Category: Newcastle News

The curtains have gone up on the first professional Broadway musical to be held at Civic Theatre in 30 years, as the cast and crew from Come From Away take to the stage.

Almost 16,000 tickets have already been sold to the critically acclaimed production for its record-breaking Newcastle season, which kicked off with a preview showing Wednesday evening and will be officially opened with a red carpet premiere tonight.

Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from around the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that welcomed the ‘come from aways’ into their lives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the Come From Away cast and crew to Newcastle and said that Novocastrians and visitors are set to be wowed by the musical production.

“After enjoying enormous success on Broadway and in London’s West End, the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away has arrived here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Come From Away has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world with its remarkable true story about kindness and humanity and is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city.

“With the success of Sir Elton John’s recent two shows and the news of Pink’s upcoming tour, which is expected to deliver a $9 million boost to local businesses, Newcastle has cemented its position as a host destination for international acts.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and Come From Away is another significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for the local visitor economy.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Come From Away has smashed ticket sales records for the theatre and she actually expects sales to lift even further once the show starts thanks to positive word of mouth.

“Interest in this musical has been incredible and ticket sales have exceeded our expectations, attracting audiences from as far as Tasmania, Brisbane, Armidale, Narrabri and Coffs Harbour,” Ms Wallace said.

Newtheatricals’ producer Rodney Rigby said he is delighted to bring the Broadway production to Newcastle.

“Come From Away is the perfect show for our time; an opportunity to come together and celebrate an inspirational story of hope and humanity,” Mr Rigby said.

“The reception for this show across Australia has been ecstatic and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with audiences in Newcastle.”

Come From Away is showing at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre until 5 March 2023.

Tickets are on sale now.

For more information and for tickets visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders will have the floor at a free community barbecue hosted by City of Newcastle on Sunday 26 February at Hamilton’s Gregson Park, for anyone wanting to learn more about the forthcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.

Held in collaboration with City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee as referendum campaigns begin in earnest around the country, the Newcastle BBQ for the Voice to Parliament will include a sausage sizzle and addresses from Indigenous leaders.

Representatives of the national From The Heart campaign will also be on hand to answer questions from the community about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the referendum process, and the proposed amendment to the Constitution.

It comes as a national week of action gets underway on 20 February ahead of the proposed referendum slated for the second half of the year, which will ask Australians to vote on whether they support a constitutionally enshrined body that would allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have input on laws and policies that directly affect them.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was an important step in bringing the community together to promote awareness and understanding of the proposed constitutional amendment.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support the ‘yes’ campaign and provide an accessible public forum for the community to be informed on what this referendum means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whose enduring resilience, knowledge, and relationship with the land for more than 60,000 years deserves long overdue constitutional recognition,” Cr Nelmes said.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, will join the line-up of speakers at the event.

“I am proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government which is putting this important question to the Australian people,” Ms Claydon said.

“This referendum is about two things: constitutional recognition and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a say on the policies and laws that affect them. The Voice is an important first step in delivering the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full: Voice, Treaty, Truth.”

Keynote speaker and Uluru Statement from the Heart signatory, Sean Gordon, said the “recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution will acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rightful place as the first peoples of this country and will provide a voice to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities have a greater say in laws, policies, and programs that impact our communities. The referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is the most import referendum since the constitution was established in 1901. A successful referendum will demonstrate our maturity as a country and will be the next step in our journey toward reconciliation between black and white Australia.”

From The Heart Director Dean Parkin said now is the opportunity for Australia to seize this historic moment and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.

“All around the country, supporters of constitutional recognition are sparking thousands of conversations in this week of action with friends, families and neighbours,” Mr Parkin said.

“It’s a chance to explain how a ‘yes’ vote at this year’s referendum will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in the laws and policies that directly impact their lives, and to deliver practical change.

“Australia has a huge opportunity to change the dial in our communities and see genuine, practical change. Seeking advice from people in Indigenous communities leads to better outcomes – because the people on the ground know their issues best.

“We are having this referendum because it’s time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution in a way that they requested – recognition through a Voice to Parliament.”

The Newcastle BBQ for the Voice to Parliament will be held from 11am to 1pm, with a list of speakers to be announced soon. Stay up to date via the Facebook event page.

Visit fromtheheart.com.au for more information on the national campaign.

Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation and historical tourist attraction on the Newcastle coast, has been awarded an Engineering Heritage Marker. 

On February 14, Engineers Australia and Fort Scratchley representatives gathered to reveal the Engineering Heritage Marker plaque for the Fort. 

The fort is the largest and most diversified and intact coastal fortress barracks complex in Australia. It is set on Signal Hill in Newcastle and overlooks the city and coastline out to the South Pacific Ocean. 

Fort Scratchley was built on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. Construction began on permanent fortification in 1882. 

The main elements were constructed in the late 19th century and represent civil construction methods of the era including small-scale unreinforced concrete construction, of which the tunnels are a great example. 

Fort Scratchley’ s layout is innovative as the tunnels always run downhill in the direction of loading ammunition. The tunnels run into the central magazines or out of them to deep shell lifts. 

Construction evolution over the following 50 years is evident in various examples throughout the fort, most notably the changes as reinforced concrete was introduced. 

Following its initial military use, the Fort was also used by the National Service Scheme for militia training in the mid-1950s. 

Convict coal mines have also been discovered below the Fort by the University’s Coal River Working Party. 

Today the inner fort holds gun emplacements, a battery observation post and associated fortress structures and underground tunnels, the commandants cottage, the barracks, and associated buildings on the lower section. The outer fort encompasses the Master Gunner’s Cottage, a workshop, and a multipurpose centre. 

Day to day the fort run by volunteers from the Fort Scratchley Historical Society who offer tours of the tunnels and access to the museum and military buildings. 

Engineers Australia’s Engineering Heritage Recognition Program recognises historical engineering achievements across Australia to raise the profile and understanding of the work of past engineers across the country. You can view all the Engineering Heritages sites we recognise across the country on our Engineering Heritage register.

Households and businesses in Wallsend, Stockton, Shortland, North Lambton, New Lambton, Merewether, Maryland, Lambton, Kotara, Islington, Hamilton, Glendale, Elermore vale, Cooks Hill, Cardiff, Broadmeadow, Adamstown Heights, Adamstown will be able to upgrade to a full-fibre broadband connection as part of the Australian Government’s plan for a better NBN.

These upgrades are part of the NBN’s fibre upgrade program which has been boosted by the Albanese Government’s $2.4 billion investment to expand full-fibre access to 1.5 million additional premises by the end of 2025. This includes over 660,000 premises in regional Australia.

The copper broadband network – a legacy of the former Coalition Government – is slower, less reliable and more likely to experience prolonged faults.

     
In contrast, world-class fibre broadband means faster upload and download speeds, and a more reliable connection for local residents. The benefits are even more pronounced for larger households if many devices are used, as higher speeds means the whole family can be online at the same time.

An upgrade will be available on-demand where an eligible household orders a higher speed plan than would currently be available to them over copper.

NBN Co expects eligible premises announced today will be able to access a full-fibre upgrade from 2024.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering the positive change Australians voted for.

For a full list of eligible suburbs or to register for updates, visit: nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/fttp-upgrade-with-higher-speed-tiers.

For more information on the Albanese Government’s investment, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/media-release/albanese-government-delivers-major-nbn-boost-2022-23-federal-budget.

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“These investments will make a noticeable difference to Novocastrians who have been facing slow or patchy NBN connections through the former Coalition Government’s copper broadband network.

“We all know how frustrating slow internet can be to households, business owners and everyday Novocastrians. These upgrades will provide access to world-class fibre broadband, resulting in faster upload and download speeds and a more reliable connection.

“I’m proud to belong to a Government that’s delivering on its plan for a better NBN.”

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said:

“Affordable, reliable and high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is an economic and social necessity that will drive productivity improvements and global competitiveness.

“For too long, locals residents and small businesses in Newcastle stuck on the Coalition’s ageing copper network have been held back by slow and unreliable broadband.

“The Albanese Government’s $2.4 billion investment will enable the NBN’s full potential. We’re giving Australian families and small businesses access to the world-class broadband infrastructure they deserve.

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

Jack Bamborough, aged 78, was last seen in Cardiff, about 11pm yesterday (13 February 2023).

When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

Jack is described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 150-155cm tall, with average build and grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve shirt and tracksuit pants.

Jack is known to frequent the Cardiff, Cardiff South, Williamtown, Hillsborough and Warners Bay areas.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newcastle is getting the party started ahead of the official Sydney WorldPride festivities this month, with a series of events to celebrate and support the LGBTIQ+ community.

The city will be buzzing with options for locals and visitors wanting to embrace the inclusive atmosphere, from City of Newcastle initiatives to community-led activities and the only regional event on the Sydney WorldPride calendar.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to celebrating our diverse community.

“City of Newcastle has shown support to our LGBTIQ+ community through a number of initiatives in recent years, including flying the Progress Pride flag at City Hall during significant LGBTIQ+ days and events, the establishment of a rainbow walk in Islington Park, support of the ‘yes’ campaign and marriage equality and sponsorship of Newcastle Pride Festival,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our city is one of the most inclusive cities in Australia, with Newcastle responsible for one of the highest ‘yes’ vote of any city during the marriage equality vote, so we can’t wait to make the most of the Sydney WorldPride atmosphere to showcase what Newcastle has to offer.”

CN’s Night Galleries installation at Kuwami Place on Hunter Street will set the mood on Friday 17 February with the launch of the Inside/Out art exhibition curated by Newcastle Art Gallery and Queer & Now founder Jasmine Fletcher, showcasing works by local artists with those from the Gallery’s collection.

The Inside/Out exhibition launch party will kick off at 5pm at Kuwami Place and feature an incredible line-up of performers, as well as market stalls and delicious Vietnamese street food available for purchase from Yen’s Yumm Banhs.

The pre-party atmosphere will make its way to the Civic Theatre from 8.30pm for the disco-driven roller-skating spectacular of cult 80s classic Xanadu, starring Australian icon Olivia Newton-John.

Newcastle Pride and Queer & Now will bring the community together in a show of pride along the Newcastle Foreshore on 18 February with the colourful, community-based outdoor parade from 10am, while Newcastle’s official WorldPride event will kick off from 6pm that night when Pink Salt serves up a signature culinary experience and entertainment extravaganza at The Station.

Locals who can’t make it to Sydney for Mardi Gras on 25 February will still be able to enjoy the glitz and glamour of the world-renowned parade thanks to City of Newcastle with (virtual) front row seats at the Parade in the Park watch party at Museum Park, while budding writers will have the chance to hone their voice at a free LGBTIQ+ writing workshop at Newcastle Library on 4 March.

Encouraging connection, collaboration and change will be the focus of a Pride Forum being held at Fort Scratchley on 17 March in conjunction with City of Newcastle, trans queer brains trust (tqbt) and ACON. The free networking and planning event will tap into the energy generated by WorldPride to discuss the social changes and action that matter to the LGBTIQ+ communities of Newcastle. The forum will also assist in progressing CN’s draft Local Social Strategy, which strives to create a socially just and inclusive place for all.

A more informal focus on inclusion among all ages will continue with Newcastle Library’s regular family-friendly Rainbow Storytime events led by Newcastle’s own Timberlina, with upcoming sessions on 25 March, 22 April and 20 May.

City of Newcastle will also fly the Progress Pride Flag above City Hall for the duration of Sydney WorldPride 2023, which runs from 17 February to 5 Mach.

For more details on all the events happening in Newcastle visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Telco Authority has delivered 300 new and enhanced radio communications sites across the state to expand the Public Safety Network (PSN) under the NSW Government’s $1.4 billion Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP). 

This expansion includes a new radio communications site at Cooks Hill in Newcastle. 

NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney said the new site delivered by NSW Telco Authority was vital to ongoing community safety.

“These sites provide emergency services organisations with a single, integrated network on which to communicate,” Ms De Courteney said.

“It is technology that saves lives and by expanding the footprint of this critical infrastructure we are ensuring frontline responders have a more reliable network to help keep people and places safe.

“PSN sites were crucial in protecting communities and keeping emergency services connected during the widespread 2022 flood events and the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.”

NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney said the network expansion was the biggest investment in critical communications infrastructure by the NSW Government in a generation.

“The NSW Government is investing $1.4 billion to expand the PSN to better protect communities, including delivering 675 new and enhanced radio communications sites,” Ms De Courteney said.

“During an emergency every second counts, and the new radio sites will make it easier for our local emergency services to communicate when it matters most.”

Next to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline, the PSN is the most critical communications network in NSW, fielding an average of around 1.3 million radio communications calls per month.

Belmont 16s continue to put members first with the recent implementation of the OK2PLAY? player protection platform. In what has been a well-received introduction, the Australian developed technology ensures patrons can reach out for immediate support within the popular venue.

Rather than a reliance on patrons approaching staff directly to self-report, the OK2PLAY? technology provides prompts located across the venue where patrons are asked, “Are you OK2PLAY?” Patrons can respond by using a QR code or pressing a button.

If a patron responds “No” this immediately activates a response with senior staff who can then initiate a discreet connection with the member to ensure immediate support is provided within the venue and ongoing care is provided by linking the individual with appropriate services.

Belmont 16s CEO, Scott Williams, explained, “It is important to us to increase the opportunities to have conversations with our community around player and staff protection. We have taken the time to thoroughly train our team and create clear communications in rolling out OK2PLAY? As it is a serious topic that is essential in our industry we found that dedicating the time has ensured a smooth and seamless launch.”

“Our members have been appreciative of the initiative, including those who have not required help. They appreciate that we are taking steps to normalise the conversation around mental health and wellbeing. Our team feels OK2PLAY? has armed them with the ability and confidence to provide even more customer care in their roles. Overall, the introduction of OK2PLAY? has increased both staff and
patron awareness around a somewhat difficult topic for many and allows us to support our staff, patrons and community both within and beyond our venue,” he continued.

Since launching in late 2022, the OK2PLAY? technology has asked over 145,000 people if they are OK and provided access to ongoing support services as needed.

The technology continues to roll out across New South Wales in coming months.

From device advice to help seniors stay safely connected online to active outdoor sessions, a new program designed to reduce isolation and loneliness among seniors was announced today by City of Newcastle.

The Connections for Ageing Well program will be delivered in partnership with Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hunter Ageing Alliance and has been awarded $47,200 in grant funding by the NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice.

The announcement was made today at a senior’s expo and comedy gala at City Hall, delivered as part of NSW Seniors Festival 2023. Presented by CN and Comedy for a Cause, well-known comedian and recent Member of the Order of Australia recipient Jean Kitson headlined the comedy gala attended by more than 200 local senior citizens.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Connections for Ageing Well program will focus on connecting seniors with community groups for sustainable relationships, with expert advice and skill building for ageing well, managing health and creating social connections.

“Our senior citizens make a significant contribution to our society and help to create a more inclusive and broader community here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The needs of an ageing population also create a range of challenges, with many seniors in our community facing isolation and loneliness, especially in recent times as a direct result of COVID-19.

“Together with Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hunter Ageing Alliance, City of Newcastle is committed to delivering this vital program to combat isolation and loneliness with meaningful social connections for seniors, in line with CN’s draft Local Social Strategy 2023-2030.

“It’s these sorts of initiatives like today’s expo and comedy gala that strengthen social connections while playing a significant role in the mental health and wellbeing of seniors in our community.”

Emeritus Professor Julie Byles and chair at the Hunter Ageing Alliance (HAA) said the program will deliver positive physical, intellectual, and social outcomes for the region’s ageing citizens.

“Connections provide opportunities to get out, meet other people, and to learn new skills for ageing well, stay active, social, and adapt positively to the changes of later life,” Professor Byles said.

In addition to the program providing multiple benefits for older people, Head of Philanthropy Giavanna Angeli at Hunter Medical Research Institute said important research will be gathered.

“The program will also inform research on successful activities and programs that support social connectedness amongst older people and improve their wellbeing,” Dr Angeli said.

“HMRI is looking forward to working with City of Newcastle and Hunter Ageing Alliance to deliver a successful project that brings benefits to a vulnerable group in our community.”

Seniors can also make the most of the annual Newcastle Seniors Directory online, with targeted information about services and community-based organisations who connect with older Novocastrians.

During NSW Seniors Festival 2023, which reaches up to 500,000 seniors each year, government, community and commercial organisations hold hundreds of events across the state. Full details for all local events can be found online at www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au

Newcastle has scored a coveted spot on the upcoming world tour of American pop powerhouse Pink, who will take to the stage at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 13 next year.

The Summer Carnival Tour, presented by Live Nation, is the latest event secured as part of City of Newcastle’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW.

The announcement follows hot on the heels of two unforgettable performances by global music icon Elton John, who wowed 50,000 fans in Newcastle last month.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Pink concert will be the hottest ticket in town, drawing fans from far and wide to help deliver another multimillion-dollar windfall for Newcastle.

“Elton John’s visit demonstrated just how beneficial these world-class events are for our city, injecting $14 million into the local economy with more than 75 per cent of the concertgoers coming from outside of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said,

“This included 16,000 people from outside of the Hunter as well as interstate and international visitors, which plays an essential role in boosting tourism around the event, as well as encouraging repeat visitation in the future.

“With the success of Elton John’s visit and the news of Pink’s upcoming tour, which is expected to deliver a $9 million boost to local businesses, Newcastle has officially become a must stop destination on the national concert tour schedule.”

Venues NSW and McDonald Jones Stadium CEO Kerrie Mather said it was exciting to team up with Live Nation to bring Pink to McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.

“It’s now well known among promoters and artists around the world that Newcastle is home to a fantastic stadium that delivers extraordinary experiences for patrons and artists alike,” Ms Mather said.

“Pink’s live shows are something that must be seen to be believed, and we can’t wait to welcome the music icon to Newcastle early next year.”

Major events are a key part of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan as a primary driver of the local tourism economy, which was worth $1.27 billion pre-COVID.

Since announcing the Major Event Partnership in July last year, City of Newcastle and Venues NSW have worked together to attract a number of national and international events to McDonald Jones Stadium and the Newcastle Entertainment Centre including the Elton John concerts, the Australian Supercross Championship, an international netball match between Australia and England, as well as the upcoming Cup of Nations women’s football double header featuring Czechia, Spain, Jamaica and the Matildas.