Category: Newcastle News

Two people will face court today charged over the alleged detainment and assault of a woman in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.
About 11.30pm on Wednesday (14 October 2020), a 20-year-old woman, who has an intellectual disability, was travelling as a passenger in a car on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown, when it stopped at a red light near Ferris Street.
A Hyundai Elantra sedan pulled up alongside and the occupants of the vehicle – who are known to the woman – allegedly grabbed her and forced her into their car before driving off.
While she was being detained in the sedan, the woman was allegedly repeatedly assaulted and had her credit cards stolen.
Police will allege in court that the car drove to George Booth Drive at West Wallsend before it stopped and one of the passengers, a 38-year-old woman, dragged the 20-year-old woman out of the car and continued to assault her on the street.
She was then forced back into the car before she was driven to a home in Windale a short time later.
It’s further alleged that while at the home, the 20-year-old woman was forced into the shower and repeatedly assaulted while being filmed.
Officers from Parramatta Police Area Command were notified after the vision was put on social media, before officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation.
Investigators attended the home at Windale, where NSW Ambulance paramedics were treating the 20-year-old woman. She was then taken to Belmont Hospital in a stable condition.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Box Place, Gateshead, about 7.30am yesterday (Thursday 15 October 2020).
Several items relevant to the investigation, including a Hyundai Elantra sedan, were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A short time later, a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were arrested at the property and taken to Belmont Police Station.
The man was charged with nine offences, including:

• robbery in company,
• take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage,
• two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm,
• two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm,
• film person in private act without consent, and
• two counts of contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO.

The woman was charged with seven offences, including:

• robbery in company,
• take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage,
• two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm,
• two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, and
• film person in private act without consent.

Both were refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Friday 16 October 2020).
Investigations are continuing.

Police have charged a second man with 20 offences as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged break, enter and steal offences in the state’s Hunter region.
Last month, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District’s Proactive Crime Team commenced an investigation after reports of property offences occurring in the Dora Creek and Cooranbong areas.
Following extensive inquiries, with assistance from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, three search warrants were executed on Tuesday (13 October 2020), at properties in Woongarah, Morriset and Sunshine.
During the warrants, investigators seized a number of items, believed to be stolen, including six motorcycles, camping equipment, protective motorcycle clothing, a NSW Police uniform, 30 cannabis plants, cocaine, an electronic stun device, fireworks, ammunition and a replica pistol.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the Woongarah property and taken to Wyong Police Station, where he was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime, two counts of possess prohibited drug, possess prohibited plant, cultivate prohibited plant, handle explosive without authorising licence and possess unauthorised firearm.
The man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Wyong Local Court on Wednesday 4 November 2020.
Following further inquiries, an 18-year-old man was arrested at Toronto Police Station just before 5.30pm yesterday (Friday 16 October 2020).
He was charged with 20 offences;

• four counts of aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence,
• two counts of steal trailer,
• four counts of steal motor vehicle,
• two counts of larceny,
• enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse,
• possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit,
• two counts of possess prohibited drug,
• deal with property proceeds of crime,
• supply prohibited drug,
• possess ammunition without holding licence/permit, and
• not police officer wear police uniform.

The Sunshine man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 17 October 2020).
Investigations continue.

a woman was allegedly detained and assaulted in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.
Two people – a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman – have been arrested and charged to face Belmont Local Court later today (Friday 16 October 2020).

Following a meeting of the Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce, City of Newcastle will meet with the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation, and Regional NSW to explore the possibility of using sand from the south arm of the Hunter River to replenish Stockton Beach.
Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group Barbara Whitcher spoke in support of the initiative at the meeting earlier this week.
“It’s encouraging to hear through the Taskforce the potential for relocating sand from the Hunter River to Stockton for short-term sand replenishment. This news was received well at today’s Stockton Community Liaison Group Meeting and we look forward to further updates.”

This progress is in keeping with The City’s work to access the initial sand for a beach nourishment campaign as approved in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020.

The news from the Taskforce meeting also coincides with a decision from the City to use ‘Kyowa Rock Bags’ as emergency works in place of existing sandbagging at the northern end of Stockton Beach.

The City’s investment in this technology is expected to offset the need for ongoing emergency response at Barrie Crescent and for the two buried terminal protection structures (Stone Street and Griffith Avenue) as approved in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020, saving the community $2.45 million and buying time for the Taskforce to achieve mass sand nourishment.

The rock bags are a patented flexible mesh product used for erosion protection which are more durable and sturdier than traditional sandbags. Initially, they will be assembled off site at the Ballast Ground in Stockton, before being installed at the Barrie Crescent section of beach.

The bags will provide up to 15 years protection which allows for a window of time in which mass offshore sand nourishment can be achieved, as outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Taskforce was making positive progress on achieving mass sand nourishment for Stockton Beach.

“It’s encouraging that the Taskforce is making headway on finding suitable sand sources for mass nourishment at Stockton Beach and we’re optimistic about the potential Hunter River south arm opportunity.

“Since June last year City of Newcastle has spent more than $3 million on emergency works associated with protecting coastal assets and property from erosion at Stockton Beach, including sandbagging and safety measures.

City of Newcastle’s Acting CEO Ken Liddell said that in the meantime, the rock bags will be a significant improvement on the sandbags currently in place.

“The innovative rock bag technology to be used at Stockton Beach will provide a range of benefits, not the least to provide further protection for the community and offsetting ongoing reactive emergency, and capital works costs.

“Upgrading the emergency protection to rock bags will provide greater protection to coastal properties while allowing City of Newcastle to reinstate a passive recreational area at Barrie Crescent Reserve,” Mr Liddell said.

The rock bags will be placed in the same location as existing sandbags, along the Barrie Crescent frontage from the northern end of the Mitchel Street seawall at Stone Street to Griffiths Avenue road extension.

City of Newcastle has also confirmed it will complete three coastal management programs (CMP) in 2021, including an updated Stockton CMP, a Newcastle Southern Beaches CMP taking into account the area between the southern Harbour Breakwater to Glenrock, and an Hunter Estuary CMP completed in partnership with Port Stephens and Maitland councils. The revised Stockton CMP will take into account the roughly three kilometre section of coastline north of Meredith Street not included in the Stockton CMP 2020, and include additional studies which were not possible to be completed prior to the NSW Government’s shortened 2020 deadline.

Community engagement on the CMPs is expected to commence in early 2021.

Thirty-one events, activations and initiatives to re-energise Newcastle and boost the COVID disrupted local economy, have received a $1.1 million cash injection from City of Newcastle’s Events Sponsorship and Special Business Rate programs.
Festivals of comedy, sailing and beer, spectacular park lighting, and virtual tours to entice people to explore the city’s history and creative culture, have received well needed financial support aimed at stimulating the local economy.
Fifteen projects that promote, beautify and develop the City Centre and Darby Street have shared in a pool more than $930,000 under the Special Business Program, while a further 16 events and activations have received $177,000 from the Event Sponsorship Program.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the funding will help activate public spaces and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for tourism, business and events.
“Not only will businesses stand to reap substantial economic gains from the unique and engaging events and activities funded, the projects will breathe life into the city centre and encourage people to spend locally.”
“These funding programs are more important than ever in the wake of COVID-19 and its unprecedented economic and social impacts on our community.
“COVID-19 has caused major disruption to the city’s vibrant event calendar, so it’s heartening to see this financial boost go towards reinvigorating COVID-safe sporting, cultural and entertainment events that will attract visitors to Newcastle.”
After a cancelled 2020 event due to COVID-19 restrictions, Newcastle’s Sailfest will be back for a special regatta on the harbour and celebration of all things sailing in April next year.
“Newcastle Harbour provides a perfect stage for people on the Foreshore to see everything from Olympic-class boats in action through to model yacht racing,” Newcastle Yacht Club CEO Paul O’Rourke said.
“We are grateful to receive financial support that enables us to continue this event in 2021.  Sailfest brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the sport of sailing and enjoy the beauty of our harbour.”
Festive cheer will sweep the city centre in December with a life-size Christmas tree maze set to pop up in Civic Park and Santa flying in from the North Pole for a week of free family photos.
“Local businesses will be hoping for a strong Christmas trade to see off what has been a tough year for the retail and hospitality sectors.  By providing fun, playful and free family activities in the City Centre we’re expecting a positive flow on effect to our unique hospitality and retail traders while also providing jobs for people working in the events and entertainment sector,” Enigma Newcastle Managing Director Peter Chapman said.
SPECIAL BUSINESS RATE FUNDED PROJECTS 
Live Spots – City-wide initiative to establish live music ‘spots’, creating ambiance and passer-by entertainment for business precincts; creating income and promotion opportunities for local musicians.
Creative Newcastle - An ambitious project to bolster Newcastle’s arts, business and night-time economy sector, through digital development, data collation, promotion and events.
City Lights for Social Change - Permanent lighting array for Civic Park creating a spectacular lightscape to attract people to walk from and through Hunter and King Street, Civic Park to Darby Street.
Discover Newcastle Mobile Adventures - A digital app-based treasure hunt game designed to bring families, tourists, school and social groups into the city centre and promote foot traffic to different landmarks and highlights of the city’s business precinct.
Made In Newcastle - A city-wide undertaking in collaboration with local businesses, regional tourism, and Newcastle’s vibrant arts community to run a series of events over many months in 2020 – 2021.
Newcastle Food Month - month-long project promoting what makes Newcastle and the surrounding precincts a gastronomic playground.
Archaeology Alive Walking Tour - showcasing archaeological excavations undertaken in the Newcastle and Darby Street SBR area, and delivered through the City of Newcastle App.
UP&UP Street Art Workshops – Create Your Space - will activate Wheeler Place with interactive street art workshops and live painting exhibitions during the New Annual Festival in February 2021.
Christmas in the City - will activate spaces in the City Centre and Darby St, attracting people to the areas prior to Christmas and encourage people to spend at local businesses
The Little Green - is a celebration of nature, music, giving and community in the form of a space-making installation in the Hunter Street Mall area.
Newcastle Food Month Marketing Campaign – HUNTERhunter in collaboration with the Newcastle Food Month, will undertake a 3-month multi-faceted digital and traditional media campaign to promote the Newcastle Food Month Festival.
Chalk the Walk, Newcastle - 3D artwork trail in key City Centre and Darby Street outdoor locations.
“Created in Newcastle” by The Real Film Festival 2020 - will deliver new ways of reconnecting film, arts and culture across city precinct businesses to strengthen the Newcastle business sector.
Open House Newcastle - is an immersive installation, to be located at the old Newcastle Station, inviting the community to walk through spaces entirely created by, and using local retailer products.
Makers & Traders Newcastle - “Project 360” will use virtual tours and podcasts to enable visitors and locals to experience Newcastle’s creative offering; encouraging bookings, sales and connection through an integrated checkout.  A beautifully designed Treasure Map will make the navigation of creative opportunities and experiences easier for visitors and locals alike.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP RECIPIENTS  
Surfing the Spectrum – will provide autistic children and their families support to come to the beach and participate in 30 minute surfing lessons.
Australian Walking & Cycling Conference – exploring the potential for walking and cycling to not only provide for transport and recreation, but as solutions to the challenges of liveability, health, community building, economic development and sustainability.
Bloody Long Walk – 35km walk through Newcastle finishing at Newcastle Beach, raising money for the MTIO Foundation.
Celebration of Cricket – two major junior cricket carnivals attracting participants from around NSW, in support of junior sport and visitation for participants and their families to Newcastle.
King of Concrete – Australia’s premier skateboarding bowl competition at Bar Beach Skate Park.
Sailfest – The second annual SailFest Newcastle Regatta will incorporate the prestigious TP52 Gold Cup, iconic ‘Cock of the Harbour’ race and historic Newcastle Harbour Regatta, offshore yacht racing and inshore activities such as Olympic Class dinghy and keelboat racing, along with TrySailing events for junior sailors and families.
Newcastle Comedy Festival – 2 week non-stop comedy celebration featuring international stars, homegrown legends and next-big-things across 22 shows utilising a range of local venues.
Junior Theatre Australia – week-long festival including student workshops, professional development, celebrity performances, pilot workshops, award ceremonies and performances of new theatrical works.
Newcastle Show – a centre ring show of livestock parades, show jumping and attractions such as fireworks, agriculture pavilion with displays and judging, exhibition centre; show bag and sideshow alley with carnival rides, games and shopping.
Girls Day Out – Multisport participation event focused on building the interest and participation of girls in a variety of sports, particularly those traditionally dominated by male participants.
Australian Water Polo League – support for the Hunter Hurricanes home games at Lambton Pool and a unique event at Queens Wharf allowing water polo to be played in Newcastle Harbour.
Newcastle Jets Women – support for the Newcastle Jets W-League campaign, with their home matches played from No 2 Sportsground for the upcoming season.
T20 Bash - short form cricket competition held across multiple venues around the City; hosting visiting teams to compete against local clubs over the summer.
New Run – Newcastle’s premier running festival, now in its 15th year, offers runners a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2km events along Newcastle’s coastal and harbour shorelines.
Newcastle Beer Fest – celebration of independent craft beer, featuring 35 brewers from across Australia, hosted at Foreshore Park and including a range of entertainment offerings in the salute to beer.
By Hook and by Cook - Newcastle will be the place to catch, buy, eat, cook and enjoy seafood as part of an inclusive and collaborative event to celebrate and highlight the Newcastle seafood industry.

A man has been 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 at Newcastle Police Station about 10am today (Wednesday 14 October 2020).
He was charged with murder, dangerous driving occasioning death and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court later today (Wednesday 14 October 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Awabakil are ongoing.

City of Newcastle is aware of an incident at Newcastle Ocean Baths changerooms yesterday afternoon where police have charged a man with two counts of ‘intentionally do sexual act with child between 10 and 16, carry out sexual act with another without consent and willful and obscene exposure.’
While planning, assessments and consultation on the upgrade to Newcastle Ocean Baths’ pavilion continues, the community can be assured that accessibility and safety will remain at the forefront of any future design.
Recent examples of environmental design meeting accessibility and crime prevention standards include the upgrades to public amenities at Blackbutt Reserve, Lambton Park and to Nobbys Surf Pavilion.

Thirty-one events, activations and initiatives to re-energise Newcastle and boost the COVID disrupted local economy, have received a $1.1 million cash injection from City of Newcastle’s Events Sponsorship and Special Business Rate programs.
Festivals of comedy, sailing and beer, spectacular park lighting, and virtual tours to entice people to explore the city’s history and creative culture, have received well needed financial support aimed at stimulating the local economy.
Fifteen projects that promote, beautify and develop the City Centre and Darby Street have shared in a pool more than $930,000 under the Special Business Program, while a further 16 events and activations have received $177,000 from the Event Sponsorship Program.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the funding will help activate public spaces and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for tourism, business and events.
“Not only will businesses stand to reap substantial economic gains from the unique and engaging events and activities funded, the projects will breathe life into the city centre and encourage people to spend locally.”
“These funding programs are more important than ever in the wake of COVID-19 and its unprecedented economic and social impacts on our community.
“COVID-19 has caused major disruption to the city’s vibrant event calendar, so it’s heartening to see this financial boost go towards reinvigorating COVID-safe sporting, cultural and entertainment events that will attract visitors to Newcastle.”
After a cancelled 2020 event due to COVID-19 restrictions, Newcastle’s Sailfest will be back for a special regatta on the harbour and celebration of all things sailing in April next year.
“Newcastle Harbour provides a perfect stage for people on the Foreshore to see everything from Olympic-class boats in action through to model yacht racing,” Newcastle Yacht Club CEO Paul O’Rourke said.
“We are grateful to receive financial support that enables us to continue this event in 2021.  Sailfest brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the sport of sailing and enjoy the beauty of our harbour.”
Festive cheer will sweep the city centre in December with a life-size Christmas tree maze set to pop up in Civic Park and Santa flying in from the North Pole for a week of free family photos.
“Local businesses will be hoping for a strong Christmas trade to see off what has been a tough year for the retail and hospitality sectors.  By providing fun, playful and free family activities in the City Centre we’re expecting a positive flow on effect to our unique hospitality and retail traders while also providing jobs for people working in the events and entertainment sector,” Enigma Newcastle Managing Director Peter Chapman said.
SPECIAL BUSINESS RATE FUNDED PROJECTS 
Live Spots – City-wide initiative to establish live music ‘spots’, creating ambiance and passer-by entertainment for business precincts; creating income and promotion opportunities for local musicians.
Creative Newcastle - An ambitious project to bolster Newcastle’s arts, business and night-time economy sector, through digital development, data collation, promotion and events.
City Lights for Social Change - Permanent lighting array for Civic Park creating a spectacular lightscape to attract people to walk from and through Hunter and King Street, Civic Park to Darby Street.
Discover Newcastle Mobile Adventures - A digital app-based treasure hunt game designed to bring families, tourists, school and social groups into the city centre and promote foot traffic to different landmarks and highlights of the city’s business precinct.
Made In Newcastle - A city-wide undertaking in collaboration with local businesses, regional tourism, and Newcastle’s vibrant arts community to run a series of events over many months in 2020 – 2021.
Newcastle Food Month - month-long project promoting what makes Newcastle and the surrounding precincts a gastronomic playground.
Archaeology Alive Walking Tour - showcasing archaeological excavations undertaken in the Newcastle and Darby Street SBR area, and delivered through the City of Newcastle App.
UP&UP Street Art Workshops – Create Your Space - will activate Wheeler Place with interactive street art workshops and live painting exhibitions during the New Annual Festival in February 2021.
Christmas in the City - will activate spaces in the City Centre and Darby St, attracting people to the areas prior to Christmas and encourage people to spend at local businesses
The Little Green - is a celebration of nature, music, giving and community in the form of a space-making installation in the Hunter Street Mall area.
Newcastle Food Month Marketing Campaign – HUNTERhunter in collaboration with the Newcastle Food Month, will undertake a 3-month multi-faceted digital and traditional media campaign to promote the Newcastle Food Month Festival.
Chalk the Walk, Newcastle - 3D artwork trail in key City Centre and Darby Street outdoor locations.
“Created in Newcastle” by The Real Film Festival 2020 - will deliver new ways of reconnecting film, arts and culture across city precinct businesses to strengthen the Newcastle business sector.
Open House Newcastle - is an immersive installation, to be located at the old Newcastle Station, inviting the community to walk through spaces entirely created by, and using local retailer products.
Makers & Traders Newcastle - “Project 360” will use virtual tours and podcasts to enable visitors and locals to experience Newcastle’s creative offering; encouraging bookings, sales and connection through an integrated checkout.  A beautifully designed Treasure Map will make the navigation of creative opportunities and experiences easier for visitors and locals alike.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP RECIPIENTS  
Surfing the Spectrum – will provide autistic children and their families support to come to the beach and participate in 30 minute surfing lessons.
Australian Walking & Cycling Conference – exploring the potential for walking and cycling to not only provide for transport and recreation, but as solutions to the challenges of liveability, health, community building, economic development and sustainability.
Bloody Long Walk – 35km walk through Newcastle finishing at Newcastle Beach, raising money for the MTIO Foundation.
Celebration of Cricket – two major junior cricket carnivals attracting participants from around NSW, in support of junior sport and visitation for participants and their families to Newcastle.
King of Concrete – Australia’s premier skateboarding bowl competition at Bar Beach Skate Park.
Sailfest – The second annual SailFest Newcastle Regatta will incorporate the prestigious TP52 Gold Cup, iconic ‘Cock of the Harbour’ race and historic Newcastle Harbour Regatta, offshore yacht racing and inshore activities such as Olympic Class dinghy and keelboat racing, along with TrySailing events for junior sailors and families.
Newcastle Comedy Festival – 2 week non-stop comedy celebration featuring international stars, homegrown legends and next-big-things across 22 shows utilising a range of local venues.
Junior Theatre Australia – week-long festival including student workshops, professional development, celebrity performances, pilot workshops, award ceremonies and performances of new theatrical works.
Newcastle Show – a centre ring show of livestock parades, show jumping and attractions such as fireworks, agriculture pavilion with displays and judging, exhibition centre; show bag and sideshow alley with carnival rides, games and shopping.
Girls Day Out – Multisport participation event focused on building the interest and participation of girls in a variety of sports, particularly those traditionally dominated by male participants.
Australian Water Polo League – support for the Hunter Hurricanes home games at Lambton Pool and a unique event at Queens Wharf allowing water polo to be played in Newcastle Harbour.
Newcastle Jets Women – support for the Newcastle Jets W-League campaign, with their home matches played from No 2 Sportsground for the upcoming season.
T20 Bash - short form cricket competition held across multiple venues around the City; hosting visiting teams to compete against local clubs over the summer.
New Run – Newcastle’s premier running festival, now in its 15th year, offers runners a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2km events along Newcastle’s coastal and harbour shorelines.
Newcastle Beer Fest – celebration of independent craft beer, featuring 35 brewers from across Australia, hosted at Foreshore Park and including a range of entertainment offerings in the salute to beer.
By Hook and by Cook - Newcastle will be the place to catch, buy, eat, cook and enjoy seafood as part of an inclusive and collaborative event to celebrate and highlight the Newcastle seafood industry.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Lake Macquarie region this morning.
About 5.15am (Tuesday 13 October 2020), emergency services were called to the M1, near Palmers Road, at Freemans Waterhole, following reports a car had left the road and rolled down an embankment.
On arrival, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District located the driver and single occupant of the vehicle, a man, deceased. He has not been formally identified.
A crime scene was established, and investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As investigations continue, any witnesses or anyone with dash cam vision is urged to come forward.
Traffic diversions remain in place – visit www.livetraffic.com for more information.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing boy from the Hunter region.
Connor Fitzsimmons, aged 12, was last seen leaving a home and riding his scooter on Kookaburra Street, Woodberry, about 11.10am yesterday (Monday 12 October 2020).
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were contacted and have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to his age and a medical condition.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140cm tall, with a thin build and dark brown faded hair. He was last seen wearing a camouflage cap, a grey hooded jumper, black jeans and black ‘Nike’ runners.
He is known to frequent the Wallsend and Newcastle areas.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.