Category: Newcastle News

A dedicated medical researcher who helped develop an effective preventative treatment for respiratory viral diseases including COVID-19 has been selected as Newcastle’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.

Professor Nathan Bartlett received the honour at City of Newcastle’s award ceremony today for his efforts across multiple research and education projects that will help future generations face the impact of respiratory infections including the COVID-19 virus.

The viral immunology professor and lecturer at The University of Newcastle played an integral role in the development of a nasal spray designed to prevent respiratory viral diseases such as COVID-19.

The spray, which is currently in clinical trials, is designed for high-risk groups such as immune-compromised patients and the elderly for whom vaccination may be less effective.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Mr Bartlett’s selection as Citizen of the Year recognises his ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for others.

“Professor Bartlett’s pioneering medical research will save lives,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As new variants of COVID-19 continue to make people very unwell, his integral role in developing an effective treatment particularly to help those in our community at the greatest risk of severe disease and death remains vital.

“He has spent countless hours educating the community and industry bodies such as the National Asthma Council to better understand and cope with COVID-19 and respiratory viruses and dedicates his time to teaching and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals and biomedical researchers.

“The Citizen of the Year award is a fitting honour for his over 20 years of service to medical science and his care and commitment to the wellbeing of our community.”

Professor Bartlett said it was an honour to receive the award and to contribute to the incredible work being done in the region in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

“I have always been interested in respiratory viruses and my research took on a new urgency after a global pandemic was declared in March 2020,” Professor Bartlett said.

“It has been a privilege to undertake research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute and collaborate with many outstanding researchers to work towards lessening the burden that viruses place on the global community. I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of my team and those key collaborators without whom much of this work would not have been possible.”

Seventeen-year-old volunteer Olivia Hughes was named the 2024 Young Citizen of the Year for her selfless charity work and fundraising efforts.

As a dedicated member of Nobby’s SLSC since the age of five, Olivia teaches modified Nippers to children with disabilities and regularly volunteers with sporting events such as triathlons and surf competitions.

After losing a childhood friend to cancer at age 10, the empathic teen began holding monthly craft sessions for sick kids and their families at Ronald McDonald House and is a passionate fundraiser for charities including Dr Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and SurfAid’s Make a Wave Challenge.

Senior Citizen of the Year recipient Professor Julie Byles is a long-time advocate for the health of women and older people and has inspired many young researchers and PhD candidates during her 20 years as the Co-Director of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.

After retiring in early 2023, Julie became the president of the Hunter Ageing Alliance and has since lent her skills to amplifying the voices and needs of the over 60s in Newcastle.

The LIVEfree Project has been named the 2024 Community Group of the Year in recognition of its work to elevate wellbeing and reduce loneliness in the community.

Led by Chris Jones from its Adamstown base, the group was congratulated on becoming a trusted source of support for community members who have faced trauma and hardship, and was recognised for their extensive school-based initiatives including the Smile and Thrive Dental Program and the Shine Bright Program, which empowered children to face adversity while equipping them with vital life skills.

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.

NSW Arts Minister John Graham officially unveiled the foundation stone for the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery today as work on City of Newcastle’s landmark infrastructure project continues.

The moment marks a significant milestone in the Gallery’s expansion, which hit new heights last month with the installation of a 33 metre high tower crane to facilitate the next stage of construction.

Minister Graham joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey for the official ceremony, unveiling the bluestone paver commemorating the major funding partners involved.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was fitting to etch the name of the NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism into a site that will become a regionally significant cultural destination.

“By more than doubling the size of Newcastle Art Gallery and delivering a suite of modern facilities of international standing, this project will offer a home to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art,” Cr Nelmes said.

Mr Graham, who is also the NSW Minister for Jobs, said it was pleasing to see the positive economic impact this project would deliver for the community, now and into the future.

“Major infrastructure projects provide a valuable economic boost to local communities, with the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery creating 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete,” he said.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and the local community work together to achieve a common goal, which will deliver positive benefits for the wider region for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.

“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will enhance Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination, boost the economy and create jobs for locals.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said its members and donors were thrilled to mark another milestone on a project they have supported for so long.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe today’s milestone will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal,” Ms Galwey said.

The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.

The project will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Twin sisters have spoken about their incredible journey from the rugged mountains of Afghanistan to Australia’s sunny shores during City of Newcastle’s first citizenship ceremony for 2024.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes invited 178 people from 46 countries including Iraq, Kenya, Brazil, Colombia, Nepal and Mexico, to take the pledge of commitment at Newcastle City Hall alongside family, friends and dignitaries.

Year 12 students Maryam and Masoumeh Hossein Zadeh arrived in Australia in 2019 and after experiencing an initial sense of loneliness, they say they’ve forged lasting friendships.

“Australia, with its open arms, has become a home where dreams can take flight,” Maryam and Masoumeh said.

“As new citizens, we are not only a part of this nation; we are testaments to the multicultural fabric that enriches our collective identity.

“As we embark on this new chapter as young Australian women, we carry with us the stories of Afghan women and the dreams that led us here. We know today in Afghanistan that girls our age cannot go to school and bright futures are being abandoned.

“We are honoured and proud to stand among you as a new Australian family, carrying the richness of Afghanistan in our hearts.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the ceremony is one of the most important days of the year for new citizens and the community.

“Our city prides itself on being inclusive and we encourage Novocastrians to foster an environment of empathy and understanding when welcoming new citizens,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle is fortunate to be home to people of diverse nationalities, languages and cultures with around 19 per cent of residents being born overseas and 12 per cent speaking a language other than English at home.

“We are also proud to be a Refugee Welcome Zone and a Welcoming City, committed to creating a place where everyone can belong and participate in the social, cultural, economic and civic life of Newcastle.”

The ceremony featured a traditional didgeridoo and dance performance by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki group, led by Alex Nean from Gamilaroi country.

Layla Rose Schillert from the Grainery Church sang the Australian National Anthem and was joined by Klaye Sanders to perform ‘I Am Australian.’

NSW Arts Minister John Graham officially unveiled the foundation stone for the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery today as work on City of Newcastle’s landmark infrastructure project continues.

The moment marks a significant milestone in the Gallery’s expansion, which hit new heights last month with the installation of a 33 metre high tower crane to facilitate the next stage of construction.

Minister Graham joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey for the official ceremony, unveiling the bluestone paver commemorating the major funding partners involved.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was fitting to etch the name of the NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism into a site that will become a regionally significant cultural destination.

“By more than doubling the size of Newcastle Art Gallery and delivering a suite of modern facilities of international standing, this project will offer a home to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art,” Cr Nelmes said.

Mr Graham, who is also the NSW Minister for Jobs, said it was pleasing to see the positive economic impact this project would deliver for the community, now and into the future.

“Major infrastructure projects provide a valuable economic boost to local communities, with the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery creating 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete,” he said.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and the local community work together to achieve a common goal, which will deliver positive benefits for the wider region for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.

“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will enhance Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination, boost the economy and create jobs for locals.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said its members and donors were thrilled to mark another milestone on a project they have supported for so long.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe today’s milestone will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal,” Ms Galwey said.

The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.

The project will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Newcastle is at the forefront of the State’s housing supply pipeline, recording the third highest number of building approvals for new dwellings in NSW this financial year.

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show 920 dwellings, worth more than $476 million, have been approved for construction in Newcastle this financial year in the five months to the end of November 2023, with the city accounting for over five per cent of the State’s dwelling approvals (18,316).

Newcastle is ranked only behind the Western Sydney regions of The Hills Shire (1579) and Blacktown (1442), and had more than double the dwelling approvals of other Hunter council areas including Cessnock (439) and Lake Macquarie (417).

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle was leading the way in the supply of housing in the Hunter and across the State thanks to decades of forward planning by City of Newcastle (CN).

“For more than a decade, City of Newcastle has been planning for future growth and higher densities to facilitate housing opportunities for the local government area, by increasing housing diversity close to transport, infrastructure, and social amenity,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We are recognised for our streamlined planning development assessment pathways, which further positions our city as an attractive place to build.

“In the 2022/23 financial year City of Newcastle approved almost 1500 new dwellings and it is pleasing to see these projects now flowing through into the construction phase, with commencement approval for 920 houses, units and apartments.

“As significant levels of residential development continue to unfold across our city, we will continue meeting the housing targets set by the NSW Government while supporting positive outcomes for the local economy, construction industry, and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.”

The latest forecasts show the Newcastle local government area (LGA) population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041, which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

Based on the supply pipeline within the Newcastle LGA, CN met the new dwelling demand by 2021 early and is on track to meet its demand for 2026 and 2041.

City of Newcastle’s Planning and Environment Executive Director Michelle Bisson said CN is on track to meet its new housing targets.

“CN has also been planning for future growth and higher densities to facilitate housing opportunities for our community through our work on the renewal corridors, Wickham Masterplan and currently through our collaboration with the Department of Planning on the Broadmeadow Place Strategy,” Ms Bisson said.

“We hope to work with the NSW Government to support Local Government in facilitating faster housing approvals through a statewide roll out of City of Newcastle’s innovative Accelerated Development Application (ADA) pathway.

“CN’s award-winning ADA pathway fast tracked more than 20 per cent of the city’s $1.5 billion development pipeline, determining the applications in less than 10 days, during the 2022/23 financial year.

“By streamlining lower risk developments, staff time can be focused on more complex proposals and determine medium to high residential developments faster.”

Building Approvals, FYTD as at end of November 2023 (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics)
		New houses	New other residential building	Total dwellings	Value of new houses	Value of new other residential building	Value of alterations & additions including conversions to residential building	Value of total residential building
Rank in NSW	LGA	no.	no.	no.	$’000	$’000	$’000	$’000
3	Newcastle	81	837	920	39,199	398,994	38,224	476,417
12	Cessnock	357	78	439	146,186	19,928	6,794	172,908
13	Lake Macquarie	297	120	417	141,189	40,960	37,747	219,895
15	Maitland	216	153	370	89,325	47,648	12,593	149,566
40	Port Stephens	67	41	108	32,830	11,438	11,921	56,189
68	Singleton	27	5	33	15,895	1,706	2,783	20,384
73	Dungog	26	0	27	12,385	0	2,361	14,747
79	Muswellbrook	17	2	19	8,640	480	1,269	10,388
89	Upper Hunter Shire	13	0	13	6,521	0	2,077	8,598
TOTAL	New South Wales	9,816	8,318	18,316	5,009,060	3,917,363	1,673,325	10,599,749

Discovering which tiny critters live between grains of sand on our beaches is just one of the activities on offer during City of Newcastle’s Natural Connection Program in January.

Today’s Hidden Life of Sand workshop offered participants a chance to join University of Newcastle researchers at Nobbys Beach to observe the techniques scientists use to find these creatures, before viewing them with a microscope.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Natural Connection Program aims to encourage locals to take better care of our precious plants and animals, forming part of the Newcastle Environment Strategy, that was adopted in October last year.

“We know how much Novocastrians love their coastline, so these activities are designed to support them being appreciative and help them become environmental stewards,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The events aim to build understanding of Newcastle’s coastal assets and contribute to social cohesion across cultures, ages, and genders.

“Building connections to nature is a feature of our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which is a 10-year roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle, based on the priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and a circular economy.

“The program is an example of how strongly City of Newcastle is committed to protecting and enhancing our natural environment today and for future generations.”

Other activities in this year’s Natural Connection Program included the Marine Waste to Art workshop at Stockton on January 16.

Budding artists spent an hour walking along the beach collecting debris before creating a work of art without relying on sticky tape and glue, while also learning about the impact of marine debris on our ocean and shores.

On January 24 and 25 the Rock Pool Ramble will give participants the chance to discover the range of fascinating marine life at the Cowrie Hole and see how these animals can survive in the intertidal zone using incredible adaptations.

The Cultural Connections workshop will be held on January 29 at Stockton Beach Pavilion where participants can engage with Worimi Traditional Custodians and participate in an archaeological dig to uncover artifacts and learn about preserving cultural heritage in a respectful way.

Another Hidden Life of Sand session will take place at Stockton Beach on Monday, January 22.

All events are free, but tickets are limited and must be booked in advance.

These events are for City of Newcastle residents, but if you reside outside the LGA you can be placed on a waitlist and contacted if tickets become available.

For more information and to book please visit: https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

The M1 Pacific Motorway’s ‘missing link’ will finally be fixed, thanks to investment from the Australian and NSW governments.

Shovels have been put in the ground and the foundations laid for the transformative and vital M1 Pacific Motorway extension, which state and federal Ministers will visit today.

The $2.1 billion M1 extension, which includes upgrades to the surrounding network, such as the Hexham Straight widening, is funded by both levels of government, with the Australian Government committing $1.68 billion and the NSW Government committing $420 million.

It will feature a 15-kilometre extension of the motorway, removing five sets of traffic lights and cutting nine minutes from travel times during peak periods.

It will also deliver a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway.

There will also be new bridge crossings over local waterways at Tarro and Raymond Terrace, and an overpass for Masonite Road at Heatherbrae.

This is one of two remaining locations on the east coast corridor where the route is an urban road with traffic lights – the other being at Coffs Harbour, where work is also well underway on a new bypass which is due to be completed in late 2027.   

The M1 extension at Raymond Terrace is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.

For further information visit https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/m1rt  

A woman will face court next month charged in relation to making false allegations over domestic violence matters.

Following a lengthy investigation, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District arrested a 35-year-old woman at a business in Toronto at 10.30am yesterday (Tuesday 16 January 2024) where she was taken to Toronto Police Station.

Police will allege that the woman made 21 allegations to police about a 39-year-old man known to her between September 2021 and November 2023.

The woman was charged with three counts of make false accusation with intent subject other to investigation and three counts of do act etc intending to prevent the course of justice.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 13 February 2024

Crash investigators have laid 26 additional charges as part of an investigation into a fatal bus crash in the Hunter region last year.

Just after 11.30pm on Sunday 11 June 2023, emergency services were called to the roundabout on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off ramp at Greta, after reports a coach had rolled.

Inquiries indicate 36 people were on the bus at the time with 10 passengers declared deceased and 25 passengers hospitalised.

Investigators charged the driver, a 58-year-old man, with 18 offences. He remains before the courts.

Following further investigations, an additional 26 offences were laid at court today (Wednesday 17 January 2024).

The additional charges include 10 counts of manslaughter, and a further 16 counts of drive furiously in motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

The man remains on conditional bail and is next due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 13 March 2024.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.

City of Newcastle is seeking tenders for the delivery of a key element of its revitalisation of the city’s much-loved Foreshore Park.

Tenders are being sought for a new amenities building to complement other elements of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which will deliver enhanced connectivity between the city and the harbour’s edge around Foreshore Park, and along the Joy Cummings Promenade.

The centrepiece of the Masterplan will be Livvi’s Place, an inclusive regional playground and waterplay area, designed in consultation with the community and Touched by Olivia, a charity dedicated to the delivery of inclusive playspaces across Australia.

The new amenities building will serve both the new playground and the broader park, featuring accessible facilities including unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room and a changing places facility, which provides suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, as well as a kiosk.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed this next step in delivering the adopted Masterplan.

“These early works help realise the full potential of our adopted Masterplan for our premier city park, creating a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The first stage of the works will prepare the site for delivery of a regional level playground, waterplay and new amenities block.

“This revitalised harbourside precinct will enrich the park that Novocastrians and visitors know and love, with spaces for events and areas for friends and families to connect.”

Following early site preparation works undertaken last year, work will commence in the coming months to demolish the existing amenities block, playground and the former frog pond site to make way for the delivery of future stages of the Masterplan. The public toilets adjacent to the Train Shed will remain open for the community.

Once completed, the playground area will have a distinctly Newcastle character and pay tribute to the city’s Aboriginal heritage. The precinct will also have a waterplay area unique to Newcastle, accessible amenities, and a kiosk that will service both the playground and the wider Foreshore Park.

Extensive tree planting and landscaping will be carried out throughout the precinct as part of the broader masterplan to significantly increase shade canopy and create greener public spaces.

The project is supported by the State Government, Variety the Childrens Charity and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.