Two people have been taken to hospital with minor injuries after a helicopter made an emergency landing in the state’s Hunter Region today.
Just before 2.30pm (Saturday 16 November 2019), emergency services were called to Tilligerry Creek, following reports of a helicopter crash.
Police have been told the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in mangroves on the edge of Tilligerry creek due to technical difficulties.
The two male occupants onboard suffered minor injuries and were transported to John Hunter Hospital by NSW Ambulance paramedics for further assessment.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
An operation to recover the aircraft has commenced.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Man charged over alleged drug supply – Lambton
A man has been charged over commercial drug supply in the Newcastle area.
About 1am (Saturday 16 November 2019) officers attached to Newcastle City Target Action Group stopped a vehicle on Lambton Road, New Lambton, for the purpose of a random breath test.
After speaking with the 21-year-old male driver, police formed cause to search him and the vehicle.
During the search, officers allegedly located an amount of cash, 64 capsules of MDMA, and a further 25 pressed blue tablets.
The man was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station.
Police subsequently searched the man’s Lambton home, allegedly locating further amounts of MDMA, as well as a large amount of cash.
In total, over 250 grams of MDMA were seized.
The man was charged with supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug between commercial and indictable quantity (x9), and deal with proceeds of crime (x3).
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 17 November 2019).
Have your say on Carrington’s green space planning at community drop in session
There are few neighbourhoods in Newcastle as storied and distinct as Carrington. Long defined by Newcastle Harbour and influenced by the harsh prosperity of a working port, Carrington is now one of Newcastle’s most desirable city neighbourhoods.
Carrington has undergone significant economic and urban transformation and despite these changes, has retained its unique personality and its generous and distinctive open spaces.
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It’s these greenspaces and public domain that the City of Newcastle is seeking community feedback on as part of the public exhibition of the Carrington Greenspace Masterplan.
A community drop in session will be hosted by City of Newcastle at Carrington Community Centre on Saturday 16 November between 10.30am-12.30pm allowing residents the perfect opportunity to view the plan and to give feedback.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes encourages people who live and work in Carrington to engage with the community consultation session to ensure their valuable feedback is received.
“We want the Carrington community to feel a sense of ownership of the master plan and to see opportunities to work together with the City and other landowners to achieve its aims.
“This plan lays out the framework for improvement opportunities in relation to Carrington’s greenspaces, and while works identified will need a collaborative funding approach, having a plan that is built upon the needs and priorities of the community will assist in securing funding to deliver specific initiatives in the future.
“After early community consultation, the addition of large shade trees in parks, more green cover on street verges and improved lighting along the foreshore are some of the features Carrington residents would like incorporated into the suburb.
“Not only are we hoping to improve the amenity and livability of the suburb by increasing green spaces we can create a cooler, more comfortable town centre in the warmer months.”
This masterplan sets the future direction for Carrington Greenspaces, providing innovative and active spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
The community consultation process runs until 22 December.
If you are unable to attend Saturday’s drop-in session, check out the plans online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/exhibition
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS opens at gallery
A new exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery will introduce audiences to the depth and breadth of Chinese art forms which underpin the Middle Kingdom’s long relationship with Australia.
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS (16 November 2019 – 16 February 2020) comprises 62 works from 43 artists examining themes ranging from cultural identity, globalisation and migration.
“In the ever-changing landscape of a culturally diverse Australia, it becomes increasingly important to hear from the voices of those who live within the liminal space – the space between two or more cultures,” Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said.
“The exhibition is an acknowledgement of an Australia that encompasses more than just the land between our shores.
“It will be a fantastic cultural offering for Novocastrians and visitors to the city over the summer months.”
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS (16 November 2019 – 16 February 2020) comprises 62 works from 43 artists examining themes ranging from cultural identity, globalisation and migration.
“In the ever-changing landscape of a culturally diverse Australia, it becomes increasingly important to hear from the voices of those who live within the liminal space – the space between two or more cultures,” Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said.
“The exhibition is an acknowledgement of an Australia that encompasses more than just the land between our shores.
“It will be a fantastic cultural offering for Novocastrians and visitors to the city over the summer months.”
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS acknowledges artists who have lived, worked in, and are connected to both, China and Australia through migration, major historical events and Australia’s agricultural and industrial developments.
It engages four generations of artists including descendants of indentured labourers from Canton/Guangdong, recent arrivals from Hong Kong, refugees who fled China during the Second World War and those who are still in the process of reclaiming their Chinese heritage.
Showcasing the work of generations of Chinese-Australian artists, the exhibition also features works of art by Aboriginal artists who are exploring their own Chinese heritage.
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS incorporates installation, paintings, photography, sculptures and video, including works of art from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection, the National Portrait Gallery and other public and private lenders from around Australia.
Five works from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection will be included in the display, including new acquisitions from contemporary artist Owen Leong.
“Drawing on the rich resource that is our collection is of primary importance to our local community,” Lauretta Morton added.
“To present BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, the Gallery has worked together with Newcastle-based guest curator Catherine Croll, who is internationally recognised for her diverse work promoting cultural awareness and bilateral cultural exchange.”
A range of public programs in development will support the exhibition – including Chinese New Year festivities on Saturday 25 January 2020. All details of event programming before the close of 2019 are available on the Gallery website, with more specifics about the Gallery’s Chinese New Year festivities available on request.
https://nag.org.au/Whats-On/Event-Calendar
2019 programming
Opening Weekend Panel Discussion
Saturday 16 November 2019, 2pm
Free event, no bookings required
Join guest curator Catherine Croll for a panel discussion that introduces the exhibition’s themes. Joined by exhibiting artists Guo Jian, Rowena Foong and Peter Gardiner.
Language and Paper Folding Lessons
Sunday 17 November then every Sunday until Sunday 8 December 2019, 11.30am
Free event, no bookings required
Explore the BETWEEN TWO WORLDS exhibition, and join the University of Newcastle’s Confucius Institute for Sunday afternoon drop-in classes hosted in the space. Learn simple Chinese expressions and paper folding.
Last Fridays: Jazz, Bao and Cocktails
Friday 29 November 20195-8pm
Free event, no bookings required
Last Fridays is transforming into 1920s Shanghai, featuring music from local jazz legends Half Nelson and Bao to be served by Newcastle’s very own Bao Brothers with delicious cocktails to match.
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS
16 November 2019 – 16 February 2020
Also currently on display:
WISH YOU WERE HERE: landscapes from the collection
26 October 2019 – 27 January 2020
Image caption (top): Pamela See (Xue Mei-Ling)
Tears for Patriotic 2008 found political poster reproduction
Les Renfrew Bequest 2009
Newcastle Art Gallery collection
Courtesy the artists
Image caption (above):
Guo Jian
Untitled #2 2006
oil on canvas
152.0 x 213.0cm
Private collection
Courtesy the artist and ARE ONE Gallery Melbourne
It engages four generations of artists including descendants of indentured labourers from Canton/Guangdong, recent arrivals from Hong Kong, refugees who fled China during the Second World War and those who are still in the process of reclaiming their Chinese heritage.
Showcasing the work of generations of Chinese-Australian artists, the exhibition also features works of art by Aboriginal artists who are exploring their own Chinese heritage.
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS incorporates installation, paintings, photography, sculptures and video, including works of art from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection, the National Portrait Gallery and other public and private lenders from around Australia.
Five works from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection will be included in the display, including new acquisitions from contemporary artist Owen Leong.
“Drawing on the rich resource that is our collection is of primary importance to our local community,” Lauretta Morton added.
“To present BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, the Gallery has worked together with Newcastle-based guest curator Catherine Croll, who is internationally recognised for her diverse work promoting cultural awareness and bilateral cultural exchange.”
A range of public programs in development will support the exhibition – including Chinese New Year festivities on Saturday 25 January 2020. All details of event programming before the close of 2019 are available on the Gallery website, with more specifics about the Gallery’s Chinese New Year festivities available on request.
https://nag.org.au/Whats-On/Event-Calendar
2019 programming
Opening Weekend Panel Discussion
Saturday 16 November 2019, 2pm
Free event, no bookings required
Join guest curator Catherine Croll for a panel discussion that introduces the exhibition’s themes. Joined by exhibiting artists Guo Jian, Rowena Foong and Peter Gardiner.
Language and Paper Folding Lessons
Sunday 17 November then every Sunday until Sunday 8 December 2019, 11.30am
Free event, no bookings required
Explore the BETWEEN TWO WORLDS exhibition, and join the University of Newcastle’s Confucius Institute for Sunday afternoon drop-in classes hosted in the space. Learn simple Chinese expressions and paper folding.
Last Fridays: Jazz, Bao and Cocktails
Friday 29 November 20195-8pm
Free event, no bookings required
Last Fridays is transforming into 1920s Shanghai, featuring music from local jazz legends Half Nelson and Bao to be served by Newcastle’s very own Bao Brothers with delicious cocktails to match.
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS
16 November 2019 – 16 February 2020
Also currently on display:
WISH YOU WERE HERE: landscapes from the collection
26 October 2019 – 27 January 2020
Image caption (top): Pamela See (Xue Mei-Ling)
Tears for Patriotic 2008 found political poster reproduction
Les Renfrew Bequest 2009
Newcastle Art Gallery collection
Courtesy the artists
Image caption (above):
Guo Jian
Untitled #2 2006
oil on canvas
152.0 x 213.0cm
Private collection
Courtesy the artist and ARE ONE Gallery Melbourne
Have your say on Carrington’s green space planning at community drop in session
There are few neighbourhoods in Newcastle as storied and distinct as Carrington. Long defined by Newcastle Harbour and influenced by the harsh prosperity of a working port, Carrington is now one of Newcastle’s most desirable city neighbourhoods.
Carrington has undergone significant economic and urban transformation and despite these changes, has retained its unique personality and its generous and distinctive open spaces.
It’s these greenspaces and public domain that the City of Newcastle is seeking community feedback on as part of the public exhibition of the Carrington Greenspace Masterplan.
A community drop in session will be hosted by City of Newcastle at Carrington Community Centre on Saturday 16 November between 10.30am-12.30pm allowing residents the perfect opportunity to view the plan and to give feedback.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes encourages people who live and work in Carrington to engage with the community consultation session to ensure their valuable feedback is received.
“We want the Carrington community to feel a sense of ownership of the master plan and to see opportunities to work together with the City and other landowners to achieve its aims.
“This plan lays out the framework for improvement opportunities in relation to Carrington’s greenspaces, and while works identified will need a collaborative funding approach, having a plan that is built upon the needs and priorities of the community will assist in securing funding to deliver specific initiatives in the future.
“After early community consultation, the addition of large shade trees in parks, more green cover on street verges and improved lighting along the foreshore are some of the features Carrington residents would like incorporated into the suburb.
“Not only are we hoping to improve the amenity and livability of the suburb by increasing green spaces we can create a cooler, more comfortable town centre in the warmer months.”
This masterplan sets the future direction for Carrington Greenspaces, providing innovative and active spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
The community consultation process runs until 22 December.
If you are unable to attend Saturday’s drop-in session, check out the plans online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/exhibition
Carrington has undergone significant economic and urban transformation and despite these changes, has retained its unique personality and its generous and distinctive open spaces.
It’s these greenspaces and public domain that the City of Newcastle is seeking community feedback on as part of the public exhibition of the Carrington Greenspace Masterplan.
A community drop in session will be hosted by City of Newcastle at Carrington Community Centre on Saturday 16 November between 10.30am-12.30pm allowing residents the perfect opportunity to view the plan and to give feedback.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes encourages people who live and work in Carrington to engage with the community consultation session to ensure their valuable feedback is received.
“We want the Carrington community to feel a sense of ownership of the master plan and to see opportunities to work together with the City and other landowners to achieve its aims.
“This plan lays out the framework for improvement opportunities in relation to Carrington’s greenspaces, and while works identified will need a collaborative funding approach, having a plan that is built upon the needs and priorities of the community will assist in securing funding to deliver specific initiatives in the future.
“After early community consultation, the addition of large shade trees in parks, more green cover on street verges and improved lighting along the foreshore are some of the features Carrington residents would like incorporated into the suburb.
“Not only are we hoping to improve the amenity and livability of the suburb by increasing green spaces we can create a cooler, more comfortable town centre in the warmer months.”
This masterplan sets the future direction for Carrington Greenspaces, providing innovative and active spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
The community consultation process runs until 22 December.
If you are unable to attend Saturday’s drop-in session, check out the plans online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/exhibition
Two charged after more fires lit during yesterday's total fire ban
Two further men have been charged after allegedly lighting fires in separate incidents during yesterday’s total fire ban.
The first instance occurred about 1.40am (Wednesday 13 November 2019), on Johnstone Street, Annandale; where a 37-year-old man allegedly used a crow bar to lift a section of footpath and set underground wires alight.
The man left the scene in the company of a woman, and emergency services were called after flames were seen coming out of the ground.
The blaze was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW and officers from Leichhardt Police Area Command were notified.
Following investigations, a 37-year-old man was arrested about 1.30pm close to where the fire was lit. A search warrant was executed at a home on Johnstone Street, Annandale, where several items were seized.
The man was subsequently charged with destroy or damage property in company by means of fire and failing to comply with a total fire ban.
He was refused bail, to appear before Newtown Local Court today (Thursday 14 November 2019).
Meanwhile, inquiries are continuing to identify the woman involved. 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.
In a second incident, just after 9pm (Wednesday 13 November 2019), emergency services were called to a home on Long Point Road East, Long Point, after reports a small fire had been lit in the backyard.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District spoke with a 26-year-old man, who they will allege lit the fire to burn rubbish.
The fire, which had since been extinguished, was located less than 40 metres from a shed that contained several potential accelerants – including petrol, oil and fertilisers.
The man was issued with a Future Court Attendance Notice for failing to comply with a total fire ban. He is due to appear before Singleton Local Court on 16 January 2020.
Officer injured during arrest – Newcastle
A police officer has been injured during the arrest of a man over an alleged assault in the state’s north.
About 2am (Thursday 14 November 2019), officers from Newcastle City Police Area Command were called to a night club on Centenary Road, Newcastle, after reports a man had been injured.
Police have been told that a 22-year-old man allegedly punched another man to the face.
A man allegedly involved in the incident was identified to police walking nearby.
Police spoke to the 22-year-old man in relation to the incident. The man allegedly violently charged at officers and struggled as they tried to arrest him.
During the struggle a 30-year-old female senior constable was allegedly elbowed o the body, causing her to fall backwards landing heavily onto concrete. As a result, she suffered soreness to her back, shoulder, hip and wrist.
The Cardiff man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with five offences, including: assault occasioning actual bodily harm, resist officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty (x2), and excluded person remain in vicinity of licensed premises.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 14 November 2019).
The female senior constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
City of Newcastle recognises climate emergency
City of Newcastle recognised in a council resolution of 28 May 2019 that there is a global climate emergency and urgent need for real action on climate change.
It reaffirmed a commitment to a just economic transition for coal mining communities, including support for investment in hydrogen as an export energy, construction of large-scale renewables and pumped hydro, and manufacturing of electric vehicles.
Environmental activists are encouraged by the City to consider the broader impact of their actions, and work towards consensus across the political spectrum, under the same resolution of Council.
More than 1,180 jurisdictions and local governments in 23 countries have also declared a climate emergency, according to the International Climate Emergency Forum (ICEF).
As part of the City’s actions, 100 per cent of our electricity will come from renewable sources from January 1 2020, when we will become the first local government in NSW to do so.
The Climate Emergency Declaration campaign in Australia is backed by more than 50 climate action groups, including the ICEF and Greenpeace Australia.
Taking further action, we’re improving the energy efficiency of our buildings, replacing our street lights with energy-saving LEDS and finishing construction on a five-megawatt solar farm on a former landfill site after securing a $6.5 million loan from Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation in 2018.
As our single largest investment in a renewable project, it follows eight other solar installations at our Waratah Works Depot, Art Gallery,City, Wallsend and New Lambton libraries, No.1 and No.2 Sportsgrounds and Newcastle Museum.
The solar farm at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre builds on one of Australia’s most advanced renewable energy setups at a waste facility – with a 2.2megawatt landfill gas generator and a small wind turbine also located onsite.
Closures and latest updates
Last updated 2:30 pm
Unprecedented bushfires across NSW and a catastrophic fire warning for the Greater Hunter today has prompted City of Newcastle to review its services for the safety of its staff and the community. We will update this information page when more information becomes available.
Catastropic Fire Danger Response
City of Newcastle has activated its Emergency Operations Centre in response to unprecedented fire conditions.
The Emergency Operations Centre is supported by key council staff, the local Emergency Operations Controller Superintendent Commander Brett Greentree, an NSW Police liaison and a Fire and Rescue NSW liaison.
The Emergency Operations Centre is ready to respond to any risks should they arise in a coordinated fashion.
As a precaution, the City of Newcastle has closed Blackbutt Reserve and the Fernleigh Track today. This is in line with National Parks closing today along with many schools and institutions in bushfire prone areas today.
The City has extended an offer of support to the nearby MidCoast Council in any way that we can, be in human resources or otherwise. Should any of our neighbouring Councils be impacted by fires this week we will extend to them too.
We want to take the opportunity to thank the NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue for the coordinated approach to today’s unprecedented fire conditions and encourage anyone to download the Fires Near Me app and listen to the ABC Local Newcastle for the latest updates.
Council Services
Waste Services
Our kerbside collections are running on schedule and Summerhill Waste Management Centre remains open for business.
Blackbutt Reserve
The reserve has been closed. Staff will be onsite at Blackbutt Reserve to monitor the welfare of animals to ensure they are safe, hydrated and out of harms way. Read more about the closure of Blackbutt Reserve.
Fernleigh Track
The track has been closed in line with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s decision to close the State’s national parks north of the Hawkesbury River – including Glenrock State Conservation Area.
Neighbourhood Safer Places
These are a places of last resort during a bush fire emergency. They are to be used when all other options in your bush fire survival plan can’t be put into action safely. Find the Neighbourhood Safer Places in Newcastle.
School closures
Get up-to-date information on schools that have temporarily ceased operations due to adverse weather conditions, bushfire activity, emergencies or other incidents. Visit the NSW Public Schools website and check if your school is affected.
Keep informed
Stay up to date with local information via the Rural Fire Service Updates and ABC Newcastle.
Man arrested for drug supply – Lake Macquarie Target Action Group
A man will appear in court today charged with multiple drug offences.
About 7.35pm on Saturday 9 November 2019, officers from Lake Macquarie Target Action Group stopped a white Holden Commodore on the Pacific Highway, Jewells.
The vehicle and the driver were searched by police, with officers allegedly locating a quantity of drugs and items including Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and methylamphetamine.
The 31-year-old driver was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with possessing and supplying a prohibited drug.
He was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Sunday 10 November 2019, where he was granted conditional bail.
About 12.30pm on Sunday 10 November 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Ntaba Road, Jewells.
Police located and seized over 80 exhibits including 3kg cannabis, more than 1kg methylamphetamine, more than one-litre of liquid amphetamines, more than 300gm of MDMA, more than 2kg amphetamine, steroids, pharmaceutical drugs, vacuum food sealers, sophisticated drug ledgers, drug paraphernalia, a sum of cash and a pellet handgun.
Inquiries commenced to locate the man, then at 7.30pm yesterday (Monday 11 November 2019), police arrested the same 31-year-old and charged him with three counts of supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (indictable and commercial quantity), possess unregistered firearm, possess ammunition without a permit, and owner/occupier knowingly allow use as a drug premises.
He was refused bail to appear in Belmont Local Court today (Tuesday 12 November 2019).