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Eternal Flame to be unveiled Sunday

Novocastrians are invited to the unveiling of the City’s first Eternal Flame at Civic Park this Sunday in celebration of the centenary of Armistice Day.
The new monument, housed in a stone plinth and built of the same granite as the adjacent Word War Two cenotaph, will occupy a special place in the heart of many Novocastrians, whose late and living relatives will be honoured by the permanent memorial.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the flame – which will be ignited for the first time during the ceremony – would honour all war veterans – past, present and future. It will be surrounded by new paving etched with the solemn words of the Ode of Remembrance and four new nine-metre flagpoles, from which the Australian, Aboriginal, British and the City of Newcastle flags will fly.
“It will be a great honour to unveil this amazing tribute on Sunday,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We are a city steeped in war history, and it’s important for us to continue to pass the stories and memories down to future generations through important public ceremonies and memorials.”

Armistice Day – also known as Remembrance Day – closed the chapter on four years of continuous fighting along the Western front, after millions of men and women had lost their lives. Sunday will mark 100 years since the ceasefire between the Allies and the German Army.
“We have been working closely with the Newcastle Veterans community and the Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP to deliver this significant and lasting tribute to Novocastrians who have served our country in times of war,” Cr Nelmes said.
“To see it come to fruition on this milestone day in war history is a true testament to the respect and admiration we hold for our past and present war heroes.”
Newcastle now stands alongside some of the great cities that have memorials with an Eternal Flame. Iconic monuments such as the Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, Washington DC’s Kennedy Memorial and Australia’s very own War Memorial in Canberra.
The project is a joint initiative by the City of Newcastle and the Australian Government, following a successful Lord Mayoral Minute and grant application through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The public is invited to gather at Civic Park from 10:15am before the official ceremony at 10:30am.

Deliver protection for LGBT+ students and staff in religious schools now, not after election: Greens

The Morrison government must deliver now on its promise to remove discrimination against LGBT+ students in religious schools, and include teachers and staff, say the Greens.
“With even some religious schools now joining the call for this discrimination to end, it’s time for parliamentarians to get on with the job and remove religious schools’ ability to expel and fire LGBT+ students and staff,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson.
“We need to protect LGBT+ students and staff from discrimination in schools now. Not next year, not after the federal election.”
“When the heat was on in Wentworth, Prime Minister Morrison said discrimination against LGBT+ students would be removed by the end of the following week. Yet we’re still waiting.”
“The Greens have a bill before the Senate right now. If the Morrison government supports it and we could remove discrimination in our schools against both LGBT+ students and staff by the end of the next sitting week.”

Statement from Senator Hanson-Young regarding NSW police officer guilty plea

“In July, in the midst of the public debate regarding comments made by Senator Leyonhjelm about me, a NSW police officer called my office and made a vile threat towards my daughter,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“Vile threats such as these are unacceptable on every level. I am thankful that the police found the person responsible and he has been charged and pleaded guilty in court.
“This matter is deeply distressing for me, my family, and my staff. Everybody has the right to feel safe in their homes, their workplaces and their community.
“Since this was made public I have received widespread support from decent people in our community. I am sincerely grateful to those who have kindly reached out.”

Greens call for rebel MPs not to be punished for voting for Live Export Ban

Australian Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, and Australian Greens Leader, Senator Di Natale, have written to the Prime Minister demanding a free vote on their live export bill, which passed the Senate in September. They have also called for Liberal MPs who want to support the bill not to be punished by the party.
Several Liberal MPs, such as Sussan Ley MP, Sarah Hendersen MP and Jason Wood MP have expressed deep concerns about Live Exports and the Greens believe they could vote for the bill if it were brought on for a vote. Ms Ley and Ms Henderson risk losing their outer ministry if they cross the floor. The letter is available <a href=”https://mehreen-faruqi.greensmps.org.au/articles/letter-prime-minister-s… bill would ban live sheep shipments to the Middle East during the Northern Summer, then completely ban shipments after a five year phase out period.
Senator Faruqi said: “I appeal to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to allow a vote on live exports and to not punish MPs who vote with their conscience. He needs to respect democracy and recognise that a majority of the Parliament, not to mention the community, want this trade shut down. He needs to allow a free vote with no retribution for those that care about animal welfare issues”
“We know there are people in the Liberal Party who would support ending the worst aspects of the live sheep trade if a free vote were allowed in the House of Representatives. “The Live Export industry deserves no more chances” she concluded.

Australian Greens Senator Says 'Nup to the Cup'

Australian Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has said ‘Nup to the Cup’ and will join millions of Australians who won’t be participating in the Melbourne Cup today. A Guardian Essential Poll has found just 8% of Australians have a high interest in horse racing, and almost one third of Australians don’t participate in Melbourne Cup due to animal welfare and gambling concerns.
Senator Faruqi said: “Horse racing is an anachronism that is becoming less and less relevant by the day. Despite the gambling industry propaganda, millions of Australians today will be saying ‘nup to the cup’ and I am one of them.
“Just a few months ago, the ABC revealed a culture of doping, drug abuse and cheating in horse racing. Images of starving ex-racing horsers show that animal cruelty and neglect are still rife.
“Whipping horses to make them run faster is just cruel. One racehorse dies every 3 days in Australia and 119 racehorses have died in the last racing year alone.
“I’m saying ‘Nup to the Cup’ and I encourage others to not participate in gambling fueled animal cruelty,” she concluded.

Man charged over alleged sexual abuse of young relative

A man has been charged over alleged sexual and indecent assaults of a girl in Sydney’s greater west.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation last week after receiving reports a 15-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a male relative.
Following inquiries, detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a home at Richmond just before 1pm yesterday (Monday 5 November 2018).
A 20-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Windsor Police Station.
He was charged with three counts of have sexual intercourse with a child, three counts of aggravated indecent assault, and aggravated sexual assault.
Police will allege in court the man sexually and indecently assaulted the girl on a number of occasions over a seven-year period.
The man, who is related to the girl, has been refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today (Tuesday 6 November 2018).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Man charged with indecency and intimidation offences – Tyagarah

A man will appear in court later this month after being charged over indecency and intimidation offences near Tweed Heads at the weekend.
About 11.35am on Saturday 3 November 2018, a 30-year-old woman was jogging east along Grays Lane at Tyagarah when she noticed a white utility parked on the side of the dirt road.
The woman told police that the male driver looked at her intently, which made her feel uncomfortable, and she crossed to other side of the road in an effort to keep some distance between them.
As she continued her run the woman saw that the utility drove past her and stopped a short distance ahead. The man alighted from the utility and walked towards her grinning.
As the woman continued her run to the beach the utility slowly followed her and then passed her. The woman continued towards the beach hoping that there would be other people in the area.
As she entered the carpark the woman saw that the man was now standing outside the utility and was naked.
When the woman walked past the man, he looked at her and performed an indecent act.
The woman continued to the beach, but could not find anyone to assist her. When she returned to the carpark the man again performed an indecent act.
The woman ran for some distance to her home and told her partner. They attended the car park and located the white utility which they photographed. Police were contacted and details of the vehicle were provided to police.
Officers from Tweed Byron Police District were travelling to Tyagarah Beach about 1.25pm when they observed the utility travelling along Grays Lane.
The officers spoke to a 33-year-old man who was driving the utility and arrested him.
The man was conveyed to Byron Bay Police Station and later charged with commit act of indecency and intimidation.
He has been granted strict conditional bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Thursday 22 November 2018.
Police will continue to work closely with other stakeholders including NPWS, Byron Shire Council and the Byron Safe Beaches Committee to keep the area safe.

Park and Ride celebrates first birthday

The City of Newcastle’s popular Park and Ride service turns one today after taking 20,000 cars off inner-city streets since it was first introduced in November last year.
A total of 21,389 passengers have taken the Park and Ride from McDonald Jones stadium to the City following its introduction during the light rail construction.
Monthly users have since more than doubled, with October recording the highest rate of commuters (2,500).

_{Lambton commuter Jordan May, 22, loves how affordable the Park and Ride service is.}
On its first anniversary today, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City was pleased to see such a high uptake of the service.
“There’s been a 111 per cent increase in usage, and 20,000 cars taken off the road, in the year since the service was opened to commuters,” the Lord Mayor said.
“I encourage people to continue parking and riding, and ask them to sign up there colleagues and friends. With a return fare of just $2.20, the park and ride offers a fast and convenient trip for commuters to the city, as well as a significant financial daily saving.”

The Park and Ride service was introduced last year in response to light rail construction and had more services introduced earlier this year to accommodate earlier commuters in the afternoon.
For Lambton commuter Jordan May the Park and Ride journey is a convenient, cost-saving mode of transport that she ‘loves’ taking every day.
“The reason why I love the Park and Ride service is I can catch it and I don’t have to pay $15 for parking in town every day,” she said.
“It’s really simple, comes every 15 minutes, is really really convenient and I absolutely love it.”
Buses make the return trip from the CBD to McDonald Jones stadium every 15 minutes from 7am – 9am and 3pm to 6.30pm, with CBD stops designed a few minutes’ walk to wherever you need to go.
“The Park and Ride fare will remain at just $2.20, which for those that work 48 weeks in a year, means a reduction in parking costs of more than $1,000,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It also helps free up valuable car parking for the customers that keep our city businesses ticking.”
More information on the service, visit http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/parkandride

Police praise festival goers in Newcastle

Police have praised the good behaviour of attendees following two festivals held in Newcastle over the weekend.
The “This That” Music Festival was held at Wickham Park, Newcastle on Saturday 3 November 2018 and the “Scene and Heard” festival was held the following day (Sunday 4 November 2018) at the same location.
Newcastle City Police District with assistance from drug-detection dogs conducted a large police operation over the two days.
About 20,000 people attended between the two festivals.
Yesterday (Sunday 4 November 2018), 13 detections were made, with 4 people allegedly found to be possessing cannabis and cocaine.
On Saturday (3 November 2018), a total of 22 Field Court Attendance Notice’s for possession offences were issued and 7 for drug supply. A total of 3 people were transported to hospital, two for drug related illnesses.
Newcastle City Police Area Command Superintendent and Operations Commander Brett Greentree, said that the majority of festival goers across the weekend were well behaved and enjoyed the events safely.
“It was really positive to see people having a good time and heeding police warnings.
“The small number of people who ignored our advice about illegal activity were dealt with accordingly.
“Police worked closely with the promoter to ensure the events were pleasant for everyone.
“Newcastle City Police are committed to providing a safe environment to people attending festivals in this area.” Superintendent Greentree said.

LABOR WILL DELIVER WATER SECURITY FOR TOWNSVILLE ‘ONCE AND FOR ALL’

A Shorten Labor Government will fix Townsville’s water security once and for all by fully funding Stage two of the Water Security Taskforce’s report, building it concurrently with Stage one – and with no strings attached.
Labor will also invest $200 million to build a hydro-electric power station on the Burdekin Dam. This will put downward pressure on power bills, create 150 local jobs and generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes.
Last week, the final Townsville Water Security Taskforce report called for “a once and for all fix” for Townsville’s water supply.
Fixing Townsville’s water crisis is critical. That’s why a year and a half ago Labor committed $100 million in funding.
Now that we’ve got the final report from the Water Security Taskforce we will implement its recommendations. Delivering water security for Townsville once and for all.
The Water Security Taskforce said that building Stage 1 and Stage 2 concurrently would save taxpayers $55 million.
This would deliver long term water security for Townsville cheaper, faster and it would mean more jobs now for a town that needs it.
These are critical projects for the region’s future – the people who live and work in Townsville need affordable water solutions that provide for a reliable supply into the longer term.
Federal Labor’s investment would be in partnership with Queensland Labor, who are currently building stage one.
These investments are a result of the advocacy of Cathy O’Toole, who has been fighting for Townsville to get the water security it needs. It is also a testament to the local community’s determination to get a resolution, in particular Water Security Taskforce Chairman Brad Webb.
We led the way in funding the Townsville Stadium redevelopment and in recognising the need for port channel widening. Today, we’re continuing to lead on water security and hydro power for the Burdekin.
Labor’s commitment to securing Townsville’s water supply has no strings attached – it’s rock solid.
We won’t leave this project half-done or waste time on unnecessary business cases that push construction out into the never never.
Labor first committed $100 million to implement the findings of the Townsville Water Security Taskforce more than a year and a half ago. Today we’re increasing that funding to deliver the water security Townsville needs.