Category: Newcastle News

Veteran art director and curator Nick Mitzevich was bestowed a Key to the City of Newcastle by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes during an intimate ceremony yesterday at Newcastle Art Gallery.
The Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Mr Mitzevich began his career in Newcastle, studying a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle and gaining Graduate Diplomas in Education and Fine Art, serving as the Director of Newcastle Art Gallery for six years.

During his tenure, Mr Mitzevich brought community engagement, programming, marketing and collection development – particularly contemporary Australian art – to the fore, boldly transforming the Gallery in these areas.
Today, he remains a passionate advocate and supporter of the proposed $35.6 million Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion to key decisionmakers and governing bodies in Canberra, touting Newcastle as a creative arts hub that fosters creativity and produces world-class talent.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes commended Mr Mitzevich for his service to the arts and presented him with a Key to the City in front of esteemed friends, family and colleagues.
“The Key to the City is a significant honour under the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program, which recognises the efforts of Novocastrians, both residing in our City and in other parts of Australia and the world, in promoting our City,” Cr Nelmes said.
“While Mr Mitzevich’s impressive career has taken him to Queensland, South Australia and most recently the ACT, it is clear from his advocacy for Newcastle Art Gallery and the region as a whole that Newcastle has remained close to his heart, and we look forward to working with Mr Mitzevich as an ambassador for the City.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton wholeheartedly endorsed Mr Mitzevich’s induction to the Ambassador Program.
“It is wonderful to see my professional colleague and dear friend Nick Mitzevich, former Director of our beautiful Gallery and now the Director of the National Gallery of Australia, receive this prestigious award,” Ms Morton said.
“Nick continues to be a proud advocate and supporter of Newcastle’s much-loved Art Gallery and it is a pleasure to be hosting his Ambassadorship ceremony here.”
Chair of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, Suzie Galwey, said the Foundation was pleased to submit Mr Mitzevich’s worthy nomination to the City of Newcastle Award Panel.
“Advancing Newcastle Art Gallery, its collection and its exhibitions, is at the core of everything we do at the Foundation. The Board is pleased to formally recognise Mr Mitzevich’s ongoing contributions to our mission, and we were delighted to be able to nominate him for the Ambassador Program,” Ms Galwey said.
“The Foundation shares the City’s ambition to further the Gallery’s reputation as a world-class cultural institution, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Mr Mitzevich for the benefit of the Gallery and the City.”
Upon receiving the Key to the City, Mr Mitzevich thanked the City of Newcastle and acknowledged his role as a former Novocastrian in proudly promoting the City.
“It is an honour and a privilege to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle, my hometown which represents a significant chapter in my life and my career,” Mr Mitzevich said.
“In upholding the values of the Ambassador Program as the City’s newest inductee, this award reaffirms my continued commitment to the City of Newcastle and its rich arts scene.”
Mr Mitzevich is the eighth individual or organisation to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle since the program’s inception in 2017, joining the ranks with Naval Officer Anita Sellick, former University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Caroline McMillen, Breast Cancer Trials, Newcastle Eye Hospital Foundation, The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG, Youth With a Mission medical vessel The Ruach, and businesswoman and media personality Jackie Gillies.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Lake Macquarie.
Patrick Thaidy, aged 60, was last seen at his home on Delasala Drive in Macquarie Hills about 12am on Sunday (6 December 2020).
Family members reported him missing to police later that day and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family members hold grave concerns for his welfare due to medical conditions.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, with a medium build, short black hair, scruffy facial hair and brown eyes. He is not currently wearing his dentures.
He was last seen wearing grey ‘Everlast’ track pants, a blue ‘Everlast’ long sleeve shirt and black shoes.
He is known to frequent areas in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong.
Anyone who may have seen Patrick or who may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about Patrick’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A woman will face court today charged over an alleged armed robbery in Newcastle overnight.
About 6.15pm (Monday 7 December 2020), a 39-year-old female attendant was working at a service station on Park Avenue, Kotara, when a 37-year-old woman entered the store and approached the counter.
Police will allege in court the woman then threatened the employee with a knife and demanded cigarettes.
The employee refused and the woman left the store.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended a short time later and arrested the woman.
She was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon.
She was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 8 December 2020)

Novocastrians will be able to ring in the New Year at a series of localised events designed to safely bring the community together to celebrate the end of 2020.
Family-friendly picnics in the park, pool parties, food trucks and food-focused market stalls will be on offer around the city on 31 December and 1 January.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the community events would provide a vibrant alternative to the usual Foreshore fireworks display and concert, which was put on hold this year due to COVID-19.
“In a year that’s been very different from what anyone would have expected, we’ve decided to do things a little differently when it comes to our New Year’s celebrations,” Cr Clausen said.
“After making the difficult decision to cancel our traditional fireworks event this year, we’ve been working on ways to bring the party to the people and allow Novocastrians to celebrate closer to home.
“To that end, we’re putting on seven localised events on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that will provide festive opportunities for our community to reconnect, reflect, and refresh heading into 2021.
“You can pack a picnic blanket, bring a basket and stock up on your favourite goodies from local food providers before settling back with family and friends to enjoy a picnic in the park.
“Our swimming centres will also allow you to splash into 2021 at festive pool parties where you can make a day of it with water-based inflatables, roving entertainment and a selection of food trucks.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Nelmes said the fireworks display planned for 2020 would be deferred until 2021 when festivities would return to the Newcastle Foreshore, subject to any public health orders in place at that time.
“2020 has been a year like no other, but what it has shown above all is our community’s ability to work together for the benefit of all,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The city deserves the chance to celebrate what we have achieved together this year and everything we’re looking forward to in 2021.
“I encourage Novocastrians to enjoy the New Year’s period in a COVID Safe way, whether they attend one of our events, support our local restaurants and bars, or gather with friends and family at home.”

The New Year’s program will include:

• Food Markets at Lambton Park and Dixon Park on New Year’s Eve (3pm to 8pm), including roving entertainment and children’s activities.
• Activations at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including inflatables, food trucks and roving entertainment.
• Food Markets at Richley Reserve on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including roving entertainment, children’s activities and a ‘sensory zone’ for people with disabilities and their families.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/NYE for more information.

An investigation is underway following a stabbing in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
About 7.10pm (Sunday 6 December 2020), emergency services were called to a service station on Lowry Street near Main Road, Cardiff, after reports of a group of men fighting.
The group left the scene prior to police arrival.
A 23-year-old man suffering stab wounds to his face and back was located at a house nearby and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment in a stable condition.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic police.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue, however initial inquiries suggest the men are known to each other.

Novocastrians will be able to ring in the New Year at a series of localised events designed to safely bring the community together to celebrate the end of 2020.
Family-friendly picnics in the park, pool parties, food trucks and food-focused market stalls will be on offer around the city on 31 December and 1 January.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the community events would provide a vibrant alternative to the usual Foreshore fireworks display and concert, which was put on hold this year due to COVID-19.
“In a year that’s been very different from what anyone would have expected, we’ve decided to do things a little differently when it comes to our New Year’s celebrations,” Cr Clausen said.
“After making the difficult decision to cancel our traditional fireworks event this year, we’ve been working on ways to bring the party to the people and allow Novocastrians to celebrate closer to home.
“To that end, we’re putting on seven localised events on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that will provide festive opportunities for our community to reconnect, reflect, and refresh heading into 2021.
“You can pack a picnic blanket, bring a basket and stock up on your favourite goodies from local food providers before settling back with family and friends to enjoy a picnic in the park.
“Our swimming centres will also allow you to splash into 2021 at festive pool parties where you can make a day of it with water-based inflatables, roving entertainment and a selection of food trucks.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Nelmes said the fireworks display planned for 2020 would be deferred until 2021 when festivities would return to the Newcastle Foreshore, subject to any public health orders in place at that time.
“2020 has been a year like no other, but what it has shown above all is our community’s ability to work together for the benefit of all,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The city deserves the chance to celebrate what we have achieved together this year and everything we’re looking forward to in 2021.
“I encourage Novocastrians to enjoy the New Year’s period in a COVID Safe way, whether they attend one of our events, support our local restaurants and bars, or gather with friends and family at home.”

The New Year’s program will include:

• Food Markets at Lambton Park and Dixon Park on New Year’s Eve (3pm to 8pm), including roving entertainment and children’s activities.
• Activations at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including inflatables, food trucks and roving entertainment.
• Food Markets at Richley Reserve on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including roving entertainment, children’s activities and a ‘sensory zone’ for people with disabilities and their families.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/NYE for more information.

A driver has been charged after allegedly deliberately hitting a cyclist and assaulting emergency services personnel at Newcastle last night.
About 7pm (Saturday 5 December 2020), a 23-year-old woman was riding her bike on Heaton Street, Jesmond, when she was allegedly deliberately hit by a man driving a Subaru Forster.
The woman was dragged by the vehicle, before it stopped.
Members of the public provided assistance to the woman before emergency services arrived.
The driver, a 25-year-old man, exited the Subaru and allegedly tried to enter a NSW Ambulance vehicle, before assaulting a female paramedic. She sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions after being pushed to the ground.
The injured cyclist was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and arrested the driver.
As police were attempting to breath test him, it’s alleged he tried to bite the hands of a male senior constable, before kicking him. He was subsequently taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
The officer did not require medical treatment.
Upon release, the Jesmond man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, attempt to take and drive conveyance without consent of owner and assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 6 December 2020).

A family-friendly line-up of free festive activities will spread Christmas cheer across the city throughout December, encouraging Novocastrians into the City Centre whilst supporting local businesses.
To herald the start of the festive season, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes officially lit the City’s signature 11-metre Christmas tree, taking pride of place on Market Street Lawn, adjacent to the Signal Box café.
Funded by City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate program, in collaboration with local businesses, A Very Newy Christmas presents a sleigh-full of free festive activities for families to enjoy.
One hundred and twenty full-sized Christmas trees will form a pop-up maze at Civic Park from Thursday 3 December until Friday 12 December.  Entry is free for the whole family between the hours of 7am and 7pm.
Hunter Street Mall and Darby Street will host free beach themed Santa photo sessions.  Families are encouraged to make their way to 153 Darby Street from 10 -15 December and 145 Hunter Street from 17 – 22 December, between the hours of 9am and 5pm weekdays, and 9am and 1pm Saturdays.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Christmas is about welcoming the community to the City Centre to enjoy the festive spirit and free activities on offer, whilst supporting local businesses.
“Without a doubt, 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. Our City’s Christmas tree and A Very Newy Christmas programming is about spreading the joy of Christmas amongst families, whilst welcoming visitors back into the City Centre,” said Cr Nelmes.
“COVID-19 has caused major disruption to our City’s events calendar in 2020, with unprecedented economic and social impacts on our community and businesses.
“By activating the City Centre and Darby Street, our goal is to attract people back in a COVID Safe way and to financially inject into local businesses, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors.
“There is no better time than the lead-up to Christmas to shop locally and support Newcastle businesses impacted by COVID-19.
“Come and join in the spirit of Christmas by heading into our City Centre this festive season.”
For the City’s full Christmas programme visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Christmas

Supercars will return to the city in 2022 when Newcastle hosts the season opener of the Repco Supercars Championship series.
The major motorsport event will be back on the Newcastle street circuit after a two-year hiatus caused by COVID-19, shifting from its previous position as the final race of the series to become the much-anticipated season opener.
The Newcastle 500 will also mark the start of what is expected to be a fierce racing rivalry between the Chevrolet Camaro and a new-look Ford Mustang, which will be adapted to suit a new ‘Gen3’ control chassis.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the return of the biggest event on Newcastle’s annual calendar, which provides a multi-million fiscal injection into the local economy and helps put the city on the world stage.
“The Newcastle 500 has been shown through independent research to benefit Newcastle’s economy by more than $30 million over the three-day event, contributing to up to 124 full-time jobs,” Cr Nelmes said.
“As part of the Supercars Australia Championship series, the Newcastle 500 also brings widespread exposure for our city. The 2019 event weekend recorded 344 media stories, reaching a domestic audience of more than 14 million people, with an estimated value of over $2 million.
“Our wider community also recognises the benefits of hosting such a landmark event, with 81 per cent of respondents previously indicating in a Hunter Research Foundation Centre survey that they believe Newcastle and the region benefit from hosting the Supercars Newcastle 500.
“We look forward to welcoming Supercars and their fans back to Newcastle in 2022.”
While the dates for the event are still to be finalised, it is expected to take place in early March 2022. As a result of the new timing, no road closures will take place prior to February 2022. City of Newcastle has also stipulated there will be a shortened timeframe for the dismantling and removal of event-related structures and equipment.
Cr Nelmes said the new timing of the Newcastle 500 was a boon for the city’s major events calendar.
“Moving the Newcastle 500 from November/December to March will diversify our major events calendar, drawing new visitors to the city in autumn while freeing up the CBD during the busy Christmas shopping period,” she said.
“The return of the Newcastle 500 cements our city’s reputation as a destination known for hosting major Australian and international events.
“No city anywhere in Australia offers what Newcastle does in terms of providing stunning aerial pictures of some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. The Newcastle 500 street circuit traces both the City’s coastline as well as its working harbour.
“In recent years the shots of Supercars racing in the foreground while our working harbour operates in the background are images that are embedded into the minds of tens of millions of motor racing fans around the world.”
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the five-year agreement to host the Newcastle 500 comes to an end next year.
“The City has varied its agreements with Supercars Australia and the NSW Government to host the 2022 event, with discussions around a longer-term arrangement to be finalised mid 2022,” Mr Bath said.
“As part of the agreement, Supercars has committed to providing a locally based community engagement manager for the event.
“City of Newcastle’s commercial terms with Destination NSW remain unchanged.”