Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) is in the process of inspecting and assessing its coastal assets along its 14km coastal zone.

Temporary fencing at the South Newcastle Beach upgrade project was impacted by the weather conditions and it is in the process of being reinstated by the contractors for the works. Any costs associated with this work is at the contractor’s expense. Construction at the site will resume this week. Meanwhile construction of stage one of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade has now resumed.

In Stockton, the tides reached Corroba Oval, Barrie Crescent Reserve and the Stockton Holiday Park. During the weekend’s event, inspections and make safe work was undertaken where necessary. No occupants of the holiday park were required to be relocated.

All accessways at Stockton Beach were closed over the weekend but in some welcome good news, the accessway at Meredith Street is now open. Mitchell Street, from Flint Street to Stone Street will remain closed until the clean-up is completed.

City of Newcastle has to date invested more than $10 million combatting beach erosion at Stockton. The community’s preferred option is mass sand nourishment, and as a result is one of the key actions in the Stockton Coastal Management Program, which was approved by the NSW Government in 2020.

To restore Stockton beach, up to 4.5 million cubic metres of sand would be needed, followed by maintenance campaigns every decade. Securing this volume of sand is only possible via offshore sand mining, something that has never previously been permitted. The cost of this solution is at least $21 million and so City of Newcastle is working with the NSW Government on the necessary approvals to permit offshore sand mining and then to fund the initial $21 million cost of the work.

City of Newcastle is also in the process of developing its Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program which sets out a long-term strategy for managing future coastal hazards, such as inundation. While there is further adverse weather forecast for this weekend likely to impact Newcastle and Lake Macquarie beaches, it’s likely that sand will return to Merewether and Bar Beach relatively quickly. Locals would recall in August last year a southerly swell and huge tide stripped away the sand, exposing the man-made rock wall as the beach’s last line of defence. The sand had largely returned prior to the freak weather event of last weekend.

City of Newcastle reminds the community to follow safety warnings and adhere to any signage while the remediation work is completed.

Six people have been injured – one critically – following a two-vehicle crash near Salt Ash this afternoon.

About 3.25pm (Tuesday 5 April 2022), emergency services were called to Nelson Bay Road near Marsh Road, following reports a white Subaru sedan and a red Honda SUV had collided head-on.

The female passenger in the SUV, believed to be aged in her 70s, was trapped for a short time before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital a short time ago in a critical condition.

Five other people – a man driving the sedan and a man driving the SUV and his two preschool-aged passengers – were taken by road ambulance to John Hunter Hospital for assessment and treatment for minor injuries.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Nelson Bay Road is closed in both directions, with traffic being diverted onto Marsh Road. Motorists are urged to expect delays into the afternoon and evening. Motorists are recommended to monitor www.livetraffic.com for updates.

As inquiries continue, anyone with dashcam footage is urged to come forward.

The Morrison Government will create 80 new jobs in the NSW Hunter region by signing a $41 million contract with a local company that will strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s deployable infrastructure capability.

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the contract signing with Varley, based in Tomago in NSW, secured critical upgrades that would support Defence personnel while on operations.

The contract is part of a wider $89 million investment in the ADF’s deployable infrastructure capability that will also create another 25 jobs in Queensland.

The ADF uses deployable infrastructure for a range of operations, including during conflicts and disaster relief.

The Government’s investment will include upgrades to power generation, hygiene and essential catering, and the acquisition of new kennels for military working dogs.

“This investment will significantly upgrade capability and enhance the ADF’s ability to deploy rapidly on a wide range of operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, both domestically and internationally,” Minister Dutton said.

“We are committed to protecting our nation by equipping the ADF with modern capabilities to best meet future challenges.

“Sovereign defence manufacturing is a critical part of the Government’s commitment to keeping our region safe, while protecting our national and strategic interests in a rapidly changing global environment.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Government was focused on supporting investment in Australian industry capability.

“This contract with Varley is critical to the delivery of these key systems to support our ADF,” Minister Price said.

“To see 80 new jobs in the Hunter region, specifically from this initiative, is a profound confirmation of the direction we have been taking in regards to a robust, self-reliant defence industry – right here in our own backyard.

“The acquisition and sustainment of these systems will create significant work for Australian businesses across the nation.

“I’m proud of the positive impacts that this $41 million contract and the wider $89 million acquisition investment in Australia’s defence capability is bringing to Australian industry.

“This investment highlights the broad and varied support that Australian industry can provide and guarantees the development of key industries in Australia into the future.”

Senator for New South Wales Hollie Hughes welcomed the investment in Varley, one of the Hunter Region’s most long-established advanced engineering and manufacturing companies.

“Creation of jobs at any time is important, but none more so than now as we support our deployable infrastructure initiatives and support those working so hard to keep us safe,” Senator Hughes said.

Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said the investment in Varley would promote the growth of skilled jobs in regional NSW, while enhancing the nation’s sovereign defence capability.

“Defence is an important industry to the Hunter and provides significant opportunities for local businesses to expand as our regional economy continues to grow,” Senator Molan said.

“This is a big win for skilled jobs in the Hunter, with 80 jobs supporting local workers and their families.”

Australian industry will contribute to the project management, systems engineering, manufacture, modification, technical documentation, logistics and training elements of the project, and local networks and distributors will be used for the supply of sub-systems and components.

Street art sessions, DJing workshops, a skateboarding program and the opportunity to build social connections while learning photography skills are among the activities on offer for the city’s younger generation during Youth Week 2022.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the aim of Youth Week, which runs from 4-14 April, is to engage with and acknowledge the role of young people from all backgrounds within the local community.

“Our city’s youth are our future, which is why Youth Week plays such an important role within the community by putting young people at the forefront of organising inclusive activities, specifically for people their own age,” Cr Clausen said.

“City of Newcastle has worked with the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee through the Youth Week grants program to support a broad range of initiatives that provide young people with a fun experience and an opportunity to learn new skills.

“We’re pleased to support programs and activities that promote cultural diversity and social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing and highlight the contribution that young people make to the Newcastle community.”

Image: Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee member Alex Milles, Broadmeadow PCYC Manager Paula Rowlett, Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee member Kevin Hill, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, City of Newcastle Youth Engagement Facilitator Nick Grinpukel and Tyson Bashford-Kennedy and Faith Curtis from UP&UP Inspirations, facilitators of Street Art Express.

City of Newcastle and the New South Wales Department of Community and Justice have provided matched funding towards four activities that will take place during Youth Week.

Among the initiatives that have received support is Street Art Express, which provides participants with the opportunity to learn about street art history and culture, graffiti as art and career pathways in art, all while producing their own artwork.

A unique social connection event for teenage dependents of Australian Defence Force personnel, Capture My Community, will provide participants with photography skills while taking a guided walking tour of Newcastle.

Youth attendees of Skateboarding to Youth Health will be able to acquire new skills at an inclusive and innovative skateboarding program that promotes positive socialisation, physical and mental wellbeing, while Express Yourself While You Bop Til You Drop and Bowl will offer participants a combination of workshops featuring graffiti art, lawn bowls and DJing at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre and Maryland Neighbourhood Centre.

During Youth Week, City of Newcastle will also host a live music event and movie night at Newcastle Library in addition to the funded initiatives. More details for local Youth Week events can be viewed online at www.nsw.gov.au/youthweek.

With support from the federal, state and territory, and local governments, Youth Week began as a New South Wales Government initiative in 1989 and provides young people a chance to express their ideas and views, act on issues affecting them and create and enjoy activities and events.

Reconnection is in focus for the largest festival celebrating seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, as Newcastle plays host to a variety of events and activities as part of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said NSW Seniors Festival, which runs until 3 April, has inspired local seniors to come together and socialise at events and activities presented by City of Newcastle and numerous community organisations.

“Newcastle is an inclusive city where people of all ages can connect with their community to get involved in local initiatives and stay active,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This year’s NSW Seniors Festival theme is ‘Reconnect’ and City of Newcastle is pleased to present a variety of free events and activities, so why not step back in time by visiting Fort Scratchley, or check out the latest exhibition at Newcastle Museum.

“It was fantastic that so many seniors attended today’s free and sold out Comedy Gala and Seniors Mini Expo at City Hall.”

Lynda Forbes, Secretary of Newcastle’s Community Group of the Year, Hunter Peace Group, said after two years impacted by lockdowns and social distancing, Seniors Festival is the perfect opportunity to come together.

“I can’t believe it is Seniors Festival time once again. What better way for us to catch up with friends, enjoy a special event and meet new people?” Ms Forbes said.

“With so many fun and interesting things to do, I can’t wait to get involved.”

Today’s Seniors Comedy Gala featured Peter Berner, Nick Rado, Stephanie Broadbridge and Dave Williams, while the Seniors Mini Expo offered attendees information about local activities and services targeted towards seniors.

Seniors can also make the most of a new collection of memory kits launched by Newcastle Libraries. Originally designed to support the Newcastle Libraries Memory Room program for people living with dementia, the memory kits can be borrowed by members and used to stimulate intergenerational conversations and provide connections for older people.

Other Newcastle Libraries initiatives on show during NSW Seniors Festival include technology support classes for seniors, the Home Library Service, which provides delivery of books and library items to Newcastle residents who are unable to access physical libraries, and Aboriginal Family History, a service available through Local Studies at City Library, or online via the Newcastle Libraries website.

City of Newcastle will also be holding outreach sessions at Jesmond Central and Wallsend Village on 31 March and 1 April to promote services available for local seniors and My Community Directory, an online resource of local services and activities to reconnect to our community. For more information visit www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au

During NSW Seniors Festival, which reaches up to 500,000 seniors each year, government, community and commercial organisations hold hundreds of events across the state. Full details for all local Seniors Festival events can be found online at www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au

More than $10 million is being invested into facility upgrades at Newcastle’s largest recreational reserve, with four new basketball courts the latest project to be completed at National Park.

Work to increase the number of basketball courts and continue the re-activation of the former tennis court site near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets recently wrapped up, with a free community celebration to be held at the courts on Sunday 24 April.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said National Park holds an important place in Newcastle’s recreation and sporting landscape and the upgrades to facilities are being provided to enhance the usability of the precinct.

“National Park has long been used for a variety of sports and activities, and each weekend hundreds of players flock to the park to participate in community sport and passive recreation activities, so it’s important that the facilities are upgraded to meet modern standards,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering an even better sporting experience for players and spectators alike by investing in the facilities located throughout the National Park precinct.

“Based on the popularity of the two existing basketball courts, we’ve now increased the offering for local basketballers, installed seating for spectators and expanded greenspace at the site for all to enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing our community come together as we officially open the additional courts next month, and until then enjoy the renewed space.”

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the addition of basketball courts, seating and greenspace are among the projects currently underway or recently completed within the National Park precinct.

“Stage one of an extensive redevelopment of the iconic and historic No.1 Sportsground is nearing completion and planning is underway for a potential second stage subject to a NSW Government funding application, which will help solidify Newcastle’s position as a world-class events city by attracting elite AFL and cricket matches,” Cr Clausen said.

“We’re also upgrading the playing fields at No. 5 and No. 6 Sportsgrounds to improve the playing surface for local football fixtures, refurbishing the grandstand at Fearnley Dawes Athletics Track and Cooks Hill Football Club has resurfaced the field located within the Athletics Track grounds.”

Work began in December to upgrade the 30 competition netball courts at National Park as part of a project being funded by Newcastle Netball Association and delivered with support from City of Newcastle.

National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, covering over 20 hectares and is currently home to a range of community facilities, parklands and sportsgrounds.

To find out more about all of the projects underway to deliver a better sporting experience at National Park visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au.

The free community event at National Park basketball courts, featuring family-friendly activities, will be held between 10am and midday on Sunday 24 April.

Projects underway or recently completed at National Park:

• Stage one of a major redevelopment of No. 1 Sportsground including re-built playing surface, new wickets, new irrigation, bleacher seating and lighting upgrade
• Playing field upgrade at No. 5 and No. 6 Sportsgrounds
• Construction of four basketball courts and seating, and creation of additional greenspace on the former tennis court site
• Grandstand refurbishment at Fearnley Dawes Athletics Track
• Centre field improvements at Fearnley Dawes Athletics Track
• Netball courts upgrade

Travelling around Newcastle on public transport will be faster and easier with new timetables adding more than 160 services from Sunday, 3 April 2022.
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said additional services will improve journey times and increase service frequency outside of peak periods and on weekends.
 
“We are excited to be improving services across all Newcastle Transport modes including bus, ferry, light rail and on demand to encourage people back on to public transport,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“The new express route, the 10X, is a game-changer and will take about 20 minutes to travel between Charlestown and Newcastle Interchange during the morning and afternoon peaks.
 
“It will take the same time as an individual car trip travelling along City Road – without the stress of finding a park.
 
“We have also extended the operating hours of the on demand service until 6pm on weekdays, connecting in with the new express route.
 
“Extra light rail services have been added to weekends, with services now every 15 minutes from 7am to 1am on Saturday and Sunday, and there are more ferry services across weekdays and Saturdays.”
 
Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Emmanuel Genlot said details on the improvements including the new network map and timetables could be found on the Newcastle Transport website.
 
“Bus timetables, including some school bus services, have had their timings tweaked to improve reliability of the network for our customers,” Mr Genlot said.
 
“I encourage our customers to head to newcastletransport.info or their favourite travel app to plan their new trip.
 
“Our Customer Service Officers can also provide personalised assistance, to help both existing customers and those new to public transport via our virtual travel concierge or at the Newcastle Interchange.”
 
Customers can plan their trip, find out more about the improvements or get in touch with the Newcastle Transport team at http://newcastletransport.info
 
Service improvements from 3 April 2022 will include:
 

• Introduction of a new express route, the 10X, between Charlestown and Newcastle CBD – an additional 90 bus services each week
• Extending the On Demand hours from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays – an additional 10 hours of services each week
• Improving the frequency on the light rail on weekends to 15 minutes between 7am and 1am – over 20 additional trips each week
• Improving the frequency on the ferry from Monday to Saturday – over 50 additional trips each week.

An impressive 830 people from the Hunter community and beyond turned out to show their support on Sunday 27 March at Dementia Australia’s returning Memory Walk & Jog.

The fundraising event was hosted at Speers Point Park, and participants raised a total of over $80,000.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said it was a fantastic day and extended her gratitude to our Ambassadors and all who participated, raised funds, spread the word, or donated.

“We are delighted to have enjoyed such an outstanding show of support from the Hunter community, who turned out in such large numbers,” Ms McCabe said.

“So many people impacted by dementia find these events a great way to connect with other local people in similar circumstances. And from what we witnessed at the Hunter event, that was certainly the case!”

Ms McCabe also acknowledged everyone who volunteered at the Hunter Memory Walk & Jog.

“Our many volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure it ran safely and smoothly, and was enjoyable for all,” she said.

“The success of this event simply would not have been possible without their support. Thank you!”

The event saw attendees walk, jog or run 2km, 5km or timed 5km courses. The money raised will help provide invaluable support, education and resources for people impacted by dementia in Hunter and across Australia.

There are an estimated 487,500 people living with all forms of dementia. Without a major medical breakthrough this figure is projected to increase to 1,076,000 people by 2058. Events like Memory Walk & Jog play an important role not only in funding support, but also in raising awareness of dementia.

The Hunter event was one of 19 scheduled at various locations around the country in 2022. Details on the remaining events in the series can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au

Dementia Australia is encouraging Hunter locals who were unable to participate at this event to consider organising their own group or individual walk or jog, with a My Way or Walk & Jog Impossible Challenge? More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.    

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au     

A man has been charged following the death of a woman at Mayfield on Friday night.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were called to Crebert Street, Mayfield, about 10.40pm (Friday 25 March 2022), responding to reports that an armed man had broken into a home unit.

Police arrived and found a 21-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds lying outside her home.

The police and NSW Ambulance paramedics rendered assistance, but the woman died at the scene.

A 22-year-old man was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to a hand injury.

Detectives established Strike Force Slant to conduct inquiries into the incident.

Following those inquiries, detectives today (Sunday 27 March 2022) charged the man with murder; aggravated enter dwelling with intent; and breach ADVO.

The Mayfield man was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 28 March 2022).

A woman has died and a man is in custody following an alleged domestic violence-related stabbing at Newcastle overnight.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were called to a home unit on Crebert Street, Mayfield, about 10.40pm (Friday 25 March 2022), responding to reports a man had broken into the unit.

Police arrived to find a 21-year-old woman critically injured lying outside her home. Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics rendered assistance but the woman died at the scene. She had suffered a number of stab wounds.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is currently in police custody.

A crime scene was established and is being examined by specialist officers.

Inquiries are continuing.