Category: Newcastle News

A woman will face court after allegedly being caught driving more than six times over the legal limit in the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
About 8.30pm (Saturday 24 July 2021) police were patrolling Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown after receiving information from the public about the manner of driving of a black Audi.
Police stopped the vehicle after they allegedly witnessed the car swerve and hit the gutter.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District spoke to the driver, a 31-year-old woman.
She underwent a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result.
The woman was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where she underwent a breath analysis and allegedly returned a reading of 0.337, more than six and a half times the legal limit.
She was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice (FCAN) for drive with high-range PCA.
The woman is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 6 September 2021.
The woman’s licence was also suspended.

City of Newcastle has cemented its ongoing commitment to female sporting talent by sponsoring a range of women’s sporting events including rugby, soccer and surfing over the next 12 months.
In addition to its ongoing support of the Newcastle Jets W-League team, City of Newcastle has committed as a sponsor for the Newcastle Knights inaugural women’s team’s historic debut in the 2021 National Rugby League Telstra Women’s Premiership.
City of Newcastle will also bring the fast-paced Women’s Rugby 7s to No.2 Sportsground along with the ‘Girls Day Out’ which features surfing clinics hosted by local Phillipa Anderson.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said investment in women’s sport was paying off with increased local participation and crowd numbers at events.
“Our region has a long and proud history of producing top female sporting talent, including the likes of football’s Emily van Egmond, surfing’s Phillipa Anderson, netball’s Sam Poolman and paratriathlon’s Lauren Parker,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to supporting local women’s sport because of the range of health, wellbeing and social outcomes delivered by seeing talented female athletes show their skills.
“The City has over recent years worked to bring top female sports such as the Matildas to Newcastle and over the next financial year is investing $50,000 across the Knights, Jets, Women’s Rugby 7s and ‘Girls Day Out’ clinics.
“We’ll continue to support local women’s sports while working to attract top level international fixtures to encourage female sporting participation and attract the growing fan-bases to the city.”
Newcastle Jets mid-fielder Cassidy Davis welcomed the ongoing support provided by the City of Newcastle.
“My teammates and I really enjoy playing at No.2 Sportsground as our home ground, thanks to the ongoing support of City of Newcastle. As a proud Novocastrian, I look forward to continuing to showcase Newcastle to the rest of Australia through televised matches and at our games,” Ms Davis said.
City of Newcastle has proudly hosted international women’s matches including the Matildas and Wallaroos on several occasions, and is working to attract further major international women’s sporting events in the future.
Sporting events contribute considerably to Newcastle’s economy, destination profile and liveability for residents.

Police are appealing for dashcam footage as they continue to investigate a fatal shooting at Newcastle yesterday.
About 12.45pm (Thursday 22 July 2021), emergency services were called to a unit on Darby St, Cooks Hill, following reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, police located a man inside the unit with a gunshot wound to the chest.
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, he died at the scene. He has since been identified as a 40-year-old man.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District – with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad – have established Strike Force Hibbard to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Police have been told two people – a man and a woman – were seen running from the scene shortly after.
As police continue to conduct extensive inquiries, strike force detectives are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage from Darby Street, and nearby Parkway Avenue, Tooke and Brooks Streets to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has died following a fatal shooting at Newcastle today.
About 12.45pm (Thursday 22 July 2021), emergency services were called to a unit on Darby St, Cooks Hill, following reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, police located a man inside the unit with a gunshot wound to the chest.
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
An investigation has been launched by detectives from Newcastle City Police District into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information which may be able to assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
No further information is available at this time.

A $35.6 million project to double the size of the Newcastle Art Gallery looks set to receive the green light from Council.
A financial report to be considered by the Council on Tuesday night has concluded a fixed interest rate of less than 1% presents a pathway for the City of Newcastle to fund the long-awaited expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery.

“An expansion of the Gallery has been discussed for 16 years with more than $10 million raised by the community to support the project. I’m pleased to say that City of Newcastle staff have identified a funding pathway to more than double the size of this wonderful community asset and make our shared dream a reality,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“With the current favourable economic conditions, including historically low interest rates, the time has come for City of Newcastle to make this project happen.”
Cr Nelmes said a number of options including using cash reserves, external loans or a combination of both, have been evaluated in the report to Council, with a recommendation to borrow up to $22.6 million via a fixed interest rate loan of 0.88% over 10 years to fund the balance required for the expansion project.
The various options were compared on their Net Present Value (NPV), with estimates showing that borrowing up to $22.6 million over 10 years at all-time low interest rates far outweighs the benefits of using our own cash.
“City of Newcastle is committed to the Newcastle Art Gallery continuing to be a symbol of excellence and source of pride as a major cultural asset for our state, which is home to a nationally significant collection that includes more than 7,000 works valued at $115 million,” Cr Nelmes said.
The financial report recommends the preferred funding option is to borrow up to $22.6 million over a 10-year fixed rate term from NSW Treasury Corporation, which is the central borrowing authority for the New South Wales public sector.
Loan borrowings are a desirable option given the current economic conditions, which enable Council to undertake this significant work while continuing to deliver a budget surplus and cash reserves.
Cr Nelmes said while this funding option has been identified as preferable, City of Newcastle would continue to seek Federal and State grant funding before taking out the loan to ensure all available grant funding options have been exhausted.

City of Newcastle has already approved a development application for the project, which includes upgrading and expanding the Gallery to provide modern facilities such as a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, improved display and secure international standard loading dock.
An additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space will include dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.
A tender report will be submitted to Council later this year seeking approval to award a construction contract.

Fast Facts

• Newcastle Art Gallery was Australia’s first purpose-built regional art gallery, officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
• The Gallery is home to the most valuable collection in regional Australia, with more than 7,000 works valued at $115 million, including art by Arthur Boyd, William Dobell, Donald Friend, Tracey Moffatt, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Patricia Piccinini, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott and Brett Whitely.
• The current footprint of the 44-year-old building only allows 1% of the collection to be exhibited over the course of a year.
• The outstanding cost of the expansion is estimated to be $35.6 million, with City of Newcastle having already invested $3.6 million getting to the project to the position of being shovel ready.
• Significant funds are being held in trust with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board for the specific purpose of expanding the Art Gallery, including a $10 million bequest from Valerie Ryan, a commitment to additional community fundraising of $2.5 million and $500,000 from the Margaret Olley Art Trust.
• City of Newcastle committed to contributing $16.2 million towards the project (including the $3.6 million already invested) following a unanimous resolution of Council in February this year.
• The project was included in the NSW Government’s Cultural Infrastructure Plan 2025, which identified the redevelopment of the Art Gallery precinct as a ‘regional opportunity’.
• A business case prepared in accordance with NSW Treasury guidelines demonstrates a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.77 and a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $24.1 million for the project, which is expected to create 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete.
• The expansion is expected to inject more than $1 million into annual regional revenue by attracting more than 14,000 additional local visitors and tourists each year.
• Further additional visitation is estimated at 73,590 in relation to use of the additional Gallery facilities outside of exhibition spaces; generating revenue of $2.7 million in relation to the use of these facilities.

Lake Macquarie detectives have released CCTV as they continue to investigate several armed robberies across the region.
Strike Force Woonooka was established in June 2021 to investigate four armed robberies at three service stations in Lake Macquarie last month.

• About 3am on Thursday 10 June 2021, a man armed with a large knife entered a service station on Main Road, Cardiff and threatened an employee. He stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene on foot, last seen headed north on Lowry Street.
• About 10.50pm on Saturday 12 June 2021, a man armed with a large knife entered a service station on Main Road, Edgeworth, and threatened an employee before stealing cash and cigarettes. He was last seen on foot heading south on Garth Street.
• About 3.30am on Tuesday 29 June 2021, a customer was attempting to enter a service station on Main Road, Cardiff, when another man approached him armed with a knife. The armed man attempted to gain entry to the store, however was unsuccessful and fled north on foot on Lowry Street.
• About 7.15pm on Friday 9 July 2021, a man armed with a large knife entered a service station on Collier Street, Redhead, and threatened an employee. He stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot. He was last seen headed south on Woods Street.

In each of the incidents, there were no reports of injuries.
Strike force detectives are investigating whether all four incidents are linked.
As inquiries continue, investigators have released CCTV footage of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He is described as being of medium build, wearing dark-coloured clothing and a face covering.
Anyone who has information which could assist strike force detectives or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the around the times and nearby locations of the incidents is urged to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigations under Strike Force Woonooka are continuing.

A man will face court today charged over an alleged assault and affray incident in the Hunter region last week.
Just before 8pm on Tuesday (13 July 2021), a 28-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were inside a home on Alliance Street, East Maitland, when five people arrived at the home and an argument broke out.
Police will allege in court the 28-year-old woman was assaulted and the 35-year-old man was struck several times with a tomahawk.
The injured man contacted emergency services while the group left the scene.
The 35-year-old was later taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to injuries to his back; he has since been released.
Two people – a 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man – have been charged in relation to the incident; they both remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, assisted by officers from the Queensland Police Service – travelled to the Sunshine Coast and arrested a 23-year-old man about 3pm on Tuesday (20 July 2021).
He was taken to the Maroochydore Magistrate’s Court where detectives applied for and were granted his extradition to NSW.
Yesterday, he was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and affray.
The Tarro man was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 22 July 2021).
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

City of Newcastle is continuing its commitment to creating career opportunities for Newcastle’s youth in response to high unemployment rates caused by COVID-19.
Eighteen new trainees, apprentices and university graduates have joined City of Newcastle this month, while a 12-month partnership with Career Links to provide employment and workplace learning opportunities for young people helps fulfil a pledge made as part of the City Taskforce’s Youth Employment Charter.
The COVID-19 economic crisis has disproportionately impacted 18-to-25-year-olds, driving the Hunter’s youth unemployment rate to more than 20 per cent last year, significantly higher than the state’s average.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the COVID-19 City Taskforce, led by City of Newcastle and comprising of 17 local leaders, developed a Youth Employment Charter calling on local organisations to affirm their commitment to maintaining and expanding opportunities for local young people.
“In what is one of the most challenging periods for young people looking for work, City of Newcastle is leading the way in supporting youth employment opportunities and pathways to careers,” Cr Nelmes said.
“By prioritising trainee, apprenticeship, and graduate positions we are ensuring there are quality early career opportunities for young people available in Newcastle.
“City of Newcastle fosters an environment where young staff can learn from experienced professionals. In return these youth employees offer us the passion and enthusiasm that comes with commencing a fulltime work career.
“We’re thrilled to welcome a diverse group of young people who have taken up signwriting, civil construction and horticulture apprenticeships; traineeships in early childhood education and arts administrations as well as engineering and information technology graduate positions – just to name a few. This brings our current number of trainees, graduates and apprentices to 44.”
Twenty-four-year-old Kahli Mortimer has commenced a painting apprenticeship with City of Newcastle as part of the latest intake of apprentices, trainees, and graduates.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship with City of Newcastle, especially at a time when many people my age are struggling to find work. The best part of my job is learning the technical parts of my trade and working in so many different and interesting environments. I can see a career at City of Newcastle because my supervisor supports me to learn and be the best I can be in my job, and I also enjoy being a member of my team,” Ms Mortimer said.
Beyond the recruitment of local youth, City of Newcastle and Career Links have joined forces to establish the Newcastle Youth Industry Partnership Program to deliver on the objectives of the Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter at a community level.
The program’s focus is to build partnerships with industry, schools and support services to expand real world employment and workplace learning opportunities for young people.
A range of new programs will provide mentoring, workplace learning, transition support and information-sharing interventions to help build employability skills and wellbeing for vulnerable young people, aged 15 to 25 years.
The programs will foster interventions suitable for young people in the Newcastle in need of assistance, with special attention given to people transitioning from school to work and particularly vulnerable groups.
More information can be found on the Career Links website

After three months of construction the City of Newcastle’s transformation of James Street Plaza on Hamilton’s Beaumont Street is nearly complete.
The last pavers are being laid and the final placement of street furniture, artwork and landscaping is planned for the coming weeks.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is wonderful to see the renewed plaza taking shape for the community to soon enjoy.
“Hamilton locals told us they wanted a safer, more appealing place to spend time, and this really delivers on that vision,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a place where we hope to see the community gather and activate the space with music, markets and food.”
Janice Musumeci from Hamilton Business Association Inc said local businesses are looking forward to the plaza being open to the public and a hub for community activity.
“We’re already exploring ideas for how we can activate James Street Plaza for the whole community like live music spots and regular markets. It will be an inclusive and versatile space.
“Hamilton is already seeing great business growth so this will be a great drawcard to bring people back to supporting local businesses.”
Councillor Carol Duncan said the upgrade has been a collaboration with community and business in the area.
“Through our ongoing conversations with business owners we heard lots of ideas for improving this space and how it could be better utilised for the community,” Cr Duncan said.
“It is especially exciting to see the lighting display coming together, with installation underway this week.”
In June the community was asked to vote on their favourite of three lighting designs put forward by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab), each celebrating a different aspect of Hamilton’s history and character.
The “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept proved to be the favourite and was developed into a full-length animation which will soon light up the space.
In addition to the lighting display, the rich history of Hamilton is reflected in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the research of local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton and through collaboration with the Newcastle Museum.
Final works will take place in the coming weeks before the community is welcomed into the upgraded space next month.