Category: Newcastle News

At a time when the cost-of-living crisis in Australia is forcing some students to forgo basic necessities, City of Newcastle is providing funding to help alleviate the problem.

The University of Newcastle Students’ Association (UNSA) was selected to share in a pool of more than $600,000 from City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorships funding for a grocery hub, giving the food-insecure and vulnerable weekly access to non-perishable groceries and essential sanitary items.

More than 60 applicants were successful across 12 grants and sponsorship funding categories, including Community Support Grants, which will provide assistance for an employment clinic for newly arrived migrants, a community garden, a First Nations surfing program as well as theatre performances and concerts.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the funding supports initiatives that contribute to the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of the city.

“The grants and sponsorships program sustains our vision of making Newcastle a liveable, sustainable, inclusive, global city,” Cr Clausen said.

“Local and visiting students make up an important part of our community and we want to make sure they have enough food on the table so they can focus on pursuing their higher education goals.

“City of Newcastle’s funding program is open to anyone who’s looking to make our city a better place.”

University of Newcastle Students’ Association President Georgie Cooper said City of Newcastle’s grant has allowed them to expand their outreach efforts and cover a larger population in need.

“This funding is helping to mitigate the most severe impacts of the cost-of-living crisis for 3,000 vulnerable young residents in Newcastle, especially those living in the western corridor around the Callaghan campus,” Ms Cooper said.

“A study by University of Newcastle researchers found that 48% of students are food insecure, and consequently experience poorer mental health and academic performance. UNSA surveys conducted in June this year revealed almost half of students accessing food relief programs have a weekly grocery budget of under $20.

“Our grocery hub ensures students can access up to five items for free each week. Thanks to City of Newcastle funding, we can supply diverse, healthy, nutritious, in-date and culturally appropriate food items, rather than relying on donations from individuals and rescued food of sub-optimal quality.”

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Grants and Sponsorships program visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

Stroke prevention will be on the menu next week when City of Newcastle (CN) serves up its annual community morning tea with world-leading researchers from the Hunter.

CN is partnering with Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) to host the annual Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day event, which provides the community with an opportunity to hear from renowned local researchers on the latest in stroke prevention and symptom awareness.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was proud to help showcase the world-class research being undertaken locally to help raise community awareness to reduce the risk of stroke.

“Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of long-term adult disability in Australia,” Cr Nelmes said.

“More than 6,000 people are currently living with the effects of stroke throughout the greater Newcastle region, which is why this annual event is a vitally important opportunity to help educate the local community on the risks and preventive measures available, based on the latest research.”

Hunter Research Medical Institute Professor Beata Bajorek said progress had been made in stroke prevention, in part, thanks to events like the Lord Mayor’s annual morning tea.

“Our partnership with City of Newcastle is extremely important in raising awareness in the community – that awareness is the crucial first step in taking action to reduce the risk of stroke,” Professor Bajorek said. “Medicines and healthier lifestyle measures can then be adopted to maintain good health and control any stroke risk factors.”

“At HMRI, we have been researching the community’s needs and preferences about medicine use and medication management – we know that many people don’t fully understand the role of medicines in preventing stroke, and sometimes they have difficulty managing medicines.

“We’re working with our community of people who have experienced stroke to see how we can support them better with their medication.”

The Hunter Stroke Research Register is the only register in Australia that is dedicated to consumer engagement in research.

Hunter Research Medical Institute Consumer and Community Involvement Lead Gillian Mason said more research is needed to understand the 20 per cent of strokes that cannot be prevented with the current knowledge available.

“We know we need more research on how to help stroke survivors live their best lives. At HMRI, we work alongside people with stroke in Newcastle who are actively involved in co-designing this research,” Ms Mason said.

“Our recent work around post stroke fatigue is a great example of this. We surveyed people with stroke and they told us that fatigue is the thing they wanted help with. We’re working to understand both the biological mechanisms for fatigue and more about drug treatments that work in some cases but also look at treatments and strategies for people who the drugs don’t seem to work for.

“This annual morning tea brings people together from all over the community and gives us the space and time to connect over a cup of coffee. By partnering with City of Newcastle, it shows that stroke is not just seen as a research or medical issue, it’s acknowledged as whole of community issue.”

The Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day Morning Tea will be held on Monday 30 October at 10am at Newcastle Museum.

To RSVP visit https://events.humanitix.com/lord-mayor-annual-stroke-day-morning-tea

Newcastle’s reputation as a major events destination took centre stage this week as almost 30,000 fans packed McDonald Jones Stadium to watch Paul McCartney’s historic first concert outside an Australian capital city.

The show, which was secured as part of City of Newcastle’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW, has injected an estimated $9 million into the local economy.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the capacity crowd and booked out accommodation across the city were testament to the benefits of CN’s strategic investment into major events.

“Events deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“When Elton John toured here earlier this year, his concerts were watched by almost 50,000 music fans, with more than 75 per cent of people coming from outside of Newcastle and Newcastle’s accommodation occupancy rates almost double compared to the same period the year prior.

“Accommodation providers were similarly inundated with bookings to coincide with Paul McCartney’s concert, reaffirming the essential role major events play in boosting tourism, as well as encouraging repeat visitation in the future.”

The former Beatle and Wings frontman also shone a spotlight on the tourism potential of events, asking the crowd during his show who had travelled from outside of Newcastle and surrounding areas. The cheer from visitors from beyond was by far the most rapturous within the stadium.

“Well, on behalf of the tourist board we welcome you,” McCartney said.

A report to next Tuesday’s Council meeting highlights CN’s commitment to attracting and hosting major events in line with its Destination Management Plan 2021-2025. The report also notes the key role the Newcastle 500 played in attracting significantly more major events, including those with international reach, to the city.

“The Newcastle 500 was the first major, multi-day, international event hosted by Newcastle and has led to the city cementing its reputation as a premier tourism and major events destination,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since the inaugural Newcastle 500 in 2017, Newcastle has played host to a suite of significant events including Van Gogh Alive, the AFC Asian Cup, Oceania Super Moto, Elton John and Paul McCartney concerts and a number of international women’s football matches including the record-breaking Matildas clash with Brazil. Together with the Supercars events, these have been attended by almost one million people.

“City of Newcastle is now regularly approached by event promoters about potential major and major events, and we look forward to securing new and exciting events for our community and as a key economic and tourism driver for the region.”

One of the world’s most iconic and highest selling musicals of all time, The Rocky Horror Show, has been secured to launch at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre when it kicks off a new national tour in January 2024.

Sold out in London, Sydney and Melbourne, this 50th Anniversary world tour will continue its global celebrations in honour of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll musical with a new Australian production set to open at Civic Theatre from 12 January for three weeks only, starring Australian superstar Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter and Myf Warhurst as the Narrator.

The Rocky Horror Show will be the first in a new line-up of world class productions brought to Newcastle by leading British theatre producer Sir Howard Panter of Trafalgar Entertainment following his recent visit to the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the announcement and said she looked forward to Trafalgar launching a new national tour of The Rocky Horror Show in Newcastle.

“Seen by more than 30 million people in over 30 countries since making its debut in London in 1973, this spectacular international touring production is a major coup secured by City of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It’s sure to enhance the cultural life of our city for Novocastrians and visitors this summer.

“Major events are a clear economic driver for our local visitor economy with 21,500 theatregoers flocking to Civic Theatre for the Broadway smash Come From Away back in February. The Rocky Horror Show will no doubt provide another significant drawcard for our city, with Jason Donovan and Myf Warhurst set to wow fans.

“The Rocky Horror Show will kick off a stellar line-up of international acts featured on Newcastle’s 2024 major events calendar, with pop powerhouse Pink’s world tour coming to McDonald Jones Stadium from 13 to 14 February, followed by the Broadway smash hit RENT at Civic Theatre in March.”

Sir Howard Panter said Newcastle audiences are in for the time of their lives.

“We were excited by our trip to Newcastle in May of this year and identified the city as a growth city for global events, ” Sir Panter said.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the first of 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.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Civic Theatre’s status had been well and truly cemented on the national touring circuit for hosting global acts.

“The Rocky Horror Show is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year with a storyline many are familiar with, and we’re delighted to welcome the fun and nostalgia of this iconic global production to our city’s historic Civic Theatre,” Ms Wallace said.

“The success of Come From Away’s three-week extended run demonstrated the demand for Broadway and West End productions in Newcastle, with theatregoers travelling from across the Hunter and as far as Tasmania and Queensland to sample Broadway, smashing previous box office ticket sales records.”

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

The Rocky Horror Show will be performed at Civic Theatre from 12 January until 4 February 2024, with tickets on sale now.

For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

City of Newcastle is continuing to remediate storm damage and improve accessibility at Bar Beach to ensure safe access for all beach users ahead of the busy summer season.

In support of accessibility, construction of a temporary beach access ramp has commenced and is expected to be ready for use by the end of October.

Additional improvements will also be delivered prior to Christmas including the replacement of temporary water-filled barriers with upgraded balustrade fencing, and enhanced beach access for surf club vehicles.

Following severe weather in 2022, emergency repair works were undertaken to enable the use of the club house and facilities and provide temporary vehicular access to the beach.

Rehabilitation works to the promenade area are currently in design, which will include the construction of a new disabled access ramp, new stairs, upgrades to seawalls and the installation of new handrails. The reinstatement of four beach access points between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach are also planned.

City of Newcastle is working with Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club to minimise disruption to beach users, with rehabilitation works scheduled to commence following the upcoming summer season, at the request of the Club.

Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club President Michael Clancy said the ongoing remediation and enhancements are welcomed by the local community.

“Cooks Hill Surf Club and the extended community that we serve are looking forward to the continued remediation works and improved beach access over the coming months, said Mr Clancy.

“The installation of the temporary ramp for the remainder of the season ensures access to the beach is available to all, irrespective of their mobility.

“We have a Club that prides itself in delivering programs that cater for all members of our community and this work will allow our much loved “Same Waves” program for physically and intellectually impaired youth to recommence this season.”

City of Newcastle is also working with coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the stretch of beaches between Nobbys and Burwood Beach, which will consider the increasing exposure to coastal hazards and explore long-term management options for this highly valued and much utilised stretch of coastline.

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

Roy Quinton, aged 61, was last seen at a home on Stanford St, Pelaw Main near Kurri Kurri, about 7.40am yesterday (Tuesday 24 October 2023).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were later notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

Roy is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 180cm tall, of medium build, and with short light grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved white polo shirt with a John Deere logo, faded blue jeans and beige elastic-sided work boots.

He is known to frequent the Pelaw Main, Kurri Kurri and Weston areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For the third year running, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has today launched the 2023 Newcastle Photography Competition, calling on all photographers, whether amateur, hobbyist, or professional, to capture the essence of Newcastle on camera.

“The winning photograph will be showcased on my annual Christmas card that will be sent to every household in the city as well as businesses and community groups in our area and dignitaries such as Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, the Prime Minister, and the Governor-General.” Ms Claydon said.   

“The winner will also receive a $150 voucher to spend at MacLean’s Booksellers or any one of the dozens of creative, independent and locally owned Makers and Traders Newcastle businesses. And $50 vouchers will go to three runners up!”

Ms Claydon said the photo must be taken in the electorate of Newcastle by a Novocastrian.

“I’ll be keeping my eye out for iconic images that capture the essence of Newcastle – our people, our landmarks and natural beauty, our sense of humour, daily life, or festive cheer.”

“The photo can be taken on any sort of camera, smartphone or drone, but it must have been taken in 2023” Ms Claydon said.

“You’ll need to get in quick because entries close in a few short weeks on Friday 10 November 2023.”

“After the success of previous years, I really look forward to seeing this year’s entries”.

“This competition is always a highlight, it really showcases the creativity and unique vision of Novocastrians”

For more information or to upload your photo visit: https://woobox.com/5suqjf

The Albanese Labor Government is keeping its commitment to improve the lives of Australian families with the introduction of the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023.

The Bill finalises settings for the Government’s significant expansion of Paid Parental Leave announced in the October 2022-23 Budget, increasing the scheme to 26 weeks by July 2026.

With this Bill, the Government is committing to providing each parent four weeks of reserved leave from July 2026 when the full scheme is implemented which will encourage shared care and send a strong signal that both parents play a role in caring for their children.

This Bill also introduces concurrent leave – meaning that from 2026 both parents can take four weeks of leave at the same time if they choose to, providing flexibility to families in how they arrange their care.

These changes reflect the additional advice on PPL sought by government from the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce and represent the largest investment in Paid Parental Leave since the scheme was introduced in 2011.

It delivers more support for working families, improves outcomes for children and advances gender equality.

The Bill follows changes commencing 1 July 2023 to make the scheme more accessible, flexible and gender equitable. These important structural changes laid a strong foundation for our expansion to 26 weeks. 

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said that through the Jobs and Skills Summit and the Employment White Paper, the Government had heard loud and clear that support for families to balance care is critical to ensuring women’s long term economic equality.

“We know that good women’s policy is also good economic policy, and this investment will promote parenting as an equal partnership while boosting the economy,” Minister Gallagher said.

“This is all about making sure that every family has more choice and better support.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the changes to the scheme better address the needs of working Australian families and provides greater security as they adjust to life with a newborn or adopted child.

“The roughly 180,000 families who receive Paid Parental Leave each year will benefit from a more generous scheme that supports maternal health and wellbeing, encourages dads and partners to take leave, and gives families flexibility to choose how they share care,” Minister Rishworth said.

“Not only will this help families to better balance work and care, but it will also support participation and productivity over the longer term, providing a dividend for the Australian economy.

“These changes will provide better security and choice for families. They strike the right balance between supporting our working families, encouraging greater gender equality, and supporting greater workforce participation.” 

Pending its passage through Parliament, two additional weeks of payment will be added each year from 1 July 2024, increasing the overall length of the Paid Parental Leave scheme by six weeks by July 2026.

The Bill increases the number of weeks reserved for each parent to four weeks in order to encourage sharing of care and household responsibilities.

The Bill also increases the number of weeks parents are able to take at the same time, increasing flexibility for families and supporting both parents to take time off work together after a birth.

The Government’s changes will benefit over 180,000 families each year, at a cost of $1.2 billion from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

More information on the changes to the Paid Parental Leave scheme can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is on the lookout for passionate local environmental champions to join the new Hunter Environment Advisory Group. 

EPA Acting Director of Operations Claire Miles said the group brings together and replaces the Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee and Newcastle Community Consultative Committee for the Environment and will play a crucial role in influencing and contributing to the future of the Hunter. 

“We are evolving these two groups to broaden the scope and increase collaboration across the Hunter and Newcastle areas. This responds to feedback from both of the groups previous members,” Ms Miles said.   

“We are looking for people who want to step up to guide environmental policies and initiatives towards sustainable development. 

“We know the people of Newcastle and the Hunter are passionate about their environment in a region where industry, natural wonders and vibrant communities coexist. 

 “The Hunter Environment Advisory Group will advise the EPA on existing, new and emerging environmental matters such as air quality, the operation of the air quality monitoring networks, local industry, general environmental matters and provide expertise to guide education and communication. 

“We are seeking applications from people who are linked into their community and can represent their community or local industries and be willing to share updates from the EPA back to the community.  

“This is your chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals and experts, influence decisions that shape the region’s environmental future, advocate for sustainable practices and conservation efforts, and participate in valuable discussions and projects,” Ms Miles said. 

Expression of interest for nominations are open from 20 October – 20 November. 

For more information come along to a drop-in session on Wednesday 25 October, 5-7pm at Stan Thiess Centre, Hill St, Muswellbrook where you can learn about the new Hunter Environment Advisory Group and the EPA’s current Bust the Dust campaign in the Hunter. 

More info on nominating for the Hunter Environment Advisory Group: Nominate for the Hunter Environment Advisory Group (nsw.gov.au)

City of Newcastle is moving forward with its commitment to reduce traffic congestion in the growing western corridor, seeking community feedback into plans to widen and upgrade Minmi Road.

The project is stage two of a large-scale infrastructure program that will significantly improve traffic flow along this key sub-arterial road. It follows recent community consultation into the proposed stage one upgrade along Longworth Avenue, Wallsend.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this was an important project that would provide benefits for local residents and motorists from across the region.

“Widening and upgrading Minmi Road was the first commitment made by the current elected Council in recognition of the long-standing issues associated with traffic congestion along this critical link, which connects the growing suburbs of Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi to Newcastle and the wider region,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Once complete, this project will help reduce travel times, improve safety, cater for population growth and increased vehicle movements in the area, and ease the morning and afternoon commute.

“We are now inviting motorists and residents who regularly travel along this road to have their say on the concept designs, to help shape the future of this important link to the city.”

The upgrade will increase the width of Minmi Road to two lanes in each direction from Summerhill Road to Maryland Drive (east).

A central median and separated turning lanes at Anna Place, McNaughton Avenue and the Service Station are proposed to help remove bottlenecks and improve safety, in conjunction with restrictions on right hand turns in and out of Mount Street and Minmi Road properties.

Improved cycling and pedestrian connections will also be delivered as part of the project.

Community members can log on to www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay by 17 November to provide feedback on the proposed concept designs.

Community drop-in sessions will also be held at Wallsend Library on Saturday, 4 November from 11am to 1pm, and Fletcher Village Shopping Centre on Thursday, 9 November from 4pm to 6pm.

Feedback received will be used to better understand the level of support from the community on the proposed plans, before finalising the scope and design options that will be presented to Council later this year.