Category: Newcastle News

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.

Maryland will become home to the city’s newest fenced off-leash dog park, with City of Newcastle unveiling a multi-stage masterplan featuring dedicated areas for both large and small canines.

The new facility will be located at Maryland Drive Reserve adjacent to the existing unfenced, leash-free area.

A concept design for the site, which is now on public exhibition for community feedback, incorporates two large, fenced areas that will provide separate spaces for different sized dogs to enjoy.

Shelters with tables, informal sandstone seating, dog bubblers and extensive landscaping including trees for shade, will provide added comfort for pets and their owners, while concrete pathways and a formalised car park with accessible parking will ensure the facility is suited to all dog-lovers.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will be delivered in three stages, with the first fenced area and amenities expected to be complete by mid-2023.

“With more than 63,000 dogs registered in our city, we know Novocastrians are passionate about their canine companions and want spaces where their four-legged friends can safely exercise and mix with other pets,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to providing a variety of off-leash options throughout Newcastle and has already delivered the city’s first fully fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue Reserve, as well as upgrades to the existing popular area in Islington Park.

“This new project at Maryland will provide a premier facility for dog lovers in our western suburbs, which is sure to be incredibly popular with pet owners who already make the most of the unfenced off-leash area within this reserve.”

The Maryland Dog Park forms part of the Dogs in Open Space Plan, which was adopted by City of Newcastle in 2019 to guide the provision, improvement and management of off-leash dog areas during the next 10 years.

Formalised off-leash dog areas enable people to take their dogs to a place where they can legally run free, exercise and socialise with other dogs. They also provide pet owners with a meeting place and an opportunity to connect with others in the community.

The Maryland Dog Park draft masterplan is on public exhibition until 5pm Friday 16 December, with further information and the ability for the community to have their say via City of Newcastle’s website.

Newcastle has launched into a sizzling summer of events, with 150 of the state’s best rowers taking to the waters of Throsby Creek today ahead of a busy period of music, sport and culture.

The Central Districts Sprint Championships hosted by Newcastle Rowing Club are part of a stacked calendar of events supported by City of Newcastle, which will see everyone from global music superstar Elton John to some of the world’s best surfers descend on the city during the next four months.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle has become an events powerhouse, attracting nationally and internationally renowned acts and events to entertain audiences across the city.

“Newcastle has a vibrant calendar of major and community events, which continues to grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by City of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support events at every level in Newcastle, from community-led activations to the attraction of major events of international renown, which offer invaluable benefits including increased visitation and a significant boost to the local economy.

“We’ve recently delivered another highly successful New Annual festival, including an extended season of the blockbuster Van Gogh Alive experience, which attracted more than 84,000 people to Newcastle in its first visit to a regional area in Australia.

“But this is only the beginning of a busy period on our events calendar, and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy what’s on offer across our city in the coming months.”

The summer schedule got off to a supercharged start on Saturday night when a 20,000-strong crowd packed into McDonald Jones Stadium for the 2022 Australian Supercross Championship.

The events calendar will kick into a different gear on Sunday 4 December when more than 10,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from across the east coast gather for the 45^th annual Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run and community fun day at Carrington.

Festive fun in Wheeler Place, New Year’s Eve along the Foreshore and the sweet sounds of the 76th Australian Jazz Convention at City Hall will wrap up the revelry for 2022.

There will be plenty of sporting action to kick off 2023 with national and international events including Surfest, Beach 5s Rugby, Australian Water Polo League matches, the Summer of Cricket festival and the opening round of the Supercars championship.

Elton John’s incredible Yellow Brick Road tour and smash hit Broadway musical Come From Away will provide plenty of star power for the city’s cultural events calendar, with the sizzling summer schedule following on from the success of the city’s springtime events including the New Annual festival.

New Annual, City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural event, attracted almost 40,000 people to more than 140 performances and activities across the city.

The 10-day event involved more than 530 artists and over 400 staff, crew and volunteers, and was recently awarded $400,000 over two years from the NSW Government as part of its Major Festival and Events grants program through Multicultural NSW.

Upcoming events supported by City of Newcastle

27 November 2022: Central Districts Rowing Association Sprint Championships, Throsby Creek

4 December 2022: Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run, Stockton to Connolly Park, Carrington

10,11, 17, 18 December 2022: City of Newcastle Christmas Tree, Santa selfies and pet pawtraits in Wheeler Place alongside free live music

26-31 December 2022: 76^th Australian Jazz Convention, Newcastle City Hall

31 December 2022: City of Newcastle New Year’s Eve, Harbour Foreshore

7 January 2023: King of Concrete, Bar Beach (Empire Park)

8, 10 January 2023: Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour,McDonald Jones Stadium

26 January 2023: Cross Harbour Swim, Newcastle Harbour

26-29 January 2023: Beach 5s Rugby, Nobbys Beach

4-5 February 2022: Australian Boardriders Battle, Newcastle Beach

3-5 February 2023: City of Newcastle Island Triathlon and Oceania Paratriathlon, Stockton

10-12 February 2023: The Great Australian Pub Fishing, Newcastle Harbour

18 February – 5 March 2023: Come From Away, Civic Theatre

10-12 March 2023: Newcastle 500, Newcastle East and Harbour Foreshore

18-19 March 2023: Money Bowl Australian Skateboarding Community, Empire Park

25-26 March 2023: Surfest (finals weekend),Merewether Beach

To stay up-to-date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

A training video advocating for more inclusive workplaces will be launched today to raise awareness of the barriers and opportunities people with a disability face in employment.

Filmed earlier this year during City of Newcastle’s (CN) Count Us In disability inclusion festival, the video was produced in partnership with Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) to be used as a training, advocacy and educational resource targeted at employers and local businesses.

Video participants, community organisations and members of the local business community will take part in today’s launch at the Digital Library, which is among the events being supported by CN in the lead up to International Day of People with Disability on 3 December.

An inclusive art workshop facilitated by local artist Em Warren and Newcastle Art Gallery and an inclusive sports day for students with disability will also be supported by CN as part of its commitment and progress toward disability inclusion, in line with the actions adopted in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022 –2026.

With at least 20 percent of people in our community living with a disability, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said International Day of People with Disability presents an opportunity to reflect and undertake activities that foster discussion in the community about disability inclusion.

“City of Newcastle is committed to championing inclusion of all people in the community and improving employment outcomes for people living with a disability to ensure Newcastle is a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city for all who live, visit or work here,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This International Day of People with Disability, we stand with Newcastle’s disability representative organisations who champion inclusion year-round and continue to raise awareness of the barriers people living with disability face every day.”

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of CN’s Access Inclusion Advisory Committee, said there are significant barriers faced by people living with a disability, particularly when it comes to employment opportunities.

“Much work needs to be done in identifying the barries so we can improve employment opportunities for people living with disability and bridge those gaps,” Cr Wood said.

“We all get reward and personal satisfaction through meaningful employment. Our local workplaces need to genuinely reflect all people in the community and society with less judgement and more understanding.

“The training video prepared by CN and CDAH presents a localised understanding of how a diverse workforce can contribute to a truly inclusive community here in Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle is also proud to support CDAH and Speak Up Hunter with their Shifting the Line event on 9 December at Foreshore Park.

CDAH Executive Officer Andrew Vodic said Shifting the Line is a community event designed to raise awareness of some of the barriers and the strengths that people with disability use to overcome them.

“This event has been designed and planned by Speak Up Hunter, a CDAH peer group where people with intellectual disability have a real voice in the Hunter,” Mr Vodic said.

“This amazing group of people have used that collective voice to come up with this brilliant and worthwhile community-based activity. I encourage the community to come and hear what they have to say on disability awareness.”

Click here to view a two-minute teaser of the Disability Training Video.

International Day for People with a Disability (IDPwD) events in Newcastle:

Diversify your Workforce: Disability and Employment special screening
Friday, 25 November 2022
3:30pm – 5pm, Digital Library
Local businesses are invited to a special screening of the ‘Diversify your Workforce: Disability and Employment’ advocacy video, prepared by CN and CDAH, followed by a panel discussion led by Joseph Popov and Bill Armstrong over afternoon tea at the City Administration Centre’s Digital Library.

Activate Inclusion Sports Day Newcastle
Wednesday, 30 November 2022
10-12pm, Newcastle Basketball Stadium
Facilitated by Sports NSW, Activate Inclusion Sports Day is a one-day program designed to promote the pathways for inclusive sport and active recreation for students aged between 5-18 years with a sensory, physical or intellectual disability. Participants will experience a variety of modified sporting activities on the day facilitated by specialised coaches, with the support of students from local universities and community organisations.

Newcastle Art Gallery Community Art Workshop – Everyone is an artist with Em Warren
Saturday, 3 December 2022
10am – 12pm, Watt Space Gallery
Join local artist Em Warren on IDPwD day, as she facilitates this free inclusive art workshop. Em will share insights into her practice and guide you through a range of collage techniques inspired by ‘Summer at Carcoar’ by Brett Whiteley. Participants will create their own work of art using natural materials.

Shifting the Line community event
Friday, 9 December 2022
10-12pm, Foreshore Park
City of Newcastle is proud to support CDAH and Speak Up Hunter for their Shifting the Line community event, which raises awareness of some of the barriers and strengths that people with disability use to overcome them.

A cyclist has died after falling from his bike while on a group ride in the Hunter Valley this morning.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called to Upper Dartbrook Road at Upper Dartbrook, 16km north-west of Scone, about 7.25am today (Saturday 26 November 2022), responding to reports a cyclist had suffered head injuries in a fall.

They’ve been told the man was on a regular organised ride with a group of cyclists when his bike slipped while crossing a culvert and he fell, hitting his head.

His fellow cyclists commenced CPR until officers from Hunter Valley Police District and NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.

He’s been identified as a 59-year-old man from Scone.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Addressing skills shortages and leveraging future opportunities for jobs and economic growth will be on the agenda when City of Newcastle (CN) meets with local business leaders today.

Around 90 representatives from across the region’s business community will come together for CEO Connect, a Business Hunter event hosted by CN which will shine a light on economic opportunities for Gateway Cities such as Newcastle in a post-COVID world.

The meeting will also be used to highlight initiatives being delivered as part of CN’s economic development strategy including a new digital tool, ‘Imagine Newcastle’, developed to attract people to live, work and study in Newcastle.

With job advertisements in Newcastle at record levels and local businesses experiencing chronic skills shortages, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said investing in people and their skills is key to the city’s economic growth.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy focusses on long-term actions to help create new jobs, drive investment and promote innovation,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We believe that Newcastle and the Hunter region’s economic future will be built on the talent, skills and ingenuity of our people.

“We have invested significantly in infrastructure, support programs for local business people and initiatives aimed at attracting skills and talent to the region as well as supporting the development and growth of Newcastle businesses and their employees.

“Our new digital platform ‘Imagine Newcastle’ provides another avenue to help address future skills shortages and growth industry job opportunities, delivering the insights and information needed to encourage people to live, study, invest or grow their business in our creative, culturally rich and innovative global city.”

Cr Nelmes said ‘Imagine Newcastle’ would leverage the migration trend that is seeing more people than ever before relocating to Newcastle from metropolitan centres like Melbourne and Sydney, including a predominance of young professionals.

Research shows that better quality of life is one of the key drivers to people choosing to relocate to a new area.

“Newcastle is perfectly positioned to cater for this need, offering a destination with the lifestyle, community and culture people are searching for, enhanced by the career and business opportunities available in our city’s innovative industries and future-focused economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

See why Newcastle is a great place to work, live, play and create, visit www.movetonewcastle.com.au

Newcastle’s much-loved ocean baths will notch up another significant milestone tomorrow with the 100^th anniversary of their official opening.

While swimmers have made the most of the popular ocean-front facility since as early as 1912, the pools, promenade and pavilion were not completed and formally opened until 25 November 1922.

Described at the time as “the finest in the Commonwealth”, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Newcastle Ocean Baths remain one of the city’s crowning coastal assets, playing an integral role in the recreational pursuits of locals and visitors alike.

“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have been a treasured part of our community for the past 100 years, creating lasting memories for generations of Novocastrians and visitors who have flocked to swim, sunbath or simply relax and take in the spectacular views off our coastline,” Cr Nelmes said.

“They have played host to countless swimming carnivals, life-saving demonstrations and learn to swim lessons, and like so many Novocastrians, I hold wonderful memories of spending my childhood with family and friends at these beautiful baths.”

Historic records show that the Baths were initially leased to an operator, with an entrance fee charged from 1918 until 1953, when Council took back control of the Baths.

“City of Newcastle is committed to revitalising this iconic facility to ensure it remains a free asset, and vital part of Novocastrian life for generations to come,” Cr Nelmes said.

Stage one of City of Newcastle’s upgrade to the Newcastle Ocean Baths is well underway focusing on the pools, lower promenade and pumping system to provide improved safety and accessibility.

City of Newcastle worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design phases of the stage one upgrade and will meet with community representatives in the coming weeks for a tour of the site and discussion on the project’s progress.

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the $15.8 million Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage One upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program. The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space, and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

The second stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will focus on the pavilion and surrounding public areas. This phase is subject to community consultation, which will continue over the coming months.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 22 November 2022

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 November 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

City of Newcastle and Ube City Sister City 42nd Anniversary
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported to recognise that Monday 21 November 2022 marked the 42nd anniversary since City of Newcastle signed a Sister City agreement with Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

Council will explore opportunities to partner with Ube on its GIGA School Concept, National e-Sports Championships, and carbon neutrality initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invite Mayor Shinozaki and delegates to visit Newcastle in 2023.

City of Newcastle Accelerated Development Application System
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulated the Planning and Environment Directorate for the successful development, trial and roll-out of the new CN Accelerated Development Application System.

Council will explore opportunities to further highlight the success of the Accelerated Development Application System by collaborating with other government authorities on its adoption state-wide.

s.88 Domestic Waste Management Service Charge
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirmed CN’s support for 100 per cent of section 88 Domestic Waste Management Service Charge funds to be returned to local government for reinvestment in recycling facilities, landfill diversion, community education, technology improvements and circular economy opportunities.

Council will call on the NSW Government and Opposition to commit to return 100 per cent of the waste levy to local councils to fund waste diversion from landfill initiatives such as those outlined in Our Sustainable Waste Strategy 2023.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 August to 31 October 2022
Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for 1 August to 31 October 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Application for (Newcastle) Show Holiday
Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Employee Relations seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 3 March 2023 as a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010.

Adoption of Our Sustainable Waste Strategy
Council received the engagement report on Our Sustainable Waste Strategy and unanimously voted to adopt the Strategy, including the Strategic Framework, White Paper and Delivery Plan.

Adoption of Newcastle Cultural Precinct concept masterplan
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Newcastle Cultural Precinct Concept Masterplan to ensure long-term planning for protection of the city’s cultural institutions as well as ways of enhancing and better activating the precinct.

Endorsement of 2021/2022 Annual Report
Council unanimously voted to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2021/22 Annual Report and its submission to the NSW Minister for Local Government by 30 November 2022.

Adoption of Planning Agreement for 10 Dangar Street, Wickham
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Planning Agreement for 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, noting that no submissions were received during its public exhibition.

Public exhibition of Planning Agreement for 30 and 31 Vista Parade, Kotara
Council unanimously voted to place the Planning Agreement and Explanatory Note for 30 and 31 Vista Parade, Kotara on public exhibition for 28 days.

Supplementary report – adoption of Newcastle Heritage Policy
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Newcastle Heritage Policy, which outlines City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation by identification, preservation, conservation, celebration and promotion of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Compliance and Enforcement Policy
Council unanimously voted to place the City of Newcastle’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy on public exhibition for 28 days.

Adoption of Council policies
Council voted to adopt City of Newcastle’s Donations Program Policy, Procurement Policy and Public Voice and Public Briefings Policy.

September quarterly budget review
Council received the September quarterly Budget review statement and voted to adopt the revised budget.

September quarterly performance report on the 2018-2022 delivery program
Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – September quarterly performance report.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for October 2022.

Notices of Motion

Rates notice proposal to reduce vacant housing
Council supported an amended notice of motion to refer the matter of vacant housing and the rental housing crisis to the Affordable Housing Working Party to explore options to promote awareness, which could be undertaken by City of Newcastle and other relevant housing providers and stakeholders.

City of Newcastle will explore options to expand its ID (Informed Decisions) subscription to include the Housing Monitor, Economic Profile and Community Views tools.

Stockton erosion
Council supported a notice of motion that reiterated the urgency of addressing erosion at Stockton and called on the NSW Government to use its expertise to ensure a planning pathway is secured for offshore extraction. The NOM further resolved that a mass offshore sand nourishment delivery program must be led by the NSW Government and called on them to fund mass sand nourishment consistent with the Stockton Coastal Management Plan and direct Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation to complete the nominated work to secure the mining licence and planning approvals.

City naming policy
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion for City of Newcastle to develop a draft Naming Policy to provide a principle-based approach to naming of city assets consistent with the policies of the NSW Geographical Names Board, including consideration of local heritage, diversity, community sensitivity and consultation.

Co-funding an aerial bundled cabling program
Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion that notes the collaborative relationship between Ausgrid staff, contractors and the City of Newcastle in managing electrical line clearances and Newcastle’s street tree canopy. City of Newcastle will support Ausgrid’s proposal for co-funding of Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) upgrades in collaboration with Councils as part of their Draft Plan 2024-29, and will write to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to request funding to support councils with their contribution. City of Newcastle will report to the elected Council on potential opportunities, in collaboration with Ausgrid, for local ABC upgrades in priority locations in the Newcastle LGA.

City of Newcastle (CN) will move forward with plans to transform its Summerhill Waste Management Centre into a regional recovery hub following the adoption of its sustainable waste strategy.

Councillors approved the 20-year vision for the city’s waste strategy following a successful public exhibition and consultation period, which directly engaged with almost 20,000 people.

Our Sustainable Waste Strategy is focussed on reducing unnecessary waste going to landfill, increasing recycling rates, strengthening the economy and creating new jobs in Newcastle.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community had shown its overwhelming support for the investment CN was making into a sustainable waste future.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering responsible, environmentally sustainable, and commercially feasible waste and recycling operations to manage our current and future waste streams,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our Sustainable Waste Strategy will allow us to meet the expectations of the community, who overwhelming told us they supported the implementation of new waste programs and infrastructure and would be willing to change the way they manage waste at home to reduce what ends up in landfill.

“Summerhill Waste Management Centre lies at the heart of City of Newcastle’s vision and will play a key role in the region’s move towards a circular economy and its ability to address State and Federal targets of diverting 80% of recyclable waste and 50% of food waste from landfill.

“This includes City of Newcastle investing in the infrastructure needed at Summerhill to allow residents to significantly increase their recycling rates.”

The community has shown its support for the construction of a material recovery facility (MRF) and a food and garden organics (FOGO) processing facility, which are the two major infrastructure projects currently going through the planning process as part of the Strategy.

The MRF is planned to process up to 85,000 tonnes of plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metals collected from kerbside recycling bins to be recovered at the site each year, while the fully enclosed FOGO processing facility will enable 50,000 tonnes of food and garden organics to be diverted from landfill and turned into compost for reuse annually.

Cr Nelmes said feedback from the community had also been incorporated into the Strategy, including a focus on resource recovery education programs for specific communities, engagement and collaboration with food rescue organisations and the healthcare sector, a site design focus on accessibility and usability and a feasibility assessment of a tip shop.

“As we implement Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, the views of the community will continue to inform our approach to reduce our emissions, protect our environment and change the way we return, reuse, repair and recycle resources,” Cr Nelmes said.

An inclusive playground enriched with traditional indigenous elements are key features of a new million-dollar playspace proposed for Hamilton’s most historic park.

City of Newcastle has unveiled a concept design for the larger, reimagined playground and amenities upgrade at the much-loved Gregson Park, which will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback from today.

Alongside a variety of traditional play equipment, the playground features a range of accessible, sensory and nature-based play options, with an array of traditional indigenous elements including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing, bush tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants and a ‘meeting place’ to signify where people meet and gather round in circles.

Additional shade, a water feature, formal and informal seating, and footbridges are also featured as part of the concept design, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area to ensure the park is an inclusive place for all.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said creating a new inclusive playspace enhanced by traditional Indigenous elements form part of the overall vision for Gregson Park in line with the adopted Gregson Park Masterplan.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering quality playgrounds and green spaces across the Newcastle LGA for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community engagement was undertaken as part of the preparation of the Gregson Park Masterplan 2021, with feedback into the concept design for a new playspace and upgraded amenities including consultation with First Nations Australians to appropriately capture indigenous elements in the design with further consultation still to be undertaken.”

Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, encouraged the community to have their say during the public exhibition period to ensure Gregson Park’s playspace continues to be enjoyed by families for generations to come.

“Gregson Park provides a green heart for the unique and historic suburb of Hamilton and is much loved by local families and the wider community,” Cr Duncan said.

“A reimagined playspace and upgraded amenities will enhance the future enjoyment of the park for the next generation, which is why we’re seeking feedback from a broad spectrum of our community to ensure we have it right.”

The detailed concept designs for Gregson Park playspace and amenities upgrade will be placed on public exhibition for three weeks from today until Friday, 16 December 2022.