An international quest to find a missing photo album, gifted by New South Wales to the British monarchy in 1882, has made its way to Newcastle.
Newcastle City Library is currently hosting The Queen’s Album, a NSW State Archives touring exhibition commemorating 200 years since the birth of Queen Victoria.
The exhibition showcases a selection of 64 images included in a photo album presented to Queen Victoria, depicting scenes of the colony’s landscapes, people and buildings, as well as the industrial development of Newcastle.
Three images showcasing the city’s industrial strength and economic progress around 1880 feature in the display, including views of the railway lines, harbour and Customs House,” City of Newcastle Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said.
“Documents mentioning the gift were rediscovered by the NSW State Archives in 2016, and this exhibition was inspired by the chance discovery last year of plate glass negatives for 48 of the 64 photographs found among the Archive’s 14 million items.”
NSW State Archives Senior Exhibitions Curator Dr Penny Stannard said the exhibition had reignited efforts to find the missing album in a mystery the public has been asked to help solve online and via a #QueensAlbum social media campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“The history of Newcastle as an industrial city was captured in the album, so we’re delighted to be sharing the exhibition with the local community,” she said.
“If we’re really lucky, it may even spark a new clue to the album’s location.
“Our search for this exquisitely presented collection of photographs given to Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in February 1882 has spanned cultural collections in Australia and overseas to no avail, so we’re turning to the public to help locate it.
“Initial research by the NSW State Archives has revealed a design document and a prototype album, but the whereabouts of the final album is currently unknown.”
The Queen’s Album exhibition will remain on display at the library until Saturday 2 November 2019.
Join the public search for the #QueensAlbum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram today and see how this unique exhibition unfolded at https://youtu.be/Q0MyO3xTVIQ.
For more information on The Queen’s Album exhibition and the wider NSW State Archives Collection visit https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/
MORE NSW HOUSEHOLDS TO BENEFIT FROM SOLAR
Up to 3,000 low income households in five areas will be offered a free rooftop solar system and installation worth $4,000 in a NSW Government funded trial that will also shave more than $300 a year off their energy bills.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW Government has committed $15 million to reduce the impact of high energy prices, particularly for vulnerable low-income households.
“We are committed to reducing emissions and acting on climate change, while also ensuring affordable and reliable energy for the people of NSW,” Mr Kean said.
“For low income households the cost of buying and installing a rooftop solar system can be prohibitive, so we’ve set up this trial so more of these homeowners can unlock the savings benefit offered by rooftop solar generation.
“In addition to potential bill savings, the addition of up to 3,000 more rooftop solar systems will add more than 8 megawatts of renewable capacity to help support a clean, affordable and reliable electricity grid.”
The Solar for Low Income Households Trial is available in five regions – Central Coast, North Coast, South Coast, Sydney-South and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven – providing eligible households with a 3 kilowatt rooftop solar system.
Eligible applicants must meet the criteria which includes having their own home in a selected region, having a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, and opting out of the Low Income Household Rebate for 10 years.
“Through the Solar for Low Income Households Trial we will unlock the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy for more homes in NSW.”
Three installers are responsible for supplying and installing the solar systems across the five regions: North Coast – SAE Group; Central Coast, Sydney-South and Illawarra-Shoalhaven – Origin Energy; and South Coast – SolarHub.
More information and advice on how to apply can be found at https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households.
BACK TO BASICS: STUDENTS TO FOCUS ON MATHS, ENGLISH AND SCIENCE
The NSW school curriculum is set for its first major shakeup in over a generation, with a renewed focus on maths, English and science, following the release of the interim curriculum review today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian welcomed the interim curriculum review and said the report’s emphasis on fundamentals aligns with the Government’s commitment to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in life after school.
“The NSW Government strongly supports a back to basics approach,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Students need to have strong foundations in maths, English and science to be prepared for the jobs of the future and for attaining lifelong skills.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the draft curriculum review has indicated ‘significant change’ is required to the NSW curriculum.
“This is the first review of the curriculum to be done in 30 years. It’s a great opportunity for us to reflect on the future of education in NSW and make changes to meet the needs of today’s society,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Students need to be equipped with strong literacy and numeracy foundations to succeed in the 21st Century. We want a curriculum that leaves no student behind while stimulating students who are advancing faster than others.”
In 2018, the NSW Government commissioned Professor Geoff Masters to review the entire school curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Parents, teachers, students and the public can have a say on the Interim Curriculum Review via the NSW Curriculum Review website. Consultation closes on 13 December 2019.
The interim report’s key review areas are:
- Reducing the amount of content in the curriculum so students have time to build in depth subject knowledge and develop the skills needed to apply knowledge in the real world;
- Flexible progression that uses levels of attainment to organise syllabuses so students are recognised and challenged according to where they are on the continuum of learning.
Magic weekend of Masters netball in Tamworth
Netballers from across the state descended on Tamworth over the weekend for the hosting of the 2019 BING LEE Masters State Titles and Netball NSW Social Masters.
After a competition review by Netball NSW last year, it was recommended that the Masters State Titles and Social Masters be played across the same weekend and location.
Unlike the bigger Senior and Junior State Titles, the smaller size of these competitions provide the opportunity for Regional Associations to host them. In 2019 Tamworth Netball Association from the Northern Inland Region, which boasts great indoor and outdoor facilities, was chosen.
Over the course of Saturday and Sunday over 400 players from 43 teams hit the courts, with just under 7,000 goals scored.
Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale said the weekend was a huge success and thanked the local community for its contribution.
“This is the first year we’ve run these events together and it took a huge amount of work by a lot of people, not least the wonderful netball community of Tamworth,” she said.
“What we love about the State Masters and Social Masters is that there are games for everyone. Some people want to play for competition, others just want a bit of fun and this caters for both.
“I would like to congratulate all the players, team managers, coaches, staff and volunteers who came from all over NSW to make the weekend very enjoyable for all.
“Tamworth did an amazing job as hosts and it is really special that we get to bring competitions such as these to regional areas.”
Netball NSW would like to thank BING LEE, naming rights partners of the Masters State Titles, for their continued support of netball at all levels.
2019 Winners & Runners Up – Masters State Titles
Over 35s
Winners: Hastings Valley
Runners Up: Gosford
Best & Fairest Player: Kathleen Taminiau (Glen Innes)
Best Fairest Team: Gunnedah
Over 40s
Winners: Wyong District
Runners Up: Glen Innes
Best & Fairest Player: Debbie Elton (Wyong)
Best & Fairest Team: Wyong District & Glen Innes (joint award)
2019 Winners & Runners Up – Social Masters
Over 35s Social
Gold: Lemon Grove Gurus
Silver: Magic Mixture
Bronze: #HereIfYouNeed
Best & Fairest Player: Kim Elliott (Lemon Grove Gurus)
Best Fairest Team: Westport Warriors
Over 40s Social
Gold: Hills Angels
Silver: Hastings 40s
Bronze: Wauchope Warriors
Best & Fairest Player: Linda Gallen (Coonamble Cougars)
Best & Fairest Team: Mussy Unicorns
Over 35s Competitive
Gold: Wollongong Old Beaches
Silver: Dependz
Bronze: LMFAO
Best & Fairest Player: Kelly Pucillo (Wollongong Old Beaches)
Best Fairest Team: Gunnedah
Over 40s Competitive
Gold: Hot Shots
Silver: Miss Match
Bronze: Gunnedah
Best & Fairest Player: Corrina Johnson (Hot Shots)
Best & Fairest Team: Hot Shots
Labour force figures for September: Employment hits record highs
Labour force figures released today by the ABS underscore the continued strength and resilience of the Australian labour market, with seasonally adjusted employment increasing by 14,700 over the month, to stand at a record high of 12,944,000 in September 2019.
Employment has increased every month for the last three years. This is the greatest number of consecutive monthly increases in employment recorded since the inception of the monthly labour force series in February 1978.
Seasonally adjusted employment is now 311,600 (or 2.5 per cent) higher than it was a year ago and is well above its decade annual average growth rate of 1.8 per cent.
Importantly, seasonally adjusted full-time employment rose strongly in September, by 26,200 to a record high of 8,847,200, and is now 191,700 (or 2.2 per cent) higher than it was a year ago.
Notably, full-time employment comprised 61.5 per cent of total employment growth over the last year.
Part-time employment fell by 11,400 in September but is 119,900 (or 3.0 per cent) higher than it was a year ago.
While the participation rate by 0.1 percentage points to 66.1 per cent in September 2019, it is 0.7 percentage points higher than it was a year ago.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points in September 2019, to 5.2 per cent.
The Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash, welcomed today’s positive jobs figures, which reflect the Government’s prudent economic policy stance.
“Since the Government came to office in September 2013, a total of 1,467,500 jobs have been created, an increase of 12.8 per cent, but the Government will not be resting on its laurels,” Minister Cash said.
“The Morrison Government’s strong Budget position is facilitating a record infrastructure spend, which will help create tens of thousands of jobs across the country, the most significant tax cuts Australia has seen in more than two decades, which is putting an extra $20 billion into Australian taxpayers’ pockets, as well as a plan to create 80,000 apprenticeships.”
While ABS labour force figures can jump around from month to month, today’s data continue to reflect a strong labour market and highlight the success of the Morrison Government’s efforts to stimulate ongoing, sustainable jobs growth, even in the face of significant global and domestic headwinds.
Owner of new City building agrees to release rent details
The owner of the building recently leased by City of Newcastle as its new head office has agreed that the commercial terms can be made public.
The decision reveals that City of Newcastle secured a lease (gross lettable area) that is significantly less than the average price paid for A-grade office accommodation in the CBD.
Spartohori Pty Ltd agreed Wednesday to a written request from Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes to waive its right to commercial confidentiality over the lease.
The annual amount to be paid in rent will now be included on City of Newcastle’s contract register, available at:
www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Council/Our-Responsibilities/Access-to-Information/Contracts-Register
The lease came into effect on 4 September this year, with City of Newcastle securing space within six floors of the new building for 15 years, with a first right of refusal (after the mortgagee) to buy the asset.
The City will pay $276.92/m2 for the gross lettable area plus 63.36% of outgoings for the building, which is significantly less than the average gross A Grade rental in the Newcastle CBD of $500/m2.
City of Newcastle’s rent can only increase by CPI, and even then by no more than 3%. This is 1% lower than the standard lease agreement for A-Grade office accommodation in the CBD.
Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes said she requested the owner of 12 Stewart Avenue to make the lease terms public.
“In 2017 when the elected Council considered the lease, the owner was clear that the terms must be confidential. This is standard business practice noting he was negotiating leases with other parties for the same building.
“Councillors voted in support of the recommendation to relocate the City’s administration centre to 12 Stewart Avenue and to maintain confidentiality on this information on commercial grounds.
“With the owner having now finalised all leases for the building, I considered it a fair and reasonable time for the lease to be publicly available.
“City of Newcastle secured a lease agreement that is significantly less on a per square metre basis than the average lease for A-Grade office accommodation in Newcastle, which is an excellent result for the city,” Cr Nelmes said.
CEO Jeremy Bath said the favourable terms were reflective of the City of Newcastle’s position as the building’s anchor tenant.
“The benefits of consolidating 450 staff previously spread across three buildings and 12 floors into one building and across just six floors, are obvious,” he said.
“There is already noticeably more communication and collaboration occurring, confirming the expected efficiencies of being in the one location. There is an abundance of international research to show that we make better decisions when we collaborate. Council staff are no different.
“An independent business case by CBRE found that ratepayers are at least $13.5 million better off for the relocation. The sale of the Roundhouse building achieves significant savings in building maintenance and avoiding millions of dollars in redeveloping the 43-year-old building.
“The $13.5 million public benefit calculated by CBRE doesn’t include the $16.5 million proceeds from the sale of the Roundhouse Building or the $22 million in interest that will be generated from investing these funds over the next 20 years. Should the elected Council support the sale of the Fredrick Ash Building next year, then this financial benefit to ratepayers will increase even further.
“In recognising the financial benefits of leasing our head office over owning it, City of Newcastle has done what many others locally did years ago. Hunter Water, the Newcastle Herald, ANZ, Telstra, RMS, Coles, Kmart, Big W, David Jones and Woolworths have all recognised that there are significant financial gains from leasing a building rather than owning it.
“The independent business case does not yet include plans to make the ground floor a dual space for customer service as well as the region’s first digital library. This will only enhance the public benefit of the move.”
Representative and spokesperson for Spartohori Gregory Politis said in his emailed response to the Lord Mayor:
“Now that lease arrangements, negotiations and commercial matters have been finalised with all tenants at 12 Stewart Avenue, and in the interest of the public good, I am of the mind that the commercial lease between Spartohori Pty Ltd and the City of Newcastle will no longer need to remain confidential on the grounds of commercial in confidence.
“I therefore agree and permit the lessee to disclose all details pertaining to the above stated lease to the public.
“I appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this commercial matter.”
The total amount to be paid annually is:
Rent – $2.080 million
Outgoings – $482,509
99 car spaces – $272,250
Forecast rental income from the sublease of one floor with 20 car spaces – $500,000.
Net expense – $2.335m
Rent and outgoings for the new office are fully provided for in CN’s 2019/20 budget which was approved by the elected Council in June.
Furry friends flock to city’s new fenced dog park
They say every dog has its day, and that is certainly the case for local pooches who can now roam free in the city’s first fenced dog park.
The new facility at Acacia Avenue Reserve, North Lambton was officially opened today with creatures great and small converging on the park to celebrate.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the unveiling of the dog park is fantastic for our dog-loving city and is the culmination of significant community feedback.
“After a strong response to the development of our Dogs in Open Space Plan, including more than 1,000 community submissions, it was clear that catering for our four-legged friends is extremely important to our city,” he said.
“Delivering a fenced off-leash area for the city came through as one of the major pieces of feedback and we’ve worked since then on identifying the best location in consultation with the community.
“The community’s input has been reflected in the unique way the park has been constructed with special areas for both large and small dogs to play in comfort. I’m thrilled with this space and know it will be a vibrant and popular place for people and their pets to be active and play outside.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the new park was a premier facility for dog owners wanting their pets to enjoy time off-leash and socialising in a contained environment.
“The dog park is encircled by a 1.5 metre-high chain-mesh fence and contains 452 metres of accessible pathway throughout,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The park is now equipped with two shelters and tables, two dog bubblers and dog dispenser bags, ensuring comfort for dogs and their owners.
“A unique and popular feature of the park is the dedicated areas for small and large dogs to enjoy. The 1.5 hectare fenced area is the ultimate space for pet owners to bring their dogs without the worry of them wandering off into traffic.”
The City of Newcastle has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the State with more than 44,300 registered dogs calling the city home.
The existing off-leash area at the reserve’s lower level will be retained providing an overflow from the fenced area.
City of Newcastle rangers were on hand at the opening event to provide free microchipping, dog care packs and information on responsible dog ownership.
$4 MILLION IN FUNDING TO ENSURE EVERYONE CAN PLAY
Four million dollars in funding is available for councils to create inclusive playgrounds for their local communities thanks to the NSW Government.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the funding, which councils match dollar for dollar, comes from the Government’s Everyone Can Play program.
“This government-led initiative is the first award-winning program in Australia dedicated to creating inclusive playgrounds where everyone can play, no matter their age or ability,” Mr Stokes said.
“There are more than 1.3 million people living with a disability in NSW and with an ageing population that is increasingly involved in the daily care of their grandchildren, and it’s important that we create spaces where everyone can play and relax.
“That’s why we’re helping local government to create more safe, accessible and well-designed places for friends and families to play, to exercise and to connect with each other.
“The program is proving to be incredibly popular with mums and dads, grandparents and carers, councils and the community, and most importantly, the kids.”
Wagga Wagga resident Leila Bright and mother of five-year-old Mia and three-year-old Andie said inclusive playspaces allow her eldest daughter a chance to be a kid.
“Other playgrounds are difficult for Mia to get around in with her prosthetic leg but inclusive playspaces like Livvi’s Place mean Mia can make new friends, improve her motor skills and build her confidence,” Ms Bright said.
“With the right design, it’s a place she can be on the same level as all of the other kids.”
This is program is helping the NSW Government deliver on its committment to ensure everyone lives near high quality open spaces.
Councils have until Wednesday, 11 December 2019 to apply for funding.
SYDNEY WINS RIGHTS TO HOST WORLDPRIDE 2023
Sydney has won the rights to host WorldPride 2023, the marquee international LGBTQI pride event.
Minister for Arts Don Harwin said he was incredibly proud that Sydney was selected as the host city, the first destination in the Southern Hemisphere to win.
“I am absolutely delighted that Sydney has been chosen to host this incredible event, which coincides with the 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras Parade and the 50th Anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week,” Mr Harwin said.
“This event will attract thousands of international visitors and put Sydney on the world map as a truly inclusive and united global city.”
“I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras team for presenting the winning bid.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said WorldPride 2023 in Sydney will be an experience like no other.
“I am so excited Sydney will host WorldPride 2023, which according to Deloitte research is expected to attract one million visitors to our Harbour City and has the capacity to generate an economic footprint in excess of $664 million,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney is a truly cosmopolitan city with an amazing harbour, delicious food and beverage, world-class transport and a proud history of celebrating diversity. This global event undoubtedly belongs in Australia’s global city!”
Sydney was selected as the winner by members of InterPride, the international association of pride organisations, at the AGM in Athens overnight.
The inaugural WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000. Cities which have hosted WorldPride since 2000 include Jerusalem, London, Toronto and Madrid.
The NSW Government supported the bid with $192,000 in funding.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE WESTERN SYDNEY METRO TO START NEXT YEAR
Construction will soon begin on the Western Sydney Metro, with seven station locations confirmed today – a project that will slash travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD down to around 20 minutes.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said construction work will begin next year, commencing at the Bays Precinct, to prepare the site for major tunnelling works.
“The Western Sydney Metro will fundamentally change how we get around our city for generations to come, connecting Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD with fast, safe and reliable metro rail,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’ve successfully delivered the North West Metro Line early and $1 billion under budget, the next line from Chatswood to Sydnenham and Bankstown is on track to open in 2024, and now the next Metro project is underway.”
The first works in the Bays Precinct will include site surveys, investigations and early works such as road relocation.
The locations of seven proposed Metro stations have been confirmed at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and the Bays Precinct.
The NSW Government will also fast-track work to investigate the feasibility of building a Metro station in Pyrmont, while also assessing a potential station at Rydalmere. Further work is also underway to determine the location of the new Metro station in the Sydney CBD.
The project team has today started informing affected property owners and tenants. The preference is always to reach a commercial agreement, with compulsory acquisition a last resort.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the project team has been talking to communities along the alignment since 2016. Details of the exact station locations are now available on the Sydney Metro website.
“Western Sydney Metro will more than double the existing rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD and slash travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD to around 20 minutes,” Mr Constance said.
With the T1 Western Line and the T9 Northern Line expected to reach capacity within the next decade, the NSW Government’s commitment to fund this project ensures that tomorrow’s Sydney has the infrastructure it needs to keep moving.
“In addition to becoming the easiest and fastest way to travel between these two cities, the project is also anticipated to create approximately 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs,” Mr Constance said.
At Parramatta, the new Metro station will serve the commercial core of the Parramatta CBD to the north of the existing train station.
Sydney Olympic Park, which is visited by more than 10 million people each year, will also get a second railway station within walking distance of ANZ Stadium in the heart of the growing town centre, reinforcing its status as Australia’s premier events, sporting and entertainment precinct.
The NSW Government has today also announced that it is kicking off a global search for suppliers capable of building more than 50 kilometres of new Metro railway tunnels connecting the two centres – the longest railway tunnels ever built in Australia, in what is expected to be the biggest tunnelling contract awarded in Australian history.
The community will have the opportunity to provide further feedback as part of the statutory planning assessment process, which will be administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Suppliers wishing to express their interest in the procurement of the tunnelling contract for Western Sydney Metro will be able to register their interest on the eTendering website from tomorrow.
Further detail on station locations: www.sydneymetro.info/west