Category: Newcastle News

The 2024 Hunter region Memory Walk & Jog is nearly here with the event taking place on Sunday 12 May at Speers Point Park, Speers Point.

Dementia Australia’s largest fundraising event hopes to attract thousands of people across Australia to help raise more than $2 million in support of people living with dementia. Funds raised at our upcoming event in the Hunter will help advance the work of Dementia Australia which delivers invaluable support, education and resources for people living with dementia, their families and carers. 

Memory Walk & Jog is about being part of the community and feeling supported. We are in this together, which is why participants can walk, jog or run and select from a 2km walk, an 8km walk or jog, or the 8km timed run.

Registrations for the Hunter Memory Walk & Jog are still open and we’d love to see as many people as possible walking, jogging, or running at Speers Point Park. It’s a great day out, raising money and awareness for such an important cause.

City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting Novocastrians to spend time enjoying Newcastle’s natural areas and help improve treasured green spaces by joining forces with Landcare groups and school students to plant more than 15,000 native grasses, shrubs and trees.

Starting at Northcott Park in Shortland, locals today had the chance to connect with nature and become stewards of their environment by planting native species and conducting a survey of Crawchie Creek alongside Landcare volunteers and CN scientists.

Over the next three months, CN and Landcare will host similar events across Newcastle’s western suburbs as part of the Natural Connection program, which aims to improve and expand our urban forest and vegetated creeks.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk join City of Newcastle staff, Landcare volunteers and residents to plant native species at Northcott Park in Shortland.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said one of the goals of this year’s program is to celebrate the work of Landcare volunteers and boost group numbers. 

“City of Newcastle currently supports 15 Landcare groups and we’re looking to expand the program across the city,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“Volunteering can create connections between residents of all ages, fostering a genuine sense of social cohesion and community, by sharing the role of protecting our local environment.

“Planting more than 15,000 plants will extend and improve habitat for threatened species such as the Squirrel Glider, Powerful Owl, and the Freckled Duck.

“Improving our urban forest helps to cool our city, increase the resilience of wildlife corridors, improve soil and water quality, and protect creek banks during major storms. 

“The Natural Connection program aligns with the 10-year Newcastle Environment Strategy, helping to increase community connection with local natural areas and expand our urban forest.”

Following today’s event at Shortland, residents of Wallsend will get an opportunity to make a difference by joining CN staff on 26 May to plant native species and conduct a waterway health survey at Birchgrove Drive Reserve.

On 26 July, primary school students will play their part on Schools National Tree Day by planting native species at Tarro Reserve, as well as learning about bush craft, making cultural connections, and studying waterbugs alongside CN scientists.

Two days later, Novocastrians are invited to Tarro Reserve for a major community event to celebrate National Tree Day. 

Residents will get the chance to plant grasses, shrubs and trees and experience a wetland tour with CN staff, where they’ll learn about the importance of our urban wetlands, their protection, and rehabilitation. 

The day will also feature nature-based play, craft stations and face painting for kids, as well as food and coffee.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 April 2024 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 April 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Hunter Community Alliance Founding Assembly

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes the Hunter Community Alliance (HCA) held its Founding Assembly on 10 April 2024. City of Newcastle commits to working collaboratively with the HCA, particularly regarding climate change adaptation and risk mitigation at a local level, as well as the housing crisis which is being acutely felt in our region. 

Acknowledging and celebrating IDAHOBIT Day

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges and celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day), recognising the importance of promoting inclusivity, respect, and equality for all individuals within our community.

City of Newcastle commits to officially recognising and acknowledging IDAHOBIT Day each year as an important event in our city calendar and showing our support for Newcastle’s LGBTQI+ community. 

Support for the protection of coastal waters from offshore drilling and mining

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted with concern the ongoing threat of offshore drilling and mining off the coast of Newcastle as part of the PEP-11 proposal. City of Newcastle commits to writing to NSW Premier, Minister for Planning and Minister for the Environment in support of the Government’s advocacy and action in respect of this issue. 

IPART’S decision on Port of Newcastle and bypassing freight from residential Newcastle 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that welcomed the recent decision of IPART that the current maximum value of a one-off compensation payment of $13 million can be made by the Port of Newcastle to the State of NSW under the Port of Newcastle Extinguishment of Liability Act 2022. City of Newcastle notes that IPART’s determination finally brings clarification and a pathway towards a potential deep water container terminal at the Port of Newcastle. CN also notes the release of the NSW Government’s Freight Policy Reform Program Consultation Paper and reiterates CN’s previous advocacy in relation to the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, aimed at establishing a future dedicated freight rail line between Fassifern and Hexham, bypassing residential Newcastle.

Ordinary business 

Public exhibition of Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040

Council unanimously voted to place the draft 2024 -2025 Delivering Newcastle 2040, and draft 2024-2025 Fees and Charges, on public exhibition for a period of 28 days prior to the final consideration by Council. 

Adoption of the Georgetown Public Domain and Traffic Plan

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Georgetown Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan. 

Endorsement of motions to the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government

Council voted to endorse 10 motions for submission to the 2024 Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly. 

Advisory Committee Annual Reports

Council received the Advisory Committee Annual Reports for the 2023 calendar year from the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee, Asset Advisory Committee, Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee and Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee.

Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 

Council received the Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2023.

Supplementary report – Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review

Council unanimously voted to adopt the amended Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservations Areas Review Final Report and resolved to commence the planning process to investigate further the findings within the report.

Upper Hunter Shire Council – Memorandum of Understanding

Council unanimously voted to endorse a Memorandum of Understanding with Upper Hunter Shire Council and delegate authority to the Lord Mayor to sign document on its behalf.

Muswellbrook Shire Council – Memorandum of Understanding

Council unanimously voted to endorse a Memorandum of Understanding with Muswellbrook Shire Council and delegate authority to the Lord Mayor to sign document on its behalf.

Minister’s consent application for leasing City of Newcastle managed land 

Council unanimously voted to make applications to the Minister for Local Government seeking consent to grant proposes leases over community land at Shepherds Hill Cottage  and part of the community facility at Townson Oval.

Affixing council seal to deeds of indemnity for Newcastle Airport companies 

Council unanimously voted to enter into and affix Council’s seal to Deeds of Indemnity for recent Directors of Newcastle Airport Pty Limited and Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd as listed in the report. Council voted to obtain a standing resolution to enter into and affix Council’s seal to any future Deeds between Newcastle City Council, Port Stephens Council and officers of Newcastle Airport Pty Limited and Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd on the grounds that they relate to the business of Newcastle City Council.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2024.

Tender report – Foreshore Park amenities building contract number 2024/043T

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the construction of the Foreshore Park Amenities Building.

Notices of Motion 

Creating a community garden in Beresfield

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to investigate a suitable location for a community garden in Beresfield, in consultation with the Beresfield community and in accordance with CN’s community garden policy.

The 25^th anniversary of the State Finals of the Science and Engineering Challenge held at the University of Newcastle

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to write to the organisers of the Science and Engineering Challenge to confirm if they are seeking a sponsorship from the City of Newcastle, and to direct them to the Sponsorship Guidelines, adopted by the current Council in 2023, for further information.

Improving amenity and safety in Hamilton for businesses, employees, residents and visitors to Awaba Park 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to coordinate a multi-cross agency meeting to confirm how agencies can better work together to address homelessness, mental health and alcohol and drug issues in Awaba Park, as well as reduce anti-social behaviour occurring in some parts of Hamilton. 

Council will investigate the cost of signage in Awaba Park to prevent illegal dumping from donations that are not suitable due to inclement weather and do not meet best practice high quality food standards. 

Council will write to the NSW Government and relevant local MPs seeking funding to source additional urgent crises accommodation, as well as an increase in police resourcing in Newcastle, and additional CCTV cameras that are facing onto Awaba Park.

Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty endorsement

Council supported an amended notice of motion to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and call on the Federal Government to also endorse the Treaty.

Establishing a permanent pathway for work experience 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to create a page on the corporate website that documents the many learning opportunities provided for young people at CN including work experience and how they can make an application. 

City of Newcastle plans to deliver a significant upgrade to improve pedestrian and cycling accessibility, create a safer environment, provide green space and improve amenity for residents and businesses in Georgetown.

Councillors voted tonight to unanimously approve the proposed public domain plan, which will see millions invested into Georgetown’s neighbourhood shopping precinct. 

An artist’s impression of the revitalised Georgetown Local Centre.

Traffic calming and safety improvement works will kick off in the coming months, with the remainder of the project to provide a new landscaped pedestrian plaza, improved footpaths, upgraded street furniture and lighting, as well as more street trees and landscaping.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it’s a great outcome for Georgetown, with the plan delivering outcomes highlighted during the recent community feedback.

“Georgetown is rapidly growing with new residential developments that include ground floor commercial opportunities, which will attract more families and business to the area,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It’s important we get the right mix of growth and local amenity for our residents and implement a design that has increased accessibility and encourages pedestrian usage and cyclist safety.

“Feedback from the community during the public exhibition of these plans indicated a strong desire to improve the look and feel of the area, enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity, and increase the number of street trees in the area.

“This upgrade project will meet the needs of the Georgetown community to create a safer, more accessible and attractive environment to visit and enjoy.

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

The early works will support the existing 40km/h zone, with new pedestrian refuges to be installed to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to safely navigate the area along the busy Georgetown Road.

The major works include a new public plaza at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road, which will create an attractive destination to support the shopping precinct while also facilitating safer cycle access between Asher Street and Parkview Street.

Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Peta Winney-Baartz said the Local Centre program is a great way to improve popular neighbourhood shopping precincts for the local community and visitors.  

“A refreshed space will encourage residents to support local Georgetown businesses, providing improved spaces to shop, dine, and meet with friends,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Our team have worked hard to design and plan improvements to the look and feel of the area that also support a busy suburb, with safer vehicle movements alongside improvements to pedestrian safety.

“There will be community updates provided to businesses and the community to keep them informed as we progress through the upgrades. We’ll also invite local residents and businesses to let us know their ideas for the best use and activation ideas for the new public space later in the year.” 

The Georgetown Local Centre upgrade is part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to developing vibrant, safe and active public places. 

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to read more about the project.

A woman will face court tomorrow charged with drug supply in the state’s north.

In February 2024, Hunter Valley Police District detectives established Strike Force Smollett to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in Muswellbrook.

About 11:30am today (Tuesday 23 April 2024), police searched a home on Virginia Street, Denman, suspected of being used in drug supply.

Police allegedly located a quantity of drugs and mobile phones in the home and arrested a 36-year-old woman.

She was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with:

• Supply prohibited drug > indictable and < commercial quantity;
• Supply prohibited drug > = large commercial quantity
• Possess prohibited drug

She was refused bail to appear before Singleton Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 24 April 2024).

City of Newcastle (CN) is helping to create a new generation of waste warriors, hosting a hands-on event at Newcastle Museum today as part of global environmental initiative, Earth Day.

The annual awareness day, dubbed the largest civic event on Earth, activates one billion people around the world to advocate for the health of the planet.

City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, artist Ken O’Regan and Councillor Carol Duncan with Ken’s work Fractured Sanctuary as part of Earth Day at Newcastle MuseumNovocastrians of all ages turned out in force for the free event at the Museum, which featured a range of fun and educational activities based around the global theme for 2024 – Planet vs Plastics.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN is committed to continuing its decades-long action and advocacy to protect and improve our environment.

“It takes collective action, commitment, and leadership to safeguard the environment for the future,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As a leader in this space, City of Newcastle is making change through its Climate Action Plan, Sustainable Waste Strategy and Newcastle Environment Plan.

“These strategies provide a roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle through the priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Carol Duncan said CN was committed to championing innovation and delivering free, educational opportunities for the community.

“Every year, Australians send more than 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste to landfill, while globally, at least 14 million tons of plastic ends up in our oceans annually,” Cr Duncan said.

“Events such as Earth Day at Newcastle Museum allow us to connect local actions with global outcomes, sparking conversations about the impact of plastics in our local and global communities to inspire a vibrant future.”

Highlights of today’s event included a recycled plastic art-making workshop with local artist, Ken O’Regan, inspired by his work Fractured Sanctuary, which is currently on display in the Museum’s Earthball Gallery.

O’Regan used discarded everyday plastic items to create an illuminated display inspired by the rose windows of mediaeval cathedrals, the leadlight of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and the neon signage of modern commercial life. 

Children’s author Deb Kelly was on hand to read from her book Little Horses, which was inspired by the success of the local Seahorse Hotel Project to create habitat for the endangered White’s Seahorse off the coast of Port Stephens and Newcastle.

CN’s Waste Services team presented activities about the lifecycle of plastics, while visitors also enjoyed the Museum’s popular science shows, craft activities and a special screening of the award-winning documentary, A Plastic Ocean, which documents the global effects of plastic pollution and highlights innovative solutions to create a cleaner ocean.

City of Newcastle (CN) has delivered a school holiday boost for children across Newcastle, with four new or upgraded playgrounds now open as part of the annual playground replacement program.

The community helped officially open a new play space at Adamstown Park today, which was relocated and expanded as part of CN’s $600,000 investment into the four playground projects.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz join excited locals to officially open the new Adamstown Park playground.Popular recreational areas at Rawson Park in Stockton and Waratah’s Coolamin Reserve also received new equipment, while Islington Park’s playground was upgraded with new rubber softfall and a fresh coat of colour.

Additionally, work is progressing at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park where a significant new $3 million playspace is being delivered as part of the park’s Masterplan, with the project expected to be completed in October.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN is committed to delivering enriched neighbourhoods with spaces that bring people together for active living and social connection.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why it is vital we continue to deliver our playground replacement program and other recreation projects to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access quality facilities now and into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As part of our commitment to undertake a staged implementation of the newly adopted Adamstown Park Masterplan, the Adamstown playground was relocated, upgraded and expanded, activating the green space.”

Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said it’s not just children who’ll benefit from the new playground.

“We’re catering for the recreation needs of teenagers and adults who visit this area of Adamstown Park, with a new basketball court expected to be completed in the coming weeks,” Cr Duncan said.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said this is another example of CN providing facilities that are safe, engaging and support the community’s wellbeing.

“New accessible pathways have been created to link the Adamstown playground with Glebe Road, while a sheltered picnic table offers visitors and locals seating and shade,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

CN has invested more than $10 million into projects over the past five years as part of its commitment to delivering enhanced and accessible recreational opportunities for the community, with more than 116 playgrounds located across the local government area.

City of Newcastle (CN) continues to raise the bar in urban planning and design, working with an independent panel of experts to evaluate and critique more than $1.5 billion in developments during the past year. 

CN’s Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) convened for 13 meetings throughout 2023, offering guidance to CN staff and applicants on 48 development proposals as well as providing input on strategic projects including the Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023. 

A render of One National Park Street, Newcastle West

The projects are included in UDRP’s 2023 Annual Report, released ahead of next week’s Council meeting, which highlights a range of major developments, development proposals and design competitions in Newcastle.

Significant development proposals considered by the URDP in 2023 include GWH’s $71 million twin-tower luxury apartment complex, ‘ONE’, on National Park Street in Newcastle West, and Altim Property’s $12 million customised commercial space, ‘Arbour’, also in Newcastle West. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said the URDP provides an invaluable contribution to planning and design in Newcastle.

“The Urban Design Review Panel generously share their extensive industry experience and expertise with applicants and design teams,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle’s design panel has origins back in the 1980s when it was initially formed as the Urban Design Consultative Group.  

“Since the panel’s inception, its members’ combined knowledge and guidance has continued to enhance our understanding of quality design; setting positive benchmarks for future development projects in and around the city.”

Panel Chair Dr Philip Pollard, who also acts as CN’s Jury Representative for planning and design competitions held throughout the year, said the UDRP continues to look for ways to take urban design excellence in Newcastle to the next level.

“While interest rates and a shortage of medium to large building contractors have applied pressure to developments, the City has continued to see a high level of interest from the industry, with the number of larger developments continuing to provide new residences, commercial spaces and other facilities. Design competitions have also produced some excellent proposals that set a high standard,” Dr Pollard said.

“In addition to the major developments we reviewed over the last 12 months, the UDRP has considered a range of smaller projects with relatively modest budgets. These developments contribute greatly to the character of the city and provide a variety of accommodation, from co-living to smaller medium density developments, to individual dwellings and an early learning centre.

“Good design benefits the whole community and need not be the most expensive option.”

The current panel was appointed in 2021 and comprises a specialist group of design professionals with extensive industry experience across a diverse range of fields including architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, sustainability, heritage, and safer by design.

CN is now seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for new members to join the UDRP on a three-year fixed contract. EOIs can be lodged via the Tenderlink portal until 30 April, with the new Panel’s term beginning on 1 July.

CN Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, thanked the current members for their time and expertise.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to each member of the UDRP for their invaluable contributions throughout 2023. We appreciate the members for generously sharing their extensive industry experience and expertise with applicants and design teams,” Ms Bisson said.

“The UDRP continues to enhance the City’s understanding of good design, and this has set positive benchmarks for future development.

“I look forward to strengthening this expertise with a new panel of independent design experts, allowing us to continue to achieve excellence in urban design long into the future.”

Almost $140 million will be invested into infrastructure projects across the city as part of a record Budget delivering essential services alongside a modest $4.1 million surplus.

The Council will place its draft 2024-25 Budget and Delivery Program on public exhibition for community feedback next week.  

More than $415 million will be invested across 60 services and more than 280 projects to be delivered across Newcastle during the next financial year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Budget will set a new benchmark for CN’s investment in the local community.

“During the past decade Council has worked incredibly hard to balance the needs and expectations of our growing community with our commitment to making sure we are financially sustainable,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In that time, we have more than doubled our annual infrastructure program as we continue to deliver essential projects and services for the benefit of all Novocastrians.

“In 2024/25 this will see a record $139.5 million earmarked for local facilities and infrastructure projects across Newcastle.

“This includes $14.6 million for roads and footpaths across the city, including $5 million for renewing roads in the western corridor and $7.7 million on stormwater projects and flood planning in areas such as Mayfield East and Darby Street.

“We’re also revitalising our coast, city, and urban centres with $9.9 million for projects such as the East End Public Domain Plan, Hunter Street Mall and local centre upgrades at Orchardtown Road, New Lambton, and Georgetown. 

“These projects are fundamental to building an inclusive, liveable, and sustainable city, and ensuring we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors and investment.”

Other Budget highlights include:

• $21 million to complete the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery
• $14.7 million in improvements to our waste management 
• $11 million on recreation and sports improvements, including the Gregson Park playground at Hamilton
• $6 million on new cycleways and transport projects
• $5 million for Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road, Wallsend road renewal
• $4.5 million on coastal management including Stockton coastline protection work
• $4.1 million on the Memorial Drive Road embankment 
• $2.8 million on improving bushland and watercourses
• $2.4 million on resources and improvements for Libraries, Civic Theatre and City Hall
• $1.3 million on renewable energy projects including climate action and EV charging. 

CEO Jeremy Bath said CN continues to earn respect as an innovative organisation with a strong focus on the future of Newcastle, its economy and environment, and its people. 

“We continue to follow the roadmap provided in our Community Strategic Plan, while delivering key initiatives and actions set out in our Community Engagement Strategy, Newcastle Environment Strategy, and Social Strategy. We are also developing new strategies that will help us manage our growing population, including the Broadmeadow Place Strategy,” Mr Bath said.

“Investing in our community delivers benefits now and into the future, with estimates that our proposed infrastructure program in 2024/25 will create 735 local jobs and increase total economic output in the LGA by up to $305 million.

“Delivering back-to-back-to-back balanced budgets following the pandemic is not an achievement that occurs by accident. Rather it is the result of the commitment and passion of our 1300 staff who have yet again shown that Newcastle is a city that can provide for its citizens without having to take on huge amounts of debt.”

Child protection caseworkers will protest outside the Community Services Centre (CSC) in Edgeworth today (Thursday 18 April) at 12.30pm after management said the site would be closed.

The CSC is where child protection caseworkers support and protect children at risk of harm in the local area.

Last week child protection caseworkers declared the child protection system is now in crisis in New South Wales, and announced the commencement of an industrial campaign to force the NSW government to act to save thousands of at-risk kids from further harm. 

The Public Service Association (PSA) says the month of campaign action will commence with a series of rolling stop-work meetings across the state and escalate as necessary.

Child protection caseworkers are concerned about chronic understaffing and staff burnout.

The announcement the Edgeworth CSC will close has only inflamed the concerns of local child protection caseworkers and expedited their contribution to statewide campaign action.

The action comes after alarming new statistics showed three in four children reported as at risk of harm from October 1, 2022 until September 30 last year received no visit from Department of Communities and Justice caseworkers.

More disturbingly, a recent report found low staffing numbers are believed to be among the reasons for some of the deaths of children in child protection in 2022.

The sector is experiencing an unprecedented attraction and retention crisis with one in four positions unfilled in some regions of the state.

The Department’s own figures show the vacancy rate for child protection caseworkers has increased exponentially in the last year, with the state losing more caseworkers that it is employing.

The child protection caseworkers that are left are relatively inexperienced and coping with the extra workload of colleagues who have left.

One in two child protection caseworkers leave in their first two years of employment with the department.

Premier Chris Minns needs to intervene, said PSA Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright.

“The most vulnerable children in New South Wales are at risk of serious harm, or even worse, because child protection caseworkers are chronically understaffed, exhausted and management just aren’t listening to their concerns,” said Mr Wright.

“But the response to this crisis by the Department of Communities and Justice management is to close offices rather than increase resources.

“PSA members are now concerned that we are at risk in NSW of exposing the very same vulnerable children we are meant to be supporting to even greater harm through a broken system.

“Chris Minns needs to immediately onboard another 500 child protection caseworkers to address the attraction and retention crisis in child protection, otherwise the system will collapse.

“To be fair the current government didn’t create this mess but it’s up to them to fix it.

“These child protection caseworkers are passionate about their work, and they want Novocastrians to know no urgent child protection responses will be impacted, and that skeleton staffing will be maintained at all times during this protest.

“But they feel they have to do something as management just aren’t listening to their concerns,” said Mr Wright.

Child Protection caseworkers will walk off the job and protest outside the Edgeworth CSC (720 Main Road, Edgeworth) today, Thursday the 18th of April at 12.30pm.