Category: Newcastle News

The Albanese Labor Government is keeping its commitment to improve the lives of Australian families with the introduction of the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023.

The Bill finalises settings for the Government’s significant expansion of Paid Parental Leave announced in the October 2022-23 Budget, increasing the scheme to 26 weeks by July 2026.

With this Bill, the Government is committing to providing each parent four weeks of reserved leave from July 2026 when the full scheme is implemented which will encourage shared care and send a strong signal that both parents play a role in caring for their children.

This Bill also introduces concurrent leave – meaning that from 2026 both parents can take four weeks of leave at the same time if they choose to, providing flexibility to families in how they arrange their care.

These changes reflect the additional advice on PPL sought by government from the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce and represent the largest investment in Paid Parental Leave since the scheme was introduced in 2011.

It delivers more support for working families, improves outcomes for children and advances gender equality.

The Bill follows changes commencing 1 July 2023 to make the scheme more accessible, flexible and gender equitable. These important structural changes laid a strong foundation for our expansion to 26 weeks. 

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said that through the Jobs and Skills Summit and the Employment White Paper, the Government had heard loud and clear that support for families to balance care is critical to ensuring women’s long term economic equality.

“We know that good women’s policy is also good economic policy, and this investment will promote parenting as an equal partnership while boosting the economy,” Minister Gallagher said.

“This is all about making sure that every family has more choice and better support.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the changes to the scheme better address the needs of working Australian families and provides greater security as they adjust to life with a newborn or adopted child.

“The roughly 180,000 families who receive Paid Parental Leave each year will benefit from a more generous scheme that supports maternal health and wellbeing, encourages dads and partners to take leave, and gives families flexibility to choose how they share care,” Minister Rishworth said.

“Not only will this help families to better balance work and care, but it will also support participation and productivity over the longer term, providing a dividend for the Australian economy.

“These changes will provide better security and choice for families. They strike the right balance between supporting our working families, encouraging greater gender equality, and supporting greater workforce participation.” 

Pending its passage through Parliament, two additional weeks of payment will be added each year from 1 July 2024, increasing the overall length of the Paid Parental Leave scheme by six weeks by July 2026.

The Bill increases the number of weeks reserved for each parent to four weeks in order to encourage sharing of care and household responsibilities.

The Bill also increases the number of weeks parents are able to take at the same time, increasing flexibility for families and supporting both parents to take time off work together after a birth.

The Government’s changes will benefit over 180,000 families each year, at a cost of $1.2 billion from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

More information on the changes to the Paid Parental Leave scheme can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is on the lookout for passionate local environmental champions to join the new Hunter Environment Advisory Group. 

EPA Acting Director of Operations Claire Miles said the group brings together and replaces the Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee and Newcastle Community Consultative Committee for the Environment and will play a crucial role in influencing and contributing to the future of the Hunter. 

“We are evolving these two groups to broaden the scope and increase collaboration across the Hunter and Newcastle areas. This responds to feedback from both of the groups previous members,” Ms Miles said.   

“We are looking for people who want to step up to guide environmental policies and initiatives towards sustainable development. 

“We know the people of Newcastle and the Hunter are passionate about their environment in a region where industry, natural wonders and vibrant communities coexist. 

 “The Hunter Environment Advisory Group will advise the EPA on existing, new and emerging environmental matters such as air quality, the operation of the air quality monitoring networks, local industry, general environmental matters and provide expertise to guide education and communication. 

“We are seeking applications from people who are linked into their community and can represent their community or local industries and be willing to share updates from the EPA back to the community.  

“This is your chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals and experts, influence decisions that shape the region’s environmental future, advocate for sustainable practices and conservation efforts, and participate in valuable discussions and projects,” Ms Miles said. 

Expression of interest for nominations are open from 20 October – 20 November. 

For more information come along to a drop-in session on Wednesday 25 October, 5-7pm at Stan Thiess Centre, Hill St, Muswellbrook where you can learn about the new Hunter Environment Advisory Group and the EPA’s current Bust the Dust campaign in the Hunter. 

More info on nominating for the Hunter Environment Advisory Group: Nominate for the Hunter Environment Advisory Group (nsw.gov.au)

City of Newcastle is moving forward with its commitment to reduce traffic congestion in the growing western corridor, seeking community feedback into plans to widen and upgrade Minmi Road.

The project is stage two of a large-scale infrastructure program that will significantly improve traffic flow along this key sub-arterial road. It follows recent community consultation into the proposed stage one upgrade along Longworth Avenue, Wallsend.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this was an important project that would provide benefits for local residents and motorists from across the region.

“Widening and upgrading Minmi Road was the first commitment made by the current elected Council in recognition of the long-standing issues associated with traffic congestion along this critical link, which connects the growing suburbs of Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi to Newcastle and the wider region,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Once complete, this project will help reduce travel times, improve safety, cater for population growth and increased vehicle movements in the area, and ease the morning and afternoon commute.

“We are now inviting motorists and residents who regularly travel along this road to have their say on the concept designs, to help shape the future of this important link to the city.”

The upgrade will increase the width of Minmi Road to two lanes in each direction from Summerhill Road to Maryland Drive (east).

A central median and separated turning lanes at Anna Place, McNaughton Avenue and the Service Station are proposed to help remove bottlenecks and improve safety, in conjunction with restrictions on right hand turns in and out of Mount Street and Minmi Road properties.

Improved cycling and pedestrian connections will also be delivered as part of the project.

Community members can log on to www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay by 17 November to provide feedback on the proposed concept designs.

Community drop-in sessions will also be held at Wallsend Library on Saturday, 4 November from 11am to 1pm, and Fletcher Village Shopping Centre on Thursday, 9 November from 4pm to 6pm.

Feedback received will be used to better understand the level of support from the community on the proposed plans, before finalising the scope and design options that will be presented to Council later this year.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from Hunter region.

Beau Hartill-Law, aged 12, was last seen at an oval on Alexandra Avenue, Rutherford, about 4pm on Friday (20 October 2023).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police hold concerns of his welfare due to his age.

Beau is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a slim build, about 150cm-155cm tall, with red/ginger coloured hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a whit t-shirt, brown shorts and black shoes.

Anyone who has seen Beau or has information of his whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man will face court for sexual touching and resisting arrest, causing injuries to a police officer and serious damage to a police car.

On Thursday 19 October 2023, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into an incident where a 23-year-old woman was allegedly sexually touched by an anonymous man in Redhead area on the same day.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives identified and located the 31-year-old man on Flowers Drive, Catherine Hill Bay about 3.40pm on Friday 20 October 2023.

It is alleged the man rammed a police vehicle, causing a significant damage to the rear of an unmarked police car and injuring a female Senior Constable.

The man then attempted to car jack another vehicle before being arrested where he resisted arrest.

He was taken to Belmont police station where he was charged with two counts of sexually touch another person without consent, common assault, predatory driving, use etc offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 21 October 2023).

Eight students from the Hunter / Central Coast are among only 149 students statewide chosen to perform as featured artists and dancers at the Schools Spectacular’s 40^th anniversary show, ‘Fabulous’.

The students went through a rigorous audition process before being chosen from more than 900 nominations to be part of the largest performing arts event in the southern hemisphere.

They are:

• Hunter School of the Performing Arts: Shanaya Buddingh and Willem Szabo (Dance), Jorden Leggett (Instrumental), Georgia Dully and Symphony Riley (Vocal)
• Rutherford Technology High School: Josie McIntosh (Dance)
• Terrigal High School: Maddi Johnson and Sydney Mickle (Dance)

Executive producer Richard Spiewak said the Schools Spectacular was one of the most anticipated events on the public school calendar.

“To be chosen to perform at this world-class event is not only testament to their talent, but also an opportunity for students to nurture their love for performing while working alongside some of the finest talents in the entertainment industry,” Mr Spiewak said.

“The featured artists are some of our brightest stars and, alongside all this year’s performers, they will put on a spectacular show that highlights the incredible talent within our public schools.

“We’ve already seen a sneak peek of their talent during the recent rehearsals, and I can guarantee that this year’s show is going to be fabulous.”

This year’s featured artists range in age from 11 to 18 years and will join more than 5,000 performers drawn from public schools across the state for this year’s live performances at Qudos Bank Arena on 24 and 25 November 2023.

The world’s largest annual variety show will also include an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a stage band, 2,600-voice choir, 2,300 dancers, the D’Arts Ensemble for students with disability, the Aboriginal Dance Ensemble, featured dancers and specialist performers – all under the guidance of more than 600 teachers.

Rehearsals for Schools Spectacular began during the school holidays, where 57 featured artists from schools across the state came together for the first time in Sydney to prepare for the November shows.

They included singers, dancers, musicians and co-hosts who spent the first week of the school holidays immersed in intensive rehearsals at the Department of Education’s Arts Unit in Lewisham.

During the week-long rehearsals, students practiced their songs and segments, engaged in one-on-one vocal workshops, underwent styling and costume fittings, and participated in wellbeing sessions. 

The theme this year is ‘Fabulous’ and celebrates a show that has wowed its audiences for 40 years since its first performance to celebrate the opening of the Entertainment Centre in Darling Harbour in 1983.

The Schools Spectacular is proudly supported by sponsors and supporters: Telstra, NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, RØDE, Smartsalary, Teachers Health, Colmed Group, Steinway Australia, Sony Australia and Event Partners: Qudos Bank Arena, Seven Network and Ticketek.

Tickets for the 2023 Schools Spectacular are on sale now through Ticketek.

A man has died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash near Hunter Valley.

About 11am on Tuesday (17 October 2023), emergency services were called to Bylong Valley Way, Kerrabee, following reports of a single-vehicle crash.

The rider, a 69-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the crash.

On Wednesday (18 October 2023) the man died as a result of his injuries.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

I thank the people of Newcastle for voting YES, for answering the call of First Nations people for recognition, listening and a better future for all Australians. Newcastle has recorded the highest yes vote outside of capital cities, at current count.
 
I am enormously grateful to the hundreds of volunteers in Newcastle who knocked on doors, made phone calls, ran street stalls and community events. Novocastrians showed up in their thousands to walk for YES and they had conversations with their families, friends, neighbours and work mates. The YES result in Newcastle is testament to this massive effort.
 
I especially want to pay tribute to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait leaders who have given so much of themselves to bring fellow Australians on this journey. It’s been a long road, across some very difficult terrain. The people of Newcastle stand with you.
 
I know that many Novocastrians will be feeling disheartened by the national results, but this is not the start or end of the struggle for First Nations justice.
 
We will take some time to pause and reflect as a community, but then regather, because our commitment and conviction for a better future for Australia’s First people is no less urgent today than yesterday. Together we will forge a new path. I know we can do this.

A man has been charged following a 45-hour police operation in the Lake Macquarie region.

Officers from the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad attended a home on Lake Road, Swansea, about 3pm Wednesday (11 October 2023), and attempted to speak with a 33-year-old man.

Police will allege in court the man instead entered the house and refused to leave.

A perimeter was established and specialist police, including negotiators, were called to the scene.

Attempts to negotiate with the man continued until about 12.10pm today (Friday 13 October 2023), when the man was taken into custody by officers from the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU).

Police seized eight firearms from the home including a sawn-off rifle, a shotgun, a lever action rifle and five pistols.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with 35 offences including:

• Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
• Armed with intention to commit indictable offence
• Three counts of possess unauthorised firearm
• Two counts of possess unregistered firearm not pistol or prohibited firearm
• Three counts of not keep firearm safely not pistol or prohibited firearm
• Possess unregistered firearm prohibited firearm
• Two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
• Goods suspected stolen in or on premises
• Six counts of possess ammunition without holding licence or permit or authority
• Five counts of possess unauthorised pistol
• Three counts of not keep firearm safely pistol
• Three counts of possess unregistered firearm pistol
• Possess less than three unregistered firearms, one is prohibited or pistol
• Two counts of possess prohibited drug
• Supply prohibited drug commercial quantity

He has been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Bail Court tomorrow (Saturday 14 October 2023).

Novocastrians have the chance to help a local champion become a legend, with nominations now open for City of Newcastle’s 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, within the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual award program celebrates a diverse range of people from all walks of life.

“We all know Newcastle is a great place to live and it’s the people in our community who continue to make the city better each year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Now is the time to nominate someone who’s made a difference in Newcastle. It doesn’t have to be a familiar name or a high-profile achiever, it could be a friend or neighbour, colleague, or a local group.

“This is your chance to tell us about an unsung hero whose efforts deserve formal recognition.”

As the University of Newcastle’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, 2023 Citizen of the Year Nathan Towney says winning the award has given him a greater profile at a significant time in the national discourse on Indigenous affairs.

“As a proud Wiradjuri man, I was honoured to be given this award and have the chance to encourage more discussion around the issues facing First Nations people,” Mr Towney said.

“I’m very grateful to those people who have done a lot of hard work in this region and this city and I want to acknowledge them. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do in this space without the foundations that have been laid before me.

“I want to encourage everyone in Newcastle to think about nominating someone who is fighting for a worthy cause.”

The career of last year’s Young Citizen of the Year Dominic May has gone from strength to strength during the past 12 months, with his business CoastXP, a unique coastal sightseeing experience, named as a finalist for this year’s NSW Tourism Awards.

Tireless work with all levels of government to tackle coastal erosion saw the Stockton Community Group named the 2023 Community Group of the Year.

Members of the group recently had another win when it was announced that a contract has been awarded by the State Government to obtain and place 100,000 cubic metres of sand along the Stockton coastline in October, the first step in the broader Coastal Management Plan.

Citizen of the Year Award nominations are now open at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear

Nominations close 19 November 2023 and will be judged by the City of Newcastle Award Panel.