Category: Newcastle News

Tails were wagging today as City of Newcastle (CN) unveiled a new Tessa the guide dog statue in Stockton to replace the much-loved original, which was stolen over a year ago. 

In response to the theft, City of Newcastle engaged Newcastle artist Julie Squires to replicate a new bronze Tessa as a tribute to the statue that stood for over half a century in honour of the loyal guide dog.

Page Power from Guide Dogs Australia, Mrs Jean Dowsett’s nephew David Williams, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and artist Julie Squires at the new Tessa the guide dog statue in Stockton.Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the local community were thrilled to have Tessa the guide dog return home to Stockton.

“Many local residents have fond memories of Tessa, and it is wonderful to have her back in Stockton,” Cr Clausen said.

“While Tessa’s new statue is certainly something to be celebrated, the story behind the bronze dog has incredible heart and deserves to be retold and remembered.

“Guide dog Tessa and her owner Mrs Jean Dowsett spent many hours visiting the Stockton ferry wharf and seeking donations from passengers. The pair raised over $45,000 for Guide Dogs Australia between 1958 and Tessa’s death at age 11 in 1971.

“At the time this was a world record amount of money raised by a single dog and its owner for the charity, which was why at Mrs Dowsett’s request, Stockton Lions Club commissioned the original iconic statue in Tessa’s honour.”

The Dowsett family with Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen at the Tessa statue in StocktonMrs Dowsett’s nephew David Williams thanked City of Newcastle for bringing Tessa back to Stockton.

“It was upsetting to discover that Tessa had been stolen so we are thrilled to be here today to celebrate this new statue,” Mr Williams said.

“I have fond memories of my aunt Jean ‘Elsie’ Dowsett who tragically lost her eyesight in a car accident in 1958. 

“She was selected to train with a guide dog in Perth at first before returning to Sydney and then home to Stockton. She became a tireless supporter of Guide Dogs Australia and was awarded an OBE medal for her record-breaking fundraising with Tessa. 

“The original statue of Tessa had a very shiny head and nose thanks to the countless number of children who patted her. I hope this new bronze is just as admired for many years to come.”

Gary Bristow, Guide Dogs chief philanthropy and fundraising officer, said that the fundraising of Jean Dowsett and Tessa left an unforgettable legacy, and the reinstalled statue was an important part of Tessa’s story in Stockton. 

“Guide Dogs NSW is delighted to participate in the unveiling ceremony of the new statue for guide dog Tessa, reinstating her in the rightful place at Lynn Oval,” Mr Bristow said.

“This event not only commemorates Jean Dowsett and Tessa’s dedication to fundraising but also emphasises the lasting impact their incredible efforts had on the lives of those living with low vision and blindness.

“The raising and training of life changing guide dogs like Tessa is made possible because of the generous ongoing support we receive from all our donors, enabling us to provide vital support thousands of Australians living with low vision and blindness, we are immensely grateful for the continued commitment to our cause.”

Stockton locals celebrate the new Tessa the guide dog statueThe complex process of creating a new statue of the beloved dog was carried out by artist Julie Squires, who began her research by examining archival photos and videos of Tessa given to her by community members.

A life model in the form of Winnie the labrador from Islington Off Leash Area was also photographed from different angles before the modelling and moulding of the lifelike statue began.

The new Tessa, now sitting proudly on her plinth at Lynn Oval, is made from marine grade stainless steel, rubber, and fibreglass moulding for durability, with a beautiful bronze casting metal finish. 

Tessa will have anchor fixtures drilled to a granite base to prevent any vandalism or theft and ensure her longevity as a beloved fixture for the people of Stockton well into the future.

City of Newcastle and the University of Newcastle have today announced a new cultural partnership that will see the two organisations working together to expand the region’s art capabilities. 

The four-year partnership marks a significant milestone for both institutions, expanding the two organisations’ commitment to supporting arts and culture in the region, while providing students with valuable educational experience. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Vice Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky celebrate the partnership.   

As work on the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery continues, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was the perfect time to formalise the relationship between the institutions for the benefit of the region’s communities, its visitors and a new generation of students.

“As part of the partnership, the community will benefit from shared spaces, while students across various disciplines including architecture, visual communication, business, and tourism courses will have the opportunity to undertake Career-Ready Placements,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“The students will have the opportunity to learn while shadowing staff through all aspects of gallery operations. Students can learn about exhibitions, while business students will understand more about retail and commercial activities.  

“The gallery will benefit from the University’s academic expertise and resources, while building relationships with students who bring fresh ideas and perspectives to foster growth with new audiences. 

“It is a partnership that will ultimately enrich our city’s future cultural and academic landscape.”

A First Nations cadetship has also been established to provide career ready opportunities in Cultural stewardship in the arts.

University of Newcastle’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, welcomed the four-year agreement with Newcastle Art Gallery, acknowledging the shared interests and goals of both institutions.

“Newcastle Art Gallery and the University of Newcastle share a common commitment to cultivating creativity and innovation in the region,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“This special, collaborative partnership will help us to deliver real-world, professional experience to equip our students with career-ready skills, which we believe is key to their future success.

“The students will not only graduate with a degree but will take away real-life experience from working with the gallery. They will have the opportunity to build connections with the knowledgeable team which will help them find a career they love in the future.

“We are proud to be one of the first institutions in Australia to embed this type of Career-Ready Placements within all undergraduate degree programs and are fortunate to have a network of supportive organisations and businesses like Newcastle Art Gallery that are equally passionate about providing our students with real-world experience.” 

In addition to the students’ professional placements, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton, OAM, said both institutions would enjoy many shared benefits.

“We look forward to the educational and creative opportunities that this partnership will bring,” Ms Morton said.

“We envision future collaborations across complementary exhibits, research and parallel programming, as well as the opportunity to learn from each other.”

Newcastle Art Gallery was Australia’s first purpose-built regional gallery. It has been at the heart of the city’s rich cultural heritage for over 40 years and is home to one of the most significant art collection in regional Australia.

University of Newcastle’s University Galleries Art Curator, Gillean Shaw echoed Lauretta’s sentiment.

“Our art galleries are renowned for contemporary exhibitions and our Watt Space city gallery is the longest-running student gallery in Australia. This partnership will allow us to work together to create more opportunities for our students and our shared communities to experience artistic diversity and extraordinary creativity.” 

Food for the body and the mind will be on the menu at Blackbutt Reserve as part of a $3 million community-focused project set to get underway next month.

Featuring a new cafe and environmental education space, the multipurpose community facility will provide an enhanced experience for the more than 150,000 people who visit City of Newcastle’s (CN) 182-hectare nature reserve each year.

Kingston Building director Matt Howard, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, CN Assistant Project Manager Rachael Evans, Councillor Margaret Wood, Blackbutt and Natural Areas Manager Andrew Staniland at Blackbutt ReserveConstruction will begin in March and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, after Councillors voted last night to accept a tender for the project.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will complement Blackbutt Reserve’s existing attractions, offering a new space to gather and dine whilst taking in the tranquil natural surroundings and animal experiences.

“As the green heart of our city, Blackbutt Reserve welcomes countless locals and visitors each year who take advantage of the picturesque walking trails, unique native wildlife exhibits and family-friendly playgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The construction of this multipurpose community facility and cafe will improve an already popular attraction and offer a space for all members of our community to relax and enjoy the surroundings, with an accessible design catering for people with diverse mobility and other sensory needs.

“This project will deliver one of the final stages of our $10 million investment to deliver the Carnley Avenue Recreation Area Masterplan from the Blackbutt Plan of Management, that I developed more than a decade ago with the community after fighting to save this wonderful community asset.”

An artist’s impression of the new Blackbutt Reserve cafe and community facilityThe facility will replace the existing temporary kiosk and will include a cafe with an undercover dining and seating area, as well as a multipurpose space where community and school groups can gather, hold events or learn about the environment.

Cr Nelmes said Council is continuing to deliver quality facilities, with new and redeveloped dining destinations currently in the pipeline as part of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery, the Bathers Way project at South Newcastle Beach and the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.

A new operator is also being sought for the café at Lambton Park, which will undergo a major renovation, while the refurbished kiosk at Dixon Park Beach has been incredibly popular since it reopened in 2022.

“By investing in these projects, we will continue to make our recreational and cultural facilities welcoming places for both locals and visitors, while also helping to support new jobs and opportunities for hospitality operators in our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

The cafe and multipurpose community facility have been partially funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions grant program.

With work on the lower promenade at South Newcastle Beach now complete, specialist contractors have today begun final work to stabilise a section of the cliff face located to the south of the Bathers Way upgrade.

The area is known by the Awabakal name Yirannali, which means “a place of falling rocks”, and is a key point of interest on the Newcastle Coastal Geotrail given the fracturing of layers of coal and sandstone unique to this location.

City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said this work is an important step before re-opening the nearby pathway to the community.

“We anticipate that we will see a significant increase in foot traffic compared to historic levels when we open the lower promenade and re-establish the connection from Newcastle Beach up to King Edward Park,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“While the work on the lower promenade is now complete, the contractor working on the cliff face has requested it remain closed to pedestrians while they complete the cliff stabilisation work.

“The area has a history of rockfall, I’m sure many people remember the large rock that fell in 2002.

“Public safety is our highest priority so it’s important that we reduce any risk to the community.”

The work involves installation of a series of rock bolts, while specialised machinery will be used to seal areas of soft rock to reinforce the cliff face.

“We anticipate some short periods of disruption to the flow of traffic and pedestrians along Watt Street in March due to crane movements when the sealing works take place, but much of the work is undertaken using hand tools with workers abseiling from the top of the cliff line,” Mr Dudgeon said.

The specialist contractor will work in close collaboration with Daracon who are working to complete the construction of the Bathers Way upgrade after the original contractor Lloyd Group entered voluntary administration in March last year.

The Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach upgrade features a shared path from Shortland Esplanade to King Edward Park, improvements to parking, landscaping, lighting and accessibility, the installation of fitness equipment, shade, seating and viewing areas, as well as a new café/kiosk and accessible amenities.

The project also includes a $1.6 million upgrade to the skate park with wheelchair-accessible skate bowl and terrain park, which will complement the advanced-level facilities at Empire Park and provide a unique drawcard to promote ongoing visitation and activation of this area.

The upgrade remains on track for completion in mid-2024.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 27 February 2024 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 February 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Newcastle’s Citizens of the Year and Australia Day 2024 Honours List recipients

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported congratulating 2024 Citizen of the Year, Professor Nathan Bartlett, Young Citizen of the Year, Olivia Hughes, Senior Citizen of the Year, Emeritus Professor Julie Byles and Community Group of the Year, The LIVEFree Project. Congratulations also go to the 15 Novocastrians who received awards in the recent Australia Day 2024 Honours List.

Roads to Recovery and Financial Assistance Grant support

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant program that will strongly support Council in delivering our Annual Works Program and Operational Plan, and will support our work to improve town centres, build new playgrounds, address climate change at the local level, provide beach lifeguards and deliver other important services to our community.

Ordinary business 

Change to 2024 adopted meeting schedule

Council unanimously voted to adopt a change in Council’s 2024 meeting cycle; moving the Council Committee meeting from 19 November to 12 November 2024.

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 November 2023 to 31 January 2024 by the CEO.

December Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – December Quarterly Performance Report and adopted the revised budget.

Newcastle Maritime Museum Society (NMMS) collection storage facility lease 

Council voted to extend leases with Venues NSW and a private rental facility for the storage of the NMMS’s collection and paper-based records and archives for a maximum period of 12 months until 21 March 2025. Council will also extend the current in-kind storage support at various CN sites for other NMMS owned items for a maximum period of two years. Council noted that the NMMS remains responsible for the storage, management, relocation and ongoing care of its collection.

Cancellation of easement – 65 Portside Crescent, Maryville

Council unanimously voted to cancel an existing easement at 65 Portside Crescent, Maryville.

Traise Street, Waratah – kerb realignment and footpath

Council unanimously voted to approve kerb realignment and footpath connections on Traise Street, Waratah.

Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report

Council unanimously voted to table the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for the 2022/2023 financial year and note the 2023/2024 Forward Internal Audit Plan.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2024.

Tender report – Blackbutt Cara Kiosk and Community Facility 

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for construction of a new kiosk and community facility at Carnley Avenue, Blackbutt.

Tender report – Memorial Drive, The Hill – road embankment 

Council voted to accept a tender for the Memorial Drive, The Hill, road embankment.

Newcastle Art Gallery partnership agreement

Council unanimously voted to endorse a partnership agreement between Newcastle Art Gallery and the University of Newcastle for a period of four years, which will provide valuable opportunities for learning and professional development that will enrich the city’s cultural and academic landscape.

Notices of Motion 

Bring the Rugby World Cup to Newcastle 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to the organisers of the Rugby World Cup advocating for Newcastle be considered a Host City for the men’s and women’s events, which will be held in Australia in 2027 and 2029 respectively.

Celebrating 150 years of local government in Wallsend 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion reaffirming its support for the planned large-scale community event in August to commemorate Wallsend’s 150th anniversary as a municipality. Council will seek grant funding support under the NSW Government Vibrant Streets Package Open Streets Program for this event.

Fairness for regional hospital workers 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledges with disappointment the reinstatement of paid parking for staff at John Hunter Hospital came on 1 February. Council questions the NSW Government’s inclusion of JHH in the paid parking program, given the re-introduction of paid parking is for metropolitan hospitals only, and notes how this situation again highlights the inconsistent manner in which the Newcastle Local Government Area is sometimes classified as regional and sometimes metropolitan, and the financial impact of this inconsistency on our community.

Every day, scammers are ripping money out the pockets of hard-working Australians, and the Albanese Government is fighting back.

People across Newcastle have experienced the persistent calls, texts, and social media accounts attempting to scam them out of money.

Today the Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones MP, will visit Newcastle for a community Scams Forum. The forum will be an opportunity for people to learn ways to protect themselves from scams, know what to do if they are targeted by a scam, and hear about the steps the government is taking to crackdown on this crime.  

Australians lost over $3 billion to scams in 2022 alone.

That is why the Government is implementing an ambitious anti-scam agenda to combat scams and protect Australians.

The first phase was standing up the National Anti-Scam Centre in July last year, which was part of an $86.5 million investment to fight scams and online fraud in the May Budget.

This announcement included:

• $58 million for the ACCC to establish the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC)
• $17.6 million for ASIC to bust fake investment websites that promote fake scams
• $10 million for ACMA to establish and enforce an SMS sender ID registry to stop scam texts

The Government’s crackdown on scams has already shown signs of success. In the six months since the NASC was created, reported losses to scams reduced by 29 per cent compared with the same period in 2022. 

By last week, ASIC had taken down 4,220 investment scam websites, with another 540 in the works.  And early data in 2024 shows overall scam losses reported are around 40% lower than the same period in 2023. 

The NASC means that the people of Newcastle can look to a trusted, centralised point within Government for information and education to protect themselves from scams.

It is more important than ever that the Newcastle community is alert to scams and are aware of how to protect themselves.

Member for Newcastle said:

“Our community and local businesses are more protected from scammers than ever before with the establishment of the National Anti-Scams Centre.”

“Every day, scammers are ripping money out the pockets of hard-working Novocatrians. The Government is fighting back.”

“If an offer seems too good to be true or suspicious, it probably is.”

“If you or anyone you know receive a suspicious call, text or email take these steps to protect yourself:

• Stop – take your time before giving money or personal information.
• Think – ask yourself if the message or call could be fake?
• Protect – act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank and report scams to Scamwatch”

City of Newcastle (CN) is developing a plan to guide investment along the Newcastle coast over the next 25 years.  

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will provide clear direction for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of coastal buildings and assets over the short, medium and long term. 

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will provide clear direction for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of a range of structures along the coastline including shade shelters and lifeguard facilities.

The Plan will incorporate a range of structures along the coastline from Stockton to the Merewether Ocean Baths Pavilion, and include lifeguard facilities, surf club pavilions and clubhouses, beach kiosks, shade shelters and amenities, as well as seawalls. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Plan would provide a coordinated approach to maintaining and enhancing the public facilities located alongside Newcastle’s most precious natural asset. 

“We know just how much our community and the millions of visitors that flock to our city each year value our beautiful coastline and the public facilities overlooking it,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“This is why we continue to invest significantly through our Coastal Revitalisation Program, with major infrastructure projects including upgrades to the Merewether Ocean Baths and the refurbishment of Nobbys Surf Pavilion, the ongoing revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, and the delivery of our flagship Bathers Way coastal path. 

“The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will enable City of Newcastle to take a proactive and sustainable approach to identifying and prioritising future works on our coastal assets, to ensure they meet the needs of our community for generations to come. It will also assist us in applying for and securing State and Federal Government co-funding to undertake these important projects.”  

The first stage of the Plan includes assessing the condition of the existing coastal assets, and the development of a ‘user needs analysis’ to better understand the community’s needs and aspirations for them now and into the future.  

This stage is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. 

Proposed short, medium and long-term outcomes for each of the assets will be determined during the second stage of the Plan, which will also be informed by the Extended Stockton and Southern Beaches Coastal Management Programs, which are both currently in development by CN and require certification by the NSW Government. 

Hunter Surf Life Saving President Henry Scruton welcomed the opportunity to engage with City of Newcastle on the importance of these coastal buildings to the community. 

“The development of this Plan acknowledges the significance of these coastal assets to our city, and will help guide investment in surf clubs as an important service and intrinsic part of our coastal community,” Mr Scruton said. 

Cr Nelmes said Newcastle’s coastal areas attracted a wide range of community members and visitors for sport, recreation and work. 

“This Plan will help City of Newcastle explore future funding options with Federal and State Government, and external stakeholders, to help maximise the functionality of our coastal buildings and ensure residents, visitors, our professional lifeguards and surf lifesaving volunteers can continue to make the most of Newcastle’s beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational lifestyle,” Cr Nelmes said. 

Councillor Jenny Barrie also applauded the development of the Plan. 

“This is a great step forward to the important revitalisation of our coastal assets to benefit our surf lifesaving volunteers and the lifestyle of Newcastle’s wider community,” Cr Barrie said.

City of Newcastle (CN) is preparing to revamp a former café site at one of the city’s most popular parks as it seeks expressions of interest from potential new operators.

The Lambton Park building, which was constructed in the 1940s as a baby health centre, will undergo renovations as part of a development application set to be lodged within coming months.

An artist’s impression of the renovated cafe in Lambton Park.

Subject to approval, the project would see the building modernised into an open plan cafe complete with bi-fold doors onto a new rear deck extension, which will provide accessible ramp access for parents with prams and people with mobility issues.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the café redevelopment would continue CN’s ongoing investment in the Lambton Park precinct.

“City of Newcastle is committed to creating enriched neighbourhoods with accessible spaces that nurture connected, inclusive communities,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“The café redevelopment follows on from significant upgrades at the Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre, and the extensive renovation of Lambton Library, which delivered modern and accessible facilities while also returning the building’s original heritage character to the front façade. 

“We are continuing to deliver enhanced community spaces and invest in a range of projects to ensure our community has continued opportunities for active living and social connection.”

An artist’s impression of the renovated cafe at Lambton Park, including the proposed rear deck extension and access ramp.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the proposed upgrade would improve the facilities on offer in the popular recreation precinct.

“Lambton Park is a much-loved destination that plays an important role in meeting the recreational and social needs of our local residents,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This café is ideally located next to the children’s playground, with the new rear deck allowing parents to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching their children play on the equipment. Its proximity to the refurbished Lambton Library and nearby tennis courts ensure it will be a valuable addition to what is already on offer in the park precinct.

“This will be the first major adaptive reuse of this historic building since it’s construction more than 80 years ago and I look forward to seeing it well utilised by the community for years to come.”

An expression of interest process, managed by Colliers on behalf of CN, will begin next week to find a suitable operator to lease the café, pending the approval and completion of renovations.

Interest is being sought from potential operators of a one-of-a-kind cafe to be located at the reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery.

An expression of interest process, managed by Commercial Collective on behalf of City of Newcastle, kicked off this week.

The expansion will more than double the Gallery’s size, providing a fitting home to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art, worth more than $126 million.

Alongside the expanded exhibition and education areas, the Gallery will feature a striking cafe space on the northeast corner of the building, with full height glass windows making the most of its unique position overlooking Laman Street and Civic Park.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the expression of interest was an important step towards creating a unique and high-quality destination for the Newcastle community and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will provide a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, which is expected to attract 150,000 visitors per year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In conjunction with the expanded exhibition space, the project will deliver, for the first time in the Gallery’s history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors of this landmark cultural facilities, while also creating a hospitality destination in its own right.”

More information about the Expression of Interest is available via Commercial Collective.

The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

A man will face court for a transmission of child abuse material through social media.

In October 2023, officers attached to Child protection Unit in St George Police Area Command commenced an investigation into an alleged circulation of child abuse material through social media after they seized devices containing child abuse material at an address in Rockdale.

Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to St George Police Area Command, with the assistance of Hunter Valley Police District, and Digital Forensic Unit, arrested a 19-year-old man at an address on Osborn Avenue, Muswellbrook, about 9.40am on 20 February 2024.

Police also seized number of mobile phone devices along with three computers at the scene.

The man was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with two counts of use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday (27 February 2024).