Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man after he was swept off rocks in the Port Stephens area earlier today.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been told two men were on rocks at Boulder Bay, south of Fingal Bay, about 10am (Sunday 22 March 2020), when they were swept into the ocean by a wave.
Two friends, who were nearby, threw life jackets to the men, but only one was able to grab it.
Surf lifesavers were alerted and attended the scene and found the body of a 32-year-old man. They rescued the second man, who had a life jacket; he was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
Officers are now waiting to speak with all surviving members of the group to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Police believe the deceased man was visiting the area from Merrylands.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Level crossing campaign comes to the Upper Hunter – #TrainToStop
Risky driver behaviour at level crossings will be targeted by police in support of a campaign in parts of the state’s Upper Hunter.
From today (Monday 23 March 2020) to Friday 3 April, police from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Hunter Valley Police District will be increasing patrols at level crossings in the Upper Hunter region.
The campaign is aimed at increasing public safety and awareness around rail level crossings in regional NSW – part of an ongoing series of enforcement campaigns between the NSW Police Force and the NSW Centre for Road Safety at Transport for NSW.
During the campaign police will be on the look-out for motorists disobeying level crossing flashing lights and stop signs; vehicles queuing over the railway tracks; speeding near level crossings; and drivers who are distracted by illegal use of mobile phones.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said people need to take personal responsibility when around level crossings to ensure the path is clear.
“Speed and distractions are both major factors when it comes to level crossing collisions. Those few moments of inattention can be fatal.
“Police will be targeting drivers speeding near level crossings and those who are distracted. The consequences of a car or truck hitting a train are severe, so ‘Train to Stop’.
“Police issued almost 1,000 penalty notices for level crossing traffic offences in the past two years.
“We all have a responsibility when behind the wheel, not only for ourselves, passengers and other road users, but also train passengers and crew,” AC Corboy said.
Through the road safety campaign Towards Zero, the NSW Government is working hard to drive the road toll down by highlighting the only acceptable number when it comes to deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads is zero.
Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen MP, said there was no excuse for putting yours and other lives on the line at level crossings.
“Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and can take up to one-and-a-half kilometres to come to a complete stop,” Mr Johnsen said.
“That means that by the time they see you, it’s often too late. Signs, flashing lights, boom gates and markings are all there for a good reason, and drivers, riders and pedestrians need to pay attention.
“We all have a duty of care when driving, not only for ourselves, passengers and other road users, but also for train passengers and crew.
“Come on Upper Hunter, we can do this. We can do the right thing and keep everyone safe.”
Between July 2008 and January 2020 there have been 76 collisions between trains and cars at level crossings in NSW, resulting in eight people losing their lives and 13 suffering serious injuries – all of which could have been easily avoided.
The penalty for disobeying controls is three demerit points and a $457 fine.
Appeal for information after child approached – Scone
Police are appealing for public assistance as they attempt to clarify the circumstances surrounding a reported child approach at Scone overnight.
An eight-year-old girl has told officers from Hunter Valley Police District, she was in the front yard of her home when a man got out of a ute and grabbed her by the wrist about 6pm Monday (23 March 2020).
The child pulled away and ran indoors and alerted her mother, but the vehicle had left the scene.
Police are now inquiring into the incident and are appealing for anyone with information.
They have a description of a man they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance aged about 40, with a thin build, short brown hair and a tattoo on his right hand.
At the time he was wearing a red shirt and green shorts and left in a red utility.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
City of Newcastle 2020-21 draft budget available now
City of Newcastle will seek the support of Councillors on Tuesday evening to place its draft 2020-21 Budget (known as the Operational Plan) on public exhibition.
The draft Budget, which was prepared before the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic virus, forecasts an operating surplus of $3.1 million and includes a $83 million works program.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said staff would spend the next six weeks reshaping the draft Budget in light of COVID-19.
“We understand that every business, whether small, medium or large, is suffering enormously from the impacts of COVID-19 and will likely be affected for the foreseeable future.
“We also know that there are some small businesses locally that may not survive the immediate downturn in economic activity.
“Our role is to identify how we assist and support our community. Our 2020-21 Budget is the tool through which we will direct much of this support with regard to our bottom-line, knowing that it will be impacted as a result.”
“Council will also Tuesday night consider a proposed Community and Economic Resilience Package designed to provide immediate support to businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19.
“Newcastle has a long history of dealing with economic adversity, which gives us the confidence to know that as a community we can get through this together. It will be challenging and have personal impact, but with community mindedness, we will come out the other side.
“We’re especially focused on social cohesion and those in our community now facing unemployment, as well as the elderly who are required to live in isolation for the next few months in order to minimise their exposure to COVID-19.
“As a Council, we must do all we can to help our City get back up,” Cr Nelmes said.
CEO Jeremy Bath said the impact on the local economy from COVID-19 is likely to linger for many years.
“Like all Councils, we have a legislative requirement to have an approved budget in place from 1 July 2020. This means we must place the draft budget on public exhibition now so that the community and Councillors have enough time to consider whether it appropriately addresses community needs.
“A revised budget will be circulated with Councillors and the community in late May which will include an increased works program, recognising that City of Newcastle can help reduce this extraordinary decline in local economic activity through bringing forward capital works to occur in 2021 and 2022.
“Staff have started quantifying the financial impact of COVID-19 on the City’s finances. In the past two weeks, we have seen the cancellation or postponement of 81 bookings and live theatre shows.
“These bookings account for $595,000 in lost income for the next three months. The financial impact for next year’s budget will of course be far, far greater.
“We are also seeing significant falls in our incomes from the reduced receipt of commercial waste at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, facility and sporting field bookings, our long-term investments and parking meters.
“The draft budget will now be boosted to help support our community through this time of crisis. The proposed 2021 works program is likely to largely remain, with most of the changes to be the inclusion of works that were intended to occur in 2022,” Mr Bath said.
The draft Budget includes a $19 million investment in key initiatives at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, including the expansion of Cell 9 for landfill and construction of the Organics Recycling Facility; $9.2 million on Urban Centre and City Centre revitalisation; and $5 million to continue the revitalisation of the city’s coastline.
Other highlights include:
· $11.8 million on road and transport infrastructure projects;
· $26.7 million to city wide services (including $2.7 million on aquatic centres, $3.2 million on recreation, parks, sporting facilities and open space as well as $19 million on waste initiatives);
· $6.7 million towards stormwater projects;
· $7 million towards environment;
· $3.5 million on Smart City projects and strategy; and
· $5.2 million towards replacing outdated fleet.
A further $3.5 million has also been set aside to combat coastal erosion in Stockton through short-to-medium-term measures permitted under the Coastal Zone Management Plan, approved by the NSW Government in August 2018.
Should the Government approve long-term measures via the Stockton Coastal Management Program, which the City will submit by 30 June 2020, Council will consider funding contributions through its quarterly budget review process, along with options for external funding.
The draft budget is available to view in full on the City’s website here.
City’s libraries limited to digital services only to combat spread of COVID-19
City of Newcastle has made the difficult decision to limit its library service to digital only, as part of its continuing efforts to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our community.
All front facing services and branch operations have been temporarily suspended.
City of Newcastle accepts the advice of the Federal Government that many non-essential services should be temporarily shut down to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The City’s libraries will continue to offer a broad range of digital programs, content and services online.
Novocastrians are encouraged to download the free Newcastle Library App which provides home access to the e-library, including adult and children’s e-books, newspapers, magazines, music and movie streaming services and online learning.
To access the e-library visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library
For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION FOR NEWCASTLE RESIDENTS
The impact of the global coronavirus pandemic is being felt at a local level and our community of Newcastle will only get through this health crisis by working together.
We all need to practice good hygiene and social distancing measures including:
- covering our coughs and sneezes with our elbow or a tissue;
- avoiding handshaking and other physical greetings;
- washing our hands often with soap and water and/or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers;
- regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces, such as tables, kitchen benches and doorknobs; and
- if unwell, avoiding contact with others by staying more than 1.5 metres away.
In these uncertain times, it is essential you have access to information that is clear and consistent.
The following are official Government websites you can rely on:
- Health updates on coronavirus – www.health.gov.au and https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
- Health Information in languages other than English here.
- Information about the Government’s one-off stimulus payment here.
- Income support for people older than 21 and under the Age Pension age – JobSeeker Payment.
- Income support for people 21 and younger – Youth Allowance for Job Seekers.
- Advice for Australians overseas – Smartraveller & Consular Assistance.
- Information for temporary visa holders – Department of Home Affairs.
If you need someone to talk to, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Callback on 1300 659 467 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
You cannot always trust information you read on social media – including on Facebook pages and messages – or you receive via email or text messages.
Even if the information comes from people you know and trust, it does not make it true. You can only rely on official information.
In the coming weeks and months, there will be issues that emerge in our community that will need to be addressed by the Government and Labor remains committed to helping solve them.
Labor will continue to work constructively with the Government to protect Australian lives and jobs.
City of Newcastle 2020-21 draft budget available now
City of Newcastle will seek the support of Councillors on Tuesday evening to place its draft 2020-21 Budget (known as the Operational Plan) on public exhibition.
The draft Budget, which was prepared before the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic virus, forecasts an operating surplus of $3.1 million and includes a $83 million works program.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said staff would spend the next six weeks reshaping the draft Budget in light of COVID-19.
“We understand that every business, whether small, medium or large, is suffering enormously from the impacts of COVID-19 and will likely be affected for the foreseeable future.
“We also know that there are some small businesses locally that may not survive the immediate downturn in economic activity.
“Our role is to identify how we assist and support our community. Our 2020-21 Budget is the tool through which we will direct much of this support with regard to our bottom-line, knowing that it will be impacted as a result.”
“Council will also Tuesday night consider a proposed Community and Economic Resilience Package designed to provide immediate support to businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19.
“Newcastle has a long history of dealing with economic adversity, which gives us the confidence to know that as a community we can get through this together. It will be challenging and have personal impact, but with community mindedness, we will come out the other side.
“We’re especially focused on social cohesion and those in our community now facing unemployment, as well as the elderly who are required to live in isolation for the next few months in order to minimise their exposure to COVID-19.
“As a Council, we must do all we can to help our City get back up,” Cr Nelmes said.
CEO Jeremy Bath said the impact on the local economy from COVID-19 is likely to linger for many years.
“Like all Councils, we have a legislative requirement to have an approved budget in place from 1 July 2020. This means we must place the draft budget on public exhibition now so that the community and Councillors have enough time to consider whether it appropriately addresses community needs.
“A revised budget will be circulated with Councillors and the community in late May which will include an increased works program, recognising that City of Newcastle can help reduce this extraordinary decline in local economic activity through bringing forward capital works to occur in 2021 and 2022.
“Staff have started quantifying the financial impact of COVID-19 on the City’s finances. In the past two weeks, we have seen the cancellation or postponement of 81 bookings and live theatre shows.
“These bookings account for $595,000 in lost income for the next three months. The financial impact for next year’s budget will of course be far, far greater.
“We are also seeing significant falls in our incomes from the reduced receipt of commercial waste at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, facility and sporting field bookings, our long-term investments and parking meters.
“The draft budget will now be boosted to help support our community through this time of crisis. The proposed 2021 works program is likely to largely remain, with most of the changes to be the inclusion of works that were intended to occur in 2022,” Mr Bath said.
The draft Budget includes a $19 million investment in key initiatives at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, including the expansion of Cell 9 for landfill and construction of the Organics Recycling Facility; $9.2 million on Urban Centre and City Centre revitalisation; and $5 million to continue the revitalisation of the city’s coastline.
Other highlights include:
· $11.8 million on road and transport infrastructure projects;
· $26.7 million to city wide services (including $2.7 million on aquatic centres, $3.2 million on recreation, parks, sporting facilities and open space as well as $19 million on waste initiatives);
· $6.7 million towards stormwater projects;
· $7 million towards environment;
· $3.5 million on Smart City projects and strategy; and
· $5.2 million towards replacing outdated fleet.
A further $3.5 million has also been set aside to combat coastal erosion in Stockton through short-to-medium-term measures permitted under the Coastal Zone Management Plan, approved by the NSW Government in August 2018.
Should the Government approve long-term measures via the Stockton Coastal Management Program, which the City will submit by 30 June 2020, Council will consider funding contributions through its quarterly budget review process, along with options for external funding.
The draft budget is available to view in full on the City’s website here.
City works with Hunter Surf Life Saving to monitor crowds at beaches and ocean baths
City of Newcastle is working with Hunter Surf Life Saving to monitor crowds at local beaches and ocean baths to ensure compliance with the Public Health Order limiting non-essential outdoor gatherings to less than 500 people.
While the public spaces remain open, the City is advising residents and visitors to practice social distancing, including maintaining a 1.5 metre space from others, as we work with our State and Federal Government partners to limit the spread of COVID-19.
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City of Newcastle Interim Director of City Wide Services Alissa Jones said that while local beaches rarely see crowds as large as those of Bondi and Clovelly, the City would remain vigilant and take action in the interests of public safety if required.
“Although Newcastle beaches don’t typically experience the dense crowds of Bondi Beach which was closed today by NSW Police, we will be actively monitoring numbers at our beaches and baths to help enforce the limit on non-essential outdoor gatherings to fewer than 500 people,” Ms Jones said.
“We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of a COVID-19 and City of Newcastle will be implementing social distancing conditions at our beaches and baths in partnership with Hunter Surf Life Saving.”
City of Newcastle usually provides lifeguards at beaches and ocean baths from Monday to Saturday, along with Hunter Surf Life Saving (HSLS) volunteers who patrol beaches on Saturday and Sunday.
The City will now join HSLS to patrol on Sundays, working in partnership to:
· Monitor the numbers of attendees at our beaches and baths
· Report to City officers and HSLS if numbers are getting close to 500
· Advise visitors to our beaches the need for social distancing
· Install signage at all beaches and the baths including health messaging such as advice on social distancing measures and the restrictions on non-essential gatherings.
For more information on City of Newcastle’s response to the COVID-19 visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Newcastle Events and public gatherings
Events and programs at our facilities
We would like to reassure visitors that City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners to ensure our City is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19 to the region.
We urge all visitors to follow the advice of government health authorities with regard to maintaining good hygiene practices. If you are feeling unwell the advice is to stay at home.
Please find information below about programming changes at our venues and facilities.
We urge all visitors to follow the advice of government health authorities with regard to maintaining good hygiene practices. If you are feeling unwell the advice is to stay at home.
Please find information below about programming changes at our venues and facilities.
Event updates
In response to NSW Health Public Health Order, several events to be held in Newcastle have confirmed changes to their planned event. The list of events below includes all available information at the time of publication. This list relates to those events planned to be held on Newcastle community lands under a City of Newcastle event licence. It will be updated regularly as new information is received.
Please contact the event organiser/promoter directly for the latest information on any planned event.
For Council facility and venue events, see each of the facility listings further down this page.
- View the list of events (PDF) as at 19 March 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
Are events, functions or public gatherings still able to be held in Newcastle?
Under the Public Health Order, events, functions, or public gatherings with less than 500 attendees in open spaces, or less than 100 attendees indoors can proceed. Any non-essential outdoor event or public gathering where there are, or likely to be, 500 people or more must not be held. Any non-essential indoor event or public gathering which there are, or likely to be, 100 people or more must not be held.
Under the Public Health Order, events, functions, or public gatherings with less than 500 attendees in open spaces, or less than 100 attendees indoors can proceed. Any non-essential outdoor event or public gathering where there are, or likely to be, 500 people or more must not be held. Any non-essential indoor event or public gathering which there are, or likely to be, 100 people or more must not be held.
How long will the restrictions on events and public gatherings be in place?
The current Public Health Order is dated to 17 June 2020. Please note that conditions and information is being updated daily in response to the changing conditions.
The current Public Health Order is dated to 17 June 2020. Please note that conditions and information is being updated daily in response to the changing conditions.
I have tickets to an event, where do I find out if it is still on?
Enquire with your ticket issuer, event promotor, or commercial venue on the status of an event.
Enquire with your ticket issuer, event promotor, or commercial venue on the status of an event.
What type of venues or public spaces are included under the Public Health Order?
Please refer to the Public Health Order for clarifications and exclusions.
Please refer to the Public Health Order for clarifications and exclusions.
Who is included when determining the number of people in attendance?
The total attendance at an event would include spectators, participants (e.g. athletes or performers), support personnel and all venue staff.
The total attendance at an event would include spectators, participants (e.g. athletes or performers), support personnel and all venue staff.
Where do I go to get the latest information?
The latest information from City of Newcastle, NSW Government and Federal Government in relation to COVID-19 is available at:
The latest information from City of Newcastle, NSW Government and Federal Government in relation to COVID-19 is available at:
- City of Newcastle website www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
- NSW Health https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-latest.aspx
- Federal Goverment Health https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
Can planned events still go ahead?
The Public Health Order issued by the NSW Government commenced 16 March 2020, and as is currently noted to be repealed on 17 June 2020. Only events that comply with the Order can still proceed.
I have a City of Newcastle event licence for my event, can it still proceed?
The Public Health Order issued by the NSW Government commenced on 16 March 2020. Only events that comply with the Order can still go ahead.
The Public Health Order issued by the NSW Government commenced 16 March 2020, and as is currently noted to be repealed on 17 June 2020. Only events that comply with the Order can still proceed.
I have a City of Newcastle event licence for my event, can it still proceed?
The Public Health Order issued by the NSW Government commenced on 16 March 2020. Only events that comply with the Order can still go ahead.
Can I still apply for an event licence with CN?
Event licence applications can still be lodged, although approval will be subject to any current or updated COVID-19 restrictions on the size and timing of events.
What period/dates will I be able to apply and hold an outdoor event of over 500 attendees, or an indoor event over 100 attendees in Newcastle?
The current Public Health Order is noted to be repealed on 17 June 2020. Please note that conditions and information is being updated daily in response to the changing conditions.
Under what circumstances can I hold an event or public gathering in Newcastle?
Determination on the holding of an event rests with the event organiser, based on review of all current information as provided by the Federal and State Government authorities.
If I cancel my planned event based off the requirements of the Public Health Order, what is the necessary process and are there any applicable fees?
Any cancellation of an event that has already received a licence must be submitted in writing to the City of Newcastle Event Licencing Team via events@ncc.nsw.gov.au.
Please note any applicable fees will be reviewed on a case by case basis, due to the varied circumstances and any costs already incurred. Further information can be provided following submission of the notice of cancellation.
If I postpone my licensed event to a later date, am I charged any fees?
You will need to notify the City of Newcastle Event Licensing team of the proposed new date/s via events@ncc.nsw.gov.au.
Alternate dates will be subject to availability, and there will be no fee charged for the initial rescheduling of the event date. Any further changes to the event date will be subject to the standard fees and charges.
Are CN owned/managed facilities and outdoor event venues still able to host events and functions?
Facilities and venues will be subject to changing conditions based of operational decisions made around COVID-19 management. Please contact events@ncc.nsw.gov.au for further information around the availability of CN owned/managed facilities and outdoor venues.
Event licence applications can still be lodged, although approval will be subject to any current or updated COVID-19 restrictions on the size and timing of events.
What period/dates will I be able to apply and hold an outdoor event of over 500 attendees, or an indoor event over 100 attendees in Newcastle?
The current Public Health Order is noted to be repealed on 17 June 2020. Please note that conditions and information is being updated daily in response to the changing conditions.
Under what circumstances can I hold an event or public gathering in Newcastle?
Determination on the holding of an event rests with the event organiser, based on review of all current information as provided by the Federal and State Government authorities.
If I cancel my planned event based off the requirements of the Public Health Order, what is the necessary process and are there any applicable fees?
Any cancellation of an event that has already received a licence must be submitted in writing to the City of Newcastle Event Licencing Team via events@ncc.nsw.gov.au.
Please note any applicable fees will be reviewed on a case by case basis, due to the varied circumstances and any costs already incurred. Further information can be provided following submission of the notice of cancellation.
If I postpone my licensed event to a later date, am I charged any fees?
You will need to notify the City of Newcastle Event Licensing team of the proposed new date/s via events@ncc.nsw.gov.au.
Alternate dates will be subject to availability, and there will be no fee charged for the initial rescheduling of the event date. Any further changes to the event date will be subject to the standard fees and charges.
Are CN owned/managed facilities and outdoor event venues still able to host events and functions?
Facilities and venues will be subject to changing conditions based of operational decisions made around COVID-19 management. Please contact events@ncc.nsw.gov.au for further information around the availability of CN owned/managed facilities and outdoor venues.
We will provide updates on events and public gatherings on this page. Find out more on how Council is responding.
City eases COVID-19 pressures for supermarkets and doctors’ surgeries
City of Newcastle will give businesses flexibility to ease pressures relating to COVID-19 by enabling more truck deliveries to supermarkets, longer hours for doctors’ surgeries and provisions for social distancing among outdoor diners at restaurants.
The more flexible approach will allow essential businesses and service providers to operate more responsively to the City’s changing needs in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government.
This will enable:
- more flexible delivery times and truck movements at supermarkets
- doctors’ surgeries to stay open longer
- restrictions on the use of footpaths to be eased for food premises to help patrons practise effective social distancing
Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes said the sensible approach complements the Community and Economic Resilience package currently under development by City of Newcastle staff.
“One of the ways we can help ease pressures right now is to be pragmatic in our approach to regulation in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“Supermarkets struggling to meet unprecedented demand can increase the number of daily deliveries, and their delivery trucks can arrive later or earlier than usual to help ensure shelves remain stocked. We only ask that businesses let their neighbours know about the changes and likewise ask for understanding from nearby residents.
“Medical practices will be able to stay open longer or set up flexible testing arrangements which will ease the demand on hospitals and support our wonderful health system and frontline medicos.
“Restaurateurs will enjoy more flexibility with outdoor dining options for safe social distancing in line with Government directives as we continue to use levers at our disposal to facilitate community and economic resilience.”
Meanwhile, City of Newcastle continues to work with government agencies to limit the spread of the virus.
Accordingly, a decision has been made to close Fort Scratchley until further notice in order prioritise the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers from the Fort Scratchley Historical Society who run the facility.
The closure is consistent with advice from Museums & Galleries of NSW encouraging all volunteer-run museums and galleries to close and for all volunteer support programs to be suspended temporarily.
City of Newcastle’s broader volunteer services have also been suspended temporarily.