Unprecedented bushfires across NSW and a catastrophic fire warning for the Greater Hunter tomorrow has prompted City of Newcastle to close Blackbutt Reserve for the safety of its staff and the community.
An emergency plan of management has been coordinated to ensure that staff welfare and wildlife are prioritised during tomorrow’s closure, which is 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. The Fernleigh Track will also be closed.
Staff will be on site at Blackbutt Reserve to monitor the welfare of animals to ensure they are safe, hydrated and out of harm’s way.
The plan includes provisions for the safe relocation of animals to veterinary clinics where possible should their health deteriorate or if an emergency at Blackbutt Reserve arises.
City of Newcastle will reassess the situation first thing Wednesday morning in line with the NSW Rural Fire Service’s advice. A catastrophic fire warning is the highest level of bush fire danger rating available. Affected residents are advised to check warnings and put a plan of action in place.
For more information, please visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Two separate overnight robberies – Newcastle
Police are investigating two separate robberies near a Newcastle university campus overnight.
About 5.40pm yesterday (Sunday 10 November 2019), a 22-year-old man was walking across a pedestrian footbridge over the Newcastle Inner City Bypass towards Michael Street, Jesmond.
Police have been told he was knocked to the ground by an unknown male and assaulted, before the man stole his iPhone and bag and fled the scene towards William Street.
The 22-year-old was assisted by a member of the public who contacted police.
Police would like to speak to man who may be able to assist with inquiries. He is described as being of Caucasian in appearance, approximately 18-years-old, between 165-170cm tall, with a solid build and short black hair.
About 1am today (Monday 11 November 2019), a 25-year-old man was walking towards Warabrook Train Station when he was approached by a group of four males and two females.
Police have been told one of the men threatened him with a knife and demanded cash and cigarettes.
He handed over a sum of cash before the group fled in a westerly direction.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have commenced investigations into both incidents.
Police do not believe they are linked at this time.
Anyone who may have noticed unusual activity in the area between 5.30pm yesterday and 2am today, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact police.
Concerns held for missing man from Oakhampton near Maitland
Police are appealing for public assistance to find a man missing from Oakhampton near Maitland.
Jonathon Woods, aged 38, was last seen at a home on Oakhampton Road, Oakhampton, about midday yesterday (Saturday 9 November 2019).
Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare as he requires medication.
Jonathon is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175-180cm tall, of thin/muscular build, with short dark brown hair, clean shaven, and wearing gold-framed Ray Ban sunglasses.
He was last seen wearing a white business shirt, black pants, a light bone-coloured bomber jacket and carrying a small round-shaped black sports bag.
Jonathon is known to travel by train and frequent the Maitland, Newcastle, Waratah and Carrington areas.
Anyone who may have seen Jonathon or who has information of his whereabouts is urged to call Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Guraki Committee drives reconciliation for 20 years
The City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee is celebrating two decades of strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Novocastrians.
Guraki was officially launched as a committee of Council on June 1, 1999 with a mandate to give life to Council’s reconciliation ‘Commitment Statement’.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Guraki Committee had a proud history of delivering cultural awareness outcomes for the city.
“Our reconciliation journey over the past twenty years has been inspiring, challenging and rewarding,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings’ advocacy followed by the establishment of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee by the Former Lord Mayor Greg Heys has ensured that Guraki’s legacy includes the Aboriginal flag on City Hall flying permanently alongside the Australian flag, a symbolic message acknowledging the Awabakal and Worimi peoples as Newcastle’s traditional custodians.
“Another achievement has been the dual names project which has seen the formal gazettal of eight significant Aboriginal landmarks in Newcastle, featuring interpretative signage with original names and place narratives.
“The City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee submitted the names to the NSW Geographical Names Board based on Aboriginal references to the landmarks documented in maps, sketches and geological descriptions dating back from as early as 1797.
“This project has helped to bring the language and heritage of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples to a broader audience as part of a reconciliation project,” Cr Nelmes said.
Guraki Committee Chair Rob Russell has reflected on the history of Guraki and acknowledged those who have served on the committee throughout its 20 years to build strong relationships in the community.
“Guraki celebrating its 20th anniversary is a truly significant milestone. City of Newcastle has been a leader in driving reconciliation and seen many benefits from the expertise of an active Aboriginal community voice,” Mr Russell said.
“Guraki provides high level strategic advice to assist Council to better understand the perspectives and aspirations of local Aboriginal people.
“Into the future, Guraki will continue to foster a more inclusive Newcastle community, and to promote to Council the concerns and interests that affect Aboriginal people in Newcastle.”
Guraki’s milestone was marked on Thursday evening at an anniversary event held at Newcastle Museum. The past and future came together in a unique augmented reality Aboriginal Acknowledgement ceremony highlighting the heritage and culture of local Aboriginal peoples followed by a video presentation of Guraki and Council’s journey over 20 years.
Guraki was officially launched as a committee of Council on June 1, 1999 with a mandate to give life to Council’s reconciliation ‘Commitment Statement’.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Guraki Committee had a proud history of delivering cultural awareness outcomes for the city.
“Our reconciliation journey over the past twenty years has been inspiring, challenging and rewarding,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings’ advocacy followed by the establishment of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee by the Former Lord Mayor Greg Heys has ensured that Guraki’s legacy includes the Aboriginal flag on City Hall flying permanently alongside the Australian flag, a symbolic message acknowledging the Awabakal and Worimi peoples as Newcastle’s traditional custodians.
“Another achievement has been the dual names project which has seen the formal gazettal of eight significant Aboriginal landmarks in Newcastle, featuring interpretative signage with original names and place narratives.
“The City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee submitted the names to the NSW Geographical Names Board based on Aboriginal references to the landmarks documented in maps, sketches and geological descriptions dating back from as early as 1797.
“This project has helped to bring the language and heritage of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples to a broader audience as part of a reconciliation project,” Cr Nelmes said.
Guraki Committee Chair Rob Russell has reflected on the history of Guraki and acknowledged those who have served on the committee throughout its 20 years to build strong relationships in the community.
“Guraki celebrating its 20th anniversary is a truly significant milestone. City of Newcastle has been a leader in driving reconciliation and seen many benefits from the expertise of an active Aboriginal community voice,” Mr Russell said.
“Guraki provides high level strategic advice to assist Council to better understand the perspectives and aspirations of local Aboriginal people.
“Into the future, Guraki will continue to foster a more inclusive Newcastle community, and to promote to Council the concerns and interests that affect Aboriginal people in Newcastle.”
Guraki’s milestone was marked on Thursday evening at an anniversary event held at Newcastle Museum. The past and future came together in a unique augmented reality Aboriginal Acknowledgement ceremony highlighting the heritage and culture of local Aboriginal peoples followed by a video presentation of Guraki and Council’s journey over 20 years.
Two men die in two separate road incidents – Lake Macquarie
Two people have died in separate crashes in Lake Macquarie this afternoon.
About 1.30pm today (Thursday 7 November 2019), emergency services were called to Freemans Drive, Cooranbong following reports a motorcyclist and a car had collided.
Bystanders conducted CPR on the male motorcycle rider until NSW paramedics arrived at the scene.
The man died a short time later; he is yet to be formally identified.
A male driver of the vehicle has been taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.
About an hour earlier, emergency services were called to Fishery Point Road, Morisset after reports a pedestrian was struck by a car.
Emergency services arrived at the scene and found a man suffering critical injuries. He died at the scene.
A male driver was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner for both incidents.
Freemans Drive and Martinsville Road at Cooranbong are closed, as is Fishery Point Road at Morisset, with local diversions in place at both scenes whilst police undertake investigations.
Police are urging the public to avoid the area until further notice, with traffic from both incidents building up and both roads due to be closed for several hours.
Anyone who may have dashcam vision or witnessed either incident is urged to contact police.
Man charged following pursuit – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged with several serious offences after a police pursuit with a stolen car in the Lake Macquarie region.
About 9.15am today (Thursday 7 November 2019), police were patrolling Dora Street, Morisset, when they observed a vehicle with two different registration plates.
Police pulled the vehicle over, however a short time later it drove off again and a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued to Lake Munmorah, where it was terminated due to safety concerns.
Police were informed that the vehicle entered a fire trail between Nords Wharf and Gwandalan.
The vehicle was located a short time later and monitored from a distance.
After the car stopped out the front of a home in Narara, police attended and arrested a 34-year-old man.
During a search of the man’s bag, police allegedly located an amount of methamphetamine, a knife, a key to the allegedly stolen vehicle, and a Range Rover key.
A search of the home police located further allegedly stolen items, and a spring assisted knife.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling in company, break and enter, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, unlawfully possess number plates (x2), drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (2nd offence), police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (2nd offence), and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
He was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court tomorrow (Friday 8 November 2019).
Safety the top priority ahead of Newcastle music festivals this weekend
Police are urging event goers to enjoy themselves at two music festivals this weekend in Newcastle but warned they won’t tolerate risky behaviour.
The “This That” Music Festival will be held at Wickham Park, Newcastle from 1.30pm on Saturday 9 November 2019 and the “Scene and Heard” festival will be held the following day (Sunday 10 November 2018) from 12:30pm at the same location.
Organisers are expecting up to 20,000 people to attend the festivals over the weekend.
A police operation will be conducted involving officers from Newcastle City Police District, with the assistance from the NSW Police Dog Unit.
Newcastle City Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Gerard Lawson said the vast majority of patrons are well-behaved year on year, however police will act if people choose to break the law.
“These music events attract thousands of people from across the Hunter and up from Sydney. We want everyone to enjoy both events this weekend, but we want them to always have their safety and the safety of others at the front of their minds.
“Police will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour and will be targeting any illegal activity as well as alcohol-related crime. Please behave responsibly and look out for each other – if someone isn’t feeling well, make sure you seek medical assistance immediately,” Act Supt Lawson said.
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to the area to make sure festival-goers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
“Community safety is our top priority, and we urge music fans and other Novocastrians to take care in and around the event site. Stay alert while behind the wheel, and always have a Plan B.
“Poor choices can have serious consequences and we urge all people attending these festivals to remain safe, look after your friends, and don’t risk your health or the health of others,” Act Supt Lawson said.
Missing woman located – Singleton
A woman reported missing from the Hunter region earlier this week has been located safe and well.
A 30-year-old woman was last seen leaving a property in Singleton between 2.30 and 4.30pm on Tuesday 5 November 2019.
Following inquiries, about 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 6 November 2019) the woman attended Port Macquarie Police Station safe and well.
Police wish to thank the public and the media for its assistance.
Ocean Baths redevelopment FAQs
City of Newcastle is inviting expressions of interest to redevelop the iconic Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths pavilions in overhauls that could include restaurants, recreational and community facilities and other services. Newcastle Ocean Bath’s iconic art deco exterior will be retained in any redevelopment, while new public change rooms, disabled access, car parking, new seating, shading and other community facilities will be mandatory inclusions at both sites.
Are the ocean baths being privatised?
No. City of Newcastle is the Crown Land Manager of both pavilion buildings for the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Government, so neither site can ever be sold – only offered up for lease for a period of 21 years. That’s why the City is looking to enter into a partnership with interested parties.
Will there be a fee to use the baths?
No, the baths will remain public assets and swimming will remain free.
Will the redevelopment look like the designs in the EOI?
The images in the EOI document are simply an artist’s impression of Newcastle Ocean Baths. Final design is yet to be determined, and any design would be subject to an approved DA which would require extensive community consultation.
Will Newcastle Ocean Baths’ façade be knocked down?
No. The heritage façade will be retained as part of any redevelopment. Successful proponents will have to comply with heritage controls as the Newcastle Ocean Baths are listed as a local heritage item in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and located within the Newcastle East Heritage Conservation Area
Can the Merewether pavilion be demolished to make way for redevelopment?
While there are no current plans for demolition or otherwise, the Merewether Baths Pavilion is not heritage listed.
Will redevelopments include car parking?
Yes. Car parking, new seating, shading, disabled access and new public change rooms all are conditions that interested parties will have to meet.
What are the next steps in the process?
A panel will be formed to evaluate the responses and decide whether to proceed to a competitive tender. If yes, the strongest EOI submissions will be invited to a selective tender.
If no, the City will explore other internal funding options.
Will there be consultation?
Yes. No upgrades will take place prior to the community having an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed designs.
Can I access the EOI documents?
Yes, they can be accessed via Tenderlink. Please note you’ll need to register.
Are the ocean baths being privatised?
No. City of Newcastle is the Crown Land Manager of both pavilion buildings for the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Government, so neither site can ever be sold – only offered up for lease for a period of 21 years. That’s why the City is looking to enter into a partnership with interested parties.
Will there be a fee to use the baths?
No, the baths will remain public assets and swimming will remain free.
Will the redevelopment look like the designs in the EOI?
The images in the EOI document are simply an artist’s impression of Newcastle Ocean Baths. Final design is yet to be determined, and any design would be subject to an approved DA which would require extensive community consultation.
Will Newcastle Ocean Baths’ façade be knocked down?
No. The heritage façade will be retained as part of any redevelopment. Successful proponents will have to comply with heritage controls as the Newcastle Ocean Baths are listed as a local heritage item in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and located within the Newcastle East Heritage Conservation Area
Can the Merewether pavilion be demolished to make way for redevelopment?
While there are no current plans for demolition or otherwise, the Merewether Baths Pavilion is not heritage listed.
Will redevelopments include car parking?
Yes. Car parking, new seating, shading, disabled access and new public change rooms all are conditions that interested parties will have to meet.
What are the next steps in the process?
A panel will be formed to evaluate the responses and decide whether to proceed to a competitive tender. If yes, the strongest EOI submissions will be invited to a selective tender.
If no, the City will explore other internal funding options.
Will there be consultation?
Yes. No upgrades will take place prior to the community having an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed designs.
Can I access the EOI documents?
Yes, they can be accessed via Tenderlink. Please note you’ll need to register.
Man charged over alleged child abuse material – Belmont
A man will face court today charged with allegedly filming and possessing child abuse material in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.
In June 2019, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after a number of images were allegedly located on a laptop.
On Wednesday 3 July 2019, police executed a search warrant at a Belmont home and located and seized mobile phones, computers and external storage devices.
Following extensive inquiries, about 9.40am today (Tuesday 5 November 2019), Lake Macquarie detectives attended the Belmont home and arrested a 37-year-old man.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of possess child abuse material, film persons private parts and possess ammunition without permit.
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Tuesday 5 November 2019).