Monthly Archives: January 2016

Three charged with drug matters – Warners Bay

Three people have been detained and charged with several drug matters after a vehicle search at Warners Bay overnight.

About 11.15pm on Thursday 28 January 2016, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were patrolling the vicinity of Boolaroo when they observed the occupants of a Holden Barina acting suspiciously.

The officers followed the Holden for a distance before conducting a vehicle stop in Warners Bay.

The front seat passenger a 30-year-old man was allegedly found to be in possession of Methyl-Amphetamine while the driver a 25-year-old woman had drugs and cash.

The rear seat passenger, a 26-year-old man was found to have prescription drugs and two knives.

The older man was arrested and conveyed to Belmont Police Station where he was later charged with breach of bail, supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, possess prohibited drug and deal with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.

The woman was issued with a field court attendance notice for possess prohibited drug.

The younger man was issued a filed court attendance notice for possess restricted substance and possess knife in a public place.

Pair charged following alleged pursuit – Newcastle

Two people have been charged following an alleged pursuit in Newcastle overnight.

About 11pm (Wednesday 27 January 2016), a blue Toyota Corolla was stopped by Newcastle Highway Patrol officers on Platt Street, Waratah.

During the stop, the vehicle fled the location and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued into Hamilton, until the Corolla reached the intersection of Samdom Street and Belford Road.

It’s alleged the driver travelled through the intersection against a red light signal and collided with a police vehicle that was travelling west-bound.

The police vehicle was travelling through the intersection on a green light signal and was not involved in the pursuit at the time.

The Corolla continued through the intersection and hit a brick wall on a property on Samdom Street.

No one was injured during either collision.

The 29-year-old male driver and 18-year-old female passenger were both arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

During a subsequent search of the Corolla, police allegedly discovered prohibited drugs and property believed to be stolen.

The man was charged with police pursuit (Skye’s Law), drive manner dangerous, drive while disqualified, negligent driving, goods in custody, display misleading plates, use unregistered vehicle, resist arrest and two outstanding warrants.

He was refused bail and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 28 January 2016).

The woman was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug.

Hydroponic lab dismantled, drugs seized during search warrant – Adelong

Police are investigating after uncovering a hydroponic setup in the Riverina yesterday.

About 5pm (Tuesday 26 January 2016), officers from Cootamundra Local Area Command executed a search warrant at a storage facility next to a home on Gilmore Street, Adelong.

During the search, police discovered a hydroponic laboratory in the storage facility. The equipment is valued at about $20,000.

Police also located and seized a kilo of cannabis, and fireworks.

A crime scene was established and examinations are continuing.

The property’s owner, a 36-year-old woman, is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

COUNTRY SWEETHEART CHRISTIE LAMB WINS HER FIRST GOLDEN GUITAR

Country sweetheart Christie Lamb has won her first Golden Guitar, taking out the CMAA image011Qantaslink New Talent of the Year award at the revered Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony at Tamworth Country Music Festival this past weekend. The award wraps up an incredible 12-months for the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been carving a musical niche with her distinct style of country-rock. It is not the first accolade that the talented songstress was nominated for in 2016, she is also a finalist for the CMC Female Oz Artist of the Year and CMC Oz Artist of the Year.

Winning the first Golden Guitar of her career is an auspicious step for a musician who is already planning on heading into the studio this year to record her next offering. In fact, Christie was one of only two female artists to win on the night, proudly standing beside Catherine Britt, who won the Female Artist of the Year accolade.

Christie says as an independent artist, she was blown away to receive the award and was proud to stand beside the other finalists who included incredible Australian artists. “Receiving the Golden Guitar was absolutely amazing,” she says. “I first went to Tamworth ten years before as a busker and watched all the big artists at TRECC. It was honestly surreal, looking at the artists in the front row and seeing all those same faces watching me on that stage accepting my Golden Guitar. It was honestly a night I will never forget.”

After forging a special music connection with Lee Kernaghan and Robby X in 2015 while touring as part of Lee’s iconic The Songs & The Stories in Concert tour, Christie says the night was all the more meaningful when they presented her the award. It gave her an opportunity to publicly thank Lee for inviting her on the tour, which visited regional and metropolitan centres during the second half of last year.

“To not only open the show for Lee Kernaghan, but to sing with him and be a part of his band Country sweetheart Christie Lamb has won her first Golden Guitar, taking out the CMAA Qantaslink New Talent of the Year award at the revered Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony at Tamworth Country Music Festival this past weekend. The award wraps up an incredible 12-months for the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been carving a musical niche with her distinct style of country-rock. It is not the first accolade that the talented songstress was nominated for in 2016, she is also a finalist for the CMC Female Oz Artist of the Year and CMC Oz Artist of the Year.

Winning the first Golden Guitar of her career is an auspicious step for a musician who is already planning on heading into the studio this year to record her next offering. In fact, Christie was one of only two female artists to win on the night, proudly standing beside Catherine Britt, who won the Female Artist of the Year accolade.

Christie says as an independent artist, she was blown away to receive the award and was proud to stand beside the other finalists who included incredible Australian artists. “Receiving the Golden Guitar was absolutely amazing,” she says. “I first went to Tamworth ten years before as a busker and watched all the big artists at TRECC. It was honestly surreal, looking at the artists in the front row and seeing all those same faces watching me on that stage accepting my Golden Guitar. It was honestly a night I will never forget.”

After forging a special music connection with Lee Kernaghan and Robby X in 2015 while touring as part of Lee’s iconic The Songs & The Stories in Concert tour, Christie says the night was all the more meaningful when they presented her the award. It gave her an opportunity to publicly thank Lee for inviting her on the tour, which visited regional and metropolitan centres during the second half of last year.

“To not only open the show for Lee Kernaghan, but to sing with him and be a part of his band with The Wolfe Brothers was definitely a dream come true for me,” she says. “It was a privilege to be part of such a special tour showcasing the true stories from the hugely success The Spirit of the Anzacs album.”

Christie also gave a nod to her fellow artists Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds for the good times they had during 2015 on The Girls of Country Tour. She thanked the CMAA, Toyota and Qantaslink for their support, and made special mention of her producer Andrew Cochrane and her plans to record in 2016. Acknowledging the support of CMC and local radio, Christie also thanked those in the media for giving artists a platform to showcase their music and for supporting her career thus far.

Christie Lamb smashed onto the Australian country music scene with her debut self-titled EP. She was selected to tour with iconic artist Jon English on his Rock Revolution tour throughout 2012 and 2013. After multiple writing trips to Nashville, she launched her debut self-titled album in 2014, where it hit #1 on the ARIA Hit Seekers Chart (all genres) and #2 on the ARIA Australian Artist Country Chart. The album itself spurned three #1 singles and two Top 5 singles. No stranger to performing, Christie has appeared on the bill of some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Deni Ute Muster, Mud Bulls and Music Festival, Urban Country Music Festival and Sydney Country Music Festival to name a few.

It is certainly looking like it will be a huge year for Christie Lamb. With lots of shows in the works, it isn’t surprising to find out this hard-working musician doesn’t plan on taking a break. “This year is going to be a busy one for me, which is great,” says Christie. “Along with my own shows, I will be back on the road touring again as part of some big tours. I will also be performing at a couple of upcoming festivals with The Girls of Country with Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds, in between fitting in time to record my new album.”

Stay tuned for some big announcements coming soon for Christie’s touring schedule for 2016.

with The Wolfe Brothers was definitely a dream come true for me,” she says. “It was a privilege to be part of such a special tour showcasing the true stories from the hugely success The Spirit of the Anzacs album.”

Christie also gave a nod to her fellow artists Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds for the good times they had during 2015 on The Girls of Country Tour. She thanked the CMAA, Toyota and Qantaslink for their support, and made special mention of her producer Andrew Cochrane and her plans to record in 2016. Acknowledging the support of CMC and local radio, Christie also thanked those in the media for giving artists a platform to showcase their music and for supporting her career thus far.

Christie Lamb smashed onto the Australian country music scene with her debut self-titled EP. She was selected to tour with iconic artist Jon English on his Rock Revolution tour throughout 2012 and 2013. After multiple writing trips to Nashville, she launched her debut self-titled album in 2014, where it hit #1 on the ARIA Hit Seekers Chart (all genres) and #2 on the ARIA Australian Artist Country Chart. The album itself spurned three #1 singles and two Top 5 singles. No stranger to performing, Christie has appeared on the bill of some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Deni Ute Muster, Mud Bulls and Music Festival, Urban Country Music Festival and Sydney Country Music Festival to name a few.

It is certainly looking like it will be a huge year for Christie Lamb. With lots of shows in the works, it isn’t surprising to find out this hard-working musician doesn’t plan on taking a break. “This year is going to be a busy one for me, which is great,” says Christie. “Along with my own shows, I will be back on the road touring again as part of some big tours. I will also be performing at a couple of upcoming festivals with The Girls of Country with Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds, in between fitting in time to record my new album.”

Stay tuned for some big announcements coming soon for Christie’s touring schedule for 2016.

Apia Good Times Tour returns in 2016 with a stellar line-up of local legends!

Apia is proud to announce that the annual Apia Good Times Tour is returning in 2016 for the fourth year running. With another stellar line-up of Antipodean legends including Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, and making their “Good Times” debut, Jon Stevens and John Paul Young, will take to the stage to perform their hits separately and together for a show that will have audiences across the country up on their feet, singing along.

The 2016 Apia Good Times Tour kicks off on Wednesday, 18 May in Darwin before heading to Adelaide, Perth, Bunbury, Bendigo, Melbourne, Geelong, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Tweed Heads, Newcastle, Sydney, Shoalhaven, Canberra and Launceston, finishing up the “Good Times” in Hobart. Tickets to all shows go on sale at 10.00am local times on Wednesday, 3 February.

This year’s legendary line-up have a huge array of hits to draw from including The Horses, As The Days Go By, Pash, Bedroom Eyes, Touch, Take Me Back, Yesterday’s Hero and Love Is In The Air, to name a few. Each artist will perform a solo set of their hits and join in an extraordinary finale with all four sharing the stage.

Backed by a world-class, six-piece band, and with three former cast members of Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as the hits above, music fans will no doubt be delighted by some magic ‘Superstar’ moments, when the Apia Good Times Tour takes to the road in May and June.

Daryl Braithwaite is back after a very successful first year Apia Good Times Tour debut, bringing with him a wealth of history and hits to choose from. From his early days as lead singer of 70’s hitmakers, Sherbet (Howzat!, You’ve Got The Gun, Summer Love) through to being voted King of Pop for 3 successive years (1975-1977) and beyond, Daryl Braithwaite has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years including ARIA Chart toppers As The Days Go By, Higher Than Hope and The Horses and Apia is thrilled to have him join in the “Good Times” again in 2016.

Kate Ceberano first found fame with her funk band I’m Talking, who are widely acknowledged as the band who pioneered New York-style art pop in Australia. The group’s ‘platinum’ debut album included three top ten singles and secured Kate a spot in Australian music history. With 3 ARIA Awards, a Logie, two People’s Choice Awards and seven nominations for the ARIA Best Female Artist Award, Kate Ceberano’s talents and triumphs are that of Australian entertainment royalty. In her 30+ year career, Kate Ceberano has released 23 albums, performed in the stage productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and South Pacific, had her own tonight show on the ABC, won Dancing with the Stars and curated the Adelaide Cabaret Festival to name just a few of her multitude of career milestones.

For over 30 years, Jon Stevens has had a remarkable career as a singer, songwriter and performer. His achievements have included ARIA chart-topping success as the frontman of legendary Australian band, Noiseworks (Touch, Take Me Back, No Lies, Hot Chilli Woman) joining INXS as the “seventh member”, and maintaining a successful solo career as one of the country’s foremost touring artists. Like Kate Ceberano, Jon also starred in the 1992 highly acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar and in 2013 he again trod the Superstar boards, this time in the role of Pontius Pilate. In 2000, a studio collaboration saw Stevens become part of rock band INXS as guest vocalist spending the next 3 years touring the world before returning home to unleash a further two solo albums. In 2012 Jon formed The Dead Daisies, once again getting back out on the road in 2013 and 2014 touring across the USA and New Zealand and in 2015 released his first solo album in four years, Woman.

As undoubtedly one of the most popular Australian artists of the 70’s, John Paul Young has cemented himself a place in music history with a string of hits resulting in over 4 million record sales and capped with an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009. Following a stint as Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar (1972-1974), “JPY” went on to became a Countdown regular, both as guest and performer, with his easy going personality making him a favourite with fans. More major hits followed – The Love Game, I Hate The Music, I Wanna Do It With You, Standing In The Rain (all Top 10 hits) and his June 1978 No. 1 song, Love Is In The Air, also a huge hit internationally following the release of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom in 1992.

Tickets to the Apia Good Times Tour go on sale to the general public at 10.00am, local times, on Wednesday, 3 February 2016. Apia customers will have the opportunity to access pre-sale tickets on Monday, 1 February and venue and ticket outlet database members will have early access from Tuesday, 2 February.

The Apia Good Times Tour is proudly brought to you by Apia, celebrating over 50s living life at their best.
Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin, NT

Tickets available from the Box Office, 08 8980 3333 and www.yourcentre.com.au

Friday, 20 May 2016

Adelaide Entertainment Centre (Theatre Mode), Adelaide, SA

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

Saturday, 21 May 2016

Perth Concert Hall, Perth, WA

Tickets available from Ticketmaster – 136 100 and www.ticketmaster.com.au

– and – Perth Concert Hall Box Office, 08 9231 9999 and www.perthconcerthall.com.au

Sunday, 22 May 2016*

Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury, WA

Tickets available from the BREC Box Office, 1300 661 272 and www.bunburyentertainment.com

*4pm matinee show

Friday, 27 May 2016

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo, Vic

Tickets available from the Box office, 03 5434 6100 and www.gotix.com.au

Saturday, 28 May 2016

Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Vic

Tickets available from Ticketmaster – 136 100 and www.ticketmaster.com.au

Sunday, 29 May 2016

Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong, Vic

Tickets available from GPAC – 03 5225 1200 and www.gpac.org.au

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, Qld

Tickets available from the Box office, 1300 655 299 and www.empiretheatre.com.au

Friday, 3 June 2016

QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane, Qld

Tickets available from the Box Office, 136 246 and www.qpac.com.au

Saturday, 4 June 2016

Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads, NSW

Tickets available from the Box office, 1800 014 014 and www.twintowns.com.au

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Civic Theatre, Newcastle, NSW

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

-and- the Box Office, 02 4929 1977 and www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Friday, 10 June 2016

Enmore Theatre, Enmore/Sydney, NSW

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven, NSW

Tickets available from the Box Office, 1300 788 503 and www.shoalhavenentertainment.com.au

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra, ACT

Tickets available from the Box Office, 02 6275 2700 and www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Friday, 17 June 2016

Princess Theatre, Launceston, TAS

Tickets available from the Box Office, 03 6323 3666 and www.theatrenorth.com.au

Sunday, 18 June 2016

Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart, TAS

Tickets available from Tixtas – 1300 795 257 and www.tixtas.com.au
For more information or to book, visit www.apiagoodtimes.com.au

Two die following collision – Wagga Wagga

Two people have died following a collision near Wagga Wagga today.

About 12.40pm (Tuesday 26 January 2016), emergency services were called to Gregadoo Road, Gregadoo, following reports of a head-on collision between two cars.

One vehicle caught alight and the driver died at the scene. They have not been formally identified at this stage.

The passenger of the second vehicle, an 88-year-old man, also died at the scene. The male driver, of unknown age, was taken to Wagga Rural Referral Hospital. His injuries are not known.

Officers from Wagga Wagga Local Area Command are investigating the circumstance surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Teens charged after party shut down – Lambton

Two teens have been charged after a party was shut down in Lambton at the weekend.

About 9.20pm on Saturday (23 January 2016), officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command were called to a home on Charlton Street after calls to Triple Zero (000) regarding a party at the location.

Police arrived to find approximately 200 people at the premises, a large number of which were allegedly intoxicated and under the age of 18.

Officers spoke with the owners of the property and dispersed the crowd a short time later.

About 50 people from the incident were later seen congregating at a service station on Croudace Street.

Police were moving the group away from the area, when it’s alleged an 18-year-old man threw an object at an officer.

Officers were arresting him when a second 18-year-old man allegedly attempted to intervene.

A 17-year-old girl also attempted to intervene and allegedly assaulted another officer, while a 15-year-old girl was also arrested for hindering police.

Further police arrived at the location and the group was dispersed, while the four teens were arrested.

Both 18-year-old men were charged with assault police and resist arrest and issued Field Court Attendance Notices to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 2 February 2016.

Inquiries are continuing regarding the two teenage girls, who are expected to be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

A number of officers sustained minor injuries during the incidents; however, they did not require hospitalisation.

Police appeal for information following carjacking – Wyee

Police are appealing for public assistance following a carjacking at Wyee this morning.

Just before 4.30am (Monday 25 January 2016), a 63-year-old man was exiting his vehicle after parking it at Wyee Train Station car park on Gorokan Road, when he was approached by an unknown male.

Police have been told the unknown male threatened to assault him with a hammer, before telling him to leave the car.

The 63-year-old complied, and the male got in the vehicle and drove away.

He was not injured in the incident.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were notified and attended the scene.

The stolen car is described as a silver Skoda Superb wagon with NSW registration SM906.

Police investigating the incident would like to speak to a male who may be able to assist them.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 20-30-years-old, with a solid build and dark hair. He was seen wearing a white shirt and tan shorts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Belmont Police Station on (02) 4922 8899 or Crime Stoppers.

Police investigate after woman sexually assaulted – Calala

Police are investigating after a woman was sexually assaulted the backyard of a Calala home on the weekend.

About 10.30pm on Saturday 23 January 2016, a 22-year-old woman was at a home in Harrier Parade, when she went into the backyard.

As she was returning to the house, she was approached by an unknown man who sexually assaulted her, before running away.

The woman sought treatment at Tamworth Hospital.

The matter was reported to officers from Oxley Local Area Command who commenced an investigation into the incident.

Police also received a report that earlier in the night (about 9.40pm) an unknown man was seen in the backyard of a nearby home in Boronia Drive.

He was only described as wearing a hooded jumper.

Local detectives are now being assisted by officers from State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad as investigations continue.

They would like to speak to anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the Calala area at the time, or anyone who has any other information that may be able to assist, to come forward.

Man charged after shot fired at home – Cessnock

A man has been charged after allegedly firing a shot at a home in Cessnock yesterday morning.

About 3.45am (Sunday 24 January 2016), a man allegedly attended a home on Cumberland Street Cessnock, and became involved in a verbal altercation with a woman and a man known to him.

Following the altercation, it’s alleged the man fired a shot into a home on Cumberland Street.

No one was injured during the incident.

Officer from Central Hunter Local Area Command were notified and conducted a patrol of the area for the man, however he was not located.

A crime scene was established at the home, and an investigation commenced.

About 6pm last night (Sunday 24 January 2016), following investigations, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Desmond Street, Cessnock where they allegedly seized an amount of ammunition.

About 7pm, officers attended a home on Callaghan Street, Kurri Kurri and a police operation commenced. About 10.40pm, officers arrested a 28-year-old at the home.

Following his arrest, officers searched the man and the home and allegedly located an amount of drugs, ammunition, fireworks, cash, and other items. All items were seized and will undergo forensic examinations.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with discharge firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possess prohibited drug (x3), possess ammunition without license, contravene apprehended violence order, handle explosive without license, and possess prohibited weapon without permit.

He has been bail refused and is due to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Monday 25 January 2016).