The Hunter’s popular showcase of caravan and camping products, services and equipment is back this February with three days of excitement at the Newcastle Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo. Held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground, the Expo has vast outdoor exhibitions and large undercover halls with plenty of space for the enjoyment, comfort and safety of attendees and exhibitors.
The long running Expo is staged annually by the Caravan & Camping Industry Association (CCIA NSW) and is run in accordance with NSW Health’s COVID Safe guidelines.
Taking place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th February the Expo will provide an extensive display of products including the latest caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, tents, camping equipment, 4WD accessories, holiday parks and more.
“Australia’s love of travel and the great outdoors has not dampened over the past 2 years, with a huge leap in the number of people taking caravan and camping holidays as COVID restrictions have eased,” Ms Lyndel Gray CEO of CCIA NSW said.
“Caravan and camping holidays are uniquely enticing as they connect travellers to nature, give them access to some of the most beautiful locations NSW has to offer, and people just love being outdoors and camping under the stars.
“Last year visitors took 4 million overnight caravan or camping trips in NSW which was a 17% increase on the previous year when COVID lockdowns took a significant toll.
“Caravan and camping has always been hugely popular but now, as people seek confidence in their holiday plans, these kinds of holidays are proving to be even more attractive.
“The beauty of the Newcastle Expo is that it provides a one-stop-shop where people can see some of the latest and best that the industry has to offer and get inspiration for new holiday destinations across NSW.
“This year there will be a guest appearance on Friday and Saturday by Publisher and popular TV personality Pat Callinan who is one of Australia’s best loved 4×4, RV and camping experts.”
Tickets are only available for purchase online, ensuring visitors are able to enter the venue seamlessly and without waiting in lines.
Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for concession with children 16 and under FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are on sale now and are available at www.caravan.expo.com.
Providing a COVID Safe event is a top priority for the Association and venue with important covid safe reminders about physical distancing and hygiene available on the website. Face masks are mandatory when indoors and inside RVs, and highly recommended elsewhere when at the Expo and people are urged to stay home if they are unwell.
WHAT: Newcastle Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo
WHERE: Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground
WHEN: Friday 4th – Sunday 6th February 2022
TIME: 9am – 5pm Friday to Saturday and 9am – 4pm Sunday
TICKETS: $16 for adults and $12 for concession
Head to www.caravanexpo.com to find out more.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Second man charged over alleged armed hold-up of Hunter hotel – Robbery and Serious Crime Squad
A second man’s been charged as investigations continue into the armed robbery of a hotel in the state’s Hunter region earlier this month.
About 12.20am on Tuesday 25 January 2022, two masked men – one armed with a handgun and the other with a meat clever – entered a licensed premises on Main Road at Cardiff and threatened two employees, a man and woman aged 52 and 25, before taking a cash register and fleeing.
Police were told they left in a blue Ford Falcon sedan, last seen heading east on Main Street.
Although shaken, the employees were not injured and contacted police.
Initial inquiries were conducted by officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District, before the matter was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Hawksview.
So far, strike force detectives have charged a 32-year-old man for his alleged role in the incident. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) officers – assisted by local police and the Tactical Operations Regional Support Unit (TORS) – arrested a 33-year-old man at a Mayfield property just after 6.30pm yesterday (Sunday 30 January 2022).
A short time later investigators executed a search warrant at that address, as well as at a second home on Woodstock Street.
During those searches, police seized electronic items and clothing for forensic analysis.
The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with seven offences, including two counts of robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, two counts of possess unauthorised pistol, two counts of acquire firearm – subject to prohibition order, and reckless grievous bodily harm.
It will be alleged in court he was one of two men responsible for the robbery of a hotel in Cardiff last week.
It’s further alleged he was additionally involved in the armed robbery of licenced premises on Fullerton Street at Stockton just before 10pm on Tuesday 28 December 2021.
During this incident, a 35-year-old man – who was an employee of the hotel – was allegedly knocked unconscious with a firearm, while two colleagues were threatened with the weapon then ordered to hand over cash, before the man fled.
The employee was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to significant facial injuries including a broken jaw and numerous damaged teeth, and is receiving ongoing treatment.
Inquiries to locate two other men involved in that incident continue.
The Mayfield man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 31 January 2022).
Newcastle Art Gallery expansion set to start Monday
Newcastle Art Gallery will hold a special Sunday evening viewing to the general public before closing its doors and reopening in two years’ time to allow its long-awaited $40 million expansion to occur.
The City has received the certainty needed to progress with the expansion following a $10 million grant from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments announced in Newcastle this morning by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was the beginning of an exciting new era for Newcastle Art Gallery, which will celebrate its final weekend of operation with extended hours and special activations on Sunday before closing doors for the expansion’s early works.
“After more than 16 years of effort to make the expansion a reality, the commitment of $10 million from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments allows us to start the project immediately,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is both a regionally and nationally significant project and I’d like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister and NSW Deputy Premier for their support of the arts and Newcastle Art Gallery.
“This funding will add to the $16.5 million already committed by the City of Newcastle and $10 million bequeathed by the late Val Ryan. City of Newcastle will partner with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the community to raise the remaining several million dollars as the expansion works commence.
“City of Newcastle will now issue a national tender to decant the Newcastle Art Gallery and securely store its 7,000 works, which are collectively valued at more than $115 million.
“By doubling the size of the Gallery, significantly increasing the exhibition space and delivering a suite of modern facilities, this project will deliver an expanded and upgraded gallery of international standing that will offer a valuable cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter.
“This weekend is your last opportunity to visit the Gallery to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new era, before we close the doors to the public and get to work delivering our shared vision for one of the city’s cultural landmarks.”
The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.
The project will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the expanded Gallery would be a major drawcard for the city.
“The long-awaited expansion of the Gallery, which our Foundation, Society and the community have worked tirelessly towards, will offer the ability to share more of our collection, displaying works of art of local, national and international importance for visitors to view and enjoy,” Ms Morton said.
“This project is about more than just increasing the exhibition space; it’s about reimagining the Art Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination and launch a new era of cultural tourism that will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW.”
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said work to make the project a funded reality began in earnest in mid-2017, after many years of false starts.
“Today’s $10 million grant from the Federal and NSW Governments is the result of an incredible amount of hard work and advocacy by so many people from across the region,” Mr Bath said.
“The expanded Art Gallery will not only display some of Australia’s most famous pieces of art but will also attract international exhibitions; giving tourists a compelling reason to include Newcastle and the Hunter in their holiday itinerary.”
City of Newcastle will now call for tenders for an experienced Fine Art Handler to help relocate the collection into secure, temperature-controlled storage to ensure the protection and preservation of the valuable works during the expansion project.
Moving the collection will be completed in parallel with external early works, including the relocation of telecommunication assets from the site and mine void remediation, which will ensure the Gallery is vacant and ready for the main construction work to begin mid-year. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The collection will still be available online and will be represented across digital screen sites throughout the city during the expansion project, while outreach programs, special activations and partnerships will be developed to allow the community to continue to engage with the Gallery.
Newcastle Art Gallery will have extended opening hours from 10am to 8pm this Sunday, 30 January, with music, food and activations from 12pm and a pop-up bar on-site from 3pm.
Fast Facts
The City has received the certainty needed to progress with the expansion following a $10 million grant from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments announced in Newcastle this morning by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was the beginning of an exciting new era for Newcastle Art Gallery, which will celebrate its final weekend of operation with extended hours and special activations on Sunday before closing doors for the expansion’s early works.
“After more than 16 years of effort to make the expansion a reality, the commitment of $10 million from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments allows us to start the project immediately,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is both a regionally and nationally significant project and I’d like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister and NSW Deputy Premier for their support of the arts and Newcastle Art Gallery.
“This funding will add to the $16.5 million already committed by the City of Newcastle and $10 million bequeathed by the late Val Ryan. City of Newcastle will partner with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the community to raise the remaining several million dollars as the expansion works commence.
“City of Newcastle will now issue a national tender to decant the Newcastle Art Gallery and securely store its 7,000 works, which are collectively valued at more than $115 million.
“By doubling the size of the Gallery, significantly increasing the exhibition space and delivering a suite of modern facilities, this project will deliver an expanded and upgraded gallery of international standing that will offer a valuable cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter.
“This weekend is your last opportunity to visit the Gallery to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new era, before we close the doors to the public and get to work delivering our shared vision for one of the city’s cultural landmarks.”
The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.
The project will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the expanded Gallery would be a major drawcard for the city.
“The long-awaited expansion of the Gallery, which our Foundation, Society and the community have worked tirelessly towards, will offer the ability to share more of our collection, displaying works of art of local, national and international importance for visitors to view and enjoy,” Ms Morton said.
“This project is about more than just increasing the exhibition space; it’s about reimagining the Art Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination and launch a new era of cultural tourism that will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW.”
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said work to make the project a funded reality began in earnest in mid-2017, after many years of false starts.
“Today’s $10 million grant from the Federal and NSW Governments is the result of an incredible amount of hard work and advocacy by so many people from across the region,” Mr Bath said.
“The expanded Art Gallery will not only display some of Australia’s most famous pieces of art but will also attract international exhibitions; giving tourists a compelling reason to include Newcastle and the Hunter in their holiday itinerary.”
City of Newcastle will now call for tenders for an experienced Fine Art Handler to help relocate the collection into secure, temperature-controlled storage to ensure the protection and preservation of the valuable works during the expansion project.
Moving the collection will be completed in parallel with external early works, including the relocation of telecommunication assets from the site and mine void remediation, which will ensure the Gallery is vacant and ready for the main construction work to begin mid-year. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The collection will still be available online and will be represented across digital screen sites throughout the city during the expansion project, while outreach programs, special activations and partnerships will be developed to allow the community to continue to engage with the Gallery.
Newcastle Art Gallery will have extended opening hours from 10am to 8pm this Sunday, 30 January, with music, food and activations from 12pm and a pop-up bar on-site from 3pm.
Fast Facts
- Newcastle Art Gallery was Australia’s first purpose-built regional art gallery, opened by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
- The Gallery is home to the most valuable collection in regional Australia, with more than 7,000 works valued at $115 million. Significant and diverse, it provides a time capsule of Australian art dating back to the earliest days of Newcastle more than 200 years ago when it became Australia’s second city to be settled.
- The collection includes works by Arthur Boyd, William Dobell, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Patricia Piccinini, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott and Brett Whitely.
- At present, only 1% of Newcastle Art Gallery’s works can be displayed in any year due to a lack of space.
- The expansion is expected to create 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete.
- It is also expected to inject more than $1 million into annual regional revenue by attracting more than 14,000 additional local visitors and tourists each year.
- Early construction works have been approved and will commence on Monday. The City will shortly tender for a Fine Art Handler to undertake the decant the collection, and separately tender for the major construction works.
- Community contributions to the Art Gallery expansion are welcomed and are tax deductible.
Man charged as investigations into armed robbery of Hunter hotel continue – Robbery and Serious Crime Squad
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged a man as part of ongoing investigations into the armed robbery of a hotel in the state’s Hunter region.
About 12.20am yesterday (Tuesday 25 January 2022), two masked men – one armed with a handgun and the other with a meat clever – entered a licensed premise on Main Road at Cardiff and threatened two employees, a man and woman aged 52 and 25, before taking a cash register and fleeing.
Police were told the duo left the location in a blue coloured Ford Falcon sedan, last seen heading east on Main Street.
Although shaken, the employees were not injured and contacted police.
Initial inquiries were conducted by officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District, before the matter was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Hawksview.
As part on ongoing investigations, strike force detectives – assisted by local police attached to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Police Districts – executed three search warrants in Wallsend, Maryland and a New Lambton hotel room from 9pm last night (Tuesday 25 January 2022).
During subsequent searches, investigators seized a blue Ford Falcon, a motorcycle, ammunition, clothing, a firearm part, a small quantity of methylamphetamine, and other items relevant to the investigation.
All items seized will undergo forensic examination.
Following extensive inquiries, a 32-year-old man was arrested at the Wallsend address and taken to Newcastle Police Station.
He was charged with five offences, including robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, possess prohibited drug, acquire firearm part without authority to do so, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
Police will allege in court that the man was one of two responsible for the armed robbery of the hotel in Cardiff.
He was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court earlier today (Wednesday 26 January 2022), where he was formally refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 1 February 2022.
Further arrests under Strike Force Hawksview are expected.
Paralympian Lauren Parker takes out top gong in Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year Awards
An all-female line-up has taken out City of Newcastle’s 2022 Citizen of the Year Awards, with a Paralympian, a law undergraduate and a passionate community advocate among this year’s recipients.
Announced at an intimate award ceremony at the City Administration Centre on Monday, the awards formally recognised the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.
Silver Paralympic medallist and three-time world paratriathlon champion Lauren Parker was crowned Citizen of the Year following remarkable results in Tokyo and on the world series circuit in Abu Dhabi. It came less than five years after Lauren was told she would never walk again after a horrific cycling accident whilst training for an Ironman event left her paralysed from the waist down.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Lauren had proudly represented the green and gold and her hometown on the world stage, overcoming many challenges and obstacles along the way.
“Lauren epitomises the Citizen of the Year title; her never-give-up attitude inspiring countless Novocastrians as she achieves anything she sets her mind to,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Her strength and resilience is admirable, always giving 110 per cent despite the daily battles we don’t see, managing ongoing pain from her injuries.”
Newcastle’s youngest Citizen of the Year in recent history, Lauren said she was honoured to receive the award.
“Every day since the accident has been a physical and mental battle but training and representing Newcastle helps me channel the pain into a positive outlet and show others that they too can achieve their dreams no matter what life throws at them,” Lauren said.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, including and especially my friend Brad Fernley who has been by my side every step of the way before and after my accident. Thank you.”
University of Newcastle law and business student Ashley Harrison was named Young Citizen of the Year 2022 in recognition of her advocacy for victims of revenge porn, phishing, and impersonation, helping young women avoid exploitation through her start-up social enterprise, Verified Associates.
Jan Chamberlain is Newcastle’s Senior Citizen of the Year 2022, leading Hamilton South Community Solutions, a dedicated group that works to improve the amenity of the area and reduce the stigma surrounding social housing in addition to supporting residents through information, activities and workshops.
Taking out the Community Group of the Year award was Hunter Peace Group, recognised for its advocacy in re-affirming the City of Newcastle as a Nuclear Free Zone, a declaration first made by the late Lord Mayor Joy Cummings AM on 29 June 1982.
Represented by Secretary Lynda Forbes, Hunter Peace Group is working with City of Newcastle to establish a dedicated Hunter Peace Park in Tighes Hill opposite the TAFE Campus, cementing the city’s long and proud history of peace activism.
City of Newcastle drives towards electric future
City of Newcastle’s transition to a zero emissions fleet is powering forward with the unveiling of its first electric truck.
The medium rigid Hino truck is the only one of its kind in Newcastle and will replace a diesel vehicle currently being used by City of Newcastle’s (CN) Parks and Recreation team, reducing CN’s carbon emissions by more than 20 tonnes each year.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the launch of the electric truck was part of a broader sustainability strategy that will deliver a 100% reduction in carbon emissions from CN vehicles during the next decade.
“City of Newcastle was the first council in NSW to shift to 100% renewable energy in our operations, with our own solar farm at Summerhill and a power purchase agreement with the Sapphire Wind Farm,” Cr Clausen said.
“Fossil-based liquid fuels such as diesel and unleaded petrol in CN cars, trucks, waste fleet, plant and equipment account for more than 90% of our remaining operational carbon emissions.
“This is produced from more than 1.6 million litres of fuel used annually across CN’s operations.
“City of Newcastle is working to deliver the adopted Climate Action Plan 2021-2025, which sets out a roadmap for achieving emission reduction within CN operations. This includes the development of a Fleet Transition Plan to target zero emissions from vehicles for 100% of the fleet by 2030.
The launch of the electric truck follows previous trials of electric vehicles within CN’s fleet, including the replacement of four pool cars with equivalent full electric passenger vehicles.
City of Newcastle will be participating in the NSW Government’s recently announced Drive Electric NSW EV fleets incentive, which will help support the transition of its passenger fleet.
City of Newcastle is helping to support the community’s transition to electric vehicles as well with the development of a council-owned public electric vehicle charging network. This currently includes seven chargers installed across four sites, which provide 11 charging bays, with additional sites planned to be built this year.
CCTV images released as shooting investigation continues – Hunter region
Strike force detectives have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as inquiries continue into the shooting of another man in the state’s Hunter Region early last year.
About 10.45pm on Tuesday 9 March 2021, emergency services were called to a property on Golden Whistler Avenue at Aberglasslyn, following reports a man had been shot in the abdomen.
Police were told the injured man – aged 34 – was assaulted by two men, before being shot in the stomach by a third.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being airlifted to hospital. He has since been released.
Detectives attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Pedvin to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigators have since charged two men – aged 26 and 34 – in relation to the shooting; both men remain before the courts.
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as part of ongoing investigations.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, of medium build, with short dark cropped hair and distinctive tattoos on his neck, left arm, left leg and right hand.
He was wearing a black t-shirt with printed logo on the front, green shorts, joggers and sunglasses.
Anyone who may recognise this man, or who may have additional information which could assist strike force detectives, is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Community invited to comment on ambitious shared vision for Newcastle
Newcastle will be a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city in 2040 under an ambitious long-term vision developed with the community.
City of Newcastle engaged with more than 5000 people during the development of the draft Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was important to understand the community’s vision for the future of Newcastle and how it relates to the policies and projects being delivered during the next decade and beyond.
“Newcastle 2040 has been developed in consultation with the community over a period of 12 months and represents the collaboration of thousands of interactions, including face-to-face conversations, workshops, surveys, online feedback, advisory committees and stakeholder engagement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Through this extensive community consultation, we have developed four key themes that reflect the aspirations and values of our community, which are underpinned by our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“The priorities and objectives contained within this plan will enable us to celebrate our unique city, protect our natural assets, optimise opportunities, build resilience, champion inclusion and encourage innovation and creativity.
“The next decade is set to be an exciting and rewarding time for all of us as Newcastle grows from a great regional city to an emerging global city.
“Newcastle 2040 represents the highest level of strategic planning carried out by Local Government. It will guide our project delivery plans and annual budgets over the next decade and beyond as we work together to help make Newcastle a better place to live, work and enjoy.”
The draft plan’s four key themes are: Liveable Newcastle, Sustainable Newcastle, Creative Newcastle and Achieving Together – each of which have been expanded to include a range of priorities and objectives.
Cr Nelmes said the delivery of Newcastle 2040 will require shared decision-making and collaborative partnerships with government agencies, non-government organisations, business and the local community.
The community are being invited to provide feedback on the draft plan from today, after Councillors voted on Tuesday to place it on public exhibition for 28 days.
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to comment on the draft plan.
A Community Strategic Plan is required to be prepared every four years and must be adopted by June 30 of the year following a local government election.
Man critically injured following stabbing; man arrested – Muswellbrook
A man remains under police guard after another man was seriously injured following a domestic-related stabbing incident in the state’s Hunter Region overnight.
About 9.20pm (Tuesday 18 January 2022), emergency services were called to Brooke Street, Muswellbrook, following reports a 47-year-old man had been stabbed to the neck.
The injured man drove himself to Muswellbrook Hospital, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and established a crime scene, as detectives commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following inquiries, investigators attended Hunter Terrace, Muswellbrook, about 2am (Wednesday 19 January 2022), and arrested a 53-year-old man.
He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station before being transferred to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, under police guard.
Inquiries are continuing.
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 18 January 2022
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 18 January 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Congratulating new and returning Councillors
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) congratulated all successful candidates from the 4 December Local Government election and welcomed them to the Chamber as City of Newcastle Councillors. Councillors were also given an opportunity to address the Chamber.
COVID-19 Omicron Variant
An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was passed that noted the significant public health and economic consequences to Newcastle of the current national outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It expressed deep concern that NSW Health is no longer publishing daily COVID statistics for the Hunter-New England region, including the Newcastle LGA and called for Council to write to the NSW Premier and Minister for Health urging the reinstatement of reporting of daily case numbers for Newcastle. It also called for an assessment of the specific public health risks of the upcoming Newcastle 500 Supercars event, and a review of the Supercars COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Ordinary business
Appointment of Deputy Lord Mayor
Councillors voted to elect Cr Declan Clausen as Deputy Lord Mayor for the duration of current the Council term.
Countback election
Council determined that casual vacancies occurring in the office of a councillor within 18 months of the election on 4 December 2021 are to be filled by a countback of votes cast at that election.
Appointment of Councillor representatives to external committees and City of Newcastle committees
Council resolved to appoint Councillors as members of various external committees for the current Council term. This includes the Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated, the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, Hunter Sports Centre Incorporated, the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board, the Newcastle City Traffic Committee and the NSW Public Libraries Association. Council also resolved to appoint Councillors to a number of City of Newcastle committees for the current Council term.
Appointment of a Councillor representative to the Hunter Water Customer and Community Advisory Group
Council resolved to appoint a Councillor representative and an alternative to the Hunter Water Customer and Community Advisory Group for the current Council term.
Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2022 Local Government NSW Special Conference
Council voted to endorse three motions to be submitted to the 2022 Local Government NSW Special Conference, which will be held in Sydney from Monday 28 February to Wednesday 2 March 2022. This included a motion to amend the Local Government Act to prohibit property developers and real estate agents from running for elected local government positions; a motion to advocate for the removal of universal rate pegging in NSW, allowing elected Councils to set rates in consultation with their communities; and a motion to re-establish a fixed four-year term for Council, with the next Council elections to be held in September 2025.
Public exhibition of draft Community Strategic Plan
Council unanimously voted to publicly exhibit the draft Community Strategic Plan (Newcastle 2040) for 28 days. The Plan provides the basis for ongoing alignment of CN’s decision-making processes, strategies and activities with the vision of the Newcastle community and has been informed by extensive community and stakeholder engagement.