Category: Newcastle News

A major redevelopment of Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground is underway and expected to be complete in time for the facility’s 100th anniversary next year.
The project, which includes enlarging the playing field, upgrading the lighting and building new tiered seating, is scheduled for completion in mid-2021 and will be position the region to attract elite sporting events.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said redeveloping No.1 Sportsground so it can return to its former glory of hosting elite cricket and AFL is an apt way to celebrate the facility notching up its ‘maiden century’.
“We’re eagerly anticipating the sportsground entering its centenary year in 2021 and look forward to being able to celebrate this milestone moment with a significantly upgraded facility,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This project will not only benefit those within our community who utilise it for grassroots and regional level sport, but will also have a wider-reaching impact on Newcastle’s economy through its potential to attract and host first class cricket and pre-season AFL fixtures.”

The staged works include increasing the size of the playing field to achieve the minimum standard required for a first grade AFL match, constructing seven new cricket wickets and re-building the entire playing surface.
A new sub-soil irrigation and drainage system will provide a high quality, consistent playing surface, while the installation of six new 40 metre light poles will upgrade the lighting to a standard suitable for night-time games.
New sight screens, player dug-out benches and oval fencing will also improve the playing experience, while the construction of new four-tier concrete bleachers to seat an additional 390 spectators will almost double the ground’s current seated capacity.
City of Newcastle has worked closely with the various clubs affected by the ground’s closure, with arrangements made for alternative venues during the 2020/21 summer and 2021 winter sporting seasons.

No.1 Sportsground History

No.1 Sportsground sits within the 20-hectare National Park, one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves.
It was built on land previously owned by the Australian Agricultural Company, which from 1865 until the early 1900s was leased by the Newcastle Racing Club as the site of the city’s original racecourse.
National Park Sports Ground, as it was originally known, was designed by City engineer JF Shine in 1921, with its playing oval replicating the size of the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Its original two-storey timber grandstand was completed in October 1921 and could accommodate between 200 and 300 people, with dressing rooms, stores and locker rooms in the lower level.
The sportsground was officially opened on 16 September 1922, with City of Newcastle changing its name two years later to Newcastle Sports Ground.
In 1989 the Newcastle Earthquake caused major structural damage to the original timber grandstand, which resulted in it being almost completely reconstructed with concrete stands, which remain today. This was the last significant upgrade to take place at the ground.
No.1 Sportsground has a history of playing host to top level sporting events including international fixtures covering all codes of football, hockey and cricket.
It has however been more than a decade since the most recent international level match when the Australian women’s cricket team defeated South Africa in March 2009 during the group stages of the ICC Women’s World Cup.
The last first class cricket match played at the ground was in February 2015, when Western Australia beat NSW by seven wickets in their Sheffield Shield clash.
Other codes have also made the most of No.1 Sportsground over the years, including a rugby union clash between New South Wales and New Zealand in 1935, while the Newcastle rugby league team defeated Great Britain 23-18 in front of 22,750 fans in 1962.
The venue has been utilised for a range of non-sporting events as well, including Anzac Day celebrations in 1946 and a Schools Jubilee and Pageant in 1951 that saw 6,000 school children form a living map of Australia in the centre of the field, while Scottish pop-rock icons Simple Minds headlined the Newcastle 500 Supercars concert at the ground in 2018.

A man has been charged after he allegedly committed indecent acts while naked at a beach in the state’s Hunter region today.
About 10.45am (Saturday 12 September 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to Jimmys Beach at Hawks Nest, after receiving numerous reports a nude man was walking along the beach.
Officers attended and provided the man with a blanket, before he was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
The man’s belongings were located on the beach and following a search of the items, police seized LSD, MDMA and Viagra from a bag.
The 51-year-old Killara man was charged with wilful and obscene exposure in public place, carry out sexual act with another without consent, two counts of possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
Police will allege in court that the man approached beachgoers while he was unclothed and committed acts of indecency in front of them.
He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Bail Court tomorrow (Sunday 13 September 2020).

A man will appear in court today after being charged in relation to robberies in the Lake Macquarie District last month.
On Sunday 16 August 2020, a man threatened to stab staff members at a department store in Charlestown Square shopping centre. The man left with a sum of money. No staff were injured during the robbery.
In a second incident on Saturday 22 August 2020, a man allegedly armed with an axe threatened staff at a Toronto supermarket, before leaving with a sum of money and cigarettes.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced investigations into both robberies.
Following inquiries, about 3.40pm on Friday 11 September 2020, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command spoke with a man on Hill End Road, Doonside.
The man allegedly ran from police and was arrested after a short foot pursuit with officers.
The man was taken to Blacktown Police Station where he was charged with robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon and robbery.
The 34-year-old man from Mannering Park was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 12 September 2020).

City of Newcastle will protect the RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands by improving environmental management of the former Astra Street landfill site in Shortland.
The site operated as a tip from 1974, taking waste from across the Hunter including from the clean-up of the Newcastle Earthquake, before it was closed and capped in 1995.

The City has worked with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to monitor and assess the site, with expressions of interest called tomorrow, Saturday 12 September for contractors to enhance the 25-year-old capping and improve drainage.
Director Infrastructure and Property Ken Liddell said the project would protect the local environment and aid in future management of the 37-hectare site.
“City of Newcastle is committed to not only ensuring today’s waste is managed with the environment front-of-mind, but that historic sites like Astra Street at Shortland are not forgotten,” Mr Liddell said.
“Environmental management and monitoring standards have come a long way since 1995, which is why we’re investing in upgrades that will protect the local environment well into the future.”
The proposed works will commence in early 2021 and include final capping and reprofiling of the site, and drainage improvements to aid in management of surface water and sediment runoff.
The works are intended to maintain the local protected environment, increase and safeguard water quality of surrounding wetlands and aquatic ecosystems, increase biodiversity values, and promote long term native vegetation growth.

City of Newcastle will not proceed with its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks and concert event at Newcastle Foreshore due to the ongoing risks associated with mass gatherings and COVID-19.
The event attracted an estimated 30,000 people to the Foreshore last year.
The City has made the difficult decision in the interest of the community’s safety and will now focus on planning for smaller alternative celebrations.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said while a major event on the Foreshore will not go ahead, the City is investigating a once off different New Year’s celebration with a series of smaller events throughout the city, pending any public health measures in place in late December.
“The decision to not go ahead with this year’s fireworks and concert event is a sad one to make, but it has been made with our community’s safety in mind,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“As we have seen both in Australia and overseas, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to worsen quickly, so we naturally have concerns around the delivery of an event that attracts between thirty and forty thousand people into the Foreshore.
“Our New Year’s Eve fireworks event is one of the City’s most vibrant and exciting occasions with activities and entertainment for the whole family.
“Through liaison with key stakeholders including NSW Police, the City has determined that the transport of thousands of people into and out of the Foreshore precinct would almost certainly lead to pinch points constituting a mass gathering where social distancing is impossible to maintain.
“We look forward to announcing a different way to come together as a community and welcome 2021 with a variety of activations throughout the city and suburbs.
“This revised program will allow us to plan safer opportunities for the community to celebrate together with more space and smaller crowd numbers.”
Newcastle City Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM says the risk of large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic remains of a high concern.
“New South Wales Police will respond to whatever decision the council makes regarding the event.
“However, the dangers posed by moving tens of thousands of people into and out of the Foreshore precinct for the 9pm fireworks display remains quite high in the current pandemic conditions.”
City of Newcastle encourages Novocastrians to enjoy New Year’s Eve in a COVID Safe way and will continue to work with NSW Police to prioritise public safety.
With a high number of COVID safe businesses operating through the city, this cancellation will provide the capacity in the transport network for people to access hospitality venues safely and encourages celebrations in smaller controlled groups over the evening.
“We hope people come together to enjoy themselves at restaurants and bars as well as at smaller home gatherings on New Year’s Eve,” Cr Nelmes said.
The City will release more information about the 2021 New Year’s events soon.

Newcastle Museum is expanding its services and preparing for two new exhibitions after a period of reduced offerings due to COVID-19.
From Friday 25 September, Museum visitors will be required to use a smart phone to scan in via a QR code to provide their contact details for contact tracing purposes.
Not only will smart phones assist with keeping the community safe, people can experience the interactive attractions brought to life through their phones.
As with all of City of Newcastle’s facilities, careful planning has gone in to being able to safely reintroduce staff and visitors into the Museum space.
Visitors are asked to continue to practise social distancing, follow the floor markers and direction of Museum staff.
Due to safety reasons, the Museum’s interactive exhibitions Supernova, Mininova will remain closed for now and the BHP Gallery will close for refurbishment from September 25.
The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday each week and open on Mondays during NSW public and school holidays.  Entry is free, with tickets to Questacon’s Colour Exhibition available online.
From 26 September, Fort Scratchley will also be open to the public on both Saturday and Sunday.
A series of Frequently Asked Questions are available at newcastlemuseum.com.au to assist the community with further information about the changes they may experience during their visit.

The community is invited to share memories, stories and ideas about Gregson Park to help guide the renewal of the historic park in Hamilton.
City of Newcastle has commenced community engagement on the Gregson Park Masterplan, focusing on values and aspirations to inform how the much-loved park is managed and renewed.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community input is vital to make Gregson Park a place for locals and visitors to enjoy now and into the future.
“Gregson Park is steeped in history, so we want to ensure that as we plan for its future, we consider its past and pay tribute to the heritage of the site,” the Lord Mayor said.
“From its origins dating back to the late 1880s when the park was gifted to the community by the then Hamilton Council, Gregson Park has become an iconic part of Hamilton, and the broader City.
“We encourage the community to have a say on the future of Gregson Park through our online survey and share photos, ideas and memories via our online mapping tool. We’re also eager to hear what our community loves about the park and what could be improved.”
Chairperson of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Carol Duncan said the Gregson Park Masterplan would help shape the future of Hamilton.
“Hamilton is a unique, diverse and iconic Newcastle suburb with Gregson Park the green space at its heart, “Cr Duncan said.
“How Gregson Park is maintained, preserved and enhanced in the future will play an important part in how Hamilton as a suburb grows for the next generation, which is why we’re seeking feedback from a broad spectrum of our community.”
The Masterplan will consider the existing infrastructure at the park, community priorities for facilities such as the former bowling club site, a new play space and amenities, potential use of the park for events and activities, and heritage interpretation of the site.
Community input will help inform the development of the draft Gregson Park Masterplan which will be placed on public exhibition in early 2021.
Community Engagement is open until Wednesday, 30 September. To have a say or to share memories, stories and ideas, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/gregsonpark

A man has been charged after police allegedly located a kilogram of cocaine in his pants during an arrest in the Hunter region yesterday.
On Saturday (5 September 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a home at East Maitland following reports of a domestic-related incident.
Upon arrival, police spoke with a 30-year-old woman.
During a subsequent search of the home, police allegedly located and seized cannabis, methylamphetamine, steroids, cocaine, and more than $20,000 cash.
As part of further inquiries, about 12.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 9 September 2020) officers from the Northern Region Domestic Violence High-Risk Offender team and the Port Stephens-Hunter Proactive Crime Team attended an industrial shed on Giggins Road, Heatherbrae, when a man jumped out a side window and attempted to evade police.
The 31-year-old man was arrested a short time later when police noticed a large package hidden inside the man’s shorts.
The package was removed and found to contain 1kg of cocaine. It was seized for forensic examination.
A crime scene was established and a search warrant was executed at the industrial property, where police located and seized motorcycles, a car, methylamphetamine, cash, mobile phones and knuckle dusters.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with five offences including supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm (domestic) and deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Thursday 10 September 2020).
Investigations are continuing and further charges are expected to be laid.

City of Newcastle is renewing its parking and cycling plans in response to the many changes that are currently occurring as part of the unprecedented development happening across the city and changing travel patterns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent community engagement on cycling in Newcastle heard from almost 2,500 people, highlighting a continued strong interest in the development of infrastructure to support a safe, accessible and connected cycling network in the City.

City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Declan Clausen, said the refreshed plans will respond to the ongoing transformation of the city and the potential Newcastle has to continue the shift to active transport, including walking and cycling.
“Our community’s vision is for Newcastle to have safe transport networks and services that are well connected and convenient, and where walking, cycling and public transport are viable options for the majority of our trips.
“Research consistently shows that walking, cycling and public transport are better for the environment, better for our physical and mental health, and better for revitalising our local centres.
“We have a track record of delivering quality transport infrastructure, including new cycleway that connecting missing links within the City, the operation of the popular Park and Ride shuttle service from Hunter Stadium prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the delivery of improved parking as part of our local centre upgrades across the City.
“Newcastle has some great facilities, but we know there is more that needs to be done to make riding and walking our preferred transport choice. We want walking, cycling and public transport to be viable options when planning trips, particularly the short trips we take which are close to home,” Cr Clausen said.
City of Newcastle Director Governance, David Clarke said the updated plans would be grounded in community consultation and include a joint focus on both cycling infrastructure and parking.
“Early engagement with key stakeholders will commence this week.
“We know that parking is a key component of the transport picture and is also an important part of our streetscapes.
“Properly planned and implemented parking arrangements help us achieve the aspiration for more active transport as well as contribute to the revitalisation of both our city centre and local suburban centres.” Mr Clarke said.
The City’s existing cycling and parking plans were created more than five years ago. Since that time there have been substantial changes beyond the City’s control, including the removal of inner-city parking and changes to the region’s public transport system.
Through its updated plans, the City of Newcastle will prioritise the delivery of quality transport infrastructure within its area of responsibility, while continuing to advocate for the best possible integrated transport outcomes, recognising that a number of actions are outside the City’s control.
Draft plans are intended to be publicly exhibited during November.