Category: Newcastle News

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.

Large-scale business events have returned to Newcastle following a COVID-enforced industry hiatus, with more than 360 delegates currently in the city attending the 2022 RSL NSW Annual State Congress.

The two-day conference which wraps up today at the Newcastle Convention and Exhibition Centre follows on from the International Conference on Emerging Advanced Nanomaterials earlier this month, which featured leading scientific figures including three Nobel Laureates and attracted more than 500 delegates over five days, representing approximately $1 million in economic value.

Both conferences were supported by City of Newcastle’s event sponsorship program as part of a strategic push to capture more of the lucrative business events market, which contributed over $10.4 billion annually to the NSW economy, prior to the pandemic.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with COVID-19 restrictions now behind us, we are starting to see a growing number of face-to-face business events returning to the city.

“In March 2020, the business events industry ground to a halt in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving in-person events impacted by the necessary ongoing public health orders and restrictions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“However, there is now renewed optimism amongst the industry and demand to return to gathering face-to-face.

“This is welcome news for our city with business events a significant contributor to Newcastle’s visitor economy through the tourism, hospitality and events sectors, with the RSL NSW Annual State Congress alone expected to generate approximately 750 room nights for local hotels and deliver more than $300,000 in economic benefit.”

Newcastle has already secured multiple business events for 2023 that will cater for between 200 and 400 delegates each, including conferences for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, Australian College of Emergency Medicine, Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia and, Australian Christian Churches as well as the joint NSW Coastal Conference and National Coast to Coast Conference. A number of other significant business events are also in the pipeline.

Cr Nelmes said Newcastle was perfectly placed to accommodate large-scale business events, with first-class conferencing and meeting facilities at privately owned and Council-run venues, while the opening of two five-star hotels added a new level of luxury to the city’s accommodation choices.

RSL NSW President Ray James said the quality of amenities on offer and the city’s rich military history made Newcastle the obvious choice for the RSL NSW Annual State Congress.

“In consultation with its sub-Branches, RSL NSW selected Newcastle to host one of the ex-service organisation’s largest events due to the city’s first-class conference venues, accommodation options, recreational facilities, and transport options available to members from across the state,” Mr James said.

“The visiting delegates will take the opportunity to visit the city’s various war memorials and museums to commemorate and pay their respects to the fallen.”

Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle is strategically focussed on increasing business tourism through the Newcastle Destination Management Plan.

“Of the 5.1 million visitors welcomed to Newcastle in 2019, business travellers represented 22 per cent of both domestic and international overnight stays, with hotel occupancy levels consistently averaging 80 per cent mid-week,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Tourism Australia research indicates that business travellers spend 74 per cent more per night on average compared to leisure visitors.”

City of Newcastle is a long-standing member of the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux and works with local and state partners including the University of Newcastle and Destination NSW to identify, bid for, and secure business events.

When it comes to the future of business events, Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the region’s potential to host large-scale international events is gearing up.

“Newcastle Airport is growing, and from 2024 our expanded terminal will have the ability to welcome hundreds of thousands of international passengers annually as a result of airfield upgrades that will cater to larger aircraft including Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s,” Dr Cock said.

“This will enable direct flights between Newcastle and destinations in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

“Newcastle’s future as an international tourism and major events destination is bright, and the Federal Government’s $55 million funding towards the expansion of Newcastle Airport’s terminal and $66 million towards the airfield upgrade will be instrumental in transitioning Newcastle from a thriving regional centre to an emerging global city.

“Combined with the arrival of two new luxury hotels including The Kingsley and QT Newcastle, Newcastle’s appeal as a host destination for large-scale international business events is becoming even more attractive.”

Applications for nominations for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards are now being accepted.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Community Group of the Year, within the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual award program was a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Novocastrians over the past year.

“It’s been another challenging year as we emerge from a global pandemic that has left an indelible mark on our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Consider who among you has made a difference – it could be a friend, neighbour, colleague or local community group – and nominate them for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards.

“This is your chance to tell us whose efforts deserve formal recognition. It’s quick and easy and nominations can be submitted online.”

The 2023 award recipients, who will be selected by a panel and announced at an award ceremony in January, will join an esteemed list of past recipients, including Citizens of the Year Paralympians Lauren Parker and Kurt Fearnley OAM, and Australia’s first recognised Indigenous surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong, who is a finalist in the 2023 NSW Australian of the Year Awards.

Representing Newcastle and Australia in the green and gold at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and world championships, para-triathlete Lauren Parker said the 2022 Citizen of the Year title was an honour to carry.

“I was proud to be crowned Citizen of the Year and to represent Newcastle on the world stage,” Miss Parker said.

“I love competing and to do so with the full support and recognition of my hometown means so much to me, especially when facing obstacles and challenges along the way.

“I’m so happy that I can show to the people of Newcastle that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I hope that my sporting success has brought hope to many people of the community.”

Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear until 5pm Friday 25 November 2022.

Nominees will be judged by the City of Newcastle Award Panel consisting of the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, The Grainery Church Pastor Sue Irwin, and the current Citizen of the Year Award holders.

A second man’s been charged over his alleged involvement in the robbery of a jewellery store in the state’s Hunter earlier this year.

Just before 9.30am on Wednesday 6 July 2022, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a shopping centre on Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland, following reports of a robbery at a jewellery store.

On arrival, police were told a male approached the store and allegedly used an emergency tool to smash the glass of a jewellery cabinet, before fleeing with a number of items.

Initial inquiries were conducted by local police, before detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the matter under Strike Force Malwood.

As part of ongoing investigations, a 38-year-old man was arrested at a home in Tenambit in September and charged over his alleged role in the incident. He remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, strike force detectives attended a correctional facility at Silverwater and arrested a 36-year-old man about 9am today (Wednesday 26 October 2022).

He was charged with steal from the person value less than $150,000 value, face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence, larceny, and destroy or damage property.

The man was remanded in custody and appeared at Maitland Local Court today, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 3 November 2022.

City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting entrepreneurs and professionals to set up shop for three months free of charge as part of a program to diversify and increase the local skills base.

Australian and international innovators are being offered a free three-month membership to the ‘Landing Pad’, a shared working space at the University of Newcastle’s I2N hub with access to smart city infrastructure, an investor network, and collaboration with academic experts.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says Newcastle is ‘start-up heaven’ and the Landing Pad initiative encourages people to experience the city and its local innovation culture before establishing here permanently.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy is built around people, and the Landing Pad provides extra encouragement for entrepreneurs to build their base from our city and help create new jobs or support emerging industries,” Cr Clausen said.

“Local governments often spend a lot of time and money trying to attract big businesses. We’ve flipped that narrative and are attracting highly-skilled entrepreneurs who’ll bring their networks, their expertise, and their innovative businesses to create local opportunities.

“People considering a move away from the big cities will experience the best of modern Newcastle, a place brimming with innovators, a vibrant night-life, and business confidence, with more than $100m in DAs approved by Council each month.”

Senior Manager of I2N and Innovation at the University of Newcastle, Siobhan Curran said the Landing Pad supported a community of innovators to leverage technology to scale their businesses globally.

“A Landing Pad candidate might be looking to mitigate climate change or deliver better health or business outcomes. We’re industry, sector and stage-agnostic, as long as they’re developing a positive product or solution that’s scalable,” Ms Curran said.

“The Landing Pad offers professional office facilities, mentoring opportunities and a network of like-minded people in an enviable location.

“You might strike up a conversation in the cafe or kitchen that could spark your next collaboration, or connect you to customers and clients. You need to increase your surface area for luck to strike, and it’s harder to do that at home on your laptop.”

According to the Regional Australia Institute, recent banking data shows Newcastle is one of five local government areas welcoming the lion’s share of migration away from capital cities. Leading the charge are people in their 30s, looking for economic opportunities with a balanced lifestyle, close to nature.

Leadership coach, Kate Brettell, relocated her family from the Netherlands to Newcastle last year and is one of 30 Landing Pad new members.

“If you want to make an impact in your community, you can do it more easily in Newcastle than a major city. This city welcomes new ideas with open arms,” Ms Brettell said.

The Landing Pad is a joint initiative of City of Newcastle and University of Newcastle to support scaleups and skilled professionals relocating to Newcastle. Eligible applicants will be granted free access for three months to the world-class co-working space in the vibrant Honeysuckle precinct (valid until June 2023).

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 October 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Solidarity with women of Iran

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged the women, girls and people of Iran protesting against Iran’s significant discrimination against women and ongoing egregious human right violations and reaffirms its commitment to leading a just, inclusive, and socially cohesive Newcastle. The Lord Mayoral Minute also acknowledged local community members who arranged a moving protest on 15 October in Newcastle showing their solidarity with the people of Iran, and called on Iran to cease its oppression of women.

Lord Mayor’s Scholarships renewal

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that endorsed the request of the University of Newcastle to continue to support disadvantaged students through the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship and the Lord Mayor’s Women’s Scholarship until 2025.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – annual report

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2021/2022 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Variations to development standards

Council received the report on approved development variations between 1 July 2022 and 30 September 2022 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Exhibition of draft renewal corridors section of Newcastle DCP 2012

Council voted to place the renewal corridor sections of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 for Islington, Mayfield, Hamilton, Broadmeadow and Adamstown on exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and receive a report following the formal exhibition period.

Adoption of Newcastle Heritage Policy

Council voted to lay the Newcastle Heritage Policy on the table so it can be reviewed by the Community and Culture Advisory Committee before coming back to the next ordinary council meeting. The policy outlines City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation by identification, preservation, conservation, celebration and promotion of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Exhibition of Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. During that time council staff will investigate additional sites for food trucks that are not within close proximity of restaurants and cafes. The policy provides a framework for the approval and operation of mobile food vending vehicles in the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Adoption of 2021/22 financial statements

Council voted unanimously to receive and adopt City of Newcastle’s 2021/2022 audited annual financial statements, together with the auditor’s report.

Wallarah Road, New Lambton – raised pedestrian crossing

Council voted unanimously to approve the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing with kerb extensions on Wallarah Road New Lambton, including associated lighting upgrades, landscaping and footpath connections.

Bridge Street, Waratah – raised pedestrian crossing

Council voted unanimously to approve the upgrade of the existing children’s crossing on Bridge Street Waratah, to a raised pedestrian crossing with kerb extensions, associated lighting upgrades, rain gardens and landscaping, signage and line marking works.

Adoption of Special Rate Expenditure Policy

Council voted unanimously to place the revised Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy on public exhibition for 28 days. The policy provides a framework for City of Newcastle to manage the Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the executive monthly performance report for September 2022.

Notices of Motion

Submission on the draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to make a detailed submission to the NSW Government regarding the draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan 2041, which is currently on public exhibition. The submission will address a wide range of issues, such as the lack of public rail transport infrastructure in the western corridor and the importance of public transport in connecting our expanding regional employment, economic, educational, and health nodes.

Newcastle needs a year-round aquatic facility

Council supported a notice of motion to write to Venues NSW seeking confirmation that land will be preserved within the Hunter Park precinct to enable a year-round aquatic facility. Council will also develop and promote a public petition to the NSW Legislative Assembly calling on the NSW Government and Opposition to invest in a new year-round swimming facility in Newcastle.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Port Stephens area.

Kytaya Bolt-Wells, aged 13, was last seen on Kingston Parade, Heatherbrae, about 3.30pm on Saturday (22 October 2022).

When she could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Kytaya due to her young age.

Kytaya is described as being about 165cm tall, of thin build, with brown eyes and long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a black “Champion” jumper, black tracksuit pants with skull shape patterns, and white Nike “TN” shoes.

Police believe Kytaya may be using public transport and could be making her way toward the Sydney CBD.

Anyone who may have information into her whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.