Category: Newcastle News

Two women have been charged following an unauthorised protest near Newcastle earlier today.

About 1pm (Tuesday 25 June 2024), officers from Newcastle City Police District received notification that a number of people had entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains at Kooragang Island.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District – assisted by Police Rescue and the Dog Unit – attended the site and arrested two women aged 67 and 59.

They were taken to Newcastle Police Station where they were each charged with enter inclosed lands and create serious safety risk.

Both women were refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 26 June 2024).

Three men have been charged following an unauthorised protest near Newcastle earlier today.

About 7am (Tuesday 25 June 2024), emergency services were called to a rail bridge near Mangrove Road, Kooragang, following reports of an unauthorised protest.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District – assisted by Police Rescue and the Dog Unit – attended the site and commenced inquiries into the incident.

Three men – aged 20, 27 and 67 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

The 20-year-old man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

A warrant was also executed over an alleged earlier incident for enter etc Sydney Harbour Bridge etc disrupt etc vehicles etc, wilfully prevent free passage of person/vehicle/vessel, pedestrian obstruct driver’s/other pedestrian’s path, and join or continue in unlawful assembly.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 25 June 2024).

The 27-year-old was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 4 July 2024.

The 67-year-old man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, and cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 25 June 2024).

Residents of Cessnock and Maitland in New South Wales may see an aircraft flying unusually low next week as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carries out important flight path safety checks.

The checks are being conducted by CASA on 3 July and 4 July to validate new procedures at Cessnock and related modified procedures at Maitland.

A twin-engine Beechcraft Duchess will be used to carry out the safety checks within an area up to 40 kilometres from the aerodromes.

Low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise, with the aircraft down as low as several hundred feet at times.

Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist. Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.

If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days, they will be carried out as soon as possible.

The NSW Government is delivering a new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station at Charlestown, providing modernised emergency coverage for the Greater Newcastle area.

The Minns Labor Government has allocated $7.7 million in the 2024-25 Budget to the new facility, which will include additional training facilities, storage areas and workspaces.

Design of the new facility will start in the upcoming financial year and will be informed by consultation with the Charlestown crew.

The new station will be designed to meet the needs of a modern firefighting workforce and adhere to FRNSW’s ‘Clean Firefighter’ policy, separating work and cleaning areas.

The existing station is almost 40 years old and has limited scope for expansion and modernisation.

Funding for the design of the new Charlestown station is part of a $96.9 million capital investment in the Fire and Rescue network in 2024-25, including funding for new fire stations at Badgerys Creek and Byron Bay.

The Minns Labor Government has also committed an additional $189.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to guarantee the positions of 286 permanent firefighters, whose jobs were not previously funded on an ongoing basis.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are rebuilding essential services across the State through the NSW Budget 2024-25, ensuring Fire and Rescue NSW can respond to emergencies and restoring job security for firefighters.

“This new fire station will provide a modern base for Charlestown firefighters who play a critical frontline role in keeping the local community safe.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:

“This new station is great news for local Charlestown firefighters and for the Charlestown community.

“With local crews having the opportunity to provide feedback on the design, I look forward to seeing the final building when it opens.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“A new fire station at Charlestown is important for our operational readiness, and we are dedicated to improving our infrastructure to meet the demands of contemporary firefighting in the Lake Macquarie district.

“This new facility will not only replace the old station but also provide our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the public.”

Another section of the Hunter Street Mall will undergo its most significant beautification in several decades as works start today with local contractor Daracon.

The next stage will see City of Newcastle revitalise the streetscape on Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe Streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott Streets.

Extensive community consultation shaped the East End Stage One Streetscape Masterplan, which will provide extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street, while new paving, roadway and footpaths will be delivered to enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

Executive Manager Project Management Office Robert Dudgeon; Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes; Daniel Pitcher, from Daracon; Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen; Project Manager Kate Summers; Senior Project Manager Michael Head.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, “the next stages of the Hunter Street Mall revitalisation will deliver new multi-function street lighting, upgraded street furniture, and fresh landscaping will transform the look and feel of the area with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees to enhance the character and biodiversity of the street.”

“The community’s vision is to reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional high street and as an attractive destination for locals and visitors to enjoy, with enhanced outdoor dining and unique local retail opportunities,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Following this next stage, we will have invested more than $10 million into the Hunter Street Mall to deliver high quality, more accessible streetscape improvements for local businesses, pedestrians and cyclists, replicating what we have already delivered in front of the QT building between Perkins and Wolfe streets.

“Generations of Novocastrians have fond memories of the Mall and I’m proud that we are restoring this historic part of our inner city to a higher standard than many of us can remember.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the latest works will unlock housing and investment in a vital part of Newcastle.

“This public investment supports more than $1 billion in private investment through the East End development which has been breathing new life into our City, creating hundreds of new homes while respecting our City’s landscape.

“Under previous administrations the inner city was a story of urban decline, however this new work reaffirms the current Council’s commitment to delivering the revitalisation our City deserves.”

The work will also upgrade the existing watermain and stormwater infrastructure.

For more information visit: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/eastend

City of Newcastle is giving Novocastrians their first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery as construction progresses on the landmark project.

Artist’s impressions and an animated flythrough of the Art Gallery’s new interior reveal a grand new entry, sleek, modern aesthetic, light-filled rooms and an expansive range of exhibition spaces that demonstrate just how fantastic the expanded Gallery will be.

An artist’s impression of one of the first floor gallery spaces, with John Olsen ‘The sea sun of 5 bells’ artwork on the ceiling.

Digital versions of artworks from the Gallery’s extensive collection help bring the new spaces to life, including the renowned The sea sun of 5 bells work by Newcastle’s own John Olsen, which will once again hang proudly on the ceiling at the top of a soaring double-height void.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is wonderful to get a glimpse of what the community can look forward to once the long-awaited expansion is complete.

“The Newcastle Art Gallery will deliver a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, providing greater access to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art and a wider range of prominent local, national and international exhibitions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By extending the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street, we’re able to more than double the size of the Gallery with new exhibition space, a suite of modern facilities, and for the first time in the Gallery’s history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors from near and far to this landmark cultural facility.

“After more than a decade of advocacy to make the expansion a reality, it’s amazing to watch the new Art Gallery taking shape with work progressing well on site, while the animated flythrough allows us to step inside and get a feel of what awaits once we can welcome our community back into their reimagined space.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said excitement was building amongst its members and donors, with the presentation of a cheque for $4.55 million to Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen for the expansion. 

“It is the largest payment by the Foundation to date and brings our total contribution to 50 percent of our $13 million funding target, in line with the construction milestone,” Ms Galwey said.

“This cheque represents many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate this milestone payment as we get our first look at what we can expect inside this flagship cultural asset.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe these images will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal.”

An artist’s impression of the aerial view of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Construction is moving forward on site following extensive site preparation and mine grouting works, with the ground floor slabs for the new Gallery spaces and cafe now complete.

The ground floor and basement columns are progressing alongside the installation of the shear walls, which will provide the structural support needed for the new building. 

The suspended slab formwork and reinforcement works are already helping to illustrate the impressive scale of the expanded Gallery.

The structure surrounding two new passenger lifts and a goods hoist are being formed up and poured on site. Sparkles, the 33 metre tall hammerhead tower crane named by five-year-old Mabel Read as part of a community competition, has also been hard at work lifting and moving hundreds of tonnes of reinforcing mesh and structural steel needed during construction.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the project will allow for an enhanced Gallery experience.

“With an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space, we will be able to provide dedicated areas on the lower level for our collection, while also being able to welcome some of the best touring exhibitions into our first floor galleries,” Cr Clausen said.

“The multi-purpose and educational program space will also expand and enhance the way our community interacts with and experiences all our Art Gallery has to offer.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

The Regional Recovery Partnerships initiative seeks to broker connections between all levels of government to increase information flow, share technical expertise and strengthen regional development outcomes.

Organised Crime Squad detectives searched a Lurnea property last week as an investigation into the death of a Brazilian diver in Newcastle continues.

About 9.30am on Monday 9 May 2022, emergency services were called to the Port of Newcastle after a male diver was located unresponsive in the water, with 54kg of cocaine located nearby.

Despite the efforts of witnesses and paramedics, the man could not be revived.

He was later formally identified as 31-year-old Brazilian national, Bruno Borges Martins.

The location of an alleged second diver – 32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva – remains unknown.

Local police commenced inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Groove.

During the course of investigation, detectives were assisted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), Northern Territory Police (NTPOL) and Queensland Police Service (QPS).

To date, two men have been charged and remain before the courts.

As part of ongoing investigations, detectives identified Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva is believed to have stayed for one or two months in a granny flat at the rear of a home on Jedda Road, Lurnea.

Investigators subsequently executed a crime scene warrant at the premises about 5.45pm on Wednesday (19 June 2024).

Specialist officers forensically examined the residence including luminol, fingerprints and DNA.

Investigations under Strike Force Groove are continuing.

Hunter Valley Police have charged a driver after they allegedly located hundreds of illegal cigarette packets, vapes and cash in a vehicle.

About 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 22 June 2024), officers attached Hunter Valley Police District stopped a Toyota SUV on New England Highway, Parkville, for a random breath test.

During the stop, police allegedly located a large quantity of tabacco in the back seat of the SUV.

Following a search of the vehicle officers located and seized 682 packets of cigarettes, 40 vapes – hidden in exercise equipment – and over $52,000 in Australian currency.

The total street value of the items seized is estimated to be over $20,000.

The driver of the SUV, a 23-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The man was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000, custody of knife in public place, possess tobacco 5 kilograms or above, convey/possess tobacco products reckless re defraud revenue, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, restricted substance sold by non-wholesaler, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000 and goods suspected stolen in/on premises.

The 23-year-old was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Sunday 23 June 2024).

Police have charged six teenagers following a pursuit in the state’s Hunter region.

About 10.35pm last night (Saturday 22 June 2024) officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command observed an allegedly stolen Volkswagen sedan travelling at speed on the New England Highway, Whittingham.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle and when it failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated. 

The vehicle was pursued through Singleton and Muswellbrook before police successfully deployed road spikes and formed a roadblock near Aberdeen, stopping the vehicle.

During the roadblock, the Volkswagen allegedly rammed into two highway patrol vehicles.

All six occupants – a 14-year-old male driver and his five male passengers, one aged 15 and four aged 17 – were arrested at the scene and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The 14-year-old driver was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45km/h – estimated and destroy or damage property.

Police will allege in court the driver travelled at speeds up to 160km/h in a marked 90km/h zone during the pursuit. 

The four 17-year-old boys were each charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and possess means of disguising face with intent commit indictable offence.

The 15-year-old boy was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

All six teenagers were refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 23 June 2024).

Novocastrians will be invited to have their say on a proposal to add to City of Newcastle’s cycling network along Chinchen and Hubbard streets in Islington.

The 665-metre stretch will connect existing cycling infrastructure on the Scholey Street rail bridge and Islington Park on Maitland Road and is proposed to utilise both on-road separated cycleway and off-road shared pathway.

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $950,000 from the NSW Government through Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Islington Public School Principal Megan Hamilton and students Jamie and Gabriel Irvine.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the cycleway would enhance the continuity of safe cycling connections along a key regional route, improving safety and accessibility for students travelling to Islington Public School and Tighes Hill TAFE.

“This project is part of our ongoing investment to deliver safe, connected and convenient cycleways across the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’ve spoken to local parents and Islington Public School students who walk, cycle, scoot, and skate their way to and from school and are strong advocates for active transport.

“We also want to hear from residents, TAFE students, commuters, and anyone who has an interest in cycling to learn how they’re using existing cycleways through Islington.” 

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said this investment is part of giving Newcastle residents more ways to travel.

“Delivering new ways to travel on a bike, or on foot gives people another way to travel safely around Newcastle,” Minister Haylen said.

“For every person that chooses to ride a bike to the shops, work or school, that’s one less car on our roads competing for limited parking. That means investments such as these are a win-win.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to encouraging the uptake of active transport.

“The best outcomes are generated when we work closely with the community and by prioritising investment in cycleways, we hope to see cycling playing a larger role in Newcastle’s transport mix,” Cr Clausen said.

“Projects such as this enhance the continuity of safe and direct cycling connections for users of varying confidence and ability.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said this investment was the NSW Government fulfilling yet another election commitment for Newcastle, to make Islington a safe place for cyclists.

“This is a high traffic area, with many students from Islington Public School and Newcastle TAFE riding far too close to cars and trucks,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“This cycleway will not only protect students getting to and from school, but also encourage more to get on their bikes or go for a walk.”

The Islington project will form an important link in City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan, which proposes the creation of cycling connections from the western suburbs of Minmi and Wallsend all the way through to the inner city.

The new cycleway will complement City of Newcastle’s $800,000 upgrade of the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde streets completed last year, featuring new traffic signals for improved pedestrian, cyclist and road user safety.

Community feedback will be used as part of the detailed design stage, with the project included as part of City of Newcastle’s 2024-25 capital works program.

Submissions open on Monday 24 June and close at 5pm on Thursday 25 July.

To view the preliminary concept designs and complete the online survey visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay