Category: Newcastle News

First Nations culture will take centre stage this weekend as City of Newcastle’s 10-day New Annual festival wraps up with a host of free events.

Museum Park will be filled with the sights and sounds of the Awabakal people as part of Ngiarrenbumba Burrai (Our Country), featuring a program of dance, native food and language workshops and special performances.

The same location will tonight play host to This Land, a free musical showcase of nationally renowned and local First Nations artists presented in partnership with the University of Newcastle, headlined by Kamilaroi-Samoan R&B sensation, Becca Hatch.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the last weekend of New Annual offers great value for families.

“Around 50 percent of performances and activities at this year’s New Annual festival are free or under $25,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This weekend’s amazing events taking place across the city, also include live music and workshops, the exhibition by internationally renowned South Sudanese photographer Atong Atem, as well as the popular Chalk the Walk 3D art trail across the streets of Newcastle.

“Global Gathering at Museum Park on Saturday is a celebration of diverse traditions, food, art forms, and cultural expressions by people from all over the world who now call Newcastle home.”

Wheeler Place will host Shaun Parker’s Found Objects across the weekend, an epic outdoor, family dance theatre work utilising everyday objects. Following each performance there will be a 20-minute workshop giving the audience the opportunity to connect with the performers.

On Saturday, 20 artists will turn Wheeler Place into an urban canvas as part of the Easel’d Live Paint Jam.

Museum Park will also be taken over by up to 70 local drummers, who will feature in Dancenorth’s epic production, NOISE, with shows tonight and tomorrow.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said New Annual gives Novocastrians an important platform to showcase their talent.

“Half of the New Annual program is local, including singers, actors, dancers, artists and playwrights,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“It’s so exciting to see local talent on the bill alongside world-renowned arts and cultural practitioners from across Australia.

“Following a few tough years, the festival offers a vital economic boost for Newcastle’s recovering creative arts and live music sectors that were heavily impacted by COVID-19.”

Visit www.newannual.com for more details about the full program.

Police are appealing for public assistance as investigations continue after a man was seriously injured in Newcastle today.

Emergency services were called to a fast-food restaurant in King Street, just after 3.20am (Thursday 28 September 2023), when a man suffering serious burns to his body sought help.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District are investigating reports of a 23-year-old man being assaulted and set on fire.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital before he was transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police established a crime scene and investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As inquiries continue, investigators are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam vision in the area at the time to come forward.

Bodhi Nancarrow, aged 16, was last seen at Maitland Railway Station about 8pm on Sunday (24 September 2023).

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

Police and family hold concerns for Bodhi due to his age.

Bodhi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of a medium build, has a short black hair, and a left nose piercing.

He was last seen wearing a brown jumper with the ‘Make Memories’ writing, black shorts with ‘MM’ writing, black and white sneakers, and was carrying a black backpack.

Anyone who sees Bodhi or has information of his whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 26 September 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Paul Woseen Condolence Motion

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Paul Woseen, and acknowledged and celebrated the significant cultural and artistic contributions made throughout his career. The Minute recognised the impact of the Screaming Jets, a band born in our own city, as a source of pride and inspiration for the Newcastle community and committed to preserving and promoting the band’s musical heritage as part of our city’s cultural legacy.

10 Years of Service to Newcastle by Sharon Claydon MP

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that expressed its congratulations and deepest appreciation to Sharon Claydon MP for her 10 years of service as the Federal Member for Newcastle. The Minute commended her outstanding contributions to our community and her tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Newcastle whilst reaffirming CN’s commitment to working collaboratively with Ms Claydon and all our state and Federal Government representatives.

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted for the first time in more than a decade, City of Newcastle will host the free, family-friendly Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Aircraft Flying Display on Saturday 18 November 2023. The Minute thanked our delivery partners at the RAAF, Port Stephens Council and the NSW Government for their wonderful contribution to securing this event for Newcastle.

Ordinary business

Exhibition of Outdoor Trading Policy

Council voted to publicly exhibit the Draft Outdoor Dining Policy 2023 and Draft Outdoor Dining Guidelines 2023, with a report to be received by Councillors following the exhibition period.

Exhibition of Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023

Council unanimously voted to publicly exhibit the Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023 for a period of 28 days, with a report to be received by Councillors following the exhibition period.

Proposed granting of Right of Carriageway easement over operational land – 45 Lookout Road New Lambton Heights

Council endorsed the creation of an easement for a Right of Carriageway over Operational Land at 45 Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights for the benefit of 4 Bushlands Close, New Lambton Heights.

In addition, Council granted authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation to authorise the transaction.

Change to adopted Meeting Schedule 2024

Council endorsed a change in Council’s meeting cycle; with the Newcastle leg of Paul McCartney’s tour taking place at McDonald Jones Stadium on the night of the next scheduled meeting, moving the Ordinary Council Meeting from Tuesday 24 October 2023 to Tuesday 31 October 2023.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2023.

Tender Report – Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 2 – Principal Design Consultant – 2023/163T

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for a Principal Design Consultant for the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 2 upgrade project in accordance with Contract 2023/163T.

Notices of Motion

Busking Policy

Council supported a notice of motion to develop a Buskers Policy and Licence, managed by the City of Newcastle, that supports live performance opportunity and creates enjoyable ambience in public spaces, while ensuring public safety, city amenity, and the quality of performances.

Beaumont Street – Mockingbird Outdoor Dining Refusal

Council supported a notice of motion acknowledging the active support and encouragement by City of Newcastle to increase the operation of outdoor dining in the city, and the ongoing concerns experienced by the owner of Mockingbird Café at 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Executive Director’s recommendation, endorsed by the Newcastle City Traffic Committee, to implement immediate changes to parking restrictions in the vicinity of 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

City of Newcastle will apply to Transport for NSW to review the servicing of the 21 Bus Route, including resolving the optimum location of the bus stop in the vicinity of 131 Beaumont Street Hamilton to best serve the route to provide for fully compliant operations, and reports back to the Newcastle City Traffic Committee as to the outcome of the review.

In addition, City of Newcastle will contact the Mockingbird Café encouraging them to submit an application for a compliant outdoor dining permit in accordance with CN’s Outdoor Trading Policy.

Sustainability, access and inclusion are at the centre of proposed enhancements to planning guidelines that will support future developments across the city.

City of Newcastle (CN) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its current Development Control Plan (DCP) and created a raft of enhanced provisions for new developments, to be publicly exhibited, following endorsement by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The draft DCP 2023 includes improvements to building design guidelines to minimise the impact of extreme heat by reducing UV exposure on the community, infrastructure that encourages more active modes of transport, and design requirements that address the needs of ageing people or those with mobility needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft DCP 2023 has been a collaborative effort with the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee and DCP Working Party.

“By undertaking a comprehensive review of the current DCP (2012) we are ensuring better outcomes for the community in alignment with CN priorities, including the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, the Local Strategic Planning Statement and best practice guidelines,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The draft DCP 2023 details enhanced sustainable housing development guidelines to reduce emissions in our built environment and to reduce the community’s exposure to climate change impacts, whilst protecting our environment for future generations.

“As Newcastle’s population ages, it’s vital we have effective planning guidelines in place to increase accessibility in our city and to create liveable housing options that address mobility together with disability access requirements.”

Councillor and Chair of the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee John Mackenzie said traffic, parking and moveability around the city was a key area of focus.

“The draft DCP 2023 has been designed to future-proof our city, including taking on the challenges of transport in our city. The clear, measured development controls will encourage the uptake of more active modes of transport like cycling, micromobility and walking,” Cr Mackenzie said.

“The infrastructure that support this is vital for people with mobility issues, and will combine with greater access to public transport to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking stress and improve our health and air quality.

“The next step creates a great opportunity to consider, discuss and seek comment from the community on the new and enhanced provision in the draft DCP 2023.”

Councillor and Chair of the DCP Working Party, Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, welcomed the focus on sustainability in the updated DCP.

“The new controls to support biodiversity and address urban heat will deliver real outcomes for our local environment,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“This updated DCP will ensure future developments result in buildings that promote healthy and sustainable communities.”

The draft Newcastle Development Control Plan (2023) will go on public exhibition from Thursday 28 September to seek community and industry feedback, with a report and resolution going back to Councillors following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information.

City of Newcastle has welcomed the news that a contract has been awarded to obtain and place 100,000 cubic metres of sand along the Stockton coastline from next month.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes celebrated the milestone with Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP this morning.

“A huge amount of work has been undertaken to get to this point, and this is a very important day for the Stockton community and for City of Newcastle,” said Cr Nelmes.

“Our team has been working alongside the community for a number of years, developing the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program, securing the $21 million commitment from the NSW Government for mass sand nourishment, and now working collaboratively with Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works to see this much needed first round of amenity sand nourishment finally on its way to Stockton.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon also welcomed the announcement.

“I am very pleased to see the Federal Government’s $4.7 million for Stockton Beach is now being put to work,” said Ms Claydon.

“The Stockton community has been waiting a long time for action on this matter. I am delighted to see that sand will finally be deposited on Stockton Beach.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, acknowledged the significance of this first step.

“This 100,000 cubic metres will improve the beach experience for locals and visitors and importantly, provide some protection while investigations are underway into sources for the 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed for mass sand nourishment,” Ms Bisson said.

“It is pleasing to see all three levels of government working together to achieve this fantastic outcome for Stockton.”

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from City of Newcastle.

In addition to the delivery of amenity sand nourishment, the grant funds the studies into possible sources of much larger volumes of sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, as well as the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment – a complex process which has never before been undertaken in NSW.

Further efforts to shield Stockton’s coastline until mass sand nourishment continue with the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall underway, and the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program in the final stages of development ahead of public exhibition next year.

The next iteration of the program steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP, and broadens the geographical area covered to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

Almost one hundred thousand spectators are expected to line Newcastle Harbour to catch a glimpse of thrilling aerial displays and flypasts as part of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023.

City of Newcastle has partnered with the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) to host the one-off event on Saturday 18 November, with a RAAF aircraft flying display at 10am to 12.30pm and again at 1.30pm to 4pm.

Formation and aerial displays will feature heritage and vintage aircraft like the Harvard, Winjeel, Spitfire, Mustang and Canberra in addition to flypasts from F/A-18F, EF/A-18G Super Hornet and the Growler.

City of Newcastle will host free viewing areas at Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton, featuring family-friendly activities to create a festival atmosphere at the free community event.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the spectacular community event was not to be missed, offering something for both die-hard aviation enthusiasts and families looking for a fun weekend out.

“City of Newcastle is proud to partner with the RAAF to deliver the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle’s spectacular coastline will be on display for tens of thousands of visitors to see all the action over Newcastle Harbour, Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton.

“Attracting major events of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“Newcastle continues to shine as a destination and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to both air displays on Saturday 18 November and showcasing the diversity of what our city has to offer including its rich heritage, natural scenery and vibrant cultural scene.”

A Park and Ride facility will operate from McDonald Jones Stadium with parking available at Stockton located within an easy walk to prime vantage points.

“We encourage spectators to make the most of public transport options available to ease traffic congestion with the crowd numbers we are anticipating,” Cr Nelmes added.

A ticketed premium viewing area at Fort Scratchley will provide access to the only licenced viewing site for both air shows, with a variety of food and beverage options available to purchase. Tickets are on sale now and are restricted to patrons 18+.

Tickets to the RAAF Open Day at Williamtown on Sunday 19 November will go on sale on 1 October.

For more information about the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023, 18 to 19 November 2023, visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au/air-show-2023 or www.airforce.gov.au/news-and-events/newcastle-williamtown-air-show-2023

A captivating contemporary circus performance inside the iconic Christ Church Cathedral will provide a spectacular start to City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural festival when New Annual officially kicks off today.

Promising 10 days of unforgettable experiences across the city centre, New Annual will deliver a diverse program of dance, circus, visual art, music, and theatre by local and nationally renowned artists.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said locals and visitors should expect the unexpected as New Annual transforms Newcastle into a hub of arts and culture from 22 September until 1 October.

“New Annual will surprise and delight audiences as it uncovers a new side of Newcastle and its creative community while also providing a platform for national artists to showcase their work in the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Festivalgoers will discover new performance spaces this year, while familiar landscapes such as Civic Park and Museum Park will be transformed by large-scale installations and pop-up stages.

“There is so much to see and do throughout the city during the 10-day festival period, with free, ticketed and family-friendly events allowing everyone to experience the festival atmosphere of our flagship event.”

World-renowned Circa Contemporary Circus will get New Annual off to a flying start tonight and Saturday night with awe-inspiring feats of physical daring.

“It’s a great pleasure to be performing Circa’s What Will Have Been as part of New Annual,” Circa’s Associate Director Ben Knapton said.

“It’s particularly special to be able to perform in the stunning surrounds of the Christ Church Cathedral – no doubt this location will create a very special event for audiences.”

Spectacular aerial manoeuvres will also be a feature of the decadent cabaret-style show taking over Civic Park throughout New Annual as the Spiegeltent returns with Blanc de Blanc Encore, while Newcastle’s Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub will transform the fifth floor of a car park into a performance space with radical new dance work, Rhapsody. Both shows have their opening performances tonight.

The festival will also feature a striking exhibition by internationally renowned South Sudanese photographer Atong Atem, which will be activated by a series of fashion, music, discussion, and storytelling events to celebrate African culture including a late-night dance party CLUB SURAT, which will be held at Newcastle City Hall tonight.

Newcastle’s Civic Theatre will host a dynamic range of performances and events throughout New Annual, with award-winning pop icon Kate Ceberano taking to the iconic stage tonight accompanied by the George Ellis Orchestra, while the moving production of Good Mourning by Tantrum Youth Arts will be at the Civic Playhouse today and tomorrow.

Popular folk rock five-piece Boy and Bear will also bring their national album tour to the Civic Theatre on Thursday, while the untold inside story of Newcastle rock royalty Silverchair will be shared with the official launch of the memoir Love & Pain by drummer Ben Gillies and bassist Chris Joanou on 30 September.

Other opening weekend highlights will include Ngiarrenumba Burrai (Our Country), which will see Museum Park play host to a program of First Nations dance, workshops and performance that centres Awabakal cultural practice, people and stories.

To check out the full New Annual program, purchase tickets or keep up-to-date with the latest information including wet weather cancellations, visit www.newannual.com

Six teenagers have been charged following an alleged aggravated break and enter, where a man was stabbed, in Merewether.

Shortly before 3am today (Tuesday 19 September 2023), police were called to a home on Coane Street, after reports of a home invasion.

Police will allege in court that a group of six people forced their way into the home before they were confronted by two occupants – a 49-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman – inside the property.

During this argument, both the man and woman were allegedly stabbed before the group ran from the scene.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended a short time later and established a crime scene.

The 49-year-old was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

A 75-year-old woman suffered minor injuries and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Following inquiries, five teenagers – two boys, aged 13 and 14, and three girls, aged 14, 15 and 15 – were arrested nearby before being taken to Newcastle Police Station.

A 15-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence.

A 13-year-old boy was charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence, and breach of bail.

A 15-year-old girl was charged with breach of bail.

All four were refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court tomorrow (Wednesday 20 September 2023).

A 14-year-old girl was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.

She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before a Children’s Court on Monday 9 October 2023.

Following further inquiries by investigators, a sixth teenager, a 14-year-old boy, was arrested at a home in Raymond Terrace, about 11.40am today (Tuesday 19 September 2023).

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence wound, attempted murder, and reckless wounding – in company.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court tomorrow.

More than 200 people from 40 countries were invited to take the pledge of commitment as Australian Citizens alongside family, friends and dignitaries at Civic Theatre this morning.

Hailing from all corners of the globe, from Iraq and Jordan to Chile and Ethiopia, Newcastle’s newest citizens were treated to traditional performances by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group and dancers of Hamilton South and Plattsburg public schools before receiving their citizenship certificates.

Among them was Terez Al Talli and Ghassan Allawi, of New Lambton, their sixteen-year-old daughter Rahaf and twelve-year-old son Fadi.

After fleeing war-torn Syria as refugees in 2018, they spent a year in Iraq, before settling in Newcastle in 2019, with Terez finding work with a security company and her husband driving buses.

Terez described leaving her family’s home country as “very hard” but said they were “very lucky” to reach Australia and become citizens.

“It was not an easy decision to leave Syria, but with the war, we had to leave. We left behind the place where we grew up and our parents and brothers,” she said.

“When we found out we had been accepted for a refugee visa to Australia, honestly we felt like we were flying. We were over the moon!

“We didn’t speak any English when we arrived here, so we learnt through TAFE, but when the pandemic struck, we had to learn English online, which was very difficult.

“Newcastle is such a nice area, we are so happy now. We are from a village called Sedneyah, outside Damascus, not a big city in Syria, so we are really enjoying the beaches here and the good weather.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated Newcastle’s newest Australian Citizens on this special day.

“Today we welcome hundreds of families to our city from all cultures and religious backgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We welcome refugees like the Allawi family from Syria, and new migrants to our city and our country, and demonstrate our compassion and provide them with support.

“Newcastle is proud to be a progressive and inclusive city and we are so thrilled to be welcoming such a culturally diverse group of new citizens today.”