Author: admin

Local teachers honoured for five decades in NSW public education 

Leo Hudson from Toronto High School, Graham Hudson of Dungog High School, Kathleen Prudence from Singleton High School and Ann Barry from Cessnock West Public School will be among 59 people honoured for their dedication to the teaching profession at the inaugural Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner. 

This evening’s awards night will shine a light on some of the most committed and hard-working public educators in the state, recognised for 50 years’ service with the Department. 

Graham Hudson started with the Department in 1970, and his brother Leo Hudson will mark his fiftieth anniversary in a few weeks. Kathleen Prudence started teaching in 1969, and Ann Barry’s first teaching role was at Muswellbrook South Public School in 1965.

Graham Hudson began teaching but was conscripted to serve in peacekeeping forces in Singapore and Malaya. On his return he taught at a number of Hunter high schools. He received a standing ovation from students when he passed his 50 year milestone in June 2020.

His brother Leo started teaching at Hunter Girls’ High in 1974, transferred to Newcastle Technology High later that year and Toronto High the following year where he is still working. During his career he has led excursions to New Caledonia and Japan, and taught a student who became a surgeon in Canada, now a Professor of Anaesthesiology at Toronto University Teaching Hospital.

Kathleen Prudence is a Head Teacher Mathematics and began her teaching career at Manildra Central School. She taught in Mullumbimby and Quirindi before taking up positions in the Hunter from 1979. From 2001 to 2006 she worked at the Board of Studies as a liaison officer, and in 2006 received a NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship to study Realistic Mathematics Education in the UK.

Assistant Principal Ann Barry has now worked at public schools for more than 57 and a half years, 52 of them at Cessnock West. After teaching at Muswellbrook South Public School for four years, Ms Barry was offered a position at Cessnock West, her former primary school. 

She said going from being a student to a teacher at her former school felt odd, but exciting, and that being a teacher has been a rewarding experience no other job could compare to.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“To log 50 years or more of service with the one organisation is an exceptional achievement, but to do it in public education elevates it to the extraordinary. 

“We’re incredibly thankful to the Hudson brothers, Kathleen Prudence and Ann Barry for their outstanding service over such a long period of time.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“During a year in which we’ve marked 175 years of public education in NSW, it’s fitting that we now celebrate significant individual milestones from people who have given so significantly to public education in this state.  

“So much passion and sacrifice goes into the teaching profession and many other roles within public education and I’d like to personally acknowledge and congratulate Leo, Graham and Kathleen for their service.”

GREENS MOVE MINUTE’S SILENCE IN SENATE

MOTION – I give notice that on the next day of sitting, I shall move—That, at the conclusion of formal motions today, the Senate observe a minute of silence in memory of the civilian lives lost in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson said:

“Today I will move that the Senate observe a minute’s silence in memory of the civilian lives lost in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, and call on Labor and the Liberals to support this motion.

“The civillian death toll since October 7th is now over 12,000 people across Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. 

“Children and families have faced horrific death, injury and suffering. People in Gaza are experiencing relentless bombing. Those that survive the bombing have increasingly limited access to electricity, food or water. This cannot go on.

“Today’s civilian victims could have been saved by a ceasefire. Australia must join with countries around the world in calling for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation.”

GREENS WIN CHANGES TO RESPECT AT WORK COSTS PROTECTION

The Greens welcome the introduction of the Australian Human Rights Commission Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023 today, which would implement the Government’s revised response to Recommendation 25 of the Respect@Work report. 

The modified ‘equal access’ cost protection provision put forward in this bill is one the Greens and many advocates were calling for last year, and will ensure that no-one is priced out of fighting sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“We are pleased that the revised government bill introduced today heeds the calls of advocates, victim-survivors, legal experts and unions, the Greens and the crossbench, for equal access costs protections.

“The Greens pressured the Government a year ago to dump their original costs provisions, and to review and reconsider them. We are so pleased to see that after this reflection, the government has now proposed the costs model the Greens were advocating for, which removes costs risks for people standing up for their rights at work.

“The Greens are proud to have kept the pressure up to ensure that no-one is priced out of fighting for their rights at work, whether that be for sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination.

“Without an equal access cost model in place, many workers, particularly women, weigh up the trauma and financial risk and decide to stay silent. Providing more options for victims of sexual harassment to make complaints doesn’t change things if women cannot afford to make complaints.

“Equal access costs protections, where workers can take action without fear of paying the other side’s costs if they lose, already exist for whistleblowers. The Greens are happy to support changes that will see these same protections applied to workplace harassment.” 

MEMO LABOR: DON’T LET PETER DUTTON WRITE IMMIGRATION DETENTION LAWS AGAIN

Labor must not let Peter Dutton dictate its response to the High Court ruling that indefinite immigration detention is unconstitutional, the Greens say.

“This is a mess that Peter Dutton helped create so Labor should not let him determine its response,” Greens immigration spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Mr Dutton has given Labor a free pass to work with him to trample human rights and persecute refugees and it is crucial that Labor reject his offer.”

“The government must not let Mr Dutton write their immigration laws for them and pressure them into a draconian, knee-jerk response.” 

“Mr. Dutton has a horrendous record of cruelty to refugees and disregarding basic human rights.”

“For Labor to now work with him to rush laws through parliament this week would be disgraceful in the extreme.”

“Indefinite detention was found to be unlawful and unconstitutional punishment.”

“Many of the people recently released are refugees who have already suffered years of indefinite detention.

“Labor should not allow Mr Dutton to dictate a further regime of cruelty to them.”

“Labor’s response must be one that respects the law, respects human rights, respects refugees and respects the Australian Constitution.”

“We need to reaffirm the rule of law, and that means courts deciding punishments, not politicians. Anything less is a step towards tyranny.”

“We are hearing a lot about threats to the community but the biggest threats to the Australian people are draconian laws which seek to unnecessarily curtail liberty or detain people indefinitely.”

WAGES DATA SHOWS RENT CRISIS IS OUT OF CONTROL

The most recent data on wage growth and rent increases in Australia presents a stark picture of the escalating rental crisis, exacerbated by current Labor policies.

Data released by the ABS today shows wages grew by 1.3% in the September quarter. Meanwhile rents outpaced wages, increasing by 2.2% over the same period.

“The latest figures are a clear indicator of the failure of Labor’s housing policies. Labor’s rental crisis is getting worse” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“While wages have been crawling, rents have been sprinting, pushing more Australians into financial distress. This isn’t just a housing issue; it’s a crisis of economic justice and fairness.”

“This trend is particularly alarming in the context of the broader economic challenges facing the nation, including the rising cost of living and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

“We badly need rent controls, now.”

LABOR’S RIDICULE OF STUDENT PROTESTERS A NEW LOW

The Greens say Labor is hopelessly out of touch with Australia’s young people, after the government today mocked students preparing to walk out of classrooms for the national Climate Strike this Friday, November 17.

Stephen Bates MP, Greens Youth Spokesperson, asked the Education Minister if he supports students’ right to strike for a safer climate and leave school this Friday to protest new coal and gas projects jeopardising their future. 

In response, Labor MPs jeered from their seats and the Minister merely responded that “that school students should be at school during school hours.”

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary), Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Kids are worried about the future. They know that Labor’s plan for more coal and gas will make global heating worse and on Friday, thousands will leave their classrooms in protest.

“While the Prime Minister and the frontbench laughed, the education minister mocked the idea that students should exercise their democratic right to protest and said he wanted them ‘at school’.

“We’ve grown used to Labor’s cowardice in the face of the climate crisis, but telling kids they should just shut up while they continue to open up new coal and gas shows how hopelessly captured and out-of-touch they are.

“If the government is going to ignore calls from young people to act on climate, then young people should ignore the education minister and take to the streets on Friday.”

Greens Youth spokesperson Stephen Bates said:

“The decisions of this Government to push more coal and gas is harming the future of young people. Most high school students can’t vote, climate protests help make their voices heard.

“Young people deserve to have their voices heard. Right now, they’re inheriting a broken environment, economy, and worsening living conditions.

“Clearly Labor needs to be reminded of their roots if they don’t get why people strike.”

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show will be the largest single day event in Newcastle history

The sky’s the limit for families and aviation enthusiasts preparing for an exhilarating day out this Saturday with Newcastle set to welcome the largest single day event in the region’s history.

City of Newcastle (CN) together with the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) will host the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 this Saturday 18 November, with a RAAF aircraft flying display at 10am to 12.30pm and again at 1.30pm to 4pm.

20200828raaf8165233_396.jpg

With free viewing areas at Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton, up to one hundred thousand people are expected to enjoy family-friendly activities such as rides, face painting, food trucks, static RAAF displays and roving entertainment, in addition to the thrilling aerial displays and flypasts.

Formation and aerial displays will feature historical aircraft like the Harvard, Winjeel, Spitfire, Mustang and Canberra in addition to flypasts from F/A-18F, EF/A-18G Super Hornet and the Growler.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the free community event would offer something for both aviation enthusiasts and families looking for a fun weekend out.

“Newcastle’s spectacular coastline will be on display this Saturday for spectators to catch all the action over Newcastle Harbour, Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is proud to deliver this one-off event alongside the Royal Australian Air Force and is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to both air displays on Saturday 18 November and showcasing the diversity of what our city has to offer including its rich heritage, natural scenery and vibrant cultural scene.”

Transport for NSW will be running extra rail, light rail, bus and ferry services in addition to operating a Park and Ride facility from McDonald Jones Stadium. Parking is also available at Stockton, located within an easy walk to prime vantage points.

Designated parking for Mobility Pass holders is available on Wharf Road (between Argyle Street and Watt Street). A Mobility Pass must be displayed to get through the road closure at Argyle Street.

We recommend you plan your journey ahead by using www.transportnsw.info and www.newcastletransport.info. Information on road closures is available at www.livetraffic.com

“We encourage spectators to leave the car at home where possible and utilise public transport options to ease traffic congestion around the city with almost one hundred thousand spectators expected to attend,” Cr Nelmes added.

“City of Newcastle would like to acknowledge Transport for NSW, NSW Police and NSW Government for their support in delivering this incredible event for the community.”

A limited number of tickets are still available at Fort Scratchley’s premium viewing area, providing access to the only licenced viewing site for both air shows. Earp Distilling Co. will be serving up a variety of premium food and beverage options available for purchase. Gates open at 9am and tickets are restricted to patrons 18+.

On Sunday 19 November, RAAF Base Williamtown will open its gates to the public for a ticketed non-flying Open Day featuring static ground displays and a range of military equipment from across the Australian Defence Force. For tickets and more information about the Open Day visit www.airforce.gov.au/news-events/events/raaf-williamtown-open-day

For more information about the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023, 18 to 19 November 2023, visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au/air-show-2023

Out of this world exhibition touches down at Newcastle Museum

Novocastrians can explore the surface of Mars and take the ultimate celestial selfie this summer thanks to the new hands-on exhibition at Newcastle Museum.

Australia in Space officially opened today featuring interactive exhibits that allow you to command a rover on the Red Planet and step onboard a space station to take a photo ‘in orbit’ above Australia.

Budding astronauts will be inspired by the opportunity to build their own spacesuit and discover the surprising realities of trying to sleep, wash your hair, cook and eat food in space, then use a hand-held ‘medical scanner’ to explore the harsh effects of space on the human body.

City of Newcastle Director Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Australia in Space exhibition at Newcastle Museum

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is determined to bring world class exhibitions to the region.

“Newcastle Museum is committed to attracting engaging, high quality touring exhibitions for the Hunter Region that enrich Newcastle’s cultural offering and give local communities access to national and international experiences,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Developed by the renowned Questacon National Science and Technology Centre, Australia in Space has something for everybody and celebrates innovation, science and technology.

“Visitors will be inspired by the achievements, aspirations and motivations of Australians in the space sector, with the work of women and First Nations people featuring prominently.”

Other out-of-this-world displays include a virtual telescope that links to iconic deep space missions and a laser-based puzzle game that shows how satellites allow over-the-horizon communications.

Team up with a friend to manage orbital traffic and tackle space junk in a cooperative computer game based on Australian technology, or simply marvel at an airport-inspired ‘Earth departures board’, drawing on real data to display details of upcoming rocket launches around the world.

Learn about space weather and discover how scientists from the Bureau of Meteorology monitor, research and predict electromagnetic storms in order to protect power grids.

City of Newcastle Director Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said Australia in Space will excite and inspire audiences of all ages, with an emphasis on school-age children.

“The exhibition is designed to welcome space enthusiasts and newcomers alike, getting all visitors on-board with Australia’s vision for a vibrant and diverse space sector,” Ms Baird said.

“Free science shows will also run throughout the school holidays to complement the exhibition.

“I’d encourage our visitors to make a day or weekend trip to explore Australia in Space as well as Newcastle Museum’s other exhibitions, activities and collections.”

Tickets for Australia in Space cost $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, $7.50 for children between five and 14, with children under five admitted for free. A family pass (two adults and two children) is $40.

For more information visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/australia-in-space

Australia in Space runs until Sunday 10 March 2024.

Nuatali Nelmes marks milestone nine years as Lord Mayor

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has become one of Newcastle’s longest serving Lord Mayors, officially reaching nine years in the role today.

Cr Nelmes was elected Lord Mayor on 15 November 2014, having previously served six years as a Ward Three councillor, and is now the fourth longest-serving Lord Mayor, surpassing the tenure of former Lord Mayors John McNaughton, Joy Cummings and Greg Heys.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillors in February 2022.

Frank Purdue (10 years), Douglas McDougall (10 years) and John Tate (13 years) are the only people to have served longer in the role of Lord Mayor, with Purdue and McDougall serving non-consecutive terms, and elected by other Councillors, rather than the community.

Cr Nelmes noted the significant transformation in Newcastle during her term as Lord Mayor.

“I want to thank the people of Newcastle, who have repeatedly supported our Council to show leadership and take tough decisions to deliver the change our city has needed,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Residents want to see progressive reforms and we are seeing the positive results across the city.”

Cr Nelmes thanked her colleagues who have strongly supported her in the role.

“Leading the organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most challenging period of my time in office, but City of Newcastle delivered a stimulus program that helped protect local jobs and supported the region through that difficult time,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This record of delivery has only been possible because of tough decisions that have made the City of Newcastle financially sustainable with successive budget surpluses.

“We will continue to focus on attracting more investment to our city to support jobs and deliver the services our residents deserve.”

Key achievements of City of Newcastle during the past nine years include:

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • More than doubling capital spending to reduce the infrastructure backlog, and upgrading amenity and liveability across the city
  • Delivering city-shaping projects including the iconic Bathers Way coastal walk, Wallsend flood mitigation works and rejuvenation of Hunter Street Mall
  • Funding Local Centre upgrades in Carrington, Beresfield, Shortland, Kotara, Merewether, Stockton and New Lambton, with more to come
  • Addressing Stockton erosion with the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program (CMP), which has led to amenity sand nourishment through offshore dredge rainbowing
  • Building dozens of new playgrounds, including regional-scale playgrounds at Stockton, Blackbutt Reserve and Wallsend
  • Delivering a once-in-100-year renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths
  • Opening new or upgraded fenced off-leash dog parks in North Lambton, Islington and Maryland

ENVIRONMENT

  • Becoming the first council in NSW to use 100 per cent renewables, including a 5MW publicly-owned solar farm
  • Significantly expanding City of Newcastle’s street tree planting program and implemented a verge garden program
  • Becoming the only council in the region to have a soft plastic recyclable program
  • Protecting Blackbutt Reserve from proposed subdivision and sale
  • Rolling out public electric vehicle (EV) chargers and expanded cycleway networks
  • Advocating for off-shore wind, the diversification of the Port of Newcastle and the creation of new clean energy jobs and industry

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

  • Attracting new national and international events to the city
  • Starting construction on the long-discussed Newcastle Art Gallery expansion
  • Launching City of Newcastle’s very own New Annual cultural festival to support local artists
  • Expanding public art and large-scale street murals throughout the city
  • Supporting live music reforms to protect local performers, while implementing a live music grant scheme to support local artists
  • Upgrading local sporting facilities and investment in community sport.

Remediation work to commence at historic Lake George Mine

The NSW Government will next week commence essential remediation work to improve safety and reduce environmental risks at the historic Lake George Mine site in Captains Flat.

Historic mining operations in NSW such as Lake George Mine were not subject to the stringent rehabilitation regulatory requirements in force today.

Under contemporary mining regulations, mine operators are required to submit and implement comprehensive rehabilitation plans, lodge security bonds, and progressively remediate sites to limit poor environmental and safety outcomes.

The NSW Resources regulator is responsible for ensuring compliance with rehabilitation plans approved through the planning process.

While it was operative, Lake George Mine was one of the largest base metal mines in NSW. It produced lead, zinc, copper, pyrite, silver and gold and spanned approximately 100 hectares of legacy mine workings, extending underground to a depth of over 600 metres. The mine operated over several decades, starting in the late 1800s and closing in the 1960s.

Up to $33 million of remediation work at the Lake George Mine will be carried out under the NSW Government’s Legacy Mine Program. The fund includes a total of $107.7 million for high risk historic and abandoned mine sites.

During the work period, the site’s historic mining structures will be preserved to maintain the mining history of the site.

Work at Lake George Mine will commence on 20 November 2023 and be carried out until mid-2026.

Get more information on the Lake George Mine Remediation Projectlaunch.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to safeguarding the environment and protecting local communities, including through the Legacy Mines Program.

“Mining continues to drive prosperity in NSW. Remediating historic legacy mines is an important way that the NSW Government can support local economies and ensure regional communities are great places to live and visit.

“By addressing the legacy of historical mining practices, we are ensuring a better and safer future for our communities.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The further remediation of the Captains Flat mine surrounds reflects the fact that our knowledge of the dangers of this type of site continues to get better. This is a big job and I’m pleased the Government continues to work to ensure community health.

“I am also very conscious of the fact that private landowners in Captains Flat also face considerable uncertainty and potentially high costs as a result of the Government identifying issues on town blocks. I have not forgotten those people.”