Category: Newcastle News

People approaching the end of life will have more choice to remain in their own homes for longer thanks to a $56 million funding boost included in the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding is in addition to the $220 million the NSW Government invests in palliative care services each year to benefit patients and carers.
“The unprecedented situation with COVID-19 has shown all of us the importance of having frank end of life discussions with our vulnerable loved ones,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This investment will support individual preferences and improve access to palliative care services, as well as create more jobs for those working with palliative patients.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said, as part of the investment, an additional 5,000 End of Life home support packages will be made available across NSW from 1 July 2021.
“For many people, dying at home, or staying at home longer, offers more peace but it requires access to a comprehensive package of support for carers,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government held roundtables across the state to inform our palliative care strategy and we continue to make good on our promise to provide integrated care.”
Mr Hazzard said the home packages not only offer case management but provide practical personal care and domestic supports, assistance with meals and transport.
Linda Hansen, Chief Executive of Palliative Care NSW said that quality palliative care requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
“This funding recognises the vital role of allied health professionals in supporting the physical and mental health needs of patients at this difficult time,” Ms Hansen said.
“Extending the program of in-home support will mean that more people will be able to achieve their goal of being cared for at home.”
The total funding boost includes:

• $30.4 million over four years to support multi-disciplinary approaches for end of life and palliative care to meet the needs of patients and their families and carers.

This includes:

• $4.5 million per year for up to 35 additional allied health professional positions such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians and physiotherapists, to address patients’ physical health needs and to support safe discharge from hospital so that people can be cared for at home if they choose
• $1.2 million per year, from 2021/22 to implement education and training to develop and grow the specialist palliative care workforce, and enhance capability across the health workforce
• $2 million per year to improve access to bereavement and psychosocial support services for people experiencing complex grief
• $25.6 million over four years to increase End of Life home support packages across NSW, including:

• Case management and services such as; personal care, domestic supports, assistance with meals, in-home respite and transport to appointments.
• The new funding will supplement this program with an additional 5,000 packages.

Police are appealing for two teenage girls to come forward after an incident in a park in Hamilton yesterday.
Police have been told two teenage girls – believed to be aged around 16 and 17 – were walking through Gregson Park at Hamilton about 10.30pm yesterday (Thursday 5 November 2020), when they were approached by a man.
The man reportedly spoke to the girls before they ran to a nearby hotel as the man left the scene in a late 1990s-model white Toyota Hilux utility.
A security guard at the hotel – who assisted the girls – reported the incident to Newcastle City Police District officers. He has told police the ute drove past the venue several times before leaving towards Tudor Street.
Detectives are hoping to speak with the girls involved in the incident, as well as anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything in the Gregson Park area.
Police have been told the man’s described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, with a medium build and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has launched a community campaign to stop oil and gas rigs being built off the coast of Newcastle.
Ms Claydon said the Federal and State governments are currently assessing an application to extend the PEP11 Petroleum Exploration Permit which extends from Newcastle to Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
“Newcastle has lived under the spectre of PEP11 since it was first granted in 1999. In this time, its achieved nothing but caused great distress and anxiety throughout our community,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Morrison Government needs to reject the application to extend PEP11 and ensure that oil and gas rigs never darken Newcastle’s waters. This is the first opportunity there’s been in a number of years to see the back of this project once and for all.”
Ms Claydon said the project simply doesn’t stack up.
“The idea that you would set up oil and gas rigs on one of the busiest east coast sea routes next to some of our most populous cities and towns is just ridiculous.
“Australia has plenty of energy sources without setting up oil rigs off the New South Wales coast.”
Ms Claydon said the community was united in their opposition to the project extension.
“As a coastal city, the ocean is at the very the core of our identity, and Novocastrians feel any threat to its fragile ecosystem very deeply. Indeed, I have received many hundreds of heartfelt letters, emails and calls, imploring me to oppose this development.
“I urge anyone with an interest in protecting our precious coastal waters to sign the petition on my website or in my office.”
Novocastrians can sign the petition online or at Sharon Claydon’s office at 427 Hunter Street Newcastle.

A second man has been charged following an alleged home invasion and assault in Lake Macquarie at the weekend.
About 12.40am on Sunday (1 November 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a house on Codrington Street, Barnsley, after reports a man had been assaulted during a home invasion.
Police have been told two males were at the home earlier in the evening for a party, but left after they were allegedly involved in an altercation with a 17-year-old male.
The two males then returned to the home – on two separate occasions – and allegedly assaulted the teenager, before they were seen fleeing in a vehicle.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged in relation to the incident; he remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, officers from the Northern Regional Enforcement Squad (RES) arrested a 28-year-old man at a home on Fern Street, Islington, about 1.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 November 2020).
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, aggravated enter dwelling with intent in company, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence and intimidation. He was also charged with breach of bail, larceny and other unrelated matters.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 4 November 2020).

City of Newcastle is developing a 10-year Economic Development Strategy, which will play a critical role in guiding the city’s COVID-19 economic recovery.
The community is invited to shape the Strategy, which will envision a future for the Newcastle economy and strive to empower, retain and attract people with skills of the future and create equal opportunity for all members of the community.
Young people will provide an important voice in the conversation, with the COVID-19 economic crisis disproportionately impacting 18-to-25-year-olds, driving the Hunter Region’s youth unemployment rate to 20.7 per cent.
City of Newcastle has partnered with TAFE NSW Newcastle, HunterNet and Hunter Young Professionals to directly engage with young people and facilitate discussion through multiple youth-specific workshops.
^{(L-R): TAFE Services Manager Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, Adrian Collins; City of Newcastle’s Economic Strategy & Government Relations Manager, Simon Massey; Hunter Young Professionals President, Kate David; Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen; Hunter Young Professionals Vice-President, Danielle O’Neill; TAFE Regional General Manager, Jason Darney; and HunterNet COO, Nick Couper at Hamilton TAFE Campus.}
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with a further almost one in 10 Novocastrians currently unemployed, it was more important than ever to identify future economic opportunities across the board.
“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy will focus on long-term actions to help create new jobs, drive investment and promote innovation,” Cr Nelmes said.
“When the pandemic first hit, City of Newcastle was one of the first Councils across Australia to act, adopting a $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Package with a range of programs to support community wellbeing and maximise cashflow. The Resilience Package was endorsed six days before the Federal Government announced the JobKeeper wage subsidy.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the City had also provided collaborative leadership and advocacy through the facilitation of the City Taskforce.
“Now, we are turning our attention to creating new long-term opportunities for our city, and we are seeking the community’s input,” Cr Clausen said.
A range of programs will be explored under four key pillars: Enabling Skills, Enabling Innovation, City-Shaping Initiatives and Facilitating a Vibrant City.
Community members can have their say via City of Newcastle’s website until Monday 7 December. City of Newcastle will also conduct face-to-face and online workshops with stakeholders and its networks, including the City Taskforce and Strategy and Innovation Committee.
The draft Strategy will be presented to Council in the early new year for consideration to be placed on public exhibition.

City of Newcastle is helping over 50s explore new technologies and interact with smart city innovations through a partnership with University of the Third Age (U3A) as part of their 30^th anniversary celebrations.
To mark the occasion, a series of thought-provoking lectures presented by 17 guest lecturers will take place during the month that cover an array of topics including the prospects for finding life in the universe, Newcastle’s forgotten 1800s diva, the future of agriculture and a guide to 3D printing.
Newcastle U3A is a volunteer run community organisation with tutors who come from diverse backgrounds to freely share their knowledge and passion for continuous, lifelong learning.
A showcase celebration was launched at City of Newcastle’s new Digital Library at 12 Stewart Avenue today where participants explored the City’s newest community asset and were introduced to a range of state-of-the art digital technologies.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the University of the Third Age’s mantra of life-long learning aligns perfectly with City of Newcastle’s Libraries model.
“Embracing a culture of lifelong learning enhances every aspect of a person’s life and is known to be beneficial in many ways.
“It is fitting that City of Newcastle Libraries has partnered with Newcastle U3A to present this program as both organisations have a common vision.
“City of Newcastle’s Library Strategy 2019-2029 outlines the essential role that libraries play in actively supporting lifelong learning.
“We applaud the work of long-standing community groups such as U3A for their dedication and service to the community.”
Newcastle University of the Third Age Newcastle Acting President Jenny Williams said the local volunteer run organisation was delighted to partner with Newcastle Libraries to celebrate the 30-year achievement.
“Many people have experienced isolation and loneliness in 2020 due to the COVID restrictions. This program enables participants to meet online, learn new skills and make meaningful connections, as we transition back to a more normal face-to-face learning environment.
“The showcase is a tribute to the tutors’ dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the ideals of the U3A of providing ongoing education, for learning new skills, and fostering self-reliance and independence among members of the ‘third age’.
The community is invited to discover what the Newcastle U3A and the new digital library have to offer. For a full schedule of lectures, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library

Nominations are now open for the City of Newcastle’s 2021 Australia Day Awards after a challenging year in 2020 that has demonstrated the strength and resilience of our community.
The Awards will recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups to community life over the past 12 months.
Nominations are being called for in the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year categories, with successful award recipients announced on Australia Day, 21 January 2021.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Novocastrians had shown incredible resilience in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and looking out for their fellow community members through this difficult time.
“We have all felt these impacts to some degree, with most of us having to lean on our support networks to get through tough times,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Now is the time to consider those who have gone above and beyond for our community, be it a neighbour, colleague, or local community group that assists those in need.
“The Australia Day Awards recognise the quiet achievers as well as those more familiar high-profile achievers. What they have in common is their ability to inspire others, overcome challenges and make a significant impact on the people of Newcastle.”
City of Newcastle’s 2020 Citizen of the Year, Michelle Faithfull, was honoured in January as a passionate fundraiser, raising $180,000 for local charities including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. She joins award alumni, ovarian cancer awareness campaigner, the late Jill Emberson, and Mark Hughes Foundation co-founder Mark Hughes.
The Hunter Homeless Connect Day coordinator said, while it had been no ordinary year, the Australia Day Award honour had boosted her calling to help others.
“I am passionate about giving back to the community after all the support I have received in turn; we Novocastrians are a caring bunch,” Ms Faithfull said.
“There are so many others doing great work in our wonderful community whose efforts deserve to be recognised.”
^{2020 Australia Day Award recipients Newcastle Pride (Community Group of the Year), Michelle Faithfull (Citizen of the Year) and Alexa Stuart (Young Citizen of the Year) with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillors Peta Winney-Baartz and John Church at January’s award ceremony.}
Nominees must reside in the Newcastle Local Government Area. Young Citizen of the Year nominees must be 30 years old or younger on 26 January 2021.
Nominations close 5pm Sunday 6 December 2020 and can be submitted via the website or hard copy form downloaded from the same location and available at the City Administration Centre, Level 1, 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West.

A teenage girl has been issued with a Police Infringement Notice (PIN) after police were called to a Halloween party in the Lake Macquarie district overnight.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Lake Road, Glendale, about 6.45pm (Friday 30 October 2020), following reports of a large party.
On arrival they found more than 100 people in the backyard of the property.
Upon seeing the police, some of the partygoers knocked down a fence and ran into adjoining streets and a nearby shopping centre, where multiple fights broke out.
Police intervened and broke up several fights and arrested four teenagers and a 20-year-old man.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was issued with two Criminal Infringement Notices (CINs) for offensive language and offensive behaviour.
Police returned to the Lake Street address where they issued the 17-year-old female occupant with a $1000 PIN for breaching the COVID-19 Public Health Order.
During the arrests, three police officers sustained minor injuries, with one requiring medical treatment.
Several police vehicles were also damaged after being kicked and having projectiles thrown at them.
Inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information about people breaching the COVID-19 Public Health Order is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner after a man drowned while swimming at Newcastle earlier today.
Emergency services were called to Nobbys Beach at Newcastle just before 8am this morning (Friday 30 October 2020), following reports a man was unconscious in the water.
Lifeguards pulled the man from the water and commenced CPR until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.
The man is yet to be formally identified; however, is believed to be aged in his 60s.
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.