Category: Newcastle News

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

Ryan Daley, aged 40, was last seen between at the Braxton Hotel about 5pm on wed 3rd April 2024.

Unable to be located or contacted since, Ryan was reported missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

Ryan is described as of Caucasian appearance, about 198cm tall, of solid build, with brown eyes, brown hair in a ponytail, a beard and tattoos on both arms.

Police believe Ryan may be driving a white 2011 Mazda 6 station wagon with NSW registration ‘BVD25R.

Anyone with information in relation to Ryan’s whereabout is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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

Pheobe D’Arcy, aged 12, was last seen on Christo Road, Waratah, about 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 2 April 2024).

Unable to be located since, family reported her missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Pheobe’s welfare due to her age.

Pheobe is described as being of Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander appearance, of slim build, about 145-150cm tall, with shoulder length black hair. She was last seen wearing an oversized black hooded jumper, navy tracksuit pants and yellow shoes.

She is known to utilise public transport and frequent the Jesmond and Waratah areas.

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

A man has died after an ATV rolled in the Lake Macquarie area.

About 7pm yesterday (Sunday 31 March 2024), emergency services were called to a fire trail on Crown Land in Cooranbong, following reports a two-seater ATV had crashed.

The passenger – a 35-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

The driver a – 30-year-old man – was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene which was forensically examined by specialist police form the Crash Investigation Unit.

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

Inquiries are ongoing.

Newcastle’s reputation as an arts and cultural destination continues to grow thanks to an array of significant public art projects bringing colour to the city’s streets.

City of Newcastle’s (CN) Public Art Reference Group (PARG) considered six public art proposals relating to major private developments in Newcastle West and Adamstown during the past 12 months. An example of work approved by PARG is the Awabakal-inspired artworks on a recently constructed prominent commercial building on Hunter Street.

Councillor and PARG Chair Carol Duncan with PARG member Nikolas Orr in front of Fintan Magee’s mural in Civic Lane, Newcastle.

The projects were included in PARG’s 2023 Annual Report tabled at this week’s Council meeting, which also highlighted a range of community art proposals, CN related works and festivals partially funded by CN’s Special Business Rates program.

The proposals included murals, statues, video art, temporary artworks, chalk art, sculptures and suspended artwork.

Councillor Carol Duncan, who Chairs the group, said the last 12 months had seen major growth for both Newcastle’s public art collection and Newcastle’s reputation as a city that embraces the arts.

“Newcastle’s dynamic landscape has literally become a diverse and brightly coloured canvas for public art,” Cr Duncan said.
 
 “The public art panel have continued to come together to consult on all aspects of Newcastle’s public art, from advising on the commissioning of new proposals associated with large developments in the city, to supporting community murals. 

“The much-loved Paul McCartney mural by local artist Mitch Revs has been one such project that has brought colour and vibrancy to a prominent location in the city in 2023.”

PARG acts as an advisory committee to CN, providing guidance and advice to developers, artists, curators, CN staff and the community regarding public art in the private and public domain. 

The group also worked with applicants and artists to ensure proposed artworks were inclusive, culturally appropriate and added value to the city.

Its membership includes three Councillors and external community members specialising in art, design and heritage, as well as local Indigenous cultural representatives.

PARG panel member Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said the calibre of public art in Newcastle is of the highest standard.
 
“Newcastle boasts a proud public art scene which is not surprising when you consider that this city is home to the highest concentration of artists in Australia,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Our public art consultation and approval process at City of Newcastle, reflected by the incredible art that adorns our city streets, has become the goal of many other local governments. 

“Public art does not just beautify our city scapes; its positive effect on the entire community sparks connection and proves that art does not just belong inside a gallery.”

Fellow PARG member, Cr John Mackenzie, said the panel has continued to raise the bar on public art in Newcastle.

“Our role has always been to help businesses incorporate relevant artworks that are reflective of Newcastle’s culture and heritage,” Cr Mackenzie said.

“We also provide opportunities for local artists to work and connect with appropriate projects that ultimately leads to creative visual artworks that both residents and visitors enjoy.

“The addition of local artists and creatives who joined the group in 2022 have added a wealth of expertise to our decision-making that has further enhanced our processes and outcomes for public art in Newcastle.”

A man has appeared in court charged with murder after the death of a man at Lake Macquarie yesterday.

Just before 4.30pm yesterday (Friday 29 March 2024), emergency services were called to a home on Kankool Way, Windale, following reports of an assault.

Prior to their arrival, a 40-year-old man suffering stab wounds to his chest was driven to Belmont Hospital.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and established a crime scene. Police were told the man was allegedly stabbed during a physical altercation in which a knife was produced.

As part of inquiries, police arrested a 21-year-old man on Cherry Street, Windale, just before 5pm.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Clent.

The injured man was transferred to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery; however, police were later notified that the man had died.

The younger man was subsequently charged with murder.

He appeared at Newcastle Local Court today (30 March 2024), where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Wednesday 3 April 2024.

Newcastle’s Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) has tested the city’s preparedness for a major emergency while also familiarising themselves with City of Newcastle’s purpose-built emergency operations centre (EOC).

Conducted by NSW Police, the annual LEMC training simulation was attended by a variety of emergency service organisations including the SES, Fire and Rescue and NSW Ambulance, as well as utility providers such as Hunter Water, Telstra and Ausgrid.

Lake Macquarie Police Acting Superintendent Lisa Jones, City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke, Fire and Rescue Superintendent Garry Tye, Newcastle Police Superintendent Kylie Endemi and NSW SES Superintendent Ian Robinson attend the annual Local Emergency Management Committee training simulation at City of Newcastle’s purpose-built emergency operations centre.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was vital for the city to be ready for any natural disaster or major hazard that can impact our community.

“Newcastle is no stranger to natural disasters having experienced the 1989 earthquake and the Pasha Bulker storm in 2007, so it’s important to be prepared for any emergency scenario,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re committed to working with emergency services to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach in order to provide the best support to our community in an emergency.”

CEO Jeremy Bath said creating the EOC was an important part of City of Newcastle’s move to the Administration Centre on Stewart Avenue in Newcastle West in 2020.

“Our emergency operations centre is the perfect place to conduct these simulations as it provides a fully equipped space for emergency services and welfare agency personnel to manage responses to natural disasters,” Mr Bath said.

“The EOC features screens with live-stream capabilities, a 32-seat room and a commercial kitchen capable of providing meals, all in a central location with access to backup power on site via diesel-powered generators.

“This ensures CN is able to deliver critical business functions if a major incident causes disruption in Newcastle.”

Police Superintendent Kylie Endemi said these types of training exercises are vital to ensuring agencies are always prepared.

“We conduct emergency operations training annually, covering a different crisis each year, from earthquakes to floods and tsunamis,” Supt Endemi said.

“In the face of overwhelming pressure, it’s important for every agency and utility provider to know what resources they have, what they might need and how they can best work within a coordinated response.”

It’s a busy time for the local SES as it prepares to move from its current base at Tighes Hill to a new home at the Steel River Industrial Estate at Mayfield West.

The new premises have been facilitated by CN under the State Emergency Service (SES) Act 1989, which requires Councils to provide accommodation for the SES in its local government area, including suitable training facilities, storage and office accommodation.

A man has been charged following a fatal single-vehicle crash in Cardiff last year.

About 7.50am on Friday 3 November 2023, emergency services were called to Munibung Road, Cardiff, following reports of a single-vehicle crash.

At the scene, police were told that a sedan had collided with a power pole between Pendlebury Road and Torrens Avenue.

The driver – a 35-year-old man – and passenger – a 19-year-old man – were freed by Fire and Rescue NSW.

The men were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before they were taken to the John Hunter Hospital in critical condition.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene which was examined by the Crash Investigation Unit.

The 19-year-old man later died in hospital on Tuesday 14 November 2023.

Following inquiries, the 35-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station on Thursday 21 March 2024.

He was issued a court attendance notice for dangerous drive occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death, and his license was also suspended.

He will appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

A NSW government funded program with Royal Life Saving NSW is helping seniors in the Hunter region learn to stay safe and build confidence in the water, while socialising with others in the pool. 

It is one of 21 organisations across NSW to receive funding under the $600,000 Connecting Seniors grants program which aims to help older people stay connected.

The Royal Life Saving Active Adults program has been running in Lake Macquarie during the Seniors Festival and new programs have been released for Maitland, Central Coast and Bateman’s Bay. The sessions comprise three, one-hour sessions covering CPR and a review of health factors to consider when exercising, an in-pool water-safety session and a swimming or water activity.

The Connecting Seniors grant program builds on previous grants, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW.

The recipients include 16 not-for-profit organisations and five local councils organising a variety of activities to cater to all interests. More than half of the projects will support seniors living in regional NSW and about one-third will assist Aboriginal people over 50 and seniors with disability.

The grants deliver on the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, with the Government committed to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.

For more information about the grants program and the full list of recipients, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program

To find out more about the Royal Life Saving program, visit: www.drowningprevention.org.au/active-adults

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The Connecting Seniors Grants support activities which can provide a social lifeline for seniors, especially those who live alone.

“The NSW Government is pleased to be partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW in this program, which not only provides seniors with a refresher in water safety to help them stay active, it also contributes to their wellbeing as they connect with others in and out of the pool.

“As our population ages, we want to make sure we provide our seniors with opportunities to socialise while enjoying engaging experiences.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a great opportunity for Hunter seniors to get out and try something new.

“Getting in the water is a part of the lifestyle here as anyone from the Hunter knows. That should be for everyone.

“This grant supports an important program run by Royal Life Saving NSW, making sure we support our seniors to enjoy the water with their families.”

Royal Life Saving NSW Manager for the Hunter Tanya Brunckhorst said:

“Building your fitness and confidence around the water as you age is as important as it was when you first learned to swim as a child, and we are calling all older adults to seek out new ways to get active.

“Last year, the leading contributing factors in drownings among Australians over 65 included low levels of fitness, trips or falls, lack of swimming and survival skills and underlying health conditions.  The 65 to 74 year age group is one of our most vulnerable populations, representing 30 per cent of those who drowned last year.

“Any regular, structured activity helps build fitness, improves your ability to manage in the water and offers fantastic social community benefits.”

City of Newcastle is improving access to one of its most popular coastal precincts.

Councillors last night unanimously endorsed plans to upgrade the pedestrian crossing on Memorial Drive, which will make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access Bar Beach.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen navigates Memorial Drive at the current pedestrian crossing, which will be upgraded to provide safer, easier connectivity in this busy coastal precinct.

The new raised crossing will create a safer connection between Empire Park and the busy coastal precinct, increasing visibility of pedestrians and removing confusion caused by the current staged crossing and refuge island.

Councillor Carol Duncan said the upgrade would deliver on City of Newcastle’s commitment to support active transport options.

“We’ve listened to the community and are working to deliver solutions that ensure they are able to safely and easily navigate our footpaths, cycleways and road networks,” Cr Duncan said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the multi-stage project would improve safety and accessibility in the precinct for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The precinct surrounding Bar Beach is heavily utilised by community members accessing Empire Park, the Cooks Hill Surf Club, Bathers Way and the beach itself,” Cr Clausen said. 

“This upgrade will make the road crossing between these destinations shorter and more accessible for pedestrians.

“It will also enhance the cycling network in the area, with the second stage of the project including a new shared pathway from the Memorial Drive crossing to Bar Beach Avenue, which will create an off-road link that allows cyclists to travel easily between Bathers Way and Parkway Avenue.”

Almost 90 per cent of community members who responded during the public exhibition period were in favour of the upgrade, which also includes landscaped kerb extensions and a new narrow median to create a safer and more streamlined solution for all road users in this area.

Following the Council’s endorsement, the project will move into a detailed design stage ahead of future construction works, with the project to be delivered over two stages.

Ice skating, hip hop and graffiti workshops, and an evening museum ‘takeover’ are among the activities on offer for the city’s teens and young adults during Youth Week 2024.

City of Newcastle (CN) is hosting and supporting a diverse program of youth-led events as part of the annual state-wide celebration, which highlights the contribution young people make to the community.

Up & Up graffiti workshop

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that this year’s program, from 11 – 21 April, has been designed by young Novocastrians and will be delivered in co-operation with community organisations. 

“Self-expression and celebration are at the heart of Youth Week, which is why we support Newcastle’s young people to organise inclusive, diverse and fun activities for people their own age,” Cr Nelmes said. 

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said CN has worked with the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee through the Youth Week grants program to support a broad range of initiatives.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support our young people with opportunities to express themselves, their ideas, raise issues and develop strategies through their chosen events,” Cr Richardson said.

“Every year we support activities that promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing while highlighting the contribution that young people make to the Newcastle community. This year’s packed program is no exception.”

CN and the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have provided more than $10,000 in funding towards six main activities that will take place during Youth Week. 

The feature event of the program will see 13 to 17-year-olds “takeover” Newcastle Museum for a lock-in, parent-free night of fun including live music, DJs, collaborative music workshops, open-mic opportunities and mystery tours with the curator.

An all-ages youth band night coordinated by Headspace and an inclusive art projection, food and entertainment evening put on by Wesley Mission and young LGBTQIA+ artists will satisfy the creatives, while a full day of ice skating co-ordinated by Hunter Multicultural Centre and the HMC youth group will be perfect for active types.

Participants of the Create Your Place at Youth Week event at Museum Park will be able to unleash their artistic sides while honing their skills in graffiti art and hip hop thanks to Up & Up.

Young people with multicultural backgrounds will be taking part in a storytelling self-portrait process co-ordinated by And Then Photo Agency. The images will be displayed on digital screens in Wallsend Library and available to view all throughout the week.