All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
A man missing in the Newcastle area has been located safe and well.
The 27-year-old was last seen on the morning of Monday 5 August 2024 at Calvery Mater Hospital in Waratah.
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Batemans Bay Police Station were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Following inquiries, he was located in the Newcastle area.
Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
City of Newcastle is getting ready to welcome children of all ages and abilities to play, learn and connect at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park following a significant playground upgrade.
The final touches are being placed on the inclusive playspace, which is expected to open to the community for the September school holidays.
Regal Innovations Construction Manager Newcastle Pedro Angeli and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with (rear) Regal Innovations Managing Director Robert Stanton, City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community & Recreation Lynn Duffy, Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson and City of Newcastle Project Manager Tony Ayling in the bush tucker garden and yarning circle at Gregson Park.
Celebrating indigenous traditions, the area will include a bush tucker garden and yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing, in addition to traditional play equipment, a range of accessible and nature-based play options and a fitness station.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering accessible infrastructure for everyday activities, including creating more inclusive play spaces in our parks.
“We have invested around $14 million into almost 30 playground projects across Newcastle during the past six Budgets as part of our commitment to delivering enhanced and accessible recreational opportunities for the community,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Construction of this $3.5 million playspace at Gregson Park was identified as a high priority action as part of its adopted Masterplan, with the impending completion signifying an important milestone in delivering our shared vision for this much-loved Hamilton location.
“Gregson Park’s new playspace includes accessible features such as carousels, bridges and pathways, with various pieces of equipment that will be suitable for everyone, including those with limited mobility.
“We’re proud to have worked closely with the community, including First Nations Australians and Hamilton Community Preschool, to design this fantastic multimillion-dollar upgrade at Gregson Park and I can’t wait to welcome everyone back into the space later this month.”
Regal Innovations Construction Manager Newcastle Pedro Angeli, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson check out progress on the Gregson Park playspace.
Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson said as regular visitors to the popular parkland, the preschool has been a strong advocate of the upgrade.
“When the preschool heard of the new playspace we invited the children to sketch their dream playground, which we then shared with City of Newcastle as inspiration. The submissions led to representatives from the Community and Recreation team visiting our preschool to share with the children and educators how the space could be improved,” Ms Jackson said.
“The preschoolers have continued to document the progress of the upgrade and have captured it all in a book with the assistance of an educator to share with their families.
“We have loved being brought along for the journey and are all very eager to utilise the new space and watch the kids play and explore.”
The Gregson Park project supports a key objective in City of Newcastle’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan to create and contribute to liveable and accessible public places, with the project delivering inclusive play features and a design that promotes greater interaction between all children.
The new play space includes equipment for a range of ages and abilities, including a six metre-high climbing tower, trampolines and a balance obstacle course, as well as a softfall mound with slides, rope and rock-climbing elements.
Other features include a seesaw rocker, swing set and sandpit with waterplay feature, along with an accessible carousel and whizzers.
Additional shade, formal and informal seating, and footbridges are also features of the project, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area.
City of Newcastle will invite community members to celebrate the completion and enjoy the new facilities at Gregson Park with a fun, family-friendly opening event in October.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing in the Newcastle area.
Ricky Wilson, aged 27, was last seen on the morning of Monday 5 August 2024 at Calvery Mater Hospital in Waratah.
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Batemans Bay Police Station were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition.
Ricky is known to frequent the Jesmond and Newcastle CBD areas.
Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A boy missing from the state’s Hunter Region has been located.
The 11-year-old was last seen at Wallsend about 8.50pm yesterday (Saturday 7 September 2024).
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Following inquires, the boy was located about 1am today (Sunday 8 September 2024) safe and well.
Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young boy missing from the state’s Hunter Region.
Alexander – also known as Alex – Curran, aged 11, was last seen about 8.50pm today (Saturday 7 September 2024) at West Wallsend.
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare due to his young age and that he lives with a medical condition.
Alexander is described as Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build and short brown hair.
He was last seen wearing dark blue pyjamas with Dungeons and Dragons logos.
Alexander is known to frequent the West Wallsend area.
Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Belmont Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The third earthquake in two weeks in NSW’s Hunter Valley today highlights the serious questions about the Liberal National Coalition’s plans for nuclear reactors they are still refusing to answer, says Solutions for Climate Australia.
The earthquake’s epicentre was again very close to the existing Liddell power station, where the Coalition aims to build at least one nuclear reactor. Solutions for Climate Australia Senior Campaigner Elly Baxter said the Coalition has not answered the many questions already raised about safety, emergency response, radioactive waste and water availability at the site.
“Five of the seven sites proposed by the Coalition as suitable for nuclear reactors experience earthquake activity,” Baxter said. “Their energy spokesman Ted O’Brien told ABC Radio Newcastle that a nuclear reactor at Liddell would not proceed if it was deemed unsafe, but what about the four other sites? If these sites are ruled out, where will the Coalition build their nuclear reactors? And will those communities be informed ahead of the federal election?
“Meanwhile, the safety issues we raised two weeks ago remain unanswered. Would local firefighting volunteers handle the nuclear material? What training would local firefighting volunteers receive in handling nuclear radiation? Who would train them? Would the army come in to help?
“How would iodine tablets be distributed to locals to try to reduce cancer risk? What would be the fallout zone and where would the local emergency staging area be? Where would nuclear refugees be accommodated?
“Would the Federal Government be responsible for the emergency management given under the Liberal National policy, the Federal Government would own the nuclear reactor?
“What would happen to the radioactive waste and who would be responsible for that? Where would the enormous volume of water come from to deal with the toxic, radioactive emergency?
“The safety issues highlighted by these earthquakes only compound our concerns that nuclear reactors will take far too long to build to protect Australians from the worst impacts of climate change.”
NSW Police and other emergency services have been alerted to an earthquake in the Hunter Valley this morning (Saturday 7 September 2024).
The earthquake recorded a magnitude of 4.7 near Muswellbrook.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have not been made aware of injury or damage to infrastructure.
Residents are advised to alert their local relevant authorities of any injury or damage.
City of Newcastle welcomed 180 new Australians from six continents on Thursday as they took the pledge of commitment to their new home in a moving citizenship ceremony at City Hall.
Among the new citizens were Sathish Clastinrusselraj Indirathankam, 43, and Minimalar Thankamani, 40, from India. The husband and wife met at church and began raising their daughters Shanice, 9, and Shawna, 6, in their home state of Tamil Nadu.
(l-r) New Australian citizen Dr Mary Amponsah, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and (clockwise from top left) new citizens Mrs Minimalar Thankamani, Dr Sathish Clastinrusselraj Indirathankam, Shanice Sathish and Shawna Sathish.
Dr Sathish, now a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at the University of Newcastle, toured Australia in 2018 as a visiting scientist and the family have since made Elermore Vale their home.
“Our first moments in Australia were a whirlwind of emotions. As we stepped into Australia, it starkly contrasted with what we were used to. We were struck by the friendliness of the people we encountered, which immediately put us at ease,” Dr Sathish said.
“Newcastle’s beaches, parks and forests offer endless outdoor activities and relaxation. These natural spaces have helped us to connect with the Australian way of life.”
As Mary Amponsah, 35, took the pledge she marked a new chapter in a life that began in the shanties of Kumasi, Ghana and has yielded a PhD in Economics at the University of Newcastle.
The oldest child following the loss of her brother and father, Dr Amponsah won a scholarship that meant leaving her mother, two sisters and Africa for the first time.
Her first safe harbour in Australia was a sympathetic cabbie; her safest of all is Sister Diana Santleben. The Zara’s House founder and Newcastle refugee champion recruited Dr Amponsah as a financial administrator and protegee.
“I was that shy person when I arrived. The biggest thing I’ve gained in Newcastle is being more confident, seeing how approachable people are. It helps me open up,” she said.
“I’m also glad I have gardening with Sister Di.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said citizenship is one of the most rewarding duties of her office.
“We live in a vibrant, multicultural community that includes speakers of more than 130 languages, with almost 20 per cent of its residents having been born overseas,” Cr Nelmes said.
“I congratulate all of today’s new citizens, who join more than 340 people to have taken the pledge in Newcastle this year.”
Lost dogs are enjoying a more comfortable stay as they wait to be returned to their owners or re-homed thanks to major upgrades at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility.
Twelve new dog kennels have been constructed at the Tighes Hill site featuring improved ventilation, climate control, lighting, and access ramps, while a fenced area for exercising the animals has also been provided.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen with Jackie, Acting CEO David Clarke, Dog Rescue Newcastle Shelter Manager John Giddens, City of Newcastle Rangers with Bella the Ranger dog and kelpie pup Lucy at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility at Tighes Hill.The kennels not only set a high standard for the care of animals, but their design allows for the facility to be expanded or relocated in the future.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the new facilities will help Rangers provide efficient, quality care as they continue to deliver their other regulatory and educational responsibilities.
“Our Rangers do a fantastic job looking after the animals that come into their care,” Cr Clausen said.
“In the past year alone, they have helped reunite 126 lost pets with their owners, while a further 90 animals were able to find new homes thanks to the strong working relationships our Rangers have developed with rescue agencies locally, statewide and nationally.
“These new kennels ensure we continue to meet best practice guidelines for an animal facility, providing enriching opportunities for daily exercise in the sun and fresh air.
“This will ensure the animals remain in a safe and comfortable environment while they wait to be returned to their owners or find a new home.”
A pregnant female Staffordshire Bull Terrier affectionately known as Bonnie is among the Rangers’ most recent success stories.
With no foster carers available in the Hunter, the Rangers used their interstate contacts to match her with an organisation in Victoria that specialises in caring for pregnant dogs.
Bonnie is now living with a foster carer until she gives birth, then when her pups are around eight-weeks-old, she’ll be able to find a permanent home.
Last week proved a busy time for the Rangers, who also reunited an American Staffy named Tank with his distraught owner, who had recently moved into a new house in Newcastle.
Tank’s owners were in the process of ‘dog-proofing’ the yard when he snuck through a hole in the fence, but thankfully his microchip details were up to date, including his new address, so he was quickly returned home.
The rescue wall at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility at Tighes Hill.Cr Clausen said stories like Tank’s demonstrate the importance of registering and microchipping your pets.
“Out-of-date registration details, a lack of collar, ID tag or microchip, all make it much harder for our Rangers to make these reunions possible,” Cr Clausen said.
“We also want to make sure our beloved pets are as safe as possible, which is why through the provision of free microchipping and pet registry advice, we can help busy pet owners take these important tasks off their to-do list.
“The heartbreak of a lost pet can be easily prevented by taking a few simple registration steps, which our rangers are very happy to help pet owners achieve.”
City of Newcastle Rangers will be providing free microchipping to all eligible dogs at the next ‘Pups in the Park’ event on 19 October from 9am in Federal Park, Wallsend.
Dog owners can learn all about responsible pet ownership, meet local dog-based business owners and receive assistance updating details for existing microchips.
For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/
More than half (55%) of Hunter Valley low-income households are going without prescribed medication or healthcare due to cost-of-living pressures according to a new report by peak social services body NCOSS.
The report, Impossible Choices: Decisions NSW communities shouldn’t have to make, was commissioned by NCOSS and undertaken by the University of Technology Sydney this year. It surveyed a representative sample of more than 1,080 residents living on low incomes and below the poverty line in NSW.
The research revealed the following across the Hunter Valley region:
69% are in housing stress (i.e. they spend more than 30% of income on housing)
65% had no money set aside for emergencies
55% went without prescribed medication or healthcare
52% could not afford to travel for essential reasons
45% went without meals
NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said the research had demonstrated the extreme impacts being felt by households in Hunter Valley on low incomes and below the poverty line.
“Hunter Valley families should not be forced to choose between paying for food or medication,” Ms Varian said.
“The basics of life should not be considered a luxury that most low-income families cannot afford.
“These impossible choices make every day a challenge and, most disturbingly, we are setting up intergenerational disadvantage. We must do better.”
The research revealed the following across the state of NSW:
Single parents were the hardest hit cohort, with nine out of ten single parents going without essentials over the past 12 months.
NSW children are also bearing the brunt of the growing cost of living pressures, with parents cutting back spending on meals, essential healthcare, and education resources.
Three in four households (74 per cent) sacrificed spending on their children.
Half of households (52 per cent) sacrificed spending on health and wellbeing essentials.
One in five delayed early childhood education.
“The ripple effects of these sacrifices are profound, causing increased stress and tension within households, affecting relationships, mental health and wellbeing, and child development outcomes,” Ms Varian said.
“Most people on low incomes in this survey were working, many taking on additional jobs and hours but still going backwards. Even those who received a pay rise could not match the increase to their costs of living.”
Ms Varian said the peak body had a set of recommendations for the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, developed in consultation with NCOSS members.
“These are complex issues, but governments have the power to change it,” she said.
“Implementing our recommendations would significantly ease the crushing pressure that is pushing people to breaking point.”
The recommendations include:
Lifting Commonwealth income support for Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and Parenting Payments.
Increasing the rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Providing universal early childcare.
Ensuring 10 per cent of all NSW housing is social and affordable.Making NSW rental increases fair and reasonable; urgently implement no grounds evictions for all lease types; and legislate rental bidding.
Implementing a universal school food program in NSW.
Providing adequate funding for NSW emergency food relief services.
Expanding public transport concessions to better support people on low incomes.
Improving bus networks in regional, rural and remote communities.
For more information, and to read the full report, visit ncoss.org.au
Definitions:
Below the poverty line: defined as households living on less than 50 per cent of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs (below $560 per week).
Low-income households: defined as households living on 50 – 80 per cent of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs ($560 – $896 per week).
About the survey: the research, undertaken by the University of Technology’s Institute of Public Policy and Governance, involved stratified random sampling to engage a statistically representative sample of 1,086 NSW residents, living on low incomes and below the poverty line, through an online survey. 23 people also participated in focus groups and interviews.
