Police are renewing their appeal for public assistance to help locate a man who went missing from the Maitland area last month.
Michael McGarity, aged 61, was last seen leaving Maitland Hospital about 1.30am on Monday 24 June 2019.
He walked out of the hospital and was last seen heading towards Telarah.
Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to medical reasons.
Today, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District conducted an extensive land search around the Telarah and Maitland areas, with the assistance of the NSW Police Dog Unit, Police Rescue, PolAir and police trail bikes.
Mr McGarity is known to frequent the Newcastle and North Rothbury areas.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 190cm tall with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his left lower arm ‘TY’.
He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and white T-shirt with grey jeans and navy-blue shoes.
Anyone with information on Michael’s whereabouts is urged to contact their local police or 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.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
City makes pact with local artist for NAIDOC Week
City of Newcastle is counting down the days to NAIDOC week 2019 after drawing on the inspiration of a talented local Aboriginal artist to help celebrate First Nations people.
In celebration of the week-long event from 7-14 July, the City has commissioned local artist Jasmine Craciun to bring this year’s theme – Voice, Treaty and Truth – to life in a colorful display of paintings to be draped on flagpoles across the City.
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Voice, Treaty, Truth: The three images which will feature on City banners to promote NAIDOC week in July
Craciun, a proud Barkindji and Malyangapa woman, says intense pride lies behind each of her three images and their connection to the words of this year’s theme.
“When I think of the word ‘Voice’ I think of protest and change, I think loud and proud,” said the 21-year-old (pictured below) said.
“The red was used as the base colour in this work as, to me, red is the colour that speaks and represents being unapologetically proud and loud. “A treaty is a coming together of peoples, a sign of solidarity, and within this work you can see the many symbols for waterhole or meeting place.
“This work uses blue and purple tones to instill a sense of peace and calmness that could ensue in a country where the First Nations people not only have a treaty but support and understanding from all non-indigenous Australians.”
Craciun says her third image speaks to the need for transparency in the education of Australian indigenous history.
“I’ve tried to portray the bridges of history trying to break through into the upper level of the painting where Australia’s ‘comfortable’ history lives,” she said. “You can see the upper level is smooth lines and clean shapes representing the smoothing of Australia’s early history, compared to the chaotic ‘hard-to-swallow’ truth boiling below.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the artworks, both in their design and meaning, would play an instrumental role in supporting this year’s NAIDOC week celebrations.
“These works are important as they provide a real representation of our First Nations People’s history told through the lens of a local artist,” the Lord Mayor said.
“NAIDOC week is an important event on the City’s calendar and it’s fantastic that we have been able to bring Jasmine on board to help with the promotion of this special occasion.”
Local activities during NAIDOC week will be announced closer to the event. For more information on NAIDOC week, visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/.
In celebration of the week-long event from 7-14 July, the City has commissioned local artist Jasmine Craciun to bring this year’s theme – Voice, Treaty and Truth – to life in a colorful display of paintings to be draped on flagpoles across the City.
Voice, Treaty, Truth: The three images which will feature on City banners to promote NAIDOC week in JulyCraciun, a proud Barkindji and Malyangapa woman, says intense pride lies behind each of her three images and their connection to the words of this year’s theme.
“When I think of the word ‘Voice’ I think of protest and change, I think loud and proud,” said the 21-year-old (pictured below) said.
“The red was used as the base colour in this work as, to me, red is the colour that speaks and represents being unapologetically proud and loud. “A treaty is a coming together of peoples, a sign of solidarity, and within this work you can see the many symbols for waterhole or meeting place.
“This work uses blue and purple tones to instill a sense of peace and calmness that could ensue in a country where the First Nations people not only have a treaty but support and understanding from all non-indigenous Australians.”
Craciun says her third image speaks to the need for transparency in the education of Australian indigenous history.
“I’ve tried to portray the bridges of history trying to break through into the upper level of the painting where Australia’s ‘comfortable’ history lives,” she said. “You can see the upper level is smooth lines and clean shapes representing the smoothing of Australia’s early history, compared to the chaotic ‘hard-to-swallow’ truth boiling below.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the artworks, both in their design and meaning, would play an instrumental role in supporting this year’s NAIDOC week celebrations.
“These works are important as they provide a real representation of our First Nations People’s history told through the lens of a local artist,” the Lord Mayor said.
“NAIDOC week is an important event on the City’s calendar and it’s fantastic that we have been able to bring Jasmine on board to help with the promotion of this special occasion.”
Local activities during NAIDOC week will be announced closer to the event. For more information on NAIDOC week, visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/.
Elderly pedestrian dies – Mayfield
An elderly man has died in hospital after being hit by a car in Newcastle overnight.
About 5.30pm yesterday (Thursday 27 June 2019), an 89-year-old man was attempting to cross Maitland Road, Mayfield when he was struck by a vehicle.
The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died.
The driver of the vehicle, a 50-year-old man, stopped after the crash. A roadside breath test returned a negative result. Inquiries are continuing.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Investigations continuing following death of a man – Birmingham Gardens, near Newcastle
A man has died following an altercation near Newcastle overnight.
Shortly after 11pm (Thursday 27 June 2019), police were called to a home on Wilkinson Avenue, Birmingham Gardens, following reports of a domestic related incident involving two men, aged 52 and 68.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and found a 68-year-old man unconscious.
Both men were taken to John Hunter Hospital, where the older man later died.
A crime scene was established; inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.
Woman charged with high-range PCA after crash near Wallsend school
A woman has been charged with high range drink-driving after a crash near a Wallsend school this afternoon.
About 3.10pm (Thursday 27 June 2019), police were called to Boscowen Street, after reports a Mazda 2 had crashed into a parked and unoccupied vehicle while driving through a 40km school zone.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Highway Patrol attended and spoke with the female driver and sole occupant of the Mazda, who was subjected to a roadside breath test which returned a positive result.
The 40-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station where she returned an alleged reading of 0.296.
Her licence was suspended, and she was charged with drive with drive with high range PCA. She has been granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 18 July 2019.
NEWCASTLE VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP is calling on Novocastrians to nominate a local volunteer for recognition at the 2019 Newcastle Volunteer Service Awards.
Ms Claydon said that when it comes to volunteering, Newcastle punches above its weight.
“The rate of volunteering in Newcastle was above the state average and higher than other metropolitan cities,” Ms Claydon said.
“I’m constantly in awe of the time and effort people devote to helping others and building better communities, not asking a thing in return.
“Whether they’re helping coach the local sporting team, supporting vulnerable people or patrolling our beaches, volunteers enrich our community every single day.”
Ms Claydon said that the nominated volunteers would be recognised at a special awards event.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, but too often they don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Ms Claydon said.
“These awards are a great reminder of what an amazing city we live in, and what fantastic community spirit there is.
“I’d encourage everyone to consider nominating one of the exceptional volunteers who make such a difference to our city each and every day.”
Award nominations are open until Friday 2 August. Nomination forms are available at www.sharonclaydon.com.
City to seek clarification about offshore sand extraction
City of Newcastle will seek clarification on the NSW Government’s position on offshore sand extraction for nourishment and replenishment of Stockton Beach, following a successful Lord Mayoral Minute at last night’s Council meeting.
The minute cited advice from the UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory (WRL), commissioned by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), identifying offshore sand extraction as one of the only viable methods for large-scale beach nourishment along the open coast.
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City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that despite the expert advice, the NSW Government’s position remained unclear.
“A recent NSW Government-sponsored report identifies offshore sand extraction as possibly the only method to renourish Stockton Beach, however it remains unclear whether the NSW Government will support the use of this mechanism as a part of City of Newcastle’s Coastal Management Program,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“I want to thank the Stockton Community Liaison Group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group for the work they have done to date to address coastal erosion at Stockton.
“This minute, supported by the City of Newcastle, and the groups currently assisting to develop our coastal management programs, simply seeks clarification about the use of offshore sand extraction for the replenishment of sand at Stockton Beach.
“It is clear from my discussions with both groups that clarity from the NSW Government is urgently needed to move forward with our vital coastal planning and management.”
Ron Boyd, a Stockton-based expert on coastal erosion, and member of the liaison group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group, said clarification of the supply of marine sand for beach replenishment was a critical component of NSW coastal councils’ response to the Coastal Management Act of 2016.
“The severe sand erosion problem at Stockton can only be remediated by sand replenishment,” Associate Professor Boyd said. There are limited options for sourcing this sand and the marine option may prove to be the most suitable and cost effective.
“I’m aware that there’s an abundance of sand available on the inner shelf off Newcastle for this purpose, as well as a large sand deposit accumulating seaward of Nobbys Beach.
“Many coastal councils would also be considering this option, and in the short window available to draft Coastal Management Programs, it’s critical to identify if this option is available and how to proceed to include it.”
For more information about City of Newcastle’s coastal planning processes, visit our website: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Living/Environment/Coast/Coastal-Planning
A copy of UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory’s ‘Guidelines for Sand Nourishment: Science and Synthesis for NSW can be accessed here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Water/Coasts/sand-nourishment-guidelines-science-synthesis-nsw.pdf
The minute cited advice from the UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory (WRL), commissioned by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), identifying offshore sand extraction as one of the only viable methods for large-scale beach nourishment along the open coast.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that despite the expert advice, the NSW Government’s position remained unclear.
“A recent NSW Government-sponsored report identifies offshore sand extraction as possibly the only method to renourish Stockton Beach, however it remains unclear whether the NSW Government will support the use of this mechanism as a part of City of Newcastle’s Coastal Management Program,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“I want to thank the Stockton Community Liaison Group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group for the work they have done to date to address coastal erosion at Stockton.
“This minute, supported by the City of Newcastle, and the groups currently assisting to develop our coastal management programs, simply seeks clarification about the use of offshore sand extraction for the replenishment of sand at Stockton Beach.
“It is clear from my discussions with both groups that clarity from the NSW Government is urgently needed to move forward with our vital coastal planning and management.”
Ron Boyd, a Stockton-based expert on coastal erosion, and member of the liaison group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group, said clarification of the supply of marine sand for beach replenishment was a critical component of NSW coastal councils’ response to the Coastal Management Act of 2016.
“The severe sand erosion problem at Stockton can only be remediated by sand replenishment,” Associate Professor Boyd said. There are limited options for sourcing this sand and the marine option may prove to be the most suitable and cost effective.
“I’m aware that there’s an abundance of sand available on the inner shelf off Newcastle for this purpose, as well as a large sand deposit accumulating seaward of Nobbys Beach.
“Many coastal councils would also be considering this option, and in the short window available to draft Coastal Management Programs, it’s critical to identify if this option is available and how to proceed to include it.”
For more information about City of Newcastle’s coastal planning processes, visit our website: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Living/Environment/Coast/Coastal-Planning
A copy of UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory’s ‘Guidelines for Sand Nourishment: Science and Synthesis for NSW can be accessed here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Water/Coasts/sand-nourishment-guidelines-science-synthesis-nsw.pdf
Green tick for new city budget
City of Newcastle will invest $32 million into sustainable waste measures and deliver major infrastructure projects, cultural facilities and workforce development under a new budget adopted by Council tonight.
Delivering a $12 million surplus, the $297 million City budget features a strong focus on environmental outcomes via a $12.35 million organics recycling facility that will divert thousands of tonnes of waste from landfill and save ratepayers an estimated $5.5m in state levies over the next six years.
The 2019-20 budget also sees the City ‘balancing the books’ by not relying on reserve funds for any services or works projects, as adequate revenue is generated.
“The adoption of tonight’s budget formalises a sustainable financial blueprint for the next 12 months and beyond,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It offers significant investment in major sustainability projects, while still delivering essential projects and services that the community expects from local government.
“Forty per cent of our $81 million works budget is committed to environmental initiatives, including new waste facilities, improvements to recreational parks and continued coastal revitalisation.
“Our budget includes a $32 million investment in the expansion of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, including the organics facility and a $6 million resource recovery centre which allow the City to generate new income from the sale of organic and other recycled materials.”
Other highlights of the newly adopted budget include:
Delivering a $12 million surplus, the $297 million City budget features a strong focus on environmental outcomes via a $12.35 million organics recycling facility that will divert thousands of tonnes of waste from landfill and save ratepayers an estimated $5.5m in state levies over the next six years.
The 2019-20 budget also sees the City ‘balancing the books’ by not relying on reserve funds for any services or works projects, as adequate revenue is generated.
“The adoption of tonight’s budget formalises a sustainable financial blueprint for the next 12 months and beyond,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It offers significant investment in major sustainability projects, while still delivering essential projects and services that the community expects from local government.
“Forty per cent of our $81 million works budget is committed to environmental initiatives, including new waste facilities, improvements to recreational parks and continued coastal revitalisation.
“Our budget includes a $32 million investment in the expansion of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, including the organics facility and a $6 million resource recovery centre which allow the City to generate new income from the sale of organic and other recycled materials.”
Other highlights of the newly adopted budget include:
- $21.6 million investment in City parks and recreation,
- $14.8 million on cultural facilities ($2.3 million on Newcastle Art Gallery, $2.3 million on Newcastle Museum, $8 million on Civic Theatre)
- $13.8 million on road infrastructures projects; and
- $10 million in library services and upgrades
- $5 million towards replacing outdated fleet
- $2.5 million on graduate apprentice and trainee recruitment.
- $2 million on Smart City projects
- $1.5 million towards improving development application processing
The Lord Mayor said the 2019-20 budget was a strong indicator of the City’s sound financial position.
“Financial sustainability is one of the foundations of good government and this budget will guide our revenue and expenditure balance over the next 12 months to help maintain our strong financial position,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The income and spending outlined in this budget will allow us to deliver the many essential services expected of the city as well as helping to deliver improvements to many areas of business.
“Delivering a surplus that equates to 3.9 per cent of our forecast income of $309 million ensures that we have the required financial flexibility to address unforeseen events, such as natural disasters.
Twenty-four submissions were made on 32 different matters in the draft 2019-20 Our Budget and draft 2019-20 Fees and Charges Register.
Aggravated armed robbery – Stockton
A man has been injured during an aggravated armed robbery in Stockton overnight.
About 11.30pm (Wednesday 26 June 2019), two men entered a licenced premises on Fullerton Street, Stockton, armed with what’s believed to be a rifle and a tomahawk.
The two men threatened patrons and staff, during which a 40-year-old man received a small laceration to the face.
One of the men demanded cash from a staff member before the pair fled the scene in a vehicle.
A car was later found well alight at Pitt Street Reserve, Stockton.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District arrived and established two crime scenes.
The 40-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; no one else was injured.
Police are now appealing for anyone with information or anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area at that time to come forward.
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.
City to seek clarification about offshore sand extraction
City of Newcastle will seek clarification on the NSW Government’s position on offshore sand extraction for nourishment and replenishment of Stockton Beach, following a successful Lord Mayoral Minute at last night’s Council meeting.
The minute cited advice from the UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory (WRL), commissioned by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), identifying offshore sand extraction as one of the only viable methods for large-scale beach nourishment along the open coast.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that despite the expert advice, the NSW Government’s position remained unclear.
“A recent NSW Government-sponsored report identifies offshore sand extraction as possibly the only method to renourish Stockton Beach, however it remains unclear whether the NSW Government will support the use of this mechanism as a part of City of Newcastle’s Coastal Management Program,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“I want to thank the Stockton Community Liaison Group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group for the work they have done to date to address coastal erosion at Stockton.
“This minute, supported by the City of Newcastle, and the groups currently assisting to develop our coastal management programs, simply seeks clarification about the use of offshore sand extraction for the replenishment of sand at Stockton Beach.
“It is clear from my discussions with both groups that clarity from the NSW Government is urgently needed to move forward with our vital coastal planning and management.”
Ron Boyd, a Stockton-based expert on coastal erosion, and member of the liaison group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group, said clarification of the supply of marine sand for beach replenishment was a critical component of NSW coastal councils’ response to the Coastal Management Act of 2016.
“The severe sand erosion problem at Stockton can only be remediated by sand replenishment,” Associate Professor Boyd said. There are limited options for sourcing this sand and the marine option may prove to be the most suitable and cost effective.
“I’m aware that there’s an abundance of sand available on the inner shelf off Newcastle for this purpose, as well as a large sand deposit accumulating seaward of Nobbys Beach.
“Many coastal councils would also be considering this option, and in the short window available to draft Coastal Management Programs, it’s critical to identify if this option is available and how to proceed to include it.”
For more information about City of Newcastle’s coastal planning processes, visit our website: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Living/Environment/Coast/Coastal-Planning
A copy of UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory’s ‘Guidelines for Sand Nourishment: Science and Synthesis for NSW can be accessed here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Water/Coasts/sand-nourishment-guidelines-science-synthesis-nsw.pdf
The minute cited advice from the UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory (WRL), commissioned by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), identifying offshore sand extraction as one of the only viable methods for large-scale beach nourishment along the open coast.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that despite the expert advice, the NSW Government’s position remained unclear.
“A recent NSW Government-sponsored report identifies offshore sand extraction as possibly the only method to renourish Stockton Beach, however it remains unclear whether the NSW Government will support the use of this mechanism as a part of City of Newcastle’s Coastal Management Program,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“I want to thank the Stockton Community Liaison Group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group for the work they have done to date to address coastal erosion at Stockton.
“This minute, supported by the City of Newcastle, and the groups currently assisting to develop our coastal management programs, simply seeks clarification about the use of offshore sand extraction for the replenishment of sand at Stockton Beach.
“It is clear from my discussions with both groups that clarity from the NSW Government is urgently needed to move forward with our vital coastal planning and management.”
Ron Boyd, a Stockton-based expert on coastal erosion, and member of the liaison group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group, said clarification of the supply of marine sand for beach replenishment was a critical component of NSW coastal councils’ response to the Coastal Management Act of 2016.
“The severe sand erosion problem at Stockton can only be remediated by sand replenishment,” Associate Professor Boyd said. There are limited options for sourcing this sand and the marine option may prove to be the most suitable and cost effective.
“I’m aware that there’s an abundance of sand available on the inner shelf off Newcastle for this purpose, as well as a large sand deposit accumulating seaward of Nobbys Beach.
“Many coastal councils would also be considering this option, and in the short window available to draft Coastal Management Programs, it’s critical to identify if this option is available and how to proceed to include it.”
For more information about City of Newcastle’s coastal planning processes, visit our website: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Living/Environment/Coast/Coastal-Planning
A copy of UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory’s ‘Guidelines for Sand Nourishment: Science and Synthesis for NSW can be accessed here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Water/Coasts/sand-nourishment-guidelines-science-synthesis-nsw.pdf