Category: Newcastle News

Students, teachers and schools from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have been acknowledged for their outstanding achievements, resilience and contribution to public education at the 2023 NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence.  

Last night’s awards at Sydney Town Hall celebrated the best of public schooling, outstanding achievement of individuals and breakthrough school initiatives centred around literacy, numeracy, science, student wellbeing and community partnerships.

The 10 winners from the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area are:

• Amanda Pleash – Heaton Public School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 
• Jovana Markelic – Lambton High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 
• Ryan Robinson – Lambton High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
• Kotara School – SECRETARY’S AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL INITIATIVE – Quality Teaching Round Special Education
• Samuel Bloomfield – Merewether High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 
• Noah Brown – Warners Bay High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 
• Dakota Kellar Bridgart – Warners Bay High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 
• Ashlee Dawson – West Wallsend High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 
• Ryan Wood – West Wallsend High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT – 
• Whitebridge High School – SECRETARY’S AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL INITIATIVE – VET Student Pathways for the Future

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said she was delighted to highlight the incredible achievements of the public system’s outstanding students and teachers.

“These awards are a great opportunity to call out the fabulous educators, who every day are making a difference in the lives of children, and the inspiring students demonstrating academic, cultural, sporting and leadership excellence.” 

The winners were selected in the following categories: 

  

• Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement  
• Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching  
• Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service  
• Secretary’s Award for an Outstanding School Initiative  
• Secretary’s School Achievement Award  
• Public School Parent of the Year.  
  

Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the awards were a great opportunity to recognise outstanding initiatives and staff that were driving improvements across public schools. 

He said the number of regional schools showcased in the awards highlighted the Education Department’s commitment to equity of opportunity no matter where students lived.

Mr Dizdar also acknowledged the role parents played in supporting public schools and public school students.

“The awards also recognise 12 parents, guardians and caregivers who perform invaluable support roles and who contribute significantly to their local NSW public school community; contributions that are deeply appreciated.”

Public Education Foundation chief executive officer David Riordan said public education was the cornerstone of the future of NSW.

“I am so proud to be recognising excellence, not just in the performances and the personal stories but also in the achievements of students, teachers, and school staff from across NSW.”

Read the award citations on the Public Education Foundation website www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au   

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing from the Hunter Region.

Raymond Peterson, aged 85, was last seen at Yarrum Avenue, Beresfield, around 2pm today (Monday 4 September 2023).

When he could not be located, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold serious concerns for his welfare as he lives with dementia.

Raymond is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, of medium build, bald, with a grey moustache and goatee.

He was last seen wearing a navy long sleeve shirt, dark grey jeans, a cap, and prescription glasses.

Anyone with information into Raymond’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the Newcastle area.

Bree Gray, aged 28, was last seen leaving a hospital on Edith Street, Waratah, about 5.30pm on Friday (1 September 2023).

When she could not be located, officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police hold serious concerns for her welfare due to medical concerns.

Bree is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170 – 175cm tall, medium build, brown hair and brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Waratah, Lambton, Raymond Terrace and Newcastle areas.

Anyone who sees Bree or has any information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a police officer on the Port Stephens-Hunter region this morning.

About 8.25am (Friday 1 September 2023), police were called to a property on Morna Point Road, Anna Bay, following a concern for welfare report.

On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District located a man and woman inside the property.

Upon making further inquiries at the scene, a male constable was allegedly stabbed by the man with a narrow metal instrument.

The 42-year-old man was arrested and taken to the Mater Hospital for assessment.

The 31-year-old constable was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening facial injuries.

Upon his release from hospital, the 42-year-old man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with seven offences, including:

• take etc person intend serious indictable offence,
• common assault,
• stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm,
• assault occasioning actual bodily harm,
• wound police officer executing duty reckless as to actual bodily harm,
• use etc offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and
• possess prohibited drug.

The Anna Bay man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Saturday 2 September 2023).

Lake Macquarie locals are a step closer to smoother and faster journeys through Speers Point with the NSW Government today announcing $6 million in funding to progress plans for an upgrade of the Speers Point roundabout.
The NSW Government has been working with stakeholders including Lake Macquarie City Council to support the growth of the North West Lake Macquarie area.
Improving transport movements in this key growth area for the region is essential, with predicted increases of nearly 12,000 residents and 6,000 jobs over the next 20 years.
Transport for NSW is focusing on providing a safe and reliable road network in the area along with increased opportunities for people to walk, ride and use public transport.
We’ll begin to develop a range of opportunities aimed at reducing congestion on Five Islands Road and TC Frith Avenue.
These plans will then be presented to the community and other stakeholders, allowing them to provide feedback which Transport will use to refine these plans and deliver the best possible outcome for all.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“The NSW Government is delivering on our commitment to a further $6 million towards an upgrade of this busy intersection.
“We want to get more motorists home quicker by ensuring a smoother and safer journey and clearing this notorious bottleneck.
“We made a clear commitment to put regional infrastructure at the core of our agenda. To demonstrate our commitment, this funding more than doubles funding promises made by the former government.
“We’re keen to leave dithering commitments and empty promises by governments of the past in the past.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“This funding is an investment in our future and will ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to support growth in the Hunter.
“We know the community has been desperate for an end to the frustrating and lengthy traffic delays at this bottleneck, this funding will go a long way towards addressing that.”

NSW Regional Transport & Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:
“We know the Speers Point roundabout is a local bottleneck, causing long delays during peak hours.
“The funding we’re providing today will allow Transport for NSW to examine the best way of improving the traffic flow around this key intersection.
“This could involve changes to the layout of the existing roundabout, adding traffic signals and may also include changes at surrounding intersections.
“Transport will also use this funding to develop cost estimates and schedules to help inform decision making about the project.”

Detectives have charged a volunteer firefighter over several alleged deliberately-lit bushfires in the Hunter region.

Earlier this month, Arson Unit detectives from the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad established Strike Force Glenarvon to investigate a number of suspicious bushfires in the Hunter Valley.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives attended a home in Aberglasslyn about 8.20am yesterday (Wednesday 30 August 2023), where they arrested an 18-year-old man.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with 15 offences, including:

• Intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread (13 counts); and
• Destroy etc property in company use fire etc <=$2000 (two counts).

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Thursday 31 August 2023).

Police will allege in court the man deliberately lit fires in grassland at Weston, Pelaw Main, Bellbird, Greta, Aberglasslyn, Melville, and Cessnock, on several occasions in July and August this year.

It will be further alleged that the man later attended some of the fires as an NSW RFS volunteer and assisted in extinguishing the blazes.

Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Acting Superintendent Richard Puffett, said as the bushfire season in NSW approaches, his team is committed to investigating any fires suspected of being suspicious or known to be deliberately lit.

“Our state has had a number of years of extreme weather from floods to fires – and the coming months will only get warmer,” Det Acting Supt Puffett said.

“With a large amount of dry vegetation across our state, we are urging members of the public to be vigilant during this year’s bushfire season. If you see or notice anything suspicious, please contact police.

“Strike Force Tronto officers are committed to targeting arsonists who wish to bring devastation to our environment and our communities. Bushfires can not only be damaging, they can be deadly.”

Strike Force Tronto, comprised of detectives from Arson Unit, is the lead investigative team on suspicious or deliberately-lit bushfires which lead to death, serious injury or significant property loss. Strike force detectives work closely with officers at Police Area Commands and Police Districts across NSW.

Penalties relating to bushfires under the NSW Crimes Act, the Rural Fires Act, and Rural Fires Regulation include:

• Damaging property with the intention of endangering life – up to 25 years’ imprisonment;

• Manslaughter – up to 25 years imprisonment;

• Starting a bushfire and being reckless as to its spread – up to 21 years’ imprisonment;

• Lighting a fire when a total fire ban is in place – up to 12 months’ imprisonment and/or a $5500 fine;

• Not putting out a fire that you have lit – up to 12 months’ imprisonment and/or a $5500 fine;

• Failing to comply with a bush fire hazard reduction notice – up to 12 months’ imprisonment and/or a $5500 fine;

Newcastle’s creative and performing arts community are being invited to express their interest in presenting new and reimagined works in Civic Theatre’s intimate Playhouse Theatre in 2024.

Up to four shows will be selected as part of UpStage at The Playhouse, a new local program that will see each show offered a two-week placement in the atmospheric 195-seat Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building at the iconic Civic Theatre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to providing a platform for local creatives while also boosting what’s on offer to the local community.

“City of Newcastle and Civic Theatre are investing in local theatre productions, providing creatives with the space and offering marketing and technical support to help give local productions a leg up,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The Playhouse is ideal for presenting smaller local community productions, which complement the commercial and professional Broadway shows hosted in the larger Civic Theatre.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Carol Duncan said Newcastle is attracting a new wave of creatives.

“The timing is right for a local program like Upstage at The Playhouse with talent emerging in the region in need of a launching pad,” Cr Duncan said.

“We look forward to seeing what comes through from the expressions of interest to form the 2024 program.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the program, which will take to the stage in March 2024, is all about local shows for local audiences.

“UpStage at The Playhouse will showcase the ability, creativity and diversity of local talent right here in Newcastle,” Ms Wallace said

“We piloted the program last year and local theatre production company Tantrum Youth Arts was successful with their production Good Mourning, which will be presented as part of City of Newcastle’s New Annual festival next month.”

Tantrum Creative Director Penelope Kentish said Upstage at The Playhouse gives local theatre companies the opportunity to be part of something bigger.

“We are excited to deliver Good Mourning as part of Upstage at The Playhouse and the opportunity for early career artists to work alongside industry professionals, on such an important platform,” Ms Kentish said.

“To have the support and investment from Civic Theatre in new Australian work is paramount for the early career artists we work with, to build and sustain their careers in Newcastle and have local audiences share in their stories.

“Good Mourning is a new theatre production that explores the complexities of loss and grief from the honest perspective of an eight-year-old, who reminds us that while death is scary, life is a celebration.

“We look forward to presenting Good Mourning at The Playhouse from 22 to 23 September, as part of New Annual, in partnership with Civic Theatre.”

Expressions of interest are now open and close on Friday 15 September 2023. To register your interest, visit Civic Theatre’s website.

Community members received a sneak peek of City of Newcastle’s plans for the next stretch of Bathers Way at a meeting of the project’s newly renewed Community Reference Group this week.

Plans are in development to transform the section of the Bathers Way shared path between Strzelecki Lookout and South Newcastle Beach, creating a more accessible pathway through the heritage-listed King Edward Park.

Bathers Way is a flagship project and tourist drawcard for the city, linking our iconic beaches of Merewether, Dixon Park, Bar Beach, Newcastle and Nobbys.

The planned upgrade will include renewal of King Edward Park’s amenities building and aims to improve the connection between the lawn surrounding the iconic Victorian rotunda and the much-loved Garside Gardens.

A significant feature of the project is the construction of an Aboriginal art installation, which will educate path users on the Aboriginal significance of the site, with an Expression of Interest for artists to be called later this year. Improved viewing areas with shade and seating will make for a more comfortable day out for visitors.

Delivering a continuous, inclusive path that makes use of the amazing views and respects the site’s heritage is a priority for City of Newcastle, with feedback from the community an important aspect of the design process.

Earlier this year community members were able to express their interest in joining a renewed Community Reference Group dedicated to this section of Bathers Way, and on Thursday evening the group met for the first time to introduce them to the project and view initial progress to build upon an existing concept layout for the site.

Feedback from the group will inform the continued development of the concept design ahead of broader community consultation later this year.

City of Newcastle (CN) will serve up a feast of First Nations culture at Hamilton’s James Street Plaza on Saturday as part of Newcastle Art Gallery’s outdoor projection project.

Launched in July during NAIDOC Week, the project has included nightly screenings of DEAD TONGUE 2015, a major video work of art from the Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection by internationally renowned First Nations artist Dr Christian Thompson AO.

The moving video, which is accompanied by a stirring soundtrack of the artist singing in Bidjara language, pays homage to the survival and reclamation of First Nations’ languages.

To celebrate the final weekend of projection, Newcastle Art Gallery is collaborating with local artist Wanjun Carpenter to host an evening of First Nations performance, food and music in James Street Plaza.

The event will feature local and national First Nations artists including Nardi Simpson, Adam Manning, Lacey Bilger and Lena Parkes presented by Catapult Dance, alongside DJ Wanjun Carpenter.

Aboriginal-owned food truck, Blackseed Catering & Café, will also be set up in the Plaza with delicious food and drinks made with native ingredients available for purchase.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Carol Duncan encouraged everyone to join in the free celebration of First Nations art and culture.

“City of Newcastle is committed to providing opportunities for our community to acknowledge the extraordinary creative and cultural practices of First Nations people,” Cr Duncan said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery’s projection project has provided a wonderful avenue through which we can gain new perspectives and celebrate the work of First Nations creatives.

“I encourage our community to head along to James Street Plaza on Saturday night for the culmination of this project and enjoy the First Nations food, live music and performances on offer.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the project was another way of connecting with the community.

“The projection project has been presented as part of Newcastle Art Gallery’s ambitious offsite, outreach and digital programming, which is being delivered while the Gallery undergoes its major expansion,” Ms Morton said.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will launch with an artistic program of ground-breaking temporary exhibitions alongside permanent displays of the collection.

“In the meantime, however, it is important to give our community as many avenues as possible to stay connected to us and we are thrilled to have been able to share this important First Nations work from our collection with the wider community during the past two months.”

The free closing celebration for DEAD TONGUE 2015 will kick off at James Street Plaza in Hamilton from 6pm on Saturday, 26 August.

The Australian Government’s vision for an east coast high-speed rail network has taken another important step forward today, with the Board of the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) meeting in Newcastle for the first time. 

The Board’s meeting in Newcastle follows on from its detailed briefing with New South Wales transport officials yesterday regarding the existing rail corridor between Sydney and Newcastle.

The HSRA commenced operations on 13 June 2023 to lead, plan, develop, coordinate, oversee and monitor the construction and operation of a high-speed rail network in Australia.

High-speed rail will revolutionise interstate travel on the east coast, providing a fast alternative for people to move between cities and regional centres, promoting sustainable settlement patterns, and generating and spreading economic benefits beyond the outskirts of major capitals.

The HSRA Board is committed to working transparently within a framework of high standards of governance and accountability.

The Board is enthusiastic about the important foundational and planning activities currently underway, and is working to build the HSRA with a strong leadership team, organisational capability, positive culture and transparent processes and decision making. 

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“High-speed rail will be instrumental in improving the lives of Australians by supporting shifts in population settlement, better connecting skilled workers with major job centres and be a key enabler of achieving our ambitious carbon reduction targets.

“It is essential the HSRA takes the time now to establish a robust foundation on which to build and this means the planning has to be done properly and in detail.

“Given the size and scale of building an east coast high-speed rail network, it must be based on meticulous planning, good governance and highly effective project management.

“High-speed rail is still in its early days and we acknowledge this project will take time.

“We have a vision about how we want to see Australia develop, not just next year or next decade but decades from now.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said:

“High Speed Rail is a game-changer for our region – increasing capacity, cutting carbon, delivering better connectivity and creating good local jobs and opportunities.

“The HSRA Board meeting in Newcastle is a milestone achievement that recognises the lead role our city will play in shaping high-speed rail in Australia.

“After a wasted decade under the former government, Labor is working hard every day to seize the opportunities ahead.

“Newcastle and our region stands to benefit enormously from the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to get work on high-speed rail underway. It’s time to make high-speed rail a reality in Australia.”