Category: Newcastle News

All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region

Art Gallery welcomes most visitors in a decade

World-class exhibitions, increased youth engagement and the growing appeal of the lucrative KILGOUR PRIZE has helped catapult Newcastle Art Gallery’s visitation numbers to their highest levels in 10 years.
Close to 77,000 people walked through the doors of the Gallery in 2018, up 14,000 or 23 per cent on 2017 and five thousand visitors more than in 2008.
“We’re absolutely delighted with what we were able to achieve for our local community and visitors to the city,” Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said.
“High quality exhibitions take time to develop, and what our visitors experienced last year was the culmination of years of hard work from the dedicated Gallery team.”
Insidelauretta.jpgLauretta Morton credits the gallery’s success to hard work and forward planning from her team
Twelve diverse exhibitions from a range of local and internationally recognised artists are behind the success.
Just two were toured from other venues, while the remaining 10 were developed inhouse by the Gallery and only exhibited here in Newcastle.
Highlights included the current OLSEN ORMANDY: a creative force exhibition (which opened in November 2018 and is on display until 17 February) and the KILGOUR PRIZE 2018 featuring winning artist Natasha Walsh.
“This artist followed her KILGOUR PRIZE 2018 win with the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship and the Mosman Art Prize – which of course have all significantly bolstered her career as a young artist,” Ms Morton said.
Regarded as one of Australia’s major art prizes, the Kilgour’s annual figurative and portrait painting prize awards $50,000 to an outstanding contemporary work of art. Last year, 400 entries were made by artists aged 18 to 90 from every state and territory. Applications for this year’s KILGOUR PRIZE 2019 have just opened.
Ormandy-(1).JPGOLSEN ORMANDY: a creative force exhibition is on display until 17 February
Social media has also been key to the Gallery’s success.
Last year its Instagram account surpassed 10,000 followers – Facebook is not far behind – as growth in online engagement and other important initiatives – such as the Youth Reference Group – helped ensure relevance to the next generation of visitors.
“Building engagement with young people is really important to us,” Ms Morton said. Through our Youth Reference Group, the Gallery facilitates peer-led programs and events that this targeted audience want to see incorporated into the Gallery’s schedule.”
Ms Morton said  FLORIBUNDA: from the collection opens this weekend, and SODEISHA: connected to Australia – opening Saturday 2 March.
“We were recently awarded the Dobell Exhibition Grant, funded by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW,” Ms Morton said.
“This funding is often shared across several projects and I am thrilled that we successfully secured the entire $40,000 to support the important SODEISHA: connected to Australia landmark exhibition project.
sodeisha-(2).jpgSODEISHA: connected to Australia is on display from 2 March – 19 May 2019
“This exhibition is the first opportunity for Newcastle Art Gallery to develop an international, cultural partnership project based on the city’s collection. It’s testament to the strength of the city’s collection and the Gallery’s exhibition and program development.”
Next month’s state election could deliver $14 million towards the Gallery’s expansion after Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp pledged the money should Labor win.
Expansion has also been endorsed in an updated state government Cultural Infrastructure Plan 2025, which identifies the redevelopment of the Art Gallery precinct as a regional opportunity.
A new gallery would include more exhibition and storage space, a secure loading dock and a cafe.
To view details of the upcoming FLORIBUNDA: from the collection 9 February – 21 April and SODEISHA: connected to Australia 2 March – 19 May 2019, or any other exhibitions from the 2019 collection, visit www.nag.org.au.

Two men arrested, officer assaulted – Wallsend

Two men have been arrested after a road-side altercation with police that saw an officer assaulted.
About 11:10pm (Monday 11 February 2019), officers from Newcastle City Police District stopped a black Holden ute on Walford Street, Wallsend after it was seen driving erratically.
As police approached the driver’s side of the car, the driver, a 44-year-old Wallsend man, pushed the door open and allegedly lunged at the officer and assaulted him.
Two men, an 18-year-old Wallsend man and an 18-year-old Maryland man, then got out of the vehicle and allegedly began yelling abuse at the officers.
The driver continued to act aggressively and was arrested with the use of an electronic control device and OC spray.
The 18-year-old Wallsend man was also arrested after he too became aggressive.
The two men were taken to Waratah Police Station where the driver underwent a breath analysis which returned a positive result of 0.183.
The 44-year-old man was charged with negligent driving, assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, destroy or damage property, drive with high range PCA, and learner driver not display “L” plates as prescribed.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 12 February 2019).
The 18-year-old man was charged with wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and use offensive language in/near public place.
He was granted bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 7 March 2019.
A senior constable was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment to a back injury and a minor head injury.

Strike Force Raptor North targets Bandidos OMCG clubhouse in proactive operation

Strike Force Raptor North have charged a man for drug possession and seized fireworks and alcohol, following a proactive operation at a Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) clubhouse north of Newcastle.
As part of ongoing targeting to disrupt the criminal activities of OMCGs, Strike Force Raptor North conducted a licencing operation at the Bandidos OMCG clubhouse in Heatherbrae on Saturday (9 February 2019).
Investigators searched the premises and 35 members and associates of the club’s Port Stephens chapter; seizing a large amount of alcohol, fireworks and an amount of cocaine. These items will undergo forensic examination.
A 34-year-old man, who is a member of the Bandidos OMCG, was issued a field Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug. He is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 25 March 2019.
Inquiries into the alleged illegal sale of alcohol at the site are continuing.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, said the operation at the weekend should put all criminal networks on notice.
“Strike Force Raptor will always be on the front foot when it comes to targeting these thuggish groups and preventing further criminal acts,” Det Supt Wallace said.
“Our investigators are proactive, dogged, and keen to make the community a safer place.”
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.
 

Driver charged with high-range PCA after 4WD crashes onto train track – Lake Macquarie

A driver has been charged with high-range drink driving after his 4WD landed upside down on railway tracks, blocking the Sydney-Newcastle train line in the Lake Macquarie area overnight.
The Toyota Landcruiser was travelling north on Main Road at Dora Creek, when it left the road and hit the fence above the railway tracks about 7.15pm (Sunday 10 February 2019).
The 4WD rolled, crashing through the fence and landed on its roof, blocking the railway lines.
The driver escaped injury and left the scene.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District and the Police Transport Command attended and arrested a 36-year-old man in a street nearby.
He was taken to Morisset Police Station, where he underwent a breath-test analysis, which returned an alleged positive reading of 0.153.
The Balcolyn man has been charged with drive with high-range PCA, negligent driving, and not give particulars to owner of damaged property.
He is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 12 March 2019.
The man’s licence has also been suspended.
The railway line was closed for an hour while the vehicle was removed.

Sixth person charged over alleged drug supply syndicate across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie

A sixth person has been charged following investigations into alleged large-scale drug supply in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.
Strike Force Castlestead was established in September 2018 to investigate and dismantle an alleged drug supply syndicate operating across both police districts.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested five men in December 2018 who were all charged with serious drug offences. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 26-year-old man was arrested at a Cameron Park home yesterday (Friday 8 December 2019).
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with nineteen offences,
– Supply prohibited drug (x7)
– Possess prohibited drug (x8)
– Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x3)
– Knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 9 February 2019).
Investigations by Strike Force Castlestead continue and further arrests are anticipated.

Two charged over alleged 2018 Newcastle taxi robbery

Proactive police work has seen two people charged over the alleged assault of a taxi driver in Newcastle last year.
About 2.20am on Sunday 1 April 2018, a man and woman, entered a taxi on Glebe Road, Adamstown, driven by a then-38-year-old man.
During the trip, an argument ensued between the driver and two passengers, before the pair were asked to get out.
The male passenger allegedly took cash from the driver and fled.
The driver attempted to chase the man, before the woman got out of the taxi and allegedly assaulted the driver, hitting him in the face, arm, and chest with her shoe.
The male passenger returned to the taxi and allegedly punched the driver in the face, before the pair fled the scene on foot.
The driver attended Newcastle Police Station and reported the matter to police, who commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, a 39-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Thursday 7 February 2019), in Merewether, and taken to Newcastle Police Station.
He was charged with robbery in company and refused bail, appearing at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 8 February 2019), and refused bail again to appear at the same court on Thursday 11 April 2019.
About 7.15am today (Friday 8 February 2019), officers from Newcastle City Police District Target Action Group were conducting patrols of Coady Street, Newcastle, where they sighted and arrested the 46-year-old woman.
She was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with robbery in company in relation to the alleged 2018 incident, and granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 28 February 2019.

Eleven charged following investigation into break-ins, vehicle thefts in Newcastle area

Police have arrested 11 people during a three-day operation targeting vehicle theft and break and enters in the greater Newcastle area.
Operation Disrupt was run by police from Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie police districts between Tuesday and Thursday (5-7 February 2019).
Local police were assisted by PolAir and the Dog Unit.
Eleven people were arrested during the operation and charged with a total of 18 offences, relating to alleged vehicle thefts and break and enters.
Commander of Newcastle City Police District, Superintendent Brett Greentree, said he was pleased with the results of the operation.
“Recent crime trends have seen an increase in both break and enters and vehicle thefts in the region and Operation Disrupt was established to specifically target these crimes across both commands,” Supt Greentree said.
“Through great police work we’ve been able to pro-actively target and disrupt this criminal activity, resulting in the arrest of the 11 people.”

Appeal for witnesses to assault of woman – Newcastle

Witnesses are being sought to the assault of a woman at Newcastle last month.
Officers from Newcastle Police District have renewed their appeal for information from the public after a 21-year-old woman was seriously assaulted between 11pm and midnight on Sunday 20 January 2019 in Denison Street near the intersection with Parry Street, Newcastle West.
The woman was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
When police attended the location and established a crime scene they were told a man had assaulted the woman; however, a search for the man was unsuccessful.
Investigators are now appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Newcastle PD Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Anita Kruse, said the area was a popular entertainment precinct.
“Many people frequent the area during the day and night.
“I am sure that some members of the public have witnessed this incident and, have either not realised what was happening, or have not yet spoken to officers.
“Motorists also pass through the precinct and I urge anyone with dashcam footage to review it, and see if they can assist our investigation,” Det Insp Kruse said.
Police believe that a man described to them only as having long hair and wearing a white shirt with a cross on the front may be able to assist them with their inquiries.
Anyone with information should contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
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.

Pedestrian dies after being run over – Port Stephens

A woman has died after being hit by a car at Port Stephens today.
Just before 9.45am (Thursday 7 February 2019), emergency services were called to Guyang Street, Corlette, after reports a woman had been struck by a Hyundai whilst in the driveway of a home.
Neighbours rendered assistance before the arrival of emergency services.
Despite attempts to resuscitate the woman, she died at the scene.
The male driver was uninjured and is speaking with police.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
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.