Category: Newcastle News

Police will address the media after a woman was allegedly stabbed at a café near Newcastle.
About 2.35pm today (Wednesday 12 May 2021), emergency services were called to a café on Maitland Road, Mayfield, after reports a 27-year-old woman had been stabbed to the chest region.
She has been taken to John Hunter Hospital under police escort in a serious condition.
A 23-year-old man was arrested nearby a short time later.
He has been taken to Newcastle Police Station where he is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have established a crime scene and have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
One eastbound lane of Maitland Road is currently closed, with traffic impacted in the surrounding area. Drivers are urged to avoid the area with peak hour approaching.

Police are reappealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Allan Bentley, aged 63, was reported missing to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District on Thursday 29 April 2021; CCTV footage has confirmed he was last seen leaving his home on Pindimar Road, Pindimar, for work about 7.30am on Tuesday 27 April 2021.
Police have conducted extensive land and air searches – with the assistance of PolAir – however have not located Mr Bentley or his vehicle.
Police and friends are concerned for his welfare as he hasn’t attended several pre-arranged appointments which is out of character.
Allan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 179cm tall, of medium build with short brown and grey hair and a beard.
It is believed he may be driving a white coloured Holden combo van, with NSW registration UQG-146, which has ‘catering’ written on the side. He may also have power tools and firewood on board his vehicle.
He is known to frequent the Pindimar, Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, North Arm Cove, Hexham and Karuah areas for both work and personal purposes.
Anyone who may have information regarding Allan’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A new exhibition highlighting the beauty of everyday objects will also provide a snapshot in time of Newcastle’s ever-evolving history.
RACHEL MILNE: Nest is the first major solo exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery by local artist Rachel Milne.

Featuring intimate paintings and portraits set in her home and studio, as well as plein air landscapes of iconic places in Newcastle, the exhibition also includes a series of paintings completed while Rachel was the artist in residence at the former David Jones building.
Abandoned at the time, Milne’s artworks capture a unique moment in the history of the iconic former department store, which is now on the verge of permanent change as part of Iris Capital’s East End development.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition gives the community an opportunity to experience Newcastle landmarks and everyday objects from someone else’s point of view.
“It is wonderful to see Newcastle Art Gallery showcasing the work of a highly regarded local artist, whose paintings beautifully capture so many different perspectives that will be familiar to Newcastle audiences,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Whether it’s the view from the stage of the Victoria Theatre to the interior of the old David Jones building, which at one time was the heart of retail activity in Newcastle and is in the process of being reinvented by Iris Capital for future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy, Rachel’s work provides a fascinating snapshot in time as our city continues to grow and evolve.”

The English-born artist moved to Newcastle in 2013 and quickly made her mark on the local art scene as the winner of the Singleton Portraiture Prize that year. A three-time finalist in the Kilgour Prize at Newcastle Art Gallery, Milne also made the shortlist twice in the prestigious Wynne Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW and has work in the collections of Bathurst and Maitland Regional Art Galleries as well as Newcastle.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said Milne’s richly layered observational works were a wonderful example of the artistic genre of Intimisim, which captures the beauty of everyday objects and scenes.
“Milne’s observational paintings depict ordinary objects like a child’s pram, a chair from her studio or food she has prepared. Paintings of local public swimming pools depict nostalgic scenes that have remained unchanged for years,” Ms Morton said.
“The exhibition also includes recently created works of art by Milne on display for the first time. A series of paintings set in Newcastle artists’ cooperative, Creator Incubator, provide insight into a vibrant creative arts community set in a large industrial space, now re-purposed and part of Newcastle’s ever-evolving history.”
RACHEL MILNE: Nest will be on display at Newcastle Art Gallery from 15 May – 1 August, 2021. As part of the opening weekend, Rachel will take part in a talk with writer Laura Jackel from 2pm on 15 May that will explore Newcastle’s ever-evolving urban landscape and the enduring reference to beauty in the everyday in Milne’s work.

A man is in a stable condition after presenting to hospital with several stab wounds overnight.
About 12.10am (Wednesday 12 May 2021), emergency services were called to a home on Renfrew Crescent, Edgeworth, after reports a man had been injured in an altercation.
Upon arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and were notified that a 30-year-old man had presented at John Hunter Hospital suffering stab wounds to his arms and buttocks; his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Police have been told the man was confronted by three people at the home before he was assaulted and stabbed.
Detectives have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the man came to be injured.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the nearby area between 11.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 11 May 2021) and 12.30am today, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been issued an infringement notice following an investigation into an alleged spitting incident at Newcastle last week.
A man is alleged to have spat on the footpath outside a courthouse on Hunter Street, Newcastle, on Friday 7 May 2021.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, assisted by Mt Druitt Police Area Command, commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, a 38-year-old man attended Waratah Police Station today (Tuesday 11 May 2021), where he was issued with a criminal infringement notice for offensive conduct.

Newcastle’s role in a 19th century art revolution that preserved important Aboriginal cultural knowledge has been highlighted in a new film.
Lycett and Wallis: Unlikely Preservers of Aboriginal Knowledge tells the story of English-born convict Joseph Lycett, who was transported to Australia for forgery in 1815 and was later commissioned by Captain James Wallis, Commandant of Newcastle, to document the landscape and burgeoning township of Coal River/Mulubinba (Newcastle).

Created in a time before cameras existed, Lycett’s paintings have become an invaluable record of traditional Aboriginal life in Newcastle as it had existed for thousands of years, depicting the rich culture and lifestyle of Australia’s first peoples with images of corroborees, hunting techniques, fishing, funerals and visions of laws being enacted.
The film examines the significance of Lycett’s work and its importance to Aboriginal people today, as well as the role Wallis played in the development of Newcastle and Lycett’s work.
It was created by Newcastle songwriter, producer and musician Chit Chat von Loopin Stab (aka Glenn Dormand) and fellow filmmaker Tony Whittaker as part of their Stories of Our Town series, which also includes films on the Star Hotel riot, BHP and the Scott Sisters.
With grants from City of Newcastle, the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund and private sources, the filmmakers are hoping to make at least 12 documentaries as part of the series.
Lycett and Wallis: Unlikely Preservers of Aboriginal Knowledge features interviews with a range of subjects including Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton and Gallery Curator Sarah Johnson, Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird and Councillor Carol Duncan, whose personal Facebook group Lost Newcastle provided the initial inspiration for the Stories of our Town series.
Three of Lycett’s paintings examined in the film form part of the Newcastle Art Gallery collection – ‘Inner View of Newcastle’ c1818, ‘Newcastle NSW looking towards Prospect Hill’ c1818 and ‘View with cattle in foreground, Hunter River’ c1818.
The film was officially launched with a special screening at Newcastle Art Gallery and is now available to view via the Stories of Our Town website.
The filmmakers also recently released a short film, The Islanders: Chats with Vera Deacon, which was created in collaboration with Newcastle Libraries and University of Newcastle Library and is a collection of stories from Vera’s early life on the islands of the Hunter River.
The writer, philanthropist and passionate historian was named a Freeman of the City in 2019 in recognition of her contribution to Newcastle’s heritage, conservation and local history.
The film was commissioned by Newcastle Libraries as a contemporary twist to traditional oral history projects and makes the most of the capabilities of the new Digital Library Storywall, where it will be available to view by the community.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region yesterday.
About 6pm (Monday 10 May 2021), emergency services were called to Myall Creek Road, Glendon Brook, following reports of a crash.
On arrival, officers from Hunter Valley Police District located a Toyota Landcruiser about 30 meters down an embankment that had crashed into a tree.
The 52-year-old male driver was found inside the car deceased.
A crime scene was established as inquiries into the cause of the crash commenced.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Over 70 talented, skilled and entrepreneurial individuals from across metropolitan Australia were acquainted with Newcastle this weekend as City of Newcastle narrows down to a final 30 people incentivised to relocate as part of an Australian-first economic stimulus program.
The ‘New Move’ program will give 30 community-minded skilled professionals who want to relocate to Newcastle a $10,000 grant that must be spent in the Local Government Area. In return, the applicants will commit to work with the community to develop local skills and inspire new ways of thinking to create future economic opportunities. Independent economic modelling shows the program will create 75 local jobs and drive $25 million in economic output.
This weekend, more than 70 of the 460 applicants travelled to Newcastle at their own expense to enjoy a curated ‘Famil’ weekend itinerary, showcasing the city’s lifestyle and economic advantages, including walking tours, dining experiences and an IQ talk from Dr Karl Kruszelnicki at the Civic Theatre. Applicants travelled from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Chair of the City’s Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee, said applicants have gained an insight into what makes Newcastle a prime location to relocate and base a business.
“This weekend, we welcomed more than 70 creative and talented professionals who are seriously looking at relocating to Newcastle. Over the weekend, we acquainted them with our landmarks, showcased our arts and cultural scene, and most-importantly connected them with like-minded individuals already relocated to Newcastle from Australian capital-cities,” Cr Clausen said.
“For many, they saw for the first-time that Newcastle is an economic hub driven by innovation and entrepreneurial community, with diverse economic opportunities.
“Greater Newcastle is home to world-class education, healthcare, and aerospace hubs, and an innovation ecosystem that supports start-ups. There’s no shortage of opportunities for talented and skilled people.
“We know that this program will deliver an excellent return on investment, with independent economic assessment showing that 30 skilled, community-minded individuals relocating to Newcastle expected to create 75 local jobs and see $25 million in economic output.”
The successful ‘New Move’ grant recipients will be asked to help further develop local skills and activate the community to create future economic opportunities. In return, recipients will gain access to co-working spaces, and networking events to build local business and community connections.
The ‘New Move’ program is funded by City of Newcastle within its existing economic development budget and was supported by a unanimous resolution of Council in December 2020.

A man has been taken to hospital following a crash in the Hunter Region yesterday.
About 2.30pm (Thursday 6 May 2021), a bicycle rider was travelling east on Arthur Street, Rutherford, when it collided with a Ford Falcon Utility travelling southbound on Weblands Street.
The rider, a 36-year-old man, suffered head injuries and was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
The 39-year-old male driver was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from Port Stephens – Hunter Police District attended and commenced an investigation.
As Investigations continue; anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been charged with commercial drug supply after GHB and cash were located at a Newcastle unit.
About 9am yesterday (Thursday 6 May 2021), officers attached to Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES), Northern Region High Visibility Unit and Operation Utah Hunter attended a unit on King Street, Newcastle.
Upon arrival at the building, police spoke with and arrested a 35-year-old man.
Officers executed a search warrant at the unit where they located and seized methylamphetamine, liquid gamma-Hydroxybutyric (GHB), more than $135,000 cash and mobile phones.
During the execution of the warrant, a 28-year-old woman arrived at the property and was arrested for a breach of bail offence.
Both were taken to Newcastle Police Station where the man was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, supply commercial quantity prohibited drug and deal with the proceeds of crime, while the woman was charged with the breach of bail offence and possess prohibited drug.
The Nelson Bay man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 7 May 2021), while the woman was granted conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on Monday 28 June 2021.
Investigations are ongoing.