Category: Newcastle News

Support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, so nobody struggles alone

The Salvation Army is launching their annual Christmas appeal in the Newcastle & Hunter regions in New South Wales, which will help The Salvos support individuals and families in the local community who are experiencing hardship this Christmas.

The rising cost of living, interest rate and rental price hikes has meant that more people have been turning to The Salvation Army for support, making this year’s Christmas Appeal vitally important. The Salvos are aiming to raise $25 million nationally, so nobody struggles alone this Christmas. 

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvos, and this Christmas we expect the additional stresses of this year will result in more people than ever struggling to afford Christmas for themselves and their families. The Salvation Army are here for you. Whether it is practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling down or lonely this Christmas, reach out to us at The Salvos,” says Andrew Hill, The Salvation Army’s Public Relations Secretary for NSW.

There are many ways that you can partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to our Christmas Appeal. The Salvation Army also host a number of special community celebrations during the festive season.

For more information on how you can support this Christmas, or to find out about local events, please contact your nearest Salvation Army centre in the Newcastle & Hunter areas. You can also visit salvationarmy.org.au. 

During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally: 

• distributed tens of thousands of food hampers to those struggling to make ends meet, 
• received over 250,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without, **
• provided over 132,000 meals, 
• and provided more than 66,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.*

“It is more important than ever to band together as a community and lend a hand to those doing it tough. By believing in our good work and supporting our Christmas Appeal, The Salvation Army can continue providing wraparound services and tailored support and bring much needed hope and help to Newcastle and Hunter families in crisis, ensuring nobody struggles alone this Christmas,” says Andrew Hill.

The Salvation Army also encourages community members looking for affordable Christmas shopping options to consider Salvos Stores. Whether gift-shopping or looking for Christmas decor, there’s always something special to be found. Not only will you save on your Christmas shopping, but 100% of the profits raised support The Salvos community work across the country. It is good for the planet, good for your wallet and good for people in need.

“Most importantly, take time to remember what matters most at Christmas – connection, community, friends, and family. Reach out to people. Spend time with those you care about. And if Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always just down the road. From all of us at The Salvos, we wish you a peace and hope-filled Christmas,” says Andrew Hill.

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.

Homicide Detectives have arrested a second man following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter Region last year.

About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.

State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.

Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.

A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.

Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged 2 and 4, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.

The group allegedly left the scene in a white SUV that was seen travelling on Main Road, Heddon Greta, shortly after the incident.

In February 2023, strike force detectives seized a white 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander from a street in Boolaroo near Newcastle.

One man has already been charged and remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, about 6am today (Thursday 2 November 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant in Cessnock where they arrested a 24-year-old man.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he is expected to be charged with murder. 

Investigations under Strike Force Roslyn continue.

A woman will appear in court tomorrow, charged following an investigation into a shooting in the Lake Macquarie area earlier this year.

About 2am on Thursday 21 September 2023, emergency services were called to a home on Cassia Crescent, Gateshead, following reports of a shooting.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a man and woman had suffered gunshot wounds.

The 42-year-old man and 32-year-old woman were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter for treatment.

A crime scene was established, and an investigation led by Lake Macquarie Detectives was commenced.

On Monday 25 September 2023, a 31-year-old male was charged with offences relating to the investigation and remains before the courts.

Following extensive inquiries and an appeal for information, detectives arrested a woman at a property on Bousfield Street, Wallsend, around 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 1 November 2023).

The 25-year-old woman was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with shoot at with intent to murder and discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm.

She was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 2 November 2023).

Council has adopted a blueprint for the future of the city’s largest suburban sporting and recreation hub, ensuring a recent $1.25 million makeover is just the beginning for Adamstown Park.

City of Newcastle (CN) officially opened stage one of the Adamstown Park Masterplan in July, delivering significant upgrades at Myers Park including new drainage, fencing, covered seating, fitness stations, a running and walking track as well as half basketball and bat ball courts.

Future plans for the 13-hectare precinct have been spelled out in the new 15-year masterplan, with potential projects including two additional junior football fields, the extension of existing amenity buildings and walking track, as well as gender-friendly changerooms.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there’s plenty of potential to improve the already popular public asset.

“Adamstown Park has been a part of the local community for more than 130 years and enjoyed by generations of people in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle sought extensive feedback from key user groups and the broader community to make sure the needs of all users were considered and understood.

Chair of CN’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Cr Carol Duncan, welcomed the adoption of the masterplan and thanked community members for their valuable feedback.

“The masterplan gives us a framework for the future and the inclusion of new infrastructure will ensure even more people can enjoy the precinct,” Cr Duncan said.

“The next stage of work in delivering the masterplan will begin early next year with the construction of a new playground near the existing tennis courts close to Glebe Road.”

Future improvements to passive and active recreation include increasing the number of trees and landscaping, a multipurpose active court, flood light renewal on several fields, as well as an all-weather training pitch next to Adamstown No.1, which will be subject to external funding.

Along with recreational and sporting facilities, the masterplan also includes a provision to relocate a World War One memorial, which currently sits on private property on Brunker Road, to a space near the corner of Glebe Road and Bryant Street.

Merewether-Hamilton-Adamstown RSL Sub-Branch President Phil Winney OAM said it’s an important monument that needs to be preserved.

“This memorial has been in Adamstown since 1921, but its current location has become problematic since the RSL club closed down in 2014,” Mr Winney said.

“We stopped holding a march on Anzac Day because of the disruption to traffic on Brunker Road and we could only accommodate a small crowd for the service.

“With help from City of Newcastle, as well as state and government grants, we hope to move the memorial to Adamstown Park, allowing us to revive the full Anzac Day service and the march, without safety or traffic concerns.”

Development of the Adamstown Park Masterplan was a recommendation in City of Newcastle’s adopted Strategic Sports Plan and aligns with the directions of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

To view the Adamstown Park Masterplan go to: https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/adamstown-park-sports-masterplan

City of Newcastle’s flagship arts and culture festival New Annual has cemented its place in the events calendar, attracting 95,000 visitors across its first three years.

The success of the festival was recognised during last night’s Council meeting, with a Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledging New Annual’s strong support for local artists and performers as part of the City’s ongoing investment in the sector.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Annual marks a significant milestone in Newcastle’s growth and identity, demonstrating City of Newcastle’s commitment to the arts and ability to deliver large-scale, multi event festivals.

“During the past three years we’ve invested more than $3 million into developing and delivering our flagship festival as part of our wider commitment to arts and culture in our city, which we continue to proudly support through our range of grants and sponsorship programs,” Cr Nelmes said.

“New Annual has become a catalyst for Newcastle’s cultural events sector to take centre stage alongside leading national events, cementing Newcastle as a creative city where exciting, ambitious and accessible contemporary art and culture grows and thrives.

“With local artists and performers accounting for more than 60 per cent of this year’s programming, New Annual also provides a high-profile platform for Novocastrians to showcase their talents alongside leading national and internationally-renowned practitioners.

“We are thrilled that locals and visitors have firmly embraced New Annual, which continues to provide an important boost for Newcastle’s recovering creative arts and live music sectors.”

Up to 1,500 visiting and local artists and performers have been involved in New Annual throughout its first three years, delivering a diverse program of dance, circus, visual art, music, and theatre that has proven incredibly popular with audiences across each festival.

This year’s event included eight sold-out shows and seasons, including two captivating performances by world-renowned Circa Contemporary Circus within the iconic Christ Church Cathedral.

The program celebrated the depth of talent in Newcastle’s thriving cultural and arts sector, with City of Newcastle’s ‘Made New’ expression of interest process delivering innovative productions and unexpected performance spaces.

This included the stunning new dance production Rhapsody, which was performed by Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub on the fifth floor of an inner-city car park, as well as a ground-breaking AI-driven interactive theatre experience by The Parallel Effect and the debut of hilarious Newcastle-based play, Spewy, by Novocastrian-born playwright Ang Collins at Earp Distilling Co.

“Thanks to New Annual’s Made New initiative, I was finally given the opportunity to write this story for a professional festival platform, and to bring it to life with some of my favourite regional artists,” Ms Collins said.

“I am so excited to see New Annual continue to invigorate my favourite harbour city and show the rest of the country the calibre of new work that we Novocastrians create.”

City of Newcastle is taking responsible action to reduce pollution by powering up electric alternatives for fuel-based vehicles and equipment as part of its landmark Newcastle Environment Strategy.

The Strategy, which was adopted at tonight’s Council meeting, provides a 10-year roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle based on the priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Strategy would ensure CN continues its decades-long action and advocacy to protect and improve our environment.

“The Newcastle Environment Strategy is our definitive roadmap for achieving our progressive environmental ambitions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through this strategy, we are sending a signal to the community that we are strongly committed to protecting and enhancing Newcastle’s natural environment today, and for future generations of Novocastrians.”

Fifteen key actions have been identified to be delivered by CN or in partnership with state and federal governments, business and the community within the first four years, including renewable energy initiatives, city-wide electric vehicle charging infrastructure, connected wildlife corridors and sustainable construction materials.

CN will continue its drive towards net zero emissions with a range of activities, including the development of a vehicle, plant and equipment transition plan.

This will guide the implementation of low emissions and electric alternatives to slash the use of fossil-based liquid fuels, such as diesel and unleaded petrol, in CN cars, trucks, plant and equipment. City of Newcastle was the first Council in NSW to use 100% renewables in its operations, delivered in part through the construction of a council owned 5MW solar farm at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

The transition plan will build on successful trials of electric vehicles within CN’s fleet, as well as a recent roll-out of electric plant and equipment to help maintain the city’s natural environment.

“While we’ve been successfully trialling the use of electric vehicles within our fleet for a number of years, we’ve also recently purchased around 50 pieces of electric equipment, including hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, pruners, shears and an electric mower,” Cr Nelmes said.

“These pieces of equipment have been fit for purpose for use by our City Greening and Natural Areas teams, as well as at Blackbutt Reserve and Summerhill Waste Management Centre, offering a range of benefits alongside important carbon emissions reductions by being quieter, lighter, faster to start and easier to maintain.

“This initiative is just one example of how City of Newcastle is continuing to invest in progressive actions to ensure we create an environmental legacy for future generations.”

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 31 October 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the City of Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that recommits to the 1998 Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the City of Newcastle, noting that 53% of Newcastle residents voted ‘Yes’ to constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament, with Newcastle receiving the highest ‘Yes’ vote outside of a capital city.

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges the work of the Royal Commission over the last four years with the release of the Report of the Disability Royal Commission and commits to the continued implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan over the next two years.

New Annual success

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the recent conclusion of the highly successful New Annual, Newcastle’s flagship arts and cultural festival and recognises New Annual’s success over the last three years in attracting 95,000 visitors.

Ordinary business

Authorisation for signing of the financial statements

Council received the draft Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 and unanimously voted to authorise the signing of City of Newcastle’s statements by Councillors and Management as required.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest annual report

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2022/2023 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Adoption of Newcastle Environment Strategy

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Environment Strategy 2023, repealing and replacing the Newcastle Environmental Management Strategy 2013.

Conservation agreement for Black Hill wetland

Council unanimously voted to endorse the establishment of a Conservation Agreement over 185D Lenaghans Drive, Black Hill.

Draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review report

Council unanimously voted to exhibit for a minimum of 28 days the Draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review Report, which recommends ways to preserve and protect the cultural heritage in the Newcastle City Centre.

Adamstown Park Masterplan

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Adamstown Park Masterplan, which has been developed to guide the future vision and renewal of the precinct over the next 15 years.

Adoption of Crown Land Plan of Management 2023 and application to the Minister

Council voted to adopt the Crown Land Plan of Management 2023 following public exhibition and endorsement by Crown Lands, and to make an application to the Minister for Local Government for consent to grant a lease as per the Local Government Act following the CEO’s decision to award a tender for the operation of City of Newcastle’s inland swimming pools.

Draft Council Property Lease and Licence Policy

Council unanimously voted to place the Draft Council Property Lease and Licence Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. It would establish a framework for optimal use and utilisation of Council Property based on community need, equitable access, and affordability.

Newcastle Show Day 2024

Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 1 March 2024 as a Local Public Holiday, and if that is not approved by the Minister, request their approval for it to be proclaimed a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW).

Release of easement at New Lambton Heights

Council unanimously voted to support the request to release an existing easement for drainage and create an easement to drain water at 13 Grandview Road, New Lambton Heights.

Public positive covenants in Lambton

Council unanimously voted to support the release of the two public positive covenants currently burdening 79A Young Road, Lambton.

Major events update

Council voted to support City of Newcastle’s commitment to attracting and hosting major events, as well as an amendment to prioritising universally accessible experiences for every person, for every event. Council also voted to support Cessnock City Council’s effort to retain Supercars in the Hunter with the proposed Wine Country 500.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2023.

Cell 9 stage 2 upper batter contract

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the construction of the Cell 9 Stage 2 upper batter component of the Cell 9 landfill at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Notices of Motion

Hillcrest Tennis Club

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that congratulated the Hillcrest Tennis Club, Mayfield on celebrating its 85th anniversary and committed to the protection of the Hillcrest Tennis Courts and continued partnership with Tennis NSW and the Tennis Club in the development of a Tennis Strategy as an action of the 10-year Strategic Sports Plan.

Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that called on the NSW Government to restore the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund, noting the fund had minimal impact on the State Budget, but provided significant benefits and assurance to the redevelopment and revitalisation of Inner-City Newcastle.

Community preparations to ensure a safer summer

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that intends to ensure the safety of the community during the upcoming summer season and empowers residents with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect themselves, their families, and properties from the potential risks and threats posed by heatwaves, bushfires, and storm activity.

Recognition of carers

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that recognises the contribution of informal and family carers in caring for loved ones across our community and supports the creation of a national carer advisory body to provide advice on the development and implementation of a National Carer Strategy.

Homicide Detectives have charged a man following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter Region last year.

About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.

State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.

Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.

A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.

Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged 2 and 4, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.

The group allegedly left the scene in a white SUV that was seen travelling on Main Road, Heddon Greta, shortly after the incident.

In February 2023, strike force detectives seized a white 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander from a street in Boolaroo near Newcastle.

Following further extensive inquiries, about 6am today (Tuesday 31 October 2023), strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Boomerang Beach – about 20km south of Forster – where they arrested a 25-year-old man.

He was taken to Forster Police Station, where was charged with murder.

The man was refused bail to appear before Taree Local Court today.

Investigations under Strike Force Roslyn are continuing.

With predictions of a scorching summer, City of Newcastle (CN) is calling for new high school-aged trainee lifeguards to patrol Newcastle’s iconic beaches and baths.

For a third year running, CN is investing in upskilling Hunter Surf Lifesavers under the Trainee Lifeguard program.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important CN continues to support valuable career experiences and enhance surf lifesaving skills across diverse cohorts.

“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year, so it is vital we invest in keeping our visitors safe,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our Trainee Lifeguard Program offers successful applicants three weekday shifts of up to 24 hours per week throughout the summer school holidays, and invaluable mentorship from our professional lifeguards.

“The six-week program offers trainees the ability to shadow our lifeguards, supporting the wellbeing and safety of the community so they can safely enjoy the City’s beaches and ocean baths.”

Since CN launched the program in 2021, the traineeship has helped kickstart the careers of nine lifeguards, who are now regularly patrolling our beaches during the summer months.

Lily Forbes, who undertook the traineeship in 2021/22 and commenced working as a casual lifeguard for City of Newcastle last season, said the program provided her with great insight and experience into being a beach lifeguard.

“The traineeship allowed me to learn the ins and outs of the job from the most experienced lifeguards. It offered me first aid qualifications, knowledge of beach geography and strengthened my interpersonal skills,” Ms Forbes said.

“I would encourage school-aged individuals to apply for this opportunity. Being a lifeguard is exciting, every day is unique, the environment is friendly and supportive, it’s flexible around studies and you get to spend the summer on Newcastle beaches.”

City of Newcastle lifeguard Dan Collins said the program is the perfect way to foster and develop new lifeguards here in Newcastle.

“Working alongside lifeguards, trainees utilise skills in customer experience, problem solving and team work to keep our community safe. The traineeship is an incredible opportunity for young people to gain valuable skills in a supported environment for a career in lifeguarding or any other industry they may work in later in life,” Mr Collins said.

“The opportunity to have these trainees as part of our team and see their development across the six-week program is awesome. To see trainees return as team members in the following years goes to show how effective this traineeship is in developing lifeguards here in Newcastle.”

Applications close on Sunday 5 November, with successful trainees beginning the program on 18 December.

Visit City of Newcastle’s Employment Opportunities webpage for more information.

`City of Newcastle (CN)’s 2022-23 financial statements confirms the delivery of a record $117.8 million in key infrastructure projects across the city, following on from $100.6 million spent the year prior.

Major projects delivered include more than $12.4 million invested in road resurfacing, $10.8 million in improvements to local pools and aquatic facilities, $7.4 million in stormwater upgrades, $3.2 million on coast, estuary and wetland projects including Stockton erosion management, $1.8 million on new street and park trees, $1.4 million on new footpaths and $1 million on cycleway improvements.

The financial statements underscore CN’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, wrestling in a modest surplus of $7.8 million for the city, following three years where it was required to draw down on its savings to support the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle’s strong financial performance was to be congratulated and reflected prudent financial management.

“City of Newcastle’s 2022/23 financial year results reflect prudent financial controls to deliver essential services and undertake a record infrastructure works program for the city, boosting its investment in essential community infrastructure,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our financial statements confirm the ongoing support provided to members of our community facing hardship, including our direct investment in new social housing, our Grants and Sponsorship Program, pensioner rebate, and access to financial planning and counselling services.

“We know how important essential community infrastructure like recreation facilities are to Novocastrians and CN is proud to deliver new parks and sporting facilities such as Wallsend Active Hub and continue with projects like the revitalisation of Bathers Way, Newcastle Ocean Baths and Newcastle Art Gallery’s expansion.”

The financial statements confirm the City’s continued commitment to renewing and maintaining ageing assets. In 2022/23, CN invested $30.2 million in asset maintenance, exceeding the required amount by $5 million.

The Council remains a net contributor to the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, paying $45.12 million in taxes and levies, while receiving $44.7 million in State and Commonwealth Grants.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the City had delivered on his promise to return to a modest operating surplus without compromising its service levels or community commitments.

“Our financial statements align with every financial key performance benchmark set by the Office of Local Government, demonstrating the City’s fiscal responsibility and effective management,” Mr Bath said.

“City of Newcastle has delivered a record infrastructure program that helped stimulate the local economy and create new employment opportunities while overcoming inflationary pressures, La Nina weather events and ongoing challenges as a result of the pandemic impacting the construction industry.

“Our last three Budgets were put under significant strain to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. Still, we managed to accelerate infrastructure delivery to keep 700 Novocastrians in jobs through the pandemic. This move was made possible by CN’s strong financial position, with a legacy of delivering six consecutive operating surpluses prior to the pandemic.

“With net assets of $2.09 billion, our financial statements confirm that the City remains in a strong financial position.”