Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle’s newest recruit has certainly got her nose to the ground when it comes to educating the community about responsible pet ownership.
Two-year-old golden retriever Bella has been joining the Rangers for patrols along Bathers Way between Merewether and Bar beaches.

She also accompanies her colleagues around Lambton Park and visits the popular fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue Reserve, North Lambton, which was opened in 2019 following community feedback into the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan.
Newcastle has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the State, with more than 44,300 registered canines calling the local government area home.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan will guide the provision, improvement and management of dog off-leash areas during the next 10 years.
“We know that dog owners want suitable spaces to exercise their dogs safely, and work is underway to progress the development of strategically located fenced dog parks such as our Acacia Avenue facility,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Another priority action of the Dogs in Open Space Plan is to provide community education and information on responsibilities for dogs in public places, which is why it’s so great to see our Rangers trialling new measures such as using Bella to enhance their interactions with the community.”
Bella’s presence has been well received by both the four-legged friends she meets and their non-canine companions, giving her fellow Rangers more opportunities to engage with the pet owners.
“We have been trialling Ranger dog ‘Bella’ on foot patrols along Bathers Way and City of Newcastle parks and reserves for the past six months,” Senior Ranger Lauren Whitmore said.
“It has been very well received within the community and a considerable amount of positive feedback has been given by members of the public.
“During these patrols Rangers engage with dog owners to educate people about being responsible pet owners.
“When Bella’s with us during patrols we’ve found people are more willing to engage and have a conversation with the Ranger team.”
When Bella’s not on official duty she spends her down time with her owner and colleague Allan, who has been working with the Ranger team for the past nine months.
Lauren said Bella’s trial with the team had been such a success they were looking at making her an official Ranger later this month and were currently finalising her position description and calculating how many dog biscuits per hour her role would entail.

Police have charged a man with high range PCA in Port Stephens after a member of the public reported him for dangerous driving before confiscating his keys when he pulled over, during the Australian Day road-safety operation.
Between 12.01am last Friday (22 January 2021) and 11.59pm last night (Tuesday 26 January 2021), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with assistance from Police Area Commands and Police Districts conducted Operation Australia 2021 across NSW.
About 6.50am on Sunday (24 January 2021), police received reports from a motorist that the driver of a Nissan Navara was driving dangerously on the Pacific Highway near Heatherbrae, Port Stephens.
Police have been told the man, aged 44, drove onto a median strip and hit a small tree before pulling over on Six Mile Creek Road, Eagleton, where the motorist – a 46-year-old man, also stopped and took the driver’s keys away.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police Area Command arrived a short time later and breath tested the man, who allegedly returned a positive result.
The man was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where a subsequent breath analysis returned an alleged positive reading of 0.186.
The man was issued a Court Attendance Notice for drive with high range PCA; and is due to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 22 February 2021.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, said it’s encouraging to see motorists concerned for the safety of others by reporting dangerous driving to police.
“As part of our Four Ds campaign, we’ve been urging all road users to report drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, when safe to do so,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Hegarty.
“In this instance, the actions of the motorist have helped keep the community safe during the Operation Australia Day 2021 period.”
During the operation, motorists faced double demerit points for speeding, mobile phone, motorcycle helmet and seatbelt offences.
Police conducted more than 96,000 breath tests, with more than 300 drivers charged with drink driving.
In addition to the drink-driving charges, 386 people returned positive results for drug-driving. More than 9200 people were fined for other traffic offences, including not wearing a seatbelt and speeding.
“While the poor behaviour of some drivers is disappointing, we’re overall encouraged by the behaviour of the vast majority of drivers over operation,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Hegarty.
“Sadly, three people lost their lives on NSW roads over this period. We continue to work hard in improving road safety for all road users across our state,” said Mr Hegarty.
Other incidents of note include:
• A man disqualified from driving until 2078 will reappear in court today after allegedly being caught driving dangerously and possessing drugs in Sydney. About 5.20pm on Saturday (23 January 2021), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting a stationary random breath and drug test on Pitt Street, Chippendale, when they attempted to stop the driver of a Holden Commodore. Police will allege the driver, a 47-year-old man, swapped seats with his front seat passenger, a 36-year-old woman, causing the car to swerve into oncoming traffic. Officers stopped the car and arrested the pair before searching the vehicle and locating a clear vial believed to contain gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Further checks revealed the man was disqualified from driving until 2078. The pair was taken to Surry Hills Police Station. He was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and possess prohibited drug. He was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Bail Court, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Central Local Court today (Wednesday 27 January 2021). The woman was fined for not complying with P1/P2 high performance vehicle restriction, driver not wear seatbelt, and not comply with P2 licence conditions not display P-Plates.
• About 7.10am yesterday (Tuesday 26 January 2021), Traffic and Highway Patrol officers were conducting stationary random breath testing on Hogbin Drive, Coffs Harbour, when they stopped a Hyundai and spoke with the driver, a 15-year-old boy. He allegedly returned a positive breath test before being taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station, where a subsequent breath analysis returned a reading of 0.054. The boy was charged with low-range drink driving, and driving without licence.
• Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting stationary speed enforcement duties on the north on the M1, Yallah, when they detected a Mitsubishi Lancer allegedly travelling about 185km/h in an 80km/h signposted area, about 2.10am on Sunday (24 January 2021). Police attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver allegedly failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. The driver continued towards Picton before road spikes were deployed and the car stopped a short time later on Maldon Bridge Road. The driver, a 34-year-old woman, was arrested and taken to Camden Police Station, where she was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, licence expired less than two years before – prior offence, and class exceed speed (more than 45 km/h). She was granted conditional bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court on Thursday 4 February 2021. Inquiries continue.
• At 11.30am yesterday (Tuesday 26 January 2021), officers from St George Police Area Command were called to the intersection of Princes Highway and Baxter Avenue, Kogarah, after reports of a single-vehicle crash. Police have been told a man was driving a Mazda sedan south on the Princes Highway when the car mounted the kerb and crashed into a no stopping/clearway sign. While officers were speaking to the man, they allegedly noticed an opened cask of wine inside a black bag. The man was subjected to a roadside breath test which allegedly returned a positive reading, before being taken to Kogarah Police Station, where a further breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.264. He was charged with drive with high range PCA and his licence was suspended. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday 16 February 2021.

A motorcyclist has died after a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley this morning.
Shortly after 4am (Wednesday 27 January 2021), emergency services were called to the intersection of Wollombi Road and Kendall Street, Bellbird, about 6km south-west of Cessnock, after reports a motorcycle had hit with a barrier.
The rider, a man believed to be aged in his 30s, was ejected from the bike and located a short distance away.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced CPR prior to the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene.
The man is yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Newcastle Jets forward Roy O’Donovan has found a permanent home in the region, with the Irish import and his young family set to become Australian citizens at one of City of Newcastle’s online citizenship ceremonies on Tuesday.
O’Donovan and his wife Ellen relocated to Australia in 2015, initially for a change of scenery, but when their son Alfie was born less than 12 months later, the O’Donovans soon fell in love with Newcastle and the unparalleled lifestyle it had to offer.
^{Roy O’Donovan with his wife Ellen and son Alfie at Dixon Park Beach.}
“I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to play in Australia or America because I fancied the change from living in England,” O’Donovan said.
“We came to Newcastle and really felt like we had found a home here. I’d travelled elsewhere for football but never for more than two or three years at a time. You can’t beat the lifestyle here, especially for raising a family, with so many beautiful parks and beaches at your doorstep.
“We’re extremely honoured and proud to become Australian citizens and be part of Newcastle’s future.”
As for Alfie’s favourite thing about Newcastle? “I love swimming at the beaches and also seeing all the dogs walking around,” he said.
The O’Donovans will share their special day with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who is presiding over their citizenship ceremony via Zoom, before tucking into a backyard barbecue, sending their love to family and friends in hard lockdown in Ireland and enjoying some family time before Alfie starts kindergarten later this week.
Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle had adapted its traditional Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, which in the past has been one of the largest in the state, to allow our newest citizens to take the pledge in a COVID safe environment.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has meant we have had to do things a little differently to keep the community safe, it’s an historic moment as Lord Mayor to welcome City of Newcastle’s newest citizens in a more intimate, one-on-one setting, joining them virtually in their lounge rooms and kitchens.”
The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Declan Clausen will preside over simultaneous ceremonies, accompanied by the Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, who will read the Minister’s Message.

Police are appealing for information about a home invasion in which a shot was fired inside a house in Lake Macquarie overnight.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Railway Street, Teralba, shortly after 11pm (Saturday 23 January 2021), responding to reports of a gunshot.
Police have been told three people – one armed with a firearm and one with a baton – entered the house and threatened a 26-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman.
The woman was struck in the head with the baton before the group ransacked the lounge stealing cash and phones, leaving a short time later in an older-model blue hatchback.
The injured woman was treated at the scene for a head laceration.
A crime scene was established and a canvass of the street conducted.
Police are would like to speak to three people – two men and a woman – they believe may be able to assist them with inquiries.
The first man is described as being about 188cm tall with a medium build. At the time the man was carrying a firearm.
The second man is described as being about 175cm tall with a thin build.
The woman is described as being about 167cm tall with a stocky build and may have shoulder-length dark hair. She was carrying a baton or similar.
All are believed to be of Caucasian appearance, aged in their 30s and were dressed in black clothing with their faces covered.
As inquiries continue, anyone who has information about this incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam vision from the area and its surrounds about the time described, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

An investigation is underway after a man’s body was found in Newcastle Harbour overnight.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Wharf Road about 8.50pm Saturday (23 January 2021), after the body of a man was found by a two people who had been fishing.
The body was retrieved by Water Police and has been taken for a post-mortem examination to confirm identity and cause of death.
Police are also investigating reports that a 25-year-old man went missing after leaving a hotel on Wharf Road late Wednesday evening(20 January 2021).
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Newcastle City Police or Crime Stoppers.

A man will undergo surgery after being bitten on the arm in the Lake Macquarie area this afternoon.

About 6.30pm (Saturday 23 January 2021), emergency services were called to Yoorala Road, Lake Macquarie, following reports of a shark attack.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 58-year-old man at the scene for injuries to his left arm before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he will undergo surgery.
Police were told the man and a woman was swimming in the lake when he was bitten on his arm. The woman, aged 56, helped pull him to shore.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District are working with NSW Fisheries to identify the species.

With high temperatures and hazardous sea conditions forecast today through until Tuesday 26 January, City of Newcastle is encouraging the community to stay safe around Newcastle’s beaches and coastal areas.
Community members are reminded to only visit patrolled beaches, avoid crowded areas or opt to visit the local pool, always swim between the red and yellow flags, practice sun safe measures and stay hydrated.
With COVID restrictions still in effect, additional City of Newcastle COVIDSafe beach marshals will be patrolling the city’s beaches.
Tips to stay safe at the beach across summer:
Avoid crowded areas and peak times – If you notice an area is already crowded, consider another beach, local pool or leisure option, and try to avoid peak times of the day.
Stay safe around the water – Swim between the red and yellow flags, put your hand up if you get into trouble, never swim alone, and if you are unsure ask a lifeguard.
Keep your distance – Stay 1.5 metres, or approximately a towel length apart from others.
Look out for our COVIDSafe Beach Marshals – During busy periods such as weekends and school holidays, additional lifeguards will be onsite as COVIDSafe Beach Marshals to patrol our beaches and baths, to educate the community about requirements under the Public Health Order, monitor crowd sizes and promote water safety.
Do not gather in large groups – Do not gather in large groups and all group members must ensure they can physically distance with people outside their own household.
Make decisions in the best interest of yourself and others – Make sure you stay home if you are unwell and download the COVID Safe app.
View lifeguard patrol times at our beaches.

Newcastle-based organisations are encouraged to apply for grants for projects that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australian personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said the Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program is designed to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage.
“I encourage community-based organisations to apply to undertake projects that will promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service and the roles that those who served have played in shaping the nation,” Ms Claydon said.
“Projects may include the construction or restoration of war or peace memorials, commemorative events, digital content development, publications or public awareness activities.”
Ms Claydon said there are two categories of grants available.
“Grants up to $10,000 are available for community-based commemorative projects and activities,” Ms Claydon said.
“A second category provides grants between $10,001 and $150,000 are available for major commemorative projects and activities that are significant from a regional, state or national perspective.”
Ms Claydon said that if organisations wanted her to provide a letter of support, they should email her a copy of their application at sharon.claydon.mp@aph.gov.au
The closing date for applications is 11pm on Thursday 11 February 2021. For further information and to apply, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-their-service-commemorative-grants-program or contact Sharon Claydon’s office on 4926 1555.

A woman has been charged with high-range drink driving after allegedly colliding with an unmarked police car whilst more than four times the legal limit in Lake Macquarie.
About 5.15pm yesterday (Wednesday 21 January 2021), a male senior constable stopped in the breakdown lane of the Pacific Highway, Belmont, in an unmarked police vehicle.
A short time later, a Ford Focus travelling north has veered into the breakdown lane and collided with the rear of the stationary police vehicle.
The officer called for assistance with additional police and emergency services attending. He and the Ford driver, a 42-year-old woman, underwent a roadside breath test, which the woman allegedly returned a positive reading.
She was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station to undergo a breath analysis, which allegedly returned a reading of 0.214.
The Marks Point woman was issued a court attendance notice for the offence of high-range PCA and is due to appear at appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 3 February 2021.
Her licence was also suspended.