Police are appealing for information to help locate a missing man in the Lake Macquarie region.
Jonathon Peter Wynn, aged 32, was last seen about 8.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 May 2019) in the Toronto foreshore area.
Mr Wynn has not been in contact with family and police have concerns for his welfare.
He is described as being 182cm tall, muscular build, with brown hair and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and shorts.
At the time of going missing, he was on foot.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Police appeal for help to locate missing man – Hunter Region
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man missing in the Hunter Region.
Arthur Cox, aged 47, was last seen at his home on Ashwood Road, Owens Gap, about 7.30am on Monday 20 May 2019.
When he failed to return home yesterday (Tuesday 21 May 2019), family members notified officers from Hunter Valley Police District and commenced inquiries.
Police and family hold serious concerns for Arthur’s welfare as he has not been seen or heard from since.
Officers conducted an initial land search yesterday but suspended due to poor light.
Police commenced a search about 8am this morning, with assistance from officers from Hunter Valley Police District and PolAir.
Arthur is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 175-180cms tall, with a solid build.
It’s believed he could be travelling in a grey 2011 dual cab tray back Holden Colorado with New South Wales registration number BZZ 44W.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
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.
Appeal to locate wanted man after escaping police custody – Singleton
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants after escaping from police custody in Singleton this afternoon.
About 2.30pm (Wednesday 22 May 2019), a search operation involving officers from Hunter Valley Police District and PolAir commenced in Singleton, after Jay Bill Mason, aged 26, escaped from police custody at Singleton Police Station.
Mr Mason is currently wanted on outstanding warrants for breach of parole order and revocation of intensive correction order.
He is known to frequent the Singleton Heights area.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 195cm-200cm tall, with a thin build, short brown hair, shaved on top and longer at the back, with a ‘Jim Beam’ tattoo on his back, an ‘RIP’ tattoo on his arm, a full sleeve tattoo on his left arm, and tattoos on his chest.
He was last seen shirtless, wearing navy blue shorts with a floral print, and white ankle socks.
If sighted, the public is urged not to approach him but to contact Singleton Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information about Jay Bill Mason’s whereabouts 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 says thanks to committed volunteers
Around 80 of 350 city volunteers gathered at Newcastle Museum this morning to be thanked by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the City’s senior leaders for the countless hours they’ve dedicated over the past year.
Volunteers from all walks of life lend their skills, passion and time at various locations across the city including 23 Landcare sites, Libraries, the Museum, Gallery, Civic Playhouse and at major events like the Newcastle 500.
Volunteers joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at today’s morning tea“On the behalf of the city, I’d like to thank all of the volunteers for their selfless contributions to Newcastle,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Today is about recognising every one of our volunteers equally and acknowledging the work that they do across the City, whether that’s at our variety of outdoor Landcare sites or at City-owned facilities, their dedicated service is highly valued by City of Newcastle and our community.”
Today’s morning tea ties in with National Volunteers Week, of which the theme this year is Making a World of Difference. Throughout the week, thousands of people will gather across the country to say thank you to the more than six million Australians who volunteer their time for their community.
In Newcastle alone, volunteers sit on multiple committees, help manage city parks, fields and halls, and act as city guides through the NewCrew program.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes addressed the congregation of 80 volunteers
Mel Histon (speaking) from Got Your Back Sista, Karissa Lewis from Camp Quality and 2014 Citizen of the YearRick Prosser
Sixty NewCrew volunteers have helped attendees at 14 events, providing around 800 hours of their time as well assisting in the Newcastle Shop at Newcastle Museum since the team was formed in October 2018.
One of the biggest contributions they make to the City is their assistance at various Citizenship ceremonies throughout the year, which often draw some 200-300 people at each event.
NewCrew were among the volunteer groups thanked at today’s morning tea that included Museum, Landcare, Parks and Playhouse volunteers.
More than 80 volunteers attended today’s morning tea held at Newcastle MuseumChris Marley, a Nobbys Beach Landcare volunteer, said he was humbled by today’s morning tea and pleased to be able to share the moment alongside other City volunteers.
He said hearing from a panel of local businessmen and women, comprising of Mel Histon from Got Your Back Sista, Karissa Lewis from Camp Quality, and 2014 Citizen of the Year and Soul Café Owner Rick Prosser, was particularly rewarding.
“It was great to hear from the panel members speaking about their passions and commitment to supporting the City’s volunteers who’ve come today from all over Newcastle to be here,” he said.
“The men and women in this room are truly the unsung heroes of our community doing great work to proudly service our City. It’s such a pleasure to be recognised for all the work we do, and I thank those that have helped make today’s morning tea possible.”
Police seek assistance to locate missing person – Lake Macquarie
Police from Lake Macquarie Police District are appealing for public assistance to locate a man who was last seen two days ago at his Cardiff home.
Benjamin Hunter, aged 34, walked from his Thomas Street, Cardiff, address about 12.30pm on Sunday 19 May 2019.
He failed to return home and the alarm was raised by his concerned parents who told local police Benjamin’s disappearance was out of character.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced inquiries and are seeking assistance from the community to find him.
He is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 170 – 175cm tall with a medium build and dark balding hair.
He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt with grey shorts and thongs.
Mr Hunter may be driving his white Toyota Hilux 4×4 duel cab utility with New South Wales registration plate CB97UQ.
If sighted please contact officers at Lake Macquarie Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Missing woman located – Hunter Valley
A woman who went missing from the state’s Hunter region has been located.
The 23-year-old woman was last seen at a small dance party at Howes Valley in the Hunter Valley about 1.45am on Monday 20 May 2019.
About 11.30am today (Tuesday 21 May 2019), PolAir located her approximately 2.5 kilometres from where she was last seen.
She was taken to Singleton Hospital for an assessment.
Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
Woman charged over alleged sexual abuse of girl in Hunter region
A woman will re-appear in court charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a girl in the Hunter region in 2017.
In October 2017, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a girl had been sexually abused.
Detectives charged a 53-year-old man in April 2018. The man, who is known to the girl, remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 40-year-old woman, who is also known to the girl, was arrested at Waratah Police Station about 10.15am yesterday (Monday 20 May 2019).
She was charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with child under age of 10 years (DV).
Police will allege in court the woman sexually assaulted the girl – then aged seven – at a home in the Hunter region in June 2017.
The woman was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court yesterday where she was granted conditional bail to re-appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 17 July 2019.
City Hall refurb motoring along
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes turned back the clock 90 years today to celebrate an important milestone in the restoration of City Hall.
The major refurbishment project is now more than half completed after the finishing touches were applied to the southern façade.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Laurie Baker (left) and City project manager, Matt Bennett
“Not since the days of the 1929 Chrysler, which rolled off the production line the same year City Hall opened, has our architectural jewel looked so good,” the Lord Mayor said, after being driven up the driveway in a 1929 Chrysler Series 75 by proud owner Laurie Baker.
“It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of the contractors and staff who’ve restored the building, and the patience of the public, that we now have City Hall looking like new again.”
The milestone follows restoration of the eastern exterior and clock tower. Workers are now turning their attention to the western and northern aspects of the building.
This part of the project will include sandstone repair and replacement, removal of corroded steel fixings, and refurbishment of the steel-framed windows and repairs to stormwater damage. The work is scheduled to be completed in April 2020.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Laurie Baker – owner of the 1929 Chrysler Series 75
“This large-scale conservation work will ensure City Hall stands strong and proud in a pivotal precinct that will quickly grow in stature as a cultural and hospitality hub that will include Newcastle’s first five-star hotel in the Roundhouse building,” the Lord Mayor said.
The highest quality self-colouring sandstone material has been used to replace ageing and damaged stone, with the Sydney basin ‘Yellowblock’ sandstone excavated from a building site in George Street, Sydney.
The use of high-quality material will ensure the longevity of the building and help reduce future building maintenance.
For more information on this project, visit the City Hall Restoration website.

Woman charged in investigation into death of infant – Strike Force Wandearah
Detectives have charged a woman with child abuse offences following the death of a baby in the Hunter region earlier this year.
Police and emergency services were called to a home on New Lambton, just after 4.30am on Saturday 9 February 2019, following reports a six-month-old boy had gone into cardiac arrest.
The child was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the boy died late on Sunday 10 February 2019.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Newcastle City Police District, assisted by the Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Wandearah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
A post mortem examination determined the child died as a result of a traumatic head injury.
During the course of the investigation, detectives charged a 28-year-old man. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 26-year-old woman at a house in Marrickville just after 10am yesterday (Thursday 16 May 2019).
She was taken to Newtown Police Station, where she was charged with do act with intent to pervert the course of justice, failure of provide for child causing danger of death, and drive whilst disqualified.
The woman was refused bail to appear at Newtown Local Court today (Friday 17 May 2019).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
SHARON CLAYDON WILL DELIVER FOR NEWCASTLE
At the tailend of a hard-fought local campaign and on the cusp of the 2019 Federal election, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has made a final pitch for the continued support of Novocastrians at the ballot box.
Ms Claydon said that while Liberals seemed to have had a deliberate strategy to ‘run dead’ in the local campaign, Labor would never take Newcastle for granted.
“I’m incredibly proud of the important local commitments I have been able to secure for Newcastle,” Ms Claydon said.
If elected, a Labor Government will deliver:
- $3 million to rebuild Boscawen Street Bridge at Wallsend
- $2.3 million to revitalise Throsby Creek and prevent plastics and other rubbish from ending up in the ocean
- $13 million to complete the first stage of the Glendale Interchange
- $120,000 for priority projects at Glendore Public School, Callaghan College, New Lambton Public School and Stockton Public School
- $564,000 for more local emergency relief funding
- $350,000 for a Newcastle Music Hub where young people can jam, rehearse and record with the support of professional mentors and equipment
- $2.4 million for cutting-edge University of Newcastle research projects to drive a clean energy future
- $450,000 for a project to boost job outcomes for young people in the Newcastle-Hunter region
- $580,000 for two projects to boost the number of young people participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)
- $1.65 million for a project to change community culture and help people with an experience of domestic violence to take up higher education
- $750,000 for two projects to give disadvantaged people the skills and support to take up higher education
- $50,000 for two parents’ rooms at University of Newcastle libraries
- $120,000 for a project to open up university options to young people in out of home care
In addition, Ms Claydon pointed to a number of Labor’s national commitments and policies with specific benefits for Newcastle including:
- $1.1 billion investment to grow the national hydrogen industry in which Newcastle could be a lead player
- $14 billion extra for public schools across the country, including $19.4 million for schools in Newcastle
- A cap on private health insurance premiums, a $2.8 billion Better Hospitals Fund and $2.3 billion Medicare Cancer Plan
- The restoration of almost $10 million cut from the John Hunter Hospital, Calvary Mater and John Hunter Children’s Hospitals
- The $50 million Coastal Rehabilitation Fund to support local communities like Stockton to address beach erosion
- A commitment to real action on climate change, with Newcastle being uniquely positioned to lead the way in a just transition to a low-carbon economy
- A National Rail Manufacturing Plan which Newcastle stands to benefit from as one of Australia’s largest remaining rail manufacturing hubs
- The reversal of cuts to penalty rates and prevention of future cuts
- Getting the NDIS back on track
Ms Claydon urged all constituents to vote, labelling the 2019 election “the most important in a generation”.
“Never has there been a starker difference between the offerings of the major parties with such far-reaching implications for the future direction of the country,” Ms Claydon said.
“Labor has presented a comprehensive, coherent vision of a fairer, more prosperous country that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
“Australians now have a clear choice between excessive tax breaks for the top end of town, or proper investment in schools, hospitals and the potential of Australian people.”
If you want better hospitals and schools, not more cuts – vote Labor.
If you want unity and stability, not three more years of chaos – vote Labor.
If you want to get wages moving, not more tax loopholes for the rich – vote Labor.
If you want real action on climate change, not more chaos – vote Labor.
If you want a fair go for all Australians – vote Labor.
