Category: Newcastle News

A nursing graduate who pivoted from a background in civil engineering is among nine Lord Mayor’s Scholarship recipients recognised by City of Newcastle.

In 2022 City of Newcastle expanded the Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Scholarship Program with the NSW TAFE Foundation to five categories to help more local students facing personal or financial hardship to reach their educational goals. A similar Lord Mayor’s Scholarship Program with the University of Newcastle was set up in 2015. This year City of Newcastle will provide scholarships of between $1000 and $4000 to eight students, totaling more than $16,000. 

Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, City of Newcastle Acting CEO David Clarke, City of Newcastle Aboriginal Engagement Partner Jody Clark, University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global Professor Kent Anderson, TAFE NSW Executive Director Jason Darney and Scholarship recipients.City of Newcastle hosted nine current and recent recipients from the scholarship program at a reception with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes this week, acknowledging their hard work, dedication and vocational success.

“These outstanding Novocastrians embody what can be achieved through fair access to tertiary education for everyone. Already, each one of these high achievers is contributing to our common goal of making Newcastle a more livable, sustainable, inclusive global city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle has a proud record of supporting scholarship opportunities and empowering students to reach their potential, despite any hurdles. In the last four years we have supported 37 students through the scholarship program. I’m thrilled by this opportunity to congratulate them personally.” 

Dominic Julius Gudis, 29, received the Lord Mayor’s Inclusion Scholarship last year and in June completed his Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Newcastle. 

Now an Enrolled Nurse at Lingard Hospital, Merewether, Mr Gudis hopes to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Newcastle, study medicine and ultimately become a rural GP. It’s a career pivot the Filipino expat, and former civil engineer, doesn’t regret.

“Nursing is something I’ve wanted to do since I was kid. We were very family oriented growing up in the Philippines, always taking care of our mum, our grandma and our extended family. As soon as I started nursing I thought, this is my place,” Mr Gudis said.

“I’m glad I went through TAFE and I’d recommend it to anyone. It helps you learn about the job and it’s a stepping-stone to whatever you want to do later. I’ve definitely found my passion.”

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills North Jason Darney said the scholarship recipients reflected a diversity of career paths. 

“TAFE NSW is committed to providing practical skills training along with real work experience to help people find the job they want, and to training the workforce of the future,” Mr Darney said.

“However, choosing to study, upskill or retrain can be a difficult decision for some, as they balance cost of living pressures with study commitments. These scholarships, along with the ongoing support from the NSW TAFE Foundation, will allow students who are experiencing hardship to reach their full potential and their education goals.”

University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Kent Anderson praised the nine scholarship recipients and the equity and importance of the support. 

“It’s wonderful to have this kind of support from the City of Newcastle – it’s a great example of our community’s commitment to supporting equal access to higher education,” Professor Anderson said. 

“The scholarship empowers students to pursue their dreams, making sure that financial hardship does not stand in the way of academic achievement and making a positive contribution to society.”

The Lord Mayor scholarship recipients through TAFE NSW and the University of Newcastle recognised this week also include:

• Astro Haddon – Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship – TAFE NSW
• Chloe Hooper – Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship – TAFE NSW
• Emily Lloyd – TAFE Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Scholarship – TAFE NSW
• Winnie Lynn – Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship – TAFE NSW
• Maddison Innis – Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women – UoN
• Leanne Swainson – Lord Mayor’s Women Empowered Scholarship – TAFE NSW
• Chen Tai – Lord Mayor’s TAFE CALD Scholarship – TAFE NSW
• Sharnie-Marie Withers – Lord Mayor’s Arts Encouragement Award – TAFE NSW

Work will begin next month to improve access at Bar Beach, with more than $1.7 million being invested in upgrades including a new walkway and staircase from the main promenade across the front of Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club to the sand. 

The beach and surf lifesaving club building were significantly damaged by a storm surge in April 2022. 

Councillors voted last night to accept a tender for the next stage of City of Newcastle’s ongoing remediation program, which will include new access from the amenities area to the southern area of the beach patrolled by City of Newcastle lifeguards seven days a week.  

The project will also include the reinstatement and upgrade of a vehicle access ramp from Memorial Drive to the beach, with access to and from the Club’s garaging, and a wave deflector wall to protect the new infrastructure. 

City of Newcastle has delivered a series of repair works at Bar Beach since 2022, including reinstating staircases, re-installing a beach access wheelchair ramp, and installing balustrade-style fencing to increase safety given the drop in sand level in the storm event. 

The next stage of the project is scheduled to be completed before the peak summer season to minimise disruption to beachgoers, including the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club’s Nippers program. 

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said enhancing the accessibility of Bar Beach and restoring the integrity of its built environment was a priority for City for Newcastle. 

“The remediation work completed so far has significantly restored the area, with this next stage to further improve pedestrian and vehicular access at this popular coastal precinct,” Mr Thompson said. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said these works are part of ongoing investment in our beaches, which will continue through the Coastal Revitalisation Program.  

“We know just how much our community and visitors value how easy it is to enjoy our beautiful coastline,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“This is why we continue to invest in improving access points at our beaches as well as delivering major infrastructure projects including upgrades to the Merewether Ocean Baths and the refurbishment of Nobbys Surf Pavilion, the ongoing revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, and the delivery of our flagship Bathers Way coastal path.” 

Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club President Michael Clancy welcomed the next stage of remediation works and improvements to beach access. 

“The construction of the wave wall, pedestrian path and associated public access points to the beach are welcomed by the Cooks Hill SLSC members and the wider community we serve. Safe access to the beach is paramount for everyone and this work will provide a secure and accessible environment for beachgoers,” Mr Clancy said. 

“The enhancements will not only protect the shoreline but also provide some additional protection to community assets we all enjoy.” 

Following the 2022 storm, City of Newcastle carried out emergency works at Bar Beach to keep the clubhouse and facilities usable, reinstate staircase access to the beach, return vehicle access and introduce safety measures to protect beachgoers from the drop off from the promenade such as barriers and later, new fencing. 

City of Newcastle has received $1 million in funding from the Australian and NSW governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to remediate Bar Beach, and will invest more than $1.7 million to deliver this stage of works. City of Newcastle continues to work with coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program from Nobbys to Burwood beaches. 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 July 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Commitment to education and training opportunities

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting City of Newcastle’s commitment to upskilling, training and education opportunities for the local community through programs such as Future Fit program for apprentices, trainees, undergraduates and graduates and the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship Program.

Newcastle Premier League T20 cricket competition

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulated the Newcastle Hunters cricket club and their organising committee on the successful start of Season 3 of their Newcastle Premier League T20 cricket competition and acknowledged the significant role this multicultural cricket competition plays in supporting migrants and refugees in our community. 

It also recognised the significant impact that the City of Newcastle Grants and Sponsorship program has in supporting community organisations like these that build the diverse cultural fabric of the city.

Congratulating Novocastrian Olympians 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported extending our heartfelt congratulations to the Novocastrian athletes selected to represent Australia at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games and 2024 Paralympic Games.

Ordinary business 

Supplementary report – Special Business Rate audit outcome

Council noted the transparent and effective framework of City of Newcastle’s SBR expenditure policy as confirmed by a recent independent audit of 2022/23 expenditure. The audit found that the SBR expenditure processes and controls are functioning as intended with few minor additional actions necessary at this time.

Adoption of public outcomes – Western Corridor road upgrades

Council unanimously approved the proposed scope of the (Western Corridor) Traffic Management Ancillary Works and endorsed consultation for the fixing of road levels on Longworth Avenue between Newcastle Road and Minmi Road, and at Minmi Road between Maryland Drive (east) and west of the Summerhill Road roundabout.

Heritage item – 13 Section Street, Mayfield

Council unanimously voted to endorse the planning proposal to amend Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 13 Section Street, Mayfield. The planning proposal will be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for gateway determination, followed by community and agency consultation as required.

Tender report – Bar Beach rehabilitation and reinstatement

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the construction of the southern access ramp and walkway deflector wall at Bar Beach. 

Notices of Motion 

Improving turnover of city parking for the benefit of small businesses to increase trade in CBD of Newcastle 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to review the existing two-hour parking from 9am to 12pm on Saturdays and increase to the hours of 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays in the Hunter and King Street area to the east of Newcastle’s central business district.

Council will undertake, in line with the Parking Plan 2021, a staged review of timed parking restrictions in the area bound by King Street, Scott Street, Hunter Street, Darby Street and Pacific Street; with a view to improve parking turnover on weekday evenings and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Support for our creative workers

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that noted City of Newcastle’s ongoing support for the arts, cultural and creative industries in Newcastle. It acknowledged the need to plan how we support these industries in Newcastle over the next 10 years and committed, in the first 12 months of the next term of Council, to investigating options for retaining and increasing affordable creative workspaces across Newcastle and preparing a 10-year Cultural Plan for the city, which includes support for our creative workers and their creative workspaces as a strategic priority.

Confidential Reports

Tender report for processing of recyclables

Council unanimously voted to accept the tender from iQRenew for processing of recyclables.

A man remains in custody after a woman was injured when she was allegedly hit by a stolen SUV near Newcastle this morning.

Emergency services were called to Newcastle Road at Jesmond shortly before 2am (Wednesday 24 July 2024), after a 21-year-old traffic controller was allegedly struck by a silver Mercedes Benz SUV, which was being pursued by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police had initiated the pursuit only moments earlier when the SUV – which had been reported stolen from Salt Ash – was seen allegedly travelling above the speed limit.

Police immediately rendered assistance to the injured woman while the alleged driver of the stolen SUV was arrested after a being chased down on foot.

The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she is reported to be in a stable condition with pelvic injuries.

The 30-year-old man has been taken to Waratah Police Station.

A crime scene was established by Newcastle City Police with officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit now conducting inquiries.

Motorists are advised traffic in the area has been significantly impacted by this incident; they are recommended to avoid the avoid the area and monitor www.livetraffic.com for updates.

Inquiries are continuing.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the State’s north.

Sonny Bower, aged 14 was last seen in Raymond Terrace on Friday July 12 2024.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, police were notified at 4:20pm on Friday 19 July 2024 and officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

There are serious concerns for Sonny’s welfare due to his age.

He is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, large build, 185cm tall, brown hair with a rat’s tail and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black puffer jackets and black pants.

Sonny is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace and Charlestown areas.

Anyone with information into Sonny’s whereabouts is urged to call Raymond Terrace Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Dozens of new homes will be delivered for people in need across Newcastle and the Hunter region. More than $45 million is being invested across a range of social housing projects, including restoration of homes and redevelopments.

The NSW and Federal Government is today announcing:

• Construction is underway on four new social housing projects, with three projects at Waratah West and one project at Lambton. Totalling more than $24 million, the projects will see the transformation of nine ageing properties into 40 new modern and accessible homes.
• As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Homes NSW and City of Newcastle, construction is also underway on nine new social homes in Wallsend, partly funded from the $610 million provided under the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Fund (SHAF). 
• Under the recently completed SHAF restoration program, nine existing properties in Toronto, Windale, Gateshead, Elermore Vale and Edgeworth have been completely refurbished, with $925,000 spent on ensuring the previously uninhabitable homes were upgraded to provide immediate relief for those most in need. 
• A further two projects at Maryland are in the pipeline have the potential to deliver up to 25 new homes comprising of one, two and three-bedroom units.

Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson said

“We know the housing crisis is hitting regional areas hard, particularly places that are experiencing rapid growth such as Newcastle, Hunter and Lake Macquarie. That’s why this injection of more than $45 million is so important in providing much needed social housing.

“We’re extremely fortunate and thankful to have such a committed partner in the City of Newcastle. A Council that is willing to work with us towards the common goal of creating more housing for those who need it most.

“We want our homes to be fit for purpose and assisting as many people as possible. To do this we need to think outside the box when it comes to addressing the housing crisis – this means looking at all options for housing including refurbishments, redevelopments and new builds.

Restoring nine beautiful family homes to their former glory, at a fraction of the cost of a new build, means we can assist people on the waiting list sooner and was a no brainer.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said

“I’ve been fighting for years to have a strong injection of new social and affordable housing in the Wallsend electorate. I’m pleased that the Minister has heard our pleas and responded so readily to invest in our region.

“The NSW Government’s budget this year has demonstrated our steadfast commitment to housing with over $6 billion being invested. I’m pleased that the Wallsend electorate is receiving a fair share of this funding.”

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said

“City of Newcastle is the only council in the region to negotiate an innovative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSW Government to increase the delivery of social housing in Newcastle and fast-track priority housing projects. That’s why four out of five of these projects are in Newcastle.

“It is unique for a local council to be co-funding a NSW Government project but building more public housing is an urgent issue and I was pleased to negotiate this deal with the state government.

“Council’s investment is helping deliver more public housing in Wallsend. There is more to do, but this is a fantastic start.”

Details

Monday 22 to Thursday 25 July

• Nightly from 10pm to 2.30am, trains may run to a changed timetable due to trackwork between Strathfield and Central.
  
• Wednesday to Friday, buses replace the 1.47am Central to Newcastle Interchange service from Central to Hornsby.
• Buses leave earlier than the normal train timetable.
  
• Replacement buses may be affected by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
• Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus route92T9 Central, then Hornsby (Tuesday to Friday in that direction only)

At Waratah Station Lift 1 between the footbridge and Platform 1 is temporarily out of service. 02 4962 9495

At Waratah Station Lift 1 between the footbridge and Platform 1 is temporarily out of service. 02 4962 9495

Three Newcastle sports fields will share in more than $3.3 million worth of upgrades aimed at encouraging increased female participation while also catering for predicted population growth.

Funded by City of Newcastle and the NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program, the projects will see Tarro Reserve and Johnson Park at Lambton receive new amenities buildings with female friendly change rooms, an accessible toilet, canteen, referees’ room and storage.

New LED floodlighting that meets modern standards for training and matches will be installed at Johnson Park and Pat Jordan Oval at Carrington.

Additional improvements to Johnson Park will include drainage, as well as the relocation and replacement of the existing playground.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the projects are all about planning for the future.

As part of City of Newcastle’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan we want to renew and upgrade existing sportsgrounds to improve their functionality in order to meet the current and future needs of the community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“These upgrades will deliver benefits for our communities, and help prepare for the population increases forecast under the new housing targets set by the NSW Government and draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy.”

Preliminary work has begun on the project at Lambton, with the upgrade at Carrington expected to start in September.

Construction of the new amenities at Tarro will take place in 2025.

Newcastle City Junior AFL Club President Jon Clarke said the upgrade to Pat Jordan Oval will help to grow the game.

“This will create a safer, more welcoming environment for all of our players, but particularly for women who train at the ground,” Mr Clarke said.

“It will facilitate more training sessions and competition opportunities and cater to the growing female participant demand.”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery welcomed the upgrades at Johnson Park and Tarro Reserve, which she said would make the grounds more inclusive for female players.

“I’m very pleased that Tarro Reserve and Johnson Park will receive these improvements, which will enable female players to have greater access to sport and recreational facilities,” Ms Hornery said.

“We’ve seen the immense success of our Newcastle Knights women locally, and on a larger stage the brilliance of our Matildas football team. These successes have inspired many young women to participate in sport. I thank the NSW Government for providing this funding.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the upgrades at Pat Jordan Oval will be well received by the local sporting community.

“Newcastle has some fantastic sports programs for women and girls,” Mr Crakanthorp said. 

“It is crucial that we encourage those programs to continue and grow so more local women and girls develop a lifelong love of sport and enjoy the benefits that it brings.”