Newcastle to benefit from full-fibre NBN upgrades

Households and businesses in Wallsend, Stockton, Shortland, North Lambton, New Lambton, Merewether, Maryland, Lambton, Kotara, Islington, Hamilton, Glendale, Elermore vale, Cooks Hill, Cardiff, Broadmeadow, Adamstown Heights, Adamstown will be able to upgrade to a full-fibre broadband connection as part of the Australian Government’s plan for a better NBN.

These upgrades are part of the NBN’s fibre upgrade program which has been boosted by the Albanese Government’s $2.4 billion investment to expand full-fibre access to 1.5 million additional premises by the end of 2025. This includes over 660,000 premises in regional Australia.

The copper broadband network – a legacy of the former Coalition Government – is slower, less reliable and more likely to experience prolonged faults.

     
In contrast, world-class fibre broadband means faster upload and download speeds, and a more reliable connection for local residents. The benefits are even more pronounced for larger households if many devices are used, as higher speeds means the whole family can be online at the same time.

An upgrade will be available on-demand where an eligible household orders a higher speed plan than would currently be available to them over copper.

NBN Co expects eligible premises announced today will be able to access a full-fibre upgrade from 2024.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering the positive change Australians voted for.

For a full list of eligible suburbs or to register for updates, visit: nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/fttp-upgrade-with-higher-speed-tiers.

For more information on the Albanese Government’s investment, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/media-release/albanese-government-delivers-major-nbn-boost-2022-23-federal-budget.

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“These investments will make a noticeable difference to Novocastrians who have been facing slow or patchy NBN connections through the former Coalition Government’s copper broadband network.

“We all know how frustrating slow internet can be to households, business owners and everyday Novocastrians. These upgrades will provide access to world-class fibre broadband, resulting in faster upload and download speeds and a more reliable connection.

“I’m proud to belong to a Government that’s delivering on its plan for a better NBN.”

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said:

“Affordable, reliable and high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is an economic and social necessity that will drive productivity improvements and global competitiveness.

“For too long, locals residents and small businesses in Newcastle stuck on the Coalition’s ageing copper network have been held back by slow and unreliable broadband.

“The Albanese Government’s $2.4 billion investment will enable the NBN’s full potential. We’re giving Australian families and small businesses access to the world-class broadband infrastructure they deserve.

Appeal to locate man missing from the Lake Macquarie area 

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

Jack Bamborough, aged 78, was last seen in Cardiff, about 11pm yesterday (13 February 2023).

When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

Jack is described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 150-155cm tall, with average build and grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve shirt and tracksuit pants.

Jack is known to frequent the Cardiff, Cardiff South, Williamtown, Hillsborough and Warners Bay areas.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Show of pride as Newcastle supports celebration of diversity and inclusion

Newcastle is getting the party started ahead of the official Sydney WorldPride festivities this month, with a series of events to celebrate and support the LGBTIQ+ community.

The city will be buzzing with options for locals and visitors wanting to embrace the inclusive atmosphere, from City of Newcastle initiatives to community-led activities and the only regional event on the Sydney WorldPride calendar.

Indigenous leader Aunty Theresa Dargin, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Newcastle Pride President Lee-Anne McDougall, Newcastle Pride Vice President Hellen Richards and City of Newcastle Diversity and Inclusion Partner Stefanie Abrahams with the Progress Pride Flag before it was raised at City Hall in February 2022.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to celebrating our diverse community.

“City of Newcastle has shown support to our LGBTIQ+ community through a number of initiatives in recent years, including flying the Progress Pride flag at City Hall during significant LGBTIQ+ days and events, the establishment of a rainbow walk in Islington Park, support of the ‘yes’ campaign and marriage equality and sponsorship of Newcastle Pride Festival,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our city is one of the most inclusive cities in Australia, with Newcastle responsible for one of the highest ‘yes’ vote of any city during the marriage equality vote, so we can’t wait to make the most of the Sydney WorldPride atmosphere to showcase what Newcastle has to offer.”

CN’s Night Galleries installation at Kuwami Place on Hunter Street will set the mood on Friday 17 February with the launch of the Inside/Out art exhibition curated by Newcastle Art Gallery and Queer & Now founder Jasmine Fletcher, showcasing works by local artists with those from the Gallery’s collection.

The Inside/Out exhibition launch party will kick off at 5pm at Kuwami Place and feature an incredible line-up of performers, as well as market stalls and delicious Vietnamese street food available for purchase from Yen’s Yumm Banhs.

The pre-party atmosphere will make its way to the Civic Theatre from 8.30pm for the disco-driven roller-skating spectacular of cult 80s classic Xanadu, starring Australian icon Olivia Newton-John.

Newcastle Pride and Queer & Now will bring the community together in a show of pride along the Newcastle Foreshore on 18 February with the colourful, community-based outdoor parade from 10am, while Newcastle’s official WorldPride event will kick off from 6pm that night when Pink Salt serves up a signature culinary experience and entertainment extravaganza at The Station.

Locals who can’t make it to Sydney for Mardi Gras on 25 February will still be able to enjoy the glitz and glamour of the world-renowned parade thanks to City of Newcastle with (virtual) front row seats at the Parade in the Park watch party at Museum Park, while budding writers will have the chance to hone their voice at a free LGBTIQ+ writing workshop at Newcastle Library on 4 March.

Encouraging connection, collaboration and change will be the focus of a Pride Forum being held at Fort Scratchley on 17 March in conjunction with City of Newcastle, trans queer brains trust (tqbt) and ACON. The free networking and planning event will tap into the energy generated by WorldPride to discuss the social changes and action that matter to the LGBTIQ+ communities of Newcastle. The forum will also assist in progressing CN’s draft Local Social Strategy, which strives to create a socially just and inclusive place for all.

A more informal focus on inclusion among all ages will continue with Newcastle Library’s regular family-friendly Rainbow Storytime events led by Newcastle’s own Timberlina, with upcoming sessions on 25 March, 22 April and 20 May.

City of Newcastle will also fly the Progress Pride Flag above City Hall for the duration of Sydney WorldPride 2023, which runs from 17 February to 5 Mach.

For more details on all the events happening in Newcastle visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

NEW EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SITE FOR NEWCASTLE 

NSW Telco Authority has delivered 300 new and enhanced radio communications sites across the state to expand the Public Safety Network (PSN) under the NSW Government’s $1.4 billion Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP). 

This expansion includes a new radio communications site at Cooks Hill in Newcastle. 

NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney said the new site delivered by NSW Telco Authority was vital to ongoing community safety.

“These sites provide emergency services organisations with a single, integrated network on which to communicate,” Ms De Courteney said.

“It is technology that saves lives and by expanding the footprint of this critical infrastructure we are ensuring frontline responders have a more reliable network to help keep people and places safe.

“PSN sites were crucial in protecting communities and keeping emergency services connected during the widespread 2022 flood events and the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.”

NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney said the network expansion was the biggest investment in critical communications infrastructure by the NSW Government in a generation.

“The NSW Government is investing $1.4 billion to expand the PSN to better protect communities, including delivering 675 new and enhanced radio communications sites,” Ms De Courteney said.

“During an emergency every second counts, and the new radio sites will make it easier for our local emergency services to communicate when it matters most.”


Next to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline, the PSN is the most critical communications network in NSW, fielding an average of around 1.3 million radio communications calls per month.

Belmont 16s technology ensures members are OK2PLAY 

Belmont 16s continue to put members first with the recent implementation of the OK2PLAY? player protection platform. In what has been a well-received introduction, the Australian developed technology ensures patrons can reach out for immediate support within the popular venue.

Rather than a reliance on patrons approaching staff directly to self-report, the OK2PLAY? technology provides prompts located across the venue where patrons are asked, “Are you OK2PLAY?” Patrons can respond by using a QR code or pressing a button.

If a patron responds “No” this immediately activates a response with senior staff who can then initiate a discreet connection with the member to ensure immediate support is provided within the venue and ongoing care is provided by linking the individual with appropriate services.

Belmont 16s CEO, Scott Williams, explained, “It is important to us to increase the opportunities to have conversations with our community around player and staff protection. We have taken the time to thoroughly train our team and create clear communications in rolling out OK2PLAY? As it is a serious topic that is essential in our industry we found that dedicating the time has ensured a smooth and seamless launch.”

“Our members have been appreciative of the initiative, including those who have not required help. They appreciate that we are taking steps to normalise the conversation around mental health and wellbeing. Our team feels OK2PLAY? has armed them with the ability and confidence to provide even more customer care in their roles. Overall, the introduction of OK2PLAY? has increased both staff and
patron awareness around a somewhat difficult topic for many and allows us to support our staff, patrons and community both within and beyond our venue,” he continued.

Since launching in late 2022, the OK2PLAY? technology has asked over 145,000 people if they are OK and provided access to ongoing support services as needed.

The technology continues to roll out across New South Wales in coming months.

New program to boost social connections for seniors

From device advice to help seniors stay safely connected online to active outdoor sessions, a new program designed to reduce isolation and loneliness among seniors was announced today by City of Newcastle.

The Connections for Ageing Well program will be delivered in partnership with Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hunter Ageing Alliance and has been awarded $47,200 in grant funding by the NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice.

Emeritus-Professor-Julie-Byles-Lord-Mayor-Nuatali-Nelmes-and-Dr-Giavanna-Angeli.JPG

The announcement was made today at a senior’s expo and comedy gala at City Hall, delivered as part of NSW Seniors Festival 2023. Presented by CN and Comedy for a Cause, well-known comedian and recent Member of the Order of Australia recipient Jean Kitson headlined the comedy gala attended by more than 200 local senior citizens.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Connections for Ageing Well program will focus on connecting seniors with community groups for sustainable relationships, with expert advice and skill building for ageing well, managing health and creating social connections.

“Our senior citizens make a significant contribution to our society and help to create a more inclusive and broader community here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The needs of an ageing population also create a range of challenges, with many seniors in our community facing isolation and loneliness, especially in recent times as a direct result of COVID-19.

“Together with Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hunter Ageing Alliance, City of Newcastle is committed to delivering this vital program to combat isolation and loneliness with meaningful social connections for seniors, in line with CN’s draft Local Social Strategy 2023-2030.

“It’s these sorts of initiatives like today’s expo and comedy gala that strengthen social connections while playing a significant role in the mental health and wellbeing of seniors in our community.”

Emeritus Professor Julie Byles and chair at the Hunter Ageing Alliance (HAA) said the program will deliver positive physical, intellectual, and social outcomes for the region’s ageing citizens.

“Connections provide opportunities to get out, meet other people, and to learn new skills for ageing well, stay active, social, and adapt positively to the changes of later life,” Professor Byles said.

In addition to the program providing multiple benefits for older people, Head of Philanthropy Giavanna Angeli at Hunter Medical Research Institute said important research will be gathered.

“The program will also inform research on successful activities and programs that support social connectedness amongst older people and improve their wellbeing,” Dr Angeli said.

“HMRI is looking forward to working with City of Newcastle and Hunter Ageing Alliance to deliver a successful project that brings benefits to a vulnerable group in our community.”

Seniors can also make the most of the annual Newcastle Seniors Directory online, with targeted information about services and community-based organisations who connect with older Novocastrians.

During NSW Seniors Festival 2023, which reaches up to 500,000 seniors each year, government, community and commercial organisations hold hundreds of events across the state. Full details for all local events can be found online at www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au

Pop powerhouse becomes latest global music star to set sights on Newcastle 

Newcastle has scored a coveted spot on the upcoming world tour of American pop powerhouse Pink, who will take to the stage at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 13 next year.

The Summer Carnival Tour, presented by Live Nation, is the latest event secured as part of City of Newcastle’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW.

McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes celebrate the announcement Pink will bring her world tour to Newcastle next year.

The announcement follows hot on the heels of two unforgettable performances by global music icon Elton John, who wowed 50,000 fans in Newcastle last month.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Pink concert will be the hottest ticket in town, drawing fans from far and wide to help deliver another multimillion-dollar windfall for Newcastle.

“Elton John’s visit demonstrated just how beneficial these world-class events are for our city, injecting $14 million into the local economy with more than 75 per cent of the concertgoers coming from outside of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said,

“This included 16,000 people from outside of the Hunter as well as interstate and international visitors, which plays an essential role in boosting tourism around the event, as well as encouraging repeat visitation in the future.

“With the success of Elton John’s visit and the news of Pink’s upcoming tour, which is expected to deliver a $9 million boost to local businesses, Newcastle has officially become a must stop destination on the national concert tour schedule.”

Venues NSW and McDonald Jones Stadium CEO Kerrie Mather said it was exciting to team up with Live Nation to bring Pink to McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.

“It’s now well known among promoters and artists around the world that Newcastle is home to a fantastic stadium that delivers extraordinary experiences for patrons and artists alike,” Ms Mather said.

“Pink’s live shows are something that must be seen to be believed, and we can’t wait to welcome the music icon to Newcastle early next year.”

Major events are a key part of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan as a primary driver of the local tourism economy, which was worth $1.27 billion pre-COVID.

Since announcing the Major Event Partnership in July last year, City of Newcastle and Venues NSW have worked together to attract a number of national and international events to McDonald Jones Stadium and the Newcastle Entertainment Centre including the Elton John concerts, the Australian Supercross Championship, an international netball match between Australia and England, as well as the upcoming Cup of Nations women’s football double header featuring Czechia, Spain, Jamaica and the Matildas.

FINDINGS RELEASED ON NEWCASTLE LIQUOR TRIAL

Proposals to relax liquor licence conditions for Newcastle hotels, bars and nightclubs will be considered on a case-by-case basis following the release of findings from a major trial examining options for boosting the city’s nightlife. 

Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) Chairperson Caroline Lamb said a wide range of data and community and stakeholder views have been taken on board from stage two of the trial, which involved 21 venues. 

“The evaluation report includes feedback from Newcastle venues, residents, and various stakeholders as well as patronage, noise complaints and alcohol-related offence data,” Ms Lamb said.

“After carefully considering the findings, ILGA has resolved that the trial conditions should continue for participating venues until 30 June to give them time to apply for changes to liquor licences.

“Because there were wide variations in levels of alcohol-related offences among the 21 venues in the trial, it’s vital that any proposals to relax conditions are considered individually, with a strong focus on compliance, safety and avoiding any unacceptable risks to the community.”

Key findings from the evaluation report include:

  • The majority of participating venues indicated that the relaxed licensing conditions positively impacted their patronage, business turnover and employment opportunities 
  • There was a 40 per cent increase in total spending on dining and entertainment across the whole Newcastle LGA compared to 2019, the most recent year not impacted by COVID restrictions.
  • While there was an overall rise  in the number of assaults and incidents of affray at the participating venues during the trial compared to previous years, the  majority of venues recorded no increases.  Compared to 2008 when the conditions were imposed, there has been significant declines in levels of offences across all venues.  

The first stage of the trial was undertaken from October 2020 to March 2021 and involved extended trading hours and removal of drink restrictions after 10pm for restaurants and small bars.

The stage two trial involved hotels, bars and nightclubs and included:

  • Removal of 1am and 1:30am lockout restrictions;
  • Extension of liquor trading hours until 3.30am on any night venues are normally authorised to sell liquor until at least 2.30am; and
  • Easing of restrictions on the types of drinks that may be served, allowing higher strength cocktails, neat spirits and shooters.

The evaluation report for stage two of the trial is available here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1124765/newcastle-liquor-licensing-trial-stage-2-evaluation-report.pdf  

Darby Street trial creates record trade boom for local businesses

A City of Newcastle trial to extend outdoor dining options and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety along Darby Street has resulted in a trading boom for local businesses.

Economic data from October to December 2022 shows that Darby Street as a whole achieved its highest ever trading revenue levels, which occurred during the first three months of CN’s six-month trial of streetscape improvements under the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces initiative.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen with Darby Street Three Monkeys Café owner Ant Strachan.

The trial, which included the installation of a temporary raised outdoor dining area, as well as a relocatable “mini deck” outdoor dining, and traffic calming measures to reduce motorist speed and improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, was designed to encourage increased visitation and trade along Darby Street.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said economic data show a 17% increase in sales revenue along Darby Street during the trial period compared to the previous three months (July to September 2022). This was 5.2 per cent higher than the average sales revenue growth experienced anywhere else in Newcastle during the same period.

“Even accounting for the normal December trading spike, Darby Street has fared well during this period, with sales levels also up 9.2 per cent compared to the same period last year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“What was really pleasing to see was 47% of the total sales over the Christmas period were attributed to customers who don’t live in Newcastle.”

Pedestrian and cyclist traffic also reported an increase to the area, on average up 18% and 13% respectively.

City of Newcastle has just wrapped up two days of consultation with businesses along Darby Street, as they near the end of the six-month trial.

Co-Owner of Three Monkeys café on Darby Street, Anthony Strachan said the trial has been a positive step towards bringing people back into the precinct.

“For us the dining deck has been a fantastic success, it’s one of the first places people want to sit when they come in,” Mr Strachan said.

“I think the trial has been great to bring in more tourists and create a more pedestrian friendly space. I would however like to see some of this work continued along the rest of the street, to create a longer-term beautification of the precinct.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said there was an overall positive sentiment towards the trial.

“To date, our online survey has been completed by 280 people, with 67% in favour of keeping the trial infrastructure, which includes the wooden dining deck, traffic calming and the pedestrian crossing adjacent to the headphones courtyard,” Cr Clausen said.

“During the trial we also heard that parking on Darby Street was a concern to businesses. We responded by converting over 30 all-day paid parking spaces into free two-hour parking, and we’re now looking at further innovative approaches to assist with the ongoing monitoring of parking in the area.

“The trial forms a first step toward a possible upgrade to Darby Street. We will also apply what we’ve learned from the trial to commercial areas across Newcastle LGA as part of our popular Local Centre Upgrade program.”

The outcomes of the Darby Street trial, including the results of community consultation and data analysis, will be presented to Councillors, for the potential retention of infrastructure installed for the trial.

Community engagement on the trial is open until 28 February 2023, to submit an online feedback form, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Darby-SaSS.

The trial has been made possible with a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2) and funding from the City of Newcastle Urban Centres Program.

City welcomes Labor pledge for Stockton Beach

City of Newcastle has welcomed today’s announcement by Labor leader Chris Minns that NSW Labor will commit $21 million needed from the State Government for mass sand nourishment at Stockton if it wins the upcoming March election.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this announcement was a positive and significant step towards achieving mass sand nourishment at Stockton Beach.

“This announcement demonstrates the commitment of a NSW Labor Government to resolving ongoing erosion issues caused by the Stockton breakwater, which is owned by the NSW Government,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Mass sand nourishment is the outcome preferred by the community and endorsed through the 2020 Coastal Management Program. This is the most significant commitment yet towards that outcome.”

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from the City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said mass sand nourishment remained the long-term solution to protecting the State Government owned Stockton Beach.

“The long-term plan is to secure the 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed for initial mass nourishment, as outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program endorsed by the NSW Government in 2020,” Ms Bisson said.

Council committed $27.5 million to respond to the immediate risks to Stockton’s coastline in the 2020 Coastal Management Program with $9.5 million already invested. A further $21 million is needed from the State Government to fund the long-term solution of mass sand nourishment.

Last year City of Newcastle progressed the design work for sand placement and anticipate having the associated environmental approvals finalised over the next few months. The new placement plans are informed by the most recent sand movement study and will ensure that sand sourced for Stockton is placed in the most effective location.