Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate an assault on board a train in Newcastle last year.
About 10am on Friday 25 September 2020, a 21-year-old man boarded a train at Metford Station headed eastbound.
During the trip, the man dropped a headphone to the ground and was attempting to retrieve it when an unknown male passenger stood up and punched the 21-year-old to the head.
The man contacted police and officers commenced an investigation.
As police continue their inquiries, they have released a CCTV image of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his 20s, with dark/reddish curly hair and a beard.
He was wearing a red, white and black hooded jumper, green camouflage cargo pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information which may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Category: Newcastle News
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Appeal to find woman missing from Scone
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Kim Searle, aged 38, was last leaving seen a property in Newcastle last week. Her family hasn’t heard from her since.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.
Kim is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with dark hair, blue eyes, and tattoos of dragonflies and flowers on her arms.
She is known to frequent regional Victoria as well as the Scone, Muswellbrook and Newcastle areas.
Anyone who may have information about Kim’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Shortland local centre upgrade plans out for feedback
City of Newcastle is calling for community feedback on a proposal to improve safety for pedestrians and amenity of the local centre in Shortland.Community consultation undertaken in April 2019 and June 2020 highlighted pedestrian safety at Sandgate Road as a high priority issue for residents and business owners in the local area.
In response to this feedback the City is placing the Draft Shortland Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan on public exhibition, seeking feedback on proposed changes including implementation of a 40km/hr High Pedestrian Activity Area.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that safety for the community who shop and work in the Shortland Local Centre is a key priority.
“The plan on exhibition addresses community concerns and helps keep the community safe, as well as delivering improved public domain with upgraded footpaths and new street furniture,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We want to create an inviting space for locals to do their shopping and support local small business.”
Ward Four Councillor Jason Dunn said the proposed changes are a critical step in improving the area for the benefit of Shortland locals.
“Feedback on this next step is important, so we encourage the community to view the plan and share their views,” Councillor Dunn said.
Long-term Shortland resident Wendy Heys also encourages the Shortland community to have their say.
“I really welcome the upgrade to the shopping area making it safer for pedestrians, especially school children in the area.”
As well as a reduced speed limit, the plan includes construction of a pedestrian refuge and speed cushions to reduce driver speeds and create safer crossings for pedestrians.
The City has also engaged a mural artist to work with the community to determine a theme for a new mural installation at the pharmacy on Hansen Place. The mural will be delivered in conjunction with construction of the safety and public domain upgrades, currently scheduled for mid 2021.
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to have your say on the proposed safety improvements. Consultation starts Monday February 22 and is open until March 21.
Action on Wallsend flooding as space made for stormwater channel widening
City of Newcastle is taking further steps to facilitate works to mitigate flooding in the Wallsend town centre with tenders called to demolish the vacant building next to Nelson Street bridge, which will allow the future widening of Hunter Water’s Ironbark Creek stormwater channel.
Widening the Hunter Water channel and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the demolition is an essential step to allow the stormwater channel to be widened and avoid the catastrophic flooding that has occurred on a number of occasions since the Pasha Bulker storm in 2007.
“Demolishing this building which we strategically acquired in 2018 is part of our more than $20 million commitment to address flooding in Wallsend,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The building is directly adjacent to the stormwater channel and the Nelson Street bridge, and its removal will enable future construction of an upgraded Nelson Street bridge, as well as future widening of Hunter Water’s channel to 21 metres, which takes in approximately half the width of the building’s footprint.
“We’re continuing to work with Hunter Water as the asset owners of the channel on funding for a capital program to widen its stormwater channel to help us protect people and property exposed to the dangers and damage of flooding.
“Expansion of the stormwater channel, together with our replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges and upgrade of the culvert beneath Cowper Street Bridge, will significantly reduce flooding in the town centre.
“We are committed to delivering the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in conjunction with significant amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre, which will support businesses and residents.”
A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930 built structure.
It is expected that demolition of the building on Nelson Street will take place in the coming months.
Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to commence later in 2021.
Widening the Hunter Water channel and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the demolition is an essential step to allow the stormwater channel to be widened and avoid the catastrophic flooding that has occurred on a number of occasions since the Pasha Bulker storm in 2007.
“Demolishing this building which we strategically acquired in 2018 is part of our more than $20 million commitment to address flooding in Wallsend,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The building is directly adjacent to the stormwater channel and the Nelson Street bridge, and its removal will enable future construction of an upgraded Nelson Street bridge, as well as future widening of Hunter Water’s channel to 21 metres, which takes in approximately half the width of the building’s footprint.
“We’re continuing to work with Hunter Water as the asset owners of the channel on funding for a capital program to widen its stormwater channel to help us protect people and property exposed to the dangers and damage of flooding.
“Expansion of the stormwater channel, together with our replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges and upgrade of the culvert beneath Cowper Street Bridge, will significantly reduce flooding in the town centre.
“We are committed to delivering the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in conjunction with significant amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre, which will support businesses and residents.”
A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930 built structure.
It is expected that demolition of the building on Nelson Street will take place in the coming months.
Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to commence later in 2021.
Volunteer guides back in action for New Annual Festival
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.
Officer injured during arrest; man charged – East Maitland
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).
City launches first one-stop-shop for grant funding
City of Newcastle is making it easier for the community to access more than 1,000 grant funding opportunities through a new online service, Newcastle Grant Finder.
Newcastle Grant Finder provides a comprehensive listing of funding opportunities available to local businesses, community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profits and individuals.
Newcastle Grant Finder identifies funding opportunities in the area from State and Federal governments and agencies, not just those provided by the City of Newcastle, presenting a one-stop-search tool with self-service functionality for users to track, bundle, save and create alerts.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle Grant Finder is a first-of-its-kind in Newcastle and will see more funding flow to worthy causes as part of City of Newcastle’s digital transformation to make its services more efficient and effective for the community.
“Grant funding is a great way to help build a thriving community here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re empowering local businesses, community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations with a tool that allows them to easily find and apply for grants, to turn their ideas into reality.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle Grant Finder is a first-of-its-kind in Newcastle and will see more funding flow to worthy causes as part of City of Newcastle’s digital transformation to make its services more efficient and effective for the community.
“Grant funding is a great way to help build a thriving community here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re empowering local businesses, community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations with a tool that allows them to easily find and apply for grants, to turn their ideas into reality.”
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Newcastle Grant Finder will assist community organisations in all areas of the application process.
“Until now, members of our community have experienced frustrations identifying grant funding, finding it an arduous task having to conduct searches across numerous websites, often resulting in missed opportunities,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“This is a fantastic free user-friendly service for our community to utilise and City of Newcastle is delighted to offer a solution to make sure that those seeking funding can quickly and easily find what they need.
“To give every applicant the best possible chance of success, Newcastle Grant Finder includes grant writing tips as well as a directory of external professional writers that can be contacted to help prepare applications.
“Our goal is to help local businesses and community groups to access grant funding opportunities that will, in turn, support economic growth and community wellbeing.”
BaptistCare’s HopeStreet group manager Phil Eastbury said not–for–profit organisations are hugely reliant on opportunities to seek additional funding support, which ultimately means they can offer more assistance to more people.
“For HopeStreet, the Newcastle Grant Finder online service will enable us to be both agile and efficient, so we can spend more time and effort offering hope and practical support to people while being in the know about funding opportunities that align with our services as well as bringing to life our future ideas.”
Maryland Fletcher Football Club vice-president Tom Marshall said the new online service would assist local sporting clubs with finding grant funding opportunities to maintain their facilities.
“We, like many sporting clubs in the area, are always looking for additional funding to maintain or improve our facilities to increase participation in the game and do our bit in building stronger communities through football.”
City of Newcastle’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Policies are currently under review and will go on public exhibition on 24 February 2021.
Police vehicle damaged; two charged – Muswellbrook
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.
Fourth man charged over alleged break and enter, shooting – Jesmond
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).
Man charged over alleged attempted murder of five-month old girl – Cessnock
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.