A man reported missing from Newcastle has been located.
The 25-year-old was last seen at Raymond Terrace about 2.30pm Saturday (6 January 2024).
Officers from Newcastle City were notified and commenced inquiries to find him.
Following extensive inquiries the man was located safe at Thornton today (Monday 8 January 2024).
Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
I’d like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.
For so many Australians, this is a chance to rest.
To spend time with our family, catch-up with friends, and to cherish the memories of those no longer with us.
And for Christians, this is a holy time.
In this time of celebration and reflection, we express our gratitude to everyone who’s giving up their Christmas for the sake of others.
In particular, our emergency personnel and Australian Defence Force members, whether here or overseas. Our medical workers and our hospitality and those who give up for others through charities.
Of course, this isn’t an easy time for everyone.
I know many Australians are doing it tough at the moment, in particular those in Far North Queensland, dealing with the aftermath of the floods.
To them I say, you are all in our thoughts. May better times be ahead.
And may all Australians have a happy and joyous Christmas, and a safe one.
And please this festive season, drive safely.
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/oembed?url=https%3A//vimeo.com/897682758/4d0efd91d8&max_width=0&max_height=0&hash=1cWX62OlbWW5Ps67uvF_WshLOVXSK4BwukxFDLxFmAU
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 12 December 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Local Climate Action Summit
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported aacknowledging that the United Nations Climate Change Conference was recently held in Dubai, with the COP28 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies inviting Local Government representatives from Australia to participate in the Local Climate Action Summit.
The Minute noted City of Newcastle’s recently adopted Newcastle Environment Strategy and welcomed the outcomes of the Summit, which recognised the critical role local government leaders play in reducing emissions and addressing climate risk.
Peace in Israel and Palestine
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging the concerns of Novocastrians regarding the ongoing Israel-Gaza Crisis, and the profound impact of ongoing hostilities on innocent civilians and supports the United Nations call for a return to a path of peace, a respect for international humanitarian and international human rights law, and an end to the suffering of people in Gaza and in Israel, and those families still waiting for their loved ones to return.
Ordinary business
Newcastle Art Gallery loan contract
Council unanimously voted to approve the CEO to review, accept and execute a loan contract with NSW Treasury Corporation for $12.6 million, with funds to be utilised toward the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project.
Hunter Street trial cycleway Stage 2 design
Council unanimously voted to adopt the proposed Hunter Street Cycleway Stage 2 design between National Park Street, Newcastle West and Ivy Street, Islington.
Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road Wallsend concept designs
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road widening concept designs, which will see an increase to two travel lanes in each direction to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion.
Adoption of the Council Property Lease and Licence Policy
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Council Property Lease and Licence Policy, setting out the way Council Property will be leased and licenced by individuals, organisations and business.
Annual Review and adoption of the Investment and Borrowing Policy
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Investment and Borrowing Policy, which ensures the investment and borrowing functions of City of Newcastle comply with relevant legislation and guidelines.
Adoption of Outdoor Dining Policy and Guidelines
Council voted to adopt the Outdoor Dining Policy 2023, Outdoor Dining Guidelines 2023 and the proposed annual fee for permanent fixtures.
Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creeks Flood Study
Council voted to adopt the Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek Flood Study, with the amendment that flood mapping is identified as ‘subject to further investigation’ at John Parade, Merewether, Kimbarra Close, Wallace Street and Gregory Parade, Kotara.
Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023
Council voted to approve the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023, which will become operational on 1 March 2024.
Draft Newcastle Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme
Council voted to commence the statutory process to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to progress the draft Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme.
505 Minmi Road Fletcher
Council noted that City of Newcastle will be requesting the Minister not to proceed with the planning proposal for land at 505 Minmi Road Fletcher, due to the proponent not having satisfied the Department of Planning and Environment’s Gateway determination conditions.
Code of Conduct annual statistics
Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct complaints statistics report for the period 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023 in accordance with Office of Local Government requirements.
Notices of Motion
Merewether Beach emergency first response safety measures
Council supported an amended motion noting that City of Newcastle regularly monitors water safety signage at its six patrolled beaches and has new signage planned for installation at the southern access point to Merewether Beach before the end of December. CN will write to Surf Live Saving NSW seeking advice on the provision of an Emergency Response Beacon at the city’s beaches to enhance communication to the State Operations Centre.
The push for more pedal power in Newcastle has gone up a gear following the elected Council’s decision to move ahead with an extension of the separated cycleway along part of Hunter Street.
Councillors voted last night to adopt the designs for stage two of the trial cycleway, which will be constructed on both sides of Hunter Street between National Park Street, Newcastle West and Ivy Street, Islington.
Once implemented, it will create a dedicated 2km separated cycleway that will connect Islington, Tighes Hill and Hamilton to the city. The inclusion of a cycleway in this area was identified under City of Newcastle’s Cycling Plan and the adopted West End Streetscape Plan.
Community feedback overwhelmingly supported the extension as part of ongoing efforts to deliver safe, connected and convenient cycleways across Newcastle.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said this latest development is part of City of Newcastle’s (CN’s) plan to become a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city.
“Changing how we travel is a big part of this shift so we’re making a significant investment in new, safe cycleways with almost $5 million being allocated to cycling infrastructure in this year’s budget,” Cr Clausen said.
“Through our community engagement survey we found that 90 per cent of respondents support stage two of the Hunter Street project and they’re happy with improvements to the network in stage one, particularly with the focus on safety.
“By continuing our investment in Newcastle’s cycleway infrastructure we hope to support making cycling play an even larger role within our transport mix.”
Detailed designs of stage two of the Hunter Street cycleway are due to be completed by April next year, with construction to start shortly after.
The adoption of the Hunter Street design follows the elected council’s decision last month to approve cycleway improvements between Broadmeadow and Hamilton, as well as the first stage of the Jesmond Cycleway.
Chair of the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee Councillor Dr John Mackenzie said these improvements are important links in CN’s On Our Bikes – Cycle Plan 2021-2030, that outlines the need for safe and connected cycling in the Newcastle LGA.
“We know the main barrier to people getting on their bikes is safety. What this does is it creates the connectivity in a difficult location between existing cycleway networks,” Cr Mackenzie said.
“If you can’t get safely from one end of the journey to the other then you won’t take the cycleway at all. We’re building cycleways which are safe for people who are eight to 88 years old.
“This aligns with the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan which outlined a vision for Newcastle in which walking, cycling and public transport are viable options for the majority of trips.”
The Hunter Street project has been made possible with a $1.5 million grant from Transport for NSW under the State Government’s Get NSW Active Program.
For more information on City of Newcastle’s current and future cycleways projects visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/cycleways.
A youth has died, and a woman is in hospital in serious but stable condition, after a trail bike crashed in the Hunter yesterday.
About 5pm (Saturday 9 December 2023), officers from Hunter Valley Police District were called to the intersection of Maitland Street and Thompson Street, Muswellbrook, after reports of a crash.
Police were told the 17-year-old rider and his 22-year-old pillion passenger were thrown from a Yamaha YZ250 trail bike when the rider lost control at the intersection and the bike struck a median-strip guard rail.
They were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The rider was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for treatment; however, died a short time later.
The pillion was also taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for multiple injuries. She was then airlifted to John Hunter Hospital for surgery. She is in a critical but stable condition.
The driver of a grey Isuzu D-Max, which had been entering the intersection on a green signal at the time, stopped to render assistance. He tested negative at the scene before being taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for mandatory testing. There was no contact between the bike and the truck.
A crime scene was established, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the states Hunter Region.
Ayden Jack, aged 13, was last seen at a home on Lang Street, Kurri Kurri, about 5.30pm on Tuesday 28 November 2023.
When he was unable to be located, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Family and police hold concerns for Ayden’s welfare due to his age.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing grey shorts, and a red, white and blue Fila puffer jacket.
He may be on a pushbike and is known to frequent the Kurri Kurri, Weston and Cessnock areas.
Anyone with information into Ayden’s whereabouts is urged to contact Cessnock Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from a beach in Newcastle area.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been told a 20-year-old man was with friends when he entered surf at Stockton Beach about 2.45pm on Sunday (26 November 2023).
When he was unable to be located, multiple agencies including Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, and NSW Surf Life Savers were notified and a search was initiated.
The search has continued involving local police, Westpac helicopter, local surf live savers, water police, NSW Ambulance paramedics, and Polair.
It’s believed he is from the Granville area.
Today’s search will involve regular patrols of the shoreline by local police and a sea search by Newcastle Water Police.
The NSW Government is urging people to be alert to cybercriminals targeting busy online shoppers ahead of Christmas, with more than $126.5 million lost to scams across the state in 2023.
The number of scams reported in 2023 has already surpassed last year’s figure, with more than 257,000 reports about scams nationwide and 77,000 in NSW alone.
As the holiday season nears and people start shopping for loved ones, consumers should be wary of ‘impersonation scams’, the focus of this year’s Scams Awareness Week.
Impersonation scams are when perpetrators seek to trick victims into thinking they are from well-known businesses or organisations such as the police, government or banks, with some even pretending to be a friend or family member to access personal information.
Urgent requests for personal details or money, an apparently legitimate business asking for different bank details from previous payments, and messages threatening immediate arrest or deportation are all examples of impersonation scams.
People are reminded to be cautious when opening emails and text messages. If you are unsure if the message is legitimate, contact the sending organisation using details listed on the organisation’s website or another public platform.
Other steps include not opening or downloading any attachments or apps, as these can install malicious software on to a computer or phone, as well as keeping an eye out for slight variations in Caller or Sender IDs like dots, special characters, or numbers.
ID Support NSW provides support for people and businesses impacted by ID breaches. If personal information or government credentials have been compromised, ID Support NSW can be contacted on 1800 001 040 for support.
To mark Scams Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, 27 November to Friday, 1 December 2023, ID Support NSW will be running a series of online events focused on the different types of impersonation scams.
For more information about ID Support NSW’s Scams Awareness Week events visit ID Support NSW.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“Whether it is a message from a family member asking for money or a delivery company sending a text about a parcel, not everyone you are dealing with is who they say they are. As people shop online ahead of Christmas, we want you to be wary of what could be opportunistic scams.”
“Scams Awareness Week 2023 shines a light on these impersonations and tells you how to detect them.”
“With the sheer volume of messages many people receive on a daily basis, it is important to recognise the signs of an impersonation scam and how to keep your identity protected.”
“The team at ID Support NSW is helping raise awareness of these scams through online events this week and other resources available on their website, as well as supporting victims to reclaim their identity.”
ID Support NSW Director James Blakely said:
“We know cyber criminals don’t take holidays, so we are encouraging everyone to stay vigilant this festive season and look out for suspicious emails, text messages or phone calls.”
“Avoid clicking directly on links, particularly from unsolicited texts and emails, and make sure to buy from trusted sellers whose information can be verified.”
“Education is essential when staying protected from scams, that’s why ID Support NSW has a wide range of resources and online events available to keep people informed.”
“The Senate has rightly forced Senator Hanson to withdraw her unacceptable racist comments and held her to account for once.
“This should send a strong message to Senator Hanson that she cannot continue to make this parliament an unsafe workplace for people like me day in, day out.
“Senator Hanson’s racist bile is extremely damaging and also unleashes vile hate and abuse from bigots. It must be nipped in the bud.
“If Parliament is to be a safe workplace, then it needs to set a standard that any form of bigotry and racism are unacceptable. Racist hatred should never be tolerated in any workplace, let alone one that is supposed to lead the way in standards of behaviour.
“People who look like me have all been told to ‘go back to where they come from’ at one point or another, and it is harmful and unacceptable every single time. I’ve copped it more times than I can count, and so have many others in the community. Enough is enough!
“The government needs to stop dragging the chain on Parliamentary behaviour codes and implement the codes and the consequences for breaching these without delay.”
The Australian Government congratulates the Honourable Judge Hilary Charlesworth on her re-election to the International Court of Justice.
The election took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York overnight (9 November 2023, EST) to fill vacancies that will arise in February 2024.
Judge Charlesworth has served as a member of the International Court of Justice since 2021 and is a world-leading jurist, as well as the first Australian woman to serve as a Judge of the Court in its 78-year history.
The International Court of Justice plays a critical role in upholding international law and the rules-based order.
The Australian Government is confident that Judge Charlesworth will continue to draw on her exceptional expertise and act in accordance with the highest standards of independence and integrity.
These qualities are integral to the International Court of Justice in its mission to support the peaceful resolution of disputes between States.
The Australian Government sincerely thanks the outgoing judges for their service to the Court and wishes them well for the remainder of their terms.
More information about the Court can be found on the International Court of Justice website.
