Category: Newcastle News

Civic Theatre will take audiences on an emotional rollercoaster next year with a diverse line-up of theatre, dance, music and comedy set to grace the stage in 2023.

With performances that will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter one moment and reaching for tissues the next, the new subscription season offers plenty of memorable moments.

Families will giggle along together with Roald Dahl’s revoltingly-funny classic The Twits reimagined on stage, whilst David Walliams’ award–winning book Mr Stink comes to life in a twisted and hilariously smelly tale.

The 2023 Season will also see the return of the hugely popular Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, whilst local theatre company Tantrum Youth Arts will explore a young family’s grief in Good Mourning, scheduled during City of Newcastle’s New Annual festival.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Civic Theatre’s 2023 Season has been carefully curated to bring a stellar line-up of live performances to Newcastle for audiences to enjoy.

“Newcastle’s historic 93-year-old theatre is gearing up to wow audiences in 2023 with the launch of Civic Theatre’s new subscription season,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The Civic Theatre team has curated this season to bring live performances to Newcastle that may not have necessarily planned to tour here in 2023 as part of their national touring circuit, allowing us to present a wide variety of hand-picked shows with something for everyone.

“It’s the perfect time to purchase a 2023 live performance as a Christmas gift or a gift for yourself, with a range of exclusive subscriber benefits available. The season is packaged to make subscriptions affordable and available to as many in our community as possible.”

With the purchase of three shows or more in one transaction, theatregoers immediately become a Civic Theatre subscriber and enjoy exclusive benefits including free parking, discounted tickets, access to the best seats and discounted pre-show drinks in the foyer.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the 2023 program includes both local and national touring productions and covers many genres and styles offering memorable moments that will appeal to audiences of all ages.

“The true story of four young siblings and their father’s cancer diagnosis is explored in Good Mourning by local Newcastle playwriter Sonia Dodd, whilst Australian author Colleen McCullough’s book Tim will be brought to life on stage by Christine Dunstan Productions as they delve into love, loss and acceptance,” Ms Wallace said.

“HIT Productions’ The Sunshine Club will shower you in joy with its uplifting message and Sydney Dance Company’s, Ascent, tempers contemporary classical dance with futuristic experimentation in three innovative works.

“The Wharf Revue’s satirical Looking for Albanese together with the rambunctious Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festival roadshows are guaranteed to deliver the laughs.”

Civic Theatre’s Subscription Season 2023 goes on sale to the general public today, following a special presale for current subscribers.

Visit Civic Theatre Newcastle’s website to view the full 2023 Season program and to purchase tickets.

The lifeboat involved in one of the most dramatic rescues in Newcastle’s maritime history will be preserved for future generations as part of a project being carried out by Newcastle Museum.

The first stage of the conservation work, which will see damaged timbers in the vessel’s bow replaced by a skilled local shipwright, will get underway next year after Newcastle Museum was awarded more than $6500 through the Federal Government’s Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme.

Newcastle Museum Manager Collections and Community Partnerships, David Hampton, said the Victoria is a central and significant artifact from Newcastle’s maritime history used between 1897 and 1946 to enact some of our harbour’s most daring rescue missions.

“Newcastle Museum plays an important role in interpreting and preserving our city’s fascinating history and telling local stories,” Mr Hampton said.

“For almost half a century, the Victoria and its brave crew contested the turbulent waters in what was at the time one of the most dangerous harbours in the world to come to the aid of ships off Newcastle’s coast.

“This included the dramatic rescue of 32 men on board the stricken French sailing ship Adolphe, which ran aground on the harbour’s notorious Oyster Bank sand shoals in September 1904.

“Despite the huge swells, the heavily laden rescue vessel carried 47 people to safety including the lifeboat’s own crew, who were hailed as heroes and rewarded with a purse of sovereigns from the Consul-General for France, who made a special visit to Newcastle to thank them.”

The Victoria’s final mission occurred on 23 July 1921 when the lifeboat crew battled gale-force conditions in Stockton Bight for 15 hours to rescue crewmen from the struggling steamer CENTURY.

Although the crew stayed on-call for many years after this event, the Victoria never again went to sea. The Lifeboat Service was disbanded in 1946.

The historic vessel has formed part of various heritage collections since being officially retired from service and was among several significant objects from the Newcastle Maritime Museum Society Collection transferred into the care of Newcastle Museum earlier this year.

Future conservation plans for the lifeboat include the construction of a new stillage (support structure), repainting and restoration works that will allow the vessel to form part of a future public display at the Museum.

A woman will appear in court today charged in relation to an alleged murder at Stockton last year.

About 7.45am today (Tuesday 6 December 2022), Homicide Squad detectives and officers attached to the Newcastle City Police District executed a search warrant at a home on Stone Street, Stockton.

A 23-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and was taken to Newcastle Police Station where she was charged with conceal serious indictable offence.

Strike Force Childowla was formed by detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad to investigate the death of Graham Cameron, then aged 54, after his body was found in his Stockton home on 26 July 2021.

A man, also aged 23, remains in custody charged with Mr Cameron’s murder.

The woman has been refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 6 December 2022).

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing man from the Maitland area.

Andrew Fernando, aged 55, was last seen in Coonamble at about 6.20pm on Monday (5 December 2022).

When he could not be contacted by friends and family, officers attached to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and immediately commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Andrew’s welfare.

Andrew is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 180cm to 190cm tall of medium build.

He was last seen wearing a white shirt with horizontal black stripes, black cargo style shorts and black thongs.

Andrew is known to frequent the Maitland, Coonamble, Sydney and the North Coast.

Inquiries reveal that he may be driving a white Toyota Fortuna, with registration DBQ14A.

Anyone with information into Andrew’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Greater support will be extended to victims of domestic violence as City of Newcastle (CN) doubles leave provisions for affected employees under its proposed new Enterprise Agreement (EA) 2023.

Up to 20 days of paid leave will be accessible to employees in domestic violence situations to take the necessary steps to find safety for themselves and their families, along with a raft of other leave provisions and enhancements offering greater flexibility.

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

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said in-principle agreement had been reached in relation to the Enterprise Agreement 2023 with many enhanced provisions available that provide greater support and flexibility for employees and their families, whilst meeting the City’s financial sustainability objectives.

“City of Newcastle is pleased to provide industry leading benefits and employment conditions to our employees that reflect our organisation’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity,” Mr Bath said.

“Together with the unions and delegates, we’ve made key improvements that address what our employees told us is important to them in a 2021 survey.

“As one of the first councils in NSW to lead the way in domestic violence leave provisions back in 2018, we remain committed to providing ongoing support to staff that are victims or survivors and stand in agreement with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.”

USU Official Luke Hutchinson hailed the success of negotiations for City of Newcastle employees.

“The USU is proud of this agreement that reaffirms our long-standing history of delivering improved pay and conditions for our members at the City of Newcastle,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“This agreement provides improved workplace conditions that will enable optimum services for our community and delivers industry-leading and socially progressive conditions such as access to cultural leave, miscarriage leave, improved parental leave, and improved family and domestic violence leave.

“This agreement challenges the rest of the Local Government sector to embrace the progressive elements of the agreement. And provides our members some instant relief to address the current inflation crisis impacting workers across our communities.

“USU members have unanimously supported this agreement proposal. It is a testament that both parties can achieve a great outcome for the workers, Council, and the community.”

The Enterprise Agreement 2023 will be submitted to the Industrial Relations Commission for ratification in mid-December 2022, and is proposed to commence from the 1^st pay period after 1 January 2023.

At this point in time, casual Civic Theatre employees will also transfer over from the Live Theatre and Concert Award to the new Enterprise Agreement 2023.

As outlined in City of Newcastle’s (CN) recently published 2021/2022 Annual Report, CN spent $349 million in the last financial year to provide services and facilities to more than 167,300 residents. A $100 million capital works program was delivered, and the organisation managed $1.91 billion of assets including roads, bridges, drains, land, halls, recreation and leisure facilities, libraries and parks for the benefit of the local community and visitors.

The report also highlights CN’s commitment to engaging with the community with over 10,000 community members providing feedback on 22 projects spanning strategies and plans, transport, parks and recreation and facilities and services. Newcastle’s new Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, was part of the engagement with the community undertaken in 2022 with more than 5,000 community members contributing to shaping the vision for Newcastle.

During 2021/2022, our volunteers contributed more than 7,839 hours to a broad range of programs, continuing to provide an invaluable resource for our community, contributing to natural areas and increasing our cultural and community connections, helping make Newcastle a wonderful place to live.

The successful delivery of our $100 million capital works program over the past 12 months is a great achievement for our organisation and the community, especially considering the additional challenges of COVID-19 and the number of weather-affected days during the year. It is a result that deserves to be celebrated, including the delivery of three local centre upgrades at James Street Plaza Hamilton, Mitchell Street Stockton and Shortland Local Centre. City of Newcastle also focused on integrated and accessible transport, with the finalisation of a 1.1km shared path along Watkins Street, Merewether, linking Glebe Road, The Junction, with Merewether Beach featuring new and upgraded crossings and making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The environmental portfolio also saw the continued protection and enhancement of CN’S natural environmental assets during 2021–2022, including the successful completion of the priority creek rehabilitation, including works at Sygna Close, Rankin Park; Blackbutt Reserve creek headwaters; Nereida Close, Kotara; and Waterdragon Creek, Kotara and the completion of the inland cliff line rehabilitation at Braye Park quarry, Waratah West.

Our 2021/2022 Annual Report is now available online for community members to view. To find out more about our progress and contribution to Newcastle, read the report here.

A man is due in Newcastle Bail Court today charged over a crash in which a motorcyclist died in Lake Macquarie.

The crash happened about 10pm Thursday (1 December 2022), when the driver of a Mitsubishi Triton ute allegedly ran a red light, at the intersection of Macquarie and Main roads, and hit a motorcyclist.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District rendered first aid to the 49-year-old man until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived; however, the Maryville man was unable to be revived.

The driver of the ute, a 33-year-old man, allegedly ran from the scene before stealing another vehicle. He was arrested a short time later.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing and to be treated for minor injuries. He was released about 2pm and was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with nine offences,

• Dangerous driving occasioning death
• Negligent driving occasioning death
• Drive manner dangerous
• Fail to stop and assist
• Disqualified driving
• Take and drive conveyance (two counts)
• Proceed through red light, and
• Enter dwelling with intent.

The man, from Wangi Wangi, has been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 3 December 2022).

Criminal Group Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance after a car bombing in the Hunter region earlier this year.

About 8.30pm on Thursday 27 October 2022, emergency services were called to a home on Avery Street, Rutherford, after reports of a loud explosion on the street.

Occupants of the home attempted to extinguish a small fire at the rear of a Chrysler sedan parked outside.

Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended a short time later and extinguished the blaze.

The car was seized for forensic examination.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene, before detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad commenced an investigation under Strike Force Ucles.

It’s believed a number of people involved have links to outlaw motorcycle groups (OMCG).

As investigations continue, police have released images of the vehicle as they continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Newcastle’s Wheeler Place will play host to festive fun as the Civic precinct comes to life with an 11-metre-high Christmas tree and family-friendly activities.

The tree’s lights were switched on by Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes last night with the help of Santa and his elves, signalling the start of festivities for families to enjoy in the lead-up to Christmas.

Novocastrians and their four-legged friends can make the most of the free entertainment on offer over two weekends, with DIY Santa photos and pet-friendly ‘pawtraits’ under the tree from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on December 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Entertainers from Newcastle Music Academy and a special Christmas performance by the Novotones will add to the festive atmosphere during the Santa selfie sessions, while the towering Christmas tree will light up the precinct each night.

Cr Nelmes said the City’s signature Christmas tree and free program of activities will help activate Wheeler Place and draw people into the city centre this Christmas.

“We hope that the sight of our Christmas tree and the free, fun activities will help spread joy amongst friends and families, while also encouraging visitors to support our city centre’s local businesses,” Cr Nelmes said.

“There is no better time than the lead-up to Christmas to shop locally, enjoy a night out at one of our city’s local bars or restaurants and show your support for Newcastle businesses, both in the city centre and surrounds.”

In the suburbs, Hamilton’s James Street Plaza will play host to a special Santa’s cave for photos, as well as live performances, children’s craft workshops, gift-wrapping station and toy donation drop-off point organised by Hello Hamilton.

You can join Santa on Friday 2 and 9 December from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday 3 and 10 December 9am to 1pm to snap your own special Christmas selfie, with professional photography packages also available.

Christmas Twilight Markets will also return to Hamilton’s Gregson Park on Tuesday 6 December from 3pm to 8pm, offering the perfect chance to pick up a unique Christmas gift from an array of local stall holders whilst enjoying live music, food and drinks.

Wallsend’s iconic rotunda on the corner of Nelson, Tyrrell and Harris Streets will also light up this Christmas with a spectacular light display and Christmas tree lit by Santa on 1 December, with Christmas carols, refreshments available and photos with Santa from 6.30pm thanks to WOW Wallsend.

The festive cheer will continue in Wallsend with performances by popular children’s entertainers Little Scallywagz each Saturday in the lead up to Christmas at 11am and 12.30pm, while the Conscious Christmas Markets return from 10am to 1pm on 10 December, and Christmas carols will be performed by quartet After Fiveon 21, 22 and 23 December from 6pm to 7pm.

Keep an eye on the What’s On website for the growing list of Christmas events being held across Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s Christmas tree will remain in place until 11 January 2022.

Thousands of passionate football fans are expected to descend on Wheeler Place this Sunday to watch the Socceroos take on the might of Lionel Messi and his Argentinian teammates in a World Cup sudden death match in Qatar.

City of Newcastle will host an open-air broadcast of the World Cup thriller, offering Novocastrians a chance to cheer on the Australians in their round of 16 clash with the footballing heavyweights.

The Socceroos cemented their place in the knockout stages for just the second time in World Cup history with a thrilling one nil win over Denmark in Qatar overnight.

They will take on Argentina at 6am on Sunday, after the South Americans defeated Poland 2-0 this morning.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the live site will bring all the action of the World Cup to Newcastle, offering a family-friendly way for locals to enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on their football heroes from home.

“Novocastrians are passionate about football and turned out in droves to set an Australian crowd record for a women’s soccer match when the Matildas faced off against Brazil in Newcastle a few years ago,” Cr Nelmes said.

“While we may be 12,500km from the action in Qatar on Sunday morning I expect no less passion from fans in Wheeler Place as they gather to watch the Socceroos take on Argentina in this historic World Cup match.

“City of Newcastle is thrilled to be able to host this live site for the community and I encourage everyone to don their green and gold and get down to Wheeler Place to soak up the atmosphere and show their support for the Australian men’s team.”

Newcastle has a proud association with the Socceroos, with records showing more than 75 players from across the region have taken their place in the men’s national team in A-International fixtures since 1922.

In more recent times, Newcastle’s Col Curran and Ray Baartz were selected to represent Australia at the 1974 World Cup, and were followed by Novocastrian Socceroos Graham Jennings, David Lowe, Troy Halpin and Clayton Zane.

Novocastrian women have also played a significant role in the success of the Matildas, with Cheryl Salisbury, Joey Peters and Emily van Egmond all representing Australia more than 100 times each.

Further details on Sunday’s live site will be shared on City of Newcastle’s Facebook and What’s On website in the lead-up to Sunday’s event.