Category: Newcastle News

A new program designed to assist businesses to develop, promote and sell tourism products is being launched by the City of Newcastle.
Local tourism operators are invited to apply for the targeted program, which is being funded as part of the City’s Community and Economic Resilience Package.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City of Newcastle was working with the local industry to help it survive and recover from the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19.
“We know Newcastle is an attractive city with a wealth of natural and built assets, a broad range of accommodation and tourism providers, and has a thriving café culture and dining scene,” she said.
“While more than 5 million people visit the city each year, research shows that Newcastle lacks a good mix of bookable tourism experiences.
“Under this program, expert consultants will work alongside local tourism businesses to improve their tourism offerings and enhance their ability to attract visitor dollars, which in turn will help promote greater industry resilience, drive destination awareness and grow the visitor economy even further.
“Pre COVID-19 figures showed about five million tourists visit Newcastle each year, which is a rise of around 60% over the past five years, while the value of the Newcastle tourism economy increased 57% to $1.13 billion in the 12 months to March 2019.
“With the right mix of products and experiences, Newcastle will be in the perfect position when travel restrictions ease to grow visitation, length of stay and expenditure.”
The business growth and optimisation program builds on the free accredited training already offered to local businesses by the City of Newcastle as part of its response to the economic impact of COVID-19.
A number of places are still available across the 14 online programs being delivered by TAFE NSW, the University of Newcastle and Novaskill, with training focused on areas such as customer behaviour, digital and social media marketing, business innovation and growth, and community engagement.
“By upskilling our local workforce and empowering people to adapt, we provide positivity and support for the business community as they work to recover from this period of extraordinary economic and social disruption,” Cr Nelmes said.
Expressions of interest in the Tourism Business Growth and Optimisation Program will open on August 17.

Police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants.
Daniel Dejong, aged 34, is wanted on outstanding warrants for stealing, fraud and driving offences.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, of a thin build, with short dark hair and brown eyes.
Daniel previously resided in the Gateshead and Windale areas; however, his current whereabouts are unknown.
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but instead call Triple Zero (000).

NSW Police are renewing their appeal for information into the disappearance of a teenage girl from Lake Macquarie for more than 25-years, as part of this year’s Missing Persons Week.
Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was last seen being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on the same road about 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Gordana has not been located.
In a Coronial Inquest into Gordana’s disappearance in 2003, then State Coroner, Mr John Abernethy, found that Gordana Kotevski was deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearance and suspected murder of Gordana, along with two other missing Lake Macquarie teens – Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan APM, says twenty-five years on, it’s crucial for any potential witnesses to come forward.
“This Missing Persons Week, we want you to think about the person behind the photo. She was just a teenager, she had her life ahead of her.
“There are people in the community who have vital information which could help Strike Force Arapaima detectives solve this case.
“Anyone who lived in or would visit the Lake Macquarie area in late 1994, please cast your mind back and recall if you noticed a light-coloured utility in and around the area.
“It’s been a quarter of a century of unknowns and heartache for Gordana’s friends and family. Please, help us give them closure,” Supt Sullivan said.
Gordana’s aunt, Julie Talevski, is encouraging members of the public to take the time to read about Gordana on www.missingpersons.gov.au.
“This Missing Persons Week, we’ve decided to release one of the last known images we have of Gordana – she was a bridesmaid in 1994. Young, joyous, innocent, she had the world at her feet,” Ms Talevski said.
“The impact of Gordana’s disappearance has taken its toll on her parents and siblings, extended family and friends. Missed special events bring with them a stark reminder of the emptiness felt by her disappearance. The passage of time has not made acceptance of the situation any easier.
“Please, if you know anything or can vaguely remember any information which could help detectives, call the police,” Ms Talevski said.
Anyone with information about Gordana Kotevski’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The community is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 2 August and Saturday 8 August 2020.
For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

City of Newcastle has developed a plan with expert arborists to save a historic 100-year-old Port Jackson fig tree in Gregson Park that was facing the chop.
A recent branch break, which typically would have led to the tree being removed, will instead be saved by installing a cable system in the canopy of the tree later this month. Works will include planting a small fence and garden underneath the tree’s drip line, turning it into a special feature piece of Gregson Park. The initial pruning of the tree will start in the next few days.

A successional tree will also be planted close by to ensure the continuity of tree canopy cover in the park in decades to come.
Councillor Carol Duncan said it was crucial that the city’s natural heritage and historic flora and fauna were protected where possible.
“Gregson Park has a rich history as one of Newcastle’s most loved parks, with some trees dating back to the late 19^th century,” Councillor Duncan said.
“Preserving Gregson Park’s trees is important because they not only hold sentimental value to us, they also provide habitat for native wildlife such as the threatened Grey-headed Flying Fox, which is the case with this tree.
“City of Newcastle is also excited about the opportunities that will come out of the Gregson Park Masterplan and is looking forward to putting it to the Newcastle community so that they can have their say on the future of the park.”

The park is a locally significant landscape heritage item with a strong sense of identity and has been a popular part of the city for well over a century. City of Newcastle has a positive long-term vision for the space and is in the process of developing the Gregson Park Masterplan, which will be open for community input later this year.
It’s expected the work carried out for this historic fig will extend its life by an extra 20 years. Work will be completed by the end of September.
During construction you can send words of support directly to the staff working to save the tree by visiting our Tree Map (newcastle.nsw.gov.au/tree-planting) and searching for Tree ID 43327.

Strictly as a precaution, Wallsend Library is temporarily closed following a public health alert from NSW Health.
If you were at Hotel Jesmond 29 July, between the hours of 7pm to 9pm, Wallsend Diggers 29 and 30 July between the hours of 9pm to 11pm or Lambton Park Hotel 30 July between the hours of 8pm to 9pm, you must strictly isolate at home for 14 days from the dates and be tested for COVID-19

City of Newcastle will spend $8.2 million in parks, playgrounds and sporting fields this year as COVID-19 forces families to increasingly look to their own neighbourhoods for places to exercise or play with the kids.
Today marks the start of Local Government Week (3-9 August), with this year’s theme, ‘Councils Do’, reflecting the broad range of activities councils undertake to support their local communities and proactively respond to the challenges they face.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City is prioritising building new infrastructure as part of its response to the devastating impact of COVID-19, with a record $116 million capital works program.
“Councils are the hub of their communities, responsible for everything from libraries, galleries, museums and community events, to childcare centres, development assessments, environmental maintenance and even cemeteries,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our neighbourhood parks and open spaces are vital city infrastructure, and during the past five years we have delivered approximately $6.5 million in new and upgraded playgrounds across our city and suburbs, including the new Brickworks Park and Carrington Street Reserve playgrounds in Wallsend.
“In 2020/21 we will continue this investment in locations such as Novocastrian Park in New Lambton, Gross Street Reserve at Tighes Hill, King Edward Park in Cooks Hill and Dangar Park in Mayfield.
“We’re also planning a new active hub in Wallsend, while also completing the significant upgrade to Stevenson Park in Mayfield West.”
Up to four of Newcastle’s 117 playgrounds are replaced each year as part of the City’s asset renewal works program.
Work on the just completed playground at Brickworks Park in Wallsend included a new all-abilities carousel, boulder climb, nest swing, rope ladder, slide and more, while the Carrington Street Reserve playground has been upgraded to include a new plank walk, suspension bridge, double slide, tube net and other activities.

“Local communities love their local playgrounds, and they’re often a neighbourhood hub for residents to meet and come together,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This was especially noticeable under the COVID-19 restrictions, which challenged us as a community to look closer to home for exercise and recreation.
“Our playground renewal program is a great example of how City of Newcastle goes far beyond the traditional services of ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ to create a fantastic place to live, promote a healthy economy and build our community.”

Local Mambo artist and art teacher Michael Bell has won the prestigious KILGOUR PRIZE 2020 with a whimsical double self-portrait.
Councillor Carol Duncan announced Michael Bell as the winner of the $50,000 art prize via a livestreamed announcement at Newcastle Art Gallery today.

Chosen from more than 350 entries and 30 finalists from across Australia, Bell’s painting Starting The after party (Two self-portraits) 2020, depicts the artist standing in front of another self-portrait The after party, which was a finalist in the KILGOUR PRIZE 2019.
The KILGOUR PRIZE 2020 was judged by Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton and invited judges Rachel Arndt – Gallery Programs and Touring Exhibitions Manager, Museums and Galleries of NSW, and Stephen Gilchrist – Curator and Lecturer Art History, The University of Sydney.
The judges were impressed by the composition of the winning painting and details of the studio throughout – the bottle of linseed oil, the motivational quotes stuck up on the wall, the tip of the dog’s nose on the canvas to the right – a nod to some of the artist’s most well-known dog beach works.
“The City of Newcastle is honoured to be the home of the KILGOUR PRIZE, which has firmly established itself as one of Australia’s major art prizes,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This is highlighted by the immense quality of the works and artists who have entered this year. I congratulate Michael Bell on joining the list of accomplished artists to have taken out the KILGOUR PRIZE.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said it was a wonderful acknowledgement of a much-loved and highly respected local artist.
“Michael Bell’s career spans over 30 years. A teacher at the Newcastle Art School, Bell has been included as a finalist in exhibitions such as The Archibald Prize, The Sulman Prize and the KILGOUR PRIZE. Bell has also designed for iconic Australian brands such as Triple J and surf label Mambo Australia,” Ms Morton said.
The KILGOUR PRIZE is administered by Newcastle Art Gallery and funded via a bequest from Australian artist Jack Noel Kilgour, administered by The Trust Company, Part of Perpetual.
The KILGOUR PRIZE 2020 exhibition showcases the 30 finalists and is on display at Newcastle Art Gallery from 1 August to 15 November 2020.
People’s Choice Award
In addition to the overall prize, the KILGOUR PRIZE 2020 competition includes a People’s Choice Award of $5,000. Visitors to the exhibition can vote for the People’s Choice Award until 5pm Wednesday 21 October 2020. The winner will be announced Monday 26 October 2020.
KILGOUR PRIZE 2020 finalists:
Elizabeth Austin, Michael Bell, Andrew Bennett, Daniel Butterworth, Lileana Colarelli, Tony Costa, Greg Creek, Dagmar Cyrulla, Tracy Dods, Esther Erlich, Peter Gardiner, Craig Handley, Jacqueline Hennessy, Corinna Howell, Brittany Jones, Erik Krebs-Schade, Bronni Krieger, Kenneth Lambert, Kerry Mcinnis, Joshua Mcpherson, Anh Nguyen, Lori Pensini, Jordan Richardson, Melissa Ritchie, Ben Ryan, Lynn Savery, Wendy Sharpe, An Sheng, Oliver Shepherd, Kylie Melinda Smith

Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on the state’s Lake Macquarie District.
About 9.25pm (Thursday 30 July 2020), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Charlestown, following reports a car collided with a telegraph pole.
Police have been told the vehicle was travelling north on the Pacific Highway when it left the road and crashed.
Emergency services were unable to revive the driver, who was the sole occupant of the car. The driver died at the scene.
The driver, believed to be a man aged in his 40s, is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District secured a crime scene and have established traffic diversions, which will remain in place while police conduct their investigations.
Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area. For the latest traffic information visit www.livetraffic.com.

Newcastle’s tourism, entertainment and arts community will benefit from more than $500,000 from the City of Newcastle to city-shaping projects targeting those industries hardest hit by COVID-19.
Developed in collaboration with the City Taskforce, comprising 17 leaders from business, community and educational sectors, the response program will foster community connections and industry resilience.
Collaborative partnerships from the Hunter Writers Centre, Field Frequency, University of Newcastle, Olive Tree Markets and the Business Centre have received funding for unique projects that will boost the local economy.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the program encouraged collaboration between industry groups, businesses and community organisations to provide long-term, strategic benefits for the City.
“Newcastle’s visitor economy has been one of the hardest-hit sectors in our community, along with hospitality, arts and recreation,” the Lord Mayor said.
“These local initiatives are unique, innovative and leverage our City’s strengths to provide support to people hardest hit by COVID-19.
“From harnessing the vibrancy of Newcastle’s live music scene and attracting visitors to our City, to developing stronger connections in our creative community, the funded projects will provide much needed support.
“The five projects will be delivered within 6-months and will leave a positive legacy for our city.”
Newcastle Business Chamber CEO and City Taskforce Member Bob Hawes said the industry targeted funding approach has resulted in projects that present new opportunities for businesses, locals and visitors to support Newcastle’s economy.
“Now more than ever, people are looking to explore their own backyard as they recognise the need to support local businesses,” Mr Hawes said.
“If we want to be able to return to the lifestyle we enjoyed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to support our local businesses now to ensure that they can survive this unprecedented economic and social disruption.”
“The successful grant recipients showcase what the region can achieve when we harness the collective knowledge of our corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors.”
Industry Response Program Grant Recipients
University of Newcastle – Hometown Holiday
The Hometown Holiday project will incentivise Newcastle residents to have a ‘hometown holiday’ inclusive of overnight accommodation and curated experience itineraries. Locals will be encouraged to visit Newcastle as tourists and engage with the City as a tourism destination, providing economic benefits to local tourism businesses.
Field Frequency – Smart City LIVE Music TV Show
Field Frequency will produce a live-stream music series, using live-stream broadcast collaborations to maximise the recovery of the local arts and entertainment industry. The show will showcase a diverse range of established musicians and new talent growing the City’s identity as a collaborative and inclusive community.
The Business Centre – Small Business Recovery Centre
The COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Project will provide much needed support and advice to local businesses, curated and coordinated by the Business Centre and based at 265 King Street. The Centre will bring together government and non-government agencies, banks and financial services providers, mental health and well-being providers, to offer support and provide information, and services, that lead to sustainability and job creation, to small businesses during and after COVID-19.
Hunter Writers Centre Inc – Multi-arts activation
Hunter Writers Centre will lead a multi-arts activation benefiting local arts, cultural, and tourism businesses. The project will include exhibition studio spaces for Indigenous and non-Indigenous writers, musicians, visual and digital artists and performers to develop work for exhibitions of cultural and maritime history and stories of local sites.
The Olive Tree Market – The Olive Tree Virtual Online Platform
The Virtual Olive Tree Market Platform will develop new income generating opportunities, capacity building and educational workshops for local creatives. Existing customers, supporters, and new online audiences will be targeted to buy local online, to re-connect and forge ongoing connections with creatives.