Category: Newcastle News

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.”

An independent panel of experts are helping to set a new benchmark for urban design in Newcastle, working with City of Newcastle to evaluate major commercial, industrial, residential, community and civic developments proposed for the city.

The Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) considered 71 items collectively worth more than $600 million during 2022, with a view to assess the design quality of development proposals and identify how they could be improved by design changes.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual report of the Panel, tabled at Tuesday’s Council meeting, demonstrated their track record of ensuring design excellence for a number of significant developments, which will lead to positive outcomes for the community.

“City of Newcastle’s Urban Design Review Panel is reputedly the oldest continuously serving urban design and architectural advisory body in the state of New South Wales,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle is coming of age by transforming into a modern metropolitan city, with significant redevelopment occurring right across the Local Government Area.

“By strengthening the expertise of CN’s existing team with a panel of independent design experts, City of Newcastle is achieving excellence in urban design.”

The UDRP has considered a number of significant developments including both the landmark Dairy Farmers and The Store redevelopments in Newcastle West.

Urban Design Review Panel Chair Dr Philip Pollard also acted as CN’s jury representative for two design competitions in 2022, including The East End Stage 3 and 4 redevelopment and $100 million redevelopment of the former Spotlight site in Newcastle West.

“The UDRP panel is continually looking for ways to take urban design excellence in Newcastle to a new level,” Dr Pollard said.

“We are currently considering some exciting development applications and working together to strike a balance between sustainability and quality design outcomes.

“We are also looking for more ways to make connections to Country in the design of public domain spaces.

“Good design is not merely creating good looking public spaces and buildings. It is anchored in an understanding of city making, and in creating enduring, functional and uplifting environments, for work, recreation and living.”

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.

Novocastrian footballer Emily Van Egmond has been awarded a Key to the City of Newcastle in recognition of the Matildas’ heroic efforts during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The inspirational midfielder played an impactful role during the Matildas’ history-making campaign, which saw them achieve the highest ever finish of any Australian team in a World Cup competition.

Playing her fourth World Cup, Van Egmond came on for the Matildas in the 73^rd minute of their opener against the Republic of Ireland before making her mark on the competition with a superb goal in their narrow 3-2 loss to Nigeria.

She secured significant game time for the remainder of the competition and played a key role through the middle as the Matildas went on to finish fourth overall, smashing television ratings and crowd records along the way.

City of Newcastle has a long and proud association with Van Egmond, helping to secure the first paid transfer of a player into the Australian W-League in 2017, when Emily transferred from VfL Wolfsburg to the Newcastle Jets.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Van Egmond, along with fellow Newcastle player and Matildas squad member Claire Wheeler, would be role models for generations of local footballers as a result of the team’s game-changing efforts.

“The performance of the Matildas during the Women’s World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular, capturing the imagination of the Australian public and igniting a women’s sport movement that will be felt for years to come,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Whether cheering from the stands, watching on from our Wheeler Place live sites or tuning in from lounge rooms across the city, Novocastrians were there every step of the way.

“We’re proud to be able to present this key to the city to Emily Van Egmond today for her stellar efforts on and off the pitch, showing women and girls everywhere that anything is possible.”

Van Egmond thanked Novocastrians for turning out to support the Matildas and welcomed the recognition of women’s sport.

“Newcastle is a special place for me and I am honoured to receive the Key to the City,” Van Egmond said.

“Novocastrians have shown their passion for football and I’m thrilled so see the next generation of girls sharing my love of the game.”

Van Egmond joins a prestigious line-up of Newcastle ambassadors to receive a key to the city, including the NRLW Newcastle Knights’ 24-woman 2022 Premiership-winning squad, screenwriter and humanitarian Vanessa Alexander, and Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue, Her Excellency the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM.

Visit the website for more information on the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 August 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

City of Newcastle Seniors Reference Group

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported for City of Newcastle to create a Seniors Reference Group, whose Chairperson and members will be senior representatives of the Newcastle LGA, tasked with overseeing, organising and facilitating a range of events and activities that support the health and wellbeing of senior residents in our community, including CN’s Seniors Week Program.

50th Anniversary of the End of the War in Vietnam

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged that 18 August 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the War in Vietnam and recognises the immense suffering endured by Australia’s service men and women, as well as by the Vietnamese people, both during and the decades since the end of the conflict. The Minute acknowledged that Newcastle was one of the first communities in the country to recognise Vietnam Veterans, through the dedication of a small memorial plaque in the early 1980s in Civic Park, which is reported to be the first memorial in Australia to the Vietnam Conflict.

Two-year anniversary of the fall of Kabul

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged 15 August 2023 as the two-year anniversary of the fall of Kabul and the subsequent events that have unfolded. The Motion commended the efforts of local organisations, charities, and individuals who have been working tirelessly to provide aid, support, and refuge to those affected by the events in Afghanistan, and encouraged Newcastle residents to foster an environment of empathy, inclusivity, and understanding, welcoming Afghan refugees and contributing to their successful integration into our community.

Congratulations Matildas

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulated the Matildas, including Novocastrians Emily Van Egmond and Claire Wheeler, on their remarkable success in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, having not only brought glory to our nation but have also inspired countless individuals of all ages and all genders with their exceptional performance and dedication to the sport. The Minute thanked City of Newcastle staff for their great work supporting the Live Sites, which were incredibly successful in activating Wheeler Place and allowing Novocastrians the opportunity to show their love for women’s football, women’s sport, and their community spirit.

Ordinary business

Adoption of Community Engagement Strategy

Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2023 – 2026 Community Engagement Strategy, which outlines articulates CN’s commitment to actively seeking feedback from the community to support the development of its plans, policies, programs and key activities.

Adoption of Community Infrastructure Incentives in Wickham planning proposal

Council unanimously voted to endorse the Community Infrastructure Incentives in Wickham planning proposal, and adopt Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 Section 6.03 Wickham and the Wickham Community Infrastructure Plan.

Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2022

Council received the Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2022. The Panel evaluates and critiques the urban design aspects of major commercial, industrial, residential, community and civic developments in Newcastle.

Adoption of Darby Street revised traffic calming designs

Council unanimously voted to adopt upgrades to traffic calming infrastructure on Darby Street between Parry and Tyrrell Streets, Cooks Hill, which were installed as part of the Darby Street – Streets as Shared Spaces Trial.

Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2023 Local Government NSW Conference

Council unanimously voted to endorse the motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales’ 2023 Annual Conference, which is being held from 12-14 November 2023.

Granting of two easements – Wallsend

Council unanimously voted to grant easements in favour of Ausgrid on two City of Newcastle land parcels in Tyrrell Street and Nelson Street, Wallsend for infrastructure purposes.

Variations to development standards

Council received the report on approved development variations between 3 April 2023 and 30 June 2023 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest 1 May to 31 July 2023

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2023 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Determination of number of Councillors

Council unanimously adopted an alternate motion that calls on the State Government to provide genuine reform of local government through full collaborative review of the Local Government Act 1993, in consultation with LGNSW, the USU and the local government sector.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2023.

Notices of Motion

CCTV and City of Newcastle sports facilities

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that reiterated its support for sporting clubs to install CCTV systems to protect their own assets, provided they are self-funded or supported by State or Federal Government grants. This support requires the standard approvals for club initiated capital works on a CN owned building. The motion noted recent case studies in local media where CCTV units were installed on sporting club buildings, but this did not prevent vandalism or theft and (to date) has not led to an arrest. City of Newcastle will write to NSW Minister for Police and Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley MP, noting that the Newcastle LGA has been systematically excluded from state government CCTV funding (alongside other grants) over the past 12 years. A summary of CN’s existing approach to CCTV and support for self-funded units will be included during the upcoming Sport Summit being held in September 2023.

A woman reported missing from the Cessnock area has been located safe and well.

A 43-year-old woman was reported missing after she was last seen at a home in Nulkaba, about 6.30pm on Sunday (20 August 2023). 

When she was unable to be located or contacted, she was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into her whereabouts. 

Following inquiries, including a public appeal, the woman was located safe and well in Byron Bay today.

Police wish to thank the public and the media for their assistance.