Category: Newcastle News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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+.

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

State of Origin football will make its debut in Newcastle next year when Game 2 of the 2024 Women’s series is played at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 6.

The Newcastle clash was announced by the NRL today as part of an expanded three-match series, which will kick off at Suncorp Stadium on 16 May.

Townsville will host the third match and potential decider for the Women’s series on June 27, with the matches expected to draw significant crowds of local and travelling fans to the opposing states.

The announcement follows a push by Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill to bring the women’s representative series to the regional heartlands of rugby league.

The mayors wrote a joint letter to the Australian Rugby League Commission in June calling for regular hosting rights for the top tier competition. This was backed up by a Lord Mayoral Minute in July and advocacy from City of Newcastle and the NSW Government.

Cr Nelmes welcomed the NRL’s announcement, which she said was a coup for the city’s sports fans and would deliver an economic boost for local businesses.

“Both Newcastle and Townsville have rich rugby league histories and passionate fan bases, making them the perfect host cities for next year’s Women’s State of Origin series,” Cr Nelmes said.

“With support from Venues NSW and McDonald Jones Stadium, we knew that Newcastle was the right location to host a State of Origin match.

“Novocastrians will welcome today’s announcement and come out in force for the match, having demonstrated the strength of their support for our own premiership-winning Newcastle Knights WNRL team with record-breaking crowds last season.

“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting and hosting major events as a key economic and tourism driver for our region.

“Events deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and our visitor economy, help to create local jobs and support local industries while continuing to highlight our city as an amazing tourism and events destination.”

This year’s second Women’s State of Origin match attracted a record crowd of more than 18,000 footy fans to Townsville, while over 12,500 people packed the stands for Newcastle’s semi-final match against Brisbane, setting a new NRLW record for a standalone women’s fixture.

City of Newcastle (CN) has created a buzz at the beginning of Australian Pollinator Week by hosting two fully booked native bee workshops at the Hunter Wetlands Centre.

Run by native bee expert, Dr Tobias Smith, the workshops focused on bee diversity, lifecycles and management, and the process of hive splitting and propagation.

Residents also had access to a free plant giveaway as part of CN’s Natural Connection program, which aims to build community understanding and stewardship of Newcastle’s pollinators and their habitat.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was one of the first councils in Australia to commit to being a pollinator-friendly city.

“These community skill-building events form part of the broader Newcastle Environment Strategy, which was adopted by Council at our October meeting,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As part of the Strategy’s four-year delivery plan, we’re working on nature-based solutions to expand our urban forest and improve vegetation cover for movement of pollinators and other wildlife through connected habitat corridors.”

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said creating awareness of the plight of pollinators is vital for our future, with her notice of motion at April’s Council meeting attracting unanimous support.

“We are excited to kick off Australian Pollinator Week by celebrating the crucial role our thousands of native pollinators play in producing food, increasing biodiversity and protecting human and ecosystem health with two fully booked native bee workshops at the Shortland Wetlands,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Habitat destruction through carbon emissions, pollution, pesticides, urban heat island effects, and impacts of drought, bushfire, flood, and the recent varroa mite incursions have exacerbated declining pollinators in Australia and locally, and City of Newcastle is committed to collaborating with the community to restore pollinator habitats and reconnect broken biodiversity corridors in the city.

“We are proud to host and support a range of events this Australian Pollinator Week where anyone can get involved in the way that best suits them, whether it’s a powerful pollinators webinar with leading entomologists, learning how to create a pollinator-friendly backyard or verge garden, or becoming a ‘citizen scientist’ by taking part in the pollinator census.

“Media coverage has highlighted the situation regarding honeybees, especially after the varroa mite was detected in our region, but in Australia up to 2000 native bee species are also crucial as pollinators of our crops and gardens.”

Plans to enhance the village atmosphere of Georgetown’s neighbourhood shopping precinct have been placed on public exhibition as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program.

A new plaza, wider footpaths, street trees and safety improvements are among the improvements proposed under the draft Public Domain Plan, which has been developed by City of Newcastle following early community consultation.

The upgrade would reinforce the existing 40km/h zone to reduce driver speeds and make it easier for residents to safely navigate the area on foot following installation of new pedestrian refuges, along the busy Georgetown Road.

A new public plaza is also proposed at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road, which would create an attractive destination to support the shopping precinct while also facilitating safe cycle access between Asher Street and Parkview Street.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said upgrading the shopping precinct would attract more people to visit and spend time in Georgetown and would benefit the growing number of young families living in the suburb.

“City of Newcastle is committed to developing vibrant, safe and active public places,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through early consultation with residents and businesses we heard that people love the community and village atmosphere in Georgetown but would like it to be enhanced with improved public spaces.

“The upgrades proposed will benefit both businesses and residents, delivering a safer, more attractive place to visit while presenting an alternative to large shopping centres.

“Introducing more street trees and landscaping throughout the precinct will improve the natural environment as well as the look and feel of the area whilst reducing heat with increased shade.

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

The George Espresso Bar owner Tegan Rossiter welcomed plans to revitalise and upgrade the neighbourhood shopping precinct.

“It’s going to look awesome. I can’t wait to see more trees and greenery,” Ms Rossiter said.

“Georgetown is already a bustling community hub but an upgrade is going to bring so much more life to the area.”

The community is invited to attend a drop-in session at the corner of Georgetown Road and Asher Street on Saturday 25 November between 8.30am and 10.30am.

The draft Public Domain Plan will go on public exhibition from Friday 10 November until 5pm Friday 8 December 2023 to seek business and community feedback, with a report going back to the elected Council following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information and to access the online survey.

Seats are being snapped up by audiences keen to do the time warp again when the 50^th anniversary tour of The Rocky Horror Show heads to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre.

The classic rock’n’roll musical is proving to be one of the hottest tickets in town, with thousands of bookings being made within days of the Newcastle season going on sale.

The ticket blitz was welcome news for leading British theatre producer Sir Howard Panter of Trafalgar Entertainment, who has returned to Newcastle today with key cast member Stellar Perry, who plays the mischievous Magenta, to give locals a sneak peek of what to expect in January.

Sir Howard Panter said he was delighted to debut The Rocky Horror Show in Newcastle as the first stop on its national tour in 2024.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the first of what will be many new international smash hit theatre productions to the city, and what better way to start the party than with the ultimate rock’n’roll celebration, The Rocky Horror Show,” Sir Panter said.

“Ticket sales have gone gangbusters since we first announced we are bringing The Rocky Horror Show to Newcastle and audiences are in for the time of their lives.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the early ticket sales showed just how much Newcastle audiences appreciated being able to see shows of this calibre at their own iconic Civic Theatre.

“There’s already so much anticipation building across the community for this show, and it’s only just over a week since we first announced it was coming to Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The record-breaking Come From Away season earlier this year showed just how much demand there is for world-class entertainment in Newcastle, and the impact it has on our visitor economy by attracting a large contingent of its audiences from outside of the city.

“As one of the world’s most popular musicals, we expect The Rocky Horror Show will also be a major drawcard show for the city, with Jason Donovan and Myf Warhurst expected to wow fans with their performances as Frank N Furter and the Narrator.”

Sold out in London, Sydney and Melbourne, this 50th Anniversary world tour of The Rocky Horror Show will continue its global celebrations with a new Australian production set to open at Newcastle Civic Theatre from 12 January until 4 February 2024.

The production runs for 120 minutes, including intermission and is recommended for ages 12 and older.

To secure tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

City of Newcastle will host a large-scale community event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wallsend’s municipality in 2024.

The event will be planned in partnership with the Wallsend community and include family-friendly activations throughout the town centre, cultural performances, storytelling and a legacy time capsule to be developed with local schools.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Wallsend’s Indigenous and post-colonial history was unique to the region and the suburb’s emergence as a strong multicultural community was worth celebrating.

“Wallsend’s history stretches back tens of thousands of years and in 1874 was declared a municipality home to many workers and their families of the Wallsend-Newcastle Coal Company,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In recognition of the important role Wallsend’s community has played in our city’s growth and development, City of Newcastle is planning a large-scale celebratory event for the community with a range of free activities for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“The event will be held in August, a time where in recent years thousands of people have descended on the town centre for the popular Winter Fair, activating Wallsend Park and Nelson Street.”

Ward Four Councillors welcomed the event, which will be an opportunity to showcase Wallsend’s history and culture to a broader audience while demonstrating the town centre’s modern vibrancy.

“Wallsend is a unique, dynamic and close-knit community, which has emerged as a multicultural hub attracting many young families to set down their roots in the area,” Cr Deahnna Richardson said.

“Our 150th celebration will be the hallmark event of the year for Wallsend, with rides, music, cultural activities and the opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the suburb’s history,” Cr Callum Pull said.

“City of Newcastle will engage with the community including traditional custodians, schools, businesses, sporting groups, and the heritage association to deliver an event that celebrates Wallsend through time, its present community and leave a legacy through public art and a time capsule for future generations,” Cr Elizabth Adamczyk said.

“We know the community loved the Wallsend Winter Fair delivered through the former business association and while that event has stalled post COVID-19, the 150th celebration will be an opportunity to bring thousands of visitors back to the beautiful Wallsend town centre.” Cr Nelmes said.

The Wallsend 150th celebration will be held on Saturday 17 August 2024 from 1-6pm, with the full program of events to be delivered in consultation with the local community.

The community is invited to help guide future heritage planning as the city continues to undergo significant revitalisation by identifying which streets, buildings and places contribute most to Newcastle’s cultural identity.

City of Newcastle (CN) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its existing Newcastle City Centre and Newcastle East heritage conservation areas (HCA) with the draft report findings to be publicly exhibited, following endorsement by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The report outlines the current planning context, assesses the appropriateness of boundaries, and identifies items that contribute to or detract from each heritage conservation area in the city centre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is essential to review and update the conservation management strategies, policies, and planning framework for these areas to ensure their heritage value is understood and protected for future generations.

“The buildings, streets, and precincts of these two HCAs have experienced significant change brought about by the recent economic revitalisation of Newcastle City Centre,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Recommendations outlined in the report incorporate an analysis of feedback made during early community engagement to better understand what people feel contributes to Newcastle’s heritage significance and cultural identity.

“The review found residents living within the two HCAs generally want to maintain and conserve the special character of these areas. The community also identified several distinct character areas for protection and conservation, particularly in the Newcastle City Centre HCA.”

The methodology used in the report is based on NSW Heritage criteria and is consistent with City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation under its Heritage Strategy and Heritage Policy.

“Following public exhibition, further community and industry feedback will be used to help investigate how and where land use protections for these areas could best be applied for continued revitalisation of the Newcastle City Centre while ensuring our rich and diverse cultural heritage remains protected and conserved,” Cr Nelmes said.

The draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review Report will go on public exhibition from Monday 6 November to seek community and industry feedback, with a report going back to the elected Council following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information.

City of Newcastle is moving ahead with the creation of a new multipurpose community facility and kiosk at Blackbutt Reserve, with the contract for construction to open for tender tomorrow.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project supports the final stage of the Carnley Avenue Recreation Area Masterplan, detailed within the Blackbutt Plan of Management 2012.

“As the green heart of our city, Blackbutt Reserve welcomes countless locals and visitors each year who take advantage of the picturesque walking trails, unique wildlife exhibits and family-friendly playgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The construction of this multipurpose facility and kiosk will be a significant step in delivering our shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve, to further enhance the visitor experience and complement the amenity and playground upgrades.

“The new facility will be designed to suit the unique environment at Blackbutt Reserve, and will replace the existing kiosk, which was installed as a temporary facility.

“Construction of the new building and kiosk is expected to begin in early 2024 and be completed by the end of that year.

“This project will ensure the much-loved Blackbutt Reserve continues to create memorable experiences for Novocastrians and visitors now and into the future.”

Alongside a licensed café with an undercover dining and seating area, the multipurpose community facility will feature a community space, enabling groups to gather and collaborate and host events, and for school groups to visit and learn about our environment.

Optimising views over Blackbutt Reserve, the new facility and kiosk will be inclusive and accessible, catering for people with mobility and other sensory impairment issues.

Tender submissions can be made from tomorrow via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle