City of Newcastle’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was adopted by Council at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The plan’s objective is to address future demand, inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure with consideration to current and future needs of the community, other adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability.
With the city’s population expected to increase by over 27,000 by 2031, the Strategic Sports Plan provides strategic guidance and facility direction for 14 outdoor sports including athletics, AFL, baseball, basketball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis and touch football/Oztag.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the plan was developed in close consultation with Newcastle’s sporting community and is crucial as the city’s population continues to rise.
“During the development of the Strategic Sports Plan, we sought valuable feedback from local sporting clubs and associations, State Sporting Organisations, neighbouring councils and government agencies,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It was this feedback that informed the draft plan, which was then placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days, during which we received 172 submissions.”
“Our city currently has 63 sportsgrounds venues which are home to 140 fields that span over 370 hectares, with the need to provide additional facilities to meet the demand that will come with the continued growth of western corridor suburbs.”
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz echoed the Lord Mayor’s comments that the Strategic Sports Plan will be vital to ensure our community has access to the facilities needed to remain active.
“COVID-19 highlighted the value of getting outdoors, staying active and participating in sport, and as restrictions continue to ease, we are seeing more of our community recognising the importance of sport and recreation,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“As an ever-growing city, we need to plan for future growth and ensure that our community has access to a variety of sport and recreation facilities now and into the future.”
The highlights of the Strategic Sports Plan include optimisation of existing sportsgrounds, implementation of a rolling capital works program to progressively renew and upgrade existing sportsgrounds and improvement of City of Newcastle’s communication and administration processes.
A full list of the City’s sportsgrounds can be accessed here.
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Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 8 December 2020
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 8 December 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Offshore Wind
A Lord Mayoral Minute commending the NSW Parliament on the recent passing of the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill 2020, paving the way for the creation of the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, was carried.
The minute welcomed the emergence of large-scale offshore wind infrastructure as a viable renewable energy source with the potential to unlock $30 billion of investment and create thousands of local, well paid jobs and noted the opportunity for a new infrastructure manufacturing industry to emerge in Newcastle and the Hunter, paving the way for our City to become a renewable energy hub of the Asia-Pacific region.
The minute called for Council to write to Energy and the Environment Minister Matt Kean asking for the inclusion of offshore wind in the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, and to meet with a delegation of City of Newcastle, industry, business and Trade Union representatives to discuss its opportunities for environmental sustainability, local jobs and economic diversification.
COVID-19 Taskforce Update
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported to recognise the work and initiatives of the City Taskforce, which was established in April to provide local leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanking the members of the Taskforce and Action Team for their valuable contribution to the City’s recovery.
The minute also requested that, rather than dissolve at the end of 2020, the functions of the Taskforce be transferred to the Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee chaired by Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, as a mechanism to continue address COVID-19 pandemic matters as they arise.
Dr Anthea Bill, Lead Economist, Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRFC), was invited to present to Council in 2021 regarding HRFC’s City Taskforce Evaluation.
Ordinary business
Code of conduct annual statistics
Council received a report on City of Newcastle’s annual Code of Conduct complaints statistics for the period 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020, in accordance with Office of Local Government requirements.
Stairway to Heaven concept
Council voted to endorse the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ concept, which seeks to open up connections and view lines from Newcastle foreshore and the Hunter Street Mall to Christ Church Cathedral. The Chief Executive Officer was authorised to undertake feasibility analysis and discussions to progress the concept. This includes exploring the potential for the Mall Car Park site to be redeveloped to deliver the concept while also protecting the public car parking spaces and social infrastructure to ensure that was provided in any new concept.
Adoption of 2021 Council meeting cycle
Council resolved to adopt the Council meeting schedule that will apply from February to December 2021.
Adoption of Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020)
Council voted to adopt the Section 7.12 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020), which determines the Section 7.12 local infrastructure levy that applies to land within the Newcastle Local Government Area and what public facilities are to be funded by the levy. The Plan is reviewed annually to reflect City of Newcastle’s adopted Budget.
Endorsement of planning proposal to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 – 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher
Council voted for an amended motion to maintain the zoning of 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher as E4 Environmental Living and write to NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean to consider including it into the National Parks estate, noting the property’s strategic importance to the Green Corridor.
Urban Design Review Panel
Council voted to endorse the establishment of a new Urban Design Review Panel, which provides independent advice to City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality of urban design and amenity for development proposals.
Implementation of Live Music and After Dark Strategies – planning certificates
Council voted for an amended motion to progress with the implementation of planning certificate notations to notify future purchasers of properties within the Newcastle Local Government Area of City of Newcastle’s adopted Live Music Strategy and Newcastle After Dark Night-time Economy Strategy.
Council asked to receive a briefing from the relevant NSW Government agency or Office of Live Music on the new laws and seek a report from Officers at the next meeting of Council on the opportunities the new laws provide in the delivery of CN’s Live Music Strategy and After Dark Strategy.
Maryland Drive, Maryland – proposed pedestrian refuges near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street
Council voted to approve the construction of pedestrian refuges on Maryland Drive near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street, Maryland.
Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated – Memorandum of Understanding
Council voted to endorse the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated to recognise and acknowledge the historical and cultural importance of the site to the local community; work undertaken by the Society to preserve the site; and a commitment of City of Newcastle and the Society to the ongoing management and operation of Fort Scratchley.
Adoption of Strategic Sports Plan
Council voted for an amended motion to adopt the Strategic Sports Plan, which addresses future demand and informs the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrading of sporting infrastructure with consideration of current and future community needs, adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability. The amendment included the provision of both recreational and competition basketball facilities in the Plan.
Adoption of Carrington Greenspace Masterplan
Council voted to adopt the Carrington Greenspace Masterplan, which outlines a vision and principles for the strategic development of greenspaces and public domain in Carrington, providing innovative and active spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
Tender report – parking meter services – 2021/125T
Council voted to enter into a contract for Parking Meter Services for City of Newcastle’s existing fleet of parking meters.
LED street lighting upgrade
Council voted to enter into a contract with Ausgrid to replace all remaining non-efficient residential and main road street lighting with LED lighting.
Notices of Motion
McDonalds
Council adopted a notice of motion to request that McDonalds Restaurants attend a workshop with Ward 1 Councillors and a small number of representatives from the Newcastle West Residents group on the safety, security and cleanliness measures that are in place at the King St, Newcastle West McDonalds’ premises and any future measures currently being planned.
Domestic violence, violence against women and children, and coercive control
Council adopted an amended notice of motion to receive a report on City of Newcastle’s policies or plans that support existing domestic violence support organisations and women’s refuges within the LGA, and ensure that City of Newcastle workplace policies are reviewed to provide safe and effective mechanisms for staff to report incidents of inappropriate workplace behaviours. Council will also partner with City of Newcastle’s charity partner Got Your Back Sista to investigate and support the publication and promotion of a pocket guide on relationships, domestic abuse and coercive control to assist people to understand what help is available.
Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia (VESPAS)
Council adopted a notice of motion that seeks to explore opportunities to benefit from the accelerated trend of residents leaving capital cities for a ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’, known as VESPAs (Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia), by promoting Newcastle to VESPAs as a lifestyle city for innovative and creative talent.
Love Lambton 150 years event
A notice of motion was supported to recognise the 150th anniversary of the Municipality of Lambton in June 2021 and provide $10,000 in cash and in-kind support to support the delivery of the event.
CASHLESS WELFARE CARD EXTENSION COULD HIT VULNERABLE NOVOCASTRIANS
Federal Member for Newcastle has warned that vulnerable Novocastrians could find themselves caught up in the Morrison Government’s plan to extend the cashless welfare card system.
Ms Claydon said while the trial rollouts have largely targeted First Nations people, the Government’s plan to extend the cashless welfare card, making it permanent and mandatory, could capture all Australians on income support payments.
In a speech to Parliament, Ms Claydon accused the Morrison Government of “punishing people for their disadvantage” through the introduction of a mandatory income management regime.
“Let’s not sugar-coat this: The cashless debit card will capture all those marginalised and disadvantaged people and tie them up into an income management regime where there is no apparent pathway for escape, no means of breaking the cycle of poverty and no way to regain agency,” Ms Claydon told the Parliament.
“It will take away their capacity to make decisions about very fundamental aspects of our lives such as how they choose to spend their money. And, in doing so, it will remove autonomy, it will disempower them and instil fear, shame and stigma.”
Ms Claydon said the scheme would make it harder to find stability and move away from income management.
“This is the laziest form of public policymaking. It won’t provide any of the necessary wraparound services that are required in order to meet the very real challenges people face,” Ms Claydon said.
“This is not how you remedy poverty. Indeed, it’s how you entrench disadvantage even further.”
Ms Claydon called on the government to reconsider the plan.
“This is just plain cruel, punitive and ideological, not to mention ridiculously short sighted.
“The government needs to abandon this plan and, instead, invest in evidence based policies, job creation and much-needed community services.”
The Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Continuation of Cashless Welfare) Bill 2020 is currently before the Senate.
Ms Claydon said while the trial rollouts have largely targeted First Nations people, the Government’s plan to extend the cashless welfare card, making it permanent and mandatory, could capture all Australians on income support payments.
In a speech to Parliament, Ms Claydon accused the Morrison Government of “punishing people for their disadvantage” through the introduction of a mandatory income management regime.
“Let’s not sugar-coat this: The cashless debit card will capture all those marginalised and disadvantaged people and tie them up into an income management regime where there is no apparent pathway for escape, no means of breaking the cycle of poverty and no way to regain agency,” Ms Claydon told the Parliament.
“It will take away their capacity to make decisions about very fundamental aspects of our lives such as how they choose to spend their money. And, in doing so, it will remove autonomy, it will disempower them and instil fear, shame and stigma.”
Ms Claydon said the scheme would make it harder to find stability and move away from income management.
“This is the laziest form of public policymaking. It won’t provide any of the necessary wraparound services that are required in order to meet the very real challenges people face,” Ms Claydon said.
“This is not how you remedy poverty. Indeed, it’s how you entrench disadvantage even further.”
Ms Claydon called on the government to reconsider the plan.
“This is just plain cruel, punitive and ideological, not to mention ridiculously short sighted.
“The government needs to abandon this plan and, instead, invest in evidence based policies, job creation and much-needed community services.”
The Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Continuation of Cashless Welfare) Bill 2020 is currently before the Senate.
Serious single vehicle crash – Medowie
Police remain at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash in Port Stephens this afternoon.
Shortly after 12-midday (Wednesday 9 December 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were driving along Medowie Road near Ringwood Road when they have located a single vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, police located a female driver – and sole occupant of the vehicle – trapped inside.
Further emergency services were called and the woman was released before being taken to John Hunter Hospital under police escort in a critical condition.
Medowie Road remain closed between the Pacific Highway and Ringwood Road, with local traffic diversions in place. It’s expected the road will be closed for several hours which will significantly impact peak hour travel. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.
A crime scene has been established and Port Stephens-Hunter Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Community sets vision to enhance Carrington’s greenspaces
A strategy to improve the amenity and recreation opportunities for the community in Carrington will be considered at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Carrington Greenspace Masterplan examines existing land and park facilities exploring how the greenspaces can best be managed to meet recreation, sporting, community needs and environmental outcomes in both the short and long term.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community’s feedback has been integral to shaping the vision of Carrington’s green spaces.
“With its long and rich cultural heritage and unique industrial history linked to its role as a working port, the suburb of Carrington is one of Newcastle’s most desirable city neighbourhoods.
“The vision for Carrington greenspaces has been driven by the community and stakeholders and represents the aspirations of the people to see Carrington be the best it can be.
“The plan is a guiding document to shape a connected open space network, whilst building upon the unique character of Carrington.
“To develop the plan, we engaged with Carrington residents, collecting ideas through workshops, drop in sessions, surveys and conversations.
“People told us that more canopy trees in parks and streets, verge gardens, more connected pathways and improved streetlighting will improve how they enjoy their neighbourhood.
“Carrington has undergone significant economic and urban transformation yet despite these changes, it has retained its unique personality and its generous and distinctive open spaces.
“We want to ensure we provide innovative, active and passive spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
“An important part of the Plan is to also showcase Worimi and Awabakal stories in places of importance and recommends consulting further with the community to identify a site for a cultural meeting place for social gatherings, storytelling and education.
“While some actions identify further community engagement being required, and will need a collaborative funding approach, having a masterplan that is built upon the needs and priorities of the community will assist in securing funding to deliver specific initiatives in the future.”
City Taskforce Update 4 December
The City Taskforce, a collaboration of 17 leading organisations and employers, chaired by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes of the City of Newcastle, held its ninth and final meeting today, face-to-face at City of Newcastle’s City Administration Centre in Newcastle West. The Taskforce was formed as part of the City’s immediate response to the COVID-19 crisis, to chart the City’s path to community and economic recovery. City leaders focused their discussion on the Taskforce’s achievements and outcomes over the past eight months, including proactive, united leadership and cross-sector collaboration, tangible local solutions, and joint advocacy for those hardest impacted by the pandemic. As was custom at City Taskforce meetings, leaders received an economic briefing from the Hunter Research Foundation Centre, as well as presentations by two of the successful grant recipients under the City of Newcastle’s Industry Response Program.
Hunter economic outlook steady
Between September and October, the Hunter labour market remained steady, complemented by the addition of 54,000 jobs state-wide since August. However, the labour market is down 11.5% year-on-year from October 2019 to October 2020, demonstrating the staggering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hunter youth unemployment rate, which sits at 22.3%, highlights the disproportionate impacts on young people. Household spending and consumer confidence has improved, with the GDP rebounding from a 7% drop in the June quarter to a 3.3% rise in the September quarter.
Economic Development Strategy update
The Taskforce received an update on engagement for the City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy, the draft of which will be presented to Council in February 2021. The Strategy will play a critical role in guiding the city’s COVID-19 economic recovery, with an emphasis on skills development and talent attraction and retention to the region. Young people have provided an important voice in the conversation, with the City partnering with TAFE NSW Newcastle, Hunternet and Hunter Young Professionals to directly engage with young people and facilitate discussion through workshops.
Industry Response Program: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation
City leaders heard of the positive outcomes of the City of Newcastle’s Industry Response Program for two grant recipients: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation.
Hometown Holiday, a joint initiative of the University of Newcastle and City of Newcastle, launched in mid-November. The project incentivises Newcastle residents to holiday here and to engage with the city as a tourism destination, exploring local experiences and products and injecting much-needed cash to the local economy. As a result, 2,455 competition entries to win one of 100, $500 vouchers redeemable at more than 70 participating businesses were received within the first two weeks.
The Multi-Arts Activation, led by Hunter Writers Centre, identified early that the arts and culture sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, particularly vulnerable communities such as Indigenous and LGBTQI people. The project is spearheading the activation of the cottages atop Nobbys Headland, in collaboration with Local and State Government, to create spaces to engage the city’s artists, makers and creators and welcome members of the public to support the visitor economy.
Key achievements of the City Taskforce
The Taskforce’s final meeting offered an opportunity for leaders to reflect on the successes and achievements of the landmark collaboration, including:
Hunter economic outlook steady
Between September and October, the Hunter labour market remained steady, complemented by the addition of 54,000 jobs state-wide since August. However, the labour market is down 11.5% year-on-year from October 2019 to October 2020, demonstrating the staggering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hunter youth unemployment rate, which sits at 22.3%, highlights the disproportionate impacts on young people. Household spending and consumer confidence has improved, with the GDP rebounding from a 7% drop in the June quarter to a 3.3% rise in the September quarter.
Economic Development Strategy update
The Taskforce received an update on engagement for the City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy, the draft of which will be presented to Council in February 2021. The Strategy will play a critical role in guiding the city’s COVID-19 economic recovery, with an emphasis on skills development and talent attraction and retention to the region. Young people have provided an important voice in the conversation, with the City partnering with TAFE NSW Newcastle, Hunternet and Hunter Young Professionals to directly engage with young people and facilitate discussion through workshops.
Industry Response Program: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation
City leaders heard of the positive outcomes of the City of Newcastle’s Industry Response Program for two grant recipients: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation.
Hometown Holiday, a joint initiative of the University of Newcastle and City of Newcastle, launched in mid-November. The project incentivises Newcastle residents to holiday here and to engage with the city as a tourism destination, exploring local experiences and products and injecting much-needed cash to the local economy. As a result, 2,455 competition entries to win one of 100, $500 vouchers redeemable at more than 70 participating businesses were received within the first two weeks.
The Multi-Arts Activation, led by Hunter Writers Centre, identified early that the arts and culture sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, particularly vulnerable communities such as Indigenous and LGBTQI people. The project is spearheading the activation of the cottages atop Nobbys Headland, in collaboration with Local and State Government, to create spaces to engage the city’s artists, makers and creators and welcome members of the public to support the visitor economy.
Key achievements of the City Taskforce
The Taskforce’s final meeting offered an opportunity for leaders to reflect on the successes and achievements of the landmark collaboration, including:
- Advocacy – Five Newcastle Responses were developed and co-signed by City Taskforce members and presented to key State and Federal Government representatives, with more than 30 responses and engagements received in reply. At the second Taskforce meeting, members unanimously endorsed regional infrastructure priorities for the Hunter, which went on to form the basis of further policy advocacy.
- Direct Industry Response – City of Newcastle distributed $500,000 in Industry Response Program grants, targeted at the hardest-hit industries and population groups, supporting city-shaping projects in tourism, the arts, live music and small business. The grants were five times oversubscribed, illustrating the local demand and willingness of the Newcastle community to collaborate. Some organisations also received alternate funding through the Special Business Rates program.
- Youth Employment Charter – City Taskforce organisations, and others from across the city, signed the Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter, pledging to support and prioritise young people’s skills development and career progression.
- City Engagement – More than 70 organisations and their leaders directly contributed to the City’s COVID-19 response through a range of forums held to inform the City Taskforce’s work streams. Hundreds more were indirectly engaged through communications from member organisations, such as the Hunter Business Chamber and Hunternet.
- New Approach to Collaboration – The City Taskforce demonstrated a new action-orientated approach to collaboration. This provides a framework for future collaboration.
- Newcastle’s City Taskforce model was replicated in various forms in Geelong and Ipswich.
City Taskforce Evaluation
An evaluation of the City Taskforce, conducted by the Hunter Research Foundation, produced positive feedback overall from city leaders, who were supportive of the joint advocacy and strategic alignment the Taskforce enabled. Many praised the City of Newcastle for being among the first movers in Local Government across the country to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengths identified included proactive, united leadership and cross-sector collaboration, tangible local solutions, and a vehicle for advocacy. Weaknesses included differences in communication style and mixed views about short and long-term goals. This is consistent with the Taskforce framework, the goal of which is to tackle specific, time critical and often complex issues.
Less formal, spin-off collaboration outside of City Taskforce meetings was and continues to produce meaningful, organic action and preserve collegiality, which will form part of the Taskforce’s legacy.
Handover to the City of Newcastle’s Strategy and Innovation Committee
Established with a sunset clause, the City Taskforce dissolved at the conclusion of the meeting, having successfully navigated for the City the immediate economic crisis imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and providing a platform for further, ongoing collaboration. Chair of the City’s standing Strategy and Innovation Committee, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Declan Clausen, joined the meeting for the official handover of the Taskforce’s work streams, which will be integrated with the committee to continue collaborative action.
Acknowledgement of contribution to City Taskforce
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes thanked each member and organisation for their contribution and representation on the City Taskforce, recognising the collaboration and unified approach that has resulted in strong advocacy and immediate action for those most disadvantaged both economically and socially, noting the strength of City of Newcastle’s officers in supporting the work streams of the taskforce.
Find out more about the City Taskforce – Industry Representation.
City of Newcastle honours new inductee to Ambassador Program with a Key to the City
Veteran art director and curator Nick Mitzevich was bestowed a Key to the City of Newcastle by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes during an intimate ceremony yesterday at Newcastle Art Gallery.
The Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Mr Mitzevich began his career in Newcastle, studying a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle and gaining Graduate Diplomas in Education and Fine Art, serving as the Director of Newcastle Art Gallery for six years.
During his tenure, Mr Mitzevich brought community engagement, programming, marketing and collection development – particularly contemporary Australian art – to the fore, boldly transforming the Gallery in these areas.
Today, he remains a passionate advocate and supporter of the proposed $35.6 million Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion to key decisionmakers and governing bodies in Canberra, touting Newcastle as a creative arts hub that fosters creativity and produces world-class talent.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes commended Mr Mitzevich for his service to the arts and presented him with a Key to the City in front of esteemed friends, family and colleagues.
“The Key to the City is a significant honour under the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program, which recognises the efforts of Novocastrians, both residing in our City and in other parts of Australia and the world, in promoting our City,” Cr Nelmes said.
“While Mr Mitzevich’s impressive career has taken him to Queensland, South Australia and most recently the ACT, it is clear from his advocacy for Newcastle Art Gallery and the region as a whole that Newcastle has remained close to his heart, and we look forward to working with Mr Mitzevich as an ambassador for the City.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton wholeheartedly endorsed Mr Mitzevich’s induction to the Ambassador Program.
“It is wonderful to see my professional colleague and dear friend Nick Mitzevich, former Director of our beautiful Gallery and now the Director of the National Gallery of Australia, receive this prestigious award,” Ms Morton said.
“Nick continues to be a proud advocate and supporter of Newcastle’s much-loved Art Gallery and it is a pleasure to be hosting his Ambassadorship ceremony here.”
Chair of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, Suzie Galwey, said the Foundation was pleased to submit Mr Mitzevich’s worthy nomination to the City of Newcastle Award Panel.
“Advancing Newcastle Art Gallery, its collection and its exhibitions, is at the core of everything we do at the Foundation. The Board is pleased to formally recognise Mr Mitzevich’s ongoing contributions to our mission, and we were delighted to be able to nominate him for the Ambassador Program,” Ms Galwey said.
“The Foundation shares the City’s ambition to further the Gallery’s reputation as a world-class cultural institution, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Mr Mitzevich for the benefit of the Gallery and the City.”
Upon receiving the Key to the City, Mr Mitzevich thanked the City of Newcastle and acknowledged his role as a former Novocastrian in proudly promoting the City.
“It is an honour and a privilege to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle, my hometown which represents a significant chapter in my life and my career,” Mr Mitzevich said.
“In upholding the values of the Ambassador Program as the City’s newest inductee, this award reaffirms my continued commitment to the City of Newcastle and its rich arts scene.”
Mr Mitzevich is the eighth individual or organisation to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle since the program’s inception in 2017, joining the ranks with Naval Officer Anita Sellick, former University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Caroline McMillen, Breast Cancer Trials, Newcastle Eye Hospital Foundation, The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG, Youth With a Mission medical vessel The Ruach, and businesswoman and media personality Jackie Gillies.
DEFENCE CAPABILITIES IN HUNTER REGION UNLOCKED AS AEROSPACE PRECINCT TAKES FLIGHT
A defence and aerospace technology park that will create up to 4,300 jobs and service and maintain Australian fighter jets is one step closer to reality.
Stage one of the Astra Aerolab precinct is now complete thanks to $11.7 million from the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies fund.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro was joined by Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock to announce construction of vital infrastructure is now complete, including an access road, power, water, gas, sewer and data connections.
Mr Barilaro said the essential infrastructure will kick-start the site’s development, driving innovation and collaboration in the Hunter and benefitting the local community through the creation of thousands of jobs.
“I turned the first sod on this project 18 months ago, and this site has already been transformed to pave the way for a world-leading defence and aerospace technology park,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This will allow aviation companies to establish themselves at this new location, as well as create jobs for aerospace engineers, aviation, IT and avionics specialists and attract workers to the Hunter.
“I want to thank Newcastle Airport, the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council for their hard work and commitment to making this project a reality.
Dr Cock thanked the NSW Government for its $11.7 million investment, noting stage one unlocks four initial development sites totaling 7.4 hectares including an airside development site and allows for the expansion of the existing BAE Systems site.
“Astra Aerolab is a place where world leading defence, research, aerospace and industry partners will converge to push boundaries, embrace new technologies and develop the jobs for the future,” Dr Cock said.
“It will be a truly inspiring environment for both businesses and their employees; we are determined it will become a place that connects a global workforce with the RAAF Base Williamtown and Newcastle Airport, and a place where people will want to work.
“Today is certainly a very proud moment for Newcastle Airport and more broadly for our region. We have taken a great idea and were supported by a forward-looking government committed to developing regional NSW.
“I thank the NSW Government for partnering with us to jointly fund the first stage of the development and now doubling down on that investment by declaring this area as a Special Activation Precinct, with Astra at its heart.”
Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia Andrew Gresham said the company would directly employ around 400 highly skilled people to support the Joint Strike Fighter fleet during the 30 plus years of the aircrafts’ service life.
The Astra Aerolab will form part of the NSW Government’s larger Williamtown Special Activation Precinct, that will grow a national and international defence and aerospace hub to turbocharge the region’s economy, drive investment and create jobs.
Missing man – Lake Macquarie
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Lake Macquarie.
Patrick Thaidy, aged 60, was last seen at his home on Delasala Drive in Macquarie Hills about 12am on Sunday (6 December 2020).
Family members reported him missing to police later that day and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family members hold grave concerns for his welfare due to medical conditions.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, with a medium build, short black hair, scruffy facial hair and brown eyes. He is not currently wearing his dentures.
He was last seen wearing grey ‘Everlast’ track pants, a blue ‘Everlast’ long sleeve shirt and black shoes.
He is known to frequent areas in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong.
Anyone who may have seen Patrick or who may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about Patrick’s whereabouts 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.
Woman charged over alleged armed robbery – Kotara
A woman will face court today charged over an alleged armed robbery in Newcastle overnight.
About 6.15pm (Monday 7 December 2020), a 39-year-old female attendant was working at a service station on Park Avenue, Kotara, when a 37-year-old woman entered the store and approached the counter.
Police will allege in court the woman then threatened the employee with a knife and demanded cigarettes.
The employee refused and the woman left the store.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended a short time later and arrested the woman.
She was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon.
She was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 8 December 2020)