Category: Newcastle News

A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to procure a child in the Hunter Valley Region earlier this month.

On Tuesday 7 February 2023, a 14-year-old girl allegedly received messages via a social media platform from an unknown male.

A number of messages were exchanged before the person sending the messages attempted to convince the girl to meet him.

Police were alerted and officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation.

About 8.30pm on Friday 17 February 2023, detectives arrested a 29-year-old man at a home in Cliftleigh.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with procure child for unlawful sexual activity.

He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 18 February 2023) and was formally refused bail to appear before the same Court on Monday 20 February 2023.

Residents, businesses and racegoers are being invited to have their say on the future of the Newcastle 500 as community consultation on the event kicks off.

Submissions will open tomorrow for the online survey, which forms the first part of a comprehensive consultation strategy prepared and implemented by KPMG to guide the decision about future Newcastle 500 events in Newcastle.

The strategy was finalised after being placed on public exhibition for six weeks throughout December and January, with the online survey launched during bump-in for the Supercars season-opener event.

The survey can be completed via the City of Newcastle website from Saturday 18 February and will remain open until three weeks after the event, which is being held from 10-12 March 2023.

In-person surveys around the event precinct during the race period will provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses, while a random telephone survey will follow the event to capture a range of views from across Newcastle’s demographic profile.

Three post-event stakeholder workshops with residents, business and industry representatives will also be held to understand the perceived benefits and challenges presented by the Newcastle 500.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the feedback would help guide any decision made by City of Newcastle should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year contract extension of the the event in Newcastle.

“We’re committed to undertaking broad community consultation using an evidence-based methodology to understand the opinions of the Newcastle community and ensure that key stakeholders have their voices heard and considered,” Mr Bath said.

“The consultation will explore themes of liveability, economic benefit or challenges and perceptions of the event, as well as its impact on the visitor economy.

“Should Destination NSW and Supercars decide they want to extend the Newcastle 500 for another five years, our elected Council will need to decide if we agree to again be the host city.”

A report on the feedback and insights from the community consultation to inform the decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500 will be prepared for Council to consider in the coming months.

Preparations for next month’s race are well underway, with bump-in by Supercars having kicked off on 1 February.

In addition to three days of racing around the street circuit, the event will treat music fans to a weekend of epic performances inside the race precinct, with a world-class line-up for two concerts that includes headliners Icehouse and the Hilltop Hoods and hometown heroes the Screaming Jets and Trophy Eyes.

Access to the Friday and Saturday night concerts is available for ticket holders of the respective race days, as well as those with a three-day event pass.

A series of free community events will also be held outside the race precinct across the weekend, with race fans being given the chance to meet all 25 Newcastle 500 Supercars champions at a driver signing session from 4.30pm on Thursday, 9 March at Gregson Park, Hamilton, with kids’ entertainment options also on offer.

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat from 8am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the Newy Car Club hosts a display of pristine vehicles at the Newcastle Museum Forecourt, while Civic Park will be transformed into a family-friendly fun zone from 11am – 3pm on the weekend with an epic 27m long slide, free face painting and tasty snack stalls. On Saturday, visitors can experience all things art and dance with hands-on creativity and messy play for toddlers, while Sunday will see local bands battle it out on stage while community members are encouraged to get involved in the drumming workshops and a silent disco.

Keep track of all the details across the weekend by visiting whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are on sale now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharon Claydon MP said:

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

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

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

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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