Category: Newcastle News

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.
 

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.

A man has been charged following a three-month investigation into drug supply in the Newcastle area.
In February 2019, detectives from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Toocooya to investigate the supply of heroin in the Newcastle area.
Following inquiries by Strike Force detectives, about 1.30pm on Monday 13 May 2019, a 38-year-old man was stopped by police while he was driving a hire car on Llewelyn Street, Merewether.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a prohibited drug believed to be heroin, and cash.
Police arrested the man and he was taken to Newcastle Police Station.
A subsequent search warrant of two properties in Berner Street, Merewether, and Park Avenue, Kotara, allegedly uncovered $11,000 in cash, a range of prohibited weapons including knuckle dusters, ballistic vests, a replica Glock pistol, tasers, flick knives, batons and drug paraphernalia.
Police will also allege they found prohibited drugs including heroin, cocaine, MDMA and cannabis.
The 38-year-old man was charged with more than 300 offences, including ongoing drug supply as well as firearm and weapon offences.
He was refused bail at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 14 May to reappear at the same court on Wednesday 22 May 2019.
Investigations under Strike Force Toocooya continue.

A man has been charged in relation to two separate alleged robbery offences earlier this month.
About 8.15pm on Saturday 4 May 2019, a male employee was in a business on Nelson St, Wallsend, when a man and a woman entered the shop.
Police will allege a 26-year-old man threatened the employee with an unknown object before taking a sum of cash and fleeing the scene.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were called a short time later and established a crime scene.
About 10.30pm that same night, a 20-year-old female was at a university campus at Callaghan, when police allege the same man and woman approached her.
She was allegedly assaulted by the female, while the man stole her laptop before the pair fled the scene.
The 20-year-old contacted university security who then contacted police.
Following extensive inquiries, about midday yesterday (Wednesday 15 May 2019), a 26-year-old man was spotted by a group of off-duty officers at a shopping centre in Waratah.
They alerted police from the Newcastle Target Action Group who arrived and arrested the man.
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon and robbery in company.
He was refused bail at Newcastle Local Court today, to face the same court on Thursday 11 July 2019.
Newcastle City Police District Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker has praised the work of both on and off-duty officers.
“These off-duty officers were spending time with their families, but the role of a police officer never switches off. This shows the great level of teamwork within the Newcastle City Police District throughout all units.”
Inquiries continue.

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $120,000 for the University of Newcastle to deliver a pilot project to open up the world of higher education to kids in out of home care.
This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government which will reverse the Liberals’ education cuts and properly fund our universities, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the program would initially target participants in the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast regions.
“With about 10 per cent of young people in out of home care living in the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast regions, there is a dire need for greater support,” Ms Claydon said.
“Labor understands education is best way to help young people escape cycles of disadvantage and achieve their potential, and that’s exactly what this funding is about.”
Ms Claydon said 1,200 young people, case workers and carers were expected to engage with the program and its resources during a three-year pilot.
“In a unique model, current university students who have experience of out of home care will use their personal insights to help to design materials for young people currently in out of home care, their caseworkers and carers,” Ms Claydon said.
“These students will then be trained and paid to deliver training to children currently in care. This will have the dual benefit of giving them an income to support their studies and giving kids in care a mentor who understands the challenges they face.”
Ms Claydon said out of home care caseworkers and carers would also take part in training, so they are able to understand and communicate the options to young people.
“Around 84 per cent of out of home care students participating in an existing University of Newcastle program said that, while in out of home care, they couldn’t remember one person speaking to them about university as an option after care,” Ms Claydon said.
“Similar numbers said how helpful it would have been if their caseworkers and carers spoke to them about these options and the experiences of young people in care who have moved on to higher education.”
University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Darrell Evans, said the program underlines the University’s commitment to creating equal educational opportunity for all.
“It’s vital that we provide as many people as possible the support they need to access a university education, and all the benefits that can bring,” Professor Evans said.
“Our University has a proud history of enabling access to education for people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and this innovative pilot program will build on that. By drawing on the real experiences of students who have received out-of-home care, we can provide meaningful, tailored support that will create lasting opportunities.”
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in education or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
If you want real investment in education, not more chaos – vote Labor.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Member for Dobell Emma McBride today announced that, if elected, a Shorten Labor Government will invest $50,000 to build two parents’ rooms at the University of Newcastle.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in education or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
Ms Claydon said the funding would install parents’ room in the libraries of both Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses of the University.
“These rooms will provide a welcoming environment with toys for children to play with and a comfortable place to study,” Ms Claydon said.
“Some parents avoid going into a library environment for fear of disturbing others, so it’s great to be able to provide a space where they can feel at home.”
Ms McBride said Labor provided the funding to give parents the best opportunity to engage fully in higher education and attain their goals.
“Labor is fully committed to giving every Australian the opportunity to achieve their potential,” Ms McBride said.
“It’s hard enough to take on higher education with parenting responsibilities, so everything that we can do to make it easier for students with children is a worthwhile investment.”
This $50,000 investment is funded through Labor’s $300 million University Future Fund.
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest in TAFE, university and skills training.
If you want real investment in education, not more chaos – vote Labor.

City of Newcastle invites the community to an information session at the site of the City’s first fenced dog park on Saturday to view plans and hear about its benefits.
The 8,760 square metre fenced area will be built at the Acacia Avenue Reserve, North Lambton, as part of the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan. There are currently 44,300 registered dogs in the Newcastle local government area.
The session will be held Saturday from 10am to 12 noon. Non-dog owners are also welcome to attend and learn about the works taking place.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the North Lambton site will be the first in a series of future improvements to off-leash dog parks across Newcastle.
“This site in North Lambton marks the start of improvements to dog infrastructure across the City of Newcastle,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
“This project responds to consistent requests from our community. Half of all Novocastrian households own at least one dog.
“The project will deliver two separate fenced areas at Acacia Avenue Reserve, catering for both big and smaller dog breeds, and include additional tree plantings, shelter and seating, and drinking water stations for our four-legged friends.”
Rangers will be onsite Saturday offering free microchipping and responsible pet ownership bags containing pamphlets and brochures about responsible dog ownership and care.

Stage 1 of the project is expected to commence this Monday and be completed by July.
When completed, the park will include.

• 1.5 metre high mesh fencing to create separate small and large dog areas
• Two shade shelters with seating
• 450 metres of new accessible pathway
• Two dog bubblers and dog dispenser bags
• Signage and waste bins
• Tree planting and landscaped gardens
• Informal gravel carpark

The existing off-leash area at the Reserve’s lower level will be retained as an additional unfenced dog exercise facility.
The City plans to deliver further fenced off-leash areas as funding becomes available in future financial years, with consideration being given to further sites including O’Connell Reserve, Lambton Park, the Carrington Foreshore, Maryland Drive Reserve, and Stevenson Park.

A man who suffered a gunshot wound following a domestic incident in the Hunter region has died in hospital.
About midday (Sunday 12 May 2019), emergency services were called to Bingleburra Road, Bingleburra, following reports two men had been shot.
Police have been told two men – aged 35 and 28 – were involved in an altercation, where the older man sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
The younger man fled the property and was located nearby, suffering a gunshot wound to the head, which is believed to be self-inflicted.
Both men were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before they were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, with the younger man in a critical condition and the older man in a serious but stable condition.
Yesterday afternoon (Monday 13 May 2019), the younger man died in John Hunter Hospital.
The older man remains in the same hospital in a stable condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District continue to investigate the incident and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $750,000 in two University of Newcastle projects that will drive greater participation in higher education, both regionally and nationally.

This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government which will reverse the Liberals’ education cuts and give young Australians the education they deserve, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
Ms Claydon said a $500,000 investment would allow the University of Newcastle to develop a self-paced national program designed to provide a taste of enabling programs to prospective students.
“The University of Newcastle is a national leader in enabling programs, having provided more than 60,000 students with an experience of university, resulting in many becoming the first in their family to go to university,” Ms Claydon said.
“This four-week online navigator resource will be available nationally to give prospective students from a diverse range of backgrounds information about these alternate pathways to university.
“It will allow people considering higher education to understand the pathways available in order to improve the access, retention and educational outcomes of diverse cohorts of people.”
Ms Claydon said a further $250,000 commitment would support a pilot program offering important time with staff and support for regional enabling students at community centres in the Upper Hunter, Central Coast and mid-north Coast regions.
“It can be hard for students in rural and regional communities to manage the challenges of study, work and family life when they live so far from campus.
“This funding will boost student outcomes by allowing them to engage face-to-face with university staff closer to home.”
University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Darrell Evans, said the funding would create lasting opportunities.
“A university degree opens the door to so many opportunities in life, so the more we can do to improve access to higher education and provide the right support to students when they do go to university, the better the impact on our communities,” said Professor Evans.
“We need to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities and support all people to develop their capabilities, beyond schooling. These initiatives will help give those who may otherwise have thought university was not for them the knowledge to further their education.
“Additionally, this funding will also ensure that when people do enrol at our university, they are given the support they need to fulfil their potential.”
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.
We need real change, because more of the same isn’t good enough. 
End the chaos. Vote for change. Vote for Labor.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District resumed their search this morning for a man missing in the Lake Macquarie area.
About 3pm yesterday (Monday 13 May 2019), Robert Sims, aged 76, left his home on Frith Street, Kahibah, for a walk.
He failed to return home and the alarm was raised. Officers commenced a search for the man who is known to suffer a number of health concerns including epilepsy and diabetes that require regular medication.
Today’s search resumed around 7am, with assistance from State Emergency Services, local volunteers and police.
Police have received new information that Mr Sims may have attempted to catch a public bus towards the Newcastle CBD about 2.30pm yesterday.
Officers have also been told his ATM card was used at Marketown Shopping Centre, Newcastle West about 6pm yesterday.
The man reported missing from his Kahibah home overnight has been located.
The man, aged 76, was last seen on Monday 13 May 2019, at his Frith Street home.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced an extensive search.
He was located safe and well at Newcastle West about 11am this morning.
Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.