Civic operators welcome first five-star hotel

Civic Precinct operators have hailed Newcastle’s first five-star hotel, citing the increased tourism and investment it will bring as huge boosts for the City’s premiere cultural facilities.
The 136-room hotel – which will be built just hundreds of metres from the doorstep of Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum and City Hall – will transform the Civic Precinct into a thriving hub that will increase Newcastle’s reputation as a key cultural and events destination.
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“Newcastle Venues are thrilled that the roundhouse has been sold and will be converted into a five-star hotel,” Manager of Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“The earmarked date for opening coincides perfectly with the completion of the City Hall refurbishment works, presenting an opportunity to really rebrand City Hall as a five-star conference venue to go alongside the five-star hotel.”
Ms O’Hara said the hotel’s location would open new markets for City Hall, as the residential conference market (conferences where delegates stay and conference in the same venue) is one the City hasn’t been able to target until now.
She said the Newcastle Venues team will spread the word about this in the coming year when speaking with potential customers at trade shows.
News of a new five-star hotel has also delighted Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird and Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.
Both are enthusiastic about showcasing the City’s collection of exhibitions to a wider audience.
Lauretta-(1).jpg“It’s wonderful that investment in new accommodation is happening in the Civic Precinct,” Ms Morton said.
“We are looking forward to sharing the City’s collection and our dynamic exhibitions and programs with new visitors to Newcastle and the Hunter region.”
Ms Baird said: “It will mean more visitors learning about Newcastle’s past, present and future while adding to the rich cosmopolitan mix of our fascinating city.”
Last week the City announced that its administrative headquarters had been purchased by hospitality group Crystalbrook Collection, which will lodge plans to develop a five-star hotel featuring 136 luxury rooms, lobby bar, café with outdoor terrace and a new roof top with restaurant, swimming pool and gymnasium.
Construction and fit out of the new hotel will begin as soon as City of Newcastle staff relocate to their new office on the corner of Hunter Street and Stewart Avenue in the new CBD that is Newcastle West.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the hotel will reinvent the Civic Precinct.”Guests staying in the luxury hotel will now be within just 100 metres walk of the Civic Theatre, The Newcastle Art Gallery, The Newcastle Museum and the Civic Playhouse,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The existence of a five-star hotel complete with a light rail station immediately across from it will finally create the thriving cultural precinct our city has longed for.”Crystalbrook Collection expect the hotel to be operating by November 2020, in time for the Newcastle 500.
Lauretta Norman showcasing an installation from the Olsen Ormandy collection

Appeal to locate missing girl – Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl reported missing from a home near Newcastle.
Carly Gibson, aged 11, was last seen at a house in Joslin Street, Kotara, about 8pm on Saturday 29 December 2018.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified when she failed to return home and commenced an investigation.
Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age and believe she may be in the Newcastle, Edgeworth or Lake Macquarie areas.
Carly is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 145cm-150cm tall, of a medium build and with blonde hair and blue-grey eyes.
Anyone who sees Carly or has any information on her whereabouts are urged to come forward.
A girl reported missing from the Newcastle area has been located safe and well.
The 11-year-old was last seen at a house in Joslin Street, Kotara, about 8pm on Saturday 29 December 2018.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified when she failed to return home and commenced an investigation
Following inquiries, the girl was located safe and well at Edgeworth about 8.30pm yesterday (Thursday 3 January 2019).
Police wish to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Pumps, power tools, buggy seized as man charged over Hunter break-ins

A farm buggy, water tanks, generators, pumps and power tools have been seized after an arrest by Rural Crime Investigators in the state’s Hunter yesterday.
The Rural Crime Prevention team attached to Hunter Valley Police District have been investigating break and enter offences targeting rural properties in Merriwa and surrounding areas over the past month.
When a search warrant was executed at a property on Roma Road, Merriwa, items – alleged to be stolen – were seized including a farm buggy, water tanks, generators, pumps, kitchenware, corrugated iron and power tools.
The items recovered are estimated to be worth approximately $80,000.
About 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 2 January 2019), a 57-year-old man was arrested when he attended Muswellbrook Police Station.
He has been charged with 10 offences including break enter and steal (x2), enter building/land with intent commit indictable offence, larceny (x3), enter enclosed lands not prescribed premises without lawful excuse (x2), destroy or damage property (x2).
The man was refused bail to appear in Wyong Local Court today (Thursday 3 January 2019).

Man charged under new legislation over alleged sexual touching of teen at football match

A man has been charged with the newly legislated offences of sexual touching and sexual act following an alleged incident involving a teenaged girl at a football match on the Central Coast.
On Sunday 23 December 2018, police were approached during a football match at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, by a 15-year-old girl, who reported a man in the crowd had made her feel uncomfortable.
Officers were told a man in the crowd had made inappropriate remarks and gestures toward the girl, before allegedly touching her in a sexual manner.
Local police obtained the man’s details before he was ejected from the stadium. The investigation was then referred to detectives from State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad.
Following inquiries, detectives arrested an 83-year-old man at Wyong Police Station just before 9am today (Thursday 3 January 2019).
He was charged with intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16 and intentionally do sexual act with child aged 10-16.
The man was granted strict conditional bail, which includes him being prohibited from Central Coast Stadium, and is due to appear at Wyong Local Court on Wednesday 13 February 2019).
Inquiries are continuing.

Novocastrians celebrate New Year's Eve

The City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations were a hit with Novocastrians well before the storm struck and prompted cancellation of the Fireworks.
They may have been rained out, but as the pics below show, Novocastrians revelled in the fun of the activations on Market St Lawn and along the Foreshore.
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IMG_0680.JPGA giant cardboard Funhouse formed part of the centrepiece of a fun family-friendly evening inspired by a colourful cast of roving characters and local makers.
Inflatable slides and jumping castles were well patronised in the family-friendly zone, while local artist Bliss Cavanagh of Happy Senses created a safe and magical sensory experience harbour side for people with disabilities and their families.
The City is working to fastrack an alternative date for the fireworks display, and we will advise everyone as soon as we know more.
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Man charged with murder – Lake Macquarie

A man has been charged with multiple offences, including murder, after being arrested on the state’s north last night.
Strike Force Lacrozia was formed by detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, to investigate the death of a 60-year-old man, after he was attacked in his Whitebridge home on Monday 17 December 2018.
Following inquiries, a 24-year-old man was arrested after crashing his motorcycle into an unmarked police vehicle on Ntaba Road, Jewells, about 11pm yesterday (Sunday 30 December 2019).
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital to be checked as a precaution, before being released and taken to Belmont Police Station.
He was charged with 25 offences, including murder, manslaughter, impersonating police, escape police custody, resist arrest, driving-related offences, and outstanding warrant-related offences.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court tomorrow (Tuesday 1 January 2019).
Two men, aged 19 and 22, have already been charged over the Whitebridge man’s murder and remain before the courts.

Man wanted over murder arrested in Lake Macquarie

A man wanted on warrants for offences including murder and manslaughter, has been arrested in the Lake Macquarie area overnight.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have made public appeals to locate the 24-year-old man as they continue to investigate the death of a 60-year-old man, who died after he was attacked in his Whitebridge home on Monday 17 December 2018.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Lacrozia to investigate the circumstances surrounding the older man’s death.
Following inquiries, a 24-year-old man was arrested after crashing his motorcycle into an unmarked police vehicle on Ntaba Road, Jewells, about 11pm yesterday (Sunday 30 December 2019).
The man has been taken to hospital where he is being checked as a precaution, and remains there under police guard.
Two men, aged 19 and 22, have already been charged over the Whitebridge man’s murder and remain before the courts.
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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Significant drop in fatalities between 2017 and 2018 during Operation Safe Arrival

Police are pleased with the significant difference in the number of fatalities during Operation Safe Arrival, with 14 less deaths on NSW roads compared to 2017.
Operation Safe Arrival, the State’s Christmas/New Year road safety operation, started at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018, and will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 January 2019.
Double demerits are in place over the entire operation for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said it’s important to reflect on the positives of this year’s operation.
“Although it’s disappointing to see a hit and run incident showing complete lack of care for other people’s wellbeing, I’m satisfied this operation is reflecting the strong approach we have taken with more police saturating the roads,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“As we near the end of the operation, I’m pleased there have been 14 less people killed on NSW roads during the operation so far.
“I encourage all road users to take extra care in the leadup to the new year, so they arrive safely to enjoy celebrations with family and friends,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Of note during day nine of Operation Safe Arrival:

  • About 11pm (Saturday 29 December 2018), emergency services were called to Tudor Street, Campsie, after reports of a man injured following a hit and run crash. The 19-year-old man was crossing the street, when a grey Mazda 2 Hatchback turned onto Tudor Street from Canterbury Road travelling north, before striking the man. The car stopped briefly, before driving away in the same direction. The man was treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition with arm and leg injuries. Officers from Campsie Police Area Command urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Key statistics (Cumulative total – started on 21 December 2018):
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 15,536
Speed infringements: 9,202
Breath tests: 413,463
Drink-driving charges: 495
Lives lost: 6

Bandido OMCG associates charged with aggravated break and enter – Abermain

Three Bandido outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) associates have been charged following an investigation into an alleged aggravated break and enter on Christmas Day at Abermain.
About 3pm (Tuesday 25 December 2018), three men entered a unit in Armidale Street where they confronted a 22-year-old man.
The men aged, 21, 22 and 23 became involved in an alleged physical confrontation with the other man, continuing to assault him as they dragged him to the front of the premises.
Several other people from the unit attempted to intervene. The three men left and officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended the scene.
Following further inquiries, the three men were arrested yesterday (Thursday 27 December 2018) by Cessnock Detectives, assisted by officers from State Crime Command’s Strike Force Raptor North.
They were each charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence and affray.
The men were refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 28 December 2018). They were granted conditional bail and are due to appear in Cessnock Local Court on 10 January 2019.

Police launch Operation New Year's Eve 2018 ahead of celebrations

NSW Police will be deployed as part of a highly-visible and mobile police operation to ensure the safety and security of the community ahead of Sydney’s 2018 New Year’s Eve celebration.
Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 will commence on Monday (31 December 2018), as significant crowds begin to converge on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state for New Year’s festivities.
General duties officers from Police Area Commands across the state will be assisted by specialist units including Public Order & Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.
Metropolitan Field Operations and Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 Commander, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton APM, said police will be focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We are prepared for significant crowds who are expected to make their way into the city and harbour foreshore areas this New Year’s Eve,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Police will be out in force across the event footprint to ensure the movement of crowds to vantage points are managed safely.
“We want everyone to have a memorable night for the right reasons, so celebrate responsibly, drink in moderation and look after one another – you don’t want to start 2019 with a criminal record,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
NSW Police have been working closely with City of Sydney, NSW Government agencies, landowners and other stakeholders in the lead up to the event, to ensure the festivities are safe and family-friendly.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said officers will be patrolling the crowds, out on the water, travelling on the trains and in the sky to ensure everyone rings in the New Year safely.
“We have some of the best police in the world and they’ll be out on the beat doing what they do best to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities in a safe and secure environment,” Mr Grant said.
“But police can’t be everywhere at once, and with big crowds expected in the CBD and surrounds, it’s really important that everyone plays their part in behaving responsibly and looking out for your mates.”
Extensive assessments have been conducted throughout the year and detailed plans will be implemented to ensure traffic, transport, crowd behaviour and security are expertly managed.
“Police want New Year’s Eve to be safe and fun for everyone, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to plan your night in advance,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Key sites will have security checks upon entry and are closely monitored by police and event security to gauge when they are reaching capacity, and people will be directed away from the area to prevent overcrowding.
“The public should be reassured that police have a significant, robust and flexible operation in place to ensure the safety of revellers throughout the night,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Detailed vantage point information, alcohol-free zones and important hints and tips for the evening are available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
The website also features important traffic and transport information to assist revellers in planning their trip to and from the city.
“There will be a number of major road closures and significant changes to traffic conditions in and around the CBD, so public transport is certainly your best bet,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“For those who insist on driving, please be patient, be aware of your surroundings as there will be a large number of pedestrians and never drink or drug drive,” he added.
Detailed public transport information is available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website. Special event traffic information can also be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
“For those that choose to enjoy the celebrations from the water, stay alert and be always be aware of your surroundings and other boaters in the area,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Before heading out on the water, check the vessel is in good working order, ensure all the required safety equipment is on board – most importantly, lifejackets.
“And remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, it’s safer not to drink at all,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.