Category: Newcastle News

A Hunter man, 28, has been sentenced to a maximum of five years imprisonment in the Newcastle District Court for a range of child abuse material offences.

The investigation began after the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received a report from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about a user uploading child abuse material to several online platforms.

AFP investigators linked the Hunter region man, then 26, to the illegal activity.

A search warrant was executed at the man’s home near Raymond Terrance in August 2022, with AFP investigators seizing a mobile phone and laptop that contained child abuse material. 

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen warned that watching, downloading or purchasing child abuse material was not a victimless crime.

“The charges demonstrated the AFP’s commitment to investigate and charge offenders believed to be involved in child exploitation and sexual abuse,” Det A/Supt Millen added.

“Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators, and our investigators will continue to be relentless in their pursuit of anyone sharing or accessing child abuse material.

“Anyone who views this material is committing a crime.”

The man pleaded guilty to:

• One count of using a carriage service to procure child under 16 years of age, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
• One count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
• Two counts of using a carriage service to cause child abuse material to be transmitted to self, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
• One count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
• One count of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth).

He was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Newcastle District Court yesterday (4 October, 2023), with a non-parole period of three years.

The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse.

The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE at www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.

If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available at www.accce.gov.au/support.

Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety. Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at www.thinkuknow.org.au, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

For more information on the role of the ACCCE, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit www.accce.gov.au.

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

Emily Garton, aged 15, was last seen at a home on Wollombi Road, Muswellbrook, about 8.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 October 2023).

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

Police hold serious concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Emily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of a solid build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a pink crop top, blue denim jeans, and black and red joggers.

Emily is known to utilise public transport and is known to frequent the Rutherford and Maitland areas.

Anyone who has seen Emily or has information of her whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate a break-in and robbery near Newcastle.

About 4am yesterday (Sunday 1 October 2023), police have been told two men broke into a home in Gosford Road, Broadmeadow, before they threatened the male occupant with a knife.

The two men stole a handbag and car keys before fleeing the property in a white Holden Barina.

No one was physically injured.

About 5.40am yesterday, a 31-year-old man was driving in a Toyota Corolla sedan on Mitchell Street, Merewether, when a Holden Barina pulled up next to his vehicle and two men inside threatened him with a knife.

Police have been told the two men tried to steal his car before driving away in the Holden Barina.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced investigations into both incidents, which are believed to be linked.

As inquiries continue, police wish to speak with two men who may be able to assist with the investigation.

The two men are described as both being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance. One of the men is further described as being aged in his late teens to early 20s and was last seen wearing dark-coloured clothing. The second man has been described as wearing light-coloured clothing.

The Newcastle Knights are once again the toast of the town after beating the Gold Coast Titans 24 points to 18 in the grand final in Sydney this afternoon to claim their second-straight NRLW premiership.

To help celebrate their historic achievement City of Newcastle (CN) will host a civic reception for the 28-player squad and coaching staff at City Hall on Tuesday, October 3.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Knights’ women have become incredible ambassadors for Newcastle.

“This team has achieved so much in such a short space of time and it’s important we acknowledge their continued success,” Cr Nelmes said.

“A lot of the players are born and bred Novocastrians and wonderful role models, showing our local women and girls they can achieve their dreams close to home, even in a sport traditionally dominated by men.”

One of those locals is captain Hannah Southwell, who missed out on the 2022 grand final victory over the Parramatta Eels because of injury.

She returned to play a pivotal role in the 2023 NRLW season, where the Knights won the minor premiership for the first time, before capping off the campaign by claiming back-to-back titles.

The civic reception will be held at City Hall from 4:30pm and is free and open for the public to attend to help celebrate back-to-back titles.

Following the official proceedings, fans will have the chance to meet their heroes as part of an autograph signing session.

CN was a foundation sponsor of the Knights women’s team during their historic debut season in the 2021 National Rugby League Telstra Women’s Premiership.

Hundreds of Knights fans lined King Street outside City Hall last year to celebrate the Newcastle Knights’ historic 2022 NRLW Premiership win. At that time, the team was also presented with a Key to the City by the Lord Mayor.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter Valley region.

Alexander Moore, aged 22, was last seen at Rothbury about 8.30pm on Sunday 24 September 2023.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family hold concerns for Alexander’s welfare as he has a number of medical conditions.

Alexander is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, with a slim build, blond hair, green eyes, and is bearded. It’s not known what he was wearing when he left the premises.

Alexander may be driving a 2012-model silver Holden Commodore with NSW registration, CV14LA.

Anyone who has seen Alexander since 24 September, or has information of his whereabouts or has any further information is urged to contact Cessnock Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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 information via NSW Police social media pages.

First Nations culture will take centre stage this weekend as City of Newcastle’s 10-day New Annual festival wraps up with a host of free events.

Museum Park will be filled with the sights and sounds of the Awabakal people as part of Ngiarrenbumba Burrai (Our Country), featuring a program of dance, native food and language workshops and special performances.

The same location will tonight play host to This Land, a free musical showcase of nationally renowned and local First Nations artists presented in partnership with the University of Newcastle, headlined by Kamilaroi-Samoan R&B sensation, Becca Hatch.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the last weekend of New Annual offers great value for families.

“Around 50 percent of performances and activities at this year’s New Annual festival are free or under $25,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This weekend’s amazing events taking place across the city, also include live music and workshops, the exhibition by internationally renowned South Sudanese photographer Atong Atem, as well as the popular Chalk the Walk 3D art trail across the streets of Newcastle.

“Global Gathering at Museum Park on Saturday is a celebration of diverse traditions, food, art forms, and cultural expressions by people from all over the world who now call Newcastle home.”

Wheeler Place will host Shaun Parker’s Found Objects across the weekend, an epic outdoor, family dance theatre work utilising everyday objects. Following each performance there will be a 20-minute workshop giving the audience the opportunity to connect with the performers.

On Saturday, 20 artists will turn Wheeler Place into an urban canvas as part of the Easel’d Live Paint Jam.

Museum Park will also be taken over by up to 70 local drummers, who will feature in Dancenorth’s epic production, NOISE, with shows tonight and tomorrow.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said New Annual gives Novocastrians an important platform to showcase their talent.

“Half of the New Annual program is local, including singers, actors, dancers, artists and playwrights,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“It’s so exciting to see local talent on the bill alongside world-renowned arts and cultural practitioners from across Australia.

“Following a few tough years, the festival offers a vital economic boost for Newcastle’s recovering creative arts and live music sectors that were heavily impacted by COVID-19.”

Visit www.newannual.com for more details about the full program.

Police are appealing for public assistance as investigations continue after a man was seriously injured in Newcastle today.

Emergency services were called to a fast-food restaurant in King Street, just after 3.20am (Thursday 28 September 2023), when a man suffering serious burns to his body sought help.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District are investigating reports of a 23-year-old man being assaulted and set on fire.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital before he was transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police established a crime scene and investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As inquiries continue, investigators are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam vision in the area at the time to come forward.

Bodhi Nancarrow, aged 16, was last seen at Maitland Railway Station about 8pm on Sunday (24 September 2023).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were later notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family hold concerns for Bodhi due to his age.

Bodhi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of a medium build, has a short black hair, and a left nose piercing.

He was last seen wearing a brown jumper with the ‘Make Memories’ writing, black shorts with ‘MM’ writing, black and white sneakers, and was carrying a black backpack.

Anyone who sees Bodhi or has information of his whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 26 September 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Paul Woseen Condolence Motion

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Paul Woseen, and acknowledged and celebrated the significant cultural and artistic contributions made throughout his career. The Minute recognised the impact of the Screaming Jets, a band born in our own city, as a source of pride and inspiration for the Newcastle community and committed to preserving and promoting the band’s musical heritage as part of our city’s cultural legacy.

10 Years of Service to Newcastle by Sharon Claydon MP

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that expressed its congratulations and deepest appreciation to Sharon Claydon MP for her 10 years of service as the Federal Member for Newcastle. The Minute commended her outstanding contributions to our community and her tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Newcastle whilst reaffirming CN’s commitment to working collaboratively with Ms Claydon and all our state and Federal Government representatives.

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted for the first time in more than a decade, City of Newcastle will host the free, family-friendly Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Aircraft Flying Display on Saturday 18 November 2023. The Minute thanked our delivery partners at the RAAF, Port Stephens Council and the NSW Government for their wonderful contribution to securing this event for Newcastle.

Ordinary business

Exhibition of Outdoor Trading Policy

Council voted to publicly exhibit the Draft Outdoor Dining Policy 2023 and Draft Outdoor Dining Guidelines 2023, with a report to be received by Councillors following the exhibition period.

Exhibition of Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023

Council unanimously voted to publicly exhibit the Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023 for a period of 28 days, with a report to be received by Councillors following the exhibition period.

Proposed granting of Right of Carriageway easement over operational land – 45 Lookout Road New Lambton Heights

Council endorsed the creation of an easement for a Right of Carriageway over Operational Land at 45 Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights for the benefit of 4 Bushlands Close, New Lambton Heights.

In addition, Council granted authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation to authorise the transaction.

Change to adopted Meeting Schedule 2024

Council endorsed a change in Council’s meeting cycle; with the Newcastle leg of Paul McCartney’s tour taking place at McDonald Jones Stadium on the night of the next scheduled meeting, moving the Ordinary Council Meeting from Tuesday 24 October 2023 to Tuesday 31 October 2023.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2023.

Tender Report – Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 2 – Principal Design Consultant – 2023/163T

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for a Principal Design Consultant for the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 2 upgrade project in accordance with Contract 2023/163T.

Notices of Motion

Busking Policy

Council supported a notice of motion to develop a Buskers Policy and Licence, managed by the City of Newcastle, that supports live performance opportunity and creates enjoyable ambience in public spaces, while ensuring public safety, city amenity, and the quality of performances.

Beaumont Street – Mockingbird Outdoor Dining Refusal

Council supported a notice of motion acknowledging the active support and encouragement by City of Newcastle to increase the operation of outdoor dining in the city, and the ongoing concerns experienced by the owner of Mockingbird Café at 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Executive Director’s recommendation, endorsed by the Newcastle City Traffic Committee, to implement immediate changes to parking restrictions in the vicinity of 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

City of Newcastle will apply to Transport for NSW to review the servicing of the 21 Bus Route, including resolving the optimum location of the bus stop in the vicinity of 131 Beaumont Street Hamilton to best serve the route to provide for fully compliant operations, and reports back to the Newcastle City Traffic Committee as to the outcome of the review.

In addition, City of Newcastle will contact the Mockingbird Café encouraging them to submit an application for a compliant outdoor dining permit in accordance with CN’s Outdoor Trading Policy.

Sustainability, access and inclusion are at the centre of proposed enhancements to planning guidelines that will support future developments across the city.

City of Newcastle (CN) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its current Development Control Plan (DCP) and created a raft of enhanced provisions for new developments, to be publicly exhibited, following endorsement by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The draft DCP 2023 includes improvements to building design guidelines to minimise the impact of extreme heat by reducing UV exposure on the community, infrastructure that encourages more active modes of transport, and design requirements that address the needs of ageing people or those with mobility needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft DCP 2023 has been a collaborative effort with the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee and DCP Working Party.

“By undertaking a comprehensive review of the current DCP (2012) we are ensuring better outcomes for the community in alignment with CN priorities, including the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, the Local Strategic Planning Statement and best practice guidelines,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The draft DCP 2023 details enhanced sustainable housing development guidelines to reduce emissions in our built environment and to reduce the community’s exposure to climate change impacts, whilst protecting our environment for future generations.

“As Newcastle’s population ages, it’s vital we have effective planning guidelines in place to increase accessibility in our city and to create liveable housing options that address mobility together with disability access requirements.”

Councillor and Chair of the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee John Mackenzie said traffic, parking and moveability around the city was a key area of focus.

“The draft DCP 2023 has been designed to future-proof our city, including taking on the challenges of transport in our city. The clear, measured development controls will encourage the uptake of more active modes of transport like cycling, micromobility and walking,” Cr Mackenzie said.

“The infrastructure that support this is vital for people with mobility issues, and will combine with greater access to public transport to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking stress and improve our health and air quality.

“The next step creates a great opportunity to consider, discuss and seek comment from the community on the new and enhanced provision in the draft DCP 2023.”

Councillor and Chair of the DCP Working Party, Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, welcomed the focus on sustainability in the updated DCP.

“The new controls to support biodiversity and address urban heat will deliver real outcomes for our local environment,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“This updated DCP will ensure future developments result in buildings that promote healthy and sustainable communities.”

The draft Newcastle Development Control Plan (2023) will go on public exhibition from Thursday 28 September to seek community and industry feedback, with a report and resolution going back to Councillors following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information.