16 News

Homicide Detectives have charged a second man following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter Region last year.

About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.

State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.

Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.

A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.

Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged 2 and 4, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.

The group allegedly left the scene in a white SUV that was seen travelling on Main Road, Heddon Greta, shortly after the incident.

In February 2023, strike force detectives seized a white 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander from a street in Boolaroo near Newcastle.

One man has already been charged and remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, about 6am today (Thursday 2 November 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant in Cessnock where they arrested a 24-year-old man.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where was charged with murder.

The man was refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court tomorrow (Friday 3 November 2023).

Investigations under Strike Force Roslyn are continuing.

Support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, so nobody struggles alone

The Salvation Army is launching their annual Christmas appeal in the Newcastle & Hunter regions in New South Wales, which will help The Salvos support individuals and families in the local community who are experiencing hardship this Christmas.

The rising cost of living, interest rate and rental price hikes has meant that more people have been turning to The Salvation Army for support, making this year’s Christmas Appeal vitally important. The Salvos are aiming to raise $25 million nationally, so nobody struggles alone this Christmas. 

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvos, and this Christmas we expect the additional stresses of this year will result in more people than ever struggling to afford Christmas for themselves and their families. The Salvation Army are here for you. Whether it is practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling down or lonely this Christmas, reach out to us at The Salvos,” says Andrew Hill, The Salvation Army’s Public Relations Secretary for NSW.

There are many ways that you can partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to our Christmas Appeal. The Salvation Army also host a number of special community celebrations during the festive season.

For more information on how you can support this Christmas, or to find out about local events, please contact your nearest Salvation Army centre in the Newcastle & Hunter areas. You can also visit salvationarmy.org.au. 

During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally: 

• distributed tens of thousands of food hampers to those struggling to make ends meet, 
• received over 250,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without, **
• provided over 132,000 meals, 
• and provided more than 66,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.*

“It is more important than ever to band together as a community and lend a hand to those doing it tough. By believing in our good work and supporting our Christmas Appeal, The Salvation Army can continue providing wraparound services and tailored support and bring much needed hope and help to Newcastle and Hunter families in crisis, ensuring nobody struggles alone this Christmas,” says Andrew Hill.

The Salvation Army also encourages community members looking for affordable Christmas shopping options to consider Salvos Stores. Whether gift-shopping or looking for Christmas decor, there’s always something special to be found. Not only will you save on your Christmas shopping, but 100% of the profits raised support The Salvos community work across the country. It is good for the planet, good for your wallet and good for people in need.

“Most importantly, take time to remember what matters most at Christmas – connection, community, friends, and family. Reach out to people. Spend time with those you care about. And if Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always just down the road. From all of us at The Salvos, we wish you a peace and hope-filled Christmas,” says Andrew Hill.

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.

Homicide Detectives have arrested a second man following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter Region last year.

About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.

State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.

Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.

A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.

Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged 2 and 4, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.

The group allegedly left the scene in a white SUV that was seen travelling on Main Road, Heddon Greta, shortly after the incident.

In February 2023, strike force detectives seized a white 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander from a street in Boolaroo near Newcastle.

One man has already been charged and remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, about 6am today (Thursday 2 November 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant in Cessnock where they arrested a 24-year-old man.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he is expected to be charged with murder. 

Investigations under Strike Force Roslyn continue.

A woman will appear in court tomorrow, charged following an investigation into a shooting in the Lake Macquarie area earlier this year.

About 2am on Thursday 21 September 2023, emergency services were called to a home on Cassia Crescent, Gateshead, following reports of a shooting.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a man and woman had suffered gunshot wounds.

The 42-year-old man and 32-year-old woman were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter for treatment.

A crime scene was established, and an investigation led by Lake Macquarie Detectives was commenced.

On Monday 25 September 2023, a 31-year-old male was charged with offences relating to the investigation and remains before the courts.

Following extensive inquiries and an appeal for information, detectives arrested a woman at a property on Bousfield Street, Wallsend, around 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 1 November 2023).

The 25-year-old woman was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with shoot at with intent to murder and discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm.

She was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 2 November 2023).

Council has adopted a blueprint for the future of the city’s largest suburban sporting and recreation hub, ensuring a recent $1.25 million makeover is just the beginning for Adamstown Park.

City of Newcastle (CN) officially opened stage one of the Adamstown Park Masterplan in July, delivering significant upgrades at Myers Park including new drainage, fencing, covered seating, fitness stations, a running and walking track as well as half basketball and bat ball courts.

Future plans for the 13-hectare precinct have been spelled out in the new 15-year masterplan, with potential projects including two additional junior football fields, the extension of existing amenity buildings and walking track, as well as gender-friendly changerooms.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there’s plenty of potential to improve the already popular public asset.

“Adamstown Park has been a part of the local community for more than 130 years and enjoyed by generations of people in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle sought extensive feedback from key user groups and the broader community to make sure the needs of all users were considered and understood.

Chair of CN’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Cr Carol Duncan, welcomed the adoption of the masterplan and thanked community members for their valuable feedback.

“The masterplan gives us a framework for the future and the inclusion of new infrastructure will ensure even more people can enjoy the precinct,” Cr Duncan said.

“The next stage of work in delivering the masterplan will begin early next year with the construction of a new playground near the existing tennis courts close to Glebe Road.”

Future improvements to passive and active recreation include increasing the number of trees and landscaping, a multipurpose active court, flood light renewal on several fields, as well as an all-weather training pitch next to Adamstown No.1, which will be subject to external funding.

Along with recreational and sporting facilities, the masterplan also includes a provision to relocate a World War One memorial, which currently sits on private property on Brunker Road, to a space near the corner of Glebe Road and Bryant Street.

Merewether-Hamilton-Adamstown RSL Sub-Branch President Phil Winney OAM said it’s an important monument that needs to be preserved.

“This memorial has been in Adamstown since 1921, but its current location has become problematic since the RSL club closed down in 2014,” Mr Winney said.

“We stopped holding a march on Anzac Day because of the disruption to traffic on Brunker Road and we could only accommodate a small crowd for the service.

“With help from City of Newcastle, as well as state and government grants, we hope to move the memorial to Adamstown Park, allowing us to revive the full Anzac Day service and the march, without safety or traffic concerns.”

Development of the Adamstown Park Masterplan was a recommendation in City of Newcastle’s adopted Strategic Sports Plan and aligns with the directions of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

To view the Adamstown Park Masterplan go to: https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/adamstown-park-sports-masterplan

City of Newcastle’s flagship arts and culture festival New Annual has cemented its place in the events calendar, attracting 95,000 visitors across its first three years.

The success of the festival was recognised during last night’s Council meeting, with a Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledging New Annual’s strong support for local artists and performers as part of the City’s ongoing investment in the sector.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Annual marks a significant milestone in Newcastle’s growth and identity, demonstrating City of Newcastle’s commitment to the arts and ability to deliver large-scale, multi event festivals.

“During the past three years we’ve invested more than $3 million into developing and delivering our flagship festival as part of our wider commitment to arts and culture in our city, which we continue to proudly support through our range of grants and sponsorship programs,” Cr Nelmes said.

“New Annual has become a catalyst for Newcastle’s cultural events sector to take centre stage alongside leading national events, cementing Newcastle as a creative city where exciting, ambitious and accessible contemporary art and culture grows and thrives.

“With local artists and performers accounting for more than 60 per cent of this year’s programming, New Annual also provides a high-profile platform for Novocastrians to showcase their talents alongside leading national and internationally-renowned practitioners.

“We are thrilled that locals and visitors have firmly embraced New Annual, which continues to provide an important boost for Newcastle’s recovering creative arts and live music sectors.”

Up to 1,500 visiting and local artists and performers have been involved in New Annual throughout its first three years, delivering a diverse program of dance, circus, visual art, music, and theatre that has proven incredibly popular with audiences across each festival.

This year’s event included eight sold-out shows and seasons, including two captivating performances by world-renowned Circa Contemporary Circus within the iconic Christ Church Cathedral.

The program celebrated the depth of talent in Newcastle’s thriving cultural and arts sector, with City of Newcastle’s ‘Made New’ expression of interest process delivering innovative productions and unexpected performance spaces.

This included the stunning new dance production Rhapsody, which was performed by Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub on the fifth floor of an inner-city car park, as well as a ground-breaking AI-driven interactive theatre experience by The Parallel Effect and the debut of hilarious Newcastle-based play, Spewy, by Novocastrian-born playwright Ang Collins at Earp Distilling Co.

“Thanks to New Annual’s Made New initiative, I was finally given the opportunity to write this story for a professional festival platform, and to bring it to life with some of my favourite regional artists,” Ms Collins said.

“I am so excited to see New Annual continue to invigorate my favourite harbour city and show the rest of the country the calibre of new work that we Novocastrians create.”