Come and See The Great Tom Edwards.

BY DANIELLE RIES

Newcastle local Motorbike Rider Tom Edwards, will this afternoon be holding a press launch at Mavericks on Darby Street from 4:30pm.

The launch will include special guest speakers including former Valentio Rossi's  mechanic, Gary Coleman.

Nicknamed Tom.E.Gun, he is the only Australian entrant across all age divisions to take part in the 2018 World Superbike Championships in Europe where he will be racing for Team Kawasaki.

He is one of the most exciting Motorcycle Riders in the sport and at the age of only 16, Tom.E.Gun is about to set the Motorbike racing world alight.

Tom Edwards says he's doing as much training as he can to be prepared for the competition.

"I'm just doing as much fitness stuff as I can, just riding whenever I can whether that's enduro, flat-track, road racing, whatever just as long as I'm on the bike.

"I'm looking forward to going over there obviously for the racing and travelling around Europe and meeting new people. I am also looking forward to training in the countries ill be living in too as I'll be training with the national enduro and BMX team over there". 

Tom is also encouraging local businesses to help him be able to live out his dream.

"If you want to help out with that you can get onto Tom.E.Gun.com.au or my Facebook page- Tom.E.Gun and we're just trying to get as many people to help us out to go over there as possible".\

Tom Edwards, aka, Tom.E.Gun.
Credit- Motorcycling Australia.

Darby Street venue targeted for Liquor license breaches

BY JARROD MELMETH

Soho on Darby in Newcastle can no longer serve drinks without meals after the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) found its mode of operation was resulting in anti-social behaviour including alcohol-related violence.

Following an investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW, ILGA has revoked the restaurant’s Primary Service Authorisation which allows alcohol to be served without meals provided the business’s primary purpose remains a restaurant.

NSW police reports showed there had been nine assaults and five patrons charged with offensive behaviour at the venue between July 2015 and August 2016.

In its findings, ILGA said NSW Police had observed numerous times that the vast majority of patrons were on the first floor of the venue, with DJ entertainment, no tables and chairs and few if any patrons consuming a meal.

No staff could be seen in the kitchen and staff said only a limited menu was available.

Liquor & Gaming NSW’s Director of Compliance Operations, Sean Goodchild, said the case highlighted the need for venues with Primary Service Authorisations to ensure they don’t operate as nightclubs or bars.

“We have investigated a number of recent cases where restaurants have effectively morphed into nightclubs or bars which have far higher risks of alcohol-related harms including violence, anti-social behaviour and disturbance.

“Businesses that fail to run in accordance with their responsible service obligations and licence conditions can expect to be investigated and face serious penalties," Mr Goodchild said.

ILGA’s decision took effect on 18 December.

Two Men Arrested Over Thefts From Cars And Homes In Newcastle East

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested and charged two men over a spate of break-ins in Newcastle East in recent weeks.

The pair are accused of breaking into several cars and homes in Watt Street and Darby Street and stealing items such as clothing and a mountain bike.

Officers arrested a 37-year-old man in Tooke Street, Cooks Hill on Monday afternoon, while a 39-year-old man was arrested on Monday night at a Bar Beach address.

The pair have been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Newcastle to receive $175,000 for 'Safe Spaces' within the city

BY JAMES WARD

The NSW Government's investment of $175,000 towards safe spaces within Newcastle's CBD will greatly improve the safety of patrons within Newcastle and create a safer and more vibrant nightlife experience.

Hamilton is one of seven precincts to receive this investment from the State Government as anti-social and criminal behaviour have greatly affected the suburb of Hamilton.

The other precincts include East End, Darby Street, The Junction, West End and Honeysuckle that will all receive a safe space to help prevent anti-social behaviour.

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce President, Nathan Errington, says the investment "is going to improve the nightlife and it's going to make people feel safer in Hamilton." 

Hamilton will receive one safe space that will be situated at the train station end of Hamilton in order to prevent anti-social behaviour that has increased in that part of Hamilton.

"Its 25,000 (how much Hamilton will receive) and its one space in Hamilton and that will be the train station park," Errington said.

This grant comes after popular Hamilton pub, The Sydney Junction Hotel, which is situated at the train station end of Hamilton, was placed on  Liquor and Gaming NSW's violent venues list after a number of alcohol-related incidents occurred at the establishment. 

"The focus is on the train station end of Hamilton where there has been a lot of anti-social behaviour and to upgrade the park so that it defers that anti-social behaviour that has been identified by the police," Errington said.

The safe spaces will be developed across the city and will include better lighting, landscaping, seating and signage to improve the appearance of the areas whilst reducing opportunities for vandalism and criminal and anti-social behaviour.

The safe spaces will act as a far safer refuge for patrons around the area and therefore create a far greater nightlife experience for people going out into town

Sydney Junction Hotel, Trip Advisor

Police Continue Investigations into Newcastle Brawl

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Police have released the images of five men who they believe will be able to assist them in investigations being made into a brawl in Newcastle last month.

Emergency services were called to an argument which had broken out outside a Darby Street premises just before 10:30pm on Saturday 8th October 2016.

A sergeant and senior constable were assaulted during the incident.

Police arrested four men, aged 18, 21, 22 and 23 at the scene and charged with numerous offences.

The men in their 20s are due to face Newcastle Local Court on 8th December 2016 while the 18-year-old has already faced court.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au 

Police are appealing for these five men to assist in their inquiries.
Image Courtesy: NSW Police Force