Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Hunter.

Vicki Davey, aged 62, was last seen leaving a business on Memorial Avenue, Stroud about 2pm today (Tuesday 6 February 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens – Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Vicki is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, thin build, with short blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a light blue and white dress, grey cardigan and thongs.

Vicki is known to frequent the New Lambton area, with police also investigating the possibility she may have been hitchhiking.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

People in the Hunter region have seen some of the largest increases in bulk billing in Australia, since the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive.

The landmark Budget initiative is a key part of the Government’s $6.1 billion Strengthening Medicare reforms and is the largest investment in bulk billing in Medicare’s 40-year history. 

In October, before the incentive was tripled on 1 November, 66.4% of all GP visits were bulk billed across the Hunter. By December that increased by 3.4 percentage points to 69.8%.

The increase in the bulk billing rate means an estimated 10,800 additional trips to the GP were bulk billed in the Hunter in November and December, saving locals an estimated $450,000 in gap fees and helping to ease the cost-of-living.

Bulk billing had been falling after a decade of cuts and neglect to Medicare by the former Government that began when Peter Dutton froze Medicare rebates as Health Minister.

Thanks to the Albanese Government, bulk billing has now stabilised and begun to rise again, enabling GPs to bulk bill more patients who need care the most.  

The bulk billing incentive is paid on top of the standard Medicare benefit when doctors bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession card holders.

The GP bulk billing rate throughout NSW has increased by 1.7 percentage points to 82.3%, saving residents across the state more than $3.6 million in gap fees in just two months.

Nationally, the GP bulk billing rate has risen by 2.1 percentage points to 77.7%.

The GP bulk billing rate measures the proportion of all GP visits that involved no patient payment.

Minister Butler said:  

“Doctors’ groups have called our tripling of the bulk billing incentive a ‘game changer’ – and clearly it is. 

“The Albanese Government committed to making it easier for people to see a bulk billing doctor – and the first two months of data show that is exactly what is happening right around the country, and particularly in the Hunter region.” 

Minister Conroy said:

“This is a win all round for our community – for patients, doctors and the health system – and it is helping make Medicare stronger than it has ever been since Labor introduced it 40 years ago. 

“Every extra bulk billed visit to a GP means one less gap fee, taking pressure off household budgets.”

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“Eligible patients account for around 3 out of 5 visits to the GP, and in some communities much more than that, meaning changes to the bulkbilling incentive have brought important relief to pensioners, concession card holders and children under 16.

“I want to see the GP uptake of this incentive continue to rise in Newcastle to ensure Novocastrians have access to affordable healthcare.”

Meryl Swanson MP said:

“People in the Paterson electorate are some of the biggest winners from the Albanese Government’s investment in bulk billing.

“This is delivering significant cost of living relief for people in our community.

“The increase in bulk billing reflects our commitment to ensuring that quality medical care remains within reach for all.”

Dan Repacholi MP said:

 “It was Labor which introduced Medicare and only Labor can be trusted to strengthen and protect it.

“People in the Hunter are finding it easier to see a bulk billing doctor because of Labor’s efforts to strengthen Medicare.”

A body, believed to be that of a man reported missing from the Hunter region, has been located.

Hunter Valley Police District issued public appeals for information and launched an extensive search after a 38-year-old man was reported missing from Aberdeen on Sunday (28 January 2024).

During a co-ordinated land search, the body of a man was located in bushland off Campbell Street, Aberdeen about 3.20pm (Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Whilst the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Hunter Valley region.

Jared Jones, aged 38, was last seen on McLeod Street, Aberdeen, about 9pm on Sunday (28 January 2024).

When he couldn’t be contacted or located, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Jared’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm – 170cm tall, medium build, with blond hair and brown eyes.

Jared was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, navy blue shorts and a black baseball cap.

He is known to frequent the Aberdeen and Aberglasslyn areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or 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 information via NSW Police social media pages.

A P-plate driver will face court following two separate crashes in Muswellbrook last night.

Shortly after 6.50pm yesterday (Thursday 25 January 2024), emergency services responded to reports of two crashes, allegedly involving the same vehicle, in Muswellbrook.

Police have been told a 20-year-old man driving a utility was travelling east along the New England Highway, Muswellbrook, when it hit the rear of a Lexus, which was stopped at the intersection of Thomas Street. The utility driver allegedly left the scene without exchanging details with the other driver.

A short time later, the man continued driving east along the New England Highway, when his vehicle allegedly collided with the left side of a Mazda utility, which was stationary at the time.

The man continued driving before his vehicle hit a gutter and came to a stop on John Howe Circuit. The driver of the Mazda followed the man and exchanged details with him, before calling the police.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and submitted the man to a roadside breath test which produced a positive reading.

The man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where a breath analysis allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.278.

The man was charged with high-range PCA and not give particulars to other drivers after crash. The man is currently a Provisional 2 driver, which is restricted to a 0-alcohol limit.

The driver’s licence was suspended, and he was granted conditional bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday 5 March 2024.

A dedicated medical researcher who helped develop an effective preventative treatment for respiratory viral diseases including COVID-19 has been selected as Newcastle’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.

Professor Nathan Bartlett received the honour at City of Newcastle’s award ceremony today for his efforts across multiple research and education projects that will help future generations face the impact of respiratory infections including the COVID-19 virus.

The viral immunology professor and lecturer at The University of Newcastle played an integral role in the development of a nasal spray designed to prevent respiratory viral diseases such as COVID-19.

The spray, which is currently in clinical trials, is designed for high-risk groups such as immune-compromised patients and the elderly for whom vaccination may be less effective.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Mr Bartlett’s selection as Citizen of the Year recognises his ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for others.

“Professor Bartlett’s pioneering medical research will save lives,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As new variants of COVID-19 continue to make people very unwell, his integral role in developing an effective treatment particularly to help those in our community at the greatest risk of severe disease and death remains vital.

“He has spent countless hours educating the community and industry bodies such as the National Asthma Council to better understand and cope with COVID-19 and respiratory viruses and dedicates his time to teaching and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals and biomedical researchers.

“The Citizen of the Year award is a fitting honour for his over 20 years of service to medical science and his care and commitment to the wellbeing of our community.”

Professor Bartlett said it was an honour to receive the award and to contribute to the incredible work being done in the region in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

“I have always been interested in respiratory viruses and my research took on a new urgency after a global pandemic was declared in March 2020,” Professor Bartlett said.

“It has been a privilege to undertake research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute and collaborate with many outstanding researchers to work towards lessening the burden that viruses place on the global community. I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of my team and those key collaborators without whom much of this work would not have been possible.”

Seventeen-year-old volunteer Olivia Hughes was named the 2024 Young Citizen of the Year for her selfless charity work and fundraising efforts.

As a dedicated member of Nobby’s SLSC since the age of five, Olivia teaches modified Nippers to children with disabilities and regularly volunteers with sporting events such as triathlons and surf competitions.

After losing a childhood friend to cancer at age 10, the empathic teen began holding monthly craft sessions for sick kids and their families at Ronald McDonald House and is a passionate fundraiser for charities including Dr Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and SurfAid’s Make a Wave Challenge.

Senior Citizen of the Year recipient Professor Julie Byles is a long-time advocate for the health of women and older people and has inspired many young researchers and PhD candidates during her 20 years as the Co-Director of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.

After retiring in early 2023, Julie became the president of the Hunter Ageing Alliance and has since lent her skills to amplifying the voices and needs of the over 60s in Newcastle.

The LIVEfree Project has been named the 2024 Community Group of the Year in recognition of its work to elevate wellbeing and reduce loneliness in the community.

Led by Chris Jones from its Adamstown base, the group was congratulated on becoming a trusted source of support for community members who have faced trauma and hardship, and was recognised for their extensive school-based initiatives including the Smile and Thrive Dental Program and the Shine Bright Program, which empowered children to face adversity while equipping them with vital life skills.

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.

NSW Arts Minister John Graham officially unveiled the foundation stone for the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery today as work on City of Newcastle’s landmark infrastructure project continues.

The moment marks a significant milestone in the Gallery’s expansion, which hit new heights last month with the installation of a 33 metre high tower crane to facilitate the next stage of construction.

Minister Graham joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey for the official ceremony, unveiling the bluestone paver commemorating the major funding partners involved.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was fitting to etch the name of the NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism into a site that will become a regionally significant cultural destination.

“By more than doubling the size of Newcastle Art Gallery and delivering a suite of modern facilities of international standing, this project will offer a home to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art,” Cr Nelmes said.

Mr Graham, who is also the NSW Minister for Jobs, said it was pleasing to see the positive economic impact this project would deliver for the community, now and into the future.

“Major infrastructure projects provide a valuable economic boost to local communities, with the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery creating 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete,” he said.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and the local community work together to achieve a common goal, which will deliver positive benefits for the wider region for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.

“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will enhance Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination, boost the economy and create jobs for locals.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said its members and donors were thrilled to mark another milestone on a project they have supported for so long.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe today’s milestone will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal,” Ms Galwey said.

The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.

The project will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Twin sisters have spoken about their incredible journey from the rugged mountains of Afghanistan to Australia’s sunny shores during City of Newcastle’s first citizenship ceremony for 2024.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes invited 178 people from 46 countries including Iraq, Kenya, Brazil, Colombia, Nepal and Mexico, to take the pledge of commitment at Newcastle City Hall alongside family, friends and dignitaries.

Year 12 students Maryam and Masoumeh Hossein Zadeh arrived in Australia in 2019 and after experiencing an initial sense of loneliness, they say they’ve forged lasting friendships.

“Australia, with its open arms, has become a home where dreams can take flight,” Maryam and Masoumeh said.

“As new citizens, we are not only a part of this nation; we are testaments to the multicultural fabric that enriches our collective identity.

“As we embark on this new chapter as young Australian women, we carry with us the stories of Afghan women and the dreams that led us here. We know today in Afghanistan that girls our age cannot go to school and bright futures are being abandoned.

“We are honoured and proud to stand among you as a new Australian family, carrying the richness of Afghanistan in our hearts.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the ceremony is one of the most important days of the year for new citizens and the community.

“Our city prides itself on being inclusive and we encourage Novocastrians to foster an environment of empathy and understanding when welcoming new citizens,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle is fortunate to be home to people of diverse nationalities, languages and cultures with around 19 per cent of residents being born overseas and 12 per cent speaking a language other than English at home.

“We are also proud to be a Refugee Welcome Zone and a Welcoming City, committed to creating a place where everyone can belong and participate in the social, cultural, economic and civic life of Newcastle.”

The ceremony featured a traditional didgeridoo and dance performance by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki group, led by Alex Nean from Gamilaroi country.

Layla Rose Schillert from the Grainery Church sang the Australian National Anthem and was joined by Klaye Sanders to perform ‘I Am Australian.’

NSW Arts Minister John Graham officially unveiled the foundation stone for the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery today as work on City of Newcastle’s landmark infrastructure project continues.

The moment marks a significant milestone in the Gallery’s expansion, which hit new heights last month with the installation of a 33 metre high tower crane to facilitate the next stage of construction.

Minister Graham joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey for the official ceremony, unveiling the bluestone paver commemorating the major funding partners involved.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was fitting to etch the name of the NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism into a site that will become a regionally significant cultural destination.

“By more than doubling the size of Newcastle Art Gallery and delivering a suite of modern facilities of international standing, this project will offer a home to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art,” Cr Nelmes said.

Mr Graham, who is also the NSW Minister for Jobs, said it was pleasing to see the positive economic impact this project would deliver for the community, now and into the future.

“Major infrastructure projects provide a valuable economic boost to local communities, with the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery creating 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete,” he said.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and the local community work together to achieve a common goal, which will deliver positive benefits for the wider region for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.

“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will enhance Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination, boost the economy and create jobs for locals.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said its members and donors were thrilled to mark another milestone on a project they have supported for so long.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe today’s milestone will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal,” Ms Galwey said.

The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.

The project will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.