Haunting mugshots of Sydney’s bosses, plotters, bruisers and petty criminals of the 1920s – some with felonious links to Newcastle and the Hunter – will be on display at Newcastle Museum from today.
UNDERWORLD: Mugshots from the Roaring Twenties investigates the life and times of Sydney’s seedy underworld during the 1920s – a time most remember for jazz, Art Deco, glitz and glamour.
Criminal Rose Engebritsen 14 November 1925. Credit: NSW Police Forensic Photography Archive,
Sydney Living Museums
But the age had a much more sinister undertone when gangs, guns and violence played a major role.
Criminal Rose Engebritsen, it’s understood, worked in Newcastle as a singer. Although ‘Deported from America’ is noted under a photograph of her kept by police, a woman with the same name was advertised as singing during a film screening in Newcastle.
Snowy Cutmore, who had connections with horse racing at Cessnock, was a gunman, a sly-grog seller and housebreaker with multiple convictions for assault. His death at the hands of another gangster, Squizzy Taylor, were chronicled in The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder in 1927.
These local examples of life in the ‘Roaring Twenties’, as they were known, were part and parcel of the brave new world many people were living in post-World War One.
John D ‘Snowy’ Cutmore, 5 July 1922. Credit: NSW Police Forensic Photography Archive, Sydney Living Museums
“These fascinating tales of real-life events occurred during an era of lax law enforcement and a rise in criminal activity,” Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said.
“Each of the 130 candid and compelling mugshots taken by NSW Police between 1920 and 1930 offers its own poignant look at a period which saw criminals cash in on illegal markets thanks to advances in new technology.”
“The striking detail and expressions present on the faces of the photographed, the clothes they’re wearing and the locations they’re shot are so different to any mugshot taken today. It’s a fascinating exhibition and one the museum is very much looking forward to displaying.”
Augustine ‘Gus’ Gracey and Edgar ‘Eddie’ Dalton circa 1920. Credit: NSW Police Forensic Photography Archive,
Sydney Living Museums
Exhibition Curator Nerida Campbell said the exhibition explored the dark side of the Roaring Twenties where “you’ll meet the bosses, plotters, bruisers and petty crims who ruled Sydney’s mean streets.”
“The photography in this exhibition is amazing,” she said.
“The mugshots taken by Sydney police are unlike any you’ll see anywhere in the world; They’re candid, and compelling, and the stories behind the people in them are amazing.
“Stories of people struggling with bad choices, stories of people possibly in the wrong place at the wrong time and the dyed-in-the-wool criminals who wouldn’t change even if they could.”
Reproduced from glass plate negatives, the images retain a high-quality level of clarity almost a century after they were taken.
The exhibition will be on display from today until 30 June. For more information on the exhibition, visit the Newcastle Museum exhibition page at http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/Exhibitions/Exhibitions/UNDERWORLD
Author: admin
Disability community "waiting in hopeful anticipation" for news that the road to justice is sealed: Steele-John
With the announcement of a Royal Commission now all but confirmed, Australian Greens Disability Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has reiterated the need for broad terms of reference and at least one disabled commissioner to ensure that the lived experiences of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect of disabled people in institutional and residential settings is properly understood and investigated.
Senator Steele-John said he was glad to see the Government using the draft Terms of Reference he’d written and sent to the Prime Minister on Friday 15 February as the basis for consultation with stakeholders, particularly the inclusion of a focus on exploitation.
“Today, my community is waiting in hopeful anticipation for news that the road to justice is sealed,” he said.
“But, it seems like finally our calls for a broad Royal Commission to be led by by disabled people are being taken seriously.
“Let us never forget that disabled people are subjected to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect not only in institutions but in our homes, workplaces, where we learn and where we receive services and support, and that the perpetrators of these crimes are often known to survivors not simply paid to help or support them.
“After 5 years of immense pressure from the disability rights movements and from the Greens, we are finally seeing the beginning of an opportunity for justice.”
A copy of the letter sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Friday 15 February 2019, including the draft Terms of Reference, can be found on the Australian Greens website.
Senator Steele-John said he was glad to see the Government using the draft Terms of Reference he’d written and sent to the Prime Minister on Friday 15 February as the basis for consultation with stakeholders, particularly the inclusion of a focus on exploitation.
“Today, my community is waiting in hopeful anticipation for news that the road to justice is sealed,” he said.
“But, it seems like finally our calls for a broad Royal Commission to be led by by disabled people are being taken seriously.
“Let us never forget that disabled people are subjected to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect not only in institutions but in our homes, workplaces, where we learn and where we receive services and support, and that the perpetrators of these crimes are often known to survivors not simply paid to help or support them.
“After 5 years of immense pressure from the disability rights movements and from the Greens, we are finally seeing the beginning of an opportunity for justice.”
A copy of the letter sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Friday 15 February 2019, including the draft Terms of Reference, can be found on the Australian Greens website.
Greens launch women’s policy: $5.3billion to end alleged epidemic of domestic violence
The Greens have today announced their plan for equality for women which includes $5.3billion over 10 years to more adequately address the epidemic of family and domestic violence.
“The comprehensive suite of initiatives, designed to ensure women are safe, valued and treated as equals in private and public life, show the scale of work that needs to be done level the playing field for Australian women and girls,” Greens spokesperson for women Senator Larissa Waters said.
“Ten women have been killed in Australia this year already, after 69 last year, and yet the government has only committed $328million over three years towards tackling this crisis.
“The Greens are actually serious about ending violence against women. That’s why we have a fully costed plan to give $5.3billion over ten years, with $2.2 billion in the first four years, to ensure no DV survivor is turned away from crisis, support and housing services when they need help and that primary prevention programs are delivered to stop violence before it starts. This is the funding commitment it is going to take.”
The Greens will also create a $200 million Survivor Grant fund which will give up to 50,000 survivors of family and domestic violence, grants of up to $4000.
“The Survivor Grant fund will help approximately 1000 survivors of DV a month,” Senator Waters said.
“Money should not be a barrier to escaping violence whether it’s rent and housing costs, affording the basics like food and clothing, medical, health and wellbeing needs, we must support survivors to keep them safe.
“The Greens will also legislate for 10 days’ paid FDV leave so no woman has to choose between getting paid and being safe.”
The Greens policy for closing the gender wage gap will also improve economic security for women and in turn, reduce one of the main drivers of DV.
“Women deserve equal pay for equal work which is why we will set gender pay equality as an objective of awards and the Fair Work Act,” Senator Waters said.
“We will also legislate to ban ‘pay gag clauses’, which is a bill I’ve introduced previously to create transparency in organisations which is a critical factor in closing the gender wage gap.
“We want the paid parental leave arrangements extended to six months and affordable and accessible early childhood education so kids can get the best start and parents have financial security to give them that.
“Unpaid caring work is also significantly undervalued and so the Greens will task the Productivity Commission with investigating how best to value it. Women do the majority of the caring roles and retire with half the super balance of men – this is unacceptable and consideration of caring credits is the first steps to ensuring carers are properly valued.”
Other aspects of the Greens equality for women policy include:
- making abortion safe, accessible, legal and free in all public hospitals with funding for hospitals to perform abortions;
- addressing the housing and homelessness crisis for older women;
- keeping women safe from harassment and discrimination at work, online and on the street;
- improving global equality for women through our development program;
- making workplaces more family friendly; and
- ensuring fairer superannuation for casual, part-time and low-income workers.
For the full policy: greens.org.au/women
Greens challenge Labor to ‘walk the walk’ on living wage
Greens employment and workplace relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that Labor is talking big on inequality but won’t back it up with action. Mr Bandt said the Greens will seek to amend Labor’s industrial relations legislation in the Senate to ensure the minimum wage is at least 60% of median earnings.
“We need to change the law so that if you work full-time, you’re not in poverty.
“Just like their position on Newstart, where Labor says the rate is too low but refuses to back the Greens’ call to lift it by $75 per week, Labor’s talk about inequality means nothing without action.
“When Labor is in government and puts its industrial relations legislation to Parliament, the Greens will amend it in the Senate to ensure the minimum wage is at least 60% of median earnings.”
“The Greens have led the push in Parliament to make the minimum wage 60% of the full time median wage. It’s time Labor followed our lead.
Cybercrime Squad and AUSTRAC remind digital currency exchanges of reporting obligations
The NSW Police Force and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) are reminding digital currency exchange providers to be aware of their obligations following amendments to Commonwealth legislation last year.
In April 2018, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 were introduced, which included expanding the scope of the Act to include regulation of digital currency exchange providers.
These changes included registering with AUSTRAC, verifying customer identity, reporting suspicious matters and over-threshold cash transactions; and complying with record-keeping requirements.
AUSTRAC National Manager for Regulatory Operations, Dr Nathan Newman, said AUSTRAC worked closely with digital currency exchange providers to prepare them for these laws, which are in place to protect industry from criminal exploitation and in turn, the Australian community.
“Digital currency exchange providers have had adequate time and opportunity to comply with these new laws and AUSTRAC has already refused the registration of two digital currency exchange providers. We continue to actively monitor the sector’s compliance,” Dr Newman said.
“It’s important that digital currency exchange providers meet their obligations, so we can identify any instances of criminal activity using their services to launder money, fund terrorism or commit other serious crimes.”
Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said this is a timely reminder to those who deal in digital currencies to ensure they are meeting their obligations.
“While cash is still ‘king’, digital currencies are fast becoming the preferred choice for organised criminal networks involved in money laundering, funding terrorism, and cybercrimes,” Det Supt Craft said.
“These amendments were implemented to ensure digital currencies were being monitored in the same ways as cash exchanges and transfers.
“Any information about illicit activity by digital currency exchange providers that is provided to our squad – whether related to organised crime, terrorism, or technology-enabled crime – will be actively pursued in partnership with AUSTRAC.
“Let this be a warning to digital currency exchange providers: if you fail to comply with your obligations, your actions will not go unnoticed.”
Det Supt Craft added that an increase in popularity of Dark Net marketplaces will also mean increased targeting by law enforcement.
“Given the perceived anonymity of the Dark Net, Australian criminal groups are starting to favour the online environment to conduct illicit business,” Det Supt Craft said.
“With police and our partners proactively targeting this space, I’ll assure these networks that their anonymity is no longer guaranteed.”
More information about digital currency exchange providers’ obligations under the Act is available at: http://www.austrac.gov.au/digital-currency-exchange-providers
Man critical after aggravated break-in – Windale, near Lake Macquarie
Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was stabbed during an aggravated break-in in Windale this morning.
About 1.40am (Friday 8 March 2019) a man has forced entry into the rear window of a home on Lowana Crescent, Windale, while a 49-year-old man, a 37-year-old woman, and three children aged – six, 13 and 16 were asleep.
The man believed to be armed with a knife, entered the bedroom of the home and allegedly stabbed the 49-year-old male occupant to the face and chest.
The armed man fled the scene on foot running towards Merrigum Street.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and commenced investigations.
The male occupant was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
Police believe the incident was targeted.
A 36-year-old man from Valentine is currently assisting police with inquiries.
Police appeal for information in relation to fatal fight – Hamilton South
A man has died, and another man is undergoing surgery following a physical altercation in the Hunter region overnight.
About 3.30am today (Friday 8 March 2019), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Donald Street, Hamilton, following reports two men were fighting in the street.
On arrival, police were told the men left the area in a vehicle, which was possibly being driven by a third man.
A short time later, officers attended a home unit on Cody Street, Hamilton South, where they located the body of a 51-year-old man.
They also located a 23-year-old man with serious head injuries.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he is undergoing surgery.
Crime scenes have been established at the home and on Donald Street, which are being examined by specialist forensic officers.
Local detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
MULTICULTURAL CAFÉ OPENS ITS DOORS
Hunter Multicultural Communities’ new café officially opened its doors to the public today.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon launched the café, which is set to become a centrepiece for Hunter Multicultural Communities’ Waratah site.
Ms Claydon said she was pleased to provide funding for the café under the Stronger Communities Program.
“I was very pleased to give Hunter Multicultural Communities a $15,000 grant to fit out the kitchen in the café including counters, the coffee machine and fridge.
“It’s fantastic to see this fabulous project become a reality. So many people have invested so much time and energy in getting it to this point.”
Ms Claydon said the café would be used for a number of purposes.
“It will provide a great training space for budding young baristas and chefs to learn new skills.
“I’m also looking forward to the theme nights which will showcase food from a different country each night.”
Ms Claydon said the multicultural café was the perfect fit for Newcastle.
“Newcastle is a diverse, inclusive city that welcomes newcomers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The café will attract people who wouldn’t normally come to Hunter Multicultural Communities site.
“The café will be the perfect space for the community to come together and share cultures. I have every confidence this new café will be warmly embraced by the community.”
RECORD SUPPORT FOR NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest a record $500 million over the next four years into non-government schools to help them build more classrooms and cater for growing enrolments.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the additional capital funding will be used by non-government schools in NSW so they can build, extend or upgrade their school facilities to provide more student places in growing communities.
“We have provided record funding for the public school system, and we are providing record support for the Catholic and independent school sectors as well,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This additional funding is only possible thanks to the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s strong economic management.
“Parents can always rely on a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government to support them – whether they choose to send their children to the local public school, or a Catholic or independent school.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said NSW’s Catholic and independent schools will share in $500 million from the NSW Government, which is more than double the amount Labor invested in non-government school infrastructure in their last four years.
“The Liberals & Nationals take strong financial management and turn it into better schools for your kids – that’s the difference. No empty slogans – we secure the funding and get then job done,” Mr Perrottet said.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the increased investment will be delivered through grants under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme, which directs funding towards areas of greatest need. The scheme takes into account fees, demographics and socio-economic characteristics of the school.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals recognise that funding for school infrastructure should be consistent with a needs-based sector-blind approach to support the schools who need it the most,” Mr Stokes said.
“This record funding announcement will continue to ensure that every student in NSW continues to receive the best possible education, in the best facilities – no matter where they go to school.”
This year’s funding for Catholic and independent schools includes St Francis Catholic College in Edmondson Park ($3.6 million); Australian Christian College – Marsden Park in Riverstone ($950,000); Nowra Christian School in Nowra ($800,000) and St Peter’s Anglican College in Broulee on the NSW South Coast ($300,000).
The increased funding for non-government schools is in addition to the NSW Government’s $6 billion investment over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded public schools across the State. This is the largest investment in public school infrastructure by any state government in Australian history.
As part of the “Gonski” schools funding agreement, NSW was also the only State to provide an extra $712 million to public schools to complement the Commonwealth’s $1.2 billion Choice and Affordability Fund.
$619 MILLION TO FURTHER UPGRADE THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT WESTMEAD
Children needing specialist care will benefit from an extra $619 million for further upgrades to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, bringing the total investment in the world-class health precinct to $1.6 billion.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the additional investment will fund Stage 2 of the hospital’s redevelopment and comes on top of the $1 billion transformation of Westmead, the State’s flagship health, education and research precinct.
“This significant expansion to paediatric health services in Western Sydney will ensure The Children’s Hospital at Westmead continues to be a world leader in providing care for sick children right across the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is a massive expansion to paediatric health services for NSW, made possible due to the Liberals & Nationals’ strong economic management of this state.”
This additional $619 million investment is estimated to create 6190 direct and indirect jobs during construction, further growing our economy.
Today’s announcement follows a commitment by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government to recruit an additional 8300 frontline hospital staff, including 5000 nurses and midwives.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is also building a $608 million Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick as part of a rebuild of the hospital, which will include a new emergency department.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the further investment for Stage 2 will greatly increase capacity at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
“This significant additional funding will deliver both new and expanded health services for our state’s sickest children, including intensive care, cancer services and mental health care services,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is transforming hospitals and health facilities right across the State in a record building boom, to ensure patients continue to receive world-class care.
“The Liberals & Nationals have invested nearly $10 billion in health infrastructure since 2011 and have committed more than $8 billion in the next term.”
The Stage 2 redevelopment will include a new Paediatric Services Building (PSB) and refurbishment of the existing facilities, including:
- Operating Theatres
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
- Cancer Services
- Pharmacy Department
- Expansion of Pathology services
- Mental Health inpatient and ambulatory care
- Car parking
The Westmead precinct includes Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Cumberland Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital, together with a number of world-leading medical research institutes, two university campuses and the largest research-intensive pathology service in NSW.
This investment follows the NSW Government’s funding of $95 million for Stage 1 of the redevelopment of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead currently underway.
Stage 1 includes a new children’s Emergency Department and paediatric short stay units, and additional pharmacy and medical imaging facilities within the Westmead Precinct Central Acute Services Building.
“As the population of Western Sydney continues to grow, the NSW State Government will ensure the health needs of this growing community are met both now and into the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
Early construction works on Stage 2 are expected to commence in 2020.