Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle has been recognised with two major awards at the New South Wales Local Government Awards in Sydney on Thursday evening.
The City’s COVID-19 Community and Economic Resilience Package, as well as its Community and Civic Hub, which includes the Digital Library, Council Chambers and Customer Service Centre, won first place in their respective categories.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the two awards were testament to the City’s leadership and staff’s unwavering commitment to serve and support the Newcastle community.
“The awards are an outstanding achievement and recognise City of Newcastle’s innovation and culture of continuous improvement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is leading the way with its digital transformation and ability to provide support to the community.
“The City Administration Centre’s flexible ground floor layout is a brilliant space to learn and master new digital technologies that are now available free to everyone.
“With state-of-the-art technology, the space has been designed to optimise the customer experience. Visitors flow seamlessly between Customer Service and the Digital Library and on most Tuesday nights, the space transforms into the Council Chamber. The new digitally connected Chamber has allowed the elected council to meet in hybrid formats (remotely and in-person) thanks to the new technology.
“The project has transformed the way these elements operate in a co-located environment.
“Whether people need to enquire about a DA, speak with a Customer Service representative or access the many hundreds of thousands of items in the City’s e-Library catalogue, the City Administration Centre offers a seamless experience for the community to get the most out of a visit.
“We are extremely pleased our city boasts the most digitally-advanced library in NSW for learning, whether it be for children or adults.
“I am equally proud that City of Newcastle’s Community and Economic Resilience Package was acknowledged for helping locals through the unprecedented impacts of the pandemic, especially our most vulnerable and at-risk community members.
“Among the first governments at any level to develop and activate a comprehensive plan for social and economic support, the City’s package has been acknowledged for its targeted and swift response to the needs of the community.
“Working with government and local partners, the $5.5 million response package delivered support across targeted programs at a time when it was needed most. The response included financial relief, business and community support, free online training packages and community grant programs.”
“The City’s support for small and media enterprises has been highlighted as national best practice and a model for all local governments.”

City of Newcastle is inviting interested community members to join a working group to help with the development of the City’s Coastal Management Programs.
The group will help shape plans to enhance Newcastle’s dynamic and constantly changing coastal environment which is precious to its community and those who visit.
A Coastal Management Program (CMP) is a long-term strategy that sets a coordinated and adaptive approach to the management of coastal hazards such as beach erosion, shoreline recession and coastal inundation.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen encouraged people with an interest in ensuring the coastline and estuaries are managed and protected for future generations to submit an expression of interest to join.
“We’re looking for a broad group of people who are already engaged with our beaches and coastline to help to develop ways to ensure we enjoy these natural assets for years to come,” Cr Clausen said.
“Our coastline is loved by many people and in many ways and it forms a significant part of Newcastle’s identity as a liveable and sustainable global city.
“Newcastle is fortunate to boast some of the best beaches in the world and a spectacular coastline that provides countless benefits to both our local economy and our way of life.
“Our coastal management programs include long-term actions to help ensure we can manage these important areas, particularly in light of a predicted increase in coastal hazards.
“The objective of the Newcastle CMP Working Group is to provide strategic guidance on the preparation, certification and the review of Newcastle and Stockton Coastal Management Programs which are underway.
The first meeting of the Newcastle CMP Working Group will be held next month.
The formation of the working group follows the Love Our Coast Survey, which explored what the community values most about the city’s beaches and coastline.
Community members who are keen to be involved in the future management of Newcastle’s coastline and estuaries are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest before 19 June 2021.

The community has joined with City of Newcastle in celebration of World Environment Day by planting 5,500 native grasses, groundcovers, shrubs and trees in Jesmond this week to restore Newcastle’s urban ecosystems.
The 2021 United Nations World Environment Day’s theme of ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ has been acknowledged with community activities planned to enhance Newcastle’s urban forest.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said connecting with local school students and residents to plant a tree and learn about nature was a special way to mark the global event.
“Locals have volunteered their time and effort to create a pocket of habitat for local birds and other wildlife in Maclure Reserve, which demonstrates the value people place on greener public spaces,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Green spaces make our city ecologically richer, and a more beautiful and pleasant place to live.
“The City plants more than 300,000 tube stock each year, which makes a big contribution to restoring Newcastle’s diverse natural ecosystems.
“City of Newcastle has invested more than $1.3 million in caring for and restoring Newcastle’s bushland, creeks, wetlands, coast and estuary ecosystems so far this year and has committed $1.5 million in next year’s budget.
“Over the last four years City of Newcastle has invested $6 million in caring for our bushland, watercourse and wetland assets through design and delivery of on-ground habitat restoration works.
“In addition, the City invested $4.2 million in the street and park tree replacement planting program.
“The City cares for a wonderful array of natural ecosystems including 79 kilometres of creeks, 506 hectares of bushland, 65 wetlands, nine coastal rock platforms, 19 hectares of sand dunes along our 10 beaches, and over 90,000 street and park trees.
“These natural assets not only sustain our local biodiversity but also keep our city cool, absorb and store carbon, provide food and shelter for native wildlife, and keep our air and water clean.
“The greening of our urban landscape, by restoring urban forest areas, watercourses or wetlands has a positive impact on Newcastle and improves our community sense of wellbeing. It’s a win-win for the city.”
The urban forest planting events are another example of the City’s commitment to becoming an International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) City with Nature, recognising and enhancing the value of our natural surrounds, as well as our efforts to be a global local government leader in sustainability.
The Greater Bank partnered with City of Newcastle by donating new trees as part of its community tree planting program, which will see 20,000 additional trees established throughout Newcastle.
More community planting events are planned this month. Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/living for more information.

An investigation is underway after two buildings were destroyed by fire in the Hunter Valley overnight.
About 10.20pm yesterday (Friday 4 June 2021), emergency services responded to reports of a fire on a property in Morpeth Road, Morpeth.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene; the blaze was extinguished by NSW Fire and Rescue.
Two buildings on the property were destroyed in the fire, while another was badly damaged.
All buildings were unoccupied at the time.
At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown; however, it is being treated as suspicious.
As investigations continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.

A man has been charged after two men were seriously injured in two separate assaults in the state’s Hunter region.
About 8.50pm yesterday (Friday 4 June 2021), a 23-year-old man pulled into the driveway of his Woodberry home and was confronted by a man armed with a baseball bat.
The armed man assaulted the 23-year-old with the bat as he attempted to get out of his car.
He managed to free himself and ran inside his Dalwood Street property as the armed man damaged his vehicle with the bat before running from the scene.
The man suffered a broken elbow and was treated at hospital.
About 3.40am (Saturday 5 June 2021), a 24-year-old man was found at the railway overpass bridge on Railway Parade, Beresfield, suffering serious head injuries. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment. He remains in a stable condition.
Detectives from Port Stephens – Hunter Police District commenced inquiries into both assaults and arrested a 22-year-old man at a home on Fairfield Street, New Lambton about 2pm today (Saturday 5 June 2021).
He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage.
He was refused bail and will be appearing in Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 6 June 2021).
The men are all known to each other.

Newcastle households are being given the opportunity to take up home composting and reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill.
Residents will be offered a 75% discount off the recommended retail price as well as free shipping of selected composting, worm farming and bokashi fermenting products.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the program will be available to the public from 5 June, which is World Environment Day. This year’s theme is ecosystem restoration, focussing on resetting our relationship with nature, and home composting is a great way to do this.
“In Newcastle, around 30% of the waste in our red-lidded bins is organic and food waste. Per household we throw away an average of 135kg of food waste each year and home composting is one way we can combat this,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Composting and worm farming are both fantastic ways to recycle scraps from the kitchen while providing a rich fertiliser for the garden.
“Households with no garden, or limited space, can still get involved by choosing the compact bokashi bin, which ferments a large range of food scraps including meat, citrus and dairy, so there’s a way for everyone in the community to get involved.
“An important impact of this program will be less food waste to landfill. A recent survey of more than 500 Newcastle residents found 98% felt it was important to divert waste from landfill.
“To support this program, Newcastle Libraries will be hosting a four-part podcast series and short video series, which will help provide residents with knowledge and skills for successful home composting.”
Newcastle Local Government Area residents will be able to purchase a home composting system from the Compost Revolution website at the subsidised price and it will be delivered to their door free of charge.
Before making their purchase, residents will need to complete a simple training program either online or in person to ensure they choose the right home composting program for their household and learn how to compost successfully.
The discounted products available are:

• Dirt Vader compost bin plus compost revolver;
• The Farm worm farm plus 1,000 worms; and
• Urban Composter bokashi bin + 1L enzyme refill + scrap smasher.

“Composting, worm farming, and bokashi fermentation are positively exploding as more people discover how easy it is to make a big difference for the environment while creating their own soil and fertiliser at home,” David Gravina, CEO of the Compost Revolution, said.
“Composting is something all of us can do to turn a problem into a valuable resource while doing our bit for the planet.”
This initiative is part of a broader organics recycling plan for the City of Newcastle, which includes the construction of a commercial grade organics recycling facility at Summerhill Waste Management Centre. Once the facility is commissioned, it will allow food waste to be collected with vegetation in the organics bins. Ultimately, this new facility will produce a quality compost product from kerbside organics, which can be used as a replacement for inorganic fertilisers.
The home composting program will be launched on 5 June, with products available to purchase online. Product numbers are limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. For more information visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/foodwaste
This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority, Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, which is part funded from the waste levy.
Face-to-face home composting workshops

• Monday 28 June: 10am – 12pm at Stockton Senior Citizen Hall
• Saturday 10 July: 2pm – 4pm at Hamilton South Estate Centre Care Hall
• Monday 6 September: 2pm – 4pm at Hunter Multicultural Communities Waratah
• Saturday 16 October: 2pm – 4pm at Wallsend Library

Communities across the state will share in $250 million worth of funding to create a legacy of green and accessible public spaces as part of a program that is the first of its kind in NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding supported 60 successful council proposals for more than 100 projects as part of the NSW Government’s inaugural Public Spaces Legacy Program.
“This pandemic has reminded us of the immense value we all place on our public spaces – our parks, streets, plazas, cycleways, foreshores, bushland and walking trails,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This program and the funding behind it will not only lead to better public spaces, but the work to construct them will boost local economies through the creation of more jobs.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funding being delivered to councils was reliant on them meeting agreed targets to speed up local development applications.
“This program is the first of its kind in NSW and demonstrates state and local government working together to create a legacy of beautiful public spaces that communities, for decades, can be proud of,” Mr Stokes said.
“In exchange for legacy funding, councils participating in the program need to speed up their assessment times. They have until June 30 to keep hitting their targets but, so far, the program has seen a 20 per cent improvement.
“It’s been great to see the unclogging of the planning system as part of this program – 42 of 53 planning proposals that had been stuck in the planning system for more than four years have been resolved and 161 of 168 regionally significant development applications have been cleared.”
This innovative program will see legacy projects delivered across NSW including:

• Albury: More than two hectares of public space adjacent to the Murray River will be upgraded with a boardwalk and the construction of a shared zone market area to provide for up to 60 market stalls;
• Bankstown: Paul Keating Park precinct will be rejuvenated with an inclusive playspace in the heart of the CBD, plus more tree coverage and seating;

 

• Georges River: A car park will be converted into permanent green, public space, including smart furniture, more trees and shade.

 

• St Leonards: the new St Leonards Plaza will create a green space in the heart of the CBD to benefit local residents and workers with an accessible, active and vibrant public space;
• Double Bay: A road will be closed to create a public plaza in Knox Street, including seating and gathering areas, landscaping, lighting and public art elements;

Mr Stokes said 28 councils in Greater Sydney and 32 councils in regional NSW took part in the program.
“We’re offering funding from $2 million to $5.5 million for projects from Albury to Byron and from Dubbo to Sydney, including parklands, trails, foreshore and riverfront precincts, plazas and street improvements,” he said.
Councils will be provided with funding for project planning and design and will have until 30 June 2021 to demonstrate they have met DA assessment performance improvements to lock in their full allocation of funding ahead of construction starting from August.
For more information, visit:
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Planning-reforms/NSW-Public-Spaces-Legacy-Program

When an 8-year-old girl was swept on her body board out of Newcastle’s Canoe Pool, onto the rocks and into the ocean during 14-foot dangerous swell in January, City of Newcastle lifeguard Mick Body sprang into action.
He moved quickly along the rock shelf and dived into the treacherous surf conditions, rescuing the young girl who was struggling to stay above the rough water. Mick, joined by another lifeguard (Luke Kelly), held onto her and navigated the large swell to return her to the safety of shore and her frantic family.

It is this display of courage, professionalism and experience that has earned the City of Newcastle Lifeguard an Australian Professional Ocean (APOLA) Lifeguard Association Meritorious Service Award, the highest accolade in the profession.
Mick, who has worked as a professional lifeguard for almost 20 years said he was honoured to receive the National Award and to be recognised for doing a job he loves and is passionate about.
“It was a surprise, but definitely an honour to be recognised with this award,” Mr Body said.
“During large swells waves engulf the Canoe Pool and then bounce off the side of the ocean baths creating a strong side wash which catches people by surprise. I’m pleased our rescue that day avoided an almost certain drowning.
“As lifeguards we have the best office in the world. Every day is new and that is exciting. The beauty of working on the beach is that we are ambassadors for our city and meet people from all over who come here to enjoy themselves.”
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes praised Mick’s quick-thinking and lifesaving action.
“Our lifeguards provide an absolutely invaluable service to our community and regularly go beyond the call of duty to keep our community safe,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Without Mick’s bravery, advanced skills and knowledge of the beach, the outcome would have certainly been a tragic one.
“I’m proud that this incredible effort has been acknowledged on a national stage and I thank all of our lifeguards for their daily acts of kindness, bravery and courage.
“Each surf season City of Newcastle lifeguards save on average 100 lives and perform more than 15,000 preventative actions as more than one million people visit local beaches.
“Lifeguards are extremely proactive when it comes to taking preventative measures. This can include asking surfers to surf outside the flagged area to urging beach goers to swim between the red and yellow flags instead of near dangerous rips.
“When prevention fails, it can often take just split seconds for swimmers to find trouble and the same time for lifeguards to act.”
City of Newcastle has also been recognised by APOLA for continuing to deliver its Water Safety Education Program to local young people and the City’s multicultural community during COVID. The program is presented by City Newcastle’s lifeguards and teaches fundamental water safety skills and preventative measures.
The face-to-face program, which has run for 52 years, targets primary school students and works with the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre and University of Newcastle Language Centre.
By developing an adapted COVID-safe program, City of Newcastle Lifeguards were still able to virtually reach 14,000 primary students in the Newcastle ensuring the community was able to receive vital information that may prevent drownings.

A safer, more attractive local centre is on its way for Shortland, with City of Newcastle endorsing the Shortland Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan at the Ordinary Council meeting this week.
The upgrade will improve safety on Sandgate Road with a new pedestrian refuge and reduced driver speeds via the installation of road cushions and implementation of a 40km/hr High Pedestrian Activity Area.
Heavy vehicle traffic will also be reduced in the area, with vehicles weighing over 10 tonnes being redirected to the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. Buses and heavy vehicles with business destinations within Shortland suburb will be unaffected.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that pedestrian safety in Shortland is a key priority.
“During our earlier rounds of engagement with the community we heard that pedestrian safety at Sandgate Road was a significant concern,” Cr Nelmes said.
“These upgrades are designed to address the community’s concerns and also improve the experience for shoppers and visitors with new footpaths and street furniture also being delivered.”
Ward Four Councillor Jason Dunn affirmed the importance of these upgrades to the local community.
“It was pleasing to see so many community members have their say on the proposed changes, and I’m looking forward to seeing the upgrade be delivered as a result of the community’s feedback,” Councillor Dunn said.
Owner of Shortland’s My Community Pharmacy John Jones said the upgrade is fantastic for Shortland locals.
“It’s great to see Shortland being included in the upgrades being delivered across Newcastle,” Mr Jones said.
“The people of Shortland love supporting their local businesses so it’s a positive that it will be safer to get here with improved accessibility, making it a space we can all be really proud of.
Construction of the upgrades is scheduled to commence in the coming months.
The City has engaged a local artist to work with the community to develop a theme for a new mural installation. The mural project will be delivered in conjunction with construction and the subsequent opening of the upgraded local centre.