Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) is seeking feedback on concept plans to widen a notorious traffic bottleneck at Longworth Avenue, Wallsend, which is a major connecting road to Newcastle from Minmi and Fletcher.

The project is stage one of a large-scale infrastructure program that would significantly alleviate traffic congestion along Minmi Road.

The upgrade will widen and renew Longworth Avenue by providing two-lane traffic each way, with clearway parking restrictions during peak times, and includes stormwater upgrades and streetscape improvements.

The upgrade is considered the highest priority to alleviate congestion along the main arterial road into the western corridor.

Residents of the area have long identified the need to widen this road and provide two dedicated lanes of traffic to and from our western suburbs to ease the morning and afternoon commute.

The project will provide greater access to the Minmi and Fletcher communities, while working to reduce travel times, improve safety, and cater for population growth and increased vehicle movements in the area.

The draft concept plan provides dual-lane traffic in each direction and removes right-hand turns into Bean Street and Cameron Street to alleviate congestion caused by motorists turning at these intersections.

The Western Corridor Traffic and Transport Study conducted in 2018/19 and a Lane Configuration Study conducted in 2020 reported that removing right-hand turns from Longworth Avenue onto Cameron and Bean streets would improve traffic flow for vehicles travelling southbound across the intersection, particularly during afternoon peak times.

Commuters and residents who regularly travel along this road, are encouraged to have their say on the concept designs, to help shape the future of this important link to the city.

The feedback will be used to better understand the level of support from the community on the proposed plans, before finalising the scope and design options that will be presented to Council later this year.

To have your say on the draft concept plans visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay. Feedback closes on Monday 24 July 2023.

An information session will be held at Wallsend Library on Wednesday 12 July from 5pm to 6.30pm to provide the community with a chance to ask questions and give feedback on the project and its proposed design.

The upgrade of Longworth Avenue is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with City of Newcastle.

Newcastle will be the home of new world-leading medical research infrastructure to help close the gap in health outcomes for First Nations people, thanks to $3 million in funding from the Albanese Government.

The innovative project from the University of Newcastle, in partnership with the Lowitja Institute, will help ensure culturally safe health and medical research for First Nations people, by establishing a national ethics committee to provide advice and guidance on future research projects.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Human Ethics Committee will be co-designed with First Nations people to ensure Indigenous Australians have a say in the research projects that affect them.

The project is spearheaded by Wiradjuri woman and NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow, Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy.

The funding is part of the National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative, a 10-year, $650 million Australian Government investment from the Medical Research Future Fund. The Initiative funds facilities, equipment, systems and services that support world-class health and medical research.

Minister Butler said:

“We cannot close the gap in life expectancy and health outcomes, unless we consult First Nations people about the policies – and research projects – that affect them.”

“Better outcomes come through consultation, and the co-design process that the University of Newcastle will undertake in developing a dedicated First Nations ethics committee will lead to better outcomes.”

“The Albanese Government is supporting innovative research to help improve the health of all Australians.”

Sharon Claydon MP, federal Member for Newcastle said:

“The University of Newcastle has always punched well above its weight when it comes to world-leading research and this innovative study is further proof of that.”

“I’m delighted to see our talented researchers recognised by the Medical Research Future Fund, further cementing Newcastle as the home of innovative health and medical research.”

“This funding is testament to the extraordinary work of Michelle Kennedy and her team to deliver health research that’s appropriate, engaging and meaningful for First Nations people.”

Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy, Assistant Dean Indigenous Strategy & Leadership, University of Newcastle said:

“All research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be deemed safe and respectful by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“All research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled health ethical approvals. However, there is limited state-based infrastructure and no national infrastructure to support this.”

“This project will use a co-design process to establish the much-needed body and contribute to transformative change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.”

Grant details:

$2,925,197 – Establishing a National Aboriginal Health Research Human Ethics Committee

This project will use a co-design process to establish a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Human Ethics Committee to help improve health outcomes for First Nations people by streamlining culturally safe health and medical research.

Institute: The University of Newcastle    

A man will face court tomorrow after being charged with alleged serious domestic and traffic related offences on the state’s Mid North Coast. 

In March 2023, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation after a woman was allegedly assaulted by a man known to her at Upper Allyn. 

When the 37-year-old man was unable to be located by officers, a warrant was issued for his arrest and police commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

On Friday 2 June 2023, police were called to John Hunter Hospital after a woman had presented with serious injuries requiring surgery.

Further inquiries suggest the woman had allegedly been kidnapped by the man six weeks earlier and was held against her will.

About 5pm the next day (Saturday 3 June 2023), the man allegedly assaulted officers during an attempted arrest, before he fled the scene in a Jeep Cherokee towing a camper trailer.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle on Kendall Street in Bellbird; however, when the vehicle failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through Kulnura, where the Jeep swerved to avoid road spikes and collided with a tree, causing the trailer to separate from the vehicle. The pursuit was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns. 

Just before 5pm yesterday (Friday 23 June 2023), an off-duty officer observed the man travelling in an allegedly stolen Toyota Landcruiser on the New England Highway in East Maitland.

The man was followed to the carpark of Metford Railway Station where he was approached by police.

It will be alleged the man then rammed two police vehicles before rolling the Landcruiser. Two passengers in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was assessed by paramedics and taken to hospital under police guard for assessment.

On his release from hospital, the man was returned to Maitland Police Station and charged with twenty-three offences including:

• Two counts of common assault (DV),
• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic),
• Take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage cause actual bodily harm (DV),
• Four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV),
• Reckless grievous bodily harm (DV),
• Two counts of use etc offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention,
• Two counts of hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty,
• Two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm,
• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
• Destroy or damage property,
• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period,
• Two counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception,
• Aggravated B&E & commit serious indictable offence-armed,
• Take & drive conveyance w/o consent of owner, and
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed manner dangerous.

The Maitland man was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Sunday 25 June 2023.

Two senior constables – both males – suffered minor injuries during the arrest.

Investigations are continuing.

A raft of progressive leave provisions and enhancements featured in City of Newcastle’s (CN) Enterprise Agreement (EA) 2023 is being extended to local government employees across NSW.

Up to 20 days of paid leave will be accessible to all NSW local government employees in domestic violence situations, along with Miscarriage Leave and a range of other initiatives offering employees greater support and flexibility if the proposed Local Government (State) Award 2023 is endorsed on 1 July.

Returned service people will also be recognised by being granted paid leave to attend Remembrance Day and Anzac Day, whilst apprentices and trainees will be given a leg-up with 100 per cent of their tool allowance covered.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN’s industry-leading Enterprise Agreement 2023 has set the tone for the rest of the state in terms of a harmonious industrial sector across local government.

“As one of the first councils in NSW to lead the way in domestic violence leave provisions back in 2018, City of Newcastle is pleased to see the results of those successful negotiations presented to all local government employees in NSW,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The success of CN’s EA has challenged the rest of the Local Government sector to embrace the progressive elements of the agreement.”

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the outcome achieved for local government employees statewide is a testament to all parties involved.

“The inclusion of these new provisions in the proposed State Award is a great outcome for local government employees in NSW, the unions, delegates and ratepayers,” Mr Bath said.

“It’s wonderful to see the progressive benefits and employment conditions led by City of Newcastle’s EA now reflected in the proposed state Award, in addition to the Local Government sector’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity.”

USU Official Luke Hutchinson said the proposed Award reaffirms the USU’s long-standing history of delivering improved pay and conditions for all 50,000 workers employed throughout all Councils in NSW.

“This proposed Award provides improved workplace conditions that will enable optimum services for our community and delivers socially progressive conditions such as access to miscarriage leave, improved parental leave, improved workplace flexibility and improved family and domestic violence leave,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Following the resolution of the City of Newcastle Enterprise Agreement in late 2022, the USU challenged the rest of the Local Government sector to embrace the progressive elements of this agreement.

“Most importantly, this proposed Award provided our members some instant relief to address the current inflation crisis impacting workers across our communities.”

A woman has been charged following an unauthorised protest in Newcastle.

About 6am today (Friday 23 June 2023), emergency services were called to Egret Street, Kooragang, following reports a person had climbed on top of a reclaimer at Port Waratah.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District with assistance from Police Rescue, removed a 67-year-old woman.

She was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where she was charged with enter enclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, enter/remain on major facility seriously disrupt use and breach of bail.

The woman was refused bail to attend Newcastle Local Court later today (Friday 23 June 2023).

Some of the Hunter’s best young musicians will perform in one of the highlights of the Hunter Wind Ensemble’ 20th anniversary celebrations this weekend.

Alumni of the Ensemble will rejoin it to present a spectacular program of music in the 20th Anniversary Concert at Newcastle Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday 24 June at 1:00 pm.

In 2003, Department of Education Regional Arts Coordinator Lyn Cook met with young conductor and musician Scott Ryan to create a band that would provide elevated musical opportunities for public school students in the Hunter and Central Coast region.

Their first rehearsal was held at the Newcastle Tennis Club and within a month of formation they performed their first concert at Newcastle Christ Church Cathedral to celebrate Education Week. Twenty years later, the band is still providing exceptional music education opportunities to the region, allowing students to come together from local schools to rehearse and perform significant works in the concert band repertoire.

The ensemble has had successes at regional, state, national and international levels. This includes performances at the Sydney Opera House, Australian National Band Championships, National Eisteddfod in Canberra, and Summa Cum Laude at the Musikverein in Vienna. The band has embarked on many successful international tours, including performances at the Pacific Basin International Music Festival in Hawaii, Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna, Euro Disneyland in Paris and at Sister City celebrations in Ube, Japan.

In 2013, they visited the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago; they completed a successful tour of Spain and Portugal in 2018, and have travelled over 8,000km to play in rural communities in the outback of Australia.

Hundreds of young musicians across the Hunter and Central Coast have passed under the baton of conductors Scott Ryan, Michael Jobson and Charissa Ferguson, gaining priceless musical knowledge, earning international performance accolades, and making lifelong friendships.

Hunter Wind Ensemble has commissioned a new work by Chris Williams and will proudly premiere “Aurora Pacifica” at the Anniversary concert. Chris is a Newcastle born and bred composer and conductor whose works have been performed throughout Australia, Europe, Britain and the United States by orchestras and ensembles including Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, London Musical Theatre Orchestra, and Joyful Company of Singers.

Steve Williams is recognised as one of Australia’s most versatile and respected conductors, distinguishing himself with an impressive record of achievement in a variety of musical settings. Steve has toured the world with many of Australia’s finest Symphonic Bands and Jazz Ensembles including the Hunter Wind Ensemble. We are honoured to have him back on the podium for our Anniversary Concert.

Two people have been charged following an unauthorised protest in the Hunter Valley.

About 6am today (Thursday 22 June 2023), emergency services were called to Rose Point Road, Singleton, following reports two people had climbed on top of a train carriage near Singleton Railway Station.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and, with assistance from specialist police, removed a 64-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl from on top of the train.

They were arrested and taken to Singleton Police Station, where they were both charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

The woman was refused bail where the matter was mentioned at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Thursday 22 June 2023). She was refused bail to reappear tomorrow (Friday 23 June 2023) at Singleton Local Court.

The teenager was granted strict conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 17 July 2023.

A woman has been charged following an unauthorised protest at Newcastle overnight.

About 8.30pm (Tuesday 20 June 2023), emergency services were called to Cormorant Road, Newcastle, following reports a woman had scaled a coal loader and glued herself to a railing.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended, and with assistance from Police Rescue, the woman was removed safely from the structure and arrested about an hour later.

She was taken to Waratah Police Station, where she was charged with enter/remain on etc major facility cause damage to facility, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

The 18-year-old from Canberra was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court later today (Wednesday 21 June 2023).

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

A man has been charged following an unauthorised protest in the Hunter region this morning.

About 3.50am today (Wednesday 21 June 2023), police were called to train tracks near Branxton Railway Station, Branxton, after reports a man had suspended himself over the railway tracks.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended, with assistance from Police Rescue, and the 22-year-old man was removed safely from the structure and arrested about 9.35am.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

The man was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today, where he was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Singleton Local Court on Thursday 13 July 2023.

City of Newcastle is ready to kick off construction on a game-changing major redevelopment at Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval.

The $3 million project, funded by City of Newcastle, Newcastle Olympic Football Club (NOFC) and the State and Federal Governments, is set to become an inclusive and fully accessible football facility for passionate spectators and home and away players alike.

The redevelopment will feature female-friendly changerooms, a new grandstand seating more than 300 football fans, improved disability access, a new community space as well as the refurbishment of existing amenities and a new formal off-street carpark.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the grandstand upgrade, which is expected to be completed by December 2023, will ensure every footballer and spectator feels welcome and supported.

“City of Newcastle is committed to investing in inclusive facilities and elevating women in sport. Female participation is growing at a rapid pace, both at a grassroots and senior level, and this demand will reach new heights following the FIFA Women’s World Cup being hosted on home soil,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This project will deliver a facility for the entire community. With accessible parking spaces, new shared footpaths, lift access and amenities for people with a disability, Darling Street Oval will be able to meet the needs of all its members.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the investment into Darling Street Oval will have far-reaching benefits for NOFC and encourage further participation among the club’s nine fantastic female teams.

“Darling Street Oval is a vital part of our community. It is home to a fantastic local club which provides so many children and young adults the opportunity to kick-start their sporting futures, and I am delighted that the Albanese Labor Federal Government is investing $625,000 into this key project,” Ms Claydon said.

State Member for Newcastle and Minister for the Hunter Tim Crakanthorp said local sportsgrounds such as Darling Street Oval present wonderful opportunities for the community to get active and come together.

“These improvements to the grandstand and amenities are going to make the ground more accessible and welcoming for everyone,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“NOFC are an asset to our community, and I’m thrilled to have been able to advocate for and secure $937,500 for these upgrades.”

Newcastle Olympic First Grade women’s captain Laura Hall said the upgrade would be incredibly beneficial given the growing participation of girls and women in football.

“In just three short years, Newcastle Olympic Women’s Program has grown to over 150 female players and coaches. With the Women’s World Cup about to start, that number will only continue to increase,” Ms Hall said.

“We are grateful to City of Newcastle, State and Federal Governments and to our club for their contributions and more importantly their support for women’s football. The new female-friendly facilities are most welcome and will have an invaluable impact on our players and those of our visiting teams.”

Pictured (L-R): Newcastle Olympic FC Director of Marketing Kosta Patsan, Newcastle Olympic President George Sofianos, Councillor Carol Duncan, Tim Crakanthorp MP, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP with Newcastle Olympic players Jemma House and Laura Hall with junior Newcastle Olympic FC supporters.