Category: Newcastle News

A man has been charged after two firearms were seized during a vehicle stop in the state’s Hunter region.

About 6.20pm yesterday (Monday 10 June 2024) officers attached to the Hunter Valley Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a ute on Macqueen Street, Aberdeen, for the purposes of random testing.

The driver – a 37-year-old man – was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.

The man was then subjected to a roadside drug test, which allegedly returned a positive reading.

Police also subsequently searched the vehicle and seized two rifles, one of which was allegedly loaded, ammunition and a substance, believed to be methylamphetamine.

The man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station for the purposes of a secondary drug test, which allegedly returned a positive reading to methylamphetamine.

He was charged with 14 offences, including:

Three counts of not keep firearm safely- not pistol/ prohibited firearm
Two counts of possess unregistered firearm – not pistol prohibited firearm
Two counts of unauthorised person fail to surrender firearm
Two counts of possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/ authority
Two counts of acquire unregistered firearm – not pistol/prohibited firearm
One count of possess loaded firearm public place
One count of possess firearm not stamped/engraved with allotted number
One count of possess unauthorised firearm
The 37-year-old was refused bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court today (Tuesday 11 June 2024), where he was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court on Tuesday 2 July 2024.

Organised Crime Squad detectives have excavated a buried truck 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.

Following further inquiries – including a public appeal for information on the two-year anniversary of the discovery – on Tuesday 28 May 2024, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a property in Menangle.

During the search, police located a white Mitsubishi Fuso truck which they will allege was used by those involved with the failed drug rip.

The truck was last seen travelling southbound on the M4 Motorway at Pennant Hills, about 6.30pm Sunday 8 May 2022.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for any information about a Toyota Townace Van with the NSW registration WNY439, which was seen travelling with the truck.

Investigations under Strike Force Groove are continuing.

Two teenagers have been charged over alleged driving and property offences following a pursuit near Newcastle.

About 9:20pm yesterday (Sunday 9 June 2024), officers attached to Raymond Terrace Highway Patrol were patrolling Mount Hall Road, Raymond Terrace, when they located a white Toyota Corolla which had been reported stolen.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle, however when it allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

Road spikes were successfully deployed, and the vehicle was found a short time later abandoned on Platt Street, Waratah.

The male driver, aged 15, and passengers, a male, aged 18, and female, aged 13, were arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station.

The 15-yer-old was charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, never licensed person drive vehicle on road, Class A motor vehicle exceed speed > 10 km/h and police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously.

He was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court today (Monday 10 June 2024).

The 18-year-old was charged with Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

He was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 10 June 2024), where he was given conditional bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 1 July 2024.

The 13-year-old girl will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

With only a few sleeps to go walkers, joggers and runners are gearing up to participate in the 2024 Memory Walk & Jog in the Hunter.

More than 740 people have already signed-up to take part – but there’s always room for more with online registrations still open, or sign-up on the day of the event.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said it is fantastic to see Hunter region locals throwing their support behind Memory Walk & Jog.

“As we prepare to host Memory Walk & Jog on Saturday 15 June at Speers Point Park, Speers Point for another successful year, we hope everyone will consider joining us,” Professor Buchanan said.

“It’s estimated that 65 per cent of people living with dementia live in the community. This could be a family member, a friend or a neighbour. It could be anyone in our community. By walking, jogging, or running, raising money and awareness, you will help the countless families impacted by dementia in the Hunter and across Australia.”

This event is the last of our 22 Memory Walk & Jog events held across Australia in 2024. Participants can register as an individual or an entire team, to remember a loved one, or in support of a loved one who is currently living with dementia. Each event offers a wonderful opportunity for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to come together, walk or run, at any fitness level, and to raise money and share stories.

Walk or jog with us. We are in this together .

Sign-up to walk, jog or run or join in as a Volunteer at www.memorywalk.com.au. Share your Memory Walk & Jog experience on your socials and Donate today to support people living with dementia across Australia.

If you can’t attend an event, why not organise your own group or individual walk or jog, with a MyWay event. Choose your own date and location and register at www.memorywalk.com.au/get-involved/mw.

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au

A man is due to appear in court today charged after an alleged road-rage incident following a crash in the Port Stephens area yesterday.

Emergency services were called to Tomago Road, Tomago, about 3:20pm (Thursday 6 June 2024), following reports a sedan and hatchback had collided.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and were told after the collision the driver of the hatchback had approached the other vehicle, allegedly armed with an axe.

Police were alerted and the armed man ran into nearby bushland. A perimeter was established and assistance sought from the Dog Unit to search the area.

About 6.30pm, officers arrested a 35-year-old man at a property on Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with three outstanding warrants as well as three counts of possess prohibited drug, and trespass. He was refused bail to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court later today (Friday 7 June 2024).

Inquiries are continuing into further charges relating to the crash and alleged road-rage incident.

The electorate of Swansea has today secured $300,000 in funding for a total of 11 projects through the NSW Government’s 2023 Community Building Partnership Program.

The full list of successful projects in the Hunter electorate for the 2023 round are:

Manno Men’s Shed Incorporated: Men’s Shed extension to provide a safe passive work area – $74,460

Belmont North Preschool Incorporated: installation of solar panels – $17,750

UCA – St Luke’s Belmont: air conditioning of the gathering area – $10,000

The Girl Guide Association of NSW: Redhead fence, gate, and floors – $8,119

Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated: upgrades to clubhouse security and installation of AED for community safety – $20,119

Gwandalan Public School P&C Association Incorporated: Gwandalan Public School outdoor fitness centre – $36,756

Valentine Eleebana Cricket Club Incorporated: extend Croudace Bay cricket net run-ups – $27,126

Northlakes Public School P&C Association: sensory play area – $50,000

Belmont Swansea United Football Club Limited: new PA System – $27,500

NSW RFSA on behalf of Gwandalan-Summerland Point Brigade: upgrades to community entrance – $12,000

Belmont Public School P & C Association: electronic signboard for Belmont Public School – $16,170

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 19,700 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

For more information, visit the Community Building Partnership website: nsw.gov.au/cbp

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“The State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities including upgrades to local Rural Fire Brigade facilities and surf clubs.

“This grassroots funding will help create a more vibrant and inclusive local community with positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a difference to community groups in the area.”

Beresfield Public School students have pulled on their gardening gloves for a hands-on lesson in urban biodiversity delivered by City of Newcastle to celebrate World Environment Day.

Twenty-five members of the Student Representative Committee helped plant 18 trees, including Smooth-Leaved Quandong and Black Gum, as well as 20sqm of small flowering plants along Boomerang Street, adjacent to their school.

The students learned how street trees can help reduce the impact of heat stress and climate change in urban environments and will continue to care for the plants with the help of their teachers.

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and City of Newcastle Environmental Education Officer Elise Budden help students from Beresfield Public School plant trees, grasses and small flowering plants.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it’s important to teach children about the value of our environment from an early age.

“The theme of this year’s World Environment Day is land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, with the slogan ‘Our land. Our future. We are generation restoration’,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through events like this we aim to educate students on the importance of street trees and gardens and the biodiversity they support, as well as increasing Newcastle’s urban forest, mitigating urban heat impacts and encouraging community stewardship of public land.

“City of Newcastle has a proud track record when it comes to environmental initiatives and will continue to work with our community to create a legacy for future generations through the implementation of our 10-year Newcastle Environment Strategy.” 

The tree planting was delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s Living Streets and Street Garden programs, which aligns with a key priority of the Newcastle Environment Strategy by helping to increase our community’s connection with the urban forest.

“This month we’ve launched an awareness campaign to support the Strategy, which features residents, community groups and small-to-medium businesses and highlights how everyone in the community can help us reach our goals of net zero emissions, reducing, reusing and repurposing waste; and protecting our local environment,” Cr Nelmes said.

Beresfield students will join forces with other local primary schools to help City of Newcastle plant even more trees in nearby Tarro Reserve on Friday 26 July as part of Schools National Tree Day.

Native species will be planted at Tarro Reserve and students will learn about bush craft and study waterbugs, while also connecting to culture thanks to the visit of a National Parks and Wildlife Aboriginal Ranger.

This will be followed by a community event at the Reserve on Sunday 28 July to celebrate National Tree Day.

City of Newcastle is investing in the future of the historic City Hall clock, investigating an upgrade that will ensure it continues to keep time for generations of Novocastrians.

The Civic timepiece receives regular check-ups from City of Newcastle’s mechanical and electrical services teams, who have identified a range of technical issues currently affecting the operation of the clock and chimes.

City of Newcastle is investing in the future of the historic City Hall clock.

The age of the clock makes repair complex, with specialist advice indicating the mechanism will need to be upgraded to restore accurate timekeeping.

City Hall is listed on the NSW Heritage Register, and City of Newcastle has engaged heritage consultants to explore an upgrade that also preserves the clock’s rich heritage.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the clock tower is an antique structure that needs to be handled with care.

“Newcastle City Hall’s iconic clock tower has been a well-loved landmark at the heart of the historic Civic precinct since the building, designed by acclaimed architect Henry White, opened in 1929,” Mr Thomson said.

“I think anyone who’s appreciated something of this age and importance will understand that sometimes repairs are complex and you can’t rush in and fix it overnight. 

“Given the State Heritage significance of City Hall and its associated clocks and chime, a heritage consultant will advise the most appropriate approach to repair, which will then need to receive approval from the relevant heritage authorities.”

The upgrade will be the latest investment into preserving the landmark building for future generations.

City of Newcastle invested $20 million into a large-scale conservation project on City Hall, which was delivered in stages and completed in 2021. 

The completion of the exterior restoration works was celebrated with a visit from His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (RETD), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley. 

Conservation work was undertaken by Stone Mason and Artist Pty Ltd, who were responsible for the City Hall clock tower restoration.

City Hall will mark its 95th anniversary in December. The building is prized for its sandstone façade, three-metre clockfaces and Roman Doric and Ionic columns.

While the appropriate advice is obtained and subsequent permissions are sought from Heritage NSW, the clock will be set to midnight and the chimes turned off.

Staff in the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) are stopping work for one hour from 3.30pm today, after talks with their employer, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle (the Diocese), failed to reach agreement on salaries.

CSO staff support the delivery of teaching and learning in Catholic systemic schools across the Diocese. They include administrative and support staff but most are education officers (who are qualified teachers) and school-based psychologists and counsellors.

Staff employed under the CSO Staff Enterprise Agreement have long received the same pay increases as teachers and support staff in Catholic systemic schools, including a decade of just 2.5% due to a direct correlation with the public sector wages cap.

But now the Diocese has refused to pass on the 8% increase paid to school teachers in October 2023 after a hard-fought campaign. The Diocese has offered just 3%.

“The employer’s failure to match pay rises in Catholic schools is a disappointing departure from the long-accepted practice of employees in the CSO receiving the same increases as teachers working in schools,” said IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Assistant Secretary Amanda Hioe.

Salaries for school-based psychologists and counsellors have fallen far behind the salaries of psychologists working in NSW government schools, meaning the Diocese will struggle to retain this critical resource.

In the Protected Action Ballot released by the independent balloting agent on 24 May, an unequivocal 99 per cent of IEU members in the CSO voted in favour of taking stop work action.

“The strong results show IEU members are united in calling for the same increases as their colleagues in schools – they are taking this action today to achieve a just outcome for their salaries and conditions,” Hioe said.

“Employers heard the voice of teachers last year. Now it’s time for them to hear the voice of the CSO staff too.”

A NSW Police civilian employee has been charged with high-range drink driving after being stopped for a random breath test in Lake Macquarie today.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting patrols at Eleebana, when they stopped a Subaru Outback on Burton Road about 1am (Wednesday 5 June 2024).

The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test, returning a positive result.

The 33-year-old man, who is attached to a specialist command, was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis which returned an alleged reading of 0.151.

He was charged with high-range PCA and is due to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 26 June 2024.