Category: Newcastle News

A man has died after the motorcycle he was riding crashed near Singleton today.
About 2.10pm (Sunday 2 December 2018), emergency services attended Putty Road, Milbrodale following reports a motorcycle had crashed.
It appears the 54-year-old male rider was travelling in a northerly direction on Putty Road when the motorcycle hit a barrier and crashed down an embankment.
The rider was unable to be revived and died at the scene.
Police will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A brief will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A man has been charged after a pursuit with a stolen car in the Lake Macquarie District.
About 7.25pm yesterday (Friday 30 November 2018), police sighted a stolen Nissan Navara being driven on Bowman Street, Swansea.
Police attempted to catch up to the vehicle but it evaded police.
A short time later, police again spotted the car on Flowers Road, Catherine Hill Bay. They attempted to pull the vehicle over however it failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated which travelled south on the Pacific Highway.
The pursuit continued to Doyalson, where the vehicle left the road and entered bushland.
The driver ran from the vehicle after it become bogged.
With the assistance of PolAir and the Dog Squad, police arrested a 33-year-old man nearby.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with police pursuit (Skye’s Law), take and drive conveyance, drive whilst disqualified, possession of illicit drugs, outstanding warrants, and breach of bail.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 1 December 2018).

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has supported national action on climate change by students, which includes a protest outside her Newcastle office today.
Ms Claydon said she “absolutely supports the right of students to engage in peaceful protest”.
“These kids are an inspiration. They’re not sitting back and accepting what adults are doing – they’re making their voices heard,” Ms Claydon said.
“If more young people got engaged in the political process, the Liberals mightn’t be so cavalier in selling out their future and the future of our planet.”
Ms Claydon said she was disappointed that she wasn’t able to be around to meet students at the end of a Parliamentary sitting week, but had held a meeting with a group of concerned students from Newcastle East Public School earlier in the month.
“I met with around 30 concerned students aged between 5 and 13 who told me how they are concerned about the future and the impacts of climate change on the environment and our oceans,” Ms Claydon said.
“It’s a sad state of affairs when primary school students are more informed than many members of the government about the dire implications of climate change, but that’s the grim reality of where we are on this issue.
“The time for climate denialism in our Federal Government is over. The time for an end to the war on renewables is here. And the time for real action on climate change is now.”
Ms Claydon said the Government had ‘betrayed’ future generations by actively stifling any real action on climate change.
“In the last five years, not only has the government failed to deliver any energy policy, they’ve also tried to dismantle every mechanism Australia has to reduce emissions to stem the impacts of climate change,” Ms Claydon said.
“Under the former Labor Government, emissions reduced by more than 10 per cent, but since the Liberals took government, they’ve risen year on year.
“The government’s own data shows that under its policy void, carbon pollution will keep rising all the way to 2030, which is the furthest date of projections.”
Ms Claydon said it had become clear that the only way to get action on climate change would be to change the Government.
“As long as the dinosaurs on the hard right of the Liberal party calls the shots, the Government will never be permitted to act on climate change.
“Only a Shorten Labor Government will take real action on climate change, and reduce carbon pollution in line with our plan for a minimum of 50 per cent renewables by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. We will also invest $10 billion in renewable energy projects and deliver rebates of $2000 for households to buy energy saving battery systems.
“Labor’s plan will drive Australia into a new age of renewable energy which will lower power prices and create tens of thousands of new jobs.”

Novocastrians are invited to a series of drop-in sessions to view the City’s exciting plans for Newcastle Beach and provide feedback on the proposed public domain upgrades.
The latest stage of the ambitious Bathers Way project includes an overhaul of the stretch between the Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club and King Edward Park.

Key features include a new, wider shared pathway, new stairs and seating, kiosk, exercise equipment and improved public amenities. Plans also include a new intermediate level skate bowl and a renewed skate park to cater for all ages and abilities.
The community drop-in sessions will offer a chance to learn more about this priority project – and give feedback on the proposal at four locations across the city.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s long-term vision included the revitalisation of Newcastle’s coastline to provide improved facilities to attract more people to live, work, relax and invest in the City.
“A big part of achieving this vision is the work we are undertaking on our iconic Bathers Way walk, a shared pathway from Nobbys to Merewether that is now more than half complete,” the Lord Mayor said.
“In a recent community survey, nine out of 10 respondents felt these upgraded coastal facilities had enhanced our beaches and coastal areas.
“Over this next phase we’re hosting drop-in sessions, across the city, to give everyone a say before we breathe new life into the area after decades of dormancy.
“The Bathers Way – Newcastle Beach is the largest and most complex stage of the Bathers Way project, which will transform an underutilised section of our coastline into a vibrant and attractive space for both visitors and the wider community.­”
The drop-in sessions will be held from 5.30pm -7.30pm at:

• Mayfield Seniors Centre, Tuesday 4 December
• City Hall, Thursday 6 December
• Wallsend Library, Tuesday 11 December
• Adamstown Bowling Club, Wednesday 12 December

A critical incident investigation has been launched following a single-vehicle crash in Cessnock.
During Thursday 29 November 2018, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were making inquiries to locate a 60-year-old man.
About midday, it’s believed the man driving a Nissan Navara, saw police on Richmond Vale Road, Cessnock, and drove off at speed, before hitting a tree.
Officers commenced CPR on the driver – and sole-occupant of the vehicle – until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, but he died at the scene.
A crime scene was established and will be forensically examined by Crash Investigation Unit officers.
Newcastle City Police District officers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review and will be monitored by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Anyone that has information that may assist is urged to come forward.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Strike Force Raptor have charged another member of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) following an investigation into an alleged extortion attempt in the state’s west.
In August, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor North commenced an investigation following reports a 51-year-old man had been seriously assaulted and his house set on fire as part of an alleged extortion.
Following inquiries, Raptor North, with the assistance of officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District, Western Region Operational Support Group, and Hunter Valley Police District, executed 10 search warrants at properties across Mudgee, Dubbo, Gulgong, Yarrawonga, and Muswellbrook, just after 7am yesterday (Wednesday 28 November 2018).
Investigators seized several items from these locations, including 14 firearms, of which three were allegedly stolen from a home in Ruse in December 2017, ammunition, prohibited drugs, mobile phones, and OMCG paraphernalia.
Five men were charged during the operation and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 50-year-old Mudgee man was arrested at Mudgee Police Station today (Thursday 29 November 2018).
He was charged with demand money with menaces with intent to steal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company, and participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court the man, who is a member of the Comanchero OMCG, assaulted the 51-year-old man and demanded a large amount of cash in July 2018.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Mudgee Local Court on Wednesday 9 January 2019.
Investigations are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

Newcastle’s iconic Civic Theatre will celebrate its 90th birthday year with a season of live performances designed to spark imagination and with even more benefits for subscribers, including free parking at Civic West car park and discounts.
Season 2019 offers a thrilling mixture of dance, drama, comedy, physical theatre, puppetry and storytelling. Old favourites such as Bell Shakespeare and the Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals are back, complemented by exciting new works from local and major Australian performing arts companies.
Above, Elixir: Katie Noonan & Leunig in Gratitude and Grief​
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle is fortunate to be home to such a magnificent historic theatre offering a diverse and compelling program of high quality productions.
“Civic Theatre welcomes more than 130,000 people every year to shows from all over Australia, and world-wide. Over its lifetime – from its early days as a cinema to the hub of live performance it is today – this beautiful theatre has entertained and inspired generations of Novocastrians and visitors.
“The tradition continues in Season 2019 with some of the great names in Australian culture, including Katie Noonan and Michael Leunig in Gratitude and Grief, and Jonathan Biggins bringing Paul Keating to life in his one-man show The Gospel According to Paul. Add children’s shows, original local productions, dance and Shakespearean drama and you have a season fitting for our 90-year-old dame.”

Season 2019 not only has a diverse range of quality live performances, but also offers some fantastic benefits for subscribers.
“This year we are offering subscribers free parking in the Civic West Parking Station thanks to the generous support of Hunter Parking and Storage,” said the City’s Civic Services Manager Delia O’Hara.
“This means subscribers can easily plan their trip with the parking station only a short walk from the theatre.
“Subscribers also receive discounted tickets when they buy four or more shows, plus discounted drinks, flexible payment options and bonus Subscriber events. With 14 outstanding productions, there are lots of great reasons to subscribe in 2019.”
Interested in enjoying great savings and benefits as a Season 2019 Subscriber? Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or phone Civic Ticketek on 02 4929 1977.

Nearly 550 primary school children from 18 schools across the region competed in the miniME Challenge at The Forum today, taking part in a STEM competition involving robotics and coding.
Part of a Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter, City of Newcastle and Obelisk Systems partnership, the Challenge is the culmination of Phase One of the miniME Program, which saw the expansion of STEM activities, including robotics and coding programs, into 18 primary schools in Newcastle. Another 17 schools are expected to participate in Phase Two.

Each school received two StarLAB Sensor + Mars Rover Bundles*, a tailored curriculum as well as support to enable teacher delivery of the cutting-edge STEM and coding platform as part of the project.
Today, students put their coding skills into action on a purpose-built track modelled on Newcastle’s Civic Precinct. The Challenge activity saw teams manoeuvre their rovers through the maze-like course while undertaking science experiments to collect environmental impact data.
RDA Hunter’s Director of Regional Development Trevor John said the partnership between RDA Hunter, City of Newcastle, Obelisk Systems and local primary schools had delivered a range of skills to students while introducing them to important issues, such as environmental protection.
“The City’s support has directly enabled hundreds of Hunter students to access equipment and activities that will teach them all-important STEM skills,” he said. “This will inspire them to pursue further STEM study in preparation for their careers and begin to understand environmental issues that will affect their future.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the miniME school engagement program was about inspiring careers and creating jobs at home in Newcastle.
“Our vision is for Newcastle to be a smart, liveable and sustainable global city. This program is helping to instil these values in the next generation as students learn how technology can be used to address issues such as protecting our environment,” said the Lord Mayor.
“This program offers young people hands-on, interactive learning and will equip them for future careers that will originate out of a city of innovation.”
Founder of Obelisk Systems Lewis Quill said the company was excited to bring the StarLAB STEM platform to Newcastle primary school students.
“Phase One of miniME has been an exciting project for us to work on,” he said. “Combining our coding platforms with science experiments and data collection applications has improved student engagement in our programs and enabled students to utilise the Rovers to contribute to real-world solutions. It’s gratifying to see our technology making a real impact on students learning.”
Participating schools in 2018/19 include: Newcastle East Public School, Newcastle Grammar School – Park Campus, New Lambton Public School, St Joseph’s Primary School Merewether, Hamilton North Public School, Islington Public School, Waratah Public School, St Philips Christian College – Junior School, Waratah West Public School, Mayfield East Public School, Hunter Christian School, Mayfield West Public School, Tighes Hill Public School, Wallsend Public School, Plattsburg Public School, Heaton Public School, Glendore Public School, Minmi Public School. Additional schools will be added during 2019/2020.
Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for an additional 17 Newcastle-based schools to participate in Phase Two which will run from February to June 2019.
The miniME program is supported by City of Newcastle as part of its Smart City initiatives, which has received $5 million in grant funding from the Australian Government through its Smart Cities and Suburbs program.  The miniME program was developed by Obelisk Systems and RDA Hunter to contribute to the Smart Mobility and Smart Environment objectives of Newcastle’s Smart City strategy.
* The StarLab Coding platform is a complete solution for teaching coding and STEM subjects in the classroom, which can be programmed by students using Scratch and Python.
* The Mars Rover expansion adds robotics to the StarLAB coding platform. It allows students to build their own Rover, drive it, collect data and get their experiments moving.

Police have charged two men following investigations into large-scale copper wire theft from the Hunter Region during the past month.
Between 14 November and 27 November 2018, land owned by the Hunter Water Corporation in Tomago, has been accessed by 4WD vehicles and approximately 940kg of copper wire removed from the ground.
The matter was reported to police at Port Stephens – Hunter Police District and an investigation was commenced.
About 1am yesterday (Monday 26 November 2018), police will allege two vehicles entered the enclosed lands and were allegedly preparing to remove the wiring.
Officers, who were conducting an operation at the location, arrested one of the men. The 47-year-old man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x3) and trespass (x3).
He was given conditional bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.
Following further inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at his home in Anna Bay. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x2), trespass (x2) and goods in custody.
He was given conditional bail and will also appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.

Imagine a City that relies on renewable energy resources to trade power between homes and businesses, and one that generates enough clean energy to operate a virtual power plant.
These future concepts were presented to elected Councillors last night as the City of Newcastle begins the process of setting new climate action targets post-2020.

“As we develop into a smart, liveable and sustainable global city, we are undertaking research into a variety of existing and emerging sustainable energy models,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“These include solar gardens, solar and battery bulk buys, demand response initiatives and virtual power plants which are already being trialled nationally and overseas.
“With the City’s 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan due for review, the wheels are now in motion to prepare for the next phase in emission reduction actions that could encourage more solar, battery storage and electric vehicles in the City.”
One innovative concept being explored by the City is a virtual microgrid across the Region.
Microgrids are small networks of electricity users who rely on local electricity generation, delivering energy security, sustainability and cost savings for those involved.
Victoria’s La Trobe Valley is currently hosting a microgrid trial with funding from The Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The $15 million project will see the roll out of 75 behind-the-meter microgrids, made up of solar installations and batteries, to reduce energy costs for business and cut emissions.
Such trials could pave the way to a similar development in Newcastle.

“While there’s plenty of research and information available that will inform our future energy use, we are already making significant headway with our own innovative ideas,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“With construction currently underway on the Summerhill Solar Farm, and the upgrade of more than 5,300 streetlights to LEDs beginning next month, we are on track to exceed both our energy-efficiency reduction targets and renewable energy targets by 2020.”
The City will begin community engagement next year to seek ideas and feedback for targets to follow the 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan.
“We are well on our way to planning the next phase of the City’s sustainable future,” the Lord Mayor added.
“We are installing electric vehicle charging stations, replacing our ageing fleet with electric vehicles and working with experts like the CSIRO Energy Centre and a burgeoning clean-tech industry on cutting-edge smart building research and demonstration projects.”
The City was recently awarded the National Cities Power Partnership award for Energy Efficiency, was a finalist in the NSW Green Globes Innovation Category and was awarded best Smart City Strategy in the Country.