Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is commencing works to reinstate safe access to beaches from Bar Beach to Merewether, following storm damage earlier this year.

The stretch of beach, and the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club, suffered significant damage from huge swells in April, leading to the temporary closure of facilities.

Since then, City of Newcastle has been working with structural and coastal engineers to assess the damage and develop options for the restoration of the pedestrian and vehicle accesses, buildings and promenade areas leading into the busy summer period.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the reinstatement of safe access for the community is a priority for the months ahead and will enable the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club to return to operation.

“We know how much the community values these beaches, and with summer not too far away, we are spending over a million dollars along this stretch of beach now so that locals and visitors can get back to the activities they love,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In addition to those more immediate actions, we are also looking ahead to the future to understand what these beaches may look like in decades to come.”

Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club President Michael Clancy said these works are an important step in returning to activities for the summer period.

“We are looking forward to seeing these works underway so that both our members and the broader community can safely get back to the beach this season,” Mr Clancy said.

Initial works leading into summer have already commenced including the installation of temporary stairs at Bar Beach, which are now complete to allow lifeguards direct access from the viewing tower and promenade direct to the beach, as well as improving access to amenities and upgrades to access for lifesaving vehicles.

Following the busy summer period, further works are planned and include improvements to accessways at four points between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach.

The Bar Beach promenade area will also be upgraded including construction of a new disabled access ramp, new stairs, upgrades to seawalls and the installation of new handrails.

Looking ahead, City of Newcastle is working with coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the stretch of beaches between Nobbys and Burwood Beach, which will consider the increasing exposure to coastal hazards and explore long-term management options for this highly valued stretch of coastline.

The CMP will ultimately be placed on public exhibition and then brought to the Council for support. It will then be forwarded to the NSW Minister for Local Government for certification.

A man has been charged over his alleged involvement in the robbery of a jewellery store in the state’s Hunter last month. 

Just before 9.30am on Wednesday 6 July 2022, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a shopping centre on Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland, following reports of a robbery at a jewellery store.

On arrival, police were told a male approached the store and allegedly used an emergency tool to smash the glass of a jewellery cabinet, before fleeing with a number of items. 

Initial inquiries were conducted by local police, before detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the matter under Strike Force Malwood.

Following further inquiries – including public appeals for information – a 38-year-old man was arrested by strike force detectives at a home in Tenambit about 7am today (Wednesday 14 September 2022).

During a subsequent search of that home and a second address at East Maitland, police located a seized several items of interest to the investigation for forensic analysis.

The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with steal from the person value more than $5,000, destroy or damage property, and larceny.

The Tenambit man was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 16 November 2022.

Inquiries continue.

A seven-gun salute, illumination of the City Hall Clock Tower and a condolence book signing are among the events planned by the City of Newcastle to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Fort Scratchley Historical Society will fire a salute – one for each decade of the Queen’s reign – at 10am on Thursday 22 September as part of the National Day of Mourning.

The clock tower at City Hall on King Street is also set to turn regal purple, while the City Administration Centre will open from 9am to 12pm for those wishing to sign the condolence book.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen encouraged the community to attend the events during the National Day of Mourning.

“Queen Elizabeth II has left an indelible mark on our city and throughout the world, which can be seen in the outpouring of emotion following her passing,” Councillor Clausen said.

“We invite the community to pay tribute to the Queen at these events, and we will continue to fly the city’s flags at half-mast until further notice as a sign of respect.”

City of Newcastle will also host this month’s Ordinary Council Meeting in the former chamber at City Hall in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s first trip to Newcastle in 1954.

During that visit, she toured the city with the Duke of Edinburgh, arriving by train at Newcastle Station and being officially welcomed at City Hall before visiting No.1 Sportsground, BHP Steelworks, Stockton, and Newcastle Airport.

Queen Elizabeth II returned to Newcastle in 1970 to open the International Sports Centre and visited again seven years later to open Australia’s first purpose-built regional gallery, the Newcastle Art Gallery, on 11 March 1977.

Her final visit occurred in May 1988 when she opened Queens Wharf, a project spearheaded by former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings.

City of Newcastle will close several of its facilities on the National Day of Mourning, including all libraries, apart from the City Administration Centre, which is open from 9am to 12pm for condolence book signings; the Newcastle Museum; and Beresfield Childcare Centre. Fort Scratchley is set to close for the remainder of the day following the seven-gun salute.

Elsewhere across the city, Port of Newcastle will support the commemorative efforts by lighting up Dyke Point from 5:30pm to midnight during the National Day of Mourning while the Crystalbrook Kingsley hotel will turn purple as a mark of respect.

The community can also attend a memorial service and lay floral tributes at Christ Church Cathedral from 7:30pm tonight (Wednesday 14 September).

For those unable to sign the condolence book on Thursday 22 September, the book will remain at the City Administration Centre until Friday 23 September and can be signed Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 5pm.

Foreshore Park will become home to the city’s largest playground under a draft masterplan for Newcastle’s iconic harbourside precinct, which will be considered by Councillors later this month.

The flagship Livvi’s Place inclusive regional playground and waterplay area form the centrepiece of City of Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which is designed to create new connections between the city and the harbour’s edge around Foreshore Park and along the Joy Cummings Promenade.

The Masterplan also includes increasing the amount of shaded canopy within Foreshore Park by 250% from 2,800 sqm to 9,800 sqm.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft masterplan will help realise the full potential of one of Newcastle’s most significant open areas and premier event spaces.

“City of Newcastle has worked closely with community representatives on this shared vision for the iconic Harbour Foreshore precinct, which will become a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We have listened to the views of our community and incorporated feedback into the detail of this draft masterplan, including moving the playground to the north-west corner of the park adjacent to the parking area and close to accessible parking spaces, as well as provision for a multi-purpose skating, scootering and performing arts area at the base of the Shortland Lawn amphitheatre. The existing Sandhills Community Garden will also remain in their current location.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said green open spaces and connections along with an enhanced urban canopy will make Foreshore Park an even more inviting public place for all Novocastrians and our visitors.

“Extensive tree planting and landscaping throughout the precinct will allow City of Newcastle to fulfill its commitments to significantly increase shade canopy and create greener public spaces, while an expansive cultural walk around Foreshore Park will link back to Newcastle’s rich Indigenous culture and heritage.”

Other features include upgraded amenities and improvements along Wharf Road and Tug Berth Lane, including an iconic destination sign and grassed areas where people can enjoy the spectacle of a working harbour, which will transform this area into a world-class harbourside esplanade.

A tree-lined separated cycleway from Argyle Street to Nobbys Beach and improved cycle crossings at key nodes will also link the Harbour Foreshore to the wider city centre cycleway network.

Concept designs for the accessible playground are included in the draft Masterplan. The fully-fenced space will feature a distinctly Newcastle character and include junior and toddler areas, water-based play, an industrial-themed elevated playground structure, maritime inspired swing sets, accessible flying fox and natured-based play areas, connected via a series of accessible paths, seating, gardens and lawns.

It will be developed in collaboration with Variety – the Children’s Charity, who have provided funding to assist with the design phase of the playground, while City of Newcastle has also secured more than $1 million from the NSW Government to assist with its construction including $730,000 from two rounds of the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund and $300,000 from Everyone Can Play and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

Police are renewing an appeal for public assistance as they continue to investigate the disappearance of a man from the Lake Macquarie area.

Aaron Clear, aged 45, was reported missing to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District in February 2021, after family and friends were unable to contact him for an extended period.

Aaron is known by family and friends to live a nomadic lifestyle and was last formally seen by family at Belmont North for a gathering on Christmas Eve 2019 (Tuesday 24 December).

Inquiries so far have established that Aaron was at Belmont in March 2020, however his movements after this time are unknown.

Police and family have concerns for Aaron’s welfare.

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

Aaron has been known to frequent the Newcastle, Cessnock, Morisset, and Bonnells Bays areas. 

Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said Aaron’s family were deeply worried and concerned about him.

“Aaron is much loved by his family, and they are desperate to know that he is okay.”

“Despite extensive inquiries, including a land search of bushland in Belmont where we were told Aaron liked to camp, we have been unable to locate any trace of him since March 2020.

“It is important to understand that Aaron is not in any trouble. We just want to make sure that he is safe and well. All he needs to do is to contact us or his family,” Detective Chief Inspector Parker said.

Anyone with information about Aaron’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A motorcyclist has died following a crash near Wollombi, in the state’s Hunter Region.

Emergency services were called to the Great North Road at Fernances Creek just before 1pm today (Sunday 11 September 2022), after a motorcycle and car collided.

The rider, a 48-year-old man, died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle wasn’t injured; however, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Hunter Valley PD established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who witnessed it, or the events leading up to it, is urged to contact police.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Newcastle Museum’s largest ever exhibition will showcase the terrifying creatures that ruled the oceans during the time of the dinosaurs.

Designed for visitors of all ages, Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is an immersive exhibition that features hands-on installations alongside real fossils from millions of years ago.

Gigantic life-sized replicas, including a 13-metre long Elasmosaurus and 9-metre Prognathdon, will demonstrate the sheer scale of these ancient marine reptiles alongside other incredible specimens including a huge 1.4 metre Kronosaurus jaw and a five-metre long fish that died after swallowing another fish whole.

Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Sea Monsters provides a unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating prehistoric creatures.

“Now open in time for the upcoming school holidays, Sea Monsters gives visitors the chance to learn more about the giant prehistoric sharks and reptiles that hunted the depths of the oceans at a time when the land was ruled by the might of the dinosaurs,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This fun and educational exhibition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy as they walk through the giant ribcage of a sea monster, reach out and touch a replica of a fossilised Megalodon tooth and feel the thrill of the hunt with a 180-degree immersive video that puts you right inside the action.”

Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is an Australian National Maritime Museum touring exhibition in partnership with Queensland Museum Network.

Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said it was a real coup for City of Newcastle to host this significant exhibition, which has taken a team of 10 staff from the Newcastle Museum and Australian National Maritime Museum two weeks to install.

“Newcastle Museum is committed to bringing engaging, high quality touring exhibitions to the Hunter Region that enrich Newcastle’s cultural offering and give local communities access to national and international exhibitions,” Ms Baird said.

“This is the largest exhibition ever hosted by Newcastle Museum, as well as being the first time Sea Monsters has been displayed in Australia outside a capital city.

“Newcastle Museum plays a key role in the rich diversity of experiences that help attract visitors to our city and we’re thrilled to be able to share exhibitions of the calibre of Sea Monsters with our community.”

Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is on display now at Newcastle Museum and will run through to 26 February 2023. Ticket prices start from $7.50 for children, $15 for adults and $40 for a family of four, and are on sale now at Newcastle Museum or online via www.newcastlemuseum.com.au.

A second youth has been charged over the alleged assault of another teenager on the state’s Hunter region.

On Thursday (8 September 2022), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information regarding an assault at a skatepark in Charlestown.

Police were told a 14-year-old male was allegedly assaulted by a group of males, causing him serious facial injuries. The teenager remains in John Hunter Hospital undergoing treatment.

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged by detectives on Friday (9 September 2022). He remains before the courts.

About 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 10 September 2022), investigators arrested as 12-year-old boy at a unit in Cooks Hill.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with intent to rob in company cause grievous bodily harm.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 11 September 2022).

Investigations continue.

A teenager has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged assault of another teenager on the state’s Hunter region.

On Thursday (8 September 2022), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information regarding an assault at a skatepark in Charlestown.

Police were told a 14-year-old male was allegedly assaulted by a group of males, causing him serious facial injuries. The teenager remains in John Hunter Hospital undergoing treatment.

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested by detectives at a home in Cooks Hill, about 9.30pm (Friday 9 September 2022).

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with intent to rob in company cause grievous bodily harm.

The teenager was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Saturday 10 September 2022).

Investigations continue.

A second man will face court today after allegedly stealing an Aboriginal flag from Maitland Police Station earlier this month.

On Wednesday 24 August 2022, a representative from the Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council laid a floral arrangement and an Aboriginal flag at Maitland Police Station as a tribute to Chief Inspector Tony Townsend – who passed away that week – and his dedication to serving the community.

The flag was displayed at the front of the station along with the floral tribute until it was stolen on Thursday 1 September 2022.

A review of CCTV revealed two men attended the station about 6.45pmand one of the men went inside while the other removed the flag from display and allegedly concealed it in his jacket before they both left the area.

Following extensive inquiries, a 60-year-old man was arrested by officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District just before 3pm on Thursday (8 September 2022) at Victoria Street Train Station.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with larceny.

The East Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court yesterday (Friday 9 September 2022) where he was granted conditional bail to re-appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 26 October 2022.

About 7.50pm yesterday (Friday 9 September 2022) – as a result of further investigations – a 36-year-old man from East Maitland, was arrested at Maitland Police Station.

He was charged with larceny and breach of bail. The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court later today (Saturday 10 October 2022).

The Aboriginal flag has since been recovered and will be returned to display in due course.