Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) has created a buzz at the beginning of Australian Pollinator Week by hosting two fully booked native bee workshops at the Hunter Wetlands Centre.

Run by native bee expert, Dr Tobias Smith, the workshops focused on bee diversity, lifecycles and management, and the process of hive splitting and propagation.

Residents also had access to a free plant giveaway as part of CN’s Natural Connection program, which aims to build community understanding and stewardship of Newcastle’s pollinators and their habitat.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was one of the first councils in Australia to commit to being a pollinator-friendly city.

“These community skill-building events form part of the broader Newcastle Environment Strategy, which was adopted by Council at our October meeting,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As part of the Strategy’s four-year delivery plan, we’re working on nature-based solutions to expand our urban forest and improve vegetation cover for movement of pollinators and other wildlife through connected habitat corridors.”

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said creating awareness of the plight of pollinators is vital for our future, with her notice of motion at April’s Council meeting attracting unanimous support.

“We are excited to kick off Australian Pollinator Week by celebrating the crucial role our thousands of native pollinators play in producing food, increasing biodiversity and protecting human and ecosystem health with two fully booked native bee workshops at the Shortland Wetlands,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Habitat destruction through carbon emissions, pollution, pesticides, urban heat island effects, and impacts of drought, bushfire, flood, and the recent varroa mite incursions have exacerbated declining pollinators in Australia and locally, and City of Newcastle is committed to collaborating with the community to restore pollinator habitats and reconnect broken biodiversity corridors in the city.

“We are proud to host and support a range of events this Australian Pollinator Week where anyone can get involved in the way that best suits them, whether it’s a powerful pollinators webinar with leading entomologists, learning how to create a pollinator-friendly backyard or verge garden, or becoming a ‘citizen scientist’ by taking part in the pollinator census.

“Media coverage has highlighted the situation regarding honeybees, especially after the varroa mite was detected in our region, but in Australia up to 2000 native bee species are also crucial as pollinators of our crops and gardens.”

Plans to enhance the village atmosphere of Georgetown’s neighbourhood shopping precinct have been placed on public exhibition as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program.

A new plaza, wider footpaths, street trees and safety improvements are among the improvements proposed under the draft Public Domain Plan, which has been developed by City of Newcastle following early community consultation.

The upgrade would reinforce the existing 40km/h zone to reduce driver speeds and make it easier for residents to safely navigate the area on foot following installation of new pedestrian refuges, along the busy Georgetown Road.

A new public plaza is also proposed at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road, which would create an attractive destination to support the shopping precinct while also facilitating safe cycle access between Asher Street and Parkview Street.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said upgrading the shopping precinct would attract more people to visit and spend time in Georgetown and would benefit the growing number of young families living in the suburb.

“City of Newcastle is committed to developing vibrant, safe and active public places,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through early consultation with residents and businesses we heard that people love the community and village atmosphere in Georgetown but would like it to be enhanced with improved public spaces.

“The upgrades proposed will benefit both businesses and residents, delivering a safer, more attractive place to visit while presenting an alternative to large shopping centres.

“Introducing more street trees and landscaping throughout the precinct will improve the natural environment as well as the look and feel of the area whilst reducing heat with increased shade.

“A major component of CN’s Local Centres program includes drainage improvements. We will also look to partner with businesses to beautify the local shop fronts through a future Façade Improvement Scheme.”

The George Espresso Bar owner Tegan Rossiter welcomed plans to revitalise and upgrade the neighbourhood shopping precinct.

“It’s going to look awesome. I can’t wait to see more trees and greenery,” Ms Rossiter said.

“Georgetown is already a bustling community hub but an upgrade is going to bring so much more life to the area.”

The community is invited to attend a drop-in session at the corner of Georgetown Road and Asher Street on Saturday 25 November between 8.30am and 10.30am.

The draft Public Domain Plan will go on public exhibition from Friday 10 November until 5pm Friday 8 December 2023 to seek business and community feedback, with a report going back to the elected Council following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information and to access the online survey.

Seats are being snapped up by audiences keen to do the time warp again when the 50^th anniversary tour of The Rocky Horror Show heads to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre.

The classic rock’n’roll musical is proving to be one of the hottest tickets in town, with thousands of bookings being made within days of the Newcastle season going on sale.

The ticket blitz was welcome news for leading British theatre producer Sir Howard Panter of Trafalgar Entertainment, who has returned to Newcastle today with key cast member Stellar Perry, who plays the mischievous Magenta, to give locals a sneak peek of what to expect in January.

Sir Howard Panter said he was delighted to debut The Rocky Horror Show in Newcastle as the first stop on its national tour in 2024.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the first of what will be many new international smash hit theatre productions to the city, and what better way to start the party than with the ultimate rock’n’roll celebration, The Rocky Horror Show,” Sir Panter said.

“Ticket sales have gone gangbusters since we first announced we are bringing The Rocky Horror Show to Newcastle and audiences are in for the time of their lives.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the early ticket sales showed just how much Newcastle audiences appreciated being able to see shows of this calibre at their own iconic Civic Theatre.

“There’s already so much anticipation building across the community for this show, and it’s only just over a week since we first announced it was coming to Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The record-breaking Come From Away season earlier this year showed just how much demand there is for world-class entertainment in Newcastle, and the impact it has on our visitor economy by attracting a large contingent of its audiences from outside of the city.

“As one of the world’s most popular musicals, we expect The Rocky Horror Show will also be a major drawcard show for the city, with Jason Donovan and Myf Warhurst expected to wow fans with their performances as Frank N Furter and the Narrator.”

Sold out in London, Sydney and Melbourne, this 50th Anniversary world tour of The Rocky Horror Show will continue its global celebrations with a new Australian production set to open at Newcastle Civic Theatre from 12 January until 4 February 2024.

The production runs for 120 minutes, including intermission and is recommended for ages 12 and older.

To secure tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

City of Newcastle will host a large-scale community event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wallsend’s municipality in 2024.

The event will be planned in partnership with the Wallsend community and include family-friendly activations throughout the town centre, cultural performances, storytelling and a legacy time capsule to be developed with local schools.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Wallsend’s Indigenous and post-colonial history was unique to the region and the suburb’s emergence as a strong multicultural community was worth celebrating.

“Wallsend’s history stretches back tens of thousands of years and in 1874 was declared a municipality home to many workers and their families of the Wallsend-Newcastle Coal Company,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In recognition of the important role Wallsend’s community has played in our city’s growth and development, City of Newcastle is planning a large-scale celebratory event for the community with a range of free activities for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“The event will be held in August, a time where in recent years thousands of people have descended on the town centre for the popular Winter Fair, activating Wallsend Park and Nelson Street.”

Ward Four Councillors welcomed the event, which will be an opportunity to showcase Wallsend’s history and culture to a broader audience while demonstrating the town centre’s modern vibrancy.

“Wallsend is a unique, dynamic and close-knit community, which has emerged as a multicultural hub attracting many young families to set down their roots in the area,” Cr Deahnna Richardson said.

“Our 150th celebration will be the hallmark event of the year for Wallsend, with rides, music, cultural activities and the opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the suburb’s history,” Cr Callum Pull said.

“City of Newcastle will engage with the community including traditional custodians, schools, businesses, sporting groups, and the heritage association to deliver an event that celebrates Wallsend through time, its present community and leave a legacy through public art and a time capsule for future generations,” Cr Elizabth Adamczyk said.

“We know the community loved the Wallsend Winter Fair delivered through the former business association and while that event has stalled post COVID-19, the 150th celebration will be an opportunity to bring thousands of visitors back to the beautiful Wallsend town centre.” Cr Nelmes said.

The Wallsend 150th celebration will be held on Saturday 17 August 2024 from 1-6pm, with the full program of events to be delivered in consultation with the local community.

The community is invited to help guide future heritage planning as the city continues to undergo significant revitalisation by identifying which streets, buildings and places contribute most to Newcastle’s cultural identity.

City of Newcastle (CN) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its existing Newcastle City Centre and Newcastle East heritage conservation areas (HCA) with the draft report findings to be publicly exhibited, following endorsement by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The report outlines the current planning context, assesses the appropriateness of boundaries, and identifies items that contribute to or detract from each heritage conservation area in the city centre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is essential to review and update the conservation management strategies, policies, and planning framework for these areas to ensure their heritage value is understood and protected for future generations.

“The buildings, streets, and precincts of these two HCAs have experienced significant change brought about by the recent economic revitalisation of Newcastle City Centre,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Recommendations outlined in the report incorporate an analysis of feedback made during early community engagement to better understand what people feel contributes to Newcastle’s heritage significance and cultural identity.

“The review found residents living within the two HCAs generally want to maintain and conserve the special character of these areas. The community also identified several distinct character areas for protection and conservation, particularly in the Newcastle City Centre HCA.”

The methodology used in the report is based on NSW Heritage criteria and is consistent with City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation under its Heritage Strategy and Heritage Policy.

“Following public exhibition, further community and industry feedback will be used to help investigate how and where land use protections for these areas could best be applied for continued revitalisation of the Newcastle City Centre while ensuring our rich and diverse cultural heritage remains protected and conserved,” Cr Nelmes said.

The draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review Report will go on public exhibition from Monday 6 November to seek community and industry feedback, with a report going back to the elected Council following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information.

City of Newcastle is moving ahead with the creation of a new multipurpose community facility and kiosk at Blackbutt Reserve, with the contract for construction to open for tender tomorrow.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project supports the final stage of the Carnley Avenue Recreation Area Masterplan, detailed within the Blackbutt Plan of Management 2012.

“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 wildlife exhibits and family-friendly playgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The construction of this multipurpose facility and kiosk will be a significant step in delivering our shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve, to further enhance the visitor experience and complement the amenity and playground upgrades.

“The new facility will be designed to suit the unique environment at Blackbutt Reserve, and will replace the existing kiosk, which was installed as a temporary facility.

“Construction of the new building and kiosk is expected to begin in early 2024 and be completed by the end of that year.

“This project will ensure the much-loved Blackbutt Reserve continues to create memorable experiences for Novocastrians and visitors now and into the future.”

Alongside a licensed café with an undercover dining and seating area, the multipurpose community facility will feature a community space, enabling groups to gather and collaborate and host events, and for school groups to visit and learn about our environment.

Optimising views over Blackbutt Reserve, the new facility and kiosk will be inclusive and accessible, catering for people with mobility and other sensory impairment issues.

Tender submissions can be made from tomorrow via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle

Experiencing what it’s like for an athlete to watch lights instead of listening for the starter’s gun is just one of the features of Australia’s first major exhibition to explore the importance of sport in Deaf culture.

“More Than Sport – History, Culture and Connection in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities” officially opened at Newcastle City Library today ahead of the 60^th anniversary of the Australian Deaf Games, which will see more than 1000 athletes, officials and visitors converge on Newcastle and Lake Macquarie for the week-long event in January next year.

Curated by Deaf Sports Australia, which is also celebrating its 70^th anniversary in 2024, the accessible exhibition at the Library’s Lovett Gallery will showcase stories from across Australia and around the world through a series of videos, photographs and memorabilia.

Archival footage of Deaf sports, legendary Australian Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes and major tournaments such as the 2005 Melbourne Deaflympics and Australian Deaf Games will be displayed without any accompanying sound to help create a ‘deaf’ atmosphere, with videos featuring people signing in Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Text-based stories will also have QR codes to access an Auslan translation.

Deaf Sports Australia General Manager Phil Harper said competitions in Australia can be traced back as far as 1895, when the Victorian Deaf cricket team faced their South Australian counterparts. The first deaf sports club, the Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club, was established in 1881.

“Sport has been a key motivator for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to connect with one another for more than 140 years,” Mr Harper said.

“The curatorial team that put this exhibition together is comprised of several people from the Deaf community. They’ve developed the content to celebrate our history, our pioneers and champions, as well as the role technology has played in improving our access to sport.”

Australia’s proud history in Deaf sports is highlighted by recognising John Lovett, a giant in Australian and international Deaf sports and through our athletes such as gold medal winning paratriathlete Katie Kelly OAM, dual Commonwealth Games swimmer Cindy-Lu Bailey OAM, the most successful woman in Deaflympics history, as well as skier Andrew Swan, a Deaflympics Winter Games gold medallist and Frank Bartolillo, an Olympian in fencing.

Visitors can view memorabilia from different eras, as well as the John Lovett trophy, which is awarded to the winning state or territory at the Australian Deaf Games.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is proud to help the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community mark a new milestone.

“Newcastle prides itself on being a liveable and inclusive city so we’re delighted to showcase the past, present and future of Deaf sport in Australia,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee said the community-driven exhibition has been developed as a collaboration between City of Newcastle Libraries staff and members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

“I want to encourage Novocastrians to visit the exhibition and also attend an event during the Australian Deaf Games in January, where competitors from all over Australia and Pacific Island nations will utilise 12 venues across our city during this major sporting event,” Cr Wood said.

The “More Than Sport – History, Culture and Connection in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities” exhibition will be on display at the Lovett Gallery until March 2024.

School students will be provided with a workbook as part of an exhibition experience, which features fun activities such as learning more about Auslan.

For more information go to: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/experience/exhibitions

For details about the Australian Deaf Games go to: https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/event/the-2024-australian-deaf-games

Homicide Detectives have charged a second man following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter Region last year.

About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.

State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.

Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.

A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.

Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged 2 and 4, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.

The group allegedly left the scene in a white SUV that was seen travelling on Main Road, Heddon Greta, shortly after the incident.

In February 2023, strike force detectives seized a white 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander from a street in Boolaroo near Newcastle.

One man has already been charged and remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, about 6am today (Thursday 2 November 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant in Cessnock where they arrested a 24-year-old man.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where was charged with murder.

The man was refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court tomorrow (Friday 3 November 2023).

Investigations under Strike Force Roslyn are continuing.

Support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, so nobody struggles alone

The Salvation Army is launching their annual Christmas appeal in the Newcastle & Hunter regions in New South Wales, which will help The Salvos support individuals and families in the local community who are experiencing hardship this Christmas.

The rising cost of living, interest rate and rental price hikes has meant that more people have been turning to The Salvation Army for support, making this year’s Christmas Appeal vitally important. The Salvos are aiming to raise $25 million nationally, so nobody struggles alone this Christmas. 

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvos, and this Christmas we expect the additional stresses of this year will result in more people than ever struggling to afford Christmas for themselves and their families. The Salvation Army are here for you. Whether it is practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling down or lonely this Christmas, reach out to us at The Salvos,” says Andrew Hill, The Salvation Army’s Public Relations Secretary for NSW.

There are many ways that you can partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to our Christmas Appeal. The Salvation Army also host a number of special community celebrations during the festive season.

For more information on how you can support this Christmas, or to find out about local events, please contact your nearest Salvation Army centre in the Newcastle & Hunter areas. You can also visit salvationarmy.org.au. 

During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally: 

• distributed tens of thousands of food hampers to those struggling to make ends meet, 
• received over 250,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without, **
• provided over 132,000 meals, 
• and provided more than 66,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.*

“It is more important than ever to band together as a community and lend a hand to those doing it tough. By believing in our good work and supporting our Christmas Appeal, The Salvation Army can continue providing wraparound services and tailored support and bring much needed hope and help to Newcastle and Hunter families in crisis, ensuring nobody struggles alone this Christmas,” says Andrew Hill.

The Salvation Army also encourages community members looking for affordable Christmas shopping options to consider Salvos Stores. Whether gift-shopping or looking for Christmas decor, there’s always something special to be found. Not only will you save on your Christmas shopping, but 100% of the profits raised support The Salvos community work across the country. It is good for the planet, good for your wallet and good for people in need.

“Most importantly, take time to remember what matters most at Christmas – connection, community, friends, and family. Reach out to people. Spend time with those you care about. And if Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always just down the road. From all of us at The Salvos, we wish you a peace and hope-filled Christmas,” says Andrew Hill.

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.

Homicide Detectives have arrested a second man following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter Region last year.

About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.

State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.

Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.

A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.

Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged 2 and 4, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.

The group allegedly left the scene in a white SUV that was seen travelling on Main Road, Heddon Greta, shortly after the incident.

In February 2023, strike force detectives seized a white 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander from a street in Boolaroo near Newcastle.

One man has already been charged and remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, about 6am today (Thursday 2 November 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant in Cessnock where they arrested a 24-year-old man.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he is expected to be charged with murder. 

Investigations under Strike Force Roslyn continue.