Category: Newcastle News

A teenager has been charged as investigations continue into the destruction of a school bus in Maitland last week.
Officers attached to the Port Stephens Proactive Crime Team commenced an investigation following reports of damage at a school on Chelmsford Drive, Metford, on the night of Sunday the 15th November 2020.
Police will allege a group of youths were seen on CCTV to scale a security fence about 8pm before approaching a bus, which was locked and parked on the premises.
The group broke into the bus, causing extensive damage, estimated to be in excess of $30,000, by allegedly smashing the dashboard and windows with the vehicle’s emergency hammer, and releasing the contents of a fire extinguisher.
Following inquires, a 13-year-old boy was arrested at a Metford home about 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday 19 November 2020. He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with 11 offences, including;
– Enter prescribed premises of any person without lawful excuse (six counts)
– Enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence
– Behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school
– Destroy or damage property (three counts)
He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Wednesday 16 December 2020.
Investigations are continuing.

City of Newcastle honoured a relationship steeped in history and culture on Thursday ahead of the 40^th anniversary of the Sister City declaration between Newcastle and Ube, Japan.
On 21 November 1980, the City’s first female Lord Mayor, the late Joy Cummings, turned a new page in history as she joined the Mayor of Ube, the late Mr Hideo Futatsugi, to sign the Sister City agreement.
Built upon the burgeoning port harbour cities’ shared industrial backgrounds in coal exports and steel manufacturing, the declaration was and remains today a sign of goodwill, mutual understanding and friendship.
^{Mayor of Ube, Mr Hideo Futatsugi, and Newcastle Lord Mayor Joy Cummings sign the declaration while Town Clerk Barrie Lewis looks on. Image courtesy Newcastle Libraries Local History Collections.}
Over the decades, Newcastle and Ube have developed strong connections in education, youth exchange, economics, sport and art, which were celebrated when the City hosted Consul-General Mr Kiya Masahiko and Consul in Charge of General Affairs and Information and Culture, Mr Shinichi Murata on a diplomatic visit to Newcastle.
Mr Masahiko and Mr Murata were presented with a commemorative book, titled Sister Cities Newcastle and Ube: celebrating 40 years, produced by the City to mark the auspicious occasion.
The Consuls also received a demonstration of a curated, interactive digital story-wall exhibition showcasing the Sister City history at the City Administration Centre’s Digital Library.
^{Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes presents the commemorative book to the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Kiya Masahiko, in front of the digital story-wall exhibition at the City’s Digital Library.}
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes recognised the ongoing significance of this mutually beneficial relationship as both Newcastle and Ube continue to undergo growth and transformation.
“It was Lord Mayor Joy Cummings’ vision, when the declaration was signed, for our two great cities to enjoy lasting friendship, good health and prosperity, and I am proud to say our Sister City ties remain as strong as ever,” Cr Nelmes said.
“While we are living through an unprecedented time due to the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is but another chapter in the history book of our Sister City relationship, as we rise together to overcome adversity as we have done in the past.
“City of Newcastle congratulates Ube City on achieving this joint milestone and looks forward to the continuation of our cities’ relationship over the years to come.”
Sister Cities Newcastle and Ube: celebrating 40 years is available for loan from Newcastle Libraries. A digital version is accessible via the website.

City of Newcastle has completed a 400-metre section of new footpath in front of Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus, and is on track to deliver over two kilometres of new footpath by the end of the financial year.
The $800,000 Jesmond project has replaced previously unpaved sections of nature reserve, making the trip to and from school safer and easier for Callaghan Jesmond’s 700 students.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the footpath upgrade improves the accessibility and liveability of the city.
“City of Newcastle maintains nearly 1,000 kilometres of footpath across the local government area, which is roughly the distance between Newcastle and Melbourne.
“The City’s annual footpath upgrade and maintenance program will deliver over two kilometres of new paths across Newcastle by the end of this financial year, including a 515-metre footpath on Minmi Road, Maryland, and a 200-metre path on Young Road in Lambton.
“This Janet Street upgrade is a significant project which is going to be great for those at Callaghan College and importantly, many residents in this busy part of Jesmond.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen inspected the works with Callaghan College Principal Roger Macey outside campus today and said these types of works are very beneficial for pedestrians and other road users.
“Our focus is on improving public safety through improved infrastructure such as more pedestrian refuges and crossings particularly in high traffic areas such as school zones,” Cr Clausen said.
“It’s great to see these works now complete at Jesmond and I hope it makes life easier for the students and teachers who walk or ride scooters or skateboards to school every day.”
Principal of Callaghan College Roger Macey said the improvements along Janet Street will make it safer for the broader school community.
“The footpath and pedestrian crossing right in front of the school will no doubt make a difference to everyone who comes to Callaghan College, not just our students and teachers.
“These are significant improvements which will be great for us, and I want to congratulate all City of Newcastle staff involved in getting this project planned and delivered.”
For more about pedestrian and traffic improvement projects in your neighbourhood visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

The office of Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon will again be a drop off point for Share the Dignity’s “It’s in the Bag” campaign this year.
Ms Claydon has urged Novocastrians to donate generously to the campaign.
“You can make life better for a woman or girl experiencing homelessness or poverty this Christmas,” Ms Claydon said.
“Just fill a nice bag with sanitary items, hygiene products and everyday luxuries and drop it off to my office at 427 Hunter Street.”
Ms Claydon, who also chairs Federal Labor’s Status of Women Committee, said the donations would be given to women who can’t afford sanitary products.
“Donations will give dignity to homeless women, women who are at risk or women experiencing domestic violence,” Ms Claydon said.
“This is a great opportunity to embrace the spirit of the festive season and give something back.”
Ms Claydon said she wanted to exceed the number of donations she received last year. [pictured with Sharon and Lesley Slevin from Share the Dignity]
“Last year, Novocastrians generously donated more than 50 lovely bags filled with essentials and extra luxury items,” Ms Claydon said.
“I think we can beat this in 2020.”
Ms Claydon said people could make up an adult, a teen or a mum and bub bag.
“Cute small bags or backpacks are great for teen bags, and you can fill them with sanitary items and extras that are more likely to appeal to younger women,” Ms Claydon said.
“For mums and bubs, use a large bag and fill it with things like disposable nappy bags, baby wipes,  along with women’s sanitary items.
“If you like, you can also put in something extra like jewellery, gift vouchers or make up.”
Donations will be accepted until November 27.

A man has been charged after allegedly stealing cowboy hats worth almost $10,000.
About 5.30am on Tuesday 27 October 2020, the man allegedly broke into a business in Kelly Street, Scone. The man was observed loading various brands of ‘country and cowboy’ hats into a wheelie bin, before leaving the scene.
The hats, made of straw and felt, sell for an estimated $250-$300 each.
At 1pm this afternoon (17 November 2020) a 32-year-old man was arrested by officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District. He was taken to Tamworth police station, where he was charged with break/enter dwelling and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
The Taminda man was bail refused and appeared today (17 November 2020) at Tamworth Local Court.

A 22-year-old man will face Court tomorrow after being charged following an incident where two police officers were injured when their police vehicle was allegedly rammed at Lake Macquarie.
About 5.00pm (Thursday 12 November 2020), plain clothes officers from Lake Macquarie Police District driving an unmarked police vehicle attempted to stop a Nissan Patrol 4WD on Lake Street, Windale.
Once both vehicles stopped, the driver of the Nissan Patrol allegedly reversed and crashed into the front end of the police vehicle before driving away.
Officers followed the Nissan into nearby Belar Avenue, where the Nissan stopped in the middle of the roadway and again allegedly reversed into the front of the police vehicle, causing extensive damage, thus disabling the police vehicle. The Nissan Patrol then drove off.
Both officers received minor injuries and were treated at the scene by Ambulance paramedics before being transported to John Hunter Hospital for treatment. They have both since been released from hospital.
Detectives from the Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation and later located a white Nissan Patrol at Belmont North. The vehicle has been seized for forensic examination.
Police later conducted a search warrant on a unit in Belmont North and seized a number of items which will be subject of further investigation.
Following inquiries, about 2.50pm this afternoon (Friday 13 November 2020) officers from Lake Macquarie Police District stopped a silver Hyundai Getz on Sparks Road, Warnervale.
Police arrested the front seat passenger in the vehicle, a 22-year-old man from Belmont North.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and later charged with four offences, including

• Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
• Drive whilst disqualified
• Use unregistered registrable vehicle
• Use vehicle with unauthorised number plate

He was refused bail and will appear before Newcastle Local Court on Saturday 14 November 2020.

The Marine Area Command has safely returned three yachtsmen to land following a joint search and rescue (SAR) operation more than 220nm off the coast of NSW this week.
Just after 10pm on Monday (9 November 2020), a ‘MayDay’ distress call was received from Solar Coaster, an 11.5m yacht, which had been de-masted about 100nm west of Lord Howe Island.
Authorities were informed the mast had hit the hull of the vessel, but no damage had been sustained, nor were there any injuries to the three men – aged 64, 63 and 61 – who were on board.
The NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) subsequently launched a SAR operation to locate the yacht and bring the men back to shore.
About 10.30am on Tuesday (10 November 2020), AMSA launched a Challenger jet and dropped fuel, supplies, and a satellite phone, which enabled contact between the SAR crews and the yachtsmen.
The Marine Area Command subsequently launched a police vessel, which met up with the Solar Coaster on Thursday (12 November 2020).
Following a safety assessment, the police vessel connected a towline to the yacht and commenced a 200nm journey back to the NSW coast.
Despite facing some unfavourable weather and sea conditions – which at times restricted their speed to just 4kn – both vessels arrived safety at Nelson Bay just before 10.30am today (Saturday 14 November 2020).
After 5 days at sea, the fatigued men were reunited with family members shortly after docking at Port Stephens Water Police.
For more information about the work of the NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NSWPoliceMAC/

A driver has died in a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter region overnight.
About 11:55pm (Friday 13 November 2020), emergency services were called to Anambah Road, near the New England Highway at Rutherford, after reports a vehicle had left the road and crashed.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found the vehicle alight. NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze.
The driver and sole occupant was confirmed deceased. They are yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene was established, and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
As inquiries continue, any witnesses or anyone who may have dash cam vision is urged to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A woman has been charged following an alleged road-rage incident in Newcastle earlier today.
About 6.20am (Friday 13 November 2020), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Hunter Street, Newcastle, following reports a pedestrian had been hit and several vehicles had damaged by a white Ford utility.
Police will allege in court a 29-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man had been involved in an earlier argument nearby before the man left in a golden Holden Barina.
It’s further alleged the Ford utility rammed the Holden several times in surrounding streets before hitting the mand on Hunter Street and fleeing the scene.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment for a minor arm injury.
No one else was injured during the incident.
The Ford utility was located abandoned on King Street and it has been seized for forensic examination.
Following extensive inquiries, officers from the Newcastle City Proactive Crime Team attended licensed premises on Hunter Street and arrested a 29-year-old woman.
She was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, not give particulars to other driver and possess prohibited drug.
The Newcastle woman has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court later today (Friday 13 November 2020).
As police continue their inquiries, officers are urging anyone who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident to contact police.