Police have praised the good behaviour of attendees following two festivals held in Newcastle over the weekend.
The “This That” Music Festival was held at Wickham Park, Newcastle on Saturday 3 November 2018 and the “Scene and Heard” festival was held the following day (Sunday 4 November 2018) at the same location.
Newcastle City Police District with assistance from drug-detection dogs conducted a large police operation over the two days.
About 20,000 people attended between the two festivals.
Yesterday (Sunday 4 November 2018), 13 detections were made, with 4 people allegedly found to be possessing cannabis and cocaine.
On Saturday (3 November 2018), a total of 22 Field Court Attendance Notice’s for possession offences were issued and 7 for drug supply. A total of 3 people were transported to hospital, two for drug related illnesses.
Newcastle City Police Area Command Superintendent and Operations Commander Brett Greentree, said that the majority of festival goers across the weekend were well behaved and enjoyed the events safely.
“It was really positive to see people having a good time and heeding police warnings.
“The small number of people who ignored our advice about illegal activity were dealt with accordingly.
“Police worked closely with the promoter to ensure the events were pleasant for everyone.
“Newcastle City Police are committed to providing a safe environment to people attending festivals in this area.” Superintendent Greentree said.
Author: admin
LABOR WILL DELIVER WATER SECURITY FOR TOWNSVILLE ‘ONCE AND FOR ALL’
A Shorten Labor Government will fix Townsville’s water security once and for all by fully funding Stage two of the Water Security Taskforce’s report, building it concurrently with Stage one – and with no strings attached.
Labor will also invest $200 million to build a hydro-electric power station on the Burdekin Dam. This will put downward pressure on power bills, create 150 local jobs and generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes.
Last week, the final Townsville Water Security Taskforce report called for “a once and for all fix” for Townsville’s water supply.
Fixing Townsville’s water crisis is critical. That’s why a year and a half ago Labor committed $100 million in funding.
Now that we’ve got the final report from the Water Security Taskforce we will implement its recommendations. Delivering water security for Townsville once and for all.
The Water Security Taskforce said that building Stage 1 and Stage 2 concurrently would save taxpayers $55 million.
This would deliver long term water security for Townsville cheaper, faster and it would mean more jobs now for a town that needs it.
These are critical projects for the region’s future – the people who live and work in Townsville need affordable water solutions that provide for a reliable supply into the longer term.
Federal Labor’s investment would be in partnership with Queensland Labor, who are currently building stage one.
These investments are a result of the advocacy of Cathy O’Toole, who has been fighting for Townsville to get the water security it needs. It is also a testament to the local community’s determination to get a resolution, in particular Water Security Taskforce Chairman Brad Webb.
We led the way in funding the Townsville Stadium redevelopment and in recognising the need for port channel widening. Today, we’re continuing to lead on water security and hydro power for the Burdekin.
Labor’s commitment to securing Townsville’s water supply has no strings attached – it’s rock solid.
We won’t leave this project half-done or waste time on unnecessary business cases that push construction out into the never never.
Labor first committed $100 million to implement the findings of the Townsville Water Security Taskforce more than a year and a half ago. Today we’re increasing that funding to deliver the water security Townsville needs.
Big night for GIANTS, Swifts at Netball NSW State Dinner
It was a stellar night for both GIANTS Netball and the NSW Swifts at the 2018 Netball NSW State Dinner with GIANTS attacker Jo Harten named the best player in the state, while former Swifts Megan Anderson and Mo’onia Gerrard were inducted into the organisation’s Hall of Fame.
The State Dinner, which this year took place at Rooty Hill RSL, celebrates the best players, coaches, officials and volunteers in the New South Wales netball community.
Harten picked up the Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal, given to the best player from the combined rosters of Netball NSW’s two professional franchises; the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.
It capped off a stellar 2018 for the England international which also saw her claim a Commonwealth Games gold medal in April, and the GAINTS’ MVP, Members’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player Awards in August.
Harten’s award was one of eight categories on the night which celebrated another fantastic year for netball across NSW.
“From celebrating the 50th hosting of our State and State Age Championships to GIANTS Netball Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald overseeing her 300th elite game – and Briony Akle her first at the helm of the NSW Swifts – it has been a year of memorable achievements,” Louise Sullivan, President of Netball NSW, said.
“There has never been a better time to be involved in netball. Our participation numbers at the grassroots level continue to flourish and memberships for both the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball saw big increases in 2018.
“Over 1 million people tuned in to watch this year’s Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, highlighting just how engrained the sport has become in the Australian sporting psyche, and around NSW our local courts are jam-packed on weekends as young and old come together and serve their communities collectively and commercially.
“As we head towards our 90th year in 2019 we have never been in better health, however, it is vital that we keep evolving and learning to ensure we remain at the forefront of what is a very competitive sports market in NSW.”
It was also a big night for Swifts legends Anderson and Gerrard who both took their places in the Netball NSW Hall of Fame.
Starting her netball career as a junior in Woy Woy, Anderson was the first player to debut for the Australian Diamonds in the 21st Century when she did so on their tour of South Africa in 2000.
She represented NSW at underage levels before going on to win four Premierships with the Sydney Swifts in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy Era. After retiring from playing she was part of the coaching team which led the Swifts (then called the NSW Swifts) to back-to-back ANZ Championship Grand Finals, and continued in this role after the arrival of Suncorp Super Netball in 2017.
Gerrard, a three-time Premiership winner with the Sydney Swifts and two-time World Cup winner with the Australian Diamonds, also came through the NSW underage setup before shining at elite level.
Of Tongan descent, and never one to forget her roots, Gerrard has done amazing work in the community since retiring with the Australia Post ONE Netball Program, Netball NSW’s Oceania Cup and Mo’onia’s Cup in conjunction with Tonga Netball. In 2016 she received an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to netball and the community.
And, after celebrating 50 years of competition, both the Netball NSW State & State Age Championships were inducted into the Netball NSW Hall of Fame under the Heritage Category. Introduced in 2016, the Heritage category pays tribute to artefacts and events which have significant historical value to the organisation.
“From humble beginnings, the State and State Age Championships have become iconic events on the NSW sporting calendar,” Sullivan added.
“These events attract players in their thousands, and supporters in tens of thousands, so not only do they bring people together in the healthy environment of sport, they also bring a significant economic boost to the areas that host them.
“And having reached our 50th year for both events in 2018, it is a fitting time to reflect on what has been achieved and look ahead to what we hope will be another half century of growth and prosperity.”
2018 Netball NSW Award Recipients
Anne Clark BEM Service Awards: Tracey Connolly (Campbelltown District Netball Association), Lyn Hahn (Camden & District Netball Association), Elizabeth Konza (Blue Mountains Netball Association), Maureen Nation (Young & District Netball Association), Catherine Walls (Grafton Netball Association)
Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – SSN Player of the Year: Jo Harten (GIANTS Netball)
Marj Groves AM Scholarship: Latika Tombs (Manly Warringah Netball Association)
Nance Kenny OAM Medal – Premier League Player of the Year: Amy Wild (Central Coast Heart)
Lynn Quinn OAM Bench Official Award: Margot Paterson (Northern Suburbs Netball Association)
Neita Matthews OAM Umpires Award: Jessica Clay (Ku-ring-gai Netball Association)
Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award: Amber Cross (Wyong Netball Association)
Judy Dunbar Media Awards: Matthew Findlay, Central Western Daily (Community Media Excellence), Brittany Carter, ABC Grandstand (Best Feature), Richard Dobson, News Ltd (Best Photograph), Sydney Morning Herald (Best Overall Media Coverage).
2018 Hall of Fame Inductions: Megan Anderson, Mo’onia Gerrard OAM
Heritage Hall of Fame Inductions: Netball NSW State Championships, Netball NSW State Age Championships
Canberra GIANTS Announce Coaching Team for 2019
Netball NSW and Netball ACT are pleased to announce the appointment of the coaching team who will lead the Canberra GIANTS in the 2019 Deakin University Australian Netball League (DUANL) season.
Long-time Canberran, Melinda Clarke is welcomed back to the DUANL environment as Head Coach for the 2019 DUANL season. She previously held the position of Canberra Darters Head Coach prior to the implementation of the Suncorp Super Netball competition in 2017. Clarke has an extensive coaching career within the ACT and NSW pathways, which spans 17 years. Most recently, she was Head Coach of the Belconnen Netball Association State League Division One team and the Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens team, which competes in the Netball NSW Premier League competition.
Joining Clarke in the Assistant Coach role is former Australian Diamond and GIANTS Netball player, Rebecca Bulley. The defender is also a familiar face to netball fans in the ACT, having played for the AIS Canberra Darters. Bulley brings with her a wealth of High Performance experience, with 42 international caps and 228 national league matches to her name, making her an invaluable addition as Assistant Coach and mentor to the Canberra GIANTS athletes.
Netball ACT General Manager Benita Bittner is thrilled to welcome Clarke and Bulley to their new roles with the Canberra GIANTS.
“The 2019 Canberra GIANTS coaching staff brings together two eras of netball in the ACT – Melinda with her experience as the Canberra Darters Coach and Rebecca with the new GIANTS Netball franchise.
“I am confident the coaching team will be a formidable force within the GIANTS family and the DUANL competition,” she says.
Bittner also acknowledges the hard work of the departing coaching staff over the last two seasons.
“We would like to thank the outgoing coaching staff – Co-Head Coaches Sharyn Hill and Maria Lynch and Assistant Coach Tara Steel – for their efforts and contributions to the team in the first two years of the Canberra GIANTS,” she Bittner.
GIANTS Netball Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald is looking forward to working with Clarke and Bulley in 2019.
“The strong connection between GIANTS Netball and Canberra GIANTS is of enormous value to us and integral to the future success of our Club. The DUANL is a wonderful opportunity for players to develop their game and test themselves before making a transition into the elite Suncorp Super Netball league.
“Melinda and Bec bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Canberra GIANTS and will be able to provide indispensable guidance to the team as they continue to grow and compete at a semi-elite level.
“I am especially delighted to have Bec join the coaching ranks within the GIANTS family. As a former GIANTS Netball player with a great understanding of the GIANTS culture, Bec will further strengthen the connection between both sides. With her competitive drive and supportive nature, I have every confidence in her ability to positively influence the direction of the Canberra GIANTS,” Fitzgerald says.
A joint initiative between Netball ACT and Netball NSW, the Canberra GIANTS team provides a direct pathway to the elite Suncorp Super Netball competition. The team is comprised of players from the ACT and NSW development pathways. Players are appointed to the squad on a yearly basis, with selections based on competitive trials held annually.
Nominations close at 5.00pm today for athletes wishing to trial for a chance to join the 2019 Canberra GIANTS, with trials to take place on 7 November, while players who successfully trial will be confirmed by 1 December, 2018.
The 2019 DUANL Fixture will soon be announced by Netball Australia, along with information on competition dates and details to purchase tickets.
Fatal crash near Maitland
A man has died and a woman has been injured after a two-vehicle crash on the state’s north yesterday.
About 1.40pm (Thursday 1 November 2018), it is believed two cars collided in the west-bound lane of Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest.
The driver and sole occupant of a 1997 model Mazda 121, a 53-year-old man, died at the scene.
The driver and sole occupant of a Kia Sportage, a 61-year-old woman, had to be extricated from her vehicle. She was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Inquiries are underway into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Telling the stories of our service men and women
Our government is backing plans for the Australian War Memorial that will honour Australians who have served in our armed forces, and those men and women who serve today.
Our $498 million investment in the Australian War Memorial’s redevelopment will help them tell new stories in new ways.
It means the Australian War Memorial will be able to display more of their collection and proudly tell the stories from recent years in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and East Timor.
We want to recognise the service of our Australian Defence Force members and safeguard a place for history to present and communicate those stories not yet written.
The redevelopment will increase visitor areas by 83 per cent or ar ound 10,000 square metres to expand the exhibition and public program space which is currently at capacity. The Australian War Memorial will be able to better tell the stories of current and recent conflicts, operations, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions.
It will include a new temporary exhibition space, improved visitor orientation, wayfinding and amenities, areas for respite and reflection, new education facilities, and a theatre and functions space.
Our ex-serving organisations which play a vital role in supporting our veterans and their families will also be recognised along with the proud communities throughout Australia whose loved ones never returned.
This funding builds on our new Australian Veterans’ Covenant, Veterans’ Card and lapel pin, as well as the $1.4 billion we’re investing for fairer indexation of defence force pensions, free mental health care for all veterans and our veterans to work program.
Whether it’s respecting and recognising our veterans and their families, record investment in defence force capability or building a place where we can proudly tell their stories for generations to come, our government is committed to putting our service men and women and veterans first.
Minister Canavan is recklessly misleading the public on petrol prices: Greens
Resources Minister Matt Canavan is misleading the Australian people by linking petrol prices to drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight, the Greens say.
“Saying that letting big oil drill in the Bight will lower petrol prices is plainly wrong and highly misleading,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“The Minister is either deliberately lying, or he doesn’t know what he’s talking about by trying to link current petrol prices to the push for drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight.
“The Minister has himself said that drilling for oil in the Bight, if approved, wouldn’t be in operation for at least a decade. Even then, the oil is earmarked for foreign companies to ship straight overseas, not for use here in Australia.
“Thankfully South Australians are not as easily fooled as the Morrison Government seems to think we are. There is no link between today’s petrol prices and the campaign to protect our Bight from devastation of an oil spill. To argue otherwise is a lie.
“South Australians are not willing to risk the devastating impact of an oil spill in the Bight. The jewel in our crown, Kangaroo Island, our tourism and fishing industries, and our precious marine life are too important to risk.
“This hip-pocket manipulation is disrespectful and dishonest to people struggling with mounting cost of living pressures.
“Renewables are on the rise and electric car technology is getting better every day. In 10 years’ time, with a bit of ambition and political will, we will be less reliant on fossil fuels. The UN’s harrowing climate change report makes plain that we urgently need to phase out fossil fuels. We must heed that warning for the planet, and for our communities.
“There is no social licence to drill in the Great Australian Bight. The Greens stand firm with the South Australian community who want our Bight protected.”
Letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison Regarding Live Sheep Exports
Prime Minister Scott Morrison MP PO Box 6022
House of Representatives, Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing today asking that you allow a free vote in the House of Representatives on the ‘Animal Export Legislation Amendment (Ending Long-haul Live Sheep Exports) 2018’, which was passed by the Senate on September 10.
The non-partisan bill, which was cosponsored by the Australian Greens, Sen. Tim Storer and Sen. Derryn Hinch, would bring an immediate end to long-haul sheep and lamb export voyages to the Persian Gulf or through the Red Sea during the Northern Hemisphere summer. After a transitional five-year period, that ban would be extended to cover the entire year.
Australians are demanding action to bring an end to live exports because of systemic and repeated issues of animal abuse. The horrifying images of suffering animals have shocked the community to its core. Unfortunately, the live export industry has shown itself to be incapable of or unwilling to address these serious deficiencies in its conduct. The recently released Moss Review has shown a system that has failed animals and is based on money, not animal welfare. The community is looking to Parliament for leadership.
We believe that the House of Representatives has a right to vote on the matter and that the numbers exist for the legislation to pass, in line with community sentiment and expectations. The only thing standing in the way of resolving this problem to the satisfaction of the Australian public at this point in time is your Government. By not allowing the bill to be debated, democratic process and the wishes of millions of Australians are being disregarded.
We therefore request that you allow debate on the bill to proceed to a vote on the week of November 26. In addition we request that you allow a free vote on the bill in your party and agree not to seek retribution against any MPs who cross the floor.
Thank you.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi
Australian Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson
Richard Di Natale
Australian Greens Leader
Supercars documentation made public
The City of Newcastle has welcomed a decision by the Appeal Panel of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to withhold financial details relating to the Newcastle 500 that were subject to a commercial-in-confidence agreement with Supercars and Destination NSW.
In line with the Appeal Panel’s decision, the documents, including the Services Deed, have been placed on the City’s website but with the dollar amounts redacted.
The Deed was signed in 2016 by then interim CEO Peter Chrystal and sets out the rights and obligations of Supercars and Council as its “service provider”, for the five years of the Newcastle 500.
The document and its content was extensively reported upon by the Newcastle Herald on 24 August this year.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the City welcomed the Appeal Panel’s decision to respect the need for parts of the documents to remain commercial in confidence.
“The Appeal Panel agreed with City of Newcastle that the Tribunal had made errors of law in the original decision and that dollar figures were not considered in the public interest for release,” Mr Bath said.
“The City of Newcastle is committed to open and transparent governance. We had already provided the vast majority of these documents to the Newcastle East Residents Group, but with the dollar amounts redacted.
“We have a legal and commercial responsibility to support commitments made to Supercars and Destination NSW almost two years ago regarding what was commercial in confidence and what was not.”
A Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRFC) analysis found the inaugural Newcastle 500 boosted the local economy to the tune of $30 million and strengthened the city’s capacity to stage major events.
HRFC’s research found the Newcastle 500 delivered massive economic benefits within the Newcastle LGA, including:
• $8.94 million in direct expenditure by visitors
• $9.71 million in the flow-on effects
• $4.97 million in direct local expenditure by Supercars
• $6.5 million in flow-on effects of Supercars Australia’s local spending
The HRFC report was informed by an analysis of mobile phone data, banking records and business transactions.
The documents may be viewed on the City’s Supercars Newcastle 500 web page.
Dress up your business for Newcastle 500
The 2018 Newcastle 500 is just around the next turn – and City of Newcastle is calling on all businesses to dress up and rev up to welcome Supercars fans into the city.
Dress up your business with Supercars livery for a chance to win an exclusive Newcastle 500 prize pack, with competition now open.
Members of the City’s Customer Service team dressed up our reception area in the City Administration Centre.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City aimed to find the business with the most striking display.
“We’re now around three weeks out until Newcastle’s biggest event, so it’s time for everyone to get into the spirit as we welcome tens of thousands of visitors to our city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Last year we saw bars decked out with chequered flags and event posters, bottle shops sporting balloons and bunting, even a day care centre with decorations custom-made by their kids.
“Lowes in the Hunter St Mall was the stand-out and last year’s winner. Their staff went above and beyond to get into the spirit of things and I reckon they will be hard to beat again this year.
“City of Newcastle is kicking things off by dressing up the foyer of the City Administration Centre as well as the Newcastle Shop located at Newcastle Museum.”
The winning business and staff will receive six three-day Newcastle 500 passes, six merchandise packs and six behind-the-scenes tours of the pit lane garages.
Here’s how to compete and win:
- Register – Email your contact details to events@ncc.nsw.gov.au with subject “Dress up your Business”. The first 200 businesses to register will be eligible for a free starter pack.
- Dress up your business in support of the Newcastle 500 and take a snap. You can use items provided in the starter pack, but also add extra decorations to get the Wow! factor
- Upload your photo to the City of Newcastle Facebook page
- Tag @CityNewcastle.au and include #entertainnewy.
Competition closes Friday 16 November and the winner will be announced Wednesday 21 November. Conditions apply.