Category: Newcastle News

Sporting clubs and the broader community will take part in planning this week to ensure the supply of sporting infrastructure keeps up with Newcastle’s growing population.
Ongoing consultation for City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sports Plan will help determine the needs of 13 different sports up to and beyond 2031, when the number of residents is expected to top 188,000, up from around 162,000 today.

_{^{A Twenty20 match at a packed No.1 Sportsground in 2007.} 
Research by the Otium Planning Group found just 27 per cent of the City’s sporting fields were currently utilised at or over capacity, and that more than half were underutilised. It also found that the highest participation rate was in soccer (27.5 per cent) followed by touch football (21.1 per cent) and cricket (13 per cent).
“Understanding and planning for sports and recreation is essential to ensure everyone has sufficient and equal opportunities to live an active lifestyle,” City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said.
“Early research by Otium has found Newcastle will need another seven netball courts by 2031 and that we’ll need to secure additional land for new sporting grounds in the western growth corridor.
“Otium has also raised potential for more partnerships with the City to upgrade grounds, similar to the Mitchell Park grandstand overhaul with Merewether Carlton Rugby Club, and proposes investigation into modern synthetic turf as a potential solution for surfaces prone to damage.”
Other regional plans and neighbouring facilities, including the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 and the draft Hunter Sport and Recreation Plan (2018-2023) for Broadmeadow’s Hunter Sports and Entertainment precinct, are being considered as part of the process.
Club representatives have been invited to information sessions on the preliminary discussion paper at information sessions today, tomorrow and Thursday, before another is opened to the community at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday from 12 noon.
“Feedback from the discussion paper will be considered by Otium and not the City, with a draft plan not expected to be considered by Council for public exhibition before March next year,” Mr Bath added.
“The discussion paper is the result of preliminary independent research and stakeholder engagement. Ongoing community engagement will be essential in determining the final plan.”
Sports under consideration in the plan include: athletics, Australian Rules, baseball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis and touch football/Oztag.}

A trip to the beach is simply part of Australian life. But for Newcastle man Joseph Popov, a visit to the beach is far from simple.
As someone who lives with disability, comfortably making his way to and around the changerooms to enjoy Newcastle’s iconic Nobbys beach has always been impossible.
Now, thanks to City of Newcastle upgrades, the new change rooms include a specialised hoist and bench to cater for mobility-impaired beach goers as well as a new ramp to the lower promenade of the beach as part of a multimillion-dollar coastal revitalisation priority project.
Joseph says these upgrades are a game changer as summer approaches.
“As a Novocastrian, I count myself among the many locals who love going to the beach. You can’t compete with the views and what Mother Nature offers at Nobbys Beach,” the Bachelor of Social Science/Laws student and Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) Vice President said.
“The new upgrades will definitely encourage me to go to the beach more frequently, whether I need to go to the bathroom or change into Speedos.”
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, representatives of Surf Life Saving NSW and the Lions Club of Newcastle officially opened the Nobbys Accessible Change Facilities today.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project includes a new amenities block with a dual-purpose room containing an accessible toilet and baby change facility. A second room provides an assisted change room with accessible toilet, shower, basin, bench and hoist.
“It’s important that our beaches can be enjoyed by all of our community and these upgraded facilities significantly improve the accessibility of Nobbys Beach,” the Lord Mayor said.
“These most recent upgrades to Nobbys Beach may go unnoticed for many people, however for those with a disability they mean the difference between getting sand between your toes and watching from the car park.
“I sincerely thank our partners, Surf Life Saving NSW, and the Lions Club of Newcastle. By building on partnerships, we create a better community.”
The opening event also incorporated the launch of the Access in the City (AiTC) app, an initiative created by a local startup aimed to improve the city experience for people utilising mobility devices.
Because AiTC has a strong inclusion focus, the platform will benefit people by enabling them to access the city in their own way with information and guidance on their device.
AiTC was the winner of the City’s first ever online mobility challenge. Out of 35 applications from across the globe which proposed ideas for addressing an urban mobility issue in Newcastle, the winning entry was created by a local company.

A man will re-appear in court today charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl in the Hunter region.
In August 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a five-year-old girl had been sexually abused by a man known to her.
Following extensive investigations, a 45-year-old man was arrested at a home at Cooranbong about 10.30am on Thursday 10 October 2019.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with intentionally carry out sexual act with child under 10 years, intentional incite child under 10 years to do sexual act to them, and intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years.
The man appeared at Toronto Local Court last Thursday, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court today (Tuesday 15 October 2019).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Police are investigating after a letter box was destroyed by explosives at Hamilton North early this morning.
Just before 5am (Tuesday 15 October 2019), police attended Boreas Road, following reports of an explosion heard in the area.
Police canvassed the area and located a damaged letterbox.
No one was injured, and no other property was damaged.
A crime scene was established and has been forensically examined.
Newcastle City Police District have commenced an investigation and are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in Boreas Street to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newcastle are the pride of regional NSW after winning the 2019 Regional State Cup at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park at the weekend.
The competition brings the best regional teams from across the state together to determine the standout regional Association in the Opens age category.
Newcastle were ranked the top Association at the conclusion of the weekend, bringing well-earned honours back to the Hunter.
One hundred players from 10 Associations, from as far and wide as Lismore and Wagga Wagga, took part over two days – Saturday and Sunday, 12-13 October – with the top four making the Finals Series.
Newcastle put in a 100 per cent effort, winning 11 from 11 – including a 26-16 Grand Final win over Orange – to be crowed regional NSW’s best, ahead of their rivals from the West Central West.
The North Coast was also well represented at the business end with Hastings Valley claiming third place, and Ballina (Far North Coast) rounding out the top four.
Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale thanked the players, coaches, team managers and supporters for a brilliant weekend in Olympic Park.
“We had about 50 games of netball over the course of the weekend with almost 2,150 goals scored,” she said.
“That is a testament to the standard of netball we have in our regional areas and it was wonderful to host them at the home of Netball NSW.
“Newcastle have been very successful in the previous version of the State Cup, and the really showed their champion qualities again over the weekend.
“These teams have had long seasons in the BING LEE Regional League, and now the Regional State Cup, so I’d like to wish them the best for their break, and look forward to seeing them back in 2020.”
2019 Regional State Cup Final placings
Newcastle Netball Association
Orange Netball Association
Hastings Valley Netball Association
Ballina Netball Association
Queanbeyan Netball Association
Wagga Wagga Netball Association
Lismore & District Netball Association
Quirindi Netball Association
Great Lakes Netball Association
Goulburn & District Netball Association

Police have released CCTV images and are appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into the theft of ‘smart’ watches from retail stores.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District launched an investigation after three males took 12 ‘smart’ watches from a store at a Charlestown shopping centre on Wednesday 18 September 2019.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command were notified of a second incident on Wednesday 2 October 2019, after 17 watches were stolen from a store at a Hornsby shopping centre.
Investigators have been told; however, that the items are only display models with very limited functionality despite appearing identical.
They are warning members of the public – who may be offered the watches for sale – to exercise caution and ensure they ask for proof-of-purchase before proceeding with a transaction, online or otherwise.
Initial inquiries suggest the incidents are linked and investigators are now releasing CCTV images of three males who may be able to assist with their investigation.
The first male is described as being Caucasian appearance, about 18-20 years old, of a medium build, and with a dark beard and moustache.
He is depicted wearing a white t-shirt, black hooded jacket, cream coloured pants, and an orange cap.
The second male is described as being Caucasian appearance, about 18-20 years old, of a medium build, and with short brown hair.
He is depicted wearing a black hooded jumper, black pants, and is seen carrying a black backpack.
The third male is described as being Caucasian appearance, 15-17 years old, of a slim build, and with short dark hair.
He is depicted wearing a black hooded jumper, and black pants with white stripes down each leg.

Police are appealing for urgent public assistance to help locate a man missing north of Newcastle.
Gavin McDermott, aged 47, was last seen by his neighbour on Macrae Crescent, East Maitland on Wednesday 9 October 2019.
Officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were recently notified of his absence by a relative and commenced their enquiries.
Family and police hold serious concerns for his welfare due as they believe his behaviour is out of character.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Gavin who is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a thin build, about 180 cm tall with brown eyes and brown hair.
It is believed he could be driving his white 2008 Toyota Prado diesel station wagon with NSW registration CEQ 39Y.

A sustainable swap-meet, art and activism workshop and exciting line-up of local live music are among the highlights of a youth-led community street festival taking over Laman Street tomorrow.
Organised by the Newcastle Youth Council, the Spring Street Festival is a showcase of social and environmental sustainability that is designed to encourage people to talk, learn and think globally by getting involved locally.
Being held in Laman Street and the ground floor of the Newcastle Region Library from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 12 October, the festival will feature live music, vegetarian food stalls, local artists and workshops on a range of issues like fast fashion, urban farming and climate action.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Spring Street Festival was about empowering young people to come together and connect on issues that matter to them.
“This youth-led event provides an opportunity to discover, connect and celebrate the incredible work that is being done in our community around sustainability,” she said.
“It will explore positive solutions that are happening right now to address issues such as climate change, gender equality and sustainable consumption, encouraging people to think global and act local.”
Sustainability has been used to inform every aspect of the festival, from the clothes, jewellery and book swap designed to combat fast fashion with a more sustainable approach to looking fabulous, through to the Enviro Hub where you can learn how to get involved with local environmental campaigns and maintain the momentum created during September’s School Strike 4 Climate rally.
Well-known local artist Quinn Squires (aka Real Salad) will bring his colourful brand of art and activism to the festival with a workshop on creating issue-focused art, while Newcastle Art Gallery will showcase the incredible talent of Newcastle’s visual artists with an emerging artists market.
Headspace Newcastle will host a chill zone with art, music, food and comfy cushions to sink into, five local bands will keep the festival vibe going with live performances throughout the day while numerous organisations involved in everything from gender equality and climate action to mental health and wellbeing will also host activities across their own stalls.
The Spring Street Festival is being run in conjunction with Newcastle Libraries, Newcastle Youth Council, CIFAL Newcastle, United Nations Society – University of Newcastle and The Y Project.

A woman reported missing from Lake Macquarie yesterday has been located safe and well.
A 37-year-old woman was last seen leaving a property in Cooranbong about 11.30pm on Wednesday 9 October 2019.
Following inquiries, about 9.30am today (Friday 11 October 2019) the woman was located safe and well in Cooranbong.
Police wish to thank the public and the media for its assistance.

The world’s most famous board game now has embraced a unique Novocastrian theme.
A special edition Newcastle Monopoly was launched today by Winning Moves, City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Mr Monopoly at Newcastle Museum. Also in attendance were members of the community keen to be the first to get their hands on the new local version of the classic board game.
“Newcastle is an iconic city so it’s only fitting we have our very own Monopoly board game to celebrate our spectacular built and natural attractions,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We’re certainly spoilt for choice for board game worthy locations to feature, from our renowned beaches to locations like Newcastle Museum, Blackbutt Reserve, and Fort Scratchley, which are all up for grabs for players.
“I’m thrilled our city now has its very own version of Monopoly and know it will be embraced by Novocastrians young and old. It’s wonderful to think people will create memories playing the game based on our very own city.
“It’s the perfect family friendly gift for Christmas or for those looking for something truly unique. It’s also sure to prove popular with visitors to the city,” Cr Nelmes said.
The fast dealing property trading game features special twists like Newcastle locations and themed board design.
“This edition is everything you love about the traditional board, adapted in a way that Novocastrians will enjoy for generations to come,” Winning Moves’ Dale Hackett said.
Monopoly first hit the shelves in 1935 and since then has secured its spot in pop culture and people’s homes as a best-loved game.
Newcastle Monopoly is available at the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre and in selected stores from today.