Category: Newcastle News

The curtain will come down one last time tonight bringing Come From Away’s record-breaking Newcastle season to a close, after sweeping audiences to their feet for a standing ovation after all 23 shows.

More than 21,500 theatregoers attended from across the Hunter and beyond, who flocked to the Civic Theatre during Come From Away’s three-week extended run to share in the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from around the world who were grounded in Newfoundland Canada in the wake of 9/11.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Come From Away has impressed theatregoers during its Newcastle debut and whet the city’s appetite for more musical theatre already proven on Broadway.

“Newcastle has waited 30 years to see the return of a professional Broadway production and Come From Away has been well worth the wait. Having smashed previous box office ticket sales records, our city’s appetite for live musical theatre is alive and well,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Attracting a professional Broadway production of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class cultural city and indicative of our thriving live performing arts scene. As a city, we can’t wait to welcome the next Broadway hit to Newcastle.”

Of the more than 21,500 theatregoers, almost 50 per cent of tickets were purchased by visitors outside of Newcastle and the Hunter, from intrastate destinations like Narrabri and Bellingen to interstate destinations like Tasmania, delivering a ripple effect to accommodation providers, local businesses and the wider visitor economy.

Local accommodation providers like QT Newcastle have been welcoming guests from far-flung country NSW to Melbourne during the past three weeks according to General Manager Michael Stamboulidis.

“We’ve been run off our feet with guests here to catch a glimpse of Broadway,” Mr Stamboulidis said.

“Our accommodation/theatre packages have been popular among theatregoers and the hotel has seen high demand whilst Come From Away has been showing.”

Among the opening night crowd was Canadian-born super fan Zarina Varley Scott, who travelled to Newcastle from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to experience Come From Away’s Newcastle debut.

“This is the ninth time I’ve seen Come From Away, in various locations around the world, and I couldn’t wait to see it again in Newcastle. It did not disappoint,” Ms Varley Scott said.

Novocastrian Di Flemming was also thrilled to see Come From Away in Newcastle at the historic Civic Theatre on the opening night.

“It was a rollercoaster of a ride, I had the best time,” Ms Flemming said.

The Minister for Hospitality and Racing the Hon. Kevin Anderson has today officially opened the new multi-million dollar Muswellbrook Greyhound Racing facility in the NSW Upper Hunter Valley.

The Minister, the Member for the Upper Hunter David Layzell, and Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Rob Macaulay attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the upgraded facility – including latest safety measures – to enable imminent TAB race meetings.

“Muswellbrook is a greyhounds heartland and this funding will ensure the long-term success of the club and the health and safety of greyhounds,” Mr Anderson said of the $1.2 million investment the NSW Government has made to the project through the Capital Grants Fund.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has worked hand in hand with the greyhound industry to support track upgrades, including the one at Muswellbrook.

“I first visited the track back in 2021 and the club was concerned about the future of greyhound racing in the region. There was a real risk that the doors would close on Muswellbrook greyhound racing.

“How far we have come in the last two years. I know that Muswellbrook is buzzing with excitement at the return of TAB quality race meets here in the Upper Hunter.

“Right across Regional NSW there are major track safety upgrades being delivered in places like, Gosford, Gunnedah, Goulburn, Kempsey and Grafton, with more to come. The support for these safety measures has meant NSW is leading the way in greyhound safety and welfare management.”

GRNSW purchased the track from the Greyhound Breeders, Owners & Trainers Association back in 2021 with the target of rebuilding the facility, and the focus of the rebuild at Muswellbrook – as it is with all track upgrades – has been firmly on safety.

Among the work conducted at the track has been a full refurbishment with the remediation and re-profiling of the track and the turf surface, a new safety rail, safety padding on the turns and in the catching pen, and the installation of a Safechase lure system has all been installed.

The kennels have new insulation and air conditioning installed, new starting boxes and new synthetic mats at the boxes are in place, and a new swabbing bay and stewards’ room have been built.

Mr Macaulay said the new track is something Hunter locals can be proud of, as a venue and economic driver for the region.

“Muswellbrook is the latest major investment into track facilities in the State. The strong support of the NSW Government, Minister Anderson and local MP Dave Layzell have made this possible,” Mr Macaulay said.  

“We are all excited about what it means to the Upper Hunter. We estimate the facility will bring an additional $20 million into the Muswellbrook economy, and 20 additional jobs.

“This is what greyhound racing does within local communities, it supports livelihoods of participants and flow on benefits throughout the towns.

“The reason why we are investing in these tracks around the State is to bring all of our racetracks up to the safest standard for our greyhounds, and we have done exactly that here at Muswellbrook.

“The safety and welfare of our animal is paramount and that is not just rhetoric.”

Mr Macaulay said the first TAB meeting at Muswellbrook, which had earlier been scheduled for March 11, would be rescheduled.

“Unfortunately nature has intervened, and the grass laid on the track has not completely knitted,” he said. “It’s one of those things out of our control, but as a result, because the track isn’t yet 100% ready, we will not compromise for the sake of scheduling. I look forward to announcing the new date shortly.”

Mr Macaulay also pointed out that it hasn’t been and won’t be just industry participants who have benefited from the rebuild of the Muswellbrook track.

“The local community will see an influx into the economy from those coming to race, and, as part of a new GRNSW policy initiated last year, local suppliers are the preferred supplies for work,” he said.

“Among the works which local suppliers have been used for, include track and turf including ongoing maintenance, kennels, wash bays and the tower, consultancy, irrigation and onsite security.”

The completion of the upgrade at Muswellbrook will offer participants another state-of-the-art venue in the region to race at, as well as The Gardens in Newcastle and the Maitland track.

A man reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area has been located safe and well.

The 59-year-old was last seen by a friend at West Wallsend about 9.20pm yesterday (Friday 3 March 2023).

When he didn’t return home and could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following a public appeal and a geotargeting message sent to the West Wallsend area, the man has been located safe and well at West Wallsend.

Police would like to thank the public and the media for its assistance.

Swimmers will be able to dip more than just a toe in the water during the cooler months of the swimming season with water heating upgrades planned for Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres.

Thirty kilowatts of rooftop solar panels and heat pumps will be installed at both Wallsend and Mayfield pools to regulate pool water temperatures to around 25 degrees.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to maintaining and investing in our local swimming pools to ensure the community members, sporting clubs and visitors can continue to enjoy the highly valued recreational facilities each year.

“Newcastle’s aquatic facilities play an important role in our community and City of Newcastle is committed to investing in quality upgrades to our local pools,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our inland swimming centres are utilised 30 weeks per year, from the start of the September school holidays through to the end of the April school holidays, and enhance the lives of community members, sporting clubs and visitors that enjoy our facilities for sporting and leisure, active living and social connection.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to using renewable energy for its inland pool operations, working to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 as part of the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan.

“Currently, the pool heating systems at Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres are ageing and ineffective, which impacts the way patrons utilise our facilities throughout the season,” Cr Clausen said.

“City of Newcastle is investing $400,000 in pool heating upgrades as part of projects approved in this year’s budget. Rooftop solar panels generate electricity, which support the power needs of the heat pump, as well as supply additional power to the facility’s energy needs, with any excess energy returning back to the grid.”

The installation of rooftop solar panels and heat pumps at Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres are scheduled for completion before they reopen in September.

City of Newcastle remains committed to providing high quality aquatic facilities at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Mayfield and Stockton. The City continues to advocate to the NSW Government and Opposition for funding for a year-round aquatic facility, requesting that both sides of Government commit funding to match the significant pool announcements made elsewhere in NSW in recent weeks.

A man will appear in court today after allegedly throwing a puppy against a wall and assaulting a man in the Hunter Region.

About 9am (Friday 3 March 2023), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into an alleged assault and act of animal cruelty.

Police have been told two men – aged 18 and 24 – became involved in an argument before the younger man allegedly assaulted the older man, causing an injury to his eye.

The younger man has allegedly thrown a cattle x kelpie puppy against a wall causing serious injuries.

Eight-week-old ‘Dax’ was taken to a local vet for treatment for injuries including a broken leg, which had to be amputated.

Following inquiries, police arrested an 18-year-old man in Maitland about 7pm (Friday 3 March 2023).

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal.

The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Court on Saturday 4 March 2023.

Police will address the media following an aggravated home invasion at Muswellbrook overnight left four people injured.

About 1.15am (Saturday 4 March 2023), emergency services were called to a home on Forbes Street, Muswellbrook, following reports of an aggravated robbery.

Police have been told five men – wearing balaclavas and armed with weapons including machetes, knives, hammers and a pole – forced their way into the house and assaulted four occupants, demanding money.

A 59-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman, a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were treated at the scene for injuries including a suspected skull fracture, broken jaw, broken arm and lacerations. They were all taken to John Hunter Hospital at Newcastle for further treatment. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Two dogs at the home were also struck with machetes and have been treated by a vet; they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the incident.

City of Newcastle is calling for a meeting of the NSW Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce, to determine which NSW Government agencies will fund and own the sand nourishment implementation actions for managing erosion in Stockton, as discussed at a meeting with the Stockton Community Liaison Group this morning.

The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP, and broadens the geographical area covered to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

The complementary actions featured in the Extended CMP are intended to prolong the benefits of mass sand nourishment.

The Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce was established by John Barilaro in May 2020 to drive the implementation of sustainable long-term solutions to the coastal erosion issues for Stockton Beach – with a focus on sand sourcing options and pathways to seeking funding – and last met in June 2022.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that collaboration and leadership from all levels of government is vital to delivering a solution for the Stockton community.

“Delivering the CMP is a complex process, and each action outlined in the plan needs to be championed and funded by the most appropriate agency,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It is appropriate that the NSW Government be tangibly involved in a solution for Stockton Beach, as it is their infrastructure, namely the breakwater and deepwater navigation channel of the Port of Newcastle, that has been proven as the primary cause of ongoing erosion at Stockton Beach.”

Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, called on the State Government to commit to a solution as a matter of urgency.

“The east coast lows are likely to arrive any time, and we need commitment from the State Government to solve the problem of erosion.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said mass sand nourishment remained the long-term solution to protecting the NSW Government owned Stockton Beach, and the Extended CMP is an important next step to delivering the long-term vision.

“The Extended CMP has been informed by extensive consultation with the community, as well as the findings of additional studies and investigations undertaken since the development of the 2020 CMP,” Ms Bisson said.

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from the City of Newcastle.

NSW Public Works were appointed earlier this year to manage the project funded by the grant, which includes the delivery of the initial amenity nourishment for Stockton, studies into possible sources of mass sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, as well as the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment – a complex process which has never before been undertaken in NSW.

Pending confirmation of the allocation of responsibility for actions, the draft Extended Stockton CMP will then be finalised ahead of public exhibition in mid-2023.

SafeWork NSW are on the ground at this year’s Newcastle Show, checking amusement rides and speaking to ride operators to help ensure safety.

Head of SafeWork Natasha Mann said SafeWork Inspectors will attend the location today and tomorrow to carry out compliance inspections of all amusement rides and devices.

“Rides which are not maintained or operated properly can cause serious injuries and deaths, as we have tragically seen interstate,” Ms Mann said.

“SafeWork will inspect the setup of amusement rides before the show opens to the public, along with targeted verification audits on identified high-risk amusement devices like various roller coasters.

“Inspectors will also be looking for other safety issues such as non-compliant electrical installations, access in and out of the show, and the safe movement of forklifts and other vehicles around pedestrians.

“Thousands of people are expected to attend the Newcastle Show this weekend. SafeWork Inspectors will be out there to enforce the safety responsibilities of the organisers, ride operators and stall holders. We want to ensure that safety is their number one priority so that everyone has a great day out.”

Amusement ride operators are responsible for implementing effective service and maintenance schedules to ensure rides are safe to use. They are also responsible for providing a safe system of work and appropriate training for their workers to operate the rides safely.

Further information from the SafeWork NSW website can be found at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/amusement-devices

City of Newcastle is moving forward with the next stage of its $20.7 million commitment to reduce the risk of flooding in the Wallsend CBD.

Councillors last night unanimously awarded the contract to replace the Boscawen Street Bridge to Quickway Constructions Pty Ltd, which is one of the key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.

Quickway has constructed roads and bridges for some of the largest infrastructure projects in NSW and Australia in recent years including the M4, the M5, the Ballina Bypass and the Pacific Highway upgrade between Woolgoolga and Ballina.

Construction is expected to begin mid-year on the $5 million project, which will increase the height of the bridge deck and double its span up to 24 metres to accommodate Hunter Water’s future widening of the stormwater channel it owns.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the bridge replacement is another important milestone to reduce the impact of flooding during major rain events and allow the town centre to thrive.

“We’re committed to upgrading the stormwater infrastructure in Wallsend to help alleviate the pressure from the Ironbark Creek channel and reduce the risk of flooding in the CBD,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’ve already delivered significant upgrades through the construction of the $3.3 million Tyrrell Street bridge, which replaced the original 1930 bridge.

“This will be augmented by the replacement of both the Boscawen and Nelson Street bridges, as well as planned stormwater improvement upgrades at Cowper Street Bridge, which are critical to ensure we properly address the issue of flooding in Wallsend.

“While City of Newcastle is committed to investing over $20 million into these projects, we will also continue to advocate to the NSW and Commonwealth governments to assist the delivery of the full Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in the most timely manner.”

Flood modelling which has been seen and supported by Hunter Water shows that the only way to significantly reduce the likelihood of flooding in the Wallsend CBD is through the widening of the stormwater channel, which is owned by Hunter Water on behalf of the NSW Government.

The benefits of the new Boscawen Street Bridge will extend beyond flood mitigation measures, delivering a safer and more visually attractive link in the road network between Federal Park and the CBD, as well as enhanced connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians via a new shared pathway.

It will also pave the way for City of Newcastle’s planned program of traffic improvements and amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre, which will support businesses and residents in this growing western suburb.

Advocating for the needs of the local community was on the agenda today when City of Newcastle (CN) played host to the peak organisation representing councils across the state.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes met with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Cr Darriea Turley AM to discuss local concerns ahead of the upcoming State Government election.

Cr Turley said LGNSW’s election priorities and broader advocacy work are informed by the local experience of councils across the state.

“Meeting today with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and CEO Jeremy Bath was very productive and an opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues most affecting the council and their community,” Cr Turley said.

“Our visits to councils across NSW are always crucial as our advocacy priorities, including our current 2023 State Election Priorities, are informed by the local experiences of our state’s councils.”

Cr Nelmes welcomed the meeting, which she said provided an ideal opportunity to discuss ideas and collaborate on shared issues.

“City of Newcastle has a proven track record of working collaboratively with all levels of government to deliver the current and future needs of our community, including infrastructure, social programs, financial and environmental sustainability,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Such collaboration ensures our city continues to grow as a global gateway city and provide liveabilty and prosperity for the community.

“Working with Local Government NSW allows councils across NSW to provide a strong, unified front to advocate for the needs of our community, and communities across the state, for the betterment of all.”

Both organisations have released key priorities documents highlighting the critical issues facing the local government sector and detailing the support needed for councils to continue providing the services communities deserve.

This includes calling for the return of 100 per cent of the Section 88 waste levy paid by councils to the State Government, to be reinvested into local recycling facilities, landfill diversion, community education, technology improvements and circular economy opportunities.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss lack of housing supply and affordability pressures impacting communities, potential improvements to the State’s planning system and City of Newcastle’s own Accelerated DA System, which offers potential benefits statewide to streamline and accelerate determinations of development applications.

• For further information on the two advocacy documents, see the relevant links below:

City of Newcastle Advocacy State Election 2023

Local Government NSW Election Priorities 2023