With visitation to the city and tourism expenditure soaring by almost 60 per cent during the past five years, the City of Newcastle is delivering on its commitment to grow the visitor economy.
A new City Guide has been launched to provide a modern tourism offering to the five million domestic and international visitors spending time in our local government area each year.
The City Guide, along with a new Visit Newcastle website, are part of a suite of projects being completed by the City’s dedicated tourism team to promote the attractions and experiences we have to offer.
The launch follows our recent announcement that the City will convert the former Civic Station into a modern Visitor Information Centre, due to open in the first half of 2020.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said tourism has a vital role to play in Newcastle’s transformation into a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.
“Newcastle is a vibrant and experience-rich destination loved by both domestic and international visitors,” she said.
“The city’s tourism industry is booming, attracting 20 per cent more visitors in the past 12 months compared to the same time last year, while the longer five-year trend has seen visitor numbers rise by more than 58 per cent.
“Those who chose to come to Newcastle are also staying longer and spending more, with expenditure in the 12 months to March this year worth more than $1.1 billion to the local economy.
“City of Newcastle is committed to investing in projects such as the new City Guide and Visit Newcastle website, which will enhance the visitor experience and provide inspiration for travellers looking for their next day-trip or holiday destination.”
The free Newcastle City Guide will be widely available at businesses, attractions and events across the region, as well as at visitor information centres across the State.
The experience-driven brochure showcases the activities and precincts available across our beautiful coastal city, while the Visit Newcastle website will deliver a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.
Tourism figures compiled for the local government area by Tourism Research Australia highlight a positive trend in Newcastle’s visitor economy during the past five years, with increases across domestic day-trippers (62.3%), domestic overnight visitors (54.9%), and international travellers (16%).
The value of the tourism economy has also expanded significantly, experiencing a five-year increase of 57.6 per cent to be worth $1.127 billion in the 12 months to March 2019.
The five-year figures were compiled from the year ending March 2015, through to the year ending March 2019.
The Newcastle City Guide is being rolled out now while the new Visit Newcastle website will be launched in the coming weeks.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Lifeguard patrols kick off as beach season begins
City of Newcastle lifeguards are prepped and ready to go as soaring spring temperatures pave the way for another busy beach season.
Seasonal beach patrols will begin on Saturday at Dixon Park, Newcastle and Stockton beaches, as well as Merewether Ocean Baths.
While lifeguards patrol year-round at Nobbys, Bar and Merewether beaches and Newcastle Ocean Baths, the seasonal patrols run over a 30-week period that kicks off annually during the September/October school holidays.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined the City’s team of aquatics staff at Nobbys Beach this morning as they were put through their final paces in preparation for the season-opening weekend.
“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year,” the Lord Mayor said.
“But behind the stunning beauty of our beaches lies the inherent risks that they can present. Last season was one of the busiest on record, with our lifeguards saving more than 100 people in significant rescues and completing 15,000 preventative actions.
“We have an amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff who carry out this important service every year with great courage and skill, protecting tourists and locals from the potential perils of the sea.
“With more than 1.2 million beachgoers to keep watch of throughout the season this is no easy feat, and I encourage everyone to take appropriate care and exercise sun and water safety when visiting our beaches in the coming months.”
As part of today’s final pre-season preparations, aquatics staff were required to undertake a demanding “lifeguard mission” that included a 600m ocean swim, 600m board paddle, two 800m runs and a simulated board rescue scenario.
Councillor Nelmes was also on hand this morning to unveil one of the City’s rough terrain vehicle (RTV), part of the fleet of RTVs and jet skis used by the lifeguards during patrols and rescue missions.
“These vehicles play a crucial role in our patrols, allowing our lifeguards to respond to situations faster, provide lifesaving transport to beachgoers requiring emergency attention, and also help move equipment around the beach to where it is needed most,” the Lord Mayor said.
Seasonal beach patrols will begin on Saturday at Dixon Park, Newcastle and Stockton beaches, as well as Merewether Ocean Baths.
While lifeguards patrol year-round at Nobbys, Bar and Merewether beaches and Newcastle Ocean Baths, the seasonal patrols run over a 30-week period that kicks off annually during the September/October school holidays.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined the City’s team of aquatics staff at Nobbys Beach this morning as they were put through their final paces in preparation for the season-opening weekend.
“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year,” the Lord Mayor said.
“But behind the stunning beauty of our beaches lies the inherent risks that they can present. Last season was one of the busiest on record, with our lifeguards saving more than 100 people in significant rescues and completing 15,000 preventative actions.
“We have an amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff who carry out this important service every year with great courage and skill, protecting tourists and locals from the potential perils of the sea.
“With more than 1.2 million beachgoers to keep watch of throughout the season this is no easy feat, and I encourage everyone to take appropriate care and exercise sun and water safety when visiting our beaches in the coming months.”
As part of today’s final pre-season preparations, aquatics staff were required to undertake a demanding “lifeguard mission” that included a 600m ocean swim, 600m board paddle, two 800m runs and a simulated board rescue scenario.
Councillor Nelmes was also on hand this morning to unveil one of the City’s rough terrain vehicle (RTV), part of the fleet of RTVs and jet skis used by the lifeguards during patrols and rescue missions.
“These vehicles play a crucial role in our patrols, allowing our lifeguards to respond to situations faster, provide lifesaving transport to beachgoers requiring emergency attention, and also help move equipment around the beach to where it is needed most,” the Lord Mayor said.
Newcastle’s first disability inclusion festival launched to break down barriers
Newcastle’s first disability inclusion festival has today been launched to increase engagement in the community of people with disabilities and break down long-held barriers and stigmas.
The month-long festival includes a range of events held throughout the local government area, including everything from inclusive games to educational opportunities.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Festival, which takes place between 26 September and 25 October would focus on engagement and highlight the benefits of inclusion in our community.
“City of Newcastle prides itself on accessibility and inclusion. Our community is warm, supportive and values diversity,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Count Us In Festival effectively and respectfully links people with disabilities with the broader community and breaks down the barriers to inclusion.
“We can all think about the role we play to help create a City that includes all people socially, culturally and in the workplace.”
Diversity is reflected in the broad range of activities in the program, which have been curated to establish Newcastle as an inclusive community for people with disability, their families, carers and significant others.
“From inclusive skateboarding, surfing, barbecues and comedy shows to board games, documentary screenings, low sensory museum experiences and picnics, there are plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and walks of life to get involved,” the Lord Mayor said.
Activations focus on education and awareness, such as the role local business can play in creating employment opportunities and making their workplaces more inclusive for people with disability, positive parenting sessions and workshops that focus on support networks for carers.
The Lord Mayor said there was no shortage of positive reasons to develop accessibility within our social and built environment.
“Recent research into the ‘accessible tourism’ dollar shows businesses are missing out on potential spending if their services and business spaces are not inclusive of people with disabilities.
“With the likelihood of disability increasing with age and with an ageing population, more of our residents, visitors and workers will require more inclusive services.
“What’s key is that attitudes and behaviours are reported as significant barriers to inclusion, often much greater than any physical barrier,” the Lord Mayor said.
For full details about the program of events and how to get involved, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/count-us-in
The month-long festival includes a range of events held throughout the local government area, including everything from inclusive games to educational opportunities.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Festival, which takes place between 26 September and 25 October would focus on engagement and highlight the benefits of inclusion in our community.“City of Newcastle prides itself on accessibility and inclusion. Our community is warm, supportive and values diversity,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Count Us In Festival effectively and respectfully links people with disabilities with the broader community and breaks down the barriers to inclusion.
“We can all think about the role we play to help create a City that includes all people socially, culturally and in the workplace.”
Diversity is reflected in the broad range of activities in the program, which have been curated to establish Newcastle as an inclusive community for people with disability, their families, carers and significant others.
“From inclusive skateboarding, surfing, barbecues and comedy shows to board games, documentary screenings, low sensory museum experiences and picnics, there are plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and walks of life to get involved,” the Lord Mayor said.
Activations focus on education and awareness, such as the role local business can play in creating employment opportunities and making their workplaces more inclusive for people with disability, positive parenting sessions and workshops that focus on support networks for carers.
The Lord Mayor said there was no shortage of positive reasons to develop accessibility within our social and built environment.
“Recent research into the ‘accessible tourism’ dollar shows businesses are missing out on potential spending if their services and business spaces are not inclusive of people with disabilities.
“With the likelihood of disability increasing with age and with an ageing population, more of our residents, visitors and workers will require more inclusive services.
“What’s key is that attitudes and behaviours are reported as significant barriers to inclusion, often much greater than any physical barrier,” the Lord Mayor said.
For full details about the program of events and how to get involved, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/count-us-in
Stockton Safety Update
Students are being warned about the dangers of sand cliffs due to the erosion on Stockton Beach, ahead of the school holidays.
A warning has been issued for people not to stand too close the top or bottom of sand cliffs, as they have the potential for sudden collapse under zero weight loads, without warning.
Coastal engineers have identified the most dangerous area as the zone 4m back from the top of the sand cliff and anywhere around the base, City of Newcastle staff have marked the danger area at Barrie Crescent, to help to alert locals of the danger.
High tides and swell are expected this weekend (28/09/19) and this could lead to further erosion. If this occurs City of Newcastle will remark the 4m danger exclusion zone.
The beachfront north and south of the rock seawalls and at the Caravan Park have also been identified as a dangerous zone, people are encouraged to exercise caution when visiting the beach.
A warning has been issued for people not to stand too close the top or bottom of sand cliffs, as they have the potential for sudden collapse under zero weight loads, without warning.
Coastal engineers have identified the most dangerous area as the zone 4m back from the top of the sand cliff and anywhere around the base, City of Newcastle staff have marked the danger area at Barrie Crescent, to help to alert locals of the danger.
High tides and swell are expected this weekend (28/09/19) and this could lead to further erosion. If this occurs City of Newcastle will remark the 4m danger exclusion zone.
The beachfront north and south of the rock seawalls and at the Caravan Park have also been identified as a dangerous zone, people are encouraged to exercise caution when visiting the beach.
Officer charged – Maitland
A serving NSW Police officer has been charged with multiple domestic violence related charges.
Yesterday (Thursday 26 September 2019), about 11.50am, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attended a property in South Maitland and arrested a 60-year-old man.
The senior constable, attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station. He was charged with three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of common assault, three counts of intimidation and illegal access to computer system.
The alleged domestic violence offences relate to multiple incidents dating back to 2015.
The unlawful access to police records system allegedly occurred in May 2018.
The man was granted conditional bail which includes no contact with his alleged victims. He will appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 16 October 2019.
The officer’s employment is under review.
Woman dies following head-on crash – Maitland
A woman has died following a head-on crash in Maitland this morning.
About 2.30am today (Friday 27 September 2019), emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Maitland, following reports a Kia Rio and a Ford Falcon sedan have collided head-on.
The female driver and sole occupant of the Kia Rio, believed to be aged in her 50s, died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.
The male driver and sole occupant of the Ford Falcon sedan, believed to be aged in his 50s, sustained a back injury. He was taken to hospital for treatment and will also undergo mandatory blood and urine testing.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District with assistance by officers from the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Cessnock Road is closed between the New England Highway and Gillieston Road while the scene is being examined.
Motorists are advised to visit www.livetraffic.com for the latest traffic information.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Detectives release CCTV as inquiries continue into Newcastle aggravated break-in and assault
Police will address the media to appeal for information relating to an aggravated break-in and assault in Newcastle earlier this year.
About 12pm on Thursday 11 July 2019, two men gained access to a unit block on the corner of Young Road and Market Street, Broadmeadow, and forced entry to a unit.
The occupant, a 31-year-old man, was assaulted, before the two men fled.
The injured man presented at John Hunter Hospital with head injuries later the same day and police were notified. He has since been released from hospital.
Detectives from the Criminal Groups Squad Strike Force Raptor North are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the investigation continues, detectives have released CCTV and are appealing for assistance from the community to identify two men who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Vera Deacon given City’s highest honour
Writer, philanthropist and passionate historian Vera Deacon has been named a Freeman of the City in recognition of her contribution to Newcastle’s heritage, conservation and local history at a special ceremony at City Hall today.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Vera was a well-deserved recipient who would join an esteemed list of 13 other Novocastrians to be awarded the City’s highest honour.
“The City of Newcastle deeply appreciates Vera’s immense contribution to the ongoing preservation and interpretation of our rich local history,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Steadfastly involved in progressive social and political movements, Vera is a trailblazer for women and has a keen sense of social justice and equality.
“We thank Vera for her many contributions to our community and know that while she may shy away from being singled out in this way, there are none more deserving of this wonderful honour.”
Vera was born in Mayfield and raised on two of the Newcastle’s original estuary islands on the Hunter River – Dempsey Island and Mosquito Island (also known as Moscheto).
During her childhood, she developed a deep and enduring connection with the waterway that continues to this day through her conservation and literary works.
After spending most of her married life in Sydney Vera returned to Newcastle in 1997 following the death of her husband Stanley.
Moving to Stockton where she could remain close to her beloved Hunter River, she joined the local historical society and began to piece together the history of the estuary islands, sharing the fruits of her research and the memories of other former residents in a series of award-winning stories.
She has dedicated countless hours to restoring the health of the estuary, volunteering as part of the Kooragang wetlands rehabilitation project on Ash Island.
Preserving the city’s history and heritage continues to drive the Stockton resident, who has made regular donations to the University of Newcastle’s Cultural Collections during the past 18 years. The Vera Deacon Regional History Fund was set up by the university and named in her honour to recognise and build on her generosity, with donations, including Vera’s, used to collect, document and digitise regional history archives.
“Through her generosity and passion, Vera has ensured that current and future generations of Novocastrians will be able to access the records and accounts of those who have come before them,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The stories of our past play an important role in weaving the fabric of our society, both now and in the years to come.
“Newcastle’s stories will continue to be remembered and passed on, thanks in part to the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund and the altruism of its namesake.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Vera was a well-deserved recipient who would join an esteemed list of 13 other Novocastrians to be awarded the City’s highest honour.
“The City of Newcastle deeply appreciates Vera’s immense contribution to the ongoing preservation and interpretation of our rich local history,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Steadfastly involved in progressive social and political movements, Vera is a trailblazer for women and has a keen sense of social justice and equality.
“We thank Vera for her many contributions to our community and know that while she may shy away from being singled out in this way, there are none more deserving of this wonderful honour.”
Vera was born in Mayfield and raised on two of the Newcastle’s original estuary islands on the Hunter River – Dempsey Island and Mosquito Island (also known as Moscheto).
During her childhood, she developed a deep and enduring connection with the waterway that continues to this day through her conservation and literary works.
After spending most of her married life in Sydney Vera returned to Newcastle in 1997 following the death of her husband Stanley.
Moving to Stockton where she could remain close to her beloved Hunter River, she joined the local historical society and began to piece together the history of the estuary islands, sharing the fruits of her research and the memories of other former residents in a series of award-winning stories.
She has dedicated countless hours to restoring the health of the estuary, volunteering as part of the Kooragang wetlands rehabilitation project on Ash Island.
Preserving the city’s history and heritage continues to drive the Stockton resident, who has made regular donations to the University of Newcastle’s Cultural Collections during the past 18 years. The Vera Deacon Regional History Fund was set up by the university and named in her honour to recognise and build on her generosity, with donations, including Vera’s, used to collect, document and digitise regional history archives.
“Through her generosity and passion, Vera has ensured that current and future generations of Novocastrians will be able to access the records and accounts of those who have come before them,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The stories of our past play an important role in weaving the fabric of our society, both now and in the years to come.
“Newcastle’s stories will continue to be remembered and passed on, thanks in part to the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund and the altruism of its namesake.”
Second person charged following armed robbery near Newcastle
Detectives have charged a woman over her alleged role in an armed robbery at a licensed premises near Newcastle earlier this year.
About 10am on Thursday 18 April 2019, a man – armed with a firearm – entered a licensed premises on Station Street, Waratah, and threatened patrons before fleeing with cash.
No one was injured at the time of the incident.
Police from Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries before the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Yard.
As part of their inquiries, a 32-year-old man was charged in April 2019. He remains before the courts.
Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 32-year-old woman at a facility at Silverwater just before 9am yesterday (Tuesday 24 September 2019), where she was charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon.
Police will allege in court that the woman assisted the man by driving a vehicle following the armed robbery.
The woman was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 25 September 2019).
Five star hotel fitout set to start as City of Newcastle makes final preparations for move
City of Newcastle will move into its new Administration Centre (CAC) at 12 Stewart Avenue on 8 October, allowing new owners Crystalbrook Collection to commence work on converting it into the City’s first five star hotel.
Concurrently, City of Newcastle will recommence the campaign to sell or lease the Frederick Ash building (FAB) which stopped last year when it became apparent the nearby Roundhouse was likely to receive a spectacular new future as a hotel.
The FAB, along with the adjacent Bennett Building and the Clarendon Hotel, will be marketed by Commercial Collective in conjunction with CBRE and Moore and Moore Real Estate.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the time was right for expressions of interest to be sought for all three buildings.
“This will be a campaign that will again attract interest both domestically and internationally. The opportunity to buy into a precinct that will in 12 months’ time be home to Australia’s newest five star hotel, will undoubtedly create significant excitement.
“For the City of Newcastle, our job is to maximise the value of those buildings for ratepayers as well as create opportunities for the private sector to invest in the civic precinct to further its position as the cultural capital of the region.
“Not only will the area include the Kingsley Hotel, but also the Civic Theatre, the Newcastle Art Gallery, The Newcastle Museum, the Civic light rail station, Newcastle Library, the soon to open Visitor Information Centre and Museum Park.
“The City will now seek expressions of interest for the three buildings, with most interest in the Fred Ash building given its size and current function as office space.”
“Should we secure offers that deliver value for money to ratepayers, I will take the sale or lease of one, two or possibly all three buildings to the elected Council for consideration in the first quarter of next year.”
Mr Bath said the fit out of 12 Stewart Avenue had progressed as planned, with onsite inductions commencing for staff next week before moving in on 8 October.
“Our administrative employees will walk into a modern, collaborative and functional office when they arrive for work at 12 Stewart Avenue on Tuesday 8 October.
“They will leave three buildings, 14 floors and 43 years of memories behind. But we know that the current structure is not allowing our staff to reach their potential, nor is the building in the right location to act as a hub for community and government interaction.
“The fit out of the new office space has been delivered on program, allowing staff to move in just two weeks from now and Crystalbrook to start construction at the Roundhouse shortly after.
“As planned, the fit out is being completed in two stages, with levels 2 to 5 nearing completion while construction will be underway on levels 1 and 6 from October to February. A temporary kitchen will be available for staff use until a permanent one is completed later this year on level 6.
“The City’s Call Centre will temporarily operate from a vacant Council-owned facility in Hamilton while level 1 is completed. This will of course have no impact on our services.
“Anyone who needs to do business with us in person will be able to come to 12 Stewart Avenue from 8 October, where they’ll be greeted by our concierge and served as per usual,” he said.
Crystalbrook Interim CEO and Group Director Hotels Geoff York said Newcastle was a great fit for the Crystalbrook Collection brand.
“We’re excited to be bringing the Crystalbrook Collection brand to Newcastle,” Mr York said.
“We believe the city is a great fit for our brand.
“We’re looking forward to receiving the keys to the Roundhouse and anticipate that construction will begin later this year with the intention of opening the doors to the five-star Kingsley late in 2020.”
The FAB is a State Heritage listed building constructed in 1905, originally understood to have operated as a retail showroom with storage on the upper floors. City of Newcastle purchased the building in 1969 and in more recent years has used the site as office space for administrative staff.
The upcoming EOI will be for sale or lease of the FAB, while EOIs will be sought for the purchase of the current Blue Door Café (Bennett Building) and Clarendon Hotel sites.
Concurrently, City of Newcastle will recommence the campaign to sell or lease the Frederick Ash building (FAB) which stopped last year when it became apparent the nearby Roundhouse was likely to receive a spectacular new future as a hotel.
The FAB, along with the adjacent Bennett Building and the Clarendon Hotel, will be marketed by Commercial Collective in conjunction with CBRE and Moore and Moore Real Estate.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the time was right for expressions of interest to be sought for all three buildings.
“This will be a campaign that will again attract interest both domestically and internationally. The opportunity to buy into a precinct that will in 12 months’ time be home to Australia’s newest five star hotel, will undoubtedly create significant excitement.
“For the City of Newcastle, our job is to maximise the value of those buildings for ratepayers as well as create opportunities for the private sector to invest in the civic precinct to further its position as the cultural capital of the region.
“Not only will the area include the Kingsley Hotel, but also the Civic Theatre, the Newcastle Art Gallery, The Newcastle Museum, the Civic light rail station, Newcastle Library, the soon to open Visitor Information Centre and Museum Park.
“The City will now seek expressions of interest for the three buildings, with most interest in the Fred Ash building given its size and current function as office space.”
“Should we secure offers that deliver value for money to ratepayers, I will take the sale or lease of one, two or possibly all three buildings to the elected Council for consideration in the first quarter of next year.”
Mr Bath said the fit out of 12 Stewart Avenue had progressed as planned, with onsite inductions commencing for staff next week before moving in on 8 October.
“Our administrative employees will walk into a modern, collaborative and functional office when they arrive for work at 12 Stewart Avenue on Tuesday 8 October.
“They will leave three buildings, 14 floors and 43 years of memories behind. But we know that the current structure is not allowing our staff to reach their potential, nor is the building in the right location to act as a hub for community and government interaction.
“The fit out of the new office space has been delivered on program, allowing staff to move in just two weeks from now and Crystalbrook to start construction at the Roundhouse shortly after.
“As planned, the fit out is being completed in two stages, with levels 2 to 5 nearing completion while construction will be underway on levels 1 and 6 from October to February. A temporary kitchen will be available for staff use until a permanent one is completed later this year on level 6.
“The City’s Call Centre will temporarily operate from a vacant Council-owned facility in Hamilton while level 1 is completed. This will of course have no impact on our services.
“Anyone who needs to do business with us in person will be able to come to 12 Stewart Avenue from 8 October, where they’ll be greeted by our concierge and served as per usual,” he said.
Crystalbrook Interim CEO and Group Director Hotels Geoff York said Newcastle was a great fit for the Crystalbrook Collection brand.
“We’re excited to be bringing the Crystalbrook Collection brand to Newcastle,” Mr York said.
“We believe the city is a great fit for our brand.
“We’re looking forward to receiving the keys to the Roundhouse and anticipate that construction will begin later this year with the intention of opening the doors to the five-star Kingsley late in 2020.”
The FAB is a State Heritage listed building constructed in 1905, originally understood to have operated as a retail showroom with storage on the upper floors. City of Newcastle purchased the building in 1969 and in more recent years has used the site as office space for administrative staff.
The upcoming EOI will be for sale or lease of the FAB, while EOIs will be sought for the purchase of the current Blue Door Café (Bennett Building) and Clarendon Hotel sites.