Newcastle News – Page 325

Hamilton’s James Street Plaza lights up

Hamilton’s James Street Plaza will be filled with colour and light every night following the installation of an interactive lighting display developed as part of City of Newcastle’s transformation of this much-loved community space.
Construction of the upgrade is now complete with new seating and artworks installed, and new paving, landscaping and tree planting transforming the space.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch of the evening lighting display was the final step in upgrading the plaza.
“It’s wonderful to see the way that the lighting display transforms the space at night, bringing colour and activity to this space for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.
In June the community was asked to vote on their favourite of three lighting designs put forward by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab), each celebrating a different aspect of Hamilton’s history and character.
The “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept proved to be the favourite and was developed into a ten-minute animation which will play on a loop to light up the space for four hours each evening, celebrating Hamilton’s unique character and history.
Councillor Carol Duncan said that the lighting display will attract visitors and activate the space at night, improving safety in the area.
“The community told us they wanted a safer, more appealing place for people to spend time during both the day and the night,” Cr Duncan said.
“Once COVID-19 restrictions lift, we look forward to seeing the community come together and activate the space with music, markets and food.”
In addition to the lighting display, the rich history of Hamilton is reflected in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the research of local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton and through collaboration with the Newcastle Museum.

Charges laid over alleged sexual assaults – Central Coast

Detectives have charged a man following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of two teenage girls on the Central Coast last year.
In August 2020, detectives attached to Brisbane Water Police District commenced an investigation after reports two girls, aged 17 – were sexually assaulted in separate incidents at a Green Point home in the early hours of Sunday 2 August 2020.
Following extensive investigations, detectives attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrested a 19-year-old man at a home on Ibis Place, Scone, about 10.30am today (Friday 8 October 2021).
He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with eight counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on Thursday 11 November 2021.

Man presents with knife wounds – Wallsend

Police are investigating after a man presented to paramedics with knife wounds in Newcastle.
About 6.35pm last night (Tuesday 5 October 2021), Newcastle City police were called to Bunn Street, Wallsend, after being notified that a 41-year-old man had presented to NSW Ambulance paramedics with wounds to his wrist and chest. He was later taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Around the same time, police were called to reports of an alleged brawl outside a home on nearby Bousfield Street.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District have commenced an investigation into how the man came to be injured, including whether the incidents are linked.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the nearby area between 5.30pm and 7pm is urged to contact Waratah Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle welcomes its 500th citizen in 2021 online

City of Newcastle welcomed its largest number of new citizens yet via group virtual ceremonies on Tuesday, conferring Australian citizenship upon 190 people from 39 countries.
Following the success of earlier online ceremonies, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen presided over a further two ceremonies each via Zoom to allow our newest citizens to take the pledge of commitment whilst the Hunter Region is still under lockdown.
Despite changing COVID-19 restrictions impacting the traditional face-to-face ceremony format, the City has gained 500 citizens in 2021, significantly reducing the waitlist for the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Cr Nelmes said becoming an Australian citizen was not only an important ceremonious occasion, but a vital step towards exercising the democratic right to vote as well as apply for jobs and an Australian passport.
“The COVID-19 global pandemic has displaced many people in many different ways, be it through job losses or a reduction in work, illness, or separation from loved ones,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Adapting our face-to-face citizenship ceremonies to online was a simple measure City of Newcastle could take to provide practical support to our new citizens at this challenging time.”
Newcastle’s newest citizens hail from all corners of the globe, from Afghanistan and Iran to Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Among them was Steve Barretto who was born in England, raised in South Africa, and moved to Ireland when he was 19. Steve met his now wife Nadine from Newcastle in Belfast and relocated to Newcastle in 2008 to start a family.
“Newcastle is the best place in the world, without a doubt. I remember as a kid watching cricket and wondering what it would be like to live in Australia. I’m really happy it’s all official, I’ll be having a little lockdown celebration at home with my family tonight, with some beers I have in the fridge and a meat pie.”
The city proudly welcomes refugees and people of all cultural backgrounds, with 14 per cent of Novocastrians born overseas and more than 14,000 speaking another language at home.
In 2021, City of Newcastle has awarded Rapid Response Grants funding to Hunter Multicultural Communities to assemble welfare packs and produce a multilingual newsletter, as well as a combined $13,000 in Quick Response funding to STARTTS to assist in the organisation of the Unity and Diversity Festival, Afghan Community Festival, Congolese Community Festival, and Syrian Community Festival.

Woman dies following crash – Tea Gardens

An investigation is underway after a woman died in a two-vehicle crash on the state’s Mid North Coast today.
Just before 11.30am (Monday 4 October 2021), emergency services were called to Pindimar Road near Myall Way, Tea Gardens, after reports a Subaru Forrester and a Nissan Dualis had collided.
Police have been told a woman stopped her Nissan Dualis on the shoulder of Pindimar Road, when it was struck by a Subaru Forrester.
Emergency services attended; however, the 64-year-old woman died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.
The Subaru driver, a 46-year-old man, was freed after being trapped and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene which has been examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing, anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Man dies after car hits tree – Hunter region

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 8.30am (Tuesday 5 October 2021), emergency services were called to George Booth Drive at Buchanan, following reports a vehicle had left the road and hit a tree.
Upon arrival, police located the body of the driver – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – however, he is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
George Booth Drive remains closed in both directions between John Renshaw Drive and Richmond Vale Road, local diversions are in place. Drivers are urged to expect delays.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Cheers to COVID-Safe picnics

Although it’s not possible to get out to your favourite restaurant or watering hole at the moment, the city’s beautiful parks are the perfect place to meet up with up family and friends for a COVID-Safe picnic, provided you’re fully vaccinated.
Under the current NSW Government guidelines, if you are fully vaccinated, you can attend an outdoor gathering in a public place of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation. So, if you’ve had two COVID-19 vaccinations, it’s time to pull your picnic blanket and basket out of hiding and pack your favourite food and drinks to make the most of the Spring weather. If you head to one of the following Newcastle parks between 8am and 8pm, it’s even consume an alcoholic beverage:

King Edward Park
Harbour Foreshore and Foreshore Park
Bar Beach Hill
Stockton Foreshore
Centennial Park
Nesca Park
Civic Park
Pacific Park
Islington Park
Gregson Park

If you’re picnicking at one of the City’s parks, please use the bins provided or take your rubbish with you and adhere to COVID-19 rules at all times.
If you’re not fully vaccinated, you can still get outside and enjoy your local park for exercise and recreation with one other person that you do not live with, or your nominated “singles bubbles” visitor.
During the stay at home orders which have been in place since early-August, Newcastle’s parks and open spaces have been more important than ever, with locals making the most of public spaces in their own backyard. Don’t forget that you can only visit parks in your Local Government Area, or within 5 kilometres from your home.
For a full list of Newcastle’s parks and to find one near you visit our Playgrounds and Park page.

Critical Incident declared after two men seriously injured in motorcycle crash – Lake Macquarie

A critical incident investigation has been launched after two men – including a police officer – suffered serious injuries following a motorcycle crash in the state’s Lake Macquarie region today.
About 4.40pm (Monday 4 October 2021), emergency services were called to Mandalong Road near Deaves Road, Mandalong, after reports of a crash between two motorcycles.
A 36-year-old on-duty senior constable, riding a marked NSW Police Force motorcycle, suffered serious injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The second rider, a 69-year-old man, also suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A crime scene was established by officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
A critical incident team from the Tuggerah Lakes Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to independent review.
No further details are available at this time.

59,000 visitors to City’s Digital Library in its first year

Novocastrians have embraced the chance to learn digital skills and access cutting edge technology at the City’s newest library, which has attracted more than 59,000 visitors in its first year.
The Digital Library is co-located with City of Newcastle’s Customer Service Centre and mobile Council Chamber on Level 1 of 12 Stewart Avenue, creating an award-winning community and civic hub that has proved popular with local residents and city workers since opening in September 2020.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said COVID-19 had brought the need for digital skills into greater focus during the past year as parents and students had to adapt to working and learning from home.
“In this highly digital age it’s more important than ever for our community to have access to the tools required to enhance their skills and equip themselves with a greater understanding of technology,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Digital Library offers a community-based, educational environment where physical collections are complemented by a diverse range of technology-based library experiences.
“During its first year, the library hosted school excursions, digital storytelling workshops in partnership with Compass Housing’s Grow a Star Project, three school holiday programs for children to explore virtual reality, robotics and coding, and a youth film night.
“Online literacy programs were also offered for seniors to navigate the Newcastle Library app, and events were held to help over 50s explore new technologies as part of University of the Third Age’s 30^th anniversary celebrations.
“The Digital Library is successfully helping people bridge the digital divide through a range of unique programs and services, which are improving digital literacy and promoting digital inclusion for people of all ages.”
The Digital Library offers the community access to a podcasting studio, an industrial 3D printer, Pepper, the programable robot, and a digital multimedia ‘Magic Box’, which provides a unique way of reading and interacting with the Library’s rare book collection through interactive video, photos and newspaper articles.
It also features a Grab’n’Go collection of the latest and most popular books, CDs and DVDs, large touchscreens with access to thousands of newspapers and magazines, along with free access to Wi-Fi, tablets and personal computers.
All Newcastle Libraries including the Digital Library remain closed in line with NSW Government advice. While the libraries are closed, members can access the eLibrary or Library 2U delivery service by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library

City pledges continued action on climate change

City of Newcastle continues to demonstrate its leadership in addressing climate change, with Councillors voting to join the international Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience campaigns at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that by taking the Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience Pledges, City of Newcastle has reinforced its stance on the urgent need for real action on climate change and a commitment to action in the lead up to the International Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in 2026.
“City of Newcastle is a leading government authority in Australia with regard to implementing strong and decisive initiatives to address climate change, which is why we have already formally committed to the principles and targets of the Paris Climate Agreement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re committed to a sustainable future for our city, and to becoming a net zero emissions city by mid-century which is in line with global efforts to limit global warming. City of Newcastle is leading by example and will reach net zero emissions for operations by no later than 2030.
“By taking the Cities Race to Zero Pledge, we join over 750 global cities who are advocating for stronger action on climate change and resilience, and commit to continued climate change action in the lead up to COP26.”
The international Cities Race to Zero campaign is an avenue for local government to showcase climate leadership, advocate for and commit to stronger action in support of Race to Zero, a global campaign which rallies leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
Cities Race to Resilience is a sister campaign to Race to Zero which focuses on building resilience to climate change and provides an opportunity to showcase action within a local context.
City of Newcastle is a member of number of committees and programs formed to prioritise climate change action. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Chairs the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and City of Newcastle is a founding member of ICLEI, a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.
Cities Race to Zero aligns to Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) commitments and the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) GreenClimateCities program, and allows City of Newcastle to report its climate change action progress through an existing CDP-ICLEI reporting mechanism.
In January 2020, City of Newcastle became the first New South Wales Council to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and the city’s Climate Action Plan 2021-2025 was endorsed by Council in July 2020. The Climate Action Plan acts as a roadmap for achieving positive impacts such as increasing clean energy, continuing resource efficiency, reducing emissions in our supply chain, supporting sustainable transport and addressing important issues such as setting targets for net zero emissions and building a vision for a low carbon economy.