Police are investigating after a woman died and three people were injured in a single-vehicle crash at Port Stephens today.
Just after 5pm (Sunday 6 January 2019), emergency services were called to Tomago Road, near Tomago, after a sedan had left the road and hit a tree, trapping the occupants.
A female passenger was freed from the vehicle. Despite attempts to resuscitate her, she died at the scene.
The male driver and two passengers were freed and taken to John Hunter Hospital, all in a serious condition.
Officers from Port Stephens – Hunter Police District, with the assistance of the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Tomago remains closed with local traffic diversions in place.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
New live music strategy open for comment
Providing more opportunities to break into the all-age music industry, improving night-time transport and promoting live music online are part of a live-music strategy now on public exhibition.
The plan to help grow and nurture Newcastle’s live music scene over the next four years and beyond is on public exhibition right now.
The City’s Live Music Strategy 2019-23 has set out a number of key targets to achieve a safe and sustainable live music scene following consultation with key stakeholders, the community and music professionals.
“Live music is an invaluable part of our city’s cultural make up, and we’ve undertaken a significant body of research and community engagement to develop an action plan that will help grow this important industry in Newcastle,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We continue to foster new local talent, venues and audiences against a backdrop of social change and urban renewal and this document, together with other important strategies, such as the After Dark Strategy, seeks to strengthen our night time economy by making live music as viable for musicians and their audiences as possible.
“We want to make live music as accessible, affordable and available to the community as possible.”
The Lord Mayor said the plan also seeks to strike a balance between promoting a vibrant night time economy and responding to the needs of those calling the city home.
“While we believe that live music is a great way to promote social cohesion, public space activation and community well-being, we also want to ensure that rights of existing residents are protected.”
The Live Music Strategy 2019-23 will be available for comment until 25 February, here.
The plan to help grow and nurture Newcastle’s live music scene over the next four years and beyond is on public exhibition right now.
The City’s Live Music Strategy 2019-23 has set out a number of key targets to achieve a safe and sustainable live music scene following consultation with key stakeholders, the community and music professionals.
“Live music is an invaluable part of our city’s cultural make up, and we’ve undertaken a significant body of research and community engagement to develop an action plan that will help grow this important industry in Newcastle,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We continue to foster new local talent, venues and audiences against a backdrop of social change and urban renewal and this document, together with other important strategies, such as the After Dark Strategy, seeks to strengthen our night time economy by making live music as viable for musicians and their audiences as possible.
“We want to make live music as accessible, affordable and available to the community as possible.”
The Lord Mayor said the plan also seeks to strike a balance between promoting a vibrant night time economy and responding to the needs of those calling the city home.
“While we believe that live music is a great way to promote social cohesion, public space activation and community well-being, we also want to ensure that rights of existing residents are protected.”
The Live Music Strategy 2019-23 will be available for comment until 25 February, here.
Civic operators welcome first five-star hotel
Civic Precinct operators have hailed Newcastle’s first five-star hotel, citing the increased tourism and investment it will bring as huge boosts for the City’s premiere cultural facilities.
The 136-room hotel – which will be built just hundreds of metres from the doorstep of Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum and City Hall – will transform the Civic Precinct into a thriving hub that will increase Newcastle’s reputation as a key cultural and events destination.
“Newcastle Venues are thrilled that the roundhouse has been sold and will be converted into a five-star hotel,” Manager of Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“The earmarked date for opening coincides perfectly with the completion of the City Hall refurbishment works, presenting an opportunity to really rebrand City Hall as a five-star conference venue to go alongside the five-star hotel.”
Ms O’Hara said the hotel’s location would open new markets for City Hall, as the residential conference market (conferences where delegates stay and conference in the same venue) is one the City hasn’t been able to target until now.
She said the Newcastle Venues team will spread the word about this in the coming year when speaking with potential customers at trade shows.
News of a new five-star hotel has also delighted Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird and Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.
Both are enthusiastic about showcasing the City’s collection of exhibitions to a wider audience.
.jpg.aspx?height=800&width=532 "Lauretta-(1).jpg")
“It’s wonderful that investment in new accommodation is happening in the Civic Precinct,” Ms Morton said.
“We are looking forward to sharing the City’s collection and our dynamic exhibitions and programs with new visitors to Newcastle and the Hunter region.”
Ms Baird said: “It will mean more visitors learning about Newcastle’s past, present and future while adding to the rich cosmopolitan mix of our fascinating city.”
Last week the City announced that its administrative headquarters had been purchased by hospitality group Crystalbrook Collection, which will lodge plans to develop a five-star hotel featuring 136 luxury rooms, lobby bar, café with outdoor terrace and a new roof top with restaurant, swimming pool and gymnasium.
Construction and fit out of the new hotel will begin as soon as City of Newcastle staff relocate to their new office on the corner of Hunter Street and Stewart Avenue in the new CBD that is Newcastle West.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the hotel will reinvent the Civic Precinct.”Guests staying in the luxury hotel will now be within just 100 metres walk of the Civic Theatre, The Newcastle Art Gallery, The Newcastle Museum and the Civic Playhouse,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The existence of a five-star hotel complete with a light rail station immediately across from it will finally create the thriving cultural precinct our city has longed for.”Crystalbrook Collection expect the hotel to be operating by November 2020, in time for the Newcastle 500.
Lauretta Norman showcasing an installation from the Olsen Ormandy collection
The 136-room hotel – which will be built just hundreds of metres from the doorstep of Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum and City Hall – will transform the Civic Precinct into a thriving hub that will increase Newcastle’s reputation as a key cultural and events destination.
“Newcastle Venues are thrilled that the roundhouse has been sold and will be converted into a five-star hotel,” Manager of Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“The earmarked date for opening coincides perfectly with the completion of the City Hall refurbishment works, presenting an opportunity to really rebrand City Hall as a five-star conference venue to go alongside the five-star hotel.”
Ms O’Hara said the hotel’s location would open new markets for City Hall, as the residential conference market (conferences where delegates stay and conference in the same venue) is one the City hasn’t been able to target until now.
She said the Newcastle Venues team will spread the word about this in the coming year when speaking with potential customers at trade shows.
News of a new five-star hotel has also delighted Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird and Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.
Both are enthusiastic about showcasing the City’s collection of exhibitions to a wider audience.
“It’s wonderful that investment in new accommodation is happening in the Civic Precinct,” Ms Morton said.“We are looking forward to sharing the City’s collection and our dynamic exhibitions and programs with new visitors to Newcastle and the Hunter region.”
Ms Baird said: “It will mean more visitors learning about Newcastle’s past, present and future while adding to the rich cosmopolitan mix of our fascinating city.”
Last week the City announced that its administrative headquarters had been purchased by hospitality group Crystalbrook Collection, which will lodge plans to develop a five-star hotel featuring 136 luxury rooms, lobby bar, café with outdoor terrace and a new roof top with restaurant, swimming pool and gymnasium.
Construction and fit out of the new hotel will begin as soon as City of Newcastle staff relocate to their new office on the corner of Hunter Street and Stewart Avenue in the new CBD that is Newcastle West.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the hotel will reinvent the Civic Precinct.”Guests staying in the luxury hotel will now be within just 100 metres walk of the Civic Theatre, The Newcastle Art Gallery, The Newcastle Museum and the Civic Playhouse,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The existence of a five-star hotel complete with a light rail station immediately across from it will finally create the thriving cultural precinct our city has longed for.”Crystalbrook Collection expect the hotel to be operating by November 2020, in time for the Newcastle 500.
Lauretta Norman showcasing an installation from the Olsen Ormandy collection
Appeal to locate missing girl – Newcastle
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl reported missing from a home near Newcastle.
Carly Gibson, aged 11, was last seen at a house in Joslin Street, Kotara, about 8pm on Saturday 29 December 2018.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified when she failed to return home and commenced an investigation.
Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age and believe she may be in the Newcastle, Edgeworth or Lake Macquarie areas.
Carly is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 145cm-150cm tall, of a medium build and with blonde hair and blue-grey eyes.
Anyone who sees Carly or has any information on her whereabouts are urged to come forward.
A girl reported missing from the Newcastle area has been located safe and well.
The 11-year-old was last seen at a house in Joslin Street, Kotara, about 8pm on Saturday 29 December 2018.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified when she failed to return home and commenced an investigation
Following inquiries, the girl was located safe and well at Edgeworth about 8.30pm yesterday (Thursday 3 January 2019).
Police wish to thank the public and media for their assistance.
Pumps, power tools, buggy seized as man charged over Hunter break-ins
A farm buggy, water tanks, generators, pumps and power tools have been seized after an arrest by Rural Crime Investigators in the state’s Hunter yesterday.
The Rural Crime Prevention team attached to Hunter Valley Police District have been investigating break and enter offences targeting rural properties in Merriwa and surrounding areas over the past month.
When a search warrant was executed at a property on Roma Road, Merriwa, items – alleged to be stolen – were seized including a farm buggy, water tanks, generators, pumps, kitchenware, corrugated iron and power tools.
The items recovered are estimated to be worth approximately $80,000.
About 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 2 January 2019), a 57-year-old man was arrested when he attended Muswellbrook Police Station.
He has been charged with 10 offences including break enter and steal (x2), enter building/land with intent commit indictable offence, larceny (x3), enter enclosed lands not prescribed premises without lawful excuse (x2), destroy or damage property (x2).
The man was refused bail to appear in Wyong Local Court today (Thursday 3 January 2019).
Man charged under new legislation over alleged sexual touching of teen at football match
A man has been charged with the newly legislated offences of sexual touching and sexual act following an alleged incident involving a teenaged girl at a football match on the Central Coast.
On Sunday 23 December 2018, police were approached during a football match at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, by a 15-year-old girl, who reported a man in the crowd had made her feel uncomfortable.
Officers were told a man in the crowd had made inappropriate remarks and gestures toward the girl, before allegedly touching her in a sexual manner.
Local police obtained the man’s details before he was ejected from the stadium. The investigation was then referred to detectives from State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad.
Following inquiries, detectives arrested an 83-year-old man at Wyong Police Station just before 9am today (Thursday 3 January 2019).
He was charged with intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16 and intentionally do sexual act with child aged 10-16.
The man was granted strict conditional bail, which includes him being prohibited from Central Coast Stadium, and is due to appear at Wyong Local Court on Wednesday 13 February 2019).
Inquiries are continuing.
Novocastrians celebrate New Year's Eve
The City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations were a hit with Novocastrians well before the storm struck and prompted cancellation of the Fireworks.
They may have been rained out, but as the pics below show, Novocastrians revelled in the fun of the activations on Market St Lawn and along the Foreshore.
.JPG.aspx "IMG_0802-(1).JPG")
A giant cardboard Funhouse formed part of the centrepiece of a fun family-friendly evening inspired by a colourful cast of roving characters and local makers.
Inflatable slides and jumping castles were well patronised in the family-friendly zone, while local artist Bliss Cavanagh of Happy Senses created a safe and magical sensory experience harbour side for people with disabilities and their families.
The City is working to fastrack an alternative date for the fireworks display, and we will advise everyone as soon as we know more.
.JPG.aspx "IMG_0781-(1).JPG")
They may have been rained out, but as the pics below show, Novocastrians revelled in the fun of the activations on Market St Lawn and along the Foreshore.
A giant cardboard Funhouse formed part of the centrepiece of a fun family-friendly evening inspired by a colourful cast of roving characters and local makers.Inflatable slides and jumping castles were well patronised in the family-friendly zone, while local artist Bliss Cavanagh of Happy Senses created a safe and magical sensory experience harbour side for people with disabilities and their families.
The City is working to fastrack an alternative date for the fireworks display, and we will advise everyone as soon as we know more.
Man charged with murder – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged with multiple offences, including murder, after being arrested on the state’s north last night.
Strike Force Lacrozia was formed by detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, to investigate the death of a 60-year-old man, after he was attacked in his Whitebridge home on Monday 17 December 2018.
Following inquiries, a 24-year-old man was arrested after crashing his motorcycle into an unmarked police vehicle on Ntaba Road, Jewells, about 11pm yesterday (Sunday 30 December 2019).
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital to be checked as a precaution, before being released and taken to Belmont Police Station.
He was charged with 25 offences, including murder, manslaughter, impersonating police, escape police custody, resist arrest, driving-related offences, and outstanding warrant-related offences.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court tomorrow (Tuesday 1 January 2019).
Two men, aged 19 and 22, have already been charged over the Whitebridge man’s murder and remain before the courts.
Man wanted over murder arrested in Lake Macquarie
A man wanted on warrants for offences including murder and manslaughter, has been arrested in the Lake Macquarie area overnight.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have made public appeals to locate the 24-year-old man as they continue to investigate the death of a 60-year-old man, who died after he was attacked in his Whitebridge home on Monday 17 December 2018.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Lacrozia to investigate the circumstances surrounding the older man’s death.
Following inquiries, a 24-year-old man was arrested after crashing his motorcycle into an unmarked police vehicle on Ntaba Road, Jewells, about 11pm yesterday (Sunday 30 December 2019).
The man has been taken to hospital where he is being checked as a precaution, and remains there under police guard.
Two men, aged 19 and 22, have already been charged over the Whitebridge man’s murder and remain before the courts.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Bandido OMCG associates charged with aggravated break and enter – Abermain
Three Bandido outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) associates have been charged following an investigation into an alleged aggravated break and enter on Christmas Day at Abermain.
About 3pm (Tuesday 25 December 2018), three men entered a unit in Armidale Street where they confronted a 22-year-old man.
The men aged, 21, 22 and 23 became involved in an alleged physical confrontation with the other man, continuing to assault him as they dragged him to the front of the premises.
Several other people from the unit attempted to intervene. The three men left and officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended the scene.
Following further inquiries, the three men were arrested yesterday (Thursday 27 December 2018) by Cessnock Detectives, assisted by officers from State Crime Command’s Strike Force Raptor North.
They were each charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence and affray.
The men were refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 28 December 2018). They were granted conditional bail and are due to appear in Cessnock Local Court on 10 January 2019.