Category: Newcastle News

An innovative app developed by City of Newcastle (CN) as part of its $5.5 million COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Package (CERP), generated more than 68,000 acts of kindness and injected more than $390,000 into local businesses to get them back on their feet.

The app, which ceases today, was developed to combat the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.

More than 8,500 registered users downloaded the Lean In Newy app since it was launched in June 2020. Users participated in over 68,000 wellbeing-focused challenges via the app, which resulted in a wide range of community-based outcomes including over 150 blood donations, around 850 donations to charity and more than 5200 volunteer hours.

Every challenge earnt the user points to be redeemed through vouchers and discounts at 185 local businesses and charities. CN fully reimbursed participating businesses for more than 4800 vouchers redeemed for rewards offered through the app.

The initiative successfully connected local businesses and charitable organisations seeking support with people that genuinely wanted to help during height of the COVID-19-induced downturn, providing a platform to engage and propel people’s behaviours.

Charitable organisations like OzHarvest registered with Lean In Newy to seek more volunteers, with the extra help allowing them to meet the increased demand from people experiencing food insecurity during the economic downturn, while local business owners reported an increase in sales as a result of participating as a reward partner.

City of Newcastle invested $95,000 in rebate funding via the Lean In Newy app as part of its CERP, which led to more than $390,000 of direct stimulus invested back into local businesses, returning four times the initial investment.

In addition to the Lean in Newy app, City of Newcastle’s CERP delivered a range of financial relief, business and community support programs including rapid response grants aimed at supporting our vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, online business training and mentoring programs, as well as economic development and community grants.

The CERP was formally acknowledged as the best response from a local government anywhere in NSW, with a second phase of support worth $2.5 million rolled out in 2021.

With communities continuing to move beyond the recovery phase from COVID-19, the support provided by the Lean In Newy app has been concluded, with thanks given to all those who participated.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 June 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Defend abortion rights rally

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that condemns the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court overruling previously held decisions that the United States Constitution confers a right to an abortion and supports the planned Defend Abortion Rights Rally from 5.30pm on Thursday 30 June at Newcastle Museum and concluding at Nobbys Beach Reserve.

Unfair grant program exclusion

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported unanimously that called on Council to write to the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman MP advising of the inequity of inconsistent State Government classification, which makes City of Newcastle ineligible for many grant programs. Council will request the Minister’s assistance in resolving the issue as a matter of urgency.

25th anniversary of the Newcastle Declaration

A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was supported unanimously that noted 5 June 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of the Newcastle Declaration and acknowledged City of Newcastle’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and equitable communities. The LMM reaffirmed City of Newcastle’s commitment to the objectives of the original Declaration and the continued pursuit for an environmentally sustainable future.

Ordinary business

Public Art Reference Group (PARG) Annual Report

Council received the 2020/21 Annual Report of the Public Art Reference Group. The group acts as an Advisory Committee to the City of Newcastle on public art and met six times in 2021, with a focus on public art associated with development applications and community mural and artwork in the private domain.

Adoption of Code of Meeting Practice

Council voted to adopt the Code of Meeting Practice, noting the submissions received in response to its public exhibition. Cr McCabe will lead engagement and consultation with all interested parties regarding proposed changes to the preamble and prayer, and report back to the Community and Culture Advisory Committee.

Asset Advisory Committee Charter

Council voted to adopt the Asset Advisory Committee Charter, which had been revised to better reflect the intent and objectives of the Committee, as well as revisions for current organisational structure and terminology. The Committee was established to investigate, consider, and provide advice on strategic property asset issues.

Interest on overdue rates and charges for 2022/23

Council voted to adopt the rate of 6.0% per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Making of the rate – Hunter Catchment Contribution and commission for 2022/23

Council voted to continue the making, levying and collection of the Hunter Catchment Contribution on behalf of Hunter Local Land Services, and adopt the rate of commission payable to CN as 5% of the Hunter Catchment Contributions collected, as determined by Hunter Local Land Services.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 and Resourcing Newcastle 2040

Council voted to adopt the 2022-2023 Delivering Newcastle 2040, 2022-2023 Fees and Charges, and Resourcing Newcastle 2040.

Making of the Rate and Charges for 2022/23

Council voted to make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 in accordance with the provisions of sections 532 – 535 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the executive monthly performance report for May 2022.

Notices of Motion

25 years’ anniversary of NSW apology to the Stolen Generation

Council supported a notice of motion that acknowledged the 25^th anniversary of Premier Bob Carr MP’s apology to the Stolen Generation and apologised for the intergenerational trauma, hurt, abuse and injustices suffered by Aboriginal children and their families, because of those government policies. The motion also recognised the hard work and dedication of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and the contribution by the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to the City of Newcastle, and reaffirmed City of Newcastle’s commitment to truth-telling and reconciliation, noting the City’s unanimous support for the campaign for a referendum for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition through a Voice to Parliament.

Playground replacement program 2022/23

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that noted the ongoing success of CN’s Playground Replacement Program, and confirmed the following five playgrounds would be upgraded in 2022/23 – Waratah Park, Waratah, Harold Myers Park, Birmingham Gardens, Vera Wilson Park, Beresfield, Highland County, Fletcher and Avon Street Reserve at Mayfield. CN will also continue to work collaboratively with the users of Stevenson Park, Mayfield, to deliver the improvements detailed in the Stevenson Park Masterplan.

Curbing illegal dumping driven by insecure housing

Council supported a notice of motion that notes that insecure housing can be a significant driver of illegal dumping, and advocate to the NSW State Government to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 to address housing insecurity and ensure that the cost of eviction is not borne by those who can least afford it. Council will also request that City of Newcastle’s Affordable Housing Working Party consider Council’s response to the issue of illegal dumping resulting from insecure housing, including in multi-unit dwellings.

15 years since Wallsend flooding event

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that acknowledged the 15-year anniversary of the 2007 flood event that inundated the CBD of Wallsend, noted the steps taken by City of Newcastle to prepare for and mitigate future flood events and reaffirmed Council’s commitment to delivering flood mitigation works and work with key stakeholders to take appropriate actions to help reduce the impact of future flood events. CN will write to NSW Government and Opposition seeking funding for Hunter Water Corporation to widen the Ironbark Creek stormwater channel in Wallsend.

Mega-watt scale battery installation

Council unanimously supported a notice to motion to consider and investigate opportunities for a mega-watt scale energy storage system in the development of the City of Newcastle Fleet Transition Plan and City of Newcastle Waste Strategy.

International campaign to abolish nuclear weapons

Council supported an amended notice to motion to write to the Prime Minister and relevant Minister to urge them to urgently progress the signing and ratification on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Council will also write to Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Industry to express City of Newcastle’s opposition to a nuclear submarine base in the Port of Newcastle.

Update on city-wide climate action pathway

Council supported a notice to motion to request a briefing from the SDG Hunter Region Taskforce on progress to date on developing a city-wide pathway and timetable to carbon neutrality by no later than 2040 in line with Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-25 and in conjunction with business, the public sector and the community. The briefing should also recommend measures to progress economic diversification as fossil fuel industries become less reliable within the LGA and more broadly across the Hunter.

A historic Budget that balances record infrastructure spending with long-term financial sustainability, as well as a return to surplus has been approved by City of Newcastle’s elected Council and follows widespread community support expressed during community engagement.

Council voted last night to adopt the $424 million Budget, paving the way for a record $132 million infrastructure spend on projects including the long-awaited expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery, the much-needed revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the construction of two major recycling facilities and a record spend on new cycleways.

The Budget forecasts a modest surplus of $1.3 million, which will see City of Newcastle (CN) deliver a balanced budget for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the economy.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the largest works program in CN’s history will play an important role in delivering on the community’s vision of Newcastle as a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.

“City of Newcastle’s 2022/23 Budget received an overwhelming endorsement from the community during the public exhibition period with its focus on delivering everyday benefits for residents, as well as major city-shaping projects that will leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re investing in infrastructure where it matters most to our community, with $16 million for upgrades to local roads, bridges and footpaths, $5.9 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses and $4.4 million for improving Newcastle’s cycleway network, as well as $15.3 million for new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities including $5.8 million towards the rehabilitation of the pool and lower promenade at Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“A significant investment is being made to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and increase recycling, with $9.4 million to begin construction of a fully-enclosed organics processing facility and $5 million towards planning a new material recovery facility for plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metals collected from kerbside recycling bins.

“We’ll also continue to invest in environmental sustainability with $8.2 million for a range of projects including planting 2,000 street trees and $2 million towards further rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek.

“Our Budget is a commitment to investing in projects that are fundamental to improving the way we work and live, as well as ensuring we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors and businesses.”

Other Budget highlights include:

• $18.6 million towards protecting the RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands by remediating and improving environmental management of the former Astra Street landfill site in Shortland
• $17.4 million to kick off construction of the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion
• $6.7 million towards urban and city centre revitalisation, including Hunter Street Mall works and the Local Centres program with upgrades underway in New Lambton, Stockton and Shortland and planning underway for future works at Georgetown and Waratah
• $4 million to enhance economic development, tourism, smart city initiatives and improve customer experience
• $2.1 million for community infrastructure and amenities (public toilets, community buildings and caravan parks)
• $1.3 million to continue implementing available actions from the Stockton Coastal Management Plan while a pathway to mass sand nourishment is determined by the NSW Government.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said while COVID-19 had caused enormous financial challenges, prudent financial management will allow CN to return to a surplus budget of $1.3 million.

“City of Newcastle is forecasting a positive net operating result in 2022-2023, which is an indicator of the underlying financial strength of our organisation,” Mr Bath said.

“Ratepayers will be spared the full force of recent inflation with rates to rise by just 2.5 per cent as decided by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), with the average ratepayer seeing their rates increase by $10 per quarter.

“The Budget also continues our commitment to stimulating the local economy, with independent modelling showing our record infrastructure program will create up to 740 new jobs while providing the local economy with a $325 million boost.”

City of Newcastle has appointed five external community-minded art, design and architecture experts to help lead the future of public art in the city that reflects Newcastle’s history, culture and community.

Councillors voted to expand the expertise of City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group (PARG) by appointing external members who are professionals in their fields, including local Indigenous cultural representatives and a specialist in heritage.

The appointed members include fine arts professional Edwardo Milan, creative producer and curator Charlotte Hilder, historian of art and iconoclasm Nikolas Orr, researcher and creative producer Bridie Moran, and Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee co-representative’s Andrew Smith and Julieanne Rose.

Councillor and PARG Chair Carol Duncan said the newly appointed members bring excellence in areas such as visual arts, architecture, cultural leadership and heritage to help further develop and enhance Newcastle’s public art scene.

“Newcastle is a major arts and cultural destination that is entering a new phase of maturity and sophistication thanks to the ongoing revitalisation of our city,” Cr Duncan said.

“By expanding and strengthening the expertise of PARG, City of Newcastle is helping take the city’s public art scene to a new level with broader diversity.

“The PARG panel will continue to come together bi-monthly to consider and consult on all aspects of public art, from advising on the commissioning of new public art proposals associated with large developments in the City to ensuring transparent commissioning processes and supporting major international street art events like Big Picture Festival.”

Since 2018, the PARG has considered a number of public art proposals related to major private developments in the Newcastle CBD including the Lyrique Lane suspended art installation, water fountain and light art installation on Hunter Street, Illuminart in Newcastle West and Indigenous murals and native artworks on Hannell Street in Wickham.

PARG member Councillor John MacKenzie said a key role of the PARG is to consider and consult on public art associated with development applications to ensure relevance of place.

“The expanded PARG will help applicants incorporate artworks reflective of Newcastle’s culture and heritage, whilst facilitating opportunities for local artists to create, and residents and visitors to enjoy,” Cr MacKenzie said.

PARG member Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the calibre of public art in Newcastle is impressive.

“Newcastle boasts a proud public art scene featuring work by none other than 2022 Archibald Prize winner and 2019 Kilgour Prize winner Blak Douglas. But there is no shortage of artistic talent right here in Newcastle – home to the highest concentration of artists in Australia,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

Newly appointed PARG member Charlotte Hilder said the expanded PARG looks forward to taking Newcastle’s thriving arts scene to a new level, and is currently reviewing some exciting proposals.

“We are already poring over concepts and liaising with artists and developers to deliver public art projects for Stage Two of the East End development and the landmark Bowline residential development in Wickham,” said Ms Hilder.

“The new panel members and I look forward to delivering some exciting new public artworks for the city.”

Councillors will receive the 2021/22 PARG Annual Report at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

Families are celebrating City of Newcastle’s (CN’s) ongoing investment in recreational spaces, with two new playgrounds opened in the western corridor and plans for five more across the city unveiled.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined residents to officially open upgraded playgrounds at Minmi Reserve and McCauley Park in Tarro as part of CN’s annual playground improvement program.

“Our local parks and playgrounds are places that our community can come together to relax and interact, and I’m delighted that these two upgraded playgrounds at Minmi and Tarro are ready for play in time for the school holidays in July,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The turnout at our community openings reinforces the important role these public spaces play within local neighbourhoods, which is why we’ve invested more than $9 million in playground projects during the past five years.

“We will continue to deliver improved recreational opportunities for children across the local government area in the next 12 months, with $750,000 allocated through the 2022/23 Budget to install new and upgraded equipment at Waratah Park, Highland County in Fletcher, Harold Myers Park at Birmingham Gardens, Vera Wilson Park in Beresfield and Avon Street Reserve at Mayfield.”

Four playgrounds were included in the 2021/22 upgrade program, with the existing Minmi Reserve playground replaced with new features including a balancing trail, swings and sensory bridge, while new equipment at McCauley Park includes swings, slides, and climbing components. These improvements all cater to a broad age range of children.

Kotara Park has also been refreshed with a new design while the neighbourhood playground at Bernborough Avenue in Maryland will benefit from a full equipment upgrade in the coming months.

To stay up to date with the progress and to find out about works in your neighbourhood visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Newcastle Art Galley’s collection may have been put in storage while the building’s long-awaited expansion takes place, but that hasn’t stopped a passionate group of volunteers from creating new ways for young people to connect with the works of art.

The Gallery’s Youth Advisory Group has spent the past year working on their Youth to Collection (Y2C) Project, which will culminate this Saturday with the official launch of their interactive digital platform.

Designed to increase youth engagement with the most significant public collection of art in regional Australia, the project kicked off with the creation and publication of six zines. Each publication featured interviews with emerging local creatives alongside selected works from the Art Gallery collection that correspond to the Gallery’s collecting areas of ceramics, sculpture, prints and drawings, photography, painting and new media.

The group are now looking to expand that engagement online with the development of an interactive digital platform and video series that will allow the community to continue to connect with the collection while the Gallery undergoes its $40 million expansion.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was fantastic to see these volunteers sharing their passion for the Gallery with other young people.

“By doubling the size of the Gallery, significantly increasing the exhibition space and delivering a suite of modern facilities, the $40 million expansion will deliver an upgraded gallery of international standing that will offer a valuable cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter,” Cr Nelmes said.

“While the doors of Newcastle Art Gallery are closed for the construction, we are committed to ensuring the community can engage with our collection in as many ways as possible, which is why this innovative project by our Youth Advisory Group is such a fantastic idea.

“It’s also testament to the passion and commitment shown by the dedicated volunteers, who have continued to look outside the box to find ways to stay involved with our Gallery throughout this time.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said the Youth Advisory Group program had been running since 2018 and was designed to engage with people aged 18-30 to deliver youth-led programming while also providing early career learning opportunities.

This year’s group members are Aidan Gageler, Belle Beasley, Benji Crocker, Kar Mun Phoon, Molly McNeil, and Nicole Klaer.

“The six-member group is generally made up of tertiary students, practicing artists, writers or performers who are engaged and participating in Newcastle’s vibrant cultural scene,” Ms Morton said.

“They put forward a range of programs and activities they would like to see occur at the Gallery in their year of tenure, which they then deliver with assistance from Gallery staff.

“With much of our programming in the past few years being disrupted by COVID-19, the current Youth Advisory Group came up with an innovative project that simultaneously showcases the breadth of the Gallery’s collection and supports local emerging arts practitioners.

“The Y2C Project sees the creation of ‘by-youth, for-youth’ content and has been a wonderful means to promote conversation between Newcastle’s emerging artists and Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection.”

Youth Advisory Group member Molly McNeil said they had enjoyed collaborating with the Art Gallery and the emerging artists on this project and were looking forward to launching it on Saturday.

“From the outset, we really hoped to engage with local emerging artists, and we ended up doing that by bringing them into conversation with the huge collection at Newcastle Art Gallery,” Molly said.

“By building an array of projects around that goal, we’ve created a platform where the Newcastle’s emerging artists can be considered alongside the esteemed and reputable works and practices found in Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection.

“We’re so excited for the launch this weekend. Being able to see our teamwork come to life and to share that with others is going to be such a great experience.”

This project is supported by a $10,000 grant from Create NSW’s Audience Development Fund, a devolved funding program administered by Museums & Galleries of NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

The Y2C launch party will take place at The Creator Incubator on Saturday 25 June from 6pm to 10pm, featuring a selection of Newcastle’s finest DJs, video installations featuring Y2C emerging artists, projections developed by David Lobb and Mikayla Nangle, artists stalls, a pop-up bar and food truck.

The event is free, but bookings are required. Visit www.nag.org.au to find out more about the Gallery’s expansion, Youth Advisory Group and the launch party.

Emerging artists who participated in the Y2C project included Gillian Adamson, Brigitte Beyer, Jaimie Carpenter, Jasmine Miikika Craciun, Ruby Hart, Jemima Hodge, Wolfe Jessie, Tegan Kinder, David Lobb, Holly Macdonald, Grace McMahon, Mikayla Nangle, Liz O’Brien, James Rhodes, Wednesday Sutherland and Emma Wilks.

Refugee support agency Settlement Services International is proudly sponsoring the STARTTS partnered Newcastle ‘Unity in Diversity’ festival to mark Refugee Week on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Foreshore Park.

Unity in Diversity is a full-day public program of activities, including multicultural food stalls, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. 

SSI Humanitarian Settlement Program Regional Coordinator for Newcastle and the Hunter Helen Larkin said that the festival gave people from refugee backgrounds an important platform to showcase their heritage in all its richness.

“The Unity in Diversity festival is a chance to experience firsthand the unique culture and artistry found in new communities and celebrates the contributions refugees make to their new homes,” she said.

Ms Larkin said that SSI is supporting recently arrived Ukrainian refugees to participate at the event through food stalls and entertainment. 

“SSI is proud to sponsor the festival for the second year in a row, and is excited to support our newly arrived Ukrainian refugees share their skills and talents with the Newcastle community.”

Ukrainian refugees Yurii and Inna Chuchenko have recently settled in Fern Bay and will have a raw dessert food stall at the festival. 

“We are excited to get involved in the celebrations marking this important cause, and also, connecting with the Newcastle community,” he said. 

Mr Chuchenko said he was eager to raise awareness about the benefits of refugee resettlement in regional Australia with the Ukrainian community.

“As newly arrived refugees in Fern Bay, we’ve had such a positive experience so far and want to share our insights with other Ukrainians across Australia.

“This is why we started the CH2 Project to provide a fluid, secure and efficient pathway for Ukrainian Nationals to a life in Regional NSW.

“Our first project is to build this pathway to the regional cities and townships within the Upper Hunter, Liverpool Plains and New England areas.”

Other Ukrainian refugees that SSI and STARTTS supports will feature at the festival including Zumba dancer and instructor Anna Kuskova.

For more info, visit: www.newcastlelive.com.au/events/newcastle-unity-in-diversity-festival/

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on six outstanding warrants.

Luke Atkinson, aged 35, is wanted by virtue of multiple outstanding warrants for drug, property, weapon, stealing, assault, traffic, and fraud offences.

Luke is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm to 180cm tall, of medium build, with a shaved head and unshaven facial hair.

He is known to frequent the Hunter Valley area, as well as Sutherland and surrounding suburbs.

The public is urged not to approach Luke and police would like anyone who has information on his whereabouts to contact Muswellbrook Police Station 6542 6999 or Crime Stoppers.

Three people have been charged and two firearms seized following a pursuit and ongoing investigations into alleged firearm thefts in the Hunter region.

Earlier this month, officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced investigations into alleged thefts of firearms from rural properties in the Upper Hunter Valley area.

Following ongoing inquiries, PolAir 7 commenced following a Landcruiser about 5pm on Tuesday (21 June 2022), which was seen driving through Muswellbrook and Scone, after receiving reports it had allegedly been previously used in a number of thefts.

The vehicle was tracked to the carpark of a fast-food restaurant on Kelly Street, Scone, when officers from Hunter Valley Police District attempted to stop the vehicle.

The Landcruiser allegedly rammed a police vehicle before driving from the scene.

PolAir continued to follow the vehicle to Swinging Ridges Road, Willow Tree, when one of the occupants of the vehicle climbed onto the rear tray of the Landcruiser and allegedly discharged several rounds from a firearm.

The Landcruiser continued to a station on Merriwa Road, Little Jacks Creek, where it entered bushland and the three occupants left the vehicle before fleeing into nearby bushland.

With the assistance of PolAir, officers located and arrested a man and two women in nearby bushland about 2.30am.

Police searched the area and located two firearms, which were seized for forensic examination. Subsequent checks revealed the vehicle had been stolen from the Southern Highlands earlier this month.

The trio were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station, where the man – aged 26 – was charged with fire firearm in or near public place, possess loaded firearm public place, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

He appeared before Muswellbrook Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 22 June 2022) and was formally refused bail to reappear before the same court on Tuesday 19 July 2022.

A 27-year-old woman was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. She was granted conditional bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday 19 July 2022.

A second woman – aged 23 – was charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, use offensive weapon in company to prevent detention, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal and dishonestly obtain property by deception.

She was refused bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court today (Thursday 23 June 2022).

Investigations continue.