Category: Newcastle News

More than 1,200 newly arrived international students and their families were officially welcomed to the city by the Lord Mayor today and equipped with resources, services and programs to orientate them with everything Newcastle has to offer.

The Lord Mayor announced a new International Student Ambassador initiative developed by the University of Newcastle (UoN) and supported by City of Newcastle (CN) to help cultivate a culture of belonging for all international students living and studying in Newcastle.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said international students enhanced Newcastle’s global reputation in education and were an asset to the city’s cultural fabric.

“City of Newcastle is partnering with University of Newcastle to help forge meaningful relationships with international students and set up the foundations for a life-long network of cultural exchange and collaboration,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We welcome international students’ skills, knowledge, diversity of experience and cultural expression that actively contributes to the economic opportunities and the richness of our city.

“Investing in people and enabling them to grow is one of the best ways that local government can drive the local economy, and we aim to double international student arrivals by 2030, as outlined in CN’s Economic Development Strategy.

“The Strategy is built on addressing skills gaps in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, TAFE, and secondary schools. Students are presented with opportunities to grow their skills and acquire the knowledge needed to participate in emerging economic opportunities that will come as the city and region transitions to renewable energy technology, biomedical innovation and aerospace manufacturing.”

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said international students were an important part of campus life.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming our international students to the city and our campuses. The pandemic made it difficult with online and remote learning. We missed all of our students, but we’re so pleased to have them back,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“This year, we have welcomed our University’s largest cohort of commencing international students ever. They have helped bring our campuses to life with activity and have contributed to the culture and diversity of our communities.

“We are working with City of Newcastle to ensure that international students experience the best our city can offer. Our new International Student Ambassador roles initiative is one of the ways we’re helping to ensure students get the opportunities to build meaningful connections and succeed in our region.”

At today’s event, students were given the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent through a collaborative artwork piece titled ‘All cultures weave’, providing a vivid representation of the rich cultural tapestry they bring to the city. The collaborative weaving artwork activity speaks to all cultures and will be installed within University of Newcastle’s NUSpace building.

Expressions of interest for the new International Student Ambassador roles will open mid-2023 for members of the Newcastle community who have a deep understanding of the benefits and challenges facing international students.

Visit MoveToNewcastle webpage for free resources, services and will shortly include more information about the International Student Ambassador Program.

Organised Crime Squad detectives have arrested two men and seized a kilogram of methylamphetamine and more than $40,000 in Newcastle.

Earlier this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Eurack to investigate the alleged manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs, predominately methylamphetamine, in the Hunter region.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested two 30-year-old men in a carpark at Hunter Street, Newcastle, about 1.10pm yesterday (Wednesday 22 March 2023).

During a subsequent search of their vehicle, officers located and seized about 1kg of methylamphetamine and $37,500 cash. A hidden compartment was located, with two mobile phones and a further $4,000 in cash seized.

The vehicle – a Honda Accord – was also seized, with all items to undergo further forensic examination.

Both men were taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.

Police will allege the men travelled between Sydney and Newcastle to transport the prohibited drugs to the Hunter region.

They were both refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 23 March 2023), where they were formally bail refused to reappear at the same court on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

Investigations under Strike Force Eurack are ongoing.

A man has died following a two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter region yesterday.

About 2.20pm (Wednesday 22 March 2023), emergency services were called to the Glenwood Drive and Poynton Place at Thornton, near Maitland, following reports of a crash.

On arrival, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District found a motorcyclist and a blue Mitsubishi wagon had collided.

The male rider died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 38.

The driver of the vehicle – a 70-year-old woman – was uninjured. She was arrested and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing and released pending further inquiries.

A crime scene was established and examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway.

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

Newcastle Basketball, City of Newcastle and the State Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper have today announced a new $30 million basketball stadium will be built in Newcastle.

The NSW Government will fund the construction of the regional level, indoor basketball facility in Newcastle after committing an additional $5 million to a previous $25 million commitment for what was then intended to be a new stadium on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown.

The new facility will be built on a Crown Land site managed by City of Newcastle opposite McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow. The 12-court stadium will be built in two stages; stage one seeing the construction of up to eight courts, and stage two including a show court for 2,000 spectators.

Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper, who secured the additional funding commitment from the NSW Government, said the facility will be a major boost for basketball in the region.

“I’m really glad the Government has agreed to this extra funding and I’m hopeful that Labor will match it,” Mr Piper said.

“It’s a shame the stadium couldn’t be built on the originally-intended site in Lake Macquarie, but this still gives us a first-class regional facility which can be accessed by everyone from Morisset to Port Stephens.

“We all know that construction costs have soared by more than 20% in recent years, so this additional money will make sure we get the regional facility we deserve rather than a scaled-back version of the original.

“It will not only cater for our next generation of basketball stars but also major events and sports tourism, so I’m very pleased to have got the $30m required to build this fantastic regional facility.”

Newcastle Basketball President Kristi Faber said the new stadium will be one of the largest in Australia and will serve its massive catchment of Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

“This is a great result for Newcastle basketball. We would like to thank the State member for Lake Macquarie, Mr Greg Piper, for his ongoing support of this project,” Ms Faber said.

“The only thing preventing further growth is our existing stadium beside Broadmeadow Train Station, which is 53 years old and just too small to cater for player demand.

“Because we currently utilise six courts, with only two of these being full size, registrations for all our competitions and programs typically fill within a week. This means we are turning children away literally every week of the year.

“This funding allows elite and amateur basketball to remain in Newcastle, which is the geographical centre of our catchment. The new site on Turton Road has great public transport links, and ample accommodation and hospitality venues to support national tournaments that will now come to Newcastle.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the proposed development immediately across from Broadmeadow sports and entertainment precinct would deliver vital new sporting infrastructure for the community.

“For more than half a century Newcastle has been the physical and spiritual home of basketball in this region, with a proud tradition of developing players who have gone on to represent the sport at the highest level,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Today Newcastle Basketball’s ability to meet the demand for the sport in the region has been constrained by the ageing stadium at Broadmeadow, which is no longer fit for purpose as local basketball booms in popularity.

“It will also provide a facility that allows Newcastle to finally have a team in the Women’s National Basketball League.

“Newcastle will have a venue capable of not only hosting a professional women’s team, but also state and national basketball tournaments, which will increase tourism and deliver positive economic benefits for local businesses.”

The Crown Land site is home to Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, is owned by the NSW Government and is managed by City of Newcastle.

Acting Executive Director Creative and Community Services Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was preparing a precinct plan for the surrounding sportsgrounds including Arthur Edden Oval, Ford Oval, Kentish Oval and Harker Oval, to ensure ongoing and equitable access to and best utilisation of sporting facilities.

“City of Newcastle will work closely with the sporting groups and other stakeholders who currently use Wallarah and Blackley Ovals to see local training and club games continue with minimal disruption,” Ms Duffy said.

The catchment of Newcastle Basketball includes the state electorates of Lake Macquarie, Swansea, Newcastle, Charlestown, Wallsend and Port Stephens.

The new Stadium was originally proposed to be built on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown but was refused by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel in May last year on multiple grounds.

A man reported missing from the Newcastle area has been located safe. 

The 49-year-old man was last seen at a care centre on Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow, about 6pm on Saturday (18 March 2023). 

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him. 

Following extensive inquiries, the man was located safe in Crows Nest about 6.50am yesterday (Tuesday 21 March 2023).

Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Newcastle.

Robert Manning, aged 49, was last seen at a care centre on Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow, about 6pm on Saturday (18 March 2023).

After he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Family and police hold concerns for Robert’s welfare.

Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, brown eyes and buzz cut hair.

He is believed to be in the Jesmond or Hamilton areas.

Anyone with information about Robert’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A man will face court today charged over allegedly deliberately lighting fires near Newcastle.

About 11.40am yesterday (Saturday 18 March 2023), emergency services were called to grassland near Weakleys Drive, Beresfield, following reports of four fires.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished all four blazes. No one was injured.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 43-year-old man nearby on John Renshaw Drive a short time later.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with four counts of intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread and breach of bail.

The Maroubra man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Sunday 18 March 2023).

Have you signed up for the Hunter Memory Walk & Jog? We are in this together, so if you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to register.

Sign up online at www.memorywalk.com.au or at the event on the day.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM is encouraging as many local Hunter residents as possible to support the event, which will take place on Sunday 26 March at Speers Point Park, Speers Point.

“As we prepare to host the Memory Walk & Jog to Hunter for another successful year, we hope everyone will consider joining us,” Ms McCabe said.

The Hunter event is one of 20 scheduled at various locations around the country in 2023. Participants can register as an individual or an entire team, to remember a loved one with dementia, or in support of a loved one who is currently living with the condition. Each event offers a wonderful opportunity for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to come together, walk or run, at any fitness level, and raise money and share stories.  

Hunter local, Marina was living abroad when her mother, Geertje, was diagnosed with dementia. Sadly, Geertje passed away having lived with Alzheimer’s. Marina explains why she is taking part in Memory Walk & Jog on Sunday.

“Just knowing that you are surrounded by people who are going or have gone through the same thing you have is comforting. It’s like a kindred spirit feeling. I lived 25,000 km away from my parents. To me, it seemed that my mother disappeared overnight, since I never really experienced the gradual decline. One minute she was mum, the next minute she was a stranger.  What people really need to do is enjoy every moment you have, good or bad. Before you know it, it will all be gone. “

Why walk for dementia?

 There are more than 400,000 people of all ages living with some form of dementia in Australia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia is expected to almost double in 30 years. Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death for women.  

Walk or jog with us. We are in this together.

   * Sign-up to join in or volunteer at a Memory Walk & Jog event at www.memorywalk.com.au  

• Decide to walk, jog or run and select from a variety of distances.    
• Share your Memory Walk & Jog experience on your socials.   
• Donate today to support people living with dementia across Australia. 

If you can’t attend an event, why not organise your own group or individual walk or jog, with a My Way event. Choose your own date and location and register at www.memorywalk.com.au 

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for more than 400,000 people of all ages, living with dementia, and the almost 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.  For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au 

Construction is set to begin this month on a major redevelopment of the Passmore Oval Wickham grandstand, delivering dedicated female changerooms, improved disability access and new community function areas.

The $2.35 million project is a collaboration between City of Newcastle (CN) and the Hamilton Hawks Rugby Union Club, which successfully applied for $1 million from the NSW Government under the Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund.

It will include a new two-storey building constructed at the back of the existing grandstand, which will deliver accessible sports facilities and viewing for both Passmore Oval and its adjacent Hawkins Oval.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the extension and upgrade of the grandstand will set an inclusive benchmark for Newcastle’s sporting facilities.

“City of Newcastle is committed to making our city more liveable and inclusive for all people,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This project will deliver dedicated female changerooms to cater for the growing number of women and girls playing rugby union and cricket in Newcastle.

“It will also ensure the spectator facilities meet the needs of all members of our community, with lift access and amenities that will enhance the comfort and experience for people with a disability visiting the Wickham Park sporting complex.”

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project aligns with the recommendations in CN’s Strategic Sports Plan for the wider Wickham Park precinct and would provide a great outcome for all its user groups including the Hamilton Hawks, Hamilton Wickham District Cricket Club and the Newcastle District Cricket Association.

“We have worked collaboratively with the Hamilton Hawks Rugby Union Club to bring long-held ambitions for the upgrade of this facility to life with a design created by EJE Architecture that will ensure both Passmore and Hawkins Ovals can be enjoyed by everyone in our community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

Specially designed female dressing rooms for both the home and away teams will be housed on the ground floor of the new building, along with a shared exercise and training area and storage rooms.

Amenities for people with a disability will be included on both levels of the building, while a lift will ensure the facility is fully accessible. The upper level will feature a community room, a kitchen area for food and drinks service and a balcony overlooking Hawkins Oval.

The existing grandstand will also include a new community meeting room and viewing space for wheelchair users overlooking Passmore Oval.

Hamilton Rugby Club President Lesa Mason said the improvements and additions at Passmore Oval would be a massive boost for the Club and the community, but especially for the booming number of young female sports participants.

“The purpose-built female dressing rooms will see the end of our junior and senior women’s teams getting changed in cars or waiting for ‘their turn’ in the men’s dressing rooms,” Ms Mason said.

“Participation rates in women’s 7s Rugby and the 15-a-side game are booming so the timing of the development is excellent, with Passmore Oval in the heart of the rapidly expanding Wickham/West End growth corridor and female player registrations at the Hamilton Hawks reflecting the rapid growth nationally.

“Members of the public with mobility issues will also now be catered for with accessible toilet facilities both on the ground floor and new viewing spaces and further facilities on the upper level, accessible by lift.

“We are very grateful to City of Newcastle for its advice and support in seeing the development come to fruition.”

City of Newcastle is adding a dash of greenery and a splash of colour throughout New Lambton’s shopping precinct with the installation of shopfront “smart” gardens and a vibrant four-metre-high community mural.

The projects are being supported through City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate (SBR) program following an expression of interest process in consultation with the local business community.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said local businesses in New Lambton are set to directly benefit from the beautification projects, which will enhance the appeal of the precinct.

“The input of business owners to activate their precincts is vital to creating thriving business communities and increasing visitation to suburban areas like New Lambton,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As a result of the latest suburban SBR round, the creative projects selected for New Lambton are set to enhance the precinct for residents and visitors, making it an even better place to eat, drink and shop.”

Nine local businesses have seen their facades turn green with the installation of vertical “smart” gardening systems by Herb Urban, whilst a black cockatoo is the hero of a four-metre-high community mural underway on the exterior of New Lambton Library, which is being delivered by Up&Up Inspirations with the help of New Lambton High School students.

Business owner Kathy Slevin from clothing boutique Kate Devine said customers are noticing the recent addition of the vertical gardens on her store’s façade in Alma Street.

“I’ve received a lot of positive comments from customers who are noticing, stopping, commenting and appreciating the installations,” Ms Slevin said.

“Customers are appreciating the fact that the added greenery softens the concrete façade and lots of other local businesses are wanting them installed on their shop fronts. They’ve been a positive addition and good for business and the precinct.”

Popular coffee haunt, Chaddies on Regent, is located in the courtyard overlooking the New Lambton Library community mural. Café owner Jo Grace said the mural was already creating a lot of interest.

“It’s really exciting seeing the mural take shape. It’s going to inject so much colour and our customers get to benefit from viewing a beautifully designed mural rather than look at a plain brick wall,” Ms Grace said.

Sharon Lance, from fashion retailer Papango, said the mural is creating a buzz and will bring new life to the courtyard precinct once it’s complete.

“The mural is just so happy and colourful with its bold use of lavender and orange, but the real star of the show is the black cockatoo, who frequents our deciduous tree here in the courtyard and can be found nearby in Blackbutt Reserve.”

Special Business Rates are collected from businesses in Newcastle City Centre / Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend for the promotion, beautification and development of those precincts.