Category: Newcastle News

A police officer has been charged over alleged off-duty assaults in the state’s Hunter Region.
In February, an investigation commenced after a physical altercation between neighbours was reported, which involved an off-duty male police officer.
Their inquiries also uncovered another physical altercation between the off-duty officer and the neighbour’s son, which occurred in December 2019.
Following extensive investigations, the 39-year-old detective senior constable – who is attached to Northern Region – was served a Future Court Attendance Notice yesterday (Tuesday 20 October 2020), for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.
He is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 1 December 2020.
His employment status is currently under review.

Detectives have charged two men over the alleged sexual assaults of two teenage girls in the Hunter region earlier this month.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports two girls, aged 14 and 17, had been physically and sexually assaulted by two unknown men at Glendale on Friday 2 October 2020.
Investigators were told the girls were walking along Frederick Street with two other friends when they were approached by the men, who made threats toward the group before allegedly sexually touching the girls and then allegedly sexually assaulting them.
The girl’s friends went to get help before the 17-year-old girl was able to run to a nearby shop and returned with staff members who assisted the younger girl.
Emergency services were contacted, and the men fled the scene.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Argenton and Williamtown about 6am yesterday (Tuesday 20 October 2020).
During the searches, police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation, as well as cannabis and a cannabis plant, which was located at the Williamtown property.
Two men – aged 19 and 24 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.
The 24-year-old Williamtown man was charged with sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, aggravated sexual intercourse child aged 14-16 years, assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence, intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16, aggravated intentionally do sexual act with child aged 10-16, two counts of incite another to sexually touch them without consent, cultivate prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug.
The 19-year-old Argenton man was charged with aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence, and three counts of intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 21 October 2020).

A woman has been airlifted to hospital after a serious crash at Lake Macquarie this morning.
About 6.15am (Wednesday 21 October 2020), emergency services were called to the M1 at Morisset, following reports a Toyota Hi-Ace van had left the roadway and crashed.
Police were told the Toyota and a Kenworth B-double prime mover were both travelling north when the truck has attempted to change lanes. The Toyota attempted to take evasive action and has lost control causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll.
The Toyota driver, a 36-year-old woman, was trapped for a short time before being released by Fire and Rescue NSW.
She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where she underwent surgery for a fractured arm and head injuries.
The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, was uninjured.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the cause of the crash.
Police are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.

Local business embraced the benefits of new connections and sharing ideas at City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate (SBR) Collaboration Forum.
City of Newcastle brought together the recipients of its latest $935,000 round of SBR funding for the City Centre Darby Street precincts on Thursday at the event, designed to foster business-to-business collaboration and the opportunity to partner and strengthen project concepts.

Special Business Rates are collected by City of Newcastle for the promotion, beautification and development of Newcastle’s business precincts.
The SBR program provides funding for unique and engaging events, activities and creative projects that breathe life into the city centre and encourage people to spend locally.
The forum encouraged cooperation and provided Newcastle’s small business community the opportunity to network and make connections with City of Newcastle staff.
SBR funding recipients shared their project concepts designed to activate public spaces and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for tourism, business and events.
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, Newcastle’s business and creative community adapted and is developing resilience building solutions to ensure the local economy thrives.

Fort Scratchley will reopen to the public six days a week, between 10am and 4pm, from Sunday 1 November.
The community can enjoy a COVIDSafe historical experience with tunnel and gun emplacement tours, daily gun firings at 1pm, and access to external grounds, galleries and static exhibitions each day except Tuesday.
Bookings are not required for free general admission; however, visitors will need to scan a QR code on entry for contact tracing purposes.
Prepaid bookings can be made online for tunnel tours with a maximum of six people per group.
Visit the Fort Scratchley or City of Newcastle websites to learn more about how we are keeping you safe while welcoming you back to the Fort.

Community members are being encouraged to share their visions of how Newcastle Libraries’ spaces and services might be made even better in the future.
City of Newcastle is conducting early engagement to inform the development of a Contemporary Libraries Infrastructure Plan (CLIP) to meet the community’s evolving needs and expectations for libraries for the future.
The Library Satisfaction and Infrastructure Survey opened today and aims to measure current satisfaction levels with the Libraries’ online and branch services, understand expectations around access to help and expert advice, as well as how the community accesses library services both now and into the future, including ideas for co-location and pop-up venues across the city.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said libraries were no longer a place to simply borrow items, but a place to gather and exchange ideas and information, foster lifelong learning and preserve information and culture for future generations.
“Our Libraries are multi-functional community spaces where you can research a history project, borrow the latest books and DVDs on-the-go, and access cutting-edge technology like the 3D printer and digital story wall available at the City’s newest Digital Library at the City Administration Centre,” Cr Nelmes said.
“In addition, the City’s expansive e-Library collection and large range of information and learning databases complement the Newcastle Libraries App and Home Library Service, which means your library is available 24/7 – anytime, anywhere.
“Feedback from this survey will help guide future projects and initiatives in line with Newcastle Libraries’ adopted 10-year strategic plan to 2029, which identifies the need for new and refreshed infrastructure to support the Libraries’ evolution.”
Manager Libraries and Learning, Suzie Gately, said the survey would also identify factors that would encourage people to use library services more often.
“Our aim is to better understand the needs, experiences and behaviours of those who currently use our libraries, as well as those who currently do not but who might in the future,” Ms Gately said.
“This aligns with our strategic plan to create vibrant, safe and active public places for all. So, tell us, what does your library of the future look like?”
The Library Satisfaction and Infrastructure Survey is open until Tuesday 3 November. Visit the website to have your say.

The land surrounding McDonald Jones Stadium will be protected from unchecked residential and commercial hotel development, after NSW Labor successfully amended the Sporting Venues Authority Bill in the NSW Upper House.
The legislation brings together a range of sporting and entertainment venues throughout NSW under a single board, including Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Newcastle Showground.
It also would have allowed the Minister for Sport to single-handedly approve widespread residential and commercial development on Venues NSW land such as the Hunter Sports and Entertainment Precinct.
With support from the crossbench, Labor successfully removed this provision. Any proposal for these developments will now need to be approved by the Parliament.
“This poor attempt by the NSW Government to slip changes through the Parliament under guise of their Venues Bill has been rightly rejected,” Shadow Minister for Sport Lynda Voltz said.
“These changes will ensure sport and the community’s interests will always come first in our sporting precincts.”
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said that parliamentary oversight of future development was necessary to ensure the process remained transparent.
“It’s important that a balance is achieved when the Hunter Sports and Entertainment Precinct redevelopment goes ahead,” he said.
“The last thing anyone wants to see is widespread residential development at the expense of providing the world-class sporting facilities New South Wales’ second-largest city deserves.”
Labor was also successful in securing the establishment of a Hunter advisory committee and the mandated appointment of a Hunter representative on the new Venues NSW board, in critical steps to ensuring the progressing the Hunter Sports and Entertainment Precinct is a top priority for Venues NSW.

A woman was arrested and charged with murder following the suspicious death of 43-year-old New Zealand man, Ian Pullen, two years ago in the Hunter region.
Just after 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street, Glenridding, after a man’s body was located on the side of the road.
The man was later identified as 43-year-old New Zealand firefighter, Ian Pullen, who had arrived in the Hunter region to assist with bushfire efforts.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen’s death.
Following extensive inquiries and numerous public appeals, a 29-year-old man was arrested last week; he was charged and remains before the courts.
After further inquiries, police attended a home on Dominion Avenue, Singleton, and arrested a 30-year-old woman about 9am yesterday (Monday 16 October 2020).
She was taken to Singleton Police Station before being taken to Singleton Hospital under police guard for an existing injury. She later returned to Singleton Police Station and was charged with murder.
Police will allege in court the 29-year-old man was driving a white Toyota Hilux utility when Mr Pullen was struck in the early hours of Saturday 29 September before leaving the scene.
It will be further alleged that the vehicle returned a short time later, with the man and woman exiting the utility and striking Mr Pullen in the head with an object.
The woman was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Tuesday 20 October 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Awabakil are ongoing.

Newcastle Libraries has launched a new program tailored to assist people living with dementia, their families and carers, designed to foster conversation and connection.
The Memory Room uses images and items from the Local History collection to evoke memories and encourage participants to share stories and laughter.
Material and resources are now available to view online and download for free at home, while one-hour, face-to-face sessions facilitated by certified local art therapist, Alice Ropata, will be offered fortnightly from today.
^{Memory Room participants Sarah Greentree-Beddow and her mother Sandra Greentree, program facilitator Alice Ropata and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes recall the 2007 Pasha Bulker Storm.}
According to a 2019 Dementia Australia survey of more than 5,700 participants, including people living with dementia, their families, carers, health and aged care professionals, 96% of respondents believe people do not know what to say to their friend or relative who lives with dementia.
A further 74% of people living with dementia say others have not kept in touch as much as they used to.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle Libraries provided inclusive spaces for the young and old to gather and share stories.
“Fostering connection among the older members of our community is vitally important, and our Libraries are a safe, welcoming zone to facilitate that,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to creating dementia-friendly programs and library spaces. Our library staff have received training through Dementia Australia’s Dementia Friends program, so they feel encouraged to help someone living with dementia remain connected and engaged with their local library and community.”
Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said one of the Memory Room program’s aims was to provide meaningful opportunities for connection while reducing social isolation and breaking down the stigma associated with dementia.
“Dementia affects close to half a million Australians, a number which is set to double in the next 25 years,” Ms Gately said.
“A single photograph can elicit powerful memories that allow us to open up with loved ones and share stories of our past. The Memory Room encourages discussion in a friendly and supportive environment, helping to strengthen and maintain a sense of connection with others.”
Participants and their carers can book Memory Room sessions online via the Newcastle Libraries website. Other library resources can be accessed through the website to borrow, as well as Dementia Australia-led webinars on a range of topics.

Shadow Minister for Sport Lynda Voltz and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp have slammed the Berejiklian Government’s go-slow on the development of the Hunter Sports and Entertainment Precinct, with little progress made three years after the precinct was announced.
In July 2017 the then-Sports Minister Stuart Ayres unveiled a draft concept plan for the redevelopment of the 63-hectare site which included a multi-purpose area, multi-purpose fields and a consolidated sports facility, calling the area “a precinct of global significance”.
Despite repeated calls for the Government to get moving on the project and requests for updates from both the Opposition and the media little information has been provided. During Budget Estimates questioning this year the Government refused to provide a progress timeline, merely stating that it was still consolidating responses from its consultation period.
With Australia today learning it was successful in its bid for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Club, Ms Voltz said that Newcastle deserves the upgraded facilities to support these international events.
“Newcastle is in line to host round matches and a quarter-final, which is fantastic for the entire Hunter region,” she said.
“However world-class events need world-class facilities, and with the World Cup coming the Government needs to get moving.
“It will be disappointing if these upgrades are not finished before the Women’s World Cup, which would showcase Newcastle to the world events market and secure badly-needed jobs for the future.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said that the state’s second largest city deserved premier sports and entertainment facilities.
“It has been a staggering three years since the then-Sports Minister waltzed into Newcastle with some pretty pictures and a draft concept plan for the site, but since then the silence has been deafening,” he said.
“There’s no time like the present to move this forward, particularly with the World Cup on its way and large infrastructure projects critical to post-COVID recovery.
“It’s not good enough to say ‘we’re working it’ – show us what you’ve done, because having so little to show for three years of work does not instil much faith.”