Category: Newcastle News

Dedicated City of Newcastle volunteers have hit the streets for the first time since COVID-19 to offer a welcoming point of contact for visitors during the New Annual festival.
The passionate NEWCrew members were forced to take a break from their duties when the pandemic resulted in the postponement of events across the city.

But the volunteers are thrilled to finally be back in action as ambassadors for Newcastle during the City’s 10-day flagship cultural festival, having been debriefed on how to provide COVID safe assistance to visitors.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the NEWCrew program provides an opportunity to engage with visitors in a meaningful way, ensuring they have a memorable experience in our beautiful city.
“NEWCrew volunteers play an invaluable role in the delivery of events in the city, offering practical support to welcome visitors, answer their questions and direct them to various facilities while also sharing their knowledge about the event or the city itself,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Since the NEWCrew program was established in 2017 volunteers have given hundreds of hours of their time to act as ambassadors for Newcastle, ensuring we build on our reputation as gracious hosts to all who visit our region.
“It’s fantastic to see these dedicated volunteers getting back out and about during New Annual and I thank them for all their support of our flagship cultural festival.”
Newcastle resident Sue Slade began volunteering with NEWCrew around three years ago with a desire to keep busy and give something back to the community.
The retired disability worker, who also has a background in the travel industry, is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of Newcastle with others.
“I love Newcastle and I’m a real people person, so it is not hard talking about our city to visitors,” Sue said.
“COVID put everything on hold and it’s been a long 12 months since we’ve been able to volunteer with NEWCrew, but it’s great to be back now to catch up with some of the other volunteers and be a part of New Annual.
“The festival’s program looks amazing, I’m really excited about being a part of it, telling people what is on offer and hopefully encouraging them to come back to Newcastle for other festivals, events or holidays.”
There will be plenty going on during the final weekend of the festival, with a full schedule of ticketed events and more than 20 free activities on offer including a sunrise meditation, a taste of France at The Station, a celebration of printmaking in Newcastle, Indigenous language, dance and storytelling sessions at The Pavilion of Sand and hands-on workshops with the Artist Open Studio Trail.
To find out more, book your ticket or secure you spot at a workshop visit www.newannual.com/
A range of opportunities for volunteering with City of Newcastle can be found at https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/get-involved/volunteer-with-us.

A man faces numerous charges after a police officer was injured during an arrest in the Hunter region yesterday.
About 5pm (Thursday 18 February 2021), an officer attached to Port Stephens Traffic and Highway Patrol saw an unregistered road bike being ridden on the New England Highway, East Maitland, allegedly at excessive speed.
The motorcycle stopped in traffic and the officer approached the rider, who immediately lashed out, falling to the ground. As the officer attempted to assist remove the bike, he was allegedly punched in the face and chest.
During a struggle, the rider, a 39-year-old man, has continued to kick and punch the senior constable before he was arrested with the assistance of members of the public.
Further police attended to assist, and the rider continued to struggle with officers. In trying to restrain the man, an acting sergeant has suffered a dislocated shoulder. He was taken to Maitland Hospital for treatment.
The man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, motor vehicle exceed speed more than 20 km/h, licence expired 2 years or more, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty, two counts of resist officer in execution of duty, use unregistered motor vehicle on road, other traffic offences and breach of bail.
The Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Friday 19 February 2021).

Two men will face court today after allegedly damaging a police vehicle during a brawl in the Hunter Valley overnight.
About 1am (Thursday 18 February 2021), officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called to Clarence Way, Muswellbrook, following reports of a brawl.
Upon arrival, police located several people on the street and inside a premises.
Officers entered the home and broke up the brawl before a 19-year-old man exited the property and approached the marked police vehicle.
Police will allege in court the man threw a beer bottle at one of the rear windows, causing it to smash.
He was arrested a short time later, before a 26-year-old man exited the home – allegedly armed with a knife – and threatened people on the street.
He was arrested, with additional resources called upon to disperse the remaining persons at the scene.
Both men were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with affray.
The younger man was also charged with malicious damage, while the older man was charged with armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court later today (Thursday 18 February 2021).
Inquiries are continuing.

A fourth man has been charged as investigations continue into an alleged break and enter and shooting in Newcastle last month.
About 8.10pm on Thursday 14 January 2021, two 19-year-old men attended an apartment on Newcastle Road, Jesmond, where they spoke with a 36-year-old man.
Police will allege in court the pair forced entry to the home and threatened the man with a fire extinguisher, before discharging a firearm towards him a short time later.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Waradgery to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Three men have been arrested in relation to this matter. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, strike force investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Shortland yesterday (Wednesday 17 February 2021) and arrested a 32-year-old man.
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with shoot at with intent to murder and aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 18 February 2021).

A man has been charged over the alleged attempted murder of a baby in the state’s Hunter region last year.
On Saturday 12 December 2020, police received reports that a then aged five-month-old girl had been taken to a local hospital suffering critical injuries. She was later transferred to John Hunter Hospital for ongoing treatment.
The matter was referred to detectives at the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad who commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators attended a home in Cessnock and arrested a 26-year-old man just before 9am today (Wednesday 17 February 2021).
The man, who is known to the child, was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with attempted murder.
He was refused bail and appeared before Cessnock Local Court today, where he was formally refused bail to reappear before the same court on Wednesday 14 April 2021.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

A man has been charged after a police officer was assaulted during an arrest in Lake Macquarie overnight.
About 8pm (Monday 15 February 2021), a man entered the backyard of a home on King Street, Hillsborough, where it’s alleged he damaged sporting equipment.
The homeowners confronted him a short time later before he fled and ran through several nearby properties, continuing to damage homes.
A second homeowner confronted the man on Percy Street when it’s alleged the man tackled him and punched him in the face several times.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended a short time later and a female senior constable attempted to arrest the 20-year-old man.
Police will allege the man punched the officer to the side of the head and pulled at her hair before he was arrested with assistance from other officers.
The female officer sustained bruising and swelling to her face and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, while the 20-year-old man was also taken to hospital under police guard for treatment to injuries sustained during the incident.
The 20-year-old Charlestown man was released from hospital this morning (Tuesday 16 February 2021) and taken to Belmont Police Station.
He was charged with nine offences including two counts of destroy or damage property, two counts of enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, and three counts of resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Tuesday 16 February 2021).

City of Newcastle is seeking community feedback on a new concept for Foreshore Park which sees the site’s community playspace increase by almost eight times.
The new concept shows a fenced regional-level accessible and inclusive playground the size of eight basketball courts and a significant waterplay space that links back to Newcastle’s Indigenous heritage including representation of the original shoreline of the harbour foreshore.
The concept has been developed based on consultation with the community over the past year and delivers a versatile space including community gardens, open areas for children to skate, scoot and splash, and designed to allow a variety of major events in the city centre.
A headline feature of the preliminary concept for Foreshore Park is the inclusive ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ playspace which is being delivered in partnership with Variety the Children’s Charity.
The design will include a cultural heritage walk that provides the opportunities to tell both Awabakal stories like Mulubinba, the place of many sea ferns, Awabakal canoe hunting on the harbour, as well as recognising post 1880 stories and the redevelopment of Newcastle as we know it.
These stories are intended to replace the 1988 pond which represented the original fresh water source and one of three man-made wells known as “The Frog Pond”.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the local community’s valuable feedback has been reflected in the draft plans.
“It’s wonderful to have an incredible regional scale inclusive playground based on input from our community as the cornerstone of the preliminary concept for our city’s iconic Foreshore Park.
“Now more than ever, we value our open spaces and parks, and this project is a great collaboration between City of Newcastle, Variety the Children’s Charity and our community which will transform the Harbour Foreshore into a more inviting recreational space and major event venue for everyone to enjoy.
“We have consulted with our Indigenous stakeholders on the key heritage elements of the concept including the removal of the Frog Pond and provision of an exciting water play area linked to our heritage.”
The addition of the new cultural elements at Foreshore Park was strongly supported by Luke Russell from Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
“I’m really pleased there is a significant increase in the representation of Guuri culture in the Foreshore Park concept with the plan reflecting equal parts Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage. City of Newcastle’s engagement on this project has resulted in a positive outcome for the community,” Mr Russell said.
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen, who sits on the Foreshore Park Community Reference Group said the level of community feedback already received has been fantastic, and has encouraged all Novocastrians to now have their say about City of Newcastle’s plans.
“I encourage community members to view the designs which pay tribute to Newcastle’s history, culture and environment, as well as the origins of trade and exchange in the city, and provide feedback via our online mapping tool, or in person at a drop-in session.
“Our Community Reference Group has been a great way to understand the different uses of Foreshore Park, and to also gain the valuable views of key stakeholders and user groups of such an important public space. Now we want to hear from the broader Newcastle community about the things they would love to see and do in Foreshore Park.”
The ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ playspace which will be great for kids of all ages and all abilities is being delivered in partnership with Variety and has been bolstered by $500,000 from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund and announced on 5 February by Deputy Premier Hon John Barilaro.
Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT Inclusive Play Manager, Kim Becherand, said “Variety believes all kids deserve a fair go, including the opportunity to play.”
“Variety is pleased to partner with City of Newcastle in the creation of a truly inclusive playspace where all kids will play together, feel welcome, safe and that they belong.”
The concept also considers the interrelationship between the different spaces within the park and their connections to the harbour.
Community engagement is open until Friday 26 February 2021. The community can view the concept and have their say at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
Feedback will assist in the finalisation of the draft masterplan, which will be placed on public exhibition later in 2021.
Summary of community engagement to date:

• Project announced in December 2019 and community engagement on the Foreshore Precinct Masterplan begins.
• Large scale community engagement occurred in July 2020 including a survey and social pinpoint plus Variety undertook additional engagement with schools and other key stakeholders regarding the playground. Engagement included questions about what people love about the area, what they want to see in the future and how they use the park.
• Community Reference Group (CRG) was formed and includes community members, stakeholders and representatives from community groups. First meeting was held in August 2020 about the visions and principles guiding the masterplan.
• CRG meeting occurred in December 2020 for feedback on an early draft concept.
• Drop in session for adjacent residents occurred on 13 February at Foreshore Park.
• Community engagement begins on concept designs in February 2021 including social pinpoint, drop in sessions, free texts submissions and survey.