Category: Newcastle News

A police officer – attached to North West Metropolitan region – has been charged following an investigation into alleged domestic violence related offences.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a report of alleged breaches of an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order between Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 10 December 2024.

Following inquiries, police attended a Central Coast home about 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 10 December 2024) and arrested a 39-year-old woman, a senior Constable attached to a command in the North West Metropolitan region.

She was taken to Wyong Police Station where she was charged with two counts of breach AVO.

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Thursday 16 January 2025.

City of Newcastle is leading the way in coastal infrastructure planning by kicking off consultation with the community on its Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, the first of its kind in the state.

The Plan will incorporate a range of structures along the various coastline precincts from Stockton to the Merewether Ocean Baths Pavilion, and include lifeguard facilities, surf club pavilions and clubhouses, beach kiosks, shade shelters and amenities, as well as seawalls. 

It will be guided by Newcastle’s Coastal Management Programs and input from the local community, alongside a comprehensive review of existing facilities, as part of a strategic effort to enhance and maintain the city’s iconic coastal assets.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the community is at the heart of the trailblazing work on the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan.

“We’re leading the way with our work, which will ensure that the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of Newcastle’s coastal buildings is planned and delivered in a sustainable, strategic and considered manner, and benefits the wider community,” Mr Thomson said. 

“If you’ve swam at a local beach or ocean baths, enjoyed coffee and a snack from a beach kiosk, asked a lifeguard in blue for advice, been involved with nippers or other surf lifesaving club activities, then you’ll be no stranger to the importance of the buildings situated along the city’s iconic coastline.

“To inform the development of the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, we recently hosted a series of focus groups with key stakeholders, and now we want to hear from you to help us understand your needs and aspirations for our coastal buildings.

“Community insight is crucial to help inform the new plan, which will provide clear guidance for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of coastal buildings and assets over the short, medium and long term.” 

In addition to the user needs analysis currently underway, a review of existing infrastructure is also being undertaken. 

This important feedback will contribute to a considered framework for future planning, management and prioritisation of infrastructure, balancing the views of users, and considering social, environmental and technical constraints. 

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will also support City of Newcastle to apply for and secure NSW and Federal Government funding for projects that enhance access to our coastal areas.

Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle’s beaches, baths and coastal areas are spectacular precincts that contribute to the wellbeing of our community and attract visitors to our city, and planning for their future will serve the community and visitors now and into the future. 

“We love our coast, and our beaches are a big part of our local culture, which is why we need to proactively plan for coastal infrastructure that supports the needs of our growing community and visitor economy now, and for generations to come,” Cr Barrie said. 

“Located along arguably one of the most incredible coastlines in the country, these buildings and facilities are essential community spaces that bring people together, while also providing a base for vital surf lifesaving services.”

To find out more and have your say visit https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/CBRP

Coastal Management Program

To continue to guide the ongoing management of Newcastle’s coastline and related projects and planning, City of Newcastle is also in the process of developing the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program, which covers the coastline from Nobbys Headland to Glenrock Lagoon, and the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program. 

Coastal Management Programs set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coast, to protect coastal environments, manage the risk of coastal hazards, respect Aboriginal values and uses of the coastline, and ensure all use and development of the coastal environmental occurs in an ecologically sustainable way, while balancing the needs of the community. 

Newcastle Art Gallery will reopen its doors next year in time for City of Newcastle’s flagship arts and culture festival, New Annual, to be held in late September. 

But before the community is invited back into the reimagined space, City of Newcastle will undertake the most complex fit-out and commissioning process of any building project in its history. 

An artist’s impression of the interior of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the next stage of work was critical to meet the exacting international standards required to accommodate world-class works of art. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to be the custodian of one of the nation’s most significant public collections of Australian and international art, which is valued at more than $126 million,” Ms Morton said. 

“But with this honour comes great responsibility as we create a fit-for-purpose home for both our own collection and works of art on loan from across Australia and around the world. 

“We need to get every aspect right, from the international standard humidity and temperature control system, to the global-specification loading dock and quarantine area needed to manage the safe handling of high value works of art, as well as the international standards to display the collection, which includes the top 10 works alone collectively valued at $34million.” 

Work on the project remains on schedule for the planned reopening next year, with the final stages of construction now underway. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said he was looking forward to the completion of the transformational project to ensure the long-term protection, preservation and enjoyment of the city’s most valuable cultural asset. 

“It’s been a tremendously exciting project to design and build. The challenge has been to design a building that is entirely welcoming and inviting to the public but that appropriately secures $126 million in artwork,” Mr Thomson said. 

“I sometimes equate what we are building to that of a bank vault, but with windows on every side, a huge front door, a staff entrance and a loading dock. It’s been a massive challenge but I’m confident that we have got the balance right in terms of designing a building that Novocastrians can be proud of, but that is also capable of safely hosting in the vicinity of $50 million of art on any day of the year. 

“A project of this nature is unique for our city, and has required collaboration, perseverance and passion as we prepare to deliver one of the largest galleries in Australia.  

“Like many complex infrastructure projects, we have had to overcome a range of challenges, including excessive wet weather, underground utilities and important archaeological preservation, and the remediation of historic mine workings which required five-and-a-half Olympic-size swimming pools worth of grout to be pumped beneath the site.  

“We have also navigated the task of combining a new building with the retrofit of an iconic 47-year-old structure, carefully respecting its heritage while ensuring compliance with modern-day requirements and standards. 

“What we are delivering, however, will make a significant contribution to our city, creating jobs and economic investment now, while promising to help drive our visitor economy once it reopens.  

“It’s been fantastic to watch the transformation on site as the roof takes shape and we shift toward the final stages of construction in the coming months, before the fit-out and commissioning are completed.” 

The project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Art Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows. 

It will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street. 

The expanded Art Gallery will provide a significant cultural tourism opportunity and is expected to attract 150,000 visitors per year. 

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted by virtue of an outstanding warrant in Newcastle.

William Rex Morris, also known as Craig Byers, aged 40, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for alleged domestic violence offences.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District are conducting inquiries into his whereabouts.

William is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, thin build, about 170cm tall, black hair with a beard and moustache.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper with a large logo on the front and dark coloured tracksuit pants.

He is known to frequent the Wyong, Swansea, Glendale, Merewether and Bar Beach areas.

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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

City of Newcastle is leading the way in coastal infrastructure planning by kicking off consultation with the community on its Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, the first of its kind in the state.

The Plan will incorporate a range of structures along the various coastline precincts from Stockton to the Merewether Ocean Baths Pavilion, and include lifeguard facilities, surf club pavilions and clubhouses, beach kiosks, shade shelters and amenities, as well as seawalls. 

It will be guided by Newcastle’s Coastal Management Programs and input from the local community, alongside a comprehensive review of existing facilities, as part of a strategic effort to enhance and maintain the city’s iconic coastal assets.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the community is at the heart of the trailblazing work on the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan.

“We’re leading the way with our work, which will ensure that the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of Newcastle’s coastal buildings is planned and delivered in a sustainable, strategic and considered manner, and benefits the wider community,” Mr Thomson said. 

“If you’ve swam at a local beach or ocean baths, enjoyed coffee and a snack from a beach kiosk, asked a lifeguard in blue for advice, been involved with nippers or other surf lifesaving club activities, then you’ll be no stranger to the importance of the buildings situated along the city’s iconic coastline.

“To inform the development of the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, we recently hosted a series of focus groups with key stakeholders, and now we want to hear from you to help us understand your needs and aspirations for our coastal buildings.

“Community insight is crucial to help inform the new plan, which will provide clear guidance for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of coastal buildings and assets over the short, medium and long term.” 

In addition to the user needs analysis currently underway, a review of existing infrastructure is also being undertaken. 

This important feedback will contribute to a considered framework for future planning, management and prioritisation of infrastructure, balancing the views of users, and considering social, environmental and technical constraints. 

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will also support City of Newcastle to apply for and secure NSW and Federal Government funding for projects that enhance access to our coastal areas.

Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle’s beaches, baths and coastal areas are spectacular precincts that contribute to the wellbeing of our community and attract visitors to our city, and planning for their future will serve the community and visitors now and into the future. 

“We love our coast, and our beaches are a big part of our local culture, which is why we need to proactively plan for coastal infrastructure that supports the needs of our growing community and visitor economy now, and for generations to come,” Cr Barrie said. 

“Located along arguably one of the most incredible coastlines in the country, these buildings and facilities are essential community spaces that bring people together, while also providing a base for vital surf lifesaving services.”

To find out more and have your say visit https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/CBRP

Coastal Management Program

To continue to guide the ongoing management of Newcastle’s coastline and related projects and planning, City of Newcastle is also in the process of developing the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program, which covers the coastline from Nobbys Headland to Glenrock Lagoon, and the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program. 

Coastal Management Programs set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coast, to protect coastal environments, manage the risk of coastal hazards, respect Aboriginal values and uses of the coastline, and ensure all use and development of the coastal environmental occurs in an ecologically sustainable way, while balancing the needs of the community. 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Hunter region.

Lynette Usher, aged 79, was last seen on Heron Circuit, Fullerton Cove, 20km north of Newcastle CBD, about 8am yesterday (Friday 6 December 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due her age and her medical condition which requires medication.

Lynette is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build, 165cm-170cm tall, with short grey hair and blue eyes.

She may be travelling in a white Toyota hatchback with NSW registration MU070.

Lynette is known to frequent the Stockton area.

The NSW Government is committed to taking steps to protect the interests of both the opal mining industry and landholders and minimise land conflict.

As part of broader reforms to the opal mining industry, the Minns Labor Government commissioned former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO to undertake an independent review of the industry.

The independent review’s 81 detailed recommendations are currently being considered by a working group, chaired by the NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC.

The working group has held five sessions to date and includes representatives from the opal mining industry, landholders, First Nations representatives and other key stakeholders.

Following a request to provide additional time, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has agreed to extend the working group’s timeline. This will allow their discussions to continue and for them to provide advice on each of the report’s 81 recommendations.

The independent review is the first major report into the industry for more than a decade and follows the discovery that 3,343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs were invalidly issued over eight years.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that any changes to the framework meet the needs of landholders, small-scale miners and the broader community, to allow the co-existence of both farming and small-scale opal mining in NSW. 

A further update will be provided next year once the NSW Government has completed its response.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“I was pleased to meet the working group and hear directly from participants about their key priorities and potential challenges arising from recommendations made by the Independent Review.

“I have heard the feedback from stakeholders about the need to take more time to allow the working group to continue its deliberations as the government considers the recommendations.

“I understand that some stakeholders are eager for a quick resolution. The Government’s priority is to ensure that miners, landholders and community members on the ground are given a full opportunity to inform the government’s response.

“I look forward to visiting Lightning Ridge in the new year to hear more from the community.”

NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“The working group meetings have been productive as we work through the 81 recommendations in the Independent Review.

“It’s crucial we listen to the community in Lightning Ridge and give them the time they need to inform the government’s response to provide certainty for miners and landholders.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP:

“The mining reforms are an opportunity to reduce conflict between landholders and miners and ensure that NSW Resources is adequately equipped to do its job.

“The review process should not be rushed, which is why I wrote to Minister Houssos to request an extension. This will ensure better engagement and greater understanding of the problems and solutions for all stakeholders.

“I thank the Minister for her quick response and commitment to improving outcomes for miners and landholders.”

A new cohort of artists and creatives will get the chance to share the limelight when City of Newcastle’s UpStage at the Playhouse live performance program returns to the Civic Theatre in 2025.

Teen-led theatre company Hyde Entertainment will take to the stage with a hilarious story of unrequited feelings, love notes and high school insecurity, as one of four local productions selected to bring new and adapted works to life at the Playhouse next year.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace, Program and Venues Lead Jordan Campbell, Ticketing and Audience Lead Jo Michel join the artists and creatives who will present the 2025 UpStage at the Playhouse program.Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said the first season of Upstage at the Playhouse was a resounding success.

“Civic Theatre and City of Newcastle are proud to foster and support the wonderful creative talent that exists in our region,” Cr Barrie said.

“UpStage at the Playhouse helps build the capacity and exposure of local artists while enhancing Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural capital.

“Our 2024 season was a huge success, with the four productions selling more than 3000 tickets at the 195-seat Playhouse and being nominated for a total of nine City of Newcastle Dramatic Association Awards.

“I congratulate the local theatre companies and playwrights selected to take part in the program next year and look forward to seeing them present a mix of newly written pieces and adaptations of two classics.”

Founded by 18-year-old Seb Smee, Newcastle theatre company Hyde Entertainment will debut a re-imagining of Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac called Calvin Berger, while award-winning playwright Pip Thoroughgood will breathe new life into a timeless Shakespearean classic in The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him.

A Very Newy Chrissy, a joint production between One For The Road Productions and Insight Acting, is an original work that tells the story of modern families and well-worn traditions, while #This Is Not Journalism, created by playwright Ross Mueller, is a contemporary comedy about truth, news and alternative facts that shows what happens when the story-behind-the-story, becomes the story.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said UpStage at the Playhouse has already made a positive difference to local creatives.

“We’ve had feedback from participants in this year’s program saying the support we’ve offered has made a real difference in staging their new and adapted works, helping them to build and sustain their careers in Newcastle,” Ms Wallace said.

“The four productions have been a huge hit with audiences and attracted a broad demographic of theatregoers, achieving sold out opening nights for each of the productions.”

Each of the new shows will be given a two-week placement in the Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building as the iconic Civic Theatre.

Tickets for UpStage at the Playhouse are now on sale, with The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him to raise the curtain on the 2025 program in March.

For more information visit https://www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au 

The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him | 20 – 29 March
 Written by William Shakespeare, adapted by Pippa Thoroughgood
 Produced by All’s One Theatre
 
Calvin Berger | 4 – 12 July 
 Book, Music and Lyrics by Barry Wyner 
 Orchestration by Doug Besterman
 Original Direction by Kathleen Marshall
 Scene Change Music Arranged by Aron Accurso
 Produced by Hyde Entertainment

 #THIS IS NOT JOURNALISM | 26 September – 4 October
 Written by Ross Mueller
 Produced by Australian Writers Theatre
 
A Very Newy Chrissy | 6 – 15 November
 Written by Nat Newman
 Produced by One for the Road Productions

City of Newcastle has wrapped up a $5 million project to improve the safety and accessibility of a key coastal route used by more than 10,000 cars every day.

The project was designed to stabilise a 115-metre section of embankment alongside Memorial Drive that had suffered a significant landslip during heavy rainfall.

A robust retaining wall made from steel-reinforced concrete piles was installed to shore up the site, while upgrades were completed at the base of the existing stormwater channel to improve the flow of water during periods of heavy rain.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and City of Newcastle’s Manager Projects – Sustainability David Grejsen at Memorial Drive, Bar Beach.Pedestrians are also benefitting from the upgrade, which delivered a new street-level footpath on top of the renewed embankment to provide safer access for those on foot.

The project was supported with $3 million from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.   

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the project was a priority for City of Newcastle to ensure the safety of thousands of road users and pedestrians who travel along Memorial Drive every day. 

“The completion of this project marks a significant step toward a safer, more accessible Memorial Drive for everyone,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Local families in particular have shared positive feedback since this project was completed, noting they now feel much safer on the new footpath with the newly installed guardrail. 

“We are also thankful for the funding from the Federal Government, which was a vital contribution to enable these essential repairs. Maintaining and improving our extensive 774 km network of local roads is a significant task, and every dollar counts.” 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the completion of the project.

“This stretch of Newcastle coastline is valued by both locals and visitors alike, and it is so great to see it completed in time for the busy summer period,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to have partnered with the City of Newcastle to realise this important project.”

Work will continue with the local Landcare Group to enhance the embankment through revegetation efforts. These restorative actions will promote the growth of coastal-loving plants, further supporting the environment and ensuring the stability of the embankment.  

Visit our project page or more information.