Councillors will consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City of Newcastle and the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation at tonight’s Council meeting, which outlines the organisations’ shared commitment to the expansion project and the future of the cultural landmark.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the MoU was another milestone on the road towards the $35.6 million expansion of the Gallery, which would double its size and allow significantly more of its collection to be displayed to the public each year.
“Since being established in 1977, the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation has played a valuable role in supporting the Gallery and the growth of its collection, having contributed to the acquisition of more than 335 art works,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Its members are passionate about the future of the Gallery and are dedicated to increasing access to the 7,000 works it holds.
“City of Newcastle’s planned expansion project will achieve this aim, providing an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space including 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.
“City of Newcastle has committed a further to $12.6 million towards the project, while the Foundation has pledged $10 million. The MoU also includes a commitment by the Foundation to raise an additional $2.5 million through fundraising towards the expansion of the Gallery.
“As this revised Memorandum of Understanding affirms, we will continue to work together to ensure our shared dream for the Gallery becomes a reality.”

Members of the Foundation’s Board unanimously endorsed the revised MoU at a meeting last week, and Cr Nelmes said she hoped this would be followed by a similar show of unanimous support from Councillors this evening.
The MoU recognises the historical and cultural importance of the Gallery as custodian of the most valuable art collection in regional Australia, which presents a comprehensive overview of Australian art from colonial times to the present day and is worth $115 million.
It also acknowledges the work undertaken by City of Newcastle and the Foundation to preserve and promote the Gallery and reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to support and protect it for the enjoyment of future generations.
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with City of Newcastle will underpin further efforts to support the Gallery’s expansion.
“The Foundation is proud to contribute $10 million to the gallery expansion, made possible through generous contributions from the community and supporters over many years,” Ms Galwey said.
“The MoU between the City of Newcastle and the Foundation also provides certainty and assurance to future donors before committing contributions to the project.
“The MoU outlines how the major funding partners will work together, as well as the Foundation’s aspiration to raise an additional $2.5 million. By aligning this target with the City’s commitment, the Foundation is in a strong position to approach existing and new donors to secure the remaining funds needed to complete the expanded gallery.
“The MoU with the City will both guide and bolster our ongoing efforts to demonstrate how important Newcastle Art Gallery is to the community.”
The City of Newcastle is awaiting a determination from the Federal Government in regard to an application for $10 million in funding towards the project from its Recovering Regions program, which would allow the expansion to immediately commence.

Detectives investigating the death of a toddler more than 15 years ago in the state’s Hunter Region have charged a man with manslaughter.
Jordan William Thompson was 21 months old when his mum, Bernice Swales, went to run some errands, leaving him in the care of her then partner during the afternoon of Thursday 19 March 2005.
When she returned home, Jordan was unresponsive. She rushed him across the road to Singleton Base Hospital, but he could not be revived.
Police were told Jordan had been found face down in the bathtub; however, a post-mortem later found high levels of a prescription medication used to treat depression in his system.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad established Strike Force Kyeama to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jordan’s death.
A Coronial Inquest commenced in 2008 and resumed in 2015, with Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott finding in 2018 that Jordan died because he had been deliberately administered anti-depressant medication.
Following further extensive investigations, and a NSW Government $100,000 reward for information, Strike Force Kyeama detectives arrested a 49-year-old man at a home at Doonside about 5pm today (Monday 27 September 2021).
He was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with manslaughter.
The Singleton man was refused bail and is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 28 September 2021).

Detectives have charged a man over his alleged role in the historical sexual and physical abuse of a teenage girl in the state’s Hunter region.
In January 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force Baria to investigate the alleged kidnapping, sexual and physical assault of a teenage girl between April 2016 and December 2018 by people known to her.
Strike force detectives have already charged two men – aged 38 and 43 – as well as a 60-year-old woman, for their alleged roles in the abuse of the teenage girl. They remain before the courts.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 61-year-old man at a home in Muswellbrook about 4pm yesterday (Monday 27 September 2021).
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with 16 sexual and physical violence-related offences.
They include;

• Indecent assault person under 16 years of age,
• cause child older than 14 and below 18 to do act of child prostitution,
• have sexual intercourse with person older than 14 and younger than 16 years (x2),
• assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) (x2),
• attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm (domestic) (x3),
• common assault (DV) (x5),
• take etc in company with intent get advantage occasion actual bodily harm (DV), and,
• kidnap with intent commit serious indictable off occasion actual bodily harm (DV)

Police will allege in court the man sexually and physically assaulted a 19-year-old woman – then aged between 13 and 16-years-old – on numerous occasions between 2016 and 2018.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 28 September 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Baria are continuing.
 

Swimming centres across Newcastle are set to welcome swimmers back on Monday, following the NSW Government’s decision last week that outdoor public pools can reopen.
Newcastle’s five inland swimming centres have been closed since the conclusion of the summer season in April and have remained closed in line with the Public Health Order which only allowed natural swimming pools, like Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths, to open.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the decision to reopen the city’s swimming centres.
“The importance of exercise can’t be understated during the extended stay at home orders, so I’m pleased that Newcastle’s swimming centres are able to safely reopen to swimmers from Monday.
“As the weather continues to warm up, people have flocked to the city’s beaches and ocean baths, which have remained open throughout the stay at home orders.
“Reopening outdoor pools will provide more options for swimmers across the entire local government area, not just at the city’s beaches and baths.
“City of Newcastle has delivered new playgrounds at Mayfield and Wallsend Swimming Centres, as well as a new accessible changeroom area at Mayfield Swimming Centre, in time for reopening.”
The latest NSW Government advice states that from 27 September members of the public can resume swimming at outdoor public pools either within your local government area or within 5km of your home.
Beresfield, Lambton, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres will reopen on Monday 27 September with COVID-safe plans in place.
Those attending Newcastle’s swimming centres will be required to adhere to NSW Government advice, check in, wear masks while not swimming and maintain physical distancing. Pool visitors will be encouraged to swim and go, and all indoor and outdoor areas including grandstands, changerooms and bathrooms will be open and subject to capacity limits based on the 4sqm rule. Community sport, training programs and learn to swim lessons remain suspended.
Saturday 18 September marked the official start of the summer season at local beaches and baths, with lifeguards now on patrol daily at Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Newcastle, Nobbys and Stockton Beaches, as well as Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths.
For more information on pool opening hours, please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/swimming-centres

A man has been charged with driving, drug and weapons offences following an investigation into dangerous driving and burnouts in the Hunter region.
On Wednesday 22 September 2021, officers from the Newcastle-Hunter Sector of Traffic and Highway Patrol were notified of a white Toyota Hilux spray painted black allegedly conducting burnouts in Bellbird in the early hours of the morning.
Following inquiries, officers – with assistance from Hunter Valley Police District – executed a search warrant at a home on Kempe Street, Cessnock, about 1.45pm yesterday (Thursday 23 September 2021).
During the warrant, police seized a Toyota Hilux, a Mercedes Van, two slingshots, methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, number plates and mobile phones.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with 14 offences including:

• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (x2)
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
• Unlawfully possess number plates
• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
• Interfere with person’s enjoyment or risk safety
• Use light vehicle with dangerous frontal protrusions
• Use light vehicle with seatbelt missing or defective
• Use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard
• Use vehicle with defective body or structural member
• Possess prohibited drug
• Possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs
• Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19

The Cessnock man was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
Traffic Inspector for the Newcastle-Hunter Sector, Inspector Mick Buko, said this manner of driving is reckless and can have serious consequences.
“Not only is this behaviour dangerous, it also puts other innocent members of the public at risk, and we simply won’t tolerate it.
“Anyone who observes this sort of dangerous driving is encouraged to report it to your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Insp Buko said.
Investigations are ongoing into further alleged driving offences.

A renewable energy industry built on large-scale offshore wind farms could unlock billions of dollars in investment and create thousands of jobs in Newcastle, offering a sustainable future for the city.
Speaking at an online event last night hosted by Friends of the Earth and Climate Council exploring Australia’s opportunity in offshore wind, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle was perfectly positioned to embrace this new industry.
“Features that make us one of the largest coal regions also position us perfectly to become a major national and international clean energy player,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This includes a highly skilled workforce, our accessibility to the National Energy Grid and the untapped potential of the Port of Newcastle to become an export hub for ‘green’ manufactured resources and materials such as green steel and hydrogen.
“This industry offers many benefits, but its development must be done with guarantees in place that it would preference the employment of local workers and use of local materials for the benefit of our communities.”
The forum heard from representatives from the energy industry and the Maritime Union of Australia to explore broader issues and long-term actions around the development of offshore wind as submissions are received on the Australian Parliament’s Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill.
Offshore wind farms have been developed globally for almost 30 years as a viable source of renewable energy.
A number of sites around Australia have been identified for possible offshore wind farms, including two potential projects off the coast of Newcastle.
Cr Nelmes said this industry has the potential to deliver a host of benefits for the state and our region, but was mindful of the need for measures to be put in place to protect and deliver local jobs.
“City of Newcastle has a long history of supporting and implementing renewable energy projects, including becoming the first local government in NSW to move to 100 per cent renewable electricity,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With the correct legislative and regulatory framework, offshore wind along the coast of Newcastle has the potential to play a significant role in sustaining our state’s future energy needs, could unlock billions in new investment in renewable energy infrastructure and provide a significant boost to the local economy.”

An updated vision for Wickham will see the Village Hub precinct expanded, turning what has always been a semi-industrial suburb into an urban residential neighbourhood that supports Newcastle’s reinvented west-end.
The Wickham Masterplan was first developed in 2017 in partnership with the community and guides City of Newcastle’s planning decisions and delivery of urban renewal within Wickham. The updated Masterplan continues with the vision for Wickham and will guide future redevelopment of land. It also addresses the challenge of mine subsidence in the area while providing important public domain improvements for the community.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Wickham Masterplan is an important tool for bringing vital community infrastructure to Wickham, while also protecting the suburb’s village character and feel.
“The community told us that retaining the character of key areas like the Village Hub was vital, and the updated Masterplan reflects this with a revision of housing types and expansion of the Village Hub precinct,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The updated Wickham Masterplan also takes into consideration the importance of community infrastructure including new footpaths and cycleways, and green space, with a related Public Domain Plan now underway to clarify requirements for coordinated streetscape renewal, including footpaths, roads and tree plantings.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the updated Wickham Masterplan addresses the challenges and opportunities that have arisen since the original Masterplan was developed in 2017.
“Wickham continues to attract new residents. The updated Masterplan guides the way that Wickham grows and takes shape, taking advantage of its connection to public transport, the CBD, harbour and great parks,” Cr Clausen said.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the updated Wickham Masterplan incorporates height limits and greater set back controls on land bordering the Village Hub to protect the character of the residential precinct.
“The updated Wickham Masterplan also reflects updated risk assessments for the issue of mine subsidence,” Ms Bisson said.
“Recent assessments by Subsidence Advisory NSW have found that the risks of subsidence from old mine workings in Wickham are more extensive than previously anticipated, meaning building densities have been reduced in some areas affected by subsidence risk,” Ms Bisson said.
“Expansion of the Village Hub along Bishopsgate Street is widely supported by the community following the exhibition period, along with maintaining the 10-metre height limit,” she said.
Following consideration of public submissions, a site at the western end of Bishopsgate Street will remain in the Emerging Industry Quarter as per the 2017 Masterplan. Greater set back controls will apply on the boundary to minimise impacts and maintain streetscape character in the residential precinct. The site was formerly occupied by a service station and an industrial building.
Councillors will vote on the updated Wickham Masterplan at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council meeting.

Avid readers will be able to turn the pages of their favourite books once again following the launch of a new Newcastle Libraries service, Library 2U, which will see books, movies and music delivered to the homes of members.
The initiative ensures Newcastle Libraries members can continue to connect with library services during the current stay at home orders, following the temporary closure of all branches when lockdown began in early-August.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that Novocastrians love connecting with their libraries and the service will keep the community informed and entertained during a trying time.
“With more than 96,000 members, and loans reaching 1.3 million in the last year, it is clear that our community values the services and connection that the city’s libraries offer,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Everyone loves the feeling of being transported into the world of their favourite book or movie and although we can’t yet welcome people back inside branches, we’re pleased to be able to launch Library 2U.
“All it takes is a quick phone call or completing an online form and library staff will consider your preferences and hand-pick a selection of reading, watching or listening options, which will arrive at your door via contactless delivery the following business day.”
Library 2U is available now to all Newcastle Libraries members residing in the Newcastle Local Government Area. Up to five items will be selected for members based on their preferences and members can keep loans until return chutes reopen.
A click and collect service may also soon be available following recent changes to the Public Health Order allowing libraries to facilitate collections. The Newcastle Libraries click and collect service is expected to commence in early October.
Membership to Newcastle Libraries and the Library 2U service is free and can be arranged by phoning 4974 5300 or visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
While library branches are closed members can access the eLibrary for a range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, magazines and newspapers, by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library or downloading the Newcastle Libraries app.
Newcastle Libraries membership and loan statistics:

• Total membership is 96,603
• In the last year Newcastle Libraries have gained almost 9,000 new members.
• There were over 11,000 library app downloads in the last year
• In the last financial year the library has celebrated 1.3 million loans in total across its physical and eLibrary selection.
• Fiction loans account for 55% of total loans
• eLibrary loans account for just under 40% of all loans
• Within the eLibrary, 40% are eBooks and eAudiobooks, 20% of loans are music, movies and TV, 20% are magazines and newspapers and remainder are online learning and research databases.

Two men have been charged with drug supply offences after a large amount of cannabis was located across the Hunter and Lake Macquarie areas yesterday.
In July this year, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Jinker to investigate the commercial supply of cannabis in the Port Stephens and lower Hunter areas.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from Lake Macquarie Police District – executed three search warrants at Beresfield, Vacy and Jewells yesterday (Monday 20 September 2021).
Investigators located and dismantled hydroponic setups in varying sizes at all three locations; seizing 162 plants and 5kg of cannabis bud.
Police also seized drug paraphernalia, nun chucks, ammunition and firearm parts.
A 67-year-old man was arrested at the Beresfield home. He was charged with take part enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis commercial.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
A 48-year-old man was arrested during the Belmont search warrant. He was charged with supply prohibited drug and cultivate cannabis indictable quantity.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
Investigations under Strike Force Jinker are continuing, with further arrests anticipated.