Category: Newcastle News

Police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year’s Coates Hire Newcastle 500 to ensure race enthusiasts enjoy the event safely.
The finale of the Supercars Australia Championship Series begins with practice laps tomorrow (Friday 23 November 2018), with the final race taking place at 3.40pm on Sunday (25 November 2018).
Operation Axils has been launched today to ensure the safety and security of more than 150,000 people, including competitors, officials and spectators expected in Newcastle this weekend.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, will be assisted by specialist police, from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Axils Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, was joined by Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes and Supercars Australia Chief Operation Officer Shane Howard this afternoon to officially launch the operation.
“While we want everyone to have a great time, there will be a large high-visibility police presence and any anti-social or dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“Local officers and specialist police will be out in force across the event, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, alcohol-related violence, and minimising the impact on the local community.
“With over 150,000 people expected to attend, police are urging motorists to be patient, remain vigilant with speed and fatigue, and drive to the conditions.
“Race enthusiasts are also reminded that if you are caught in possession of prohibited drugs or while using prohibited drugs, you are committing a serious offence and will face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Additional Traffic & Highway Patrol officers will also be deployed to ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
“We were absolutely delighted with how smoothly the event ran last year and the fantastic crowd,” Supercars Australia Chief Operation Officer Shane Howard said.
“The transport system worked exceptionally well, people had a great time and it was a massive event for Newcastle,” he added.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city was excited to host the second consecutive Newcastle 500 and eager to build on last year’s glowing report card.
“The success of the inaugural Newcastle 500 and the excellent behaviour of what were massive crowds reinforced our city’s reputation as a great place for major events,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This year we’re proud once again to highlight our city and region to the world by helping deliver another exciting, safe, inclusive event for residents and visitors.”
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit www.livetraffic.com.
Further information about the event, including venue maps, transport and parking availability, can be found at: www.supercars.com/newcastle/

Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District are appealing for public assistance to find a woman who hasn’t been seen since the weekend.
Police began inquiries after a handbag was handed into Muswellbrook Police Station and on Saturday 17 November 2018, its owner was identified as a 28-year-old woman from Muswellbrook.
Concerns were raised when the woman couldn’t be located, and police are now making an appeal to the public to find her.
Jacinta Roberts was last seen about 4pm that Wednesday (14 November 2018), when she was dropped off at the Aldi carpark, Muswellbrook.
Police hold serious concerns for her safety and welfare as she suffers several health-related issues.
Jacinta is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 178cm tall with a slim build, brown hair, wearing her hair in a side plait, a blue top, black pants and no shoes.
Family believe she may be travelling to Hawks Nest, Byron Bay and/or Queensland.
Anyone with information about Jacinta’s whereabouts is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police on 6542 6999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

A man will face court today charged over allegedly sexually assaulting two young girls in the Lake Macquarie region.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports an eight-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl were sexually and indecently assaulted by a man known to them.
Following further inquiries, detectives, with the assistance of Australian Border Force (ABF), arrested a 59-year-old man at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay about 2.15pm yesterday (Monday 19 November 2018).
During a search of the man, investigators seized electronic devices and several USB drives.
He was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with two counts of indecent assault person under 16 years of age, and aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years.
Police will allege in court the man sexually and indecently assaulted both girls at a property in the Lake Macquarie area in January 2018.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Central Local Court today (Tuesday 20 November 2018).
 

Police have charged two women with 29 offences following an alleged crime spree across the Port Stephens – Hunter Police District during the past week.
Officers will allege the two women, aged 24 and 27, stole numerous vehicles across the district by posing as interested buyers for vehicles advertised for sale online.
On Thursday 15 November 2018, the women allegedly stole a black Mazda 6 from an address in Bolwarra Heights.
Police will allege that vehicle was used in multiple alleged offences including failing to pay for fuel at a service station at Nabiac yesterday (Monday 19 November 2018).
Later that same day, the Mazda6 was found damaged on Viney Creek Road, West Tea Gardens; a short time later, a Toyota Hilux was stolen from a home further down the same road.
Police established a perimeter around Viney Creek Road and saw the stolen Hilux travel past. Officers activated warning devices and attempted to intercept the driver but she failed to stop as directed.
A pursuit was initiated with the vehicle followed north on the Pacific Highway; however, due to erratic driving the pursuit was terminated.
Members of the public contacted police to report the driving of the Hilux which enabled police to resume the pursuit when they came across the vehicle on Failford Road, Darawank.
The pursuit continued through Tuncurry and Forster where the women were arrested when their ute was forced to stop due to heavy traffic on the Forster Bridge.
Police arrested the two women and took them to Maitland Police Station where they were charged with a string of offences including steal motor vehicle, police pursuit – not stop – drive manner dangerous, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, aggravated break and enter, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, having goods in custody suspected of being stolen, and shoplifting.
They were refused bail and will appear in Forster Local Court today (Tuesday 20 November 2018).

NSW Police are urging racegoers to plan their trip ahead of time and travel safely on the roads as large crowds are expected for the return of the Coates Hire Newcastle 500.
A high-visibility police operation will be in place from Thursday 22 November to Monday 26 November 2018 in Newcastle, for the finale of the Supercars Australia Championship Series.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, assisted by specialist police, will focus on road safety as well as anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said the event has become a calendar highlight for the City of Newcastle, with over 150,000 spectators expected to visit over the weekend.
“Our number one priority is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to safely enjoy this family-friendly event without disrupting the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“Police will be out in force over the weekend targeting speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone and seat-belt offences, to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
“Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and allow extra travel time as there will be heavy traffic and delays on major and local roads, particularly as crowds arrive on Friday and Saturday, and leave on Sunday and Monday,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Centre for Road Safety Executive Director Bernard Carlon said speeding, drink and drug driving, and fatigue remain the biggest killers on our roads.
“We want everyone to travel safely this weekend, so if you are driving, don’t speed and take a break if you’re feeling tired, and never, ever drive if you’re affected by alcohol or drugs,” Mr Carlon said.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com
Further information about the event, including venue maps, transport and parking availability, can be found at: www.supercars.com/newcastle/

A man has been charged by Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad over the alleged aggravated sexual assault of a woman in the Hunter region in September.
Earlier this month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation after receiving reports a woman had been sexually assaulted by a man she met on social media.
Following extensive investigations, a 30-year-old man was arrested by detectives at Ryde Police Station just after 4pm yesterday (Monday 19 November 2018).
He was charged with aggravated sexual assault-inflict actual bodily harm on victim.
Police will allege in court that the man attended a home in the Hunter region on Sunday 30 September 2018, and sexually assaulted a 26-year-old woman.
The man has been granted strict conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Monday 10 December 2018.
 

Newcastle Art Gallery has received a $40,000 grant to support a 2019 major exhibition of its extensive collection of Japanese Sodeisha ceramics.
SODEISHA: connected to Australia will be on display from 2 March to 19 May 2019, supported by the Dobell Exhibition Grant from Museums and Galleries (MGNSW).
The Gallery hosted its first Sodeisha exhibition in September 1979.SODEISHA: Avant-Garde Japanese Ceramics featured 32 members of the Sodeisha group of artists including founding members Kazuo Yagi, Osamu Suzuki and Hikaru Yamada.
“After the exhibition completed a tour of six capital cities, the Sodeisha group elected to gift 58 of the 62 works exhibited to Newcastle Art Gallery,” said Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.
“This generous gift means that our Gallery holds one of the largest collections of Sodeisha ceramics by this important group of artists outside Japan.
“SODEISHA: connected to Australia, is one of the major highlights of our 2019 exhibition program and will enable us to create new dialogues between this significant movement and contemporary ceramic artists today.
“Sodeisha artists were ground breakers- revolutionaries if you will – and they have forever impacted on the contemporary landscape of ceramics and art.”
The Sodeisha movement began in post WWII Japan – when young potters were rebelling against the constraints of tradition, seeking to use clay as an expressive medium in its own right without the need to conform to a functional aesthetic.
Although the influence of Japanese techniques on the development of Australian ceramics is well documented, this is the first major exhibition in Australia to celebrate the legacy and influence of the pioneering Sodeisha group on contemporary ceramics.
The work of 10 contemporary Australian and Japanese ceramic artists will be exhibited alongside the Gallery’s Sodeisha collection, including originating member of the Sodeisha movement Satoru Hoshino. Hoshino will also present exclusive workshops for Australian ceramicists to gather insight into his techniques and practice.
The Australian artists involved are: Alterfact Studio, Penny Byrne, Juz Kitson, Julie Bartholomew, and Kenji Uranishi, while artists Takashi Hinoda, Satoru Hoshino, Yusaku Ishida, Rokube Kiyimizu, and Hideo Matsumoto will represent Japan in the exhibition.
SODEISHA: Connected to Australia 
Exhibition and public programs
SODEISHA: Connected to Australia aims to form a dialogue between the post war avant-garde Sodeisha movement and contemporary Australian and Japanese ceramic arts practice today.
Sodeisha literally translates from Japanese to English as ‘crawling through mud’  and with the support of the MGNSW funding, an extraordinary performance has been commissioned by the Gallery inspired by the original performance Challenging Mud by Kazuo Shiraga (1924-2008). Hong Kong born Australian dancer and choreographer Kristina Chan will develop a work incorporating mud in the same manner as the original performance.
Kazuo’s seminal and physically demanding 1955 performance has long been recognised as having a close association with the Sodeisha movement.
A comprehensive suite of public programs will support the exhibition, including masterclasses, artist-led workshops and forums, and regional clay community activities, drawing in new audiences for this ancient and contemporary art form.
Dobell Exhibition Grant (DEG) 
The Dobell Exhibition Grant, supported by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, offers $40,000 in funding to one regional NSW gallery per annum. The program aims to support high-quality exhibitions that speak to a broad audience across NSW. To assist in expanding appreciation for the visual arts, these exhibitions should be supported by innovative public and education programs that creatively engage both artists and the community.
The Dobell Exhibition Grant is supported by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Image caption:
Kazuo YAGI
Applause space 1974
black fired earthenware
22.0 x 16.5 x 14.0cm
Gift of members of the Sodeisha Group 1981
Newcastle Art Gallery collection

City of Newcastle today marked adoption of paid family and domestic violence leave as a part of its newly ratified enterprise agreement.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined the United Services Union, the union representing City workers, to announce adoption of the staff support scheme, which entitles victims of domestic violence to 10 extra days paid leave a year.
Left to right, Ross Warren and Kevin Burgess, City of Newcastle USU delegates, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and United Services Union General Secretary Graeme Kelly.
“This is an important day for victims of family and domestic violence moving forward,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“The City is committed to providing employees with support if they’re experiencing family and domestic violence or providing support to an immediate family or household member experiencing it.
“As part of this support, we will offer up to 10 days additional paid leave per year if they are in these terrible circumstances or supporting someone affected by it.”
United Services Union (USU) General Secretary Graeme Kelly congratulated the City on the move during a meeting of local union representatives this morning.
“The United Services Union has been campaigning for over a year to ensure that employees of City of Newcastle have access to this important workplace entitlement,” General Secretary Kelly said.
“Whether directly, or indirectly, family violence is a workplace issue that affects working people every day, so we thank City of Newcastle for their leadership.”
The new enterprise agreement was ratified by the Fair Work Commission on 5 November 2018 and comes into effect on 2 January 2019.

One of Newcastle’s best-known exercise routes, the Fernleigh Track, is now giving outdoor enthusiasts another way to keep fit thanks to a new workout station built just north of the City Road tunnel at Adamstown Heights.
The open-air exercise station, funded by the City of Newcastle with the support of State MP Jodie Harrison, is the first of six to be built in the next few years as part the Outdoor Exercise Facility Plan to help keep Novocastrians in shape.
^{Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Fernleigh Track fitness station}
Camp Shortland, South Newcastle Beach, Cooks Hill’s Nesca Park, National Park in Newcastle West and Stockton’s Griffith Park are among coastal locations being considered for fitness stations, while Wallsend, Beresfield and Maryland are the other possible options located further west.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the provision of new exercise parks would help meet the City’s population growth targets and reduce obesity and health risks.
^{Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Fernleigh Track fitness station}
“It’s a priority of this council to provide quality parkland and recreation facilities that are diverse, accessible and responsive to these changing needs,” the Lord Mayor said.
“By building these new parks we are also increasing our commitment to supporting the community to be physically active, contributing to improved health outcomes and lowering obesity levels. Research has found that exercise outdoors is considered to be refreshing, gives a sense of wellbeing and reduces tension and depression.
“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to identify park sites for outdoor exercise facilities in locations right across the City of Newcastle, with new equipment proposed for each of the four wards of the Newcastle Local Government Area.”
The facilities will be funded through a partnership between Council and local and state grant providers.