Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) has added another coup to its burgeoning stable of major events, with popular music festival Groovin the Moo set to stampede into Foreshore Park on 4 May.

More than 25,000 music fans are expected to converge on the city’s premier events space for the popular music festival as part of its national tour, which also includes stops in Adelaide, Canberra, Bendigo, Sunshine Coast and Bunbury.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle had cemented its status as a preferred destination for live music and major events.

“City of Newcastle is a strong supporter of live music and is committed to attracting and hosting major events as a primary driver of the local tourism visitor economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“On the back of unforgettable performances last year by Elton John and Paul McCartney, and ahead of next month’s sold-out Pink concert, Newcastle has become a must stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to include on their national concert tour schedule.

“Groovin the Moo will be a valuable addition to this year’s events calendar, allowing locals to experience some of the best Australian and international acts in their own backyard.

“As the only NSW stop on the tour, the festival will play an important role in boosting tourism and the local economy by attracting thousands of music fans to travel to Newcastle for the event.

“These type of major music events have proven their value to Newcastle, with Elton John’s visit injecting more than $14 million into the local economy while Pink’s concert is forecast to deliver another $9 million economic windfall for the city.

“Ongoing investment in events and tourism is integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust economy.”

A Groovin the Moo spokesperson said they were looking forward to growing the event on Newcastle’s iconic foreshore.

“We’re really excited to be putting on a festival in Foreshore Park. The decision to move the festival was a very difficult one for us but ultimately we felt necessary to grow the event and take advantage of Newcastle’s impressive transport and accommodation options. Foreshore Park is a stunning location and we look forward to calling it home.”

The line-up for Groovin the Moo 2024 is expected to be announced soon ahead of tickets going on sale.

Live music advocate and King Street Hotel co-owner Greg Mathew welcomed the announcement of the tour, and said it would provide another great addition to the city’s thriving live music scene.

“Having major events such as Groovin The Moo select Newcastle is a great sign of how our city has grown and also how important it is the Australian music scene,” Mr Mathew said.

“It’s also a great boost for local business to have such a landmark festival call Newcastle home for its NSW leg.

“Newcastle has been a huge supporter of all genres of music and I am sure the city will embrace GTM.”

A man missing from Maitland has been located.

The 39-year-old was last seen in Tenambit about 7:30pm Monday (8 January 2024).

When he couldn’t be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

About 11am today (Sunday 14 January 2024) the man was located safe at Belmont.

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing man from Maitland.

David Lyall, aged 39, was last seen in Tenambit about 7:30pm Monday (8 January 2024).

When he couldn’t be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold serious concerns for David’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm tall, slim build, with brown hair and a tattoo on his neck.

David was last seen wearing a red check flannelette shirt and shorts and is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Maitland areas, including Maitland River.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The cast and crew have taken to the Civic Theatre stage ahead of the first performance of The Rocky Horror Show this evening and the official opening night on Saturday.

Record-breaking audiences will spend the next three weeks doing the time warp in Newcastle as the 50^th anniversary production of the iconic rock’n’roll musical launches its national tour at the Civic Theatre.

Almost 23,000 tickets have already been snapped up for The Rocky Horror Show, breaking the box office record set by Come From Away last year to become the most successful production ever staged at the Civic Theatre.

Australian superstar Jason Donovan leads a talented cast as the charismatic Frank N Furter and will be joined on stage by radio and television personality Myf Warhurst as the Narrator.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the record ticket sales again prove there’s a strong appetite for international-quality touring productions amongst Novocastrians and visitors.

“The Rocky Horror Show is living up to its status as one of the world’s most popular and highest-selling musicals, drawing both first-time and repeat theatregoers from throughout the Hunter and across the country,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Ticket sales so far have come from every state in Australia and as far away as the United Kingdom, ensuring this production will not only provide local theatregoers with an experience to remember but will help boost visitation to our city from those travelling to see The Rocky Horror Show in our majestic Civic Theatre.

“The record-breaking success of The Rocky Horror Show and Come From Away demonstrate the huge demand for high calibre, Broadway and West End productions in Newcastle.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and The Rocky Horror Show is another significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

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.

“We are thrilled to be here in Newcastle bringing 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,” Sir Howard Panter said.

“The response has been phenomenal so far and we can’t wait for audiences to witness this incredible production.”

The Rocky Horror Show has been seen by more than 30 million people in over 30 countries since making its debut in London in 1973.

Its Newcastle season will run from 12 January until 4 February, with tickets on sale now. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

In accordance with the Council resolution of 12 December 2023 (below), City of Newcastle (CN) sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer, in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

As required under the GIPA Act, CN consulted with third parties whose information was captured in the documents prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer.

The outcome letter was prepared by the independent Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023.

Third party consultation is now complete and a full copy of the outcome letter is available.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act. As noted in the Council resolution, the Procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN is currently working through its legal obligations in relation to the investigation report, having regard to the Code of Conduct, the Procedure and the GIPA Act. This will take some time as it is important CN complies with its legal obligations. A further update will be provided in due course as to whether the investigation report is able to be proactively released under the GIPA Act, but this is not expected to be till late January 2024 at the earliest.

22 December 2023

In accordance with the Council resolution of 12 December 2023 (below), City of Newcastle (CN) sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer, in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

As required under the GIPA Act, CN consulted with third parties whose information was captured in the documents prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer.

The outcome letter was prepared by the independent Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023.

A redacted copy of the outcome letter is available. The redacted sections of the outcome letter are currently the subject of consultation with a third party. Once the consultation is completed, CN will be able to determine whether it can release the information, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act. As noted in the Council resolution, the Procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN is currently working through its legal obligations in relation to the investigation report, having regard to the Code of Conduct, the Procedure and the GIPA Act. This will take some time as it is important CN complies with its legal obligations. A further update will be provided in due course as to whether the investigation report is able to be proactively released under the GIPA Act, but this is not expected to be till late January 2024 at the earliest.

Statement attributable to David Clarke, Executive Director Corporate Services

In accordance with Council’s resolution of 12 December 2023, City of Newcastle sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the independent, external Conduct Reviewer into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s Chief Executive Officer.

City of Newcastle is governed by strict requirements under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) when considering the proactive release of documents which contain the information of third parties.

City of Newcastle has undertaken consultation on the outcome letter, which was prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023″.

A redacted copy of the outcome letter is available on City of Newcastle’s website at [link]. The redacted sections of the outcome letter are currently the subject of consultation with a third party. Once the consultation is completed, CN will be able to determine whether it can release the information, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is not able to be considered for release until the GIPA Act requirements have been finalised. A further update will be provided in due course.

14 December 2023

An independent investigation has been undertaken into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s (CN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a resolution of Council on 25 July 2023 and a letter from the Minister for Local Government.

In accordance with CN’s Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct, the matter was referred to an external Conduct Reviewer, independent of CN, for assessment and investigation.

The investigation found no evidence that the CEO incentivised the author to write the articles, nor did he reveal to the author confidential information, which was contained in the letters to the Newcastle Herald.

There is no evidence that the CEO directly contributed to the letters and the investigation found both allegations were not substantiated.

The Conduct Reviewer has referred allegations of how confidential electoral roll details about Council staff and their friends and family came into the possession of journalists to the appropriate external agencies to determine the next steps.

The procedure does not provide for the Conduct Reviewer to take action or make a referral in relation to the Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Now the matter is finalised, CN will advise the Minister for Local Government and relevant external agencies of the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation report remains confidential, and the procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN will proactively consider and seek advice to determine whether the outcome letter and investigation report issued by the Conduct Reviewer, in part or full, can be released publicly in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

The full Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct is available on the CN website.

The Resolution to Ordinary Council Meeting 12 December 2023 regarding the outcome of this matter is also available.

Newcastle Museum is preparing to transport budding astronomers to the farthest reaches of the universe this month as part of its summer of space exploration.

Using a 4K projection system and surround sound technology, Starr’s Planetarium will take participants on an immersive, 360-degree journey through the solar system, with a presentation designed to unlock the secrets of Indigenous Australian astronomy.

The inflatable mobile planetarium is just one of the space-themed activities on offer at the Museum during the school holidays to complement its blockbuster summer exhibition, Australia in Space.

The Museum’s series of popular free science shows kicked off today with a fun and educational exploration of the mysteries of space, while a free coding workshop on Thursday will teach participants to create a computer game inspired by the International Space Station.

The planetarium will touch down at the Museum with a number of ticketed sessions on 18 and 19 January, while Fizzics Education will allow participants to discover the science required to reach the moon in an engaging, free presentation on 23 January.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the exhibition and activities will excite audiences of all ages, with an emphasis on school-age children.

“Developed by the Questacon National Science and Technology Centre, Australia in Space offers hands-on displays inspired by stories of Australian innovators making it safer to live and work in orbit, and using space technologies to improve life on Earth,” Cr Clausen said.

“To complement the exhibition, we’re offering a range of free science shows and workshops, as well as the low-cost Starr’s Planetarium experience, which will deliver an insightful and inspiring insight into how Indigenous cultures describe constellations that are fundamental to their daily lives.

“I’d encourage our visitors to make a day or weekend trip to explore Australia in Space as well as Newcastle Museum’s other exhibitions, activities and collections.”

Tickets for Australia in Space cost $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, and $7.50 for children between five and 14, with children under five admitted for free. A family pass (two adults and two children) is $40.

Visitors with a disability or low-sensory needs who want to experience Australia in Space before the Museum opens to the public can also take part in one of the dedicated low-sensory sessions, with the next one being held from 9am to 10am tomorrow (10 January).

Entry to Starr’s Planetarium costs $10 per person, with tickets on sale from 15 January and bookings essential.

City of Newcastle has completed restoration works on the heritage sandstone retaining wall and stairs linking Church Street and Perkins Street, Newcastle.

The original stairs are estimated to have been built over a century ago and are located within the Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Area.

Movement was identified in the structure and the stairs were closed to the public, while an appropriate design solution was investigated.

Rectification works on the heritage steps began in March this year and was completed and opened to the public, prior to Christmas.

The project included anchoring the structure to the existing bedrock, replacing the stairs, and updating stormwater drainage.

Maintaining the sites heritage and original features played a key role in the design.

The original stone treads were removed and replaced with a reinforced concrete flight of steps, that replicates the original stairs.

Recovered stones from the works have been repurposed as two public seats. One at the top of the wall looking down Perkins Street toward the harbour and the other forming a winter seat at the bottom of the wall.

Remaining stones have also been stockpiled at the base of the wall with plans currently underway to create a remnant stone garden in the two garden areas either side of the footpath at the walls base.

The rusted handrail and balustrade have also been replaced with a similar detailed handrail which reuses the recovered top rail from the original stairs.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing woman from the states north coast.

Annie Cameron, aged 35, was last seen in Newcastle about 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 6 January 2024).

When she was unable to be contacted or located by family members officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police hold serious concerns for Annie’s welfare.

Annie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build, shoulder length black hair and a tattoo on her left shoulder of a flower.

She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and pants and is believed to be driving a grey coloured 200 series Toyota Landcruiser bearing NSW registration CP97QK.

Annie is known to frequent Buckets Way.

Anyone with information into Annie’s whereabouts is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the states north coast.

Nathan Dargin, aged 25, was last seen in Raymond Terrace about 2.30pm yesterday (Saturday 6 January 2024).

When he was unable to be contacted or located by family members officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold serious concerns for Nathan’s welfare as he lives with disability and speech impairment.

Nathan is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Island appearance, 175cm tall, medium build, olive skin, goatie beard and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a black and white stripped shirt and black shorts.

Nathan is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace, Newcastle and Hamilton areas. He is also known to travel on public transport.

Anyone with information into Nathan’s whereabouts is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.