Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) is leading the way in gender equity, with recent data showing its employees experience almost no gender pay gap. 

Workplace Gender Equality Agency data on average weekly earnings concluded that the national pay gap between the earnings of women and men is nearly 22 per cent. In comparison, a recent assessment of CN salaries showed there is no significant difference for Council employees – in fact, female employees earn marginally more on average than their male counterparts. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important to acknowledge this achievement ahead of May Day on 1 May, a day traditionally celebrated by the Australian workers’ movement after a long struggle for their right to an eight-hour day. 

“City of Newcastle has led the way with progressive benefits and conditions for many years now, proving our continuing commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“We were one of the first councils in NSW to include domestic violence leave provisions back in 2018. This was alongside a range of other flexible and female-friendly working conditions such as miscarriage leave as part of our industry-leading Enterprise Agreement.  

“Our continual shift towards pay parity has challenged the rest of the Local Government sector to consider how they too can do better. At CN we listen to what our workers want, and we are proud this May Day of our status as a progressive and female-friendly enterprise.” 

CN CEO Jeremy Bath said the equitable outcome achieved for local government employees statewide should be celebrated. 

“City of Newcastle is a leading organisation when it comes to eliminating the gender pay gap,” Mr Bath said. 

“The reasons for this good result are many. We have built a culture at CN where we focus on the team rather than the individual, and where excellence is rewarded rather than gender, tenure, or an ability to negotiate.  

“Our Enterprise Agreement, developed in partnership with unions, was most recently approved by our employees in 2022 and is something we know sets us apart as an employer.  

“Our challenge now is to continue to strive for gender equality within our organisation and to help support the development and excellence of all our employees.” 

United Services Union (USU) Organiser Luke Hutchinson said the recent pay equity data shows how the USU’s long history of delivering improved pay and conditions for all has made a huge impact at CN. 

“The USU is very pleased that the conditions secured in the City of Newcastle Enterprise Agreement have ensured there are no reported gender pay gaps between any workers at the City of Newcastle,” Mr Hutchinson said. 

“This groundbreaking agreement not only acknowledges but actively incorporates socially progressive conditions. These include vital provisions such as access to miscarriage leave, improved parental leave, enhanced workplace flexibility, and family and domestic violence leave.  

“By fostering these conditions, we ensure workplace protection and facilitate optimal service delivery for our vibrant community. 

“Establishing a uniform classification framework that ensures fair remuneration and equitable structuring of qualifications and skills was incredibly important to the USU.  

“Notably, this framework ensures that traditionally female-dominated professional sectors, like Libraries and Early Childhood Education, are directly aligned with other professions such as engineering or accounting.” 

A teenage girl will face court today charged with murder following the death of a girl at Lake Macquarie yesterday.

About 3.45pm (Monday 29 April 2024), emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing at a home on Thurston Street, Boolaroo, approximately 20km south-west of Newcastle.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 10-year-old girl for multiple stab wounds; however, she died at the scene.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District arrested a 17-year-old girl at the home before she was taken to Belmont Police Station

A crime scene was established and local detectives with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad commenced an investigation under Strike Force Upstream.

The teenage girl has since been charged with murder (DV) and refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Tuesday 30 April 2024).

A girl has been fatally stabbed in the state’s Hunter region.

About 3.45pm today (Monday 29 April 2024), emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing at a home on Thurston Street, Boolaroo, approximately 20km west of Newcastle.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 10-year-old girl at the scene for multiple stab wounds; however she died at the scene.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District arrested a 17-year-old girl at the home, and she was taken to Belmont Police Station and is currently assisting with inquiries.

Both girls are believed to be known to one another.

A crime scene has been established as investigations continue.

No further information is available at this stage.

A girl missing from Newcastle has been located safe and well.

The 14-year-old was last seen at an address on Church Street, Newcastle, about 11.40am yesterday (Saturday 27 April 2024).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, she was reported missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Following inquiries, a geotargeted message and an appeal for assistance, she was located in Newcastle today (Sunday 28 April 2024).

City of Newcastle (CN), the University of Newcastle and FAUNA Research Alliance have joined forces to investigate ways to protect Squirrel Gliders in the Lower Hunter.

The marsupial is at risk of local extinction due to habitat loss, damage and fragmentation, while also contending with heat stress, vehicle collisions and predation by introduced species.

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk joins the University of Newcastle’s Dr Ryan Witt, Sam Hayley and Oliver Brynes at Richley Reserve as part of the Squirrel Glider research project.Intensive monitoring by a University of Newcastle team has confirmed the presence of Squirrel Gliders in Blackbutt Reserve and Jesmond Bushland, with a thermal drone detecting body heat signatures of the animals hidden in the canopy.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the collaborative research project will evaluate the abundance, habitat use and genetics of the threatened species across the two bushland reserve systems.

“Research and monitoring can inform long-term conservation management to support viable Squirrel Glider populations and prevent local extinction,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which aims to protect and regenerate natural systems, will contribute to long term conservation outcomes for the Squirrel Glider.

“Squirrel Gliders keep our bushland healthy by feeding on plants and invertebrates. They help with pollination of our Eucalypt forests and regulate the number of insects such as caterpillars, cicadas and beetles,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Newcastle’s bushland areas are simply an invaluable refuge for our fauna, including our threatened species, and are irreplaceable in light of the documented biodiversity emergency we are facing locally, nationally and internationally.”

Squirrel GliderWildlife conservation scientist Dr Ryan Witt from the University of Newcastle, who is leading the research effort, said Squirrel Gliders are one of the city’s last remaining threatened marsupials.

“Importantly, our research uses multiple monitoring methods, including nest box monitoring, pipe trapping, thermal drone surveys and genetic analysis to develop a baseline understanding of the status of the Squirrel Glider populations living in Blackbutt and Jesmond bushland,” Dr Witt said.

“Over time, it will be possible to evaluate the trajectory of the populations. Our team has already detected 19 males and 18 females living across the two reserves. 

“We have not observed Squirrel Gliders moving across major road structures, including between the east and west portions of Jesmond bushland, and between Blackbutt and Jesmond. 

“This highlights the importance of identifying points within the environment in which structures like rope bridges could be installed, which are likely to be required to maintain the populations genetic diversity and prevent local extinction.”

As part of the Natural Connection program the first of CN’s Squirrel Glider events will take place on Thursday 2 May when CN staff and University of Newcastle researchers hold an evening information session at Wallsend Library to share details of the Squirrel Glider research project.

Other ways residents can help include planting Squirrel Glider food trees and shrubs, keeping cats inside at night, leaving water out for local wildlife in hot weather and calling 13000 WIRES or Hunter Wildlife Rescue on 0418628483 if they find injured wildlife.

For more information about the information session visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Work will begin next month on the delivery of a new kiosk and accessible public toilets in Newcastle’s popular Harbour Foreshore precinct.

Councillors voted unanimously last night to accept a tender for the project, which is valued at more than $3 million and will include unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a changing places facility that provides suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

An artist’s impression of the accessible amenities building and kiosk to be built at Foreshore Park.

The project also includes space for a future kiosk and will commence in May with the removal of the existing playground to pave the way for the construction of the amenities.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the new amenities building is an essential step in delivering the adopted Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.

“The accessible amenities and future kiosk will complement other elements of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan and enrich the park that Novocastrians and visitors know and love,” Cr Nelmes said.

“These early works will help realise the full potential of our adopted Masterplan for our premier city park and major event space, creating a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region to enjoy whilst connecting our city with our harbour’s edge.”

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

Once completed, the playground area will have a distinctly Newcastle character and pay tribute to the city’s Aboriginal heritage. The precinct will also have a waterplay area unique to Newcastle.

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

The amenities project is supported by the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

The 2024 Hunter region Memory Walk & Jog is nearly here with the event taking place on Sunday 12 May at Speers Point Park, Speers Point.

Dementia Australia’s largest fundraising event hopes to attract thousands of people across Australia to help raise more than $2 million in support of people living with dementia. Funds raised at our upcoming event in the Hunter will help advance the work of Dementia Australia which delivers invaluable support, education and resources for people living with dementia, their families and carers. 

Memory Walk & Jog is about being part of the community and feeling supported. We are in this together, which is why participants can walk, jog or run and select from a 2km walk, an 8km walk or jog, or the 8km timed run.

Registrations for the Hunter Memory Walk & Jog are still open and we’d love to see as many people as possible walking, jogging, or running at Speers Point Park. It’s a great day out, raising money and awareness for such an important cause.

City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting Novocastrians to spend time enjoying Newcastle’s natural areas and help improve treasured green spaces by joining forces with Landcare groups and school students to plant more than 15,000 native grasses, shrubs and trees.

Starting at Northcott Park in Shortland, locals today had the chance to connect with nature and become stewards of their environment by planting native species and conducting a survey of Crawchie Creek alongside Landcare volunteers and CN scientists.

Over the next three months, CN and Landcare will host similar events across Newcastle’s western suburbs as part of the Natural Connection program, which aims to improve and expand our urban forest and vegetated creeks.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk join City of Newcastle staff, Landcare volunteers and residents to plant native species at Northcott Park in Shortland.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said one of the goals of this year’s program is to celebrate the work of Landcare volunteers and boost group numbers. 

“City of Newcastle currently supports 15 Landcare groups and we’re looking to expand the program across the city,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“Volunteering can create connections between residents of all ages, fostering a genuine sense of social cohesion and community, by sharing the role of protecting our local environment.

“Planting more than 15,000 plants will extend and improve habitat for threatened species such as the Squirrel Glider, Powerful Owl, and the Freckled Duck.

“Improving our urban forest helps to cool our city, increase the resilience of wildlife corridors, improve soil and water quality, and protect creek banks during major storms. 

“The Natural Connection program aligns with the 10-year Newcastle Environment Strategy, helping to increase community connection with local natural areas and expand our urban forest.”

Following today’s event at Shortland, residents of Wallsend will get an opportunity to make a difference by joining CN staff on 26 May to plant native species and conduct a waterway health survey at Birchgrove Drive Reserve.

On 26 July, primary school students will play their part on Schools National Tree Day by planting native species at Tarro Reserve, as well as learning about bush craft, making cultural connections, and studying waterbugs alongside CN scientists.

Two days later, Novocastrians are invited to Tarro Reserve for a major community event to celebrate National Tree Day. 

Residents will get the chance to plant grasses, shrubs and trees and experience a wetland tour with CN staff, where they’ll learn about the importance of our urban wetlands, their protection, and rehabilitation. 

The day will also feature nature-based play, craft stations and face painting for kids, as well as food and coffee.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 April 2024 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 April 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Hunter Community Alliance Founding Assembly

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes the Hunter Community Alliance (HCA) held its Founding Assembly on 10 April 2024. City of Newcastle commits to working collaboratively with the HCA, particularly regarding climate change adaptation and risk mitigation at a local level, as well as the housing crisis which is being acutely felt in our region. 

Acknowledging and celebrating IDAHOBIT Day

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges and celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day), recognising the importance of promoting inclusivity, respect, and equality for all individuals within our community.

City of Newcastle commits to officially recognising and acknowledging IDAHOBIT Day each year as an important event in our city calendar and showing our support for Newcastle’s LGBTQI+ community. 

Support for the protection of coastal waters from offshore drilling and mining

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted with concern the ongoing threat of offshore drilling and mining off the coast of Newcastle as part of the PEP-11 proposal. City of Newcastle commits to writing to NSW Premier, Minister for Planning and Minister for the Environment in support of the Government’s advocacy and action in respect of this issue. 

IPART’S decision on Port of Newcastle and bypassing freight from residential Newcastle 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that welcomed the recent decision of IPART that the current maximum value of a one-off compensation payment of $13 million can be made by the Port of Newcastle to the State of NSW under the Port of Newcastle Extinguishment of Liability Act 2022. City of Newcastle notes that IPART’s determination finally brings clarification and a pathway towards a potential deep water container terminal at the Port of Newcastle. CN also notes the release of the NSW Government’s Freight Policy Reform Program Consultation Paper and reiterates CN’s previous advocacy in relation to the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, aimed at establishing a future dedicated freight rail line between Fassifern and Hexham, bypassing residential Newcastle.

Ordinary business 

Public exhibition of Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040

Council unanimously voted to place the draft 2024 -2025 Delivering Newcastle 2040, and draft 2024-2025 Fees and Charges, on public exhibition for a period of 28 days prior to the final consideration by Council. 

Adoption of the Georgetown Public Domain and Traffic Plan

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Georgetown Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan. 

Endorsement of motions to the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government

Council voted to endorse 10 motions for submission to the 2024 Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly. 

Advisory Committee Annual Reports

Council received the Advisory Committee Annual Reports for the 2023 calendar year from the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee, Asset Advisory Committee, Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee and Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee.

Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 

Council received the Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2023.

Supplementary report – Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review

Council unanimously voted to adopt the amended Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservations Areas Review Final Report and resolved to commence the planning process to investigate further the findings within the report.

Upper Hunter Shire Council – Memorandum of Understanding

Council unanimously voted to endorse a Memorandum of Understanding with Upper Hunter Shire Council and delegate authority to the Lord Mayor to sign document on its behalf.

Muswellbrook Shire Council – Memorandum of Understanding

Council unanimously voted to endorse a Memorandum of Understanding with Muswellbrook Shire Council and delegate authority to the Lord Mayor to sign document on its behalf.

Minister’s consent application for leasing City of Newcastle managed land 

Council unanimously voted to make applications to the Minister for Local Government seeking consent to grant proposes leases over community land at Shepherds Hill Cottage  and part of the community facility at Townson Oval.

Affixing council seal to deeds of indemnity for Newcastle Airport companies 

Council unanimously voted to enter into and affix Council’s seal to Deeds of Indemnity for recent Directors of Newcastle Airport Pty Limited and Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd as listed in the report. Council voted to obtain a standing resolution to enter into and affix Council’s seal to any future Deeds between Newcastle City Council, Port Stephens Council and officers of Newcastle Airport Pty Limited and Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd on the grounds that they relate to the business of Newcastle City Council.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2024.

Tender report – Foreshore Park amenities building contract number 2024/043T

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the construction of the Foreshore Park Amenities Building.

Notices of Motion 

Creating a community garden in Beresfield

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to investigate a suitable location for a community garden in Beresfield, in consultation with the Beresfield community and in accordance with CN’s community garden policy.

The 25^th anniversary of the State Finals of the Science and Engineering Challenge held at the University of Newcastle

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to write to the organisers of the Science and Engineering Challenge to confirm if they are seeking a sponsorship from the City of Newcastle, and to direct them to the Sponsorship Guidelines, adopted by the current Council in 2023, for further information.

Improving amenity and safety in Hamilton for businesses, employees, residents and visitors to Awaba Park 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to coordinate a multi-cross agency meeting to confirm how agencies can better work together to address homelessness, mental health and alcohol and drug issues in Awaba Park, as well as reduce anti-social behaviour occurring in some parts of Hamilton. 

Council will investigate the cost of signage in Awaba Park to prevent illegal dumping from donations that are not suitable due to inclement weather and do not meet best practice high quality food standards. 

Council will write to the NSW Government and relevant local MPs seeking funding to source additional urgent crises accommodation, as well as an increase in police resourcing in Newcastle, and additional CCTV cameras that are facing onto Awaba Park.

Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty endorsement

Council supported an amended notice of motion to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and call on the Federal Government to also endorse the Treaty.

Establishing a permanent pathway for work experience 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to create a page on the corporate website that documents the many learning opportunities provided for young people at CN including work experience and how they can make an application.