Category: Newcastle News

Nearly 550 primary school children from 18 schools across the region competed in the miniME Challenge at The Forum today, taking part in a STEM competition involving robotics and coding.
Part of a Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter, City of Newcastle and Obelisk Systems partnership, the Challenge is the culmination of Phase One of the miniME Program, which saw the expansion of STEM activities, including robotics and coding programs, into 18 primary schools in Newcastle. Another 17 schools are expected to participate in Phase Two.

Each school received two StarLAB Sensor + Mars Rover Bundles*, a tailored curriculum as well as support to enable teacher delivery of the cutting-edge STEM and coding platform as part of the project.
Today, students put their coding skills into action on a purpose-built track modelled on Newcastle’s Civic Precinct. The Challenge activity saw teams manoeuvre their rovers through the maze-like course while undertaking science experiments to collect environmental impact data.
RDA Hunter’s Director of Regional Development Trevor John said the partnership between RDA Hunter, City of Newcastle, Obelisk Systems and local primary schools had delivered a range of skills to students while introducing them to important issues, such as environmental protection.
“The City’s support has directly enabled hundreds of Hunter students to access equipment and activities that will teach them all-important STEM skills,” he said. “This will inspire them to pursue further STEM study in preparation for their careers and begin to understand environmental issues that will affect their future.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the miniME school engagement program was about inspiring careers and creating jobs at home in Newcastle.
“Our vision is for Newcastle to be a smart, liveable and sustainable global city. This program is helping to instil these values in the next generation as students learn how technology can be used to address issues such as protecting our environment,” said the Lord Mayor.
“This program offers young people hands-on, interactive learning and will equip them for future careers that will originate out of a city of innovation.”
Founder of Obelisk Systems Lewis Quill said the company was excited to bring the StarLAB STEM platform to Newcastle primary school students.
“Phase One of miniME has been an exciting project for us to work on,” he said. “Combining our coding platforms with science experiments and data collection applications has improved student engagement in our programs and enabled students to utilise the Rovers to contribute to real-world solutions. It’s gratifying to see our technology making a real impact on students learning.”
Participating schools in 2018/19 include: Newcastle East Public School, Newcastle Grammar School – Park Campus, New Lambton Public School, St Joseph’s Primary School Merewether, Hamilton North Public School, Islington Public School, Waratah Public School, St Philips Christian College – Junior School, Waratah West Public School, Mayfield East Public School, Hunter Christian School, Mayfield West Public School, Tighes Hill Public School, Wallsend Public School, Plattsburg Public School, Heaton Public School, Glendore Public School, Minmi Public School. Additional schools will be added during 2019/2020.
Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for an additional 17 Newcastle-based schools to participate in Phase Two which will run from February to June 2019.
The miniME program is supported by City of Newcastle as part of its Smart City initiatives, which has received $5 million in grant funding from the Australian Government through its Smart Cities and Suburbs program.  The miniME program was developed by Obelisk Systems and RDA Hunter to contribute to the Smart Mobility and Smart Environment objectives of Newcastle’s Smart City strategy.
* The StarLab Coding platform is a complete solution for teaching coding and STEM subjects in the classroom, which can be programmed by students using Scratch and Python.
* The Mars Rover expansion adds robotics to the StarLAB coding platform. It allows students to build their own Rover, drive it, collect data and get their experiments moving.

Police have charged two men following investigations into large-scale copper wire theft from the Hunter Region during the past month.
Between 14 November and 27 November 2018, land owned by the Hunter Water Corporation in Tomago, has been accessed by 4WD vehicles and approximately 940kg of copper wire removed from the ground.
The matter was reported to police at Port Stephens – Hunter Police District and an investigation was commenced.
About 1am yesterday (Monday 26 November 2018), police will allege two vehicles entered the enclosed lands and were allegedly preparing to remove the wiring.
Officers, who were conducting an operation at the location, arrested one of the men. The 47-year-old man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x3) and trespass (x3).
He was given conditional bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.
Following further inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at his home in Anna Bay. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x2), trespass (x2) and goods in custody.
He was given conditional bail and will also appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.

Imagine a City that relies on renewable energy resources to trade power between homes and businesses, and one that generates enough clean energy to operate a virtual power plant.
These future concepts were presented to elected Councillors last night as the City of Newcastle begins the process of setting new climate action targets post-2020.

“As we develop into a smart, liveable and sustainable global city, we are undertaking research into a variety of existing and emerging sustainable energy models,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“These include solar gardens, solar and battery bulk buys, demand response initiatives and virtual power plants which are already being trialled nationally and overseas.
“With the City’s 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan due for review, the wheels are now in motion to prepare for the next phase in emission reduction actions that could encourage more solar, battery storage and electric vehicles in the City.”
One innovative concept being explored by the City is a virtual microgrid across the Region.
Microgrids are small networks of electricity users who rely on local electricity generation, delivering energy security, sustainability and cost savings for those involved.
Victoria’s La Trobe Valley is currently hosting a microgrid trial with funding from The Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The $15 million project will see the roll out of 75 behind-the-meter microgrids, made up of solar installations and batteries, to reduce energy costs for business and cut emissions.
Such trials could pave the way to a similar development in Newcastle.

“While there’s plenty of research and information available that will inform our future energy use, we are already making significant headway with our own innovative ideas,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“With construction currently underway on the Summerhill Solar Farm, and the upgrade of more than 5,300 streetlights to LEDs beginning next month, we are on track to exceed both our energy-efficiency reduction targets and renewable energy targets by 2020.”
The City will begin community engagement next year to seek ideas and feedback for targets to follow the 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan.
“We are well on our way to planning the next phase of the City’s sustainable future,” the Lord Mayor added.
“We are installing electric vehicle charging stations, replacing our ageing fleet with electric vehicles and working with experts like the CSIRO Energy Centre and a burgeoning clean-tech industry on cutting-edge smart building research and demonstration projects.”
The City was recently awarded the National Cities Power Partnership award for Energy Efficiency, was a finalist in the NSW Green Globes Innovation Category and was awarded best Smart City Strategy in the Country.

Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council meeting for Tuesday 27 November 2018. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minute – 2018 Supercars Newcastle 500
The supported LMM declared the 2018 Newcastle 500 an outright success and thanked City staff who worked or volunteered for the event or worked with local businesses on the Entertain Newcastle program.
Lord Mayoral Minute – Recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee
The supported LMM noted that on 1 June 2019 the City’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee will celebrate its 20^th anniversary and that it will be recognised with an event during Reconciliation Week 2019.
Quarterly Budget Review Statement
Council received the statement and adopted the revised budget as detailed.
Executive monthly performance report
The report was received.
Adoption of the 2019 Council meeting cycle
The meeting cycle for 2019 was adopted.
Adoption of the revised Instrument of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer
Council adopted the revised Instrument of Delegation.
Appointment of replacement Councillor representative to the Fort Scratchley Historical Society
Cr Peta Winney-Baartz was appointed to the Fort Scratchley Historical Society for the term 28 Nov 2018 to 11 Sept 2020, with Cr Andrea Rufo as alternate.
Tabling of Pecuniary Interest Returns
Council noted the tabling of the report for 1 August to 15 November 2018
Endorsement of Planning Agreement – 464-470 King Street (Verve Development) Newcastle
Council resolved to let the planning agreement for 464-470 King St (Verve development) lay on the table until the Feb 2019 meeting.
Endorsement of 2017/18 Annual Report
Council received the Annual Report for 2017/18 and noted the submission to the NSW Minister for Local Government.
Solar uptake on residential buildings
Council received a report outlining opportunities to boost solar, electric vehicle and battery storage uptake in residential buildings.
Adoption of the draft Community Engagement Policy
The 2018-2021 Community Engagement Policy was adopted following public exhibition.
Adoption of the draft Newcastle After Dark Strategy 2018-2022
Council adopted the strategy following a six-week public engagement period.
Exhibition of Draft Live Music Strategy
Council resolved to place the draft Live Music Strategy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Adoption of amendment to Mayfield Alcohol Free Zone
Council resolved to adopt the amendment following public exhibition.
Commitment to Welcoming Cities Network
Council agreed to become a member of the Welcoming Cities Network.
Installation of Traffic Control Measures – Byron and Addison Streets, Beresfield
Council approved the proposed traffic control measures.
Land Acquisition – Road Purposes
Council authorised the acquisition of a small portion of privately owned land at 23 Clyde Street to facilitate an upgrade to the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde Streets, Islington.
Adoption of electricity microgrids in Newcastle
Council noted that options for the uptake of electricity microgrids in Newcastle continue to be investigated.
Notices of Motion (NOM)
NOM – Shortland Local Centre Upgrade
A NOM was supported to recognise that the Shortland Local Centre along Sandgate Road would greatly benefit from inclusion in the Local Centre Public Domain Program and to prepare a Public Domain Plan for the Shortland Local Centre.
NOM – Inner City Cycleway On Hunter Street
A NOM was supported to note the current lack of safe, separated cycleways along Hunter Street from Wickham Park to Union Street in Newcastle West and commence community consultation on the Draft West End Streetscape – Stage 2 concept plan.
NOM – Save our Recycling Campaign
A NOM was supported to endorse the Local Government NSW Save our Recycling Campaign, which calls on State Government to re-invest 100% of the waste levy into waste management and recycling activities.
Notice of Tabling Petition – Loss of public amenities Nobbys Beach
Council tabled a petition from Nobbys Action Group on loss of public amenities at Nobbys Beach.

Police have praised the good behaviour of the majority of spectators following the conclusion of the high-visibility operation for the second year of the Coates Hire Newcastle 500.
Operation Axils commenced last Thursday (22 November 2018), to ensure the safety and security of competitors, officials and spectators throughout the event.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Marine Area Command, Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command were involved in the operation.
Of note, officers attached to Operation Axils arrested and charged a 20-year-old woman after allegedly throwing paint at signage on the race track about 2.10am on Friday (23 November 2018). She was charged with malicious damage and granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 13 December 2018. A 21-year-old man was also arrested but later released pending further inquiries.
In a separate incident, a 40-year-old man was arrested after allegedly exposing his buttocks to police about 6pm on Saturday (24 November 2018). He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was issued with an infringement notice for offensive conduct.
Operation Axils Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, said it was positive to see the majority of racegoers behave appropriately and enjoy themselves at the event over the weekend.
“Police were out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, and minimising the impact of the event on the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“We were very pleased with the behaviour of most people who attended the race, and it was great to see so many families return to the city this year in support of the Newcastle 500.
“Police worked closely with Supercars and Transport NSW in the lead up and throughout the event to create a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
“There were a small number of attendees who ignored our warnings and tried to spoil the fun for others, but they were identified and dealt with quickly,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Road safety was another focus of the operation, with officers conducting more than 418 random breath tests, and issuing 215 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs), including 95 for speeding offences.
“Police will maintain a presence on the roads in and around Newcastle and major routes, to ensure motorists’ safety on their journey home,” Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.
“Our Traffic and Highway Patrol officers have done an excellent job this weekend, reminding drivers of the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“With school holidays and the festive season just around the corner, police are reminding the public to leave the racing to the professionals on the track.
“We do not want to see any more tragedies on our roads and those that choose to engage in risky driver behaviour will face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Special event clearways and road closures will remain in place throughout the week. Motorists are urged to visit www.livetraffic.com for more information.

Newcastle surfer and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recipient, 34-year-old Bayden Parker is currently riding a wave of success.
In the past month he has passed his Ls test and secured a new job, with the support of Challenge Disability Services social worker Abdenor and the Connexions program for young active people with low support needs.
Getting his Ls and a new job were Bayden’s goals for his NDIS plan and now he can rest easy knowing they have been achieved.
“I fell off my chair when I found out I had passed my Ls test. It was a lot of hard yakka: study, study, study,” Bayden said
“We studied the practice test on the computer and going through the book and the answers. Abdenor’s help made me feel more confident about going into the test.”
While it was Bayden’s hard work that helped him pass the test, Abdenor was on hand with words of encouragement, an extra push to keep him on track and assistance with tricky questions while he prepared.
“When we could, we would study together twice a week; he was always on time for our meetings and ready to go,” Abdenor said.
“He didn’t give up, he kept trying and involved himself thoroughly in achieving this goal. Bayden certainly put in a lot of effort.”
The second goal on Bayden’s NDIS plan was to secure a good commercial cleaning job. He recently secured a job cleaning offices and is now in the process of completing background checks and paperwork to get started.
“While I’m a commercial cleaner now, I really want to get my red Ps because I want to deliver pizzas. I think being a pizza driver will be a good way to meet more new people,” Bayden said.
“Having my license will make it easier to go for A to B, and makes me more independent. I can finally load up the trolley and fill the car with groceries, so I don’t have to carry 50 bags of shopping on the push bike.
Surfing is never far from Bayden’s mind, and having a licence will make this much easier especially when he buys a car of his own.
“I am saving up for a nice car. I want to get one that has easy access so I can throw the surfboard in and go to the beach, rather than have to carry my surfboard on a pushbike,” Bayden said.

A man will face court today charged over the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the Lake Macquarie region.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District stopped a vehicle in the Cardiff area about 1am yesterday (Sunday 25 November 2018), and spoke to the driver, a 28-year-old man.
Following inquiries, the man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station.
A 13-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy in the car were taken into the care of police.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad were notified after the 13-year-old girl disclosed she had allegedly been sexually assaulted by the man.
Detectives charged the man with aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years, procure child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity, and breach of bail.
Police will allege in court the man sexually assaulted the girl at a home in the Lake Macquarie area after meeting and speaking on a social media application for 12 months, prior to meeting up.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Monday 26 November 2018).
Investigations are continuing.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

A teen has been arrested after a girl was hospitalised following a random attack at Cessnock yesterday.
About 7.15pm (Saturday 24 November 2018), a 15-year-old girl was walking with four friends on Wollombi Road, when a vehicle stopped, and a male allegedly discharged an object.
Police will allege the girl was struck in the face with a makeshift blow dart.
She was taken to Cessnock Hospital for treatment and transferred to John Hunter Hospital where she underwent surgery to remove the projectile from her cheek.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District were notified and have commenced an investigation.
Police were told witnesses saw a white Toyota Hilux leave the scene. Following inquiries, the vehicle was located a short time later.
Just after 4pm today (Sunday 25 Novemner 2018), a 17-year-old male attended Cessnock Police Station and spoke with investigators.
He has been arrested and remains in custody.
The youth has been charged after a girl was hit in the face by a dart at Cessnock at the weekend.
About 7.15pm on Saturday 24 November 2018, a 15-year-old girl was walking with four friends on Wollombi Road when a vehicle stopped, and a youth allegedly discharged an object towards them.
Police will allege the girl was struck in the face with what has been described as a makeshift blow dart.
She was taken to Cessnock Hospital for treatment and transferred to John Hunter Hospital where she underwent surgery to remove a projectile from her cheek.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation and shortly after 4pm yesterday (Sunday 25 November 2018), a 17-year-old youth attended Cessnock Police Station and spoke with investigators.
He has now been charged with reckless wounding, and possess or use a prohibited weapon.
The youth has been granted conditional bail and is due to appear before a Children’s Court on Tuesday 11 December 2018

Police are appealing for public assistance after several gravesites were desecrated at a cemetery in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
Just before 6pm (Saturday 24 November 2018), a group of four males were seen causing damage at the cemetery on Awaba Road, Toronto.
Police have also been told a woman who was walking in the area was approached and intimidated by the group.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and discovered a large number of ceramic angels and statues had been smashed, and pot plants and statues were thrown on graves.
Detectives investigating the incident are seeking assistance from the public.
They would like to speak to four males, not further described, who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Anyone with information or who was in the area at the time and noticed something suspicious is urged to come forward.

A motorcyclist has died, and a passenger has been hospitalised following a motorcycle crash near Cessnock this afternoon.
Just after 1pm (Saturday 24 November 2018), emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, near Duffie Drive, Neath, after reports a Kawasaki motorcycle had lost control and crashed.
The rider, a 59-year-old man, was unable to be revived and died at the scene.
The female passenger, aged in her 50s, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and have established a crime scene.
Local traffic diversions are in place as officers examine the scene and motorists are urged to monitor livetraffic.com.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.