Category: Newcastle News

Leading Australian think tank Beyond Zero Emissions is curating a showcase of cleantech, including a number of Hunter companies, this week at COP27 on behalf of the Australian Government.

This exhibition, the Beyond Zero Emissions “Cleantech Hub”, features rising stars of Australia’s zero-emissions manufacturing industry at the Australia Pavilion, including Hunter companies Diffuse Energy, Energy Renaissance, Kardinia Energy, MGA Thermal and SwitchDin.

Sanaya Khisty, Beyond Zero Emissions Chief Strategy Officer, said, “We are delighted to bring some of the most innovative companies from Australia’s regions to the world stage. This showcase is an announcement to political leaders and the international community that Australian cleantech is open for business.

“These businesses embody a major opportunity to revitalise Australian manufacturing through Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts. Beyond Zero Emissions’ research shows that  Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts can become world-leading engine rooms where regional centres like Gladstone and the Hunter manufacture highly valuable products for the global green economy. 

“With a small commitment from the Australian government, these cleantech clusters can give Australian manufacturers an edge over international rivals by being powered by low-cost, reliable renewable energy.

“Here at COP27, we’re providing a glimpse into a bright future for Australian manufacturing. Australia has the chance to become a green exports powerhouse through Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts. This is a $333 billion opportunity that will set Australia up to prosper as the global economy decarbonises.” 

The work of Hunter energy technology company SwitchDin is enabling clean, distributed electricity grids. Andrew Mears, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SwitchDin said, “We’re proud to be an Australian company that is taking the lead towards a decarbonised grid by using our software to enable zero emission businesses and homes. Distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, batteries and EVs are accelerating this transition though utilities are struggling to keep up as they reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. 

“At SwitchDin, we’ve built software tools to orchestrate these distributed resources and simplify the delivery of clean and affordable electricity so as to benefit communities and drive the economy.”

Hunter manufacturer of printed solar Kardinia Energy creates low-cost solar energy technology that is rapidly scalable, flexible, lightweight and 100% recyclable. Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kardinia Energy Anthony Letmon said, “Kardinia Energy is excited to be represented by Beyond Zero Emissions at COP27. As a proud NSW company based in the Hunter, we are focussed on being the first commercial scale solar energy manufacturer in Australia, using advanced technology that does not rely on existing supply chains. 

“The hundreds of unsolicited inbound expressions of interest at sovereign, corporate and consumer levels from over 70 countries this year alone highlights the scale of the desperate climate challenge we face as a planet. 

“However, it’s also a socio-economic challenge; the world urgently needs access to secure and sustainable low-cost energy. Kardinia Energy’s Printed Solar technology can, and will, deliver this solution not only for the Hunter but globally.”

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) is an independent think tank focused on publishing and promoting solutions to climate change. BZE produces research and works alongside renewable energy and cleantech manufacturers to demonstrate how Australia can prosper in a zero-emissions economy. 

BZE has collaborated with the Australian Government to exhibit regionally-based Australian manufacturers, including high purity aluminium, modular solar, renewable energy storage and more at the world’s biggest annual climate conference, COP27.

Further information

The Beyond Zero Emissions “Cleantech Hub” at the Australia Pavilion will exhibit at the following times during the COP27 conference:

• Friday 11/11 9AM-10AM (Decarbonisation Day) (EET – Eastern European Time)
• Tuesday 15/11 9AM-10AM (Energy Day) (EET – Eastern European Time)

The full list of Hunter companies and organisations featuring at the Beyond Zero Emissions “Cleantech Hub”, including through video content:

• Diffuse Energy
• Energy Renaissance
• Kardinia Energy
• MGA Thermal
• SwitchDin

We are delighted to invite you to the Kmart Kotara launch of its iconic Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal together with founding charity partner, The Salvation Army, in store tomorrow Thursday 10th November 2022. 

This year marks a historic milestone of reaching 35 years of supporting those doing it tough in communities across Australia. The need for the Appeal is greater than ever-before, as many Australians face into cost-of-living pressures such as increased electricity and food prices and rising interest rates seeing the financial strain on many individuals and families rapidly increasing.

Long standing charity partner, The Salvation Army, is anticipating this Christmas to be one of the busiest they have ever seen. Research conducted by The Salvation Army last Christmas found that a staggering 83% of those surveyed and presenting to the Salvos were struggling to afford Christmas presents for their children and more than half (56%) could not afford a meal on Christmas Day.

Raptor Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate a malicious wounding in Lake Macquarie last year.

About 8am on Tuesday 10 August 2021, two men – then aged 33 – were seated inside a purple Holden Commodore at a gravel carpark at the intersection of Impala Street and Main Road, Edgeworth, when a black Audi hatchback drove into the carpark.

Two men exited the hatchback and approached the Commodore, before one of the men – armed with a knife – slashed the two passenger side tyres and then stabbed the male passenger.

Both men then approached the driver’s side and assaulted the driver before fleeing the scene in the Audi. The vehicle was last seen travelling east on Main Road.

The men attended John Hunter Hospital for treatment, but have both since recovered.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries, before the matter was referred to the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad for further investigation.

As inquiries continue, detectives have released a CCTV image of a black Audi hatchback, observed in the area a short time after the incident.

Detectives have also issued an image of a pair of distinct red and black sunglasses left at the scene.

The driver of the Audi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 180cm to 185cm tall, with dark coloured hair in a mohawk style.

The Audi passenger is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall, with tattoos on his face, neck and arms, and red hair with a mohawk and mullet style haircut.

A man will appear in court today charged following an investigation into a fatal crash in the state’s Hunter at the weekend.

About 11.10pm on Saturday (5 November 2022), emergency services were called to Maitland Road, near Henry Street, at Tighes Hill, after reports a car had left the road and collided with a power pole.

Initial inquiries suggest a Hyundai i30 was travelling east on Maitland Road when it left the roadway and collided with a power pole, splitting it in half and ejecting the male passenger from the vehicle who died at the scene.

The driver, a 31-year-old man, was able to free himself from the wreckage and was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene which was examined by specialist police from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit.

About 1.30pm yesterday (Sunday 6 November 2022), the driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death).

The man was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 7 November 2022).

City of Newcastle has uncovered the next generation of sustainability champions as part of a school art competition designed to promote resource recovery.

Sofia Puerto, 11, and Betsy Smith, 13 impressed the judges with their colourful entries and thoughtful explanations of the artworks, which will now adorn two waste collection trucks and around 70 public bins across the city.

As the primary and secondary school winners of the competition, the girls will receive an iPad Mini and Apple Pencil each for their creative efforts, while Our Lady of Victories, Shortland was selected as the winner of the Go Circular workshop, which will help teachers learn how to become more sustainable in a school setting.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with National Recycling Week kicking off tomorrow, there is no better time to encourage conversations around the need to repair, recycle and reuse resources.

“Reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and creating a net zero emissions city will take collective action from all members of the community, young and old, so it’s wonderful to have students like Sofia, Betsy and everyone who entered our Close the Loop art competition putting so much thought and effort into such an important topic,” Cr Nelmes said.

“To decrease our impact on the planet, and get more value from limited resources, we need to shift to a circular economy where we return, reuse, repair and recycle to create minimal waste, save water and energy and keep those materials circulating for even longer.

“This school-based art competition was a fantastic way to engage the next generation in these important conversations while also encouraging broader community-wide feedback on Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, which sets out City of Newcastle’s vision for resource recovery in Newcastle for the next 20 years.

“I’d encourage all members of the community to have their say on Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, which is open for comment via the City of Newcastle website until 5pm on 9 November.”

Close the Loop art competition winners

Primary School category winner

Sofia Puerto, 11, Year 5 New Lambton Public School

Artwork statement: My artwork is about protecting the environment and features some of my favourite places in Newcastle – it is about recycling what we can, reusing, making and planting seeds to a better future.

High School category winner

Betsy Smith, 13, Year 8 Hunter School of Performing Arts

Artwork statement: I have tried to tell a story of a little kid who has found all these cool materials and has created this castle, or should I say Newcastle.

School Go Circular workshop winner (Circular Economy Masterclass)

Our Lady of Victories, Shortland

A man has died following a fatal crash in the state’s Hunter overnight.

Emergency services were called to Maitland Road, near Henry Street, at Tighes Hill, after reports a car had left the road and collided with a power pole about 11.10pm yesterday (Saturday 5 November 2022).

Initial inquiries suggest a Hyundai i30 was travelling east on Maitland Road when it left the roadway and collided with a power pole, splitting it in half and ejecting the male passenger from the vehicle.

The Hyundai then impacted with a parked car and a sedan before coming to a stop.

The male passenger, 27, died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.

The driver, a 31-year-old man, was able to free himself from the wreckage and was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene which has been examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

The driver of the Hyundai was transported to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains, and has since undergone mandatory testing.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone who was travelling on Maitland Road and may have seen the Hyundai, or who has dashcam vision from around the time of the crash, to come forward.

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

City of Newcastle (CN) has collaborated with community members to highlight a hidden green oasis in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD.

New signage has been installed at the entry points to Church Walk Park, which explores the history of the area and provides visitors with an insight into the vast ecosystem that exists within the compact public space.

CN worked closely with volunteers from The Friends of Church Walk Park on the project, with the aim of increasing awareness of the park’s significant heritage with respect to civic history, transport and coal mining and encourage visitors and residents to explore the space.

The park is known for its eclectic range of plants which reflect the age and changes in the park’s design and function since its development in 1924. Earlier plantings in the eastern end of Church Walk Park are European in character with large camphor laurels and date palms. In the 1960s, plants including hibiscus and other exotic ornamental species were introduced. Australian native species of flora were the focus of planting up until the end of the 20th century and the 21st century saw the inclusion of native plants local to Newcastle. City of Newcastle has provided and planted a selection of plants endemic to the Newcastle and Hunter region with these species thriving throughout Church Walk Park.

It has entry points located on the corner of Church Street and McCormack Street as well as an entrance located on King Street. A winding path throughout allows visitors to discover the variety of plants and animals hidden within.

Church Walk Park is conserved by the community group, The Friends of Church Walk Park, who meet regularly and are involved in the maintenance of the park including the removal of deadwood, weeding and planting of new flora.

If you would like to get involved with the Friends of Church Walk Park, please click here.

A former campaigner to improve health and safety conditions for those working in abattoirs is the latest honouree to be conferred as a Freeman of the City of Newcastle.

Fletcher resident Phil Mahoney became the 16^th recipient of the lifetime achievement award at Newcastle City Hall on Friday, in recognition of his work throughout the 1970s and 80s as a Commonwealth Meat Inspector, changing the way the industry responded to zoonotic diseases, such as Q-Fever, brucellosis, and leptospirosis.

Mr Mahoney was also lauded for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry as a performer, children’s show host and mentor, his past and current mentees including homegrown international country music star Morgan Evans and Derek Redfern of Young Talent Time fame, who travelled from Melbourne to perform for dignitaries and guests at the award ceremony.

Mr Mahoney’s achievements don’t end there, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, with Camp Quality, the Australian Heart Foundation, No Kids Hungry Australia, Black Dog Institute, Melanoma Institute, and Foster Carers Association all benefiting from his extensive charity work.

“Phil has worked tirelessly over many decades to improve the lives of others, raising the first funds for The Calvary Mater hospital’s oncology clinic and revolutionising cancer treatment for local patients by reducing travel to Sydney,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I am proud to present the city’s highest honour to such a worthy recipient who has dedicated his life’s work to these important causes.”

Mr Mahoney said it was a privilege to receive the award among friends, family and supporters.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord Mayor and the people of Newcastle for bestowing this honour upon me,” Mr Mahoney said.

“I’m thrilled to share this moment with those who have been part of the journey. My colourful career wouldn’t be half of what it is without their support, and I look forward to continuing to give back to the community and entertainment industry.”

Visit City of Newcastle’s website for further information about the Freeman of the City award program, including past recipients.

Wallsend is now home to the city’s largest playground complete with a bike pump track, climbing walls, basketball court, tennis hitting wall and fitness equipment, following the completion of the $2 million Wallsend Active Hub.

Its delivery caps off more than $7.7 million worth of investment by City of Newcastle into four District-level playgrounds across the area during the past five years.

The Federal Park facility will enhance the active recreation options for families across Newcastle’s western suburbs and follows the delivery of multimillion-dollar playground developments at Stevenson Park, Blackbutt’s Richley Reserve and South Stockton.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Wallsend Active Hub reinforces City of Newcastle’s commitment to delivering recreational opportunities for the community across the area including those in the western suburbs.

“Since 2018, City of Newcastle has completed four District level facilities including the $2 million South Stockton Active Hub, the $2.5 million Blackbutt Adventure Playground at Richley Reserve, and the $1.2 million inclusive, all-abilities playground at Stevenson Park, Mayfield West,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The newly opened $2 million Wallsend Active Hub has transformed Federal Park into a hub of activity, making it a destination not only for local residents but for families from outside the area who will enjoy the mix of informal recreational spaces right beside Wallsend Swimming Centre.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why we’re proud to have invested $7.7 million during the past five years into these four significant playground developments.

“These major projects have been delivered alongside our annual playground renewal program that also sees four of Newcastle’s 134 playgrounds upgraded each year, ensuring locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality recreation facilities across our city.”

The Wallsend Active Hub draws its inspiration from the Stockton Active Hub and provides a variety of recreation facilities including an expanded playspace, bike track, multi-sport courts, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations.

The construction of the Wallsend Active Hub was supported by a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has been very successful, with rounds one through to eight delivering 242 projects worth $420 million to mining communities since 2012.

“Mining plays a very important part in the NSW economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the state and it will continue to play a role in Newcastle for years to come,” Mr Toole said.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional mining towns that supply our State with these precious resources, and I am pleased these projects will support the ongoing prosperity of the local community.”

City of Newcastle will celebrate the completion of Wallsend Active Hub with the community on Sunday 20 November with a fun, family-friendly opening event from 10am.

A man will face court today over the shooting of another man in the state’s Hunter region earlier this week.

About 8pm on Tuesday (1 November 2022), police were called to a home on High Street, Greta, following reports of a shooting.

Police have been told a man, aged 38, was shot in the foot during a dispute at the home and was taken to Maitland Hospital by an associate.

The injury is not considered life-threatening. 

A crime scene was established and forensically examined by specialist officers.

Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the matter. 

About 11am yesterday (Wednesday 2 November 2022), a 58-year-old man was arrested at a home on Anvil Street, Greta, and taken to Cessnock Police Station. 

A search warrant was also executed at the premises. It will be alleged that police located a number of firearms, a silencer and a small amount of cannabis.

The man was charged with discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm, fire firearm at dwelling-house with disregard for safety, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage and possess prohibited drug.

He has been refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 3 November 2022).

Inquiries are continuing.