Category: Newcastle News

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Labor’s Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP hosted a Hydrogen Roundtable in Newcastle today.
Ms Claydon said the event brought together researchers, industry and port representatives to discuss the potential for Newcastle to play a leading role in the burgeoning global industry, especially in light of Federal Labor’s $1.1 billion National Hydrogen Plan.
“If elected, Labor will invest $1.1 billion into development, research, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment of clean hydrogen technology.  I’d like to see Newcastle and the Hunter secure as much of that as possible,” Ms Claydon said.
“Hydrogen has the potential to be a game changer for our region and our environment and could be a key driver in the local transition we need to make to a low-carbon future.”
Mr Conroy said there are significant domestic opportunities for Australia to develop a globally competitive hydrogen sector.
“Hydrogen has enormous potential to help decarbonise our planet, employ tens of thousands of Australians and produce billions of dollars of export revenue,” Mr Conroy said.
“The market potential is massive. Globally, the hydrogen market is expected to reach $215 billion by 2022 and demand is forecast to grow exponentially from there.”
Ms Claydon said Newcastle and the Hunter was uniquely placed to capitalise on the opportunities that hydrogen offers.
“Our region already has a world-class network of energy expertise and capability and is perfectly placed to capitalise on the hydrogen boom,” Ms Claydon said.
“Add this to the fact that we have a deep water port and you have the key ingredients for a prosperous hydrogen hub.”
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in renewables and commitment to driving a low-carbon future, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
Only Labor has a commitment to the industries and jobs of the future, including our $1.14 billion National Hydrogen Plan, and our commitment to 50 per cent renewables by 2030.

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $450,000 into a three-year project to boost employment outcomes for young people across the Newcastle-Hunter region.
This election will be a choice between Labor, which will give students the education and opportunity they deserve, or more cuts and chaos under the Liberals.
Ms Claydon said that current employment outcomes for young people were concerning.
“A recent study found it can take two-and-a-half years for young people to gain full-time work after they finish their studies[1]. More needs to be done to help young people transition into employment,” Ms Claydon said.
“In its first year this project will provide up to 100 young people from across the Newcastle-Hunter region with intensive personalised support.”
Ms Claydon said face-to-face participation would be available in both Newcastle and the Central Coast, with online opportunities for those who find it hard to travel.
“The university will work with a range of partners including TAFE, local schools and community groups to identify prospective participants who have been out of work for six months or more.
“Participants will benefit from individual needs-assessments undertaken by career experts and support to boost their skillset and develop the personal qualities that employers are looking for. They will also get help to create effective resumes, and help preparing for interviews.”
Ms Claydon said the program would apply a new methodology based on research undertaken by the Foundation for Young Australians into ‘soft skills’ and ‘enterprise skills’.
“The program will draw on the university’s expertise in delivering and evaluating equity and enabling programs that build resilience and connections for people experiencing disadvantage. It is designed to build on and complement existing job network services.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the project would reduce the gap between completing study at school, TAFE or university and moving into a full-time job.
“This project will be a real collaboration across schools, TAFE, community groups and the university to help young people gain the confidence and additional skills they need to move into the workforce,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“An outstanding education is just one ingredient to getting a job – this project will help develop the complementary skills people need when they move into the world of paid work.”
A Shorten Labor Government will uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.
[1] Foundation for Young Australians, ‘New Work Reality Report’ 2018

City of Newcastle has removed the emergency order on a boarding house in Bourke Street Carrington, allowing it to re-open seven months after regulatory action was taken to protect residents from serious fire safety breaches.
The regulatory action undertaken by the City has significantly improved the fire safety of the Carrington boarding house, City Director of Governance David Clarke said.
“The Emergency Development Control Order was issued in 2018 because of significant risks to lives in the event of a fire at the Carrington premises due to serious fire safety compliance issues and unauthorised works,” he said.
“These risks were deemed to be so significant that the emergency order required removal of all persons from the premises and substantial remedial work to make the premises compliant.”
At the time of issuing the emergency orders, the premises had a total of 36 bedrooms, of which a large number were unauthorised and non-compliant with fire safety measures.
These unauthorised bedrooms have been removed, with 16 bedrooms now able to be occupied, all of which comply with fire safety requirements.
To achieve a safe, compliant boarding house, a large number of unauthorised structures have also been removed and substantial additional fire safety measures implemented.
Self-closing fire doors with smoke seals have been installed, along with smoke detectors, an upgraded fire detection & alarm system and building occupant warning system.
A fire-isolated internal stairwell that had been compromised through unauthorised works, has also been re-instated.
Following a final inspection of the Carrington premises undertaken today to ensure these improvements comply with fire safety requirements, the City has been able to remove the emergency order.
Mr Clarke said City of Newcastle intends to issue additional orders to enable the owner to install a fire sprinkler system in the boarding house which will further improve the safety of residents at the Carrington boarding house.
In December last year, City of Newcastle allowed a Mayfield boarding house to be re-opened after the same owner complied with similar regulatory action taken as part of the boarding house compliance program.
“It has only been through our regulatory action that the owner has complied to ensure the safety of residents at both premises,” Mr Clarke  said.
“While we understand the inconvenience for the men who live at the boarding houses, turning a blind eye to the serious fire safety deficiencies was never an option we could responsibly take.”

Kenyan-born Zac Ekandi has vivid memories of the day he walked into Nairobi’s British Council office 17 years ago tasked with making the biggest decision of his teenage life.
Mr Ekandi, then 18, was researching options to study abroad. After telling his parents of his desire to study overseas, the family met with a British Council agent to discuss his options.

Kenyan Zac Ekandi became a new citizen today after 17 years in Newcastle 
“I remember when I went to see the British Council agent I said I don’t want to go to a big city – big cities are always full of traffic and I wanted somewhere quiet,” he said.
“The agent gave me information about studying in Manchester UK and Newcastle Australia and I applied to both universities to study Computer Science.”
When offers soon followed for places at both universities, it was the promise of a ‘quiet, coastal lifestyle at Newcastle where I’d be happy most’ that stole Mr Ekandi’s heart.
“The agent told me that I’d be most happy here, and I am.”

Today, more than 17 years after trading in Nairobi for Newcastle, the 39-year-old and 249 other people from more than 41 different countries became Newcastle’s newest citizens when they took their oaths and affirmations at City Hall.
“It’s always a great honour to welcome new citizens from all corners of the globe,” said City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.
“Newcastle is a welcoming city for people of all cultures and religious backgrounds. We are proud to be a culturally diverse, inclusive community.”
Aboriginal elder Aunty Phyllis Darcey gave a Welcome to Country and entertainment was be provided by indigenous dance group, Wakakulang.

Mr Ekandi, of Jesmond, said becoming an Australian Citizen was a long-held goal and something that he is very proud to be achieving today.
“I am extremely excited as it was something that I wanted to do and the last part of the process that I wanted to complete,” he said.
“I think one of the things I like so much about Newcastle is the community. I’ve made a lot of friends here, and they’ve been very helpful.
“That’s the kind of community Newcastle is. It’s great.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon today announced that Labor will invest $120,000 for priority projects at four public schools in Newcastle.
Ms Claydon said that if Labor is elected, it will deliver:

• $50,000 to upgrade the basketball courts at Glendore Public School
• $25,000 towards digital media equipment for the annual Digital Media Festival at Callaghan College
• $25,000 towards outdoor improvements at New Lambton Public School including a new fence and soft fall surfaces
• $20,000 for Stockton Public School to create an outdoor learning play area and sensory garden

“These projects will improve the amenity of these schools and improve educational outcomes,” Ms Claydon said.
“Today’s announcement is on top of the extra $19.4 million that Newcastle’s public schools will receive in the first three years of a Shorten Labor Government.
“Labor will invest an extra $14 billion into Australia’s public schools to give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter where they live, or how much their parents earn.
“The extra funding will mean more individual attention for students, and more help with the basics such as reading, writing, maths and science.
“At the election there is a clear choice for voters – Labor’s investment in public schools, or the Liberals tax loopholes for the top end of town.”

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $580,000 in two University of Newcastle projects to boost the number of young people in Newcastle and surrounds participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government, which will restore the Liberals’ education cuts and give students the education they deserve, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos. We need real change, because more of the same isn’t good enough.
Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said that STEM capability will be fundamental to driving innovation and prosperity into the future.
“While many jobs are disappearing, STEM jobs continue to grow at a rapid pace,” Ms Claydon said.
“If Australia is to stake our place in the 21st century knowledge economy, we need to ensure that our young people have the skills and opportunity to secure the jobs of the future.”
Ms Claydon said a $400,000 commitment would allow the University of Newcastle to extend the work of HunterWiSE – a collaborative network of women in STEM focused on addressing low female participation rates in the sector – for three years.
“The funding will support HunterWiSE Outreach, a 10-week intensive program that links girls in high schools across the region with female mentors working or studying in STEM sectors to tackle problems in their local community,” Ms Claydon said.
“Participants will also benefit from campus and workplace visits, weekly workshops and a final presentation of their solution to industry representatives.”
Ms Claydon said a further $180,000 would be dedicated to the development of a pilot virtual science lab program to give regional school students opportunities to engage in science.
“The virtual science lab will foster a love of science and provide education about career pathways for year nine and 10 students from two regional high schools,” Ms Claydon said.
“Students will connect a couple of times a week in real time to explore science themes from university experts, watch live experiments and do activities.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO welcomed the funding commitments.
“Our university is absolutely committed to giving talented people the opportunity to get a university education and to make a difference, regardless of where they live or what gender they are,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“These projects will encourage more girls and women into STEM careers and give greater access to regional students to develop their love of science.
“We need to inspire these young people to take on STEM careers because they’ll ultimately be the ones who will need to solve the world’s greatest challenges.”
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest $100 million to upgrade TAFE facilities.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plans for better schools, hospitals and universities, or the Liberals’ bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town.
It’s time to end the chaos. Vote for change. Vote for Labor.

A Shorten Labor Government will fund the rebuilding of Boscawen Street Bridge at Wallsend to protect against future flooding.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to invest in local infrastructure or the LNP’s bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said Federal Labor had agreed to Newcastle City Council’s $3 million funding request for the rebuild.
“This will drive business confidence in the region and bring peace of mind to the whole community,” Ms Claydon said
“While 12 years have passed since the terrible superstorm that wrought a trail of destruction through Wallsend, residents and business owners still brace themselves every time it rains hard.”
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the funding, saying it was a priority under the Wallsend Flood Mitigation Strategy.
“Boscawen is one of the three Wallsend bridges that need rebuilding, along with Tyrell Street and Nelson Street, in Wallsend,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Council is delivering the new Tyrell Street Bridge and has asked the NSW Government to provide funding for the Nelson Street Bridge, so Federal Labor’s support for the re-construction of the Boscawen Street Bridge will make a big difference to flood mitigation in Wallsend.”
State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, who has been a long-time advocate of the project, said it would resolve some serious flooding risks.
“A number of issues have been identified, including the low clearance on the bridge, the handrails and the intermediate piers, which pose a high risk of trapping materials in extreme weather conditions, causing blockages and leading to severe flooding,” Ms Hornery said.
“Removing the intermediate piers and creating a single-span structure will improve the flow capacity in large flood events for Hunter Water to undertake channel-widening in the future.”
Ms Claydon called on the Liberals to match the funding commitment.
“I wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister requesting Government support and was directed to a program that Boscawen Street Bridge isn’t even eligible for,” Ms Claydon.
“The Liberals need to show their support for the people of Wallsend by committing to investing in the Boscawen Street Bridge rebuild.”

A motorcyclist has been killed in a crash tonight at Williamtown, near Newcastle.
The 62-year-old man, from Medowie, was travelling along Cabbage Tree Road around 6.15pm when his motorcycle collided with a utility.
The motorcycle then careered into an adjacent fence, fatally injuring the rider.
The driver of the ute, a 24-year-old man from Williamtown, has been taken to hospital for routine blood alcohol tests.
A crime scene has been established as officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District investigate the incident.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have dash-cam footage of the crash to contact them.

Strike Force Raptor North have charged three Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members and an associate over their alleged roles in a home invasion, where a man was seriously assaulted, and a kidnapping in the Hunter region.
As part of ongoing targeting of the illicit activities of OMCGs, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor North investigators established Strike Force Koorool in December 2018 to investigate the activities of the Newcastle Rebels OMCG chapter.
Police will allege in court that a group of men, three who are Rebels OMCG members and an associate, broke into a home in Cessnock and seriously assaulted one of the occupants, a 24-year-old man, on Wednesday 30 May 2018.
The man was treated at John Hunter Hospital for serious head and ear injuries and was later released.
On Sunday 10 March 2019, police stopped a Ford Falcon sedan on Mount View Road, Cessnock, and spoke with the five male occupants, including an injured 22-year-old.
It will be alleged in court that the 22-year-old man had been assaulted by the other men in the vehicle.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with the assistance of specialist tactical officers, arrested four men – aged 24, 25, 27, and 37 – at homes in Cessnock, Edgeworth and Swansea, and at Cessnock Police Station yesterday (Tuesday 7 May 2019).
Shortly after, strike force investigators executed search warrants at the properties where they located several items, including Rebels OMCG colours, mobile phones, two Harley Davidson motorcycles, a car and a firearm.
These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
The 25-year-old Cessnock man was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – inflict actual bodily harm, take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, and two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
He was refused bail and appeared at Cessnock Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday 10 July 2019.
The 27-year-old Swansea man was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – inflict actual bodily harm, knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime, and dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
The 37-year-old Edgeworth man was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – inflict actual bodily harm, take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, and knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime.
They were both refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 8 May 2019).
The 24-year-old Cessnock man was charged with take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage and knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today.
Investigations are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $580,000 in two University of Newcastle projects to boost the number of young people in Newcastle and surrounds participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government, which will restore the Liberals’ education cuts and give students the education they deserve, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos. We need real change, because more of the same isn’t good enough.
Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said that STEM capability will be fundamental to driving innovation and prosperity into the future.
“While many jobs are disappearing, STEM jobs continue to grow at a rapid pace,” Ms Claydon said.
“If Australia is to stake our place in the 21st century knowledge economy, we need to ensure that our young people have the skills and opportunity to secure the jobs of the future.”
Ms Claydon said a $400,000 commitment would allow the University of Newcastle to extend the work of HunterWiSE – a collaborative network of women in STEM focused on addressing low female participation rates in the sector – for three years.
“The funding will support HunterWiSE Outreach, a 10-week intensive program that links girls in high schools across the region with female mentors working or studying in STEM sectors to tackle problems in their local community,” Ms Claydon said.
“Participants will also benefit from campus and workplace visits, weekly workshops and a final presentation of their solution to industry representatives.”
Ms Claydon said a further $180,000 would be dedicated to the development of a pilot virtual science lab program to give regional school students opportunities to engage in science.
“The virtual science lab will foster a love of science and provide education about career pathways for year nine and 10 students from two regional high schools,” Ms Claydon said.
“Students will connect a couple of times a week in real time to explore science themes from university experts, watch live experiments and do activities.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO welcomed the funding commitments.
“Our university is absolutely committed to giving talented people the opportunity to get a university education and to make a difference, regardless of where they live or what gender they are,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“These projects will encourage more girls and women into STEM careers and give greater access to regional students to develop their love of science.
“We need to inspire these young people to take on STEM careers because they’ll ultimately be the ones who will need to solve the world’s greatest challenges.”
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest $100 million to upgrade TAFE facilities.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plans for better schools, hospitals and universities, or the Liberals’ bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town.
It’s time to end the chaos. Vote for change. Vote for Labor.