Category: Newcastle News

Newcastle’s inaugural New Annual festival has come to a close after 10 days of events, attracting over 30,000 people to more than 50 events and activities across the city in a showcase of Newcastle’s arts and cultural community.
Involving more than 500 artists and 250 staff, crew and volunteers, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the festival had delivered an economic and confidence boost to the local arts sector and community, cementing Newcastle’s status as a hub of creativity and culture.

“New Annual marks a significant milestone in Newcastle’s growth and identity, demonstrating the City of Newcastle’s commitment to the arts and ability to deliver large-scale, multi event festivals,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our vision was to create a landmark cultural festival with a uniquely Newcastle character that could become a mainstay on Australia’s annual events calendar.
“We are absolutely thrilled that locals and visitors alike have embraced New Annual, providing a vital shot in the arm for Newcastle’s recovering creative arts and live music sectors, heavily impacted by COVID-19.”

More than 28 ticketed COVID Safe sessions and hands-on workshops were ‘sold out’ during New Annual, which ran from 12-21 February, with tickets being snapped up at an increased rate as the festival progressed.
The event has proven popular with visitors from the surrounding regions as well as drawing people from around the state and further afield including Queensland and Victoria. It also coincided with improved vacancy rates among local accommodation providers, with industry figures showing a 13 per cent rise in bookings and 37 per cent jump in revenue during the first Friday and Saturday night of New Annual compared to last year.
Among the highlights was former Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard’s inspiring talk, which was booked out within two days of going on sale, presented by the Newcastle Writers Festival as one of a number of new partnerships established as a result of New Annual.

Festival-specific shows commissioned by City of Newcastle with support from Create NSW were incredibly well received, including Catapult Choreographic Hub’s mesmerising performances of Acquist in the Civic Park fountain and Taylor’s Run by Curious Legends creating a new perception of the City’s Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
During the course of the 10 days, several events needed to add more sessions as word of mouth spread, including Fingers Crossed Creative, whose eclectic and enchanting Intergalacular Sci-fi Spectacular made a dramatic impression at The Hangar in Civic Park.

In acknowledgement of the City’s respect for Newcastle’s First Nations, the Pavilion of Sand in Wheeler Place was a central hub through the length of New Annual, passing on local Aboriginal cultural learnings about weaving, dance and traditional net-making in what Guraki Advisory Committee Luke Russell said was an important element of the festival.
“The reception from the community of local indigenous people sharing their knowledge was overwhelming and humbling,” Mr Russell said.
“It was the first time in 150-200 years that a traditional fishing net was made in Muluubinba again, contributed by all participants who attended, which is an amazing achievement.”
Curious Legends artistic director Mitchell Reese said New Annual had been a lifeline for the company during COVID, as well a fantastic platform to showcase their work.
“Being part of New Annual has been hugely beneficial for our company, and in many ways, a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Reese said.
“When COVID-19 hit, 90 per cent of our work disappeared overnight. City of Newcastle was one of the organisations that made a bid to support our company.
“Being a part of the festival not only meant work for our artists – many of which were struggling with the economic effects of COVID – but also a highly visible platform for our work to be showcased. Based on the vote of confidence City of Newcastle has shown in our work, we were able to leverage this project for additional funding through the Australian Government’s RISE fund, allowing us to reinvent the show for national and international touring in 2022 and 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful experience all round, and we are extremely grateful to City of Newcastle for making this happen.”
Curious Legends are just one of the artists returning for the second New Annual, being held from 24 September to 3 October this year. The early October timeslot will become its ongoing annual date in the events calendar.
New Annual fast facts

• Over 140 individual events with 30 ticketed shows and more than 20 free activities.
• More than 500 visual and performing artists took part in New Annual, including five key commissioned acts from the Newcastle region with support from Create NSW.
• 28 ticketed events were sold out over the course of the festival, with four additional sessions included in the program due to demand.
• Former Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard’s leadership talk, presented by the Newcastle Writers Festival, sold out in two days.
• Initial results received from the Australian Accommodation Monitor Reports show a positive trend on the first weekend of the Festival. When compared to the corresponding period last year (prior to any COVID restrictions), the first Friday and Saturday night of New Annual saw an increase in hotel accommodation occupation (up 13%) and accommodation revenue (up 37%) over the two days.
• Over $1 million has been invested by City of Newcastle since 2019 towards founding and developing New Annual to focus support behind generating growth opportunities for the Newcastle arts and culture sector.
• City of Newcastle secured three grants from the NSW Government for the event, including $86,096 to commission five local works for New Annual.
• New and enhanced collaborative partnerships with local organisations including Newcastle Writer’s Festival, This is Not Art (TiNA) festival, Big Picture Fest, The Olive Tree Market, and Micro Theatre festival.
• From the full program launch on 12 January to the event close on 22 February, New Annual received 497 mentions through media including TV, radio, online and print media.
• New Annual will return to the city from 24 September to 3 October 2021.

2021 has provided watershed moments for social media platforms and its influence on our lives. From the de-platforming of Donald Trump, to Facebook stripping access to news on its platforms in response to the Australian Governments Media Bargaining Code legislation. Australians have been confronted with the power of Big Tech and its influence on our lives.
The Parliamentary Friends of Making Social Media Safe has been established to spark conversation on the need for greater regulation of the online space, and establishing frameworks governing online speech and conduct.
Co-Chairs, Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster and Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, were excited to see the launch of the Parliamentary Friends group, and thanked Reset Australia for their support for the event.
Anne Webster, said that “thanks to the social media platforms, we have arrived at a new reality of ‘glocalisation’, where the local has merged with the global through online portals.”
“We have become increasingly reliant on Big Tech companies and their services, and governments around the world have not kept pace with these transformations and their consequences.”
“The problem we face now is that Big Tech companies are themselves responsible for determining their own limitations. They are acting as the moral arbiters of our society, which I argue, is the role of a representative government, not a technology company.
“It is deeply concerning that many thousands of people who are attacked online, and endure bullying and defamation lack the means to clear their name or protect their family.” Dr Webster said.
Sharon Claydon said “These platforms have made it much easier for individuals to be defamed and their reputations sullied; for vulnerable people to be bullied, harassed and exploited; and for coercive control to be utilised to instil fear in women.”
“It has also created the conditions for entire communities to be maligned, victimised or persecuted; for the amplification of hate speech from far-right extremist groups; and for the glorification and incitement of violence.”
“We can no longer ignore the very real threats that social media poses. Parliament now has an urgent responsibility to ensure that there is adequate protection for our people, our communities and, indeed, the very fabric of our democracy.”  Ms Claydon said.
Todays launch included special guests the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Shadow Minister for Communication Michelle Rowland, Chris Cooper, Executive Director, Reset Australia, Mr Damian Collins MP, member of the UK parliament, and Ms Julie Inman Grant, eSafety commissioner.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 February 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Inaugural New Annual Cultural Festival success
A Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledging the success of the City’s inaugural 10-day cultural festival New Annual held across the City between 12-21 February 2021, which attracted over 30,000 people, cementing Newcastle’s status as a hub of creativity and culture, was supported.
The minute acknowledged that more than 500 artists and 250 staff, crew and volunteers were involved in the delivery of New Annual and congratulated the local artists for embracing New Annual, and helping the City to create a world-class arts and cultural festival for Novocastrians and visitors.
City of Newcastle Local Government Remuneration Tribunal annual determination submission 2021
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was carried that noted that on 17 February 2021, correspondence from the NSW Government’s Local Government Renumeration Tribunal was received, calling for submissions by Friday, 19 March 2021 regarding its 2021 annual determination.
The Lord Mayoral Minute called for Council to make a submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, advocating for clarification regarding City of Newcastle’s status as either metropolitan or regional.
The LMM called for the creation of a new categorisation for City of Newcastle as a ‘Gateway City’ – recognising the immense importance of Greater Newcastle to the broader economy of New South Wales.
It also called for appropriate superannuation entitlements be paid to all Councillors and Mayors in New South Wales.
City of Newcastle Budget Submission 2021/22
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that the NSW and Federal Governments are calling for submissions for their 2021-2022 Budgets, with an emphasis on shovel-ready, economic stimulus projects to assist in the recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic, was supported.
The minute also called for acknowledgment that Newcastle-based projects identified on the Infrastructure Australia priority list be funded as a matter of priority, noting their significance for the national economic recovery.
Build Them Here – BusTech Electric bus technology
A Lord Mayoral Minute welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to designate Australian-based electric bus manufacturer BusTech Group as an official supplier, in support of its aim to decarbonise the NSW bus fleet by 2030. The NSW Government has committed to buying 120 new electric buses in 2021, and converting all 8,000 NSW Government buses to electric by 2030.
The minute noted Newcastle’s long history as a manufacturing hub, specialisation in advanced manufacturing, clean tech credentials in batteries and renewable energy, and traditional energy, and connection to the CSIRO Energy Centre and University of Newcastle, which has just become NSW’s hydrogen hub.
The Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported, called for Council to write to BusTech, inviting them to meet to discuss their product, and opportunity to locate their NSW manufacturing facility in Greater Newcastle
Newcastle Art Gallery Redevelopment update
A Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledged that the current 44-year-old Newcastle Art Gallery is home to the most valuable collection of over 7,000 works of art in regional Australia, with a collection valued at $115 million, including works by Arthur Boyd, William Dobell, Donald Friend, Tracey Moffatt, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Patricia Piccinini, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott and Brett Whitely to name but a few.
The carried LMM supports in principle the request to increase City of Newcastle’s contribution to $16.2 million and notes that this breakdown of figures sees an outstanding amount of $10 million required to realise the important project, which the City of Newcastle will request from the NSW and/or Federal Governments, while 75% of the project costs will be raised and funded by City of Newcastle, the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the Margaret Olley Art Trust.
Ordinary Business
Councillor representation on external committee – Newcastle Art Gallery foundation board
Councillors noted Councillor Dunn’s resignation from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board and appointed Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Clausen as City of Newcastle’s representative and nominated Director on the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board until the day before the next local government election.
Nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve (King Edward Park) on the state heritage register
Councillors moved to lay the item on the table to allow for a Public Voice session to be held.
Termination of outdated policies
Councillors voted to terminate outdated policies to ensure all City of Newcastle policies are current, relevant and accurately reflect the services and work of City of Newcastle.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 November 2020 – 31 January 2021
Councillors voted to table the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period 1 November 2020 to 31 January 2021) by the Chief Executive Officer.
Natural disaster clause – Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Councillors voted to confirm to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment that the City wishes to have the natural disaster clause inserted into the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Wood Street, Newcastle West – one-way traffic flow southbound and angle parking between Hunter Street and King Street
Councillors voted to approve the one-way southbound traffic direction, angle parking and raised pedestrian zebra crossing in Wood Street, Newcastle West between Hunter and Parry Street.
Adoption of Parking Plan
Councillors voted to adopt the Parking Plan – On Our Streets and noted that implementation will be staged over several years, in accordance with agreed priorities and resourcing.
Adoption of Cycling Plan
Councillors voted unanimously to adopt the Cycling Plan – On Our Bikes and noted that implementation will be staged over several years, in accordance with agreed priorities and resourcing.
Public exhibition of the draft Economic Development Strategy
Councillors voted unanimously to place the draft 2030 Economic Development Strategy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Public exhibition of the draft Grants Policy and Sponsorship Policy
Councillors voted to place the draft Community Grants Policy and draft Sponsorship Policy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Variations to development standard
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 October 2020 and 31 December 2020 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Liquor Amendment Bill 2020 update
Councillors received the report on implications for the delivery of the City of Newcastle’s Live Music and After Dark Strategies arising from the Liquor Amendment Act 2020.
December Quarterly Budget Review
Councillors received the December Quarterly Budget Review Statement and voted to adopt the revised budget.
Six-Monthly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the Six-Monthly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2021.
Audit and Risk Committee 2019/20 Annual Report
Councillors received the Audit and Risk Committee’s Annual Report for the 2019/2020 financial year and noted the 2020/2021 Forward Internal Audit Plan.
Tender report – geotechnical investigation and design panel contract – contract 2021/221t
Councillors voted to accept a tender panel for the provision of geotechnical investigation and design services for various projects throughout the Local Government Area.
Supply of rock bags for Stockton – contract no. 2021/060t
Councillors voted to approve an exemption to tender under Section 55(3)(k) of the Local Government Act 1993 due to the emergency circumstances at Stockton Beach in July 2020.
Notices of Motion
Permanently raise the rate
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to call on the Prime Minister, Treasurer and the Commonwealth Parliament to permanently raise the rate of JobSeeker by between $185 per week and $275 per week.
Keeping the Newcastle Ocean Baths free
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to reaffirm the current Council’s enduring commitment to maintaining the Newcastle Ocean Baths as a safe, free public facility, accessible to all Novocastrians regardless of socio-economic status, gender, age, mobility or background.
A Novocastrian in the White House
Councillors supported a motion to congratulate former New Castle County Councillor Joe Biden on his election to the office of President of the United States of America and noted that both Newcastle, Australia and New Castle, Delaware are part of the Newcastle’s of the World friendship network. Council will write to the United States’ representative in Australia, Chargé d’Affaires His Excellency Dr Michael Goldman, and Consul General to Sydney, Ms Sharon Hudson-Dean, expressing the City’s congratulations to the President and Vice President, and seek to maintain the strong relationship between the City of Newcastle and the United States.
Petroleum Exploration Permit (pep 11)
Councillors supported a notice of motion reiterating its previous opposition to any extension of Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11), which expired on 12 February 2021, due to unacceptable environmental impacts, and negative economic impacts on the recreational and commercial fishing and tourism industries off the coast of Newcastle.

Now that the New South Wales State Government has formally rejected the renewal of the PEP11 Petroleum Exploration Permit, the future of the project lies solely in the hands of the Morrison Government.
If renewed, PEP11 could see oil or gas rigs in the coastal waters between Port Stephens and Sydney.
Federal Labor stands on the side of coastal communities who have waged a strong community campaign against the permit.
This should be the end of the road for PEP11.
Oil and gas rigs have no place off the coast of New South Wales.
PEP11 offers no new jobs for locals and poses a threat to thousands of existing jobs in tourism, fishing and hospitality.
We call on the Federal Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, to listen to his state government counterparts, the strong message of our communities and the local representatives from across the political spectrum who are united in their calls to stop PEP11 once and for all.
Not only does the PEP11 permit run alongside a stretch of coastline that is home to millions, but it is also is home to a rich ecosystem of sea life and host to the magnificent annual whale migration.
The community has rejected the project. Federal Labor and local elected representatives have rejected the project. Now the New South Wales Government has rejected the project.
It’s well past time for the Morrison Government to stop the uncertainty and put an end to PEP11 once and for all!

Newcastle’s coastline is precious to locals and visitors alike, and through a new survey, City of Newcastle is looking to explore what the community loves about our beaches and what people do while they are there.
The Love Our Coast survey, which opened today, will help with the development of the City’s coastal management programs which will shape future plans to enhance our coast.
The survey will collect a range of information including what beaches people visit and how frequently, what they do while they are there and why they choose the beaches they do.
It will also investigate how people get to the beach and how much money they spend during their trips.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the survey is key to identifying priorities and plans for the coastline moving forward.
“The responses from this survey will help us develop plans and projects to enhance our coast for future generations, like our coastal management programs, that include long-term actions to help ensure we can manage these important areas,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our coastline is loved by many people and, in many ways, this 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.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen encouraged people to take part in the survey to have their say on how the City uses some of its most precious assets.
“Feedback from the community is very important to allow the City to understand how we value and use our beaches. We don’t only want to hear from the city’s beach lovers. It is open to everyone and the more feedback we get, the better informed our decisions will be moving forward.
“The insight provided by the survey will also ensure our coastal management programs satisfy requirements legislated by the Coastal Management Act 2016.”
The survey will be open for feedback from Monday 22 February to Friday 5 March. To share your thoughts, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

Police are investigating after fire destroyed a former clubhouse in Lake Macquarie overnight.
About 10.45pm (Sunday 21 February 2021), emergency services were called to a building on Maude Street, Belmont, following reports the former sports club was well alight.
Fire and Rescue New South Wales crews extinguished the blaze a short time later.
Officers from Lake Macquarie have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, which is being treated as suspicious.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 10pm and 11pm in the nearby area or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A senior constable has been assaulted during an arrest in Lake Macquarie.
About 7pm last night (Sunday 21 February 2021), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Wakool Street, Windale, after reports of a domestic incident.
Upon arrival, police attempted to arrest a 25-year-old man before he allegedly punched a male senior constable to the right side of the face.
The man continued to resist arrest before additional police apprehended him and arrested him.
It’s further alleged as he was being placed in the police vehicle, the man spat at an acting sergeant and continued to resist arrest.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with five offences including two counts of assault police, and one count each of resist arrest, destroy/damage property and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (DV).
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Monday 22 February 2021).

Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate an assault on board a train in Newcastle last year.
About 10am on Friday 25 September 2020, a 21-year-old man boarded a train at Metford Station headed eastbound.
During the trip, the man dropped a headphone to the ground and was attempting to retrieve it when an unknown male passenger stood up and punched the 21-year-old to the head.
The man contacted police and officers commenced an investigation.
As police continue their inquiries, they have released a CCTV image of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his 20s, with dark/reddish curly hair and a beard.
He was wearing a red, white and black hooded jumper, green camouflage cargo pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information which may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Kim Searle, aged 38, was last leaving seen a property in Newcastle last week. Her family hasn’t heard from her since.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.
Kim is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with dark hair, blue eyes, and tattoos of dragonflies and flowers on her arms.
She is known to frequent regional Victoria as well as the Scone, Muswellbrook and Newcastle areas.
Anyone who may have information about Kim’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.