Category: Newcastle News

More than 200 people from 40 countries were invited to take the pledge of commitment as Australian Citizens alongside family, friends and dignitaries at Civic Theatre this morning.

Hailing from all corners of the globe, from Iraq and Jordan to Chile and Ethiopia, Newcastle’s newest citizens were treated to traditional performances by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group and dancers of Hamilton South and Plattsburg public schools before receiving their citizenship certificates.

Among them was Terez Al Talli and Ghassan Allawi, of New Lambton, their sixteen-year-old daughter Rahaf and twelve-year-old son Fadi.

After fleeing war-torn Syria as refugees in 2018, they spent a year in Iraq, before settling in Newcastle in 2019, with Terez finding work with a security company and her husband driving buses.

Terez described leaving her family’s home country as “very hard” but said they were “very lucky” to reach Australia and become citizens.

“It was not an easy decision to leave Syria, but with the war, we had to leave. We left behind the place where we grew up and our parents and brothers,” she said.

“When we found out we had been accepted for a refugee visa to Australia, honestly we felt like we were flying. We were over the moon!

“We didn’t speak any English when we arrived here, so we learnt through TAFE, but when the pandemic struck, we had to learn English online, which was very difficult.

“Newcastle is such a nice area, we are so happy now. We are from a village called Sedneyah, outside Damascus, not a big city in Syria, so we are really enjoying the beaches here and the good weather.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated Newcastle’s newest Australian Citizens on this special day.

“Today we welcome hundreds of families to our city from all cultures and religious backgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We welcome refugees like the Allawi family from Syria, and new migrants to our city and our country, and demonstrate our compassion and provide them with support.

“Newcastle is proud to be a progressive and inclusive city and we are so thrilled to be welcoming such a culturally diverse group of new citizens today.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the future of the Hunter and its people with the 2023-24 Budget boosting essential services, supporting education, ensuring people get the healthcare they need and building and maintaining roads.

Educating future generations of students is the greatest investment a government can make, that’s why this Budget is investing in teachers, new schools, maintenance and early learning environments.

More than six thousand teachers across the Hunter will receive their biggest pay increase in almost three decades and more than a thousand education staff will be made permanent, giving to workers, families and communities.

Funding for game-changing road projects will get traffic flowing, people moving and deliver critical repairs such as fixing potholes.

Labor’s $86 million regional road upgrade package will benefit people across the Hunter, including residents of Muswellbrook, Singleton, Dungog, Mid Coast, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and Upper Hunter LGAs.

It includes improving the Golden Highway, particularly around Merriwa where the roads are congested and safety improvements along the Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bob’s Farm.

Further, the Minns Labor Government is committed to providing quality and accessible healthcare across the Hunter. Investments in local hospitals will help ensure communities can access their essential services now, and when they need them in the future.

This Budget makes significant progress towards fulfilling our election commitments, including:

• The new Medowie High School

• Planning for Huntlee High School

• Restore John Hunter Hospital shuttle bus from McDonald Jones Stadium

• $3 million to Dungog Council

• $950,000 for a separated cycleway at Islington

$3.6 million for local commitments including:

• $300,000 to support services for vulnerable residents in Port Stephens

• $236,000 for new playgrounds across Lake Macquarie

• $200,000 for youth mental health initiatives and support at Singleton Neighbourhood Centre

• Up to $174,000 to local council for flood lighting at Blacksmiths Oval

• $140,000 to Charlestown Caring Group for a new bus

• $100,000 to Hunter Flood Relief/Cessnock Uniting Church for new homeless facilities

• $100,000 to Early Links, Ashtonfield to support cooking classes for people with a disability

• Investments in local Surf Lifesaving Clubs across Swansea and Newcastle

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“For too long the Hunter has had to fight for its fair share of funding, this Budget prioritises people, services and projects to ensure our great region can thrive now and into the future.

“People are the backbone of the Hunter – from our frontline workers to our teachers and everyone in between. These people are heroes who deserve recognition which they’re finally getting under the Minns Labor Government.”

City of Newcastle (CN) has boosted its annual apprentice and trainee intake for 2024 with 18 roles on offer to help people take their first career steps.

Recruitment has begun for a range of early career positions, with roles available across various sectors including greenkeeping, civil construction, carpentry, heavy vehicle mechanics, information technology, customer service and digital marketing.

Four positions have been targeted towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of our commitment to our Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she looked forward to welcoming even more faces as part of the expanded 2024 cohort, bringing the total number of apprentices, trainees, graduates and undergraduates currently employed with CN to more than 50.

“City of Newcastle is committed to being a diverse, inclusive and culturally welcoming employer of choice and has doubled the number of opportunities on offer this year, compared to last year, to give more people starting out a leg up,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This year, we’ve also increased the number of positions targeted towards individuals who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, aligning with our commitment to bridge the gap in Indigenous employment across the organisation.”

Twenty-six-year-old Shanden Mills is nine months into completing a dual apprenticeship in landscaping and arboriculture as part of CN’s Trainee and Apprentice program, based at its Kotara Nursery.

“I sought out apprenticeship opportunities and the program CN offered really stood out,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying learning new skills like how to use a chainsaw safely from an elevated work platform and eventually conquering my fear of heights.

“I’ve been getting my hands dirty helping to plant, prune and maintain more than 2,000 trees across the LGA as part of our annual tree planting program and working on projects like Orchardtown Road’s Local Centre upgrade.

“CN also offers the option to work a nine-day fortnight, which allows me a day to study and complete my TAFE course work.”

Shanden is learning under the supervision of CN’s City Greening Coordinator Tahn Woolmer, who started out in horticulture as a CN apprentice 21 years ago.

“It’s very rewarding training up-and-coming apprentices over three or four years and then seeing many of them secure a full-time position,” Mr Woolmer said.

“I’d encourage anyone starting out or looking for a career change to consider applying for an apprenticeship or trainee role, as there are plenty of opportunities on offer.”

Successful applicants under the program will begin work on 29 January 2024.

Applications are now open and close on Sunday 24 September 2023.

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

Thousands of local primary school students will be better equipped to take a dip this summer thanks to a City of Newcastle program that has been saving lives for more than 50 years.

City of Newcastle lifeguards attended Waratah Public School today to educate more than 300 Kindergarten to Year 6 students in preparation for this year’s swimming season.

The program is based around teaching preventative measures, basic fundamentals of water safety and how to enjoy yourself safely around water.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with temperatures set to soar this week, it is important to ensure the next generation knows how to cool off without getting into hot water.

“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year, but behind the stunning beauty lies the inherent risks they can present,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since 1966, our incredible team of lifeguards and aquatics staff have been utilising their skills and experience to empower children and adults with the knowledge they need to stay safe at our beaches, ocean baths and pools.

“Our free Water Safety Education Program is delivered to over 45 primary schools across Newcastle each year, educating more than 13,000 children about dangerous water conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.”

The program is delivered during winter and spring each year, with CN’s lifeguards committing more than 700 hours during an eight-week period to promote the crucial water safety and drowning prevention messages across the city.

Almost 150,000 students have been engaged in the program during the last decade, with CN taking the program online through a digital presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure no-one missed out on the key water safety messages.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said delivering the program is one of the highlights of their year for many CN lifeguards.

“The delivery of the program is a significant component of CN’s overall approach to water safety, and one of the most significant youth engagement programs we undertake,” Ms Duffy said.

“Our lifeguards are passionate about sharing these life-saving lessons with children across Newcastle, which will help minimise the risk of children getting into dangerous situations and prevent aquatic accidents and drownings.”

A critical incident investigation is underway after a woman died near Newcastle overnight.

Just after 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 14 September 2023), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to a unit complex in Mitchell Street, Stockton, following reports a woman was threatening people with an axe.

On arrival, the 47-year-old woman allegedly threatened responding officers with the axe before barricading herself inside a unit.

A police operation commenced, with assistance from specialist tactical officers, including police negotiators, before police were able to gain entry to the property about 9.45pm

Police used a number of tactical options to take the woman into custody including the use of a Taser.

She was then escorted from the scene to an ambulance, however, her condition deteriorated a short time later, and she was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she later died.

A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from the Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be subject to an independent review.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

City of Newcastle is moving ahead with the creation of a new inclusive playspace at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park, with the contract for construction now open to tender.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project was identified as a high priority action as part of the adopted Masterplan for the much-loved park.

“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community engagement was undertaken in preparing the Gregson Park Masterplan 2021, with feedback into the concept design for a new playspace and upgraded amenities, and consultation with First Nations Australians to appropriately capture Indigenous elements in the design.

“The construction of this playground will be a significant step in delivering our shared vision for Gregson Park, which will ensure it remains a much-loved and well utilised space now and into the future.”

Alongside a variety of traditional play equipment, the playground will feature a range of accessible, sensory and nature-based play options, with traditional Indigenous elements, including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing and a bush tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants.

Additional shade, a water feature, formal and informal seating, and footbridges will also feature, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area to ensure the park is an inclusive place for all.

Councillor Carol Duncan said it was exciting to see this project move forward, with construction expected to begin early next year.

“Hamilton is a unique, diverse and iconic Newcastle suburb with Gregson Park the green space at its heart,” Cr Duncan said.

“I look forward to seeing work get underway on the reimagined playspace and upgraded amenities, which will enhance the future enjoyment of the park for the next generation.”

Local business owner and Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) Chair Reece Hignell said the new playspace will provide plenty of benefits for the suburb.

“Gregson Park is a popular destination that attracts visitors from Hamilton and the wider Newcastle community,” Mr Hignell said.

“This new playground will provide a drawcard for more families and that will hopefully create increased foot traffic for all of our wonderful businesses in and around Beaumont Street.”

Tender submissions can now be made via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle

A shared pathway home to one of the largest parkrun events in Australia will be preserved into the future as part of City of Newcastle’s $350,000 investment into the Throsby Creek riverwall.

The project will repair a 200m-long section of the rock riverwall at Wickham, ensuring the ongoing stability of the heavily used pathway that runs adjacent to the western bank of Throsby Creek.

The shared pathway provides a key link in the inner-city cycleway and forms part of the 5km-long Newy parkrun course, which is traversed by more than 400 runners and walkers every Saturday morning.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said these important repairs will ensure the riverwall continues to be an environmental, recreational and visual asset valued by all members of our community.

“Moving across the city with ease is important to the liveability of Newcastle, which is why City of Newcastle is investing in pedestrian safety, enhanced accessibility and linked movement within local neighbourhoods,” Cr Clausen said.

“Repairs to the Throsby Creek riverwall will provide stability to the nearby shared pathway, which has been utilised more than 224,000 times by Newy parkrun participants alongside countless cyclists, walkers and café lovers who live and work in the surrounding Wickham, Maryville and Carrington communities.”

The repair work will involve the recovery and reinstallation of the original igneous pink rocks displaced from the wall into the creek waters over time, supplemented by around 210 tonnes of newly sourced rock, which will be used to repair and stablise the riverwall where it had degraded over time.

The project will also provide formalised pedestrian recreation access to the artificial beach on the southern and northern end of the work area.

Works are being delivered for City of Newcastle by Soil Conservation Services. City of Newcastle has worked with local suppliers to gain access to appropriate rock resources, which have been in short supply, delaying the commencement of permanent restoration works.

The original rock wall was delivered more than 20 years ago by a private developer on behalf of the NSW Government. The reconstructed wall will be built to a higher standard, to reduce the likelihood of future councils needing to undertake further restoration.

Newy parkrun Co Event Director, Penny Redhead said the Throsby Creek loop is a fantastic resource, with one of the best flat scenic routes Newcastle’s inner-city has to offer.

“Over the past 10 years, Newcastle has experienced a running movement. This is highlighted by the continued growth in participation not only at Newy parkrun but across the 13 parkruns in the Greater Hunter Region,” Ms Redhead said.

“The focus of parkrun is getting people of all ages, shapes, and abilities together as a community to move continuously, at their pace, for 5km. With the riverwall repairs, the shared pathway will be safer and more accessible for everyone including parkrun.

“Even on non-parkrun days it’s great to see the volume and variety of people enjoying the path, demonstrating real respect and courtesy amongst all users.”

The project is being delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s citywide creek rehabilitation program, which is designed to improve our blue green grid, through revegetating riparian vegetation, stabilising creek beds, reducing bank erosion, improving water quality, and enhancing amenity for our local communities.

City of Newcastle will invest more than $1.25 million into the program during the 2023/24 financial year, with repairs and rehabilitation projects also planned for the Claremont Reserve creek line at Adamstown, Ironbark Creek at Elermore Vale, Wilai Creek at Elermore Vale, and Dark Creek at North Lambton.

City of Newcastle is moving ahead with the creation of a new inclusive playspace at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park, with the contract for construction now open to tender.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project was identified as a high priority action as part of the adopted Masterplan for the much-loved park.

“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community engagement was undertaken in preparing the Gregson Park Masterplan 2021, with feedback into the concept design for a new playspace and upgraded amenities, and consultation with First Nations Australians to appropriately capture Indigenous elements in the design.

“The construction of this playground will be a significant step in delivering our shared vision for Gregson Park, which will ensure it remains a much-loved and well utilised space now and into the future.”

Alongside a variety of traditional play equipment, the playground will feature a range of accessible, sensory and nature-based play options, with traditional Indigenous elements, including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing and a bush tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants.

Additional shade, a water feature, formal and informal seating, and footbridges will also feature, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area to ensure the park is an inclusive place for all.

Councillor Carol Duncan said it was exciting to see this project move forward, with construction expected to begin early next year.

“Hamilton is a unique, diverse and iconic Newcastle suburb with Gregson Park the green space at its heart,” Cr Duncan said.

“I look forward to seeing work get underway on the reimagined playspace and upgraded amenities, which will enhance the future enjoyment of the park for the next generation.”

Local business owner and Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) Chair Reece Hignell said the new playspace will provide plenty of benefits for the suburb.

“Gregson Park is a popular destination that attracts visitors from Hamilton and the wider Newcastle community,” Mr Hignell said.

“This new playground will provide a drawcard for more families and that will hopefully create increased foot traffic for all of our wonderful businesses in and around Beaumont Street.”

Tender submissions can now be made via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle

An award-winning initiative designed by City of Newcastle (CN) that is slashing development application (DA) processing times could be rolled out across the state.

CN’s innovative Accelerated Development Application pathway fast tracked more than 15 per cent of the city’s $1.5 billion development pipeline during the 2022/23 financial year, helping to reduce the number of undetermined DAs by 35 per cent since 2017.

In the month of July, more than a third of all applications determined by CN were fast tracked through the Accelerated DA pathway with an average processing time of just seven days, reducing CN’s overall processing times by 20 per cent to an average of 33 days.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said CN’s industry-leading Accelerated DA pathway is attracting widespread attention.

“Newcastle’s Accelerated DA pathway continues to reduce waiting times for residents and builders,” Cr Clausen said.

“We are seeing low-risk developments such as demolition, signage, and smaller ancillary development, processed in just seven days, which is a remarkable achievement.

“By streamlining lower risk development, staff time can be focused on more complex and challenging proposals.”

“Newcastle is being recognised amongst residents and builders for its streamlined development assessment pathway which further positions our city as an attractive place to build.”

CN’s Planning and Environment Executive Director Michelle Bisson celebrated the team’s significant achievements.

“CN’s Planning and Environment team should be congratulated for their commitment to improving the planning process and enhancing the customer experience, while ensuring a merit-based assessment that doesn’t compromise urban design excellence,” Ms Bisson said.

“The Accelerated DA pathway has significantly changed the way DAs are managed for the city, by enabling residents and businesses to actualise their development goals sooner and support developers to progress their projects to provide desperately needed housing for our growing population.

“We look forward to making further improvements to the process which will lead to even more positive outcomes for the community.”

Junior cricketers in Stockton will have a better chance of one day wearing a baggy green cap thanks to a $10,000 boost from City of Newcastle (CN).

The funding will upgrade the two cricket grounds at Ballast Park, with new artificial turf wickets providing a better playing experience for Stockton Junior Cricket Club players, as well as visiting teams.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all.

“Novocastrians love their sport, which is why City of Newcastle is committed to enhancing our sporting facilities to benefit our local teams and participants,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Providing this grant funding to local clubs will help to further enhance the facilities they use on a weekly basis and deliver major infrastructure upgrades as part of our annual capital works program, which in the past year has seen more than $6.3 million invested into sporting projects.

“We’re proud to work closely with our sporting clubs to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities now and into the future.”

Nine projects have been supported through CN’s 2023/24 Recreation Facilities Grants including upgrades to storage facilities for cricket and outrigger canoe clubs, new grandstands for the New Lambton Eagles at Alder Park, as well as creating the region’s first 18-hole disc golf course at Beresfield.

Future funding opportunities was just one of the topics discussed with sporting groups last night as part of CN’s second Sports Summit at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Representatives from all sporting codes that utilise CN’s outdoor facilities were invited to take part in the summit, which was designed to enhance collaborative relationships between CN and the local sporting community.

Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the initiative is already having an impact, gaining positive feedback following the 2022 Summit.

“We recognise the importance of engaging in clear and transparent communication with local sporting organisations and the community on the planning and management of our sporting facilities and services,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The Sports Summit aligns perfectly with City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sports Plan, which aims to build better relationships with the sporting community and has been well received by local sporting groups and associations, with more than 100 representatives from 50 local clubs taking part this year.

“With regular changes to representatives on sporting committees, our Sports Summit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss everything from ground allocations, fees and charges to updates on current and upcoming project works and City of Newcastle’s policy on CCTV.”