Newcastle News – Page 27

Appeal to locate man missing from the Lake Macquarie area

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Neil Purnell, aged 38, was last seen at 1.30pm on Wednesday 12 June 2024 at his residence at Pelican, near Swansea in the Lake Macquarie area.

When Neil was noticed missing by family members, he was reported missing to officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Neil’s welfare.

Neil is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180cm tall, of thin build, fair complexion, with short brown hair and brown coloured eyes.

Neil is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Hunter areas.

Anyone with information into Neil’s whereabouts is urged to call Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Pedestrian dies following crash – Cessnock

A pedestrian has died following a crash in the state’s Hunter Valley region earlier this evening.

About 5.45pm on Friday 14 June 2024, emergency services were called to Aberdare Road at Aberdare, near Cessnock, following reports of a pedestrian injured crash.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District arrived to find a man had been struck by a Hyundai iLoad van.

Despite the efforts of Ambulance Paramedics and first responders, the man died on the way to hospital.

The man, believed to be aged in his 80s, is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this crash commenced.

The driver of the vehicle, a 64-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Appeal to locate missing teenager – Wandandian

Police are appealing for information to locate a teenager missing from the state’s north.

Ella North, aged 14, was last seen at an address in Wandandian, on Tuesday 11 June 2024.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

There are concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

She is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 160cm tall, of a medium build, with light brown hair.

Ella is known to frequent the Cessnock area.

Anyone with information into Ella’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Appeal to locate man missing from Beresfield

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Daniel Green, aged 42, was last seen on John Renshaw Drive, Beresfield, about 2pm on Thursday 13 June 2024.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Daniel’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of a solid build, with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing blue track pants and jumper with a fluoro shirt underneath, work boots and a black cap.

Daniel is known to frequent the Heatherbrae and Raymond Terrace areas.

Anyone with information into Daniel’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man dies following fatal motorcycle crash – Charlestown

A man has died following a fatal motorcycle crash in the Lake Macquarie area.

About 7.20pm (Thursday 13 June 2024), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Charlestown, after reports of a motorcycle crash.

Police were told the motorcycle left the roadway and crashed into a light pole.

The rider – a man aged in his 20s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and an investigation commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Appeal for information following suspicious house fire – Newcastle

Detectives have released CCTV footage following a suspicious house fire at Islington earlier this year.

About 11.20am on Monday 25 March 2024, emergency services were called to a home on Norfolk Avenue, Islington, following reports of a fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze; however, parts of the home sustained significant damage.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstance surrounding the blaze under Strike Force Rhodochrosite.

As those inquiries continue, detectives have released CCTV footage of two men who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The first man is described as being about 170-180cm tall, of solid build and with dark hair.

He is pictured wearing an orange hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, tan work boots and sunglasses.

The second man is described as being about 180-185cm tall, of muscular build and with black hair.

He is pictured wearing a yellow hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, dark shoes and sunglasses.

Community invited to have their say on future of Broadmeadow

The NSW Government and the City of Newcastle are seeking community feedback on a new shared vision for the Broadmeadow Regionally Significant growth precinct in the Hunter region.

The Broadmeadow Place Strategy will go on exhibition today for 6 weeks and feedback will guide planning and development for the suburb for the next 30 years.

The project will deliver up to 20,000 new homes for 40,000 people and 15,000 jobs across more than 313 hectares including Broadmeadow, Hamilton, Hamilton East, New Lambton and Hamilton North.

At the same time, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is exhibiting a rezoning proposal to support the development of new homes on government-owned land.

The state-led rezoning proposal highlights how Broadmeadow will benefit from diverse and affordable housing, better public spaces, economic growth and improved sporting and tourism facilities.

NSW is the midst of a housing crisis and the rezoning proposal provides a great opportunity to plan for more homes.

The exhibition will open on 12 June and close at 5pm on Wednesday 24 July.

Have your say on the Broadmeadow Place Strategy and the state-led rezoning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s important that we are looking at all opportunities for more well-located homes now and into the future and this precinct has the potential to become a shining example to communities throughout the state.

“It’s vital to have community input on the future of Broadmeadow so it can be retained as the region’s premier sport and entertainment destination, while at the same time creating a mixed-use precinct where people can live, work and play.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“There have been lots of plans for Broadmeadow over the years so it’s great to see our government and the City of Newcastle actively leading community engagement to include our current users and future residents in this journey.

“There are significant opportunities for investment and it’s also exciting to consider how we could deliver enhanced public open space, indoor sports and leisure and aquatic facilities.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crackanthorp said:

“This precinct will play a significant role in the region’s development over the next 30 years.

“It is crucial that the community are given the opportunity to have their voices heard.

“I encourage everyone to make a submission before the exhibition closes on 24 July.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said:

“We are proud to be the only council in NSW involved in this kind of a partnership with the Minns Government, ensuring early input into the strategic planning for the renewal of the precinct.

“Working with the community and considering advice from the technical experts, we will plan for Broadmeadow’s future to create a new and enhanced place for people to live in and visit.”

Road renewal paves the way for the next stage of Wallsend town centre

The latest stage of a $6 million investment into roads and footpath improvements across the western suburbs has seen extensive road resurfacing wrap up along a section of Wallsend’s bustling Nelson Street.

This stage of the Wallsend town centre renewal project saw the Nelson Street project delivered by repairing and improving the surface of the roadway, while the Main Street saw landscaping and streetscape improvements to enhance the look and feel of the town centre.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Deahnna Richardson with City of Newcastle staff Bruce Pemberton, Jack Hawthorne and Bianca Field-Vo, inspect the upgrade road surface along Nelson Street, Wallsend.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is focused on meeting the needs of the growing population in and around Wallsend.

“This includes delivering road and bridge upgrades to alleviate traffic congestion, creating safer and more accessible cycling and pedestrian pathways, as well as doing more to help reduce the risk of the Wallsend CBD flooding during super storm events,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through our Local Centres program, City of Newcastle is committed to upgrades in Wallsend that will benefit both businesses and residents by delivering a safer, more attractive place to visit, shop, dine, and meet with friends.”

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, who is the Deputy Chair of City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, said working with our local Wallsend businesses and community during consultation and delivery is crucial.

“The works on Nelson Street were done at night to minimise disruptions during the day when thousands of cars use the area,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“We are ensuring that both the planning and investment in infrastructure occurs for the long-term renewal of these important business districts and suburbs to protect and enhance the liveability for our community.”

Nelson Street Wallsend before the road resurfacing Nelson Street, Wallsend before the road resurfacing

Nelson Street Wallsend after the road resurfacing Nelson Street, Wallsend after the road resurfacing

Dual-lane road upgrades at Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road are currently in the design phase, and work is planned to start early next year.

To improve traffic flow both ahead of and during construction of these major upgrades, a series of smaller traffic changes are also being considered.

Community members are invited to provide feedback on these ancillary works via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website before 1 July.

Man charged after firearms seized during vehicle stop – Aberdeen

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 excavate truck as part of investigation into Newcastle diver death

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.