Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle’s cultural facilities are diving back into the digital world to help keep Novocastrians entertained during the current COVID lockdown.
The City’s facilities were at the forefront of delivering online experiences to keep the community engaged and connected in the midst of the pandemic last year, from live-streamed science experiments to digital art classes and an extensive array of books, films, magazines and music available to download and enjoy.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the snap lockdown across Newcastle and the Hunter announced by the NSW Government last week provided the perfect time to take another look at these fantastic digital resources.
“Navigating the stress and challenges presented by the lockdown is a complex task, which can be exacerbated by feelings of loneliness, boredom or isolation,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Whether you’re living by yourself, trying to keep your children entertained at home or simply missing the sense of pleasure you get from visiting our network of cultural facilities, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of online activities for all ages and interests.
“Budding scientists can still enjoy the hands-on fun of Newcastle Museum with the Museum Express @ home video experiments, while crafty kids can follow the online instructions to build a Model T Ford or mini locomotive.
“Newcastle Art Gallery will also keep the youngest members of the family busy with their Art Cart at Home activities, or downloadable Art Trail activity booklets, while you can also take virtual tours to learn more about their fascinating collections.
“City of Newcastle’s significant investment in expanding our online library services part of our $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) last year has also provided a legacy of resources for our community to enjoy, including extensive e-book and e-audio platforms, movie and music streaming platforms, access to online newspapers and e-magazines, as well as online learning modules for both adults and school students.
“There is also an amazing array of children’s activities to watch, listen or read such as the StoryBox Library or National Geographic for Kids, while there are a large number of episodes to enjoy from Newcastle Libraries’ entertaining and informative ‘REAL’ podcast channel.”
To find out more about the digital activities being offered by Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Libraries visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Blog/What-s-On-line

The Directors of Newcastle’s museum and art gallery will continue to guide the future direction of the State’s cultural sector after being reappointed today for a second two-year term to the Create NSW Artform Advisory Boards.
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird and Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton were first appointed to the boards in 2019 in recognition of their leading industry knowledge and expertise.

Ms Baird and Ms Morton’s reappointments are testament to their valuable contributions to City of Newcastle’s significant cultural facilities, and the success they have achieved building on the reputation of these respected institutions both within the region and across Australia.
Ms Baird will continue to sit on the Museums and History Board while Ms Morton retains her position on the Visual Arts Advisory Board.
It has been a landmark year for both City of Newcastle Directors and the cultural institutions they lead.
Newcastle Museum’s innovative social history exhibition, 1X4, which was curated from its own extensive collection, was named the overall winner at the 2021 Museums and Galleries National Awards (MAGNA) in June, while Ms Baird was also appointed as the Vice President of the National Council for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Incorporated (AMaGA).
Newcastle Art Gallery’s On Stillness exhibition was also highly commended at the MAGNAs, while four years of work culminated in May with the opening of WARWAR: The Art of Torres Strait, a landmark exhibition focusing on the artistic traditions of the Torres Strait Islander culture, which brought together more than 130 works including art never before seen outside of the Torres Strait.
There are 10 Artform Advisory Boards that assess applications to the State’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program, providing recommendations on the strategic directions of the sector to the NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin.

A NSW Police Force civilian employee has been charged after allegedly impersonating a sworn police officer in the state’s north yesterday.
Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 10 August 2021), police were notified that a man had allegedly impersonated a police officer and provided inaccurate information to a fast food restaurant concerning COVID-19.
Following inquiries, the 44-year-old man – who is attached to a command in the Northern Region – was arrested and charged with impersonate a police officer and convey false information that a person or property is in danger.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 15 September 2021.
His employment status is under review.

City of Newcastle has postponed its New Annual festival, which was scheduled to take place from 24 September to 3 October.
The decision was made given ongoing COVID-19 cases in Greater Sydney and now the Hunter, New England area, and the associated public health, artist availability and restriction concerns.
City of Newcastle Strategy and Engagement Acting Director Kathleen Hyland said that while the decision to not go ahead with New Annual in September 2021 was disappointing, it was clear that now is not the time to be planning a festival.
“The decision to not go ahead with New Annual this September has been made with our community’s safety in mind,” Ms Hyland said.
“Following on from the success of our inaugural event in February, our team was in the midst of planning a New Annual that would take the festival to the next level with an outstanding program of events and performances, including new acts and new locations that would bring our city to life.
“But with headline artists coming from across Australia, and New Annual’s audience being drawn from far and wide, the current COVID environment means it is no longer appropriate, or possible, to deliver the kind of event we envisaged.
“I thank all the City of Newcastle staff, the creative community and stakeholders for the passion and commitment they have shown to New Annual, and everything they have done to prepare for the festival to this point.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she looked forward to the festival’s return next year.
“City of Newcastle is committed to seeing New Annual grow into a landmark cultural festival on Australia’s annual events calendar and we look forward to seeing it return bigger and better in 2022,” Cr Nelmes said.
Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle is exploring opportunities to engage some of the artists, who were scheduled to appear at New Annual, to deliver their works as part of programming for other events such as New Year’s Eve, subject to Public Health Orders.
This is the second time the pandemic has affected City of Newcastle’s plans for New Annual, with the inaugural festival postponed in September 2020 before being delivered in February 2021 with a comprehensive range of COVID Safe measures in place.
The inaugural event was a resounding success, attracting over 30,000 people to more than 50 events and activities across the city in a showcase of Newcastle’s arts and cultural sectors. The festival drew visitors from the surrounding regions, across the state and further afield including Queensland and Victoria.
More than 30 ticketed events and workshops were sold out during the inaugural New Annual, which supported more than 500 artists and 250 event staff, crew and volunteers.
New Annual will be back in September 2022.

Police are appealing for information after a COVID-19 testing clinic employee was spat at in the state’s Hunter at the weekend.
About 3pm Saturday (7 August 2021), an unknown man was waiting for a coronavirus test at a drive through clinic on Blomfield Street, Maitland, and became abusive after he was told the clinic was closing.
It’s alleged he then spat at the employee, narrowly missing him, before fleeing in a white coloured vehicle towards Wallace Street.
As inquiries continue, police believe a man described as being of Caucasian appearance and without his two front teeth may be of assistance to them.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information or dashcam vision that could assist police, to contact Maitland Police Station on (02) 4934 0200.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Police Force is urging everyone in Regional NSW to maintain vigilance and compliance with Public Health Orders to prevent COVID-19 from spreading into their communities.
Officers from Police Districts across NSW are conducting high-visibility operations to support the community in ensuring compliance with the Public Health Orders and responding to reports of breaches.
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, said policing operations will be bolstered as required to protect regional and remote communities.
“The communities of Regional NSW have been doing a great job to keep the virus out of their areas, and we need to keep up that good work; now is not the time for complacency,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
“It’s more important than ever that we fully comply with the Public Health Orders – and report breaches, especially relating to visitors from any of the areas subject to stay-at-home orders.
“In recent days, NSW Health identified high levels of virus fragments were detected in sewerage in a number of major regional centres, including Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, and Mudgee.
“These alerts are of concern, as we know in Armidale, positive cases have since been confirmed.”
With stay-at-home orders currently in place for the Hunter Region and Armidale and Guyra areas, Deputy Commissioner Willing urged those communities to do their bit through compliance.
“The Public Health Orders have been introduced for the health and safety of everyone, and while there is a significant police presence, our officers would prefer to not issue fines,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
“The message is pretty simple: if you don’t need to leave the house, stay home!
“If you’re heading out for an essential reason, please remember to put on a mask, maintain physical distance and check-in to all retail and business premises you visit.
“Regional communities are renowned for rolling their sleeves up and getting a job done, and just as they did in the Central West, I have no doubt the Hunter and Armidale communities will do what they have to do to eliminate COVID-19 from their areas.”
Various restrictions remain in also place for across NSW, which are critical for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“Regional NSW is the lifeblood of the state, and we all just need to keep doing the right thing so we can keep everything moving,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
“Further, the Delta variant poses a significant risk to our most vulnerable communities, and we cannot allow it to spread any further into the regions or our remote areas.
“It only takes one person doing the wrong thing to spread the virus – and it’s encouraging for police to continue to have the community’s support through the reporting of this type of selfish behaviour.
“I implore all regional communities to do what they do best in difficult circumstances – band together and support each other.
“The key to stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives is working together.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott praised the vigilance and efforts of our communities in Regional NSW.
“I thank our communities in Regional NSW for their cooperation during this time, and they should know that the police are working around the clock to support them and their loved ones”
“I urge everyone in Regional NSW to work with our police, in complying with the orders and to ensure we stop the spread of this virus in our regions.” Mr Elliott said.
For more information about COVID-19 rules and restrictions, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au
Follow your local Police District on Facebook for regular updates on policing operations and crime prevention information relevant to your community.

City of Newcastle reaffirmed its long-held commitment to declaring the city a Nuclear Free Zone, raising the Hunter Peace Group and International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) flags in Civic Park in recognition of Hiroshima Day.
Observed each year on 6 August, 2021 marks the 76th anniversary of the devastating bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by US forces.

In support of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the campaign to abolish nuclear weapons, the flags were flown alongside the Australian and Aboriginal flags to mark the historic anniversary.
It followed a Lord Mayoral Minute supported by City of Newcastle councillors in June, acknowledging the City’s long-standing history with local, national and international peace movements, dating back to 29 June 1982 when the City first declared Newcastle a Nuclear Free Zone under Lord Mayor Joy Cummings AM, and resolving to establish with Hunter Peace Group a dedicated Newcastle Peace Park at Tighes Hill Reserve, adjacent to Islington Park.
Peace parks exist in many cities across the country, including Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra, and more locally at Cessnock and Tanilba Bay.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City of Newcastle was proud to support these efforts as a progressive city.
“The City of Newcastle has a long and proud history of activism against nuclear weapons, particularly as a city with a large working port,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Former Newcastle Lord Mayor Joy Cummings was a passionate advocate for the peace movement, inspiring strong community support and joining with Hunter Peace Group, trade unionists and activists to hold demonstrations on the importance of nuclear disarmament and protecting Newcastle as a Nuclear Free City and port.
“I am honoured to uphold that mission today on behalf of the City, in which there is no place for nuclear weapons in modern society.”
Hunter Peace Group Secretary Lynda Forbes said the group was pleased to continue this important work with the City of Newcastle.
“While ever there is nuclear testing being conducted across the globe, Hunter Peace Group believes it is important to continue to commemorate the anniversaries of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to draw public attention to the threat that nuclear weapons pose to communities throughout the world,” Ms Forbes said.
“Despite City of Newcastle supporting the United Nations’ Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2019, and advocating to the Federal Government in 2020, Australia is yet to sign and ratify the treaty, which came into force in January this year.
“I’d like to thank Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, the City of Newcastle and the broader community for their continued advocacy and support for Hunter Peace Group and ICAN.”

An Illawarra man has been charged with fraud after allegedly claiming he had COVID-19 to avoid going to work.
About 4.15am on Monday (2 August 2021), the 23-year-old allegedly sent a text message to his employer, stating he had contracted COVID-19 and was unable to go to work in Newcastle.
His co-workers were stood down and self-isolated while awaiting their test results, and several locations near his place of employment required deep cleaning.
Later that day, the man allegedly sent another text to his employer advising his second test returned a negative result.
Subsequent inquiries confirmed the man never received a positive test result.
The matter was referred to the NSW Police Force, with officers attached to Wollongong Police District commencing an investigation.
About 1pm yesterday (Thursday 5 August 2021), the man attended Wollongong Police Station, where he was arrested and charged with conveying false information that a person or property is in danger.
The West Wollongong man was granted bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday 14 September 2021.

City of Newcastle has partnered with Hunter Ageing Alliance to better integrate age-friendly actions such as accessibility improvements and community connections into forward planning.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said exploring ways for Newcastle to adapt to an ageing population is an important focus for City of Newcastle as it plans for the next decade given one quarter of locals will soon be over 65 years of age.
“An age-friendly city and community enables people at all stages of life to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect,” Cr Nelmes said.
“By working with Hunter Ageing Alliance, we can develop ways to increase community participation for our older residents as well as exploring ways to increase affordable age-friendly housing, employment, training and education opportunities.
“As Newcastle’s population ages, it’s vital we make planning decisions to increase accessibility in our city and to create a place where it is easy for our elderly members to stay connected to others.”
Cr Nelmes said that the work with Hunter Ageing Alliance coincided with community consultation on a new ‘Social Strategy’ which would identify and propose actions to address barriers to social inclusion and make Newcastle a more liveable and connected city.
“Beyond health, welfare and economic issues, we are prioritising social engagement, life-long learning, connectedness and community development for our ageing citizens.
“By collaborating with industry partners, other government departments, not-for-profit organisations and our community, we share in a common goal to prioritise and plan inclusive responses affecting our community and provide a platform for further policy advocacy.”

Many of City of Newcastle’s publicly facing facilities will be closed to the public from today in line with the seven-day lockdown announced by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian for areas of the Hunter, including the Newcastle local government area.
The following City of Newcastle facilities are closed:

• Blackbutt Reserve (other than bush trails for essential exercise)
• City of Newcastle libraries including the return shoots
• City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue including the customer service centre and the digital library
• City Hall
• Civic Theatre and Civic Digest
• Community centres and halls
• Fort Scratchley
• Newcastle Art Gallery
• Newcastle Museum
• Tighes Hill Animal Facility
• Visitor Information Centre

Essential services including kerbside waste collection and patrols of beaches, ocean baths and public areas by City of Newcastle lifeguards and rangers will continue, while Beresfield Childcare Centre will remain open.
City of Newcastle staff will continue to undertake essential construction and maintenance services in a COVID-19 safe manner and in accordance with relevant Public Health Orders.
Summerhill Waste Management Centre is closed for domestic customers but will remain open for essential commercial waste services and kerbside collections.
Swimming centres remain closed across Newcastle in line with the seasonal schedule.
City of Newcastle will continue to provide customer service via telephone and online web chat between 8.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
We encourage our community to follow the Public Health Order and the Stay at Home restrictions.
For information regarding the lockdown or Public Health Orders visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
Information regarding individuals or businesses who are or may be contravening the current NSW Health Order should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.