Category: Newcastle News

The unveiling of a giant present in Hunter Street Mall has heralded the start of festive fun as City of Newcastle kicks off its annual Christmas activities for the community.

At two metres high and two metres wide, the gift will light up the Market Street steps until Boxing Day and will be large enough for a group photo with family, friends or co-workers to help everyone get into the Christmas spirit.

Making it even more unique and sustainable, the present was constructed using original cedar boards recovered from a 140-year-old house in Carrington and will be wrapped in artwork by prominent local artist Mitch Revs.

The festivities will also get underway at Wheeler Place next week with the installation of City of Newcastle’s 12.5-metre Christmas tree, before Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joins Santa Claus to officially switch on the lights on 29 November.

Father Christmas will then be available for photos every Friday and Sunday until 15 December, accompanied by more than just reindeer, with local schools, community groups and professional performers providing live musical numbers during the Santa Selfie sessions.

The Newcastle Youth Orchestra will headline a special performance on 13 December, featuring instrumental ensembles, and emerging local vocalists leading traditional Christmas carols.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said this year’s festive season is a celebration of everything local.

“We want to encourage everyone to be part of the fun and support local businesses in the city,” Ms Jones said.

“Our Christmas display will feature a ‘Santa’s Shopping List’ that will highlight special offers from participating businesses.

“A spend-to-win competition will be run in collaboration with the Newcastle Business Improvement Association to give shoppers the chance to win a ‘Staycation Package,’ which includes a Civic Theatre Gift Voucher and accommodation at Quest Apartments.

“Santa’s sleigh will be part of the display in Wheeler Place so families can take photos and even attach their pets to the sleigh for a fun pet ‘pawtrait’.

“We’ll also have an interactive craft table where visitors can write letters to Santa, which they can post at an on-site mailbox.”

To find out more visit City of Newcastle’s What’s On website: https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/christmas24

A man has been charged following a fatal two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region earlier this year.

About 3.45pm on Monday 5 August 2024, emergency services responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash on Cessnock Road, Gillieston Heights, approximately 5km south of Maitland.

Officers attached to Port Stephens – Hunter Police District attended and found a Nissan Patrol and an Isuzu truck had collided.

The driver of the Nissan patrol – a 31-year-old man – died at the scene.

The passenger – a 30-year-old woman – sustained minor injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The driver of the truck – a 34-year-old man – sustained serious leg and spinal injuries. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

A crime scene was later examined by specialist police attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following inquiries, on Thursday 14 November 2024, the 34-year-old man was charged with dangerous driving occasion death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), not keep left of driving line-not class B/C vehicle, drive licence suspended under section 66 Fines Act and possess prohibited drug.

He will appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

City of Newcastle notes the ruling of the NSW Supreme Court last Thursday regarding a planned protest on Newcastle Harbour and at Camp Shortland.

City of Newcastle has received independent legal advice confirming that City of Newcastle’s authority to issue a permit for the event on its land at Camp Shortland does not impact the ability of NSW Police to exercise their powers of arrest for any offences. 

Rising Tide organisers met with Lord Mayor Councillor Dr Ross Kerridge on Tuesday and provided the Lord Mayor reassurance that they intend to hold a peaceful event at Camp Shortland. They committed to taking action to focus on safety and obeying police.

Dr Ross Kerridge said that he attended last year’s Rising Tide event and was impressed by the professionalism of the organisers and their commitment to ensuring a safe event with a focus on climate change.

“I have today provided my formal support for the Rising Tide event occurring at Camp Shortland. I did however stress my expectation that the event organisers take all reasonable efforts to ensure that any closure of the harbour is for the briefest possible time,” the Lord Mayor said. 

“As a result of our meeting and my request, the Rising Tide organisers provided me with a written commitment to use their best endeavours to ensure all participants obey police directions.

“Specifically, this includes directing people to remain close to the shore and not enter the shipping channel, nor make movements that suggest they are attempting to get into the channel. 

“Rising Tide also committed to me they would direct people to follow police directions, and would warn participants of the consequences of likely arrest if they do not obey police.

“Lastly, Rising Tide committed to discouraging people from disruptive activities away from the harbour such as stopping coal trains.

“City of Newcastle received 123 submissions on Rising Tide’s request to hold an event at Camp Shortland. Almost 75% of these submissions were supportive of the event occurring. 

“I also encourage everyone attending the event to look after the sensitive coastal environment at Camp Shortland and respect residents and visitors in the vicinity of the event.” 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy believed missing in the state’s Hunter Region.

Christian Nicholls, aged 14, from Carlton, was last seen about 9.45am today (Tuesday 12 November 2024) at Central railway station.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to St George Police Area Command District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Inquiries by police have indicated Christian may have caught a train to the Maitland area.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to his age and that he lives with a medical condition. 

Christian is described as Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build and has dark brown hair.

He was last seen wearing cream-coloured pants, a grey zip-up hoodie and black shoes and carrying a brown Nike bag.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle is tapping into world-first technology to help residents stop some of the one million tonnes of textile waste Australia contributes to landfill each year.

Novocastrians are being invited to drop off their old towels, sheets and other household linen items at Newcastle TAFE carpark on 16 November as part of Newcastle’s first ‘Give a Sheet for the Planet’ textile recycling event.

Newcastle residents are being encouraged to recycle their old linen at a free community event. Picture courtesy of BlockTexx.

The initiative is being run in conjunction with Australian clean technology company BlockTexx, whose cutting-edge recycling process breaks down textiles into their raw materials, which can be reused by a range of industries.

Managing Director of Waste Services, David Witherdin, said the event, which coincides with National Recycling Week (11-17 November), would add to City of Newcastle’s suite of waste-recovery initiatives.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, which sets out a 20-year vision focussed on reducing unnecessary waste going to landfill and increasing recycling rates,” Mr Witherdin said.

“Currently, City of Newcastle diverts around 47% of household waste from landfill through recycling efforts.

“This number will continue to increase through our delivery of education, infrastructure, programs and events such as this one, which give residents access to more practical and sustainable solutions for recycling items that would otherwise end up being thrown out.”

Co-founder of BlockTexx Adrian Jones said Give a Sheet for the Planet events were an effective way for local communities to do their bit to combat textile waste. 

“We estimate that in an average household, linen wardrobes contain around 15 kilograms of old, worn linen. Our aim is to clean out your robe and give your unwanted linen a new life by creating new sustainable products for use by the textile industry and other industries such as building, agriculture and manufacturing,” Mr Jones said.

“This delivers real benefits for the environment, with every truck load of linen collected diverting 3 tonnes of textile waste from landfill and removing carbon emissions from the environment equivalent to taking 20 cars off the road for a year.”

Residents can recycle household linens including bed sheets, bath towels, and tablecloths that are made from 100% cotton or polyester or blends of these fibres. All linens must be clean and free from unapproved materials such as wool, silk, or synthetic blends.  

A full list of accepted items and requirements is available on the City of Newcastle’s website. For more information, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/giveasheet

City of Newcastle is set to transport readers beyond the page and into the minds of their favourite writers with a packed summer program of free author talks. 

The events are part of Newcastle Libraries’ annual Your Summer Stories and Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to foster the joy of reading among Novocastrians of all ages. 

Now in its fifth year, the program includes an essential summer reading list with 10 carefully curated titles, alongside a swathe of lively literary activities to keep bookworms entertained. 

Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said City of Newcastle was committed to ensuring its libraries were vibrant hubs for borrowers, visitors and event attendees.  

“Our libraries play a pivotal role in the local community, with more than 130,000 library members across Newcastle,” Ms Baird said. 

“Aside from holding the largest collection in the state, we also deliver thousands of events and programs each year that help foster rich cultural, social and educational opportunities for almost 30,000 incredibly engaged visitors. 

“This summer, we’re bringing some of Australia’s biggest names in literature to Newcastle with a lively lineup of author events as part of our Your Summer Stories campaign, where they will share insights on their latest releases, discuss their craft, and answer audience questions.  

“We’ll also celebrate the joy of reading with special events for book lovers, including festive gatherings for book clubs to connect and celebrate, and a summer reading challenge for our younger readers to keep them entertained during the holidays.” 

Best-selling Australian author Pip Drysdale will officially launch the Your Summer Stories events at Newcastle Library tonight as she shares insights into her latest thriller, The Close-Up. 

Hot on her heels will be former Home and Away favourite and author Judy Nunn, who will visit Wallsend Library this Friday, 15 November to share her secrets of being one of Australia’s most successful storytellers.  

Hayley Scrivenor, Darcy Tindale, Mitch Jennings, Emma Grey, Samantha Wills and Jim Haynes will complete the line-up of high-profile writers on their way to Newcastle. 

Newcastle’s youngest readers will also be encouraged to join in the fun, with a Summer Reading Challenge running from 1 December to 31 January with great prizes on offer including a $200 book voucher for the most engaged school. 

Open to children aged 5 to13 years, participants can read anything from picture books to comics and digital magazines, tracking their progress with a reading tracker bookmark. The challenge is designed to inspire a love of reading while maintaining literacy skills. 

For more information about all the events, visit https://newcastlelibraries.com.au/experience/what-s-on/your-summer-stories-2024-25

City of Newcastle is giving the community a chance to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Novocastrians as part of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Nominations are now open for the annual accolade, which honours locals who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in the community during the past 12 months.

Individuals and groups can be nominated across various categories including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and Freeman of the City.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the easy online process to nominate someone who deserves to be recognised for their achievements and contribution to the community.

“The Citizen of the Year Awards provide us with a unique opportunity to acknowledge people in our community who have shown remarkable dedication and resilience,” Cr Kerridge said.

“These awards allow us to celebrate their contribution to Newcastle’s spirit and wellbeing, from tireless volunteers and inspiring leaders to young advocates and dedicated community groups.”

In 2024, the Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Professor Nathan Bartlett for his pioneering research into respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Professor Bartlett reflected on receiving the award for his innovative work, which has significantly contributed to improving health outcomes both locally and globally.

“I was honoured to receive the Citizen of the Year award on behalf of my dedicated research team and everyone who has supported our work,” Professor Bartlett said.

“It was humbling to join the ranks of such remarkable Novocastrians who have come before me, and I look forward to seeing the next Citizen of the Year continue this legacy of community contribution.”

Previous recipients have also included Olivia Hughes, who received Young Citizen of the Year for her exceptional volunteer work and charitable fundraising. Senior Citizen of the Year went to Professor Julie Byles, a health advocate and influential researcher on women and older Australians.

LIVEfree Project was recognised as the Community Group of the Year for their work in promoting wellbeing through community programs like Thrive Dental and Shine Bright.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull encouraged the community to nominate a friend, neighbour or colleague who they want to acknowledge.

”Novocastrians are known for being good-willed and I encourage everyone to nominate someone who truly embodies that spirit,” Cr Pull said.

“This award is about formally recognising those among us who make a meaningful difference, often without the daily recognition they deserve.”

Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open and can be submitted online via the City of Newcastle website. Hardcopy forms are available at the City of Newcastle’s City Administration Centre. The deadline for nominations is 5pm, Friday 6 December 2024.

Award recipients will be selected by a panel including the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, and previous award winners, and announced at a ceremony in January.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear. 

The Albanese Government is delivering on its promise to strengthen Medicare for the Hunter with a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) to give better access to high quality and fully bulk billed health care.

From late November, the Medicare UCC will open its doors with the Charlestown Medical and Dental Centre selected to operate the clinic, following an expressions of interest process led by the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network.

Located at 316 Charlestown Road, the Charlestown Medicare UCC will provide care for urgent, but not life-threatening conditions, such as cuts, infections, and sprains. The clinic will be open extended hours, seven days a week.

The clinic will ease pressure on the John Hunter Hospital, with more than 35 per cent of visits to the hospital in 2022–23 for semi-urgent or non-urgent conditions.

There have been almost 140,000 presentations to the 20 existing Medicare UCCs in New South Wales since the first clinics opened in the state in July 2023.

Almost a third of these visits were on a weekend, and 20 per cent were after 5pm on a weekday.

Minister Butler:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen Medicare and make it easier for people to see a doctor.

“People living in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie will be able to get the care they need from doctors and nurses without having to wait at the John Hunter.

“The Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will make a significant difference to the local community, by providing high quality, accessible care outside of normal GP hours without having to reach for your wallet.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP:

 “I am proud to be part of a Labor Government that is working hard to address healthcare gaps in our region.

“We’ve already restored GP Access After Hours at the John Hunter Hospital to its full operational hours, and reopened the clinic at the Calvary Mater Hospital.

“We are now opening a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Charlestown, so that Novocastrians will have even more access to free, quality primary healthcare, where the only card you need is your Medicare card.”

Live Music in Newcastle is receiving funding of $67,000 to keep local music fans singing and dancing.

The funding is being delivered to West Best Bloc Fest through the Australian Government’s Revive Live program, to assist with artist fees, sound and lighting costs for their 2025 event.

Organisers just successfully staged their third iteration of the event month, which attracted over 100 musical artists to 12 stages across 19 venues in Newcastle West.

Revive Live is helping live music venues and festivals to continue to operate under tough conditions, with grants supporting live music in regional, remote and metropolitan areas across the country that reflect a diverse range of genres, organisations and audiences.

Through Revive Live, the Australian Government is providing grants of $7.7 million in total to 110 organisations, including 61 festival-based activities and 49 live music venues. Established in the 2024-25 Budget, Revive Live aligns with the Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive, which recognises the Australian music sector as a vibrant part of our arts and cultural landscape.

The program is providing critical support to the sector, with grants helping recipients to adapt to market pressures and improve the sustainability of their operations as well as improving accessibility at live music venues or festivals so that more people with disability can participate as a performer, arts worker, or audience member.

More information about Revive Live including successful applicants can be found here.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:

“The funding would help ensure the West Best Bloc Fest can continue to entertain live music fans in Newcastle.

“Live music venues and festivals are the lifeblood of our local music scene, and I want to ensure they remain a place for homegrown artists to perform.

“Revive Live is alleviating some of the additional costs facing our industry right now and will help them to be more sustainable into the future.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This funding is a huge win for Novocastrians and for our live music industry.

“We know that investing in live music makes sense. It’s a key part of our cultural identity and economic prosperity.

“Live music has long been a part of our DNA, and this funding will ensure West Best Bloc Fest continues that long tradition.”

West Best Bloc Fest founder Dylan Oakes:

“Our dream is to see Newcastle become an internationally recognised musical city.

“We’re constantly blown away by the quality of local artists, over 200 of whom applied for this year’s festival.

“West Best Bloc Fest is here long term to grow and put a spotlight on our local scene.”

City of Newcastle is attending the State Heritage Register Committee today to discuss the nomination to list Newcastle Ocean Baths on the State Heritage Register.   

City of Newcastle staff and our consultant heritage architect have been invited to present to the State Heritage Register Committee.  

The Newcastle Ocean Baths are currently protected as a heritage item of local significance in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012. 

We look forward to discussing the heritage significance of this site and its proposed inclusion on the State Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 1977.