Category: Newcastle News

Community connection and lifelong learning is at the heart of Newcastle’s annual festival celebrating seniors as part of the state-wide NSW Senior’s Festival.

With the theme ‘Reach Beyond’, close to 40 events and activities will be held across the city from 11 -24 March 2024 delivered by City of Newcastle (CN) and a range of community organisations.

CN facilities will play host to a range of events including the flagship comedy gala and Seniors Expo at City Hall, a travel writing workshop with renowned author Bruce Elder at Wallsend Library and a saucy science lecture with Newcastle Museum’s resident scientist.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the success of previous festivals led to the establishment of a committee to organise a packed program for 2024.

“The Seniors Festival Reference Committee have created a wonderful program featuring a range of activities presented by City of Newcastle and a diverse mix of community groups,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Line dancing lessons, Tai Chi classes, handbell ringing demonstrations, pickleball matches and cake decorating sessions are just some of the free activities on offer.

“The seniors festival is an opportunity to collaborate with community organisations and groups who champion the health and wellbeing of our seniors and continue to raise awareness of the barriers older people face every day.

“City of Newcastle is proud to take part in this inclusive event that encourages people to connect with their community, supports health and wellbeing, and celebrates the wealth of knowledge and experience that our seniors bring to the city.”

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the NSW Seniors Festival is a fantastic opportunity for seniors to get together, connect and make new friends.

“This year’s NSW Seniors Festival theme ‘Reach Beyond’ says it all – we want our seniors to seize this opportunity, to attend the various events around the state and try something new,” Minister Harrison said.

“Seniors have and continue to make valuable contributions to our communities, whether it is through volunteering or caring roles. The Seniors Festival running from 11-24 March is our way of thanking them for this, with plenty of free activities on offer across the state, including the Premier’s Gala Concerts, expo and Comedy Shows.

“The City of Newcastle Seniors Festival Reference Committee has put together a strong festival program and I encourage local seniors to join in the festivities and make the most of what is on offer.”

City of Newcastle’s newly named Senior Citizen of the Year and president of Hunter Ageing Alliance, Professor Julie Byles, was a key member of The Seniors Festival Reference Committee.

“The Seniors Festival strengthens social connections by bringing people from across the Hunter region together,” Professor Byles said.

“We hope that the breadth of events in this year’s program, tailored to different interests and abilities, will encourage our seniors to ‘reach beyond’ and try something or meet someone new.

“The importance of continual learning and connection cannot be underestimated which is why the festival plays such a significant role in the mental health and wellbeing of seniors in our community.”

Alongside the City of Newcastle events are a wide selection of community-led activities, lectures and workshops included as part of this year’s festival program.

This year’s festival will start on 11 March 2024 with the flagship comedy gala and expo at City Hall.

Chemical and material manufacturer Koppers Carbon Materials and Chemicals has been fined $15,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for failing to transfer tar-based substances onto a ship properly at Mayfield North in September last year.

The incident occurred as hot coal tar pitch being loaded onto a ship came into contact with water, which increased pressure in the vessel’s storage compartments and activated safety relief valves releasing potentially harmful fumes into the atmosphere.

The EPA’s investigation found the loading happened too quickly, and that Koppers was aware of the issue after workers had previously stopped transferring the substances twice before the safety feature was activated.

The incident resulted in an alleged breach of Kopper’s environment protection licence.

EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon said while the EPA is unaware of any offsite impacts, Koppers has a duty to ensure hazardous materials are handled appropriately.

“Exposure to vapour from coal tar pitch is environmentally hazardous, and Koppers could have taken measures to prevent this incident from occurring,” Mr Gordon said.

“We consider the incident was foreseeable and Koppers must prioritise compliance in its day-to-day operations. Extra care is needed when working on our waterways to protect our communities and sensitive marine habitats.

“Safety relief valves are designed for emergencies and their activation should be a last resort to prevent potential harm to the environment and public health.”

Since 2012, the EPA has issued 21 notices, official cautions and prosecutions in the Land and Environment Court to Koppers. These previous matters relate to odour complaints, air pollution and spilling coal tar pitch onto a wharf.

Mr Gordon said the EPA is beyond disappointed with the actions of Koppers, who continue to breach the obligations under their licence.

“The Kopper’s site has a history of breaching environmental laws, and the community has the right to expect better from its industrial neighbours,” he said.

“We are monitoring operations closely and may consider other regulatory action if the company commits future alleged offences.”

Penalty notices are one of several regulatory tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance, including formal warnings, licence conditions, notices and directions, mandatory audits, legally binding pollution reduction programs, enforceable undertakings, and prosecutions.

If you suspect someone is doing the wrong thing, phone the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.

City of Newcastle will shortly commence work to reinstate permanent road infrastructure on the former Newcastle 500 track.

Planning for the first stage of work on the roundabouts at the intersection of Watt Street and Wharf Road, as well as the intersection of Zaara Street and Shortland Esplanade, is underway with onsite works scheduled to commence this financial year.

The removable infrastructure at these two key intersections will be replaced with permanent roundabouts.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the staged restoration works would enhance the safety and accessibility of Newcastle’s East End and along Foreshore Park.

“We are replacing the removable elements with permanent structures and completing road improvements that will further enhance the safety and amenity of the areas and improve accessibility for pedestrians,” Cr Clausen said.

“Re-installing permanent infrastructure demonstrates to the community that after four successful Newcastle 500 events, which delivered an estimated economic output for the city of $36 million per event, City of Newcastle has responded to community feedback and is committed to moving in a different direction going forward.

“The Newcastle 500 successfully achieved what it had intended to, in delivering unparalleled national and international exposure for our city and, as the city’s largest ever event, showcased Newcastle’s ability to host significant major events.

“It has since led to the city cementing its reputation as a premier tourism and major events destination, including by helping attract acts like Pink, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, and festivals such as Groovin the Moo, and we look forward to continuing to secure new events as a key economic and tourism driver for the region.”

The road and traffic restoration works will include the installation of permanent raised pedestrian crossings throughout the East End precinct, with updated signage and linemarking to improve safety, visibility, and enhance accessibility for pedestrians throughout the precinct.

The road infrastructure is owned by the City of Newcastle and therefore the first stage of work will be funded from Council’s 2024 capital works budget with the second stage to be included in the upcoming 2024/25 capital works program, which will be placed on public exhibition in April.

Work to remediate Camp Shortland will be undertaken separately given the ownership complexity of the area. Camp Shortland is owned by the NSW Government with no lease in place to City of Newcastle. Despite this, City of Newcastle is responsible for the remediation under a direction from Heritage NSW.

Concept plans for remediation of the site were sent to Heritage NSW last year. Feedback was recently provided and City of Newcastle will commence considering this once the prioritised stage one road infrastructure works are complete. City of Newcastle is committed to placing the Camp Shortland concept plan on public exhibition later this year.

City of Newcastle has identified 15 sections of the former race track that will be replaced with permanent road infrastructure.

The sites are:

1. Watt Street & Wharf Road – roundabout
2. Watt Street & Hunter Street – crossings
3. Watt Street & King Street – crossing
4. Watt Street, Shortland Esplanade, Church Street – intersection
5. Shortland Esplanade – South Newcastle crossing
6. Shortland Esplanade – Newcastle Beach crossings
7. Shortland Esplanade & Zaara Street – roundabout and crossing
8. Scott Street & Zaara Street – crossing
9. Scott Street & Parnell Place – intersection and refuge
10. Parnell Place – crossing
11. Nobbys Road – crossing and traffic calming
12. Nobbys Road & Wharf Road – alignment and refuge
13. Horseshoe Beach Road – crossing
14. Wharf Road & Horseshoe Beach Road – intersection
15. Wharf Road – crossing and car park

Newcastle is set to paint the town “Pink” in preparation for the global pop sensation’s sold-out concert in the city next week.

Sporting a giant disco ball and bright pink dance floor, Wheeler Place has become the hub for a Pink Party Trail under an initiative being delivered by the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group (NTIG) with funding support from City of Newcastle’s City Centre and Darby Street Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

Pink will hit the stage at McDonald Jones Stadium on 13 February as part of her Summer Carnival world tour, becoming the latest international performer to bring superstar power to Newcastle as a result of CN’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the phenomenal ticket sales prove that music lovers are hungry for more live performances of this calibre in Newcastle.

“After the success of Elton John and Paul McCartney’s shows, Pink’s concert is another major boost for our city, injecting a projected $9 million dollars into the local economy through hotel stays, retail spending and dining out,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Large events are not just a win for live music fans but have a transformative impact across the city. City of Newcastle is regularly approached about hosting potential major events, and we look forward to securing more for our community that act as a key tourism driver for the region.

“With such anticipation ahead of next week’s sold-out concert, it is only fitting that Newcastle gets the party started a week early with the Pink Party Trail

“Many local businesses are involved, and visitors have the chance to enjoy a range of Pink-themed offerings like hitting the dance floor for an open-air disco in Wheeler Place.”

Newcastle began celebrating the star’s arrival earlier this week when the iconic City Hall clock face and McDonald Jones Stadium were turned pink in her honour.

The Pink Party Trail will start on Friday 9 February and run across four nights in the lead up to the concert.

Chair of NTIG Michael Stamboulidis said that businesses are ready to welcome Pink fans to Newcastle’s bustling city centre with themed dining and entertainment specials and the opportunity to enter and win VIP tickets to the sold-out concert.

“Venues within Newcastle’s CBD will come to life with Pink activations. Think Pink inspired cocktails and food, pink lighting, a giant disco ball in Wheeler Place and plenty of fun,” Mr Stamboulidis said.

“Pink’s concert cements the movement to host large scale international and local events. The economic benefit to the wider community is a true indicator of this.”

Known for her energetic on-stage performances and hits such as So What, Raise Your Glass and Trustfall the multiple Grammy award-winner needs no introduction in Newcastle.

In 2009 Pink visited as part of her Funhouse tour and sold out two nights at the Entertainment Centre. Fifteen years later Pink’s popularity has only increased, with her McDonald Jones Stadium show set to break a new attendance record.

Kerrie Mather, CEO of Venues NSW, which operates McDonald Jones Stadium said she is delighted to bring yet another internationally celebrated star to the city.

“It will be fantastic to see the city of Newcastle turn pink for Pink ahead of her sold-out show at McDonald Jones Stadium,” Ms Mather said.

“Following highly successful concerts and other events at McDonald Jones Stadium recently, it’s clear Newcastle has well and truly been cemented as a major event destination.

“We can’t wait to welcome Pink and her fans to McDonald Jones Stadium for what promises to be a special night.”

For more information about the Pink Party Trail, visit What’s On Newcastle

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

Vicki Davey, aged 62, was last seen leaving a business on Memorial Avenue, Stroud about 2pm today (Tuesday 6 February 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens – Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Vicki is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, thin build, with short blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a light blue and white dress, grey cardigan and thongs.

Vicki is known to frequent the New Lambton area, with police also investigating the possibility she may have been hitchhiking.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

People in the Hunter region have seen some of the largest increases in bulk billing in Australia, since the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive.

The landmark Budget initiative is a key part of the Government’s $6.1 billion Strengthening Medicare reforms and is the largest investment in bulk billing in Medicare’s 40-year history. 

In October, before the incentive was tripled on 1 November, 66.4% of all GP visits were bulk billed across the Hunter. By December that increased by 3.4 percentage points to 69.8%.

The increase in the bulk billing rate means an estimated 10,800 additional trips to the GP were bulk billed in the Hunter in November and December, saving locals an estimated $450,000 in gap fees and helping to ease the cost-of-living.

Bulk billing had been falling after a decade of cuts and neglect to Medicare by the former Government that began when Peter Dutton froze Medicare rebates as Health Minister.

Thanks to the Albanese Government, bulk billing has now stabilised and begun to rise again, enabling GPs to bulk bill more patients who need care the most.  

The bulk billing incentive is paid on top of the standard Medicare benefit when doctors bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession card holders.

The GP bulk billing rate throughout NSW has increased by 1.7 percentage points to 82.3%, saving residents across the state more than $3.6 million in gap fees in just two months.

Nationally, the GP bulk billing rate has risen by 2.1 percentage points to 77.7%.

The GP bulk billing rate measures the proportion of all GP visits that involved no patient payment.

Minister Butler said:  

“Doctors’ groups have called our tripling of the bulk billing incentive a ‘game changer’ – and clearly it is. 

“The Albanese Government committed to making it easier for people to see a bulk billing doctor – and the first two months of data show that is exactly what is happening right around the country, and particularly in the Hunter region.” 

Minister Conroy said:

“This is a win all round for our community – for patients, doctors and the health system – and it is helping make Medicare stronger than it has ever been since Labor introduced it 40 years ago. 

“Every extra bulk billed visit to a GP means one less gap fee, taking pressure off household budgets.”

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“Eligible patients account for around 3 out of 5 visits to the GP, and in some communities much more than that, meaning changes to the bulkbilling incentive have brought important relief to pensioners, concession card holders and children under 16.

“I want to see the GP uptake of this incentive continue to rise in Newcastle to ensure Novocastrians have access to affordable healthcare.”

Meryl Swanson MP said:

“People in the Paterson electorate are some of the biggest winners from the Albanese Government’s investment in bulk billing.

“This is delivering significant cost of living relief for people in our community.

“The increase in bulk billing reflects our commitment to ensuring that quality medical care remains within reach for all.”

Dan Repacholi MP said:

 “It was Labor which introduced Medicare and only Labor can be trusted to strengthen and protect it.

“People in the Hunter are finding it easier to see a bulk billing doctor because of Labor’s efforts to strengthen Medicare.”

A body, believed to be that of a man reported missing from the Hunter region, has been located.

Hunter Valley Police District issued public appeals for information and launched an extensive search after a 38-year-old man was reported missing from Aberdeen on Sunday (28 January 2024).

During a co-ordinated land search, the body of a man was located in bushland off Campbell Street, Aberdeen about 3.20pm (Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Whilst the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

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

Jared Jones, aged 38, was last seen on McLeod Street, Aberdeen, about 9pm on Sunday (28 January 2024).

When he couldn’t be contacted or located, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Jared’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm – 170cm tall, medium build, with blond hair and brown eyes.

Jared was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, navy blue shorts and a black baseball cap.

He is known to frequent the Aberdeen and Aberglasslyn areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A P-plate driver will face court following two separate crashes in Muswellbrook last night.

Shortly after 6.50pm yesterday (Thursday 25 January 2024), emergency services responded to reports of two crashes, allegedly involving the same vehicle, in Muswellbrook.

Police have been told a 20-year-old man driving a utility was travelling east along the New England Highway, Muswellbrook, when it hit the rear of a Lexus, which was stopped at the intersection of Thomas Street. The utility driver allegedly left the scene without exchanging details with the other driver.

A short time later, the man continued driving east along the New England Highway, when his vehicle allegedly collided with the left side of a Mazda utility, which was stationary at the time.

The man continued driving before his vehicle hit a gutter and came to a stop on John Howe Circuit. The driver of the Mazda followed the man and exchanged details with him, before calling the police.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and submitted the man to a roadside breath test which produced a positive reading.

The man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where a breath analysis allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.278.

The man was charged with high-range PCA and not give particulars to other drivers after crash. The man is currently a Provisional 2 driver, which is restricted to a 0-alcohol limit.

The driver’s licence was suspended, and he was granted conditional bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday 5 March 2024.