Category: Newcastle News

As outlined in City of Newcastle’s (CN) recently published 2021/2022 Annual Report, CN spent $349 million in the last financial year to provide services and facilities to more than 167,300 residents. A $100 million capital works program was delivered, and the organisation managed $1.91 billion of assets including roads, bridges, drains, land, halls, recreation and leisure facilities, libraries and parks for the benefit of the local community and visitors.

The report also highlights CN’s commitment to engaging with the community with over 10,000 community members providing feedback on 22 projects spanning strategies and plans, transport, parks and recreation and facilities and services. Newcastle’s new Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, was part of the engagement with the community undertaken in 2022 with more than 5,000 community members contributing to shaping the vision for Newcastle.

During 2021/2022, our volunteers contributed more than 7,839 hours to a broad range of programs, continuing to provide an invaluable resource for our community, contributing to natural areas and increasing our cultural and community connections, helping make Newcastle a wonderful place to live.

The successful delivery of our $100 million capital works program over the past 12 months is a great achievement for our organisation and the community, especially considering the additional challenges of COVID-19 and the number of weather-affected days during the year. It is a result that deserves to be celebrated, including the delivery of three local centre upgrades at James Street Plaza Hamilton, Mitchell Street Stockton and Shortland Local Centre. City of Newcastle also focused on integrated and accessible transport, with the finalisation of a 1.1km shared path along Watkins Street, Merewether, linking Glebe Road, The Junction, with Merewether Beach featuring new and upgraded crossings and making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The environmental portfolio also saw the continued protection and enhancement of CN’S natural environmental assets during 2021–2022, including the successful completion of the priority creek rehabilitation, including works at Sygna Close, Rankin Park; Blackbutt Reserve creek headwaters; Nereida Close, Kotara; and Waterdragon Creek, Kotara and the completion of the inland cliff line rehabilitation at Braye Park quarry, Waratah West.

Our 2021/2022 Annual Report is now available online for community members to view. To find out more about our progress and contribution to Newcastle, read the report here.

A man is due in Newcastle Bail Court today charged over a crash in which a motorcyclist died in Lake Macquarie.

The crash happened about 10pm Thursday (1 December 2022), when the driver of a Mitsubishi Triton ute allegedly ran a red light, at the intersection of Macquarie and Main roads, and hit a motorcyclist.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District rendered first aid to the 49-year-old man until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived; however, the Maryville man was unable to be revived.

The driver of the ute, a 33-year-old man, allegedly ran from the scene before stealing another vehicle. He was arrested a short time later.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing and to be treated for minor injuries. He was released about 2pm and was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with nine offences,

• Dangerous driving occasioning death
• Negligent driving occasioning death
• Drive manner dangerous
• Fail to stop and assist
• Disqualified driving
• Take and drive conveyance (two counts)
• Proceed through red light, and
• Enter dwelling with intent.

The man, from Wangi Wangi, has been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 3 December 2022).

Criminal Group Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance after a car bombing in the Hunter region earlier this year.

About 8.30pm on Thursday 27 October 2022, emergency services were called to a home on Avery Street, Rutherford, after reports of a loud explosion on the street.

Occupants of the home attempted to extinguish a small fire at the rear of a Chrysler sedan parked outside.

Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended a short time later and extinguished the blaze.

The car was seized for forensic examination.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene, before detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad commenced an investigation under Strike Force Ucles.

It’s believed a number of people involved have links to outlaw motorcycle groups (OMCG).

As investigations continue, police have released images of the vehicle as they continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Newcastle’s Wheeler Place will play host to festive fun as the Civic precinct comes to life with an 11-metre-high Christmas tree and family-friendly activities.

The tree’s lights were switched on by Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes last night with the help of Santa and his elves, signalling the start of festivities for families to enjoy in the lead-up to Christmas.

Novocastrians and their four-legged friends can make the most of the free entertainment on offer over two weekends, with DIY Santa photos and pet-friendly ‘pawtraits’ under the tree from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on December 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Entertainers from Newcastle Music Academy and a special Christmas performance by the Novotones will add to the festive atmosphere during the Santa selfie sessions, while the towering Christmas tree will light up the precinct each night.

Cr Nelmes said the City’s signature Christmas tree and free program of activities will help activate Wheeler Place and draw people into the city centre this Christmas.

“We hope that the sight of our Christmas tree and the free, fun activities will help spread joy amongst friends and families, while also encouraging visitors to support our city centre’s local businesses,” Cr Nelmes said.

“There is no better time than the lead-up to Christmas to shop locally, enjoy a night out at one of our city’s local bars or restaurants and show your support for Newcastle businesses, both in the city centre and surrounds.”

In the suburbs, Hamilton’s James Street Plaza will play host to a special Santa’s cave for photos, as well as live performances, children’s craft workshops, gift-wrapping station and toy donation drop-off point organised by Hello Hamilton.

You can join Santa on Friday 2 and 9 December from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday 3 and 10 December 9am to 1pm to snap your own special Christmas selfie, with professional photography packages also available.

Christmas Twilight Markets will also return to Hamilton’s Gregson Park on Tuesday 6 December from 3pm to 8pm, offering the perfect chance to pick up a unique Christmas gift from an array of local stall holders whilst enjoying live music, food and drinks.

Wallsend’s iconic rotunda on the corner of Nelson, Tyrrell and Harris Streets will also light up this Christmas with a spectacular light display and Christmas tree lit by Santa on 1 December, with Christmas carols, refreshments available and photos with Santa from 6.30pm thanks to WOW Wallsend.

The festive cheer will continue in Wallsend with performances by popular children’s entertainers Little Scallywagz each Saturday in the lead up to Christmas at 11am and 12.30pm, while the Conscious Christmas Markets return from 10am to 1pm on 10 December, and Christmas carols will be performed by quartet After Fiveon 21, 22 and 23 December from 6pm to 7pm.

Keep an eye on the What’s On website for the growing list of Christmas events being held across Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s Christmas tree will remain in place until 11 January 2022.

Thousands of passionate football fans are expected to descend on Wheeler Place this Sunday to watch the Socceroos take on the might of Lionel Messi and his Argentinian teammates in a World Cup sudden death match in Qatar.

City of Newcastle will host an open-air broadcast of the World Cup thriller, offering Novocastrians a chance to cheer on the Australians in their round of 16 clash with the footballing heavyweights.

The Socceroos cemented their place in the knockout stages for just the second time in World Cup history with a thrilling one nil win over Denmark in Qatar overnight.

They will take on Argentina at 6am on Sunday, after the South Americans defeated Poland 2-0 this morning.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the live site will bring all the action of the World Cup to Newcastle, offering a family-friendly way for locals to enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on their football heroes from home.

“Novocastrians are passionate about football and turned out in droves to set an Australian crowd record for a women’s soccer match when the Matildas faced off against Brazil in Newcastle a few years ago,” Cr Nelmes said.

“While we may be 12,500km from the action in Qatar on Sunday morning I expect no less passion from fans in Wheeler Place as they gather to watch the Socceroos take on Argentina in this historic World Cup match.

“City of Newcastle is thrilled to be able to host this live site for the community and I encourage everyone to don their green and gold and get down to Wheeler Place to soak up the atmosphere and show their support for the Australian men’s team.”

Newcastle has a proud association with the Socceroos, with records showing more than 75 players from across the region have taken their place in the men’s national team in A-International fixtures since 1922.

In more recent times, Newcastle’s Col Curran and Ray Baartz were selected to represent Australia at the 1974 World Cup, and were followed by Novocastrian Socceroos Graham Jennings, David Lowe, Troy Halpin and Clayton Zane.

Novocastrian women have also played a significant role in the success of the Matildas, with Cheryl Salisbury, Joey Peters and Emily van Egmond all representing Australia more than 100 times each.

Further details on Sunday’s live site will be shared on City of Newcastle’s Facebook and What’s On website in the lead-up to Sunday’s event.

Maryland will become home to the city’s newest fenced off-leash dog park, with City of Newcastle unveiling a multi-stage masterplan featuring dedicated areas for both large and small canines.

The new facility will be located at Maryland Drive Reserve adjacent to the existing unfenced, leash-free area.

A concept design for the site, which is now on public exhibition for community feedback, incorporates two large, fenced areas that will provide separate spaces for different sized dogs to enjoy.

Shelters with tables, informal sandstone seating, dog bubblers and extensive landscaping including trees for shade, will provide added comfort for pets and their owners, while concrete pathways and a formalised car park with accessible parking will ensure the facility is suited to all dog-lovers.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will be delivered in three stages, with the first fenced area and amenities expected to be complete by mid-2023.

“With more than 63,000 dogs registered in our city, we know Novocastrians are passionate about their canine companions and want spaces where their four-legged friends can safely exercise and mix with other pets,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to providing a variety of off-leash options throughout Newcastle and has already delivered the city’s first fully fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue Reserve, as well as upgrades to the existing popular area in Islington Park.

“This new project at Maryland will provide a premier facility for dog lovers in our western suburbs, which is sure to be incredibly popular with pet owners who already make the most of the unfenced off-leash area within this reserve.”

The Maryland Dog Park forms part of the Dogs in Open Space Plan, which was adopted by City of Newcastle in 2019 to guide the provision, improvement and management of off-leash dog areas during the next 10 years.

Formalised off-leash dog areas enable people to take their dogs to a place where they can legally run free, exercise and socialise with other dogs. They also provide pet owners with a meeting place and an opportunity to connect with others in the community.

The Maryland Dog Park draft masterplan is on public exhibition until 5pm Friday 16 December, with further information and the ability for the community to have their say via City of Newcastle’s website.

Newcastle has launched into a sizzling summer of events, with 150 of the state’s best rowers taking to the waters of Throsby Creek today ahead of a busy period of music, sport and culture.

The Central Districts Sprint Championships hosted by Newcastle Rowing Club are part of a stacked calendar of events supported by City of Newcastle, which will see everyone from global music superstar Elton John to some of the world’s best surfers descend on the city during the next four months.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle has become an events powerhouse, attracting nationally and internationally renowned acts and events to entertain audiences across the city.

“Newcastle has a vibrant calendar of major and community events, which continues to grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by City of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support events at every level in Newcastle, from community-led activations to the attraction of major events of international renown, which offer invaluable benefits including increased visitation and a significant boost to the local economy.

“We’ve recently delivered another highly successful New Annual festival, including an extended season of the blockbuster Van Gogh Alive experience, which attracted more than 84,000 people to Newcastle in its first visit to a regional area in Australia.

“But this is only the beginning of a busy period on our events calendar, and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy what’s on offer across our city in the coming months.”

The summer schedule got off to a supercharged start on Saturday night when a 20,000-strong crowd packed into McDonald Jones Stadium for the 2022 Australian Supercross Championship.

The events calendar will kick into a different gear on Sunday 4 December when more than 10,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from across the east coast gather for the 45^th annual Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run and community fun day at Carrington.

Festive fun in Wheeler Place, New Year’s Eve along the Foreshore and the sweet sounds of the 76th Australian Jazz Convention at City Hall will wrap up the revelry for 2022.

There will be plenty of sporting action to kick off 2023 with national and international events including Surfest, Beach 5s Rugby, Australian Water Polo League matches, the Summer of Cricket festival and the opening round of the Supercars championship.

Elton John’s incredible Yellow Brick Road tour and smash hit Broadway musical Come From Away will provide plenty of star power for the city’s cultural events calendar, with the sizzling summer schedule following on from the success of the city’s springtime events including the New Annual festival.

New Annual, City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural event, attracted almost 40,000 people to more than 140 performances and activities across the city.

The 10-day event involved more than 530 artists and over 400 staff, crew and volunteers, and was recently awarded $400,000 over two years from the NSW Government as part of its Major Festival and Events grants program through Multicultural NSW.

Upcoming events supported by City of Newcastle

27 November 2022: Central Districts Rowing Association Sprint Championships, Throsby Creek

4 December 2022: Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run, Stockton to Connolly Park, Carrington

10,11, 17, 18 December 2022: City of Newcastle Christmas Tree, Santa selfies and pet pawtraits in Wheeler Place alongside free live music

26-31 December 2022: 76^th Australian Jazz Convention, Newcastle City Hall

31 December 2022: City of Newcastle New Year’s Eve, Harbour Foreshore

7 January 2023: King of Concrete, Bar Beach (Empire Park)

8, 10 January 2023: Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour,McDonald Jones Stadium

26 January 2023: Cross Harbour Swim, Newcastle Harbour

26-29 January 2023: Beach 5s Rugby, Nobbys Beach

4-5 February 2022: Australian Boardriders Battle, Newcastle Beach

3-5 February 2023: City of Newcastle Island Triathlon and Oceania Paratriathlon, Stockton

10-12 February 2023: The Great Australian Pub Fishing, Newcastle Harbour

18 February – 5 March 2023: Come From Away, Civic Theatre

10-12 March 2023: Newcastle 500, Newcastle East and Harbour Foreshore

18-19 March 2023: Money Bowl Australian Skateboarding Community, Empire Park

25-26 March 2023: Surfest (finals weekend),Merewether Beach

To stay up-to-date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

A training video advocating for more inclusive workplaces will be launched today to raise awareness of the barriers and opportunities people with a disability face in employment.

Filmed earlier this year during City of Newcastle’s (CN) Count Us In disability inclusion festival, the video was produced in partnership with Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) to be used as a training, advocacy and educational resource targeted at employers and local businesses.

Video participants, community organisations and members of the local business community will take part in today’s launch at the Digital Library, which is among the events being supported by CN in the lead up to International Day of People with Disability on 3 December.

An inclusive art workshop facilitated by local artist Em Warren and Newcastle Art Gallery and an inclusive sports day for students with disability will also be supported by CN as part of its commitment and progress toward disability inclusion, in line with the actions adopted in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022 –2026.

With at least 20 percent of people in our community living with a disability, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said International Day of People with Disability presents an opportunity to reflect and undertake activities that foster discussion in the community about disability inclusion.

“City of Newcastle is committed to championing inclusion of all people in the community and improving employment outcomes for people living with a disability to ensure Newcastle is a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city for all who live, visit or work here,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This International Day of People with Disability, we stand with Newcastle’s disability representative organisations who champion inclusion year-round and continue to raise awareness of the barriers people living with disability face every day.”

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of CN’s Access Inclusion Advisory Committee, said there are significant barriers faced by people living with a disability, particularly when it comes to employment opportunities.

“Much work needs to be done in identifying the barries so we can improve employment opportunities for people living with disability and bridge those gaps,” Cr Wood said.

“We all get reward and personal satisfaction through meaningful employment. Our local workplaces need to genuinely reflect all people in the community and society with less judgement and more understanding.

“The training video prepared by CN and CDAH presents a localised understanding of how a diverse workforce can contribute to a truly inclusive community here in Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle is also proud to support CDAH and Speak Up Hunter with their Shifting the Line event on 9 December at Foreshore Park.

CDAH Executive Officer Andrew Vodic said Shifting the Line is a community event designed to raise awareness of some of the barriers and the strengths that people with disability use to overcome them.

“This event has been designed and planned by Speak Up Hunter, a CDAH peer group where people with intellectual disability have a real voice in the Hunter,” Mr Vodic said.

“This amazing group of people have used that collective voice to come up with this brilliant and worthwhile community-based activity. I encourage the community to come and hear what they have to say on disability awareness.”

Click here to view a two-minute teaser of the Disability Training Video.

International Day for People with a Disability (IDPwD) events in Newcastle:

Diversify your Workforce: Disability and Employment special screening
Friday, 25 November 2022
3:30pm – 5pm, Digital Library
Local businesses are invited to a special screening of the ‘Diversify your Workforce: Disability and Employment’ advocacy video, prepared by CN and CDAH, followed by a panel discussion led by Joseph Popov and Bill Armstrong over afternoon tea at the City Administration Centre’s Digital Library.

Activate Inclusion Sports Day Newcastle
Wednesday, 30 November 2022
10-12pm, Newcastle Basketball Stadium
Facilitated by Sports NSW, Activate Inclusion Sports Day is a one-day program designed to promote the pathways for inclusive sport and active recreation for students aged between 5-18 years with a sensory, physical or intellectual disability. Participants will experience a variety of modified sporting activities on the day facilitated by specialised coaches, with the support of students from local universities and community organisations.

Newcastle Art Gallery Community Art Workshop – Everyone is an artist with Em Warren
Saturday, 3 December 2022
10am – 12pm, Watt Space Gallery
Join local artist Em Warren on IDPwD day, as she facilitates this free inclusive art workshop. Em will share insights into her practice and guide you through a range of collage techniques inspired by ‘Summer at Carcoar’ by Brett Whiteley. Participants will create their own work of art using natural materials.

Shifting the Line community event
Friday, 9 December 2022
10-12pm, Foreshore Park
City of Newcastle is proud to support CDAH and Speak Up Hunter for their Shifting the Line community event, which raises awareness of some of the barriers and strengths that people with disability use to overcome them.

A cyclist has died after falling from his bike while on a group ride in the Hunter Valley this morning.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called to Upper Dartbrook Road at Upper Dartbrook, 16km north-west of Scone, about 7.25am today (Saturday 26 November 2022), responding to reports a cyclist had suffered head injuries in a fall.

They’ve been told the man was on a regular organised ride with a group of cyclists when his bike slipped while crossing a culvert and he fell, hitting his head.

His fellow cyclists commenced CPR until officers from Hunter Valley Police District and NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.

He’s been identified as a 59-year-old man from Scone.

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

Addressing skills shortages and leveraging future opportunities for jobs and economic growth will be on the agenda when City of Newcastle (CN) meets with local business leaders today.

Around 90 representatives from across the region’s business community will come together for CEO Connect, a Business Hunter event hosted by CN which will shine a light on economic opportunities for Gateway Cities such as Newcastle in a post-COVID world.

The meeting will also be used to highlight initiatives being delivered as part of CN’s economic development strategy including a new digital tool, ‘Imagine Newcastle’, developed to attract people to live, work and study in Newcastle.

With job advertisements in Newcastle at record levels and local businesses experiencing chronic skills shortages, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said investing in people and their skills is key to the city’s economic growth.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy focusses on long-term actions to help create new jobs, drive investment and promote innovation,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We believe that Newcastle and the Hunter region’s economic future will be built on the talent, skills and ingenuity of our people.

“We have invested significantly in infrastructure, support programs for local business people and initiatives aimed at attracting skills and talent to the region as well as supporting the development and growth of Newcastle businesses and their employees.

“Our new digital platform ‘Imagine Newcastle’ provides another avenue to help address future skills shortages and growth industry job opportunities, delivering the insights and information needed to encourage people to live, study, invest or grow their business in our creative, culturally rich and innovative global city.”

Cr Nelmes said ‘Imagine Newcastle’ would leverage the migration trend that is seeing more people than ever before relocating to Newcastle from metropolitan centres like Melbourne and Sydney, including a predominance of young professionals.

Research shows that better quality of life is one of the key drivers to people choosing to relocate to a new area.

“Newcastle is perfectly positioned to cater for this need, offering a destination with the lifestyle, community and culture people are searching for, enhanced by the career and business opportunities available in our city’s innovative industries and future-focused economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

See why Newcastle is a great place to work, live, play and create, visit www.movetonewcastle.com.au