Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from Waratah.
Maddison Sawka Finn, aged 13, was last seen by family members in Newcastle on Tuesday 5 March 2019.
She was reported missing to officers from Newcastle City Police District on Tuesday 12 March 2019.
Concerns are held for her welfare due to her age.
Maddison is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, of a slim build, with long black hair and a mole above her left eyebrow.
It’s believed she may be in the Newcastle, Raymond Terrace or Taree areas.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Maddison is urged to come forward.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Parking discounts driving-up app’s use
Record numbers of drivers are using the City’s EasyPark mobile phone app to take advantage of 25 per cent discounts on hourly rates.
Pay-by-phone transactions shot up 80 per cent from December to January (15,000-27,000) and a further 30 per cent from February to March (27,000-35,000), proving Novocastrians are willing to embrace smart city technology.
From when the discount was introduced on 1 January to 1 March, 62,000 transactions were made via the mobile phone application – more than double the 30,000 for the two months from November to December.
Transactions had been increasing at a steady average of 20 per cent a month between March 2018, when EasyPark was introduced, and December.
Nearing the halfway mark of the six-month trial of the discount, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the numbers showed the incentive was clearly working.
“Drivers are embracing this easy, convenient and cost-effective parking payment mechanism which is keeping more money in their pockets while preparing them for Australian-first technology that will soon guide drivers to vacant parking spaces,” the Lord Mayor said.
From July, users of the EasyPark app will be able to log in and view the availability of parking spaces across the City.
The app will have the ability to point out to drivers the most likely place to find a park, based on sophisticated parking algorithms.
Cr Nelmes said the City would review the 25 per cent discount in time for the 2019-20 budget.
The EasyPark app can be downloaded via the Apple app store by typing EasyPark or at Google Play for Android users. Just look for the logo of a white ‘e’ set in a pink square. Motorists can also call EasyPark on 1300 734 070 for assistance with the app.
Pay-by-phone transactions shot up 80 per cent from December to January (15,000-27,000) and a further 30 per cent from February to March (27,000-35,000), proving Novocastrians are willing to embrace smart city technology.
From when the discount was introduced on 1 January to 1 March, 62,000 transactions were made via the mobile phone application – more than double the 30,000 for the two months from November to December.
Transactions had been increasing at a steady average of 20 per cent a month between March 2018, when EasyPark was introduced, and December.
Nearing the halfway mark of the six-month trial of the discount, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the numbers showed the incentive was clearly working.
“Drivers are embracing this easy, convenient and cost-effective parking payment mechanism which is keeping more money in their pockets while preparing them for Australian-first technology that will soon guide drivers to vacant parking spaces,” the Lord Mayor said.
From July, users of the EasyPark app will be able to log in and view the availability of parking spaces across the City.
The app will have the ability to point out to drivers the most likely place to find a park, based on sophisticated parking algorithms.
Cr Nelmes said the City would review the 25 per cent discount in time for the 2019-20 budget.
The EasyPark app can be downloaded via the Apple app store by typing EasyPark or at Google Play for Android users. Just look for the logo of a white ‘e’ set in a pink square. Motorists can also call EasyPark on 1300 734 070 for assistance with the app.
Strike Force Trawler charge man over alleged online exploitation of child
Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a man over the alleged online grooming of a child.
In January 2018, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the Newcastle area.
Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and sent indecent material to the child.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 22-year-old man at a home in Lambton about 8.40am yesterday (Tuesday 12 March 2019).
A search warrant was executed at the property, where investigators seized a computer, a video game console, a mobile phone, USB drives, and other electronic devices. These items will undergo forensic examination.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged using a carriage service to groom persons under 16 years of age.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 11 April 2019.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
0.252 reading brings drink drive charge for mum on school run
A woman will face court next month after being charged with high-range drink driving when she attended a Hunter region primary school to collect her children.
About 4.35pm on Monday 11 March, police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a Salamander Bay school after a teacher became concerned for the welfare of a parent who had arrived at the school to collect her six-year-old daughter.
The woman’s two-year-old son was in the car at the time it arrived at the school.
A roadside breath test returned a positive reading.
The woman was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station where a subsequent breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.252
Her licence was suspended, and a Child at Risk Notification has been lodged.
The 30-year-old Nelson Bay woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 1 April 2019.
Investigation continues into death of woman – Lake Macquarie
As investigations continue into the death of a woman in the Lake Macquarie area today, police are now searching for a man, who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiry, and a vehicle he may be driving.
Officers were called to a home on Stephens Avenue about 11.30am (Wednesday 13 March 2019), after a woman was found suffering stab wounds.
She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she died.
A crime scene was established at the woman’s house and detectives are now searching for a man known as Tafari Walton, who is described as having a dark complexion, aged in his early 20s with a long black ponytail, and wearing a grey top with black short.
It’s believed he may be driving a 2008 white Mitsubishi Outlander with NSW registration AW67VV.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of this man or the vehicle please do not approach but contact Triple Zero.
Local flora exhibition blossoms from partnership
A cross-pollination of science, environment, education and art has spawned a vivid depiction of Newcastle’s diverse flora, now on exhibition at Newcastle Museum.
The Flora of the Hunter Region exhibition features 33 natural illustrations of plant life carefully reproduced from images in a newly released book published by the University of Newcastle in partnership with the CSIRO.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Museum Director Julie Baird at Newcastle Museum
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition had several layers to it, which have come about through an important collaboration of scientific, academic and artistic minds.
“This is a striking and colourful art exhibition that wraps the science and history of Newcastle’s endangered flora all into one,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The level of thought and the detail to which this exhibition has been planned and curated is truly remarkable and a credit to our staff and exhibition partners.
“What was first simply a conversation to launch a book has now turned into an established partnership between the University of Newcastle, CSIRO and Newcastle Museum that adds serious credibility to the book’s meaning, and in turn, the museum’s exhibition.”
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said the exhibition captures the exceptional level of detail and history of the local plant life contained within the book.
“The University approached us about a space to launch a new book they were publishing on endangered plant life of the Hunter.”
“Three months since that December meeting, we’re proud to say we’ve been able to achieve that vision.”
The book, Flora of the Hunter Region – Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs, piqued the interest of the CSIRO, Australia’s chief science agency, due to its level of rare and insightful scientific information.
Co-authored by Hunter-based botanist and University Conjoint Stephen Bell, Christine Rockley and Anne Lewellyn, it details 54 endemic trees and large shrubs native to the Hunter.
Information includes the identification, habitat, ecology and distribution of each of the 54 different each species.
The exhibition itself will showcase 33 of the images contained within the book, including three plant species new to science and two presumed extinct. Everyone one of them is native to the Hunter.
Broad-Leaved Pepperbrush: Installation by Esther Bolz
The exhibition will be on display in Newcastle Museum from 12 March until 10 June 2019. For more information, visit http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/Exhibitions/Exhibitions/FLORA-of-the-Hunter-Region.
The Flora of the Hunter Region exhibition features 33 natural illustrations of plant life carefully reproduced from images in a newly released book published by the University of Newcastle in partnership with the CSIRO.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Museum Director Julie Baird at Newcastle MuseumLord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition had several layers to it, which have come about through an important collaboration of scientific, academic and artistic minds.
“This is a striking and colourful art exhibition that wraps the science and history of Newcastle’s endangered flora all into one,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The level of thought and the detail to which this exhibition has been planned and curated is truly remarkable and a credit to our staff and exhibition partners.
“What was first simply a conversation to launch a book has now turned into an established partnership between the University of Newcastle, CSIRO and Newcastle Museum that adds serious credibility to the book’s meaning, and in turn, the museum’s exhibition.”
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said the exhibition captures the exceptional level of detail and history of the local plant life contained within the book.“The University approached us about a space to launch a new book they were publishing on endangered plant life of the Hunter.”
“Three months since that December meeting, we’re proud to say we’ve been able to achieve that vision.”
The book, Flora of the Hunter Region – Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs, piqued the interest of the CSIRO, Australia’s chief science agency, due to its level of rare and insightful scientific information.
Co-authored by Hunter-based botanist and University Conjoint Stephen Bell, Christine Rockley and Anne Lewellyn, it details 54 endemic trees and large shrubs native to the Hunter.
Information includes the identification, habitat, ecology and distribution of each of the 54 different each species.
The exhibition itself will showcase 33 of the images contained within the book, including three plant species new to science and two presumed extinct. Everyone one of them is native to the Hunter.
Broad-Leaved Pepperbrush: Installation by Esther Bolz
The exhibition will be on display in Newcastle Museum from 12 March until 10 June 2019. For more information, visit http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/Exhibitions/Exhibitions/FLORA-of-the-Hunter-Region.
Man charged after alleged carjacking and police pursuit – Raymond Terrace
A man has been charged after an alleged carjacking and police pursuit at the weekend.
About 8.40pm on Saturday (9 March 2019), a 45-year-old man was at his home on Corelli Close at Raymond Terrace, when a man, known to him, and a woman attended and requested to be driven to another address.
The trio left the home in a Mitsubishi Lancer and a short time later, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attempted to stop the vehicle on Irrawang Street for a random breath test.
The man allegedly threatened the 45-year-old man who was driving, and a police pursuit was initiated after the vehicle failed to stop.
On Adelaide Street, the Mitsubishi slowed down, and the driver jumped out.
The Mitsubishi took off again and the pursuit continued for a short time before it was terminated due to safety concerns.
Following inquiries, police attended Maitland Road at Mayfield about 9am today (Tuesday 12 March 2019), after the couple were sighted.
Following a short foot pursuit, officers arrested a 40-year-old man nearby on Hanbury Street.
The woman was last seen fleeing in a blue Nissan Navara.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in it – in company, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic), custody of knife in public place.
He appeared in Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 12 March 2019) and was formally refused bail to reappear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 25 March 2019.
Inquiries are continuing to locate the woman.
Kidnap charge as inquiries continue into fatal fight – Hamilton South
A man has been charged with kidnapping and affray as investigations continue into the death of one man and the serious injury of another in Newcastle last week.
About 3.30am on Friday (8 March 2019), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Donald Street, Hamilton, following reports of men fighting in the street.
When police arrived they were told the men had left.
A short time later, officers were called to a home unit on Cody Street, Hamilton South, where they found the body of a 51-year-old man, and a 23-year-old man unconscious, suffering head injuries.
The injured man was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
A 25-year-old man, who was also in the unit, was taken to Newcastle Police Station but released pending further inquiries.
Crime scenes were established at the scene of the street fight and the home unit, with Strike Force Delline created to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive investigations, detectives yesterday (Sunday 10 March 2019), charged the 25-year-old man with aggravated take/detain person in company with the intention to obtain advantage. affray, and reckless grievous bodily harm.
The man, from Hamilton South, was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 11 March 2019).
Inquiries continue.
$780 MILLION TO REDEVELOP JOHN HUNTER HOSPITAL
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will deliver a major redevelopment of John Hunter Hospital, enhancing comprehensive healthcare in Newcastle, including the latest in emergency medicine, cancer care and surgical services on a new site.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $780 million investment would bring total health infrastructure investment in the region to more than $1 billion, and was made possible by the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“This investment by the NSW Liberals & Nationals will ensure people in the Hunter have the best available healthcare close to home, and that the Hunter can attract the best clinicians,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This redevelopment will deliver better surgical and critical care services, an expanded emergency department, better diagnostic and support facilities, and a jobs boom for the Hunter.
“The precinct will create more than 7800 jobs, attract associated businesses, industries and research, and offer students pathways to jobs.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said work on the planned redevelopment will commence in the next term of government, and is part of more than $8 billion dollars in health infrastructure being invested over the next years.
“Since coming to office, the NSW Liberals & Nationals have delivered more than 100 new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities, with more than half of those in regional areas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We recently completed work at John Hunter Children’s Hospital paediatric and neonatal intensive care units, boosting the hospital’s ability to care for the sickest babies.
“Coupled with our $470 million investment at Maitland to build a new hospital 70 per cent larger than the current one, and our commitment to expand Manning Hospital, the Liberals & Nationals will invest more than $1 billion dollars in health infrastructure in the region,” Mr Hazzard said.
In addition to record infrastructure investment, the Government will add 8300 frontline staff, including 5000 nurses and midwives in a $2.8 billion workforce boost. This will include at least 979 staff in the Hunter New England Local Health District: 613 nurses and midwives, 113 doctors, 105 allied health staff and 148 hospital support workers.
Man dies – Pinny Beach
A man has died in a suspected drowning in the Lake Macquarie region.
Just after 10am today (Sunday 10 March 2019), emergency services were called to Pinny Beach after an 18-year-old man, who had been bodyboarding, was pulled from the water unconscious.
Despite efforts to revive him the man died at the scene.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District are speaking to witnesses and will prepare a report for the Coroner.