Category: Newcastle News

A report will be prepared for the Coroner following the death of a man in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.
Emergency services were called to a property on Mandalong Road, Mandalong, about 26km south west of Toronto, just after 12pm today (Tuesday 26 February 2019), following reports a tractor had rolled down an embankment.
Police have been told the man was conducting maintenance on the property at the time.
The 77-year-old man could not be revived.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It is not being treated as suspicious.

Police are disappointed following a number of incidents involving intoxicated people at a music concert in the Hunter Valley yesterday.
The event was held at Hope Estate on Broke Road, Pokolbin, from 2pm (Saturday 23 February 2019), and continued until 10pm.
A police operation was conducted involving officers from Hunter Valley Police District, assisted by Northern Region, Dog Unit, and licencing officers.
During the operation, six people were charged with a range of offences including common assault, assault police, resist arrest, and fail to quit.
Of note, about 9pm, a 25-year-old man was asked to leave the event by security due to intoxication.
Police nearby were asked to assist after the man allegedly refused to follow their direction. While officers were escorting the man from the area, he allegedly blew snot at a male senior constable.
The Kensington man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with assault officer in execution of duty and excluded person fail to leave premises when required.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 20 March 2019.
In addition, there were 44 drug detections for MDMA, cocaine and cannabis. The drugs will undergo forensic examination with charges expected to follow, however, 17 cannabis cautions were issued.
Police and security ejected 79 people from the event and 34 people were taken to a separate area within the event due to intoxication.
Three people were issued Criminal Infringement Notices for trespass.
Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies, said while most of the crowd behaved responsibly, it was disappointing to have a high number of people ejected or excluded from the event due to intoxication.
“Our officers were kept busy last night with several drug and alcohol-related incidents,” Supt Gillies said.
“Police are not there to spoil people’s fun, but the behaviour of people affected by alcohol was unacceptable and a music event is not an excuse to break the law.
“In one incident, security officers refused entry to a bus with 20 patrons on arrival due to intoxication levels,” Supt Gillies said.

Communities from Bega to Bourke will benefit from new or upgraded police stations, plus a major new state-of-the-art training facility, thanks to a $100 million investment from the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
The funding will be used to build new police stations in Bega, Goulburn and Jindabyne, carry out major police station upgrades at Bathurst and Bourke, and create a new police training facility in Dubbo.
As well as a new main police station in Jindabyne, there will also be two new small police stations at Perisher and Thredbo.
It takes the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s investment in new and upgraded police stations across NSW to $218 million this year, along with a record $583 million investment in 1500 extra police over the next four years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Police Minister Troy Grant made the announcement today as they attended an attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn, where 201 new officers officially joined the ranks of the NSW Police Force.
“The investments we are making in the NSW Police Force – which will reduce crime further and keep our communities even safer – are only possible because of the NSW Liberals & Nationals’ economic management,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have worked hard to get the budget back into shape after years of mismanagement under Labor and now the community is reaping the benefit.
“Our commitment today to deliver new and upgraded stations across the state will ensure that our police have the best facilities and resources to proactively prevent and disrupt crime. It takes our investment to new and upgraded police stations across NSW this financial year to more than $218 million.
“NSW has some of the lowest crime rates in 20 years and we want to do everything we can to help our men and women in blue to make our streets even safer.”
Mr Grant said the latest class of recruits are joining one of the most highly respected
law enforcement agencies in the world, at a time of unprecedented opportunity – and that many of them would benefit from new police stations at Bega, Goulburn, and Jindabyne, upgraded stations at Bathurst and Bourke, and a new $35 million training facility in Dubbo.
“Never has there been a more exciting time to join the NSW Police Force, with hundreds more recruits just around the corner, and now even more support to ensure our officers have the modern facilities, equipment, and infrastructure they need to do their jobs,” Mr Grant said.
“After months of challenging training, these new probationary constables will join their Commands and Districts next Monday to begin their policing careers – with many set to benefit from new stations and training facilities in the near future.
“It’s an incredible privilege to put on the blue uniform each day, and I know it’s one officers wear with pride because they’ll be helping the community, solving crimes, and bringing closure to victims and their families – and that’s an honour seldom paralleled in other professions.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said with 1500 new officers joining the ranks over the next four years, it’s imperative we also have the very best police stations and facilities across the state to support them.
“$100 million is another huge boost for the Force, allowing us to build new stations, improve others and provide an outstanding training centre closer to operational police in the field,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The investment in new and upgraded stations announced today follows the Liberals & Nationals Government’s record $3.9 billion budget for the NSW Police Force in 201819, including more than $118 million to:

• redevelop police stations at Parramatta, Hurstville, Port Macquarie, Cessnock, Broken Hill and Inverell,
• upgrade Gosford police station; and
• redevelop an additional fifteen regional police stations in towns across the state.

A man will face court in Newcastle today after being charged with 17 offences following an ongoing investigation in the state’s Port Stephen-Hunter region.
Since October 2018, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been investigating multiple alleged stealing, break and enter, traffic, fraud, drug and firearm offences committed across the Port Stephens-Hunter, Hunter Valley and Tuggerah Lakes Police Districts.
Following inquiries, about 10am yesterday (Friday 22 February 2019), police executed a search warrant at a house on Government Road, Weston, where a 31-year-old man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
Officers seized a number of items from the premises including a motorbike and keys belonging to a vehicle, both allegedly stolen.
He was charged with 17 offences including receive/dispose stolen property (x4), possess prohibited drug, break enter and steal, steal firearm or imitation firearm, unlawfully sell firearms, take & drive conveyance without consent of owner (x2), drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (x3), drive recklessly/furiously or speed in manner dangerous, dishonestly obtain property by deception, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (Skye’s Law), and goods in personal custody suspected stolen.
The man was refused bail to appear in Newcastle local court today (Saturday 23 February 2019).

A nationally significant exhibition will open at Newcastle Art Gallery on Saturday 2 March 2019, drawn from the Gallery’s substantial collection of Japanese Sodeisha ceramics and the result of a collaboration of curators and artists across Australia and Japan.
SODEISHA: connected to Australia celebrates Newcastle Art Gallery’s significant holdings of Japanese ceramics with 10 displays of contemporary ceramic artists from Australia and Japan alongside the Gallery’s Sodeisha collection.
The Australian artists involved include Alterfact Studio, Penny Byrne, Juz Kitson, Julie Bartholomew, and Kenji Uranishi, while artists Takashi Hinoda, Satoru Hoshino, Yusaku Ishida, Rokubei Kiyomizu, and Hideo Matsumoto will represent Japan in the exhibition.
Satoru HOSHINO Beginning Form – Spiral ‘17 2017 smoked earthenware 850°C, black stoneware Artist collection
Photography Oginuma, Hidekazu
“This is the first major exhibition in Australia to celebrate the legacy and influence of the pioneering Sodeisha group on contemporary ceramics, and is testament to the strength of Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection,” said Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.
“More than 37 years after the acquisition of this internationally significant collection, it continues to be a valuable cultural asset for the city of Newcastle as well as the nation”.
SODEISHA: connected to Australia  provides the first opportunity for Newcastle Art Gallery to develop an international, cultural partnership project based on the city’s collection.
The exhibition brings together curatorial advisor Kevin White – a MEXT Scholar and exhibiting artist Satoru Hoshino – an original member of the Sodeisha group. Hoshino will arrive in Newcastle from Japan to install a major wall and floor mounted ceramic installation, and joins Professor White and Gallery staff to take part in a range of dynamic public events.
^{Exhibition installation image (detail) 19/12/2005 Newcastle Art Gallery From left to right: Masatsugu HITOMI
Gate of sound c1980; Yosuke NAKANISHI Globe A n.d; Yosuke NAKANISHI Globe B n.d Gift of members of the
Sodeisha Group 1981 Newcastle Art Gallery collection}
About the Japanese Sodeisha ceramics in the Newcastle Art Gallery collection
Newcastle Art Gallery holds 58 Sodeisha ceramics, one of the largest collections by this important group of avant-garde post-war artists outside of Japan.
In 1979 Newcastle Art Gallery hosted a contemporary Sodeisha Japanese ceramics exhibition arranged by the Australian Gallery Directors Council in association with the Crafts Board of the Australia Council and the Japan Foundation.
It was the first major exhibition held in Australia that brought attention to the groundbreaking work of the Sodeisha group of ceramic artists, and featured 62 works of art by 32 members of the group including founding members Osamu Suzuki (1926-2001), Kazuo Yagi (1918-1979), and Hikaru Yamada (1924-2001). After two years of touring the exhibition to a number of state and regional Australian galleries, the Sodiesha group elected to gift 58 of the original 62 works of art to Newcastle Art Gallery.
Public programs supporting the exhibition
A comprehensive suite of public programs will support the exhibition, including masterclasses, artist-led workshops and forums, and regional clay community activities, drawing in new audiences for this ancient and contemporary art form.
A summary of the highlights of the program have been provided below, however several more public events are scheduled to support the exhibition.
For more information visit: www.nag.org.au/whats-on
Tadayasu SASAYAMA Waves cube B n.d stoneware plates on wood base 28.5 x 21.0 x 14.5cm Gift of members                                             of the Sodeisha Group 1981 Newcastle Art Gallery collection
SODEISHA: connected to Australia Opening event.
Friday 1 March 2019, from 5.30pm
Refreshments provided.
The official launch of the exhibition SODIEHSA: connected to Australia, opened by the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Keizo Takewaka.
Artist Forum: Sodeisha and ceramics today
Saturday 2 March 2019, 2.00pm-3.00pm, Free event
Speakers: James Collis Exhibitions Coordinator Newcastle Art Gallery, Prof. Kevin White RMIT Melbourne, exhibiting artist Saturo Hoshino, exhibiting artist Kenji Uranishi.
At this free talk, the panel will explore their personal historical connections with the Sodeisha movement, and discuss the impact and influence of this movement on ceramics in Australia and Japan today.
Exclusive Performance: Crawling through mud
Commissioned by Newcastle Art Gallery through Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub
Saturday 2 March 2019 from 7:00pm
Refreshments provided.
Award-winning Australian choreographer and performer Kristina Chan presents an exclusive commissioned work, inspired by the seminal 1955 performance Challenging Mud by Kazuo Shiraga.
One-day Raku Clay Masterclass with Satoru Hoshino
Saturday 9 March and Sunday 10 March 2019 (two sessions)
10.30am – 3pm
Most materials provided
For intermediate and established ceramicists
Join visiting Japanese artist Satoru Hoshino, for the rare opportunity to attend this five-hour masterclass using raku clay.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called on the Morrison Government to match Labor’s tough superannuation policy after it was revealed that Newcastle-Hunter workers are losing out on almost $150 million in superannuation payments each year.
Ms Claydon said she was appalled but not surprised that one-third of Hunter-Newcastle workers were owed superannuation payments totalling $146 million.
“Too often I get calls from Novocastrians at their wits end after being short-changed thousands of dollars that is rightfully theirs,” Ms Claydon said.
“Even when the ATO officially confirms the money is owed, workers can’t chase this money as the debt isn’t technically owed to them.”
Ms Claydon called on the Government to match Labor’s policy to get tough on dodgy bosses and make it easier for employees to recover unpaid super.
“Unpaid super is theft, pure and simple. It’s about time the law treated it as such,” Ms Claydon said.
“Under Labor, employers who underpay superannuation to their staff because of a false or misleading statement will be fined an amount equal to 100 per cent of the unpaid super. Employers who fail to tell the ATO about unpaid superannuation when asked will face fines equal to 300 per cent of the unpaid super.
“Labor will also enshrine a right to superannuation within the National Employment Standards, giving workers the power to pursue their unpaid superannuation through the Fair Work Commission or Federal Court.”
Ms Claydon said there needs to be more serious repercussions for employers that shortchange workers on super.
“At the moment, too many employers are withholding superannuation as a means of cashflow management. That’s an appalling business practice, but there’s not enough incentive to do the right thing,” Ms Claydon said.
“Good employers who pay their workers’ superannuation entitlements are at a competitive disadvantage to the bosses who shirk the rules.”
Ms Claydon said the Morrison Government’s failure to get tough on unpaid superannuation was yet another betrayal of Australian workers.
“Australian workers are already being hit by record low wage growth, rising costs and a decline in the standard of living,” Ms Claydon said.
“It’s time the Government stood up to dodgy bosses who are failing to pay their workers the super they deserve.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called on the Morrison Government to fund a rebuild of the Boscawen Street Bridge at Wallsend to protect against future flooding.
Ms Claydon said Newcastle City Council had requested support for the $3 to $4 million Boscawen rebuild, which has been identified as a priority under the Wallsend Flood Mitigation Strategy.
“Boscawen is one of the three bridges that need rebuilding, along with Tyrell Street and Nelson Street, in Wallsend,” Ms Claydon said.
‘While Council has already allocated funds for the Tyrell Street bridge replacement, it is seeking funds elsewhere for Nelson Street, and I would like to see the federal government pitch in to rebuild Boscawen.”
Ms Claydon said the current structure presents an unacceptable flooding risk.
“A number of issues have been identified, including the low clearance on the bridge, the handrails and the intermediate piers, which have a high chance of trapping cars, shopping trolleys and items that come down through the drainpipes, causing blockages.
“To solve this, the bridge has to be reconstructed. It has to have those piers removed, creating a single-span bridge which would improve the flow capacity in large flood events, allowing for the future channel-widening project.”
Ms Claydon said the rebuild would bring peace of mind to the people of Wallsend and encourage business investment.
“It’s been nearly 12 years since the superstorm wreaked havoc on Wallsend, but every time it rains hard the people of Wallsend—the residents and business owners—are on tenterhooks wondering if this is going to happen again.
“Some shops are empty today for this very reason. These rebuilds will be a shot in the arm to drive confidence in the region.”
Ms Claydon said she wanted to build a strong community campaign to send a message to Canberra about the importance of the project and is urging people to sign her petition at www.sharonclaydon.com
“There’s a Federal Budget coming up in a few months, and this presents a great opportunity to put pressure on this government to commit to a very worthwhile local infrastructure project that is beyond the capacity of local government to fund alone,” Ms Claydon said
“Given we are so close to an election, I am also impressing upon my Labor colleagues the importance of this project.
“I think we’ve got a great chance. It’s a great project. And I’d like nothing more than to see it become a reality.”

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash at Morisset today.
Shortly after 10.30am (Tuesday 19 February 2019), emergency services were called to Wyee Road, after a Volkswagen Amarok left the road and hit trees before stopping in bushland.
The driver and sole occupant, 36-year-old man, was pulled from the vehicle. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he died at the scene.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, and whether the man may have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A man has been charged with mid-range drink-driving following a pursuit near Newcastle this morning.
Just before 1.20am today (Tuesday 19 February 2019), officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducted stationary speed enforcement duties on the M1 motorway at West Wallsend, when they detected a Lexus sedan allegedly travelling at 178km/hr in a 110km/hr area.
The driver, a 39-year-old man from Neutral Bay, allegedly failed to stop as directed by police and a pursuit was initiated.
The man stopped the sedan a short distance away on the George Booth exit ramp and allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test.
He was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where a subsequent breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.109.
The man was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive with mid-range PCA, and exceed speed greater than 45km/h.
The man was granted bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 9 April 2019

A woman has died after her car crashed in the Hunter region overnight.
The crash happened about 7.30pm (Sunday 17 February 2019), when the 47-year-old driver lost control on Windermere Road at Lochinvar, and hit a tree.
Police, paramedics and Fire & Rescue NSW officers responded to the crash site; however, the driver had died at the scene.
It’s believed the woman lived in nearby Windermere.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner by officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.
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.