Month: September 2022

Renewed appeal to locate long-term missing man – Lake Macquarie PD  

Police are renewing an appeal for public assistance as they continue to investigate the disappearance of a man from the Lake Macquarie area.

Aaron Clear, aged 45, was reported missing to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District in February 2021, after family and friends were unable to contact him for an extended period.

Aaron is known by family and friends to live a nomadic lifestyle and was last formally seen by family at Belmont North for a gathering on Christmas Eve 2019 (Tuesday 24 December).

Inquiries so far have established that Aaron was at Belmont in March 2020, however his movements after this time are unknown.

Police and family have concerns for Aaron’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Aaron has been known to frequent the Newcastle, Cessnock, Morisset, and Bonnells Bays areas. 

Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said Aaron’s family were deeply worried and concerned about him.

“Aaron is much loved by his family, and they are desperate to know that he is okay.”

“Despite extensive inquiries, including a land search of bushland in Belmont where we were told Aaron liked to camp, we have been unable to locate any trace of him since March 2020.

“It is important to understand that Aaron is not in any trouble. We just want to make sure that he is safe and well. All he needs to do is to contact us or his family,” Detective Chief Inspector Parker said.

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

Motorcyclist died in crash – Hunter Region 

A motorcyclist has died following a crash near Wollombi, in the state’s Hunter Region.

Emergency services were called to the Great North Road at Fernances Creek just before 1pm today (Sunday 11 September 2022), after a motorcycle and car collided.

The rider, a 48-year-old man, died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle wasn’t injured; however, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Hunter Valley PD established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who witnessed it, or the events leading up to it, is urged to contact police.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Ancient ocean predators on display at Newcastle Museum

Newcastle Museum’s largest ever exhibition will showcase the terrifying creatures that ruled the oceans during the time of the dinosaurs.

Designed for visitors of all ages, Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is an immersive exhibition that features hands-on installations alongside real fossils from millions of years ago.

Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird with Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and her son Finnan Baartz, 10, explore the amazing exhibits on display at the Sea Monsters exhibition.

Gigantic life-sized replicas, including a 13-metre long Elasmosaurus and 9-metre Prognathdon, will demonstrate the sheer scale of these ancient marine reptiles alongside other incredible specimens including a huge 1.4 metre Kronosaurus jaw and a five-metre long fish that died after swallowing another fish whole.

Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Sea Monsters provides a unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating prehistoric creatures.

“Now open in time for the upcoming school holidays, Sea Monsters gives visitors the chance to learn more about the giant prehistoric sharks and reptiles that hunted the depths of the oceans at a time when the land was ruled by the might of the dinosaurs,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This fun and educational exhibition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy as they walk through the giant ribcage of a sea monster, reach out and touch a replica of a fossilised Megalodon tooth and feel the thrill of the hunt with a 180-degree immersive video that puts you right inside the action.”

Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is an Australian National Maritime Museum touring exhibition in partnership with Queensland Museum Network.

Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said it was a real coup for City of Newcastle to host this significant exhibition, which has taken a team of 10 staff from the Newcastle Museum and Australian National Maritime Museum two weeks to install.

“Newcastle Museum is committed to bringing engaging, high quality touring exhibitions to the Hunter Region that enrich Newcastle’s cultural offering and give local communities access to national and international exhibitions,” Ms Baird said.

“This is the largest exhibition ever hosted by Newcastle Museum, as well as being the first time Sea Monsters has been displayed in Australia outside a capital city.

“Newcastle Museum plays a key role in the rich diversity of experiences that help attract visitors to our city and we’re thrilled to be able to share exhibitions of the calibre of Sea Monsters with our community.”

Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is on display now at Newcastle Museum and will run through to 26 February 2023. Ticket prices start from $7.50 for children, $15 for adults and $40 for a family of four, and are on sale now at Newcastle Museum or online via www.newcastlemuseum.com.au.

COMMEMORATING HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Australia will hold a National Day of Mourning to observe Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 22 September 2022.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to Premiers and Chief Ministers asking they declare this day a National Public Holiday to commemorate Her Majesty’s remarkable life and dedication to service. 

A National Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am in the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House in Canberra and will begin with one minute’s silence. It will be broadcast live across the nation.  

The Prime Minister, Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Premiers and Chief Ministers and other attendees from across Australia will be invited to come together to pay their respects.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second led a remarkable life, dedicated to service and duty.  

“Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most Australians have known and her faithful service will be remembered for centuries to come.

“Her Majesty was the only reigning monarch to ever to visit Australia and it was clear from her first trip that she had a special place in our hearts.

“I have asked Premiers and Chief Ministers that Thursday 22 September 2022 be declared a National Public Holiday in honour of the life and service of our late Queen.

“Over the coming weeks, Australia will continue to commemorate our late Queen. 

“I encourage all Australians, wherever you may be, to take time to pause and reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary life of service.”

Second youth charged following skatepark assault – Charlestown 

A second youth has been charged over the alleged assault of another teenager on the state’s Hunter region.

On Thursday (8 September 2022), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information regarding an assault at a skatepark in Charlestown.

Police were told a 14-year-old male was allegedly assaulted by a group of males, causing him serious facial injuries. The teenager remains in John Hunter Hospital undergoing treatment.

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged by detectives on Friday (9 September 2022). He remains before the courts.

About 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 10 September 2022), investigators arrested as 12-year-old boy at a unit in Cooks Hill.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with intent to rob in company cause grievous bodily harm.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 11 September 2022).

Investigations continue.

Teenager charged following skatepark assault – Charlestown 

A teenager has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged assault of another teenager on the state’s Hunter region.

On Thursday (8 September 2022), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information regarding an assault at a skatepark in Charlestown.

Police were told a 14-year-old male was allegedly assaulted by a group of males, causing him serious facial injuries. The teenager remains in John Hunter Hospital undergoing treatment.

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested by detectives at a home in Cooks Hill, about 9.30pm (Friday 9 September 2022).

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with intent to rob in company cause grievous bodily harm.

The teenager was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Saturday 10 September 2022).

Investigations continue.

Chevron favours Asian markets over everyday Australians

California-based energy company, Chevron, wants Western Australia to be excluded from the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism, so as to reassure its customers in Asia and protect its windfall profits. 

A significant portion of natural gas produced by Chevron comes from their Gorgon, Wheatstone and the North West Shelf projects in Western Australia. 

Greens spokesperson for resources, Yamatji-Noongar Woman Senator Dorinda Cox said:
“While everyday Australians are facing a cost-of-living and energy crisis, Chevron is reaping in massive profits and continuing to destroy the climate.

“Chevron is putting its profits above the wellbeing of everyday Australians. Its Gorgon gas project paid $7 million in tax in the 2019/20 financial year, while producing as much as $32 million a day. Its Wheatstone project paid no tax or royalties in 2021. 

“Chevron claims to be a good corporate citizen yet it’s putting the market over people. Australia is facing an energy crisis and any impact on their international exports could be redirected to the Australian domestic market

“For decades, both Liberal and Labor governments have been taking political donations from mining companies and giving them massive tax handouts and tax breaks in return.”

Libs: The Death of Queen Elizabeth II

Never in modern history has there been a more dignified monarch, a more dutiful leader, or a more decent human than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end.

The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign.

She was our Sovereign.

As she was for other nations of the Commonwealth spread across the world’s continents and oceans.

A Monarch who ruled with an empathetic heart and wisdom both innate and gained from almost a century of life and experience.

Her Majesty was gentle, kind, and much-loved.

Following her Coronation on the 2nd of June 1953, our Queen said:

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”

Not only did our Queen earn our trust, she also won our admiration.

In serving the people, the people marvelled at her unflagging service.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lived through the pivotal events of the 20th and 21st centuries – wars and conflicts, depression and recession, the end of empire and decolonisation, the race to the moon and the attainment of civil rights, the brilliance of Olympic Games and the barbarity of terrorism.

She led Britain through the darkest of days and through the times of triumph.

Though the world changed around her, she remained steadfast in her devotion to God, her country, and to the Commonwealth.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia on sixteen separate occasions between 1954 and 2011, with her reign spanning sixteen separate Australian Prime Ministers.

She visited every state and territory, helped to open our new Parliament House and the Sydney Opera House, and attended the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane and Melbourne. Wherever she went, crowds choked the streets, cheering, clapping, and waving flags to express their adoration.

Despite her royalty, she possessed extraordinary humility, greeting all those she met with courtesy, treating them as equals and offering an attentive ear.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II again exemplified the optimism, poise and stoicism which she carried throughout life and which inspired so many. She told the people of the United Kingdom, via broadcast, “We will succeed… better days will return… We will meet again.” Seventy-six years earlier as an eighteen-year-old Princess, she had insisted on joining the Army, donning a uniform and training as a truck driver and mechanic to support the war effort.

Today, a comforting warmth has left the world. One of humanity’s brightest lights has gone out.

May our memories of our dear Queen inspire the very best in us, just as she drew inspiration from her subjects.

As the Leader of the Opposition, and on behalf of the Federal Coalition, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is finally at peace with her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.

NSW Liberal: VALE HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I extend my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away at the age of 96.
 
Today we reflect on the remarkable life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
 
The young Princess Elizabeth became Queen of England at the age of 25 after the death of her adored father, King George VI, in 1952. Her Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.
 
Her official title was Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
 
Queen Elizabeth II went on to become the longest-reigning British monarch, Australian sovereign and leader of the Commonwealth of Nations, which she navigated for seven decades – with dignity, courage and commitment.
 
She has been an inspiration to the global community and here in New South Wales, visiting our State 12 times.
 
As the first reigning monarch to visit our nation, Queen Elizabeth set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 at Farm Cove in Sydney Harbour where an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people greeted her.
 
The public’s overwhelming jubilation and enthusiasm at seeing the young monarch was the beginning of the state’s long-held joy in her frequent visits.
 
Her Late Majesty will forever be connected to pivotal moments in our State’s history. She officially opened the Parliament of New South Wales in 1954, Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parramatta Stadium in 1986, and Darling Harbour in 1988.
 
She also visited NSW regional areas including Newcastle, Lismore, Orange, Dubbo, Armidale, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, drawing huge crowds of well-wishers.
 
While we mourn her passing, it is the occasion for the people of NSW to offer thanks for a lifetime of public duty to the Crown, the Commonwealth, and to millions of people across the globe.
 
More information on how NSW will pay tribute and observances will be provided later today at nsw.gov.au

SAILS OF SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE ILLUMINATED IN HONOUR OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated tonight in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Prime Minister of Australia and NSW Premier have announced.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the lighting the sails of the Sydney Opera House as a fitting tribute to Her late Majesty.

“The late Queen Elizabeth the Second played an important role to the people of Australia during her reign and the lighting of the Sydney Opera House is a fitting tribute on behalf of the people of Australia,” said Mr Albanese.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the tribute on our most recognised icon will be a symbolic gesture on behalf of the NSW Government.

“The tribute on the sails will recognise Her late Majesty’s immense contribution to our state and nation, a fitting tribute as she officially opened the Sydney Opera House in 1973,” said Mr Perrottet.

The lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails will take place over two days from 7.30pm to midnight on Friday, 9 September and from 6.30pm to midnight on Saturday, 10 September.

For information on condolences and floral tributes visit: