Category: Newcastle News

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.
  

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has backed the call from local veterans for face-to-face services to resume at the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) office in Newcastle’s CBD.
The DVA Veterans Access Network (VAN) office was closed in March last year in response to COVID-19 and still hasn’t reopened its doors to the public.
Ms Claydon said she was contacted by tireless veterans’ advocate and DVA-sponsored volunteer, Gerry Bailey, about the impact the ongoing closure was having on veterans and their families.
“Mr Bailey has let me know about the distress that local veterans and their families have experienced at not being able to access this office during this exceptionally difficult time,” Ms Claydon said.
“He has also told me that the ongoing closure has led to anxiety in the veterans’ community that these important services may be suspended indefinitely.
“Many veterans rely on this drop-in service, especially those with physical, mental or social issues or disabilities which make face-to-face service delivery the most appropriate and comfortable form of contact for them.
“Indeed, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) own website says the Veteran Access Network and Veteran Support Officers (VSOs) are two of its most important access points for clients.”
Ms Claydon said she believed the office could open in a COVID-safe way.
“The Newcastle Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling office, which shares a back-office space with the VAN Office, returned to normal face-to-face services many months ago. Similarly, the NDIS offices, along with my own, are located only metres away and we both resumed walk-in constituent services many months ago.
“I understand the need to exercise caution, but this mustn’t be at the expense of access or service quality.”
Ms Claydon said wrote to the Minister after being told by the Department that there was no timeline for the reopening of the office.
“I’ve asked the Minister to put in place a firm plan for the imminent reopening the Newcastle DVA drop-in service,” Ms Claydon said.
“I’ve also asked him for his assurance that there is no plan to permanently close the Newcastle VAN office, change staffing arrangements or suspend services indefinitely.”

The Morrison Government has failed the people of Newcastle by not delivering a decision on the future of PEP-11 oil and gas exploration permit by the project’s scheduled expiry date today.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the Government’s failure demonstrated ‘grave contempt’ for the Newcastle community.
“The Minister has long known that this permit is due to expire today and he is well aware of the great community concern about its extension,” Ms Claydon said.
“He’s had every opportunity to fulfil his basic responsibilities, but instead he’s decided to prolong the anxiety for coastal communities from Newcastle to Sydney.”
Ms Claydon said it wasn’t good enough for the Minister to blame his NSW State Government counterpart for his failure to do his job.
“The Minister was on radio this morning saying he’s still waiting to hear from the New South Wales State Government about their formal position, even though the Deputy Premier has been utterly unambiguous about his opposition to PEP-11.
“My community shouldn’t have to pay the price because these Liberal Governments can’t seem to communicate with each other.”
Ms Claydon said it’s well past time for the Morrison Government to heed the community’s wishes and reject the extension.
“From day one, the message from the Newcastle community to the Minister has been crystal clear: Oil and gas rigs have no place in our beloved coastal waters.
“The community has rejected the project. The New South Wales Government has rejected the project. Federal Labor has rejected the project. Now it’s time for the Minister to do the right thing and put an end to PEP-11 once and for all!”

A woman missing from the state’s Hunter Region has been located safe and well.
The 20-year-old was reported missing to officers from Hunter Valley Police District yesterday (Saturday 13 February 2021).
Following inquiries and a public appeal, the woman was located about 1pm today (Sunday 14 September 2021).
Police would like to thank the media and community for their assistance.

An investigation is underway after five people were injured in a two-vehicle crash in the Newcastle area yesterday.
Just after 7.30pm (Saturday 13 February 2021), emergency services were called to Gordon Avenue, Hamilton, after reports of a crash between an Audi A4 and Hyundai Mighty small rigid truck.
Police have been told the vehicles collided near Everton Street, causing the Audi to hit a power pole, with the truck coming to rest on its side on top of the Audi.
The driver of the Audi, a 26-year-old man, was assessed at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment and mandatory testing, along with his passenger, a 31-year-old man, who suffered a suspected broken arm.
The truck driver, a 46-year-old man, was trapped for a short time and freed by Police Rescue.
The other occupants, a 41-year-old woman and a four-year-old boy, were able to free themselves. All three were taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing, and anyone who may have dashcam footage or information is urged to come forward.

Police are appealing for community assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Anne-Marie Munro, also known as Annie, aged 20, was reported missing to officers from Hunter Valley Police District when she failed to return to her home on Moore Close at Singleton yesterday (Saturday 13 February 2021).
She was last seen in the Singleton area around 8pm on Friday (12 February 2021) and has not been seen or heard from since.
Police and family hold concern for her welfare due to the disappearance being out of character.
Annie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cms tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.
She was last seen wearing a white striped t-shirt, dark pants and black shoes, carrying a jacket and black backpack.
Anyone who may have information on Annie’s whereabouts is urged to contact Singleton Police Station on (02) 6578 7499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are searching for a driver after a car crashed into a house in the Hunter region last night.
About 8.45pm (Friday 12 February 2021), a silver Nissan Maxima sedan left the road and crashed through a brick front fence, before hitting the house on Alma Street, Raymond Terrace.
Both the driver and front seat passenger of the vehicle ran from the scene prior to the arrival of police.
A couple who were inside at the time of the crash were not injured, however, the home was significantly damaged.
NSW Fire and Rescue attended to assess the house and an exclusion zone was established.
As inquiries continue, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District are appealing to the public for information to identify the driver.
In particular, police would like to hear from anyone who might have dash cam footage of the incident or who might have been driving around Raymond Terrace at the time, to come forward.

City of Newcastle’s inaugural festival of arts and culture will officially get underway today with a mix of live music, quirky theatrics and thought-provoking visual and performing art.
The first iteration of New Annual offers an eclectic and dynamic program running from 12 to 21 February, kicking off with a packed schedule of free and ticketed events this weekend.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said more than 100 individual event sessions including over 50 free activities throughout the 10-day period will allow everyone to experience the fun and festival atmosphere of the City’s newest flagship event.
“In 2019 we embarked on an ambitious journey to create and deliver a first-class cultural festival, which will one day become a leading arts event on the national calendar,” Cr Nelmes.
“Funding from Create NSW has assisted with the planning and delivery of this inaugural event, including the commissioning of five festival-specific works from local artists and companies, and we thank the NSW Government and the Minister for the Arts Don Harwin for their support.
“Months of planning and hard work will culminate this weekend in a dynamic event with broad appeal, attracting new audiences to the wealth of talent that exists within our thriving grassroots arts and cultural scene.
“Our focus for the program has been to provide a mix of free and ticketed events, which will ensure every member of our community can enjoy the New Annual experience, and I can’t wait to see everything it has in store for us.”
New Annual’s 10-day program will feature more than 100 artists involved in dance, live music, art displays, exhibitions, talks, workshops and community activations.
The opening weekend includes a fantastic line-up of ticketed shows as well as plenty of free events in the city, such as the Olive Tree @ New Annual market in Civic Park, the first of the Locally Made and Played live music shows across 16 Newcastle venues and family-friendly Up and Up street art workshops in Museum Place.
Cr Nelmes said the festival offered a diverse and inclusive program, with City of Newcastle working collaboratively with members of local indigenous communities including Worrimai man Luke Russell, a member of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee, to ensure it also reflected Newcastle’s rich indigenous culture.
“New Annual provides a vehicle through which we can tell our city’s story, share our histories and understand our identity,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Awabakal and Worrimai communities have cared for this country we call Newcastle for more than 60,000 years and have carried rich and diverse arts and cultural practices and knowledge through many generations to contemporary life.
“New Annual is committed to working alongside the local Aboriginal community to provide a space to understand and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of our indigenous population to our city life.”
One of the spaces being used to explore these cultural practices will be the ‘Pavilion of Sand’ in Wheeler Place, where a range of free workshops led by representatives of the Worrimai and Awabakal communities and demonstrations will be on offer throughout the festival including net weaving, song and dance demonstrations and an Awabakal language workshop and storytelling.
An exhibition of significant Aboriginal artists from around Australia, curated by Emily McDaniel, will be on show at Newcastle Art Gallery, while Speaking in Colour will deliver weaving workshops to create three sculptures inspired by the coastal landscapes of the Awabakal and Worrimai country.
Newcastle Museum will also provide an insight into traditional cultural life with its Nourishing Waters exhibition, which gives viewers a glimpse into the cultural practices and stories behind the fishing tree, spear and kuueeyung (traditional canoe) that are on permanent display.
The exhibition uses a viewer’s smartphone to deliver an augmented reality experience where they can see and hear how the Worrimai people worked in close community to fish for food in the rivers and bays of Mulumbimba (Newcastle).
The augmented reality experience is voiced (partly in language) by Mr Russell, who said New Annual provided the perfect opportunity to share traditional practices with the wider community.
“As we continue to reawaken the knowledge and stories of the Worrimai people, we are thankful to have the continued support of City of Newcastle,” Mr Russell said.
“Working towards the New Annual to showcase our old people’s traditional practices has been another exciting step forward for us and City of Newcastle.”
New Annual’s program has been designed with the flexibility to operate as a COVID-19 Safe event. To find out more visit www.newannual.com.
New Annual – Opening Weekend FREE Events
SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY
All day

• Chalk the Walk, Newcastle CBD
• Makers & Traders Audio Station and Map, starts at Civic Digest

From 9am – The Savage Divide, The Owens Collective
From 10am

• We Can Be Heroes and VOID, Newcastle Art Gallery
• Up & Up: Create Your Place, Museum Lawn
• The Olive Tree Market at New Annual, Civic Park
• Pavilion of Sand: Net weaving workshops, Wheeler Place
• The Hangar: Family Fun, Civic Park
• 1×4, Nourishing Waters and Sea, Space & Beyond, Newcastle Museum
• False Sense of Security, The Lock-Up

10.30am – Art Cart with Jasmine Craciun, Newcastle Art Gallery
2pm – VOID: Opening Weekend Talk, Newcastle Art Gallery
3pm – Meet the Artists: Pony Express & False Sense of Security, The Lock-Up
5pm – Civic Bar Beats: DJ Chuan
7.30pm – The Looby Film, Civic Playhouse
SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY
All day

• Chalk the Walk, Newcastle CBD
• Makers & Traders Audio Station and Map, starts at Civic Digest

From 9am – The Savage Divide, The Owens Collective
From 10am

• We Can Be Heroes and VOID, Newcastle Art Gallery
• Up & Up: Create Your Place, Museum Lawn
• Pavilion of Sand: Eel and fish trap weaving workshops, Wheeler Place
• 1×4, Nourishing Waters and Sea, Space & Beyond, Newcastle Museum
• The Savage Divide, The Owens Collective

From 11am – False Sense of Security, The Lock-Up
4pm – Civic Bar Beats: DJ Tone