Newcastle News – Page 341

City launches Sailing regatta

City of Newcastle has welcomed the return of the spectacular Sailfest Newcastle Regatta.
The event will feature skiffs, catamarans and two hallowed pieces of silverware in Newcastle’s sporting pantheon – the 110-year-old Cock of The Harbour Trophy for the fastest boat on the harbour and the Newcastle Harbour Regatta trophy first contested in 1834.
The event will take place from Friday 29 March to Sunday 31 March, including a “Try Sailing” experience on Throsby Creek for kids and their guardians.

In connection with the Newcastle Sailing Yacht Club, the City is contributing $20,000 to the Transpac 52 (TP52) class of competition, an ocean-class vessel.
“I’m proud to announce our sponsorship towards this year’s Sailfest Newcastle Regatta as part of our commitment to develop local events as well as attracting high-quality sporting events,” the Lord Mayor said at today’s launch.
“The event will draw sailors from right up and down the east coast, providing a welcome boost for the local economy and adding another great fixture to our growing calendar of annual events.
“The Sailfest Regatta is a great way to help us realise our vision to create a vibrant and active city and we look forward to growing our relationship with organisers to really activate the harbour and its surrounds.

The event will also help a push by the City and the local sailing community to stage a stopover of the global Ocean Race sailing event in 2021.
The Ocean Race – formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race – is often described as the longest and toughest professional sporting event in the world and one of the sport’s Big Three events, alongside the Olympic Games and America’s Cup.
The 2021 event will begin in Alicante, Spain, and hopefully feature Newcastle as a port of call in its yet-to-be-confirmed route.
The Newcastle Regatta will be on from 29-31 March. Visit https://www.ncyc.net.au/sailfest-2019-entries-open/

Charges laid after weapons and drugs seized – Strike Force Raptor North

Strike Force Raptor North have charged a man over an alleged breach of a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) after weapons were seized from a home near Newcastle last week.
As part of ongoing targeting of the illicit activities of criminal networks, Strike Force Raptor North conducted an FPO search at a unit complex in Young Road, Lambton on Thursday 28 February 2019.
Investigators located three electronic stun devices, an extendable baton, a rifle trigger assembly, ammunition, and MDMA. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
Following inquiries, a 36-year-old man was arrested at Belmont Police Station about 8pm on Friday 1 March 2019.
He was charged with possess unauthorised firearm, possess unregistered firearm, not keep firearm safely, two counts of firearm found at premises subject to FPO, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, four counts of possess prohibited weapon, four counts of use prohibited weapon contrary to Weapons Prohibition Order (WPO), and two counts of possess prohibited drugs.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Saturday 2 March 2019, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court today (Thursday 7 March 2019).
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

Investigation underway following fatal collision – Upper Hunter

An investigation is underway into a collision between a car and truck near Willow Tree in the Upper Hunter region last night.
About 10.10pm (Monday 4 March 2019), police and emergency services responded to reports of a head-on collision between a fully-laden semi-trailer and a BMW on the New England Highway, Willow Tree.
The semi-trailer has then veered across the road and through a railing before bursting into flames and falling onto its side.
The 49-year-old male truck driver has managed to extricate himself from the cabin before the entire truck was destroyed by fire.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to Quirindi Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.
The male driver – and sole occupant of the BMW – died at the scene. He has yet to be formally identified.
Investigators from Oxley Police District believe the collision was a deliberate act by the BMW driver. A report will be prepared for the information of the NSW Coroner.

Pilot unhurt after Hunter Valley plane crash

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a light plane crash at Pokolbin, in NSW Hunter Valley, this afternoon.
The crash occurred on Wine Country Drive around 3.45pm (Monday 4 March 2019).
The male pilot and sole occupant of the plane was not hurt. After speaking with police at the scene, he was taken to John Hunter Hospital for precautionary medical checks.
Inquiries are continuing.

Stevenson Park set for major renewal

The Masterplan identifies priorities that will activate the park and create a vibrant and inclusive space for Mayfield West residents and visitors.
The Plan includes more car parking, a larger, better playground for kids, a fenced off-leash area for dogs, new footpath connections and upgrades to existing sporting infrastructure. Stage 1 of the plan will be implemented this year.

^{_{Stevenson Park will receive a major overhaul with work due to commence this year}}
“This masterplan will deliver on our shared vision of Stevenson Park as a welcoming and inclusive community meeting place that offers quality sports facilities within a parkland setting,” the Lord Mayor said.
“In future, the park will be home to multifunctional spaces that promote social interaction and active lifestyles in line with the City’s strategic direction to create a city of great public places and neighbourhoods promoting people’s health, happiness and wellbeing.
“City of Newcastle staff are to be commended for undertaking an exemplary and very thorough engagement process that has given the Mayfield West community real ownership of the upgrades that will flow from the site Masterplan.”
The project follows strong advocacy from the local community, particularly through the Friends of Stevenson Park, and follows representations to the City of Newcastle by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Ward 1 Councillor Emma White.
The Lord Mayor said the finalised Masterplan and Playground Concept paved the way for the City to deliver the upgrades long advocated by the Mayfield West community.
Councillor White said the Stevenson Park Masterplan will see the community’s hard work pay off.
“I want to congratulate the Friends of Stevenson Park and the broader Mayfield West community for their strong advocacy and hard work,” Cr White said. “We listened to your concerns and we’re getting on with the job of upgrading Stevenson Park for all local residents and visitors to enjoy.
“The Lord Mayor and I have enjoyed the onsite meetings and getting to know the Mayfield West community and the Friends of Stevenson Park through the engagement process.
“This Masterplan will see Stevenson Park become one of the premier sport and recreation facilities across the City of Newcastle.”
City of Newcastle has allocated $150,000 in the 2018-19 Budget to begin construction of the new playground at Stevenson Park.

State-of-the-art lighting for popular football field

High-quality floodlights equipped with a powerful, energy-efficient beam will brighten up night-time sporting fixtures for players and spectators at Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval thanks to support from the City of Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the installation of the new state-of-the-art lights would enable local sporting clubs, such as Newcastle Olympic SFC, to reclaim the use of the oval after dark.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Newcastle Olympic SFC Chairman Christo Patsan and club players
“City of Newcastle has invested $295,000 into the $400,000 project to provide an improved night-time playing experience for users and sporting clubs,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The LED lights utilise a world first, Australian-designed reflector system which improves lighting performance, delivering a high-powered LED floodlighting experience 40 per more efficient than traditional floodlights.
“Not only have we delivered new-and-improved floodlighting, but City of Newcastle is also proud to have worked closely with the community to develop a site Masterplan, and complete significant upgrades to the existing sporting infrastructure to improve amenity across the site.”

Newcastle Olympic SFC under the new Darling Street Oval lights
Newcastle Olympic SFC Chairman Christo Patsan said the lights were an important milestone in the upgrade of Darling Street Oval.
“We’ve been working with City of Newcastle on an overall masterplan for the redevelopment of Darling Street Oval since 2016, so to see the oval under lights is going to be amazing,” he said.
Mr Patsan said the upgrades would allow Darling Street Oval to host international sporting events, coaching clinics and tournaments, as well as allow his club, Newcastle Olympic SFC, to host events for the underprivileged.
“The new lights give us the ability to activate the oval for longer periods of time, and also to give back to our community through sporting clinics including events and football clinics for refugee children.”
Funding to install the new LED floodlighting system was provided by City of Newcastle, the NSW Government through the Asian Cup Legacy Fund and Newcastle Olympic SFC.
Other works at Darling Street Oval include the expansion of the playing field to meet modern standards, renewed sub-soil drainage, water recycling and irrigation, construction of a new grandstand and additional spectator seating around the oval.”

Wanted man charged after motorcycle used in alleged police assault – Lake Macquarie

A man will appear in court today after a Lake Macquarie police officer was injured after being hit by motorcycle.
Officers from the Lake Macquarie Target Action Group (TAG) went to a house on Bent Street, Wallsend, about 9.45pm on Saturday (2 March 2019), inquiring into the whereabouts of a stolen motorcycle.
Police will allege one of their officers suffered extensive cuts and burns to his legs when a 23-year-old man deliberately hit him with the stolen motorcycle in driveway of the house.
The rider – who was wanted on outstanding warrants – left the scene while the injured Senior Constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital.
Extensive inquiries continued and just after 11am yesterday (Sunday 3 March 2019), police arrested the man after a short foot pursuit, following a vehicle stop on Main Road, Glendale.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with three outstanding warrants, as well as
• Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention,
• Resist arrest
• Assault officer
• Negligent driving
• Drive while disqualified, and
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed in manner dangerous.
He was refused bail to appear in Toronto Local Court today (Monday 4 March 2019).
The injured officer was admitted to hospital and it’s expected he will undergo surgery today. He is reported to be in a stable condition.

Newcastle to host historic women’s Rugby Test

The City of Newcastle has secured another coup for women’s sport following today’s announcement that the Wallaroos Rugby team will play Japan at No.2 Sportsground in July.
The international fixture on Saturday 13 July will be the first of a two-test series against Japan and the first time the tourists have ever played in Australia. The second will be at North Sydney Oval on Friday 19 July.
The Wallaroos will play a Test against Japan in July at No.2 Sportsground. Photo credit: Stu Walmsley
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said today’s announcement continues the City’s success in securing elite-level women’s sporting events.
“Today’s news continues Newcastle’s evolution as a City synonymous with hosting major women’s sporting events,” The Lord Mayor said.
“We already have the runs on the board as a successful host City having staged two International women’s soccer matches in successive years which drew around 16,000.
“This latest announcement shows our continued campaign to stage more sporting events in this City is gaining significant traction, and I applaud Rugby Australia for selecting Newcastle for this match.
“This match, and others to come, will hopefully pave the way for a successful Women’s Rugby World Cup bid in future years to come.”

Media are invited to photo opp at No.2 Sportsground at 10am, Friday. Photo credit: Stu Walmsley
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said: “We look forward to welcoming Japan for an historic Test series against our Buildcorp Wallaroos in July, an occasion made possible thanks to the support of the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
“When we made our bid to host the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup last year, we announced that bidding for the tournament was just part of our commitment to grow the women’s fifteens game.
“We are committed to providing more high-quality fixtures for our Buildcorp Wallaroos and giving Rugby fans, particularly aspiring young girls, more exposure to the stars of our women’s game to inspire the next generation. This series is another step on that journey.”
Australia and Japan have only met once in a Test match in 2017 when the Buildcorp Wallaroos prevailed 29-14.
Fans can snap up early tickets to the historic Japan Series through the Ticketek website.
Meanwhile, Rugby fans buoyed by the news will also get the opportunity to see the NSW Waratahs in action when they play the Japan Sunwolves at McDonald Jones Stadium on 29 March.
McDonald Jones Stadium has been touted as one of many possible home ground venues for the ‘Tahs in the coming years while their regular ground – Allianz Stadium – is knocked down and rebuilt.

Council update: Tuesday 26 February 2019

Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council meeting for Tuesday 26 February 2019. NB: It is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
A Lord Mayoral Minute to raise awareness of ovarian cancer through Jill Emberson, a journalist and research advocate and Newcastle’s current Citizen of the Year, and recognise Wednesday 27 February as Teal Ribbon Day, was supported.
A Lord Mayoral Minute to host a Newcastle Earthquake 30th Anniversary Commemoration Service at City Hall on Saturday 28 December was supported.
A Lord Mayoral Minute congratulating the Merewether Boardriders Club on their recent victory in the Australian Boardriders Battle at Newcastle Beach was unanimously supported.
Another Lord Mayoral Minute was supported to develop a Street Art Festival to produce street art pieces across the City of Newcastle, culminating in a celebration of art in public places.
Ordinary business
Quarterly budget review – December 2018
The report was received and noted.
Executive monthly performance report
The report was received and noted.
Audit and Risk Committee and Internal Audit Annual Report
Council received the Audit and Risk Committee’s Annual Report for the 2017/2018 financial year and noted the 2018/2019 Forward Internal Audit Plan.
Administration of 2020 council elections
Council resolved to enter into a contract with the Electoral Commission for it to administer the 2020 Council elections.
Tabling of pecuniary interest returns
Council noted the tabling of the pecuniary interest returns (for the period 1 November 2018 to 31 January 2019).
Endorsement of planning agreement – 464-470 King Street
Councillors endorsed a planning agreement to enable construction of a $1.47 million pedestrian and cycle link between King Street and Hunter Street as part of a residential development. The link will run along Cottage Creek to Honeysuckle, consistent with the Honeysuckle Foreshore Public Domain Plan.
Endorsement of planning agreement – 5 Hall Street, Maryville
Councillors endorsed another planning agreement that will see the developer of town houses at 5 Hall Street Maryville demolish the existing pathway tracing Throsby Creek and replace it with a wider path along the length of the site.
Public exhibition of West End Stage Two streetscape plan
The West End Streetscape – Stage 2, which includes a variety of projects to improve the city’s newly emerging CBD, was endorsed for public exhibition.
Union Street Cooks Hill – upgrade of the pedestrian facilities between Laman and Bull Streets
Proposed upgrades to pedestrian safety at Union, Laman and Bull streets in Cooks Hill, through the installation of wombat (raised) pedestrian crossings, have been approved.
Acceptance of offer – gas relocation – Council Street, Cooks Hill
Council endorsed Jemena Gas Networks to undertake the required works to relocate gas mains in Council Street, Cooks Hill, as part of the street’s upgrades.
Vista Parade, Kotara – Installation of raised pedestrian crossing and traffic calming devices
Council approved the installation of a children’s crossing and a road hump to slow traffic, improve pedestrian safety and reduce the risk to cyclists at Vista Parade, Kotara.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Library Strategy
Council voted to place the Draft Library Strategy on Public Exhibition for 28 days.
Stevenson Park Masterplan
The Draft Stevenson Park Masterplan, which outlines strategies to improve the parks amenities and facilities, was endorsed by Councillors to be placed on public exhibition for a period of 30 days.
Notices of Motion
Commitment to high quality pools
An NOM to advocate for a year-round aquatic facility as part of the Broadmeadow Sports and Entertainment Precinct was supported.
LGNSW Save our Recycling
Another NOM to support Local Government NSW in its advocacy to have 100 per cent of the waste levy re-invested in waste management, recycling and resource recovery in NSW, was supported.
On-street bike and car share parking
An NOM to encourage more active transport, facilitate options for car sharing companies to increase their presence in Newcastle and to develop a policy for this purpose, was supported.
ICan cities appeal – supporting the United Nations treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons
An NOM to re-inforce the City’s commitment to supporting a 2017 UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was supported.
Adamstown Concept Plan
An amended NOM to prioritise the development of public domains across the local government area, and continue discussions with Adamstown businesses about establishing a business improvement association, was supported.
Right to the Night project
An amended NOM to crowd source data on local experiences of safety by women and girls through the Newcastle After Dark Night-time Economy Strategy 2018-2022 was supported.
City of Newcastle VIP event
An NOM calling for the cancellation of the City’s Supercars VIP charity lunches at Fort Scratchley was defeated.
Clean Seas Initiative
An NOM to endorse the UN Environmental Clean Seas campaign and commit to phasing out all single use plastic from City-managed enterprises was supported unanimously.
Climate-related financial and risk disclosure
An NOM to better consider the financial risk of climate change was supported.

$80,000 grant for library digitisation lab

City of Newcastle today welcomed an $80,000 Metropolitan Public Library Grant to help build Newcastle Region Library’s first DX Digitisation Lab.
To be known as the DXDigilab, a dedicated heritage collections digitisation space within Newcastle Library will house robotic and 3D scanning instruments capable of quickly converting hard-copy items into digital information.

^{_{City Manager of Community Programs and Partnerships Alex Mills with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Library

staff at Newcastle Library.}}
Thanks to the grant, which will bolster the City’s own $120,000 contribution, robotic page turners capable of digitising 2,890 pages an hour will eliminate the need for countless hours of manual labour to preserve the collection.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said having a dedicated lab – and the tools available – to digitise the City’s archives and heritage collections would ensure troves of information were preserved for lifelong learning and future generations.
“Through the creation of the DXDigilab, we’ll be able to preserve the hundreds of thousands of archival records, photographs, maps, pictures, newspapers and rare books which document the story of Newcastle and the Hunter Region,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Library History and Heritage Collection Development Plan encompasses a collection of more than 440,000 items, with almost 75 per cent at risk of deterioration due to age.
“Some of these collections date back to the early 1800’s and feature rare, unique and notable items. Many items have come through the generous donations of local business, organisations and members of the community.”
“With the aid of this grant, the library’s goal will now be to have 100 per cent of its collection digitised within the next four years.”

_{^{Alex Mills and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes inspect the library catalogues which will be restored in digital form.}}
Following community consultation from The Library Strategy 2019-2023, which revealed that Newcastle Stories were a key priority for the people of our City, the Library remains committed to collecting, preserving and sharing local history and cultural identity.
Five permanent full-time staff members will help resource the ongoing digitsation process.
The DXDigilab will also boast a Memory Lab component with new and retro equipment to capture and convert library members’ own artefacts and records into digital formats.
Future plans include interactive digital exhibition capabilities, featuring digitised map projection and virtual exhibitions in both augmented reality and virtual reality, that will also help engage new audiences across all library sites.
The City will stage the roll-out of the DXDigilab in phases, with a view to having the project complete by June 2020.