Category: Newcastle News

The most digitally advanced library in NSW is set to open Monday on the ground floor of the City of Newcastle’s new Customer Service Centre in Newcastle West.
The Digital Library offers visitors a range of state-of-the-art digital technologies including a podcasting studio, a 4.5m x 1.6m interactive digital wall that tells the story of local suburbs, as well as videos promoting the city, Google Earth, various live streams and a host of other learning materials.
The Digital Library also includes an industrial 3D printer, a programable robot, and only the second digital multimedia ‘Magic Box’ anywhere in the world, which provides a hands-free way of reading the more than 400,000 items in the City’s Heritage Collections, including about 1,500 rare books.
^{Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Pepper the programmable robot.}
The Digital Library also breaks new ground in terms of the collection on offer. Rather than offer up a single copy of every book as done in a traditional library, the Digital Library stocks up to 10 copies of the latest and most popular books, CDs and DVDs. Older books can be ordered and delivered to the Digital Library for pick-up.
The process of borrowing and returning an item is also fully automated, allowing library staff to dedicate time to enabling digital learning rather than being behind a desk.
Large touch screens offer up digitised copies of more than 6,000 newspapers and magazines from 123 countries around the world.
Tablets and personal computers are available free of charge, as well as free Wi-Fi and online games inspired by literary classics. The entire Newcastle Libraries’ collection is also available for download to your personal device, enabling people to read books from their phones or tablets rather than the traditional approach of borrowing a physical book to carry home.
The Library has been designed so that the space can be quickly converted to a Council Chamber for the twice monthly evening meeting of Councillors.
The ground floor of the Council Administration Centre also features a new Customer Service Centre for residents who need to meet with staff for matters such as development applications. Return visitors will immediately notice the introduction of a concierge service, inspired by Service NSW’s popular one stop shops throughout the state.
The total cost of the Digital Library is $2.8 million and was approved by Council in 2019.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the considered, flexible layout of the CAC’s ground floor made it a brilliant space in which to learn and master new digital technologies that are now available free to everyone young and old alike.
“I’m very pleased to be able to invite the community into this digital space, which completes our transition from the Roundhouse, the old Council administration building which was sold in 2018 and is now just months from becoming the city’s first five-star hotel,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Whether you need to enquire about a DA, speak with a member of the Customer Service team or access the hundreds of thousands of items in the City’s e-Library catalogue, the City Administration Centre offers a seamless experience for you to get the most out of your visit.”
^{(L-R): Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Manager Customer Experience Deborah Moldrich inside the new Digital Library and Customer Service Centre.}
Manager Customer Experience, Deborah Moldrich, said the Customer Experience team was looking forward to sharing the new space with the public.
“We are the first point of contact for the community and we think they’ll love the new, modern digital amenities just as much as we do,” Ms Moldrich said.
Manager Libraries and Learning, Suzie Gately, said the Digital Library space was an innovative exchange for City and Library services.
“The Digital Library forms part of Council’s unanimously supported 2019-2029 Library Strategy to create contemporary and connected library facilities to support lifelong learning, and that’s precisely what we’ve delivered here at 12 Stewart Avenue.
“We are extremely proud to be able to promote our city as having the most digital advanced library in NSW for learning, whether it be for children or adults. Technologies such as the free podcasting studio are about ensuring our community have the digital skills required to secure jobs over the coming years,” Ms Gately said.
Due to COVID-19, customers are encouraged to continue to use phone and digital channels to access support from the Customer Service team and make cashless payments where possible.
Funding of $2,128,835 towards the cost of the project was provided via the 2015 sale of the former Newcastle School of Arts that was dedicated to be used for a new library.
Untimed parking exists within 250 metres of the Digital Library along Parry, Dennison, Station and Warrah Streets.

A motorcyclist has died following a crash near Cessnock yesterday.
About 10.50am (Saturday 5 September 2020), emergency services were called to Great North Road, Wollombi, following reports a motorcyclist and KIA sedan collided.
The rider, a 52 -year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene.
The driver, a 74-year-old man was taken to Cessnock Hospital for mandatory blood and alcohol testing.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the cause of the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A man has been charged after the stolen car he was allegedly driving was involved in a pursuit through the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
About 7.20am (Saturday 5 September 2020), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were alerted to a white Volkswagen Caddy driving in a dangerous manner in Windale.
Police observed the Volkswagen in Merrigum Street and as they approached the vehicle, the driver allegedly accelerated and a pursuit commenced through South and Lake streets, Windale.
The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.
A short time later, the Volkswagen was sighted in Honeyeater Close, Tingira Heights, where the driver again allegedly accelerated from police down McElwee Drive and onto Violet Town Road, before exiting the vehicle and fleeing on foot.
The driver, an 18-year-old man from Gateshed, was located under a vehicle on McElwee Drive and arrested.
Upon searching the man, police allegedly located a hunting knife in his pants.
The man was also breath tested, allegedly returning a positive result.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station, where a subsequent breath analysis allegedly returned a reading of 0.071.
The man was charged with never licensed person drive vehicle on road, low-range drink driving, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, and custody of knife in public place.
He was granted conditional bail to appear in Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 23 September 2020.
Police will allege the car was stolen from a Warners Bay address in the hours before the incident.

A police officer will face court next month following an investigation into an alleged neglect of duty.
In March 2020, an investigation was launched by Northern Region’s Professional Standards into the alleged mishandling of a report of a domestic violence-related incident.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators issued a Court Attendance Notice for neglect of duty to a 38-year-old female senior constable just after 3pm yesterday (Friday 4 September 2020).
The officer, who is attached to a command in the Northern Region, is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 15 October 2020.
The officer’s duty status is currently under review.

A man has been charged with high-range drink driving after allegedly crashing his car into a power pole at Bonnells Bay, in the Lake Macquarie area.
About 4.20pm (Wednesday 2 September 2020), emergency services were called to Princes Street, Bonnells Bay after receiving calls a car had crashed into the pole, bringing down live wires.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District spoke with the driver, a 36-year-old man, who allegedly threatened them.
Police restrained the man and conducted a roadside breath test, which provided a positive result.
The man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where he was subjected to a breath analysis which returned an alleged reading of 0.185.
The man was charged with high-range PCA, driver refuse to disclose identity, drive whilst licence suspended, and resist arrest.
He was released on strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 13 October 2020.

A man will face court today after an alleged unprovoked assault in the Hunter region.
About 8.40am yesterday (Thursday 3 September 2020), a 31-year-old woman was at a shopping complex in Pearson Street, Charlestown, when she was approached by an unknown man who allegedly pulled her hair until she fell to the ground.
It’s further alleged the man yelled at the woman, before he ran away.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, police attended a motel on the Pacific Highway, Charlestown, about 10am the same day.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the motel and taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with common assault and affray.
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Friday 4 September 2020)

Detectives have charged a man over the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the state’s Hunter region last year.
Last month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young girl had been sexually abused by a man known to her.
Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 59-year-old man at a home in Beresfield just after 10am yesterday (Thursday 3 September 2020).
He was charged with three counts of have sexual intercourse with child (between 10 and 14 years), intentionally do sexual act with child (between 10 and 16 years) and two counts of intentionally sexually touch child (between 10 and 16 years).
Police will allege in court that the man sexually assaulted the girl – who was aged between 11 and 12 at the time – on multiple occasions last year.
The man was refused bail and appeared before Raymond Terrace Local Court yesterday (Thursday 3 September 2020), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 28 October 2020.
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.
 

Council voted unanimously to support a trial to extend the trading hours of restaurants in the city until midnight and to 2am for small bars, as proposed in the City of Newcastle’s After Dark Strategy adopted 2 years ago.
Twenty-seven small bars and restaurants have opted into the proposed trial as part of efforts to grow the night time economy and support the hospitality industry recovery from the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions.
Venues include wine bars such as Coal and Cedar, Basement on Market and Big Poppys, as well as iconic restaurants such as Scratchleys, the Edwards, Three Bears Kitchen and the Signal Box.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Newcastle Night-time Economy trial was a collaborative process involving both local and state governments that would allow for an evidence-based understanding of the community’s needs.
“City of Newcastle’s Newcastle After Dark strategy is our plan for creating a safe, vibrant and diverse night-time economy. The Strategy was unanimously endorsed by the Council in November 2018 and supports venues designated as low risk such as small bars to be exempt from current lock-out laws and permitted to trade until 2am.
“The After Dark strategy highlights that the growth of venue diversity is paramount to increasing the appeal of the Newcastle’s night-time economy to demographics who are currently not catered for.
“The trial will begin in October and will allow 27 low impact venues to open later and relax current drinking restrictions to provide a boost to the local hospitality, entertainment and creative sectors.”
“Newcastle’s night-time economy has undergone significant changes over the past 15 years. We acknowledge that for Newcastle to thrive as a diverse and vibrant City, our night-time economy must be strong.
“The hospitality and creative industries have also struggled in the wake of COVID-19 with job losses, income reduction and loss of revenue because of the impacts of Public Health Orders, restrictions to venue capacities and a general reluctance for people to attend public places.
“We hope to see a positive outcome from the trial for these industries through increased night-time economic development, cultural participation and activation in our City.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen successfully moved a resolution to support an Independent inner-city residents’ representative member being appointed to the Committee for Night Time Jobs and Investment.
The Deputy Lord Mayor’s resolution will also see City of Newcastle write to the Minister for Customer Service, the Hon. Victor Dominello MP, requesting the Minister re-instate Newcastle based Liquor Licensing Compliance Officers, to both assist in overseeing proposed licensing regulatory changes, and to gather crucial data throughout the Newcastle Night Time Economy trial.
City of Newcastle together with the Liquor and Gaming NSW, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, Newcastle Tourism Industry Group and the NSW Police have worked together to facilitate the trial relaxation of the current conditions for low risk venues.
Local restaurateur and owner of Scratchleys on the Wharf Neil Slater said the trial is a valuable opportunity to revitalise what the City has to offer after dark.
“These changes to the night-time economy are all part of a revitalised Newcastle precinct. The trial will allow for a more sophisticated Newcastle that has matured and is ready to take our place as one of the great cities of Australia,” Mr Slater said.
“We want to offer visitors and locals alike a truly wonderful city by day or night.”

Two people have been arrested following a pursuit through the Hunter region yesterday.
About 11.40am (Tuesday 1 September 2020), police were patrolling the Pacific Highway at Karuah when they saw a Mitsubishi Triton with false numberplates.
A pursuit was initiated and terminated a short time later due to the manner of driving.
The ute was again seen on Medowie Road and a further pursuit commenced. Road spikes were successfully deployed at Ferodale and the car hit a cement barrier before coming to a stop. Two people in the ute were arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
Police will further allege that couple were involved in an incident on Sunday 30 August 2020 at Bingara where a police officer was injured after he was dragged by a moving vehicle while attempting to prevent the driver from leaving.
The officer fell heavily to the ground receiving head and shoulder injuries and was taken to Warialda Hospital for treatment.
A 24-year-old woman has been charged with multiple offences,
• Police pursuit (Skye’s Law) (two counts)
• Use unregistered vehicle (two counts)
• Use weapon to prevent lawful detention
• Use vehicle displaying misleading number plates (two counts)
• Use unregistered vehicle (two counts), and
• Use uninsured motor vehicle (two counts).
She has also been charged with three outstanding warrants.
The 27-year-old man has been charged with use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention.
They’ve been refused bail and are due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 2 September 2020).

A man and a woman have been charged after they allegedly assaulted and spat on several officers during an incident at Lake Macquarie yesterday.
About 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 1 September 2020), officers attached to the Northern Region Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team and Operation Utah attended a home at Whitebridge to speak with a 29-year-old-man, who was wanted on outstanding warrants.
Police located the man on the footpath and arrested him, allegedly locating a home-made baton concealed in his pants.
A short time later, a 27-year-old woman approached officers, who directed her to move on.
She refused to comply, before allegedly punching a male senior constable in the face. When a male constable came to his colleague’s aid, the woman allegedly struck that officer in the head.
The woman allegedly continued to resist arrest, spitting in the face of a second male senior constable before kicking the male constable in the legs.
Both the man and woman were eventually restrained and taken to Belmont Police Station.
The man was charged with three outstanding warrants, as well as possess offensive implement, resist officer in execution of duty, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and contravene AVO.
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 2 September 2020).
The woman was charged with carry cutting implement, assault officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm and resist officer in execution of duty.
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Friday 25 September 2020.