Category: Newcastle News

An unlicensed driver has been charged following a fatal crash at Lake Macquarie last month. 

Emergency services had been called to Freemans Drive, Cooranbong, about 12.15am (Sunday 14 April 2024), after a northbound car hit the rear of parked SUV.

An 18-year-old man in the front passenger seat died at the scene.

The 17-year-old driver was freed by emergency services and taken to John Hunter Hospital, while a 43-year-old man in the SUV suffered minor injuries.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene before the investigation was taken over by specialist officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit.

The driver – now aged 18 – was arrested when he attended Newcastle Police Station yesterday (Saturday 11 May 2024). He has now been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving occasioning death.

He has been granted conditional bail to appear in Broadmeadow Children’s Court tomorrow (13 May 2024).

Netball player, administrator and Hunter sports and civic luminary Adele Saunders OAM has been inducted as the 18^th Freeman of the City of Newcastle.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes awarded the title to the 88-year-old lifelong Novocastrian at City Hall today before an audience that included city officials, cultural leaders and fellow Freemen John McNaughton, Margaret McNaughton, and Father Nicolaos Zervas.

L to R: Sharon Claydon MP, Adele Saunders, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk

The City’s newest Freeman, who insisted on being referred to as “Dell”, was celebrated as a pillar of netball as a player, official and administrator who brought empathy and a social conscience to every voluntary role she performed.

“If you’ve lived in Newcastle you’ve been helped by Dell Saunders, it’s as simple as that. Dell has time for everyone and she’s part of the fabric of our city,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“You can get a sense of Dell’s legacy from her longevity, and over seven decades of serving Newcastle in sport, cultural and civic life. But the richness of her contribution continues to elevate people in big and small ways – this honour goes some way towards recognising that.”

Dell’s life in netball started when she was 11 playing for her primary school, Mayfield West. She would grow into a state level centre. She later became an All Australian netball umpire and president of the Newcastle Netball Association from 1978 to 2019. 

Dell had already served as secretary to the Association since 1955, winning the NSW country championship with the Newcastle representative team the same year.

The face of Newcastle netball to many, Dell insisted on a modest ceremony with the dimmest personal spotlight. But she allowed a reflection on her character in netball terms.

“To be an umpire you have to be completely unbiased. You have to be fair. You should never penalise someone or inhibit their skills as long as it’s within the rules,” Dell said. 

“And you have to be able to ignore the brickbats that come your way. If the spectators crowd you, sometimes it pays to run with your elbow out. I’m still at the umpires’ office every Saturday; it’s rewarding to see someone make it. That’s what comes with being a voluntary person – you set the standard and they remember. We don’t just give them sport, we make them citizens.”

Dell Saunders was also a mainstay of City committees that delivered the Mattara Festival and a vocal advocate for more and better netball courts in Newcastle.

Are you interested in representing your community as a Councillor?

Becoming a Councillor is an exciting opportunity to represent your community and the interests of City of Newcastle’s residents by providing leadership and guidance to the community.

City of Newcastle is hosting a candidate information session on Monday 27 May 2024.

The nomination period for candidates for an election in a local government area or ward ends at noon Wednesday, 14 August with the next local government general election to be held 14 September. 

The session allows people to identify key requirements of becoming a Councillor, understand the rules and processes for registering as a candidate and running a campaign and to understand the role of Council, Councillors and the key elements of council meetings.

The session will be facilitated by Maire Sheehan, who held the role as Mayor of Leichhardt between 1999 and 2004, and previously as Councillor.

The session can be attended in-person at City of Newcastle’s Council Chambers at the City Administration Centre, 12 Stewart Avenue Newcastle West.

Session:
 Date: Monday, 27 May 2024.

Time: 5.30pm – 9.00pm (doors to open at 5pm).

Venue: Council Chambers, City Administration Centre, 12 Stewart Avenue Newcastle West.

BOOK HERE https://CN-becomeacandidate.eventbrite.com.au.

The session will run for approximately 3.5 hours, and will be delivered in person, however the option to attend online for those unable to make it in person is available.

More information about local government election can be found here 2024 NSW Local Government elections – NSW Electoral Commission.

Sixteen local students received scholarships at the 2024 Proudly Public! Awards night at Sydney Town Hall yesterday.

They are among more than 300 public school students and educators from across Australia to receive scholarships administered by the Public Education Foundation in 2024.

Since the launch of PEF’s scholarships program in 2009 3,218 students and more than 120 educators have been supported with more than $10 million in life-changing scholarships administered by the Foundation.

The local award winners were:

Jemima Kellet, Callaghan College, Jesmond Senior Campus – Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship
Savannah Gordon, Callaghan College, Wallsend Campus – Waratah Education Foundation Secondary Transition Scholarship
Chance NcutiMami, Callaghan College, Waratah Campus – NSW Teachers Federation Refugee Scholarship
Shanae Ford, Cessnock Public School – Waratah Education Foundation Primary Scholarship
Harmony Hennessy, Glendore Public School – Waratah Education Foundation Primary Scholarship
Noah James Worrall, Kotara High School – Acacia Program Scholarship
Christian Prince, Merewether High School – NSW Teachers Federation Award for HSC Excellence
Eli J Newland, Glendore Public School / Minmi Public School – Vorsay Scholarship
Blayne Chandler, Indi Taylor, Rachel Bock and Kelly Belle Dalton, Singleton High School – Woodcock Family Scholarship
Zarhn Barry Webber, Alley Standing, West Wallsend High School – PEF National Secondary Scholarship
Izaiah Webber, West Wallsend High School – Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarship
Brina Chong Nee, Whitebridge High School – VET in Schools Scholarship

Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the scholarships could be a game changer for many students and change their life trajectory.

“Our world-class public education system empowers our students and can be an equaliser within our society – that’s why these scholarships are so important to our students who face disadvantage,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Thank you to our staff who support student excellence and the Public Education Foundation for its ongoing support of public education in NSW.

“I am proud of our students, teachers and leaders who have won scholarships and I look forward to seeing the scholarship recipients go on to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.”

Public Education Foundation (PEF) CEO David Riordan further emphasised that the awards celebrated scholarships that had the potential to “change lives”.

“Proudly Public! celebrates the best and brightest students and educators in our public school system,” Mr Riordan said.

“We also want to acknowledge our premium partners and other generous and supportive partners and donors who assist us in providing more of these life-altering scholarships.”

The Public Education Foundation is a charity dedicated to enhancing the value and reputation of public education by providing scholarships to its students, teachers and principals.

For a full list of scholarship recipients visit: https://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au/proudly-public-awards-ceremonies/

A man has died following a single vehicle crash in the Lake Macquarie area.

About 1:20am on Wednesday 8 May 2024, emergency services were called to the Pacific Motorway at Cooranbong, following reports a single vehicle crash.

The male driver died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Three teenagers have been charged over an alleged carjacking in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 3.20am on Saturday 4 May 2024, officers attached Newcastle Police District were conducting patrols of Jesmond, when they attempted to stop a Suzuki Vitara on Newcastle Road.

When the Suzuki allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

Road spikes were deployed and the vehicle stopped on Longworth Avenue, Wallsend, before three boys ran from the vehicle.

The boys – aged 13, 14, and 15 – were located a short time later and arrested before being taken to Waratah Police Station. They were later released to be dealt with under Young Offenders Act.

Following further inquiries, police established the Suzuki was stolen from the carpark of a shopping centre on Tyrell Street, Wallsend, after the driver, a 51-year-old woman was threatened with a knife.

The 15 and 14-year-olds were re-arrested yesterday (Tuesday 7 May 2024) and taken to Waratah Police Station where they were charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon and robbery in company.

Both have been granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 3 June 2024.

About 10am today (Wednesday 8 May 2024), the 13-year-old boy was re-arrested at Waratah Police Station.

He was also charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon and robbery in company and granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 27 May 2024.

City of Newcastle welcomed more than 160 new citizens from 41 countries today to take the pledge of commitment to Australia alongside family, friends and dignitaries. 

Hailing from every corner of the world, from Afghanistan to Cyprus, Kenya and the USA, Newcastle’s newest citizens were treated to performances by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group and The Grainery Church before receiving their citizenship certificates at the iconic City Hall. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Frank Bynon at City Hall

Among the new Australians was businessman and philanthropist Frank Bynon, originally of South London, who after 50 years down under took the pledge. 

 “It was on New Year’s Eve in 1973 when a friend and I decided to scrape together the airfare to move to Australia,” Mr Bynon said. 

 “We arrived in Perth after a long flight that included six stops and soon found labouring work in Sydney, Townsville and Melbourne thanks to the generosity of strangers. That first pay cheque of $900 felt incredible because back then a beer only cost eight cents!  

 “I met my wife Jan soon after I arrived in Sydney and we moved up to Newcastle where we had our family. In the mid-90s I started my business in industrial service and supplies, which has since expanded throughout New South Wales and Queensland. 

 “Over the years Jan and I have supported charities in our community that mean a lot to us, which has been a great privilege.  

 “Now 50 years, three kids and 10 grandkids later, there is no place like Newcastle, and I’m very proud to officially become an Australian and call ‘Newy’ home.” 

 Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the citizenship ceremony is one of the most important days of the year for new citizens and their families and she loves sharing in the celebrations. 

 “Newcastle is a diverse and inclusive community that embraces new citizens from all cultures and backgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said. 

 “We have a long and proud history as a welcoming city with 15 per cent of our residents born overseas and 134 languages other than English are spoken at home. 

 “City of Newcastle has gained almost 180 new Australian citizens already this year and today’s cohort takes it to more than 340.”

 Today’s ceremony featured a didgeridoo and dance performance by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki group led by Alex Nean from Gamilaroi country. An Acknowledgement of Country was provided by his daughter Kyara Nean, also from Gamilaroi country. 

 Layla Rose Schillert and Stuart Brown from the Grainery Church sang the Australian National Anthem and were joined by Klaye Sanders to perform ‘I Am Australian’. 

 City of Newcastle’s next citizenship ceremony will be held in September 2024 at City Hall. 

City of Newcastle has secured more than $75,000 in funding to help residents aged 15 to 24 deliver urgent climate change solutions for our city.

City of Newcastle was invited to apply to the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) following Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes’ visit to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December last year.

Tree planting is just one of the ways young Novocastrians can deliver a climate change solution.Alongside Melbourne and Hobart, Newcastle was one of only three Australian cities to be chosen for the funding by the YCAF, which will provide technical assistance to support up to 100 cities worldwide in delivering youth-led climate action.

Cr Nelmes said young City of Newcastle staff and the City of Newcastle Youth Advisory Council will review applications to make sure the priorities of young residents are captured.

“This funding gives our young residents the chance to design and deliver urgent climate solutions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Microgrants of between $1500 and $7500 will be available for individuals 15 to 24 years, or organisations who represent them, to deliver youth-led climate projects, from tree planting to policy proposals.

“Any city that fully allocates the initial round of funding within six months can apply for a further $150,000 to distribute to more projects over the following year.

“With more than 80 per cent of youth around the world reporting they’re worried climate change threatens people and the planet, this is a great chance for our youth to make a difference in their own backyard.”

Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and the 108th mayor of New York City said climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge.

“It’s critical that young people, who have the most at stake help lead the way. This new fund will help mayors mobilize and empower tomorrow’s leaders to take action today,” Mr Bloomberg said.

Emilia Sáiz, Secretary General for United Cities and Local Governments, said youth today are the guardians of our future.

“Bringing them together with local governments through this groundbreaking initiative, we will see cities reach newfound progress in shaping more resilient and regenerative communities that can act on the climate emergency in entirely new ways,” Ms Sáiz said.

James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies said the Youth Climate Action Fund will provide a springboard for mayors worldwide to put these lessons to work.

“In order for cities to catalyse ever broadening, ever more ambitious efforts, they’ll need to continue to shift away from traditional, top-down models to those that solicit ideas and crowd in energy from across the community, including and especially from young people who are so vested in solving the climate crisis,” Mr Anderon said.

As an active member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, Cr Nelmes has led a concerted effort to create an environmental legacy for future generations.

The youth-led climate projects will align with our 10-year Newcastle Environment Strategy, which was adopted last year with the key priorities of action on climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy.

Some of the initiatives already underway include transitioning City of Newcastle’s vehicles, plant and equipment to electric-powered or low emission alternatives and expanding our urban forest to create connected green corridors for iconic, threatened and pollinator species.

Applications for the Youth Climate Action Fund open on 1 June and close on 30 June 2024.

For more information on how to apply contact sustainability@ncc.nsw.gov.au

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion.

City of Newcastle is inviting the community to have a say on its ambitious long-term vision for Newcastle.

The Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, was adopted by Council in 2022 following extensive community consultation, providing a vision to guide and inform City of Newcastle’s strategies and projects for the next 10 years and beyond.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was reviewing the plan as part of its commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for locals to have their say on the future of the city.

“Our Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, was developed thanks to feedback from more than 5,400 Novocastrians who shared their thoughts on what we need to do to make Newcastle a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since adopting Newcastle 2040 in April 2022, we’ve been working to deliver our strategies and projects in alignment with the aspirations of the Newcastle community.

“We’re helping to create a more liveable city through local centre upgrades, enhanced safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as investment in sporting infrastructure, playgrounds, roads, and stormwater drainage.

“Newcastle is also becoming more sustainable thanks to our efforts to act on climate change to achieve net zero emissions.

“Now we want to again hear from our community as we review our Community Strategic Plan, to ensure that we are on track towards achieving our vision and have a clear plan for how we will get there.”

Residents and interested stakeholders can provide feedback before 5 July by completing a community survey online or by speaking to City of Newcastle staff at a range of pop-up events to be held across the city throughout May and June.

For more information including pop-up event dates and locations visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.

A man reported missing from the Newcastle area has been located safe.

The 70-year-old left the Maitland Hospital on Metford Rd, Metford, about 11am yesterday (Sunday 5 May 2024.

When he could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following a search of the area, the man was located safe at East Maitland at 2am this morning (Monday 6 May 2024). He has been returned to hospital.

Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance.