Category: Newcastle News

Newcastle’s visitor economy received a major economic injection as a result of the City’s Event Packed April with industry data showing the accommodation sector returning to pre-COVID occupancy levels.
According to the Australian Accommodation Monitor Reports, demand for accommodation in Newcastle during the first fortnight in April saw occupancy levels sitting between 80-90% most days. The average daily rate for rooms increased by $52 per night, resulting in a 29% uplift in room revenue compared to the same period in 2019.

City of Newcastle’s Event Packed April was spearheaded by the World Surf League (WSL) Newcastle Cup along with SailFest Newcastle Regatta, Newcastle Seafood Festival, Newcastle Food Month, AoN Women’s University Rugby 7s and NewRun Newcastle Festival of Running.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there is significant opportunity for an event-led economic recovery in Newcastle and it is evident in the newly released data that events are a ticket to driving Newcastle’s visitor economy toward long-term growth.
“City of Newcastle’s April events calendar returned impressive results for Newcastle’s tourism and hospitality businesses still on the road to recovery, “Cr Nelmes said.
“Pre-COVID, our city’s hotels, once filled mid-week with corporate business travellers, saw their occupancy levels sitting at 80-90% again most days, thanks to the WSL Newcastle Cup and the City’s bumper April events calendar.”
A pipeline of new hotel product is under construction, including the five-star Kingsley in the former City Administration Centre set to open in June, Doma’s Little National Hotel, Iris Capital’s QT Hotel, and with plans underway to develop the historic Newcastle Post Office into a conference and function space.
“With a fresh injection of new hotel supply, the City’s ability to pitch for major events will only boost its appeal as a host city and position Newcastle ahead of other destinations,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We are in the early stages of rolling out Newcastle’s newly adopted Destination Management Plan, designed to reposition the city as a premier tourism destination with a strong focus on events, natural assets and cultural heritage, with a raft of initiatives and projects designed to grow our visitor economy and increase visitor spend.”
City of Newcastle continues to invest and support Newcastle’s visitor economy through the Product Development and Mentoring Program, the development and implementation of the highly targeted WhoKnew destination awareness campaign, and destination marketing partnerships with Destination NSW and Newcastle Airport.

A woman has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter region.
About 10.50am today (Wednesday 5 May 2021), emergency services were called to The Bucketts Way – about 5km north of the Stroud Hill Road intersection – following reports a Ford Ranger had left the road.
Upon arrival, NSW Ambulance paramedics located the driver – a female aged in her 30s – trapped in the front cabin of the vehicle; she died at the scene.
An 11-year-old girl was able to free herself from the vehicle, she was treated by paramedics for minor injuries and transferred to the John Hunter Hospital.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Bucketts Way has been closed in both directions, with diversions in place for both north and southbound traffic via Johnsons Creek Road. Delays are expected, police are urging motorists to avoid The Bucketts Way as the road will be closed for some time.
Anyone motorists who were driving along The Bucketts Way around the time of the incident and may have dashcam footage is urged to contact police.

Police are appealing for public assistance following two robberies in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 2.15pm on Saturday (1 May 2021), a 23-year-old man was seated in a park on Lexington Parade, Kotara, when he was approached by three unknown men.
The group demanded the man’s phone, wallet and backpack before he was punched in the face.
The group then left the scene before one of the men approached a 15-year-old boy on Park Avenue and threatened him with a knife.
He demanded his phone before fleeing with the remainder of the group.
Both incidents were reported to police a short time later and officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing in the state’s Hunter region.
Allan Bentley, aged 63, was last seen about 12pm on Monday 26 April 2021 in the Tea Gardens area.
He was reported missing to officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District, who commenced an investigation into his whereabouts.
Police are concerned for his welfare after he failed to attend pre-arranged appointments and his regular game of lawn bowls yesterday (Saturday 1 May 2021), at a bowling club on Old Maitland Road at Hexham, which is out of character.
Allan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 179cm tall, of medium build with short brown and grey hair and a beard.
It is believed he may be driving a white coloured Holden combo van, with NSW registration UQG-146, which has ‘catering’ written on the side.
Anyone who may have information regarding Allan’s whereabouts is urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

City of Newcastle embraced the return to face-to-face Australian Citizenship Ceremonies on Wednesday, welcoming 150 new citizens from 39 countries in a COVIDsafe ceremony at the Civic Theatre.
Originating from all corners of the globe, from the United Kingdom and the USA to India and Afghanistan, the City’s newest citizens were the first to make the pledge to Australia in person in Newcastle since the Department of Home Affairs moved to online ceremonies in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among them was Sahlee Cook, who swapped life in the Philippines for Newcastle’s laidback lifestyle.
After meeting in the Philippines, Sahlee Cook married her now husband Adam, with the couple choosing to settle in his hometown of Newcastle to create a permanent home together.
“Aside from the beautiful beaches, lots of cafes to choose from and different variety of restaurants, what I like most is the people. The people here in Newcastle are nice, helpful, and pretty laid back,” Mrs Cook said.
“I am grateful and beyond happy to finally be an Australian citizen. Australia is such a beautiful and amazing country, so I am honoured to be part of this great nation and to live in Newcastle.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who presided over the citizenship ceremony alongside Master of Ceremonies, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, said she had been looking forward to warmly welcoming Australia’s newest citizens in-person once again.
“City of Newcastle has worked closely with the Department of Home Affairs to safely resume face-to-face ceremonies to allow conferees to come together and celebrate one of the most special days in their lives,” Cr Nelmes said.
“As Novocastrians, we are proud to be part of such a culturally diverse, inclusive community and we welcome people of all backgrounds.”
City of Newcastle’s next citizenship ceremony is planned for Wednesday 1 September 2021.

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.