City of Newcastle (CN) is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of the further spread of COVID-19 to the region.
In order to do all we can to limit the transmission of the virus and to prioritise the wellbeing of staff and the community, the end of season closure will be brought forward to Monday 23March for City-owned swimming centres across the local government area.
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City of Newcastle Interim Director City Wide Services Alissa Jones said the decision affected the City-operated Beresfield Swimming Centre, along with Lambton, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres, operated by BlueFit Aquatics.
“In collaboration with BlueFit we have brought forward the final day of the season to 23 March 2020 as part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of staff and the community,” Ms Jones said.
“This means that all swimming centres in Newcastle will be closed from Monday 23 March 2020.
“City of Newcastle will continue to provide lifeguard services at our beaches and ocean baths. Information on patrol hours can be found on our website.
“The City’s key objectives are to provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities and to support the State and Federal Governments to manage the impact of the pandemic.
“City of Newcastle will adjust operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff and volunteers.
“City of Newcastle is working with staff affected by the early closure of the Beresfield Swimming Centre to minimise the adverse impact on them.”
BlueFit CEO Todd McHardy said BlueFit has considered a number of strategic approaches to ensure the best outcomes for both community and staff.
“The responsible solution across the Newcastle region is to bring forward the winter closure for all facilities to commence on Monday 23 March 2020, the final day of trade being Sunday 22 March 2020,” Mr McHardy said.
“Safety is our number one priority and with ongoing government-imposed reductions in mass gathering numbers and further recommendations on social distancing, we believe closing the Newcastle swimming venues will limit the transmission of the virus in our community.
“We recognise the financial impact this has on our staff and the broader community, therefore, BlueFit has developed a safety net strategy to support our team and customers in times of hardship in an effort to reduce the impact across our network.
“All learn to swim program participants will be notified through separate correspondence of relevant closures and program disruption. We are committed to supporting both the community and our staff through this period and we are grateful for the strong partnership we have with the City of Newcastle to assist us through these tough decisions.
“We feel the impact on the community will be minimal given we are entering the end of the summer season and with the magnificent beaches and ocean baths available in Newcastle, and prioritises the health and wellbeing of staff and the broader community.”
Further information about the City’s response is available at Newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
City’s cultural facilities’ response to COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, the Federal Government has introduced social distancing measures, which include limiting non-essential organised gatherings of 500 people or more.
Unsurprisingly, the Civic Theatre has been advised by promoters of all upcoming shows that they have been either cancelled or postponed.
Our ticketing service provider, Ticketek, will inform all customers affected by a show cancellation directly. Many show promoters are postponing rather than cancelling.
The Civic Theatre will provide regular updates on its website and by social media.
The Playhouse and Civic Café will continue to operate but have instituted the additional recommended social distancing measure of ensuring customers are seated 1.5 metres apart.
Whilst the Newcastle Art Gallery remains open, in order for the City to do all it can to limit the transmission of the virus in our communities, and to prioritise the wellbeing of members, staff, volunteers and visitors, all public programming at the Gallery has been suspended until further notice. This includes programs Art Cart and Last Fridays.
Newcastle Museum remains open but has suspended the Supernova and Mininova Gallery exhibition as well as the Bush Mechanics and Cultural Resurgence exhibitions.
Fort Scratchley is open, however its popular Tunnel Tours have been suspended to limit close contact in a confined space.
All City library branches are open, however programs and events have been suspended until further notice.
City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of the further spread of COVID-19 to the region.
The City’s key objectives are to provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities and to support the State and Federal Governments to manage the impact of the pandemic.
City of Newcastle will adjust operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff and volunteers.
Events and public gatherings
Cancellations
City of Newcastle will provide updates on major events, as they become available, on this page.
Events and programs at our facilities
We would like to reassure visitors that City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners to ensure our City is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19 to the region.
We urge all visitors to follow the advice of government health authorities with regard to maintaining good hygiene practices. If you are feeling unwell the advice is to stay at home.
Please find information below about programming changes at our venues and facilities.
We urge all visitors to follow the advice of government health authorities with regard to maintaining good hygiene practices. If you are feeling unwell the advice is to stay at home.
Please find information below about programming changes at our venues and facilities.
We will provide updates on events and public gatherings on this page. Find out more on how Council is responding.
Guns seized, man charged with 15 offences – Hunter region
A man will appear in court today after being charged with a range of traffic and firearm related offences following an investigation in the state’s Hunter region.
Police will allege about 6.40pm on Saturday 28 December 2019, a stolen Holden Rodeo utility was involved in a fail to stop crash on the New England Highway, Hexham, where it collided with the rear of another vehicle, before the male driver fled the scene on foot.
Upon a search of the Rodeo, police located ammunition inside the cabin and a rifle hidden under the tray.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District’s Target Action Group commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following inquiries, a man was arrested at a house on Goldingham Street, Tenambit, 7km east of Maitland, about 9.15am today (Wednesday 17 March 2020).
A Firearms Prohibition Order was executed and during the search, police seized a sawn-off shot gun which will undergo forensic examination.
The 33-year-old man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with;
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
- Drive whilst disqualified
- Two counts of negligent driving
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
- Unlawfully possess thing resembles number plate
- Use vehicle with unauthorised number plate
- Not give particulars to other driver
- Two counts of possess shortened firearm
- Two counts of not keep firearm safely
- Possess loaded firearm public place
- Acquire ammunition subject to prohibition
- Two counts of acquire prohibited firearm
He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 17 March 2020).
Confirmed fatality – Mount Kuring Gai
A body has been found inside a truck that rolled and caught alight on the M1 at Mount Kuring Gai early this morning.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, near the Church Street overpass, about 2.30am today (Tuesday 17 March 2020).
On arrival officers found a B-double that had crashed into the medium strip and rolled before catching on fire – burning a load of wool it was transporting.
A body, believed to be the driver, was found inside the Prime Mover – it is yet to be identified.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command have established a crime scene and a full investigation is now underway.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site and motorists are being advised to avoid the area where possible.
Please refer to livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.
Delays expected on M1 following truck crash – Mount Kuring Gai
Investigations are underway following a truck crash on the M1 at Mount Kuring Gai early this morning.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, near the Church Street overpass, about 2.30am today (Tuesday 17 March 2020), following reports of a truck crash.
On arrival officers found a B-double that had crashed into the medium strip and rolled before catching on fire – burning a load of wool it was transporting.
The male driver has not been accounted for.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command have established a crime scene and a full investigation is now underway.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site and motorists are being advised to avoid the area where possible.
Please refer to livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.
Two men found deceased in the state's Hunter Region
A crime scene has been established following the death of two men in Kotara South this afternoon.
Shortly before 5pm (Saturday 14 March 2020), police were called to a residence on Blackbutt Parade following reports of a man armed with a firearm.
On arrival officers located the body of a man outside the home suffering a gunshot wound.
Further inquiries led police inside the home where they discovered the body of a second man, also suffering a gunshot wound.
Both men are believed to be aged in their early forties.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District continue investigations on scene.
COVID-19: how is the Council responding
The safety of our communities, customers and employees is our top priority.
We aim to maintain our current level of service to residents and businesses during this period.
We take advice on all public health matters from the state and federal health departments.
To date, NSW Health and the other advising authorities are clear in their message. As of today, there is no COVID-19 cluster in the Hunter, and therefore no reason to alter our service levels to the community.
Events and public gatherings
A state and federal government advisory has been issued regarding events and public gatherings of more than 500 people. Visit the NSW Health website for more information.
How we are responding
- We are promoting the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au as the primary source of information and health updates.
- The City is actively involved in the Local Emergency Management Committee’s response to Covid-19 which includes police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW and neighbouring councils. This is allowing us to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
- A City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has been established. The Planning Team includes People and Culture (and WHS), Legal (Emergency Management and Risk) and Corporate Affairs (Communications and Community Engagement).
- Activating our Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) for Newcastle. This Plan is aligned to State and National emergency plans and CN’s suite of Emergency Management Plans. The EMAP outlines strategies for CN in accordance with readiness and key actions which CN is committed to in accordance with relevant legislation, Acts and Regulations.
Preparedness – Key actions
- The City has installed hand sanitisers at all front facing facilities, focusing particularly at the libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues.
- We are reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites and appropriate signage needs.
- We are working through flexible working options with City of Newcastle staff should this become necessary to continue delivering essential services.
- We are liaising with other agencies including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring Councils, the University of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport, to ensure sharing of information and consistent messaging to our community.
We are continuing to develop our plans to cover a situation where COVID19 becomes widespread in Australia, and state and federal governments move to greater restrictions on activities within the Newcastle Government area.
Communicating to employees
City employees who have recently travelled to affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus will be excluded from work and have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
All employees have been reminded to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Public health information has been distributed at the City’s libraries and community children’s education centre.
City of Newcastle will continue to update you on the work we’re doing through our Local Emergency Management Plan prepared for COVID-19.
More information is available on the NSW Health website or the Federal Government Health website.
City working with key partners on COVID-19 response
City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19.
The City’s Local Emergency Management Plan for COVID-19 has the following key objectives:
The City’s Local Emergency Management Plan for COVID-19 has the following key objectives:
- maintain services to residents and businesses
- provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities
- support the State and Federal governments to manage the impact of the pandemic
- adjust our operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff
“Public health is the number one priority for City of Newcastle and all agencies working collaboratively on the COVID-19 response,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We’re actively working within the Local Emergency Management Committee – with NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW to ensure that our city is adequately equipped and prepared.
“The City is also liaising with partners including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring councils, the University of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle and the Newcastle Airport to ensure consistent information is shared with our community.
How we are responding:
- The City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has activated an Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) aligned with state and national emergency plans.
- Working with the Local Emergency Management Committee to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
- Establishing a dedicated webpage which will be regularly updated to provide information about our essential services www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Latest-News/Novel-Coronavirus
- Notifying event organisers following the state and federal governments issuing an advisory today restricting non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.
- Each City of Newcastle service area is developing a detailed plan to support the EMAP should the spread of the virus prompt the state and federal governments to introduce greater restrictions on activities within our Local Government area.
- Distributing hand-sanitising gel to front-facing facilities, focusing particularly on libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues and reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites.
The NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au is the primary source of health information. The City is supporting the NSW Government in sharing information on its channels.
CORONA RESPONSE MUST PROTECT CASUAL WORKERS
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called for greater protection for casual workers in the Newcastle-Hunter region as part of the coronavirus stimulus package.
Ms Claydon said local businesses and workers were particularly vulnerable to the flow-on impacts of coronavirus.
“Our region is heavily exposed to the economic shockwaves from corona, given the significance of our small business, tourism and hospitality sectors,” Ms Claydon said.
“Regretfully, these same industries are also heavily reliant on casual workers, who are enormously vulnerable and without sick pay if they get their shifts cut or have to go into isolation.”
Ms Claydon said that concerns about workers had been a key theme of feedback from local business and representative organisations.
“Local businesses are facing unprecedented challenges themselves, but the consistent message they’ve been giving me is they want to protect their workers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Morrison Government is doing nothing to ensure that the many thousands of casual workers in our community get through this terrible time. The message is clearly ‘You’re on your own.’”
Ms Claydon said it was also a public health issue to contain the spread of the virus.
“The last thing we would want is sick workers continuing to go to work because they can’t afford to do otherwise,” Ms Claydon said.
“This isn’t just about protecting vulnerable workers – it’s about protecting our entire community.”
Ms Claydon said it the problem shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of business to fix.
“It’s great that some businesses have announced that they will continue to pay workers who have to go into isolation, but it’s neither fair nor reasonable to expect all businesses to do this.
“Successive Liberal Federal Governments have supported an increasingly casualised workforce. It’s now incumbent on the Morrison Government to step up and protect these workers and our communities.”
Ms Claydon said local businesses and workers were particularly vulnerable to the flow-on impacts of coronavirus.
“Our region is heavily exposed to the economic shockwaves from corona, given the significance of our small business, tourism and hospitality sectors,” Ms Claydon said.
“Regretfully, these same industries are also heavily reliant on casual workers, who are enormously vulnerable and without sick pay if they get their shifts cut or have to go into isolation.”
Ms Claydon said that concerns about workers had been a key theme of feedback from local business and representative organisations.
“Local businesses are facing unprecedented challenges themselves, but the consistent message they’ve been giving me is they want to protect their workers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Morrison Government is doing nothing to ensure that the many thousands of casual workers in our community get through this terrible time. The message is clearly ‘You’re on your own.’”
Ms Claydon said it was also a public health issue to contain the spread of the virus.
“The last thing we would want is sick workers continuing to go to work because they can’t afford to do otherwise,” Ms Claydon said.
“This isn’t just about protecting vulnerable workers – it’s about protecting our entire community.”
Ms Claydon said it the problem shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of business to fix.
“It’s great that some businesses have announced that they will continue to pay workers who have to go into isolation, but it’s neither fair nor reasonable to expect all businesses to do this.
“Successive Liberal Federal Governments have supported an increasingly casualised workforce. It’s now incumbent on the Morrison Government to step up and protect these workers and our communities.”