Category: Newcastle News

A Superintendent with the NSW Police Force has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) after breaching an order under the Public Health Act in Sydney’s north yesterday (Wednesday 30 June 2021).
NSW Police received information today (Thursday 1 July 2021) in relation to a possible breach of Public Health Orders at a fast food outlet in Mount Colah yesterday (Wednesday 30 June 2021).
Inquiries revealed a 53-year-old man, who is a Superintendent with the NSW Police Force, was not wearing a face mask while inside the premises.
Police spoke with the officer before issuing a $200 PIN for not wear fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises.
In total, 65 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 52 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 29 June 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
City of Newcastle Awards
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted and congratulated City of Newcastle staff who have been recognised for their outstanding achievements through several significant national and state award wins.
Newcastle as a Nuclear Free City & Support for a Newcastle Peace Park
A Lord Mayoral Minute was endorsed that reiterated City of Newcastle’s support for a world free of nuclear weapons, and accepted Hunter Peace Group’s request to hold a flag raising ceremony and Civic Reception on 6 August 2021 to mark Hiroshima Day. The Lord Mayoral Minute further acknowledged Hunter Peace Group’s request for assistance to establish a Peace Park in Newcastle aimed at recognising Newcastle’s long and proud activist history in the fight for nuclear disarmament.
City of Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion update – June 2021
Councillors voted to support a final Lord Mayoral Minute strongly noting City of Newcastle’s disappointment that the NSW Government has not made any funding commitment for the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion. This is despite the fact the project will create 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing jobs post completion and is shovel ready, with an approved development application and a complete business case.
The Lord Mayoral Minute noted there are currently two City of Newcastle applications for funding before the Federal Government, with both requesting the $10 million required to fully fund the expansion, and City of Newcastle will also apply to the new NSW Government process, in the hope of expedient and favourable consideration. A report will be presented to Councillors at the July Ordinary Council Meeting outlining remaining funding options, so that a pathway can be determined to deliver the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion.
Ordinary business
The Meg Purser Communications Scholarship
Council voted to establish the Meg Purser Communications Scholarship, in honour of the late Meg Purser, with the intention of supporting local tertiary students who are committed to their local communities and are striving to make a difference in the corporate and not-for-profit communications field. A total of $5,000 will be allocated annually to the Scholarship for a period of three years.
Approval of staging plan for Black Hill employment lands
Council voted to approve the Industrial Subdivision Staging Plan, dated April 2021, for Lot 30, 198 Lenaghans Drive, Black Hill, known as Black Hill Employment Lands. The Plan provided an updated indicative lot layout, identifying how the development of the site would be staged, as well as details on the provision of infrastructure, payment of contributions and management arrangements for elements of the development.
Compulsory acquisition of road reserve by Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation
Council resolved to approve the compulsory acquisition by Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) of part of Honeysuckle Drive, which supports the finalisation of the realignment of Honeysuckle Drive.
Making of the Rate – Hunter Catchment Contribution and Commission for 2021/22
Council voted to authorise the collection of the Hunter Catchment Contribution at the rate established by the NSW Government’s Hunter Local Land Services for the 2021/22 rating year and to endorse the rate of commission to be applied by City of Newcastle for the collection of the Contribution on their behalf.
Making of the Rates and Charges for 2021/22
To make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 in accordance with the provisions of sections 532 – 535 of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act).
Interest on overdue Rates and Charges for 2021/22
Council voted to adopt the rate of 6.0% per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, and adopt the rate of 2.37% per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges that are deferred against an eligible ratepayer’s estate for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2021.
Proposed acquisition of 228 Turton Road, Waratah
Council voted to acquire 228 Turton Road, Waratah and classify the land as Operational Land, with authority given to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation to carry out the transaction.
RSPCA animal management services agreement
Council voted to enter into a contract for Animal Management Services in accordance with Contract No. 2021/858T.
Tender report – University Drive, Waratah West – catchment rehabilitation
Council voted to accept a tender for the construction of the University Drive, Waratah West catchment rehabilitation, consisting of the construction of a new footbridge and associated works, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/266T.
Tender report – provision of civil design and CAD drafting services
Council voted to accept a tender for the provision of civil design and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drafting services on a casual hire basis, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/517T.
Tender report – provision of demolition services for car park, 92 King Street, Newcastle
Council voted to accept a tender for the demolition of the seven-storey car park at 92 King Street, Newcastle, and associated works, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/688T.
Tender report – biennial minor civil works and services
Council voted to accept tenders for the provision of minor civil works and services across the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Tender report – biennial spray sealing services
Council voted to accept tenders for the provision of spray sealing services to deliver pavement maintenance and renewal across the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Tender report – biennial asphaltic concrete services
Council voted to accept tenders for the provision of asphaltic concrete services required to deliver pavement maintenance and renewal across the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Tender report – supply of four green waste trucks
Council carried a procedural motion to lay the item on table to seek a report on the business case and opportunity to expedite the delivery of EV garbage trucks to meet our Climate Action Plan commitments.
Tender report – tree work services
Council voted to accept a tender panel for the provision of tree pruning and removal services on public lands, roads, and footways.
Tender report – tree planting and tree establishment
Council voted to accept a tender for tree planting and tree establishment works on public lands, roads, and footways.
Tender report – Summerhill Waste Management Centre – provision of environmental project services – building and demolition landfill leachate system upgrade
Council voted to accept a tender for construction of a leachate collection system for the transfer of leachate from holding tanks to the main leachate pond at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/496T.
Tender report – Summerhill Waste Management Centre – provision of environmental project services – leachate capacity upgrade
Council voted to accept a tender for construction of a new leachate pond and associated leachate pumping station at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/498T.
Tender report – Summerhill Waste Management Centre – six-year waste audit program
Council voted to accept a tender for delivery of a Waste Audit Program for the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/418T.
Notices of Motion
Georgetown and Waratah Local Centre
Council adopted a notice of motion to commend staff for the successful implementation of the Local Centres Program and initiate the Georgetown and Waratah Local Centre upgrade to improve the local public domain. This would include footpaths, guttering and road renewal, parking improvements, updated cycleway and pedestrian connections, street tree planting, street furniture upgrades and drainage improvements, while also partnering with local businesses through the Façade Improvement Scheme. The motion requires City of Newcastle to consult with the local community and local businesses regarding the design and implementation of the Georgetown and Waratah Local Centre upgrade.
Late Item of Business
Hamilton Community Pantry
Council adopted a late item that Council Officers continue to work with Food Not Bombs and other local support agencies to support the appropriate, safe and clean provision of items and services that are needed like the Hamilton Community Pantry.

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance following an armed robbery at a licenced premises near Lake Macquarie last week.
About 4.10am last Friday (25 June 2021), two men – armed with a crowbar and a firearm – forced entry into a hotel at the corner of Main Road and Harrison Street at Cardiff.
The men allegedly confronted two employees demanding cash, before stealing alcohol and a laptop computer.
The men then fled the premises onto Harrison Street.
About 7am, the incident was reported to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, who attended and established a crime scene.
Initial inquiries were conducted by local police, before detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward.
Investigations are continuing.

Local businesswoman Meg Purser, who passed away in January, will be honoured with a new annual tertiary scholarship by City of Newcastle.
The Meg Purser Communications Scholarship will help support a talented communications student who demonstrates the same community-focused qualities Meg was much loved for.
It is proposed to provide $5,000 to an undergraduate student completing the second year of their Communications degree at the University of Newcastle. A new recipient will be named each year for three years under the suggested initial funding arrangement.
Councillors will vote on the establishment of the scholarship at tonight’s Council meeting.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the scholarship was a fitting tribute to a woman who touched so many lives across Newcastle before her passing in January this year following an 18-month battle with breast cancer.
“Meg was strong, brave and an incredibly dedicated professional communicator and executive, with a spirit for life and passion for her work that I’ll always remember,” Cr Nelmes said.
“She touched the lives of so many across Newcastle and beyond.
“We at City of Newcastle were fortunate to work closely with her in 2020 to re-establish the Business Improvement Associations and she was always generous with her time, wisdom and expertise.
“With the blessing of Meg’s father Bob, we want to establish this inaugural scholarship 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 will provide support to students who, like Meg, are committed to their local communities and are striving to make a difference in the corporate communications field, working tirelessly for little personal gain.”
Meg 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.
Bob Purser worked side-by-side with his daughter for many years at Purser Corporate Communications and said she was always passionate about helping others.
“Scott Mills, Meg’s husband, and the family are both delighted and honoured by this way of acknowledging Meg’s contribution to Newcastle,” Mr Purser said.
“There was little she enjoyed more than helping young communicators launch their careers. She would have been thrilled but also a little surprised by this initiative of Council.”

A man has been charged after an officer was struck by a trail bike during a pursuit in the Hunter region earlier this year.
Just before 7pm on Wednesday 14 April 2021, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District initiated a pursuit with the trail bike on the New England Highway at Maitland.
A short time later, a senior constable who had exited a police vehicle was on foot near High Street, when the trail bike struck him.
The rider was ejected, however, the motorcycle continued and hit a Mitsubishi Pajero travelling north on the New England Highway.
The injured officer, a 36-year-old male senior constable, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Hunter Hospital where he remains for treatment of a wrist fracture, arm laceration and possible broken nose.
The trail bike rider, a 19-year-old man, was taken to the same hospital and treated for head, leg and pelvis injuries.
Officers from Crash Investigations Unit (CIU) commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Following inquiries, the 19-year-old man was arrested after attending Maitland Police Station about 9.15am today (Monday 28 June 2021).
He was charged with 28 traffic related offences including aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuit, and dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 18 August 2021.

A man and woman from Sydney’s east who travelled to the Hunter region are among those issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for alleged breaches of the Public Health Order in the past 24 hours.
About 3.20pm yesterday (Saturday 26 June 2021), officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended a pony club on Bell Street, Denman, following a Crime Stoppers report by a member of the public about three people from Sydney who were at a horse trial event.
Police located a 56-year-old man, a 22-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl in the carpark who were not wearing face masks.
Inquiries revealed the man and girl, from Paddington, and the woman, from Maroubra, had travelled to Denman in breach of the stay-at-home order issued for Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick and City of Sydney Local Government Areas at the time.
The man and woman were each issued a $1000 PIN for travel from Metropolitan Sydney area to NSW outside area and a $200 infringement for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
The girl was issued a warning.
In total, police issued seven $1000 PINs yesterday and a further eight $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

City of Newcastle has re-named Shortland’s Tuxford Oval Number One as ‘Bob Palmer Oval’ in honour of Robert ‘Bob’ Palmer’s incredible contribution to Shortland, the Shortland Devils RLFC and to local Rugby League.
On 12 December last year, Mr Palmer was killed in his beloved suburb of Shortland leading to an outpouring of grief from the local community.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the renaming of the Oval was in response to a request from many people in the community to honour Mr Palmer’s lifelong commitment to the Shortland Community, and to the Shortland Devils RLFC.
“The death of Bob Palmer in 2020 saw the entire Shortland community and many people across the entire City, grieve his tragic loss, and the senseless circumstances which sadly cut his life short,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We have worked with Shortland Devils Rugby League Committee and Bob’s family to make sure Bob’s legacy as ‘Mr Shorty’ is commemorated at Tuxford Park in perpetuity.”
Mr Palmer’s daughter Mollie Palmer said the renaming of the Oval was a special gesture that was proudly welcomed by his family.
“He is sadly missed by all who were fortunate to have him as a part of their lives. Our family has great pride in the legacy he has left at the Football Club and in the Shortland community,” Ms Palmer said.
The Shortland Devils Rugby League Football Club, Mr Palmer’s family and wider community will come together on Old Boys on Saturday for a special ceremony held at 2.45pm to dedicate the ground.
President of the Shortland Devils Rugby League Football Club, Brock Johnson said the renaming of the Oval was a fitting tribute for a man who gave countless hours over many years to his beloved rugby league club.
“It is with great pride that we will officially unveil the signage for Bob Palmer Oval on our Old Boys Day,” Mr Johnson said.
“Robert “Bobby” Palmer was an extremely special member of our club, and the greater Shortland community. Bobby was and shall remain one of the true legends of Shortland.
“Bobby’s involvement in our club extends back to the 70s when he first began playing junior footy for the Devils. He continued all the way through to his passing in many different capacities.
“Bobby was passionate about our club and donated countless hours to his beloved Devils marking lines, mowing the fields, cooking barbecues, running water, coaching and time keeping.
“Bob was a stalwart of the Club and has made such an immense contribution to not only rugby league but the wider community. We are proud to keep his memory alive through this tribute.”

A dance teacher will appear in court today charged over the alleged sexual abuse of students in the Port Stephens area.
In March this year, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Wairakei to investigate reports of inappropriate behaviour by the dance teacher towards a number of students.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 27-year-old man at Nelson Bay about 8.30am yesterday (Wednesday 23 June 2021).
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with 12 offences, including three counts of aggravated indecent assault- victim under authority of offender, three counts of indecent assault person under 16 years of age, aggravated sex assault- victim under the age of 16 years, aggravated sex assault- victim under authority of offender, assault with act of indecency, common assault, sexual intercourse reckless as to consent (ACT not NSW) and sexual intercourse with person under care (aged between 17 and 18).
Police will allege in court that the man, who is a dance teacher, sexually abused four students and a girl – aged between 12 and 17 – who were known to him between 2013 and 2019.
The man, from Corlette, was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 24 June 2021).
 

City of Newcastle has welcomed funding for a significant urban renewal proposal that would transform 63 hectares surrounding McDonald Jones Stadium, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Newcastle Showground, into a world-class lifestyle precinct.
The NSW Government will allocate $6.7 million from today’s Budget to prepare a full business case for the Hunter Park project, which is designed to create a thriving entertainment, sporting, commercial and residential destination of national and international significance.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this would be a truly transformative project for Newcastle and the Hunter Region that would deliver on a key element in the NSW Government’s Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036.
“Hunter Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create 8,000 jobs during construction, with more than 1,000 ongoing following its completion. In turn, transforming a much-loved but aging and underutilised space into a contemporary mixed used precinct located at the geographical heart of Newcastle at Broadmeadow, just five kilometres from the Newcastle CBD,” Cr Nelmes said.
“A key benefit for the region of Hunter Park is jobs. Once complete, the project would support new jobs in sporting and entertainment related industries including medical, educational, tourism and retailing as part of a new health and education and innovation ecosystem.
“It is a significant urban regeneration proposal, the size and scale of which has never been seen outside of Sydney, incorporating 50 hectares of exceptional public open and green spaces, state-of-the-art sporting facilities, leisure and entertainment zones, 13,000sqm of commercial space and more than 2,600 new homes, including much-needed social and affordable housing.
“I acknowledge support of all Hunter Councils and my fellows Mayors, together with the national significance of Hunter Park being recognised by the Federal Government’s infrastructure advisor, Infrastructure Australia.
“City of Newcastle has been advocating for this as part of a genuine collaboration with NSW Government agencies, and I thank the Board and CEO of Venues NSW, and the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation for their work in securing this funding.”
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said Hunter Park is the next big step in Newcastle’s transformation, providing a world-class sporting and entertainment hub with transport links, which local and visitors would be able to enjoy day and night, all year round.
“Delivering an international-quality destination for sporting events and entertainment, with improved connectivity for public and active transport, it is expected to attract 1.8 million annual visitors and become home to around 6,000 residents, delivering exceptional liveability, sustainability and place outcomes,” Mr Bath said.
“In what would likely be a multi-stage construction process over more than 10 years, Hunter Park will provide an opportunity to attract major private market investment into Newcastle, including an estimated $3.7 billion in economic output during construction and attracting almost $55 million annually from the NSW Government.
“City of Newcastle welcomes the NSW Government’s funding commitment and thanks Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes and Minister for Sport Natalie Ward for their support for the Hunter Park concept.”

A Corrective Services NSW officer has been charged following an investigation into an alleged sexual offence and common assault of a female employee in the state’s Hunter region.
In May this year, detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad’s Corrective Services Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour by a male correctional officer, following a referral from a correctional facility in the state’s Hunter region.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 59-year-old man at a home near Lake Macquarie about 8.40am on Friday 4 June 2021.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with two counts of common assault and incite other to do sexual act with them without consent.
Police will allege in court that the man attempted to instigate sexual activity with a female employee at a correctional facility in the state’s Hunter region in April this year.
It will be further alleged the man inappropriately touched the women on a number of occasions.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Wednesday 23 June 2021).
The man has been suspended by Corrective Services NSW.