduce drownings. 

For further information on the Surf Club Facility Program, including the recipients in the 2023/24 Program, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program 

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said: 

“Swansea surf life saving volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community, protecting locals and visitors in the water. 

“These grants will contribute towards the development of modern, fit for purpose facilities that enables surf life savers to better protect the community and continue to deliver a world-class service. 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: 

“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach. 

“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and likewise, the NSW Government will not waver in its support of these incredible volunteers. 

“That’s why we are providing $21 million over four years to ensure our surf life saving clubs have modern, inclusive and accessible facilities.” 

Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew said: 

“The volunteer patrol season has only just finished, with our more than 20,000 active surf lifesavers performing over 4,600 rescues, 1 million preventative actions and almost 20,000 first aid treatments. It has been one of our busiest patrol seasons in years. 

“The Surf Club Facility Program has always contributed greatly to the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver, through enhanced facilities to ensure our lifesavers are rescue ready, trained and equipped appropriately, and it’s excellent to see 32 clubs benefitting from the latest round of funding. 

“Our surf clubs also act as key community hubs, promoting inclusivity and social cohesion, so this investment benefits all the community. 

“We have 129 clubs across the state, with 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.” 

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

Benjamin Newton, age 35, was last seen leaving a hospital on Church Street, Newcastle about 4.40pm yesterday (Sunday 19 May 2024).

When he could not be located or contacted, he was reported missing to Newcastle City Police District on Sunday (13 May 2024), with officers commencing inquiries to locate him.

Police and family hold concerns for Benjamin’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build, about 180cm tall, with brown hair, brown eyes and a beard.

Benjamin was last seen wearing a black jumper and black tracksuit pants.

Police believe he could be in the Sydney area.

Anyone with information into Benjamin’s whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a wanted man last seen in the Cardiff area.

Hughie Buckley, aged 21, is wanted on an outstanding warrant over pursuit-related offences.

Hughie is also wanted by Victoria Police in relation to an aggravated home invasion.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District have been conducting inquiries into his whereabouts.

Hughie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a slim build, brown hair, and a distinctive Irish accent.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately