Category: Newcastle News

Street parties and festivals could become a more regular fixture in five locations across Newcastle as part of a pilot program designed to create vibrant, activated spaces for the community to enjoy.

City of Newcastle will receive $500,000 from the NSW Government for the Newcastle Street Events Made Simple project to help make it easier and more cost-effective for organisers to deliver free-entry, street-based community events.

View from Nelson Street during the Wallsend 150th celebration

This is part of the NSW Government’s Vibrant Streets Package – Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program, an $8 million program being rolled out by Transport for NSW to 16 Councils across the state.

“When I first came to office and was briefed on the cost of opening a street for an event, I was told it could cost up to $122,000 on each occasion. I couldn’t believe it. We are now fixing this,” NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said.

“We want to make these events cheaper and easier for councils to run, so they can host them more often. These events bring communities together, having fun and supporting local businesses without blowing the family budget.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community events provide significant social, economic and cultural benefits to Newcastle.

“We know from the success of our own events just how important these occasions are for local communities, with the recent Wallsend 150^th celebration involving more than 35 businesses and attracting over 7,500 people to the festivities along Nelson Street,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Local events provide important opportunities for social inclusion and a shared sense of identity as people to come together and connect with other members of their community.

“Events also provide a drawcard for visitors from outside the area, all of which deliver a beneficial flow-on effect for the local businesses from the increased foot traffic and trade during the event, as well as the potential to encourage repeat visitation.

“This funding will allow City of Newcastle to develop a suite of resources to decrease the cost and complexity for organisers to host street-closure events on Darby Street and Laman Street in Cooks Hill, Beaumont Street, Hamilton, Wharf Road, Newcastle and Nelson Street, Wallsend.”

Resources developed under this program will include off-the-shelf traffic management plans and a street-events guide.

The grant will fund the installation of supporting street infrastructure such as onsite power, water, safety barriers and/or bollards to further reduce the costs involved in hiring equipment.

The Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program is part of the NSW Government’s Vibrant Streets Package and is complemented by the Open Streets Program, which will temporarily transform main streets into vibrant and welcoming public event spaces, with over 130 events planned across NSW.

City of Newcastle received $150,000 from the Open Streets program to support the delivery of the recent Wallsend 150^th celebrations in Nelson Street and the upcoming New Annual Festival First Night event in King Street.  

Newcastle will receive unprecedented exposure in 2025 when Surfest is upgraded to become one of the top 16 surfing contests in the world as part of the Challenger Series.

The event was today officially added to the second highest tier on the World Surfing League (WSL) calendar in a move that will see more than 120 of the best up-and-coming surfers on the planet drop-in to Merewether Beach from 1 to 8 June next year.

The announcement follows strong support from City of Newcastle, with Council unanimously backing a Lord Mayoral Minute last month to advocate for the international event, which will be broadcast to an audience of millions.

Surfers Jackson Baker and Philippa Anderson, Surfest founder Warren Smith, WSL President Andrew Stark, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Stephen Crowe from Port of Newcastle and surfer Ryan Callinan at the Challenger Series announcement.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle has a proud history of supporting surfing in the region.

“City of Newcastle has been a sponsor of Surfest for almost 40 years and also helped to attract the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup to the city in 2021,” Cr Nelmes said.

“That event showcased Newcastle to a global audience of more than 10 million people and injected an estimated $15 million into our economy, even without the international tourists who couldn’t attend because of the pandemic.

“Since then, surfing has only grown in popularity. In 2023, the 16 WSL events attracted more than 120 million television viewers globally and social media engagement surpassed 500 million interactions across various platforms.

“Adding Surfest to the Challenger Series for 2025 will provide substantial economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Newcastle and the wider Hunter region.”

Warren Smith said Surfest will become round one of the Challenger Series in 2025, featuring explosive, high-risk surfing.

“The Challenger Series is where surfing dreams are realised and shattered,” Mr Smith said.

“At the end of the six-event series, the top ten male and top five female surfers qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour, so every heat at Merewether Beach will be like a final.

“The series features an incredible mix of young and experienced talent from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut.

“Some of the big names featured on this year’s Challenger Series include Callum Robson, Sally Fitzgibbons and Macy Callaghan, as well as our local contingent of Merewether Surfboard Club members Jackson Baker, Morgan Cibilic and Philippa Anderson.

“I must thank Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and City of Newcastle, the Port of Newcastle and all our event partners for their support.

“I’d also like to thank the WSL, especially WSL APAC President Andrew Stark, for having the confidence in Newcastle to present the Challenger Series event as a part of Surfest 2025.”

Merewether local and world number 13 Ryan Callinan said the Challenger Series is an intense experience.

“I competed on the Challenger Series full time in 2022 and it just made me so motivated to get back to the Championship Tour,” Mr Callinan said.

“I ended up finishing second at the Sydney Surf Pro that year which really set me up for the season.

“Having an event at home is going to provide a massive boost for my clubmates Jackson Baker and Philippa Anderson, as well as my good mate Julian Wilson who’s making his return to competition.”

World Surf League President Andrew Stark said the 2025 version of Surfest will feature the biggest international field the event has hosted since 2020.

“The WSL is extremely excited to see such a historic event like Surfest return to the world stage as a Challenger Series competition in 2025,” Mr Stark said.

“The sport’s biggest names have competed at this event for almost four decades, and the continued success of Surfest is a testament to the passion of the local surf community.

“We can’t wait to see the world’s best come back to Newcastle and battle it out for the Mark Richards Trophy once again.

“We’d like to thank Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the City of Newcastle, as well as the Port of Newcastle, for getting behind this event and bringing international professional surfing back to one of its heartlands.”

CEO Craig Carmody said Port of Newcastle is proud to bring back elite surfing back to Newcastle.

“This iconic Hunter event is synonymous with the city and raising the event to Challenger Series status ensures surfing in Newcastle again reaches a global audience,” Mr Carmody said.

“With diversity and inclusion a strategic pillar in Port of Newcastle’s workforce, the support of this event, that promotes elite competition in both men’s and women’s fields, is in line with the Port’s values, ensuring equal opportunity for all competitors.”

City of Newcastle is providing almost $240,000 to fund activities that will strengthen the community by helping to alleviate food insecurity, create social connections, and support women’s health.

The funding pool received a $100,000 boost thanks to a Lord Mayoral Minute, which was unanimously supported by the elected Council in May to strengthen the Social Inclusion grant program in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

Twenty-four applications will share in the funding, with grants ranging from $2500 up to $20,000.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at City Hall with recipients of City of Newcastle’s Social Inclusion grants.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorship program plays an important role in the community.

“Our Social Inclusion grants often support not-for-profit organisations that become overwhelmed during periods of economic uncertainty,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Those organisations provide vital community services such as outreach programs, assisted community living and pop-up food services.

“Our grants also support activities that strengthen our diverse communities by increasing connection, social inclusion, and access for our most vulnerable citizens.

“This aligns with City of Newcastle’s Social Strategy 2030, which aims to remove barriers to inclusion and equal opportunity, celebrates our social and cultural diversity and strengthens community health and wellbeing.”

A range of the successful applicants are aiming to tackle food insecurity, including Grainery Care, which will increase its capacity to provide a safe place and free meals for people who are struggling with mental health, disabilities, and social isolation.

Reach Newcastle Limited will expand its successful weekday breakfast program to include weekend services in Hamilton, while the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church will upgrade its kitchen, which provides equitable access to healthy, free, nutritious meals. The renovation is expected to help the program increase its capacity from 60 to at least 120 people per week.

Enhancing social wellbeing is at the heart of a successful application by NSW Rugby Union, which will look to emulate the success of a well-established program in Coffs Harbour by starting ‘Rugby in the Park’ in Newcastle, allowing homeless people to make important connections while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.

Hunter Homeless Connect will create a Pay it Forward model for raising funds to provide information for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable members in our community.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities will receive a range of support from City of Newcastle grants through initiatives such as the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot, where Newcastle’s first Community Supporter Group will provide 12 months of practical support to a newly arrived refugee family.

The Shared World Collective will promote the health and well-being of newly settled Afghan refugee women.

Co-Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the City of Newcastle grant will help them launch Shodan Fit: A Health and Well-Being Program for Afghan Women.

“Shodan Fit offers women-only gym memberships and social outdoor fitness activities to support the physical and mental well-being of Afghan refugee women in our community,” Ms Gulbrandsen said.

“Shared World Collective was also able to secure another Social Inclusion grant to deliver intercultural workshops that foster intercultural dialogue and empower CALD women leaders.

“Through creative storytelling, participants will enhance communication, leadership, and peacebuilding skills, while developing intercultural understanding and strengthening their social and professional networks.”

Surfing the Spectrum will provide free learn to surf lessons at Nobbys Beach for neurodivergent individuals, promoting water safety to vulnerable groups in Newcastle, while Curious Legends will use theatre and parkour to improve the social development of high school students who have faced trauma, disability, mental health conditions or social disadvantage.

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Grants and Sponsorships program visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

City of Newcastle will be rolling out the red carpet for a much-anticipated royal visit next year, with global phenomenon SIX The Musical set for a three-week reign at the Civic Theatre.

Since debuting on the West End in 2019, global audiences have been losing their heads for the fast-paced, award-winning production, which tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII as they step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace in the royal box overlooking the stage, where the SIX Queens will make their Newcastle debut in 2025.

The Australian production is currently playing in Melbourne as part of a national tour. SIX will make its first Australian appearance outside of a capital city with an extended run in Newcastle from 10 April, 2025.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said SIX will be the crowning glory for the Civic Theatre’s growing national reputation, providing a cultural, economic and tourism boost to the city. 

“Enjoyed by more than 3.5 million worldwide each year, this spectacular production is a major coup secured by City of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The show is a cultural sensation, with over 32 million views on TikTok alone and a combined streaming figure of over one billion.

“The success of Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show, which both broke box office records at the Civic Theatre, clearly demonstrates the demand for high quality, touring productions.

“There’s no doubt this will continue with SIX The Musical, which will be the hottest ticket in town when it hits the stage in Newcastle next year.

“Major events are a clear economic driver for our city. By attracting such high calibre shows, the Civic Theatre provides a significant drawcard that delivers considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

Tickets for the three-week season will be available to buy later this month, with keen fans encouraged to sign up to the waitlist via civictheatrenewcastle.com.au to secure pre-sale access.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. 

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said they were thrilled to be bringing this innovative and influential musical to Newcastle.

“SIX is truly a global phenomenon and in Australia has enjoyed rapturous acclaim by both critics and audiences alike,” Ms Withers said.

“We are beyond thrilled that SIX will be coming to Newcastle and we look forward to making more fans and breaking more records when we arrive there in 2025!”

SIX has won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.

The musical has garnered international recognition with productions in Australia, Canada, the United States, Europe and South Korea. New productions have also been announced in Singapore, the Philippines and Japan.

SIX will be on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from 10 April to 4 May 2025. Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.

A man missing in the Newcastle area has been located safe and well.

The 27-year-old was last seen on the morning of Monday 5 August 2024 at Calvery Mater Hospital in Waratah. 

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Batemans Bay Police Station were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following inquiries, he was located in the Newcastle area.

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

City of Newcastle is getting ready to welcome children of all ages and abilities to play, learn and connect at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park following a significant playground upgrade.

The final touches are being placed on the inclusive playspace, which is expected to open to the community for the September school holidays. 

Regal Innovations Construction Manager Newcastle Pedro Angeli and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with (rear) Regal Innovations Managing Director Robert Stanton, City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community & Recreation Lynn Duffy, Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson and City of Newcastle Project Manager Tony Ayling in the bush tucker garden and yarning circle at Gregson Park.

Celebrating indigenous traditions, the area will include a bush tucker garden and yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing, in addition to traditional play equipment, a range of accessible and nature-based play options and a fitness station.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering accessible infrastructure for everyday activities, including creating more inclusive play spaces in our parks. 

“We have invested around $14 million into almost 30 playground projects across Newcastle during the past six Budgets as part of our commitment to delivering enhanced and accessible recreational opportunities for the community,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“Construction of this $3.5 million playspace at Gregson Park was identified as a high priority action as part of its adopted Masterplan, with the impending completion signifying an important milestone in delivering our shared vision for this much-loved Hamilton location.

“Gregson Park’s new playspace includes accessible features such as carousels, bridges and pathways, with various pieces of equipment that will be suitable for everyone, including those with limited mobility.

“We’re proud to have worked closely with the community, including First Nations Australians and Hamilton Community Preschool, to design this fantastic multimillion-dollar upgrade at Gregson Park and I can’t wait to welcome everyone back into the space later this month.” 

Regal Innovations Construction Manager Newcastle Pedro Angeli, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson check out progress on the Gregson Park playspace.

Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson said as regular visitors to the popular parkland, the preschool has been a strong advocate of the upgrade.

“When the preschool heard of the new playspace we invited the children to sketch their dream playground, which we then shared with City of Newcastle as inspiration. The submissions led to representatives from the Community and Recreation team visiting our preschool to share with the children and educators how the space could be improved,” Ms Jackson said. 

“The preschoolers have continued to document the progress of the upgrade and have captured it all in a book with the assistance of an educator to share with their families. 

“We have loved being brought along for the journey and are all very eager to utilise the new space and watch the kids play and explore.”

The Gregson Park project supports a key objective in City of Newcastle’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan to create and contribute to liveable and accessible public places, with the project delivering inclusive play features and a design that promotes greater interaction between all children.

The new play space includes equipment for a range of ages and abilities, including a six metre-high climbing tower, trampolines and a balance obstacle course, as well as a softfall mound with slides, rope and rock-climbing elements.

Other features include a seesaw rocker, swing set and sandpit with waterplay feature, along with an accessible carousel and whizzers.

Additional shade, formal and informal seating, and footbridges are also features of the project, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area.

City of Newcastle will invite community members to celebrate the completion and enjoy the new facilities at Gregson Park with a fun, family-friendly opening event in October.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing in the Newcastle area.

Ricky Wilson, aged 27, was last seen on the morning of Monday 5 August 2024 at Calvery Mater Hospital in Waratah.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Batemans Bay Police Station were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition.

Ricky is known to frequent the Jesmond and Newcastle CBD areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A boy missing from the state’s Hunter Region has been located.

The 11-year-old was last seen at Wallsend about 8.50pm yesterday (Saturday 7 September 2024).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following inquires, the boy was located about 1am today (Sunday 8 September 2024) safe and well.

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

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young boy missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Alexander – also known as Alex – Curran, aged 11, was last seen about 8.50pm today (Saturday 7 September 2024) at West Wallsend.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare due to his young age and that he lives with a medical condition.

Alexander is described as Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build and short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing dark blue pyjamas with Dungeons and Dragons logos.

Alexander is known to frequent the West Wallsend area.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Belmont Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.