Category: Newcastle News

Newcastle book lovers are being given access to one of Australia’s largest literary events thanks to a collaboration between City of Newcastle and the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
The Live and Local program will see a range of festival events livestreamed from Carriageworks in Sydney direct to City of Newcastle’s Digital Library on Friday 30 April and Saturday 1 May 2021.

The free community event provides access to a diverse range of authors not usually available to regional audiences and is being delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to promoting lifelong learning opportunities and creating social and community connections.
Newcastle residents will be able to join in the real time conversations, debates and discussions with some of the world’s finest authors during the livestream, with the high profile line-up including Richard Flanagan, Kerry O’Brien, Michael Robotham, David Marr, Laura Tingle and Judy Blume.
And while the Newcastle audience will be physically separated from the events by more than 170km, the City’s Digital Library will put them right in the thick of the action thanks to the state-of-the-art technology of the 8m-wide Storywall, which will make audiences feel as though they are in the room with the writers.
Newcastle participants will also have a chance to send questions via SMS direct to the Carriageworks stage during the interactive Q&A sessions.
The Sydney Writers Festival Live and Local project aims to promote interest in books and reading nationally, creating opportunities for audiences to participate in Festival events through digital livestream technology.
The livestream event is also a great chance to explore Newcastle’s newest library and experience the range of technology and library services on offer, including the Grab-and-Go collection featuring more than 30 of the latest book titles released.
The livestream will be on at the Digital Library, located at 12 Stewart Avenue Newcastle West, from 10am to 5pm on Friday 30 April and 1pm to 5pm on Saturday 1 May, with no bookings required.
Log on to https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/ to check out the full list of the Sydney Writers Festival livestream events on offer.

The first stage of City of Newcastle’s revitalisation of the Hunter Street Mall will start in May after Councillors voted to award Statewide Civil the construction contract last night.
The $5 million project is part of the East End Public Domain Plan which will see new paving, landscaping and public amenity improvements in and around the Hunter Street Mall.
Work will start on the block bound by Hunter Street, Wolfe Street, King Street and Perkins Street, and is part of a broader plan to reinvent the city’s former commercial centre as a tourism, residential and hospitality hub.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering well planned infrastructure for a growing city.
“The vision of the East End Public Domain Plan looks to reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional high street and an attractive destination for locals and visitors, with outdoor dining and boutique retail opportunities,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The project will increase accessibility and public amenity and will be complemented by trees and plants to create a greener city centre.
“With its central location close to Newcastle Beach, the Harbour and bars and restaurants, this upgrade will provide a boost for nearby businesses and create a high street in keeping with our status as an emerging global city.
“The project complements other improvements in the precinct including Iris Capital’s $750 million East End development which will see the former David Jones building become a five-star QT Hotel, and the planned refurbishment of the Victoria Theatre on Perkins Street.”
The first sub-stage of work will include stormwater upgrades, reinstating a kerbed road on Hunter Street, paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and will incorporate smart lighting, public Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging points.
Iris Capital Development Manager Jamie Boswell said the upgrade strengthens the Mall’s appeal to visitors.
“Like so many Novocastrians, we’re thrilled to see Newcastle’s historic mall come back to life with new development, residents, retail options and now improved public space,” Mr Boswell said.
“The improvements City of Newcastle is making in the area means the transformation we’re seeing through new high-quality development will be complemented by attractive and active public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
A tender for the demolition of the Mall Carpark is currently open following structural assessments that showed it was no longer safe for use. Demolition is expected to commence mid year.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 April 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Bob Palmer Oval – Tuxford Park, Shortland
A Lord Mayoral Minute to re-name Tuxford Oval Number 1 as the Bob Palmer Oval to recognise Mr Robert ‘Bob’ Palmer’s incredible contribution to Shortland, the Shortland Devils RLFC and to Rugby League, was unanimously supported. On 12 December 2020, Mr Palmer was tragically killed in his beloved suburb of Shortland leading to expressions of grief from the local community. The Lord Mayoral Minute notes that the Shortland Devils Rugby League Football Club Committtee, Club Members, the local Shortland community, and Bob’s family have requested that Tuxford Oval Number 1 at Tuxford Park be renamed to honor Bob’s lifelong commitment to the Shortland Community, and to the Shortland Devils RLFC. The City will work with the Shortland Devils RLFC, Mr Palmer’s family and the community to officially dedicate the Bob Palmer Oval, through the installation of a memorial to Mr Palmer and appropriate naming signage.
Housing Affordability crisis in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute about the housing affordability crisis was supported by Councillors. The Lord Mayoral Minute notes that City of Newcastle continues to advocate to the State and Federal Government to provide adequate funding to address housing affordability in Newcastle.
The Lord Mayoral Minute recognises that dedicated, long-term social and affordable housing and advocates have declared that Newcastle is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with the end of JobSeeker and JobKeeper, the rent-rise moratorium coming to an end and a sharp increase in the value of property creating a ‘perfect storm’ for the rise of homelessness. It also acknowledged the current housing crisis, and commits to continuing to do all possible from local government to address housing affordability across Newcastle, noting that the supply of new social and affordable housing stock is the responsibility of the State Government, with the support of the Federal Government.
Ordinary Business
Code of Meeting Practice – Procedures for Councillors attending Council and Committee of Council Meetings remotely
Councillors noted legislative temporary amendments which allow for Councillors to attend meetings remotely in certain circumstances until 31 December 2021 and to adopt procedures to manage the practical application of the amendments.
Domestic violence and violence against women and children
Councillors received an update of the actions undertaken by the City of Newcastle in response to Domestic Violence and Coercive Control against women and children.
Councillors voted to continue to support domestic violence support groups Got Your Back Sista and Nova for Women and Children as City of Newcastle’s nominated corporate charities for a further three years until 2024.
Public exhibition of draft Community Infrastructure Incentive Policy
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Adoption of the Community Grants and Sponsorship Policy
Councillors voted to adopt the Community Grants and Sponsorship Policies following public exhibition.
Proposed road closure – Crown Street laneway, Stockton
Councillors endorsed the closure of the section of Crown Street laneway road reserve, Stockton, adjacent to Lot 5 Section B DP 6865, and sell the land to the adjoining property owner.
In addition, Councillors voted to authorise the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Tender report – Stage 3A Wallsend Local Centre – Intersection of Kokera and Cowper streets – Contract 2021/362t
Councillors voted to accept City of Newcastle’s recommended tenderer for the construction of Stage 3A Wallsend Local Centre following a competitive tender process, consisting of the widening and realignment of Ironbark Creek and the installation of a culvert bypass at Cowper Street, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/362T.
Tender report – Summerhill Waste Management Centre – Provision of Environmental Services – Contract 2021/293t
Councillors voted to accept City of Newcastle’s recommended tenderer following a competitive tender process for the provision of environmental monitoring, reporting and other services related to environmental compliance at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/293T.
Due to the estimated total value of the contract exceeding $1 million, the Chief Executive Officer’s delegation required a resolution of Council to accept the tender.
Notices of Motion
Waste Reduction and Green Caffeen Program
A Notice of Motion recognising the commitment of the City of Newcastle to ensuring that all Council managed enterprises, activities and events on Council land eliminate the use of disposable and single-use plastic items, was supported by Councillors.
Councillors also noted the City of Newcastle’s diverse portfolio of waste reduction programs and campaigns, including partnerships with a range of stakeholders to raise community awareness of this issue.
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to join the Hunter Joint Organisation’s partnership with Green Caffeen to reduce the litter and waste stream associated with disposable coffee cups.
Modernising shark bite risk mitigation
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion in favour of the modernisation of shark bite risk mitigation including the removal of shark nets in favour of increased drone surveillance, SMART drumlines, and trials of additional non-lethal measures.
Councillors also endorsed the response to the NSW Shark Management Strategy.
City of Newcastle Vaccine Hubs
A Notice of Motion acknowledging Australia’s slow progress in vaccinating the population against COVID19 and noting calls from public health experts for vaccine hubs to be established to expedite vaccination and deliver herd immunity was supported.
Councillors also noted the negative public health and economic consequences of a prolonged vaccination rollout, and the long history of Council supporting community vaccination programs, including at City of Newcastle venues such as City Hall.
Councillors welcomed making City of Newcastle venues available to support the expedited delivery of community vaccination in Newcastle.

City of Newcastle Councillors awarded a tender for specialist services at Summerhill Waste Management Centre which will allow staff to quickly identify and respond to environmental risks onsite.
The service will add further specialist skills to complement the existing on site expertise, to deliver extensive environmental monitoring and reporting programs to lead Summerhill into a more environmentally sustainable future.
In addition, the City, together with the specialist services of the awarded tenderer, will invest in developing a long-term electronic data management approach to housing environmental data captured at Summerhill to improve efficiencies and aim to improve transparency following a robust monitoring and data review. This will ultimately provide for ease of public access to information.
The contract value is estimated at around $750,000 per annum, over three years. This includes the investment in a new data approach, and access to a significant number of specialists from various environmental disciplines.
City of Newcastle Waste Services Manager Troy Uren said Summerhill Waste Management Centre had an important role to play in championing environmental sustainability as the second largest and most regionally significant waste management facility in NSW.
“With Newcastle’s population predicted to grow by 21% to more than 200,000 by 2041, and the Hunter flagged as one of the State’s fastest growing areas, we need to sustainably manage the imminent increase in waste output,” Mr Uren said.
“The City has identified the need to engage external environmental expertise to use the latest technology at Summerhill, ensuring it continues to operate sustainably as a regional facility.
“Our aim is to ensure we continue to get the little things right, which then ensures we can deliver the other benefits the community expect, such as our new Organics Processing Facility, and a proposed Material Recovery Facility to process recyclables locally.
“Summerhill’s strategic location and landfill capacity means it is ideally located and placed to offer benefit to the region as other facilities reach capacity over the next decade or so.”
Following a competitive tender process, the recommended tenderer was awarded by the Council at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The recommended tenderer achieved the highest ranking via the assessment process and has been evaluated as providing the best value for money tender considering all price and non-price factors relevant to the proposed contract, and a demonstrated ability to provide similar services across a range of industries.

A man will face court today following an alleged public place shooting in Cardiff earlier this year.
About 11.15pm on Sunday 14 February 2021, officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Newcastle Street, Cardiff, following reports of an affray between a group of men.
Upon arrival, police spoke with a 26-year-old man, however were unable to locate any further persons nearby.
A 21-year-old man has been charged in relation to the alleged affray, he remains before the courts.
Following extensive inquiries, police received information that a firearm was allegedly produced during the affray and discharged twice.
On Tuesday 16 March 2021, officers attended a property on Newcastle Street and spoke with a 37-year-old man.
He was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with fire firearm in/near public place and fire firearm manner likely injure persons/property.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 28 April 2021).
Investigations into the alleged affray are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to come forward.

City of Newcastle is a step closer in delivering a range of projects to help mitigate flooding in Wallsend with a preferred tenderer for the upgrade of stormwater infrastructure at Cowper Street to be considered at tonight’s Council meeting.
The planned upgrade includes installing a stormwater bypass across from Cowper Street bridge which helps Ironbark Creek to manage heavy rain events which historically affect Wallsend Town Centre.
These works also include widening and realigning the upstream section of the creek, which will be flanked by sandstone to renew the existing concrete-walled channel.
The improvements at Cowper Street will follow the recently commenced demolition of a vacant building next to Nelson Street bridge, which was acquired by the City of Newcastle in 2018 to facilitate the future widening of Hunter Water Corporation’s Ironbark Creek stormwater channel.
Widening the Hunter Water channel and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City was continuing to deliver on its commitment to improving Wallsend for current and future generations.
“We’re getting on with our $20.7 million, Council-endorsed work as part of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan along with traffic improvements and public amenity upgrades to Wallsend Town Centre, which will support businesses and residents.
“The installation of the Cowper Street Bridge bypass culvert is a critical first step before the City can proceed with upgrades to the nearby intersection of Cowper and Kokera Street, replacing the roundabout with traffic signals.
“Further traffic improvements in Wallsend are planned under the Wallsend Local Centres Program, with detailed design for the upgrade of existing traffic signals at the intersection of Cowper and Nelson Streets to commence later in 2021, including blackspot funding from Transport for NSW.”
A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930 built structure.
Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to commence later this year.

A woman has died after she was struck by a truck at Lake Macquarie overnight.
Emergency services were called to the M1 at Cameron Park, near the Newcastle Link Road, just after 9pm (Thursday 22 April 2021), following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a truck.
Witnesses performed CPR; however, the female pedestrian died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City Police Districts attended and established a crime scene, which has since been forensically examined.
The truck driver, a 23-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A dedicated program aimed at supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government has been launched by the City of Newcastle.
The City of Newcastle Veterans Employment Program, developed in collaboration with the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs and United Services Union, provides dedicated advice and guidance to both veterans and employing managers about matching skill sets, supporting veterans throughout the entire recruitment process, as well as providing tailored feedback to ex-service personnel.
Lillian Tiddy Executive Manager, Member Services at LGNSW, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Craig Delaney from the Office for Veterans Affairs and Stephen Hughes, Northern Region Manager, United Services Union.
Resources include a detailed ‘Local Government Rank to Grade Guide’, aimed at helping veterans and hiring managers understand how Australian Defence Force skills and experience align with local government roles, a dedicated guide to preparing job applications and resources to assist throughout each stage of the recruitment process.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was proud to partner with the Office for Veterans Affairs and United Services Union to support veterans to consider pursuing a career in the local government sector.
“City of Newcastle has an enormously diverse workforce, catering to a wide range of skills and backgrounds making local government a great career opportunity for ex-service personnel, no matter their rank or experience”, said the Lord Mayor.
Office for Veterans Affairs Manager Craig ‘Dallas’ Delaney, a veteran Lieutenant Colonel with 30 years service in the Australian Defence Force, who leads the Veterans Employment Program for the NSW Government, welcomed City of Newcastle’s support for veterans through the implementation of a dedicated resource to assist ex-service men and women find employment in local government.
“The Veterans Employment Program aims to support our ex-service personnel into public sector jobs across New South Wales, and City of Newcastle’s commitment to this program will be warmly welcomed by the men and women of our veteran community,” Mr Delaney said.
“The Office for Veterans Affairs, working closely with City of Newcastle, can provide strong support and assistance throughout the entire recruitment process. From helping to match existing skill sets with the right jobs in the public sector, to providing tailored feedback on their application if a veteran has the courage to request it, we’re working together with the City of Newcastle to ensure our ex-service personnel are adequately supported when taking the next steps in their career.”
United Services Union Northern Region Manager Stephen Hughes, a Veteran who served as an infantry soldier in the 3^rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, and assisted with the development of the Veterans Employment Program, said the union was proud to work with City of Newcastle to support veterans employment initiatives.
“The United Services Union welcomes City of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting our veterans into meaningful employment in the local government sector,” Mr Hughes said.
“We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Council on initiatives to ensure a diverse workforce, that is representative of the communities they support, including our ex-service men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”
City of Newcastle Infrastructure Director Ken Liddell, a veteran with 20 years of service in the Royal Australian Air Force, said the diverse skills he learned during his career in the Air Force enabled for a successful transfer into the public sector, including senior leadership roles in State and Local Government.
“The skills I learned in the Australian Defence Force have been invaluable for my post-service career in the public sector. Strong and decisive decision making, collaboration and team work as well as leadership and mentoring are all skills encouraged in the services, that readily transfer into local council jobs”, said Mr Liddell.
“The ability to continue to serve your community is just one reason why I would strongly encourage any veteran to consider a career in Local Government as a great post-service career choice.”

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have arrested two men and a woman after seizing a shortened rifle, ammunition, prohibited drugs and $8000 cash in the state’s Hunter Region.
In February this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Drail to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs and firearms across the state.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed four search warrants at properties at Cessnock today (Thursday 22 April 2021).
During the searches, detectives seized a shortened rifle, prohibited drugs, mobile phones, ammunition and $8000 cash.
About 6.20am (Thursday 22 April 2021), detectives attended a home at Cessnock, where they located prohibited drugs, cash, and phones. A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
A second search warrant was executed simultaneously at a nearby property, where police seized prohibited drugs, a firearm, ammunition and an electronic control device.
About 6.35am, investigators stopped vehicle on Alexander Street, Cessnock, and spoke to 26-year-old man.
During a subsequent search of the car, police a located prohibited drug, a knife, and cash. The man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
A short time later, detectives attended another home at Cessnock, where they seized a phone, cash, and cannabis.
About 6.40am, another search warrant was executed at a fourth Cessnock home, where police they seized cash, prohibited drugs and capsicum spray. A 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
All seized items will be forensically examined.
Charges are expected to be laid later today, and inquiries continue.

Police have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate a break and enter at a Raymond Terrace business last month.
About 1.20am on Thursday 4 March 2021, two men approached an automotive business on Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace, and walked around the perimeter before leaving on foot.
The pair returned about 20 minutes later, before one of the men climbed under a fence and entered the premises.
They left a short time later and returned with a third man about 2.20amand again entered the premises before leaving on foot along Kangaroo Street.
No items were taken from the business during the incident.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified later that day and commenced an investigation into the incident.
As police continue their inquiries, they have released CCTV footage of three men who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The first man is described as being of a slim build, between 175cm to 180cm tall, with a light-coloured hat, a jumper, long pants and a backpack.
The second man is described as being of a medium build, between 175cm to 180cm tall, wearing a hat, a jumper and shorts.
The third man is described as being of a medium build, wearing a jumper and long pants.
Anyone who may have information about this incident which could assist investigators is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.