Category: Tamworth Country Radio Network

Police are investigating a serious motorcycle collision which occurred in the Hunter Valley today.

About 11am (Wednesday 18 March 2015), a car and a motorcycle collided at the intersection of Putty Road and The Golden Highway, Mount Thorley, near Singleton.

Officers from the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and Hunter Valley Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation.

The rider, a 37-year-old man, died at the scene.

The driver of the car – a 65-year-old man – was conveyed to Singleton Base Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Traffic along the Golden Highway is currently diverted through Singleton, but Putty Road is open.

Police have charged three men following the alleged assault of a man whose car was stolen from a hospital car park at New Lambton earlier this month.

About 2pm (Friday 6 March 2015), a 17-year-old male parked his car at John Hunter Hospital. Police have been told he was approached by a man who demand the victim’s car keys to which he refused.

The victim was allegedly assaulted by the man who stole various items and fled the location in the victim’s vehicle along with two alleged co-offenders waiting nearby.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command attended and commenced investigations into the matter.

Following investigations, three men have now been arrested and charged.

About 7.30pm on Thursday 12 March 2015, a 33-year old man was arrested on the Pacific Highway, near Marks Point. He was taken to Charlestown Police Station and charged with aggravated robbery.

He was remanded into custody to face Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 25 March 2015.

About 9.30am on Tuesday 17 March 2015, a 34-year-old man was arrested at premises on Wallsend Road, Sandgate and conveyed to Waratah Police Station.

He was charged with three offences – drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 9 April 2015.

About 8.15am today (Wednesday 18 March 2015), a 20-year-old man was arrested at a house in Gateshead and taken to Charlestown Police Station. He was charged with being carried in conveyance without consent of owner.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 16 April 2015.

Police urge owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of property when their car is unattended.

Sergeant Darren Waters, Crime Coordinator, Central Hunter Local Area Command believes that by taking simple preventative measures, the chances of becoming a victim are greatly diminished.

“Police are currently targeting theft from motor vehicle in the Central Hunter police area, so when you leave your car it is a good idea to do a quick checklist.

“Ensure the surrounding area is well-lit, personal belongings are stored out of sight or taken from the vehicle and doors and windows are locked – it is as simple as that,” said Sergeant Waters.

Sergeant Waters advises car owners not to leave valuable items in their vehicle, especially those parked in carparks, driveways or on the road overnight.

“Thieves usually steal electronic items and money, so leave them out of sight.

“Tradesmen are reminded not leave expensive tools in the rear of their cars,” he said.

“It may sound obvious, but always remember to lock your car, and ensure all the windows are fully closed, no matter how short a time period you intend to park. In public areas, try to park where people are moving about and can see your car.”

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a single vehicle crash at Belmont yesterday.
About 7.30pm (Monday 16 March 2015), a man was driving a Toyota Corolla south on the Pacific Highway at Belmont South.

Near the intersection of Alick Street the Toyota appears to have mounted a gutter and struck a concrete fence.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command and other emergency services attended but the driver, a 52-year-old man could not be revived.

The Toyota has been seized by police and will be examined as part of the investigation.
A report outlining the full circumstances surrounding the male’s death will be prepared for the Coroner.

Police have arrested a man as they continue to investigate an armed robbery of an automobile shop in Mayfield West last year.

About 6pm, Friday 26 December 2014, a man entered an automobile store on Maitland Road, armed with a firearm.

Police have been told he allegedly threatened staff, before leaving the scene, taking cash. No one was injured during the incident.

It’s believed a motorbike was parked on grassland adjacent to Maitland Road, and a man stood with the bike, while the alleged robbery took place.

The armed man was seen to flee the scene on the motorcycle as a pillion passenger, travelling through Warabrook before crossing a railway line via an overhead walkway, into grounds of a university.

It’s believed the pillion passenger got off the bike on Vale Street, Birmingham Gardens, and ran across Sandgate Road, where he met the rider and again got onto the bike and rode from the area.

Early investigations have led police to believe the motorbike was also in the Shortland area both before and following the offence.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command were notified and commenced investigations.

Today (Monday 16 March 2015), police arrested a 22-year-old Lambton man.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with robbery armed with dangerous weapon. He has been refused bail, to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 17 March 2015).

As police continue their inquiries, they would like to speak to a man who is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his late 20s/early 30s, with a large number of tattoos on his left arm and leg.

As the alleged offence occurred on Boxing Day, it is believed there may have been a large number of witnesses in the area at the time. Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

Police are appealing for assistance following a ram raid and theft of an automatic teller machine from a shopping arcade in Elermore Vale earlier today (Sunday 15 March 2015).

About 3.45am, a stolen bobcat was driven into the front entrance of a shopping centre on Croudace Road, causing significant damage to the building.

Two free standing ATM’s located inside the entrance were dislodged by the bobcat, but only one was taken from the shopping centre.

Police attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who saw the bobcat or people acting suspiciously in Elermore Vale in the early hours of this morning.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Newcastle City Police on (02) 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a single vehicle crash at Kurri Kurri this morning.
About 1.30am (Sunday 15 March 2015), a male was driving a Honda CRV north east along Lang Street when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times.

The Honda struck an electrical junction box and several awning supports outside a shop before coming to a halt on its side.

Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command and other emergency services attended but the driver, a 17-year-old local male, died at the scene.

Lang Street was closed for sometime between Hampden Street and Main Road while investigations into the incident took place.

A report outlining the full circumstances surrounding the male’s death will be prepared for the Coroner.

Vilma Hunter knows about positive ageing. “I love being old. I am 84, 85 this year and I am so lucky,” she says. “I say thank you for my wonderful life every day.” Vilma is certainly not immune to the challenges of aging, but as an active volunteer, her optimism is palpable. “I love helping people; I really and truly love it.”

Vilma’s volunteering experience has been diverse and spanned many years. She has volunteered for the Sydney Olympics, the Paralympics and the International Children’s Games here in Lake Macquarie, to name a few events. The smile on Vilma’s face is wide as she tells her story of volunteering for the Sydney Olympic Games. “I’ll never forget walking down the Sydney streets holding that banner with the crowds chanting ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, and we’d shout ‘oi, oi,oi!’ Moments like that live forever.”

Volunteering is one strategy recommended by the Australian Psychological Society for maintaining a positive outlook as we age. Among other benefits, volunteering increases social interaction and helps create meaningful connections.

Anthony Ross, CEO from the Hunter Volunteer Centre says, “The benefits of volunteering are different for everyone, but every volunteer gets that little smile on their face that says, ‘I made a difference today.’”

“Volunteering opens doors for people and that’s true for the young as well as the young at heart” says Anthony. “By being involved in something that interests you, you can feel more valued, break down isolation and create important social networks.”

On Friday 20th March 2015, Anthony will be at the Port Stephens over 55’s Lifestyle, Wellness and Volunteer expo at the Soldiers Point Bowling Club. He will be available to chat with the public and media about volunteering and how it can fit into, and enrich, the over 55’s lifestyle. Photographic opportunities will be available on the day.

Call HVC on 4929 4424 to set up an interview. HVC recruits volunteers for more than 200 community organisations in the area and will take the time to find a volunteer role that will match the skills, experience and interests of all potential volunteers.