Category: Newcastle News

A man missing from the Lake Macquarie region has been located after police issued an SMS geo-targeting alert.

The 74-year-old man was last seen at an aged care facility at Booragul about 12.15pm yesterday (Thursday 19 May 2022).

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified a short time later, when he was unable to be located.

Police subsequently issued a public appeal for information and an SMS geo-targeting alert to the Cardiff and Booragul areas.

Later that evening, a member of the public – who had received the SMS alert – contacted police after seeing the man in bushland off Weir Road, Teralba.

An extensive search of the area was conducted by police and SES. About 12.30am (Friday 20 May 2022) Polair was able to locate the man. Ground crews were directed to the man, and he was found safe and well.

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

An extensive refurbishment of Wallsend Library will deliver an enhanced experience for library members as part of ongoing significant investment into the city’s library network.

The project, which will kick off next month, is the latest in a program of works that has seen City of Newcastle invest $7 million into libraries during the past five years, with $865,000 allocated in the draft 2022/23 Budget.

It follows other major infrastructure upgrades including the extensive renovation and introduction of OPEN+ technology to facilitate extended community access at Lambton Library, and the establishment of the city’s first Digital Library in Newcastle West. The Digital Library provides access to cutting-edge technology including industrial 3D printers and a podcasting studio.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said libraries play an important role in local communities, which is why City of Newcastle is continuing its significant investment in library infrastructure to ensure the much-loved facilities meet members’ expectations and changing needs.

“With more than 100,000 library members across Newcastle, we know our community values their local libraries, which is why we have allocated around $7 million over five years of capital works programs, including almost $1 million in the 2022/23 draft Budget, to enhance and upgrade these popular community facilities and ensure the collection remains up to date,” Cr Clausen said.

“Wallsend Library hasn’t undergone a major renovation since opening in 2006, so it’s fantastic to be able to improve the amenity of our largest branch through this current refurbishment project.

“We’ve listened to member and staff feedback to inform the work, which will provide improved access to technology, the creation of additional spaces including upgraded, private study spaces, a quiet room, along with creative and collaboration areas.

“The refurbishment will prioritise sustainability, collaboration and creativity by delivering an improved library that can cater for vibrant events and programs that celebrate culture, partnerships, inclusion and diversity.”

The project will also deliver enhanced flexibility for multi-use spaces through mobile shelving, lightweight furniture and innovative book displays to allow broader use of Wallsend Library for events and activities.

Wallsend Library will be closed from Monday 6 June to accommodate the work, with the project expected to be completed by the end of July. During the closure period members will be able to access many library services such as reservations, returns, Grab and Go collection and printing from a pop-up service onsite, which will be operating from Tuesday 14 June. Project information and progress updates will be available via the Newcastle Libraries website and newsletters.

A man has been charged after he allegedly stole more than $50,000 from a Lake Macquarie pub at the weekend.

Police will allege in court that shortly after 4am on Friday 13 May 2022, a man gained entry to a licensed premises on the Pacific Highway at Gateshead, where he opened a locked safe and stole more than $50,000 in cash before leaving the venue.

A cleaner was present at the time, he was uninjured.

Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced an investigation.

Following extensive inquiries, Lake Macquarie police – with assistance from officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command – attended a casino at Pyrmont and arrested an 18-year-old man about 3.10pm yesterday.

During a search of the man, police located and seized more than $4500 cash and around $1400 in casino chips in his possession.

Officers then conducted a search of the man’s vehicle and seized further cash, casino chips and two extendable batons.

Two search warrants were later executed at a hotel room on Murray Street, Pyrmont, and at a home in Charlestown, where police seized electronic devices and other items believed to be proceeds of crime.

The man was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with five counts of deal with property proceeds of crime, then one count each of aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-people there, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 19 May 2022).

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

Terrence Elwell, aged 74, was last seen leaving a aged care facility on Toronto Road, near the intersection of York Street, Booragul, about 12.15pm today (Thursday 19 May 2022).

When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries in his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Terrence’s welfare as he lives with dementia.

Terrence is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 172cm tall, medium build, bald with a grey beard.

He was last seen wearing glasses, a maroon jumper and dark grey tracksuit pants.

Terrence is known to frequent the Booragul and Cardiff areas.

Anyone with information into Terrence’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for information from the public as they investigate reports a woman was sexually touched while walking in the Hunter region earlier this week.

About 5.30pm on Monday (16 May 2022), a 27-year-old woman was walking between Robinson Way and Heather Place, Singleton Heights, pushing a three-year-old child in a pram.

Police have been told while on Heather Place, a man approached her from behind before sexually touching her. The man did not attempt to touch the child.

The woman struggled with the man before she was able to free herself and leave with the pram and child.

Neither the woman or the child were injured during the incident.

She reported the incident to officers from Hunter Valley Police District who have commenced an investigation.

Police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries. He is described as being aged in his early 20s, with short curly brown hair and an olive complexion.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire in the state’s Upper Hunter overnight.

About 7.45pm (Tuesday 17 May 2022), emergency services were called to a unit on Tindale Street, Muswellbrook, following reports the unit was well alight.

Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze a short time later.

A 41-year-old woman was assessed at the scene for smoke inhalation, however declined hospital treatment.

The unit was significantly damaged, however no other units were affected and no one was injured during the fire.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene, which was held overnight.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.

Breaking down barriers faced by newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers on their pathway towards education and employment is the goal of a new initiative being rolled out with City of Newcastle’s support.

CatholicCare Hunter-Manning’s Refugee Hub Driving Program will provide support to 20 refugees through funded driving lessons, a NSW Driving Test and NSW Driver’s Licence.

Image: Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning Gary Christensen, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, CatholicCare Refugee Hub Driving Program participants Madina and Edeni, NRMA driving instructor Jackie Chestney and Team Leader – Refugee Hub CathlicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning Mirja Colding-Moran

Ward 3 Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the worthy initiative is a recipient of City of Newcastle funding under the expanded Community and Economic Resilience Package, which aims to support vulnerable communities through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

“Newcastle is enriched by our multicultural residents and City of Newcastle wants to ensure that all members of our community can access the services they require to seek and maintain employment, explore study options and connect with their local community, regardless of their background and language spoken at home,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“That’s why we’re pleased to provide support to CatholicCare’s Refugee Hub Driving Program, which will ensure that refugees can get the driving experience they require to obtain a licence.”

Gary Christensen, Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning said equipping refugees with driving skills and ultimately a driver’s licence will open future employment opportunities and provide access to study and other community services.

“We know that transport is essential to access work, study and community services, but often many refugees, asylum seekers and recent arrivals find it difficult to get a driver’s licence and car when in Australia for a number of reasons,” Mr Christensen said.

“We’re extremely grateful to have backing from City of Newcastle, as the grant funding will enable the delivery of a driving program that aims to combat the barriers faced by refugees including language, comprehension, cost and access to affordable training, by providing no-cost certified driving lessons with a qualified trainer, driver knowledge and hazard perception tests, driving test and ultimately a P1 driver’s licence.”

Driving program participant Madina, who moved to Newcastle in 2017 from Afghanistan said she is happy to be taking part in a program that will help create a pathway towards a fulfilling future.

“I appreciate the chance to participate in this program and ultimately gain my driver’s licence so I can access study and future work in the army or police force,” said Madina.

Awabakal Limited has also benefitted from funding under City of Newcastle Community and Economic Resilience Package. The grant was used for an emergency relief program to support vulnerable members of the Newcastle First Nations community through the provision of essential items including fresh food, toiletries and sanitary items.

To find out more about how we’re responding to COVID-19 visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

City of Newcastle is working to enhance the outdoor dining experience along Darby Street while improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

A six-month trial starting in spring will see the footpath widened between Sanctum and Goldbergs restaurants. This work will see a removable platform installed to increase space for outdoor dining. This will be made possible during the trial period by extending a dining platform over seven existing car parking spaces.

The project will bring new life to the Darby Headphones Courtyard with new street seating, paving, lighting and public art to encourage people to visit, stay and connect. The project will also include the installation of vibrant murals on both the walls and footpaths, celebrating local and upcoming artists in collaboration with local art festivals. A new pedestrian crossing leading to the courtyard will improve accessibility and safety.

The temporary loss of car parking spaces in the area will be offset by the conversion of sixteen existing paid all-day parking behind the Newcastle Art Gallery (which is currently closed for the long-awaited expansion) into free, two-hour parking spaces during the trial. A convenient drop-off /pick-up zone near the shops and eateries will also form part of the trial.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said safety improvements and beautification of the popular eat-street would bring a range of benefits to the community.

“Our local hospitality industry was hit hard during COVID-19. Investment in our local centres helps restore confidence, create local jobs and boost our twilight and after dark economy, which employed 12,000 Novocastrian and created $1.4 billion per year in economic activity prior to COVID,” Councillor Clausen said.

“Across the City, public investment into our local centres is translating into improved consumer and business confidence – delivering safer and more inviting local places for Novocastrians to shop and eat.

“Outdoor dining is more popular than ever, and this project is perfectly timed for long Spring meals at Darby Street’s quirky cafes, small bars and restaurants.

“Walkable and cycle-friendly local centres are critical to making great places. Trialling of traffic calming infrastructure will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and help create an environment where dining spaces for local cafes and restaurants can be extended.”

The trial has been made possible with funding from the City of Newcastle Urban Centres Revitalisation Program and a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2). The program funds trials that support immediate community needs and test and build the case for more permanent changes that positively impact local economies and community health and wellbeing.

Community consultation will commence tomorrow, Monday 16 May, gathering feedback on the proposed trial. This feedback will also help inform future projects in the area. Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

More than 30 free events and activities aimed at raising the profile of inclusion in our community will be held over the next two weeks as part of City of Newcastle’s Count Us In festival.

Count Us In will run between 13 May – 28 May and features a wide range of activities including a nutrition wellbeing workshop, drumming workshop, accessible fishing experience, inclusive dance and art experiences, social and peer networking events, plus activations focused on education and awareness exploring topics such as workplace inclusion.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Count Us In festival will encourage conversations around inclusion across the city.

“City of Newcastle prides itself on working collaboratively to ensure a more liveable and welcoming community for all people who live, visit and work here by increasing social inclusion and community connections,” the Lord Mayor said.

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.

“The 2022 festival has a strong focus on working together towards solutions for employment and workplace inclusion for people with disability, which meets the actions of our recently adopted Disability Inclusion Action Plan,” Cr Wood said.

“Count Us In effectively and respectfully brings people without disabilities into contact with people with disabilities, which builds awareness, reduces prejudice and helps create future opportunities.”

This year, City of Newcastle (CN) has engaged Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) to assist with the creation and delivery of a diverse range of inclusive events, all of which are delivered with local community partners.

“We have taken a community-led approach to Count Us In festival by engaging CDAH to enhance the range of events within the program. This will highlight the skills and abilities of our local community and demonstrate a range of opportunities for participation beyond the program,” Cr Wood said.

“This festival is for everyone, and I’d encourage all Novocastrians to come and join in the many events and activities on offer over the next two weeks.”

Andrew Vodic Executive Director Community Disability Alliance Hunter says the organisation is proud to be partnering with CN on the design of the 2022 festival program.

“At CDAH, we are committed to building the capacity of peers to develop, organise and lead peer groups and develop mentor relationships that enable them to share their experiences and learn together. Count Us In 2022 assists us to promote these peer lead groups and hopefully reach more people,” Mr Vodic said.

“With over 90 per cent of CDAH staff living with a disability, the events and activities on offer have been designed by people with lived experience to create the best possible opportunities for inclusion and by reaching a more diverse mix of people.”

For a full program of events and activities, click here.

Four people are in custody following a proactive operation this morningby officers attached to Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City police districts.

Calls to Triple Zero (000) shortly after 4am (Friday 13 May 2022), alerted police to several vehicles being driven dangerously in the Lake Macquarie area.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attempted to stop four vehicles – a BMW SUV, a Ford Ranger utility, a Suzuki Swift and a motorcycle – travelling along Wangi Road, Dora Creek, with a pursuit being initiated when the drivers failed to stop as directed. 

An 18-year-old man from Blackwells Park and a 17-year-old boy were arrested when the ute crashed into a second vehicle at Toronto. They’ve been taken to Toronto Police Station. Police have confirmed the ute had been reported stolen from Maitland.

A 57-year-old man from Warner Bay was examined at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics after suffering bruising in the crash with the ute. He has been taken to John Hunter Hospital to be checked as a precaution.

A short time later, two youths, aged 15 and 16, were arrested when road spikes were successfully deployed on Five Islands Road, Speers Point, stopping the Swift, earlier stolen from Dora Creek. They are also in custody at Toronto Police Station.

A BMW – which had been reported stolen from Merewether earlier today – was found dumped at Gateshead about 6am. It has been taken for forensic examination.

Inquiries are continuing into the whereabouts of the motorbike, which was also reported stolen from Merewether.

Police have also recovered a stolen BMW 3 series which was found dumped at Eleebana a short time ago.

Inquiries are continuing.