Category: Newcastle News

Detectives have released further vision and continue to appeal for public assistance following a fatal shooting in Port Stephens earlier this year.
About 1.45pm on Sunday 29 August 2021, emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics and located a male driver suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
He was later identified as 45-year-old David King.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe located on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, which police believe is linked to the shooting.
Detectives established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
As part of extensive investigations, strike force detectives have released vision of two vehicles driving in a convoy in the vicinity of Mount Hall Road, Raymond Terrace, shortly after the incident.
 

Two people have been charged following a pursuit through the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
About 8.50am on Monday (1 November 2021), officers attached to Traffic & Highway Patrol Command and Hunter Valley Police District were patrolling along the New England Highway, Ravensworth, when they were alerted of an unregistered Ford Fiesta travelling north.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle at a safe location along the highway; however, the driver allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit commenced north along the highway.
The pursuit continued to the Muswellbrook township until the Ford stopped on William Street, Muswellbrook and the driver – a 29-year-old man – exited the vehicle and was arrested by police.
The front passenger of the vehicle – an 18-year-old woman – also left the vehicle and approached police. A police officer attempted to arrest the woman when she allegedly assaulted the senior constable.
Police checks revealed the man’s driver’s licence was suspended until 2024.
A search of the vehicle resulted in police allegedly locating and seizing two bags of cannabis.
The pair was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and the man was subjected to a breath test analysis which allegedly returned a reading of 0.035.
The man was charged with police pursuit, not have interlock fitted, unregistered/uninsured vehicle, special range PCA, drive whilst disqualified and contravene AVO.
He was refused bail and appeared at Muswellbrook Local Court yesterday (1 November 2021).
The woman was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, assault police, resist arrest, fail to disclose particulars and offensive language.
She was granted conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on 20 December 2021.

Detectives have released vision as part of an ongoing appeal for public assistance following a fatal shooting in Port Stephens.
About 1.45pm on Sunday 29 August 2021, emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics and located a male driver suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
He was later identified as 45-year-old David King.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe located on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, which police believe is linked to the shooting.
Detectives established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
As part of investigations, strike force detectives have released vision of a man who was near the crime scene in Heatherbrae and may have information that could assist police with their inquiries. It is not believed this man is linked to the death of David King.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

With months of lockdown causing a massive shortfall in blood and plasma donations, City of Newcastle staff and Councillors have volunteered their time (and arms) to help raise awareness of the urgent need to give blood.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said staff jumped at the chance to help get the message out to increase donations.
“At least 2,300 donations are needed each month just in Newcastle to meet the current demand to assist cancer patients and to get people through other serious health challenges in their lives,” Mr Bath said.
“City of Newcastle considers the situation to be so serious that we are encouraging our staff, several times each year, to travel to the Australian Red Cross at Broadmeadow during work time to donate blood.
“This year, City of Newcastle’s Lifeblood team have made 137 donations, meaning 411 lives have been saved, but this number is lower than previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
City of Newcastle Senior Project Officer Tania Antony co-ordinates City of Newcastle’s Lifeblood team said her personal journey drives her to encourage others to donate blood.
“For me, my brother suffered from aplastic anaemia. On two occasions in his life, he needed three platelet transfusions and one whole blood transfusion each week, just to survive until transplant time. He literally came alive after each transfusion,” Ms Antony said.
“I am so appreciative of those strangers who gave their blood to save my brother’s life. Before that, I was just a casual donor, now I do whatever I can to drive donations.
“I encourage more organisations and businesses to band their employees together to form a Lifeblood team.”
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Manager Brian Bruce said a lift in donations in Newcastle is urgently needed, and the community are encouraged to come forward to donate as restrictions ease across the city.
“Newcastle is in particular need of O negative blood and plasma donations with supply at a ten-year low due to the pandemic,” Mr Bruce said.
“Collectively, Lifeblood teams in Newcastle have helped save 17,800 lives so far in 2021. More than a third of our blood supply locally comes from groups donating together from local business, sporting, and community groups.
“Thank you to City of Newcastle’s Lifeblood team for setting a great example by helping us to raise awareness and get the message out to the community to come and donate blood as restrictions ease and feel great knowing they are saving lives.”

The deep-rooted tradition of activism through art is being put in the spotlight by a new exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery.
The Art of Protest will explore how artists use their work to highlight injustices and challenge perceptions.

From a political parody inspired by a pop music hit to works that make statements about climate change, asylum seekers or feminism, the exhibition examines a cross section of serious issues.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said the exhibition will feature works from the Gallery’s own collection alongside key works loaned from politically engaged artists who have been mixing art and activism throughout their careers.
“Newcastle Art Gallery has a reputation for delivering thought-provoking exhibitions that engage, educate and challenge audiences in many different ways,” Ms Morton said.
“From community activism to global social movements, The Art of Protest features past and present works from local, national and international artists who are responding to disaster and injustice and calling for change.”
The expansive exhibition showcases a variety of different artistic mediums including paintings, photography, linocut, sculpture, video and mixed media, which explore everything from worker’s rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, to war, humanitarianism, colonialism, the Stolen Generation, animal welfare and LGBTQI rights.
“Artists have always played a pivotal role as a voice of protest, from the early modernists and social realists tackling worker’s rights in the 1940s, to poster art of the 1970s, through to the current issues of the day including women’s rights, environmental policy, compassion for all Australians and the preservation of local heritage,” Ms Morton said.
“Recent works of art on display respond to events of the past few tumultuous years including the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for climate action.
“The apocalyptic bushfires of 2020 were the tragic inspiration for a number of works by local artist Fiona Lee, whose family home near Taree was destroyed during the blaze. She utilised materials recovered from the ruins to create works that highlight and protest against the government’s inaction on climate change.”
The Art of Protest will open on 30 October and remain on display at Newcastle Art Gallery until 30 January 2022. A free online talk on 4 November will feature artists Fiona Lee, Dani Marti and Anne Zahalka as they discuss the processes used to create their works on display in this exhibition.

Applications are being invited for a new scholarship established to honour the memory of Newcastle businesswoman Meg Purser.
Undergraduate students completing the second year of their Communications degree at the University of Newcastle can apply for the $5000 scholarship, with the inaugural recipient to be named in April next year.
Meg Purser was a successful communications professional who is remembered for her charitable and behind-the-scenes work for organisations such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Screen and Got Your Back Sista.
She invested considerable time in mentoring young people and worked tirelessly to make a positive contribution to the city until her passing in January this year following an 18-month battle with breast cancer.
City of Newcastle established the scholarship with the blessing of Meg’s father Bob, to honour the significant contribution Meg made to the corporate communications community and recognise her passion for the many local community organisations and charities she supported.
The scholarship provides key financial support for high performing Communications students who share Meg’s values and community-focused qualities. A new recipient will be selected each year, with the initial agreement funding the scholarship for the next three years.
Applications will close on 28 February 2022. Visit the University of Newcastle website for more details.
City of Newcastle offers several other scholarships through the University of Newcastle, including the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship and the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women, which aim to support students studying an undergraduate degree who are experiencing financial hardship.

A woman and her dog have been saved from a burning home in the Hunter Valley.
About 1.20pm yesterday (Tuesday 26 October 2021), a 28-year-old man was walking along Alexandra Street, Kurri Kurri, when he heard a smoke alarm emitting from a nearby home and observed smoke coming from the back door of the property.
With assistance from a nearby council worker, the pair ran inside to assist a 58-year-old female resident and her dog from the home which was quickly becoming engulfed in flames.
The passer-by contacted emergency services, with crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attending a short time later, extinguishing the blaze.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, would like to thank the members of the public who ran in to save the occupant of the home before the blaze took hold.
“It’s the heroic actions of these two men which saved this woman and her dog’s life yesterday, and on behalf of all the emergency services involved, we would like to thank this pair. Both of these men will be considered for bravery recognition for their actions,” Det Insp Matt Zimmer said.
The circumstances surrounding the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Strike force detectives have released an image of a similar vehicle of interest as they continue to investigate the shooting death of a woman in Stockton earlier this year.
Just after 8pm on Wednesday 9 June 2021, emergency services were called to a home on Queen Street, Stockton, following reports of a shooting.
A 61-year-old woman answered her front door before she was shot; she died at the scene and was later identified as Stacey Klimovitch.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Backhouse to investigate the circumstances surrounding Stacey’s murder.
As investigations continue, strike force detectives have released an image of a similar vehicle which they believe was used in the commission of the offence.
It’s believed to be a dark coloured 2013 to 2017 Holden Commodore VF SSV V8 sedan.
Strike force detectives believe the vehicle is linked to persons involved in the shooting, either directly or through a third party.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have noticed a vehicle matching this description in and around the area at the time of the homicide to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone who may have information which could assist Strike Force Backhouse investigators is urged to come forward.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 October 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 October 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Supporting alfresco outdoor dining in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that the NSW Government has announced a new policy, and grant funding, to support local businesses to expand their footprint to new outdoor spaces through the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, was unanimously supported by Councillors.
City of Newcastle will notify local businesses about its support for the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, including facilitating the implementation of the expanded alfresco outdoor dining policy. Information will be provided to local businesses so they can take full advantage of the initiative as they recover from the affects of the pandemic.
Basketball Courts at National Park
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that a key principle of the current 2012 National Park Plan of Management (PoM) is to provide sporting, recreation, and leisure facilities to meet the current and future needs of the community, was supported by Councillors.
The Minute also noted that the former tennis courts site is categorised as ‘sportsground’ under the current PoM, with the objective of sportsground land being to ‘encourage, promote and facilitate organised and informal sporting activities and games’.
Council endorsed the provision of four new basketball courts, currently under construction, following the success of the construction of two basketball courts in September 2020, noting that a Review of Environmental Factors has stated that the project aligns with the intention of the National Park Plan of Management 2012.
The Minute acknowledged that since the adoption of the 2012 PoM, the conversion of the former Life Without Barriers site has provided an additional 9750m2 of green space not previously accessible to the public, which has been rehabilitated for passive recreation.
The Minute also recognised that the provision of four new basketball courts returns this space back to the public and aligns with the 2012 PoM, while providing an additional 1250m2 of green space surrounding the new courts, and significantly updating public amenity including the provision of new shelters, seating, a drinking water station and brand-new playing surfaces.
Councillors noted that the exhibition of an updated National Park Plan of Management will occur in 2022.
Ordinary Business
Suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott
Councillors noted the Office of Local Government suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott from civic office for six weeks from 18 October until 29 November 2021.
NSW Land and Housing Corporation – Memorandum of Understanding Councillors endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, to formalise a shared vision in relation to the provision of social and affordable housing in Newcastle.
Quarterly Budget Review – September 2021
The September Quarterly Budget Review Statement was adopted by Council.
Adoption of the Housing Policy
Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Housing Policy, which outlines City of Newcastle’s commitments and priorities to facilitate more affordable housing in strategic growth areas and provide direction for the provision of affordable housing in new development.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Councillors unanimously voted to place the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2021-2025 on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. The draft DIAP outlines strategies and actions to ensure people in the community with a disability can access services and facilities.
Special Flood Considerations Clause – Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Council unanimously supported the inclusion of the ‘special flood considerations’ clause within the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
City of Newcastle will confirm to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment that is wishes to have the ‘special flood considerations’ clause included.
Endorsement of Planning Proposal and Development Control Plan for Community Infrastructure Incentives at Wickham
Councillors unanimously voted to lay this item on the table.
Request for Interim Heritage Order – St Columban’s Church Mayfield
Council endorsed a request to the Heritage Council of NSW to place an Interim Heritage Order over St Columban’s Church in Mayfield.
Adoption of Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plans Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Section 7.11 Development Contribution Plan and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plan. The Plans will come into force on 1 January 2022.
Adoption of the 2021/21 Annual Financial Statements
Councillors received and adopted City of Newcastle’s audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021.
More information about the Annual Financial Statements can be found here.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – Annual Report
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for 2020/21 in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Alcohol Regulated Areas
Councillors endorsed the placement of proposed amendments to Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas on public exhibition for a period of 30 days.
Temporary Suspension of Alcohol Free Zones
Councillors approved the temporary suspension of Alcohol Free Zones in the Newcastle Foreshore area for the purpose of two events in December 2021.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Tender Report – Biennial Civil Construction and Maintenance Heavy Patching
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the provision of heavy patching to deliver road pavement repairs throughout Newcastle.
Tender Report – Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the construction of the Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1.
Notices of Motion
Development Control Plan Review
A Notice of Motion relating to the scheduled review of City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plan (DCP) was adopted by Council.
As part of the review, City of Newcastle will consider issues including car stackers, sustainability of buildings, access and service stations.
Charter of Commitment Honesty
A Notice of Motion was introduced that called for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Election to ensure any election commitment are properly costed, budgeted, or any new expenditure is offset by savings or additional revenue.
City of Newcastle will establish a Charter of Budget Honesty for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections.
SIEV-X Memorial Plaque
A Notice of Motion which acknowledged the 20^th anniversary of the SIEV-X tragedy, which saw the SIEV-X sink on the way to Australia, resulting in the drowning of 146 children, 142 women and 65 men on 19 October 2001, was adopted.
City of Newcastle will refer the Motion to the Community and Culture Community to consider a commemorative plaque in remembrance of the SIEV-X at Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore.

An improved framework to fund future community infrastructure will be considered by the elected Council at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting, to support 23,000 new residents by 2036.
The new Section 7.11 and 7.12 Development Contributions Plans propose that new developments reasonably contribute towards the cost of community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds to support new residents and growth across the city.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the draft Development Contribution Plans gained in principle support from key industry groups during recent public exhibition.
“Our Development Contribution Plans are needed to fund future infrastructure and bring Newcastle in line with neighbouring Councils, and have been met with complimentary feedback by key stakeholders,” Ms Bisson said.
“Newcastle will see 23,000 new residents and 11,500 new dwellings by 2036, and we need to ensure public infrastructure keeps pace with growth and is equitably funded, to ensure current ratepayers aren’t financially burdened by infrastructure requirements as a result of future development.
“Industry groups recognise the future population growth over the next 15 years will create demand for new and improved transport, community and social infrastructure, and they are generally supportive of this new framework that sets reasonable contributions to support the supply of new infrastructure in areas where developments occur.
“From the first of January, contributions from the new Plans will be used to fund vital community infrastructure over the next 15 years as our urbanised city evolves and continues to grow, including the cycleway network, pedestrian accessibility and mobility network, local area traffic management works, bus shelters, parks and playgrounds, sporting grounds and recreation facilities, and town centre public domain improvements.”
An additional $6.5 million per year is expected to be raised for investment in essential roads, sporting facilities and playgrounds for the Newcastle community’s benefit, whilst contributions rates will remain less than surrounding Councils.
Whilst there has been a recent boom in development applications as residents have undertaken minor renovations during the COVID lockdown, minor works under $200,000 undertaken on existing residential dwellings will not be affected.
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Chief Executive NSW Steve Mann said it is pleasing that the City of Newcastle has, in recent years, been investing heavily in local infrastructure.
“City of Newcastle’s spending on local infrastructure has recently been outpacing its developer contributions,” Mr Mann said.
“So whilst we are always concerned by any increase in the rate of development contributions and the impact on housing affordability that the new plan may have, UDIA does not oppose the introduction of a new Section 7.11 plan to ensure the city can continue to deliver for its residents.
“UDIA is keen to work with City of Newcastle to ensure they continue to spend the contributions for the purpose for which they are collected.”
In the 2020/21 financial year, City of Newcastle collected $3.35 million in development contributions (outside of the Western Corridor). In the same period, City of Newcastle spent $13.2 million on identified infrastructure and priority projects.