Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle has welcomed the news that a contract has been awarded to obtain and place 100,000 cubic metres of sand along the Stockton coastline from next month.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes celebrated the milestone with Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP this morning.

“A huge amount of work has been undertaken to get to this point, and this is a very important day for the Stockton community and for City of Newcastle,” said Cr Nelmes.

“Our team has been working alongside the community for a number of years, developing the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program, securing the $21 million commitment from the NSW Government for mass sand nourishment, and now working collaboratively with Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works to see this much needed first round of amenity sand nourishment finally on its way to Stockton.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon also welcomed the announcement.

“I am very pleased to see the Federal Government’s $4.7 million for Stockton Beach is now being put to work,” said Ms Claydon.

“The Stockton community has been waiting a long time for action on this matter. I am delighted to see that sand will finally be deposited on Stockton Beach.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, acknowledged the significance of this first step.

“This 100,000 cubic metres will improve the beach experience for locals and visitors and importantly, provide some protection while investigations are underway into sources for the 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed for mass sand nourishment,” Ms Bisson said.

“It is pleasing to see all three levels of government working together to achieve this fantastic outcome for Stockton.”

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from City of Newcastle.

In addition to the delivery of amenity sand nourishment, the grant funds the studies into possible sources of much larger volumes of sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, as well as the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment – a complex process which has never before been undertaken in NSW.

Further efforts to shield Stockton’s coastline until mass sand nourishment continue with the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall underway, and the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program in the final stages of development ahead of public exhibition next year.

The next iteration of the program steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP, and broadens the geographical area covered to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

Almost one hundred thousand spectators are expected to line Newcastle Harbour to catch a glimpse of thrilling aerial displays and flypasts as part of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023.

City of Newcastle has partnered with the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) to host the one-off event on Saturday 18 November, with a RAAF aircraft flying display at 10am to 12.30pm and again at 1.30pm to 4pm.

Formation and aerial displays will feature heritage and vintage aircraft like the Harvard, Winjeel, Spitfire, Mustang and Canberra in addition to flypasts from F/A-18F, EF/A-18G Super Hornet and the Growler.

City of Newcastle will host free viewing areas at Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton, featuring family-friendly activities to create a festival atmosphere at the free community event.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the spectacular community event was not to be missed, offering something for both die-hard aviation enthusiasts and families looking for a fun weekend out.

“City of Newcastle is proud to partner with the RAAF to deliver the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle’s spectacular coastline will be on display for tens of thousands of visitors to see all the action over Newcastle Harbour, Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton.

“Attracting major events of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“Newcastle continues to shine as a destination and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to both air displays on Saturday 18 November and showcasing the diversity of what our city has to offer including its rich heritage, natural scenery and vibrant cultural scene.”

A Park and Ride facility will operate from McDonald Jones Stadium with parking available at Stockton located within an easy walk to prime vantage points.

“We encourage spectators to make the most of public transport options available to ease traffic congestion with the crowd numbers we are anticipating,” Cr Nelmes added.

A ticketed premium viewing area at Fort Scratchley will provide access to the only licenced viewing site for both air shows, with a variety of food and beverage options available to purchase. Tickets are on sale now and are restricted to patrons 18+.

Tickets to the RAAF Open Day at Williamtown on Sunday 19 November will go on sale on 1 October.

For more information about the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023, 18 to 19 November 2023, visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au/air-show-2023 or www.airforce.gov.au/news-and-events/newcastle-williamtown-air-show-2023

A captivating contemporary circus performance inside the iconic Christ Church Cathedral will provide a spectacular start to City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural festival when New Annual officially kicks off today.

Promising 10 days of unforgettable experiences across the city centre, New Annual will deliver a diverse program of dance, circus, visual art, music, and theatre by local and nationally renowned artists.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said locals and visitors should expect the unexpected as New Annual transforms Newcastle into a hub of arts and culture from 22 September until 1 October.

“New Annual will surprise and delight audiences as it uncovers a new side of Newcastle and its creative community while also providing a platform for national artists to showcase their work in the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Festivalgoers will discover new performance spaces this year, while familiar landscapes such as Civic Park and Museum Park will be transformed by large-scale installations and pop-up stages.

“There is so much to see and do throughout the city during the 10-day festival period, with free, ticketed and family-friendly events allowing everyone to experience the festival atmosphere of our flagship event.”

World-renowned Circa Contemporary Circus will get New Annual off to a flying start tonight and Saturday night with awe-inspiring feats of physical daring.

“It’s a great pleasure to be performing Circa’s What Will Have Been as part of New Annual,” Circa’s Associate Director Ben Knapton said.

“It’s particularly special to be able to perform in the stunning surrounds of the Christ Church Cathedral – no doubt this location will create a very special event for audiences.”

Spectacular aerial manoeuvres will also be a feature of the decadent cabaret-style show taking over Civic Park throughout New Annual as the Spiegeltent returns with Blanc de Blanc Encore, while Newcastle’s Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub will transform the fifth floor of a car park into a performance space with radical new dance work, Rhapsody. Both shows have their opening performances tonight.

The festival will also feature a striking exhibition by internationally renowned South Sudanese photographer Atong Atem, which will be activated by a series of fashion, music, discussion, and storytelling events to celebrate African culture including a late-night dance party CLUB SURAT, which will be held at Newcastle City Hall tonight.

Newcastle’s Civic Theatre will host a dynamic range of performances and events throughout New Annual, with award-winning pop icon Kate Ceberano taking to the iconic stage tonight accompanied by the George Ellis Orchestra, while the moving production of Good Mourning by Tantrum Youth Arts will be at the Civic Playhouse today and tomorrow.

Popular folk rock five-piece Boy and Bear will also bring their national album tour to the Civic Theatre on Thursday, while the untold inside story of Newcastle rock royalty Silverchair will be shared with the official launch of the memoir Love & Pain by drummer Ben Gillies and bassist Chris Joanou on 30 September.

Other opening weekend highlights will include Ngiarrenumba Burrai (Our Country), which will see Museum Park play host to a program of First Nations dance, workshops and performance that centres Awabakal cultural practice, people and stories.

To check out the full New Annual program, purchase tickets or keep up-to-date with the latest information including wet weather cancellations, visit www.newannual.com

Six teenagers have been charged following an alleged aggravated break and enter, where a man was stabbed, in Merewether.

Shortly before 3am today (Tuesday 19 September 2023), police were called to a home on Coane Street, after reports of a home invasion.

Police will allege in court that a group of six people forced their way into the home before they were confronted by two occupants – a 49-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman – inside the property.

During this argument, both the man and woman were allegedly stabbed before the group ran from the scene.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended a short time later and established a crime scene.

The 49-year-old was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

A 75-year-old woman suffered minor injuries and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Following inquiries, five teenagers – two boys, aged 13 and 14, and three girls, aged 14, 15 and 15 – were arrested nearby before being taken to Newcastle Police Station.

A 15-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence.

A 13-year-old boy was charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence, and breach of bail.

A 15-year-old girl was charged with breach of bail.

All four were refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court tomorrow (Wednesday 20 September 2023).

A 14-year-old girl was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.

She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before a Children’s Court on Monday 9 October 2023.

Following further inquiries by investigators, a sixth teenager, a 14-year-old boy, was arrested at a home in Raymond Terrace, about 11.40am today (Tuesday 19 September 2023).

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence wound, attempted murder, and reckless wounding – in company.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court tomorrow.

More than 200 people from 40 countries were invited to take the pledge of commitment as Australian Citizens alongside family, friends and dignitaries at Civic Theatre this morning.

Hailing from all corners of the globe, from Iraq and Jordan to Chile and Ethiopia, Newcastle’s newest citizens were treated to traditional performances by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group and dancers of Hamilton South and Plattsburg public schools before receiving their citizenship certificates.

Among them was Terez Al Talli and Ghassan Allawi, of New Lambton, their sixteen-year-old daughter Rahaf and twelve-year-old son Fadi.

After fleeing war-torn Syria as refugees in 2018, they spent a year in Iraq, before settling in Newcastle in 2019, with Terez finding work with a security company and her husband driving buses.

Terez described leaving her family’s home country as “very hard” but said they were “very lucky” to reach Australia and become citizens.

“It was not an easy decision to leave Syria, but with the war, we had to leave. We left behind the place where we grew up and our parents and brothers,” she said.

“When we found out we had been accepted for a refugee visa to Australia, honestly we felt like we were flying. We were over the moon!

“We didn’t speak any English when we arrived here, so we learnt through TAFE, but when the pandemic struck, we had to learn English online, which was very difficult.

“Newcastle is such a nice area, we are so happy now. We are from a village called Sedneyah, outside Damascus, not a big city in Syria, so we are really enjoying the beaches here and the good weather.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated Newcastle’s newest Australian Citizens on this special day.

“Today we welcome hundreds of families to our city from all cultures and religious backgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We welcome refugees like the Allawi family from Syria, and new migrants to our city and our country, and demonstrate our compassion and provide them with support.

“Newcastle is proud to be a progressive and inclusive city and we are so thrilled to be welcoming such a culturally diverse group of new citizens today.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the future of the Hunter and its people with the 2023-24 Budget boosting essential services, supporting education, ensuring people get the healthcare they need and building and maintaining roads.

Educating future generations of students is the greatest investment a government can make, that’s why this Budget is investing in teachers, new schools, maintenance and early learning environments.

More than six thousand teachers across the Hunter will receive their biggest pay increase in almost three decades and more than a thousand education staff will be made permanent, giving to workers, families and communities.

Funding for game-changing road projects will get traffic flowing, people moving and deliver critical repairs such as fixing potholes.

Labor’s $86 million regional road upgrade package will benefit people across the Hunter, including residents of Muswellbrook, Singleton, Dungog, Mid Coast, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and Upper Hunter LGAs.

It includes improving the Golden Highway, particularly around Merriwa where the roads are congested and safety improvements along the Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bob’s Farm.

Further, the Minns Labor Government is committed to providing quality and accessible healthcare across the Hunter. Investments in local hospitals will help ensure communities can access their essential services now, and when they need them in the future.

This Budget makes significant progress towards fulfilling our election commitments, including:

• The new Medowie High School

• Planning for Huntlee High School

• Restore John Hunter Hospital shuttle bus from McDonald Jones Stadium

• $3 million to Dungog Council

• $950,000 for a separated cycleway at Islington

$3.6 million for local commitments including:

• $300,000 to support services for vulnerable residents in Port Stephens

• $236,000 for new playgrounds across Lake Macquarie

• $200,000 for youth mental health initiatives and support at Singleton Neighbourhood Centre

• Up to $174,000 to local council for flood lighting at Blacksmiths Oval

• $140,000 to Charlestown Caring Group for a new bus

• $100,000 to Hunter Flood Relief/Cessnock Uniting Church for new homeless facilities

• $100,000 to Early Links, Ashtonfield to support cooking classes for people with a disability

• Investments in local Surf Lifesaving Clubs across Swansea and Newcastle

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“For too long the Hunter has had to fight for its fair share of funding, this Budget prioritises people, services and projects to ensure our great region can thrive now and into the future.

“People are the backbone of the Hunter – from our frontline workers to our teachers and everyone in between. These people are heroes who deserve recognition which they’re finally getting under the Minns Labor Government.”

City of Newcastle (CN) has boosted its annual apprentice and trainee intake for 2024 with 18 roles on offer to help people take their first career steps.

Recruitment has begun for a range of early career positions, with roles available across various sectors including greenkeeping, civil construction, carpentry, heavy vehicle mechanics, information technology, customer service and digital marketing.

Four positions have been targeted towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of our commitment to our Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she looked forward to welcoming even more faces as part of the expanded 2024 cohort, bringing the total number of apprentices, trainees, graduates and undergraduates currently employed with CN to more than 50.

“City of Newcastle is committed to being a diverse, inclusive and culturally welcoming employer of choice and has doubled the number of opportunities on offer this year, compared to last year, to give more people starting out a leg up,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This year, we’ve also increased the number of positions targeted towards individuals who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, aligning with our commitment to bridge the gap in Indigenous employment across the organisation.”

Twenty-six-year-old Shanden Mills is nine months into completing a dual apprenticeship in landscaping and arboriculture as part of CN’s Trainee and Apprentice program, based at its Kotara Nursery.

“I sought out apprenticeship opportunities and the program CN offered really stood out,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying learning new skills like how to use a chainsaw safely from an elevated work platform and eventually conquering my fear of heights.

“I’ve been getting my hands dirty helping to plant, prune and maintain more than 2,000 trees across the LGA as part of our annual tree planting program and working on projects like Orchardtown Road’s Local Centre upgrade.

“CN also offers the option to work a nine-day fortnight, which allows me a day to study and complete my TAFE course work.”

Shanden is learning under the supervision of CN’s City Greening Coordinator Tahn Woolmer, who started out in horticulture as a CN apprentice 21 years ago.

“It’s very rewarding training up-and-coming apprentices over three or four years and then seeing many of them secure a full-time position,” Mr Woolmer said.

“I’d encourage anyone starting out or looking for a career change to consider applying for an apprenticeship or trainee role, as there are plenty of opportunities on offer.”

Successful applicants under the program will begin work on 29 January 2024.

Applications are now open and close on Sunday 24 September 2023.

Visit City of Newcastle’s Employment Opportunities webpage for more information.

Thousands of local primary school students will be better equipped to take a dip this summer thanks to a City of Newcastle program that has been saving lives for more than 50 years.

City of Newcastle lifeguards attended Waratah Public School today to educate more than 300 Kindergarten to Year 6 students in preparation for this year’s swimming season.

The program is based around teaching preventative measures, basic fundamentals of water safety and how to enjoy yourself safely around water.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with temperatures set to soar this week, it is important to ensure the next generation knows how to cool off without getting into hot water.

“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year, but behind the stunning beauty lies the inherent risks they can present,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since 1966, our incredible team of lifeguards and aquatics staff have been utilising their skills and experience to empower children and adults with the knowledge they need to stay safe at our beaches, ocean baths and pools.

“Our free Water Safety Education Program is delivered to over 45 primary schools across Newcastle each year, educating more than 13,000 children about dangerous water conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.”

The program is delivered during winter and spring each year, with CN’s lifeguards committing more than 700 hours during an eight-week period to promote the crucial water safety and drowning prevention messages across the city.

Almost 150,000 students have been engaged in the program during the last decade, with CN taking the program online through a digital presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure no-one missed out on the key water safety messages.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said delivering the program is one of the highlights of their year for many CN lifeguards.

“The delivery of the program is a significant component of CN’s overall approach to water safety, and one of the most significant youth engagement programs we undertake,” Ms Duffy said.

“Our lifeguards are passionate about sharing these life-saving lessons with children across Newcastle, which will help minimise the risk of children getting into dangerous situations and prevent aquatic accidents and drownings.”

A critical incident investigation is underway after a woman died near Newcastle overnight.

Just after 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 14 September 2023), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to a unit complex in Mitchell Street, Stockton, following reports a woman was threatening people with an axe.

On arrival, the 47-year-old woman allegedly threatened responding officers with the axe before barricading herself inside a unit.

A police operation commenced, with assistance from specialist tactical officers, including police negotiators, before police were able to gain entry to the property about 9.45pm

Police used a number of tactical options to take the woman into custody including the use of a Taser.

She was then escorted from the scene to an ambulance, however, her condition deteriorated a short time later, and she was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she later died.

A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from the Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be subject to an independent review.

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

City of Newcastle is moving ahead with the creation of a new inclusive playspace at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park, with the contract for construction now open to tender.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project was identified as a high priority action as part of the adopted Masterplan for the much-loved park.

“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community engagement was undertaken in preparing the Gregson Park Masterplan 2021, with feedback into the concept design for a new playspace and upgraded amenities, and consultation with First Nations Australians to appropriately capture Indigenous elements in the design.

“The construction of this playground will be a significant step in delivering our shared vision for Gregson Park, which will ensure it remains a much-loved and well utilised space now and into the future.”

Alongside a variety of traditional play equipment, the playground will feature a range of accessible, sensory and nature-based play options, with traditional Indigenous elements, including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing and a bush tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants.

Additional shade, a water feature, formal and informal seating, and footbridges will also feature, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area to ensure the park is an inclusive place for all.

Councillor Carol Duncan said it was exciting to see this project move forward, with construction expected to begin early next year.

“Hamilton is a unique, diverse and iconic Newcastle suburb with Gregson Park the green space at its heart,” Cr Duncan said.

“I look forward to seeing work get underway on the reimagined playspace and upgraded amenities, which will enhance the future enjoyment of the park for the next generation.”

Local business owner and Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) Chair Reece Hignell said the new playspace will provide plenty of benefits for the suburb.

“Gregson Park is a popular destination that attracts visitors from Hamilton and the wider Newcastle community,” Mr Hignell said.

“This new playground will provide a drawcard for more families and that will hopefully create increased foot traffic for all of our wonderful businesses in and around Beaumont Street.”

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