Students from six local high schools have gained a unique perspective into local government by participating in City of Newcastle’s annual Youth Mock Council this week.
Established in 2018 as a way to engage more young people in the process of local government and strengthen youth voice in local planning and decision making, the two-day event is facilitated by the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee and supported by City of Newcastle.
The event kicked off on Thursday with a series of workshops involving current Newcastle Councillors Deahnna Richardson, Elizabeth Adamczyk, Charlotte McCabe, Callum Pull and John Mackenzie, which were designed to teach the students how to form committees, identify an issue and develop tangible actions to deliver a potential solution.
These issues were transformed into mock Notices of Motion ahead of a simulated Council meeting held in the former Council Chambers at City Hall today, where the draft motions were presented to the participating Councillors.
The Youth Mock Council provides our future young leaders with an invaluable opportunity to engage with City of Newcastle and its elected officials to discuss important local issues and workshop ways to bring about positive social change.
Participants involved in this year’s Mock Council included students from Callaghan College’s Wallsend and Waratah campuses, Cooks Hill Campus High School, Hunter Sports High School, Merewether High School and Newcastle High School.
School students, local residents and City of Newcastle staff are digging in to help expand the city’s urban forest as part of National Tree Day celebrations this week.
Around 100 students from Mayfield West Demonstration School will lead the charge during Schools Tree Day tomorrow before members of the wider community are invited to take part in a planting event on Sunday 31 July.
The combined efforts will see around 6,000 native trees planted at Bull and Tourle Street Reserve, Mayfield West, as part of City of Newcastle’s (CN’s) Community Urban Forest program, which is designed to increase Newcastle’s urban forest canopy cover, mitigate urban heat and extend a pocket of habitat for native fauna.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said connecting with local school students and residents to plant trees and learn about nature is a special way to mark the national event.
“By involving residents and students in the implementation of new urban forest at Bull & Tourle Street Reserve, it has a positive impact on Newcastle and improves our community sense of wellbeing,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle cares for a wonderful array of natural ecosystems including 79 kilometres of creeks, 506 hectares of bushland, 65 wetlands, nine coastal rock platforms, 19 hectares of sand dunes along our 10 beaches, and over 90,000 street and park trees.
“These natural assets sustain our local biodiversity, keep our city cool, absorb and store carbon, provide food and shelter for native wildlife, and keep our air and water clean, while also making our city a more beautiful and pleasant place to live.
“I encourage all residents to partake in National Tree Planting Day by heading down to Mayfield West on Sunday 31 July.”
This year CN is partnering with the Lions Club of Mayfield Waratah Blind and Vision Impaired Inc to celebrate 75 years of community service by Lions Australia. The Lions Club will also be running a barbecue as part of the event on Sunday.
The urban forest planting events are another example of the City’s commitment to becoming an International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) City with Nature, recognising and enhancing the value of our natural surrounds, as well as our efforts to be a global local government leader in sustainability.
The community event will be held from 9am to 1pm on Sunday. Gloves, tools and equipment for planting will be provided and residents should bring along a hat and wear appropriate clothing such as covered shoes, long-sleeved shirt and pants. Register attendance by visiting https://treeday.planetark.org/
More than 2500 local and regional governments from around the world are invited to come together tomorrow to exchange ideas on how to electrify communities to fight climate change, create local jobs, and make the air cleaner for future generations.
As a long-standing member of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and Chair of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Oceania, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes will host the virtual webinar on Friday 29 July.
Clean energy advocate Dr. Saul Griffiths will steer the conversationby illustrating the positive climate and economic outcomes possible with rapid electrification. As an engineer, scientist and inventor, Dr Griffiths helps Fortune 500 companies understand energy infrastructure and decarbonisation, has been a principal investigator for NASA, and has advised US President Joe Bidden on climate change.
Cr Nelmes said by leading such an important conversation she aims to promote positive solutions, influence sustainability policy and drive action amongst local and regional communities.
“Globally, this is a critical decade for action on climate change and local communities are at the forefront of responding to challenges that will be faced in the future,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It takes collective action, commitment, and leadership to meet the challenges of a climate emergency, to take advantage of the economic opportunities from meeting emissions targets and create a net zero emissions city.
“As a leader in this space, City of Newcastle (CN) is delivering its adopted Climate Action Plan 2021-2025, which sets out a roadmap for achieving emission reduction within its operations.
“This includes the development of a Fleet Transition Plan to target zero emissions from vehicles for 100% of the fleet by 2030.
“By joining more like-minded local and regional governments that are also committed to sustainable urban development initiatives, we look forward to sharing ideas and solutions on ways we can help create systemic change for our respective communities.”
City of Newcastle is encouraging local green thumbs to spruce up their neighbourhood by entering the new ‘Green Our City’ competition.
Green Our City will be running until December and encourages residents to take part in the Street Gardens program by offering the opportunity to plan and install street gardens.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the focus of the competition is on enabling and encouraging residents to be sustainable, show pride in their street and make a difference in their neighbourhood.
“Green Our City offers residents the chance to be part of an important environmental program, while at the same time improving and greening our streetscape,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“As well as being able to lay claim to having the best new street garden in Newcastle, the winner of Green Our City will also receive $500 to spend at a local nursery of their choice.”
The Street Gardens initiative provides step by step support and ultimately fast tracks the process of installing a street garden at your home. It includes guidelines that need to be met, information around optimal plant species, and the Street Garden Postcard can also be downloaded, which allows you to share your plans with neighbours.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said greening Newcastle’s streets has never been more important and the Street Gardens program empowers residents to make a difference in their part of the world.
“We want to work with residents to design, install and maintain street gardens because we know the benefits they provide,” Councillor Clausen said.
“Apart from simply looking great, street gardens also cool our streets, support pollinators, offer habitat, and filter and limit stormwater runoff into our creeks and waterways. There are also social benefits as it gives residents a way to meet other people and foster a sense of community.”
To be a part of Green Our City, residents will need to complete the Street Garden registration form by Monday 23 August to allow time for City of Newcastle to review. Once approved, eligible participants will be notified and will have until December to nurture and grow their street garden, before a panel of judges decides the winner.
Six distinguished alumni of the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program who completed their studies at the University of Newcastle have received keys to the city in recognition of their work to promote Newcastle internationally.
Professor Cheong Koon Hean, Dr Khaw Boon Wan, Dr Peter Tay Buan Huat, Dr Tan Chin Nam, Mr Bill Chua and Mr Jaspal Singh were formally inducted as ambassadors of the City of Newcastle at a prestigious function at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence in Singapore on Monday evening.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes attended as part of a Hunter Regional Delegation to strengthen international ties and explore economic development opportunities.
The Lord Mayor said each of the Colombo scholars exemplified the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program, the purpose of which was to highlight the efforts of Novocastrians, both born and adopted, who resided in Newcastle and other parts of Australia and the world.
“Together, the Colombo scholars have many decades’ of experience and achievements spanning the political, business, housing, development and transport sectors, which have greatly benefited Singaporeans and citizens the world over,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Each of them reflect fondly on their time spent in Newcastle and attribute many of their successes abroad to this enriching experience, and for that the City of Newcastle acknowledges and celebrates their ongoing efforts to promote the city.”
An Australian Government initiative, the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program is designed to strengthen ties between Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, offering recipients unique opportunities to enhance their learning and global citizenship.
The latest Keys to the City recipients join nine fellow Newcastle ambassadors, including Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue, Her Excellency the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, and National Gallery of Australia Director, Nick Mitzevich.
Visit the website for more information on the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program.
Photo caption: The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade; Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer; and His Excellency The Hon. Will Hodgman, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, with Key to the City of Newcastle recipients (L-R): Mr Bill Chua, Professor Cheong Koon Hean, Dr Khaw Boon Wan, Mr Jaspal Singh, Dr Tan Chin Nam, and Dr Peter Tay Buan Huat.
Background on recipients
Professor Cheong Koon Hean
Professor Cheong was the CEO of Singapore’s Housing and Development Board from 2010-2020, overseeing the development and management of over 1 million public housing flats. Prof Cheong was also the CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) from 2004-2010, and has extensive experience in strategic land use planning, conservation of built heritage and the real estate market. On 1 January 2021, Prof Cheong was appointed Chair of the Centre for Liveable Cities under the Ministry of National Development, Singapore. She is also the current Chair of the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Nominating Committee.
Prof Cheong holds a First-Class Honours degree and University Gold Medal in Architecture and a Doctor of Architecture honoris causa conferred by the University of Newcastle; a Master’s degree in Urban Development Planning from University College London and has completed the Advanced Management Programme in Harvard Business School.
Dr Khaw Boon Wan
Dr Khaw Boon Wan is a former politician who served as Minister for Health from 2003-2011, Minister for National Development from 2011-2015, and Minister for Transport from 2015-2020. A member of the governing People’s Action Party, he was a Member of Parliament representing Tanjong Pagar GRC from 2001-2006, and Sembawang GRC from 2006-2020. During his career, he was noted for being appointed to ministerial portfolios dealing with issues such as housing and transport. Following his retirement from politics in 2020, he has become the chairman of SPH Media Trust, a not-for-profit media entity set up by Singapore Press Holdings after it underwent a restructure in 2021.
Dr Khaw Boon Wan completed a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Industrial Engineering with Honours Class I as well as a Bachelor of Commerce. He was also awarded the University Medal for academic excellence. In 2002, the University presented a Doctor of Engineering honoris causa to Dr Khaw. He is also recognised as a Patron of the University of Newcastle’s Alumni Chapter in Singapore.
Dr Peter Tay Buan Huat
Dr Tay is currently a Corporate Advisor, engaging in business development and coaching budding business leaders. He serves on the boards of companies involved in food and education and writes on management issues in Asian Meat and AgriFood Magazine, two international food publications. For 17 years, from 1989-2006, Mr Tay was the President and CEO of Singapore Food Industries Ltd (SFI), a publicly listed food distribution and manufacturing company in Singapore. Under his leadership, SFI expanded internationally from its base in Singapore to include operations in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, China and Australia. During the period from 1992-2004, he concurrently held other positions, including Group Coordinator for Human Resource and Group Director (Strategic Development) in Singapore Technologies.
Dr Tay graduated with Bachelor degrees in both Engineering (Honours) and Economics from the University of Newcastle. In 1986, he obtained an MSc in Management (Sloan Fellows Program) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, United Kingdom, and a Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia.
Dr Tan Chin Nam
Dr Tan has 33 years’ service in the Singapore Public Service holding various key appointments before completing his term as a Permanent Secretary in 2007. He held various top public leadership positions including as General Manager and Chairman, National Computer Board, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Manpower, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Chairman National Library Board and Chairman of the Media Development Authority. He played a leading role in the information technology, economic, tourism, manpower, library, media, arts and creative industries development of Singapore.
Dr Tan completed a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Industrial Engineering with Honours Class I as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Economics. In 1998, Dr Tan was awarded a Doctor of Engineering honoris causa.
Mr Bill Chua
Mr Chua has served on local and foreign boards for the past 20 years. He is currently an Independent Director on the boards of IES-INCA Pte Ltd, United Hampshire US REIT Management Pte Ltd, Sunseap Group Pte Ltd, Citibank Singapore Limited, and BoardRoom Executive Services Pte Ltd, and a Managing Partner and Director of Green Sands Equity Inc. Bill retired from United Overseas Bank as the Managing Director and Head Global Financial Institution Group in November 2014 after 34 years in the financial services sector. He was awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 2004, and the Public Service Star (BBM) in 2016 by the Government of Singapore.
Mr Chua holds a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bachelor of Engineering Hons Class 1 from the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is a Fellow at the Singapore Institute of Directors, and at the Institution of Engineers, Singapore.
Mr Jaspal Singh
Mr Singh started his career with the Singapore Government Administrative Service (1978-2004), serving in the Ministries of Transport, Finance and Trade & Industry and on the Boards of various statutory bodies and Government-linked corporates. Key appointments held include Director of Budget and Deputy Secretary in the Ministries of Finance and Transport. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 1998 and the Long Service medal in 2003 for 25 years of service.
He received a Colombo Plan scholarship at the University of Newcastle, Australia (1973-77) and completed post-graduate studies (sponsored by the Singapore Government) at Harvard University (MPA, Kennedy School of Government, 1984-85, and AMP, Harvard Business School, Fall 2003).
Mr Singh is currently Senior Advisor to SMRT Corporation Ltd and SPH Group. He sits on the Governing Council of the Singapore Institute of Directors and is also Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at the LKY School of Public Policy. He is also the High Commissioner to the Republic of Rwanda for Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 26 July 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
New Colombo Plan Scholars
A Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledged the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program (NCPSP) and the presentation made to, and induction of, six worthy NCPSP scholars to City of Newcastle’s Ambassador Program with a Key to the City on 26 July 2022.
Ordinary business
Adoption of council policies
Council supported an amended motion to adopt the Planning Agreements Policy and Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy and place the Newcastle Heritage Policy, and Public Voice and Public Briefings Policy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Adoption of Wickham Masterplan 2021 (2022 amendment)
Council voted to adopt the Wickham Masterplan 2021 (2022 Amendment), which aims to ensure an appropriate built form outcome is achieved in Wickham.
Tender report – hire or purchase outright of heavy plant at Summerhill Waste Management Centre
Council voted to accept a tender for the dry hire of heavy plant at Summerhill Waste Management Centre to process incoming waste.
Notices of Motion
William Street pedestrian crossing, Tighes Hill
Council supported a notice of motion to prioritise the repair and upgrade of the William Street Tighes Hill pedestrian crossing in the forward works program, with consideration given to including the installation of a compliant kerb ramp, improved drainage and flood mitigation, and upgraded street lighting, signage and road markings. This pedestrian crossing is scheduled for planning and design in City of Newcastle’s (CN’s) 2022/23 transport program. Once design and approvals are finalised, the project will be listed for consideration under CN’s forward Capital Works program, including exploring opportunities for external funding support through eligible grant programs.
A critical incident investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Newcastle yesterday.
Just after 7.45pm (Tuesday 26 July 2022), officers attached to Newcastle City Police Area Command were called to Bar Beach, Newcastle, following reports of concern for a man’s welfare.
On arrival, officers attempted to speak to a 78-year-old man before he fell from a cliff.
A critical incident team from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation will be subject to an independent review and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
A third man has been charged by Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives following an investigation into the armed robbery of a hotel at Stockton two years ago.
About 11.30pm on Wednesday 26 June 2019, two masked men entered the business on Fullerton Street at Stockton then threatened and assaulted employees while armed with a firearm and tomahawk.
The men demanded money from the till and other items from staff, before fleeing the location in a stolen vehicle which was later found burnt out on Pitt Street.
Two employees suffered minor injuries during the incident and have since recovered.
Initial inquiries were undertaken by officers from Newcastle City Police District, before the matter was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, who commenced investigations under Strike Force Hawksview.
Two men – aged 35 and 26 – have previously been charged over their alleged involvement in the incident and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 33-year-old man was transferred from a correctional centre at Bathurst, to Bathurst Police Station, on Wednesday 13 July 2022.
He was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.
The man was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 27 July 2022.
The body of a man has been located in waters near Lake Macquarie, following an extensive air and sea search this morning.
About 2.30pm yesterday (Monday 25 July 2022), emergency services were called to Moonee Beach, Lake Macquarie, after a body was located in the water.
A woman was treated at the scene; however, she could not be revived.
While the woman is yet to be formally identified, she is believed to be aged in her 80s.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Inquiries confirmed that a man – who is known to the woman – was also missing in waters nearby.
A full-scale search commenced yesterday and continued this morning (Tuesday 26 July 2022) for the man and included local police, officers from the Marine Area Command, PolAir, Surf Life Saving NSW and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
About 10am today, PolAir patrolling the area located the body of a man offshore – about 2.5km south of Birdie Beach – which was recovered by officers attached the Marine Area Command a short time later.
While the man is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be the missing man who is aged in his 70s.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
A search will continue this morning for a man missing near Lake Macquarie, after a woman’s body was located in waters yesterday.
About 2.30pm (Monday 25 July 2022), emergency services were called to Moonee Beach, Lake Macquarie, after a body was located in the water.
A woman was treated at the scene; however, she could not be revived.
While the woman is yet to be formally identified, she is believed to be aged in her 80s.
Officers attached to the Lake Macquarie Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Following inquiries, police believe a man – who is known to the woman and believed to have been with her yesterday – may be missing in waters nearby.
A search commenced yesterday for the man and included local police, officers from the Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
A full-scale land and water search will continue in the Moonee Beach area today.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
