Category: Newcastle News

First Nations artists are being invited to take part in a major new community exhibition being curated by Newcastle Museum.

Entitled FIRST, the exhibition will challenge perceptions of traditional and modern creative practices by showcasing the diverse works being produced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this exhibition would be the first of its kind for the Museum.

“Newcastle Museum is on the cutting edge of contemporary museum practice and has been nationally recognised for its innovative exhibitions, which create insightful ways to interpret and preserve our city’s fascinating history,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This exhibition will provide a wonderful avenue through which we can gain new perspectives and celebrate the work of local emerging and established First Nations creatives.”

Newcastle Councillor and proud Wiradjuri woman Deahnna Richardson said Newcastle Museum offers an invaluable vehicle through which we can tell our city’s story and understand our identity.

“The Awabakal and Worimi communities have cared for this country we call Newcastle for more than 60,000 years and have carried rich and diverse arts practices and knowledge through many generations to contemporary life,” Cr Richardson said.

“I applaud Newcastle Museum for working alongside the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to provide a space to celebrate their extraordinary creative and cultural practices.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island creatives who have a link to Newcastle and the Hunter are invited to submit an expression of interest to take part in the free exhibition, which will be on display at Newcastle Museum beginning in April next year.

City of Newcastle’s Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Director Julie Baird said the project has a strong focus on collaboration and consultation, employing First Nations creatives in the development of the exhibition.

“FIRST offers a blank canvas for creatives to broaden the community’s perception on contemporary and traditional practices,” Ms Baird said.

“It will offer new insight into the variety and possibilities offered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives while also providing them with an opportunity to leave a first and lasting impression with potential collaborators, clients, and audiences.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by an online portfolio where visitors can connect directly with artists’ online profiles.

Expressions of interest are open now and will close on Sunday 12 February. Visit the Newcastle Museum website for more information.

Newcastle City Council on Tuesday evening will consider a tender for the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall in Stockton.

The protection structures will shield Stockton’s coastline in the event of large swells, significantly reducing the chances of erosion.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that she was pleased that the delivery of the promised next stage of onshore works at Stockton is occurring.

“These works will see City of Newcastle’s (CN) investment at Stockton since the adoption of our Coastal Management Plan in 2020 increase to $9.5 million. Council has already committed $27.5 million to protecting Stockton Beach.”

The buried protection structures and emergency works complement the NSW Government’s proposed mass sand nourishment on the beach. CN has already undertaken significant work to understand the cause of erosion and beach recession, and gain community support for an evidence-based solution in close collaboration with the Stockton community.

CN’s Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby said that the first of three proposed structures will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground. Once constructed, only the very top of the round beams will be visible at ground level.

“The design of the structure considers its ability to address erosion from storm events, as well as long-term beach recession. It also considers the requirement to protect public assets at high-risk.”

CN today met with the Stockton Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Group to ensure current and future works respect the significance of the Stockton coastline to the Worimi people and protects their heritage.

Meanwhile, CN has continued the work required to be able to receive and place sand on Stockton Beach and expects to have the placement designs and environmental approvals finalised in early 2023 – meaning that once a sand source is confirmed, Stockton will be ready to receive the sand.

CN is waiting for the NSW Government to finalise its role as outlined in its application for the recently awarded $6.2 million Coastal and Estuarine Risk Management Grant, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from CN.

A Stockton Community Liaison Group (CLG) meeting Monday morning discussed the issues around the NSW Government’s commitment to project managing the work as outlined in its grant application to the Federal Government, which funds the delivery of sand for initial amenity nourishment at Stockton Beach, as well as the additional investigations and approvals required for mass sand nourishment.

Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, called on the State Government to commit to a solution as a matter of urgency.

“We supported the NSW Government’s application on the understanding that they would undertake the project management of this important work, and that they would own the associated licences required to obtain sand for Stockton.”

“At today’s meeting, the community members were dismayed to hear of the lack of State Government commitment and action, especially as we had been so hopeful when Federal and CN funding was announced at Stockton in recent months. The Stockton community really need to see immediate action from the State Government to get sand back on our beach,” said Ms Whitcher.

“The serious issue of erosion of the Stockton coastline will bring further anxiety when the east coast lows arrive, and we need all three levels of government to commit fully to addressing this issue in the immediate and longer term.”

“We welcome Council’s investment of more than $9 million for additional onshore delivery of protections structures for Stockton. This continued investment from City of Newcastle is vital to the protection of Stockton beach and in line with the 2020 CMP.”

City of Newcastle will seek feedback from the community before, during and after next year’s Newcastle 500 as part of a consultation strategy prepared to guide future decisions on the event.

Councillors will vote tonight to place the draft strategy on public exhibition ahead of its planned implementation leading into the Supercars season-opener, which will be held in Newcastle from 10-12 March 2023.

Next year’s race is the final event to be held under the existing agreement between Supercars Australia, City of Newcastle and Destination NSW.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the future of the Newcastle 500 beyond the final race is a decision of the NSW Government in the first instance as the consent authority for the race.

“Any inclusion of Newcastle as a potential host city for another five years will be subject to broad community and stakeholder consultation, and a decision of the elected Council after the March 2023 event,” Cr Nelmes said.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle is committed to undertaking broad community consultation prior to entering into any agreement should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year extension to continue the event in Newcastle.

“The draft community consultation strategy has been developed by KPMG and includes 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.

“At this time, no decision has been reached by any of the three parties on an extension of the race beyond March 2023.”

The draft consultation strategy proposes gathering feedback from the community via a random telephone survey across the entire city, designed to canvas a range of views from across Newcastle’s demographic profile and an online survey that will allow all members of the community to take part in the consultation process.

In-person surveys are proposed around the event precinct during the race period to provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses, while three post-event stakeholder workshops with community, business and industry representatives will also be held.

The consultation strategy will be placed on public exhibition for six weeks and finalised following community and stakeholder feedback. A report on the feedback and insights from the community to inform the decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500 will be prepared for Council mid next year.

A man has been charged with murder after an assault in the Hunter last night.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to Beresfield Train Station just before 6pm (Monday 12 December 2022), and found a 39-year-old man critically injured on the platform.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

A short time later, police arrested a 27-year-old man and took him to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he has been charged with murder.

The man, from Newcastle, has been refused bail and due to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 13 December 2022).

All eyes will be on the sky over Newcastle Harbour on New Year’s Eve when daring aerobatics manoeuvres and dazzling fireworks provide an electrifying farewell to 2022.

For the first time, City of Newcastle’s annual end of year celebrations will include a high-octane display of piloting prowess by Paul Bennet Airshows.

Gravity-defying solo manoeuvres and precision formation flying will thrill the crowds during the afternoon, culminating in the Australian debut of a spectacular new pyrotechnics display fired from the side of a Cessna 185 Skywagon.

This will be followed by City of Newcastle’s traditional 9pm fireworks show over the harbour, which this year will be launched from Horseshoe Beach for an improved viewing experience.

The festivities will begin from 4pm on 31 December, with the Queens Wharf precinct being transformed into an inclusive, interactive multi-sensory zone with family-friendly entertainment and activities.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Year’s Eve was the perfect time to come together in celebration as a community.

“The last 12 months have demonstrated the enduring resilience and strength of spirit embedded within our community as we have worked together to respond to these uncertain times,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city deserves the chance to celebrate what we have achieved this year and everything we’re looking forward to in 2023 and there’s no better place to do that than along our beautiful Foreshore.

“This year we’re taking our celebrations to new heights, adding a thrilling aerobatics show and high-flying pyrotechnics display to our family-friendly entertainment options and much-loved fireworks.

“Our popular VIP sensory zone will provide a safe and whimsical space for people with disability and their families, while community members can experience our city’s connection to local Indigenous culture with traditional arts and crafts workshops, dance demonstrations, a hands-on ochre art installation and First Nations body painting.”

A self-guided sensory-based art walk will also be set up along the Foreshore featuring installations and sculpture by students and graduates from the University of Newcastle, while a host of mouth-watering food vendors, three pop-up DJ stations and a kids’ zone with rides and amusements will help deliver a New Year’s Eve event for all members of the community.

For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

A man will appear in court today charged after police located a firearm during a vehicle stop near Newcastle yesterday.

About 4.15pm (Sunday 11 December 2022), officers from Newcastle City Police District conducting proactive patrols of the Merewether area stopped a Subaru Impreza on Wilton Street.

Officers spoke with the driver, a 27-year-old man, before checks revealed he was disqualified from driving. 

The man was arrested, and officers conducted a search locating a .9mm pistol, ammunition, folding knife, methylamphetamine and cash.

The items were seized and will undergo forensic examination. 

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place, acquire pistol subject to firearms prohibition order, acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order, supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, carry cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He was also charged with affray relating to an incident earlier this year in May.

The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local court today (Monday 12 December 2022).

New diving boards funded via a grant from the NSW Government are the latest upgrade at Lambton Swimming Centre, with recent investment at the swim centre by City of Newcastle nearing $1 million.

The new diving boards add to a raft of recent improvements at the pool, with more than $800,000 going towards projects like replacing the 120-metre-long waterslide, upgrading the water play area, and replacing the Olympic swimming pool’s diving blocks.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the latest upgrade reflected the facility’s important ongoing role as Newcastle’s aquatic hub.

“As we come into summer the crowds are building at Lambton Swimming Centre, with people coming to cool off, relax with their families, exercise or play sport,” Cr Clausen said.

“Lambton Swimming Centre sees almost 185,000 visitors per year and is home to sporting clubs including Hunter United Diving Academy which uses the diving boards for their regular training and competitions.

“City of Newcastle works closely with organisations across the city like Hunter United Diving Academy to upgrade facilities to cater for our growing sporting community, with Lambton’s new diving boards the latest example of this positive collaboration.

“We’re committed to maintaining and investing in Lambton Swimming Centre to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities for active living and social connection.”

More than $800,000 has been invested in Lambton Swimming Centre despite the impact of the pandemic on our public pools, with the popular facility used for everything from learn to swim programs to elite-level water polo.

Cr Clausen said the next upgrade to Lambton pool was the installation of temporary seating facilities to support the upcoming busy swimming carnival season while planning is underway to replace the permanent grandstand at a cost expected to exceed $1 million.

“With Lambton’s 60-year-old grandstand set for a full replacement once the pool closes for winter City of Newcastle is installing eight temporary seating facilities that will accommodate 320 people so students and families can cheer on swimmers at the upcoming swimming carnivals. The temporary facilities will also cater for pool visitors seeking a place to relax.”

Development approval for the temporary seating was granted on Friday, with installation to commence next month.

The replacement of Lambton Swimming Centre’s permanent grandstand is expected to commence when the pool closes for winter in 2023.

Other recent onsite improvements include safety upgrades, increased shade, painting, and new lane ropes, while design has started for a more efficient heating system.

A man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman outside a Newcastle hotel last month.

About 11.50pm on Friday 25 November 2022, emergency services were called to a licensed premises on Darby Street, Newcastle, following reports a woman had been sexually assaulted by a man.

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District and forensically examined.

Detectives have since established Strike Force Molyneaux to further investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Following extensive inquiries by detectives from Newcastle City Police District and the Sex Crimes Squad from the State Crime Command, officers executed a search warrant at a house in Merewether Heights earlier today (Saturday 10 December 2022) and arrested a 19-year-old man.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with aggravated sexual assault – inflict actual bodily harm and intentionally choke person without consent.

The man was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Sunday 11 December 2022.

City of Newcastle is calling for tenders to complete the design of a key link in the city’s iconic coastal walkway.

The project will transform the section of Bathers Way between Strzelecki Lookout and South Newcastle Beach, creating a more accessible shared path through the heritage-listed King Edward Park.

It will include renewal of King Edward Park’s amenities building and will seek to improve the connection between the lawn around the iconic Victorian rotunda, and the popular sunken Garside Gardens, which are known for their colourful flower displays each Spring.

A key feature of the project is the construction of an Indigenous art installation, which will educate path users on the Aboriginal significance of the site, while more comfortable viewing areas with shade and seating will enhance the overall visitor experience.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Bathers Way is a jewel among the city’s coastal assets, offering a variety of recreational opportunities.

“The Bathers Way is a flagship project of our coastal revitalisation program, delivering an upgraded shared pathway that links our iconic beaches of Merewether, Dixon Park, Bar Beach, Newcastle and Nobbys,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Once all stages are complete, Bathers Way will be a drawcard destination for tourists and locals, offering a continuous path perfect for those who want to walk, run or ride along the 6km-long route, or make use of the viewing platforms and seating options to stop and enjoy the spectacular scenery off our coastline.”

Through the current tender process, City of Newcastle will appoint a suitably qualified principal design consultant to build upon an existing concept layout for the King Edward Park section of Bathers Way.

The resulting design will widen and illuminate the current shared path to encourage safer and higher patronage at all times of the day.

Cr Nelmes said community consultation would inform the future design process.

“While King Edward Park is one of the city’s most popular open spaces, it is also revered for its unique Aboriginal and European heritage,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As such, the successful tender must carefully balance those two considerations to deliver a well resolved design that can be appreciated and utilised by all members of our community.”

Tenders will close on 24 January 2023, with concept designs expected to be completed mid next year.

City of Newcastle (CN) has become the first organisation in the Hunter to embrace a mobile phone app that empowers people with vision impairment to navigate new spaces.

Implemented as part of CN’s commitment to improving access at its cultural facilities, BindiMaps is a wayfinding/interpretive app that provides an audio ‘map’ of a building that can help people with low or no vision better navigate their way around.

The technology was successfully trialled at Newcastle Museum in 2021 and has now been rolled out to several other CN sites including Museum Park, Civic Theatre, City Hall, and Newcastle Library.

BindiMaps utilises a network of Bluetooth beacons, a mapping and route guidance system and smartphone sensors to describe to the user where they are, what’s around them, and the best way to get to their chosen destination.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the technology provides a more user-friendly experience for people with vision impairment visiting our cultural facilities by making unfamiliar spaces easier and more efficient to navigate.

“The implementation of BindiMaps is part of our commitment to ensuring Newcastle is a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city for all who live, visit or work here,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee, said it was pleasing to see positive outcomes from the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2026.

“Improving accessibility at our cultural facilities is one of the actions of our DIAP, which outlines how we can further enhance access and inclusion for the entire community,” Cr Wood said.

“The BindiMaps program will augment our plan to improve building access and accessibility features, and to provide more accessible and inclusive programming.”

Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said BindiMaps had boosted efforts to make Newcastle Museum an accessible, vibrant, and inclusive centre for everyone.

“We launched BindiMaps just before a Sea, Space & Beyond exhibition, which featured artworks created by the blind, low vision and sighted communities, and there was a huge upswing in satisfaction rates,” Ms Baird said.

“BindiMaps enabled us to practically support improvements in other areas and we found it was the icing on the cake to help make vision impaired visitors more comfortable within the space and meet their needs.

“The response has been so positive that it’s provided new opportunities to reach audiences who perhaps thought we weren’t available or suitable for them.”