I’m very pleased to be opening nominations for my 2022 Newcastle Volunteer Service Awards today as we celebrate International Volunteer Day.
It’s been a tough couple of years for our community groups and organisations, but they have continued to work tirelessly for our community, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Again and again, Novocastrians have gone out of their way to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are protected and that they have access to the things they need, when they need it.
The spontaneous creation of neighbourhood groups and the overnight transformation of local cafes into community kitchens and corner stores has been life-saving for many.
Novocastrians demonstrated that, when the going gets really tough, we come together to support each other.
This year I have been lucky enough to witness firsthand the amazing efforts of our local community volunteers. Whether it’s in community kitchens providing vital food services to vulnerable or disadvantaged Novocastrians, packing and preparing food hampers for newly arrived Afghani refugees or the amazing volunteer efforts to keep our valuable wetlands and waterways clean and vibrant.
I encourage Novocastrians to take 10 minutes out from their busy lives to nominate someone that they believe has offered outstanding service in our community.
If you want to nominate a special volunteer, fill in the online nomination form by Friday 28 January 2022.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, but too often they don’t get the recognition they deserve – and that’s exactly why these awards are so important.
As always, at the end of the selection process, I will host a presentation ceremony to celebrate the incredible contribution of these dedicated volunteers to our community.
While the final shape of this ceremony will necessarily be determined by the health orders of the day, all award recipients, and those that nominated them, will be invited to participate.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Officers, woman assaulted in DV incident – Lake Macquarie
Two officers have been injured during the arrest of a man after an alleged domestic violence assault in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Orlong Close, Edgeworth, about 11am (Saturday 4 December 2021), in relation to the alleged assault of a pregnant 27-year-old woman.
On arrival, officers found the woman had suffered facial bruising and arrested a 26-year-old man in the backyard.
As the two male senior constables moved him towards the police truck, a struggle allegedly ensued resulting in one officer suffering a dislocated right shoulder and injuries to his right hand, lower back and groin.
The second officer was allegedly then kicked three times in the face, suffering swelling and bruising as well as injuries to his right hand and elbow.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station where he has been charged with 17 offences,
• Common assault (six counts)
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) (two counts)
• Assault officer in execution of duty (two counts)
• Assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm (two counts)
• Resist police (three counts)
• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm
• Destroy or damage property.
He’s been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 5 December 2021).
The first officer was taken by NSW Ambulance paramedics to John Hunter Hospital where he was treated and underwent further tests; the second officer was initially treated at the police station and continues to receive medical treatment. Both officers are now at home but are currently unfit for duty.
Celebrate inclusion on International Day of People with Disability
City of Newcastle is calling for comment on its new draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) as part of its commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive community.
City of Newcastle Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said International Day of People with Disability was the perfect time to reflect on key achievements of Newcastle’s inaugural DIAP and ask the community for their input on the updated Plan.
“Today we celebrate the progress made through the 2016 DIAP, including the establishment of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee,” Ms Hyland said.
“I’d like to thank our Access Inclusion Advisory Committee members for their hard work and support of our plan to ensure Newcastle is an inclusive community.
“It’s now time for the broader community to provide input into the new draft 2021 DIAP, which sets the direction and outlines key actions to be implemented over the coming years to ensure our services and programs are accessible for everyone.
“City of Newcastle remains committed to ensuring our city is inclusive for all who live, visit and work here, by leading action towards a more equitable society.”
Image: Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland with members of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee Eliot Shaw, Chris Leishman, Kirsty Russell and Tracy Walker, community representatives and City of Newcastle staff members.
City of Newcastle was the first Council in New South Wales to adopt a DIAP under the current legislation, which saw 55 of 57 actions significantly progressed or completed across the four-year period from 2016 to 2020.
Positive outcomes from the first plan include:
- the establishment of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee to ensure decisions are informed by direct consultation with people with lived experience with disabilities.
- the establishment of Newcastle’s Count Us In festival to raise the profile of disability inclusion across the city.
- the inclusion of people with a disability in the consultative processes, including provided input into or co-design of major projects by City of Newcastle. Examples include the planned revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths, inclusive play spaces for Stevenson Park and Harbour Foreshore and access improvements such as lift and change facilities at Nobbys Beach and Newcastle Museum.
- support ahead of the International Deaf Games 2022.
- increase in accessible format programming at CN cultural facilities for people with disability.
- continued access improvements in public domain and local centres planning.
Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable future is this years’ theme for International Day of People with Disability. Community engagement to develop the 2021 DIAP included in-person consultation sessions, focus groups survey as well as internal consultation with CN areas such as facilities, services, human resources and project planning divisions.
Under the new DIAP, 35 new actions will be carried out to achieve the community’s vision for Newcastle in line with the City’s Community Strategic Plan and pave the way for City of Newcastle to become a more inclusive organisation.
Accessible and easy-read versions of the draft DIAP are available for comment until Monday 10 January 2022. Feedback can be made online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
Committee members include Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s Nathan Burford, Community Disability Alliance Hunter’s Joseph Popov, Maroba Communities’ Tracy Walker, community representatives Chris Leishman, Kirsty Russell, Eliot Shaw and Margaret Wood, and Councillors Carol Duncan and Andrea Rufo. Former committee members include Cath Mahony from Community Disability Alliance Hunter and community representative Norm MacPherson.
New laws get tough on abandoned shopping trolleys
Supermarket operators could be hit with an on the spot fine of $660 for not collecting abandoned shopping trolleys following advocacy by the City of Newcastle.
The fine would be issued to any supermarket that fails to collect a shopping trolley from a public space within three hours of being notified it is causing an obstruction, or within seven days if it has just been left unattended in a public place such as a park, creek or local street.
Following advocacy from the City of Newcastle, the NSW Government is proposing the tough new rules via its Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Bill 2021.
Fines ranging from $660 to $13,750 would be applied to owners, depending on the nature, number and time the trolleys remained.
A Notice of Motion calling on the NSW Government to crack down on abandoned trolleys was unanimously supported by City of Newcastle Councillors at the November 2020 Council meeting.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen welcomed the new legislation as a win for the community and other local councils in NSW, and particularly the environment.
“Advocacy led by Local Government NSW and City of Newcastle raised concerns about the negative impact of abandoned shopping trolleys on community amenity, safety and the environment, and the costs to council associated with their removal and management,” Cr Clausen said.
“The new legislation is a real improvement on existing laws that in the past made compliance almost impossible to enforce. The onus is now on trolley owners to ensure their property is not littered throughout our suburban streets and environment.
“Major supermarkets and local shopping centre management will need to take a more proactive approach to managing their assets, and preventing them from ending up in public places, on roads, or in creeks and waterways or face large fines.
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for listening to City of Newcastle and working with Local Government NSW to address our concerns around abandoned trolleys.”
The fine would be issued to any supermarket that fails to collect a shopping trolley from a public space within three hours of being notified it is causing an obstruction, or within seven days if it has just been left unattended in a public place such as a park, creek or local street.
Following advocacy from the City of Newcastle, the NSW Government is proposing the tough new rules via its Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Bill 2021.
Fines ranging from $660 to $13,750 would be applied to owners, depending on the nature, number and time the trolleys remained.
A Notice of Motion calling on the NSW Government to crack down on abandoned trolleys was unanimously supported by City of Newcastle Councillors at the November 2020 Council meeting.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen welcomed the new legislation as a win for the community and other local councils in NSW, and particularly the environment.
“Advocacy led by Local Government NSW and City of Newcastle raised concerns about the negative impact of abandoned shopping trolleys on community amenity, safety and the environment, and the costs to council associated with their removal and management,” Cr Clausen said.
“The new legislation is a real improvement on existing laws that in the past made compliance almost impossible to enforce. The onus is now on trolley owners to ensure their property is not littered throughout our suburban streets and environment.
“Major supermarkets and local shopping centre management will need to take a more proactive approach to managing their assets, and preventing them from ending up in public places, on roads, or in creeks and waterways or face large fines.
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for listening to City of Newcastle and working with Local Government NSW to address our concerns around abandoned trolleys.”
Unique digital exhibition to reflect on the HIV crisis in the Hunter
A new exhibition at Newcastle’s Digital Library is delving into the collective memories of locals to provide a unique insight into the history of the AIDS epidemic in the Hunter.
Developed through a partnership with Hunter Rainbow History Group, University of Newcastle’s Special Collection Services and Newcastle Libraries, HIV in the Hunter tells the story of the significant local response to the HIV and AIDS crisis throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Launched to raise awareness of World AIDS Day on 1 December, the exhibition showcases first-hand recounts, interviews and imagery of locals whose lives were impacted by HIV and AIDS, including those who fought the disease, their families and carers, health professionals on the frontline providing education and treatment, and volunteers who worked with the community organisations to provide support, advocacy and assistance to all those affected.
HIV in the Hunter will be featured on the Digital Storywall at Newcastle’s Digital Library and online via the Newcastle Libraries website until Monday 10 January 2021.
Artworks from Got Your Back Sista’s ’16 Days of Activism’ workshop will also be on show at the Digital Library until Friday 7 January as part of the new Love Bites exhibition.
The workshop was held to promote positive creative therapeutic outlets for locals who have experienced family and domestic violence, with participants to take part in a special tour of the Digital Library to view their works on display.
The award-winning Digital Library, which welcomed 59,000 visitors in its first year of operation, is co-located with City of Newcastle’s Customer Service Centre and mobile Council Chamber on Level 1 of 12 Stewart Avenue.
The Digital Library is open from 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday.
Developed through a partnership with Hunter Rainbow History Group, University of Newcastle’s Special Collection Services and Newcastle Libraries, HIV in the Hunter tells the story of the significant local response to the HIV and AIDS crisis throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Launched to raise awareness of World AIDS Day on 1 December, the exhibition showcases first-hand recounts, interviews and imagery of locals whose lives were impacted by HIV and AIDS, including those who fought the disease, their families and carers, health professionals on the frontline providing education and treatment, and volunteers who worked with the community organisations to provide support, advocacy and assistance to all those affected.
HIV in the Hunter will be featured on the Digital Storywall at Newcastle’s Digital Library and online via the Newcastle Libraries website until Monday 10 January 2021.
Artworks from Got Your Back Sista’s ’16 Days of Activism’ workshop will also be on show at the Digital Library until Friday 7 January as part of the new Love Bites exhibition.
The workshop was held to promote positive creative therapeutic outlets for locals who have experienced family and domestic violence, with participants to take part in a special tour of the Digital Library to view their works on display.
The award-winning Digital Library, which welcomed 59,000 visitors in its first year of operation, is co-located with City of Newcastle’s Customer Service Centre and mobile Council Chamber on Level 1 of 12 Stewart Avenue.
The Digital Library is open from 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday.
Civic Theatre set to reignite city with live performances in 2022
A sizzling new schedule of shows will reignite Newcastle audiences’ passion for live performance following the online launch of Civic Theatre’s new subscription season.
Delivering everything from stand-up comedy and contemporary circus to deeply moving theatrical pieces, the new season has been carefully curated to suit a wide range of ages and tastes.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch of Civic Theatre’s 2022 season comes at an exciting time for Novocastrians, with restrictions set to be rolled back even further from 15 December.
“Civic Theatre’s season theme for 2022 is ‘reignite’, which is all about supporting our city’s lively cultural scene after yet another COVID-disrupted year and encouraging Novocastrians to head back to the theatre to experience the wonder of live performance with family and friends,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Few industries have been harder hit by the economic impact of the pandemic than the performing arts. This new season of shows provides a highly enjoyable means for Novocastrians to show their support for this sector, especially as restrictions continue to ease.”
Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the new schedule for 2022 covers a wide range of genres and styles that will appeal to audiences of all ages, including new offerings and both local and national touring productions.
The 2022 season will see the return of the hugely popular Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, as well as shows by Newcastle’s own Stray Dogs Theatre Company, Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub and for the first time, Knock and Run Theatre Company.
“Families will enjoy Erth’s Prehistoric World or Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus and musical fans will love The Sapphires by HIT Productions. Main stage theatrical productions in 2022 include Jane Eyre by shake&stir theatre co. and Black Cockatoo by Ensemble Theatre,” Ms Wallace said.
“Local productions in 2022 will feature Creativity, an original new work from perennial favourites Stray Dogs Theatre Co., Grappling from the Edge by Catapult Dance, and Airness from Knock & Run Theatre Company.
“Civic Theatre customers are invited to enjoy pre-show drinks and live local music on opening night, and for selected performances a new pre-theatre dining experience is just steps away in the Banquet Room at City Hall.”
With the purchase of three shows or more, theatregoers become a Civic Theatre Subscriber and will enjoy added benefits such as free parking, discounted tickets, access to the best seats and discounted pre-show drinks in the foyer.
The 2022 Civic Theatre Subscription Season goes on sale to the general public on Friday 3 December, following a special presale for current subscribers.
Visit Civic Theatre Newcastle’s website to view the 2022 Subscription Season Brochure.
Delivering everything from stand-up comedy and contemporary circus to deeply moving theatrical pieces, the new season has been carefully curated to suit a wide range of ages and tastes.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch of Civic Theatre’s 2022 season comes at an exciting time for Novocastrians, with restrictions set to be rolled back even further from 15 December.
“Civic Theatre’s season theme for 2022 is ‘reignite’, which is all about supporting our city’s lively cultural scene after yet another COVID-disrupted year and encouraging Novocastrians to head back to the theatre to experience the wonder of live performance with family and friends,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Few industries have been harder hit by the economic impact of the pandemic than the performing arts. This new season of shows provides a highly enjoyable means for Novocastrians to show their support for this sector, especially as restrictions continue to ease.”
Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the new schedule for 2022 covers a wide range of genres and styles that will appeal to audiences of all ages, including new offerings and both local and national touring productions.
The 2022 season will see the return of the hugely popular Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, as well as shows by Newcastle’s own Stray Dogs Theatre Company, Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub and for the first time, Knock and Run Theatre Company.
“Families will enjoy Erth’s Prehistoric World or Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus and musical fans will love The Sapphires by HIT Productions. Main stage theatrical productions in 2022 include Jane Eyre by shake&stir theatre co. and Black Cockatoo by Ensemble Theatre,” Ms Wallace said.
“Local productions in 2022 will feature Creativity, an original new work from perennial favourites Stray Dogs Theatre Co., Grappling from the Edge by Catapult Dance, and Airness from Knock & Run Theatre Company.
“Civic Theatre customers are invited to enjoy pre-show drinks and live local music on opening night, and for selected performances a new pre-theatre dining experience is just steps away in the Banquet Room at City Hall.”
With the purchase of three shows or more, theatregoers become a Civic Theatre Subscriber and will enjoy added benefits such as free parking, discounted tickets, access to the best seats and discounted pre-show drinks in the foyer.
The 2022 Civic Theatre Subscription Season goes on sale to the general public on Friday 3 December, following a special presale for current subscribers.
Visit Civic Theatre Newcastle’s website to view the 2022 Subscription Season Brochure.
Festive fun comes to Newcastle's Civic precinct
Newcastle’s Wheeler Place will play host to festive fun as the Civic precinct is transformed with an 11-metre-high Christmas tree and family-friendly activities.
The tree’s lights were switched on last night, bringing the glow of Christmas spirit and the flash of mobile phone cameras as locals stopped to take a snap.
Free DIY Santa photos will also be on offer on Friday and Saturday nights in the lead-up to Christmas, with the man in the big red suit being joined by his elves to deliver an early dose of Christmas cheer to the city centre, while street performers and musical entertainment will amp up the festive atmosphere.
Representatives from local charities Got Your Back Sista and the Ronald McDonald House Charities will also be on hand spreading awareness and raising funds to help those in need.
CN’s Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said the signature Christmas tree and free program of activities will help activate Wheeler Place and draw people back into the city following the recent COVID-19 lockdown.
“While it’s been another challenging year for our community, we’re all looking forward to coming together safely during the festive season to celebrate,” Ms Hyland said.
“We hope that the sight of our Christmas tree and the free, fun activities will help spread a dose of much-needed joy amongst friends and families, while also encouraging visitors to come back into the city centre and support our local businesses.
“There is no better time than the lead-up to Christmas to shop locally, enjoy a night out at one of the local bars or restaurants and show your support for all those Newcastle businesses who have been affected by the recent lockdown and restrictions.”
The festivities will run from 6pm to 8pm each Friday and Saturday night during the first three weekends of December. Snap a picture with Santa and his elves, relax over a bite to eat or a refreshing drink from the Civic Theatre Café & Bar and enjoy the free live entertainment, which over various dates will include carol singers, a brass band, the Marching Koalas, Novotones choir, Hannah Indigo and children’s entertainers the Little Scallywagz.
Keep an eye on the What’s On website for the growing list of Christmas events being held across Newcastle, including activations in Wheeler Place, Darby Street, Hunter Street Mall, Hamilton and Wallsend. The City of Newcastle Christmas tree will remain in place until 10 January 2022.
Share your ideas for Georgetown local centre upgrade
City of Newcastle has begun community consultation with local residents and business owners to understand views on safety, parking and public spaces in the Georgetown Local Centre area.
Earlier this year the elected Council resolved to initiate an upgrade of the Georgetown town centre.
Following input from the community, a public domain plan will be developed in 2022 to guide the revitalisation of the area.
City of Newcastle Acting Director Infrastructure and Property Joanne Rigby said the future upgrade aims to create a more accessible, attractive and safe local centre for the growing neighbourhood of Georgetown.
“Our public domain plan will upgrade the streetscape and access to shops, and will also improve traffic and safety,” Ms Rigby said.
“Our upgrades often include new footpaths, trees and street furniture – so we are looking forward to hearing feedback from the community about what locals would like to see.”
“A major component of City of Newcastle’s local centre upgrades includes drainage improvements. We also look to partner with businesses to beautify the local shop fronts through the Façade Improvement Scheme.
“This project aims to attract more people to visit and spend time at the local centre and will benefit the growing number of young families living in the suburb.
Once developed, a draft public domain plan will go on public exhibition. The plan will be finalised based on community feedback and will go to the elected Council for approval, ahead of construction in the coming years.
The planned upgrade at Georgetown follows similar local centre upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and the upgrades currently under construction in Stockton and Shortland.
Have your say via the online survey at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay before 13 December.
Earlier this year the elected Council resolved to initiate an upgrade of the Georgetown town centre.
Following input from the community, a public domain plan will be developed in 2022 to guide the revitalisation of the area.
City of Newcastle Acting Director Infrastructure and Property Joanne Rigby said the future upgrade aims to create a more accessible, attractive and safe local centre for the growing neighbourhood of Georgetown.
“Our public domain plan will upgrade the streetscape and access to shops, and will also improve traffic and safety,” Ms Rigby said.
“Our upgrades often include new footpaths, trees and street furniture – so we are looking forward to hearing feedback from the community about what locals would like to see.”
“A major component of City of Newcastle’s local centre upgrades includes drainage improvements. We also look to partner with businesses to beautify the local shop fronts through the Façade Improvement Scheme.
“This project aims to attract more people to visit and spend time at the local centre and will benefit the growing number of young families living in the suburb.
Once developed, a draft public domain plan will go on public exhibition. The plan will be finalised based on community feedback and will go to the elected Council for approval, ahead of construction in the coming years.
The planned upgrade at Georgetown follows similar local centre upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and the upgrades currently under construction in Stockton and Shortland.
Have your say via the online survey at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay before 13 December.
War on graffiti expands through youth community partnership
Young people convicted of vandalising local properties will now be required to remove graffiti from shop fronts, as well as the walls of homes and businesses thanks to a partnership between the City of Newcastle and the NSW Government.
Traditionally, young offenders have removed graffiti from Council owned properties as part of their community service order. From January, private property owners will be able to request via the City of Newcastle to have graffiti removed from their home or business at no cost, as part of a 12-month trial.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the benefits of the program go far beyond cleaning vandalised property.
“Few people would be aware that for the past 20 years City of Newcastle has been supporting youth offenders through various community-based programs, with participants working side-by-side with our outdoor cleaning teams to learn new skills, including removing graffiti,” Mr Bath said.
“It’s a wonderful program that teaches young offenders that community owned buildings are often home to important community services that deserve to be respected and protected.
“Almost 1,500 young people have worked with our staff over the past two decades improving the look and cleanliness of the city CBD, and in the process learning new skills that encourage them to respect public property.
“The time is now right to expand the program so that home and business owners whose properties have been tagged can ask to have the graffiti removed at no cost to them.
“Should a resident or property owner discover graffiti, all they will need to do is complete an online form on the City of Newcastle website and a crew from the Youth Justice NSW Community Service Order Program will be in touch to confirm when they will come to remove the graffiti.”
Newcastle Youth Justice Office Area Manager Damian Baker said the graffiti removal program provides participants with an opportunity to give back to the community while developing new skills.
“Funding provided by City of Newcastle has assisted program participants with work readiness, pathways to employment and training through TAFE NSW and other job network providers,” Mr Baker said.
“Our focus is to introduce young participants to fundamental and transferrable skills required to assist in gaining an edge in a competitive job market for low skilled employment.
“Newcastle Youth Justice Community Office has received numerous commendations from both City of Newcastle and the Department of Communities and Justice in support for the continued commitment to provide reparation work and beautification to the city.”
Plans to recommence the current graffiti removal program and the added private sector service will commence from January 2022.
City of Newcastle supports Youth Justice NSW and its rehabilitation program with funding to assist with the procurement of equipment, materials and Personal Protective Equipment for participants.
For more information, visit City of Newcastle’s Graffiti Removal Program webpage
Second man charged with murder following Stockton shooting
Strike Force Backhouse detectives have charged a second man with murder following investigations into the fatal shooting of a woman in Stockton earlier this year.
Just after 8pm on Wednesday 9 June 2021, emergency services were called to a home on Queen Street, Stockton, following reports of a shooting.
A 61-year-old woman answered her front door before being shot. She died at the scene and was later identified as Stacey Klimovitch.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Backhouse to investigate the circumstances surrounding Stacey’s murder.
Last week, detectives arrested a 29-year-old man at Honeysuckle. He was charged over his alleged involvement in the shooting and remains before the courts.
With assistance from ACT Policing, officers arrested a 46-year-old man on an NSW warrant at a home in Chisholm, ACT, about 6.45pm last Friday (26 November 2021).
He was taken to a local police station where the NSW warrant was executed.
On Monday (29 November 2021), strike force detectives applied for, and were granted, the man’s extradition to NSW.
He was escorted to Queanbeyan Police Station and charged with murder.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Queanbeyan Local Court today (Tuesday 30 November 2021).