Newcastle News – Page 35

Putting Newcastle on the national cricket map

City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind the second stage of planned improvements to Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground, which would deliver the upgrades required to host elite national level competition.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the $20 million project builds on City of Newcastle’s ongoing investment into city’s premier sportsground, with a vision to attract men’s and women’s domestic first-class cricket and Big Bash League matches, as well as high level AFL fixtures.

“City of Newcastle is committed to the major redevelopment of No.1 Sportsground, which will transform the facility into a modern venue able to cater for the needs of local, regional and elite-level sporting fixtures,” Mr Bath said.

“In 2022 we completed an $8 million refurbishment, which included major upgrades to the field of play, lighting and seating capacity.

“At that time we said government grants would be required to deliver the second stage of this development, which includes a two-storey addition at the rear of the existing grandstand to provide upgraded amenities for players, officials and spectators.

“We have been working with Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia for a number of years to develop this proposal to complete the facility’s transformation, with lighting, media and spectator upgrades that would make No.1 Sportsground a destination for top level sport across a range of codes, including cricket and AFL.”

Proposed improvements to No.1 Sportsground include:

Enhanced player and match official amenity, including upgraded changerooms and new turf training pitches.
Improved fan experiences, featuring new entry points, shaded seating and upgraded restrooms with enhanced accessibility for females and people with disabilities.
Upgraded media and broadcast infrastructure, including enhanced lighting to meet the 1500 LUX standard required for live broadcast and streaming.
Multipurpose spaces that would be utilised as community rooms outside of match days.

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said securing a commitment from the Australian Government for the Newcastle project was one of their top national priorities ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.

“The cricket community in Newcastle, along with the City of Newcastle, Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, have identified the enormous benefits these improvements to Newcastle No.1 Sportsground would bring in inspiring everyone to play and love cricket,” Mr Germon said.

“If the facilities for the players, fans and our broadcast partners are able to get to an acceptable level with a capacity up to 15,000 people, Newcastle No.1 could become a second home venue for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL.

“An upgraded Newcastle No.1 could also be utilised as a multi-sport, multi-purpose facility. Therefore, we call on the Federal candidates in Newcastle to commit their support ahead of the May 3 election.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Advisory Committee Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project would deliver wide-ranging benefits.

“We have been working collaboratively with cricket and AFL for a number of years on the revitalisation of No.1 Sportsground for the benefit of players and spectators,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This project will not only deliver enhanced facilities for those within our community who utilise it for grassroots and regional level sport, but will also have a wider-reaching impact on Newcastle’s economy through its potential to attract and host major sporting events.”

Councillor Peter Gittins, who sits on City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities committee, welcomed the plans and the backing of Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia.

“I remember fondly the time when Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground was a premier sporting venue. Not only was there the rugby league match of the day every Saturday but the ground played host to numerous touring league and cricket teams. The crowds were large, the atmosphere electric and the ground itself was always immaculate and a Newcastle icon,” Cr Gittins said.

“As a city with such a proud sporting tradition, Newcastle deserves a venue that will enable it to host first-class cricket including Sheffield Shield, the Marsh Cup and the Women’s National Cricket League as well as extending its AFL arm.

“The time has come for our No.1 Sportsground to regain the crown as a sporting venue of the highest order and, in so doing, return top quality sport to what was once its natural home in the region.”

Newcastle employers highlight three biggest challenges in managing Gen-Z

Newcastle employers are facing a new challenge – understanding and managing Generation Z in the workplace. A recent survey by Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) reveals that managing expectations (24%), encouraging initiative (21%), and improving communication (16%) are the top hurdles businesses encounter when working with Gen Z employees.

As NSW’s largest provider of apprenticeships and traineeships, ASA is on a mission to help employers with strategies to address these challenges.

To support local businesses, ASA is hosting a mentoring seminar designed to help employers understand how Gen Z thinks and works. The event will be led by coaching psychology and wellbeing expert Susie Burrell, who will share valuable insights into the psychology of Gen Z and strategies for building successful working environments.

Burrell will be joined by a panel featuring an apprentice, an employer, and former Newcastle Knights NRL player Blake Green. As a former player and now Assistant Coach, Green will offer his unique perspective on mentoring young athletes both on and off the field and share lessons from elite sport that can be applied in a business setting.

This FREE event will take place on Tuesday, April 8, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Wallsend Diggers. It will provide local businesses with practical techniques and psychological insights to help them build better relationships with Gen Z apprentices and improve retention.

ASA NSW North Manager Jeff Cooke said, “For many employers, Gen Z remains an enigma. They have different expectations from previous generations, and without the right coaching and communication, they can quickly become frustrated and disengaged”

“In fact, a recent ASA survey found that apprentices who did not complete their training cited a lack of support and guidance from their employer as one of the key reasons for quitting”

“We can boost engagement and retention by helping employers better understand what motivates this new generation in the workforce,” said Susie Burrell.

The seminar is open to all employers—whether they currently hire apprentices and trainees, are considering the Australian Apprenticeships program, or simply want to improve cross-generational workplace relationships.

To register for a free ticket, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/apprenticeship-support-australia-newcastle-event

More information about ASA’s programs is available at apprenticeshipsupport.com.au or by calling 1300 363 831.

Raising flags and awareness on Transgender Day of Visibility

City of Newcastle has raised the Transgender Pride flag at City Hall and its City Administration Centre today to demonstrate support and acceptance of the trans and gender diverse community.

International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on 31 March to highlight the achievements and resilience of transgender and gender diverse people, while also raising awareness of the discrimination and barriers trans people continue to face.

Cr Paige Johnson holds the Transgender Pride flag on the steps of City Hall, joined by Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Mark Brooker, City of Newcastle staff and a range of friends and supporters.Councillor Paige Johnson, the first openly trans woman to be elected to public office in NSW, said visibility is a key theme of today’s celebration.

“Newcastle is a progressive, welcoming and inclusive city and recognising this day is part of our commitment to proudly standing united in support of inclusivity and acceptance of our trans and gender diverse community,” Cr Johnson said.

“This step today is so important because visibility is so important. Visibility is about hope and hope wins.

“The reason I choose to be visible is because seeing other people being visible has helped me so much. Seeing what other women like me in other states and other countries have done meant I could see a future for myself as myself.

Cr Johnson noted recent poling released by Equality Australia that showed more than 91% of Australians agree trans people should have the freedom and choice to live their lives in the way that makes them happy.

“The Australian public has our back and I say to our trans and gender diverse Novocastrians and people right across the Hunter: this city has your back.”

Councillors unanimously supported a notice of motion at last week’s Council meeting to officially recognise and acknowledge Transgender Day of Visibility each year as an important event in Newcastle’s calendar.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said this symbolises our commitment to be a community where all are valued.

“Raising the Transgender Pride flag on City Hall and other Civic buildings reinforces that Newcastle is a safe and welcoming city for all,” Cr Kerridge said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to supporting community education, cultural events, and discussions that raise awareness and promote inclusion.”

City of Newcastle has a proud history of championing LGBTQIA+ rights including supporting occasions such as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, Pride Month and Wear it Purple Day, the establishment of a rainbow walk in Islington, sponsorship of Newcastle Pride Festival and flying the Rainbow and Progress Pride flags at City Hall.

Newcastle was also the city with the highest ‘Yes’ vote in regional Australia in support of marriage equality.

Work underway on critical western corridor road upgrades

Construction has kicked off in Wallsend as City of Newcastle moves forward with dual lane upgrades to improve traffic flow along notorious bottlenecks on Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue.

The road widening project will enhance the journey for tens of thousands of residents, workers and school children travelling to and from the surrounding suburbs each day.

Western corridor road upgrade project Longworth Avenue Cr Deahnna Richardson, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, with (rear) Daracon Project Manager Matthew Jensen, City of Newcastle Executive Manager Project Management Office Robert Dudgeon and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, visited Longworth Avenue, Wallsend today

Daracon has begun the in-ground works that will lay the foundation for the lane duplications, with the overall project expected to be completed by mid-next year.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge welcomed the significant milestone and thanked the NSW Government for its support of the critical upgrade, which received $7.61 million under the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund towards the $40 million project

“This project is unanimously supported by the elected Council and highly anticipated by the local community, who will benefit from reduced congestion, increased safety and more consistent travel times along this key route,” Cr Kerridge said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the multimillion-dollar upgrade in Newcastle’s western growth corridor will provide critical road infrastructure and accelerate housing delivery in the Newcastle region.

“Expanding local road capacity is crucial to support over 3000 local homes in the surrounding area and another example of the Minns Government building better communities,” Mr Scully said.

“Residents can look forward to reduced congestion and fewer bottlenecks as we build more homes and improve local neighbourhoods.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said this was an important project for current and future generations.

“We’re putting $7.61 million into this project through the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund because getting shovels in the ground sooner means better roads, faster,” Minister Catley said.

“The Hunter is booming and we’re making sure the infrastructure keeps up. Dual lanes mean less congestion, safer travel and a region that’s future ready.

“It’s all about getting people from A to B quickly and safely – not just today but for generations to come. That’s why we’re making these upgrades happen now.”

Executive Director of City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said City of Newcastle was investing in a comprehensive, multi-year program of works to upgrade transport and related infrastructure in Wallsend.

“This is a significant road building project in a busy urban area, and a lot of work has to be completed underground before the community will see the new road emerging,” Mr Thomson said.

“The foundational works of the project deliver additional benefits to the community including new and upgraded stormwater infrastructure, and renewal of several important water mains, which will improve water security for the western suburbs. We will continue to work closely with our utility partners including Hunter Water to minimise potential impacts.

“The collaboration between City of Newcastle and Daracon leverages local expertise and resources to understand and address the needs and concerns of our community.

“As our delivery partner, Daracon will continue to engage with the community to keep them abreast of the work, and we look forward to seeing this critical project take shape over the coming months.”

Ward Four Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk, Deahnna Richardson and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull welcomed the progress.

“These upgrades are the largest roadworks project ever delivered by City of Newcastle and are the result of years of work from dedicated City of Newcastle staff and advocacy from councillors, who have listened and responded to the feedback from the community,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“We’ve committed to this project twice already in this term as one of our key priorities as we deliver a solution to the tens of thousands of people who travel through this area to home, work and school every day,” Cr Richardson said.

“Over the past six months, Council has implemented several upgrades at surrounding intersections to improve traffic flow in the area where major construction will take place. The project will deliver integrated transport options by providing pedestrian, cyclist and public transport infrastructure as well as critical road widening,” Cr Pull said.

To keep up-to-date with the latest information visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Appeal to locate woman missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Georgia Savin, aged 19, was last seen in Glendale, about 5pm yesterday (Sunday 30 March 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Georgia’s welfare.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-175cm tall, of slim build and brown hair. She has a panther tattoo on her right hand.

Georgia is known to frequent the Cardiff and Glendale areas.

Foreshore Park playspace to become flagship destination for inclusive recreation

Construction will begin this year on Newcastle’s first purpose-built inclusive playspace and waterplay area should councillors award a tender for the Foreshore Park project on Tuesday evening.

The regional-level playground has been developed following more than five years of input from the community and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, a charity dedicated to the creation of inclusive playspaces across Australia.

An artist's impression of the waterplay area, which is part of the inclusive Foreshore Park playground project. An artist’s impression of the waterplay area, which is part of the inclusive Foreshore Park playground project.

It was designed in accordance with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines and will promote intergenerational, inclusive play, with opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

“Quality community spaces play a significant role in enhancing the lives of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” Cr Pull said.

“When completed, this will be by far one of the best facilities in our city, and I am very proud that our city is in a position to deliver such a fantastic project.

“This will create a flagship inclusive playspace that will become a thriving hub for intergenerational community building, positively supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and visitors.”

Councillor Declan Clausen, who has submitted two notices of motion to Council this term supporting the delivery of the Foreshore Park playspace, said it would be a valued community facility.

“City of Newcastle has been engaging with the community since 2020 to create a shared vision for the Foreshore Park precinct, to ensure it meets the needs and expectations as our premier regional park, for all Newcastle residents, workers and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Clausen said.

“We are committed to creating accessible and inclusive public spaces, ensuring high-quality playgrounds and park facilities are available to all Novocastrians.”

The playspace is the centrepiece of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan and will be located at the western end of Foreshore Park.

It will have four separate zones including junior and toddler areas, water and nature-based play areas and quiet spaces, connected via accessible paths, seating, shade, gardens and lawns.

Bespoke playground equipment will add to its distinctly Newcastle character, including a central whale-themed swing and picnic area paying tribute to the city’s Worimi and Awabakal heritage.

The waterplay area will be linked to Newcastle’s maritime history and coastal ecologies, while an elevated “nuts and bolts” play structure will symbolise Newcastle’s strong industrial ties and include an accessible ramp to the first level of the tower.

An accessible slide, sandpit, carousel and sensory pathway are among the other key features of the inclusive design. Navigation through the space will be made easier with a logical and accessible path of travel, while charging points for wheelchairs and mobility devices are also included.

Final detailed designs will be completed by the successful tenderer before construction kicks off later in the year.

Justine Perkins, Founder of Touched by Olivia, and Livvi’s Mum, said play is important and beneficial for everyone.

“Creating (play)spaces that are fun, safe, welcoming and enjoyable by children, youth and adults alike, is what we are about,” Ms Perkins said.

“This Livvi’s Place design is truly inclusive and intergenerational and has a wonderful connection to place.

“The nuts and bolts play tower features ramps and graduated stairs so all children and adults can join in the fun on the upper play decks, the incredible pathways and accessible routes for fun and adventure throughout, and the multitude of challenge and choice, will ensure there are many, many play hours for us all at Foreshore Park.

“The design is subtle and seamless and shows how creative inclusive design can be.

“City of Newcastle has been a fantastic partner. They have been committed to really listening to the children, youth and community and ensuring co-creation from the start.

“This playspace is a testament to their understanding that we all want to and need to be able to get outdoors and play together, with others, in our community to ensure we live happier, healthier lives.”

Access Inclusion Advisory Committee Co-Chair Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said the Foreshore Park playspace will contribute to an even more liveable, sustainable and inclusive Newcastle.

“The playspace project is a wonderful example of collaboration between City of Newcastle, our community and Touched by Olivia,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Accessibility considerations have been incorporated into all aspects of the design, from the way users navigate through and interact with the space, to the choice and layout of the equipment and the inclusion of quiet areas to cater for everyone.

“The playspace and water play area will transform the Harbour Foreshore into an even more inviting recreational space that is inclusive and accessible for all members of the community, enabling children and youth of all abilities and ages to play side by side.”

Newcastle mother Amanda Robertson, who is also a community representative on City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said her family was excited about the playspace.

“As a family, we struggle to find safe accessible spaces for our twins who have a disability to play, explore and connect with the community,” Ms Robertson said.

“Not only will this playspace provide a unique opportunity for our children, and other children with disabilities, to enjoy playing outside, it’s also a step towards creating a more inclusive community. We are excited and grateful to have this opportunity available to us.”

The playspace will be complemented by a fully accessible amenities building and kiosk, which is currently under construction in Foreshore Park. It includes unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a Changing Places facility.

The Foreshore Park projects are supported by the NSW Government, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

Newcastle creators invited to help shape new collection

Library lover and illustrator Laura Baker is being given the chance to combine her passions as part of a call for community contributions to a dedicated “zine” zone at Newcastle Libraries.

The 20-year-old TAFE student, who is completing a diploma of Library and Information Services, is among the first local zine-makers to have their work included within the new collection, which will be officially launched at the City branch next month.

City of Newcastle Innovative Collection Developer Emma Callaghan sits alongside James Turvey and Laura Baker with their zines to be featured in the new collection at Newcastle City Library.

Zines are a type of small, self-published booklet or magazine often used as an outlet for personal expression, art, ideas or written stories, with no limitations on creativity or subject matter.

City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said the new collection reinforces Newcastle Libraries’ role as a hub for self-expression and a custodian of cultural history.

“Zines have played a vital role in Newcastle’s youth, art, music and skate scenes for over 40 years, offering a uniquely liberating platform for creatives to express their ideas freely, outside the constraints of traditional publishing,” Ms Baird said.

“This collection is a significant statement of time and history, preserving voices, images and stories of our community for future generations. We invite zine makers, both local and from afar, to contribute their work and take part in archiving a piece of Newcastle’s cultural heritage.”

Library worker and archivist James Turvey, who has been making zines since he was 14 and working in libraries for over a decade, is passionate about documenting and preserving local stories that might otherwise be lost.

The 42-year-old sees his contribution to the collection as his way of giving back to the community, showcasing the local skate scene while also making independent publishing more accessible.

“Zines are a snapshot of a moment in time, whether it’s personal, political, or creative. They capture voices, ideas, and movements that don’t always make it into mainstream history,” Mr Turvey said.

“Making creative work from within the community accessible is really important and having this space at Newcastle City Library will expose people to zines that might not otherwise have come across them.”

For emerging creators like Ms Baker, who started making zines two years ago, the collection offers a valuable opportunity to share their work and inspire others to explore the medium.

“What I love about zines is the variety, some have poems, illustrations, comics, collages, photography or short fiction, and others are just unique. You can really do anything, and that’s what makes them so exciting,” she said.

“It’s a really accessible format and anyone can make them, all you need is a piece of paper and an idea.

“I want to keep telling stories, it’s something I enjoy putting out into the world and I’m excited to share my work through this collection.”

Creators interested in submitting their work to the collection can drop their donations at Newcastle City Library before Saturday, 5 April, when a special event will be held to officially launch of the zine collection.

The event will feature a mini zine market, a hands-on zine-making workshop and a panel discussion led by James Turvey. The discussion will feature acclaimed zine-makers Vanessa Berry, Nina Katzmarski, and Bastian Fox, who will chat about zine culture, collaboration, and community.

Visit the Newcastle Libraires website to find out more information about the zine collection.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 25 March 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 25 March 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Five years on from COVID-19

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged the work of City of Newcastle staff during the pandemic to continue delivering essential services throughout shutdown periods and acknowledged the work, commitment and dedication of emergency services and health and care workers in our local region.

Newcastle Maritime Museum Society

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes the CEO has confirmed his intention to write to Venues NSW seeking they waive the rent for the Newcastle Maritime Museum Society (NMMS) for a period of 12 months and seeks clarification on the relationship between the Lord Mayor and members of the committee, including any financial contributions to his election campaign. It also refers this matter to Davidson for consideration as part of the Davidson Review, noting the presence of conflicts of interest, the expenditure of ratepayers’ funds, and that the review is yet to be finalised and is set to be reported to Council in April 2025.

Supporting community safety in Beaumont Street

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that resolved to hold a workshop for all councillors to explore further strategies to reduce antisocial behaviour in Beaumont Street, Hamilton and continue working with State Government agencies and representatives to develop future plans to improve the street.

Ordinary business

Tender report – Design and construction Foreshore Park playspaces

Council voted to accept a tender for design and construction of the Foreshore Park play space, which will be an inclusive, community hub for intergenerational community building, and will be of a quality and scale that is commensurate with the role of the park and its importance to the city and the region.

Tender report – Carnley Avenue and Orchardtown Road traffic control signals

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for installation of Orchardtown Road/Carnley Avenue traffic control signals and related civil works as part of the completion of the Blackbutt Village Local Centre upgrade.

Endorsement of Motions for Submissions to the 2025 National General Assembly and nomination of voting delegate

Council voted unanimously to nominate Councillor Winney-Baartz as City of Newcastle’s voting delegate at the Australian Local Government Association’s 2025 National General Assembly.

Adoption of the Newcastle Affordable Housing Scheme

Council voted to endorse finalising the statutory proposal to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to give effect to the Newcastle Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, allowing City of Newcastle to impose conditions of consent on development applications for certain developments to levy affordable housing contributions.

Broadmeadow Place Strategy

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Broadmeadow Place Strategy and request that the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces issue a Ministerial Direction under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to give the Place Strategy legal effect.

Notices of Motion

Recognising transgender day of visibility

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to recognise and acknowledge International Transgender Day on 31 March each year to show our support for Newcastle’s transgender and gender diverse community.