Category: Newcastle News

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $120,000 for the University of Newcastle to deliver a pilot project to open up the world of higher education to kids in out of home care.
This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government which will reverse the Liberals’ education cuts and properly fund our universities, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the program would initially target participants in the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast regions.
“With about 10 per cent of young people in out of home care living in the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast regions, there is a dire need for greater support,” Ms Claydon said.
“Labor understands education is best way to help young people escape cycles of disadvantage and achieve their potential, and that’s exactly what this funding is about.”
Ms Claydon said 1,200 young people, case workers and carers were expected to engage with the program and its resources during a three-year pilot.
“In a unique model, current university students who have experience of out of home care will use their personal insights to help to design materials for young people currently in out of home care, their caseworkers and carers,” Ms Claydon said.
“These students will then be trained and paid to deliver training to children currently in care. This will have the dual benefit of giving them an income to support their studies and giving kids in care a mentor who understands the challenges they face.”
Ms Claydon said out of home care caseworkers and carers would also take part in training, so they are able to understand and communicate the options to young people.
“Around 84 per cent of out of home care students participating in an existing University of Newcastle program said that, while in out of home care, they couldn’t remember one person speaking to them about university as an option after care,” Ms Claydon said.
“Similar numbers said how helpful it would have been if their caseworkers and carers spoke to them about these options and the experiences of young people in care who have moved on to higher education.”
University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Darrell Evans, said the program underlines the University’s commitment to creating equal educational opportunity for all.
“It’s vital that we provide as many people as possible the support they need to access a university education, and all the benefits that can bring,” Professor Evans said.
“Our University has a proud history of enabling access to education for people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and this innovative pilot program will build on that. By drawing on the real experiences of students who have received out-of-home care, we can provide meaningful, tailored support that will create lasting opportunities.”
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in education or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
If you want real investment in education, not more chaos – vote Labor.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Member for Dobell Emma McBride today announced that, if elected, a Shorten Labor Government will invest $50,000 to build two parents’ rooms at the University of Newcastle.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in education or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
Ms Claydon said the funding would install parents’ room in the libraries of both Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses of the University.
“These rooms will provide a welcoming environment with toys for children to play with and a comfortable place to study,” Ms Claydon said.
“Some parents avoid going into a library environment for fear of disturbing others, so it’s great to be able to provide a space where they can feel at home.”
Ms McBride said Labor provided the funding to give parents the best opportunity to engage fully in higher education and attain their goals.
“Labor is fully committed to giving every Australian the opportunity to achieve their potential,” Ms McBride said.
“It’s hard enough to take on higher education with parenting responsibilities, so everything that we can do to make it easier for students with children is a worthwhile investment.”
This $50,000 investment is funded through Labor’s $300 million University Future Fund.
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest in TAFE, university and skills training.
If you want real investment in education, not more chaos – vote Labor.

City of Newcastle invites the community to an information session at the site of the City’s first fenced dog park on Saturday to view plans and hear about its benefits.
The 8,760 square metre fenced area will be built at the Acacia Avenue Reserve, North Lambton, as part of the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan. There are currently 44,300 registered dogs in the Newcastle local government area.
The session will be held Saturday from 10am to 12 noon. Non-dog owners are also welcome to attend and learn about the works taking place.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the North Lambton site will be the first in a series of future improvements to off-leash dog parks across Newcastle.
“This site in North Lambton marks the start of improvements to dog infrastructure across the City of Newcastle,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
“This project responds to consistent requests from our community. Half of all Novocastrian households own at least one dog.
“The project will deliver two separate fenced areas at Acacia Avenue Reserve, catering for both big and smaller dog breeds, and include additional tree plantings, shelter and seating, and drinking water stations for our four-legged friends.”
Rangers will be onsite Saturday offering free microchipping and responsible pet ownership bags containing pamphlets and brochures about responsible dog ownership and care.

Stage 1 of the project is expected to commence this Monday and be completed by July.
When completed, the park will include.

• 1.5 metre high mesh fencing to create separate small and large dog areas
• Two shade shelters with seating
• 450 metres of new accessible pathway
• Two dog bubblers and dog dispenser bags
• Signage and waste bins
• Tree planting and landscaped gardens
• Informal gravel carpark

The existing off-leash area at the Reserve’s lower level will be retained as an additional unfenced dog exercise facility.
The City plans to deliver further fenced off-leash areas as funding becomes available in future financial years, with consideration being given to further sites including O’Connell Reserve, Lambton Park, the Carrington Foreshore, Maryland Drive Reserve, and Stevenson Park.

A man who suffered a gunshot wound following a domestic incident in the Hunter region has died in hospital.
About midday (Sunday 12 May 2019), emergency services were called to Bingleburra Road, Bingleburra, following reports two men had been shot.
Police have been told two men – aged 35 and 28 – were involved in an altercation, where the older man sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
The younger man fled the property and was located nearby, suffering a gunshot wound to the head, which is believed to be self-inflicted.
Both men were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before they were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, with the younger man in a critical condition and the older man in a serious but stable condition.
Yesterday afternoon (Monday 13 May 2019), the younger man died in John Hunter Hospital.
The older man remains in the same hospital in a stable condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District continue to investigate the incident and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $750,000 in two University of Newcastle projects that will drive greater participation in higher education, both regionally and nationally.

This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government which will reverse the Liberals’ education cuts and give young Australians the education they deserve, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
Ms Claydon said a $500,000 investment would allow the University of Newcastle to develop a self-paced national program designed to provide a taste of enabling programs to prospective students.
“The University of Newcastle is a national leader in enabling programs, having provided more than 60,000 students with an experience of university, resulting in many becoming the first in their family to go to university,” Ms Claydon said.
“This four-week online navigator resource will be available nationally to give prospective students from a diverse range of backgrounds information about these alternate pathways to university.
“It will allow people considering higher education to understand the pathways available in order to improve the access, retention and educational outcomes of diverse cohorts of people.”
Ms Claydon said a further $250,000 commitment would support a pilot program offering important time with staff and support for regional enabling students at community centres in the Upper Hunter, Central Coast and mid-north Coast regions.
“It can be hard for students in rural and regional communities to manage the challenges of study, work and family life when they live so far from campus.
“This funding will boost student outcomes by allowing them to engage face-to-face with university staff closer to home.”
University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Darrell Evans, said the funding would create lasting opportunities.
“A university degree opens the door to so many opportunities in life, so the more we can do to improve access to higher education and provide the right support to students when they do go to university, the better the impact on our communities,” said Professor Evans.
“We need to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities and support all people to develop their capabilities, beyond schooling. These initiatives will help give those who may otherwise have thought university was not for them the knowledge to further their education.
“Additionally, this funding will also ensure that when people do enrol at our university, they are given the support they need to fulfil their potential.”
A Shorten Labor Government will also uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.
We need real change, because more of the same isn’t good enough. 
End the chaos. Vote for change. Vote for Labor.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District resumed their search this morning for a man missing in the Lake Macquarie area.
About 3pm yesterday (Monday 13 May 2019), Robert Sims, aged 76, left his home on Frith Street, Kahibah, for a walk.
He failed to return home and the alarm was raised. Officers commenced a search for the man who is known to suffer a number of health concerns including epilepsy and diabetes that require regular medication.
Today’s search resumed around 7am, with assistance from State Emergency Services, local volunteers and police.
Police have received new information that Mr Sims may have attempted to catch a public bus towards the Newcastle CBD about 2.30pm yesterday.
Officers have also been told his ATM card was used at Marketown Shopping Centre, Newcastle West about 6pm yesterday.
The man reported missing from his Kahibah home overnight has been located.
The man, aged 76, was last seen on Monday 13 May 2019, at his Frith Street home.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced an extensive search.
He was located safe and well at Newcastle West about 11am this morning.
Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has welcomed Federal Labor’s announcement of a $62 million Beaches and Coastlines Climate Adaptation Plan, arguing the coastal community of Stockton would be well positioned to take advantage of the commitment.
Ms Claydon visited Stockton today to discuss the plan with residents and representatives of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, highlighting the potential for this funding to support the work of state and local government to address erosion issues.
“Communities like Stockton are already seeing the dire impacts of climate change and coastal erosion. We can’t leave them stranded,” Ms Claydon said.
“While state and local government bear primary responsibility for addressing coastal erosion, Federal Labor acknowledges the extent of problem and has developed a $50 million Coastal Rehabilitation Fund which communities like Stockton can benefit from.”
Ms Claydon said the Coastal Rehabilitation Fund would work with communities, local government and the Australian Coastal Councils Association to directly support coastal rehabilitation projects that restore beaches and improve their resilience.
“I’m respectful that council is already working with the local community and state government to develop a long-term plan to address the issues, as is prescribed under state legislation.
“Once the preferred solution has been identified, council will be able to apply for co-funding from this federal program, should Labor be privileged to win government.”
Ms Claydon said the Liberals had betrayed coastal communities.
“Under the Liberals, all climate adaptation work that was in place under the former Labor government has been completely defunded. Not only that, but climate adaptation was totally excluded from their 2017 Review of Climate Change Policies,” Ms Claydon said.
“The only way to get strong action on climate change and coastal erosion at this election is to vote Labor.”
This election is a choice between strong action on climate change and support for local communities to address coastal erosion or more tax loopholes for the top end of town.
Only Labor will provide urgent action and overdue leadership to step up the fight to protect Australia’s environment and hand on a better environment to the next generation.

City of Newcastle has begun replacing its fleet of petrol-powered cars by purchasing two electric models engineered for better performance, efficiency and sustainability.
The Renault Kangoo (pictured below) and Hyundai Ioniq will replace existing fleet cars that were up for renewal and will be joined by similar makes and models in the next financial year.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Program Coordinator – City Innovation and Sustainability, Adam Clarke 
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the emerging fleet of new vehicles was just another example of the City’s increasing uptake of new, Smart City technology that will provide improved environmental outcomes.
“City of Newcastle recognises the great benefits of adopting new and emerging technology as we continue to make decisions to reduce our carbon footprint”, the Lord Mayor said.
“By announcing our intention to transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric models, we are hoping other organisations and individuals will follow our lead. With large fleet purchases, Governments can play a key role in developing the second hand electric vehicle (EV) market and making EVs more affordable.
“The introduction of these and future vehicles into the City’s fleet, a new solar-farm at Summerhill, the existing solar already powering City-owned facilities and the imminent trial of our driverless vehicle, will help us reach our target to generate 30 per cent of electricity from renewable sources.”
The Hyundai Ioniq
Last year the City of Newcastle, in partnership with the NRMA, rolled out an Electric Vehicle Fast Charger Network station at Wallsend.
The Wallsend fast-charger enables electric vehicle journeys between Sydney and the Hunter region and is a vital step to unlocking Northern NSW for drivers of EVs..
The City of Newcastle is currently rolling out eight public charging stations at four sites across the CBD, and will install charge points for its own fleet at the City’s new administration office at 12 Stewart Avenue.

A woman has died following a two-car crash in Lake Macquarie this morning.
About 7.25am, emergency services were called to the intersection of Avonlea Street and the Pacific Highway, Belmont North following reports of a head-on crash.
It’s understood a Ford Falcon travelling southbound and a Mitsubishi Colt travelling northbound collided.
The 50-year-old female driver of the Mitsubishi died at the scene, while the female driver of the Ford Falcon was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, her condition is unknown.
The Pacific Highway was closed northbound, with local traffic diversions in place.
 

Late 19th and early 20th century subdivision plans of Hunter suburbs feature in a new Newcastle Library exhibition that offers a fascinating look at our early neighbourhoods.
Around 70 hand-drawn plans used to promote land sales will be displayed from the archives of auctioneers Creer and Berkeley, the surveyor Alfred Francis Hall and the Merewether Estate.

“Subdivision plans are a very visual and colourful way to explore the history of our suburbs,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who will open Streets of Our Town tonight, said.
“This exhibition offers the chance to take a look at early Cooks Hill, Merewether, Hamilton and other suburbs across greater Newcastle.
“The plans were designed to advertise the sale of land to home buyers and help them select their special block on which to build the lives that would ultimately form modern-day Newcastle as we know it. The plans reveal the early evolution of our residential suburbs across the greater Newcastle area.”

Some 2,500 subdivision plans from the library’s collection will be digitised this year, making them searchable online at the Library’s Newcastle Collections Online
The subdivisions were created on land owned by the Crown, coal companies, private interests and individuals. Some were designed for the convenience of workers, close to industries and other employment, while others offered a seaside or lakeside lifestyle.

“All offered the buyers the opportunity to build their dream home,” Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said. “Auctioneers offered incentives to prospective buyers to attract people to the sales, such as free trams, coaches and trains. This ensured that buyers were at the right place at the right time to purchase their preferred block of land.”

Another exhibition, Ten Years of Newcastle Productions: the art of Trevor Dickinson, is being launched Friday evening.

The exhibition includes drawings, murals and zines of Newcastle’s iconic buildings, houses and places, some of which have now disappeared.
Dickinson’s murals hold a special place in the heart of many Novocastrians. The murals at the tunnel at Merewether and the Newcastle Museum have featured in thousands of wedding, Instagram and family photos.

The exhibitions will be launched at Newcastle Library on Friday 10 May at 6pm and be open until 20 July.