Category: Newcastle News

Five people – including four teenagers – have been charged in relation to two alleged break and enter offences in the Hunter region.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been investigating two separate break and enter offences at a business on the New England Highway at Rutherford.
Police have been told in the early hours of Sunday 27 December 2020, three people attempted to force entry to the premises; however, were unsuccessful and fled the scene.
Then between 2.50am and 4am on Sunday 3 January 2021, police will allege a Nissan Patrol was stolen from a property in Dudley and driven to the Rutherford business, before reversing through and smashing the front doors.
Police will further allege five people exited the vehicle and stole two Kawasaki trail bikes from the business, before all five fled the scene.
It’s estimated the damage caused to the front façade and the stolen property was valued in excess of $60,000.
The Nissan was later found burnt out in nearby bushland.
Following extensive inquiries, officers have arrested five people in relation to the alleged offence:

• About 1.30pm on Thursday 14 January 2021, investigators attended an Aberglasslyn address and arrested a 15-year-old boy. He was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal and goods in custody. He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court the next day, where he was granted conditional bail to reappear at a children’s court on Friday 12 March 2021.
• About 7.45am on Monday 18 January 2021, investigators attended a Telarah address where a 17-year-old boy was arrested. He was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 12 February 2021.
• About 7.45am on Tuesday 19 January 2021, investigators attended a Tenambit address and arrested a 15-year-old boy. He was charged with steal motor vehicle be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 29 January 2021.
• On Wednesday 20 January 2021, a 20-year-old man was issued a court attendance notice for five offences, including aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal, steal motor vehicle, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner. He was remanded in custody to appear at Maitland Local Court on Thursday 21 January 2021, where he was formally bail refused to next appear at the same court on Thursday 4 February 2021.
• Yesterday (Thursday 21 January 2021), police attended a Muswellbrook home and arrested a 14-year-old boy. He was charged with steal motor vehicle and aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 12 February 2021.

The two Kawasaki trail bikes remain outstanding, with police continuing to conduct inquiries to locate them.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, said solving property crime remains a high priority for local police.
“Break and enter offences continue to occur throughout areas such as Rutherford, Aberglasslyn and Maitland, and our local police are continuing to target those crimes.
“These crimes can often be prevented through simple crime prevention tips people can introduce in and around their homes, including security systems, sensor lighting, and keeping all valuables locked inside the home or shed at all times.
“Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home or leaving your car.
“We will continue to run operations throughout the district – those who choose to continue breaking the law, we will charge you and put you before the courts,” Det Insp Urquhart said.

Australia’s first recognised Indigenous surgeon and a passionate advocate for health equality, Associate Professor Kelvin Kong, has been honoured as City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year 2021.
When he’s not tending to patients at his Broadmeadow practice or performing operations, Dr Kong devotes his time to researching Alloiococcus otitidis – an organism prevalent in ear disease – with the Hunter Medical Research Institute and lecturing students at the University of Newcastle.
As one of only three Indigenous surgeons in the country, Dr Kong is passionate about addressing the disparity in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Each year, he spends time working in remote Australian communities, providing access to quality healthcare that would otherwise be limited or unavailable.
“Indigenous people have been practicing medicine in this country for 60,000 years, a history I am proud to be part of and carry on for future generations,” Dr Kong said.
“I am both humbled and galvanised by this prestigious award, to continue striving towards improved ear health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Dr Kong’s demonstrated leadership in Aboriginal health service delivery, advocacy and research had earned him the Citizen of the Year gong at an intimate award ceremony in Newcastle today.
“Dr Kong exemplifies the values of the Citizen of the Year title, representing Newcastle at the top of his field and working tirelessly to improve health outcomes among disadvantaged communities,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The year 2020 was challenging for our health professionals, so it is apt that today we recognised Dr Kong for his continued efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Awarded Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year 2021 was professional netballer Samantha Poolman.
Poolman, of Rankin Park, was recognised for her contributions to women and girls in sport, representing Newcastle in the GIANTS Netball team at the sport’s most elite level. She is also an ambassador for the Confident Girls Foundation, inspiring and empowering a new generation of young netballers.
In 2020, Poolman led a fundraiser for Black Summer bushfire affected communities through her Hunter athlete development program, Aspire Netball, which raised $12,000 for Netball Bushfire Relief.
This year City of Newcastle also awarded a Senior Citizen of the Year accolade to Jaci Lappin, CEO of Carrington Bowling Club, for her dedication to providing a safe, inclusive space for the community to gather, enriching the City’s vibrant social tapestry through a range of community activities. This became even more significant at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when social isolation was prevalent.
Ms Lappin was also the driving force behind fundraisers to install solar panels and complete much-needed renovations to the club.
“Both Samantha and Jaci are well respected, well-loved members of our community who give so much of their time to that which they are passionate about for the benefit of others, and I’m pleased to be able to formally acknowledge their contributions,” the Lord Mayor said.
Taking out Community Group of the Year 2021, Hamilton Business Association Inc was recognised for its commitment to the betterment of the Hamilton community, and the Association’s renewed sense of purpose to attract people to the Beaumont Street precinct and surrounds.
The Hamilton Business Association has worked closely with the City during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the community’s safety, a partnership from which the LiveSpots initiative was born, helping local musicians recover from the pandemic’s economic impact.
The Association was also instrumental in helping to secure a new home in September for Newcastle Men’s Shed after four years without a dedicated space.
“Hamilton Business Association embodies the sense of community spirit the Community Group of the Year award aims to highlight and celebrate,” the Lord Mayor added.
“I commend each of our 2021 award recipients and congratulate them all on making Newcastle an even better city to live, work and play.”
^{(L-R): Hamilton Business Association Chair Janice Musumeci, representing City of Newcastle’s Community Group of the Year 2021; Senior Citizen of the Year 2021 Jaci Lappin; Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes; Citizen of the Year 2021 Associate Professor Kelvin Kong; and Young Citizen of the Year 2021 Samantha Poolman.}
City of Newcastle’s Awards Program is judged by a panel consisting of:

• Nuatali Nelmes, Lord Mayor of Newcastle
• Carol Duncan, Councillor City of Newcastle
• Andrea Rufo, Councillor City of Newcastle
• Jeremy Bath, CEO City of Newcastle
• Pastor Sue Irwin, The Grainery Church
• Michelle Faithfull, Citizen of the Year 2020
• Alexa Stuart, Young Citizen of the Year 2020
• Ivan Skaines, representing Newcastle Pride, Community Group of the Year 2020

Novocastrians are encouraged to ‘go out and enjoy their city by grabbing it with both hands’ in the tagline for City of Newcastle’s latest Priority Projects campaign.
The campaign features four Priority Projects initiatives including City Centre Revitalisation, Blackbutt Reserve, Cycleways, and Coastal Revitalisation projects.
Priority Projects in 2021 have been identified as a result of extensive community consultation and the significant investment will benefit residents, businesses and visitors to Newcastle.

Building on the success of previous campaigns, the 2021 campaign features engaging videos that place the audience in amongst the action by using a first-person point of view.
The campaign features a 30-second television commercial (TVC) running until 31 January 2021, an overarching video for social media and website, and four project specific videos. Each of the project videos can be found on City of Newcastle’s Priority Projects webpage or via the following:

• City Centre Revitalisation
• Blackbutt Reserve
• Cycleways, and
• Coastal Revitalisation.

Footpath decals have also been placed in strategic locations within each Priority Projects area with a QR code linking back to the TVC. To find out more, visit City of Newcastle’s Priority Projects webpage.

A volunteer youth worker will reappear in court today charged over the alleged sexual touching of a young boy near Newcastle.
On Tuesday (22 December 2020), police received reports that an eight-year-old boy had been sexually touched by a man while attending a vacation care program at a youth club in Broadmeadow.
The matter was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, who commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, detectives, with assistance from officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, attended a home in Lambton and arrested a 57-year-old man about 11.40pm the same day.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with three counts of sexual touching (child under 10 years).
Police will allege in court that the man sexually touched the boy while working as a volunteer youth worker at a youth club in Broadmeadow.
The man appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 23 December 2020, where he was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at the same court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021).
Investigations are continuing.
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.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Police have seized several prohibited weapons and precursors for explosives during a search of a Lake Macquarie home.
About 12.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 19 January 2021), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were assisting Sheriff’s Officers with an eviction order at a Swansea property, where they spoke with three people – two women and a man.
All three people left the premises without incident. During an initial search of the home, sheriff officers allegedly located a firearm near the front door of the premises.
Police declared a crime scene and subsequently applied for and executed a search warrant at the property.
During the search, officers located and seized more than a dozen firearms, ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sling shot, a crossbow, a jet ski and trailer believed to have been stolen, cash, prohibited drugs and powders believed to be precursors for the manufacture of explosives.
All items were taken to Belmont Police Station for forensic analysis, while the jet ski and trailer were returned to the owner.
An investigation has been launched into the origins of the items located within the home.
Anyone who may have information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2021 Newcastle Stronger Communities Program (NSCP) which gives local community groups the chance to secure grants of up to $20,000.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said a total funding pool of $150,000 would be available for local organisations to undertake small capital projects.
Ms Claydon said the rules had changed from previous years in recognition of the extra financial pressure brought to bear on community organisations by COVID-19.
“This year, a special round of the program will allow local organisations to apply for up to 100 per cent of the funding for projects which will improve local community participation.
“Community-based, not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply for grants of between $2,500 and $20,000.
“Local Government can apply for up to 50 per cent of eligible expenditure for grants between $5,000 and $20,000.”
Ms Claydon said the many community organisations had being doing it tough as a result of the pandemic.
“Cash-strapped community organisations often struggle to raise funds, leaving important projects stuck on the backburner. These grants can help to make them a reality.
“A wide range of projects could be eligible for funding from building renovations to facilities upgrades or new equipment. I encourage all eligible groups to consider applying.”
Some of the NSCP recipients of the previous round include:

• $10,500 to Mark Hughes Foundation to purchase a community vehicle to transport brain cancer patients and their families
• $18,766 to Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options to make modifications to one of their respite properties
• $8,624 to Newcastle ArtSpace for a makeover including new entrance doors and exhibit wall
• $12,500 to Adamstown Bowling Club to upgrade the greens and toilets for improved disability access
• $10,030 to Elermore Vale Men’s Shed for a full electrical fit-out of the new shed
• $12,730 to Jenny’s Place for a new car to improve community access and transport victims of domestic and family violence
• $3,900 to ComputerPals Newcastle to replace old computers and data projectors
• $12,450 to Young People’s Theatre to refurbish the theatre to comply with fire regulations
• $2,500 to Headspace Newcastle for an Aboriginal art installation
• $17,500 to Stockton Tennis Club to replace the synthetic court grass

Expressions of Interest close on Friday, 19 February 2021. Applications will be assessed by the Newcastle Community Selection Panel and successful organisations will be requested to submit a more detailed project application in March 2021.
More information, including eligibility details and timelines for applying, is available at http://www.sharonclaydon.com/stronger_communities_grants

Three people have died, and a man is in a critical condition, following a head-on crash at Muswellbrook overnight.
Just before 9.30pm (Sunday 17 January 2021), emergency services were called to Bengalla Road following a crash between a Kia Carnival and a utility.
The driver and sole occupant of the utility – a man believed to be aged in his 30s – died at the scene.
The male driver and a female passenger in the Kia also died at the scene. They are yet to formally identified and their ages aren’t known.
A passenger in the Kia, a man believed to be aged in his 60s, was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Police from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a boy missing from the Hunter region.
Jayden Dalton, aged 12, was last seen at a shopping centre on the corner of Thomas Coke Drive and Taylor Avenue, Thornton, about 7.40pm yesterday (Friday 15 January 2021).
It’s believed he boarded a train at Thornton Railway Station about 7.55pm, before exiting at Beresfield Railway Station just before 8pm and was seen walking towards Woodberry.
He was reported missing to officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate him.
Concerns are held for his welfare due to his age and medical conditions.
Jayden is described as being of Caucasian appearance and about 130cm tall.
He was last seen wearing black ‘Harry Potter’ t-shirt, yellow shorts, black ‘Nike’ shoes and white socks. He had a black and purple scooter with him.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A woman will face court today charged with murder following a fatal domestic-related stabbing in the Hunter region overnight.
About 7.20pm (Saturday 16 January 2021), emergency services were called to a home on Ronald Street, in the Maitland suburb of Tenambit, after reports a man had been injured.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found a 51-year-old man suffering stab wounds to his stomach. Despite the efforts of police and paramedics, the man died at the scene.
A 23- year-old woman, known to the man, was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
A crime scene was established at the home which is being forensically examined. Detectives have commenced an investigation under Strike Force Creekborough.
The woman has since been charged with murder and refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 17 January 2021).