Lambton man reunited with stolen bike after two months

BY JARROD MELMETH

A Lambton man has been reunited with his stolen bicycle after Police discovered it in the boot of a car they pulled over.

On Monday, officers were patrolling around Hamilton when they stopped a silver Subaru station wagon for after observing the vehicle had several cracks across the windscreen and non-functioning brake lights.

After conducting a search of the vehicle, police found a near new Evo men's Mountain Bike worth approximately $5,000. When asked about the bike, the male driver and his passenger told police they had purchased the bike on Facebook Marketplace from an unknown person, which they were unable to provide proof of.

Police seized the bike so they could conduct an enquiry on the bicycle's serial number, which showed the bike belonged to a Lambton address. A report about the bike being stolen had been given to Police on July 24, 2021.

Police and the owner contacted who attended Newcastle Police Station shortly afterwards to collect it. The male who was in possession of the bicycle was issued with a Court Attendance Notice to appear at Newcastle Local Court for the offence of goods in custody suspected of being stolen.

Pictured: The very happy owner reunited with his bicycle.
Image: Traffic & Highway Patrol NSW

James Street Plaza upgrades complete

BY JARROD MELMETH

Upgrades to the James Street Plaza on Beaumont Street in Hamilton are now complete following four months of construction.

The once dilapidated spot on one of Newcastle's busiest streets has been transformed into an open space with new paving, trees, seating and public art displays.

A new light display has also been installed following a community vote on three options put forward by the University of Newcastle. The "Microcosmic Mosaic" was the winner and has been developed into a full-length animation which will be launched to light up the space at night.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the changes to the space are impressive following the project which is aimed to attract more visitors, families, and shoppers.

""In response to community feedback we have delivered a safer, more appealing place for people to spend time.

"Once COVID-19 restrictions lift, we will welcome the community back to gather and activate the space with music, markets and food," Cr Nelmes said.

Council unveils plans for Gregson Park

BY JARROD MELMETH

Following community feedback in 2020, the draft plans have been released for the upgrade to Gregson Park in Hamilton.

The key features of the draft masterplan include an inclusive playground, multi-sports hub and outdoor community events space. 

The former bowling club site would be transformed into a community shelter site with additional seating open space.

Council says the project is intended to be implemented across a ten-year period with the playspace, realigned paths, plantings and community shelter to be completed in the first five years.

Long-term the council plans to include an active recreation area, community gardens and storm water retention tank.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the feedback received from the community has shaped the plans.

"We heard that the community wants to see the incorporation of Aboriginal culture, more planting of native species, an upgrade of amenities, improvements to the playspace, creation of spaces for the community to come together, provision for active recreation, and the retention of the existing heritage elements and much-loved fig trees.   

"The new masterplan for Gregson Park, which showcases three key components including a new playspace, community hub on the former bowling green and multi-sports activity hub, aims to celebrate the existing heritage of the site and Awabakal culture, while meeting the recreational needs of the local community," Cr Nelmes said.

Aerial plans of Gregson Park.

Artist impression of the former Bowling Club site.

Artist impression of the multi-activity hub.

High range drink driver caught by police in Hamilton

BY JARROD MELMETH

A man has had his international drivers licence suspended after being caught high range drink driving over the weekend.

Police were speaking to the 37-year-old outside a venue in Hamilton on Saturday night before issuing him a move-on direction.

The same man was found minutes later to be driving westbound on Tudor Street before turning into Beaumont Street, contrary to a red arrow.

Police stopped the vehicle and submitted the driver to a breath test which returned a reading of 0.201.

The man will face Newcastle local court in July.

Hamilton Community Pantry set to continue after Council decision

BY JAMES CARTER

Newcastle City Council has enacted a late motion to allowing the Hamilton Community Pantry to continue after officers threatened to remove the service

At Monday nights meeting, Council adopted the item saying they will continue to support the "appropriate, safe and clean provision of items and services that are needed like the Hamilton Community Pantry" and will work with Food Not Bombs and other organisations.

The motion comes after the Hamilton Community Pantry was slated for removal by the council on June 16, due to reports of antisocial behaviour in the area. 

City of Newcastle staff and police attended the community pantry later in the week and provided a list of resources for vulnerable people in the area to access. 

A petition was launched to save the community pantry and has garnered over 5000 signatures. 

A community event to show support for the pantry was scheduled for Wednesday but was scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

The community-run pantry located at Hamilton train station provides those experiencing homelessness with clothing, food and blankets. 

Community members can leave goods in the pantry which consists of several lockers and cupboards. 

The Hamilton Community Pantry
 Image: Food Not Bombs Newcastle

Council orders shut down of community food cupboard

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle City Council has ordered the shut down of the community food cupboard at Hamilton Train Station saying it has a regulatory responsibility to manage the use of the public land.

The community led initiative which provides food and clothing for disadvantaged and vulnerable locals was born during the first COVID-19 lockdown, in response to the hardships it created.

A petition has been launched, which as of Thursday had 1,400 signatures in just over 12 hours. It is calling for the council to reverse its decision.

Community member Elena Pavlou Kirri says closing down the cupboard will have a detrimental effect on our most vulnerable.

"The pantry was put in place by community members and maintained by community members. 

"It shares with not only people who are struggling with homelessness, food insecurity and financial insecurity but also just broadly members of the community engaging in a mutual sharing network, giving what you can and taking what you need.

"I think the communities self-sustainability, the ability for members of the community to feel self-sufficient, to feel a sense of efficacy is really important and for the council to undermine that by suggesting that their aide is central and the only legitimate or valid aide is really undermining this community as a whole," Ms Pavlou Kirri said.

In a statement, City of Newcastle says it has a responsibility to do everything that it reasonably can to ensure that the community can access our public spaces safely.

"The City is working with the NSW Police as well as state government agencies, and local community welfare providers to connect people with support ahead of the planned removal of an unlicensed community pantry operating in a park.

"Over the coming weeks, NSW Police, City of Newcastle rangers and the Department of Community and Justice will attend the park to connect community members with alternate support if required prior to the pantry being removed," The statement said.

The petition can be found here.

Pictured: The community food cupboard at Hamilton Station.
Source: Food Not Bombs Newcastle.

Police Investigate String of Violent Hamilton Robberies

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are investigating several violent robberies across Hamilton which are believed to be linked.

In the first of five similar incidents to have occurred in less than two weeks, a 21-year-old man was assaulted at 3:30 in the morning on Saturday, September 14th, by two men who proceeded to steal his wallet and mobile phone.

The robbery occurred at the corner of May Street and Maitland Road, Islington, not far from Hamilton's popular Beaumont Street entertainment precinct.

The following morning, a 55-year-old man and his 27-year-old son were walking home through Gregson Park around 1am when two unknown men threatened and assaulted them, inflicting a head wound to the younger man and knocking his father unconscious for a short period of time.

Three more attacks were reported during the early hours of Saturday and Sunday, September 21st and 22nd.

On Saturday, a 29-year-old man was assaulted by four men as he left work around 1:30 in the morning.

An hour later, two men were attacked and robbed by three unknown men as they walked through Gregson Park.

At 1:30am on Sunday, a woman was approached from behind by two men attempting to steal her handbag at the intersection of Cleary and Samdon Streets. The would-be thieves were unsuccesful and fled empty handed.

Detectives believe the incidents are linked and have released images of three men they believe can assist with investigations.

All are described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged between 18-25, and wearing dark clothing at the time of the attacks.

Newcastle City Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said it was concerning these incidents occurred in such a short period of time.

“These crimes appear opportunistic in nature, and we intend to find those responsible in a swift manner."


Anyone who believes they have information which could help detectives track down the thieves is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on 4929 0999 or to call Crime Stoppers.

Man Arrested at Hamilton over Alleged Extremist Activity

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Counter Terrorism police have arrested a man at Hamilton over alleged extremist activity online.

Detectives began inquiries earlier this week after finding concerning posts on social media containing extreme right wing views.

When violent threats were made online, officers arrested the 43-year-old man near Cleary and Beaumont Streets shortly after 5:30 Thursday afternoon.

He's been charged with using a carriage service for harassment and is due to face Newcastle Local Court on Friday.

A mobile phone seized from the man will undergo forensic examination.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about extremist activity or threats to the community to come forward no matter how insignificant the information may seem.

Newcastle Music Hub To Receive $350,000 Under Labor

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Creative Arts Space in Hamilton will receive a $350,000 funding injection if Labor forms government on May 18.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon was joined today by NSW Senator Kristina Keneally to announce the funding as part of Labor's $28-million Soundtrack Australia policy.

The funding will be used to create a rehearsal area, live performance space and recording studio, as well as soundproofing and electrical works, upgraded lighting and a stage extension.

Atwea College Executive Director Rowan Cox said the organisation is about filling gaps within the creative scene.

"The Newcastle Music Hub will give young Novocastrians access to professional equipment and give them skills and experience to pursue their musical ambitions.

"The jam spaces and recording studios will be available for young members of the community to book time in. In the recording studio, they will be offered supervision and support by Atwea trainers.

"Atwea also plans to restart Open Mic Nights and Battle of the Bands to create more opportunities for live performances for local artists," Ms Cox said.

The youth creative scene in Newcastle has seen a downturn since the closure of The Loft youth venue in 2014.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said when The Loft closed, it created a gap in the local music scene.

"Live music has long been the lifeblood of Newcastle, but it's getting harder and harder for young people to find the space to hone their skills.

"Atwea will also provide professional musicians who will be on hand to give mentoring, training and support to the next generation of artists and to connect them to Newcastle's music community," Ms Claydon said.

L-R: Sharon Claydon, Grant Walmsley, Rowan Cox and Kristina Keneally.

Police on the Hunt for Trio Wanted on Outstanding Warrants

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are on the hunt for three people who are on the run wanted on outstanding warrants.

The first is Tiana Hewitson who is wanted in relation to an outstanding arrest warrant relating to deception offenses.

It's the second time police have appealed for public assistance to find the 22-year-old.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 150-155cm tall, with a fair complexion, dyed hair and a thin build. She's known to frequent Newcastle areas including Hamilton, Hamilton South, The Hill, Broadmeadow and Gateshead.

Tiana Hewitson Image NSW Police

The other pair are two men - 34-year-old Jacob Toleafoa who is wanted in relation to two outstanding arrest warrants relating to deception, drug and malicious damage charges. The other man, 39-year-old Solomon Siulai is wanted for an outstanding arrest warrant relating to aggravated break and enter and steal from dwelling charges.

Both men are described as being Pacific Islander/Maori in appearance. The 34-year-old is
170cm-175cm tall, with an olive complexion, black hair and a large build. He is known to frequent the Newcastle area, including Hamilton and Hamilton South.

The 39-year-old is 185cm-190cm tall, with dark/greying hair and a medium build. He is known to frequent the Newcastle area, including Waratah, Mayfield, Hamilton South and Lake Macquarie area.

Anyone who sees any of the trio is urged to contact police immediately by calling Triple Zero (000), Crime Stoppers or Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4929 0999

Jacob Toleafoa Image NSW Police

Solomon Siulai Image NSW Police

Man Shot in Targeted Attack at Hamilton

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man is recovering in hospital after he was shot in the face in Hamilton overnight.

At about 10:40pm three men, one armed with a firearm, went to a unit on Gordon Avenue where a 37-year-old man lived.

A confrontation allegedly broke out between the group, resulting in the 37-year-old man being shot.

Emergency services were called to the scene, treating the man before taking him to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Detectives set up a crime scene and are conducting further inquiries.

Early investigations suggest the attack may have been targeted.

Anyone who has any information regarding the incident is urged to contact Newcastle City Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police Officer Spots Man Wanted Over Teen Indecent Assault At Hamilton

BY IAN CROUCH

An eagle-eyed police officer is being credited for helping to apprehend a man wanted over the indecent assault of a teenager girl at Hamilton.

The 16-year-old girl was walking along Beaumont Street on Saturday afternoon when a man allegedly indecently assaulted her.

Around 8.30am on Monday, a police officer was walking along Donald Street, Hamilton when he noticed a man fitting the description of a man wanted over the incident.

The officer called for assistance and a 37-year-old man was detained.

Police seized several items of clothing during a voluntary search of the man's Hamilton North home  which have been taken away for forensic testing.

The man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with act of indecency.

He's been granted conditional bail to face Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 5 October 2017.