Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale has once again called upon the Australian Government to intervene to ensure that Julian Assange is not extradited to the United States, following comments from the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture that Assange is showing acute signs of exposure to psychological torture.
“We have all seen the serious deterioration in Julian Assange’s health at his recent court appearances, and now the UN Special Rapporteur has warned that his life is at risk. This situation cannot be allowed to continue,” Di Natale said.
“Regardless of what you think about Assange as an individual, he is facing extradition to the US on charges relating to his work to shine a light on potential war crimes – an act that won him Australia’s highest honour for journalism.
“He is being held in isolation by the UK authorities at severe cost to his physical and mental health and it is well past time for the Australian Government to intervene and ensure that Assange is brought back to Australia, not extradited to the very country whose wrongdoing he exposed.”
Author: admin
Ocean Baths redevelopment FAQs
City of Newcastle is inviting expressions of interest to redevelop the iconic Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths pavilions in overhauls that could include restaurants, recreational and community facilities and other services. Newcastle Ocean Bath’s iconic art deco exterior will be retained in any redevelopment, while new public change rooms, disabled access, car parking, new seating, shading and other community facilities will be mandatory inclusions at both sites.
Are the ocean baths being privatised?
No. City of Newcastle is the Crown Land Manager of both pavilion buildings for the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Government, so neither site can ever be sold – only offered up for lease for a period of 21 years. That’s why the City is looking to enter into a partnership with interested parties.
Will there be a fee to use the baths?
No, the baths will remain public assets and swimming will remain free.
Will the redevelopment look like the designs in the EOI?
The images in the EOI document are simply an artist’s impression of Newcastle Ocean Baths. Final design is yet to be determined, and any design would be subject to an approved DA which would require extensive community consultation.
Will Newcastle Ocean Baths’ façade be knocked down?
No. The heritage façade will be retained as part of any redevelopment. Successful proponents will have to comply with heritage controls as the Newcastle Ocean Baths are listed as a local heritage item in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and located within the Newcastle East Heritage Conservation Area
Can the Merewether pavilion be demolished to make way for redevelopment?
While there are no current plans for demolition or otherwise, the Merewether Baths Pavilion is not heritage listed.
Will redevelopments include car parking?
Yes. Car parking, new seating, shading, disabled access and new public change rooms all are conditions that interested parties will have to meet.
What are the next steps in the process?
A panel will be formed to evaluate the responses and decide whether to proceed to a competitive tender. If yes, the strongest EOI submissions will be invited to a selective tender.
If no, the City will explore other internal funding options.
Will there be consultation?
Yes. No upgrades will take place prior to the community having an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed designs.
Can I access the EOI documents?
Yes, they can be accessed via Tenderlink. Please note you’ll need to register.
Are the ocean baths being privatised?
No. City of Newcastle is the Crown Land Manager of both pavilion buildings for the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Government, so neither site can ever be sold – only offered up for lease for a period of 21 years. That’s why the City is looking to enter into a partnership with interested parties.
Will there be a fee to use the baths?
No, the baths will remain public assets and swimming will remain free.
Will the redevelopment look like the designs in the EOI?
The images in the EOI document are simply an artist’s impression of Newcastle Ocean Baths. Final design is yet to be determined, and any design would be subject to an approved DA which would require extensive community consultation.
Will Newcastle Ocean Baths’ façade be knocked down?
No. The heritage façade will be retained as part of any redevelopment. Successful proponents will have to comply with heritage controls as the Newcastle Ocean Baths are listed as a local heritage item in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and located within the Newcastle East Heritage Conservation Area
Can the Merewether pavilion be demolished to make way for redevelopment?
While there are no current plans for demolition or otherwise, the Merewether Baths Pavilion is not heritage listed.
Will redevelopments include car parking?
Yes. Car parking, new seating, shading, disabled access and new public change rooms all are conditions that interested parties will have to meet.
What are the next steps in the process?
A panel will be formed to evaluate the responses and decide whether to proceed to a competitive tender. If yes, the strongest EOI submissions will be invited to a selective tender.
If no, the City will explore other internal funding options.
Will there be consultation?
Yes. No upgrades will take place prior to the community having an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed designs.
Can I access the EOI documents?
Yes, they can be accessed via Tenderlink. Please note you’ll need to register.
Man charged over alleged child abuse material – Belmont
A man will face court today charged with allegedly filming and possessing child abuse material in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.
In June 2019, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after a number of images were allegedly located on a laptop.
On Wednesday 3 July 2019, police executed a search warrant at a Belmont home and located and seized mobile phones, computers and external storage devices.
Following extensive inquiries, about 9.40am today (Tuesday 5 November 2019), Lake Macquarie detectives attended the Belmont home and arrested a 37-year-old man.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of possess child abuse material, film persons private parts and possess ammunition without permit.
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Tuesday 5 November 2019).
Crash investigators continue inquiries into fatal crash – Adamstown
Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit are investigating the circumstances of a crash that killed a pedestrian in Newcastle yesterday.
Shortly before 3.30pm (Tuesday 5 November 2019), emergency services were called to the intersection of Brunker and Mandalong Roads, Adamstown after reports a pedestrian was hit by a bus.
Emergency services arrived on scene and found a 35-year-old woman suffering critical injuries. NSW Ambulance paramedics attempted to revive the woman but sadly she passed away. The woman’s dog was also found deceased at the scene.
The driver of the school bus was not injured and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory tests.
At the time of the crash the bus was carrying 16 students from a nearby school; none of the students were hurt.
It appears the bus also crashed into five vehicles that were parked on Brunker Road after the initial impact with the pedestrian.
As Inquiries continue, crash investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the collision and have not yet spoken to police.
Man charged after discharging firearm – Port Stephens
A man has been charged after allegedly discharging a firearm during a domestic incident in Port Stephens yesterday.
On Tuesday 5 November 2019, a 40-year-old man was at home on Bombora Close, Fingal Bay speaking with his ex-partner, a 38-year-old woman.
During the afternoon an argument ensued between the two which quickly escalated.
It’s alleged the man produced a pistol and fired a shot inside the home that penetrated through a fly screen and a neighbour’s garage, before becoming lodged in an external brick wall at a premises on Shoreline Drive, Fingal Bay.
Officers from Port Stephens – Hunters Police District where notified of the earlier domestic incident and located the man about 5.15pm at a shopping centre in Salamander Bay.
He was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station where he was charged with the following offences:
- Fire firearm into building or onto enclosed lands
- Possess loaded firearm endanger life non-public place
- Handle/use firearm under the influence of alcohol
- Stalk/intimidation intend physical harm (Domestic) and possession ammunition without a licence
- Possess unregistered firearm
- Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit
He was refused bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 6 November 2019).
Female employee charged with stealing almost $40,000 from Port Stephens business
A woman has been charged with several stealing offences after allegedly defrauding a Port Stephens business of close to $40,000 over a two-year period.
Last month, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation after the owner of a restaurant on Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point noticed discrepancies in the business’ takings.
Following extensive inquiries, about 8.15am yesterday (Tuesday 5 November 2019), police attended a Nelson Bay home and arrested a 42-year-old woman.
Police will allege the woman, an employee at the restaurant, stole in excess of $37,149.40.
She has been charged with 16 counts of steal property as clerk/servant.
She was granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 9 December 2019.
Missing woman – Singleton
Police are appealing for assistance to help locate a woman missing from the Hunter Valley region.
Carissa Starr, aged 30, was last seen leaving a home in Singleton between 2.30pm and 4.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 November 2019).
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified last night and commenced an investigation.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.
She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 165-170cm tall, with an average build, black hair and brown eyes.
It’s believed she may be travelling in a white Mazda 3 with NSW registration plates ECW 10Z.
She has connections to the Singleton, Tamworth and Gosford areas.
Anyone who has seen Carissa or knows of her whereabouts is urged to contact police.
THE COUNTDOWN TO AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING BATTLE IS ON
The nation’s best professional bull riders are down to the wire in a fierce battle for this year’s PBR Australia title, with just ten days to go until the pinnacle PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals in Townsville.
Taking place at Townsville Entertainment Centre over two bumper nights on November 15 & 16, the PBR Grand Finals mark the final and deciding chapter in the hotly-contested 2019 PBR Australia season.
The critical event will attract 18 of Australia’s top riders, as well as four key internationals – including former World Champion Kaique Pacheco (Brazil), for an epic head-to-head showdown that will decide the coveted 2019 PBR Australia National Champion title.
The riders will also matchup against some of the best bucking bulls in the country – the supreme animal athletes that earn ‘superstar’ status in of one of the world’s fastest growing sports.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of PBR in Australia, and the Grand Finals in Townsville are the biggest celebration of the sport’s growth from when we launched the national tour in 1999, said PBR Australia General Manager, Glen Young.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting such a marquee event in the same town as the PBR Australia headquarters – and the Townsville community has always welcomed us and our sport with open arms.”
2018 PBR Australia Champion Aaron Kleier (Clermont, QLD) is set to return to Townsville in a bid to nab consecutive national titles.
Kleier, currently sits atop the PBR Australia Standings, having successfully backed up a breakout runner-up finish in 2017, and an inaugural Australian Championship win in 2018.
With just ten days to go until the PBR Australia Grand Finals, Kleier holds a points lead over his nearest rival, fellow Clermont (QLD) young-gun Brady Fielder.
Fielder, ranked #2 on the current PBR Australia Standings, looks primed to take out the 2019 Rookie of the Year title, and could make a run for the National Championship with some stellar results in the tail end of the season.
No stranger to rising to big occasions, 19 year-old Fielder has scored multiple top-3 finishes in PBR Australia tour events this year, including PBR title wins in Newcastle, Marrabel and Cunnamulla and today flew out of Brisbane to fly the flag for Australia in the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas this weekend (Nov 7-10).
Despite his youth, the fearless Fielder already sports his fair share of bull riding battle injuries – he’s not only lost vision in his left eye, but also sustained a punctured lung.
Cliff Richardson (Gresford, NSW) is at #3 on the PBR National Standings, and has just flown out to represent Australia alongside Fielder at the PBR World Titles in Las Vegas.
Runner up to National Champion Kleier in the 2018 title race, 28 year-old Cliff started the year strong however failed to find consistency in the middle of the PBR Australia season. With recent form under his belt, Cliff has his sights set on bettering his #2 Grand Final position this year.
Cliff’s younger brother and PBR Australia #4 Lachlan Richardson (Gresford, NSW) is also hoping to put injury and a mid-season slump behind him to make a last-ditch run at this year’s national title.
The 26-year-old consolidated his top-4 ranking with a return to form after injury and a string off disappointing buck-offs earlier in the year.
“You work hard at it every single day, and then the results don’t show. It annoys you, but it also makes you hungry for next week. I had a bit of bad luck there for a bit, but you’ve just got to keep working at it,” Richardson added.
“Confidence is a really big thing in this sport, and I feel good, healthy and ready to go.”
2019 was the first season in Richardson’s career that he did not embark on a summer run through the PBR tours in the USA and Canada. Grounded in Australia due to Visa issues, Richardson says he has enjoyed the break from international competition.
“It’s great to be home. It wears you out being over there [in the USA] your whole life, so I’m happy to be back here for a bit,” Richardson said. “I enjoy working and doing fun stuff on the farm, and I get to live with my fiancée – so life is good,” he explained.
Out of the mix for this year’s national Championship is current PBR Australia #5, Cody Heffernan (Singleton, NSW).
Heffernan started the year looking virtually untouchable on top of the national leaderboard, however, a string of injuries have hampered his run at a second national title – with a knee injury now sidelining him entirely for this rest of this season and into the New Year.
The tough as nails Heffernan has had knee surgery just 4 days ago and doesn’t expect to be back competing on a bull for another nine months. The cracking start to the year he had leaves him still in fifth position in the national standings despite being injury riddled and unable to ride for the last few months of competition.
In addition to crowning Australia’s top bull rider, the PBR Grand Finals will also be the deciding event in the race to the Stock Contractor of the Year title.
Throsby & Russell, the 2018 title winners, currently lead the National Stock Contractor Standings, followed by
Dittman Bucking Bulls at #2, and Brandenburg Bucking Bulls at #3.
Brandenburg Bucking Bulls, who were the 2017 PBR Australia Stock Contractors of the Year, are headed up by 23 year-old female bull breeder Dakota Brandenburg.
Brandenburg, who first started working with bulls when she was 13 years-old, cares for around 140 bulls at any given time. At the age of 18, she became the youngest female bull owner and trainer in the country – and now manages the day-to-day feeding, training, diet and vaccinations all the balls in her care.
All of the top three stock contractors are renowned in an industry that prides itself on going the extra mile to ensure its animal athletes are cared for and conditioned to perfection.
The action-packed PBR Grand Finals will also see Country music singer Ryan Weaver perform, straight from the USA.
Before becoming the Patriotic Voice of PBR in the US, Weaver was a Military Intelligence Analyst and then a Black Hawke Aviator who was deployed to Baghdad International Airport. He has since toured the US with the PBR performing at sell-out events and is looking forward to performing in Townsville on his first trip to Australia. (More detail follows in the Editors Notes).
Tickets are on sale for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals in Townsville atwww.tecc.net.au
Joel Fitzgibbon is bullying his way towards climate disaster
Greens Acting Leader, Adam Bandt MP, has responded to Labor Shadow Minister for Resources Joel Fitzgibbon’s attack on Victorian fracking bans, warning that unleashing toxic methane gas will blow any chance of meeting the Paris Agreement goals.
“Joel Fitzgibbon, the man Anthony Albanese has made responsible for Labor’s coal and gas policy, is trying to bully Labor Premiers into unleashing a toxic methane climate disaster,” said Mr Bandt.
“Unleashing more toxic methane is not a transition plan, it is a recipe for climate disaster.
“Australia won’t become a renewable energy superpower if we start fracking our country and releasing toxic methane.
“An increase in gas mining is a major reason Australia’s pollution keeps rising.
“To avoid climate catastrophe, we need to look beyond gas and coal and transition to a clean energy future.
“While over the weekend Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party announced a ban on fracking in Britain, in Australia Federal Labor was attacking Victorian Labor over its own important fracking ban.
“If Labor is genuine about recognising the climate emergency then they need to join us in not only stopping new polluting gas projects, but planning for a transition away from toxic industries towards the renewable energy future we desperately need.”
Say ‘Nup’ To The Cup Today: Greens Senator
Greens spokesperson for animal welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has called on people and businesses to say ‘nup’ to the Melbourne Cup today.
Senator Faruqi said:
“I’m calling on everyone to join me and many other Australians in saying ‘nup’ to the Melbourne Cup and all cruelty to horses.
“I’m overwhelmed by the surge in support for #NupToTheCup. It’s clear the community values animal welfare and the racing industry will end up on the wrong side of history if they ignore this strong community sentiment.
“Year after year we see the needless painful deaths of horses, including five in the last six Melbourne Cups.
“More and more people are recognising that animals never win when gambling profits are at stake. That’s why I say ‘nup’ to the cup.
“After all the evidence of animal cruelty and racehorses being sent to slaughterhouses in appalling conditions, we urgently need a Royal Commission into cruelty in horse racing to hold the industry to account,” she concluded.