Submarine Discovery Centre opens in Rockingham

The Albanese Government has officially opened the WA Submarine Discovery Centre in Rockingham – a new information hub where the local community can learn about Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program and stay up to date on the delivery of our submarines.

This program will significantly enhance Australia’s ability to defend our country and build our self‑reliance. It will also deliver generational investments for Western Australia where around 10,000 direct jobs will be supported over the next two decades as a result of the Albanese Government’s investments in AUKUS and shipbuilding.

Rockingham has a long and proud connection to the Royal Australian Navy and a shared history dating back over forty years. The local community is central to delivering Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine capability and is already seeing AUKUS in action.

The WA Submarine Discovery Centre, developed by the Australian Submarine Agency, is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to engaging with state and local governments, and the community, including through community information sessions. 

The Centre features interactive exhibits, educational resources on topics including STEM opportunities and WA’s proud submarine history. It will act as a front door for the community to ask questions and a place to host community events on how the program is progressing and a delivering a Future Made in Australia.

Its official opening comes as preparations for the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force‑West next year continue, which will see the United States and the United Kingdom have a rotational presence at HMAS Stirling – supporting Australia to build the capabilities and skills needed to safely and securely own, operate and maintain a fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines from the early 2030s.

The Discovery Centre will be open to the public on Tuesday-Thursday each week. 

It is located at 19 Kent Street, Rockingham and is adjacent to the Gary Holland Community Centre and the Rockingham Tourism Centre.  

For more information visit: https://www.asa.gov.au/submarine-discovery-centre 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“The new Discovery Centre will be a valuable resource for Rockingham – providing a space for locals and visitors to explore what our investments in AUKUS mean for them, and learn about how we are transitioning to this game changing capability.

“Western Australia is already the home of Australia’s submarines, and is now at the forefront of the AUKUS pathway playing a vital role in Australia becoming sovereign ready to own and operate our own fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

“This generational investment in this critical military capability is also an investment in Australian jobs, workforces, and industry, including in Western Australia.”

Member for Brand, Madeleine King:

“AUKUS represents a generational opportunity for Western Australia and for workers and families in Rockingham.

“Rockingham has a long and proud history of supporting the Royal Australian Navy for over 40 years. Since being first commissioned in 1978, Rockingham has warmly welcomed HMAS Stirling into our community, with the City itself granting it Freedom of Entry in 1988, and HMAS Stirling exercising that freedom in 2023, supported by the thousands of local residents that came along to be part of an important tradition. 

“Rockingham will be at the forefront of AUKUS, providing jobs and economic opportunity and playing a central role in the security of Australia.”

Navy recognises Indigenous Development Program graduates

The Royal Australian Navy today celebrated the achievements of its newest graduates from the Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP), marking the end of a powerful journey of growth, challenge and self‑discovery.

At HMAS Cairns, graduates took part in a formal parade and ceremonial march past family, community members and Defence representatives, including Minister for Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh and newly appointed Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Darren Grogan, CSM, RAN.  

The NIDP is a five-month training program designed to equip young First Nations Australians with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to contribute to a stronger and more capable naval workforce.

Aligned with the Government’s Closing the Gap strategy, the program is open to First Nations Australians aged 17 to 35 and provides training in education, fitness, leadership and workplace skills.

The program also includes practical maritime exposure through training in Cairns and cultural immersion activities with local communities.

NIDP runs twice a year and offers a pathway into the Australian Defence Force or broader employment opportunities across Australia.

Graduates complete a TAFE Queensland course equivalent to Year 10 Mathematics and English, creating a foundation for further study or employment.

Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP: 

“The ADF’s most important capability is its people and an adaptable, resilient workforce that draws on a wide range of skills and experience is central to the strength of our Defence force.

“Over 22 weeks, this program is a springboard to success for First Nations Australians, whether that’s in the ADF or by bringing valuable skills back home to their communities.

“Today’s graduating class is a showcase for the opportunities this course opens up, with graduates going onto further training in a range of course from electronic warfare to logistics.

“Congratulations to all today’s graduates and good luck for the future.”

Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Darren Grogan, CSM, RAN.

“The Navy Indigenous Development Program proves that potential is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always. The program delivers lasting benefits for individuals, their communities and Defence.

“These graduates have stepped forward, backed themselves and earned skills that set them up for whatever comes next, in our Navy, broader Defence and beyond.”

More information on the NIDP is at: Navy Indigenous Development Program – ADF Careers

Middle East travel advice

The Australian Government has today lowered travel advice for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from ‘Do Not Travel’ (Level 4) to ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ (Level 3). Some areas within Israel remain ‘Do Not Travel’.

Australia welcomes the agreement between the United States and Iran and continues to encourage all parties to pursue a durable and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Albanese Government’s number one priority will always be the safety and security of Australians.

While the security situation across the Middle East could deteriorate rapidly with little warning, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has assessed current conditions in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE as appropriate to move to Level 3.

Level 3 remains a high threshold. We continue to urge Australians to postpone non-essential travel. ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ also means ‘reconsider your need to transit’. If you need to transit these locations, stay as short a time as possible and eliminate unnecessary activities.

The Department and Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to closely monitor the situation and keeps all Smartraveller travel advisories under review. Advice levels can go back up if conditions deteriorate. Australians should check Smartraveller.gov.au for detailed, up-to-date advice before travelling and subscribe for updates.

We also urge Australians planning to travel to make sure they have travel insurance and to closely read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for what is and isn’t covered. More information on travel insurance can be found here.

DFAT continues to advise ‘Do Not Travel’ to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen, and ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Australians who require consular assistance should contact DFAT’s 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).

Public housing tower demolitions and alleged misconduct towards residents referred to Ombudsman

The Victorian Greens have referred the Allan Labor Government’s public housing tower demolition program to the Ombudsman. 

The Greens are proposing that the Ombudsman investigate the treatment of residents and impact of relocations on residents’ wellbeing, the adequacy of alternative housing offered, the condition of towers awaiting demolition and whether relocation practices are compatible with residents’ human rights. 

The investigation would also specifically examine the impact on older Victorians living in public housing towers earmarked for demolition.

The Greens have made the referral to the Ombudsman and on Wednesday they will push to have the referral made a priority by moving a motion in Parliament. Ombudsman investigations referred directly by the Parliament are required to report within six months. 

The referral follows the Allan Labor Government’s response to the parliamentary inquiry into the redevelopment of Melbourne’s public housing towers where they supported only 4 of the 21 recommendations.

The inquiry found that the Victorian Labor Government engaged in “significant coercive and misleading practices to relocate residents within an arbitrary deadline, causing deep harm to social, emotional and physical wellbeing of the residents.”

The Greens say that if Labor won’t properly examine the consequences of its own decisions, then the Ombudsman should.

It comes as the Greens announce their plan to double the number of public homes and refurbish the existing public housing stock, saying that while Labor wants to tear down public housing in a housing crisis, the Greens want to build more of it. 

Victorian Greens housing spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri:

“Labor wants to tear communities apart and trample on people’s rights. They don’t care what the experts say or what people think. We’ve had to send in the Ombudsman to hold Labor to account before they do irreparable damage.”

“The inquiry heard evidence of residents being pressured to relocate, deceived about their rights and fearful of losing their homes and communities. Those allegations are serious, but Labor’s response shows they haven’t taken them seriously.”

“This project has been a disaster from day one. In a housing crisis, Labor is tearing down good, affordable homes and replacing them with expensive private apartments. 

“Victoria already has the lowest proportion of public housing in the country. We need to be building more public housing.

“The Greens have pledged to double the number of public homes and refurbish the public housing we have so everyone has a safe affordable place to call home.” 

Greens introduce ‘decanting’ laws calling for action for dangerously overflowing police cells

The Victorian Greens are demanding action to address Victoria’s dangerously overcrowded police cells and will today introduce a Bill to cease decanting to Parliament.

Victoria’s remand population has exploded drastically due to Labor’s changes to bail laws which the Greens say have not only been ineffective in improving community safety but have overwhelmed an ill-equipped and unprepared system. 

The Greens say that Labor chose to ignore the evidence and accused them of creating a dangerous and foreseeable crisis. 

Overcrowding in prisons has become so severe that people are being held in police cells and transported between police stations because there is nowhere else to detain them, overriding long-standing legal protections designed to prevent extended stays in police custody.

The Greens’ ‘Better Rights in Police Custody Bill’ would provide a mechanism to safely reduce the time a person can be held in police cells, cease decanting across different police stations, as well as ensuring those in police custody have the same rights to health care and visitors.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has warned that police, corrections and court systems are unprepared to deal with the consequences of the government’s bail laws and the growing number of people being held on remand.

The Victorian Police Association has also warned that it is only a matter of time before someone dies in police custody as a result of overcrowding and prolonged detention in police cells.

The Greens say these warnings are a stark reminder of the circumstances that led to the death in custody of Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Veronica Nelson, which the Coroner described as a “complete, unmitigated disaster”.

The Greens say Labor’s approach is making Victoria less safe and fuelling dangerous conditions that could lead to deaths in custody, and that we should be diverting resources into what actually reduces crime and reoffending. 

Victorian Greens justice spokesperson Katherine Copsey:

“Victorians are less safe because of the choices Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government has made.

“Labor ignored the evidence and ignored the warnings. Instead of investing in the things we know improve community safety, they chose reactionary politics and now we’re facing a dangerous overcrowding crisis in both police cells and prisons.

“Victoria’s prisons are overflowing, people are being warehoused in police cells and even police are warning it is only a matter of time before someone dies.

“Labor created this situation by ramming through harsher bail laws without any plan for the predictable surge in people being locked up.

“We need immediate action to reduce overcrowding and prevent deaths in custody, and we need the government to start investing in the things that actually make communities safer.”

The Greens reject Hanson’s tired islamophobia, racism, transphobia and protection racket for fossil fuel

Responding to Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club address, Leader of the Australian Greens Larissa Waters said:

“Pauline Hanson’s incoherent hatred today offered nothing more than the same tired Islamophobia, transphobia, racism and protection racket for fossil fuels we’ve heard from her for decades.

“Pauline Hanson wants Australians angry, divided and scared of our neighbours. It’s an ugly and racist distraction from her servitude of the same billionaires and corporate superprofits as the major parties.

“One Nation opposes wage increases for workers and opposes a 25% tax on gas exports. One Nation looks after corporate superprofits, not people.

“Attacking multiculturalism and pedalling islamophobia and transphobia won’t fix the housing or cost of living crisis.

“One Nation will not change the system any more than Labor or the Liberals will. 

“Every party in the country except the Greens is bleeding votes to One Nation. The major parties are in decline, and we have an opportunity for real change. But One Nation wants more of the same.

“If people want a fair go in Australia, they need to vote for the only party that puts people ahead of profits: The Greens.

Statement from the Victorian Greens on Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club address

There is absolutely no place for hate and division in Victoria. 

Pauline Hanson and her billionaire-backers want to use Victorians for their own political ambitions and to protect their own profits – but the Greens are here to stand in her way.

Our message to all Victorians, and especially to First Nations, migrant communities, trans communities, refugees and asylum seekers and all people of colour, is this: the Greens are with you.

We won’t let the rhetoric from Pauline Hanson’s address yesterday become the norm in Victoria where our diversity is our strength. 

We also cannot be distracted from why this is happening in the first place. 

One Nation hasn’t come out of nowhere. They are a symptom of the major parties’ failure to listen to people and take action on the housing and cost of living crises, while letting billionaires and big corporations make record profits at the expense of everyday working Victorians.

Labor and the Liberals have ignored people for too long. The system isn’t working for people and people are fed up.

But let’s be clear, One Nation is controlled by, and works for, the same big corporations and vested interests as the major parties. Swapping one corporate-controlled party for another won’t fix anything.

Yesterday proved that One Nation won’t fix anything, they only offer someone to blame. 

One Nation wants to distract us from who caused these problems in the first place: the big corporations and vested interests, and the political parties who help them.

While One Nation wants to divide people, The Greens are bringing people together. 

Every week hundreds of Greens volunteers are out in the community, having conversations, face to face with people, and building collective power ahead of the November election.

The Greens have had a groundswell of new volunteers sign up in just a matter of weeks. 

Fighting back starts with coming together.

Financial sustainability balances Budget to benefit every Novocastrian

City of Newcastle will invest a record $458 million into projects and services across the local government area next year under a Budget driven by community benefits and financial sustainability. 

Councillors unanimously voted Tuesday night to adopt the 2026/27 Budget, which includes more than $128 million to maintain and deliver infrastructure across Newcastle to meet the needs of the growing population.

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said a modest forecast operating surplus of $450,000 in 2026/27 will keep City of Newcastle well positioned to deal with potential unexpected costs as they arise.

“The current environment and growing cost of living pressures are challenging,” Mr Bath said.

“Maintaining an annual surplus in the past has allowed us to react when the community has needed us in situations like Wickham wool sheds fire, the Lambton landslip, and the recent Mayfield fire, without sending us into the red.

“This is a continuation of our responsible financial budgeting over the past decade, with City of Newcastle last year ranked ninth in the state for financial sustainability and the only local council in the top 20 ranked councils in NSW.

“We have a duty to be responsible with ratepayer funds, especially in a challenging economic environment where everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs, and this Budget reflects our commitment to sound financial management and sustainability.” 

City of Newcastle’s Acting Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said this Budget reflects the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided by the community, with 100 submissions received during its recent public exhibition.

“We had a record number of submissions this year, which reinforced the need for us to continue balancing our investment in services and infrastructure with careful financial management,” Mr Moore said.

“Key themes included a desire to see us focus on cost-of-living pressures, the impact of fees and charges on community groups and organisations, and equitable allocation of spending.

“This Budget meets those expectations, from providing everyday benefits in areas such as road renewal, cycleways, and footpaths, and delivering congestion relief for those who travel through our city’s Western Corridor, to continuing the ongoing renewal and maintenance of our assets across the city.

“In setting our fees and charges for the next financial year we’ve reaffirmed our commitments to equity, inclusion and access, with targeted concessions for charities and not-for-profit organisations who use facilities across Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle continues to provide highly subsidised access to Crown Land, with rent capped at $625 per year to enable groups like Surf Life Saving Clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Men’s Sheds and sporting clubs to focus on delivering important services to the community.

Further support is provided through fee reductions at Summerhill Waste Management Centre for charitable organisations while funding will be provided in rates assistance relief for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship.

Council also voted last night for the continuation of the $2 entry fee at its inland pools at Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton, and the implementation of a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. 

The Council will seek to identify how the cost of these subsidised entry fees can be absorbed into the 2026/27 Budget as part of its September quarterly review.

Community and councillors give green light to Climate Action Plan

City of Newcastle will charge towards a goal of net zero emissions by 2030 with a roadmap featuring 77 actions that address the root causes of climate change.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030, ensuring climate action will be considered across all City of Newcastle operations, including maintaining a 100% renewable electricity supply, expanding our battery network, and transitioning our fleet, plant and equipment to electric or low emission alternatives.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said achieving meaningful emission reductions requires rapid, transformative change.

“To achieve net zero emissions in our operations, we’ll need to invest an additional $42 million over the next five years,” Ms Kikken said.

“We’ll be seeking at least 50% of this through state and federal grants, commercial partnerships and other funding mechanisms.

“City of Newcastle has already secured $5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to deliver a battery deployment program, including a 10MWh battery at the Summerhill solar farm, and another 3.8MWh in 11 batteries across our facilities.

“If the Climate Action Plan can be fully implemented, it’s estimated City of Newcastle would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year from 2030 thanks to revenue from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and Battery energy storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.”

“The plan not only outlines City of Newcastle’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2030, but also supports a Newcastle wide transition to net zero by 2040, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“The Climate Action Plan adopts a holistic approach to addressing climate change with a focus on creating flourishing lives for all Novocastrians. Climate action is not only about reducing emissions and managing risks, but also about supporting a healthy, resilient, inclusive and liveable city.”

The plan was developed using economic modelling, scientific research, cost-benefit analysis and extensive community consultation.

“Our community needs to see the Climate Action Plan as credible and deliverable so we’ve made amendments to the plan based on their feedback,” Ms Kikken said.

“A total of 239 submissions were received during public exhibition, with almost 80% agreeing climate action is a high priority, and 83% supportive of nature-based solutions, such as urban greening, tree planting and ecosystem restoration.

“Public feedback showed more than 70% of respondents agreed with the science-based targets contained in the plan.

“City of Newcastle is also conducting a feasibility study for a Community Energy Precinct at the Astra Street landfill site at Sandgate, which was supported by the community.”

The 60-hectare site operated from 1974 to 1995 before City of Newcastle started extensive environmental remediation to safeguard the water quality of surrounding wetlands, increase biodiversity and promote long-term native plant growth.

The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct resonated strongly with respondents as a tangible project that brings together several priorities supported by the community including renewable energy, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart repurposing of underutilised land.

For more information about the adopted Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 visit our website.

Ordinary Council Meeting 16 June

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 16 June. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Acknowledging King’s Birthday 2026 honours recipients

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed acknowledging and congratulating the Novocastrians recognised on the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List and extending congratulations to the many other recipients from across the Hunter Region who were recognised. 

Acknowledging twelve months without Sinéad

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that acknowledged the anniversary of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan’s last Council meeting and the anniversary of her passing on 23 June 2025. 

It highlighted the passion and commitment Sinead brought to her role as a Ward 3 Councillor and the outpouring of support and love for Sinéad over the months following her passing, which showed her deep connection to the Newcastle and wider community.

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Code of Meeting Practice

Council voted unanimously to rescind the previously adopted Code of Meeting Practice, adopt the exhibited 2021 Code of Meeting Practice and adopt a revised schedule for Council and Committee meetings to be held during the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. 

Adoption of the Newcastle Climate Action Plan

Council voted for an amended motion to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026-2030, which is City of Newcastle’s road map to achieving net zero emissions from its operations before 2031 and supporting the transition of the Newcastle Local Government Area to net zero emissions by 2040.

Review of inland swimming pool reduced entry fee trial

Council voted for an alternate motion to adopt an entry fee of $2 at each of the inland pools (Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton) and a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. 

Council resolved to account for the inclusion of the adopted entry fees in the September quarterly review of the 2026/27 Budget (2026/2027 Delivering Newcastle 2040).

Adoption of the Local Streets Plan

Council voted unanimously for an amended motion to endorse the Local Streets Plan 2026-2030, which is a 10-year framework that sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to support the transformation of Newcastle’s local street network in alignment with the community’s key priorities.

Interest on overdue rates and charges

Council voted unanimously to adopt the maximum rate specified by the Minister for Local Government on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. 

All interest is waived for ratepayers who, on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over an agreed period of time.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 and making of the Rates & Charges

Council voted unanimously for an amended motion to adopt 2026/2027 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the 2026/2027 Fees and Charges Register. 

Endorsement of public exhibition for draft planning agreement and explanatory note

Council unanimously endorsed the recommendation to place the draft planning agreement and explanatory note for 347, 357, 365, and 369 Hunter Street, Newcastle, on exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. 

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2026.

Appointment of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee independent member

Council voted unanimously to appoint a new independent member to City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. 

Notices of Motion 

Open and transparent council briefings

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to review City of Newcastle’s Public Voice and Public Briefings policy to confirm it provides for open briefing sessions for Councillors to be delivered through the application of that policy. 

A report will be prepared for Council outlining any recommended amendments to the Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy and a proposed framework for the conduct of workshops and briefings.

City entrance signage and presentation

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion requesting staff review existing city entryway signage, and develop designs for new signage at key entry points to the LGA/city, noting that potential sites for signage have already tentatively been identified by City of Newcastle staff in collaboration with Transport for NSW (TfNSW). 

Staff will also engage with TfNSW to develop designs for improved landscaping and presentation of key main roads in our city.  

Community attitudes towards 30km/h zone in Honeysuckle

Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the NSW Government requesting they undertake community consultation regarding satisfaction with the 30 km/h zone in place from Honeysuckle Drive to Wharf Road, Nobbys Beach. 

Transport for NSW will be asked to brief Councillors on the outcomes of that community consultation.

Men’s Health Week 2026

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to the Australian Men’s Health Foundation to advise on planning and programming options for Men’s Health Week activities, and deliver a community-based program in 2027 at City of Newcastle Libraries for Men’s Health Week. 

Late item

Live sites for Novocastrians to watch the Socceroos in the World Cup

Council supported a notice of motion to request that the Lord Mayor urgently write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Sport and Members for Newcastle & Wallsend asking that the NSW Government include a free, family-friendly site for Newcastle and surrounds to celebrate and cheer on the green and gold, noting that Newcastle has the capacity to host a live site if the NSW Government agrees to offer a site in Newcastle.