Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Lake Macquarie area.
Jade Maybury, aged 25, was last seen leaving a house on Bridge Street, Morisset, about 9am yesterday (Wednesday 8 September 2021).
Police were notified about 5.30pm and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into Jade’s whereabouts.
A search of the surrounding area commenced, with assistance from specialist police including PolAir, the Dog Unit, Police Rescue and State Emergency Service (SES).
There are serious concerns for the welfare of Jade, who lives with Asperger’s syndrome and another medical condition.
Jade is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with red/ginger hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured t-shirt with faded writing on the front.
As the search continues, anyone who sees Jade or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Four men charged after cannabis seized – Hunter Valley
Police have charged four men and seized $1.5m worth of cannabis as part of an ongoing investigation into cultivation of cannabis in the Hunter Valley area.
In July this year (2021), officers attached to the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad commenced an investigation into the hydroponic cultivation of cannabis in the Hunter region.
Following extensive inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a property on Cessnock Road, Abermain, about 12.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 September 2021).
During the search, officers found a sophisticated indoor hydroponic set up and seized 157 cannabis plants.
Police arrested four men, aged 34, 27, 24 and 23 years old, at the property.
The men were taken to Cessnock Police Station, where they were each charged with take part enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis commercial.
They were also issued a $5,000 fine each for breaching the Public Health Order.
The men were bail refused to appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 9 September 2021), where they were formally refused bail.
As part of inquiries, about 3.15pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 September 2021), police executed a second search warrant at a property on Wollombi Road, Cessnock, where they found another sophisticated set-up and seized a further 148 cannabis plants.
Investigations continue.
Four arborists charged after allegedly returning to Lake Macquarie area in breach of PHOs
Police have charged four arborists after they allegedly returned to the Lake Macquarie area, breaching the Public Health Order for the second time this month.
Last Wednesday (1 September 2021), police received reports from members of the public via Crime Stoppers about a group of arborists who had been canvassing the Lake Macquarie area for work.
The following day (Thursday 2 September 2021) police spoke to the men, who told police they’d been working in the region on weekdays and returning to Greater Sydney on weekends, including to LGAs of concern.
Further inquiries revealed one of the men had provided inaccurate information to obtain a Service NSW permit to leave Greater Sydney and enter Regional NSW, another man did not have a permit at all, and other employees hadn’t had a COVID-19 test prior to leaving Greater Sydney as required under the Public Health Order.
Seven men were subsequently issued with PINs totalling $33,000 and directed to return to their homes in Greater Sydney.
About 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday 9 September 2021), police received information that a group of six arborists were doorknocking homes at Cardiff.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and spoke with the group before four of the men were arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station.
They were subsequently issued Court Attendance Notices for not comply with noticed direction and not ensure true and accurate information provided to Service NSW.
Police will allege the 41-year-old from Kingswood, 25-year-old from Leumeah, 57-year-old from Colyton and 37-year-old from Whalan had previously been issued with PINs for breaching the Public Health Order.
Police will further allege the men were operating under a different business name and had removed all company identification from their vehicles.
They are due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 2 November 2021.
A fifth man – a 33-year-old from Ropes Crossing – was issued with PINs totalling $6000 for breaching the Public Health Order and providing inaccurate information in his permit application.
Investigations remain ongoing into the sixth man.
Child missing in the Hunter region now located
A child missing on a rural property in the Hunter region since Friday has been located following a large-scale search.
Just before 12.30pm on Friday (3 September 2021), officers from Hunter Valley Police District responded to reports a child was missing at a rural property on Yengo Drive, Putty, about 75km south of Singleton.
The three-year-old could not be located after he was last seen at a home on the property about 11.45am.
Officers commenced a coordinated multi-agency response which included Trailbike officers, Police Rescue, The Dog and Mounted Unit, Police divers, and PolAir.
Police were assisted by NSW Ambulance, State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA).
The search continued since then, assisted by hundreds of emergency service volunteers.
About 11.30am today (Monday 6 September 2021), the boy was located on a nearby riverbank by PolAir, who directed ground search crews to his location.
He has been reunited with his family and is being assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Family statement after child located – Hunter region
Our family is together again. For that we are grateful to everyone who has assisted in any way over the last three days.
Thank you to the NSW Police, Rescue Services, volunteers, community members, friends and family who have worked tirelessly to find AJ.
AJ is fine. Hold your kids close.
Please give our family the privacy to appreciate what we have.
Fatal pedestrian crash – Lake Macquarie PD
A man has died after being struck by a vehicle in the state’s north today.
Just after 8.30am (Monday 6 September 2021), emergency services responded to reports a pedestrian had been struck by a truck on George Booth Drive at Cameron Park, near Lake Macquarie.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and located the body of a man.
He died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.
The truck driver – a 52-year-old man – was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway and anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Search continues for missing child in the Hunter region
A large scale coordinated search continues for a child, missing on a rural property in the Hunter region.
Just before 12.30pm yesterday (Friday 3 September 2021), officers from Hunter Valley Police District responded to reports a child was missing at a rural property on Yengo Drive, Putty, about 75km south of Singleton.
Anthony ‘AJ’ Elfalak, aged three, could not be located after he was last seen at a home on the property about 11.45am.
Anthony lives with autism and is non-verbal. He is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, with short dark hair and believed to be wearing a grey jumper and pants, and sneakers.
Officers commenced a coordinated multi-agency response which includes Trailbike officers, Police Rescue, The Dog Unit, Police divers, and PolAir.
Police are being assisted by NSW Ambulance, State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA).
The search continued overnight, and more than 100 emergency services volunteers are assisting with the search today (Saturday 4 September 2021).
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.
Images released as investigations continue into protest – Raymond Terrace
Investigators have released images as inquiries continue into unauthorised protest activity at Raymond Terrace last week.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation in response to an unauthorised protest on Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace, about 9.30am last Tuesday (31 August 2021).
Approximately 30 people gathered outside the Port Stephens Council Chambers.
As investigations continue, police have released images of a number of people who may be able to assist with ongoing inquiries.
Descriptions of the individuals depicted in the images are:
- The first man depicted is wearing a grey hooded jacket, dark pants with a black and white face mask. He has grey hair with sunglasses on his head.
- The second man depicted is wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt, with a dark blue vest. He has brown hair, and brown facial hair and wearing sunglasses.
- The third man depicted is wearing black pants, with a yellow high-vis shirt. He is holding a bicycle and wearing a helmet and sunglasses.
- The fourth man depicted is wearing a black hooded jumper and sunglasses on his head.
- The fifth man depicted is described as wearing a blue and white polo shirt with sunglasses on his head. He has brown hair and brown facial hair.
- The sixth man depicted is described as having brown hair and wearing a dark-coloured long-sleeved top.
- The seventh man is described having brown hair and wearing a light and dark grey coloured jumper and sunglasses.
- The first woman is depicted wearing a light grey top with a black jumper, brown belt and black skirt.
- The second woman is depicted as wearing a black long-sleeved top, blue jeans, a long necklace and sunglasses.
- The third woman is depicted as wearing a blue shirt, with a white long-sleeved top over her shoulders and black pants.
- The fourth woman is depicted as wearing a multi-coloured jumper with a grey top.
- The fifth woman is depicted wearing a black long-sleeved top, with blue pants, light-coloured shoes and scarf. She is holding a brown bag and wearing black sunglasses.
Anyone with information about the identity of the individuals – or has mobile phone footage of the protest activity – is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: 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.
City supports community organisations to continue vital work amidst COVID-19
Thousands of face masks, hand sanitiser, face shields and disinfectant wipes have been distributed to dozens of community organisations as part of City of Newcastle’s continued efforts to support the community through COVID-19.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene products ensures that frontline community organisations are able to safely support Novocastrians.
“City of Newcastle has provided protective equipment to dozens of local organisations such as multicultural services providers, Aboriginal services, child and family services, youth services, homelessness services and community centres, who are on the frontline during the pandemic,” Cr Nelmes said.
“In the past two weeks, City of Newcastle has distributed more than 60,000 face masks, along with supplies of hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, face shields and medical gowns.
“By providing access to the much-needed equipment and hygiene products, we can help ensure our most vulnerable community members are protected and that essential community services can continue to operate as safely as possible.”
The bulk PPE is made available through a partnership between Resilience NSW and Healthshare, who provide the items to local Councils across New South Wales to ensure community organisations are best equipped to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Regional Clinical Director for Awabakal Medical Service, Toni Carson, said that access to PPE is crucial for local services to continue to operate, while minimising the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re grateful to have the support of City of Newcastle and have access to PPE supplies, which we’ve distributed to Aboriginal medical clinics across the city. The supplies are essential to ensure that our community maintains safe and has reliable access to medical services during this challenging time,” Ms Carson said.
Earlier this week, City of Newcastle announced the expansion of our Community and Economic Resilience Package, which will see at least $10 million invested into the local economy.
To find out more about how we’re responding to COVID-19 visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene products ensures that frontline community organisations are able to safely support Novocastrians.
“City of Newcastle has provided protective equipment to dozens of local organisations such as multicultural services providers, Aboriginal services, child and family services, youth services, homelessness services and community centres, who are on the frontline during the pandemic,” Cr Nelmes said.
“In the past two weeks, City of Newcastle has distributed more than 60,000 face masks, along with supplies of hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, face shields and medical gowns.
“By providing access to the much-needed equipment and hygiene products, we can help ensure our most vulnerable community members are protected and that essential community services can continue to operate as safely as possible.”
The bulk PPE is made available through a partnership between Resilience NSW and Healthshare, who provide the items to local Councils across New South Wales to ensure community organisations are best equipped to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Regional Clinical Director for Awabakal Medical Service, Toni Carson, said that access to PPE is crucial for local services to continue to operate, while minimising the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re grateful to have the support of City of Newcastle and have access to PPE supplies, which we’ve distributed to Aboriginal medical clinics across the city. The supplies are essential to ensure that our community maintains safe and has reliable access to medical services during this challenging time,” Ms Carson said.
Earlier this week, City of Newcastle announced the expansion of our Community and Economic Resilience Package, which will see at least $10 million invested into the local economy.
To find out more about how we’re responding to COVID-19 visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
More than $30,000 in PINs issued to seven arborists for breaching PHOs – Lake Macquarie
Police have issued more than $30,000 in Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to a group of arborists who breached Public Health Orders in the Lake Macquarie area.
Yesterday (Wednesday 1 September 2021), police received reports from members of the public via Crime Stoppers about groups of arborists who have been canvassing the Lake Macquarie area for work.
Police spoke with one of the groups today (Thursday 2 September 2021), who told police they had been working in the region on weekdays and returning to Greater Sydney on weekends, including to LGAs of concern.
Inquiries revealed the 27-year-old company owner’s Service NSW permit to leave Greater Sydney to enter Regional NSW contained untrue and inaccurate information.
Further inquiries revealed that the 25-year-old co-owner of the business did not have a permit to leave Greater Sydney for work purposes in Regional NSW, and that other employees hadn’t had a COVID-19 test prior to leaving Greater Sydney, as required under the Public Health Order.
As a result, police issued seven men – aged between 25 and 61 – PINs totalling $33,000 for the offences of:
* Leave Greater Sydney for prescribed purposes without a permit
* Fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s 7/8/9 – COVID-19
* Not comply with requirements for testing – workers leaving Greater Sydney
* Not ensure true and accurate information provided to Service NSW
All seven men were directed to return to their homes in Greater Sydney.
Investigations into other reports from the community are ongoing.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 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.