Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 July 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Strategies to help ameliorate homelessness in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that called for City of Newcastle to receive a report on partnering with NSW Government agencies, Hunter Community Alliance leaders, Soul Cafe and civil society to establish a 24-month pilot of safe rough sleeping zones. City of Newcastle will also work with NSW Land and Housing Corporation to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite the delivery of new and refurbished social and affordable housing, including the exploration of a ‘Make Room Project’ in Newcastle. The Lord Mayoral Minute reiterated the urgency for City of Newcastle to finalise and implement its Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme.
Infrastructure Australia 2022 Infrastructure Priority List
A Lord Mayoral Minute was carried unanimously that called for City of Newcastle to prepare a submission of 15 infrastructure priorities, including Catalyst Area Projects as outlined in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036, to seek their inclusion in the Infrastructure Australia 2022 Infrastructure Priority List. It recognised that City of Newcastle’s previous advocacy to Infrastructure Australia led to Infrastructure Australia listing the ‘Newcastle Airport Capacity Expansion’ as a Priority Initiative in 2021, before the project was funded by the Federal Government earlier this year.
Bring Back JobKeeper
A Lord Mayoral Minute was carried that supported a bi-partisan calls from the NSW Treasurer and NSW Leader of the Opposition for the urgent reintroduction of JobKeeper for businesses impacted by the continued pandemic, while also expanding eligibility to casuals, the University sector, local government and the childcare industry. City of Newcastle will write to the Prime Minister, the Federal Treasurer, and their respective Shadow Ministers, along with the Federal Member for Newcastle, advising them of the City’s position and advocacy.
Ordinary business
Adoption of Draft Community Infrastructure Incentive Policy
Council voted to adopt the Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy, which is designed to enhance the delivery of community infrastructure to support urban renewal in Newcastle through the provision of development incentives.
A Planning Proposal will be prepared to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 to enable implementation of the Policy, initially focussing on supporting implementation of the Wickham Masterplan.
Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion funding options
Council voted to endorse borrowing up to $22.6 million by way of low-cost loan over 10 years as the preferred funding pathway for the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery. A Loan Borrowing Report will be separately submitted seeking Council approval to borrow funds from NSW Treasury Corporation (T-Corp), including a capital expenditure review in accordance with Office of Local Government guidelines. City of Newcastle will continue to seek Federal and State grant funding up until the time of borrowing loan funds from T-Corp to ensure all available grant funding options have been exhausted prior to commencing the project.
Frederick Street, Merewether – proposed raised pedestrian crossings
Council resolved to approve raised pedestrian crossings on Frederick Street, Merewether, at Coane Street and at Berner Street.
Acquisition of Part 64 Mackie Avenue, New Lambton
Council voted not to acquire part of the property known as 64 Mackie Avenue, New Lambton for road widening purposes.
Investment and Borrowing Policy annual review
Council voted to adopt the draft Investment and Borrowing Policy and in doing so terminate the previously approved Investment and Borrowing Policy. Investment Policy Guidelines issued by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, May 2010, recommend that a council’s investment policy be reviewed, and any amendments approved, by council resolution annually.
Authorisation for signing of the annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021
Council noted that the preparation of City of Newcastle’s Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021 is underway and upon completion they will be referred to CN’s Auditors, NSW Audit Office. Council voted to authorise the Lord Mayor, a Councillor, the Chief Executive Officer and the Responsible Accounting Officer to sign the Statements by Councillors and Management at the conclusion of the external audit.
Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel temporary membership
Council voted to appoint a second planning expert to replace the Director Governance as a temporary City of Newcastle representative to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for one matter only, being consideration of the rezoning review following Council’s decision to not endorse a Planning Proposal to rezone 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
Notices of Motion
Vandalism of New Lambton parks
Council adopted a notice of motion to express frustration and disappointment at the vandalism of local parks and sporting fields in New Lambton by a motor vehicle. The motion noted previous efforts to prevent illegal vehicle access and vandalism, including the installation of large sandstone blocks along Birdwood Street in 2020, and a commitment to install sandstone blocks to restrict vehicle access from Orchardtown Road. It called for witnesses to come forward to ensure those responsible for the damage of public property can be held accountable.
Improving connectivity between Wickham and Wickham Park
Council adopted a notice of motion to write to Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment seeking support to temporarily open a pathway across the Bullock Island Rail Corridor between Wickham and Wickham Park, and for ongoing acquisition negotiations between City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW to be prioritised.
Property development
Council adopted a notice of motion calling on the CEO of City of Newcastle to submit this motion to the LGNSW Conference in support of the adoption of a policy which prohibits property developers and their close associates from holding office as local Councillors in NSW. The motion also called for the CEO to write to the NSW Premier and the Minister for Local Government in support of a bill on the same topic, which was passed by the Legislative Council and is currently before the Legislative Assembly.
Development notification for boarding house residents
Council adopted a notice of motion to write to Boarding House operators in the Newcastle Local Government Area advising them of a new notification process to ensure their tenants are reasonably notified of a Development Application relating to the Boarding House. This includes requiring the operator to advise boarders that a DA has been lodged, place a copy of the DA application in a common area of the Boarding House and notify boarders when the DA has been determined, including the outcome.
Best practice employment conditions for construction workers undertaking City of Newcastle projects
Council adopted a notice of motion to ensure that all major construction projects for Council are undertaken by organisations with current Enterprise Agreements registered with the Fair Work Commission. The motion noted that the best employment conditions and work health and safety standards are often achieved as a result of the collective power of trade unionism, and the ability for workers to take collective action and negotiate their terms of employment through Enterprise Agreements.
Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster
Council adopted a notice of motion to request a briefing from NewH2 – Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster on opportunities for City of Newcastle to support and accelerate the emerging hydrogen economy locally, and receive a report regarding options including but not limited to developing and maintaining supporting infrastructure, connecting local businesses with industry, and early adoption of hydrogen technologies for specialised uses within Council operations.
Protecting our urban forest through an aerial bundled cabling program
Council adopted a notice of motion that notes City of Newcastle’s commitment to achieving the best outcome for the City’s urban forest by working with Ausgrid to identify key sites where essential service lines and significant tree stands intersect. It noted the need for an Aerial Bundled Cabling (ABC) Program by City of Newcastle and Ausgrid, which identifies priorities and systematically plans for the conversion to bundled cabling or application of other engineering solutions. The motion also called for Council to engage with the Australian Energy Regulator to advocate for funding, including State and Federal funding, for the development and implementation of engineering solutions.
Love Lambton 150 Years – celebrating local community heritage milestones
Council adopted a notice of motion that notes the success of the Love Lambton 150 Years event, acknowledges the volunteers and City of Newcastle staff involved in organising it and recognises the financial support provided by the City, with a call to ensure City of Newcastle annually promotes the existence of its grant programs.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Officer injured during confrontation; police pursuit – Lake Macquarie
A man has been arrested after a senior constable was injured during an attempted arrest and police pursuits in Lake Macquarie.
About 2.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 27 July 2021), officers attached to Northern High Visibility Policing Team attended a carpark on the Pacific Highway at Bennetts Green and observed a grey Volkswagen Amarok utility bearing stolen NSW registration plates.
Officers approached the ute where the male driver attempted to drive off.
A male senior constable smashed the driver’s window to remove the keys from the ignition, during which the driver resisted, causing the officer’s arms to be pushed into shattered glass.
The male driver then fled the scene in the utility onto South Street, Windale.
A pursuit was initiated and continued in the surrounding streets but was terminated a short time later.
Numerous patrols were conducted throughout the area, however the vehicle could not be located.
Following inquiries, police identified that the ute had been stolen from Valentine between 6pm on Sunday 25 July 2021 and 8.50am on Monday 26 July 2021.
The senior constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries to his arms and has since been released.
As part of ongoing inquiries, the Northern HVP Team attempted to stop a grey Amarok ute northbound on the Pacific Highway about 9am today (Wednesday 28 July 2021).
A pursuit was initiated with the Amarok allegedly reaching speeds of approximately 160km/hr in a sign-posted 100km/hr zone.
During the pursuit, additional resources were requested before the utility crashed into bushland off Lakeview Parade, Pelican.
The driver and sole occupant fled the ute on foot where officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, Operation Utah, Traffic and Highway Patrol and the Dog Unit conducted an extensive search and arrested a 35-year-old man in Little Pelican a short time later.
The Caves Beach man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
Nine arrested after police pursuit – Lake Macquarie
Nine people, including eight teenagers, have been arrested following a police pursuit in the Hunter region today.
About 11.15am (Wednesday 28 July 2021), officers attached to Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol observed a Honda Civic allegedly travelling at speed southbound on the Hunter Expressway.
A pursuit was initiated at Church Street, Minmi, with the vehicle allegedly reaching speeds of 120km/hr in a sign-posted 90km/hr zone.
Officers terminated the pursuit at Metcalfe Street, Wallsend, due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was subsequently sighted by several police vehicles across Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police Districts, before being abandoned at Arthur Street, Cardiff, shortly after midday.
A perimeter was established by officers from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, assisted by PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Police Transport Command.
Nine people were arrested, including a 19-year-old woman and eight teenagers – aged between 13 and 17.
All nine have been taken to Belmont Police Station where inquiries are continuing.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, praised the efforts and collaboration between neighbouring police districts and specialist resources.
“While this incident occurred across various locations, it demonstrates the great team work between all our police officers, regardless of district boundaries – we are one team protecting the people of the Hunter,” Supt Sullivan.
As inquiries continue, police will also be investigating any alleged breaches of the current Public Health Order.
City continues activation of unused space in National Park
Work is about to start to triple the number of basketball courts located within the inner city’s National Park.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the decision to add four basketball courts was based on the popularity of the existing courts since opening in September last year.
“Each weekend, hundreds of mostly young people flock to National Park to use the blue basketball courts and the green space located on the site of the former bowling club building,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Based on the demand, we’re continuing our re-activation of the former tennis courts located near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets by increasing the total number of basketball courts to six.
“By delivering four additional courts, we’re increasing the opportunity for our community to get outdoors to participate in casual sport and exercise.”
Seating, shade shelters and a drinking fountain will also be installed as part of the work, with lighting to be considered during the development of the National Park Plan of Management and associated Landscape Masterplan.
The Lord Mayor said the long-term future of the space would be determined through the National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan.
“We recently consulted with our community regarding the future of National Park to inform the revised National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan, which are now under development.
“National Park is such a unique recreation space located in the heart of Newcastle. It will continue to play an important part in the liveability of our city into the future.”
Local basketball coach, Kristy Flores, who has played and coached USA college basketball, said that the local basketball community has welcomed the news of additional courts in National Park.
“Newcastle has a growing number of basketball players and it’s been fantastic for both amateurs and professional players to have access to such great community facilities. I’m sure that once the additional courts are complete and there’s space for spectators to sit and relax, that National Park will become even more popular a recreational hub,” said Flores.
National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, covering over 20 hectares and is currently home to a range of community facilities including sportsgrounds, netball courts, croquet club and athletics track.
The northwest corner of the park was formerly home to tennis courts and a bowling club, which was later occupied by charity Life Without Barriers until 2017.
In 2019 City of Newcastle commenced a process to provide safe public access to the northwest corner of the park, including demolishing the fire damaged Life Without Barriers building and turfing the area for passive recreation.
Construction on the new courts will commence this week. For a complete listing of basketball courts throughout Newcastle click here.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the decision to add four basketball courts was based on the popularity of the existing courts since opening in September last year.
“Each weekend, hundreds of mostly young people flock to National Park to use the blue basketball courts and the green space located on the site of the former bowling club building,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Based on the demand, we’re continuing our re-activation of the former tennis courts located near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets by increasing the total number of basketball courts to six.
“By delivering four additional courts, we’re increasing the opportunity for our community to get outdoors to participate in casual sport and exercise.”
Seating, shade shelters and a drinking fountain will also be installed as part of the work, with lighting to be considered during the development of the National Park Plan of Management and associated Landscape Masterplan.
The Lord Mayor said the long-term future of the space would be determined through the National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan.
“We recently consulted with our community regarding the future of National Park to inform the revised National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan, which are now under development.
“National Park is such a unique recreation space located in the heart of Newcastle. It will continue to play an important part in the liveability of our city into the future.”
Local basketball coach, Kristy Flores, who has played and coached USA college basketball, said that the local basketball community has welcomed the news of additional courts in National Park.
“Newcastle has a growing number of basketball players and it’s been fantastic for both amateurs and professional players to have access to such great community facilities. I’m sure that once the additional courts are complete and there’s space for spectators to sit and relax, that National Park will become even more popular a recreational hub,” said Flores.
National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, covering over 20 hectares and is currently home to a range of community facilities including sportsgrounds, netball courts, croquet club and athletics track.
The northwest corner of the park was formerly home to tennis courts and a bowling club, which was later occupied by charity Life Without Barriers until 2017.
In 2019 City of Newcastle commenced a process to provide safe public access to the northwest corner of the park, including demolishing the fire damaged Life Without Barriers building and turfing the area for passive recreation.
Construction on the new courts will commence this week. For a complete listing of basketball courts throughout Newcastle click here.
Fatal unit fire – Stockton
An investigation is underway after a body was found following a unit fire at Newcastle this morning.
Just after 5am (Monday 26 July 2021), emergency services were called to Fullerton Street, Stockton, following reports of a unit fire.
The fire was extinguished by crews from Fire and Rescue NSW.
Following a search of the building, a body was located, which is yet to be formally identified.
There are no other reports of injuries.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Work set to commence on $1.5 million Wallsend Active Hub
Wallsend will soon be home to a new $1.5 million recreation facility, with construction on the city’s second ever Active Hub to commence in Federal Park next month.
Wallsend Active Hub will transform Federal Park into a vibrant hive of active recreation opportunities and follows the city’s first active hub which opened in Stockton in 2019. Federal Park is located beside Wallsend Swimming Centre and caters for organised and casual sporting activities.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub was received positively by the local community.
“Earlier this year, we asked the community to provide feedback into the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,’ Cr Nelmes said.
“With a new playspace featuring equipment for a variety of ages, pump track for bikes, scooters and skateboards, multi-sports courts allowing for basketball and futsal, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations, Wallsend Active Hub is set to transform the Western Corridor’s active recreation scene.”
Ward 4 Councillor Matthew Byrne said that Wallsend Active Hub is set to attract visitors from across Newcastle and neighbouring areas, and will be a facility that all community members can enjoy.
“We heard that the community was eager to see additional shade incorporated into the plans, and in response we’ve added more shade shelters, as well as tree planting which will provide natural shade throughout the space,” Cr Byrne said.
“Wallsend Active Hub will cater for community members with accessibility requirements, with a new connecting pathway and an all-abilities spinning carousel in the playspace. A barbecue area and toilets will also be delivered as part of phase two in the future.
“Like the hugely popular Stockton Active Hub, I expect that once complete, Wallsend Active Hub will draw families from further afar who will hopefully then make a day by also shopping in the Wallsend CBD.”
Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Resources for Regions program is all about giving back to mining impacted communities and ensuring their prosperity well into the future.
“I’m incredibly proud of this program which, since 2012, has allocated $345 million to 149 projects that revitalise towns, improve vital infrastructure like our roads and community facilities and create positive social outcomes for mining communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Wallsend Active Hub is exactly the type of project this program was designed to fund. I congratulate all those who have contributed to bringing it to life including the local community, who I hope will enjoy this space for many years to come.”
Phase one construction of the Wallsend Active Hub’s active recreation areas is scheduled for completion in July 2022.
Elsewhere in the Western Corridor, City of Newcastle has recently completed the installation of an additional two fitness stations at Fletcher’s Kurraka Reserve as well as completed a new playground at Wallsend Brickworks Park which includes an all-abilities carousel, boulder climb, nest swing, rope ladder, and a slide.
Woman more than six times over legal limit – Williamtown
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 commits to elevating women in sport
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.
Community shapes new vision for Newcastle's iconic Harbour Foreshore
City of Newcastle has released its updated vision for Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore including a revised concept for Foreshore Park, showing an additional 4,000m2 of playspace with more picnic areas, trees and gardens, cycleways, as well as new plans for the Wharf Road Precinct.
The updated concept includes increasing the size of the fenced regional-level accessible and inclusive playground, a significant waterplay space, a cultural heritage walk that links back to Newcastle’s Indigenous heritage, and improvements along Wharf Road and Tug Berth Lane. Tree planting is planned throughout the inclusive playspace and the concept plan proposes a formal tree grove, which will link the two event spaces, The Grove and The Commons. Additional planting of an avenue of trees is proposed along Wharf Road.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the revised concept, presented to the Harbour Foreshore Community Reference Group last night, includes a number of key changes to the preliminary concept plan based on community consultation undertaken earlier this year.
“This project is a great example of City of Newcastle working with our community to deliver its first regional-level recreational park and flexible open space that meets the needs and wants of those who will use Foreshore Park into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our community provided valuable feedback which has helped shape the revised plans for Foreshore Park and I’d like to thank everyone who provided input, particularly our Community Reference Group members.
“In direct response to the community’s feedback, revisions to the concept for Foreshore Park include the relocation of the inclusive ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ playspace and adjoining amenities, and provision for a multi-purpose rollerskating, scooting and performing arts area.
“We’ve also developed a concept plan to turn the Wharf Road Precinct into a world-class harbourside esplanade. We are doing this by improving the Joy Cummings promenade, parklands, connecting pathways and cycling infrastructure, improving access to the area, and creating new opportunities for our community and visitors to make the most of the magnificent waterfront location.”
Newcastle Councillor John Mackenzie said he is looking forward to seeing this project progress, delivering new facilities and retaining existing features such as the Sandhills Community Garden in its current location.
“We’ll continue to work with the Community Reference Group to fine tune the concept designs ahead of the development of the draft masterplan for the site, which will be placed on public exhibition for broad community feedback later this year,” Cr Mackenzie said.
A key aspect of the concept design is the inclusive ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ playspace which is being delivered in partnership with Variety the Children’s Charity and was bolstered by a $500,000 contribution from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, along with $300,000 from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play grant program.
Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT Head of Inclusive Play, Kim Becherand, said redevelopments for passive recreation and play like Foreshore Park are fundamental in creating inclusive communities across Australia.
“At Variety we believe that all kids deserve to experience the joy and benefits of play. Working together with the kids, families and community of Newcastle we have created a bespoke playspace that pushes the boundaries of what an inclusive playspace can be. A space with endless opportunities to connect, explore and play, where difference doesn’t matter and everyone is included, valued and feels they belong.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said backing projects like the inclusive playspace in Foreshore Park will make it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy the city’s magnificent shoreline.
“The Newcastle Harbour Foreshore is the heart of the city and this project will give people even more reasons to come together and experience the port’s rich history and culture in an inclusive and accessible setting,” Mr Martin said.
Dashcam appeal following fatal shooting – Newcastle
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.