Monthly Archives: March 2015

The record breaking Deni Ute Muster goes All Australian!

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For 17 years the Deni Ute Muster has been the ultimate celebration of utes, music and everything unique in regional Australia and the 2015 “Muster” is going to be bigger and better than ever.

This year’s Deni Ute Muster theme is “Australian Made” and we’ll be celebrating all things Australian from music to food to circle work to whip cracking and, of course, the Ute.

Muster HQ are proud to announce the next round of Aussie artists set to join Birds of Tokyo, The Sunny Cowgirls and The Wolfe Brothers over the October Long Weekend starting with the one and only, Prince of Australian Country, Lee Kernaghan.

Since barnstorming his way onto the country music charts with the mega hit Boys From The Bush, Lee Kernaghan has notched up 32 #1 hits on the Australian Country Chart, won a staggering 33 Golden Guitars and has sold 2 million plus sales. His music gave birth to rural rock and songs like Hat Town, She’s My Ute and The Outback Club gave voice to a new generation of country Australia.

2015 is set to be another stellar year for Lee Kernaghan with the release of a very special and personal music project, Spirit of the Anzacs, paying tribute to our troops in a year that marks the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. Sheppard, Megan Washington, Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll all contribute to the charity single which will raise money for Legacy and Soldier On.

Lee Kernaghan said today, “I played my first Deni Ute Muster back in 1999 and it’s been a major highlight on my touring calendar over the years since. The “Muster” is one of those events where you know there’s is going to be a country crowd ready to party hard. I’m looking forward to bringing the band back to Deni for this year’s all Australian Made theme and to celebrate the “Muster’s “17th Birthday by turning the “Muster” festival site into the centre of the country music universe for one big night.”

Whatever gives Aussie music its heart, Adam Brand breathes plenty of life into its soul. For more than fifteen years, Adam Brand has been one of Australia’s best-loved and most successful recording artists and, undeniably, a fixture of the Australian music landscape. The versatile star has 3 Platinum and 5 Gold albums to his name, along with a massive12 Golden Guitar Awards, multiple Mo Awards and 4 ARIA Award nominations for Best Country Album.

In 2014, Adam Brand added yet another landmark album to his catalogue with tenth studio offering, My Side of the Street. A deeply soulful joint, My Side of the Street is sure to add further lustre to Adam Brand’s already brilliant output and we can’t wait for him to bring it to life at the 2015 Deni Ute Muster.

Also joining the line-up for the Deni Ute Muster’s 17th birthday are those multi-talented, musical sisters from Grafton, The McClymonts.

The McClymonts have come a long way since their 2007 debut album Chaos and Bright Lights, picking up 17 hit Country singles as well as 2 x ARIA Awards(2010 & 2012 for Country Album of the Year), 10 x CMAA Golden Guitar Awards, 7 x Australian Club Entertainers Awards and the 2013 APRA Award for Country Work of the Year. In between, they’ve toured Australia and the US extensively and have opened for the likes of Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Gary Allan and even Ozzy Osbourne!

With their exquisite three-part harmonies, soaring vocals and stunning onstage presence, The McClymonts have won the hearts of fans from Australia to the US. After a short break away from the limelight, Brooke, Mollie and Sam returned in mid-2014 with their most personal album yet, Here’s To You & I, which debuted at No. 1 and has remained in the ARIA Country Music Charts for the past 6 months.

When singer/songwriter Morgan Evans released his self-titled debut album in March 2014, it was the culmination of a musical journey that began when he started his first band at the age of thirteen. It’s a journey that has seen the Novocastrian tour with international superstars like Taylor Swift and Alan Jackson, play to over 50,000 people in Nashville at the world’s biggest country music festival and build a large, devoted following as he’s played the length and breadth of this wide, brown land.

With his profile rising to new heights both at home and internationally, including winning the prestigious CMA Global Artist Award, hosting the 2015 Golden Guitar Awards and his work on CMC, 2015 is becoming yet another massive leap forward in Morgan Evans’ incredible musical journey and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Deni Ute Muster stage in October.

Since their official debut at the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival, Adam Eckersley Band, have had a steep rise in popularity, firmly positioning themselves as the Australian band to watch.

To hear Adam Eckersley Band crunching through nimble rockers, fiddle-led stompers, reflective acoustic tunes and blistering country-rock, music lovers are reminded of the broad church that is known as country today. The musicianship, coupled with the gravelly emotive Eckersley vocals, makes clear why Adam Eckersley Band is setting fire to the pews.

The indisputable truth is Eckersley and his heavily bearded band of cohorts play and say what comes from their hearts and souls and with juice in the van and strings on the guitars, Adam Eckersley Band will leave Musterers cheering for more.

Last, but certainly not least, unashamed bluegrass sinners, The Pigs, will be bringing their supercharged hillbilly pop to the 2015 Deni Ute Muster. The Pigs’ ability to turn hit pop songs into downright foot-stompers is legendary. Their kooky original anthems like Macho Moisturiser and Hey Christina are sung from Berlin to Bendigo. On the band’s latest album, 13 iconic Australian songs are reborn into The Pigs’ twisted world of bluegrass and folk. From Cold Chisel to the Avalanches, INXS to Powderfinger, The Pigs’ total reinvention of Australian music history is brazen to the point of lunacy, but it works and will surely have the Muster crowd singing right back at them.

Festival General Manager, Kate Pitt said “The Deni Ute Muster is a remarkable 2 day jam packed event. It transcends age & gender – its Australian to the core”

The Deni Ute Muster is on almost every local and international bucket list and with no rise in ticket prices, more music and more fun than your average long weekend can cram, our Australian Made special event will be one to remember for a lifetime so don’t miss out – get your tickets today!

The Deni Ute Muster is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Man charged over alleged historic child sex offences – Quirindi

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Police have charged a man following investigations into alleged historical child sexual offences in the Quirindi area.

Detectives from Oxley Local Area Command have been investigating allegations several girls were sexually assaulted in the Quirindi area between 1986 and 1992. At the time of the alleged offences, the girls were between two and six years old.

About 10am today (Wednesday 18 March 2015), a 62-year-old man attended Port Macquarie Police Station where he was arrested by detectives.

He was charged with the following offences: One count of sexual assault indecent act with person under 16 years; one count of aggravated sexual assault – victim under 16 years and two counts of aggravated indecent assault – victim under 16 years.

The man was refused bail to appear before Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 18 March 2015.

Investigators encourage any victim of any indecent or sexual assault, no matter how long ago, to come forward.

Fatal motorcycle collision – Mount Thorley, near Singleton

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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.

Three charged following alleged assault and car theft – New Lambton

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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.

Don’t become a victim of theft from motor vehicles – Central Hunter Local Area Command

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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.”

Man dies after car crash – Belmont

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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.

City Recital Hall – ‘BIG SKY’ SELBY & FRIENDS TOUR 2 16 April, 7.00pm

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Following Selby & Friends’ thrilling season opener in February, Tour 2 beckons with an eclectic program of friends old and new – and all at a 10% discount on adult tickets purchased by 5pm tomorrow!

Artistic Director and pianist Kathryn Selby AM is joined by her special international guests, the popular Finnish Concertmaster from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Vesa-Matti Leppänen, and SSO Co-Principal cellist from Italy, Umberto Clerici, for an evening of chamber music powerhouses and new discoveries!

Meet Vesa-Matti Leppanen, listen to a radio podcast here.

The program proudly spotlights these guest artists in César Franck’s much-loved virtuosic violin sonata and Beethoven’s first cello sonata. The ensemble then comes together in two piano trios: Grammy-award winner Joan Tower’s “Big Sky”, which was inspired by her childhood memory of horseback riding through the Bolivian Andes; and the soul-stirring Shostakovich second Piano Trio, premiered in Leningrad in 1944, which intrigues with sharp contrasts and rhythms from Jewish folk music.

ARTISTS
Vesa-Matti Leppänen − VIOLIN
Umberto Clerici− CELLO
Kathryn Selby – PIANO

REPERTOIRE
Joan Tower ‘Big Sky’ (2000) – Australian Première
Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata for Cello and Piano in F major, Op. 5 No. 1
César Franck Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major
Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, for Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 67

Don’t miss this brilliant program of chamber music at its best!

 

Man arrested following armed robbery – Mayfield West

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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.

Concerns held for missing elderly man – north of Tamworth

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A search is currently underway for an elderly man missing since last Monday from a property in Barraba, north of Tamworth.

On Monday 9 March 2015, a 70-year-old man advised a friend that he was leaving his property on Cotswald Road, to attend a hospital.

On Wednesday 11 March, the friend became concerned for the welfare of the man as he had not been seen for two days.

Police from Oxley Local Area Command were called and they began searching the large rural property.

Searches of the property have continued over the last several days with the assistance of officers from State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service, police trail bikes, and Polair.

There are grave concerns for the man’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm tall, with a thin build, short grey hair, and a moustache. He was last seen wearing long pants and a shirt.

Police investigate after child approached in public toilet – Manly

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Police are appealing for information after a boy was approached by a man in a public toilet at Manly yesterday.
About 3.50pm (Sunday 15 March 2015), an 11-year-old boy went into the male public toilets at Manly Wharf.

Police have been told a man approached the boy and tried to touch him inappropriately.

The child pushed the man away and ran from the toilet block. He then caught a bus with a friend to Dee Why, where he told his mother about the incident, and she reported it to police.

Detectives from Northern Beaches Local Area Command are investigating the matter. They would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged 45 to 50 years, and with thinning hair. At the time of the incident, the man was wearing a white top and jeans.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Meanwhile, the incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;
– Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.
– Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.
– Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.
– Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.
– Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.
– If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
– If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.