Category: Newcastle News

Police are urging event goers to enjoy themselves at this weekend’s music festivals in Newcastle but warned they won’t tolerate behaviour that risks the safety of others.
The “This That” Music Festival will be held at Wickham Park, Newcastle from 1.30pm on Saturday 3 November 2018 and the “Scene and Heard” festival will be held the following day (Sunday 4 November 2018) from 12:30pm at the same location.
Organisers are expecting up to 20,000 people to attend the festivals over the weekend.
A large police operation will be conducted involving officers from Newcastle City Police District, with the assistance from drug-detection dogs.
“Thousands of people will make the journey to be involved in the two festivals and while the vast majority of people are well-behaved, police will act swiftly if you choose to do the wrong thing,” Superintendent Brett Greentree said.
“We want people to enjoy the two festivals in Newcastle this weekend, but not at the expense of other people’s safety, so make sure you behave responsibly and think before you drink.”
“Police will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour and will be targeting any illegal activity as well as alcohol-related crime.”
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to ensure music fans and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
“Community safety is our number-one priority, and we urge festival-goers to take care of themselves and their belongings while visiting Newcastle for the festivals,” Supt Greentree said.
“Poor choices can have serious consequences and we urge all people attending these festivals to remain safe, look after your friends, and don’t risk your health or your good reputation.”

New figures reveal that Newcastle schools will get a $19.4 million funding injection from 2020 if Labor wins the upcoming Federal election.
New figures reveal that Newcastle schools will get a $19.4 million funding injection from 2020 if Labor wins the upcoming Federal election. [See below for full school-by-school list of funding increases.]
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said every student in every public school in Newcastle will be better off under Labor’s commitment to invest an extra $14.5 billion in Australia’s public schools.
“Newcastle public schools will receive an average increase of $450,000 each over three years,” Ms Claydon said.
“Parents and teachers can find out how much extra funding their school will receive at www.fairgoforschools.com.au.”
Ms Claydon said the funding would restore cuts made by the Federal Government when Scott Morrison was Treasurer.
“The Federal Government abandoned signed contracts with the New South Wales Government. This has resulted in $14.5 million worth of cuts to Newcastle schools over 2017 and 2018 alone,” Ms Claydon said.
“These cuts have meant fewer teachers, less individual attention and less support to help kids achieve their potential.”
Ms Claydon said Labor could afford to make the investment in public schools  because of decisions to scale back excessive tax concessions that largely benefit wealthy Australians.
“Labor has chosen to close a number of tax loopholes so we can afford to invest in the schools, hospitals and public services that benefit all Australians,” Ms Claydon said.
“While the Government is backing in tax breaks for the wealthy, Labor is investing in our children and our future prosperity.”

Emergency services remain at the scene of a two-vehicle crash near Newcastle.
Just after 9.30am this morning (Wednesday 31 October 2018), emergency services were called to the intersection of Church Street and Maitland Road at Mayfield, following reports a motorcycle and a car had collided.
The rider, a man aged in his 50s, was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital with serious head injuries.
The male driver of the car was uninjured and is currently assisting police.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District, with assistance from the Crash Investigation Unit, have established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Church Street and Maitland Road are closed, and a number of traffic diversions are in place. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and check www.livetraffic.com for the latest information.
As inquires continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area, is urged to come forward.

Newcastle Region Library members have a chance to clear more than $70,000 in unpaid library overdue fines while supporting people in need across Newcastle this Christmas.
Library members with outstanding fees can clear $5 for every non-perishable food item and $10 for every toiletry item they donate, from their overdue fine ledger.

Food for Five, Toiletries for Ten, which is being used effectively by libraries across Australia and around the world, commences on Monday 12 November and runs until Monday 10 December 2018.
All items collected under Food for Five, Toiletries for Ten will be donated to local emergency relief agencies OzHarvest, Got Your Back Sista and Baptist Care, who will package up the goods for needy families in the lead-up to the festive season.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said now is a great time for members to return to the Library.
“If it’s been awhile since you visited one of our libraries or maybe your fines have been outstanding for ages, come on back.
“Now is the perfect chance to get those fines reduced, do some good for the community and check out the library’s fabulous new resources and programs for everyone in the family.”
Newcastle Region Library aims to significantly reduce the total amount of outstanding overdue fines, more than $70,000, from the past 12 months, through this initiative.
City of Newcastle’s Manager Libraries Suzie Gately encourages people to contact the library if they’re uncertain whether they have overdue fines or to what amount.
“Simply ring us at 4974 5342 with your library card handy to give us your member number, and we can easily look up your fines,” she said.
“Last year in Newcastle alone, more than $13,000 in fines were cleared, resulting in donations of 1400 food items and 1320 toiletry items for community distribution.
“This is the third year that Newcastle Region Library has participated and, given the overwhelming response in previous years, we anticipate another successful campaign.”
There is no limit to the amount in fines that can be paid off with food and toiletry donations, but they will only be accepted to clear overdue charges. Payment for lost or damaged library items must be paid with cash or EFTPOS.

Novocastrians living and working in suburbs from Wallsend to Merewether can now sign up to receive free flood warnings that could potentially save lives.
The flood alert service is now being rolled-out across most of Newcastle following positive feedback in a successful trial among Wallsend residents in 2016.
As a result, seven new catchment areas have been added to the alert list. People can register to receive text messages, emails or voicemail alerts in these areas. Information about the flood alerts can be viewed online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/floodalert.

The service aims to provide an early warning to residents and businesses based on three key risks:
·         Flash flooding caused by intense heavy rainfall in urban areas
·         Mainstream flooding caused by inundation when the Hunter River breaks its banks
·         Ocean storm surges flooding in low-lying areas
Each warning carries a minor, moderate or major level of risk depending on the expected flood event likely to occur, and will also include a recommended action on how to respond.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the extension of the service would enable residents of low-lying areas to stay informed of local flooding in general.
“Flooding affects up to one third of all properties in Newcastle and it’s important for all residents to be aware of their flood risk – not just at home, but at work, school or other places you visit frequently,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Recent history tells us that flooding can occur in Newcastle very quickly and sometimes there can be less than an hour of warning between the beginning of a storm and the onset of flooding.
“Forewarned is forearmed and this alert service, delivered straight to people’s fingertips, will help keep them informed about a possible flooding event and give them time to consider their options to stay safe.”
To learn more about this service and to sign up online for free flood alerts, visit Newcastle.nsw.gov.au/floodalert.

Step out and fly right this Halloween, that’s the message as police remind pedestrians about staying safe while trick or treating.
Traffic and Highway Patrol’s Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Middlemiss said this afternoon’s trick or treaters should remember to travel around their suburbs safely.
“We know the kids and some big kids will be setting out for the afternoon around the same time people are starting to arrive home from work,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
“Drivers need to remember to slow down in suburban areas, particularly where there are a lot of younger families who may be trick or treating.
“If you are supervising the kids while they are trick or treating this afternoon, it is important to use designated lights and crossings, where possible.
“You should make you and your group stand out by using torches and glow sticks, so drivers can see you.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss added it was important to remember not everyone marked Halloween each year – so it was best to stick to houses with decorations on their properties.
While we acknowledge the meaning of ‘trick or treating,’ ensure you respect people’s decision not to participate in the festivities, as damage to properties will not be tolerated, she said.

A man has been charged over an alleged act of indecency and assault on a train on the state’s Central Coast yesterday.
Just before 6.30pm (Monday 29 October 2018), it’s alleged a 27-year-old man boarded a northbound train at Wyong Railway Station and attempted to talk to two passengers – a 20-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl.
Police will allege the man committed an act of indecency and assault before getting off the train at Morisset Railway Station.
Officers from the Police Transport and Public Safety Command were notified and patrolled the Morisset Railway Station.
A short time later, police located a man at a bus stop outside the Railway Station.
The 27-year-old man from Wyong was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with commit act of indecency with person 16 years or over and common assault.
The man was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Tuesday 30 October 2018).

Newcastle Art Gallery has added 49 works of art with a combined value of more than half a million dollars to its collection, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of private donors and a challenge from Sydney-based philanthropists James and Jacqui Erskine.
The Gallery will debut these works of art and celebrate the donors through a special exhibition THE ERSKINE PLEDGE: a gift to Newcastle, showcasing 12 artworks donated by James and Jacqui Erskine as well as 36 from the collections of other private donors.
Another major acquisition for the Gallery, The First Immeasurable – Love (an unbounded heart) 2017 by artist Lindy Lee, will be unveiled as part of the exhibition. It was gifted by the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, with the assistance of the Newcastle Art Gallery Society and private donors.
“These works of art are invaluable additions to the Gallery’s already substantial art collection and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the City to all of the donors, and particularly to James and Jacqui Erskine for spearheading this effort,” said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.
In 2017, the Erskines challenged the Foundation to raise donations of either cash or works of art to the value of $250,000 and pledged to match that amount with a donation of art from their own private collection.
Through the combined efforts of Gallery staff and the Foundation, the challenge was met by early 2018.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said it was incredible to see the challenge met so quickly.
“This achievement highlights how working together can further advance the significance of Newcastle Art Gallery and the City’s collection for the benefit of our community,” she said.
“James and Jacqui Erskine laid down the challenge, and by doing so inspired more benefaction for the Gallery.
“Their generosity and commitment to Newcastle Art Gallery means that these fantastic works of art can be appreciated and enjoyed by future generations of Novocastrians.”
THE ERSKINE PLEDGE: a gift to Newcastle will be on display at Newcastle Art Gallery from 3 November 2018 – 28 January 2019.
The Erskines’ connection to Newcastle Art Gallery began when they were private lenders to the JOHN OLSEN: The City’s Son exhibition in 2016.
James Erskine said the couple is gratified with the success of the challenge for Newcastle Art Gallery.
“For those of us who have been fortunate enough to collect, a thought: The suit you die in has no pockets, ” he said.
“It’s a good feeling when many benefit from a few.”
In fulfilling their generous pledge, the couple donated 12 works of art to the Gallery’s collection by the following artists:

Caption for image above:
Lindy LEE, The First Immeasurable – Love (an unbounded heart) 2017 mirror polished stainless steel, LED lighting
155.0 x 55.0 x 55.0cm Gift of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation with the assistance of the Newcastle Art Gallery Society and public donations 2018 Newcastle Art Gallery collection

City of Newcastle will host business and community leaders at a fundraising event during the Newcastle 500 to help power a global campaign to end violence against women.
The Fort Scratchley function will be held on Saturday 23 November, the penultimate day of Supercars Australia’s 2018 season, for White Ribbon Day which falls on Friday 22 November,  in support of the City of Newcastle’s charity partner Got Your Back Sista.

^{Got Your Back Sista’s team of Mel Histon, Jo Buckingham and Janine Chandler with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.}
“With the eyes of the world focused on Newcastle for the Supercars Finale, we have seized a great opportunity to shine a light on this very important issue,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“White Ribbon’s message is focused on engaging men, so a sporting event that attracts millions of male viewers is the perfect vehicle to keep the momentum of recent years going – not only in raising awareness of everyone’s responsibilities when it comes to domestic violence but also to raise precious money to fund more sanctuaries for victims.
“I’d like to thank Supercars Australia on behalf of the city for providing 100% of the tickets to the function and joining us in the name of White Ribbon Day and Got Your Back Sista.”
Got Your Back Sista became the City’s first official charity partner through Council’s Community Impact Program established last year.
Founder Melissa Histon will address the 150 prominent local business and community leaders before a charity auction that will see items go under the hammer.
“The luncheon is a great opportunity to share our message that domestic violence is never acceptable and that we are there for anyone suffering its terrorising effects,” Histon said.
“Got Your Back Sista is a Newcastle based charity focused on helping women and children who have fled domestic violence to set-up a safe home free from violence.
“We work to help women start their lives again and live independently, so we are profoundly grateful for the support of both the City of Newcastle and Supercars.”
Costs for the fundraising event were approved as part of the City’s 2018/19 budget.
Fort Scratchley, equipped with marquee and outdoor furniture, is available for hire on Friday and Sunday of the Supercars weekend, with the expected income from those days slated to offset the cost of staging Saturday’s event.
White Ribbon Day is part of the global White Ribbon Campaign, which symbolises the idea of men giving up their arms, and is committed to creating societies in which all women can live safely.
Formed by a group of men in Ontario in 1991 in response to a massacre of female university students, today the movement promotes healthy relationships, gender equity and compassionate masculinity in more than 60 countries.

The head of the United Nations office in Australia is the special guest of our UN city today just months after City of Newcastle adopted the UN Sustainable Development Goals as part of our long-term strategic plan.
Christopher Woodthorpe, Director of the United Nations Information Centre, is a keynote speaker at a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Symposium at Newcastle City Hall.

^{Christopher Woodthorpe with Josh Wilkes and 94-year-old Hamilton resident Jean Campbell}
“The SDGs are our plan for a better world for all, and it’s inspiring to see how City of Newcastle is pursuing this aspiration,” said the Canberra-based UN veteran, a regional spokesperson on the multilateral program adopted in 2015.
This morning he caught up with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and another of the City’s on-the-ground SDG flagbearers, Josh Wilkes. As a bin positioner for our Waste Management team, Mr Wilkes practices at least five of the SDGs on his daily rounds.
He drives across the local government area ahead of garbage trucks – and in their wake – to help around 200 people with mobility challenges by taking out their bins and then tucking them back inside again.
“This is a fantastic example of how we already put the spirit of the SDGs into practice in an attempt to make life better for residents in a smart, liveable and sustainable global city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The SDGs explicitly include disability and persons with disabilities 11 times, so I’m delighted to show Mr Woodthorpe how the City of Newcastle is changing our processes and practices to align with them while improving services to our community.”
Today’s symposium, organised by the City in partnership with the Australian Library and Information Association, is looking at how the UN SDGs can be applied to the arts sector.
Representatives from the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museum (GLAM) sector from across the Hunter Region are discussing how they can collectively embrace and further the goals.
The 17 UN SDGs are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership to end poverty and other deprivations, improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth.
The bin positioner role emerged from the City’s Social Strategy, out of which also came the capability to support residents recently displaced from non-compliant boarding houses.
The City will begin engaging with the community next month to update the strategy, which will be closely aligned to the SDGs, and refresh our goals to further support social connections in our communities.
The 17 sustainable development goals to transform our world are:

GOAL 1: No Poverty
GOAL 2: Zero Hunger
GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being
GOAL 4: Quality Education
GOAL 5: Gender Equality
GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality
GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
GOAL 13: Climate Action
GOAL 14: Life below Water
GOAL 15: Life on Land
GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
The City of Newcastle was officially made a UN City in 2016 when the UN’s training arm announced that the University of Newcastle would host an International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Australasia and the Pacific region.