A girl missing from the Newcastle area has been located safe and well.
The 13-year-old was last seen on Turton Road, Waratah, about 2.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 16 August 2023).
When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Following inquiries and an appeal for assistance, she located about 2pm today (Thursday 17 August 2023) in Waratah.
Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance.
A man will appear in court today charged over the alleged historic sexual assault of a girl in the state’s Hunter region.
In May 2023, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad commenced Strike Force Larow after allegations a girl had been sexually and indecently assaulted by a man known to her on a number of occasions between 2010 and 2015.
Following extensive investigations, detectives attended a rural property in Fernances Crossing – 45km south-west of Cessnock – about 11am yesterday (Wednesday 16 August 2023), where they arrested a 75-year-old man.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with 21 offences, including,
Have sexual intercourse with person – older than 10 and younger than 14 years (12 counts)
Indecent assault person under 16 years of age (4 counts)
Sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 years (2 counts)
Commit act of indecency with victim under 10 years
Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years; and
Use child under 14 years to make child abuse material.
He was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 17 August 2023).
Investigations under Strike Force Larow are ongoing.
Thousands of budding scientists and future tech experts are expected to pour into Newcastle Museum this Sunday for a hands-on celebration of National Science Week.
The Museum is playing host to the Hunter Science Festival, which last year broke attendance records when more than 4,000 people took part in fun science discovery experiences.
The Festival is delivered by City of Newcastle’s Museum, Environment, Waste and Libraries teams in conjunction with Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH) and features additional displays and demonstrations from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
Visitors will be given the chance to build and race their own solar-powered electric vehicle, hop into the cab of a City of Newcastle waste truck and plant a native pollinator as part of the free STEM-related activities on offer from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 20 August.
While sessions for HMRI’s popular ‘Poo Palace’ – a giant inflatable digestive system – are already fully booked, there are plenty of other fun, educational experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
The Hunter Science Festival will cap off City of Newcastle’s wider National Science Week celebrations, which began at Wallsend Library on Sunday, 13 August with free science shows and a chance to meet real scientists from the University of Newcastle to learn about their research and discover future study and career paths.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to championing innovation and delivering free, educational opportunities for the community.
“Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Libraries are known for their engaging and innovative program of exhibitions and events, making them the ideal spaces to deliver fun, free activities for the community during National Science Week,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Collaborating with partners such as HISH, HMRI and the University of Newcastle to provide opportunities for young people and families to engage in STEM-based activities is an ideal fit with our goal to create a liveable, sustainable, inclusive city that encourages innovation and creativity.”
HISH President, Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts said the Hunter Innovation and Science Hub is immensely proud to be presenting the Hunter Science Festival.
“It’s an opportunity to ignite passion and curiosity in science and technology among our community’s young minds. It’s so important that we are nurturing the future innovators of our region, and we invite everyone to explore and discover the excitement of STEM with us,” Mr Roberts said.
City of Newcastle was awarded a grant from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, together with Inspiring Australia, to deliver the Wallsend Library event.
City of Newcastle (CN) is ready to welcome swimmers back to its public pools after undertaking a significant program of improvements over the Winter break.
Lambton Swimming Centre will be the first to reopen its doors for the traditional early swimming season on Monday 21 August, while the pools at Stockton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Beresfield will be back in action during the September school holidays.
Swimmers will be greeted with refreshed and upgraded facilities, with works completed across all five swimming centres during the closure period including safety upgrades, extensive re-painting, and maintenance of the pool tiles and promenades.
Visitors to Lambton will notice significant progress on the construction of a new grandstand, which is expected to be completed by November, while three smaller grandstands have been installed adjacent to the diving pool.
Permanent tiered seating structures have also gone in at Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres, giving schools, sporting groups and spectators more shaded seating options when those facilities reopen next month.
A range of other works have also been delivered across the facilities to enhance the comfort, safety and enjoyment of our community both in and out of the water, including pump replacements for improved water quality, new lane ropes, upgraded play equipment at Beresfield and a new shade sail over the playground at Mayfield Swimming Centre.
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle maximised the period during Winter that the pools were closed as part of its commitment under our Inland Pools Strategy 2043.
“City of Newcastle has invested more than $5 million upgrading and $2 million maintaining the city’s public pool network during the past few years to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of more than 320,000 people who visit them each year,” Ms Duffy said.
“Our team has completed an extensive program of capital and maintenance works during the past few months to ensure the comfort, safety and enjoyment of our community when they visit these valued community facilities.”
Ms Duffy said the pools would continue to be operated by BlueFit while new lease arrangements are finalised. City of Newcastle is currently preparing a report for the Minister for Local Government following the recent public notice of the proposed lease.
“In the meantime, City of Newcastle has granted an extension of the current lease with BlueFit to ensure these important community assets can open for the upcoming swimming season. BlueFit will also provide day-to-day management of Beresfield Swimming Centre as it is included in the tender that has been awarded,” Ms Duffy said.
Work will recommence on the upgrade of Bathers Way at South Newcastle Beach following the appointment of a new head contractor by City of Newcastle (CN).
The Newcastle project was one of hundreds across New South Wales and Victoria impacted when building contractor Lloyd Group entered voluntary administration in March.
Executive Manager Project Management Office Robert Dudgeon said while the on-site performance and eventual departure of Lloyd Group put CN in a difficult position, the upgrade to Bathers Way will now be completed with the appointment of Daracon Group.
“City of Newcastle has been frustrated and disappointed by Lloyd Group’s project delivery at Bathers Way South Newcastle and the disruption caused by the firm’s ultimate collapse earlier this year,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“We’ve seen the tale of two projects on our coastline, with Newcastle Ocean Baths’ upgrade delivered by local company Daracon running on time and on budget, while just 500 metres away down the beach the Lloyd Group was well behind schedule.
“Daracon was ranked second when the tender for this stage of Bathers Way was awarded in 2020. The Lloyd Group was selected primarily on the price competitiveness of their bid.
“On the basis that the Lloyd Group is now unable to finish the project, CN is able to appoint Daracon as the new head contractor to complete the work without having to go back out to tender. Doing this would delay the project by at least a further four months.”
Daracon has brought on additional staff to ensure both the Bathers Way upgrade and Newcastle Ocean Baths project are resourced appropriately and delivered successfully, with the Baths on track to re-open for swimming in Summer while South Newcastle is planned for completion in May.
The Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach upgrade features a shared path from Shortland Esplanade to King Edward Park, improvements to parking, landscaping, lighting and accessibility, the installation of fitness equipment, shade, seating and viewing areas, as well as a new café/kiosk and accessible amenities.
The project also includes a $1.6 million upgrade to the skate park with wheelchair-accessible skate bowl and terrain park, which will complement the advanced-level facilities at Empire Park and provide a unique drawcard to promote ongoing visitation and activation of this area.
Around $8.6 million has been invested to date into this project, delivering new sea walls, expanded promenade and kiosk, as well as the preservation of the site’s 115-year-old stone arches in consultation with the National Trust.
While the departure of Lloyd Group and escalating labour and material costs have unavoidably impacted the overall budget and timing of this project, Mr Dudgeon said CN was committed to completing this upgrade as quickly and efficiently so that this stage of the Bathers Way walk can be completed as soon as possible for the community to enjoy.
“The estimated cost for Daracon to complete the project is just under $11.5 million, which reflects the increased cost of labour and materials experienced nationwide since Lloyd Group commenced on site in 2020, and follows the work Daracon have already delivered to address defective works left by Lloyd Group,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“We know that the community are keen to see this project completed, as are we, and with Daracon already established on site, we look forward to seeing it progress as quickly as possible, with expectations of the lower promenade being re-opened prior to Christmas and the rest of the project to follow by May next year.”
Thousands of budding scientists and future tech experts are expected to pour into Newcastle Museum this Sunday for a hands-on celebration of National Science Week.
The Museum is playing host to the Hunter Science Festival, which last year broke attendance records when more than 4,000 people took part in fun science discovery experiences.
The Festival is delivered by City of Newcastle’s Museum, Environment, Waste and Libraries teams in conjunction with Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH) and features additional displays and demonstrations from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
Visitors will be given the chance to build and race their own solar-powered electric vehicle, hop into the cab of a City of Newcastle waste truck and plant a native pollinator as part of the free STEM-related activities on offer from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 20 August.
While sessions for HMRI’s popular ‘Poo Palace’ – a giant inflatable digestive system – are already fully booked, there are plenty of other fun, educational experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
The Hunter Science Festival will cap off City of Newcastle’s wider National Science Week celebrations, which began at Wallsend Library on Sunday, 13 August with free science shows and a chance to meet real scientists from the University of Newcastle to learn about their research and discover future study and career paths.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to championing innovation and delivering free, educational opportunities for the community.
“Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Libraries are known for their engaging and innovative program of exhibitions and events, making them the ideal spaces to deliver fun, free activities for the community during National Science Week,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Collaborating with partners such as HISH, HMRI and the University of Newcastle to provide opportunities for young people and families to engage in STEM-based activities is an ideal fit with our goal to create a liveable, sustainable, inclusive city that encourages innovation and creativity.”
HISH President, Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts said the Hunter Innovation and Science Hub is immensely proud to be presenting the Hunter Science Festival.
“It’s an opportunity to ignite passion and curiosity in science and technology among our community’s young minds. It’s so important that we are nurturing the future innovators of our region, and we invite everyone to explore and discover the excitement of STEM with us,” Mr Roberts said.
City of Newcastle was awarded a grant from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, together with Inspiring Australia, to deliver the Wallsend Library event.
Female footballers inspired by the Matildas’ World Cup heroics will have access to more inclusive amenities as part of City of Newcastle’s $1.2 million upgrade of Lugar Park.
The project, which was funded by City of Newcastle, the NSW Government and the Kotara South Football Club, has transformed the Kotara sportsground into an inclusive and fully accessible football facility for referees, community spectators, and home and away players alike.
The existing amenities building was extended to create a welcoming and accessible space for male and female players and officials, with the addition of a second unisex changeroom, accessible amenities and a unisex referees’ room.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project has transformed the existing infrastructure into a fit-for-purpose football facility that supports our growing female participation and the needs of all our community members.
“City of Newcastle is committed to investing in inclusive facilities to ensure players and referees have access to environments that enable, facilitate and retain participation by females, both at a grassroots and senior level,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup being hosted on home soil, participation by women and girls will only continue to grow, which is why it is vital we deliver projects such as Lugar Park, which provide enjoyable spaces that allow women and girls to feel connected and welcome in their chosen sport.”
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project supports a key global sustainable development goal in CN’s Delivering Newcastle 2040 strategic plan to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
“We have worked collaboratively with Kotara South Football Club to design an inclusive place for all. The facility celebrates their growing club, and offers a facility where people of all ages, genders and abilities can come together to enjoy sport,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
The Hon Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown and Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault welcomed the upgraded amenities.
“Lugar Park is a much-loved hub for local sport and this upgrade is a very welcome addition for the community of Kotara,” Minister Harrison said.
“The improvements to the park’s amenities will ensure it remains a fantastic venue for players, officials and volunteers, who are all vital to the success of our local sporting programs.”
Equipment storage and a new canteen completed the building upgrade, while upgraded pathways from the carpark to the grounds, and an all-weather covered area for spectators have provided a more comfortable and accessible environment for all members of the community.
Kotara South Football Club President Bryn Hoskins said the club strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for females, juniors and people with diverse abilities.
“Around one third of our members are female and participation is growing. With contemporary female-friendly changerooms and toilets, a new kiosk and disability access, these new facilities will help grow our sport by providing a positive experience for both male and female players, referees, coaches, volunteers and spectators,” Mr Hoskins said.
“The facility will be highly used by Kotara South Football Club as well as local cricket and other sporting groups. We thank City of Newcastle for its professional oversight and management of this quality construction. Kotara South Football Club is excited to officially open the upgraded amenities building at Lugar Park.”
Almost half (45 per cent) of financially disadvantaged households in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie were unable to pay their utility bills on time in the past 12 months, according to new research.
Further, 67 per cent reported being in housing stress, defined as spending more than 30 per cent of your income on housing.
These findings are from peak advocacy body NCOSS’ latest Cost of Living in NSW 2023 research, undertaken by the University of Technology Sydney.
The survey was undertaken in April and May of this year, involving a representative sample of 1,134 households living on low incomes and below the poverty line in regions across NSW.
NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty said the survey reveals just how tough life is for low income and below the poverty line households in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie right now.
“These figures are stark and show the extent to which households are being hammered on multiple fronts,” Ms Quilty said.
“These are households who, in the main, are working and who are doing everything they can to cut costs and keep their heads above water.
“But the compounding effects of COVID-19, sky-high inflation, successive disasters and flatlining wages have had a devastating impact – pushing many to breaking point.”
Key findings for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie include:
62 per cent reported having no money set aside for emergencies.
40 per cent reported going without prescribed medication or healthcare.
35 per cent ranked housing as the number one area of household expenditure that has been put under pressure.
31 per cent reported being unable to travel for essential reasons due to cost.
22 per cent had used ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ (BNPL) services to afford essential goods three or more times in the last year.
33 per cent reported that they experience extreme housing stress, with more than 50 per cent of their income spent on housing in the last year
The survey exposes the steps people are taking just to get by.
“We knew things were bad, but this is the worst we’ve seen in many years. And the impacts are showing through the increased stress and strain that relationships are under and families are experiencing,” Ms Quilty said.
“People are hanging on by a knife edge – savings have been eaten away, the use of Buy Now Pay Later is more prevalent and borrowing from family and friends is a growing necessity.
“Our members – community organisations on the frontline – consistently report that they cannot keep up with demand, and that the needs of their communities are becoming more complex.
“New cohorts of people are appearing at their doors – families with two incomes who used to get by, but have now drained their savings and cannot put food on the table.”
Ms Quilty said NCOSS has put forward a set of recommendations to the NSW Government, developed in consultation with NCOSS members.
“Our recommendations are aimed at tackling the underlying causes of the cost-of-living crisis – most notably energy bills and housing affordability – and providing immediate relief,” Ms Quilty said.
“The NSW Government cannot quickly solve this crisis, but it can alleviate its most extreme impacts and help those who are doing everything they can to survive but have nothing left to give.”
Some of the key recommendations put forward include:
Improve the impact of NSW Government cost-of-living initiatives including permanently increasing EAPA vouchers to $2,000 pa and making the Low Income Household Rebate a fixed percentage of a person’s energy bill.
Build an additional 5,000 social housing residences each year, targeting unmet needs such as overcrowding for culturally diverse communities, and groups at greatest risk of homelessness.
Improve conditions and protections for NSW renters by urgently implementing: limits on rental increases so they are fair and reasonable; no-grounds evictions; and the elimination of rental bidding.
Strengthen the social service sector by developing a consistent approach to annual indexation that covers the real cost of service provision, and enhancing capacity of essential programs facing overwhelming demand.
For more information, and to read the full report, visit ncoss.org.au
Definitions:
Below the poverty line: defined as households living on less than 50 per cent of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs (below $518 per week).
Low-income households: defined as households living on 50 – 80 per cent of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs ($518 – $829 per week).
About the survey: the research, undertaken by the University of Technology’s Institute of Public Policy and Governance, involved stratified random sampling to engage a statistically representative sample of 1,134 NSW residents, living on low incomes and below the poverty line, through an online survey undertaken in April and May of this year. 23 people also participated in focus groups and interviews.
City of Newcastle will team up with 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott next month to champion opportunities for people with a disability in the workplace.
The gold medal-winning wheelchair tennis player will serve up a message of advocacy and inclusion in employment during City of Newcastle’s annual Count Us In festival, which will run from 4-24 September.
The festival features more than 40 events and activities designed to celebrate and encourage access and inclusion across Newcastle, including dance and art experiences, sports challenges, social and peer networking events and training opportunities, whilst the business community is invited to join a business lunch led by keynote speaker Dylan Alcott AO.
The program was developed in collaboration with Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) and City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Advisory Committee and is being delivered with the assistance of a range of community partners including 13 successful grant recipients, who shared in a $20,000 pool of funding from City of Newcastle.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said inclusive employment was a key focus for this year’s Count Us In festival.
“City of Newcastle prides itself on being a liveable and welcoming community for all people, increasing social inclusion and community connections with events like Count Us In festival in line with CN’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This year, we are delighted to welcome Dylan Alcott AO to lead the Hunter business community in an important conversation as we work together towards solutions for greater employment and workplace inclusion for people with lived disability.”
Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, said Count Us In recognises and celebrates the contributions made by people living with disabilities.
“Count Us In effectively and respectfully brings the whole community into the discussion about inclusion, this builds awareness, breaks down barries and helps create future opportunities especially when it comes to employment,” Cr Wood said.
Councillor Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk said CN is proud to deliver the fourth Count Us In festival with its largest all-inclusive event offering over an expanded three-week program.
“Count Us In is for everyone, and I’d encourage all Novocastrians to come and join in the many events and activities on offer over the festival’s largest event program offering,” Cr Dr Adamczyk.
“This year, we’ve extended the program over three weeks to allow for Count Us In festival to cross over with some dates on the New Annual 2023 program, to encourage greater community participation.”
Councillor Katrina Wark said having an inclusive community is important to all Novocastrians of the Newcastle community.
“The benefits of an inclusive community give Newcastle a wonderful opportunity to showcase a variety of local talent in Count Us in festival,” Cr Wark said.
Andrew Vodic Executive Director Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) says the organisation is proud to partner with CN as the official community partner for the festival 2023.
“Once again, CDAH members are excited to be involved in the Count Us In festival. We are looking forward to the 2023 activities, and as official partners with CN, CDAH members have a great opportunity to showcase some of our peer groups and community initiatives,” Mr Vodic said.
Follow City of Newcastle’s social media channels for further program announcements or visit City of Newcastle’s website.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing in the Hunter Valley area.
Robert Pagan, aged 45, was last seen leaving a home on Sixth Street, Cessnock, about 12pm today (Wednesday 9 August 2023).
When he was unable to be located or contacted, he was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.
Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall, of solid build, with blonde hair and unshaven.
He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a black bum bag.
Anyone with information into Robert’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
