Category: Newcastle News

Darling Street Oval is better equipped to cater for the growth of women’s football in our region thanks to the completion of an upgrade at Hamilton South valued at over $3 million.

The project, funded by City of Newcastle (CN), Newcastle Olympic Football Club and the State and Federal Governments, has delivered an inclusive and fully accessible grandstand for passionate spectators, as well as male and female players.

Newcastle Olympic Women’s Captain Jemma House, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Newcastle Olympic Football Club President George Sofianos, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Olympic Men’s Captain Marcus Duncan at the official opening of the new grandstand at Darling Street Oval.

Replacing the original grandstand, which was built in 1993, the facility includes a new grandstand with gender inclusive changerooms, a training room, a media room, as well as a new canteen, medical room and referee room.

The tiered seating can accommodate 340 spectators with an increased number under cover, while the new secure internal storage provides protection for sports equipment, which is used by more than 480 players.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project aligns with City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sports Plan.

“The provision of high-quality amenities within the new grandstand provides for greater female participation in sport,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to investing in inclusive facilities that cater for the entire community. 

“The upgrade includes a lift and amenities for people with a disability on both levels, as well as accessible car parking and pathways to improve the approach to the grandstand.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said the new facilities will be welcomed by the whole community.

“Newcastle Olympic FC has invested proudly in growing women’s football and will finally have the facilities to support its female athletes from the most junior to the top-tier,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with state and local government to support these new facilities. This will help ensure women and girls find their feet in sport and hopefully remain engaged throughout their lives.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the new grandstand would be a well-used facility. 

“You just have to look outside to know women’s sport is booming in the Hunter and these are top class facilities for both men’s and women’s teams and their supporters,” Minister Catley said.

“It’s fantastic to see all three levels of government work together with a sporting club to deliver a venue like this for Hamilton South.

“I’m proud to be part of a NSW Government that has contributed more than $1.2 million to this game-changing upgrade for the community.”

Celebrating the opening of the new grandstand at Darling Street Oval.

Newcastle Olympic Football Club President George Sofianos said the new facility offers invaluable benefits to the club.

“This new pavilion is a watershed moment for Newcastle Olympic as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026. We are immensely proud that the club formed by a group of young boys of Greek heritage all those years ago, has grown into one of the leaders in both women’s and men’s football in this region,” Mr Sofianos said.

“Commencing our women’s program in 2020 is one of the best decisions we have ever made. We have been the women’s Club Champions in four of the past five years and we have featured in every top-flight grand final in that time. 

“Northern NSW Football has set a goal of having 30,000 female participants by 2026 and we’re well placed to welcome new players to the club. 

“This new facility means Darling Street Oval will be one of the few football facilities in the area with four changerooms and match official rooms, all of which are female friendly.”

City of Newcastle (CN) is making it easier to access design or development guidelines with the introduction of an innovative, interactive online tool. 

The user-friendly digital portal was launched to coincide with the new Newcastle Development Control Plan, which came into effect on 1 March 2024. 

Designed with intuitive features to improve the users’ experience, the new DCP tool boasts quick navigation options, robust search functionality, and has the ability to mark favourite sections for easy reference.  

Additionally, users have the convenience of downloading both the entire plan and specific sections. 

The online tool will enhance accessibility and efficiency for all stakeholders, from industry experts to community members. The DCP was updated in 2023 following community consultation, with the new provisions coming into effect on 1 March 2024.  

The enhanced provisions are informed by commitments made in the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, Local Strategic Planning Statement, Local Housing Strategy document, and reflect best practice guidelines for development. 

Key amendments include measures to address the impact of urban heat, liveable housing requirements, provisions to help increase walking, cycling and public transport use and revised measures for the retention or planting of street trees with a development. 

Revisions were also made in areas of flood management, Aboriginal cultural heritage, City Centre developments and density controls, as well as built and landscape heritage.  

City of Newcastle (CN) is pushing ahead with improvements at Smith Park in Hamilton North, with the contract for construction now open for tender.

The project will see new drainage and irrigation installed, as well as the realignment of the three synthetic cricket wickets.

The upgrade is being delivered by CN, with support from a $2.5 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the work will form part of the Smith Park Masterplan, which is in the process of being finalised.

“City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Smith Park is a popular facility that caters for a large number of sporting groups including junior and senior cricket, football clubs, and a thriving Oztag competition.

“City of Newcastle sought extensive feedback from key user groups and the broader community to make sure the needs of all users were considered during the development of the precinct’s Masterplan.

“This initial project will be consistent with the long-term vision for the park and will meet the needs of all users.”

Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade also aligns with City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sport Plan 2020.

“We’re committed to delivering our long-term vision for upgrading facilities across the community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The 10-year Strategic Sport Plan is designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing maintenance and improvements to sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area and includes several recommendations relating to Smith Park.

“Since adopting the Plan, we’ve implemented or are progressing 84 per cent of its 93 recommendations, working collaboratively with sporting clubs across the city to ensure we cater for the needs of our community now and into the future.”

Submissions can be made via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle

Smith Park isn’t the only popular sporting precinct subject to a new long-term vision for its future, with CN recently adopting a 15-year Masterplan for the nearby Adamstown Park.

A new International Student Ambassador initiative launched today in Newcastle aims to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all international students living and studying in the Hunter.

The program, co-facilitated by the University of Newcastle together with the City of Newcastle, Study NSW, and TAFE NSW has been developed to connect international students with the community through dedicated student ambassadors.

Professor Mark Hoffman Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) University of Newcastle, Roger Hale Director of Customer and Stakeholder Relations, TAFE NSW, Manav Arora, International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto, International Student Ambassador, Sarthak Birani, International Student Ambassador, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Nate Henderson, Associate Director – Policy and Programs, Study NSW.

Three ambassadors have been elected to represent the voices of international students and will work closely with local government, educational institutions and the community to act as a bridge between cultures and enhance their experience living and studying in the region.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the program would promote an inclusive and interconnected University community that celebrated diversity and addressed the needs of international students.

“We want our students to experience the very best that our region has to offer and the launch of the International Student Ambassador program will be a catalyst to building vital connections and opportunities for these students to succeed in our region,” said Professor Zelinsky.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch of the Ambassador Program was an important step in welcoming all international students, emphasising their contributions to creating a vibrant, global community in Newcastle.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with the University of Newcastle to help forge meaningful relationships that will establish a lifelong network of cultural exchange and collaboration,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy recognises that international students help to build our global reputation for education and stimulate local business activity, while adding culture and diversity to our city.

“We hope this Ambassador Program will help international students feel more at home and gain a better understanding of all our city has to offer.”

To further support the international student experience, the NSW Government’s Study NSW has also established an international student welcome desk at Newcastle Airport, which Toshi Kawaguchi, Director Study NSW, said would provide a key first point of contact to welcome and prepare students to thrive in Newcastle.

“Newcastle brings together the best parts of NSW’s lifestyle, making it such a popular city for international students to study, work and live. Studying in a foreign city comes with its challenges, which is why Study NSW supports initiatives such as the Ambassador program. It is critical that international students feel welcome and empowered to make the most of their time studying abroad,” said Mr Kawaguchi.

“International students make incredible social and cultural contributions to Newcastle and the broader Australian community. This is one of the ways we’re giving back and providing meaningful opportunities to support their global careers.”

International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto said she looked forward to amplifying the visibility of international students in the community and helping to build their vital connections for success in Newcastle.

“Having been an international student myself, I understand the difficulties that come with studying overseas and I firmly believe these challenges can be overcome with the right resources. I hope this program will help to create lifelong connections and make Newcastle not only a destination for education, but a true home away from home for these students,” said Nataly.

Work is expected to begin in April on a $5 million project to stabilise an embankment alongside Memorial Drive, which is used by more than 10,000 cars every day. 

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle (CN) with around $3 million funding from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Memorial Drive site where the stabilisation work will begin next month.

Councillors voted last week to accept a tender for the work, which will repair the 115m-long section of the embankment compromised by a land slip during a period of significant rainfall.  

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the complex project would ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists using the nearby footpath and road. 

“We have carried out extensive geotechnical investigations to determine the work required for this complex project, which takes into consideration the constraints presented by this site,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“The project is considered a priority for delivery in order to prevent future rain events further impacting the embankment, the footpath and the busy Memorial Drive, which is used by around 10,000 vehicles each day. 

“We will be able to deliver this project with minimal disruption to traffic, maintaining the two-lane, two-way traffic flow on Memorial Drive for the duration of the construction.” 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the $3 million investment by the Federal Government into this project. 

“The Albanese Labor government is proud to be a major partner in this important restoration project, which will facilitate greater accessibility and improve safety for Novocastrians on a beloved section of our coastline,” Ms Claydon said.

Interim protection measures have been in place since the land slip on the embankment, with temporary footpath access reinstated last year. 

A new retaining wall will be constructed as part of the stabilisation works, with a series of steel-reinforced concrete piles to be poured vertically through the underlying rock. 

Upgrades at the base of the existing stormwater channel will also help improve the flow of water during periods of heavy rain. 

This will be followed by construction of a new street-level footpath on top of the renewed embankment to replace the temporary access, while kerb and guttering and road resurfacing work will also be completed. 

Pedestrians are advised to use the footpath on the eastern side of Memorial Drive during the construction phase.

A new International Student Ambassador initiative launched today in Newcastle aims to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all international students living and studying in the Hunter.

The program, co-facilitated by the University of Newcastle together with the City of Newcastle, Study NSW, and TAFE NSW has been developed to connect international students with the community through dedicated student ambassadors.

Professor Mark Hoffman Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) University of Newcastle, Roger Hale Director of Customer and Stakeholder Relations, TAFE NSW, Manav Arora, International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto, International Student Ambassador, Sarthak Birani, International Student Ambassador, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Nate Henderson, Associate Director – Policy and Programs, Study NSW.

Three ambassadors have been elected to represent the voices of international students and will work closely with local government, educational institutions and the community to act as a bridge between cultures and enhance their experience living and studying in the region.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the program would promote an inclusive and interconnected University community that celebrated diversity and addressed the needs of international students.

“We want our students to experience the very best that our region has to offer and the launch of the International Student Ambassador program will be a catalyst to building vital connections and opportunities for these students to succeed in our region,” said Professor Zelinsky.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch of the Ambassador Program was an important step in welcoming all international students, emphasising their contributions to creating a vibrant, global community in Newcastle.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with the University of Newcastle to help forge meaningful relationships that will establish a lifelong network of cultural exchange and collaboration,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy recognises that international students help to build our global reputation for education and stimulate local business activity, while adding culture and diversity to our city.

“We hope this Ambassador Program will help international students feel more at home and gain a better understanding of all our city has to offer.”

To further support the international student experience, the NSW Government’s Study NSW has also established an international student welcome desk at Newcastle Airport, which Toshi Kawaguchi, Director Study NSW, said would provide a key first point of contact to welcome and prepare students to thrive in Newcastle.

“Newcastle brings together the best parts of NSW’s lifestyle, making it such a popular city for international students to study, work and live. Studying in a foreign city comes with its challenges, which is why Study NSW supports initiatives such as the Ambassador program. It is critical that international students feel welcome and empowered to make the most of their time studying abroad,” said Mr Kawaguchi.

“International students make incredible social and cultural contributions to Newcastle and the broader Australian community. This is one of the ways we’re giving back and providing meaningful opportunities to support their global careers.”

International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto said she looked forward to amplifying the visibility of international students in the community and helping to build their vital connections for success in Newcastle.

“Having been an international student myself, I understand the difficulties that come with studying overseas and I firmly believe these challenges can be overcome with the right resources. I hope this program will help to create lifelong connections and make Newcastle not only a destination for education, but a true home away from home for these students,” said Nataly.

A man has been charged following a drug supply investigation, as well as an alleged pursuit near Maitland today where an officer was injured.

About 11.40am (Wednesday 6 March 2024), officers attached to Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) attempted to stop a BMW sedan on Lawes Street, Maitland, as part of the ongoing drug supply investigation.

As police approached the BMW, the driver allegedly reversed and collided with a NSW Police officer before fleeing the scene.

The male officer was assessed at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Maitland Hospital for the treatment of a leg injury.

The BMW was sighted by Port Stephens-Hunter Police in Chisholm a short time later, and a pursuit was initiated.

Road spikes were deployed on Harvest Boulevard, Chisholm, and the vehicle came to a stop on Raymond Terrace Road where the driver allegedly fled into nearby bushland.

Following a search of the area, police located the 40-year-old man, and following a short struggle in which a taser was deployed, he was arrested.

The man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, assault police officer in execution of duty, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, deal with property proceeds of crime, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, possess unauthorised pistol, and three counts of possess prohibited drug.

He was also charged with more than 50 drug supply charges including:

Two counts of supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity,
Two counts of supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity,
15 counts of supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity,
30 counts of supply prohibited drug, and
Two counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.
He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 7 March 2024).

A new trial is laying the groundwork for a greener road network through the use of bio-bitumen.

Transport for NSW recently laid the bio-bitumen asphalt, also known as ECO5, on a section of road at Raymond Terrace as part of the trial.

The bio-bitumen uses repurposed materials including recycled crushed glass, asphalt and crumbed rubber derived from end-of-life tyres, allowing for a lower carbon output per tonne of asphalt and fewer emissions. 

The carbon footprint of ECO5 asphalt is 30 per cent less than that of conventional asphalt.

Transport for NSW will continue to monitor the trial over coming months and, if successful, it could pave the way for similar technology to be adopted across the state’s road network.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting initiatives that improve sustainability in road infrastructure projects.

“This trial, a first for Transport for NSW, is a huge step on the road to exploring ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.

“Trialling innovative technologies, such as bio-bitumen, is vital in achieving the goal of net zero emissions for the transport section by 2050.

“Well done to Transport for NSW and its contractors for paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“This trial is an important milestone in moving towards using more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials as part of our daily road practices.

“The asphalt company Colas developed the ECO5 product, and the asphalt produced for this trial, came out of their Tomago plant in Port Stephens. The product was developed through a combination of local and international research and development.

“It’s great to see Port Stephens is laying the foundations for a greener future and better local roads.”

Transport for NSW Senior Manager Maintenance and Delivery North Stuart Baverstock:

“Transport for NSW wanted to see what sort of environmentally beneficial asphalt products were out in the market and what we could utilise on our roads as a better environmental product. 

“Transport for NSW uses a huge amount of asphalt. It is a very carbon-rich product, so if we can reduce that even in small amounts then we will get huge savings.”

Visitation to the Newcastle Ocean Baths has skyrocketed since the refurbished pool was reopened to the public, with almost 56,000 swimmers taking a dip in the past two months.

The figure represents visits that have occurred during the lifeguard patrolled hours at the facility since 21 December. It is almost five times higher than the number of swimmers using the Ocean Baths during the corresponding period in 2021/22, before the pool and promenade areas were upgraded. 

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes unveil a plaque commemorating the completion of stage one upgrade works at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes this morning to unveil a plaque officially commemorating the delivery of stage one of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade.

Minister Scully said it was fantastic to see so many members of the community embracing the newly refurbished facility.

“It’s great to see this historic public asset restored for the community to continue enjoying for many years to come,” Minister Scully said.

“Newcastle Ocean Baths represent the rich history of the region, and this significant upgrade has increased safety and accessibility, returning it to its former glory.

“Upgrades such as this are an important reminder of how great, quality public spaces can bring communities together and increase liveability.” 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, “I’m committed to restoring and investing our public infrastructure, the popularity of the Ocean Baths was testament to City of Newcastle’s once-in-a-generation undertaking to restore the much-loved Newcastle icon.

“We worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design stages of this project to ensure it meets the needs of current and future users,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The huge increase in swimmers using the Ocean Baths since they reopened reflects the importance of this upgrade and the significantly improved facilities we have delivered.

“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have played an important role in our city’s history for more than 100 years and their revitalisation will ensure they remain accessible to all Novocastrians for generations to come.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Baths have never looked better.

“Having the Newcastle Ocean Baths open made it feel like summer again and I know people can’t wait to swim here through autumn,” Minister Catley said.

“The reopening in December gave us back a favourite place to swim. It’s even better today. The City of Newcastle has delivered a perfect restoration and the NSW Government is proud to help fund it.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and City of Newcastle staff at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon said that work is continuing to progress designs for stage two of the project, with Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer preparing concepts for the upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.

“We will continue to engage with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and the wider community as the designs are developed,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“We plan to share the concept designs and open a conversation with the community in the coming months.”

Accessibility improvements will again be a key consideration in the design of stage two, informed through consultation with community members and specialist consultants.

“During the development of the design for stage one we heard loud and clear from the community that improvements to accessibility needed to be prioritised, and we continue to listen to this feedback and refine our approach accordingly,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“As with any community facility, there are mixed requirements and preferences amongst users, which also need to be balanced with the operational requirements for managing and maintaining the facility.” 

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building helped fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program. 

The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

Newcastle organisation, Friends of the Schoolmasters House have received $2,400 in funding to commemorate the service and sacrifices of local veterans through the latest round of the Albanese Government’s Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program.

The funding will go towards installing a bronze plaque to commemorate local Ash Island service personnel.

Across Australia, more than $1 million in grant funding will be shared amongst 90 successful applicants.

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon said:

“The grants awarded through Saluting Their Service are a crucial way for local communities to honour veterans and their families.”

“I’m proud the Albanese Labor Government is supporting veterans and veteran organisations in our community. Friends of the Schoolmasters House will now be able to commemorate local Ash Island service personnel, providing long-overdue recognition.

“The current round of Saluting our Service Grants closes on 20 June, and I encourage everyone with a potential commemorative project in Newcastle to put in an application.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP said:

“Saluting Their Service grants support local communities undertake projects that recognise and commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.”

“Many older communities around Australia have cenotaphs and memorials dating back to World War I, but as an ever growing country we need to ensure Australia’s history is understood, and modern conflicts, and the service of modern veterans is recognised.”

“Australia’s service personnel come from all corners of our vast nation, this program ensures that the stories of local heroes are known, and recognised.”

“There are several significant commemorations in 2024, including the 25th Anniversary of INTERFET and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. I would encourage anyone thinking about a project commemorating these two significant events in Australia’s military history to apply.”

Saluting Their Service Grant Recipient:

Recipient	Funding description	Amount Sought	Amount Received
Friends of the Schoolmasters House Incorporated	Install a bronze plaque to commemorate local Ash Island service personnel.	$2,400	$2,400

STS is an ongoing national grants program aimed at honouring the history of Australia’s Defence personnel, veterans, and their families.

Applications for the next round of STS grants are open until 20 June 2024.

Grants are available to a wide range of applicants, including ex-service organisations, community groups, schools and local councils.  

STS Grants come in two categories:

• Community Grants: Up to $10,000 for local, community-based commemorative activities.
• Major Grants: Between $10,001 and $150,000 for significant commemorative projects with national, state, territory, or regional impact.

To find out more, or apply for a grant, visit: https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=8f80a57c-4453-4014-8ef3-7ce786b356d7