Newcastle News – Page 78

NEWCASTLE AND LAKE MACQUARIE FAMILIES BUCKLE UNDER COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES: NEW RESEARCH

Four in five (81%) Newcastle and Lake Macquarie low-income households are in housing stress 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 Newcastle and Lake Macquarie:

81% are in housing stress (i.e. they spend more than 30% of income on housing)
53% went without prescribed medication or healthcare
60% could not afford to travel for essential reasons (e.g. work, to attend education)
55% went without meals because they were short of money
62% had no money set aside for emergencies
47% used Buy Now Pay Later to pay for essential goods (e.g. food, transport)
NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said the research had demonstrated the extreme impacts being felt by households in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie on low incomes and below the poverty line.

“Newcastle and Lake Macquarie 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%) sacrificed spending on their children.
Half of households (52%) 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% 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% 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% 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.

City of Newcastle secures $1 million grant to roll out innovative development assessment process

A groundbreaking planning tool designed by City of Newcastle, which has slashed determination times for simple developments by more than 75 per cent, will be rolled out across two Hunter councils.

City of Newcastle will leverage a $1 million Federal grant to integrate and expand its award-winning Accelerated Development Application (ADA) system across Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shire Councils as part of a memoranda of understanding with its Hunter neighbours.

Since being introduced by Newcastle in 2022, the system has reduced the average assessment of low-impact, decision-ready development applications to seven days, down from the previous average of 40.

It has also helped cut Newcastle’s overall processing times by 30 per cent.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the three-council accord will springboard the acclaimed ADA into more efficient approvals for low-risk developments.

“This is a significant achievement that means our hard work and expertise is set to benefit our colleagues at Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook shire and ultimately more people across the Hunter,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I’m delighted that the vision of our staff is being recognised through this federal grant and I’m proud that City of Newcastle is leading and collaborating through this first-of-its-kind system, which is setting a benchmark for other councils across NSW.

“By expanding the ADA program across the Hunter, we will help increase the planning capability and housing delivery in the region.”

The councils jointly secured the grant through the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program, part of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

The system will be rolled out to Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook councils by City of Newcastle through training, support, shared expertise and mentoring.

City of Newcastle will also lead analysis and expansion of ADA, with input from the development sector, key stakeholders and artificial intelligence, to capture and speed up a greater share of applications.

The three councils will then collaborate to finetune the expanded ADA on an ongoing basis.

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds said gaining ADA as an approval tool would remove barriers to vital housing and development.

“Just like everyone who lives in the Hunter and across the state, our residents want housing that meets their needs,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Being able to share and take ownership of this proven system for Muswellbrook is going to help us address that need into the future.”

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison praised the cooperation of the three councils in securing the federal grant and signing the memoranda of understanding.

“Newcastle, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter are unique places with their own unique qualities but we have many things in common – an expectation of timely approvals is one of them,” Cr Collison said.

“Already we’re seeing the benefits of working together and this shared approach to the benefits of ADA is a prime example.”

The ADA system has proven highly effective at slashing red tape around the hundreds of simple, decision-ready development applications made to City of Newcastle each year.

The higher efficiency frees council resources for more complex DAs, increasing capacity for merit assessment and responding to site constraints.

The system also improves the quality of information lodged and uses an eligibility checker to quickly determine if an application can be assessed through ADA. In the most recent financial year, ADA determinations accounted for 27 per cent of all applications determined by City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s ADA pathway covers 10 types of developments. Most applications determined are residential, including alterations and additions, single dwellings and secondary dwellings.

Construction boom sparks interest in development review panel

Highly qualified professionals from all over Australia expressed interest in being part of Newcastle’s growth as a member of the City’s Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP).

The most recent UDRP, which evaluated and critiqued more than $1.5 billion worth of developments in Newcastle just last year, completed its three-year term at the end of June.

'Arbour' at 810 Hunter Street, Newcastle West. ‘Arbour’ at 810 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.The new panel has been expanded to meet growing demand, incorporating seven members and a Chairperson, who will provide advice to City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality of the design and amenity of development proposals.

An expression of interest process was held to formulate the make-up of the new panel, with 35 applicants whittled down based on experience and technical expertise to ensure a balanced spread of design disciplines.

Phillip Pollard will return as Chairperson for the new three-year term, while Kerry Hunter, Kristine Cianci, Kelly O’Connell and Colin Brady have all been retained as members.

Joining them on the panel for the first time will be Elisabeth Peet who has qualifications in architecture and urban design, award-winning architect Lachlan Seegers and landscape architect David Taylor.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the URDP has played an important role in the development of Newcastle.

“The panel is the oldest continuously serving urban design and architectural advisory body in New South Wales,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The former panel met 13 times in 2023 to contribute their extensive industry experience and expertise, providing guidance to City of Newcastle and applicants on 48 development proposals to ensure we continue to raise the bar in urban planning and design.

“We are excited to welcome three new highly capable members to the panel for the next three years who will continue to set positive benchmarks for future development in and around the city.”

Chairperson Phillip Pollard said he’s delighted to be reappointed to the UDRP.

“By providing expert urban design advice at an early stage, the UDRP has consistently demonstrated that good design need not cost more, and that design quality contributes in multiple ways to the outstanding heritage and natural attributes of the city,” Mr Pollard said.

“The input of the UDRP has also offered the local building and development industry a degree of confidence to pursue high design quality goals and adventurous city making.

“I’d like to thank the members and former members for their dedication and outstanding contribution and look forward to contributing positively to the development of the city over the next three years.”

Kerry Hunter said the UDRP brings a passion and commitment to positive city-making.

“It’s exciting to see City of Newcastle introducing a larger collegiate of skilled architectural, urban and landscape practitioners who will further enrich this design review process,” Ms Hunter said.

“We are seeing many projects recognising there is a shared public and private benefit, and greater public value that communities bestow on development that achieves design excellence. These outcomes shape the physical form and quality of spaces, places and buildings, and improved amenity that will be enjoyed for decades to come.

“City of Newcastle has been ambitious in its aspirations and is to be congratulated. I very much look forward to the next three years of the UDRP.”

Significant development proposals considered by the URDP in 2023 included $71 million twin-tower luxury apartment complex, ‘ONE’ on National Park Street in Newcastle West, a $29 million mixed use development and a further $116 million mixed use development both on Hunter Street, and a $12 million customised commercial space, ‘Arbour’, also in Newcastle West.

Members of the new panel bring a range of experience to the role including master planning, crime prevention through environmental design, heritage architecture, residential, commercial and urban design.

Other areas of expertise include locally significant projects such as residential flat buildings, seniors living developments, affordable housing projects, new schools, childcare projects and public parks.

John Hunter Hospital workers rally to prevent cafe closure

HSU members at John Hunter Hospital will band together with the local community to rally against HealthShare’s misguided decision to close their staff cafe, part of a spate of four closures across the state.

Over 1,000 staff members across various medical fields rely on the retail outlets operated by HealthShare, and the cafe at John Hunter is an important venue for staff to relax and recharge, while enjoying an affordable coffee or meal.

Alternative private providers do not accept a meal vouchers that staff receive when they work extended shifts.

A petition calling for the decision to be reversed has garnered 4,000 signatures.

The rally will be held outside the The Royal Newcastle Centre from 12:30pm on Thursday September 5.

“It’s not too late for HealthShare to reverse this regrettable and illogical decision,” said Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary. “The John Hunter Hospital cafe provides affordable meals for exhausted and stressed out health workers. Why disrupt something that’s working?

“Management’s arguments make little sense.Reverse the decision and give exhausted hospital workers somewhere to relax.”

Maud Street upgrades rolling out to create safer cycling connections

Thousands of cyclists and pedestrians will find it safer and easier to navigate a busy Newcastle intersection thanks to a $2 million upgrade being delivered by City of Newcastle.

Construction has kicked off on the project, which will address challenging safety and accessibility issues experienced at the existing crossing on Maud Street, near the intersection of Vera and Prince Street, Waratah West.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle Works Coordinator Trevor Cocksedge at the Maud Street upgrades.This crossing is used by more than 3,200 people each month and is a key link in the regionally-significant cycleway connecting the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus with the city centre.

The current pedestrian refuge will be replaced with a signalised crossing to reduce the risk of interactions between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while improved lane alignment, kerb extensions and shared paths will further boost safety at the intersection.

Stormwater upgrades, road resurfacing, landscaping and new kerb and guttering will also be delivered as part of the project, which is being partly funded by $300,000 from the NSW Government.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the upgrades will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living and working in the area.

“We are committed to ensuring Newcastle is a cycling and pedestrian-friendly city,” Cr Clausen said.

“Feedback during the public exhibition of these plans indicated that the majority of the community supports the need for crossing improvements, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety, and connectivity.

“The upgrades will make it easier for students travelling to the nearby University by improving this important link in Newcastle’s wider cycleway network.

“The NSW Government funding for the new traffic signals that will be installed on Maud Street will further support these significant safety improvements and enhance the connection from the suburbs through to the city.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the upgrades will boost safety for pedestrians and cyclists commuting to and from the city and University.

“These upgrades will go a long way in supporting City of Newcastle’s vision to make Newcastle a cycling and pedestrian-friendly city, as well as supporting active lifestyles for people who choose to ride to work in the city, or the University,” Minister Moriarty said.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the project will involve day and night work to minimise impacts on Maud Street.

“Our team has worked with Transport for NSW to design and plan a solution for what is currently a challenging crossing to negotiate for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Thomson said.

“These road safety improvements will also include improved lane alignment when traveling northbound on Maud Street, and kerb extensions and shared paths on Prince Street and Vera Street. Vera Street will be changed to a left-in only from Maud Street to further improve safety at this intersection.

“There will be minor disruptions during the construction period with some temporary changes to traffic, cycling, and pedestrian access in the area. We encourage all road users to plan ahead and drive safely on our roads.”

This project is part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to developing vibrant, safe and active public places, and is expected to be completed by October, subject to weather.

For more information and updates on this project, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Improving access to complex menopause care in Newcastle

Women who experience severe or complex menopause symptoms will benefit from enhanced support, with the opening of a new menopause hub in Newcastle.

The specialised facility is designed to assist women whose menopause symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

Located in Wallsend, the new hub is part of NSW Health’s extensive menopause network, which includes four health hubs and multiple referral sites throughout the state.

The hub offers a comprehensive approach to managing severe menopausal symptoms through a multi-disciplinary team of medical specialists and allied health professionals, including women’s health nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and clinical psychologists.

General practitioners, specialists, and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care, with in-person consultations available, along with telehealth support for those in rural areas.

For more information about Hunter New England Local Health District’s menopause hub and referral criteria, contact 02 4924 5753.

More information about NSW Health’s menopause services can be found here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/women/Pages/menopause.aspx

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.”

“The completion of the Newcastle menopause hub marks a significant milestone for women in the Hunter, New England, Lower Mid North Coast, and northern NSW regions who need advanced support.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Menopause will affect most women at some stage of their life. For some, the symptoms might be limited. For others, it can be debilitating.”

“The opening of this Menopause Hub in Wallsend – as part of a network of menopause services – means women in the region experiencing severe or complex symptoms of menopause can access the important health care services they need.”

“It’s also important during this Women’s Health Week we raise awareness to help break the menopause taboo so women can receive appropriate menopausal care and support.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“I’m glad to see this great facility is being brought to Wallsend. It will make a huge difference to the lives of women suffering from severe or complex menopause symptoms.”

“To have access to the care right here in Wallsend is potentially life-changing for many women in our community.”

Hunter New England Local Health District’s Executive Director of Clinical Services, Nursing and Midwifery, Elizabeth Grist:

“We are excited to offer this state-of-the-art service to women experiencing challenging menopause symptoms or who face additional medical challenges.”

“Our hub is also particularly crucial for those experiencing perimenopause or early menopause, such as those undergoing post-cancer treatment.”

First Nations art to take pride of place in Newcastle Art Gallery

First Nations culture will be celebrated at the heart of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery following the acquisition of a significant work of art by internationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope.

Generously donated by the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country) features 44 poles adorned with a bouquet of rock oyster shells, which will be suspended within the new central atrium of the Gallery and be visible from the ground and first floors.

Artist Megan CopeEach pole is approximately two metres long and shaped from cypress pine, which has been collected by the artist and Quandamooka community collaborators from Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island).

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes thanked the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation for the culturally important work of art, which is expected to attract international interest.

“Newcastle Art Gallery is dedicated to honouring the culture and traditions of our First Nations communities, so it’s fitting that such a significant work of art will fill the atrium of our expanded Gallery,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In recent years, Megan has exhibited across the globe at major exhibitions and institutions in cities including Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Milan, and Quebec.

“We’re thrilled to become the custodian of Megan’s world-renowned creativity and passion through this generous donation from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, who continue to play a valuable role in supporting the Gallery, its expansion and the growth of its collection.”

Chair Suzie Galwey said the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation is incredibly proud to present a major artwork by Indigenous artist Megan Cope to the Gallery Collection.

“Members and supporters of the Foundation are eagerly anticipating this important work being added to the gallery’s already nationally acclaimed collection,” Ms Galwey said.

This gift is in addition to the Foundations’ $13-million philanthropic fundraising goal for the building expansion.

“We would like to take this opportunity to encourage the community to be part of the story and join us in our final fundraising push to bring this long-awaited cultural asset to completion,” Ms Galwey said.

Kinyingarra Guwinyanba, meaning ‘place of oyster rocks’ in Jandai and Gowar language, is part of Megan Cope’s ongoing project of on-and-off-Country oyster-shell based sculptures, which investigate the impact of the early colonial lime-burning industry and devastation of both Aboriginal middens and oyster reefs in Quandamooka Sea Country.

Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country)Empty oyster shells are attached to marine-resistant wood poles planted in intertidal zones to help propagate new oyster reefs, which themselves are living sculptures and an ancestral technology.

Megan Cope said Kinyingarra Guwinyanba is a project she started in 2022 on her traditional Country.

“Kinyingarra Guwinyanba is a living, generative land and sea artwork that demonstrates how art can physically heal country that has been colonised through the practice of ecologically restorative and ancestral processes,” Ms Cope said.

“By suspending the sculpture in the Gallery, I hope it will help us connect with the two worlds of the intertidal zone, to that feeling of being buoyant when swimming and being able to see both above and below.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said Newcastle Art Gallery was also looking forward to welcoming Megan back to Newcastle later this month as part of City of Newcastle’s New Annual festival.

Megan is working with the Gallery to present Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House, a site-specific socially engaged project designed with the University of Newcastle’s Architecture students that will take place in a custom-built temporary structure at Honeysuckle Marina from 27 September to 6 October.

“It is an honour to not only acquire Megan’s incredible work of art into our Gallery’s nationally significant collection, but to also partner with her on our New Annual locally based participatory project celebrating local oysters, collaboration and environmental stewardship,” Ms Morton said.

“Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country) 2022 will be suspended in the 11-metre-high central atrium – essentially in the ‘heart’ of our reimagined Art Gallery. Beyond its evident artistic merit, it strongly signals the Gallery’s commitment to support First Nations artists, works of scale and artists of calibre.

“While the Gallery has strong representation of First Nations paintings and works on paper, this represents a significant addition to the Gallery’s holdings of sculpture by First Nations artists. Moreover, it aligns with the Gallery’s ambitions to support living artists.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation for their continued generosity in support of our Art Gallery.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years.

A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Quest to bring international surfing event to Newcastle gathers momentum

City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind discussions to transform Surfest into one of the top 16 surfing contests in the world.

The plan would see the iconic Newcastle event line up in the Challenger Series, which is the second highest tier on the World Surfing League (WSL) calendar, contested by some of the top male and female surfers from across the globe.

Sarah Baum, Philippa Anderson, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Ryan Callinan, Julian Wilson and Jackson Baker at Merewether Beach.A Lord Mayoral Minute unanimously adopted this week called on City of Newcastle to advocate for the event with the NSW Government and the WSL.

The move is supported by Surfest founder Warren Smith, along with the city’s top surfers including Ryan Callinan, Jackson Baker, Julian Wilson, Sarah Baum and Philippa Anderson who joined Cr Nelmes at Merewether Beach today.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle has proven it’s more than capable of hosting major events.

“Newcastle has become a destination of choice for promoters around the world thanks to the success of major events such as the Supercars Newcastle 500, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Pink concerts, as well as various international rugby union, league, football and netball matches,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle also has a proud history of supporting world-class surfing as the founding sponsor of Surfest, which this year celebrated its 38^th anniversary as the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Newcastle’s reputation as a premier surfing destination was enhanced when we hosted the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup in 2021, marking the first time a combined male-and-female World Championship Tour event was held in NSW since 1999.

“That event showcased Merewether Beach and Newcastle to a global audience of more than 10 million people and injected an estimated $15 million into the local economy.

“Securing Surfest as part of the Challenger Series in 2025 and beyond represents a significant opportunity that would bring substantial economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Newcastle and the wider Hunter region.”

Surfest founder and Freeman of the City of Newcastle Warren Smith will meet with WSL officials in Queensland this week.

Mr Smith said the passion of Cr Nelmes and City of Newcastle’s support has resurrected the dream of adding Surfest to the six-event Challenger Series, which provides a stepping stone to the prestigious 10-event Championship Tour.

“When the World Surf League restructured it competition structure three years ago Surfest became a Qualifying Series event for the Asia-Pacific region, essentially a third-tier event,” Mr Smith said.

“If we’re successful in being added to the Challenger Series we’ll welcome the return of surfers from all over the world, all vying to earn a spot on the Championship Tour.”

Merewether professional surfer Jackson Baker said he’s extremely excited about the prospect of a Challenger Series event coming to his hometown and being hosted at his local beach.

“Having won Surfest in 2022, it would mean the world to me to have an opportunity to win a Challenger Series event at home,” Mr Baker said.

“I travel the world all year to compete at all the Challenger Series stops so having an event at home would definitely boost my chances at requalifying for the Championship Tour.”

Fellow Merewether surfer Philippa Anderson said it’s events like Surfest that inspire childhood dreams.

“From the age of 12 I watched Surfest at Newcastle Beach, then when it moved to Merewether where I started to compete a few years later. As an experienced surfer I now look back on how much those events meant to a young girl who had dreams to become a professional,” Ms Anderson said.

“If the Challenger Series comes to town all the young Novocastrians who aspire to follow in the footsteps of Mark Richards, Ryan Callinan, Morgan Cibilic and Jackson Baker will get to watch and maybe even surf with amazing female and male professional surfers.

“There’s just nothing that can compare to that. I hope we can get the event here and the rest is history.”