Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle libraries at Mayfield and New Lambton will reopen in July following the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions.
Mayfield and New Lambton branches are scheduled to welcome members and visitors back on site from July 1 and 6 respectively. Operating hours will also be extended at the Newcastle and Wallsend branches.
The staged reopening of libraries has been designed to comply with current capacity limits and prioritise the health and safety of staff and the community through a COVID-safe operating model.
The reopening of the City’s remaining libraries (Adamstown, Beresfield, Hamilton and Stockton) is currently being considered in terms of their ability to safely operate given the continuing COVID-19 restrictions. Lambton Library is currently undergoing a refresh and will reopen once works are completed.
“The community has responded positively to the reopening of our City and Wallsend branches and we appreciate people’s patience as our team works through our COVID-19 safe plan to reopen additional sites,” Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said.
“We are taking considered measures to ensure we meet Public Health Order requirements, which includes changes to our service delivery and preparing our spaces with additional safeguards.
“The next stage of service resumption will see operating hours extended and two additional branches reopened, allowing us to offer on-site access to the public across a wider service area including our Local History service at the City branch.
“We are also expanding our ‘Library Express’ model to include access to study spaces and technology, and increasing visitation time to one hour from the current limit of 30 minutes.
“We will continue to offer our home library service for the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community along with continuing the Call and Collect service to all members who may not want to come in and browse, and that will help maximise the turnover of members at each site.
“While we are looking forward to welcoming our members back into our various branches, we also expect that many will continue to make the most of our expanded online library services, which offer a convenient and contactless means of accessing a wide range of e-books, audio titles, digital magazines and newspapers, as well as music and movie-streaming platforms.”
More than 6,000 members have visited the Newcastle and Wallsend libraries since they were reopened on 15 June.
Enhanced hygiene and cleaning procedures have been put in place at all library service points, including 24-hour quarantining of all books returned via the external chutes.
For full details of the revised library opening times, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Home.

A teenage boy has been charged following several alleged aggravated break and enter offences in the Hunter.
In June 2020, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police Proactive Crime Team commenced Operation Golding to investigate and respond to an increase in property-related crime in Maitland, Rutherford and Aberglasslyn.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a home in Aberglasslyn and arrested a 15-year-old boy about 12.30pm yesterday (Monday 29 June 2020).
Police will allege the teenager was involved in three separate break and enter offences:

• On Thursday 16 April 2020, a business on High Street, Maitland, was allegedly broken into, where more than $16,000 worth of mountain bikes were stolen and extensive damage was caused to the shopfront.
• On Thursday 30 April 2020, a school on Weblands Street, Rutherford, was allegedly broken into and several iPads were stolen.
• On Monday 22 June 2020, a fast food restaurant on Arthur Street, Rutherford, was allegedly broken into, where a sum of cash was taken and the store suffered significant damage.

The teenage boy was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with three counts of aggravated break and enter in company with intent to steal.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 17 July 2020.
Investigations under Operation Golding are continuing, with further arrests anticipated.

Police are appealing for information after two men were stabbed during a home invasion at Hawks Nest overnight.
About 10.30pm (Monday 30 June 2020), a 78-year-old man opened the door of his home on Booner Street and was confronted by three unknown men.
The group pushed past the man, assaulting him and stabbing him in the abdomen.
Police have been told the group went upstairs and began assaulting a 53-year-old man.
While attempting to flee, the man was stabbed in the back.
He continued to run from the attackers and was stabbed a further seven times to the back and neck.
The men stole a purse and car keys from a 40-year-old woman, before fleeing the scene on foot.
Emergency services were called, and the younger man was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being flown to John Hunter Hospital, in a stable condition.
The older man was driven to John Hunter Hospital suffering a stab wound and head injuries. He is in a stable condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Investigations are continuing.

Immerse yourself in Newcastle’s military history and check out one of the best whale watching vantage points when Fort Scratchley reopens to the public on weekends from 4 July.
Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, visitors will once again be able to explore the grounds of the historic Fort, which has been standing sentry over Newcastle since 1882.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she looked forward to the site reopening.
“It’s fantastic that both locals and visitors can once again explore one of Newcastle’s most iconic landmarks and learn more about the important role Fort Scratchley played in our city’s history,” she said.
“Visitors may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the humpbacks currently migrating north along the coastline, with the Fort headland offering one of the city’s most spectacular vantage points for whale watching.”
Access will be granted to the outdoor areas of Fort Scratchley, allowing self-guided tours around the barracks and above-ground defence structures, while visitors can witness the time-honoured tradition of the firing the gun at 1pm on weekends.
The large grassed headland is also ideal for those wanting to enjoy a picnic or take advantage of the panoramic views of the ocean and harbour.
Capacity limits will apply for those who want to visit the museum exhibition rooms, gift shop or onsite café, while guided tours of the historic tunnels and group bookings remain temporarily suspended.
Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the staged reopening of the Fort will allow visitors to access many of its unique experiences whilst ensuring the health and safety of volunteers and the public.
“While it will be wonderful to visit the Fort, I remind visitors to continue to practise physical distancing and follow the signage, floor markers and direction of the dedicated volunteers from the Fort Scratchley Historical Society, who will be monitoring capacity to ensure it remains at a safe level, ” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
Fort Scratchley will reopen from 10am to 4pm on weekends only, from Saturday, 4 July. General admission entry is free and no bookings are required.
A range of enhanced hygiene measures are being implemented at the site, including touchfree hand sanitiser stations at entry points and increased cleaning regimes during operational hours.

A man will face court today after police allegedly located a commercial quantity of ‘magic mushrooms’ during a vehicle stop in the Hunter last month.
About 10.25pm on Friday 1 May 2020, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were travelling along Raymond Terrace Road, Nelson Plains, when they noticed a grey Holden Cruze parked on the side of the road in darkness.
Officers stopped and spoke with the driver – a 19-year-old man – before conducting a search of the vehicle.
Police located and seized more than 120g of psilocybin, commonly known as ‘magic mushrooms’, as well as a small amount of cannabis, drug paraphernalia and cash.
He was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug larger than commercial quantity, possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court on Saturday 2 May, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Monday 29 June 2020).

A man has been charged after he allegedly refused to leave a licensed premises before throwing rocks at police in Lake Macquarie yesterday.
Just before 1am (Saturday 27 June 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to the tavern on the Pacific Highway, Gateshead, after a man was reportedly acting disorderly and refusing to leave.
Police have been told the man initially left the premises when asked by security but returned a short time later and refused to leave.
As officers arrived, the man walked outside and as they approached him, he began swearing and throwing rocks at them.
The man attempted to encourage bystanders to assault police before fleeing when further police arrived to assist. He was pursued and arrested following a short struggle.
The 26-year-old Windale man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with excluded person fail to leave premises when required, excluded person re-enter/attempt to re-enter premises, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, and affray.
He man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 29 July 2020.

Newcastle Art Gallery has announced the finalists for the KILGOUR PRIZE 2020.
One of Australia’s major art prizes, the KILGOUR PRIZE awards $50,000 for the most outstanding work of art selected by a judging panel consisting of the Newcastle Art Gallery Director and two invited arts industry representatives. A $5,000 People’s Choice is also awarded to the painting voted most popular by the general public.
This year the 30 finalists were selected from more than 350 entries received from artists across the country. The 2020 finalists include artists from the ACT, NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The list also features two local artists, Michael Bell and Peter Gardiner, who have both been regular entrants to the KILGOUR PRIZE, with the latter winning the KILGOUR PRIZE in 2016.
“Every year the KILGOUR PRIZE presents some of the best contemporary Australian portrait and figurative painting. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Australian arts sector, the KILGOUR PRIZE has been an incredible opportunity to encourage and support artists to continue producing and creating works of art. This year’s selected artists present diverse interpretations of the brief, resulting in a very dynamic exhibition,” Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said.
Funded by a bequest from artist Jack Noel Kilgour, the KILGOUR PRIZE has encouraged innovation within portrait and figurative painting since 2006.
The winner will be announced on Friday 31 July 2020 and the KILGOUR PRIZE 2020 will be on display 1 August – 15 November 2020.
2020 Judges:
Lauretta Morton, Director Newcastle Art Gallery
Stephen Gilchrist, curator and Lecturer Art History, The University of Sydney
Rachel Arndt, Gallery Programs and Touring Exhibitions Manager, Museums and Galleries of NSW.
2020 Finalists:
An Sheng, Andrew Bennett, Anh Nguyen, Ben Ryan, Brittany Jones, Bronni Krieger, Corinna Howell, Craig Handley, Dagmar Cyrulla, Daniel Butterworth, Elizabeth Austin, Erik Krebs-Schade, Esther Erlich, Greg Creek, Jacqueline Hennessy, Jordan Richardson, Joshua McPherson, Kenneth Lambert, Kerry McInnis, Kylie Melinda Smith, Lileana Colarelli, Lori Pensini, Lynn Savery, Melissa Ritchie, Michael Bell, Oliver Shepherd, Peter Gardiner, Tony Costa, Tracy Dods, Wendy Sharpe.
For more information – www.nag.org.au/Exhibitions/Future/KILGOUR-PRIZE-2020
ABOUT THE KILGOUR PRIZE
Jack Noel Kilgour (1900–1987) was an Australian artist well-known for his academic approach to landscape and portrait painting. In 1987 Kilgour bequeathed funds for the creation of a major figurative and portrait art competition to be run in perpetuity. As one of Australia’s major art prizes, Newcastle Art Gallery is proud to be the home of the KILGOUR PRIZE.
More information: https://www.nag.org.au/Kilgour-Prize

City of Newcastle welcomes today’s announcement of the successful joint bid from Australia and New Zealand to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) and New Zealand Football (NZF) have together made history as the first co-Confederation to host a FIFA Women’s World Cup. It will also be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere.
McDonald Jones Stadium is expected to be a match venue, with Newcastle forming part of Australia’s bid, bringing thousands of visitors to the city.
Newcastle has also been suggested to play host to some of the visiting teams, based on providing an attractive location for teams to base themselves to stay and train during their world cup campaign.
^{Emerging Jets Squad players Charli Vogtmann, Kalani Dinnery, Annika Driscoll and Rose Harvey with Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.}
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the vote had Australian – and indeed Novocastrian – football fans cheering.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Australia to showcase the Matildas’ and Newcastle Jets W-League talent on home turf and strengthen ties with our neighbours across the ditch while also unlocking economic benefits and driving positive social impacts for women and girls,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Australia staged the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which included Newcastle hosting two group stage matches, a semi-final and third place playoff at McDonald Jones Stadium, reinforcing Newcastle’s reputation for hosting world-class sporting tournaments.
“Even more recently, Newcastle hosted the Matildas in the Olympic qualifier against Vietnam at McDonald Jones Stadium on 6 March  in their qualification to the upcoming Olympics.
“Winning the 2023 Women’s World Cup bid reaffirms Australia’s ability to attract top-tier sporting codes and I can’t wait to join fans in the stands here in Newcastle.”
The Australian-New Zealand bid was rated the most technically proficient in FIFA’s report, ahead of Japan and Colombia.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held from 10 July to 20 August 2023.

A second dedicated fenced off-leash dog area is a step closer to reality with City of Newcastle inviting the community to have their say on the next potential site.
Residents and community groups can provide feedback on dedicated off-leash spaces in Lambton, with areas at Lambton Park and Armstrong Park flagged as potential locations.
^{(L-R): Lambton resident Mark Brooker with dog Wesley, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen with dog Toby, and Lambton Residents Group member Mary Webster with dogs Jem and Scout at Lambton Park.}
Community feedback received on the Dogs in Open Space Plan showed high demand around the suburb. Council is also exploring opportunities to improve dog infrastructure in Islington, Adamstown and Maryland.
Council has identified the need for additional fenced dog parks across the city under the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan. Consultation has opened for site selection of the next park and if a suitable site is determined, a more detailed dog park design will be available for community feedback.
Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle was committed to providing open spaces where the city’s 45 thousand dogs small and large could safely run free.
“We know that Novocastrians are passionate about their dogs and having dedicated spaces for their canine companions to exercise and socialise safely with other dogs is important to them,” Cr Clausen said.
“A Council survey found 60% of people want more fenced, off-leash dog areas in Newcastle and provided valuable insights on desired features such as shade, seating, signage and designated areas for small and large dogs.
“This is reflected in the overwhelming success and popularity of the City’s first fenced, off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue, North Lambton, which opened last October and is enjoyed by countless two and four-legged friends on any given day.
“City of Newcastle will incorporate the lessons learned from the success of the Acacia Avenue dog park along with the community’s feedback to continue to deliver on the outcomes of the Dogs in Open Space Plan to provide, improve and manage off-leash dog areas over the next decade.”
Community views are welcome to help select the location of our next fenced off-leash dog area and can be made via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay until 5pm Thursday 6 August 2020.

Close to forty energy jobs are set to go at the CSIRO – with up to nine coming from Newcastle’s energy research flagship, the CSIRO Energy Centre.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has slammed the cuts, saying she was ‘deeply concerned’ about the impacts on the capacity of the Energy Centre.
“The scientists at Newcastle’s CSIRO Energy Centre are at the absolute forefront of driving innovation in the energy sector,” Ms Claydon said.
“It’s unconscionable to be cutting staff in an area of research that is so critical to our region and our nation.”
Ms Claydon said that the decision to diminish national energy research capacity was ‘unfathomable’.
“As we grapple with the urgent need to assess and plan for our future energy needs as part of the move to a low-carbon economy, it is short-sighted beyond belief to be slashing our world-class energy research capacity,” Ms Claydon said.
Ms Claydon said any energy research job losses would compound the impacts of the lack of a national energy policy.
“The Morrison Government’s failure to deliver any sort of coherent national energy policy has repelled investment and stopped the creation of thousands of jobs in regions like ours,” Ms Claydon said.
“Even before these cuts, the CSIRO was set to lose more than 500 jobs by the end of this financial year.  I call on the Minister to step in and stand up for these important local and national jobs.”