Category: Newcastle News

New cycleways and footpaths, tree planting and public art opportunities are being proposed under a concept plan designed to guide future streetscape upgrades in Wickham.

City of Newcastle’s draft concepts for Wickham’s public spaces, prepared as part of the delivery of a Public Domain Plan, outline key elements to help realise the long-term vision of the Wickham Masterplan 2021 with a focus on connecting green spaces, prioritising pedestrian and cyclist activity, and upgrading Union Street as an attractive pathway to the heart of the precinct.

Creating open community spaces, activating the historic Bullock Island Rail Corridor and improving access and connections to Wickham Park and the harbour’s waterfront are also on the agenda, along with future opportunities for public art and interpretation of both Aboriginal and European heritage.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said plans for the area aim to facilitate the long-term expansion of the city centre towards Wickham and increase opportunities for transit-oriented development around the Newcastle Interchange.

“We are starting to see a real change in Wickham, with growing investor and developer interest in recent years transitioning the semi-industrial area into a mixed-use urban neighbourhood, supporting the Newcastle West CBD,” Cr Clausen said.

“The Public Domain Plan aims to create a welcoming and positive environment for residents and visitors while improving safety, accessibility, and amenity.

“We have worked closely with a number of stakeholders on these draft concepts including local community group Great Lifestyle of Wickham.

“We’re now looking to receive broader feedback from the community to help inform key features of the final plan, which over the long term will deliver greater road and pedestrian links within Wickham and to adjoining areas, improved cycleways and increased investment in community infrastructure to support the growing local population.”

The development of a Public Domain Plan will provide a clear, shared vision for the Wickham public domain, enabling future staged implementation, including directly by developers as continued growth occurs in Wickham. The Plan will ensure consistency in outcomes, regardless of whether new infrastructure is delivered by City of Newcastle, or by the private sector as part of their new development.

The draft concept plans for the Wickham Public Domain Plan will remain open for online feedback via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March. Community drop-in sessions will be held at Marketown on Thursday 2 March from 11am to 1pm and at the Tree of Knowledge Park in Wickham on Saturday 18 March from 11am to 1pm.

City of Newcastle is also seeking feedback on the Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal, which seeks to deliver identified community infrastructure and facilitate urban renewal in Wickham through the provision of development incentives.

The Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal will remain open for comment via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March.

The Albanese Government is working to unlock renewable energy jobs, energy security and job security for the Hunter region, with consultation now open on a new offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter.

This proposed offshore wind area sits alongside the Hunter, which is an Australian manufacturing powerhouse and home to the nation’s largest smelter. Establishment of an offshore wind industry in this region could support the decarbonisation and future of onshore manufacturing powered by cheaper, cleaner energy.

This new renewable energy industry has the potential to create 3000-8000 jobs in Australia every year. Where international offshore wind farms have been established, the main pathways into the industry have been from the energy sector and existing offshore industries.

The Hunter is already known for its strong industrial base, with mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, proving this region already has the skill base for the new industry.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said he’s looking forward to hearing from the community about the best way offshore electricity can be harnessed in the region and is encouraging locals to engage with community discussions and online submissions.

“The world’s climate emergency is regional Australia’s jobs opportunity, and the Hunter is uniquely placed to capitalise on this,” Minister Bowen said. 

“An offshore wind zone in the Hunter presents significant opportunities to create new energy sector and manufacturing jobs, drive economic growth and reduce emissions.”

“I’m encouraging residents from across the Hunter to have their say on the proposed area and what they would like to see from this offshore zone.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, said:

“This proposed offshore wind zone presents an exciting opportunity for Newcastle to diversify and strengthen our regional economy, while also bringing new energy jobs.”

“Newcastle’s world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce, abundant resources and energy smarts means our region is poised to lead the nation as a renewable energy superpower.

“Newcastle and the Hunter has powered Australia for generations, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to ensuring that it will continue to do so for generations to come.

“I encourage Novocastrians to have their say on offshore wind through the public consultation process.”

Despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind generation.

The IEA classifies offshore wind as a “variable baseload technology” which makes it closer to the capacity of gas and coal-fired power plants, than onshore wind and solar PV. For context just one rotation of one offshore wind turbine provides as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation generates in one day, with less fluctuation than onshore wind.

The consultation process is an opportunity for all community members, workers, residents, industry groups and chambers of commerce to provide feedback. Submissions will run from February 23 to April 28.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will also facilitate community information sessions, which will be held throughout the region during the consultation period.

The Hunter is one of six priority regions around Australia with world-class offshore wind potential. The Commonwealth recently declared Gippsland off the La Trobe Valley as the first region in Australia to be home to a new offshore wind industry.

The government has previously announced a further four regions earmarked for offshore wind zones. These include the Pacific Ocean region off the Illawarra in NSW, the Southern Ocean region off Portland in Victoria, the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania, and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury.

For more information on the Hunter offshore electricity area public consultation, visit https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-hunter.

Community information sessions:

Location	Date & Time	Location
Wamberal	Monday, 6 March2.00pm to 4.00pm	Breakers Country Club64 Dover Road, Wamberal NSW 2260
Doyalson	Tuesday, 7 March10.30am – 12.30pm	The Doylo80 Pacific Highway, Doyalson NSW 2262
Swansea	Tuesday, 7 March4:00pm – 6:00pm	Swansea RSL5 Bridge Street, Swansea NSW 2281
Newcastle 1	Wednesday, 8 March12:00pm – 2:00pm	Newcastle City LibraryWar Memorial Cultural Centre15 Laman Street, Newcastle 2300
Newcastle 2	Wednesday, 8 March4.00pm – 7.00pm	Bar beach bowling club – Terrace29 Kilgour Ave, Merewether NSW 2291
Hawks Nest	Thursday, 9 March11.00am – 1.00pm	Hawks Nest Community Centre71 Booner Street, Hawks Nest, NSW 2324
Nelson Bay	Thursday, 9 March5.00pm – 7.00pm	Nelson Bay Bowling Club1 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.  

Patrick Murphy, aged, was last seen on Oakliegh Way, Morisset, about 6.00am yesterday (Monday 21 February 2022). 

When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.  

Family and police hold concerns for Patrick’s welfare due to him living with a condition that requires treatment.

Patrick is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with olive skin, about 180cm tall, of a medium build, long grey/brown hair, a beard and tattoos.

Police have been told he may be wearing a blue hoodie, light coloured shorts and may be wearing a bandana.

Patrick is believed to still be in the Lismore or Morisset areas and anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A unique upright piano hand painted by renowned Newcastle artist Mitch Revs to honour Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour will be auctioned at the Newcastle 500 next month to benefit women and children escaping domestic violence.

Donated by Venues NSW and Scentre Group, which commissioned the artwork for Elton John’s crowd-drawing McDonald Jones Stadium appearances in January, the colourful and eclectic working piano is the centrepiece of the fourth annual charity function at Fort Scratchley on Saturday 11 March.

The fundraiser has garnered more than $61,000 to date for City of Newcastle’s charity partners, Got Your Back Sista and Nova for Women and Children, thanks to the support of community and business leaders.

For the first time, bidding on this item will be open to the public online via AirAuctioneer to allow keen Elton John fans and collectors to get in on the action, with the piano on display at Westfield Kotara, Level 2 near Specsavers until the event.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was thrilled to once again partner with both charities for the event’s highly anticipated return.

“We’re proud to continue to support these local charities, which provide vital assistance to women and children in need,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Unfortunately, domestic and family violence continues to affect too many people. This inaugural event was on White Ribbon Day and provided a unique opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds to help combat the issue. With drawcard prizes like this, we are hopeful to raise lots of funds to support our local charities, Nova for Women and Children and Got Your Back Sista.”

Got Your Back Sista runs programs, fundraising events, campaigns, and the Village People Op Shop in Islington and provides referrals to external support services. Founder Melissa Histon said the organisation was grateful for City of Newcastle’s and Supercars’ continued support.

“Women often come to us with little more than the clothes on their backs. They reach out because they’re in crisis and need individual support to navigate leaving an abusive situation, finding the right legal and financial support, and rebuilding their lives,” Ms Histon said.

“This would not be possible without the ongoing support of community and business leaders.”

Nova for Women and Children supports women and children to access crisis, medium and long-term accommodation and provides specialised, ongoing casework. CEO Kelly Hansen said a competitive environment for government funding and donations, long housing waitlists and increasing everyday living costs added extra pressure.

“A lack of safe, affordable, long-term housing has left women and children living in or at increasing risk of domestic and family violence, creating bottlenecks in crisis and transitional accommodation,” Ms Hansen said.

“The extra support to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community is most appreciated.”

Backed by board members and volunteers from each organisation, Histon and Hansen will address guests at the event before a raft of auction items go under the hammer, including accommodation at the five-star Crystalbrook Kingsley and QT Newcastle hotels.

Bidding on the piano closes at 5pm, Saturday 11 March with the winner to be announced following the event.

The body of a man has been located in the water on the State’s north coast.

About 9.10am yesterday (Saturday 18 February 2023), officers from Port Stephens Water Police responded to a report that a body had been located approximately 60m offshore by a member of the public in Swan Bay – approximately 20km west of Nelson Bay.

The body was recovered by police and returned to shore.

Whilst the body is yet to be formally identified it is believed to be that of a 44-year-old man.

There are no suspicious circumstances.

An investigation into the incident has commenced and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to procure a child in the Hunter Valley Region earlier this month.

On Tuesday 7 February 2023, a 14-year-old girl allegedly received messages via a social media platform from an unknown male.

A number of messages were exchanged before the person sending the messages attempted to convince the girl to meet him.

Police were alerted and officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation.

About 8.30pm on Friday 17 February 2023, detectives arrested a 29-year-old man at a home in Cliftleigh.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with procure child for unlawful sexual activity.

He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 18 February 2023) and was formally refused bail to appear before the same Court on Monday 20 February 2023.

Residents, businesses and racegoers are being invited to have their say on the future of the Newcastle 500 as community consultation on the event kicks off.

Submissions will open tomorrow for the online survey, which forms the first part of a comprehensive consultation strategy prepared and implemented by KPMG to guide the decision about future Newcastle 500 events in Newcastle.

The strategy was finalised after being placed on public exhibition for six weeks throughout December and January, with the online survey launched during bump-in for the Supercars season-opener event.

The survey can be completed via the City of Newcastle website from Saturday 18 February and will remain open until three weeks after the event, which is being held from 10-12 March 2023.

In-person surveys around the event precinct during the race period will provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses, while a random telephone survey will follow the event to capture a range of views from across Newcastle’s demographic profile.

Three post-event stakeholder workshops with residents, business and industry representatives will also be held to understand the perceived benefits and challenges presented by the Newcastle 500.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the feedback would help guide any decision made by City of Newcastle should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year contract extension of the the event in Newcastle.

“We’re committed to undertaking broad community consultation using an evidence-based methodology to understand the opinions of the Newcastle community and ensure that key stakeholders have their voices heard and considered,” Mr Bath said.

“The consultation will explore themes of liveability, economic benefit or challenges and perceptions of the event, as well as its impact on the visitor economy.

“Should Destination NSW and Supercars decide they want to extend the Newcastle 500 for another five years, our elected Council will need to decide if we agree to again be the host city.”

A report on the feedback and insights from the community consultation to inform the decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500 will be prepared for Council to consider in the coming months.

Preparations for next month’s race are well underway, with bump-in by Supercars having kicked off on 1 February.

In addition to three days of racing around the street circuit, the event will treat music fans to a weekend of epic performances inside the race precinct, with a world-class line-up for two concerts that includes headliners Icehouse and the Hilltop Hoods and hometown heroes the Screaming Jets and Trophy Eyes.

Access to the Friday and Saturday night concerts is available for ticket holders of the respective race days, as well as those with a three-day event pass.

A series of free community events will also be held outside the race precinct across the weekend, with race fans being given the chance to meet all 25 Newcastle 500 Supercars champions at a driver signing session from 4.30pm on Thursday, 9 March at Gregson Park, Hamilton, with kids’ entertainment options also on offer.

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat from 8am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the Newy Car Club hosts a display of pristine vehicles at the Newcastle Museum Forecourt, while Civic Park will be transformed into a family-friendly fun zone from 11am – 3pm on the weekend with an epic 27m long slide, free face painting and tasty snack stalls. On Saturday, visitors can experience all things art and dance with hands-on creativity and messy play for toddlers, while Sunday will see local bands battle it out on stage while community members are encouraged to get involved in the drumming workshops and a silent disco.

Keep track of all the details across the weekend by visiting whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

The curtains have gone up on the first professional Broadway musical to be held at Civic Theatre in 30 years, as the cast and crew from Come From Away take to the stage.

Almost 16,000 tickets have already been sold to the critically acclaimed production for its record-breaking Newcastle season, which kicked off with a preview showing Wednesday evening and will be officially opened with a red carpet premiere tonight.

Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from around the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that welcomed the ‘come from aways’ into their lives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the Come From Away cast and crew to Newcastle and said that Novocastrians and visitors are set to be wowed by the musical production.

“After enjoying enormous success on Broadway and in London’s West End, the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away has arrived here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Come From Away has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world with its remarkable true story about kindness and humanity and is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city.

“With the success of Sir Elton John’s recent two shows and the news of Pink’s upcoming tour, which is expected to deliver a $9 million boost to local businesses, Newcastle has cemented its position as a host destination for international acts.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and Come From Away is another significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for the local visitor economy.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Come From Away has smashed ticket sales records for the theatre and she actually expects sales to lift even further once the show starts thanks to positive word of mouth.

“Interest in this musical has been incredible and ticket sales have exceeded our expectations, attracting audiences from as far as Tasmania, Brisbane, Armidale, Narrabri and Coffs Harbour,” Ms Wallace said.

Newtheatricals’ producer Rodney Rigby said he is delighted to bring the Broadway production to Newcastle.

“Come From Away is the perfect show for our time; an opportunity to come together and celebrate an inspirational story of hope and humanity,” Mr Rigby said.

“The reception for this show across Australia has been ecstatic and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with audiences in Newcastle.”

Come From Away is showing at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre until 5 March 2023.

Tickets are on sale now.

For more information and for tickets visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders will have the floor at a free community barbecue hosted by City of Newcastle on Sunday 26 February at Hamilton’s Gregson Park, for anyone wanting to learn more about the forthcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.

Held in collaboration with City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee as referendum campaigns begin in earnest around the country, the Newcastle BBQ for the Voice to Parliament will include a sausage sizzle and addresses from Indigenous leaders.

Representatives of the national From The Heart campaign will also be on hand to answer questions from the community about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the referendum process, and the proposed amendment to the Constitution.

It comes as a national week of action gets underway on 20 February ahead of the proposed referendum slated for the second half of the year, which will ask Australians to vote on whether they support a constitutionally enshrined body that would allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have input on laws and policies that directly affect them.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was an important step in bringing the community together to promote awareness and understanding of the proposed constitutional amendment.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support the ‘yes’ campaign and provide an accessible public forum for the community to be informed on what this referendum means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whose enduring resilience, knowledge, and relationship with the land for more than 60,000 years deserves long overdue constitutional recognition,” Cr Nelmes said.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, will join the line-up of speakers at the event.

“I am proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government which is putting this important question to the Australian people,” Ms Claydon said.

“This referendum is about two things: constitutional recognition and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a say on the policies and laws that affect them. The Voice is an important first step in delivering the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full: Voice, Treaty, Truth.”

Keynote speaker and Uluru Statement from the Heart signatory, Sean Gordon, said the “recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution will acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rightful place as the first peoples of this country and will provide a voice to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities have a greater say in laws, policies, and programs that impact our communities. The referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is the most import referendum since the constitution was established in 1901. A successful referendum will demonstrate our maturity as a country and will be the next step in our journey toward reconciliation between black and white Australia.”

From The Heart Director Dean Parkin said now is the opportunity for Australia to seize this historic moment and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.

“All around the country, supporters of constitutional recognition are sparking thousands of conversations in this week of action with friends, families and neighbours,” Mr Parkin said.

“It’s a chance to explain how a ‘yes’ vote at this year’s referendum will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in the laws and policies that directly impact their lives, and to deliver practical change.

“Australia has a huge opportunity to change the dial in our communities and see genuine, practical change. Seeking advice from people in Indigenous communities leads to better outcomes – because the people on the ground know their issues best.

“We are having this referendum because it’s time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution in a way that they requested – recognition through a Voice to Parliament.”

The Newcastle BBQ for the Voice to Parliament will be held from 11am to 1pm, with a list of speakers to be announced soon. Stay up to date via the Facebook event page.

Visit fromtheheart.com.au for more information on the national campaign.

Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation and historical tourist attraction on the Newcastle coast, has been awarded an Engineering Heritage Marker. 

On February 14, Engineers Australia and Fort Scratchley representatives gathered to reveal the Engineering Heritage Marker plaque for the Fort. 

The fort is the largest and most diversified and intact coastal fortress barracks complex in Australia. It is set on Signal Hill in Newcastle and overlooks the city and coastline out to the South Pacific Ocean. 

Fort Scratchley was built on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. Construction began on permanent fortification in 1882. 

The main elements were constructed in the late 19th century and represent civil construction methods of the era including small-scale unreinforced concrete construction, of which the tunnels are a great example. 

Fort Scratchley’ s layout is innovative as the tunnels always run downhill in the direction of loading ammunition. The tunnels run into the central magazines or out of them to deep shell lifts. 

Construction evolution over the following 50 years is evident in various examples throughout the fort, most notably the changes as reinforced concrete was introduced. 

Following its initial military use, the Fort was also used by the National Service Scheme for militia training in the mid-1950s. 

Convict coal mines have also been discovered below the Fort by the University’s Coal River Working Party. 

Today the inner fort holds gun emplacements, a battery observation post and associated fortress structures and underground tunnels, the commandants cottage, the barracks, and associated buildings on the lower section. The outer fort encompasses the Master Gunner’s Cottage, a workshop, and a multipurpose centre. 

Day to day the fort run by volunteers from the Fort Scratchley Historical Society who offer tours of the tunnels and access to the museum and military buildings. 

Engineers Australia’s Engineering Heritage Recognition Program recognises historical engineering achievements across Australia to raise the profile and understanding of the work of past engineers across the country. You can view all the Engineering Heritages sites we recognise across the country on our Engineering Heritage register.