City of Newcastle is inviting community feedback to help inform a new strategy that will guide the future provision and direction of tennis and bat ball facilities across the Newcastle local government area.
Community members can have their say via an online survey, and direct consultation will also be undertaken with tennis clubs, neighbouring councils, Tennis NSW and Venues NSW.
A review of the provision of tennis courts throughout Newcastle was a recommendation made in the city’s Strategic Sports Plan, a ten-year plan that provides strategic guidance and facility advice for 13 outdoor sports, including tennis, to 2031.
The consultation will inform the development of a draft Tennis Strategy, which will then be reported to Council and placed on public exhibition for further community comment.
There are currently 61 tennis courts within 14 tennis centres throughout the city, and a further three bat ball courts, which prove popular amongst Newcastle’s active community members.
City of Newcastle is committed to providing sporting infrastructure to provide opportunities for the community to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
To find out more and to provide feedback visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
City trials world-leading technology in raingardens to keep waterways clean
City of Newcastle is leading the trial and implementation of a new sustainable technology that improves cleanliness of stormwater runoff through an innovative filtration system used in garden beds along our city streets.
Filter soils have been installed at test sites in Newcastle suburbs using compost soil and specially processed recycled materials like glass and green waste.
Raingardens are small garden beds located along the street featuring soil and plants that slow down and filter pollution in stormwater, so it doesn’t harm waterways and beaches.
The raingardens are usually found on street corners where cars can’t park and have more grass-like shrubbery than usual roadside plantings and are set in lowered beds over drains.
Recycled glass and green waste is now being used as a filter material that creates a healthy environment for plants increasing biodiversity in the suburbs. In addition to filtering the water, the raingardens also create a habitat for flora and fauna and absorb heat, meaning our streets are cooler in summer.
Data collected from these test sites will be verified by University of Newcastle as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre for Organic Research and Education (CORE) and City of Newcastle.
City of Newcastle is the first council to use the biofilter material that contains recycled products within the soil mix, such as crushed recycled glass instead of virgin sand, and organic composted waste products instead of artificial fertiliser and clay.
The unique material can remove pollutants such as sediment and heavy metals that come from our tyres and brake pads as they wear down; grease, oil, petrol and air conditioner coolant that drips from motor vehicles; and excess nutrients from parks and gardens that can cause algal blooms.
The water is carried away through drains, pipes and channels to local creeks, wetlands, estuaries and finally to the ocean, which is a great outcome for the environment.
Biofilter raingardens have now been installed at sites in Cooks Hill, Merewether, Mayfield West, Stockton, The Junction and Wallsend. Existing systems in Beresfield and Fletcher will soon be renewed with biofilter material.
Costa Georgiadis, Chair Centre for Organic Research and Education Eric Love, City of Newcastle Asset Services Manager Peter McMurray and City of Newcastle Asset Engineer Luke Jaszczyk at a biofilter raingarden in Wallsend.
Filter soils have been installed at test sites in Newcastle suburbs using compost soil and specially processed recycled materials like glass and green waste.
Raingardens are small garden beds located along the street featuring soil and plants that slow down and filter pollution in stormwater, so it doesn’t harm waterways and beaches.
The raingardens are usually found on street corners where cars can’t park and have more grass-like shrubbery than usual roadside plantings and are set in lowered beds over drains.
Recycled glass and green waste is now being used as a filter material that creates a healthy environment for plants increasing biodiversity in the suburbs. In addition to filtering the water, the raingardens also create a habitat for flora and fauna and absorb heat, meaning our streets are cooler in summer.
Data collected from these test sites will be verified by University of Newcastle as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre for Organic Research and Education (CORE) and City of Newcastle.
City of Newcastle is the first council to use the biofilter material that contains recycled products within the soil mix, such as crushed recycled glass instead of virgin sand, and organic composted waste products instead of artificial fertiliser and clay.
The unique material can remove pollutants such as sediment and heavy metals that come from our tyres and brake pads as they wear down; grease, oil, petrol and air conditioner coolant that drips from motor vehicles; and excess nutrients from parks and gardens that can cause algal blooms.
The water is carried away through drains, pipes and channels to local creeks, wetlands, estuaries and finally to the ocean, which is a great outcome for the environment.
Biofilter raingardens have now been installed at sites in Cooks Hill, Merewether, Mayfield West, Stockton, The Junction and Wallsend. Existing systems in Beresfield and Fletcher will soon be renewed with biofilter material.
Costa Georgiadis, Chair Centre for Organic Research and Education Eric Love, City of Newcastle Asset Services Manager Peter McMurray and City of Newcastle Asset Engineer Luke Jaszczyk at a biofilter raingarden in Wallsend.
Fourth man charged after fatal shooting – Port Stephens
A fourth man has been charged following a fatal shooting in Port Stephens earlier this year.
About 1.45pm on Sunday 29 August 2021, emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, and located a male driver suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
He was later identified as 45-year-old David King.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, which police believe is allegedly linked to the shooting.
Detectives established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
Three men – aged 26, 27 and 39 – have since been arrested and charged. They are currently before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 10am today (Tuesday 23 November 2021), police arrested a 28-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station.
He was charged with murder, take/detain person in company without to obtain advantage, and possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority.
The man was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court today where he was formally refused bail to reappear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 17 January 2022.
Former youth workers charged over alleged historical child sex offences – Strike Force Eiraban
Investigators have laid additional charges and charged a second former youth worker over alleged historical sexual offences, as part of Strike Force Eiraban
In November 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Eiraban to investigate allegations of alleged child sexual offences against two teenage boys between 1990 and 2004 in Muswellbrook and Gateshead.
As part of inquiries, detectives charged a 71-year-old man on Thursday 29 July 2021 with 15 offences. He remains before the court.
Strike Force detectives also investigated reports that two men – who are known to each other – allegedly sexually abused multiple children between the 1960s and mid 2000’s, while employed at a youth centre in Muswellbrook.
Following further inquiries, police arrested the 71-year-old man at Lake Macquarie yesterday (Tuesday 23 November 2021), and laid an additional 85 charges including;
- sexual assault person under 16 years of age
- sexual assault and commit act of indecency (x2)
- sex assault indecent assault person younger than 16 under authority (x5)
- aggravated indecent assault – victim under authority of offender (x2)
- aggravated indecency – victim under 16 and offender in company
- incite aggravated indecency – victim younger than 16 under authority of offender (x9)
- incite aggravated indecency – victim younger than 16 and offender in company
- sexual intercourse – person aged between 10 and 16 under authority (x6)
- buggery (x7)
- indecent assault on male (x29)
- indecent act with male (x5)
- sexual intercourse with person 10 or over and under 16 years (x11)
- aggravated indecent assault (x5)
Further, investigators arrested a 67-year-old man at a house in Wauchope yesterday. The man was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station and charged with 28 offences:
- sex assault indecent assault person <16 under authority (x5)
- sex assault incite indecent act, <16 & under authority (x2)
- aggravated indecent assault – victim under authority of offender (x3)
- aggravated indecency-victim under 16 & offender in company (x1)
- incite aggravated indecency-victim <16 & under authority of offender (x2)
- incite aggravated indecency-victim <16 & offender in company (x1)
- sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 years (x2)
- sexual intercourse-person 10 & under 16 under authority (x12)
Both men were refused bail and appeared at Port Macquarie Local Court today (Wednesday 24 November 2021).
The older man was formally refused bail and the younger man was granted conditional bail, both to appear before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 19 January 2022.
Investigations under Strike Force Eiraban continue.
Newcastle launches architectural design competition
An exciting opportunity awaits inspired architects, with City of Newcastle together with property developers St Hilliers and The Spotlight Property Group launching a design competition for the redevelopment of 711 Hunter Street in the city’s revitalised West-end.
The competition brief requires two towers in the design, approximately 90 metres high, with up to 250 dwellings and 1,500 square metres of commercial floor space, at an estimated construction cost of $100 million.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the design competition signals that Newcastle is entering a new phase with developer confidence in the city reaching an all-time high.
“Newcastle is coming of age by transforming into a modern metropolitan city, with significant redevelopment occurring, particularly in the West-end,” Ms Bisson said.
“This prominent site, which was the former Spotlight and Anaconda building, extends from Hunter Street to King Street along the northern side of National Park Street, and is the perfect place to drive design excellence.
“The design competition is seeking innovative design entries by bringing the best creative talent to the fore, to imagine a landmark building and place that will stand the test of time.”
The design competition is being run by an independent jury process under the governance of City of Newcastle and the NSW Government Architect’s Office. Consultants Urbis are administering the design competition on behalf of property developers St Hilliers and The Spotlight Property Group.
The winning design will be chosen by the independent jury at the close of the competition in December, and a Development Application for the site is expected to be lodged by St Hilliers and The Spotlight Property Group in 2022.
St Hilliers Property Project Director Paul Smith said this design competition is a great way to build design excitement and interest for this high-profile project.
“Ongoing revitalisation is transforming Newcastle’s West-end so we see it as a perfect time to launch the design competition for this development,” Mr Smith said.
“We look forward to reviewing the innovative proposals as a result of the competition process and delivering Newcastle a development that is a symbol of design excellence.”
Gregson Park's history celebrated in new Masterplan
Future improvements to Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park will be realised through a detailed Masterplan for the site, which will be presented to Councillors for adoption at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
City of Newcastle Acting Director City Wide Services Lynn Duffy said that community feedback was integral in the development of the new Masterplan.
“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space, which is why this Masterplan was developed with the community in mind,” Ms Duffy said.
“In 2020, we asked our community to share their aspirations, memories from the past and what they wanted to see at Gregson Park in the future. This consultation informed a draft Masterplan that was placed on public exhibition with the opportunity to provide further feedback.
“The Masterplan will ensure we respect the heritage significance of Gregson Park through the retention and enhancement of the existing historical elements, as well as incorporate indigenous culture into future improvements.
“City of Newcastle will invest $8 million into Gregson Park over the next decade by implementing short and long-term priorities included in the Masterplan.”
During the six-week public exhibition period, City of Newcastle heard that the community supports the provision of activities for all ages, including the retention of the tennis courts and addition of fitness equipment, basketball half court and a bat ball wall.
The draft Masterplan was further refined in response to community feedback, which saw the addition of bike racks and bubblers, re-orientation of the basketball half court, relocation of the bat ball wall and improved seating configuration in the south-western corner of the park. The tennis clubhouse will also be retained, noting that a Tennis Strategy will be developed to provide further insight into tennis facilities across Newcastle.
Amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management will also be considered by Councillors at Tuesday’s Council Meeting to ensure the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan can be realised.
Short-term priorities earmarked include the new larger playspace, basketball half court and bat ball wall, realigned paths, plantings, community shelter, enhanced park entries and upgraded amenities with disabled access and facilities.
Long-term priorities include further tree planting, new accessible pathway, potential new kiosk, community gardens and the addition of a stormwater retention tank underneath the former bowling green.
Funding support takes entertainment outdoors this summer
Newcastle’s COVID-19-disrupted performing arts and live music industries will be reinvigorated by a new initiative which will see emerging performers work with experienced professionals to deliver live events in suburban parks.
City of Newcastle is offering opportunities for emerging creatives who will present live music and performances at eight events held in Gregson Park, Centennial Park, Jesmond Park and Lambton Park on weekends throughout January.
City of Newcastle Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said taking live music and performances outdoors this summer is a COVID safe way to bring the local community back together after the prolonged lockdown period.
“It’s been a challenging time for the performing arts sector and live music industry in Newcastle, with many artists and performers out of work for several months,” Ms Hyland said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to putting our support behind these industries by activating the suburbs and creating opportunities for live outdoor entertainment this summer, in a bid to bring the community back together safely.
“I hope people get a boost from visiting their local park, joining with friends and family and enjoying the energy and atmosphere of live performances while supporting Newcastle’s cultural scene.”
Young and emerging event producer Jasmine Fletcher from Queer and Now said the group is looking forward to working with local not-for-profit arts organisation Octapod and City of Newcastle to deliver creative performances showcasing local talent.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our local performing arts industry following months of lockdown,” Jasmine said.
“We’ve curated a stellar line-up of local talent from poets, hula-hoopers to stilt walkers, and can’t wait to see them perform live in front of a crowd this summer.”
The initiative is funded under City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Package (CERP) and follows the December round of Locally Made and Played grant funding, which will see more than 80 live music, micro theatre and comedy-style performances held across the city in the lead up to Christmas between 1 – 20 December 2021.
Visit City of Newcastle’s What’s ON page for more event information.
LOCALLY MADE & PLAYED GRANT FUNDING RECIPIENTS DECEMBER:
Earp Distilling Co
Hunter Beasley Trio
Bodie Band
Loui Abell
Thom Wootton
Tim Rossington
The Clarendon Hotel
Humming Bird Trio
J-Man’s Blues Band
Fox Control DJs
Jump
Momo Wholefood
Pikou Panez (featuring Mia Peters, Naomi Blanch, Naomi Jones, Timothy Merriken)
Sydney Junction Hotel
Luke Lightenberg
Howard Shearmen
Rebecca Henry
Josh Drinkwater
Mark Duo
Beach Burrito Company
Dunni DJ
Cous Cous and Paspalum
Star Generation and Mango Avenue
Scrubba Body
Jai Jai
Loui Abell
Timberlina
The Rogue Scholar
Emily A Smith
Daniel March
Max De Groot
Hannah Indigo
Raggle Taggle Gypsies
The Kent Hotel
Gen-X
Project X
Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club
John O’Reilly
The Newy Hotel
Royal Coats, Kids on a Leash, Mango Avenue, J West
5 SAWYERS
Nic Rage
Bobby C
Bree Rusev
Jams Karaoke & Bar
Jay Smith
Friday Night Feast at The Station
Andrew Taylor
Talulah
Hunter Beasley Trio
Georgie Winchester Trio
The Manuel Approach
Newcastle Community Tennis Centre Pty Ltd
Eilan Doyle (Doylo)
L.J. Harvey (Sugargob)
The Base
Renyen, Clair Boe Cousin, ENA, Kodivine, Monique Humphreys.
Racecourse Hotel Wallsend
Dane Fitzsimmons
Loose Lucy
Tom Wootton
Phil McKnight
Honey Duo
Chloe and Alexine
The Olive Tree Market
Earthen Rhythm African Drumming Group, Loui Abell, Hannah Indigo
Queens Wharf Brewery
MAK Duo
Phonic
Kaylens Rain
Downtown the Duo
Audio Collective
The Mark Hotel
Craig Thommo
Mark Lee
The Rum Diary Bar
Phoenix Prichard
Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club
Jamie Martens
Jake Hunt
Eddy Rockefeller
Woman dies after tree branch falls in National Park – Lake Macquarie
A woman has died after a tree branch fell on her while bushwalking in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
About 6.30pm (Sunday 21 November 2021), emergency services responded to reports of a woman being struck by a falling tree branch in the Watagans National Park at Cooranbong, near Lake Macquarie on the Central Coast.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, along with Ambulance Paramedics and officers from Fire and Rescue NSW attended the scene. Despite the efforts of relatives and first responders, the woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, was unable to be revived.
At the time of the incident, weather conditions were poor, with the area being drenched by heavy rain throughout the day.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Man dies following fatal crash – Campvale
A man has died following a single vehicle crash in the Hunter Region today.
Just after 11:15am today (Saturday 20 November 2021), emergency services were called to Richardson Road, Campvale, following reports of a crash.
On arrival, police were told a car had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle – a 62-year-old man – was treated at the scene by members of the public and emergency services but died at the scene.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Police operation concluded following peaceful protests in Sydney and Inner West
A police operation has now concluded following two authorised protests in the Sydney CBD and Newtown today.
A high-visibility operation was launched in response to the planned protests today (Saturday 20 November 2021), to ensure the safety of participants, as well as the community and local businesses.
The protests were authorised after NSW Police Force received a Form 1 prior to the events, which took place in Sydney’s CBD at 12pm and Newtown at 1pm today.
General duties officers from Sydney City Police Area Command, Inner West Police Area Command and across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.
No issues arose at the protests, with estimated crowd numbers reaching 120 people at the Newtown protest, and up to 10,000 people at the protest in the Sydney CBD.
No arrests were made, and no infringements were issued during the protests.
Two further protests, for which a Form 1 was not received and therefore unauthorised, took place at about 10.30am in Newcastle and 11am in Newtown.
A small group attended the unauthorised protests and they conducted without any incident.
Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said overall, police were pleased with crowd behaviour and the majority of attendees conducted a peaceful protest.
“NSW Police worked closely with other agencies to execute a widespread and robust police operation that extended across the Sydney CBD and inner west, and included a significant presence across major public transport routes and roads,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
“Overall, the protests were conducted peacefully with minimal disruption to the community, and I’m pleased to see that the vast majority of people complied with police directions.
“We take the safety of the community and our police officers extremely seriously and we are glad our policing response, supported by road and transport strategies, effectively resulted in peaceful protest activity.
“I want to thank the community who did the right thing today and acknowledge the more than 600 police officers who were deployed across the Sydney CBD and inner west for their professional response during today’s activities,” he said.