A pedestrian has died after being hit by a truck in the Hunter region this morning.
Just after 7am (Wednesday 29 April 2020), emergency services were called to Lang Street, Kurri Kurri, following reports that a man had been hit by a truck.
The man, believed to be aged in his 70s, was unable to be revived and died at the scene.
The male truck driver has been taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have established a crime scene, with Lang Street currently closed between Mitchell Avenue and Greta Street.
The road is expected to be closed for some time as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam vision, is urged to contact police.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
18 ORGANISATIONS BENEFIT FROM $300,000 OF COMMUNITY BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
Newcastle Meals on Wheels will soon have an improved ability to provide for its clients after receiving a $20,526 NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant.
The not-for-profit organisation joins 17 others sharing in $300,000 from the 2019 round of the program.
Other beneficiaries include the St Vincent de Paul Society, who will receive $30,000 for renewable energy provision at its Matthew Talbot Centre and associated transitional housing properties, and Mayfield United Junior Soccer Football Club who will upgrade their changerooms to be more user-friendly with a $20,000 grant.
“These organisations work hard for their communities, so I’m thrilled that they were successful with their applications,” Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said.
“It was very competitive process, which only highlights the calibre of the people within these organisations and wonderful contributions they make to Newcastle.”
Newcastle Meals on Wheels General Manager Damien Isaacs said the support was a godsend.
“Our Catering Kitchen pushes out well over 5000 meals a week and that takes a huge toll on our cooking equipment,” he said.
“We plan to upgrade our combi-therm oven and our Hobart mixer with this support, and it is well-timed for us as the pandemic increases dependence on our service and also multiplies the strain on old equipment.
“In order to support the most vulnerable in our community and keep prices affordable, we depend heavily on support like this.”
ALL KNOWN ASBESTOS TO BE REMOVED FROM NEWCASTLE EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL
All known asbestos is due to be removed from Newcastle East Public School buildings by the end of the year, in a win for the school community.
The calls for asbestos removal were launched by State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and the school community earlier this year, after it was revealed on the first day of Term 1 that friable asbestos had been found in the school’s heritage building during its renovation over the summer holidays.
The Department’s action on this was queried through recent Budget Estimates, where Mr Crakanthorp asked several questions through the Upper House.
In response, it was confirmed that all known asbestos will be progressively removed from buildings by the end of 2020, while artificial turf will be laid on already-encapsulated asbestos in the school playground.
In addition, Mr Crakanthorp’s questioning revealed that $1.4 million has been spent on removing asbestos from the school to 25 March 2020, while almost $150,000 has been spent on replacing potentially contaminated and subsequently destroyed library books and sports equipment.
“This is a big win for the Newcastle East school community, and after the start to the year they had it will be very welcome,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“I need to thank Minister Sarah Mitchell for acting on mine and the parents’ calls to have the known asbestos removed from this school.
“Ultimately what we needed was some peace of mind for this community, and I’m thrilled that the parent body and I have been able to work together to achieve this.”
Gravesites graffitied – Tuncurry
Police are appealing for public assistance after several gravesites were damaged by graffiti at a cemetery on the Mid North Coast.
This morning (Friday 24 April 2020), officers from Manning-Great Lakes Police District were called to a cemetery on The Lakes Way, Tuncurry, following reports of damage to several headstones.
Police arrived and located at least a dozen gravesites damaged by white spray paint.
Detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident.
Police believe the damage occurred sometime between 11am yesterday (Thursday 23 April) and 9am today (Friday 24 April).
Police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Forster and Tuncurry areas between these times, anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam vision, or who may have any information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Taree Police Station on 6552 0399 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Man charged after allegedly spitting at officer – Hunter region
A man has been charged after spitting at a police officer at a home in the Hunter region yesterday.
About 10.30am (Wednesday 22 April 2020), an officer from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Berkley Street, Stroud, to speak to the occupants about a domestic violence related incident.
Police spoke to a 29-year-old man at the home and were refused entry. As the senior constable walked away, he was allegedly spat on.
The man was arrested and during a search of the home, a 32-year-old woman was located inside.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic), and assault officer in execution of duty.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 23 April 2020).
City welcomes State Government progress on sand nourishment for Stockton
City of Newcastle has welcomed a long-term plan to address erosion at Stockton Beach using large-scale sand nourishment.
Councils across NSW are preparing plans to manage coastal areas in line with the NSW Government’s Coastal Management Act 2016, with City of Newcastle working through COVID-19 isolation arrangements to meet an early deadline of 30 June 2020.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a range of options would be considered, with sand nourishment the primary driver in line with community feedback and the support of the Deputy Premier’s new Stockton Taskforce.
“The Deputy Premier’s decision to form a Stockton Erosion Taskforce means City of Newcastle can outline a long-term plan based on sand nourishment, knowing the NSW Government is working in tandem with us to help cut the red tape and get suitable sand on the beach.
“The Taskforce takes some uncertainty out of the long-term planning for Stockton given the support provided to source suitable sand to replenish the beach and overcome regulatory hurdles across various government departments.
“The overwhelming call from the community is for a sandy beach where coastal roads, houses, parks and services are protected, and no more historical pollution is exposed through erosion. This will be reflected in our Coastal Management Program (CMP)
“The Taskforce outcomes to date will be included in the CMP. This progress is welcome news for the city and community.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro visited Stockton with the Lord Mayor in March to announce the cross-departmental Taskforce to address erosion.
A spokesperson from the Deputy Premier’s office, provided a Taskforce update on the work underway to identify sand sources at the recent virtual Stockton Community Liaison Group meeting.
“There is some desktop work that’s already been done by the Department of Resources and Geoscience in terms of identifying areas where there might be suitable sand,” the spokesperson advised during the online video conference.
“There’s some good work which has been done by the department over the years, and they hope that by the end of this month they’ll have a very good idea as to where the best locations might be for investigation as source sand that would potentially be suitable for replenishment of Stockton Beach.”
Development of terms of reference and resource commitments for the Taskforce was underway and Mr Barilaro’s office also confirmed that discussions had begun to determine the necessary approvals to change the placement area, for the currently dredged sand from Newcastle Harbour, as a short-term measure to better replenish Stockton Beach near the Surf Life Saving Club.
A draft Coastal Management Program for Stockton will be on public exhibition from 13 May to 10 June, with all residents encouraged to have their say.
Woman charged after allegedly assaulting and spitting at officer – Lake Macquarie
A woman has been charged after spitting at a police officer following a vehicle stop in Lake Macquarie yesterday.
About 7.40am (Tuesday 21 April 2020), an officer attached to Lake Macquarie Highway Patrol stopped a Subaru Forester on Anzac Parade, Teralba, for the purpose of a random breath test.
Police spoke to the driver, a 30-year-old man, who initially refused to undergo both a drug and alcohol test.
The passenger, a 20-year-old woman, exited the vehicle and became verbally abusive. After being warned to maintain social distance, the woman is alleged to have struck the officer in the chest before she spat at him.
Further police attended to assist, and the driver was subjected to roadside drug test, returning a positive detection for cannabis.
He was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station for a secondary test which also returned a positive result, the sample has been sent for analysis.
This morning (Wednesday 22 April 2020), the woman was issued a court attendance notice for two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, and one count each of resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school, and intimidate police officer in execution of duty.
She is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 4 August 2020.
A one-year-old child was also in the vehicle at the time and a child-at-risk notification has been submitted to the Department of Family and Community Services.
Missing man located – Lake Macquarie
A missing Lake Macquarie man has been located safe and well.
The 59-year-old Macquarie Hills man was reported missing early this morning by members of his family.
About 2pm today (Wednesday 22 April 2020), a member of the public located the man at Merewether Beach after seeing the public appeal in relation to his whereabouts.
Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
City's COVID-19 support rolled out quickly
Eight charitable organisations supporting vulnerable Novocastrians have shared in $150,000 of Rapid Response Grants from City of Newcastle to overcome challenges posed by COVID-19.
Payments made promptly under the City’s Community and Economic Development Resilience Package are already helping charities prepare meals and care packages for the needy and supply them through newly introduced delivery services.
Funds will also be used to buy IT equipment for disadvantaged youth to continue their education during social isolation and help victims of domestic violence access online counselling.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the first round of support had been rolled out in little more than a week after the City announced a twin grants program to support non-government organisations, not for profits and other charitable service providers.
“The rapid response funding has ensured the continuity of food supply to meet a spike in local demand,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It was critical we responded quickly to help organisations implement the changes they have had to make to operate safely under current social distancing and home isolation restrictions.
“We are delighted to help the food charity sector as it adjusts to new ways of working and vulnerable members of the community adapt to access online and digital help, whether through computer tablets for disadvantaged kids living in refuges or online counselling for victims of domestic violence.”
The eight recipient charities include:
· OZ Harvest
· Soul Café
· Grainery Church
· Got Your Back Sista
· Justiz Community
· BaptistCare HopeStreet
· Awabakal
· A local women’s and children’s refuge
BaptistCare HopeStreet’s Craig Budden said their $25,000 grant from the City would help provide food support and material assistance to meet a huge increase in demand at the organisation’s Wallsend and Mayfield centres.
“The extra funding will mean we are able to provide more emergency relief care-packs, Woolworths and Coles vouchers, hand sanitiser, cleaning products and other emergency relief items like petrol, sleeping bags and pharmacy products, as well as more takeaway food through our outreach van,” Budden, Manager of the Wallsend Centre, said.
“The grant will also help fund the HopeStreet food delivery service that we have started to ensure those who are experiencing food insecurity but are self-isolating or quarantining can still receive food support.”
The Lord Mayor with Craig Budden at Baptist CareHopeStreet’s Wallsend Centre.
Another round of community funding totalling $550,000 is also being offered under the City’s Community and Economic Development Resilience Package.
The Boost our City Community Grants of up to $30,000 will help organisations directly support community health and wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.
“These additional grants are aimed at supporting existing service providers to cope with increased urgency and demand in the provision of support services, such as food supply, supported living and community transport, to name a few,” the Lord Mayor added.
“Whether it’s for someone with complex health needs but limited access to technology to continue getting that vital care, or someone who has lost their job and is seeking help for the first time, we know these grants will go a long way to helping our community.”
Open until 30 June, Boost our City Community Grants are available for projects that comply with Federal Government guidelines and NSW Health advice.
Application forms and information on how to apply are available via the City’s website.
For further information, email Covid19info@ncc.nsw.gov.au or phone 4974 2000 to speak with a City of Newcastle staff member.
Payments made promptly under the City’s Community and Economic Development Resilience Package are already helping charities prepare meals and care packages for the needy and supply them through newly introduced delivery services.
Funds will also be used to buy IT equipment for disadvantaged youth to continue their education during social isolation and help victims of domestic violence access online counselling.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the first round of support had been rolled out in little more than a week after the City announced a twin grants program to support non-government organisations, not for profits and other charitable service providers.
“The rapid response funding has ensured the continuity of food supply to meet a spike in local demand,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It was critical we responded quickly to help organisations implement the changes they have had to make to operate safely under current social distancing and home isolation restrictions.
“We are delighted to help the food charity sector as it adjusts to new ways of working and vulnerable members of the community adapt to access online and digital help, whether through computer tablets for disadvantaged kids living in refuges or online counselling for victims of domestic violence.”
The eight recipient charities include:
· OZ Harvest
· Soul Café
· Grainery Church
· Got Your Back Sista
· Justiz Community
· BaptistCare HopeStreet
· Awabakal
· A local women’s and children’s refuge
BaptistCare HopeStreet’s Craig Budden said their $25,000 grant from the City would help provide food support and material assistance to meet a huge increase in demand at the organisation’s Wallsend and Mayfield centres.
“The extra funding will mean we are able to provide more emergency relief care-packs, Woolworths and Coles vouchers, hand sanitiser, cleaning products and other emergency relief items like petrol, sleeping bags and pharmacy products, as well as more takeaway food through our outreach van,” Budden, Manager of the Wallsend Centre, said.
“The grant will also help fund the HopeStreet food delivery service that we have started to ensure those who are experiencing food insecurity but are self-isolating or quarantining can still receive food support.”
The Lord Mayor with Craig Budden at Baptist CareHopeStreet’s Wallsend Centre.Another round of community funding totalling $550,000 is also being offered under the City’s Community and Economic Development Resilience Package.
The Boost our City Community Grants of up to $30,000 will help organisations directly support community health and wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.
“These additional grants are aimed at supporting existing service providers to cope with increased urgency and demand in the provision of support services, such as food supply, supported living and community transport, to name a few,” the Lord Mayor added.
“Whether it’s for someone with complex health needs but limited access to technology to continue getting that vital care, or someone who has lost their job and is seeking help for the first time, we know these grants will go a long way to helping our community.”
Open until 30 June, Boost our City Community Grants are available for projects that comply with Federal Government guidelines and NSW Health advice.
Application forms and information on how to apply are available via the City’s website.
For further information, email Covid19info@ncc.nsw.gov.au or phone 4974 2000 to speak with a City of Newcastle staff member.
Woman detained and assaulted; pair charged – Hunter region
A man and woman will face court today after allegedly holding a woman against her will and assaulting her in the Hunter last week.
About 3pm last Tuesday (14 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Capper Street, Telarah, following reports for a concern for welfare.
Upon arrival, police located a 28-year-old woman locked in a room suffering multiple injuries to her face and chest.
She was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
A crime scene was established at the Telarah property and detectives commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a home on Logan Road, Rutherford, about 8am on Friday 17 April 2020, where they spoke with a 30-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman.
Both were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
The 30-year-old Telarah man was charged with aggravated sexual assault in company inflict actual bodily harm, take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm, and two counts of supply prohibited drug.
The 21-year-old Rutherford woman was charged with aggravated sexual assault in company inflict actual bodily harm, take/detain with intent to obtain advantage occasion actual bodily harm, take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm and possess prohibited drug.
Both were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Saturday 18 April 2020, where they were again refused bail to face the same court via AVL today (Monday 20 April 2020).